Donald lacks grace. Closest he came was getting booed by bishops.
125
As a Bernie/Hillary supporter, I thought Donald was the better comedian. I guess Gail Collins needs to watch it again because he was laughing while Hillary ran on over her allotted time, unrelenting, with little of the expected self-depreciation. She was nasty in the length of her barrage.
And every time we looked at Trumps face he was laughing or smiling at the barrage so where did the Times find this photo that they are using?
Senator Al Franken on MSNBC said that Trump never laughs and at the end of the show, we had seen Trump laughing a lot on our television set.
MSNBC's verdict? Trump does not laugh... So goes the editorial newsmaking at every level on both sides of this election
And every time we looked at Trumps face he was laughing or smiling at the barrage so where did the Times find this photo that they are using?
Senator Al Franken on MSNBC said that Trump never laughs and at the end of the show, we had seen Trump laughing a lot on our television set.
MSNBC's verdict? Trump does not laugh... So goes the editorial newsmaking at every level on both sides of this election
34
Thank you, Gail, for this ray of sunshine today!
Re: "I'll bet he'd bring one of those creepy clowns to the Easter Egg Roll" -- you know he would BE that creepy clown.
Also loved the line, "Everything he touches turns to crazy." Not that I want this madness to continue, but this has brought out the best in you!
Re: "I'll bet he'd bring one of those creepy clowns to the Easter Egg Roll" -- you know he would BE that creepy clown.
Also loved the line, "Everything he touches turns to crazy." Not that I want this madness to continue, but this has brought out the best in you!
42
"Rudy Giuliani used to be a credible public figure."
Really, Gail, when was that? You'd have to go back to when he was the US Attorney here in NYC in the 1980s. 9/11 notwithstanding, he wasn't credible as mayor; far from it.
Really, Gail, when was that? You'd have to go back to when he was the US Attorney here in NYC in the 1980s. 9/11 notwithstanding, he wasn't credible as mayor; far from it.
97
We know Trump didn't write his speech. When he talks, it's totally unscripted. So who was the genius who wrote the words this "nasty man" delivered? Maybe it was a secret undercover political operative of Hillary's campaign. Or maybe it was Putin -- who has a pretty droll sense of humor.
15
I have read articles today about all those anti-immigrant, sexist, and racist Republican candidates in the "down-ballot" elections (prime example, Marco Rubio, himself the son of immigrants .... like Ted Cruz ... what is it with these guys? They're desperate to prove they're white at heart?) who are not quite sure how to dance around Donald Trump's daily shockers without getting Zapped. They want to be mean and tough and tear down the government. And to look cute. Civil. Neat. Electable.
It's no longer working.
And suddenly a light breaks through the clouds, and I hear a voice from on high.
She (God) says, "I've been waiting for this. I have lined them up. Listen for the noise of a very heavy ball striking hollow pins." And she laughs. She has heard that women on Earth, in the US, can vote.
It's no longer working.
And suddenly a light breaks through the clouds, and I hear a voice from on high.
She (God) says, "I've been waiting for this. I have lined them up. Listen for the noise of a very heavy ball striking hollow pins." And she laughs. She has heard that women on Earth, in the US, can vote.
43
Too bad- this dinner is supposed to be nonpolitical though Al Smith IV did a pretty good job himself...
How many days left?
How many days left?
26
Everything is perceived through the eye of the beholder. On Right Wing radio I heard callers who were angry, that is their usual demeanor, that Trump didn't lunge forward past His Eminence Cardinal Dolan for Hillary's throat. They accused The Donald of being too gracious, imagine that.
Most of my Leftists friends, whom I definitely have many, thought the reverse, that Hillary was too easy on The Donald. So there you have it, folks. One sees what one is predisposed to see. I thought the affair, though a bit rougher than usual, went off quite well. Considering the past year where we were presented with one atrocious statement after another the Al Smith dinner was a walk in Central Park.
What most impressed me came after dinner. Cardinal Dolan managed a handshake from Hill and The Donald, and from his inner sanctum, he offered us all a glimpse of what these two powerful folks said to one another. Trump told Hillary she was one tough competitor, and Hillary followed by saying that after this political 'rassling match was over, they needed to come together to mend the fences on both sides.
That is something I found most memorable, and so like Hillary. She has done this many times before, offer up the peace pipe to her and her husband's foes. Hillary did this as a freshman Senator. She made-up with members of Congress who voted to impeach her husband. That is the Hillary I want to see in the first days of a H. Clinton administration.
DD
Manhattan
Most of my Leftists friends, whom I definitely have many, thought the reverse, that Hillary was too easy on The Donald. So there you have it, folks. One sees what one is predisposed to see. I thought the affair, though a bit rougher than usual, went off quite well. Considering the past year where we were presented with one atrocious statement after another the Al Smith dinner was a walk in Central Park.
What most impressed me came after dinner. Cardinal Dolan managed a handshake from Hill and The Donald, and from his inner sanctum, he offered us all a glimpse of what these two powerful folks said to one another. Trump told Hillary she was one tough competitor, and Hillary followed by saying that after this political 'rassling match was over, they needed to come together to mend the fences on both sides.
That is something I found most memorable, and so like Hillary. She has done this many times before, offer up the peace pipe to her and her husband's foes. Hillary did this as a freshman Senator. She made-up with members of Congress who voted to impeach her husband. That is the Hillary I want to see in the first days of a H. Clinton administration.
DD
Manhattan
127
Trump's "Pardon me." joke I thought quite funny & well delivered. And Hillary laughed heartily at it. It should have all been like that. So it goes.
41
I overheard this conversation between two middle-schoolers (for real)
A. Who are you gonna be for Halloween?
B. I dunno. Either Donald Trump or a creepy clown.
A. Do both!
Indeed.
A. Who are you gonna be for Halloween?
B. I dunno. Either Donald Trump or a creepy clown.
A. Do both!
Indeed.
101
Unlike Nixon who said "you don't have Nixon to kick around any more", Trump will always be around for that. He is now a lifetime's worth of comedian fodder.
39
Trump thinks his money gives him class. It gives him crass.
90
Trump has become the uncle who won't shut up at the thanksgiving table, and none of the kids want anything to do with him.
67
What I saw was that HRC could actually tell a true joke, while Trump had no such ability. And while she likely had someone/s write them, DT apparently thought he is also a skilled comedy writer as well. (Well, he is...but its not intentional...)
Certainly the Boo's wont hurt Trump with his base, as they likely view this dinner for the reality that it is, a bunch of New York, New England elites, getting together to eat overpriced "gour-mhet food", and promote their sinful "NYC values." And "good ol' boy Donald stuck it too them in their own house."
Personally, these regular events leave me cold, bunch of elites sitting around patting themselves on the back for doing the right thing. With the sanction of the NYC Roman Catholic Church, represented by a man who was once a part of the enabling system of their pedophile priests. What a dais...HRC, Dolan and Trump. Makes me want to take a shower...
Certainly the Boo's wont hurt Trump with his base, as they likely view this dinner for the reality that it is, a bunch of New York, New England elites, getting together to eat overpriced "gour-mhet food", and promote their sinful "NYC values." And "good ol' boy Donald stuck it too them in their own house."
Personally, these regular events leave me cold, bunch of elites sitting around patting themselves on the back for doing the right thing. With the sanction of the NYC Roman Catholic Church, represented by a man who was once a part of the enabling system of their pedophile priests. What a dais...HRC, Dolan and Trump. Makes me want to take a shower...
32
Donald Trump, several ghost writers--actually, the sole authors--of his books have suggested, has the short attention span of a small child. Perhaps that explains how he can play nice for a few minutes, and then he reverts back to that little boy, fighting to get out.
My apologies to all those small children out there!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
My apologies to all those small children out there!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
25
An ignorant and dangerous man. Not presidential material.
44
I may have watched the 2008 Obama and McCain appearances at the Al Smith Memorial Dinners a half dozen times over the years, and have enjoyed them immensely. Some of Senator Obama's comments were outright knee-slappers that even McCain appeared to enjoy, and going the other way, Senator McCain had Obama in stitches several times, at this own expense. They were wonderful!
But as this overlong election season has worn on, I've found myself trying to picture Trump on the dais at that dinner, and simply couldn't envision it as anything but disastrous by comparison to 2008. I wasn't "disappointed".
A man with his monstrous ego is incapable of understanding and adapting to the comic idea behind a traditional "roast". He's a one-trick pony specializing in vitriol as displayed at his campaign rallies. It's no wonder he was booed. The audience came expecting hear light-hearted punches delivered by 16 ounce practice gloves. Instead, they got a lumbering, flat-footed heavyweight expecting to "win" by a knockout.
It was pathetic.
But as this overlong election season has worn on, I've found myself trying to picture Trump on the dais at that dinner, and simply couldn't envision it as anything but disastrous by comparison to 2008. I wasn't "disappointed".
A man with his monstrous ego is incapable of understanding and adapting to the comic idea behind a traditional "roast". He's a one-trick pony specializing in vitriol as displayed at his campaign rallies. It's no wonder he was booed. The audience came expecting hear light-hearted punches delivered by 16 ounce practice gloves. Instead, they got a lumbering, flat-footed heavyweight expecting to "win" by a knockout.
It was pathetic.
68
It's probably already noted, but Trump wouldn't have to invite a creepy clown to Easter .
36
He'd bring a creepy clown to the Easter Egg Roll? Why? That would be redundant.
20
At least a year ago my grandson, who was then eight years old, noted that Trump has bad table manners. Why hasn't everybody seen that?
43
Hillary Clinton has no difficulty laughing at herself, such as when Trump told a bona fide funny joke about her bumping into him and saying, "pardon me." Just watching her full-throated laughter as she was able to receive the humor in this was wonderful to watch. A smart and serious-minded person, she also has learned enough life lessons to have developed a terrific sense of humor, a worthwhile quality in anyone. Trump on the other hand never laughs. Maybe it's because one has to be somewhat relaxed for laughter to move through the mind, and then the body. Trump is too full of insecure self-importance enough to ever let down his guard and laugh. Some of Clinton's jokes carried a real sting, but they were real jokes, and they were funny. Trump's two or three jokes quickly devolved into the chronic nastiness of which he falsely accuses Hillary, while he's the one who's claimed this label for his own.
71
Hillary is a politician not a comedian. It would have been very hard for her to just edit her jokes on the fly. There is no real example that she is programed when she is prepared. She is likely to be the most prepared president in our history.
61
Every time I see Mr. Trump's inability to take a joke or a criticism because of his inflated ego, I am reminded of the time when Mr. Brezhnev, General Secretary of the USSR, asked president Nixon what was so great about America being a "free" country". Mr. Nixon's reply that anyone in America could walk in front the White House and yell "Nixon is a jerk" and no one could do anything about it, was met with Mr. Brezhnev's tart reply that "if this is your definition of a free country Mr. President, then we, in the USSR, are as free as you are because anyone can walk in front of the Kremlin and yell "Nixon is a jerk" and nothing would be done about it either.
74
Trump did himself a major disservice by editing his prepared remarks.
He was a Headsman wobbling with self abuse.
His axe has a blunted edge from too many misstrikes and he hears the roars of a crowd he mistakes for adulation. He's fails to notice that his axe handle is Too by half.
He's cocky under the influence of something, maybe just playing to the crowd just short of a mob. The woman on the block is smiling, offers her neck with a smile. Something about that doesn't seem quite right. He's right, he's in on the joke, most of the time. He has a smile that is genuine, he basks in his perceived sense of crowd approval.
The lady on the block begins a conversation, the crowd laughs with her and the Headsman has a genuine smile. His humanness emerges at miments - but. Hey! He's the headsman, , not her. He speaks a crudity. She smiles a practiced smile but it's also genuine. She's prepared. He's not!
He picks up and waves the head axe, raises it and lunges with all of his might. The axe comes down and there is a loud KERPLUNK as its blunt edge and everyone watches as it plows through flesh and bone. Somehow, he's taken off the toes and part of the foot - his own,
He roars at the crowd and mutters to himself, that did not go off quite right. He looks at the woman on the block. Swings go amiss. She's smiling and enjoying it.
She stands up in triumph. He's stunned. The headsman leaves, cradling his own head in his arms. Hillary wins again.
He was a Headsman wobbling with self abuse.
His axe has a blunted edge from too many misstrikes and he hears the roars of a crowd he mistakes for adulation. He's fails to notice that his axe handle is Too by half.
He's cocky under the influence of something, maybe just playing to the crowd just short of a mob. The woman on the block is smiling, offers her neck with a smile. Something about that doesn't seem quite right. He's right, he's in on the joke, most of the time. He has a smile that is genuine, he basks in his perceived sense of crowd approval.
The lady on the block begins a conversation, the crowd laughs with her and the Headsman has a genuine smile. His humanness emerges at miments - but. Hey! He's the headsman, , not her. He speaks a crudity. She smiles a practiced smile but it's also genuine. She's prepared. He's not!
He picks up and waves the head axe, raises it and lunges with all of his might. The axe comes down and there is a loud KERPLUNK as its blunt edge and everyone watches as it plows through flesh and bone. Somehow, he's taken off the toes and part of the foot - his own,
He roars at the crowd and mutters to himself, that did not go off quite right. He looks at the woman on the block. Swings go amiss. She's smiling and enjoying it.
She stands up in triumph. He's stunned. The headsman leaves, cradling his own head in his arms. Hillary wins again.
10
The Trump brand's seventh and final bankruptcy will be personal.
29
Trump had better jokes than Hillary and she wasn't refrained from criticizing Trump with boring political attacks. She was reading from a prepared script, so was Trump. They were booing Trump because they were liberals.
11
Halo Effect at work: Trump gave an unusally modest speech and for the second time he extended a touch of cordiality toward his opponent. But everybody is shoveling barn dirt over the jokes he gave. Clinton made many meanspirited jokes without extending a touch of cordiality and y'all think she was amazing. Regardless of who wins the election, the bias is over the top. Halo Effect at work.
My objections: start with Hillary saying it was a gathering of "plutocrats" - the definition of which isn't just rich people but rich people who control the government. Right there, points off!!! So she is admitting that the rich people gathered DO control the government, and she is honored to be among them while they raised a measly $6 million? With the wealth in that room the number should have been $600 million.
Go on to dragging the statue of liberty into her disparagements which was shameful, tossing out the Russian theme again which is based on absolutely no evidence (of collusion between Trump and Putin), really trashing Giuliani without even the obligatory respect for former mayor hood while stringing honorables up like christmas lights, and sticking with the sex theme by using a viagra joke. She showed one thing: she knows how to go low.
My objections: start with Hillary saying it was a gathering of "plutocrats" - the definition of which isn't just rich people but rich people who control the government. Right there, points off!!! So she is admitting that the rich people gathered DO control the government, and she is honored to be among them while they raised a measly $6 million? With the wealth in that room the number should have been $600 million.
Go on to dragging the statue of liberty into her disparagements which was shameful, tossing out the Russian theme again which is based on absolutely no evidence (of collusion between Trump and Putin), really trashing Giuliani without even the obligatory respect for former mayor hood while stringing honorables up like christmas lights, and sticking with the sex theme by using a viagra joke. She showed one thing: she knows how to go low.
13
As recently as three weeks ago, Mr Trump had the same chance of becoming President as that of a child flipping a coin twice and having it come up "heads" each time. Now, as we wait for the proverbial fat lady to sing to end this nightmare, what is remarkable is that it could have been avoided. Had any of the fifteen or so Republican candidates really challenged Mr. Trump on his bullying, crude, and misogynist behavior, I believe he could have been deprived of his party's nomination. "Character counts" but it would have taken a courageous and dignified politician to have seen that through all the campaign noise and bluster.
19
An Al Smith soiree was punctuated by soigne appearing guests until Trump arrived. None of the 2 candidates delivered any sockdolagers, but Trump's mirthless grin and his almost jejune jokes took the cake in engendering an extreme feeling of ennui. His toffee-nosed talks did not sound entertaining to everybody, for the most part. It appeared as though he was desperately trying to crack some jokes, but they did precious little to conceal his boorish behavior, which is already hard-wired in his DNA.
A mildly skittish crowd somehow seemed to opine, Hillary was a bit less vapid, but she did have a few zingers. At least, she continued to have broad grins, compared to Trump's snotty looks every now and then. To an untrained eye, his role as a jokester seemed worse than amateurish. If he wins the election, it can be a sepulchral step for the Americans. He may treat quite a few of his own people as schlubs,
Already more than 4 millions have voted, from some reports. The third debate and the Al Smith charity dinner pseudo-amity may not change many voters' minds. The recondite language of politics not withstanding, Trump's disciples will continue to clamor for Hillary's conviction with ever-increasing enmity. It may even be difficult to choose the least offensive candidate.
A mildly skittish crowd somehow seemed to opine, Hillary was a bit less vapid, but she did have a few zingers. At least, she continued to have broad grins, compared to Trump's snotty looks every now and then. To an untrained eye, his role as a jokester seemed worse than amateurish. If he wins the election, it can be a sepulchral step for the Americans. He may treat quite a few of his own people as schlubs,
Already more than 4 millions have voted, from some reports. The third debate and the Al Smith charity dinner pseudo-amity may not change many voters' minds. The recondite language of politics not withstanding, Trump's disciples will continue to clamor for Hillary's conviction with ever-increasing enmity. It may even be difficult to choose the least offensive candidate.
5
Hillary's long-suffering courage and refusal to hit back has served her well for a lifetime. Whatever it takes to keep her forgiving the people who are nasty to her, I'm for it.
I am lost in admiration of her grace under fire. She has been honed in the crucible of experience, and I am hopeful that she will not be found wanting in the difficult years ahead.
Democrats, imho, should be less critical of her. In her spare time, she has been figuring out ways and means to do the stuff we all want done to help people all her life.
I am lost in admiration of her grace under fire. She has been honed in the crucible of experience, and I am hopeful that she will not be found wanting in the difficult years ahead.
Democrats, imho, should be less critical of her. In her spare time, she has been figuring out ways and means to do the stuff we all want done to help people all her life.
75
I beg to differ about the comment about Hilary being too programmed to make a response. Not necessarily. There are other reasons she didn't respond. She might not have wanted to lower herself like he has. Also, if you've ever dealt with a person like that (which most likely you haven't) many times it is very difficult to have comeback comments because it is so shocking. Really - you should try dealing with a person like that before making that comment. It is just as stunning to her as it is to the crowd. I know I've dealt with people like this and it is extremely difficult. I've been so shocked because it is so out of realm of my behavior.
45
I think you misunderstood Gail's point - Hillary should have avoided her prepared jibes and fast forwarded to the gracious comments as to why they were all assembled. This is not to say Clinton's jibes were as egregious as Trump 's - - - not even close but one or 2 still sounded inappropriate --- rather, it would have most effectively framed the man's utter boorishness.
22
He's not going to win. It's clear and he knows it. I am not saying have pity and I am not not saying to forgive. But to continue to kick a guy when he's down and to take such glee in doing it as all the NY Times editorials seem to be doing is becoming distasteful. Mr. Trump has clearly articulated a vision of America that a great deal of the populace agree with -- so when we continually disparage Mr. Trump, in some sense we are distancing ourselves from those who support him -- who happen to be our neighbors, friends and in some cases probably our relatives. It has become an ugly election and the Times is only perpetuating the obnoxious and repugnant tone. I'm just saying..."go high..."
6
Until Democrats have a resounding victory at all levels of government, putting in some good public servants to help our country survive and grow, it is important to keep on the pressure against his manifold shyster exploitations.
He's not a regular guy, he's a self-feeding entitled loser, prepared to destroy the full faith and credit of the United States of America for personal gain and to feed his ego.
He's not a regular guy, he's a self-feeding entitled loser, prepared to destroy the full faith and credit of the United States of America for personal gain and to feed his ego.
61
"There is nothing that Donald Trump can’t make worse", save Hillary's criminal behavior at the State Department.
Trump's most accurate quip was directed at the Sovietized media representatives present, who have been, without question, relentlessly, indefatigably supporting the Criminal Queen and the current Obama regime embracing the Clinton malfeasance.
But for dinner conversation--Ms Collins knows--Hillary is a far more target-rich environment, namely, a well-documented "reckless" and "dangerous" public servant, Obama Secretary of State extortionist, married to accused rapist with predilections for young White House interns, both running a criminal syndicate, the Clinton Foundation, blew up Libya leaving four Americans dead, pathological lying to the American people about "video" foreign policy, unabashedly obstructing justice, Wall Street "open borders" insider, and overdosed like a race horse with that Stepford-programmed gaze.
You did notice the Hillary "gaze", right?
Trump's most accurate quip was directed at the Sovietized media representatives present, who have been, without question, relentlessly, indefatigably supporting the Criminal Queen and the current Obama regime embracing the Clinton malfeasance.
But for dinner conversation--Ms Collins knows--Hillary is a far more target-rich environment, namely, a well-documented "reckless" and "dangerous" public servant, Obama Secretary of State extortionist, married to accused rapist with predilections for young White House interns, both running a criminal syndicate, the Clinton Foundation, blew up Libya leaving four Americans dead, pathological lying to the American people about "video" foreign policy, unabashedly obstructing justice, Wall Street "open borders" insider, and overdosed like a race horse with that Stepford-programmed gaze.
You did notice the Hillary "gaze", right?
6
Sheesh. Just like Trump, you repeat lies and seem to believe them.
Open your mind and look at the evidence. Here's a start: "A People’s History of Donald Trump's Business Busts and Countless Victims"
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/10/28/donald-trump-business-busts-victims-5...
Open your mind and look at the evidence. Here's a start: "A People’s History of Donald Trump's Business Busts and Countless Victims"
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/10/28/donald-trump-business-busts-victims-5...
45
What proof would be sufficient to convince you that this is all false given the multitude of republican led investigations into these supposedly criminal acts?
38
Trump only knows what seeps through his thin little skull from the Fox news scrolls, and even those are a little deep for a person who is naturally disinclined to concentrate on something more complicated than um ... "I'm the best."
So, not knowing ANYthing, he attempts to think on his feet. Except like his tiny, little, unused-to-working hands, his feet are microscopic in direct proportion to what's left of his brain and his little feet can't carry him when he's debating an adult who actually studies things...no matter how boring, sad, disgusting he thinks actually knowing something can be.
He would be pathetic, an object of pity if he hadn't subjected all of us to the putrefaction of his character, his many discomfiting, breathtaking lacks, his complete inability to fathom the adult, modern world.
He's that poor old, tattered moth caught in the amber of the Hefner stone age of babes and bullies, where a man's a man and women know their place, as do the races and the poor. His ignorance, pride and attitude and his ghastly, motley mob stifle any compassion or pity I might otherwise muster for such a tragically flawed human being.
Can't wait till this national nightmare is over.
So, not knowing ANYthing, he attempts to think on his feet. Except like his tiny, little, unused-to-working hands, his feet are microscopic in direct proportion to what's left of his brain and his little feet can't carry him when he's debating an adult who actually studies things...no matter how boring, sad, disgusting he thinks actually knowing something can be.
He would be pathetic, an object of pity if he hadn't subjected all of us to the putrefaction of his character, his many discomfiting, breathtaking lacks, his complete inability to fathom the adult, modern world.
He's that poor old, tattered moth caught in the amber of the Hefner stone age of babes and bullies, where a man's a man and women know their place, as do the races and the poor. His ignorance, pride and attitude and his ghastly, motley mob stifle any compassion or pity I might otherwise muster for such a tragically flawed human being.
Can't wait till this national nightmare is over.
36
The upside to this election is that now we know where people stand and we don't need to pretend that our enemies are our friends.
8
If I May digress – has anyone ever been to the Donald J Trump State Park off the Taconic? I didn't think so because in spite of the two giant signs along the parkway it isn't open to the public. Trump only donated the land to the state when he couldn't get permits to build a golf course. Now that state legislators are talking about changing the parks name, Trump says he wants it back. Who needs a park you can't use? Give it back NY so he can pay taxes on it, or at least take the signs down.
33
Given all the comments about how well or poorly each of these folks did, you'd think that they had written the jokes themselves . . . Not. The performance of each was just OK -- any good reader could have done as well. But more of Hillary's jokes were in keeping with the past tenor of the dinner and that is probably a reflection of better and more experienced writers. Trump's jokes were uneven and more of them verged on the mean spirited and belittling which is in keeping with who he has shown himself to be. His judgment not to throw away those jokes reveal him to be what we already know: a person we want to avert our eyes from.
14
In the modern age, doesn't it strike anyone but me as rather discordant that we have this relic of a charity event... where the moneyed elite gather in white tie, elaborate gowns and jewels, at the Waldorf, to congratulate themselves that they helped out poor children?
36
I'm laughing on the outside but crying on the inside.
7
Unless he is talking about himself or hurling rudeness and crudeness at others, Trump is a flat, lifeless, humorless empty shell. I noticed that Trump had difficulty reading his notes, like an ill prepared 9th grader. Can you imagine Trump trying to make it through a prepared speech at the UN in front of world leaders? Horrors.
37
After that disastrous performance by Donald Trump at the Al Smith dinner, he might have made himself persona non grata at future “polite society” events in the Big Apple? Trump could become the modern day equivalent of 1967’s “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” guest making Upper East Side liberals very uncomfortable at post-election soirées? After all, when the election is over, Trump is not exactly looking to break bread with his newly found friends from the alt-right and the Deep South, is he? I’m just sayin’.
12
I wish Clinton had toned it back a bit, too. But you are right that this is not a normal campaign. The hits aren't subtle, but Jerry Springer-style attacks: dragging the women from her husband's past to try to rattle her, for example, or saying that she belonged in jail, were crass and hateful and personal. And at least she was actually self-deprecating and uplifting at the end.
As for Trump, he didn't seem bothered. He had done what he set out to do, and while his wife cringed a few times with discomfort, it was pretty clear he was pleased with his own performance, so please that he beamed and laughed through her speech. Perhaps he thought he had taken her down?
I voted for Sanders in the primary, and when Clinton won, I wasn't against her, but I wasn't really with her, either. But the more I've watched her during this campaign, the more I've come to admire her grace under pressure.
And you know, maybe she didn't want to leave out the barbs after listening to his hatefulness, not only this night but for the whole campaign. She has worked very hard to keep her cool her whole life, no matter what she's been hit with, personally and privately. Doesn't she have a right to get tired, too? Maybe she's more human than most want to give her credit for.
As for Trump, he didn't seem bothered. He had done what he set out to do, and while his wife cringed a few times with discomfort, it was pretty clear he was pleased with his own performance, so please that he beamed and laughed through her speech. Perhaps he thought he had taken her down?
I voted for Sanders in the primary, and when Clinton won, I wasn't against her, but I wasn't really with her, either. But the more I've watched her during this campaign, the more I've come to admire her grace under pressure.
And you know, maybe she didn't want to leave out the barbs after listening to his hatefulness, not only this night but for the whole campaign. She has worked very hard to keep her cool her whole life, no matter what she's been hit with, personally and privately. Doesn't she have a right to get tired, too? Maybe she's more human than most want to give her credit for.
117
A friend often quoted a line from a cartoon, "l may not know good from bad, but I know awful!" With the two cartoon characters we had the "bad" in Clinton and the "awful" in Trump. When it comes to dinner, I'd rather eat alone and watch an old Seinfeld episode to make sure I don't choke on my food.
Surely this dinner brought home to Donald Trump that his campaign has not brought him the respect and acceptance he craves from the New York social elite he has so long aspired to be part of. Rather he has reaped from them only ridicule and scorn, made tangible in the booing.
He'll have no further chance at reaching the NY social pinnacle. What panache can there be now in associating oneself with him?
How galling it must be that he has succeeded only in attracting those he himself would most likely categorize as "losers," ill-equipped, fearful, and backward-looking as culture and society evolves.
He'll have no further chance at reaching the NY social pinnacle. What panache can there be now in associating oneself with him?
How galling it must be that he has succeeded only in attracting those he himself would most likely categorize as "losers," ill-equipped, fearful, and backward-looking as culture and society evolves.
22
Trump has invaded our brains bigly. He has almost become the stuff of nightmares. Something orange coming out of the closet at night.
15
Clinton is not a spontaneous politician, but she is a disciplined politician. I'd rather have the latter, especially in this campaign where everything Hillary says is immediately mangled and falsely reinterpreted by the Republican sharks, I mean surrogates.
26
Expect his next crazy will be to challenge as many state election outcomes costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars because he loves to waste other peoples money.
16
One would think it easy for two candidates are "all about me" to engage in self-deprecation. "I should have charged Goldman Sachs $2,000 a minute, not $1,000 given that I will double their wealth once I become president. This I promise them-scratch-you." or "'Groping' you ask Mr Anderson Cooper? I have arthritis in all 11 fingers. Those young gals were just confusing my morning hand exercise! I do it whenever I feel my eleventh calcifying"
4
As she often does, Clinton speaks good words and then turns around and does an incredibly stupid thing.
This time it was embracing Henry Kissinger at the end of the dinner. Doesn't she realize many people in this country consider Kissinger tantamount to a war criminal and are frightened by his influencing her foreign policy? At the very least he condemned thousands of Americans and untold numbers of Vietnamese to their deaths in a war he knew was lost but willingly continued for the greater good of Richard Nixon.
Yes, I'm frightened by Trump but I'm just as frightened by a president who thinks Kissinger is a wonderful guy.
This time it was embracing Henry Kissinger at the end of the dinner. Doesn't she realize many people in this country consider Kissinger tantamount to a war criminal and are frightened by his influencing her foreign policy? At the very least he condemned thousands of Americans and untold numbers of Vietnamese to their deaths in a war he knew was lost but willingly continued for the greater good of Richard Nixon.
Yes, I'm frightened by Trump but I'm just as frightened by a president who thinks Kissinger is a wonderful guy.
9
“…and in presidential election years it’s a tradition for the candidates to show up and make witty, self-deprecatory speeches…”
The only deprecatory joke that Trump made that was close to self was when he threw his wife, Melania, under the bus with a pretty funny joke. But then did we really expect a thin-skinned narcissist to be capable of laughing at himself?
“Trump’s fans have graduated from paranoia…”
The rot starts at the top and Trump has been as paranoid as they come in politics. Richard Nixon, a.k.a. Tricky Dick, might have learned a few lessons from the Trumpster. In fact after Trumpism, Trump’s paranoia might have earned another word in the political vocabulary – Trumpanoia.
So in the next election cycle, we might just hear reporters using the phrase, “the Trumpanoia at this Mike Pence event reached a fever pitch as…”
The only deprecatory joke that Trump made that was close to self was when he threw his wife, Melania, under the bus with a pretty funny joke. But then did we really expect a thin-skinned narcissist to be capable of laughing at himself?
“Trump’s fans have graduated from paranoia…”
The rot starts at the top and Trump has been as paranoid as they come in politics. Richard Nixon, a.k.a. Tricky Dick, might have learned a few lessons from the Trumpster. In fact after Trumpism, Trump’s paranoia might have earned another word in the political vocabulary – Trumpanoia.
So in the next election cycle, we might just hear reporters using the phrase, “the Trumpanoia at this Mike Pence event reached a fever pitch as…”
5
"In a perfect world, Hillary Clinton would then have gotten up and given the most good-natured speech in political history, scrapping all the barbed lines . . ."
Hillary missed the moment of a lifetime. Imagine had she started with Alfred E. Smith, who broke an important barrier for Catholics leading to the election of JFK. Of any of the civil rights leaders breaking barriers leading to the election of Obama. Of suffragettes breaking barriers that will someday lead to the election of a woman president, whether or not it is me. And going on to talk about immigrants, Syrian refugees, Muslims. She would have owned the room and owned America. With all her gifts, the woman just stinks as a politician. Stinks.
Hillary missed the moment of a lifetime. Imagine had she started with Alfred E. Smith, who broke an important barrier for Catholics leading to the election of JFK. Of any of the civil rights leaders breaking barriers leading to the election of Obama. Of suffragettes breaking barriers that will someday lead to the election of a woman president, whether or not it is me. And going on to talk about immigrants, Syrian refugees, Muslims. She would have owned the room and owned America. With all her gifts, the woman just stinks as a politician. Stinks.
5
Old fashioned protocol would dictate Hillary preceding Trump - then at least we would have enjoyed the first half of the evening. And of course the double-standard prevails - Hillary was raised on the hard knocks of politics - Trump on the canned laughter of reality TV.
8
And I’ll bet he’d bring one of those creepy clowns to the Easter Egg Roll.
And think it was funny as the little kids cried, until he got annoyed ten seconds later and had them removed for being noisy.
Everyone makes mistakes; everyone has personal faults; everyone does bad things. The problem with Donald Trump & Co. is that they revel in them, glorify them, and encourage their fellow Americans to follow suit. Remember the "Be All That You Can Be!" slogan for the US Army? Mr. Trump and his hangers-on encourage us to be the worst that we can be, be the least that we can be and, worst of all, disguising shamefulness as a response to what they see as rampant personal correctness, be proud of not trying to be better than we have ever been. This attitude Mr. Trump defines as being the attitude of a winner, an American winner. Very soon the American electorate is going to prove him wrong.
And think it was funny as the little kids cried, until he got annoyed ten seconds later and had them removed for being noisy.
Everyone makes mistakes; everyone has personal faults; everyone does bad things. The problem with Donald Trump & Co. is that they revel in them, glorify them, and encourage their fellow Americans to follow suit. Remember the "Be All That You Can Be!" slogan for the US Army? Mr. Trump and his hangers-on encourage us to be the worst that we can be, be the least that we can be and, worst of all, disguising shamefulness as a response to what they see as rampant personal correctness, be proud of not trying to be better than we have ever been. This attitude Mr. Trump defines as being the attitude of a winner, an American winner. Very soon the American electorate is going to prove him wrong.
8
Most of us know that trump is bad, and some of us know that Clinton is bad. The difference is that trump is bad in random, unpredictable ways.
3
We have finally arrived at The Emperor Has No Clothes moment, and we are laughing (and/or booing) at him. It's about time.
11
So much ado about Trump TV (TTV). At first, one supposes, cable companies would offer the vitriol of TTV in an attempt to capitalize on the notoriety of Trump, the rabble-rousing of Ailes, and the self-avowed "Nihilism" of Bannon. I suppose those Trump supporters who buy cable TV look forward to the mish-mash of possible programming will subscribe to a cable system that offers TTV. "Judge Rudy," that Milwaukee sheriff hosting "Cops," Dr. Ben Carson starring in "Dr. Ben Crazy," and Chris Christie competing in while also hosting "The Biggest Loser" come to mind.
But a protest also could await. Perhaps those who have been appalled by Trump will discontinue their cable subscriptions. Would thousands - if not millions - of cable defectors have an impact on cable companies? Would those defectors choose another cable provider - rather than one that offers TTV? Could TTV possibly cause the destruction of any cable company that offers it? Will Trump kill cable providers as well as the Republican Party?
It will take a lot of resources to independently distribute TTV. If any Clinton supporters take a stand, cable revenues will diminish. If A LOT of Clinton supporters take a stand, revenues will diminish even more.
TTV might summon backing at the outset. But TV is insatiable, always demanding more and different programming. Reruns of "Apprentice" (if Trump owns them) will fill some of the need. But consider the big picture. Literally.
Remember,"Ya gotta make a buck."
But a protest also could await. Perhaps those who have been appalled by Trump will discontinue their cable subscriptions. Would thousands - if not millions - of cable defectors have an impact on cable companies? Would those defectors choose another cable provider - rather than one that offers TTV? Could TTV possibly cause the destruction of any cable company that offers it? Will Trump kill cable providers as well as the Republican Party?
It will take a lot of resources to independently distribute TTV. If any Clinton supporters take a stand, cable revenues will diminish. If A LOT of Clinton supporters take a stand, revenues will diminish even more.
TTV might summon backing at the outset. But TV is insatiable, always demanding more and different programming. Reruns of "Apprentice" (if Trump owns them) will fill some of the need. But consider the big picture. Literally.
Remember,"Ya gotta make a buck."
3
I take exception to Gail's example of an unfortunate person "sucked into the Trump vortex". Giuliani was clearly electable, but his credibility was never too high. His penchant for insulting people was well developed when Trump was still a largely innoffensive socialite. A high mark was when he explained that an unarmed victim of police shooting was "not an altar boy" and the press found that, well, he was an altar boy. Regardless of veracity, villifying was a his favorite sport from the beginning.
23
Wondering if she actually had two versions of prepared remarks; one for the bad trump and one in case he showed up with a generous and self deprecating speech. Maybe Julian Assange can go research that.
5
Excellent observation that this election is between two predictable candidates. Hillary's programmed approach to things versus Trump's frothing at the mouth. Still, Hillary will do good as president. Trump would be a disaster.
12
Because she's so smart -- not because she's not a "spontaneous politician" -- my guess is that Hillary Clinton had two prepared presentations, for Ms. Clinton's drug of choice, we know now, is "preparation." Had Trump been nice, she would have chosen the whimsical feel-good set of jokes that would have encouraged some, perhaps even Ms. Collins, to conclude that she is not an "android" programmed with a bit too much "nasty" code. Would Ms. Clinton then have been the perfect woman, able to smile and take the high road in spite of Trump's puerile, mendacious attacks? But Trump wasn't nice, so she picked wisely and had some fun at Trump's expense. The world is not now and never will be perfect, so let's cut Hillary some slack by letting her be a human with feelings rather than a woman who's suspect if she's not wearing high heels and dancing backwards.
