Given his short attention span and lack of curiosity about anything except his own aggrandizement, the most dangerous aspect of a Trump Presidency might be that he would "outsource" the actual work to Mike Pence who, by his own words is, "... a Christian, a Conservative, and a Republican in that order." Trump may be a vapid, ignorant, and shallow person, but Pence is dangerous as his anti-woman, anti-gay record in Indiana shows.
112
Russ, you need to decide just what it is that you are doing. You write this quasi-intellectual drivel whicb has been swerving about and contributing nothing to clarity. You have somehow managed to, in light of all your fears, painted Hillary Clinton email scandal possibly having maybe transferred 'secrets' to the enemies as comparable with Bush's intervention in the middle east. The email scandal has been investigated to the very bottom of that hole and found nothing of substance while the invasion of Iraq has unleashed trillions of American dollars outflowing, hundreds of thousands of lives lost and the surety of gross conflict for generations. You have stated that the introduction of Trump into the oval office is a complete and extremely dangerous unknown and yet you still present him as a choice. You are a self serving shill for your own conservative fantasy at the expense of the country.
50
If you want to see the real dangers of Donald Trump just look at a
"mature" Donald Trump---Vladimir Putin in Russia.
I will admit Trump is a ways away form Putin's despotism but Trump
is definitely a first step toward authoritarian rule and away form democracy.
Does America really want to take that first step?
I think it is like dealing with a deadly yet slow developing cancer---
don't give it any chance to develop a foothold.
Trump as President would be a first step towards despotism and
authoritarian rule. That is a step America cannot take.
Remember what happened in 1930's Germany.
"mature" Donald Trump---Vladimir Putin in Russia.
I will admit Trump is a ways away form Putin's despotism but Trump
is definitely a first step toward authoritarian rule and away form democracy.
Does America really want to take that first step?
I think it is like dealing with a deadly yet slow developing cancer---
don't give it any chance to develop a foothold.
Trump as President would be a first step towards despotism and
authoritarian rule. That is a step America cannot take.
Remember what happened in 1930's Germany.
38
Another baseline danger that can not be ignored is that the US could expect lessened cooperation from the Muslim third of the world in its quest to root out and protect against terrorism.
20
I am actually horrified when I think that in less than 2 weeks America may choose Trump as their next President - possibly more horrified than I ever was after Kennedy was assassinated or from 9/11 and the aftermath of the Cheney/Bush revenge and terror they created.
56
if Comey's stunt does in Hillary, it will be Comey, along with Trump, who will go down in history as destroying America. Of course a nuclear war might destroy the planet so historians would have to come from elsewhere in the universe to write our history then.
Go vote. We are in real trouble. Barry Goldwater would never have supported Trump, nor would have Ronnie Reagan, 2 men of character.
Go vote. We are in real trouble. Barry Goldwater would never have supported Trump, nor would have Ronnie Reagan, 2 men of character.
46
The problem that America faces currently is to make certain this pathetic drama queen does NOT get in office. If he runs the country like he runs his daddy's companies, WE are in a lot of deep trouble. He will lie with a straight face and will get upset if no one believes him even when it is know to be a bold faced lie.
45
For once, establishing Trump as the danger he truly represents: bravo. Just a bit too eleventh-hour. Throughout his campaign Trump has never wavered in belligerence, ignorance, and nastiness. So why wait until now? Everything you mention has been obvious for many months. You would have done NYT readers a great service by saying this much, much earlier. And calling for Trump's tax returns might have helped too.
63
Donald Trump's so-called success in life has come about regardless of the consequences to those that have been on the short end of any deal with him. It's pretty clear that given his track record, he (Donald Trump) does not give a damn about anyone beyond his family and select friends.
IF Donald Trump proves 95% of the polls wrong on November 8th, just about everyone (including his supporters) will be on the losing end in ways we can not yet fathom.
IF Donald Trump proves 95% of the polls wrong on November 8th, just about everyone (including his supporters) will be on the losing end in ways we can not yet fathom.
48
No one has asked the question - what is Director Comey's political affiliation? I will!
29
In fact, HRC's e-mail exposure is not a problem at all. We know they know! Read Sun Tsu or at least watch Game of Thrown at least. Those leaked e-mails, in fact, can work as very effective baits.
Trump's foreign policy is indeed troubling. Especially, SKorea is already paying a billion USD worth of money from their pocket to maintain US regiments there and US Naval base under construction in Jeju island would cost more for them once it becomes operational. As many of you already know, SKorean president was indeed proven as a puppet and her party is also losing ground fast while the opposing party isn't so pro-US as much as New Frontier Party. It is more likely they will elect a president from the opposing party and they will not be docile if Trump poses threat to pay more money for US. Note that more than 70% of SKorean trade is related China and Japan, not US and SKorean main income is made by such trade.
Additionally, Putin is making contact with Abe and trying to fetch them away from US. As you already know, Japan is participating a lot of funding for US operation in far east. If Japan retracts funding because of Trump's unrefined plans (pay MONEY!! WAAAAAGH!!), US will lose footing in that region and ensure "Make China/Russia Great Again." (Especially China)
Trump's foreign policy is indeed troubling. Especially, SKorea is already paying a billion USD worth of money from their pocket to maintain US regiments there and US Naval base under construction in Jeju island would cost more for them once it becomes operational. As many of you already know, SKorean president was indeed proven as a puppet and her party is also losing ground fast while the opposing party isn't so pro-US as much as New Frontier Party. It is more likely they will elect a president from the opposing party and they will not be docile if Trump poses threat to pay more money for US. Note that more than 70% of SKorean trade is related China and Japan, not US and SKorean main income is made by such trade.
Additionally, Putin is making contact with Abe and trying to fetch them away from US. As you already know, Japan is participating a lot of funding for US operation in far east. If Japan retracts funding because of Trump's unrefined plans (pay MONEY!! WAAAAAGH!!), US will lose footing in that region and ensure "Make China/Russia Great Again." (Especially China)
19
You just explained every possible way of saying that you are going to vote for Secretary Clinton without actually declaring that " I am voting for Hillary". I did not realize how really hard it is for a conservative columnist to say those words.
45
Well done, Mr. Douthat. Excellent column. Your careful reasoning and conclusions places "Country" over "Party"and for that you have my admiration. Wish more of our congressional leaders had the guts to do the same.
24
"Hillary Clinton’s possible exposure of classified material to the Chinese, the Russians and Anthony Weiner’s sexting partners."
This is a cheap shot your essay didn't need.
This is a cheap shot your essay didn't need.
43
Here's another thing I wouldn't put past Trump...the power of the pardon. Has anyone considered what he may have someone else do at his behest, only to pardon that person if it is found out? Given his behavior that we know about him, flouting all the rules that keep typical politicians from tyrannical behavior, I would not want to give Trump the power of the pardon, that is solely given to the POTUS by the US constitution.
26
You are I hardly ever agree. Thank you so much for this column. Thank you for putting country before party. We need two strong parties which can work together. It's good to know on November 9th you will be available to help your party regain some sense of decency and civility.
24
Please do not insult Arnold and Berlusconi by comparing them to Trump.
22
If Trump and his supporters think there will be "revolution" if he doesn't win, they really don't want to know what they'll be facing if he does.
47
It's about time, Mr. Douthat. I hope you influence some people who still have a modicum of common sense in their heads.
30
Hillary Clinton has learned to never send another email her entire life!
Donald Trump learns nothing. Ever.
Donald Trump learns nothing. Ever.
63
So if I understand Douthat’s column correctly, he’s reluctant to oppose the idea that Trump’s candidacy might be less objectionable than Hillary’s.
6
A Trump administration would begin with a major stock market crash, just like the last Republican administration, followed by betrayal of our allies in the NATO alliance, a succession of surrenders to Trump's buddy Putin, a major economic crisis when Trump goes ahead with his plan to default on America's debts, and quite possibly a nuclear war.
What's so dangerous about that?
What's so dangerous about that?
58
This election gets stranger and stranger. Those of us who grew up in FDR times are completely puzzled by the entire process. None of it makes any sense. JGAIA
12
In all honesty, Ross, why does it take this degree of effort to imagine how Trump would be a disaster as President? This piece is an ode to pedantry.
23
Ross: Was that an endorsement of Hillary Clinton? Even if only by default? Like many folks who regularly read your column, that one took me by surprise. Bravo for your clear, concise argument and well laid out thoughts!
As a lifelong Democrat, I suppose I should be a true blue full-on Hillary supporter, but truth is she troubles me in many regards. That troubled feeling however, is nothing compared to the abject fear that I have when I consider a Donald Trump presidency. It's not a decision I have to think very hard about.
Thanks again for a well done column...
As a lifelong Democrat, I suppose I should be a true blue full-on Hillary supporter, but truth is she troubles me in many regards. That troubled feeling however, is nothing compared to the abject fear that I have when I consider a Donald Trump presidency. It's not a decision I have to think very hard about.
Thanks again for a well done column...
135
Thank you, New York Times, Washington Post and every other respectable publication across the globe, but there is really nothing left to be said about the brutal, frightening, inane and incompetent Donald Trump. If the American elect him knowing what we know, we deserve him.
Unfortunately, it's not just us. The Trump plague would extend far beyond our presumably walled-in borders and our narrow self-interest.
Unfortunately, it's not just us. The Trump plague would extend far beyond our presumably walled-in borders and our narrow self-interest.
69
Here's the nub of your nostrum, Ross:
"I may be wrong. But none of my fears (and I have many) of what a Hillary Clinton presidency will bring are strong enough to make me want to run the risk of being proven right."
Even the brilliant Obama couldn't toss out the Constitutional limits imposed on him by our Founders. A president does not a country make. We have a Congress who gives new meaning to impotent, and a Court well-divided. Don't lose sleep over all this brouhaha. Neither one of these two losers can alone bring us down.
"I may be wrong. But none of my fears (and I have many) of what a Hillary Clinton presidency will bring are strong enough to make me want to run the risk of being proven right."
Even the brilliant Obama couldn't toss out the Constitutional limits imposed on him by our Founders. A president does not a country make. We have a Congress who gives new meaning to impotent, and a Court well-divided. Don't lose sleep over all this brouhaha. Neither one of these two losers can alone bring us down.
10
Au contraire. I think with the markets unleashed from regulation and anti-redistributive tax code changes, it will be back to the 80s, baby. And we'll all sing "happy days are here again!"
8
The most dangerous thing about a Trump presidency is the extremely far right Mike Pence doing all the practical work of governing, hand in glove with Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. I actually don't fear the blowhard demagogue. I fear the Republicans, who lay the groundwork for Trump's rise in the first place.
116
I doubt Trump could find Russia or Syria on a map. Do not downplay the risk this man would create to your children and grandchildren. It is appalling first that he made it out of the GOP primary, and even more shocking the level of support he continues to receive at his racist, misogynist hate rallies.
39
Here's a fourth risk. Trump carries grudges. An early mentor of his was Roy Cohn, close ally to the notorious Senator McCarthy. Imagine a demagogic Trump and a rouge FBI director. Trump would bend every dept to his needs.
(Not to speak of how every dept would be enlisted to his business interests.). Ok, make that a fifth risk.
Then we've got the sixth, which is Trump's love of risk-taking, particularly when he is ascendant.
Trump is too great a risk for us all!
Hillary looks extremely attractive in comparison. On so many levels.
(Not to speak of how every dept would be enlisted to his business interests.). Ok, make that a fifth risk.
Then we've got the sixth, which is Trump's love of risk-taking, particularly when he is ascendant.
Trump is too great a risk for us all!
Hillary looks extremely attractive in comparison. On so many levels.
30
Exactly. Trump is an ignorant, mentally unstable lout. The issue is not whether he'd govern from the Right but his manifest inability to govern himself, much less a global superpower.
31
Another fear. After a few months of governing and finding it not to his taste, President Trump resigns, leaving America in the hands of President Pence.
27
"Normal" politicians in Europe and America have given us WWI, WWII, The Korean War, Vietnam, two wars in Iraq, the Falkland Islands War, and the Bosnian War, among many others, as well as actions contributing massively to the deadly chaos in Libya and Syria today. Hillary Clinton voted in 2002 to go to war in Iraq. So give us a break about the unusual dangers the presidency of a novice like Trump would promise. I could come up with dozens of reasons why Clinton would be equally or more destabilizing to the globe, starting with her purposeful chafing of Russia, as Douthat begrudgingly gives weak lip service to here. It's all speculation.
4
After the stock market collapses in shock from a Trump election we will have our allies and our foes lining up to test his team. Trump is easily distractible, all an enemy needs to do is mention 'short fingers' and he will be off.
Trump's stated need to always hit his enemies back harder will lead war.
His attitude to any criticisms in the media will undermine our first amendments rights. His support for the NRA will probably have him awarding the Medal of Freedom to the Clive Bundy family at a White House ceremony.
Look at Duarte in the Philippines and feel very afraid.
Trump's stated need to always hit his enemies back harder will lead war.
His attitude to any criticisms in the media will undermine our first amendments rights. His support for the NRA will probably have him awarding the Medal of Freedom to the Clive Bundy family at a White House ceremony.
Look at Duarte in the Philippines and feel very afraid.
24
Steve Bannon is determined to effectively blow up American values and culture as we know them.He is the Rasputin that fuels and shapes Trump. His muse.The supporting cast of Rudy,Newt and Chris is almost as frightening.Wake up America! HC however flawed is the Only choice.These are perilous times.As a Canadian I pray that common sense will prevail.
41
I'm not worried about Trump, he looks to me to be the liberals' best friend.
The people who should feel threatened by him are the populist conservative media operatives that the GOP probably secretly wishes they were rid of a long time ago.
The people who should feel threatened by him are the populist conservative media operatives that the GOP probably secretly wishes they were rid of a long time ago.
5
Trump is too lazy to function as President. He will be pushed aside by Pence, Ryan and McConnell. It will be easy as he is susceptible to bribery and flattery. We will get an old-line conservative Republican Administration. Ivanka can design new uniforms for the white house staff and the TSA. His son-in-law can start whatever TV network he wants. More than political foes, conservative competition will be in their sites.
14
Once again, Douthat and Brooks, 2 pundits with whom I disagree on so many things, show a clarity, courage, and love of country I must admire. They know that the Trump scourge must be beaten back, and they are willing to risk alienating their own natural base to make the case. Hats off!
31
Will be a Trump police state for the remainder of his life (not too long, because he'll bring on thermonuclear war fairly soon.)
18
There's another danger with Donald Trump. Only the worst people will work for him. When the economy tanks and Trump wants to solve it by paying pennies on the dollar to the US debt is there any ethical person who would implement that policy? People will be resigning in droves and Ivanka and Jared will be calling the shots. Can you imagine?
41
Ross Douthat has summed it all up better than anyone else, in anything I have read.
Trump is above all - beyond his narcissism, beyond his bully-talk, beyond his self aggrandizing - inexperienced. He doesn't know what he is doing, and no one who is advising him does either. America is too big a piece of the global puzzle to left to someone whose personality runs to talking big and breaking glass, but who somehow expects others to clean up.
The inflammatory speeches, the whipping up of class resentment, the whipping up of racial resentment, of resentment towards Muslims, Mexicans, gave permission to a whole segment of our society to wear prejudice openly and proudly. We can't stuff all that back in the box, but we sure as anything don't want to spread Trumpian manure and let it all grow bigger.
I didn't like McCain as a candidate, because of Sarah Palin, but I always felt he had the country's interest at heart. I didn't support Romney's views, but I never felt he was dangerous. I could respect the person, even as I doubted the policy.
Trump has no policy, and there is nothing, *nothing,* he has demonstrated personally that drives respect. Only anxiety.
So thank you, Ross, for the clearest exposition of the Trumpian future.
Trump is above all - beyond his narcissism, beyond his bully-talk, beyond his self aggrandizing - inexperienced. He doesn't know what he is doing, and no one who is advising him does either. America is too big a piece of the global puzzle to left to someone whose personality runs to talking big and breaking glass, but who somehow expects others to clean up.
The inflammatory speeches, the whipping up of class resentment, the whipping up of racial resentment, of resentment towards Muslims, Mexicans, gave permission to a whole segment of our society to wear prejudice openly and proudly. We can't stuff all that back in the box, but we sure as anything don't want to spread Trumpian manure and let it all grow bigger.
I didn't like McCain as a candidate, because of Sarah Palin, but I always felt he had the country's interest at heart. I didn't support Romney's views, but I never felt he was dangerous. I could respect the person, even as I doubted the policy.
Trump has no policy, and there is nothing, *nothing,* he has demonstrated personally that drives respect. Only anxiety.
So thank you, Ross, for the clearest exposition of the Trumpian future.
78
What do billionaires and CxO's do? (other than nothing)
Make simplistic 3 month decisions that only effect their company - there is no care of the effect external to the company - none.
This is not good enough as a background for the presidency. Especially if they have never been in public service.
Make simplistic 3 month decisions that only effect their company - there is no care of the effect external to the company - none.
This is not good enough as a background for the presidency. Especially if they have never been in public service.
21
A Trump triumph at the polls will be an apocalypse event for the U. S. All the outrageous campaign promises being implemented will test American exceptionalism and find it lacking.
34
It keeps being ignored....easily the biggest danger of a Trump administration is that he would further energize and embolden his supporters to more loudly, actively, and vigorously say and do all of the inaccurate, inappropriate, irrational and illogical things that they had - to some extent - stopped saying and doing in public.
The problem with Trump is not Trump. It is his supporters and the problems they will cause while they try to hold America back.
The problem with Trump is not Trump. It is his supporters and the problems they will cause while they try to hold America back.
62
How about the threat to our national debt?
Cut taxes and increase military spending.
We've seen the results of this under both Reagan /HW Bush and W. Bush.
Then the Democrats have to be the adults in the room and clean up the mess.
Cut taxes and increase military spending.
We've seen the results of this under both Reagan /HW Bush and W. Bush.
Then the Democrats have to be the adults in the room and clean up the mess.
14
An accurate assessment of the effect of a Trump Presidency. Starting with a major hit to the US and world economy, permanent disruption of our social and political structure and world instability. Only someone who is stupid or a nihilistic anarchist could want this result.
8
"Reluctant Trump supporters are overestimating the systemic durability of the American-led order" - all too true. And this is even more true of Trump enthusiasts, who take America for granted and assume that if Trump kicks out the Hispanics/Muslims/whatever, we'll be a good country again.
But we won't. If Trump takes power, all but the wealthy will be stuck in Trump Land, and Trump Land will not be kind to regular Americans.
But we won't. If Trump takes power, all but the wealthy will be stuck in Trump Land, and Trump Land will not be kind to regular Americans.
11
I would add, before Trump causes all the turbulence, economic meltdown and is impeached, he will be coming back from every foreign trip and boasting (lying) how well he dealt with foreign countries.
6
Ross: I can't believe that you wrote a column that wends its way to a conclusion I agree with. Donald Trump in the Oval Office puts the world in peril and although one can have many legitimate concerns with putting Hillary Clinton there, basic competence isn't one of them.
There may be hope for the world yet.
There may be hope for the world yet.
8
I really don't think it that much of an exaggeration that we might be reading this one day if Donald J. Trump is elected: From the Office of Propaganda Minister Sean Hannity: On behalf of President Trump we hereby declare that the First Amendment is suspended until further notice.
11
At last a rational argument why Trump should be defeated. The screaming and
and yelling drown out the need for both parties to come together
and present a unified front to the rest of the world.
and yelling drown out the need for both parties to come together
and present a unified front to the rest of the world.
3
Ross was an able-bodied and willing lab assistant when the monster was under development, but now that it is alive and roaming wildly from village to village, he pretends to have been elsewhere.
25
Trump represents a clear and even existential threat to the United States and the world, Mrs. Clinton is simply dishonest. America can survive Clinton as it did her husband and other sleazy politicians. It may well not survive a Trump presidency.
7
Very astutely put and well thought out, Mr. Douthat.
One more thing: the election is over in 10 days. The best last sentence of this article should have been: "Therefore, being someone who deals in realities, I am going to cast my vote for Hillary Clinton for president. God bless the USA."
You still have time to write that sentence, Mr. Douthat.
One more thing: the election is over in 10 days. The best last sentence of this article should have been: "Therefore, being someone who deals in realities, I am going to cast my vote for Hillary Clinton for president. God bless the USA."
You still have time to write that sentence, Mr. Douthat.
21
Every time I hear a Republican tell me about the dangers of Hillary Clinton and the liberals and in the same breath talk about Trump and compare him with a new approach of being a businessman in the WH my head swirls. Over the past year we have seen Republicans witness a candidate who has no principles, who says whatever comes in his head, does not care about party or country and has documented his utterly unfitness for the office and the responsibilities which come with it. The most amazing thing is that he is the most vile and offensive candidate, a man who is a sexual predator, a man which I do not want to touch or have my children come near him. For years the GOP has told us about family values, pretended to be the morale compass party, where religion is on their lips and which they use as needed to attack the other side. Spineless politicians have documented us that they are frozen in fear of losing their office and yet they cannot say no to Trump. Most of what they throw at Clinton is fabricated and caused by some of her staff but she has a morale compass, she is a Methodist, she has a vision and yes she has the ability to take the helm more than much men. No she is no comparison to a Trump, a disgrace for the country and a danger for the world. Anybody who has listened to him and still thinks he is a leader is as reckless as he is.
48
And these are only the minimal fears of a Trump presidency.
What foreign leader would trust him, rely on him, or care about him?
How foolish would the American public look in the eyes of our trading and defense partners?
Living in gun-carrying Texas does not mix with a Trump presidency at all. Where should I move to? Where will it be safe to bring up children?
What foreign leader would trust him, rely on him, or care about him?
How foolish would the American public look in the eyes of our trading and defense partners?
Living in gun-carrying Texas does not mix with a Trump presidency at all. Where should I move to? Where will it be safe to bring up children?
20
Anyone who thinks Trump would rise to the occasion and would competently discharge the solemn responsibilities of the office of president of the United States has not honestly assessed the man's history and character. He's a circus barker, nothing more. He will not change... but we will if he is elected.
32
Trump jumped immediately, loudly, and hyperbolically on the no-news contained in Comey's missive to the Congress about the "newly discovered" e-mails.
We now know that at the time he wrote that bombshell of a letter, and as late as Saturday night, The FBI had not and could not have looked at any of said e-mails because they had not yet obtained a warrant to be allowed to do so!
No wonder he was so short on details.
That sort of shoots the Trump assertion, and that of the venerated Berstein, that Comey would never have taken this extraordinary and volatile step unless he had very incriminating evidence under his belt, doesn't it?
Leaves only one clear motivation, huh?
Hillary may have Barack and Michelle campaigning for her, but Trump has Russia and the FBI.
If Trump prevails (involuntary shudder) and the doomsday Trump Presidency Douthart and other Commenters describe actually becomes a reality, Comey can take comfort in the fact that as a good Republican soldier, he did his duty.
We now know that at the time he wrote that bombshell of a letter, and as late as Saturday night, The FBI had not and could not have looked at any of said e-mails because they had not yet obtained a warrant to be allowed to do so!
No wonder he was so short on details.
That sort of shoots the Trump assertion, and that of the venerated Berstein, that Comey would never have taken this extraordinary and volatile step unless he had very incriminating evidence under his belt, doesn't it?
Leaves only one clear motivation, huh?
Hillary may have Barack and Michelle campaigning for her, but Trump has Russia and the FBI.
If Trump prevails (involuntary shudder) and the doomsday Trump Presidency Douthart and other Commenters describe actually becomes a reality, Comey can take comfort in the fact that as a good Republican soldier, he did his duty.
26
To me the number one danger Trump presents is his complete disregard for facts. He will say anything to achieve an objective. That is quite different from political spin or characterization of truth. That could lead to the end of politics as we know it, and we already see its fruits in this election. Perhaps the most tragic waste of blood and treasure resulted from the Bush/Cheney conceit that Iraq had WMDs. Imagine what evils could be engineered on the basis of Donald Trump's idle fantasies.
52
Aside from leaving a legacy of blowing up the Republican party, Trump will always be remembered for being the most ignorant and despicable candidate in the history of presidential elections.
17
The worst case scenarios are the most likely one from this person. He has proven that he is unintelligent, lacks empathy and has no interest in understanding how anything works in the world. His presidency is too terrifying to even consider and comparing him to Clinton is absurd.
15
Signs of sanity but perhaps too late. The republican party is being taken over by those fringe groups with which alliances were formed in the interests of scavenging for votes. Keeping the rich rich just wasn't enough of a vote-getter. Now, the law of unintended consequences is asserting itself. Even assuming that reason prevails and Hillary wins, some dies have been cast. In the words of Shakespeare: 'Mischief thou art afoot . .'
1
There is nothing to fear about Donald Trump but fear itself. Some how I think Donald Trump will not waste any money on useless wars or some of the wasteful government programs. The only danger of Donald Trump could be if he does not control his workoholic work ethic. He needs to relax and accept constructive criticism and not feel the urge to crush every critic.
1
You make the case very well. A Trump presidency would take us into very turbulent times. He is a man who has little knowledge of the world and its intricacies. If he reads at all, he reads his balance sheets and income statements.
However, what you write doesn't matter because the people who need to hear your words most likely do not come to the Times for information and thought out opinions. They are somewhere else now, probably glued to right wing news media or internet source hearing repeatedly how Clinton is evil, the daughter of Jezebel, or worse.
Any rational person could see what would happen should Trump win. It would not be such a scare if he were running for President of say the Philippines but he will sit in the Oval Office leading the world for sure, but to ruin and not maintaining American hegemony. Even his son admitted that his father would not be bothered with either domestic or foreign policy; he's be out making America great again.
If there wasn't so much at stake, maybe we should let Trump be President. And it is not markets. Sure, they hate instability. His followers say it is time to run a country like a business. With Trump his resume shows he knows how to run a business. He put five of them into the ground. Should we give him a chance to do the same to the country? If I did not care for the world or the beings that populate it, I would say yes, just to watch his followers go down with the ship. But like you, Ross, I care too much.
However, what you write doesn't matter because the people who need to hear your words most likely do not come to the Times for information and thought out opinions. They are somewhere else now, probably glued to right wing news media or internet source hearing repeatedly how Clinton is evil, the daughter of Jezebel, or worse.
Any rational person could see what would happen should Trump win. It would not be such a scare if he were running for President of say the Philippines but he will sit in the Oval Office leading the world for sure, but to ruin and not maintaining American hegemony. Even his son admitted that his father would not be bothered with either domestic or foreign policy; he's be out making America great again.
If there wasn't so much at stake, maybe we should let Trump be President. And it is not markets. Sure, they hate instability. His followers say it is time to run a country like a business. With Trump his resume shows he knows how to run a business. He put five of them into the ground. Should we give him a chance to do the same to the country? If I did not care for the world or the beings that populate it, I would say yes, just to watch his followers go down with the ship. But like you, Ross, I care too much.
11
One only has to look at how Trump has reacted to the lastest email news to understand how truly dangerous he would be. Without any knowledge of actual facts, he declared it "a thousand times worse than Watergate." Such imprudent words thrown off the cuff is just how he reacts to situations. Imagine the damage he could do in a tense global situation when he just wings it without knowing the facts of the matter.
19
And if the election is a stalemate between Trump and Clinton, and the House can't decide, America would likely be in a full-blown war, with lots of places choosing sides between the two. Just combine the major civil unrest that would happen under Trump with the realization of his supporters' threats of uprising under Clinton, and you'll see what I mean.
1
It is a real pleasure to see that Ross Douthat has finally got a lot of supporters in the comment section. I read the praise for his good sense and judgement from so many Hillary Clinton supporters. I wonder what they thought about his good judgement when he laid out the potential risks of a Hillary presidency. As for me, Ross is the only sensible NYT columnist worth reading these days.
I think his hierarchy of dangers of a Trump presidency is just right. Congress may prevent Trump to do real damage but the markets may well tank each time he would open his mouth. The word discretion is not in his vocabulary.
If only Obama could run again.
I think his hierarchy of dangers of a Trump presidency is just right. Congress may prevent Trump to do real damage but the markets may well tank each time he would open his mouth. The word discretion is not in his vocabulary.
If only Obama could run again.
7
I it think the greatest danger of Trump is that he will put himself first rather than Country. How his actions and decisions will effect his businesses, children and wealth not how it will effect America.
10
I think an "overestimating of the systemic durability of American led order" is
the issue, and the unraveling of stability at home and abroad is very possible. Violence like we saw in the 70's doesn't seem unlikely regardless of the election outcome.
the issue, and the unraveling of stability at home and abroad is very possible. Violence like we saw in the 70's doesn't seem unlikely regardless of the election outcome.
3
A Trump presidency will also unleash all the racists and bigots to roam the streets of America to hunt down and attack immigrants, minorities and LGBT Americans. Trump has given license to these people to join him in spewing hate and acting on it. A Trump presidency will legitimize this behavior as he has made it mainstream.
