Trump could not look President Obama in the eyes as he shook his hand. That speaks volumes.
36
Donald isn't the only one who looked small next to the Obamas. Just look at that photo of Melania with Michelle.
15
I feel gutted seeing the picture of the two in the Oval Office. Here is a man who questioned President Obama's legitimacy. Can Trump even now give a public apology to the President for the 'birther' stuff he had started? Well, I suppose that is not the type of person who will be the next occupant of the White House.....
14
Have submitted half dozen comments on the core issue in election,which was the gap between the real country of hard working Americans who have been marginalized by open borders and foreign trade agreements and legal country of HRC's crowd, incarnating herself and her wealthy donors.By the way, HRC could have turned this election around by showing empathy,spending time in an inner city housing project or in a run down rural area and helping out the folks, but she continued her regal ways, never deigning to really be down with the folks. Also commented on hypocrisy of Left which accused DT of racism because Duke supported him, yet ignored role Democratic Party played in maintaining Jim Crow and status quo ante in South for generations. Have you never heard of Plessy v. Ferguson?Also drew attention to leading politicians, all Democrats, who supported the unfair system and way of life,names of some probably even EB had never heard of."Dynamite" Bob Chandliss, involved in 16th Street bombing of church in BIRMINGHAM in 1964 was a card carrying member of the Dem. Party, as was Bull Connor. When one is educative,and brings new information to the table, one deserves publication.Thanks.
5
Hopefully that "educative" experience and presentation of "new information" will happen for you one day meanwhile take another look at the definitions of the words bigotry, narcissism, reckless, bullying, sexist, racist, thin-skinned, ignorant, bankrupt, divisive, inexperienced, unpredictable, and irrational for an educative journey of your own.
16
I've been trying for some time to think of a single decent thing about this tragic election. I finally found two.
The first and most important ( to me at least) is that this is not 1972 when the country elected a war criminal (Nixon) who had been killing and bombing innocent people for years in undeclared wars making us all conspirators in war crimes.
The second thing is that the programs Republicans most hate will largely take years to undo and that in two years the country can redeem itself by shifting the powers of this blight to more ethical and more intelligent minds.
Merry Xmas
The first and most important ( to me at least) is that this is not 1972 when the country elected a war criminal (Nixon) who had been killing and bombing innocent people for years in undeclared wars making us all conspirators in war crimes.
The second thing is that the programs Republicans most hate will largely take years to undo and that in two years the country can redeem itself by shifting the powers of this blight to more ethical and more intelligent minds.
Merry Xmas
9
I think you are about to be proven wrong on both counts.
6
Trump has said some terrible things during the campaign. But it was a campaign. How much stock can we put in what he said? He has no experience in the political arena.
To me Trump is the Great Unknown. I'm not sure he knows himself what he supports and views as important. Will he build a wall at the Mexican border? Doubtful. Will he deport millions of Hispanics? Doubtful. The guy is a political tabula rasa.
I'm hoping he will place great faith and trust in Mr. Obama's counsel and consult with him often. It just could happen.
Mr. Trump in the White House does not bother me near as much as Republicans controlling Congress. Indeed, he might even act as a brake on some of the Republican's worst ideas.
To me Trump is the Great Unknown. I'm not sure he knows himself what he supports and views as important. Will he build a wall at the Mexican border? Doubtful. Will he deport millions of Hispanics? Doubtful. The guy is a political tabula rasa.
I'm hoping he will place great faith and trust in Mr. Obama's counsel and consult with him often. It just could happen.
Mr. Trump in the White House does not bother me near as much as Republicans controlling Congress. Indeed, he might even act as a brake on some of the Republican's worst ideas.
5
Trump in the White House is as disconcerting as the people pulling the strings, i.e Giuliani, Christie, Gingrich, Bannon, Ailes, Mercer, Rove, etc....
AND the fact that Republicans are now in control of Congress...AND (worse yet) the Supreme Court.
There is nothing "Unknown" about this.
AND the fact that Republicans are now in control of Congress...AND (worse yet) the Supreme Court.
There is nothing "Unknown" about this.
17
And with one genial speech (written by a thoroughly reformed Steve Bannon, no doubt), Mr. Trump wins the hearts of the credulous masses.
Please send him your addresses. He has all kinds of equally reliable products you can buy. Maybe you can get discounted tuition at Trump U.
Please send him your addresses. He has all kinds of equally reliable products you can buy. Maybe you can get discounted tuition at Trump U.
7
It seems Presidents are personal. Obama and Trump, two very different people, connected with a lot of Americans on a personal level. Mitt and Hillary, not so much. Maybe it's that connection that defines the tone and when connected the candidate hits the right notes without thinking. When disconnected, not so much. Mitt may blame the "47% of Americans" line or Hillary the "basket of deplorables" line but those lines were just symptomatic. Truth is, it's hard to connect to 60 million people but if you can you can be President. No experience needed.
2
If this isn't talking out of both sides of his mouth; I don't know what is. So now he's honored to meet President Obama? Now? President Obama being appropriate is not a stretch but after all this demonizing I can't see we're hearing Trump being anything but facetious . He defamed President Obama. I'm still curious why there doesn't seem to be worried reaction to Russia's Putin announcing they've been in close contact throughout the election with multiple members of Trump's team. And then they released Hillary's teams correspondence that could be viewed as harmful and rephrased some of them? So those emails that were related to Hillary's campaign plans did they just forwarded those straight to him; without publishing them? Apparently no one in Trumps' campaign staff had their emails published. How much can Trump's team believe or trust that their emails aren't in Russian's hands? In for a penny, in for a pound or making a deal with the devil? Frightening, something is very wrong here.
17
Just imagine the outrageby the right winged nuts if a Democratic first lady had posed nude WITH ANOTHER WOMAN! The evangelicals would be spinning on their axis'.
The hypocrisy is unbelievable
The hypocrisy is unbelievable
24
The enormity and complexity of what he's about to undertake with so little understanding of the government and foreign affairs might be the only thing that has ever humbled him. Let's hope he's up to the task.
6
Sorry. Live in hope. Die in despair.
Trump is not up to the task, nor has he ever given any indication of it otherwise.
Trump is not up to the task, nor has he ever given any indication of it otherwise.
17
When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. - Maya Angelou
The President-Elect has already shown us.
The President-Elect has already shown us.
26
Thank you! Using this quote.
4
So what did these two men talk about for 90 minutes? I need to read the transcription. Basically it should be open except the parts that deal with security and diplomatic policies.
Seeing Obama sitting next to Trump, shaking his hand and saying "Well I just had the...an excellent conversation with...Trump" is -to me at least, strange. Actually I'm about to vomit -literally.
What happened? What kind of conversation was so excellent?
Seeing Obama sitting next to Trump, shaking his hand and saying "Well I just had the...an excellent conversation with...Trump" is -to me at least, strange. Actually I'm about to vomit -literally.
What happened? What kind of conversation was so excellent?
5
Based on few minutes news report of the talks between the two Presidents summarized by Obama in a very sad and upset mood; indicate that both might have hammered each other in their talk and Trump might have used his garbage so badly, Obama might have frustrated to get anything from the empty head talking to him for 90 minutes instead of 30 minutes planned.
1
The image of Trump shaking the hand of President Obama really doesn't hide the difficulty this encounter was for both men. Sadly President Elect Trump has instigated this incredibly uneasy feeling with a campaign of anger and sheer rhetoric. This was the politics of a street fighter; ugly and dirty. There is a huge mountain to climb if divisions all round and on both sides can be healed. The ball is firmly in the Trump court and I for one would not like to predict how it goes. Common sense says that the leader of the Worlds largest democracy will conform with all the responsibility that position holds. From the outside looking in let's just say I really do hope so.
4
My human impulse to go low makes me frustrated and vengeful that the Republicans can get away with setting out to block any progress Obama might make when he was elected, up to and including refusing to work on things Republicans have espoused and shutting down the government instead of working on a compromise that avoided it. Not to mention all the Republicans who showed no respect for the office, if not the man, during Obama's 2 terms as POTUS. Now, Democrats bury their disappointment and pledge to help Trump succeed in any way they can.
But, I will go high, and hope that Obama and co. really mean it, and that Republicans can accept that in the spirit in which it is offered and be more willing to compromise in the name of getting something done to benefit the most people with the least amount of rancor.
And whatever you want to say about Barack Obama, it cannot be denied that the guy has class.
But, I will go high, and hope that Obama and co. really mean it, and that Republicans can accept that in the spirit in which it is offered and be more willing to compromise in the name of getting something done to benefit the most people with the least amount of rancor.
And whatever you want to say about Barack Obama, it cannot be denied that the guy has class.
13
That photo says it all. Obama looks understandably like he is trying not to vomit and Trump actually looks ashamed, which I had not realized he was capable of. Trump is in over his head. He knows it. We know it. A sad week.
36
I am a veteran, a black man, who served 22 years for this country and been to war. I have profound sadness on this Veterans Day because of the events that transpired on Tuesday. I feel the election results have set this country back into the 19th century during a time when a man like me was not quite welcomed into the ranks of the military because of segregation.
Trump’s campaign wrought segregationist behavior throughout and emboldened those to lash out with very ugly comments aimed at President Obama and Hillary Clinton – and while, at times, a message or two was released from the campaign denouncing some of those comments, Trump never uttered a word to repudiate the behavior. That is what I see a Trump presidency to be. One of separatist policy proposals aimed to put people in their place.
I hope I am wrong, but we all have to wait and see. Right now, however, I feel like we just fought the Civil War all over again – and this time, the South won.
Trump’s campaign wrought segregationist behavior throughout and emboldened those to lash out with very ugly comments aimed at President Obama and Hillary Clinton – and while, at times, a message or two was released from the campaign denouncing some of those comments, Trump never uttered a word to repudiate the behavior. That is what I see a Trump presidency to be. One of separatist policy proposals aimed to put people in their place.
I hope I am wrong, but we all have to wait and see. Right now, however, I feel like we just fought the Civil War all over again – and this time, the South won.
25
@Patrick
You are not wrong....and you are definitely not alone in feeling the way you do.
There is a lot of collective denial going on around this country these days when it comes to race issues -- But it is plain to see that we have not achieved a "post-racial" society, nor are we about to with Donald Trump at the helm.
And yes, it's a Civil War again, and the South won this time.
You are not wrong....and you are definitely not alone in feeling the way you do.
There is a lot of collective denial going on around this country these days when it comes to race issues -- But it is plain to see that we have not achieved a "post-racial" society, nor are we about to with Donald Trump at the helm.
And yes, it's a Civil War again, and the South won this time.
9
The Times' report of President Obama's meeting with Donald Trump includes these "observations" (imaginations?): "Trump, who appeared nervous and uncharacteristically subdued beside Mr. Obama" ... Wow, not the image I saw when watching the news yesterday. (Does the Times know that people have TV and smartphones and can SEE FOR THEMSELVES? Please, spare me the descriptions and prose).
As one who has covered more than a few court cases, it also makes me cringe when reporters try and describe the "mindset" of those in the courtroom, specifically the person on trial. "They didn't appear remorseful" or worse, "They weren't remorseful" etc. If you need to describe something, keep describing what they're wearing (that's really important stuff and stay out of the mind-reading business. This election, if it demonstrated anything, demonstrated that the media's not so great in that business.
Next the Times seems to imply, well more than imply, that Donald Trump, since he's never served elected office before, will allow Mr. Obama to "play a larger-than-usual role in acquainting Mr. Trump with the demands of the office." Maybe yes, maybe no but now it's a fact since the Times wrote it despite no one saying this but nameless, faceless aides of Mr. Obama.
As one who has covered more than a few court cases, it also makes me cringe when reporters try and describe the "mindset" of those in the courtroom, specifically the person on trial. "They didn't appear remorseful" or worse, "They weren't remorseful" etc. If you need to describe something, keep describing what they're wearing (that's really important stuff and stay out of the mind-reading business. This election, if it demonstrated anything, demonstrated that the media's not so great in that business.
Next the Times seems to imply, well more than imply, that Donald Trump, since he's never served elected office before, will allow Mr. Obama to "play a larger-than-usual role in acquainting Mr. Trump with the demands of the office." Maybe yes, maybe no but now it's a fact since the Times wrote it despite no one saying this but nameless, faceless aides of Mr. Obama.
3
One can entertain some glimmer of hope, but if the three stooges (Rudy, Newt, and Chris) are really appointed to high cabinet positions, that negates any kind of attempt for us to take the Trump presidency seriously with Trump showing such poor judgement right off the bat.
11
Take a good look at this picture. What do you see???
I see a man who can't even look President Obama in the face.
His eyes are closed. He looks resigned to a fate he knows deep inside that he's clearly unfit for...but it's too late now.
There's no adoring crowds in the room cheering his hateful rhetoric.
No baseball caps, or tee-shirts with his name emblazoned across the front.
Just a lonely, embittered old man. Out of his depths...until the next tweet.
I see a man who can't even look President Obama in the face.
His eyes are closed. He looks resigned to a fate he knows deep inside that he's clearly unfit for...but it's too late now.
There's no adoring crowds in the room cheering his hateful rhetoric.
No baseball caps, or tee-shirts with his name emblazoned across the front.
Just a lonely, embittered old man. Out of his depths...until the next tweet.
30
It is essential for the career and life of a con man that he be able to conceal either his activity or his identity.
If his activity is revealed, he has to follow through with his promises or skip town.
If his identity is known, his victims know how to find him.
As we learn the full extent of how badly 47% of America was conned -- Obama and Hillary are suddenly respected as great public servants, the wall was just a campaign "device," the Russians were engaging bigly with the campaign, and the flood of lobbyists, establishment players, cronyism and nepotism of President Donald ensure an enduring "swamp" -- we now have the displeasure of watching a con man forced to complete his bargain because he has nowhere to hide.
In so doing, expect the delegation of everything except for credit on what goes well.
Expect a lot of blaming for all the things that go wrong.
And plan on being there to watch it all carefully, to demand the transparency that has been forced upon both Secretary Clinton and President Obama, and to not let the con man get away with another single lie.
If his activity is revealed, he has to follow through with his promises or skip town.
If his identity is known, his victims know how to find him.
As we learn the full extent of how badly 47% of America was conned -- Obama and Hillary are suddenly respected as great public servants, the wall was just a campaign "device," the Russians were engaging bigly with the campaign, and the flood of lobbyists, establishment players, cronyism and nepotism of President Donald ensure an enduring "swamp" -- we now have the displeasure of watching a con man forced to complete his bargain because he has nowhere to hide.
In so doing, expect the delegation of everything except for credit on what goes well.
Expect a lot of blaming for all the things that go wrong.
And plan on being there to watch it all carefully, to demand the transparency that has been forced upon both Secretary Clinton and President Obama, and to not let the con man get away with another single lie.
14
I hate to disagree with President Obama, who I admire and respect greatly. However, I must take issue with his statement that if Trump succeeds, the nation succeeds. I fully expect President Trump to continue focusing on his own success at the cost of our nation. His 500+ businesses around the world become a giant conflict of interests, which Mr Trump will have no compunction about exploiting for his own and his family.
He remains morally, ethically, and tempermentally unfit to be our president.
He remains morally, ethically, and tempermentally unfit to be our president.
15
This may be a blessing in disguise for the Democratic Party -- a chance to develop some new leaders. Let's face it: The DP ran the candidate they thought best able to win, and a jar of mayonnaise probably could have beat Trump. Yet that candidate lost. Possibly some alternative would have beat Trump -- Sanders, Biden, Warren, whoever -- but it would have been a close call at best, and all of this alternative candidates (and HRC) are either 70+ years old or close to it.
Time for the Democratic Party to get some new blood. If HRC is the best they had, and she couldn't out-perform a jar of mayonnaise, it's time for a long look in the mirror.
Time for the Democratic Party to get some new blood. If HRC is the best they had, and she couldn't out-perform a jar of mayonnaise, it's time for a long look in the mirror.
2
If someone can constrain Trump's authoritarian streak I would agree with you.
He's already taken 2 jabs at the First Amendment and it will only go downhill from here.
I don't see the country surviving this very comfortably.
He's already taken 2 jabs at the First Amendment and it will only go downhill from here.
I don't see the country surviving this very comfortably.
3
If we can serve Trump's voters well, and bring them forward into greater prosperity and happiness in a way that promotes global prosperity & happiness, that would be a very good thing. Given the (almost perfectly) polarized perspectives of our citizens, I think we all need to join hands and pull towards CENTER.
Let us remember that being truly inclusive means including bigots. It takes time for people to understand certain issues and change their minds/hearts. Let us bring one another forward by being true friends first.
Sorry I'm going to share a mom-story. When my first child went to Kindergarten, she had trouble with a girl being mean to her. I wanted to tell her to "be mean right back." But I knew that wasn't right. I had to challenge my own heart and remind myself that I believe that love overcomes hate. I told her to be nice to the girl no matter what: to smile, and say nice things. They became friends. Let us love even those who hate. That doesn't mean we have to be soft, but we have to stop and think: What DOES that mean? And we should do THAT.
Hillary and President Obama have been MOST GRACIOUS and are providing the MOST EXCELLENT EXAMPLE of how to behave. Let us try to heal this social rift that is now so apparent within the fabric of our nation. Some of us have made mental/social/heart journeys in which we have left others behind. But we must bid them to be our friends and see if we can walk down the road together and we might end up in a better place.
Let us remember that being truly inclusive means including bigots. It takes time for people to understand certain issues and change their minds/hearts. Let us bring one another forward by being true friends first.
Sorry I'm going to share a mom-story. When my first child went to Kindergarten, she had trouble with a girl being mean to her. I wanted to tell her to "be mean right back." But I knew that wasn't right. I had to challenge my own heart and remind myself that I believe that love overcomes hate. I told her to be nice to the girl no matter what: to smile, and say nice things. They became friends. Let us love even those who hate. That doesn't mean we have to be soft, but we have to stop and think: What DOES that mean? And we should do THAT.
Hillary and President Obama have been MOST GRACIOUS and are providing the MOST EXCELLENT EXAMPLE of how to behave. Let us try to heal this social rift that is now so apparent within the fabric of our nation. Some of us have made mental/social/heart journeys in which we have left others behind. But we must bid them to be our friends and see if we can walk down the road together and we might end up in a better place.
2
I think that Obamas greatly overplayed "going high" card while hosting Trumps in the White House. They should have shown them absolute minimum of courtesy required by the protocol and not an yota more. The reception they got enforces the view that it will be the presidency like all others - not the disaster for the USA and the rest of the world as certainly will.
7
Not to worry America, with Trump as Commander-in-Chief, Gingrich as Secretary of State, and the wacko-superhawk General Flynn running the Department of Defense, I doubt seriously we will be alive a year from now. "Live it up"... right now...while you can!
5
Funny you should mention that. During the entire campaign when people started ranting about Clinton being a warhawk -- I told them to look up Trump's foreign advisers, one of them being Lt. Gen Mike Flynn .... Well, they'll find out about him now, that's for sure!
3
Ah yes, Trump the novice! Not exactly someone would consider a good student much less great one, but there you have it. I see a struggle between DT and the Republican Establishment. They will try and tell him exactly what to do and he will naturally rebel. But no one can say for sure what the future holds for this man or the country for that matter. The country will be in a state of flux for some time. Problems lay ahead for him since so much is known about him and it is all recorded for history to review at any moment.
3
Have no fear, the oligarchy is still running things. The stock market did not tank and presidents can only do so much , much like the freedom of dogs at the end of the leash. The oligarchy likes Wall Street, world domination and control of the energy resouces . All's well with the world and then not.
1
If you actually took the time to look at a map, you'd realize the entire WORLD is made up of oligarchies is one shape or another all over the planet.
Want to change something? -- why not actually go out there and DO something about it????
Want to change something? -- why not actually go out there and DO something about it????
2
For all you Trump voters- the next time you are in the middle of a severe hurricane, drought, flood or other climate disaster- please keep your mouth shut and do not expect Herr Trump and the American taxpayer ( of course, this category does not include Trump), to come to the rescue with aid and money.
Climate change is the biggest existential threat we face and Trump is too stupid to even know it is real.
Don't whine that you don't want to pay taxes and you want a small government- and then stick your hand out when you need help. Don't expect anything from Trump- he has never in his entire life done anything for anyone but himself. You voted for him- now shut your mouth when things get even worse for you- and they will.
Climate change is the biggest existential threat we face and Trump is too stupid to even know it is real.
Don't whine that you don't want to pay taxes and you want a small government- and then stick your hand out when you need help. Don't expect anything from Trump- he has never in his entire life done anything for anyone but himself. You voted for him- now shut your mouth when things get even worse for you- and they will.
25
oh marian- -- did we not have hurricanes before the specter of climate change appeared before progressives and chilled them to their very bones? Didn't we have floods and droughts?
I want a skeptic in the WH so we stop this anti-fossil fuel madness. By the way, I know you haven't done this, but if you actually examine the data you wouldn't be so confident that CC is real. Of course the climate changes, but the data that underpins the whole AGW movement is shaky. Check it out. Really. Go to the NOAA site and play around with the climate data.
I want a skeptic in the WH so we stop this anti-fossil fuel madness. By the way, I know you haven't done this, but if you actually examine the data you wouldn't be so confident that CC is real. Of course the climate changes, but the data that underpins the whole AGW movement is shaky. Check it out. Really. Go to the NOAA site and play around with the climate data.
2
Thankfully, the campaign rhetoric is now over. The voters have spoken and it is time to make the best of our collective future. It will be interesting to see what Trump the Chameleon actually becomes given the tremendous responsibility he will have to shoulder. Hopefully, the Times and the press in general will realize that their reporting has been far askew from reality. The majority of voters may or may not be sympathetic to minority issues such as transgender bathrooms but the majority issues have been under-reported if not marginalized. Jobs and profits have been going overseas while the press has been unduly focused on bathroom gender issues and the like. It would be interesting to compare the views and priorities of the overall "press corps" with the average American. I doubt the public at large would be shown to have such a profound fixation on politically correct minority issues at the expense of trade, jobs and illegal immigration which affect infinitely more voters than what kind of bathrooms are available to us.
1
What don't you get? ..... There is no "collective future" under Trump.
He's a racist!
And you think he's going to do anything for you or this country, now that he holds the keys to the castle? -- Well good luck with that.
Another thing.
The voters have spoken by not giving him the majority of the popular vote.
It's the Electoral College that got him in.
He's a racist!
And you think he's going to do anything for you or this country, now that he holds the keys to the castle? -- Well good luck with that.
Another thing.
The voters have spoken by not giving him the majority of the popular vote.
It's the Electoral College that got him in.
8
As if it wasn't bad enough that 26% of voters decided they hated the 'establishment' enough to elect a vulgar, divisive, contemptuous, racist, openly disturbed egomaniacal woman hater (who's so bright he laughed about being a sexual predator with a mic on his collar), now the very establishment that he claims to hate but is obviously a disreputable part of ids telling us we need to give this person a chance. He had his chance, folks, we know who he is because he can't shut up about it, and we know the damage he will do. This person is a far right extremist who is supported gleefully by white supremacists and spent he last eight years undermining this country with false attacks on a popularly elected President (unlike him). He does not represent me or a single thing I believe in and I will do everything I can to see that his agenda of hate fails.
17
Sorry, but the words of a man (and I only use "man" in reference to his biological age) who is considering the likes of Palin, Lewandowski, Newt, Bolton and Thiel for cabinet level positions are not to be trusted. And let's not forgot that just about every utterance from Trump is a raving lie.
There's no solace when Trump acts vaguely like not an enraged 3 year old. It's an act, like his entire existence is an act. This man doesn't possess a single shred of ability to truly be mature, thoughtful, considered and reflective. He doesn't even have the attention span - or intellectual curiosity - to read and to learn.
Basically our goal here is to create and galvanize the largest popular movement in this nation's history away from the neo-liberalism and conservatism that drove millions to this demagogue and steer it back toward to basic principals of progressive liberalism, just like Bernie was doing before the Dem machine buried him and forced Clinton down our throats.
And in the meantime, hope that the Earth is still salvageable in 4 years. It may not be.
There's no solace when Trump acts vaguely like not an enraged 3 year old. It's an act, like his entire existence is an act. This man doesn't possess a single shred of ability to truly be mature, thoughtful, considered and reflective. He doesn't even have the attention span - or intellectual curiosity - to read and to learn.
Basically our goal here is to create and galvanize the largest popular movement in this nation's history away from the neo-liberalism and conservatism that drove millions to this demagogue and steer it back toward to basic principals of progressive liberalism, just like Bernie was doing before the Dem machine buried him and forced Clinton down our throats.
And in the meantime, hope that the Earth is still salvageable in 4 years. It may not be.
10
As found at Factcheck.org:
"As Alexander Hamilton writes in “The Federalist Papers,” the Constitution is designed to ensure “that the office of President will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.” The point of the Electoral College is to preserve “the sense of the people,” while at the same time ensuring that a president is chosen “by men most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to the station, and acting under circumstances favorable to deliberation, and to a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice.”"
How does the Electoral College awarding the election to Trump honor this directive to the letter? Especially in the increasing light of foreign sovereign interference.
"As Alexander Hamilton writes in “The Federalist Papers,” the Constitution is designed to ensure “that the office of President will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.” The point of the Electoral College is to preserve “the sense of the people,” while at the same time ensuring that a president is chosen “by men most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to the station, and acting under circumstances favorable to deliberation, and to a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice.”"
How does the Electoral College awarding the election to Trump honor this directive to the letter? Especially in the increasing light of foreign sovereign interference.
11
Hamilton was even smarter, you omitted the best part - as he saw Trump on the horizon already:
"Talents for low intrigue, and the little arts of popularity, may alone suffice to elevate a man to the first honors.“
If this not, as Ryan would say, a "text book definition of the con-man elected", I do not know what is!
"Talents for low intrigue, and the little arts of popularity, may alone suffice to elevate a man to the first honors.“
If this not, as Ryan would say, a "text book definition of the con-man elected", I do not know what is!
4
Good point.....IS ANYBODY LISTENING?????
3
Absent some scandal, the electoral college won't budge.
And it would have to be one heck of a scandal.
And it would have to be one heck of a scandal.
Among elementary students in my school district, Donald Trump has a reputation: "He's mean!" In kid-talk this is is a reference to bullying. We have anti-bullying program in which students learn how to defend themselves from abuse. We also have a virtues program in which one positive character trait, such as cooperation, respect, fairness, is highlighted in the school curriculum. We speak a common language that everyone knows.
Now, we have raised up a leader who uses bully language and who does not display the good character traits they have learned. The children can perceive this with their own minds. How are they to understand this? How could or would Donald Trump reach out to these children who are the future and the future voters of America?
