For the first time I'm embarrassed to be a white American
888
"Count me among the resistance." Thank you for those words. I now have a theme to live by for the next 4 years. To keep fighting is the only hope we have.
1267
Hey Charles, I agree - I was a Sanders supporter who reluctantly voted for Clinton. I live in a small, rural southern community. A lot of the people I respect and work with probably voted for Trump. So, what can we do to fix things? For starters, it would be nice if the NYT began having reporters and columnists who lived 'outside the bubble' - perhaps in small towns in 'fly over' country or the rural South and economically depressed rustbelt communities. And then, it would also be great if the NYT and other papers, started having a Labor Page again. Having a labor-friendly article now and then in the Business Section does not hack it. Thanks!!!
1009
I particularly like the graphic accompanying this article. Nice "focus".
64
Thank you Mr. Blow. The only way that I am coping at the moment is to read eloquent comments from those who feel like I do.
648
I respectfully disagree. These very types of articles that are only going to exacerbate the tensions and polarization in this Country. Therefore I must assume you're also refusing to
heed the advise of Hillary Clinton and Obama?
Trumps behavior was nothing more than a campaign ploy. And it worked. No different than
Bush exploiting the religious zealots, Obama the African American Community (and then doing nothing for them) or Hillary "attempting" to exploit woman. Where was she for Barbara Buonoand Christine Quinn?
If there's one thing Axelrod and Co taught us, it was political branding. And who better than Donald Trump when it comes to marketing?
If Trump were truly the person he painted himself out to be how is it no one returned the campaigns donations they not only solicited but also took throughout the years? How is
it the Clintons were at his wedding and he maintained a plethora of influential associates?
Trump has and always will be a promoter, showman and raconteur. Perhaps in a time of
crisis all these traits may actually wind up being an asset. Calming the masses. Think
about that before you eviscerate him.
Lastly, I do not vote and am neither a Republican nor Democrat. I refuse to be part of and or enable this corruption and subetrfuge. I'm nothing more than a conscientious observer. But the people have spoken and this is what THEY WANT. If you're unhappy or disagree with their choice, than perhaps you should've done MORE for your canidate.
heed the advise of Hillary Clinton and Obama?
Trumps behavior was nothing more than a campaign ploy. And it worked. No different than
Bush exploiting the religious zealots, Obama the African American Community (and then doing nothing for them) or Hillary "attempting" to exploit woman. Where was she for Barbara Buonoand Christine Quinn?
If there's one thing Axelrod and Co taught us, it was political branding. And who better than Donald Trump when it comes to marketing?
If Trump were truly the person he painted himself out to be how is it no one returned the campaigns donations they not only solicited but also took throughout the years? How is
it the Clintons were at his wedding and he maintained a plethora of influential associates?
Trump has and always will be a promoter, showman and raconteur. Perhaps in a time of
crisis all these traits may actually wind up being an asset. Calming the masses. Think
about that before you eviscerate him.
Lastly, I do not vote and am neither a Republican nor Democrat. I refuse to be part of and or enable this corruption and subetrfuge. I'm nothing more than a conscientious observer. But the people have spoken and this is what THEY WANT. If you're unhappy or disagree with their choice, than perhaps you should've done MORE for your canidate.
275
I feel like my best friend died and her name is America. He will turn this country asunder.
569
The trauma of his election has generated something that feels like a new bout of PTSD: the memory of Trump encouraging a crowd to hurt a protestor, saying he would cover their legal expenses, it keeps playing itself over and over in my mind. The memory is unwanted and every time, there a feeling pure horror. This going to take a toll....
607
"America" contains many other countries. The USA is only one. If we can please honor this in our wording from now on, that's a start...
112
Blow, I have read your hate filled column's before, get over it. Your constant bashing is clear evidence of the same racism I have seen and read in the NY Times for many years.
It is a racism of the worst kind, one shielded in the cloak of liberalisim.
With the deplorable comments, the smug smell of elitism is all over your column.
Do you really believe Hillary could have delivered, Barack has been in for eight years and accomplished next to nothing. Quite actually the opposite has happened, a weak vacillating president has left the world more unsure of America than ever before. The Black power base of his presidency still resides in the American gettos and now the jobs they once held have been replaced by other third world countries.
WE are infinitely more impoverished than ever before.
Think about it.
It is a racism of the worst kind, one shielded in the cloak of liberalisim.
With the deplorable comments, the smug smell of elitism is all over your column.
Do you really believe Hillary could have delivered, Barack has been in for eight years and accomplished next to nothing. Quite actually the opposite has happened, a weak vacillating president has left the world more unsure of America than ever before. The Black power base of his presidency still resides in the American gettos and now the jobs they once held have been replaced by other third world countries.
WE are infinitely more impoverished than ever before.
Think about it.
335
Needless to say, I am grossly disappointed in the American white people.
This section of Americans have put racism at the top of their value system!
I will not step onto American soil while Trump is President, and I would advise fellow Canadians, especially the snowbirds to do likewise.
The reality is that America (USA), by electing Trump, have lost the confidence and respect of the world, which, ironically, will become more and more Fascistic in turn. After Poland, Hungary, Turkey, and even Britain, and now USA, the world now has a social license to turn to the politics of the STRONGMAN!
I suggest to non-racist Americans and all others around the world to boycott all Trump businesses; soon the men in white would visit the white house and take him away!
As per Dylan: non-racist American let's not go quietly into the night!
This section of Americans have put racism at the top of their value system!
I will not step onto American soil while Trump is President, and I would advise fellow Canadians, especially the snowbirds to do likewise.
The reality is that America (USA), by electing Trump, have lost the confidence and respect of the world, which, ironically, will become more and more Fascistic in turn. After Poland, Hungary, Turkey, and even Britain, and now USA, the world now has a social license to turn to the politics of the STRONGMAN!
I suggest to non-racist Americans and all others around the world to boycott all Trump businesses; soon the men in white would visit the white house and take him away!
As per Dylan: non-racist American let's not go quietly into the night!
348
Thank you, Mr. Blow! I had thought that America had gotten beyond the open, vicious racism of the pre-Civil Rights era. I was clearly wrong. I applaud Mr Blow's call for all of us to stand up for decency, tolerance, dignity, equal opportunity, and compassion for the less fortunate whenever, wherever, and however we can. Evil never goes away, so the need to refuse to collaborate with it also never stops. Please, Mr. Blow, keep writing! Thank you again, from a 70 year old white man.
534
A bigot? No.
He just happened to defeat the worst candidate in history who is still married to an impeached former president widely proclaimed as both "Bubba" and as the "first black president"
He just happened to defeat the worst candidate in history who is still married to an impeached former president widely proclaimed as both "Bubba" and as the "first black president"
188
Count me in on the resistance. I'll be using my Trump-generated stock profits to support the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and Everytown for Gun Safety. I urge others to support organizations of your choice that work to protect our rights.
453
Giuliani fixed this election with his connection to Comey. The margins were razor-thin and Hillary won the popular vote. Trump won on a campaign of racism and misogyny. Disgusting. I will resist him like republicans resisted Obama. God help us all.
700
As I write this, President Barack Obama is meeting Donald Trump at the White House. There is no doubt that President Obama will greet this man respectfully and do every thing he can to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Isn't that the way it always is? The people who have been 'buked and scorned' are the ones who are called upon to 'rise above it' and behave better than the bigots have ever shown they are capable of.
Mr. Blow, you have been speaking truth to power for a long time and I pray that you continue. Voices like yours became a hundred times more important after Tuesday. It is important to remind people just who the President-elect REALLY is. That he is as much of a racist, sexist ignorant monster today and he has ever been. The office of the Presidency cannot and will not wash away the stench of Donald J. Trump.
Isn't that the way it always is? The people who have been 'buked and scorned' are the ones who are called upon to 'rise above it' and behave better than the bigots have ever shown they are capable of.
Mr. Blow, you have been speaking truth to power for a long time and I pray that you continue. Voices like yours became a hundred times more important after Tuesday. It is important to remind people just who the President-elect REALLY is. That he is as much of a racist, sexist ignorant monster today and he has ever been. The office of the Presidency cannot and will not wash away the stench of Donald J. Trump.
602
Charles, numerous times during the election season, you devoted your column to "proving" that there were no neglected white people, that there was no reason to pay attention to them, and that they were just experiencing a "fall from grace" from wealth and privilege, no matter how many people told you or tried to tell you that compared with your college educated syndicated columnist dream job, they didn't have anywhere near that far to fall. Not just you of course, Jill Filipovic just days ago wrote that males in this society were not as highly evolved as women, because they were majority trending for Trump.
There are many forms of bigotry, and there are many forms of prejudice. I'm sure you have no problem believing that, "It is absolutely possible that America didn't elect him in spite of of [his bigotry], but because of it." But I didn't vote for him, I voted Sanders in the primary and Clinton in the election, and I have no problem empathizing with the white mid-western non-college educated voter who told the Times many months ago he would probably vote for Trump because it didn't seem like the Democratic Party had room for white men anymore.
That's also a kind of bigotry, and I find your lack of self-reflection appalling.
There are many forms of bigotry, and there are many forms of prejudice. I'm sure you have no problem believing that, "It is absolutely possible that America didn't elect him in spite of of [his bigotry], but because of it." But I didn't vote for him, I voted Sanders in the primary and Clinton in the election, and I have no problem empathizing with the white mid-western non-college educated voter who told the Times many months ago he would probably vote for Trump because it didn't seem like the Democratic Party had room for white men anymore.
That's also a kind of bigotry, and I find your lack of self-reflection appalling.
278
Hillary was the worst retail political candidate in decades, and she lost. You lost all your credibility in backing her so blindly for racial/racist reasons. No need to keep incorrectly predicting the future, Blow, let's see what happens next.
183
And a Cheater.
Tax Cheat -you cannot declare losses on other peoples money.
Charity Cheat -you cannot take credit for charity you have not performed or given.
Marital Cheat -it is well documented in the press and courts.
Business Cheat -he admitted bribing officials and business people in order to further his business.
And like all cheaters he uses lies to avoid taking responsibility for his own behavior.
Tax Cheat -you cannot declare losses on other peoples money.
Charity Cheat -you cannot take credit for charity you have not performed or given.
Marital Cheat -it is well documented in the press and courts.
Business Cheat -he admitted bribing officials and business people in order to further his business.
And like all cheaters he uses lies to avoid taking responsibility for his own behavior.
376
Perhaps, Mr. Blow should not have so soundly rejected the only true progressive candidate in the race-----the one who would have easily defeated Mr. Trump.
160
“I have spent much of my life and definitely much of my time writing this column championing the causes of vulnerable populations.” Too bad during the primaries you didn’t devote yourself and your column to supporting Bernie Sanders, the only candidate willing to say Black Lives Matter, a man who really has spent his life championing the causes of vulnerable populations but has the grace not to boast about it. Charles, you backed the darling of Goldman Sachs, a candidate whom the DNC anointed from day one under the assumption that her being somewhat better than the Republican nominee would be enough to get her elected. What you say about Trump and those who voted for him is true, but it’s time you accept some responsibility for not supporting the more dynamic, progressive candidate, the one who could have beaten Trump handily in the general election by giving Americans something to vote for rather than just something to vote against.
61
Calling Trump a bigot is exactly the type of behavior that helped to get him elected.
Most of his supporters don’t see themselves as bigots and don’t see him that way. They don’t think he hates Mexicans, he just hates the Mexican rapists. They don’t think he hates women, just particular women who he thinks have been unfair to him. They don’t think he hates Muslims, just those Muslims who want to hurt other Americans.
They see a liberal establishment, people like Mr. Blow, who paint them as racist because they dislike the behavior of people within certain groups. Whereas they see racism as being intolerant of an entire group, not just the bad actors within.
Instead of trying to justify just how much of a bigot Trump is, it would better serve liberals to talk to some actual Trump supporters who are not bigots, and to better understand their perspective and just how harmful this political correctness is. It would also help them to get out of their bubble and, in particular, read some articles from conservative people of color and women who have written in support of Trump.
BTW — I voted for Clinton.
Most of his supporters don’t see themselves as bigots and don’t see him that way. They don’t think he hates Mexicans, he just hates the Mexican rapists. They don’t think he hates women, just particular women who he thinks have been unfair to him. They don’t think he hates Muslims, just those Muslims who want to hurt other Americans.
They see a liberal establishment, people like Mr. Blow, who paint them as racist because they dislike the behavior of people within certain groups. Whereas they see racism as being intolerant of an entire group, not just the bad actors within.
Instead of trying to justify just how much of a bigot Trump is, it would better serve liberals to talk to some actual Trump supporters who are not bigots, and to better understand their perspective and just how harmful this political correctness is. It would also help them to get out of their bubble and, in particular, read some articles from conservative people of color and women who have written in support of Trump.
BTW — I voted for Clinton.
115
It's telling how the left mocked any hint of Trump not accepting the election results only to have Clinton NOT give her consession speech until the next day and now having all sorts of people declare they don't accept the results.
Trump won because of 3 things:
1: you underestimated how put-off Americans are with the status quo. That includes the relentless demonization of EVERYONE who dares have a differing opinion.
2: you underestimated how distrusted and disliked Clintonis - and all she represents. You thought that saying "we're together" while calling opponents "stupid", "racist", "uneducated" and "deplorable" was going to unite people with the liberal left.
3: you underestimated how much the American public distrust the main stream media. And when it was proven to be so biased and conniving, Americans revolted on that too.
To those who say Bernie would have fared better, I say this - do you think Trump won because people felt he was more progressive than Clinton? Bernie would have done worse.
So, practice what you preach - Trump is the president-elect. We all agree the country needs fixing.
Let's all start working to fix it.
(Unless, of course, you like sitting around and complaining endlessly. In that case, move aside so the rest of us can get to work on fixing it all.)
Trump won because of 3 things:
1: you underestimated how put-off Americans are with the status quo. That includes the relentless demonization of EVERYONE who dares have a differing opinion.
2: you underestimated how distrusted and disliked Clintonis - and all she represents. You thought that saying "we're together" while calling opponents "stupid", "racist", "uneducated" and "deplorable" was going to unite people with the liberal left.
3: you underestimated how much the American public distrust the main stream media. And when it was proven to be so biased and conniving, Americans revolted on that too.
To those who say Bernie would have fared better, I say this - do you think Trump won because people felt he was more progressive than Clinton? Bernie would have done worse.
So, practice what you preach - Trump is the president-elect. We all agree the country needs fixing.
Let's all start working to fix it.
(Unless, of course, you like sitting around and complaining endlessly. In that case, move aside so the rest of us can get to work on fixing it all.)
95
We must all remember that HRC won the popular vote- just as Al Gore did.
We have an antiquated electoral college system that must finally be abolished. It nullifies the actual popular vote- allowing us to elect a punchline and not a president.
I am sickened by this beyond belief. We can now forget any progress on climate change, repeal of the ACA with nothing to take its place since the GOP is good at tearing down but not at any real ideas, an illegitimate SCOTUS that should have had the Scalia replacement under Obama, and of course, a racist endorsed by the KKK in the WH, and a mentally unstable person who now has access to the nuclear codes and wants to be a dictator just like his idol Putin.
I am still in shock and disbelief. Hate really does win over common sense and decency due to the electoral college and of course, James Comey. I guess Comey will now get to keep his job instead of getting indicted for violation of the Hatch Act.
We have an antiquated electoral college system that must finally be abolished. It nullifies the actual popular vote- allowing us to elect a punchline and not a president.
I am sickened by this beyond belief. We can now forget any progress on climate change, repeal of the ACA with nothing to take its place since the GOP is good at tearing down but not at any real ideas, an illegitimate SCOTUS that should have had the Scalia replacement under Obama, and of course, a racist endorsed by the KKK in the WH, and a mentally unstable person who now has access to the nuclear codes and wants to be a dictator just like his idol Putin.
I am still in shock and disbelief. Hate really does win over common sense and decency due to the electoral college and of course, James Comey. I guess Comey will now get to keep his job instead of getting indicted for violation of the Hatch Act.
146
Thank you, Mr Blow, for expressing our despair over this man, certainly a bigot and utterly dishonorable, and his rise to power. We are shocked to find that half of Americans believe that who he is and what he stands for is worthy of the presidency. Underneath their "blathering" of family values and so-called Christianity, are small, cold, hard hearts -- shocking and terrifying.
155
America elected Trump because Wasserman, the DNC and you and all of the NYT fan club of Clinton colluded to brush off the decent, progressive candidate in favor of a flawed, previously rejected candidate - because in your arrogance you thought it was the right thing regardless. The only thing I blame Senator Sanders for is, once he realized the media was not going to try and hold Clinton accountable for her actions, for her husband meeting with the U.S. Attorney General in private, and that the DNC was manipulating the primaries, that he did not get in the mud. Senator Sanders, even after the DNC emails exposed that they were not a committee for the Democratic Party, but instead Clinton Campaign Headquarters, decided to support Clinton. That is both how “good” Senator Sanders is a progressive , and…how weak he was as a candidate. This election is not a repudiation of President Obama. President Obama defeated Clinton in 2008! America made it’s choice back then. The DNC and the media reaped what it has sown…it conspired against a decent candidate and from those seeds of deceit sprung Trump.
102
You people are a bunch of hypocrites and so is the author. Now patriots are considered bigots? Since the majority of Americans with a brain did not want to have the country progress into a Banana Republic and be harassed, killed and outsourced by illegal aliens? Illegal Aliens that appear to have more rights than a citizen in many areas where there are "sanctuary cities." Newsflash, all genders and races voted for Donald trump, from various educational backgrounds as well. I suppose you have to reason this all away as some "white power" phenomenon that was spawned by non-educated white men who were wronged by a political system that supposedly wronged them? Does anyone take into account the treason, debauchery, and treachery that Hillary Clinton brought to the election table? You liberals are the epitome hypocrisy. You are all willing to protest and burn down the capital because you lost an election. Since Hillary Clinton was one of your own; you people chose to look the other way because you have no integrity. If you are going to call out Donald Trump for his wrongdoings then do so equally for Hillary Clinton and her womanizer husband Bill.
100
There is nothing respectable about Mr. Trump.
And now we have to explain this to our kids. My heart was breaking as I heard these words from my daughter yesterday:
http://www.wellroundedryan.com/quotes-from-my-12-year-old-after-the-2016...
And now we have to explain this to our kids. My heart was breaking as I heard these words from my daughter yesterday:
http://www.wellroundedryan.com/quotes-from-my-12-year-old-after-the-2016...
68
This vile Con man just pulled off the ultimate con. Nearly half of the country bought the "MAGA" mantra hook, line and sinker. The difference between this travesty and a regular scheme, is that those of us who saw through him, an admitted serial sexual predator (not just alleged - not just accused), are also stuck with the result. (Half) of the people have spoken. God help us all.
127
We elected a man who lies every three minutes, who is, by all accounts, the most prolific liar to ever run for president, because Americans "couldn't" vote for HRC because she lies; We elected a man who insisted the system was rigged when he was losing, and healthy when he was not, in all likelihood because the FBI corrupted itself by putting its finger on the scales of the election; we elected a man based in large part on the illegal hacking of DNC and other email servers by hostile foreign actors, to the glee of Americans who said they could not trust HRC because of her unhacked private email server because "it could have been hacked!" (are they actually upset that it wasn't? Because they seemed rather giddy about hacked emails), and in fact, it appears in hindsight that, considering HRC was the target of Assange and Putin, that her email not having been hacked probably meant it was the most secure server in all of DC, likely because no one was aware of it.
We elected a serial adulterer, thrice married admitted serial sexual assaulter, because HRC chose to honor her marriage vows and stay with her husband despite his philandering.
So we were given a conman for a president because Americans were so worried about in HRC the things of which Donald Trump is guilty of a thousand times over.
This election was about her gender, plain and simple. If HRC were a man, she would be president now. Shame on women who crushed this opportunity in favor of a sexual assaulter ,no less
We elected a serial adulterer, thrice married admitted serial sexual assaulter, because HRC chose to honor her marriage vows and stay with her husband despite his philandering.
So we were given a conman for a president because Americans were so worried about in HRC the things of which Donald Trump is guilty of a thousand times over.
This election was about her gender, plain and simple. If HRC were a man, she would be president now. Shame on women who crushed this opportunity in favor of a sexual assaulter ,no less
605
Trump LOST the popular vote. That does mean something. We must organize, mobilize, vocalize, and fight to keep the pressure on to protect some resemblance of society and respect. We have to remind Trump at his every misstep that he does not have wide mandate, that we do not support bigotry, misogyny, racism, hostility, disrespect, lies, and the rest.
362
I don't respect Trump and I don't respect anyone who respects Trump.
392
Mr. Blow continues to shout into the echo chamber of identity politics.
This election wasn't about Trump--any number of candidates the voters felt were legitimately not just another would-be DC insider promising change would have done, many better than Trump I suspect.
This was about voters, many of whom voted for Barack Obama who also ran as an outsider promising change, turning out a self-dealing establishment that always put its own interests ahead of those it elected. How many elections has the left promised to improve things for working class Americans only to see their situation worsen? Chalking it up to these folks being uneducated, disinterested and lazy is, ironically, intellectually lazy. Take a road trip to middle America. I'd be happy to serve as your guide if you can't find the way.
The so-called republican 'base' (whose grandparents were virtually all democrats--let that sink in) this newspaper loves to mock was just as disinterested in Jeb Bush as it was Hillary Clinton.
So go ahead a challenge power, that's an American tradition. But rather than doubling down on a message that clearly failed, maybe re-examine your own views.
All this pearl-clutching self-righteousness is really a distraction.
We have work to do.
This election wasn't about Trump--any number of candidates the voters felt were legitimately not just another would-be DC insider promising change would have done, many better than Trump I suspect.
This was about voters, many of whom voted for Barack Obama who also ran as an outsider promising change, turning out a self-dealing establishment that always put its own interests ahead of those it elected. How many elections has the left promised to improve things for working class Americans only to see their situation worsen? Chalking it up to these folks being uneducated, disinterested and lazy is, ironically, intellectually lazy. Take a road trip to middle America. I'd be happy to serve as your guide if you can't find the way.
The so-called republican 'base' (whose grandparents were virtually all democrats--let that sink in) this newspaper loves to mock was just as disinterested in Jeb Bush as it was Hillary Clinton.
So go ahead a challenge power, that's an American tradition. But rather than doubling down on a message that clearly failed, maybe re-examine your own views.
All this pearl-clutching self-righteousness is really a distraction.
We have work to do.
155
Enough about Trump. You ought be analyzing and questioning Democracy. It was Democracy that produced a Donald Trump presidency. Start your analysis with HL Mencken who said:
"Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard."
"Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard."
32
Thank you, Charles. This is an unprecedented time that has horrified us. We are terrified by what a Trump presidency might entail. Please keep up the work that is so desperately needed right now.
82
If one acts dishonestly - and with extreme malice to win political office, winning that office is not grounds for acceptance. If it were - than any behavior would be considered justified because winning would negate it!
Further, if you are black, brown, Jewish, or Muslim, you should not join, nor re-enlist in the US Military at this time. Mr Trump will be surrounded by alt-right extremists that will promote intense voter suppression, Islamophobic hysteria, international Jewish banking cabals, and Hispanic deportations. This will undoubtedly lead to confrontations within our cities. Do not be lulled to sleep by kind rhetoric a day after the election.
Black, brown, Jewish, and Muslim men and women may be better able to defend their rights and communities within local police departments that will be ground zero for what is to come. Plus, as a parent, I would not want my son or daughter to join the military before Trump's "secret plan" for defeating Isis was revealed -as well as his economic ties to Russian oligarchs.
At this moment Mr. Trump is too morally and economically compromised to be commander and chief... Unless we accept the idea that winning is redemption and God help us if we do.
Gary Alexander
Davis, CA
Sent from my iPad
Further, if you are black, brown, Jewish, or Muslim, you should not join, nor re-enlist in the US Military at this time. Mr Trump will be surrounded by alt-right extremists that will promote intense voter suppression, Islamophobic hysteria, international Jewish banking cabals, and Hispanic deportations. This will undoubtedly lead to confrontations within our cities. Do not be lulled to sleep by kind rhetoric a day after the election.
Black, brown, Jewish, and Muslim men and women may be better able to defend their rights and communities within local police departments that will be ground zero for what is to come. Plus, as a parent, I would not want my son or daughter to join the military before Trump's "secret plan" for defeating Isis was revealed -as well as his economic ties to Russian oligarchs.
At this moment Mr. Trump is too morally and economically compromised to be commander and chief... Unless we accept the idea that winning is redemption and God help us if we do.
Gary Alexander
Davis, CA
Sent from my iPad
62
The rage is justified, but when are we going to turn the rage towards the millions of Democrats who stayed home? Hillary won the popular vote, but with less votes than Romney lost. American democrats deserve this horror show, they did it to themselves
81
Count me in Mr. Blow. The republicans now have all the levers of power. Let's see what they do with it. History has shown they over reach in these scenarios. The war with Iraq was a great example. When they do over reach, we need to hold them accountable. They break it, they own it.
61
Mr. Blow, I understand your frustration and anger. I know you are baffled that a man that has hurt and bullied so many could win the highest earthly office in our country. It is painful I know, but no we know what is inside of the hearts of some Americans.
One of the most important statements you wrote in this article was, "I have spent much of my life and definitely much of my time writing this column championing the causes of vulnerable populations. That work only becomes more important now." Mr. Blow, continue to fight and write for our vulnerable populations. President Elect Trump nor his loyal supporters can stop the peaceful movements that are already established and the new ones that are yet to manifest that will fight inequality, expose disparities and stop racism.
My good friend Rev. Depayne Middleton Doctor one of the Emanuel nine victims sent me an email two weeks before she was killed by Dylan Roof. In it she wrote four words to me that keep me going daily, despite the hatred, despite the pain, despite the disappointments. Depayne told me, "ALL IS NOT LOST!" Mr. Blow, as long as you continue to write for and about less advantageous individuals, as long as you write about the good things that disabled Americans are doing, as long as you continue to stand for those who have lost their voice like Tamir Rice and others, as long as you continue to speak truth to power, as long as you are on this earth Mr. Blow, "All is not Lost!"
One of the most important statements you wrote in this article was, "I have spent much of my life and definitely much of my time writing this column championing the causes of vulnerable populations. That work only becomes more important now." Mr. Blow, continue to fight and write for our vulnerable populations. President Elect Trump nor his loyal supporters can stop the peaceful movements that are already established and the new ones that are yet to manifest that will fight inequality, expose disparities and stop racism.
My good friend Rev. Depayne Middleton Doctor one of the Emanuel nine victims sent me an email two weeks before she was killed by Dylan Roof. In it she wrote four words to me that keep me going daily, despite the hatred, despite the pain, despite the disappointments. Depayne told me, "ALL IS NOT LOST!" Mr. Blow, as long as you continue to write for and about less advantageous individuals, as long as you write about the good things that disabled Americans are doing, as long as you continue to stand for those who have lost their voice like Tamir Rice and others, as long as you continue to speak truth to power, as long as you are on this earth Mr. Blow, "All is not Lost!"
49
If anyone thinks JFK, Slick Willy, FDR, and LBJ weren't sexist pigs, they're living in an alternate universe. Blow and his ilk get their gander up when it's Republicans being the misogonynists. Total hypocricy.
And the only "immigrants" that need to worry about being deoported are the ones who entered this country illegally.
And the only "immigrants" that need to worry about being deoported are the ones who entered this country illegally.
75
Thank you for speaking truth to power, standing up for the vulnerable and often writing stories that really challenge my positions and help me reveal my own biases. I stand with you to challenge power and injustice!
38
Why didn't you write this article about your disappointing fellow Americans sooner? The polls have been showing all along that Trump had considerable support. The polls were only off several percent. That's enough to change an election, but it doesn't change the fact that a very considerable minority in this country preferred a very flawed Republican to a very flawed Democrat. You should have been "doubting your faith in the country" (very clunky phrase from someone who writes for a living) quite a while ago. For what it's worth, I have doubted your faith in the country all along. We are apparently fellow travelers.
21
When we demonize fellow human beings we are merely labeling. These are not solid things. Who you truly are, is not black or white, short or tall, bisexual or heterosexual. You are human. Every human being, however flawed, deserves a second chance.
21
I'm equally concerned with the way he treated the press at his rallies and that he used the fact that he bribed politicians as a selling point.
Being a bigot is bad enough. But when you are willing to crush the free press to further that bigotry, then you have Fascism.
Yes we are in a lot of trouble.
Being a bigot is bad enough. But when you are willing to crush the free press to further that bigotry, then you have Fascism.
Yes we are in a lot of trouble.
107
Charles,
You supported a deeply flawed candidate.You undermined a decent man ,Bernie Sanders who was my first choice.Bernie had decency .The Medicare for all and free public colleges made sense.Some of his socialist ideas maybe would not work but a person who is intellectually honest would correct course.
You are blinded by the pain of still existing racism and and ignore the suffering of the white underclass.
You don't give the new president a chance .The entire housing industry was racist in the sixties sad but true,the Trump organization was no exception.He is placing women in position of importance ,which is smart considering how much better his campaign manager was than Podesta.
How can anyone be anti foreign when his wife is born in Europe when three out of his four grandparents had English as a second language.?We need a country of laws and open borders are not the law.
People of every shade of skin work in his organization and find him a good boss overall.
Please don't call him a tax cheat.I bet he like many people in his position have a team of tax experts doing his taxes.The IRS will take care of doing what is right.Yes he said boorish things but Hillary did things worse .Monica was destroyed by both of the Clintons and her attacks on Bill's victims is much worse that what I know of Trump.
Sorry but you might be right and Trump will be a disaster but your false narrative and prejudice is not what we need at this time
You supported a deeply flawed candidate.You undermined a decent man ,Bernie Sanders who was my first choice.Bernie had decency .The Medicare for all and free public colleges made sense.Some of his socialist ideas maybe would not work but a person who is intellectually honest would correct course.
You are blinded by the pain of still existing racism and and ignore the suffering of the white underclass.
You don't give the new president a chance .The entire housing industry was racist in the sixties sad but true,the Trump organization was no exception.He is placing women in position of importance ,which is smart considering how much better his campaign manager was than Podesta.
How can anyone be anti foreign when his wife is born in Europe when three out of his four grandparents had English as a second language.?We need a country of laws and open borders are not the law.
People of every shade of skin work in his organization and find him a good boss overall.
Please don't call him a tax cheat.I bet he like many people in his position have a team of tax experts doing his taxes.The IRS will take care of doing what is right.Yes he said boorish things but Hillary did things worse .Monica was destroyed by both of the Clintons and her attacks on Bill's victims is much worse that what I know of Trump.
Sorry but you might be right and Trump will be a disaster but your false narrative and prejudice is not what we need at this time
72
What do we know that Mitch McConnell and his buddies did the day of Obama's inauguration ? Swear to obstruct everything decent and honorable and good for the country that Obama tried to put forward. What should Democratic Senators and Congressmen do ? Sweat to obstruct everything foul and degrading and destructive that President Elect Trump and his Republican cronies are planning. And why don't we think that with the help of his Russian hacker buddies some voting machines were tampered with in the swing states ? If Trump tells you that the system is rigged, it is because he has / is / will be rigging the system, that's what he does.
91
Comprehend THIS Mr. Blow... The DNC and all the columnists and editors of this paper BLEW IT months ago.
The level of belittlement you showed Bernie Sanders and his supporters this election was akin to insulting and ignoring the true heart of the progressive moment in this country and it's energized voting base.
That raw progressive energy spoke to people across the political divide, it had a real message, passion and it was relevant to the crisis low educated and rural whites find themselves in but it did so with out hate, division, bigotry or sexism.
There was a real opportunity and it was passed over for the "anointed one" who lacked the energy, like-ability and palatable connection with the lives of everyone who has love in their hearts but face the struggles laid bare in 2008.
It was obvious that America wanted strong change all along and that fact was ignored for the pursuit of.... what exactly? Fear of change that is what.
Well, now we have the strong change the nation asked for but it comes with all that hate, division, bigotry and sexism that we could have done without.
The level of belittlement you showed Bernie Sanders and his supporters this election was akin to insulting and ignoring the true heart of the progressive moment in this country and it's energized voting base.
That raw progressive energy spoke to people across the political divide, it had a real message, passion and it was relevant to the crisis low educated and rural whites find themselves in but it did so with out hate, division, bigotry or sexism.
There was a real opportunity and it was passed over for the "anointed one" who lacked the energy, like-ability and palatable connection with the lives of everyone who has love in their hearts but face the struggles laid bare in 2008.
It was obvious that America wanted strong change all along and that fact was ignored for the pursuit of.... what exactly? Fear of change that is what.
Well, now we have the strong change the nation asked for but it comes with all that hate, division, bigotry and sexism that we could have done without.
60
When will Blow and the New York times take some responsibility for the election of a bigot? Their biased reporting and editorial slant favoring Clinton during the Democratic primary helped sabotage the only person who could have beaten Donald Trump - Bernie Sanders.
47
Once again I will find myself apologizing to non American friends around the world for our American President, his behavior, his vocabulary & again trying to explain how most Americans are not "dumb, loud, and fat" as we are stereotyped outside the US. One step forward, two steps back.