67
I'm sure he thinks he did great at the dinner. He even smiled a lot. Leave it to the evil Gail Collins (presumably following orders from the Clinton campaign) to write a biased "hit piece" on him.
Trump showed up on the political scene at an opportune time to sucker the right wing media worshipers who, like all sports fans, refuse to abandon their team. A team that, unfortunately for HRC, spends every day thinking up new reasons to hate her. They may wince at Donald's alarming remarks but still they cannot switch their allegiance to "the devil".
It's an irrational hatred, complete out of proportion and it was festering long before her email scandal and long before Benghazi. A perfect storm that will last for years. Even if she wins there will undoubtedly be calls to press on with an indictment over her emails.
Trump showed up on the political scene at an opportune time to sucker the right wing media worshipers who, like all sports fans, refuse to abandon their team. A team that, unfortunately for HRC, spends every day thinking up new reasons to hate her. They may wince at Donald's alarming remarks but still they cannot switch their allegiance to "the devil".
It's an irrational hatred, complete out of proportion and it was festering long before her email scandal and long before Benghazi. A perfect storm that will last for years. Even if she wins there will undoubtedly be calls to press on with an indictment over her emails.
8
Too much time on my hands i suppose but I've found myself fantasizing a very late night phone call between the two candidates- in which they congratulate each other on the imminent destruction or at least knee capping of the Republican Party. Donald, a former Democrat gushingly admits to Hillary what a swell time he's had indulging his secret mandate of wallowing in the unprecedented level of obnoxiousness necessary to propel the overall plan. And it's working like a charm Hillary gushes back. She will end up with a gigantic mandate which will allow her to do many constructive things: roads, bridges, waterways, Obamacare adjustments, election finance reform, endless right the ship projects. And for DT, the Machiavelli of it all, some sort of prize. But like a pit bull, he would need to be fenced, chained, and taken for walks under heavy supervision.
14
I think the sponsors of the event intuitively knew how Donald Trump would behave, but ignored their inner wisdom to not hold the event. People continue to say that Trump still needs to do this or that to improve and win as if it still could happen. It's a story of denial the Catholic sponsors and others ignored. What is sad is that it was a fundraiser for children. I expect better from Catholic leadership in the future. They know what happens when you get involved in any shape or form with Donald.
13
6 million for poor kids and publicity like this is a lot to ask them to walk away from. Just saying, this was an event that usually let the pressure off the cooker. But Donald can't even rise to that occasion. Hillary was not so silly as to expect any better from this domestic batterer.
2
Silver lining, perhaps? They did raise a record amount of money. Maybe some forked over just to see the Trumpian fiasco.
2
I don't understand why Trump ran for president. Was it really just one long publicity stunt? Is he so damaged that he would go to this extreme to get the attention he so craves? What was this whole exercise about?
His life has never shown evidence of any particular desire to serve others in any way. It wasn't love of country, because he's shown that he knows very little about the country, its people, or its institutions. He knows next to nothing about how the government operates, and has no interest in learning. He can't tell the difference between our allies and our adversaries. He's alienated almost every other politician that he'd have to work with every day. His wife and family have been ridiculed. And, for what? To massage his massive ego?
I cannot believe that anyone would undertake a presidential campaign just as an exercise in ego boosting. If he wants to start his media empire, he could have done that anyway. If that was his goal, why did he alienate so many millions of potential audience members? He didn't need to go through this humiliating exercise for that. He's alienated potential business partners, and the members of society that used to tolerate him. He's made himself a pariah, mocked by the nation. And, now his son is telling us that the presidency would be a step down for his father, so it doesn't matter if he loses anyway.
So, if that's true then what was the point? Why did he put us all through this?
His life has never shown evidence of any particular desire to serve others in any way. It wasn't love of country, because he's shown that he knows very little about the country, its people, or its institutions. He knows next to nothing about how the government operates, and has no interest in learning. He can't tell the difference between our allies and our adversaries. He's alienated almost every other politician that he'd have to work with every day. His wife and family have been ridiculed. And, for what? To massage his massive ego?
I cannot believe that anyone would undertake a presidential campaign just as an exercise in ego boosting. If he wants to start his media empire, he could have done that anyway. If that was his goal, why did he alienate so many millions of potential audience members? He didn't need to go through this humiliating exercise for that. He's alienated potential business partners, and the members of society that used to tolerate him. He's made himself a pariah, mocked by the nation. And, now his son is telling us that the presidency would be a step down for his father, so it doesn't matter if he loses anyway.
So, if that's true then what was the point? Why did he put us all through this?
78
I believe that it really did start out as a publicity stunt, that Trump had no desire to actually be President. He probably figured five or six primaries, ten at the most, and he would be out, but in the meantime would have kept his name before the public. But then something went wrong and he kept winning, and winning, and then couldn't find a way out. So that now, here we are.
1
Trump likes to win, and winning the presidency is the Biggest Contest Of All. That seems to be the crux of it, and as you've noted, it's a poor excuse for putting everyone through this. I don't believe he actually wants the job. Were he to win, he would quickly go on to the next contest because winning is all that interests him. The last thing he wants is to be stuck in a 4 year job full of rules and protocols which demands listening skills and compromise.
1
Trump's main goal was to condemn the sham that we call politics. While Trump is dutifully insane to have done what he has done, it has at least opened the nations eyes to how career politicians operate and, hopefully going forward, to allow a D.C. outsider to successfully campaign against the D.C. establishment. Only that hopeful circumstance will be able to break the broken two party system that has made the political system into a mockery. So instead of condemning the man, i.e. doing exactly what he does to others, let's try to look at the positive of the situation. We have all learned.
3
I completely disagree with Gail that Hillary should have just taken Trump's insults with a smile and not responded in kind (although Hillary in no way went as far over the line as Trump had done). She did go on too long and some of her jokes fell flat, but overall she was quite effective in putting Trump in his place. Trump on the other hand was his usual boorish and ignorant self, so outlandish in his accusations and insults that he never really landed a punch.
44
Trump is as humorless as he is boring. Where Hillary was amusing and delivered her jokes with style and wit for the most part, Trump lumbered along and became increasingly nasty in ways simply out of place, well, anywhere actually, but particularly at that event. He is as boorish as they come and the precise opposite of high society expectations. Where Obama and Clinton are articulate speakers, Trump is inarticulate and uninteresting. He just loves being famous.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
34
"...nastiest, most undisciplined, overall terrifying presidential nominee in American history." Gail, you hit it perfectly. Even the fact that he is the Republican nominee - that he could have actually risen to this position - is absolutely terrifying.
I have serious concerns about the influence on our politics and society of those voters who voted for Trump and how their undisciplined and provincial beliefs will impact my beloved country and those who think craziness merits serious consideration. God help us.
I have serious concerns about the influence on our politics and society of those voters who voted for Trump and how their undisciplined and provincial beliefs will impact my beloved country and those who think craziness merits serious consideration. God help us.
44
There might be some good in poor people seeing---what they probably already know---that having money does not necessarily equate to having class. Trump proves it every day.
30
Turning the sound off and watching the audience reaction through the faces of the people seated behind the speakers was so much more fun than listening to "jokes" poorly told. My favorite was the dramatic woman in red who kept taking off her gloves to tweet, a close second to the visibly upset man on the tier below her whose red face soon matched his Knights of Columbus decorations.
President Obama's sense of comedy will not be matched for many years; he is better than most who make millions telling "jokes". Sec Clinton like many women in comedy faces an uphill battle to be considered "funny". When we think of great female comedians or even funny politicians like Sen Klobuchar (D MN) their humor depends on an audience who gets the joke. After the total failure of Sec. Clinton's opening act of Donald Trump, nothing she said would be funny and everyone was looking for the equally inappropriate joke to balance the boos he received so the story could be objective.
While I understand respecting the tradition of the dinner, perhaps the preparation for the Smith dinner needs to be more extensive for the two election year participants by the genial hosts of the charity organization.
President Obama's sense of comedy will not be matched for many years; he is better than most who make millions telling "jokes". Sec Clinton like many women in comedy faces an uphill battle to be considered "funny". When we think of great female comedians or even funny politicians like Sen Klobuchar (D MN) their humor depends on an audience who gets the joke. After the total failure of Sec. Clinton's opening act of Donald Trump, nothing she said would be funny and everyone was looking for the equally inappropriate joke to balance the boos he received so the story could be objective.
While I understand respecting the tradition of the dinner, perhaps the preparation for the Smith dinner needs to be more extensive for the two election year participants by the genial hosts of the charity organization.
10
..."Clinton is not a spontaneous politician."....
Understatement of the year.
Understatement of the year.
6
It's also worth noting that the most "self-deprecating" (and perhaps funniest) joke that Donald Trump told at the dinner was actually a jab at his wife, Melania, for plagiarizing parts of Michelle Obama's prior DNC speech. Way to go, Donald, throwing your wife under the bus.
67
Why would Trump want to bring creepy clowns to the Easter Egg Roll?
He is the creepy clown.
He is the creepy clown.
32
To Ms. Collins and/or the NYT editors ~ Why did you have to use his name in the title, giving Mr. T. more of the attention grabbing headlines he craves? The same column could have been written without the catchy alliterative T word title.
9
DTDTD. That's a palindrome.
2
I would like to be able to say I was shocked, surprised, amazed at Donald's performance at the Dinner, but sadly, I was none of these.
His first "joke" about once being the darling of New York as a Democrat and now a pariah as a Republican - to the people in the audience that he believes made him both - was a portent of things to come. Poor, poor pitiful me because of fickle mean ole you is hardly the way to start out a speech in the Al Smith tradition.
Then it got a little better, some of his actual "jokes" were funny although his most self-deprecating one was to compare his childhood to that of Jesus, and the other was about his wife, not himself.
And then the sheep's clothing came off and the wolves claws appeared. I won't belabor it, we all saw it and cringed and jaw dropped through it.
On the whole, it was, sadly a quintessential Trumpian performance.
Hillary was - well - Hillary. Prepared, smart, witty and clever not "funny". And, thankfully, uplifting and positive and gracious at the end, a breath of fresh air we've needed "bigly" - I'm so glad she spoke last.
With two weeks to go I have yet to see one hint of one character trait or performance from Donald that I would call Presidential, and I have failed to see one that is not in Secretary Clinton.
His first "joke" about once being the darling of New York as a Democrat and now a pariah as a Republican - to the people in the audience that he believes made him both - was a portent of things to come. Poor, poor pitiful me because of fickle mean ole you is hardly the way to start out a speech in the Al Smith tradition.
Then it got a little better, some of his actual "jokes" were funny although his most self-deprecating one was to compare his childhood to that of Jesus, and the other was about his wife, not himself.
And then the sheep's clothing came off and the wolves claws appeared. I won't belabor it, we all saw it and cringed and jaw dropped through it.
On the whole, it was, sadly a quintessential Trumpian performance.
Hillary was - well - Hillary. Prepared, smart, witty and clever not "funny". And, thankfully, uplifting and positive and gracious at the end, a breath of fresh air we've needed "bigly" - I'm so glad she spoke last.
With two weeks to go I have yet to see one hint of one character trait or performance from Donald that I would call Presidential, and I have failed to see one that is not in Secretary Clinton.
35
Gail, your description of Giuliani as a "superannuated bulldog with a toothache" is quite funny; however, to me he looked like the Devil suffering from food poisoning (or is it his gall backing up?). Trump is an object of derision and stupid to boot, but, IMO, Giuliani, is frightening, a Joseph Goebbles. Heaven help us if Trump wins and Giuliani becomes his "adviser."
46
Hillary is target rich.
Hillary's Trump one liners were apparently self deprecating.
Hillary's Trump one liners were apparently self deprecating.
3
Is there any indication that either candidate actually wrote their own material? If not, then blame the speechwriters.
2
Don't believe for a moment that just because he is so awful he doesn't stand a chance. You are all caught in an alternative universe in which your brains are fogged by reading the NY Times - unfortunately the rest of the country doesn't read the NY Times.
According to some very respectable polls Trump is not only leading or tied but totally unaffected by the groping claims and the last debate. According to IBD/TIPP (one of the best) Trump is up two points this morning. Rasmussen placed him up two points Friday and the La Times/USC tracking poll has him tied this morning.
According to some very respectable polls Trump is not only leading or tied but totally unaffected by the groping claims and the last debate. According to IBD/TIPP (one of the best) Trump is up two points this morning. Rasmussen placed him up two points Friday and the La Times/USC tracking poll has him tied this morning.
8
Gail!
I thought Trump's comments were great fun! All true and great fun. A truly wonderful evening for all.
I thought Trump's comments were great fun! All true and great fun. A truly wonderful evening for all.
1
Donald Trump shares several nasty traits with Vladimir Putin, paramount among them their core personality types. In Putin's case, much of what he touches ends in other peoples' deaths, often counted in the thousands with not a whiff of human remorse from him. If Trump were to ascend to the Presidency, we might well expect similar results from him.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
14
But you have to admit, Trump's "pardon me" joke was Hillaryous, as was the one about the Michelle-Melania speech brouhaha.
Both were in fact brilliant humor, good-natured delivery exposing an evil truth.
As for the Catholic comment, it was true but it lacked the subtlety, intelligence and humor of the others. Sounded like it was written by someone else. Had it been done well, it would have caused far less cringing.
Both were in fact brilliant humor, good-natured delivery exposing an evil truth.
As for the Catholic comment, it was true but it lacked the subtlety, intelligence and humor of the others. Sounded like it was written by someone else. Had it been done well, it would have caused far less cringing.
4
I also expected HRC to give a gracious and sweetly tolerant speech.....she missed a step there, but I doubt it will hurt. It would have magnified the differences between them.
7
Gail, you forgot to mention that The Donald would also drive somewhere with a dog strapped to the roof of his car--with no cage.
6
And there is no column on the presidential election, Gail, that you cannot ruin by a snipe at Hillary Clinton who graciously sat through these barbed and false attacks again.
Sure she zinged him on his Muslim ban, his adoration of Russia, and Guiliani's new role as watchdog for those who pay no taxes--at least it was funny. I also loved her line about too bad Mayor Bloomberg was not speaking so the audience could hear from a real billionaire. I agree with Chelsea Clinton, HRC is hysterical and she had the capacity to truly laugh at Donald's (better) jokes about her (she bumped into me and said pardon me)! Melania Trump seemed to be gritting her teeth the whole time.
Sure she zinged him on his Muslim ban, his adoration of Russia, and Guiliani's new role as watchdog for those who pay no taxes--at least it was funny. I also loved her line about too bad Mayor Bloomberg was not speaking so the audience could hear from a real billionaire. I agree with Chelsea Clinton, HRC is hysterical and she had the capacity to truly laugh at Donald's (better) jokes about her (she bumped into me and said pardon me)! Melania Trump seemed to be gritting her teeth the whole time.
26
Collins doesn't give Clinton credit for bringing her speech back to the moral high ground for the last five minutes. She bracketed her mid-speech jibes with enough sobriety at beginning and end to establish herself as the adult in the room, IMHO. She was firmly on high ground in her closing comments. To portray this pairing as a case of "he goes low, she goes low," would not be entirely accurate.
40
Completely agree about scrapping any of her jokes that were too pointed. She does not think that quickly when given an opportunity. That is the downside of too much analysis. Paralysis by analysis.
Hopefully, at some point she will lighten up and go with her gut in these situations. Or maybe she is an Android. In that case, will there be an update?
Hopefully, at some point she will lighten up and go with her gut in these situations. Or maybe she is an Android. In that case, will there be an update?
2
There are plenty of comments on Trump so that's covered. But I think people need to talk more about what gutless piece of work Giuliani is. I lived in NYC during part of the Dinkins years and all of the Koch years. I loved it. Manhattan was interesting and had huge personality then, even if it was dirtier and more dangerous.
Giuliani and his policies sucked the personality right out of Manhattan and helped turn it into a huge shopping mall and island of the rich. Now he blathers on about Trump. Giuliani lies and obfuscates for a guy who is deplorable, becoming deplorable himself. Giuliani is the worst kind of trash!
Giuliani and his policies sucked the personality right out of Manhattan and helped turn it into a huge shopping mall and island of the rich. Now he blathers on about Trump. Giuliani lies and obfuscates for a guy who is deplorable, becoming deplorable himself. Giuliani is the worst kind of trash!
34
Thank you. I too worked in NYC (and lived nearby) during those years. America's Mayor seems to have lost whatever mind he had, along with the soul he sold to the devil a long time ago. My husband and I are astounded every time he opens his mouth to praise WikiLeaks for exposing Clinton--no matter that it's an international cyberattack and completely against the law. Mayor Law & Order seems to be employing situation ethics. I can't help wishing that J. Assange would get around to looking at all of the Trumpsters' emails.
6
Gail is right. If HC was quick enough not to require scripting, she would have ditched the digs. But the reason she didn't transcends slow-wittedness. She is just as vicious as Trump. ("What is important is Hillary savaging the women."—Carl Bernstein)
As for her tenure on the Watergate committee, the only thing in dispute is her firing.
KARMA
America's forewarning about Hillary Clinton 42 yrs ago was, in retrospect, one of the high points of modern historical irony.
I am referring, of course, to the removal of Hillary Rodham, 27, from the Watergate committee investigating Nixon. She was let go when the investigation ended and was declined a recommendation by Jerry Zeifman, a lifelong Democrat, for reasons of ethical deficiency that included habitual lying, attempted concealment of documents, and conspiring to violate the Constitution, the rules of the House, the rules of the committee and the rules of confidentiality. Zeifman recently stated his only regret is not having reported Ms. Rodham to the Bar.
Historical irony shocks us out of our complacencies, forces us to confront our fears, makes us remember our obligations, reminds us who we are.
But an awareness of historical irony requires critical thinking, honest reflection, virtually nonexistent today in this era of disinformation and reflexive response: 140 characters, max.
If we are to repair a country weakened by dangerously unfit leaders, we must, all of us, recognize that ironic warning 42 yrs. ago and heed it.
As for her tenure on the Watergate committee, the only thing in dispute is her firing.
KARMA
America's forewarning about Hillary Clinton 42 yrs ago was, in retrospect, one of the high points of modern historical irony.
I am referring, of course, to the removal of Hillary Rodham, 27, from the Watergate committee investigating Nixon. She was let go when the investigation ended and was declined a recommendation by Jerry Zeifman, a lifelong Democrat, for reasons of ethical deficiency that included habitual lying, attempted concealment of documents, and conspiring to violate the Constitution, the rules of the House, the rules of the committee and the rules of confidentiality. Zeifman recently stated his only regret is not having reported Ms. Rodham to the Bar.
Historical irony shocks us out of our complacencies, forces us to confront our fears, makes us remember our obligations, reminds us who we are.
But an awareness of historical irony requires critical thinking, honest reflection, virtually nonexistent today in this era of disinformation and reflexive response: 140 characters, max.
If we are to repair a country weakened by dangerously unfit leaders, we must, all of us, recognize that ironic warning 42 yrs. ago and heed it.
3
Sorry, Marian –
This story has been debunked many times over, and the truth is rather more complicated than you present it here. Check it out on Snopes. HRC remained with the Watergate inquiry staff up until the end, leaving only when President Nixon resigned.
This story has been debunked many times over, and the truth is rather more complicated than you present it here. Check it out on Snopes. HRC remained with the Watergate inquiry staff up until the end, leaving only when President Nixon resigned.
14
Following up on Sally B--
check out the whole story here
http://www.snopes.com/politics/clintons/zeifman.asp
It is another reason Hillary did not give the "perfect Speech" Gail Collins says she hoped for. The repeated lies after lies do not merit the lightweight approach of Collins but the serious humor Hillary used. HRC and her speechwriters combined wit with weight in the right proportions.
check out the whole story here
http://www.snopes.com/politics/clintons/zeifman.asp
It is another reason Hillary did not give the "perfect Speech" Gail Collins says she hoped for. The repeated lies after lies do not merit the lightweight approach of Collins but the serious humor Hillary used. HRC and her speechwriters combined wit with weight in the right proportions.
7
Check Snopes on this falsehood, dupe.
5
Apparently Trump failed to fully process that he was not addressing the same sort of audience members who gather for his rallies. So his humorless comment about the Watergate Commission that lacked even a nodding reference to the preposterous nature of the claim was not met with roars of approval. Quite the opposite. News reports note that after the dinner concluded, people lined up to shake Hillary Clinton's hand, while Donald Trump soon made his way to the exit. This crowd was not confused about which candidate is respectable and which one is a walking joke. Why waste time hanging around to shake hands with a loser who has become a social pariah?
22
I so look forward to reading your column. your are so right and so funny.
6
Turns out that Trump's "best" joke about Melania plagiarizing Michelle Obama's speech was plagiarized from a cartoon that appeared in Roll Call some months back. He's nothing if not consistent.
30
This may be true, but it was so much funnier coming from the Drumpf himself.
8
Donald probably ate nothing as a result of his germaphobic tendencies. A bucket of wings as he flies to the next campaign stop the breakfast of champions.
6
Gail Collins is so disturbed by the malignancy exuded by Trump and 40% of likely voters that there's nothing funny here.
What is happening to Gail Collins? Can it be the constant pressure from those who value their religion or their race or their gender or their sexual preference over their country but cunningly can hire weasels like Frank Luntz to craft slogans like "Country First" is sapping the will of one of America's funniest people?
Clearly, you were feeling a bit grim when you wrote this column. It has dawned on you that no matter how accurate and incisive your satire, either it has been blocked from the purview of those who need to see it most, or else it whizzes by them unacknowledged like so much else that conforms with Newtonian physics, cause/effect, and other measures of reality.
You are whistling through America's graveyard, and your tune isn't even jaunty any more. You hear wolf whistles and "hubba hubba" and "colored" and "queer," once whispers now gathering to a jubilant roar as America makes a violent U-turn on the road toward extending the protections of the Constitution to Americans who once were not white or Christian or male or straight enough to merit sanctuary.
Enter Donald Trump as The Music Man, the conductor who has united the disparate notes of discontent, helping the misogynists find common ground with the white supremacists, all financed by those who prefer plutocracy to representative government.
I can understand why you're not funny today.
What is happening to Gail Collins? Can it be the constant pressure from those who value their religion or their race or their gender or their sexual preference over their country but cunningly can hire weasels like Frank Luntz to craft slogans like "Country First" is sapping the will of one of America's funniest people?
Clearly, you were feeling a bit grim when you wrote this column. It has dawned on you that no matter how accurate and incisive your satire, either it has been blocked from the purview of those who need to see it most, or else it whizzes by them unacknowledged like so much else that conforms with Newtonian physics, cause/effect, and other measures of reality.
You are whistling through America's graveyard, and your tune isn't even jaunty any more. You hear wolf whistles and "hubba hubba" and "colored" and "queer," once whispers now gathering to a jubilant roar as America makes a violent U-turn on the road toward extending the protections of the Constitution to Americans who once were not white or Christian or male or straight enough to merit sanctuary.
Enter Donald Trump as The Music Man, the conductor who has united the disparate notes of discontent, helping the misogynists find common ground with the white supremacists, all financed by those who prefer plutocracy to representative government.
I can understand why you're not funny today.
8
Whoa. I think Clinton is doing the right thing by pointing at things that are serious. The one about Obama not getting into the white house if Trump is elected was spot on. She also had some funny jokes, Trump sending a hearse to pick her up was one. I thought she struck the right tone. This is not business as usual this election and no one should forget it. She is taking it very seriously for the right reasons.
30
Millions of Americans want Trump because they identify with a foul-mouthed, "We're Number One!", road-rage driven buffoon because that's what they are. As H.L. Mencken said: "Democracy is the form of government where the people get what they want--good and hard."
8
I honestly think the "man" has mental problems.
That when he loses, to a woman no less, he will become a real danger to himself and those around him.
The only saving grace is that at 70 and obese he is about as dangerous as a toddler.
That when he loses, to a woman no less, he will become a real danger to himself and those around him.
The only saving grace is that at 70 and obese he is about as dangerous as a toddler.
16
I think we should stop beating up on Mr. Trump. You don't get to just have compassion for old people, sick people, racial minorities, the disenfranchised, and refugees. Compassion is for everyone -- even seemingly smart, elite business people. Donald Trump is politically and socially tone-deaf. We could say he has a disability -- why don't we leave it at that? I'm getting tired of people being self-righteous about someone who clearly just can't do the right thing.
5
Actually, I respectfully disagree. I don't know what Mr. Trump's problem is, either -- and I don't care. He is running for President of the United States, and to forgive his misogyny, racism, anti-Semitism, foreign policy ignorance, tax-dodging ways, and petulant anger would then make him seem like a credible candidate. Remember, Mr. Trump has repeatedly presented himself as the only person who can fix the country. In the meantime, with his numerous faults bubbling to the surface, I'm wondering who really runs his companies -- I doubt it's him. And America simply cannot take the risk of putting this man in the White House.
36
OK, fine. I have compassion for the sociopath Trump. Poor picked on narcissistic, ignorant, misogynistic billionaire (maybe) bigot. How difficult his life has been. Only a small $14 to start his business. And all those mean people he cheated who took umbrage at being cheated. And all those mean women who were offended by being sexually assaulted by him.
Poor poor Trump. My pity runs o'er.
However, compassion does not mean we should not all quake in fear at the prospect of his Presidency.
Poor poor Trump. My pity runs o'er.
However, compassion does not mean we should not all quake in fear at the prospect of his Presidency.
14
Considering that Trump said he was joking when he publicly asked Russia to commit espionage on Mrs. Clinton, or that Trump said he was being sarcastic when he repeatedly called President Obama ISIS' founder, it is no surprise that Trump would bottom out at a humor-themed event.
11
The reason Mr. Trump can't seem to go on for more than 11 minutes before becoming unglued is obvious: Mr. Trump's list of enemies, slights, resentments and plans for revenge is so long and twisted that he can't help but trip over it and lose sight of the reality that he is the Republican candidate for the presidency.
13
"Don't take Donald Trump to dinner?" I wouldn't spit on him if he were on fire. Forget the dinner.
13
The man with the hair and the frown
Is perpetually spiralling down.
His jokes are obscene,
Offensive and mean:
How could anyone vote for this clown?
Is perpetually spiralling down.
His jokes are obscene,
Offensive and mean:
How could anyone vote for this clown?
50
If I was a woman I wouldn't even want to speed date this guy, let alone sit through a whole dinner with him. Hillary is one strong woman. I like strong women. Trump, of course, is so terrified of them he tries to bully 'em--apparently the only way he knows how to deal with his fear and self-loathing.
28
Best comment about this latest Trump disaster came from Chuck Todd of NBC:
Donald Trump is the first presidential candidate in American history to "lose" the Al Smith dinner.
Love it.
Donald Trump is the first presidential candidate in American history to "lose" the Al Smith dinner.
Love it.
39
Why do we have so many people telling us how bad Trump is? We can see him in action all over the media. Apparently the voting public is, in majority, deaf, blind and dumb! If any minor media star i.e.: Billy Bush, did the things Trump has done a punishment would soon be delivered. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck....
4
The Donald is lucky Sperm gone terribly awry. No surprise considering the sperms source was his proven bigot and financier Daddy FRED. The good people of Manhattan have never done more than look down on the no class Trumps. Rudi belongs attached to Donald's behind since he is not even liked by his own children and is riding Donald hoping for relevance knowing that America laughed his run for President off without a single delegate won. Birds of a feather belonging to a despicable vulture. Go Away Donny you have done enough harm and are leaving a stench in your path.
18
Ummm, Gail? Donald Trump IS the creepy clown at the Easter Egg Roll.
28
Thank you, thank you, Gail Collins, for NOT writing "THE" hoi polloi. As for what HIllary might have done spontaneously...maybe break a plate (with food on it) over the idiot's head?
12
Gail got her groove back!
If we had to have Trump howling on the roof all this time- worth it!
If we had to have Trump howling on the roof all this time- worth it!
4
I was going to say Trump should have been relegated to the kiddie table, but that would be doing kids a disservice.
13
Gail, I loved the column but missed your usual humor despite the seriousness of the topic. You say Hillary should have tossed out her prepared lines, but I found her delivery pitch-perfect, indicating to me that she was thinking on her feet as she delivered her (prepared) remarks with exquisitely timed pauses before each punch.
Today, Cardinal Timothy Dolan reported the off-microphone remarks that passed between Trump and Clinton during the dinner, and those remarks indicate to me that the rivals have already made their peace, and that makes me feel better about the whole election: Trump reportedly said, ‘You know, you are one tough and talented woman’ and "This has been a good experience, this whole campaign, as tough as it’s been.’” and she reportedly replied, "And Donald, whatever happens, we need to work together afterwards."
SHE has earned Donald's respect, and HE was signaling that after the election he going to concede, cooperate, and try (as best as he knows how) to help heal our divisions.
And last but not least: Hillary gutted and sliced Rudy Giuliani like a seasoned sushi chef. Her remarks about him were the most satisfying moments of the entire evening.
Today, Cardinal Timothy Dolan reported the off-microphone remarks that passed between Trump and Clinton during the dinner, and those remarks indicate to me that the rivals have already made their peace, and that makes me feel better about the whole election: Trump reportedly said, ‘You know, you are one tough and talented woman’ and "This has been a good experience, this whole campaign, as tough as it’s been.’” and she reportedly replied, "And Donald, whatever happens, we need to work together afterwards."
SHE has earned Donald's respect, and HE was signaling that after the election he going to concede, cooperate, and try (as best as he knows how) to help heal our divisions.
And last but not least: Hillary gutted and sliced Rudy Giuliani like a seasoned sushi chef. Her remarks about him were the most satisfying moments of the entire evening.
13
News Flash: Donald Trump IS the Creepy Clown.
10
People are saying so, I dunno, you sell me.
I think Donald is responsible for the creepy clown craze. Kidz can tell the diff.
I think his voice comes off like those old mad magazine stills where the pieces of their previous meal exit the blather mouth.
I think Donald is responsible for the creepy clown craze. Kidz can tell the diff.
I think his voice comes off like those old mad magazine stills where the pieces of their previous meal exit the blather mouth.
1
So much for telling children that these things aren't real. Trump IS the creepy clown haunting our dreams.
4
Actually, i'd sort of like to see a creepy clown at the Easter egg roll!
2
The presidential debates confirmed that it is unfair and futile to ask a narcissist like Donald Trump to be honestly self-reflective.
The Al Smith Dinner benefit showed that it is even less realistic to think that a narcissist can do any self-deprecating humor. Trump needs someone else to be the butt of his remarks -- whether he speaks in anger or in attempted humor.
The Al Smith Dinner benefit showed that it is even less realistic to think that a narcissist can do any self-deprecating humor. Trump needs someone else to be the butt of his remarks -- whether he speaks in anger or in attempted humor.
9
At some point, shouldn't this man be Baker acted, to both save him from himself, and to save the rest of the country from him?
1
What an unhappy man.
As they say, ' Money can't buy it.'
As they say, ' Money can't buy it.'
14
Donald Trump is a national disgrace.
11
If only he knew that. Lots of folks have problems with shame, and this man is shaking mine to the limit. Narcissists let others pick up their shards of existence and insist it's in mint condition. I have pieced together so many Roman urns...only to be told to sleep in the foreroom.
6
Oh, all these traditionalists seeking normalcy. With women ascendant, the political revolution is far off. It's time to huddle scared beneath the shattered glass ceiling.
1
Huddle? More like puddles. Aquarius is coming like Wyatt Earp. Please wipe your feet, I've been mopping for ages.
Folks think Hillary's been channeling Roosevelt, but this is Aquitaine, Henry. Court of Love and all that chivalry.
Folks think Hillary's been channeling Roosevelt, but this is Aquitaine, Henry. Court of Love and all that chivalry.
4
I once read a quote from James Brown where he said he came from Newark and in Newark if you can't get up and dance with the best of them, you might as well pack your bags and leave town. As far as I'm concerned the same could be said of NYC and now the country when it comes to exhibiting a real sense of humor whatever one's talent at telling jokes; in a perfect world, Donald J Trump would have long ago left the stage. He always has to lead and he can't dance, which is offensive, not funny.
5
Perhaps, Trump should join forces with Murdock and buy the NYTimes. Then, and only then, could they drive out the deluge of reductive liberal thinking from what was once a great paper. Oh wait! Murdoch would only turn you into another the of garbage like Fox "news." Silly columnists like Gail Collins, and other non-objective hacks, can see no wrong in "taking" Hillary "to dinner". But in Trump, they find the object of all their fears: a successful white with a penis. If only Trump had left a path of fraud, ruin and death, I suppose that he might appease the self-indulgent rumination of the extreme liberal leftists who spatter their nonsense across the NYTimes.
2
Besides Trump's & even Hilliary's cringe-worthy roast/attack speeches, I noticed other unappetizing scenes at the Dinner. Maria Bartiromo texting, fidgeting with her glasses and gloves constantly, barely taking attention from her deep decolletage. But, more importantly, Maria, though glamorous and gorgeous, was representative of what the political class has become. The reporters and media types were seated on the dais with the elite Catholics, instead of reporting on them as you did. Incestuously blurred lines.
The other startling distasteful observation was the repeated self-congratulation of having raised a HUGE $6million for those poor kids. While Hillary has raised over $60 million for her campaign. Obscene.
The other startling distasteful observation was the repeated self-congratulation of having raised a HUGE $6million for those poor kids. While Hillary has raised over $60 million for her campaign. Obscene.
7
In a bid for a seat at that elusive table, surrounded by the same folks who delivered their borough to Kasich in the primary, perpetual Manhattan wannabe puppet Donny plays the Turd in the Punchbowl.
5
Now, Gail, see, you had to go and mention the android thing. I guess the headlines "Trump says HRC is android--shocker!!!" will entertain us for the next couple of days.
Thank goodness no one has mentioned in public about Hillary being an alien from outer space, because there'd be calls for planetary origin certificates and erecting space walls and...
Oh. Dang.
Thank goodness no one has mentioned in public about Hillary being an alien from outer space, because there'd be calls for planetary origin certificates and erecting space walls and...
Oh. Dang.
4
Gail, she was smart to stick to her script. She figured out long ago that if she keeps a steady hand on the tiller, The Donald will do his usual to continue setting back his chances of election. Sorry she didn't entertain you as you would have liked.
6
Trump is America's gift to Hillary. She will be our next President because she has no competitor. How the Republican leaders in Washington and some 40% of America's voters picked Trump is, for the Democrats and thus Hillary, a true miracle.
4
She will be our next President because she is supremely qualified and prepared to do so. Hillary would have been a formidable opponent for any one of the many Republican candidates this season, who were all out of step with the majority of Americans. And but for Trump, maybe more attention would have been paid to her many detailed proposals to move this country forward and resurrect the middle class.
7
Taking a deduction permitted by the tax code doesn't make Mr. Trump an unpatriotic shirker, nor does it make him smart. The tax code should indeed not give such handouts to the wealthy, but it does, and will continue to regardless of who wins next month.
Can this election be over now?
Can this election be over now?
3
People like Trump pay lobbyists to shape the tax code in their favor. The tax code is a thing made by congress and paid for by the Trumps of our world.
4
Why blame him alone ? He gets his support and oxygen from all types of nitwits of the GOP, including mayors, sheriffs ( particularly a black sheriff ! ) a black surgeon,,red necks, evangelicals and grandees of the party. He is just a symbol of all that is bad with America. And he has 50 million hard core loyalists.
5
Gail, the "Hillary-is-unspontaneous" line is getting as stale as it is fake to begin with.
It's from the same barrel as the "Al-Gore-is-boring" meme, which succeeded in giving us 8 years of super-spontaneous-and-fun George W Bush.
It's from the same barrel as the "Al-Gore-is-boring" meme, which succeeded in giving us 8 years of super-spontaneous-and-fun George W Bush.
29
The " end times " are surely coming. One of the signs in the Islamic Mythology is called , " Qahtul Rijal " or the dearth of the sane people ! Not only is Mr Trump a lunatic, his also followers who believe that Immigrants go straight from the border to the election booths . They admire him and call him a "genius " for not paying taxes ,don't bother that he insults women and our killed soldiers parents, asks for help from Putin to hack our emails and uses undocumented labor for his real estate business ! This surely is the time of Qahtal Rijal .
8
Syed--Maybe they will self-immolate, and I can stand here laughing about the surprising discovery awaiting them on "the other side." Too bad they won't be "conscious" to appreciate the vacuum. :-D
3
At the end of your column, it sounds like you've already started your own Al Smith speech!
But I think that dinner might have been a turning point for Donald Trump. I think he liked her. He saw how large, deep, and presidential she was, and how cordial. And he saw the contrast between her in that setting and him. Her comment that it is not what you build but how many lives you touch seemed to register with him.
I think he was a bit subdued today because he no longer minds if she wins—and even thinks she should.
But I think that dinner might have been a turning point for Donald Trump. I think he liked her. He saw how large, deep, and presidential she was, and how cordial. And he saw the contrast between her in that setting and him. Her comment that it is not what you build but how many lives you touch seemed to register with him.
I think he was a bit subdued today because he no longer minds if she wins—and even thinks she should.
6
Agree. Lotsa psycho-history for Donny in that room: he was surrounded by priest authority ny magnate rich daddy-types, plus he went there when he was a kid as Papa Fred's guest. Like all narcissists, he's shame averse and being flooded by it in that setting may have confused and shaken him up in a good way. Kind of like a therapy dinner for him.
