I'm afraid there are voters out there who will take this seriously & vote for Trump. :(
75
I will add a few reasons to that list. All your readers need do is google "You've been Trumped Too", a film(free preview tonight) by Anthony Baxter.
I am a big believer in Democracy - I certainly hope and pray that "Democracy" speaks Loud and True! on your National Voting Day on the 08th. PH
I am a big believer in Democracy - I certainly hope and pray that "Democracy" speaks Loud and True! on your National Voting Day on the 08th. PH
29
Which would threaten your country's all-but-sacred constitution more: prohibiting and in all ways other ways censuring deranged man-boys such as Mr. Trump from running for office in the first place or permitting such miscreants to run for whatever office they choose up to and including the Presidency and then watching them effectively flush that self-same constitution right down the toilet by making man-boy decisions.
If your country is able to dodge the Trump bullet on November 8, perhaps your law-makers would be willing to amend your constitution so that future Trumps would be unable to run. The rights and freedoms of the collective are surely more important than those of individual Trumps.
If your country is able to dodge the Trump bullet on November 8, perhaps your law-makers would be willing to amend your constitution so that future Trumps would be unable to run. The rights and freedoms of the collective are surely more important than those of individual Trumps.
70
We are using our "human brains" to the capacity we have been allowed. It isn't as though any culture openly welcomes an unsavory past in their children's History classes. My sense is, without any actual reason beyond experience, men in general are frightened at many different levels and Mr Trump's decisive and brash manner has an appeal.
We have been politically weaned with a sweet tasting bottle of ingredients safe enough to pass question, but not very nutritive. In the long run in which we are now competing, political powers with billions of followers are not prepared to be told what they as humans can do by others from another part of the world
Few people exposed to any sort of culture other than their own are able to accept the values of that culture without question and we are no different. We conquered, by any means necessary, all obstacles, including indigenous human beings of two continents in a search for the power of wealth.
We were also aided and abetted as we still are by teachings which frankly pervert the human experience through adherence to beliefs which will always and can only be beliefs. The basis of their appeal lies in calming the fear and uncertainty all of us share. Calming however does not lessen the fear nor address the uncertainty
Until the question you ask regarding reptilian brains and the belief held there is explored and exposed, some of us will remain frightened and ignorant while others will exploit this reality.
We need truth
We have been politically weaned with a sweet tasting bottle of ingredients safe enough to pass question, but not very nutritive. In the long run in which we are now competing, political powers with billions of followers are not prepared to be told what they as humans can do by others from another part of the world
Few people exposed to any sort of culture other than their own are able to accept the values of that culture without question and we are no different. We conquered, by any means necessary, all obstacles, including indigenous human beings of two continents in a search for the power of wealth.
We were also aided and abetted as we still are by teachings which frankly pervert the human experience through adherence to beliefs which will always and can only be beliefs. The basis of their appeal lies in calming the fear and uncertainty all of us share. Calming however does not lessen the fear nor address the uncertainty
Until the question you ask regarding reptilian brains and the belief held there is explored and exposed, some of us will remain frightened and ignorant while others will exploit this reality.
We need truth
20
Trump is the reality show contestant in the longest running "show" in American history.
He is a disgusting example of what a leader is and unequivocally unfit and unprepared to lead this country.
He is a pathological liar and con artist.
I feel sorry for the Trump marks or voters if you will.
They have been duped and they suffer from Stockholm syndrome.
He is a disgusting example of what a leader is and unequivocally unfit and unprepared to lead this country.
He is a pathological liar and con artist.
I feel sorry for the Trump marks or voters if you will.
They have been duped and they suffer from Stockholm syndrome.
65
The dilemma we face is due, in more than some small part, to the collusion of the DNC and the media, including the New York Times (Krugman saying Bernie supporters were "unicorns", for example) to trash the wildly popular ideas and person of Bernie Sanders, an honest and hard working politician for so many years. Bernie would have beat Trump in a walk.
68
It's become increasingly interesting to me that Kristof, Krugman and Friedman all consider Secretary Clinton's difficulties in telling the truth and in mishandling of classified data as SoS as such light fare compared with her opponent's lack of "saintliness" to use Kristoff's language. Why is that? Pure partisanship?
I for one do hope we find some of those 33,000 "deleted" emails. Might be like finally finding the WMD in Iraq that President Bush and VP Cheney were so certain existed prior to our invasion.
Her flaws are every bit as egregious as his, but done on a state/national level. Trump Foundation does not compare to hers and let's hope the struggle within FBI to pursue possible indictment proceeds.
The FBI has become, thanks to Lynch and Comey, very suspect in its objectivity! They probably should both resign.
I for one do hope we find some of those 33,000 "deleted" emails. Might be like finally finding the WMD in Iraq that President Bush and VP Cheney were so certain existed prior to our invasion.
Her flaws are every bit as egregious as his, but done on a state/national level. Trump Foundation does not compare to hers and let's hope the struggle within FBI to pursue possible indictment proceeds.
The FBI has become, thanks to Lynch and Comey, very suspect in its objectivity! They probably should both resign.
35
You're right that the Trump foundation doesn't compare to the Clinton foundation. The latter actually is a force for good in the world. And her supposed flaws are at the national level because she actually has been working at the national level to accomplish things, while Trump works only to increase his personal wealth, which he hasn't done a very good job of at times (losing a billion dollars in 1 year).
117
Race tightens as nation gets stupider
144
Here's another stupid factoid in this stupid race: A few days ago the Democratic Super-PAC decided to stop running media ads in Florida because it's "too expensive as a media market." So Trump and Rubio ads run heavily down here, spewing their dishonestly, completely unchallenged by any ads from the other side. Yet supposedly Florida is such an important swing state, the race is close, it's 'critical' - etc - so how does this make sense? Although many voters have already decided, some will indeed be swayed at the last minute. Do the Dems no longer care about this?
I read that the Super-PAC felt its dollars could better be spent elsewhere, which is cynical and hard to believe. Furthermore, looking past 2016 elections, a steady diet of one-sided hate creates bias and ignorance, which in turn cause long-term problems. It shouldn't be just about winning next Tuesday: it should be about future elections, too.
I read that the Super-PAC felt its dollars could better be spent elsewhere, which is cynical and hard to believe. Furthermore, looking past 2016 elections, a steady diet of one-sided hate creates bias and ignorance, which in turn cause long-term problems. It shouldn't be just about winning next Tuesday: it should be about future elections, too.
22
Excellent. When I see President Obama barnstorming battleground states for Mrs.Clinton, it strikes me that here is a person who did not have to exorcise
private and some not do private demons like his two predecessors. Mr.Trump is totally beyond redemption at multiple character levels. We may or may not agree with Mrs.Clinton's politics but the worst that has been dug up is her ineptness in handling emails. Let's hope NYT's editorial barnstorming in the final days of this bitter campaign will sway enough of the doubting and fickle electorate to vote and vote for the person with the better character.
private and some not do private demons like his two predecessors. Mr.Trump is totally beyond redemption at multiple character levels. We may or may not agree with Mrs.Clinton's politics but the worst that has been dug up is her ineptness in handling emails. Let's hope NYT's editorial barnstorming in the final days of this bitter campaign will sway enough of the doubting and fickle electorate to vote and vote for the person with the better character.
52
Not for the first time, Professor Pinker hits the nail on the head. This election is a choice between:
1) voting for Trump, which would mean a perilous regression to responding to the world with our most primitive and base instincts, or
2) voting for Clinton, who maybe, just maybe, can help our country and society progress toward a more civilized future.
There is much to dislike about both candidates. But, at its core, this election is about moving drastically backward or struggling to move ahead against huge odds - some structural and some that Hillary Clinton brings upon herself.
1) voting for Trump, which would mean a perilous regression to responding to the world with our most primitive and base instincts, or
2) voting for Clinton, who maybe, just maybe, can help our country and society progress toward a more civilized future.
There is much to dislike about both candidates. But, at its core, this election is about moving drastically backward or struggling to move ahead against huge odds - some structural and some that Hillary Clinton brings upon herself.
47
Michael Moore said it perfectly: People are voting for Trump not because they like them but because it is the only legal way to throw a firebomb at the elites in DC who have systematically dismantled the middle class through globalist policies. Why can't people get that?
61
Exactly. The same was the case for Brexit in England. The people are tired of rule by the elite.
21
Brilliant essay. Hit the nail on the head 5 times.
24
I, for one, look forward to nuking the middle east; ending the vote for blacks, women, and LGBT; impoverishing everyone who isn't a Trump worshiper; giving Russia the go-ahead to invade and conquer Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia; telling our European allies to go you-know-what themselves with their treaties; more slaughter of Native Americans and African Americans; no more health care except for the top one percent; the total enslavement of women without recourse to birth control, legal and safe abortion; heck let's just kill all women over 40 unless they can still clean and wash socks. Then let's make it legal for white males to sexually prey upon those under 18. I'm quite sure in this up-and-coming world, all kinds of corporations will be delighted. We will remove all hindrances to oil and gas, rape the land, poison the rivers, lakes and ocean, and end the EPA so that ecosystems can just die off. Who needs polar bears, anyway? They don't do anything. Then, as the rest of the world closes in on us, perhaps global warming will speed up making it impossible for human beings to stay alive. That last one might be the biggest gift we could give the planet! Go Trump and GOP! Sorry. I'm having trouble staying calm these last few days. Can't imagine what is getting into me...
119
Your third point reminds me of the prescient Neil Postman book, "Amusing Ourselves to Death." Written in the pre-internet days of 1985, it posited that our nation would actually be oppressed not by a dictator, but by our addiction to entertainment. And certainly that is what we search out more and more, whether a child in the back seat watching a video player or an adult staring at a video game on a smart phone. Universities are for learning, sure, but their real mission seems to be to provide entertainment in the form of sports teams. And politics is not about domestic programs and foreign policy, it is about the clash and drama, the horse race and suspense. Trump came to the fore of this race by being entertaining ("Can you believe what he just said?") and that is all a lot of people want out of their president, indeed out of their political coverage, dominated by shouting pundits. It is hard to tell when the Sunday morning news shows end and the Sunday afternoon pregame football shows begin. The format is the same. If Trump wins, the title of Postman's book may tragically come true.
123
Best editorial yet on the election.
17
Please Mr. Kristof, so your highly educated,Yale,Harvard,Professional Politicians have done such a bang up job of running America? You might every once in a while put down your latte and see how the other half lives. Or are you like your friends the Professional Politicians too good for that, because you can read about it in a book or government report.While yes Mr. Trump is not my ideal candidate he is change.I still have faith in the American way, meaning the President is not a dictator or King. Not only does he have to answer to Congress but to the American public.No matter who is elected from the day they start in office they will be scrutinized and held accountable by the public as it should be.Saying sorry, for corruption,or wrong policies are no longer acceptable. So for just those reasons I am voting Trump/Pence.
24
I realize it's rather futile to ask for this but I wish just once one of the Hillary haters who go on and on about how Hillary's "corruption", "treasonous activity" and other "high crimes and misdemeanors" are "proven" would present their "proof" rather than merely proclaiming it. The once they've done that please explain why after over 25 years of REPUBLICAN investigation after investigation of her so called corrupt and criminal activities, not a single one has resulted in even an indictment! Wow! So either these REPUBLICAN investigative committees are totally incompetent, The Clintons actually have suborned the entire US government or is it just possible that the Clintons are no more than ordinary politicians, almost all of whom at least occasionally skate near the limits of ethics and the law. I believe I know which answer the Trump supporters will chose.
That said, I do kind of agree that Kristof's column is unfortunately more of a jeremiad than something that will "win minds and hearts". By implicitly calling people with whom you disagree "reptiles" sort of side steps the fact that there are real fears that these folks have, some legitimate and some not. Fears that neither party has adequately addressed or even fully recognized. Demonization and demagoguery however, will never do either.
That said, I do kind of agree that Kristof's column is unfortunately more of a jeremiad than something that will "win minds and hearts". By implicitly calling people with whom you disagree "reptiles" sort of side steps the fact that there are real fears that these folks have, some legitimate and some not. Fears that neither party has adequately addressed or even fully recognized. Demonization and demagoguery however, will never do either.
25
Echoes here of Vonnegut's Galápagos, Everest devolved humans have returned to the sea. They complained of the bad old days when their big brains got them into trouble. I thought it was far-fetched at the time.
14
Dear Nicholas, thank to you, as a resident of Ottawa I will not be able to sleep. At least until November 8.
16
Quite unfortunate, that the die-hard followers of this elitist, do not know they are pawns in the Trump board game.
Mr. Trump let his Poker hand down last week. When he was down in the polls last Monday (before the new Clinton email revelation) Trump went to Washington D.C to promote a Hotel.
Trump made a very revealing comment, “One way or another, I made it to Pennsylvania avenue”
If you blinked, you missed it. It was a near concession speech.
After his probable loss, he is going to go back to promoting his name and Hotels.
The ironic thing is that these Trump Hotels, would not let his followers within 1000 feet of the door.
Mr. Trump let his Poker hand down last week. When he was down in the polls last Monday (before the new Clinton email revelation) Trump went to Washington D.C to promote a Hotel.
Trump made a very revealing comment, “One way or another, I made it to Pennsylvania avenue”
If you blinked, you missed it. It was a near concession speech.
After his probable loss, he is going to go back to promoting his name and Hotels.
The ironic thing is that these Trump Hotels, would not let his followers within 1000 feet of the door.
43
There’re reasons that Democrats chose Obama over Clinton in 2008, and it wasn’t sexism. Trump is calling some of the same plays: when your team does it, it’s execution; when the other team does it, it’s deception.
13
I agree with "Ralph" that the headline can potentially generate extra votes for Trump. That was a pretty risky thing to do.
10
The problem with this election is... voters. We seem to have a three-day attention span. The FBI Director's letter about Huma Abedin'd emails seems to have eclipsed all of Donald's sins. And he is acting as if the slate is clean.
Donald thinks "being presidential" is something you do, not something you are.
Donald thinks "being presidential" is something you do, not something you are.
26
Pterodactyls? You do know our ancestors never had to run from pterodactyls, right?
13
So you would rather have Bonnie and Clyde in the White House?
Be careful what you wish for.
Hillary is going to get us into a nuclear war with Putin.
Be careful what you wish for.
Hillary is going to get us into a nuclear war with Putin.
12
Look, lets face it. Netflix is getting boring and reality TV is past it's prime. The people need entertainment, and not from some left-wing uppity smarty-pants. Caligula tried it but if he were around today he would want to take Trump's correspondence course.
4
"Give the people bread and circuses."
6
Trump IS a modern day Caligula.
15
Mr. Kristof: You've hit the nail on the head...Trump is indeed a paragon of fraud. It's hard to understand how so many people are attracted to him and are willing to vote for him, but I Imagine that they survive on a diet of Fox News and talk radio. I assume many of them have seen his debate performances, and can't be unaware that much of what he says is false. But I believe that segment of the population is so angry and feels so disenfranchised and, furthermore truly hates Hillary Clinton, having bought all the lies directed against her for so many years, that they somehow set aside what a vacuous and phony man Donald Trump. Ultimately, I think they miss the fact that Trump will do nothing for them at all.
41
Is there any evidence that Trump is not a complete know nothing incapable of following the constitution, or holding any part of what's left of our dysfunctional and paralyzed American democracy from becoming an oligarchy, or worse? I can't find any evidence. Has Have GOP loyal voters been hoodwinked into thinking the GOP will improve their lives if they win the Whitehouse and run all branches of government? Yes, since the GOP leadership is doubling down again on more trickle down wealth redistribution upwards, and privatizing every part of life to lots of unfettered snake oil salesmen waiting to make billions. The larger problem is that Trump is a symptom of systemic corruption, not the cause.
21
Apparently there is no case for Hillary the yet to be indicted felon or Nicholas would have presented it. As is the wont of Liberals, they resort to snark when they are unable to make a persuasive argument. Hillary has experience but all bad. Selling out the State Department by way of her Clinton Foundation was clever I suppose but unfortunately the FBI doesn't appreciate the beauty. Hillary's foreign policy foray has left the Middle East in turmoil. Stale unproven allegations against Trump appear not credible. Who waits twenty years to complain? For Trump to ask for our immigration law to be enforced and a desire to protect our borders appears reasonable to many, not reptilian at all. How many illegal immigrants are living in your suburban enclave, Mr. Kristoff?
16
So Sue Mee, I've always wanted to ask Trump supporters if they understand the email investigation and what is really about. And now, I have the answer. When you say " Selling out the State Department by way of her Clinton Foundation was clever I suppose but unfortunately the FBI doesn't appreciate the beauty. " you imply the FBI is investigating HRC for anything connected with the Clinton Foundation. NOT TRUE. The FBI investigation is solely into whether she knowingly and with intent sent/received classified emails on her private server. She has admitted it was a mistake she would never repeat to use the private server (even though it had been done by predecessors) but a thorough investigation by Republican (and apparently king maker wannabe) Comey showed no reason for criminal prosecution. When was the last time Trump even admitted that he has EVER made a mistake?
You are going to vote for Trump - at least understand the issues and the facts and do so knowingly and with true information (hard, I know, when he is the purveyor of falsity).
You are going to vote for Trump - at least understand the issues and the facts and do so knowingly and with true information (hard, I know, when he is the purveyor of falsity).
29
I'm sure that most, if not all, of you have run up against those whose political views are diametrically opposite those of yours. And heroic and determined efforts to "convert" them to your point of view have almost always proven to be a futile exercise. Well, I given this matter a good deal of thought over the years and what I've concluded is that, essentially, Democrats and Republicans seem to be wired differently...and never the twain shall meet.
Take a look at our nation's beginnings. We had a two party system back then as well. There were the "Whigs" (Democrats) and the "Tories" (Republicans).
The Whigs were those that wanted change. They were essentially the rebellious group, favoring a democratic form of government where power was distributed and not concentrated at the very top. The Tories, on the other hand, were loyal to the King of England. They tended to be more conservative in their opinions and outlook and favored a more authoritarian style of governance where the King was the repository of essentially unlimited power, resulting at times in unpopular decrees.
Today's Democrats and Republicans mirror those same styles today, to a degree. The similarities are there in terms of approach and perspective. So the real questions seems to be, can the two ever find friendly ground where both sides can work together for the common good? Lately, it would not appear so.
So the Whigs
Take a look at our nation's beginnings. We had a two party system back then as well. There were the "Whigs" (Democrats) and the "Tories" (Republicans).
The Whigs were those that wanted change. They were essentially the rebellious group, favoring a democratic form of government where power was distributed and not concentrated at the very top. The Tories, on the other hand, were loyal to the King of England. They tended to be more conservative in their opinions and outlook and favored a more authoritarian style of governance where the King was the repository of essentially unlimited power, resulting at times in unpopular decrees.
Today's Democrats and Republicans mirror those same styles today, to a degree. The similarities are there in terms of approach and perspective. So the real questions seems to be, can the two ever find friendly ground where both sides can work together for the common good? Lately, it would not appear so.
So the Whigs
7
Most of Trump supporters are intentionally blind, or better
yet, suffer from Oppositional Defiance Syndrome. I hope they
have a "Come to Jesus" moment in the voting booth and vote
for Clinton.
yet, suffer from Oppositional Defiance Syndrome. I hope they
have a "Come to Jesus" moment in the voting booth and vote
for Clinton.
11
As someone deeply troubled by everything about Trump, I still cannot bring myself to cast a ballot for Clinton. I'll give you that she's an excellent candidate...to represent the Dem view of the world. I, for one, absolutely will not vote for any candidate where I have to hold my nose while doing it. The one or two issues where I'm not revolted by her position do not balance out things like heavy handed federal influence in states rights, her willingness to buy votes with other people's money (increased minimum wage) and outreach to Bernie supporters.
9
This is Good irony and satire which makes the stark point clear: To use our reptilian brain or our human brain.
Now that we know Russian trolls are over the NYT comment section as well as over other journalistic sites, Can we give serious consideration to the pro-trump comments that appear here just to provoke reaction from serious commenters?
Now that we know Russian trolls are over the NYT comment section as well as over other journalistic sites, Can we give serious consideration to the pro-trump comments that appear here just to provoke reaction from serious commenters?
6
Yet another cut and paste column. Whether it's Blow or Kristof or Cohen or Egan, it matters little. The columns are all the same. As they have been for at least a year. If, as The Times continually informs us, Clinton will easily win the presidency, what's all the fuss about? The real losers of this election are not so much the American people as they are NYT columnists. Trump has been a full employment act, an answer to their prayers. No more writer's block. No more struggling to meet deadlines. Trump bad. Hillary good. How many ways can you say "dangerous" or "apocalypse"? Apparently, quite a few. By now, however, poor overworked Roget has run out of synonyms. For many, next Tuesday will be a joyous occasion. For NYT columnists, on the other hand, election night will be truly sad (expect a run on single malts at Upper East Side liquor stores), for Wednesday the good ol' days come to an end. It's back to work and back to a blank computer screen.
13
They may be drinking because of the election RESULTS.
5
"Are we fearful, instinctive reptiles? Or nuanced, reasoning humans?" Based on the latest polling data it is about half and half.
You can add a sixth reason to vote for Trump - Pillage and Plunder - taking what is not yours: Oil from Iraq and Syria; steal money from other countries to pay for walls; take over foreign territories for golf courses, buildings, and whole lot more. Trump will take a huge cut of all these transactions, of course. He will keep the US military busy adding to our - I mean His wealth.
Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what your country will do for the Trump & Family.
You can add a sixth reason to vote for Trump - Pillage and Plunder - taking what is not yours: Oil from Iraq and Syria; steal money from other countries to pay for walls; take over foreign territories for golf courses, buildings, and whole lot more. Trump will take a huge cut of all these transactions, of course. He will keep the US military busy adding to our - I mean His wealth.
Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what your country will do for the Trump & Family.
17
An entire sarcastic article would seem to indicate there are NO intelligent reasons to vote Trump - suggesting that those who do vote Trump are acting foolish and may be fools, proper. This is pretty disrespectful to many unprivileged people in middle America who, incidentally, fight the wars that these neocons and "neolibs" create.
As a progressive liberal (and Bernie supporter) I might vote Trump because I'm concerned with the LONG-TERM vitality of the democratic party and the progressive movement. Consider how long it took for Republicans to recover (at least partially) from Watergate. If Hillary wins, the Republicans are likely to make major reforms and become the voice of the working class - leaving the Democrats with the professional/academic/investor class and certain, politically-entrenched interest groups. This would be terrible, in my view. Also, hypocritical and Faustian deals are not as ideologically damaging to Republicans as such deals are to Democrats. Republican philosophy is based on money/capitalism, whereas democratic philosophy is more humanistic and ethics- and science-based. We should not knowingly support candidates as corrupt as Hillary; the evidence against her is very real and over-whelming. Lastly, I'm voting not just for the candidate, but also for the PROCESS by which she/he is elected. Whether I like Trump or not, he represents the will of the people FAR more than does Hillary. She IS the establishment - both liberal and conservative variants.
As a progressive liberal (and Bernie supporter) I might vote Trump because I'm concerned with the LONG-TERM vitality of the democratic party and the progressive movement. Consider how long it took for Republicans to recover (at least partially) from Watergate. If Hillary wins, the Republicans are likely to make major reforms and become the voice of the working class - leaving the Democrats with the professional/academic/investor class and certain, politically-entrenched interest groups. This would be terrible, in my view. Also, hypocritical and Faustian deals are not as ideologically damaging to Republicans as such deals are to Democrats. Republican philosophy is based on money/capitalism, whereas democratic philosophy is more humanistic and ethics- and science-based. We should not knowingly support candidates as corrupt as Hillary; the evidence against her is very real and over-whelming. Lastly, I'm voting not just for the candidate, but also for the PROCESS by which she/he is elected. Whether I like Trump or not, he represents the will of the people FAR more than does Hillary. She IS the establishment - both liberal and conservative variants.
12
You write: "If Hillary wins, the Republicans are likely to make major reforms and become the voice of the working class..."
Do you really believe this? After losing the presidency in 2008 and 2012, the GOP conducted post-mortems with a view toward changing the factors that led to failure in those elections. Yet the only actual result, AFAICS, was that they doubled down on the same defective policies they'd been pushing while talking among themselves about better PR.
Do you really believe this? After losing the presidency in 2008 and 2012, the GOP conducted post-mortems with a view toward changing the factors that led to failure in those elections. Yet the only actual result, AFAICS, was that they doubled down on the same defective policies they'd been pushing while talking among themselves about better PR.
20
I think the writer is doing a great disservice to reptiles, which are really quite intelligent and delightful.
21
Unfortunately in this election Mr. Kristof it's us the nuanced, reasoning humans that have a problem with selecting or no selecting at all.
6
This is a stupid headline because people will just see the headline and think that Kristof has changed his mind and sees reason to vote for Trump. It's one of those "too clever by far" moves and Kristof should know better. How would he feel if he realized he generated thousands of votes for Trump.
10
Generally a fan of Kristof and don't necessarily disagree but this is exactly the kind of tone that alienates Trump supporters makes them want to choose a political wrecking ball. The space could have been better spent.
10
I think Trump supporters are going to vote Trump. It's those who dislike both candidates who are still having trouble with a decision, and this column is exactly the kind of thing they need to read. I think we all are needing some outlet to get through the next few days, and humor, even black humor, helps.
10
You forgot the GOP's favorite line once they get into office: "Deficits don't matter.'
Nevermind that the Crash of 1987 was created by the Reagan massive deficits. Later Dick Cheney would declare that statement: http://www.ontheissues.org/2004/Dick_Cheney_Budget_+_Economy.htm.
Why stop at the wall that Trump says Mexico will pay? We could start building yuge castles, walls, and great moats around all of our cities.
Nevermind that the Crash of 1987 was created by the Reagan massive deficits. Later Dick Cheney would declare that statement: http://www.ontheissues.org/2004/Dick_Cheney_Budget_+_Economy.htm.
Why stop at the wall that Trump says Mexico will pay? We could start building yuge castles, walls, and great moats around all of our cities.
9
Mr. Kristof needs to know some neuro-psycology. The five year old brain (average trump supporter level of complex thought) cannot process irony or sarcasm. Many Trump supports will read this and agree.
14
and don't forget - we can have a direct descendant of count dracula as first lady - just as an added bonus -
15
Enjoy humor and freedom of the press as long as it last. I for one am very apprehensive of the future.