23
Charles, You are part of powerful organization and I'm sure have access to some powerful people. What matters now is whether Trump can appoint decent people to his cabinet and to lead the various agencies of our government. Yes, writing with courage and speaking the truth is important. But if you want to have the greatest possible practical impact, go meet with your CEO. Meet with your Board. Figure out whether you know anyone who knows Trump well enough to have some influence on him and his appointment process. Today. Don't underestimate your own access to the people who can directly influence Trump.
13
We know what Trump is, but look at the list of guys who will be in his cabinet, they will be so destructive to America. I fear for the next 4 years.
54
People on the right have worried that our image overseas has been reduced by the Obama administration. Ok, now you are going to see what reduced image really is.
41
Thank you. This exactly sums up how I am feeling. As I am living abroad, I have decided to make a regular contribution to Planned Parenthood. One small resistance.
35
Well, America went to the polls and the real truth came out when behind a shielded box filling out the ballot. The result is not a mistake. It is not rigged. This is America in 2016, where hate and bigotry propelled a know-nothing buffoon to the highest office.
40
We didn't elect him- literally! Close to 60% of voters voted For Hillary Clinton! The problem was not who the voters were but where! they were. The clear majority of Americans who voted overwhelming declared they wanted Hillary Clinton to be our President!
38
He's not Bush. He's exactly what Blow calls him. An "abomination." A bigot. A poor excuse for a human being. I fear that he will turn this country into an violent, racist, authoritarian nightmare and whole parts of the world into graveyards.
40
Country is changing Mr. Blow, and it is up to you to change with it:"Celui qui ne bouge pas perd du terrain!"Clinton suffered a defeat because she talked down to African Americans and Latinos who saw through her hot air, her jive. She attached herself too closely to Obama, whose magnetism was not transferable.His socialist plan for making middle classes pay in order to subsidize payments to the poor was not wise, especially in a sinking economy. She lost because the citizenry opposed her open borders philosophy, her support of overseas trade deals,her husband's use of the term,"super predator,"and her dismissal of us little whites as deplorable.You need to demonstrate empathy for those who disagree with you, just as that left wing sociologist from Berkeley showed towards Tea Partiers in a Louisiana parish whom she wrote so movingly about in "Strangers in their own land."As a radio talk show host said about a CNN contributor who was bemoaning on air the Trump victory: Get used to it pal!"Pressure is on Trump to act equitably, and I think you will be surprised at the extent to which he adheres to fair play as an article of faith.
30
Absolutely. We need to get loud. For all our causes, we need to March, boycott and organize. All we have left since ALEC and Koch have taken our state legislatures and the racism and sexism underpinning our culture has brought us a Trump administration. We have two months before this natural disaster strikes.
23
You and your fellow columnists deserve a fair share of the blame for Trump being elected. I'm going to be generous and assume that you promoted Hillary because of some instruction from on top.
Against all evidence to the contrary, the NYT backs the queen of the Democratic establishment. The Republicans have been preparing for her run for president for decades. To use a football analogy, if you know the opposing team is going to give the ball to their star fullback to run up the middle, you stack the biggest, meanest players shoulder to shoulder on the line to defend.
The power and influence of the media is extraordinary and largely underrated. Republicans have a major advantage over Democrats because of the depth and breadth of the conservative propaganda machine. If I was in charge of polling I would be studying the viewing habits of voting districts. If Fox is the channel of choice then you know they are brainwashed conservatives.
Charles Blow, why didn't you listen to Michelle Alexander and Ta-Nehisi Coates who both spelled out why Hillary Clinton does not deserve the black vote? Did you not find their arguments compelling? I would also argue that the Democratic Party under Barack Obama did virtually nothing to ensure racial equality. Eric Holder and to a lesser extent Loretta Lynch have been a huge disappointment. These are issues you care deeply about and still you supported Clinton. Your credibility will suffer and so will our country.
Against all evidence to the contrary, the NYT backs the queen of the Democratic establishment. The Republicans have been preparing for her run for president for decades. To use a football analogy, if you know the opposing team is going to give the ball to their star fullback to run up the middle, you stack the biggest, meanest players shoulder to shoulder on the line to defend.
The power and influence of the media is extraordinary and largely underrated. Republicans have a major advantage over Democrats because of the depth and breadth of the conservative propaganda machine. If I was in charge of polling I would be studying the viewing habits of voting districts. If Fox is the channel of choice then you know they are brainwashed conservatives.
Charles Blow, why didn't you listen to Michelle Alexander and Ta-Nehisi Coates who both spelled out why Hillary Clinton does not deserve the black vote? Did you not find their arguments compelling? I would also argue that the Democratic Party under Barack Obama did virtually nothing to ensure racial equality. Eric Holder and to a lesser extent Loretta Lynch have been a huge disappointment. These are issues you care deeply about and still you supported Clinton. Your credibility will suffer and so will our country.
35
"They tried to bury us, but they didn't know that we were seeds."
29
"Trump has made multiple campaign promises, promises he will be obliged to keep, ..."
Obliged to keep his promoses? Are you kidding me? Trump has never had any sense of obligation to anyone or anything, just look at his business practices as one example. Trump's promises are nothing but lies uttered as a convenience and a deception. Do his supporters believe he can actually deliver on his absurd, unrealistic campaign "promises"? If so, they are as delusional as the man they voted for. And maybe just as depraved.
Obliged to keep his promoses? Are you kidding me? Trump has never had any sense of obligation to anyone or anything, just look at his business practices as one example. Trump's promises are nothing but lies uttered as a convenience and a deception. Do his supporters believe he can actually deliver on his absurd, unrealistic campaign "promises"? If so, they are as delusional as the man they voted for. And maybe just as depraved.
36
I can only imagine how upset Mr. Blow must be right now. He thought he was doing good. He thought he was telling America how bigoted and awful President-elect Trump is. And he ended up having zero impact on the presidential race. Who would have thought that writing biweekly Trump hit pieces in an newspaper read by costal elites would have zero effect on the nonelites who voted for Trump?
45
Charles,
There are so many people to throw under the bus I do not know where to start. Hillary owns a piece of his victory, too, as painful as that is to admit.
But I and my children are very scared of President-Elect Trump and what he is positioned to do with unwavering support from the legislature.
Please add homophobe to your list.
Keep writing.
amy van der Clock Brown
Stratford, CT 06615
There are so many people to throw under the bus I do not know where to start. Hillary owns a piece of his victory, too, as painful as that is to admit.
But I and my children are very scared of President-Elect Trump and what he is positioned to do with unwavering support from the legislature.
Please add homophobe to your list.
Keep writing.
amy van der Clock Brown
Stratford, CT 06615
19
Trump has already committed numerous indictable offenses, but there's not a prosecutor in the nation with the backbone to go after him.
33
i read most of the posts below. you should all take a deep breath, have a glass of wine, and get on with your lives. the country will be in a much better place in four years. hopefully the border will be enforced, jobs wont be flowing out of our heartland, the rule of law will be respected and enforced, and we will be strong militarily. these four things were where the obama years went wrong, terribly wrong. in this case, the medium is not the message. you can ascribe to him any invective you wish but his heart is in the right place and people of all races and groups will benefit. get on board and see him for what his vision is, not how the media portrays him.
32
The polls were correct. More Americans wanted Hillary than Trump. More Americans voted for Hillary. Our entire country should not be treated like a Gerrymandered state.
The majority wanted Hillary as our president!
And so, the majority has the nausea of Democracy denied...Again!(W)
You can feel it inside. We know something is very wrong here. Our rightful president was replaced with a Gerrymandered ignoramus con artist.
The Supreme court justice that most of us wanted was thrown in the garbage by that same ugliness. It goes by the name "republican"
The majority wanted Hillary as our president!
And so, the majority has the nausea of Democracy denied...Again!(W)
You can feel it inside. We know something is very wrong here. Our rightful president was replaced with a Gerrymandered ignoramus con artist.
The Supreme court justice that most of us wanted was thrown in the garbage by that same ugliness. It goes by the name "republican"
34
From Webster's dictionary... bigot [big-uh t] 1. a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion
So I can only assume that all who oppose Trump must also be defined as "bigots" since you are all "utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief or opinion" Your whole Op-Ed piece is filled with all of the things that you are "utterly intolerant of" so by definition you must also be a bigot or is it that your definition of bigot is "a person who is utterly intolerant of any different creed, belief or opinion that is not your own"? President Obama said it best yesterday when he stated the following: "We're not Democrats first. We're not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We're patriots first." I truly believe that we as a nation will fail if we do not build off of all the things we, as Americans are blessed with, have in common.
I was not a Trump supporter nor was I a Hillary supporter. I feel very offended that because I did not vote for a candidate in the President category on the ballot that I "eased the way for his ascension." In the private sector, if you used your own personal server for highly confidential information of your employer, you would be discharged. If you made totally inappropriate statements about a persons gender, race or religion, you would be fired. So why do we accept this behavior for those in public life? I could not support either because I felt that they both lacked the integrity of being a leader.
So I can only assume that all who oppose Trump must also be defined as "bigots" since you are all "utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief or opinion" Your whole Op-Ed piece is filled with all of the things that you are "utterly intolerant of" so by definition you must also be a bigot or is it that your definition of bigot is "a person who is utterly intolerant of any different creed, belief or opinion that is not your own"? President Obama said it best yesterday when he stated the following: "We're not Democrats first. We're not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We're patriots first." I truly believe that we as a nation will fail if we do not build off of all the things we, as Americans are blessed with, have in common.
I was not a Trump supporter nor was I a Hillary supporter. I feel very offended that because I did not vote for a candidate in the President category on the ballot that I "eased the way for his ascension." In the private sector, if you used your own personal server for highly confidential information of your employer, you would be discharged. If you made totally inappropriate statements about a persons gender, race or religion, you would be fired. So why do we accept this behavior for those in public life? I could not support either because I felt that they both lacked the integrity of being a leader.
20
The irony in all of this is that the people that voted for Trump are the same people that whined about "Obama's lack of experience." I remember all of those people on the right calling Obama nothing more than a "community organizer" and they have the unmitigated gall to vote for Trump. Guess if you're a white guy, experience doesn't matter. There's a strange disconnect in this country with the right. And don't get me started on the media. I could write an epic rant on their failures.
38
I couldn't agree more. If a man indulges in racially discriminatory business practices, spouts racist rhetoric, and espouses racist policies, he's a racist. And you cannot support that man without supporting racism. Which makes you a racist if you voted for Trump.
So it's hard for me to get with all this conciliatory "give Trump a chance" stuff. I feel like it's more important to make it clear that many, many Americans will never accept having an openly racist president.
So it's hard for me to get with all this conciliatory "give Trump a chance" stuff. I feel like it's more important to make it clear that many, many Americans will never accept having an openly racist president.
35
This rhetoric is rapidly devolving into an intellectually lazy tantrum. You may not like Donald Trump's brash, crass, and at times offensive comments. But to claim to be able to stare into his soul and know his heart, when he has elected to employ and associate with a diverse spectrum of people in his business ventures over the years speaks as much about those who accuse him as anything.
The bottom line is that you aren't upset with Donald Trump for the reasons you state. You are upset because the candidate you wanted lost. Instead of expressing authentic disappointment in Hillary Clinton's inability to appeal to what used to be the base of the Democratic Party, you've decided to take as harsh and accusatory tone as possible, taking on the same divisive cutting tone that throughout the campaign you've accused Donald Trump of.
Maybe, instead of fire breathing accusations of bigotry, it instead is time for some introspection. That not everyone who says politically incorrect things is automatically a bigot, and not everyone who supports them automatically is either.
The much deeper truth is that people did not vote for Donald Trump because they are something "ist" -- the elected him because both establishment parties have left behind what used to be the heart of the American middle class. They don't care about color/gender or perceived social justice. They care about their livelihood and ability to care for their families.
Not everything is about you.
The bottom line is that you aren't upset with Donald Trump for the reasons you state. You are upset because the candidate you wanted lost. Instead of expressing authentic disappointment in Hillary Clinton's inability to appeal to what used to be the base of the Democratic Party, you've decided to take as harsh and accusatory tone as possible, taking on the same divisive cutting tone that throughout the campaign you've accused Donald Trump of.
Maybe, instead of fire breathing accusations of bigotry, it instead is time for some introspection. That not everyone who says politically incorrect things is automatically a bigot, and not everyone who supports them automatically is either.
The much deeper truth is that people did not vote for Donald Trump because they are something "ist" -- the elected him because both establishment parties have left behind what used to be the heart of the American middle class. They don't care about color/gender or perceived social justice. They care about their livelihood and ability to care for their families.
Not everything is about you.
55
"Click-Bait"
If we are we to be a country
That continues to be great
We must not be a country
Held hostage to click-bait
False news, false headlines
False narratives, false fact
The essence of our country
Has come under attack
Read past the headline
Fact check the spin
If you think it's a "news feed"
Then you lose, they win
The marketplace of ideas
Envisioned by our framers
Did not contemplate replacing thought
With cable's echo chambers
So take pride in yourself
And please utilize that brain
So perhaps once again
An informed electorate can reign
If we are we to be a country
That continues to be great
We must not be a country
Held hostage to click-bait
False news, false headlines
False narratives, false fact
The essence of our country
Has come under attack
Read past the headline
Fact check the spin
If you think it's a "news feed"
Then you lose, they win
The marketplace of ideas
Envisioned by our framers
Did not contemplate replacing thought
With cable's echo chambers
So take pride in yourself
And please utilize that brain
So perhaps once again
An informed electorate can reign
32
Thank you, Charles Blow. I have been trying to figure out how to reconcile my belief that we can't just become the racists who fought the Obama presidency for 8 years with my fear that "accepting" the election means acquiescing to evil. You are the first person I've read post-election to articulate a way to walk a third path among these two, and I'm going to clip your column as a guide.
11
It is wonderful to see that the writer and readership of the New York Times has once again found a political figure they consider worthy of skeptical analysis. It should make this website much more interesting to read for the next 8 years.
10
The headline says it all. The reason the Left is so stunned by Trump's victory is that they spread half-truths about his positions which the voters did not believe, but the elitists did.
How many times did outlets such as the NYT print that Trump said "All Mexicans are rapists and murderers" when he was clearly referring to some illegal immigrants. But the media elites intentionally and repeatedly misrepresented his position and, ironically, only fooled themselves.
Now you can wake up from your self imposed delusion and, hopefully, become real journalists.
How many times did outlets such as the NYT print that Trump said "All Mexicans are rapists and murderers" when he was clearly referring to some illegal immigrants. But the media elites intentionally and repeatedly misrepresented his position and, ironically, only fooled themselves.
Now you can wake up from your self imposed delusion and, hopefully, become real journalists.
30
How ironic that after the first African-American president who embodied all the ideals and qualities we hope our children will hold, that America would elect Donald J. Trump who has said that he cannot look within himself because he is afraid of what he would find. Nothing!
19
Excellent column and well said. This is what needs to be said instead of the mindless drivel coming out of other pundits who are calling for 'unity' (whatever that means).
16
Now you, the NYT and other media elites, the East and West Coast elites, the Academic elites, the Hollywood elites, and all the other elites now know how many Americans who did not support President Obama in 2008 and 2012 felt when he won. Even so they respected the office not the man holding it, accepted the results, and they did not go out into the streets and protest and riot after he won.
28
Mr. Blow, thank you for this. There can be no unifying with racism, sexism, xenophobia, or any other kind of bigotry. There is no "meeting it halfway". It is President-elect Trump who must earn the public's trust by his actions in office. A call for unity is not enough; his deeds must begin to heal the wounds he himself created then exacerbated in a campaign where he played on his voters' fears and anger.
27
Another racially-charged, hate-filled rant by Blow. Blow still fails to see how his shameless shilling for Hillary gave us a miserable choice between a vulgar barbarian and a grossly corrupt, congenital liar. Maybe if Blow were an honest journalist and gave Bernie Sanders a chance, we'd be having a different discussion today. Maybe if Blow saw how miserable a candidate Hillary was, with all of her "lies" and "mistakes" (Iraq war, email server, Clinton Foundation pay to play), we might have had a good progressive candidate. Trump's election was as much a rejection of Hillary as it was an affirmation of Trump. Hillary lost to a newbie Senator in 2008 and a con man in 2016. It says a lot about Hillary. And Blow. And all those who coronated Hillary instead of running an honest primary that gave an honest progressive a fair chance.
39
Your column brings on the tears again. I have a disabled son who is now 17. Soon, he will be eligible for medicaid and SSDI. This election means that those programs are going to be diminished, if not dismantled, and his ability to live with dignity after I am gone is also diminished. With your prominent column, please continue to fight for minority populations, and keep your eye on the programs that will support my son and others with disability when we parents are no longer able to do so.
34
Excellent piece which captured how I believe many of us feel. As a subscriber to the NYT I ask that you do not let this wane as time goes by. We will be experiencing a very stressful time for the next four years
Are the Republicans going to follow through on their many unconstitutional policies they are advocating?
Could they jam the supreme Court with political cronies that will look a blind eye when these are challenged as unconstitutional - and find sone ridiculous rationale to make them constitutional?
Remember, our next president is a serial lier (basically his mouth flaps and that is an indication of a lie), bigot, incompetent, and completely unfit to hold the office of the President.
So, I implore the NYT to keep on all these amateurs to continue to do the incredible journalism you do follow these lying, cheating thugs and help keep this country safe.
Thank you!
Are the Republicans going to follow through on their many unconstitutional policies they are advocating?
Could they jam the supreme Court with political cronies that will look a blind eye when these are challenged as unconstitutional - and find sone ridiculous rationale to make them constitutional?
Remember, our next president is a serial lier (basically his mouth flaps and that is an indication of a lie), bigot, incompetent, and completely unfit to hold the office of the President.
So, I implore the NYT to keep on all these amateurs to continue to do the incredible journalism you do follow these lying, cheating thugs and help keep this country safe.
Thank you!
16
Why should Donald Trump be concerned to keep any promises he made during the campaign? It doesn't seem part of the man's character to feel the need to honor any obligation.
11
Charles, you accurately assess the situation except in one instance. President-elect Trump does not have a compliant congress to work with, a radical congress ( and ALEC, Koch, etc.) have a compliant President to work with. This is a much more terrifying prospect.
6
You do not yet understand the basic driving force in today's civilization, it is having a good job. It supersede all other considerations (race, age, sex, wealth). It would appear that you have never faced a situation where you have been laid off or fired, have applied for 3000 job openings and not even been called back because there are 5000 applicants for each job. The statistics are not representative of the problem (on purpose) and yet we hide behind the false numbers. You just live in a parallel world to the one that the people who voted for Trump inhabit.
24
I went to bed in horror. I woke up in despair. Hillary Clinton and the Democratic party got spanked. For all who voted against your perception of the status quo of corrupt Washington politicians influenced and guided by corporate America I say congratulation! The White House is no longer influenced by your boogie man. Your votes cut out the intermediator and made your boogie man the leader of the free world..
14
Obama spent 23 years in a clearly racist church that gave their lifetime achievement award to arguably the most vocal racist living in America today, Louis Farakhan. There are pictures all over the web of the Obamas dining and fundraising with the Farakhans.
In one example in Ferguson, Obama honored a man who attempted to kill a cop, Obama egged on a lynch mob that insisted on the cop's guilt despite the findings of justice and a racist group of cop killers, the BLM was born.Obama fanned the flames of racism instead of soothing their hatred and deliberate misunderstanding.
In one example in Ferguson, Obama honored a man who attempted to kill a cop, Obama egged on a lynch mob that insisted on the cop's guilt despite the findings of justice and a racist group of cop killers, the BLM was born.Obama fanned the flames of racism instead of soothing their hatred and deliberate misunderstanding.
17
Charles, thank you for putting this into words. I am share your respect for our democracy and your feelings about our president elect. We have to do what you suggest: to protect America and to not forget the dishonesty, nasty rhetoric, and lack of decency that Trump has displayed through this election and in as a businessman. He will not change, and to expect him to is to deceive ourselves. We must stand together and fight for what is right and to become the champion all of our citizens, our environment and our rights.
14
A "bigot" is a person who sees the world differently than Charles Blow. If this election proves anything, it underscores the astounding lack of diversity on the Times, both political and editorial. People like Blow are so narrow, so self-obsessed so (in his case) dominated by his racial view of the world that they cannot see- let alone respect -- that others see issues differently.
I didn't vote for Trump. I was appalled by his pettiness and lack of focus. But the people who voted for him are not, by and large. And many of them are tired of the elitist, arrogant condescension shown by elites like the Times editorial staff and op-ed writer.
This is a Time for the Times to soul search. To ask why, in the entirety of this great institution, there is so little diversity that they could not have a single writer who understood the voters for Trump. Charles Blow is endemic of the decline of the Times into narrow, undiverse, echo-chamber tribalism.
The old Steinberg cartoon about New York is the new truth about the Times. There's the Upper West side,. and then there's that "stuff" way out there past the river. Wake up Baquet and Suzberger -- you have no idea of what country you live in.
I didn't vote for Trump. I was appalled by his pettiness and lack of focus. But the people who voted for him are not, by and large. And many of them are tired of the elitist, arrogant condescension shown by elites like the Times editorial staff and op-ed writer.
This is a Time for the Times to soul search. To ask why, in the entirety of this great institution, there is so little diversity that they could not have a single writer who understood the voters for Trump. Charles Blow is endemic of the decline of the Times into narrow, undiverse, echo-chamber tribalism.
The old Steinberg cartoon about New York is the new truth about the Times. There's the Upper West side,. and then there's that "stuff" way out there past the river. Wake up Baquet and Suzberger -- you have no idea of what country you live in.
35
The Republicans were smart enough to pass on JEB! and take a chance on outsider Trump. The Democrats should have remained vigorous and nominated a high-energy candidate more in the mold of the soon to be retiring Obama. A big mistake to nominate the very person so easily dispatched by their own sitting President.
13
This ridiculously biased article, strong on name-calling, strong on emotion, weak on the character and truth which hypocritically you say Trump is lacking is precisely why so many voted for Trump and said "no more media corruption!" to the vast majority of the print and TV media and "stop the corruption in the DNC and party affiliates!"
29
U.S. has been electing bigots every time it votes democrat, who created the KKK, but only thinks it's republicans.
"America Elects a Bigot" - Yep. They sure did. In 1992 and in 1996. And we almost elected his wife in 2016.
"America Elects a Bigot" - Yep. They sure did. In 1992 and in 1996. And we almost elected his wife in 2016.
17
I don't look like any of the typical Trump targets. I should have no reason for concern. But I'm not Christian, so I do. Big, scary reasons for concern.
8
Trump won & Hillary lost. Trump is a questionable person to be President; but he will be in January. I don't trust him at all, so as a citizen I will monitor his performance and comment accordingly.
9
"America Elects a Bigot" is much too soft a description for what occurred. The word, "Bigot" sounds almost quaint when applied to this individual.
There have been a number of U.S. bigoted Presidents: Johnson,Nixon, Jackson Coolidge, Reagan and Wilson (there are more). To apply this singular term to Donald Trump- seems... well- insufficient. I don't believe there is a singular word(s) in the English language capable of describing the humanity of Donald Trump except that/those located in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
There have been a number of U.S. bigoted Presidents: Johnson,Nixon, Jackson Coolidge, Reagan and Wilson (there are more). To apply this singular term to Donald Trump- seems... well- insufficient. I don't believe there is a singular word(s) in the English language capable of describing the humanity of Donald Trump except that/those located in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
25
A counter thought: Larry Wilmore lost his comedic gig shortly after WHCD where he pointed out that President Obama and Steph Curry had a lot in common. "They both like to rain down bombs on people from long distances." How about you address how the world might feel about the military actions of the current US president.
9
More blacks voted for Trump than did for Romney (hmmm... I guess those individuals didn't care that you called him a racist). 25% of Hispanics voted for Trump after he called them rapists and thieves. (hmmm...these people were not overwhelmed by Trump's so called "racist" overtones either.) They see that he is a blustering old man who says dumb stuff and is not necessarily cruel toward others. His racism is old man stuff and not evil, violent or vindictive. Racism for them does not automatically exclude the other from the world of humanity. Unfortunately, racism is an obsession for Charles Blow. He can't seem to see the world beyond skin color differences. His is this limited world view expressed by so many liberal pundits today and it is a perspective that is on trial today. The liberal media never bothered to see outside of their own box... to challenge their own ideologies to see a broader, more inclusive (American good natured, post racial) world view.
28
Regardless of Mr. Trump's electoral college count, he cannot claim a "mandate" because Mrs. Clinton won the popular vote. Most Americans preferred Mrs. Clinton's experience, judgment, and wisdom to Mr. Trump's bluster. Let's keep that in mind, and pressure our representatives in Congress to remember that.
18
I'm an older white male and today my anger is directed at the following people who allowed Trump to win: the Bernie supporters who either didn't vote or voted for someone other than Clinton. I'm angry at the blacks and hispanics who went to the polls and voted for Obama 8 years ago but didn't vote this time around. I'm angry at anybody who doesn't like Trump but voted for someone who had absolutely no chance to beat him. That's the same as not voting at all! I'm angry at all the beneficiaries of Obamacare who didn't vote. What were you thinking? I'm angry about caring so much when so many Americans are so lazy that they stay home, don't vote, and then complain about social, financial, and political conditions. If you fall into one of these groups then I hope this election has taught you something about how democracy works - it works only for those who vote.
23
Welcome to the United States of Austria (or Hungary -- pick your favorite racist democracy). Pay very close attention to the policies Trump promotes and the justices he selects. The racism and sexism and xenophobia that has been simmering and tacitly approved by an apathetic populous is about to be enshrined in law.
12
How we laughed!
You mystified masses of disappointed Clinton supporters were prepared to believe anything bad you heard about Trump during the election campaign. So when the news media, and especially the New York Times, told you that his success came solely through tax evasion and sexual harassment, you shouted "Amen!" The news media never deigned to explain how Donald Trump transformed a family business in the outer Boroughs into a global empire with 25,000 employees by evading taxes and womanizing.
When they told you that he was a racist, a bigot, and anti-immigrant, you never suffered cognitive dissonance upon learning that two of his wives were immigrants, that he does business all over the world, including in Muslim countries, and that he employs many women and minorities in leadership positions. All of you were too busy parroting the unquestioned wisdom of the NYTimes inside your self-assured echo chamber to ask if, perhaps, he had other qualities that might propel him to the Presidency and, possibly, that there might be others in this country who would look past his faults and see his qualities.
You mystified masses of disappointed Clinton supporters were prepared to believe anything bad you heard about Trump during the election campaign. So when the news media, and especially the New York Times, told you that his success came solely through tax evasion and sexual harassment, you shouted "Amen!" The news media never deigned to explain how Donald Trump transformed a family business in the outer Boroughs into a global empire with 25,000 employees by evading taxes and womanizing.
When they told you that he was a racist, a bigot, and anti-immigrant, you never suffered cognitive dissonance upon learning that two of his wives were immigrants, that he does business all over the world, including in Muslim countries, and that he employs many women and minorities in leadership positions. All of you were too busy parroting the unquestioned wisdom of the NYTimes inside your self-assured echo chamber to ask if, perhaps, he had other qualities that might propel him to the Presidency and, possibly, that there might be others in this country who would look past his faults and see his qualities.
18
Count me among the resistance too Charles.
I loved your article - it cuts to the core and has the appropriate course of action. We need to hold this bigot, and those who elected him, accountable for their collective actions. I, for one, am harnessing my anger (and embarrassment) and channeling that energy into resistance. #NotMyPresident
I loved your article - it cuts to the core and has the appropriate course of action. We need to hold this bigot, and those who elected him, accountable for their collective actions. I, for one, am harnessing my anger (and embarrassment) and channeling that energy into resistance. #NotMyPresident
10
I am a faithful reader of your columns. You have summed up my feelings exactly. I, too, will respect the office of the Presidency, but this man is not worthy of respect. I will do all I can to see that America comes through this.
11
Why is everyone ignoring the fact that trump not only did not receive a majority of he popular vote but received fewer votes than Clinton?
13
Mr. Blow, as you are no doubt aware, effective resistance requires collective action. The challenge of collective action is the unifying cause which can rally the disenfranchised. We've found the cause -- where is our banner?
4
Hispanics/latinos voted for the president-elect because "Get Mexico to pay (for the wall)" is an offer to otherwise shoot and kill anyone who comes north. Not unlike California Governor Ronald Reagan's reaction to Mexican troops machine gunning protestors at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City : "Maybe what need is a bloodbath", latinos born here loved it.
1
I didn't vote for either Trump or Clinton, but if Charles Blow wants search for villains, I suggest a stroll over to the nearest mirror. He is a prime example of the sort of smug "progressive" arrogance that triggered a rebellion among enough people to help put Trump over the top.
Physician, heal thyself. Yes, Charles Blow, you are definitely part of the problem.
Physician, heal thyself. Yes, Charles Blow, you are definitely part of the problem.
24
White voters were the least monolithic voting block. Perhaps bigotry is either less a problem than Charles thinks or more of a universal condition afflicting all Americans.
9
Yes, he's a bigot. But that is only one of numerous equally damning things we can say about him. We've heard them all many times and I will not go through that list. But my point is, to harp on his bigotry was to play a weak card: most Americans clearly don't care.
6
Dear Charles M. Blow. The vehemence of your words meant to spawn reverse intolerance is not doing any good to the lot that believe an election has to go their way for the result to acceptable. The media should not decide for the people who is the most suitable person to be president. I am taking lessons on hate speech from you. The system is OK if your choice of candidate wins and not OK if it goes otherwise? Can I trust your judgement?
12
Unfortunately, Mr. Blow, you are correct, his is a bigot, and, does not have the emotional or intellectual discipline to rise above his baser character. He will, especially under the pressures he has never experienced in his life, go full Trump---that is when, I hope, his followers, those on the fringes who wanted to "send a message," go, "what did we do."
9
Like his birther rampage against Obama, we should institute a Tax Return rampage to get Trump to finally release his taxes.
11
I've been waiting for your words to express and validate exactly what I feel. Thank you.
I understand why many New York Times journalists search for a silver lining, but many of the post-election articles seem outright treasonous in their conciliatory tone, going against the ideals of the New York Times and the country. There is no silver lining. Not yet, at least.
Journalists need to follow your lead and call this outcome for what it is. Reaching across the isle, so to speak, is accepting of Trump's hatred, it's the beginning of normalization. The New York Times is America, and it must unilaterally stand against such hatred or be threatened by complicity.
These words and actions can never become normalized.
I understand why many New York Times journalists search for a silver lining, but many of the post-election articles seem outright treasonous in their conciliatory tone, going against the ideals of the New York Times and the country. There is no silver lining. Not yet, at least.
Journalists need to follow your lead and call this outcome for what it is. Reaching across the isle, so to speak, is accepting of Trump's hatred, it's the beginning of normalization. The New York Times is America, and it must unilaterally stand against such hatred or be threatened by complicity.
These words and actions can never become normalized.
11
Mr. Blow is fully tone-deaf. Most Americans don't care about "bigotry". Especially not when defined by people this fragile.
There is nothing Trump said or did that indicates any kind of consequential prejudice. If you voted based on opposition to racism or sexism, you are the problem. Not the bigots.
There is nothing Trump said or did that indicates any kind of consequential prejudice. If you voted based on opposition to racism or sexism, you are the problem. Not the bigots.
13
Yes Charles, we did elect a bigot, the ultimate one. Millions of us are disgusted. People are taking to the streets. I remember the Vietnam War, the protests and LBJ hiding in the White House. I intend to lawfully help those who try to keep Trump in the "Great White Jail". Make American think again. This old white guy didn't vote for Trump or his kind. Never will.
12
The polls got it so wrong because there were many people for whom a vestige of shame prevented them from admitting publicly that they intended to vote for a person who embodied all the flaws and faults that they were pretending to dislike. Character, as they say, is what you do when no one's looking.
11
Mr. Blow, perhaps "the establishment" is no longer the establishment. Trying to demoralize the Trump supporters was a failed tactic for Mrs. Clinton, it will also fail for this newspaper.
The elites have destroyed the Democratic Party as we knew it, and the day of reckoning came upon them swiftly and suddenly.
We are not bigots, the vast majority of Americans are not bigots. Our new President is not a bigot. But the generalizing of your fellow citizens is bigotry.
It will be a very long time before the Democratic Party recovers from the damage done by the elites. Perhaps you should reflect upon that.
Identity politics is dead, and hopefully will never return.
The elites have destroyed the Democratic Party as we knew it, and the day of reckoning came upon them swiftly and suddenly.
We are not bigots, the vast majority of Americans are not bigots. Our new President is not a bigot. But the generalizing of your fellow citizens is bigotry.
It will be a very long time before the Democratic Party recovers from the damage done by the elites. Perhaps you should reflect upon that.
Identity politics is dead, and hopefully will never return.
17
Well the other choice was a criminal with a spouse who could both represent organized crime (without guns of course).
8
America elected a big 8 years ago and then doubled down on him four years ago. Obama has been the most divisive, inept president of my lifetime. He never lets a racial issue go to waste, always commenting on anything that appears to be a white person disrespecting a black person. But when the shoe is on the other foot, he is as silent as a tomb. The man had a chance to unite this country but chose, instead, to practice the same bigotry he witnessed with Rev. Wright and others. He has been an abysmal failure at so many levels yet if a white [person says that, he or she is immediately labeled a bigot. The hypocrisy of guys like Blow is disgusting. (At least the writer's name is fitting.)