Anyone know the story of "The Emperor Has No Clothes"? This story is a fitting metaphor for Donald Trump.
Now, we have raised up a leader who uses bully language and who does not display the good character traits they have learned. The children can perceive this with their own minds. How are they to understand this? How could or would Donald Trump reach out to these children who are the future and the future voters of America?
Anyone know the story of "The Emperor Has No Clothes"? This story is a fitting metaphor for Donald Trump.
7
From President Obama, referring to Mr. Trump: “I want to emphasize to you, Mr. President-elect, that we now are going to want to do everything we can to help you succeed because if you succeed, then the country succeeds.”
Huh, perhaps Mr. Obama believes as I do, that Mr. Trump is really a Democrat. Does Mr. Obama believe that America would succeed, if Obama Care is repealed, if Mr. Trump revisits NAFTA, if Mr. Trump rolls back Executive Orders, if Mr. Trump builds his wall, if Mr. Trump pushes through huge tax cuts and if Mr. Trump appoints judges in the mold of Justice Scalia?
Huh, perhaps Mr. Obama believes as I do, that Mr. Trump is really a Democrat. Does Mr. Obama believe that America would succeed, if Obama Care is repealed, if Mr. Trump revisits NAFTA, if Mr. Trump rolls back Executive Orders, if Mr. Trump builds his wall, if Mr. Trump pushes through huge tax cuts and if Mr. Trump appoints judges in the mold of Justice Scalia?
1
Through his Oval Office indiscretions, Bill Clinton enabled the election of GWBush.
Through a war that cost 5000 American lives and $1000 Billions attacking the wrong country, GW Bush enabled Barack Hussein Obama.
8 years of Barack Obama (proud to have voted for him, but he did predict that Americans will want a 'new car smell' in the White House ) - Donald Trump, with his spray can coated hair and face, seemed to fit the bill better than another Clinton - it is that simple folks.
Through a war that cost 5000 American lives and $1000 Billions attacking the wrong country, GW Bush enabled Barack Hussein Obama.
8 years of Barack Obama (proud to have voted for him, but he did predict that Americans will want a 'new car smell' in the White House ) - Donald Trump, with his spray can coated hair and face, seemed to fit the bill better than another Clinton - it is that simple folks.
You need to open the book a little bit further, because there was much more to the election of GW Bush than that.
And while you're at it, look at the real hidden forces behind that war that Bush and his cohorts started and left the Obama administration to deal with.
If you think Trump will do a better job at anything besides enriching himself, you have a big surprise in store...it's that simple.
And while you're at it, look at the real hidden forces behind that war that Bush and his cohorts started and left the Obama administration to deal with.
If you think Trump will do a better job at anything besides enriching himself, you have a big surprise in store...it's that simple.
6
My point is that Obama - we are going to miss him terribly - said that Americans will want a new car smell in 2016 and it seems that Hillary Clinton was not providing it.
Are you really not aware that Mitch McConnell said he (and the Republican-led Congress) woud obstruct everything Obama tired to achieve....starting on Day 1 of his administration???
It's all there -- Google it.
It's all there -- Google it.
2
If Mr. Trump is ready to start acting in a manner suited to the office he is assuming, he might make a statement against the acts of racism and humiliation against minorities on U.S. university campuses which have been reported today on this Web site. He should make clear that he does not support such acts and does not want his election construed as giving cover for them.
It's odd that almost every poll in every swing state was wrong... including exit polls (eerily similar to Bush/Kerry in 2004). Why are we so fast to accept these results as legitimate? Believe me, if almost all of the polls projected a Republican winner, and a Democrat won, there would be armed militias roaming the streets and investigations until 2020.
6
This is not true. Go to RCP and you will see that they correctly predicted Florida and North Carolina.
They did get the rust belt with their Republican governors and gutted cities wrong. And Pennsylvania.
They did get the rust belt with their Republican governors and gutted cities wrong. And Pennsylvania.
I suffered from whiplash after reading this and other recent articles. Mr. Trump words and tone seem to change almost daily. People normally take a president at his word and judge accordingly, as when President Obama promised to draw "a red line" in Syria and then changed his mind.
Keynes famously retorted when someone accused him of being inconsistent: When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, Sir?
But Trump changes his mind almost at a whim. He tweeted yesterday that the young people protesting his election were egged on by the media and being unfair, but a little while later said it was okay.
We will not be able to rely on President Trump's words, only on his decisions.
Even they may be jarringly inconsistent. We'll have an important clue when he chooses his cabinet secretaries: As secretary of state, a Senator Corker would tell us something different from a Newt Gingrich; As attorney-general, a Bill Weld would convey something different from a Rudolph Giuliani.
People are understanding and will give a newly-minted politician a fair amount of slack. Nevertheless, in addition to an uncertain world, we will be faced with an uncertain president.
Time to read the tea leaves or the ouija board.
Keynes famously retorted when someone accused him of being inconsistent: When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, Sir?
But Trump changes his mind almost at a whim. He tweeted yesterday that the young people protesting his election were egged on by the media and being unfair, but a little while later said it was okay.
We will not be able to rely on President Trump's words, only on his decisions.
Even they may be jarringly inconsistent. We'll have an important clue when he chooses his cabinet secretaries: As secretary of state, a Senator Corker would tell us something different from a Newt Gingrich; As attorney-general, a Bill Weld would convey something different from a Rudolph Giuliani.
People are understanding and will give a newly-minted politician a fair amount of slack. Nevertheless, in addition to an uncertain world, we will be faced with an uncertain president.
Time to read the tea leaves or the ouija board.
2
Maybe we've finally succeeded in putting a stake through the heart of the Clintons as political power-seekers and brokers, so that the Nina Turners and Tulsi Gabbards of the Democratic Party can thrive, and lead the party in the direction that will make it worth fighting for.
DNC--you did this. You tried to shove Hillary down our throats and enough of us gagged hard enough to spit her out.
All those snarling henchwomen who ensured Nina Turner wouldn't be able to speak at the Convention? Enjoy your retirements.
DNC--you did this. You tried to shove Hillary down our throats and enough of us gagged hard enough to spit her out.
All those snarling henchwomen who ensured Nina Turner wouldn't be able to speak at the Convention? Enjoy your retirements.
2
I would like to give President-elect Trump a chance. I would like to see the best of him and accept him as our leader. But I can't get past the despicable, hurtful, xenophobic, racist, mysoginist things he said during the campaign and the contemptuous look on his face when he said them. I don't accept this as "campaign-speak". And I don't know how there is redemption from that.
7
Indeed, the xenophobe in chief should be humbled. The misogynist who is now the leader of the free world should be humbled, but I doubt it. It would take balance to recognize what you do not know, and he hasn't a clue to what he does not know. This is a man who has never questioned himself, and he won't begin now. The threat to this country does not come from the outside, it comes from within, and it's here.
4
The Obamas are a class act. Their great composure at this time is heartening for those of us struggling with what may happen in days to come after Mr. Trump takes office.
However, thinking about Pres. Obama and Michelle Obama handing the keys over to an incredibly erratic, inexperienced man (backed by the alt-right and white nationalist groups) and a former nude and semi-nude model makes this sting much more.
However, thinking about Pres. Obama and Michelle Obama handing the keys over to an incredibly erratic, inexperienced man (backed by the alt-right and white nationalist groups) and a former nude and semi-nude model makes this sting much more.
9
I for one am not 'ready to heal' - I imagine a number of Germans thought they, too, could work with Hitler or compromise enough to live with whatever he brought. Nothing Trump has said (that was NOT scripted for him) is humble, gracious, insightful, intelligent or heartening in any way.
10
Give him a chance. Give me a break. Trump will have to prove himself bigly now that he is the big leagues.
4
Concerning the President, grace and dignity have been among the hallmarks of presidency. He continues to set an example as to how the rest of us should conduct ourselves.
7
I do not believe a word of what DJT says about anything. He is a liar.
14
Don't get your hopes up:
"Republicans and Democrats must work together and get along for the good of the country and its citizens."
Republicans and Democrats "work together" only when they conclude that public sentiment calls for it. That's why, for example, Hillary Clinton supported George W. Bush on the Iraq war. I thought then, and still think, she'd have voted against the Iraq war if she'd concluded that public sentiment was against it. But she concluded (correctly) that most voters favored attacking Iraq, and so she threw her anti-war principles out the window and voted FOR the war. (Later, of course, when the war started going badly, HRC announced she actually opposed it, but she voted FOR it the one and only time she was asked for her views; nobody much cared whether she later had a change of heart -- many people did.)
That's the sort of "working together" you can expect in the future. When it's in the best interests of both parties to vote the same way, they will. Otherwise they won't.
"Republicans and Democrats must work together and get along for the good of the country and its citizens."
Republicans and Democrats "work together" only when they conclude that public sentiment calls for it. That's why, for example, Hillary Clinton supported George W. Bush on the Iraq war. I thought then, and still think, she'd have voted against the Iraq war if she'd concluded that public sentiment was against it. But she concluded (correctly) that most voters favored attacking Iraq, and so she threw her anti-war principles out the window and voted FOR the war. (Later, of course, when the war started going badly, HRC announced she actually opposed it, but she voted FOR it the one and only time she was asked for her views; nobody much cared whether she later had a change of heart -- many people did.)
That's the sort of "working together" you can expect in the future. When it's in the best interests of both parties to vote the same way, they will. Otherwise they won't.
1
If only Democrats were that focused on their own interests 3 cents, and pursued them with that kind of intensity. Instead, Democrats have a long track record of capitulation to Republicans in the naive belief they will bank some "bipartisan good will" they can count on at some ephemeral point in the future.
Right now there should be throngs of working class, out-of-work Trump supporters in Ohio, western Pennsylvania, upstate NY, etc. packing their bags and preparing to move to W. Virginia, where jobs in coal mines will soon be booming, and along the southern border, where jobs building the border wall should soon materialize.
These "good paying middle class jobs" should be attracting them like magnets!
No? Why not? Rather be spending your day stewing about "the immigrants" taking those jobs too?
These "good paying middle class jobs" should be attracting them like magnets!
No? Why not? Rather be spending your day stewing about "the immigrants" taking those jobs too?
4
Hillary lost for all the reasons articulated by Bernie and his followers.
Whether there was any substance to the e-mail server or Clinton Foundation, Hillary failed to address these issues in a satisfactory way.
Obama has once again showed himself to be a class act. Well done Mr President. I thank you for your service.
Whether there was any substance to the e-mail server or Clinton Foundation, Hillary failed to address these issues in a satisfactory way.
Obama has once again showed himself to be a class act. Well done Mr President. I thank you for your service.
3
Re: “'... if you succeed, then the country succeeds,' Mr. Obama told Mr. Trump ..."
This is the narcissist's inversion. The truth is that if the country succeeds, then Mr. Trump succeeds. President Obama' knows this, as his behavior proved. Was the inversion necessary to establish a relationship? Mr. Trump will serve himself, and us all, if he gets this right.
This is the narcissist's inversion. The truth is that if the country succeeds, then Mr. Trump succeeds. President Obama' knows this, as his behavior proved. Was the inversion necessary to establish a relationship? Mr. Trump will serve himself, and us all, if he gets this right.
Mr Trump is a classic boy man personality. Playful, rough and tumble, headstrong like a boy, yet measured, sometimes reflective as a man.
That Trump is nervous is no surprise. He was a never an automaton, nor calculating operator. Why? Because that would never have awarded him success in his two careers, business and family.
Mr Trump is clearly a man who is dedicated to his work, his family and those who do good work for him.
He is an emotional man, who emotes across the range, with passion and above all sincerity. He is above all a man of integrity. And more than anything Trump is respectful of those who deserve his respect.
Time will be the test of Mr Trumps character and his ability to handle the pressures of the presidency.
However, this new era unfolds, the nation yet again will learn and grow from the experience and above all, the USA again will have shown it's never ending willingness to embrace the unknown, the untested and unchartered waters of the future.
That Trump is nervous is no surprise. He was a never an automaton, nor calculating operator. Why? Because that would never have awarded him success in his two careers, business and family.
Mr Trump is clearly a man who is dedicated to his work, his family and those who do good work for him.
He is an emotional man, who emotes across the range, with passion and above all sincerity. He is above all a man of integrity. And more than anything Trump is respectful of those who deserve his respect.
Time will be the test of Mr Trumps character and his ability to handle the pressures of the presidency.
However, this new era unfolds, the nation yet again will learn and grow from the experience and above all, the USA again will have shown it's never ending willingness to embrace the unknown, the untested and unchartered waters of the future.
1
We are now all enrolled in Trump University.
9
And so begins A REIGN OF ERROR... The irony that has emerged from the federal election is that roughly one quarter of eligible voters in America pulled off a bloodless revolution thinking erroneously they were raising their middle fingers to that establishment cesspool called Washington in which the biggest chunks are the pharmaceutical, insurance, banking and military-industrial empires, among the other rancid chunks floating about.
What that minority has achieved, in fact, is to choose as their champion an unrepentant bully, bigot, misogynist and cheat whose only redeemable feature is to have occasionally rebelled against the establishment, when convenient.
The irony turns into tragedy when you do the math: About one half of those eligible to vote actually performed their obligation as a citizen in one of the world’s most successful democracies, at least it was until recent decades.
This means that roughly one quarter of the eligible voters succeeded in imposing their will upon a population seven times its size. That is correct—on November 8 approximately 50 million voters decided the futures of 350 million Americans.
As for those 100 million-plus Americans who failed their country by not voting, they would do well to heed the words of Plato: “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”
And so it came to pass.
What that minority has achieved, in fact, is to choose as their champion an unrepentant bully, bigot, misogynist and cheat whose only redeemable feature is to have occasionally rebelled against the establishment, when convenient.
The irony turns into tragedy when you do the math: About one half of those eligible to vote actually performed their obligation as a citizen in one of the world’s most successful democracies, at least it was until recent decades.
This means that roughly one quarter of the eligible voters succeeded in imposing their will upon a population seven times its size. That is correct—on November 8 approximately 50 million voters decided the futures of 350 million Americans.
As for those 100 million-plus Americans who failed their country by not voting, they would do well to heed the words of Plato: “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”
And so it came to pass.
5
For more than a year Donald Trump has behaved like a drunk at a wedding. Now that the event is over he wants us all to be civil again. Well, one afternoon of polite behavior isn't enough to make everyone forgive and forget his egregious conduct and foul mouth. The recent protests of his election may be excessive, but they are understandable considering what he just put the country through. We've never seen anything like it, nor do we want it again. Half the nation wishes this was 2019, that 2020 was almost here.
Trump's campaign was so divisive and downright mean, that the nation's emotions will need time to reset. It was newsworthy that the meeting between Obama and Trump did not descend into name calling. Now Trump is facing a Congress where the Democrats will be expected to be patriotic, but have few practical reasons why they should cooperate, and many of the Republicans don't owe him squat. Will he be civil and presidential with a Congress that is uncompliant to his wishes? That is the harvest that he has sown.
President Obama said, "We want to help you succeed because if you succeed, then the country succeeds". That should be remembered, especially by those who must grudgingly accept this elections' results. The next four years will pass, the nation will endure, and by then everyone's nerves won't be so raw .
Trump's campaign was so divisive and downright mean, that the nation's emotions will need time to reset. It was newsworthy that the meeting between Obama and Trump did not descend into name calling. Now Trump is facing a Congress where the Democrats will be expected to be patriotic, but have few practical reasons why they should cooperate, and many of the Republicans don't owe him squat. Will he be civil and presidential with a Congress that is uncompliant to his wishes? That is the harvest that he has sown.
President Obama said, "We want to help you succeed because if you succeed, then the country succeeds". That should be remembered, especially by those who must grudgingly accept this elections' results. The next four years will pass, the nation will endure, and by then everyone's nerves won't be so raw .
3
50% of the population did not vote for Trump and of the other 50% I would say a quarter probably voted for him not because they championed him but because they hated Clinton. Thus you have a very divided country.
I'm hopeful that Trump and his team will recognize the above and use the next few weeks as an opportunity to prove wrong everyone who did not vote for him, that he can be a leader, that he can rise to the occasion, that he can build a consensus and lead a deeply divided country.
Although I did not vote for Trump, he is our President and I respect that and remain hopeful that tomorrow will be a better day for all Americans.
I'm hopeful that Trump and his team will recognize the above and use the next few weeks as an opportunity to prove wrong everyone who did not vote for him, that he can be a leader, that he can rise to the occasion, that he can build a consensus and lead a deeply divided country.
Although I did not vote for Trump, he is our President and I respect that and remain hopeful that tomorrow will be a better day for all Americans.
2
It is just surreal to see the two of them side by side. One a man who has lived a life of accomplishment through honesty, integrity and dignity and the other who has lived a life of accomplishment through dishonesty, disrespect and cruelty.
8
Love may mean, 'never having to say you're sorry', but I'm not in love with this guy. Asking me for my support is not going to do it. Recognition of his vulgar defamation of his fellow Americans for the last eighteen months with an apology might, might get me to listen. So, until then...he's not my president. Get humble Donald, you are in service to your country, not the other way around.
7
The AP video of the meeting ends before the most impressive part when Mr. Trump warm-heartedly calls Mr. Obama, “A very good man”. This revealing moment could have been the headline of your article. It is time to heed the lyrics of the old song and “Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative.” E Rodney King, who suffered brutal beating at the hands of the L.A. Police 25 years ago, pleaded ”Can’t we all get along?” to help quell the riots. The vitriol, and divisiveness of this repulsive campaign must stop! We must move forward, cooperatively playing the hand we have been dealt to its optimum potential. It is especially relevant on this Veterans’ Day when many families are tearfully remembering their loved ones who selflessly preserved our liberty; especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
I am deeply saddened by the stark contrast between my then 17 year old uncle who, during WWII in the Pacific Theater, flew 90 hostile-fire combat missions as a tail gunner stuffed in a B17 glass coffin and today’s pampered and clueless youth who are woefully unable to cope with the results of a fair, Constitutional election.
A basic tenet of the freedom for which our heroes died is “truth”. The old adage “the truth will set you free” was never more valid than it is today. Let’s all put the campaign lies, bias, propaganda and intense animosity behind us and work together to maintain, appreciate and celebrate the glory of greatest country on Earth!
I am deeply saddened by the stark contrast between my then 17 year old uncle who, during WWII in the Pacific Theater, flew 90 hostile-fire combat missions as a tail gunner stuffed in a B17 glass coffin and today’s pampered and clueless youth who are woefully unable to cope with the results of a fair, Constitutional election.
A basic tenet of the freedom for which our heroes died is “truth”. The old adage “the truth will set you free” was never more valid than it is today. Let’s all put the campaign lies, bias, propaganda and intense animosity behind us and work together to maintain, appreciate and celebrate the glory of greatest country on Earth!
1
And you seriously think Donald is giving a hoot about those that either died, like the Khan's son, the captured and tortured ones, like Mc Cain, or your uncle? He does care what they died for, he is abusing the republic. Veterans day, my....:"Oh, I forgot to give you the check, well it is much smaller now, I had to buy an important self portrait"
7
I will "accept" (as many of his supporters say I should, without question) the president-elect when he accepts me as a full citizen due all of my civil rights, including my marriage. He campaigned saying he would take away my rights and undo my marriage, and end my husband's health insurance, among other things. With those words, he himself chose NOT to be my president, but my enemy. I am waiting with bated breath to see what transpires. Based on what I know of him and his actions as a business person, I am not hopeful. I expect to have to fight tooth and nail against his policies for four years.
10
Trump looked small and scared. No photos of the two standing together were shown, for obvious reasons. Trump seems to think he can just say ha, ha, didn't mean it and we will all come together around him. His personnel choices are toxic. He has zero chance of bringing jobs to the rural areas of the rust belt states without a federal jobs program. He dismisses science. He opposes vaccinations. He cheats on his taxes but wants me to pay mine, so he can afford even more cuts for the upper brackets. I feel like I did on the day we invaded Iraq. This electoral college win was a YUGE national blunder.
20
“I think what the American people are looking for is results,” Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who will retain his majority leader title by virtue of surprising Republican victories, told reporters. “And to get results in the Senate, as all of you know, it requires some Democratic participation and cooperation.” OK, Mitch, where has the Republican co-operation been the last 8 years?
15
Snowden released a video the day before the election showing how a $30memory card could change the votes. Hillary had 223 electoral votes. All she needed was two or three states to be hacked. Arizona, Florida and Illinois HAD been hacked by the Russians. Think About that and read about the old systems currently in use (i.e. older than 10 years without security updates). The interesting thing is that normally whenever a Republican won the Presidency there would always be a balance in the Senate. Not this time.
10
Aside from the fact that Trump looked like he couldn't focus on what President Obama was saying, he still hasn't changed. After seeing President Obama, he tweeted that it was a great meeting and then went on the usual rant saying that the protesters nationwide were professionals incited by the media.
5
I'm lost. Regardless of who our president-elect is, why is this transition any different than any other? "But the crush of information may be onerous..."? Really?
Perhaps if everyone just relaxed and allowed the normal mechanisms of government to flow forward we will all see that this isn't going to be the Apocolypse.
Perhaps if everyone just relaxed and allowed the normal mechanisms of government to flow forward we will all see that this isn't going to be the Apocolypse.
5
The crush of information may be onerous on Mr. Trump because he has no idea what to do to even to carry out his plans. He is the only person who we have elected President who has neither served in any government post, nor the armed services. I pray for Mr. Trump and our country. God help us!
It is impossible to believe that my fellow Americans could waste their vote on someone so ill-suited for any kind of responsible government position.
Maybe the secret ballot idea has outlived its proper times?
We might all die of shock, like lemmings?
Maybe the secret ballot idea has outlived its proper times?
We might all die of shock, like lemmings?
5
My biggest fear over the next four years is mob-like violence from Trump supporters. During his campaign, Trump's supporters were collaborators in establishing false realities which is a powerful and dangerous thing to do. The gained the Orwellian understanding that if everyone agrees to the same narrative, even if false, then it can happen.
It's as if the campaign were a training class for future violence. With a signal from President Tweet, the mob will be sent to do their job.
The media is one group that I expect to see physically attacked by Trump supporters. Only yesterday, Tweet accused the media of inciting street protests.
It's as if the campaign were a training class for future violence. With a signal from President Tweet, the mob will be sent to do their job.
The media is one group that I expect to see physically attacked by Trump supporters. Only yesterday, Tweet accused the media of inciting street protests.
9
This is so much "Sheep in the Deep" Cartoon. This picture reminds me that after all the acrimonious interplay they still "Clock Out" at the end of the day. Hopefully that cartoonish interplay was just for entertainment. Let's hope nothing drastic ensues. We can only hope.
1
I am not sure Trump was legitimately elected. Hillary was on a roll until the FBI intervened. It seemed that after that her numbers tanked. The race was always going to tighten up at the end, but I think the phony FBI notification to voters and Congress may have made the difference. And although there are many statements about how nice a guy Comey is, I question his intentions. He should have known better - and apparently, according to press reports, he was pressured by Trump supporters in the FBI who were unhappy he had previously stopped investigating Clinton. Yes, the system was rigged, or manipulated, to result in a Trump victory. The Comey interference in the election needs more attention New York Times. And If Mr. Trump is wondering why there are protesters on the streets, maybe he should realize that he very possibly got elected because of FBI interference in the election. So to see him shake hands with Obama, makes me cringe. Hopefully, he is not merely a tool of Bannon and his cohorts, because I believe that if so, we are in for dark times. Mr. Trump, be your own man. work for all Americans and don't be a supplicant of the alt-right fanatics. You are a New Yorker - use your common sense, experience and street smarts, and get good, honest - - yes, honest, advisors - but don't become a right wing, alt-right fanatic. If you do that, you will ruin this country.
5
Appearances are deceiving. Chalk that up to the media being fooled because they used old models to measure new electoral forces and allowed implicit biases of a political nature to blind themselves to the change. Looking at the numbers in the way states were flipped electorally, it's unlikely that anything about Clinton and emails made enough of a difference to change this outcome. Surveys are indicating that the vast majority of the surprise (to the media) vote for Trump was decided by September. Maybe the July farce in congress about email locked that in, but the biggest single determinant of this election result is the continued existence of the ultimate system of rigging elections: the Electoral College.
I would like to see a very detailed analysis of the effects of the Comey interference on the election - as accurate or informative as possible. I suspect that we cannot get a clear answer on this - but also - the press and the political class should not forget about this FBI interference in the election. The interference cannot be swept under the rug. Comey's actions obviously had some effect on the electorate and the election results and I would like to know what that effect was. It is not going to change the fact that Trump won the election - but the public should know - as much as possible - what the effects of the Comey interference was. I don't like the idea of brushing off the FBI interference. It is much too serious to gloss over. If after detailed analysis, the FBI interference turns out to have had a negligible effect, so be it, and the same if it had a concrete effect on the election. The electorate deserves to know as much as possible about the FBI interference. Someone who is knowledgeable about these kinds of analyses, please do it and publish your results.
2
It's hard to imagine the Trumps actually living in the White House. Though a lovely, historical home, it doesn't even compare to the gaudy, over-the-top, extravagant residence to which they are accustomed.
5
I can't recall a single new President who didn't say this after the first few months in office:
"Gosh, I thought the President had more power than this. It's much tougher than I'd expected to get anything accomplished."
The savvier Presidents recognize that their window of opportunity closes quickly -- it's pretty much the first year in office, and that's assuming they have both houses of Congress behind them. (Trump does, of course, though it's far from clear that he and the Republican Congressional leaders really agree.) If the minority party has enough power to filibuster -- as the Democrats obviously do -- that "window of opportunity" may never open in the first place.
Among other reasons, this is why many Presidents often find foreign policy and executive orders more to their liking.
"Gosh, I thought the President had more power than this. It's much tougher than I'd expected to get anything accomplished."
The savvier Presidents recognize that their window of opportunity closes quickly -- it's pretty much the first year in office, and that's assuming they have both houses of Congress behind them. (Trump does, of course, though it's far from clear that he and the Republican Congressional leaders really agree.) If the minority party has enough power to filibuster -- as the Democrats obviously do -- that "window of opportunity" may never open in the first place.
Among other reasons, this is why many Presidents often find foreign policy and executive orders more to their liking.
Throughout the video, I couldn't take my eyes off of the unwavering gaze of Martin Luther King, Jr. just behind Mr. Trump. He might decide to move that bust to a less conspicuous place in the White House, or he might decide to keep it there. Who knows?