14
Mr. Kristof,
The essay is beneath you and the New York Times.
That being said it is time that you and other Progressives
realise a very simple and sad fact:
We are not Rational Beings
and we do nuance very poorly -
especially in Politics.
If you had lost your job, if you were living in poverty and unable
to afford Health Insurance - why in the world would you continue
to support the Status Quo.
Those who make less than the average income in this country know
that Obama/Hillary look down on them, speak down to them, dismiss
them as inconsequential as soon as the Presidential Elections are over -
why they even call them "Deplorable".
How many Lower Income people did Hillary invite to the Hamptons this
Summer...?
"Whites" who have lost their economic status in the last decade are the
"Canaries in the Mine" - much worse is to come. All those Hipsters and
ageing Yuppies who think they will somehow ride out the
"New Economic Reality" into a nice retirement are deluded.
The greed of the 1% know no loyalty to any country.
They will move businesses, lock-stock-barrel and cubicle overseas at
the drop of a hat.
Intelligent Robots/Computers are the future -
your well considered input will no longer be needed.
Why the NY Times might even drop a Columnist/Editor or two...
The votes for Trump are a clear warning that a 'Day of Reckoning'
is coming and no one will be immune to the consequences.
The essay is beneath you and the New York Times.
That being said it is time that you and other Progressives
realise a very simple and sad fact:
We are not Rational Beings
and we do nuance very poorly -
especially in Politics.
If you had lost your job, if you were living in poverty and unable
to afford Health Insurance - why in the world would you continue
to support the Status Quo.
Those who make less than the average income in this country know
that Obama/Hillary look down on them, speak down to them, dismiss
them as inconsequential as soon as the Presidential Elections are over -
why they even call them "Deplorable".
How many Lower Income people did Hillary invite to the Hamptons this
Summer...?
"Whites" who have lost their economic status in the last decade are the
"Canaries in the Mine" - much worse is to come. All those Hipsters and
ageing Yuppies who think they will somehow ride out the
"New Economic Reality" into a nice retirement are deluded.
The greed of the 1% know no loyalty to any country.
They will move businesses, lock-stock-barrel and cubicle overseas at
the drop of a hat.
Intelligent Robots/Computers are the future -
your well considered input will no longer be needed.
Why the NY Times might even drop a Columnist/Editor or two...
The votes for Trump are a clear warning that a 'Day of Reckoning'
is coming and no one will be immune to the consequences.
14
In our system, the "status quo" is subject to change. Granted, our "representatives" in government have enabled the ultra wealthy to pretty much determine what happens within these United States. Citizens United is by far the most despotic, undemocratic piece of legislation, perhaps in our nation's history. Now it's NOT "one person - one vote". With Citizens United, political outcomes are more effectively determined by a sort of "weighted average" method of calculation -- where the common denominator is how much money you're willing to "invest" in a given political outcome. So, those with the most money, have the loudest voice. It's no longer the "will of the majority"...It has devolved into the "will of the majority of dollars" -- the "weighted average"...Sigh.
11
Just to clarify. dt's tax proposals would significantly reduce the tax burden on the "greedy" 1%. Clinton would increase their taxes and eliminate the carried interest exemption.
14
Baloney. I myself am in the lower rungs of income, yet I am not stupid enough to vote for Trump, and there is no reason that anyone who informs themselves should. Solve the 1% problem by voting for and ultra greedy 1%er???
Clinton isn't anywhere near perfect, but she is a good sight better. Grow up.
Clinton isn't anywhere near perfect, but she is a good sight better. Grow up.
21
DJT has found the secret sauce to transform ignorance, intolerance, racism, and misogyny in a political movement.
He is an embarrassment if global proportions. I have been, and remain mortified that the party of Lincoln, McKinley, Roosevelt, and even Reagan, would nominate such a uniquely grotesque candidate.
He is an embarrassment if global proportions. I have been, and remain mortified that the party of Lincoln, McKinley, Roosevelt, and even Reagan, would nominate such a uniquely grotesque candidate.
30
Don't forget the best reason to vote Trump: it is time for America to be destroyed. Empires come and go, and the American empire has devolved into a warmongering, navel-gazing, unproductive, largely unintelligent, parasites. Wasting more resources per person than any nation on earth, America's time to crumble is nigh.
With Trump, we could be assured that the nation would be economically devastated and politically sundered, possibly falling into another civil war. The world needs America to be destroyed in order to advance with a new dominant culture, so vote Trump!
With Trump, we could be assured that the nation would be economically devastated and politically sundered, possibly falling into another civil war. The world needs America to be destroyed in order to advance with a new dominant culture, so vote Trump!
24
None of this is going to have any effect on Trumpsters, who have proven themselves to be just as lacking in good character, and civil behavior, as their hero, Donald Trump. I just hope there are more of US than there are of them. If it turns out that there are more good ones than bad ones, we should make a long term, concerted effort to teach our children about their country, their government, and what American tradition deems as acceptable, even laudable, civil behavior.
20
Its not difficult to comprehend why people vote for Trump when so many still believe: that whites are superior to everybody else; that climate change is a hoax; that humans coexisted with dinosaurs 6,000 years ago.
28
Duterte managed to get elected in the Phillipines. All of your five reasons also applied to him. If he could get elected, Trump can get elected. A reign of terror will follow, all previous alliances will be at risk, and we would no longer even be able to claim the pretense of "civilization."
28
"1.) Who needs experience to be president?"
Not fair, Mr. Kristof! Mr. Trump is an experienced demagogue who is more than willing to provide the American people with the novel experience of living under despotic control!
"2.) We’ve accepted that leaders need not be saints, so why not embrace a paragon of fraud?"
Just think of all the tax-payer money he will save by stiffing government contractors!
"3.) Trump might become the most entertaining president in history."
I envision President Trump hosting "Celebrity Apprentice" in the Rose Garden and refereeing caged-combat matches in the Oval Office!
"4.) Diversity is important, and Trump is inclusive — of extremists." His cabinet alone will be a model of inclusiveness. There'll be psychopaths, sociopaths, schizophrenics, narcissists, megalomaniacs--you name the aberration and Donald will find an aberrant individual to match it. He'll be expert at doing so, since it takes one to know one!
5.) Donald Trump understands that our modern brains hold us back."
Actually, Mr. Kristof, after experiencing megalomaniacal highs when his rally supporters whip themselves up to a frenzy of Trump adulation, Mr. Trump has decided that the utterly brainless are the most admirable among us. The autonomic nervous system is quite enough to assure that, with Trump in charge, America will be made compliantly great again.
Not fair, Mr. Kristof! Mr. Trump is an experienced demagogue who is more than willing to provide the American people with the novel experience of living under despotic control!
"2.) We’ve accepted that leaders need not be saints, so why not embrace a paragon of fraud?"
Just think of all the tax-payer money he will save by stiffing government contractors!
"3.) Trump might become the most entertaining president in history."
I envision President Trump hosting "Celebrity Apprentice" in the Rose Garden and refereeing caged-combat matches in the Oval Office!
"4.) Diversity is important, and Trump is inclusive — of extremists." His cabinet alone will be a model of inclusiveness. There'll be psychopaths, sociopaths, schizophrenics, narcissists, megalomaniacs--you name the aberration and Donald will find an aberrant individual to match it. He'll be expert at doing so, since it takes one to know one!
5.) Donald Trump understands that our modern brains hold us back."
Actually, Mr. Kristof, after experiencing megalomaniacal highs when his rally supporters whip themselves up to a frenzy of Trump adulation, Mr. Trump has decided that the utterly brainless are the most admirable among us. The autonomic nervous system is quite enough to assure that, with Trump in charge, America will be made compliantly great again.
23
Having been stuck in traffic, we all know that there are those who simply must see what is on the pavement after a traffic accident, even though it is clear that rescue teams have already arrived.
To them, I suppose there may be an element of entertainment offered by a Trump presidency.
For the rest of us, we will find ourselves suddenly strapped into our chairs, feeling as if we are being treated to 4 years Vogon poetry while he makes preparations to destroy the planet.
Resistance will be useless.
To them, I suppose there may be an element of entertainment offered by a Trump presidency.
For the rest of us, we will find ourselves suddenly strapped into our chairs, feeling as if we are being treated to 4 years Vogon poetry while he makes preparations to destroy the planet.
Resistance will be useless.
8
Trump is just a scary turn of events. He is playing to the clichés' and stereotypes that the undereducated love to talk about or blame for America's problems. The question is, does Trump really believe the stuff he says or he playing the public for fools. The really scary thing is that there are people out there that will only vote for Republicans no matter how bizarre the candidate. It's unbelievable that the best the Republican Party can come up with for a presidential candidate is Donald Trump. Maybe some day the Republican Party will rid itself of the crazies and haters, but I don't expect that to be soon.
15
There are not enough people to vote for Republicans based on their real platform of low taxes for the wealthy and eliminating most social programs. Therefore their only chance to get elected is to drum up fear and spread misinformation, those more likely to fall for it tend, more often, to be the less educated.
19
"Who needs experience to be a President?"
Do you mean only ex-Presidents can run for President? After all, when I need "experience" for an engineering job then I expect the applicant to have done some engineering earlier. Same here. A "real estate moghul" or "community organizer" (chose depending on your side of the aisle) is clearly inexperienced to handle the 3am telephone call.
That is why we have a truly experienced family running Presidency. The Power Behind the Throne would be a successful ex-president.
Yes we need experienced persons as Presidents who have been there, done that and even got a tee shirt!
2
Point well taken but we do need someone with experience in public service and in decision making in that capacity.
6
There's a 'Yuge" difference between a real estate moghul, and a community organizer who also happens to be a U.S. Senator.
7
Deep is not as deep as he seems to think.
3
Another great column, Mr. K.
I also think the press has underestimated the influence that the celebrity/notoriety of Donald Trump has on his current popularity. There seems to be an overwhelming preponderance of cult-like following among his camp. This is evident in the fact that there is really very little that is constitutionally accomplishable in his major so-called policy positions, yet his followers don't see that or care to consider the implications when he fails, should he be elected. In addition, the racial component to this election needs to be examined. We whites, especially so-called Evangelicals, need to ask ourselves how we feel about voting for anyone who is endorsed by the KKK, whether that endorsement is accepted or not.
I also think the press has underestimated the influence that the celebrity/notoriety of Donald Trump has on his current popularity. There seems to be an overwhelming preponderance of cult-like following among his camp. This is evident in the fact that there is really very little that is constitutionally accomplishable in his major so-called policy positions, yet his followers don't see that or care to consider the implications when he fails, should he be elected. In addition, the racial component to this election needs to be examined. We whites, especially so-called Evangelicals, need to ask ourselves how we feel about voting for anyone who is endorsed by the KKK, whether that endorsement is accepted or not.
16
Kristof ought to look out for criticism from the Joe Scarboroughs of the world - those self-righteous republicans who pretend that racist and xenophobic Trump supporters injecting their hate into the mainstream aren't uneducated and illogical simpletons. Since when did being an educated, forward-thinking defender of equal rights become a bad thing? Trump has brought stupidity into the fore and made logic and common sense the demonic tools of "elites" aka people who dared to go to college and strive to better themselves and their lots in life.
The United States used to be proud of its elite academic institutions, its innovation and introduction of the Apples, Googles and Ubers to the rest of the world. With one wayward leader, suddenly the election is coming down to the uneducated, ill-informed working-class voter and what he believes is important. Talk about moving backwards.
The United States used to be proud of its elite academic institutions, its innovation and introduction of the Apples, Googles and Ubers to the rest of the world. With one wayward leader, suddenly the election is coming down to the uneducated, ill-informed working-class voter and what he believes is important. Talk about moving backwards.
18
You know Trump and his minions have no sense of humor. They're going to read your column, fail to note the dripping sarcasm, and start tweeting that even you endorse him. Good luck with your new BFF.
14
This was rather a waste of space. I'd rather hear about Donna Brazile passing the questions to Hillary's campaign before the Dem primary debates -- and why she hasn't been fired from the DNC yet. CNN fired her. The DNC should too.
18
I agree with most of the article. We do, however, need to be careful about how we judge a person's experience to be President. I dare say that Trump has a lot of experience dealing with people. Lyndon Johnson, for one, also had a lot of experience dealing with people but he did have a strong tendency for getting his way. Same with honest Abe. Trump promised to surround himself with a lot of smart people. If so, that is not a bad way to be the President. The problem with Trump, of course, is when the buck stops at his desk it could be disastrous.
7
"Trump promised to surround himself with a lot of smart people.".....As a candidate Trump has clearly demonstrated an inability to take advice from the smart people around him, I can't imagine he would suddenly learn to listen if he became President.
36
Trump wouldn't know a smart person if he saw one. (There are none in his normal entourage.)
12
Trump has been running for president for over a year now, and has yet to surround himself with smart people. What are the odds he will actually do that as president? Does he even know any smart people who trust him enough to work for him?
12
This article is typical snark from a self-rigteous liberal apparatchik. Trump is an abomination, clearly. But the idea that Clinton is somehow acceptable, in my opinion, is lunacy. If Trump supporters are sadly deluded, from where I stand, Hillary's are blind.
13
Yet another example of false equivalency. If Trump does 20 different stupid things and you mention Clinton e-mails 20 times they are somehow supposed to be equivalent. Anyone who has been around politics for 30 years and been pounded from every angle by their detractors is going to have baggage, but you ignore that Clinton also has another side. She helped register voters in the South in the '60s, was the first to seriously present a universal healthcare program, has been a champion for children and early education, and steadfastly promoted equal rights for women.
28
We live in a republic. That means we have to choose between a small number of imperfect representatives that run the government for us. Clinton's supporters aren't blind, they're just making the best choice they have available.
8
And yet one of them, Clinton or Trump, will be President. One would be catastrophic, one is unlikeable. What a hard choice to make.
6
Sometimes I wonder if we would be better off if Trump were elected coming Tuesday. Because, sometimes, only the reality shock makes people realize what kind of choice they have made.
Conversely, if we don't elect Trump, when the new Trumpista comes, 4 years from now, with the same "bold" ideas, but this time speaking softly and politely, he will become the darling of the Right, champion of the Republican cause, and most likely be voted in office, after 4 years of economic and political stalemate, an almost assured outcome of Clinton presidency, if you ask any Republican. Trump 2.0 will be much deadlier incarnation. He'll be our real demise.
You see, Trumpism will not die with Donald's election loss. And we should not elect him not because he is a despicable human being, but because his ideas are despicable. I'm worried that people will vote against the man, not against the gifts he brings. And the next gift bearer to come will be much smoother and much tougher to beat.
Conversely, if we don't elect Trump, when the new Trumpista comes, 4 years from now, with the same "bold" ideas, but this time speaking softly and politely, he will become the darling of the Right, champion of the Republican cause, and most likely be voted in office, after 4 years of economic and political stalemate, an almost assured outcome of Clinton presidency, if you ask any Republican. Trump 2.0 will be much deadlier incarnation. He'll be our real demise.
You see, Trumpism will not die with Donald's election loss. And we should not elect him not because he is a despicable human being, but because his ideas are despicable. I'm worried that people will vote against the man, not against the gifts he brings. And the next gift bearer to come will be much smoother and much tougher to beat.
27
Thanks so much for this piece - first one that got me laughing in a long time - loved the phrase about giving in to "our inner storm trooper" and many others. Humans seem to be at the end of their presence on earth. We now fully recognize that humans are hopelessly manipulable imitators stuck in early adolescence or even earlier, and thanks to reality tv and talk radio, no longer able to keep up the facade of adulthood, nor the burden of responsibility or ethics.
28
From a Facebook post yesterday:
"Trump admitting sexual assault. Clinton emails. Trump charity fraud. Clinton emails. Trump calls for nuclear proliferation. Clinton emails. Trump calls for national stop and frisk. Clinton emails. Trump violates trade embargo with Cuba. Clinton emails.Trump sued over Trump U fraud. Clinton emails. Trump bribes DA. Clinton emails. Trump doesn't pay taxes for 20 years. Clinton emails. Trump employs campaign manager involved in illegal corruption with Russia. Clinton emails. Trump calls for ban of an entire religion from entering US. Clinton emails. Trump lied about support for Iraq War over and over in debate. Clinton emails. Trump in court for rape of a minor. Clinton emails. Trump unaware of Russia's Crimea occupation. Clinton emails. Trump unaware of situation in Syria. Clinton emails. Trump penalized for racist housing discrimination. Clinton emails. Trump files for bankruptcy 6 times. Clinton emails. Trump goes 0-3 in debates by showing scant knowledge of world politics. Clinton emails. Trump slams people for being POWs. Clinton emails. Trump calls Mexicans rapists. Clinton emails. Trump questions judge's integrity because of parent's heritage. Clinton emails. Trump deletes emails involved in casino scandal. Clinton emails. Trump commits insurance fraud after Florida hurricane. Clinton emails. Trump has dozens of assault victims and witnesses come forward with allegations of abuse. Clinton emails..."
There's more...
"Trump admitting sexual assault. Clinton emails. Trump charity fraud. Clinton emails. Trump calls for nuclear proliferation. Clinton emails. Trump calls for national stop and frisk. Clinton emails. Trump violates trade embargo with Cuba. Clinton emails.Trump sued over Trump U fraud. Clinton emails. Trump bribes DA. Clinton emails. Trump doesn't pay taxes for 20 years. Clinton emails. Trump employs campaign manager involved in illegal corruption with Russia. Clinton emails. Trump calls for ban of an entire religion from entering US. Clinton emails. Trump lied about support for Iraq War over and over in debate. Clinton emails. Trump in court for rape of a minor. Clinton emails. Trump unaware of Russia's Crimea occupation. Clinton emails. Trump unaware of situation in Syria. Clinton emails. Trump penalized for racist housing discrimination. Clinton emails. Trump files for bankruptcy 6 times. Clinton emails. Trump goes 0-3 in debates by showing scant knowledge of world politics. Clinton emails. Trump slams people for being POWs. Clinton emails. Trump calls Mexicans rapists. Clinton emails. Trump questions judge's integrity because of parent's heritage. Clinton emails. Trump deletes emails involved in casino scandal. Clinton emails. Trump commits insurance fraud after Florida hurricane. Clinton emails. Trump has dozens of assault victims and witnesses come forward with allegations of abuse. Clinton emails..."
There's more...
86
This is what we call a double standard and also the reason women had to struggle so long for the right to vote, have to struggle for equal pay, are not trusted when they report sexual offenses, etc. etc. etc.
How tragic the devaluation of knowledge!!
How tragic the devaluation of knowledge!!
10
You can call them career politicians. You can call them insiders. You can call them leeches who have spent a lifetime living at the public teat. Ok, fine, you can call professional politicians lots of things. But nobody, nobody, has made a stronger case for putting in your time, your energy, paying your dues, working your way up, moving perhaps from alderman to mayor to governor and then off to Washington than Donald Trump. Yes, there are steps that need to be taken, not all of them charming or productive, that nonetheless need to be taken. There's no skipping line, and nobody demonstrates it better than Donald Trump.
23
I think it's in ""Manhattan" that Woody observes that when Nazis are marching in New Jersey op-ed pieces in the Times are not as effective as a more direct, physical response. This is a case in point - something akin to preaching to the choir. I agree with it entirely, but it doesn't reach that faction Hillary identified as "deplorable" or the respondents so ashamed that they are voting for Trump that they lie to pollsters. The Cubs (once owned by a distant relative) came through last night, but that may be the quota for November miracles.
17
For 40 years Trump has dealt with Corporate politics, building businesses, making money, creating jobs, negotiating deals. He's qualified to be President.
13
We also know he has declared bankruptcy 4 times hanging his creditors out to dry; and unlike other candidates he has refused to divulge his tax returns. It totally blows my mind that anyone would even consider voting for someone without knowing any thing about what his business entanglements with foreign governments might be.
32
Look closer to the details to determine if his efforts in the business world are worthy of being called qualified. He's cheated people who have done work for him, he feels entitled to bend tax laws to avoid paying his share, his business success is spotty, he has a history of overspending, leaving himself vulnerable to economic stress, he abandons his businesses when it suits him regardless of the harm to his employees. He shows to be irresponsible and self serving to me, a business owner for 30 years who has always made payroll & pays taxes, who goes without pay in order to keep my employees employed. I worry about how his business habits would effect the people he would govern. His efforts are ultimately for the benefit of him and his family. I believe his motive for running has the same motive.
13
The question is not that he has dealt with all of these but, rather, how he has dealt with them. Based on his erratic behavior and performance as a candidate I think the USA would be in worse shape than it is currently.
7
Bitter humor has to be my first & last refuge because of the unlimited risk of a nutty President DJT.
This is whistling graveyard cliche humor, and I have thought this madness since his announcement in the spring or summer last year.
I did not under-estimate, which is admittedly a 7/24/365 cynical nature.
As the opinion polls in Colorado, Florida, New Hampshire, and others are
allegedly losing Ohio, tightening by way of the latest ugliest scenario if not fear and loathing if not the sour gut feel of horrendous highway wreck.
Never felt such danger, except in 1968.
This is whistling graveyard cliche humor, and I have thought this madness since his announcement in the spring or summer last year.
I did not under-estimate, which is admittedly a 7/24/365 cynical nature.
As the opinion polls in Colorado, Florida, New Hampshire, and others are
allegedly losing Ohio, tightening by way of the latest ugliest scenario if not fear and loathing if not the sour gut feel of horrendous highway wreck.
Never felt such danger, except in 1968.
24
Now that we are faced with the tangible possibility of a Trump presidency, this very funny piece does not seem funny at all.
8
How sad that you cannot be open minded enough NOT to quote the barbs of other biased, ignorant hacks. I've seen people held up as experts, and educators, intellectuals, etc compare him to Hitler, Stalin and most recently Mussolini and Chavez, not withstanding your comparison to Kim Jong Il
When speaking of voter suppression, do the polls really think that Trump supporters would open themselves up to the criticism of being "white, under-educated supporters" so they could be chastised and embarrassed?
They defend the mistake that Hillary made with her emails, as if it were an oversight, rather than a strategic, well orchestrated plan to avoid oversight.
They manufacturer the connection to the Russians as the source of those email leaks when there is NO evidence to support their claims.
The leaking of the debate questions, having one DNC chairperson tossed right before the convention, and another who should be tossed.
Her most trusted aide who's judgement needs to be questioned as she has married and has ignored her husband's distorted perverse habits.
The greasy foundation money and how the Clinton's have enriched themselves, all because the end justifies the means.
It is sickening that the President overlooks this and supports her because he made it clear he is concerned about his legacy rather than ethics.
The rehashing of "all Mexican's are rapists, etc" that is often repeated but never said by Candidate Trump. You call yourself a journalist?
When speaking of voter suppression, do the polls really think that Trump supporters would open themselves up to the criticism of being "white, under-educated supporters" so they could be chastised and embarrassed?
They defend the mistake that Hillary made with her emails, as if it were an oversight, rather than a strategic, well orchestrated plan to avoid oversight.
They manufacturer the connection to the Russians as the source of those email leaks when there is NO evidence to support their claims.
The leaking of the debate questions, having one DNC chairperson tossed right before the convention, and another who should be tossed.
Her most trusted aide who's judgement needs to be questioned as she has married and has ignored her husband's distorted perverse habits.
The greasy foundation money and how the Clinton's have enriched themselves, all because the end justifies the means.
It is sickening that the President overlooks this and supports her because he made it clear he is concerned about his legacy rather than ethics.
The rehashing of "all Mexican's are rapists, etc" that is often repeated but never said by Candidate Trump. You call yourself a journalist?
10
Mr. Kristof,
Your target audience, the Trump supporters, will see your column as validation not satire. For all the condemnation of Trump, the problem is the ardent Trump supporter. Trump is merely giving them what they want. They may only be 10% of the population, but that's 30 million+ people. They need jobs, education, and diversity. They need something, and I wish I knew what that something could be, to shake them out their anti-intellectualism.
Your target audience, the Trump supporters, will see your column as validation not satire. For all the condemnation of Trump, the problem is the ardent Trump supporter. Trump is merely giving them what they want. They may only be 10% of the population, but that's 30 million+ people. They need jobs, education, and diversity. They need something, and I wish I knew what that something could be, to shake them out their anti-intellectualism.
11
I know what that something is - How about an intellectual who affirms their concerns and anxieties rather than talking down do them.
That would be a good place to start if we want to turn around their anti-intellectualism. No one likes to be condescended to, lose the condescension and maybe they start listening.
That would be a good place to start if we want to turn around their anti-intellectualism. No one likes to be condescended to, lose the condescension and maybe they start listening.
2
Kristof forgot to mention the special brand of warm hospitality President Trump would bring to the White House. No more impersonal security checks by grim guards using an electronic wand when checking for weapons. President Trump would volunteer to personally frisk some visitors as his gesture of appreciation for their visit. His experience and expertise is useful for something.
16
5 Actual Reasons to Vote for Trump
1. Global warming. Yes, he doesn't advocate direct action on global warming. But global warming is caused by overpopulation. In the US overpopulation is caused by immigration, since fertility rates are down. So if Trump actually stops illegal immigration it will help the US achieve zero population growth, which is absolutely necessary to fight global warming.
2. Free trade. Renegotiate NAFTA so that workers, not just corporations, have a seat at the table.
3. End unsubstantiated charges of sexual harassment. Bill Cosby was accused by 59 women for which the statute of limitations had expired. Let's actually respect the law. Let's have trials in courts, not in the media.
No, I don't believe a single one of the 59. Five minutes of fame and a chance at money can make liars of 59 women.
And while we're at it, let's lay to rest the similar claims against Bill Clinton.
4. Trump will actually respect the constitution by overturning Obama's executive amnesty for illegal immigrants. It is the legislative branch, not the executive, that passes laws on immigration.
5. Let's root for the underdogs, the "white patriarchs." Let's stop assuming that any man accused of a crime is automatically guilty. We have 2.2 million Americans, mostly men, in prison. That's 14 times the rate of incarceration of Japan.
America's men are not 14 times as bad.
Who know. If we treat some men as actually "innocent" we may find a few we love.
1. Global warming. Yes, he doesn't advocate direct action on global warming. But global warming is caused by overpopulation. In the US overpopulation is caused by immigration, since fertility rates are down. So if Trump actually stops illegal immigration it will help the US achieve zero population growth, which is absolutely necessary to fight global warming.