12
Why Trump Won: Working-Class Whites
This loss is more a rejection of President Obama's tenure and legacy as it was a rejection of Hillary Clinton.
Racism is at the heart of this win for the "white American" demo-grahic.
Let us remember that Trump's candidacy began by denying President Obama's legitimacy to be President! The Republican party said nothing and allowed this deception to take root and take root it did.
Yesterday it bore a poisonous fruit.
Perhaps a stronger candidate could have overcome this hatred, but I doubt it. It is historical and inter-generational and like other "traits", it is handed down.
There are dark days ahead for ALL of us now as we follow this demagouge down the rabbit hole.
This loss is more a rejection of President Obama's tenure and legacy as it was a rejection of Hillary Clinton.
Racism is at the heart of this win for the "white American" demo-grahic.
Let us remember that Trump's candidacy began by denying President Obama's legitimacy to be President! The Republican party said nothing and allowed this deception to take root and take root it did.
Yesterday it bore a poisonous fruit.
Perhaps a stronger candidate could have overcome this hatred, but I doubt it. It is historical and inter-generational and like other "traits", it is handed down.
There are dark days ahead for ALL of us now as we follow this demagouge down the rabbit hole.
5
Trump got elected because white men like me got tired of black people like you assaulting the country with unrepentant bigotry. We got tired of the hypocrisy of black Lives Matter, tired of political correctness, tired of pants -suit-wearing feminists and tired of a democratic party and country that had been hijacked by a political class who feels that these issues are more important than any others. All of you were proved very wrong on Tuesday, and you and the ridiculous editorial board should resign and go flip burgers for a living.
14
In the exact same words of our first constitutional scholar President:
"Elections have consequences. I won. You lost."
President Barack H. Obama (2009)
Note: Karma & personal arrogance can be a real pill...ehhh?
"Elections have consequences. I won. You lost."
President Barack H. Obama (2009)
Note: Karma & personal arrogance can be a real pill...ehhh?
14
I did not vote for Donald J. Trump nor Hillary Clinton.
That said, Trump's the president-elect, Mr. Blow.
May I suggest that you take a less negative view of the outcome of the election, and ask yourself some hard questions about why your preferred candidate lost...and try to make more civil comments about the many voters who had the temerity to disagree with your world view?
That said, Trump's the president-elect, Mr. Blow.
May I suggest that you take a less negative view of the outcome of the election, and ask yourself some hard questions about why your preferred candidate lost...and try to make more civil comments about the many voters who had the temerity to disagree with your world view?
12
Charles Blow is himself deeply prejudiced. He sees everything through a distorted lens the very definition.
16
Thank you Mr. Blow. Please include me among the resistance.
7
"There is so much that I can’t fully comprehend."
Why did you write an article if you can't comprehend? Your job is to understand. Do better work or find a new career.
Why did you write an article if you can't comprehend? Your job is to understand. Do better work or find a new career.
8
Really Charles? You watched your employer helped build Trump's campaign and profit from the click bait. You cranked out multiple columns about Trump but never spoke up about the fact that the NYT was playing chicken with our democracy.
If you really believed in any of what you said, you would find another employer but that won't happen. Trump is just more job security for you, stop and frisk, police brutality etc., that's just more material for another column.
I loved some of your columns so much I saved them but I don't see the point of reading anymore. I know that Trump is evil and I know that your paper helped put him in power.
If you really believed in any of what you said, you would find another employer but that won't happen. Trump is just more job security for you, stop and frisk, police brutality etc., that's just more material for another column.
I loved some of your columns so much I saved them but I don't see the point of reading anymore. I know that Trump is evil and I know that your paper helped put him in power.
5
Someone ( some group ) tampered with electronic election systems... encrypted cards can change, multiple and manipulate machines.
"This is America right now: throwing its lot in with a man who named an alt-right sympathizer as his campaign chief."
We mustn't forget that HRC won the popular vote; that means a little more than half the country's voters are still blue, which also means that a little more than half the country is NOT throwing its lot in with DJT. The next-day protests in cities across the land are ample proof of this.
I concede that roughly half the country IS throwing its lot in with an alt-right sympathizer, of course, and that's definitely not a small concern.
But it's important to point out that the probable majority - however slim that majority might be - is still on the blue team, which means there's still a LITTLE hope (maybe not much, but some).
The other thing which needs to be pointed out is how important it is to re-persuade the white working class that the Democratic Party is their TRUE home. Far too many economically-challenged white folks are convinced the Democrats have forgotten them; they have been THOROUGHLY deceived by the Republicans; and unfortunately, the Democrats DID take them for granted to a significant extent. So these folks need to be reminded about where they REALLY belong, and why.
The Democrats owe them some measure of apology for neglecting them because, real or imagined, they DO feel slighted. And they clearly need to come back to the fold. Right now, they're sitting ducks at the mercy of GOP mercenaries, and they obviously don't know it.
We mustn't forget that HRC won the popular vote; that means a little more than half the country's voters are still blue, which also means that a little more than half the country is NOT throwing its lot in with DJT. The next-day protests in cities across the land are ample proof of this.
I concede that roughly half the country IS throwing its lot in with an alt-right sympathizer, of course, and that's definitely not a small concern.
But it's important to point out that the probable majority - however slim that majority might be - is still on the blue team, which means there's still a LITTLE hope (maybe not much, but some).
The other thing which needs to be pointed out is how important it is to re-persuade the white working class that the Democratic Party is their TRUE home. Far too many economically-challenged white folks are convinced the Democrats have forgotten them; they have been THOROUGHLY deceived by the Republicans; and unfortunately, the Democrats DID take them for granted to a significant extent. So these folks need to be reminded about where they REALLY belong, and why.
The Democrats owe them some measure of apology for neglecting them because, real or imagined, they DO feel slighted. And they clearly need to come back to the fold. Right now, they're sitting ducks at the mercy of GOP mercenaries, and they obviously don't know it.
5
I'm afraid Charles, that the African-American community has to shoulder some of the blame for electing a bigot. I heard three separate African-American commentators on NPR yesterday saying that the Democrats lost because "they left votes on the table," in other words, HIllary wasn't insistent enough in asking for their votes - so they stayed home. If this man is such a bigot (and I agree that he is) - why didn't the AA community turnout in record numbers???
10
Charles, the bigot comes from within. First, we must agree what a bigot is, hopefully we can agree that a bigot is a person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions.
Now that we are past that hopefully, you understand how I felt both times Obama was elected, only I did not write about it, I kept it within myself for the most part. I too respect the presidency, I did not respect Obama, and his open borders and not for "all Americans" agenda...among other things.
Just the same, the leftist view is not the only one available. When you say Trump "attacked" a federal judge, he did no such thing. He verbalized his view of fairness.
When you say he "boasted of assaulting women", he did not such thing, unless the women were offended and you have zero proof of such, or you would have listed such!
Further, Trump has not threatened to deport immigrant families. However he has said he would uphold the laws of this land and deport illegal immigrant families.
I grow very weary of leftist spin and banter, and remain hopeful there will be less of the spinning parts because all three branches of the government will be controlled by Republicans, of which I am not one.
You however live in a free country, remain free to spin facts into lies, only because you are intolerant towards those holding different opinions....and by definition, makes you a bigot!...do have a nice day.
Now that we are past that hopefully, you understand how I felt both times Obama was elected, only I did not write about it, I kept it within myself for the most part. I too respect the presidency, I did not respect Obama, and his open borders and not for "all Americans" agenda...among other things.
Just the same, the leftist view is not the only one available. When you say Trump "attacked" a federal judge, he did no such thing. He verbalized his view of fairness.
When you say he "boasted of assaulting women", he did not such thing, unless the women were offended and you have zero proof of such, or you would have listed such!
Further, Trump has not threatened to deport immigrant families. However he has said he would uphold the laws of this land and deport illegal immigrant families.
I grow very weary of leftist spin and banter, and remain hopeful there will be less of the spinning parts because all three branches of the government will be controlled by Republicans, of which I am not one.
You however live in a free country, remain free to spin facts into lies, only because you are intolerant towards those holding different opinions....and by definition, makes you a bigot!...do have a nice day.
12
Boo hoo. You lost fair and square. Better luck next time. I respect you for keeping your grieving to yourself and not like some crying in the streets and causing disruption for innocents. My philosophy for them, "He drew a circle to shut me out-Heritic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win. We drew a circle and took him in."
Peace (and love). I extend my hand for a shake, good fight, see you next time.
Peace (and love). I extend my hand for a shake, good fight, see you next time.
6
Charles, my reply to you is based on the following:
1) Trump has shown that he is a racist in the broadest sense since he has demeaned American blacks (3 or more ethnicities), Muslims, indviduals born in Middle Eastern and Horn of Africa countries, and perhaps others on the basis of religion, skin color, nationality, and more.
2) You ordinarily write about one form of racism, white on black (you also use the term African-American). You noted in a column in 2016 that you do not write about African-immigrant and Caribbean-immigrant Americans but only about "African Americans" apparently meaning those with family trees like Michelle Obama (Barack does not have such a line of descent).
So why not in 2017 Trump America deal with all forms of racism, paying careful attention to the forms taken.
If you are to take on this task, you might start by seeing what commenters on Muslims and asylum seekers are allowed to write in the comments column.
I look forward to the new Charles Blow.
Only-NeverInAmerican.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
1) Trump has shown that he is a racist in the broadest sense since he has demeaned American blacks (3 or more ethnicities), Muslims, indviduals born in Middle Eastern and Horn of Africa countries, and perhaps others on the basis of religion, skin color, nationality, and more.
2) You ordinarily write about one form of racism, white on black (you also use the term African-American). You noted in a column in 2016 that you do not write about African-immigrant and Caribbean-immigrant Americans but only about "African Americans" apparently meaning those with family trees like Michelle Obama (Barack does not have such a line of descent).
So why not in 2017 Trump America deal with all forms of racism, paying careful attention to the forms taken.
If you are to take on this task, you might start by seeing what commenters on Muslims and asylum seekers are allowed to write in the comments column.
I look forward to the new Charles Blow.
Only-NeverInAmerican.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
3
I agree with every word you write. I will be following you for inspiration as to how we fight the dangerous bigotry that has infested our country.
9
I find it hard to accept that Americans voted for the racist who spearheaded the birther movement. But Hillary and the Dems have soul-searching to do, too. And the news media, esp CNN and Wolf Blitzer who cared more about ratings than journalism. I would like the media to dig deeper into Giuliani's dealings with the FBI and Comey's letters right before the election, which violated the Hatch Act. Also Trump's call for Putin to hack into emails and Stone's admitted back channel connections to Wikileaks. This all points to dirty politics not seen since Richard Nixon, who seems to have been a model for Trump's campaign. Add the alt-right to that and you have a frightening view of America. The news media really failed in not exposing this.
11
Way to go Blow! Let's incite unity. Yea!
3
Aww... I understand your pain, but that's what a democracy is, perhaps you can spend some time in explaining that to the protestors in the streets.
7
Thank you Mr. Blow. You provide a blow by blow analysis of this demagogue. Count me as being part of the 'resistance.'
5
I agree. Venezuela welcomed Hugo Chavez and you can see what happened there. People believed promises that they wanted to believe.
217
It warms my heart to see the Times' writers continue to sneer at the Americans that voted for Donald Trump.
Your scorn and contempt, Mr. Blow, is fuel for our movement. Your hate motivates us to vote so hard that the voting machine lever snaps.
Your sloppy writing, your two-dimensional black/white view of the world, your seething anger at injustice, as you look down at Central Park from the Times' new high rise, thinking of where you'll lunch with the editor of Cosmo . . .
I laugh. Seriously. I'm laughing.
Your scorn and contempt, Mr. Blow, is fuel for our movement. Your hate motivates us to vote so hard that the voting machine lever snaps.
Your sloppy writing, your two-dimensional black/white view of the world, your seething anger at injustice, as you look down at Central Park from the Times' new high rise, thinking of where you'll lunch with the editor of Cosmo . . .
I laugh. Seriously. I'm laughing.
14
As long as you continue to lie to yourself and others, you will never understand. Nor will you ever regain relevance.
I sincerely hope that Trump opens up the law on suing for libel, because you are the one who needs to be challenged.
I sincerely hope that Trump opens up the law on suing for libel, because you are the one who needs to be challenged.
9
Typical Democrats. Blame everyone else for your failures and place the victim and race cards. Don't ever actually look in the mirror to see that true patriots hate your anti-American policies.
9
Count me with you, Charles. Please remind your colleagues--especially the reporters--about the stakes. Tell them to report what's true, not what sounds "fair to Trump."
7
All of a sudden, we're hearing from Trump voters who claim that they don't *really* believe or support all the vile things Trump said during the campaign.
Hogwash. If you voted for Trump, you voted for what he said. You agree with what he said. And you want him to do the things he said he'd do.
So please don't expect the rest of us to believe that you're really a nice person.
Hogwash. If you voted for Trump, you voted for what he said. You agree with what he said. And you want him to do the things he said he'd do.
So please don't expect the rest of us to believe that you're really a nice person.
24
Mr. Blow, I watched your performance on CNN last night and frankly, you portray some blind hatreds of your own as you accuse others of bigotry.
I think you need to figure out, and advance ideas on how we Americans (all of us) can move forward to live together in a safe and prosperous society.
Ranting and talking over those of differing mindsets is not the way to get there.
I think you need to figure out, and advance ideas on how we Americans (all of us) can move forward to live together in a safe and prosperous society.
Ranting and talking over those of differing mindsets is not the way to get there.
17
Thanks for sharing your opinion. Now, you might want to start working on restoring the public's trust in your publication. Also, was Hillary a bigot when she referred to Trump's supporters as a "basket of deplorables"?
19
Yes. Time to fight.
7
Now you know what we felt like for the past eight years. You'll be fine Charles. Consider it kind of like a child having to eat your spinach. The hysteria will blow over like it always does and America will get back on track. The more I see columns like this, the more I know that we've done the right thing.
14
Charles, your last paragraph said it. Right on.
4
Well said Mr. Blow.
3
It's always amusing to see the NYT's Racist in Chief, Mr. Blow, pointing the finger a someone he has "deemed" to hold bias.
I watched with great amusement his performance on CNN last night. It's a shame that you feel it necessary to waste so much energy spewing hatred and blame.
You are a little man with very few ideas other than to blame and leave a cloud where ever you walk. Please find another outlet for your anger before you Blow a gasket.
I watched with great amusement his performance on CNN last night. It's a shame that you feel it necessary to waste so much energy spewing hatred and blame.
You are a little man with very few ideas other than to blame and leave a cloud where ever you walk. Please find another outlet for your anger before you Blow a gasket.
13
It is absolutely possible that America didn’t elect him in spite of that, but because of it. - When you consider the fact that the majority of non-Whites voted for HRC and the majority of Whites voted for DT, this is absolutely true! What does this say about our country? That a majority of White Americans in this country espouse racist and sexist attitudes and agree with DT or that a majority of Whites are okay with putting a man in the White House who espouses racist and sexist attitudes. Both of those are bad!
7
Ramblings . . . Would we have the same result if minorities participated at the same rate as the last two presidential elections . . . I do not have the answer . . . the President and First Lady gave it their all but in the end that effort unfortunately fell short . . . the mood of the country now reminds me of the Vietnam war era . . . those wounds took a long time to heal
3
Thank You, Charles, You are a class act.
5
Right on! Count me in.
4
Blow:. You and your cohort have worn out the term "bigot". It had no meaning. The reflexive launching of diatribes against political opponents using dead terms like "Racist bigot homophobe" have become shorthand for " I don't like that guy!"
You will need to find a new line of attack. The whole bigot thing had been rendered obsolete by its overuse.
You will need to find a new line of attack. The whole bigot thing had been rendered obsolete by its overuse.
14
Mr. Trump,
The clock advanced a few digits on its dial last night, the political landscape altered, and then you said, "...it is time for us to come together as one united people...I will be President of all of Americans..." That's not how it works. You are the sum of all the hateful and devisive comments you made in the past. The passing of a few seconds has not excused or erased your previous rhetoric, your record, your words. How hollow your words sounded to me. The words hung in the air; they never landed in my heart. Your words failed to align with the framework and speech and spirit of the past fifteenth months. "One people." you say. Where was that sentiment in the shadows of yesterday? A. S.
The clock advanced a few digits on its dial last night, the political landscape altered, and then you said, "...it is time for us to come together as one united people...I will be President of all of Americans..." That's not how it works. You are the sum of all the hateful and devisive comments you made in the past. The passing of a few seconds has not excused or erased your previous rhetoric, your record, your words. How hollow your words sounded to me. The words hung in the air; they never landed in my heart. Your words failed to align with the framework and speech and spirit of the past fifteenth months. "One people." you say. Where was that sentiment in the shadows of yesterday? A. S.
8
I know this is a cliché, but I want to thank you Mr. Blow for telling it like it is.
8
Hear, hear, Mr. Blow.
8
Thank you for your courage. There are millions who share your righteous anger. I will be joining hundreds of them in a rally tonight in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
11
I am a disabled woman. Donald Trump chose during the campaign to make sure that everyone knew that he held both women and people with disabilities in contempt. He also mocked and belittled Hispanics, Muslims, Gold Star Families, POW'S like Senator John McCain, and numerous otherh of his fellow Americans. It's impossible to give Donald Trump the benefit of the doubt unless he choses to change. I don't see how that can happen. Can Donald Trump chose to learn, to listen to those with knowledge, and to be tolerant? I see no reason to believe that he can or will based on his life so far.
384
Charles -
I would suggest to you, after reading this column, your twitter feed the last couple of days, and your columns all year, that you have had a ‘blind spot’ all along, and looked at this election almost entirely through the prism of racism.
But you and others (Bill Maher comes to mind) saw people supporting Trump as racist, sexist, etc., and that’s ALL you could see. But - there was just so much more to the Trump phenomenon.
Emerson said, “Though no checks to a new evil appear, the checks exist and will appear.”
To me, Trump, and his victory, was the ‘check’ that appeared to a hyper PC world, and also the hubris of Obama, and as it turned out - Hillary Clinton, her supporters, and most of those in the major media itself, which they deserve, and they can now learn and reflect on.
Good luck to you with that.
(For the record, I did not vote - finding both major party candidates unacceptable to me).
Sincerely,
--Jeff
I would suggest to you, after reading this column, your twitter feed the last couple of days, and your columns all year, that you have had a ‘blind spot’ all along, and looked at this election almost entirely through the prism of racism.
But you and others (Bill Maher comes to mind) saw people supporting Trump as racist, sexist, etc., and that’s ALL you could see. But - there was just so much more to the Trump phenomenon.
Emerson said, “Though no checks to a new evil appear, the checks exist and will appear.”
To me, Trump, and his victory, was the ‘check’ that appeared to a hyper PC world, and also the hubris of Obama, and as it turned out - Hillary Clinton, her supporters, and most of those in the major media itself, which they deserve, and they can now learn and reflect on.
Good luck to you with that.
(For the record, I did not vote - finding both major party candidates unacceptable to me).
Sincerely,
--Jeff
18
You go Charles. Let me know what I can do to help.
8
What I find totally amazing…although it’s probably indicative of the complex human condition…is how two seemingly sane, reasonable, rational, level-headed and “normal” people can see the world through two entirely different lenses…with each side pointing an accusatory “you're crazy” finger at the other!
Granted…politics creates strange bedfellows, and it stands to reason we all have our own political leaning, now, don’t we? After all, that's what makes a horserace, yes? And needless to say, we can always rely on Mr. Blow to give us a fair, evenhanded and unbiased opinion!
Granted…politics creates strange bedfellows, and it stands to reason we all have our own political leaning, now, don’t we? After all, that's what makes a horserace, yes? And needless to say, we can always rely on Mr. Blow to give us a fair, evenhanded and unbiased opinion!
Bravo Mr. Blow.
9
Get better writers.
10
I'm with you.
6
Did you say something? I wasn't sure.
9
Before you write an article about bigotry, look up the definition. It does not mean someone you disagree with. You are not at liberty to redefine any word you want to simply to negatively paint another person you do not understand.
19
I'm with you, Mr. Blow.
8
Well thank you, Charles for keeping the faith, baby! Yes, we need the softer columns but we need you and others forever pointing out the emperor has no clothes! I wondered where you were amidst all the give in rhetoric. It's a relief to have you back. Humanity is one. The earth is one country. Bless you.
5
Well said. And to anyone who says "give him a chance". We gave him a chance. We listened. And we heard. He is a misogynist, a bigot, a racist, a fascist, a sexual predator, a fraud, a demagogue, a conman. We have him a chance to show himself and we saw what he is. He will forever blemish this country. Our history books and our souls are forever dirtied and demeaned by what happened on Nov 8th 2016. This is not my president. This is not my country. My vote counts for less than a republicans so the congress doesn't represent me. So the president I voted for isn't allowed to appoint a supreme court justice. So it's not OUR congress. It's not OUR supreme court. And now it's certainly not OUR president. This is not OUR country. It's not my country. Resist in every way you can. You are not living in a democracy.
26
Brilliant and courageous, Mr. Blow.
15
This column and the responses of many of the east coast and west coast liberal elites who read the NYT demonstrate clearly why Donald Trump is the POTUS-elect. Blow and the readers never understood the blue collar, white voters in PA, WI, OH, and MI. They willingly accepted the insane argument that these hard working, religious, patriotic Americans were a "basket of deplorables" and that they were not redeemable. You people live in a bubble, talking only to other liberals with similar ideas. Tragic. I heard the pundits in the mainstream media say they didn't know any Trump supporters. Really. Well you have four years to ponder this conundrum. But it won't change your opinions or your understanding. You'll despise the folks in the "rust belt" for electing Trump and talk to each other instead of trying to reconcile what the real meaning of the Trump victory is and was. Good luck.
25
You won't ever make sense of anything until you open your mind and talk to someone outside your immediate social circles.
21
I stand with you Charles!
26
Sorry Mr. Blow, you brought a knife to a gun fight and kept telling us how she was the best thing ever.
Sanders would have won. We know it now, knew it then, but not you.
Sanders would have won. We know it now, knew it then, but not you.
21
HRC's concession speech was powerful and obviously took the high road. But deep down I wish THIS had been her speech.
18
Bless you, Charles Blow
16
what all you whining liberals don't get is -- TRUMP WON. The repubs won the house and senate. Now, you've got two choices. You can continue whining, talking resistance, moving (good riddance) to another country, protesting in the streets (which makes our democracy a laughing stock to the rest of the world).
Or you can grow up. Face facts. Work with the other side to make needed changes. America has spoken. Get with the program.
Or you can grow up. Face facts. Work with the other side to make needed changes. America has spoken. Get with the program.
25
They say that the office of the presidency humbles the president,...particularly when attending the funerals of the fallen soldiers,..some white, some black, some Hispanic, others Muslims. President elect Trump will need to officiate during tragedy-bigot or not, his job will be daunting....nothing like The Apprentice.
7
Oh, Mr. Blow: Shocked and heartbroken, I'm with you.
Jo Winters
Philadelphia
Jo Winters
Philadelphia
18
Why did you not call Mr. Trump a bigot BEFORE he announced he was running for President. Interesting that he was held in high esteem by many minorities before that time. It's evident, Mr. Blow, that you are the bigot and that since things didn't go your way you use this rag to cry out your frustration.
Personally, I'd vote for anyone before voting for the criminal nominee of the Democratic Party. She is dishonest and untrustworthy in addition.
Personally, I'd vote for anyone before voting for the criminal nominee of the Democratic Party. She is dishonest and untrustworthy in addition.
20
geez Charles. if you're going to get all bent out of shape just because of facts you might want to consider moving to some place where the 'folks' aren't so easily gulled or fanatical about reality.....
11
We're told we must now "come together". "to heal", etc. But such healing and mending of divisions must be earned. When Mr. Trump shows he truly understands why thousands are in the streets shouting "Not My President", and makes even the smallest gestures that demonstrates HE wants to address the damage he's caused.... THEN we'll talk about "coming together".
33
Join the ACLU to protect our civil rights!
16
I'm from Long Island. Can someone explain Long Island to me? Not Long Island??? I understand Staten Island. But he won Long Island too???
9
A very wise person shared this with me Wednesday morning. "Remember Joe Hill, 'Don't Mourn, ORGANIZE!'" We, those many among us who share Mr. Blow's anger need to be productive to protect those who need protection, and fight those bigots who pervert the American ideal.
14
You still don't get it Charles. But it no longer matters...you lost.
21
Charles, thank you! I fear a Trump administration will try to row back freedoms and rights for specific, targeted people: women, POC, LGBT, anyone who disagrees with his stance on anything....
10
Thank you. Now walk across the hall and talk some sense into Kristof. THEY elected a bigot; WE are under no obligation to support him. Indeed, I believe it is our civic responsibility to resist, obstruct and build a better option for the next election.
27
The people did not elect Trump....the electoral college did that......Hillary won the people's vote.
30
In other words, Charles, GET OVER IT.
Speak for yourself Mr Blow, as indeed you do- there were a lot of "I's and Me's" in your post, little to nothing about "Us and We". So you don't like the man, that's nothing new, nothing you have not articulated before. What about ceasing the preaching to your choir and taking the blinkers off to see the good that is coming, or at the very least you could consider the possibility.
Speak for yourself Mr Blow, as indeed you do- there were a lot of "I's and Me's" in your post, little to nothing about "Us and We". So you don't like the man, that's nothing new, nothing you have not articulated before. What about ceasing the preaching to your choir and taking the blinkers off to see the good that is coming, or at the very least you could consider the possibility.
22
Mr. Blow, it takes one to know one. Speak for yourself; millions of Americans voted for him - I guess they're all bigots too. You want to 'challenge power', against this 'clear and present danger'.....I think you're watching too much television.
20
We had better worry about his cabinet. I don't see any diversity and the ones he picks might try to sway him from binding up our wounds. Giuliani, Christie(ANOTHER BULLY); and Gingrich??????wow
25
FIGURATIVELY dangerous? I'd say "literally" dangerous.
18
I am still in shock: The election of Trump appears to be a repudiation of American values and ideals; certainly, my private and professional lives' work appears to have been for naught---civil, women's, LGBT, Human Rights---ALL the marching for WHAT? For a bigot to sleep in the House of Washington, Lincoln, the Roosevelts, and others? Is THIS the fictional "existential moment"come true? Is THIS "ground zero"? More importantly, I fear Trump's followers---the "under -educated" misguided "White" rabble.
22
To the Americans who voted in Trump on Tuesday, I have only 6 words to summarize your upcoming political posture: "Your broke it, you bought it". EVERYTHING that happens hence is on the Republican Party, for at least the next 2 years. I'm going fishing......
27
You are absolutely right that voters elected Mr. Trump BECAUSE HE IS A BIGOT, not in spite of it. There is huge simmering hostility to non-whites, non-straights, non-"Christians", and non-Republicans.
All I can say is, those who voted Mr. Trump into office better treat the rest of us well, because how you treat your "prisoners" is exactly how they are likely to treat you, once they're out...non-whites, non-straights, non-"Christians", and non-Republicans won't be contained forever.
So I'm where you are: "I respect the presidency; I do not respect this president-elect. I cannot. Count me among the resistance."
All I can say is, those who voted Mr. Trump into office better treat the rest of us well, because how you treat your "prisoners" is exactly how they are likely to treat you, once they're out...non-whites, non-straights, non-"Christians", and non-Republicans won't be contained forever.
So I'm where you are: "I respect the presidency; I do not respect this president-elect. I cannot. Count me among the resistance."
33
America voted in a bigot?
Sorry, but Obama wasn't on the ticket this time.
Yes, Trump is indeed one of the worst possible people to be considered for the Presidency, but then, so would people like Clinton, Reid, Pelosi, Waters, Sharpton, and Jackson.
Sorry, Charles, but your party finally succumbed to the division you have sowed for the last couple decades.
Sorry, but Obama wasn't on the ticket this time.
Yes, Trump is indeed one of the worst possible people to be considered for the Presidency, but then, so would people like Clinton, Reid, Pelosi, Waters, Sharpton, and Jackson.
Sorry, Charles, but your party finally succumbed to the division you have sowed for the last couple decades.
35
The Democrats nominated a deeply flawed, ethically-challenged, candidate whom the citizenry distrusted and didn't like. She cut off her only competition with unethical use of the DNC to interfere in the nominating process and undercut Mr. Sanders. To defeat Mr. Trump, she had to make him more loathsome than her. To do that she used her campaign and, more importantly, her cadre within the main stream media (including Mr. Blow) to make conclusionary statements about Trump's alleged racism, homophobia, xenophobia, etc. with very little or no foundation. This is more of the same; note the complete lack of supporting documentation or even anecdotal evidence for Mr. Blow's charges. And here's some news for Mr. Blow and most of the NYT followers: preferring a foreign immigrant to follow our law and enter our country legally over a person entering illegally is not xenophobia.
28
In my lifetime the bigots have always been on the run. Now they are celebrating. Being in NYC I feel some comfort but only a bit. I believe we must flood the ACLU with money. We must be prepared to support our mayor and governor and oppose Trump and Trumpism
27
It is clear that these present protesters think that democracy means "if I didn't get what I want, I should go out and set fires and throw rocks." Is that somewhere in the Declaration of Independence, the part most of us haven't read?
22
Thank you so much for this perfect articulation of what most of the US population and the rational world is feeling.
Yours, also on the side of the resistance, Julie
Yours, also on the side of the resistance, Julie
30
I am white man operating small, but pretty stable IT consulting business. I live in Boston area where unemployment is something not to be worry about. My wife has good health insurance coverage through her work, so it is also is not a problem. Most likely I will see my taxes to lower under Trump and good chance I will benefit from his policies (even those nobody knows what they are). Still, I spent my time canvassing NH for Hillary and Hassan (who won!!!), I donated money to all kind of democratic campaigns this election season. In other words I did as much as I could to help Hillary and dems to win. I care about social issues, I care about attempts to lift people from poverty, etc.
But when I read that African-American, Latino and younger voters failed to show up at the polls in sufficient numbers Tuesday to propel Clinton into the White House, that they were not "inspired" by her and did not vote in expected masses in pretty much all swing states, I am ready to say "... them". They deserved to get what they earned. OK, Hillary is not as charismatic as Obama, but how on earth Trump did not scare them??? How on earth they are not afraid to loose what they got under Obama??? Can't they see or hear all that bigotry rhetoric? Or they just lazy to get up and go to the polls to stay in line for couple hours and vote? Or they just don;t care? If they are lazy and they don't care, let them get whatever Trump will bring them and hopefully next election season they will think twice.
But when I read that African-American, Latino and younger voters failed to show up at the polls in sufficient numbers Tuesday to propel Clinton into the White House, that they were not "inspired" by her and did not vote in expected masses in pretty much all swing states, I am ready to say "... them". They deserved to get what they earned. OK, Hillary is not as charismatic as Obama, but how on earth Trump did not scare them??? How on earth they are not afraid to loose what they got under Obama??? Can't they see or hear all that bigotry rhetoric? Or they just lazy to get up and go to the polls to stay in line for couple hours and vote? Or they just don;t care? If they are lazy and they don't care, let them get whatever Trump will bring them and hopefully next election season they will think twice.
75
Charles,
Thank you for elegantly expressing how I feel about the election of donald. He is not nor ever will be my president. He is anathema to humankind.
Thank you for elegantly expressing how I feel about the election of donald. He is not nor ever will be my president. He is anathema to humankind.
39
To consider another an 'abomination' is raising oneself to be someone higher morally. We become the bigot when we judge another as less than us. We become the very thing we despise.
24
And I thought the height of embarrassment in being American was Bush's election in 2004... little did I know. Putting a positive spin on it, I have to assume the goodwill and intelligence in electing Obama 2 times was over-stated, just as, hopefully, the mindlessness and hate apparent today is over-stated, and a swing back - towards the middle at least - is assured given time. Now to survive Trump and what looks to be an all-time loser Cabinet long enough to get there!
30
Amen.
Not my president and NO!! I do NOT want him to succeed.
I want him and his deplorable ideas to be swept into the dustbin of history where they belong.
Also, twice in 20 years the electoral college has suborned the will of the people.
Everything has a price so what is it going to be this time? I mean last time, we just lost the World Trade and killed countless people and wrecked the economy.
Do we lose an entire city because of Republican incompetence this time?
War with North Korea and or Iran?
Not my president and NO!! I do NOT want him to succeed.
I want him and his deplorable ideas to be swept into the dustbin of history where they belong.
Also, twice in 20 years the electoral college has suborned the will of the people.
Everything has a price so what is it going to be this time? I mean last time, we just lost the World Trade and killed countless people and wrecked the economy.
Do we lose an entire city because of Republican incompetence this time?
War with North Korea and or Iran?
13
One man's bigotry is an other man's patriotism. Our natural tendency is to be very tribal. We are an exceptionally xenophobic species, only our intellect and our soul can save us from the constant pressure to be tribal and bigoted. Trump is cunning and craven, not smart. These will be a rough four years. Minions like Christie, Gingrich and Giuliani scare me as much or more, since they have wrecked things before and know how to do it. Hang in there Charles. I loved how you carried yourself last night on CNN, after that little twerp said that racism was not a factor. The very fact that we have a phrase "politically correct" in our lexicon shows how far we still have to go.