4
I wish I could be cheered by Donald Trump's uncharacteristically humble comments after meeting with President Obama. But I am quickly reminded of his diplomatic remarks after meeting with Mexico's president during the campaign, only for him to lash out at Mexican immigrants hours later at a rally in Arizona. All this rhetoric and posturing during the transition is relatively meaningless. What will matter are the choices President-elect Trump makes to fill his Cabinet, and how they exercise their power. Until they prove that they are capable of being more thoughtful and compassionate that the candidate was during the campaign, I will remain highly skeptical.
7
These people are middle age and older. Yes, it is possible that older folks can change, but what evidence have you seen with this bunch that they have, can, or want to?
I mean, despite being slapped down multiple times in his career, Gingrich is still an insufferable pig. Christie is at worst a criminal for BridgeGate and at best a leader who fostered an environment that allowed BridgeGate to happen. Giuliano still thinks - despite a ton of evidence to the contrary, not counting the devastating psychic harm he did to the minority communties in NYC - that stop and frisk during his administration was actually significant in addressing crime. let's not even go into Sarah Palin and Steve Bannon.
US Presidents have enormous power, but, arguably, bad Cabinet picks have done more harm to this country over the years than all the bad Presidents...combined.
I mean, despite being slapped down multiple times in his career, Gingrich is still an insufferable pig. Christie is at worst a criminal for BridgeGate and at best a leader who fostered an environment that allowed BridgeGate to happen. Giuliano still thinks - despite a ton of evidence to the contrary, not counting the devastating psychic harm he did to the minority communties in NYC - that stop and frisk during his administration was actually significant in addressing crime. let's not even go into Sarah Palin and Steve Bannon.
US Presidents have enormous power, but, arguably, bad Cabinet picks have done more harm to this country over the years than all the bad Presidents...combined.
If this was about jobs, why didn't non-whites, and especially those in the rust belt, come out in droves and vote for Trump?
What about Clinton winning the popular vote substantially and on a historic level, thanks in part to voters left behind in the economy who voted for her?
Why have McConnell et al. talked only about repealing the ACA, rolling back regulations, and appointing conservative judges? Why is he not talking about JOBS?
And why are there numerous, concentrated hate crimes popping up these last couple of days all across the country?
Republicans?
What about Clinton winning the popular vote substantially and on a historic level, thanks in part to voters left behind in the economy who voted for her?
Why have McConnell et al. talked only about repealing the ACA, rolling back regulations, and appointing conservative judges? Why is he not talking about JOBS?
And why are there numerous, concentrated hate crimes popping up these last couple of days all across the country?
Republicans?
8
I think Democrats should learn a lot from two specific things that Obama did when we was elected, then re-elected. On two issues, he executed a very delicately worded viewpoint. For questions about his faith and religion, and questions about gay-marriage, he delivered a message that essentially did two things:
1. On the surface, he appeared to be uneasy about gay-marriage, and to support religious faith.
2. In reality, it was obvious that religion would play no part in his actual decisions, and that he clearly supported any and all LGBT rights.
The right bases their decisions on feelings. If they feel persecuted, then in their head, they are. If they feel like are being victimized, then in their head, they are. Data and examples don't convince them, feelings do.
Small example - on immigration, most of the country supports some kind of plan that keeps them here. But feelings win out during elections. Republicans are often vague on issues because they know it doesn't pay to be.
Hillary Clinton did not appeal to people's feelings, and neither did Gore, Kerry or McCain. The more charismatic person will usually win. Sanders probably had at least an equal chance of beating Trump, because he just made people feel good when he spoke.
Please, democrats, learn from this. Run on campaigns based in fact but lathered with several coats of thick feelings. Voters - be smart enough (like you were with Obama) to know when they're doing this.
1. On the surface, he appeared to be uneasy about gay-marriage, and to support religious faith.
2. In reality, it was obvious that religion would play no part in his actual decisions, and that he clearly supported any and all LGBT rights.
The right bases their decisions on feelings. If they feel persecuted, then in their head, they are. If they feel like are being victimized, then in their head, they are. Data and examples don't convince them, feelings do.
Small example - on immigration, most of the country supports some kind of plan that keeps them here. But feelings win out during elections. Republicans are often vague on issues because they know it doesn't pay to be.
Hillary Clinton did not appeal to people's feelings, and neither did Gore, Kerry or McCain. The more charismatic person will usually win. Sanders probably had at least an equal chance of beating Trump, because he just made people feel good when he spoke.
Please, democrats, learn from this. Run on campaigns based in fact but lathered with several coats of thick feelings. Voters - be smart enough (like you were with Obama) to know when they're doing this.
Small edit: last line in 4th paragraph is miss worded, but I think you get the idea.
Make no mistake, Sanders has a pretty good grasp of data and examples, too (maybe not as much as Clinton, but who does?). Sanders ran up against the "feeling" in the DNP that, for one reason or another, it needed to be Hillary Clinton's time.
The thing is, we have to stop accepting decisions based on feelings and try to teach our children to analyze and accept facts, even when they contradict our feelings. If we don't, this kind of monumental disconnect will continue to happen, to the detriment of our progress - in the US and in the world.
The thing is, we have to stop accepting decisions based on feelings and try to teach our children to analyze and accept facts, even when they contradict our feelings. If we don't, this kind of monumental disconnect will continue to happen, to the detriment of our progress - in the US and in the world.
He will not be controlling anything. And, anyone who thinks that he is a super-hands-on CEO, as if he makes all the decisions, is foolish. Also foolish to think that his 3 adult children are solely responsible for running his company. It's all a great PR scheme.
Let's not forget that this man is a Reality TV Star. He can fake it whenever he wants to fake it. Visibly, he was as antsy as a 5 year old during this publicly released short sit-down with President Obama, and I don't expect him to have much of an attention span when he takes office.
Furthermore, I don't expect him to have the backbone to stand up to whatever the GOP controlled House and Senate want to do.
Can't wait to see how many nights he escapes the White House to go back to Trump Tower and Mar-A-Lago. Although, the big, lavish "state" dinners will be right up his alley.
Let's not forget that this man is a Reality TV Star. He can fake it whenever he wants to fake it. Visibly, he was as antsy as a 5 year old during this publicly released short sit-down with President Obama, and I don't expect him to have much of an attention span when he takes office.
Furthermore, I don't expect him to have the backbone to stand up to whatever the GOP controlled House and Senate want to do.
Can't wait to see how many nights he escapes the White House to go back to Trump Tower and Mar-A-Lago. Although, the big, lavish "state" dinners will be right up his alley.
8
Unless they build a wall around the Trump Tower neighborhood, there is no way they can properly secure it. The Secret Service is probably pulling their hair out trying to figure out what to do if Trump wants to stay at Trump Tower on a regular basis...not to mention all the nearby neighbors and businesses freaking-out. All the Republicans who angrily complain about the cost to the taxpayers when Obama goes to New York a few times a year...just imagine how much it will cost to pay for security now.
1
Look to Wisconsin to see the future of the United States. Controlled by Republicans, our state now represents voter suppression, deteriorating roads, structural budget deficits ($1.8B for 2015-2017), listless economy, industry closing/moving, declining school systems, increased local taxes, increased fees to use parks, hunt and fish, decline of the once world-class University of Wisconsin System, reduced support for k-12 education, elimination of regulations to protect water, wetlands, shore lands, lakes and streams, and more....
15
Sounds like Kansas.
9
....And it works: The more horrible the place becomes, the more uneducated people become, the deeper the living standard sinks: They voted for Trump, to have more of it, talking about addiction!
8
Read Arlie Hochschild's new book to understand why people vote against their own interests
2
Incorrect:
"To accept him is to endorse his views."
To accept him is to accept the fact that he was duly elected -- no more, no less. Over the years, I've "accepted" many Presidents for that reason, even if I strongly disagreed with most of their views, even if I thought they were total jerks.
In addition, I don't recall ever being asked whether I "accepted" a President or not. You should brace yourself too: I very seriously doubt any government official will ask you, or care, whether you "accept" Trump or not.
"To accept him is to endorse his views."
To accept him is to accept the fact that he was duly elected -- no more, no less. Over the years, I've "accepted" many Presidents for that reason, even if I strongly disagreed with most of their views, even if I thought they were total jerks.
In addition, I don't recall ever being asked whether I "accepted" a President or not. You should brace yourself too: I very seriously doubt any government official will ask you, or care, whether you "accept" Trump or not.
18
"Over the years, I've "accepted" many Presidents for that reason"
Yes.
Over the years, I've said over and over that who is elected is less important than the fact that we have a process every four years in which we select our president, and we followed it yet again. I am a bit challenged this time to say this, but I do say it. I prefer President Trump to not having a process and following it, regardless of how I feel about the outcome this time.
Let's give the man the benefit of the doubt now, and hope for the best.
Yes.
Over the years, I've said over and over that who is elected is less important than the fact that we have a process every four years in which we select our president, and we followed it yet again. I am a bit challenged this time to say this, but I do say it. I prefer President Trump to not having a process and following it, regardless of how I feel about the outcome this time.
Let's give the man the benefit of the doubt now, and hope for the best.
Yep. I didn't vote for him. In fact , I loathe him. However, he was elected by the process outlined in our Constitution. That's how our system has worked for 200+ years. I don't like the result this time. I don't like him, but, I do accept him as president. That's not at all the same thing as endorsing him.
Just for the record.
I don't like him.
I didn't vote for him.
I don't accept him.
He isn't my President.
And now, I'm probably on his "list".
I don't like him.
I didn't vote for him.
I don't accept him.
He isn't my President.
And now, I'm probably on his "list".
3
I predict America's economy will react to Trump's victory as it did to that of the two previous Republican businessmen who ascended to the presidency: Hebert Hoover and George W. Bush.
Congratulations, America.
Congratulations, America.
7
It feels like it could be months before we start to understand what a President Trump will be like. Has there ever been a politician who can flip the switch so quickly between vile and viscous to charming and reasonable? Call it wishful thinking but he may have a few Republicans on his grudge list that will prevent him from going full rightwing puppet.
2
what part of this face is charming exactly??
3
I thought Trump looked a little shell shocked yesterday. Maybe the reality of the responsibilities of being President are starting to sink in. I oppose him, but do not agree with the violent protests going on -- that just plays into the hands of the opposition. Mr. Trump vowed to "drain the swamp": and not hire lobbyists. However, it appears his short lists of cabinet posts and transition team members are filled with political hacks, Bush neo-cons and lobbyists. I wonder if his supporters will note this. Unfortunately I think the Trump supporters were subject to the biggest con job in American history. Time will tell.
12
The bizareness of US politics: A man Trump once called the "Founder of ISIS" and a Muslim foreigner, he now calls a "good man" and looks forward to his "counsel." And President Obama having to reiterate the efficient transfer of power to help him hit the ground running... in order to what....completely dismantle all of the things he has worked for for eight years. This is absurdity upon absurdity.
68
Spot on - sadness for, and pride in, President Obama's grace in this situation was the sucker punch I felt shortly after the reality of Trump's election had begun to sink in. Hypocrisy and irony are ascendant in 2016.
4
Yes, it is indeed an obscene absurdity. There are better countries in which to live.
3
"Break the Ice" That had to be a challenge given the nature of the just concluded campaign. But I would have expected no less from Obama. You may disagree with his politics, but no one can say he is not a real gentleman. And that is why he has remained a popular President.
4
And later he tweeted about the demonstration against him, blaming them on the press. If he doesn't develop a thicker skin and soon, we're all in even deeper trouble than we thought!
20
Hallelujah Hallelujah
Obama's suppressed joy is so obvious in the White House pictures, but the results of the Triumph of Trump are already obvious:
Drone pictures from throughout the Middle East show IsIs fighters piling up their weapons in cities and villages in Syria, Libya, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen
and lying face down with their hands behind their heads.
Barron Trump will head the department of education.
Florsheim broke ground on a factory in Massachusetts. Steel companies broke ground in Youngstown, and Scranton, and Bemidji.
Trump ties will be made in new factories in South Carolina.
West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky are cheered at the prospect of blackened waterways. Mining companies are already removing safety equipment from the mines anticipating the rollback of burdensome job killing regulations.
Generalissimo Trump has said "If the water flows, how can there be lead in it?"
Horse breeders are inseminating their stock like crazy as The Great Showman promises to bring the US Cavalry back to World War I levels.
As America turns to it's fascist future.
Obama's suppressed joy is so obvious in the White House pictures, but the results of the Triumph of Trump are already obvious:
Drone pictures from throughout the Middle East show IsIs fighters piling up their weapons in cities and villages in Syria, Libya, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen
and lying face down with their hands behind their heads.
Barron Trump will head the department of education.
Florsheim broke ground on a factory in Massachusetts. Steel companies broke ground in Youngstown, and Scranton, and Bemidji.
Trump ties will be made in new factories in South Carolina.
West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky are cheered at the prospect of blackened waterways. Mining companies are already removing safety equipment from the mines anticipating the rollback of burdensome job killing regulations.
Generalissimo Trump has said "If the water flows, how can there be lead in it?"
Horse breeders are inseminating their stock like crazy as The Great Showman promises to bring the US Cavalry back to World War I levels.
As America turns to it's fascist future.
7
It is amazing what white people in this country expect black people to accept with dignity and grace. It is really is remarkable that black people continue to do so.
7
I wish more of them could have voted. They were deliberately obstructed by GOP states.
The election is over.
It's clear that many here are having a hard time coming to terms with that, but that is the reality of it.
And make no mistake, he IS your president if you're an American.
And to all those prognosticators that threatened to leave the country if Trump won........well, why are you still here?
I felt the same way as you when Obama was elected but I have respect for the office AND the man whomever it is. It's simply un-American to feel otherwise.
Respect the decision, respect the process and respect the other half of your fellow countrymen.
You had your candidate for 8 years now we get ours for 4. Stop whining.
It's clear that many here are having a hard time coming to terms with that, but that is the reality of it.
And make no mistake, he IS your president if you're an American.
And to all those prognosticators that threatened to leave the country if Trump won........well, why are you still here?
I felt the same way as you when Obama was elected but I have respect for the office AND the man whomever it is. It's simply un-American to feel otherwise.
Respect the decision, respect the process and respect the other half of your fellow countrymen.
You had your candidate for 8 years now we get ours for 4. Stop whining.
6
Freedom of Speech. Is. not. Whining.
9
I've heard a lot of sentiments like this, and I can't help but wonder about the Trump supporters who threatened to riot in the streets and claim the election was rigged if he didn't win. So let me ask you this--if Clinton had won, would you be giving the same speech to "whining" Trump supporters? If not, you're nothing but a hypocrite.
6
Crossing Overhead, I do not agree with the choice that the electorate made, But I do agree with your comments 100%. He was elected President. I respect the choice made because the people chose. I respect the office so I will respect the man that occupies it. Good day to you.
The "intellectual" liberal Obama took America to $20 trillion in debt from $11 trillion. He also presided over record increases in food stamp, public housing and welfare users. He abandoned Iraq, leading to the rise of ISIS. He foisted a phony and costly healthcare plan on Americans, leaving many unable to afford it. And he divided America along class and racial lines by blaming the police for black crimes on multiple occasions. He will be leaving America in much worse shape. I'll take my chances with Trump, despite what the intellectuals say.
5
When, exactly, did Obama "blame the police for black crimes"?
5
Sorry, Paul. You either have a selective memory, or a very poor grasp of the economic shape this country was in when GW Bush rode off into the sunset in 2008.
See the following:
www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/with-improving-economy-obama-wag...
See the following:
www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/with-improving-economy-obama-wag...
2
A Revolution has taken place. There was a strong network in place to achieve this "Coup". The Democrats should not relax. They need to create a network addressing why this party was so hampered and out of touch. Suffering will multiply as a result of this election. Everyone who feels hoodwinked should work harder to offset any demolition ahead.
2
It was more complicated than that. (Politics usually is.) The element that can be described as We Have To Give Clinton Her Shot - combined with other factors (including a failure to understand the interweaving of implicit bias and socioeconomic pain in the establishment of fact-resistant beliefs), caused too many to ignore the facts that are obvious in hindsight suggesting that Sanders would have whupped Trump's you-know-what.
And for you conspiracy theorists - much of We Have To Give Clinton Her Shot had nothing to do with any Machiavellian, invisible fingers of international banks and foreign interests and Clinton supposed greed.
And for you conspiracy theorists - much of We Have To Give Clinton Her Shot had nothing to do with any Machiavellian, invisible fingers of international banks and foreign interests and Clinton supposed greed.
How hypocritical of the Obama supporters who are now turning on him for having a meeting with President-elect Trump. And some of them are blaming Obama for Clinton's failure to be elected. I'm not happy that Trump has been legally elected, but I'm very happy that the arrogant Clinton has been slapped down.
4
Slapped down by winning the popular vote? BTW its wrong to slap(or grope) women. Freudian slip from you there.
1
LOL, who is more arrogant that Donald Trump? Evidently, you just resent arrogance when it doesn't agree with your views.
1
I spent a week in the icu--missed the election, the shock, and the hangover. It's like stepping out of a time capsule and finding the world of futuristic dystopia had become real. Almost tempting to head back to the icu.
11
"days before he gains access to the nuclear codes". With those last words, the full impact of this election hit me squarely in the face, not that I had not known this was going to happen, but now it is undeniably real. I have been in denial these past two days. With each event now, the situation we are facing is becoming an unspeakable, irrefutable reality. We have only two months of protection afforded to us by our gracious, intelligent President.
When a Supreme Court Justice is appointed and sworn in, there will be no checks and balances in our government. The ACLU will be our only firewall, so please donate to that organization. Also we need to start organizing for the midterm elections, in the hopes that Democrats will prevail in one House of Congress. In order to do that, we need to start with the Democratic Party.
We desperately need new leadership in the Party, if we are to move forward. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect different results - we all know what that defines. Further, I hope the younger generation will become involved in a grassroots effort to elect more liberal candidates at every level of political office. Their futures are on the line, as are all of ours. We cannot, and must not, give up.
When a Supreme Court Justice is appointed and sworn in, there will be no checks and balances in our government. The ACLU will be our only firewall, so please donate to that organization. Also we need to start organizing for the midterm elections, in the hopes that Democrats will prevail in one House of Congress. In order to do that, we need to start with the Democratic Party.
We desperately need new leadership in the Party, if we are to move forward. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect different results - we all know what that defines. Further, I hope the younger generation will become involved in a grassroots effort to elect more liberal candidates at every level of political office. Their futures are on the line, as are all of ours. We cannot, and must not, give up.
41
What are Democrats supposed to do differently? Avoid losing the way the other side did by being malicious and mean spirited and name calling, and indecency, threats and temper tantrums, stoking divisiveness and the release of our darker angels, and outright lies and racial vote suppression and on and on and on? That's not the mind of a Democrat. That's not who we are. Sometimes the dark side wins, but the "force" endures. And until reason can return to governance, may the force be with us all.
Also, it's important to remember, HRC won the popular vote. So it's the antiquated electoral college that needs amending. And, alas, Trump's supporters will soon learn that "all that glitters is not gold" and that an unhinged unfiltered let it all hang out entertainer on a stage might be fun, but that same entertainer governing a country and being the most powerful human in the world is a potential looming catastrophe.
Also, it's important to remember, HRC won the popular vote. So it's the antiquated electoral college that needs amending. And, alas, Trump's supporters will soon learn that "all that glitters is not gold" and that an unhinged unfiltered let it all hang out entertainer on a stage might be fun, but that same entertainer governing a country and being the most powerful human in the world is a potential looming catastrophe.
4
Listening to the BBC interviewing people in Philadelphia and Michigan about their votes. Thoughts—
Many people who voted for Trump did not say so and even now claim they voted for a third party. What does that say? At a bowling alley, a woman said she didn't tell her friend how she voted because, she said, her friend would ask WHY? I was explaining policy to my niece's friend on social media, and this young person, a Trump voter, uneducated, said to me: "I'm not going to talk to you because I can't compete, and I can't win. Just wait for the election." What do these statements mean? That the uninformed stay quiet because they realize they can't explain themselves, have no information, and are apparently too lazy to use their keyboard to get some Because reading..
Now they are turning around criticizing violence when you can hear the audience screaming "Kill Obama!" during Trump's victory speech? They advocate violence and spew insult that makes ears bleed, and now they are sensitive, have hurt feelings, call for respect, and want to join hands and sing Kumbaya?
Truly the most pretzel-minded and cynical are those who voted for him believing he meant nothing he said. Which is why they voted against Hillary. Welcome to the Endarkenment.
Many people who voted for Trump did not say so and even now claim they voted for a third party. What does that say? At a bowling alley, a woman said she didn't tell her friend how she voted because, she said, her friend would ask WHY? I was explaining policy to my niece's friend on social media, and this young person, a Trump voter, uneducated, said to me: "I'm not going to talk to you because I can't compete, and I can't win. Just wait for the election." What do these statements mean? That the uninformed stay quiet because they realize they can't explain themselves, have no information, and are apparently too lazy to use their keyboard to get some Because reading..
Now they are turning around criticizing violence when you can hear the audience screaming "Kill Obama!" during Trump's victory speech? They advocate violence and spew insult that makes ears bleed, and now they are sensitive, have hurt feelings, call for respect, and want to join hands and sing Kumbaya?
Truly the most pretzel-minded and cynical are those who voted for him believing he meant nothing he said. Which is why they voted against Hillary. Welcome to the Endarkenment.
14
If the Trump campaign was actively working with Russia to influence the election, would that constitute treason? Who was the driver who may have poisoned Megyn Kelly, and who hired him? Is the election result not final till the Electoral College designates a winner?
I would hope that the journalists who presented Trump on a silver platter as a qualified candidate would do their diligent best to determine whether he stole the election before he controls the federal resources to kill any future investigation. You've got a month to save the nation, get it done.
I would hope that the journalists who presented Trump on a silver platter as a qualified candidate would do their diligent best to determine whether he stole the election before he controls the federal resources to kill any future investigation. You've got a month to save the nation, get it done.
13
We must, simply must, energize voters to take part in the mid-term elections so that the republican majority only has two years to implement their agenda.
8
I finally figured out the answer:
Why are so many people upset that HRC didn’t win?
I was shocked too, and would have preferred that HRC win. But for me, the real sadness came long ago, when I realized that either Trump or HRC would win. I’d be disappointed either way. That was the time to do something about it, and I strongly advocated “stiffing” Trump at the convention.
Apparently many people didn’t think it mattered, since (they thought) HRC would beat whomever the Republicans nominated. As the campaign wore on, it appeared they were correct. Obviously not.
But what I’m seeing now is more than disappointment. Many people actually think highly of HRC. I never have and, frankly, was dreading the day she would have to “put up or shut up” on her “no fly zone” promise in Syria. (I was actually hoping for another flip-flop, which struck me as preferable to a nuclear war with Russia over a jerkwater country whose dictators we’ve tolerated for decades and that most Americans couldn’t find on a map.)
I too am embarrassed to imagine Trump representing the US, here or abroad. I remember feeling the same way about Perot in 1992 and Bush in 2000. I didn’t vote for any of the 3 (CA is a “foregone conclusion” state, which means its voters can avoid making choices, and I did).
But Hillary Clinton – seriously? Trite as it may be to say, US voters were stuck with 2 bad choices. I’d have preferred HRC over Trump, but both are bad. Most of my sadness occurred long ago.
Why are so many people upset that HRC didn’t win?
I was shocked too, and would have preferred that HRC win. But for me, the real sadness came long ago, when I realized that either Trump or HRC would win. I’d be disappointed either way. That was the time to do something about it, and I strongly advocated “stiffing” Trump at the convention.
Apparently many people didn’t think it mattered, since (they thought) HRC would beat whomever the Republicans nominated. As the campaign wore on, it appeared they were correct. Obviously not.
But what I’m seeing now is more than disappointment. Many people actually think highly of HRC. I never have and, frankly, was dreading the day she would have to “put up or shut up” on her “no fly zone” promise in Syria. (I was actually hoping for another flip-flop, which struck me as preferable to a nuclear war with Russia over a jerkwater country whose dictators we’ve tolerated for decades and that most Americans couldn’t find on a map.)
I too am embarrassed to imagine Trump representing the US, here or abroad. I remember feeling the same way about Perot in 1992 and Bush in 2000. I didn’t vote for any of the 3 (CA is a “foregone conclusion” state, which means its voters can avoid making choices, and I did).
But Hillary Clinton – seriously? Trite as it may be to say, US voters were stuck with 2 bad choices. I’d have preferred HRC over Trump, but both are bad. Most of my sadness occurred long ago.
1
Stop. It. No, it's NOT two bad choices! This is the pervasive and pernicious false equivalence that got us into this mess, no thanks to the media doing little for calling this out. If you can't see the difference between someone who believes in SCIENCE and someone who indulges in conspiracy theories, doesn't respect Roe v. Wade, along with 50% of this country, god help us all.
6
This was Obama's opportunity to ask the Grand Wizard why, for years, he insisted that the President was born in Kenya.
Now, after saying during the campaign that Obama is "clueless", "weak", "a disaster", "the worst President ever", etc., now Trump says that he looks forward to meeting "many, many times" with the President in order to seek his counsel.
If Donald could be believed — if he actually had the humility and the wisdom to consult with those who are qualified to lead — then all this theater and politesse might allay my fears and soothe my rage.
Now, after saying during the campaign that Obama is "clueless", "weak", "a disaster", "the worst President ever", etc., now Trump says that he looks forward to meeting "many, many times" with the President in order to seek his counsel.
If Donald could be believed — if he actually had the humility and the wisdom to consult with those who are qualified to lead — then all this theater and politesse might allay my fears and soothe my rage.
4
Class meets crass.
President Obama and his family will be sorely missed.
President Obama and his family will be sorely missed.
18
Well, we've certainly gone as low as we can go. So of course the Obamas are breaking the stratosphere in going high.
9
President-elect Donald Trump was cordial and acted in a gentlemanly way towards President Barack Obama and I think this is an indication of how he will behave in office. He wants to govern effectively and he knows that he needs the support of both political parties.
Let's remember that both men said negative things about the other not just President-elect Trump. In the heat of the moment people will sometimes do this. It is not right but it happens. I do think that President-elect Trump will be diplomatic in his dealings with others as he knows that if he wants to accomplish his agenda in an effective way he will have to give a little too. I do believe he can accomplish this as he will have excellent advisors at his side.
I am very optimistic that he will make a good president. We must support him and give him a chance. Republicans and Democrats must work together and get along for the good of the country and its citizens. We have done it before and we can do it now.
Let's remember that both men said negative things about the other not just President-elect Trump. In the heat of the moment people will sometimes do this. It is not right but it happens. I do think that President-elect Trump will be diplomatic in his dealings with others as he knows that if he wants to accomplish his agenda in an effective way he will have to give a little too. I do believe he can accomplish this as he will have excellent advisors at his side.
