I didn't vote for Trump, I voted against Keynes, Krugman, and Marx.
61
Yes, we're horrified. I live in Arkansas, I'm acquainted with the horrifying. Confederate and Gadsden flags are numerous here. I remarked 4 years ago when Romney accepted the GOP nomination that trouble was just around the corner. If you recall, that night, more Americans tuned into Honey BooBoo than the Republican Convention. The writing was on the wall...or the TV.
85
I wanted Bernie; I got Trump.
Do as you please.
Do as you please.
57
Good to see Krugman is still writing his cartoon every day. Republicans are counting on people like Paul to still hold his propaganda near and dear to his heart. We are anxiously awaiting the for the NYT, DNC, CNN, and the rest of the Lefty loons to continue down the same path of lying to the country. Good luck with that!!
74
This garbage about the popular vote just guarantees the liberal blindspot that has now forfeited the presidency, supreme court, congress and an unprecedented number of governorships and statehouses. Our Founding Fathers were brilliant enough to recognize the worst suffering throughout history came from corrupt, abusive centralized power and thus designed our system with checks and balances managed by citizens. The electoral college protects states in total from a few - in this case CA, IL and NY which are overweighted with democrats. Do the other 47 states want to adopt the same economic idiocy of these three states? All three are in horrible financial condition. There's a reason everyone is leaving NY. There's a reason IL pension system is worst in the country. There's a reason there is SO MUCH disparity in CA where taxes are stifling. Grow up. You did this to yourselves. Irony is you reassure each other you are so educated and you live in contrived little bubbles. Keep at it - you just assured decades of Republican and conservative dominance.
82
Krugman's hypocrisy and hubris are almost unfathomable. Just consider two examples:
1. Truth - "First of all, remember that elections determine who gets the power, not who offers the truth." Let's remember that it was Krugman who immediately predicted after Trump won a "never ending recession". Really ? But now he says, "My own first instinct was to say that Trumponomics would quickly provoke an immediate economic crisis, but after a few hours’ reflection I decided that this was probably wrong." Do you realize how irresponsible that is for any economist to immediately jump to such extremes without a shred of evidence ?
2. Authoritarian - "The White House will soon be occupied by a man with obvious authoritarian instincts." The White House IS CURRENTLY occupied by a man with obvious authoritarian instincts. Do you forget that Obama after voters strongly disagreed with him in the midterms declared that he "had phone and a pen" ? He threw away our system of Checks and Balances to move forward with his liberal agenda in the environment, foreign policy and others. In immigration, Obama himself previously said that he lacked the authority to do what he later did anyway. That is an authoritarian ! It is simply one with whom you agree politically.
I am not saying that Trump has all the answers. Politics is about preferences. And the voters had already tried to tell Obama that he had gone too far. But he didn't listen. Now maybe the liberals will listen.
1. Truth - "First of all, remember that elections determine who gets the power, not who offers the truth." Let's remember that it was Krugman who immediately predicted after Trump won a "never ending recession". Really ? But now he says, "My own first instinct was to say that Trumponomics would quickly provoke an immediate economic crisis, but after a few hours’ reflection I decided that this was probably wrong." Do you realize how irresponsible that is for any economist to immediately jump to such extremes without a shred of evidence ?
2. Authoritarian - "The White House will soon be occupied by a man with obvious authoritarian instincts." The White House IS CURRENTLY occupied by a man with obvious authoritarian instincts. Do you forget that Obama after voters strongly disagreed with him in the midterms declared that he "had phone and a pen" ? He threw away our system of Checks and Balances to move forward with his liberal agenda in the environment, foreign policy and others. In immigration, Obama himself previously said that he lacked the authority to do what he later did anyway. That is an authoritarian ! It is simply one with whom you agree politically.
I am not saying that Trump has all the answers. Politics is about preferences. And the voters had already tried to tell Obama that he had gone too far. But he didn't listen. Now maybe the liberals will listen.
87
I guess I am missing something. How does getting rid of ILLEGAL immigrants, not help unemployed or underemployed Legal immigrants and Americans? Illegal immigrants do take jobs away from Americans, don't pay taxes, and put downward pressure on wages. All of those thing hurt the people who voted for Trump, and disproportionately hurt those who voted for Hillary. How does school choice hurt those at the bottom of the wage scale? How does renegotiating some trade deals hurt these people? Who is being intellectually dishonest now?
68
Thank heaven for Paul Krugman.
93
The One who is in charge does not live in the White House today nor will He on January 20, 2017.
18
'And you have to wonder about civil liberties, too. The White House will soon be occupied by a man with obvious authoritarian instincts, and Congress controlled by a party that has shown no inclination to stand up against him. How bad will it get?'
Using the power of the IRS to audit and the powers of the DOJ to prosecute based solely on political views? Why are we still talking about Obama? I thought that this was a story about Trump. Nice to hear Krugman finally admit to what the past administration did though.
Using the power of the IRS to audit and the powers of the DOJ to prosecute based solely on political views? Why are we still talking about Obama? I thought that this was a story about Trump. Nice to hear Krugman finally admit to what the past administration did though.
38
Clinton (and Krugman) tried too hard. She could have run a simple soft-spoken campaign and let the orange-haired one talk himself into out of a job. Methinks she protesteth
too much.
too much.
23
And thus the great experiment that is/was America destroys itself from within as so many have done in the past. To quote Charles de Gaulle: "Ca commence la deluge".
48
Maybe Krugman, as well as the NYTimes, need to come to accept that the truth, evidenced by the completely fabricated election polls, is whatever they and the elites want it to be.
54
A few days ago when asked when will the markets recover Krugman responded "My first pass answer is, never." Within three hours the markets had recovered, the Dow, Nasdaq, S&P all up.
Today he writes that he might have been wrong but more about that later.
Today he writes that he might have been wrong but more about that later.
69
The Dems made lots of mistakes.
Every sports coach in America will tell you: NEVER publicly insult your opponents before a game – it just fires them up. The “deplorables” comment was far more damaging than Clinton ever realized.
We wanted the luxury of being “enthusiastic” about our candidate and when we weren’t either stayed home or threw away our votes on 3rd party losers. Reps held their noses and went for a guy that many of them despised because they had their eyes on the bigger prize. Dems wanted to “send a message to Washington.” How’d that work out?
We thought the “first woman President” thing would be huge. It wasn’t. For millions of voters that ship has sailed.
We forgot that elections are not complicated - the economy and one or two others issues is about all the public can focus on. Bernie Sanders, the Dem Johnny One-Note, and Trump knew it, Clinton didn’t.
We were lulled into complacency by the wretched polls. 538 had Clinton at 2:1 on election eve; the NYT at 5:1. Trump’s folks felt like underdogs and fought that way.
And then there was the scurrilous behavior of James Comey. He’d lost control of his workforce and went public with baseless innuendo to keep from being seen as ineffectual. Time for a new FBI Director.
How about the Latino vpte? Twenty-nine percent for the guy who had promised to deport millions of their friends and relatives?
No one factor is to blame for the horrors we now face, but we Dems have a lot of soul-searching to do.
Every sports coach in America will tell you: NEVER publicly insult your opponents before a game – it just fires them up. The “deplorables” comment was far more damaging than Clinton ever realized.
We wanted the luxury of being “enthusiastic” about our candidate and when we weren’t either stayed home or threw away our votes on 3rd party losers. Reps held their noses and went for a guy that many of them despised because they had their eyes on the bigger prize. Dems wanted to “send a message to Washington.” How’d that work out?
We thought the “first woman President” thing would be huge. It wasn’t. For millions of voters that ship has sailed.
We forgot that elections are not complicated - the economy and one or two others issues is about all the public can focus on. Bernie Sanders, the Dem Johnny One-Note, and Trump knew it, Clinton didn’t.
We were lulled into complacency by the wretched polls. 538 had Clinton at 2:1 on election eve; the NYT at 5:1. Trump’s folks felt like underdogs and fought that way.
And then there was the scurrilous behavior of James Comey. He’d lost control of his workforce and went public with baseless innuendo to keep from being seen as ineffectual. Time for a new FBI Director.
How about the Latino vpte? Twenty-nine percent for the guy who had promised to deport millions of their friends and relatives?
No one factor is to blame for the horrors we now face, but we Dems have a lot of soul-searching to do.
86
We can start by boycotting Christmas. Hit them where it hurts. It's the economy, stupid. So let's us make them pay for it. Boycott capitalism. There will be no profit to be had from us. X Xmas!
38
Anything.
Any excuse, any rationalization, anything other than just admit - that this - was a wholesale rejection of entrenched political elitists, progressive globalism, socialist collectivism, and ruthless duplicitous politicians.
Anything.
Classic Krugman.
Any excuse, any rationalization, anything other than just admit - that this - was a wholesale rejection of entrenched political elitists, progressive globalism, socialist collectivism, and ruthless duplicitous politicians.
Anything.
Classic Krugman.
62
Aren't you glad you helped force Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Party Nominee? I doubt you will do sufficient soul searching to realize how the party establishments greed has brought us to Donald Trump. Hopefully this will be in impetus for change, but I doubt it. Likely the DNC will hope that four years of Donald will bring back the voters regardless of who they put up there.
Bernie's message resonated with the disaffected in a positive way. HRC was willing to sell her soul to get elected president and it showed. The people don't want someone who is for sale and they went with a terrifying version of that concept.
Bernie's message resonated with the disaffected in a positive way. HRC was willing to sell her soul to get elected president and it showed. The people don't want someone who is for sale and they went with a terrifying version of that concept.
63
The "road back" in the eyes of Mr. Krugman means finding the next "establishment candidate" Hillary Clinton clone. The New York Times parades itself around as a liberal fair minded publication. In reality, much like the out of touch democratic party - which is now a full blown establishment party under the thumb of big business - the times is on the same page. Hillary and the Times are totally out of touch with suffering working class Americans, and continue to advance the interests of the elite - just those elite with a more liberal agenda. Nothing was more evident when shills like David Brooks and Krugman offered absurd explanations as to why a non-entitled candidate like Bernie Sanders was not the right fit to be our president - while astonishingly touting Hillary as something of likes of a female JFK. Supporters of Sanders were labeled as the "Bernie Bros" by Krugman. Why? Because they were passionate in their support of a candidate that did not take money from big business (like the NYtimes). Meanwhile, despite the fact that many of his supporters were young women, Krugman's articles had headlines referring to "Bernie Bros". The Times often referred to Hillary's time spent in government, incredibly, as public service notwithstanding the vast sums of money made during her tenure that a struggling middle class person could only marvel at. Let this election be a wakeup call to the liberal elites and the liberal elite media.
63
If Trump would do what he promised to do, it would be a disaster for the world, for America and for his followers most of all. But he won’t. Having achieved the most powerful position in the world, it is in his interest to be magnanimous. He will set his aims higher; he will want to be the savior of the world. He does not care about America, he only cares about Trump. He is not a Republican, he is a Trumpist without set opinions and not bound to promises. He might amaze everyone again.
17
.... Americans, no matter how secular, tend to think of themselves as citizens of a nation with a special divine providence...
there lie many of the country's problems plus the reason many other countries shake their collective heads at the arrogance of the usa. many things other democracies are pleased about...longer life expectancies, lower infant mortality rates, much lower homicide rates, national health care plans, no capital punishment, belief climate change is real, fewer citizens suffering grinding poverty, awareness of the rest of the planet, a more civilized
level of political discourse and more......make many of us believe the American 'city on a hill' is not the type of city we want.
there lie many of the country's problems plus the reason many other countries shake their collective heads at the arrogance of the usa. many things other democracies are pleased about...longer life expectancies, lower infant mortality rates, much lower homicide rates, national health care plans, no capital punishment, belief climate change is real, fewer citizens suffering grinding poverty, awareness of the rest of the planet, a more civilized
level of political discourse and more......make many of us believe the American 'city on a hill' is not the type of city we want.
55
President Obama famously said I believe in American exceptionalism the way the French believe in French exceptionalism and the way the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism. This misses the mark, it also points out a stark and sad philosophical belief that the author joins in accepting. America is still the bright shining city that the rest of the world looks to for guidance and admires. We are indeed very special. The author's whining is the very personification of being a poor loser. Tens of millions of Americans voted against President Obama twice. After he was elected and then re-elected Republicans never protested in the streets, were Republicans disenchanted and upset, of course they were. Part of America's exceptionalism is that in 4 years the NYT writers and their fellow Democrats will get another chance to put a liberal back in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but until that time comes, perhaps you should consider the fact at least half of America doesn't agree with your enlightened views. This newspaper and its readers have shown a lot of hatred towards Trump and his supporters, in fact hatred might be an understatement, know that hatred always begets hatred. The author referencing Jim Crow illustrates his hatred. America allows this hatred and its exceptional Constitution gives the NYT the absolute right to publish articles designed to undermine the new president. We truly live in exceptional country.
32
This seems to be a season for saying politically offensive things, so I'll just get this out there. The Christian Right isn't being hypocritical in supporting Trump; it's just showing its true colors.
The Republicans, knowingly or not, have been preparing the path for this for a while. Voter suppression, gerrymandering, dog whistles-- and they've done it because, in the end, moralism, especially religious moralism, doesn't bow to popular opinion.
If God tells you that abortion is murder, why would you let a bunch of voters say differently? If God tells you that gay people are an abomination, why would you stand aside and let the voting public grant them rights?
Christianity is an autocratic faith: obedience to the Lord God. Right is right; right is whatever God says it is. If democracy stands in the way, you shove it aside. That's the thought process running in the hindbrain if not in the forefront.
What we're seeing develop is the kind of bargain we see in Russia: the powerful, if profane, get the power and the wealth. The church gets the poor and ignorant, who can live virtuous lives in hope of heaven. Dissidents get suppressed.
And the will of the people be damned.
The Republicans, knowingly or not, have been preparing the path for this for a while. Voter suppression, gerrymandering, dog whistles-- and they've done it because, in the end, moralism, especially religious moralism, doesn't bow to popular opinion.
If God tells you that abortion is murder, why would you let a bunch of voters say differently? If God tells you that gay people are an abomination, why would you stand aside and let the voting public grant them rights?
Christianity is an autocratic faith: obedience to the Lord God. Right is right; right is whatever God says it is. If democracy stands in the way, you shove it aside. That's the thought process running in the hindbrain if not in the forefront.
What we're seeing develop is the kind of bargain we see in Russia: the powerful, if profane, get the power and the wealth. The church gets the poor and ignorant, who can live virtuous lives in hope of heaven. Dissidents get suppressed.
And the will of the people be damned.
81
"So if you’re tempted to concede that the alt-right’s vision of the world might have some truth to it, don’t. Lies are lies, no matter how much power backs them up."
This statement underlies the major problem that the L and Mr. Krugman has - they cannot see the difference between their beliefs (i.e. Opinion) and facts. So if the "right" or derisively labeled "Alt- Right" disagree with them they are lying instead of disagreeing. His examples speak for themselves - if you disagree with Mr. Krugman or his ilk on "Climate Change "(or even what should/can be done about it), economic policy, immigration or other political hot topics you are not "disagreeing" you are "lying". Until they learn to reason better, they will continue to lose.
This statement underlies the major problem that the L and Mr. Krugman has - they cannot see the difference between their beliefs (i.e. Opinion) and facts. So if the "right" or derisively labeled "Alt- Right" disagree with them they are lying instead of disagreeing. His examples speak for themselves - if you disagree with Mr. Krugman or his ilk on "Climate Change "(or even what should/can be done about it), economic policy, immigration or other political hot topics you are not "disagreeing" you are "lying". Until they learn to reason better, they will continue to lose.
38
But then you told your own share of whoppers didn't you Mr. Krugman? For months you and your colleagues mocked Bernie Sanders's vision of America as a country where economic justice and social equality could be brought into being through policies that you wrote, week after week, were "feckless" and "pie-in-the sky."
No, it was Hillary or no one--Elizabeth Warren couldn't run because she wasn't anointed--apres Krugman the deluge. Well, you were clueless, as were your colleagues; you pushed hard for a deeply-flawed candidate when there was someone in the race who articulated precisely the alternative vision of America's future that we on the left-liberal side of the political divide wanted, including addressing climate change, income inequality, a broken educational system (this one is pretty obvious), racism, xenophobia, and a host of other problems that now, I'm afraid, will not only go unaddressed but will worsen. A candidate who didn't lie or rake in money for his speeches, or bow down to power.
Yes, I know, sour grapes. But I'm guessing that with only half of the electorate voting, more than a few people feel as I do--that the Democratic Party marched all of us into a swamp because their prerogatives in terms of wealth and power took precedence over the clear desire of the electorate for real change. We've gotten change all right, but not the kind we can believe in.
No, it was Hillary or no one--Elizabeth Warren couldn't run because she wasn't anointed--apres Krugman the deluge. Well, you were clueless, as were your colleagues; you pushed hard for a deeply-flawed candidate when there was someone in the race who articulated precisely the alternative vision of America's future that we on the left-liberal side of the political divide wanted, including addressing climate change, income inequality, a broken educational system (this one is pretty obvious), racism, xenophobia, and a host of other problems that now, I'm afraid, will not only go unaddressed but will worsen. A candidate who didn't lie or rake in money for his speeches, or bow down to power.
Yes, I know, sour grapes. But I'm guessing that with only half of the electorate voting, more than a few people feel as I do--that the Democratic Party marched all of us into a swamp because their prerogatives in terms of wealth and power took precedence over the clear desire of the electorate for real change. We've gotten change all right, but not the kind we can believe in.
47
The lesion of this election is a GOP candidate can say and do anything. He can break any and all rules of civil behavior. He can treat others like garbage. And this candidate can win. Republican voters don't care about anything.
50
A coiffured journalist can be "horrified."
Boat people slurping on the Med at night can only murmur, and cling to loved ones. So can the age-old robed of Afghanistan, faces profiled to the wicked wind, the lied-to, broken Ukrainians, the myriad Yanks, black and white, swept into the gutter with the leaves.
The least significant of these has a life deeper and more meant than any of the "horrified."
Boat people slurping on the Med at night can only murmur, and cling to loved ones. So can the age-old robed of Afghanistan, faces profiled to the wicked wind, the lied-to, broken Ukrainians, the myriad Yanks, black and white, swept into the gutter with the leaves.
The least significant of these has a life deeper and more meant than any of the "horrified."
7
One of the best things about this election is that Krugman will be kept out of government. His ideas have put this country on the road to bankruptcy.
24
stop with bernie sanders and a better democratic nominee, the best president of our life time endorsed hillary clinton, a vote for her was a vote for him, a vote of hope for the environment, the rights of women and minorities, and immigration reform.
33
Wow,
You have missed the mark. Not tempted to see if the rights visino has some truth to it. I cannot help by try to evaluate from the other persons perspective. It is very helpful and cathartic.
You sound brainwashed to the point of sitting in a corner yelling about the lies of reality.
The right has a vision that is based on good solid values. Both sides have a vision of about the same future. The theory of how to get there is completely different. Facts and truth are against you on the success of various approaches.
The defeat of the left policies are important steps to getting to a more fair and respectful place.
Your type of sowing falsehoods to stir discord are part of the problem. To be a solution you need to shed the fear to examine the rights ideas.
You have missed the mark. Not tempted to see if the rights visino has some truth to it. I cannot help by try to evaluate from the other persons perspective. It is very helpful and cathartic.
You sound brainwashed to the point of sitting in a corner yelling about the lies of reality.
The right has a vision that is based on good solid values. Both sides have a vision of about the same future. The theory of how to get there is completely different. Facts and truth are against you on the success of various approaches.
The defeat of the left policies are important steps to getting to a more fair and respectful place.
Your type of sowing falsehoods to stir discord are part of the problem. To be a solution you need to shed the fear to examine the rights ideas.
14
I didn't turn my back on politics on Tuesday. I cried - bawled actually - and railed on FB at all of Trump's supporters. I know many of them are my family, my friends. It cuts right through me that they could support a rich misogynistic bigot with no real policies over a woman who was prepared, capable, and intelligent. I know a lot of people don't like Hillary Clinton, but this shouldn't be about like. We're not going for drinks or hanging out at a party - we're asking someone to lead our nation. And people I know and love chose a lying, sexist, racist bag of hot air.
I don't think I can ever go back to being quiet. I don't think I can ever put the rose-tinted glasses back on. I'm just broken...
I don't think I can ever go back to being quiet. I don't think I can ever put the rose-tinted glasses back on. I'm just broken...
84
Send an open letter to the Donald. If he's one thing, he's vain. Start with the usual, "I was skeptical" line, but then go positive and mine any and all admirable qualities he has that might prove useful. A. He's actually not beholden to anyone, no bank, no nothing. And we all know that even if he were, he has no problem reneging on his promises to a corporate donor anyway. He may be the first president not owned by anyone. Second, he sees the bottom line. Even if he denies climate science, he won't deny the numbers. If coal burning costs more than solar, both on the surface and in the after effects (medical costs from pollution, etc.) then even if he doesn't care about clean air, he'll go solar all the way because it's smart money. He cares about America. He doesn't really care about any other country. On the left, we admire the sense of global citizenry, but we also don't feel we should have 1000 military bases around the world. Plus they cost a lot. He doesn't feel he needs to police the world, and why should we? If someone wants to "hire" America to police their part of the world, they can pay for the privilege. He sees certain players, like ISIS, as no less a threat to the US than anyone on the left. He probably sees a bit more inflation as a good thing. What am I saying? In this open letter, feed his ego and spin Trump playing his own mental game of how he views the world. He could just as easily go liberal as rabid conservative. After all, his roots are NYC and LA.
11
We are indeed in a very dark place. It is imperative to be engaged at the local and state levels. We cannot, we must not, just roll over and accept whatever horrors Trump and his administration tries to throw at us.
31
So here's another opinion among the millions of others: We're not yet done feeling lousy about what happened on Tuesday. There are enough shoes in the Trump closet to fall that will make our heads spin. Even if he keeps one-half of his campaign promises, we are in for a ride down a bumpy road. Further, we can assume that those supposedly uneducated people who brought us to this reality will be watching carefully to ensure their POTUS does what promised them he'd do. Trump claims he's not a politician but I’ll bet that within his first 100 days, which is when he said he will do wonderful things to make the US great again, will be his crash course in learning how much of a politician he needs to be and will become.
13
Or may be this country is so badly divided that it should no longer continue as a union. i signed up for the Calexit initiative and think that the north east should consider a similar move. The Christian whites wants their country pure, let's give it to them in their red states, they can have as many guns as they wish and implement a purity test on citizens. We should be happy with our diversified communities on the East and Wesr coasts. Mr Trump will obviously have to move away from NYC which is a huge bonu for all of us here, he can grab as many you know what as he wishes in the Bible Belt states.
37
You read it here first:
Trump won't last four years. He'll enable a few show case "reforms" and at the peak of his popularity will resign claiming ill health or some other canard. He'll leave triumphant and on his own terms, claiming that he accomplished what he promised his supporters. He'll give the Republicans a President Pence and the levers of power to muck around with as well as several "favors" to their real constituents in industry and finance. If it all collapses, he'll blame them for fecklessness and spinelessness. He's never wrong. And the damage will be done.
Trump won't last four years. He'll enable a few show case "reforms" and at the peak of his popularity will resign claiming ill health or some other canard. He'll leave triumphant and on his own terms, claiming that he accomplished what he promised his supporters. He'll give the Republicans a President Pence and the levers of power to muck around with as well as several "favors" to their real constituents in industry and finance. If it all collapses, he'll blame them for fecklessness and spinelessness. He's never wrong. And the damage will be done.
21
Well. we know that stupidity can be sold to angry white voters who are already on the crass, uneducated side of the spectrum. These aggressive dolts revel in the baseness of Trump's appeals to bullying nativism. In general, they have not seen the world, know no one unlike them, and live narrow limited lives. The men who support Trump are autocratic but weak and many if not most pay for sex and support their porn habits but don't pay taxes and don't contribute to the economy they take from. They usually have kids but have no cash for health insurance, and because they don't have savings and don't have many skills don't believe in higher education. You've missed nothing, Mr. Krugman, you just didn't know because you're a cosmopolitan smart person!
23
Something to remember: now that Republicans control all three branches of government they "own" the tarnished brand called the government of the USA.
In other words, there can be no more pinning the blame for any shortcomings, failings, and/or catastrophes on Democrats.
In other words, there can be no more pinning the blame for any shortcomings, failings, and/or catastrophes on Democrats.
36
I am sickened to my core. Why? Because of two things I have:
A brain that can receive and process facts reasonably well.
Children.
A brain that can receive and process facts reasonably well.
Children.
59
Of course, his supporters won't be better off, his golf courses along the coasts around the world will be under water, but those aren't his, or our biggest concern. His people are heavily armed, literally. Now when people lose jobs that Obama had saved we'll get to fully enjoy the recently reinterpreted version of the second amendment. When his chickens come home to roost they'll be locked , and loaded. Hope he has enough kevlar for his cabinet. Oh, that's right, armor piercing bullets will be legal too.
19
"Maybe the historic channels of reform — speech and writing that changes minds, political activism that eventually changes who has power — are no longer effective."
The left has lost the battle of "symbols" and what it means to be American. The dominant culture led by the 1% has won the battle, defining what it means to be American, and as a result it is successful in convincing Americans that policies that would benefit them are inherently un-American. Intellectuals on the left allowed this to happen. Your hubris allowed the Obama coalition to falter by alienating uneducated whites and unskilled labor. Krugman, those "historical channels of reform" you described are only half of it. You and your fellow intellectuals need to step out of your liberal, elitist bubble and engage in "symbolic action." The type of action that shows the struggles of various blocs in a fragile coalition are one in the same. You need to unite the intellectual with workers, the employed with under/unemployed, unskilled labor and skilled labor, educated and uneducated, rural and urban, etc. around a common symbol of what it means to be American. Publishing NYT op-eds and teaching a course to graduate students ain't going to cut it.
The left has lost the battle of "symbols" and what it means to be American. The dominant culture led by the 1% has won the battle, defining what it means to be American, and as a result it is successful in convincing Americans that policies that would benefit them are inherently un-American. Intellectuals on the left allowed this to happen. Your hubris allowed the Obama coalition to falter by alienating uneducated whites and unskilled labor. Krugman, those "historical channels of reform" you described are only half of it. You and your fellow intellectuals need to step out of your liberal, elitist bubble and engage in "symbolic action." The type of action that shows the struggles of various blocs in a fragile coalition are one in the same. You need to unite the intellectual with workers, the employed with under/unemployed, unskilled labor and skilled labor, educated and uneducated, rural and urban, etc. around a common symbol of what it means to be American. Publishing NYT op-eds and teaching a course to graduate students ain't going to cut it.
15
When they go low, we go high?
Sad to say, but this was the wrong tactic in a brutal street fight with the nation's future at stake. The environment, the court, the economy, everything. Take the high road after your opponent is defeated.
Next time, sweep the leg. In the real world, Johnny wins.
Sad to say, but this was the wrong tactic in a brutal street fight with the nation's future at stake. The environment, the court, the economy, everything. Take the high road after your opponent is defeated.
Next time, sweep the leg. In the real world, Johnny wins.
18
Biff Tannen is now president-elect. I wish he'd make like a tree and get out of here; but that'll take four years, unless there's an impeachment. We could also be turned into radioactive ash, considering the nature of the man. At this point, mere survival sounds good.
We don't let children play with sharp objects. And we're about to see what the neighborhood bully will do with nuclear weapons. I always thought those Glenn Beck-listening survivalists were crazy, but now I'm reconsidering my analysis.
We don't let children play with sharp objects. And we're about to see what the neighborhood bully will do with nuclear weapons. I always thought those Glenn Beck-listening survivalists were crazy, but now I'm reconsidering my analysis.
21
Honestly I don't understand how liberals can keep on claiming that Trump ran a campaign based on fear when it has become obvious that it was Hillary's campaign did everything in its power to instill fear--of Donald Trump.
I don't understand how liberals can continue to say that Trump supporters are full of hate. When I turn on the news I see people burning flags, vandalizing property, and taking a baseball bat to the likeness of Trump. What is that exactly? Peace and love?
I've heard it said that we often accuse others of the flaws that we ourselves have. Perhaps that is true.
I don't understand how liberals can continue to say that Trump supporters are full of hate. When I turn on the news I see people burning flags, vandalizing property, and taking a baseball bat to the likeness of Trump. What is that exactly? Peace and love?
I've heard it said that we often accuse others of the flaws that we ourselves have. Perhaps that is true.
31
"...it’s clear that almost everyone on the center-left, myself included, was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters."
No apology necessary, Dr. Krugman. It's almost impossible to persuade people to vote for what they don't want, election after election.
"Change" -- hope and change -- is what they've desperately wanted since 2008. Obama promised change and failed to deliver. Romney didn't even bring it up, nor did the Democrats, who suffered two consecutive mid-term wipeouts.
The desperate cries for change grew louder every year until they were answered by a Vermont socialist and a TV celebrity. Bernie was dismissed because he "couldn't win" and his promises "unrealistic." Trump's "big league" visions of hope and his chances of winning were ridiculed as well.
In the end, "change" was finally on the ballot, and it's name wasn't Sanders.
No apology necessary, Dr. Krugman. It's almost impossible to persuade people to vote for what they don't want, election after election.
"Change" -- hope and change -- is what they've desperately wanted since 2008. Obama promised change and failed to deliver. Romney didn't even bring it up, nor did the Democrats, who suffered two consecutive mid-term wipeouts.
The desperate cries for change grew louder every year until they were answered by a Vermont socialist and a TV celebrity. Bernie was dismissed because he "couldn't win" and his promises "unrealistic." Trump's "big league" visions of hope and his chances of winning were ridiculed as well.
In the end, "change" was finally on the ballot, and it's name wasn't Sanders.
28
The country lost a very 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...
27
When I took American history in high school, around 1979, our teacher taught us about the electoral college system.
We were amazed to learn that it could theoretically lead to the election of a president who lost the nationwide popular vote. So crazy!
Our teacher comforted us that this had only happened in 1888, that that was an aberration, and we had nothing to worry about in the future.
Fast-forward:
Al Gore won the popular vote by about 500,000 in the year 2000. The presidency went to George W. Bush.
Hillary Clinton just won the popular vote by about 200,000. The presidency went to Donald Trump.
Our teacher lied to us.
We were amazed to learn that it could theoretically lead to the election of a president who lost the nationwide popular vote. So crazy!
Our teacher comforted us that this had only happened in 1888, that that was an aberration, and we had nothing to worry about in the future.
Fast-forward:
Al Gore won the popular vote by about 500,000 in the year 2000. The presidency went to George W. Bush.
Hillary Clinton just won the popular vote by about 200,000. The presidency went to Donald Trump.
Our teacher lied to us.
24
Not happy with the election results? Vote in two years at the mid-term elections and then in four years for another direction. Trump will move into the White House in large part as a result of voter inaction.
25
Many writers and speakers are taking a positive long term view. Just wait it out, they say, the nation has survived other inept leaders. The problem is the nation has survived, but many people haven't. Fake wars used to divert from domestic problems and enrich the military industrial complex have cost tens of thousands of young American lives and hundreds of thousands of lives in other countries. Lets hope this week's protests in the streets are only the beginning because waiting for America to find its way back could be too late for many.
19
There is one positive from this election. We are done with the Clintons forever. AND, I remember that Paul Krugman was a partisan hack for Hillary Clinton and the "Ridiculer-in- Chief" of Bernie Sanders during the primaries. So, Mr. Krugman, accept your share of the blame for the failed Clinton campaign. There is a fact of nature Democrats should never forget and that is no one gives up power willingly. Whether right or wrong, white men are still the power structure in the US, whether in finance or politics. If Democrats are ever to become the party of all Americans they need a convincing argument to persuade the white male population that we are their party too. Demographics may be changing but the power structure has not.
17
I think the media and the comedians should continue their slings and dings against Trump. He wants to be adored. His ego can't take criticism; as the owner of businesses, he is used to "yes" men and women around him.
Personally, even though I now live in a very conservative state and I am an old white woman, I pledge to write letters to my Appalachian Trail congressman and my two senators regarding pending legislation - over and over and over again. They too need to hear dissenting opinions.
Personally, even though I now live in a very conservative state and I am an old white woman, I pledge to write letters to my Appalachian Trail congressman and my two senators regarding pending legislation - over and over and over again. They too need to hear dissenting opinions.
20
Can it be the party has drifted to far Left? Global warming real or not has become part of part of the "belief" system of the progressive wing. Clinton was going to shut coal mines. Reality is there has been great progress in clean energy but why is gasoline, deisel and aviation fuel so cheap? As a nation can we afford to pay three or four times more for energy like some European countries? What would it do to the economy?
It's hard for think about the apocalypse when you're trying to put food on the table or remember what it was like when you couldn't. Is the Democratic party going to be the party of the Apocalypse or the party of the working man be he white black and brown
It's hard for think about the apocalypse when you're trying to put food on the table or remember what it was like when you couldn't. Is the Democratic party going to be the party of the Apocalypse or the party of the working man be he white black and brown
11
Mr. Krugman, I completely agree with your assessment, and with the majority of the ideas you express in this column. However, I disagreed with your decision to support Clinton during the democratic primaries, and I think it's clear now that we need liberal leaders that are not uninspiring technocrats of the status quo, but people who have strong and solid beliefs and offer the sort of ideological and personal integrity that inspires voters. Despite some strategic problems, Bernie Sanders and England's Jeremy Corbyn are better than Clinton in many ways, and the American "center" left should follow their example if it wants to regain ground in the next elections and make some substantial changes in policy. Anyway, if Trump does the type of damage that we're all predicting, it's going to take some kind of a "revolution", at least in the sense of a dramatic left turn and some hardcore policy revisions, to get back on track.
15
Secretary Clinton wasn't fundamentally wrong, though totally inartful, about the "basket of deplorables" such as racism, nativism, and misogyny the Trump campaign seemed happy to wallow in and exploit. But those are largely symptoms of fear and lack of self-esteem, and "credit" goes to Trump for realizing the political potential of that wellspring before anyone else.
What was missing from the Clinton campaign, and perhaps I picked up on this because I grew up in a small town in Texas, is that she wasn't addressing the other half of the Trump equation: the legitimate concerns/fears for the future that had little to do with white anxiety at their inevitable demographic decline into mere plurality status later this century. If I could have borrowed Ms. Clinton's ear for a 60-second elevator pitch, it would have gone like this:
1. You'll connect to many white working class voters by acknowledging that it's not unreasonable for any country to want control over who comes in and out. It's OK for a line on a map to mean something. You need not dip your toes into the nativist pond to give that concept a nod.
2. Acknowledge that the pace of change in the global economy has people without competitive education or skills feeling completely left out. Trump tapped the fear and bewilderment for scapegoating immigrants and trade. You can empathize without pointing fingers. Trump had no solutions, but don't cede the "I feel your pain" territory to him. It's how you connect. Ask Bill.
What was missing from the Clinton campaign, and perhaps I picked up on this because I grew up in a small town in Texas, is that she wasn't addressing the other half of the Trump equation: the legitimate concerns/fears for the future that had little to do with white anxiety at their inevitable demographic decline into mere plurality status later this century. If I could have borrowed Ms. Clinton's ear for a 60-second elevator pitch, it would have gone like this:
1. You'll connect to many white working class voters by acknowledging that it's not unreasonable for any country to want control over who comes in and out. It's OK for a line on a map to mean something. You need not dip your toes into the nativist pond to give that concept a nod.
2. Acknowledge that the pace of change in the global economy has people without competitive education or skills feeling completely left out. Trump tapped the fear and bewilderment for scapegoating immigrants and trade. You can empathize without pointing fingers. Trump had no solutions, but don't cede the "I feel your pain" territory to him. It's how you connect. Ask Bill.
12
It's the first time in my life where when confronted by my friends (people I cherish and respect) that voted Trump, I violently disagree with their optimism but violently wish they were right. I see it even in this article by Mr Krugman, where he spells out the dire consequences of a Trump presidency but at the same time says things like: "I might be wrong", which basically translates into: "I so wish you prove me wrong". Will know soon enough; but so far this election succeeded into plunging most of the country (given that Hillary got more votes) into a state of cognitive dissonance, where reality and ideal aspiration clash constantly creating trauma that who knows when it will be healed. It's like we know a hit is coming but we still wish it won't, it's traumatizing. Good luck to everyone.
10
After we lick our wounds and dust ourselves off we will put our "checks and balance" system into play. This was Senator Sanders' clarion call the moment he was forced to defer to Clinton's well-oiled machine. Although our hearts aren't in it at the moment we need to continue searching out talent, recruiting our own set of fire and brimstone quality leaders with a taste for battle and continue to build a palatable Congress in an effort to mess with him everyday in every way.
8
Mr. Krugman, even those of us with boots on the ground underestimated the viability of an incompetent candidate who appealed to ignorance and falsely stoked want with duplicitous platitudes. The blame in part lies on a broader more accessible and simplified media that, owing itself to ratings, sound bites, and entertainment values, treated Trump like an amusing cat toy while feeding into his incendiary invectives with nothing more than a well-bred "harrumph." The real downside to elitism is its naive attempt to shake hands with a gorilla. It's landed them flat on their backs. Maybe that's a good thing, since now that you're down there it's a shorter trip from the ivory tower to the trenches. Roll up your sleeves and fight the real fight without thought of good breeding.
7
Trump's victory is yet another example of "the tragedy of unpersuasive power". Academics celebrate logic and evidence for their power to persuade (other academics). When the general population seems unpersuaded, what do the academics do? They continue communicating their case, possibly in new ways and more clearly. But the logical and evidence-supported arguments still do not persuade. Collapse ensues.
How to avoid the tragedy? The answer is leadership by someone who is persuaded and can release the ethological "following response." Alas, Krugman savaged Bernie in his column and was outright giddy over Hillary.
How to avoid the tragedy? The answer is leadership by someone who is persuaded and can release the ethological "following response." Alas, Krugman savaged Bernie in his column and was outright giddy over Hillary.
9
What to do now? Do not falter. Don't spend endless time and energy analyzing the things people do. Continue speaking objective truth and analysis based on the facts. Work to improve people's lives so they can think clearly. Get money out of politics. Fundraising by "experts" always looks just like a con, no matter the cause, and fuels skepticism and cynicism. Educate, educate, educate about facts, and doggedly work on solutions. What else is there? The problems are still the same, and were going to be extraordinarily difficult to resolve regardless of who's in charge the next couple of years.
9
Thoughtful scholars like Stephen F Cohen of NYU (husband of Katrina Vanden Heuvel of The Nation) recognize that we've entered a new Cold War, brought about largely by American demonization of Russia. Hillary Clinton - a proven warmonger - would have increased the odds of nuclear war radically (to perhaps as high as 20%). The election of Trump has reduced the odds of nuclear war by 90%. That's why Trump was favored by 70% of Russians. The left can be upset about the border being sealed or (oddly) TPP being scuttled, but they'll never recognize that in exchange, our skyscrapers aren't melting.
4
I think the first thing "we" should do is to understand why we thought that his victory was so unlikely. an why the polls got it so wrong.
Was it because the race was so tight that the outcome was decided by variations that were smaller than the accuracy of the polls?
Was is because "we", too, rationalize things under the powerful spell of "wishful thinking"?
Once we have understood why we have been so wrong, then we can start trying identify what to do.
Personally, I would like to see how much for the campaign promise will be translated into governing actions.
On Thursday, he breached established protocols and eluded the press when leaving D.C. to get back to NYC: http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/10/politics/wolf-blitzer-rebukes-trump-for-fa...
Is this the first baby-step toward the suppression of free press? Or just the an act of sheer incompetence and superficiality?
I suspect for now we have to just sit and wait.
Was it because the race was so tight that the outcome was decided by variations that were smaller than the accuracy of the polls?
Was is because "we", too, rationalize things under the powerful spell of "wishful thinking"?
Once we have understood why we have been so wrong, then we can start trying identify what to do.
Personally, I would like to see how much for the campaign promise will be translated into governing actions.
On Thursday, he breached established protocols and eluded the press when leaving D.C. to get back to NYC: http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/10/politics/wolf-blitzer-rebukes-trump-for-fa...
Is this the first baby-step toward the suppression of free press? Or just the an act of sheer incompetence and superficiality?
I suspect for now we have to just sit and wait.
6
All right already. What’s done is done. Let’s stop catastrophizing and instead try to figure out what went wrong. That’s the first step in trying to formulate an appropriate long-term response. Whatever you think of Trump personally, he read the national mood more clearly than our candidate did. Trump may be all the bad things that we have accused him of being but it is impossible to believe that half of the voting public share all of his prejudices. There is something much larger than that abroad in the land. I do feel very badly for Hillary. Twice now, in spite of being possibly the most qualified presidential candidate in history, she has been the right candidate at the wrong time.
8
What now, indeed. Even ignoring the sea change, the exchange of the American white hat for the bloody red hat of rage and hate, as of Wednesday we have become a different people.
Used to be, the virtues of our culture and government and boundless natural resources left us feeling that we'd always fix our mistakes, go forward, and be that shining (but secular!) light. We'd recover from the recessions, the Great Depression, war civil and international. And we'd make our home a better place for being tested.
No, we have just fallen into the same evil snare that brought down Germany in the 1930s; brought down the other great powers of the last few hundred years.
There is always a tipping point; a time or an event that cannot be taken back. I think we've just found ours.
Used to be, the virtues of our culture and government and boundless natural resources left us feeling that we'd always fix our mistakes, go forward, and be that shining (but secular!) light. We'd recover from the recessions, the Great Depression, war civil and international. And we'd make our home a better place for being tested.
No, we have just fallen into the same evil snare that brought down Germany in the 1930s; brought down the other great powers of the last few hundred years.
There is always a tipping point; a time or an event that cannot be taken back. I think we've just found ours.
13
Speaking and writing the factual truth must expand to the outlets average folks actually read/listen to. Right wing talk radio brainwashed a lot of smart people including some of my very dear family members. Going forward, I have resolved to abandon quietude and offer argument whenever I see misinformation being adopted as truth. How do I educate people about how an economy works? one conversation at a time, in my local universe But we also need to build channels to talk back at the hypernegative right-wing talking heads who have so many lay people in their vortex. These channels will be in spaces other than this newspaper. Thank you, Dr. K., for continually shining a bright light on these matters.
12
We need to keep repeating the true mantra that Hillary won the popular vote. The idea expressed by most of the press is that Trump had a huge victory with the country veering to the right. Nothing of the sort happened. The majority of Americans - many of whom did not vote - did and do not support Trump. This leads to two conclusions. One - there needs to be an investigation into vote tampering. Two - the Dems need to energetically push back in full force against any and all dark policies coming out of Washington for the next four years.
12
We are on the brink of a Trump presidency today because the centre-left did not reach across its own aisle. It did not hunker down as one, as the right does by habit. Hillaryhad the opportunity to choose Bernie Sanders as her running mate. That was the sensible, practical thing to do: Stronger Together, right? It became palpably clear, however, that she would not choose Bernie. At that instant, Elizabeth Warren appeared on the scene and volunteered a YES -- she could run for VP alongside Hillary. But no. Hillary would not have it. Painful to observe, but we got here not only because of Trump's lies -- and a lurid national interest in lies and wanton promises. We also got here because the left did not work as one. And how history loves to repeat itself. When will the centre-left dump the hubris and get a grip, a reach, across its own aisle? Recent events are the bitterest pill to swallow, but if we learn this historic lesson this time, once and for all, we'll be able to challenge a Trump presidency daily and find ourselves properly prepared in four years' time.
7
The Markets didn't react badly, and in fact are waiting in anticipation for another
massive transfer of wealth from the people's government.
The Market's have no people, no citizen's to care about. Nobody to protect.
The Market has no children and has no concept of them.
The children, who have no part in this calamity must be protected.