7
"That said, it is impossible for me to fall in line behind an unrepentant bigot. It will be impossible for me to view this man participating in the pageantry and protocols of the presidency and not be reminded of how he is a demonstrated demagogue who is also a sexist, a racist, a xenophobe and a bully."
Mr. Blow - with all due respect and appreciation for your anger: this is a misguided response.
You will have to fall in line. Fortunately, or unfortunately, President Trump will be reality from January 20, 2017.
After months of calling Trump and his supporters bigots, xenophobes, sexists, racists, add any other -ists; you want to double-down? Ignore it? Not reflect on the role of yourself and the organization?
The NYT 'predicted' with 85% certainty that Secretary Clinton would shatter the glass ceiling. But yesterday the US got what it elected: President-elect Trump. Let it sink in.
I really like this paper. But please, take a step back, figure out what went wrong, and fix it. Otherwise, you will just support Trump's second term.
Mr. Blow - with all due respect and appreciation for your anger: this is a misguided response.
You will have to fall in line. Fortunately, or unfortunately, President Trump will be reality from January 20, 2017.
After months of calling Trump and his supporters bigots, xenophobes, sexists, racists, add any other -ists; you want to double-down? Ignore it? Not reflect on the role of yourself and the organization?
The NYT 'predicted' with 85% certainty that Secretary Clinton would shatter the glass ceiling. But yesterday the US got what it elected: President-elect Trump. Let it sink in.
I really like this paper. But please, take a step back, figure out what went wrong, and fix it. Otherwise, you will just support Trump's second term.
16
Mr. Blow, you fail to see that Hillary Clinton is as much as a bigot as your perception of Donald Trump being a bigot. He is not a bigot, just a loudmouth who addressed the concerns of the people who were not being duped by the lies of Clinton. Many black people I know voted for Trump, because they saw right through her. Many Latinos I know voted for Trump, because they saw right through her.
Now that Trump is the President-elect, I suggest we all put his feet to the flames and hold him accountable to provide all the good that he has promised.
Obama promised all good things too, and nothing good happened for most of the people, but nobody held his feet to the flames.
Now that Trump is the President-elect, I suggest we all put his feet to the flames and hold him accountable to provide all the good that he has promised.
Obama promised all good things too, and nothing good happened for most of the people, but nobody held his feet to the flames.
20
I was struck by the look on Trump's face when he came on stage to make his victory speech. It betrayed genuine emotion and for once, it didn't seem like he was faking. Even a numbskull like Trump must sense the gravity of the position he's put himself into. To whit: There's no weaseling out of the deal if it goes south. This isn't to say that he won't burn the place down; that's still more likely than not. We'll see what happens, but I suspect that at some point on Tuesday night he thought to himself, Oh sh*t.
25
every election is close. 49-48 etc. good Republicans have always been with us. I'm hoping that Trump was play-acting a tough guy bigot, because he needed the votes from 200,000 bigots to put him over the top. most Republicans are not as nasty as the roll he played.
4
Charles, I have read you consistently through this entire nightmare of an election. You are one of the few who have covered it honestly and with the fervor befitting the actuality of what we have in Donald Trump. It cannot have been easy, especially now as the cry of "let's be positive and move on", seems to be the preferred chant. I commend you, sir.
We are entering a deeply dark and ugly phase of American politics. It needs to be recorded. There are many of us with eyes wide open, who appreciate your courage and diligence. I also think that it is your writing that history will reference as the straight shooting that it is. Kudos….if that can be any sort of consolation.
We are entering a deeply dark and ugly phase of American politics. It needs to be recorded. There are many of us with eyes wide open, who appreciate your courage and diligence. I also think that it is your writing that history will reference as the straight shooting that it is. Kudos….if that can be any sort of consolation.
22
By reading the NYT columnists and the comments of its readers you can see why Trump won. Anyone who disagrees with their coastal elitist views is a racist, a sexist, an irredeemable deplorable.
The disdain and contempt emanating from a party that once championed the working class is the reason that party no longer controls the Congress or the WH.
The Democrats threw in their lot with the coastal rich and the professional class as well as the Hollywood moguls. The party has betrayed its FDR roots. Identity politics is not a winning card. It's still the economy, stupid.
The disdain and contempt emanating from a party that once championed the working class is the reason that party no longer controls the Congress or the WH.
The Democrats threw in their lot with the coastal rich and the professional class as well as the Hollywood moguls. The party has betrayed its FDR roots. Identity politics is not a winning card. It's still the economy, stupid.
29
Thank you Mr Blownfor calling it like it is this entire election season. Thank you for not insulting our intelligence by pretending that there were thoughtful intellectual reasons or "protest" votes behind the rose of Trump. These are the same people who elected every other GOP incumbent in their districts. So let's call this exactly what it is. White America proclaiming their disdain for a black president and a female president and reforming to the comfort of white supremacy. Simply declaring that you aren't a racist or sexist doesn't make it so.
23
Thank you Mr. Blow- he is not my President. After months of watch the media cover the popular voter loser- Mr. Trump as the candidate who represents white male angst over declining wages and bad trade agreements I have had it, none of that narrative is true. I voted and live in a "swing" state and what I saw on tee shirts and heard slogans at rally that are unprintable and none of them were about income or trade agreements. For 40 years the Republicans have been damaging the working poor both white and African American yet some how elected a Republican who will answer to the Republicans. That is insanity who will set government straight. How different this would have been out if the media had not been fair and balanced but reality based. This election was about racism, misogyny, xenophobia, antisemitism and you might as well thrown in class warfare. It is about time everyone begin to face reality. If it looks like a pig, oinks like a pig and eats like a pig then reality tells you it is a pig. Lets work together to stop Trump lets demand our elected officials "Mitch McConnell" Trump and our media sources (including Twitter) come back to reality.
18
Thank you Charles Blow, for eloquently saying what I feel
I feel estranged and homeless in my country....Having fought all my life for social justice I thought we could turn the corner , but what was exposed was more bigotry and hatred then I could imagine. How can we learn from our mistakes? You in the media have great power, hold Trump and company accountable, report the truth petty email scandals and bigotry do not equate. The free press is all that we have left.
I feel estranged and homeless in my country....Having fought all my life for social justice I thought we could turn the corner , but what was exposed was more bigotry and hatred then I could imagine. How can we learn from our mistakes? You in the media have great power, hold Trump and company accountable, report the truth petty email scandals and bigotry do not equate. The free press is all that we have left.
24
As usual, the MSM misses the most incredible story coming out of these elections. Since 2009, under President Obama, Democrats have lost over 900 state legislature seats, 12 governors, 69 House seats, 13 Senate seats, and now the Presidency. After eight years of Barack Obama the US map is red. The Obama legacy is total failure. Mind-boggling!
21
Your stance mrrors my own. Trump the outsider who has zero experience is now president. But he will be manipulated by the establishment who know the game just as Bush was manuevered by Cheney and his cabal. Prepare for the party of Pence.
17
I'm with you in spirit, Charles, but I despair. How can we constantly challenge power in any meaningful way when they hold all of it? They have every branch of the government and will soon enough change the Supreme Court to reflect their ideals. Our little protests and our angry letters and whatever else we might think to toss at them will be as so many gnats to be brushed away as minor annoyances. This country has just cracked apart and, like Pandora's box when it was opened, all the evil has been set free. Sure, Hope was in the box, too, but to quote Sarah Palin - who never in my life would I have ever imagined quoting - "How's that hopey-changey stuff working for you now?"
I also remember a news clip from many years ago in which young people in Egypt were talking about their own sense of hope in their own country. They were also in despair and one young woman was asked if she didn't feel free to protest. Her answer was, "Oh yes, we have freedom of speech and can say anything. It's just that nobody listens."
I also remember a news clip from many years ago in which young people in Egypt were talking about their own sense of hope in their own country. They were also in despair and one young woman was asked if she didn't feel free to protest. Her answer was, "Oh yes, we have freedom of speech and can say anything. It's just that nobody listens."
13
The concerted effort to change Trump the pigs ear into a silk purse is already underway. Morning news is all about testimonials to what a different man he'll be as President. But you know what? He said horrible things for over a year and his base loved him for it. They're still clamoring for him to jail Clinton. What we say in the run up is what half the country wanted, and that's what we've got today and for the next four years. If he's going to be the exact opposite now, how angry will his base be? I do know this: the establishment republicans are in charge of the Congress and Supreme Court now. They will call the shots. Wall Streeet and the world markets, where the billions are parked, are ecstatic. Not exactly what the Trumpsters were hoping for.
14
CB, your column is exactly what I expected. Garbage. Just man up and weal with it. And get it through you head that the reason(s) most people voted for Trump had nothing to do with racism etc. He was elected because he gets things done. He was elected because he wasn't Hillary. He was elected because his policy positions, regardless of how poorly stated, made more sense to most people than HIllary's. Furthermore, for all the media efforts to paint Trump as a bad guy -- the Clinton's simply wee the most corrupt couple in politics. She really hadn't done much to deserve the nomination, but the Clinton machine pushed her to the front and her operatives in the Dem party went with the flow.
Further -- most of HRC's support was urban -- particularly NYC, Chicago, Boston and the California coast where her support was overwhelming. Bujtthe rest of the country Trump clearly won both in electoral votes and the popular vote. And the Repubs won House and Senate. Mandate.
Further -- most of HRC's support was urban -- particularly NYC, Chicago, Boston and the California coast where her support was overwhelming. Bujtthe rest of the country Trump clearly won both in electoral votes and the popular vote. And the Repubs won House and Senate. Mandate.
18
All our lives, we have worked against discrimination of every kind and now find ourselves living part time in Mexico and apologizing to everyone we encounter. Trump is not who we are and he's not our president.
6
I applaud the last paragraph. Unrelenting pressure, constantly challenged.
10
Insisting that we enforce our immigration laws, does not make you a xenophobe. My wife immigrated here legally, I expect others to be held to the same laws we were. It's called equal protection.
Opposing gay marriage does not make you a homophobe. Were President Obama and Secretary Hillary homophobes for 55 plus years?
Observing the fact that blacks murder thousands of blacks every year, but only a handful are killed illegally by police officers does not make you racist.
Opposing gay marriage does not make you a homophobe. Were President Obama and Secretary Hillary homophobes for 55 plus years?
Observing the fact that blacks murder thousands of blacks every year, but only a handful are killed illegally by police officers does not make you racist.
18
Thank you for your column. I greatly appreciate it. I feel like I went to bed in a democracy and woke up in a dictatorship. To begin with, let's see how does the dictator assembles a cabinet and delegate authority to a Secretary of State? I feel very sad and do not understand how, after all the "say it like it is" "truths" expounded by the "real," "genuine" Trump, that his behavior will be so different than the wake of tragic behavior of bankruptcies, failed companies, bigotry, admiration of plutocrats, misogyny, gigantic lies and misrepresentations, etc.. and their results damaging thousand of lives of employees, etc...that has led him to this moment. We don't need normalizing this moment, we need need clear, thoughtful reflection on what has happened and how we feel about it and reminder to reflect inside at our deeper being to be most honorable to others and within our own selves. Thank you again.
12
Mr Blow,
You did not mention, once in this column that Mr. Trump was NOT elected by a majority of Americans. He lost the popular vote by 2 million, 1%. You should never write another column about this without reminding all of your readers of this fact.
He is legally our president, but he is not legitimately our president. The electoral college is just another of the ways that the conservative minority inflicts themselves on the majority. This is the second time, and this time it isn't even close.
A majority of people vote for democratic house members, we get more republicans, we elect a democratic president two terms, they won't confirms his court appointees or supreme court justice so we, the majority, but live with the conservative courts.
It's time to get angry. It's time to demand a system that respects the majority, that is democratic, that isn't stacked against us. We sat back and shrugged our shoulders after Gore, if we do that again, we don't deserve to live in a democracy.
You did not mention, once in this column that Mr. Trump was NOT elected by a majority of Americans. He lost the popular vote by 2 million, 1%. You should never write another column about this without reminding all of your readers of this fact.
He is legally our president, but he is not legitimately our president. The electoral college is just another of the ways that the conservative minority inflicts themselves on the majority. This is the second time, and this time it isn't even close.
A majority of people vote for democratic house members, we get more republicans, we elect a democratic president two terms, they won't confirms his court appointees or supreme court justice so we, the majority, but live with the conservative courts.
It's time to get angry. It's time to demand a system that respects the majority, that is democratic, that isn't stacked against us. We sat back and shrugged our shoulders after Gore, if we do that again, we don't deserve to live in a democracy.
19
Trying to make sense of this makes no sense. The people who voted for him don't believe in data, or science or facts.
15
Same as it ever was in the United States. Crass and violent abuse of people, the planet, and of our better angels.
We have our work cut out for us. Thanks, Mr. Blow, for staying true.
We have our work cut out for us. Thanks, Mr. Blow, for staying true.
8
We heard for years that the fact that the GOP disliked Obama was because of his race. There was no evidence provided for this claim beyond the skin color of the President.
Blow and his follow travelers are demonstrating that it there are a lot of reasons why partisans might object to a President elect. Unless of course, Blow's hateful attacks are rooted in his own bigotry.
Blow and his follow travelers are demonstrating that it there are a lot of reasons why partisans might object to a President elect. Unless of course, Blow's hateful attacks are rooted in his own bigotry.
11
The financial elite has been successfully playing poor whites and blacks against each other for many, many years.
14
Wow, the denial of his bigotry is pretty impressive.
And yet, thousands of Americans are feeling it today as hate crimes and sexual assault take place in the name of Trump in our schools and on our streets. The Klan was marching out in the open in NC. Swastikas are being spray painted with Trump's name beneath them. American citizens are being told that now that Trump won, they'll have to go back where they came from.
When Trump speaks to the American people, telling them firmly and unequivocally that his administration will not tolerate race-based hate crimes in his name, then maybe in time the healing can begin.
And yet, thousands of Americans are feeling it today as hate crimes and sexual assault take place in the name of Trump in our schools and on our streets. The Klan was marching out in the open in NC. Swastikas are being spray painted with Trump's name beneath them. American citizens are being told that now that Trump won, they'll have to go back where they came from.
When Trump speaks to the American people, telling them firmly and unequivocally that his administration will not tolerate race-based hate crimes in his name, then maybe in time the healing can begin.
9
Something to think about, Mr. Blow, as we ponder a President who personally expressed ideas in campaign speeches that were not hidden as dog whistles, but put right out there, is that we had no defense.
For all the hype about left leaning media, it had little impact on this election. Late night comedians, earnest columnists, countless people on social media highlighted everything Trump said that was horrifying and it fell on deaf ears for about half the country.
So when we pledge to use our voices, we ought to use our brains as well. How do we negate the image that FOX created? How do we out-strategy the gerrymander? How do we talk sense into something other than an echo-chamber?
The GOP wins because frankly they are a hell of a lot better at marketing. People buy their product. If we want to change what people buy, we need to start playing a better game.
A.A.Milne wrote in a children's poem "James gave the huffle of a snail in danger, and nobody heard him at all." Democrats huffle, They need to shout.
For all the hype about left leaning media, it had little impact on this election. Late night comedians, earnest columnists, countless people on social media highlighted everything Trump said that was horrifying and it fell on deaf ears for about half the country.
So when we pledge to use our voices, we ought to use our brains as well. How do we negate the image that FOX created? How do we out-strategy the gerrymander? How do we talk sense into something other than an echo-chamber?
The GOP wins because frankly they are a hell of a lot better at marketing. People buy their product. If we want to change what people buy, we need to start playing a better game.
A.A.Milne wrote in a children's poem "James gave the huffle of a snail in danger, and nobody heard him at all." Democrats huffle, They need to shout.
6
In the last few weeks, I came to the same conclusion, Charles. People voted for Trump not in spite of his indecency, but because of it.
10
I agree that Trump is a bigot and is unfit to be president. I join Charles Blow's call to resist him. But I still cannot refrain from saying that Charles Blow's columns supported Hillary Clinton all year long. Why anyone would support the quintessential establishment candidate while anti-establishment fury was reaching a boiling point I do not understand. Mr Blow can be so astute when analyzing structural racism, but is less attentive to the structural inequality that besets many working-class people, white, brown, and black. Worse, for a journalist, he is seemingly tone-deaf to the ways in which the mainstream media's near unanimous support for Clinton is am important pillar of the establishment--a pillar that millions of angry voters toppled on Tuesday.
9
Count me in.
Internally, the only way I've been able to live through a Trump candidacy was knowing that I'd be part of a resistance if he was elected. I do not know how that resistance gets created and organized, nor what it will need to do. Thank you for your stand. I'm paying attention, I'll be there.
Internally, the only way I've been able to live through a Trump candidacy was knowing that I'd be part of a resistance if he was elected. I do not know how that resistance gets created and organized, nor what it will need to do. Thank you for your stand. I'm paying attention, I'll be there.
8
In full agreement as soon as I can finish grieving and feeling like I have been sucker punched.
8
From Sweden we have, as people from all over the world does, followed the US presidential election closely. At my workplace Trumps being the next president-elect has been the only thing talked about the last couple of days.
Many here are worried. Others are terrified. I can not even begin to think about what´s going through the minds of the people of the Baltic states just across the Baltic sea from Stockholm. Trumps presidency is bad news for so many people even outside the US.
Unfortunately we in Europe have had a head start in seing alternative, ultra nationalist (bordering on fascist) political movements the past decade. I truly fear this anti-establishment sentiment will take us all to far darker places before it gets better.
I and so many with me of course have the feeling that this is the time to organize, but I can´t see how we can turn this trend around. Disinformation in the name of the game theese days. Someone like Le Pen in France or Jimmie Åkerlund in Sweden or Donald Trump in the states can stand on stages backed by huge political party structures and millions of dollars and claim that they are not part of the establishment - and not be challenged.
There are so many factors going in to political shifts like this one. All of the arguments I´ve heard since the election sounds valid.
I have not given up my hope for a warmer and kinder world - but I do think the worst is yet to come, in the US and here in Europe.
Please be kind to each other.
Many here are worried. Others are terrified. I can not even begin to think about what´s going through the minds of the people of the Baltic states just across the Baltic sea from Stockholm. Trumps presidency is bad news for so many people even outside the US.
Unfortunately we in Europe have had a head start in seing alternative, ultra nationalist (bordering on fascist) political movements the past decade. I truly fear this anti-establishment sentiment will take us all to far darker places before it gets better.
I and so many with me of course have the feeling that this is the time to organize, but I can´t see how we can turn this trend around. Disinformation in the name of the game theese days. Someone like Le Pen in France or Jimmie Åkerlund in Sweden or Donald Trump in the states can stand on stages backed by huge political party structures and millions of dollars and claim that they are not part of the establishment - and not be challenged.
There are so many factors going in to political shifts like this one. All of the arguments I´ve heard since the election sounds valid.
I have not given up my hope for a warmer and kinder world - but I do think the worst is yet to come, in the US and here in Europe.
Please be kind to each other.
9
I couldn't agree more. My husband and I are busy severing ties with our white supremacist relatives. They hide behind their religion to justify their bigoted, racist, mysogonistic world views. All it really is a cowardly way for them to give one last hurrah for the white male patriarchy and their horrid enablers.
9
Thank you, Mr. Blow, for this column. You have written what so many of us are thinking and feeling but have been unable to fully articulate. Yes, we maintain respect for our democracy, which requires us to resist hatred and bigotry. This is our responsibility as citizens. Our responsibility as human beings is to protect the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized.
8
Charles,
Always remember that Trump lost the popular vote and that doesn't even include all the votes Republicans suppressed. The majority of American are with you! Without the Presidency, House, Senate or Supreme Court there is only Civil Disobedience. Off the keyboard and into the streets!
Always remember that Trump lost the popular vote and that doesn't even include all the votes Republicans suppressed. The majority of American are with you! Without the Presidency, House, Senate or Supreme Court there is only Civil Disobedience. Off the keyboard and into the streets!
9
I demand that our 48 Democratic Senators use every rule in the book to block any and all Trump nominees to the federal courts for his entire term of office.
13
This has got to stop. Bigotry did not elect Trump, the deafness of the elites to the legitimate economic plight of the silent majority is what did it. Get out of your Manhattan townhouse, Mr. Blow, and go see what's going on in Atlantic, Iowa and across America. I'm not a bigot, I don't care what color you are, I just want to see companies stop leaving, factories reopening, and a way to afford college for my kids. I didn't see answers coming from The Clinton Foundation or from the government trying to print and spend money it doesn't have. We taxed and regulated our businesses beyond all recognition. They've got to believe that the US is again a safe place to invest. That's how prosperity will return.
17
Count me in among the resistance. Let us find the roadmap and go. He is not my president. I fear for my half-Mexican sons and for the wars he will start. He and his kind do not honor women, or even have honor of any kind.
10
We did elect a bigot, that is true, I just hope that Trump can help us heal after 8 years of being ruled by a bigot who divided us over race, gender, and income. That is certainly why the American people elected Trump. Time to heal the country after 8 years of bigotry.
10
Thank you! Too many in the media, especially the mess that is cable news, are trying to soften this tragedy. And it is a tragedy on a national level and individual level. I now know that next year I won't have health insurance. I now know that 48 percent of voters eagerly voted for racism, sexism and the persecution of immigrants, Muslims, black Americans, gay Americans, Jewish Americans, anyone who they see as the other. As a Jewish woman I do not feel safe in my own country. The Republican Party has been handed the power to destroy the New Deal, the Great Society, Obama's legacy, the environment. The ignorance and bigotry of this man and his party will plunge us into intellectual darkness. I will not support the President elect. I will not support evil. I will not support the stripping away of women's rights, gay rights, human rights. I am now a stranger in a strange land.
881
Charles, I've been quite critical of you this election cycle. I hope you've learned a valuable lesson about the importance of letting voters decide, and not trying to dupe them with punditry, character assassination, journalistic sleight-of-hand, or ten-months-before-voting delegate endorsements. The clearing of the Democratic field by the establishment was a colossal mistake. While I resent that Sen. Sanders did not win, it's also plain to see that it was downright ridiculous that he was the only credible challenger Sec. Clinton faced.
You win elections by turning out the base, not by appealing to the other Party's faithful. That is the lesson of Gore and Kerry, who couldn't turn out the base and played to the center, and also of Obama, who excited young people and people of color to vote in record numbers. Hillary Clinton is losing even though Trump didn't even match Mitt Romney's 206-EV popular vote performance. A lot of people just stayed home. When you peddle fear as a motivator, voters will run. As I said many, many times, Times columnists did Clinton no favors by incessantly attacking Trump at the expense of real policy discussion and analysis.
But now, we must look forward. There is a bigot with authoritarian inclinations headed for the White House. The election is over, and there is only one option we, as citizens, have left to halt his radical anti-everything agenda: we march. Together.
You win elections by turning out the base, not by appealing to the other Party's faithful. That is the lesson of Gore and Kerry, who couldn't turn out the base and played to the center, and also of Obama, who excited young people and people of color to vote in record numbers. Hillary Clinton is losing even though Trump didn't even match Mitt Romney's 206-EV popular vote performance. A lot of people just stayed home. When you peddle fear as a motivator, voters will run. As I said many, many times, Times columnists did Clinton no favors by incessantly attacking Trump at the expense of real policy discussion and analysis.
But now, we must look forward. There is a bigot with authoritarian inclinations headed for the White House. The election is over, and there is only one option we, as citizens, have left to halt his radical anti-everything agenda: we march. Together.
19
Donald Trump is inarticulate. He does not have the capacity to think critically nor does he demonstrate the ability to understand the interconnectedness of humanity. Count me among the resistance.
20
As a yellow/brown woman, I, too, have election depression and struggle to support the president elect, even as I support the office of the presidency. I have faith in the people--that we will watch, and uprise when needed--and, in the powerful words of Langston Hughes, let us now, "laugh, and eat well, and grow strong; Tomorrow I'll be at the table when company comes...I, too, am America."
...
...
9
Calling for unity is indeed laughable, cynical, and the first thing that shouldn't be done. Democracy is not uniting blindly. In Europe we have had too many people in too many places fall in line behind the wrong person.
So don't do what we did, don't fall in line, stand up!
So don't do what we did, don't fall in line, stand up!
22
Thank you for sharing your voice and vision. I agree with you and your words empower me to not fall into a self-destructive depression after this tumultuous and devastating election. It is alarming and painful to learn that the racism, sexism, classism and misogyny that exists in our country is so vigorous and widespread. I knew it existed but I didn't believe it was as forceful and uncontrolled as it is. As agonizing as this realization is I needed this wake up call to change my perspective to see what is really going on. Your words ring true with me. America has elected a bigot to be the leader of this country. A narcissistic, sociopathic bigot. The following words of Maya Angelou resonate and energize me. "During bad circumstances, which is the human inheritance, you must decide not to be reduced. You have your humanity, and you must not allow anything to reduce that. We are obliged to know we are global citizens. Disasters remind us we are world citizens, whether we like it or not." Daily, I also remind myself that Hillary Clinton won the Popular Vote in the 2016 Election. At least half the people in this country who can vote do not adhere to the irrational words of our newly elected president. Now is not the time to remain silent. We must not lose our voices.
13
Most of the people who voted for Trump because he was not in any way, shape or form a part of the establishment. Maybe it is time to admit "the establishment" simply does not work for most of America these days. That electoral map clearly shows that something is deeply wrong. America has to work for more people than it does right now. Too many people have actually been excluded in the name of "inclusion" - that must change.
17
The Republicans and Mr. Trump are celebrating their big victory, but campaigning and winning an election are one thing, governing is another. Mr. Trump promised lots of goodies for nothing during his campaign. He will bring back good-paying, low-skill manufacturing jobs and will reopen the coal mines for his non-college-educated base, he will repeal Obamacare and replace it with something "terrific" keeping all the parts people like and getting rid of the mandate and rising costs they don't, he will tear up trade agreements and place tariffs on goods from China but everything at WalMart will still be cheap, he will find and deport millions of undocumented immigrants and build a hugely expensive wall that Mexico will pay for and he will expand the military and implement a big national infrastructure program all while cutting taxes on everyone. Fooling people with political promises is one thing, but math is another - you can't do all these things with less money unless, of course, deficits only matter under Democrats. They need to deliver on these promises and they will not have Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton around to blame when things don't work. All the smack talk in the world doesn't mean a damn thing once you suit up and get onto the field.
18
By the textbook definition of the word you are also a bigot, clothed in some sort of self righteousness, but a bigot nevertheless. Both candidates were deeply flawed, but one happened to make you feel comfortable in your bigotry. We (the author included) are poorly educated; no longer taught to think for ourselves, and prone to accept all sorts of bigotry without thinking. And no, a degree from Harvard or any in its cohort is not sufficient to prove one is educated. Let ME be clear, bigotry of any stripe, mine and yours, will pull this society apart. Let's both try to think things through and stop using labels and stereotyping as substitutes for what can be an interesting and constructive process.
15
I'm with you Charles and I applaud and thank every protester who took to the streets yesterday. The battle has begun. Today we must begin working towards taking back Congress in two years. As for those so-called Americans who either couldn't be bothered to vote or who voted for a third party candidate, they, in effect, voted for Trump. In the words of the Hamilton musical, they threw away their shot and the rest of us are left to deal with the ramifications of their actions.
10
I'm with you, Charles. I cannot respect this man. He is disgraceful. And I keep coming back to my belief that he simply isn't capable of this job. He has the attention span of a bolt of lightening. He cannot abide the slightest criticism. What is the job of the president if not to be constantly criticized? Being Candidate Trump was to be adored by throngs of followers. This is what he craved. Being President Trump will be hard work done in isolation. He ins't even interested in that part. The Governor of Indiana will likely be running the executive branch.
14
We did a very poor job of encouraging our young people to take their anger to the voting booth. If we are going to support street protests, then we need to make it clear that change happens finally with a ballot. in two years we have a chance to cast a protest vote. I hope we will be hearing more about the power of that democratic process here in your column and in all.
5
Thank you for stating the obvious. He is an abomination and his satin will remain in the Oval Office for many years. The fact that this country elected a con man, a racist, a bigot, a xenophobe and a sexual predator to the highest office is a disgrace.
14
how can you seriously say the election was based on race when many of the voters from the safe democratic "blue states" voted for president obama not only once but twice.maybe just maybe these rust belt uneducated know nothing voters have had enough of the way washington conducts its business,be it democrat or republican.if things aren't improving in two years we get to change things again
11
I woke up this morning and discovered I'm On Strike.
That means I will do nothing to further Trump or his Trumpettes.
They have the Presidency.
They have the House.
They have the Senate.
They have the Supreme Court.
They have all those plans that Obama tried to get passed.
They don't need me.
I certainly don't need them.
"On Strike" doesn't mean that I do nothing.
It just means that I do nothing to further anything they want.
Trump thinks women are "dogs"?
Fine. I'll join the "Dog Brigade" and dog him every step of the way.
I'll join the "Pig Patrol" and fund women who sue harassers.
This is deja vu, folks.
This is Vietnam.
I can smell the napalm already on the morning air.
On Strike.
That means I will do nothing to further Trump or his Trumpettes.
They have the Presidency.
They have the House.
They have the Senate.
They have the Supreme Court.
They have all those plans that Obama tried to get passed.
They don't need me.
I certainly don't need them.
"On Strike" doesn't mean that I do nothing.
It just means that I do nothing to further anything they want.
Trump thinks women are "dogs"?
Fine. I'll join the "Dog Brigade" and dog him every step of the way.
I'll join the "Pig Patrol" and fund women who sue harassers.
This is deja vu, folks.
This is Vietnam.
I can smell the napalm already on the morning air.
On Strike.
12
It's important to remember Blow, people weren't voting for Trump, they were voting against Clinton. Casting every single Trump supporter as a racist, sexist, etc. is simpleminded.
15
There will be endless analyses of this election, but I think it may be simpler than anyone realized: there are far more deplorables than anyone accounted for.
13
Calling people racist is part of what got us here. Get out of your bubble. Plenty of whites are hurting, too, and the refusal of Democratic party leaders to acknowledge this is a large part what elected Trump. I can see that and I'm a lifelong Democrat, but I was laid off in my 50s, have never found another decent job and I wonder if my kids will ever be able to afford a home of their own. I voted for Hillary, but would have preferred a third Obama term, Biden or Warren.
21
As President Obama said: the office of President doesn't change who you are, it magnifies who you are.
I wonder how people who voted for him will feel when they realise that most of his promised are either empty or unobtainable.
Or when his Trump University case comes to court, and the case being heard about his alleged sex with a 13 year old. Both of these before he is sworn in!
My only pride out of all of this is President Obama's and Secretary Clinton's eloquence in defeat...and the fact that I voted for her.
I wonder how people who voted for him will feel when they realise that most of his promised are either empty or unobtainable.
Or when his Trump University case comes to court, and the case being heard about his alleged sex with a 13 year old. Both of these before he is sworn in!
My only pride out of all of this is President Obama's and Secretary Clinton's eloquence in defeat...and the fact that I voted for her.
22
Democrats have no spine. They need to stop talking about bringing a nation together because the policies espoused by Trump is specifically meant to divide. Democrats, moderate Republicans and anyone else who wants stability need to stonewall and push back on every single legislative act Trump and his puppet Congress will try to pass. All we can do is wait out the next 4 years and pray that whatever damage done will not be long lasting.
14
Out here in CA, we're going to vote Calexit to leave the US Confederacy of Trump. Other progressive states are welcome to join us in our endeavor. Trump is not my President.
22
It appears at this point that H. Clinton has the majority of the popular vote. This means, to me, that Trump does NOT have any kind of mandate and that his views are NOT supported by the majority of Americans. I take a certain amount of comfort from that. And as I move forward into my second stage of grief, i/e., anger, I'm resolving to do everything I personally can to help balance the scales toward a positive United States: I will NOT condone racism or bigotry; I will NOT support refusing refuges safe places; I will NOT espouse hate; I WILL do everything in my power to help move our country toward justice, fairness, reasoned discussion, and equality. And I look forward to working toward removing from the senate, the house, and the presidency, in just a few years, a large group of failed and hateful politicians. Sadly, during this unfortunate interim, those who need help the most will receive the least from this new administration. Sometimes the learning curve for some of our citizens is steep and very unpleasant.
9
The evil destructive bigotry, selfishness, and greed embodied in the character structure of D. Trump has brought to the surface the worst in the American character, and Americans with these character traits.
8
America has sold it's soul. A new Axis of Evil is born, as evidenced by the many congratulatory messages from Trump's fellow travelers, demagogues who rule with closed fists and ambitions to goose step into history. When Trump says "we must unify", many hear "compliance is advisable."
11
One tiny benefit of Trump's victory is that writers such Charles Blow will write passionate, angry straight forward criticisms of him. Rather then the tangled convoluted rationalizations they would have used if they were writing about a Clinton presidency.
Having said that, I wish Charles would write a column about the hideous treatment of Chelsea Manning in the military dungeon she has been placed in. And hope against hope would also call for Obama to pardon her.
Having said that, I wish Charles would write a column about the hideous treatment of Chelsea Manning in the military dungeon she has been placed in. And hope against hope would also call for Obama to pardon her.
7
Today I feel guilty for being white. Sorry that many who look like me spew vitriol at those who look different. Worried that American Muslims will think I hate them and that they are terrorists. Saddened that instead of celebrating our nation's diversity we denigrate it and want to turn back the clock.