I am very optimistic that he will make a good president. We must support him and give him a chance. Republicans and Democrats must work together and get along for the good of the country and its citizens. We have done it before and we can do it now.
11
Naïveté is a wonderful thing...
5
No, we don't have to support him. After the demeaning things he has said during the campaign, there is no way I can support or respect him. He is a vile man who is planning to take away the rights of women and minorities. He will push our recovering economy back into a recession. The only thing I will show him is disdain.
4
Pres. Obama was responding to Trumps ugly and schoolground bullying. The negativity is strictly in Trumps camp. He is the one who questioned Obama's citizenship!.
4
"We are looking at jobs,” Mr. Trump told reporters as he left. “Big-league jobs.”
Those jobs will come from selling National Parks and public lands to well-heeled corporate cronies, no doubt. The jobs will be burger-flipping at "Monsanto's Old Faithful Hamburger Hut" and taco-stuffing at "Exxon/Mobil's El Capitan Taqueria."
Those jobs will come from selling National Parks and public lands to well-heeled corporate cronies, no doubt. The jobs will be burger-flipping at "Monsanto's Old Faithful Hamburger Hut" and taco-stuffing at "Exxon/Mobil's El Capitan Taqueria."
5
President Obama has been consistently gracious, willing to work with opponents across the aisle, willing and able to demonstrate his ability to understand his opponent's position while explaining his own in context - rare enough traits in the population at large, and absolutely crucial in a man who would lead us all. Trump has shown himself a populist, and anyone who has paid any attention during this election season is likely waiting anxiously for the other shoe to drop. To me, it seems that Trump's ego has been sated for the moment by his victory - but having seen him in action for the past year and a half, I hold no optimism that this will be satisfying for him in the long run. A good compromise, after all, leaves neither side totally satisfied, and Trump doesn't want lukewarm acceptance. He wants the crowds chanting his name, waving signs, erupting into cheers when he walks into the room. And the easiest way to get that is the rhetoric he has been spewing all along; self-reinforcing, insulating ideas about "good" people and "bad" ones, conspiracy theories about his opponents, and total externalizing of the blame for situations he has created.
I still, somehow, find myself holding hope that this will not be so. I will be willing to look for the good in what Trump does and says, and give him a chance to be a president for all Americans, a chance that so many never gave to our current intelligent and diplomatic leader. But we have so many reasons to be afraid.
I still, somehow, find myself holding hope that this will not be so. I will be willing to look for the good in what Trump does and says, and give him a chance to be a president for all Americans, a chance that so many never gave to our current intelligent and diplomatic leader. But we have so many reasons to be afraid.
1
Mr. Trump should not be placated by nice sounding words. The left deserves no mercy for the dangerous ideals it has foisted on America, and the rest of the world. He needs to start by gutting all major institutions of leftist influence, until there is none left.
Anything else is just talk.
Anything else is just talk.
1
Yeah, that Cultural Revolution worked out so well for China.
2
The cultural revolution was caused by leftism. That's why it needs to be wiped out.
Meanwhile, high schools, softball fields, and community spaces are being littered with neo-nazi and racist messages, which Trump implicitly endorsed during his campaign. How two-faced can you be? Unless Trump denounces all this hate speech, the handshaking is meaningless. You can't have it both ways. "We" are supposed to come together? What actions could I possibly take to "come together?" It's in Trump's hands, and one of those hands is signing off on hate speech and racism. How am I a part of this "we?"
7
The system DOES work, the people simply couldn't give the keys the White House to HRC. We're tired and very, very sick of the corruption sowed by the Clintons.
Hopefully this is the last we see of her and her buddy Elizabeth Warren.
You ran, you lost......no tears.
Hopefully this is the last we see of her and her buddy Elizabeth Warren.
You ran, you lost......no tears.
1
But you're fired up and very, very excited for the corruption sowed by the Trumps ?
He's got more lobbyists than she does. It's not even close. How can you be so blind to this ?
He's got more lobbyists than she does. It's not even close. How can you be so blind to this ?
3
last result, HRC leading Trump by over 450,000 votes. Who lost?
6
Ummm, Clinton lost, did you not see the news?
1
I hope Trump remembered to ask about the health insurance at his new gig. So important.
3
As a complete anti-Trump voter, I was jolted by the result. But I am finding vague solace, as Trump talks about 'counsel' from Obama, and Hillary's hard fight and all: I wonder whether I might like Trump's to-come Presidential answers better than the folks who voted him in...
6
Do you like the fact that he's hired Ken Blackwell, noted anti-LGBT politician to head his transition team? To hire Kris Kobach, virulent anti-immigrant racist and vote suppressor? To plan to take health insurance away from millions?
3
That's why he's hiring Guiliani, Christie and the likes of Bannon for his cabinet. Yeah, he's gonna be real presidential. Hold your breath, go ahead. More tax cuts for the wealthy and he's hiring lobbyists as we speak. What a pile of manuer. No jobs, no wall, no nothing, just another Republican looking out for trillionaires
3
So, what do you think about the fact that he's already back in his mad twittersphere, ranting against those demonstraions against him.
Know what's next?? -- A POLICE STATE!!!
And then a clamp-down on the Press...
(oh, that's already happening with his threats of excessive litigation.)
Face it. It's all over now.
Know what's next?? -- A POLICE STATE!!!
And then a clamp-down on the Press...
(oh, that's already happening with his threats of excessive litigation.)
Face it. It's all over now.
1
You didn't get America wrong.
Trump got similar numbers to Romney, there was no surge.
People didn't turn out for Clinton - but they will for a less controversial candidate in 2020.
"The trouble with political jokes is that they keep getting elected"
BOTH of the US main parties were guilty of producing utterly unsuitable candidates.
Maybe 4 years of Trump will remind real liberals what's at stake.
Trump got similar numbers to Romney, there was no surge.
People didn't turn out for Clinton - but they will for a less controversial candidate in 2020.
"The trouble with political jokes is that they keep getting elected"
BOTH of the US main parties were guilty of producing utterly unsuitable candidates.
Maybe 4 years of Trump will remind real liberals what's at stake.
4
President Obama is exactly the sort of aloof intellectual who leaves the "forgotten" Trump voters cold. But he's also a kind man, and a classy man. Whether we count ourselves winners or losers in this election, we'd be wise to follow his example.
1
Hillary Clinton was likely the only opponent Trump could have prevailed against - the self-seeking embodiment of a corrupt political establishment.
Many of the disinherited in the US heartlands went for Bernie in open primaries. He would also have inspired millions more younger people to turn up and vote.
Those who bear the most immediate responsibility for the Trump presidency are the registered Democrats who rejected one of the cleanest and most sincere presidential candidates in modern US history and went completely the other way.
The positive is that these voters and the corporate-owned DNC must now surely wake up.
Many of the disinherited in the US heartlands went for Bernie in open primaries. He would also have inspired millions more younger people to turn up and vote.
Those who bear the most immediate responsibility for the Trump presidency are the registered Democrats who rejected one of the cleanest and most sincere presidential candidates in modern US history and went completely the other way.
The positive is that these voters and the corporate-owned DNC must now surely wake up.
3
I dislike Mr. Trump intensely, and am saddened to the depth of my soul that America has fallen so far below our aspirations.
Unity would be much more possible, if Mr. Trump would apologize to the many people he has directly and indirectly denigrated and insulted and terrorized during the campaign...but of course, he would lose face politically with his supporters were he to do so...so that apology will never be offered.
Perhaps more important, then, from a practical perspective: Mr. Trump should show the nation the type of grace Mr. Obama has exemplified under these very challenging circumstances in his and Mrs. Obama's kind, professional treatment of this family that has torn the nation apart.
Mr. Trump needs to call off the haters who supported him - tell them to stop beating up gay people, stop hurling insults at Muslims, stop threatening blacks...in short, show the kind of leadership that President Obama is showing in his behavior...and make clear to those "deplorables" that, in order to leave that epithet behind, they need to stop behaving deplorably.
Unity would be much more possible, if Mr. Trump would apologize to the many people he has directly and indirectly denigrated and insulted and terrorized during the campaign...but of course, he would lose face politically with his supporters were he to do so...so that apology will never be offered.
Perhaps more important, then, from a practical perspective: Mr. Trump should show the nation the type of grace Mr. Obama has exemplified under these very challenging circumstances in his and Mrs. Obama's kind, professional treatment of this family that has torn the nation apart.
Mr. Trump needs to call off the haters who supported him - tell them to stop beating up gay people, stop hurling insults at Muslims, stop threatening blacks...in short, show the kind of leadership that President Obama is showing in his behavior...and make clear to those "deplorables" that, in order to leave that epithet behind, they need to stop behaving deplorably.
5
The Democrats first goal should be to make mister Trump a ONE term bully in that gorgeous and proud house in WA. If we're lucky, He'll stay in Trump towers. I disagree with Obama. We should assure his tenure is UNSUCESSFUL. He does not represent my political preferences. I don't welcome him anywhere near me.
4
The Democrats are still playing by the rules- but they still don't understand the rules don't apply anymore. They still don't understand who they are dealing with. How can Obama shake the hand of someone who is poised to destroy everything he worked so hard to create for the good of the American people? A bigot who treated him like someone less than human? I want to vomit! This jerk IS NOT MY PRESIDENT no matter what. To accept him is to endorse his views. To endorse his views is abhorrent.
9
Some of these comments are astonishing, and open a window into the world of the Trump voter. A sample: Obama purposefully held Trump in a long meeting to wear him down. Obama denied Trump a photo op (despite the front page showing them shaking hands). Trump said protesters are being paid by Soros, and they are violently burning down cities (no such thing). How awful it must be to live in such a fact-free, twisted and confused world.
12
notfooled - It IS true that Soros has been paying professional protesters to start the riots. And the has been violence at some of the protests, including shooting at police. How awful it must be for you to live in a fact-free, twisted and confused world.
1
Evidence? Of course not.
2
Trump looks utterly frightened! He jumped on a tiger, which he had absolutely no idea how to ride. Now he wants to dismount, but the curtain is raised and the show has begun. Poor guy!
9
“Today winning votes doesn’t mean anything. It’s a corrupt deal going on in this country and it’s not fair to you people.”
- Donald J Trump
- Donald J Trump
4
Talk about going high.
6
I watched various news outlets on television cover this yesterday, and it was deeply upsetting. Most juxtaposed clips of all the terrible things Trump has said about Obama over the years and particular the last few months, and also showed clips of Obama saying Trump was unfit for the Presidency and the nuclear code. Everything Trump said yesterday contradicted what he has been saying, and therefore he was lying either then or now. Obama just did what he had to do, smoothing the transition and bowing to the will of the people. I know people who voted for Trump precisely because they didn't believe he'd govern the way he has talked. Who knows? It is not heartening to read that he's having a climate change denier lead the EPA transition, or that either Christie or Guiliani could be in charge of our justice system.
This Veterans Day is a national day of mourning as far as I am concerned.
This Veterans Day is a national day of mourning as far as I am concerned.
9
Amid all the sour grapes of 'Readers' Picks', might be good to remind people of the actual news, as reported by both of them: 'We had a good meeting'.
7
What were they supposed to say? How they actually feel about each other?
4
As to 'their actual feelings about each other', that was the election which the American people settled. This meeting was to initiate the transition of power. Neither you nor I were there, so let's accept their version: 'We had a good meeting.'
The election decided who the next President will be Max, it did not settle how Obama actually feels about Trump and vice versa. In any case, that was not on my ballot.
And if you had said in your original post that "We had a good meeting" was diplomatic political code that the transition of power has been initiated, I would have agreed with you.
And if you had said in your original post that "We had a good meeting" was diplomatic political code that the transition of power has been initiated, I would have agreed with you.
Our new President is likely to get as hard a time as he gave our outgoing one. He certainly deserves it, because he has made delegitimizing a sitting President a tradition in our new country. Hope he can take the heat. He is not a legitimate President, because he does not have the requisite good character. Every awful, insulting, racist thing he has said or done (or even been accused of - even if it's not proven) is going to be thrown in his face every day for the next four years in order to delegitimize him. (Nothing personal you understand). No whining now, because he did it to Barack Obama. He has shown us the way. We are not going to be politically correct any more.
28
And after four years, just a day or two before his term is up, we'll say "OK, you're legitimate after all. We were just kidding - can't you take a joke?"
I heard on the News this morning that Donald Trump is considering the fascist Rudy Giuliani for Secretary of State... Folks, brace yourself for a Republican disaster that will exponentially exceed the eight year debacle brought to us via Bush/Cheney.
9
It's gonna be "Giuliani Time" all over again.
Don't bother asking if "Black Lives Matter".
Not anymore.
Don't bother asking if "Black Lives Matter".
Not anymore.
6
After Obama selecting Hillary as Secretary of State, any pick by Trump looks like a home run.
You're obviously not one of the tens of thousands of minority citizens unnecessarily and fruitlessly stopped and frisked - some of them multiple times - in New York before the courts stopped him. You obviously have no problem with someone who has managed to subvert the integrity of the FBI with his connections to its NY office during the campaign. Russia is laughing as we allow our most respected institutions and beliefs to be compromised because of our fears.
1
Trump looks as if he no longer can hold in all the air that inflated him. He looks small and like a kid who knows he has done something really bad and has been caught. He reminds me of the moment in The Wizard of Oz when the wizard is exposed as the impostor he is.
23
A PARDON FOR HILLARY FROM OBAMA?
The W-H sit-down was a nice reminder that we are not Paraguay.
But I fear that it was not too much more than that.
Winning the election gives Trump a democratic right to pursue new and different policies. It gives him a right to try to change some policies of his predecessor.
But there is a vindictive element in The Donald that could go far beyond that.
His minions could study the electoral map and find ways to "punish" the blue dots surrounded by Red Seas.
He could exacerbate the national division by selecting a special prosecutor to go after Hillary. That is a process that could re-open wounds across the land.
I am not, in general, a big fan of lame-duck Presidential Pardons, but Obama might be doing the nation a favor by granting a Pardon to Hillary for her email sins.
Yes, there would be irony in a family that sold pardons being given a pardon for altruistic reasons.
But such is the nature of altruism. It almost always is accompanied by some irony.
The W-H sit-down was a nice reminder that we are not Paraguay.
But I fear that it was not too much more than that.
Winning the election gives Trump a democratic right to pursue new and different policies. It gives him a right to try to change some policies of his predecessor.
But there is a vindictive element in The Donald that could go far beyond that.
His minions could study the electoral map and find ways to "punish" the blue dots surrounded by Red Seas.
He could exacerbate the national division by selecting a special prosecutor to go after Hillary. That is a process that could re-open wounds across the land.
I am not, in general, a big fan of lame-duck Presidential Pardons, but Obama might be doing the nation a favor by granting a Pardon to Hillary for her email sins.
Yes, there would be irony in a family that sold pardons being given a pardon for altruistic reasons.
But such is the nature of altruism. It almost always is accompanied by some irony.
2
No pardon can be offered for someone who is not, and not going to be, convicted.
2
That's not so Nanny. In fact, in 1974 President Gerald Ford pardoned former President Nixon for any crimes he might have committed while President. He hadn't been convicted of any.
In this case, Trump threatened to jail his political opponent during the campaign, Nicolas Maduro-style. He said that after he disagreed with the results of an investigation by what is supposed to be an independent judicial system.
So President Obama would be amply justified in issuing a pardon to Clinton, to avoid any chance of politically motivated retribution by Trump.
In this case, Trump threatened to jail his political opponent during the campaign, Nicolas Maduro-style. He said that after he disagreed with the results of an investigation by what is supposed to be an independent judicial system.
So President Obama would be amply justified in issuing a pardon to Clinton, to avoid any chance of politically motivated retribution by Trump.
NB: "judicial system" in my post should read "justice system" or "system of justice."
I can't help but feel the media, NYT included, are partially responsible for this. By making Clinton's win out to be a foregone conclusion, you no doubt sowed complacency in much of a public that didn't want a Trump victory, but thought this wasn't a viable possibility, due to polling and media portrayals of a republican party in disarray. I implore those same journalists to now--instead of pandering to the new power--dig deep into Trump's past, in hopes of finding something that will inarguably disqualify him from the presidency. It has to be there... you have just over two months to find it.
5
The larger problem is an electorate that wants to depend on "the media" or the claims of the latest demagogue for their opinions (whether for or against something), in a day and age when researching the truth is right at our fingertips. In that environment, you get millions of people who are disturbed by things in Clinton's or the DNP's email threads and don't wonder what might be revealed if Republicans had been similarly hacked - or are not disturbed that only Democrats were hacked.
I could go on and on, but really; People, do your own fact checking. Look at original proofs and not regurgitated opinions and claims of people who say they know the facts. We have the greatest vehicle for the dissemination of information the world has ever known, and we still had Trump supporters who didn't know that Obama had published his birth certificate in 2011!
Any disaster we think we have wrought cannot be blamed on anyone but ourselves. As wonderful as the Constitution and Bill of Rights are among the articles of government the world has seen, the US cannot reach its true potential if too much of the electorate accepts ignorance. One truth will always rule: the government we get will always be the one we allow.
I could go on and on, but really; People, do your own fact checking. Look at original proofs and not regurgitated opinions and claims of people who say they know the facts. We have the greatest vehicle for the dissemination of information the world has ever known, and we still had Trump supporters who didn't know that Obama had published his birth certificate in 2011!
Any disaster we think we have wrought cannot be blamed on anyone but ourselves. As wonderful as the Constitution and Bill of Rights are among the articles of government the world has seen, the US cannot reach its true potential if too much of the electorate accepts ignorance. One truth will always rule: the government we get will always be the one we allow.
I don't think he looked nervous after the meeting, rather dazed. I bet anything Obama did it on purpose to engage him for an hour and a half in some complicated issues since there was no way he could get out of it. I mean issues that don't end with we are doing something amazing. And Obama put the icing on that cake by saying repeatedly we will help you because if we don't...
5
I believe it was Bill Clinton who said this about winning the presidency. I paraphrase: I feel like the dog who chased the milk truck, once I got it, what do I do with it now? As we witnessed, Clinton did a great job as a leader, despite his feet of clay. Trump, he's not only in over his head...he's made of clay.
13
Look at the body language in that photo. Obama, open. Trump protecting or hiding or shielding himself.
13
The expressions on their faces say it all. Chagrin & awe vs. disdain & confidence. President Obama is an incredible human being always understanding the larger purpose & greater good. He & his family are role models for the eternity & an inspiration for me & millions of others. We must not give up or abandon our hopes & dreams. #michelle2020
17
While my eyes registered this meeting signifying transfer of power (power) between the most decent articulate personally evolved deep minded president of my lifetime and his extreme opposite, the rest of my being remained stunned, horrified and wanting to return to denial. President Obama's demeanor indicated he was feeling the same way or something in that ball park. I'm reminded of that book "When Bad Things Happen to Good People."
As for defining Trump. An old trite saying perfectly seems to apply. The dog that chased the car while barking with all its might then upon catching it didn't know what the heck to do.
There's a feeling of impending doom. Trump's disturbing/divisive/crass core values and beliefs which we saw on display for months hasn't changed. Personal change requires introspection, being self aware enough to admit to flaws, demons, and mistakes then learning and growing as a result. Trump's ego an inner emptiness gets in the way. A couple of his beliefs I find especially concerning regarding to his retribution when someone displeases him, "I can't help myself" "I have no other choice." With the nuclear code in his incompetent childish hands, that's terrifying.
As for defining Trump. An old trite saying perfectly seems to apply. The dog that chased the car while barking with all its might then upon catching it didn't know what the heck to do.
There's a feeling of impending doom. Trump's disturbing/divisive/crass core values and beliefs which we saw on display for months hasn't changed. Personal change requires introspection, being self aware enough to admit to flaws, demons, and mistakes then learning and growing as a result. Trump's ego an inner emptiness gets in the way. A couple of his beliefs I find especially concerning regarding to his retribution when someone displeases him, "I can't help myself" "I have no other choice." With the nuclear code in his incompetent childish hands, that's terrifying.
8
Trump himself said that he is the same person now that he was when he was ten years old.
@williams
At ten, Trump was scary enough for his parents to ship him off to Military School.....QUICKLY!
At ten, Trump was scary enough for his parents to ship him off to Military School.....QUICKLY!
I hope that Mr. Trump has come to realize this is no longer a reality show that you prepare all week for a one hour event.
This is reality. And I think we have set a new definition of the Peter Principal.
God help Us.
This is reality. And I think we have set a new definition of the Peter Principal.
God help Us.
9
Much like Obama. Obama spent his entire life campaigning for the next gig til the Oval Office.
The irony is that the vast majority of coastal elites are Republicans.
2
I get that President Obama and Hillary and other professional democrats have to spout nonsense like "If you succeed, then the country succeeds," but I'm sorry, I think that's complete rubbish.
If Trump succeeds, then there go my Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid, there goes public education, there go women's rights, there go international treaties, there go regulations on climate change, there go a lot of what could actually affect my life a great deal.
I know that the people who live in their bubble of privilege - the same people who work for the establishment that got this election absolutely wrong at every turn - won't be affected by Trump's election one iota.
They'll continue to be rich and well-off no matter what happens, but for people like me, who live in the real world, and have to work real jobs, so that we might strive to live real lives, then Trump's election and the prospect of his "success" frightens me very much.
If Trump succeeds, then there go my Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid, there goes public education, there go women's rights, there go international treaties, there go regulations on climate change, there go a lot of what could actually affect my life a great deal.
I know that the people who live in their bubble of privilege - the same people who work for the establishment that got this election absolutely wrong at every turn - won't be affected by Trump's election one iota.
They'll continue to be rich and well-off no matter what happens, but for people like me, who live in the real world, and have to work real jobs, so that we might strive to live real lives, then Trump's election and the prospect of his "success" frightens me very much.
12
For the record, when Obama graciously roots for Trump to succeed, he is not implying that he succeed in his legislative priorities. He is instead promoting a successful transition, where the day to day operation of the federal government and national security infrastructure are running smoothly.
How is it possible that FLORIDA, with all its retirees and a coastline about to be inundated, unless something is done about climate change, voted for Trump? Must be the Right Wing media again.
2
It is well planned: in 2050 all of the Southern peninsula, with Dade, Broward and Palm Beach will be submerged, which means the GOP will only have greater Dinseyland to contest with as opposition in Florida. If they can speed up things, they will....
1
The dog has finally caught the car. Now what?
12
Watching this meeting I could not help but see the contrast between our President and President-elect. Trump has trumpeted his love for our country but Obama verified his love and respect for the country by his typical class and wisdom in dealing with an awkward situation. Here we had a man who challenged the citizenship of our sitting president and throughout the campaign histrionically asserted that the president is a disaster, an abject failure, sitting side-by-side with a man whose class and character Trump could only dream to possess. Trump's praising of the president and display of humility was at best awkward. Whatever accomplishments Trump makes in office, the passing of the torch on January 20 will mark a distinct downgrade in class and character.
19
President Obama made eye contact with Trump, Trump too ashamed to look Obama in the face. Judas Iscariot sort of. The magnitude of the damage to this country in electing Trump and his cronies continues to jolt the majority of this nation. As our hearts break, our stomachs hurl, we still cannot wrap our minds around this tragedy. Never again, never again.
20
Does Trump have the courage to kick his flawed and dangerous campaign advisors and surrogates to the curb and appoint those who represent real change? If he is truly an outsider and wants to drain the swamp, he can't put swamp denizens in command of the draining.
3
What a great country. The selection of a leader "by the people" and peaceful transfer of power is the single greatest achievement of our forefathers. We do not let the outgoing leader pick the new leader. We do not have royalty. We do not let the media decide how we should think. We The People Of The United States of America get to choose our new leader every four years. If this guy does a horrible job, I guarantee you he will be voted out in four years. Here's your chance Donald. Don't blow it. As for the rest of us, vote!
44
"By the electors". The people had a different choice.
10
Jerome, have you been paying attention? Half the country is scared out of their wits because of this man.
6
@Jerome: We did vote. Mrs. Clinton won. It's the non-democratic Electoral College that will hand the reins of state to the loser of the popular vote.
2
I am STUNNED to learn that Sarah Palin has a shot at getting into Federal government? This MUST be a joke, right? I mean... even the GOP has kept her at a very long distance. Would Trump be hankering for the looks of Palin? Could he be that crass? Sarah Palin does NOT deserve to be anywhere near the Federal government, except for getting audited.
12
Could be worse. Can you imagine had Hillary won? The cabinet and staff would be overflowing with unqualified Clinton Foundation donors.
Letting Palin in would be the ultimate form of allowing ignorance and ineptitude to be acceptable characteristics for someone being asked to help lead this country. Will the nightmare never end?
1
Warren G. Harding has been reincarnated.
I am waiting with baited breath for the day when Trump comes out to admit what Harding eventually did.
"I am not fit for this office and should never have been here."
I am waiting with baited breath for the day when Trump comes out to admit what Harding eventually did.
"I am not fit for this office and should never have been here."
4
The Democrats need wise and strong leadership to rebuild the party .
I for one am getting more involved, starting with the fact that Californians are totally mistreated in terms of the electoral vote.
Our votes are purposefully devalued by some 20 percent against the rest of the nation and an astronomical number against small states such as Wyoming
One person , one vote is a joke , will Republicans change this will people like Issa recognize the injustice to Californians and other large States.
The electoral college is rigged , so is the senate , ridiculous we Californians get two Senators to two in Wyoming and so many other states.
The Senate will decide on the Supreme Court which will impact Californians significantly in particular immigration , Roe versus Wade, Obama care.
Time to return power and fairness back to the States and the people.
I for one am getting more involved, starting with the fact that Californians are totally mistreated in terms of the electoral vote.
Our votes are purposefully devalued by some 20 percent against the rest of the nation and an astronomical number against small states such as Wyoming
One person , one vote is a joke , will Republicans change this will people like Issa recognize the injustice to Californians and other large States.
The electoral college is rigged , so is the senate , ridiculous we Californians get two Senators to two in Wyoming and so many other states.
The Senate will decide on the Supreme Court which will impact Californians significantly in particular immigration , Roe versus Wade, Obama care.
Time to return power and fairness back to the States and the people.
8
Rigged? Now you sound like Trump.
The electoral college system is there for a reason. At last count, Trump won 31 states to Clinton's 19. The county-by-county map is even more dramatic. The whole point of the electoral system is that while it factors in population, it doesn't allow one or two states (say, CA and NY) to override the votes of the vast majority of other states.