They still deserve healthcare and educations and a safe environment,
Our children are the reason to man the barricades,
On the net, at the ballot box, in their offices, in the street....
massive transfer of wealth from the people's government.
The Market's have no people, no citizen's to care about. Nobody to protect.
The Market has no children and has no concept of them.
The children, who have no part in this calamity must be protected.
They still deserve healthcare and educations and a safe environment,
Our children are the reason to man the barricades,
On the net, at the ballot box, in their offices, in the street....
9
I don't know which is better, having Trump destroy Hillary, or listening to Mr. Krugman et al sputter, squeal, and stomp their feet. It is truly icing on a very sweet cake. With very few exceptions, the left has clearly shown that they have learned nothing. The left has no capacity for introspection, indeed doubling down on their failed assessment of the "pulse" of American voters. "Yes, it's not that most Americans aren't racist, misogynist xenophobes, it's that we failed to realize how many of them there were!" The left's detachment from reality is astounding, and bodes well for Republicans.
11
Oh my, where to begin? First of all, we are not a democracy, we are a representative republic (if we can keep it). It would be nice if our self-proclaimed "intelligentsia," like Mr. Krugman, would acquaint themselves with the basics of our government and history before proceeding with their incitement of its destruction. It is the height of hypocrisy to assert dishonesty in Mr. Trump's campaign and then follow that with a litany of innuendo and lies designed to invoke fear and hatred in others. Finally, might I suggest that there is a common theme among those who are protesting in the streets and those, like our columnist, who rail against the election in words -- that is, they are spoiled rotten brats who are throwing tantrums because they didn't get their way. Grow up -- all of you.
9
Mr. Krugman says "Lies are lies, no matter how much power backs them up." If only he and his fellow-travelers had the self-awareness to see that this applies to themselves as well.
No, Mr. Trump isn't a fascist. No, his supporters aren't racists. No, unlimited fiscal stimulus can't bring on prosperity. No, having the government pay for health insurance won't improve healthcare. No, boys aren't girls no matter how much they think they are. No, there isn't evidence to justify ending the use of fossil fuels. No, there isn't any evidence that storms or flooding are more frequent or more intense because of climate change. No, campaign contributions aren't corruption. No, poorly planned regime change isn't a good idea just because your party is in power. No, geopolitical adversaries aren't driven by personal feelings toward our leaders. No, there isn't a rape culture, and no, one in five college women aren't assaulted. No, women aren't paid less than men because of sexism. No, there isn't a rash of police killings of harmless black men. No, minorities aren't subject to mass incarceration for minor offenses.
I didn't support Trump, and I fear that he could be much worse than he seemed during the campaign. But the smug self-assuredness of people like Mr. Krugman contributed greatly to the Democrats' fatal error of nominating an uninspiring candidate with a trail of scandal and no discernible political skills, running on a platform that most of the country doesn't accept.
No, Mr. Trump isn't a fascist. No, his supporters aren't racists. No, unlimited fiscal stimulus can't bring on prosperity. No, having the government pay for health insurance won't improve healthcare. No, boys aren't girls no matter how much they think they are. No, there isn't evidence to justify ending the use of fossil fuels. No, there isn't any evidence that storms or flooding are more frequent or more intense because of climate change. No, campaign contributions aren't corruption. No, poorly planned regime change isn't a good idea just because your party is in power. No, geopolitical adversaries aren't driven by personal feelings toward our leaders. No, there isn't a rape culture, and no, one in five college women aren't assaulted. No, women aren't paid less than men because of sexism. No, there isn't a rash of police killings of harmless black men. No, minorities aren't subject to mass incarceration for minor offenses.
I didn't support Trump, and I fear that he could be much worse than he seemed during the campaign. But the smug self-assuredness of people like Mr. Krugman contributed greatly to the Democrats' fatal error of nominating an uninspiring candidate with a trail of scandal and no discernible political skills, running on a platform that most of the country doesn't accept.
10
Democrats won the popular vote but still lost the presidency, House, and senate. The US needs political reform to advance the will of the people however, this is unlikely to occur as the GOP will oppose any legislation that will make elections more fair. The gutting of the Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court is likely to result in more poor and minority voter suppression courtesy of GOP politicians and legislators. I'm afraid Democrats will not regain power any time soon until perhaps the GOP has done enough damage to bring about another major recession similar to what happened in 2008.
11
We all need a breadth, some moments of reflexion of what just happened again. The majority of people voted for Hillary, but the minority still won again because an outdated political framework still exists and gives extra weight to people in unpopulated states than it does highly populated. Our democracy requires fighting for it against the oligarchs who have seized control by dividing us with the likes of FOX news that produces the angry noise for the ignorant to consume while they profit from the status quo. Take notice that Democratic turnout was significantly lower than 2012 in those states Republicans barely won. Trump got less votes than Romney in 2012, the turnout both in absolute and relative numbers is lower. The gap between Clinton votes and the Obama votes in 2012 runs into approximately 6.3m votes (65.9m over 59.6. Democrats flunked their get out the vote operations spectacularly: less total Republican voters in 2012 and still losing? The differences were small: Obama got 2.5m votes in Michigan, Clinton 2.265.000 and Trump 13,000 more. Pennsylvania 2.990.000 Obama, Clinton 150.000 less, while Trump got 2,912.000 votes. So we have work to do - just do it. Do it for our children and theirs. Rest and prepare yourself for fighting to take Congress back in two years. We must vote every Republican out of office in every state we can. One step at a time towards making Trump a one term President. Sulking or quitting ruins the future for your children, any questions?
6
Come on Doctor Krugman, Hillary lost for a simple reason. The large black vote in the various cities, Philadelphia and Detroit come to mind, did not turn out in the numbers that would have given her the electoral votes needed. The Latino vote was disappointing in several areas also, read Arizona and Texas.
Yes, we are greatly divided and lots of folks are hurting but I still recall that old song that was popular in 1942. " We did it before and we can do it again.". I am 85 and I do not have a too much time left in this world but I am optimistic for this country, never-the-less. I voted for Hillary but I have an inkling that Trump will be a more moderate President than that which we now fear. It will not be the first time that the office will change the person.
Yes, we are greatly divided and lots of folks are hurting but I still recall that old song that was popular in 1942. " We did it before and we can do it again.". I am 85 and I do not have a too much time left in this world but I am optimistic for this country, never-the-less. I voted for Hillary but I have an inkling that Trump will be a more moderate President than that which we now fear. It will not be the first time that the office will change the person.
8
What is especially galling to some of us Hillary voters is that she won the popular vote by a substantial margin, yet lost the electoral college vote. That is the second time since 2000 that has happened to a presidential candidate. That seems grossly unfair. It would take a Constitutional amendment to eliminate the electoral college. However, individual states can change how their electoral college votes are apportioned, so that winner in a state would not take all. Maine and Nebraska are two states where that is the case. A number of other states are considering that solution. Although that might not result in one's preferred candidate being elected, the results would likely seem more fair. It is worth considering.
7
Where do we go from here? Technology is a double edged sword. It can bring connection and information but it can also create alternative fake reality where anything goes and there is no right or wrong, just stimulation. The Trump victory is in part a product of that new world. When people keep there faces in their cell phones they are passive, removed from reality. Unfortunately that head in the cell phone type of passivity, and the illusions of involvement that it creates has real consequences in real time. No one can afford to stay passive while watching the world secondhand on some device. You have to get involved if you want to continue living in a democracy. Technology has become the bread and circuses of the modern era. No future political action to take back our democracy will succeed if it cannot break through the fake reality that the cell phone revolution has created.
7
I'm nearing 65 and I am despondent about the future. a President Trump will not help the working man and woman. The top 1 percent will thrive and multiply. True monsters will reign in the Supreme Court. Mike Pence, who is more radical than Trump, waits. Democrats need to channel FDR for wisdom about building confidence for the very rough road ahead. Those in their 20s and 30s need to organize through social media, then get off the couch to actually meet to volunteer for local state and national elections to get candidates elected. I am encouraged by the young people taking to the streets after the election, but that energy needs to be channeled to make sure America is indeed great again.
15
"How bad will it get?"
Anybody who stands up is going to be shot down. I understand the "Enemies List" is already being compiled. Oh, and what was that Trump said about torture? About extra-legal detention and executions? About journalism? About First Amendment rights?
Come on, Professor Krugman. You don't have to be a Nobel Prize Winner to see that a sociopath and megalomaniac backed by a completely partisan and corrupt legislature and a non-transparent national security apparatus is going to run roughshod over the people, the Constitution, the environment, the poor, the church, our traditions, women, minorities, the economy and the future.
Now our patriotic National Security contractors won't have to travel all the way to Latin America, Africa, or Central Asia to torture people. That's to become common procedure here.
We were happy to turn a blind eye when we did all these things in Chile, Argentina, Egypt, the Philippines and Afghanistan.
Now we will have to work much harder to close our eyes to the organized violence because it will be happening in our basements and back rooms.
Anybody who stands up is going to be shot down. I understand the "Enemies List" is already being compiled. Oh, and what was that Trump said about torture? About extra-legal detention and executions? About journalism? About First Amendment rights?
Come on, Professor Krugman. You don't have to be a Nobel Prize Winner to see that a sociopath and megalomaniac backed by a completely partisan and corrupt legislature and a non-transparent national security apparatus is going to run roughshod over the people, the Constitution, the environment, the poor, the church, our traditions, women, minorities, the economy and the future.
Now our patriotic National Security contractors won't have to travel all the way to Latin America, Africa, or Central Asia to torture people. That's to become common procedure here.
We were happy to turn a blind eye when we did all these things in Chile, Argentina, Egypt, the Philippines and Afghanistan.
Now we will have to work much harder to close our eyes to the organized violence because it will be happening in our basements and back rooms.
12
I was, like Paul Krugman, against Bernie Sanders because I thought Hillary Clinton was more electable. That turns out to have been the biggest mistaken idea this century. A huge swathe ot the population (as we have seen, a plurality) has been hurt by technological change and globalization. Europe and Canada have helped their citizens in this situation; the US has abandoned them. Both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump spoke directly to these people, although in dramatically different terms. They are the people who will determine elections for the foreseeable future. To have a hope of regaining power, the center-left will now have to actually speak to them, articulating clear and simply stated policies that give them hope, Obama's message was hope. Hillary's was fear and disgust. There is plenty to fear, and plenty to be disgusted with, but railing about the evil of Republicans will not lead to a Democratic victory in 2018 or 2020..
20
Instead of wringing our hands and falling apart, which admittedly, I have been doing since Tuesday night, along with comforting my two adult children who cried all night, the House of Representatives is up for re-election in two years. So is a third of the Senate.
So let's get going, people.
Right now.
Target the Freedom Caucus. Target GOP senators. Let's get Super pacs going today.
We have the vote. We won the popular vote. We elected Hillary Clinton president.
Now let's do what we can to get new people elected. Maybe we can't flip the House because of gerrymandering, but maybe we can elect reasonable candidates who are willing to govern, who are willing to compromise, who care, sometimes, about the state of the nation instead of the state of their re-election.
Come on, let's do it.
Stop writing, start activism. Day One.
#shewon#throwtherascalsout
So let's get going, people.
Right now.
Target the Freedom Caucus. Target GOP senators. Let's get Super pacs going today.
We have the vote. We won the popular vote. We elected Hillary Clinton president.
Now let's do what we can to get new people elected. Maybe we can't flip the House because of gerrymandering, but maybe we can elect reasonable candidates who are willing to govern, who are willing to compromise, who care, sometimes, about the state of the nation instead of the state of their re-election.
Come on, let's do it.
Stop writing, start activism. Day One.
#shewon#throwtherascalsout
12
The election -- all elections these days -- was about so much more than two people. It was about competing ideologies: the Americanism/Conservatism of Republicans vs. the Progressivism/Socialism of Democrats. Americanism is support and defense of liberty, limited government, Constitutionalism/rule of law, prosperity, charity, personal responsibility, self-reliance, traditional family, and God-based morality (murder, rape, stealing not allowed, etal.). Progressivism values equality/mediocrity, big government, rule by political elites, austerity, environmentalism, collective responsibility, risk aversion, welfare state, self-esteem, feelings over moral standards, broken/non-traditional families, and politicians/professors/scientists/celebrities as gods. Europe has shown how destructive and failed is the latter ideology. You chose wisely, American voters!
1
I believe that the vast majority of Trump voters did not vote for him because they loved, honored and even believed in him as a man, much less as a role model or an idol. I think they voted for him because they felt abused, neglected and unappreciated by the urban elite, and they felt abandoned and demonized by the Obama Administration and its embrace of cops as racists and BLM, immigration, free trade and lectures on how the answers to all problems started with what's the matter with Kansas. Now, well Trump will be judged based on how well he stays aligned with those core fly over states' values. But here is the real challenge for the urban rich left: What if what Trump does works? What if it lifts us out of deflation, brings economic growth to the plains and the inner cities? what if it consigns the theories of Warren, Sanders and Krugman to the dustbin? Is that really what Krugman is afraid of, not Trump's excesses, but the chance of his success?
3
"who saw Donald Trump as the worst man ever to run for president"
I don't know about worst ever, but the worst in the last 90 years.
He won because he was running against the worst woman to ever run for president.
When losing Democrats, like Krugman, lament at how anyone could vote for such a rude, obnoxious man like Trump, they totally ignore the question of how anyone could vote for such a corrupt, law violator as Hillary.
I am sure I can come up with a list of 100 people I would rather see as President than Donald Trump. Hillary Clinton is not on that list.
It really came down to policies:
C: Promised to raise my taxes.
T: Promised to lower my taxes (I own a small corp, so I am largely double taxed now).
C: Promised to create a new unaffordable entitlement.
T: Promised to eliminate an unaffordable entitlement.
C: Promised to take some of my guns.
T: Promised to let me keep my guns, and there is a good chance of getting national reciprocity so I can defend myself when I cross state lines.
C: Promised to do everything she could to gut freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to defend oneself and the right to due process.
T: Promised to nominate originalist Supreme Court nominees.
C: Promised new regulations.
T: Promised to reduce regulations.
Never mind the obnoxious personality and criminal history of the candidates. On the policy positions alone, it isn't even close.
I don't know about worst ever, but the worst in the last 90 years.
He won because he was running against the worst woman to ever run for president.
When losing Democrats, like Krugman, lament at how anyone could vote for such a rude, obnoxious man like Trump, they totally ignore the question of how anyone could vote for such a corrupt, law violator as Hillary.
I am sure I can come up with a list of 100 people I would rather see as President than Donald Trump. Hillary Clinton is not on that list.
It really came down to policies:
C: Promised to raise my taxes.
T: Promised to lower my taxes (I own a small corp, so I am largely double taxed now).
C: Promised to create a new unaffordable entitlement.
T: Promised to eliminate an unaffordable entitlement.
C: Promised to take some of my guns.
T: Promised to let me keep my guns, and there is a good chance of getting national reciprocity so I can defend myself when I cross state lines.
C: Promised to do everything she could to gut freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to defend oneself and the right to due process.
T: Promised to nominate originalist Supreme Court nominees.
C: Promised new regulations.
T: Promised to reduce regulations.
Never mind the obnoxious personality and criminal history of the candidates. On the policy positions alone, it isn't even close.
4
I am horrified that Trump has become president and I agree that the Trump campaign was full of hate and lies, but there was one central reality that his supporters heard in his message: an acknowledgement that the vast majority of the working and lower middle classes has been left behind by economic progress in the recent decades and that the political system no longer delivers for blue collar workers.
The sad fact is that these issues should be bread and butter for the Democratic party - this stuff is the home turf of politicians on the center left and it is a crying shame that Democrats have not capitalized on that reality.
Would Sanders have performed better than Clinton? I don't know but it can be reasonably argued that Sanders could not easily be branded an insider or establishment candidate.
What is clear is that since the 1990s, Democrats have slowly started to ignore their working class base and instead tried to focus on a perceived middle ground consisting of laissez faire policies aimed at the upper middle classes. These policies have failed, the middle ground has fallen away and world has moved on.
Lastly, it shouldn't need saying, but it does: charisma matters! Clinton has none and while her policies made sense, she could not connect with voters.
The sad fact is that these issues should be bread and butter for the Democratic party - this stuff is the home turf of politicians on the center left and it is a crying shame that Democrats have not capitalized on that reality.
Would Sanders have performed better than Clinton? I don't know but it can be reasonably argued that Sanders could not easily be branded an insider or establishment candidate.
What is clear is that since the 1990s, Democrats have slowly started to ignore their working class base and instead tried to focus on a perceived middle ground consisting of laissez faire policies aimed at the upper middle classes. These policies have failed, the middle ground has fallen away and world has moved on.
Lastly, it shouldn't need saying, but it does: charisma matters! Clinton has none and while her policies made sense, she could not connect with voters.
7
Methinks I detect a little over reaction from Mr. Krugman and his readers. I understand the genuine concern people have in the face of the prospect of systemic change. But maybe we should all chill for a while until we see the actual direction the new government takes before storming the Bastille.
Donald Trump rode a wave of voter emotion which at the very least was equal to that of the panicked wave of of his opposite coalition.
My feeling is that Tuesday's results were a pull back reaction to the peripheral issues of new liberal thought. Included in that bundle would be the open trade and borders that really had nothing to do with the core issues I felt strongly about like climate change, women's rights, health care as a right etc. etc.
Even Bernie Sanders recoiled from much of the kind of feast that Hillary was asking us to swallow.
iHandwringing and talk of rebellion won't improve America. Serious introspection and evaluation could result in a future message that doesn't have to see the baby thrown out with the bath water.
Donald Trump rode a wave of voter emotion which at the very least was equal to that of the panicked wave of of his opposite coalition.
My feeling is that Tuesday's results were a pull back reaction to the peripheral issues of new liberal thought. Included in that bundle would be the open trade and borders that really had nothing to do with the core issues I felt strongly about like climate change, women's rights, health care as a right etc. etc.
Even Bernie Sanders recoiled from much of the kind of feast that Hillary was asking us to swallow.
iHandwringing and talk of rebellion won't improve America. Serious introspection and evaluation could result in a future message that doesn't have to see the baby thrown out with the bath water.
1
As Tuesday night’s emotional hangover subsides and the rancid political dust settles, the view from here in Canada is of an American political system ruled of the elite, for the elite and by the elite.
Whether republican or democrat, the ruling elite behaves more like royalty than servants of the public, who feel increasingly marginalized. In spite of his lies and wealth, Trump was elected because he is a political outsider. Hillary’s email scandal wasn’t based on legal matters or security concerns, but in how exclusive email access reinforced her role in ruling-class elitism.
Given the obvious value now placed on outsider status, one wonders how many other wealthy celebrities are considering a run in 2020? How long before Washington’s elitist house of cards comes crashing down?
Whether republican or democrat, the ruling elite behaves more like royalty than servants of the public, who feel increasingly marginalized. In spite of his lies and wealth, Trump was elected because he is a political outsider. Hillary’s email scandal wasn’t based on legal matters or security concerns, but in how exclusive email access reinforced her role in ruling-class elitism.
Given the obvious value now placed on outsider status, one wonders how many other wealthy celebrities are considering a run in 2020? How long before Washington’s elitist house of cards comes crashing down?
7
"Maybe America isn't special," maybe it has been very very lucky. From the beginning it was lucky in geography (far away from the turmoil in Europe) it was lucky in its plentiful supply of natural resources (coal, oil, water power, fertile land) and it was lucky in its flows of human capital (hard working slaves and immigrants who built the country and created a diverse culture the world admired).
And maybe it's luck is running out. International travel and communication shrunk the world. The oceans on either side are no barrier. We have depleted or no longer need the natural resources that gifted us. Human capital in terms of skilled hard workers are redundant and creative human capital can find homes all over the globe.
We have allowed our preeminent position in education, health care, human rights and just plain decency to slip away in a hunger for bigger and bigger profit, which end up in the hands of a smaller and smaller few. The extreme power of our bloated military is increasingly powerless to deal with the micro threats that cannot be subdued by missiles, air craft carriers and nuclear submarines.
We are left with a country whose people can still cheer at rallies but has lost its soul.
And maybe it's luck is running out. International travel and communication shrunk the world. The oceans on either side are no barrier. We have depleted or no longer need the natural resources that gifted us. Human capital in terms of skilled hard workers are redundant and creative human capital can find homes all over the globe.
We have allowed our preeminent position in education, health care, human rights and just plain decency to slip away in a hunger for bigger and bigger profit, which end up in the hands of a smaller and smaller few. The extreme power of our bloated military is increasingly powerless to deal with the micro threats that cannot be subdued by missiles, air craft carriers and nuclear submarines.
We are left with a country whose people can still cheer at rallies but has lost its soul.
10
I'm looking at photos of him since we he was elected: somber, quieter. Could it be the look of someone overwhelmed and chastened by the profundity of the very real job before him? He has no ability to focus on complexity even briefly and there is video of him reviewing printed material during depositions where it appears he's reading, but not comprehending the text (as a teacher, I know that expression well).
While he will continue to take authoritarian stances in public, GOP old-guard and special interests are going to run rough-shod all over his administration, making their own policy. They can "advise" him and get whatever they want because, at the end of the day, the presidency is about making a series of informed small and large decisions every day, and we already know he isn't up to the task. I figure we just elected Presidents Pence, Giuliani, and Christie.
While he will continue to take authoritarian stances in public, GOP old-guard and special interests are going to run rough-shod all over his administration, making their own policy. They can "advise" him and get whatever they want because, at the end of the day, the presidency is about making a series of informed small and large decisions every day, and we already know he isn't up to the task. I figure we just elected Presidents Pence, Giuliani, and Christie.
7
Trump will almost surely be a one term president. And by 2020 more states will lean blue. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court will turn red and remain so for a generation. It will side with corporations, deregulaters, and Evangelicals against minorities and women's reproductive rights. It is very likely that Roe v. Wade will be overturned.
Democrats should prepare for that eventuality. Blue states should unashamedly build abortion clinics near major airports to serve low-income Red state women as well as their own.
Democrats should also become the party to champion states' rights. Blue states will choose a path similar to California's.
Democrats should prepare for that eventuality. Blue states should unashamedly build abortion clinics near major airports to serve low-income Red state women as well as their own.
Democrats should also become the party to champion states' rights. Blue states will choose a path similar to California's.
6
We're going to have to give Trump a chance, whether we like it or not. He has proposed what he plans to do in his "First 100 Days" speech. Do what you always do so well and help us understand the implications. Some of the major elements include: Term limits, controls over the revolving door between Congress and lobbyists; building the wall; deporting illegal immigrants in our jails; stiffer penalties for repeat illegal immigrants; big tax cuts; removing the sequester on military spending while implementing the "penny plan" (reducing non-defense, non-entitlement spending by 1% per year) etc. http://www.npr.org/2016/11/10/501597652/fact-check-donald-trumps-first-1...
2
To Do List:
(1)There are 48 Democratic Senators, enough to block any meaningful legislation other than "tax reconciliation" (which is a bad one-see 2002) and appointments. They must act as a solid block, and give Trump the same treatment, lawfully, that the Republican Senate gave Obama. Nothing happens. Nothing gets through. And any Democratic Senator who breaks and provides "bi-partisan" cover to Trump should be tarred, feathered, have their head shaved and paraded down the street like a French woman who slept with a Nazi officer (which is a fair analogy);
(2)After a century this is the second time in 16 years that the party that won an electoral majority of votes lost in the Electoral College. It is NOT a coincidence. The Electoral College system, which was set up to balance power between the small and large states so as to entice the small states into the Union, combining as its numerical the number of Senators ( 2 a state) and House members (based on population) did NOT contemplate the egregious and relentless gerrymandering of Congressional districts by Republicans, which has totally skewed the system in a way the Founders did not contemplate nor want. Simple solution- large states and their voters are having their rights curtailed and should think about getting out. Consider #calexit. #NYexit. There was purposely nothing put in the Constitution to render secession illegal. The biggest mistake in our history was by Lincoln-we are two countries.
(1)There are 48 Democratic Senators, enough to block any meaningful legislation other than "tax reconciliation" (which is a bad one-see 2002) and appointments. They must act as a solid block, and give Trump the same treatment, lawfully, that the Republican Senate gave Obama. Nothing happens. Nothing gets through. And any Democratic Senator who breaks and provides "bi-partisan" cover to Trump should be tarred, feathered, have their head shaved and paraded down the street like a French woman who slept with a Nazi officer (which is a fair analogy);
(2)After a century this is the second time in 16 years that the party that won an electoral majority of votes lost in the Electoral College. It is NOT a coincidence. The Electoral College system, which was set up to balance power between the small and large states so as to entice the small states into the Union, combining as its numerical the number of Senators ( 2 a state) and House members (based on population) did NOT contemplate the egregious and relentless gerrymandering of Congressional districts by Republicans, which has totally skewed the system in a way the Founders did not contemplate nor want. Simple solution- large states and their voters are having their rights curtailed and should think about getting out. Consider #calexit. #NYexit. There was purposely nothing put in the Constitution to render secession illegal. The biggest mistake in our history was by Lincoln-we are two countries.
10
Trump ran a campaign that where he relished in offending and alienating various groups representing millions of people. But Trump also had a strong appeal to those who have felt ignored and economically disenfranchised for a long time. Trump’s crude communication style did turn off many voters, including many Republicans, however his promises to upturn the establishment and get America moving again clearly resonated with many voters.
Clinton’s didn’t do herself any favors by running as an Obama redux candidate when so many voters were completely fed up with the status quo and a dysfunctional federal government.
The backlash to Trump’s election has been quite ferocious. Most of it is sour grapes and it will die down as soon as people begin to accept that Trump will be the next U.S. president. All former presidents, once they’ve assumed office, have toned down their campaign rhetoric. There’s no reason to think president-elect Trump will be different. This could offer some solace to those who are fearful that Trump will carry through with some of his most distasteful campaign pledges.
Clinton’s didn’t do herself any favors by running as an Obama redux candidate when so many voters were completely fed up with the status quo and a dysfunctional federal government.
The backlash to Trump’s election has been quite ferocious. Most of it is sour grapes and it will die down as soon as people begin to accept that Trump will be the next U.S. president. All former presidents, once they’ve assumed office, have toned down their campaign rhetoric. There’s no reason to think president-elect Trump will be different. This could offer some solace to those who are fearful that Trump will carry through with some of his most distasteful campaign pledges.
"Maybe America isn’t special, it’s just another republic that had its day, but is in the process of devolving into a corrupt nation ruled by strongmen."
Glad you woke up, Paul.
Glad you woke up, Paul.
4
No surprise, the corporate media was unconcerned about Trump's stated fascist agenda, beginning with the First Amendment, because corporations are authoritarian by design. And...emails!
5
The trump troopers who voted for him will be very slow to recognize their mistake. I fear.
4
Yes - the situation is catastrophical but this is what the establishments neoliberalism has created since Thatcher/Reagan.Men of power and money have shaped a society in which common people don't count.Trump knew how to make use of his fellow citizens lowest instincts and won the presidency.Not only the voters are to blame but foremost Americas establishment to which also Krugman belongs.
6
I don't think this was a Republican victory so much as a Democratic loss. The Dems could have taken this one but they simply backed the wrong horse. I admit I supported Hillary - believing she was best qualified for the job - but I sorely underestimated how despised she is. In the end as a candidate she just had too much baggage. Trump was fortunate in that he had none. Not as politician anyway (as a human being he had plenty but for some reason people were able to forgive or ignore that).
I will always wonder what would have happened if Bernie had been the Democratic nominee. It would have been a race for the ages that's for sure. All I know is most of my friends who fall into the 'liberal' category and none of them were that enthused by the HRC candidacy (many downright despise her) but ALL of them loved the idea of Bernie. What a shame we will never find out how different it all could have been.
I will always wonder what would have happened if Bernie had been the Democratic nominee. It would have been a race for the ages that's for sure. All I know is most of my friends who fall into the 'liberal' category and none of them were that enthused by the HRC candidacy (many downright despise her) but ALL of them loved the idea of Bernie. What a shame we will never find out how different it all could have been.
17
Very sadly, Americans are educated by FOX t.v. and reality shows and this is the result. The fact that Christie made $60,000 from the Trumpac for July should have been a tipoff to those who sent their hard earned bucks his way. I fear deeply for the free press. Didn't the candidate proudly tell you he uses 'other people's money? The man elected president was communicating with Russia throughout the campaign? Is this not treason? What a shameful time for this country. Add it to the list of horrific acts perpetrated through slavery, the internment of the Japanese, the devastation caused by Cheney and Bush in the middle east and the destruction of the Native American population. We need to be honest about our past actions in order to go forward. Today, I bow my head in honor of all of those who have and will suffer from the cancer of greed infecting our leaders. What a tragedy for democracy.
9
If Donald Trump was the worst man to ever run for President, Hillary Clinton was the worst woman to run for President and will probably retire the title. As I noted in cancelling my subscription to The Nation for their carrying the water for a DINO like Hillary: If Hillary Clinton is the answer, The Nation served no good purpose. Please cancel my subscription.
I like my Democrats to be real Democrats- not Third Way DINOs that owe their allegiance to Wall Street but publicly claim to be Progressive. If the price of a Clinton free America is four years of Donald Trump, then so be it. If the price of a Democratic Party that remembers the working class, the working poor and the disadvantaged is four years of Republican Government it will be worthwhile.
It didn't have to be this way. Polling over a year ago clearly showed Bernie was the better candidate, but the "I'm with Her" crowd and their tone deaf dismissal of working people and the real Progressive wing of the Democratic Party came back to give us the Trumpocalypse. Part of that belongs to you and others who belittled the Sanders movement with disinformation.
I like my Democrats to be real Democrats- not Third Way DINOs that owe their allegiance to Wall Street but publicly claim to be Progressive. If the price of a Clinton free America is four years of Donald Trump, then so be it. If the price of a Democratic Party that remembers the working class, the working poor and the disadvantaged is four years of Republican Government it will be worthwhile.
It didn't have to be this way. Polling over a year ago clearly showed Bernie was the better candidate, but the "I'm with Her" crowd and their tone deaf dismissal of working people and the real Progressive wing of the Democratic Party came back to give us the Trumpocalypse. Part of that belongs to you and others who belittled the Sanders movement with disinformation.
20
How quickly we've forgotten the disastrous presidency of the Bush administration that lied, went to war, which led to near 5000 US military deaths, hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths, trillions of dollars in debt and despite Trump's assertions that Obama really gave the world ISIS. Not to mention the near economic collapse in 2008 that is part of the anger that resides in this nation.
Does is not boggle a rational mind that a demagogue could now lie time after time for over a year and capture the heart and minds of the fearful and angry.
Trump stated repeatedly he was smarter then the generals and he knows how to deal with ISIS. How Donald? Do we send our military back, drop a nuclear weapon, vaporize the middle east?
Will you return manufacturing jobs to those who believed you, as in the good old days? When this one falsehood hits reality watch the upwelling of anger then.
Yes we can develop the infrastructure that will provide some jobs and is certainly needed, providing a tight fisted congress agrees to allow the funding.
So lets get this straight Donald, you promised to defeat ISIS, bring back manufacturing jobs, build a wall, along with other promises, reduce taxes and the national debt. Your promises and results sounded so simple. Maybe as simple as the promises you made in your business dealings, then found ways to renege on those promises.
Does is not boggle a rational mind that a demagogue could now lie time after time for over a year and capture the heart and minds of the fearful and angry.
Trump stated repeatedly he was smarter then the generals and he knows how to deal with ISIS. How Donald? Do we send our military back, drop a nuclear weapon, vaporize the middle east?
Will you return manufacturing jobs to those who believed you, as in the good old days? When this one falsehood hits reality watch the upwelling of anger then.
Yes we can develop the infrastructure that will provide some jobs and is certainly needed, providing a tight fisted congress agrees to allow the funding.
So lets get this straight Donald, you promised to defeat ISIS, bring back manufacturing jobs, build a wall, along with other promises, reduce taxes and the national debt. Your promises and results sounded so simple. Maybe as simple as the promises you made in your business dealings, then found ways to renege on those promises.
11
What disturbs me about the postmortem analysis, both here and in most others I've read as well as comments, is a lack of awareness of a basic idea: That voters are rejecting the premise of the Democratic party in general. That continuing to grow the government incrementally, to throw money at education, at immigration, at poverty, at healthcare in the same way that the Feds have always done only moreso, is a failing proposition.
It's as if the coach is thinking after an 0 - 10 season, "Well, I'm a better coach, I have better players, and I have a better game plan. I'll just have to try harder next season!" A coach who wanted to keep his or her job, and I do presume that Democrats want to keep trying to make their country better, would start looking for new players and a new game plan, lest there be a new coach. If the game has changed since their coaching career began, it would behoove him or her to learn to play the game the modern way.
It is heartening to read that some are acknowledging the existence of flyover country and the mysterious presence of people who vote there. Obama promised Hope but failed to deliver. Sure, blame Congress, but they gained their office by the selfsame voters, and they did their job. LBJ pushed through far more divisive legislation in far worse times, by successfully working the legislature. You say obstructionist, I say it's the President's job to get legislation passed, he just wasn't good at it. Trump offered them Hope and they bit.
It's as if the coach is thinking after an 0 - 10 season, "Well, I'm a better coach, I have better players, and I have a better game plan. I'll just have to try harder next season!" A coach who wanted to keep his or her job, and I do presume that Democrats want to keep trying to make their country better, would start looking for new players and a new game plan, lest there be a new coach. If the game has changed since their coaching career began, it would behoove him or her to learn to play the game the modern way.
It is heartening to read that some are acknowledging the existence of flyover country and the mysterious presence of people who vote there. Obama promised Hope but failed to deliver. Sure, blame Congress, but they gained their office by the selfsame voters, and they did their job. LBJ pushed through far more divisive legislation in far worse times, by successfully working the legislature. You say obstructionist, I say it's the President's job to get legislation passed, he just wasn't good at it. Trump offered them Hope and they bit.
6
It not a Trump win but a Clinton loss: the differences in votes in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania are small and could have been turned blue. How despicable all the campaign rhetoric from the Trump campaign has been, they did very well analyze why and how Bernie Sanders won his primaries.
I am stil, at a loss how team HR Clinton, did not see competitors coming, misread their signals or did not act upon it. Now for the 3rd time (Obama, Sanders and now Trump) in a row, while sidetracking people who felt still felt their beat, including Bill Clinton. If HRC would have been elected, how would such campaign team have operated from the executive branch?
The Dems have been exposed to fatal flaw which Kellyanne Conway summarized: instead of listening to each other (operators, pollsters etc) they should listen to votes who have a lot to tell. Where Republican have various trends working against them, they seem to have no other option to operate through tactics where in many instances minority votes are transformed into majority executive power al all levels of government. The Dems never seem to have fully grasped its strategic ramifications, still more relying on election results through waves of enthusiasm than a safety net of voters. The Republicans have such safety net which helps tremendously when the enthusiasm for the Dems is low. And so all the dark projection may or may not become true. Final lesson from Brexit and Trump: scaremongering does not win elections.
I am stil, at a loss how team HR Clinton, did not see competitors coming, misread their signals or did not act upon it. Now for the 3rd time (Obama, Sanders and now Trump) in a row, while sidetracking people who felt still felt their beat, including Bill Clinton. If HRC would have been elected, how would such campaign team have operated from the executive branch?
The Dems have been exposed to fatal flaw which Kellyanne Conway summarized: instead of listening to each other (operators, pollsters etc) they should listen to votes who have a lot to tell. Where Republican have various trends working against them, they seem to have no other option to operate through tactics where in many instances minority votes are transformed into majority executive power al all levels of government. The Dems never seem to have fully grasped its strategic ramifications, still more relying on election results through waves of enthusiasm than a safety net of voters. The Republicans have such safety net which helps tremendously when the enthusiasm for the Dems is low. And so all the dark projection may or may not become true. Final lesson from Brexit and Trump: scaremongering does not win elections.
1
I fully agree with you ,Mr Krugman: this future President is difficult to accept.
Mr Trump will do more damages than Mr Reagan and the two Bushes put together.
But somebody voted for him and believed in him.
This means that the average American citizen is changed, is more aggressive because he fears his future and this makes him feel insecure and vulnerable to easy promises.
I think that the Democratic Party chiefs didn't understand this change and they didn't work at all to spread the Democratic values and message, and, if they do nothing in the next two years, also next Congress will be Republican.
The Democratic Party elite also allowed to a weak and compromised candidate as Ms Clinton to go ahead instead of the stronger Ms Elizabeth Warren, toward which Republicans put more than one veto to any charge since 2008, so demonstrating a one way psychological dependence toward Republicans.
It is not question to find a guilty now for the Democrats' defeat, but the problem is that the actual Democratic Party board did its time, and it is time for them to leave their place to more mentally flexible and open people.
In other words, the Democratic Party needs a younger board which will certainly better understand the actual average American generation, and find an answer and address a solution to their problems, bringing them back to real Democrat and democratic believes, operating door by door and county by county, to bring Americans out of the Republican framing.
Mr Trump will do more damages than Mr Reagan and the two Bushes put together.
But somebody voted for him and believed in him.
This means that the average American citizen is changed, is more aggressive because he fears his future and this makes him feel insecure and vulnerable to easy promises.
I think that the Democratic Party chiefs didn't understand this change and they didn't work at all to spread the Democratic values and message, and, if they do nothing in the next two years, also next Congress will be Republican.
The Democratic Party elite also allowed to a weak and compromised candidate as Ms Clinton to go ahead instead of the stronger Ms Elizabeth Warren, toward which Republicans put more than one veto to any charge since 2008, so demonstrating a one way psychological dependence toward Republicans.
It is not question to find a guilty now for the Democrats' defeat, but the problem is that the actual Democratic Party board did its time, and it is time for them to leave their place to more mentally flexible and open people.
In other words, the Democratic Party needs a younger board which will certainly better understand the actual average American generation, and find an answer and address a solution to their problems, bringing them back to real Democrat and democratic believes, operating door by door and county by county, to bring Americans out of the Republican framing.
2
Keep the truth coming and keep bringing your evidence. Lets start with a NY Times piece on TPP and other trade deals along the lines of what was written on understanding climate change, and or "Fractured Lands: How the Arab World Came Apart". The more people who know and tell the truth the better. I knew that Bernie was right about so much of what he said, but never believed that he could survive the label "socialist" in this Foxidated country of ours. Perhaps more of the progressive message had been absorbed by those who were angry and left behind than we knew and were thereby more vulnerable to Trumpism on jobs and trade. Progressives need to be able to close the deal by offering easy to repeat specifics and near term hope.
3
Yesterday you predicted the tanking of world markets, with no end in sight. A few hours later, your column was no where to be seen as you were - yet again - totally, utterly and absolutely wrong.
The mystery to me, is why you are paid to share your opinions.
The mystery to me, is why you are paid to share your opinions.
18
Perhaps, given that a new administration will come to Washington, it is time to clean up our shelves. Time to send Mr. Paul Krugman to a well deserved retirement. If you think you can say that you are right and half the U.S. population is nuts, it is time to go. Perhaps even to an asylum.
10
What to do? How about "suck it up" ... assuming Trump's camp is smart enough to realize that making good on his promise to life up inner-city communities (as well as the rust belt communities) by increasing economic growth and reducing crime, he'll unite America. People keep calling Trump supporters "racists" because that's what the mega-wealthy globalists want people to believe (because they want to keep paying children pennies on the dollar in third world countries to make their products and ship them here without an import penalty). In reality, Trump supporters just want the citizens of the U.S.A. to be prioritized in U.S. domestic and foreign policy ... ALL citizens whether you are white-american, african american, asian american, latino american ... it makes no difference. If you're here on a green card or student visa, it includes you as well.
6
It's good that a number of pot legalization initiatives across the country prevailed on Tuesday. I'm not a stoner myself, but in light of the election results, I'm willing to give it the old college try.
5
It seems that the emotions and anger being vented by many Hillary supporters today are almost identical to those of the Trump supporters 8 years ago when Obama won. Each side shrieks in disbelief that this is "their" country.
Both movements have their true believers who maintain that their situation is different and therefore justified. Maybe so; but the behavior patterns of the extremists on each side suggest they have more in common than they would like to admit.
Both movements have their true believers who maintain that their situation is different and therefore justified. Maybe so; but the behavior patterns of the extremists on each side suggest they have more in common than they would like to admit.
3
Mr Krugman forgets that at minimum a plurality of the citizens rejected Hillary Clinton, counting those who voted for Trump and the Libertarians. People don't like big government, intrusive government, corruptions (being on the gravy train for Wall Street, etc.). That's why Clinton lost. I don't care for Peggy Noonan but Krugman would do well to read (and learn from) Peggy Noonan's article in the Wall Street Journal. The people voted and the Establishment (Democrat and Republican) lost; however, this lesson you have missed or chosen not to address.
You and your ilk are fast becoming as irrelevant here to the unwashed non-elitists are your ilk is in Europe (and everywhere else on the planet). Learn. Think. Breathe.
You and your ilk are fast becoming as irrelevant here to the unwashed non-elitists are your ilk is in Europe (and everywhere else on the planet). Learn. Think. Breathe.
4
Sorry Mr. Krugman, but you will have to wait on changing the United States to Sweden. You gave it your all, but came up short.
5
Wow. Talk about a sore loser column. Predicting disaster on so many fronts is not at all helpful. Krugman has to come to grips with the reality that he has been wrong on so many issues. He sees himself as a prophet, but is so out of touch with the reality of the lives of so many people. I'm quite certain that he also believes, with Clinton, that Trump supporters were a "basket of deplorables."
Reality for a huge number of lower and working-class Americans is wondering each week how to pay for groceries, how to pay the rent, and whether to risk buying health care coverage. Climate change is not even on the radar screen for such folks. Krugman lives in an elitist bubble. He never sees or interacts with the types of folks who voted for Trump.
The NYT has to face the reality that the paper and its writers were simply and abysmally wrong. Now true patriotism calls for being a good sport after losing and attempting to develop more positive relationships with those who disagree with you. For Krugman, this may be impossible. He is an entrenched ideologue who believes he is absolutely right on every issue. Guess what? He often is wrong.
Reality for a huge number of lower and working-class Americans is wondering each week how to pay for groceries, how to pay the rent, and whether to risk buying health care coverage. Climate change is not even on the radar screen for such folks. Krugman lives in an elitist bubble. He never sees or interacts with the types of folks who voted for Trump.
The NYT has to face the reality that the paper and its writers were simply and abysmally wrong. Now true patriotism calls for being a good sport after losing and attempting to develop more positive relationships with those who disagree with you. For Krugman, this may be impossible. He is an entrenched ideologue who believes he is absolutely right on every issue. Guess what? He often is wrong.
11
It amazes my how educated liberal thinkers act like spoiled children, when they don't get what they want. Extreme binary explanations of reality, such as "he is the devil and she is a saint", "endless prosperity or economic debacle" are just absurd. I expect more from you.
10
The programs aimed at including everyone in at least some of the fruits of our economy are likely to largely go away. The most visible of these is the attempt at universal health care.
Eduardo Schwartz earlier this week presented evidence that animosity toward various ethnicities and religions is behind the lack of support for social programs. If that is true, and I think it is, then progressives should fight the animosity before trying to rebuild the social contract.
Unfortunately, that will take time. Right now, I have no clue how to do it.
Eduardo Schwartz earlier this week presented evidence that animosity toward various ethnicities and religions is behind the lack of support for social programs. If that is true, and I think it is, then progressives should fight the animosity before trying to rebuild the social contract.
Unfortunately, that will take time. Right now, I have no clue how to do it.
3
Honest, clear thinking as usual from Paul Krugman. Yesterday did we have a moment of hope when the President met with Mr Trump and what seemed to be human remarks came out of him? Just wait 8 hours or so--the lying tweets denigrating Americans expressing their constitutional responsibilities by protesting tyranny or potential tyranny showed once again that a forked tongue turneth away wrath, for a while.