Since the country has been subjected to thousands of Hillary Clinton's emails (as someone said its like going through her underwear drawer!) I think we should also see all of Trumps personal emails! I'd like to know if there's pornography on his server and if he's bragged about assaulting women and stiffing and bankrupting people he's done business with. We should get to know the real Donald as well as we know Hillary!
Since the country has been subjected to thousands of Hillary Clinton's emails (as someone said its like going through her underwear drawer!) I think we should also see all of Trumps personal emails! I'd like to know if there's pornography on his server and if he's bragged about assaulting women and stiffing and bankrupting people he's done business with. We should get to know the real Donald as well as we know Hillary!
25
I feel the greatest danger of a Trump presidency is the character issue. He constantly brags about himself, lies repeatedly and castigates his opponents in the most direst terms. He alone can save the Republic and if he is not elected this year, its over. He raised the birther issue and did not blame himself but blamed Hillary Clinton for starting it.
14
Ross is wrong if he's suggesting that Trump won't move the country in a significantly more authoritarian direction. The checks and balances that keep this from happening are more than the ones that are written in the Constitution and in law; they are based on unwritten norms of political behavior, and Trump has already deeply damaged many of those norms.
16
These are indeed the main reasons to oppose Trump -- not simply excuses for those who don't like him. The first of Douthat's problems is the biggest. Trump lacks the knowledge and contactsy to staff an administration -- perhaps his most basic task as all the rest depend on it. That, more than anything else, makes him unqualified and a non-starter.
10
These have been my thoughts about Trump for months, especially the effect his election would have on the markets. I've been trying to tell my conservative Trump-supporting colleagues that post-election day they will see their 401k's evaporate, and it won't be bouncing back. There seems to be a disconnect between their conservative instincts and voting for a flaming orange human Molotov cocktail.
20
Once again Douthat has produced a profoundly curious and illogical piece. To be sure he isn't citing the most dangerous possibility of a Trump presidency: the use of nuclear weapons. But, his impact on our financial system & economy, guaranteed civil unrest, if not outright civil war, and the limitless risks his foreign policies would spawn follow the nuclear threat as the highest risks! These seem extremely "worst-case" to me. I don't know what could be worse.
14
Ross has succeeded in presenting exactly the voters dilemna.
the one hope of a trump presidency is a supreme court who
cuts roe/wade ( i am a catholic). Hillary will run the world as the
elites would applaud but her discernment is a fungus covered
plate of unreason, just see what she said of the supreme court : it exist to
fill our need, no matter the need.
my wish is no one shows up to vote .
the culture war has tremors of the earthquake to come- a new civil war
between pagan and christian culture....
for now some great shimmer glazes our politics, but not bright enough
for change, rather a stale plate of indecisive or a freezing plate of indifference
the one hope of a trump presidency is a supreme court who
cuts roe/wade ( i am a catholic). Hillary will run the world as the
elites would applaud but her discernment is a fungus covered
plate of unreason, just see what she said of the supreme court : it exist to
fill our need, no matter the need.
my wish is no one shows up to vote .
the culture war has tremors of the earthquake to come- a new civil war
between pagan and christian culture....
for now some great shimmer glazes our politics, but not bright enough
for change, rather a stale plate of indecisive or a freezing plate of indifference
1
The world does not need another Merkel. She has wrecked havoc onto the Germans and also the EU. By welcoming uncontrolled migration, she increased the rate of Islamic terror attacks in Germany and caused enormous strain on the fiscal budget that taxpayers will have to shoulder. I would rather have another Silvio Berlusconi, who was a colorful character to say the least but at least did not introduce policies that increased the risk of terrorism.
Our democratic system has built-in checks and balances, Trump will not be a danger to the republic.
Our democratic system has built-in checks and balances, Trump will not be a danger to the republic.
3
I'm reminded of the oft repeated, and ultimately incorrect, statement made about a particular European politician who came to power in 1933: "He's not so bad, we can control him." Handing the White House to Donald Trump is like placing a loaded gun in the hands of an angry and thin-skinned two year old. The Presidency has far more power to act militarily without Constitutional safeguards than it has had at any time in our history. We may ultimately depend upon the emotional stability and good judgement of our President for our very lives. This would not be a good time to have to say "Oops!"
12
Trump is bad, bad news for the global economy.
Trade has been the main engine of economic growth and wealth-creation since WWII. The American-led global integration process enabled Japan and Western Europe/Germany to recover from the war's devastation. Developing countries became less poor/backward as well.
Donald Trump's presidency will certainly put a brake on the global integration process. His promises to avoid large scale job losses, particularly in manufacturing, can only be accomplished with 1930's trade/economic protectionism policies.
Thus, a Trump's presidency will create adverse international trade conditions which are always followed by political destabilization among America's friends and foes alike. The danger of wars increase and not decrease as a result.
Trade has been the main engine of economic growth and wealth-creation since WWII. The American-led global integration process enabled Japan and Western Europe/Germany to recover from the war's devastation. Developing countries became less poor/backward as well.
Donald Trump's presidency will certainly put a brake on the global integration process. His promises to avoid large scale job losses, particularly in manufacturing, can only be accomplished with 1930's trade/economic protectionism policies.
Thus, a Trump's presidency will create adverse international trade conditions which are always followed by political destabilization among America's friends and foes alike. The danger of wars increase and not decrease as a result.
6
Redneck white trash cannot run the trains or fly planes or manage the VA system. Turning over policy to idiots would certainly wipeout the infrastructure leading to great disruption and more bridge gates and traffic crawls. Thousands would die at natural disaster because doctors would stop practing medicine because no one was insured. Women would refuse men sex because birth control would be illegal. Children would learn to march and salute in the first grade and they would wear Arm Bands with a "T". American elite would purchase citizenship elsewhere and move their money to Switzerland. Intellectuals and academics would move to China where they would be welcomed with great jobs and ranch style housing. Artist would move to Paris and Spain and movie makers to Berlin. Wall Streeters would locate everything to the City of London and purchase million dollar flats and take up bike commuting like everyone else. Draining the swamps of America of 2% to 4% of the elite would be absorbed by the world without indigestion or burp.
4
“Life imitates art” wrote Oscar Wilde.
Trump -- like Howard Beale of Network -- now has millions of Americans shouting "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" from the rooftops.
Both were masters of television with wide appeal to unhappy, disgruntled people much more concerned with tearing the system down than creating anything positive.
Beale, of course, was completely nuts. So, of course, is Trump.
Beale was finally done in on national television; a voiceover calls him "the first known instance of a man who was killed because he had lousy ratings."
November 8 offers us the rare opportunity to permanently cancel Trump’s show because he got lousy ratings. Let us not miss it.
Trump -- like Howard Beale of Network -- now has millions of Americans shouting "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" from the rooftops.
Both were masters of television with wide appeal to unhappy, disgruntled people much more concerned with tearing the system down than creating anything positive.
Beale, of course, was completely nuts. So, of course, is Trump.
Beale was finally done in on national television; a voiceover calls him "the first known instance of a man who was killed because he had lousy ratings."
November 8 offers us the rare opportunity to permanently cancel Trump’s show because he got lousy ratings. Let us not miss it.
8
It is the first time I can agree 100% of what Ross Douthat has been writing, of course he is a bit on the conservative side in thinking through the Trump scenario. Most likely mayhem will erupt here and abroad: politically and economically, a mayhem that will destroy the fragile current "order" and throw the world into a dystopian future. We need to consider seriously that millions of people will die, because of a Trump presidency. Knowing the risks anybody voting for Trump will carry this responsibility. Nobody will be able so say: "I didn't know that would happen". The writing is on the wall for everyone to see
7
A more extreme fear involves some variation of Philip Roth's "Plot Against America": http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/plot-america-donald-tr... . This appears less fictional than it did 9 months ago. There is no having an open discussion in this climate. Honesty has become a partisan matter of personal opinion and faith.
Trump's supporters do not care about his dishonesty or his lack of competence (they profess belief that he is competent, or care more about down ballot issues and SCOTUS). Director Comey, however well-intentioned, starts to be compared to to J. Edgar Hoover based on a judgement that he was warned against.
Let us hope Mr Douthat's concerns and Mr Roth's fictions do not come to pass. If so, there will be more than a few waking nightmares.
Trump's supporters do not care about his dishonesty or his lack of competence (they profess belief that he is competent, or care more about down ballot issues and SCOTUS). Director Comey, however well-intentioned, starts to be compared to to J. Edgar Hoover based on a judgement that he was warned against.
Let us hope Mr Douthat's concerns and Mr Roth's fictions do not come to pass. If so, there will be more than a few waking nightmares.
8
The dangers of Donald Trump. So many.
But to keep current, in regard to the article in the NYT today regarding elder Florida residents. If they value their Medicare and Social Security, they probably do not want to vote for Trump.
Donald Trump might not even want to change "entitlements" such as Social Security and Medicare. But the man knows nothing about government, government policies, government protocol, government programs (except government policies which favor the wealthy and ways to weasel out of contributing to others).
He has already stated, how many times, he is going to sorround himself with "the experts" and the people who do know about governing. Then he, and obviously his family, the young Trumpettes and Trumpees, will pick and choose the proper people to oversee our government.
If the applicants, Republicans, for these positions come up with advice that the Trump clan thinks sounds good - they're hired, and the rest of the advocates for Medicare and Social Security will be fired.
The young Trumps and Donald have no clue what Part D is.....or Part A or Part B. Donald Trump makes fun of the disabled. Why would he fight for Social Security benefits for the disabled?
It is interesting these same Florida Trump supporters surely did not like Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney threatening to take their "Medicare as we know it" away.
Little do they realize there would be grave danger with Trump at the helm, once a month, when their Social checks are due.
But to keep current, in regard to the article in the NYT today regarding elder Florida residents. If they value their Medicare and Social Security, they probably do not want to vote for Trump.
Donald Trump might not even want to change "entitlements" such as Social Security and Medicare. But the man knows nothing about government, government policies, government protocol, government programs (except government policies which favor the wealthy and ways to weasel out of contributing to others).
He has already stated, how many times, he is going to sorround himself with "the experts" and the people who do know about governing. Then he, and obviously his family, the young Trumpettes and Trumpees, will pick and choose the proper people to oversee our government.
If the applicants, Republicans, for these positions come up with advice that the Trump clan thinks sounds good - they're hired, and the rest of the advocates for Medicare and Social Security will be fired.
The young Trumps and Donald have no clue what Part D is.....or Part A or Part B. Donald Trump makes fun of the disabled. Why would he fight for Social Security benefits for the disabled?
It is interesting these same Florida Trump supporters surely did not like Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney threatening to take their "Medicare as we know it" away.
Little do they realize there would be grave danger with Trump at the helm, once a month, when their Social checks are due.
7
Trump wont make it past the first year until some heretofore unknown scandal and criminal investigation gives him the Nixionian choice of resignation or impeachment.
After Trump "wins" the big prize... its all down hill for the Donald. He has no stomach for the mundane things like organization and the day to day slog of policy, Congress and governing . More plausible, he simply resigns. Probably in a fit of pique over his tanking polls and his perception that the system" is out to get him". The final straw will be the realization that "making America great again" turns out to be hard work.
After Trump "wins" the big prize... its all down hill for the Donald. He has no stomach for the mundane things like organization and the day to day slog of policy, Congress and governing . More plausible, he simply resigns. Probably in a fit of pique over his tanking polls and his perception that the system" is out to get him". The final straw will be the realization that "making America great again" turns out to be hard work.
11
The danger is not Trump alone, but Trump with a Republican Congress. The destruction of all the progress made in the past 100 years for creating a more fair and equal society; yes by creating rules and programs that were color, gender, sexual, and other blind, by using public money for public good,and much more, would go out the window.
We have seen what the Tea Pary Congress wants. Trump would give it full steam ahead.
We have seen what the Tea Pary Congress wants. Trump would give it full steam ahead.
16
This is not a deep analysis, Mr Douthat. You're just stating the obvious, which needs to be stated.
- economic decline
- civil unrest
- decline of America as a global power
or
- high unemployment, inflation, stock market debacle, high interest rates...
- riots, cities burning, citizens shot, mandatory minimums, everyone armed...
- China will own the Far East, Russia invades everywhere, Europe imploding..
The above is is just start. Much more will follow as we pass the tipping point. But never fear, the Trumpster would be up all night madly tweeting.
The new Supreme Court will accelerate the damage. Once it all starts unraveling, it will not stop. We will see martial law and a police state and freedom suspended as Control is asserted by authority. We will be as slaves.
And this is not even close to the more probable worst case. Tell us about that Mr Douthat.
Now, Mr Douthat, there are many worse cases, tell us what they are.
- economic decline
- civil unrest
- decline of America as a global power
or
- high unemployment, inflation, stock market debacle, high interest rates...
- riots, cities burning, citizens shot, mandatory minimums, everyone armed...
- China will own the Far East, Russia invades everywhere, Europe imploding..
The above is is just start. Much more will follow as we pass the tipping point. But never fear, the Trumpster would be up all night madly tweeting.
The new Supreme Court will accelerate the damage. Once it all starts unraveling, it will not stop. We will see martial law and a police state and freedom suspended as Control is asserted by authority. We will be as slaves.
And this is not even close to the more probable worst case. Tell us about that Mr Douthat.
Now, Mr Douthat, there are many worse cases, tell us what they are.
8
Trump would resign within a month or two. The presidency is more work than he's ever had to do and requires a far greater attention span than he has. He won't be able to blame everything on Hillary anymore. He will hate being president. Bigly.
7
I'll add a fourth peril: Nearly every president of the last 100 years of has sought to extend the powers of the executive branch at the expense of the legislative. Mr. Trump, who's understanding of the limits of executive power is summed up in his comment "If I tell 'em to do it, they'll do it, believe me," will run roughshod over even the outermost constraints. He will issue executive orders with reckless abandon, enabled by the same sort of yes people you see speaking for him on the talk shows, and the legislative and judicial branches - which have little power to rein him in before terrible damage is done.
The next president will extend the Imperial Presidency. Shouldn't it be the candidate who's actually read the Constitution and knows what previous occupants dared - and dared not - do?
The next president will extend the Imperial Presidency. Shouldn't it be the candidate who's actually read the Constitution and knows what previous occupants dared - and dared not - do?
2
Win or lose Trump has already guaranteed civil unrest. Some of his deplorables are locked and loaded and can hardly contain themselves now.
Isis, Putin and Assad dream of the days of a Trump administration and the money people will hide more of their money elsewhere.
Ross left out the dangers of more climate change, more pollution, fewer checks and balances of the market, fewer opportunities for working and middle class families and a truncated education system.
Worst of all he'll break the spirit and heart of all Americans.
Isis, Putin and Assad dream of the days of a Trump administration and the money people will hide more of their money elsewhere.
Ross left out the dangers of more climate change, more pollution, fewer checks and balances of the market, fewer opportunities for working and middle class families and a truncated education system.
Worst of all he'll break the spirit and heart of all Americans.
4
This all may be true, but people are going to end up voting for the candidate they think will do the most for them and their families. It shouldn't be the case, but the character issue is looking like a dead heat between two people who it is entirely reasonable to argue should be behind bars: one for multiple counts of fraud, the other for multiple counts of obstruction of justice.
1
The Secretary of the Interior is responsible for environmental matters in the United States. I suspect President Trump will give the job to Jim Inhofe, the famously incompetent chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment. Or maybe to Sarah Palin.
2
Here in Canada we are very concerned that a Trump Presidency would crater markets and destroy relations with our closest ally and trading partner.
You are correct that Russia would exploit the weakness and recklessness of Trump. Hopefully impeachment will be the constitutional check on this man should he gain the electoral college votes to be elected.
You are correct that Russia would exploit the weakness and recklessness of Trump. Hopefully impeachment will be the constitutional check on this man should he gain the electoral college votes to be elected.
11
Regarding that second peril - widespread civil unrest - Trump's election would not only be a gift to bad-cops and riot ready radicals but, especially, perhaps, to an existing, uber-powerful national extremist organization which offered Trump its early endorsement and already stands ready and virtually salivating to be enlisted on behalf of "law and order." It is, of course, the National Rifle Association; and not merely that organization's individual members, but the myriad variations of "sportsmen's clubs," shooting ranges, tactical training
schools, etc. which vast numbers of those members already belong to in formalized or semi-formalized ways. With the first of the virulent Trump rallies, I began to envision that they constitute they are the ready-made stuff of a Trumpian "volunteer civil defense force" to be organized and deployed for whatever reasons in any number of ways that are truly chilling. All that awaits is appointment of a corps of neighborhood Kommandants and the issuing brown shirts.
schools, etc. which vast numbers of those members already belong to in formalized or semi-formalized ways. With the first of the virulent Trump rallies, I began to envision that they constitute they are the ready-made stuff of a Trumpian "volunteer civil defense force" to be organized and deployed for whatever reasons in any number of ways that are truly chilling. All that awaits is appointment of a corps of neighborhood Kommandants and the issuing brown shirts.
8
Hillary Clinton guarantees 4 to 8 more years of unending war, spying on the American people, the stockpiling of guns by citizens high taxes, crumbling infrastructure and a moderate Supreme Court.
Trump guarantees 4 to 8 years of unending war, spying on the American people, the stockpiling of guns by citizens low taxes, the militarization of the police, trade wars, deportations, the collapse of our economy and public education and a Supreme Court that ends Roe V Wade.
Pretty easy vote for Mrs. Clinton.
Trump guarantees 4 to 8 years of unending war, spying on the American people, the stockpiling of guns by citizens low taxes, the militarization of the police, trade wars, deportations, the collapse of our economy and public education and a Supreme Court that ends Roe V Wade.
Pretty easy vote for Mrs. Clinton.
8
This is the most thoughtful and articulate column written about the stark choices in this disastrous election season. Let's hope that many good right-leaning Americans can put country first and do the right thing. This has got to be a very difficult moment for the many decent Republicans in our country. I am heartened by this column. As I tell many here in Georgia. This election is not really about having a D or an R behind ones name, or the candidates name. This election is really about continuing the great American experiment and no less therefore, the future of our democratic republic. Ross, after the election please do your part, to rebuild a stronger more thoughtful Republican Party. Although I am a liberal democrat we need each other to broker compromise and refashion our political discourse. Lincoln, Eisenhower, and yes Reagan would be appalled. Hopefully 2020 will both parties better candidates.
7
What is disturbing is the level of support that Trump garnered during his campaign. Those that support him are not just right wing radicals. Many of his supporters seem to be reasonable and they justify their decisions by equating Trump as the lesser of two evils.
The justifications of good versus evil has been completely redefined during this election and it's very scary.
The justifications of good versus evil has been completely redefined during this election and it's very scary.
7
I find myself wondering if the American people need to change the constitution to put in some hiring standards for executives, especially the President. Just attaining a certain age and being born in the US is hardly qualification enough to run this country.
There needs to be experience in government, there needs to be a willingness to serve and understand the lives of the poor. To be a general one needs to be a captain, then a major, and so on. But to be President, and Trump outlines this bigly, one needs money and the ability to...
Hmmm, I do have trouble understanding what Donald Trump would present in his hiring process. Ignorance and a loud mouth aren't really qualifications for leadership for any large organization.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
There needs to be experience in government, there needs to be a willingness to serve and understand the lives of the poor. To be a general one needs to be a captain, then a major, and so on. But to be President, and Trump outlines this bigly, one needs money and the ability to...
Hmmm, I do have trouble understanding what Donald Trump would present in his hiring process. Ignorance and a loud mouth aren't really qualifications for leadership for any large organization.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
7
Like all great salesmen Trump lacks a conscience. This allows him to plow forward relentlessly irrespective of legitimate criticisms that would cause most of us to pause and exhibit remorse and shame. Such people cause pain and embarrassment but generally no irreparable harm when hawking shoddy merchandise or faux academic credentials.
As POTUS, however, such a person can destroy the world. Anger may blind his ardent fans from seeing this. Let the rest of us pray that we are numerous enough to prevent this from happening next week because there is no uncertainty about the general result his victory would cause. That is only a question of magnitude.
As POTUS, however, such a person can destroy the world. Anger may blind his ardent fans from seeing this. Let the rest of us pray that we are numerous enough to prevent this from happening next week because there is no uncertainty about the general result his victory would cause. That is only a question of magnitude.
12
Better late, than never, although to give Mr. Douthat his due, he has never been a Trump fan. I was gobsmacked when he became the nominee, having watched his lying, blustering, irresponsible and unethical antics for decades. In fact, I found it bizarre that he was described as a conservative, as beyond his on-the-fly, adopted economic policies (trickle down on steroids), I don't associate most of his rhetoric with conservatism. Rather, I think of his ideology as Opportunistic Narcissism glazed with a mixture of bigotry, blaming, deflection and projection.
Having read several bios of the candidate, as well as being privy to views from abroad, I completely concur on the dangers his elections would bring. In fact, my view is that should be be elected, Donald J Trump is a constitutional crisis waiting in the wings to happen. And that's my optimistic appraisal.
Having read several bios of the candidate, as well as being privy to views from abroad, I completely concur on the dangers his elections would bring. In fact, my view is that should be be elected, Donald J Trump is a constitutional crisis waiting in the wings to happen. And that's my optimistic appraisal.
12
As a Financial Advisor, I'm confident in saying a Trump presidency would throw the markets into a nose dive, without a Brexit-like recovery. His entire administration would operate in an atmosphere of incredible uncertainty, something markets abhor. A recession, even a depression, would be the likely outcome.
5
This is well reasoned and is welcome balance to the piece about inherent danger of a Hillary or Trump White House. Certainly, the 'balance' idea that both are equally bad choices may on face value look reasonable but Mr. Trump is basically an overall uninformed and unpleasant person for all who cross his path while Mrs. Clinton knows her way around the country and the World. She seems to have the skill and knowledge knowledge of diplomacy with the need to have people who would work the treacherous paths of international diplomacy. Its a tall order and HRC looks up to the job.
3
I fear that Trumps volatility, inability to suffer a loss with even a little grace and his vast ignorance and disinterest in history, culture, or public policy could lead him into pointless conflict and damage for decades our position in the world...and that is the best case. The worst case is that the dictators in Russia and PRC who are depending on aggressive foreign policy to offset failures at home will get in a game of chicken with the orange rooster and start a war.
1
Our choice appears to be between a candidate who is monumentally corrupt and who was a failure as Secretary of State and a candidate who is a narcissistic unpredictable buffoon, who may be just as dangerous as Ross suggests. I don't believe that anyone knows what will happen if Trump is elected. The chattering classes have been systematically wrong about Trump at every juncture. I refuse to vote for either of these people. Neither one should ever be president. I encourage everyone to vote for whatever third party candidate they think is best or most likely to win in their state--Johnson, Stein, McMullin, write-in Bernie. The people of Utah are proving that this election need not be a binary choice.
1
Yes Ross, foreign powers would seek to exploit chaos in a Trump White House.
China and Russia would both become extremely aggressive, daring and baiting President Trump into a confrontation. Even lesser countries like Iran might make a move.
Several skirmishes would break out, and a couple lead to major wars.
Then younger Trump supporters would get jobs they never imagined: conscription into the United States military. Alas, Don Jr and Eric will not be among them.
China and Russia would both become extremely aggressive, daring and baiting President Trump into a confrontation. Even lesser countries like Iran might make a move.
Several skirmishes would break out, and a couple lead to major wars.
Then younger Trump supporters would get jobs they never imagined: conscription into the United States military. Alas, Don Jr and Eric will not be among them.
4
I myself have great fear of a Trump Presidency. One need no further then the elementals, massive tax cuts for the wealthy and no plan outside of fantasy to pay for it. Our nations economic whoes, are not that the already exceeding wealthy need to be wealthier still, quite the opposite. 90% of all new income is already diverted to the wealthiest 1%. This trend has been in place for decades and has progressively worsened. Unless we get a handle on the perils of capitalism, it is bound to fail and our lives, our economy and our way of life along with it. Our economy can not thrive unless the fruits of our economic engine are more equitably divided. You can't keep choking off the bottom 60-70% and expect growth in the economy. Growth can ONLY come from demand. Barefoot and hungry people don't buy a lot of goods. Fat cats becoming more obese and obnoxious will not drive an economy either. It really IS that simple and yet few talk about or view it in those terms. Trumps tax plan ALONE is proof positive that his "so called" concern for the American worker is an outright lie. There is so much more, yet no one needs to look any further to see the truth. Why it is few understand this basic element is beyond me and SHOULD be a common topic of reporters.
3
Lying has become fashionable. Acceptable. In the news business. And in politics. Because lies are more entertaining than the truth. Lies sell. Easier than real facts. Than the truth. Some business and political leaders are out to sell us a bill of goods. To increase ratings. To get more readers and viewers. And they know how. Because more and more people want to be entertained. Rather than informed. That’s why Donald Trump has emerged. A shrewd entertainer. A showman. A potential president of the United States of America. Because more than anything. He’s a bold, straight-faced liar. He tells entertaining lies. Acceptable to millions of voters. Who knows? Maybe even a majority. He could win the election. Of course, he’s still a long-shot. But he’s getting closer and closer. As election day nears. Because he’s such a brash fibber. Who knows how to manipulate and entertain an audience. To get away with outlandish lie telling. Maybe all the way to the White House. Yes, it’s a scary thought. For Halloween. And beyond.
3
I agree on the economics side that stock markets would probably become more volatile (as opposed to clearly going down). But being unpredictable is not obviously a negative in the world of international politics (land of Prisoner's Dilemma).
Meanwhile, a bigger pile of Clinton, and 4 more years of swamp in Washington, are clearly not positives.
It's not a bad time to try something new, so I will be voting for Trump (just as I voted for Obama in 2008).
We'll have our female president too one day, and when a proper leader comes along I'll vote for her.
Meanwhile, a bigger pile of Clinton, and 4 more years of swamp in Washington, are clearly not positives.
It's not a bad time to try something new, so I will be voting for Trump (just as I voted for Obama in 2008).
We'll have our female president too one day, and when a proper leader comes along I'll vote for her.
3
Considering the combination of Mr. Trump's policies concerning global trade, taxation, and deregulation, I'd say that anyone who leaves his money in the Stock Market is looking for trouble (except for those who know how to diddle a collapsing market). The Market depends on global trade, which Mr. Trump seeks to subvert by trying to renegotiate deals so they are America-centric. I doubt too many traders will be buying during that fiasco. Then, the combination of lower taxes and increased military spending will portend havoc for the American deficit and undermine confidence in the American economy. We've seen this before. Recession, anyone? And as for deregulated banks, well, thrown into this mix, we can expect the genius security-bundlers on Wall St. to have a field day and create some really pernicious products. I foresee madness in the Market as Mr. Trump stumbles through the process of trying to reconcile what he's told his supporters he will do with the realities of the American economy; that is, unless Congress becomes obstructionist to one of its own party.
1
I wonder what this type of analysis might yield if one looked at enterprises (properties) Trump has take over. Has his wild side ruined the cultures of the place or enhanced them? Has his reckless appearence led to gross budget overruns and ruination? When he has found and acquired and operated sensitive national and iconic business in other nations has he alienated the local host, the host countries, those governments?
Does he get along in Asia with busiiness there? Does he fare well in the British sphere? Florida? NYC? DC?
Why must we assume that he will bluster kill off opportunity to flourish in the world when his business success in many territories and cultures seems the opposite. He is succeeding there. And really is there any nation where Hillary has failed to get along well and promoted positive outcomes? Any poor outcomes? Perhaps it is time to imagine the worst of either candidate and look more closely at how they operate outside of this circus called a national election.
Does he get along in Asia with busiiness there? Does he fare well in the British sphere? Florida? NYC? DC?
Why must we assume that he will bluster kill off opportunity to flourish in the world when his business success in many territories and cultures seems the opposite. He is succeeding there. And really is there any nation where Hillary has failed to get along well and promoted positive outcomes? Any poor outcomes? Perhaps it is time to imagine the worst of either candidate and look more closely at how they operate outside of this circus called a national election.
1
I am so fed up with the feckless dishonesty of the right, the constant butchering of the truth in support of a despicably idiotic Manichean worldview.
Let's place the responsibility for the private email mess where it really belongs - the Bush Administration's criminal negligence over cybersecurity.
The first Clinton Administration had laid the groundwork for ensuring secure communications. The Bush Administration largely threw it out without replacing it. Clinton's private email server wasn't cybersecurity negligence. It was a deliberate effort to protect it.
Same thing with Benghazi. The Republican Congress refuses funds for increased security, and then engages in this despicable nonsense if repeating the same investigation multiple times in hopes of torturing out a different result.
Trump is a reflection of the rot within the Republican Party.