Living in CA, that may not be your idea of "fairness." But believe me, many people feel differently...as this year's election map illustrates. Take a look: http://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/president
The electoral college system is there for a reason. At last count, Trump won 31 states to Clinton's 19. The county-by-county map is even more dramatic. The whole point of the electoral system is that while it factors in population, it doesn't allow one or two states (say, CA and NY) to override the votes of the vast majority of other states.
Living in CA, that may not be your idea of "fairness." But believe me, many people feel differently...as this year's election map illustrates. Take a look: http://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/president
2
I disagree. The electoral college has its flaws, but without it, campaigns would ignore most of America and focus exclusively on getting maximum turnout in the big cities. I'll take an occasional divergence between the popular and electoral votes from time to time if it means that most of the country isn't forgotten.
In terms of the Senate, our bicameral legislature was deliberately designed as a compromise, where one body reflects population and the other each sovereign state. States mean something - they are not irrelevant - we live in a federalist system after all.
The system works. It has worked for 240 years. Leave it alone and go smoke recreational pot.
In terms of the Senate, our bicameral legislature was deliberately designed as a compromise, where one body reflects population and the other each sovereign state. States mean something - they are not irrelevant - we live in a federalist system after all.
The system works. It has worked for 240 years. Leave it alone and go smoke recreational pot.
2
Well keep the electoral system but make it fair to all
Including Californians .
Why should my vote be worth 20 percent less than the average is that the democracy our Founders designed remember all people are treated equal before God and one man one vote.
Those principals remain valid today but the dramatic change in demographics , in the geography of the Union makes it incumbent to all, that all are treated fairly
Why should 2 votes from Wyoming population 590000 in the Senate help doom 39 million Californians to policies they cannot agree with and disproportionately impact our people.
Will we get our fair share of the $ 600 billion infrastructure expenditure, for sure we will be paying for it.
Your gratuitous insult at the end says it all.
So much for getting together and understanding others views
Including Californians .
Why should my vote be worth 20 percent less than the average is that the democracy our Founders designed remember all people are treated equal before God and one man one vote.
Those principals remain valid today but the dramatic change in demographics , in the geography of the Union makes it incumbent to all, that all are treated fairly
Why should 2 votes from Wyoming population 590000 in the Senate help doom 39 million Californians to policies they cannot agree with and disproportionately impact our people.
Will we get our fair share of the $ 600 billion infrastructure expenditure, for sure we will be paying for it.
Your gratuitous insult at the end says it all.
So much for getting together and understanding others views
Is that the presidency of Trump, where being cordial is headline worthy?
5
''Duty and the dust'' can be a personal observation, crafted after Obama and Trump tete-e-tete at the WH. Once arch rivals, trading barbs incessantly, Obama and Trump seemed to have subscribed to a detente. The icy interchanges may be thawing, at least for the time being, until Trump blows his top, sometime. An antsy Trump's tributes to Obama, hopefully sustain themselves, without further brouhaha.
Rest of the GOP seemed moonstruck and quite dumbfounded, after initially being confounded. Only Trump can do that. Trump's vestigial political clout was writ large when he met with the other GOP bigwigs, viz., Paul Ryan, Mitch Connell, and the like.
Whether his administration will be outstanding or astounding, has to be adjudged by the citizens and the public officials, by watching him in rapt attention. One can not help wishing him well, but if he flounders miserably, his re-election bid will die a premature death. No kidding.
Rest of the GOP seemed moonstruck and quite dumbfounded, after initially being confounded. Only Trump can do that. Trump's vestigial political clout was writ large when he met with the other GOP bigwigs, viz., Paul Ryan, Mitch Connell, and the like.
Whether his administration will be outstanding or astounding, has to be adjudged by the citizens and the public officials, by watching him in rapt attention. One can not help wishing him well, but if he flounders miserably, his re-election bid will die a premature death. No kidding.
3
First indication: who will make up his cabinet?
I will admit, if my candidate had lost, I might be as bitter as the liberals on this board. Hope you guys come out of it.
2
The difference between bitter and gloating is a fine one indeed.
Have you not been watching the news for the past year, Saints Fan? It's not Liberals who were screaming the loudest about the unfitness for office of
the cretinous Mr. Trump, it was Conservatives. i guess for some of you the spin will never end.
the cretinous Mr. Trump, it was Conservatives. i guess for some of you the spin will never end.
2
Check-out the national vote count...the majority of voters chose Clinton. Only in America does the loser (Trump) win a national election. So it's not "sore losing" anymore than if the Raiders lost to the Jets by 2 points in a hard fought Superbowl but Oakland was awarded the Lombardi Trophy anyway.
3
Yesterday I held out hope that the visit to the White House might be humbly-transformative for Trump but this morning I realized that nothing will change him. Nothing. For his entire adult life he has done everything for himself, so at 70 years old it is fundamentally impossible to change such a deeply engrained practice of decision making. He has absolutely no context to know, or do, what is best for other people so even if he were wise enough to select the most thoughtful humanitarian advisors, his filters are only capable of outputting self-serving decisions consistent with and supportive of the egocentric persona he has created. It's simply too late.
Perhaps the next few weeks will lay bare his clinically defective mental state to the point where rational minds in a position of power are required to take action in the best interest of the country and remove this irreparable malignancy before it's too late.
Perhaps the next few weeks will lay bare his clinically defective mental state to the point where rational minds in a position of power are required to take action in the best interest of the country and remove this irreparable malignancy before it's too late.
7
Justices that are strict constitutionalist' are hardly extreme. They should not be making new law or legislating from the bench. It is up to congress to establish new laws.
3
Kind of hard to watch President Obama as he comes to terms with the fact that he, along with everyone else in positions of authority, has been living in a bubble, completely disconnected from reality.
He actually seemed to believe the fawning press coverage in places like this newspaper about what a great President he has been, and found comfort when the compliant media played down the unraveling of ACA, his signature accomplishment.
And then the American people-black, white, and Hispanic-delivered a crushing blow to his ego, puncturing his bubble in a most humiliating and demoralizing way, by rejecting everything he stands for in electing Trump.
And despite the best efforts of him and Michelle, the best First Lady in recent history, he utterly failed to get out the black vote, which would have easily won the election for Hillary. That must be the most humiliating part of all. He could not motivate them to get out and fill in an oval bubble to protect his legacy. So in that sense, even his most ardent supporters rejected him, categorically.
So now the truth of the failure of his Presidency has been exposed, as the harsh reality overcomes years of propaganda that he himself believed.
The President is a good and decent man, but an utterly failed President who leaves a bitterly divided, angry, and unstable nation in his wake. For someone who has clearly been focused on his "legacy", that must just be devastating at a personal level.
Shakespearean, really.
He actually seemed to believe the fawning press coverage in places like this newspaper about what a great President he has been, and found comfort when the compliant media played down the unraveling of ACA, his signature accomplishment.
And then the American people-black, white, and Hispanic-delivered a crushing blow to his ego, puncturing his bubble in a most humiliating and demoralizing way, by rejecting everything he stands for in electing Trump.
And despite the best efforts of him and Michelle, the best First Lady in recent history, he utterly failed to get out the black vote, which would have easily won the election for Hillary. That must be the most humiliating part of all. He could not motivate them to get out and fill in an oval bubble to protect his legacy. So in that sense, even his most ardent supporters rejected him, categorically.
So now the truth of the failure of his Presidency has been exposed, as the harsh reality overcomes years of propaganda that he himself believed.
The President is a good and decent man, but an utterly failed President who leaves a bitterly divided, angry, and unstable nation in his wake. For someone who has clearly been focused on his "legacy", that must just be devastating at a personal level.
Shakespearean, really.
5
Reality check on Obama as an "utterly failed President." When Obama took office, the U.S. was losing 600,000 jobs a month. For the last 3 years, the U.S. has been gaining 150,000 - 250,000 jobs a month.
3
@David A
Absolutely correct. He inherited an economic disaster from the worst President in recent history, and I believe the actual number was more like 818,000 jobs lost in Jan 2009.
But he squandered a historic opportunity to address the root causes of our economic problems by listening to people like Larry Summers, Ben Bernanke, and Tim Geithner, and restoring the status quo, at great cost to the middle class, which is what destroyed his legacy.
America's business model is broken. Capitalism is broken. Our country is broken.
That's what the election was about.
And those new jobs you mention are called "vanity metrics". Most of them pay less, and have fewer benefits and less job security than ever before. The disconnect between vanity economic metrics and the real world is what just got Trump elected.
We're a downwardly mobile country, and it's about to get a lot worse.
The fact is, the opportunity cost of being in way over his head on economic issues and deferring to the "experts" is immense, and he has set this country on a path to revolution, of which Trump represents just the beginning.
So yes, someone who sets the country on a path to revolution is a failure, even though Walmart is hiring.
Reality check, right back at you.
Absolutely correct. He inherited an economic disaster from the worst President in recent history, and I believe the actual number was more like 818,000 jobs lost in Jan 2009.
But he squandered a historic opportunity to address the root causes of our economic problems by listening to people like Larry Summers, Ben Bernanke, and Tim Geithner, and restoring the status quo, at great cost to the middle class, which is what destroyed his legacy.
America's business model is broken. Capitalism is broken. Our country is broken.
That's what the election was about.
And those new jobs you mention are called "vanity metrics". Most of them pay less, and have fewer benefits and less job security than ever before. The disconnect between vanity economic metrics and the real world is what just got Trump elected.
We're a downwardly mobile country, and it's about to get a lot worse.
The fact is, the opportunity cost of being in way over his head on economic issues and deferring to the "experts" is immense, and he has set this country on a path to revolution, of which Trump represents just the beginning.
So yes, someone who sets the country on a path to revolution is a failure, even though Walmart is hiring.
Reality check, right back at you.
Really, President Obama "If you succeed, then the country succeeds." Where, exactly, do you want Trump to succeed? By overturning Roe v Wade and Marriage equality, building a wall, keeping Muslims out of the US, mass deportations, lowering the taxes for the 1%, getting rid of Obamacare and medicare? Give me ONE concrete example.
Please Mr. President don't do what Democrats normally do when faced with defeat, which is to roll over and co-operate with the devil. We are fighting for America and Trump and his cohorts are a threat. The Democrats need to do everything they can to make sure Trump fails to implement his agenda.
Please Mr. President don't do what Democrats normally do when faced with defeat, which is to roll over and co-operate with the devil. We are fighting for America and Trump and his cohorts are a threat. The Democrats need to do everything they can to make sure Trump fails to implement his agenda.
22
Mr. Trump should be honored. He was given the opportunity to sit down with the most intellectually and temperamentally fit individual to ever occupy the Oval Office. President Obama has provided a model of civility that I only wish I could believe that Trump and his followers could emulate the next four years! President Trump will likely face much the same degree of criticism and vitriol that come with the office and similar personal attacks. I am afraid that he has already shown that he can't handle it with a Tweet accusing passionate protesters as paid agitators. He's a disastuh!
10
Lets make America ridiculous again. Did you not learn from the Bush years not to make the presidential position a laughing stock? Please don't start locking up comedians Donald. Its not North Korea mate.
7
Reality check Trump won but did people lose. Trillion dallor question now that the republicans have president an congress an house . What lame excuse will they use in not fixing the health care mess. When will government live with in its means an stop importing trillions in imports goods using our taxs to purchase imports. Bring jobs back that should never been exported isnt the problem the problem is no accountabilty in any level government spending. Creating jobs that pay taxs begins with ends with smart people in office who are patriots an swear allegance to american way of life
Trump is way over his head. So, Pence is the one that's going to run the country.
On another note, "...Melania, had tea with Michelle Obama..." I assume Melania was very grateful for her "famous" speech.
On another note, "...Melania, had tea with Michelle Obama..." I assume Melania was very grateful for her "famous" speech.
13
That makes sense. Pence is now going to lead the transistion team, since Chris Chrisite burned the Bridge.
Obama is and always has been a gentleman and steady under duress, but don't give Trump too much credit for this "cordial" visit. He has the attention-span of a goldfish, and was probably thinking more about how he would refurbish the White House than the future of America.
19
January 2th 2017: We go from the sublime to the despicable.
9
Trump looks ashamed and embarrassed - and he should. He doesn't deserve to be in the same room with Obama, the classiest, most intelligent, most gracious president in my long lifetime.
28
"....the President-Elect says....". NOTHING the "President-Elect says" has had or will ever have any meaning because the man is incapable of speaking directly or honestly about anything or anyone. Now we will have however many years of disinformation emanating from The White House as it's hallowed halls and rooms are desecrated by those that are about to live there. What is most distressing to me is that this very paper, The New York Times, failed in every way to prepare me for this outcome. I was lead to believe that once the bruising election was over some semblance of sanity would return to our political discourse but nothing has proven farther from the truth. IF this paper can claim that a candidate has as great as a 90% chance of winning not one week before an election and fail to be correct then I wonder how much use I have for this source of information, a source that I have relied on for nearly a half-century. My life, America and the world will never be quite the same after what took place this week. My goal: HOW TO TUNE OUT.
13
I would have preferred Hillary to win the presidency. , however am happy to give Donald a chance. Hillary would have made a far better president than Obama could ever be.
1
No offense -- but a comment like this coming out of South Africa makes total sense.
A complete humiliation for Obama and our country.
The beginning of four years of sad days ahead.
The beginning of four years of sad days ahead.
8
Trump's face with shame written all over it, no one knows better than himself that he doesn't belong there.
28
Sorry, but a gracious speech and a meeting isn't enough that I forget what happened in the past few days. It's bad enough that we have slipped to a level where a mere 'cordial' meeting deserves praise. This is just professional magnanimity. No American should forget the hate that was bred in this election and Mr. Trump is a massive contributor to that.
As far as giving Trump a chance goes, the ACA is set to be taken apart bit by bit - especially through budget cuts that would reduce subsidies to states and exchanges. Those on the lower income scale will be affected the most as their plans would not be affordable once again (we're back to 8 years ago - wow). These are the "working families" the President-elect promised to work for. If you're half the nice man Donald which you'd like the Country to think that you are, then truly help those working families and don't deny them their basic rights to health care. Instead focus on improving the ACA so it's more affordable. And for all the manufacturing jobs you wanted to bring back for these people: time to put your money where your mouth. You'll have the praise when you deliver actual results.
As far as giving Trump a chance goes, the ACA is set to be taken apart bit by bit - especially through budget cuts that would reduce subsidies to states and exchanges. Those on the lower income scale will be affected the most as their plans would not be affordable once again (we're back to 8 years ago - wow). These are the "working families" the President-elect promised to work for. If you're half the nice man Donald which you'd like the Country to think that you are, then truly help those working families and don't deny them their basic rights to health care. Instead focus on improving the ACA so it's more affordable. And for all the manufacturing jobs you wanted to bring back for these people: time to put your money where your mouth. You'll have the praise when you deliver actual results.
16
@Intisar: The average income of those who voted for Trump is over $70,000. That means that a lot of rich people voted for him, along with the poorer folk.
It's the people who make between $35 and $70k who are really squeezed by the ACA. They don't qualify for subsidies, so they're stuck paying the full price in the company of wealthier folks, whose larger incomes protect them from feeling the squeeze as much as the $35-to-70k crowd.
Mrs. Clinton wanted to raise the ceiling for subsidies, so that more people would be less squeezed. Instead, the other side is going to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
I'm a single mother, self-employed, white, college-educated, and at the lower end of the income scale. I was also diagnosed with cancer and am only alive now, because the ACA kicked in just in time to help me pay for a life-saving operation. My son still has a mother, thanks to the ACA.
I don't love it as it stands, because it does very little good for healthy people. But I understand firsthand why it's necessary. The prices for private insurance are so high that we'd have to go live in a cardboard box to pay the premiums, as there would be nothing left over from my income to pay for rent and food.
If Trump repeals the ACA and tells us all to go open health savings accounts, my goose is cooked. I'm still paying off the debt incurred during my long period of illness; there's no money left over to save. Maybe my son will be orphaned young, after all.
"Thanks, Trump!"
It's the people who make between $35 and $70k who are really squeezed by the ACA. They don't qualify for subsidies, so they're stuck paying the full price in the company of wealthier folks, whose larger incomes protect them from feeling the squeeze as much as the $35-to-70k crowd.
Mrs. Clinton wanted to raise the ceiling for subsidies, so that more people would be less squeezed. Instead, the other side is going to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
I'm a single mother, self-employed, white, college-educated, and at the lower end of the income scale. I was also diagnosed with cancer and am only alive now, because the ACA kicked in just in time to help me pay for a life-saving operation. My son still has a mother, thanks to the ACA.
I don't love it as it stands, because it does very little good for healthy people. But I understand firsthand why it's necessary. The prices for private insurance are so high that we'd have to go live in a cardboard box to pay the premiums, as there would be nothing left over from my income to pay for rent and food.
If Trump repeals the ACA and tells us all to go open health savings accounts, my goose is cooked. I'm still paying off the debt incurred during my long period of illness; there's no money left over to save. Maybe my son will be orphaned young, after all.
"Thanks, Trump!"
1
Thanks for sharing.
Hopefully the Democrats can recover from the loss and build a spine again to stand for people like you - with pride, and not apologizing for the fact that they might be too liberal for America - and stop any and all attempts by GOP to tear ACA apart as a whole.
Hopefully the Democrats can recover from the loss and build a spine again to stand for people like you - with pride, and not apologizing for the fact that they might be too liberal for America - and stop any and all attempts by GOP to tear ACA apart as a whole.
1
President Obama and Michelle Obama's graciousness in receiving Mr. and Mrs. Trump is a lesson in civility that I hope will have salutary effects going forward. Certainly there must be a smooth transition to preserve civility in our nation.
However, no one believes that a Trump administration is going to be met with calm acceptance throughout the nation. Already we see ugly racist outbreaks all over the country as bigots have become emboldened by the Trump victory. People are fearful of losing insurance, of being deported (even legal immigrants) and the world is deeply concerned.
He is likely to appoint even more divisive administration members--Giuliani, Gingrich, Christie, etc.---a virtual rogue's gallery of political hostiles who have simply issued threats rather than articulated policy positions.
Did Mr. Trump really believe that he could assume office peacefully after his hostile campaign? He has a huge task in calming the nation and making sure that Americans are not made more fearful under his administration. It is ironic that fear would rule, since he used fear as his main campaign strategy.
However, no one believes that a Trump administration is going to be met with calm acceptance throughout the nation. Already we see ugly racist outbreaks all over the country as bigots have become emboldened by the Trump victory. People are fearful of losing insurance, of being deported (even legal immigrants) and the world is deeply concerned.
He is likely to appoint even more divisive administration members--Giuliani, Gingrich, Christie, etc.---a virtual rogue's gallery of political hostiles who have simply issued threats rather than articulated policy positions.
Did Mr. Trump really believe that he could assume office peacefully after his hostile campaign? He has a huge task in calming the nation and making sure that Americans are not made more fearful under his administration. It is ironic that fear would rule, since he used fear as his main campaign strategy.
102
Thank you for your sage commentary, Mr. Beeman. Can I please add to your "rogue's gallery" that even Sarah Palin is being considered to be part of the Trump administration, as reported by Dana Perino.
3
Mr. and Mrs. Barack Hussein Obama have no choice but being "gracious" with "civility" as long as both are physically identifiable colored black African American.
One day there may be a black Donald Trump or Newt Gingrich or Rudy Giuliani or Sarah Palin or Michelle Bachman. Neither today nor tomorrow is that day.
One day there may be a black Donald Trump or Newt Gingrich or Rudy Giuliani or Sarah Palin or Michelle Bachman. Neither today nor tomorrow is that day.
1
"PRESERVE civility? Wrong verb.
Sorry but I was not raised to aid and abet crooks and trashy men like Trump. He is not my president and no matter what Obama tries to do to soothe over the turbulent waters, there is no way people raised to know right and wrong will ever accept Trump as anything but what he is: a power mad maniac who thinks all he has to do is try to unring a bell and hit the delete key on everything he's said and done.
He doesn't know the meaning of the word "sorry." But now people raised to know right from wrong are supposed to just accept him? When hell freezes over maybe. How do you ask properly raised people to accept what we know is wrong?
And now for all time, we see this is no longer a country of "united" states. It is the United States of Republicans.
The problem is the Republicans think they will take our tax dollars and do what they please with them and there won't be any backlash. Does secession remind them of anything?
What fool states would blindly hand over tax dollars to a corrupt Republican party that gerrymandered and redistricted voting maps so they could increase the number of Electoral votes?
Why isn't there an investigation into those electors to know how many were paid to vote against the wishes of voters in those voting districts?
And, then there is the matter of Russians hacking into the DNC emails. According to the IT group who found these hackers, the Russians were collected voter information to alter the votes.
He doesn't know the meaning of the word "sorry." But now people raised to know right from wrong are supposed to just accept him? When hell freezes over maybe. How do you ask properly raised people to accept what we know is wrong?
And now for all time, we see this is no longer a country of "united" states. It is the United States of Republicans.
The problem is the Republicans think they will take our tax dollars and do what they please with them and there won't be any backlash. Does secession remind them of anything?
What fool states would blindly hand over tax dollars to a corrupt Republican party that gerrymandered and redistricted voting maps so they could increase the number of Electoral votes?
Why isn't there an investigation into those electors to know how many were paid to vote against the wishes of voters in those voting districts?
And, then there is the matter of Russians hacking into the DNC emails. According to the IT group who found these hackers, the Russians were collected voter information to alter the votes.
9
People may have voted this way or that way for very valid and understandable reasons, but i don't see anything that indicates that the tides of change will move in the direction sought.
Remember... Healthcare is not affordable since the lower-cost, government subsidized versions would not pass in Congress or the Senate; It's a "socialist" idea to have cheaper healthcare !
Remember... Infrastructure spending which is sorely needed and would have generated jobs did not take place for the same reason - use the deficit as a shield to refuse it ! Let the bridges crumble, let the old trains go rackety-rack on the old tracks, let the power grid sag, we can't agree to these improvement and infrastructure spending plans because that would mean we let Obama appear to have generated something good for the country !
Remember... Healthcare is not affordable since the lower-cost, government subsidized versions would not pass in Congress or the Senate; It's a "socialist" idea to have cheaper healthcare !
Remember... Infrastructure spending which is sorely needed and would have generated jobs did not take place for the same reason - use the deficit as a shield to refuse it ! Let the bridges crumble, let the old trains go rackety-rack on the old tracks, let the power grid sag, we can't agree to these improvement and infrastructure spending plans because that would mean we let Obama appear to have generated something good for the country !
5
Every picture DOES tell story.This picture tells us that whatever did happen during their 90 minute meeting they're still not friends.Obama certainly didn't want to meet Trump,but did in order to obey a Constitution that via the Electoral Collage makes the loser of the popular vote President elect.Which as far as I'm concerned makes Trump a pretender to the office.
8
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.
4
My what a short memory. Why is this legal & ok? Trump has an upcoming court case for fraud. He was elected with the help of Russia & Wikileaks. He broke the Cuban embargo. He has a history of facing litigation with vendors to get paid. Did we forget his entire campaign, his loud mouth, his twitter rants? BY THE WAY, more recently his reaction against the protestors? He hasn't released his taxes. Therefore, we have no idea what his conflicts of interest are. His business will be run by his kids. This is also a conflict of interest. There's far more to list here but now that he got elected he's already back peddling on the false promises he made to get elected.
11
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what class looks like.
Trump has a long way to go to come close to filling Obama's shoes.
Trump has a long way to go to come close to filling Obama's shoes.
11
Pig headed appointments. Left over political refuse: Giuliani, Christie, Gingrich... Christie is embroiled in a corruption scandal. Giuliani has been out of the political limelight for many years, marginalized by a crazed perspective. Gingrich has been working behind the scenes, but most people do not care for him. I CANNOT BELIEVE that Trump would call upon these men to serve. I hope the GOP gives him a very hard time and resists all the way.
WHERE ARE THOSE TAX RETURNS, Mr. Trump? We are NOT GOING TO FORGET.
WHERE ARE THOSE TAX RETURNS, Mr. Trump? We are NOT GOING TO FORGET.
8
Once again, the President and First Lady show us what a class act they are. It's hard to imagine the feelings that must have been roiling inside, while the President met and shook hands with Trump, who began his "political" career questioning the citizenship of Mr. Obama.
What class! Oh, how we are going to miss them.
What class! Oh, how we are going to miss them.
20
Sickening photo. Demagogue~Don insulted President Obama and distracted his Presidency, for several years, through his defunct Birtherism. Knowing that this unhinged, unqualified sociopath will have access to the nuclear code is chilling. Never my President.
15
Zuma is not my president either!
1
Cordial? Of course it was…Obama is a corporatist, so is The Hillary Brand® and so is Trump. After all - think about Trump's first choice for Treasury Secretary…Jamie Dimon. What a disaster THAT would have been - invite one of the most criminal Wall Street looters and pillagers to run the Treasury? Fortunately for all of us he declined.
And who would have The Brand® chosen? Probably a similar personage - one of the other crooks, Lloyd Blankfein, most likely. All the democrats and republicons are corporatist tools - and Obama, now that he sees the door to the White House slamming on him (hopefully it won't hit him on his way out), he's hedging his bets for a six- or seven-figure office with windows in some elite Wall Street money-house, or a high-powered lobbyist legal firm or some revolving door in corporate America. So glad-handing was the order of the day.
It will be interesting to see what Trump's first 100 days are going to be. Anyone who thinks he will enact his blustering agenda doesn't understand that he, like all his predecessors, do what they are told to do. The Deep State Rules…not those who they choose to sit in the White House.
And who would have The Brand® chosen? Probably a similar personage - one of the other crooks, Lloyd Blankfein, most likely. All the democrats and republicons are corporatist tools - and Obama, now that he sees the door to the White House slamming on him (hopefully it won't hit him on his way out), he's hedging his bets for a six- or seven-figure office with windows in some elite Wall Street money-house, or a high-powered lobbyist legal firm or some revolving door in corporate America. So glad-handing was the order of the day.
It will be interesting to see what Trump's first 100 days are going to be. Anyone who thinks he will enact his blustering agenda doesn't understand that he, like all his predecessors, do what they are told to do. The Deep State Rules…not those who they choose to sit in the White House.
2
In Obama's career, where is there any evidence that he is a corporate tool? Wow, talk about coming out of left field.
2
Trump would look a lot more "presidential" if he would keep his coat buttoned!
3
That last paragraph is the real reason this situation should give us pause...: "In December, Mr. Obama’s team plans to hold the first of two war-gaming exercises to prepare Mr. Trump and his staff for a potential national security crisis." Given the names that are out there for "potential staff" many of us are truly frightened.