4
Poor Rudy Giuliani. It's got to hurt that Trump hasn't bothered to insult him yet. I mean he's even insulted that inflated walrus, Chris Christie.
7
AG--A cornered, rabid dog is bound to bite even those who try to help him.
5
This didn't do it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IrE6FMpai8
Was he flattered, or did he book him, Danno? Why won't Rudy prosecute Donnie? Better question, why did either of them find this funny?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IrE6FMpai8
Was he flattered, or did he book him, Danno? Why won't Rudy prosecute Donnie? Better question, why did either of them find this funny?
1
I've worked with a few guys like Trump.
The NYT has lost what credibility it ever had by constantly personally attacking a guy who's view of the world is different from liberal Jihadists.
The NYT has lost what credibility it ever had by constantly personally attacking a guy who's view of the world is different from liberal Jihadists.
2
"Liberal jihadists?" That is either the funniest, or saddest, comment on this page! Proves our point about mass lunacy. Thanks!
14
That's jujitsu, not jihad, silly.
7
Gail you have hit your mark. Again.
6
Gail, I have to think that someday...Maybe a couple of decades from now, we'll have a Broadway show about this election.
Thanks for your column.
Thanks for your column.
9
The spirit of the Al Smith Dinner was lost on Trump, who read his Comedy Central Roast jokes looking down the whole time. His only attempt at self-deprecation was not himself, it was Melania-deprecation, which I thought was a low blow.
12
Only 17 more days
9
Trump is like a little brat that can't be taken anywhere without throwing a tantrum or creating a scene. Outside of his rallies he's a turd in the punch bowl.
1
"There’s nothing Trump can’t ruin, people."
So true. So sad. Perhaps the world's worst loser.
Trump reminds me of Carrie in the last scene of the movie "Carrie," standing on stage, in a rage, burning & annihilating everything in her path.
So true. So sad. Perhaps the world's worst loser.
Trump reminds me of Carrie in the last scene of the movie "Carrie," standing on stage, in a rage, burning & annihilating everything in her path.
4
While both Clinton and Trump managed to detract from what was supposed to be a positive night, Trump clearly won the 'who can be the worst" race. A little more humor in his campaign might have made a difference. I seem to remember the same thing said about Romney four years ago.
1
Trump has zero sense of humor and even less wit.
4
Ms Clinton ended on quite a high note – how could anyone could call it other than positive?
1
If you want to understand why, with a few exceptions, Trump's speech was so humorless, I commend http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-inside-story-of-donald-trumps-co....
It includes a link to Trump's thin-skinned edits, with customary gold sharpie, of the comedians' draft jokes.
It includes a link to Trump's thin-skinned edits, with customary gold sharpie, of the comedians' draft jokes.
3
Clinton is playing tennis without a net. It isn't pretty. Lots of ball chasing, you win the match, but it's a hollow victory.
1
The sweetest court victory I ever saw was that woman Trump groped at the tennis club. OMG, he is such a pig to make a woman that beautiful feel ugly and shameful about her allure. It's not her fault Trump thinks of women like an Iranian. He's quoted saying we have no control over our sexuality; we're wild animals ready for anything. I think he meant consent. We have no right to consent over our sexuality.
"Don't you know who I am?"
Thank good we put an M on that menace.
"Don't you know who I am?"
Thank good we put an M on that menace.
2
This really, really, really isn't working--a Republican House, a Republican Senate, and President Donald J. Trump?
Make America Great (or at least sane) AGAIN--Vote Democratic!
Make America Great (or at least sane) AGAIN--Vote Democratic!
9
The Chump is truly "a superannuated bulldog with a toothache." You might win the mighty name-calling contest that Chumpy inspirfes. Personally, I don't believe, as he claimed, that his father took Chumpy the boy to the Al Smith Dinner. Why would Fred Trump, a housing developer in Queens, pay for two high-priced tickets to a Catholic Charities fundraiser? Hope you, Gail, can find out if that's another lie.
4
What astounded me about the Al Smith Dinner was the woman in the bright red dress who sat one row back and to the right of the speaker's podium and showed entirely too much cleavage for a Catholic Charities sponsored event. Women who show that much of themselves are usually waitresses at "Hooters," or dance in bars where they receive dollar tips for exposing themselves. I'm certain that it took all of Donald Trump's willpower and then some to refrain from putting his hands down the top of her dress, rather than up the bottom as most of his victims said he most often did!
5
Once again, the NYT is biased in its coverage of the campaign. They bashed Trump and left the impression that Hillary was much better. No, after watching it, she was a close second to him.
Yes, Trump was noxious. It just is who he is. Hillary was nearly the same. She certainly couldn't mock her base; they were sitting rght there. Like W before her who said words to the effect that some called that audience the elite; he called them his base, so does she. A witty, light-hearted speech (surely she knew Trump couldn't pull that off), would have made the audience both feel better and see her as vastly the superior choice. Instead she remains the better but only slightly more likable one.
Enough about the Donald/Hillary duet. The Tmes has, as Trump claimed, done all it could to push Hillary over the line. It happend in the primary and it continues to happen. That is not good journalism! Have you all lost the ability to be objective? Did the rise of hate radio and Fox News cause the death of journalistic standards? If so, Trump will have the last laugh if he creates a network to rival Fox. He will undoubtly hire Ailes to run it. They can call it Grope tv and it would still be wildly popular. Whereas the Times has been steadily alienating its own readership who expects adult analysis and standards that do not treat gossip and sensationalism as news. I guess I will have to turn to the Europeans for news the same way I do for entertainment.
Yes, Trump was noxious. It just is who he is. Hillary was nearly the same. She certainly couldn't mock her base; they were sitting rght there. Like W before her who said words to the effect that some called that audience the elite; he called them his base, so does she. A witty, light-hearted speech (surely she knew Trump couldn't pull that off), would have made the audience both feel better and see her as vastly the superior choice. Instead she remains the better but only slightly more likable one.
Enough about the Donald/Hillary duet. The Tmes has, as Trump claimed, done all it could to push Hillary over the line. It happend in the primary and it continues to happen. That is not good journalism! Have you all lost the ability to be objective? Did the rise of hate radio and Fox News cause the death of journalistic standards? If so, Trump will have the last laugh if he creates a network to rival Fox. He will undoubtly hire Ailes to run it. They can call it Grope tv and it would still be wildly popular. Whereas the Times has been steadily alienating its own readership who expects adult analysis and standards that do not treat gossip and sensationalism as news. I guess I will have to turn to the Europeans for news the same way I do for entertainment.
4
Don't take Donald Trump to dinner with Fox News Business Anchor "journalist" Maria Bartiromo wearing a scarlet cleavage baring dress with long white gloves and dangling golden earrings without his "Tic-Tacs" or Roger Ailes.
Who knew that upper castes had so little class? This could have been a dinner where pimps, prostitutes, sexual predators and pedophiles would have felt very comfortable. His alleged Eminence ,the Cardinal Dolan the Archbishop of New York, fit right in with this crowd. New York does not give us it's very best with this pack.
Who knew that upper castes had so little class? This could have been a dinner where pimps, prostitutes, sexual predators and pedophiles would have felt very comfortable. His alleged Eminence ,the Cardinal Dolan the Archbishop of New York, fit right in with this crowd. New York does not give us it's very best with this pack.
3
Yeh -- watching right-wing strumpet Bartiromo laugh at Donny's jokes until she realized others more powerful than her weren't was particularly revolting. You can take the girl (as well as The Donald) outta Queens, but...
6
Mr Trump needs a crash course in Miss Porter's basic manners class. I would offer to pay for the course to save our country!!!
2
Well, the good news is that no one is voting for Trump because he'd be fun to have a beer with.
5
Clarification: HE would be the creepy clown at the Easter egg roll.
6
If you go to dinner with Donny, he'll stick you with the tab.
If you sit at the same dinner table as HRC, she'll not only stick you with the tab, but charge you $100,000 for the pleasure of proximity to her.
What a dreadful choice of candidates.
If you sit at the same dinner table as HRC, she'll not only stick you with the tab, but charge you $100,000 for the pleasure of proximity to her.
What a dreadful choice of candidates.
2
I’m going to donate my Hamilton tickets to Donald. Hoping George Washington can “teach him how to say goodbye”.
2
Gail, this is a bit "low energy" for you. Is this column rigged to be blah? Don't keep us in suspense.
1
He was unsurprisingly horrid. I wish that she hadn't stooped to his level. She didn't quite reach that impossible low, but I was disappointed she even tried.
2
Please do not refer to jerks who dress up as clowns, creepy or otherwise, as actual clowns. Thank you.
http://physicalcomedy.blogspot.com/2016/10/on-triumph-of-clowning-and-ci...
http://physicalcomedy.blogspot.com/2016/10/on-triumph-of-clowning-and-ci...
2
Yep, agree that "everything he touches turns to crazy". But when was Rudy Giuliani a "credible public figure"? Back when he dumped his wife on the evening news? Or before he began milking 9/11 for all he's worth, taking advantage of our national agony for endless self-promotion? Trump didn't turn Rudy "crazy". He's been a sicko long before The Donald hit the boards. But yes, Trump probably pushed him into the category of "certifiable".
11
Gail, thank you for some much needed levity during this otherwise depressing election cycle! Again, Trump highlighted his complete and utter lack of class. I suppose he assumes that he can buy class with a tuxedo or a suit but alas his boorishness shines through in the end.
4
Just seeing the image of Timothy M. Dolan sitting with Donald Trump to his left, and Hillary Clinton to his right made me feel positive about having left the Catholic Church 52 years ago, having never voted for a Republican candidate in my life, and now, for being estranged from the Democratic Party and most likely, voting for Jill Stein on November 8. "A hard rain's gonna fall", and no one in power will do anything to calm the storm. Most barely acknowledge it.
1
Suggest you track down John Oliver's recent look at both Gary and Jill's utterly dopey views. Jill thinks we should forgive everyone's student loans using quantitative easing. She doesn't know much. GJ is not much worse except he's grouchy.
3
I thought the plagiarism joke by Trump (Melania not getting the positive response as Michelle while giving the same speech) was the best of both pols. IF he were not such an incompetent pig it may have even raised his votes a point or two. But once again he eclipsed his own shine.
2
Yes it was very funny. Also as it turns out, plagiarized: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/10/21/1585545/-Trump-plagiarized-his-...
3
How did Clinton miss the opportunity to say: "I almost missed being here, seems I accidentally deleted the invitation." Come on, guys!
6
She's not very funny. She's not at all spontaneous. But she's not Trump.
I believe you have captured the essence of her campaign.
1
But Hillary crossed the line too. NO!
GIVE FALSE EQUIVALENCY A REST!
It's beaten to death by Trumpistas!
A "roast" is to be Snarky BUT FUNNY! Point-counterpoint
The LINE is crossed when the written jokes, from a professional jokester, the candidate insists on last minute changes that turn snark into ugly.
The candidate rehearses to GET IT RIGHT, the pace, the rhythm.
I was sad for Trump and us. He showed signs of his humanity, but first he stepped all over it. His smiles seemed honest. The second half was mean, inappropriate words inserted, breaking the rhythm and mood. Make them cringe is okay, not boo.
Trump's first half was good. His joke about Melania's speech. She was the willing target, redeemed by the obvious. But Donald couldn't resist "IT WAS NOT HER FAULT." The campaign screwed up and every knew it.
Melania's was murdered by incompetent cousins of KellyAnn Conway. Spinning is not lying,a Lohn. Crossed too often.
A Teleprompter or a prepared text should be delivered by a pro. Clinton practices. She prepares. It's not phony. Stand and deliver. Reagan could do that. It's called GETTING IT RIGHT.
Reagan could deliver a speech, but he was a pro, not just reading words, his own or a script. He understood where the subtlety and the hammer were. Trump does not have the discipline to cut and deliver.
He's compulsive, impulsive, showed humanity, sitting down.
Trump rewrote or edited his speech at the table. He killed the punchline.
AGAIN AND AGAIN.
GIVE FALSE EQUIVALENCY A REST!
It's beaten to death by Trumpistas!
A "roast" is to be Snarky BUT FUNNY! Point-counterpoint
The LINE is crossed when the written jokes, from a professional jokester, the candidate insists on last minute changes that turn snark into ugly.
The candidate rehearses to GET IT RIGHT, the pace, the rhythm.
I was sad for Trump and us. He showed signs of his humanity, but first he stepped all over it. His smiles seemed honest. The second half was mean, inappropriate words inserted, breaking the rhythm and mood. Make them cringe is okay, not boo.
Trump's first half was good. His joke about Melania's speech. She was the willing target, redeemed by the obvious. But Donald couldn't resist "IT WAS NOT HER FAULT." The campaign screwed up and every knew it.
Melania's was murdered by incompetent cousins of KellyAnn Conway. Spinning is not lying,a Lohn. Crossed too often.
A Teleprompter or a prepared text should be delivered by a pro. Clinton practices. She prepares. It's not phony. Stand and deliver. Reagan could do that. It's called GETTING IT RIGHT.
Reagan could deliver a speech, but he was a pro, not just reading words, his own or a script. He understood where the subtlety and the hammer were. Trump does not have the discipline to cut and deliver.
He's compulsive, impulsive, showed humanity, sitting down.
Trump rewrote or edited his speech at the table. He killed the punchline.
AGAIN AND AGAIN.
4
A man is no more handsome when he stands on his wallet.
2
My greatest happiness was finding happiness with very little and a very funny man. Now we are too comfortable for my taste. Squirrel in a crawl space.
Well, "when they (DT in this instance) go low" , she (HRC) goes kind of in the middle. She never quite makes it to "high" like our lovely first lady.
3
Wow. To complain that Hillary failed to take the high road seems like applauding oneself for showing grace under absolutely no pressure. And to explain the bitterness of her speech by saying "they [H and D] hate each other," as if we were talking about feuding movie stars or athletes, is to grossly minimize the extent to which D has behaved swinishly. Yes, surely, had Hillary made polite, self-deprecating, remarks, it would have soothed and aided the digestion of the diners at the Al Smith dinner, but I for one am glad she didn't. She has a right to be angry. About all the "liar" accusations? "Crooked Hillary"? "Lock her up"? Before talking about a "god-natured speech" see how you like having your family and your marriage dragged through the mud not only in front of the 300 million people in America but in front of the world. I suggest it would have been more robot-like or anyway more ladylike for Hillary to politely poke fun at herself than to step up and give D a taste of what he truly deserves. I for one was glad to see Hillary stand up and throw punches and watch D flash his false smile and false bonded teeth and squirm in well-earned discomfort.
11
After reading the Times original description of this in their "news" section I watced a video of the whole thing. The Times becomes less credible every day.
4
I think what you have failed to notice is that Trump has also ruined your paper. Trump is an idiot and you guys have stooped to his level and he beat you with experience. The Times utterly biased reporting by creating such a vortex around everything that Trump does, yet glossing over Clinton's "yuge" failures and criminal activity, causes people to discount your reporting on the election and, by extension, everything else, since you have such a progressive agenda to drive, rather than the news in a objective fashion. THAT is why you numbers are down. I keep my subscription in the hopes of a revelation but that seems unlikely.
1
"There’s nothing Trump can’t ruin, people." So true. We should call his fanbase — the people he's leading to ruin — "Trump's ruination".
3
Notable that the most "self-deprecating" joke Trump told was about his wife. Then made her stand up.
7
Did I misunderstand him at the debate? He offered that he didn't even apologize to his wife as it's all made up. But shehad broken her silence to say she accepted his apology. I know, for Billy Bush bullying him into saying those locker things.
But Bannon's Brietbart would fart that out as fact. Trump says wife is liar. He dumps on his wife, right after a spectacular line up, just as he has kicked each supporter in the balls for playing his game.
But Bannon's Brietbart would fart that out as fact. Trump says wife is liar. He dumps on his wife, right after a spectacular line up, just as he has kicked each supporter in the balls for playing his game.
Hillary lied when she said, quoting Mchelle, "When they go low, we go high." She went low too. I'm glad she did. And that little "fib" of hers, once again, was nothing compared to the delusional slander by that nasty man.
3
He seems now to occasionally have a flicker of a notion that he's tanking, but he has no idea how to be any different. The guy is 70, isn't he? A bit late to be learning how to dial it back or walk up to the line, but not cross it. Too old to learn why decency is important in society, including high society. Unfortunately, when he began this thing, there was no way for him to know he would not be universally adored, or at least accepted by an amused public. His only reference points were his TV show and his YUGE importance everywhere he went, every pageant, every casino, every business deal, every woman he intimidated or grabbed.
Too late for Donald. And while the rest of us can hardly wait for this excruciating debacle of an election to be over, we do still know that he cannot be elected, and we know we will have a YUGE mess to clean up for years. The Americans who support him will continue to carry forward the delusion that this is GREAT, and the GOP will be averting their gaze, hoping it will all just go away somehow so they can continue with the bullying that stays just inside the overt.
Too late for Donald. And while the rest of us can hardly wait for this excruciating debacle of an election to be over, we do still know that he cannot be elected, and we know we will have a YUGE mess to clean up for years. The Americans who support him will continue to carry forward the delusion that this is GREAT, and the GOP will be averting their gaze, hoping it will all just go away somehow so they can continue with the bullying that stays just inside the overt.
215
Thank you, Gail Collins, for all that you do... to enlighten us as to just what some people are - and are not. I enjoy reading your columns.
2
Trump reportedly made a number of irritating remarks at the dinner, but this is the one that irritates me the most: "I don't know who they're angry at, Hillary, you or I [sic]." Remember that this is the man who accused Hillary at the second debate thus: "You was [sic] totally out of control." Trump doesn't normally talk this way, but presumably he got excited and that caused his grammar to lurch "totally out of control". "I don't know who they're angry at, Hillary, you or I" is just as wildly ungrammatical, but it's also extremely affected. It can't be a momentary slip; it can only be a premeditated acknowledgement that the speaker hasn't a clue about how the English language works. ("I don't know who they're angry at, Hillary, you or I" is the grammatical equivalent of "They're angry at I." A pronoun functioning as the object of a preposition requires the object form. Just as it must be "They're at ME", so it must also be ""I don't know who they're angry at, Hillary, you or ME.")
7
You know, I keep thinking of Trump's children. Whereas the rest of us, coming from more modest means, can take a geographic option to escape our cranky and demented parents, these pampered privilged cannot: If you were one of them trying to discreetly move to a far-off state to have a reasonable life, Daddy Dearest would just land his big old plane in your backyard.
No Exit.
No Exit.
3
His kids are poster children for the rotten fruit. Like their father, they aggressively perpetrate the deception held by about 40% of Americans that capitalism and democracy are interchangeable. They have the money to break away from him but they choose not to. What they lack is integrity, courage, compassion, human decency. Just like their father, they were born into free lunch -- but not a free pass.
2
Have you wondered the rise of Trump and the recent creepy clowns outbreaks seem to parallel each other? Coincident? I fear not
5
Another new definition of awful by Trump.
2
You can't take him to dinner but you can take him to a food fight.
192
Why don't you write about the issues? At least Trump is interested in correcting the chronic trade deficit before the currency comes down.
2
Collins is always in the tank for the Clintons. This time the fangs are digging into an ad hominem attack on the GOP nominee without addressing substantive issues at all.
2
Robert, that is funnier than anything DT said at the dinner the other night!
5
Gail, I'm curious. Aren’t you and the rest of the Times' editorialists and columnists sick and tired of writing about Trump? Do you wish his name could be eliminated from the English language? That we could be relieved of seeing his grim, scowling countenance constantly adorning the Times?
There is virtually nothing left to say about this seditious buffoon. Please start planning on some post election Trump-free humor . . . if there is any left to be found that is
There is virtually nothing left to say about this seditious buffoon. Please start planning on some post election Trump-free humor . . . if there is any left to be found that is
2
I'm focused on this section of Gail's essay:
"If this were a normal election, we could have a very interesting discussion about how programmed she can be, and whether that would be a problem if she’s elected."
I think even in this election we can and should have a conversation about this. And what I would want to say is that I think sometimes we, the electorate, act like children and want our elected leaders to satisfy every need we have, protect us from every hurt, be there for us 24/7, entertain us, inspire us, befriend us, amuse us, provide for us, nurture us and more.
As a result, we end up electing some pretty sketchy characters - hello GW, hello Chris Christie.
I have no desire for our President to be stand-up comic ready to take on a heckler with a saucy put-down and clever line. The fact that this is not Ms. Clinton's forte doesn't bother me one bit.
Our next President is going to take on many big issues and battles. I'd much prefer it if she approached the job with steadiness, focus, preparedness, integrity, thoughtfulness and intelligence. That she is "programmed" to stay on message and achieve this after preparing for it her entire life is just fine by me. Let's leave the one-liners and quips to the comedians. That's not who we are electing.
"If this were a normal election, we could have a very interesting discussion about how programmed she can be, and whether that would be a problem if she’s elected."
I think even in this election we can and should have a conversation about this. And what I would want to say is that I think sometimes we, the electorate, act like children and want our elected leaders to satisfy every need we have, protect us from every hurt, be there for us 24/7, entertain us, inspire us, befriend us, amuse us, provide for us, nurture us and more.
As a result, we end up electing some pretty sketchy characters - hello GW, hello Chris Christie.
I have no desire for our President to be stand-up comic ready to take on a heckler with a saucy put-down and clever line. The fact that this is not Ms. Clinton's forte doesn't bother me one bit.
Our next President is going to take on many big issues and battles. I'd much prefer it if she approached the job with steadiness, focus, preparedness, integrity, thoughtfulness and intelligence. That she is "programmed" to stay on message and achieve this after preparing for it her entire life is just fine by me. Let's leave the one-liners and quips to the comedians. That's not who we are electing.
15
The problem with "being programmed" is that it indicates sticking to a script, not expressing conviction. If Hillary reverts to her pre-Bernie natural stance, America will not see progress.
2
'But she didn’t change a word, because Clinton is not a spontaneous politician.'
Neither of these candidates is good at ad lib and just relaxing. By contrast, that was Bill Clinton's specialty. Obama, and god save the mark GW Bush, also had a knack; Reagan, FDR, and JFK, too. The degree to which they actually had the common touch as opposed to simply being able to fake it convincingly is open to question, as is whether wearing silly hats and eating absurd foods at local gatherings, kissing babies, and telling jokes are really necessary qualifications for the presidency. There are lots of people I wouldn't mind having a beer with but that doesn't make them fit to lead the free world.
Whereas Nixon didn't have a scrap of spontaneity, or much of a sense of humour, particularly of the self-deprecating kind. And although I'm With Her 110%, the thing that worries me most about Hillary Clinton is that Nixon's the politician she reminds me of most: scary smart but underneath it all, somewhat insecure, with a chip on his/her shoulder and something to prove, and a not unjustified persecution complex. What assuages my worry is that although Assange et al. keep promising us big revelations from the emails and hinting at scandals, if there were a smoking gun it would have gone off by now; and although she's not a schmoozer and backslapper, intellectually she's moving at warp 9.
I'll leave Trump to the other commenters.
Neither of these candidates is good at ad lib and just relaxing. By contrast, that was Bill Clinton's specialty. Obama, and god save the mark GW Bush, also had a knack; Reagan, FDR, and JFK, too. The degree to which they actually had the common touch as opposed to simply being able to fake it convincingly is open to question, as is whether wearing silly hats and eating absurd foods at local gatherings, kissing babies, and telling jokes are really necessary qualifications for the presidency. There are lots of people I wouldn't mind having a beer with but that doesn't make them fit to lead the free world.
Whereas Nixon didn't have a scrap of spontaneity, or much of a sense of humour, particularly of the self-deprecating kind. And although I'm With Her 110%, the thing that worries me most about Hillary Clinton is that Nixon's the politician she reminds me of most: scary smart but underneath it all, somewhat insecure, with a chip on his/her shoulder and something to prove, and a not unjustified persecution complex. What assuages my worry is that although Assange et al. keep promising us big revelations from the emails and hinting at scandals, if there were a smoking gun it would have gone off by now; and although she's not a schmoozer and backslapper, intellectually she's moving at warp 9.
I'll leave Trump to the other commenters.
5
Some people have integrity, and some lose it the first time they sell it for a few pieces of silver. Some people have class and it shows in the ways they conduct themselves. Having a lot of money doesn't mean you have class but just usually means you get a chance to be exposed to it. I watched both speeches and it was clear to me who has these qualities and who doesn't. The crowd knew and voiced their opinion because you could hear it and see it. You didn't need the media to tell you who crossed the line. Does Donald have integrity? Does Donald have class? If you don't know, then maybe you never will.
5
So Hillary Clinton is supposed to toss her prepared remarks because Trump is a sourpuss. Please name me any politician who can get up and deliver a perfectly-tuned speech minutes after an opponent just stood before a room and declared you a corrupt hater of Catholics. She handled it with tremendous grace and then proceeded to be herself: She isn't all sweetness and light, and thank heavens for it. He's slashed and burned his way through a thicket of other opponents and she's the one still standing.
522
I read transcripts of the two speeches (didn't feel up to watching Donald's mouth and hands). His seemed better than the reviews, which cite boos alongside of a bare sampling of his words. I cringed at his joke about his wife, even asking her to stand. Featured candidates are expected to have skins thick enough to take ribbing (preferably to give self-deprecation), spouses maybe not. As a Catholic, I think Hillary did well to bring Pope Francis into her closing; he reminds us not to be all about the one issue that divides us.
4
Some people are clever or witty or just plain funny. To them, it comes easily and naturally.
Years ago, I realized that I am not one of them. It took so much pressure (self imposed) off.
Trump at age 70, has yet to figure this out. He's not clever, nor witty. Those who think he is are his sycophants.
Years ago, I realized that I am not one of them. It took so much pressure (self imposed) off.
Trump at age 70, has yet to figure this out. He's not clever, nor witty. Those who think he is are his sycophants.
5
D.T projects his bigoted views and insecurities onto others. The Al Smith dinner was no different. The alt-Right has extremely bigoted views - much like the KKK. D.T's comment that Hillary pretends not to hate Catholics is really the view of the extremists of his campaign. We all should shudder. We all must be swift to reject D.T's right wing that wants to cleanse America of our ethnic, religious, and racial variety. Muslims, Hispanics, Blacks, and indeed Catholics and Jews are an integral part of this nation. American voters, listen to the hostile views D.T expresses toward others! Of course, his sexism must be rejected as we attempt to treat one another, male and female with respect. Don't let D.T anywhere near the White House!
11
New York Times, please promise us that when this is all over, Damon Winter will get an exhibit of his incredible photos such as the one included here. And Ms. Collins, thank you for every single wonderful word. Let's go vote!!
4
I watched the Al Smith dinner live on CNN, and I thought most of HRC's jokes were funny. Several were self-deprecating. I laughed at many, but sure, a few prompted an "ouch" instead. If those were more biting than all previous candidate jokes at the event, maybe it's because of who the other candidate is, because she wasn't nearly as hard on him as she could've been. And I don't remember feeling all the jokes were so delightful and innocuous at previous Al Smith dinners.
I just wish people would quit calling Hillary stiff.. I always hear that as "oh, you're a woman, so you're supposed to be charming with a touch of flighty and flirtatious"—you know, like Scarlett O'Hara and Sarah Palin. I don't find HRC less "charming" than Angela Merkel or Theresa May. Maybe our problem is with how we expect women to act.
I just wish people would quit calling Hillary stiff.. I always hear that as "oh, you're a woman, so you're supposed to be charming with a touch of flighty and flirtatious"—you know, like Scarlett O'Hara and Sarah Palin. I don't find HRC less "charming" than Angela Merkel or Theresa May. Maybe our problem is with how we expect women to act.
17
Mr. Trump is suffering from depression so it is understandable that he could barely lift himself from his chair and drag himself up to that podium. He managed to choke out a few gags but he cannot be expected to be funny, now can he? Anger is the only emotion he has nowadays and on November 9th, he will awake to a bleak new world. No one will really care what his opinion is on anything. His comeuppance is coming, it is right around the corner, and it couldn't happen to a nastier guy.
10
"His best pal Rudy Giuliani used to be a credible public figure. Now, looking like a superannuated bulldog with a toothache, Giuliani prowls from one cable TV show to another, announcing that Donald Trump was absolutely brilliant to avoid paying taxes, starting an argument about whether Clinton was at ground zero after 9/11 and declaring that “everybody” commits adultery."
Ms. Collins, you must realize that Rudy is attempting to rise to the head of the GOP pack.
The current GOP offers not a basket of deplorables, but rather an entire pantheon of deplorables with various current figures vying for the role of Jupiter-Zeus on any given day. Who of the following will take the laurels?
Donald Trump
Chris Christie
Rudy Giuliani
Newt Gingrich
Mitch McConnell
Paul Ryan
Jeff Sessions
Trey Gowdy
Jason Chaffetz
Please feel free to add your own favorite idols with feet of clay to the foregoing list. Remember, the demi-gods must be presently active, not those whose shadows alone dim the present. Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, et al., are no longer in contention.
Ms. Collins, you must realize that Rudy is attempting to rise to the head of the GOP pack.
The current GOP offers not a basket of deplorables, but rather an entire pantheon of deplorables with various current figures vying for the role of Jupiter-Zeus on any given day. Who of the following will take the laurels?
Donald Trump
Chris Christie
Rudy Giuliani
Newt Gingrich
Mitch McConnell
Paul Ryan
Jeff Sessions
Trey Gowdy
Jason Chaffetz
Please feel free to add your own favorite idols with feet of clay to the foregoing list. Remember, the demi-gods must be presently active, not those whose shadows alone dim the present. Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, et al., are no longer in contention.
7
Don't forget
Tom Cotton
Darryl Issa
Steve King
Louie Gohmert
Scott Walker
Rick Snyder
Tom Cotton
Darryl Issa
Steve King
Louie Gohmert
Scott Walker
Rick Snyder
7
John McCain. He can't take cover under having already been Trump's prisoner! But women do understand how scary it is to stand up to a bully with a big Bannon to bite with.
4
If only I had the power,
Trump would jump off Trump Tower,
bounce off Chistie, Cruz to Marco,
Then flatten Ryan in Central Park--
Oh, and the Mayor of America, rushing to the scene,
with Mitch McConnell, would be caught between.
Trump would jump off Trump Tower,
bounce off Chistie, Cruz to Marco,
Then flatten Ryan in Central Park--
Oh, and the Mayor of America, rushing to the scene,
with Mitch McConnell, would be caught between.
4
These days The Donald acts more like Rumpelstiltskin than a Presidential candidate. Drumpf is visibly angry, as he tries to take the Nation with him -- down the drain and into the sewage. Bye-bye Donald; I wish we could say it was nice knowing you for a short while, but I'm afraid we can't bring ourselves to saying so. Perhaps you could make America great again by just going away.
4
Actually, Trump need not bring on the creepy clowns. All he has to do is show up.
3
I don't know. Trump may ruin a lot of things but it looks like he's going to make my November and 2016 very memorable! It's World Series time and I'm hoping for a triple - presidency, senate and house.
4
Surely it has occurred to a few people that Donald Trump is quite seriously mentally ill, has been for some time, and grows worse with each passing decade?
He is right about one thing: when you're rich, or allegedly rich, and when you're a 'star,' or at least famous for being infamous, you can get away with just about anything -- even dressing yourself up in a dark suit and a red tie and pretending to be a serious candidate for President of the United States.
Listen to his bizarre word salad ramblings for five or ten minutes, and you cannot escape the conclusion that Trump is a demented, malicious, lunatic variant on the Chauncey Gardner theme.
He is right about one thing: when you're rich, or allegedly rich, and when you're a 'star,' or at least famous for being infamous, you can get away with just about anything -- even dressing yourself up in a dark suit and a red tie and pretending to be a serious candidate for President of the United States.
Listen to his bizarre word salad ramblings for five or ten minutes, and you cannot escape the conclusion that Trump is a demented, malicious, lunatic variant on the Chauncey Gardner theme.
10
Trump would even be dressed as the scary clown...
1
Here's what probably happened behind closed doors prior to the Al Smith dinner.
Conway and company: Donald, this dinner is supposed to be a chance for you and Hillary to lighten up, be a little self-deprecating, and show the nation you have a sense of humor.
DT: Yeah sure, but I'm still steaming over how she raked me over the coals in last night's debate.
Conway and co: We are urging you to keep it light. You can save your vitriol for your rallies.
DT: I hear you, but you know she's going to take some vicious shots at me and I'll give it right back to her
Conway and co: OK, Donald, whatever you say
DT: I know what I'm doing, BELIEVE ME. I got this far by showing everyone how tough I am and I'm not going to let down all my admirers.
Conway and company: Donald, this dinner is supposed to be a chance for you and Hillary to lighten up, be a little self-deprecating, and show the nation you have a sense of humor.
DT: Yeah sure, but I'm still steaming over how she raked me over the coals in last night's debate.
Conway and co: We are urging you to keep it light. You can save your vitriol for your rallies.
DT: I hear you, but you know she's going to take some vicious shots at me and I'll give it right back to her
Conway and co: OK, Donald, whatever you say
DT: I know what I'm doing, BELIEVE ME. I got this far by showing everyone how tough I am and I'm not going to let down all my admirers.
8
Donald J. Trump will FOREVER be known as the Hindenburg Candidate. A large gas bag that exploded and went down in flames, killing and destroying innocent people. Oh, the humanity!
8
Donald Trump is the creepy clown Gail. The cover of the Halloween issue of the New Yorker should be an illustration of Donald as a CREEPY CLOWN. But that doesn't leave much room for artistic imagination. And now he's becoming just more and more clown like as his poll numbers fall. What a confluence, Donald Trump for president and creepy clowns peeping out of the woods.
4
As a tribute to the new president Hillary I plan to scatter nasturtium (nasties)
seeds in my 2017 garden and stand back and watch the beauty unfold.
Donald Trump by comparison is a nettle.
seeds in my 2017 garden and stand back and watch the beauty unfold.
Donald Trump by comparison is a nettle.
5
"unless she's an android..." You don't get it, Gail. She IS an android. Hillary is not real. She's a creation of her handlers. Her spin doctors. And once you put her up against the Monster from Trump Tower, you end up with what we've got going in this election: this year's scariest video game.
1
Sure, everybody commits adultery and then announces to his wife and the world he is leaving her at a public news conference. Giuliani is another creep who projects his own lack of values onto everyone else. No thank you.
8
Now that we're all sure that he's going to lose, I can laugh again.
(We are sure of that, aren't we, people? Please tell me we're sure of that!!).
(We are sure of that, aren't we, people? Please tell me we're sure of that!!).
10
Not being a New York elite, I have to admit the Al Smith dinner has not really been on my radar until this election season, and the events of this particular dinner. When I read the very first story about Trump's remarks, and saw the accompanying photos with a tuxedo-clad Trump and Hillary Clinton sitting and smiling four feet apart - I honestly thought it was from years ago or some sort of joke. But...no. Some elite Einstein actually thought it was a good idea, in order to carry on this "tradition", to invite someone who has openly threatened to tear apart our democracy. I for one am glad they felt uncomfortable and squirmy - because that is 100% how I felt watching them laugh and teeter with elite "wow we're special" joy before this obviously crazy man pulled off his mask after a few jokes. And, how about his biggest laugh-line being the joke on his wife, who was then commanded to stand up? That's some elite fun right there folks.
10
If, God forbid, Trump ever got to the White House, he would have to invite a scary clown, he would already be there.
1
Drump never had any CLASS. He's just a spoiled, bully. Always has been. And no matter how much gilt he puts on his name, or how big the letters he's still a just a rich brat.
7
That's why he only goes to fast food places. you never know what is going to happen when you linger too long at a dinner.
3
You neglected to add , should he become President , he and Millennia will be wearing a gold crown and paint the white house in gold, calling it his crowning achievement!
6
To be self-deprecating, one must have a semblance of security about oneself. Trump has demonstrated an incredible insecurity about himself. Maybe this stems from his many personal and business failures. What's amazing is how close this race is in some key battleground states. If he had just pivoted after the nomination, and stuck to trade issues and the rigged establishment in Washington and on Wall Street, this race would have been his. Hillary will win because of Trump's core insecurities. Chalk up another epic failure to Trump's long list.
109
It could be worse.
Back in the 30s, a few industrialists and financiers tried to mount a militia of French Fascism fans in America. They fronted an auxiliary of uniformed bell ringers stepping all over their clangers for Corporatism. Sacre Bleu! It's the American Liberty League rooting for deportation squads like the Croix de Feu's fan clubs.
They then tried to talk Smedley Butler into leading his Bonus Marchers to March on Washington for the Gold Standard at the Al Smith Dinner. They even had the speech written for him.
"Why march for gold, what about their Bonus?"
"just tell them they don't want a Bonus made of Rubber Dollars."
Boing! Smedley declined, so they asked about MacArthur. The man who ran down the Bonus Marchers and burned out their Hooverville? You think they would follow HIM? He agreed to advise for them to keep an eye on them and sent them slacking.
Then Smedley called every retired general worth his salt to examine these grubbers offers and note what's up in the American Legion's national leadership. Stopped them just in time. Missed us by that much.
Back in the 30s, a few industrialists and financiers tried to mount a militia of French Fascism fans in America. They fronted an auxiliary of uniformed bell ringers stepping all over their clangers for Corporatism. Sacre Bleu! It's the American Liberty League rooting for deportation squads like the Croix de Feu's fan clubs.