Let's place the responsibility for the private email mess where it really belongs - the Bush Administration's criminal negligence over cybersecurity.
The first Clinton Administration had laid the groundwork for ensuring secure communications. The Bush Administration largely threw it out without replacing it. Clinton's private email server wasn't cybersecurity negligence. It was a deliberate effort to protect it.
Same thing with Benghazi. The Republican Congress refuses funds for increased security, and then engages in this despicable nonsense if repeating the same investigation multiple times in hopes of torturing out a different result.
Trump is a reflection of the rot within the Republican Party.
8
I'd like to focus my comments on Donald Trump's propensity to "lie". To me, he is the Great Prevaricator. He has clearly demonstrated a very bad habit of playing very loose with words and facts. Time and again, with alarming regularity, he has lied with a disturbing ease.
To illustrate, recently, when FBI Director Comey prematurely released his toxic letter announcing the discovery of a new batch of Hillary emails (and before fully researching the factual nature of the material contained within) implying illicit or illegal behavior on Hillary's part , Mr. Trump was quick to equate this revelation with "Watergate". How patently absurd!
So instead of waiting to learn the "facts" of what these emails actually revealed, Trump opted to use this letter or statement as a means of quickly gaining a political advantage during this final critical phase of the election.
This is just one instance among many where Trump has lied when it suits his purposes. The lies seem to surface with alarming ease. And he seems to be completely oblivious by the harm that his lies do to his "targets", which says something about his "conscience" (or lack thereof).
There is a mean-spirited side to Donald Trump that should leave everyone concerned...And it's not a new phenomenon. And he has displayed such behavior from his early, formative years.
It's not farfetched to imagine that such behavior might someday surface to produce grave consequences, either domestically or in our foreign relations.
To illustrate, recently, when FBI Director Comey prematurely released his toxic letter announcing the discovery of a new batch of Hillary emails (and before fully researching the factual nature of the material contained within) implying illicit or illegal behavior on Hillary's part , Mr. Trump was quick to equate this revelation with "Watergate". How patently absurd!
So instead of waiting to learn the "facts" of what these emails actually revealed, Trump opted to use this letter or statement as a means of quickly gaining a political advantage during this final critical phase of the election.
This is just one instance among many where Trump has lied when it suits his purposes. The lies seem to surface with alarming ease. And he seems to be completely oblivious by the harm that his lies do to his "targets", which says something about his "conscience" (or lack thereof).
There is a mean-spirited side to Donald Trump that should leave everyone concerned...And it's not a new phenomenon. And he has displayed such behavior from his early, formative years.
It's not farfetched to imagine that such behavior might someday surface to produce grave consequences, either domestically or in our foreign relations.
14
If Trump wins, we will be subjected to shocking words and actions day after day, week after week. Reporters who report negative things will be subject to Trump's harassment and investigations. So the media will pull back on those reports. The stock market will react to the continual shocks and fall. At some point there will be a government shutdown. Trump will talk of resigning but won't.
Then, in the next election, the midterms in 2018, Democrats will win back the Senate and the House, and will impeach Trump. In the final year of his term he will be removed from office and Pence will become president. He will lose to a Democrat in 2020.
Then, in the next election, the midterms in 2018, Democrats will win back the Senate and the House, and will impeach Trump. In the final year of his term he will be removed from office and Pence will become president. He will lose to a Democrat in 2020.
2
The Senate votes for Supreme Court confirmation, the President only selects the nominees.
Voting for trump because of Supreme Court vacancies, is another fake issue ranted by the righties.
It is a cult, fake conservatism, the cult of the righties. Just repeat nonsense over and over, it must then be true.
Fake conservatives, fake Christians, fake Americans, just a cult of sheepish dimwits screaming freedom; led by a free-loader egotistical lying chump.
Modern republicans, the cult of ignorance.
fwa
Voting for trump because of Supreme Court vacancies, is another fake issue ranted by the righties.
It is a cult, fake conservatism, the cult of the righties. Just repeat nonsense over and over, it must then be true.
Fake conservatives, fake Christians, fake Americans, just a cult of sheepish dimwits screaming freedom; led by a free-loader egotistical lying chump.
Modern republicans, the cult of ignorance.
fwa
8
Personally, I'm fine with Hillary. She's not my ideal candidate, nor can I comfortably gloss over her negatives. Still, she knows how to do the job and at this moment that's enough.
This election is a referendum on Trump and that's pretty much it. You either understand the dangers a Trump presidency poses, domestically and globally, and are voting to check those dangers, or you don't understand much about America and her role in the world. Mr. Douthat and I would likely disagree on most things, but he understands what's at stake.
Trump will get perhaps forty percent of the vote. It's sad, but not surprising. The best thing Hillary could do for the first two years of her presidency is reach out, in meaningful and substantive ways, to those voters who, in their desperation, have bought into the con of Trump. They need living wages, they need to be free of the scourge of opioids, they need healthcare and access to education.
This election is a referendum on Trump and that's pretty much it. You either understand the dangers a Trump presidency poses, domestically and globally, and are voting to check those dangers, or you don't understand much about America and her role in the world. Mr. Douthat and I would likely disagree on most things, but he understands what's at stake.
Trump will get perhaps forty percent of the vote. It's sad, but not surprising. The best thing Hillary could do for the first two years of her presidency is reach out, in meaningful and substantive ways, to those voters who, in their desperation, have bought into the con of Trump. They need living wages, they need to be free of the scourge of opioids, they need healthcare and access to education.
157
A reasonably honest assessment of the situation although if Douhat's definition of a dangerous Clinton governance is an equivalence with that of Merkel we'll take it. Merkel is without question one of the steadiest, if not the steadiest, pair of hands amongst the leadership of the developed world. Her only real competition for this accolade comes from Obama and Clinton's presidency would essentially be an extension of his. Because global political and economic stability is boring (not unlike Merkel) it is insufficiently prized. Douhat, in rightly outlining the threat posed to this stability by Trump, glosses over the fact that Bush's interventionism and domestic economic policies were the main contributors to global instability over the last 15 years. His disasters completely overshadow any minor missteps by Obama or Merkel. One hates to imagine the effects of Trump's even more incompetent blundering around in this arena and the threat this poses to the people of the USA.
9
OMG! Stop writhing around; you are a biped! Stand up and tell the right to vote for sanity, for Hillary, for the country's sake.
12
How sad that you did not write this column months ago when every single danger sign and red flag was already there to see. I have no doubt that a President Trump would land us in war through his weakness and ineptitude. Putin is salivating at the knowledge that he could roll into the Baltic States, Ukraine, Georgia and perhaps worse with no pushback from the dangerously incompetent, uninformed, unwilling or unable to learn Trump.
The press need to cover recent Russian military movements and statements by Putin that have rattled Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. Most Americans know more about movie stars than they do such events which have the potential to be cataclysmic; our fellow world citizens are far better informed, because they have the memory of how lives are destroyed when a hate-filled, narcissistic sociopath becomes President or Chancellor.
The press need to cover recent Russian military movements and statements by Putin that have rattled Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. Most Americans know more about movie stars than they do such events which have the potential to be cataclysmic; our fellow world citizens are far better informed, because they have the memory of how lives are destroyed when a hate-filled, narcissistic sociopath becomes President or Chancellor.
36
Your whole column should have been about the economic fallout from a Trump presidency. If Wall Street dreads uncertainty they would have it in spades from Donald Trump, a man whose consistency resembles that of a tornado. He is capable of destroying one house and leaving another intact. He would rule by gut instinct and not intellectual prowess. He would be a disaster. We all know it and yet his followers are keen on it.
19
I see what is happening in the Philippines and I shudder when I think of ANOTHER blowhard idiot such as Rodrigo Duterte with power.
Being from Hawai’i I have friends and colleagues from the Philippines. They are justifiably terrified at what is happening in their homeland. A dozen corpses are found thrown out on main streets each morning. Duterte had an opposing mayor assassinated. (And we thought Chris Christie’s punishment of an opposition mayor was a “bridge too far.”) Anyone involved in drugs--even users are being slaughtered by Duterte’s vigilantes.
We watched seven armed protestors (well white protesters) take over a federal building in Oregon for forty plus days be acquitted by a jury. Who will protect our federal employees when Trump is in power? Even yesterday Trump threw out a black man--a Trump SUPPORTER who was trying to give Lil Donny a letter advising him how to work more closely with veterans and black people as the man was a black former Marine! Instead Trump once again started screaming “Get him out of here” and his minions threw this Marine veteran out.
The idea of this thin skinned horror reacting with fury at every perceived insult is keeping me awake nights. I have a very good friend who is a USAF General who WILL resign if Trump is elected because he knows that he will be given unlawful orders by this small boy.
I weep for our country when I think of not only Trump,but the GOP saying they will block everything that Clinton wants.
Thanks media!
Being from Hawai’i I have friends and colleagues from the Philippines. They are justifiably terrified at what is happening in their homeland. A dozen corpses are found thrown out on main streets each morning. Duterte had an opposing mayor assassinated. (And we thought Chris Christie’s punishment of an opposition mayor was a “bridge too far.”) Anyone involved in drugs--even users are being slaughtered by Duterte’s vigilantes.
We watched seven armed protestors (well white protesters) take over a federal building in Oregon for forty plus days be acquitted by a jury. Who will protect our federal employees when Trump is in power? Even yesterday Trump threw out a black man--a Trump SUPPORTER who was trying to give Lil Donny a letter advising him how to work more closely with veterans and black people as the man was a black former Marine! Instead Trump once again started screaming “Get him out of here” and his minions threw this Marine veteran out.
The idea of this thin skinned horror reacting with fury at every perceived insult is keeping me awake nights. I have a very good friend who is a USAF General who WILL resign if Trump is elected because he knows that he will be given unlawful orders by this small boy.
I weep for our country when I think of not only Trump,but the GOP saying they will block everything that Clinton wants.
Thanks media!
81
I saw the KKK march by the Eatonton Baptist Church in Georgia in the late 1950s. Torches ablaze, their white robes and hoods hiding their identities. Even as a terrified six year old I knew who they were. Evil men. Cowards. The image is burned in my mind. What's wrong with them, I wondered. Now at 63, I feel the same anxiety and confusion I felt as a boy that night. Donald Trump evokes the same unease and fear in me. How is this possible? He has tapped into old hatreds and prejudice I did not know were still so strong in our country. Just as I did that night in Eatonton, when I see him and hear him speak, I think to myself, what is wrong with him? What is wrong with us?
123
I think you underestimate the impact of Trump on the Supreme Court and assume that a solidly conservative court would be good for the country. Simply put, the reversal of liberties recognized under more liberal courts would effect a tyranny and suppress now recognized individual rights. Not only would America's reputation (and so authority) in the world diminish, but even Republicans would question the resulting government overreach of an ultra-conservative court as it initiates a Shariah-like establishment of the Christian Church: America will lose its association with freedom. Not one nation founded under God, but rather one nation floundering under the Supreme court.
5
I have always thought that a Trump presidency would cause a Depression like the one we haven't seen since 1929, and which ultimately led to the Second World War.
Trump as leader of the most powerful nation in the world would led to complete and violent chaos.
Mrs. Clinton can at the very least steer the Ship of State. She is also likely to do a very good job.
Trump as leader of the most powerful nation in the world would led to complete and violent chaos.
Mrs. Clinton can at the very least steer the Ship of State. She is also likely to do a very good job.
15
I am completely heart-sicken watching this election cycle, not for all of Trump's crazies, or Clinton's trust issue, but sicken that as country we should have this much disagreement on what is good for us.
Is it that difficult for us to agree that we all want to be happy and deserve to be so? And to agree that to be happy, we need to be healthy, properly educated and gainfully employed? We need clean air, clean water, clean environment? We need communities of love, trust, fairness and respect? And not least, we, need each other?
For this country to work, we need to be American first, blue and red second. For us to survive competing in the new millennial, we need resourceful and creative ideas, regardless if it is pegged left or right. Conservatism or liberalism are ONLY means to an end -- of the well being of all Americans, the only way America can be great -- they should not be an end in themselves.
I love and cherish the United States of America; in all its beauty and flaws, strength and weakness. I cry for this country, in tears and blood. People, please don't ruin us.
Is it that difficult for us to agree that we all want to be happy and deserve to be so? And to agree that to be happy, we need to be healthy, properly educated and gainfully employed? We need clean air, clean water, clean environment? We need communities of love, trust, fairness and respect? And not least, we, need each other?
For this country to work, we need to be American first, blue and red second. For us to survive competing in the new millennial, we need resourceful and creative ideas, regardless if it is pegged left or right. Conservatism or liberalism are ONLY means to an end -- of the well being of all Americans, the only way America can be great -- they should not be an end in themselves.
I love and cherish the United States of America; in all its beauty and flaws, strength and weakness. I cry for this country, in tears and blood. People, please don't ruin us.
11
Trump may very well trigger things that will wreck the economy, create global tensions and may indeed lead America into a possible nuclear war.
But, history has proven that, in retrospect, the one who must be feared more is the one who looks harmless in the beginning. The media created image of Trump is a one of a buffoon who has idiotic views. That, of course, ignores how he has created a global real estate brand for himself even before he announced his candidacy. Media is now changing tunes to say he's a third rate, bankrupt builder. Media also ignores how this man has almost single handedly with limited resources taken on the richest and the most powerful media, politicians and business leaders.
But, history has proven that, in retrospect, the one who must be feared more is the one who looks harmless in the beginning. The media created image of Trump is a one of a buffoon who has idiotic views. That, of course, ignores how he has created a global real estate brand for himself even before he announced his candidacy. Media is now changing tunes to say he's a third rate, bankrupt builder. Media also ignores how this man has almost single handedly with limited resources taken on the richest and the most powerful media, politicians and business leaders.
Electing Trump would be one more incremental undoing of our Constitution. Witness McConnel's blocking a supreme Court nomination, Gingrich, s "contract with America" and norquist's "no new taxes pledge" that was specifically written to undermine our democracy if Republicans did not get their way. These idividuals are quietly underming our democracy in a most insidious way and Trump's election would prove very dangerous to us especially when he unequivocally stated he would curtail our 1st amendment right to free speech, especially for journalist.
8
I think both Republicans and Democrats overestimate the durability of the system, but obviously Democrats started it in the 60's and step by step they removed all the props that were keeping the system up.
It's like a child pulling an insect's legs, trying to see how many it actually needs to keep walking.
In Democrats' case, this is because they wouldn't be sorry to see the whole system fall. For them, it's a win-win scenario: as long as the system keeps working, they can take advantage of it for their purposes and use the system against itself to expose its contradictions; when it doesn't, then they are ready to move on, to a purely logical society with no contradictions.
For example, "liberals" made a big deal out of freedom of speech for as long as it could be used by them against the system. Now it's no longer necessary, since they are in control of the universities and the media, so they're looking to get rid of it.
Some Republicans are calling their bluff now, by responding in exactly the same manner. It's a game of chicken; the one who cares most loses. It'll probably be the Republicans, because they still have some residual attachment to the system, while the Democrats couldn't care less about its "rules" and will do whatever they need to do to win.
It's like a child pulling an insect's legs, trying to see how many it actually needs to keep walking.
In Democrats' case, this is because they wouldn't be sorry to see the whole system fall. For them, it's a win-win scenario: as long as the system keeps working, they can take advantage of it for their purposes and use the system against itself to expose its contradictions; when it doesn't, then they are ready to move on, to a purely logical society with no contradictions.
For example, "liberals" made a big deal out of freedom of speech for as long as it could be used by them against the system. Now it's no longer necessary, since they are in control of the universities and the media, so they're looking to get rid of it.
Some Republicans are calling their bluff now, by responding in exactly the same manner. It's a game of chicken; the one who cares most loses. It'll probably be the Republicans, because they still have some residual attachment to the system, while the Democrats couldn't care less about its "rules" and will do whatever they need to do to win.
3
Ross ,
We agree that in our present situation Hillary poses risks but they pale in comparisons to the risks posed by Donald Trump.
I am a democratic socialist and believe that fifty years of a widening social an economic divide is due to both neoliberalism and neoconservatism neither of which is particularly new and neither of which is particularly liberal nor conservative but neoliberalism seems closer to 18th century conservatism and 18th century liberalism than the 21st century American conservatism which has no connection to any cohesive political philosophy. What are you doing to our language to make fascists, anarchists and libertarians into conservatives?
If I might go a thousand years instead of just a century I see Donald Trump as America's Peter the Hermit and I fear for all those infidels living on the East and West Coast and I really fear for America's children.
We agree that in our present situation Hillary poses risks but they pale in comparisons to the risks posed by Donald Trump.
I am a democratic socialist and believe that fifty years of a widening social an economic divide is due to both neoliberalism and neoconservatism neither of which is particularly new and neither of which is particularly liberal nor conservative but neoliberalism seems closer to 18th century conservatism and 18th century liberalism than the 21st century American conservatism which has no connection to any cohesive political philosophy. What are you doing to our language to make fascists, anarchists and libertarians into conservatives?
If I might go a thousand years instead of just a century I see Donald Trump as America's Peter the Hermit and I fear for all those infidels living on the East and West Coast and I really fear for America's children.
7
While it's wonderful to see Ross finally state that Trump would be a disaster of epic proportions in the White House, I have to correct him on the email "scandal." There is zero proof that Hillary has compromised any information to the Russians, the Chinese or any other foreign power. In fact, as FBI Director Comey has stated, he could not justify and criminal charges based on a year long investigation. Does anyone think if information compromising US security had been in those emails that it would not be front line news right now? And even now he states that he has no knowledge of any wrong doing in emails found recently on the Abedin/Weiner computer. And why should anyone be surprised that Hillary and Huma exchanged emails? What's really galling about Comey's letter to congress is that he concedes he has t even looked at these emails yet. If there's one thing Trump may be right about it's rigging of the election, but it turns out it's Comey trying to influence it.
33
The election of Donald Trump would complete the destruction of this country set in motion by the 911 attacks. Sure, we displayed a lot more flags after 911 and we still hold annual ceremonies, but we are in what might be described as a Civil Cold War. Our Congress does not function, and now, Sen. John McCain and Ted Cruz are talking about letting the third branch of government, the courts, simply die from lack of confirmed appointments. I wish I could agree with Hillary that "we are good," but I can't. Any state like Ohio, Texas or Iowa that would even think of inflicting the mobbed-up Caligula that is Donald Trump on this country and this beleagured world cannot be "good." Any religious right winger who would ignore the cruelty and rapaciousness of Trump cannot be "Christian." In fact, I fear that Donald Trump is what we, as a nation, deserve for our war crimes. I fear that God is telling us that "Pride goeth before a fall and a haughty spirit before destruction." I seem to have read that somewhere.
31
I am looking forward to a reformed Republican Party that values governance, prudence, character, values, and American stability and security. That will never happen unless Trump loses, because there will be no motivation for the RNC to throw out the dirty bathwater the baby has been bathing in for two decades.
It is not America that is in decline. It has been the obstructionist, narcissist Grand Old Party. Many thanks to its most principled and iconic member,
Mitt Romney. If there was ever a counter-Trump, it is he.
Thanks, Ross, you and David Brooks keep me optimistic about the possibility of re-forming the party of Lincoln. But only if Trump is defeated.
And I'm not even a Republican, just a generic American independent who can see strengths in both parties' fundamental philosophies.
It is not America that is in decline. It has been the obstructionist, narcissist Grand Old Party. Many thanks to its most principled and iconic member,
Mitt Romney. If there was ever a counter-Trump, it is he.
Thanks, Ross, you and David Brooks keep me optimistic about the possibility of re-forming the party of Lincoln. But only if Trump is defeated.
And I'm not even a Republican, just a generic American independent who can see strengths in both parties' fundamental philosophies.
9
Forgive the lack of sophisticated vocabulary or high minded commentary. My two cents into the conversation. I've lived in New York my entire 54 years - so we here have had a front row seat to the sadistic monster show. What's eating away at my soul is not Donald Trump. It is the effect on mostly dumb citizens. Just seeing them on the news all day - sounding so ignorant and uninformed. Yet these are our fellow Americans, and they're hateful and venomous and and mostly stupid. I want to love everyone in my country. I want to help anyone who needs directons, or slips on ice. I want to hold the elevator and and give a couple of bucks to a homeless person. But I'm changing. I don't trust people anymore. I don't look at strangers, let alone smile at them. Someone on TV tried to put this politely by saying that we have a citizen deficit. I will always love my country, but I know now in my heart that fully half of my country are easily seduced by rank out sessions at debates, I understand some of the reasons people don't like Mrs. Clinton. But we can't show the whole world that we're that stupid - that we give the job to a little boy in a man's body whose only reading Kellyanne Conway's words. Essentially they'd be better off just voting for Kellyanne Conway.
49
I have been a strong Democrat for all of my voting life (I'm 73), having voted for only a handful of Republican candidates for lower offices than the White House. During this time, I've had Republican friends and family members whose political differences with me made no impact whatsoever on our friendship. However, I see the Trump supporters at his rallies brandishing their very offensive signs and t-shirts and I realize I could not be friends with those who go to his rallies.
3
Much more than his message on the economy, trade or even immigration, Trump's most potent message has been one of liberation. His supporters feel liberated to accept what was once unacceptable, to say what once remained unsaid, and to do things that were never done before. The euphoria of liberation negates all good sense. But Trumpism did not arise in a vacuum. For eight years the Republicans whose job was to tend the garden carefully sowed only discord, distrust and deceit. Now the trees are fully grown and the poisoned fruits are ripe for Trump to pluck.
15
Talk about cognitive dissonance:
"This is a challenging thing to explain because Trump is, among recent American politicians, sui generis."
No, he isn't. The blunders of George Bush were among the biggest in modern history, from the disastrous invasion of Iraq to the massive damage to his nation's economy through jungle law economics.
The sole difference between Trump and 'W' is in the tone, not in substance. 'W' bankrupted a vast number of his his citizens and destroyed his nation's reputation abroad while somehow maintaining a veneer of decency. Trump is a far easier target as he displays his buffoonery and radical views upfront. That is the only difference between the two.
"This is a challenging thing to explain because Trump is, among recent American politicians, sui generis."
No, he isn't. The blunders of George Bush were among the biggest in modern history, from the disastrous invasion of Iraq to the massive damage to his nation's economy through jungle law economics.
The sole difference between Trump and 'W' is in the tone, not in substance. 'W' bankrupted a vast number of his his citizens and destroyed his nation's reputation abroad while somehow maintaining a veneer of decency. Trump is a far easier target as he displays his buffoonery and radical views upfront. That is the only difference between the two.
9
If DJ were elected he would focus not on pressing issues but on those issues he enjoyed and which attracted easy applause. Everything else would be delegated, much as in the Bush years with Chaney and the rest. Gaffes would erupt as DJ went off the tracks and was forced to resign leaving Pence to take over, the creature of the GOP elite. The Supreme Court soon would be stacked with ideologues.
Ross could relax as Oligarchy and Theocracy took charge, probably for a very long time.
Ross could relax as Oligarchy and Theocracy took charge, probably for a very long time.
9
Trump more dangerous than Rumsfeld? More dangerous than Dick Cheney? Well, those were the main puppeteers pulling Dubya's strings and leading the U.S. and the world towards disaster.
It seems most commentators and columnists cannot see the woode for the trees. Bush was infinitely more dangerous than Trump could ever hope to be, because he provided the sympathetic face that enabled the Neocon-Zionist conspiracy to embark on disastrous domestic and foreign polices, with the nation's full support. The propaganda, for Wars of Choice and tax deductions for the rich, was brilliantly executed.
Trump would begin his presidency in a climate of mistrust, skepticism and and obstructionism. He would not have the free run that Bush enjoyed.
So, in my humble opinion, Bush Jr. was infinitely more 'dangerous' than Trump could ever hope to be.
It seems most commentators and columnists cannot see the woode for the trees. Bush was infinitely more dangerous than Trump could ever hope to be, because he provided the sympathetic face that enabled the Neocon-Zionist conspiracy to embark on disastrous domestic and foreign polices, with the nation's full support. The propaganda, for Wars of Choice and tax deductions for the rich, was brilliantly executed.
Trump would begin his presidency in a climate of mistrust, skepticism and and obstructionism. He would not have the free run that Bush enjoyed.
So, in my humble opinion, Bush Jr. was infinitely more 'dangerous' than Trump could ever hope to be.
2
Sorry to be so judgmental but from my value system, he is vile.
But such lack of integrity requires judging.
Especially when such lack of moral fiber will continue to effect the whole world.
But such lack of integrity requires judging.
Especially when such lack of moral fiber will continue to effect the whole world.
13
Within America politics and governance there is very little sane space to the right of the conservative establishment, your free enterprise, internationalist New Democrats.
There's certainly a lot of noise which calls itself "conservatism," but both the name and the "content" of the noise are childish lies. There's nothing conservative about the Romantic anarchist Rands, father and son. There's nothing conservative, nor conducive to freedom about the soi disant "libertarians." They are mostly in favor of deregulating the carbon-burning industries because they're on the payroll of the oil, coal and pipeline industries or private owners.
The Republican Party? It dried up and blew away a generation ago. The well remunerated Gucchi gulchers who have operated the hollow franchise for their own profit since? They've run out of ideas, and their shills were trumped by a wild card.
What does that leave? It's down to about Ross Douthat and the four or five sane people at National Review. They dance on that tiny ledge of sanity that remains to the right of the ver-ree conservative Clintons and Obamas of this world. Very often they fall off.
Today's column is Ross showing that he can plant himself firmly. On that very narrow ledge.
-dlj.
Is there anything out there
7
What happens if he wins?
The answer for the first 100 days will be uncertainty. The answer after that will be chaos.
How many women around the country with lurid stories to tell about Mr. Trump are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to cash-in after he becomes President. There could be hundreds.
Stock markets loathe uncertainty. Look for a 1000 point drop in the Dow the day after he is elected President. Mr. Trump is the King of Uncertainty. Look for four years of massive volatility on the stock markets with psychics, astrologists, fortune tellers and medical quacks issuing daily advisories to investors on his moods, the alignment of his stars and the soundness of his digestive tract.
Whereas we once had Republicans vs. Democrats, this time we will have Republicans, sometimes with him and sometimes against him, and always against the Democrats; and Democrats always against him.
Where will we be on race relations, ISIS, NATO and his border wall with Mexico? Everything will depend on the advice that Kellyanne Conway, Mayor Guiliani, Ivanka and Donald, Jr. are whispering into his ear.
This is a center without a center.
When Trump supporters become disenchanted with their man for not producing the miracles he has promised --as inevitably they will soon after he is elected -- they will blame Democrats for sabotaging him and will immediately begin rallying to the side of even more radical leaders.
We best get rid of him now while we still can.
The answer for the first 100 days will be uncertainty. The answer after that will be chaos.
How many women around the country with lurid stories to tell about Mr. Trump are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to cash-in after he becomes President. There could be hundreds.
Stock markets loathe uncertainty. Look for a 1000 point drop in the Dow the day after he is elected President. Mr. Trump is the King of Uncertainty. Look for four years of massive volatility on the stock markets with psychics, astrologists, fortune tellers and medical quacks issuing daily advisories to investors on his moods, the alignment of his stars and the soundness of his digestive tract.
Whereas we once had Republicans vs. Democrats, this time we will have Republicans, sometimes with him and sometimes against him, and always against the Democrats; and Democrats always against him.
Where will we be on race relations, ISIS, NATO and his border wall with Mexico? Everything will depend on the advice that Kellyanne Conway, Mayor Guiliani, Ivanka and Donald, Jr. are whispering into his ear.
This is a center without a center.
When Trump supporters become disenchanted with their man for not producing the miracles he has promised --as inevitably they will soon after he is elected -- they will blame Democrats for sabotaging him and will immediately begin rallying to the side of even more radical leaders.
We best get rid of him now while we still can.
46
Another danger will happen if/when President Trump finds that the very same people who voted for him and cheered at his rallies turn against him. How will the Counter-Puncher react? It is here where dictators are forged and nations plunged into chaos. A rejected Trump is a very dangerous person and his tantrum won't simply be throwing birthday cake all over the party. Think about what other dictators have done when their supporters turned against them in the past. Yeah, that ugly - that's what is in our possible future.
15
I know this was a difficult column to write for a man devoted to the cause of conservatism. Despite my differences with your perceptions of freedoms and democracy, we are both eager for our nation to honor, cherish, and protect the diversity of ideas, and the multitudes of strengths that emerge when all people of this nation preserve and protect these basic truths and experiences. I volunteered with six women, for all walks of life yesterday, and approximately 250 other men and women, canvassing NH neighborhoods, mobilizing the vote. None of us removed Trump signs and none of us engaged in boorish, partisan monologues. We had a job to do; elect a competent, sane, experienced, and caring Democratic President. Thank you for joining our canvassing group today. We welcome your presence and advocacy anytime.