6
In the Art of War, Sun Tzu explains how he would put his army in a position they could not flee from. They would either have to fight or die. This is where the Democrats have put the Left. We can either unify, organize, and fight for our very lives, or the country we have built we be unrecognizable. You will owe your soul to the global banks that own our politicians.
If you feel, as the Republicans that cheered Ron Paul in the 2012 debate did, that someone that did not buy health insurance ahead of time, should be left on the street to die, you are on the right. If you could not step over that person, but would feel a responsibility to get that person health care, you are on the left.
The liberals in the Democratic Party are only one part of the Left. They are about 60 million of out of a country of 300 million people. There are another 60 million or so on the left that do not believe the Democratic Party actually represents the Left at all. This is why they do not vote in the elections.
There are socialists, who believe that the Democratic Party, personified by the Clintons, is a right leaning party. There are anarchists, who although they do not believe in government at all, believe in helping people (and put their time into projects like Occupy Sandy).
All of us on the Left have to stop bickering and come together to fight for justice. The other side speaks of justice but only wants profits. We have our backs to the wall we cannot flee.
we must make a stand together.
If you feel, as the Republicans that cheered Ron Paul in the 2012 debate did, that someone that did not buy health insurance ahead of time, should be left on the street to die, you are on the right. If you could not step over that person, but would feel a responsibility to get that person health care, you are on the left.
The liberals in the Democratic Party are only one part of the Left. They are about 60 million of out of a country of 300 million people. There are another 60 million or so on the left that do not believe the Democratic Party actually represents the Left at all. This is why they do not vote in the elections.
There are socialists, who believe that the Democratic Party, personified by the Clintons, is a right leaning party. There are anarchists, who although they do not believe in government at all, believe in helping people (and put their time into projects like Occupy Sandy).
All of us on the Left have to stop bickering and come together to fight for justice. The other side speaks of justice but only wants profits. We have our backs to the wall we cannot flee.
we must make a stand together.
5
Paul, this election wasn't about Trump as much as it was about the total lack of anything substantive coming from the Democrats. The absolute tone deafness of the Party to what was happening in the hinterlands was, and apparently still is, breathtaking. And you still don't get it. The DNC machine lost this election when they arrogantly ignored the wishes of a huge block of energized Bernie voters trying to breath some life into their cozy, moribund world. It was going to be Hillary's time, and that was the end of the discussion. No matter that the country had had more than their fill of all things Clinton years ago. And now we're all going to reap the whirlwind. Don't blame Trump. Look in the mirror.
15
History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. --- Karl Marx
Remember Ralphie in “A Christmas Story,” how excited he was when he got his secret decoder ring and how disappointed he was by it afterwards?
Well, a few weeks from now Donald will be getting his nuclear codes.
Remember Ralphie in “A Christmas Story,” how excited he was when he got his secret decoder ring and how disappointed he was by it afterwards?
Well, a few weeks from now Donald will be getting his nuclear codes.
3
Sorry Mr Krugman, you have had a hand in this. Propping up Clinton was a huge mistake, and many people saw it coming.
To regain your credibility, offer to assist the new administration. What a change that would be, instead of polarization, we could all work together to improve peoples lives.
To regain your credibility, offer to assist the new administration. What a change that would be, instead of polarization, we could all work together to improve peoples lives.
8
I don't accept that this was a real election. How could all the pollsters be so off? All of them? Aren't polls an indication of election fraud in fascist countries? Did the Republican governors of WI, MI, NC, FL engage in fraud? Russians hacked the DNC and the Clinton campaign chair, FBI Director broadcast 11 days before the election that he was finding new evidence of the criminality of emails, voter suppression in NC. Russian official confirms they were in contact with Trump campaign during the election, isn't this treason?
I'm not afraid we'll never have a real American election again. We didn't have a real election this year.
I believe the polls, not the Electoral College. Hillary Clinton won the votes. Just enough votes were hacked, stolen, erased to sway the corrupt Electoral College. How do we get proof of this?
I don't care at all about understanding the pain of the rural redneck traitors who love Putin, and I'm not on speaking terms with my well-to-do Republican friends and relatives who voted Trump.
I'm not afraid we'll never have a real American election again. We didn't have a real election this year.
I believe the polls, not the Electoral College. Hillary Clinton won the votes. Just enough votes were hacked, stolen, erased to sway the corrupt Electoral College. How do we get proof of this?
I don't care at all about understanding the pain of the rural redneck traitors who love Putin, and I'm not on speaking terms with my well-to-do Republican friends and relatives who voted Trump.
11
Despite the terror of it all, we can only do one thing: continue to fight for what is right and just. The people who voted for Mr. Trump will continue to receive the minimum wage, working in lousy jobs, probably loosing their health care in the process; climate change will continue to worsen; the richest one-percent of our population will continue to see unprecendented windfalls in tax breaks.
Mr. Krugman is right about one thing: this election will change many things for generations to come.
Mr. Krugman is right about one thing: this election will change many things for generations to come.
7
Mr. K, you really have to get out of your depression. Why not see a positive side to the election? First, the DOW, up 700 or 800 point seems to think that the economic policies of Trump are not all that bad. Perhaps stopping the bleeding of American jobs and bring some back, maybe repatriating billions sitting off shore, and even a decrease in the tax rate, just maybe these things can work out in a positive way?
5
There’s anguished cries of, ‘How will my children grow up knowing not to discriminate?’ or, ‘How can I look my daughter in the eye and tell her she has purpose?’ Really? America, You have given Donald Trump, a mere mortal man, far more credit than he deserves, especially considering the man hasn’t even taken office yet. Trump does not have the power to mold our families, that is our flat-out YOUR responsibility.
Your children will learn to love or hate, be respectful or disrespectful, wise or foolish, not by the character of the family in the White House, but by the family in their house. May I submit to you that your sons and daughters will be far, far more influenced by their teachers, coaches, Scouts or church group leaders than they will a man on TV. I don’t feel my character was molded by the Bush, Clinton, or Obama families, but I did learn perseverance from my Dad, and work ethic from my Mom. Barbara Bush said " “Your success as a family… our success as a nation… depends not on what happens inside the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”
Your children will learn to love or hate, be respectful or disrespectful, wise or foolish, not by the character of the family in the White House, but by the family in their house. May I submit to you that your sons and daughters will be far, far more influenced by their teachers, coaches, Scouts or church group leaders than they will a man on TV. I don’t feel my character was molded by the Bush, Clinton, or Obama families, but I did learn perseverance from my Dad, and work ethic from my Mom. Barbara Bush said " “Your success as a family… our success as a nation… depends not on what happens inside the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”
4
My husband reassures me that our system of government is designed to protect us from a bad president. I try not to think of SCOTUS and nuclear codes, and believe him. A friend opined that maybe this election and it's aftermath will be a necessary process to racial healing, something the country has to go thru to resolve the divide- that what horrid things happen in the next few years will finally open and drain the abcess and we can actually move forward together after that. I am going with that slim hope. Did I mention I live 70 miles from the Canadian border? Another friend in Florida is thinking of Mexico- figures walls work both ways!
3
Maybe my optimism will be resurrected over time, but right now I can't muster much. I'm disheartened when I watch the media pundits discussing Trump's transition, treating it in the same manner as all other presidential transitions that have gone before. What makes them believe he's going to run a presidency in the same way every other president has done? Donald, in my view, will do nothing conventional.
My cynicism runs deep and my anger is directed mostly towards the media. Why don't Americans understand how little they know about their new president? Because the media elites never really asked. They lapped up the narrative "business experience > good" that Donald fed them. When really, would you hire the clerk at the Seven Eleven to do your heart surgery because you're so fed up with surgeons? Now our president is a man who's bankrupted half his businesses and been sued for bilking his customers on the other half. (This is setting aside his gross ethical and moral failings.) His business experience is what is supposed to make him uniquely qualified for president, but he's not really that good at it!
If the media is unwilling to hold Donald accountable, we're done as a nation. With our government fully controlled by one party, the media is our only hope. I hope there's as much scrutiny of Trump's administration as there was Hillary's emails.
My cynicism runs deep and my anger is directed mostly towards the media. Why don't Americans understand how little they know about their new president? Because the media elites never really asked. They lapped up the narrative "business experience > good" that Donald fed them. When really, would you hire the clerk at the Seven Eleven to do your heart surgery because you're so fed up with surgeons? Now our president is a man who's bankrupted half his businesses and been sued for bilking his customers on the other half. (This is setting aside his gross ethical and moral failings.) His business experience is what is supposed to make him uniquely qualified for president, but he's not really that good at it!
If the media is unwilling to hold Donald accountable, we're done as a nation. With our government fully controlled by one party, the media is our only hope. I hope there's as much scrutiny of Trump's administration as there was Hillary's emails.
11
You sound a bit ambiguous there Mr. Krugman. Kinda hoping for hope and then saying but maybe not. I understand, I think we are all doing that. One thing I do not understand. I am quite sure that Trump was voted in by a minority of folks within the nation, so why don't we the majority get him kicked out? The only reason Trump will bring ruination is cuz we let him. Cuz to stop him will require just about everyone against him to act, and act uncomfortably, like sacrificing your spending. How we spend here forward will make a big difference on Trump success or failure. One way to do this is to buy as little corporate product as you can. Do that, and he won't last very long at all. We like our economy growing too much, those that negatively effect that are thrown out the window.
3
I think a great thing to do is to stop reading your tortured columns.
Another great thing would be for you to change the name of your blog to "Conscience of Centrist Parading as a Liberal." Why not be honest? You don't give a hoot about displaced American workers or the plight of our young people trying to make it in the "new" economy. You think it's the way of the future. Free trade is your mantra, American exceptionalism. I bet you're just like Hillary and have two positions on the big issues: one for us to read and the other you champion in your elitist bubble world.
To paraphrase Reagan, "Krugman isn't the solution, Krugman is the problem."
Another great thing would be for you to change the name of your blog to "Conscience of Centrist Parading as a Liberal." Why not be honest? You don't give a hoot about displaced American workers or the plight of our young people trying to make it in the "new" economy. You think it's the way of the future. Free trade is your mantra, American exceptionalism. I bet you're just like Hillary and have two positions on the big issues: one for us to read and the other you champion in your elitist bubble world.
To paraphrase Reagan, "Krugman isn't the solution, Krugman is the problem."
9
The mainland Chinese grandmother of my daughter said today (and she is as apolitical as they come): The US lost face in the World today. I agree. It is not just the wrong person, it is the wrong direction and it is all for worst reasons. Think of a word for unreason I would use it. I truly fear. I am very seriously considering relocating my family to other another country, a one which would be away from fallout.
And then I am reminded of the movie "On the Beach".
There are none no such countries.
SL
Monrovia
And then I am reminded of the movie "On the Beach".
There are none no such countries.
SL
Monrovia
6
This result is stunning only for the coastal area people but people in central America knew Trump will win if they just go for vote and so they are not shocked. You think you represent America while you are just one half of it while the other half do not share your opinion. Main stream media always talk about coastal people and their problem and never for middle America. Now too they are only showing reactions of supporters of only one part one political party candidate but no news of how Trump supporters are celebrating . If you keep doing this then always this type results will keep shocking you. Your part of America's problems are racism and misogyny but the America who voted for Trump problems like Job and Economy comes first than any other minor issues
5
Good lord this is pathetic from a educated man, people on the left need to stop believing the hysteria they themselves created. Even accepting the picture you paint of the man, which I do not there are many checks and balances in our system, it is eloquent in its design, Just as those on the right thought (and some still do) that Obama would bring ruination to this country, he did not and nor will Trump. Its not complicated, redouble your effort, reengage, and win the mid-terms. Then win the Presidency back. But for goodness sake, can we please stop with the hysteria, wailing and gashing of teeth, that is fuel fear and violence --- it is truly destructive to our nation as its undermines the process by which we substitute politics for violance.
11
Is anyone else confused by the messaging in the choice of photo to accompany this column?
8
Oh, the humanity. I wish everyone would stop their bellyaching. We had no good choices for president. One, yes, was "qualified," which means little if you disagree with her policies. But both were exceedingly dishonest. To point out only he is dishonest is either to be delusional or dishonest yourself. Both appear corrupt and to care little for the law. Both pander unbearably to those they think will make them president.
At the end of the day, more people voted for her, but he won where he had to. It is hardly a mandate. It's situation normal.
The hysteria is silly. I guess I understand young people being distraught. As a young liberal I was horrified when Ronald Reagan was elected. It was when he was re-elected and I realized that a lot of people I liked and respected liked him, and I decided to stop just believing what I had been taught and educated myself. It did not make me a conservative, but a moderate. And there are a lot of people like me, maybe a plurality. We rarely get who we want. But, whoever wins, we make the best of it with a little grumbling, and don't run rampant claiming the streets are ours or breaking windows. Stop.
DT is many things. But he's not even remotely a Hitler and people should stop acting like it. Responsible, intelligent columnists should stop predicting the end of the republic because they lost after winning the last 8 years. It goes back and forth - notice? Reagan-Bush (Con), Clinton (Lib), Bush (C), Obama (L), Trump (C - we think).
At the end of the day, more people voted for her, but he won where he had to. It is hardly a mandate. It's situation normal.
The hysteria is silly. I guess I understand young people being distraught. As a young liberal I was horrified when Ronald Reagan was elected. It was when he was re-elected and I realized that a lot of people I liked and respected liked him, and I decided to stop just believing what I had been taught and educated myself. It did not make me a conservative, but a moderate. And there are a lot of people like me, maybe a plurality. We rarely get who we want. But, whoever wins, we make the best of it with a little grumbling, and don't run rampant claiming the streets are ours or breaking windows. Stop.
DT is many things. But he's not even remotely a Hitler and people should stop acting like it. Responsible, intelligent columnists should stop predicting the end of the republic because they lost after winning the last 8 years. It goes back and forth - notice? Reagan-Bush (Con), Clinton (Lib), Bush (C), Obama (L), Trump (C - we think).
9
When people refuse to accept facts, when they thumb their noses at learning, when they can't cope with complexity, how exactly can anyone change their minds? The only winning strategy would have been to outdo Donald Trump with racist comments. Belittle women even more than he did. Make even greater fun of disabled people. In other words, show even more hate and anger.
I wish I could keep a bit of optimism. But unfortunately, I think our democracy is dead. Without an informed voting population democracy cannot succeed. We now have an oligarchy, and it will be our form of government far into the future unless it is replaced by a dictatorship.
I wish I could keep a bit of optimism. But unfortunately, I think our democracy is dead. Without an informed voting population democracy cannot succeed. We now have an oligarchy, and it will be our form of government far into the future unless it is replaced by a dictatorship.
8
Access to the works of Robert B. Reich, Thomas Frank, Thomas Piketty or Joe (Deer Hunting With Jesus) Bageant was not enough, to head this off ?
Susan Jacoby (The Age of American Unreason) said that America's reasoning capacity suffered when the people stopped reading. And Richard Hofstadter said decades before that, anti-intellectualism threatened all, eh ?
Susan Jacoby (The Age of American Unreason) said that America's reasoning capacity suffered when the people stopped reading. And Richard Hofstadter said decades before that, anti-intellectualism threatened all, eh ?
4
Like my fellow citizens of an habitually optimistic frame of mind, I am trying to find something good in this disaster. I have come up with one thing: we will no longer be required by civility and a custom of respect for others' religious beliefs to even try to keep a straight face when those on the Christian Right speak of morality and their stern but benevolent "God" and their ever-so-personal "relationship with Jesus." We are now free to laugh derisively in their faces.
5
As someone who voted for Clinton, and completely distrusts Trump, I am astonished by the liberal establishment being "shocked"; or in the usually reliable Dr. Krugman's words, "horrified" by the outcome. Dr. Krugman talks a lot about himself, his feelings, and how he and his unilateral base (myself included) feels; but writes nothing about the will and desires of a nation: one that's not "divided", but uniquely made up of a palette of every shade and mood representing the human condition, from purity to pure evil. Sure, we are upset, but "shocked"? "Surprised"? I suggest Dr. Krugman put down the Keynes and the Stiglitz and walk over to Pamela Paul's office. Instead of taking a vacation in his mind, perhaps someone like her could fill it with Robert Penn Warren, Sinclair Lewis or a host of other great American minds whose understanding of the pulse of America was (is?) prescient and timeless. The greatest of our poets really understood not only how a diverse culture moves and feels, but also how fickle we can be; how strong-minded; how ideologically entrenched, how afraid; and finally, how easily we can be played. You can't fully appreciate democracy without taking humanity into account. Economics, demographics, and the "movement-of-the-day" changes all the time, but not human strengths and foibles. Real "intellectual honesty" would interpret the election of 2016 with a much grander perspective than Dr. Krugman's infantile doomsday scenario.
2
I refuse to be horrified. It is too easy. I prefer to have faith in our system. We have checks and balances. We did not elect a dictator. We have the constitution. We have watchdog groups. And most of all we have our vote. We must turn to to 2018 now. We must focus on the Senate. If we can gain a majority in 2018, we will have strengthened the checks and balances. And finally, we must turn to the nearly 60 million who voted for the Republican ticket. How can we help them improve their lives?
1
The takeaway from this, one of them anyway, is that the Big Lie still works. The incoming Trump administration is going to have scandal built into it from Day One. Not just Trump alone - he's surrounding himself with world class grifters and the Alt Right. With control of both houses of Congress, the FBI behind him, whoever he picks for Attorney General, and the Supreme Court locked down, where is any kind of check or balance going to come from?
Not the media, which failed horribly. The media is soon going to find itself excluded and muzzled. Trump has already providing indications the long running GOP attack on the 'Librul Media' is entering the end game. A show trial of Hillary Clinton seems inevitable, if you listen to Sean Hannity and the rest of the right wing media. It will validate all of their attacks on Democrats as corrupt America-haters.
Democrats have never made the GOP pay a price for their bad behavior, and it's not going to happen now. Here's a few things that might be possible going forward.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/11/10/1595192/-Trump-Administration-S...
Not the media, which failed horribly. The media is soon going to find itself excluded and muzzled. Trump has already providing indications the long running GOP attack on the 'Librul Media' is entering the end game. A show trial of Hillary Clinton seems inevitable, if you listen to Sean Hannity and the rest of the right wing media. It will validate all of their attacks on Democrats as corrupt America-haters.
Democrats have never made the GOP pay a price for their bad behavior, and it's not going to happen now. Here's a few things that might be possible going forward.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/11/10/1595192/-Trump-Administration-S...
7
It's sad that the elitests still don't have the mental capacity to comprehend reality.
While the status quo for American politics is only a few short months from being tossed out, the liberal elites still stick their fingers in their ears and go I CAN'T HEAR YOU.
The only people to blame are the political eliets, they ignored and marginalized the American people for decades. Promoted a globalist strategy that left tens of millions destitute and without any hope.
Trump gives them hope, and Clinton not only ignored them but promised to continue the globalist agenda that has already left many of them unemployed and has the rest not wondering if they lose their job to outsourcing but when will they lose their job to outsourcing.
The republican elite mostly got in line with some outliers, over 90% of republicans voted for trump. The democrat elite needs to quickly wake up and realize that they lost because they abandoned the middle class long ago for hardcore socialism and return to the center or continue to face open revolt from the middle class in future presidential elections.
When UNION WORKERS (or more accurately former union workers now unemployed or under employed) are putting a republican in office, if it isn't a major red flag to the DNC than they are as disconnected from the people as they have been accused of being.
While the status quo for American politics is only a few short months from being tossed out, the liberal elites still stick their fingers in their ears and go I CAN'T HEAR YOU.
The only people to blame are the political eliets, they ignored and marginalized the American people for decades. Promoted a globalist strategy that left tens of millions destitute and without any hope.
Trump gives them hope, and Clinton not only ignored them but promised to continue the globalist agenda that has already left many of them unemployed and has the rest not wondering if they lose their job to outsourcing but when will they lose their job to outsourcing.
The republican elite mostly got in line with some outliers, over 90% of republicans voted for trump. The democrat elite needs to quickly wake up and realize that they lost because they abandoned the middle class long ago for hardcore socialism and return to the center or continue to face open revolt from the middle class in future presidential elections.
When UNION WORKERS (or more accurately former union workers now unemployed or under employed) are putting a republican in office, if it isn't a major red flag to the DNC than they are as disconnected from the people as they have been accused of being.
8
The only possible positive outcome from this may be the final repudiation of the scorched earth GOP policies. When the coal mines don't re-hire, the steel mills don't re-open, millions lose health insurance, Medicare is privatized and gramps cannot find coverage with his voucher, the deficit explodes, and inequality accelerates, it is my hope that the poor Whites realize their plight is tied to the success of poor minorities and not a silver spoon toddler.
5
Hopefully this election taught the Trump followers a very valuable lesson. Don't believe all the promises. We with comprehension realize he will not build a wall, if he does it would take decades, billions of dollars and Mexico would not pay for it anyway. Repealing Obamacare could mean we lose all the great things that people never consider - keeping your kids on your policy til their 26th birthday, getting insurance with a pre-existing condition are the two that come to mind... hope they are ready to lose those in addition to the 20 million people who will no longer be insured so expect insurance for those who get it through work to raise rates a lot to make up for all the emergency visits from the poor. I am still numb, but will survive. I survived the last time the electoral college overrode the popular vote, even though it wrecked our economy and our reputation in the world. It has a chance to do much more damage this time because while Bush was pretty lame on how things work, Trump seems even worse and will not listen to reason if he even gets anybody in his staff that has reason. Get ready for the recession, it is coming.
2
The day after the election I was, along with millions of others not only in this country but elsewhere in the world, just numb. Then came an e-mail from the ACLU asking for a donation, and in that moment I realized they are the only firewall we have right now, because soon, with the appointment of a conservative Supreme Court Justice, there will be no checks and balances in our government. I made a small donation and with that one positive move, I felt better.
Then on Thursday I did what I usually do, I escorted at a clinic that provides pregnancy terminations. That day we had a young woman come to the clinic for a pregnancy termination with a medical condition that would have made pregnancy a real threat to her life. When she saw the protesters, she said "don't they know women can die when they have a life-threatening pregnancy?" I said yes, they do, and with that jolt of reality, I became galvanized. I would not remain politically inactive. I have two granddaughters, whose right to choose could be affected by the outcome of this election. as they become young women. I also have a grandson who has just started college, and had gained acceptance into an aerospace engineering program, and I wondered on Thursday what the impact would be on his future with the election of a science denying buffoon.
So I will not give up. I will look toward the 2018 midterm elections and work vigorously to help elect liberal democrats. It is the only option we have right now.
Then on Thursday I did what I usually do, I escorted at a clinic that provides pregnancy terminations. That day we had a young woman come to the clinic for a pregnancy termination with a medical condition that would have made pregnancy a real threat to her life. When she saw the protesters, she said "don't they know women can die when they have a life-threatening pregnancy?" I said yes, they do, and with that jolt of reality, I became galvanized. I would not remain politically inactive. I have two granddaughters, whose right to choose could be affected by the outcome of this election. as they become young women. I also have a grandson who has just started college, and had gained acceptance into an aerospace engineering program, and I wondered on Thursday what the impact would be on his future with the election of a science denying buffoon.
So I will not give up. I will look toward the 2018 midterm elections and work vigorously to help elect liberal democrats. It is the only option we have right now.
12
Sinclair Lewis "It Can't Happen Here" sits on my shelf where it has long been a cautionary tale. It did happen here, however, and the US has stepped into fascist territory. Will we return? Can i actually move to Canada? Should I join an evangelical church as cover?
4
Join! Join! Join! every organization that you care about. Stay informed. Keep lists of Representatives, Senators, Progressive leaders. Decide what issues are most important to you and start fighting. We have spent too much time navel gazing, and meditating and feeling smug/happy about being liberals. We have been lulled into eight years of complacency. WE ARE NOT SPECIAL! Our environment is at stake, our civility is at stake, our democracy is at stake. I don't care who did what, or who made mistakes in this election. We have no time to evaluate the loss. Our past politics will not work in this new century. We have to pay attention to what is going on now! We cannot allow power to back up lies anymore.
2
Resist! Block all! Stop them in their tracks even before they get started! The deplorables and Republican'ts are plotting the destruction of this nation even as we speak. Stupid Americans. See the newspapers about McConnell, Ryan, Pence, lobbyists, etc. Sounds like 1930s Germany and current day Russia or North Korea. Resist. When, not if, we do this, then we will stay in perpetual neutral and we won't go backwards. Heading backwards as the unAmerican unpatriotic myopic unintelligent bigot racist deplorables and Republican'ts want, would be disastrous not only for this nation but also this earth. Resist. Those who voted Trumpet and Republican'ts have not learned from history and have proven themselves incapable of learning even the most simple things. It is no wonder we don't want your ilk anywhere near the voting booth.
2
As I remarked, tongue in cheek, 2 weeks ago: Eventually the blame for the fall of Western civilization may be assigned to Weiner's weiner.
1
One thing that you in particular, Dr. Krugman, failed to recognize in your extreme partisanship during the Democratic Party nominating process was the extreme handicaps Hillary Clinton had as a candidate. It was obvious from the start that people desired change, and that Hillary Clinton represented the status quo, but it went far beyond that.
The trumped up "scandals" like her emails, Benghazi, and going back to Whitewater and Vince Foster may have been made of whole cloth, but if you repeat something frequently enough in an authoritative voice, low-information and illogical voters will begin to believe that the lies are true. And in the end, it was the emails -- not a scandal at all and not containing any aspect of illegality or even unethical behavior -- was the decisive "scandal" that did her in.
And then there was her weakness as a public speaker. While she did well in the debate setting -- she is certainly smart and thinks quickly on her feet -- her rhetoric simply does not inspire, does not excite, does not pull the heartstrings. She does not have the ability to move a crowd.
We can only speculate on the magnitude of the many upcoming tragedies Trump's election will cause, but had we been permitted to select another candidate to run against the Republicans, whether Bernie Sanders (who, alas, you helped to tear down) or Joe Biden or Liz Warren or Al Franken or any of the other dozen or so credible potential candidates, this might have turned out differently.
The trumped up "scandals" like her emails, Benghazi, and going back to Whitewater and Vince Foster may have been made of whole cloth, but if you repeat something frequently enough in an authoritative voice, low-information and illogical voters will begin to believe that the lies are true. And in the end, it was the emails -- not a scandal at all and not containing any aspect of illegality or even unethical behavior -- was the decisive "scandal" that did her in.
And then there was her weakness as a public speaker. While she did well in the debate setting -- she is certainly smart and thinks quickly on her feet -- her rhetoric simply does not inspire, does not excite, does not pull the heartstrings. She does not have the ability to move a crowd.
We can only speculate on the magnitude of the many upcoming tragedies Trump's election will cause, but had we been permitted to select another candidate to run against the Republicans, whether Bernie Sanders (who, alas, you helped to tear down) or Joe Biden or Liz Warren or Al Franken or any of the other dozen or so credible potential candidates, this might have turned out differently.
4
A lot of us supported Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders because we felt that she was more electable.
We were dead wrong.
We were dead wrong.
7
another Democrat comes in 2020 to clean up the mess trump leaves behind ? see how hard Obama has worked, and people still resent him, probably those who benefited more,in his programs.
if people think those were just trump's "trash talk", don't take him seriously. think again ! the morning after election, my friend, ethnic minority, walking in her neighborhood where she had live more than 20 years, suddenly got yelled at by an old white woman to "get out of this place".
if people think those were just trump's "trash talk", don't take him seriously. think again ! the morning after election, my friend, ethnic minority, walking in her neighborhood where she had live more than 20 years, suddenly got yelled at by an old white woman to "get out of this place".
5
Instead of continuing down the sanctimonious road that got Trump elected, why not consider the following:
1. Iran nuclear deal
2. Supreme Court
3. Obamacare
4. Lowering taxes and decreasing regulation
These are the things that got Trump elected, though it's much easier to scream racism. The majority of the country just doesn't subscribe to the liberal socialist pluralistic dream. Deal with it.
1. Iran nuclear deal
2. Supreme Court
3. Obamacare
4. Lowering taxes and decreasing regulation
These are the things that got Trump elected, though it's much easier to scream racism. The majority of the country just doesn't subscribe to the liberal socialist pluralistic dream. Deal with it.
3
"That man" was elected for many of the same reasons I suspect Roosevelt was. Terrible fear spread back then and it is fear driving "that man’s" ascendance now. I suspect that the only cure for this thirty or so year old problem, is for it to run its inevitable course and reach its inevitable conclusion. The world is a complex place and until we learn to think beyond simple slogans like "lock her up" and "build a wall" we will not solve them. The people who will be most hurt by "that man's" ascendance, I fear, will be the very same people who voted for him. The warning "Be careful what you wish for" was a never more appropriate caution. We are going to find out if that trite saying is true. To those who voted for "that man" I can only say, you own it.
It turns out that establishment pollsters are just as incompetent as the rest of the establishment. And it turns out that establishment op-ed columnists are ineffectual with months and months of exhortations of Eat Your Spinach! I'm pretty sure that I just saw that 40%+ of women voted for Trump. Yes yes we have seen the enemy and they is us. But this should be recognized as a classic example of the wrong messenger. A Tim Kaine, not to mention a Bernie Sanders, could have easily won this one if he was top of the ticket
2
Democrats lost largely due to hubris, and the forced assumption that Clinton not Sanders should be supported to run for president -- a largely fatal mistake, as evidenced by pollsters predicting a 93% Clinton victory. In addition to these arrogant prognostications, we had people like Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, a somewhat insipid and bafoon-ish woman in the Clinton cast of characters who reflected the kind of blind loyalty and dishonesty that undermined Sanders and handed Trump a successful election. It was clear from Sanders' immensely successful campaign what the demos was starving for, but we ended up with a dilute version of his vision in the form of Clinton who attempted to hijack his original agenda and, in the process, failed her own party.
4
Paul, as usual, you put your ignorance, stubborness and idiocy on display for all to see. If you're so worried about the outcome of a fairly won election, why not just leave the country, like so many of your fellow liberals are promising to do? Nobody would miss ya.
3
Nice mea culpa - next time maybe you'll support someone who agrees with your economic points of view instead of someone you're politically chummy with.
1
If we want to have a democracy, or some semblance of it, it's time for us to start practicing it. Too many of us act as though all we have to do is elect the right person and all will be fine. That's the kind of lazy thinking that leads to people who don't bother to vote or lodge a meaningless protest vote because they sorta don't feel good about either candidate.
No, democracy was never meant to be a spectator sport. If you don't participate, you can't win. So what that means now is that you hold the people who have been elected accountable—every step of the way, with every piece of legislation that comes up. With letters, with phone calls, with peaceful assemblies, with political activism. This election is a wake up call. The question is not if we can change the course of history to our liking, but rather, who cares enough to do the work that democracy demands?
No, democracy was never meant to be a spectator sport. If you don't participate, you can't win. So what that means now is that you hold the people who have been elected accountable—every step of the way, with every piece of legislation that comes up. With letters, with phone calls, with peaceful assemblies, with political activism. This election is a wake up call. The question is not if we can change the course of history to our liking, but rather, who cares enough to do the work that democracy demands?
2
Trump is not the cause, merely the symptom.
He is the income inequality chickens come home to roost. That he could have stumbled onto a political chord that the disenfranchised could hear will go down in political history as one the country's unlikeliest of stories. A man born with a silver spoon in his mouth becoming the champion of the poor.
The disenfranchised will discover soon enough that the hopes they have had for him will be dashed by his 20 second attention span and his spite for those who do not curry his favor.
Could we have expected that a two generational looting of the country's coffers by the .1% have come with no consequences?
Well, guess what, they're here. And like W. before him, the Trump presidency will likely bring with it effects that we will not recover from in my lifetime.
If there is a lasting impact, let it be the willingness of our progressive angels to take to the streets to shout our decency to the rooftops and yell "We are Americans!"
He is the income inequality chickens come home to roost. That he could have stumbled onto a political chord that the disenfranchised could hear will go down in political history as one the country's unlikeliest of stories. A man born with a silver spoon in his mouth becoming the champion of the poor.
The disenfranchised will discover soon enough that the hopes they have had for him will be dashed by his 20 second attention span and his spite for those who do not curry his favor.
Could we have expected that a two generational looting of the country's coffers by the .1% have come with no consequences?
Well, guess what, they're here. And like W. before him, the Trump presidency will likely bring with it effects that we will not recover from in my lifetime.
If there is a lasting impact, let it be the willingness of our progressive angels to take to the streets to shout our decency to the rooftops and yell "We are Americans!"
2
I did not vote for trump or for Hillary. Neither worthy of my support for different reasons. But after being prepared to accept the grim reality of a Clinton victory the surprise result has left me strangely elated. Democracy has worked. The will of the people- the despised underdogs - deplored by the self anointed judges of identity hierarchy have fairly had their voices heard in a triumphant and long suppressed cheer. For some reason it brings to mind the roar of he crowd when Bill Mazeroski hit his bottom of the 9th home run at Forbes Field in the 1960 World Series in Pittsburgh. The underdog Pirates from the city of steel and coal defeating - at the last minute - the mighty (and haughty) dynastic NY Yankees. A karmic and unexpected justice.
2
Post-election periods are usually uplifting or disappointing, but cataclysmic is new. People gather in small groups -- comfort zones --with family and friends -- trying to sort things out the way we did after the JFK assassination and 9/11.
Donald and sheep caused the malaise. Next stop: the wolves of Washington, D.C. Let's do what we can and think miracles.
Donald and sheep caused the malaise. Next stop: the wolves of Washington, D.C. Let's do what we can and think miracles.
1
As someone who published a book about democratization NGOs in South Africa, Tajikistan and Argentina, I intend to turn my attention to my own country. We desperately need to strengthen nonprofits here such as the Brennan Center that can at least help us preserve an independent judiciary, voting rights, etc. Everybody who is horrified by this election can do something, through volunteering, making a donation.
3
T rump's win is already being normalized on TV news. If that really happens our republican is done. It will mean hate and vengeance are once again a viable political tool.
We need to shout from the rooftops that Clinton won the popular vote.
We must keep reminding that the KKK and the KGB, not to mention the FBI, all had a hand in getting this charlatan elected.
We must keep the heat on the democratic party to show some spine and some obstruction. Shummer must be willing to use the filibuster at least as much as McConnell. And We the People must get out and vote, vote, vote in 2018.
But, We the People needed to get out and vote this year and we didn't. We needed to come out and vote in 2010 and we didn't.
I am old enough and secure enough that I doubt I am going to personally suffer that much. I will be dead by the time the human race dies off due to global warming and rising seas and the wars those will cause. But my children and your children will suffer. They will suffer mightily.
I'm also looking at Europe as a place to live out the rest of my life. But fascism is on the rise there too.
We need to shout from the rooftops that Clinton won the popular vote.
We must keep reminding that the KKK and the KGB, not to mention the FBI, all had a hand in getting this charlatan elected.
We must keep the heat on the democratic party to show some spine and some obstruction. Shummer must be willing to use the filibuster at least as much as McConnell. And We the People must get out and vote, vote, vote in 2018.
But, We the People needed to get out and vote this year and we didn't. We needed to come out and vote in 2010 and we didn't.
I am old enough and secure enough that I doubt I am going to personally suffer that much. I will be dead by the time the human race dies off due to global warming and rising seas and the wars those will cause. But my children and your children will suffer. They will suffer mightily.
I'm also looking at Europe as a place to live out the rest of my life. But fascism is on the rise there too.
6
We could get lost in the weeds of Strategy and Tactics, was it wise to make this about a woman's turn, and to double down on that when internal polling showed to many white women were not taken in...
But let's turn to the temper tantrums of now, the "secessionists" blaming the whole thing on the EC. First imagine the same burn on the flip side of the coin. And imagine they really went the 1860 option. The Times election map for the states gives a hint as to what that might look like (the one for Congressional districts might be closer the end result). That IS scary.
The EC existed as part of the compromise between big and small states, which included two Senators. As well described in Ellis' THE QUARTET it was the corner stone of the US, and clearly remains so.
As far as the outcome this time, I'd say everyone knows the fight was fixed, the poor'd stay poor while the rich got rich. Not my words, but to the point.
(& last, if I was Trump I would bring a blown up Ms Congeniality cover to my first newsconference and say - "Hey my foundation found this portrait at a yard sale and bought it for a buck. I'm going to hang it in the Oval" to remind why a season of slime has negatives that last...)
But let's turn to the temper tantrums of now, the "secessionists" blaming the whole thing on the EC. First imagine the same burn on the flip side of the coin. And imagine they really went the 1860 option. The Times election map for the states gives a hint as to what that might look like (the one for Congressional districts might be closer the end result). That IS scary.
The EC existed as part of the compromise between big and small states, which included two Senators. As well described in Ellis' THE QUARTET it was the corner stone of the US, and clearly remains so.
As far as the outcome this time, I'd say everyone knows the fight was fixed, the poor'd stay poor while the rich got rich. Not my words, but to the point.
(& last, if I was Trump I would bring a blown up Ms Congeniality cover to my first newsconference and say - "Hey my foundation found this portrait at a yard sale and bought it for a buck. I'm going to hang it in the Oval" to remind why a season of slime has negatives that last...)
350.org is having a conference call today, I believe at 4:00 PST, 7:00 EST. We don't have to feel powerless that the Republicans are going to destroy the planet. We must begin to act now, even on small levels like signing petitions and supporting environmental groups. Without a planet, there won't be anything else, so this is the number one concern.
That said, this morning Herr Trump tweeted how "unfair" it was for people to protest. I think we can expect an end to free speech and freedom of assembly, not by a change in the Constitution, but by the way Republicans do everything: a thousand tiny legal cuts backed up by violence overlooked by authorities.
It's going to take real discipline, determination, and serious confidence in what we are doing to stand up to this crowd. I believe the motto of "stronger together" should remain as our guiding creed. The best thing will be that now these people have only themselves to blame. They have all the governmental power and that translates to having all the responsibility, as well. We must unflinchingly, unfailingly hold their feet to the fire.
That said, this morning Herr Trump tweeted how "unfair" it was for people to protest. I think we can expect an end to free speech and freedom of assembly, not by a change in the Constitution, but by the way Republicans do everything: a thousand tiny legal cuts backed up by violence overlooked by authorities.
It's going to take real discipline, determination, and serious confidence in what we are doing to stand up to this crowd. I believe the motto of "stronger together" should remain as our guiding creed. The best thing will be that now these people have only themselves to blame. They have all the governmental power and that translates to having all the responsibility, as well. We must unflinchingly, unfailingly hold their feet to the fire.
2
Yes. And how exactly do you propose we "stand up for fundamental American values"? Join the ACL? Scatter our resources among a million Balkanized initiatives?
More than half of our country is already united in handwringing horror. Rather than continuing to stoke our fears, Mr. Krugman, harness our dreams and deploy us in a constructive and powerful collective. We are wide awake! We are listening!
More than half of our country is already united in handwringing horror. Rather than continuing to stoke our fears, Mr. Krugman, harness our dreams and deploy us in a constructive and powerful collective. We are wide awake! We are listening!
The Democrats used to be the party of the dispossessed. FDR made the party great when he stood up to big business and offered a helping hand to those hurt by the Depression.
We Dems need to return to that model. We need to make our primary platform planks be ones that will create jobs, reduce college costs, keep big business from playing 'gotcha' with us little guys, provide day care and cheap mass transportation, serve low cost meals in schools, among many other platforms. Imagine what it's like to be poor, then offer assistance. The best programs will give people opportunities rather than handouts. Make these and similar ideas be the backbone of our identity as a party.
We have focused too long on peripheral ideas. We need to focus on helping the people who need it most. The other great things we stand for will come along for the ride once those who are down on their luck realize we have something to offer THEM.
We Dems need to return to that model. We need to make our primary platform planks be ones that will create jobs, reduce college costs, keep big business from playing 'gotcha' with us little guys, provide day care and cheap mass transportation, serve low cost meals in schools, among many other platforms. Imagine what it's like to be poor, then offer assistance. The best programs will give people opportunities rather than handouts. Make these and similar ideas be the backbone of our identity as a party.
We have focused too long on peripheral ideas. We need to focus on helping the people who need it most. The other great things we stand for will come along for the ride once those who are down on their luck realize we have something to offer THEM.
1
"But we have to try." After some very black days, I'm back in the game. I will make my voice known, no matter how small, to preserve President Obama's legacy, eight years of progress and equality for all. Thank you, Mr. Krugman, for the push I needed.
2
What most people in the USA don't realize is that our economy is based on Global Feudalism--labor must be indentured and/or enslaved at a non-living wage to benefit oligarchies around the world. US labor enjoyed a brief moment of social equality supported by unions after the rest of world was wrecked and bleeding from the huge world war, but now that is gone. Labor pools are now in Bangladesh or Viet Nam, or any place that has just enough infrastructure and high numbers of impoverished desperate people to take pennies per hour to make cheap goods for the Western consumer.
We've been bought off by low prices (Walmart!), easy credit that ruined most of the working class of the Reagan years. Remember, union busting is a cornerstone of Republican policy--now it's female heavy "trades" that are in their scopes for destruction, "special interests" like teachers and nurses. Make America great again? How about trade agreements in which all workers must be protected by unions, and guaranteed a living wage and safe working conditions--GLOBALLY!
This will never happen, and ,,failure to protect all workers around the world will be our ultimate destruction.
We've been bought off by low prices (Walmart!), easy credit that ruined most of the working class of the Reagan years. Remember, union busting is a cornerstone of Republican policy--now it's female heavy "trades" that are in their scopes for destruction, "special interests" like teachers and nurses. Make America great again? How about trade agreements in which all workers must be protected by unions, and guaranteed a living wage and safe working conditions--GLOBALLY!
This will never happen, and ,,failure to protect all workers around the world will be our ultimate destruction.
2
Dr Krugman, please endorse civics classes, to incorporate basic economic and financial literacy, as part of a national curriculum for high-school students (and possibly for middle-school students as well). It may be folly to ignore emotions when we are making momentous choices, but it is essential that we have an idea of the quantitative factors that shape a landscape. Such an understanding provides the antithesis to the purely emotional, and makes for a better decision.
3
This is the highest profile example to date of crazy-talk politics spilling over into real world politics...and it's just the beginning if you consider that Facebook was relatively obscure when Obama first took office. Since then, I've seen Facebook used as a powerful new propaganda tool to reach the public - half of which, let's face it, are not savvy consumers of information. How many times have we seen a falsehood posted or shared that a 15-second Google search could prove false? The Internet and social media was supposed to usher in a new age of enlightenment by giving the public greater access to information...but that naively assumed that people are intellectual curious and desire the truth above all else, even when it affirm their worldview. Silicon Valley's prognostications of the social utility of its wizardry has often proved to be wildly idealistic. When the Information Age genie first emerged from the bottle, she was beautiful and seductive, and though we already started seeing the signs, last Tuesday night she fully transformed into a Medusa...and she's never going back in the bottle. Public education has failed to respond to this new age by giving people the skills they need to be savvy consumers of information in the marketplace of ideas. Critical thinking must be incorporated into the educational curriculum.
3
The rise and fall of the American empire. Trump is here to stay. With voter suppression,” Citizens united”, the effect of the electoral college, the Supreme court nominations, do not expect a fair election this century. The rest of the world will be punished for your sins.
3
I told my children this is part of the human condition.
Brawn beats down the humanists. Sparta did that to Athens. The lesson yet to be learned, we need both the brawn and the humanist to become one nation of strength. Unfortunately with the "silo-ing" in this information age it will be a hard task to achieve.
In my heart I believe the Phoenix will rise again ..... And hope for a better world , for us and for generations to come.
Brawn beats down the humanists. Sparta did that to Athens. The lesson yet to be learned, we need both the brawn and the humanist to become one nation of strength. Unfortunately with the "silo-ing" in this information age it will be a hard task to achieve.