2. Free trade. Renegotiate NAFTA so that workers, not just corporations, have a seat at the table.
3. End unsubstantiated charges of sexual harassment. Bill Cosby was accused by 59 women for which the statute of limitations had expired. Let's actually respect the law. Let's have trials in courts, not in the media.
No, I don't believe a single one of the 59. Five minutes of fame and a chance at money can make liars of 59 women.
And while we're at it, let's lay to rest the similar claims against Bill Clinton.
4. Trump will actually respect the constitution by overturning Obama's executive amnesty for illegal immigrants. It is the legislative branch, not the executive, that passes laws on immigration.
5. Let's root for the underdogs, the "white patriarchs." Let's stop assuming that any man accused of a crime is automatically guilty. We have 2.2 million Americans, mostly men, in prison. That's 14 times the rate of incarceration of Japan.
America's men are not 14 times as bad.
Who know. If we treat some men as actually "innocent" we may find a few we love.
6
As Barnum pointed out, there's one born every minute.
11
Thank you Mr. Kristof. Although I think Pres. Obama has been entertaining. I'll miss him. Anyway, the people I know who are voting for Trump or like him (but can't vote because they never have) never read a newspaper, watch a news show or have read a book lately. They simply know nothing. Scary!
22
There are many words I can think of to describe President Obama's administration -- but "entertaining" is not one of them.
3
Nicely honed piece, but we also need to encourage voting.
9
A Trump win would be the best punishment for the Republicans. But unfortunately also a punishment for the whole country and the rest of the world.
26
You do understand that whatever form you use to try and dismiss or discredit Trump, has no effect on those who support him, right? The people that support Trump WANT the system to crash, because the system as they see it doesn't work at all for them, so they feel they have nothing to lose. Of course they're wrong - most of them get some sort of support or assistance, directly or indirectly (like the huge imbalance of federal funds vs. taxes paid in their state) - and when the crash comes, as it will, they'll scream and cry and wish to put the "genie" back in the bottle, but it will be too late.
No, rather than try and parody or ridicule Trump, just report the FACTS of Trump, and let them speak the unvarnished truth, and those who are not of the anarchy crowd will see him for what he is, am ignorant bully, who has used and abused everyone in his life for one purpose only: to make him feel like the greatest person in the world, because in his heart, he knows that he's the absolute opposite.
No, rather than try and parody or ridicule Trump, just report the FACTS of Trump, and let them speak the unvarnished truth, and those who are not of the anarchy crowd will see him for what he is, am ignorant bully, who has used and abused everyone in his life for one purpose only: to make him feel like the greatest person in the world, because in his heart, he knows that he's the absolute opposite.
25
I have personally witnessed the biggest beneficiaries of government support complaining wholeheartedly about federal spending for special funding programs. I wonder if they realize when the federal spending stops - so do their subsidies?
8
I have decided to vote for Trump. Here's why. He is an idiot and a lousy liar. If he gets voted President, then he will have 100% of the Democrat congress members and approximately 50% of the Republican congress members working against him at any one time. These congress members will easily catch him lying and see any corruption he perpetrates, because again, he is an idiot and a lousy liar - then he can be blocked by Congress and the Supreme Court from doing anything stupid. Clinton is not an idiot, and she is corrupt and slick - she is fully capable, as demonstrated by the emails and the Clinton Foundation, of persuasively blaming other people for her mistakes and weaseling her way past the American laws, people and Congress. In short, better the devil I know than the one I don't. Then, in four years, Trump can be booted from the Presidency, with minimal damage to the Country, and better candidates for POTUS can be fielded.
7
"better the devil I know than the one I don't"....The only reason you know anything about the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton speaking fees is because the past 30 years of Clinton tax returns have been made public. Where are Trump's tax returns?
16
Not to put too blunt a point on it, comments like Scott's are the sort of thing that make me feel we should insist on an intelligence test before anyone is allowed to vote.
1
Don't delude yourself. Republicans will be running the show and reversing all kinds "modern" laws with their newly appointed uber-conservative, religiously bent justices. It will be exactly what they've been waiting for-an idiot that will sign anything put in front of him because we all know he gets bored reading anything longer than a tweet. They'll dress up the first sentence or two to appeal to him.
4
Trump is without a doubt, the most ignorant, shallow, unqualified fool ever to run for president. He doesn't even speak good English. Gus Hall would have been a better candidate. Apparently kristof has been cast from the same mold because his 5 reasons could be applied even to Elmer Fudd.
4
The people supporting Trump are not exhibiting a whole lot of rational thinking and critical analysis. The support seems to be based on anger and projection of personal life situations on the nation at large, with personal racial identification with the white male Trump being very high on the deciding criteria.
9
I love the satire. Like Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal," it underlies a disturbing reality that is, in effect, show the baser elements of a culture. Trump is that baser element whose rhetoric appeals to the lower vibrations in our culture, people who are angry, fearful and seek to lay blame outside of their own choices and lives. Trump blames everyone else, including the women he assaulted that he calls liars, for his anger, fears, etc. This satire expresses a real worry of a Trump presidency.
71
Funny thing is, in the last week all we've seen is Hillary blaming everyone else for her predicament, not to mention years of her blaming the "bimbos who claimed Bill assaulted them.
7
I want to play too! Here's 5 reasons to vote for Hillary:
1. We need to clear up just exactly what happens if a President is indicted by a federal Grand Jury for violation of one or more federal statutes. Can she pardon herself? Food for thought.
2. There is money to be made in selling political favors, and we sure could use more money. Hillary's all over that one.
3. She can pack SCOTUS with Ruth Bader Ginsburg clones and just send the congress home. Cheaper than having actual legislators elected by, you know, The People.
4. We would get to have Bill back in the White House! Maybe he will bake cookies instead of, you know... that other stuff, with the cigar... ok, I don't want to go there.
5. She can do a "reset" with Russia. What? Ok, she can try again.
1. We need to clear up just exactly what happens if a President is indicted by a federal Grand Jury for violation of one or more federal statutes. Can she pardon herself? Food for thought.
2. There is money to be made in selling political favors, and we sure could use more money. Hillary's all over that one.
3. She can pack SCOTUS with Ruth Bader Ginsburg clones and just send the congress home. Cheaper than having actual legislators elected by, you know, The People.
4. We would get to have Bill back in the White House! Maybe he will bake cookies instead of, you know... that other stuff, with the cigar... ok, I don't want to go there.
5. She can do a "reset" with Russia. What? Ok, she can try again.
14
"Are we fearful, instinctive reptiles? Or nuanced, reasoning humans?"
Nick, you just scared me more than anybody since James B. Comey.
Nick, you just scared me more than anybody since James B. Comey.
1
Five Reasons to Vote for Hillary Clinton
1. The soirees and cocktail parties can continue unabated in the Beltway Bubble and Nicholas Kristof can still be invited.
2. Pay to Play arrangements continue with media looking the other way and using over the top reptilian brain and Third Reich analogies to demean voters with serious concerns.
3. The media can continue its incestuous relationship with the NY Times and others feeding debate questions and clearing articles with the reporters on record.
4. The Liberal establishment as revealed in the Wikileaks can appear to be concerned about issues and constituencies while really using the same to maintain their ultimate objective: power
5. The media can continue to look the other way while Anthony Weiner, Hollywood, and elites champion misogyny, sexism, and licentiousness while excorciating the crude and lewd comments of others.
1. The soirees and cocktail parties can continue unabated in the Beltway Bubble and Nicholas Kristof can still be invited.
2. Pay to Play arrangements continue with media looking the other way and using over the top reptilian brain and Third Reich analogies to demean voters with serious concerns.
3. The media can continue its incestuous relationship with the NY Times and others feeding debate questions and clearing articles with the reporters on record.
4. The Liberal establishment as revealed in the Wikileaks can appear to be concerned about issues and constituencies while really using the same to maintain their ultimate objective: power
5. The media can continue to look the other way while Anthony Weiner, Hollywood, and elites champion misogyny, sexism, and licentiousness while excorciating the crude and lewd comments of others.
12
Um, the media has excoriated Weiner for his escapades, in case you haven't noticed. Same for sexists. It's the Trumpists who seem to look the other way on misogyny and sexism. As for licentiousness, well, that's generally assumed to be consensual, or at worst presenting a visual that might disturb someone else without engaging physically without consent. Grabbing women's privates without consent because "you're a star" is sexual assault, and popping into Teen USA dressing rooms unannounced is...yuck.
4
I sure do wish I knew the answer to you last question, Nicholas. Judging by what I see on TV it looks like a sizable minority of US are the fearful, instinctive reptiles.
Now I realize that I should not be judging or impugning those folks voting for T rump, and in normal times I held my nose around friends and relations who voted for Reagan or Bush I or bush ii. Now I'm not so sure I will be able to stomach being around anyone who voted for T rump. I posted in facebook that I could not, nor would not respect anyone who voted for T rump and I noticed I lost a few "friends".
This is like Ben Franklin having to say goodbye to his son William who supported the crown his entire life. But, it must be done. There are consequences for these people being that stupid that it will affect our entire Nation and History.
Now I realize that I should not be judging or impugning those folks voting for T rump, and in normal times I held my nose around friends and relations who voted for Reagan or Bush I or bush ii. Now I'm not so sure I will be able to stomach being around anyone who voted for T rump. I posted in facebook that I could not, nor would not respect anyone who voted for T rump and I noticed I lost a few "friends".
This is like Ben Franklin having to say goodbye to his son William who supported the crown his entire life. But, it must be done. There are consequences for these people being that stupid that it will affect our entire Nation and History.
6
Even reptiles have a higher sense of self-preservation than some of these voters do.
5
More juvenile drivel from the NY Times. I could respect the paper and the kindergartners who write for them if they would just say the following: "neither is fit for office, we endorse (fill in the blank and add a few reasons)." But that would require them to be academic, adult, objective etc.
14
You see. The really "adult" thing would be to acknowledge that these two candidates are the given set to an equation.
There are no other variables, or exponents.
Now, find a solution.
That simple.
There are no other variables, or exponents.
Now, find a solution.
That simple.
2
A sad day in America if we consider those 5 reasons fitting to hold the greatest office in the land.
1
How can you people be oblivious to the facts that are pouring out about Hillary Clinton and her colleagues? To influence the Democratic nomination there had been proven collusion among the top levels of the Democratic Party, collusion with the media. The head of the DNC resigned (and was immediately hired by Hillary). The new head of the DNC was fired from CNN. There has been an outpouring of evidence that shows that Hillary Clinton set up a private email server in order to enable her to delete incriminating emails - emails that showed the Clintons' pay tor play scheme. There is proof that some of the women made up their stories about Donald Trump, and its my guess that all of them did, with the blessing and urging of the DNC, stories that people just baste your minds with. There is proof that Democrats talked about hiring people to start trouble at Trump rallies. Trump unpredictable? Nothing about Hillary's rages from people who worked for her.
The liberal politicians and the 95% of the media that supports them are corrupt and will stop at nothing. Ethics mean nothing to them. Reporting of the facts mean nothing to them. All that matters are their goals. And YOU are their sheep. You want open borders? You want open trade? Well this great sucking sound is America going down the drain, and some day you will be going down with it. The global socialists will have accomplished their goal.
The liberal politicians and the 95% of the media that supports them are corrupt and will stop at nothing. Ethics mean nothing to them. Reporting of the facts mean nothing to them. All that matters are their goals. And YOU are their sheep. You want open borders? You want open trade? Well this great sucking sound is America going down the drain, and some day you will be going down with it. The global socialists will have accomplished their goal.
11
Not oblivious to them. I have considered them closely for substance and veracity, just as I have done with the facts surrounding Trump. Trump is clearly irresponsible, ignorant and inarticulate --wholly unfit to be President under any rational measure. But Clinton clearly has the chops. It's just no contest. Many of my Republican friends and acquaintances agree. Think carefully.
11
Almost all of these proofs you claim exist about Clinton are unverified claims. Where is the evidence that deleted emails had to do with pay for play? So far, the emails released via Wikileaks shows the opposite - lots of people paying, thinking they would get to play, and not even getting a callback. If some Democrats (and there is no proof that if this is true, HRC was the prime instigator) decided to start trouble at Trump rallies, what does it say that it seems so easy to do? Should Trump be held responsible for his hype man Black minister who sent the crude racist tweet about HRC? Or the love affair that the KKK and other racist, fascist people have for Trump's campaign? You think Trump's business practices, even when barely legal, show good ethics? All that matters are his goals - for his own benefit, period.
It seems like the media only pays attention to Trump because he insists on grabbing the attention away from Clinton. Every time an email dump happens and we comb through them only to find there is not much there there, people like you want the media to indulge in the same innuendo and supposition that Trump's supporters and the Breitbart followers do.
Whereas, we have plenty of proof for pretty much everything bad about Trump - because we can find it in black and white or on video, much of it out of his own mouth.
It seems like the media only pays attention to Trump because he insists on grabbing the attention away from Clinton. Every time an email dump happens and we comb through them only to find there is not much there there, people like you want the media to indulge in the same innuendo and supposition that Trump's supporters and the Breitbart followers do.
Whereas, we have plenty of proof for pretty much everything bad about Trump - because we can find it in black and white or on video, much of it out of his own mouth.
8
If you want to see the collusion between the Lame Stream Media and Hillary, here it is: http://www.mostdamagingwikileaks.com/
Bear in mind that not a single Wikileak has ever been shown to be false. Now you can read what Hillary said in those little $183/second chats with the Wall Street crowd, about all the "play for pay" schemes, about cheating in the debates, and other sordid details. Then decide whom you want as our next president.
Bear in mind that not a single Wikileak has ever been shown to be false. Now you can read what Hillary said in those little $183/second chats with the Wall Street crowd, about all the "play for pay" schemes, about cheating in the debates, and other sordid details. Then decide whom you want as our next president.
10
Somewhat condescending. I've already voted for Hillary, but I can definitely see the attraction of voting for an outsider who is not part of our bloated political class.
After all the decisions from both the Left and Right have been oh so effective over the last 40 years. To paraphrase the West Wing, we have become two corporate parties one of which supports abortion the other opposes it.
It isn't even the lesser of two evils any more. On one hand we have a candidate who is dodging behavior which would have put any other non rich white politician in jail or on the run from treason charges. On the other we have someone who is a pure demagogue narcisist who represents everything wrong with a society based on me first wealth.
Add to that a media that hasn't even pretended to be objective. Honestly the only two journalists this entire election season who bothered to actually do their job rather than fawn over either candidate were Megyn Kelly and Chris Wallace. Something I would have said last year would only happen if Hell froze over.
Oh well. I've already voted. Can't wait till this farce is over.
After all the decisions from both the Left and Right have been oh so effective over the last 40 years. To paraphrase the West Wing, we have become two corporate parties one of which supports abortion the other opposes it.
It isn't even the lesser of two evils any more. On one hand we have a candidate who is dodging behavior which would have put any other non rich white politician in jail or on the run from treason charges. On the other we have someone who is a pure demagogue narcisist who represents everything wrong with a society based on me first wealth.
Add to that a media that hasn't even pretended to be objective. Honestly the only two journalists this entire election season who bothered to actually do their job rather than fawn over either candidate were Megyn Kelly and Chris Wallace. Something I would have said last year would only happen if Hell froze over.
Oh well. I've already voted. Can't wait till this farce is over.
11
There is a problem with the media. I was just watching CNN broadcasting Trump speaking in FL. He called Clinton a criminal while spouting numerous lies. King goes back to the panel, mentions the lies and untruths then talks about how effective this is. Most members of the panel thought his statements were effective. Is this what the citizens and the media accept? The lesson is he can lie to win!
24
The very fact that Trump has gotten this far is a global embarrassment and a scorching indictment of the American political system, not to mention the American educational system, reality TV culture, etc. etc.. There appears to be little hope change is possible without an earthquake.
I was surprised by the fall of the Berlin Wall. I was surprised by the Arab Spring. This time I am keeping my eyes open for the American Reckoning...
I was surprised by the fall of the Berlin Wall. I was surprised by the Arab Spring. This time I am keeping my eyes open for the American Reckoning...
143
And indictment of the American people as well, I'm afraid.
5
The very fact that Trump has gotten this far is a scorching indictment of the republican lust for power and their willingness to almost literally sell their souls to the devil in the hope of grabbing all levers of power so they can run the Bill of Rights through the nearest paper shredder.
8
The New York Times and all the MSM has make Clinton what and who she is, it is they that over and over again tell us "we can't trust her." How many pages and air time has been devoted to Clinton's trustworthiness. Now the Washington Post has an article stating she is much more mistrusted than Trump, now you have the FBI making the case that she can not be trusted.
2
Any indication
Any indication Trump can be trusted? Look at his history. Wives, business, how he makes it
(and loses it) to his advantage.
Any indication Trump can be trusted? Look at his history. Wives, business, how he makes it
(and loses it) to his advantage.
5
(6) He is not as ethically compromised as his opponent and is less likely to be impeached and therefore will cause less national upheaval.
Really dumb article. Not even sophomoric but freshmanic. If it weren't for the arts and business coverage, I wouldn't subscribe to your moribund paper.
Really dumb article. Not even sophomoric but freshmanic. If it weren't for the arts and business coverage, I wouldn't subscribe to your moribund paper.
11
This article is *priceless*! And so well-put, so that all demographics could perceive witty sarcasm (my preferred flavor). Nicholas Kristof - I owe you one, you made my day! Now, if Trump wins…
6
Vote for Hillary if you want all of our country's wealth distributed across to the global elite . Vote for Hillary if you think it's alright for our government officials to enrich themselves while in office. Vote for Hillary if you want more jobs to leave or shores. Vote for Hillary if you think her and Obama did a great job with the Arab spring they engineered. She left the white House broke but is now worth 350 million without getting a job.
Maybe we need something new. Maybe we need someone with no government experience. Because it seems like our media and government are lying to us to keep their power . Hillary, Huma, Mills, Lynch and the rest of these corrupt people don't need anymore power.
Maybe we need something new. Maybe we need someone with no government experience. Because it seems like our media and government are lying to us to keep their power . Hillary, Huma, Mills, Lynch and the rest of these corrupt people don't need anymore power.
14
Might have a point, if Trump didn't lie almost every time he opens his mouth. How can you trust a liar to fix what a person you think is a liar has done? If no government experience, please at least more successful and less racist, crooked, cheating managerial experience than Trump has displayed. I really don't want the person who bankrupted himself 6 times to chance doing that to the USA.
Your so-called Arab spring was initiated by an ill-conceived war in Iraq that HRC voted before because the last Republican administration lied about WMDs, a war for which the USA had no thought out end game. Bad as Hussein was, he had the region stabilized against terrorists - unless we were willing to occupy the region with tens or hundreds of thousands of our troops, there was pretty much nothing we could do to prevent the rise of some kind of ISIS-like entity there. That's all on GWB (or I should say, the neocon elite that pulled his strings).
Your so-called Arab spring was initiated by an ill-conceived war in Iraq that HRC voted before because the last Republican administration lied about WMDs, a war for which the USA had no thought out end game. Bad as Hussein was, he had the region stabilized against terrorists - unless we were willing to occupy the region with tens or hundreds of thousands of our troops, there was pretty much nothing we could do to prevent the rise of some kind of ISIS-like entity there. That's all on GWB (or I should say, the neocon elite that pulled his strings).
3
Sic,
This was brilliant. I especially loved the "her and Obama'. The greatness of your intellect is only matched by that of Trump, most likely your hero.
This was brilliant. I especially loved the "her and Obama'. The greatness of your intellect is only matched by that of Trump, most likely your hero.
6
Vote for Trump if you don't like the present situation - or care what replaces it.
"...a Trump presidency would keep us all amused, aghast or at least entertained. Until the nuclear apocalypse, after which we may all be dead anyway."
One of my favorite movie lines of all time was spoken by the immortal Steve Buscemi in "Armageddon", when commenting upon what looked like a very bleak scenario for earth.
"It's time to embrace the horror, we have front row seats to the end of the world".
Tell me about it.
Except this disaster is much easier to avert. All we have to do is pull the right lever on November 8th. Or fill in the right circle with our #2 pencil.
We can do that, can't we?
One of my favorite movie lines of all time was spoken by the immortal Steve Buscemi in "Armageddon", when commenting upon what looked like a very bleak scenario for earth.
"It's time to embrace the horror, we have front row seats to the end of the world".
Tell me about it.
Except this disaster is much easier to avert. All we have to do is pull the right lever on November 8th. Or fill in the right circle with our #2 pencil.
We can do that, can't we?
10
Hey, if the Philippines can elect a Rodrigo Duterte, why can’t the United States elect a Donald Trump? Maybe in a world where Vladmir Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, Hassan Rouhani, and Rodrigo Duterte are ascendant, the United States needs to send a Donald Trump down the rabbit hole? Bye, bye world!
5
Trump elicits the "fight or flight" response in my brain. There are "some" proper uses for the reptilian brain for us. But again, in order to benefit from even this oldest brain part, one has to actually USE it. Apparently, non-elites are having difficulties with this activity. It reminds me of that old Australian pop song, "My Boomerang won't come back". The punchline? "First you have to throw it!?.
Oh, my fight or flight response? Donald who? He's been a pariah to the average person since he first stepped into the stage back in the early 80's. Nothing has changed about the blowhard since and nothing will. He remains a deceitful, small minded, and a (very) low informed person.
Oh, my fight or flight response? Donald who? He's been a pariah to the average person since he first stepped into the stage back in the early 80's. Nothing has changed about the blowhard since and nothing will. He remains a deceitful, small minded, and a (very) low informed person.
10
People have to understand that everything Nick said is true and this is exactly type of person half of the electorate wants to run the country,
don't care or don't believe anything Nick says. I think it's time to read "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire".
don't care or don't believe anything Nick says. I think it's time to read "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire".
10
Wrong reference. You mean Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here."
4
*to continue: ----may not see or interpret this as satire, and will possibly say: See? I told you so. Kristof wants to see Trump in office!
5
Mr. Kristie, please go back to pontificating and making me feel guilty about my 1%-er life. You don't do comedy well.
That being said, I agree that Trump is a mortal danger to democracy, equality, freedom and progress in this world. I'm planning on getting up super early next Tuesday morning to cast my vote for Hillary Clinton, even if I'm the only one in my completely red county to vote for her.
That being said, I agree that Trump is a mortal danger to democracy, equality, freedom and progress in this world. I'm planning on getting up super early next Tuesday morning to cast my vote for Hillary Clinton, even if I'm the only one in my completely red county to vote for her.
7
Best learn to spell the author's name right, for starters, before you offer any criticism. But good choice on your vote!
4
Article misses point. Trump not running for President. Trump running for Fuhrer. Latter historical role requires different "qualifications." This is what is fundamental in our historical situation. But we don't get it. This "election" is a moment in the unfolding of--of what? We don't know. When we do get a glimmer of insight it will be too late. Then again, we may come to realize that it was already too late even before the candidates were selected.
13
An anesthesiologist wrote of these posts that he was voting for Trump because his tax bill was 45%.
He left out the fact that hospital procedures are priced so high, that they're obscene.
Anyway, a vote for Trump is a Faustian bargain, because it's a vote for fascism.
The significant tax breaks will go to the 1%.
He left out the fact that hospital procedures are priced so high, that they're obscene.
Anyway, a vote for Trump is a Faustian bargain, because it's a vote for fascism.
The significant tax breaks will go to the 1%.
35
I know a few people who are voting for Trump for the same 45% tax rate reason, and even i myself would benefit from having a lower tax rate.
However I am voting for Hillary because a lot of people don't realize having a 25% income tax rate does you no good if the economy goes to hell in a hand basket due to ignorant economic and security policies and the value of your assets and ncome decreases by 35%.
However I am voting for Hillary because a lot of people don't realize having a 25% income tax rate does you no good if the economy goes to hell in a hand basket due to ignorant economic and security policies and the value of your assets and ncome decreases by 35%.
9
I have a relative who hasn't had an independent thought in his head in 40 years. He has listened to hate and anger propaganda on talk-radio from the day it came on the airwaves. He's not a bad guy in a lot of ways, very sensitive and pretty insecure but he can no longer think for himself. He scapegoats like an ISIS creep and he just loves to hate. Loves it! I am pretty sure he mistakes it for thinking. Talk-radio convinced him a long time ago that opinions are the same as thinking but better because they can and must include anger and verbal assault. Thoughtful reasoning is too slow, it gets in the way. Propaganda morphed into stock brainwashing is talk-radio and I am sure that even if he tried mightily he wouldn't be able, at this point, to break its hold on his grey matter and his emotions.
Trump is a 24/7 talk radio show. He constantly repeats his lies, strikes his pretentious posturing and barks his theatrical anger all of which my relative mistakes for thoughts which are so true and emotionally loaded that reasoning cannot carry them. If you have never read about Pol Pot, Hitler, Stalin or any other prime example of social brainwashing and criminal terrorizing of your fellow citizens, you might fall for the scam. Like my poor relative. He doesn't read books or serious journalism, so he doesn't know much about anything, he just has opinions, about everything...baseless, angry, scapegoating, talk radio opinions. Exactly like Trump.
Trump is a 24/7 talk radio show. He constantly repeats his lies, strikes his pretentious posturing and barks his theatrical anger all of which my relative mistakes for thoughts which are so true and emotionally loaded that reasoning cannot carry them. If you have never read about Pol Pot, Hitler, Stalin or any other prime example of social brainwashing and criminal terrorizing of your fellow citizens, you might fall for the scam. Like my poor relative. He doesn't read books or serious journalism, so he doesn't know much about anything, he just has opinions, about everything...baseless, angry, scapegoating, talk radio opinions. Exactly like Trump.
63
Sounds like a relative of mine! And no amount of satire, logic, fact-checking, or debate will ever challenge his opinions (oh, how I have tried). As much as I love reading Nic Kristof's columns, I fear he's preaching to the choir.
2
It's hard not to think of the rise of the fascists in 1930's Germany and Italy...or of the many people who failed to take the threat seriously, to their own and the world's great detriment.
What will we tell our children or our grandchildren about our role in the re-awakening of this monster?
What will we tell our children or our grandchildren about our role in the re-awakening of this monster?
34
Remember how some missed the satire in "All in the Family", and thought Archie Bunker was right-on and their hero.
Trump is the inevitable creation of our burgeoning media. Once news was fact checked and an attempt was made to be ethically balanced. When even the Times began to use The Enquirer for story leads and became less rigorous about fact-checking, the ground was laid for Roger Ailes and the politics of fear.