40
This column is a valid, fairly reserved take on some likely fallout from a Trump presidency.
However, this is what frightens and confounds me: A significant percentage of "evangelical" voters believe God has raised up Donald Trump as his instrument. There is no convincing people under the influence of such delusions to subvert the will of God. We can only hope there are a sufficient number of rational people in the electorate.
However, this is what frightens and confounds me: A significant percentage of "evangelical" voters believe God has raised up Donald Trump as his instrument. There is no convincing people under the influence of such delusions to subvert the will of God. We can only hope there are a sufficient number of rational people in the electorate.
51
The respect and subsidies given to charlatans promoting the God delusion is one of the worst insults to intelligence in this juvenile delinquent nation.
Everybody who thinks nature has a human personality never grew up.
Everybody who thinks nature has a human personality never grew up.
1
Any recitation of the horrendous certainties (not dangers) of a Trump presidency that does not end with an exhortation to make the only rational, meaningful response and vote for Clinton is just blather and hiney-covering. One would think Mr Douthat would realize that by now, having grasped the obvious about Trump. I guess when the world goes down the drain, he can console himself that it wasn't his fault. After all, he tsk-tsked and shook his head along with the rest of good people without whose inaction and dithering an evil like Trumpism could not prevail
25
To me the greatest risk of a Trump presidency is his manifest lack of judgment. Presidents have to make dozens of important decisions every day, I would imagine, some of which could have drastic consequences for our country's well-being. With someone whose unbridles egotism seems to determine every decision he makes, how can we trust him to make cool-headed choices about things that have nothing to do with him and everything to do with the welfare of others? I believe a Trump presidency carries the risk of a reverse Midas-touch -- everything he would touch, because of his personal flaws -- would turn to stone.
49
Very insightful. Trump tapped into deep seated hatred that was always present in America but was dormant. The dog whistle politician reared his ugly head and they rise from the ashes.
3
Ross D.,
Yet someone, Comey, the GOP/RNC, someone is working ceaselessly and relentlessly to give us Trump, which will be a disaster of immeasurable proportions.
Here we have the real October surprise.
I hope Hillary still has something left and better turn it lose on Monday, latest.
You can imagine a Hillary POTUS.
You can't imagine a Trump POTUS.
Yet someone, Comey, the GOP/RNC, someone is working ceaselessly and relentlessly to give us Trump, which will be a disaster of immeasurable proportions.
Here we have the real October surprise.
I hope Hillary still has something left and better turn it lose on Monday, latest.
You can imagine a Hillary POTUS.
You can't imagine a Trump POTUS.
8
Ross, other than a few cheap shots (Hillary Clinton sharing classified info with Wiener's sexting partners -- that was pretty moronic), you're right on target about Trump, just as you were largely on target last week about the dangers of Hillary. Hopefully undecideds are listening to you and not the propaganda flowing from the Breitbart machine.
3
The first time I ever heard the term Pax Americana was when the administration of the younger Bush ebulliently took charge in the White House. It was a brazen expression of American imperialism, a definition of neoconservative Republican foreign policy.
1
An while "Rome" burned "Nero" would fiddle/tweet/and declare he's the most fantastic/successful leader to ever walk the face of the earth. Utterly terrifying.
8
While Clinton is not perfect, I find Trump be perfectly imperfect. He would be a very high risk gamble for the United States and the world.
8
Some on the right, because of visceral hatred of Hillary and/or desire for a conservative SCOTUS, convince themselves that Trump will not serve long, that he will either get bored and quit or that he will be so incapable and overwhelmed that he will be forced to resign leaving an extremely conservative and (reasonably) sane President Pence to carry out their conservative agenda.
2
In almost every aspect of his decision making, Donald Trump is an unguided missile. Even if we exclude the ominous (a nuclear confrontation), he is utterly unpredictable in what would become critical choices for a president of the United States to make.
Given his volatility and domineering personality, who on earth would be an acceptable—and influential—adviser in his cabinet? Instead of a president we might get an “Improviser-in-Chief.”
Given his volatility and domineering personality, who on earth would be an acceptable—and influential—adviser in his cabinet? Instead of a president we might get an “Improviser-in-Chief.”
5
Ross, you left one major component out of your analysis concerning a potential Trump presidency. You assume that he would function within the parameters of rationale American constitutionalism. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Trump, who by his very nature is a thug, has mobilized within his "movement" a sense of "redemptive bigotry." A feeling that American society must be purged of "weakness" and "otherness." Within the rank-and-file of the modern GOP there is more than an authoritarian strain; there is a flirtation with fascism and fascist-like solutions, whether they be a corporate state or a restriction of civil liberties, except for the ownership and possession of firearms. No, Donald J. Trump would not be a middling president, he would take us into a cesspool that we never recover.
18
Well put, Mr. Douthat. Your thoughtful and measured rejection of any conservative rationale for getting on the Trump train is important for any (somehow still) fence-sitting Republicans to consider.
These hedgers make the justification that at least with Trump they can defend against a Supreme Court stocked with liberals by a Hillary Clinton presidency. Which would mean . . . gasp . . . overturning Citizens United (no!), implementing the mildest, most widely-supported gun control measures (Jesus, make these liberal demons stop!), or, and here's the big one . . . leave Roe v. Wade as it is (because, obviously, we need a Taliban-like anti-abortion squad to police the black market clinics and back alley operations that would arise after making abortion illegal). And don't even get these no-nonsense citizens started about the "tree-huggers" who will try to steer us away from fossil fuels. I mean, sure, the coal industry, is in decline because of competition from other sources and the resultant market forces from this competition, but . . . this is no time to speak of market forces!
Ok, enough ranting. But, sidebar, did anyone else have to re-read Douthat's final sentence to determine if he was endorsing someone or rejecting someone specifically? I quote him here: "none of my fears (and I have many) of what a Hillary Clinton presidency will bring are strong enough to make me want to run the risk of being proven right." So . . . you're going to go with Clinton? Someone else?
These hedgers make the justification that at least with Trump they can defend against a Supreme Court stocked with liberals by a Hillary Clinton presidency. Which would mean . . . gasp . . . overturning Citizens United (no!), implementing the mildest, most widely-supported gun control measures (Jesus, make these liberal demons stop!), or, and here's the big one . . . leave Roe v. Wade as it is (because, obviously, we need a Taliban-like anti-abortion squad to police the black market clinics and back alley operations that would arise after making abortion illegal). And don't even get these no-nonsense citizens started about the "tree-huggers" who will try to steer us away from fossil fuels. I mean, sure, the coal industry, is in decline because of competition from other sources and the resultant market forces from this competition, but . . . this is no time to speak of market forces!
Ok, enough ranting. But, sidebar, did anyone else have to re-read Douthat's final sentence to determine if he was endorsing someone or rejecting someone specifically? I quote him here: "none of my fears (and I have many) of what a Hillary Clinton presidency will bring are strong enough to make me want to run the risk of being proven right." So . . . you're going to go with Clinton? Someone else?
11
A high school senior could write an equivalent essay, Mr. Douthat, on "The Three Reasons Why Donald Trump Scares Me". (Check out Bruni and Edsall; they reason, research, and build edifices.) And only three? Start at the center with a lying sociopath. Then move to a domestic nightmare of alt-right hobgoblins taking over the government, if not Supreme Court. No one doubts the geopolitical nightmare. But why ignore, as conservatives too often do, the overwhelming planetary danger that Trump poses? "Scientific American" has broken with tradition by putting into print their assessment of his dangers in their last two issues. At a time when we most need to slow down the planet's climate change fever, Trump promises to tell other nations, scientists, EPA, NOAA, and the planet itself "You're Fired!" One of the dangers you overlook, Mr. Douthat, is the slight of hand of a professional confidence man. We should be having a serious election -- instead of the ignorance, sleaze, lies, fears, and basic loss of national self-respect that this election has brought to date.
2
A day late and a dollar short. The Orange Clown's lack of qualifications to be dog catcher let alone POTUS have been glaringly obvious since he entered the race.
It is equally obvious that the Orange Clown represents the general philosophy of the Republican Party and it's belief in free markets (oligopoly), smaller government (anarchy), paternalism of Christianity (theocracy), and large defense expenditures (militarism).
If you want a social safety net, stable increasing markets (Clinton, Obama), lower deficits (Clinton, Obama), fewer wars, improved employment (7 years of increasing employment) vote for the party of the people-Democrat.
After 30 years of Big Lies, government shut downs, Republican sex scandals, overt racism, voter suppression and cash flows to the upper 0.1% it is obvious to any thinking person that a vote for a Republican is a vote for the decline of the American Dream.
It is equally obvious that the Orange Clown represents the general philosophy of the Republican Party and it's belief in free markets (oligopoly), smaller government (anarchy), paternalism of Christianity (theocracy), and large defense expenditures (militarism).
If you want a social safety net, stable increasing markets (Clinton, Obama), lower deficits (Clinton, Obama), fewer wars, improved employment (7 years of increasing employment) vote for the party of the people-Democrat.
After 30 years of Big Lies, government shut downs, Republican sex scandals, overt racism, voter suppression and cash flows to the upper 0.1% it is obvious to any thinking person that a vote for a Republican is a vote for the decline of the American Dream.
6
I don't understand this historical analogy:
"The second peril is major civil unrest. Some of Trump’s supporters imagine that his election would be a blow to left-wing activists, that his administration would swiftly reverse the post-Ferguson crime increase. This is a bit like imagining that a President George Wallace would have been good for late-1960s civil peace."
In reality, a President Richard Nixon was good for late-1960s civil peace: the black riots that did so much damage to urban America under the liberal LBJ Administration from 1965-1968 stopped when Nixon became president.
"The second peril is major civil unrest. Some of Trump’s supporters imagine that his election would be a blow to left-wing activists, that his administration would swiftly reverse the post-Ferguson crime increase. This is a bit like imagining that a President George Wallace would have been good for late-1960s civil peace."
In reality, a President Richard Nixon was good for late-1960s civil peace: the black riots that did so much damage to urban America under the liberal LBJ Administration from 1965-1968 stopped when Nixon became president.
1
I wish Obama had tried a blended compromise on healthcare reform, seeing how, now, middle class families are paying $24,000 a year in premiums for a catastrophic plan that has an $18,000 deductible. And the answer can't be give the middle class more subsidies -- if the middle class need subsidies, then program is inherently flawed and unsustainable.
The bigger the government program, the more the biggest corporations figure out how to rig it in their favor, i.e., the insurance companies.
Trumps inexperience in government will be no worse than Obama's. And Obama's hubris after his 2008 election was just as problematic, temperament-wise, as Trump's would be.
The bigger the government program, the more the biggest corporations figure out how to rig it in their favor, i.e., the insurance companies.
Trumps inexperience in government will be no worse than Obama's. And Obama's hubris after his 2008 election was just as problematic, temperament-wise, as Trump's would be.
"But it's silly to imagine Moscow slipping into comfortable detente with a President Trump"
No, it is silly to imagine it is very silly won't slip into a comfortable detente. Mr. Douthat, please list one instance, just one, where Trump criticized a Putin policy. Trump has justified Putin's annexation of the Crimea, been ignorant and silent on Russian involvement in Western Ukraine, praised Putin for being involved in Syria to destroy ISIS when it is obvious to everyone paying attention that is not what Putin is doing in Syria.
Trump will do nothing to oppose aggressive Russian foreign policy. As Trump himself said, "Putin said nice things about me, so I'll say nice things about him". And in Trump's narcissistic world that's all that matters. Praise Trump and get fond praise back, criticize Trump and get a week long firestorm of Tweets from him. The interests of the US and the rest of the world is not his concern.
If Trump is elected, I have no doubt the Baltic states will be annexed by Russia within a year. Constitutionally congress can do nothing and Trump will not only not do anything but will praise Putin for being a "strong leader" and of course concur with Putin's justification that the ethnic Russians in the Baltics were being "mistreated" just as they supposedly were in the Crimea.
That so many establishment Republicans who are, or at least were, hawks when it came to Russia it astonishes me they pretend this won't happen. Winning is more important than values
No, it is silly to imagine it is very silly won't slip into a comfortable detente. Mr. Douthat, please list one instance, just one, where Trump criticized a Putin policy. Trump has justified Putin's annexation of the Crimea, been ignorant and silent on Russian involvement in Western Ukraine, praised Putin for being involved in Syria to destroy ISIS when it is obvious to everyone paying attention that is not what Putin is doing in Syria.
Trump will do nothing to oppose aggressive Russian foreign policy. As Trump himself said, "Putin said nice things about me, so I'll say nice things about him". And in Trump's narcissistic world that's all that matters. Praise Trump and get fond praise back, criticize Trump and get a week long firestorm of Tweets from him. The interests of the US and the rest of the world is not his concern.
If Trump is elected, I have no doubt the Baltic states will be annexed by Russia within a year. Constitutionally congress can do nothing and Trump will not only not do anything but will praise Putin for being a "strong leader" and of course concur with Putin's justification that the ethnic Russians in the Baltics were being "mistreated" just as they supposedly were in the Crimea.
That so many establishment Republicans who are, or at least were, hawks when it came to Russia it astonishes me they pretend this won't happen. Winning is more important than values
3
A non double-edged sword double-standard. I think it is too generous to label Donald J. Trump as sui generis, he's not generally anything, except wrong--71% of the time, which for him carries a lot of water--it is also the exact water make up of our human bodies. I am fascinated by what made Bernie so popular with Millenials--college for free--that is ignored (though adopted) in Secretary Clinton's plan--that and the fact she has had a plan for a long time, I've had my copy of "Stronger Together" since July. Trump never talks about education and doubt he ever will--it always makes me think of Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court David Souter's prognostication of how our "Fall of Rome" would occur--through a unknowledgeable electorate, of which the preponderance of Trump supporters seem to be. This seems to already be occurring, the basket of deplorables (or basket-case deplorables) attest to this fact and it is like a social experiment proving his posit. I read a lot of posts from trolls on YouTube and they dive-bomb comments onto Democratic videos--like Clinton's speeches, etc., but it is obvious they do not listen to the videos as their rants do not fit--one today lamented "no polices" being discussed on a Vice-President Biden speech, though he covered her policies in details--and how and where the money would come from. What I can't understand is how people still listen to Trump expecting to possibly hear that 29% veracity--that is insanity, he's a serial liar.
6
Trump has been clearly out of his depth in trying to campaign for the presidency. He has been a poor leader of his campaign staff and has not bothered to learn anything about reaching voters beyond his base. None of his actions suggest he is at a minimum level of competence to be president. It is also absurd, though widely talked about, that a businessman is automatically qualified to be president. Running a country of over 300 million is not like running any business. For one thing, it is not just about making money. Trump simply has no clue about policy, legislation, or the actual real-world history of the US. He is in it for the attention and I believe he never intended to actually work as president. Too challenging, especially for someone who is so oblivious to the rest of the world.
7
This afternoon I saw a portion of the 1960 debate between Nixon and Kennedy and I was shocked. Both discussed policy. Each had specific proposals, outlining how they would deal with real problems. Clearly disagreeing with one another there were no ad hominum attacks. No name calling, no epithets. A civil discussion. Even Nixon was impressive! Not nearly the nut he turned out to be but clearly he had done his homework.
What has happened to civil discourse when you have an unprepared huckster spouting absurdities, and people accept and embrace it? Nixon as a standard bearer for truth? No grasp of complexities, no grasp of how things actually work in real life. Nothing even approaching the vulgarities of Trump.
No references to the size of genitilia, no boylike bragging about sexual prowess, nothing personal. A discussion of policy from two clearly prepared candidates.
It was weird.
We clearly have lost our way.
And "blowing it up and starting over again" is adolescent, destructive and futile. Its time we grew up.
What has happened to civil discourse when you have an unprepared huckster spouting absurdities, and people accept and embrace it? Nixon as a standard bearer for truth? No grasp of complexities, no grasp of how things actually work in real life. Nothing even approaching the vulgarities of Trump.
No references to the size of genitilia, no boylike bragging about sexual prowess, nothing personal. A discussion of policy from two clearly prepared candidates.
It was weird.
We clearly have lost our way.
And "blowing it up and starting over again" is adolescent, destructive and futile. Its time we grew up.
6
Although I had already read Jane Mayer's article in the New Yorker (25/7/16) about Donald Trump's ghostwriter for "The Art of the Deal" Tony Schwarz and his particular experience of spending a year in the presence of Trump, last week I listened to an extended interview with him on BBC radio which was truly chilling. As the interviewer asked probing questions, Mr Schwarz very articulately and in measured tones painted the portrait of a sociopath whose potential to do harm to the US and the rest of the world could not be overstated. In the final part of the interview Mr. Schwarz said that he and his immediate family had made plans to leave the country in the event of a Trump victory, as he felt that they could be an irresistible target for a man famous for his unrelenting vindictiveness against his adversaries and who would have the full weight of the presidency behind him. At the end of the interview I felt as gutted as I suspect the interviewer did.
A Trump presidency would be a disaster for all of us- even his most ardent and clueless supporters.
A Trump presidency would be a disaster for all of us- even his most ardent and clueless supporters.
18
A man who resorts to exhorting voters to elect him on the basis that they have nothing to lose is telling them that he is a gifted carnival barker and they have a lot to lose.
His so-called business career has been littered with streams of pie-in-the-sky promises reneged on whenever it has suited him.
His modus operandi has principally consisted of lawsuits, bankruptcy filings and the soaking of everyone within sight of his projects -- notable examples being the large banks he has beguiled into lending him money, tenants he has displaced from their apartments, students at Trump University and residents of Atlantic City.
Mr. Trump is America’s premier presidential candidate for economic chaos.
A low character devoid of concern for others does not a President of the United States make.
His so-called business career has been littered with streams of pie-in-the-sky promises reneged on whenever it has suited him.
His modus operandi has principally consisted of lawsuits, bankruptcy filings and the soaking of everyone within sight of his projects -- notable examples being the large banks he has beguiled into lending him money, tenants he has displaced from their apartments, students at Trump University and residents of Atlantic City.
Mr. Trump is America’s premier presidential candidate for economic chaos.
A low character devoid of concern for others does not a President of the United States make.
8
Within America politics and governance there is very little sane space to the right of the conservative establishment, your free enterprise, internationalist New Democrats.
There's certainly a lot of noise which calls itself "conservatism," but both the name and the "content" of the noise are childish lies. There's nothing conservative about the Romantic anarchist Rands, father and son. There's nothing conservative, nor conducive to freedom about the soi disant "libertarians." They are mostly in favor of deregulating the carbon-burning industries because they're on the payroll of the oil, coal and pipeline industries or private owners.
The Republican Party? It dried up and blew away a generation ago. The well remunerated Gucchi gulchers who have operated the hollow franchise for their own profit since? They've run out of ideas, and their shills were trumped by a wild card.
What does that leave? It's down to about Ross Douthat and the four or five sane people at National Review. They dance on that tiny ledge of sanity that remains to the right of the ver-ree conservative Clintons and Obamas of this world. Very often they fall off.
Today's column is Ross showing that he can plant himself firmly. On that very narrow ledge.
-dlj.
There's certainly a lot of noise which calls itself "conservatism," but both the name and the "content" of the noise are childish lies. There's nothing conservative about the Romantic anarchist Rands, father and son. There's nothing conservative, nor conducive to freedom about the soi disant "libertarians." They are mostly in favor of deregulating the carbon-burning industries because they're on the payroll of the oil, coal and pipeline industries or private owners.
The Republican Party? It dried up and blew away a generation ago. The well remunerated Gucchi gulchers who have operated the hollow franchise for their own profit since? They've run out of ideas, and their shills were trumped by a wild card.
What does that leave? It's down to about Ross Douthat and the four or five sane people at National Review. They dance on that tiny ledge of sanity that remains to the right of the ver-ree conservative Clintons and Obamas of this world. Very often they fall off.
Today's column is Ross showing that he can plant himself firmly. On that very narrow ledge.
-dlj.
3
"I may be wrong." Of course you are. Trump's instincts are isolationist while Clinton's are for engagement. That's her record so why would she be any different once in the Oval Office. Oh - and it isn't a pretty record - no need to review - we all know of the failures. Trump is fundamentally pragmatic; perhaps not the best trait when calling upon a nation to sacrifice for war as Winston Churchill had to do. But makes sense for now.
There would be no memorable JFK like speeches calling us to 'bear any burden.. etc.", but then who needs or wants that. Clinton, however, not so sure, because intervention is in her blood; she's not at all like Bill in this regard. With Obama we've had a well-gifted orator and an individual with a world view. And that has gotten us nothing but grief; be honest democrats. Our foreign policy and relations are in shambles from China to the Philippines, to the Middle East, to Russia, to Europe, and even South America.
There is nowhere on Earth where the US star is brightly shinning. Please, Hillary Clinton will fix that? Much rather go with Trump who has expressed a much more realistic understanding of our limitations and what Americans want on the world stage.
There would be no memorable JFK like speeches calling us to 'bear any burden.. etc.", but then who needs or wants that. Clinton, however, not so sure, because intervention is in her blood; she's not at all like Bill in this regard. With Obama we've had a well-gifted orator and an individual with a world view. And that has gotten us nothing but grief; be honest democrats. Our foreign policy and relations are in shambles from China to the Philippines, to the Middle East, to Russia, to Europe, and even South America.
There is nowhere on Earth where the US star is brightly shinning. Please, Hillary Clinton will fix that? Much rather go with Trump who has expressed a much more realistic understanding of our limitations and what Americans want on the world stage.
3
trumped up jitters, largely (no matter the specifics) can be put in a basket such as the one mr. douthat weaves, a "generalistic," if you will, one for which there are "no obvious analogies"...trump is not so much deplorable and certainly not irredeemable but he is, (d minor organ chord here) unknowable.
that the known (from the pattern of past performance that, to "generalisticalize," includes the mildly stated "mistakes and blunders" and the most unpresidential trait of rather passing than stopping the buck) seems preferable and that the preference is framed in a self-justifying lintany of "grounded (!) speculation" is what's truly disturbing and, given the state of the union, unfathomable.
the speculation begins with "comparables," (another basket!) and a leap over logic that would not pass muster in a high school debate, that has schwartzenegger and berlusconi, becoming actual equivalents, actual reflections of trump's potential presidency.
then the "likelihoods"...already on us (anxiety, discouraging hiring, lowest g.d.p. in memory) but shifted from their present keepers to trump...who has, btw, run an effective campaign (despite a proclivity for untutored utterance) without the usual over-staffed rube goldberg campaign machine - something that might, in a "gounded speculation" just as well signal an actual reduction in the size of government.
the risk of civil unrest is real of course, but not from trump, it's H(R)C who has paid thugs to pour gasoline.
etc.
that the known (from the pattern of past performance that, to "generalisticalize," includes the mildly stated "mistakes and blunders" and the most unpresidential trait of rather passing than stopping the buck) seems preferable and that the preference is framed in a self-justifying lintany of "grounded (!) speculation" is what's truly disturbing and, given the state of the union, unfathomable.
the speculation begins with "comparables," (another basket!) and a leap over logic that would not pass muster in a high school debate, that has schwartzenegger and berlusconi, becoming actual equivalents, actual reflections of trump's potential presidency.
then the "likelihoods"...already on us (anxiety, discouraging hiring, lowest g.d.p. in memory) but shifted from their present keepers to trump...who has, btw, run an effective campaign (despite a proclivity for untutored utterance) without the usual over-staffed rube goldberg campaign machine - something that might, in a "gounded speculation" just as well signal an actual reduction in the size of government.
the risk of civil unrest is real of course, but not from trump, it's H(R)C who has paid thugs to pour gasoline.
etc.
2
Or it may turn out that Trump is exactly what he sounds like: a puppet of Putin's, only too happy to take $10 Billion in kickbacks for some convoluted new joint venture. And again. And again. The one thing he consistently harps on is "how great it would be to get along with Russia." Who cares about Stalinism, genocide, war crimes, another war in Europe? Trump's eye is always on his own bottom line. He is confident enough in his personal choices not to feel the least compunction about keeping his finances secret. The Russian model -- looting the country down to the studs while ruining the health of 90% of its citizens through ready access to mind-altering substances, while simultaneously running a massive brainwashing operation via the state-controlled media -- is one Trump is eminently comfortable with. Keep in mind that no one who applauded Hitler, or Lenin, imagined the bloodbath that would follow. Hitler's first act was to destroy the small club of privileged men who had brought him to power, imagining they could control him. Lenin's was to burn down everything in sight, starving the populace into abject submission.
2
I'll try to be the glass half-full guy here. If Trump is elected president, and if he does not cause fundamental damage to our democratic system, it is quite likely that the Democrats will win a wave election in 2020, which is a Census year.
They will then control enough state legislatures to gain more gerrymandering power than the Republicans will have, which will push the next decade of House control in their favor. 2020 will also feature many more Republican seats up for reelection than Democratic ones, many of which would fall.
The dysfunctional situation where a Republican-dominated House obstructs everything would end in 2021, and the new Dem-gerrymandered districts would ensure that they have the edge that the Republicans now enjoy for the next decade. By around 2030, if the Republican Party fails to change its behavior toward minorities, the GOP will no longer be able to reliably win the House no matter how much they gerrymander districts due to changing demographics.
Under a Clinton presidency, we'll probably see the GOP revert to its current behavior and obstruct basically everything. The 2018 midterms will go poorly for the Dems given Clinton's probable low approval rate, and 2020 will be a nail-biter at best with a high likelihood of the GOP winning both chambers and the presidency.
Of course it's not worth the risk - he will cause a major and uncertain amount of damage. But there is, probably, a light at the end of that dark tunnel.
They will then control enough state legislatures to gain more gerrymandering power than the Republicans will have, which will push the next decade of House control in their favor. 2020 will also feature many more Republican seats up for reelection than Democratic ones, many of which would fall.
The dysfunctional situation where a Republican-dominated House obstructs everything would end in 2021, and the new Dem-gerrymandered districts would ensure that they have the edge that the Republicans now enjoy for the next decade. By around 2030, if the Republican Party fails to change its behavior toward minorities, the GOP will no longer be able to reliably win the House no matter how much they gerrymander districts due to changing demographics.
Under a Clinton presidency, we'll probably see the GOP revert to its current behavior and obstruct basically everything. The 2018 midterms will go poorly for the Dems given Clinton's probable low approval rate, and 2020 will be a nail-biter at best with a high likelihood of the GOP winning both chambers and the presidency.
Of course it's not worth the risk - he will cause a major and uncertain amount of damage. But there is, probably, a light at the end of that dark tunnel.
1
no, the Democrats will wake up and vote in the 2018 mid terms and throw the moderate Republicans out of control in the House. The Republicans left will be the heavily gerrymandered district Reps called, ironically, the "Freedom Caucus." These right wing zealots will not be numerous enough to maintain a Republican majority.
1
The three perils of a Trump presidency you describe are plausible. The most dangerous, I believe, is not the third, the geopolitical one, but the second, civil unrest. It would not be limited to activists in the streets, in cities, and on campuses, however. It would also occur in congress and in state legislatures. This would include nullification of laws and social movements in favor of secession. A diverse country, not united by blood or ethnicity, the United States has been held together by its creed: a belief in equality, liberty, and the rule of law.
The American ship of state is afloat, but is springing leaks that a President Trump would worsen. The next president will not only have to steer the ship in a good direction, but also have to bail out the water and repair the leaks. It will be an awesome task and responsibility. It is to be hoped that Hillary Clinton will be up to assuming them.
The American ship of state is afloat, but is springing leaks that a President Trump would worsen. The next president will not only have to steer the ship in a good direction, but also have to bail out the water and repair the leaks. It will be an awesome task and responsibility. It is to be hoped that Hillary Clinton will be up to assuming them.
2
I think you may have missed one. Trump is talking about "getting rid of" regulatory agencies - including the EPA. As you know - and maybe some who are under 30 may not know -- those regulatory agencies came into being as a response to the egregious polluting, poisoning, killing of innocent people due to NON regulation. Trump wants to get rid of the EPA -- which, by now, has lost a lot of its original mission and has become diluted due to corporate lobbying and interests but it does the MINIMAL -- it regulates toxic waste, superfund sites, air and water safety-- requires (although often does not follow through or enforce) "environmental impact studies" to justify drastic development and/or increased commerce in areas where there may be protected wildlife -- etc etc etc. Trump is talking about -- here on a planet where the World Wildlife Fund has just released it's projection -- that 50% of all wild animals will be extinct by 2020 -- not to mention the urgency and immediacy of climate change issues --- That, more than all of the other reason you have mentioned, is forcing me to run (not walk) to the polls and vote for Hillary. I'm not a fan, I don't like her Hawk legacy -- selling $14 billion of munitions to the Saudis, for example, who are using it to reign down on the Syrian civilian population -- not a fan. Not a fan. But God Help Us -- getting rid of the EPA (and the right to abortions, I forgot to mention) is enough of a reason for any and all of us to vote Clinton.