4
Many Canadians are in shock. If Hillary won the popular vote, why did she lose the election - it doesn't make sense. I understand that you have an archaic electoral college system but still can't really understand why that can decide the election in the face of the popular vote. Basically, you have 2 winners- why is one better than the other? Your election setup doesn't really encourage people to vote. At least in the parliamentary system we all get to vote for the person we want.
Finally, how come someone with court cases hanging over his head was even be on the ballot?
Finally, how come someone with court cases hanging over his head was even be on the ballot?
12
Predictable. "And he could have been my son." No divisive racism in the current White House, right?
But rather than fawning all over the Queen Hillary everyday, Blow's got something to press against, get those hate juices going with the morning coffee.
Look forward to more Trump diatribes blowing in the wind.
But rather than fawning all over the Queen Hillary everyday, Blow's got something to press against, get those hate juices going with the morning coffee.
Look forward to more Trump diatribes blowing in the wind.
17
I have spent much of my life and definitely much of my time writing this column championing the causes of vulnerable populations.
Much of the media portrayed illegal immigrants as the vulnerable population without looking at the negative affect they were having on our less skilled Americans or on our legal immigrants. Thanks to automation and our Free Trade pacts, such as NAFTA, our country no longer has enough working class jobs. Why should we have been letting illegal immigrants take any of our remaining jobs? Should their needs come before those of our own citizens and of those who moved here legally?
Charles Blow, are you aware of research conducted by the Harvard economist,George Borjas, which found that Black employment decreased as illegal immigration increased? Are you aware of government figures that one out of every 6 able-bodied American men is unemployed? The media has not put a spotlight on their families. Why don’t you write about them? You could connect the dots between being under or unemployed and/ or having to work for low wages (because there are too many workers for too few jobs) with single parent families, opioid addiction, and decreasing life expectancy. Illegal immigrants have increased the vulnerability of our working class citizens and legal immigrants.
Much of the media portrayed illegal immigrants as the vulnerable population without looking at the negative affect they were having on our less skilled Americans or on our legal immigrants. Thanks to automation and our Free Trade pacts, such as NAFTA, our country no longer has enough working class jobs. Why should we have been letting illegal immigrants take any of our remaining jobs? Should their needs come before those of our own citizens and of those who moved here legally?
Charles Blow, are you aware of research conducted by the Harvard economist,George Borjas, which found that Black employment decreased as illegal immigration increased? Are you aware of government figures that one out of every 6 able-bodied American men is unemployed? The media has not put a spotlight on their families. Why don’t you write about them? You could connect the dots between being under or unemployed and/ or having to work for low wages (because there are too many workers for too few jobs) with single parent families, opioid addiction, and decreasing life expectancy. Illegal immigrants have increased the vulnerability of our working class citizens and legal immigrants.
13
So tired of the fear mongering and sensationalism that flows out of Mr. Blows biased and "race consumed" mentality. But it should not be surprising that he sees everything in terms of race. Believe or not most of us don't care about race, we see the world in much more expansive and realistic terms.
13
Oh, I lost faith in America a long time ago. We are rapidly devolving away from anything worth saving. Let's face it, in the end, the destroyers almost always win. The nihilists will have their day because ignorance and hatred is powerful, and it is so much easer to tear something down than to build it. Look long and hard at the people who voted for Trump, and do not kid yourself about what they are. They will not stop until they help Republicans hand everything over to corporations and the rich, destroy the environment and leave nothing but poverty and crumbling infrastructure behind. No, I am hopeless now. We didn't have four years to throw away.
7
Trump is a useful tool of the Republican establishment, easily manipulated. They won, and they get to keep working on their agenda: to reduce government to the size of a bathtub, where it can be washed down the drain.
7
millions of us share Mr. Blow's anger, disgust and sorrow that this country has now revealed how many bigoted and hateful people there are. As Thomas Friedman wrote yesterday, we feel homeless in our own country. But it is my country no longer, and there are places that are welcoming to us who, like Jews in 1933 Weimar Germany, must flee in order to survive - mentally and physically. One can only accept the end of life in the United States as so many of us have known it for our entire lives. What a sorrowful end to what was a grand experiment.
8
If I were to proceed in his manner, as a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I would suggest that the red circle in the graphic should be overlaid with cross-hairs. But I won't. We cannot as a nation stoop to his level.
2
This kind of sensationalized, identity-politics driven commentary is what is driving America apart.
I would encourage you to stop seeing the world as "us" (minorities) vs. "them" (whites).
The press has repeatedly cited the fact that most white people voted for Trump as some kind of white resurgence. Well, in fact Trump won about the same portion of the white vote as Romney--around 58%. While black votes were the ones to vote as a uniform racial bloc--88% supported Clinton.
So who's more caught up in the fool's gold of identity politics?
I would encourage you to stop seeing the world as "us" (minorities) vs. "them" (whites).
The press has repeatedly cited the fact that most white people voted for Trump as some kind of white resurgence. Well, in fact Trump won about the same portion of the white vote as Romney--around 58%. While black votes were the ones to vote as a uniform racial bloc--88% supported Clinton.
So who's more caught up in the fool's gold of identity politics?
13
Thanks so much, Mr. Blow, for articulating so clearly and concisely what I myself am hoping to assert once I'm able to fully grasp what's just happened here. Yes, count me among the resistance, too.
7
Thank you for a column that captures my sentiments so closely. Peaceful transition of power can happen, but that does not mean that I support, agree or will defend policies from a racist, sexist bigot who may think he has the capacity to upend decades of progress. He is not my president, and it is my right to say that and never support him. From the era of Move On: "Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport".
7
OK, it's happened. We're just going to have to pray that the worst that Trump has suggested he wants (like nuclear war) doesn't happen.
In the meantime, it will be interesting. Will people—including some Trump voters—let their health care go quietly? Will horrified, responsible Repubs be able to start a conservative movement that purges the nihilism and foolishness and science denial and all the other toxins that have wrecked this one? Will it occur to them that uniting with Dems on some things might strengthen them? (So far, it doesn't look that way, but if Trump threatens NATO, say, they just might wake up.)
I am particularly curious as to how Trump voters will respond when they discover that (a) he simply can't do what he said he would, and (b) when the few things he does do—say, building a useless wall for $25 billion—has no effect at all on their lives. And they lose their health insurance and get reduced SS payments as well.
I feel pretty grim about it but, as I said, it should be interesting.
In the meantime, it will be interesting. Will people—including some Trump voters—let their health care go quietly? Will horrified, responsible Repubs be able to start a conservative movement that purges the nihilism and foolishness and science denial and all the other toxins that have wrecked this one? Will it occur to them that uniting with Dems on some things might strengthen them? (So far, it doesn't look that way, but if Trump threatens NATO, say, they just might wake up.)
I am particularly curious as to how Trump voters will respond when they discover that (a) he simply can't do what he said he would, and (b) when the few things he does do—say, building a useless wall for $25 billion—has no effect at all on their lives. And they lose their health insurance and get reduced SS payments as well.
I feel pretty grim about it but, as I said, it should be interesting.
8
As a white female lesbian progressive who has lived in the South her entire life, please allow me to explain:
Van Jones got this exactly right; this is a white-lash, or the white backlash to the Obama Presidency.
Trump tapped into the idea that everybody gets a piece of America but the white man.
Middle America never understood the idea of equality. It's not an issue when you do not have people of color in your life.
Middle America white people know they work hard and never get ahead and they are convinced it's because everybody else is getting a piece of the pie but them. They don't get it that others were never equal. White people voted for Trump because they believe the white man is being deprived by giving rights and attention to Latinos, Indians, African Americans, Muslims, LGBT people and uppity women.
It is poor-people syndrome. It's the idea that there is a finite amount of money and if you give some of it away there will not be enough for you and yours. What the wealthy have and take is beyond their education and level of understanding. How the global economy works is not their concern.
Van Jones got this exactly right; this is a white-lash, or the white backlash to the Obama Presidency.
Trump tapped into the idea that everybody gets a piece of America but the white man.
Middle America never understood the idea of equality. It's not an issue when you do not have people of color in your life.
Middle America white people know they work hard and never get ahead and they are convinced it's because everybody else is getting a piece of the pie but them. They don't get it that others were never equal. White people voted for Trump because they believe the white man is being deprived by giving rights and attention to Latinos, Indians, African Americans, Muslims, LGBT people and uppity women.
It is poor-people syndrome. It's the idea that there is a finite amount of money and if you give some of it away there will not be enough for you and yours. What the wealthy have and take is beyond their education and level of understanding. How the global economy works is not their concern.
26
On top of all the Trump character flaws listed here, there are others that will be apparent very quickly:
Trump's word is absolutely worthless - he denies having ever said things he has barely finished uttering. He has already lied about his meeting with Mexico's president.
What this will do to our faith in the President and our place in the world is hard to not imagine, especially when trying to fall asleep.
Trump's word is absolutely worthless - he denies having ever said things he has barely finished uttering. He has already lied about his meeting with Mexico's president.
What this will do to our faith in the President and our place in the world is hard to not imagine, especially when trying to fall asleep.
14
I can't think of anything that would put me off sex any quicker than seeing Trump in a porno movie. Even seeing him in a bathing suit would send most of us screaming from the room.
3
This is not the first bigot to occupy the White House and my sense tells me it won't be the last. We'll survive a Trump presidency, at what cost remains to be seen.
We should respect the office of President and respect other people's opinions. But bigotry, hatred and lies are not opinions. They are bigotry, hatred, and lies.
7
White people have elected the worst person who ever ran for president. I hope the other 50% has finally learned its lesson.
8
As Hillary Clinton helpfully explained during the debates, we all have implicit bias. We are all bigots now.
2
I've lived through enough elections to have felt the sting of loss, but this one has hit me so much harder than the rest (by leaps and bounds and beyond). While there are MANY things that disturb and dishearten me about Trump's election, the fact that millions of Americans voted for a person so obviously sexist, racist, xenophobic, and bigoted might be the worst of it...because all of those people (even if they are not overtly racist, sexist, and bigoted themselves) were complicit. It is like they were all voting that this is okay, that it is not so bad, that it is not a big deal...even if they didn't affirmatively agree with him on those counts. Not to be hyperbolic, but as a woman, I feel violated. I don't feel respected or valued. I've lost trust and faith in those around me. This isn't what I thought my country was and it sickens me.
13
A shocked reaction. Some may have supported Trump because he's a bigot, as you say, but I suspect most were giving the finger to Washington and had too little self control to examine the consequences. So, yeah, it's hard to swallow that half the country has no ability to think before they act. Or, depending on the glass half-full philosophy, it's fortunate that slightly (very slightly) more than half of voters actually can think ahead.
4
America elects a bigot, really? The only two statements about demographic voting patters that I could find in this paper today indicates that black voters turned out in lower numbers than in the past two elections. Those two elections had a person who was black and male. Hillary, the candidate that I voted for, is both. apparently, the wrong race and gender for blacks to have bothered to get out and vote for, as they did for President Obama. Don't get too holier-than-thou on tribalism, racism and sexism Mr. Blow.
10
We have just placed in office a man who forced vendors into bankruptcy because he didn't pay his bills; closed his casino rather than pay his workers a living wage, lies constantly, is mean spirited and foul mouthed; believes earnestly that he is genetically better than anyone else; regards women as his personal sexual playthings; divorced his wives when he got tired of them and regards those with handicaps as persons to be ridiculed. The next four years will be hellish.
10
We've gone from "What's the Matter with Kansas?" to "What's the Matter With America"?
If we put this election result in its best light, we might say that it wasn't about bigotry, misogyny, zenophobia, etc.--instead it was about the "left-behinds" the lost jobs, the hollowing out of the Rust Belt etc. It was about the disconnect between "ordinary people" and the "elite".
The people have spoken. The question now is: what will a Trump presidency, fortified by control of both houses, a majority of state capitals and the remaking of the Supreme Court have on "ordinary people". Will they benefit from:
1) Tax cuts which will increase the deficit by 6 trillion dollars--tax cuts whose benefits are heavily skewed to the top 5%.
2) Withdrawal from the Paris accords.
3) Gutting of already flimsy regulation aimed at providing clean air and water.
4) Repurposing health care so that only those with "health savings accounts" will be able to access health care. Replacing the ACA with ??????????
5) Putting the final touches on completely wiping out labor unions.
6) Eliminating the minimum wage. OK--this may not happen, but it's on Trump's wish list.
All this.....and probably a good deal more that I can't even imagine. Will Trump voters get their money's worth? I think not.
If we put this election result in its best light, we might say that it wasn't about bigotry, misogyny, zenophobia, etc.--instead it was about the "left-behinds" the lost jobs, the hollowing out of the Rust Belt etc. It was about the disconnect between "ordinary people" and the "elite".
The people have spoken. The question now is: what will a Trump presidency, fortified by control of both houses, a majority of state capitals and the remaking of the Supreme Court have on "ordinary people". Will they benefit from:
1) Tax cuts which will increase the deficit by 6 trillion dollars--tax cuts whose benefits are heavily skewed to the top 5%.
2) Withdrawal from the Paris accords.
3) Gutting of already flimsy regulation aimed at providing clean air and water.
4) Repurposing health care so that only those with "health savings accounts" will be able to access health care. Replacing the ACA with ??????????
5) Putting the final touches on completely wiping out labor unions.
6) Eliminating the minimum wage. OK--this may not happen, but it's on Trump's wish list.
All this.....and probably a good deal more that I can't even imagine. Will Trump voters get their money's worth? I think not.
5
I am with you, Charles. America has elected a bigot, a boastful, shallow, insipid fool. This also shows the depth of our consternation and bad judgment. Not only have we made a fool president, but we have re-elected our Republican congress. (Remember their approval rating?). We have put the arsonists in charge of putting out the fire.
2
Such staggering hyperbole, Charles, "a fundamentally flawed character, literally dangerous to world stability..." Who was Obama when elected? He was neophyte senator, a follower of Alinsky and the Rev. Wright. His economic agenda gave us the slowest growth since the great Depression and his foreign policy a Middle East disaster. Trump was a bigot? Based on what? Some trumped up allegations in the 1960's prove nothing. His rough edges that ruffle your delicate feathers prove nothing. Trump was actually a Democrat for years. No one, including the Clintons, objected to him then. It would be more suitable for the opinion pages to be dedicated to welcoming our new president as Hillary graciously did then rehashing your confabulated charges against Trump. You might recall we live in a democracy and the people spoke.
10
Seeing only "bigotry" in Trump's election is precisely what is wrong with the identity obsession that has taken hold of the left. It's not just an identity obsession, however. It's the zero sum perspective that accompanies it. Either you are pro- an identity or you are anti- that identity. Only for or against with nothing in between. These simplistic, black and white terms are not only wrong, they are corrosive.
As for claiming that Trump was elected because of his bad qualities, that's like claiming people only voted for Hillary Clinton because they supported lying, destruction of evidence and pursuing one's own interests at the expense of ethics and morality. A ridiculous claim.
I would suggest Mr. Blow spit out those sour grapes before he loses his taste for anything else.
As for claiming that Trump was elected because of his bad qualities, that's like claiming people only voted for Hillary Clinton because they supported lying, destruction of evidence and pursuing one's own interests at the expense of ethics and morality. A ridiculous claim.
I would suggest Mr. Blow spit out those sour grapes before he loses his taste for anything else.
11
It's hard for me to consider living in Alabama, being addicted to pain killers, and making minimum wage doing manual labor "privilege"
People need to be more thankful for what they have and the opportunities of this country.
People need to be more thankful for what they have and the opportunities of this country.
3
Charles will blame everyone out there except the voters - specifically, those that failed to turn out in the numbers that gave Barack Obama the Presidency two times. Mrs. Clinton could not even reach 60 million votes. Obama garnered 69 million votes in 2008 and 65 million in 2012.
So, Charles, cry bigotry all you want. The plain fact is Democratic voters failed to support their candidate enough to win the White House.
So, Charles, cry bigotry all you want. The plain fact is Democratic voters failed to support their candidate enough to win the White House.
11
I have a four step program for adjusting to this presidency that I'd like to suggest for Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren: Impede (obstruct), Investigate, Impeach, Incarcerate. I call it the "IM IN" program.
For all of the Democrats who want to take the high road, I suggest that the high road has not been working out so well for us. It is time for Democrats to get in the gutter and fight the guerilla war we need to fight in order to preserve our country's progress.
The irony of this election's result is all the calls from Republicans to give this would-be dictator a chance. I say we give him the same chance to succeed that the Republicans (I'm talkin' to you, Mitch McConnell!) gave President Obama.
For all of the Democrats who want to take the high road, I suggest that the high road has not been working out so well for us. It is time for Democrats to get in the gutter and fight the guerilla war we need to fight in order to preserve our country's progress.
The irony of this election's result is all the calls from Republicans to give this would-be dictator a chance. I say we give him the same chance to succeed that the Republicans (I'm talkin' to you, Mitch McConnell!) gave President Obama.
6
Blow talking about ineptitude, when Obama was the most inept, unqualified, and racist person elected to the office in recent times, is laughable. Tax evasion? No proof or charges, despite apparent audit every year by an IRS demonstrated to be a partisan tool of the Administration. Trump properly used the Tax Code as it applied to his industry to his advantage. Is the Public better equipped to make that judgment than the IRS? Blow himself has always been a racist, repeating the Times' boilerplate Trump criticisms.
On the "birther" controversy, the Times should do an analysis in its Science section of the purported birth certificate produced by the White House. Every Adobe expert questioned concludes that it, like Rather's discredited Bush letters, is a forgery. Obama was born in Hawaii, but he's hiding something about it.
On the "birther" controversy, the Times should do an analysis in its Science section of the purported birth certificate produced by the White House. Every Adobe expert questioned concludes that it, like Rather's discredited Bush letters, is a forgery. Obama was born in Hawaii, but he's hiding something about it.
6
By electing a hate-spewing and willfully-ignorant gameshow host America has lost the respect of the rest of the world. If the US were a small country with little influence, the world could chuckle and shrug its shoulders at the foolishness of electing Trump. But the US has been a willing superpower for over a century and it was the height of irresponsibility of voters to throw up their hands and elect a fool just to see what happens.
We are afraid.
Signed,
The Rest of the World.
We are afraid.
Signed,
The Rest of the World.
4
Thank you for putting into words exactly how I feel. Only time will tell if he puts his campaign promises into action. Let's hope that he lied about that too and becomes more reasonable. But for now, I am not proud to call him my President. He will need to earn it.
2
My first thought after hearing the News was a sad one; I doubt that I will live long enough to see the progress and changes I have always wished and worked and voted for.
The government is now totally dominated by conservatives who will do as they wish. Laws and bills will pass that will terrify me. Republicans are smart: they're crafty, sneaky and will do what it takes to get what they want.
As they do that, I am left with no options save but one: I will do whatever I have to to care for and look out for my family, myself and those I love. Really, nothing else matters.
The government is now totally dominated by conservatives who will do as they wish. Laws and bills will pass that will terrify me. Republicans are smart: they're crafty, sneaky and will do what it takes to get what they want.
As they do that, I am left with no options save but one: I will do whatever I have to to care for and look out for my family, myself and those I love. Really, nothing else matters.
5
America was built on a genocide , mass deportation and enslavement. Trump is a perfect match for such a country that so many still love to call "The greatest nation on earth".
2
The bigots and racists are the democrats. From state sanctioned racism/Affirmative Action to open borders policies, which are designed to change the racial make up of the country, the entire democrat party is racist.
9
6.8 million Obama votes in 2012 found a way not to vote in 2016. How much of that was the candidate's fault? How much DNC primary shenanigans? How much was the FBI "re-opening" the server investigation?
The electorate was tooled by a dirty trick, in my opinion. Please reporters and statisticians, get to work and quantify how we lost the election.
The electorate was tooled by a dirty trick, in my opinion. Please reporters and statisticians, get to work and quantify how we lost the election.
3
Justice Souter said in an interview four years ago that the level of civic ignorance in this country is harmful. People do not know which office at what level is responsible for their day-to-day problems. In their ignorance, they settle for a strongman who promises to fix everything.
It's like an illiterate person relying on the other party to explain the terms of the contract you are signing.
It's like an illiterate person relying on the other party to explain the terms of the contract you are signing.
2
This is an election to feel deeply ashamed of. It is not exactly the "peaceful transfer of power" because it was leveraged on hate speech directed at immigrants, Muslims, minorities, LBGT people, and women. #notmypresident
4
Mr. Blow, we must reverse this by eliminating the Electoral College. Ms. Clinton recieved the majority populare vote. Even Great Britain, a Monarchy, respected th epopular votes in two critical referendums they mounted.
Hillary Clinton should demand a recount and if the majority is still in her favor, she should be our next President.
This is a travesty. How do we teach our children to accept Majority rule if we cannot elect a President with the Majority of Votes?
Why, why are you and others silent on this? I sincerely ask this.
Hillary Clinton should demand a recount and if the majority is still in her favor, she should be our next President.
This is a travesty. How do we teach our children to accept Majority rule if we cannot elect a President with the Majority of Votes?
Why, why are you and others silent on this? I sincerely ask this.
3
I see far too many people going crazy about this election result. Fortunately Bernie, Hillary and Obama are showing some sanity now. I would never have voted for Donald, but I also never voted for any Clinton. In my 74 years I have seen very few Presidents that I respected through their term
4
Others have made similar comments here. We Democrats are much more gracious than Republicans and, in the end, we will accept the people's choice and try to work with him. But if we were to give the Republicans a taste of their own medicine, we would resist and obstruct every single thing a DT administration puts forward, just like the Republicans did to the remarkable and most capable Mr. Obama. We are headed for some very very rocky times ahead in this country. It isn't even so much DT, but just imagine the advisors he will surround himself with! It is for the designs and actions of these folks to which we must remain ever vigilant.
3
Charles, I thank you for perfectly articulating my feelings in the wake of one of the most disheartening days I have experienced in my life. Your words and wisdom will help me to navigate just where to place myself in the country of my birth where I now feel like a stranger. I am in terror in the face of knowing how many of my fellow citizens were able to be taken in and manipulated by a true demagogue.
I am a 71 year old woman, child of the '60s, and now as I see all that has been worked for in the name of peace, justice and equality, all my dreams for my daughters and grand daughter in true jeopardy, I mush push back harder than ever. I have always believed that what life asks of us is to move forward and to do our best to leave the world a better place. We are now in the midst of a dark night of the soul, but we have to fight our way out and stand up to those who would move us backward into a realm of bigotry and hatred.
I stand with you, Charles.
I am a 71 year old woman, child of the '60s, and now as I see all that has been worked for in the name of peace, justice and equality, all my dreams for my daughters and grand daughter in true jeopardy, I mush push back harder than ever. I have always believed that what life asks of us is to move forward and to do our best to leave the world a better place. We are now in the midst of a dark night of the soul, but we have to fight our way out and stand up to those who would move us backward into a realm of bigotry and hatred.
I stand with you, Charles.
2
The majority of Americans voted for Hillary. Yet Trump is going to be President.
The majority often vote for Democrats to represent their state. Yet gerrymandering gives the win to republicans.
President Barack Obama was denied the Justice on the supreme court by those gerrymandered republicans.
Illegitimacy is now the rule of the Nation. These are not the representatives the majority of Americans voted for. These are not the people who should be ruling us.
The majority often vote for Democrats to represent their state. Yet gerrymandering gives the win to republicans.
President Barack Obama was denied the Justice on the supreme court by those gerrymandered republicans.
Illegitimacy is now the rule of the Nation. These are not the representatives the majority of Americans voted for. These are not the people who should be ruling us.
2
In all I am reading since an email ding awakened me and I read, "He won.", there is much talk of hope and trying to take something good from the ashes. I will get there, but in the meantime, this column exactly expresses where my head is now. Guilty relief that I am not African American, Muslim or Latino, but I am prepared to fight to the death to keep the precious little gains made by my fellow humans. Thank you, Mr. Blow
2
The president elect has shown himself to be a small minded, dangerous, bigot with a history of sexual predatory behavior. For the first time in my long life, I am no longer proud of my US citizenship. It's worse, I am truly and utterly ashamed.
2
And we still haven't seen his taxes, nor do we know what debts he may owe to Russia, China, and other countries. How will his business be managed or will government simply enrich Trump Inc? What kind of background checks will be performed to vet his appointees and can we trust that those won't be biased?
2
American exceptionalism leads us to lean on the idea that nothing truly authoritarian can happen here. That's why people felt free to vote for a demagogue.
A number of my son's classmates emigrated from Yugoslavia. They were horrified by the campaign of hate because they had seen it all before. In high school they had good friends who later became "the enemy". They know what it means to be an authoritarian and to harness hate for political purposes. They know to be afraid. They know to resist. I'm with them.
A number of my son's classmates emigrated from Yugoslavia. They were horrified by the campaign of hate because they had seen it all before. In high school they had good friends who later became "the enemy". They know what it means to be an authoritarian and to harness hate for political purposes. They know to be afraid. They know to resist. I'm with them.
2
As an older, white American, I find that Mr. Blow expresses my sentiments exactly. I also think there is a fairly easy way we can begin the resistance, by boycotting all of the television news programs, cable and broadcast alike, that enabled Trump with their free air time, false equivalences, and indiscriminate coverage in general — and which are already welcoming the Trump administration with the kind of fawning adulation necessary to ensure “access.” I will continue to read the New York Times, thanks in part to courageous voices like Mr. Blow’s, but I am no more interested in watching the televised obscenity of the Trump administration than I am in watching misogynistic porn or videos of ISIS atrocities.
14
Dear Mr. Blow, I am a 71 year old white woman and despite all the differences in our backgrounds and culture, I could have written your column but not a well. It was with trepidation I opened by laptop to read the NYT. I was so sick of reading about Mr Trump for what seems like forever and now we have 4 dark, terrifying years ahead of us. What anger and despair I felt yesterday (and today). Beyond four years we are facing a Supreme Court that could adversely effect this country far into the night of my nightmares. I believe I am a moral person who is compassionate, but I find I can not reach into my heart and find compassion and forgiveness for Trump voters. Yesterday I was compelled to make a drawing with charcoal and pastel that I smudged with my hands and then made more emotional marks on top. On the drawing I wrote the words "dark clouds are rolling across this land". Except for the past 5 yrs. I have lived in NE. NC is a physically beautiful state, but the politics scare me because I just don't understand. Right now I wish I was back with my 'tribe' of liberals in MA/RI. How did this country move from the estimable Barack Obama to Donald Trump? What a gracious intelligent man President Obama. Yes, I will be a member of the resistance. But what form will it take?
Thank you again for encapsulating my feelings.
Thank you again for encapsulating my feelings.
15
Thank you, Charles. You are spot on. I can't decide which is worse - Trump's bigotry (it falls into the category of White Supremacy in my view) or his massive disregard of women. I do know that what bothers me most is that somehow, in addition to the 20-30 million Americans who did vote for him because of his bigotry (my own estimate), another 30-40 million Americans voted for him even though they all heard that Access Hollywood tape. Today I feel ashamed to be a white man for 2 distinct reasons, rather than the usual 1.
10
Charles I agree with every word. In one day are proud country has become a laughing stock to the rest of the World. I work in a Westchester which is a predominantly white community, where i work, there are hundreds of minorities. The fear and anger i saw manifest itself yesterday was shocking, i saw people i have known for years, talk with real fear of the future, and not just for themselves but for their children. Trump has awoken racism and xenophobia in America, in one day he opened up a clear divide in this country between whites and non-whites, and there is no denying this fact.
There is also no denying the fact that Trump lost the popular vote. More people voted against him than voted for him.
But maybe it's a good thing, maybe finally the American people will wake up and become actively involved in politics again, maybe we will see protests again, maybe we will see a new social and civil awakening...a push back.
Maybe finally American's will see what their lack of political awareness has cost them. Now is not the time for capitulation , or silence, Now is the time to make our voice heard. Because now we have a voice, now we have something to unite us-our love for America, our love for what is right, our love for decency and our love of each other no matter the color or religion. Now we have something to fight for-believe it or not Donald Trump is going to make America great again by becoming the object of protest against his false ideals.
Protest forward.
There is also no denying the fact that Trump lost the popular vote. More people voted against him than voted for him.
But maybe it's a good thing, maybe finally the American people will wake up and become actively involved in politics again, maybe we will see protests again, maybe we will see a new social and civil awakening...a push back.
Maybe finally American's will see what their lack of political awareness has cost them. Now is not the time for capitulation , or silence, Now is the time to make our voice heard. Because now we have a voice, now we have something to unite us-our love for America, our love for what is right, our love for decency and our love of each other no matter the color or religion. Now we have something to fight for-believe it or not Donald Trump is going to make America great again by becoming the object of protest against his false ideals.
Protest forward.
4
Charles, the angst you eloquently describe would have been felt by me (and by many others) had the outcome been reversed, albeit for different reasons. You and I likely disagree on the role of government in our day-to-day lives, but I suspect that we share broad agreement on the value and dignity of every woman, man and child in our country. We need your advocacy, and my hope (and prayer) is the you will find ways to to passionately express your unique (to me) view of the world in ways that are less combative and more constructive. I need to understand your perspective, but often struggle to wade through anger and defensiveness to find it. I'm not saying that you are not entitled to be angry and defensive - only that I am far more likely to be open to your perspective if you talk with me instead of at me.
2
Charles,
I agree, Trump is a bigot. But I also see him as a symptom. The real sickness is in the voters who were clearly shown what kind of man Trump is and still thought he was the correct choice. The Trump presidency has clearly shown the world that America is still a bigoted nation.
I agree, Trump is a bigot. But I also see him as a symptom. The real sickness is in the voters who were clearly shown what kind of man Trump is and still thought he was the correct choice. The Trump presidency has clearly shown the world that America is still a bigoted nation.
12
What made a President Trump possible, was the anger and rage of the right.
What nobody seems to see, is there was and is a greater anger and rage on the left which is now growing since the election of a demagogue.
Trump supporters are preening and gloating without the knowledge that they're at the beginning of the end.
What nobody seems to see, is there was and is a greater anger and rage on the left which is now growing since the election of a demagogue.
Trump supporters are preening and gloating without the knowledge that they're at the beginning of the end.
5
Sorkin says it best
White nationalists. Sexists, racists and buffoons. Angry young white men who think rap music and Cinco de Mayo are a threat to their way of life (or are the reason for their way of life) have been given cause to celebrate. Men who have no right to call themselves that and who think that women who aspire to more than looking hot are shrill, ugly, and otherwise worthy of our scorn rather than our admiration struck a blow for misogynistic shitheads everywhere.
White nationalists. Sexists, racists and buffoons. Angry young white men who think rap music and Cinco de Mayo are a threat to their way of life (or are the reason for their way of life) have been given cause to celebrate. Men who have no right to call themselves that and who think that women who aspire to more than looking hot are shrill, ugly, and otherwise worthy of our scorn rather than our admiration struck a blow for misogynistic shitheads everywhere.
7
This is the culmination of Richard Nixon's "Southern Strategy." Ever since then, the Republicans have used racial politics to win elections. Now they will reap the whirlwind.
4
A day after his election and I am already feeling defrauded by Mr. Trump.
Millions of people around the country like me welcomed Mr. Trump’s insane promises to make Mexico build a wall and expel 11 million undocumented immigrants in the belief that by doing so his laughable ideas would make him eligible for impeachment immediately upon assuming office.
Now, barely a day after the election, he is already abandoning his core commitments to the American people.
This is nothing less than election fraud, and President Obama should immediately appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate him.
Millions of people around the country like me welcomed Mr. Trump’s insane promises to make Mexico build a wall and expel 11 million undocumented immigrants in the belief that by doing so his laughable ideas would make him eligible for impeachment immediately upon assuming office.
Now, barely a day after the election, he is already abandoning his core commitments to the American people.
This is nothing less than election fraud, and President Obama should immediately appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate him.
6
In what way is it bigoted that Trump wants us to have a temporary halt to immigration from countries which are engaged in multi-sided civil wars, in which every side hates us?
In what way is it bigoted for Trump to say we need to secure our borders, and the people who are here illegally should be shown the door, and only allowed to come back once we have checked to make sure that they aren't criminals, terrorists or carrying diseases like Zika, AIDS, or Tuberculosis?
If we don't have borders, we aren't a country. We may be a tolerant culture, which has always welcomed immigrants, but we also have a duty to be sure that the new arrivals aren't going to damage the people who are already here.
The elitist snobs who pooh-poohed about the legitimate concerns of their own citizens are as much to blame for the rise of Trump as are the blue-collar workers who elected him.
Another thing: Remember that Romney got 24% of the Hispanic vote in Florida. Trump got 31%. Romney got 4% of the black vote. Trump got 12%. Calling him a racist, a xenophobe, etc. by the NY Times and HuffPost didn't increase Clinton's margins, it decreased them substantially. Hispanics realized that open borders meant more cheap foreign labor to compete for scarce jobs. Blacks realized that the Clintons did more damage to blacks with Clinton's crime bill, and Hillary's "super predators" remarks.
In what way is it bigoted for Trump to say we need to secure our borders, and the people who are here illegally should be shown the door, and only allowed to come back once we have checked to make sure that they aren't criminals, terrorists or carrying diseases like Zika, AIDS, or Tuberculosis?
If we don't have borders, we aren't a country. We may be a tolerant culture, which has always welcomed immigrants, but we also have a duty to be sure that the new arrivals aren't going to damage the people who are already here.
The elitist snobs who pooh-poohed about the legitimate concerns of their own citizens are as much to blame for the rise of Trump as are the blue-collar workers who elected him.