They then tried to talk Smedley Butler into leading his Bonus Marchers to March on Washington for the Gold Standard at the Al Smith Dinner. They even had the speech written for him.
"Why march for gold, what about their Bonus?"
"just tell them they don't want a Bonus made of Rubber Dollars."
Boing! Smedley declined, so they asked about MacArthur. The man who ran down the Bonus Marchers and burned out their Hooverville? You think they would follow HIM? He agreed to advise for them to keep an eye on them and sent them slacking.
Then Smedley called every retired general worth his salt to examine these grubbers offers and note what's up in the American Legion's national leadership. Stopped them just in time. Missed us by that much.
The Gold Standard bearers were hoping for a redux of the 1934 Paris Riot which was premeditated to blow out of a fascist day march off. Competing fascists put on a violent show, and the Croix de Feu militia roses to the City's rescue? Sacre Bleu!
Blue Shirts. This is what they wanted to bring upon Washington, a fever for outsourced military interventions.
If you see a mobilized clown force, say something. Only the authorities can put out clown fires.
Blue Shirts. This is what they wanted to bring upon Washington, a fever for outsourced military interventions.
If you see a mobilized clown force, say something. Only the authorities can put out clown fires.
He is, like it or not, a born, bred and raised American............one of us.
3
He's welcome back in the club if he can disarm his charming tendency to destroy everything.
We do NOT have to tolerate bad behavior, but everyone is redeemable if they can see their own folly. His is an intergenerational pathology that makes that nearly impossible to reverse at his age. It takes a real champion to stay in the room and accept a life of lost opportunities and harm done to loved ones. But the sun will rise tomorrow as it does for all of us.
We do NOT have to tolerate bad behavior, but everyone is redeemable if they can see their own folly. His is an intergenerational pathology that makes that nearly impossible to reverse at his age. It takes a real champion to stay in the room and accept a life of lost opportunities and harm done to loved ones. But the sun will rise tomorrow as it does for all of us.
Where were the self-depreciating jokes? Hillary could have mentioned how much better her pants suits looked this time around compared to those in 2008. How I remember that awful brown one that looked like it was pulled from the back of closet, hanging there since the 1970's. Or she could have called attention to the Donald's hair that has been a long running joke throughout this nasty election. Sort of like Seamus on top of the car. Sorry she stooped low to zing. Of course we all know the Donald is incapable of self-depreciation (and so much more, including being president).
2
If Donald Trump became president a big TRUMP sign would be put on the White House.
The thought of seeing that should energize us all to vote in November.
The thought of seeing that should energize us all to vote in November.
6
Ya know, both candidates are very rich, so how come they couldn't get professional joke writers to make the evening fun? I cringed at both performances. And while I absolutely knew Trump would "go over the line," he just can't help himself, Hillary's own insensitivity to the moment was unexpected, and, I guess, why she is not 20 points ahead of one of the most dangerous candidates this country has ever had.
1
Trump bombed? Nah, the dinner was rigged. The Clinton campaign fed him some lousy jokes, the media planted those people who booed him and the GOP is in on it somehow too:-)
337
You'd think the guy would promise not to paint the White House, hair-dye yellow, ditto for Santa's outfit! By the way, he would continue, "What do you think the little, rotund, delivery man is doing with all those women, in all those homes, late at night? Now don't grope too, hard for an answer!" But, he'd rather Trump, than joke.
I hope "Trump" makes it into the dictionary and not the White House!!!
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences as a cub reporter.
I hope "Trump" makes it into the dictionary and not the White House!!!
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences as a cub reporter.
3
Gail,
Maybe Hillary didn't delete her edging on hostility zingers because she's tired of having to absorb Trump's unremittingly ugly, dishonest attacks, not because she's not spontaneous. In fact, no one should have to absorb his unending viciousness without reacting anymore than someone should have to take his unwanted tongue into her or his mouth without pushing back. Good for her, I say, for not being the perfect lady. I think she knew exactly what she was doing and I applaud her.
Maybe Hillary didn't delete her edging on hostility zingers because she's tired of having to absorb Trump's unremittingly ugly, dishonest attacks, not because she's not spontaneous. In fact, no one should have to absorb his unending viciousness without reacting anymore than someone should have to take his unwanted tongue into her or his mouth without pushing back. Good for her, I say, for not being the perfect lady. I think she knew exactly what she was doing and I applaud her.
12
Not only would he fail to pardon the Thanksgiving turkey, he'd probably grope it before the ax fell.
5
So this campaign has begun as tragedy and ended as farce, with the Donald as the object of greatest ridicule, which he has well earned, no doubt about that. By now, with the polls showing we think he's beyond horrific, he's so bad he can be seen as funny—esp. "Nasty Woman seeks Bad Hombre to stroll the beaches, [etc.]"
1
Donald started out goo he was smiling and he told a few appropriate jokes. It was spooky to see him go off the rails so quickly.
At this point I think Hilary should stick with her approach. It's working well and "if it ain't broke don't fix it".
At this point I think Hilary should stick with her approach. It's working well and "if it ain't broke don't fix it".
10
Everything Donald Trump touches, dies. God help us.
5
I thought that Trump had one good joke when he said that the media was prejudiced against Melania because she gave exactly the same speech as Michelle Obama and they didn't like it. Too bad that he didn't use more humor like that... Instead, his overall performance came across as nasty and mean-spirited. Why am I not surprised?
3
My appetite for delicious New Orleans delicaci
es is non-existent.
The mention of his name, or the constant sound of his voice sends my stomach on a tumble.
Dear God,please allow Hillary a landslide victory! So we can all enjoy life 's
simple pleasures once again ... Hold the Tums!
P.S. Hillary you're jokes were funny enough, but your brilliance ,grace and fortitude shined through! And that's what I want in my a White House,another great President!
es is non-existent.
The mention of his name, or the constant sound of his voice sends my stomach on a tumble.
Dear God,please allow Hillary a landslide victory! So we can all enjoy life 's
simple pleasures once again ... Hold the Tums!
P.S. Hillary you're jokes were funny enough, but your brilliance ,grace and fortitude shined through! And that's what I want in my a White House,another great President!
7
I am waiting for the day when Donald slumps off into oblivion muttering that we wont have Trump to kick around any more.
9
Gail:
The creepy clown is already at the party. His name is Trump.
The creepy clown is already at the party. His name is Trump.
8
In case anyone missed it, Richard Branson's first person account of lunch with Trump confirms that Trump is as unhinged as he seems. According to Branson, Trump spewed hate for five individuals who refused to loan him money following his various bankruptcies and promised to exact a lifetime of revenge upon each of them. https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/meeting-donald-trump
12
And if she had gone to that "perfect world," she would have been criticized for being "weak," "soft," "insecure," to name just a few of the euphemisms for being female. This election has been such a double standard, and sadly, Gail, you bought into that canard, I suspect so you can feel "fair and balanced" like Roger Ailes.
177
Kudda- This is an Editorial Piece. This is not a news report. "Fair and Balanced" relates to how news is reported. Not how editorial opinions are written. Opinions simply aren't measured by news standards.....
I wonder if it's occurred to Trump that he has now thoroughly unburdened himself in just about every medium available (radio, TV, twitter, live rallies, debates, the Al Smith Dinner) in such a way that there can be absolutely no confusion or question about his (lack of) qualifications, character, and decency. There's no excuse that will explain away his words nor his behavior.
Donald, do you realize that you've spent a ton of money and time just to confirm beyond all doubt what a disrespectful, dishonest, immoral, intellectually vacant person you are? And you've confirmed it around the world, to EVERYONE who's paid attention to your words in the past year! Was that your goal: to broadcast the worst about yourself, to ensure that everyone knew your shortcomings? If so, you've succeeded.
Donald, do you realize that you've spent a ton of money and time just to confirm beyond all doubt what a disrespectful, dishonest, immoral, intellectually vacant person you are? And you've confirmed it around the world, to EVERYONE who's paid attention to your words in the past year! Was that your goal: to broadcast the worst about yourself, to ensure that everyone knew your shortcomings? If so, you've succeeded.
11
It's obvious we do have some very complex rigging in this election, Trumps hair.
4
Creepy Clowns!
We started this election year with the Republican Clown Car, where seemingly 50 contestants all crowded in for our attention into a rapidly shrinking GOP Vehicle (license expired, coal rolling).
Then we ended up with Chief Clown terrifying us all for most of the year. No need for the news to muster up alternate forms of terror to keep us in a roiling state of fear; Donald did it all, with his dyed-orange hair.
What we can say at the end of it all is that the etymology of "clown" goes back to the idea of the peasant, the low person, the rough person, not the aristocrat, or gentleman.
Whatever else we may say of The Donald, it's quite clear that he -- and Mrs. Clinton -- are both very much of the hoi polloi. No aristocats here; they are an embarrassment to us these days, and no longer have any say in our world. They are fast fading from the scene.
This has thus been, despite our fears and fantasies, the quintessence of an American election, of the people, by the people and now, finally, for the people.
I expect our democracy to grow and flourish in the coming years. We can keep the retired white gentlemen around for decoration, if we want.... or more likely, trade 'em in for Rihanna, and future Rihannas, and more talented immigrants like her, and so many others. The future is here!
We started this election year with the Republican Clown Car, where seemingly 50 contestants all crowded in for our attention into a rapidly shrinking GOP Vehicle (license expired, coal rolling).
Then we ended up with Chief Clown terrifying us all for most of the year. No need for the news to muster up alternate forms of terror to keep us in a roiling state of fear; Donald did it all, with his dyed-orange hair.
What we can say at the end of it all is that the etymology of "clown" goes back to the idea of the peasant, the low person, the rough person, not the aristocrat, or gentleman.
Whatever else we may say of The Donald, it's quite clear that he -- and Mrs. Clinton -- are both very much of the hoi polloi. No aristocats here; they are an embarrassment to us these days, and no longer have any say in our world. They are fast fading from the scene.
This has thus been, despite our fears and fantasies, the quintessence of an American election, of the people, by the people and now, finally, for the people.
I expect our democracy to grow and flourish in the coming years. We can keep the retired white gentlemen around for decoration, if we want.... or more likely, trade 'em in for Rihanna, and future Rihannas, and more talented immigrants like her, and so many others. The future is here!
2
She may have made jokes at Trump's expense, too. But Hillary laughed at Trump's jokes. Trump did not laugh at Hillary's. Plus, the whole event is disgusting. If they want to help the poor, they should stay home and write an anonymous check.
8
I rather have a very programmed president than a spontaneous wannabe politician that ignores most issues.
By the way, you jus gave Donald the idea for his next marketing campaign after November 8th, he will substitute the birther conspiracy with the "androider" conspiracy.
By the way, you jus gave Donald the idea for his next marketing campaign after November 8th, he will substitute the birther conspiracy with the "androider" conspiracy.
2
We can't help watching Trump be Trump. Sort of like Archie Bunker. Only difference - Archie was parody and Trump is the Republican party's candidate for POTUS> OMG!!!!
7
We now have a presidential candidate who resembles "Pennywise" from Stephen King's horror story IT -- a clown who as turned into a monster and preys on people's fears. This Pennywise is also pound foolish in his business dealings.
2
Since it was a dinner, Gail, did anyone take time to note if Donald ordered the Taco Bowl or the Double Quarter-pounder Mac & Cheese with extra fries? My guess is the finger food, because unless the instructions for use for each item of silverware was written on the tablecloth, Trump would very likely attack his steak with the butterknife and soup spoon. Fingers he understands.
Reminding us that Trump has no couth is about as necessary as driving spikes through the sidewalk to keep it anchored to the ground lest the wind blow it into the shrubbery. The number of women who have testified publicly to that factoid is about to surpass the number of Republican presidential wannabes Donald out-insulted to earn the chair at the table next to the Cardinal O'Whatsisname.
Speaking of vortices, a whirlpool is a vortex just as is a tornado. The latter sucks things up and strews them about the landscape, usually much the worse for wear. The former sucks things down and out of sight where they tend to stay disappeared for years if not centuries. Sometimes that's a good thing...think toilet bowl...think Donald Trump.
Reminding us that Trump has no couth is about as necessary as driving spikes through the sidewalk to keep it anchored to the ground lest the wind blow it into the shrubbery. The number of women who have testified publicly to that factoid is about to surpass the number of Republican presidential wannabes Donald out-insulted to earn the chair at the table next to the Cardinal O'Whatsisname.
Speaking of vortices, a whirlpool is a vortex just as is a tornado. The latter sucks things up and strews them about the landscape, usually much the worse for wear. The former sucks things down and out of sight where they tend to stay disappeared for years if not centuries. Sometimes that's a good thing...think toilet bowl...think Donald Trump.
2
Trump stated at one point that "it's just words." He has led a life of being able to say anything without consequences to himself. That explains just about all of Donald Trump and his reality teevee candidacy sponsored by the disgusting disaster GOP.
A question that was never posed to him was this: how many lawsuits are you currently involved in as a plaintiff, defendant or witness, and how much time will that take you away from fulfilling the duties of the office of the presidency? Methinks there isn't an employer on the face of the earth that would grant that much time away.
Finally, the Trump kids have alluded to the Trump organization having many Russian business dealings. It wouldn't surprise me if all of the Trump tribe, lock, stock and barrel, moved to Russia post election to salvage what remains of the "organization" as the Trump brand elsewhere is burned to a crisp toast.
Cheers! (and vote)
A question that was never posed to him was this: how many lawsuits are you currently involved in as a plaintiff, defendant or witness, and how much time will that take you away from fulfilling the duties of the office of the presidency? Methinks there isn't an employer on the face of the earth that would grant that much time away.
Finally, the Trump kids have alluded to the Trump organization having many Russian business dealings. It wouldn't surprise me if all of the Trump tribe, lock, stock and barrel, moved to Russia post election to salvage what remains of the "organization" as the Trump brand elsewhere is burned to a crisp toast.
Cheers! (and vote)
5
Thanks, again, Gail. Trump continues to prove that he is a boorish buffoon. I am sad, though, that Hillary's speech writers are choosing to sink to his level-it is not her style and it does not serve her. She needs to take a page from Obama's much funnier and lighter manner when making fun of someone-like he does at The White House Correspondents' dinner. She should snap up his his speech writers, now, before they take new jobs in 2017.
1
Hillary Clinton's and Donald Trump's remarks at the annual Al Smith Dinner - were feel-bad events. Uncapped epee swords could not have been more savagely aimed at each other by both candidates at the Waldorf. Bad manners on both their parts. For shame. Personal attacks by presidential candidates were never welcome at the Al Smith Dinner for Catholic Charities since 1945. We have had enough of insults from Donald Trump, who bullied his way to the Presidential nod from the GOP and NRC. Some of us have already cast our ballots in this swing state with a dreadful American history - most recently the toss of the Presidency by Governor Jeb Bush to his brother George W in 2000 and the ensuing months it took SCOTUS to authorize his presidency. Rudy Giuliani, Trump's remora, was scowling at the dinner, a few tiers above Cardinal Dolan and the candidates - 93 year old Henry Kissinger there, too. Having been one of your most devoted fans since you started this column in this newpaper, dear Gail, it is time to stop using Donald Trump as a punching bag. He is toast. He is over. The presidential campaign for Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump has been so excruciatingly long and horrid and we the people are the laughingstock of the world next to Mother BREXIT. Why are Americans enslaved to such long presidential campaigns? Betcha dollars to donuts that the campaign for 2020 will start just after the woman or the man is sworn in on a raw January morning 3 months from now.
3
While reading your comment my cursor pointer arrow obscured the "b" in bullied and my brain read it as "sullied," which would have been no less accurate and just as appropriate. As for your suggestion to stop piling onto Trump, I must disagree. The man has brought it on himself and deserves every bit of negativity that can be tossed his way. Don Henley's "Dirty Laundry" is exquisitely on target here: "Kick'em when they're up, kick'em when they're down..." Just give Gail somethin' she can use, it's interesting when people lose, she needs dirty laundry.
1
To me, the most interesting part of the Al Smith Dinner was watching Rudy Giuliani scowling way out on the periphery, far from the center of attention that he has been so desperately trying get back to as a surrogate for Trump. As for Trump and Clinton -- they performed predictably, but Hillary was clearly better prepared -- what a surprise.
7
I see now why Trump's Dad sent him off to military school.
8
Trump is America's crazy grandfather who does everything but drool. How the heck did he ever get out of the basement?
3
Trump has, inadvertently, done America and the world one favor; he's shown beyond doubt, that our Presidential campaigns are little more than an entertainment.
51
Entertaining? This one really isn't entertaining at all, and unfortunately, we cannot even demonstrate our disgust by changing the channel or walking out of the theater.
Ms. Collins, I was one of the hoi polloi who watched the table manners of the VIPIs (Very Important Persons Indeed) onstage, while dressed in my jammies and a couple of glasses of red wine at hand.
For heaven's sake - pun intended -, sitting next to Cardinal Dolan at white tie dinner charity dinner, Herr Drumpf was drinking with a straw.
It seemed that Herr Drumpf was trying to avoid getting a serious illness by not touching his glass with his lips in a hotel that he doesn't own, or he is afraid that someone would later make a saliva test to find out which alternate universe he really inhabits?
As to the White House Christmas tree, he would most certainly redecorate the whole building in his taste, until it looks like a very, very, expensive New Orleans bordello.
For heaven's sake - pun intended -, sitting next to Cardinal Dolan at white tie dinner charity dinner, Herr Drumpf was drinking with a straw.
It seemed that Herr Drumpf was trying to avoid getting a serious illness by not touching his glass with his lips in a hotel that he doesn't own, or he is afraid that someone would later make a saliva test to find out which alternate universe he really inhabits?
As to the White House Christmas tree, he would most certainly redecorate the whole building in his taste, until it looks like a very, very, expensive New Orleans bordello.
5
Though I always appreciate Gail's humor…I just can't laugh. I have had such a sick, anxious feeling in my stomach thanks to the Tyrant Trump now for over a year….I just want this nightmare to be over.
Hillary is not up 20 points up in the polls…..The Traitor Trump has millions of rabid voters willing to vote for him….and I still fear this man could win.
So….I am begging all decent Americans who love this country…..
DO NOT BE COMPLACENT…VOTE to elect the sane, qualified candidate…
Vote for Hillary and save us from the gutter and the hate that Trump has unleashed on this "already" great nation.
Hillary is not up 20 points up in the polls…..The Traitor Trump has millions of rabid voters willing to vote for him….and I still fear this man could win.
So….I am begging all decent Americans who love this country…..
DO NOT BE COMPLACENT…VOTE to elect the sane, qualified candidate…
Vote for Hillary and save us from the gutter and the hate that Trump has unleashed on this "already" great nation.
34
Donald J. Trump: unbelievably comfortable dehumanizing women!
So smug! So entitled! So pathetic!
Thank you Hillary Clinton for demolishing Trump in 3 debates! Thank you Michelle Obama for taking him out in a string of powerful soulful speeches about what makes this country such a great democracy! Thank you President Obama for taking Trump out with sarcasm so withering it takes our breath away! Thank you Bernie Sanders for calling Trump 'unbelievably dangerous'! Thank you Elizabeth Warren for calling Trump out as the slimy little misogynist and thief he is! Thank you Vice President Biden for saying you want to take Trump to the woodshed! Thank you Khizr and Ghazala Khan for reminding us what a real American hero is!
Thank you to all the women molested by Donald J. Trump who spoke out to put a public face on his shameful history of sexual assault!
Trump has enjoyed his brief, disgraceful turn as a candidate for president. To Trump, there's no such thing as 'bad attention.' But it's almost over.
Vote - and shame Trump for all the disgraceful hatred, bigotry and division he has sown this past year.
We've had enough. Almost over!
So smug! So entitled! So pathetic!
Thank you Hillary Clinton for demolishing Trump in 3 debates! Thank you Michelle Obama for taking him out in a string of powerful soulful speeches about what makes this country such a great democracy! Thank you President Obama for taking Trump out with sarcasm so withering it takes our breath away! Thank you Bernie Sanders for calling Trump 'unbelievably dangerous'! Thank you Elizabeth Warren for calling Trump out as the slimy little misogynist and thief he is! Thank you Vice President Biden for saying you want to take Trump to the woodshed! Thank you Khizr and Ghazala Khan for reminding us what a real American hero is!
Thank you to all the women molested by Donald J. Trump who spoke out to put a public face on his shameful history of sexual assault!
Trump has enjoyed his brief, disgraceful turn as a candidate for president. To Trump, there's no such thing as 'bad attention.' But it's almost over.
Vote - and shame Trump for all the disgraceful hatred, bigotry and division he has sown this past year.
We've had enough. Almost over!
24
Truth of the matter is, on Wednesday night we were supposed to take Clinton and Trump's words seriously. On Thursday we were supposed to laugh at the almost same words. Why? Because Timothy Dolan was sitting between them trying to strike up money from rich people?
Then we ask, "What's wrong with this country?"
I didn't think there was one thing funny about the dinner and its motivation, or its speakers. Very uncomfortable setting and event. Period. Sick way of gathering money.
I don 't know about anybody else, but when we are asked to take debates seriously and the debaters joke about their words less than 24 hours later, the expectation for average everyday constituents makes us look foolish and is insulting.
Then we ask, "What's wrong with this country?"
I didn't think there was one thing funny about the dinner and its motivation, or its speakers. Very uncomfortable setting and event. Period. Sick way of gathering money.
I don 't know about anybody else, but when we are asked to take debates seriously and the debaters joke about their words less than 24 hours later, the expectation for average everyday constituents makes us look foolish and is insulting.
5
Trump keeps proving he's not fit to appear in public.
Don't worry. He'll be back glowering and stalking around in Trump Tower for good soon enough.
I'm just worried about Melania.
Don't worry. He'll be back glowering and stalking around in Trump Tower for good soon enough.
I'm just worried about Melania.
2
Agree with the author on all fronts.......I guess Donald Trump supporters don't have this dinner or how it went on their radar. I feel for them, if they thought it would take someone this random ( was Howard Stern otherwise engaged???) to improve their lot. I think his results in the general election will speak for themselves but I do hope those voters I mentioned find a little more confidence in their government.
Trump compares himself to Jesus. And why not? Here is the man tormented by the pharisee media, preaching to nitwit followers, and forced to bear the terrible cross of the campaign because he wants to bring the Kingdom of Trump to this devastated land. The man is basically ready to crucify himself for the public good. And what's happening? He gets booed at the Al Smith dinner by the corrupt priests of Mammon. His chief evangelists, Christie and Giuliani, are objects of derision and Gail Collins of the New York Times even called Giuliani a "superannuated bulldog with a toothache". Well, the only silver lining is that the apocalypse is nigh and it will be all over soon.
4
-Don Aldo, per piacere, tell us don Aldo what did you learn from Silvio?
--I'm glad you asked, Silvio is a great, huge influence on me,
I'm so glad he invited me to those parties on Sardegna.
He taught me the true meaning of push and pull.
-Don Aldo, do you now think you will win?
--I'm glad you asked, we always win,
that's our spin,
we always win.
--I'm glad you asked, Silvio is a great, huge influence on me,
I'm so glad he invited me to those parties on Sardegna.
He taught me the true meaning of push and pull.
-Don Aldo, do you now think you will win?
--I'm glad you asked, we always win,
that's our spin,
we always win.
2
"Then Trump compared himself to Jesus( "a guy who started out as a carpenter working for his father")."
Following those words, Trump also assured his audience that it was "true" but only for "three weeks."
By most calculations "three weeks" is about all the time Trump has left to play the role of America's "savior." Thank God!
Following those words, Trump also assured his audience that it was "true" but only for "three weeks."
By most calculations "three weeks" is about all the time Trump has left to play the role of America's "savior." Thank God!
5
You rock, Ms. Collins. Always!
3
The real victim last night was Charlie Rose.
What did he do to deserve that ?
What did he do to deserve that ?
1
Honestly, I've had every social event ruined just like this. To be out on the town in Trump country is to be surrounded by people who all sound just like him, spewing a word salad of insults and attacks on anything different from what they believe. If they're evangelicals they throw that in too.
They really don't see anything wrong.
They really don't see anything wrong.
6
"...supernatural bulldog with a toothache...". Stellar.
2
Gold golf balls on the Christmas tree? There are many reasons to keep Trump from becoming president. He is a horrible person. Not enough characters left to go over all of his attributes that make that true. But, dear god, we could never let the Trumps get there hands on the White House...that's where we keep the good stuff. Lincoln's bed gilded?
And imagine Trump at a state dinner hosting foreign dignitaries...10 minutes in and he's on a drunk uncle tirade. Man, I am glad this is almost over.
And imagine Trump at a state dinner hosting foreign dignitaries...10 minutes in and he's on a drunk uncle tirade. Man, I am glad this is almost over.
1
Imagine Trump as dinner guest? What could be worse? Since 'Comments' can't show my cartoon, just imagine Trump, Berlusconi, Putin, Blatter, Strauss-Kahn around a table. As usual, the challenge would be seating order, but as a lady colleague immediately pointed out, 'No problem: Putin, girl, Blatter, girl, Trump, two girls... The real question before us isn't Trump: it's how such creeps can rise to such positions in our world, with basically democratic institutions, partly peopled by splendid, intelligent, capable humans, such as we all meet each day.
6
Look it is one thing to lose three consecutive debates to the Nasty Woman but how do you manage to decisively lose the Al Smith dinner?? I mean Hillary Clinton was prepared (yet again) for Trump's tiredly predictable nastiness (but I won't dignify Trump by calling him a "nasty man" because, as it turns out, he is not much of a man and never a gentleman) and Hillary did an admirable job of delivering her lines (OK she didn't write them, but then again neither did Trump...OMG Trump's writers aren't the best?). How a son of New York could be booed in his home town and elevate a daughter of Chicago to first city status must mean it is finally time for the Chicago Cubs to win a championship and a women to be elected President of the United States (not necessarily in that order). All thanks to the racist, misogynistic, homophobic, anti-science, ecomincally challenged Republican Party for, as Yogi might have said, making this election day necessary.
386
It is to be hoped that Trump's businesses will follow his campaign into the hopper; then most of his following will disappear. Bankers beware: People remember fascist collaboration, and, at any rate, "Trump" has become a poisonous pejorative.
3
Trump's lack of basic good manners is quite astounding and just makes more credible the sleazy stories about him. All those expensive education dollars wasted by his pa. He must have been to this charity dinner many times and knows the score and yet he behaves boorishly. He really is an appalling man but what does this say about his supporters many of whom seem to share his attitudes to the social graces.
7
Yet another ant-Trump article stating the obvious. I didn't read past the headline. Aren't there more important articles for the NYT to publish other than repetitive articles about Trump's egotism, awkwardness, bullying, vulgarities, lying, misogyny, etc.,.
What about events in Mosul? The ISIS surprise-attack on Kirkuk? The Saudi Arabian $17.5 billion "Wahhabi Bond" which unprincipled investors (or lovers of Islamic Terrorism) appear to have lapped up? Scotland's holding of another referendum to exit Brexit and re-enter the E.U? The global immigration crisis? The slipping U.S. economy, with 2,500 stores closing across the U.S. as I write?
Please, there are more important subjects than Trump's behaving badly. Trump is toast. We need fresh bread.
What about events in Mosul? The ISIS surprise-attack on Kirkuk? The Saudi Arabian $17.5 billion "Wahhabi Bond" which unprincipled investors (or lovers of Islamic Terrorism) appear to have lapped up? Scotland's holding of another referendum to exit Brexit and re-enter the E.U? The global immigration crisis? The slipping U.S. economy, with 2,500 stores closing across the U.S. as I write?
Please, there are more important subjects than Trump's behaving badly. Trump is toast. We need fresh bread.
2
Um, this is an opinion piece, not a news article....
4
2,500 stores closing? Hopefully, they are all Wal-Mart stores.
Sounds like a title of a show, "Donald Ruins Everything".
8
Good advise on election day for Democrats. Get out the vote and help others get to the polls.
5
'There’s nothing Trump can’t ruin, people.'
He can't ruin the ultimate believe in the American people - or as god last night in a dream told me Trump was send out to test America if she wants to be renamed TRUMP - and America said NO!!
He can't ruin the ultimate believe in the American people - or as god last night in a dream told me Trump was send out to test America if she wants to be renamed TRUMP - and America said NO!!
1
Okay, I'll wade in. This is crazy. Trump got booed. He was bad. Clinton was fine. She got laughs, and a standing O. Trump was lip-read to say "you did a good job" to her. She was not robotic. She was funny. Believe me, after Trump dive-bombed, they needed funny.
I do not understand Gail's, nor the commentators here, equating her zingers with Trump's mess. There was no need for her to "modulate" anything because just because he was booed off. Her performance, and his, perfectly mirrored their debate performances (except funnier, in her case).
I do not understand Gail's, nor the commentators here, equating her zingers with Trump's mess. There was no need for her to "modulate" anything because just because he was booed off. Her performance, and his, perfectly mirrored their debate performances (except funnier, in her case).
505
I think Hillary is Hillary. But who thought they were Marylin Monroe? I'm sorry, half the time Trump was talking I could not take my eyes off that risky business reporter. I kept waiting for a slip off. She was beautiful, no doubt. How did Trump keep his hands off?
1
I agree. Even though I had already voted for her by mail (and would never, ever vote for DJT), this, for me, was the event that sold me on the Secretary's ability to be (not "act") Presidential. Her closing remarks, in particular, were wonderful.
1
I totally agree with SSS.
Furthermore, insisting that Hillary change or lighten up her speech because of Trump's tone-deaf speech is the kind of thing we always ask from women. There are so many subtle sexist streams flowing under everything we say, do and think. I don't write this to blame anyone because we're all culpable...because we're all inculcated in the same world.
Furthermore, insisting that Hillary change or lighten up her speech because of Trump's tone-deaf speech is the kind of thing we always ask from women. There are so many subtle sexist streams flowing under everything we say, do and think. I don't write this to blame anyone because we're all culpable...because we're all inculcated in the same world.
3
He managed to lose the Al Smith dinner. All he had to do was
get dressed up, tell some jokes and sit down. He could not do it.
No class at all.
get dressed up, tell some jokes and sit down. He could not do it.
No class at all.
14
Funny stuff, Ms. Collins, but in suggesting that HRC is an android, you may have given conspiracy theorists more grist for their crazy mill.
5
Couldn't Mr Trump be sent as a trade commissioner to North Korea if and when he loses the election? Just an idea.
3
If only Trump wasn't Trump he could be winning.
I watched the excruciatingly awkward dinner on YouTube and, among other random thoughts, noticed that Archdiocese of New York worthies apparently DO NOT take a vow of poverty. The whole event looked like the western branch of the Vatican partying hard.
Clinton's humor was within bounds but Gail said she should have been "nicer."
Girls and women have been hearing that since birth and the zeitgeist has now adopted "nasty woman" as the watch-word for assertive female behavior. There is a joke perfume and also a cocktail named the Nasty Woman. Women are loving it.
Thanks, Donald.
Girls and women have been hearing that since birth and the zeitgeist has now adopted "nasty woman" as the watch-word for assertive female behavior. There is a joke perfume and also a cocktail named the Nasty Woman. Women are loving it.
Thanks, Donald.
10
He's a sad joke, but guess what, after he's vanquished in November, the media will make sure he doesn't go away. We're stuck with the Donald, sadder still.
3
Hillary's performance, contrary to what many commenters are saying in a false equivalence kind of way, was quite good. Obviously she isn't a professional comedian. But she did a perfectly adequate job. And then about the time in her speech that Trump fell apart and got nasty in his, she shifted gears and started talking more earnestly about Al Smith. It was one of the best moments I've seen from her. She captured the audience's attention, people were clapping, and at the end they gave her a standing ovation.
7
Maybe there was nothing funny about DT's presentation at the Al Smith Dinner, but there is nothing funny about Ms.Collins's article either. When a "humorist" goes political, forgets that her vocation is to make us laugh, and hold both sides up to ridicule , she loses my interest. Collins writes that she would not take Donald Trump to dinner, but he would surely not accept either.His best line was to point out that Melania's plagiarized speech was the same as Michelle Obama's, yet Michelle was praised, but not Melania. DT was pointing out the unfairness, since Michelle, who seems to be on a youth kick, spending thousands to keep herself looking young, yet well into middle age,had her speech written for her as well.That's what speech writers r for. Re spendthrift habits of the Obamas--taking separate Air Force 1's to go to luxurious vacation spots, just one example--Michelle spends more on herself in one month on clothes--breaking Ethel Kennedy's record--than a taxidriver in Ziguinchor would make in a decade..Rev. Jackson was right when he said that 1/8th of the world does not comprehend how the other 7/8th lives: He was on the money.Always liked him since I saw him give a tongue in cheek lecture re evils of smoking way back in '73 at a rally in Chicago for PUSH.To"revenir aux moutons,"Collins's article is as boring as stones because it is written as a political tract.Return to your roots,Ms. Collins.We want hilarity, not DNC propaganda, if u please!Watch out for Wikileaks!
Mrs. O spends thousands to keep herself young? Where do you people get this stuff from? Wow, from what I have seen and read she keeps herself young with healthy eating and exercise. The rest of your post makes no sense at all!
5
@Janice Harding: Healthy eating, exercise, expensive "perruques," and frequent facial makeovers. Read "Youth Doctors" by a neighbor and friend of mine, Pat McGrady, brother of Mike McGrady, food critic and author of "Naked Came The Stranger."Why have turkey wattles if you don't have to?Unbelievable that someone could reach middle age without a line in her face.Reason flesh begins to sag is that it becomes dehydrated, loses its consistency.When I was 40 I walked around Senate Office Building on assignment and I was mistaken for Ted Kennedy. Five years later people would tell me I looked like Leo Gorsey of the East Side Kids. Four years ago somedbody commented, "Say, I know who you look like, Warren Buffet!"Deterioration that comes with age.Had a girlfriend, Helen, who had terrific legs. Saw her six months later, and tight flesh had turned to flab. "Helen," I exclaimed,"What happened?"She replied,"I don't know."Your interest in my comment is appreciated.
Did anyone else notice that Melania looked very unhappy every time the camera showed her? And really, why did he make fun of her about the speech she made, er, copied from Michelle Obama, at the Convention? That was really not funny.
11
I thought Clinton's speech was exceptionally good, though a bit harsh at times according to the traditions of this event. Looks like the audience thought so, too: she received a standing ovation.
6
Trump is so dark and evil that I have to ask myself: was he playing to the dinner's audience, or was he playing to his hard-core electorate?
I believe he was playing to the latter; they may have been delighted of having "one of them" grabbing the establishment by the booing.
I believe he was playing to the latter; they may have been delighted of having "one of them" grabbing the establishment by the booing.
3
Oh how I miss the scandal of Seamus strapped to the roof of the car!
5
Well, Gail, you made me laugh out even if nothing in the Al Smith dinner did.
1
Of his many failings, one of Trump's worst is that he has no sense of humor.
5
Trump stated at the dinner that he used to enjoy attending with his father. Would that be the same father who participated in a Klan rally denouncing the candidacy of Governor Al Smith? Unless that story turns out to be an internet fantasy, this would be worse than George Wallace attending an NAACP dinner.
9
Both Hillary and Trump could have emulated the wit and intelligence of President Obama when he spoke at the White House Correspondents dinner. He was funny!
2
Charisma, charm, admiration, integrity are some of the attributes that define successful and competent leaders in all walks of life; add to this the ability to poke fun at one's self, to laugh and appreciate the simple pleasures of life... to be able to love and be love. Sadly, Donald Trump would appear not to possess many of these rather basic attributes and these are qualities money cannot buy. He looked out of place, very awkward, uncomfortable and unable to enjoy the company or let his hair down and laugh at it all.. a sad and tragic figure, in this setting, so small and pathetic and perhaps for once seen for what he is, a stranger and lonely man in his own town.
4
It's a good thing Trump is a bungler. His appeal has been to the same Republican base Nixon called the silent majority; those whom Reagan aroused with his welfare queen; the ones who voted for George H. W. Bush because of Willie Horton. It's probably true that with each decade this group gets smaller, but they're still present as a bloc. Predominantly white and male, they perceive their world diminishing through eight years of a black president and possibly eight more years of a woman president. They respond to a strong male leader who feeds off their anxieties. They are enraged when they feel belittled and tossed aside. Trumps ineptness gives Clinton an opening to engage these people minus the elements of racism and misogyny -- a genuine challenge for inclusive leadership.
1
Won't be too long and we will find a presidential office that can't be worse.
You can take that predicition either way, and it's still true. Good thing the current presidential bar is set as low as it is.
You can take that predicition either way, and it's still true. Good thing the current presidential bar is set as low as it is.
1
I'm not a Hillary Clinton fan. I've also had a very uneasy feeling about a Trump presidency since day one. But Trump's behavior at that dinner gave us all a glimpse into how Trump will be behaving at state dinners, with foreign diplomats. Hillary gets my vote on Nov. 8; not because I think she's a great candidate, but because I realize that Trump is an abysmal one.
3
If Hillary were a man, I don't think her words would have been seen as at all offensive. But shame on you Gail. You can't get beyond your own prejudices about how women should behave. According to the audience reactions, Hillary's jokes were funny and Trump bombed. Maybe it's time to discard your tired meme about how scripted Hillary is. It's kind of old and much less funny than your Seamus shtick.