Ironically, Trump was mentored by Roy Cohn ('repeat a lie often enough and people will believe it') who was part of the McCarthy Communist witch hunt. Now Trump's good friend is Putin. We are living in the Theatre of the Absurd.
We could be amused if we didn't need to be very afraid.
Fortunately perhaps, congress is so moribund that little will change.
Should Trump be elected he will be so overwhelmed by the complexity of the job that he will rely on his handlers. Would that they would be wise and rational. Though I'm reminded that President Bush was supposedly 'handled' and look what happened there.
I seem to remember a 'curse': "May you live in interesting times."
Trump is the inevitable creation of our burgeoning media. Once news was fact checked and an attempt was made to be ethically balanced. When even the Times began to use The Enquirer for story leads and became less rigorous about fact-checking, the ground was laid for Roger Ailes and the politics of fear.
Ironically, Trump was mentored by Roy Cohn ('repeat a lie often enough and people will believe it') who was part of the McCarthy Communist witch hunt. Now Trump's good friend is Putin. We are living in the Theatre of the Absurd.
We could be amused if we didn't need to be very afraid.
Fortunately perhaps, congress is so moribund that little will change.
Should Trump be elected he will be so overwhelmed by the complexity of the job that he will rely on his handlers. Would that they would be wise and rational. Though I'm reminded that President Bush was supposedly 'handled' and look what happened there.
I seem to remember a 'curse': "May you live in interesting times."
19
Bush allowed himself to be handled because he believed he needed to be. Trump doesn't believe he needs to do his homework to be successful, and often ignores his handlers in favor of gut reaction (see most of his Presidential campaign). Also, looking at the advisors (more like cheerleaders) he has surrounded himself with now, woe be unto the USA if they and those like them are the powers behind a Trump administration.
8
Back in 2008 they derided Obama's lack of experience in government and had nothing but scorn for the "community organizer." They didn't like his cold-intellectual demeanor, either.
Apparently the only thing better than little experience is NO experience. And the less intellect, the better.
Apparently the only thing better than little experience is NO experience. And the less intellect, the better.
23
Mr Trump is unacceptable, from every perspective. But are we going a bit to far in permitting the inference that, if only his supporters would understand, or better understand, the distinction between our reptilian brain and the processes permitted by our cerebral cortex, and how we can be manipulated to rely on the former, they would do a reality check, see that indeed they had been manipulated, invoke their rational capacities and, voila, agree with those of us who conclude he is unacceptable. My untutored bet is, at best, most if not all his supporters would review the mental processes they employed, the data they had considered, and conclude that, yes everything is in order.
4
If they did, it would be because they have used their rational capacities to rationalize away the choice already made by their reptilian brains. The Scientific method was developed precisely to avoid the human capacity to rationalize instead of be rational, to avoid making judgements about how the world works because of primal urges pointing us to biased assumptions.
3
So the final days are going to be non-stop primal screams from NY Times columnists about how Trump is uniquely unqualified, disqualified, and even an "existential threat." The ever-escalating crescendo of anti-Trump rhetoric has ceased to be effective at persuading anyone who is not already committed to Clinton. The tenor and emotion of the complaints have devolved into a kind of journalistic tantrum. We might all be better served if erstwhile intelligent people took some time to understand the phenomenon that is Trump, rather than stamping their feet as he approaches victory. Let me, as some who will not vote for Trump, suggest two ideas that you might consider. 1. Happy days are not here again--people really are suffering. 2. The system really is "rigged" in some ways, and Hillary Clinton is the poster child for entitlement and privilege, giving secret speeches to wealthy bankers, being excused from gross mishandling of classified material, being given questions ahead of time, and using the State Department to enrich her foundation, her family, and her friends. One of the reasons that Trump is on the verge of winning is because the media refuses to be honest about Clinton, and people are rebelling; they don't trust you any more, and your response is to blame it on 60 million deplorables.
12
And, the reason Trump appeals to so many is that he is a ruthless, shrewd business man, a "good ole boy," a crass verbalizer and over the top on everything. But, what he is NOT is a corrupt, egregiously flawed woman who sold her soul...and her marriage...for power and greed. No one disputes a woman could be great for the country, but NOT this woman. For thirty years and more, they have had their machine intimidate, threaten, and coherce those that dared to expose them. How does that happen? In our great country? What happened to laws? To decency? To civility? To responsibility? And, yes, good old fashioned honesty! They are the epitomy of corruption...millions know it. Yet, Hillary has this coterie of like men and women who are drunk with power and nothing stops them. Then, I ask, again, how does this happen? How, for years and years the Democratic Party has gotten to this place...no other person dared to challenge her because the DNC had it all figured out. And, Trump is deplorable? He may be many objectionable things, but he's NOT part of the problem with this election. The Clinton machine has ruined our political,system to the core.
6
@susan
No offense. But I hardly think that you, or anyone else is in the position to comment on another person's marriage -- there are definitely things involved there, that you are not privy.
Another thing.
If you're so concerned about FAILED MARRIAGES -- take a closer look at Donald Trump...he's got at least 2 of them!
No offense. But I hardly think that you, or anyone else is in the position to comment on another person's marriage -- there are definitely things involved there, that you are not privy.
Another thing.
If you're so concerned about FAILED MARRIAGES -- take a closer look at Donald Trump...he's got at least 2 of them!
2
I'm not as concerned about Trump as I am about his followers. I honestly believe Trump will be impeached within a year if he is elected. His offenses are probably already impeachable. His followers frighten me. I'm not interested in seeing a Bundy type family (I'm not talking Al Bundy from Married With Children) takeover of the Constitution, but I sure see the warning signs.
16
The Trump haters are shown to be violent, aggressive and dangerous. They are everywhere... I'm afraid of them. Trump supporters have been nice.
2
I know, right? Trump keeps talking about how Clinton would be elected and immediately plunge the nation into a legal crisis, but that's assuming anything substantial will come out of anything further on her email problem. Whereas, Trump is already in the middle of multiple civil actions, and a few criminal ones are probably in order given the things coming out about him. Want to pick the person proven guilty of some bad things and is known to be accused - and will likely be found guilty of - several more? Or the person whose optics are bad, and has made as many mistakes as most people who have lived 70 years (and arguably a lot fewer) but so far guilty of nothing criminal nor civil?
The first seems to not know what he is talking about, and is only coherent when he deigns to be teleprompted by his aides - besides being loathsome in his private self. The other well knows what she is talking about, and did a stint in the Senate that proves she can get things done and compromise even with those who don't fully agree with her, for the good of her constituents.
The first seems to not know what he is talking about, and is only coherent when he deigns to be teleprompted by his aides - besides being loathsome in his private self. The other well knows what she is talking about, and did a stint in the Senate that proves she can get things done and compromise even with those who don't fully agree with her, for the good of her constituents.
4
Mr. Trump is appealing to many people because, after following all of society's rules, they are left with the "elite's" decisions plaguing their daily lives. For example, why doesn't Congress have the same ACA that we have to live with? Why doesn't one congressman/senator/president send their children to the DC public schools where they can experience diversity and raise the academic life of inner city schools? Why don't any of the elites send their children to NYC public schools (not the few testing-ing schools) but the regular violence soaked neighborhood schools? Why does a Congressperson go into office poor and come out rich? etc. No, they leave the masses to deal with these problems. That's why people are disgusted and its given birth to Donald Trump. The Emperor (the elite) Has NO Clothes and people are finally seeing the naked truth.
21
And yet you seem not to see that your emperor is one of the elite himself and certainly wears no clothes - all sizzle and no steak. Someone who wants only to be admired and praised. That is the biggest irony. The second biggest irony is that you will vote all those people back into congress and they will continue to look out for themselves, along with Trump doing the same. At least with Obama and a at least a chance with Hillary, someone at the top looks out for the "others"-- that is we, the people. The third irony - well, let's just call it what it is stupidity - is that there isn't one single idea that Trump and cronies present that would in any way change from what you describe above (perhaps with merit) to anything better. And in all probability add a whole lot worse.
It really is amazing that people can be that blind and would vote for someone just because he says he is different and just because he can spew on about all the problems and place blame. Yet offers no solutions.
It really is amazing that people can be that blind and would vote for someone just because he says he is different and just because he can spew on about all the problems and place blame. Yet offers no solutions.
7
If I remember correctly, over 80% of the population doesn't need the ACA.
Could you imagine a President trying to send his children to a public school? What a circus that would generate. Same deal, to a lesser extent, with senators and congressmen. Think about it.
If you can work it so that rich people will pay you hundreds of thousands of dollars to make a speech, you'd soon get rich, too.Especially if you invest well and don't blow money on frivolities. No need for it to be pay for play, if you convince them they gain something from your speeches.
You think Trump isn't one of the elite? He is, he's just one of the more lazy and crooked ones. Not the intellectual elite - the wealthy elite. And, it's the latter that do more of the damage in this country, because money always talks first.
Could you imagine a President trying to send his children to a public school? What a circus that would generate. Same deal, to a lesser extent, with senators and congressmen. Think about it.
If you can work it so that rich people will pay you hundreds of thousands of dollars to make a speech, you'd soon get rich, too.Especially if you invest well and don't blow money on frivolities. No need for it to be pay for play, if you convince them they gain something from your speeches.
You think Trump isn't one of the elite? He is, he's just one of the more lazy and crooked ones. Not the intellectual elite - the wealthy elite. And, it's the latter that do more of the damage in this country, because money always talks first.
5
The ONLY way (besides voting) to fight DT, laughter! Thanks, Mr. Kristof! I'm still chuckling!
12
Bravo Nick Kristof! Point well made, with clarity, and a few laughs thrown in. :) At this point in the most disturbing election in my lifetime, many of us can use a few laughs. Thank you.
20
Abraham Lincoln served a single term as a member of Congress. But he had both a first rate temperament, mind and character.
FDR, JFK and LBJ along with Bill all liked women other than their wives. But unlike Donald and Reagan and McCain they only had one wife.
Instead of being a private business, America is a public divided limited power democratic republic.
In the 2008 and 2012 elections 57% and 59% of white voters voted white McCain/Palin and then white Romney/Ryan. The Republican Party is the party of the majority of white people who vote in America.
The one and only human race species close primate ape genetic DNA kin are the bonobo and the chimpanzee. The bonobo are a gracile peaceful matriarchy. The chimps are robust violent and patriarchal.
Vote for Trump to measure the enduring endemic hypocritical immoral distance between American rhetoric and reality.
FDR, JFK and LBJ along with Bill all liked women other than their wives. But unlike Donald and Reagan and McCain they only had one wife.
Instead of being a private business, America is a public divided limited power democratic republic.
In the 2008 and 2012 elections 57% and 59% of white voters voted white McCain/Palin and then white Romney/Ryan. The Republican Party is the party of the majority of white people who vote in America.
The one and only human race species close primate ape genetic DNA kin are the bonobo and the chimpanzee. The bonobo are a gracile peaceful matriarchy. The chimps are robust violent and patriarchal.
Vote for Trump to measure the enduring endemic hypocritical immoral distance between American rhetoric and reality.
6
Although these 5 reasons are satirical, I do believe that many Trump voters are using this exact criteria for choosing to vote for Trump. Rather than respectful discourse, they have chosen to support dangerous "entertainment."
17
When did this country become so intrigued with upset and drama? It's like an addiction - consuming and feeding with no concern for the consequences. When did we stop thinking the job of Commander in Chief wasn't an incredibly serious one where diligence and diplomacy was needed, not Vaudeville.
5
@Ross
Look to the rise of "Reality"- based television programs, and right-wing conservative news programs that breeds troll behaviour under the cloak of anonymity.
Just a guess.
Look to the rise of "Reality"- based television programs, and right-wing conservative news programs that breeds troll behaviour under the cloak of anonymity.
Just a guess.
4
Per latest ABC/Washington post poll, 47% of voters are "reptiles." The ongoing arrogance of the NY times is now laughable. There are only two choices according to you; the reasonable logical choice and the buffoonish, racist criminal. How easily the intertwined elites in the establishment dismiss the people. In fact, the biggest danger to the world must be the possibility that the reptiles might win. Better to cancel elections and let the wise men in NY pick our leaders.
9
Yes, 47% of the voters are being really dense and stupid.
13
How easy it is to fool yourself that just because there are a lot of you, perhaps, that you are right or smart. The smartest people are, in fact, a minority. That's how a bell curve works. It has nothing whatsoever with being elite or from NY, because if that were the case then Trump precisely fits on both scores. Smart is a whole different issue. I don't suppose it ever occurred to you that the reason so many journalists, academics, high-achieving leaders in all walks of life favor Clinton over Trump is because they are actually right, from an objective point of view and know a little bit more than your 47% of the public.
2
Arun, you have an intellectually and emotionally persuasive argument. You give Democrats a good name.
I yearn for the good old days when Nick and his daughter were bonding on the John Muir Trail. After the Pacific Coast Trail, he should consider a suitable conquest like the Empty Quarter.
2
Twenty years ago I migrated from India to USA to get away from the rampant corruption that started with corrupt, hate spewing gnoramuses of leaders and filtered all the way down. While I would loathe to do an encore, nothing if out off the table if Trump (an eerie reflection of those Indian politicians I left behind) and his mindset starts flowing downstream into all walks of life.
People who want change have don't realize how good things are in the USA and how much it can change for the worser with a President Trump.
People who want change have don't realize how good things are in the USA and how much it can change for the worser with a President Trump.
49
I agree. Many Trump supporters want change in the disfunctional government government that we currently have. I sympathize, but just blowing the house down to effect change is like playing Russian roulette. Who is to say the resulting change will be beneficial, rather than disastrous? Since Reagan claimed that government is the enemy, Republican politians have set out to prove him right and brought on the current disfunction. Let's rephrase Reagan's admonition. Bad government is the enemy; good government can be our friend. Lets elect politicians who see government as one of several societal instruments to effect the betterment of society, not ones who constantly say "no" to any attempt to govern.
4
Nick, it's well known that hawkish liberal interventionist types like you are chomping at the bit to see U.S. armed forces intervene far more heavily and directly in the Syrian civil war. It's also well-known that people like you who attend Davos and other somewhat nauseating TED talk-like gatherings are the most vocal proponents of "free" trade in the form of secretive, pro-corporatist agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
If you had decided to write this column as something serious rather than as satire, and had assessed the impact of people like yourselves in the most blunt and critical fashion, I think you would have concluded that people feel they have valid reasons to vote for Trump because people like yourself are repeatedly arguing that there are no valid alternatives to do-gooder liberal interventionism and "free" trade.
I just hope Hillary Clinton, if elected president, will take the advice of Bernie Sanders more often than she takes the advice of people like you.
The parallels with the 1964 election here are eerie. Clinton is Lyndon Johnson, the hawkish Democratic nominee gunning to do more in Syria (Vietnam). Obama is like JFK, albeit alive and not dead and known for having been skeptical about escalating U.S. involvement overseas. And Trump is Goldwater, the loose-cannon GOP nominee who nevertheless has a devoted following for some good reasons.
If Mrs. Clinton governs like LBJ on foreign policy, she will destroy her presidency just as he did.
If you had decided to write this column as something serious rather than as satire, and had assessed the impact of people like yourselves in the most blunt and critical fashion, I think you would have concluded that people feel they have valid reasons to vote for Trump because people like yourself are repeatedly arguing that there are no valid alternatives to do-gooder liberal interventionism and "free" trade.
I just hope Hillary Clinton, if elected president, will take the advice of Bernie Sanders more often than she takes the advice of people like you.
The parallels with the 1964 election here are eerie. Clinton is Lyndon Johnson, the hawkish Democratic nominee gunning to do more in Syria (Vietnam). Obama is like JFK, albeit alive and not dead and known for having been skeptical about escalating U.S. involvement overseas. And Trump is Goldwater, the loose-cannon GOP nominee who nevertheless has a devoted following for some good reasons.
If Mrs. Clinton governs like LBJ on foreign policy, she will destroy her presidency just as he did.
6
Wow. This feels like the result of a festering dum-dum wound. You might want to have that looked at, AR.
3
And Trump has no designs to enter Syria or Iran? Why do you think he has the endorsement of the less-knowledgeable generals? He plans to re-build the military-industrial complex and cut taxes so many get rich, except those who actually perform the jobs HE will be "creating." I can't remember if that was Goldwater's plan, too.
Regardless of who parallels past candidates, it sure would be nice to have a president willing to destroy their presidency, as well as a few members of Congress disinterested in re-election. Politicians willing to serve others rather than themselves certainly would be refreshing.
Regardless of who parallels past candidates, it sure would be nice to have a president willing to destroy their presidency, as well as a few members of Congress disinterested in re-election. Politicians willing to serve others rather than themselves certainly would be refreshing.
1
Actually, I thought it was a rather thoughtful comment. Why, Robert E. Kilgore, would you make fun of someone for giving thoughtful commentary? That certainly seems mighty juvenile on your part.
4
I am completely mystified why having no political experience is such a draw for people, especially people who say they despise the so-called elites. Trump IS one of the elites who preys on the very kind of people who support him. Would you let some guy who owns a fleet of high end cars work on yours because he's obviously likes cars, can afford them, and tells you he knows how they work?
This election is like a train wreck that we can't stop watching. The problem is, we are on the train.
This election is like a train wreck that we can't stop watching. The problem is, we are on the train.
260
Trump has tapped into the Fear of the unknown. "Male white superiority" has reigned in the U.S. Now all of a sudden, people of color are blending and creating a rainbow which bodes well for the future in the U.S.
Who are these people voting for Trump? Gallup`s Economist Jonathan
Rothwell sampled 87,428 people between July 2015 and 2016 (by zip codes and commuting zones) who held both favorable and unfavorable views of Trump. He analyzed the dataset for three main things: Economic well-being; Effect of trade competition; and their exposure to immigrants and minorities. Trump’s supporters tend to earn more than non-supporters. Pro-Trump Americans aren’t necessarily facing the economic fallout of globalization. Rothwell found that pro-Trump folks tend to live in neighborhoods that are super white and have limited interactions with racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and college graduates.
Obama experienced that white backlash in the US Senate where the white republicans refuse to vote for his appointee. 25 years ago, the appointment of the right wing Clarence Thomas was ratified by a 52 to 48 vote and yet those same white guys now want a 60 majority vote for an appointee of Obama or Clinton should she get elected.
We have to live through this transition period until demographics win out. A friend from Texas showed a study that said if everyone over 40 died today - Clinton would win.
This 73 year old white male can`t wait until Spanish is la lengua of the USA
Who are these people voting for Trump? Gallup`s Economist Jonathan
Rothwell sampled 87,428 people between July 2015 and 2016 (by zip codes and commuting zones) who held both favorable and unfavorable views of Trump. He analyzed the dataset for three main things: Economic well-being; Effect of trade competition; and their exposure to immigrants and minorities. Trump’s supporters tend to earn more than non-supporters. Pro-Trump Americans aren’t necessarily facing the economic fallout of globalization. Rothwell found that pro-Trump folks tend to live in neighborhoods that are super white and have limited interactions with racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and college graduates.
Obama experienced that white backlash in the US Senate where the white republicans refuse to vote for his appointee. 25 years ago, the appointment of the right wing Clarence Thomas was ratified by a 52 to 48 vote and yet those same white guys now want a 60 majority vote for an appointee of Obama or Clinton should she get elected.
We have to live through this transition period until demographics win out. A friend from Texas showed a study that said if everyone over 40 died today - Clinton would win.
This 73 year old white male can`t wait until Spanish is la lengua of the USA
5
I think it is more like we are tied to the tracks and the oncoming train is barreling toward us, and we have hope there is someone(s) that will have enough common sense to hit the brakes.
4
Proof is in the pudding. The experienced ones have gotten us part time low paying jobs, stagnant wages, record numbers on food stamps and in poverty, healthcare through the roof and 20 trillion in debt for our kiddos to pay off. Give me the ignorant guy, all this experience and intelligence is killing us.
2
#MakeAmericaReptilianAgain #MARA
3
For some of Donald Trump’s supporters, the satire of Nicholas Kristof may be read simply as stating five perfectly good reasons to vote for Trump. For others who have cast or plan to cast their ballots for Trump, they may fully understand that Mr. Kristof’s tongue is firmly in his cheek – they may even be amused by it. It does not, however, matter to them.
They do not care, because they are rich and want their taxes lowered. Nothing else is that important to them, because they are confident that they can control Trump’s instability and ignorance. As for Trump’s bigotry and misogyny, most of them are untroubled by those flaws or share them.
They do not care, because they are rich and want their taxes lowered. Nothing else is that important to them, because they are confident that they can control Trump’s instability and ignorance. As for Trump’s bigotry and misogyny, most of them are untroubled by those flaws or share them.
6
Our reptilian brain. Fantastic!
3
Brilliant Mr. Kristof - thank you. Rest easy with President Donald J. Trump he will be busy banning muslims, deporting millions of busboys and fruit pickers and leaf blowers, building great, great border walls, prosecuting a presidential nominee, torturing suspects, putting climate skeptics in charge at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, canceling health care for tired poor huddled masses and squeezing more nasty ladies.
8
Good stuff. Although, I think you mean "hot mic" scandals. A Trump "hot Mike" scandal would indeed be something.
5
AMONG the Trump VOTERS! My favorite author, James Lee Burke, in his writing shares my viewpoint on the etiological conditions of our political environment. This is the attribution of the causation of behavior in an environment, often expressed in terms of historical or mythical explanation.
I would like to quote a paragraph out of his book “Creole Belle”. This is a particular description of a people in Louisiana that in generalization pertains to many areas of our Globe. After reading it, I came to the realization that it describes the current denizens of Donbas.
Quote……,”For me, Louisiana has always been a haunted place. I believe the specters of slaves and Houma and Atapaka Indians and pirates and Confederate soldiers and Acadian farmers and plantation belles are still out there in the mist. I believe their story has never been adequately told and they will never rest until it is.
I also believe my home state is cursed by ignorance and poverty and racism, much of it deliberately on a level inculcated to control a vulnerable electorate. And I believe many of the politicians in Louisiana are among the most stomach-churning examples of white trash and venality I have ever known. To me, the fact that large numbers find them humorously picaresque is mind numbing, on a level with telling fond tales about one’s rapist.”…….unquote.
I would like to quote a paragraph out of his book “Creole Belle”. This is a particular description of a people in Louisiana that in generalization pertains to many areas of our Globe. After reading it, I came to the realization that it describes the current denizens of Donbas.
Quote……,”For me, Louisiana has always been a haunted place. I believe the specters of slaves and Houma and Atapaka Indians and pirates and Confederate soldiers and Acadian farmers and plantation belles are still out there in the mist. I believe their story has never been adequately told and they will never rest until it is.
I also believe my home state is cursed by ignorance and poverty and racism, much of it deliberately on a level inculcated to control a vulnerable electorate. And I believe many of the politicians in Louisiana are among the most stomach-churning examples of white trash and venality I have ever known. To me, the fact that large numbers find them humorously picaresque is mind numbing, on a level with telling fond tales about one’s rapist.”…….unquote.
10
Many areas of the South share similar characterisics. Small town environments elsewhere pursue similar goals. Education that includes an exposure to expanding ideas enables children to move forward. So many of our "tribal " groups stop forward thinking progress. I have always felt so lucky that my parents rebelled against their small minded society. EDUCATION
2
James Lee Burke is a writer with extraordinary insight. The excerpt you have chosen is a great sample of that insight.
1
You could have argued with facts, swayed public opinion, but leading up to this election, the NYT Opinion Board has acted irresponsibly by sinking to derision and name calling.
All of you need to get out of New York City once in a while. You should and could have made a difference.
All of you need to get out of New York City once in a while. You should and could have made a difference.
7
Of all the damaging effects that electing Donald Trump could have on our country, I think his real or pretended ignorance of government, law and the complex important issues would be the worst. We parents are expected to do everything from read to our unborn children in the womb to mortgage our home and give up our retirement savings to send them to the "best" universities for that education that supposedly will get them to the top, or at least a few steps ahead of the pack of high school dropouts. Yet here is a man who has made it to the top, not only of business but of our national government, who "loves the uneducated" and sounds like one of them, proudly. He says all a president needs is "toughness," the art of the deal and a "good (but uneducated) brain." So what do we tell our children now when they don't want to do their homework or study for tests and bring home C's and D's? Do we say, "Great, Johnny! You can still be a billionaire and president of the United States"?
10
I don't understand the barrage of hysterical ED/OP ED pieces from the NY times decrying Trump's candidacy. After all the NYT has for months, day after day, prominently displayed a statistic on its home page that shows Trump's chance of winning the election hovering around 10-15%, when many polls show that it is a much closer race.
I would be a lot more relaxed if my candidate had an 85-90% chance of winning. Unless that statistic is a lot of wishful thinking or just plain old propaganda.
I would be a lot more relaxed if my candidate had an 85-90% chance of winning. Unless that statistic is a lot of wishful thinking or just plain old propaganda.
2
You're not understanding the difference between percent chance of winning and polling percentage. The polls could be close--say 46%-42%--but our *confidence* in those numbers can be much higher. This leads to the situation that you claim is bias, but really isn't. Hillary Clinton could have a 90% chance of winning, even when polls say the percentages are close.
2
Year ago, I heard Studs Terkel speak about ways in which the Reagan administration had damaged the country.
An audience member asked him why Reagan was the most popular president since World War II. (NOTE: He wasn't, as the media admitted only after he was long out of office, but anyway...)
Terkel's answer: "Because he made it OK to be stupid. Stupid people recognized him as one of their own."
I see a similar phenomenon with the Orange One. He's made it OK to be not only stupid but also bigoted and mindlessly aggressive. And there are a lot more such people in the U.S. than we like to admit.
An audience member asked him why Reagan was the most popular president since World War II. (NOTE: He wasn't, as the media admitted only after he was long out of office, but anyway...)
Terkel's answer: "Because he made it OK to be stupid. Stupid people recognized him as one of their own."
I see a similar phenomenon with the Orange One. He's made it OK to be not only stupid but also bigoted and mindlessly aggressive. And there are a lot more such people in the U.S. than we like to admit.
32
Very funny. But why didn't you list the main reason "thinking Republicans" cite for voting for Trump: He's not Clinton. Clinton, that Scarlet Woman, who would be in jail if she hadn't cast spells on Republicans in Congress and the FBI director.