In my heart I believe the Phoenix will rise again ..... And hope for a better world , for us and for generations to come.
Given that Trump is already feeling dissed by the protests against him ~ even thought he said storm Washington when Obama won ~ it does not bode well for the White House conferring maturity on him, or for our First Amendment rights.
The US is a country full of people who had to make the wrenching decision to emigrate from their home country ~ or citizens whose parents, grandparents, great-grands and on had to make that decision.
If our forebears could show that courage, we can too, right here.
Howard Dean is running for DNC chair. He tweeted: The dems need organization and focus on the young. Need a fifty State strategy and tech rehab. I am in for chairman again.
Last time he was chair, we got more Dems Congress and Obama. Let's give him another chance now!
The US is a country full of people who had to make the wrenching decision to emigrate from their home country ~ or citizens whose parents, grandparents, great-grands and on had to make that decision.
If our forebears could show that courage, we can too, right here.
Howard Dean is running for DNC chair. He tweeted: The dems need organization and focus on the young. Need a fifty State strategy and tech rehab. I am in for chairman again.
Last time he was chair, we got more Dems Congress and Obama. Let's give him another chance now!
5
Drain the Swamp
The center left (Paul Krugman) and center right (Paul Ryan) illustrate the tug of war that pulls the government (Congress) a little to the left or a little to the right. Each team is expected to pull in lock step on the big issues and there is little room for an entirely new approach. The leadership imposes an all or nothing solution and the partisan teams fight it out – often to a stalemate.
Krugman described his mind vacation after the election, and might have at least considered the possibility that those beyond the center left and center right may be onto something. Imagine a coalition of Trump independents, free market conservatives and Senator Sanders reformers. Of course, you would have to believe that Trump was serious about draining the swamp in both parties to have any hope of success. Mr. Krugman would also have to admit that he has been around the swamp for so long. He forgot the better deals and better laws can structure efficient market solutions in ways good economists should be inventing. Krugman is afraid to even mention a wealth tax or a VAT.
Obamacare will be repealed and it is time to consider policy alternatives rather than criticize the inevitable change. The tax code will change and it is time to think out of the box about a fair and balanced blend of taxes on wealth, income and consumption. Hint: the rates are lowest when all three are taxed.
The center left (Paul Krugman) and center right (Paul Ryan) illustrate the tug of war that pulls the government (Congress) a little to the left or a little to the right. Each team is expected to pull in lock step on the big issues and there is little room for an entirely new approach. The leadership imposes an all or nothing solution and the partisan teams fight it out – often to a stalemate.
Krugman described his mind vacation after the election, and might have at least considered the possibility that those beyond the center left and center right may be onto something. Imagine a coalition of Trump independents, free market conservatives and Senator Sanders reformers. Of course, you would have to believe that Trump was serious about draining the swamp in both parties to have any hope of success. Mr. Krugman would also have to admit that he has been around the swamp for so long. He forgot the better deals and better laws can structure efficient market solutions in ways good economists should be inventing. Krugman is afraid to even mention a wealth tax or a VAT.
Obamacare will be repealed and it is time to consider policy alternatives rather than criticize the inevitable change. The tax code will change and it is time to think out of the box about a fair and balanced blend of taxes on wealth, income and consumption. Hint: the rates are lowest when all three are taxed.
2
My Muslim wife reports a wave of hate crimes from her community over last 24 hours. Welcome to Trump's Amerika.
5
I was hoping for a mea culpa from Mr.Krugman today.I guess not.
You still don't get it.
After aggressively attacking Sanders' economic programs and reforms, especially Sanders' proposals for financing a single-payer universal health care program by means of a financial transactions tax, you continue to peddle a faulty neoliberal economic model that failed miserably under Obama to produce a sustained, real economic recovery in the US.
The neoliberal speculation and finance-led growth doctrine pushed relentlessly by you, Mr.Krugman, and other 'gems' of the economics profession like Christine Romer, Laura Tyson, Alan Kreuger, and Austan Goolsbe, has proven to be both socially and economically unstable and is marked by regular boom and bust cycles, resulting in a society of vast inequality, financial instability, democratic corruption, rampant job insecurity, permanent austerity for the many and runaway wealth for the few.
After nauseatingly cheerleading for Mrs.Clinton, a really dishonest, neoliberal, war-mongering Goldwater Girl, Goldmann-Sachs-loving career politician who was on the board of Walmart, the queen of fracking and TPP, who never met a war or coup she didn't like or corrupting money she didn't take, you still fail to acknowledge your role in bringing the world President Trump.
Start at your own front door and call out the reign of failed neoliberal policies that you yourself championed, combined with liberal interventionism, as the root causes of the rot we're in.
You still don't get it.
After aggressively attacking Sanders' economic programs and reforms, especially Sanders' proposals for financing a single-payer universal health care program by means of a financial transactions tax, you continue to peddle a faulty neoliberal economic model that failed miserably under Obama to produce a sustained, real economic recovery in the US.
The neoliberal speculation and finance-led growth doctrine pushed relentlessly by you, Mr.Krugman, and other 'gems' of the economics profession like Christine Romer, Laura Tyson, Alan Kreuger, and Austan Goolsbe, has proven to be both socially and economically unstable and is marked by regular boom and bust cycles, resulting in a society of vast inequality, financial instability, democratic corruption, rampant job insecurity, permanent austerity for the many and runaway wealth for the few.
After nauseatingly cheerleading for Mrs.Clinton, a really dishonest, neoliberal, war-mongering Goldwater Girl, Goldmann-Sachs-loving career politician who was on the board of Walmart, the queen of fracking and TPP, who never met a war or coup she didn't like or corrupting money she didn't take, you still fail to acknowledge your role in bringing the world President Trump.
Start at your own front door and call out the reign of failed neoliberal policies that you yourself championed, combined with liberal interventionism, as the root causes of the rot we're in.
5
We all need to wake up to the fact that the majority of the voting public in battleground states are racist and sexist and like authoritarian figures that will tell them that "everything is going to be okay if you just trust me, because, hey I am racist and sexist just like you."
Facts don't matter in this new age. Its all raw emotion. You can't fight this guy with facts!!!!! It has got to be ground work to get more democrats registered in the mid-west and prepare for mid-term elections in 2018. this is the only opportunity we have to change the course of our country.
Facts don't matter in this new age. Its all raw emotion. You can't fight this guy with facts!!!!! It has got to be ground work to get more democrats registered in the mid-west and prepare for mid-term elections in 2018. this is the only opportunity we have to change the course of our country.
It is refreshing to see Krugman thrash about after the Trump victory. After eight years of gloating about Democratic power and complaining about Republican obstructionism he can now spend at least four years complaining about Republican power and fomenting Democratic obstructionism. How predictable he has become.
7
thank you for the steadying comments Dr. Krugman.
In the times to come I will still hold your words close.
you will always get my vote
In the times to come I will still hold your words close.
you will always get my vote
1
“So what do we do now?” We quit nominating corporate apologists to represent us on Election Day.
6
Democrats need to grasp that most people aren’t rational or reasonable. They don’t read charts and graphs, they are not fact based. People fall for astrology, they believe mediums can talk to the dead, most of them think there’s a man in the sky who will torture them eternally if they don’t grovel to his majesty, a million Americans believe they are witches.
People are hormonal, emotionally driven. Democrats can have all the policy wonk proposals they want, but they need to present them in the language people understand, amygdalese, not prefrontal cortextia.
People are hormonal, emotionally driven. Democrats can have all the policy wonk proposals they want, but they need to present them in the language people understand, amygdalese, not prefrontal cortextia.
1
Maybe if you'd taken off your blinders long enough to see that millennials, independents and the white working class were not going to support an establishment candidate in a change election year we'd be in a much different place right now.
Bernie Sanders showed the Democratic Party the way forward, but you political hacks and corrupt crony capitalists were too vested in a system that is only working for the very few.
Now the entire world will pay the price for your willful ignorance. Thank you, Mr. Krugmsn.
Bernie Sanders showed the Democratic Party the way forward, but you political hacks and corrupt crony capitalists were too vested in a system that is only working for the very few.
Now the entire world will pay the price for your willful ignorance. Thank you, Mr. Krugmsn.
6
What, exactly, is the point of the picture supposed to be?
Specifically, the woman's legs.
Photos that accompany articles are supposed to have some meaning; some relationship to the article. They are powerful tools that can be used to help tell the story.
I'm sure the photographer had dozens if not hundreds of pictures from that night. Why was this one chosen instead of all the others to accompany this rather pathetic article?
Is she a prostitute, who did a lot of business that night with all those decadent Trump supporters?
Are Trump supporters prostitute-patronizing litterers?
Is that a Budweiser bottle, and not a hipster craft beer bottle, so America is in big trouble now, because Hillary's supporters were drinking Chardonnay and Anchor Steam at the Javits Center that night?
Is her high heel about to crush that Becks or Heineken bottle, perhaps because it was imported and represents the trade deals that are about to be shattered?
Or maybe the photographer is just a little twisted?
Specifically, the woman's legs.
Photos that accompany articles are supposed to have some meaning; some relationship to the article. They are powerful tools that can be used to help tell the story.
I'm sure the photographer had dozens if not hundreds of pictures from that night. Why was this one chosen instead of all the others to accompany this rather pathetic article?
Is she a prostitute, who did a lot of business that night with all those decadent Trump supporters?
Are Trump supporters prostitute-patronizing litterers?
Is that a Budweiser bottle, and not a hipster craft beer bottle, so America is in big trouble now, because Hillary's supporters were drinking Chardonnay and Anchor Steam at the Javits Center that night?
Is her high heel about to crush that Becks or Heineken bottle, perhaps because it was imported and represents the trade deals that are about to be shattered?
Or maybe the photographer is just a little twisted?
2
Factual error. Many a Republican has stood up to Trump. With al of his blustering he did not think he was going to win!! and the media made a mess of the entire process starting with the primaries. Trump said outrageous things and the outrageous deeds of the Clintons were scarcely reported, altho plenty of people remembered.
what' really impt is that the sun comes up daily...some how we endure the rest.
what' really impt is that the sun comes up daily...some how we endure the rest.
1
Ok I admit it: when I read this column today, I busted out laughing it was so far off the mark. So much for fantasy.
5
When pundits like Krugman and the so called civil right leaders treat all white men as racists, it doesn’t help this country or their cause. When the media exaggerates a few isolated ugly incidents as the common norm in America and twists the facts, it tarnishes America’s image. This election was a backlash against these provocations and bias. Many millions of non-whites and immigrants were also part of that backlash, of the deplorable.
4
Wow! Paul, you are being so intellectually dishonest. The reason Trump won is because Americans are tired of the "Failed" liberal agenda. The left has been slowly pushing the scales for 40+ years. Today typical GOP'r would have been considered a democrat 40 years ago. America is a center-right country.
If you want a center-left or left country, buy a ticket and move to France.
If you want a center-left or left country, buy a ticket and move to France.
2
I found myself going through the same motions that Paul Krugman describes in the aftermath of the election. I’m not sure I’m ever going back to “full engagement.” I’ve been a “free thinker” and voter since I cast my first Presidential vote for Carter – who lost to Ronald Reagan – and it hasn’t been easy over the years watching the country take one step forward on the environment, energy, the economy…, only to immediately take two steps back.
This feels far different though, especially since there is literally no tomorrow when it comes to climate change. As of last Monday, there was still some hope to save the planet. That hope was lost on Tuesday. From everything I’ve read on the topic, we will unquestionably pass the point of no return under Trump’s energy policies and climate change denial.
So in my mind our fate was literally sealed on Tuesday night. At this point I’m having trouble seeing the point in bothering to separate my recyclables anymore, much less re-engage in the democratic political process. I'm thinking, if not enough of my fellow-citizens care about the future, shouldn't I just put the blinders on and get whatever enjoyment I can out of my own life?
This feels far different though, especially since there is literally no tomorrow when it comes to climate change. As of last Monday, there was still some hope to save the planet. That hope was lost on Tuesday. From everything I’ve read on the topic, we will unquestionably pass the point of no return under Trump’s energy policies and climate change denial.
So in my mind our fate was literally sealed on Tuesday night. At this point I’m having trouble seeing the point in bothering to separate my recyclables anymore, much less re-engage in the democratic political process. I'm thinking, if not enough of my fellow-citizens care about the future, shouldn't I just put the blinders on and get whatever enjoyment I can out of my own life?
1
Consider that in 2012, Obama got 65 million votes, Romney 60 millions. In 2016, Trump got 59 million votes, that's right, less than Romney, and Hillary got 59 millions (plus a few thousands). So that means 6 million people who voted for Obama in 2016 DID not go over to Trump, but stayed home instead, not able to vote for Hillary - probably they drank the koolaid that Clinton was dishonest, untrustworthy or even a criminal. It's not that Trump was brilliant in outsmarting everyone - he got fewer votes than Romney - but that the GOP machine worked for decades to discredit Hillary - first with the fake Benghazi scandal, followed by the fake email scandal, and then the fake Clinton foundation scandal. But that worked: it discouraged 6 million people from voting for Hillary.
3
How to end the long and complicated reach of the Koch brothers, descendants of the John Birch society, who do not believe in democracy. Their fake institutes all have nice names, but they are all hotbeds of disruption; buying elections from the top down to local school boards, to elect those who do their bidding which is first and foremost, deny climate change. That's why all republicans are climate change deniers. They took Koch money, they have to play for their pay. Exxon must be indicted for knowing fossil fuel was causing changes in the climate and they chose to bury that information, deny and lie. Koch, Exxon, and big oil were the force behind killing the first electric car, the EV1. Big oil not only killed it,they rounded up every vehicle, crushed them and pulverized them. These are the things that matter,the future of the planet. Fox News needs to be put off the air for spreading lies, distortions, half stories. They are nothing more than republican news. The word news should not appear in their title. Kennedy was murdered because he wanted to change the course of the country. Then they used bullets. Now they use billions to buy media, congressmen, and use fox news to discredit anyone who disagrees with them. Let your horror motivate you to obstruct trump as the hideous republican congress obstructed Obama for 8 years.
2
The best we can hope for is that 2-3 years from now, his supporters are going to be shocked, absolutely shocked, that he did not pay them what he owes them for their vote. In the meantime, he will fill his administration with other lecherous, dirty, old men who believe that as they are celebrities people will let them do whatever they want. Unfortunately, they may be right.
California, Washington, Oregon and Nevada would make a nice country. Bigger than many with a large, vibrant economy and well educated population.
California, Washington, Oregon and Nevada would make a nice country. Bigger than many with a large, vibrant economy and well educated population.
2
Democrats lost because it turns out that women write the checks for the family health care tab each month. $1,800 + per month for a small family with ridiculous increases every year. How can you not see how wrong this model has become? The premium gets them nothing. To have any medical care whatsoever requires paying again for it.
The costs have tripled for families in the past 6 years.
Women pay the bills in many families.
Something had to give one way or the other. We had our chance at a more enlightened path and you rejected it as fairy tails. No more. Take a stand.
The costs have tripled for families in the past 6 years.
Women pay the bills in many families.
Something had to give one way or the other. We had our chance at a more enlightened path and you rejected it as fairy tails. No more. Take a stand.
1
The first step in moving forward from a catastrophic election is to understand exactly what happened. Clinton won the popular vote by such a slim margin that the advantage the Electoral College gives to the middle of the country and the South gave the election to Trump. Obama won by 10 million in 2008 and by 6 million in 2012. Clinton won by 300,000. Republican turnout was about the same in all three of those elections, but Democratic turnout declined dramatically. It may take awhile to figure out just why Democrats did not come out to vote, but the signal was there already in the primaries. Despite his nasty remarks Trump did about as well as Romney among Latino voters. Clinton had a massive ground game and ahead of the vote nearly all the polls promised victory by a substantial margin, but the expected voters did not show up on the Democratic side. Go figure. Figure out what actually happened and why Democrats threw away the most important opportunity they will have for quite a while and why the least qualified candidate to run in my lifetime of 81 years will be our President. Elections have consequences and sometimes they are irreversible.
4
I'm 24 years old and I feel like my vision of the future has died. My optimism and hope feels irrecoverably crushed beneath the roiling undercurrent of ugliness, bigotry, I have seen in this past day or so. I believed we were better, I was wrong, and now i am horrified. And in mourning, truly. Thank you for this editorial. I expected condescension; instead, I felt heard.
5
There will come a day, not too far in the future, when many of those who supported this dangerous man with an ego the size of Jupiter and a heart the size of a pea will come to regret it. They were clamoring for an end to Obamacare. That it was “Marxist” and “overreaching”. Well, Trump is pushing hard for HSA's which, if they work at all, would only work for the young, healthy and well-employed who have years to save lots of money for when they DO become ill and need to use it. So they might cheer when their Obamacare is history, but they will cry the following month when they find themselves with cancer, facing death because they have no means to treat it. Also, Trump and the Senior-Hater aka Paul Ryan, have big plans for Medicare and Medicaid, and it’s guaranteed to adversely affect nearly everyone in this country, including Trump voters. Medicare age will rise to 67 for starters. Then instead of giving you a Medicare card for health care, the government will give you a voucher to buy a plan on the open market…good luck finding one for the average $3K they plan on giving you. Medicaid? Eviscerated into block-grants to the states. Which means not enough money for the indigent seniors and disabled in nursing homes. Nursing home doors will open across the U.S. and tens of thousands of them will be booted to the curb. That’s what these people voted for. They’re cheering now. Later, they will cry bitter tears. But it will be too late.
6
Thank you for your excellent op-ed. It made me cry, but also immensely grateful for people like you who love this country and are not in it for money or power.
I think the whole civilized rest of the world was mortified at Tuesday's election results, but slim hope remained that by appointing competent cabinet members, the damage could be contained. After seeing the list of contenders I seriously doubt it.
Thank you again for your wise words.
I think the whole civilized rest of the world was mortified at Tuesday's election results, but slim hope remained that by appointing competent cabinet members, the damage could be contained. After seeing the list of contenders I seriously doubt it.
Thank you again for your wise words.
4
Well, Paul, I for one am in despair.
I'm reading (actually, listening to on my long commute) Jane Mayer's book "Dark Money." With very few exceptions, our government is now owned by the Koch Brothers and their friends. Now that Republicans will be in charge of all branches of government, I honestly don't see how the rest of us can fight back. When "the people" support institutions such as Social Security and Medicare but the oligarchs are willing to spend endless millions to get rid of them, they mostly win against those of us who have nothing but our voices. The Kochs are playing a long game and they'll never give up. They've built a structure capable of taking over government from dog catcher on up - and it's working.
I've never felt so powerless.
I'm reading (actually, listening to on my long commute) Jane Mayer's book "Dark Money." With very few exceptions, our government is now owned by the Koch Brothers and their friends. Now that Republicans will be in charge of all branches of government, I honestly don't see how the rest of us can fight back. When "the people" support institutions such as Social Security and Medicare but the oligarchs are willing to spend endless millions to get rid of them, they mostly win against those of us who have nothing but our voices. The Kochs are playing a long game and they'll never give up. They've built a structure capable of taking over government from dog catcher on up - and it's working.
I've never felt so powerless.
6
I just finished reading Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein. If you believe in Democracy, you need to read it now. It shows how over and over again, the Neoliberals with economist Milton Friedman as their guru, and a supply of believers coming out of the University of Chicago, went to country after country cutting all government services for the people, privatizing all other government resources, helping global corporations loot governments, from Chile (under Pinochet), to Russia (under Yeltsin, with help from Bill Clinton, who helped create the Russian Oligarchs) to Iraq (where the same people that lied to get us into the war made hundreds of millions from the corporations that we paid to loot the country).
In every case, it took a massive shock to the political system (coups, state terror, war) that left most people dazed and unable to fight back. Friedman called it Shock Therapy.
Many Americans are walking around in shock this week. It is a natural response that we do not have time for. Through some cold water in your face, look in the mirror, and decide that you will start to fight for justice now.
Because Trump, Guilliani, Christie, etc. have no interest in justice. They are bullies who will kick sand in your face, and take everything while you stand there blinking.
If the Democrats cannot bring themselves as a Party to fight back with everything they have, they should be abandoned once and for all. They have been losing most elections even as they play Republican Lite.
In every case, it took a massive shock to the political system (coups, state terror, war) that left most people dazed and unable to fight back. Friedman called it Shock Therapy.
Many Americans are walking around in shock this week. It is a natural response that we do not have time for. Through some cold water in your face, look in the mirror, and decide that you will start to fight for justice now.
Because Trump, Guilliani, Christie, etc. have no interest in justice. They are bullies who will kick sand in your face, and take everything while you stand there blinking.
If the Democrats cannot bring themselves as a Party to fight back with everything they have, they should be abandoned once and for all. They have been losing most elections even as they play Republican Lite.
2
I have a question: Say there is a white american man whose grandfather provided for his family working long hours in the mines. His father provided for his family working overtime in a factory. Neither had high school diplomas let alone college degrees. What do democrats say to this american?
The republicans have succinct answer: the magical ability to turn back the clock to a time when globalization and automation hadn't ravaged the expectations of the middle class.
The democrats answer in this past election was to ignore this american. They have no answer but one: our economy has no need of this american.
The democrats have rid themselves of the Clinton machine, and have a popular soon-to-be-former president as their ally. The midterms two years hence will decide how the next census results are apportioned, and provide a solid opportunity for a return to governance. They will need enthusiasm and organization, but above all they will need a good answer to this question.
The republicans have succinct answer: the magical ability to turn back the clock to a time when globalization and automation hadn't ravaged the expectations of the middle class.
The democrats answer in this past election was to ignore this american. They have no answer but one: our economy has no need of this american.
The democrats have rid themselves of the Clinton machine, and have a popular soon-to-be-former president as their ally. The midterms two years hence will decide how the next census results are apportioned, and provide a solid opportunity for a return to governance. They will need enthusiasm and organization, but above all they will need a good answer to this question.
1
I am still in disbelief.
2
I didn't vote for Trump. But Mr. Krugman is just restating a flawed theme. "We're right, they're wrong." Suppose for a moment that is true. What does that attitude and constantly returning to it rhetorically change or help?
We got Trump, at least in part, because some people decided all the great questions of the day were settled and anyone who didn't accept the new orthodoxy was either foolish, racist, or irrelevant. Half the country didn't get the memo and if they did, they resented it.
As a conservative I believe this election was an anomaly. Demographic changes mean the type conservatism we saw espoused in this race will not carry the day in the long term. There is, however, a window in which conservatives in Congress can make policy that itself will become a persuasive argument for our future direction. But recent history suggests conservatives will take this election as a mandate it isn't, and not listen to other viewpoints in a way which will reestablish the middle. That's a shame, because it will be a death knell for the conservative movement.
But, to quote our current president, "You don't like a particular policy or a particular president? Then argue for your position. Go out there and win an election. Push to change it. But don't break it. Don't break what our predecessors spent over two centuries building. That's not being faithful to what this country's about."
He was right then, and he's right now.
We got Trump, at least in part, because some people decided all the great questions of the day were settled and anyone who didn't accept the new orthodoxy was either foolish, racist, or irrelevant. Half the country didn't get the memo and if they did, they resented it.
As a conservative I believe this election was an anomaly. Demographic changes mean the type conservatism we saw espoused in this race will not carry the day in the long term. There is, however, a window in which conservatives in Congress can make policy that itself will become a persuasive argument for our future direction. But recent history suggests conservatives will take this election as a mandate it isn't, and not listen to other viewpoints in a way which will reestablish the middle. That's a shame, because it will be a death knell for the conservative movement.
But, to quote our current president, "You don't like a particular policy or a particular president? Then argue for your position. Go out there and win an election. Push to change it. But don't break it. Don't break what our predecessors spent over two centuries building. That's not being faithful to what this country's about."
He was right then, and he's right now.
2
On Tuesday night, I watched as my country set in motion the wheels of its own suicide machine. The Senate results, because of the implications for the Court, were every bit as sickening as the presidential outcome. Now an ignorant and unstable demagogue and his vile goons will kill our country with a thousand stabs, aided and abetted by the other two branches of government.
There's a reason official Chinese state media was gloating on Wednesday.
RIP, land that I love. Moribund by its own hand.
There's a reason official Chinese state media was gloating on Wednesday.
RIP, land that I love. Moribund by its own hand.
3
I think "climate change" is an interesting thing to focus on. If it is presented (and accepted by a majority of the American people) as "hoax" advocated by ANYONE, we're doomed. Not simply because of the impact of "climate change", but more so because it would indicate how moronic we are as a people, if we accept that simplistic explanation. Indeed, if it is presented as anything other than, perhaps, the most urgent problem facing mankind, we're done.
On the other hand, if it is presented as another jingoist, guilt inducing, chance to posture as a social justice warriors, dismissive of the impact on human beings of the loss of jobs that might HAVE to come as result of a meaningful response to climate change, signed and celebrated at big gatherings in Paris or whatever have you, where documents are piously signed, conveying meaning that no signer agrees on, to be staffed and enforced by huge bureaucracies, of numb heads in DC, Brussels, New Delhi, and Beijing we're also doomed that way.
I hope that some way we can escape the worst of the Left and Right....and try and approach this crisis, repeat, at least try, to approach it like we would a huge natural disaster. Its a long shot, I grant you, but what the heck?
On the other hand, if it is presented as another jingoist, guilt inducing, chance to posture as a social justice warriors, dismissive of the impact on human beings of the loss of jobs that might HAVE to come as result of a meaningful response to climate change, signed and celebrated at big gatherings in Paris or whatever have you, where documents are piously signed, conveying meaning that no signer agrees on, to be staffed and enforced by huge bureaucracies, of numb heads in DC, Brussels, New Delhi, and Beijing we're also doomed that way.
I hope that some way we can escape the worst of the Left and Right....and try and approach this crisis, repeat, at least try, to approach it like we would a huge natural disaster. Its a long shot, I grant you, but what the heck?
We are going to see a resurgence in America with the incoming president and this election has proven America's system still works. We the people have spoken and We will demand that this new president be given a chance to govern. The left is showing us right now who they really are with the rioting, the negativity and childish whining. I would like to see Paul Krugman just stop the garbage, the press has been wrong about Trump from the beginning. God bless America, all the people brown, black, and white, and Donald Trump. We are going to come roaring back folks!
1
I stopped watching the news 2 months before the election. Now what do I do? Turn it off for the next four years? God help me, but I am terrified. Trump has let the demons out of the box.
2
No, America is indeed not special when only 70% of all eligible voters are registered to vote, and the rest too lazy to take this extra step they know about.
Ergo, our newest President Elected has won his election by far less than even one half of the whole electorate.
We are already on of the countries in the OECD with the lowest voter turnout. And the result of that gave us the the Congress of NO in the last midterm election, when those already pushed into rage and fear about Obama came out in slightly larger numbers than others.
About 35% of all registered voters voted in the midterm election of 2014. That means that we got an all Republican Congress courtesy of just around 15% or all eligible voters.
As many people argued, including Trump in 2012, the Electoral College works against the will of the people as a whole, as happened three times now in the last 16 years.
. In addition, having to register to vote instead being automatically put on the voter lists at age 18 should also be abandoned.
Ergo, our newest President Elected has won his election by far less than even one half of the whole electorate.
We are already on of the countries in the OECD with the lowest voter turnout. And the result of that gave us the the Congress of NO in the last midterm election, when those already pushed into rage and fear about Obama came out in slightly larger numbers than others.
About 35% of all registered voters voted in the midterm election of 2014. That means that we got an all Republican Congress courtesy of just around 15% or all eligible voters.
As many people argued, including Trump in 2012, the Electoral College works against the will of the people as a whole, as happened three times now in the last 16 years.
. In addition, having to register to vote instead being automatically put on the voter lists at age 18 should also be abandoned.
3
We must stop putting up "less flawed" candidates in the face of fraud and lies. Hillary Clinton was not only flawed, she was incompetent and ineffective as a leader. She could not inspire anyone. We all thought just having a less flawed candidate will do the trick. What we have to do now is find and dare to support inspiring leaders however unlikely they seemed to fit a party candidate mold. Until then we reap what we sow.
2
Unrelated comment: Trump promised to release his tax returns after the election. We need to hold him to that. And perhaps re-audit them.
Also, I hope that any of those whom he's cheated through felony theft of service should push for action. I think we need to keep showing what a fraud he is, to keep him off his agenda of terrorizing the nation.
Also, I hope that any of those whom he's cheated through felony theft of service should push for action. I think we need to keep showing what a fraud he is, to keep him off his agenda of terrorizing the nation.
5
Let's think about what just happened here. The most marginalized in our modern society decided to simply raise their collective middle finger and say, help us or join us in the abyss. If we don't see that misery can't live next to happiness in an open society, and begin to help those left behind, we'll see this more not less often in the future.
6
...was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters."
In most cases, there's just no persuadin'.
It's extremely hard to short circuit somebody's natural inclinations, especially when you're trying to persuade with a candidate carrying so much baggage, deserved or not.
This wasn't a case of the pollsters missing hidden Trump votes, or our failure to convince some of them to vote for our candidate.
His turnout was less than Mitt Romney's.
The Democrats committed electoral suicide, we have nobody to blame but ourselves.
You remember those people on the floor of the Democratic Convention acting like third graders that Sarah Silverman tried to reason with?
Yeah, them.
Well, it turned out her attempt to reason with them didn't exactly work out for us. If you look at the vote totals for the vanity candidacies of Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, it's pretty clear that there were more than enough votes to turn the election. Not only that, democratic vote turnout was significantly down from 2012.
So we have nobody to blame but ourselves. It was always a pipe dream to pin our hopes on convincing republicans to vote for Hillary, no matter how vulgar, despicable or outrageous Trump's behavior and language was.
The GOP always talk a good game, but when the rubber meets the road, they do what they always do. The numbers prove it.
Is this election telling us that the party needs to move left? Probably.
Was it necessary to elect Donald Trump to make that point?
In most cases, there's just no persuadin'.
It's extremely hard to short circuit somebody's natural inclinations, especially when you're trying to persuade with a candidate carrying so much baggage, deserved or not.
This wasn't a case of the pollsters missing hidden Trump votes, or our failure to convince some of them to vote for our candidate.
His turnout was less than Mitt Romney's.
The Democrats committed electoral suicide, we have nobody to blame but ourselves.
You remember those people on the floor of the Democratic Convention acting like third graders that Sarah Silverman tried to reason with?
Yeah, them.
Well, it turned out her attempt to reason with them didn't exactly work out for us. If you look at the vote totals for the vanity candidacies of Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, it's pretty clear that there were more than enough votes to turn the election. Not only that, democratic vote turnout was significantly down from 2012.
So we have nobody to blame but ourselves. It was always a pipe dream to pin our hopes on convincing republicans to vote for Hillary, no matter how vulgar, despicable or outrageous Trump's behavior and language was.
The GOP always talk a good game, but when the rubber meets the road, they do what they always do. The numbers prove it.
Is this election telling us that the party needs to move left? Probably.
Was it necessary to elect Donald Trump to make that point?
4
Not for nothing but the overreaction of the left and pundits to a valid election seems to suggest that the natural evolution of one party rule has begun in this republic. I now understand how democracies can work themselves up to a point where rage turns a blind eye to the need for multiple points of view in the top offices of government.
Responsibility for the tone of the presidential campaign falls to both sides but only one side has forgiven the anarchists that have taken to the streets in "protests". Just as we ask moderate and main stream Muslims to step up and denounce terrorism we cannot expect the new leader of the free world to do the same. Both of these examples know that they are not representative or related to the destruction of a few extremists. The republic and it's grand experiment will survive this assault just as it has In the past, in the end America will not only be great again but also truly democratic again. The people have spoken so now it's time to listen. Compassion, fairness and understanding are not the pillars of politics, but instead the pillars of family and community. The latter preceding the former.
Responsibility for the tone of the presidential campaign falls to both sides but only one side has forgiven the anarchists that have taken to the streets in "protests". Just as we ask moderate and main stream Muslims to step up and denounce terrorism we cannot expect the new leader of the free world to do the same. Both of these examples know that they are not representative or related to the destruction of a few extremists. The republic and it's grand experiment will survive this assault just as it has In the past, in the end America will not only be great again but also truly democratic again. The people have spoken so now it's time to listen. Compassion, fairness and understanding are not the pillars of politics, but instead the pillars of family and community. The latter preceding the former.
2
I'm aghast at the media already treating Trump as if he were a god-anointed monarch, like Elizabeth II is treated in the new Netflix series,"The Crown". Is this ancient cultural habit of unconditional love of a monarch replacing our "Experiment in Democracy"? Even MSNBC is acting cowed by the Trump phenomenon, having nothing to cover more compelling than the daily travel plans of the Trump coterie. I'd rather the media would nitpick every speck of proposed policy enactment so that we the people can substantiate our more progressive preferences.
4
That's right Paul. Stay in denial. No one wants your policies enacted. The country wanted Trump so join or leave. how about giving him some support or positive advice? Too bad you missed the train.
3
I think everyone may be over-interpreting this election. After all, Clinton won the popular vote, and a very large portion of the voters for both candidates came from their traditional party bases. What led people who were Democrats in 2012 to slightly under perform, Republicans to slightly over-perform and a very small portion of true independents to go for Trump? A weak and out of touch Democratic candidate is enough to explain such modest shifts. Throw in FBI and Russian meddling and you've got it. Sure there were other things going on, but these were necessary and sufficient conditions for a Republican win.
5
I'm satisfied with elections'outcome and Trump will be a great president. What makes me particularly happy is that everyday americans have not been bullied into voting for a criminal and corrupted woman whose agenda hinged on a showdonw with Russia and always more trade agreements which almost killed US economy. They righteously felt that their interests were not those of a New york and global elite that has been overlooking them for decades now. A great date and a milesteone in US history has no begun.
I remember moving to the US in Bill Clinton's days. I had no clue what a Democrat of Republican was and didn't much care at the time. I then witnessed first hand Bush Jr.'s rise to power and watched the train wreck over eight years of his complete inept destructive self interest agenda. I remember when Bush Jr. won, all the GOP cheering and saying how glorious this was and how everything was going to be so much better than Clinton. I remember the hateful rhetoric and fear pushed by the GOP and conservatives. And I remember the market collapse and holding my breath with my job on the line when Obama finally was able to pass the stimulus package and we could all breath again. And I thought, thank goodness, the Democrats are in charge when we needed them the most....and now this...how can I explain to my 9 year daughter that a man who condones sexual assault is her new president...and all the hateful rhetoric is back about how Democrats ignored the heartland while it is the heartland the depends the most on government handouts to survive https://wallethub.com/edu/states-most-least-dependent-on-the-federal-gov... ... and now I finally understand how powerful hate propaganda is and how Germany went to war not that long ago...make no mistake, there will be another war, human nature and sexual competition will never change.
4
As progressives, we should consider the silver lining obscured within the Trump presidency. Trump was largely elected by an angry mob. They found their voice in his overt hostility to staid democratic institutions and protocol. He is their anointed one, who shall lead them to prosperity and ‘greatness’.
I wonder if Trump and his feckless minions seriously considered the downside of not delivering on their impossible promises, or if they had become inebriated by the sheer power they would possess, if they took the prize.
Well, they did take the prize, they own it and I would not want to trade places with Trump. Half the electorate despises him, and many of the other half find themselves in contentious relationships: With family, friends, neighbors, at the workplace, etc., a consequence of their last gasp effort to see their dreams restored. They put much on the line, all their eggs in one deplorable basket out of sheer frustration: I am sympathetic to their feelings of disenfranchisement; many have been left behind these past decades, through no fault of their own.
But, this is what liberals should consider: Mr. Trump must now deliver, somehow put his absurd rhetoric into policy and action, or the very same torches and pitchforks he would have had directed towards Clinton, had he lost, will skewer him mercilessly. And soon, sooner than we may think.
And as progressives, we can sit back for a while and watch the ultimate reality television show, one for the ages.
I wonder if Trump and his feckless minions seriously considered the downside of not delivering on their impossible promises, or if they had become inebriated by the sheer power they would possess, if they took the prize.
Well, they did take the prize, they own it and I would not want to trade places with Trump. Half the electorate despises him, and many of the other half find themselves in contentious relationships: With family, friends, neighbors, at the workplace, etc., a consequence of their last gasp effort to see their dreams restored. They put much on the line, all their eggs in one deplorable basket out of sheer frustration: I am sympathetic to their feelings of disenfranchisement; many have been left behind these past decades, through no fault of their own.
But, this is what liberals should consider: Mr. Trump must now deliver, somehow put his absurd rhetoric into policy and action, or the very same torches and pitchforks he would have had directed towards Clinton, had he lost, will skewer him mercilessly. And soon, sooner than we may think.
And as progressives, we can sit back for a while and watch the ultimate reality television show, one for the ages.
3
"The Trump campaign was unprecedented in its dishonesty"
And what about the Clinton campaign, or Clinton herself? She lied about having classified emails on her personal email server. Her campaign colluded with the Democratic party to deny Bernie Sanders the nomination. She lied about running across a tarmac in Bosnia while under sniper fire. Her behavior around the Benghazi incident left a lot to be desired. She called Trump's supporters "deplorables".
Trump may have been dishonest, but Hillary was no better. Paul, you do a disservice to everyone but not presenting both sides of the story.
And what about the Clinton campaign, or Clinton herself? She lied about having classified emails on her personal email server. Her campaign colluded with the Democratic party to deny Bernie Sanders the nomination. She lied about running across a tarmac in Bosnia while under sniper fire. Her behavior around the Benghazi incident left a lot to be desired. She called Trump's supporters "deplorables".
Trump may have been dishonest, but Hillary was no better. Paul, you do a disservice to everyone but not presenting both sides of the story.
3
One hope we have is that all the court cases, investigations, and impeachment proceedings will keep Congress busy and/or distracted enough to prevent too much damage from being done before all those Congressfolks and Senators have to start campaigning for the 2018 elections. A year should do it. Then when the Trumpists find themselves still in the same hole they were in before, or even further down, perhaps they will either stay home or vote against the crew that has failed them yet again. And maybe the Democrats can - FINALLY! - convince their base that midterm elections are *extremely important*.....important enough to get out and grab the chance to gain power in both the Senate and the House.
3
Here's what causes me the most angst:
He lied egregiously. We said "we're ok with that!"
He behaved abominably toward women. We said "we're ok with that, too!"
He promoted violence toward fellow citizens who disagree and we said "we're ok with that!"
He promoted racist views and again we said "we're ok with that - no problem!".
So, how am I to understand my neighbors and friends, who have accepted all of this? It's no surprise that the more than 50% who voted for someone other than Trump are worried. They not just worried about how government will function, they're worried about civil unrest and the "carte blanche" that has been given to extremists to act out in our communities.
He lied egregiously. We said "we're ok with that!"
He behaved abominably toward women. We said "we're ok with that, too!"
He promoted violence toward fellow citizens who disagree and we said "we're ok with that!"
He promoted racist views and again we said "we're ok with that - no problem!".
So, how am I to understand my neighbors and friends, who have accepted all of this? It's no surprise that the more than 50% who voted for someone other than Trump are worried. They not just worried about how government will function, they're worried about civil unrest and the "carte blanche" that has been given to extremists to act out in our communities.
24
Whatever
But right now what I would like is for you, Shields and Brooks, the Clintons and all their other enablers to move to some rotting resort in the Poconos forever so that we can begin to find the voices to get us out of this mess in the next elections.
But right now what I would like is for you, Shields and Brooks, the Clintons and all their other enablers to move to some rotting resort in the Poconos forever so that we can begin to find the voices to get us out of this mess in the next elections.
I have a gut feeling that Republicans are going to end up hating Trump. When Trump doesn't get his way with Congress, he'll be tweeting rants at 3 in the morning against Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. Won't THAT be fun!
3
One million black voters stayed home. Trump won by 18K votes in Michigan, 68K votes in Pennsylvania. Maybe Dems need to ask why they?
4
NYT, your censoring of comments is exactly the foundation of what got us to this point today. President Trump. thank you for NOT posting my comments, it affirms everything for me.
3
Totally agree. But just as his benefactor, Vladimir Putin did in Russia, he will consolidate power by removing his opposition. Not necessarily, murder, but with Bannon at his side, and Giuliani and Christie as his enablers they will intimidate the press, congressional opponents and just normal citizens who open their mouths. And he will be unapologetic as he goes.
3
The US is a very strong country. It went through a terrible War for Independence and a horrific Civil War. It can withstand any president.
Trust in people to get it right. The NY Times is not a humble paper. It needs to strive for humility and consider what it got wrong with all its smart people and "inside" sources.
Trust in people to get it right. The NY Times is not a humble paper. It needs to strive for humility and consider what it got wrong with all its smart people and "inside" sources.
4
My advice for the left is to continue to riot. Block freeways full of people trying to get to work or take their kid to the emergency room. Have crowds of illegal aliens carry the flag of a foreign nation while demanding their "rights". Hollywood can create more unsubtle shows like Madam Secretary to promote the next democrat champion. Perhaps "Pocohantas goes to Wahington". Have the media condescendingly try to explain the "anger" of Trump voters. Oh, and of course, call all Trump voters racists, sexists and CIS-centric. Don't try to win us to your ideas, but rather, gleefully threaten us with ethnic replacement. In other words, keep reminding us why we voted for Trump and why we were right to do so.
3
Shell-shocked and war weary is all that comes to mind for me. When the Dems say "don't give up." Well, we are hog-tied or hamstrung. There really is nothing left to do but sit back and watch the apocalypse. Just let them self-destruct for now. Maybe, the opposition voters will learn their lessons when all the delusions of a GREAT America dissipate. Those are my horrified thoughts.
2
This column perfectly illustrates one of the reasons Trump won. Calling those who disagree with you liars and "terrible people" is no way to persuade anyone. It's a bad Krugman habit and it prevents his voice from being heard outside of his own echo chamber. The Trumpsters are your relatives and neighbors. They are not deplorable. They're just tired of being judged and condescended to by the likes of Hillary Clinton and Paul Krugman. The party that figures out how to be inclusive and fight bigotry without being smug, self-righteous, and judgmental will win in a landslide. It's too bad we didn't have that party on the ballot this time around.
3
Paul Krugman...you and the rest of the folks that were so confident that Hillary would win going away need to recall the words of President Obama, spoken early on in his tenure as President.....
"I won, you lost, get over it john".
"Elections have consequences"
President Obama must make a strong statement to the rioting losers that they must stop breaking the law.
"I won, you lost, get over it john".
"Elections have consequences"
President Obama must make a strong statement to the rioting losers that they must stop breaking the law.
2
My fear is that neither Trump nor the rest of the Republican machine will be held accountable. In 2008, McConnell said his job was to make Obama a one term President. Over the next 8 years he, and the rest of the Republican leadership used scorched earth tactics against Obama and then had the audacity to blame Obama for the problems they caused. Obama, being the classy act he is, rose above it and never called them out.
Can you imagine Trump doing the same? Imagine this scenario: Chuck Schumer says that our job as democrats is to make Trump a one term President. Trump will be all over twitter in a matter of moments crying that the democrats are being unfair. And if they oppose a Trump pick for Supreme Court? or for a cabinet post? Or even a bit of legislation he favors -- perhaps something about a wall? Will Trump take the high road? No, he'll be on twitter whining and complaining about how unfair the democrats are and then the Republican disinformation machine will kick into gear to blame everything on the Obama and the Democrats. And when all those blue collar factory jobs fail to materialize -- who is going to get the blame?
Can you imagine Trump doing the same? Imagine this scenario: Chuck Schumer says that our job as democrats is to make Trump a one term President. Trump will be all over twitter in a matter of moments crying that the democrats are being unfair. And if they oppose a Trump pick for Supreme Court? or for a cabinet post? Or even a bit of legislation he favors -- perhaps something about a wall? Will Trump take the high road? No, he'll be on twitter whining and complaining about how unfair the democrats are and then the Republican disinformation machine will kick into gear to blame everything on the Obama and the Democrats. And when all those blue collar factory jobs fail to materialize -- who is going to get the blame?