6
You're almost right, "There's nothing Trump can't ruin" save ONE thing; he's sure given you journalists a cornucopia of material in what would have been an otherwise completely boring election cycle.
Face it, would a "JEB!"/Rubio/(shudder)Cruz versus Clinton debate have drawn 80 million plus viewers?
Furthermore, would the "common folk" have even HEARD of the "Al Smith Dinner" if Trump hadn't waded in like some form of poor joke spouting Godzilla? I think not.
So count your blessings, hope the idiot doesn't become president and think how boring the 2020 race will be compared to THIS one!
Face it, would a "JEB!"/Rubio/(shudder)Cruz versus Clinton debate have drawn 80 million plus viewers?
Furthermore, would the "common folk" have even HEARD of the "Al Smith Dinner" if Trump hadn't waded in like some form of poor joke spouting Godzilla? I think not.
So count your blessings, hope the idiot doesn't become president and think how boring the 2020 race will be compared to THIS one!
124
@Richard A. Petro - ....unless Cruz jumps back in. Trump has HIS way of ruining everything - just imagine what crazy direction Cruz could take to ruin things.
1
I hear he is single-handedly helping the psychotherapy industry as the rest of us try to cope with him being in the world.
Oh commonnnnn now Gail. Why exactly are we wanting to elect Hillary? She is not going to be able to pass a single law what with a fractured Congress that won't work to get things done. She'll just be a ceremonial. She won't be able to change a thing. So why exactly are we electing her? For status quo?
1
@BR
NJ
Grow up.
NJ
Grow up.
6
Your question is sort of off from the article I just read. We want to elect Hillary because she is competent. Congress needs a wake-up call from the American voter, not Hillary.
5
I, a dyed-in-the-wool Bernie fan, am voting for her for two main reasons. Granted she will inherit a divided Congress which will make it difficult to accomplish much, still: 1. with her as President, there's at least a hope of saving the Supreme Court for my grandchildren; and 2. There is no humanly decent alternative with a chance to win. Every time Trump opens his mouth, he reveals yet another disqualifying trait. I thought when he made fun of the disabled reporter, he was toast. But since then, he has gone on to embarrass himself in numerous other ways. There doesn't seem to be a bottom in sight for his crass essential and meanness.
So, we are "electing" her as a stopgap to the disaster that would be a Trump presidency. Bold new steps? Probably not. But status quo looks pretty good when compared to the changes Trump offers.
So, we are "electing" her as a stopgap to the disaster that would be a Trump presidency. Bold new steps? Probably not. But status quo looks pretty good when compared to the changes Trump offers.
4
Early on Saturday morning I was not looking forward to more reminders that The Donald is actually a serious candidate for president of our country. I was tempted to simply skip your column, Gail. But, I read the first line, which I think was the best first line I've ever seen. My morning brightened, and I read on. Thank you for another excellent column. And thank you for a wonderful start to the day.
5
Trump has the social grace of a hemorrhoidal pit bull.
Add that to the Why He's Unfit list.
Add that to the Why He's Unfit list.
4
That nasty woman
Arouses the Trumpenstein...
Sets his hair on fire.
Arouses the Trumpenstein...
Sets his hair on fire.
1
Every year we rate roasting at the Al Smith Dinner:
Whether slack-jaw guffaw or diffident grinner.
But Trump is unhinged,
So this year we cringed
At deplorable swipes at our popular winner.
Whether slack-jaw guffaw or diffident grinner.
But Trump is unhinged,
So this year we cringed
At deplorable swipes at our popular winner.
2
why use "gibes" in one instance and "jibed" in another? seems inconsistent.
i think Trump's performance proves he is not very smart. Allowing that his speech writers missed he mark entirely after a few really good jokes, Trump should have caught the inappropriateness of reverting to an unfunny stump speech. He who is known for reading and reacting to an audience blew it bigly. He functions on a preteen level and can't get past that.
By contrast, I watched the 2008 and 2012 speeches. Obama was his usual cool customer and McCain and Romney were quite funny too.
Cardinal Dolan might have thought twice about bringing the current two together for this event. While Hillary is much smarter and funnier than she allows herself to be, Trump has proven he has no sense of humor. It was embarrassing to watch.
By contrast, I watched the 2008 and 2012 speeches. Obama was his usual cool customer and McCain and Romney were quite funny too.
Cardinal Dolan might have thought twice about bringing the current two together for this event. While Hillary is much smarter and funnier than she allows herself to be, Trump has proven he has no sense of humor. It was embarrassing to watch.
6
“I will remember this, thought Ender, when I am defeated. To keep dignity, and give honor where it's due, so that defeat is not disgrace. And I hope I don't have to do it often.”
― Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game
― Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game
3
Leave it to Donald Trump to make a shambles of even the Al Smith dinner which everyone enjoys regardless of political persuasion. November 8 can't come soon enough.
7
I think Clinton has lost the moral compass and is lower than a snake under a truck tyre. She has consistently lied to Americans and the biggest hypocrite in the USA. If Republicans come out to vote I think she's going to jail.
I see that Fox News and the Limbaugh clones are alive and well Down Under.
The drumbeat about Clinton's "lies" may well have some momentary political utility for the rabid right here in the US, but has no context or meaning in Australia.
Seven exhaustive Senate hearings have come up dry over the Benghazi matter, and the FBI has no real interest in the e-mail server issue, and declines to close it down only to appear even-handed in the present moment. For the benefit of other Australians, there is no "there" there. As a foreign observer, you might enjoy going to non-partisan websites like Snopes, Politifact and other fact-checkers, and see who the liar actually is.
The drumbeat about Clinton's "lies" may well have some momentary political utility for the rabid right here in the US, but has no context or meaning in Australia.
Seven exhaustive Senate hearings have come up dry over the Benghazi matter, and the FBI has no real interest in the e-mail server issue, and declines to close it down only to appear even-handed in the present moment. For the benefit of other Australians, there is no "there" there. As a foreign observer, you might enjoy going to non-partisan websites like Snopes, Politifact and other fact-checkers, and see who the liar actually is.
7
The punchline shoulda been, "she's so corrupt, she got thrown off the Watergate gang." not "off the committee." However, the one about Michelle's and Melania's speeches? That was hysterical. He shoulda started and stop with that one.
I'm a bad hombre who's voting for the nasty woman because I hate losers.
25
I feel you, Pedro.
1
And Hillary's comment's weren't offensive. Did you only listen to Trump?
Hillary has bragged about taking the high road, but she seems to have broken that rule at this dinner. Is that hypocritical? Perhaps. Not a great evening for either candidate.
1
Had Trump not been Trump, Hillary would have come off cattish, but this is a catfish broil, now.
But you know, Donald Trump has announced if he loses he will still be happy.
Isn't that so Donald?
While he has gathered so many followers (I'm definitely not one), he doesn't address their strife at him losing, but assures his own happiness.
Well, certainly all will be well with Donald's world, won't it, just as long as he's happy.
Isn't that so Donald?
While he has gathered so many followers (I'm definitely not one), he doesn't address their strife at him losing, but assures his own happiness.
Well, certainly all will be well with Donald's world, won't it, just as long as he's happy.
3
The usual excellent and sharply droll Collins piece. Personally I was fascinated by the choice to insert Cardinal Timothy Dolan between Sec. Clinton and Mr. Trump. He tended to turn toward Clinton, his back towards Trump. When Trump suggested Clinton "hated" Catholics, the cardinal whispered something in Clinton's ear. As Trump's rhetoric heated up, the cardinal turned away from the dais and appeared to be gazing at the crowd. Or perhaps it was just the middle distance stare of the willfully distracted.
Fascinating to watch.
Fascinating to watch.
7
Never, ever thought I'd say or even think it but---just as "the don" is beginning to "like" Rosie O, I am beginning to think that Sarah Palin wasn't that bad!!! In fact she seems quaint compared to this Incredible Hulk.
1
Elena
Yes, Palin was that bad. We're just a little overwhelmed with Trump right now.
Yes, Palin was that bad. We're just a little overwhelmed with Trump right now.
1
A short poem for Donald
(apologies to Mother Goose)
Trumpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Trumpty Dumpty had a great fall
Tell all your voters
This is the end
Our country needs time
To heal and mend!
(apologies to Mother Goose)
Trumpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Trumpty Dumpty had a great fall
Tell all your voters
This is the end
Our country needs time
To heal and mend!
6
'Bring one of those creepy clowns'? Donald IS one of those creepy clowns.
6
Gail, you're getting soft as campaign 2016 lurches into the next major faux pas. This month is definitely the Mother of All October Surprises.
Trump has a better probability of winning Olympic gold in the 100 yard dash---hurdles of course than he does in winning the US Presidency. Now of course if by some cosmic alignment of the planets, Trump were to win, the White House's Easter Egg Roll would start charging children. Somehow the ghost of Chamus, Romney's dog has been avenged?
Trump has a better probability of winning Olympic gold in the 100 yard dash---hurdles of course than he does in winning the US Presidency. Now of course if by some cosmic alignment of the planets, Trump were to win, the White House's Easter Egg Roll would start charging children. Somehow the ghost of Chamus, Romney's dog has been avenged?
2
I don't have anything clever or insightful to add to these letters. Trump's dreadfulness is an exhausted subject for me. I would like, instead, to congratulate Ms. Collins on not putting the English definite article in front of the words "hoi polloi". There's class for you!
3
True, because as President he has to host dinners for the visiting dignitaries almost daily?
Trump's problem is that he's incapable of gauging the appropriate tone for any occasion, because he's never had to bother worrying about it--if you have a few billion dollars, any tone you use is the right tone. Now that he's in a forum where people aren't being paid to pretend to respect him or find him amusing, he has no idea how to behave.
His instincts are consistently wrong. When asked about religion, he joked about "a little wine, a little wafer," etc. When a veteran gave him his most prized possession, his Purple Heart, Trump joked "I've always wanted one of these--this was a lot easier!" Instead of taking an appropriately respectful tone, Trump appeared to be ready to take a jewelers' loupe out of his jacket pocket and examine the object for authenticity, as if intending to pawn it.
Add to this the narcissistic trait of finding humour in the demeaning of other people, and the handicap of a 400-word vocabulary, and you end up with gems like "Crooked Hillary," "Lyin' Ted," and "Little Marco" as examples of Trump's bons mots.
Imagine President Trump in sensitive talks with Angela Merkel, for instance. After a disagreement, would he dismiss her as a post-menopausal loser? Or would he just default to implying that blood was no longer coming out of her "wherever"? Almost every utterance out of the man's petulant little beak reads like an entry in a psychiatric case study; it's hard not to diagnose such an eager, cooperative patient.
His instincts are consistently wrong. When asked about religion, he joked about "a little wine, a little wafer," etc. When a veteran gave him his most prized possession, his Purple Heart, Trump joked "I've always wanted one of these--this was a lot easier!" Instead of taking an appropriately respectful tone, Trump appeared to be ready to take a jewelers' loupe out of his jacket pocket and examine the object for authenticity, as if intending to pawn it.
Add to this the narcissistic trait of finding humour in the demeaning of other people, and the handicap of a 400-word vocabulary, and you end up with gems like "Crooked Hillary," "Lyin' Ted," and "Little Marco" as examples of Trump's bons mots.
Imagine President Trump in sensitive talks with Angela Merkel, for instance. After a disagreement, would he dismiss her as a post-menopausal loser? Or would he just default to implying that blood was no longer coming out of her "wherever"? Almost every utterance out of the man's petulant little beak reads like an entry in a psychiatric case study; it's hard not to diagnose such an eager, cooperative patient.
765
As always the joke is on us.
3
Is America beginning to believe that abortion should be legal in the eighth decade?
11
Yes! Civil rights for geriatric females!
1
Abortion should be available whenever needed, for any reason.
2
So, Trump did everything you said, obnoxiously gave his stump speech full of conspiracy theory slams right out of right wing talk radio instead of anything resembling jokes, but Hillary Clinton didn't "adjust" her speech to contrast it with his so you know, both sides are at fault.
It's like a disease, it's truly amazing. A obsessive compulsive disorder, at best.
It's like a disease, it's truly amazing. A obsessive compulsive disorder, at best.
4
The myth about spontaneity as a positive trait of a politicians seems to have eternal life. As if it were an indispensable virtue of a president,when we know that the job requires exquisite calculations. So the incomprehensible charges that Clinton has run a "terrible" campaign, when the pole apposite is true. It has been a well-run, well disciplined campaign with few glitches. It would be a superhuman effort to campaign for two years in a variety of times and circumstances and not fail once. The modern presidential campaign is run by a bevy of so-callled experts who plan everything, down to the clothing and even the breakfast a candidate will have the next day. That's why the media has been such an enabler of Trump's candidacy: he is sure to come up with still another unexpected remark and there is nothing that sells better than scandal.
1
Yeah, Trump showed himself for what he is: a vulgarian and a boor. But what's the choice? That or consummate evil?
But Trump IS consummate evil, as well as a vulgarian and a boor. He's mob connected, stands accused of raping a 13 year old girl (and there are accusations of raping a 12 year old girl, as well); he raped and battered Ivana one night when he was angry with her; he admits to sexually assaulted women by grabbing their genitalia; he has incestuous feelings for his own daughter; he spoke in sexual terms about his other daughter, when she was only ONE year old, etc.
1
"Consumate evil"
Is this the twelfth century or the twenty-first? Black hooded monks assessing the amount of evil in the candidates.
Is this the twelfth century or the twenty-first? Black hooded monks assessing the amount of evil in the candidates.
1
Ah, but he's a man. He gets a free pass on all that from the black hooded monks. They get it.
1
the whole affair put me in the mind of the movie My Fair Lady. Only roles are reversed where Donald Trump is Henry Higgins who needs to be trained how to behave in high society.
1
One of the most frightening things about "Trump's fans", is their median income is $72k. Solidly in the middle of the middle class.
3
Yes. Trump does cheapen and make vulgar everything he touches. This to me was the great takeaway of Debate 3, at least as striking as his notorious cuteness about the election results: it was all those split screens with Trump on one side, Clinton on the other. After listening, and *while* listening to both of them, all this time, and seeing the two headshots side by side, my recurrent thought was: he just does not belong on that stage, or on my TV screen, or within miles of US politics. The only interesting question about him is how and why he got to this place where he does not belong and where his very presence is an insult to all of us. Gail, you said it ages ago: if HRC is boring, please God give us boring ...
530
He got there because of plurality voting by Republicans. Until the party adopts ranked voting, there is always the danger that another idiot will be chosen by the deplorables therein.
2
Let's be adults. We're not hiring an entertainer-in-chief. We're hiring someone to "get the job done." DT is unprepared for anything about the job -- dealing with matters of war and peace, diplomacy, domestic politics, builiding coalitions/consensus, reaching across the aisle, thinking ahead, etc.
So "boring" is the new alternative to being a human sparkler? Let's get language back to reality.
Meanwhile, it's time to hear what Clinton's three signature objectives are for the first 100 days. The global outlook? Infrastructure renewal? Adjustments to the ACA? Doubling down on thoughtful environmental protections? A rise in the minimum wage? Tax reform?
Let's get going.
So "boring" is the new alternative to being a human sparkler? Let's get language back to reality.
Meanwhile, it's time to hear what Clinton's three signature objectives are for the first 100 days. The global outlook? Infrastructure renewal? Adjustments to the ACA? Doubling down on thoughtful environmental protections? A rise in the minimum wage? Tax reform?
Let's get going.
2
In answer to your question, Mary, Trump is insulated by media exposure (earned by outrageousness) and possibly use of controlled substances. That sniffling was seen at all three debates and the Smith Dinner. Some things do NOT go better with coke.
1
Long suspected to be a joke, Dangerous Donald reveals (again) that he can neither take or deliver a joke in good humor.
But more significantly, Dangerous Donald shows (again) that he lacks the self-awareness, humility, and ability to be introspective that is required to be POTUS. Unaware of his own decision making process, he offers the potential to be too easily manipulated and in search of adulation.
Unable to reflect at all in a meaningful way on his own personality and character, or lacking the humility to take a true shot at himself, Dangerous Donald saves his best zinger of the night and turns the spotlight to his spotlight adverse wife, offering Melania up as a self-deprecating sacrifice of the family.
But from there, things quickly turned sour as Dangerous Donald essentially offered up his stump speech (is this the only material that he has?) during the second half of his turn at the microphone.
While seemingly minor as a commentary on his character and personality, this has long been my chief complaint as it relates to Dangerous Donald's candidacy: The POTUS must communicate clearly, always aware of tone and delivery. Dangerous Donald, however, just speaks, offering his words to the crowd and seeing how they play before deciding what they mean and how they were meant to be interpreted.
So is the stump speech, and by extension Dangerous Donald's campaign, a joke or not? Even Dangerous Donald doesn't seem to know!
But more significantly, Dangerous Donald shows (again) that he lacks the self-awareness, humility, and ability to be introspective that is required to be POTUS. Unaware of his own decision making process, he offers the potential to be too easily manipulated and in search of adulation.
Unable to reflect at all in a meaningful way on his own personality and character, or lacking the humility to take a true shot at himself, Dangerous Donald saves his best zinger of the night and turns the spotlight to his spotlight adverse wife, offering Melania up as a self-deprecating sacrifice of the family.
But from there, things quickly turned sour as Dangerous Donald essentially offered up his stump speech (is this the only material that he has?) during the second half of his turn at the microphone.
While seemingly minor as a commentary on his character and personality, this has long been my chief complaint as it relates to Dangerous Donald's candidacy: The POTUS must communicate clearly, always aware of tone and delivery. Dangerous Donald, however, just speaks, offering his words to the crowd and seeing how they play before deciding what they mean and how they were meant to be interpreted.
So is the stump speech, and by extension Dangerous Donald's campaign, a joke or not? Even Dangerous Donald doesn't seem to know!
10
Trump has flubbed, goofed and hobbled through the campaign. After the election he'll find himself driving in a one car parade. The smart money says he'll screw that up too.
4
It's always fun to watch the rich and elites squirm and made uncomfortable and hear they're not as special as they thought. But, they get over it quickly. They pay plenty of sycophants to reassure them of their brilliance.
My favorite part of the evening was watching Guiliani's face when Hillary roasted him. There aren't enough sycophants in the world to help poor Rudy.
My favorite part of the evening was watching Guiliani's face when Hillary roasted him. There aren't enough sycophants in the world to help poor Rudy.
8
Wow. A Wausau, Florida, reference. Cool.
I've been to the Wausau Possum Festival. Met Bob Sikes, the original Florida he-coon. That was back when all of those rural, Florida Panhandle conservatives loved Big Gubmint -- the kind that Rep. Sikes got to fill up the region with military bases and jobs.
I've been to the Wausau Possum Festival. Met Bob Sikes, the original Florida he-coon. That was back when all of those rural, Florida Panhandle conservatives loved Big Gubmint -- the kind that Rep. Sikes got to fill up the region with military bases and jobs.
2
When the facts are weighed what do you get? A national embarrassment.
2
I understand Hillary Hatred. She's a typical politician with a bit more ooze than average. People who dislike reality hate on politicians all the time and that extra bit of ooze makes her a great target. There's misogyny too.
What I don't get is why anyone with brains that don't rattle would like Donald Trump. The man is bankrupt in every way a human can be.
In any case, Hillary's writers knocked it out of the park. Great job team Clinton!
What I don't get is why anyone with brains that don't rattle would like Donald Trump. The man is bankrupt in every way a human can be.
In any case, Hillary's writers knocked it out of the park. Great job team Clinton!
8
Thank you Gail. Your description of Rudy Giuliani is priceless.
I wonder if he can explain how those dead people will get off of the buses?
I wonder if he can explain how those dead people will get off of the buses?
7
Well, at least it didn’t turn into a food fight. Although I think some of the stuffed shirts on the dais might like a little unrestrained fun once in a while.
3
both of them were, as they were in the debates, terrible...trump has rough edges (he was right about the anti-catholic thread in the DNC exchanges, but he rather inflated the headline, (hate" was way overboard, even if true, it crabs the joke) than illuminated the sinister intentions of its begetters...H(R)C has no edges, deflating headlines, (whatever, it's the russians)...neither showed much in the way of imagination
neither inspires,
dumping on trump and plumping up hillary only sets us up for a fall, if it was the other way around it would be the same,
pay her and play her, dial up which of her "two position" proclivities suits your purpose, be sure the check
neither inspires,
dumping on trump and plumping up hillary only sets us up for a fall, if it was the other way around it would be the same,
pay her and play her, dial up which of her "two position" proclivities suits your purpose, be sure the check
1
Trump has given buffoons a bad name.
7
In my head I see this music video. Donald Trump primping in front of a big mirror, adjusting white tie, applying a little more orange make-up, spraying his comb-over into place, getting ready for the next big celebrity dinner. Four Seasons music playing, Frankie Valli singing/whispering the words -- "You're just too good to be true. Can't take my eyes off of you. You'd be like heaven to touch. I want to hold you so much." Trump standing there, taking in all the self pleasure, with perhaps a fleeting look from a semi-dressed Melania.
6
B.:
The Trump bumper stickers that you see in Brooklyn are no doubt ironic.
The Trump bumper stickers that you see in Brooklyn are no doubt ironic.
1
Archbishop Dolan got his promotion from the Pope for covering up for child raping Priests, Clinton is a crooked servant of the 1% and Trump is dangerously unbalanced. These people our spiritual and political leaders?
3
I would not take "The Donald" to McDonald's let alone to my home for fear he would steal the silverware and grope my wife.
5
Ms. Collins has no sense of humor. Trump's comments were quite funny. The "pardon me" joke was hilarious. Lighten up Gail. Your candidate was even meaner than him.
1
It's not just the assessment of Gail Collins that he wasn't funny. The mostly conservative Catholic, Republican-leaning audience jeered and booed him. In contrast, they gave Hillary a standing ovation.
4
Disagree. I found this column to be hilarious, while those actually at the dinner found Trump to be boo-worthy.
4
Such a nasty woman! ;)
2
Rudi Kazooti only became credible after the tragedy of 9/11. Remember the dress.
2
She was awesome--a consummate pro.
Of course she didn't write her speech. But she selected those who did. Impeccable judgment--intelligent barbed wit--right on target.
The delivery was hardly robotic. Yes it was controlled--a good thing (no?); but also graceful and even charming. Just the right about of self deprecation (usually charge a lot more for speeches) and exquisite poking and prodding making mincemeat of the bully.
She put to rest anxieties about not wearing well over the long haul.
Of course she didn't write her speech. But she selected those who did. Impeccable judgment--intelligent barbed wit--right on target.
The delivery was hardly robotic. Yes it was controlled--a good thing (no?); but also graceful and even charming. Just the right about of self deprecation (usually charge a lot more for speeches) and exquisite poking and prodding making mincemeat of the bully.
She put to rest anxieties about not wearing well over the long haul.
12
Fake gold plated golf balls.
8
He's clearly insane. He did once make reference to his battle with venereal disease - perhaps he lost that battle and is now in the 3rd and final stage.
13
A Third World dictator.
5
i do not want to see dons birth records. but i bet there is a lot of chuckles in his high school transcripts
9
At least he's not hiding behind the facade of manners. His enablers are polite many times, but underneath the veneer is the philosophy of a savage: I'll get you before you get me.
The GOP has been this way since the dawn of the genial Gipper, smiling as he bankrupted the country.
The GOP has been this way since the dawn of the genial Gipper, smiling as he bankrupted the country.
16
You've intrigued me. Please tell us more about the Wausau Possum Festival.
6
I agree wholeheartedly, but Giuliani has a special tier of crazy that is really sad. He was our leader, like him or not, he ran New York, and seemed mostly reasonable. He seemed like, a New Yorker. True colors do eventually come through. He is a rabid, angry, spiteful man filled with contempt over his own stunted ambitions. That's hard to watch because he's not 30 years old. He's an older man who should set examples, practice a respectable temperament and tone. He is fanning very dangerous flames. What a disappointment he has become. What happened to him? Maybe the other man was always the lie and this is his true self.
10
Such a nasty man....
11
Price of a ticket for the Al Smith Memorial dinner: $3000.00.
Seeing Donald Trump bomb and getting booed by the rich moneyed elite: Absolutely Priceless.
Seeing Donald Trump bomb and getting booed by the rich moneyed elite: Absolutely Priceless.
14
Did anybody else notice that Hillary' chiding of NYC Mayor DiBlasio and Governor Cuomo was lifted from JFK's 1960 Al Smith speech, except that JFK's two who battled each other were VP Nixon and Governor Rockefeller.
Gail, I agree with you except for one small point. Trump would not bring in a creepy clown for the egg roll. Trump is a creepy clown at an egg roll wherever he goes.
9
Very smart of Maria Bartiromo to sit on the other side of the dais from Trump, well out of hands' reach.
9
Yes, Donald Trump is a boor. A narcissist too. He lacks curiosity, intellect, judgment and grace. His speech didn't surprise me. Nothing he says or does surprises me anymore. What does, however, is depth of his bench. Witness daily the pathetic defense of this man from all quarters, including the "verified commenters" group in this forum. I encourage all readers to read this article by David French in the National Review:
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/441319/donald-trump-alt-right-inte...
There comes a point where no amount of rationalization can keep a sane person from the conclusion that even if (and that's a really big "if") Donald Trump doesn't have a racist, anti-semitic or misogynistic bone in his body, his followers do. To Trump's supporters I ask this: If he were your neighbor and you saw the company he keeps would you continue to associate with him? If not, why would you give him your vote and such awesome power and authority? If so, aren't you just enabling the normalization of all you supposedly abhor?
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/441319/donald-trump-alt-right-inte...
There comes a point where no amount of rationalization can keep a sane person from the conclusion that even if (and that's a really big "if") Donald Trump doesn't have a racist, anti-semitic or misogynistic bone in his body, his followers do. To Trump's supporters I ask this: If he were your neighbor and you saw the company he keeps would you continue to associate with him? If not, why would you give him your vote and such awesome power and authority? If so, aren't you just enabling the normalization of all you supposedly abhor?
9
Would you say that Larry Wilmore made the White House Correspondents's Dinner when he kept it 100? He pointed out that President Obama and his pal Steph Curry had a lot in common, namely "They both like to rain down bombs on people from long-distance"? Wilmore was booed for openly criticizing journalist present and later fired from his show.
There a lot of reasons to not approve of Donald Trump. But, I suggest you take another listen to the monologue. Trump certainly does not have the mouth of a babe, but sometimes you have to consider the words, no matter how uncomfortable that is, and not the source.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan publicly asked for an apology from the Clinton campaign for defaming Catholics before the dinner. Not only did we not hear that apology at what would have been a very apt moment, Secretary Clinton invoked Pope Francis to support her candidacy. (Let's remember it was Bernie that was invited to the Vatican!)
While Donald Trump would not be a good poster-boy: we do need to ask ourselves if hypocrisy has replaced authentic civility.
There a lot of reasons to not approve of Donald Trump. But, I suggest you take another listen to the monologue. Trump certainly does not have the mouth of a babe, but sometimes you have to consider the words, no matter how uncomfortable that is, and not the source.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan publicly asked for an apology from the Clinton campaign for defaming Catholics before the dinner. Not only did we not hear that apology at what would have been a very apt moment, Secretary Clinton invoked Pope Francis to support her candidacy. (Let's remember it was Bernie that was invited to the Vatican!)
While Donald Trump would not be a good poster-boy: we do need to ask ourselves if hypocrisy has replaced authentic civility.
3
"Clinton is not a spontaneous politician."
Isnt it enough.
Isnt it enough.
Isnt it enougfh
That Hillary survived enough.
You want her to be spontaneous too.
What does this First Lady First Mud Wrestling Female Pres have to do.
Isnt it enough.
Isnt it enough.
Isnt it enougfh
That Hillary survived enough.
You want her to be spontaneous too.
What does this First Lady First Mud Wrestling Female Pres have to do.
7
Outdated tradition, awkward for everyone in attendance, better to raise monies without the spectacle. Regarding Trump, why not use this event as another opportunity to show how different he is from the mainstream. If nothing else, he is consistent.
4
I grew up in the shadow of N.Y.C. Trump has always been disliked by everyone. He was a friendless jerk in the 70's and he's a friendless jerk today. What are we all going to do when this election is over and we can't read about Trump's missteps every morning? Probably read about the collapse of his business empire as Americans with brains and money, in other words, those that voted against him, shun his brand. Maybe read about Melania divorcing him for trying to cheat on her through all these years.
9
By letting presidents make fun of themselves and traffic in irreverent humor as the Al Smith Dinner and The White House Correspondents Dinner do, the world gets to see what a free democracy is. We are allowed to make fun of our leaders without retribution and vice-versa. Trump doesn’t even get that and adds weight to the notion that he appears dictatorial.
447
Gail Collins is the type of person I wish that I had sat next to in high school math or english. First, I could have cheated and gotten better grades. Second she would have had me rolling in the floor. Of course she never would have gotten in trouble. She would have set me up to get caught. And even better she was so cute I couldn't be mad at her. Another brilliant piece designed to help slam the door on Trump. Just a few more days and the Dumpster is gone. But Gail will live to write another day, hopefully to help take down another odious creature.
14
Perfect. Gail hit it out of the park with this one !
14
And another thing he would do would be to have insolent reporters like you, Collins, fired from the NY Times. Anybody that makes money writing hatchet job after hatchet job like you do deserves not to write at all.
2
Ever thought about reading the Constitution?
4
Bitter, table for one.
No one is forcing you to read this.
No one is forcing you to read this.
5
Dear Gail,
As a life-long New Yorker, Trump's candidacy seemed to me like a non-starter from its beginnings. He has had a long public history of destroying everything that he has touched. From the USFL to Trump Airlines to Atlantic City to his many bankruptcies to his failed marriages to Trump University, Trump has left a wide path of devastation in his wake. And now you can add the Republican Party to that list, and of course, as you mentioned, the Al Smith Dinner is just the cherry on top.
I personally am not sure that Trump is finished yet. With women coming out of the woodwork to accuse him of sexual assault and unwanted sexual advances, and Trump's own words as proof that these allegations are at the very least meriting a legal review, Trump may be heading for a long period of litigation after the election is over. Trump's lauded brand seems like the next town on the horizon on his long and well traveled road of scorched
the earth.
As a life-long New Yorker, Trump's candidacy seemed to me like a non-starter from its beginnings. He has had a long public history of destroying everything that he has touched. From the USFL to Trump Airlines to Atlantic City to his many bankruptcies to his failed marriages to Trump University, Trump has left a wide path of devastation in his wake. And now you can add the Republican Party to that list, and of course, as you mentioned, the Al Smith Dinner is just the cherry on top.
I personally am not sure that Trump is finished yet. With women coming out of the woodwork to accuse him of sexual assault and unwanted sexual advances, and Trump's own words as proof that these allegations are at the very least meriting a legal review, Trump may be heading for a long period of litigation after the election is over. Trump's lauded brand seems like the next town on the horizon on his long and well traveled road of scorched
the earth.
13
We forget, because we couldn't stomach the fare, that Trump has been pumping his preposterous pronouncements since he became Lord Sugar Faker weekly for 14 years. It's like a war, I tell you. At least to his viewers.
There are a lot of people out there who believe this man is the answer. Come on, that would be Alex Trebeck for $2000.
There are a lot of people out there who believe this man is the answer. Come on, that would be Alex Trebeck for $2000.
1
I dont understand why Trump talked about how his Father Fred used to take him to Al Smith dinners in the past. Everybody in that room knows Fred Trump was arrested at a KKK rally in 1927. The rally was to protest Catholic Al Smith running for President. Then he makes a joke about Hillary hating Catholics? The incongruity of the whole night was, hopefully, the finishing point of this horrible persons attempt to be "Presidential".
32
He'd also change the White House to Trump Colonial.
9
Poor Gail. Trump has spent so much effort satirizing himself, there really isn't much left for her to do.
9
What many seem to miss is that Trump has about 11 minutes of material. He says it at rallys, at debates, and charity events. If at a rally he had said he worked for 3 weeks as a carpenter for his daddy, the faithful would have swooned. If he had stated the brietbart, info wars lie about Hillary and the Watergate Commission, they would have chanted "lock her up". I'm not certain that hating Catholics at a Catholic Charity would have escaped boos anywhere though. Much safer to hate Muslims, Mexicans, "the blacks", it seems. Only a few more weeks to go. Glad McConnell and Ryan are still on board though.
118
I was going to vote for Mr. T...until I heard about the clowns.
4
With our good luck and Donald Trump's bad behavior, we'll probably never know if Trump would bring a creepy clown to the White House Easter egg roll, but we know that he has brought one to his presidential campaign. His name is Rudy Giuliani.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
20
I blame Trump for causing the creppy clown craze. Kidz can't tell the diff. He would be the clown, see? We can't have a clown for president.
Actually, when Trump said Hillary pushed him and then asked for Pardon, I thought he was gonna riff on Marie Antoinette, but Hillary meant it.
Actually, when Trump said Hillary pushed him and then asked for Pardon, I thought he was gonna riff on Marie Antoinette, but Hillary meant it.
Imagine, if Trump is elected [shudder, shudder] all those state dinners where he can insult the guests he doesn't like. Only this time instead of just getting booed, he starts a nuclear war.
10
Just look to the Philippines to see what we'll be missing. That's TV worth watching out for...
2
Nothing, and no one, associated with Donald Trump is better for it. He quite literally cheapens, degrades and diminishes everyone and everything he touches. Except maybe Newt Gingrich.
34
Donald Trump still has not figured out that this wasn't a tame audience of adoring followers who would follow that dreadful line about corruption with chants of "Lock her up!" Instead these were people from both parties, with a goodly number of church VIPs. He reminds me of the peccadilloes Rush Limbaugh kept getting into whenever he ventured beyond his safe zones of "ditto heads".
Trump just doesn't realize that what HIS "ditto heads" find funny, is grossly rude to the rest of the world. He learned the hard way when, for the first time in this entire campaign, he was roundly and deservedly booed. He doesn't "get" subtlety. From Clinton's first line "I interrupted my heavy nap schedule" she was able to playfully skewer Trump.
While in the past, candidates have had their Al Smith Dinner performances compared and scored and one considered better than the other, nobody has ever bombed so decisively as Donald Trump did Thursday night. As if "Corrupt" wasn't bad enough, to riff into "she believes it's vital to deceive the people" and then complete the toxic waste with "pretending not to hate Catholics" was as if he WANTED to lose!
Trump just doesn't realize that what HIS "ditto heads" find funny, is grossly rude to the rest of the world. He learned the hard way when, for the first time in this entire campaign, he was roundly and deservedly booed. He doesn't "get" subtlety. From Clinton's first line "I interrupted my heavy nap schedule" she was able to playfully skewer Trump.
While in the past, candidates have had their Al Smith Dinner performances compared and scored and one considered better than the other, nobody has ever bombed so decisively as Donald Trump did Thursday night. As if "Corrupt" wasn't bad enough, to riff into "she believes it's vital to deceive the people" and then complete the toxic waste with "pretending not to hate Catholics" was as if he WANTED to lose!
13
He DOES want to lose. He doesn't really want to run the country. He keeps going on about how wonderful The Apprentice is. Trump is going to either create his own TV network or just Tweet, Facetime and give speeches for the next 20 years.
3
Next 20 years!? Given his obesity, which may worsen after he loses, I'd say 5 to 10, tops.
I will be so relieved to have this election over so NYT columnists can quit telling the same story over and over and over.
6
If it's possible for Democrats to rig and election Al Gore would have been president.
What IS rigged is the House of Representatives, where districts have been re-drawn to keep the chamber in the Republican column.
What IS rigged is the House of Representatives, where districts have been re-drawn to keep the chamber in the Republican column.
45
You're reading the NYT? Welcome to the other alternate universe!
Reading op ed columns has gone from casual to obsessive. Especially when they pick apart Trump.
Here, most of the yards that usually have GOP lawn signs are devoid of one ... the one for the top of the ticket. One observation: If there is a Trump sign, its close to the house, not the street, less likely to be vandalized. Its the suburbs in MN, go figure?
Oddly enough, Clinton signs are scarce as well...
But in the rural areas and small towns in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, Trump signs are proudly displayed on the road side with confidence with no need for defiance.
One can only assume that many are just as avidly reading ob eds picking apart Clinton. What the old farmers at morning coffee are saying about Hillary makes Trump's attacks seem minor league and sane in comparison.
Neither side can stomach the propaganda of the other. So keep reading the NYT and re-enforce your own personal bias, but we are in uncharted waters.
The chaos begins the day after the election when the divisions will be felt around American Thanks Giving tables, not at a dinner for the elite, wealthy, and powerful in New York where the jewelry on display on the hands, wrists, and necks of the attendees is of greater value than the quaint 6 million raised for charity.
Economic inequality is the power behind Trump, not his rhetoric.
Reading op ed columns has gone from casual to obsessive. Especially when they pick apart Trump.
Here, most of the yards that usually have GOP lawn signs are devoid of one ... the one for the top of the ticket. One observation: If there is a Trump sign, its close to the house, not the street, less likely to be vandalized. Its the suburbs in MN, go figure?
Oddly enough, Clinton signs are scarce as well...
But in the rural areas and small towns in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, Trump signs are proudly displayed on the road side with confidence with no need for defiance.