7
I think there are two dangers of a Trump presidency: that he takes the job seriously, and that he doesn't.
My suspicion is that he wouldn't. As we've seen throughout the campaign, Trump is as undisciplined and incurious as he is crude and self-indulgent. As another commenter wrote, he allegedly offered the presidency in all but name... and this might have been the most responsible thing he's done all year. I don't know if Pence, a far inferior public servant, got the same offer. I suspect the real power, in a Trump reign-not-rule presidency, would sit with the House Republican caucus.
Their ideas are abhorrent and unworkable, and would materially harm millions of Americans as well as the planet, given the pace of climate change. But this is still the preferable scenario, because we'd probably get the country back in 2020.
The real nightmare is that Trump actually tries to do the job. His ignorance, lack of impulse control, inability to identify or retain talented and independent thinkers, and personalization of every slight would destabilize the economy, further deepen the country's divisions and very likely push us into new wars. He would wreck civil society and unleash chaos on a level we've never seen.
But by all means, let's talk more about Huma Abedin's emails.
My suspicion is that he wouldn't. As we've seen throughout the campaign, Trump is as undisciplined and incurious as he is crude and self-indulgent. As another commenter wrote, he allegedly offered the presidency in all but name... and this might have been the most responsible thing he's done all year. I don't know if Pence, a far inferior public servant, got the same offer. I suspect the real power, in a Trump reign-not-rule presidency, would sit with the House Republican caucus.
Their ideas are abhorrent and unworkable, and would materially harm millions of Americans as well as the planet, given the pace of climate change. But this is still the preferable scenario, because we'd probably get the country back in 2020.
The real nightmare is that Trump actually tries to do the job. His ignorance, lack of impulse control, inability to identify or retain talented and independent thinkers, and personalization of every slight would destabilize the economy, further deepen the country's divisions and very likely push us into new wars. He would wreck civil society and unleash chaos on a level we've never seen.
But by all means, let's talk more about Huma Abedin's emails.
233
A journalist who had interviewed Trump extensively for a book appeared on MSNBC this morning. The anchor asked him what kind of president he thought Trump might make. The biographer (whose name escapes me) replied that a Trump administration would not resemble the candidate, because he had simply assumed a role that he thought would help him win the White House. Once in office, Trump's true, more reasonable, character would emerge.
This tiresome refrain, that Trump's current views and behavior resemble a Halloween costume that he will shed once in the Oval Office, sounds as persuasive as a snake oil salesman's pitch. Trump, the reality show personality, of course plays a role in public, but the mask simply conceals a hollow man, devoid of any values except self interest. People of integrity do not assume a disguise that requires them to demean other people and to spurn the democratic principles that govern their society.
Mr. Douthat's concerns over a Trump presidency, therefore, while valid, omit the damage the GOP candidate would inflict on the level of public discourse and on respect for equality under the law. Just because the Constitution and the other branches of government might constrain his more outrageous assaults on the rule of law does not guarantee that Trump could not undermine public support for the ideals that define a free society.
A man whose ego shapes his sense of right and wrong will not remain loyal to any institutions greater than himself.
This tiresome refrain, that Trump's current views and behavior resemble a Halloween costume that he will shed once in the Oval Office, sounds as persuasive as a snake oil salesman's pitch. Trump, the reality show personality, of course plays a role in public, but the mask simply conceals a hollow man, devoid of any values except self interest. People of integrity do not assume a disguise that requires them to demean other people and to spurn the democratic principles that govern their society.
Mr. Douthat's concerns over a Trump presidency, therefore, while valid, omit the damage the GOP candidate would inflict on the level of public discourse and on respect for equality under the law. Just because the Constitution and the other branches of government might constrain his more outrageous assaults on the rule of law does not guarantee that Trump could not undermine public support for the ideals that define a free society.
A man whose ego shapes his sense of right and wrong will not remain loyal to any institutions greater than himself.
3
Possibly the most important, and most likely: the Executive Branch will not be functional. Trump's ongoing legal troubles won't go away (SCOTUS saw to that in the Paula Jones case, in which it naively assumed these things wouldn't consume too much of the President's time) and will only multiply. On top of the multiple civil suits to which he is a party, what will happen when there are Freedom of Information requests for his tax returns? When he refuses to put all of his business holdings in a blind trust, as if that were even possible, and all of conflicts interest become fertile ground for legal action seeking to have Trump explain how he is profiting from his decisions as President. As President, Trump would be spending all of his time in legal proceedings, leaving nobody to mind the country's affairs.
7
Ross: the danger of Donald Trump that should scare the BeJesus out of you has nothing to do with politics, political party, social oreconomic theory or any other ism you can think of. Or anyone of the three items you listed.
Truth be told, you should be flat out, little boy lost in the woods scared of this man's impulsivity.
Truth be told, you should be flat out, little boy lost in the woods scared of this man's impulsivity.
4
Douthat really does show the potential for clear, rational thought. There are glimmers of it if you look carefully. It's encouraging. A column like this is unlikely to persuade anyone of anything, but it's good to see this kind of self-exploration and evolving awareness on display. Thank you, NY Times!
4
Mr Trump as an American is someone most of us understand and even with his wealth and privilege a guy to whom we feel we can relate. He is loudmouthed and brash, likes good looking well endowed women, sticks close to his family and in general, just like most of us with blood in our veins, doesn't care one whit what anyone thinks of him,.
Most of us are pretty sure he won't go bananas and launch missiles at anyone and will probably invite world leaders to sample his swank accomodations, heated pools, top drawer food and beautiful efficient hostesses. He isn't a person I fear, but he also isn't the person I'd like to run our country.
I trust Hillary Clinton as a woman before any other so called quality she carries in her resume. Perhaps I am wrong and that thought is simply a romantic notion that women are by temperement and experience more aware of life's cycles, our ups and downs and the needs of all of us far better than any man, but the truth is women have to, by their very biology, be more reflective of and responsive to life's difficulties than any man.
I look forward to her Presidency and trust she will lead our nation and for that matter all nations away from the useless destruction that accompanies any solution which relies on force of arms. Physical violence at any level from that of domestic to local and worldwide does nothing except apply a bandage which has never stopped the flow of blood or done more than sew a patch which has never stopped the flow of cash.
Most of us are pretty sure he won't go bananas and launch missiles at anyone and will probably invite world leaders to sample his swank accomodations, heated pools, top drawer food and beautiful efficient hostesses. He isn't a person I fear, but he also isn't the person I'd like to run our country.
I trust Hillary Clinton as a woman before any other so called quality she carries in her resume. Perhaps I am wrong and that thought is simply a romantic notion that women are by temperement and experience more aware of life's cycles, our ups and downs and the needs of all of us far better than any man, but the truth is women have to, by their very biology, be more reflective of and responsive to life's difficulties than any man.
I look forward to her Presidency and trust she will lead our nation and for that matter all nations away from the useless destruction that accompanies any solution which relies on force of arms. Physical violence at any level from that of domestic to local and worldwide does nothing except apply a bandage which has never stopped the flow of blood or done more than sew a patch which has never stopped the flow of cash.
2
We CAN'T let Trump win. Already Comey's announcement last Friday to review more of Clinton's emails saw stocks wilting. Global markets lost some $3 trillion the first two days after the Brexit vote in June - according to the Financail Times. We can expect worse, if Trump gets elected.
Economy can always pick up again. But what is worse is what a Trump presidency would inspire autocrats like Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayip Erdogan et al to undermine the global order, which might not be so easily restored.
Putin hopes that Trump would accept Russia's annexation of Crimea, and aggression in Ukraine and Syria. If this happens, it will only encourage Erdogan to solidify Turkey's claims on Kirkuk and Mosul in Iraq, as well as some Greek islands. Recently he disputed the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, that defines the borders of today's Turkey. The East and South China Seas are already embroiled in territorial claims. The world needs law and order now, more than ever. A Trump presidency will only serve as a clarion call to turpitude and dastardness.
Economy can always pick up again. But what is worse is what a Trump presidency would inspire autocrats like Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayip Erdogan et al to undermine the global order, which might not be so easily restored.
Putin hopes that Trump would accept Russia's annexation of Crimea, and aggression in Ukraine and Syria. If this happens, it will only encourage Erdogan to solidify Turkey's claims on Kirkuk and Mosul in Iraq, as well as some Greek islands. Recently he disputed the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, that defines the borders of today's Turkey. The East and South China Seas are already embroiled in territorial claims. The world needs law and order now, more than ever. A Trump presidency will only serve as a clarion call to turpitude and dastardness.
9
I would think that foreign troublemakers would react to Trump with caution. They'd cool it for a while, and wait to find out what he is really going to do.
It can't be any worse than the Obama administration, the Russians and the Chinese are already just disregarding the US.
It can't be any worse than the Obama administration, the Russians and the Chinese are already just disregarding the US.
What makes you think it can't be worse than the last 8 years?
Trump has promised to see about dissolving NATO, to tell South Korea and Japan to get their own nukes, to take all the oil, to build a wall between us and one of our long-term allies, and dozens of other harebrained and reckless moves.
If he does anything at all like he's been running things the last year, it will be incredibly worse than the Obama administration. You'd have to be blind to fail to see that.
Trump has promised to see about dissolving NATO, to tell South Korea and Japan to get their own nukes, to take all the oil, to build a wall between us and one of our long-term allies, and dozens of other harebrained and reckless moves.
If he does anything at all like he's been running things the last year, it will be incredibly worse than the Obama administration. You'd have to be blind to fail to see that.
1
Omigosh. Even Mars won't be safe!
5
Mr. Douthat this must have been a difficult column to write - thank you for being bold and grounded in reality rather than clouded by illusion.
30
Interesting that you think the first danger of a Trump presidency is to the market. Civil unrest is a poor second and global stability is a third.
5
Mr. Douthat probably listed market unrest first because it will occur immediately, on Wednesday November 9th, in the same way that global markets reacted immediately and negatively to the Brexit referendum results. Other consequences will come later, not during the final months of Barack Obama's administration, but only after Donald Trump's inauguration.
1
Sure the markets will tumble, investment will tank, unemployment will skyrocket, adversaries will be emboldened, parties will fracture, civil strife will crescendo - neighbor against neighbor .... but you just don't understand, Ross. The Donald will "Make America Great Again"! Isn't that worth four years of terror, insecurity and chaos?
21
In Donald Trump, the very base of misogyny, xenophobia, ignorance, hubris, and intolerance is amplified. Not only national interest is at risk by his personal pursuit, the foundation of our democracy is threatened.
With this most recent irresponsible, unreasonable, and unacceptable actions of FBI Director Comey before agents even began reading the newly discovered emails ON THE CASE OF WEINER, it begs suspicion of partisanship swinging of the election.
On the other hand, how is it that Donal Trump's emails have never been hacked and exposed? How is it that with Trump's rap sheet of legal woes and tax evasion that he is not being labeled as corrupt? Is Trump simply "lucky", or is there truly some never ending Salem witch hunt taking place?
This is democracy at risk. We are not - or should not - playing Halloween with the Presidential election.
With this most recent irresponsible, unreasonable, and unacceptable actions of FBI Director Comey before agents even began reading the newly discovered emails ON THE CASE OF WEINER, it begs suspicion of partisanship swinging of the election.
On the other hand, how is it that Donal Trump's emails have never been hacked and exposed? How is it that with Trump's rap sheet of legal woes and tax evasion that he is not being labeled as corrupt? Is Trump simply "lucky", or is there truly some never ending Salem witch hunt taking place?
This is democracy at risk. We are not - or should not - playing Halloween with the Presidential election.
33
Ross: You wisely chose to steer clear of the more sensational consequences of a Trump administration and confine your remarks to the most basic outcomes. Why then take a poke at Mrs Clinton with "....or (yes) Hillary Clinton’s possible exposure of classified material to the Chinese, the Russians and Anthony Weiner’s sexting partners"? This is entirely gratuitous and is all the worse for being unfounded. Just using "possible" doesn't relieve you of the charge of asserting by insinuation what you cannot prove by fact.
25
At a recent promotional event for his new film “Michael Moore in TrumpLand,” Moore told audience members that he thinks the loudmouthed GOP nominee is going to win, largely because American elites are so cut off from regular people that they don’t realize just how much the middle class has been harmed in recent years.
“I know a lot of people in Michigan that are planning to vote for Trump, and they don’t necessarily agree with him,” the left-leaning documentarian said.
Many middle- to lower-income people are going to support the former reality TV star because at least he uses language directly pertinent to issues that have affected their lives, Moore argued.
“Donald Trump came to the Detroit Economic Club and stood there in front of Ford Motor executives and said, ‘If you close these factories as you’re planning to do in Detroit and build them in Mexico, I’m going to put a 35 percent tariff on those cars when you send them back and nobody’s going to buy them.’ It was an amazing thing to see. No politician, Republican or Democrat, had ever said anything like that to these executives, and it was music to the ears of people in Michigan and Ohio and Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — the ‘Brexit states.’”
http://www.salon.com/2016/10/26/michael-moore-people-will-vote-for-donal...
4
Hillary is licking her chops just waiting for Putin to provoke her. And when that happens [I imagine in the first 6 months] Hillary's hot temper is going to boil over and she will want to ignite a small scale conflict with the Soviets, just to prove a vain point. A small scale conflict which will accelerate like a gas fire. Thank God we will have Bill nearby to smooth things over. I'm not a fan of Hillary- but I love my Bubba!
1
Aaron, a little wrong. She will take on Putin because she has to prove that as the woman that she is as strong as any man is. And in fact, better than any man is. The woman is insecure which is why she had a private email server.
Mr. Douthat, as someone who usually disagrees, often strongly, with your opinions, I want to express admiration for your attempt to be objective when objectivity is called for. You have succeeded more convincingly than I ever could.
But, admitting my ideological orientation, I think that you minimize precisely the most likely dangers of a President Trump. I agree that Mr. Trump's incompetence will be seen as a danger by markets and as an opportunity by enemies. But what frightens me more than his incompetence in governing is his competence in self-promotion. Every word he utters, every position he takes, quickly swerves into pleas for adulation and denigrating of others. Every bit of evidence we have tells us that the man is motivated solely by celebrity and self-aggrandizement. The means by which he has pursued those goals in politics (and often, in real estate), are manipulation, racism, hate-mongering, dishonesty, and treating others as a convenience. The most likely scenario I see in a Trump presidency is that he will use the power we give him foir the same ends. When the public sometimes turns against him, as it does against all presidents, his tools for regaining esteem will be the same as now--hate mongering, fake emergencies, grandiose schemes, etc--but advanced with the tools of the most powerful position in the world.
But, admitting my ideological orientation, I think that you minimize precisely the most likely dangers of a President Trump. I agree that Mr. Trump's incompetence will be seen as a danger by markets and as an opportunity by enemies. But what frightens me more than his incompetence in governing is his competence in self-promotion. Every word he utters, every position he takes, quickly swerves into pleas for adulation and denigrating of others. Every bit of evidence we have tells us that the man is motivated solely by celebrity and self-aggrandizement. The means by which he has pursued those goals in politics (and often, in real estate), are manipulation, racism, hate-mongering, dishonesty, and treating others as a convenience. The most likely scenario I see in a Trump presidency is that he will use the power we give him foir the same ends. When the public sometimes turns against him, as it does against all presidents, his tools for regaining esteem will be the same as now--hate mongering, fake emergencies, grandiose schemes, etc--but advanced with the tools of the most powerful position in the world.
320
So I take it that conservative who are reasonable enough to see the dangers of a an insane clown in the White House are exempt from supporting the only candidate who can prevent this calamity because she wears the other team's jersey. Yikes.
Excellent point. However, I can not be the only person that doesn't see any value in what ever thing he is promoting? Am I in a minority? I hope not.
A Republican with insight! Hallelujah! I was afraid I'd never see the day in 2016. Thank you Ross.
5
Ross, repeat after me: "I may not like it, but I'm voting for Hillary." You'll feel better, honest.
15
Congratulations Mr.Douthat... You finally are exhibiting sanity. Usually I find you a republican apologist and completely juxtaposed to my beliefs. In that world nothing is as it seems and every utterance has disinforming overtones. Ahhh but you shine with insight and foresight tonight...
5
Mr. Douthat, you hint at what could actually happen with a Trump presidency. Batten down the hatches. ISIS has used Donald trump as the poster boy for American hatred of Muslims. A Trump presidency is bound to inspire a wave of terrorist actions across the country as these groups are inspired to challenge the Great Satan. Some will be caught but it is impossible to deflect them all. North Korea will test American resolve as they make moves against DMZ. They will increase their pressure on japan and without support from China which we will sacrifice with our instigation of a trade war North Korea will be inspired to do what they want.. India and Pakistan will threaten each other with nuclear weapons without the stabilizing influence of the US. And forget about the hard won agreements on Climate change made in Paris. Without American leadership the initiative will die in a sea of mistrust. At home Social Security and Medicare will be imperiled perhaps throwing tens of millions of the elderly under the bus. And then there are the rights of women and all the progress we have made against men like Donald Trump. On and on and on. Too draconian? This is but a small taste of what will occur with the inept dangerous Trum and would we rue the day that we ever heard his name those of us who survive.
9
George W. was also afraid of appearing weak, and in classic Oedipal syndrome seeming less capable than Poppy. This fear was exploited by Bin Laden and unwittingly abetted by Cheney, Rumsfeld et al. Islamic terrorists and American neocons goaded W. into starting the "Clash of Civilizations". W., despite what his apologists claim, did not have the intelligence or discretion to choose among his advisers or realize when he was being led astray. Trump is orders of magnitude worse. Quite simple, the man is too stupid to be president.
Whatever you think of Hillary, she is not stupid. And if she is as evil as her detractors claim and can still be untouchable by political opponents, prosecutors, and the FBI, isn't she then the perfect leader to stand up to Putin?
Whatever you think of Hillary, she is not stupid. And if she is as evil as her detractors claim and can still be untouchable by political opponents, prosecutors, and the FBI, isn't she then the perfect leader to stand up to Putin?
18
I will probably vote for a third party candidate.
But I regard the already announced policies of Hillary as more disastrous than those of Trump.
Hillary has argued in Wikileaks documents for open borders. She has stated she would double down on Obama's executive amnesty.
The world is on a disaster course. The problem is evidenced by global warming. Yes, sea levels will rise. Millions around the world will lose their homes.
But global warming is the tip of the iceberg. Global warming is just one symptom of too much population growth on planet Earth.
Americans tend to be chauvinistic. They discount the suffering that occurs in other countries as "not our problem." Intermittent hunger is prevalent in India, Pakistan, parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Americans don't seem to care.
But illegal immigration is now also destroying America's safety net. Many of America's old are dying because they cannot afford cancer screenings.
The health care of America's old is being diverted to an unending stream of illegal immigrants.
Neither political party is honest about this, but Trump is slightly less dishonest. At least he wants to stop illegal immigration.
The US needs to get serious about population growth. Zero illegal immigration.
Encouragement for smaller family size. Providing third world countries with incentives to use birth control.
Trump is the first messenger of the problems of overpopulation. Later messengers will be increasingly unpleasant.
But I regard the already announced policies of Hillary as more disastrous than those of Trump.
Hillary has argued in Wikileaks documents for open borders. She has stated she would double down on Obama's executive amnesty.
The world is on a disaster course. The problem is evidenced by global warming. Yes, sea levels will rise. Millions around the world will lose their homes.
But global warming is the tip of the iceberg. Global warming is just one symptom of too much population growth on planet Earth.
Americans tend to be chauvinistic. They discount the suffering that occurs in other countries as "not our problem." Intermittent hunger is prevalent in India, Pakistan, parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Americans don't seem to care.
But illegal immigration is now also destroying America's safety net. Many of America's old are dying because they cannot afford cancer screenings.
The health care of America's old is being diverted to an unending stream of illegal immigrants.
Neither political party is honest about this, but Trump is slightly less dishonest. At least he wants to stop illegal immigration.
The US needs to get serious about population growth. Zero illegal immigration.
Encouragement for smaller family size. Providing third world countries with incentives to use birth control.
Trump is the first messenger of the problems of overpopulation. Later messengers will be increasingly unpleasant.
3
Ross you know that the President is not the KIng, we settled that in 1776. A robust Congress and a vigilant Supreme Court will not permit a rogue president, as you fear Trump would be. As we have seen in eight years of Obama's administration and an oppositon Congress/Supreme Court almost nothing he wants gets traction on the Hill. Chief Justice Roberts surprisingly moved Obamacare forward but beyond that very little. So now Trump as POTUS. You think he has not made enough enemies in his party and Democrats to be effective or dangerous? He would be reigned in and politically castrated if he behaved as you describe. He may even do the almost impossible: energize the apathetic non-voters into becoming a voice and an activist body to monitor Congress and Him. We made it through Revolution, a Civil War, scandals like Watergate and Clinton-Lewinsky we can handle this one if it comes to pass.
32
What a fantastical argument for electing a vicious idiot to the Presidency - Congress can block everything he tries to do. Even of they could or would, which I doubt, there would be no Congressional oversight between Trump and the nuclear button.
Expecting Congress to control Trump would be like expecting the chickens to control the fox. It's far better and safer to just keep the fox out of the hen house in the first place.
Expecting Congress to control Trump would be like expecting the chickens to control the fox. It's far better and safer to just keep the fox out of the hen house in the first place.
5
The post world war 1 Weimar Republic in Germany had a democratic government with separation of powers, yet after Adolf Hitler was elected Chancellor in January 1933, it took him just 5 months to consolidate all power. How well the American government system with its checks and balances would be able to withstand the rise of a democratic elected authoritarian is an open question that we don't want to find out. A president Trump challenge to our democracy bares absolutely no resemblance with the Clinton/Lewinsky theater, seriously.
2
The Republicans you are counting on to rein in a Trump presidency have amply and clearly demonstrated their unwillingness to do so in recent months. Instead, they've contorted themselves in countless ways to try to avoid doing exactly that, saying how much they deplore and can't support much of what he's done and said, while still giving him their endorsement. They are not acting on the principles you assume they'll act on, but out of career self-interest, afraid of losing the support of their right-wing-media-fueled constituents.
What makes you think they would act any differently if he's elected?
What makes you think they would act any differently if he's elected?
2
Ross I think you outlined quite realistic direct outcomes of a Donald Trump presidency, with space constraints preventing all the additional knock on effects.
Trump is a chaos candidate, and his outlandish and incoherent foreign and domestic policies would destroy trillions in global economic capital, with the stock market reaction more resembling October 1987.
Unlike most businessmen, he earned wealth not from success but through failure, taking from investors, creditors, contractors, etc.
As President he would accelerate the process.
Consider his main secret plan for dealing with ISIS is expropriating a sovereign nation's oil.
He either has or feigns ignorance of what a blind trust means, so his children will run his private businesses as President.
He has spent publicly raised campaign funds from supporters at Trump businesses at elevated prices.
Trump has neither the attention span, the background or the will to counter the flattery and bribery of a Putin or his ilk.
Donald would continue to tear the fabric of this multicultural nation apart, pitting one group against another.
Mitt Romney and John McCain were honorable people who held conservative viewpoints on leading the country. I disagreed with their policies, but not their character or motivation.
Donald Trump holds a set of biases and distortions in his head, and his motivation is just for himself.
This he has proven time and time again.
Trump is a chaos candidate, and his outlandish and incoherent foreign and domestic policies would destroy trillions in global economic capital, with the stock market reaction more resembling October 1987.
Unlike most businessmen, he earned wealth not from success but through failure, taking from investors, creditors, contractors, etc.
As President he would accelerate the process.
Consider his main secret plan for dealing with ISIS is expropriating a sovereign nation's oil.
He either has or feigns ignorance of what a blind trust means, so his children will run his private businesses as President.
He has spent publicly raised campaign funds from supporters at Trump businesses at elevated prices.
Trump has neither the attention span, the background or the will to counter the flattery and bribery of a Putin or his ilk.
Donald would continue to tear the fabric of this multicultural nation apart, pitting one group against another.
Mitt Romney and John McCain were honorable people who held conservative viewpoints on leading the country. I disagreed with their policies, but not their character or motivation.
Donald Trump holds a set of biases and distortions in his head, and his motivation is just for himself.
This he has proven time and time again.
405
You want a history lesson? Two words. Weimar, Germany.
6
Sorry, Ross, you had me until your truly naive claim (or was it simply a click-bait appeal to the nativistic yearnings in your most obsequious and un-thinking acolytes) about "Hillary Clinton's possible exposure of classified material to the Chinese."
Please, give me a break.
There are NO secrets anymore. A 16-year old with the smarts, desire and equipment can, is and has been breaking into whatever super-secret, super-powerful server you think that our oh-so-brilliant US agents at State or, for that matter, CIA, NSA or name your favored 'protector of America hegemony' can design.
Like Bernie said, "Enough of the damn emails" already!
Please, give me a break.
There are NO secrets anymore. A 16-year old with the smarts, desire and equipment can, is and has been breaking into whatever super-secret, super-powerful server you think that our oh-so-brilliant US agents at State or, for that matter, CIA, NSA or name your favored 'protector of America hegemony' can design.
Like Bernie said, "Enough of the damn emails" already!
13
So, Mr. Douthat, How much did the Clinton Foundation pay you to write this article ? you seem to be willfully blind to the pay-for-play that Hillary has indulged in and will surely continue if she is elected.
2
The dangers of believing that elected politicians have the integrity, intelligence, and humility, are what all journalists should be writing about as we go into the last of 6 decades of borrowed prosperity and borrowed money for wars. Letting go of the idea that the American people could of, if taxed, decided what was worth spending for, could not of been any worse than either the decision to go to war in both Vietnam and Iraq. Building a healthcare program on false ideas and costs two years ago was another blunder. Yes, I believe that the average American should be coming to their senses in the next 15 years when our ability to finance trillions more dollars of promised entitlements and decaying infrastructure should begin to be the real wake up call. Until then, not too much!
1
This opinion is completely inane because Clinton is assured of a victory; we should focus on the policies she will try to enact, not hypotheticals.
2
"sui generis"...? Isn't the point of good writing to communicate?
Instead, when your opening volley consists of concerns over "market jitters," why not go full arcane and say something a bit even less commonly understood, but more truthful: "Shiller PE Index." (Meaning: stock prices in 1929 and 2000 were indeed higher than today's Shiller PE ratio...but that's about it. If the stock market goes "blamm-o," consider that it is a bit of an overinflated helium balloon regardless of Trump.)
Instead, when your opening volley consists of concerns over "market jitters," why not go full arcane and say something a bit even less commonly understood, but more truthful: "Shiller PE Index." (Meaning: stock prices in 1929 and 2000 were indeed higher than today's Shiller PE ratio...but that's about it. If the stock market goes "blamm-o," consider that it is a bit of an overinflated helium balloon regardless of Trump.)
Mr. Douthat missed one or two: he would try to implement his philosophy of "hitting back 10 times harder" using the full machinery of the federal government (IRS for starters), stocking the Cabinet with cronies. He would ridicule and insult public figures he doesn't like. And his tax plan--would Ryan stand in the way?--would enrich the 1%.
2
I totally agree with the threat of a Trump presidency. But at the moment, the candidacy of Hillary Clinton is threatened by the FBI.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This, is I believe,a TEST for Clinton. I pop quiz for her to deal with. She has only a few days to figure out how to respond, so she can turn this damaging event to her advantage.
Trump plays the "devil's advocate" too well and I hope that Clinton is up to the task of turning it around so she can win the election.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This, is I believe,a TEST for Clinton. I pop quiz for her to deal with. She has only a few days to figure out how to respond, so she can turn this damaging event to her advantage.
Trump plays the "devil's advocate" too well and I hope that Clinton is up to the task of turning it around so she can win the election.
4
I think Hillary is untrustworthy, tells lies and is a hypocrite. She smashed 13 mobile phones with her hammer trying to hide information from the FBI. Then she claims she can't remember what's on any of them. Why'd she smash them?
I think the PEOPLE want TRUMP and the FBI wants Clinton. Now she is challenging the FBI because they are doing their job.
I think the PEOPLE want TRUMP and the FBI wants Clinton. Now she is challenging the FBI because they are doing their job.
3
Whatever situation we wake up to on November 9th, I believe we and the rest of the world will find little comfort in anything after this election cycle. Damage done.
3
At least no one in Mr. Trump's entourage operates under the pseudonym Carlos Danger.
2
Trump has only ONE thing going for him: he's not Ted Cruz.
But that's certainly not enough reason to vote for him.
But that's certainly not enough reason to vote for him.