Another thing: Remember that Romney got 24% of the Hispanic vote in Florida. Trump got 31%. Romney got 4% of the black vote. Trump got 12%. Calling him a racist, a xenophobe, etc. by the NY Times and HuffPost didn't increase Clinton's margins, it decreased them substantially. Hispanics realized that open borders meant more cheap foreign labor to compete for scarce jobs. Blacks realized that the Clintons did more damage to blacks with Clinton's crime bill, and Hillary's "super predators" remarks.
8
All the forced and insincere polite comments on this appalling choice in 'leadership is truly getting tiresome. Hopefully CB will have give others the courage to come out and really say what most are thinking - that this is the beginning of the end of the American Experiment.
6
That's another way of saying "We salute the rank, not the man." Last I checked, etiquette frowns on calling the president-elect a sexist, racist, xenophobe, bully, demagogue. Even though it's true, the practice is impolite and poorly suited to an op-ed columnist of a prestigious newspaper. Dare I say the vehemence smacks of bigotry.
Personally, before I lose sleep over Donald Trump's many, many personal failings, I'm more concerned about him getting handled by Washington. George W. Bush was far less the bigot and look where he got us. Pray circumstances don't exceed Donald Trump's ability to manage the factions within his own party. Trump is bad but do you really want someone else pulling his strings?
Personally, before I lose sleep over Donald Trump's many, many personal failings, I'm more concerned about him getting handled by Washington. George W. Bush was far less the bigot and look where he got us. Pray circumstances don't exceed Donald Trump's ability to manage the factions within his own party. Trump is bad but do you really want someone else pulling his strings?
Let's not forget that in a country where almost 50% of the eligible voting populace regularly chooses not to vote - seeing anywhere from 75% - 93% chance of Hilary Clinton winning the election in bold letters in the New York Times every single day for the last several months certainly didn't help to prevent this horrible man from acquiring the presidency.
12
From henceforth, I will refer to the president-elect as "He who must not be named" and his puppet masters as the "deatheaters." I will not watch the inauguration and I will hold his and the deatheaters feet to the fire making sure that the demise of this great Country falls in their laps. Now, the deatheaters will have noone but themselves to blame when their policies for the 1%ers and their regressive social causes tear this Country to pieces.
7
Too bad that you couldn't be one of the voices calling for unity, Mr. Blow. Continuing to stir the pot only adds to the tensions in this country. If only one thing changes in the next four years, it could be a positive one ----- if the Reps re-vamp the Health Care system created by Pres. Obama and passed without much examination by the Dems, maybe Americans will finally have "affordable" health care.
11
Calls to unite behind this buffoon should be ignored. We're a deeply divided nation and that's a good thing. It means we're less likely to be controlled by demagogues. Opposition to Trump must be loud and strong. There are a lot more of us than the TEA Party and the "alt-right" put together. To counter the Trump vision we, as independent Americans, can be more generous, more tolerant, and more kind and compassionate, to help balance the meanness that so much of our country has embraced. Just say NO to Trump and the right wing fear machine. Personally, after months of nonstop news watching, I want to take a long break and pay more attention to my family and friends and figure out some interesting and creative things I can do besides a daily diet of cringe-inducing political news.
5
Thank you Charles Blow for not ignoring what we've all witnessed the last 18 months. I, for one, don't accept him as a legitimate President, and won't. Most folks in your profession have been stumbling over themselves to normalize this event, to cast aside all the dispicable behaviors and statements of this man in an attempt at buoying a peaceful transfer of power. Hillary and Obama have graciously spoken to it, as is their obligation. But we as citizens have the obligation to speak out, loudly, against an unqualified, dangerous man, along with extremists around him. This is a republican extremist coup and a serious blow to our democracy.
15
Let's organize, then. Let's show up on inauguration day and respectfully turn our backs. Let's threaten the party that did this to us -- starting with the hysterical witch hunt of Hillary Clinton -- by figuring out a way to take back seats even from their safest and most belligerent members. Let's find a way to prioritize the issues that matter most over the 4 years and block this Trump presidency (gag) from doing anything on then. Let's be stronger together.
17
I've been called 'bigot' and 'racist' for voting my economic interests. The attacks were overdone, but did result in change. Now I believe in identity politics 100%, I stand united with my race. Going forward, I will only vote to support my ethnic interests. I no longer care what you call me.
9
The one thing we all must remember and prepare for is the 2018 elections. We'll have a chance then to replace all the House and one-third of the Senate. We need to struggle against retreating into the Slough of Despond and start searching out, supporting and making concrete plans to elect Democrats.
11
Well Charles, have you ever looked at the definition of bigotry? Have you ever listened to yourself?
If Trump is a bigot then what is Hillary? She called half of Trump followers a "basket of deplorables" without really knowing exactly who she was talking about. She had no problem sticking it to coal miners and putting them out of work because they didn't align with her view of the world. That's bigotry. In fact, what are these two legacy political parties? They are all bigots. It's bigotry that is nurtured and practiced at a professional level and bigots rejoice when their side sticks it to the other side. This is how politicians manipulate people.
I hope that if nothing else come from this election that we at least quit insulting each other because we have now reached the end result of such a practice.
Bigotry thrives in an environment where people don't listen to one another and that describes Hillary, the DNC and blind zealots over quite a long period of time. They had it all figured out, they were right and everyone else was wrong, crazy or stupid. That's bigotry.
If Trump is a bigot then what is Hillary? She called half of Trump followers a "basket of deplorables" without really knowing exactly who she was talking about. She had no problem sticking it to coal miners and putting them out of work because they didn't align with her view of the world. That's bigotry. In fact, what are these two legacy political parties? They are all bigots. It's bigotry that is nurtured and practiced at a professional level and bigots rejoice when their side sticks it to the other side. This is how politicians manipulate people.
I hope that if nothing else come from this election that we at least quit insulting each other because we have now reached the end result of such a practice.
Bigotry thrives in an environment where people don't listen to one another and that describes Hillary, the DNC and blind zealots over quite a long period of time. They had it all figured out, they were right and everyone else was wrong, crazy or stupid. That's bigotry.
16
Thank you for continuing to fight the good fight.
But I am done, frankly all Black Americans need to be done.
I am not leaving the country because I cannot and I should not have to, but my message going forward is Black Americans need to become a more insular community as much as physically possible.
We need to work locally to make our own neighborhoods and schools thrive. Teach our own children and support our own local businesses.
By electing a demonstrated bigot by an overwhelming majority, it should be crystal clear what white America thinks of people of color.
Support one another, develop talent within our communities.
It is our only way to survive.
But I am done, frankly all Black Americans need to be done.
I am not leaving the country because I cannot and I should not have to, but my message going forward is Black Americans need to become a more insular community as much as physically possible.
We need to work locally to make our own neighborhoods and schools thrive. Teach our own children and support our own local businesses.
By electing a demonstrated bigot by an overwhelming majority, it should be crystal clear what white America thinks of people of color.
Support one another, develop talent within our communities.
It is our only way to survive.
6
Trump the bigot was the campaign persona that won Mr. Trump the election because he spoke to those whose jobs where taken away by globalization and automation and blamed the other.
But Mr. Trump with a statesmen persona may show up at the White House. Mr. Trump is a chameleon and may realize the best model for president would be Barack Obama. He could copy his style and politics. And then he could make Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell work with him, instead of the other way around. And just think they cannot go after Mr. Trump with investigations because that would violate the Reagan rule about not attacking other republicans.
It is going to be an interesting 4 years, that is if Donald even makes it to be sworn in.
But Mr. Trump with a statesmen persona may show up at the White House. Mr. Trump is a chameleon and may realize the best model for president would be Barack Obama. He could copy his style and politics. And then he could make Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell work with him, instead of the other way around. And just think they cannot go after Mr. Trump with investigations because that would violate the Reagan rule about not attacking other republicans.
It is going to be an interesting 4 years, that is if Donald even makes it to be sworn in.
5
Of course you can’t comprehend this Mr. Blow, you live in a tiny bubble of liberal self deception. Liberalism is defeated from state houses, governorships and now to all three branches of the Federal government. Obama has been the greatest boom to conservatism this country has ever seen. He is like heroin to the progressive masses. He’s handsome, his wife is beautiful and they both are articulate and phenomenal campaigners. How did the country that approves of him just elect someone who promised to undo every one of President Obama’s accomplishments? The question gives the answer. In Obama, we were privileged to elect a black president who promised to unite the country. What we got was charlatan who was little more than a bitter partisan ideologue. Heroin might make you feel good temporarily, but it destroys you. Obama made progressives feel good but his policies are dangerous and anathema to the average person’s life and values and now the Democrats are almost completely out of power. The person who is not a self-deceived resident of the progressive bubble sees this so clearly. Finally, we’ve become numb to the words such as bigot, racist, misogynist, xenophobic, homophobic and deplorable. To be called those things now from a progressive is almost a badge of honor as it just means that you are not progressive in your political thought and moral values. I’ll take that as a compliment.
14
Donald Trump said the election would be rigged. He was wrong. What was rigged was the nomination process, where the Democratic establishment made it impossible for anyone but Mrs. Clinton to get the nomination, even thought there were numerous candidates who would have easily beaten Mr. Trump. Mrs. Clinton is no better than McConnell or Ryan, putting her own self-aggrandizement above the welfare of the country. I held my nose and voted for her, but only as the lesser evil. The Dem Party needs new leadership. I can only hope that Elizabeth Warren & Bernie Sanders step up and insist that only people with some shred of integrity determine the direction of the party
12
Not mine either. The man is repulsive.
Hillary Clinton received more votes than him, yet he will be President as a result of the absurd Electoral College, a vestige of the original sin in the Constitution, slavery. The gift that keeps on giving, 240 years later.
Hillary Clinton received more votes than him, yet he will be President as a result of the absurd Electoral College, a vestige of the original sin in the Constitution, slavery. The gift that keeps on giving, 240 years later.
20
I shudder when i think about the damage that even only 2 years of complete GOP control can do: environment, climate change, health care, taxes, economy, Supreme Court, international fecklessness.
It's definitely mourning in America.
It's definitely mourning in America.
21
The country lost a good President when it rejected Mrs. Clinton; but gained a fine clown in Mr. Trump who will keep the nation’s cable stations busy and hopping for the next four years.
A U.S. presidential election really isn’t about politics any more. It’s about ratings.
And speaking of ratings:
75 Lawsuits Against President-Elect Trump
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/11/10/75-lawsuits-against-pre...
A U.S. presidential election really isn’t about politics any more. It’s about ratings.
And speaking of ratings:
75 Lawsuits Against President-Elect Trump
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/11/10/75-lawsuits-against-pre...
24
I'm already hearing credible reports of verbal intimidation of LGBT in places like restaurants in Marietta, GA. I don't see how Trump could control the hatred and bigotry of the deplorable elements. Thank God not all Trump supporters are so bad, but those that are threaten our Constitution and every liberty. There can be no compromising in the face of bigotry.
14
This proves that this paper only perpetuates the opinions of a very small minority in this country. What do you fail to understand?
We on the right are tired, sick and tired, of having liberal progressivism rammed down our collective throats. While, as Americans, all should be free to make their own choices, I militantly stand against one side unduly influencing the other.
As an unapologetic Christian, I have been labeled as having lesser intelligence, backwards, and against the zeitgeist. While nothing could be further from the truth, I am against a minority believing their "issue du joir" is suddenly something for all of America to get behind.
We on the right are tired, sick and tired, of having liberal progressivism rammed down our collective throats. While, as Americans, all should be free to make their own choices, I militantly stand against one side unduly influencing the other.
As an unapologetic Christian, I have been labeled as having lesser intelligence, backwards, and against the zeitgeist. While nothing could be further from the truth, I am against a minority believing their "issue du joir" is suddenly something for all of America to get behind.
12
I agree 100% with the author. As a woman born raised and educated in the 60's and 70s in a big eastern city I could not be more appalled by a bigot like Trump being the standard bearer of this country. I am shocked that we allowed this to happen. I am now being asked to have sympathy towards the suffering white people who elected him and I do not, will not, and I too will be among those opposing trump and his supporters until he is out of office. HE is an abomination, a product of the reality tv obsession and media hype that allowed a racist, sexist, neo-Nazi to get elected. My hope is that he will be removed from office by one of the lawsuits and trials awaiting him including his bogus university, sexual assaults, and others. It's the only thing that helps me sleep at night.
12
Anxiety leads to fear. Fear leads to hate. Our political system has used fear and anxiety to achieve political objectives for too long. It is time we put an end to it.
5
"An abomination". Truer words were never written, Mr. Blow.
You know another abomination? That his portrait will forever hang in the gallery along with the pantheon of great men - Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, ... I could, but can't, go on.
Maybe, to save the Republic it's treasure, we could just borrow the one he already bought for himself with Trump Foundation money.
I know we are all weary, but our work, as Democrats, as patriots and as Americans has just begun, not to insure that his Presidency is a failure, as the Republicans set out to do to another great President - Obama - but to insure that the worst of his policies - the most racist, discriminatory, economically and socially damaging and domestically and internationally dangerous - policies, never become the policies of America.
The electorate sent a quarterback into the Superbowl who had never played sports before - and it appears his receivers will be men like Christie and Gingrich and Giuliani.
We're going to need a really strong defense to keep them away from the goalposts.
You know another abomination? That his portrait will forever hang in the gallery along with the pantheon of great men - Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, ... I could, but can't, go on.
Maybe, to save the Republic it's treasure, we could just borrow the one he already bought for himself with Trump Foundation money.
I know we are all weary, but our work, as Democrats, as patriots and as Americans has just begun, not to insure that his Presidency is a failure, as the Republicans set out to do to another great President - Obama - but to insure that the worst of his policies - the most racist, discriminatory, economically and socially damaging and domestically and internationally dangerous - policies, never become the policies of America.
The electorate sent a quarterback into the Superbowl who had never played sports before - and it appears his receivers will be men like Christie and Gingrich and Giuliani.
We're going to need a really strong defense to keep them away from the goalposts.
12
There have been two unique events in my lifetime when there was an opportunity for America to prove greatness and atone for the original sin of this country, racial behavior. First, was in the mid-60's with the civil rights movement and now with the first black President. What followed each in the national referendum of Presidential politics was backlash. Law & Order Nixon and Birther Trump. Both men seized the worst in white America and rode to victory.
And that is making America great, stopping progress and retreating to the white power days that we keep thinking we exorcised after WWII???
Nope, still white power here in good ol' USA.
And that is making America great, stopping progress and retreating to the white power days that we keep thinking we exorcised after WWII???
Nope, still white power here in good ol' USA.
5
Trump was elected by the 53% of eligible voters who cast ballots last Tuesday. If almost half the electorate is too lazy to exercise their right to vote, we are a nation of indolence and indifference. We got the result we deserve.
13
Spot on; you've captured exactly how I feel. Well said. Fifty million people in this country voted against this man and the values he represents. This is our country too. His election doesn't change that. He was right about one thing though. The system is rigged. Twice now in my life the office has gone to the person that got fewer votes. And every two years more people vote for democratic representative to congress than republican, yet we have a GOP controlled House and Senate. The electoral college and gerrymandering of districts have to go.
13
I am disturbed more to find myself in the national company of so many people who would vote for this man, for the bigotry, but especially as they were willing to fall in with him when the other choice was one of the smartest, most qualified and committed candidates ever nominated.
What this says about us as a nation is not something history will look back on as proud.
What this says about us as a nation is not something history will look back on as proud.
14
I grew up in Kansas in the 60s and 70s during a time when Republicans and Democrats worked together, were pragmatic and got things done for the state and it was a great place - good schools, good roads, etc... d
Gradually, the Republicans took control of all levers of government control culminating in the disaster that is Gov. Sam Brownback. Look closely at Kansas and you can see the future writ large. It is not pretty.
Thomas Frank's "What's the Matter with Kansas" told the tale of a state where voters cast ballots against their own self interest. The state's Republicans have implemented policies hurting them, their families and the reputation of their state.
We have just "What the Matter with America" election and it will not end well. For those who think Mr. Trump will wave his magic wand and make their lives better their fairy tale will not have a happy ending.
Gradually, the Republicans took control of all levers of government control culminating in the disaster that is Gov. Sam Brownback. Look closely at Kansas and you can see the future writ large. It is not pretty.
Thomas Frank's "What's the Matter with Kansas" told the tale of a state where voters cast ballots against their own self interest. The state's Republicans have implemented policies hurting them, their families and the reputation of their state.
We have just "What the Matter with America" election and it will not end well. For those who think Mr. Trump will wave his magic wand and make their lives better their fairy tale will not have a happy ending.
13
Hey, it is the American way.
The animosity toward Obama revealed this part of the United States, which was built on racism.
Our first presidents owned slaves and massacred native peoples.
There have been a long line of bigots in the White House.
At least it is out in the open. Kind of refreshing. Let's stop the pretense.
The animosity toward Obama revealed this part of the United States, which was built on racism.
Our first presidents owned slaves and massacred native peoples.
There have been a long line of bigots in the White House.
At least it is out in the open. Kind of refreshing. Let's stop the pretense.
5
I'm sorry, Mr. Blow, but I think not respecting Mr. Trump is the wrong attitude. People said the same thing about President Obama (through no fault of his own; I admit that's different) when he got into office and where did that obstruction-without-reason-to-obstruct lead? To President Trump.
I suspect I've run into many Trump voters yesterday/today - at work; in the grocery store. Everyone was perfectly pleasant. It seemed to be a deliberate decision for people *not* to talk about the election. Not only did I not hear any "You're going back to Africa now!" (I'm black) sentiment outright, I didn't even accidentally overhear/observe hostility towards anybody.
I think many Trump voters are excusing everything else that goes with Mr. Trump, including his more horrid supporters, because of three things: J-O-B. If Mr. Trump and the Republicans on every level who now have zero (zero!) excuses don't deliver jobs - not jobs overall, but jobs to them and theirs - I think many Trump voters will say "Next!" so fast it will make one's head spin.
I honestly had more frustration with some Stein/Johnson voters than I do with Trump voters. The Stein voters were the nihilists here IMO; the Johnson voters were IMO hypocritical, Republican-leaning Trump dislikers who wouldn't vote Democratic. But we move on.
Some Trump voters are mean people but the rest belong to the Jobocrat/Joblican parties. To keep them, forget ideology and give them jobs. If not, they'll move on. It's that simple.
I suspect I've run into many Trump voters yesterday/today - at work; in the grocery store. Everyone was perfectly pleasant. It seemed to be a deliberate decision for people *not* to talk about the election. Not only did I not hear any "You're going back to Africa now!" (I'm black) sentiment outright, I didn't even accidentally overhear/observe hostility towards anybody.
I think many Trump voters are excusing everything else that goes with Mr. Trump, including his more horrid supporters, because of three things: J-O-B. If Mr. Trump and the Republicans on every level who now have zero (zero!) excuses don't deliver jobs - not jobs overall, but jobs to them and theirs - I think many Trump voters will say "Next!" so fast it will make one's head spin.
I honestly had more frustration with some Stein/Johnson voters than I do with Trump voters. The Stein voters were the nihilists here IMO; the Johnson voters were IMO hypocritical, Republican-leaning Trump dislikers who wouldn't vote Democratic. But we move on.
Some Trump voters are mean people but the rest belong to the Jobocrat/Joblican parties. To keep them, forget ideology and give them jobs. If not, they'll move on. It's that simple.
15
One of the abominations in this election is the outdated electoral college. Is there any other place in the world where the candidate who gets fewer votes "wins" the election? The people have spoken, and they voted more times for Clinton than Trump. But the reactionary electoral college says otherwise. Kind of ironic that this "college" is about as honest as the "university" Trump used to profit from.
10
What did this election confirm what I have not wanted to know for years now? That this is not my country and that this president-elect will never be my president! It will take me four years at least to come to terms with this result, all the while hoping that America and its vulnerable will survive. While the focus has been on "crooked Hillary" and "the threat of ISIS," Putin and the Russians were front and center to the not-Hillary campaign, as evidenced by the Wikileaks which never revealed a thing about Trump! I am dismayed to know that the campaign magnified Mr. Trump's psychological and mental deficiencies so not Putin knows exactly what he needs to do to manipulate the president to further his version of the Soviet block and the Soviet power and influence in this world. It too bad that the rest of the world is laughing at the foolishness of the U.S. electorate (and the concept of the electoral college!) while the majority of us are crying in fear.
6
Apparently, judging by the popular vote, there are two Americas.
There are those who believe that we can work together to make the country work to the benefit of all Americans, and those who believe that It is a country of "rugged individuals" where the strong survive.
These are two polar opposites, and to keep switching government control back and forth between the two doesn't seem to be working.
I think that if we want to accept that there are two distinct philosophies, we need to find a better solution.
This is simply a fools errand.
There are those who believe that we can work together to make the country work to the benefit of all Americans, and those who believe that It is a country of "rugged individuals" where the strong survive.
These are two polar opposites, and to keep switching government control back and forth between the two doesn't seem to be working.
I think that if we want to accept that there are two distinct philosophies, we need to find a better solution.
This is simply a fools errand.
5
my predictions is that at some point in the trump presidency the republicans will have to exercise the 25th amendment and remove him from office for being mentally unfit to govern.
5
One of the reasons for T rump's success in the election was the dereliction of duty by the 4th Estate. Hours of questions about meaningless emails of Clinton while minutes of questions about his frauds, his cheating of subcontractors, his adulteries, his unfulfillable promises, his lies and untruths.
These pages might have been full of this kind of truth to power, but the front pages and the TV news were definitely not delivering the news.
What to do now? I don't know.
These pages might have been full of this kind of truth to power, but the front pages and the TV news were definitely not delivering the news.
What to do now? I don't know.
14
Everything in your article resonates with me. I would add that Trump is an American creation. Created by those who did not voice disgust and repudiation of birthism, in much the same way as Nixon, Reagan and the Bushes divided the country along race and class lines. It is clear that a majority of poor and middle class whites would rather destroy the country than allow it to become the heterogeneous, diversified ideal addressed from its founding. It is so unbelievable how the majority in this group see themselves aligned with those who will disgard them, and have disgarded them, as quickly as they have African-Americans and others. Perhaps, the Empire is indeed waning, and that may be a good thing for the world's peoples-we may need to adjust and reset how we see it all. And, tell the poor that Trump will not make them great, again, they need to find the microchip that took their jobs and perceived priveleges.
4
Even better, how can we make sense of that fact that the religious right overwhelmingly elected a president who appeared in pornos? Or that many women helped elect a man who boasted of assaulting women? Or that Republicans, hungry for power, backed a man who uses the constitution as a napkin?
I guess we learned a lot about how strong bigotry is in our country. To put it in Trump's words: sad.
I guess we learned a lot about how strong bigotry is in our country. To put it in Trump's words: sad.
5
...those who didn’t vote, thereby easing the way for his ascension.
Forty eight percent of eligible voters didn't bother to vote which means, when combined with the near sixty million who voted for Trump, roughly one hundred and sixty million Americans have just demonstrated themselves to be, at best, totally indifferent as to the immediate fate of their wonderful country. So what, your neighbours are now asking themselves, is the true essence of American exceptionalism if not a suicide pact on an unprecedented scale?
Forty eight percent of eligible voters didn't bother to vote which means, when combined with the near sixty million who voted for Trump, roughly one hundred and sixty million Americans have just demonstrated themselves to be, at best, totally indifferent as to the immediate fate of their wonderful country. So what, your neighbours are now asking themselves, is the true essence of American exceptionalism if not a suicide pact on an unprecedented scale?
3
Take heart! Look at it as one more stage in the demise of the GOP - along with a sweeping away of the baggage that the Clintons brought to the Democratic party. The stock market is at record highs, the unemployment rate is as low as it gets - and now the Republic clown car is about to take the reins. They have the house, senate and presidency, so when their incompetence shines through, we'll have the mid terms elections to look forward to - and a newly progressive and revitalized Democratic party with fresh new faces to take over in 2020. (If we survive)
5
Democrats. Constantly tell minority groups that they can't do anything unless the white liberal helps them, calling Republicans racist, how rich. I've never understood why blacks and Hispanics typically voted for the democrat party, as it insults them on a daily basis. No democrat policy has ever done a thing for the American minority except keep them poor. How about that Great Society? The only thing it did was keep blacks in the inner city and make sure they stayed poor. Letting millions of poor Latinos into the county and mixing them with millions of poor Americans without adding any more jobs? That's some Wiley E. Coyote super genius stuff there. The bottom line is the Democrat party only pretend to care about minorities to get their votes. Other than that they can rot in the inner cities while white SJW's live in their 700,000 dollar houses in Fairfax and Montgomery counties shopping at the local Trader Joe's.
5
Feel free to blame Midwestern Values for your pain. Those so-called friendly Midwesterners that proclaim to be family-oriented and enjoy the simple things in life have couched their bigotry and sexism in religion for years. After more than a decade of living here I am still shocked at the racism, sexism, and yes antiSemitism, that quietly comes out of people's mouths with such nonchalance -- all the while asking you to donate to a bake sale or enjoying a tidbit at a jewelry party. A women once told me which colleges her child was applying to and in doing so, noted the percentage of white students attending each. I think her child ended up at Notre Dame.
6
This article, and the accompanying comments, shed a light on why Trump won.
Anyone who supports Trump is labeled a bigot and a racist. That's a very broad brush.
Anyone who opposed Obama's policies is labeled a racist. That's a very broad brush.
Anyone who opposed Clinton's policies is labeled a sexist. That's a very broad brush.
Tens of millions of Americans voted for Trump. Some of them were certainly racists and sexists (just as some of those who voted for Obama were anti-white). Many of them, though, were simply tired of being called deplorables, racists, and sexists simply for disagreeing with the policies of Clinton and Obama and the rest of the left.
Are all of the protesters chanting "Not My President" guilty of reverse racism (can you imagine the cries of sexism from the left if citizens chanted the same if Clinton was elected)? No. But all of the citizens who did support Trump aren't guilty of racism, either.
Neither side should paint the other with such broad brushes.
Anyone who supports Trump is labeled a bigot and a racist. That's a very broad brush.
Anyone who opposed Obama's policies is labeled a racist. That's a very broad brush.
Anyone who opposed Clinton's policies is labeled a sexist. That's a very broad brush.
Tens of millions of Americans voted for Trump. Some of them were certainly racists and sexists (just as some of those who voted for Obama were anti-white). Many of them, though, were simply tired of being called deplorables, racists, and sexists simply for disagreeing with the policies of Clinton and Obama and the rest of the left.
Are all of the protesters chanting "Not My President" guilty of reverse racism (can you imagine the cries of sexism from the left if citizens chanted the same if Clinton was elected)? No. But all of the citizens who did support Trump aren't guilty of racism, either.
Neither side should paint the other with such broad brushes.
10
There continues to be much discussion that Trump supporters were white men "forgotten" by the economy, people who were struggling and angry and apparently blamed the Democratic Party.
Actually there were plenty of very affluent Trump supporters, folks who are doing quite well....
Horrible.
Actually there were plenty of very affluent Trump supporters, folks who are doing quite well....
Horrible.
3
"There is so much that I can’t fully comprehend."
We comprehend it, we just refuse to believe it because the truth of it is too frightening to admit.
This emperor has no clothes, and our country has gleefully taken an incredibly reckless and irresponsible detour.
It might be a while before we find our way back.
We comprehend it, we just refuse to believe it because the truth of it is too frightening to admit.
This emperor has no clothes, and our country has gleefully taken an incredibly reckless and irresponsible detour.
It might be a while before we find our way back.
6
Time for people of good will upset over Trump's election to heed the counsel of labor activist Joe Hill. Prior to being executed by a Utah firing squad in 1915 on a trumped up murder charge (pun intended) Hill told his followers: "Don't mourn. Organize." Unlike conservatives, we liberals are too fragmented politically to form a unified voting bloc. This causes third party splintering that adds strength to conservative interests. And isn't about time we re-examined the 18th century Electoral College, an institution founded to give thinly populated rural states equal standing with cities politically? One last thought about Joe Hill. His final request was to have his body shipped across state lines because he "...didn't want to be caught dead in Utah."
4
I agree with what you have written and I almost always like your column. However, I question the past methods of applying 'unrelenting pressure and challenging power.' If we are to begin this journey today we must find new ways to accomplish these tasks because the tactics of the last 19 months did not work. They seem actually to have helped us get into this situation. I'm not at all sure that 'media' campaigns and unrelenting criticism with no suggestions for action are going to work this time either. We all need concrete suggestions on how to heal our divisions, channel our anger and to take steps to preserve and act on our values.
2
"That is not a person worthy of applause. That is a person who must be placed under unrelenting pressure. Power must be challenged, constantly. That begins today."
That is my mantra too, Charles.
Democrat Senators, do your duty.
That is my mantra too, Charles.
Democrat Senators, do your duty.
9
Three comments. First, Mr. Blow says that Trump made many campaign promises that he will be obligated to keep. Why? Given who he is, I don't see Trump feeling any obligation to do anything for anybody, including the voters who voted for him based on what he said he would do. Certainly his business dealings prove that he is not a man of his word.
Second, I don't know why Mr. Blow refers to a pliant Congress. I see no reason to think that the 48 Democrats in the Senate won't use their filibuster power to kill much of what Trump may propose, starting with the repeal of Obamacare, and to prevent Chris Christie and Rudy Giuliani from sitting on the Supreme Court.
Finally, it seems that a major factor in Trump's win was low black turnout in cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee. This was also a major factor in 2010 and 2014, giving us the awful Senate that we have now. If a major element of the Democratic coalition isn't going to turn out even when faced with Donald Trump, it Will be very difficult for progressive views to prevail at any level.
Second, I don't know why Mr. Blow refers to a pliant Congress. I see no reason to think that the 48 Democrats in the Senate won't use their filibuster power to kill much of what Trump may propose, starting with the repeal of Obamacare, and to prevent Chris Christie and Rudy Giuliani from sitting on the Supreme Court.
Finally, it seems that a major factor in Trump's win was low black turnout in cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee. This was also a major factor in 2010 and 2014, giving us the awful Senate that we have now. If a major element of the Democratic coalition isn't going to turn out even when faced with Donald Trump, it Will be very difficult for progressive views to prevail at any level.
3
Many of your comments, CMB, made me wince, but this is the one causing the greatest anxiety immediately: "My thoughts are with the poor people afflicted by ill health who were finally able to receive medical insurance coverage, sometimes lifesaving coverage, and the fear they must feel now that there is a president committed to repealing and replacing it (with what, I don’t know), and who has a pliable Congress at his disposal."
Of course, the president-elect and the Republican majority will profess that they are all pro-life as they are taking away life-saving health care coverage that millions gained via the ACA, many for the first time. Destroying the ACA is a top priority for Ryan and McConnell, as they have said multiple times, and they have never had a health-care plan to replace the ACA, other than go to the hospital emergency room.
These guys are pro-life phonies, having no interest in advancing the public/common good by working to make certain that citizens have the life-saving health care coverage needed to keep them out of the cemetery. We will soon come to know the reality of the "death panels" that Sarah Palin predicted.
Of course, the president-elect and the Republican majority will profess that they are all pro-life as they are taking away life-saving health care coverage that millions gained via the ACA, many for the first time. Destroying the ACA is a top priority for Ryan and McConnell, as they have said multiple times, and they have never had a health-care plan to replace the ACA, other than go to the hospital emergency room.
These guys are pro-life phonies, having no interest in advancing the public/common good by working to make certain that citizens have the life-saving health care coverage needed to keep them out of the cemetery. We will soon come to know the reality of the "death panels" that Sarah Palin predicted.
5
There is a lot to be concerned about with the results of this election. But what bothers me most is that, for 59 million Americans, political ideology and anger appear make everything else irrelevant.
Truth does not matter.
Facts do not matter.
Civility and decency do not matter.
Kindness does not matter.
Experience does not matter.
Respect does not matter.
Diversity does not matter.
Consistency does not matter.
Humility does not matter.
Honor and integrity do not matter.
The law does not matter.
Adherence to the most basic norms of society does not matter.
What matters is whether you win or lose, not how you play the game.
This is not what I have taught my children. It is not how I have lived my life or how I expect them to lead their lives. It is not what I hope they will pass on to their children. For, what lessons do we teach our children when lies are ignored and liars succeed?
I am afraid that this nation and many of its people have lost their way.
Truth does not matter.
Facts do not matter.
Civility and decency do not matter.
Kindness does not matter.
Experience does not matter.
Respect does not matter.
Diversity does not matter.
Consistency does not matter.
Humility does not matter.
Honor and integrity do not matter.
The law does not matter.
Adherence to the most basic norms of society does not matter.
What matters is whether you win or lose, not how you play the game.
This is not what I have taught my children. It is not how I have lived my life or how I expect them to lead their lives. It is not what I hope they will pass on to their children. For, what lessons do we teach our children when lies are ignored and liars succeed?
I am afraid that this nation and many of its people have lost their way.
8
He won for the same reasons Richard Nixon won. He won because of inner city riots, because of the values of the liberal left, because trying to shift the discussion to All Lives Matter was claimed to be racist, because of the constant drumbeat of attacks against American history and the melting pot, because Christians were demonized, becaause traditional America was demonized and because the left made white, non coastal Americans feel unwelcome in 21st century America. Every group except white Americans claimed preference, claimed discrimination, claimed special status, and carried on constant attacks against the majority who were also suffering but suffering in silence.