One can only assume that many are just as avidly reading ob eds picking apart Clinton. What the old farmers at morning coffee are saying about Hillary makes Trump's attacks seem minor league and sane in comparison.
Neither side can stomach the propaganda of the other. So keep reading the NYT and re-enforce your own personal bias, but we are in uncharted waters.
The chaos begins the day after the election when the divisions will be felt around American Thanks Giving tables, not at a dinner for the elite, wealthy, and powerful in New York where the jewelry on display on the hands, wrists, and necks of the attendees is of greater value than the quaint 6 million raised for charity.
Economic inequality is the power behind Trump, not his rhetoric.
4
Every house without a Trump sign is voting Clinton; such a decision needs no announcement. Go count them.
4
There are many of us who are not rich for Hillary. We don't sit at our tables lambasting Trump because we already realize that he's the biggest con man to run for president. And it's all those farmers who believe he'll do something for them who are being conned. If those farmers understood his ideas, they'd also understand that he's going to make inequality far worse. We understand he's an egomaniac who has never helped anyone but himself and I'd feel sorry for those farmers if he gets elected because their lives will get worse.
3
I felt disappointed with Clinton, not Trump. He merely showed himself again to be the witless oaf that we expect, though he could have tried just a little harder to show some humanity on this occasion. Clinton had, and missed, an opportunity to use her undoubted wit and intelligence to lighten up what has become a dark time for the country.
135
Trump is Trump where anything goes, no matter where, at church or at the circus. Hillary Clinton, with tremendous stamina and strength, showed the Nation during the last Debate that she is not a milksop. There is a time to weep, a time to be witty, a time to work, and she is looking ahead, while taking the time to be present at a noteworthy Event sponsored by the Catholic archdiocese, both serious about the welfare of children and their future.
6
You were disappointed in Clinton?
She stood up in front of Republican Catholics and gently showed that her campaign, her platform was implementing the teachings of Pope Francis. If politics is the art of persuasion, that was a master stroke.
She stood up in front of Republican Catholics and gently showed that her campaign, her platform was implementing the teachings of Pope Francis. If politics is the art of persuasion, that was a master stroke.
10
She did have to take care, to not make a joke that Donald would mistake for a factual confession, that would then get repeated at his rallies as though it were true. That also makes it important for her to stay on script. If Romney, Bush (insert almost anyone else) had been the opponent, this would not have been a concern.
136
Preparation as a performance enhancer, which Hillary Clinton mentioned in her remarks at the Al Smith dinner, is what Trump so sorely lacks. He could have watched the Obama-Romney and Obama-McCain appearances at this dinner in years past just to see how it's really done. But, no, Trump had to do it his way and wound up getting booed, something unheard of at this event.
Trump did have one good joke, though it was at his wife's expense. But he didn't stop after that, which wound up being disastrous for him. Knowing when and where to stop is an important characteristic that someone who has access to the nuclear code needs to possess but Trump sorely lacks, making him ineligible to be the commander-in-chief.
Your description of Giuliani, Gail, as a "superannuated bulldog with a toothache" is quite funny, especially since it is closer to the truth, as was evident when he was seen snarling at Hillary when she spoke. Trump surrounds himself with sycophants like Giuliani and Chris Christie (insert your bridge joke here). That is not as funny as it is a poor reflection of the man who wants to be our president.
Trump did have one good joke, though it was at his wife's expense. But he didn't stop after that, which wound up being disastrous for him. Knowing when and where to stop is an important characteristic that someone who has access to the nuclear code needs to possess but Trump sorely lacks, making him ineligible to be the commander-in-chief.
Your description of Giuliani, Gail, as a "superannuated bulldog with a toothache" is quite funny, especially since it is closer to the truth, as was evident when he was seen snarling at Hillary when she spoke. Trump surrounds himself with sycophants like Giuliani and Chris Christie (insert your bridge joke here). That is not as funny as it is a poor reflection of the man who wants to be our president.
485
RK, your comment on sycophants reminds me of the old saw, "First class men hire first class men. Second class men hire third class men." Trump seems very careful about not associating h anyone who might challenge him for the leadership of his entourage. That's a sort of long-winded way of saying that, like most egotistical bullies, Trump is dealing with some real serious insecurities; he needs a circle of boot-lickers to keep him "strong".
1
"Trump did have one good joke, though it was at his wife's expense" - doesn't this show what a boor he is? It's one thing to make jokes about your opponent. That is expected. But to make fun of your wife when the world is watching--that is so mean. He followed up by making her stand--like she was a doll to be shown off. It makes me skin crawl to think this man could be president.
1
Rudy was never all that great (9/11 obscures a lot of how bad he was as NY's mayor), but all that aside, he is the second best reason why Trump should never be president. The idea of him anywhere near a position of power is terrifying.
1
Someday the low road will be named the Donald Trump Memorial Highway and the sign will be gold-plated and bigly.
779
G.E. Morris wins the internet for today!
1
Donald Trump doesn't just worship the golden calf...he thinks he IS the golden calf.
2
and it will be in a prominent location in Moscow?
1
Donald Trump's greatest crime: Making Hillary Clinton electable.
4
What White House? Trump would rename the building Trump Residence, announced in suitably loud gold lettering, and would tweet that he had built it all by himself.
I noticed that Trump looked particularly growly in the pictures from this event. The organizers should have seated him facing backwards, so he could spend the evening staring at Maria Bartiromo. It would have kept him sitting up straighter, too.
I noticed that Trump looked particularly growly in the pictures from this event. The organizers should have seated him facing backwards, so he could spend the evening staring at Maria Bartiromo. It would have kept him sitting up straighter, too.
14
Much as I admire Ms. Collins' writing, I believe she is mistaken in saying that Hillary could have made a good point by scrapping her laugh lines and giving the most good-natured speech on political history. If Hillary had done that, all her many opponents would have chorused that she had been intimidated, was unable to answer criticism, didn't know how to fight back - all presumably evidence that she was not fit to be president. And by the way, if you stayed with her speech, Hillary did go on to give a wonderful non-partisan testimony to what can be accomplished by good faith (in both senses of the term), one of the best speeches in recent political history.
55
Agreed. It is so irritating to read a columnist actually try to dis Clinton for reading her prepared remarks. Any other person reading their remarks would have progressed without comment. Somehow Hillary is supposed to change it up because of (insert ridiculous reason here). She was unflappable as usual in the face of Trump's attacks. Give her credit, sheesh.
2
Trump's behavior is so brattily adolescent and seemingly uncontrollable I sometimes begin to feel a degree of compassion toward him... but then he says or does something that suggests he cultivates and enjoys his antisocial demeanor and my compassion immediately dissipates. The Al Smith Dinner, no matter what one may think of it as an institution, was a perfect case in point. This year he attended with a new title, presidential candidate, and a new role, one of two featured speakers. He knew what was expected, but as was true on all other occasions, Trump showed us that he is stunningly incapable of adapting, let alone learning. Anyone else would have likely cut short his remarks upon hearing the boos (which he acknowledged) or at least tried in some fashion to soften them. His studied and labored reading of his material suggested he was unfamiliar with it and simply plowed on with over-the-top and wildly inappropriate personal attacks.
By contrast, Clinton was comfortable and responsive to the audience. The context was not lost on her. Yes, she delivered some barbs but none that wouldn't have been out of place in another event, like the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Knowing that Trump's actions and words constitute a threat to her personal safety, aside from his threatened abuse of office to take legal action against her, Clinton demonstrated remarkable restraint. That's been one of her signal characteristics throughout this campaign.
By contrast, Clinton was comfortable and responsive to the audience. The context was not lost on her. Yes, she delivered some barbs but none that wouldn't have been out of place in another event, like the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Knowing that Trump's actions and words constitute a threat to her personal safety, aside from his threatened abuse of office to take legal action against her, Clinton demonstrated remarkable restraint. That's been one of her signal characteristics throughout this campaign.
79
Think seriously about how Trump treats others, and you'll never almost feel sorry for him again. He is despicable to the core.
13
For Donald Trump to be booed by a room full of NYC elites is hardly a faux pas, it's simply playing to that portion of his base that passionately believes that the new world order designed and maintained by those elites has left working class Americans ever further behind.
The last thing they'd want to see is their candidate held in a warm embrace by that room. It's not a blunder, it's a campaign strategy.
The last thing they'd want to see is their candidate held in a warm embrace by that room. It's not a blunder, it's a campaign strategy.
10
Yes, a Trump campaign strategy orchestrated by a band of old, mean-spirited white dudes you simply are irrelevant. And speaking of bad strategies, how about that poor Kellyanne Conway...she had such a promising career.
7
Timmy: The NYC elites may accept and benefit from a new world order, but you miss the critical point that any such order is a progression of long standing trends in trade and globalization. And there seems little any of us can do about it. One thing we can all do is be honest about it, but Trump, ever the manipulator, prefers to lie and blame HRC for it. The fact is that mega-corporations, with revenues greater than most governments, now are independent of the control of any one nation-state. We need super-states to deal with super-corporations. If the US retreats from that task, China will do it to the benefit of China.
4
Except that part of that base is still devoutly Catholic and feels strongly about the charitable work their church does. And another part of the base has manners and knows bad manners when they see them. Another part believes strongly in upholding traditions. And, the part of that base that wouldn't want to see Trump "held in a warm embrace" might have wished that he'd just turned down the invitation - period.
I'm no Trump fan, but you've made an unflattering assumption about his base. If his performance was a campaign strategy, it was a very risky one.
I'm no Trump fan, but you've made an unflattering assumption about his base. If his performance was a campaign strategy, it was a very risky one.
4
Or as a Republican consultant said in a Washington Post article, “Everything Trump touches dies.”
I had to wonder how he felt at the Al Smith dinner. All he ever wanted was there: insider power, old-money wealth, celebrity. But the tone was soon set by the host, who led off with a ladies dressing room joke at his expense. As Melania watched with a runway smile, it seemed to me that the invitation was, in fact, an eviction notice. Trump had violated the rules of New York society, of decorum. He had not conducted himself well. He was not a gentleman. He was not welcome.
People complain about the length of the campaign. Maybe it was good thing, though. It took this long for Trump to be seen by most as, first, a sensation, then a horror, and finally a joke, a punchline. An incomplete man, who thought fast talk and flashing cash could fill the gaps and take him to the White House.
Wrong.
I had to wonder how he felt at the Al Smith dinner. All he ever wanted was there: insider power, old-money wealth, celebrity. But the tone was soon set by the host, who led off with a ladies dressing room joke at his expense. As Melania watched with a runway smile, it seemed to me that the invitation was, in fact, an eviction notice. Trump had violated the rules of New York society, of decorum. He had not conducted himself well. He was not a gentleman. He was not welcome.
People complain about the length of the campaign. Maybe it was good thing, though. It took this long for Trump to be seen by most as, first, a sensation, then a horror, and finally a joke, a punchline. An incomplete man, who thought fast talk and flashing cash could fill the gaps and take him to the White House.
Wrong.
118
"Wrong."
From your mouth to God's ears, Alan. Reality-show television is the intellectual stimulation of our era, and Mr. Trump has for years reigned in that area. We're becoming a nation of vulgar, indecent illiterates.
I've seen a lot of Donald Trump bumper stickers in so-called liberal Brooklyn.
He has touched a rotten core even in the Big Apple.
From your mouth to God's ears, Alan. Reality-show television is the intellectual stimulation of our era, and Mr. Trump has for years reigned in that area. We're becoming a nation of vulgar, indecent illiterates.
I've seen a lot of Donald Trump bumper stickers in so-called liberal Brooklyn.
He has touched a rotten core even in the Big Apple.
6
I'm afraid I just can't laugh anymore, Gail. I have never seen such an uncouth lout make such a public fool of himself-the really scary part is I keep expecting my neighbors who have proudly displayed Trump signs to sneak out during the night to remove them, having finally had enough of this Bozo. Hasn't happened yet.
26
Gary J. The Bozo is one of those creepy clowns so much in the news now.
It's probably a good thing Trump doesn't have a dog. Gail has plenty of material to work with without having to witness discomfort inflicted on an innocent canine.
3
Enough already with the "Let's all hate Trump" routine. We either do or we don't. In the meantime, we have to make a, hopefully, rational decision on 08 November.
1
I for one am really going to miss this guy. The daily papers have never been so full of raucous, raunchy, preposterous antics, and probably never will be again. Donald, we hardly knew ye.
2
Trump continues to confuse our compulsion to look at train wrecks with a desire to be in one.
21
I’m no shrink, but I foresee and foretell that Trump will figure out that listening to dingbats like Steve Bannon and Roger Ailes cost him the election.
So, with an eye to his place in history, Donald won’t want to make things worse for himself by getting involved with these guys in an ultra-right TV station or anything like that.
Instead, he will cosy up to Hillary and say that’s where his heart really was all along. That is to say, among the winners.
So, with an eye to his place in history, Donald won’t want to make things worse for himself by getting involved with these guys in an ultra-right TV station or anything like that.
Instead, he will cosy up to Hillary and say that’s where his heart really was all along. That is to say, among the winners.
8
John, Yes, you are correct, and he will blame someone for causing him to run against Hillary in the first place.
2
I couldn't help noticing how many times Trump touched Hillary. Every time he passed behind her chair he pats her on the shoulder, over and over. During the final speaker, as everyone stood for Cardinal Dolan, the Donald tried to help pull her chair out as she stands, then he tries to help push her chair in as she sits?!? Then he attempts to do both again as everyone rises for the closing prayer. The oddest part of this is he has to reach across an empty chair to make this attempt, all the while his wife is sitting next to him and is rising and sitting without any chivalry from her husband. So fake it just dripped with awkwardness. IMHO
18
There is no Trump presidential campaign anymore. It basically become a press junket and listening tour for his upcoming Trump/Teabag media venture with Breitbart.
17
Trump truly is an aneurysm in the withered brain of the body politic. But we need to do quick recuperation and see the positive side of this election: enough of the old men, give an older woman a chance! I've written a song, "This Is The Moment (Hillary For President)," viewable on YouTube, that looks at the truly history-making moment we're in, something we can feel good about. Don't let the orange-headed monster ruin it.
8
My attitude toward Mr. Trump keeps going between absolute loathing and contempt...and pity, because this man is so incredibly shallow and stunted that he doesn't know how to be a human being, and it's become evident to the entire country. He'll never recover from this, brand or personally, and I pity him because he doesn't know how to cope with losing and he's going to find out very quickly what it feels like to lose almost everything, and the results won't be pretty.
However, my pity is tempered by his comments about respecting the results...if he wins. That's just despicable.
However, my pity is tempered by his comments about respecting the results...if he wins. That's just despicable.
20
rebecca: He isn't going to lose, remember? The election is rigged. But you are correct, the results won't be pretty.
1
Bashing Trump is getting a little out of control ihn this particular instance, and I detest the man.
I thought everyone was mean at that dinner, and that Trump was Trump (yuk) but not much worse than anyone else with the barbed jokes.
I hate that stuff.
I thought everyone was mean at that dinner, and that Trump was Trump (yuk) but not much worse than anyone else with the barbed jokes.
I hate that stuff.
Valerie: calling an opponent "corrupt" in any setting is dangerous particularly when investigations turn up no evidence. But at the Al Smith bash: it took the event to the level of a bar-room brawl. That's why priests and others booed him.
4
It is useful to reflect on the fact that millions of Americans watched Trump's performance and thought he hit just the right note.
6
That says a lot about those millions of Americans.
4
It is a measure of how Trump would "play" in any international scene. Can you imagine Putin NOT punching him out? Even the Pope might make an exception for castration of this beast. Next of course, will be convictions on his plunging financial empire, his fake University, and many secret assaults in the past. He may escape jail but his personal fortune will be hit hard.
10
In an election full of surprises, I'm just surprised that Cardinal Dolan's cross did not burst into flames when he brushed elbows with Satan at the Al Smith dinner.
24
Did the Jimmy Carter level of jibe remain out of bounds until this year? Hard to believe, if so, that Clinton went, well, about half as far over that line as Trump.
Just guessing, but maybe the jokes have been getting a little sharper for 30 years so that Clinton's degree of harshness was only a (calculated, of course) 10% worse than 2012. Which she (calculating) figured she could go, knowing for sure that Trump would go 20% worse, minimum.
It would have been a very tough call, I think, to have gone back to 1980's sweetness and light. Americans have (finally!) shown they have limits to their tolerance for incivility, but failing to get up near to them frankly makes humour a little harder to do at all (think how dull Rich Little was thought to be the year after Stephen Colbert "Went Too Far" at the correspondent's dinner), but most damaging to Clinton, would have been Not Tough.
Women seeking power are caught in this terrible trap: they can't be Too Tough or they're shrieking harridans, but they can't be Not Tough, or they just aren't Tough Enough for a man's job.
Held to such rules, Clinton is calculating because she has to be: she has to walk a path that's about a narrow as a 2x4.
Just guessing, but maybe the jokes have been getting a little sharper for 30 years so that Clinton's degree of harshness was only a (calculated, of course) 10% worse than 2012. Which she (calculating) figured she could go, knowing for sure that Trump would go 20% worse, minimum.
It would have been a very tough call, I think, to have gone back to 1980's sweetness and light. Americans have (finally!) shown they have limits to their tolerance for incivility, but failing to get up near to them frankly makes humour a little harder to do at all (think how dull Rich Little was thought to be the year after Stephen Colbert "Went Too Far" at the correspondent's dinner), but most damaging to Clinton, would have been Not Tough.
Women seeking power are caught in this terrible trap: they can't be Too Tough or they're shrieking harridans, but they can't be Not Tough, or they just aren't Tough Enough for a man's job.
Held to such rules, Clinton is calculating because she has to be: she has to walk a path that's about a narrow as a 2x4.
26
A little editing would help.
Even Trump wouldn't crater America, which was built to withstand even a Trump. It wasn't worth having him as a nominee to test that notion, but at least we'll get to see how well (or poorly) America will rebound. Repubs have horrendous ideas but even they don't want to lose the White House forever, and will therefore move to the center. Let us pray.
14
thanks for a good laugh!
1
The speech was clearly written by a speech writer. Trump went over the line for a couple of minutes. Whose fault that was is unclear. Writing an editorial about a couple of bad minutes in an otherwise appropriate ghostwritten speech is unduly combative.
2
Is Trump not held accountable for reading first what he is uttering from his mouth? Come on!
9
Donald Trump has a rather impressive collection of "bad minutes" If he had been booed rather than cheered at his first vile humiliations of others, for his bigotry, ignorance and habitual lying, we might not be having this discussion.
He has a mental disorder.
He has a mental disorder.
4
A speaker usually reads what the speechwriter writes before giving the speech. That puts the blame right back in Trump's corner. Oh, I forgot. Trump is blameless. It's always some else's fault. This time the speechwriter. Thanks Michjas for helping us understand this.
4
I think that the best defense against Trump and his army of 'poll monitors' is simply a smirking smile, a downward deprecatory glance to 'that part' of the anatomy, walking past while laughing in ridicule and dismissal saying "I don't think so!". Hit 'em where it hurts - that fragile and totally unearned ego.
16
organic farmer, correction not "I don't think so". That's a complete sentence. Try "wrong".
1
Trump, who I despise, is right about a few things and illegal immigration is one of them. A lack of respect for the law is reason enough to deny illegal immigrants legitimacy. All of us are required to obey various laws written by our elected representitives, we are not allowed to pick and choose which of them we obey. Most of us are seldom granted "amnesty". I think the vast majority of Americans would agree with this.
2
Have you ever heard or been a part of a situation where one person gets a warning for speeding but another gets a ticket? Who would get off? Let's see: pretty people, wealthy, a judge hurrying home from a party. Do the people who hire illegal immigrants get penalized as much as the worker?
3
James: Obama has been trying for years to address that, and has been opposed by the GOP. Indeed, Trump acknowledged that Obama has been removing a lot of bad hombres, and Trump managed to make even that seem wrong.
4
and then they drive without licenses, without insurance, and break driving laws. All against the law.
If Hillary Clinton were in fact an android, she would continue to be a far better candidate for President of the United States than Donald Trump.
774
Everything you say resonates with me, Ms. Collins. And I think you have great insight when you state that if Hillary Clinton were more responsive to the situation then she would have cleansed her speech of the more barbed comments on Donald Trump. She would then have looked more like a confident, generous and masterly leader, and Trump would have appeared even worse than he did. To be sure, the main take-away was that Trump was a 'nasty man' during much of his speech. I would just really like to see Mrs. Clinton, whom I strongly support, respond with more flexibility. Preparation is good, but adaptability is often vital.
2
Always enjoy your prose. Just a factoid here, Aaron Burr tried for president in 1800 and took VP instead, so Trump toy tyrant got trumped transcending time, alliteration not intended.
Gail, I felt the same way about Hillary's speech and her not adjusting. What a perfect opportunity for her to demonstrate that "when they go low, we go high." I cringed when she attacked Trump and wish she hadn't done it. I realize she was supposed to "roast" him, but some of her barbs were unnecessary and I felt they tainted her.
On another topic, Maria Bartiroma--wow--too much caffine? She was so extremely distracting with taking off her gloves, putting them back on, glasses on, glasses off and continual texting. Too, too much.
On another topic, Maria Bartiroma--wow--too much caffine? She was so extremely distracting with taking off her gloves, putting them back on, glasses on, glasses off and continual texting. Too, too much.
2
Ms. C, Keep up the good work. I wait with anticipation about your every release. This one is no exception, right on the money. DJT has vacated all decorum, custom, and civility that makes us a balanced and fair society able to wink every once in a while and, in good humor, take a break and self-depreciate. He has poisoned an otherwise gentile forum with his acid comments. We are a laughing stock abroad. Recently, I went to my local Post Office to mail my absentee ballot and asked to have it franked (for those unaware, have it stamped) so that it showed that it came from overseas. The Postmaster, having understood my requirement, did so and then, jokingly, held the envelope aloft and said "You're not voting for Trump are you?" I replied, "Heavens No!" He said, with a feigned ripping motion ... "Otherwise." My ballot was then mailed.
8
I have promised myself not to say anything bad about Clinton until after the election, and I mailed in my vote for her before the debates (which I didn't watch). But, yes, Gail, we don't have a perfect candidate who trusts her own judgment enough to throw out her script and pass up the chance for a few more zingers.
Thanksgiving is just a month away. There are dysfunctional families through out the US who are truly grateful to Mr Trump for his performance at this event. It will crazy Aunt June and creepy Uncle Andy seem so much better in comparison.
4
That crowd of "The Great and The Good" is an interesting last hill for Trump to die on, since they were the first group the short-fingered vulgarian from Queens went up against as a tycoon-in-training. They've watched his capering and posing for decades, and it sounds like they've had enough.
6
Here's an observation about the events of the last two nights: Donald Trump felt compelled to publicly humiliate his wife twice - once, by bragging that he didn't even apologize to her ("and she's sitting right there!") on national television at the debate; and again by putting the focus on her at the charity dinner last night (stand up, Melania!). Then he claims that "no one has more respect for women than he does". Only question is: why does anyone believe this man? About anything?
13
What about calling out the plagiarism?? She only gave the speech in the first place to support him.
2
Some people who are con artists are able to imitate class to a certain degree but not Trump and it couldn't have been more obvious at that dinner. He doesn't have an atom of it in his flabby, thuggish body and doesn't have the intelligence to even remotely fake it. He's a tasteless, sleazy, pig of a man, an inarticulate bully who's tried to ingratiate himself into what he sees as upper crust society. Always boasting about how smart he is. But all the decent people, the smart people, the good people, the classy people - regardless of how much money they have - have spurned him, leaving him surrounded by thugs and bullies with the same intelligence level as his.
22
Trump's unbelievable popularity - at least in parts of the country is frightening, not only because of the terrifying possibility that this criminal (yes, sexual assault is a crime, as is stealing from one's employees) but it also shows that tens of millions of Americans have, as author James Lee Burke would put it, a serious thinking problem. I'm reminded of the screaming headlines in the British press when Americans voted to give the White House to W, for the second time: How can 59,054,087 People Be So Dumb?"
11
Secretary Clinton, aka Homework Woman, isn't exactly humorless. She seems to understand and appreciate other people's humor--her smiles and laughter look real--while having next to no ability to tell a joke herself. She has no timing, no spontaneity, no improvisational ability.
Many people are like that, not loose in front of an audience. That created the need for professional comedians. Ironically Donald Trump could possibly have made a good stand-up comic specializing in barbed sarcasm, but he'd sure be an awful president.
I'm beginning to wonder how she will handle the news media's annual laugh-riot, the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Obama has been masterful at these events for eight years, knocking them dead with witty asides and perfect comic timing. Don't miss his roast of Donald Trump in 2011--Mr. Trump is still burned up from it.
Maybe Hillary should consider booking Obama back in for the show, every other year, alternating with BIll, in order to relieve her of the obviously painful duty of reeling off snappy one-liners in front of a big crowd. More fun for everybody, including her.
Many people are like that, not loose in front of an audience. That created the need for professional comedians. Ironically Donald Trump could possibly have made a good stand-up comic specializing in barbed sarcasm, but he'd sure be an awful president.
I'm beginning to wonder how she will handle the news media's annual laugh-riot, the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Obama has been masterful at these events for eight years, knocking them dead with witty asides and perfect comic timing. Don't miss his roast of Donald Trump in 2011--Mr. Trump is still burned up from it.
Maybe Hillary should consider booking Obama back in for the show, every other year, alternating with BIll, in order to relieve her of the obviously painful duty of reeling off snappy one-liners in front of a big crowd. More fun for everybody, including her.
2
The commenter who thinks Trump has potential is flat-out delusional. That's really sad, actually. I fear for the commenter's ability to care for himself.
6
Let remember where Mr. Trump came from just a short year ago. Mr. Trump stepped off of the Republican clown bus, which was filled with all sorts of deplorable and despicable Republican Primary candidates.
Mr. Trump stepped off that bus as the carnival barker selling snake oil and magic elixirs; that was his act.
Now, he has taken over as the Republican circus ring master, shouting and strutting as the public flees the burning Republican circus tent.
Mr. Trump is just who he has always been, a joke!
Mr. Trump stepped off that bus as the carnival barker selling snake oil and magic elixirs; that was his act.
Now, he has taken over as the Republican circus ring master, shouting and strutting as the public flees the burning Republican circus tent.
Mr. Trump is just who he has always been, a joke!
4
Recognizing that, yes, glib and attractive superficiality sells well on the political circuit, i.e., JFK v Nixon, we are so beaten up with reality show-type personalities that someone who just wants to stick to a script and actually talk in a rational manner is quite attractive right now. We've seen the alternative, and it is rather gloomy. BTW, to (gasp) not talk trump for a moment, what is it that has captured the eye and attention of the gentleman in the photo who is directly behind Melania? Could it be...? No, we don't 'go there' any more.
Mr. Trump seems to have, noting chickens not yet counted, lost an eminently winnable election, just like he has said Mitt Romney did. His journey started with some balloon- popping conquests of Republican hopefuls, riding on valid topics of discussion to include trade, immigration etc. and more or less ended with his summarizing dinner performance. To be fair to Donald though, as difficult as it may be, if that dinner arrangement had included a "victims" table, one would suspect that more than a few of those society guests could have seen one of theirs' so seated.
Indeed, America will next be having Don for dinner Nov 8.
I'm alluding here to Hannibal Lechter's immortal last line from Silence of the Lambs ... figuratively of course (!) as I hasten to emphasize for the irony-challenged over in the Trump camp, that mystery cult that reaches into the Dark Ages bag of myths and superstitions to make sense of reality.
I've often said Monty Python sketches were the best way to represent the Republican worldview though the Pythons quite obviously intended to cross keen social observation with wickedly astute farce. But Trump goes on without a shred of self-awareness about "Crooked Hillary" precisely because Don the Dumb comprehends the craft of irony along the level of schoolyard taunt. No wonder at all then that his ribald sense of funny plays so well to the level of discernment that once cried out for a ban of The Life of Brian.
Now that Trump's chances at the presidency have passed, perhaps America could regain its sense of humour. No one but a sycophant or an arena full of earnestly maladroit self-inflicted fools would ever laugh WITH you Don. Beyond Nov 8, you're the punchline, the butt: the joke you'll be forevermore.
Inevitably this is what happens when a jumped-up nouveau-riche life-long sheltered windbag decides he'll make a public spectacle of his caste's estrangement from the quotidien concerns of humanity.
Take him with all the relish you can America. Methinks it the perfect accompaniment to a 70 year old cheezeburger.
I'm alluding here to Hannibal Lechter's immortal last line from Silence of the Lambs ... figuratively of course (!) as I hasten to emphasize for the irony-challenged over in the Trump camp, that mystery cult that reaches into the Dark Ages bag of myths and superstitions to make sense of reality.
I've often said Monty Python sketches were the best way to represent the Republican worldview though the Pythons quite obviously intended to cross keen social observation with wickedly astute farce. But Trump goes on without a shred of self-awareness about "Crooked Hillary" precisely because Don the Dumb comprehends the craft of irony along the level of schoolyard taunt. No wonder at all then that his ribald sense of funny plays so well to the level of discernment that once cried out for a ban of The Life of Brian.
Now that Trump's chances at the presidency have passed, perhaps America could regain its sense of humour. No one but a sycophant or an arena full of earnestly maladroit self-inflicted fools would ever laugh WITH you Don. Beyond Nov 8, you're the punchline, the butt: the joke you'll be forevermore.
Inevitably this is what happens when a jumped-up nouveau-riche life-long sheltered windbag decides he'll make a public spectacle of his caste's estrangement from the quotidien concerns of humanity.
Take him with all the relish you can America. Methinks it the perfect accompaniment to a 70 year old cheezeburger.
15
The "Anti-Trump Tsunami" is beginning to build with nearly 21/2 weeks to go before November 8th. The accumulation of Trump's serial vulgarities and boorish behavior, evidenced again at the Waldorf, will produce same type of "political wave" that overwhelmed Jimmy Carter the last weekend of the 1980 election. Trump's crowds are beginning to dwindle slightly and the Donald himself has begun to muse about defeat. The only issue remaining is the "magnitude" of the wave. Republican control of the Senate is already gone, but losing 30 Republican seats the Gerrymandered House would seem impossible. However, once the tidal wave begins to roll.....?
5
Trump did start off with some funny even self-deprecating lines, especially the one about his wife, Melania, using Michele Obama's speech, but he quickly digressed into nastiness. His last "joke" - Hillary hates Catholics and is so corrupt she was thrown off the Watergate committee - were not jokes, period. The real joke was on the dais delivering those lines.
26
Giuliani has been a monster for a long time. I've always thought of the Godfather when I see Guiliani acting prominent. Something very reptilian about that guy.
16
No American has embarrassed our country as egregiously as DT has. Some have embarrassed themselves on the world stage. And their sport, their sponsors, their employers And their political party, yes, but fortunately, infrequently. But the entire country? Who would have thought that the USA would cause the rest of the world to shake its head and wonder what's in the water or weather that has so addled the putative guarantor of peace and prosperity. We owe that dishonor to Donald Trump. May he be soundly discredited in the upcoming election. We owe that to ourselves.
5
Senator Elizabeth Warren is not someone I am prone to agree with. However, her statement a few weeks ago about Trump coming unhinged was perfect. Trump can't believe he's losing and can't believe he is losing to a girl.
Let us hope that on November 9, we wake up with the election behind us and agreement that it will be too early to be talking about elections in 2018 or 2020. Please!
Let us hope that on November 9, we wake up with the election behind us and agreement that it will be too early to be talking about elections in 2018 or 2020. Please!
5
Quite obvious the Donald has "issues." A comparison between President Obama who must "take it on the chin" with global leaders who have chips on their shoulders and a US Congress who disrespects him at every turn vs. the Donald is very striking. What would the Donald do if members of the Senate did not put forward his Supreme Court nominee? What would he do if a member of Congress screamed out "You Lie" during a SOU address. the Donald does not comprehend what people assert that he does not possess the temperament to become President. the Donald has no clue that our enemies will use his "locker room" talk to undermine his presidential authority. He does not understand the intricacies, the subtle nuances of negotiation, the give and the Take...for those reasons, he must never become President of the United States.
4
I like Alec Baldwin's Trump better than Trump's Trump. I like some levity and Trump's Trump has none. He is not a happy man. I wonder why. He's got everything you're supposed to get to be at least somewhat content.
But enough about his weird psychology. I'm concerned about the snide criticisms of Hillary that crop up in every discussion of her. This column states that she isn't spontaneous enough. First time I've heard that particular swipe. Listen, who would be the first woman President in what has become crystal clear in this election cycle is a deeply misogynistic country? A woman who is an entertaining talent? A woman with blazing charisma? Just how seriously would an "attractive" female politician be taken in this country at this time?
I fully expect the generation of women running for the Oval Office after Clinton will have a wider spectrum of personality to deal from, but for now we have a remarkably disciplined leader who wants the job. I'm so glad she does.
But enough about his weird psychology. I'm concerned about the snide criticisms of Hillary that crop up in every discussion of her. This column states that she isn't spontaneous enough. First time I've heard that particular swipe. Listen, who would be the first woman President in what has become crystal clear in this election cycle is a deeply misogynistic country? A woman who is an entertaining talent? A woman with blazing charisma? Just how seriously would an "attractive" female politician be taken in this country at this time?
I fully expect the generation of women running for the Oval Office after Clinton will have a wider spectrum of personality to deal from, but for now we have a remarkably disciplined leader who wants the job. I'm so glad she does.
36
I agree fully with you about Gail's swipe at Hillary. But I figure she felt it was necessary to slip in some complaint or other to show she's not going overboard with praise for our heroine. And so she chose the least possible snippy remark about the least notable defect of our first Madam President-to-be in her grab bag.
Who really cares whether or not Mrs. Clinton is a "spontaneous politician?" How many Trump supporters even know what "spontaneous" means?
Who really cares whether or not Mrs. Clinton is a "spontaneous politician?" How many Trump supporters even know what "spontaneous" means?
2
Subtle, good natured humor is not in Trump's skill set. When I look at the red states (aka: The dumb belt) that support him I am not surprised. They still believe that blonde and black jokes are funny. Is it any wonder these states suffer from some of the worst high school drop out and poverty rates in the nation?
5
Donald Trump will enter the history books as the greatest Presidential Nominee ever.
Never before have Americans been woken up so fast and crudely as by the bitter kisses of Donald Trump. Never before were they taught such an indelible lesson about how not to treat women, about hubris causing downfall, about their millions of deplorables, about the hipocracy of conservatism, about the ugly face of division. All that in less than a year by only one man.
Never before have Americans been woken up so fast and crudely as by the bitter kisses of Donald Trump. Never before were they taught such an indelible lesson about how not to treat women, about hubris causing downfall, about their millions of deplorables, about the hipocracy of conservatism, about the ugly face of division. All that in less than a year by only one man.
4
On November ninth the poorly educated are going to be looking at their bright red baseball caps that say Make America Great Again and thinking I just wasted eighteen months of my life on a total loser. And the poorly educated won't be quite so poorly educated anymore.
7
My family and I watch his speeches in slo-mo its really funny. I highly recommend it - diffuses his hateful, dangerous messages. Its a way to alleviate election stress and distress this man and his cronies are causing us!
3
One of the most publicized moments of Trump's speech is his joke about his wife Melanie plagiarizing Michele Obama's speech and wasn't equally appreciated. Many people thought that it was funny in the dinner as they all laughed. Even Melanie appeared laughing. However, was it funny? What type of man would embarrass his own wife by making her public mistake a joke? I think that Trump forgot this he was supposed to make self-deprecating comments in this charity dinner. Was this Trump sick idea of self-deprecating? Embarrassing your own wife is not the same as self-deprecating. It just showed that Trump is a wimp and is far from a man. I pity Melanie Trump. She is either too "invested" to rebuff her abusive whip of a husband or else she is too dim witted to know any difference. Unfortunately, I suspect the former. By the way, I didn't find it funny at all and laughing at that clip means that you condone Trump's behavior. It is time that we all take responsibility for Trump's rise.
12
When your wife is your trophy it is self-deprecating. To put it another way, since he thought mocking Melania was appropriate, he clearly sees her as only an extension of himself and not an independent being.
4
There are many reasons Trump may well regret running for president, e.g. there have already been reports about people avoiding his businesses. But the one he may most regret is that, in business, he can hide the fact that he is a loser, there he can brag he is a winner and it is hard to disprove it. But in the race for the White House, it is out in the open and there for all to see. And he won't just be a loser, he will be the biggest loser in modern American political history. The myth of being a winner will go down in flames faster than the Hindenberg.
10
The election coverage bath water is both dirty and cold. I am ready to pull the plug and let it go down the drain. There is no baby in the election coverage bath water in 2016. I can't wait for the END of this obsession starting November 9. But wait: the columnists and editors will have to rehash the whole darned thing until Inauguration Day when the topic shifts to the president's honeymoon period. Hint: there won't be one.
1
I think the bigger issue here is that at this point they both really despise each other. I can also say that at this point the GOP and Dems really despise each other and the country is split in two. At that dinner each one represented millions of people, sad case. I truly hope that the country can come back together after November 8.
3
Not to worry, after he loses the election, if he's true to his instincts, Trump will either retreat to the Moscow Trump International (improvised, like his campaign) or find a way to incite insurrection here to the degree he is arrested on charges of treason. After all, you don't expect him to make peace with a nation that doesn't worship him. The worst New Yawker since Son of Sam.