3
Donald Trump would be in so far over his head that his head would explode. What this man does not know about either domestic or foreign affairs, how Congress works, or the Constitution would fill 10 football stadiums to the top. And when his own ignorance becomes apparent to him, what will he do then? He cannot admit it, certainly. He will have to hide it as best he can, just as he has attempted during the campaign, by humiliating, blaming and threatening his opponents, lying, creating new scandals and paranoid conspiracies, and inflaming the passions of his supporters. Four more years of the Trump campaign we have seen but this time with the power.
367
The requirements to be President are birth, residency and age. There is a reason it's left that simple.
1
Well, it's not just his head that would explode. The delicate structure of American democracy is vulnerable to that explosion as well.
2
Mr. Douthat - How about the "Dangers of Hillary Clinton?"
1
Aside from the dangers you have spelled out - all of which are not only plausible, but at least one of which is probable - the fact that the leader of the free world thinks he can get by on four hours of sleep a night is enough to scare the living daylights out of me (his behavior clearly shows he's not getting enough rest).
The best leaders know their weaknesses as well as their strengths. More importantly, they plan around those weaknesses so those weaknesses won't bring down the house. That's going to be hard for a President Trump who looks in the mirror, and sees no weaknesses at all.
The best leaders know their weaknesses as well as their strengths. More importantly, they plan around those weaknesses so those weaknesses won't bring down the house. That's going to be hard for a President Trump who looks in the mirror, and sees no weaknesses at all.
3
Trump is George Wallace? Rubbish - he's from cosmopolitan NYC, not from segregated Alabama. The argument that he's a war-monger is also sophistry. Trump isn't as attached to bailing out overseas partners as the globalist Democrats are. His attitude towards partners is sink-or-swim - ie. they should either pony up more towards collective defense, or else be left to their complacency. He doesn't want America to be an Atlas burdened with holding up the sky while everyone else has a good time. The Democrats are war-mongers, particularly because their foreign policy is led by Atlanticist hawks - the same ones who almost started WW3 by opening fire on the Russians at Pristina Airport during the Kosovo invasion launched by the previous Clinton presidency. By contrast, nationalists like Trump are often dubbed "isolationists" because of their reluctance to engage in war unless vital interests are threatened. Dubya and the Clintons have been happy to engage in regime-change just because they can - no wonder he's endorsing her.
25
Gosh you must be right...NO one in NEW YORK is a racist. They NEVER have problems with police brutality, false imprisonment, stop and frisk...oh wait.
4
What does it matter where he lives? Do you think there are no racists in NYC? Just listen to what he says if you want to know if he is closer to George Wallace's ilk or the typical New York liberal.
Trump isn't a warmonger? Then what was that he was saying about carpet bombing cities in Iraq and Syria? About murdering the families of ISIS members, and of using nukes just because we have them?
He just wants our allies to shoulder their part? You do know that NATO countries, Japan, and South Korea pay us to base our troops there - and provide free bases, right? And they buy US weapons as well. Trump is too ignorant to know that, or even want to know that.
And "Atlanticist hawks" (whoever they are) almost caused WWIII by firing on Russians in Kosovo? Really? I know you live in a fact-free world, but the Kosovo airport incident was a UN KFOR operation under command of a British general, and no shots were ever fired at Russian troops. Russian troops where were, by the way, taking control of the airport in violation of the agreement between Russia, NATO and the UN.
Trump isn't a warmonger? Then what was that he was saying about carpet bombing cities in Iraq and Syria? About murdering the families of ISIS members, and of using nukes just because we have them?
He just wants our allies to shoulder their part? You do know that NATO countries, Japan, and South Korea pay us to base our troops there - and provide free bases, right? And they buy US weapons as well. Trump is too ignorant to know that, or even want to know that.
And "Atlanticist hawks" (whoever they are) almost caused WWIII by firing on Russians in Kosovo? Really? I know you live in a fact-free world, but the Kosovo airport incident was a UN KFOR operation under command of a British general, and no shots were ever fired at Russian troops. Russian troops where were, by the way, taking control of the airport in violation of the agreement between Russia, NATO and the UN.
7
Did you say the DEMOCRATS were the warmongers? Really? What three wars have the last three Democratic presidents led us into? Which war did Carter start? Or Clinton? Or Obama? Obama has been trying his hardest to get us OUT of Iraq and Afghanistan, and if I might refresh your memory, we were led into those wars by REPUBLICAN presidents. George HW Bush led us into Iraq the first time, and then W led us a second time. Afghanistan was a bit more understandable since the goal was to rout Al Qaeda and to get Bin Laden, but those were still wars started by Republican presidents.
Drumpf does not want to avoid war because of any true understanding of geopolitical issues, he just thinks it's bad for business, namely, his own businesses.
Drumpf does not want to avoid war because of any true understanding of geopolitical issues, he just thinks it's bad for business, namely, his own businesses.
6
With all due respect, Ross, that must be the most cautious, convoluted, and begrudging endorsement ever. But we'll take it.
7
Despair has no voice. The only voices speaking now are those of the mop affirming Donald Trump's inane diatribes and the media pundits filling their hours with unquestioning discussion of Donald Trump's inane diatribes.
I just watched CNN's coverage of Trump's Arizona speech (almost in its entirely), displaying on the screen in real time his lies and exaggerations (i.e. the FBI has reopened the investigation into Hillary's crimes) without a single line to indicate that his accusations were unfounded and/or false.
If the media ends up handing us a Trump presidency it will be win win for them. They will have their 10 days of hyper-stories followed by four years of incessant idiocy. All good for the bottom line . . . or so they must believe.
I just watched CNN's coverage of Trump's Arizona speech (almost in its entirely), displaying on the screen in real time his lies and exaggerations (i.e. the FBI has reopened the investigation into Hillary's crimes) without a single line to indicate that his accusations were unfounded and/or false.
If the media ends up handing us a Trump presidency it will be win win for them. They will have their 10 days of hyper-stories followed by four years of incessant idiocy. All good for the bottom line . . . or so they must believe.
3
You have enumerated only practical risks. What about American exceptionalism? America is exceptional because it is founded on enlightenment ideas about who people are and could be. Trump doesn't believe in these principles. His admiration for Putin is no accident, but springs from kindred philosophies. He believes America is just another rat in the rat race, and should exploit its position as the biggest and baddest rat. If he takes this course, what would we have to be proud of? Succeed or fail, his election would break the underlying principles that make this nation great; no patriot can support him.
312
The final paragraph is not too unnecessarily confusing compared with alternative constructions that would be unperplexing to not a few readers.
2
There are dangers, and then there is the present threat of a Trumpocalyptic GOP-Dammerung.
Indeed, I fear it is already too late. The coming Trumpocalypse indicates that the GOP-Dammerung may well be followed by that Party's total eclipse.
Mr. Douthat, you have wisely called out the Republican Party nominee for what he truly is.
Now go thou, and vote wisely!
Indeed, I fear it is already too late. The coming Trumpocalypse indicates that the GOP-Dammerung may well be followed by that Party's total eclipse.
Mr. Douthat, you have wisely called out the Republican Party nominee for what he truly is.
Now go thou, and vote wisely!
4
Other dangers for those of us who are not straight, white males: loss of civil rights. A Supreme Court stacked with more Scalia-types will assure a swift return to the "good" old 50s. Anyone who thinks equal rights for women, minorities and LGBTQ are set in stone will find out how quickly it can evaporate under a Pence religious "freedom" agenda. You all don't seriously believe Trump would have the attention span for the job, right?
544
So ... you're voting for Hillary, Ross?
I hope so, and I hope you're voting for Democrats up and down the ballot. At the end of the day, all you have is your integrity. And no amount of intellectual gymnastics - or claimed fears about the potential administration of a standard politician such as Clinton - can justify the election of such a thin-skinned, intellectually lazy, insecure, boy-in-a-man's body (albeit with boy-sized hands).
I hope so, and I hope you're voting for Democrats up and down the ballot. At the end of the day, all you have is your integrity. And no amount of intellectual gymnastics - or claimed fears about the potential administration of a standard politician such as Clinton - can justify the election of such a thin-skinned, intellectually lazy, insecure, boy-in-a-man's body (albeit with boy-sized hands).
6
As a severely Average man of 79, I rely on some much more intelligent people than myself in this crucial time of election malaise....for depth and
critical understanding. Christine, Socrates, and Gemli have give me a good edge for my mind tonight. Meanwhile, Ross confused that fragile gray piece. I have already Voted in beautiful Minnesota. (I trust that my admission is not fraught with illegality, as well as likely anger if one or two of my beloved relatives read this.) I hold no regret about my Choice. I'm more amazed every day that, somehow, in spite of the active presence of a Donald J.Trump, this competition is treated by the System as an Equal
Competition between two viable human beings on a balanced field. My amazement is enhanced by the chronic display by the GOP candidate that there is no obvious "Vetting" of his character and qualification for the position being so vigorously sought. To be honestly simple and direct, why is there no psychological evaluation involved? As a long-retired therapist
of some 50 plus years, I agree with the many-time description of his "sociopathic" personality. The freedom with which he repeated lies in easy floating style, never admits being "wrong", let alone "apologize" for anything, is bordered on the N/E/S/W by Himself. Do we expect this man to become suddenly "the Servant of the People"...when his apparent goal in his life has been to Win at serving Himself? I trust his opponent ,true to her history...to Serve.
critical understanding. Christine, Socrates, and Gemli have give me a good edge for my mind tonight. Meanwhile, Ross confused that fragile gray piece. I have already Voted in beautiful Minnesota. (I trust that my admission is not fraught with illegality, as well as likely anger if one or two of my beloved relatives read this.) I hold no regret about my Choice. I'm more amazed every day that, somehow, in spite of the active presence of a Donald J.Trump, this competition is treated by the System as an Equal
Competition between two viable human beings on a balanced field. My amazement is enhanced by the chronic display by the GOP candidate that there is no obvious "Vetting" of his character and qualification for the position being so vigorously sought. To be honestly simple and direct, why is there no psychological evaluation involved? As a long-retired therapist
of some 50 plus years, I agree with the many-time description of his "sociopathic" personality. The freedom with which he repeated lies in easy floating style, never admits being "wrong", let alone "apologize" for anything, is bordered on the N/E/S/W by Himself. Do we expect this man to become suddenly "the Servant of the People"...when his apparent goal in his life has been to Win at serving Himself? I trust his opponent ,true to her history...to Serve.
9
Mr. Douthat, congratulations on a column that was fair, balanced and unafraid.
Since Candidate Trump is himself so unfair, unhinged and unashamed, why don't you do the obvious: Tell us that you are voting for Ms. Clinton.
If General Colin Powell is man enough to go public with his vote, shouldn't you be as well?
I remember that when Mr. Trump officially became the GOP's presidential nominee, George Will announced that the Republican Party simply had to unite and do everything within its power to assure that Mr. Trump was defeated in all 50 states. Sage advice then, even safer advice now.
Since Candidate Trump is himself so unfair, unhinged and unashamed, why don't you do the obvious: Tell us that you are voting for Ms. Clinton.
If General Colin Powell is man enough to go public with his vote, shouldn't you be as well?
I remember that when Mr. Trump officially became the GOP's presidential nominee, George Will announced that the Republican Party simply had to unite and do everything within its power to assure that Mr. Trump was defeated in all 50 states. Sage advice then, even safer advice now.
7
Societies can turn quickly.
Look at the reign of fear and coercion in the few months since the Philippines elected, yes elected, their crazy President Duterte.
He has ushered in a brand of harsh populism where he thumbs his nose at the Constitution, intimates judges and other elected officials and had had thousands summarily executed under the pretext of them being "drug addicts."
I'm sure some political enemies of his will suddenly become "addicts" in his eyes.
His erratic, low life behavior (he once regretted he wasn't part of a gang rape and murder of an Australian missionary - true) is being compared to Trump.
But Trump needs no comparison.
When asked about Putin murdering journalists in Russia, he shot back "we do bad things too."
Not, "that's appalling!!"
Our founders, who knew that the people's right to know is the breath of democracy, would choke on Donald I'm sure.
I could detail all the other Trump atrocities but at some point I'll have to get my Christmas shopping done.
I'll leave you with this.
You and your family are always 4 minutes away from nuclear war. War that would destroy everything and kill everyone you love.
4 minutes from the president saying "launch" which cannot be undone. The system is set up for speed and the command of the president.
Thin skinned, unknowledgable, phony, con man Donald Trump.
You and your family have 4 minutes from any given minute.
To live or die.
Now choose!
Look at the reign of fear and coercion in the few months since the Philippines elected, yes elected, their crazy President Duterte.
He has ushered in a brand of harsh populism where he thumbs his nose at the Constitution, intimates judges and other elected officials and had had thousands summarily executed under the pretext of them being "drug addicts."
I'm sure some political enemies of his will suddenly become "addicts" in his eyes.
His erratic, low life behavior (he once regretted he wasn't part of a gang rape and murder of an Australian missionary - true) is being compared to Trump.
But Trump needs no comparison.
When asked about Putin murdering journalists in Russia, he shot back "we do bad things too."
Not, "that's appalling!!"
Our founders, who knew that the people's right to know is the breath of democracy, would choke on Donald I'm sure.
I could detail all the other Trump atrocities but at some point I'll have to get my Christmas shopping done.
I'll leave you with this.
You and your family are always 4 minutes away from nuclear war. War that would destroy everything and kill everyone you love.
4 minutes from the president saying "launch" which cannot be undone. The system is set up for speed and the command of the president.
Thin skinned, unknowledgable, phony, con man Donald Trump.
You and your family have 4 minutes from any given minute.
To live or die.
Now choose!
7
The dangers of a Trump presidency are very clear. Many Republicans, including our past presidents, see this and will not support him. What they fail to recognize, and need to see, is that Trump is their creature. Fifty years of the morally bankrupt "southern strategy" plus a tolerance for pre-Trump demagogery like the candidacy of Sarah Palin and the rise of the Tea Party have brought us to this pass. So another danger of a Trump victory is that it will confirm the worst tendencies in the Republican party, and leave one of two major parties in the hands of dangerous and ignorant people.
12
I guess that is as close as we get to "sorry".
2
An important danger of a Trump presidency is his failure to acknowledge climate change and therefore his lack of any policy to address it. Climate change is the most critical challenge we face and the clock is ticking. What would he do in the face of the Native American water protectors in North Dakota? And how would he deal with the arrests of journalists who have covered the issue? Would he echo Palin's "drill baby drill" despite scientists' warnings that fossil fuels must stay in the ground if we want our children and grandchildren to live full lives?
6
these scenarios are truly disturbing. the last, geopolitical in particular, is truly frightening.
major economic downturns have almost always led to war. unusually locally. WW II being the exception. Would a Trump president be the "shot" that triggers a WW III rather than, for example a water shortage thought by some? the elements for a global war are present. let's hope that this potential fuse is removed.
think globally not locally.
major economic downturns have almost always led to war. unusually locally. WW II being the exception. Would a Trump president be the "shot" that triggers a WW III rather than, for example a water shortage thought by some? the elements for a global war are present. let's hope that this potential fuse is removed.
think globally not locally.
4
Trump has absolutely no political sense. He also has no diplomatic sense, either. He is a CEO and a showman. The shambles of his presidential campaign is there for all to see. Could anyone, anyone see him working with Congress? With a Cabinet?
2
Never trump... NEVER...
Of course we can't know with certainty, but for oh so long, the signposts have been telling us that trump is, indeed, a huge risk for both the nation and the world.... Not a speculative risk, but a real risk due to his temperament, his ignorance, his rabble-rousing and his incredible lack of relationship with the truth.
So, Ross, your analysis is right on, but now you/we need to say it in a language that ALL his likely supporters, and others, will understand....
He's a LIAR, a CON-MAN, an IGNORAMOUS... and MUCH MORE.... ALL of which thoroughly disqualifies him for the most impactful job in the history of the world. The future of the planet is counting on our judgement.
Of course we can't know with certainty, but for oh so long, the signposts have been telling us that trump is, indeed, a huge risk for both the nation and the world.... Not a speculative risk, but a real risk due to his temperament, his ignorance, his rabble-rousing and his incredible lack of relationship with the truth.
So, Ross, your analysis is right on, but now you/we need to say it in a language that ALL his likely supporters, and others, will understand....
He's a LIAR, a CON-MAN, an IGNORAMOUS... and MUCH MORE.... ALL of which thoroughly disqualifies him for the most impactful job in the history of the world. The future of the planet is counting on our judgement.
2
Ross captures a lot of what I fear in this election. Beyond anxiety over what a Trump presidency would be like out in the world, I really worry about what republican control of all branches of government would do to us to say nothing of an even more conservative SCOTUS. What about Social Security and the other safety nets that help millions of people? What about Roe v Wade and even the right to use contraception? Separation of church and state? Free speech? Ross is right, there is so much to fear. Hillary Clinton certainly isn't perfect but compared to Trump she is the only acceptable alternative.
455
Social security and Roe v Wade aren't going anywhere, as anyone who has followed Trump can see. Nor is Trump an evangelical. It's as if you never had a Republican president before!
And who is a better proponent of free speech than Trump?
And who is a better proponent of free speech than Trump?
A Trump presidency would make W look good again. Trump is deplorable.
2
No mention of the greatest threat on our nation and the earth: Climate Change. We already lost eight years in this fight with those dark times of W. President Obama has made great progress, but this must continue. Our future depends on it!
2
To cut to the chase, Douthat is saying he's going to make the safe, smart choice and vote for Trump.
Kudos to Douthat for staying true to himself.
Kudos to Douthat for staying true to himself.
1
Revenge ... that will be Donald Trump’s first priority, if he is ever sworn
into the presidency. Against every slight he imagines that he ever suffered. Beyond that, he will scurry to find allies - including some liberal ones — because of one big problem that he has. It outweighs every other consideration.
That problem is Mike Pence. Pence was Trump’s olive branch to both the
GOP establishment and the very far-right culture warriors. In theory, it
could keep them calm and loyal enough to get the ticket elected. But in
picking someone that is acceptable to the establishment, he made a huge
mistake. Because Pence is a hack and trivially controllable by the Bush-
Murdoch-Koch masters of the GOP. And he is beloved by the fundies.
This means Trump is impeachment bait. The very instant that Trump commits some over-the-top public relations calamity - as he reflexively seeks revenge for past slights - Paul Ryan will be out there making deals. Ryan will count on the Democrats to scream for Trump’s head, while the Speaker deftly makes his move.
While Democrats foolishly fall for the trap, McConnell and Ryan will provide JUST enough Republican votes to carry a Bill of Impeachment and
then a conviction and removal —
—leaving Mike Pence in the White House, puppeted by Murdoch and the
Bushites and the Koch Brothers… and all the angry poorly-educated Trump supporters frothing hate and blame for Trump’s ouster on Democrats!
into the presidency. Against every slight he imagines that he ever suffered. Beyond that, he will scurry to find allies - including some liberal ones — because of one big problem that he has. It outweighs every other consideration.
That problem is Mike Pence. Pence was Trump’s olive branch to both the
GOP establishment and the very far-right culture warriors. In theory, it
could keep them calm and loyal enough to get the ticket elected. But in
picking someone that is acceptable to the establishment, he made a huge
mistake. Because Pence is a hack and trivially controllable by the Bush-
Murdoch-Koch masters of the GOP. And he is beloved by the fundies.
This means Trump is impeachment bait. The very instant that Trump commits some over-the-top public relations calamity - as he reflexively seeks revenge for past slights - Paul Ryan will be out there making deals. Ryan will count on the Democrats to scream for Trump’s head, while the Speaker deftly makes his move.
While Democrats foolishly fall for the trap, McConnell and Ryan will provide JUST enough Republican votes to carry a Bill of Impeachment and
then a conviction and removal —
—leaving Mike Pence in the White House, puppeted by Murdoch and the
Bushites and the Koch Brothers… and all the angry poorly-educated Trump supporters frothing hate and blame for Trump’s ouster on Democrats!
4
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has had a wheeze of a clock showing the time until nuclear midnight for over half a century. At its best, it was 17 minutes from midnight. Today it's 3. Trump's election would make it 1.
Donald Trump having his finger on the nuclear button would be the worst danger the world has faced since at least the Cuban missile crisis. His bizarre relationship with Russia multiplies the problem by at least an order of magnitude.
Why won't Trump release his tax returns?
We know he doesn't pay taxes. He brags about it.
We know he doesn't have anywhere near the wealth he claims.
We don't know how deeply he is indebted to Putin's banks, and of course his personal finances are far more important than the future of the United States of America.
Dan Kravitz
Donald Trump having his finger on the nuclear button would be the worst danger the world has faced since at least the Cuban missile crisis. His bizarre relationship with Russia multiplies the problem by at least an order of magnitude.
Why won't Trump release his tax returns?
We know he doesn't pay taxes. He brags about it.
We know he doesn't have anywhere near the wealth he claims.
We don't know how deeply he is indebted to Putin's banks, and of course his personal finances are far more important than the future of the United States of America.
Dan Kravitz
4
Julian Assange in an anarchist who is actively supporting Trump because he believes Trump will start one or more wars and blow up the world.
3
Indeed I'm shaking. At least Hillary will replace the 2nd Amendment with a stabilizing "This Union shall bring all its resources and laws and backroom deals to raise the stock markets and related enterprises, without regard for nationality or ongoing legal investigations."
1
ROSS DOUTHAT Has acted as a patriot committed to the oaths of office our elected officials take, to Preserve, Protect and Defend the Constitution of the USA. I wish to express my great appreciation and gratitude to Ross for having put the integrity of reporting and analysis as well as the interest for the safety of the nation to draw a clear and concise summary of a few of the potentially most dangerous risks we would face with a Trump presidency. Placing the survival of the US above his party affiliation is an act of true devotion to our great nation now and in the future. I have disagreed with Ross on a number of points, though I have always appreciated his professional standards of writing and his well argued positions. He has outdone himself in acting to protect all of us from what would be an extremely dangerous, potentially lethal presidency of a person who has neither preparation, interest nor commitment to upholding the oath of office. As Donald pointed out, he'll be on PA Avenue anyhow at his his new hotel if he's not elected. So he stands to profit a lot more from his earnings in his investments than he would on the presidential salary of $400K per year. Let's all give Trump what he asked for in Panama City FL and go out to vote for him on 11/28!
3
Trump did the impossible - he crushed the Republican establishment, and he did it with gleeful sadism. Republican voters are exultant and stand solidly behind Trump.
Reince Priebus, Romney, Ryan, McDonnell, the Bush Family - these old-guard patriarchs have all been crushed under the Trump truck and there's no looking back. They have no further redibility with the base, and that is the real revolution we have witnessed. No Democrat could have pulled this off.
Donald Frankenstein has taken over the Republican castle. And what about those howling peasants with flaming torches? They are his base now, and not yours, Misters Douthat and Brooks. This is the new conservative party you helped decorate - and oh, by the way, you're not invited.
Reince Priebus, Romney, Ryan, McDonnell, the Bush Family - these old-guard patriarchs have all been crushed under the Trump truck and there's no looking back. They have no further redibility with the base, and that is the real revolution we have witnessed. No Democrat could have pulled this off.
Donald Frankenstein has taken over the Republican castle. And what about those howling peasants with flaming torches? They are his base now, and not yours, Misters Douthat and Brooks. This is the new conservative party you helped decorate - and oh, by the way, you're not invited.
5
my latest thesis - formed in the shower last night - is that the polarised hate politics of recent times may be associated with the rise of smartphones and the internet
now that the standard city pedestrian walks along head-down staring at/thumbing a small screen, there is no longer the incidental interaction with different strangers - who are now relegated to the category of simply annoying obstacle in my path - or otherwise completely ignored.
I read years ago that always-on instant communications strengthen strong bonds ("I'm on the bus") and weaken loose bonds - so the casual conversations with a stranger sitting beside you on a park bench/bus stop are now much less likely, with young people regularly reporting that a stranger speaking to them would be regarded as 'creepy'.
Asynchronous communications - sms, email, online messaging, web posts - enable people to feel empowered - I can choose only to post to extremist sites and start to feel this is 'how everybody feels' so what they propose is right and good and 'God Told Me to Kill You'
Many other cultures including the Chinese understand this - in Mandarin 'Che fan le ?' (Have you eaten ?) is important as like cranky toddlers, hungry makes you crazy - so let's eat first then talk, and we'll have a much more relaxed conversation.
More food festivals please - I'm looking to come over for a BBQ tour - of them down-home BBQ states - y'all come !?
now that the standard city pedestrian walks along head-down staring at/thumbing a small screen, there is no longer the incidental interaction with different strangers - who are now relegated to the category of simply annoying obstacle in my path - or otherwise completely ignored.
I read years ago that always-on instant communications strengthen strong bonds ("I'm on the bus") and weaken loose bonds - so the casual conversations with a stranger sitting beside you on a park bench/bus stop are now much less likely, with young people regularly reporting that a stranger speaking to them would be regarded as 'creepy'.
Asynchronous communications - sms, email, online messaging, web posts - enable people to feel empowered - I can choose only to post to extremist sites and start to feel this is 'how everybody feels' so what they propose is right and good and 'God Told Me to Kill You'
Many other cultures including the Chinese understand this - in Mandarin 'Che fan le ?' (Have you eaten ?) is important as like cranky toddlers, hungry makes you crazy - so let's eat first then talk, and we'll have a much more relaxed conversation.
More food festivals please - I'm looking to come over for a BBQ tour - of them down-home BBQ states - y'all come !?
2
As far as comparisons to Trump go, Philippine President Duterte would be a good start.
4
Why would anyone think the upside of change outweighs the downside of disruption by a transparently flawed individual.
His history is rife with nothing other than self-serving greed. He has not shown a jot of understanding of the mantle of the power he seeks. He hasn't even done a modicum of homework towards world affairs.
The most telling quote about him is that he doesn't know Shiite from Shinola.
His history is rife with nothing other than self-serving greed. He has not shown a jot of understanding of the mantle of the power he seeks. He hasn't even done a modicum of homework towards world affairs.
The most telling quote about him is that he doesn't know Shiite from Shinola.
511
History as a whole is rife with much worse than him, as well as much better who were said to be much worse. But here we still are.
Face facts: No one can tell; he might even be quite a good president. Only history can judge.
Face facts: No one can tell; he might even be quite a good president. Only history can judge.
1
Thank you for your fine analysis, Mr. Douthat -- it's just that for many of us, it might be in a different order.
I know for a fact that my friends and relatives in Germany are scared senseless about a Trump presidency, because all over the European continent there has been a steady rise in right-wing violence due to the combination of the recent flood of refugees, and a slowing economy -- and electing a bigot into the White House would only complicate matters further.
And then there's Trump's promise to dismantle NATO. Not good.
On this side of the ocean, a Trump presidency would be the kiss of doom to anyone who isn't WHITE. Get ready for a Civil War.
Of course, the economy also factors into this. And any foreign or domestic investor with reasonable foresight, is already thinking about the next step.
There's no doubt that Trump et al. will always find not only the best deal for himself, but a way not to pay taxes on any profits.
In short, you are not wrong to have fears about what a Trump presidency would do to this country.
And neither is anyone else.
I know for a fact that my friends and relatives in Germany are scared senseless about a Trump presidency, because all over the European continent there has been a steady rise in right-wing violence due to the combination of the recent flood of refugees, and a slowing economy -- and electing a bigot into the White House would only complicate matters further.
And then there's Trump's promise to dismantle NATO. Not good.
On this side of the ocean, a Trump presidency would be the kiss of doom to anyone who isn't WHITE. Get ready for a Civil War.
Of course, the economy also factors into this. And any foreign or domestic investor with reasonable foresight, is already thinking about the next step.
There's no doubt that Trump et al. will always find not only the best deal for himself, but a way not to pay taxes on any profits.
In short, you are not wrong to have fears about what a Trump presidency would do to this country.
And neither is anyone else.
4
Where have you gone, Joe Biden? America lifts its lonely eyes to you.
1
This is a curious article because Ross restricts himself to speculating about likely reactions to a Trump presidency. Why be so gingerly about it? He has made a few promises point-blank about actions he would take himself, and which are therefore far less speculative.
I choose just one because it happens to be so topical at the moment - Trump's plans for the Justice Department. He has said himself that he would immediately seek to bring Hillary up on charges. You say the Attorney General's office would not go along? Not a problem, just purge any uncooperative staff. Compliant people would turn up.
After getting a compliant Justice Department, using the FBI for even more extensive politically-motivated harassment would be fairly easy. Re-instituting torture? Sure, why not? Heading into Hispanic neighborhoods demanding to see everyone's papers? "Open up" libel laws? By all means. Sue everyone who was rude enough to accuse him of sexual assault? Don't want to leave that out. Hey, while you're at it, pardon your family and everyone who works for you in advance for all the tax fraud cases that are probably percolating along.
Get the picture? Half-way to a police state, no speculation required.