8
I work with a global group and these days most of my colleagues around the world are riveted to what's happening with the U.S. election. They just can't fathom how someone like Trump could have gotten here and how much support he has from Americans. However, there's a bigger issue than Trump. White Americans increasingly feel threatened by shifting demographics and rapid digitalization of the economy. It's understandable they feel left behind and alienated. To that degree, Democrats have failed to provide reassurance. Trump is just a symptom of the overall ailment with America these days.
5
Observing trump is like observing a personification of the reptile brain. Or in this case an orange cartoon of one.
To most rational people he's essentially insane, she certainly has shortcomings (like all of us) but at least she is sane and qualified. You can't trust the country to a lizard, at least I can't.
To most rational people he's essentially insane, she certainly has shortcomings (like all of us) but at least she is sane and qualified. You can't trust the country to a lizard, at least I can't.
27
I am reminded of the anecdote about Adlai Stevenson.
A supporter called out, "Governor Stevenson, all thinking people are for you!" He answered, "That's not enough. I need a majority."
I fear there are far more reptiles around than we realize.
A supporter called out, "Governor Stevenson, all thinking people are for you!" He answered, "That's not enough. I need a majority."
I fear there are far more reptiles around than we realize.
43
A brilliant piece of satire that tears at the flesh of the very sick body politic in America.
20
I hope everybody understands that this is satire. There is nothing funny about Mr Trump.
51
The satire might be lost on Trump fans:)
That's what I've been saying all along. I'm sorry, but this is hilarious.
History can show us examples of voters choosing with their primitive brain, for a promised return to former glory such as the oft cited Third Reich. A potential dictator like Trump knows how to use fear and other parts of the reptilian brain to gather support. Putin also is a master of this art, and now we know they are linked and at minimum admire one another.
27
Good job! And I thought all of America's greatest comedians were from The Old Borough Park.
8
Five reasons:
1. He'd let loose the Republican hounds of hell, dreams of misogyny, anti-semitism, ignorance, greed, and aggression
2. He'd destroy enforcement for laws governing the environment, health and welfare, business and banking, tax evasion, etc., that would harm minorities and the working class...
3. He'd be a great source of daily inane tirades reported as news, because the he said it, and who knows, might do it...
4. Because he'll extend the genera of comedy-horror. Comedy will both proliferate - psychopath in chief - as well as get scary, because he actually might do what he says.
5. Because you like the Trump logo, would love to have it plastered everywhere, and having a self-dealing, corrupt leader would empower your own greed and corruption...
1. He'd let loose the Republican hounds of hell, dreams of misogyny, anti-semitism, ignorance, greed, and aggression
2. He'd destroy enforcement for laws governing the environment, health and welfare, business and banking, tax evasion, etc., that would harm minorities and the working class...
3. He'd be a great source of daily inane tirades reported as news, because the he said it, and who knows, might do it...
4. Because he'll extend the genera of comedy-horror. Comedy will both proliferate - psychopath in chief - as well as get scary, because he actually might do what he says.
5. Because you like the Trump logo, would love to have it plastered everywhere, and having a self-dealing, corrupt leader would empower your own greed and corruption...
21
Yep, you've convinced me! Trump it is. And to think I almost considered an epic fraud and liar like Hillary Clinton. Thank God for Mr. Kristof!
15
Trump is an epic fraud (eg: Trump "University" and his planned bankrupcies, in which he walked away with millions while refusing to pay his employees after they had completed their work for him). And independent fact-checkers have documented more than 100 lies Trump has told this supporters, right to their faces, at his rallies.
2
Thank you for writing "I’ve never met a national candidate as ... evasive ... as Donald Trump" in your first point. It helped me to see how blinded you are in your love for Clinton and thus saved my time in reading the rest of your points.
I detest Ttump, but if you can't acknowledge HRC's pervasive corruption and evasiveness ("wiped, lije with a cloth?") you are drinking the Clinton Kool-aid.
I detest Ttump, but if you can't acknowledge HRC's pervasive corruption and evasiveness ("wiped, lije with a cloth?") you are drinking the Clinton Kool-aid.
11
This satire is not about Clinton, it is about Trump. Feel free to write your own Hillary play and submit it as an op-ed or newsletter to as many major papers as you like.
4
The subject matter chosen was Trump.
If you don't like the subject matter I'm sure you can find an article that clearly paints SOS Clinton in the light you've chosen to believe.
If you don't like the subject matter I'm sure you can find an article that clearly paints SOS Clinton in the light you've chosen to believe.
2
The headline and sarcasm in your article was not helpful in underlining the importance of such national consequence. There's a time for such literary conceits. With the election days away, this is not one of them.
21
I have to agree with this reader (James L.). While I thought the article "cute"...I can see the headline now with the title and saying that Nick supports Trump and gives five reasons. This guy and his followers will turn anything said at this point upside down.
1
If you want an unimaginative critique, a quick web search will probably fill (flood) your need. The role of Fart in Chief is probably the one role in which Mr. Trump is useful.
1
Perhaps you've never heard of H.L. Mencken, Mark Twain, Jimmy Breslin, Doonesbury, and thousands of other great satirists who used their skills to elucidate the buffoons, criminals, and other deplorables who sought high office? The column was nearly perfect in doing the same to Mr. Trump.
3
Clever. Trump is a reptile.
28
Great piece and I would like to point out that when Trump supporters read this they often resort to the word "elite" to condemn just this very kind of writing. I am convinced now more than ever that "elite" simply means informed. The words are interchangeable. How sad is that?
78
"elite" does NOT simply mean informed. It also means highly educated, morally superior, genetically superior, plorable, washed, globalist, critical thinker, urban, inclusive, anti-sexist, anti- misogynist, islamophilic, colorless-necked, secular, anti-nativist, anti-nationalist, anti-flag waver, anti-pro life, coastal, euro-centric, open borderist, entitlementist
"This very kind of writing" is about much more than informedism. Give it its just due.
"This very kind of writing" is about much more than informedism. Give it its just due.
1
@Grace states, " elite simply means informed". Actually, to those of us down here on the ground, 'elite' means not in touch with the reality that millions of Americans see each day. The reality of Mr. Kristof's 10/28 column, "3 TVs and No Food: Growing Up Poor in America" is unseen by 'elites' who have no knowledge of the poverty of spirit, values, knowledge, and desperation in an enormous number of households across the country.
These households exist in inner cities, small towns, hamlets, back roads, and byways. They exist as statistical data to 'elites', whose response to such data is another 'program'. The 'elites' don't realize that 'programs' help a few and help a few more slide into the lives depicted in "3 TVs and No Food'.
Among those who have voted/will vote for Trump are people whose jobs were lost to immigrant workers, legal and illegal. They include carpenters whose wages dropped from $20/hour to $10 because immigrants will work for $8 to $10. They include those whose jobs went south due to NAFTA, and those who know that TPP would cost them jobs. Clinton supported NAFTA and TPP, though now she states she doesn't support TPP.
Trump promises to bring back manufacturing jobs. If elected, will he do it? Don't know. Clinton's history is clear: she supports importing poverty (immigrants) and exporting prosperity (jobs).
One more reason 'elites' are unpopular among millions: so many equate education with intelligence. It's not automatically so!
These households exist in inner cities, small towns, hamlets, back roads, and byways. They exist as statistical data to 'elites', whose response to such data is another 'program'. The 'elites' don't realize that 'programs' help a few and help a few more slide into the lives depicted in "3 TVs and No Food'.
Among those who have voted/will vote for Trump are people whose jobs were lost to immigrant workers, legal and illegal. They include carpenters whose wages dropped from $20/hour to $10 because immigrants will work for $8 to $10. They include those whose jobs went south due to NAFTA, and those who know that TPP would cost them jobs. Clinton supported NAFTA and TPP, though now she states she doesn't support TPP.
Trump promises to bring back manufacturing jobs. If elected, will he do it? Don't know. Clinton's history is clear: she supports importing poverty (immigrants) and exporting prosperity (jobs).
One more reason 'elites' are unpopular among millions: so many equate education with intelligence. It's not automatically so!
4
Grace,
When R's refer to 'libruls' as 'elites' what I hear is: 'you're smarter than me, and I'de like to punch you in the face'!
These people scare the bejesus out of me.
When R's refer to 'libruls' as 'elites' what I hear is: 'you're smarter than me, and I'de like to punch you in the face'!
These people scare the bejesus out of me.
4
Good column. Recalls Sen. Roman Hruska's spirited defense of G. Harrold Carswell, a SCOTUS nominee of Nixon's who had gotten a reputation as mediocre - except Hruska was serious.
6
I'm not as evolved as Mr. Kristof. My own response toward Mr. Trump can only be described as "reptilian." I have only one wish: BEGONE. I trust that others will also be voting against this existential threat.
I have nothing but respect for the women who've chosen silence. Sure, there's strength in numbers, but each woman is the best judge of when and if she wants to share her experience. I'm not the first to say that silence can also require great courage. The fact of that matter is that one story should have been more than sufficient to put an end to this. It is the Republican leadership which has lacked daring. My two cents only.
I have nothing but respect for the women who've chosen silence. Sure, there's strength in numbers, but each woman is the best judge of when and if she wants to share her experience. I'm not the first to say that silence can also require great courage. The fact of that matter is that one story should have been more than sufficient to put an end to this. It is the Republican leadership which has lacked daring. My two cents only.
21
Save this article. In a couple hundred years it might, just might, be amusing.
Of course, it's also right. I would add a separate reason regarding women: Donald Trump respects women and ensure they receive their just desserts.
Of course, it's also right. I would add a separate reason regarding women: Donald Trump respects women and ensure they receive their just desserts.
3
A just dessert would be chocolate cake after dinner. A just desert would be a fraud and bribery indictment for Trump U. and paying off AGs in Florida and Texas. After the election, of course. Not to be confused with just a desert, like much of North Africa where the Sahara has expanded south due to climate warming.
4
"To put it another way: Are we fearful, instinctive reptiles? Or nuanced, reasoning humans?" your final sentence is what divides the Republican and Democratic parties. I suspect that this list is precisely why Republicans are voting for Trump.
Trump calling Mexicans "rapists" is another perfect example of how he tries to project his deeply flawed lack of character on to others. He has also called Hillary Clinton "unstable". Really?? To use a very old cliché, the pot is constantly calling the kettle black and the "reptiles" among us seem to believe him.
Trump calling Mexicans "rapists" is another perfect example of how he tries to project his deeply flawed lack of character on to others. He has also called Hillary Clinton "unstable". Really?? To use a very old cliché, the pot is constantly calling the kettle black and the "reptiles" among us seem to believe him.
17
The kettle is black, and the invertebrates among us refuse to accept reality.
1
Careful, Mr. Kristof, many of Trump's supporters will have no clue that this is satire - these are people who believe they can prove that evolution is a fraud and aliens live among us.
64
Reptilian brain? ...Wait, are those scales cropping up all over the once-elephant GoP icon?....
9
The NY Times columnists should be grateful to Trump. After the election is over, they are going to have to start writing well thought-out, intelligent columns. No more cranking silly columns like this 5 minutes before they are due.
7
Though I get it, there's much that's equally "puerile" about this opinion. "Entertaining" is indeed what a vast and growing segment of ours and the world's population wants. If there's one thing extremism and apathy share it's the urgency to be amused, regardless of cost. Why not, Mr. Kristof, 'It's time to wear the big boy pants.'?
3
More snarky preaching to the choir. How useless and pathetic.
11
I find myself unable to agree with the people who calling Mr. Trump a bully.
Where I grew up, he would definitely have been known as a punk forever looking to his father for support of all kinds big and small; and relying on money to help him find women looking for excitement or wanting to score big.
It doesn’t take much toughness to shove around elderly people in apartment buildings you are trying to take over; or small business owners you are wanting to rook out money you owe them; or banks you are trying to cheat out of millions; or enrolling desperate people in a fake university; or pushing around Mayors of towns desperate to bring casinos and hotels into their communities. Just sufficient gall, hard-heartedness and a reputation for suing.
If I was in the market for a tough guy President with a killer instinct somewhere in the range of 90 points out of a possible 100, I’d go with Mrs. Clinton. Women are frequently cooler under pressure and better than men at the rough stuff.
Where I grew up, he would definitely have been known as a punk forever looking to his father for support of all kinds big and small; and relying on money to help him find women looking for excitement or wanting to score big.
It doesn’t take much toughness to shove around elderly people in apartment buildings you are trying to take over; or small business owners you are wanting to rook out money you owe them; or banks you are trying to cheat out of millions; or enrolling desperate people in a fake university; or pushing around Mayors of towns desperate to bring casinos and hotels into their communities. Just sufficient gall, hard-heartedness and a reputation for suing.
If I was in the market for a tough guy President with a killer instinct somewhere in the range of 90 points out of a possible 100, I’d go with Mrs. Clinton. Women are frequently cooler under pressure and better than men at the rough stuff.
48
But picking on people unable to defend themselves is the very ESSENCE of bullying. School bullies pick on the little guy with the violin case, not on the football players.
2
What publics experience our current presiden had when he came to office, a community organiser?
9
He was an elected US Senator.
9
Well he served in Senate for 2 terms.
8
He was also a Senator, an Ivy League undergraduate, the Editor of the Harvard Law Review and a Constitutional Law expert. Education and the ability to apply it is not over rated.
43
Here are a few more reasons:
"I have a very good brain"
"My health is astonishingly excellent"
"Putin thinks I am brilliant"
"I know more about ISIS than the generals"
"When you are a star they let you do anything, ......"
"I have a very good brain"
"My health is astonishingly excellent"
"Putin thinks I am brilliant"
"I know more about ISIS than the generals"
"When you are a star they let you do anything, ......"
47
You gave me a real fright, Mr. Kristof -- At first, I didn't know whether I even wanted to know what the 5 reasons were.
Glad I looked. At this point, I needed to laugh to keep from screaming.
Especially after reading in the German SPIEGEL yesterday that the official newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan ('The Challenger') gave a very enthusiastic thumbs -up to Donald Trump.
Not that I was surprised. After all, he was endorsed by David Duke months ago.
But there was something chilling about seeing it reported by the foreign press, Donald Trump is no longer our dirty little secret here in the USA.
That said, I hope everyone else is listening to you.
I know, I am.
Glad I looked. At this point, I needed to laugh to keep from screaming.
Especially after reading in the German SPIEGEL yesterday that the official newspaper of the Ku Klux Klan ('The Challenger') gave a very enthusiastic thumbs -up to Donald Trump.
Not that I was surprised. After all, he was endorsed by David Duke months ago.
But there was something chilling about seeing it reported by the foreign press, Donald Trump is no longer our dirty little secret here in the USA.
That said, I hope everyone else is listening to you.
I know, I am.
34
There are many ways to judge character. "The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men or women he has around him".
Niccolo Machiavelli.
Niccolo Machiavelli.
5
Trump has made it clear what women he likes:
So, if you are a Woman who wears a size 0...has big breast...under 35...who enjoys having your crotch grabbed by a 70 year old stranger smelling of tic- tacs, please vote for Trump.
So, if you are a Woman who wears a size 0...has big breast...under 35...who enjoys having your crotch grabbed by a 70 year old stranger smelling of tic- tacs, please vote for Trump.
37
Or, you can vote for Hillary, and her spouse will do the honors.
1
too funny. When the opposition has at best "she sits to pee" and, sadly, that is enough, she's still superior to Drumpft....
330 million and these 2 ( or 4 if you include Stein and Johnson) are the best we could do?
330 million and these 2 ( or 4 if you include Stein and Johnson) are the best we could do?
5
Trump is bad. However, Clinton is hardly better, maybe worse, if on different specifics. Mixing the apples and oranges, WAPO/ABC polling from yesterday shows Trump with an 8 point honesty advantage over Clinton. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/02/tracking-poll-... Just because Trump is bad does not mean Clinton is good. To me, they both look problematic. This kind of slanted polemic is unpersuasive and helps explain the decline of the Times from its former status as our paper of record.
10
I just want to point out, in regards to the polling you referenced showing an "8 point honesty advantage over Clinton" that asking likely voters who they THINK is more honest is different than who is actual proven (via fact checking) to be more truthful. Trump wins the liar contest hands down. Additionally, in that Post-ABC poll, the points Clinton lost in the "honesty" meter went to the "neither are honest" bar, not increasing Donald's. Not here to prove that Clinton is all good, and neither was Mr. Kristof, in my opinion. He never mentioned HRC in this column.
2
I am sure that you really believe that "Trump is bad. However, Clinton is hardly better". So many clear thinking people have advanced this and continue to do so on the eve of the most critical election in more than 100 years. Did she not answer the debate moderators question with clear complete sentences describing her proposed policies. And what about Trump's responses during those debates? Were you impressed by his facial contortions, his interruptions, and his inability to answer anything without hurling insults and repeating campaign slogans. I ask you to consider how much better Clinton is than Trump.
4
Thank you, Nick, for continuing to write the truth. And sadly, what you write is exactly right: Trump is not making America great again, he is making America hate again. I am an evangelical Christian, but I do have a brain; although I don't agree with all of Hillary Clinton's views, I felt that she was my only choice when I voted last week. I have voted in every election since I was eligible to vote, and I wasn't about to break that streak!
93
I don't understand why you wrote "I am an evangelical Christian, but I do have a brain". Are you mocking yourself or someone else? Or are you entirely serious?
I honestly can't tell.
I honestly can't tell.
Aside from all the obvious problems with Donald the Deadbeat - he got into this election because he wins regardless of the outcome. If he wins, then he has successfully hijacked the entire country & we are in for a real disaster - no doubt, Trump priority #1 will be enriching himself, his children and his various foreign cohorts. If he loses, he has a bigger platform than ever & will channel his blind followers into more profit making for Trump - get ready for Trump TV.
After he loses - I'd love to see a national boycott of all things Trump & anything & everyone associated with the Trump brand. Let's start with retailers selling any Trump branded product - Macys, Lord & Taylor, etc. Boycott them until every Trump brand is kicked out. Treat the entire Trump family like the pariahs & traitors they are.
After he loses - I'd love to see a national boycott of all things Trump & anything & everyone associated with the Trump brand. Let's start with retailers selling any Trump branded product - Macys, Lord & Taylor, etc. Boycott them until every Trump brand is kicked out. Treat the entire Trump family like the pariahs & traitors they are.
68
"Trump priority #1 will be enriching himself, his children and his various foreign cohorts."
You realize that you can easily substitute "Clinton" in your statement and it would be equally accurate don't you? The only difference is at least the press will investigate Trump when/if it happens. Clinton always gets a pass.
You realize that you can easily substitute "Clinton" in your statement and it would be equally accurate don't you? The only difference is at least the press will investigate Trump when/if it happens. Clinton always gets a pass.
4
To Pcs , Bravo, I couldn't have said it better.
2
You write, "Trump priority #1 will be enriching himself, his children and his various foreign cohorts."
Hmmm. Based on all that we have seen from the various Wikileaks emails and other evidence (the Uranium deal in Kazakhstan . . . etc. etc.), you just as easily might have written:
"Clinton priority #1 will be enriching herself, her family, and her various foreign cohorts." just as she did while Secretary of State. . . .
In this election, every bad "fact" about one candidate is often an identical bad fact about the other.
Hmmm. Based on all that we have seen from the various Wikileaks emails and other evidence (the Uranium deal in Kazakhstan . . . etc. etc.), you just as easily might have written:
"Clinton priority #1 will be enriching herself, her family, and her various foreign cohorts." just as she did while Secretary of State. . . .
In this election, every bad "fact" about one candidate is often an identical bad fact about the other.
4
In a corrupt world--inhabited by both big & little Trumps--it's vital the US be headed by a Chiseler-in-Chief. He knows the landscape better than anyone and his financial program will be based on this Trumpism: Debt, be not proud.
12
Hey, all you hopey-changey Trump supporters who have been sucked in by The Donald's randomized rhetoric, he's unfit to be the President. Let's have no more pontification about that nasty woman when you are willfully following a certified cheater, failed businessman, and untrustworthy narcissist whose only adviser is himself. Don't you recognize a would-be dictator when you see one?
71
I think everyone's missing the real story here. For all Trump's bombast, he's trying to sell us the same GOP line they've been pitching since Reagan, maybe even before that: trickle down economics; tax cuts, especially for the wealthy; no social safety net or infrastructure; huge increases in the military and cuts to everything else; endless war and huge deficits (except the latter won't matter); no abortions or gays; christian prayers and symbols everywhere. When/if he's elected, those on the right who express faux outrage over Trump's rhetorical excesses will fall in line like sheep. Trump will realize he has to govern and bring in to his administration the same GOPers who have been ruining the country since Richard Nixon. That's reason enough not to vote for him. Stop the 50-year period of US insanity.
17
2. Whoever wins, we will be embracing 'a paragon of fraud', let's not kid ourselves.
6
Up here in the great white north we are watching with trepidation but not without a sense of humour. A sign outside a
Toronto restaurant read: special of the day: Trump burger: 90% white bun, Russian dressing, small pickle. Suitable for those who don't care about their future.
Toronto restaurant read: special of the day: Trump burger: 90% white bun, Russian dressing, small pickle. Suitable for those who don't care about their future.
44
I thought the #1 reason was going to be "You hate women and want to harass them without fear of consequences."
8
Who woulda thunk! It's the lizards, not the apes that will be taking over the planet.
That's OK with the GOP. The important thing for them is that it's not humans. Any animal will do.
That's OK with the GOP. The important thing for them is that it's not humans. Any animal will do.
4
1. Who needs to learn from experience to be president? HRC shows an unerring ability to keep touching the hot stove and has been on the wrong side of every foreign policy decision for 30 yrs.
Let’s hear it for consistency! At least we will have predictable results.
2. We’ve accepted that leaders need not be saints, so why not embrace a paragon of fraud? With the Clinton policy of "We get ours first... second and third maybe the US will benefit from the Clinton scraps if she can operate on a world level.
3. HRC as president will be like taking Law and Order to Reality TV! She might become the most entertaining president in history... since her husband anyway. Maybe we can even introduce a new Academy Award for working with HRC... in the shape of a heavy table lamp (a'la George Stephanopoulos for you history buffs).
4. Diversity is important, and HRC is inclusive — of left wing extremists and anarchists. HRC speaks up for oppressed groups — like Occupy Wallstreet, Black Lives Matter and Islamo-fascists. HRC doesn't just walk the walk... she talks the talk! Slipping into regional dialects faster than you can pull a bottle of hot sauce out of a purse... she will truly be the inclusivity President (as long as you are not the working middle class).
5. Hillary understands that we all need an excuse and a warm, smothering safety blanket. Why do for yourself what your Government can do for you? That could be the rallying cry of the HRC Presidency!
Let’s hear it for consistency! At least we will have predictable results.
2. We’ve accepted that leaders need not be saints, so why not embrace a paragon of fraud? With the Clinton policy of "We get ours first... second and third maybe the US will benefit from the Clinton scraps if she can operate on a world level.
3. HRC as president will be like taking Law and Order to Reality TV! She might become the most entertaining president in history... since her husband anyway. Maybe we can even introduce a new Academy Award for working with HRC... in the shape of a heavy table lamp (a'la George Stephanopoulos for you history buffs).
4. Diversity is important, and HRC is inclusive — of left wing extremists and anarchists. HRC speaks up for oppressed groups — like Occupy Wallstreet, Black Lives Matter and Islamo-fascists. HRC doesn't just walk the walk... she talks the talk! Slipping into regional dialects faster than you can pull a bottle of hot sauce out of a purse... she will truly be the inclusivity President (as long as you are not the working middle class).
5. Hillary understands that we all need an excuse and a warm, smothering safety blanket. Why do for yourself what your Government can do for you? That could be the rallying cry of the HRC Presidency!
7
Well said pc, well said.
The difference between HRC & Trump? Hillary believes SHE knows what's best for you. Donald thinks YOU know what's best for you.
The difference between HRC & Trump? Hillary believes SHE knows what's best for you. Donald thinks YOU know what's best for you.
2
One reason for voting for Donald Trump will do Mr. Kristof. We do not like Hillary Clinton, we do not trust her and she has fhat shrill voice that is so annoying. She is a cheat and a fraud and is only looking out for Hilllary. She does not have America's best interests at heart but only her own. She is power hungry and will achieve this any way possible. Oops, I think I mentioned more than one but you get the picture. We detest Mrs. Clinton and all that she stands for. Donald Trump is not Hillary Clinton and that is fine with us.
6
Shrill, power hungry, a cheat and a fraud. . . sounds like Donald Trump.
7
Sadly, you describe Trump and the effectiveness of his spin machine. You really think he has your interests in mind? That is his biggest crime of all -- convincing people like you that he cares about anyone but himself, and maybe his family whom his ego needs most to dote and adore him like a King with his court.
9
Who is us, you and your cat?
2
Hey Nick. Usually, you're very serious. This time quite funny. Not with jokes, satire. Yup. That reptilian brain (which Stephen Colbert referred to as 'gut') just deals with basic instincts. But we're better than that, aren't we? And oh yes, diversity. How could we be diverse without 'hate groups'. Entertaining? Nope. Seen enough of his apricot face. Should be canceled. Can you imagine Trump meeting with foreign leaders? Ms. Merkel, watch your backside! Experience? He doesn't have any. 5 days and counting. Are we gonna be instinctive or reasoning? We DO have a choice. And it's quite obvious, isn't it?
13
Reason No. 6: Americans aspire to live in a dysphoric society comparable to Cold War East Germany.
10
Nick, you had me worried.
8
Neither party has ever nominated a person less qualified to be President than the Donald.
We could argue that Ronald Reagan was in that class, but at least he'd had a modicum of politcal experience as a Governor.
What does this say about the present state of the country and what are the future implications if any?
The press likes to weigh in on how "deeply divided" the country is. They're right about that, but they're wrong to imply it is only ideological. As an aside, history will show that the steady drumbeat of right wing Faux News and talk radio have had an enormous impact on the world views of a huge percentage of the population. But I digress.
Nothing that happens in the United States is very far removed from the mind boggling, gobsmacking upward redistribution of wealth that has occurned over the last two generations. It colors our culture, our politics, and most certainly the daily lives of those not lucky enough to have climbed the economic ladder courtesy of their education.
Trump merely gives voice to the millions who have had their pockets picked by the .1%. They're angry, disillusioned, and armed. It's a dangerous and unprecedented combination.