5
What happens to Trump afterwards, do you think? I'm betting that he does a fairly fast fade from politicking. The idea of Trump as Rebel Leader or Working Class Hero is laughable. 1) He cares absolutely NOTHING about working class Americans. They are a cheering crowd to him, that's all. 2) He is 70 years old, and not in good shape (red faced, puffy, no decent diet or exercise) and he looks tired - because he never dealt with a sustained activity before. 3) His money situation has deteriorated, and may do so further because of his insult-laden campaign. 4) Possibly because of #3 (but more likely because he is simply cheap), he will never invest any money into becoming a staying force in politics - that is, no paid staff working on policy, liaison, and outreach issues, no gratis appearances at heartland political events, no investment in like-minded candidates.
Which is not to say he won't make television appearances to bellow "Disaster" for as long as they will have him, or as long as he doesn't ask for too much money. I don't think he has the funds to launch a network of his own, but could see him having a show, for a while, as Palin did. But, just like her show, it would only involve him bellowing, until it got canceled.
On the whole, I see it as much more likely he goes back to reality television and entertainment. Casinos are still hot, if on the downswing. But, come on, Rebel Leader? I don't think so.
Which is not to say he won't make television appearances to bellow "Disaster" for as long as they will have him, or as long as he doesn't ask for too much money. I don't think he has the funds to launch a network of his own, but could see him having a show, for a while, as Palin did. But, just like her show, it would only involve him bellowing, until it got canceled.
On the whole, I see it as much more likely he goes back to reality television and entertainment. Casinos are still hot, if on the downswing. But, come on, Rebel Leader? I don't think so.
9
It is reassuring to have hope that Trump will lose but still distressing to realize that 40% of the U.S. electorate supports him. The truth is that this country has always had a peverse reactionary element dating back to the copperheads during the civil war. They were followed by the KKK, father Coughlin and Lindberg's America First movement. Mr father told me of the street brawling nazi German-American Bund party in Yorkville in the 30s.
It is only because people of good character have had the courage to respond in word and deed that this country has survived with its ideals more or less intact.
It is only because people of good character have had the courage to respond in word and deed that this country has survived with its ideals more or less intact.
22
As always when he's reading, Trump delivered his lines at the Al Smith dinner in the manner and cadence of a third grader giving a book report: predictable mid-sentence pauses, enunciating the longer words ever so slowly ("self de-pre-ca-ting"), and laughing at his own jokes. The man cannot speak spontaneously in a coherent manner, nor is he capable of reading aloud like an educated adult. Not to mention that his version of self-deprecating is a "joke" at his wife's expense.
24
Let me start with a confession: I never liked traditions. People resisting change often hide behind the word tradition to justify a status quo some or many find no longer acceptable. Others use it to perpetuate a concept or an idea way past its best before date.
Mrs. Collins wrote that the Al Smith Dinner started in 1945 and "in presidential election years it’s a tradition for the candidates to show up and make witty, self-deprecatory speeches in which each can also take gentle gibes at the other."
When both candidates act the way they did this week, Mrs. Clinton to a certain degree, Mr. Trump even more so, the organizers should seriously reconsider keeping that tradition alive. No worthy cause deserve the kind of mudslinging on display that evening no matter how much money you raise for your good cause.
Mrs. Collins wrote that the Al Smith Dinner started in 1945 and "in presidential election years it’s a tradition for the candidates to show up and make witty, self-deprecatory speeches in which each can also take gentle gibes at the other."
When both candidates act the way they did this week, Mrs. Clinton to a certain degree, Mr. Trump even more so, the organizers should seriously reconsider keeping that tradition alive. No worthy cause deserve the kind of mudslinging on display that evening no matter how much money you raise for your good cause.
3
I think Trump's persona of braggart, bully and womanizer is masking a deep seeded inferiority complex. The only way he can wake up and make it through the day is by putting someone or thing down, having masses of attention by others and surrounding himself with what his ego deems worthy of someone who is not a "loser" has, hence the gold tinted condo, the hot younger wife, and his "suspense" comment. He has to assure you still want to "tune in" to the Donald Trump Show. The worst thing that can happen to this fool is to be ignored, or possibly lose all his money and be ignored.
16
Donald Trump and Maria Bartiromo both used a dinner used to raise money for poor children an opportunity to promote themselves. One used poor taste in dress and the other used poor taste in speech.
11
Many are acquainted with the metaphor "a specter at the feast." In the age of Trump, we need to add the alternative of "a vulgarian at the feast." It's not just that he ruins everything he touches, it's that he ruins it my making it more vulgar the more he touches it. Spy Magazine tried to warn us, but we wouldn't listen.
12
Hemingway said "courage is grace under pressure." By that definition, Trump is a craven coward.
His performances in the debates and at the Al Smith dinner the other night reveal a bad actor. In the ten minutes of relative calm he seems able to muster at the beginning of his shows he does not demonstrate first rate talent. Once he warms to the task he simply melts into a puddle of orange bile.
His performances in the debates and at the Al Smith dinner the other night reveal a bad actor. In the ten minutes of relative calm he seems able to muster at the beginning of his shows he does not demonstrate first rate talent. Once he warms to the task he simply melts into a puddle of orange bile.
18
"Once he warms . . he . . simply melts into a puddle of orange bile." - great trope to wake up to.
3
.
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It's pretty unusual for an audience to boo a speaker in an atmosphere of good spirits (such as the good spirit of the Al Smith Dinner).
One thinks perhaps of the address to the Democratic National Convention delivered by Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton (no, not the year he ran for the nomination!). He was booed for being criminally boring. He was invited on "The Tonight Show" to joke about how overlong his speech had been.
He had been booed by an audience pre-disposed to like him.
Or Ted Cruz's address to the 2016 Republican National Convention. Although the audience wasn't crammed with Cruz partisans, most people were predisposed to like him because he had for many years been a strong critic of Establishment politicians (or because they were Cruz delegates).
Cruz was booed for telling his audience, "vote your conscience" (a phrase I associate with Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy, circa 1980). In context, it was code for "feel free to vote for someone besides the GOP nominee." Cruz himself has no conscience, so he IS voting for the GOP nominee.
But Trump's speech at the Al Smith Dinner was like no speech I had ever seen. And the audience reaction? If you've ever seen a performer on "Showtime at the Apollo" whose microphone malfunctions, you have some idea how the audience treated Trump. I mean, this was "Gong Show" material.
I'd never seen a televised politician's speech as off-base as Trump's was (except when a "Mission Accomplished" banner was on display).
.
It's pretty unusual for an audience to boo a speaker in an atmosphere of good spirits (such as the good spirit of the Al Smith Dinner).
One thinks perhaps of the address to the Democratic National Convention delivered by Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton (no, not the year he ran for the nomination!). He was booed for being criminally boring. He was invited on "The Tonight Show" to joke about how overlong his speech had been.
He had been booed by an audience pre-disposed to like him.
Or Ted Cruz's address to the 2016 Republican National Convention. Although the audience wasn't crammed with Cruz partisans, most people were predisposed to like him because he had for many years been a strong critic of Establishment politicians (or because they were Cruz delegates).
Cruz was booed for telling his audience, "vote your conscience" (a phrase I associate with Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy, circa 1980). In context, it was code for "feel free to vote for someone besides the GOP nominee." Cruz himself has no conscience, so he IS voting for the GOP nominee.
But Trump's speech at the Al Smith Dinner was like no speech I had ever seen. And the audience reaction? If you've ever seen a performer on "Showtime at the Apollo" whose microphone malfunctions, you have some idea how the audience treated Trump. I mean, this was "Gong Show" material.
I'd never seen a televised politician's speech as off-base as Trump's was (except when a "Mission Accomplished" banner was on display).
19
I thought Hillary's line (quoted best I can remember) 'Donald Trump thinks that Lady Liberty is a 4 --- maybe a 5, if she loses the torch and tablet and fixes her hair' was priceless. It captured both the way he rates women and his constant suggestions that this country is mediocre at best.
44
I was captivated by Rudy Giulian's cartoonish reaction to her joke. He scrunched up his nose and mouthed "Wha,,,?"
3
Come November 9th it will be such a godsend to never read about Trump again. Unfortunately the self destructive republican party will assume center stage with its many mea culpas and attempts to rewrite the history of its fatal attraction to racism, hatred, bigotry, small mindedness and demeaning our great country and its institutions. That party may have died with this election and have nothing to offer voters going forward.
10
Dear Lord would you please speed up time so this election is over with? With Trump we have now gone from the embarrassing phase to the painful phase. Dr. Frankenstein please come get your monster. People are unfriending each other on social media, families are at each other's throats, and Thanksgiving dinners may now have become just a memory in some families because of the election from Hell. I keep thinking things cannot possibly get worse, but they do, Trump just keeps sinking to some other level of disgusting behavior.
If Trump could not control himself at a charitable dinner to help poor children, how on earth would he conduct himself in a tense meeting with a world leader? I don't even want to go there anymore, because I know how he would act - we've seen the previews.
I am frustrated, exhausted, and want to just curl up in a fetal position until election day gets here and this will all come to an end. But wait, it might not come to an end because if Trump loses and if there is a God in Heaven he will, he will probably throw one Hell of a fit and challenge every single vote that wasn't cast for him. He is a national nightmare waiting to come to life post election.
There is nothing that Hillary Clinton has done that does not make her five million times a better choice for President of the United States of America than Donald Trump, nothing. He is vile!
I need an aspirin.
If Trump could not control himself at a charitable dinner to help poor children, how on earth would he conduct himself in a tense meeting with a world leader? I don't even want to go there anymore, because I know how he would act - we've seen the previews.
I am frustrated, exhausted, and want to just curl up in a fetal position until election day gets here and this will all come to an end. But wait, it might not come to an end because if Trump loses and if there is a God in Heaven he will, he will probably throw one Hell of a fit and challenge every single vote that wasn't cast for him. He is a national nightmare waiting to come to life post election.
There is nothing that Hillary Clinton has done that does not make her five million times a better choice for President of the United States of America than Donald Trump, nothing. He is vile!
I need an aspirin.
38
Actually a very interesting article in a recent (last month?) issue of The Atlantic, about Trump's speaking style / language, and his small emotional range when speaking, i.e., facial expressions and gestures. (Gemli posted about this very well.)
It was the latter the Atlantic writer found the most dangerous -- the explanation being that someone with such limited facial movement can be very hard to read, and can come across as more credible, truthful, honest, etc. than they actually are ... it makes it easier for them to deceive. I thinks he's proved that theory right!
Fortunately, he comes unglued and his emotional range opens up -- spills over -- after minute 30, so the truth came out ... eventually. But it might somewhat explain how he ended up the nominee.
It was the latter the Atlantic writer found the most dangerous -- the explanation being that someone with such limited facial movement can be very hard to read, and can come across as more credible, truthful, honest, etc. than they actually are ... it makes it easier for them to deceive. I thinks he's proved that theory right!
Fortunately, he comes unglued and his emotional range opens up -- spills over -- after minute 30, so the truth came out ... eventually. But it might somewhat explain how he ended up the nominee.
5
He always says sentences twice followed by "trust me." He also has a rhythm or cadence that is sort of lulling. Had his content not been so outrageous, he'd be a contender. Debates give him a hard time, though, because he feeds off the crowd. He's like a junkie for adulation. Debate crowds are not raucous enough.
1
None of this, or not much of this, matters. If Trump were through some unbelievable accident to be elected a president, he could not serve anyway. Well, Constitutionally, he could, but as a practical matter, he would be unable to untangle himself from his businesses, and his massive 600 million plus debt or be able to serve independent of those business ties that bind. It would probably take 2 to 3 years for Trump to re-assign his massive indebtedness to other entities and arrange for more than arms-length separation for Trump, the man, and Trump, the business. He must know this. He must know that actually taking the oath of office is close to impossible.
Consider: if he were to be elected and to take office with hundreds of various business chains around his thick neck, impeachment proceedings would have to start almost immediately. We want our presidents to, you know, kinda concentrate on the job at hand. No one can do that while jetting off to Scotland to promote a new golf course. What about Trump, the brand? Those deals would all have to be re-negotiated or scrapped or something.
The possibility that Trump could be indicted for fraud in connection with Trump (non) University or other messes looms large. He squeaked out dozens of other deals with lawsuits flying, so who would say that he wouldn't be buried with dozens more?
Trump was never a serious candidate for the presidency except in the dark recesses of a mind that knows no bounds and harbors little knowledge.
14
In spite of his outrageous conduct, Trump still appeals to a large base of supporters. Gail Collins and the rest of the NY Times pundits should ask: Why?
During any age there is a conventional wisdom that nobody questions, yet is often completely wrong.
During the 30 years war (1618-48), Central Europe divided itself into two warring factions, Catholic versus protestant. The two groups killed each other with a vengeance inconsistent with the teaching of Christianity, such as the admonition to "turn the other cheek."
We look back and wonder, "how could they hold such outrageous beliefs."
The 1915 movie, "the Birth of a Nation" justified the existence of the Klu Klux Klan, yet the director could not see that its message would be regarded by later generations as racist.
So now the upper echelons of society, in fact all but the poor cannot see the lies we accept to avoid facing reality.
Liberals are right that global warming is real? But why do they seem to deny that population growth is the cause of global warming?
But the poor see the consequences of population growth far more starkly.
Many of America's much-hated "white patriarch" are dying of cancer because they could not afford cancer screening. They wait in line at the ER behind lines of illegal immigrants for the health care they do receive.
Yet liberals like Collins seem to deny that resources are indeed limited. That we need a one-child policy like China. That we need to actually stop illegal immigration.
During any age there is a conventional wisdom that nobody questions, yet is often completely wrong.
During the 30 years war (1618-48), Central Europe divided itself into two warring factions, Catholic versus protestant. The two groups killed each other with a vengeance inconsistent with the teaching of Christianity, such as the admonition to "turn the other cheek."
We look back and wonder, "how could they hold such outrageous beliefs."
The 1915 movie, "the Birth of a Nation" justified the existence of the Klu Klux Klan, yet the director could not see that its message would be regarded by later generations as racist.
So now the upper echelons of society, in fact all but the poor cannot see the lies we accept to avoid facing reality.
Liberals are right that global warming is real? But why do they seem to deny that population growth is the cause of global warming?
But the poor see the consequences of population growth far more starkly.
Many of America's much-hated "white patriarch" are dying of cancer because they could not afford cancer screening. They wait in line at the ER behind lines of illegal immigrants for the health care they do receive.
Yet liberals like Collins seem to deny that resources are indeed limited. That we need a one-child policy like China. That we need to actually stop illegal immigration.
1
If suddenly our national budget lacked the billions of dollars of social security and federal and state income tax paid in by illegal immigrants and never collected on, our national deficit would sky-rocket. Those illegal immigrants are paying for your parents' social security checks.
13
I hate to break it to you, but global overpopulation--not U.S. overpopulation--is causing global warming. Second, since when have liberals been opposed to population control? That's been one of the hallmarks of conservatism for as long as I can recall--even to the exclusion of birth control.
9
Mr. Adams,
There are naturally elements of truth in what you have to say but ask any American Public Health Expert worth their salt, regardless of Party Affiliation, they will explain that Climate Change and Overpopulation are linked. A friend in this field called this week last to urge that solar energy panels be used for this small house in the rural region of NY, while she plans to use these in MD.
A parent, an American architect, in the early 60s was writing about the beneficial use of solar energy, while building a house out of the rubble and ruins left by the Spanish Civil War. Her politics views tended towards the Republican Party and she might vote on the appearance of their suit.
A one-child policy like China when Republicans cannot get their act together on the concept of Planned Parenthood being a necessity in 2016?
Reality is a precious commodity at times, one that appears to be evaporating, taking us to The Twilight Zone where we are being brain-washed with frightening Ads of Cancer and other fatal illnesses. This noted by a Republican acquaintance, not a supporter of Trump but a staunch Republican, he will take me by the scruff of the neck if necessary to ensure that I vote the way I feel is best for the Country. He is a true American.
There are naturally elements of truth in what you have to say but ask any American Public Health Expert worth their salt, regardless of Party Affiliation, they will explain that Climate Change and Overpopulation are linked. A friend in this field called this week last to urge that solar energy panels be used for this small house in the rural region of NY, while she plans to use these in MD.
A parent, an American architect, in the early 60s was writing about the beneficial use of solar energy, while building a house out of the rubble and ruins left by the Spanish Civil War. Her politics views tended towards the Republican Party and she might vote on the appearance of their suit.
A one-child policy like China when Republicans cannot get their act together on the concept of Planned Parenthood being a necessity in 2016?
Reality is a precious commodity at times, one that appears to be evaporating, taking us to The Twilight Zone where we are being brain-washed with frightening Ads of Cancer and other fatal illnesses. This noted by a Republican acquaintance, not a supporter of Trump but a staunch Republican, he will take me by the scruff of the neck if necessary to ensure that I vote the way I feel is best for the Country. He is a true American.
One characteristic of socially adept people in general and politicians in particular is their ability to mold themselves to the social milieu and modulate their rhetoric and especially humor accordingly. This requires a situational awareness and sensitivity to purpose of the social event; and an ability to interact accordingly. However, as alcohol or drugs dull one to surroundings, when ego dominates or vengeance takes over, the propriety of behavior is relegated a second place. Unfortunately both of these vices possessed Trump, that too in the presence of Catholic Cardinal, that led to his behavior that evoked boos. Having won the toss to choose the order of speech, selecting to go second was a wise choice by Hillary. That way she could gauge how low would Trump go and then calibrate her response so that it is not as low as Trump’s trash talk and yet somewhat above it so she comes out looking better than her opponent. That too is a sign of an astute politician. And she had some really good zingers including one for Giuliani. Both in politics and in policy matters, Hillary outsmarts Trump who unfortunately is just one trick pony good at rubble rousing and name calling. The astuteness of gauging situation and acting accordingly should make American public confident that Hilary will be an effective leader in dealing with external adversaries or with the US Congress.
12
If I squint, I can muster a soupçon of sympathy for Trump. What he craves (when not in his grope-mode) is status, and his first comment out of the gate was about he's lost it--how the powerful in the room used to love him when he was giving them (his Foundation's) money. Then he slipped into outright attack, and lost the room and the overwhelming majority of the TV audience.
Then my sympathy dissipates at the thought of hundreds of sometimes armed Trump supporters loosed from whatever remnants of civic responsibility and common sense to "monitor" polls. That threat is what comes of denouncing "political correctness": those who display adult behavior understand that there's a time and place for letting your worst thoughts out, and that consideration for others is the mark not of weakness but of decency. It's too late for Trump to learn this lesson, and it will be a long slow process to reach those of his voters who can be reclaimed.
Then my sympathy dissipates at the thought of hundreds of sometimes armed Trump supporters loosed from whatever remnants of civic responsibility and common sense to "monitor" polls. That threat is what comes of denouncing "political correctness": those who display adult behavior understand that there's a time and place for letting your worst thoughts out, and that consideration for others is the mark not of weakness but of decency. It's too late for Trump to learn this lesson, and it will be a long slow process to reach those of his voters who can be reclaimed.
21
How to think about Donald's performance at the dinner? It has been put out in weeks past, possibly longer, that this audience were not the sort of people who liked Donald Trump. He noted that some of the politicians had some use of his support previously but apart from using and being used, this group more or less sees a leper here. Hillary had little to be uncomfortable about; she was in her go along to get along element. Both could afford good writers; I laughed a number of times (I wasn't bleeding) and the audience did too (boos came mostly later). The country has enough skin in the game to pay enough attention to pride coming to a fall. I hope everyone, especially Trump, will find that cathartic.
3
Gail, being around the GOP nominee seem not so much a situation that requires avoiding his ' vortex ' as it is analogous to visiting the Monkey House at the zoo, trying to avoid everything being thrown around - all the more so, as the campaign has graduated to putting people like alt righter Bannon in charge, who looks to have headed the joke writing team for the Al Smith function.
16
Do you refer to Stephen Bannon, the avowed Leninist who said he wants to bring the entire establishment crashing down? His wit and wisdom has been very effective in bringing down Trump.
3
franc - We see you're familiar with Bannon's handiwork; as much as we agree with former CIA Directors that the GOP nominee has become Putin's stooge:
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/ex-cia-director-no-doubt-p...
it's of just as much concern that the GOP nominee is Bannon's sock puppet.
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/ex-cia-director-no-doubt-p...
it's of just as much concern that the GOP nominee is Bannon's sock puppet.
2
Trump supporters will not be rioting in the streets the day after the election. They will be at home watching Fox News, looking hard for signs that somebody, somewhere is rioting in the streets
Shawn Hannity and Mayor Giuliani will be hinting broadly and darkly that the elections in the inner cities were fixed because dead people voted.
The Clintons will be excoriated. President Obama will catch a lot of the heat, but the bulk of it will be reserved for Michelle. The N-word and the B-word will be heard everywhere with the possible exception of the Weather Channel.
Gun sales will skyrocket. The NRA will announce a massive fundraising campaign to protect the Second Amendment.
The Trump children will say that they are proud of their father for saying what needed to be said.
KellyAnne Conway -- looking particularly haggard -- will be asked whether she will support her man in 2020 and, of course, will answer, “Of course.”
Breitbart News will feature stories suggesting that Israeli agents rigged the voting machines. Drudge will report that Martians strongly resembling Hillary have been spotted in the Mojave Desert.
Trump will appear at a rally looking strangely serene. Asked whether he will run again. he will say that he is “considering his options.”
Huma Abedin will be appointed head of a new Cabinet office, The Department for Getting Even with Subpoena Powers and An Unlimited Budget.
The Powerball lottery prize will hit a billion dollars.
Shawn Hannity and Mayor Giuliani will be hinting broadly and darkly that the elections in the inner cities were fixed because dead people voted.
The Clintons will be excoriated. President Obama will catch a lot of the heat, but the bulk of it will be reserved for Michelle. The N-word and the B-word will be heard everywhere with the possible exception of the Weather Channel.
Gun sales will skyrocket. The NRA will announce a massive fundraising campaign to protect the Second Amendment.
The Trump children will say that they are proud of their father for saying what needed to be said.
KellyAnne Conway -- looking particularly haggard -- will be asked whether she will support her man in 2020 and, of course, will answer, “Of course.”
Breitbart News will feature stories suggesting that Israeli agents rigged the voting machines. Drudge will report that Martians strongly resembling Hillary have been spotted in the Mojave Desert.
Trump will appear at a rally looking strangely serene. Asked whether he will run again. he will say that he is “considering his options.”
Huma Abedin will be appointed head of a new Cabinet office, The Department for Getting Even with Subpoena Powers and An Unlimited Budget.
The Powerball lottery prize will hit a billion dollars.
21
The Powerball lottery prize will hit a billion dollars and will be won by a Democrat who voted for Hillary.
It's fixed.
It's fixed.
2
That hand creeping up your leg at the state dinner is Donald Trump's. Your country (or career or cause) desperately needs the cachet he can bestow--but right now, it is the matter of this hand--his hand (now not concerned about his germophobic obsession!) grabbing and stroking your thigh, making its way upward under the White House silver, all while he makes small talk. His hand creeps with every "great."
What you do? Nobody goes the lady's room in the middle of a state dinner. The secret service, conditioned over the years, are clearly no help. (You cannot privately whisper in his ear; that breaks protocol.) But letting him continue is not an act of diplomacy or patriotism; this is not the merit that you wanted to use to achieve your goal for self/cause/country.
Beware: Trump can do worst things than bad jokes.
What you do? Nobody goes the lady's room in the middle of a state dinner. The secret service, conditioned over the years, are clearly no help. (You cannot privately whisper in his ear; that breaks protocol.) But letting him continue is not an act of diplomacy or patriotism; this is not the merit that you wanted to use to achieve your goal for self/cause/country.
Beware: Trump can do worst things than bad jokes.
15
A mandatory 'Feel-Good' Event after these unprecedented Presidential Elections, hosted by The Catholics held at The Peacock Waldorf is the way to inflammatory perdition. The reason I watched, the rain pouring in this neck-of-the-woods, and seeing first the photo of Hillary Clinton and Trump, looking spruce in his tails, is the pleasant thought that this might have been taken in happier days.
Bring on the wine and roses, folks, to get through this evening! Ms. Collins, have you ever noticed at large parties when matters get out of hand and you start looking for the host? I found the hostess once at one of these gatherings, but she got knocked down by the men and then the fight really began where there was no taking it out on the street.
The Pacific, sensing the coming storm, usually discreetly take their coats and leave, pleading an early morning engagement; the Dramatic stay until the bitter end, and bitter it usually is, with a story up their sleeve to keep future hosts and listeners in free champagne for the next decade, if they are still with us.
Be as it may, I heard a bit off what HC had to say with a growing sense of foreboding before tuning into the News, Trump still seated looked fairly contained, but why chance it, and I guess the rest of the cast was in a surrealistic movie like 'The Exterminating Angel', and Giuliani, the last guest seen from this American, sliding down his seat, perhaps wondering where to find a cloak of invisibility when needed.
Bring on the wine and roses, folks, to get through this evening! Ms. Collins, have you ever noticed at large parties when matters get out of hand and you start looking for the host? I found the hostess once at one of these gatherings, but she got knocked down by the men and then the fight really began where there was no taking it out on the street.
The Pacific, sensing the coming storm, usually discreetly take their coats and leave, pleading an early morning engagement; the Dramatic stay until the bitter end, and bitter it usually is, with a story up their sleeve to keep future hosts and listeners in free champagne for the next decade, if they are still with us.
Be as it may, I heard a bit off what HC had to say with a growing sense of foreboding before tuning into the News, Trump still seated looked fairly contained, but why chance it, and I guess the rest of the cast was in a surrealistic movie like 'The Exterminating Angel', and Giuliani, the last guest seen from this American, sliding down his seat, perhaps wondering where to find a cloak of invisibility when needed.
1
The Republican party created the conditions for the rise of Trump- contempt for the role of government to improve peoples' lives, hatred and disdain for non-white, non-wealthy citizens, a push towards media that treats lies and truth as if they were of equal value in national discourse. Climate change denial is a classic example.
So the boorish, sexist, factually challenged, racially charged campaign was born and has thrived to a surprising and horrifying extent.
So the boorish, sexist, factually challenged, racially charged campaign was born and has thrived to a surprising and horrifying extent.
20
"You get the idea. This thing has been going on since 1945 without major incident, and it took Donald Trump to screw it up."
Yes, the man is pretty much toxic when it comes to anything resembling a fun event, or even a serious one. But I actually got embarrassed for Trump the more the boos howled.
Gail, I'm not sure why you took a hit on Hillary for continuing with her set speech. She was merely speaking truth to power, and came nowhere near to the tone of Trump. And, frankly, I didn't find her programmed: if anything she seemed pretty loose, smiling and laughing with the Cardinal. I'd give Hill an A for adapting to her environment, and a D- to Trump, although he did smile more than usual.
The problem with Trump is he really only feels at home, loved, and wanted at his rallies. For a normal candidate, that would probably be enough. But Trump always wants to go that extra line, to cross taste, reality and common decency in search of another roar of approval.
Trump became enamored of the political process before he wrecked it. What he's going to do for encores now, remains to be seen, although I'm sure it's going to be huge, original, and another example of his mantra, "Make the Trump Family Great Again."
Yes, the man is pretty much toxic when it comes to anything resembling a fun event, or even a serious one. But I actually got embarrassed for Trump the more the boos howled.
Gail, I'm not sure why you took a hit on Hillary for continuing with her set speech. She was merely speaking truth to power, and came nowhere near to the tone of Trump. And, frankly, I didn't find her programmed: if anything she seemed pretty loose, smiling and laughing with the Cardinal. I'd give Hill an A for adapting to her environment, and a D- to Trump, although he did smile more than usual.
The problem with Trump is he really only feels at home, loved, and wanted at his rallies. For a normal candidate, that would probably be enough. But Trump always wants to go that extra line, to cross taste, reality and common decency in search of another roar of approval.
Trump became enamored of the political process before he wrecked it. What he's going to do for encores now, remains to be seen, although I'm sure it's going to be huge, original, and another example of his mantra, "Make the Trump Family Great Again."
64
I watched the speeches in their entirety, only in reverse order. I barely laughed at all at Hillary, though she made a couple of good stabs at jokes. They were so close to Trump's bone, including making fun of Melania, that I found myself squirming. Then Trump got up and for a few minutes I thought he was pretty funny, making fun of his megalomania with the Jesus joke, and so on. they were both awful, the dinner wasn't funny at all, and Hillary got off scot free for her distasteful remarks and Trump got blasted. I'm voting for Hillary, but in this case, I thought the coverage was unfair, not because Trump didn't go over the line, but because Hillary did too. Self-deprecation as not the flavor of the night, vicious pillorying of an opponent was
172
Did we watch the same speeches? Trump went first and turned toxic, Hillary did nothing of the sort.
8
Well stated. I agree that Hillary's comments/jokes pillored Donald in the same tone and amount as Donald's comments on Hillary (hating Catholics went a bit far). Both had same amount of pretty good one-liners (pardon me vs. hearse to pick up Hillary). I am no fan of Donald Trump but to the NYT, your headline & coverage of the candidate's remarks was absolutely one-sided against Trump. I watched the Al Smith dinner, read NYT coverage & Gail's column and was surprised at my reaction that yes, indeed, Hillary went scot-free for screwing up the good will as much as Trump.
Your mistake for viewing it after the fact and in reverse order. She was laughing along with him for his first few minutes of humor, but the entire room came down and her with it as he began the character assassination shtick. Try C-SPAN next time for an unvarnished view of what actually transpired.
6
My favorite line of the evening was the one which Clinton used on "America's Mayor" Rudy Giuliani. She must have been hearing about the abuse he was heaping on her and did she ever stick the stiletto in and twist it. Beautiful! He richly deserved it. And what a sense of humor with that big smile. As for Trump, he is tone deaf. Didn't he realize that his turn to nastiness in his stand-up would not end well? What is this guy thinking about?
59
Wait! what? you think that DJT thinks about what he's saying?
I came to the conclusion long ago that Trump doesn't really have a sense of humor. I would say that Trump could learn from John F. Kennedy, who was witty and funny at the right times, but Trump is not a learner. He is clueless.
A person with a well-developed sense of humor sees things in perspective and is usually pretty smart. Trump is too absorbed with himself to see things in perspective.
A person with a well-developed sense of humor sees things in perspective and is usually pretty smart. Trump is too absorbed with himself to see things in perspective.
1100
And he's NOT smart. Who could claim in one sentence that he never groped that woman, and that he wouldn't anyway because she's not hot enough? The sentence contradicts itself. NOT smart.
1
In the wit department, both could learn from our current President. Obama is a class act.
1
I haven't noticed Clinton having one either.
A cad in a tux is still a cad.
27
Help me here. Do more people support Donald J Trump than believe that President Obama is a Muslim, communist, America hater?
But one thing I surely believe, among all the people running for President in this election including primaries, I'd put my money on Donald J Trump's ability to move more pre-owned cars off the lot.
But one thing I surely believe, among all the people running for President in this election including primaries, I'd put my money on Donald J Trump's ability to move more pre-owned cars off the lot.
3
Ms. Collins, it's your patriotic duty to skewer this dried-up prune of a man. It's ours to be afraid of him. Very afraid.
He's a leper. Being in Donald Trump's vicinity is unhealthy, perhaps even fatal to everything decent. But who hammered and pounded on the anvil in the skies to produce this lightning bolt of a disaster?
Greek mythology has it that Hephaestus, the cuckolded lame smith of the gods, did Zeus's bored bidding and ordered him to smite the anvil for his amused malice.
Mitch McConnell and John Boehner, no gods they (but they are professed good Catholics--go figure) created the atmosphere for Trump. They hurled the lightning bolts down to set fire to the Obama presidency and White House. Alas, the missiles misfired and found Manhattan, the Trump Tower, where the incendiary things caught fire. With a whoosh and rush, out spiraled the red-haired wonder in the role of Wagner's Loge.
If Trump didn't exist it would be necessary to invent him. The Republicans are now running from this fire-starter who's burning down their tiny tent. You know, the one the 2012 autopsy warned should be enlarged to welcome Latinos (well, maybe); blacks (shudder, but, well, some); whites with an education (their once-natural constituency).
Now he torches a formal dinner for the fun of insulting the wealthy of his town who at least nod towards a duty to aid the poor, something that Trump finds beneath him.
My question is why, given his history, was he invited? Nice guy, huh?
He's a leper. Being in Donald Trump's vicinity is unhealthy, perhaps even fatal to everything decent. But who hammered and pounded on the anvil in the skies to produce this lightning bolt of a disaster?
Greek mythology has it that Hephaestus, the cuckolded lame smith of the gods, did Zeus's bored bidding and ordered him to smite the anvil for his amused malice.
Mitch McConnell and John Boehner, no gods they (but they are professed good Catholics--go figure) created the atmosphere for Trump. They hurled the lightning bolts down to set fire to the Obama presidency and White House. Alas, the missiles misfired and found Manhattan, the Trump Tower, where the incendiary things caught fire. With a whoosh and rush, out spiraled the red-haired wonder in the role of Wagner's Loge.
If Trump didn't exist it would be necessary to invent him. The Republicans are now running from this fire-starter who's burning down their tiny tent. You know, the one the 2012 autopsy warned should be enlarged to welcome Latinos (well, maybe); blacks (shudder, but, well, some); whites with an education (their once-natural constituency).
Now he torches a formal dinner for the fun of insulting the wealthy of his town who at least nod towards a duty to aid the poor, something that Trump finds beneath him.
My question is why, given his history, was he invited? Nice guy, huh?
46
Oh dear. It seems that Donald Trump didn't get the memo.
All those gathered Honourables, Old-School-Blue-Blood- scions, and Glitterati gathered at the annual Al Smith Charitable Dinner, are NOT the people you want to run afoul of.....Too late now.
Things started off well enough, as long as he was the one taking light digs at himself, and even lampooning poor long-suffering Melania -- but as usual, it wasn't before long he launched into his thin-skinned-'en garde'-full attack mode.
That's not only when he lost the house -- But whatever support there might have been for his now all-but-sunk presidential bid.
This is one of the few times where at least playing the Politician might have helped save him face (and also gained him a few extra dollars).
But no. Trump knows it all, and listens to no one.
Which in the end, just might save our country from him.
All those gathered Honourables, Old-School-Blue-Blood- scions, and Glitterati gathered at the annual Al Smith Charitable Dinner, are NOT the people you want to run afoul of.....Too late now.
Things started off well enough, as long as he was the one taking light digs at himself, and even lampooning poor long-suffering Melania -- but as usual, it wasn't before long he launched into his thin-skinned-'en garde'-full attack mode.
That's not only when he lost the house -- But whatever support there might have been for his now all-but-sunk presidential bid.
This is one of the few times where at least playing the Politician might have helped save him face (and also gained him a few extra dollars).
But no. Trump knows it all, and listens to no one.
Which in the end, just might save our country from him.
33
Poor long-suffering Melania? Give me a break. She'll walk away with millions, any day now. Her contract probably specifies she has to stay through the presidential business, and she's probably going to be the happiest person in the country on November 9, I predict she'll file the papers on the 10th.
4
After Trump loses this election, I would like to see his social calendar for events in NYC. He has become persona non grata. So from excluding blacks in his apartment buildings, to only catering to the wealthy elites at his golf courses, to now being shunned by polite society in his own city, it seems like just desserts have been finally served to this miserable person. Perhaps Trump can now find out about the joys of dining with his own family. I visualize long stretches of silence at a table with glittering gold utensils.
50
His social calendar will look the same after the election as it did before. Trump has been a social outcast in NYC for many years.
2
Gail,
Donald Trump plays golf with gold-plated balls?? Who knew?
Donald Trump plays golf with gold-plated balls?? Who knew?
6
One of your best, Ms. Collins. Thank you.
5
Yep, yep, yep. But in the long run none of this really matters does it?
2
Nay, nay, nay. But it is revealing.
Well I hope to God most of the country can see Trump for what he is. He makes it plain every day, but a good part of the voting public seems to have heads filled with concrete.
Also if Hillary Clinton turns out to be an android in the next few weeks, I'll vote for her anyway (or maybe "it"). Nothing could be as bad as Trump.
Also if Hillary Clinton turns out to be an android in the next few weeks, I'll vote for her anyway (or maybe "it"). Nothing could be as bad as Trump.
51
Gail, you should have written Thursday night's jokes!
14
Trump vortex.Everything he touches turns to crazy.
What more can be honestly said?
What more can be honestly said?
30
In an election season I cannot wait to end, you made me laugh. Buses of dead people....Thanks!
18
May those references to "buses of dead people" were aimed at the crowd of Republican candidates who boarded the "clown bus" at the start of this campaign.
2
Just when I thought here was no way left to have a new witty way to talk about this all, I was proven wrong. This is VERY funny,
8
I want to see a creepy clown at the Easter Egg roll. I'll go myself. Just not him.
9
Trump is the creepy clown
Hillary Clinton wittily captured the absurdity of Trump being her opponent when she reminded everyone that Trump had wanted her to take a drug test before the last debate. She then quipped that she did take a performance enhancer - preparation. The truth was funnier than any fiction.
110
Mr Trump? I have Mr. Jared Fogle on line 2 for you.
Something about your brands both being in the same neighborhood
so you should maybe get lunch?