Nixon's silent majority struck back. And because we are a nation of states--separate states with separate interests and cultures, with a electoral system that recognizes those differences in our federal organization--Trump won the elctoral college.
We are a federal government, not a unified one. The election proved that.
Nixon's silent majority struck back. And because we are a nation of states--separate states with separate interests and cultures, with a electoral system that recognizes those differences in our federal organization--Trump won the elctoral college.
We are a federal government, not a unified one. The election proved that.
7
Mr. Blow is sadly still living in his echo chamber. The xenophobia of the Trumpenproletariat is a derivative of their fear of losing job and status to immigrants. That seems too difficult to understand if you've had a stable and well paid job as a commentator (or being forever part of the Democratic machine, like Mr. Podesta). If Hillary had just sacrificed the H1B program (there are universities - training institutions - who employ people on H1Bs!) and citizenship for illegally immigrated people, this wouldn't have happened. The bigotry of the Trumpenproletariat is a reaction to the contempt they've received from both parties, but worst of all by the Democrats who, as the center left party who is supposed to care and grew snobbier by the year (as did their European counterparts) since the early 90ies. The solution is to start caring about the Trumpenproletariat, and not look down on them. Also, the first priority is now to convince them to move away from places where the only industry is the Social Security check (Appalachia, Rust Belt...) to places where it makes sense to build infrastructure. The Infrastructure Bill is the only way to keep the Trumpenproletariat together until the Midterms and we need the I-90 and the bridges fixed, not some street to an unused coal mine or the money will have been wasted. Also, Democratic machine, get some people working for you who were unemployed for a while instead of the "daughter of" and the "son of".
4
As the white member of a mixed race marriage of 41 years, I fear any police stop where the cops will feel perfectly free to shoot my wife, knowing that there will be no consequences.
It mirrors the police in New York who would (in an unpleasant past) say to black people who protested their improper treatment that it was "Giuliani time". It will become nationally "Trump time".
For us, it will be four years of fear.
We leave aside the probability that unpleasant men will feel perfectly free to assault my wife. She is seventy (ten years younger than me, but still attracting the attention of men if we stop off in a bar or restaurant on our travels, and I have to leave the table for a moment).
We are back to the very careful management of our public lives that was necessary (for black people) in the days of the early seventies. In fact, it feels to me like the fifties, a dreadful time in terms of race.
We came to Florida in our retirement aboard our sailboat, and while we have no fear from our fellow sailors, we now are careful of the danger beyond the fraternity of our marina. At least among them we all know we have a greater enemy than one another - the Sea! This, at least, binds us sailors together.
These next four years will be dreadful. I hope I live through it, helping to protect my wonderful, smart, kind, generous, and lovely wife as best I can at my now advanced age.
A despicable jerk is our national leader. The fish stinks from the head.
Michael Ryan
It mirrors the police in New York who would (in an unpleasant past) say to black people who protested their improper treatment that it was "Giuliani time". It will become nationally "Trump time".
For us, it will be four years of fear.
We leave aside the probability that unpleasant men will feel perfectly free to assault my wife. She is seventy (ten years younger than me, but still attracting the attention of men if we stop off in a bar or restaurant on our travels, and I have to leave the table for a moment).
We are back to the very careful management of our public lives that was necessary (for black people) in the days of the early seventies. In fact, it feels to me like the fifties, a dreadful time in terms of race.
We came to Florida in our retirement aboard our sailboat, and while we have no fear from our fellow sailors, we now are careful of the danger beyond the fraternity of our marina. At least among them we all know we have a greater enemy than one another - the Sea! This, at least, binds us sailors together.
These next four years will be dreadful. I hope I live through it, helping to protect my wonderful, smart, kind, generous, and lovely wife as best I can at my now advanced age.
A despicable jerk is our national leader. The fish stinks from the head.
Michael Ryan
3
Yes, so many of us feel that anger! It's even hard to look at other people now, knowing that so many voted for this man. It was not just Joe Sixpack or the racists we saw on television, but upper middle class educated Republicans.
That half the country voted for him makes us question what kind of country we actually live in. That is where the shock, despair, and even grief are coming in. We thought we were building something beautiful, something inclusive, something so much better. And now?
Now, the Republicans have all 3 branches of government plus most governorships and state legislatures. Instead of the angry rhetoric of opposition, they will need to produce solutions. Let's see what they start with. Will it be quality affordable child care for all, rebuilding of our infrastructure, and creating millions of great jobs? Or will it be deporting millions of immigrants, further militarizing the police, continuing to persecute Hillary Clinton, and repealing Obamacare but not replacing it with quality low-cost healthcare?
Before the election I accidentally discovered a friend was voting for Trump. She's a librarian and a deeply believing Christian. I was as stunned as if I had discovered a dark hidden pit of insanity.
Now, I think I should have coffee with her and ask what, besides banning abortions, she really wants from Trump. I hope there will be something I can understand and that we have in common.
That half the country voted for him makes us question what kind of country we actually live in. That is where the shock, despair, and even grief are coming in. We thought we were building something beautiful, something inclusive, something so much better. And now?
Now, the Republicans have all 3 branches of government plus most governorships and state legislatures. Instead of the angry rhetoric of opposition, they will need to produce solutions. Let's see what they start with. Will it be quality affordable child care for all, rebuilding of our infrastructure, and creating millions of great jobs? Or will it be deporting millions of immigrants, further militarizing the police, continuing to persecute Hillary Clinton, and repealing Obamacare but not replacing it with quality low-cost healthcare?
Before the election I accidentally discovered a friend was voting for Trump. She's a librarian and a deeply believing Christian. I was as stunned as if I had discovered a dark hidden pit of insanity.
Now, I think I should have coffee with her and ask what, besides banning abortions, she really wants from Trump. I hope there will be something I can understand and that we have in common.
4
Your editorial is brilliant, and it captures all the angst I have felt since learning Trump won. I am especially appalled at the potential truth of your "Trump was a bigot" summary: "It is absolutely possible that America didn’t elect him in spite of that, but because of it."
Just yesterday I was thinking that on his Inauguration Day, I will not be watching any of the pomp and circumstance of the day or his swearing in as president. I can not celebrate the "pageantry and protocols of the presidency" as long as this odious man is in the White House.
And it's sad to see you are probably getting as much hate mail for this piece as the applause you deserve.
Just yesterday I was thinking that on his Inauguration Day, I will not be watching any of the pomp and circumstance of the day or his swearing in as president. I can not celebrate the "pageantry and protocols of the presidency" as long as this odious man is in the White House.
And it's sad to see you are probably getting as much hate mail for this piece as the applause you deserve.
23
As an Afro-American I can't see why Blow and the other race men on this paper ever failed to mention how Bernie had fled increasingly diverse Bklyn in 1968 for the whitest state in the union Vermont.
Or how the Clintons had conveniently located themselves in Chapaqua NY, a town with less than 1% African residents???
Or how the Clintons had conveniently located themselves in Chapaqua NY, a town with less than 1% African residents???
6
Trump is president-elect, Mr. Blow, because your employer in particular and the media in general had already elected Hillary before the campaign even started and adamantly, absolutely refused to feel the Bern.
7
a hard place mr blow...if you'll take a word from a lifelong democrat with pre voting age memories of fdr, the rage developing against trump, the wages of a complacency that let us amuse ourselves, inflating then trying to deflate trump, will do more damage to the country than trump will...the congress and an attentive citizenry, up for the heavy lifting of informed exchange instead of lazy, easy rock throwing will tutor him...the mob has no check or balance once it's in rampage.
we've had questionably qualified presidents before, we're still reeling from the loss of life, treasure and international standing due to the careless and devious action of a recent one ...if you think we've never had bigots or even racists, not to mention locker and bedroom sleazes you haven't been paying attention to history (hard without tweets for recent generations) or to events that have passed before your very eyes.
how about giving up the baskets of bad people, especially the most foul "irredeemables" and see where we can find a secure perch on common ground. (an old union trope from way back
found one..."whatever our gender, color or faith, we all have to down into the mine every day.") forget trump for a minute and think about a first step forward for we the people.
we've had questionably qualified presidents before, we're still reeling from the loss of life, treasure and international standing due to the careless and devious action of a recent one ...if you think we've never had bigots or even racists, not to mention locker and bedroom sleazes you haven't been paying attention to history (hard without tweets for recent generations) or to events that have passed before your very eyes.
how about giving up the baskets of bad people, especially the most foul "irredeemables" and see where we can find a secure perch on common ground. (an old union trope from way back
found one..."whatever our gender, color or faith, we all have to down into the mine every day.") forget trump for a minute and think about a first step forward for we the people.
3
It is ironic that his supporters are so afraid of terrorists, because they are terrorists themselves. They share the feeling that they have been left behind by wealthy elites in NYC and D.C. They want to grab a piece of the pie by lashing out in destruction - blow the whole system up - since they are powerless to work within it.
3
As always, Mr. Blow is correct. I salute you for articulating the truth to the nation, whether they accept it or not. My conclusion of this election is that we were deliberately blindsided. Someone brought to my attention on election day that if you weren't careful, you could mark Trump's name rather than Clinton because of the way they were printed. Then, there's the fallacy of the electoral college, which serves no purpose in 2016 except to elect folk that the people didn't ask for. That's why there were protests from coast to coast yesterday, and it's not over. Finally, the other truth is that we need to reread 'The Isis Papers,' and we'll see what the uproar is REALLY about.
4
Donald Trump is definitely not a bigot. This is a vicious and unwarranted stereotype entirely created by the NY Times and other media outlets, who persist in labeling Trump in this way to suit their own needs and agendas. If this writer actually took the time during the campaign to listen to one of his speeches to find out what his real positions are and what he really believes, he would find out why Trump was elected as our President. Attitudes like this writer holds have helped to create the current turmoil and division in our Country which continues to divide us instead of unite us, and which impedes real progress in race relations which is what Donald Trump sincerely wants.
5
I am totally with you on this. You forgot about the environment and climate change challenges we face, now that our 'leader' is someone who think its all a Chinese hoax. I cannot come to terms with this loss. It is even worse than the Gore loss in 2000 because at that time we didnt know how much damage an unintelligent person could bring to our country. With this guy we know, we have seen the preview and know what to expect. I would imagine his whole cabinet will be white men, with maybe a Kellyann as a social secretary or something. I cannot watch TV much because he is always on the screen in the background, he was during the whole election season but he appeared as a joke to me. I am saying this as an old white woman, comfortably well off financially so he really cannot hurt me like he can young women, Muslims, foreigners of any stripe, the poor, and of course the blacks. I find myself crying for no reason but know it will stop soon, you can only mourn so long then life takes over again. God help us.
6
Is this going to go on for the next four years, because, this act is already stale. Your corrupt candidate lost. Get over it, and move on. Just because someone doesn't agree with you, they get a nasty label from you. So much for democracy.
12
Charles , where have you been ? The right's entire campaign excluded all but male white Christians. The campaign managers were alt. right people from Breitbart.Com , folks who have endlessly preached anti-Semitism and racial bigotry. Trump received support from both the KKK and David Duke and he clearly preached the song of Jim Crow in both overt and covert messages.
If you parse the election results, it is manifest that a disgruntled white group of men , and surprisingly ,women , carried the day. An obvious blacklash from those who resent the wonderful diversity of our country. People whose bigotry refused to accept Obama who has been the most dignified , intelligent , well prepared president in my experience and going back to Harry Truman
What all of this means in terms of climate change , NATO , the Iran nuclear agreement , and the tar baby known as ISIS remains to be seen. The prognosis is not favorable as Trump has expressed much displeasure with all of the above despite the fact that his grasp of such subject manner is non existent
Women will now be considered second class citizens by such religious fanatics as our vice president elect and there will be a Black Friday sale on burkas in deference to our women who will now be regarded as brood sows, lacking the moral compass and intelligence to make their own reproductive health decisions and plan their own families
Join us , Charles , in our time machine and return with us to the times of Elmer Gantry and Massa Crow
If you parse the election results, it is manifest that a disgruntled white group of men , and surprisingly ,women , carried the day. An obvious blacklash from those who resent the wonderful diversity of our country. People whose bigotry refused to accept Obama who has been the most dignified , intelligent , well prepared president in my experience and going back to Harry Truman
What all of this means in terms of climate change , NATO , the Iran nuclear agreement , and the tar baby known as ISIS remains to be seen. The prognosis is not favorable as Trump has expressed much displeasure with all of the above despite the fact that his grasp of such subject manner is non existent
Women will now be considered second class citizens by such religious fanatics as our vice president elect and there will be a Black Friday sale on burkas in deference to our women who will now be regarded as brood sows, lacking the moral compass and intelligence to make their own reproductive health decisions and plan their own families
Join us , Charles , in our time machine and return with us to the times of Elmer Gantry and Massa Crow
6
What this election has showed is that half over our voters were fed up with the liberal, alt-left positions which were threatening our democracy and freedoms. Look in the mirror Blow and fellow democrats....68% of the country said we were heading in the wrong direction... and the democrats didn't listen but continued to lead this country into the depths of dispair. Grow up democrats and give our country a chance for unity.
8
Mr. Blow, in his final paragraph, is advocating resistance to anything that Trump does. Will he accept responsibility if anyone reads his words and decides that only violent resistance will be effective?
7
Mr. Blow take a deep breath and let go. Donald Trump did not get elected because people were attracted to his bigotry but because the Dems did a terrible of mobilizing their base. Hillary Clinton didn't even bother visit Wisconsin after her nomination at the DNC. She lost with narrow margins in PA, WI and MI where Trump under performed Romney in 2012. So next time you see a millennial whining about Trump not being his or her president ask the person what was she doing on Nov 8.
10
Mr. Blow should question his own smugness before casting judgements. His predisposition to name Trump a bigot insults the election results, before it begins. There is no hope in that. Don't be the sore loser sir, take a hard look at your own flawed candidate that you are so willing to excuse. Respect the election.
10
You have written the column I would have if, in my 86th year, I were so employed. I suspect you have spoken for many of us. Now we become the "loyal opposition" - not loyal to this dangerous president but loyal to the ideals and practices that have made this country the shining light it has always been. May we have the wisdom and perseverance to fight to keep that light shining bright - a beacon of hope to a broken and hurting world.
Diane Barnhill
Diane Barnhill
18
Mr Blow. Your bias is so strong and objectivity so weak, I am reminded of my dear grandmother's comment....."and the pot calls the kettle black". Your bigoted comments and hate towards those who do not think and look like you weakens your argument....and does not require much talent....which is probably why you have this gig versus writing obit's in Erie.
12
Blow - because I don't want illegal immigrants in my country doesn't make me a bigot. Because I think Black Lives Matter is anti-police doesn't make me racist. Because I don't want transgenders in the same restroom as my daughter doesn't make me a homophobe. Because I don't want women in the infantry doesn't make me a sexist.
Deal with it.
Deal with it.
14
John Sununo was on CNN stating that Trump had won an overwhelming victory - here comes the lies again supported by the silence of the media so-called journalists. To be correct, Hillary received 2% more of the vote. Trump won a surprising victory, not an overwhelming vistory. The minoirty of people in the US support him and CNN should be ashamed. But, they have not shame.
14
Charles, you are the poster child media member for not understanding why DJT was elected. Liberal elites on both coasts haven't a clue on what has taken place to main street America. The loss of millions and millions of jobs have fueled anger----racial, religious, sexual, political, etc. This country has abandoned our working class with an attitude of "go adapt to the new world--suck it up". You and your cohorts fail miserably to understand where the anger comes from. DJT was elected to give Washington an enema and a belief that he will be able to revitalize our weak economy. I don't believe he is a bigot (which sounds like sour grapes on your part).
I think this is your worst column ever and says volumes about your own racial hatred.
I think this is your worst column ever and says volumes about your own racial hatred.
22
"Businessman Donald Trump was a bigot. Candidate Donald Trump was a bigot. Republican nominee Donald Trump was a bigot. And I can only assume that President Donald Trump will be a bigot.
It is absolutely possible that America didn’t elect him in spite of that, but because of it." - of course! Yes! No question!
It is absolutely possible that America didn’t elect him in spite of that, but because of it." - of course! Yes! No question!
10
This might be Charles M. Blow's masterpiece column if there is
such a category.
12
Charles Blow has learned nothing from this. And it was to be expected. In the next four years he poitions himself to play to the gallery to those who like him have learned nothing. It won't matter. The vast majority of the electorate respect our democracy and have a general respect for those whose opinions differ from those of their own. This is just noise.
11
Let's hope that people like Blow will stop using the word "racist" in every other hateful paragraph he writes about Trump and his "white, uneducated" voters. So easy to forget when Obama was first elected in 2004 his voters were people of all colors...including millions of whites! What Happened? Obama and Holder reignited the war on race and bigotry and we're helped in great part by bigoted and racist writers like Charles Blow. As a white male I voted for Obama and like millions of Americans who did likewise, we Finally hoped racism was on the road to extinction. As long as there are people like Blow and thugs like those in BLM , I fear racial unrest will remain with us for many more years.
14
Mr. Your comments and columns are usually highly predictable in their reactions to events. This one is exactly what can be expected. Anyone who has read you and knows your biases could have written this for you the moment the polls closed and started to report the ascendancy of the thinking of others who are beyond the contained echosphere of the NYT and its ilk.
9
Wow. The whiners here sound like a bunch of simpering wimps, the sort of people that drag down America.
G-d bless President elect Trump.
G-d bless President elect Trump.
11
It's pretty clear that Mr. Blow is opposed to Mr. Trump because of the President-elect's race.
12
Mr. Blow, the issue you, The New York Times, the main stream media, both coasts and the urban centers have missed has been the vulnerability of lower-middle class and poor whites and rural Americans of ALL ethnicities. It is not the rest of America that is out of touch. You've been blinded and deafened to them or simply refused to see them as a vulnerable population worthy of your champion pen. As your colleague Jim Ruterberg wrote yesterday:
"most journalists were blind to their own “bigotry against conservative religion, bigotry against rural folks, and bigotry against working class and poor white people.”
Most of us were shocked by Tuesday's outcome. Name-calling and 'guilt by association/voting' isn't a way forward to anything other than more deeply etched divisiveness. Let's come together. Respect isn't a wage to be earned. It is grace. I am starting there.
"most journalists were blind to their own “bigotry against conservative religion, bigotry against rural folks, and bigotry against working class and poor white people.”
Most of us were shocked by Tuesday's outcome. Name-calling and 'guilt by association/voting' isn't a way forward to anything other than more deeply etched divisiveness. Let's come together. Respect isn't a wage to be earned. It is grace. I am starting there.
13
Thank you, Charles, for another right-on piece of writing. When I see readers" comments, I can't help wondering how some can still insist that Bernie Sanders could have won the election. How can anyone believe that a Jewish socialist -- no matter how appealing -- could be elected president in a country that can't quite bring itself to elect a woman?
10
For a moment, I thought you were writing a column about the very Rev. Al Sharpton, and that somehow he got elected. But then I realized Al is still roaming the country, popping up with black families in grief, and still chasing the racial buck.
I suppose its popular to decry Trump as "racist." But then you will have to explain how the very same white people who just voted for Trump in the Rust Belt and Appalachia also voted to put the first black man in the WH just 8 years ago.
But what do I know, I'm just a "bitter white guy, clinging to my guns and my religion."
I suppose its popular to decry Trump as "racist." But then you will have to explain how the very same white people who just voted for Trump in the Rust Belt and Appalachia also voted to put the first black man in the WH just 8 years ago.
But what do I know, I'm just a "bitter white guy, clinging to my guns and my religion."
16
I will never understand how the right wing religious types who accept bombing and murdering abortion clinic workers, terrorizing them, can accept Trump who lusts after his own daughter, then pretends he is a 'christian'.
6
For those who voted for Trump, own it. You have sided with a racist, ignorant, xenophobic, Islamaphobic, misogynistic, bully. He is your candidate and the Republican Party's candidate. He is who you are, even if you do not subscribe to each and every one of his idiotic positions.
Like Mr. Blow, I'm not on board with Trump. For all of that, Trump's election says a lot of things about our great land that mortify me. We are not a nation of bigots, but we're a nation with a huge population of bigots. A basket of them, one might say.
Like Mr. Blow, I'm not on board with Trump. For all of that, Trump's election says a lot of things about our great land that mortify me. We are not a nation of bigots, but we're a nation with a huge population of bigots. A basket of them, one might say.
11
Mr. blow, you talk about "advancing America's interests" as iuf there were some universal, objective content to what "America's interests" are. Surely the takeaway from this electiokn should be that we DON'T agree on what those interests are. That it suckjs to be on the losing side of that decision - to see interests adverse to your own advanced as Americas interests. Maybe it will prompt some humility, and a recognition that government should be restrained.
5
Dear Mr. Blow: Courageously and clearly said, thank you. I think of Jack, Bobby and Ted Kennedy, and of Rev. Martin Luther King, and what they would say and do now-- continue fighting "the good fight" for all decent persons in our democracy, now so threatened with an autocrat president-to-be and a fully compliant GOP congress. This racist and evil group will be defeated, in time. Let us work together toward that end.
9
We survived Warren G. Harding. I hope we can survive Donald J. Trump.
2
Yes America elected a bigot, where was the African American vote? The people of Flint were poisoned by republican leadership and fewer voted for HRC than Obama, why? I understand racist bigotry, I fail to understand voter apathy.
7
A friend at work told me that if I voted for Hillary the Country would go to Hades in a hand basket - they were right!
3
We can always count on Blow to take the hateful low road.
11
"America elects a bigot"
We have just had 8 years of a president who thought his opponents were "bitter clingers", expressly naming religion as one of the flaws in his opponents' thinking. Trump defeated a candidate who thought those who didn't support her were 'deplorable".
I guess 'bigotry' depends on which party you support.
We have just had 8 years of a president who thought his opponents were "bitter clingers", expressly naming religion as one of the flaws in his opponents' thinking. Trump defeated a candidate who thought those who didn't support her were 'deplorable".
I guess 'bigotry' depends on which party you support.
16
I threw in the towel. It is over for me and my ilk: working for the common good. Giuliani = FBI director, Newt = Secretary of State, Christie= Attorney General. I am done. Effete.
8
I was struck dumb by what happened on Tuesday. That a majority of Americans would elect such an obviously unqualified person to the most powerful position on this planet is just dumbfounding. Those who elected him say their need for change overwhelmed all the negatives surrounding him. If that is true, that is one helluva risk they’re wanting everyone to take for the slim-to-nothing chance that he can live up to his lofty promises.
They say that they need Washington to pay attention to their plight. That their stagnant income is not keeping up with their expenses and causing them to fall further behind. Well . . . did they miss the fact that for the past eight years, his Republican party has blocked any legislation the Democrats were trying to pass that would have helped retrain them for a field of work they might actually enjoy. And they blocked Democratic legislation that would have rebuilt our infrastructure, employing millions of construction workers. in short, Republicans did whatever they could to sabotage our economy during the Obama administration, causing working class people to suffer longer than they had to, simply to make Democrats look bad.
So now the working-class voters, have put their trust for POSITIVE change into the hands of the same party that has been shafting them for eight long years. Like I said . . . Dumbfounding!
They say that they need Washington to pay attention to their plight. That their stagnant income is not keeping up with their expenses and causing them to fall further behind. Well . . . did they miss the fact that for the past eight years, his Republican party has blocked any legislation the Democrats were trying to pass that would have helped retrain them for a field of work they might actually enjoy. And they blocked Democratic legislation that would have rebuilt our infrastructure, employing millions of construction workers. in short, Republicans did whatever they could to sabotage our economy during the Obama administration, causing working class people to suffer longer than they had to, simply to make Democrats look bad.
So now the working-class voters, have put their trust for POSITIVE change into the hands of the same party that has been shafting them for eight long years. Like I said . . . Dumbfounding!
31
You're the bigot, Charles. Read a dictionary. A bigot is someone who is intolerant of people with different opinions. You're one of the least tolerant people at the New York Times.
Perhaps you shouldn't have pursued a subtle narrative of justifying violence towards others, and marginalizing them based on your label of "racist". The O'Keefe videos proved planned DNC violence at Trump rallies, and the numerous videos we can all see on the internet (never mentioned by you), clearly show people violently attacking other people simply because they voted for Trump.
The greatest leaders of black Americans preached peace, not violence. You should take a lesson from them. You're in a position of power. Be a leader, not an enabler.
Perhaps you shouldn't have pursued a subtle narrative of justifying violence towards others, and marginalizing them based on your label of "racist". The O'Keefe videos proved planned DNC violence at Trump rallies, and the numerous videos we can all see on the internet (never mentioned by you), clearly show people violently attacking other people simply because they voted for Trump.
The greatest leaders of black Americans preached peace, not violence. You should take a lesson from them. You're in a position of power. Be a leader, not an enabler.
21
Great. Journalist need to start doing your job. the press is just as much to blame as those who are brain washed by hatred and anger. start invesigating
3
No, America didn't elect a bigot. America elected a candidate who promised to enforce the duly-passed immigration laws of the government which he sought to lead, which, by the way, is a constitutional mandate of the office. His opponent promised to break them, among other things.
Funny, but Latinos must have understood Trump wasn't talking about all immigrants with his Mexican rapist comment--30% of them voted for him.
As for misogyny, or for utter rage today within the ranks of females, Trump won the election on the backs of white, middle class WOMEN, getting 10% more of them than Obama. They apparently saw through the charade that Hillary was one of them, perhaps because they could remember what she did to Monica Lewinsky, Jennifer Flowers, et al.
Count you among the resistance? Gonna go protest democracy like the infantile millennials marching in the streets? That'd be about right. This paper and its columnists have never been accepting of democracy, except when it suited them. The people spoke, yet you and this paper are so smugly certain you are always right until you still refuse to listen.
Here's an idea. Just leave. There's not yet a wall to impede your progress, so do it now. Elections, as Obama noted eight years ago, indeed have consequences.
Funny, but Latinos must have understood Trump wasn't talking about all immigrants with his Mexican rapist comment--30% of them voted for him.
As for misogyny, or for utter rage today within the ranks of females, Trump won the election on the backs of white, middle class WOMEN, getting 10% more of them than Obama. They apparently saw through the charade that Hillary was one of them, perhaps because they could remember what she did to Monica Lewinsky, Jennifer Flowers, et al.
Count you among the resistance? Gonna go protest democracy like the infantile millennials marching in the streets? That'd be about right. This paper and its columnists have never been accepting of democracy, except when it suited them. The people spoke, yet you and this paper are so smugly certain you are always right until you still refuse to listen.
Here's an idea. Just leave. There's not yet a wall to impede your progress, so do it now. Elections, as Obama noted eight years ago, indeed have consequences.
9
Finally we have a President who knows how to think big, build things, and get things done.
Sorry to say Mr. Obama passed a stimulus bill early on and spent all the money but later admitted that nothing was 'shovel ready'.
He rammed through Obamacare but couldn't build the website properly and misrepresented the benefits to all of us.
Oh and after 8 years of a Black President can we say he made Blacks better off?
Sorry to say Mr. Obama passed a stimulus bill early on and spent all the money but later admitted that nothing was 'shovel ready'.
He rammed through Obamacare but couldn't build the website properly and misrepresented the benefits to all of us.
Oh and after 8 years of a Black President can we say he made Blacks better off?
6
Reading through these comments only proves to me that Liberalism is vile and dangerous mental disorder
9
Is he a bigot because he courted primarily a large group of white, disaffected voters? Those grounds aren't sufficient.
Or is he a bigot because he has bigoted supporters (KKK)?
He definitely acted like a bigot when he refused to rent to African Americans in the 70s, and got caught but never admitted it.
Or is he a bigot because that's the only way you can justify your anger Charles?
My point is that I don't know if he's a bigot. I suspect strongly that, like most of us, he holds prejudicial views. I don't knows that this is grounds for hating someone, or judging someone.
I don't like him or the GOP either. But they won. And like it or not, we need to give them room to lead and either succeed, or fail, on their own merits.
Then in 4 years we can judge him, from the ballot box.
Or is he a bigot because he has bigoted supporters (KKK)?
He definitely acted like a bigot when he refused to rent to African Americans in the 70s, and got caught but never admitted it.
Or is he a bigot because that's the only way you can justify your anger Charles?
My point is that I don't know if he's a bigot. I suspect strongly that, like most of us, he holds prejudicial views. I don't knows that this is grounds for hating someone, or judging someone.
I don't like him or the GOP either. But they won. And like it or not, we need to give them room to lead and either succeed, or fail, on their own merits.
Then in 4 years we can judge him, from the ballot box.
6
Accusing everyone of racism is not a winning strategy. Perhaps you should leave the confines and ideological "safe space" of Manhattan and visit the rural areas where people are suffering economically. Maybe try and understand peoples struggles in the Rust Belt and beyond. Unless you do that you are just another bloviating journalist that the majority of Americans have lost respect for.
11
There is strong possibility that Trump will not be able to take the oath of office. If he is found guilty of fraud in the Trump University case he will be convicted of a federal crime and thus a criminal and will be disqualified. He also has other criminal cases pending. What surprises me most and has caused me to loose confidence in the American people is that with all the baggage this man has and I see no need to list them as we are all aware of them. That the moral fiber of the American people who voted for him is very disappointing. If you voted for a man in his own words has admitted to assaulting women and disparaged every race, gender of people on the planet you need to search within yourself to why your judgement for such a person is acceptable. When it blows up in your face as it surely is going to happen, remember to acknowledge you voted for this individual and don't go into hiding like you did when George Bush screwed up the country. If you think Bush was bad wait until you get a load of Trump. But, as they say you get what you pay for. I am so disappointed in the moral fiber displayed by some of the American people. I thought the 1960's were long passed and the character of the country had improved. It is one thing to run for office all together different when you have that responsibility. There is an uprising brewing, people are taking to the streets. I've never seen that happen after a presidential election and I have experienced them since Kennedy.
6
Your pathetic name calling is beneath you. That's really been the left this season. Let's see, he's misogynist, racist, Islamophobic, and, Oh well, I know that there are about 7 other names you (collectively) called him. The fact is that we had two fatally flawed candidates. I was far more afraid of Hillary than I was of Mr. Trump.
Anyway, I hope you have had your catharsis. 8 years ago, I was deeply disappointed in the election and the subsequent years helped me see I had good reason to be disappointed. I got on with my life. I didn't take to the streets. I obeyed the law paid my taxes and now, I'm excited again about the direction of our country. Maybe you should do the same.
Anyway, I hope you have had your catharsis. 8 years ago, I was deeply disappointed in the election and the subsequent years helped me see I had good reason to be disappointed. I got on with my life. I didn't take to the streets. I obeyed the law paid my taxes and now, I'm excited again about the direction of our country. Maybe you should do the same.
9
I fear that this country will be destroyed within by electing this monster, who will then in turn fill Cabinet and SCOTUS w/ equally ugly, mean spirited old white men, depriving us our constitutional rights. I am very afraid.
10
As an article in this paper quoted from The Atlantic (I'm paraphrasing):
The left and the media did not take Trump seriously yet took everything he said literally. His supporters took him seriously yet did not take everything he said literally.
I think that very succinctly summed up the bubble world Blow and his type are living in. The make believe world of social media and the internet has long been ripping the veil of civility to pieces in this country, most people recognizing that much of what is spewed forth is to be viewed skeptically.
Donald Trump has merely been the one to rip that veil of civility to shreds and transport American politics in to the bizarro world of social media where anything can be shown or said yet doesn't have to necessarily be believed or even to be true.
Welcome to our brave new world.
The left and the media did not take Trump seriously yet took everything he said literally. His supporters took him seriously yet did not take everything he said literally.
I think that very succinctly summed up the bubble world Blow and his type are living in. The make believe world of social media and the internet has long been ripping the veil of civility to pieces in this country, most people recognizing that much of what is spewed forth is to be viewed skeptically.
Donald Trump has merely been the one to rip that veil of civility to shreds and transport American politics in to the bizarro world of social media where anything can be shown or said yet doesn't have to necessarily be believed or even to be true.
Welcome to our brave new world.
3
Larissa MacFarquhar did a story in the New Yorker recently about Trump voters in the Rust Belt. Their rational for voting for Trump had very little to do with bigotry. My guess is that there were more than a few older white voters in places like Michigan who voted for Jesse Jackson in the 80s. Perhaps those crying bigotry should be aware of the mote in their own eye. Mr. Trump should be carefully monitored for violations to the rule of law and our civil liberties. But we must remember that he, like President Obama, is the President for all Americans. I will be interested to see whether your resistance to Mr. Trump's governance will involve the benefit to a wider group than you usually advocate for, Charles. We have to be sensitive to the rights those who are unlike ourselves. That is part of what it means to be an American.
4
Thank you for writing this article. You've articulated so clearly how many of us are feeling who were not expecting this outcome. I am wondering how many people of faith in the red states could have voted for someone that walks, talks and behaves in stark contrast to religious values. How could that have been reconciled? I, like many, am also concerned that the 3 branches of government are all controlled by republicans and am coming to grips that the Paris Accord will not be adhered to, our right to choose is at risk and access to healthcare will suffer once again. Not sure what lessons were learned, but I am seeking those and hoping that the people that were on the right side of history will ACT and turn our disgust into action. Lets never allow someone like this to hold the office of president ever again.