2
I believe in American democracy. I believe in the idea that a scheduled struggle for power is the safest and most effective way to ensure long term progress without decompensation into authoritarianism or communism. But I'm having a hard time trusting the system this time around. People want to believe in their president, in what they stand for and what they hold dear. A president's political ideals and policies are obviously important, but frankly not as much as whether or not they're good people. The majority of these protestors are in the street not because they can't stomach the idea of a repealed Obamacare. They're out there because they feel strongly that Trump is not a good, moral person. He elevated himself to power on a platform of fear and divisiveness. Muslims - you're terrorists and you're outta here. Mexicans - you're rapists and we're gonna wall you off. African Americans - Inner city criminals until proven otherwise with a stop-and-frisk. Women - Objects to be judged, ridiculed and even defiled for personal pleasure and gain. Many are saying that this wasn't what Donald Trump really feels or believes. I say it doesn't matter. We are our choices and our actions. And right now the "whiny, cry-baby millenials" and "devastated leftists feminists" are choosing to resist, to make sure their voices are heard and to stand firmly in ground that they know with their hearts is on the right side of history.
1
To see Pauls head blowing up is filled with excitement. Paul is firmly in the Elite that have little understanding how the Majority of America (the Electorate) lives or thinks. Being in that state is being part of the problem. Take time to get educated about the real world and real people.
Donald J Trump will be the best thing that could ever happen to America. The future is so bright I gotta where shades. We were so due do to repudiated the Elites and Cronyism that has swept not only America, but the World. Let's get started draining the swamp. Cheer on! A new Era has begun, God Bless America, God Bless our new President, Donald John Trump. I have never on my 58 years ever had so much hope, I am ecstatic.
Donald J Trump will be the best thing that could ever happen to America. The future is so bright I gotta where shades. We were so due do to repudiated the Elites and Cronyism that has swept not only America, but the World. Let's get started draining the swamp. Cheer on! A new Era has begun, God Bless America, God Bless our new President, Donald John Trump. I have never on my 58 years ever had so much hope, I am ecstatic.
1
Take a Valium little snowflakes and know that this too shall pass. Then take great solace in the wisdom and words of our first constitutional scholar President:
"Elections have consequences. I won. You lost."
President Barack H. Obama (2009)
Altogether now. Exhale stress and just breath in Jesus.
"Elections have consequences. I won. You lost."
President Barack H. Obama (2009)
Altogether now. Exhale stress and just breath in Jesus.
There is an undercurrent of racism in this country that everyone is dismissing. This "white working class" feels ENTITLED to a lot more than they are getting. Sure, Hillary didn't get the votes for a big part because she is a woman. But the performance put on by the con-artist Donald Trump, is exactly what a lot of people in this country wanted to hear. Wait until they find out he won't deliver a single thing he promised. Looking forward to his impeachment.
2
The good news is that Trump has cheated everyone he's ever dealt with, so who knows what will happen?
And him and the GOP may destroy themselves before the get to the rest of us.
But yeah, after a few decades of the GOP poisoning this culture so that facts and logic are irrelevant, it's tough to convince anyone to be their better self.
At any rate, thank you for trying all these years, and I hope you never give up!
And him and the GOP may destroy themselves before the get to the rest of us.
But yeah, after a few decades of the GOP poisoning this culture so that facts and logic are irrelevant, it's tough to convince anyone to be their better self.
At any rate, thank you for trying all these years, and I hope you never give up!
2
Dr. Krugman might want to spend some time reflecting on his own role in creating alienation and disaffection among potential Democratic voters. During the primaries, he went out of his way to heap scorn and contempt on those who were uplifted by Sanders's message of justice and inclusion. Had the Democratic insiders and surrogates instead taken the concerns of these voters to heart, the turnout for the election might have been higher, which generally helps Democrats. A lesson to ponder: looking down on people and belittling their fears and aspirations are not the best ways to win hearts and minds.
6
I think everyone needs to calm down. Despite all of the hysteria, Trump has made some valid points, such as:
1) The Global Economic Miracle, if you wish to call it that, essentially boils down to a company making a product in a low cost nation while having unlimited access to the US consumer and without any responsibility to the USA in terms of paying taxes. Wow, what a fantastic deal. China sells $4 worth of goods for every $1 the US sells it. This is not sustainable as household and national debt clearly indicates this. Even a partial rebalancing of this cannot be regarded as a bad thing.
2) When I moved to the USA from Canada, you cannot believe the amount of effort and cost that was required for me to obtain legal status in the US. Please explain why the US, or any rational nation, would put potential highly trained and educated immigrants through this while having an open border for unskilled labor? It is not unreasonable, or racist, to ask potential immigrants to enter the US through legal means. You cannot enter Canada through illegal means and remain in the country and no one is accusing Canadians of being racist. Check out Australia's restrictive immigration laws and observe how fast they remove illegal immigrants.
3) Anyone who has driven through the old industrial towns of the Midwest, upstate NY, or Pennsylvania would understand why these people have voted the way they have. The wealthy coastal cities have abandoned their fellow citizens.
John
1) The Global Economic Miracle, if you wish to call it that, essentially boils down to a company making a product in a low cost nation while having unlimited access to the US consumer and without any responsibility to the USA in terms of paying taxes. Wow, what a fantastic deal. China sells $4 worth of goods for every $1 the US sells it. This is not sustainable as household and national debt clearly indicates this. Even a partial rebalancing of this cannot be regarded as a bad thing.
2) When I moved to the USA from Canada, you cannot believe the amount of effort and cost that was required for me to obtain legal status in the US. Please explain why the US, or any rational nation, would put potential highly trained and educated immigrants through this while having an open border for unskilled labor? It is not unreasonable, or racist, to ask potential immigrants to enter the US through legal means. You cannot enter Canada through illegal means and remain in the country and no one is accusing Canadians of being racist. Check out Australia's restrictive immigration laws and observe how fast they remove illegal immigrants.
3) Anyone who has driven through the old industrial towns of the Midwest, upstate NY, or Pennsylvania would understand why these people have voted the way they have. The wealthy coastal cities have abandoned their fellow citizens.
John
7
"So what do we do now" asks Mr. Krugman? Well, the first thing that should happen is for the entire Democratic National Committee to resign. They allowed the Clintons to tell them that Hillary was going to be the only candidate the DNC should get behind. They obstructed the democratic process and I am absolute;y positive that any other democrat would have won this election.
The next thing that we have to do, and I address this suggestion to Americans who live abroad as I do, is to tell your shocked friends and colleagues that sometimes democracy can take a strange and unexpected route. This year the Republican Party allowed a reality television star to be their candidate. He had instant recognition on an enormous scale and he sold himself as someone who is not a politician but is a successful business man who could get things done. For some reason, for a lot of people, this was the only thing they wanted to hear. I do have faith that many people chose to ignore all the hateful things that Trump said and the newspapers used as headlines to sell their papers. I have no doubt that my Irish friends will continue to come back from America saying how much they love Americans.
The final thing I, personally, would like to have happen now is for the Clintons to just go away and leave us alone. It is a mystery to me how these people have managed to keep selling themselves year after year after year with all the baggage they seem to carry around with them. I think we have had enough.
The next thing that we have to do, and I address this suggestion to Americans who live abroad as I do, is to tell your shocked friends and colleagues that sometimes democracy can take a strange and unexpected route. This year the Republican Party allowed a reality television star to be their candidate. He had instant recognition on an enormous scale and he sold himself as someone who is not a politician but is a successful business man who could get things done. For some reason, for a lot of people, this was the only thing they wanted to hear. I do have faith that many people chose to ignore all the hateful things that Trump said and the newspapers used as headlines to sell their papers. I have no doubt that my Irish friends will continue to come back from America saying how much they love Americans.
The final thing I, personally, would like to have happen now is for the Clintons to just go away and leave us alone. It is a mystery to me how these people have managed to keep selling themselves year after year after year with all the baggage they seem to carry around with them. I think we have had enough.
4
Our deeply flawed original institutions could not prevent either the slaughter of the Civil War nor the genocide against native peoples. Nor could they prevent seventy years of Jim Crow state terrorism in half the country. The same reactionary forces now overwhelmingly control governme
nt at the state and federal level. Magical thinkers all, they do no at all believe in the power of reason to overcome ignorance and fear, as did the Founders. Indeed, they have ruthlessly used both to install a demagogue in the most powerful office in the world.
Those who believe our encrusted institutions are going to save us from what lies ahead, including accelerating environmental devastation, will soon learn otherwise.
nt at the state and federal level. Magical thinkers all, they do no at all believe in the power of reason to overcome ignorance and fear, as did the Founders. Indeed, they have ruthlessly used both to install a demagogue in the most powerful office in the world.
Those who believe our encrusted institutions are going to save us from what lies ahead, including accelerating environmental devastation, will soon learn otherwise.
7
Let's face it PK America's righteousness is and always has been a complete and utter sham. Donald Trump's presidency is the final and absolute proof of what America really stands for and if it wasn't so ugly it would be comical. Please, America give the rest of us a break from your hypocrisy.
3
We, the American public, are now being asked to own the lie. The emperor has no clothes, never has, but he has put us all at risk with his empty promises. He is not draining the swamp, he is restocking it.
14
Excellent essay. And now, let's start talking about how the final votes have not been cast yet. The electoral college meets on December 19. There's still time.
2
Apropos Trump's dishonesty, just yesterday he recommended his tweeting --with fabrication that the demonstration of the previous evening were the work of professional agitators.
6
wow, beautifully put. but unfortunately America is just another republic that is now sliding down the drain. every child grows up thinking they are somehow something special but in the end we are all ordinary, and America plays out this fantasy on a global scale. but in the meantime, Krugman for treasury secretary!
4
The Republicans will overstep, like they always do. Then the Democrats will be elected to clean up the mess, like they always do. The Republicans won't give them credit for cleaning up the mess or accept blame for creating the mess in the first place.
7
The Dem party had a winning candidate and they did all they could to disavow and defeat him. He had the energy that matched, even exceed, what Trump mustered. And he spoke to the same disenchanted electorate. A missed opportunity, every wound suffered was self-inflicted. Will they learn? I doubt it. They're stuck in a 1980's way of doing things. This backward thinking (and the GOP is not immune to this) is similar to why we failed to see the joblessness coming out of tech development, and failed to prepare for it. It's why some are still clinging to fossil fuels, resisting saner & safer forms of energy, when it's clear we are destroying the only earth we are able to live on. What does it take for the PTB to learn that what was will not be forever? Resistance to change is folly, and leads to self-inflicted wounds like we just witnessed.
5
The majority of the people that I have talked to don't see this as that big of a deal. "I am not going to worry about what I can't control" is the phrase of the day.
9
Haha! Good job, Paul.
The democrats lose an election because they condescend to and insult legitimate "average" American voters and they respond by... continuing to condescend to and insult legitimate "average" American voters.
Priceless!
.
The democrats lose an election because they condescend to and insult legitimate "average" American voters and they respond by... continuing to condescend to and insult legitimate "average" American voters.
Priceless!
.
10
Yes, I would like to know how to have an influence. My Republican Senator did not change his views one iota regarding the climate, guns, abortion, single sex marriage, student loans, infrastructure, national health care, etc. Now that his party is in full control I certainly do not believe my Senator or Representative will be persuaded by anything I have to say. Writing here, to most like minded people is simply letting off "steam." Actually, writing to my Federal & State elected politicians is letting off "steam" because they are not listening.
7
Mr. Krugman, when you calm down some it will be time for a little reflection. Voting for Trump was a way of voting against the bicoastal elite that currently makes all of the important decisions in this country. Yes, there is a liberal wing and a conservative wing to that elite, and you spend your column inches arguing for the one vs. the other. But the vote was against both wings; against the entire elite. It is important to take a broader look at how the country is run and reflect on why half the country is willing to elect somebody like Trump, in a (probably hopeless) attempt to loosen the grip that they feel the elite has on their lives. The point isn't whether Trump will help them or not; he almost certainly won't. The point is that much of the country feels that an unaccountable oligarchy, both left wing and right wing, has too much control and has done very little good with that control.
That control will eventually swing back to the left, as the elite right is rejected. But the elite left will be rejected as well if nothing has been learned in the interim. That learning will require some careful listening, and a degree of humbleness (not your strength). But that is what is required.
That control will eventually swing back to the left, as the elite right is rejected. But the elite left will be rejected as well if nothing has been learned in the interim. That learning will require some careful listening, and a degree of humbleness (not your strength). But that is what is required.
9
"Lies are lies, no matter how much power backs them up."
Mr. Krugman is certainly qualified to make this remark, as he for many years chose to back some of the very same lies that were repudiated on November 8th. At least his delivery was often humorous, but an even more amusing analysis from Mr. Krugman might sound this... "I know I'm in there, but if I don't come out with my hands up, I'm coming in after me!" ...and so it goes.
Mr. Krugman is certainly qualified to make this remark, as he for many years chose to back some of the very same lies that were repudiated on November 8th. At least his delivery was often humorous, but an even more amusing analysis from Mr. Krugman might sound this... "I know I'm in there, but if I don't come out with my hands up, I'm coming in after me!" ...and so it goes.
3
When he refers to Jim Crow, he is referring to a Supreme Court, which struck down the Voting Rights Act in 2013 and the likelihood that as changes in laws and redistricting are challenged, the potentially new Supreme Court may not respond. Also, Democrats did not get on the bandwagon after 2010 census to push redistricting and Republicans were having a grand time of it funded by wealthy individuals. Things many not change until after 2020.
2
wow-reading these comments is an exercise in group think if ever there was one -so consider -the nyt candidate -hillary clinton -was the most corrupt candidate ever nominated -there are thinking people west of the hudson who actually listen to what candidates say and then do their own inquiry -besides reading the times!!!- your visceral response to trump's election tells me he is the right guy for right now -political correctness must die if america is to grow -i am a proud mcgovern voter-he would not be allowed in the modern democratic party -i am profoundly disheartened that your party appears to hate america -take a deep breath-and read somone besides krugman
10
Let's get over bashing Trump. He won. Now we need to examine ourselves. What's wrong with US (pun intended) that we could make such a gross, nationwide mistake.
1
The mainstream media has become a joke. 36 minutes in total for 2016 on the network news discussing policy differences. Rudy Guiliani bragged to reporters and the Trump staff that a bombshell was coming from the FBI that would win the election for Trump. He used his FBI connections to push Comey to write the letter to Congress or his pals would leak the investigation. Now he is demanding to be made attorney general. Dirty tricks or a right wing coup?
3
This is clearly a very difficult time for America and indeed for much of the world. The critical fact is that we will soon have a president whose values are very clearly not America's values. America's greatness is directly attributable to our cherished values.
We are now a country whose well earned reputation over countless generations has been seriously damaged abroad. Among others, we must focus on rebuilding our good name and face the fact our president-elect may not be up to the task based on everything he has done and said to date.
One thing the media and all citizens can do going forward is focus on our values and resist any effort by anyone who attempts to undermine those values. When a 69 year old candidate for any public office mocks a handicapped person on national television, it should be a total game changer. I am in my 80s and if I did that as a nine year old, I would have had my butt kicked in a most convincing manner. Our media and particularly cable television let Trump off with a slap on the wrist. That disgusting attack on America's values can no longer be ignored or tolerated.
We are now a country whose well earned reputation over countless generations has been seriously damaged abroad. Among others, we must focus on rebuilding our good name and face the fact our president-elect may not be up to the task based on everything he has done and said to date.
One thing the media and all citizens can do going forward is focus on our values and resist any effort by anyone who attempts to undermine those values. When a 69 year old candidate for any public office mocks a handicapped person on national television, it should be a total game changer. I am in my 80s and if I did that as a nine year old, I would have had my butt kicked in a most convincing manner. Our media and particularly cable television let Trump off with a slap on the wrist. That disgusting attack on America's values can no longer be ignored or tolerated.
5
I am constrained to disagree with Dr. Krugman's view that the majority of voters who supported Mr. Trump did so because they believed his lies. As I understand the exit polling, many of those who voted for Mr. Trump did so less for anything he said and more to, misguidedly in my view, send a message to the political establishment.
Mr. Trump's constituents are primarily not the wealthy. They are people who have bought into the propaganda that they are worse off because the world has changed and they have been left behind. These people want their own tax cuts and could care less about the wealthy. These people want their jobs back with high union wages. These people have no use for people who are different but all things being equal really do not care so long as their sons and daughters are not different and do not marry anyone who is different. They oppose immigrants but only because they do not know many, if any, and look at them as stealing their jobs or committing terrorist acts; a narrative supported by their myopic sources of information. These people are about to become very disappointed.
The perfect storm that is Donald Trump is as shocking to the Republicans as it is to the Democrats. But once this Black Swan sheds his feathers in the coming years filled with ineptitude, incompetence, inequality and intolerance, the pendulum will swing back to clean up the mess as President Obama did almost eight years ago. Hopefully we will still have a country to clean up.
Mr. Trump's constituents are primarily not the wealthy. They are people who have bought into the propaganda that they are worse off because the world has changed and they have been left behind. These people want their own tax cuts and could care less about the wealthy. These people want their jobs back with high union wages. These people have no use for people who are different but all things being equal really do not care so long as their sons and daughters are not different and do not marry anyone who is different. They oppose immigrants but only because they do not know many, if any, and look at them as stealing their jobs or committing terrorist acts; a narrative supported by their myopic sources of information. These people are about to become very disappointed.
The perfect storm that is Donald Trump is as shocking to the Republicans as it is to the Democrats. But once this Black Swan sheds his feathers in the coming years filled with ineptitude, incompetence, inequality and intolerance, the pendulum will swing back to clean up the mess as President Obama did almost eight years ago. Hopefully we will still have a country to clean up.
4
Clinton promised more globalization. America voted no.
Clinton promised continuity. America voted for change.
Clinton favored capitalism. America voted for socialism in electing the candidate who promised he'd stop factories from closing.
Clinton said America is great? Is the economy great? America answered no.
The smug elitist Democrats who thought they'd win, Gore, Kerry, and now Clinton have only themselves to blame. They are poor politicians, out of touch, and unable to relate to Americans concerns.
A lot of the blame also goes to Obama for not mounting a more effective campaign to counter Republicans. Why did he allow the Supreme Court nomination to be blocked so easily? Bush tax cuts, sequestration, debt ceiling, public option, Wall Street bailout, no foreclosures relief, it all adds up.
Why wasn't there a bigger fight over a congressman shouting "You lie." That's where and when the showdown over standards should have been staged.
Trumponomics will work when tax cuts and government spending grow with a rising deficit like Reagan, the bill to come later. It's classic Keynesian. This blog critiqued Clinton for not enough infrastructure. Guess what? The next president is liable to follow that line, more infrastructure, roads and bridges, and buildings, construction projects. Guess who might be good at that?
Clinton promised continuity. America voted for change.
Clinton favored capitalism. America voted for socialism in electing the candidate who promised he'd stop factories from closing.
Clinton said America is great? Is the economy great? America answered no.
The smug elitist Democrats who thought they'd win, Gore, Kerry, and now Clinton have only themselves to blame. They are poor politicians, out of touch, and unable to relate to Americans concerns.
A lot of the blame also goes to Obama for not mounting a more effective campaign to counter Republicans. Why did he allow the Supreme Court nomination to be blocked so easily? Bush tax cuts, sequestration, debt ceiling, public option, Wall Street bailout, no foreclosures relief, it all adds up.
Why wasn't there a bigger fight over a congressman shouting "You lie." That's where and when the showdown over standards should have been staged.
Trumponomics will work when tax cuts and government spending grow with a rising deficit like Reagan, the bill to come later. It's classic Keynesian. This blog critiqued Clinton for not enough infrastructure. Guess what? The next president is liable to follow that line, more infrastructure, roads and bridges, and buildings, construction projects. Guess who might be good at that?
7
The house always wins.
1
We can predict with confidence what policies and legislation the Pence-McConnell-Ryan triumverate will follow and enact. It will all benefit the wealthy, banks and corporations. Trump's supporters, and all who returned a Republican Senate and House to their seats, have, ironically, voted in the most elitist Washington establishment government imaginable.
Equally ironically, Donald Trump's narcissistic ego is now our best defense. If he works with his fellow Republicans (is he even a Republican?) then we know what will happen over the next four years. Damage that will indeed last a long, long time. But if he acts like a strongman, refusing to bend his will to establishment politicians, maybe some of the Republican desired legislation won't be enacted. With any luck, he will tie up Congress for four years demanding to get his wall built and his immigrant deportation squad funded.
Equally ironically, Donald Trump's narcissistic ego is now our best defense. If he works with his fellow Republicans (is he even a Republican?) then we know what will happen over the next four years. Damage that will indeed last a long, long time. But if he acts like a strongman, refusing to bend his will to establishment politicians, maybe some of the Republican desired legislation won't be enacted. With any luck, he will tie up Congress for four years demanding to get his wall built and his immigrant deportation squad funded.
2
The answer is clear and obvious. We need to organize, resist and fight back. The Democratic party needs to shed its decades long reliance on the failed policies of the Clintonian centrists, and embrace the populist, social justice, and tough minded values and approach of the Warren-Sanders progressives. There is no time to feel sorry for ourselves, to withdraw or to whine. There is too much at stake. Trump and his ilk must be resisted on all fronts, and they must be held accountable. They are the new Establishment, and we are the new insurgents. And, if we are clear eyed, united and strong on the left, we will prevail in 2020.
5
All I can say is that I hope that if the democrats ever nominate someone as appalling as Trump, I will have enough sense to vote for a mainstream republican to stop it. Shame on all who put party before all.
Trump won because he connected with people in the real world who are suffering economically. Maybe the NYT and Northeastern elites need to break out of their bubbles and find out what is actually happing in the country.
The economy is almost always the determining factor in national elections. This election was no different. Trump won the election in the rust belt.
Maybe Dr. Krugman should enroll in an economics 101 course at an Ohio community college. He might learn something.
The economy is almost always the determining factor in national elections. This election was no different. Trump won the election in the rust belt.
Maybe Dr. Krugman should enroll in an economics 101 course at an Ohio community college. He might learn something.
9
I don't think he is intellectually capable of being different in office than he was in the campaign, and I suspect he is becoming less capable. The biggest difference we can hope for is that his limitations will cause him to let others govern in his name. Given the people he surrounds himself with, that is not a good thing.
2
We Democrats have to dump our naivete about the "good" in most people. We've learned from this campaign that general "good" in our population is not a given. We just have to wake up, and be so much tougher than we have been. Personally, I see this sleaze ball taking advantage of all the aspects of government that he criticized, during his trip to the top. We can look forward to more racial profiling, more militarized "law enforcement," more cops killing unarmed civilians, less corporate regulation, less bank regulation, cronyism with Wall St (GOLDMAN SACHS being one of DT's biggest contributors,) more white collar crime, more discrimination against the LGBT community, lower taxes (and more cheating) for the wealthy, more oligarchs stripping the nation of its resources, and trampling the rights of native Americans, MUCH greater deficits, fewer lower income citizens having health insurance, or even health care, and rollbacks on Medicare and Social Security, further deterioration of infrastructure and water quality, JUST FOR A START. This is a freaking disaster.
6
It is simply astounding to read as Krugman continues to spew his hatred of Trump. The people have spoken Paul and whether you like it or not Trump is our president elect and has earned the right to try to lead this country in a new direction. Must I remind you that is how America works? You have been so wrong about nearly every thing this year but your prediction the market was going to tank and never come back is the most laughable. In the 2 days since Trump won the DOW has reached new all time highs. The NY Times has disgraced itself with it's completely unhinged bias against Trump and their service as propagandists for Hillary. I detest Trump but he won DESPITE all your best efforts. Now shut up and give him a chance to prove you right or wrong.
9
Thank you. Keep writing.
2
While the DNC, PK and the entire NYT got it wrong, several journalist / commentators got it right: Glenn Greenwald at The Intercept, Michael Moore, Scott Adams, Yves Smith at Naked Capitalism. Time for a shakeup at the DNC, and at the Times. For better or worse, the Clintons are gone. Those who helped grease the skids for her need to step aside - to take a serious long look in the mirror.
6
There's a billboard on the east side of I-75 in south Georgia. It says "#Secede". Starting to sound like a good idea.
1
Dr. K, in the turmoil of your despair, you left out the opening paragraph of today’s colum, which reads: “This week we could have elected Bernie Sanders as president of the USA, taken a majority in the senate, and made big gains in the house. Tragically, due to the stubborn and arrogant belief held by myself and the democratic establishment that Hillary was OWED the presidency because she was a policy wonk and has worked so hard all these years, we sabotaged Bernie. It was CRYSTAL CLEAR that the electorate wanted change, but instead of granting voters the enlightened changed that Bernie offered, we gave them no option but to vote for the malevolent change that Trump promised. I am very sorry that my smugness and terrible judgement contributed to this disaster.”
24
In the late '60s and early '70s, when I came of age and voted for the first time, blatant racism was rampant, sexism the norm, and government suppression of dissent active and virulent (eg, Cointellpro). It was a given that those facing such wrongs had to act and do so collectively and publicly. Thus protest marches often reached or exceeded a million people. The 'I Have a Dream' speech was not delivered from a pulpit, but on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to a huge crowd.
My daughters have grown to adulthood in an era of related problems, but after much real progress had been made. They swim in the electropublic social media digital stream, but have been able to advocate for further progress rather than take the risks of actively pushing for it. So I texted and talked with my nearly hysterical older daughter election night, and met sullen disbelief from the younger. I keep myself both why I did not do more, and what I could have done that might have had any effect.
Prof K is right that what comes next is not inevitable, and will depend as much on our actions as those of people who voted for regressive change. Yet his closing line ('we have to try.) reminds me of the wisdom of Yoda: "There is no TRY. There is only DO!"
My daughters have grown to adulthood in an era of related problems, but after much real progress had been made. They swim in the electropublic social media digital stream, but have been able to advocate for further progress rather than take the risks of actively pushing for it. So I texted and talked with my nearly hysterical older daughter election night, and met sullen disbelief from the younger. I keep myself both why I did not do more, and what I could have done that might have had any effect.
Prof K is right that what comes next is not inevitable, and will depend as much on our actions as those of people who voted for regressive change. Yet his closing line ('we have to try.) reminds me of the wisdom of Yoda: "There is no TRY. There is only DO!"
1
Get over it. You lost. "You don't like a particular policy or a particular president? Then argue for your position. Go out there and win an election. Push to change it. But don't break it. Don't break what our predecessors spent over two centuries building. That's not being faithful to what this country's about." lame duck Obama 2012 lol
3
I'm laughing at all the liberal, biased media and at all the East Coast intellectuals and how irrelevant you are, even as the entire class tries to bias the election. Most of the United States do not share the values you espouse so absolutely. I would welcome your departure to Europe.
4
I appreciate your realization, even at this late date, that you were "clueless in what actually works in persuading voters." Yet Democratic winning and losing has been determined by the same factor for 30 years: charismatic appeal to unreliable members of the Democratic coalition. If you care about the Democrat winning, look to see who appeals to the most UNreliable members of the coalition.
Here's a permalink to a few of my earliest comments - on February 3 & 4, 2016 that forecast exactly what would befall a Hillary Clinton nomination:
http://publiceditor.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/02/a-very-heated-reaction-...
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/04/opinion/2-questions-for-bernie-sanders...
Here's a permalink to a few of my earliest comments - on February 3 & 4, 2016 that forecast exactly what would befall a Hillary Clinton nomination:
http://publiceditor.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/02/a-very-heated-reaction-...
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/04/opinion/2-questions-for-bernie-sanders...
1
I think the right approach is to react to specific things Trump does as president and not simply to him being president. Protest and fight his individual policies and actions.
2
The NYT should challenge it's authors to not follow their normal instincts and say something positive about a conservative presidency. I for one think we need a voice of authority to squelch the non-stop complaining by every "identity" group in America. The utter contempt and disrespect shown toward white people in the process was harmful to all.
4
How can anyone doubt that the man in office will be different than the man we've seen? He changes every ten minutes.
1
Interesting Mr Krugman, your view of American democracy is something like "the best political system in the world - as long as my side and my candidate wins". Otherwise it is a lie, corrupt, authoritarian. Perhaps you detected a whiff of Putin in the background?
You are no better than the straw man you´re trying to picture.
You are no better than the straw man you´re trying to picture.
5
Mr Krugman, I was devoted follower of your column but stopped reading you when it became all to clear you were lost in the Clintonista bubble, until today. I was reading your column hoping to see some contrition in print, I didn't. Just more musings similar to the many bemusings from Hillary fans who are shocked and surprised and struggling to understand what went wrong. Clearly you all willfully ignored the sentiment of those that have been disenfranchised. Trump, if he ignores his promises to those that voted for him will suffer the same fate 2 years from now but with vengeance of those twice denied. Times have changed, Mr Krugman. Established politics is dying on the vine and your myopic establishment views are a part of the problem. Like Hillary and her crew, you and most of your compadres at NYT need to purge yourselves from your entitled positions, lick your wounds and go away. Its past time.
Democracy is stronger in this country despite you.
Democracy is stronger in this country despite you.
3
The deficit will go up just like it did under Reagan, H.W. Bush, and W. Bush.
Eventually a Democrat will be elected and be the grown up in the room to clean up the mess like Clinton and Obama who raised taxes, or one could say restored taxes, reduced the deficit - balanced the budget in the case of Clinton and reduced by 2/3 in the case of Obama.
All the while the Republicans getting in the way and the Trump supporters believing that the Republicans are the party of fiscal responsibility.
How does one cure the right-wing media and tribalism?
Eventually a Democrat will be elected and be the grown up in the room to clean up the mess like Clinton and Obama who raised taxes, or one could say restored taxes, reduced the deficit - balanced the budget in the case of Clinton and reduced by 2/3 in the case of Obama.
All the while the Republicans getting in the way and the Trump supporters believing that the Republicans are the party of fiscal responsibility.
How does one cure the right-wing media and tribalism?
2
if we don't eliminate the electoral collage we should just dispense with the popular vote...what is the point of an long and very expensive campaign to encourage people to vote and then emasculate that voter?
3
The people in the streets, many of the post-millennials are the only inspiring thing about this moment. More power to them, may they lead the way.
1
I Suggest We All Stop Paying Taxes for starters, then perhaps continue to press our few sane Dems left in Congress to Obstruct, Obstruct, Obstruct!
Amazing that a large group of people continue to insist that an individual who has consistently lived on the edge of numerous scandals along with violating the laws of handling highly classified government data is better for this country that someone who has "said" some bad things. What a mixed up world! I suggest that the author seek out the folks that hosted the session on CNN this morning about "how to deal with post election depression." Thank goodness for the large number of people in this country that are concerned for the long term prospects of our great country and voted for someone that has it's best interest at heart.
1
Thoughts for the horrified!
Perhaps the horrified should begin to question their own beliefs in the absolute correctness of their positions. They might, if they opened their mind to the possibility of new thoughts, not be so horrified.
The presumption that everyone that does not agree with their thinking ie 50% of the American population that voted for Trump are just dumb or unable to accept the fact that the horrified have all the answers and need to be deferential and mute is what is truly dangerous for a fair democracy.
Perhaps the horrified should begin to question their own beliefs in the absolute correctness of their positions. They might, if they opened their mind to the possibility of new thoughts, not be so horrified.
The presumption that everyone that does not agree with their thinking ie 50% of the American population that voted for Trump are just dumb or unable to accept the fact that the horrified have all the answers and need to be deferential and mute is what is truly dangerous for a fair democracy.
5
Necessary response to a Trump Presidency - build dikes!
Trump make many promises and talked a lot trash. So, there will be many opportunities to make mistakes AND disappoint the American public -- including supporters who project their hopes on his candidacy. The tar-baby that is America will become his come January 20th at noon. Faith in the American dream will be tested.
Midway through my seventh decade, I am saddened by the election of Donald Trump, with the added knowledge that the balance of my life will, no doubt, be damaged by the consequences of this election. But I am cheered by the spontaneous demonstrations of disgust for the election results by thousands of men and women who expect America to be a better country. It is this continued energy toward an America defined by judicial equality, toleration of our diversity, more equitable distribution of the wealth we create, non-partisan patriotism, and recognition that our human brotherhood transcends national borders that leaves me optimistic about the future I will not live to see.
2
Denial is one of the early phases of coping with disaster. This analysis is self-serving worthless posturing and total denial. Trump exists because of a massive failure by BOTH parties to address the concerns of a huge portion of the nation. One party pandered to it without a clue about it, the other demonized it as racist, etc., without a clue about it. Unless Democrats get over their holier than thou myopia, the Republicans may get over theirs by virtue now of actually having to deliver. My forlorn hope is SOMEONE will get a clue. Paul Krugman has no clue at all. Oh, and one final thing. What on earth makes Krugman think he understands the world's climate enough to suggest what he does here? Very few people are buying that hysteria and for a good reason. They see clearly that far more important and pressing matters should come first.
2
If we give the notion of the Electoral College some thought, here, it becomes obvious why it needs to continue to be exploited by the Right Wing in order to remain at all competitive at the Executive Branch when demographically, the Left should win every time with popular margins growing every four years. Of course, that would require the Left's demographic to go to the polls and vote.
I was astounded to hear a guest on the PBS Newshour two nights ago claim that HRC did not have an effective enough ground organization to get out the vote in minority communities. Really? Contrasted with Trump, who had no ground game whatsoever begs the question of voter personal motivation, and many other questions regarding the leadership within the ranks of the Left.
Rather than scapegoating, the Left needs to do some soul searching about taking personal responsibility about the future of this country and for themselves.
I was astounded to hear a guest on the PBS Newshour two nights ago claim that HRC did not have an effective enough ground organization to get out the vote in minority communities. Really? Contrasted with Trump, who had no ground game whatsoever begs the question of voter personal motivation, and many other questions regarding the leadership within the ranks of the Left.
Rather than scapegoating, the Left needs to do some soul searching about taking personal responsibility about the future of this country and for themselves.
Krugman accurately describes the damage that a Trump presidency will undoubtedly do to civil liberties, social spending, efforts to address climate change etc., but predictably he leaves out Obama's equivocal actions on civil liberties (a vast expansion of the surveillance state apparatus), social spending (Obama's caving to Republican austerity demands and his 2nd term bragging about his deficit reduction) and Obama's equivocal climate policies (expanding domestic carbon energy production and export).
And predictably, Krugman fails to address the main factor in Trump's electoral success: economic despair among a huge portion of the population. But hey, when you write two columns a week extolling the wonders of the neoliberal agenda and minimize the onerous consequences on the that huge portion of the public, you have no choice but to cheerlead the status quo.
If Krugman's failure to address the main fuel in Trump's rise and his failure to tell the truth about the Democratic party's metamorphosis has predictive value, the Democrats will continue to kick their New Deal wing to the curb and promote traditionally moderate Republicans economics (in a veneer of social issue liberalism) and the Republicans will be able to continue their use of faux populism on a desperate and gullible electorate .
And predictably, Krugman fails to address the main factor in Trump's electoral success: economic despair among a huge portion of the population. But hey, when you write two columns a week extolling the wonders of the neoliberal agenda and minimize the onerous consequences on the that huge portion of the public, you have no choice but to cheerlead the status quo.
If Krugman's failure to address the main fuel in Trump's rise and his failure to tell the truth about the Democratic party's metamorphosis has predictive value, the Democrats will continue to kick their New Deal wing to the curb and promote traditionally moderate Republicans economics (in a veneer of social issue liberalism) and the Republicans will be able to continue their use of faux populism on a desperate and gullible electorate .
1
"a corrupt nation ruled by strongmen". That's the fear that many of us wake up with in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep again. Trump is a child, a willful child bully who is at the moment overawed by where he finds himself. He will be calling up Putin every day for advice. Are people blind that they can't see this? If we had elected a genuine Conservative adult person it would be a whole different ballgame. We are not special in some mysterious God given way but instead just a blind sided part of history. Trump tweeted sickeningly that the demonstrators in Portland were "paid". But what I saw was beautiful young people who were reminding me that once upon a time young people had power for good. That was us, Mr. Krugman.
The Democratic party needs to examine their position on illegal immigration. I supported Hilary but was surprised that at times it sounded as if she was supporting illegal immigration. In any event this is what the voters who defeated her seemed to hear. Her mention of "open borders" in the Goldman Sachs speech reinforced that believe.
We as Democrats need to understand that the influx of low wage labor does impact the lives of our citizens. Before you say that "they take jobs that American citizens don't want" think again. Think back to the last time you saw someone you were sure was a citizen doing roofing, sheet rocking, general construction labor, etc. These are jobs that citizens used to have. What jobs do all these follow citizens have now? If there is a definitive study direct me to it.
My friend had a floor installed by a "nice man" from Craig's list that spoke no English. The price was really low. Was he here legally? Was that a job no American contractor wanted?
Trump is wrong about the character of the people who come here. They are like most of us good honest people seeking a better life. They are doing exactly what I would do in their circumstance. However, that does not mean that they are not strongly impacting the lives of many of our citizens. This may be the message that we have received and one we must at the least consider carefully.
We as Democrats need to understand that the influx of low wage labor does impact the lives of our citizens. Before you say that "they take jobs that American citizens don't want" think again. Think back to the last time you saw someone you were sure was a citizen doing roofing, sheet rocking, general construction labor, etc. These are jobs that citizens used to have. What jobs do all these follow citizens have now? If there is a definitive study direct me to it.
My friend had a floor installed by a "nice man" from Craig's list that spoke no English. The price was really low. Was he here legally? Was that a job no American contractor wanted?
Trump is wrong about the character of the people who come here. They are like most of us good honest people seeking a better life. They are doing exactly what I would do in their circumstance. However, that does not mean that they are not strongly impacting the lives of many of our citizens. This may be the message that we have received and one we must at the least consider carefully.
13
Part of me hopes Trump will like Zaphod Beeblebrox, whose job as President of the Galaxy was not to wield power, but to distract attention away from it. Then again, that would leave us with a Pence/Ryan/McConnel administration, which would be even more horrifying.
1
David Leonhardt today states that Democrats must learn how to win back the white working class, while recognizing that "Clinton didn’t lose to Donald Trump because he had a more serious set of policies for revitalizing working-class America."
In other words, neither party has proposed policies to re-energize the industrial sector and fulltime employment levels of the past.
But I see nothing in today's comments pertaining to David Leonhardt's Wednesday admonition: "No task has become more important than persuading a much larger number of Republicans that the health of the planet matters for their children and grandchildren too."
Isn't it time for THE NY Times' economist-columnist to consult Lord Sterns' New Economy group and put forward the outlines for exactly that - an economy that the descendants of all sides can live with - literally ?
In other words, neither party has proposed policies to re-energize the industrial sector and fulltime employment levels of the past.
But I see nothing in today's comments pertaining to David Leonhardt's Wednesday admonition: "No task has become more important than persuading a much larger number of Republicans that the health of the planet matters for their children and grandchildren too."
Isn't it time for THE NY Times' economist-columnist to consult Lord Sterns' New Economy group and put forward the outlines for exactly that - an economy that the descendants of all sides can live with - literally ?
3
will success be measured by how long it takes for " I voted TRUMP and all i got was this stupid hat" to become a thing
3
We in the blue states do the real work in America. We are the creatives, the knowledge workers and we have the wealth. So lets use our economic power to boycott Trump and the right starting with the Superbowl in 2017 which is being hosted by FOX. Why should we keep sending money to FOX media outlets only to have it come back to us as propaganda?
I am swearing off FOX NFL, FOX Broadcasting, FOX Searchlight films, The Simpsons and anything else connected with that evil. Without FOX, Trump would have stayed the foolish con man that he is.
I am swearing off FOX NFL, FOX Broadcasting, FOX Searchlight films, The Simpsons and anything else connected with that evil. Without FOX, Trump would have stayed the foolish con man that he is.
2
"We"? Puh-lease.
You are delusional. If you think you speak for anyone in the center, let alone the right, then the democrats are more arrogant than anyone could have ever imagined and are rightly consigned to wander the wilderness for another few terms.
Do yourself a favor and stick to the lunatic fringe, where you've been stomping around for the past 8 years.
You are delusional. If you think you speak for anyone in the center, let alone the right, then the democrats are more arrogant than anyone could have ever imagined and are rightly consigned to wander the wilderness for another few terms.
Do yourself a favor and stick to the lunatic fringe, where you've been stomping around for the past 8 years.
4
Perhaps Paul Krugman should consider aiming some of his vitriol at the Democrats who stacked the deck against Bernie Sanders who may very well have defeated the president-elect who is so horrifying to Mr. Krugman. I guess that is a lot to expect from someone who has been a consistent apologist for everything Obama or Hillary has done or said.
8
first thing
Obama needs to fire comey
Obama needs to fire comey
6
According to the vote tally thus far, what America wanted was Hillary, not Trump. The rig is the insane electoral approach to election. Can there ever be a democracy in this confused, chaotic country until the rig is gone?
Fascism has always been a part of republican/conservative ideology in action. Neo-Nazis recognize the voice of their parent conservative DNA calling when they and their friends go out to vote, especially during troubling times.
Americans must be wary, now, of their citizen friends, no? Tough times reveal who ones neighbors really are. Will Trump be a unifying POTUS or will he be the POTDS, the president of the disunited states? Hillary won the vote, and Trump is the POTDS. Ah, the land of the free.
Fascism has always been a part of republican/conservative ideology in action. Neo-Nazis recognize the voice of their parent conservative DNA calling when they and their friends go out to vote, especially during troubling times.
Americans must be wary, now, of their citizen friends, no? Tough times reveal who ones neighbors really are. Will Trump be a unifying POTUS or will he be the POTDS, the president of the disunited states? Hillary won the vote, and Trump is the POTDS. Ah, the land of the free.
5
I appreciate Paul's call to action and belief that our actions will make a difference. He is following in the footsteps of the William James' pragmatism that argues if belief can make a difference in your chance of success, then you are justified in your belief. In the long run, we will surely fail if we give up our belief that our actions matter.
2
"Don't mourn -- organize!" --Joe Hill
3
The serial sexual predator, alleged child rapist, swindler (Trump U anyone), traitor in cahoots with the Russians, and liar showed everyone last evening his true intentions with just one little tweet. This egomaniac could not stand the sight of seeing spontaneous protests regarding his upcoming presidency. He sent out a tweet claiming that they were professional protestors and that it was very unfair for them to protest against him. Welcome to the first act in the horrible nightmare of Don the Dictator!
2
"The Trump campaign was unprecedented in its dishonesty ..."
What hypocrisy! Didn't Hillary Clinton lie about her major role in creating ISIS? Didn't Hillary Clinton refuse to turn over 650,000 emails that clearly concealed far more national security information than what she ordered for lunch? Next comes the presidential pardon ..........
Didn't Hillary Clinton conceal the full extent of contributions she received from Saudi Arabia, the nation primarily responsible for 9/11 and for the spread of Islamic terrorism across the globe?
You don't seem to realize, Dr. Krugman, exactly how unpopular that self-righteous, smug, scheming, devious woman is. Living outside your borders may have given me a less jaundiced view and allowed me to see things more clearly than the innocent, graceful, honest woman you like to portray. Thank God one U.S. dynasty has finally collapsed: Most of the world hopes it never has to see another President Bush.
What hypocrisy! Didn't Hillary Clinton lie about her major role in creating ISIS? Didn't Hillary Clinton refuse to turn over 650,000 emails that clearly concealed far more national security information than what she ordered for lunch? Next comes the presidential pardon ..........
Didn't Hillary Clinton conceal the full extent of contributions she received from Saudi Arabia, the nation primarily responsible for 9/11 and for the spread of Islamic terrorism across the globe?