I choose just one because it happens to be so topical at the moment - Trump's plans for the Justice Department. He has said himself that he would immediately seek to bring Hillary up on charges. You say the Attorney General's office would not go along? Not a problem, just purge any uncooperative staff. Compliant people would turn up.
After getting a compliant Justice Department, using the FBI for even more extensive politically-motivated harassment would be fairly easy. Re-instituting torture? Sure, why not? Heading into Hispanic neighborhoods demanding to see everyone's papers? "Open up" libel laws? By all means. Sue everyone who was rude enough to accuse him of sexual assault? Don't want to leave that out. Hey, while you're at it, pardon your family and everyone who works for you in advance for all the tax fraud cases that are probably percolating along.
Get the picture? Half-way to a police state, no speculation required.
1016
what you describe are mere national setbacks on the order of say the collapse of the soviet union or british empire actually you dont go nearly that far but lets say. You use Merkel as the alternative the Clinton example and just so. Merkels collapse is demographic it is forever it is genocidal. The Russian and English people are still here, the German Swedish and all the western nations that do not rise up and throw off the Merkels Clintons Bushes Soros etc will not be here. These elites are mad, they think they will be allowed to rule over a worldwide mogadishu good luck I say off with their heads
1
There, Russ, you diid it. Congrats. Now, do you have David Brooks's number?
5
So who are you voting for, Ross???
The greatest negative impact of a Trump administration is that he will ignore climate change and tremendously increase the damage done to human life on this planet.
Oceans will rise faster, storms will be more damaging, and droughts will intensify if Trump is elected.
Billions of people will be negatively effected by Trump including the increase of tens or hundreds of millions of migrants and political instability.
This is not a risk but a certainty.
Oceans will rise faster, storms will be more damaging, and droughts will intensify if Trump is elected.
Billions of people will be negatively effected by Trump including the increase of tens or hundreds of millions of migrants and political instability.
This is not a risk but a certainty.
480
Steve-I agree...Trump feels no remorse about destroying the political process, undermining our Democracy, why would he care about negatively effecting the whole globe, it's not about that...it's all about HIM.
8 years of President Obama and we still don't have a Carbon tax and solar power is being systematically taken out at the local level across the country by the power companies that control the grid.
When the Democrats had the majority they passed two big pieces of legislation, bank reform and health care. They ignored Climate Change and immigration reform. In retrospect both the ACA and the bank reform were effectively failures. Where is the carbon tax?
I fear the democrats are as committed to climate change as they are to gun control.
When the Democrats had the majority they passed two big pieces of legislation, bank reform and health care. They ignored Climate Change and immigration reform. In retrospect both the ACA and the bank reform were effectively failures. Where is the carbon tax?
I fear the democrats are as committed to climate change as they are to gun control.
Hate to break it to you Steve, but there is nothing that the next president can do that will have a significant effect on the climate of the planet. The only way such a result could happen would be with a one-world government. And unless you and your ilk plan to take over Russia, China, and the entire continent of Africa, that ain't happening. Might be better for you worrywarts to take a deep breath and realize that homo sapiens have lived, survived, and thrived on this planet in climates both much warmer and much cooler than today. We will adapt. It will be okay. Now, why not just calm down and direct your efforts toward thing you perhaps can change for the better, and accept those that you cannot.
Every now and then a Conservatives take your breathe away and your column Mr. Douthat is one of those times. Fifteen months ago many of us tuned out many of the Republicans as Trump was leading in the Republican primaries. Now I listen, read and respect many of the Conservatives who have put patriotism above party politics and will not endorse or vote for Trump. I may not agree with you Mr. Douthat but I respect your decision and read carefully your reasoning. This may be the beginning of a new era-people actually listening to each other.
588
If you are listening, then listen to the idea that legislating society is much less of a solution than many people think it is.
Having enough individual responsibility is actually good for you as a human being.
Agree? Which ticket is that?
Having enough individual responsibility is actually good for you as a human being.
Agree? Which ticket is that?
Mentally unstable, intellectually incapable, morally contemptible, emotionally combustible, Trump must not win.
7
Trump trying to reassure skittish markets has the makings of the best comedy sketch yet -- at least for those with no stake in the markets. But the biggest danger from Trump is chaos, as the people he picks to manage the details of this or that policy battle with each other, advance the interests they represent, and make side deals. Congressional factions, the military, the national security apparatus, the diplomatic corps, agribusiness, big pharma, the military-industrial complex, big oil, financial institutions worldwide, other nations -- nobody will know what deals are available at what price or how long the deals will last, or what feuds will appear or disappear, or what the Donald will do next.
Restricting what might happen to market jitters, civil unrest, or international unrest is optimistic beyond belief. All we know is that Trump will suck all the oxygen from the room and that anything not related to Trump will have trouble making the front page or the nightly news. Reading the tea leaves of Twitter will be the newest establishment obsession.
Restricting what might happen to market jitters, civil unrest, or international unrest is optimistic beyond belief. All we know is that Trump will suck all the oxygen from the room and that anything not related to Trump will have trouble making the front page or the nightly news. Reading the tea leaves of Twitter will be the newest establishment obsession.
13
"No mathematical proof can demonstrate that the chance of a solidly-conservative Supreme Court justice isn’t worth a scaled-up risk of great power conflict."
What Father Doubt That fails to mention is that there has never been somebody so close to the presidency with such an astonishing record of reflexive mendacity. Mary McCarthy's insult of Lillian Hellman applies even more claim sely to Trump: "Every word is a lie, including 'and,' and 'the.'" So when you take him at his word that he's going to name Justices like Scalia, on what do you base such faith? And when even that falls through, all you religious potential theocrats will have only yourselves to blame.
The only consistent thread in the fabric of Trump's life has been the power of nepotism. He was president of Trumpty Daddy's real estate operation at 26. All of his adult children are somehow involved in his bidness. So why would he NOT abandon his list of 20 SC candidates when he sniffs the power of nepotism? His sister, Marian Trump Barry, is a Federal Appeals Court Judge, roughly the same level of qualification as Roberts and Alito. He will nominate his sister, despite the fact that she is said to be pro choice.
Anyone who believes Trump, about anything, deserves what he gets.
What Father Doubt That fails to mention is that there has never been somebody so close to the presidency with such an astonishing record of reflexive mendacity. Mary McCarthy's insult of Lillian Hellman applies even more claim sely to Trump: "Every word is a lie, including 'and,' and 'the.'" So when you take him at his word that he's going to name Justices like Scalia, on what do you base such faith? And when even that falls through, all you religious potential theocrats will have only yourselves to blame.
The only consistent thread in the fabric of Trump's life has been the power of nepotism. He was president of Trumpty Daddy's real estate operation at 26. All of his adult children are somehow involved in his bidness. So why would he NOT abandon his list of 20 SC candidates when he sniffs the power of nepotism? His sister, Marian Trump Barry, is a Federal Appeals Court Judge, roughly the same level of qualification as Roberts and Alito. He will nominate his sister, despite the fact that she is said to be pro choice.
Anyone who believes Trump, about anything, deserves what he gets.
10
“The first is sustained market jitters, leading to an economic slump.”
This market volatility was clearly demonstrated on Friday, when the first reports of Jim Comey’s letter to Congress hit the wires. The S&P 500, which had been up from its previous day’s close for most of the day, suddenly dropped 20+ points or ~1% in the 1-2 pm hour. But as more details came out and the market realized that Hillary Clinton was not directly impacted by the renewed FBI investigation, the S&P 500 recovered and closed down marginally.
“The second peril is major civil unrest.”
This is the physically scary aspect of a Donald Trump presidency. He has clearly indicated his preference for “law and order” even if it means reinstituting clearly misused policies, such as, “stop and frisk” on a nationwide basis. This genie has been let out of the law enforcement bottle and it is almost inconceivable in the post-Ferguson era for it to make a peaceful comeback?
“The third likely highly-plausible peril, and by far the most serious, is a rapid escalation of risk in every geopolitical theater.”
There is no doubt in the minds of most of leading professionals in our national security establishment that the election of Donald Trump to the presidency will immediately move the doomsday clock perilously close to midnight.
Let’s pray that the American people choose wisely because their will be no second chance.
This market volatility was clearly demonstrated on Friday, when the first reports of Jim Comey’s letter to Congress hit the wires. The S&P 500, which had been up from its previous day’s close for most of the day, suddenly dropped 20+ points or ~1% in the 1-2 pm hour. But as more details came out and the market realized that Hillary Clinton was not directly impacted by the renewed FBI investigation, the S&P 500 recovered and closed down marginally.
“The second peril is major civil unrest.”
This is the physically scary aspect of a Donald Trump presidency. He has clearly indicated his preference for “law and order” even if it means reinstituting clearly misused policies, such as, “stop and frisk” on a nationwide basis. This genie has been let out of the law enforcement bottle and it is almost inconceivable in the post-Ferguson era for it to make a peaceful comeback?
“The third likely highly-plausible peril, and by far the most serious, is a rapid escalation of risk in every geopolitical theater.”
There is no doubt in the minds of most of leading professionals in our national security establishment that the election of Donald Trump to the presidency will immediately move the doomsday clock perilously close to midnight.
Let’s pray that the American people choose wisely because their will be no second chance.
18
“The third likely highly-plausible peril, and by far the most serious, is a rapid escalation of risk in every geopolitical theater.”
No new President can ever rapidly escalate the international dangers to the United States as clearly as what Barack Obama has done in the past 8 years.
Neither Hillary or Trump could do worse than Obama even with a crazy Congress demanding such malpractice. Obama will hold this record forever.
No new President can ever rapidly escalate the international dangers to the United States as clearly as what Barack Obama has done in the past 8 years.
Neither Hillary or Trump could do worse than Obama even with a crazy Congress demanding such malpractice. Obama will hold this record forever.
Thank you so very much Mr. Douthat for this sorely needed column at this point in the election, amidst the chaos of yesterday's news release by Comey. Hillary Clinton has baggage, warts, and has made mistakes, but she will not endanger this country and the world. Donald Trump is a war looking for a place to happen. He is a clear and present danger to our country and the world. Never mind his lack of temperament and having his finger poised over the nuclear option, he lacks the basic fundamentals and organizational skills required to run the country. You have to have a knowledge base for starters. As you stated, because of his naiveté dealing with world leaders, he would be tested by every villainous leader out there, with most likely disastrous results.
Thank you for stating unequivocally that "Overall, Trump's foreign policy hazing, his rough introduction to machpolitik, promises more danger for global stability...than the risks incurred by....(yes) Hillary Clinton's possible exposure of classified material to the Chinese, the Russians and Anthony Weiner's sexting partners". That is the plain and simple truth.
As for conservatives weighing a choice between global chaos or a Supreme Court justice, I agree: "No mathematical proof can demonstrate that the chance of a solidly-conservative Supreme Court justice isn't worth a scaled-up risk of great power conflict".
Nothing Clinton has done invalidates her being the best choice for President of the United States.
Thank you for stating unequivocally that "Overall, Trump's foreign policy hazing, his rough introduction to machpolitik, promises more danger for global stability...than the risks incurred by....(yes) Hillary Clinton's possible exposure of classified material to the Chinese, the Russians and Anthony Weiner's sexting partners". That is the plain and simple truth.
As for conservatives weighing a choice between global chaos or a Supreme Court justice, I agree: "No mathematical proof can demonstrate that the chance of a solidly-conservative Supreme Court justice isn't worth a scaled-up risk of great power conflict".
Nothing Clinton has done invalidates her being the best choice for President of the United States.
21
You're going to keep this Syria scaremongering up, aren't you? It's terribly difficult to change one's mind about something mid-argument, I know, but you're still wrong. Peruse this, from Gen. John Allen and Charles Lister: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2016/10/24/bring-syrias-...
And you might also read Anne Applebaum's column today re the usefulness of the "World War III" talk emanating from the Kremlin -- and echoed by socialists and isolationist types. Also, and this is not exactly pertinent, but since you keep gushing, but gushing, over Theresa May, you might read this Bagehot column: http://www.economist.com/news/britain/21708223-britains-new-prime-minist... Though I have to admit that you may esteem exactly what Bagehot frets over.
Now, about this Trump creature. Who was it -- was it Charles Blow? Yes, it was Mr. Blow, in what I took to be one of his better pieces of work, who wrote once of the creature's inability to take criticism. At all. Ever. About anything. I cannot express how dangerous I think someone with this character trait -- let alone the others -- would be as President of the United States
And the rest of it -- what you wrote, I mean -- is all terrifically true. Trump is kind of like Ghengis Khan was resurrected, got his head stuffed with all manner of nonsense, and ran for president: Take the oil! Kill the families! Torture them! Rape, plunder, and pillage!
And you might also read Anne Applebaum's column today re the usefulness of the "World War III" talk emanating from the Kremlin -- and echoed by socialists and isolationist types. Also, and this is not exactly pertinent, but since you keep gushing, but gushing, over Theresa May, you might read this Bagehot column: http://www.economist.com/news/britain/21708223-britains-new-prime-minist... Though I have to admit that you may esteem exactly what Bagehot frets over.
Now, about this Trump creature. Who was it -- was it Charles Blow? Yes, it was Mr. Blow, in what I took to be one of his better pieces of work, who wrote once of the creature's inability to take criticism. At all. Ever. About anything. I cannot express how dangerous I think someone with this character trait -- let alone the others -- would be as President of the United States
And the rest of it -- what you wrote, I mean -- is all terrifically true. Trump is kind of like Ghengis Khan was resurrected, got his head stuffed with all manner of nonsense, and ran for president: Take the oil! Kill the families! Torture them! Rape, plunder, and pillage!
13
A more likely scenario of Trump's new administration is an overwhelming fear of making mistakes from lack of experience. This would appear in a reticence to make decisions without very careful consideration.
Trump is terrified of being wrong, failing, or being on the defensive. He will compensate for these fears by under performing rather than over performing. The largest problem from inexperience is lack of confidence and lack of knowledge.
An example of what happens when an inexperienced president is proactive is Jimmy Carter and his numerous mistakes giving the appearance of incompetence. By the time Carter got his sea legs it was too late to save his presidency.
Trump is terrified of being wrong, failing, or being on the defensive. He will compensate for these fears by under performing rather than over performing. The largest problem from inexperience is lack of confidence and lack of knowledge.
An example of what happens when an inexperienced president is proactive is Jimmy Carter and his numerous mistakes giving the appearance of incompetence. By the time Carter got his sea legs it was too late to save his presidency.
2
Jimmy Carter was a very good and intelligent man and did a lot of good things. He was our last truly environmental president, though Obama has done what he could. He was badly mauled by the Iranian hostage crisis, which was unfairly claimed by Reagan.
Trump would in no way approach the competence and goodness of Carter. His deep dishonesty and selfishness and sadism and his history of doing harm everywhere he goes make his potential to do monstrous things very great.
Trump would in no way approach the competence and goodness of Carter. His deep dishonesty and selfishness and sadism and his history of doing harm everywhere he goes make his potential to do monstrous things very great.
14
If this is true he must spend his entire life in a state of abject panic and terror.
1
@michalel kittle
How likely do you think it would be for Trump to suddenly become fearful of making mistakes? In his mind the man has never made a mistake in his life and if anything, winning the presidency would only reassure him of his infallibility. No, what we would get would be chaos. Worldwide.
How likely do you think it would be for Trump to suddenly become fearful of making mistakes? In his mind the man has never made a mistake in his life and if anything, winning the presidency would only reassure him of his infallibility. No, what we would get would be chaos. Worldwide.
The fact that no one can pinpoint where to begin or end with the dangers of Donald Trump shows that we must not go there.
22
As always with Mr. Douthat, he deftly hides what he wants to say between the lines. But with a secret decoder rings and an adapted version of the Dewey Decimal System, I can usually figure out what he means.
What he just said here is "I'm with her".
Will wonders never cease. Knowing how painful that was for you, Mr. Douthat, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
What he just said here is "I'm with her".
Will wonders never cease. Knowing how painful that was for you, Mr. Douthat, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
47
It is clear what Trump's dangers are. But how are they not clear to his fans? Yes, fans -- not "supporters," a word that has more of a standard political connotation. His fans are wild about all his bad qualities.
But there is one that has me scratching my head. Trump's failure to repudiate Russia's confirmed involvement in email hacking/interference in the U.S. political process. Which is worse: that Trump verbally encouraged Russia to do more of it, or that his fans are A-OK with a candidate who hasn't a scintilla of moral rectitude to utter a word in defense of his country? These fans, these goons (I refuse to feel any empathy for them anymore), want to bring this country down. Trump just wants to be king. The condition of the country he ascends to rule is not a big concern of his.
But there is one that has me scratching my head. Trump's failure to repudiate Russia's confirmed involvement in email hacking/interference in the U.S. political process. Which is worse: that Trump verbally encouraged Russia to do more of it, or that his fans are A-OK with a candidate who hasn't a scintilla of moral rectitude to utter a word in defense of his country? These fans, these goons (I refuse to feel any empathy for them anymore), want to bring this country down. Trump just wants to be king. The condition of the country he ascends to rule is not a big concern of his.
26
"..basic level of presidential competence and self-control..."-- Ross Douthat.
Sir, welcome to refreshing sanity. For nothing that HRC poses as a threat to your precious conservative world order, cancels out *any* extreme that would be a basic staple of a Trump presidency.
First, Putin; he *owns* Donald Trump, if not in actuality, then a priori, given Trump's monumental ignorance and disinterest in anything related to serious policy--in any field: scientific, environmental, cultural, commercial, financial, diplomatic, political or historical.
Second, nuclear weapons. As has been demonstrated any number times in this Jekyll-Hyde presidential season, arming South Korea and Japan would alarm the Chinese to a dangerous degree. If Putin coyly diverted Trump's attention to East Asia, how quickly and adroitly could Trump pivot from one danger to another? He would not have American public opinion on his side, not even his base.
Third, a Trump cabinet; who would fill it? He's anything but knowledgeable about simple or complex events that overlap one another, either foreign and domestic. He lacks, as he's amply demonstrated, nuance, subtlety, curiosity and determination. He wants his way and is not scrupulous in how he achieves his ends, as we've come to learn. He "grabs" what he wants.
If his cabinet is staffed with the likes of the 16 men (and woman) he conquered enroute to where he stands today, America's demise will be very close at hand. Along with the rest of the world's.
Sir, welcome to refreshing sanity. For nothing that HRC poses as a threat to your precious conservative world order, cancels out *any* extreme that would be a basic staple of a Trump presidency.
First, Putin; he *owns* Donald Trump, if not in actuality, then a priori, given Trump's monumental ignorance and disinterest in anything related to serious policy--in any field: scientific, environmental, cultural, commercial, financial, diplomatic, political or historical.
Second, nuclear weapons. As has been demonstrated any number times in this Jekyll-Hyde presidential season, arming South Korea and Japan would alarm the Chinese to a dangerous degree. If Putin coyly diverted Trump's attention to East Asia, how quickly and adroitly could Trump pivot from one danger to another? He would not have American public opinion on his side, not even his base.
Third, a Trump cabinet; who would fill it? He's anything but knowledgeable about simple or complex events that overlap one another, either foreign and domestic. He lacks, as he's amply demonstrated, nuance, subtlety, curiosity and determination. He wants his way and is not scrupulous in how he achieves his ends, as we've come to learn. He "grabs" what he wants.
If his cabinet is staffed with the likes of the 16 men (and woman) he conquered enroute to where he stands today, America's demise will be very close at hand. Along with the rest of the world's.
25
Tell her President Trump is coming, and the rule of law is coming with him.
http://i.imgur.com/xN120ZK.png
http://i.imgur.com/xN120ZK.png
2
"The first is sustained market jitters, leading to an economic slump."
Douthat, you're a Republican. Best you leave economic speculation to the capable Professor Krugman.
Although I'm not one to look for silver linings of a possible Trump Presidency, "market jitters," in fact a market meltdown, more likely, might not be bad long term. Investors have been forking undeserved cash into the equity markets, simply because they have no place else to stash it. High market prices reflect the lack of alternative investments, not market confidence.
Would it be too much to imagine that speculators might finally look to park their piles in real investments in the real economy?
I'll leave the details to the wizards (or, more appropriately, wizzes) of Wall Street. Perhaps the Masters of the Universe could even re-discover the lost are of being actual Investment Bankers.
Douthat, you're a Republican. Best you leave economic speculation to the capable Professor Krugman.
Although I'm not one to look for silver linings of a possible Trump Presidency, "market jitters," in fact a market meltdown, more likely, might not be bad long term. Investors have been forking undeserved cash into the equity markets, simply because they have no place else to stash it. High market prices reflect the lack of alternative investments, not market confidence.
Would it be too much to imagine that speculators might finally look to park their piles in real investments in the real economy?
I'll leave the details to the wizards (or, more appropriately, wizzes) of Wall Street. Perhaps the Masters of the Universe could even re-discover the lost are of being actual Investment Bankers.
1
Trump is dangerous. Without a doubt.
He is a dangerous to the establishment, lobbyists, super-PACs, dynastic rule, biased media, failed status quo policies, etc.
Oddly, many Americans seem to love the danger.
He is a dangerous to the establishment, lobbyists, super-PACs, dynastic rule, biased media, failed status quo policies, etc.
Oddly, many Americans seem to love the danger.
12
Protectionism is the progressivism of fools. Gandhi was a great statesman but a horrible economist. Just as the ignorant in the USA argue that American workers who earn $15 per hour should not have to compete with Chinese workers who make $2 per hour, Gandhi thought that Indian workers should not have to compete with American and European workers who have the benefit of modern machines. It took India many years to recover from the protectionism.
Protectionism can save jobs. In the USA the best measurement of the cost per job saved to the rest of the country is about $1 million per job saved. Saving one job might provide $100,000 in gains to the worker and the employer who benefit from the protectionism, but cost the rest of the country $1,000,000. Since the million dollars is just one third of one cent per person in the USA, no one notices it.
To save a million jobs via protectionism would cost the country a S1 trillion which would be about the same impact as a very severe recession. To save 10 million jobs via protectionism would cost the country a S10 trillion. That would make the USA a poorer country than Mexico. That would mean it would be likely the people born in the USA would be going to Mexico to work as servants and dishwashers. The degree of impoverishment that would result from that much protectionism is usually only associated with severe natural disasters or wars..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4002770
Protectionism can save jobs. In the USA the best measurement of the cost per job saved to the rest of the country is about $1 million per job saved. Saving one job might provide $100,000 in gains to the worker and the employer who benefit from the protectionism, but cost the rest of the country $1,000,000. Since the million dollars is just one third of one cent per person in the USA, no one notices it.
To save a million jobs via protectionism would cost the country a S1 trillion which would be about the same impact as a very severe recession. To save 10 million jobs via protectionism would cost the country a S10 trillion. That would make the USA a poorer country than Mexico. That would mean it would be likely the people born in the USA would be going to Mexico to work as servants and dishwashers. The degree of impoverishment that would result from that much protectionism is usually only associated with severe natural disasters or wars..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4002770
2
Loopy Trump should be dragged to the psychiatrist kicking and screaming for treatment for his NPD.
19
Trump has one of those character disorders (narcissistic,histrionic). Unfortunately, such people are impossible or almost impossible to treat, because they cannot see the nature of their disorder. They just simply feel entitled - to everything, including all available air.
I refuse to vote for any presidential candidate under FBI investigation. This is a no brainer decision; we're talking about the top job in the country guys!!
Would you employ someone in your business in these circumstances.
So I don't vote. Both candidates are unsuitable.
Would you employ someone in your business in these circumstances.
So I don't vote. Both candidates are unsuitable.
6
The dangers of Donald Trump are bigger than the White House; this is about our nation's heart and soul. A Trump win would be a win for: fear-mongering, lying and conspiracy-peddling; scapegoating immigrants; using the worst caricatures to assess people of color, Muslims and refugees; entitlement to women's bodies; mocking disability and infirmity; disregarding science as inconvenient; authoritarianism; greed; and all the rest of Trump's cynicism.
These pathologies in our society are even more destructive than an erratic man in the White House.
These pathologies in our society are even more destructive than an erratic man in the White House.
52
There are many dangers of Trump; Ross outlines several. Let me describe the one i fear -- Trump's whole appeal is to empower a minority of downwardly-mobile white males over the majority of everybody else. It can't work without using force.
Trump is riding the tiger -- and if he can't deliver what the tiger wants, it will though him off and eat him.
The problem is that Trump has raised expectations he cannot fulfill; some are completely impossible (Mexico paying for his wall), some won't happen because the Republicans in Congress don't want it, never mind the Democrats.
I don't know how many of Trump's people have read any history at all, but they should study the French Revolution. It's not going to work out well for Trump or his people.
Trump is riding the tiger -- and if he can't deliver what the tiger wants, it will though him off and eat him.
The problem is that Trump has raised expectations he cannot fulfill; some are completely impossible (Mexico paying for his wall), some won't happen because the Republicans in Congress don't want it, never mind the Democrats.
I don't know how many of Trump's people have read any history at all, but they should study the French Revolution. It's not going to work out well for Trump or his people.
27
I suppose there wasn't time to make other than a passing reference to Clinton's wee problem with the FBI, but in a future article, it would be interesting to get an update on her risk assessment, since we're now guaranteed a perpetual investigation once she's in office. Her opening response, indeed, is problematic: I have no idea what's in the emails under investigation. Please. And we know by now how the rest of it goes: OK, I have some idea; OK, there might be an issue, but I was told they weren't classified; OK, they were classified, but no one was hurt; and, finally, OK, it was a mistake. How many times do we need to go through that cycle, and will it be relatively benign once she's in office? Perhaps.
3
If the discussion related to destruction of evidence demanded by judges or a Congressional committee, someone is getting indicted.
There may just be embarrassments for Obama lying about when he found what out, but that won't affect Hillary.
The thing is, these 6 or 8 people around Hillary came into 2009 thinking the law would actually be followed, so all the adjustments to convert to a criminal organization skating ALL rules had to have created roadblocks that could never be erased.
The last bet you want to take is that anything Hillary illegally erased is actually lost forever to the cause of justice. They were utterly ignoring computer secrecy in thinking they just needed to have secrets from the American people.
What will nail the truthfulness of email data coming back to the FBI? The metadata on each message. Get the rest of those consultations done and paid for, Bill. Like, yesterday.
There may just be embarrassments for Obama lying about when he found what out, but that won't affect Hillary.
The thing is, these 6 or 8 people around Hillary came into 2009 thinking the law would actually be followed, so all the adjustments to convert to a criminal organization skating ALL rules had to have created roadblocks that could never be erased.
The last bet you want to take is that anything Hillary illegally erased is actually lost forever to the cause of justice. They were utterly ignoring computer secrecy in thinking they just needed to have secrets from the American people.
What will nail the truthfulness of email data coming back to the FBI? The metadata on each message. Get the rest of those consultations done and paid for, Bill. Like, yesterday.
This is more frigthening than I thought...perhaps someone could "plant" a sexing email exchange between Weiner and Trump on Huma Abedin's laptop.
7
"All The Emails In The World"
All the emails in the world
Won't make him less repulsive
All the emails in the world
Won't make him less disruptive
All the emails in the world
Won't make him more inclusive
All the emails in the world
Won't make him less abusive
When he racially attacks
A federal district court judge
It was not for lack of emails
But because he dangerously holds a grudge
When the Khans were the awful target
Of his guttural elocution
It was not for lack of emails
But his ignorance of our Constitution
When he objectifies all women
And slanders our southern neighbor
It was not for lack of emails
Rather, thinking for him is a labor
You can delete a million emails
With malice or in awful error
But nothing will change the fact
That this man is an American terror
All the emails in the world
Won't make him less repulsive
All the emails in the world
Won't make him less disruptive
All the emails in the world
Won't make him more inclusive
All the emails in the world
Won't make him less abusive
When he racially attacks
A federal district court judge
It was not for lack of emails
But because he dangerously holds a grudge
When the Khans were the awful target
Of his guttural elocution
It was not for lack of emails
But his ignorance of our Constitution
When he objectifies all women
And slanders our southern neighbor
It was not for lack of emails
Rather, thinking for him is a labor
You can delete a million emails
With malice or in awful error
But nothing will change the fact
That this man is an American terror
74
Don't forget that Trump advocates even more tax breaks for the rich, privatizing functions of government, doing way with the ACA which covers 20M Americans with insurance, de-funding Planned Parenthood (which actually provides affordable and accessible healthcare to millions, and criminalizing women who have abortions.
34
I have two friends, both in their mid-fifties, one of whom has never before voted in a presidential election while the other has never before voted for a Democrat. This year they're both voting- for Hillary. That's what Donald Trump can do to you.