10
President Obama is a class act. I am Canadian and I hope its going to be a good relationship with the new government. Trump is a smart guy, he has to gain respect from countries that the U.S. government is having difficulty with today. He can talk with Putin for example, but Trump is no door mat to any current leader, and will attempt to outsmart this man. Interesting to see what he will do with the current leaders of Syria and Iran.
19
Unfortunately, Trump hasn't shown that he is worried about respect from any world leader that doesn't kowtow to his own point of view. He seems to think the US can bully the rest of the world (save maybe Russia, but then Trump agrees with Russian aims, so...). If you think using the ability to financially bully those whom you have cheated, get away with breaking the law or at best ethical standards, take advantage of the confusion that obviously still exists in the American psyche about what constitutes sexual harassment, and play of peoples fears and hatreds to collect enough votes to garer an electoral win in the Presidential election "smart", then you will be shocked when really smart leaders like Putin teach Trump a thing or two.
Bullying and lies will not work on the international stage. Want to ramp up terrorism against the US? Try bullying. Want to convince people that down is up and the Sun revolves around the Earth? Try telling those lies to populations that have no unconscious vested interest in believing them.
Bullying and lies will not work on the international stage. Want to ramp up terrorism against the US? Try bullying. Want to convince people that down is up and the Sun revolves around the Earth? Try telling those lies to populations that have no unconscious vested interest in believing them.
2
Give him a chance, I say. He couldnt be any worse than George W. Bush was between 2001-2009. And his father was weak in my opinion, as well.
You are very right Brad Williams, our President is an amazing man, and I do not think Mr. Trump will ever match him in any way. Obama has natural gravitas and a fantastic mind which reveals itself at multiple levels.We will not see the like of him for many moons to come. I am sad. We are loosing a treasure.
I understand that yesterday Trump was asked by McConnell and Ryan what his 3 priorities were for next year, and he said health care, jobs and the border wall.
And that, despite the disagreements during the campaign season, the meeting among these Republicans went well. To address those important issues I understand they agreed to immediate massive tax cuts for the rich 1%, which will run up the deficit by $10 trillion. They then agreed there will be no choice but to gut Social Security and Medicare, Ryan's lifelong goal.
They all had a good laugh and decided that calling Social Security and Medicare "entitlements" wasn't derisive enough, that from now on it would be referred to as “welfare chump change for the middle and working classes.”
And that, despite the disagreements during the campaign season, the meeting among these Republicans went well. To address those important issues I understand they agreed to immediate massive tax cuts for the rich 1%, which will run up the deficit by $10 trillion. They then agreed there will be no choice but to gut Social Security and Medicare, Ryan's lifelong goal.
They all had a good laugh and decided that calling Social Security and Medicare "entitlements" wasn't derisive enough, that from now on it would be referred to as “welfare chump change for the middle and working classes.”
5
From South Africa. I have been following your politics on the campaign for 2 years now. I can't understand why Hillary Cinton did not win. What a superb nation though.
2
Paul, do you have a couch I might be able to sleep on the next 4-8 years? LOL
1
You can have as many protests as you like ...but at the end of the day democracy won the day...Trump will be President.
Like here in Britain Brexit won the day ...and Remoaners have to learn to live with it...because it is goodbye Europe.
Like here in Britain Brexit won the day ...and Remoaners have to learn to live with it...because it is goodbye Europe.
4
LOL, look at Britain now, trying to figure out a way to avoid Brexit now that the big protest vote is done and they begin to understand what it would really mean.
5
Barry...where do you get your news from..no one is trying to avoid Brexit...in fact our Prime Minister is adamant that Brexit will go ahead. So you see Barry there is nothing to avoid and we know what it will mean to leave Europe ...why do you think the majority of Brits voted for it. Brexiteers are more passionate then ever...Article 50 will be triggered in March.
Okay Barry...
Okay Barry...
1
the majority of Brits voted for it because they were lied to by people like Farage and Johnson. And leaving a half-billion market will have consequences that you won't like. Now, of course, the Leavers want their cake and eat it too: shut down immigration but keep the trade flowing. Hypocrisy.
Donald Trump's ignorant bluster may have worked on his willfully ignorant electorate, but wait until he finds himself on the international stage with world leaders who do their homework and are used to having their feet held to the fire by the press. As I recall on his last foray abroad to his golf course in Scotland on the day after Brexit, he congratulated the Scots on voting to leave, when Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain.Strong and experienced leaders like Angela Merkel will run intellectual rings around him and his Machivellian buddy Putin will make mincemeat of him. His only hope (and ours) will be for him to appoint wise and experienced advisors, but with people like Palin, Christie, and Giuliani in the wings, even his "excellent brain " won't be enough.
Fasten your seat belt Donny you're in for a bumpy ride.
Fasten your seat belt Donny you're in for a bumpy ride.
14
We started a downhill slide in this country after JFK's assassination. We may soon be plummeting at a much faster pace.
1
Isn't it sad that the ones really making a positive difference are the ones we assassinate in America?
3
Trump, Gingrich, Guiliani, Christie ... The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. Greed, Hatred, Dishonesty, Bullying ... will this be the new "law and order"?
27
When I looked at Trump during this meeting I saw someone that had shrunk.
Gone was the bravado, confidence and lavish words. He looked a little scared.
He looked like someone who was perhaps beginning to realize that he had bitten off more than he could chew.
Gone was the bravado, confidence and lavish words. He looked a little scared.
He looked like someone who was perhaps beginning to realize that he had bitten off more than he could chew.
38
That won't last.
1
It is not too late. Check out the NYPost's article ( yes, even they are looking for a way out of a Trump presidency) that addresses a redemy provided in our Constitution and in the rules of the Electroial College to prevent a totally unacceptable person from becoming president in spight of the election results.
And the real scary thing is, as ignorant as he is about how government and politics really works, he has no choice but to follow the advice of the Rogues Gallery of close advisors that shepherded him through the election.
As Trump gets deeper briefings about the Presidency and our dealings with the world, watch him get more scared. Sadly, when Trump gets scared is when the worst of him comes to the fore.
As Trump gets deeper briefings about the Presidency and our dealings with the world, watch him get more scared. Sadly, when Trump gets scared is when the worst of him comes to the fore.
No doubt the President Obama felt the need for a very hot shower, following this meeting. I wouldn't want to touch the sleaze, either.
7
At the end of their meeting, Obama turned to Trump and said he does not take questions from the press.
We know why this has been one of the least transparent administrations.
Trump must take notes from Obama and do the exact opposite.
Also, Trump must continue to tweet us.
We know why this has been one of the least transparent administrations.
Trump must take notes from Obama and do the exact opposite.
Also, Trump must continue to tweet us.
1
I saw a similar comment before. Why did Obama need to take questions from the press at that moment? Why do you think most other administrations were more transparent (I don't consider it being transparent when you answer all questions and do lots of press conferences and most of what you say turns out to be lies).
I would like to hear from all the Trump voters on this story. Their candidate, who said the election was rigged and intimated violence against Hillary now encounters nothing but graciousness at the White House.
You should feel ashamed, but I suppose you'll have some outrageous excuses on this topic, too.
You should feel ashamed, but I suppose you'll have some outrageous excuses on this topic, too.
8
Saying the election was rigged was a lie as he proved by winning it. Did he lie about anything else perhaps?
They will claim Obama and Hillary are being sneaky and dishonest in their apparent graciousness, especially if Trump and co. try something outrageous and Obama and Democrats are forced to fight back.
In the meeting with Obama, Trump began to grasp the awesome power and responsibility that goes with the office he's about to assume. And yet he still tweeted after the protests in Oregon. He needs to lose that account for as long as he's in office.
While I wish him well, I wonder whether Trump will get on with Congress as well as he thinks after the honeymoon is over. I wonder what those who voted for him will feel when he doesn't deliver on his promise of returning the rust belt to its 1950 standing. I wonder what 30 millions will feel when they lose their health care or return to substandard policies. And I wonder as the deficit grows under the combination of spending and tax cuts Trump has projected how bankrupt the US will be and how much this will necessitate cuts in programs such as Medicare and Social Security.
Good luck, Republicans. But I think it will take more than that.
While I wish him well, I wonder whether Trump will get on with Congress as well as he thinks after the honeymoon is over. I wonder what those who voted for him will feel when he doesn't deliver on his promise of returning the rust belt to its 1950 standing. I wonder what 30 millions will feel when they lose their health care or return to substandard policies. And I wonder as the deficit grows under the combination of spending and tax cuts Trump has projected how bankrupt the US will be and how much this will necessitate cuts in programs such as Medicare and Social Security.
Good luck, Republicans. But I think it will take more than that.
6
Wait, if the US goes bankrupt, isn't that just a do-over where you don't have to pay your debts - let the debtors cry for their money, you can start fresh and hope you luck out next time?
1
Well, for the first time all year, I find myself hoping against hope that Scott Adams is right about Trump - that he is incredibly gifted at the non-verbal communication styles that actually persuade people, while also being capable of changing his behavior to be serious and competent. I'm not going to claim the odds of this are very good based on everything we know about him, but at least he has has a decent first couple of days as president-elect.
1
Adams can be completely right and it's still a horrible situation for the US. What does it matter if you can look serious and competent when you think you can be adequately competent without educating yourself about relevant information or you are satisfied with resorting to bullying and avoiding responsibility for your mistakes whenever your goals are thwarted?
And Trump has always shown that he can pump himself up to go a couple days or so acting Presidential. However, he's going to be President for 4 years, and as he kept implying during his campaign when he attacked Obama or Clinton for taking time off, it's not a job you can really do well when you can just barely manage to behave appropriately a few days out of every month.
And Trump has always shown that he can pump himself up to go a couple days or so acting Presidential. However, he's going to be President for 4 years, and as he kept implying during his campaign when he attacked Obama or Clinton for taking time off, it's not a job you can really do well when you can just barely manage to behave appropriately a few days out of every month.
Yesterday, Trump met Obama for the first time. Each man had publicly called the other unqualified to be president. Trump had said Obama was "the most ignorant president in our history." I'm guessing Trump is smart enough to realize yesterday that, in fact, Obama is the most intelligent and knowledgeable politician he has ever had a serious conversation with. When you sit down with someone who is vastly smarter than you are, you know it. I'm guessing that Obama was appalled when he finally got to take the measure of his successor. They both realized that Trump is in over his head.
At 9 pm last night Trump indicated that his way of dealing with his obvious inadequacies may be a resort to paranoia, which is a time-honored tradition among despotic rulers, by the way. Here is his tweet:
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump 12 hours ago (9pm Thursday, Nov 10)
Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!
Nine hours later, he tried to correct that tweet by contradicting himself:
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump 3 hours ago (6am Friday, Nov 11)
Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!
Did somebody with actual brains get to him during the night? Or did he figure it out on his own?
At 9 pm last night Trump indicated that his way of dealing with his obvious inadequacies may be a resort to paranoia, which is a time-honored tradition among despotic rulers, by the way. Here is his tweet:
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump 12 hours ago (9pm Thursday, Nov 10)
Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!
Nine hours later, he tried to correct that tweet by contradicting himself:
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump 3 hours ago (6am Friday, Nov 11)
Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!
Did somebody with actual brains get to him during the night? Or did he figure it out on his own?
7
My guess? Ivanka gave him a talking to.
1
It is critical that the media cover his presidency very closely. For example, when the health care act is repealed, follow the people. Was it replaced with something better? Or are they seeking treatment in the ER? Are they rejected due to preexisting conditions? Go to PA, WI, OH. Do the people now have jobs - is it a living wage? When Ryan and his groupies begin reducing government entitlements, how are the elderly doing with their medicare costs? Explain everything in plain language. This begins now. "Drain the swamp" was a motto of his campaign. Well, media, please explain to the people how Gingrich, Christie, Guiliani, and all the others we are learning about are just the existing Republican insiders. Already the people were duped. Let them know.
9
I think the Obama administration did a couple of things that actually helped working class people. Modifying health insurance so that people with pre-existing conditions could get coverage was one of those measures.
I understand why the ACA (Obamacare) is struggling…young, healthy people would prefer to pay the penalty rather than join a plan. And the idea of a mandate is offensive to some people.
Anyway, here is Trump's take on health insurance. https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/healthcare-reform Read it for yourself.
I understand why the ACA (Obamacare) is struggling…young, healthy people would prefer to pay the penalty rather than join a plan. And the idea of a mandate is offensive to some people.
Anyway, here is Trump's take on health insurance. https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/healthcare-reform Read it for yourself.
Let's start by cutting taxes for the wealthy - that is, for the wealthy who are paying taxes.
5
I voted for Hillary Clinton and believe she was the better choice and would like Mr. Trump to disavow much of what he said during the campaign before he takes office, though I'm not hopeful he will do so. A number of Trump supporters voted for him because he promised to "drain the swamp" by revising ethics standards for Congress and imposing term limits--let's see how that sits with McConnell and Ryan. They continue to speak about a "mandate" to govern, but it would appear that they have very different policy priorities from Trump who, let's be clear, won election without their help.
24
All three agree on basics: More tax cuts for upper brackets and corporation. Repeal ACA without replacing it. Deregulate, deregulate, deregulate. The impact on Americans will be death, disease, injury, loss of assets, etc.
President Obama, ever the gentleman and conscious of his duty, did a masterful job of meeting with the ultimate hack who name calls everyone and everything. You will be greatly missed Mr. President.
24
A con artist is still an artist. Trump honed his craft for years, and pulled off a three-card monte on a national stage. And there he sits, in the White House. The next President of the United States.
Deplorable, yes. But an impressive feat.
Deplorable, yes. But an impressive feat.
3
But unlike the 3-card monte scammer, this time Trump cannot quickly collect his things and melt away when he spots the police. Like he did in all his other schemes, when he disappeared while leaving his investors and contractors with nothing...
Do I detect a sense of that grim realization in his face in the photos? That he just now realizes that his latest scheme went out of his control, and he is now shackled to it for the next four years, with no easy way to slip out the side door?
Do I detect a sense of that grim realization in his face in the photos? That he just now realizes that his latest scheme went out of his control, and he is now shackled to it for the next four years, with no easy way to slip out the side door?
2
He has read Machiavelli perhaps who says the bold always defeat the cautious and that womanisers are often popular.
Judging from the handshake photo it looks more like Obama took Trump to the woodshed rather than the White house.
6
Two good men setting a good example for everyone else.
3
What a wonderful sense of humor you have.
4
Nonsense. Trump is NOT a good man!
5
It's like I am Alice having fallen down the hole when I hear Trump be given credit for being statesmanlike, and when I watch Republicans call liberals sore losers.
Had this been someone remotely normal, like Jeb Bush or John Kasich, the disappointment would be over policy differences and in being deprived of watching HRC become the first female president. I don't agree with two-thirds of what Bush and Kasich stand for, but they didn't run campaigns in which they prostituted themselves to birthers and white nationalists, made fun of the disabled, bragged about walking into pageant dressing rooms unannounced, and expressed admiration for tin pot despots.
Too, a Bush or a Kasich would know the value and fairness of compromise, as did Nixon and Eisenhower before them, and as has President Obama, although Obama was forced to use executive order because the Republican Congress refused to get The People's business taken care of.
So don't kid yourselves, Republicans, into thinking this is merely about haters gonna hate. We are talking about choking up the courts as millions of Americans fight for rights already granted them by the Consitution, and it all starts there.
Meanwhile, millions of Republicans voted for Clinton, or didn't vote for either candidate, which is still a vote against Trump. Are you really so incapable of peeling back the layers and understanding why so many people from both sides of the aisle, as well as much of the military brass, are concerned?
Had this been someone remotely normal, like Jeb Bush or John Kasich, the disappointment would be over policy differences and in being deprived of watching HRC become the first female president. I don't agree with two-thirds of what Bush and Kasich stand for, but they didn't run campaigns in which they prostituted themselves to birthers and white nationalists, made fun of the disabled, bragged about walking into pageant dressing rooms unannounced, and expressed admiration for tin pot despots.
Too, a Bush or a Kasich would know the value and fairness of compromise, as did Nixon and Eisenhower before them, and as has President Obama, although Obama was forced to use executive order because the Republican Congress refused to get The People's business taken care of.
So don't kid yourselves, Republicans, into thinking this is merely about haters gonna hate. We are talking about choking up the courts as millions of Americans fight for rights already granted them by the Consitution, and it all starts there.
Meanwhile, millions of Republicans voted for Clinton, or didn't vote for either candidate, which is still a vote against Trump. Are you really so incapable of peeling back the layers and understanding why so many people from both sides of the aisle, as well as much of the military brass, are concerned?
20
It's very interesting that the party that decided the day after Obama was elected that they would oppose everything he worked for and who stole his Supreme Court pick is trying to get everyone on board with them.
Republicans are the biggest hypocrites there are. I just hope the Karma bus is planning a visit to them.
Republicans are the biggest hypocrites there are. I just hope the Karma bus is planning a visit to them.
24
@DBL: Amen. For eight years we've been watching as the Republicans carried out their acts of "resistance." Refusing to work with the president, refusing to respect him, refusing to even grant a hearing on his Supreme Court nominee. And now they want us all to get behind them and support them? They're upset?
Too bad. They modeled this behavior for years. And now they're surprised that it comes back to bite them?
Too bad. They modeled this behavior for years. And now they're surprised that it comes back to bite them?
2
Obama also ditched the traditional photo-op between the current president and the president-elect.
1
And so all these photos of him and Trump shaking hands are cardboard cut-outs? Thanks, Obama!
The politicians, the media and yes the American people……we are all responsible for what has happened in this election and supporting a dysfunctional government which has failed us to no end. The problems in government have been going on for decades and many of us including government have closed a blind eye and it was business as usual. Apparently we have become complacent and are more concerned with our fancy homes, cars, reality shows, sports and I can go. This ‘me versus them mentality’ between the two major parties and the American people must end for the country to succeed. ‘Reap what you have sown’ has no solace here but must be a lesson we can all learn from.
14
I didn't vote for him and I call a Republican politican everyday, 5 days a week to voice my disdain for them not working with president Obama.
You take responsibility, not my fault.
You take responsibility, not my fault.
1
Before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump I would strongly urge a group of statisticians to review the election process throughout the country. There is something inherently wrong with the calculations. It is very difficult for me to comprehend how the projected numbers talilied with the final results -including the NYTimes projecting an 85% win for Hillary Clinton the morning of the election. I am not in denial or pulling my hair out because Donald Trump won but I am baffled and believe there is something either inherently wrong with "the count" or there was outside tampering. How is it possible that every news outlet and others projected a resounding win for Hillary without some sort of tampering. I am wondering three days out with Donald Trump's "it's rigged" spooling through my mind whether he "doth protest too much." The numbers do not make sense.
9
Indeed. I agree fully. In South Africa the election process is way worse. 4000 representatives elect the president. How is that for a joke.
1
I think it was an unfortunate mix of the anti-Hillary democrats figuring that because every news source was predicting that she had it in the bag, they didn't need to vote, and the Trumpsters having the opposite reaction: that because it was predicted that she'd win for sure, they went out in droves to vote for Trump.
1
The simple answer may be polling is not an exact science. It projects based on imperfect information. With less landlines and more telemarketing, it is hard to get a representative sample to answer questions. I for one hang up on pollsters as well as all of the scammie telemarketers who ignore the do not call list.
Was I surprised. Yes. Were there signs pointing to the large support for Trump. Yes again. In rural Michigan, the Trump signs greatly outnumbered the Clinton signs.
Was I surprised. Yes. Were there signs pointing to the large support for Trump. Yes again. In rural Michigan, the Trump signs greatly outnumbered the Clinton signs.
1
If this man thinks for a minute, he is going to put Breibart and the rest of the clown car like Michael Flynn in his cabinet, he is in for a rude awakening.
I for one am following my conscious, for all you Trump fans you'll appreciate this, I am going to take the opportunity to emulate president elect Trump, I am going to cease paying federal taxes.
Good enough for him, good enough for me!
I for one am following my conscious, for all you Trump fans you'll appreciate this, I am going to take the opportunity to emulate president elect Trump, I am going to cease paying federal taxes.
Good enough for him, good enough for me!
9
Nervous? Of course. The reality of it is beginning to sink in, and he knows himself to be unequal to the task. Impeachment?
11
Really now, who is going to impeach him? The Republican Congress?
3
You may recall that the majority of Republicans in congress did not want him! Given DT's sheer incompetence for the job, it would not be too difficult for the Congress to quite quickly find a good reason for impeachment, and replace him with Pence, the man who best reflects their agenda without the obscene baggage.
1
Please please please Senate Democrats and those few level-headed Senate Republicans: block Trump's extreme court appointments, especially the US Supreme Court. We can get by fine with eight, or even seven, Supreme Court justices.
10
Let's see how long this lasts. Trump must be on his best behavior now. I hope he remembers that he, like Obama before him, will now be under the microscope and his every action will be commented on, dissected, etc.
4
But Trump used his campaign to attack the press. His approach to being "commented on and dissected" will continue to be to attack the veracity of the reporting on him -- even as we're listening to a clip of him saying the very thing that he's now denying. The media is corrupt, it's out to get him! Lock up the journalists! They're traitors! Less freedom of the press, for the good of the Republic! Trump doesn't actually know what's in the Bill of Rights, so no problem there.
He isn't going to change; getting elected has validated his approach.
He isn't going to change; getting elected has validated his approach.
1
What will a free market economy mean to Donald Trump, will it mean free to merge or protections against monopolies? When his tax cuts for the wealthy free up their money where will they put it and what kinds of bubbles will it make?
I am pleased that President Obama continues to lead and act with the best interests of the nation at heart. I hope that he will, along with others, help our next President to humanize his proposals and that immigration reform, health care reform and any jobs bills he may produce will be more sensitive to the people it will impact.
We know that Mr. Trump doesn't do what he promises, as in using lobbyists to build his administration, so our best hope is that he lied about his other positions as well.
I am pleased that President Obama continues to lead and act with the best interests of the nation at heart. I hope that he will, along with others, help our next President to humanize his proposals and that immigration reform, health care reform and any jobs bills he may produce will be more sensitive to the people it will impact.
We know that Mr. Trump doesn't do what he promises, as in using lobbyists to build his administration, so our best hope is that he lied about his other positions as well.
5
Good riddance to an administration that lied about a video while standing only a few yards from the caskets of four Americans killed in Benghazi. Heartless. And all for politics.
3
Except that the Murdoch Media will give the incompetent one a pass on everything, whereas Obama couldn't sneeze without being torn to shreds.
3
Right, keep believing the lies. Why not, your fuhrer is in office now, and you've always believed all his lies.
4
That’s what I said about the previous administration who lied to the American Public about WMD to get us into an unnecessary war resulting in the death of 5,000 Americans, countless wounded warriors and the death of hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi’s. Quote.....”The Bush/Cheney hubris was the belief that, like the Gordian knot, it could all be untangled with a mighty sword-stroke of American military power.” New York Times Oct 18, 2016
1
This may change Trump's way of looking at the world, or it might not. Either way, there isn't that one can do at this moment, but giving him a chance. I didn't vote since I am not a citizen. But after watching all the debates, and reading what each of the then-Presidential candidates had to say, it really amuses me to see that Trump won. I have a smiling face, asking, "Really, America?"
Either way, you have just got to wait and see what the outcome is. However, what I really want is Trump to contain all the sudden explosion of racism, and bigotry that is happening throughout the nation. I am in a much more comfortable position, I am merely working here. Any drastic thing starts happening, and I would leave for my own country, or a different one where they value knowledge and are looking towards equality, harmony, and prosperity. I am fearful for the people who are immigrants, and minorities, who aren't in as flexible a position as I am. Racism, hatred, and bigotry will take this grand country nowhere, and sooner or later it would lead to a massive implosion. I have had amazing times here, and I have a soft spot for the country, and her people. I really hope everything gets contained, and people live harmoniously, and really mean as the country's second word, "United".
Either way, you have just got to wait and see what the outcome is. However, what I really want is Trump to contain all the sudden explosion of racism, and bigotry that is happening throughout the nation. I am in a much more comfortable position, I am merely working here. Any drastic thing starts happening, and I would leave for my own country, or a different one where they value knowledge and are looking towards equality, harmony, and prosperity. I am fearful for the people who are immigrants, and minorities, who aren't in as flexible a position as I am. Racism, hatred, and bigotry will take this grand country nowhere, and sooner or later it would lead to a massive implosion. I have had amazing times here, and I have a soft spot for the country, and her people. I really hope everything gets contained, and people live harmoniously, and really mean as the country's second word, "United".
2
It will be of little consolation to all Hillary supporters, but I for one do rejoice in the fact that Trump is facing a 4-year sentence in a prison he can’t get out of. One he certainly wasn't expecting to get when he started out last year.
Overnight, cold turkey, Trump was forced to quit his drug of choice: his fans. The adoring crowds, the thousands of men, women and children that would swoon to his every absurd pronouncement, ever racist or misogynous comment. It didn’t matter, the crowds cheered every time. It was the energizing force that kept him going.
Suddenly that is gone. No more fans. No more rallies. No more Trump being Trump with off-the-cuff comments . The microphone is still there, but on the other side he now has to face what he hates the most, which is the press. Imagine if Justin Bieber went from a year-long concert tour in front of adoring teens, performing his greatest hits, to suddenly being in front of music critics as he’s forced to sing arias from Verdi and Wagner a cappella.
That is Trump’s life now. And from the look on his face as he came out to deliver his victory speech on Tuesday, you could tell he knows it. And he’s terrified. Let’s just hope he lasts 4 years. Not only he deserves to suffer, but if he drops out or drops dead, then we get Mike Pence. And he’s the real deal. He's the Christian Taliban. Then we’re really in trouble.
So let’s at least rejoice on Trump's suffering. It will be cruel, it will be grueling. And it will be just.
Overnight, cold turkey, Trump was forced to quit his drug of choice: his fans. The adoring crowds, the thousands of men, women and children that would swoon to his every absurd pronouncement, ever racist or misogynous comment. It didn’t matter, the crowds cheered every time. It was the energizing force that kept him going.
Suddenly that is gone. No more fans. No more rallies. No more Trump being Trump with off-the-cuff comments . The microphone is still there, but on the other side he now has to face what he hates the most, which is the press. Imagine if Justin Bieber went from a year-long concert tour in front of adoring teens, performing his greatest hits, to suddenly being in front of music critics as he’s forced to sing arias from Verdi and Wagner a cappella.
That is Trump’s life now. And from the look on his face as he came out to deliver his victory speech on Tuesday, you could tell he knows it. And he’s terrified. Let’s just hope he lasts 4 years. Not only he deserves to suffer, but if he drops out or drops dead, then we get Mike Pence. And he’s the real deal. He's the Christian Taliban. Then we’re really in trouble.