If Clinton is elected she would do well to immediately address the upward redistribution of wealth issue. How? God only knows.
If she doesn't, a much more slick neo-fascist candidate is likely to emerge. Next time wearing a more obviously brown shirt.
If that happens God help us all!
We could argue that Ronald Reagan was in that class, but at least he'd had a modicum of politcal experience as a Governor.
What does this say about the present state of the country and what are the future implications if any?
The press likes to weigh in on how "deeply divided" the country is. They're right about that, but they're wrong to imply it is only ideological. As an aside, history will show that the steady drumbeat of right wing Faux News and talk radio have had an enormous impact on the world views of a huge percentage of the population. But I digress.
Nothing that happens in the United States is very far removed from the mind boggling, gobsmacking upward redistribution of wealth that has occurned over the last two generations. It colors our culture, our politics, and most certainly the daily lives of those not lucky enough to have climbed the economic ladder courtesy of their education.
Trump merely gives voice to the millions who have had their pockets picked by the .1%. They're angry, disillusioned, and armed. It's a dangerous and unprecedented combination.
If Clinton is elected she would do well to immediately address the upward redistribution of wealth issue. How? God only knows.
If she doesn't, a much more slick neo-fascist candidate is likely to emerge. Next time wearing a more obviously brown shirt.
If that happens God help us all!
31
Hillary Clinton will champion the creation of manufacturing jobs and much needed rebuilding of the Nation. Our infrastructure is crumbling, our mass transportation system is becoming dangerous, the Middle-Class which bridges the gap between poverty and wealth, has taken a pounding. Education matters more than ever, and we cannot subsist on jokes about Trump's hair. Our eyes are now open to how minorities are taking a plunge. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done.
Could the New York Times give us on the front-cover a clear recap of the agenda and proposals of the two presidential nominees before Trump takes back America and makes it 'Great Again'?
What would happen to our journalists at the NYT if Trump is the President? Would Gail Collins and David Brooks, for example, take a sabbatical? Some of us remain confused as to what a Trump Presidency would mean.
Could the New York Times give us on the front-cover a clear recap of the agenda and proposals of the two presidential nominees before Trump takes back America and makes it 'Great Again'?
What would happen to our journalists at the NYT if Trump is the President? Would Gail Collins and David Brooks, for example, take a sabbatical? Some of us remain confused as to what a Trump Presidency would mean.
4
Instead of engaging in sarcasm, the Times needs to face up to the real reason many people are voting for Trump: they don't want Clinton appointing pro-Roe judges to the Supreme Court. Roe vs Wade removed a crucial issue from democratic control and was thus an attack on the power of voters. But whenever people say "Supreme Court" in interviews, the interviewer just changes the subject.
1
What is holding up the nomination of Merrick Garland to The Supreme Court?
5
This is one election when a single issue Supreme Court vote is simply not in the best interests of the future of this country. There is no guarantee at all that a President Trump will toe any party line, promote anyone's values but his own, if indeed he has any.
8
From the sixties to now the concept that a decision that a woman makes about pregnancy is her own and, that if it involves abortion then that should be legal and safe is supported by a significant majority of the public. That is the power of the voters!!
3
We're gonna get a number two no matter what.
4
Nice use of sarcasm Mr. Kristof. To be sure, with this readership you are preaching to the choir. Maybe Trump's supporters will find you funny and still vote for him. But if you reach 10 percent it would have been a good effort.
4
Funny, if it weren't true. We are living a very sad state of affairs championed by a thoughtless and thuggish troglodyte, driven by a lust of abusive power, to satisfy his insatiable appetite for recognition and applause. He has done already irreparable damage by giving permission to his surrogates to voice their basest prejudices as if it were 'normal' discourse...when seen/heard from a white supremacist viewpoint. Trump is a supreme narcissist immune to criticism, a vulgar bully ready and willing to lie whenever he opens his mouth, and deceive his misinformed and prejudiced audience in toeing his nasty line. His unscrupulousness has reached heretofore unknown heights (depths?) of insolence and impertinence. Most unfortunate, his family is fully enmeshed in his fraudster intrigue and assault of the last bastion left, decency and trust of people in each other to try to do what's right. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised to find rabid contrarians supporting Trump... applauding the five reasons you cite to lend him a hand. Reason and common sense seem AWOL in this 'brave new world' of ours.
6
she’ll give earnest, wonkish speeches about the benefits of increasing the child tax credit or raising the minimum wage ...
when was Clinton really in favor of raising the minimal wage? Have I been missing something in the last twenty years? Her "support" of the (tiered) $15 minimum wage in New York has been at best lukewarm and totally politically motivated. Recall that she did not attend the bill signing - but she did not miss the photo-op with Governor Cuomo.
http://abc7ny.com/politics/cuomo-signs-minimum-wage-increase;-hillary-cl...
when was Clinton really in favor of raising the minimal wage? Have I been missing something in the last twenty years? Her "support" of the (tiered) $15 minimum wage in New York has been at best lukewarm and totally politically motivated. Recall that she did not attend the bill signing - but she did not miss the photo-op with Governor Cuomo.
http://abc7ny.com/politics/cuomo-signs-minimum-wage-increase;-hillary-cl...
2
Perfect! I think I like Pinker's statements about our "reptilian brain" and how candidate Trump both activates and channels them so that we react to circumstances in go for the primal reaction. This reaction from the primitive brain ignores all that societies have tried to instill in us for centuries: there's been too much lost to ignore the best in us and go for the worst. Justice in society didn't just happen and doesn't keep going because the words are lofty: We must go high, not low.
2
I get it that this is tongue in cheek, but why keep writing about Trump at all? People who will be voting for him have already made up their minds, they've heard all the scandals (or not) and are fine with voting for him anyway. The NYT opinion pages are still full of reasons why he's a terrible choice, as if people were still trying to make up their minds. I doubt there are many undecided voters left out there at this point. What we need now is make sure that people who could vote for the only rational choice get off the couch and actually vote. Let's talk about the importance of voting for people who read this newspaper (mostly liberals) and who may still be thinking that maybe we're doomed anyway and it's not worth the effort. Let's talk about why it makes sense to get out and VOTE.
9
The reason to vote for Hillary - Watch the most corrupt candidate in American history give excuses for all her lies and corrupt schemes. Watch as America debates the need for a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute Hillary, even before she takes the oath of office. Watch as America spends four years debating how Hillary sold her office as Secretary of State to donors to the Clinton Foundation. Watch as America finds out how many times Hillary's emails were hacked by foreign governments.
We've accepted how our Presidents can be congenital liars and how Presidents can sell their soul for a few dollars. So vote Hillary and get the ultimate in congenital liars and corruption
We've accepted how our Presidents can be congenital liars and how Presidents can sell their soul for a few dollars. So vote Hillary and get the ultimate in congenital liars and corruption
6
Do you actually have any evidence for these allegations of corruption? I have yet to see any. The emails scandal is not about corruption, it's about improper handling of government secrets - which is a scandal, but does not touch on corruption.
With Trump we actually know that he ripped off people with Trump University and stiffed contractors etc. With Hilary I have yet to see any facts.
Most corrupt president in history is also hyperbole in any case, there are a bunch that were truly corrupt (especially in the 19th and early 20th century)
With Trump we actually know that he ripped off people with Trump University and stiffed contractors etc. With Hilary I have yet to see any facts.
Most corrupt president in history is also hyperbole in any case, there are a bunch that were truly corrupt (especially in the 19th and early 20th century)
7
As a Canadian I tend to just skim a lot of the headlines and this article's headline told me a New York Times article is suggesting "vote Trump". You need to make sure if your article is anti Trump then use a headline that reflects that - otherwise it's just an ad for Trump. I'm sure that there are other people including Americans who just skim headlines as well. This election is too important to the rest of the world as well to give free publicity to Trump. By the way many times in other publications I have also found that the headlines are misleading - many times in trying to be sarcastic etc., but unless you read the article then you don't get it and its a plug for Trump.
10
When Congressman Weiner was found to be sexting he was asked to leave the Democratic Party and resigned, but Republican leaders endorsed Mr. Trump for president no matter what he has personally said or done or visually gestured. What’s really silly is politicians are cursed if they do and cursed if they don’t, and many take the low road anyway.
8
You forgot to memtion the Constitution does not spwcifically say that cansidates be required to posess actual human DNA. So, I guess, in that sense Trump is qualified.
8
Maybe Trump started running just so he could hold off the IRS and claim the audit is political punishment -- especially if the agency finds that he did (very likely) commit criminal tax fraud. I suspect he never really thought he'd get this far. God forbid that he is elected. I really thought that the vast majority of my fellow citizens were saner and smarter than to vote for someone like the demagogue Trump.
15
Nicholas's nuanced analytic skills stop when he comedically analyzes Mr Trump. Did he do the same thing to Sen Sanders? I think so. Yes, Trump's shoddy record and campaign behavior shows his lack of most all skills to be potus, in contrast with Clinton, in whom Nick finds nothing lacking worth mentioning. So much for nuance, a second time [regarding the most distrusted candidate ever, in many eyes, to wit, stonewalling Sanders regarding her Wall St speeches and the DWSchultz corruption resignation and immediate Hillary rehire.] And, as a media expert himself, this is troubling in a way that verifies right before our eyes what both Trump and Sanders claimed: the Fourth Estate takes sides in their very reportage, via lack of nuance, at the very least. As Trump said, "Bernie never had a chance." I voted early for Clinton. But, before I did, I listened to Trump's complete speeches that were mostly far-more nuanced than the liberal press snippets-out-of-context reveal. For example Trumpie said, "Let's have a big door for legal immigrants to enter the US" and prevent illegal immigration whereby drug dealers from Mexico are somehow [bribery? poor border control?] able to poison and kill 1000s of us each year after year after year with TONS and TONS of dope. Makes you want to drop nunace and vote in Trump in hopes he will end those poisonous deaths.
4
There's a WORLD out there, Sir - not just us and Mexico. Would you give a baby a knife in hopes that he'd peel an apple ? Please, some perspective! BTW: "When you're a star, they LET you!" Really - what more do you need to hear?
3
There is a third primal instinct to danger. It's "FREEZE."
In this election that would be the person who responds to this feeling of danger by being a non-voter.
In this election that would be the person who responds to this feeling of danger by being a non-voter.
6
Perhaps I should be embarrassed to admit this, but I had a nightmare that Trump won the presidency. I have never dreamed about politics or the elections in my entire life.
Is this my reptilian brain ? Surely not.
Is this my reptilian brain ? Surely not.
4
Trump's "White Male America" hasn't gone well historically. Aren't these the holier-than-thou whose discrimination track record includes American Indians, Jews, Irish, Asians, blacks, women, latinos, and now gays. We're a better people than that, and electing this guy sets acceptance of all people back hundreds of years -- never mind civility.
8
Thank you, Mr. Kristof. In the middle of this insanity (where so many Americans seem to have lost their minds and are full of pumped-up rage), we could use a little satirical levity!
3
Vacuous nonsense. Two lines are especially guffaw-worthy. Mr. Kristof asks, "so why not embrace a paragon of fraud?" I must admit to some confusion here; I thought we were ridiculing the Republican candidate, but now we're talking about crime boss Hillary? The hilarious Mr. Kristof then offers up this gem: "Time to shake things up with a sexual predator!" But sir, Mrs. Clinton already had one of those in the White House, don't you remember? His name was Bill, and Hillary, that model of virtue and advocate for women, did her best to smear his victims.
4
HRC hasn't been indicted much less convicted of a crime, while DJT, his father, and his company lost (settled) a federal anti-discrimination case. Those are public records not innuendo.
6
I just cannot believe that the voting public can't see through the clown show. Are we as a nation that angry at the government to risk such a disaster? I'm more ashamed of our voting public then anything. We stand to lose so much and gain nothing.......
18
Here, here!
Thank you for this. It is truly frightening that this "thing" is so close to being our next president. I don't like Hillary either but I want my son to have a world to grow up in. Hillary won't kill us.
10
Really? You do realise that she and obama are pushing war with Russia? The defcon level had to be increased last week. Russia has nuclear weapons . Hillary Clinton is a war monger. Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Syria. Perhaps you should do a little research as the new York times isn't interested. Gorbachev said that the Russia and the United states have never been closers to nuclear war.
1
Well said!
You left out one important possibility even if he wins or loses: the rise of the 'TRUMP' action comic. The plot lines would be hilarious.
3
My only Positive Reason for the POT...Presence Of Trump...is that he has
Chronically brought to the Surface...How Bad We Are...Under the Surface.
I repeat...Never have I seen the domination of a Public presentation of
Pathology in the a Psychopathic Personality having Fun at the expense of
The People. At the least, we can be Served by Clinton. Right now we are
At the Service of Trump's Ego.
Chronically brought to the Surface...How Bad We Are...Under the Surface.
I repeat...Never have I seen the domination of a Public presentation of
Pathology in the a Psychopathic Personality having Fun at the expense of
The People. At the least, we can be Served by Clinton. Right now we are
At the Service of Trump's Ego.
14
I used to think we Brazilians vote incorrectly and accept even a conspirator as president because we are sub educated in all areas, but considering the fact that DJT is getting this huge support in an presidential election, in USA, I´ll rethink my concepts.
14
I would share this on my Facebook page if the headline were not sure to be misinterpreted by any of my Trump supporting acquaintances who've not yet blocked me. For certain, few of them would be familiar with Nicholas Kristof and so, would go out amid their cohorts and say that their friend Debra ____ sent them an article from a NY Times columnist named Kristof who said Trump's his guy. Great column and much, much more needs to be said about our amygdalae and how it governs us individually and collectively.
13
Remember, this " man" was a draft dodger that has little regard for women. Do all Veterans Groups back him,?
8
Alas, Mr. Kristof, I think on the whole Homo sapiens throughout our existence have veered closer to "fearful, instinctive" reptilian than "reasoned, nuanced" behavior. Reasoned, nuanced behavior becomes rare during periods of socio-economic turbulence; it is fearful, instinctive behavior that fuels radicalization and points the way toward some of the most barbaric acts in history.
What has become clear in this election campaign is the crumbling of American exceptionalism: that we Americans are not so exceptional as to be immune from the fears and bigotry that have undermined many other democracies around the world.
I pray that we as a country are not on the cusp of that tipping point; that somehow, reasonableness will survive this Election Day and the years to come...
What has become clear in this election campaign is the crumbling of American exceptionalism: that we Americans are not so exceptional as to be immune from the fears and bigotry that have undermined many other democracies around the world.
I pray that we as a country are not on the cusp of that tipping point; that somehow, reasonableness will survive this Election Day and the years to come...
6
I’ve my doubts about Obamacare and feared it might come apart. But I never doubted that it was aimed at a problem that needs fixing.
Millions of Americans who are employed, have health insurance and have no direct experience with this program and probably never will are now happily cheering on the difficulties the program is experiencing because they dislike the people the program is helping.
The man whose example they are following is Donald Trump.
Millions of Americans who are employed, have health insurance and have no direct experience with this program and probably never will are now happily cheering on the difficulties the program is experiencing because they dislike the people the program is helping.
The man whose example they are following is Donald Trump.
12
Make that:
"I've had my doubts about Obamacare...."
"I've had my doubts about Obamacare...."
An excellent analysis of Trump , very succinctly dissected his personality and his background. He manifests all these traits you outlined in your article. Now it is our civil responsibility to choose a candidate who is devoid of all these traits and I think a candidate is available who we can trust and who is experienced and well read, familiar with all kinds of governmental operations.
IB
IB
6
Actually, the Know-Nothings were called the American Party, and the name "know nothing' was a result of their secretive nature. Members were to say they "know nothing" if asked if they were party members.
5
Extrapolating backwards based on the policies that party favored, they were as likely as Trump's core base to actually know nothing.
2
I'm fearful alright! actually, I'm scared stiff!
8
Trump hasn't lost yet. Just a reminder.
5
The GOP is clearly undergoing devolution. It has devolved from its obstructionist rant, "No, Nothing!" and its habit of "do nothing" to the point where it now strives to elect the "Know-Nothing" candidate, Donald Trump.
14
Donald Trump is all you say, Mr. Kristof, and quite probably a whole lot more. It is we who have made him our near-President, notwithstanding all we know.
Yes, we can attribute this phenomenon to a stagnant economy (which it is not, actually), and to economic dislocation (which, sadly, is painfully real), but these conditions hardly explain the vile ad-hominem hatred emerging from Trump's rallies and acolytes.
Next Tuesday, our national mirror will reflect who we really are: an ephemeral population subset of racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, mendacious reptilians or the critical mass of a whole nation determined to destroy itself.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Yes, we can attribute this phenomenon to a stagnant economy (which it is not, actually), and to economic dislocation (which, sadly, is painfully real), but these conditions hardly explain the vile ad-hominem hatred emerging from Trump's rallies and acolytes.
Next Tuesday, our national mirror will reflect who we really are: an ephemeral population subset of racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, mendacious reptilians or the critical mass of a whole nation determined to destroy itself.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
11
3.) Trump might become the most entertaining president in history.
I envision President Trump hosting "Celebrity Apprentice" in the Rose Garden and refereeing caged-combat matches in the Oval Office!
I envision President Trump hosting "Celebrity Apprentice" in the Rose Garden and refereeing caged-combat matches in the Oval Office!
3
"2.) We’ve accepted that leaders need not be saints, so why not embrace a paragon of fraud?"
Just think of all the tax-payer money he will save by stiffing government contractors!
Just think of all the tax-payer money he will save by stiffing government contractors!
10
"4.) Diversity is important, and Trump is inclusive — of extremists." His cabinet alone will be a model of inclusiveness. There'll be psychopaths, sociopaths, schizophrenics, narcissists, megalomaniacs--you name the aberration and Donald will find an aberrant individual to match it. He'll be expert at doing so, since it takes one to know one!
16
A desperate plea for the American people to return to reality.
When facts and reason don't persuade. When "truthiness" becomes an accepted norm. And previously accepted norms are discarded every day, Sarcasm is the only weapon left to use.
I wish every American would read this piece.
Especially those traditional GOP voters who, for good reason reason, rejected Trump in the GOP primaries and are now coming around to voting for him.
And consider.
When facts and reason don't persuade. When "truthiness" becomes an accepted norm. And previously accepted norms are discarded every day, Sarcasm is the only weapon left to use.
I wish every American would read this piece.
Especially those traditional GOP voters who, for good reason reason, rejected Trump in the GOP primaries and are now coming around to voting for him.
And consider.
14
I’ve heard Trump voters accept that he may be crazy dangerous, but they say that he’ll only be one-third of the government and he can be impeached. Unfortunately, his third of the government would control 100% of the guns.
25
Not if the Congress grows a spine and retakes its responsibility to declare war away from the increasingly imperial presidency.
I don't know about anyone else, but I'm suffering from such Trump fatigue that I don't know if I could take him for another four years. Like any reality TV star, his show has just gone on too long. I want to move on. I try to avoid him--his voice, his hair, his pouty lips, his jabbing fingers. He's too noisy. He takes up too much space, and he fills it with nothing. But, he's everywhere. It's been too much for too long. I don't even care about the election anymore. I don't care if he'd be a bad or good president. I just hope he loses so he'll get off my television, stop screaming at me and leave me alone.
96
So what u are not tired of I guess, is Clinton corruption. Incredible.
1
Well said!
Trump/Pence makes no Cents/Sense!!!
Trump/Pence makes no Cents/Sense!!!
Ditto for smug, screeching Hillary.
1
"5.) Donald Trump understands that our modern brains hold us back." Actually, Mr. Kristof, after experiencing megalomaniacal highs when his rally supporters whip themselves up to a frenzy of Trump adulation, Mr. Trump has decided that the utterly brainless are the most admirable among us. The autonomic nervous system is quite enough to assure that, with Trump in charge, America will be made compliantly great again.
15
“Between culture and the individual the relationship is, and always has been, strangely ambivalent. We are at once the beneficiaries of our culture and its victims. Without culture, and without that precondition of all culture, language, man would be no more than another species of baboon. It is to language and culture that we owe our humanity….Working on the twelve or thirteen billion neurons of a human brain, language and culture have given us law, science, ethics, philosophy; have made possible all the achievements of talent and of sanctity. They have also given us fanaticism, superstition and dogmatic bumptiousness; nationalistic idolatry and mass murder in the name of God; rabble-rousing propaganda and organized lying….Thanks to language and culture, human behavior can be incomparably more intelligent, more original, creative and flexible than the behavior of animals, whose brains are too small to accommodate the number of neurons necessary for the invention of language and the transmission of accumulated knowledge. But, thanks again to language and culture, human beings often behave with a stupidity, a lack of realism, a total inappropriateness, of which animals are incapable.”
-----Aldous Huxley; Culture and the Individual (1963)
-----Aldous Huxley; Culture and the Individual (1963)
13
The reason language and culture don't solve the problem is because of the lizard brain. It still controls us too much, enough so that language and culture can easily be used to rationalize away our base instincts. Our human brain gives us the capacity to reach beyond instinct, but it is not evolved enough, not integrated enough, so that always reacting with more than instinct is still too much work than the vast majority of us are willing or able to do.
I’ve my doubts about Obamacare and feared it might come apart. But I've never doubted that it is aimed at a problem that needs fixing.
Millions of Americans who are employed, have health insurance and have no direct experience with this program and probably never will are now happily cheering on the difficulties the program is experiencing because they dislike the people the program is helping.
The man whose example they are following is Donald Trump.
Millions of Americans who are employed, have health insurance and have no direct experience with this program and probably never will are now happily cheering on the difficulties the program is experiencing because they dislike the people the program is helping.
The man whose example they are following is Donald Trump.
45
Game 7 of the World Series was emblematic of this election. A tired group of participants and followers, rainsoaked, cold, and exhausted.
Let this election be over. At least the Cubs, with the exception of the fine citizens of Cleveland, give us hope that nothing is impossible, including a Trump defeat.
Please America, make it so!
Captain Hey Joe
Let this election be over. At least the Cubs, with the exception of the fine citizens of Cleveland, give us hope that nothing is impossible, including a Trump defeat.
Please America, make it so!
Captain Hey Joe
28
Yes!! One of the best analogies I have heard on this election.
And Trump will make learning Russian mandatory as he inserts Russian liaison officers (commissars) into all levels of American government. After all, he wouldn't want to upset Putin.
13
Trump wouldn't be that bad. As long as Russia steered clear of directly attacking obvious American requirements (i.e. obstructed us only when it was subtle enough for the types that make up Trump's base to miss that we are being messed with), Putin would be able to do pretty much whatever he wants...at least as long as Trump wants his huge loans not to be called in, or Putin keeps "saying nice things" about Trump.
"1.) Who needs experience to be president?" Not fair, Mr. Kristof! Mr. Trump is an experienced demagogue who is more than willing to provide the American people with the novel experience of living under despotic control!
214
As a Progressive aligned with the views of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, I have entertained just one reason to vote for Trump, and that would be to start a revolution. The rationale would be that forces of self-interest have kept power in the hands of the wealthy so that reforms beneficial to our whole society are continually thwarted. It is as if we were playing a game of pool where the rack of balls had a magnetic attraction to one another that kept compassionate politicians from putting Progressive balls into the pockets. Trump could break the gridlock, unleashing chaos that might bring a leftward swing. I am dissuaded from this argument by the vision of right wing wackos running the table or of Trump sinking the eight ball.
67
I was about to coax you down from the ledge but happily, you found your way back on your own. Good going!
This is like burning the house one lives in because one doesn't like the color of the walls. Scary.!
Ahh but there is the problem...unleashing chaos that might bring a leftward swing..."might." It might not bring such a swing and might bring a rightward swing. You may not feel that you have anything to lose by gambling, but many Americans feel they have a lot to lose by gambling on which swing might come about.
The truth about this Presidential election is that on one side we have a political party and on the other side we have the Trump mob, aided by the tattered remnants of a political party.
281
One one side we have a polical party so steep in corruption that it is unprecedented, but the lefists just don't seem to care.
We also have a media just as corrupt as the democrats
Sad times in America.
We also have a media just as corrupt as the democrats
Sad times in America.
7
I've come to the conclusion, Nicholas, that nobody here, or anywhere, can write anything or say anything or do anything to change the trajectory we are on.
If Trump were an ordinary Republican--hey, even a mildly wild one--it might be bearable. But given the laundry list of things this man has gotten away with over the arc of his business career, and the list of incendiary statements he's made just in the past 18 months, it's not.
Once the votes are cast, we really have no choice. Half the country will vote for a change agent who makes mockery of the word change. As for "buyer's remorse," if elected Trump won't allow any do-overs, like apparently the Brexit crowd might possibily get from their Parliament.
I know the country is angry. Trump supporters are angry at everything, Clinton supporters are angry at Director Comey, and the fact that sleaze, insults, and curbs on civil liberties loom high in our futures.
My biggest fear about Trump is his inability to take criticism--resulting in lashing out at all Americans who didn't support him. My second biggest fear is suppression of a free press. And my third, naturally, is the state of foreign affairs and what might happen when a wild man with a nasty temper does something more than just bring Clinton accusers to a family forum debate.
At the risk of being trite, we will get the leader we deserve. At least, some of us will.
If Trump were an ordinary Republican--hey, even a mildly wild one--it might be bearable. But given the laundry list of things this man has gotten away with over the arc of his business career, and the list of incendiary statements he's made just in the past 18 months, it's not.
Once the votes are cast, we really have no choice. Half the country will vote for a change agent who makes mockery of the word change. As for "buyer's remorse," if elected Trump won't allow any do-overs, like apparently the Brexit crowd might possibily get from their Parliament.
I know the country is angry. Trump supporters are angry at everything, Clinton supporters are angry at Director Comey, and the fact that sleaze, insults, and curbs on civil liberties loom high in our futures.
My biggest fear about Trump is his inability to take criticism--resulting in lashing out at all Americans who didn't support him. My second biggest fear is suppression of a free press. And my third, naturally, is the state of foreign affairs and what might happen when a wild man with a nasty temper does something more than just bring Clinton accusers to a family forum debate.
At the risk of being trite, we will get the leader we deserve. At least, some of us will.
282
I agree with all that had been said here. But I truly think that god forbid the orange buffoon gets elected Pencewill run the government into the ground for him. Katich said that when he was asked by Junior buffoon if he would consider that vice presidency because if he did he could run domestic and foreign affairs. Kasich then asked what would your father do? and the answer was he will make America great !