75
Today I'm being a broken record about The New Yorker's fine reporting. They did an overview on Trump's planning, and I'd supplement the comments about Putin with more about China and Iran. The latter, of course, being eager to have an excuse to break the nuclear deal, which despite claims to the contrary (sickening dishonesty) actually cut back their potential to make a nuclear weapon, not the reverse. And China is set to be the new world superpower, a process which Trump would considerably hasten. His destabilizing effect on the world economy, on US jobs, and promotion of civil unrest make him deeply dangerous.
And credit to Mr. Douthat for observing that his disappointed followers, when he is unable to deliver on his promises, will be looking for enemies to blame and hurt when their filthy anti-messiah fails to deliver on his promises.
And credit to Mr. Douthat for observing that his disappointed followers, when he is unable to deliver on his promises, will be looking for enemies to blame and hurt when their filthy anti-messiah fails to deliver on his promises.
33
He'd be a middling president if he could ever get out of his own way.
HIs strength would be getting the right people in departments after some missteps here and there. His weakness would be substituting personal political advantage for hard choices required to progress the USA's future.
The problem is that he would need to get going quickly - hit the ground running - and I don't see that.
Hillary has the organization ready to proceed with stuff we need done, especially as she takes over for Obama. The danger is that it all is frittered away on foreign fantasy adventures.
Just seeing words like "machtpolitik" in a column about Hillary should be enough to scare anybody who has lived long enough. Nobody is going to call Trump on day one from Ruritania with urgent calls for action lest honor be lost forever. They'd fear he would ask for a check.
HIs strength would be getting the right people in departments after some missteps here and there. His weakness would be substituting personal political advantage for hard choices required to progress the USA's future.
The problem is that he would need to get going quickly - hit the ground running - and I don't see that.
Hillary has the organization ready to proceed with stuff we need done, especially as she takes over for Obama. The danger is that it all is frittered away on foreign fantasy adventures.
Just seeing words like "machtpolitik" in a column about Hillary should be enough to scare anybody who has lived long enough. Nobody is going to call Trump on day one from Ruritania with urgent calls for action lest honor be lost forever. They'd fear he would ask for a check.
6
If "putting the right people in the right departments" is strength of Donald Trump's, God help us. This is a guy who parrots Alex Jones; from where comes this confidence that Mr. Trump could tell the difference between a competent administrator and a raving lunatic from the deepest tributaries of the far-right fever swamp?
2
In watching one of the major cable news networks today, the commentator made the remark, strangely without a trace of irony, that Trump, if elected, would turn this nation upside down. The idea being that major changes are needed and he represents it.
There is good change as proposed by Hillary Clinton, slow, measured, thoughtful change, and openness to bipartisanship, though it is entirely unclear whether Congress would meet her in compromise.
Donald Trump is the same as the teenage bully boy, lots of bluster and bravado who I imagine would run and hide under a desk in the event of any truly serious challenge, or even more dangerously, lash out viciously at anyone who he feels even questions his judgment.
He brags that he is the same person he was as when he was six years old, yet most people while respecting their inner child, also realize that as we grow older and mature, hopefully we gain knowledge and a measure of wisdom.
Not one bit of that is evident in the Republican nominee. Vote Hillary.
There is good change as proposed by Hillary Clinton, slow, measured, thoughtful change, and openness to bipartisanship, though it is entirely unclear whether Congress would meet her in compromise.
Donald Trump is the same as the teenage bully boy, lots of bluster and bravado who I imagine would run and hide under a desk in the event of any truly serious challenge, or even more dangerously, lash out viciously at anyone who he feels even questions his judgment.
He brags that he is the same person he was as when he was six years old, yet most people while respecting their inner child, also realize that as we grow older and mature, hopefully we gain knowledge and a measure of wisdom.
Not one bit of that is evident in the Republican nominee. Vote Hillary.
353
For once, Ross, I find myself near wholehearted agreement with what you have to say. You assemble a stronger case against Trump than any other concise analysis I've seen from the right or left..
My only quibble is your certainty about Prime Minister May's post-Brexit steadiness. Britain's economy can stabilize and recover long-term if May chooses to employ the Parliamentary system's inherent ability to reverse a disastrous mistake. The jury is still out on whether she will accept the now-majoritarian buyers' remorse and goes (preferably) for no Brexit or soft Brexit; or bows to the hard Brexiteers.
I agree with you that the markets would take a grievous hit with Trump's very election, a point I haven't seen made elsewhere from the right or the left. I fear that Congressional inertia coupled with a four-year term of an unwilling-to-bend Trump will render the US inherently less capable of a course correction than the UK.
One more thing. I understand that you have misgivings about a Hillary presidency, should she be elected; nevertheless, it's incumbent on you as a pundit to guide your party to reject its history of scorched-earth opposition during the Bill Clinton and, especially, the Obama administration. Trump is a natural consequence of the anti-government rhetoric that's all that the current Republican Party knows. It can never hope to be trusted to govern without first re-learning how to be a trustworthy opposition.
My only quibble is your certainty about Prime Minister May's post-Brexit steadiness. Britain's economy can stabilize and recover long-term if May chooses to employ the Parliamentary system's inherent ability to reverse a disastrous mistake. The jury is still out on whether she will accept the now-majoritarian buyers' remorse and goes (preferably) for no Brexit or soft Brexit; or bows to the hard Brexiteers.
I agree with you that the markets would take a grievous hit with Trump's very election, a point I haven't seen made elsewhere from the right or the left. I fear that Congressional inertia coupled with a four-year term of an unwilling-to-bend Trump will render the US inherently less capable of a course correction than the UK.
One more thing. I understand that you have misgivings about a Hillary presidency, should she be elected; nevertheless, it's incumbent on you as a pundit to guide your party to reject its history of scorched-earth opposition during the Bill Clinton and, especially, the Obama administration. Trump is a natural consequence of the anti-government rhetoric that's all that the current Republican Party knows. It can never hope to be trusted to govern without first re-learning how to be a trustworthy opposition.
245
What scares me is an escalation of the race-baiting behavior that we've already seen from a noisy and hurtful minority of Trump's supporters.
234
Although I don't agree with everything in this column, and I so rarely agree with your politics, Mr. Douthat, I appreciate you not allowing your intense dislike of Hillary to cloud your judgement.
Thank you for your courage in stating that you don't want to gamble on Donald Trump, for loving your country more than your party.
Thank you for your courage in stating that you don't want to gamble on Donald Trump, for loving your country more than your party.
646
Ross, thank you for this cogent analysis of the risks of a Trump presidency.
At this late date, Reformicons like yourself represent the only real hope for restoring sanity to a Republican Party that has economically abandoned its working and middle class base, thus causing it to act out in terrible fashion.
Reformicons and Democrats will be able to do business together - and perhaps the first business that we can do together is to put Trump out of his electoral misery, and back into the entertainment industry, where he can still do considerable damage, but not nearly as much as in the Oval Office.
America needs at least two strong political parties, perhaps more, but what Trump has been encouraging is an ugly cult of personality, rather than a respectable, defensible 21st century political movement.
The only good thing that can come out of this Trump candidacy is the vicarious thrill that we can all feel on the morning of November 9th, when we collectively proclaim, "You're fired".
At this late date, Reformicons like yourself represent the only real hope for restoring sanity to a Republican Party that has economically abandoned its working and middle class base, thus causing it to act out in terrible fashion.
Reformicons and Democrats will be able to do business together - and perhaps the first business that we can do together is to put Trump out of his electoral misery, and back into the entertainment industry, where he can still do considerable damage, but not nearly as much as in the Oval Office.
America needs at least two strong political parties, perhaps more, but what Trump has been encouraging is an ugly cult of personality, rather than a respectable, defensible 21st century political movement.
The only good thing that can come out of this Trump candidacy is the vicarious thrill that we can all feel on the morning of November 9th, when we collectively proclaim, "You're fired".
364
Which will be the better headline
Madame President
Or
Beat by a girl?!
Madame President
Or
Beat by a girl?!
5
Matthew: I hope that, after the election, some "Reformicons" come out of the woodwork to make the deals necessary to have a functional government. The sad alternative is another near decade of gridlock. I have my doubts.
2
The dangers of the GOP nominee are actually more basic than the esoterics Douthat postulates; i.e., the nominee can't perform the daily functions of a POTUS.
Describing his daily biz routine, the Billionaire has told us he doesn't like schedules and takes each day as it comes. As well, it's been widely reported that John Kasich was approached to be GOP'er Veep, with the promise that he would be in charge of foreign policy, etc., while Don the Con was making America great again:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/magazine/how-donald-trump-picked-his-r...
And we know the GOP nominee doesn't like being away from one of his own beds overnight:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-trump-idUSKBN0UM17220160108
The guy is a ' disruptor ', who doesn't have the temperament to do the basic duties of POTUS; if he won election, he'd have to resign because there are so many things about the job he can't/won't actually do:
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/there-are-presidential-duties-tr...
and Mike Pence stepping up to replace a resigned Drumpf would suit GOP'ers just fine.
Describing his daily biz routine, the Billionaire has told us he doesn't like schedules and takes each day as it comes. As well, it's been widely reported that John Kasich was approached to be GOP'er Veep, with the promise that he would be in charge of foreign policy, etc., while Don the Con was making America great again:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/magazine/how-donald-trump-picked-his-r...
And we know the GOP nominee doesn't like being away from one of his own beds overnight:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-trump-idUSKBN0UM17220160108
The guy is a ' disruptor ', who doesn't have the temperament to do the basic duties of POTUS; if he won election, he'd have to resign because there are so many things about the job he can't/won't actually do:
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/there-are-presidential-duties-tr...
and Mike Pence stepping up to replace a resigned Drumpf would suit GOP'ers just fine.
202
Mike Pence stepping up, apart from the horror of that, might be impossible should the forces of chaos Trump attracts and encourages explode with the speed and ferocity that are the completely logical outcome of Trump in the White House.
There are many checks on what a President can do to us domestically, witness the near total frustration of Obama.
There are very few check on what a President can do to us in foreign policy, and in particular getting us into wars. Witness Hillary in Libya.
The greater danger is wars. The Hillary Wars.
Next, trade agreements, essentially foreign policy.
Finally, the freedom of Wall Street to act world wide economically is part of foreign policy.
The fears of Trump in contrast are real, and serious, but can be checked better than the risks from Hillary.
There are very few check on what a President can do to us in foreign policy, and in particular getting us into wars. Witness Hillary in Libya.
The greater danger is wars. The Hillary Wars.
Next, trade agreements, essentially foreign policy.
Finally, the freedom of Wall Street to act world wide economically is part of foreign policy.
The fears of Trump in contrast are real, and serious, but can be checked better than the risks from Hillary.
19
Hillary is most unlikely to run guns blazing into any conflict. All her actions, including Libya (which is much less of a disaster than pundits claim in spite of Benghazii, contrast it with Syria), show careful calculation. She will not shy from taking action if it looks like it may be less dangerous than not taking it, but she will not start rattling sabers if sailors stray into hostile territory, unlike Trump whose first instinct is to threaten to bomb the country into smithereens if the sailors are not released immediately. There is nothing more counterproductive than issuing threats when the other side feels its integrity is at stake. Escalation is sure to follow. Trump understands zero about how diplomacy is conducted.
175
Do you really believe that a Republican Senate, a Republican House, and a Republican Supreme Court are going to "check" the lunacy of Trump? This is the ultimate recipe for disaster. I would expect full-tilt racism, the destruction of our economy in the name of "trickle down" theories, and a complete loss of our international standing. Hillary is as stable as a rock compared to the loose cannon Trump. He scares the daylights out of me.
15
Nonsense. The loose cannon is Trump. Way more likely to start a stupid war, despite what he says. Look at the behavior, everyday and through his whole life.
Irresponsible, rabid madman. Clinton is a saint by comparison.
Irresponsible, rabid madman. Clinton is a saint by comparison.
13
These are the fears of an establishmentarian. Yet it’s precisely elite establishment politics that so many Americans have rejected because for so long they’ve paralyzed our governance: people are mad as hell and they’re not going to take it anymore.
People WANT a president who steps out of the box to address central problems that have vexed us for decades but that our safe, self-interested pols, on BOTH sides, have utterly failed to address effectively. Poverty has been attacked since LBJ’s Great Society at a cost of TRILLIONS in today’s dollars, and where are we? With about as many poor as we had then. How are our inner cities better off than they were fifty years ago? Our entitlements are eating us up alive, piling debt on debt even AFTER Obama was able to get taxes hiked and accepted the sequester; and our states are going bankrupt on Medicaid. Mrs. Clinton wants to DOUBLE-DOWN on “investments”, intensify regulation and speaks blithely of “open borders”.
The establishment has had DECADES to make a dent in our most serious problems and to prevent them from becoming catastrophes. It has failed at this about as badly as it could. Are there dangers that we risk with a Donald Trump presidency? Sure. Are the risks so great that they eclipse the near-certainly of four MORE years of political paralysis as a Clinton presidency seeks to do things that at LEAST a Republican House absolutely rejects? No, they’re not.
Trump would do just fine, and we’d get moving again.
People WANT a president who steps out of the box to address central problems that have vexed us for decades but that our safe, self-interested pols, on BOTH sides, have utterly failed to address effectively. Poverty has been attacked since LBJ’s Great Society at a cost of TRILLIONS in today’s dollars, and where are we? With about as many poor as we had then. How are our inner cities better off than they were fifty years ago? Our entitlements are eating us up alive, piling debt on debt even AFTER Obama was able to get taxes hiked and accepted the sequester; and our states are going bankrupt on Medicaid. Mrs. Clinton wants to DOUBLE-DOWN on “investments”, intensify regulation and speaks blithely of “open borders”.
The establishment has had DECADES to make a dent in our most serious problems and to prevent them from becoming catastrophes. It has failed at this about as badly as it could. Are there dangers that we risk with a Donald Trump presidency? Sure. Are the risks so great that they eclipse the near-certainly of four MORE years of political paralysis as a Clinton presidency seeks to do things that at LEAST a Republican House absolutely rejects? No, they’re not.
Trump would do just fine, and we’d get moving again.
21
Ross’s gloom assumes that nothing that we’ve learned over forty years about Trump is real and that his true persona is the one he crafted to stitch together a constituency.
He wouldn’t be a gift to bad cops, but would hold bad cops accountable while encouraging more aggressive preemptive action the absence of which probably is the cause of our increasing crime. Sustained market jitters? The loss of a “safe” Clinton presidency likely would cause immediate jitters, but in the teeth of lower taxes and rewound regulation? Not likely. And if his team was composed of seasoned hands – who would flock to Trump the president as they haven’t to Trump the risky nominee – then risks of an unmanageable “Trump production” are low.
Ross’s concerns about civil unrest have no real underpinning. Supporting cops while holding them accountable likely WOULD staunch the rising crime rate. Because it’s one of our central problems, Trump could seek to address police abuse by finding federal money to help states and municipalities better train and supervise cops.
As to performance on the global stage, his life suggests an approach that identifies real interests then finds the bases of deals, in this case avoiding unnecessary friction and the need to intervene militarily. Hillary Clinton is FAR more a hawk than Donald Trump.
Ross underestimates the power of inertia just as he underestimates the need for a galvanic jump-start to our governance – even if it has a loud mouth and boorish behavior.
He wouldn’t be a gift to bad cops, but would hold bad cops accountable while encouraging more aggressive preemptive action the absence of which probably is the cause of our increasing crime. Sustained market jitters? The loss of a “safe” Clinton presidency likely would cause immediate jitters, but in the teeth of lower taxes and rewound regulation? Not likely. And if his team was composed of seasoned hands – who would flock to Trump the president as they haven’t to Trump the risky nominee – then risks of an unmanageable “Trump production” are low.
Ross’s concerns about civil unrest have no real underpinning. Supporting cops while holding them accountable likely WOULD staunch the rising crime rate. Because it’s one of our central problems, Trump could seek to address police abuse by finding federal money to help states and municipalities better train and supervise cops.
As to performance on the global stage, his life suggests an approach that identifies real interests then finds the bases of deals, in this case avoiding unnecessary friction and the need to intervene militarily. Hillary Clinton is FAR more a hawk than Donald Trump.
Ross underestimates the power of inertia just as he underestimates the need for a galvanic jump-start to our governance – even if it has a loud mouth and boorish behavior.
6
@Richard: Completely wrong on all fronts. Apart from everything else (i.e., the fact that he's a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe and a man completely without empathy, humility or decency), there is nothing in his 70 years on this planet that gives us any reason to think that he believes in compromise. The "deals" that he's made along the way to his bankruptcy filings have had the sole purpose of creating personal enrichment (his creditors be darned). His attacks on anyone who doesn't respect him as the best, the brightest, the cleverest, the wealthiest and the most physically attractive (!) pretty well speak for themselves. His volatile temperament would lead the nation to war far more rapidly than would Hillary's long history of considered diplomacy. And as for the economy, what does it tell you that the stock market tumbled as soon as the FBI announced that they had found a new (?) trove of Hillary e-mails on the Weinerschnitzel? It's clear that Wall Street can't deal with even the possibility of a President Trump. Richard, your new-found disgust for the political "establishment" is truly touching (it's been mourning in America for the Bush brothers ever since you abandoned all they've held dear) but the man in whom you've now invested all of your hopes for American civilization has as much regard for you as he did for the wives he's cheated on and the women he's used. But do make sure to keep on paying your taxes: he may well need the military you've helped to fund.
832
What I'm looking forward to: in a couple of weeks Hillary will be elected. Trump will, of course, not go away. He'll kvetch and moan and whine and protest. He'll start a media empire. His various trials, also all rigged, will get going.
My hope as this all proceeds, Richard, is that you continue posting with your opinions about your guy, his behavior, his very public trials, and the messages he blathers on his network until it folds. Please, Richard. We so need the voice of the articulate Trumpian contemplating the virtues of the loser.
My hope as this all proceeds, Richard, is that you continue posting with your opinions about your guy, his behavior, his very public trials, and the messages he blathers on his network until it folds. Please, Richard. We so need the voice of the articulate Trumpian contemplating the virtues of the loser.
192
Throughout the campaign, Trump has demonstrated profound ignorance about facts, current domestic and foreign policy issues, and even about his own policy proposals. And, he has demonstrated profound ignorance about the constitutional system of government we live under. This makes him extremely dangerous, too.
672
I believe only the corrupt should be afraid of Trump.
The Trump Tower Address: January 20 2017
"240 years ago - or whatever - our fore-f-ing-fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all white men are created equal...and I intend to carry on in that great Make America White Again tradition.
Now we are engaged in a great new civil war in 2017 - greatly aided and abetted by the wonderful Birther Lie, the Email and Benghazi Witch Trials, the Fake News Channel and great Americans like Rush Limbaugh doing tremendous work on hate radio all across Republistan - all of which I take personal credit for - and we will continue to tear this nation's fabric apart on the basic of race, gender, religion and class in the interest of dividing and conquering ourselves.
We meet on a great battlefield of a self-induced right-wing propaganda against ourselves. We have come here to dedicate Trump Tower as the new American White House, the burial place of American dignity and humility in the name of narcissistic wealth, mindless buffoonery and mass cultured stupidity. The world will never forget the tax-dodging, draft-dodging, vengeful, boastful, moneyed parasite and sexual predator who lives here.
We must be dedicated to the great task before us -- the construction of thousands of new Donald Trump statues to be erected in my honor - Americans must increase their devotion to that tremendous cause - government of Trump, by Trump, for Trump shall not perish from the earth."
"240 years ago - or whatever - our fore-f-ing-fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all white men are created equal...and I intend to carry on in that great Make America White Again tradition.
Now we are engaged in a great new civil war in 2017 - greatly aided and abetted by the wonderful Birther Lie, the Email and Benghazi Witch Trials, the Fake News Channel and great Americans like Rush Limbaugh doing tremendous work on hate radio all across Republistan - all of which I take personal credit for - and we will continue to tear this nation's fabric apart on the basic of race, gender, religion and class in the interest of dividing and conquering ourselves.
We meet on a great battlefield of a self-induced right-wing propaganda against ourselves. We have come here to dedicate Trump Tower as the new American White House, the burial place of American dignity and humility in the name of narcissistic wealth, mindless buffoonery and mass cultured stupidity. The world will never forget the tax-dodging, draft-dodging, vengeful, boastful, moneyed parasite and sexual predator who lives here.
We must be dedicated to the great task before us -- the construction of thousands of new Donald Trump statues to be erected in my honor - Americans must increase their devotion to that tremendous cause - government of Trump, by Trump, for Trump shall not perish from the earth."
647
Perish the thought.
4
Excellent parody. Lincoln would be proud of you.
5
Ross: only if immediately, there is a Permanent Sub-Committee to investigate Hillary Rodham Clinton for the next 20 years.
When 32% of her supporters -- supporters -- call her "dishonest," only fools and children would let her go, unmonitored.
Otherwise -- it's impeachment hearings, on Day 1.
Worst presidential election in modern history. With nothing better, immediately on the horizon.
When 32% of her supporters -- supporters -- call her "dishonest," only fools and children would let her go, unmonitored.
Otherwise -- it's impeachment hearings, on Day 1.
Worst presidential election in modern history. With nothing better, immediately on the horizon.
Thank you, Ross. You are a true patriot.
273
Could you ever have imagined that you’d be living in a world in which Ross Douthat wrote a desperate column pleading for the election of Hillary Clinton? “May you live in interesting times,” goes the old Chinese curse, and we’re living smack in the middle of the most interesting times any of us could have imagined.
Trump would be the most unpredictable, erratic and psychologically unstable character ever to occupy the throne in the Oval Office. Professional conservative pundits know this. They’re terrified. Not only would a Trump presidency signal the end of the Republican Party, it might well signal the end of the world as we know it.
Republicans must realize that all of their vilification of Barack Obama seems so petty and wrong-headed now. I suppose they’d like to take back their relentless demonization of Hillary Clinton. Which restrooms transgender kids use must seem so irrelevant. And let the gays have their wedding cakes! If it would mean the end of Donald Trump’s looming presence, I’d wager that Republicans would send a donation to Planned Parenthood.
Yet even as we approach the bottomless chasm of a potential Trump presidency, stalwart Republicans like Trey Gowdy and Paul Ryan are doubling down on their anti-Clinton rhetoric. It’s hard to explain why they would do this, until your realize that parents always love the child they’ve spawned, regardless of how hideous it may be.
And to be honest, the family resemblance is striking.
Trump would be the most unpredictable, erratic and psychologically unstable character ever to occupy the throne in the Oval Office. Professional conservative pundits know this. They’re terrified. Not only would a Trump presidency signal the end of the Republican Party, it might well signal the end of the world as we know it.
Republicans must realize that all of their vilification of Barack Obama seems so petty and wrong-headed now. I suppose they’d like to take back their relentless demonization of Hillary Clinton. Which restrooms transgender kids use must seem so irrelevant. And let the gays have their wedding cakes! If it would mean the end of Donald Trump’s looming presence, I’d wager that Republicans would send a donation to Planned Parenthood.
Yet even as we approach the bottomless chasm of a potential Trump presidency, stalwart Republicans like Trey Gowdy and Paul Ryan are doubling down on their anti-Clinton rhetoric. It’s hard to explain why they would do this, until your realize that parents always love the child they’ve spawned, regardless of how hideous it may be.
And to be honest, the family resemblance is striking.
1274
Even Chelsea couldn't stomach the greed and corruption! "resemblance is striking": Webb Hubbell
1
Gemli: Your imagining of Republicans sentient enough to fear a Trump Presidency are uncharacteristically pollyanna-ish.
I didn't know Ross had it in him. But I'll bet this is more about professional self-preservation than any other Douthat-ian instinct. Same for any other Republican fear: They're worried more about their own professional backsides, than any damage Trump might do to the country.
But the bulk of Republicans think President Trump is a great idea. I only wish the United States could afford the destruction, because the Republicans have really earned themselves the lessons a President Trump would teach them, and they deserve a President Trump.
Unfortunately, losing the United States is a more precarious prospect than Republicans screwing up Kansas and Louisiana, as they have. Kansas and Louisiana are dispensable and probably even recoverable, if necessary.
Let the Republicans and the Koch Brothers continue to "experiment" with their state-level Gilbert Chemistry sets, in the basement, where little boys can blow themselves up without harming the rest of the family.
Eventually, possibly, conceivably, but not likely, Republicans might one day "evolve" to learning the lessons of their insistent rectal-cranial (hat tip to an old acquaintance) ideological inversions.
I didn't know Ross had it in him. But I'll bet this is more about professional self-preservation than any other Douthat-ian instinct. Same for any other Republican fear: They're worried more about their own professional backsides, than any damage Trump might do to the country.
But the bulk of Republicans think President Trump is a great idea. I only wish the United States could afford the destruction, because the Republicans have really earned themselves the lessons a President Trump would teach them, and they deserve a President Trump.
Unfortunately, losing the United States is a more precarious prospect than Republicans screwing up Kansas and Louisiana, as they have. Kansas and Louisiana are dispensable and probably even recoverable, if necessary.
Let the Republicans and the Koch Brothers continue to "experiment" with their state-level Gilbert Chemistry sets, in the basement, where little boys can blow themselves up without harming the rest of the family.
Eventually, possibly, conceivably, but not likely, Republicans might one day "evolve" to learning the lessons of their insistent rectal-cranial (hat tip to an old acquaintance) ideological inversions.
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I hope that the prospect of a Trump victory helps democrats put social justice issues in perspective. Democrats need to focus on governing well and not attempting to re-engineer society's moral structure into something that would coastal millennial crybullies happy. As Douthat correctly notes, there are geopolitical issues far more important than the "cultural appropriation" and BLM and Kafkaesque man-hating kangaroo college tribunals. Most Americans are secretly and viscerally disgusted with this nonsense. They're sick of walking on eggshells in public. They're sick of fearing for their jobs if they one edgy joke. They're sick of feeling alienated in their own neighborhoods.
The democratic response to these concerns has been derision, mockery, and Twitter bullying. These tactics just fuel the sentiment that propelled Trump to prominence. The sentiment won't disappear if Trump loses this time. If the democrats don't stop pushing this unpopular social program, a future Trump will do it for them, and democrats really won't like what else that future Trump will do.
The democratic response to these concerns has been derision, mockery, and Twitter bullying. These tactics just fuel the sentiment that propelled Trump to prominence. The sentiment won't disappear if Trump loses this time. If the democrats don't stop pushing this unpopular social program, a future Trump will do it for them, and democrats really won't like what else that future Trump will do.
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I accidentally stumbled on this before Director Comey's political hand grenade was thrown Friday ( which he was advised NOT to do by career FBI and Justice officials, we discover today in excellent reporting from The NYT).
And while I agree on you on your 3 dangers from a Trump presidency, I think you've left out the most important which has been on full display since yesterday.
Which is this: an assault in civil liberties. You allude to some in your discussion of civil unrest, but you could have included attacks on free speech, curbs on press freedoms, and a frightening rhetoric that strays from our system of jurisprudence.
To hear Trump scream that the Clinton emails are worse than watergate -- rush to judgment without evidence--is unnerving. Would President Trump jail critics or anybody who looked at him the wrong way without due process? Would he fire judges, and FBI agents whose investigations and conclusions he disagrees with? Would he institute double jeopardy or extra post facto actions within his administration?
So yes: markets, civic unrest, and reckless foreign policy are real dangers. But what about a president who tries to overturn laws, constitutional principles, and every underpinning of how our democratic republic has run since the birth of this nation?
And while I agree on you on your 3 dangers from a Trump presidency, I think you've left out the most important which has been on full display since yesterday.
Which is this: an assault in civil liberties. You allude to some in your discussion of civil unrest, but you could have included attacks on free speech, curbs on press freedoms, and a frightening rhetoric that strays from our system of jurisprudence.
To hear Trump scream that the Clinton emails are worse than watergate -- rush to judgment without evidence--is unnerving. Would President Trump jail critics or anybody who looked at him the wrong way without due process? Would he fire judges, and FBI agents whose investigations and conclusions he disagrees with? Would he institute double jeopardy or extra post facto actions within his administration?
So yes: markets, civic unrest, and reckless foreign policy are real dangers. But what about a president who tries to overturn laws, constitutional principles, and every underpinning of how our democratic republic has run since the birth of this nation?
1349
You are assuming that Trump hasn't seen the emails! I think Trump has been giving his friend Hillary the opportunity to bow out before the anvil drops; but it may be too late now. Emails could lead to treason charges, Foundation "pay for play" could lead to RICO charges, Coincidental deaths could lead to ...
I wonder if a President Trump would cheer on the most extreme of his partisans to intimidate and bully anyone who would dare to disagree with Trump. Would we see more cases of violence aimed at Planned Parenthood clinics, for example?
5
To cut to the chase, Douthat is saying he's going to make the safe, smart choice and vote for Clinton.
Kudos to Douthat for staying true to himself.
Kudos to Douthat for staying true to himself.
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