1
I do not think Trump is a racist, sexist, Islamophobe, homophobe, xenophobe, or that he has hatred for any one particular class, race, color, creed or sexual orientation.
I think he believes everyone in the world is beneath him. I think he believes himself superior to all of us. He believes all of us must defer to his view, and that we should be grateful for the fact that he exists as the world would be without any redeeming value if he was not here.
I think he believes everyone in the world is beneath him. I think he believes himself superior to all of us. He believes all of us must defer to his view, and that we should be grateful for the fact that he exists as the world would be without any redeeming value if he was not here.
4
I'm tired, so tired of 'the forgotten white men' out there somewhere. While I've always voted and worked with a view towards the greater good (and less about my taxes) I'm feeling much less inclined now. Why am I sweating this election? I'm a grown white man, upper middle class, kids grown up, etc. I don't have dog in the hunt for abortion rights, affordable medical care, good schools, or anything else really. So those 'forgotten men and women' who were simply too lazy and too racist to adapt, enjoy your elected president. I'm not all that concerned anymore about you since you aren't serious about yourselves.
1
Hillary did not get the support from the Black community that Obama did.
If you did not vote, do not complain.
If you did not vote, do not complain.
2
Dear Mr. Blow,
It's not just that this man has become president;both houses of Congress are now Republican controlled AND he will choose the next SCOTUS nominee.
"Welcome to My Nightmare" by Alice Cooper may very well be the national anthem for the 1/2 of the country that didn't vote for this fool.
Let's keep our hopes simple; survive four years under this government, two years if you think anyone will show up for the midterm elections in 2018, then try again in 2020 to oust "hatred" from our politics.
Tall order as there really is "no cure for stupid" but if one doesn't have hope, one has despair and despair leads to nothing.
"Pick yourself up and get back in the race" but THIS time without the polls, pundits or media babbling about the odds before hand. To me, that is the biggest lesson to be learned from this fiasco.
It's not just that this man has become president;both houses of Congress are now Republican controlled AND he will choose the next SCOTUS nominee.
"Welcome to My Nightmare" by Alice Cooper may very well be the national anthem for the 1/2 of the country that didn't vote for this fool.
Let's keep our hopes simple; survive four years under this government, two years if you think anyone will show up for the midterm elections in 2018, then try again in 2020 to oust "hatred" from our politics.
Tall order as there really is "no cure for stupid" but if one doesn't have hope, one has despair and despair leads to nothing.
"Pick yourself up and get back in the race" but THIS time without the polls, pundits or media babbling about the odds before hand. To me, that is the biggest lesson to be learned from this fiasco.
3
I am more than sure, Mr. Blow, that if your life was dug into and examined as Mr. Trump's has been, we would find bigoted statements and actions. The world is complex. Purity is not the aim.
8
Thank you. This is what I needed today.
2
The fact that people such as yourself consider him a bigot is half the reason many voted for him.
That was Trump's campaign in a nutshell. "Those People" think they're better than you--but you'll show them by voting for me!
That was Trump's campaign in a nutshell. "Those People" think they're better than you--but you'll show them by voting for me!
Looking through the archive of your columns over the past 12 months, it seems that you -- like most of your colleagues -- spent nearly all of your time either demonizing Trump or sneering at his supporters. Maybe liberal opinion writers should have used some of that time focusing on the dishonesty of Hillary Clinton and the corrupt shenanigans of the Clinton Foundation. That might have opened the way for Joe Biden or even Martin O'Malley to come forward. I'm sure that either one of those would have defeated Trump, and you wouldn't be writing a column filled with such bitterness.
4
A majority of white Americans heard a man with no qualifications for the office he sought disrespect the plurality of ethnicities and faiths represented in this country and elected him to lead the world's lone superpower.
This is what white nationalism looks like.
This is what white nationalism looks like.
4
You lost but America won
5
One of the reasons Republicans have spent the last six years vowing to repeal Obamacare is because it was purely symbolic. They've never once proposed a fix, or suggested an alternative. Now they're in the uncomfortable position of having to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
Plus their bloodthirsty mob has been promised a conviction for Hillary. That'll be the first of many campaign promises he's now stuck with.
And all those anti-establishment Republicans who think they control their party? Look who is in charge: Giuliani, Christie and Gingrich. Some grassroots revolution this will turn out to be.
Plus their bloodthirsty mob has been promised a conviction for Hillary. That'll be the first of many campaign promises he's now stuck with.
And all those anti-establishment Republicans who think they control their party? Look who is in charge: Giuliani, Christie and Gingrich. Some grassroots revolution this will turn out to be.
10
As Charles Blow would agree, race relations is the lynchpin of American politics. However, the most important race relations in presidential election is the relationship between white liberals and African Americans within the Democratic Party. The biggest issue for this election cycle was that the Black Lives Matter movement frightened, strained, and ultimately alienated white liberals. The unfolding protest with no realistic solution in sight, holding up white suburban residents with traffic gridlock, labeling all whites as racists, and the Clinton in particular as Jailers-in-Chief and the inventors of the "Superpredator" label, all broke this most fragile alliance in American politics. Is it any wonder that white Democrats in Ohio (Cleveland), North Carolina (Charlotte), and Wisconsin (Milwaukee) stayed home? A crucial part of electoral politics is managing the optics: it turns out that the time and the place for addressing race relations in urban policing was at the summer of 2016 when you have a racist bigot who's main advisor is the architect of "Stop and Frisk." The black activists who are so well-aware of the fricklenss of white liberal alliance made this bed--it's all too appropriate that they now lie in it. African American intellectuals LOVE telling The rest of us how we disappoint them. Maybe, you can turn all that precious insight and prescience back on yourself and your community. African Americans in Princeton and Oberlin: "How do you like them apples?"
5
For one I will not be watching the swearing in . . . It is a small gesture but I cannot for the life of me pretend to collude in what I believe is the swearing in of an evil man. Once my anger draws down to a slow simmer I will galvanize my energy to do what is necessary to start the long and slow process of getting thoughtful people back in office . . . at the local level, the State level and at the National level. What other choice is there? What happened, happened and one cannot unring the bell that has been struck. I spend ½ the year in Tanzania and . . . people everywhere I go say to me, "Pole sana" (Kiswahili for so sorry). No one here understands how the American people could have elected such a scoundrel.
6
Wonderful comments. I'm on board
4
Basically 2 wars, tax breaks to the rich, stock crsh, economy blown up, then they sit on their hands for 8 years while the american people suffer all the while knowing the people voted in Obama for change.
Facts are the republicans cannot stand anyone in power but themselves and will do anything at all to attain it.
We saw how they used the FBI this election... We will not forget.
Facts are the republicans cannot stand anyone in power but themselves and will do anything at all to attain it.
We saw how they used the FBI this election... We will not forget.
6
I absolutely agree. I am grief stricken and embarrassed.
5
I agree whole heartedly with the sentiment Charles expresses. that said, it is important to look in the mirror as to how we got here. Bernie, you own some of this; weakening a strong candidate and turning our base against her for nothing than assuaging your own ego. Silicon Valley big wigs; you own some of this; thinking you could sit on the sidelines and have someone else take the bullet for you. And to everyone who did not vote; especially anyone now putting energy into protests; you above all own this and you above all deserve what you now get. I will be fine. 61 yo white married male in the 1%. I should be happy that my taxes will go down and my :"birthright" place above the natural order restored. I can't be happy for I know the damage one man can do from 2 of the last 3 Republican presidents (GHWBush was a good man) have done to our country. God save the Queen but please; reconsider your timing on harvesting DT
5
Excellent column, which says it all. In this terrible hour,I think of my late father, a member of The Greatest Generation, who fought to preserve our freedoms during World War II. He is not resting peacefully in his grave tonight.
1
Republicans presented a nominee who deals in hatred and in response the Democrats presented a nominee who rightly or wrongly draws and inspires hatred. Republicans presented a nominee devoid of anything but gratuitous insults and abuse, Democrats in turn presented a tailor made punching bag.
Now in absorbing the reality of President-Elect Trump there can be no doubt that Hillary Clinton was not our best choice. Much as I admire your writing and what you have shared of your life story, you, Mr. Charles Blow, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Donna Brazile, Debbie Wasserman-Schults, Paul Krugman, and many others who continually sniped at Bernie Sanders must now take ownership of that.
Now in absorbing the reality of President-Elect Trump there can be no doubt that Hillary Clinton was not our best choice. Much as I admire your writing and what you have shared of your life story, you, Mr. Charles Blow, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Donna Brazile, Debbie Wasserman-Schults, Paul Krugman, and many others who continually sniped at Bernie Sanders must now take ownership of that.
3
The people who have written or said that Trump is a "populist" have not looked up the meaning of the word. Just because I say I am an angel does not mean I am one. Name one position of his that has a populist overtone. Just as scary is the Republican control of the House and Senate. Goodbye Supreme Court independence. Goodbye health care (Medicare, Medicaid, ACA, Planned Parenthood, etc.) Goodbye voting rights for the poor and minorities. Goodbye renewable energy. Goodbye product safety regulations.
Goodbye "government for the people". Hello "government for the select people."
Goodbye "government for the people". Hello "government for the select people."
4
If you didn't vote, you have no right to complain about the results of the election. There are roughly 900,000 Muslims in Michigan- did every single voting age Muslim there vote for Hillary? She lost Michigan by the narrowest of margins.
Only 54% of college-educated, white females voted for Hillary, A sizable number voted for Trump. Many African-Americans simply didn't vote, when turned out in droves in the last election for Obama.
26 million Americans now have health insurance thanks to the Obamacare plan, which Hillary promised to uphold. Trump has promised to quickly eliminate it, likely leaving those people without any health insurance, again. Yet many of those people probably didn't vote or they voted for Trump.
If you don't like the election results, hey, you should have voted!!
Only 54% of college-educated, white females voted for Hillary, A sizable number voted for Trump. Many African-Americans simply didn't vote, when turned out in droves in the last election for Obama.
26 million Americans now have health insurance thanks to the Obamacare plan, which Hillary promised to uphold. Trump has promised to quickly eliminate it, likely leaving those people without any health insurance, again. Yet many of those people probably didn't vote or they voted for Trump.
If you don't like the election results, hey, you should have voted!!
10
This is one of the best op-ed articles I've read so far.
8
I agree with Mr Blow’s sentiment about the “pent up hunger for change” (mainly racial and ethnic, it appears). The American people apparently decided to teach Mrs Clinton a lesson for all her wrongs, probably more imagined than real as there seems to be little proof of all the things she has been accused of, which is probably why endless congressional hearings never get anywhere.
Unfortunately, you have to live with it and that’s a shame because your country deserves better than a rich redneck as president. Would Clinton really have been so much worse than Trump, given what he’s now going to do to your amazing country, or was it just about punishing her, as you’ve done, and then moving on to deal with the aftermath?
It's hard to imagine that Trump will get through four years without being impeached (apparently he can't be recalled), although it was also hard to imagine that he would be elected. If he does go, then you’ll have an extreme right-wing creationist as president, who, when it comes to bigotry and ignorance, makes Trump look like the Good Witch of the North (now there’s an image I could have done without).
When it comes to Trump participating in the pageantry of the presidency, I am appalled to think that, in the context of a state visit, our Queen might have to shake hands with him. After all, she now knows where his hands have been.
I am tempted to say - America, what have you done? – but the fact is that you will survive Trump, one way or another.
Unfortunately, you have to live with it and that’s a shame because your country deserves better than a rich redneck as president. Would Clinton really have been so much worse than Trump, given what he’s now going to do to your amazing country, or was it just about punishing her, as you’ve done, and then moving on to deal with the aftermath?
It's hard to imagine that Trump will get through four years without being impeached (apparently he can't be recalled), although it was also hard to imagine that he would be elected. If he does go, then you’ll have an extreme right-wing creationist as president, who, when it comes to bigotry and ignorance, makes Trump look like the Good Witch of the North (now there’s an image I could have done without).
When it comes to Trump participating in the pageantry of the presidency, I am appalled to think that, in the context of a state visit, our Queen might have to shake hands with him. After all, she now knows where his hands have been.
I am tempted to say - America, what have you done? – but the fact is that you will survive Trump, one way or another.
6
I completely blame the DNC with Debbie Wasserman Schulz, Donna Brazille, etc. The Democratic Primary was rigged- They had to have Clinton, and during the primary I would be attacked for saying anything critical about her- We do know that for a fact thanks to Wikileaks. Bernie would have had the Millenials behind him with gusto. Now, the dems must look critically at what happened- Acting like Republicans in not the way to get real Democrats and Progressives to the polls. The Hillary people still do not accept blame.
9
He is above all a narcissist, and judging from his campaign, at best we can expect chaos from his administration.
3
I too do not respect Trump now and I will not respect Trump when he is President. I cannot support a xenophobic, misogynistic, homophobic, racist bully. As for his supporters who honestly believe that he will make their lives better and bring back jobs, I do not have empathy or sympathy for them. I have only pity and disgust as they have made themselves even worse off.
7
Liberals are angry and frustrated at the election results,
because they've had this delusion that you can actually improve human nature through the right policies and educational courses. "The perfectability of Man" used to be a tentpole of liberal philosophy.
It's garbage.
Left alone, most people naturally self-segregate into groups and neighborhoods in which they have things in common. Even today, interracial couples are a tiny minority in much of the country. Check the personal ads on Craiglist for singles looking for long-term relationships: "SWM seeks SWF" ... "SBF seeks SBM" ... Even today, few singles start out by actively looking for a possible spouse of another race.
Sorry, liberals. We're not logical Vulcans or androids. We're humans, primates that figured out how to walk upright when the jungles receded. You can't eliminate the darker, baser side of human nature. It's forever a part of us, what we evolved from but still carry around. All you can do is create constitutions and laws that restrain it or protect us from it.
Remember: The answer to white Southern racism was NOT to teach white people not to be racists. The answer was the Civil Rights Act.
because they've had this delusion that you can actually improve human nature through the right policies and educational courses. "The perfectability of Man" used to be a tentpole of liberal philosophy.
It's garbage.
Left alone, most people naturally self-segregate into groups and neighborhoods in which they have things in common. Even today, interracial couples are a tiny minority in much of the country. Check the personal ads on Craiglist for singles looking for long-term relationships: "SWM seeks SWF" ... "SBF seeks SBM" ... Even today, few singles start out by actively looking for a possible spouse of another race.
Sorry, liberals. We're not logical Vulcans or androids. We're humans, primates that figured out how to walk upright when the jungles receded. You can't eliminate the darker, baser side of human nature. It's forever a part of us, what we evolved from but still carry around. All you can do is create constitutions and laws that restrain it or protect us from it.
Remember: The answer to white Southern racism was NOT to teach white people not to be racists. The answer was the Civil Rights Act.
4
YES.
I too am angry. I too believe it is a righteous anger. I too hope to use it for good.
Thank you for your op-ed. I will watch for more of your work. I need all the support I can find to keep my anger righteous and useful, instead of bitter and hateful.
I too am angry. I too believe it is a righteous anger. I too hope to use it for good.
Thank you for your op-ed. I will watch for more of your work. I need all the support I can find to keep my anger righteous and useful, instead of bitter and hateful.
1
Hey everyone, remember when Charles Blow called Hillary Clinton a bigot for calling black people "super predators'? Yeah, neither do I.
Liberal hypocrisy is mind boggling.
Liberal hypocrisy is mind boggling.
6
I am afraid this debacle lies at the feet of Dems who were too precious to vote for someone who wasn't Bernie and those Dems who hate Hillary for not divorcing Bill and being 'nasty' to grown women who knew better. Your votes were missing. Shame on you.
3
Some thoughts on after watching the children protesting last night:
1. Nothing makes me more sensitive to the plight of illegal aliens than protesting our electoral process while carrying a Mexican flag
2 . I thought the violent haters were Trump supporters
3. The millennials once again show how they feel entitled and must always get their way
4. What to disperse the protesters? Hand out job applications
5. It is our fault for not giving you a participation trophy
6. Get out of your parents’ basements and get a job
7. Even now the Times can't admit their liberal sickness and that they no longer are relevant.
1. Nothing makes me more sensitive to the plight of illegal aliens than protesting our electoral process while carrying a Mexican flag
2 . I thought the violent haters were Trump supporters
3. The millennials once again show how they feel entitled and must always get their way
4. What to disperse the protesters? Hand out job applications
5. It is our fault for not giving you a participation trophy
6. Get out of your parents’ basements and get a job
7. Even now the Times can't admit their liberal sickness and that they no longer are relevant.
7
Donald Trump. ew.
1
My husband just pointed out that stock in Commercial Prisons rose the fastest since "IT" was elected. Go figure...I guess that's because there will still be the revolving door and unjust criminal systems and we need a place to imprison the parents of the dreamers. Corrections Corp. of America ((Symbol CSW)
3
It is your mischaracterizations of Trump that helped him get elected. The left divided the country into racial groups with different interests that inflamed grievance and conflict. White working class white males used to be part of the democrat's coalition. Racial politics ejected them from the democratic party into Trumps arms. We reap what we sow.
7
I hate Trump and didn't vote for him.
But when you imply we shouldn't have immigration laws or do anything to those who deliberately broke them, you illustrate the reason he was elected.
But when you imply we shouldn't have immigration laws or do anything to those who deliberately broke them, you illustrate the reason he was elected.
9
Thank you, Mr. Blow, for your intelligent, eloquent and cathartic column.
Ever since the election results were announces, I have been dealing with a melange of feelings, starting with disbelief, through anger, to hopelessness.
Your words helped and reminded me that I am not alone, for, according to the latest general vote count, there are 59,923,027 others who wanted Hillary to occupy the White House.
Ever since the election results were announces, I have been dealing with a melange of feelings, starting with disbelief, through anger, to hopelessness.
Your words helped and reminded me that I am not alone, for, according to the latest general vote count, there are 59,923,027 others who wanted Hillary to occupy the White House.
2
The Republicans didn't just elect Trump, they also guarantied the prominence and influence of his un-elected advisers--the equally deplorable Giuliani, Christie, Gingrich, Bannon, etc. The only good to come out of this is that we now know the stark contrast of beliefs and guiding principles between the those who voted for him and those who voted for Secretary Clinton. They can no longer hide behind the tattered shield of The Moral Majority. They have no morals. They have no Christian belief that Christ would recognize.
4
While I personally abhor the orange guy, I read this AM that one in five of white men aged 20-65 were out of work all of last year. That's the election in a nut shell; we can forget about any other reason. I think Trump had his fancy marketing firm do a study, figured this out, and geared his campaign directly to them, right from the "build a wall" kick off.
Now, remember, governing is different. I think he'll do whatever it takes to succeed. We Progressives can kiss goodbye the Supreme Court nomination and Obamacare (and it's not so good anyway after the Rep's screwed it up). However, on other issues, wait and see.
Plus, we Progressives are not helpless or undefended. The protectors of progressive values from the ACLU and the Environmental Defense Fund to college kids in the streets are kicking it up a notch. We will have our say in things. We can vote daily with our feet and our wallets for a safer, more tolerant, cleaner world.
Now, remember, governing is different. I think he'll do whatever it takes to succeed. We Progressives can kiss goodbye the Supreme Court nomination and Obamacare (and it's not so good anyway after the Rep's screwed it up). However, on other issues, wait and see.
Plus, we Progressives are not helpless or undefended. The protectors of progressive values from the ACLU and the Environmental Defense Fund to college kids in the streets are kicking it up a notch. We will have our say in things. We can vote daily with our feet and our wallets for a safer, more tolerant, cleaner world.
3
Until America changes its method of "selecting" presidents in general, you will continue to have Trump and many other candidates like him leading the efforts of the ignorant to live in the 19th century. Revamp that system once and for all such that rural voters can't determine the outcome of big elections, and you'll make steady progress into the 21st century and beyond. Too late to do it this time around, but get ready now and have a solid plan in place when that pendulum swings back to the far left next time around.
4
There is no way this bigot will ever serve the full 4 year team . I expect him to be constantly defending himself in countless law suits . Plus added bonus under oath we will hear what a truly vile person this guy is .
The Democratic Party should dedicate the first year to cause as much problems possible to give him a taste what Obama has put up with for 8 years . He don't have temperament not to blow up .
The Democratic Party should dedicate the first year to cause as much problems possible to give him a taste what Obama has put up with for 8 years . He don't have temperament not to blow up .
3
so now you are going to challenge power... you should have started that years ago.
Sickening is the word. Yesterday I was depressed. Today I am mad and I am disgusted. I am livid at Comey and all the right wing manipulators. Did Trump say "rigged"? Yeah. That's for sure. I thought I'd seen it all in Bush/Gore but now this. But they reap what they sow. It will all come out in the wash. So let's hang tight together 'cause we are in for some sights to behold. I predict (some call me the optimist) that Trump will be out on his can before it's all said and done.
Thank you Mr. Charles M. Blow! You write so well. Thank you so much for all of your insightful, heartfelt columns since the beginning of this nightmare ride.
Thank you Mr. Charles M. Blow! You write so well. Thank you so much for all of your insightful, heartfelt columns since the beginning of this nightmare ride.
1
Mr. Blow puts my rage, shame, sadness and fear into words. I am a 72 year-old, white female, who lives in a small Indiana town; so, I am doubly ashamed of the local and national results. As blue America tries to process our grief, we can look to Mr. Blow to provide affirmation of our values, confirmation of our strength, and a path to the future in this strange land.
756
Dr. Mr. Blow and New York Times. Please do not stop fighting. The heros in my opinion in this election are America's African Americans and all people of colour who who were a bulwark of freedom, decency and democracy against Mr. Trump, a supremely gifted conman. He has done this all of his life. But in electing this man there will be the inevitable fall. Mr. Trump has written too man checks that cannot be cashed. Just like his business empire, which crumbled and went bankrupt, his presidency too will also fail. There has to be somebody in America who will continue fighting for truth and justice against this most dangerous of sociopaths. Literally everybody's freedom depends upon this. I am convinced that Trump's presidency will rot from within. Eventually, even his most ardent supporters will have to acknowledge reality when everything collapses around them.
How did this happen? Republicans vote (and are less likely to be struck from the rolls or have difficulty getting to their polling places). Democrats don't vote or vote for third-party candidates. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, so Donald Trump has no mandate, but won the electoral college vote. My chief concern is that we will restrict voting further, and the Supreme Court will deny other rights.
1
Go for it GOP and Donald Trump. Go for it. Gorge on the people who followed you into an abyss of hatred. That is really how Trump won. Hatred. Once hatred abates, cold reality will set in. We now have a president who pays little or no tax. He will help others to do the same. I have said time and time again, education has failed because we have a large segment of our society who cannot and will not ever believe or search for the truth. It happened with Ronald Reagan, it happened with George Bush, it happened with Nixon and probably with Eisenhower. People believe lies. Get over it, because that is the real truth. Ignorance aka bigotry will always be our downfall.
8
Why don't you elite liberal New Yorkers venture west of the Hudson once in awhile and visit a country you don't know — or care about. You're always jetting east over the pond, but if you go west a little bit to the Rust Belt, you'll be shocked by a whole different nation.
As one of the masses you so disdain, I can show you first hand how your policies have ruined our lives. Say whatever you want about Mr. Trump, but he actually visited us and even listened to our concerns. No one else did.
They simply sneered and laughed at us, showering us with disrespect. Who wrote off white men with a high school education or less, some whom are working, many who are not, and this is the result.
Much as you wish us gone, we're not done with yet. And, yes, this our revenge for your ignorance of how much we've suffered in the past eight years. Deal with it.
As one of the masses you so disdain, I can show you first hand how your policies have ruined our lives. Say whatever you want about Mr. Trump, but he actually visited us and even listened to our concerns. No one else did.
They simply sneered and laughed at us, showering us with disrespect. Who wrote off white men with a high school education or less, some whom are working, many who are not, and this is the result.
Much as you wish us gone, we're not done with yet. And, yes, this our revenge for your ignorance of how much we've suffered in the past eight years. Deal with it.
11
Let's not forget that Trump is also a sexual predator, a fraud, a pathological liar, and a misogynist too.
7
As the sainted Ronald Reagan said, It's mourning in America. Perhaps we should all wear black armbands for the next four years.
3
But at least he didn't use a private email server, right?
7
Mr. Blow - you are displaying bigotry here regarding people who voted for Trump. Your combination of living in New York City and having much of a clue of the Fly-Over country is your bigotry. You tar people you have no contact with (and understanding of). The only area that you are on differing sides on with Trump is guns, and that is only because your brother in Louisiana? owns some, and you have a kind of understanding why people in what you call a rural area might need one for personal protection.
I live in what you would call an urban area (next store to Disney in Orlando), and I clearly understand when I walk my dog at night along a 4 lane highway or in general go about my business that no police will be there from at least 20 minutes, and the event will be over in less than 10 seconds. My grasp of the Pulse is different than yours, because Matten was crazy, but not stupid, and he knew that the location - because of the state law - was a gun-free death zone (same location in NYC would not ban the 2,000 concealed carriers to have a gun).
You have the Clinton bigotry of being an elitist.
I live in what you would call an urban area (next store to Disney in Orlando), and I clearly understand when I walk my dog at night along a 4 lane highway or in general go about my business that no police will be there from at least 20 minutes, and the event will be over in less than 10 seconds. My grasp of the Pulse is different than yours, because Matten was crazy, but not stupid, and he knew that the location - because of the state law - was a gun-free death zone (same location in NYC would not ban the 2,000 concealed carriers to have a gun).
You have the Clinton bigotry of being an elitist.
6
While I voted third party, because I can't stand the two horrible choices we otherwise had, Mr. Blow is as much to blame for Trump as anyone. As a middle class white, I am stuck in the middle of a war I did not create. On the one hand you have Trump and some of his followers using rhetoric with racial overtone. On the other hand, you have Mr. Blow and his crowd constantly attacking white people as the privileged enemy and the oppressor of black America. Without the constant bashing of White America by the people like Blow there would never be enough support for Trump. At the end of the day, all of you on both sides of this race war need to grow up and join the rest of us who want to live MLK's dream.
6
I didn't vote for Donald Trump but now he's my president and yours as well. We should hope for the best but be prepared to speak out against any new policies that conflict with established legal and cultural norms.
Your hate-filled column is a sad but all too typical example of the far-left's response to anyone who fails to support their radical viewpoint... Call them a bigot!
Your hate-filled column is a sad but all too typical example of the far-left's response to anyone who fails to support their radical viewpoint... Call them a bigot!
7
This is just under half of America slapping every woman, minority, immigrant, and thinking American in the face. And I am ashamed hate, fear, bigotry, and blind stupidity are the predominant charecteristics of white male America. This is simply disgusting, and brome whatever faith I had in an American democracy.
10
I don't know if I have ever been as disillusioned as I was last night watching the election returns. I am drastically out of step with the majority of Americans. The country has elected a man who lied more than he told the truth in his comments to the public. It didn't matter. They elected a man who made nonsensical promises about restoring heavy industry while also admitting workers would have to work for less to be competitive. It didn't matter. They elected a man who admitted walking into dressing rooms on naked women including teenagers. It didn't matter.
I want to blame this on the decline of the educational system, yet baby boomers, like me, who grew up in a comprehensive educational system also voted for Trump.
I really don't know how many catastrophes are in store for us in the next 4 years, but I dread the prospect. We have a president elect who has cheated on his wives, cheated on his taxes, and cheated on people who worked for him.
I want to blame this on the decline of the educational system, yet baby boomers, like me, who grew up in a comprehensive educational system also voted for Trump.
I really don't know how many catastrophes are in store for us in the next 4 years, but I dread the prospect. We have a president elect who has cheated on his wives, cheated on his taxes, and cheated on people who worked for him.
1
I would rather have a loud-mouthed, misogynist bigot running the most powerful nation on Earth than a polished, educated, experienced Neocon-Zionist warmonger responsible for the invasion of Iraq, the bombing of Libya and Syria, not to mention prostituting herself before, and receiving millions in 'contributions', from the one nation responsible for the spread of Wahhabi terror across the globe.
I wonder who the real bigot is, Mr. Blow?
I wonder who the real bigot is, Mr. Blow?
3
The whole sex angle linked to Trump was completely overblown by the media. He was certainly no worse then Bill Clinton, and my guess is that Eisenhower liked sex too, not to mention JFK and all of the rest of the Presidents.
Clearly, Hillary lost the election all by herself. Obama, was an African American, but not one skeleton that people could point to. No emails, no speeches to Goldman Sachs, no Bill Clinton. And, she voted to fund the Iraq war, which doomed her against Obama. She was far, far, from a clean candidate, and she was on the defensive until the bus tape with Trump.
Donald Trump is seventy years old. Getting older is humbling. And, he grew up on Long Island like me. Donald, I know you read all the comments in the NYT so hear me well. Just be your own man, and surround yourself with good people, not ideologues. It's his amazing opportunity to create a lasting legacy for himself as a great President of all the people. If he does that, no one will care about failed business ventures or salacious reporting.
Clearly, Hillary lost the election all by herself. Obama, was an African American, but not one skeleton that people could point to. No emails, no speeches to Goldman Sachs, no Bill Clinton. And, she voted to fund the Iraq war, which doomed her against Obama. She was far, far, from a clean candidate, and she was on the defensive until the bus tape with Trump.
Donald Trump is seventy years old. Getting older is humbling. And, he grew up on Long Island like me. Donald, I know you read all the comments in the NYT so hear me well. Just be your own man, and surround yourself with good people, not ideologues. It's his amazing opportunity to create a lasting legacy for himself as a great President of all the people. If he does that, no one will care about failed business ventures or salacious reporting.
5
One thing that has to be made crystal clear to Trump supporters and the Republican Party that spawned his presidency: you will be held accountable by the rest of us for every thing this man does as a president. You will be held accountable if even one life is lost or somebody is attacked because of the bigotry, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia and hatred you have helped normalize. You guys got your wish in spite of what those of us smart enough to see the dangers told you. Buckle your seat belts and be ready to deal with the contempt that will be coming your way.
2
Not much of a humanist, that Mr. Blow. No room in his vast, and apparently empty, mind for the possibility of good in anyone with whom he disagrees.
I saw Mr. Blow on CNN last night sputtering almost incoherently in resentful rage. He continues to cling to his religion of skin color and his thesaurus, although adjectives and adverbs failed him last night.
You were whining last night, Mr. Blow. Even if your point has some validity, nobody likes a whiner.
I saw Mr. Blow on CNN last night sputtering almost incoherently in resentful rage. He continues to cling to his religion of skin color and his thesaurus, although adjectives and adverbs failed him last night.
You were whining last night, Mr. Blow. Even if your point has some validity, nobody likes a whiner.
9
Your non-stop cliche-ridden diatribes were ineffective, Charles. He a big boy and move on.
6
'There was more pent-up hunger for change — and also racial, ethnic and economic angst — than many models considered.'
Mr Blow, I don't like Trump any better than you do. But you and your fellow pundits at the NYT, and the others dwelling in the echo chamber, see your well-intentioned programs from outside. (I'd hoped you might be a little different, because, as you've told us, you grew up poor, not a child of privilege like most of your compatriots.)
The fact is, those 'reforms' aren't helping a big swath of us, and in some cases are actually harming, e.g., us older workers (many college-educated professionals) thrust into the 'gig economy' by layoffs. We scrape together just enough to qualify for no handouts; can afford neither health 'insurance' nor health 'care'; and are punished with a tax when we go uninsured, for not being quite destitute enough. If we do take advantage of subsidies, and manage to earn a bit more than anticipated, we have to give back the subsidy - did you realize that? - taking a lump out of our erratic budgets which we may not be able to cover.
Those who have steady incomes are incapable of understanding. I'd hoped you might. You don't, and can't. You've dwelt in marble halls too long and cannot awake from the dream.
The sad part is that Trump won't help the thrown-away and left-behind. But neither will you.
Mr Blow, I don't like Trump any better than you do. But you and your fellow pundits at the NYT, and the others dwelling in the echo chamber, see your well-intentioned programs from outside. (I'd hoped you might be a little different, because, as you've told us, you grew up poor, not a child of privilege like most of your compatriots.)
The fact is, those 'reforms' aren't helping a big swath of us, and in some cases are actually harming, e.g., us older workers (many college-educated professionals) thrust into the 'gig economy' by layoffs. We scrape together just enough to qualify for no handouts; can afford neither health 'insurance' nor health 'care'; and are punished with a tax when we go uninsured, for not being quite destitute enough. If we do take advantage of subsidies, and manage to earn a bit more than anticipated, we have to give back the subsidy - did you realize that? - taking a lump out of our erratic budgets which we may not be able to cover.
Those who have steady incomes are incapable of understanding. I'd hoped you might. You don't, and can't. You've dwelt in marble halls too long and cannot awake from the dream.
The sad part is that Trump won't help the thrown-away and left-behind. But neither will you.
5
Thank you for using your platform to state the truth. I greatly appreciate it. As an educator, parent, and citizen approaching 60, I am so frightened, angry and heartbroken that my fellow Americans think DT is the right choice to lead our country. I woke up again today reading about who DT wants in his cabinet and I am so ashamed to be an American. It looks like he thinks greatness is regression and I pray that I am wrong. I live in CA and realize I must be in another country. I feel as if I am in a bad sci-fi movie and I can 't get out. A bad dream, I can't wake up from. Like you, I am prepared to challenge this president in every way that I can. Without fail. #NotMyPresident. Not now. Never.
4