4
This is still a government of, by, and for the People. Barring a military takeover of the government led by him, Trump can't do very many things that can harm our democracy unless we let him get away with it. If we do, we have gotten the nation that we deserve. Same goes for Clinton.
How many of those who are eligible or could be eligible to vote will actually vote this Nov. 8th? And in every state and local election? How many of those who usually vote actually care about policies and the records of those running instead of just voting the party line? Heck, how many people take the initiative to learn enough about the world to make a reasonably intelligent decision about who and what to vote for?
How many of those who are eligible or could be eligible to vote will actually vote this Nov. 8th? And in every state and local election? How many of those who usually vote actually care about policies and the records of those running instead of just voting the party line? Heck, how many people take the initiative to learn enough about the world to make a reasonably intelligent decision about who and what to vote for?
3
Why is it Hillary supporters are not mad at Hillary?
The Clinton's ooze corruption and your not even phased by it. Your mad at the investigator!
Really sad times in the USA
The Clinton's ooze corruption and your not even phased by it. Your mad at the investigator!
Really sad times in the USA
I do want to be entertained but the quality of the entertainment matters and Trump is not up to my standards for intelligent entertainment. I'd rather listen to Clinton's earnest wonkishness as she explains why we need to try this or stop that. Besides, I get tired of hearing the same insults in different contexts and I really dislike it when a candidate or an elected official insults my intelligence the way Trump and GOP have.
160
The entertainment comes from the comedians, like those on Saturday Night Live, making fun of Trump.
Probably too high a price to pay for the laughs, though.
Probably too high a price to pay for the laughs, though.
5
Our 8-year-old grandson finds Larry, Moe and Curly entertaining. Pretty highbrow stuff compared to Trump's entertainment potential, which for me wore thin and then out months ago.
Smart boy.
Smart boy.
1
Let's be serious. Trumps got a win, win going. One, God for bid, he actually wins this thing. The other, remaining on the scene as a thorn in the country's side as we try to compromise and re-energize after this tremendous distraction of a election cycle.
10
This isn't just a big distraction. People need to learn from what has happened during this Presidential campaign. Some ugly truths about a larger than expected dark underbelly to our country have been brought to light. Implicit bias is an inevitable function of intelligence, but our schools don't teach us how to absorb that and compensate for it - and it operates in all thinking, race being only one aspect. It's the feature in human beings that allows con artists to flourish and people like Trump to possibly become President of the United States. It's probably what led Comey to behave as he has regarding the investigation into Clinton's email practices, usurping the responsibilities of his AG because evidently he doesn't trust her - consciously or subconsciously.
Combine that with fear triggering our reptilian brains, and no fact, no construction of geometric logic, can stand the onslaught. Once we become determined to believe a certain line of belief, our ability to rationalize can easily find reasons to keep believing, discarding any annoying evidence to the contrary.
Combine that with fear triggering our reptilian brains, and no fact, no construction of geometric logic, can stand the onslaught. Once we become determined to believe a certain line of belief, our ability to rationalize can easily find reasons to keep believing, discarding any annoying evidence to the contrary.
2
Wow! A very big gamble, Mr Kristof!
Are you sure people are willing to read past your headline?
Are you sure people are willing to read past your headline?
22
It would be more useful to talk about all the problems Trump has correctly identified, but why his solutions - to the extent he has told us what they are - aren't the best choice. He isn't going to nuke anybody, his supporters aren't all idiots. His supporters are asking for jobs and security and a reason to feel proud, again, to be part of a great America. It wasn't so great of America to let the big corporations move everything overseas and shift all the wealth to the top .01%. I'm not voting for Trump, but I think it is important to understand the legitimate concerns of his supporters. We all would like to see better trade deals and a more robust economy, and I think Clinton's careful approach has a better chance of success than Trump's slash taxes on the rich (again) and deregulate everything (again) plan. It's too late, at this point, for it to do any good, but it would be better to educate people than to spend so much energy writing about people who don't agree with you as racist, reptilian, nuclear-button-happy crotch-grabbers.
40
It would appear that supporters of "The Entertainer" should have had better education in their High School courses. Now it is too late.
5
and how exactly are you planning to help a 50 yo welder whose job has been outsourced to China/Mehico .. and latest jobs need you to be conversant in Python or Scala and know what Bayesian inference is.
We Democrats truly feel for guys like that whose skills are truly obsolete in this country.. and we feel the best way forward to help people like Trump supporters is a strong safety net and retraining. What do Republicans propose? - More tax cuts - which if you examine rigorously will only benefit the super rich and hasten our descent into a dystopian society.
We Democrats truly feel for guys like that whose skills are truly obsolete in this country.. and we feel the best way forward to help people like Trump supporters is a strong safety net and retraining. What do Republicans propose? - More tax cuts - which if you examine rigorously will only benefit the super rich and hasten our descent into a dystopian society.
6
peter, too many Trump supporters - sadly, even some of his top surrogates - are not interested in being educated. Many of the more intellectual ones will even sheepishly admit they don't think some of what he spouts is good or can be put into effect - they just want Change because they think the system is "rigged" against them. Many are just hoping to get a couple Supreme Court justices who will think their way, and have a President that will be so bored with the day-to-day job that he will rubber stamp most everything the Republicans shove onto his desk as long as he and his family won't be harmed by it.
1
Seems to me that Mr. Kristoff is being a bit hard on the snakes, lizards and crocodiles. If they could speak, they'd probably be insulted by being compared to Trump.
240
Another reason: Poor Mr. Trump earns so little once all his expenses and business losses are taken into account, he needs the promise of lifelong heavily-taxpayer-subsidized healthcare for himself, his wife and ALL his children (however many there may be.)
49
Nick Kristof and Steven Pinker. Hooray!! Two of my faves. My amygdala tingle has in recent days, and particularly after reading Douthat, amped up to a lethal voltage. Just reading this column has tuned it down a notch. I think I'll go for a walk in my woods. Even if the worst happens, I know that there are people like you two doing the good work. Please stay in touch.
31
You will never be a comedy writer. Stick to writing about poverty in Africa, where you can actually make a difference.
13
Comedy and satire are not one in the same. Satire in this essay is amusing.
3
I disagree. This made me laugh out loud.
1
I appreciate your point Mr. Kristof but I am no longer in a jovial mood even if your underlying message is right on serious. I am worried. Period. Time to be clever is over. Your friend Mr.Blow hits the nail on the head today.
49
I think Republicans have more difficulty voting for Trump than Democrats for Clinton. A few that I've talked to absolutely hate Trump. But, as would be expected, they find it hard to vote for Clinton, with her liberal leaning agenda, and trustworthy issues. So what do they do? If they don't vote or vote for a third party candidate, out of protest, that might just help Trump, by taking away a vote for Clinton. What do they do? I hope they see the light and vote for Clinton, as many prominent Republicans have already decided to do.
46
Wishful thinking.
1
I have yet to understand how people can question Clinton's trustworthiness while giving Trump a pass. It must have something to do with propaganda from: 1) the last two years of millions of dollars worth of free publicity by the media; 2) Fox News and fellow travelers who are propaganda arms, first for the GOP and now the alt-right wing; 3) the main stream media which glosses over Trump's history while ignoring the issues; 4) the brazen political activism by the director of the FBI; and 5) the repetition of disparaging adjectives and outright lies, such as "nasty woman" and "crooked Hillary."
Add all of these up and what do we get?
Add all of these up and what do we get?
7
The time for protest votes was during the primaries. Better yet, people should have been making their voices heard all along. Messing around during Presidential elections is too little too late, especially when we have allowed the choices presented to us in 2016 to happen.
1
If I sound too judgmental in what you are about to read, please forgive me. I am trying to be totally honest. So, let me begin.
Much of Trump's support comes from "low information voters". We've all heard the stunning statistics about how many don't even have a rudimentary understanding of how our government works, i.e. the role of the three branches, etc. And that's just the beginning. Also, many of them don't follow the news closely, preferring instead to go about their daily routine without seriously considering the larger questions in life.
So, where are they getting their information? Television, mostly; and Talk Radio to a lesser extent. They're not avid readers or inclined to think deeply beyond surface appearances.
Many generally don't delve into the real political and national news events of the day, preferring instead to "escape" reality at the end of their work day. Any news they do get is of the homogenized variety that really doesn't address the central questions.
It's also important to realize that the major television networks are privately owned and have differing political agendas. Some lean Left and some lean Right and some are obviously either Left or Right. So news is typically "slanted". News stories are often highlighted in various ways that attempt to sway their viewership in certain political directions.
So we rely on our news media to educate the public and uneducated people are easily swayed by what they see and hear. And there you have it.
Much of Trump's support comes from "low information voters". We've all heard the stunning statistics about how many don't even have a rudimentary understanding of how our government works, i.e. the role of the three branches, etc. And that's just the beginning. Also, many of them don't follow the news closely, preferring instead to go about their daily routine without seriously considering the larger questions in life.
So, where are they getting their information? Television, mostly; and Talk Radio to a lesser extent. They're not avid readers or inclined to think deeply beyond surface appearances.
Many generally don't delve into the real political and national news events of the day, preferring instead to "escape" reality at the end of their work day. Any news they do get is of the homogenized variety that really doesn't address the central questions.
It's also important to realize that the major television networks are privately owned and have differing political agendas. Some lean Left and some lean Right and some are obviously either Left or Right. So news is typically "slanted". News stories are often highlighted in various ways that attempt to sway their viewership in certain political directions.
So we rely on our news media to educate the public and uneducated people are easily swayed by what they see and hear. And there you have it.
36
it's not that uneducated people are easily swayed by what they see and hear, per se. It is that they lack the perspective to properly analyze who and what is trying to sway them, or to successfully put aside implicit biases when facts contradict them.
You are just plain wrong. Many Republicans stayed awake in Civics class and understand very well the danger Trump may cause. However, the idea of voting for someone who advocates the killing of unborn children is simply hard to stomach. I know both sides of the abortion issue would rather see none in the long run - and it is my hope this comes to pass.
Personally, I voted for Hillary; however, I understand people who just can't do so - they aren't stupid or racist - just hopeful all life will be appreciated.
Personally, I voted for Hillary; however, I understand people who just can't do so - they aren't stupid or racist - just hopeful all life will be appreciated.
1
I am very afraid. The Republicans are reaping what they've sowed but unfortunately the rest of America will suffer. I don't know if the Union can survive this. And no I don't think my fear is over the top. This could go very badly for us. A President who doesn't understand how government works hiring people with zero qualifications who want to make America great again like it was in the 1950s? It wasn't so great for white college educated women and I don't want to go back to that again. It was horrible for black Americans. Institutional racism was the law of the land. I don't want to go back to that again either.
Who are these 40 percent of Americans who care zero for the progress that has been made. In the 1950s they didnt live such great lives either. They worked in factories where their health was compromised and they died young. Do they want that again? They didn't have health care at all. They had to work long and hard to earn their pensions which were minimal at best. When they retired they had Social Security but no medicare. Do they want to give that up?
Who are these 40 percent of Americans who care zero for the progress that has been made. In the 1950s they didnt live such great lives either. They worked in factories where their health was compromised and they died young. Do they want that again? They didn't have health care at all. They had to work long and hard to earn their pensions which were minimal at best. When they retired they had Social Security but no medicare. Do they want to give that up?
137
And let's not forget the nasty and unhealthy environment of the 1950's - industrial air pollution, lead, cigarette smoke, nuclear dust - all of which led to lower life expectancy. Most current American voters were either not alive or were children in the 1950's. So they want life to be as it was in their carefree childhoods? Sounds great, but unworkable for a society.
Thanks for the laugh! You convinced me--I'm with him. Especially if I get to embrace my inner storm trooper.
13
This is not funny. Also the three women you say you know were assaulted by Trump should come forward, rather than let you casually drop this item in a column that also includes a haha reference to nuclear war.
13
I agree but I know of two that have received death threats.
14
It's imperative that a sexual assault victim be allowed to decide for themselves whether or not to come forward--to police, to friends and acquaintances, to the media. This is precisely what is lost in sexual assault--the right to decide for oneself.
2
It's easy to say that when you aren't the one that might suffer the consequences of coming forward.
1
I assume reasons 1-4 are intended more as satire; Reason 5 is based on neurological fact. The vast majority of humans see themselves as far more intentional, well-intended, and rational than we actually are. There are many pushable buttons and automated responses in us than we like to believe.
9
Let me add, Twain said: " DENIAL ain't just a river in Egypt."
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Trump has helped the nation to focus on problems we are denying. He has help us realize that millions of Americans hold his crazy dangerous views. Our nation may be better off that these views came out in the open.
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Trump has helped the nation to focus on problems we are denying. He has help us realize that millions of Americans hold his crazy dangerous views. Our nation may be better off that these views came out in the open.
16
Many of us knew about those millions of Americans. It explains lots of things that many people assume are aberrations, because they didn't realize how many people actually hold, or at least are subliminally sympathetic to, those views. All we have to do is take our blinders off.
1
In addition....
6. To Teach HRC a lesson by cutting off your nose to spite your face.
7. To send a message to the DNC for all their dirty dealings. Democrats should not eat their own. Teach them a lesson as well.
8. To remove Huma Abedin and Anthony Weiner from our lives forever.
Not everyone gets sarcasm, more the pity.
6. To Teach HRC a lesson by cutting off your nose to spite your face.
7. To send a message to the DNC for all their dirty dealings. Democrats should not eat their own. Teach them a lesson as well.
8. To remove Huma Abedin and Anthony Weiner from our lives forever.
Not everyone gets sarcasm, more the pity.
11
7. Remove our lives from our lives.
3
I would say that's taking it way too far. Justify your devotion for Trump all you want, but you're missing the mark by blowing Hillary-related excuses way out of context.
4
Given his showman and superficial instincts, a Trump presidency could introduce uniformed Secret Service Officer uniforms more garish than the costumes worn for a time by Nixon's White House police. Trump himself may appear in pseudo-military garb befitting a commander-in-chief (perhaps as the first US six-star personage), complete with side arms. Using our homegrown militia wackos, he may well sanction and unleash his own version of the Russian Night Wolves and Nazi SA or brown shirts. Given presidential powers, who would stop him? As we've seen already, a loud mouth simplistic strong man appeals to many in our society (including our military and enforcement organizations). Those who might have done so earlier, especially among Republicans, proved themselves to be shallow, incapable and vain. They forfeited their opportunities then and their moral standing now. What have we become and how will we return, standing firmly on our constitutional foundation, to the best within us?
30
Has Donald Trump ever kept a promise?
26
He's a pathological narcissist. Keeping promises, telling the truth, and winning fair & square are not part of his M.O.
Trial in November for his fraudulent "University" - and in December, a jury will likely send him to jail for statutory rape.
Trial in November for his fraudulent "University" - and in December, a jury will likely send him to jail for statutory rape.
24
Trump is for Trump, that's it.
-This is all just a game that he must win at all cost, even if it means inciting chaos and even more disunity than ever before.
-His contempt of his own supporters is often visible ("I love the poorly educated"). He will not do a thing to make their lives better- his entire career has been about exploiting what he considers to be inferior, "little people" to shore up his insatiable narcissism.
- The polls are apparently only rigged when he is down in them. They seem to be working just fine when they show him in the lead.
- He has the attention span of a field mouse, forever distracted by the first shiny object that passes his field of vision. He is incapable of prioritizing- and must compulsively weigh in on every slight. What will happen when he tries to engage another world leader in a Rosie O'Donnell-style twitter war? Because you know he will.
-He says the US is a joke around the world because of Obama? With this election cycle, because of Trump, we are barely credible.
-This is all just a game that he must win at all cost, even if it means inciting chaos and even more disunity than ever before.
-His contempt of his own supporters is often visible ("I love the poorly educated"). He will not do a thing to make their lives better- his entire career has been about exploiting what he considers to be inferior, "little people" to shore up his insatiable narcissism.
- The polls are apparently only rigged when he is down in them. They seem to be working just fine when they show him in the lead.
- He has the attention span of a field mouse, forever distracted by the first shiny object that passes his field of vision. He is incapable of prioritizing- and must compulsively weigh in on every slight. What will happen when he tries to engage another world leader in a Rosie O'Donnell-style twitter war? Because you know he will.
-He says the US is a joke around the world because of Obama? With this election cycle, because of Trump, we are barely credible.
564
His followers claim to be "patriotic" despite the fact that they hate everything about America from the media to the government - not to mention an establishment that ever seeks to uplift gays, blacks & women (the very people Trump supporters would like nothing more to beat down to a pulp).....They're patriots of Trump, and they pledge allegiance to Hate.
26
We're not credible to the civilized world, we are the laughingstock of civilization.
3
Priceless!
And let's remember that part of what we're talking about here is the reptilian stem of the MALE human brain, which perceives women as prizes (see Trump), as property (see Trump), is disgusted and offended by women who refuse to submit (see Trump), prefers women who've been hobbled, veiled, isolated, and silenced, impregnated ... etc etc.
(Yes there are many American women who hate Hillary and will vote for Trump, that nasty, empty thug. I haven't yet figured out their brains.)
(Yes there are many American women who hate Hillary and will vote for Trump, that nasty, empty thug. I haven't yet figured out their brains.)
65
Apologies. Revision.
Given Donald Trump's long history as an arbiter and sponsor of beauty pageants and a peeper in the dressing rooms of many young, half-dressed female contestants, it would have been useful to note that certain inflated and aggressive reptilian men prefer that "their" women be either veiled ... or helplessly exposed.
Given Donald Trump's long history as an arbiter and sponsor of beauty pageants and a peeper in the dressing rooms of many young, half-dressed female contestants, it would have been useful to note that certain inflated and aggressive reptilian men prefer that "their" women be either veiled ... or helplessly exposed.
Look at the bloodbath they've spawned on Hillary Clinton's public facebook page. Trump's brain damaged hate-mongers come out by the thousands every day to rip on every picture/post. Hundreds of them are women who want her head on a platter...and what's interesting is, none of these vicious Trump women show their FACE on their profile pics. Very remarkable pattern I've noticed. You'll see scenery or a Trump logo in lieu of an actual person. Not sure if that's because they're "bots" - or because they aren't a "10" in Trump world. It's like they have internalized the shame he imbues on women's looks, and yet instead of rebuking what he stands for- they beat down another women (Hillary) with brutal, irrational intensity, for everything under the sun....and to think- Hillary is just a political icon, this is no one who has so much as caused a single tear to the faces of their children or robbed them of a single luxury. These woman are like rapid warthogs .
3
DT is like the bad boyfriend your mother warned you about and all your friends tells you to leave. He does however bring drama to your otherwise mundane life. And if he hasn't beaten you in the last week...you start liking him again.
66
Omg so true. When you see these men coming out in fulk force to defend him on Politico articles, etc.- the denial is so fierce & intriguing, the first thing that comes to mind is the undying devotion of some hysterical woman on Jerry Springer...blindly defending their scandalous man.
1
Trump's son reminds me of Malfoy and his followers are all either Slitheren or Slitheren wannabees. So Mr. Kristoff fails to understand that he just praised Trump by saying that "The Donald" appeals to our reptilian brains.
Of course Trump doesn't know what "puerile" means, but his refutation is obvious and Kristoff has no way of refuting Trumps argument:
"I am not puerile. YOU are. You pueriled first and are the puerilest person ever. Ever. I mean that."
Of course Trump doesn't know what "puerile" means, but his refutation is obvious and Kristoff has no way of refuting Trumps argument:
"I am not puerile. YOU are. You pueriled first and are the puerilest person ever. Ever. I mean that."
30
You forgot "believe me".
1
Good column but. People who really only look at head lines might think Kristoff is for Trump
Not a good idea at this late hour
Not a good idea at this late hour
18
Although Kristof writing simplifies for his readers I don't think they are that simple but in a better world he would be able to come up with at least ten but in a highly feminized society where dislike for an individual leads to his total negation. He's right about this but wrong about that might be too confusing for some.
Remember when men could work together even if they hated each other and had nothing in common.
Remember when men could work together even if they hated each other and had nothing in common.
3
1. Louis Gohmert
2. Darryl Issa
3. John Mica
4. Jeff Sessions
5. Chuck Grassley
As D.H. Lawrence wrote, Lets Have A Revolution For Fun!
2. Darryl Issa
3. John Mica
4. Jeff Sessions
5. Chuck Grassley
As D.H. Lawrence wrote, Lets Have A Revolution For Fun!
13
From ancient times to today, the reptilian brain has won out. No matter how many times we hear fables such as The Tortoise and the Hare, the Grasshopper and the Ant or the Little Red Hen, even as we understand the moral, the "correct answer", we fail to act correctly and fail to act in our own best interest.
Find your local forty-something and ask him or her some questions:
--How much did you save for retirement today?
--Did you have the vegetable plate or the double cheeseburger for lunch?
--When is the last time you exercised?
--Aside from a client at work, have you helped a stranger in any way today?
--If you had the money, would you buy the biggest car or biggest house you could find?
--Are you more afraid of terrorists in your community or lightning?
Fear, insecurity, pain and disease which we all experience in some measure all drive us further from the cerebral cortex. Choosing the long-term gain over the quick high is very difficult as we shall see on Tuesday.
Find your local forty-something and ask him or her some questions:
--How much did you save for retirement today?
--Did you have the vegetable plate or the double cheeseburger for lunch?
--When is the last time you exercised?
--Aside from a client at work, have you helped a stranger in any way today?
--If you had the money, would you buy the biggest car or biggest house you could find?
--Are you more afraid of terrorists in your community or lightning?
Fear, insecurity, pain and disease which we all experience in some measure all drive us further from the cerebral cortex. Choosing the long-term gain over the quick high is very difficult as we shall see on Tuesday.
25
Reason 6: The Democrats are running a poor candidate who is carrying a lot of baggage. The party establishment settled on her for '16 shortly after Obama was nominated in '08. The First Woman President, you know. It has groomed her to the exclusion of all others ever since. An unknown elderly socialist from a small state was selected as her primary sparing partner and she had trouble with him. No matter, the coronation continued as scheduled. The party has wasted seven years when potentially better candidates could have been considered. God help us all not to pay a huge price for that hubris.
23
It is not fair or balanced to refer to Trump as "our own Kim Jong-un". The media has become our Kim Jong-un with no facts and no reliable balance in their opinion.
20
I can't wait until Trump is president so he can dispense pearls of wisdom that will ring through the ages. I've got a few suggestions for him:
- The tweet is mightier than the sword.
- Speak loudly and carry a crazy stick.
- The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Also immigrants.
- The tweet is mightier than the sword.
- Speak loudly and carry a crazy stick.
- The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Also immigrants.
26
Thank Mr. Kristof - loved this morning's editorial! I do have one reason for not voting for Mr. Trump - my mother told me never to do anything I would be ashamed of telling someone about!
84
Liberals see this election as a choice between a candidate who is unqualified and one who is highly qualified to hold public office. Conservatives see this as a choice between a candidate who is unqualified and one who has the skills to advance (in their view) the radical leftist agenda. Many conservatives feel that Hillary could do much more long term damage than Trump, such as by filling the judiciary with more leftists.
17
If Trump is elected, we will not know who is in control of government. When I mention this to Trump supporters they have nothing to say because this is never brought up by the media. His lack of governing experience is a real concern. I wouldn't try to be a surgeon tomorrow. This misinformation is the fault of the media, who promote Trump without any concern for reality or truth, only ratings. Trump has an image derived from reality TV. The reality about his taxes, his business and personal dealings have received less attention, and for Clinton, its all "feelings" and "like-ability" a Trump media creation. Don't blame the Trump voters who believe what you, the media, tell them. I saw a well researched Frontline weeks ago about the lives of both candidates. What struck me was the quality of people who surround Trump, his legal team, who delight in innuendo, accusing plaintiffs of what they are being sued for first, loudly, and other shady tactics far worse than anything on the other side. See how well this has worked to intimidate the FBI Director, who may well give the election to Trump without any real news at all? I call this the "Mommy he did it first" lie. Trump voters are frustrated, work hard, make too little, but they listen well to what the media has told them. They don't make this up, you, the media, do.
47
"Liar, liar, pants on fire!"
------------------------------
I would add that having a compulsive liar might be refreshing. It might encourage the American people to realize that we are all dishonest in many areas of life. Why not admit it?
The only thing we have to fear is... Donald (Lying) Trump?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
I would add that having a compulsive liar might be refreshing. It might encourage the American people to realize that we are all dishonest in many areas of life. Why not admit it?
The only thing we have to fear is... Donald (Lying) Trump?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8
"Who needs experience to be president?"
Apparently over 40% of the electorate thinks experience is not important, but, sadly, not all of them are "poorly educated," Trump's favorite voters.
It is unlikely that any of Trump's supporters would hire someone with no experience to fix their plumbing just because the person said, "I'll make your plumbing great again."
But, thanks mainly to GOP's successful efforts to paint Hillary Clinton as the devil, the country is considering electing someone who has:
- used illegal immigrants to fix the immigration problem
- used Chinese steel to build his buildings and made Trump branded items abroad to fix the trade imbalance problem
- insulted veterans to fix veterans' problems
- paid little in taxes to fix the tax code
- painted the military as a disaster to take care of ISIS
- and on and on
Only in America! Sadly.
Apparently over 40% of the electorate thinks experience is not important, but, sadly, not all of them are "poorly educated," Trump's favorite voters.
It is unlikely that any of Trump's supporters would hire someone with no experience to fix their plumbing just because the person said, "I'll make your plumbing great again."
But, thanks mainly to GOP's successful efforts to paint Hillary Clinton as the devil, the country is considering electing someone who has:
- used illegal immigrants to fix the immigration problem
- used Chinese steel to build his buildings and made Trump branded items abroad to fix the trade imbalance problem
- insulted veterans to fix veterans' problems
- paid little in taxes to fix the tax code
- painted the military as a disaster to take care of ISIS
- and on and on
Only in America! Sadly.
607
1) We tried a know-nothing President. He opened us up to the 9/11 attacks, started 2 wars he couldn't finish, doubled unemployment, turned a budget surplus into a deficit and gave us 3 of the most unConstitutional acts.
2) After years of discredited claims that Bill Clinton is a rapist, Trump is actually being sued for raping a child. The fraudulent GOP leaders of the House and Senate for the last 20 years have paralyzed government.