So let’s at least rejoice on Trump's suffering. It will be cruel, it will be grueling. And it will be just.
17
"Trump is facing a 4-year sentence in a prison he can’t get out of."
We are facing decades of Supreme court decisions. The inauguration must be put off until all legal roads have been explored.
We are facing decades of Supreme court decisions. The inauguration must be put off until all legal roads have been explored.
Schadenfreude is such a lovely thing. ;)
1
I do not understand the american system. A candidate had the majority of the votes, an another get elected... This is not democracy (the respect for people's choice) this is oligarchy (where a few decide for everyone).. Yes right, I must be is you elected a rich and spoiled kid that belongs to the 0.1%, and has never suffered any need in his entire very urban life....
6
I have seen the American flag burning in countries around the word, I never imagined that Americans would burn down everything their country has fought to defend. It remains to be seen if your country can rise from your ashes.
8
Trump has a long road to change the view that he's Liar-in-Chief. There is no good reason why anyone, foe or supporter, foreign or domestic, should believe anything he says. His campaign indicates that he's inherently flawed, and the presidency is not likely to remedy that malady. Of course, one can hope -- or if you still believe in God, pray.
As things stand, this transition -- which of course should go forth as befitting the Republic -- looks much like a move from Class to Crass (and worse).
As things stand, this transition -- which of course should go forth as befitting the Republic -- looks much like a move from Class to Crass (and worse).
6
I believe it is more likely that Trump -- someone with no political experience, completely uninterested in governing policy, and a lazy man with no attention span or intellectual curiosity -- will be completely manipulated by the Republicans in Congress to their agenda. And it won't be a heavy lift either, since their agenda only serves the rich 1% and the businesses they own, to which Trump himself belongs and will profit by.
1
The nation's birther-in-chief-elect has the unmitigated gall to sit across from the infinitely respectable, refined, and esteemed President Barrack Hussein Obama.
However, I did enjoy the birther looking entirely overwhelmed; the constant "Uh oh" that clouded his face the entire time was priceless.
My fellow liberals and I, as well as our moderate Democratic and left-leaning Independent friends, have just begun to fight. Republicans have reduced themselves to using government to punish people they don't like, and that approach to governance must be defeated permanently.
#theresistance
However, I did enjoy the birther looking entirely overwhelmed; the constant "Uh oh" that clouded his face the entire time was priceless.
My fellow liberals and I, as well as our moderate Democratic and left-leaning Independent friends, have just begun to fight. Republicans have reduced themselves to using government to punish people they don't like, and that approach to governance must be defeated permanently.
#theresistance
17
Cool made-for-TV moment. But I wish the democrats (me included) would cut with the chortling and despair. Substance happens. We must make the best of the situation; and it begins by stopping with the "ha ha, it is going to be terrible."
The whole product concept of the democratic party received a solid slap. Not just Hillary, everything was repudiated.
White males and females in America said: "we are making the country white again" - and Trump is the right person to represent us. 33% of Hispanic males agreed, so did 10% of blacks. And the young ones stayed home - pretty much.
We democrats have no constituency left - not after losing Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Everyone we say we speak for; women, minorities, young people, educated people . . . . really do not want to be represented, and are not reliable voters. The red districts have become redder. The giddy promise of demographic change that would render everything from shades of purple to blue has not materialized. Hence the sucker punch we got in the gut.
Time to rethink and reboot. Chortling over Trump is not a strategy. Yes, Trump will make Bush II look like a genius, Cheney as a peacenik, and Berlesconi as an amateur. Well, only if democrats let that happen.
Kalidan
Kalidan
The whole product concept of the democratic party received a solid slap. Not just Hillary, everything was repudiated.
White males and females in America said: "we are making the country white again" - and Trump is the right person to represent us. 33% of Hispanic males agreed, so did 10% of blacks. And the young ones stayed home - pretty much.
We democrats have no constituency left - not after losing Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Everyone we say we speak for; women, minorities, young people, educated people . . . . really do not want to be represented, and are not reliable voters. The red districts have become redder. The giddy promise of demographic change that would render everything from shades of purple to blue has not materialized. Hence the sucker punch we got in the gut.
Time to rethink and reboot. Chortling over Trump is not a strategy. Yes, Trump will make Bush II look like a genius, Cheney as a peacenik, and Berlesconi as an amateur. Well, only if democrats let that happen.
Kalidan
Kalidan
3
The dog has truly caught the car. It is now dawning on the dog that he cannot drive the car, does not understand how the car works and that the road is not well paved.
23
...and it leads right off a cliff if you don't know how to steer.
Trump didn't even win. He stole this election, just like W Bush did in 2000 and 2004, by chicanery in key swing states:
http://www.democracynow.org/2016/2/23/could_the_2016_election_be_stolen
http://www.democracynow.org/2016/2/23/could_the_2016_election_be_stolen
4
The rest of world will miss and get to really appreciate the great progressive leadership of US goverment since 1940's till 2016..now that we are about to see property deverlopers running the US gov't. Americans have been blessed with good goverment for too long that they don't know what is like to have truly crooked President and special interest groups running the the country. Too bad US will go through the upcoming heartbreak with Trump who will only look after his own self interest. You cannot take a respectable gov't for granted. I am truly truly sad even though I am not US citizen.
2
President Obama is a gracious person. But I hope he remembers that he has only two months as commander in chief in which to order Guantanamo closed. I know he will be gracious about that, too.
3
Hillary received over two million more votes than this con man.
Why accept a ruler who the majority of Americans loath? It goes against the very meaning of Democracy.
We, The People of America, do not want this person to be our president.
This election is terminally flawed. It is flawed by the FBI Comey. It is flawed by the nullification of our votes. It is flawed by a minority who would cast our climate into the oven of ignorance. It is flawed by a minority who would cast our innocent immigrants into clouds of suspicion. For just these reasons the inauguration should be put on Hold until the real choice of, "We The People" , can be our president.
Let's get a backbone! This is our life and the lives of our children.
We should not play nice with republicans! They did not follow protocol with President Obama's choice for Supreme court justice. We know what they are about.
We should do everything legally possible to stop Trump's inauguration. He does not represent America. This is proven by our votes.
There must be some way to keep us from being ruled by this con man.
We all know what happened the last time we "Accepted" rule by the minority, George W. Bush.
It's time, right now, to say STOP.
We don't want our votes, the votes of the majority of Americans, thrown in the garbage again.
Why accept a ruler who the majority of Americans loath? It goes against the very meaning of Democracy.
We, The People of America, do not want this person to be our president.
This election is terminally flawed. It is flawed by the FBI Comey. It is flawed by the nullification of our votes. It is flawed by a minority who would cast our climate into the oven of ignorance. It is flawed by a minority who would cast our innocent immigrants into clouds of suspicion. For just these reasons the inauguration should be put on Hold until the real choice of, "We The People" , can be our president.
Let's get a backbone! This is our life and the lives of our children.
We should not play nice with republicans! They did not follow protocol with President Obama's choice for Supreme court justice. We know what they are about.
We should do everything legally possible to stop Trump's inauguration. He does not represent America. This is proven by our votes.
There must be some way to keep us from being ruled by this con man.
We all know what happened the last time we "Accepted" rule by the minority, George W. Bush.
It's time, right now, to say STOP.
We don't want our votes, the votes of the majority of Americans, thrown in the garbage again.
9
Trump will be a puppet, like GW Bush. The real issue is WHO will be his Dick Cheney(s). His banning of the press reminded me of all the efforts made to conceal FDR's lack of mobility. They can't risk The Donald going off script. I predict a lot more of less transparency.
6
Was the election rigged?
4
The watershed of power from a Presidential election is quite a story. Trump won this with record little money and record lows in established political backing, although a select few supported him. When Obama transitioned, he brought the Chicago political machine and we ended up with BLM at Justice, a smidgeon of corruption at the IRS, the secret service as a spokesman, pay to play at State, a feelings oriented USSC, etc. Like the Chicago political machine, political favors will get returned. That's the way it works. HRC would have done the same - big time. Because Trump actually does not owe many people, I think he will fire at will if the jobs dont get done. Can you imagine what potential we could realize with some efficiency and real world common sense in the Federal bureaucracy?
1
"Trump won this with record little money"
I hope the IRS taxes him on the Billion or so dollars of "Free" publicity during the campaign.
I hope the IRS taxes him on the Billion or so dollars of "Free" publicity during the campaign.
1
Right or left, we should all be for the peaceful and cordial transfer to power.
However, given all that we know, all that has been documented to substantiate Trump's fundamental sociopathological personality, does anyone really believe a word he said? How can we?
However, given all that we know, all that has been documented to substantiate Trump's fundamental sociopathological personality, does anyone really believe a word he said? How can we?
4
Trump's current world record for not flipping out is about 30 days.
Anybody wanna bet with me on when he goes off next?? less than that, more than that?
It's gonna come, just a matter of time. He has a personality disorder.
Anybody wanna bet with me on when he goes off next?? less than that, more than that?
It's gonna come, just a matter of time. He has a personality disorder.
9
President Putin's top agent, Mr. Trump, checks in at the White House, the official beginning of the changes. Mr. Putin will soon send trained personnel to supplement those he inserted to lead Mr. Trump's campaign. They will be appointed to deep administration offices and will oversee front-office staffers from Breitbart and Ku Klux Klan. Obama and both Clintons will be sent to the gulag shortly. All U.S. dissidents will follow. All U.S. military and security secrets will be available to KGB. All computer codes will be available to Mr. Putin's crack hack team. All Wall Street regulatory structures will be dismantled and financial institutions shifted to the control of Mr. Putin's friends.
American independence lasted 240 years.
American independence lasted 240 years.
9
Looking at the picture of the two of them shaking hands, Trump didn't even have the courage to look the president in the eyes when he shook his hand. He almost looked embarrassed and shameful. He has accused Obama of not being an American citizen for so many years and never apologized. He looks like a deer in the highlights. Watching the video I see about 50 reporters, Trump's favorite people.
He's already been on twitter. His people must have given him his twitter account back because in the middle of the night he tweeted how unfair the protestors were. Then this morning he retracted that. I guess he realized as president, he shouldn't do that.
The cover of Der Spiegel magazine from Germany says "The End of the World."
He's already been on twitter. His people must have given him his twitter account back because in the middle of the night he tweeted how unfair the protestors were. Then this morning he retracted that. I guess he realized as president, he shouldn't do that.
The cover of Der Spiegel magazine from Germany says "The End of the World."
25
I read the tweet. he wrote them off by calling them 'professional protesters." I I actually think I screensaved it because it was the "same old" "real" Trump. Noted, today, elsewhere. Arrest of opposition newspaper chairman in Turkey. And concerns re. a Russian plot in Montenegro! The world has had a major reversal to some sort of early last century shenanigans. Thank god legalizing pot on the agenda in places, we'll all need something to calm our angst.
2
The 90-minute-meeting at the White House made me weep.
To consider that President Obama had to 'entertain' this excrescence....this monster who had insulted him brutally for years, yet the President did so with grace and restraint.
President Obama is a 100% class act. His successor is an utter catastrophe.
I miss President Obama already.
To consider that President Obama had to 'entertain' this excrescence....this monster who had insulted him brutally for years, yet the President did so with grace and restraint.
President Obama is a 100% class act. His successor is an utter catastrophe.
I miss President Obama already.
39
I concur that President Obama's excellence in office and moral standing have never wavered. When he leaves office, I will be moving out of the country. I cannot call myself an American under Trump leadership. It is degrading to the core.
3
Trump will be THE President. But he will have to earn being MY President. And that won't be easy.
9
The top news of the day according to The New York Times is that Trump and Obama met? The second place on The New York Times web page this morning is that Donald Trump is recruiting lobbyists.
Mr. Trump and President Obama were expected to meet. It would have been big news if they had not. It is, on the other hand, more than second-rate news that immediately after the election, the Trump team started reaching out to lobbyists for help in filling thousands of jobs at our regulatory agencies.
Mr. Trump and President Obama were expected to meet. It would have been big news if they had not. It is, on the other hand, more than second-rate news that immediately after the election, the Trump team started reaching out to lobbyists for help in filling thousands of jobs at our regulatory agencies.
15
You are so right. NYT had better improve its critical thinking in reporting or many of us will absolutely stop reading. I'm a paying subscriber.
2
The bar has been, and continues to be set so low for Trump.
As long as he does not act like a screaming, foaming at the mouth idiot, he is praised.
And now, because he could sit in a room with a truly gracious and classy gentleman and President - who I shudder to think his portrait will hang next to - without suggesting he is a Kenyan, and secret Muslim and deems to acknowledge that he does, indeed, have the right to pass the "baton", we call him "Presidential".
A pox on you Donald Trump and on your house. I, like the words on your family crest, will "never concede".
And, as Hillary has found out over her 30 years in the public eye, when a cop follows you up close for 500 miles - you are going to get a ticket.
As long as he does not act like a screaming, foaming at the mouth idiot, he is praised.
And now, because he could sit in a room with a truly gracious and classy gentleman and President - who I shudder to think his portrait will hang next to - without suggesting he is a Kenyan, and secret Muslim and deems to acknowledge that he does, indeed, have the right to pass the "baton", we call him "Presidential".
A pox on you Donald Trump and on your house. I, like the words on your family crest, will "never concede".
And, as Hillary has found out over her 30 years in the public eye, when a cop follows you up close for 500 miles - you are going to get a ticket.
23
At this point, the "bar" is on the basement floor.
I am just disgusted to see Trump sitting in the Whitehouse with President Obama.
I still can’t wrap my mind about people voting against their own self-interest, based on what were lies and hyperbolic nonsense. When I think of this imbecile in the debates who couldn’t answer a question with any specifics or basic knowledge on the issue, or exaggerated and lied virtually every time he opened his mouth, it still makes me want to throw up.
I know people will blame some Hillary Clinton for not spending enough time in the rust belt states not being more specific to what they were going through.
However, if people listened to her or went to her website, she had specific plans on dealing with the issues that would concern them, and when she spoke it was clear that she understood specific policies and programs needed, and understood the various concerns of people.
What is really irritating is Trump knows nothing and if a bill is put front of him by the Republican controlled congress, he doesn’t know enough to know the negative ramifications of it.
Trump is not only a trainee as President, he’s a trainee on basic legislation, policy details, programs and basic constitutional government in general, and he’s not well read, curious or detail oriented to what you would want in someone with his responsibility.
This election doesn't change him overnight from being the degenerate and misogynist, pandering to the most base racist tendency's to people dark side.
I still can’t wrap my mind about people voting against their own self-interest, based on what were lies and hyperbolic nonsense. When I think of this imbecile in the debates who couldn’t answer a question with any specifics or basic knowledge on the issue, or exaggerated and lied virtually every time he opened his mouth, it still makes me want to throw up.
I know people will blame some Hillary Clinton for not spending enough time in the rust belt states not being more specific to what they were going through.
However, if people listened to her or went to her website, she had specific plans on dealing with the issues that would concern them, and when she spoke it was clear that she understood specific policies and programs needed, and understood the various concerns of people.
What is really irritating is Trump knows nothing and if a bill is put front of him by the Republican controlled congress, he doesn’t know enough to know the negative ramifications of it.
Trump is not only a trainee as President, he’s a trainee on basic legislation, policy details, programs and basic constitutional government in general, and he’s not well read, curious or detail oriented to what you would want in someone with his responsibility.
This election doesn't change him overnight from being the degenerate and misogynist, pandering to the most base racist tendency's to people dark side.
27
wow. What body language. They could barely look at each other. Trump looked right and Obama looked left. Oba spoke as best he could about an uncomfortable meeting. Trump barely strung two sentences together. We are in for it. If we were a third world country it wouldn't matter so much, but we are the leader of the world. We are in so much trouble!
6
I can't help but notice that the online edition of the NYT gave space for a long article about a few isolated instances of racist or anti-immigrant actions on campuses. (Although one of the actions - spray painting "Trump" on a wall with the "T" replaced by a swastika - seems more likely to have been done by Trump opponents than supporters.)
On the other hand, I found nothing about the widespread protests against Trump including lots of people carrying "Not My President" signs. What would be the NYT reaction if Clinton had won and the protests were against her?
On the other hand, I found nothing about the widespread protests against Trump including lots of people carrying "Not My President" signs. What would be the NYT reaction if Clinton had won and the protests were against her?
"What would be the NYT reaction if Clinton had won and the protests were against her?"
This seems obvious Jim. The reaction would be that Mrs. Clinton has to reach out to those who did not vote for her.
Therefore I expect, indeed demand, the same from my new President. He needs to reach out to me and understand where I, and *over half* the voting public, are coming from.
He has *no* mandate. He needs to govern with humility and awareness that he has very little time to demonstrate I have been wrong in my concern.
Really, Jim, it seems obvious. Outreach, reconciliation and inclusiveness does not just mean liberals have to understand conservatives.
Does that help your understanding now?
This seems obvious Jim. The reaction would be that Mrs. Clinton has to reach out to those who did not vote for her.
Therefore I expect, indeed demand, the same from my new President. He needs to reach out to me and understand where I, and *over half* the voting public, are coming from.
He has *no* mandate. He needs to govern with humility and awareness that he has very little time to demonstrate I have been wrong in my concern.
Really, Jim, it seems obvious. Outreach, reconciliation and inclusiveness does not just mean liberals have to understand conservatives.
Does that help your understanding now?
2
What interests me more is what happened in the meeting with Ryan. Apparently they are on the same legislative page.
Last night Ryan announced that as part of ending Obamacare, they will phase out Medicare. Is Social Security next?
Enriching theninsurance companies and the money managers and the corporations and the wealthy. Impoverishing the very people who voted them in.
We are staring at an abyss.
Last night Ryan announced that as part of ending Obamacare, they will phase out Medicare. Is Social Security next?
Enriching theninsurance companies and the money managers and the corporations and the wealthy. Impoverishing the very people who voted them in.
We are staring at an abyss.
10
Maybe Ryan is suggesting that we all get the same healthcare programs that they - Senators, Congressmen/women get. That we pay for with our taxes…
Not.
End Medicare and cut SS and they will see REAL rioting in the streets.
Not.
End Medicare and cut SS and they will see REAL rioting in the streets.
being football season, a football quote seem apt here:
"You play to win the game!"
and to quote master Belichick - who wrote Mr Trump a nice letter commending his ownership of the media -
On to Washington!
PS Happy Veterans Day, my fellow Americans. Thank you immensely for your service.
"You play to win the game!"
and to quote master Belichick - who wrote Mr Trump a nice letter commending his ownership of the media -
On to Washington!
PS Happy Veterans Day, my fellow Americans. Thank you immensely for your service.
1
That handshake photo says it all. Character vs. cowardice. Trump can't even look the current president in the eye.
24
Very well said.
Even a man as mentally deficient as Donald Trump recognizes who is the better man. I can't imagine what must be going through both the President and the First Lady's minds as they greeted the vulgarians who will occupy the White House next.
Even a man as mentally deficient as Donald Trump recognizes who is the better man. I can't imagine what must be going through both the President and the First Lady's minds as they greeted the vulgarians who will occupy the White House next.
3
After 8 years of trying to destroy this honorable man could you look him in the eye?
One again our President, Obama shows pure class.
God I'm going to miss these people!!!!
One again our President, Obama shows pure class.
God I'm going to miss these people!!!!
5
Why all these negative comments on Trump - every single one. Considering the just about 50/50 voting on Tuesday I expected the same in for- or against Trump. What happened!
2
I just want to alert people to something that happened in Portland last night where I live. There have been 2 nights of protests and last night a peaceful group of over a thousand was infiltrated by a handful of anarchists who smashed cars and turned it into a riot. This is what Trump twittered:
“Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!”
Wrong. The protest was not organized by professional protesters, they were local residents using their right of free speech to voice their displeasure. The violent group of a few people hijacked the protest and turned it ugly.
I have been one willing to give Trump a chance.
Not any longer.
His statement clearly reveals that he is a fascist. The media did not incite anything and had nothing to do with the protest.
This is very disturbing as it would be something Putin would have said.
President Obama would never have said it.
As I said, I was open to listening to what he had to say.
Now I am very afraid.
“Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!”
Wrong. The protest was not organized by professional protesters, they were local residents using their right of free speech to voice their displeasure. The violent group of a few people hijacked the protest and turned it ugly.
I have been one willing to give Trump a chance.
Not any longer.
His statement clearly reveals that he is a fascist. The media did not incite anything and had nothing to do with the protest.
This is very disturbing as it would be something Putin would have said.
President Obama would never have said it.
As I said, I was open to listening to what he had to say.
Now I am very afraid.
27
Obama called Trump to the White House not to be even more gracious than his predecessor was to him - though that was a welcome side effect.
Obama called Trump to the White House before Trump could make that promised trip to Moscow to speak to his Russian contacts.
Ask yourselves - why did the Russians blow the lid off their own operation yesterday by admitting they've been talking to Trump all along? To rub Hillary's nose in it - probably, but that, too, is a welcome side effect as far as they're concerned.
To throw Trump under the bus? Why not. They fiddled with the election, destroying Hillary with our own FBI as an accomplice, why not now take down Trump as well and leave us in complete and utter disarray?
Nope. They admitted what they were doing because what Obama did yesterday was to inform Trump he has known what was happening all along, and that now as a holder of American classified intelligence, Trump's actions amount to treason.
This had to be corrected before it went too far. The idea of President Trump is painful for Democrats and Clinton supporters, but they will get over it. It happens in every election.
But a President-elect, convicted of treason before his inauguration, would take this country to its knees as the Russians would like.
Obama had to tell Trump before he went too far and took us all down with him.
Obama called Trump to the White House before Trump could make that promised trip to Moscow to speak to his Russian contacts.
Ask yourselves - why did the Russians blow the lid off their own operation yesterday by admitting they've been talking to Trump all along? To rub Hillary's nose in it - probably, but that, too, is a welcome side effect as far as they're concerned.
To throw Trump under the bus? Why not. They fiddled with the election, destroying Hillary with our own FBI as an accomplice, why not now take down Trump as well and leave us in complete and utter disarray?
Nope. They admitted what they were doing because what Obama did yesterday was to inform Trump he has known what was happening all along, and that now as a holder of American classified intelligence, Trump's actions amount to treason.
This had to be corrected before it went too far. The idea of President Trump is painful for Democrats and Clinton supporters, but they will get over it. It happens in every election.
But a President-elect, convicted of treason before his inauguration, would take this country to its knees as the Russians would like.
Obama had to tell Trump before he went too far and took us all down with him.
10
What are you talking about? Man, people are capable of believing anything.
1
Well, it would make for an interesting screenplay, anyway...
Once again we go from tax and spend (Democrats) to borrow and spend (Republicans). As history has shown repeatedly, the latter strategy destroys the economy in the end. I'm sure all those rural voters that put Trump (almost) over the top in the popular vote will be thrilled at the tax cuts for the top 0.1 % and the draining of the swamp that includes appointment of political cronies from the Bush era to key cabinet positions.
10
Obama just rang up 10 Trillion in debt and untold Trillions in future liabilities. He literally spent our great-grandchildrens money. And your argument is that its all been paid for already?
DecliningSociety, nope, my argument is that we didn't pay for the Bush wars because of the Bush tax cut, and we didn't pay for Obama's bailout of the Bush recession either, because who in Congress is going to be on the record as being for tax increases? It is indeed not all paid for. But it certainly will get much, much worse now with the Borrow and Spenders in power.
I'm sorry but I have not forgotten McConnell and gang proclaiming they will do all they can to make newly elected Obama a one term president. What did they do to help the new administration succeed? What did they do to make the country better? Your hypocrisy is sickening but not at all surprising.
51
President Obama and President-elect Donald Trump both demonstrated yesterday why this country is so strong. The ability of two political adversaries to come together for the sake of the country is actually quite beautiful. There is a reason that our Republic is a model for many other countries around the world.
5
It's not strong yet. There are 60 million people in this country who are ANGRY and think something is wrong with the vote, just look at it.
Also, if the Dem's had assistance from RUSSIA for this election, you'd be freaking out.
Also, if the Dem's had assistance from RUSSIA for this election, you'd be freaking out.
1
"Let all of the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out"
--Claudius, in "I Claudius"
--Claudius, in "I Claudius"
9
Obama loathes Trump, but he exhibits a lot of class by showing Trump respect when none was ever given to him while he was the sitting president. Straight class, as usual, from President Obama.
49
I am among the 48% of college-educated white Republicans who voted for Mrs, Clinton. I canot recall the last time I was more proud of America than the last 36 hours, starting with Mr. Trump's victory speech. I can only imagine how despots everywhere view this. We are demonstrating why we are the world's oldest democracy. I am guardedly optimistic.
3
We all need to stand together as one nation and put the ethnic differences aside and become Americans.
commenters who keep denigrating the president elect should be ashamed. We know you aren't happy, but deal with it.
6
You should be shamed for tearing down our great president and his family for 8 years and turn around and vote in the most racist person I have seen in my 74 years since George Wallace.
You have just made it alright to go back before civil rights!!!!Shame on You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have just made it alright to go back before civil rights!!!!Shame on You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6
Ralphie,
we know you aren't happy that we're exercising our first amendment rights, but as long as we still have that amendment, it is you who are going to have to "deal with it '.
we know you aren't happy that we're exercising our first amendment rights, but as long as we still have that amendment, it is you who are going to have to "deal with it '.
5
Linda, see that's what the problem is with progressives. They feel like they can denigrate people that disagree with them with impunity.
harpie -- yes, you have free speech blah blah. However, if you are a vulgar mouthed insulting individual other people have the right to call you on it. The dems whining is ridiculous. If you don't like the outcome, do what the Repubs did. Take back congress. If you can.
harpie -- yes, you have free speech blah blah. However, if you are a vulgar mouthed insulting individual other people have the right to call you on it. The dems whining is ridiculous. If you don't like the outcome, do what the Repubs did. Take back congress. If you can.
One bit of good news is that I will stop hearing from my right wing friends how President Obama is the worst president in U.S. history.
I just heard last night how he is personally responsible for the shooting of police officers by 'those' people.
I just heard last night how he is personally responsible for the shooting of police officers by 'those' people.
8
Theya re lunatics, the so-called president elect tweeted, 'it;s unfair' people are demonstrating, OMG, he has no idea what is going to happen. The demonstrations for any kind of inauguration will be devastating to his little ego, they shouldn't even bother.
3
Right wong friends.... one is the company one keeps?
s I said earlier, I'm 74, white female, and I believe fully in my heart that Pr. Obama and his family have been the best I have witnessed in my lifetime.