You don't seem to realize, Dr. Krugman, exactly how unpopular that self-righteous, smug, scheming, devious woman is. Living outside your borders may have given me a less jaundiced view and allowed me to see things more clearly than the innocent, graceful, honest woman you like to portray. Thank God one U.S. dynasty has finally collapsed: Most of the world hopes it never has to see another President Bush.
1
New mantra (credit Neil deGrasse Tyson) - Make America Smart Again!
We just must not forget that more Americans voted for Hillary than for Trump. If you add those that voted Libertarian it was actually a LANDSLIDE against Trump
5
Sadly, Dr. Krugman, many of us are very disgusted by the evident destruction of the Sanders campaign by the DNC, Wasserman Schultz, and pundits like yourself who ridiculed Sanders "numbers".
Yes Sanders did support Clinton after all that, and so did most of your readers. Your assurances of Clinton's certain success is not forgotten either.
Perhaps you should go back to academic life and end your career promoting the established "third way" propaganda that lost the election to the worst candidate in our history by supporting an unpopular, passionless, compromised candidate. You were very wrong about this election and about what Americans want and need.
Yes Sanders did support Clinton after all that, and so did most of your readers. Your assurances of Clinton's certain success is not forgotten either.
Perhaps you should go back to academic life and end your career promoting the established "third way" propaganda that lost the election to the worst candidate in our history by supporting an unpopular, passionless, compromised candidate. You were very wrong about this election and about what Americans want and need.
9
Dr. Krugman, your thoughts echo mine in terms of the damage that the next four years may wreak on our country, society and the world as whole. I worry for the future of my children. The scariest thing to me is that it isn't hard to draw parallels to and imagine the situation in Germany in the mid-1930s. I can only imagine Trump suggesting "rounding up" those who he's identified need to be "relocated" and his cronies taking this upon themselves to build detention camps. The nightmare can easily go on from there to identify anyone who doesn't agree with them. All in the name of "Making America Great Again".
When one of his first tweets is to criticize protests as "... incited by the media" and "Very Unfair", it's not too far of a stretch to see that the First Amendment, and many of our other basic rights, may be in serious trouble.
You're right ... it's not time to curl up in a ball and do nothing about it. All who don't believe that this regime doesn't represent the U.S. that they know have an obligation to speak up and resist, as loudly and strongly as we can.
When one of his first tweets is to criticize protests as "... incited by the media" and "Very Unfair", it's not too far of a stretch to see that the First Amendment, and many of our other basic rights, may be in serious trouble.
You're right ... it's not time to curl up in a ball and do nothing about it. All who don't believe that this regime doesn't represent the U.S. that they know have an obligation to speak up and resist, as loudly and strongly as we can.
7
Clinton may have "won" the popular vote, but did she get a majority (>50%)? A different "democracy" might have a series of runoff elections, to extend the process and allow more people to vote smarter and heal divisions. How can we expect congress to compromise if the electorate cannot? And I guess it's possible that Lady Gaga can convince the Electoral College to "vote their conscience", but do we really think this would restore peace and tranquility in the streets - ?
I hope that the doomsday predictors are just as wrong now as they were about Trump getting elected.
And let's not forget the media - they have (always had) a serious job to do - I hope they are really up to it.
This may look like the beginnings of Idiocracy, but it doesn't have to be.
I hope that the doomsday predictors are just as wrong now as they were about Trump getting elected.
And let's not forget the media - they have (always had) a serious job to do - I hope they are really up to it.
This may look like the beginnings of Idiocracy, but it doesn't have to be.
1
Dr. Krugman - All I can say is thank you. I am so angry right now, I could spit. But even within my own family and circle of friends, my anger is not seen as legitimate or helpful. I get no existential scream even though Trump supporters and people I have to work with every day have been screaming since the civil rights era. And the baby boomer generation of peace, love, and can't we all get along really only meant that apply to white people, apparently.
I didn't think I could be more angry or despondent then after Bush was given the WH, but two elections in which Republicans gain power after losing the popular vote has shown me I can be more angry.
I will be looking for every way I can to oppose Trump and Republicans for whom as you say unity only means their way. Well, I plan to be the very loyal opposition. Who will lead that?
I only hope Senator Schumer and the Senate Democrats display as much unity in opposition to Trump and McConnell as they did to Obama. For the American people to reward not confirming a Supreme Court justice just makes me want to cry tears of anger.
But unfortunately, we already see liberal pundits and politicians making "nice" because of all of the "hurting" white people whose votes they are not getting and never will as long as the Democratic Party has a large female, Black, and brown constituency. Democratic leaders need to STAND UP for their base the way Republicans do theirs, but they won't. And if they don't, they will lose my vote forever.
I didn't think I could be more angry or despondent then after Bush was given the WH, but two elections in which Republicans gain power after losing the popular vote has shown me I can be more angry.
I will be looking for every way I can to oppose Trump and Republicans for whom as you say unity only means their way. Well, I plan to be the very loyal opposition. Who will lead that?
I only hope Senator Schumer and the Senate Democrats display as much unity in opposition to Trump and McConnell as they did to Obama. For the American people to reward not confirming a Supreme Court justice just makes me want to cry tears of anger.
But unfortunately, we already see liberal pundits and politicians making "nice" because of all of the "hurting" white people whose votes they are not getting and never will as long as the Democratic Party has a large female, Black, and brown constituency. Democratic leaders need to STAND UP for their base the way Republicans do theirs, but they won't. And if they don't, they will lose my vote forever.
9
We can always try massive civil disobedience in response to Trump. It worked for Denmark. In other words, if Trump starts "registering" members of a minority, go register whether you belong to it or not. If a mosque is closed, offer to let its congregation meet in your place of worship or maybe at your university.
7
HIlarious and typical - Paul weeping and wailing, declaring america rejected progressive, liberalizing values and the democratic party... They did not, at least not more than they did when the elected Barack Obama twice. If the democratic party had nominated any number of other candidates - and there were plenty of options aside from Bernie, but not discounting him necessarily - they would have won it walking away.
The democratic party elites and those who enabled them - including our esteemed NYT columnist Paul - you should look in the mirror and own it. The arrogance and self regard, self interest, that is what lost the election. Don't lump in real progressives or liberalism in with that failure. Everyone would still be talking about the death of the Republican party if the democratic party had not sought to crown their ultimate insider queen.
The democratic party elites and those who enabled them - including our esteemed NYT columnist Paul - you should look in the mirror and own it. The arrogance and self regard, self interest, that is what lost the election. Don't lump in real progressives or liberalism in with that failure. Everyone would still be talking about the death of the Republican party if the democratic party had not sought to crown their ultimate insider queen.
6
What happened to all the people who were apalled when Trump wavered when asked if he would accept the people's choice if Clinton won? It now seems that they themselves cannot accept the fact that Trump won?
We need to stop complaining and speaking of doom and let our voices be heard by our government officials and hold THEM accountable to hold in check the questionable policy choices that may lie ahead.
We need to stop complaining and speaking of doom and let our voices be heard by our government officials and hold THEM accountable to hold in check the questionable policy choices that may lie ahead.
2
I like Paul Krugman count myself among the horrified. Part of my horror stems from the fact that income distribution that has favored only the top 1 percent and impoverished the lower and middle class has been exploited and manipulated by republicans in order to make the economically disadvantaged believe that their economic situation is due to women, blacks, mexicans , muslims and people with college degrees.
The same states that went red also went into austerity measures over the past eight years laying off teachers , doctors, nurses, closing schools, raising the cost of education. The economic misery of the republican voting regions was something they lived with day in and day out was largely created by their own republican state governments. Yes, factories did relocate , but people that did have jobs were squeezed and forced to work for ever lower wages , as union participation has fallen precipitously . I am most horrified because I do not think a Trump presidency really wants to do anything about this situation since it was out of this situation that he was able to be elected !
The same states that went red also went into austerity measures over the past eight years laying off teachers , doctors, nurses, closing schools, raising the cost of education. The economic misery of the republican voting regions was something they lived with day in and day out was largely created by their own republican state governments. Yes, factories did relocate , but people that did have jobs were squeezed and forced to work for ever lower wages , as union participation has fallen precipitously . I am most horrified because I do not think a Trump presidency really wants to do anything about this situation since it was out of this situation that he was able to be elected !
7
T-yranny
R-ules
U-nder
M-y
P-lans
R-ules
U-nder
M-y
P-lans
3
Climate change, though very important, Is not the most important issue for the next twenty years. In a world with Moore's Law, the internet, automation and robotics, machine learning and gigabit communications, the biggest issue are how many people are becoming redundant. Trump was elected by many people the world no longer needs. Basically they are being told: if you can't compete, go in a corner and die. This does not sit well with the voting public. I suspect that the segment of the population that think they are untouchable, many find out the hard way that they are not.
As the touchables increase we will move closer to the end game: some new system where humanity is restored. Strap yourself in. It will be a hell of a ride.
As the touchables increase we will move closer to the end game: some new system where humanity is restored. Strap yourself in. It will be a hell of a ride.
3
Here’s something for Democrats to think about:
a) In the 70s, a Democratic president continued the deregulatory process of a Democratic congress that reached its climax in the Crash of 08.
b) A Democratic congress continued the deregulatory process in the 80s as they cut taxes on the rich, increased taxes on the not so rich, and cut SS benefits.
c) A Democratic president reappointed Greenspan to the Fed, further deregulated the financial system and implemented disastrous crime, welfare, and student loan bills in the 90s.
d) Democrats took back the congress in 2007 and did nothing to hold the people responsible for the wrongs that had been committed as we were led into a war under false pretenses and turned into a nation of torturers; income and wages stagnate; and then the economy blue up.
e) Democrats took complete control of the federal government in 2009 and bailed out the banks, students and homeowners were allowed to founder, and a Heritage Foundation health plan was implemented that bailed out the insurance and drug companies at the expense of the middle class.
f) The middle class is devastate throughout the process.
And, somehow, it’s supposed to be the voters’ fault we ended up with a throw the bums out Trump instead of a more of the same Hillary? I don’t think so!
http://rwEconomics.com/blame.htm
http://www.rweconomics.com/Sanders1.htm
http://www.rweconomics.com/htm/Ch_1.htm
http://rwEconomics.com/LTLGAD.htm
a) In the 70s, a Democratic president continued the deregulatory process of a Democratic congress that reached its climax in the Crash of 08.
b) A Democratic congress continued the deregulatory process in the 80s as they cut taxes on the rich, increased taxes on the not so rich, and cut SS benefits.
c) A Democratic president reappointed Greenspan to the Fed, further deregulated the financial system and implemented disastrous crime, welfare, and student loan bills in the 90s.
d) Democrats took back the congress in 2007 and did nothing to hold the people responsible for the wrongs that had been committed as we were led into a war under false pretenses and turned into a nation of torturers; income and wages stagnate; and then the economy blue up.
e) Democrats took complete control of the federal government in 2009 and bailed out the banks, students and homeowners were allowed to founder, and a Heritage Foundation health plan was implemented that bailed out the insurance and drug companies at the expense of the middle class.
f) The middle class is devastate throughout the process.
And, somehow, it’s supposed to be the voters’ fault we ended up with a throw the bums out Trump instead of a more of the same Hillary? I don’t think so!
http://rwEconomics.com/blame.htm
http://www.rweconomics.com/Sanders1.htm
http://www.rweconomics.com/htm/Ch_1.htm
http://rwEconomics.com/LTLGAD.htm
9
I suppose professor you can worry and despair for an election but people left behind that worry and despair about their lives cannot express them. They can. It used to be the Democratic party that took care of their problems. Politics abhor a vacuum.
4
I have yet to read your apology for doing everything you could to smear Bernie Sanders as 'unelectable' and paper over what many of us clearly saw- Hillary Clinton's fundamental inability to create a campaign message that would turn out her voters.
Until we read your mea culpa, why should we bother taking what you say seriously?
Until we read your mea culpa, why should we bother taking what you say seriously?
9
Sorry - as I Boomer I worked for social change and equality. I am done worrying about the next generations.
To the Gen Y and Millennial voters who backed Trump -- You broke it, you fix it.
To the Gen Y and Millennial voters who backed Trump -- You broke it, you fix it.
4
Liberals are the people who leave the room when a fight starts
I live in the State of MA
my goals: de elect our "moderate" republican governor
pass state laws protecting abortion, workers rights etc - and form an anti ALEC to get similar laws passed in sane states like NY and CA
boycott businesses that supported trump
being nice isnn't the way to go
I live in the State of MA
my goals: de elect our "moderate" republican governor
pass state laws protecting abortion, workers rights etc - and form an anti ALEC to get similar laws passed in sane states like NY and CA
boycott businesses that supported trump
being nice isnn't the way to go
3
I think of this vote like I think of throwing dishes. Frustration finally overcame many voters until they were willing to smash something to get to change. Problem is, the only change may be a mess it takes a long time to clean up, and beware of stray shards that may show up long into the future.
3
Clinton was in complete control of her campaign and the DNC, what a leader, eh Paul??? Mission Accomplished, eh Paul???
2
Dr.Krugman, I ment to say unfortunately I am in the twighlight in my life and most likely will not live long enough to see if and when the US will ecover from this disasterous election and that is indeed do very sad. Who knows, maybe I am lucky not to see the downfall and destruction of this country. No matter what happens for now, as always, I will continue to follow your column.
6
You write as if we were a shining city on a hill and will now devolve. Not so fast. Remember deregulation, tax cutting for the rich, Iraq war, unfair trade agreements, ad infinitum? Sure we had grievances, but instead of Bernie we got Trump.
3
Mr. Krugman,
I thought you slipped into advocacy for Hillary this past year, and that made me respect you less. You said in one of your columns that Hillary had done nothing wrong with her email server or the Foundation.
I am a liberal Democrat who voted for Gary Johnson, and I can't tell you how turned off I was by both the email server and the Foundation controversies.
Trump's Access Hollywood tape was obscene, but almost as obscene was the revelation that Foundation money had been used to help pay for Chelsea's wedding. Nothing wrong?!
A little serious reflection would be nice for Democrats like you and the Democratic Party.
My party that prides itself on evidence has lost its way.
I thought you slipped into advocacy for Hillary this past year, and that made me respect you less. You said in one of your columns that Hillary had done nothing wrong with her email server or the Foundation.
I am a liberal Democrat who voted for Gary Johnson, and I can't tell you how turned off I was by both the email server and the Foundation controversies.
Trump's Access Hollywood tape was obscene, but almost as obscene was the revelation that Foundation money had been used to help pay for Chelsea's wedding. Nothing wrong?!
A little serious reflection would be nice for Democrats like you and the Democratic Party.
My party that prides itself on evidence has lost its way.
7
As a centre-left Canadian I am angry with Americans - but not the ones you might think. I am angry with all the smug talk and the dismissive attitude toward Donald Trump and his supporters from the liberal talking heads and especially from the Democratic campaign surrogates. Mostly the calculation was whether there were enough of them to change the outcome, not whether they were trying to express something meaningful and important. I'm not talking about the alt-right extremists, I'm talking about the ordinary people who pulled the lever for Trump in spite of all his flaws because they are truly without hope that their government representatives - Republican or Democrat - care about them anymore. For them, voting for Trump was the electoral equivalent of throwing a grenade to get attention. The Republicans figured out how to feign empathy for these people so they would vote against their own interests.
It is hard to cross the empathy barrier and listen, really listen to people with whom we vehemently disagree, even if we are in possession of the "facts". Democrats better learn to cross that barrier.
It is hard to cross the empathy barrier and listen, really listen to people with whom we vehemently disagree, even if we are in possession of the "facts". Democrats better learn to cross that barrier.
13
Hillary ran a terrible campaign and was a terrible candidate. Paul Krugman you were one of the worse -- many of us Bernie supporters warned you. In Wisconsin - Dane county - they were offering $15 an hour to canvass for her! That's how low the enthusiasm was for her!
And she didn't visit the state ONCE except to have a private meeting with donors.
I blame you Paul Krugman - a hero of mine until this election - for leading us all off this cliff. Wisconsin turned out 300,000 fewer democrats.
The GOTV didn't happen here. Was was she (and you) thinking?
Bernie would've swept Wisconsin.
And she didn't visit the state ONCE except to have a private meeting with donors.
I blame you Paul Krugman - a hero of mine until this election - for leading us all off this cliff. Wisconsin turned out 300,000 fewer democrats.
The GOTV didn't happen here. Was was she (and you) thinking?
Bernie would've swept Wisconsin.
9
"Lies are lies, no matter how much power backs them up."
Why don't you wake up, Professor Krugman, and admit that applied to Hillary Clinton just as much as Donald Trump?
Why don't you wake up, Professor Krugman, and admit that applied to Hillary Clinton just as much as Donald Trump?
2
I completely disagree with this statement: "God knows it’s clear that almost everyone on the center-left, myself included, was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters". There were voices on the left speaking to the economic angst and against the overwhelming corruption of our governing elites. MoveOn was around way before the Tea Party movement but was ridiculed and marginalized by the Democratic Party. Both the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street movements started as protests against government bailouts of the crooks that brought on the financial crisis, but while the Republican Party embraced the Tea party movement and worked to turn it to it's own warped, conservative advantage, the Democratic Party once again rejected the forces trying to turn it away from it's wholesale adoption of neo-Liberalism and intimate embrace of Wall Street. So please, professor, don't claim there weren't forces on the left speaking to the fears of a large portion of subsequent Trump voters. They were there; and they were co-opted and silenced by the Democratic leadership, a leadership that must be replaced before the Party can move forward and become the party it once was. A party that represents everyday, working Americans. A good start would be to reject that execrable Wall Street lackey Chuck Schumer as incoming Senate minority leader in favor of the more in tune Elizabeth Warren.
18
The American public can only search their own hearts for the reasons a majority of voters swept a pervert antihero into power. Protesters can only protest against themselves. If America is no longer great, YOU are no ;longer great. Peop[le get the kind of leaders they deserve
1
Donald Trump is just one man. There are nearly 60 million Americans who pledged allegiance to him on Tuesday, and that's the problem.
Equal participation and contribution make our economy stronger and our society healthier. Closing doors on people, especially based on color, culture, and gender, make the economy suffer. If that's the only reason--monetary, material and self-centered--voters should choose the leader who will make every effort to involve the full demographic of our country in the success of capitalism, then let's use that criteria. The might understand it better that way.
Black Americans are experiencing the sensation that the sign is going back over the water fountain. You have to be of a certain age to understand what that metaphor represents. That can't be accomplished by just one man: that's done by the voices of 60 million voters.
Equal participation and contribution make our economy stronger and our society healthier. Closing doors on people, especially based on color, culture, and gender, make the economy suffer. If that's the only reason--monetary, material and self-centered--voters should choose the leader who will make every effort to involve the full demographic of our country in the success of capitalism, then let's use that criteria. The might understand it better that way.
Black Americans are experiencing the sensation that the sign is going back over the water fountain. You have to be of a certain age to understand what that metaphor represents. That can't be accomplished by just one man: that's done by the voices of 60 million voters.
13
This is exactly the point I have been making, that people don't yet even begin to fathom the potential for long term damage to the environment and the institutions of our republic. At my age, I am just tired of this and will mostly "tend my own garden" as Krugman puts it. The so-called divine providence that we a somehow special under god is a big part of the problem. It is a nationalistic hubris that blinds many of us to the lessons of history and that we ARE just another republic and we CAN FAIL, like any other, especially when our institutions are allowed to be abused so blithely by one political party.
1
You don't give yourself enough credit for the loss Paul Krugman. What strong arguments did you make for backing Clinton? I don't recall any and there aren't any in this column either. Let's take the inner city example that you list first. If the inner cities are not problematic, then why is it that this very publication focuses so much on its myriad dysfunctions? Column after column about crime, education, loss of government support, on and on. So are you telling us that is all untrue? And climate change about which we are all concerned but about which neither you nor Clinton made no strong argument for. Now you weep. Start getting out more Paul and listening to the commoners which everyone is so eager to denigrate instead of pontificating from your NYC ivory tower. When you so insistently refused to even entertain a thought for Sanders is when you started to lose my respect.
5
If Krugman had followed my advice in several emails to him (and other liberal commentators) and gotten out and tried to communicate with people who didn't agree with him rather than just preaching to the choir, he might have known what was happening with blue collar workers.
Liberals, myself included, have lost touch with the white working class. We need to reestablish that connection. I hope we're capable of it.
Liberals, myself included, have lost touch with the white working class. We need to reestablish that connection. I hope we're capable of it.
4
divine providence. exactly! Totally related to the supreme court. Let freedom ring!
It is interesting that the Republican party is now the people's party and the Democrat party became the party of the powerful, moneyed elite. I never thought I would see such a thing in my lifetime. The Democrats have to re-connect with their roots and place a larger focus on the economy and the plight of the working class, not on which bathroom people use. Social issues are important but perhaps not the highest priority at this particular time in our nation's history.
7
The myth that we are a special nation is total nonsense, but bought by Trump supporters. Their view is we can regain the lost glory and god given rights borders on the insane. The irony of what is going to happen is lost on the ignorant souls who supported Trump: they wanted to get rid of the establishment, and who are they going to get: the stalwarts of establishment Republican politics for decades, lobbyists that the supporters pretend to hate, the wall that is not going to be built, and if we are lucky, a recession rather than a full blown depression. The problem with the analysis of others, and Krugman has a bit of this, is the realization that Trump people are really ignorant racist who expect racial policies to be implemented and they will be, along with a disaster of economic policies that are mythical. What we can do is to protest every chance we get, denounce the racist and hope that the majority will assert itself against the Trump government; but I would not bet on it.
2
This is all on the Democratic Party. They chose Clinton over Sanders. They insisted on Clinton over Sanders. And now we get Trump - the most unqualified person to ever get elected to the presidency. The same people that voted for Trump accused Obama of having no experience. Guess a white guy with no experience is better than a black guy with experience. Go figure. And don't get me started on the media.
7
I'm going to write today the same things that I've written for the last 20 years. Do I believe that going forward there is a possibility of change for the better for ALL? No!
For decades, America has been embroiled in class warfare at a time of increasing population and decreasing employment opportunities. There are facts to back this up but politicians, pundits and so called experts routinely cherry pick the data to make their often spurious argument and to cynically drive a wedge between classes of people to hide the horrible truth.
The vast majority of people in this country have not had a voice or representation in Washington for many decades. Ninety percent of the country disapproves of Congress. And, everyone knows without needing to be told that there is extraordinary and unprecedented income and wealth inequality. There is a growing number of "havenots" who are being literally marginalized out of basic shelter, food, and health care. They are desperate and they are reacting in desperation, often irrationally. Most others have lost ground as wages stagnate in the face of increasing living costs. These people are frustrated and angry, and yes, most are ignorant and do lack critical thinking skills, but that does not excuse the dearth of leadership and honest representation at the highest levels. Politicians and the MSM are indentured servants of the wealthy. In short, the whole system is rigged to favor the wealthy which is why change will not come politically.
For decades, America has been embroiled in class warfare at a time of increasing population and decreasing employment opportunities. There are facts to back this up but politicians, pundits and so called experts routinely cherry pick the data to make their often spurious argument and to cynically drive a wedge between classes of people to hide the horrible truth.
The vast majority of people in this country have not had a voice or representation in Washington for many decades. Ninety percent of the country disapproves of Congress. And, everyone knows without needing to be told that there is extraordinary and unprecedented income and wealth inequality. There is a growing number of "havenots" who are being literally marginalized out of basic shelter, food, and health care. They are desperate and they are reacting in desperation, often irrationally. Most others have lost ground as wages stagnate in the face of increasing living costs. These people are frustrated and angry, and yes, most are ignorant and do lack critical thinking skills, but that does not excuse the dearth of leadership and honest representation at the highest levels. Politicians and the MSM are indentured servants of the wealthy. In short, the whole system is rigged to favor the wealthy which is why change will not come politically.
3
Of all the NYT's so-caled pundits, Mr. Krugman, you need the most help in seeing what is and isn't.
You wrote this telling sentence: "So where does this leave us? What, as concerned and horrified citizens, should we do?"
Here's what you need to do: Stop being so horrified and hyper-concerned. President Obama and Candidate Hillary Clinton showed us all the need to be supportive and enabling. They put down their swords and beat them into ploughshares. We can only hope Trump does the same.
We will all weather thise next four years no matter what. Here's hoping both major parties will try to do politics again. The Democrats have a unique opportunity to show us all they can negotiate together, respect one another and make progress happen again.
What an opportunity! Seize it!
You wrote this telling sentence: "So where does this leave us? What, as concerned and horrified citizens, should we do?"
Here's what you need to do: Stop being so horrified and hyper-concerned. President Obama and Candidate Hillary Clinton showed us all the need to be supportive and enabling. They put down their swords and beat them into ploughshares. We can only hope Trump does the same.
We will all weather thise next four years no matter what. Here's hoping both major parties will try to do politics again. The Democrats have a unique opportunity to show us all they can negotiate together, respect one another and make progress happen again.
What an opportunity! Seize it!
3
Thank you, I needed this. I think Americans need to actually talk to each other instead of getting all their opinions from media outlets, many of which have proven to be incompetent, dishonest or rigged, or from the echo chambers of social media. I am amazed by the people I know who continue to spout that President Obama has been disastrous for this country, at the same time that their stock portfolios and retirement accounts recover and thrive, their own salaries go up, and their uninsured neighbors get health insurance. But if Fox News tells them the sky is falling, they believe it.
6
Paul, It is finally time to admit that the Democratic Party's choice of Hillary Clinton was a big mistake. Throughout the campaign, Democrats failed to admit that she is corrupt, that she is a pathological liar to protect herself at all times, that she has very bad judgement and that she has accomplished very little in her long political career. Democrats thought that they could "finesse" her into the Presidency on the coatails of Obama as Barach and Michelle campaigned vigorously to save the Obama legacy. They tried to hide her from the press and prepare her thoroughly for the debates. But in the end, the Obamas, the celebrities and the famous athletes couldn't save her because the voters saw her as an dishonest, ambitious phony, desparate to be President. With all the faults of Trump it should have been an easy win for Clinton but Trump pointed out her faults and her track record and offered to "drain the swamp". America has been hurt by weak leadership and lack of consensus building over many years. Clinton promised more of the same. Trump promised change and to make America strong. The people chose hope.
6
We tend to forget that America has always been a truly awful country, as well as a brilliant and lovely one. Intolerance, hysteria, slavery, witch hunts, inequality, racism--these have been our daily bread for centuries.
The tendency to reshape the arcing narrative into one of greatness and goodness is understandable. Individuals do the same thing, even the most aberrant of us, creating a fiction based on our best characteristics (real or imagined), not our worst.
But the fundamental reality is what it is.
The fact is, we have had corrupt, ignorant, mendacious, and malicious presidents before: madmen have occupied the halls of power before now.
But never before have we seen all those qualities rolled into one terrifying creature. Think US Grant, Andrew Jackson, James Buchanan, and George W. Bush, merged and blended with a special sauce of vindictiveness and vulgarity.
Of course, this particular Frankenstein's monster is the creature of a pack of John Birchite billionaires, now reaching the triumphant culmination of their Long March to take down the democracy through propaganda and subversion, replacing it with a brutal, stratified autocracy, wholly owned by the very rich.
All that is most hateful in America has been concentrated: it has been, to use the word of the moment, weaponized. We woke up Tuesday still the USA: we woke up Wednesday to find that overnight, we had become an incipient Brazil.
Do we survive and come back? Time will tell. It's our call.
The tendency to reshape the arcing narrative into one of greatness and goodness is understandable. Individuals do the same thing, even the most aberrant of us, creating a fiction based on our best characteristics (real or imagined), not our worst.
But the fundamental reality is what it is.
The fact is, we have had corrupt, ignorant, mendacious, and malicious presidents before: madmen have occupied the halls of power before now.
But never before have we seen all those qualities rolled into one terrifying creature. Think US Grant, Andrew Jackson, James Buchanan, and George W. Bush, merged and blended with a special sauce of vindictiveness and vulgarity.
Of course, this particular Frankenstein's monster is the creature of a pack of John Birchite billionaires, now reaching the triumphant culmination of their Long March to take down the democracy through propaganda and subversion, replacing it with a brutal, stratified autocracy, wholly owned by the very rich.
All that is most hateful in America has been concentrated: it has been, to use the word of the moment, weaponized. We woke up Tuesday still the USA: we woke up Wednesday to find that overnight, we had become an incipient Brazil.
Do we survive and come back? Time will tell. It's our call.
4
The claim that the neglected despairing white Christian voter is deserving of our attention disturb me. They are a bunch of superstitious, jingoistic, racist bullies clinging to obsolete and dangerous ideas. They should be discouraged in their delusional thinking that a strongman tinpot dictator is going to better their lot. They should get out and educate themselves to better their lot, not depend on government to do it for them. Sound familiar? That's because is what the right has been claiming that "those people " do. The white voter is a consummate hypocrite, they want for themselves what they would deny to others: government support for their chosen lifestyle.
4
Speaking of truth, I would suggest to the Democrats,and indeed, specifically, to Mr. Krugman, to be more, how shall I say it, forthcoming in the future. When a statewide medical insurance policy is guaranteed, from the outset, to increase premiums, at lower coverage, don't say the opposite to the gullible masses. Please don't. It's not only unethical, it's bad politics.
5
Just below is the brief comment I submitted to the first headlined article about Trump's victory. Apparently the comment never appeared on the web site.
It seems to me that the only realistic and useful response to this result is for thinking people to maintain our grace, dignity, and principles and to calmly work toward more constructive outcomes in the years ahead.
I believe both parts of the view I expressed above will become more vital with each passing day. I would very much like to know why the Times refused or was unable to post my comment the first time.
It seems to me that the only realistic and useful response to this result is for thinking people to maintain our grace, dignity, and principles and to calmly work toward more constructive outcomes in the years ahead.
I believe both parts of the view I expressed above will become more vital with each passing day. I would very much like to know why the Times refused or was unable to post my comment the first time.
3
How can I describe my horror? Let me count the ways!
I was born in the use with african and indigenous ancestry. From the time I was 4 years old I knew america was not made for me. As I matured and became more intimate with the truth, I started telling other people what a horrible place the usa can be - for some. But they did not listen. Obama gave them a dream and now they are all sleep walking and powerless. I tried to wake them up, but it was futile. They have been put to sleep and are now comfortably dreaming of reality.
I was born in the use with african and indigenous ancestry. From the time I was 4 years old I knew america was not made for me. As I matured and became more intimate with the truth, I started telling other people what a horrible place the usa can be - for some. But they did not listen. Obama gave them a dream and now they are all sleep walking and powerless. I tried to wake them up, but it was futile. They have been put to sleep and are now comfortably dreaming of reality.
You are obviously right about this, thank you. You were also dead wrong in supporting Hillary Clinton vs. Bernie Sanders. This was a populist change year, and you supported the establishment. Were you wrong?
13
It seems to me that if Trump follows through on his economic plan it will be hugely stimulative. He is a Keynesian on steroids. Of course current law says that any spending act be “paid for” so, to enact his plan, that law would have to be revoked. I wonder if the Freedom Caucus will allow that. But a much bigger deficit would increase economic growth and increase corporate profits.
His plan would be great for stocks. He will be hugely corporate friendly and plans massive tax cuts for the rich. It is back to trickle down economics, which we all know does not work. Trump is ant-trade but we all know the manufacturing jobs are not coming back. The US right now has record manufacturing output but manufacturing jobs will not increase much due to automation.
All in all. his plan means higher corporate profits, higher growth, higher interest rates, and higher inequality. It will probably be good for the economy, but it will be really good for the wealthy. It may look a lt like the Obama economy where profits and stock markets boomed and the wealth flows largely to the rich.
His plan would be great for stocks. He will be hugely corporate friendly and plans massive tax cuts for the rich. It is back to trickle down economics, which we all know does not work. Trump is ant-trade but we all know the manufacturing jobs are not coming back. The US right now has record manufacturing output but manufacturing jobs will not increase much due to automation.
All in all. his plan means higher corporate profits, higher growth, higher interest rates, and higher inequality. It will probably be good for the economy, but it will be really good for the wealthy. It may look a lt like the Obama economy where profits and stock markets boomed and the wealth flows largely to the rich.
3
Also, with so many pundits like Krugman claiming Trump's policies will explode the debt, you'd think Mr. Krugman would be thrilled after 8 years of telling us to let Obama explode the debt as it doesn't matter.
What's the difference between giving people stimulus directly, via a tax cut, or via a jobs bill? If deficits don't matter, why would Krugman care if the rich get more? You'd think he'd be happy the poor and working class get something. If the debt doesn't matter, why cry about "fairness" if people are being helped?
I'll leave it up to Mr. Krugman to square that ideological circle he's put himself into; don't hold your breath for a fair response.
What's the difference between giving people stimulus directly, via a tax cut, or via a jobs bill? If deficits don't matter, why would Krugman care if the rich get more? You'd think he'd be happy the poor and working class get something. If the debt doesn't matter, why cry about "fairness" if people are being helped?
I'll leave it up to Mr. Krugman to square that ideological circle he's put himself into; don't hold your breath for a fair response.
1
Ironically (and one can say justifiably), the people who will suffer are Trump's own supporters who bought into his lies and hype. They are in for a rude awakening:
He will not bring manufacturing back to the US and he will not revive the coal industry.
The lion share of his tax cuts will benefit the wealthiest, not them.
There will be no trickle down this time either.
His supporters who are not covered by employer heath insurance, along with 20m Americans in all, will again find themselves without coverage and will either have to do without or rely on ERs.
If he puts in protective tariffs and inhibits free trade, his supporters will find that their buying power will diminish as they will no longer be able to buy cheap stuff from China and other low cost countries at Walmart.
He does not have a secret plan to defeat ISIS.
He will not build the wall and if he does, it will be with massive budget deficits because Mexico will never pay for it.
He will accelerate climate change.
He will make all of us less safe internationally.
And that is just the short list.
He will not bring manufacturing back to the US and he will not revive the coal industry.
The lion share of his tax cuts will benefit the wealthiest, not them.
There will be no trickle down this time either.
His supporters who are not covered by employer heath insurance, along with 20m Americans in all, will again find themselves without coverage and will either have to do without or rely on ERs.
If he puts in protective tariffs and inhibits free trade, his supporters will find that their buying power will diminish as they will no longer be able to buy cheap stuff from China and other low cost countries at Walmart.
He does not have a secret plan to defeat ISIS.
He will not build the wall and if he does, it will be with massive budget deficits because Mexico will never pay for it.
He will accelerate climate change.
He will make all of us less safe internationally.
And that is just the short list.
5
Interest rates have bounced up. Undoubtedly, this is in part due to the knowledge that immense pressure will now be put on the Fed to raise rates and in part to the certain knowledge that the rentier class unchained will want a raise, a big raise, not just no taxes.
Is there any precedent for interest rates rising and asset prices simultaneously rising? Anecdotally, people are rushing to put their real estate on the market and lower the price of that already on the market. The stock market, which should be skyrocketing with the Advent of Trump is stuttering.
I think your initial reaction was correct. The economic fallout will arrive quickly.
Is there any precedent for interest rates rising and asset prices simultaneously rising? Anecdotally, people are rushing to put their real estate on the market and lower the price of that already on the market. The stock market, which should be skyrocketing with the Advent of Trump is stuttering.
I think your initial reaction was correct. The economic fallout will arrive quickly.
4
Paul, You are not "clueless" about what motivates voters. You just don't get what ordinary people face in their everyday lives. The hopelessness that motivates a big section of Trump voters is what the elites don't really understand. That's why we couldn't get people enthused about Hillary Clinton, and, unremarkably, they stayed home rather than vote for more of the same. Bernie might have lost, and we'd be having a different discussion, but he and his program would have roused passionate support and a big turnout from the young. His weakness in the Afro-American community might have been overcome by the youth vote. It is absolutely certain that people want change, and Hillary and the gradualism that you praised so highly represented more of what we already have -- staggering inequality and not much hope.
6
God bless you, Paul! Truth telling is exactly what we need. The coming horror will couch itself in propaganda, platitudes, Orwellian language. We need to be ready to tell the truth. To stand up for truth.
But I fear these coming days. People are in the streets. Likely there are agitators from the right who will deliberately provoke enough violence to precipitate a crackdown.
One summer in my husband's village in Spain, field laborers went on strike. The Civil Guard swiftly arrived, armed with machine guns. I had the gone to the market and as I trudged up a cobbled street, I was met with a phalanx of men in uniform with machine guns. I could not pass!
As I took the long way round to get back "home" vans of armed uniformed men were driving everywhere. Imagine yourself in that position! It could happen here.
At nearly 72, with a dying husband, with Paul Ryan last night announcing that as part of the roll back of Obamacare, they will phase out Medicare, the coming GOP regime has frightening power, which could bankrupt many of us.
It's hard for me to maintain optimism. Having seen, first hand, a Dictatorship.
But I fear these coming days. People are in the streets. Likely there are agitators from the right who will deliberately provoke enough violence to precipitate a crackdown.
One summer in my husband's village in Spain, field laborers went on strike. The Civil Guard swiftly arrived, armed with machine guns. I had the gone to the market and as I trudged up a cobbled street, I was met with a phalanx of men in uniform with machine guns. I could not pass!
As I took the long way round to get back "home" vans of armed uniformed men were driving everywhere. Imagine yourself in that position! It could happen here.
At nearly 72, with a dying husband, with Paul Ryan last night announcing that as part of the roll back of Obamacare, they will phase out Medicare, the coming GOP regime has frightening power, which could bankrupt many of us.
It's hard for me to maintain optimism. Having seen, first hand, a Dictatorship.
8
In the dark era of bigotry, demagoguery, and misogyny that we are now entering I will "bear witness" as my Holocaust forebears, one of whom I'm named after, to the destruction of democratic institutions and human rights. I will fight for the inclusive, tolerance my immigrant parents and grandparents sought and found here and the lives of their sons who fought and died to preserve it in the Second World War against those same forces of hatred.
3
We have a rigged election system where the elect Torel college does not necessarily match the popular vote and this deprives all the people in a state who did not vote for the majority to lose their voice. We always say every vote counts. But not in the USA. We must change the electoral college. Hillary won the popular vote!
5
Trump's policies will cause more damage and suffering than W's did, a very high bar. But two things really concern me; climate change policy, of course; AND how he will react to inevitable crises; terrorist attack, civil unrest, a hot foreign confrontation. His authoritarian instincts, narcissistic, hyper-reactive personality and the awful people he will gather around him make him by far the scariest right wing president we have ever elected. GULP.
Meanwhile folks; make your lives more soulful and real, love each other better, never lose your neighborliness, and act where you can (single payer health care in states like mine, MD, that can pull it off). Don't lose heart. Pretend you have been in a car crash and have been lucky enough to walk away. Let your survival (so far) renew your purpose, kindness and resolve.
Meanwhile folks; make your lives more soulful and real, love each other better, never lose your neighborliness, and act where you can (single payer health care in states like mine, MD, that can pull it off). Don't lose heart. Pretend you have been in a car crash and have been lucky enough to walk away. Let your survival (so far) renew your purpose, kindness and resolve.
5
Or......we could decide to turn our backs and continue in our task of west coast secession, creating the country of Pacifica.
4
Lies are lies. Just like telling readers that a covert form of Jim Crow could become the norm across America. I read today's column to see if there was well reasoned thoughts about the election. Instead Paul just offers red meat for his followers. Well I guess it sells newspapers.
6
One of my customers went to military school with DJT. He referred to Trump as "Biff" because in school he acted like the bully in the movie Back To The Future. Nobody stood up to him. In the movie we see the two results: one where nobody stands up and the future becomes a dark dystopian nightmare, the other, George McFly becomes a famous novelist and the world is clear and bright.
The fact is the population voted more for a bright future but our electoral system gave us the opposite. Our forefathers cast there lot with a perplexing system of electoral votes which has tilted the future in the past 20 years toward utter darkness. In this case we may not be able to return. We don't get a do over on totally destroying the planet. Sorry future.
The fact is the population voted more for a bright future but our electoral system gave us the opposite. Our forefathers cast there lot with a perplexing system of electoral votes which has tilted the future in the past 20 years toward utter darkness. In this case we may not be able to return. We don't get a do over on totally destroying the planet. Sorry future.
12
1. We need to make sure Russia did not hack our election.
2. Those in opposition should declare inauguration day a national day of mourning.
3. This is our Gandhi moment. We need continuous peaceful protests in the streets every day for the next 4 years.
4. We need to provide shelter and sanctuary for those trump has threatened. This may require a clandestine network.
5. We need courageous prosecutors and judges to immediately act to throw the trump related criminals into prison.
6. We need a courageous investigative media willing to expose the corruption and criminality of the trump administration.
7. We need courageous local politicians willing to challenge and prevent the implementation of trump policies.
8. We need to be prepared to go to prison ourselves as trump retaliates and attempts to steal our democracy.
9. The Statue of Liberty has slumped over and is sobbing.
2. Those in opposition should declare inauguration day a national day of mourning.
3. This is our Gandhi moment. We need continuous peaceful protests in the streets every day for the next 4 years.
4. We need to provide shelter and sanctuary for those trump has threatened. This may require a clandestine network.
5. We need courageous prosecutors and judges to immediately act to throw the trump related criminals into prison.
6. We need a courageous investigative media willing to expose the corruption and criminality of the trump administration.
7. We need courageous local politicians willing to challenge and prevent the implementation of trump policies.
8. We need to be prepared to go to prison ourselves as trump retaliates and attempts to steal our democracy.
9. The Statue of Liberty has slumped over and is sobbing.
5
Do you have any thoughts for the horrified who watched their Obamacare premiums soar, and now, in many situations, do not get a single medical bill paid for until they spend $25,000 or $30,000 out-of-pocket? This number is real.
And you were the great proponent of Obamacare, which may have been the factor that sunk Hillary Clinton.
And you were the great proponent of Obamacare, which may have been the factor that sunk Hillary Clinton.
5
Maybe this is wishful thinking (or denial), but I believe that Trump will not last a full term as president. He is already at it on twitter, stepping on the First Amendment by calling the protests "unfair." Surely someone this egomaniacal, unbalanced and totaling lacking in impulse control will do something to get himself impeached. The surprises aren't over yet but I pray that he doesn't inflict too much damage on us before then.
7
If the electorate made rational choices based on facts, maybe Hillary Clinton would be measuring for drapes, as the cliche goes. But people vote their gut and their pocket books, not the finer points of economics and tax policy. That Trump's obvious bigotry and misogyny didn't seem to matter is a very bad sign, not so much for him but for half the people in this country. This is a turn for the worse especially remarrkable after electing the first black president twice.
7
Get and read Marshall Rosenberg's book Nonviolent Communication. It has saved my life over the last few days and is an absolutely brilliant book about how to become a more compassionate person to yourself and to others. Dare I say it's better even than the Bible? And I am training to become a Christian minister.
2
Hunker down and reflect. Like Humpty Dumpty, the myth of american greatness
and superiority has been shattered. Donald, Newt, Rudy et al have one glaring thing in common: no scruples. While you are pondering what to do next, I suggest you change the locks and codes to Fort Knox.
and superiority has been shattered. Donald, Newt, Rudy et al have one glaring thing in common: no scruples. While you are pondering what to do next, I suggest you change the locks and codes to Fort Knox.
5
I agree, we can't just tend to our own garden. We must remain (in this country) and be a force against The Hate. Here in Portland we have thousands already marching and protesting the Trumpocolypse. Our secession entreaties are only a statement but an important one. And we know now why we were inexplicably drawn to The Walked Dead for so many years, we were in training! We must become activists for good. You would be proud to see all the Mexican flags in downtown Portland last night. And the rainbow flags. I am inspired by this new movement. We must all become activists now. Love Trumps Hate.
3
From Blade Runner - 'then we are stupid and we deserve to die'
Personally I give up. I can't get past the fact that almost a majority in this country were stupid enough to elect this toxic person.
Let the destruction begin.