3) Reagan was VERY entertaining with his winning smile and fast quips. His economic policies weren't immediately apparent as catastrophic because Paul Volcker, head of the Fed, bailed him out by bailing the rest of us out.
4) The last 2 openly bigoted Presidents were Richard Nixon and Woodrow Wilson. Nixon was the first President to use bigots' "code words". Wilson destroyed much of the advances African-Americans had made by purging the Civil Service. But Nixon was the first Republican President who was openly racist and anti-Semitic.
5) Every reptile in the world is insulted at being compared to Donald Trump. He's not a lizard or a snake. He's merely the worst a human male can be.
2) After years of discredited claims that Bill Clinton is a rapist, Trump is actually being sued for raping a child. The fraudulent GOP leaders of the House and Senate for the last 20 years have paralyzed government.
3) Reagan was VERY entertaining with his winning smile and fast quips. His economic policies weren't immediately apparent as catastrophic because Paul Volcker, head of the Fed, bailed him out by bailing the rest of us out.
4) The last 2 openly bigoted Presidents were Richard Nixon and Woodrow Wilson. Nixon was the first President to use bigots' "code words". Wilson destroyed much of the advances African-Americans had made by purging the Civil Service. But Nixon was the first Republican President who was openly racist and anti-Semitic.
5) Every reptile in the world is insulted at being compared to Donald Trump. He's not a lizard or a snake. He's merely the worst a human male can be.
1178
Desperation sets in, columnists everywhere running around with hair on on fire.
How does the saying go? We get the government we deserve.
How does the saying go? We get the government we deserve.
16
'Why We voted for the Stupidest Man in America' might make a good title. It was our destiny, or better still our fate, and we gave up free will? Trump does not strike this American as an evil man. Should he win the Election on November 8, he is going to be a fighead in the White House, and the Republicans will continue to make our Nation more insular. Those of us who are struggling to make our daily bread, or living on food coupons, hopefully will survive at the mercy of scraps and orts cast to us in moments of generosity. But what cheers this American is thinking of a friend, who would have roared with laughter in telling him that Trump was the President before asking 'What happened?', while I was gone.
6
Yes, how utterly right on you are Miss Ley, Trump will be the Fig Head in Chief. Just what we need.
3
Be cautious, Miss Ley. Remember the old saying about the banality of evil. Evil can creep up, and no one may notice.
1
On June 1974, the Heimlich maneuver was published. It had one purpose: to save someone who was choking. On October 8th, the Trump maneuver was revealed to us. It had two purposes: frighten, embarrass, shock the woman and gratify the sexual desires of the perpetrator.
Any woman who votes for Donald Trump is in essence saying that they have no problem with the Trump maneuver, and in fact, should not raise any concerns if they are unfortunate to have the Trump maneuver performed on them. If they are lucky enough to not meet the Trump groping standards, they might have a mother, sister, daughter who would and then be fair game.
Any man who votes for Donald Trump is also accepting the Perpetrator-In-Chief’s maneuver, so shouldn’t complain if it is done on a loved one or someone else that they know.
Any woman who votes for Donald Trump is in essence saying that they have no problem with the Trump maneuver, and in fact, should not raise any concerns if they are unfortunate to have the Trump maneuver performed on them. If they are lucky enough to not meet the Trump groping standards, they might have a mother, sister, daughter who would and then be fair game.
Any man who votes for Donald Trump is also accepting the Perpetrator-In-Chief’s maneuver, so shouldn’t complain if it is done on a loved one or someone else that they know.
41
Nick Kristof conveniently left reason #6 off of his list -- the general public's disgust with conventional political hacks who keep making all sorts of grandiose promises to improve the quality of their lives in exchange for their support. Once the election is over those promises fizzle away quickly and it's back to the same old/same old once again. The rapid rise of Donald Trump against the best of the best that the GOP had to offer in 2016 is a backlash against the tried and true "politics as usual" routine.
Besides, according to the Constitution, there are only two basic qualifications that a potential presidential has to fulfill--he or she has to be 35 and a citizen born in the United States. Therefore, our founding fathers have already decided for us that Donald Trump is qualified to be president.
Besides, according to the Constitution, there are only two basic qualifications that a potential presidential has to fulfill--he or she has to be 35 and a citizen born in the United States. Therefore, our founding fathers have already decided for us that Donald Trump is qualified to be president.
14
But Donald Trump is making grandiose, although potentially damaging, promises. In fact, he worse in this respect. He's not going to be able to deliver (and may not even want to do that) on most of his promises, starting from the wall. Although I believe Trump is a fascist and may have a potentially destabilizing effect, I take comfort in the fact that not much of what he is promising will be done.
9
There are many good reasons to vote against the Democrats, but no good reasons to vote for Trump. This is the true tragedy of our election choices - the result will not solve anything, but rather will further radicalize the losing side. The election season has been bad enough, but I shudder to think of what will emerge from the swamps in the next round of presidential primaries.
12
Too subtle for the GAP (Great American Public). When this is over, we will have to address the evidence of the results of a very poor educational system. Most Americans seem to be superficial thinkers.
60
Quatt, the question is how most Americans became superficial thinkers. I blame our media's bias, corruption and cowardice. We can't really beat the bias and corruption, but the cowardice is an area where change can happen. NPR, like CNN and MSNBC, for example thinks it is journalism to put a pathological liar, who regurgitates talking points and never engages in actual discourse, out ther to balance an honest expert on a topic. The most appalling was when the tobacco debates were going on and they would put out "experts" who denied that smoking caused cancer. This enables people to beleive whatever makes them feel good because there are experts on both sides and that makes their perspective reasonable. NPR enabled people to remain smoking because they portrayed that perspective as a respectable one merely by giving it a platform.
6
It is amazing that a mature, advanced democracy, supposed to be a role model for budding new democracies and for third world countries can come up with only a candidate of Trump's stature speaks a lot about American voters. I am not saying that Hillary is perfect either, she also proves my point. The whole world is watching this spectacle and remains astonished. They hear so much about rigged election and corruption scandals in this presidential election in America, they are amazed and wonder how things degenerated
to this extent. Has America become a banana republic like some third world countries? Who ever gets elected, it does not matter, the image is tarnished already. I will blame the American voters for this calamity.
to this extent. Has America become a banana republic like some third world countries? Who ever gets elected, it does not matter, the image is tarnished already. I will blame the American voters for this calamity.
27
Padman, once you bring the world into it, the equation changes. As others watch this country battle its way to Election Day, they marvel at our stupidity. Hillary Clinton, yes, the most respected woman in the world, in an actual race with the least respected male, and we Americans have made this so. Surely they wonder how a population this limited is fit to lead.
20
The reptilian part of my brain is telling me to vote for Clinton, not Trump. I have never been so fearful of a presidential candidate as I am of Trump. War, financial crises, reduction/elimination of civil rights, global and societal instability are a few of the results I fear of a trump presidency. Fight or flight? Fight for Clinton; flight from Trump.
171
If Donald Trump can be president of the United States after his boasts about sexual assault and a number of women coming forward to corroborate what he himself admitted to, then the country ought to have no problem with Bill Cosby developing his next comedy series about life with a blind grandfather.
24
Good question Nick: Reptiles or human beings?
Our reptilian brains got us out of the pond and able first to crawl, then to stand on our two feet.
Trump wants us to plunge backwards into our primal impulses, ignoring science, ethics, philosophy and even religion. He wants us to abandon 'truth'.
How can we have let this neo-Neanderthal become a candidate for the presidency?
Our reptilian brains got us out of the pond and able first to crawl, then to stand on our two feet.
Trump wants us to plunge backwards into our primal impulses, ignoring science, ethics, philosophy and even religion. He wants us to abandon 'truth'.
How can we have let this neo-Neanderthal become a candidate for the presidency?
54
You've convinced me. Aside from the prospect of nuclear Armageddon, how much worse can things get under Mr. Trump than they have been on Mr. McConnell? Who needs health insurance or government anyway?
47
Five thumbs up!
18
This isn't even funny!
15
The lizard brain cell gene has published the Republican party's manual for its voters, a five step plan to make America hate again. This VA, no, not the Veterans Administration -- the VA, a voters anonymous "health" center that regularly holds meetings for its aggrieved members to vent their anger and resentment at at country they feel has left them behind. Like the cobra hidden in a basket, the angry and ugly American has responded to the musician's discordant notes from their leader and has stirred malevolently in the dark, ready to emerge with fangs bared and spew forth its deadly venom, all in the name of therapy and change. Just another day's work the for the would-be snake oil salesman-in-chief.
21
Pathetic hit piece. You shills are getting desperate. Speculation is not a convincing argument.
9
Even my brain stem hates Trump, recognizing a treat to everything I hold dear.
33
And don't forget how much he had to sacrifice when he built his buildings.
Again, we should be grateful for the privilege of voting for him because he has a good brain, and not only that, look at the size of his hand, and he is so honest.
And yes, he is smart too because he paid no taxes. He is a God-sent gift to this nation. What more reason do we need?
Again, we should be grateful for the privilege of voting for him because he has a good brain, and not only that, look at the size of his hand, and he is so honest.
And yes, he is smart too because he paid no taxes. He is a God-sent gift to this nation. What more reason do we need?
47
Mr. Kristof, you statement that "talent is universal, but opportunity is not" is completely flawed, as much of your other philosophies regarding poverty.
You are seeking only what fits your philosophy. A good journalist looks at all the situations without any bias. You belong in the NYT.
You are seeking only what fits your philosophy. A good journalist looks at all the situations without any bias. You belong in the NYT.
8
If you think all children in the USA have equal opportunity then your own privilege combined with a lack of empathy for those less fortunate has made you blind. Or are you even worse, and are questioning his premise that all humans have equal potential?!
27
If you're trying to construct a coherent argument, you've failed completely.
15
There are those (white males) in law enforcement -- federal, state, and local -- who want to turn our country (after 8 years of simmering frustration of having an African-American Commander-in-Chief) into a police state where civil liberties will be sacrificed on the altar of "law and order." They know that electing Donald Trump (through the intervention of James Comey) is their only path. So another reason to vote for Donald Trump, for those who think the benefits of the Bill of Rights are overblown (other than, of course, the Second Amendment), a Trump Presidency will give our country a nice test of how life will be with fewer civil liberties and how those in power will be above the law, and those out of power will be their vassals.
395
The LE members I know experience the reptilian brain everyday and are called to deal with the resulting violence, chaos and disfunction caused by the resultant behaviors. I reckon there are those few LE members functioning occasionally with a reptilian brain, but I also know that the San Francisco Police Academy and many others are eight months long with a year of Field Training and evaluation to train away that reptile brain and separate bias and prejudices from competent action and protocols in problem solving. And every Law Enforcement member and their families know that one can do everything exactly right, legally and with the best intentions and still be killed, indicted and fail in the mission. And to do the job, one must have faith in the system, to also do the right thing, judge the right way, and have the best intentions, so most will go home that night. In this, society treats the fallen better than the living.
Why are millions of Americans nowadays expressing an intense dislike of Mrs. Clinton?
She has been a familiar figure in our political culture for many years and yes, her politics are of a decidedly liberal bent. But so what? Millions of other productive, worthwhile Americans share her ideas and hopes for the future.
The craziest idea currently floating around this country is that Mrs. Clinton is a highly dishonest individual. This is complete nonsense. Mrs. Clinton is, if anything, a perfectly normal politician and human being who except for a few minor peccadillos during her long
political career has conducted herself in exemplary fashion. She naturally looks to her personal advantage whenever she can, but so do we all.
Conservatives like myself are entitled
to vehemently object to her liberal ideas, but thinking of her as an exceptional crook is ridiculous.
Americans looking for an unstable, out-of-control politician to despise have in Mr. Trump the ideal candidate
for the job.
She has been a familiar figure in our political culture for many years and yes, her politics are of a decidedly liberal bent. But so what? Millions of other productive, worthwhile Americans share her ideas and hopes for the future.
The craziest idea currently floating around this country is that Mrs. Clinton is a highly dishonest individual. This is complete nonsense. Mrs. Clinton is, if anything, a perfectly normal politician and human being who except for a few minor peccadillos during her long
political career has conducted herself in exemplary fashion. She naturally looks to her personal advantage whenever she can, but so do we all.
Conservatives like myself are entitled
to vehemently object to her liberal ideas, but thinking of her as an exceptional crook is ridiculous.
Americans looking for an unstable, out-of-control politician to despise have in Mr. Trump the ideal candidate
for the job.
1540
How about you offer a coherent, informed comment like A. Stanton?
15
This was much funnier than the original piece...thanks!
3
Thank you. It is refreshing and a relief to have a self-described conservative in agreement with me, a self/ described liberal.
6
HRC has three major things going agains her: her husband, who, if she is elected, will have to be tightly controlled; her age - she will be nearly 80 if she wins two terms; and her history. If she wins the election, she must do one thing immediately, though she will never read this comment: she might have two years with a majority Senate, and in it she will have to realize that she is privileged to be in that position, and must carry out some brave items: Supreme Court appointments, cleaning up the electoral system, enact meaningful financial regulations to prevent an impending crash, even if it annoys her friends, fix the tax system for overseas corporations, and individuals who hide their assets overseas. For starters. Then she must go about cleaning up the DNC, and make sure that there is another younger cadre of Democrats to succeed her. There is a vacuum, and obliviousness of the DNC with this problem. Ideally, she will step aside after one term - she might lose against a candidate other than Trump - and in her place put Warren. See? I am at a loss who else to replace her? There is no one but Warren with the skills to succeed Clinton, and this is a major problem.
207
It will be interesting to see how Tim Kaine develops on the national stage. In Virginia, at every level of elective office, he grew in wisdom and execution.
7
A Democratic party with "no one but" Elizabeth Warren to follow Hillary?
Such a problem! I can only hope that Hillary concludes the job is too much for her after 3.5 years, and clears the way for Warren to follow!
There's light at the end of the tunnel, after all!
Such a problem! I can only hope that Hillary concludes the job is too much for her after 3.5 years, and clears the way for Warren to follow!
There's light at the end of the tunnel, after all!
4
You do realize that Trump is older than Hillary Clinton, and that women typically live longer than men? So I don't understand how Clinton's age is something "going against her."
16
"A famous Sanskrit proverb says - vinaash kaale vipreet buddhi - meaning, when one's destruction time is soon to arrive, one thinks unintelligently or negatively."
In my words: "Vinasha kale viparith buddhi" means that when one's doom approaches, then one's mind, one's intelligence works perversely. One may know how to dodge the bullet; but all one's wisdom becomes ineffective. One becomes like a moth attracted to the flame, unable to reverse course, even when one knows better.
That is what has affected the Trump-embracing American electorate.
In my words: "Vinasha kale viparith buddhi" means that when one's doom approaches, then one's mind, one's intelligence works perversely. One may know how to dodge the bullet; but all one's wisdom becomes ineffective. One becomes like a moth attracted to the flame, unable to reverse course, even when one knows better.
That is what has affected the Trump-embracing American electorate.
39
I live in an area where the people I know, and work with, are Trump supporters - they have already voted for him. Some are white men, younger rather than older, and one is an educated white woman from a prominent local family. What you have said here Nicholas would not change their mind one iota. Not one bit. Got it?
Should a President Trump cause catastrophe, they will blame it on whoever they disagree with: Obama, Clinton, Liberals - it really doesn't matter or have to make sense - just find someone. Until someone figures out why that is so, and how to remedy it, America will stay impossibly divided and vulnerable to collapse from within. I am, BTW, 63, white, blue collar - a Bernie supporter who is holding his nose and voting for Hillary. If Trump wins, he may well destroy the GOP as we know it today but that is no cause for celebration because there won't be much left worth having. If Hillary wins, the Democrats will possibly be in tatters in four years - she will be ripped from within by the far left and ripped from without by the Republicans. Are there any un-bought grown-ups remaining in US politics? Were there ever any?
Should a President Trump cause catastrophe, they will blame it on whoever they disagree with: Obama, Clinton, Liberals - it really doesn't matter or have to make sense - just find someone. Until someone figures out why that is so, and how to remedy it, America will stay impossibly divided and vulnerable to collapse from within. I am, BTW, 63, white, blue collar - a Bernie supporter who is holding his nose and voting for Hillary. If Trump wins, he may well destroy the GOP as we know it today but that is no cause for celebration because there won't be much left worth having. If Hillary wins, the Democrats will possibly be in tatters in four years - she will be ripped from within by the far left and ripped from without by the Republicans. Are there any un-bought grown-ups remaining in US politics? Were there ever any?
136
I think that the whole country needs psychotherapy. This whole election has been driving us crazy and forget why we live here.
21
The Roosevelts.
6
Since you ask, Nick, I'd say we the people today are fearful, instinctive reptiles, not reasoning humans. Which might explain next week why Donald Trump may well be elected next week.
20
You do snakes a disservice. They seek warmth, need food, look for comfort, as we all do. They do not hate. They are not violent or racist or tribal. A snake wants little more than to live a quiet life in the shadows, unmolested.
The Republican candidate, in contrast, is every bad impulse a chimpanzee ever had. The terror is a primate brain that has no control.
So please, on Tuesday, do not let your inner monkey vote.
The Republican candidate, in contrast, is every bad impulse a chimpanzee ever had. The terror is a primate brain that has no control.
So please, on Tuesday, do not let your inner monkey vote.
360
And you just insulted chimpanzees...
9
You're denigrating monkeys. I like monkeys. Trump is more like a rabid, what - dog? No not dog, dogs are nice, fox? no, foxes are cute. Ah, I got it: a rabid skunk! Nobody likes skunks.
6
Thank you. You have captured the essence of Trump. Hopefully, enough Americans will see the truth of Trump and will also see through the wildly distorted caricature of Clinton that has been relentlessly pounded into the electorate by alt right media and the Trump campaign.
Were he to win, within weeks or months his followers will realize the fraud practiced upon them and that they have elected a dangerously inept leader who cares nothing about them, and answers only to the highest bidder (potentially Putin). Then, where will they turn the reptilian rage he has unleashed?
Were he to win, within weeks or months his followers will realize the fraud practiced upon them and that they have elected a dangerously inept leader who cares nothing about them, and answers only to the highest bidder (potentially Putin). Then, where will they turn the reptilian rage he has unleashed?
98
The reptilian rage will be against Trump himself.
Ever so slowly, will his supporters realize they've been conned.
Let's hope a President (ew) Trump will have a Mussolini or Romanov like ending.
Ever so slowly, will his supporters realize they've been conned.
Let's hope a President (ew) Trump will have a Mussolini or Romanov like ending.
1
If Donald Trump is the answer.. The question needs some urgent re-examination..
222
I think the real takeaway here is that those who think Donald Trump is the answer don't even have a clue what the question is.
37
It's amazing that Mr. Kristof can tick off a list of hyperbolic reasons why we should fear a Trump presidency - Trump will empower the KKK, he'll trigger a nuclear war, he'll even barge into teen dressing rooms! - and then end his column sanctimoniously lecturing us about how Trump resorts to fear tactics. The Democratic talking points about Trump - which Kristof dutifully repeats, without a whiff of independent analysis (so brave to attack Trump!) - are nothing if not fear tactics. If Trump were really that bad, why not discuss the reasons instead of claiming (falsely, by the way) that he supports the KKK, or that he wants to barge into teen dressing rooms?
9
Trump is that bad. And he does support the KKK and he does barge into women's and teens' dressing rooms. I didn't see any sanctimony in this column, just someone who's very worried about the upcoming election. Please read any good newspaper in this country, the NY Times, Boston Globe, Washington Post, Bloomberg.com, and on and on, for great reporting on the many, many worrisome attributes and actions of the RNC candidate.
63
@P.R. The editorial doesn't say Trump supports the KKK. It says the KKK supports Trump. But it's a fair inference that Trump's sympathies tend toward that racist fringe, since he twisted himself into knots in an interview to avoid disavowing the support of David Duke. Or perhaps he was just pandering to it, which is functionally the same thing as sympathizing. (BTW, voting for Trump is functionally the same thing as sympathizing with his racism.)
As for teen dressing rooms, he has bragged about how he was "allowed" to walk in on beautiful naked teenagers when he owned the Miss Teen USA contest. That, in my estimation, makes him a pervert -- another constituency Trump speaks for.
As for teen dressing rooms, he has bragged about how he was "allowed" to walk in on beautiful naked teenagers when he owned the Miss Teen USA contest. That, in my estimation, makes him a pervert -- another constituency Trump speaks for.
173
RP:
I suspect you'd accuse anyone noting Trump's campaign connections to hate groups as just partisan talk. Yet for others, see: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/10/donald-trump-hate-groups-neo... . Yes, Mother Jones is partisan. There are not too many editorial pages that are not.
Even in more sympathetic hands, it is hard to miss that Trump's vituperative outbursts do not contain the same energy for right-wing extremist groups: http://www.wsj.com/articles/white-nationalists-see-advancement-through-d... . From that WSJ piece:
"In February, the Anti-Defamation League sent a list of 11 “racist individuals and extremists groups” to all of the Democrats and Republicans running for president, urging them to steer clear. All of those on the list had expressed support for Mr. Trump."
This is not to say all of his supporters are sympathizers; most are not. It does speak volumes about the candidate himself. I am surprised Mr. Kristoff only lists five elements that make Trump unfit for the presidency--but these days one must keep lists short.
I suspect you'd accuse anyone noting Trump's campaign connections to hate groups as just partisan talk. Yet for others, see: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/10/donald-trump-hate-groups-neo... . Yes, Mother Jones is partisan. There are not too many editorial pages that are not.
Even in more sympathetic hands, it is hard to miss that Trump's vituperative outbursts do not contain the same energy for right-wing extremist groups: http://www.wsj.com/articles/white-nationalists-see-advancement-through-d... . From that WSJ piece:
"In February, the Anti-Defamation League sent a list of 11 “racist individuals and extremists groups” to all of the Democrats and Republicans running for president, urging them to steer clear. All of those on the list had expressed support for Mr. Trump."
This is not to say all of his supporters are sympathizers; most are not. It does speak volumes about the candidate himself. I am surprised Mr. Kristoff only lists five elements that make Trump unfit for the presidency--but these days one must keep lists short.
19
Probably the main reason that many of the people I know are voting for Trump is that they truly cannot stand the idea of Hillary being our president. To have Bill and Hillary back in the White House is like a bad dream to millions of voters.
25
Why is that? When Bill Clinton was president, the nation experienced a period of peace and prosperity. We also experienced the radical Congress of Newt Gingrich, which went out of its way to try to destroy the Clintons over a consensual sexual affair between two adults, not the creepy predatory habits for which Trump has been known for years. Isn't the real nightmare our GOP Congress, which has spent eight years similarly dogging Barack Obama, during whose administration we have returned from the brink of the economic disaster and suffered no monstrous attacks like that of 9/11, and will surely do the same to Mrs. Clinton? What accounts for the fondness of Republicans for catastrophic presidencies like that of G.W. Bush?
254
People may feel having the Clintons back in the White House is a bad dream but Trump is a nightmare.
7
When many poor Americans see Donald Trump, they see their idea of a bountiful heaven: gaudy opulence, unapologetic greed and a name spelled out in FAT CAPS dripping in gold. To him he represents a god of unlimited luxury and mountains of available cash, servants and jet planes. This is the only reason they need to vote for him. Surely some of those riches will fall to them as well. It's like winning millions in the lottery. Sadly, this is their only criteria for a president. Sadly, this is as deep as their thinking goes.
373
Poor Americans are NOT the group supporting Donald Trump. Poor Americans are not Ignorant Americans, since they know what it is to be poor and they know the likes of Trump are the ones who want to keep them there. Tracking and other national polls currently show that Trump is "up" only in that demographic making $50K to $100K a year. Above that - and below (poor Americans) - Clinton has more support. The major demographic within that income slice supporting Trump is uneducated whites (both male and female, although especially the former). No wonder, per his remark in February, that DJT "loves the uneducated". This is also a group that has the most disdain for the poor in America, the most disdain for social justice, and so on.
Why? What is wrong with these people? Are they truly deplorable, or can they somehow be reached and educated in decency and respect for their fellow Americans?
Why? What is wrong with these people? Are they truly deplorable, or can they somehow be reached and educated in decency and respect for their fellow Americans?
8
Then how do you explain that so many of them keep voting for Republicans in their State elections?
Reason number 6 Comedy. SNL would have the best skits. Jon Stewart may come back.
49
I think Lorne Michaels made a horrible mistake putting Trump on SNL early in his run. I certainly hope the American people will have better sense than to choose a leader based on entertainment value.
15
Maybe Trump is needed to heal the deep rift in the american society. After a few month most americans will be united again - against Trump. And maybe the alienated and angry americans realize that wrath is no policy, maybe even the GOP will find the need and a way of cooperation with opposing parties. Trump may be a catharsis.
32
For millions of Americans Trump possesses the only qualifications that matter - he is white and male, unlike his opponent or the current President. It is these qualities that make him qualified for the job in their eyes. Let's hope there are enough people who care about the dignity and well being of our country and vote overwhelmingly for Ms Clinton.
759
What would America be without Trump, Las Vegas, systemic racism? No, don't change! Don't take away the things we outlanders hold onto so that we can feel superior to the US!
36
Yes, he's white and male. For years that was the only qualification. For some it's still the only qualification that matters. Intelligence, no. Achievements, no. Integrity, no. An ability to apply what's been learned in the past to the present, no. Just be white and male.
28
It's ironic how we've come full circle, in which observations about people are as base as any racist would make. There were plenty of other white males in running for this presidency, yet the reasons those millions of Americans support this one are at least sightly more complex, not the least which is economic. Claiming it simply boils down being white male is to offer up the most base explanation on par with any Trump's supporters simple label of Hillary as a liar.
6
It's really hard to assert that many presidential elections were decided by the "human brain", as opposed to the reptilian. The big difference this time is that the appeal to the reptilian brain by one candidate has never been as explicit.
It's clearly a bad precedent for future elections, and we have to hope that the media, who have served us poorly by putting profit before journalistic responsibility, will work to reverse the trend. I'm not optimistic.
It's clearly a bad precedent for future elections, and we have to hope that the media, who have served us poorly by putting profit before journalistic responsibility, will work to reverse the trend. I'm not optimistic.
110
Many liberal women I know, while they won't vote for Trump, are certainly not enthusiastic about Hillary. She lacks charisma and seemingly is the ultimate political animal, much like her husband.