Something about your brands both being in the same neighborhood
so you should maybe get lunch?
18
Only the brand can destroy a brand, and we have just seen proof positive of this!
But maybe not: Trump Nation may still buy some cheap CPG products branded with his name.
I can't wait for this brand to go downscale. As it must, because upscale consumers (like those booing at Al Smith dinner) surely won't shop his brand anymore. His DC hotel will fail in 12 months or less, sort of like a Nixon Hotel would have in 1974!
But maybe not: Trump Nation may still buy some cheap CPG products branded with his name.
I can't wait for this brand to go downscale. As it must, because upscale consumers (like those booing at Al Smith dinner) surely won't shop his brand anymore. His DC hotel will fail in 12 months or less, sort of like a Nixon Hotel would have in 1974!
Some people have class and some people don't.
39
As the saying goes, "he has a lot of class, all low."
3
For fun, I read to an elegant English friend in Paris that Britain, according to an article in the Times, has six classes and whether she wanted to take the quiz to see where she fit in. She declined merrily with a glass of quincy, and let us bring back 'Style' to America.
I too squirmed that Hillary was jabbing. Not all that "nasty" but still, she could have been a bit less biting.
*Sigh* ....
*Sigh* ....
170
Hillary has endured twenty five years of scathing attacks, false accusations and vilification by the republican party. It does not bother me in the least that she gave them a taste of their own medicine.
Nasty? How about Guiliani , a vicious , contemptuous man who deserves what he got from her.
If you can't take it, don't dish it out.
It's clear Trump can't take it.
Nasty? How about Guiliani , a vicious , contemptuous man who deserves what he got from her.
If you can't take it, don't dish it out.
It's clear Trump can't take it.
15
The speeches at this dinner were the theme of this campaign:
Hillary bad, Trump worse.
Hillary bad, Trump worse.
Aw, yeah, she should have been a nice girl.
Puh-leeze.
She was great and made just the right number of self-deprecating jokes. What's the equivalent of 'beer goggles' for judging a woman's assertiveness instead of her pulchritude?
Puh-leeze.
She was great and made just the right number of self-deprecating jokes. What's the equivalent of 'beer goggles' for judging a woman's assertiveness instead of her pulchritude?
10
Poetic justice. Trump's base campaign is ostracizing him from the high society he always laid claim to. Money can't buy him class.
1037
As the toast goes, "Here's to our politician -- a man who stands for what he thinks others will fall for."
1
Money can't buy him class - so true.
4
Trump has always been rejected by the Manhattan real estate elite, and that's an important part of what motivates him. He long ago adopted the strategy that any club he can't get into, he blows up. Now he's doing the same for our national politics.
politicsbyeccechomo.wordpress.com
politicsbyeccechomo.wordpress.com
1
I wish the Republican establishment were capable of serious self-reflection. Specifically: what combination of mental imbalances and diseased philosophies allowed this hideous man to become their standard-bearer?
If Republicans wish to regain any credibility, some version of this basic question must be openly considered and addressed.
If Republicans wish to regain any credibility, some version of this basic question must be openly considered and addressed.
41
Mr. Brock,
With due respect, I have seen plenty of fine Republicans over the years but they appear to have become as elusive as The Scarlet Pimpernel.
With due respect, I have seen plenty of fine Republicans over the years but they appear to have become as elusive as The Scarlet Pimpernel.
3
With a little assistance, one can select insults and lies Trump has thrown at all of the 2016 GOP opponents for president. Then you can begin with his curses and lies about Hillary. If he was elected, this behavior would continue with all adversaries, both domestic and foreign. And why? Because Trump is simply an immature pile of manure who can't help himself. As the chosen leader of the U. S., Americans would have no one to blame but themselves. Many Americans are dedicated to see this lying coward as their leader.
37
Dallen35:
Your comparison is very insulting to manure. It is an excellent fertilizer and in many countries is also used for fuel.
Your comparison is very insulting to manure. It is an excellent fertilizer and in many countries is also used for fuel.
6
All of this noise takes the focus away from the real issue: Donald Trump is not qualified to be President of any organization that he does not own. He has little grasp of the issues, little interest in learning about them in depth beyond finding the right soundbite, and lacks integrity. His followers deserve a viable candidate and they will have one in future elections. We should start understanding and addressing their economic needs, while preserving the values that make America great.
42
Agreed, but in a way he does own that organization, the Republican party, at least as much as any of his properties: a promise to invest more of his money than he actually does, as he rants and raves how great it's gonna be and others fall in his thrall throw in for a piece of the action, only to run into the brick wall of reality.
But again to the Republican party, you break it, you bought it.
Donald Trump is not qualified to lead the party of Lincoln, TR, Ike, but this latter-day obstruction scam? He's precisely the zombie/genie they've conjured over decades of racist dog whistles, voodoo economics, unholy alliances, scapegoating, divisiveness, macho talk, deregulation, tax & spending cuts and Reagan hagiography.
But those genies, there's always a catch to the three wishes they promise to grant the poor fool they momentarily call their master.
Trump will use this massive fiasco as he has all his others: parlay the same poor fans' obeisance and rich oligarchs' dollars into a new platform to keep ranting and raving against the nation and its leaders good, bad or indifferent of either party. The question is, how many other so-called Republicans follow their great and powerful wizard there, and exactly how will those who don't, actually distinguish themselves going forth? One hand, there's only a dozen or so as bad as he. Other, all the rest ARE pale imitations if they don't realign with what actually drew people to that party and its leaders for its first 100 years.
But again to the Republican party, you break it, you bought it.
Donald Trump is not qualified to lead the party of Lincoln, TR, Ike, but this latter-day obstruction scam? He's precisely the zombie/genie they've conjured over decades of racist dog whistles, voodoo economics, unholy alliances, scapegoating, divisiveness, macho talk, deregulation, tax & spending cuts and Reagan hagiography.
But those genies, there's always a catch to the three wishes they promise to grant the poor fool they momentarily call their master.
Trump will use this massive fiasco as he has all his others: parlay the same poor fans' obeisance and rich oligarchs' dollars into a new platform to keep ranting and raving against the nation and its leaders good, bad or indifferent of either party. The question is, how many other so-called Republicans follow their great and powerful wizard there, and exactly how will those who don't, actually distinguish themselves going forth? One hand, there's only a dozen or so as bad as he. Other, all the rest ARE pale imitations if they don't realign with what actually drew people to that party and its leaders for its first 100 years.
5
"Donald Trump is not qualified to be President of any organization that he does not own."
And he's befouled a few he does own, too.
And he's befouled a few he does own, too.
3
During the dinner (on the channel I watched) we could see Trump going over his script, pen in hand, conferring with Melania about it. That was his chance to cut the worst material (presumably written by staff). He chose not to.
18
"Malignant narcissism." Example A, The Donald.
Otto Kernberg coined this term to refer to a sub-type of pathological personalities. (It has not been a diagnostic category in the psychiatric DSM series)
For me, though, Trump's psychodynamics hold little interest. He's such a simple read. Rather, the challenge of understanding the sociopatholgy that has produced a cohort of citizens who appear prepared to believe that he offers some solution to their woes is far more intriguing. And the separate question of what makes these people tick.
Otto Kernberg coined this term to refer to a sub-type of pathological personalities. (It has not been a diagnostic category in the psychiatric DSM series)
For me, though, Trump's psychodynamics hold little interest. He's such a simple read. Rather, the challenge of understanding the sociopatholgy that has produced a cohort of citizens who appear prepared to believe that he offers some solution to their woes is far more intriguing. And the separate question of what makes these people tick.
98
Thanks Robert Levin, I agree whole heartedly. Especially as our news media's profile is so obviously off the mark.
1
I'll just concentrate on your description of the dinner, Ms Collins: 'a feel-good event where the elite gather to congratulate themselves for raising money for poor children'. I wonder if Bernie Sanders, had he been the candidate, would had pointed out the insult to a democratic nation contained in that description: the ultrarich celebrating their largesse whenever they throw a few crumbs to people they themselves - through their intense lobbying for lower taxes - have impoverished. Such 'charity' is the enemy of justice.
81
If the Catholic church turned only to us insulted democrats to help the poor, how'd we ever foot the $200 million bill to send the Bernie Sanders of the world on their national follies tour every four years, not to mention the one who actually gets the nomination and the rest, on top of hundreds of Senate and House, Gubernatorial, state and local candidates every year or two? Oh that's right, campaign donations grow on government trees in...that's "Europe," is it?
Wealthy New Yorkers will dress to the nines to dine now and then, whether we watch them tell jokes and give $6 mil to charity or not, I say let's not begrudge them the rare opportunity to wear white tie if we get the rare opportunity to keep our own wallets closed for the night.
Wealthy New Yorkers will dress to the nines to dine now and then, whether we watch them tell jokes and give $6 mil to charity or not, I say let's not begrudge them the rare opportunity to wear white tie if we get the rare opportunity to keep our own wallets closed for the night.
6
The probable election night result is clearly written on the faces of the would-be Republican president and first lady in the accompanying photo...dour and gloomy, a study in abject humiliation. The behavior of the GOP's standard bearer at the Al Smith dinner underscores just why he's supremely unsuited to be our president. Instead of an unexpected show of grace, humility and character, he behaved as if he were on the campaign trail, tossing red meat to his rabid supporters. He went low when he should have gone high and classy. The man could learn plenty from our current president and first lady about comportment, good manners and class. Please hurry and exit stage left, Mr. Trump.
146
You are so correct about POTUS and The First Lady, and a lady by any definition.
4
I'd prefer that he fall directly into the orchestra pit.
3
No, he will definitely exit stage right.
We have a vastly overrated opinion of how important the US and US presidents are. (And how has this worked for the rest of the world?) As has happened to other empires through history, ours seems on the brink of a comeuppance. Trump may be the best vehicle for this. I'd rather be part of a nation that is a place of justice, fair play, transparent democracy. This is the America I want. Hillary definitely won't move us in this direction. Neither will Trump. But he may help our worst, most false national values implode.
4
If he best argument for Trump is that he will act like a weaponized pumpkin and explode the country into a million pieces, then the level of despair and cynicism of his supporters has reached critical mass. Self immolation is not grounds to elect a president.
96
Great comment, Jude.
7
"Hillary definitely won't move us in this direction"
Proof would be nice, but since you offer none, I'll state this: I trust Hillary to pick better judges, stop gratuitously cutting taxes for the 1%, think twice about starting another war, and improve health care.
For me, this is a better direction for the country.
Proof would be nice, but since you offer none, I'll state this: I trust Hillary to pick better judges, stop gratuitously cutting taxes for the 1%, think twice about starting another war, and improve health care.
For me, this is a better direction for the country.
11
If being programmed and stiff is a negative quality for the head of government then Angela Merkel would have failed and been voted out years ago. Since when does sparkling charisma translate into job qualification for President? Some of the worst people I've ever known were the "life of the party" types. So I am never impressed by glib, quick with a joke and a smile types. I'll take stiff, possibly boring and extremely well prepared any day of the week.
396
Amen!! As Oprah said yesterday, I am paraphrasing, when she asks people what's wrong with HRC? they reply, I just don't like her. Oprah replied, well she ain't going just stopping by your house.
6
Donald Trump really does ruin any gathering of decent people merely by showing up. Then he makes it worse by going through his time-delay meltdown.
Before this long presidential campaign began, one imagines Trump employees jumping for joy on learning at the last minute that the boss would miss the party to celebrate a golf clubhouse re-modeling. Each of them jumped alone, away from ambitious co-workers.
The one gathering of happy Americans we all should hope Donald Trump does not ruin by showing up is the Inauguration.
Before this long presidential campaign began, one imagines Trump employees jumping for joy on learning at the last minute that the boss would miss the party to celebrate a golf clubhouse re-modeling. Each of them jumped alone, away from ambitious co-workers.
The one gathering of happy Americans we all should hope Donald Trump does not ruin by showing up is the Inauguration.
130
Trump seems to be conceding while not caring about down ballot races for the crucial control of the Senate. He almost seems to be purposely suppressing the vote as republicans head for the Trump exit.
With many pundits declaring the race won for Clinton, this tactic could also suppress her vote.
Democrats beware. Get out the vote.
With many pundits declaring the race won for Clinton, this tactic could also suppress her vote.
Democrats beware. Get out the vote.
262
Vote early or by absentee ballot if you can.
2
A few month ago, I heard from secret educated Trump supports that "I am not to going to vote for Trump, but Hillary is a liar..."
Recently, I heard from secret educated Trump supporters that "now Hillary is going to win, it is safe to vote for Trump."
Recently, I heard from secret educated Trump supporters that "now Hillary is going to win, it is safe to vote for Trump."
3
Another great contribution from Ms Collins! I relished your description of Rudy Guiliani - and think that the Al Smith dinner, while Trump's rudeness may have made it not the festive occasion it should have been, was useful in exposing yet again just how this man is not at all a classy person. Just as his candidacy has exposed the total lack of morals, of basic human decency, in many leaders of the Repunlican party. Trump has been lying almost every time he opens his mouth, but that's just fine with a lot of top Republicans, who didn't see anything particularly wrong with his years of "birther" lies against President Obama and found excuses for a man whom they should have been denouncing. They put party and their own careers far ahead of country -- one can only hope that the electorate will remember.
169
I also particularly liked Gail's description of Rudy Giuliani.
2
"The most important guests are seated in tiers onstage, where hoi polloi can admire their table manners."
I'm a little off subject here, but what was with Maria Bartiromo - prominently displayed behind the speakers - fiddling with her cell phone the whole time. It was rude and distracting, to say the least.
I'm a little off subject here, but what was with Maria Bartiromo - prominently displayed behind the speakers - fiddling with her cell phone the whole time. It was rude and distracting, to say the least.
126
It wouldn't've been half as distracting if Bartiromo—already drawing the wrong kind of attention for a Catholic event with her ample cleavage pouring out of a bright-red low-cut dress—hadn't kept donning and doffing an elbow-length white glove each time she rudely engaged with her cellphone. As a TV personality, surely she knew she—or parts of her—were hogging the shot, which is no doubt what she was getting in those moments from her Twitter followers.
5
Not to mention those darned white gloves - off again, on again - to play with the darned phone; and the glasses too - on again, off again - to see that darned screen. yikes; very annoying considering we couldn't just look away. Distracted by her twitter feed, no doubt.
5
Yes, that certainly was Maria, The Money Honey, Bartiromo in the flesh, so to speak. She was bored. Was not she a big Trump fan some months ago?
1
Trump has demonstrated over and over again how unqualified and unfit he is to be President, Commander-in-Chief. It is not just that he constantly lies and that he is a racist and a bigot who has acted as a lightning rod for the most regressive forces in this country, or that he is sexual predator. It is not just that he is completely ignorant of economics, foreign affairs and Constitutional law. What makes him most dangerous is his massive ego combined with his violent temper.
No amount of spin was able to cover over Trump’s refusal to come clean with the American people. No amount of make-up could cover over Trump's basic instability. As he goes down in flames as the worst nominee in presidential history he will do his best to destroy everything and everyone around him. So, if you are foolish enough to invite the Donald to dinner, don’t expect him to pick up the check.
No amount of spin was able to cover over Trump’s refusal to come clean with the American people. No amount of make-up could cover over Trump's basic instability. As he goes down in flames as the worst nominee in presidential history he will do his best to destroy everything and everyone around him. So, if you are foolish enough to invite the Donald to dinner, don’t expect him to pick up the check.
262
Tonight little Donald sits morosely alone before his KFC bucket on his jet, having waved off his obsequious syncophants, wondering how things could have gone so far off the rails.
Once, he was the Big Man of the Big Apple, center of the Trump universe. He was respected and feared in DC as well, where he could buy anyone and anything. His bankers, who had already lost their shirts to his stupendous business failures, were willing to keep him afloat so they wouldn't lose their pants as well. He had the biggest reality show on TV, gleaming towers, airplanes, golf courses, beauty pageants, Russians who started throwing money at him when the bankers finally gave up. And women, you wouldn't believe what he could get away with there.
Millions in gritty towns across the country loved him like a god, screaming their support at rallies. But the ones that really counted, the high society on which the Trump brand was built, they jeered and booed him at one of the biggest society events of the year. They could finally see all the way through his counterfeit. He was no longer welcome.
Well, good thing the Russians still like him, plenty of billionaires there to chum around with. And they don't have to follow any rules there, they make the rules. Time to start shopping for properties on the cheap in Moscow, plenty to choose from.
He was feeling better already.
Once, he was the Big Man of the Big Apple, center of the Trump universe. He was respected and feared in DC as well, where he could buy anyone and anything. His bankers, who had already lost their shirts to his stupendous business failures, were willing to keep him afloat so they wouldn't lose their pants as well. He had the biggest reality show on TV, gleaming towers, airplanes, golf courses, beauty pageants, Russians who started throwing money at him when the bankers finally gave up. And women, you wouldn't believe what he could get away with there.
Millions in gritty towns across the country loved him like a god, screaming their support at rallies. But the ones that really counted, the high society on which the Trump brand was built, they jeered and booed him at one of the biggest society events of the year. They could finally see all the way through his counterfeit. He was no longer welcome.
Well, good thing the Russians still like him, plenty of billionaires there to chum around with. And they don't have to follow any rules there, they make the rules. Time to start shopping for properties on the cheap in Moscow, plenty to choose from.
He was feeling better already.
361
This is excellent. May it be reprised on November 9th to make sure that it will be Hillary who will keep America great.
13
All this election needs is aliens from outer space. Trump is a lizard (remember "V"?) wearing a human suit.
149
You shouldn't necessarily hold your breath, but we DO still have a couple of weeks . . .
35
Absolutely Democrats, do not be overconfident and become complacent. Vote, vote, vote!!!!
9
It's true he's a monster in human skin.
2
The intense focus on tearing down Trump ignores the speech that Hillary gave at the same dinner.
It is on YouTube. She got in some nasty zingers too. The race has really hit bottom.
Yet here in Hillary Campaign Central, all we hear is that Trump disrespected Hillary at a nice dinner.
It is on YouTube. She got in some nasty zingers too. The race has really hit bottom.
Yet here in Hillary Campaign Central, all we hear is that Trump disrespected Hillary at a nice dinner.
25
Hillary's speech wasn't very funny and was too pointed against Trump. I agree. However, Donald's speech was downright poisonous. There's no evidence that Hillary hates Catholics (the email was written by a staffer). She wasn't thrown off the Watergate committee. Bluntly saying she's corrupt is not a light-hearted joke. It's not even a joke. Hillary didn't get laughs, true. Donald was booed. I'm surprised you cannot see the difference. I hope the Al Smith dinner survives. I hope our democracy does.
500
Hillary is not completely tone-deaf.
Had his remarks not been SO out-of-line - had they been in the line of "wet paint on a button," say - she would have undoubtedly moderated her speech's prepared zingers (we all know candidates have writers. Don't we?) and chosen to say only the funniest lines.
That called a "proportional response."
But they weren't - don't take MY word for it, watch and listen to the tape - and her response was as proportional as a woman raised in the '50s could get in public.
He can dish it out, but he can't take it. And EVERYONE could see it.
Like the statues which popped up in major cities (including ours!) a few months ago.... the Little Emperor has no clothes.
Had his remarks not been SO out-of-line - had they been in the line of "wet paint on a button," say - she would have undoubtedly moderated her speech's prepared zingers (we all know candidates have writers. Don't we?) and chosen to say only the funniest lines.
That called a "proportional response."
But they weren't - don't take MY word for it, watch and listen to the tape - and her response was as proportional as a woman raised in the '50s could get in public.
He can dish it out, but he can't take it. And EVERYONE could see it.
Like the statues which popped up in major cities (including ours!) a few months ago.... the Little Emperor has no clothes.
373
I disagree. I listed to her speech a second time and found it funnier than the first. Plus I very much appreciated the fact that as she ended her monologue it was very uplifting. Her reference to the Holy Father, his belief in building bridges and not walls, reduction in inequality, his warning about climate change, etc., drew the most applause from the attendees. I'm with her!
316
Occasionally a public figure shows the rest of the public, just what the south end of a northbound horse is like. Trump shows even under the most genteel circumstances, he is unable to control his rancor, his lack of propriety is there for ll to see. What he thinks of funny, is considered rude and insulting by people with manners and upbringing.
Oh, Hilary is not a comedian, yes she is serious and cerebral, and has been the target of smears and vitriol for many years, it probably precludes her making fun of herself, she probably fears some Trumpian will use it to denigrate her, as have the conservative cabal. Let us hope she will loosen up a bit one she is the Pres.
Trump has made a habit of ingratiating himself with those in power. Most of them have realized they have been used just to further his ambitions, and not because he actually likes them. He made himself persona non grata even among those who might still have some positive feelings about him. Getting booed at the Al Smith dinner is the ultimate insult, you can't get much lower.
It is not his political life he is fighting for, it is his economic life. He can not get any more financing from American banks, even the evil Carl Icahn wont lend to him. He has a fraud trial pending along with a RICO charge, then we will see what his source of income is.
A goth would make a better dinner companion than Trump. He was invited due to protocol, it won't happen again.
Oh, Hilary is not a comedian, yes she is serious and cerebral, and has been the target of smears and vitriol for many years, it probably precludes her making fun of herself, she probably fears some Trumpian will use it to denigrate her, as have the conservative cabal. Let us hope she will loosen up a bit one she is the Pres.
Trump has made a habit of ingratiating himself with those in power. Most of them have realized they have been used just to further his ambitions, and not because he actually likes them. He made himself persona non grata even among those who might still have some positive feelings about him. Getting booed at the Al Smith dinner is the ultimate insult, you can't get much lower.
It is not his political life he is fighting for, it is his economic life. He can not get any more financing from American banks, even the evil Carl Icahn wont lend to him. He has a fraud trial pending along with a RICO charge, then we will see what his source of income is.
A goth would make a better dinner companion than Trump. He was invited due to protocol, it won't happen again.
677
"It is not his political life he is fighting for, it is his economic life."
Thank you for saying this. I believe it to be true, and have wondered why I haven't seen it in the press yet. This entire campaign may have been launched for this very reason.
Thank you for saying this. I believe it to be true, and have wondered why I haven't seen it in the press yet. This entire campaign may have been launched for this very reason.
8
Don't forget the pending rape cahrges as well.
4
Yes, they would have used it to denigrate her. I remember this or a similar event where Barack Obama made a quip about his "Kenyan birth certificate" and they jumped all over it as an admission.
6
One of The Donald's less-noticed outrageous accusations from Wednesday's debate: as a consequence of our government's announcing "our" (i.e., the Iraqi army's) intentions to stage an assault on Mosul beginning this week ISIS insurgents have already left the city and have gone off to destinations unknown. I'm not sure how even the candidate who knows ISIS better than our generals do could have obtained such information but, considering how much combat has already broken out there and how many ISIS soldiers have proceeded to bite the dust, it's obvious that Trump has no idea what he's saying and manages to come up with new falsehoods whenever the opportunity presents itself. It's one thing to misinterpret current events; it's another to flat-out lie about them and assume that the public won't know the difference. Show us your birth certificate, Donald!
770
That's the part I can't get over. I get that a certain type of person doesn't mind his vulgarity. I get that a certain type of person enjoys his vicious attacks on others. I get that a certain type of person believes an egomaniacal tycoon could shift gears and do everything for the good of the country all of a sudden. I even get that a certain type of person believes it'd hold his interest after he started experiencing massive setbacks and failures, as happen to every president.
What I don't get is the type of person who knows better yet hears him recount every internet conspiracy and lie about virtually everything he talks about and thinks we'd ever get the truth or a sound bit of judgement from him as president. Especially given his unwillingness to accept responsibility for all the things he couldn't "make great," "the best," like going bankrupt with all three casinos at a time other casinos did well, like his show never earning an Emmy, or like all the products he tried to license that failed but he said were still going strong.
And I don't get the followers of the man who demanded the last president's birth certificate, and other candidates' tax returns, not to mention Hillary's personal correspondence, but won't release his own.
How do they figure that doesn't make for the least transparent presidency in modern times?
What I don't get is the type of person who knows better yet hears him recount every internet conspiracy and lie about virtually everything he talks about and thinks we'd ever get the truth or a sound bit of judgement from him as president. Especially given his unwillingness to accept responsibility for all the things he couldn't "make great," "the best," like going bankrupt with all three casinos at a time other casinos did well, like his show never earning an Emmy, or like all the products he tried to license that failed but he said were still going strong.
And I don't get the followers of the man who demanded the last president's birth certificate, and other candidates' tax returns, not to mention Hillary's personal correspondence, but won't release his own.
How do they figure that doesn't make for the least transparent presidency in modern times?
115
And show us your tax returns, Donald!
6
While not a Trump supporter, I did note that Trump was speaking about the ISIS leadership, not the foot soldiers.
You can’t say Trump isn’t reliable. There’s not a public function that he can’t make dysfunctional. To take only one recent example, he brought down the house at the Al Smith Dinner. Way down. It was the groaning, gasping, I-can’t-believe-he-just-said-that kind of down that never ceases to amaze. And he does this with an amazing economy of vocabulary.
I’ve noticed that not only does Trump have a mere three adjectives in his oratorical quiver, he has at most two gestures with which to add zing to his zingers. He’s got the index finger down-swoop, and the palms-out shoulder hunch, both delivered with pouty lips. If he’s elected, it’s with those pouty lips that he will announce the apocalypse, which he promises will be huge, tremendous and classy.
How does he do this so reliably, especially, as a reviewer once said of Fred Willard’s character on the late-night spoof, “Fernwood Tonight,” when he flaunts the intelligence of a gerbil? I think we’re talking about an idiot savant who is actually an idiot. He doesn’t merely tell you the day of the week for any date you might name, or calculate cube roots in his head. He has a preternatural ability to be maximally wrong about everything.
He also projects his personal failings on everyone around him, which sort of explains why he thinks everyone around him is a moron, and why America looks so pathetic that he has to make it great again.
I’ve noticed that not only does Trump have a mere three adjectives in his oratorical quiver, he has at most two gestures with which to add zing to his zingers. He’s got the index finger down-swoop, and the palms-out shoulder hunch, both delivered with pouty lips. If he’s elected, it’s with those pouty lips that he will announce the apocalypse, which he promises will be huge, tremendous and classy.
How does he do this so reliably, especially, as a reviewer once said of Fred Willard’s character on the late-night spoof, “Fernwood Tonight,” when he flaunts the intelligence of a gerbil? I think we’re talking about an idiot savant who is actually an idiot. He doesn’t merely tell you the day of the week for any date you might name, or calculate cube roots in his head. He has a preternatural ability to be maximally wrong about everything.
He also projects his personal failings on everyone around him, which sort of explains why he thinks everyone around him is a moron, and why America looks so pathetic that he has to make it great again.
1102
I heartily agree with you that Trump does a seriously large amount of projecting his faults on others.
I know you are but what am I?
I know you are but what am I?
53
The projecting is what we've been marveling at. Most of what he attacks others for is magnitudes more true about himself, and most of what he brags about himself is not remotely true. (Which is it, Donald, do you really grab women there or is maybe every claim and vow from the campaign trail to the altar just the locker-room talk of an adolescent mind?)
I'm beginning to think the wall he's said he'd build at the border is not so much to keep Mexicans out as to keep us in as he turns us back into a third-world country of slavery and indentured servitude in his effort to resurrect this time we were "great" he sees as so unlike today.
I'm beginning to think the wall he's said he'd build at the border is not so much to keep Mexicans out as to keep us in as he turns us back into a third-world country of slavery and indentured servitude in his effort to resurrect this time we were "great" he sees as so unlike today.
18
Your comments are a disaster, a disaster. A real catastrophe, so people are saying. I don't know, but lots of people are saying that. I'm mean look at them, look at those comments. I don't think so.
19
Jeeez, you guys can’t even enjoy the Al Smith dinner, at which BOTH Hillary and Trump were funny – as they were supposed to be. And you can’t fake it because anyone interested can watch the video and see for themselves. This Trump-hatred is likely to backfire with precisely the ones you most want to attract to Sec. Clinton – the five people in the country who haven’t already made up their minds.
Hillary’s not an android, she’s just what everyone thinks of when they conjure a mid-level manager. No public sense of humor – but the scripting wasn’t bad; no ability to wing anything, uncomfortable as she is without a MS project plan and 300-slide PowerPoint deck.
And Trump honestly believes that she should be in jail, so it’s not surprising that the jokes he served up would include a few on WikiLeaks and eMailGate. Those who support her, as always, are willing to forgive her anything, but the truth is that anyone else who did what she did then obstructed justice by knowingly destroying evidence WOULD be in jail. She certainly took Watergate as an object lesson: when faced with a choice, burn the tapes.
But the funniest thing about the outsized and blind support of Sec. Clinton by the pundit liberati is that they’d have precious little to write about during her four years, but Trump’s would be grist for thousands of free columns. If she wins it’s going to be a very boring four years, with about four news conferences during the entire term.
Careful of what you wish for.
Hillary’s not an android, she’s just what everyone thinks of when they conjure a mid-level manager. No public sense of humor – but the scripting wasn’t bad; no ability to wing anything, uncomfortable as she is without a MS project plan and 300-slide PowerPoint deck.
And Trump honestly believes that she should be in jail, so it’s not surprising that the jokes he served up would include a few on WikiLeaks and eMailGate. Those who support her, as always, are willing to forgive her anything, but the truth is that anyone else who did what she did then obstructed justice by knowingly destroying evidence WOULD be in jail. She certainly took Watergate as an object lesson: when faced with a choice, burn the tapes.
But the funniest thing about the outsized and blind support of Sec. Clinton by the pundit liberati is that they’d have precious little to write about during her four years, but Trump’s would be grist for thousands of free columns. If she wins it’s going to be a very boring four years, with about four news conferences during the entire term.
Careful of what you wish for.
18
@Richard Luettgen,
What do you think was in those missing e-mails? Filthy talk about about her groping some underling? Long, rambling adulation for Vladimir Putin? Nice comments about Kim Jong-un? An hilarious imitation of a disable person? A promise to refuse to concede the election if she ran for president and lost?
I have to admit that if she said those kinds of things I'd dump her in a heartbeat. And while I disagree with almost everything you say these days, I agree wholeheartedly with your last sentence.
What do you think was in those missing e-mails? Filthy talk about about her groping some underling? Long, rambling adulation for Vladimir Putin? Nice comments about Kim Jong-un? An hilarious imitation of a disable person? A promise to refuse to concede the election if she ran for president and lost?
I have to admit that if she said those kinds of things I'd dump her in a heartbeat. And while I disagree with almost everything you say these days, I agree wholeheartedly with your last sentence.
659
Hillary actually hates Catholics. It's true; not a lie, not a joke. It HAS to be true because The Donald says it is, eh Richard? And you write about the "blind support of Sec. Clinton by the pundit liberati"? Are you wearing spectacles these days? Hearing aids, perhaps? If not, I'd recommend doing so.
As for putting someone in jail, you need evidence first. Have you conducted as thorough an investigation of the e-mail business as the FBI did? The law won't allow us to surmise that what was destroyed by Hillary and her staff would have been incriminating- any more than it forces us to testify against ourselves when we're accused of a crime. Don't forget: The Donald's own legal troubles have yet to be sorted out. The Trump University case goes to trial a few days after the election is held. I'm betting that there's a stronger chance that The Donald will go to jail than will Hillary (unless, of course, he settles first, as he so often proceeds to do).
As for putting someone in jail, you need evidence first. Have you conducted as thorough an investigation of the e-mail business as the FBI did? The law won't allow us to surmise that what was destroyed by Hillary and her staff would have been incriminating- any more than it forces us to testify against ourselves when we're accused of a crime. Don't forget: The Donald's own legal troubles have yet to be sorted out. The Trump University case goes to trial a few days after the election is held. I'm betting that there's a stronger chance that The Donald will go to jail than will Hillary (unless, of course, he settles first, as he so often proceeds to do).
636
Luettgen,
As time goes on, you get even more divorced from reality, you seem to have been infected by the TP/GOP virus which precludes rational thought. Trump funny, he is funny alright, like those in the funny farm. Is he mad? He certainly acts mad, quite mad as the British would say.
No one laughed at his jibs at the dinner, it was just plain poor taste, out of the protocol reserved for it. Clinton is reserved, knowing full well, anything she might say about herself, will be used by the gang of GOP misanthropes to use against her. She has had to endure their slurs and prevarications for all these years, so don't say anything about yourself they can use to denigrate you, even in jest, they have no bounds of propriety.
You are going to see one of the most lopsided defeats in presidential history. Not quite up to the FDR route, but close. Yes Trump has his supporters, the same people we have to put warnings on soap for, telling them not to eat it.
You are going to have to give up your dream of returning to the 19th century, the world has become more civilized, despite a few resistance movements, which are on the road to self destruction. Your ideology is the road to nowhere, the stairway to oblivion.
As time goes on, you get even more divorced from reality, you seem to have been infected by the TP/GOP virus which precludes rational thought. Trump funny, he is funny alright, like those in the funny farm. Is he mad? He certainly acts mad, quite mad as the British would say.
No one laughed at his jibs at the dinner, it was just plain poor taste, out of the protocol reserved for it. Clinton is reserved, knowing full well, anything she might say about herself, will be used by the gang of GOP misanthropes to use against her. She has had to endure their slurs and prevarications for all these years, so don't say anything about yourself they can use to denigrate you, even in jest, they have no bounds of propriety.
You are going to see one of the most lopsided defeats in presidential history. Not quite up to the FDR route, but close. Yes Trump has his supporters, the same people we have to put warnings on soap for, telling them not to eat it.
You are going to have to give up your dream of returning to the 19th century, the world has become more civilized, despite a few resistance movements, which are on the road to self destruction. Your ideology is the road to nowhere, the stairway to oblivion.
610
Hey listen, if you're going down in giant flames of self-immolation, why not burn down everything and everyone else at the same time...isn't that the Presidential Trumpian thing to do ?
Donald Trump has now shifted to political eulogy mode in his 2016 election strategy, now more interested in building a new false narrative for himself and Trump Nation about how the election was stolen from him by those mythically corrupt Democrats, their liberal handmaidens, and the Wicked Witch of Chappaqua who kept folding Donald up like the cheap suitcase he is in all three of Presidential debates and who kept turning out the lights on his cretinous candidacy...."such a nasty woman", that Hillary.
But we should always remember - as Donald often reminds us - that "nobody has more respect for women than me"...and that "nobody loves women more than me"...... except when he's publicly hating the 1st female Presidential nominee's guts for breakfast, lunch and dinner....or except when he's treating the nation's female bodies like a giant national produce aisle.
Sad little Trumpty Dumpty, his narcissistic bubble of Trumpian vanity now almost completely deflated by reality, stumbles to the election finish line as the last throes of his idiotic insurgency bleat out a few final nasty insults for the loyal nincompoops of Trump Nation who so graciously aided and abetted his sedition, treason and great patriotic campaign to Make America White Again.
The Narcissist has no clothes.
Such a nasty man.
Donald Trump has now shifted to political eulogy mode in his 2016 election strategy, now more interested in building a new false narrative for himself and Trump Nation about how the election was stolen from him by those mythically corrupt Democrats, their liberal handmaidens, and the Wicked Witch of Chappaqua who kept folding Donald up like the cheap suitcase he is in all three of Presidential debates and who kept turning out the lights on his cretinous candidacy...."such a nasty woman", that Hillary.
But we should always remember - as Donald often reminds us - that "nobody has more respect for women than me"...and that "nobody loves women more than me"...... except when he's publicly hating the 1st female Presidential nominee's guts for breakfast, lunch and dinner....or except when he's treating the nation's female bodies like a giant national produce aisle.
Sad little Trumpty Dumpty, his narcissistic bubble of Trumpian vanity now almost completely deflated by reality, stumbles to the election finish line as the last throes of his idiotic insurgency bleat out a few final nasty insults for the loyal nincompoops of Trump Nation who so graciously aided and abetted his sedition, treason and great patriotic campaign to Make America White Again.
The Narcissist has no clothes.
Such a nasty man.
1730
Gail Collins never fails to amuse me with her wry observations. Recently, I've been out of the picture, news-wise, living out of a motel or two some thirty miles north of Spokane. I had no idea that Trump over-stepped good political taste at the said dinner party. The taste of shoe leather in his mouth must surely be profound.
After he loses the election by a landslide, I wonder what will become of him. Perhaps he will simply slink away into an unremitting obscurity. I hope for the sake of our country that this is so.
After he loses the election by a landslide, I wonder what will become of him. Perhaps he will simply slink away into an unremitting obscurity. I hope for the sake of our country that this is so.
8
I have ordered my Nasty Woman t-shirt (with half going to Planned Parenthood). They are swamped and I just hope I get it in time to wear to the polls. I’m making my own version for Halloween and god help the guy who gropes me at the party this time. I don’t think so many of us are going to “let it go” this time.
So, in an odd way, thank you DT.
So, in an odd way, thank you DT.
28
Socrates, I love your witty and truthful comment!
However, we must remember that Hitler was elected in a country that had produced century after century prodigious number of geniuses and saints like Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Therefore, I am still frightened.
However, we must remember that Hitler was elected in a country that had produced century after century prodigious number of geniuses and saints like Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Therefore, I am still frightened.
11
"There’s nothing Trump can’t ruin, people."
So true, Ms. Collins. A dangerous, unfit man.