Personally I give up. I can't get past the fact that almost a majority in this country were stupid enough to elect this toxic person.
Let the destruction begin.
2
Think of it this way. Trump has his finger on the Climate Button.
2
Even after all this, the left still seems to believe the canard that "people are basically good." And yet Trump, the Brexit vote, and the increasing drumbeat of European nationalism are quantifiable evidence that in fact the majority of voting-age humanity is ignorant, fearful and mean. Which means that progressives' political power will continue to dwindle until either 1) people become better, or 2) lefty politicians learn to lie and pander like the right has been doing so successfully.
3
Maybe America has to save itself from the grassroots up. Local politics and local community organising. People caring about others, finding out what's wrong and working to get it fixed from local level to state level and on up -- not looking to the national politicians to pull us out of disaster. But at the minimum, look at everything that happens and tell the truth about it. We have lots of problems, including the suicide epidemic Mr. Krugman talked about this week. I was hoping we would get a chance to start on that right now, with Hillary Clinton influencing it from the top. Not to be though. Shall we grow citizenry from the bottom up? Surely there is a way to do that. -- (From the personal level of this shock, I'm finding comfort in pianist Warren Mailley-Smith playing Chopin.)
2
How many times have we heard Trump emphatically state "we're going to drain the swamp" [Washington].
I think he's about to find out how draining the swamp can be. He's not the imperial monarch he envisions himself to be.
I think he's about to find out how draining the swamp can be. He's not the imperial monarch he envisions himself to be.
5
I'm trying to remain sanguine in the midst of this catastrophe. Even though the Supreme Court is lost, at least for my generation, in two years we will have mid-term elections. A lot can change in two years. And then in four years we again have the general election. And in today's political climate, four years is a long time. One must have hope in the power of reason, even in light of the sociopolitical chasm that presently divides the nation.
7
Maybe this is pie-in-the-sky, but I like to think that there are enough fair minded people in the Congress that are fed up with he lies that are getting broadcast from our private media and are ready for a truth and/or fairness doctrine on the private media. This might lead to more than the 32 Hours of policy coverage that happened over the whole campaign.
If a few hundred thousand Obama voters in 2008 or 2012 had actually gotten their butts to the polls in places like Wayne County MI, Milwaukee, WI, and Philadelphia PA, Krugman would have written a different column. Fallout fell. It killed us.
6
On Tuesday we saw the consequence of twenty five years of personal trashing of HC: a consistent drip, drip, drip of negative "non information" about anything of substance and a final coup de grace of the Comey letter. This was an election on the order of high school home coming king, all emotion and no substance. Well, those who stayed home or voted for that third party protest will, like the rest of us, be living for the next 30 years with a fascist leaning Republican Court that loves business but not citizens or the media or women. The only upside, if you can call it that, is that John Doe can not blame the Dems since the Rs now own the government.
6
We must not surrender! As a very old man, I thought of all the grief that the younger people will catch and felt relief that I will not be on earth too much longer But then I thought about all the innocent people who have to suffer these many years to come and so, I want to fight along side them for a better tomorrow. We must help those who HE wants to deport or register. That is how the Gestapo handled things. #NotMyPresident #URR
5
I am a big fan of Paul Krugman, but he made a big mistake in this election. By vehemently opposing Bernie Sanders' candidacy, Paul Krugman was one of the most prominent members of the "liberal elite" who are indirectly responsible for the election of Donald Trump. Yes, Bernie's numbers didn't add up. But, he had his finger on the pulse of the people in Pa, MI, WI and OH. Many disaffected Bernie supporters in these states and others voted for Trump. In the end, this turned out to be much more important than how realistic his economic numbers were. Mr. Krugman helped defeat Bernie in the primary and he must accept some responsibility for what transpired.
8
Paul,
I am a long term reader of yours, and have found your thoughts very impressive over the years, but clearly, we were all very wrong on this election. From what I have read on many international newspapers, so was everyone else. And, from what I can glean at the moment, Trump is starting to walk back on almost everything he has said during the campaign. I think that giving him some space to now digest what he has actually won, and see how this unfolds is the smart move for both personal psyche and national mood. My thinking is that he was never a real GOP conservative, and that those who voted for him will be very disappointed, and that who didn't will find out he is a lot more liberal than anyone could have imagined.
I am a long term reader of yours, and have found your thoughts very impressive over the years, but clearly, we were all very wrong on this election. From what I have read on many international newspapers, so was everyone else. And, from what I can glean at the moment, Trump is starting to walk back on almost everything he has said during the campaign. I think that giving him some space to now digest what he has actually won, and see how this unfolds is the smart move for both personal psyche and national mood. My thinking is that he was never a real GOP conservative, and that those who voted for him will be very disappointed, and that who didn't will find out he is a lot more liberal than anyone could have imagined.
2
The problem here is the institutions that ordinary folk relied on to speak clearly about what's real in America were deluded. Massively deluded in fact. Since the election proved that the Times, the Post, Atlantic, New Yorker -- all the standard liberal voices we relied on -- turned out to have not a clue on what was going through the minds of 60,000,000 individuals, we are alone. We are alone with Trump. We have no place to find un-deluded investigation, reporting, and analysis. And we have no political mechanism (given the recent death of the Democratic party) to confront the future with us.
1
I am still grieving but I am making the turnaround. One thing this horrifying outcome is teaching me is that it is my responsibility as an individual American to keep democracy alive. I can't turn it over to the power brokers. I am 67 years old but never have I seen an election like this, that looks like the prequel to "The Hunger Games."
3
You write: "The Trump campaign was unprecedented in its dishonesty"...
Really?
Really?
Before you write your next article, you should take a hard look at your candidate and then you need to look in the mirror.
"unprecedented in its dishonesty"... Not hardly.
Really?
Really?
Before you write your next article, you should take a hard look at your candidate and then you need to look in the mirror.
"unprecedented in its dishonesty"... Not hardly.
2
We Anti-Trumpees need a leader—someone who can tell individuals what to do to in some way negate this situation. I cannot do everything, nor can you, but each of us can do something. What? Tell me.
3
In light of the columnist's apocalyptic conclusions it seems fair to remember that one year ago he was doing his best to smother the Bernie Sanders candidacy in its crib. Bernie Sanders could have won the election that Clinton, Inc. could not.
10
"Everybody knows the war is over / Everybody knows the good guys lost …" Leonard Cohen RIP
8
Dems made the wrong choice in our nominated candidate. We overplayed a weak hand and we lost everything. The American people wanted disruption and ironically, they will get it but it's not what they think it is. Our values and way of life will change radically in the next few years. I will fight, but with the knowledge that protest is all we have left and even that will come under siege by strengthened police policies of "law and order". (Planned Parenthood and the ACLU have never been more important to me.) Finally, I believe that you cannot want something for people that they do not want for themselves. Today I just hold my friends and family tighter (yes; black, gay, Muslim, disabled, immigrants) because they are my country now.
7
I played Last of us for 6 hours.Cannot handle this.
Our most important job in the four years is to become a better, stronger democracy. The people, not a majority, but big bunch of Americans were not being listened to until Trump and Sanders gave them their voice. No democracy can survive when it ignores that many people. The entire political culture with all its elites, must listen to all of us. Unfortunately, the person doing the best listening was a con man who had just realized a mark, but he has done us a service if we can take and use the information to make this a truly functional democracy. Otherwise the climate we are facing will be even more horrendous. We must do this together, this house will not stand otherwise.
19
"it’s clear that almost everyone on the center-left, myself included, was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters"
Actually, I don't think you were clueless at all. You've written very clearly and truthfully, before this election, about things that influence voters.
The only error, such as it was, was over the numbers -- in an election where the small margin by which Trump lost the popular wasn't enough to lose in the Electoral College votes.
Trump's poll numbers sagged severely when the debates put his ignorance on show. They rebounded dramatically after that was over, and it was back to propaganda, ranting and showmanship (and a precision strike from the FBI). When the margins get really narrow, the most strongly motivated voters - Brexit-supports, angry Trump voters - have an edge.
Actually, I don't think you were clueless at all. You've written very clearly and truthfully, before this election, about things that influence voters.
The only error, such as it was, was over the numbers -- in an election where the small margin by which Trump lost the popular wasn't enough to lose in the Electoral College votes.
Trump's poll numbers sagged severely when the debates put his ignorance on show. They rebounded dramatically after that was over, and it was back to propaganda, ranting and showmanship (and a precision strike from the FBI). When the margins get really narrow, the most strongly motivated voters - Brexit-supports, angry Trump voters - have an edge.
1
Don't once again under estimate the Donald. While it's comforting to think he will do only bad and lead us to hell in a hanbasket, that's not going to be all that will happen.he will sneak in a few popular things such as raise the minimum wage by a smaller than should be done amount. And if he can get his congressional colleagues to go along, he will pass his women's child leave proposal. He will continue to bad talk manufacturing jobs--some of which are actually returning now in small numbers. While the media is obsessing over these there will be really bad things passing lower down. But he will remain popular for the first
1
You are not supposed to persuade voters you are supposed to listen to them.
2
Trump the most dishonest! Really?
Who was it who said:
"If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor."
"There were no classified emails on my private email server."
"The Benghazi protests were because of a Youtube video."
And so on. Please, at least be honest when you are claiming others to be dishonest.
Who was it who said:
"If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor."
"There were no classified emails on my private email server."
"The Benghazi protests were because of a Youtube video."
And so on. Please, at least be honest when you are claiming others to be dishonest.
2
Mr. Krugman is more concerned with climate change that the fate of his fellow citizens. As he stated, he's clueless.
The point is that everything has changed. The American public is no longer motivated or offended by what was common twenty years ago.
There is a new game afoot, ready to be shaped and exploited by politicians and social forces. It will last quite some time.
There is a new game afoot, ready to be shaped and exploited by politicians and social forces. It will last quite some time.
2
Since this is in large part a commentary on morality and ethics-liars persuading the clueless, for example-I remind Mr. Krugman that intellectual honesty and consistency might help his cause. If you think Trump is a sexist masher and that disqualifies him for office, then that should have been the stand in 1999 when a man held the office and his accusers were vilified by feminsists and all of us were told by the same people who cannot imagine electing a sexist the WJC's sexual abuse was a distraction and beside the point. The left protected the one with the world-view they liked, and attacked this one with the world view they hated. Bill Clinton paved the way for the next womanizer and Hillary had no credibility in pointing fingers. So it goes with racist rhetoric. Trump didn't use the phrase "super-predator" to paint the young black men of inner cities. Clinton did. If Trump came away thinking inner cities were crime nests and that's not real, then why did HRC say that? Almost 60 million people voted for Trump, millions of them voted for Obama. If they weren't racist in, why are they racist and sexist now? Yet Trump did not monopolize divisive rhetoric. HRC called 30 million Americans deplorables-and then got specific-racist, sexist, homophobic, islamophobic. She now knows that people will vote for someone they don't like, a grace that she sorely needed. Leftists-look in the mirror.
4
"So what do we do now? By “we” I mean all those left, center and even right who saw Donald Trump as the worst man ever to run for president and assumed that a strong majority of our fellow citizens would agree."
Like a lot of the liberal elite class and their hardcore followers, Krugman is completely oblivious to the real world fact that a huge number of us saw Hillary as the worst person ever to run for president. It's a new world and the bought and paid for media no longer controls it.
Like a lot of the liberal elite class and their hardcore followers, Krugman is completely oblivious to the real world fact that a huge number of us saw Hillary as the worst person ever to run for president. It's a new world and the bought and paid for media no longer controls it.
2
Mr. Krugman, you say, "...God knows it’s clear that almost everyone on the center-left, myself included, was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters."
But the right wing does know how, and has proved it. You can call it the Big Lie, or just the innundation of the nation with right-wing propaganda, on the radio, on TV, in print, daily, hourly, eternally .. and you can name the sources I am sure.
Unless the left can create an effective propaganda campaign (all right, call it "information") to counter this, nothing will change.
But the right wing does know how, and has proved it. You can call it the Big Lie, or just the innundation of the nation with right-wing propaganda, on the radio, on TV, in print, daily, hourly, eternally .. and you can name the sources I am sure.
Unless the left can create an effective propaganda campaign (all right, call it "information") to counter this, nothing will change.
2
Mr. Krugman and others need to bombard those undemocratic electors with the fact that they are defying the will of the people in electing someone who is unqualified and lost the popular vote by over 200,000 votes. They are standing in the way of this country having a democratic election.
4
"God knows it’s clear that almost everyone on the center-left, myself included, was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters." Well, since Hillary won the popular vote we weren't THAT bad at it. The problem for America red and blue is that 47% of the eligible voters didn't vote.
4
I absolutely love this moment. It's so rich. The world is right again.
2
"God knows it’s clear that almost everyone on the center-left, myself included, was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters."
You should listen to your readers more, Dr. Krugman. Many of us tried to tell you this over and over. Your overt shilling for Hillary from day one was useless and annoying. It made many voters resent her (and you) all the more. That the DNC and the mass media anointed her and didn't really hold a true primary is frightening beyond belief. You were a part of that.
That you now try to claim any progressive mantel is farce. I was a Bernie supporter. Still am. Your insults still sting. Hopefully, you'll go back to economics now and stay out of the political arena, where, as you said, you don't know how to talk to voters.
You should listen to your readers more, Dr. Krugman. Many of us tried to tell you this over and over. Your overt shilling for Hillary from day one was useless and annoying. It made many voters resent her (and you) all the more. That the DNC and the mass media anointed her and didn't really hold a true primary is frightening beyond belief. You were a part of that.
That you now try to claim any progressive mantel is farce. I was a Bernie supporter. Still am. Your insults still sting. Hopefully, you'll go back to economics now and stay out of the political arena, where, as you said, you don't know how to talk to voters.
5
The day after I was in total shock. Yesterday I too went back to my routine, work, friends. I have turned off the talking heads. They did us an enourmous disservice in legitimating Trump, putting his surogates on all the time. They looked for the story. They wanted a good horse race. Today I thought I should reread 1984. How would I do that? Order it from Amazon. I won't find it in my local small bookstore. I went there on Wednesday night to escape the heads on TV. What I discovered were many biographies of Trump. Books by other American scholars-- Karl Rove (who knew he was a historian), Ben Carson, Newt Gingrich, the list of right wing intelligensia was never ending. There were a few democratic writers, like James Carraville, and Hillary's book. But overwhelmingly it was a right wing fact free bookstore in a wealthy communittee in a blue state. I cannot imagine what I would find in a red state. I digress. My point is that I awoke this morning to the horror that is a Trump presidency. It is a fact free world, a world with little access to ideas and real information. I read your column and take some solace, but I wonder how long independent voices will have a platform. Power is going to be used against the people-- legislative power, judicial power, covert police power. We are becoming Russia, China, a police state in the making. Putting the press in a pen was just the beginning.
3
Trump's reign may not be as bad as we think. He'll certainly break Washington gridlock -- every 8 elections, on average, the houses of Congress and the office of the president will align and things will get done, as they did at the beginning of Obama's term. And he'll undertake massive infrastructure spending (who knows, maybe building a massive and useless wall, which would surely warm Keynesian hearts). Then he and they will burn out, possibly in time for the next midterm elections. And life will go on.
Yes, the ACA and climate control will be victims. The latter being a loss we CAN'T afford to give up.
Yes, the ACA and climate control will be victims. The latter being a loss we CAN'T afford to give up.
As Mencken said, "The common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard".
1
Trump is a crude man who ran an ugly campaign. He is also a cosmopolitan New Yorker and as Ted Cruz helpfully pointed out, has New York values. His best moment in the entire campaign was when he defended those values. The New Yorker within him gives us something positive to work with. His overweening ego and need to be loved and respected make him easy to manipulate.
It feels good to scream obscenities at Trump, to protest in front of his buildings. But those actions will cause him to resist moderation because he will never cave in to pressure. The way to get a narcissistic bully to agree with an idea is to make him think the idea was his.
I wanted to celebrate his defeat. I wanted to see the golden letters of his name torn from his buildings as he rebranded his failing empire. But that did not happen and now we must deal with that fact.
If we want all of the people in America to be treated fairly and respectfully, if we want to preserve a clean environment and move forward on global warming, we must cajole and persuade Trump down the right path rather than try and shove him. The alternative will bring acute civil strife.
Those of us who opposed him can nudge him toward
At a minimum I expect that President Trump will fix our roads and bridges. Beyond that, I believe there's a good chance he'll refashion Obamacare and railroad an improved version rebranded as Trumpcare through a supine Congress.
Beyond those positives, many bad things may come our way.
It feels good to scream obscenities at Trump, to protest in front of his buildings. But those actions will cause him to resist moderation because he will never cave in to pressure. The way to get a narcissistic bully to agree with an idea is to make him think the idea was his.
I wanted to celebrate his defeat. I wanted to see the golden letters of his name torn from his buildings as he rebranded his failing empire. But that did not happen and now we must deal with that fact.
If we want all of the people in America to be treated fairly and respectfully, if we want to preserve a clean environment and move forward on global warming, we must cajole and persuade Trump down the right path rather than try and shove him. The alternative will bring acute civil strife.
Those of us who opposed him can nudge him toward
At a minimum I expect that President Trump will fix our roads and bridges. Beyond that, I believe there's a good chance he'll refashion Obamacare and railroad an improved version rebranded as Trumpcare through a supine Congress.
Beyond those positives, many bad things may come our way.
This is one of the most important of all the exceptionally wise utterances our brilliant Nobel Laureate has ever published. Thank you for this, Paul Krugman & the New York Times. Stay strong. We don't veer away from the truth, because the truth is the foundation of reality. We certainly have a right, as taxpayers, as citizens, as people who have served this system in so many different ways, to know the precise diagnosis of what brought on this calamity. Because it is a calamity: a historic wrong turn that no one saw coming because it literally was not in the books. Something happened. Putin. Comey. Maybe a combination of factors. If our society retains its structure after these events, we will need more robust safeguards built in to prevent future wrong turns. This is very much like having a stroke -- at the level of a sovereign state. I knew a venerable man who once recovered fully from 2 strokes that should have killed him, in old age. He lived on for many years, with no trace of injury & died peacefully. He prayed a lot. Pray, protest, read, connect, study, plan wisely with your assets. But please refuse to be placated with pap & pandering. Principles matter. Deportment matters. Attacks on the Constitutional freedoms, the 1st Amendment, the Press will not be tolerated. Putin may think he can turn us into Russia (so they write over there). But America is not Russia. Never was. Never will be.
The next four years will be the national version of "Scared Straight" for the nation. But even on that show some kids just never learn.
Our kids will be picking up the pieces for many years.
Our kids will be picking up the pieces for many years.
1
I was already depressed, but This is such a depressing article. We have had terrible presidents before and survived. Krugman makes one feel like jumping off a bridge!! There must be some really intelligent, good Republicans out there who can help run the government! I hoping for that.
2
Krugman's biggest error is thinking he's center-left. Not even close to the center. That's why democrats got killed on Tuesday.
3
The only good news I see here is what he told his angry white supporters over and over at every rally. He will reverse the "disastrous" trade deals of NAFTA and he will bring back manufacturing jobs to Americans.
Unless he keeps his word he is going to have some even angrier white supporters. I wonder.
I hope the media asks him about those jobs every chance they get. over and over, put the pressure on him. Now is the time to give him that endless publicity.
Make this his endless Benghazi loop.
Unless he keeps his word he is going to have some even angrier white supporters. I wonder.
I hope the media asks him about those jobs every chance they get. over and over, put the pressure on him. Now is the time to give him that endless publicity.
Make this his endless Benghazi loop.
69
Hillary said, "Standing up for what's right is always worth it". Let's not let despair eliminate hope. Power in our democracy now seems to be in the hands of people with the ability to cause great damage to it. Yet, more than half the voters chose to stand against bigotry and hate. I also believe that many of those who voted for Donald Trump are also filled with desire to improve our country. Together we can and must be vigilant in seeing that we preserve the best of what makes America great and try to change those things that need to be changed in order to "form a more perfect union."
40
After 'a few hours reflection' you decided his election wouldn't prompt an instant economic crisis? HAH! More like, a few hours after you wrote that the markets might NEVER recover from the futures losses on election night, they rebounded completely. But hey, when the Times got everything else about this election wrong because news and opinion staff alike were blinded by their own insurmountable bias, why stop now?
3
"God knows it’s clear that almost everyone on the center-left, myself included, was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters. "
There was someone who was not clueless...his name was Bernie Sanders.
There was someone who was not clueless...his name was Bernie Sanders.
3
Trump is the worst man ever running for President. Unfortunately he was running against a woman that was worse.
1
The Office of the POTUS has always been by and for the 1%ers. After Tuesday, it is now by and for the 0.1%ers. The billionaires eliminated the millionaire minions and middlemen. Thank the Supreme Court.
The sadness, fear, and anger now felt is because the myths and beliefs that shrouded us from the truth were ripped away by a system that no longer needs to hide in the shadows. I could say more, but this is enough.
The sadness, fear, and anger now felt is because the myths and beliefs that shrouded us from the truth were ripped away by a system that no longer needs to hide in the shadows. I could say more, but this is enough.
1
Could it be that the democratic party ran a horrible candidate for president? They have been shoving Hillary down our throats ever since her husband left office. She was supposed to win 8 years ago but got trounced by a charismatic junior senator. So they kept her relevant by making her secretary of state. Did she even really want that job or was it just another stepping stone? Finally in 2016 she was going to win, finally the coronation but the party had to cheat to get her through the primary because she was being more than challenged by a 75 year old socialist. She makes it to the general election where she was defeated by a reality television star with no political experience. Get over it folks, the democratic party is to blame here, they have to do some soul searching.
3
All of this public emoting over Trump's win. Take heart. Yes, he has four years but there are midterm elections to serve as a corrective. Then there is the Republican Party in Congress; there is no reason to believe they will be any more adept in the next four years than they were after the 2014 midterms. Remember Congressional Republicans' promised we would be dazzled at how well they would govern if they won control of the Senate? I must have missed that when I went for take out. Two self defeating tendencies characterize the Republican Party: They are better at winning elections than governing, and like the French Bourbons they forget nothing and they learn nothing. Midterms in two years, be cautiously optimistic.
1
President Trump has a business man's mind and that is something this country desperately needs. No one is horrified if they are here legally; and that is why we have immigration laws. Six million less blacks came out to vote. If they do not like the outcome, they have no one to blame but themselves. Trump won by an unprecedented landslide victory similar to Ronald Regan. Hillary Clinton could not even take Arkansas. This country needs its people to be working, saving money, become educated, enjoy the fruits of their labor and President Trump is the one to do it. And we won't need to be taxed to death by the socialistic democrats.
1
Since 2010, of the 11.6 million jobs created, only 80,000 of those went to those with a high school degree or less. Those "deplorables," whose suffering couldn't be talked away by pundits claiming we were in a recovery, came out big for Trump where manufacturing has been destroyed by a multitude of reasons, but Obama & Hillary took credit for that destruction, proudly.
Yes, whites without a college degree came out for Trump in a big way, see above, but Trump also had more blacks, women and Hispanic voters than Romney. I'd bet that the vast majority of that addition were people in similar economic circumstances.
There's great fear with Trump, on both sides, as this is a seminal moment in Earth's history. If fully enacted conservative polices work, or if they don't, it will shape society for centuries. There's not going to be the status quo with Trump.
Yes, whites without a college degree came out for Trump in a big way, see above, but Trump also had more blacks, women and Hispanic voters than Romney. I'd bet that the vast majority of that addition were people in similar economic circumstances.
There's great fear with Trump, on both sides, as this is a seminal moment in Earth's history. If fully enacted conservative polices work, or if they don't, it will shape society for centuries. There's not going to be the status quo with Trump.
Trump won because of Bernie Sanders. Some if not many of his Independent and dem supporters, particularly young idealistic people, were energized by Bernie and placed their votes on Trump. This was the 1 or 2 or 3% that were in the margin of error. Bernie's enthusiasm and popularity were radical and Trump-like and this cost Hillary the election.
Think about it. Two out of three of the most visible candidates were renegades and talked about radical change. One was a Democrat and one was a Manchurian Candidate from a new place. Together they built the idea of we can change America but we need a revolution. So the Independents, shy voters, and some of Bernie’s people tipped the scale.
At the end of the day we don’t know what Trump will do because he has to hire subcontractors since he does not have depth in any policy area. We just don’t know and a lot of people are terrorized. His supporters showed no empathy for the dozens of minority groups who woke up terrified Wednesday morning.
Think about it. Two out of three of the most visible candidates were renegades and talked about radical change. One was a Democrat and one was a Manchurian Candidate from a new place. Together they built the idea of we can change America but we need a revolution. So the Independents, shy voters, and some of Bernie’s people tipped the scale.
At the end of the day we don’t know what Trump will do because he has to hire subcontractors since he does not have depth in any policy area. We just don’t know and a lot of people are terrorized. His supporters showed no empathy for the dozens of minority groups who woke up terrified Wednesday morning.
1
I am tired of hearing how that us nytimes readers were living in a bubble - that we were living in a bubble. Excuse me but I grew up in poverty in South Texas. My parents were immigrants from Mexico that instilled in me the value of an education and I got one! Times have been tough for everyone but you can't vote out globalization. Trump did not offer solutions on revitalizing our economy with green or digital jobs. He instead blamed undocumented workers and immigrants who are part of our new world. We can't go back to the way things were. The bubble I live in is that I did not understand how backward my country was in electing a bigot to office. The end does not justify the means on how Trump elected. It was part economics and part hatred. That is in imprint on him and the people that elected him.
3
Intellectuals tend to live in their bubble. They just can't imagine an electorate being that dumb. During the primaries I warned my intellectual friends this would happen if we chose Hillary over Bernie. Why? Because Hillary so inflamed the millions whose decisions are generated in their lizard brains rather than their frontal cortex, they would come to the polls by the millions in order to defeat her.
And Bernie? By not strongly disavowing the label, "Socialist", he was tagged with, he was destined to lose also.
Republicans are criticized for not providing one good candidate out of 16. There is plenty of blame to go around.
And Bernie? By not strongly disavowing the label, "Socialist", he was tagged with, he was destined to lose also.
Republicans are criticized for not providing one good candidate out of 16. There is plenty of blame to go around.
Not everyone was clueless like you Mr. Krugman. Bernie Sanders knew exactly how to speak to the concerns of the people, and I guarantee you there are many who voted for Mr. Trump that would've voted for Mr. Sanders instead.
5
Beginning January 20, 2017, republicans will have “complete and total control” of the executive and legislative branches of government, soon to be followed by the judicial branch of government.
Rest assured, there will be no investigation into FBI Director Comey's probable role in torpedoing the Clinton campaign just 11 days before the election. It's been said that 40% of early voting took place during this period. The Comey “effect” will be recorded in history.
Rest assured, the war on women; the war on clean air and water; the war on secularism; the war on the poor; the war on social security; the war on medicare; the war on medicaid; the war on CHIPS; the war on minorities; and the war on the U.S. Constitution will commence at full throttle January 20, 2017.
Rest assured, Trump's authoritarian and theocratic form government will be complete.
Rest assured, there will be no investigation into FBI Director Comey's probable role in torpedoing the Clinton campaign just 11 days before the election. It's been said that 40% of early voting took place during this period. The Comey “effect” will be recorded in history.
Rest assured, the war on women; the war on clean air and water; the war on secularism; the war on the poor; the war on social security; the war on medicare; the war on medicaid; the war on CHIPS; the war on minorities; and the war on the U.S. Constitution will commence at full throttle January 20, 2017.
Rest assured, Trump's authoritarian and theocratic form government will be complete.
3
For many of us, this was a Sophie’s Choice election. We couldn’t and still can’t understand why the Times and its columnists didn’t and apparently still don’t see how badly Democrats erred in nominating Hillary Clinton. Even after the evidence of her legal and ethical deficiencies was overwhelming, you saw a bombast with little political experience and who says mean things as the bigger threat.
Some pundits now argue that Tuesday proves once again that America is still too sexist to accept a woman President. Yet, the evidence much more strongly suggests that voters did no say, “Not any woman,” but “Not *this* woman.”
So, voters sent a bull into the china shop, accepting the likelihood of a bad outcome was high. But this was not a temper-tantrum. The Times, Democrats and the Left had many chances to see what was going beyond the Acela Corridor, and seemed to ignore or belittle it.
Tuesday’s election was America’s Brexit: a deafening shout to our elected officials and federal bureaucracy: “We’re tired of you not listening to us and acting on our concerns.”
Are you listening now?
Some pundits now argue that Tuesday proves once again that America is still too sexist to accept a woman President. Yet, the evidence much more strongly suggests that voters did no say, “Not any woman,” but “Not *this* woman.”
So, voters sent a bull into the china shop, accepting the likelihood of a bad outcome was high. But this was not a temper-tantrum. The Times, Democrats and the Left had many chances to see what was going beyond the Acela Corridor, and seemed to ignore or belittle it.
Tuesday’s election was America’s Brexit: a deafening shout to our elected officials and federal bureaucracy: “We’re tired of you not listening to us and acting on our concerns.”
Are you listening now?
2
Dr. K, You simplify the concept of "truth" at the expense of "trust."
-What was the truth behind the ACA? Was this truth communicated in away that built trust?
-After seeing the effects of CAFTA and NAFTA, what was the truth behind TPP? Was its contents communicated in a way that built trust?
-"Voter Suppression?" The left has criticized the right for its fear of voter fraud, yet I see many on the left suggesting Trump won through fraud. We need to admit the stakes are high, the margins are small, every electronic device is vulnerable, and we lack trust in our government and each other.
The truth is sometimes objective, sometimes socially constructed, but frequently a conclusion supported by evidence (opinion).
We cannot see the truth without trust. Three days ago I trusted HRC would be nominated, that was not the truth. Dr. K and these other opeds are doubling down on the same arguments that failed on Tuesday. Work on building trust.
-What was the truth behind the ACA? Was this truth communicated in away that built trust?
-After seeing the effects of CAFTA and NAFTA, what was the truth behind TPP? Was its contents communicated in a way that built trust?
-"Voter Suppression?" The left has criticized the right for its fear of voter fraud, yet I see many on the left suggesting Trump won through fraud. We need to admit the stakes are high, the margins are small, every electronic device is vulnerable, and we lack trust in our government and each other.
The truth is sometimes objective, sometimes socially constructed, but frequently a conclusion supported by evidence (opinion).
We cannot see the truth without trust. Three days ago I trusted HRC would be nominated, that was not the truth. Dr. K and these other opeds are doubling down on the same arguments that failed on Tuesday. Work on building trust.
I am revising my estate documents. Sell all assets to purchase land for conservation; protective contingencies will apply. That's the best I can offer - some slice of undamaged woodlands that someone in the future might enjoy.
To deal with Trump, don't be uselessly confrontational. Don't hand him reasons to begin his reign by acting vindictively. He was given power to hurt us - don't give him more justification in his mind to use it. Protesters with useless behavior are just begging for him to take harsh measures as soon as he is able. What is the point? Do you think that serves a purpose? Want to see your worst fears materialize? Just goad him so that he is unwilling to listen to reason at all and he will deliberately take outrageous positions simply because he can. Realize what we are dealing with and use a little subtlety and cleverness. Books abound with tips to deal with difficult children - seek wisdom within them. Also look at Ancient Greek philosophy. Much was said about people seeking entertainment to the point that it led to destruction of their lives. Ring any bells?
To deal with Trump, don't be uselessly confrontational. Don't hand him reasons to begin his reign by acting vindictively. He was given power to hurt us - don't give him more justification in his mind to use it. Protesters with useless behavior are just begging for him to take harsh measures as soon as he is able. What is the point? Do you think that serves a purpose? Want to see your worst fears materialize? Just goad him so that he is unwilling to listen to reason at all and he will deliberately take outrageous positions simply because he can. Realize what we are dealing with and use a little subtlety and cleverness. Books abound with tips to deal with difficult children - seek wisdom within them. Also look at Ancient Greek philosophy. Much was said about people seeking entertainment to the point that it led to destruction of their lives. Ring any bells?
Once again America proves that it truly is exceptional. For the second time in recent history the candidate with the most votes loses the election. The ongoing folly that about 80 slave owning white men achieved the apotheosis of democracy some 240 years ago is laughable and can only be seen as a continuing wonder. The combination of know-nothingness at the top with a right wing reactionary congress has dark portents for the "real"Americans who think they did the right thing in electing Mr. Trump. In 2016 just as in 1787 if you are anything but a white male you should be afraid, very afraid. We are most likely about to see Mr. Brownback's failed Kansas experiment attempted on a national level. The rest of the world can only hope, and pray that the lab doesn't explode and take the rest of us down as well.
2
Don't forget that he and his team of Bannon, Christie, Gingrich, and Guliani have had a dozen wives so far. They are a nightmare for any thinking women. I know what I'm going to do. I am doubling down on the cause of women's reproductive rights. I will spend my time and money proactively working on ensuring easy and affordable access to health services and birth control. We desperately need more good women in politics, and part of that means letting young women choose if and when they have children. I invite them to join me. There are many of us older women who have fought this battle before, and we are ready and able to do it again.
Rightly or wrongly, corporatists control our congress, and that gives us a pressure point as consumers that we seem to have forgotten about. Can't sit at a lunch counter, then boycott the place. New Balance just got a lesson.
In '64, boycotts were combined with public demonstrations, and we're doing that again today.
In '64, boycotts were combined with public demonstrations, and we're doing that again today.
1
We have to work to change the system itself. There are two important avenues available for this now, without control of the White House, the Congress, or the Supreme Court:
-- support the National Popular Vote bill in your state. Join California, 9 other states, and D.C. with a total of 165 electoral votes in this effort at restoring democracy to the presidential election process. NationalPopularVote(dot)com We need states with another 105 electoral votes to join in, and this will become the rule.
-- support non-partisan redistricting of House of Representative Districts, so that partisan gerrymandering does not prevent a national popular majority from getting a majority of seats in the House. Several states, including California and Arizona, have non-partisan commissions for redistricting, and their work has had beneficial results.
We Can reform the system, despite the 18th century defects afflicting our 21st century efforts at democracy. Change Is Possible. We have to keep working at it - now more than ever.
-- support the National Popular Vote bill in your state. Join California, 9 other states, and D.C. with a total of 165 electoral votes in this effort at restoring democracy to the presidential election process. NationalPopularVote(dot)com We need states with another 105 electoral votes to join in, and this will become the rule.
-- support non-partisan redistricting of House of Representative Districts, so that partisan gerrymandering does not prevent a national popular majority from getting a majority of seats in the House. Several states, including California and Arizona, have non-partisan commissions for redistricting, and their work has had beneficial results.
We Can reform the system, despite the 18th century defects afflicting our 21st century efforts at democracy. Change Is Possible. We have to keep working at it - now more than ever.
2
I don't think there is a 'road back'. History is not some self-righting ship, but rather the path we take through time. Historic events, big and small, change humanity and the world itself, so that the pieces you would like to reassemble no longer exist.
America and the world are on a new trajectory. We have chosen a new history. The people a generation from now will be different than what they might have been, and the world will be a different world than the world we could have built. There is no going back - either to the 1950's or to October 2016.
America and the world are on a new trajectory. We have chosen a new history. The people a generation from now will be different than what they might have been, and the world will be a different world than the world we could have built. There is no going back - either to the 1950's or to October 2016.
1
Krugman avoids pointing out that he criticized Sanders, the populist candidate that could have beaten Trump - what a hypocrite. Sanders had real plans to help the country, but was blocked by the hated Democratic establishment of which Hillary is a part. Time for neo-liberals like Krugman that want to look progressive to admit they let Trump in the front door.
2
The height of smugness is ignoring the need for reasonable self assessment. When you dehumanize your political opponents as you do here I suppose you don't have to deal with that fact that either: A. You failed present your positions in a credible way, or B. You are wrong.
1
America has chosen a chimera. A mythological amalgam of strength, but in reality Trump is an emperor with no clothes on. He has no intellectual means to run a great country and the synchophants are circling overhead. They are mesmerized by wealth and power that they can only dream of. Guliani, Gingrich, Christie et al have no moral inner core aligned with addressing the plights of this country.
By dividing us, the only winners are the large corporations. By inciting hatred of our fellow citizens we are distracted from the damage that will be caused by new judges who will be appointed to side with corporations by reducing regulations and elevating the goals of further concentrating wealth into the pockets of the rich while neglecting the needs of the the rest of society.
Paul, along with other smart and thoughtful people (Elizabeth Warren for one), are calling for the American people to stay in the game more than ever. To stay vigilant and moored in the principles that a great nation needs to work for all of its people, not just the few at the top. I, for one, commit,
By dividing us, the only winners are the large corporations. By inciting hatred of our fellow citizens we are distracted from the damage that will be caused by new judges who will be appointed to side with corporations by reducing regulations and elevating the goals of further concentrating wealth into the pockets of the rich while neglecting the needs of the the rest of society.
Paul, along with other smart and thoughtful people (Elizabeth Warren for one), are calling for the American people to stay in the game more than ever. To stay vigilant and moored in the principles that a great nation needs to work for all of its people, not just the few at the top. I, for one, commit,
2
It is all over. That shining country on the hill is no more. The rabble wants everyone to feel their pain. Now, you have a front row seat to Armageddon.
1
You will get your answer when readers like me stop caring about your column. Realize you are divorced from American reality. The majority of the electorate doesn't believe what you said or what you say now. Who are you talking to and why? Sorry, the reality is that this is not the world you thought we had just a few days ago.
1
I am most angry at 98 million of my fellow citizens (45% of registered voters) who chose not to vote at all.
I am most sad these 98 million, along with the rest of the country, will see the effects of their abrogation of responsibility.
I now understand the hope one or two years ago in fans of the now ascendant Chicago Cubs: Maybe next year.
While ardent generations of fans may support it, a 108 year dry spell is unsustainable for our country.
To function fairly, a representative democracy cannot tolerate voter suppression whether driven externally by institutions or internally by our own fecklessness.
I am most sad these 98 million, along with the rest of the country, will see the effects of their abrogation of responsibility.
I now understand the hope one or two years ago in fans of the now ascendant Chicago Cubs: Maybe next year.
While ardent generations of fans may support it, a 108 year dry spell is unsustainable for our country.
To function fairly, a representative democracy cannot tolerate voter suppression whether driven externally by institutions or internally by our own fecklessness.
2
As unpleasant as it will be, we need to pay attention and remain involved.
In order for the GOP to push items through with reconciliation, it requires passing a budget. That's something that won't happen quickly.
And with 48 seats, Democrats can filibuster. We don't have to be meek.
Trump likes to win. He's a deal maker, or claims to be. And I think his ego will want to be a loved, not a hated President. A very vocal public will matter to him.
And we get to vote again in 2016. Start working towards the Midterm Election. It won't come soon enough.
In order for the GOP to push items through with reconciliation, it requires passing a budget. That's something that won't happen quickly.
And with 48 seats, Democrats can filibuster. We don't have to be meek.
Trump likes to win. He's a deal maker, or claims to be. And I think his ego will want to be a loved, not a hated President. A very vocal public will matter to him.
And we get to vote again in 2016. Start working towards the Midterm Election. It won't come soon enough.
2
Modern Jim Crow is correct. It will just get harder and harder to vote. We should, in fact, be able to vote from home via the internet. We will just see more and more authoritarianism and the rule of the minority.
Remember that the Republicans did everything they could from Day 1 to make his presidency a failed presidency.
You will see real failure over the next couple of years.
Remember that the Republicans did everything they could from Day 1 to make his presidency a failed presidency.
You will see real failure over the next couple of years.
Maybe if you and the power elites in the Democratic party didn't do everything to sabotage Bernie Sanders campaign we would be celebrating a true progressive victory ... not only in the White House but the Senate & House too! But, no! You power elite nabobs ran a flawed candidate who the GOP has smeared for decades! This was a change election and not time for politics as usual. Tragic!
2
The last time there was this much liberal angst and hyperventilating was in the post-election period after Reagan's landslide in 1980. The end was near, doom-and-gloom, etc. And what were the results - either (from the right), one of the greatest Presidencies in history or (from the left), a not-too-bad ride that resulted in the end of the Cold War!
I have no idea what is in store for the next four years, and thankfully for my conscience, I have a vote for Jill Stein in my back pocket. But most assuredly, it will not be as bad as so many on the left believe. We survived Carter and Bush II - we will survive Trump.
I have no idea what is in store for the next four years, and thankfully for my conscience, I have a vote for Jill Stein in my back pocket. But most assuredly, it will not be as bad as so many on the left believe. We survived Carter and Bush II - we will survive Trump.
I'm done with horrified and grieving (although I'll carefully watch every move the President elect makes and be ready for political activism). Today, I'm moving on to celebrating a small fact we seem to have missed in the midst of the shock; A woman won the majority vote for President of the United States. Hooray! No matter who the system puts in place, that fact is there for all to see and celebrate. And that alone bodes well for the future.
I'm not just dreaming - President Obama's years in office did not erase racism in our country -and Hillary Clinton's political success will not erase sexism. Progressive change takes time and comes in baby steps and often with major steps backward. Though one day soon, America will vote in a woman, a black woman, a muslim woman, a pregnant woman to run our country. Its just not today. Because this election showed us we are not ready. Our nation is still in the infancy or possibly toddler stage of me-centeredness. A lot of us voted for Hillary Clinton so she could help everyone. Others voted for our President elect thinking they were helping themselves. The only winner here is the far away future.
I'm not just dreaming - President Obama's years in office did not erase racism in our country -and Hillary Clinton's political success will not erase sexism. Progressive change takes time and comes in baby steps and often with major steps backward. Though one day soon, America will vote in a woman, a black woman, a muslim woman, a pregnant woman to run our country. Its just not today. Because this election showed us we are not ready. Our nation is still in the infancy or possibly toddler stage of me-centeredness. A lot of us voted for Hillary Clinton so she could help everyone. Others voted for our President elect thinking they were helping themselves. The only winner here is the far away future.
1
Dr. Krugman is correct.
The sad irony is that the unthinking and gullible blue collar workers, who wanted to overwhelmingly change Washington, instead foolishly voted to return in greater force the same old Washington that has been been destroying them for 16 years: the Republican party. The Bush/Cheney fiasco created the wars & economic cataclysm, and the Republican house and Senate blocked most of Obama's efforts to repair Republican damage. Now, headed by a maniacal, unprincipled demagogue, the Republicans have full control of the US government: House, Senate, presidency and the Supreme Court. And with regulations cut to produce more fraud, banks, hedge funds, private equity funds and companies that trade stocks in nanoseconds will profit tremendously in the market casino---while paying absurdly
low income tax---but normal investors will suffer. As will poorly educated workers.
The sad irony is that the unthinking and gullible blue collar workers, who wanted to overwhelmingly change Washington, instead foolishly voted to return in greater force the same old Washington that has been been destroying them for 16 years: the Republican party. The Bush/Cheney fiasco created the wars & economic cataclysm, and the Republican house and Senate blocked most of Obama's efforts to repair Republican damage. Now, headed by a maniacal, unprincipled demagogue, the Republicans have full control of the US government: House, Senate, presidency and the Supreme Court. And with regulations cut to produce more fraud, banks, hedge funds, private equity funds and companies that trade stocks in nanoseconds will profit tremendously in the market casino---while paying absurdly
low income tax---but normal investors will suffer. As will poorly educated workers.
1
Okay, so we lick our wounds and drown our sorrows over the weekend. But beginning Monday morning, let's do two things:
1) Begin a deep dive into understanding what is causing the deep divide in our country, and how to fix it;
2) Focus intensely on taking back the Senate in 2018. Historically the electorate tilts away from single-party rule in the mid-terms, and control of the Senate is a powerful weapon to thwart or undo the excesses of the Ryan / Trump administration.
Liberals have an inherent advantage, because the facts are on our side, and because we have multiple policy options. The GOP is stuck with a narrow range of policies that don't work (Kansas! Louisiana!).
So let's get to work.
1) Begin a deep dive into understanding what is causing the deep divide in our country, and how to fix it;
2) Focus intensely on taking back the Senate in 2018. Historically the electorate tilts away from single-party rule in the mid-terms, and control of the Senate is a powerful weapon to thwart or undo the excesses of the Ryan / Trump administration.
Liberals have an inherent advantage, because the facts are on our side, and because we have multiple policy options. The GOP is stuck with a narrow range of policies that don't work (Kansas! Louisiana!).
So let's get to work.
2
It's kind of awkward to see somebody lower themselves to the point the author just did. It was like watching a sixteen month job interview where the interviewer wanted to see how far the interviewee would go in humiliating himself in order to get the job of Treasury Secretary or Chairman of the Federal Reserve. And then after thoroughly destroying their reputation and credibility, the interviewer sends them a text--not even giving them the courtesy of a phone call-- saying "We decided to go with somebody else".
Krugman bet it all on Hillary Clinton. His reputation. His credibility. His name. Everything. And he lost.
What incredibly bad judgement.
This would be a good time to cede this space to somebody like Robert Reich.
Krugman bet it all on Hillary Clinton. His reputation. His credibility. His name. Everything. And he lost.
What incredibly bad judgement.
This would be a good time to cede this space to somebody like Robert Reich.
I tried and gave up. When I was a judge and saw injustice, I talked about it. The mayor, governor and their disciplinary panels removed me and ruined my career and killed my mother. No one said boo. I am as hated as Hillary, except she has money, friends and family. No reason to try anymore. I am old. I quit. No one will miss me.
1
Here's my nightmare scenario--that Trump will end up governing as a generic Republican; all the frothing-at-the-mouth stuff, the bigotry and the rage, will be sanded away, and he'll spend his time watching TV while Paul Ryan governs the country. As long as Trump can crow about his successes and go to G20 banquets in European palaces, he will be happy; hard work was never his thing.
They'll pass some infrastructure programs, deregulate finance, eliminate environmental protections, and cut taxes, leading to an economic growth spurt that they will crow about till kingdom come--or until the 2018 elections, in which they will, contrary to tradition, make even more gains.
The tragic figure in this is President Obama, who graced his office every day that he occupied it and who will have to watch as every generous impulse he translated into policy is undone, starting with the ACA, amid thundering cheers.
I keep thinking it will start to hurt less to think about the implications of what has happened this week--for the country, for Obama's legacy, for the millions who will suffer because of what is to come. But I haven't gotten there yet; I can't seem to stop tearing up when I consider the enormity, the multiple facets, of the tragedy that is to come, not just the policy implications but also the broader impact of the kind of people who will have power under Trump. Will Chief of Staff Steve Bannon invite the KKK for tea in the Rose Garden in the spring? The flowers are so beautiful.
They'll pass some infrastructure programs, deregulate finance, eliminate environmental protections, and cut taxes, leading to an economic growth spurt that they will crow about till kingdom come--or until the 2018 elections, in which they will, contrary to tradition, make even more gains.
The tragic figure in this is President Obama, who graced his office every day that he occupied it and who will have to watch as every generous impulse he translated into policy is undone, starting with the ACA, amid thundering cheers.
I keep thinking it will start to hurt less to think about the implications of what has happened this week--for the country, for Obama's legacy, for the millions who will suffer because of what is to come. But I haven't gotten there yet; I can't seem to stop tearing up when I consider the enormity, the multiple facets, of the tragedy that is to come, not just the policy implications but also the broader impact of the kind of people who will have power under Trump. Will Chief of Staff Steve Bannon invite the KKK for tea in the Rose Garden in the spring? The flowers are so beautiful.
3
A false narrative is being created. Sure Trump said things and did things that no decent thinking American can defend, and Yes his supporters and the rouge squad of loathsome bullies he has surrounded himself with are hard to stomach, though a 'whitewash' cannot be denied, it is not the whole story. The true narrative is that Trump won the white -working class. The very demographic that use to be a democratic stronghold.
Somehow the Dems. led by Hillary became the elites, the people who gave us NAFTA and its cousin TPP, absolute job killers. That is the real narrative of this election, sure Trump fostered and incited bigotry, but that is a small percent of the people who voted for it.
Bill Clinton had one message when running for President:" It's the economy stupid." And no matter what else is true, the party in power will be blamed for a bad economy, and lets face it , the economy is always wobbly legged. Obama prospered when the economy tanked under President Bush, and Trump took advantage of the suffering 'rust belt' by hammering the Dems with Nafta and the TPP. it really comes down to that. Though i wish Trump supporters and the man himself would quickly voice out their intolerance of bigots and bigotry. Racist, feel enabled, that is true, its time to speak out agains race hate. Only by seeing things for what they really are can we fight the true enemy.
Somehow the Dems. led by Hillary became the elites, the people who gave us NAFTA and its cousin TPP, absolute job killers. That is the real narrative of this election, sure Trump fostered and incited bigotry, but that is a small percent of the people who voted for it.
Bill Clinton had one message when running for President:" It's the economy stupid." And no matter what else is true, the party in power will be blamed for a bad economy, and lets face it , the economy is always wobbly legged. Obama prospered when the economy tanked under President Bush, and Trump took advantage of the suffering 'rust belt' by hammering the Dems with Nafta and the TPP. it really comes down to that. Though i wish Trump supporters and the man himself would quickly voice out their intolerance of bigots and bigotry. Racist, feel enabled, that is true, its time to speak out agains race hate. Only by seeing things for what they really are can we fight the true enemy.
2
Of course his supporters will be much worse off. Steel isn't coming back and coal isn't coming back, and Trump doesn't know how to fix things.
But Trump could send the troops out to burn their crops and pillage their towns and it would still be Obama's fault. They have too much of themselves invested in the conservative narrative to see it any other way.
But Trump could send the troops out to burn their crops and pillage their towns and it would still be Obama's fault. They have too much of themselves invested in the conservative narrative to see it any other way.
1
Unfortunately our public discourse has fallen to snark and ridicule being the normal tone . Hillary was a flawed candidate but we will always be questioing just how much there was concerted effort by outside forces (Russia via Wikileaks, FBI via leaks) to influence the outcome. I pray that Trump will be a better President than I fear, but I am in fear. The long-term consequences of this election will be with us for a least a generation. Judges will be appointed with lifetime tenure having a political rather than judicial focus. This will hurt for a long time.
1
I am appalled at the Christian evangelical role in Trump's victory. What is Christian about greed, egocentrism, dishonesty and hatred-inciting denigration of groups and individuals? Whatever happened to "Love thy neighbor as thyself?" Maybe our country's bedrock (since the Europeans arrived) has been rugged individualism. But in our overpopulated, dangerously polluted world, no individual is immune to violence and climate change-induced disasters. Everyone's happiness is threatened by the emphasis on individual rights over collective well-being. Despite his billions, Donald Trump--a man without compassion and with no friends except the opportunists who have suddenly come out of the woodwork -- does not strike me as a happy man. In addition to all the other tasks that lie ahead, we must help children develop values of community, self-worth through doing, not through having, and loving others (including the plants and animals that live on our incredible planet) as ourselves.
The center-right that has run the Democratic Party promoting neo-liberalism, letting Wall Street run wild, and ignoring growing inequality has had it's day. Clinton may have tried to move to the left, but too few believed her after decades of bedding with finance capital. It's time for Warren and Sanders to lead. They get it, are believed when they talk, and can reach the working class minus the racism, sexism and xenophobia of Trump. If the center-right continues to hold party leadership and determine policy Trump and his ilk will only grow stronger.
2
All your one-sided pro-Hillary talk itself probably contributed to the walking disaster that has come. Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle: Simply measuring the speed and location of an atomic particle changes the speed and location of that particle. Or, applying that principle to human social behavior, the mere act of intelligentsia demonstrating their brilliance to the rest of us by confidently stating that Hillary and the body politic were going to win depressed support for Hillary among busy people and more importantly provided a catalyst for alt-right supporters to "get 'r done". Ya know, folks who don't respond to opinion polls or are not even on the grid. Bernie's free college tuition plan was no more ridiculous than Trump's pending moves. At least he was trying to do good. But you had hitched your political wagon to Hillary. Now you know the country was ready for a little progressiveness. Instead we get anarchy.
1
Dear Mr. Krugman:
you have been and are my favorite columnist. I almost always find myself in agreement with your ideas although yours are much better articulated, based on science and experience, and well researched. It is fair to say that you, Friedman, and Cohen - I am not Jewish -, are the only reason I subscribe to the NYT. However, I disagreed with your immediate reaction to the election result. As you know better than I that it takes a while to ruin a fairly well working economy especially if there is massive infrastructure spending, (which Republicans have so far sabotaged). Even after Trump's adherents become aware that the jobs are not coming back, the federal minimum wage is not rising, the tax cuts all go to the rich, excuses will abound, they will not blame Trump but Obama. There seems to be a little bit of self-censure at work because I could not find you earlier column anymore. Therefore I greatly appreciated what you wrote today. It perfectly mirrors my sentiments. Thanks for your past and future columns.
Wilhelm Evertz
you have been and are my favorite columnist. I almost always find myself in agreement with your ideas although yours are much better articulated, based on science and experience, and well researched. It is fair to say that you, Friedman, and Cohen - I am not Jewish -, are the only reason I subscribe to the NYT. However, I disagreed with your immediate reaction to the election result. As you know better than I that it takes a while to ruin a fairly well working economy especially if there is massive infrastructure spending, (which Republicans have so far sabotaged). Even after Trump's adherents become aware that the jobs are not coming back, the federal minimum wage is not rising, the tax cuts all go to the rich, excuses will abound, they will not blame Trump but Obama. There seems to be a little bit of self-censure at work because I could not find you earlier column anymore. Therefore I greatly appreciated what you wrote today. It perfectly mirrors my sentiments. Thanks for your past and future columns.
Wilhelm Evertz
As President Obama said: The office of President doesn't change who your are...it just magnifies who you are.
So we all know what to expect for the next four years.
From the past few days, I have two things to be proud of: President Obama's and Secretary Clinton's eloquence in defeat, and the fact that I voted for Hillary.
So we all know what to expect for the next four years.
From the past few days, I have two things to be proud of: President Obama's and Secretary Clinton's eloquence in defeat, and the fact that I voted for Hillary.
2
And now Krugman who has spewed forth selective and distorted "facts" brushed aside, dismissed, and repudiated, genuine concerns, throught the election will double down. No sense of contrition or self refection will ever penetrate his thick head and inflated ego. Wrong yesterday, wrong today, wrong tomorrow.
Dr. Krugman, I appreciate your column however, it is sort of depressing and actually does not make me feel better. Trump wants to drain the swamp however, puts people like Newt Gingrich, Chris Christy Mike Huckelbee, career politicians, on his list as possible candidates to join his cabinet or whatever. The NYT reported already of the lobbyists on K Street in waiting and salivating for their influence buying and willing to spend more than ever to enrich themselves. Trump promising to roll back restrictions in place to protect our air and land from pollution and further damage from the big greedy companies and their greedy shareholders. It is going to be a long winter in America and, as you stated, the effects will be felt for a long time. Sadly enough, I am in the twighlight of my years and most likely will not see if and when the US will start to recover from this horrible election result. It is very sad and a sad state of affairs.
3
Dr. Krugman keep it up you are a voice of sanity in a country that may have temporarily lost its collective mind. It is voices such as yourself that may help us to right the ship and understand that this could be short term damage or if everyone collectively quits maybe the end of life as we know it in America.
Thank you for articulating so well how I feel. In this stage of shock I have arrived in the place you describe in the last paragraph. Defiance. I look forward to reading your ideas about how to productively channel this energy so that we are smart, creative, and nimble instead of angry and paralyzed by hopelessness. May we perhaps unite outside of government framework to get things done. And at the very least be vigilant in reminding those who voted for this man of what he said he would do but does not. Maybe when they see first hand they were lied to by their savior they will stand down and see that the Obama years really were the good ole days.
There won’t be an immediate economic crisis. To the contrary, large investments in infrastructure and in defense will provide the fiscal stimulus Pr Krugman has always advocated for. This will increase debt and bring those long awaited inflation expectations. And when the salute depends on recklessness about inflation, if that depended on Mr Trump rather than on the Fed, you could count on him.
For the rest, let’s not set the bar too high : if he does’nt blow up the planet, we’ll be satisfied enough.
For the rest, let’s not set the bar too high : if he does’nt blow up the planet, we’ll be satisfied enough.
1
A different analysis: The Green Party went from 500,000 to 1.2m votes. Libertarians went from 1.1m to 4.2m. (And, of course, Clinton won the popular vote besides.) I wonder how many of those 3rd party votes were "protest" and would have gone to Clinton had the pollsters and media not assured everyone that Hillary "had it in the bag." I don't think the result is perfectly emblematic of the populace, although it is terrifying that a candidate like Trump could get anywhere close to what he did.
3
Many parallels to the election of Andrew Jackson.
"So what do we do now?"
Here's a suggestion: Stop dividing Americans into identity groups, and stop telling individuals in those groups that any failure on their part is a result of the racism and/or sexism of white males — the one group that it is still okay to mock and vilify.
On the other hand, eight years of losing the House, losing the Senate, losing governorships, and losing state houses hasn't made "progressives" rethink this strategy. Why should losing the Presidency be any different?
Here's a suggestion: Stop dividing Americans into identity groups, and stop telling individuals in those groups that any failure on their part is a result of the racism and/or sexism of white males — the one group that it is still okay to mock and vilify.
On the other hand, eight years of losing the House, losing the Senate, losing governorships, and losing state houses hasn't made "progressives" rethink this strategy. Why should losing the Presidency be any different?
1
No one in recent history mounted an overtly racist, xenophobic campaign of rejectionism as Trump has. The "Willie Horton" dog whistle, the "welfare queen" trope were replaced with a brass band of bigotry.
No one but Trump had the audacity combined with a lack of scruples sacrificed at the altar of "winning" to try it. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain by arousing the anger of white people, "tired" of hearing about women's rights, racial profiling, and Islamic-phobia but nothing about them because, they concluded and were told--they are white. In fact, Trump told them that their "white" identity is defined by and relies on their opposition to people of color and a lack of sympathy or understanding of injustices done to them past and present.
Yes, that's what it took to rouse millions of previously in-engaged voters into action. That Democrats and responsible Republicans find this divisive strategy reprehensible does not make them tone deaf "elites".
Let's face reality: no amount of Democratic campaigning in the rural counties that turned the tide in favor of Trump would have made a difference to people hostile to and suspicious of their urban neighbors who don't look like them --those who don't accept the concept that America was great until they showed up, and before they were allowed to vote, get equal pay or have to "smile" in order to please men.
No one but Trump had the audacity combined with a lack of scruples sacrificed at the altar of "winning" to try it. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain by arousing the anger of white people, "tired" of hearing about women's rights, racial profiling, and Islamic-phobia but nothing about them because, they concluded and were told--they are white. In fact, Trump told them that their "white" identity is defined by and relies on their opposition to people of color and a lack of sympathy or understanding of injustices done to them past and present.
Yes, that's what it took to rouse millions of previously in-engaged voters into action. That Democrats and responsible Republicans find this divisive strategy reprehensible does not make them tone deaf "elites".
Let's face reality: no amount of Democratic campaigning in the rural counties that turned the tide in favor of Trump would have made a difference to people hostile to and suspicious of their urban neighbors who don't look like them --those who don't accept the concept that America was great until they showed up, and before they were allowed to vote, get equal pay or have to "smile" in order to please men.
2
Agree. Trump is never going to be able to offer the "change" he has been selling . No one can. The global corporate system is too well-entrenched. I wish they could change it, but they can't. I'd rather go with the pragmatic idealism of Hilary Clinton and start making incremental changes. I really wish people would start taking some responsibility for their lives and stop buying hokey "change" messages and go with someone who can actually get things done - even if small. It's ok for the young people to believe such things _ I did so as a young woman and revolted in the streets against corruption and authoritarianism and wanted a complete overhaul of the system until I realized the power and pettiness of the guardians of this system. This can only change over time and with generations and as we educate our young people to be fairer . Also at 50, I feel at least the middle-aged and older people need to stop waiting for a messiah to save them and voting in morons because of their own laziness and fears. Start doing something on your own as well to change the system!
2
And I told you so.
Polls during the primaries showed Bernie beating das Drumpf, whereas Hillary's fate was ambiguous. Possibly Bernie would've wilted in the presidential campaign, but clearly the deceit of the DNC led to a flawed candidate.
Many reasons obtain for the system's failure, but the corporate opposition to Bernie looms large.
And the Electoral College has proven a disaster for a second time this millennium.
Polls during the primaries showed Bernie beating das Drumpf, whereas Hillary's fate was ambiguous. Possibly Bernie would've wilted in the presidential campaign, but clearly the deceit of the DNC led to a flawed candidate.
Many reasons obtain for the system's failure, but the corporate opposition to Bernie looms large.
And the Electoral College has proven a disaster for a second time this millennium.
9
The DNC cheated against Bernie Sanders. Cheaters deserve to lose!
2
Welcome to the beginning of a Third World America! I lived in one and it will not be pretty, especially for those highly ignorant fools who voted for this demagogue. The ruling elites will take care of their own, educated people will be o.k. as their skills are easily transferable even more now than ever. Smart people will get the heck out of here while the blue collar uneducated masses will be worse than ever. Look at Venezuela, blue collar, that is gonna be you.
6
I heard a former prime minister of Israel speak, and he said that world wide politics has gotten increasingly shallow and untethered to reality. Just like here in the US. If there’s one lesson here it’s that Norm Ornstein and Thomas Mann are right, “It is much worse then it looks.” The stage is set for an even more horrific repeat of the past. From putting shallow demagogues and rogues in democratic offices, one can expect authoritarian rule. How did it start back in the ‘30s? The new regime made some effort to build factories and make the trains run on time, so people became complacent again, but the egos of the demagogues, combined with using political hypocrisy in media to control the public enabled them to destroyed democratic institutions.
History will show the neo-liberals ideas in the 90s to unfetter bankers and monopoly owners ended in a repeat performance in '08 of the crash of 1929. Unfortunately politics didn't repeat whatever FDR did to save capitalism and democracy. Now the Mid West lost faith in the Dems (who wouldn't with the state of Flint, Detroit, & Cleveland) we have a classic demagogue as pres, and single party rule by an intellectually bankrupt party of hypocrites, loyalists and profiteers (who care less about the MidWest). A political party that long ago left the confines of playing politics within constitutional limits (supermajorities and blackmail tactics).
To be blunt, today's centrist thinking will just enable the extremists in power.
History will show the neo-liberals ideas in the 90s to unfetter bankers and monopoly owners ended in a repeat performance in '08 of the crash of 1929. Unfortunately politics didn't repeat whatever FDR did to save capitalism and democracy. Now the Mid West lost faith in the Dems (who wouldn't with the state of Flint, Detroit, & Cleveland) we have a classic demagogue as pres, and single party rule by an intellectually bankrupt party of hypocrites, loyalists and profiteers (who care less about the MidWest). A political party that long ago left the confines of playing politics within constitutional limits (supermajorities and blackmail tactics).
To be blunt, today's centrist thinking will just enable the extremists in power.
America became great during WWII when it sacrificed our youth to a greater good. America became great after WWII when it sacrificed and helped pay to rebuild Europe and Asia and when it sacrificed some of its sovereignty and led the world in creating the United Nations and a system of international rule of law in the hopes that such bloodshed would never stain the world again. America became great because it sacrificed for the greater good. Today we are a nation that seemingly will no longer sacrifice but instead will do whatever it takes to disrupt and destroy in a vain attempt to try and ensure that others sacrifice for us. We are no longer leaders because we no longer sacrifice for the greater good. Perhaps that is why we feel that we are no longer great.
Yet there is hope. We can still lead. We can still sacrifice if we are brave enough. We must refuse to allow any immoral policies that hurt either our people or our planet to be implemented based simply upon a plurality of the vote. This will take sacrifice. We must demand that our representatives in government perform sit-ins and candlelight vigils within the very halls where governance takes place until government takes action on these issues and we must join them as they do so. If peaceful civil disobedience is required, we must be prepared to do so, at the risk of our own personal safety and convenience. We can. We must.
Yet there is hope. We can still lead. We can still sacrifice if we are brave enough. We must refuse to allow any immoral policies that hurt either our people or our planet to be implemented based simply upon a plurality of the vote. This will take sacrifice. We must demand that our representatives in government perform sit-ins and candlelight vigils within the very halls where governance takes place until government takes action on these issues and we must join them as they do so. If peaceful civil disobedience is required, we must be prepared to do so, at the risk of our own personal safety and convenience. We can. We must.
It's time for the NY Times and other newspapers to strengthen their legal staffs and get ready to do journalism. Today's article on lobbyists is a good start.
2
Give me a break. You are out of your mind! Jim Crow. That is simple minded and hate mongering. How can anyone object to showing picture ID while voting. This is not some "literacy test." It is a simple thing that vitrually everyone already has. If you don't have one, you can get a photo ID for almost nothing. If our inner cities are better than Trump says, then surely minorities can afford to get a picture ID. Arguing otherwise is pathetic (in my humble opinion).
Krugman: "First of all, remember that elections determine who gets the power, not who offers the truth."
You are correct, PK, that “the lies didn’t exact a political price” and “that they even resonated with a large bloc of voters.” However, if the popular vote determined who would be president, Clinton would be destined for the White House. That should provide all of us “horrified” with some hope.
This tell me that the majority of American voters did know that Trump did not tell the truth about the inner-cities, America being the highest-taxed nation, climate change and many other things too numerous to cite in a comment.
Although I am among the “horrified” of which you speak, I plan to follow the meme that originated with Jesse Jackson: “Keep Hope Alive.”
You are correct, PK, that “the lies didn’t exact a political price” and “that they even resonated with a large bloc of voters.” However, if the popular vote determined who would be president, Clinton would be destined for the White House. That should provide all of us “horrified” with some hope.
This tell me that the majority of American voters did know that Trump did not tell the truth about the inner-cities, America being the highest-taxed nation, climate change and many other things too numerous to cite in a comment.
Although I am among the “horrified” of which you speak, I plan to follow the meme that originated with Jesse Jackson: “Keep Hope Alive.”
1
trump's preeminent voter motivation was fear/hatred of the "other"! This motivation was denied by most supporters and those deniers claimed (though they didn't realize it) they were against being the inevitable victims of capitalism i.e.;the economically obsolete.
Their fear/hatred of the "other" is not going away soon, but will die off as they do.
Their fear/hatred of the "other" is not going away soon, but will die off as they do.
"I’m not talking about rethinking political strategy. There will be a time for that — God knows it’s clear that almost everyone on the center-left, myself included, was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters."
I don't think the solution is to find a better way to persuade voters. It is to adopt a different approach. Perhaps supporting someone more like Bernie Sanders (you know, the Bernie Bros approach).
I don't think the solution is to find a better way to persuade voters. It is to adopt a different approach. Perhaps supporting someone more like Bernie Sanders (you know, the Bernie Bros approach).
3
Mr. Brock in his comment makes an important observation:"I worry that the obvious perils from rubber-stamping Republican legislation, climate change denial and supreme court appointments are only the dangers we can identify."
Building on that, I say that Republican legislation on these topics are huge dangers, perhaps fatal to our country and toxic to the rest of the planet. That amounts to existential irresponsibility.
Is existential irresponsibility the legacy that the USA is going to leave to the world?
Building on that, I say that Republican legislation on these topics are huge dangers, perhaps fatal to our country and toxic to the rest of the planet. That amounts to existential irresponsibility.
Is existential irresponsibility the legacy that the USA is going to leave to the world?
Interestingly, Wall St. is surging, and I am reminded of the early days of the Reagan administration. Reagan got the Iran hostages back on day one and moved quickly to cut taxes (everybody's taxes), Wall St. surged and he became wildly popular for a while. Of course, it took time for the Iran-Contra affair to come to light and he tripled the nation's debt. Trump will likely do something similar, which will make him look good for a while. But then the corruption will set in. Gingrich, Giuliani and Christie? How can you drain the swamp when you are importing alligators? Trump will be more beholden to special interests than any of his predecessors. His crooked dealings will be unmasked but he has a free get-out-of-jail card because you can't prosecute a sitting president. We'll be reminded of the days of Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew. And those poor coal miners in West Virginia? Oh, forgot about them...
3
It will not take long until Donald Trump is totally frustrated by the necessity to work within the constraints of governing. It is obvious he has the attention span of an 8 year old, refuses to consider multiple courses of action, and will inevitably screw some things up big time.
And he will find that he no long can chase the all mighty dollar. He will have to actually do some work!
And he will find that he no long can chase the all mighty dollar. He will have to actually do some work!
1
The media elites have warmed up to Trump, who in turn has cozied up to the DC big money establishment. That didn't take long .
Does that make him unacceptable now ?
Does that make him unacceptable now ?
I've taken some comfort in this: I was a staunch supporter of President Obama. I thought his policies were right-minded and his hesitations warranted. His thoughtful approach to problems made me feel secure, like a smart guy was in charge. I trusted his decisions. But, this support translated into a lot of worry. I was always worried that Obama's ideas would fail, and my trust was misplaced. I worried every time there was a jobs report. I worried every time there was a breach in security. I worried about the Middle East. I worried about trade deals, Guantanamo, falling stocks, all kinds of things. Having a hero in the White House is a nerve wracking experience--you always have to deal with the imminence of your guy's failure ... But now that Mr. Trump will be President, I don't have to worry anymore. The whole burden of hoping for the President's success has been lifted off my shoulders. I expect nothing from President Trump and I'm sure he will meet my expectations. If he is successful, as unlikely as that may be, well, that's good too. My bets are hedged. Bring on the falling employment numbers; bring on the world-wide chaos, the recession, and the unconscionable preferential treatment of the rich. It ain't my guy's fault. Let Mr. Bigpants take the heat... OK, it's not such a good philosophy, but it has given me some comfort.
1
Do you want to know why you are losing? It's because of stuff like this:
"The odds are that some terrible people will become Supreme Court justices."
We aren't allowed to politely disagree about differences in ideas. The liberal elite - in their constant movement towards fascism - doesn't tolerate dissent. If you don't think like Krugman, you have to be vilified. And that makes it easier to destroy you.
Do you know what? The middle of the country doesn't think like Krugman and doesn't appreciate this nonsense. Its uncivil and intolerant of others' views. Maybe you instead of calling half of the country stupid or protesting a legitimate election outcome, people should re-examine not only their arguments themselves, but how they frame them. If you double down its not going to go your way.
"The odds are that some terrible people will become Supreme Court justices."
We aren't allowed to politely disagree about differences in ideas. The liberal elite - in their constant movement towards fascism - doesn't tolerate dissent. If you don't think like Krugman, you have to be vilified. And that makes it easier to destroy you.
Do you know what? The middle of the country doesn't think like Krugman and doesn't appreciate this nonsense. Its uncivil and intolerant of others' views. Maybe you instead of calling half of the country stupid or protesting a legitimate election outcome, people should re-examine not only their arguments themselves, but how they frame them. If you double down its not going to go your way.
Mr. Krugman,
I have always agreed with everything you say. I have been hiding away since the election. I will come back, what can we do, except to continue to stand up for American values. It will be a long four years.
I have always agreed with everything you say. I have been hiding away since the election. I will come back, what can we do, except to continue to stand up for American values. It will be a long four years.
2
"almost everyone on the center-left, myself included, was clueless about what actually works in persuading voters"
Republicans have instructed us in How To Win:
1. Obstruct everything. Blame your opponents.
2. Lie with conviction, repetition, and breathtaking outrageousness so that people become habituated to your lying —it's the new normal. Boldly deny that you ever said anything untrue, even if it is on tape. Never apologize and NEVER EVER show shame.
3. Demonize/delegitimize your opponents (see #2 above). They are criminals, communists, perverts, or whatever seems most destructive.
4. Keep the media off balance and defensive by constantly proclaiming their bias against you. Declare them evil, terrible, un-American and "elitist”. Make them physically afraid of you.
5. Break out the champagne when your opponents become timid and spend time to protecting their reputations from your constant attacks. You are winning when your supporters become emboldened and adopt your own tactics.
6. Celebrate the inevitable victory over your opponents who brought data, factual reasoning, policy analysis, and logic to what was always just a brutal fight for dominance.
7. Victory: consolidate your powers, and use the power of government investigations to further enfeeble and demonize your opponents.
8. Do not worry about your base: they are rubes and chumps. Deport a few aliens. Ban abortion. Whatever.
That is how they won.
So Democrats, Do You Want to Win?
Republicans have instructed us in How To Win:
1. Obstruct everything. Blame your opponents.
2. Lie with conviction, repetition, and breathtaking outrageousness so that people become habituated to your lying —it's the new normal. Boldly deny that you ever said anything untrue, even if it is on tape. Never apologize and NEVER EVER show shame.
3. Demonize/delegitimize your opponents (see #2 above). They are criminals, communists, perverts, or whatever seems most destructive.
4. Keep the media off balance and defensive by constantly proclaiming their bias against you. Declare them evil, terrible, un-American and "elitist”. Make them physically afraid of you.
5. Break out the champagne when your opponents become timid and spend time to protecting their reputations from your constant attacks. You are winning when your supporters become emboldened and adopt your own tactics.
6. Celebrate the inevitable victory over your opponents who brought data, factual reasoning, policy analysis, and logic to what was always just a brutal fight for dominance.
7. Victory: consolidate your powers, and use the power of government investigations to further enfeeble and demonize your opponents.
8. Do not worry about your base: they are rubes and chumps. Deport a few aliens. Ban abortion. Whatever.
That is how they won.
So Democrats, Do You Want to Win?
6
One of my biggest reactions is the sense of helplessness in witnessing whole swathes of the country not only putting their faith in a total fraud but also engaging in ridiculous levels of magical thinking. How do you confront this in folks who won't listen?
Case in point: In the 1950s, which clearly represents the Land of Promise for the Trump voting block, America was anything but isolationist, world-rejecting, and anti-visionary. For better or for worse, we were the undisputed leader of the Free World and the enemy of Communism, and we backed it up with the world's most mighty military.
Trump's transactional (or mercenary) view of the military - "we'll lend you our support if you pay us for it" - does not jibe with this at all. Trump's vision is essentially an admission of weakness, that America is "broke." Obama's approach, which they actively reject, is actually closer to the 1950s vison of the USA as idealistic world leader.
I worry that his followers have not thought through the contradictions of their deeply needy emotional reactions to the 21st century. They want America to be great again but they also want to signal to the whole world that America is a mess. They seem to believe they can have it both ways - when they can't. I fear that this unresolved conflict is really going to blow up in some horrible way. If Trump's supporters get what they think they want - a smaller, less engaged America- the psychological cost is likely to be enormous.
Case in point: In the 1950s, which clearly represents the Land of Promise for the Trump voting block, America was anything but isolationist, world-rejecting, and anti-visionary. For better or for worse, we were the undisputed leader of the Free World and the enemy of Communism, and we backed it up with the world's most mighty military.
Trump's transactional (or mercenary) view of the military - "we'll lend you our support if you pay us for it" - does not jibe with this at all. Trump's vision is essentially an admission of weakness, that America is "broke." Obama's approach, which they actively reject, is actually closer to the 1950s vison of the USA as idealistic world leader.
I worry that his followers have not thought through the contradictions of their deeply needy emotional reactions to the 21st century. They want America to be great again but they also want to signal to the whole world that America is a mess. They seem to believe they can have it both ways - when they can't. I fear that this unresolved conflict is really going to blow up in some horrible way. If Trump's supporters get what they think they want - a smaller, less engaged America- the psychological cost is likely to be enormous.
1
The Midwest and other areas are suffering. Yes Global trade has led to declines in manufacturing, but had those trade deals not occurred most of the jobs, as is happening anyway, are being replaced by automation (robotics). Indeed you see this even in finance.
Further, farmers are starting to feel the squeeze of Monsanto, and other large food providers. The control the inputs like seed, herbicides, pesticides, and they control the demand by providing the seed, in exchange for the output. This is no longer a free market.
We are all feeling the squeeze in health care. Hospitals and doctors are combining to create large health care monopolies across regions, and the oligopolies we call health insurance companies collude implicitly. That's why rates are rising, and will continue to rise.
So Midwest I feel your pain. The problem is you let the fox in, and all us hens are lunch.
Further, farmers are starting to feel the squeeze of Monsanto, and other large food providers. The control the inputs like seed, herbicides, pesticides, and they control the demand by providing the seed, in exchange for the output. This is no longer a free market.
We are all feeling the squeeze in health care. Hospitals and doctors are combining to create large health care monopolies across regions, and the oligopolies we call health insurance companies collude implicitly. That's why rates are rising, and will continue to rise.
So Midwest I feel your pain. The problem is you let the fox in, and all us hens are lunch.
1
Dr. Krugman,
Now you know how the rest of us felt after the prior 2 elections of Barack Obama. He fundamentally changed the country for the worst and directly led to president-elect Donald J Trump.
Now you know how the rest of us felt after the prior 2 elections of Barack Obama. He fundamentally changed the country for the worst and directly led to president-elect Donald J Trump.
1
Yes we are devolving, And those lies? Consider that only 20% of adults get their news from newspapers, and the overwhelming majority now get it from Social media. The same social media that said Hillary would rip babies out of the womb the day before birth, and various other lies that made her the devil incarnate. Welcome to the American version of the New World Order: Mass produced propaganda by zillionaires who want a return to Fuedalism (and will get it), poorly-informed voters too lazy (or busy) to push through that propaganda, and a once-great democracy inexorably headed to a Banana republic oligarchy. Oh, the madness.
4
Clearly, there will be many post-mortems, but i'll nonetheless add a couple of mine.
Ultimately, politics is theater more than anything else, and, as a centrist policy wonk, Clinton - and, I'd add, Democrats in general - don't seem to really get this. . . People simply don't vote with their minds, they vote with their gut. And this is what Trump - and Republicans, generally - have mastered to gain the presidency and a hold on Congress, despite how anti-worker their policies are.
I'd also add that the media has created this. Misunderstanding the supposedly forgotten white voter is way overblown. Instead, 'Gotcha' journalism, where any Clinton misstep was reported relentlessly, was the bigger sin. It created a mistaken view that she was untrustworthy or dishonest. True facts and context were absent. Overshadowed or completely ignored were any her impressive accomplishments over her 40 year public service career.
I'm not hopeful the media will realize this. . . I guess only 'scandals' - real or perceived - are newsworthy.
Ultimately, politics is theater more than anything else, and, as a centrist policy wonk, Clinton - and, I'd add, Democrats in general - don't seem to really get this. . . People simply don't vote with their minds, they vote with their gut. And this is what Trump - and Republicans, generally - have mastered to gain the presidency and a hold on Congress, despite how anti-worker their policies are.
I'd also add that the media has created this. Misunderstanding the supposedly forgotten white voter is way overblown. Instead, 'Gotcha' journalism, where any Clinton misstep was reported relentlessly, was the bigger sin. It created a mistaken view that she was untrustworthy or dishonest. True facts and context were absent. Overshadowed or completely ignored were any her impressive accomplishments over her 40 year public service career.
I'm not hopeful the media will realize this. . . I guess only 'scandals' - real or perceived - are newsworthy.
3
It's certainly not inevitable that we turn back towards the correct path, but we have before. Any progress we've made as a nation has not been a slow and steady march towards justice and prosperity. That's not a realistic assumption anyway. Personally, I think it is romantic, unrealistic assumptions that are responsible for Trump's impending presidency. Does all this frustration come simply from economic distress? it's hard to think so. This was a campaign driven by symbolism. As you say, the lies didn't matter because, to many if not most of the Trump voters, they signified a deeper truth. No, that's not logical, but I honestly think it's pretty simple. Trump did one of the most powerful things you can do to win over another human: he listened—and showed that he was willing to violate all political norms in order to demonstrate it. Now comes the aftermath, but anyone who is appalled by our prospects cannot make the same selfish, emotional choices that Trump voters, non-voters, or third party voters made: to use the political process as a way to express our feelings--like Facebook. These are about choices that will affect our nation--people--and those all over the world. We still have a process to determine what happens next. It's far from perfect, and will never be perfect. But we just made a choice akin to abolishing all traffic regulations because people run red lights. Don't opt out. Opt in. Do the opposite of what we, collectively, just did: Think.
1
Messaging is everything in a political campaign, and having something that spoke to the middle class and those who aspire to be middle class was missing from Secretary Clinton's rallies, at least what I was seeing in the media. What I heard from her was very specific and smart policy about college loan payoffs, free college education, higher taxes on the rich, protecting choice and a rise in the minimum wage, etc. I may agree with the all of the latter, and it did have its audiences, but the larger demographic, middle class folks who just want jobs (or have a fear of losing them), cost of living raises and a way to pay for rising costs, particularly health insurance, was missing. Maybe she had too many messages?
The Democratic Party is strong because of its many segments, but those splinters also make it beholden in its messaging to such a diverse group of interests that the largely white middle class gets left out.
Comey's bombshell surely hurt her campaign. His timing was impeccable and so anti-American and criminal in its intent.
The Democratic Party is strong because of its many segments, but those splinters also make it beholden in its messaging to such a diverse group of interests that the largely white middle class gets left out.
Comey's bombshell surely hurt her campaign. His timing was impeccable and so anti-American and criminal in its intent.
3
I am off to re-read my copy of the book "The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers" to see what will probably come next.
1
Trump has already made his first post-campaign defensive Tweet, about the protests being "unfair". And so it continues. This man doesn't change, cannot change, and we all know it. Yet, all I'm hearing now is Democrats writing their hands, blaming themselves for "not being aware", etc. That only gives credence to what will amount to a disastrous decision by the Electoral College (not by the People) and gives credence to a depressingly huge section of our citizenry that is filled with hate, lack of reason, ignoring reality, sexism, even liking Trump because of his vile and ugly nature. I will not do that. The problem is not with their economic gripes, since they just put into complete power, including handing the SC once again, to the party that brought them that economic disparity they are all railing against, namely Reaganomics. Wait until they find out just how conned they were by a professional con artist, Donald Trump.
The most obvious warning sign for American voters was overt: Donald Trump is a taker Trump has spent his entire life taking from others to give to himself (including charity). There is in fact no record at all of Trump giving to anyone, including good will. Trump sees other people as utility, as a means to get for himself what he wants, including the presidency now.
Trump is a 100% taker, and takers inherently cannot govern. In power, they dictate and abuse, and that is what I expect we will see over the next four years, and endless nasty Tweets.
The most obvious warning sign for American voters was overt: Donald Trump is a taker Trump has spent his entire life taking from others to give to himself (including charity). There is in fact no record at all of Trump giving to anyone, including good will. Trump sees other people as utility, as a means to get for himself what he wants, including the presidency now.
Trump is a 100% taker, and takers inherently cannot govern. In power, they dictate and abuse, and that is what I expect we will see over the next four years, and endless nasty Tweets.
1
What can we do on the center and left of center?
It's too late to ask this question, unfortunately.
What could be done when nearly two-thirds of people in exit polls reported their biggest concern is that the American economy is rigged towards the wealthy and powerful and then they went ahead and voted for someone who is wealthy and powerful?
What can be done?
Trump has said many things during his campaign but there's one thing he's been consistent on throughout this campaign and his run in 2012: cutting taxes on the wealthy.
I don't know what can be done when you have someone who's making promises to help the wealthy and powerful and then the same people who are going to be hurt by these promises vote go out and vote for him or stay at home and not vote.
Are we Americans just looking to be entertained?
It's too late to ask this question, unfortunately.
What could be done when nearly two-thirds of people in exit polls reported their biggest concern is that the American economy is rigged towards the wealthy and powerful and then they went ahead and voted for someone who is wealthy and powerful?
What can be done?
Trump has said many things during his campaign but there's one thing he's been consistent on throughout this campaign and his run in 2012: cutting taxes on the wealthy.
I don't know what can be done when you have someone who's making promises to help the wealthy and powerful and then the same people who are going to be hurt by these promises vote go out and vote for him or stay at home and not vote.
Are we Americans just looking to be entertained?
1
America elected a Bigot, hate won, uneducated whites won, Trump won, Russia won, Wiki leaks won .
Madame Hillary Clinton lost.
But truth shall prevail even to the end of the day Hillary Clinton remained a class act. That glass ceiling remained intact but someone else would follow her footsteps and will be there for all of us.
There is still hope I know several teens who could not stop crying , they all drove to vote for Hillary Clinton.
The sad part of Trump Presidency would be the working class men who put him at the top of the helm will suffer the most.
Madame Hillary Clinton lost.
But truth shall prevail even to the end of the day Hillary Clinton remained a class act. That glass ceiling remained intact but someone else would follow her footsteps and will be there for all of us.
There is still hope I know several teens who could not stop crying , they all drove to vote for Hillary Clinton.
The sad part of Trump Presidency would be the working class men who put him at the top of the helm will suffer the most.
1
If the USA was in the European Union, the European Commission would invalidate the election and order it to be held again. Surely in the American Constitution, there must be an article to such effect. Rumours abound about Sarah P for Environment !
I am very comforted to know that I am not alone in my depression and concern for this country. Thank you and please keep reporting. We will follow him like a hawk and call out his lies.
1
Yes, I am horrified by the events of Nov. 8th -- and one that I will not soon forget.
To me, Trump's election is totally illegitimate because he explicitly solicited the assistance of Russia's Putin to help him defeat Hillary Clinton. Had a Democrat done the same, he or she would already be hanging from the rafters, I am sure.
Also, the recent news of Russia having successfully altered the results of a number of our voting machines should shock us all into demanding an investigation that -- if true justice is rendered -- the election results would be reversed.
I feel for those former middle class workers who foolishly put their faith in Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Had they paid attention to politics over these past 30 or so years, they would've realized that they would be left at the alter with no ring on their finger.
So am I upset? Yes, I am. Very much so. Like everyone else, I am truly horrified by this unexpected turn of events. It will take a while to recover and adjust but I am confident that we, as a group, will recover and lay the groundwork for that which will once again elevate our spirits as we chart a new course.
We are temporarily entering a dark period in American history. And one that by all accounts should never have happened in the first place had everything operated within our legal framework as it should have. But it is important that we “keep the faith” so to speak. After all, “Change” is the only real constant in life, don’t you think?
To me, Trump's election is totally illegitimate because he explicitly solicited the assistance of Russia's Putin to help him defeat Hillary Clinton. Had a Democrat done the same, he or she would already be hanging from the rafters, I am sure.
Also, the recent news of Russia having successfully altered the results of a number of our voting machines should shock us all into demanding an investigation that -- if true justice is rendered -- the election results would be reversed.
I feel for those former middle class workers who foolishly put their faith in Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Had they paid attention to politics over these past 30 or so years, they would've realized that they would be left at the alter with no ring on their finger.
So am I upset? Yes, I am. Very much so. Like everyone else, I am truly horrified by this unexpected turn of events. It will take a while to recover and adjust but I am confident that we, as a group, will recover and lay the groundwork for that which will once again elevate our spirits as we chart a new course.
We are temporarily entering a dark period in American history. And one that by all accounts should never have happened in the first place had everything operated within our legal framework as it should have. But it is important that we “keep the faith” so to speak. After all, “Change” is the only real constant in life, don’t you think?
2
It's as if there was a giant, flashing neon sign saying "Bates Motel: Very Nasty Things are Going to Happen Here" and people pulled in anyway. Did they not see the sign? Did they not trust it? Did it simply titillate them, as "No Smoking" does to some teenagers. My own theory is that we live in an age of hokum and truth has become relatively meaningless for most people. Even my own PBS station has one channel, which used to be called Create, that continuously broadcasts self-help seminary, a number of which purport to "reverse the aging process."