1
Am I the only one confused by Donald Trumps calmer more reasonable behavior? Ever since his acceptance speech the Trump of the campaign trail seems at odds with the more reasonable persona he is now displaying. Could there be two Donald Trumps? If his comments from People magazine circa 1998 are true...then the Republican electorate may respond quite powerfully..if they were played in order to receive their support. While I was deeply saddened the day after...I must say if Trump sheds the hateful rhetoric and displays some level of maturity...as he did after his meeting with President Obama..then it will be quite rewarding to enjoy how the racist/sexist/xenophobic vote block is proven to be as idiotic as he accused them of.
6
One of my problems with Obama and the Democratic party in general, is that they let too many people get away with too many things - they did not hold Wall Street accountable for the criminal activity that resulted in the "great recession," and they have let the Republicans obstruct and defeat attempts to build a unified country. The peace branches now being held out to Trump and the Republicans are more of the same, and the Republicans will take full opportunity to turn us into a third world country, dominated by an ultra rich class which profits at the expense of the rest of us. No thank you. No reconciliation until there is some evidence of respect for law, including civil rights of people who are not white men. They could start by affirming Garland and leaving Obama's DACA in place. Until there is some evidence they actually represent the majority of voters who showed up, there is no reconciliation.
4
I think at this point it should be mentioned; under obama we are quickly sliding towards a new Cold War. The scary part is that the average Russian dislikes us, unlike when under the Soviets we were well liked! Trumps "bromance" with Putin is not a bad thing at all!
1
It's Morning In Moscow! Their eagle is better than ours 'cos it has two faces.
So it was ok the Russians admitted helping the Trump campaign, omg. No more cold war, I helped you get elected, wow, I can only say wow!
3
So it doesn't bother you at all that it was proven Russian interfered with our election??? SHAME ON YOU!!!
3
The nation did the right thing. Just remembered bout the furniture ,china etc the Clintons took ,when they left the White House. Awful character....Unlikeable,Unbearable...
2
Oh please Albert. China what? No China anything, it's called TECHNOLOGY! Trade wars from Trump, no more Wal Marts or Dollar Stores. Yeah, the people in small towns in Northern England now not getting their subsides from the EU are wondering what the heck did they do to themselves.
Next year, driverless cars, and Albert, when you go through a drive through, robots handing you your food. China is meaningless, you're 2 decades too late.
Stay off any bridges, cause the Repub's won't spend a cent on infrastructure, say hi to the bay.
Next year, driverless cars, and Albert, when you go through a drive through, robots handing you your food. China is meaningless, you're 2 decades too late.
Stay off any bridges, cause the Repub's won't spend a cent on infrastructure, say hi to the bay.
That has been debunked time and again as a false story. But why listed to facts.
4
I empathize with those who see the ceremonial aspects of this passing of the torch of executive power. It represents the constitutional structural dimensions of our democracy and we do love our democratic symbols. But the constitution says nothing about the actual experience of this past election.
In a modern, digital age, replete with computerized voting machines, fancy digital maps, a so called free press and twenty-four hour news coverage, we actually had an election that was right out of the 19th century.
It was preceded by rampant voting repression schemes, some declared illegal and racist by federal courts. Prior to that, so many districts had been gerrymandered that the 'election' really took place in five or six states rather than all fifty. The DNC cheated Sanders out of a fair race. Would he have won were the tables not rigged? We'll never know, because they were.
And once again, we have a president in two party race that did not get a majority of the peoples votes. If this happened in some third world country we would be calling for international monitors.
So beyond all the pomp and circumstance we have a presidential succession that has all the tappings of democracy with little of it's substance. To top it off, as we recall memorable presidential sayings like 'ask not what your country can do for you.. or hope and change" we are instead left with 'nasty woman..build that wall.. and I grab them by..after all, I'm a celebrity, I can do whatever I want."
In a modern, digital age, replete with computerized voting machines, fancy digital maps, a so called free press and twenty-four hour news coverage, we actually had an election that was right out of the 19th century.
It was preceded by rampant voting repression schemes, some declared illegal and racist by federal courts. Prior to that, so many districts had been gerrymandered that the 'election' really took place in five or six states rather than all fifty. The DNC cheated Sanders out of a fair race. Would he have won were the tables not rigged? We'll never know, because they were.
And once again, we have a president in two party race that did not get a majority of the peoples votes. If this happened in some third world country we would be calling for international monitors.
So beyond all the pomp and circumstance we have a presidential succession that has all the tappings of democracy with little of it's substance. To top it off, as we recall memorable presidential sayings like 'ask not what your country can do for you.. or hope and change" we are instead left with 'nasty woman..build that wall.. and I grab them by..after all, I'm a celebrity, I can do whatever I want."
13
for the trumpeteers:
@HotlineJosh: "The ultimate con is that Trump Cabinet will probably be a lot more establishment/pragmatic than anyone realizes."
CASE IN POINT -- "Insurgent Trump taps GOP insiders, lobbyists for transition," by Andrew Restuccia, Isaac Arnsdorf, and Nancy Cook: "As Trump and his aides vet nominees for his Cabinet and lay out a first 100-day agenda, they are leaning heavily on the sort of D.C. insiders that the billionaire railed against on the campaign trail - people who cut their teeth working for Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and former nominee Mitt Romney, as well as on the influence peddlers Trump accuses of 'rigging' the system against ordinary Americans."
suckers!
@HotlineJosh: "The ultimate con is that Trump Cabinet will probably be a lot more establishment/pragmatic than anyone realizes."
CASE IN POINT -- "Insurgent Trump taps GOP insiders, lobbyists for transition," by Andrew Restuccia, Isaac Arnsdorf, and Nancy Cook: "As Trump and his aides vet nominees for his Cabinet and lay out a first 100-day agenda, they are leaning heavily on the sort of D.C. insiders that the billionaire railed against on the campaign trail - people who cut their teeth working for Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and former nominee Mitt Romney, as well as on the influence peddlers Trump accuses of 'rigging' the system against ordinary Americans."
suckers!
26
Regarding the related article about who will help Trump run the country, the answer is, white men. Prepare for him to bleach out the color and erase the diversity that we got used to in recent decades. I can't believe this is happening.
37
Most of them are old and will literally die out and in the meantime all of them will be saddled with Trump and will go down in history as weak, mean spirited traitors.
2
What about Ben Carson?
It's not going to happoen. Make a sign, call, demonstrate, be an American, make your voice known every day. Too many of you refuse to make a call to Ryan or McConnell, takes gumption, exerciser your rights or you will lose them, especially now. Make calls on your break every darned day!
1
The Donald has just realized that for the first time in his life he will have to pay attention and behave himself. It must be killing him.
41
....at his age, and in his apparent not-so-hot physical condition, it just might.
We are all the same. All capable of love, vindictiveness, jealousy, insecurity, lust, truth, lies, and rage. The United States is the greatest country to live in if you are any race, gender, or what ever you identify as. I hope people embrace that. May true and good ideas endure and deceitful and evil ideas fade away.
3
What struck me yesterday during the television coverage of this meeting was the utter absence of smiles. The whole thing was funereal.
2
But what about Hillary's emails? The Times just can't drop that hugely important story you've been on for 15 months? What about the imminent danger to our country? What happened to the chinese water torture of wikileaks? Such important journalism. I won't read the Times. On that I agree with Donald Trump.
3
THANK YOU VB. Out of asll thedse comments, you're is the only one that made any sense.
1
Trump's sudden deference is telling. Is it dawning on him that he has bitten of a bit too much to chew?
I had planned to move all of my IRA assets into cash before the election. One thing or another, procrastination mostly, led to me not doing so. Procrastination has a bad reputation, sometimes undeservedly. In the last days before the vote, it appeared Hillary would be victorious, so the urgency faded. But I still will get around to pulling my stock funds back to the bare minimum to keep them open and stuff the proceeds into a money-market fund before Trump takes the oath of office.
When Trump's rhetoric meets reality, bet on reality. It's just a variant of Reagan's "Trust, but verify."
I had planned to move all of my IRA assets into cash before the election. One thing or another, procrastination mostly, led to me not doing so. Procrastination has a bad reputation, sometimes undeservedly. In the last days before the vote, it appeared Hillary would be victorious, so the urgency faded. But I still will get around to pulling my stock funds back to the bare minimum to keep them open and stuff the proceeds into a money-market fund before Trump takes the oath of office.
When Trump's rhetoric meets reality, bet on reality. It's just a variant of Reagan's "Trust, but verify."
6
typical characteristic of personality disorders, he'll express a flat affect while he evaluates the room and determines which manipulative strategy will a)empower him/give him control and b)ensure/preserve that he won't embarrass himself.
we'll be seeing a lot of this.
we'll be seeing a lot of this.
1
I had a divine vision inspired by this meeting. During the meeting, President Obama handed Trump a secret, untraceable, encrypted phone. He told Trump that anytime you want to talk about anything, I'm as close as this phone. Call me anytime, day or night. I'm here for you. No one else know about the phone.
In four years time, Trump wears out that phone, and America is saved.
In four years time, Trump wears out that phone, and America is saved.
13
The smirk on Mitch McConnell's face says it all.
We are very frightened, very frightened.
We are very frightened, very frightened.
10
The moronic turtle is now tethered forever to Trump. This jerk couldn't defeat Obama, he won't stand a chance trying to do anything with or to Trump. Democrats should look at this as well deserved payback.
2
Donald Trump will be our President. We as citizens need to accept that, even if we voted for others (as I did). We have given him power. My message to the President-Elect is: "Power may be given, but always remember, sir, that respect is earned."
3
This is on the front page:.......a photo shot......but what is NOT on the front
page is the truth.....
Yesterday......a summary of who and what Donald J. Trump has revealed of
himself ; and what he has NOT revealed of himself.
and
Tomorrow.....will come the Tweets.....and ....the...same old Trump...so...
Buyer Beware....be Careful of What You Wish For.....and go forth with
Eyes WIDE OPEN.....also
Think about the Russian influence in this election....and just expose this truth..
because the Russians had a hand in the election of Trump...or prove that
this is incorrect...this is the next job of the investigative reporter...not
sugar coating this photo shot...OK..NYTimes Editors....????? Marchons !!!
page is the truth.....
Yesterday......a summary of who and what Donald J. Trump has revealed of
himself ; and what he has NOT revealed of himself.
and
Tomorrow.....will come the Tweets.....and ....the...same old Trump...so...
Buyer Beware....be Careful of What You Wish For.....and go forth with
Eyes WIDE OPEN.....also
Think about the Russian influence in this election....and just expose this truth..
because the Russians had a hand in the election of Trump...or prove that
this is incorrect...this is the next job of the investigative reporter...not
sugar coating this photo shot...OK..NYTimes Editors....????? Marchons !!!
4
Such a great day for America. I still can't really believe that this is happening. We are officially back on track.
3
The wrong track.
4
Yeah, we're on the track that leads straight over a cliff and into an abyss,
2
I flatly refuse to support someone who shamelessly used anger, fear, frustration and hate to gain personal and political advantage. That's not American values as far as I know----closer to the values of the despot Putin. If you voted for Trump---I will never call him President---then don't expect me to give you any consideration or support for making a dumb mistake. And if Trump succeeds which is doubtful because he burned a lot of bridges to get where he wanted to be---then you can have all the credit. But if he messes up big time and blows up half the world or gets the US into a long ground war in the Middle East---a distinct possibility---don't come whining and crying to me and blaming "That woman" or the Democrats. You made the dumb mistake and voted in an arrogant bully and demagogue with no clue not me. Your fault and your problem not mine. You will get no cooperation from me at all. And don't call me childish. You were childish in the first place by electing a junior high schoolyard bully to be President. What goes around comes around and now I'm angry. You don't like that and want to "make up"? Too bad you'll just have to live with your mistake. Unfortunately so will all of America. But I'd guess you don't give a damn about that.
7
President Obama is only doing the job that he has to do. I'm sure that his heart is broken, as are the hearts of all decent people.
I have struggled for decades to accept and embrace those in my family who are very different from me and have little sympathy with my lifestyle and ideas. I was appalled by their willful ignorance, bigotry & racism, attitudes that insulted my closest friends and son's two honorary godmothers. They took their prejudices as gospel and were in capable of critical thinking.
This election showed me that, while "blood may be thicker than water," nothing is stronger than your values, ideas and fundamental outlook on life. It's those qualities, not your genes, that determine who you are. My true brothers, sisters and cousins are the friends whom I have chosen and who have chosen me. I am sickened by the result of this election, and there will be no kumbaya moment for me.
I have unfriended members of my family who supported Trump. That they voted for this vile, racist, incompetent man – that one of them, a Democrat, bragged about "stepping out of her comfort zone" to vote for him –showed me that there was a chasm too wide to cross between them us. If a vote for a sociopathic, misogynistic, utterly unqualified con man can be rationalised, let alone with psychobabble unworthy of Dr Phil, then you and I have no common ground.
And if the ability to think critically and rejection of racism, bigotry and misogyny, make me an elitist, then God help America.
I have struggled for decades to accept and embrace those in my family who are very different from me and have little sympathy with my lifestyle and ideas. I was appalled by their willful ignorance, bigotry & racism, attitudes that insulted my closest friends and son's two honorary godmothers. They took their prejudices as gospel and were in capable of critical thinking.
This election showed me that, while "blood may be thicker than water," nothing is stronger than your values, ideas and fundamental outlook on life. It's those qualities, not your genes, that determine who you are. My true brothers, sisters and cousins are the friends whom I have chosen and who have chosen me. I am sickened by the result of this election, and there will be no kumbaya moment for me.
I have unfriended members of my family who supported Trump. That they voted for this vile, racist, incompetent man – that one of them, a Democrat, bragged about "stepping out of her comfort zone" to vote for him –showed me that there was a chasm too wide to cross between them us. If a vote for a sociopathic, misogynistic, utterly unqualified con man can be rationalised, let alone with psychobabble unworthy of Dr Phil, then you and I have no common ground.
And if the ability to think critically and rejection of racism, bigotry and misogyny, make me an elitist, then God help America.
7
I was up half the night trying to come up with some glimmer of hope. This story gave me some:
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/behind-the-smiles-tough-reality-f...
A few other things to consider..... Trump doesn't like Paul Ryan, he may end up thwarting Ryan's agenda out of spite and meanwhile Ryan et al are tethered to Trump, anything stupid he does will stick to them as well.
We need to focus on the midterms and we need to continue to use the power of boycotting. Big business has shown itself responsive to civil rights issues, let's speak out loud and clear when it comes to economic issues as well. These businesses need customers and it's in our power to force them to listen to us.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/behind-the-smiles-tough-reality-f...
A few other things to consider..... Trump doesn't like Paul Ryan, he may end up thwarting Ryan's agenda out of spite and meanwhile Ryan et al are tethered to Trump, anything stupid he does will stick to them as well.
We need to focus on the midterms and we need to continue to use the power of boycotting. Big business has shown itself responsive to civil rights issues, let's speak out loud and clear when it comes to economic issues as well. These businesses need customers and it's in our power to force them to listen to us.
9
This is the supreme example of what is called "failing upwards", a peculiar quality mostly demonstrated by white males.
8
Trump looks shell shocked and his wife looked utterly unhappy during the "tour". I also find it repulsive that rather than take a healing tone, the dead fish eyed Ryan stated something about turning this country around. He and melting face McConnell stayed far away from the fray not because they found Trump distasteful but because as Swamp creatures they are in full on re-election mode. A bunch of vultures. The only class act in that day were President Obama and the First Lady. President Obama pulled us back from the precipice wrought by Bush II. Now we have a hair-trigger jester who will fiddle (and tweet) while the country burns.
35
Compassion, decency and respect for all Americans, that is my wish. I hope the power of the institution of the Presidency of our country also engenders the same hope in President Elect Trump.
Those who wish America ill win by our divisiveness. The most profoundly powerful message we can send to our adversaries at this time in our history is our solidarity. "Making America Great Again" can begin by Making America Come Together Again. It is every American's patriotic duty to be part of the healing process regardless of party loyalty.
Those who wish America ill win by our divisiveness. The most profoundly powerful message we can send to our adversaries at this time in our history is our solidarity. "Making America Great Again" can begin by Making America Come Together Again. It is every American's patriotic duty to be part of the healing process regardless of party loyalty.
2
That's very noble, but I can't go along with it. Trump is an ignorant, bigoted, sexist, fascist. I do not support him because I can't support such a person. I'm fine with America doing badly for four years, if it will assure he gets voted out and we never elect someone this overwhelmingly unprepared and hateful again.
My patriotic duty is not to support a fascist, but to fight tyranny, and I will fight Trump however I can.
My patriotic duty is not to support a fascist, but to fight tyranny, and I will fight Trump however I can.
2
I don’t see Mr. Trump changing his spots. Maybe a little makeup to cover them up, but that’s all. He saw clearer than anyone else the hate his constituency wanted and fed it to them by the carload. His reversing course substantially now is not in the cards. How could it be otherwise? A mob fed red meat today is a mob demanding more red meat tomorrow and the next day until it is satisfied.
7
Trump fought dirty to win. But he at least started off in a statesmanlike manner during his meeting with Obama.
If the Democrats now start fighting dirty to prevent him from ruling they will be no better than he is.
A sore loser is far worse than a contrite winner.
If the Democrats now start fighting dirty to prevent him from ruling they will be no better than he is.
A sore loser is far worse than a contrite winner.
6
It was a greater honor than the racist, birther-lie-propagating Trump deserved. It should never have happened. This is a travesty, and in a couple of months I will not have a president at all.
Also I'm sorry that Michelle had to put up with that vacuous, gold-digging former nude model.
Also I'm sorry that Michelle had to put up with that vacuous, gold-digging former nude model.
29
It's sickening to think that Michelle Obama had to sit in the same room with the former 'supermodel' who stole her words. Former First Ladies must be turning in their graves to think that a woman whose biggest accomplishment was marrying a creature like Donald Trump and had nude 'girl on girl action' pictures on the front page of the NYP, is going to be living in the White House.
4
After one and a half years oif listening to Donald Trump lie and grossly exaggerate about opposing figures and issues, and now watch him playing 'nice-nice' with everyone he just denigrated, is absolutely abhorring. This is a man who addressed woman as if they were livestock, mocking their bodies, telling us what he liked to do to them as if they were nothing more than props for his sexual enjoyment.
And now we're supposed to just forget, ignore how Trump's chief handler, Kellyanne Conway, scripted a strategy for Trump to just lie, lie, lie, exagerate to no end, associate Clinton and Obama with the most audacious and lying innuendo. And unbelievably, most of the media are. I have not heard or read any of them calling Trump out for all that relentless lying he did. All that name calling. The exaggerations. But I for one will never forget what I just witnessed as Trump lied and exaggerated his way to the Presidency and now is being allowed to coast along as if he said or did nothing offensive to our senses of sight and sound and the principles of Free Speech. What we are witnessing is one of the worst charades of justtice ever, ever! No one is calling him out on his lying and deceit. Free Speech should have its limits when it comes to what we just witnessed during the closing last month of this election. And it all came from the direction of Kellyanne Conway.
And now we're supposed to just forget, ignore how Trump's chief handler, Kellyanne Conway, scripted a strategy for Trump to just lie, lie, lie, exagerate to no end, associate Clinton and Obama with the most audacious and lying innuendo. And unbelievably, most of the media are. I have not heard or read any of them calling Trump out for all that relentless lying he did. All that name calling. The exaggerations. But I for one will never forget what I just witnessed as Trump lied and exaggerated his way to the Presidency and now is being allowed to coast along as if he said or did nothing offensive to our senses of sight and sound and the principles of Free Speech. What we are witnessing is one of the worst charades of justtice ever, ever! No one is calling him out on his lying and deceit. Free Speech should have its limits when it comes to what we just witnessed during the closing last month of this election. And it all came from the direction of Kellyanne Conway.
18
And now, all Obama can do is stand by helplessly as Trump revokes his executive orders AND begins dismantling the Affordable Healthcare Act
4
President Obama will forever be remembered as a great man and a very good President. It's no fault of his if evil follows behind him and the evil, small minded rodents who tried to thwart him will go down in history as traitors. They can't take their money with them and we have the ability to limit their power. Each and every one of us needs to fight back.
3
I do hope that the people rioting over Trump would take a lesson from the president in his acceptance of the election results. Of course, I suspect he was heavily sedated.
I didn't vote for either candidate. I still can't look at Trump sitting in that office without cringing.
I thought it would be the Trump losers who would be running with pitchforks? It turns out to be the liberals who can't handle the loss.
I didn't vote for either candidate. I still can't look at Trump sitting in that office without cringing.
I thought it would be the Trump losers who would be running with pitchforks? It turns out to be the liberals who can't handle the loss.
7
Liberals are very fond of democracy. Having the will of the voters thwarted once again is not something Liberals are likely to take lying down. Expect an oppositional presence in front of the tower 24/7 for the foreseeable future. We can take it in shift. There are lots of us.
There's no 'coming together' for me. I'm a decent person and I don't horsetrade my well-being on the lives of people of color, women, the LGBTQ community, immigrants, the disabled, veterans, and the poor. This is 100% precisely the opposite time for 'reconciliation'.
This hideous child rapist, & the monsters he has surrounded himself with, have risen to power on their promises to bigots to destroy the lives and futures of millions. Compromising & tolerating their hatefulness would merely make me one of them.
I will not don the brown shirt. I will not demonize and dehumanize my fellow citizens & neighbors because they don't look and love just like me. I will NOT deny science & embrace illiteracy. I will not choose opinion, propaganda, & self-serving speculation over facts.
I will not salute a sociopath rising to power by threatening, lying, saber-rattling, & normalizing bullying & intimidation. I will not go back to business as usual. I know my former life is over. I know me, and everyone I know, will lose all we have as tangible as well as our community and our personal safety.
I will not treat a personality-disordered bully as a leader. I will not sit passively by as our shared values of tolerance & investing in the greater good are abandoned for maiming & killing 'the other' and the hoarding wealth and property by a tiny handful of monsters.
American administrations, regardless of party, have done some despicable things, but Trump is an order of magnitude worse.
This hideous child rapist, & the monsters he has surrounded himself with, have risen to power on their promises to bigots to destroy the lives and futures of millions. Compromising & tolerating their hatefulness would merely make me one of them.
I will not don the brown shirt. I will not demonize and dehumanize my fellow citizens & neighbors because they don't look and love just like me. I will NOT deny science & embrace illiteracy. I will not choose opinion, propaganda, & self-serving speculation over facts.
I will not salute a sociopath rising to power by threatening, lying, saber-rattling, & normalizing bullying & intimidation. I will not go back to business as usual. I know my former life is over. I know me, and everyone I know, will lose all we have as tangible as well as our community and our personal safety.
I will not treat a personality-disordered bully as a leader. I will not sit passively by as our shared values of tolerance & investing in the greater good are abandoned for maiming & killing 'the other' and the hoarding wealth and property by a tiny handful of monsters.
American administrations, regardless of party, have done some despicable things, but Trump is an order of magnitude worse.
90
So, your a decent person? You have said what you will not do, please tell us what you will do. Or is that to harsh?
Yes, Trump did look like a deer in the headlights. He has great respect? He tagged President Obama as the founder of ISIS, so now he and his followers have great respect for the founder of ISIS. And Trump supporters get angry when they can't get any respect for the way they think.
Well, a major program for him and his followers will be to build the wall with Mexico and make Mexico pay for it. Trump supporters accuse their detractors of being elitists, but if Trump can't build that wall he will have failed on a major promise. Trump people may not know that, but a success with the wall and its Mexican funding would make them look more than just the fools that they appear to be.
Unless, of course, his respect for the president means that Trump is returning to the social liberal that he has been in the past.
Trump is a man who can think no further than a tweet. "Really, really beautiful," is his prosaic description of the National Mall. Well, we put up with W for 8 years who spent $4 trillion on a failed, destabilizing war, so we'll put up with Trump. It's what the Heartland gives us. But the Heartland has to build that wall with Mexico and get Mexico to pay for it. They promised us that. If they can't build the wall then they're failures.
Well, a major program for him and his followers will be to build the wall with Mexico and make Mexico pay for it. Trump supporters accuse their detractors of being elitists, but if Trump can't build that wall he will have failed on a major promise. Trump people may not know that, but a success with the wall and its Mexican funding would make them look more than just the fools that they appear to be.
Unless, of course, his respect for the president means that Trump is returning to the social liberal that he has been in the past.
Trump is a man who can think no further than a tweet. "Really, really beautiful," is his prosaic description of the National Mall. Well, we put up with W for 8 years who spent $4 trillion on a failed, destabilizing war, so we'll put up with Trump. It's what the Heartland gives us. But the Heartland has to build that wall with Mexico and get Mexico to pay for it. They promised us that. If they can't build the wall then they're failures.
35
"Mr. Trump, who appeared nervous and uncharacteristically subdued beside Mr. Obama, called the president “a good man.” He said that the meeting was “a great honor” and that their conversation had lasted far longer than he would have expected."
Who would have thunk? I don't think the full weight of what he's achieved has yet to sink in for Mr. Trump, but it will. I honestly don't think he ever thought this would happen, that he played a role he enjoyed to the hilt with thousands of adoring supporters egging him on, applauding everything he said even the racist taunts.
And now he has to govern. Reality bites, Mr. Trump. How will you deal when you do unpopular things, when you get criticized by Congress and by the public? Will you run to tweet that everybody is wrong and you are right? Will you let your anger get the better of you at the wrong time and place?
The unstable Trump temperament is what his opponents have feared for 18 months. But it's one thing to exercise it during a campaign, but quite another if the drama unfolds in Washington. It remains to be seen if this country can survive Trump, and if Trump himself can survive the presidency.
Who would have thunk? I don't think the full weight of what he's achieved has yet to sink in for Mr. Trump, but it will. I honestly don't think he ever thought this would happen, that he played a role he enjoyed to the hilt with thousands of adoring supporters egging him on, applauding everything he said even the racist taunts.
And now he has to govern. Reality bites, Mr. Trump. How will you deal when you do unpopular things, when you get criticized by Congress and by the public? Will you run to tweet that everybody is wrong and you are right? Will you let your anger get the better of you at the wrong time and place?
The unstable Trump temperament is what his opponents have feared for 18 months. But it's one thing to exercise it during a campaign, but quite another if the drama unfolds in Washington. It remains to be seen if this country can survive Trump, and if Trump himself can survive the presidency.
41
As President-elect, Trump's first Twitter:
“Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!”
“Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!”
2
Your assuming that the democratic institutions like the free press and citizen and Congressional criticism will actually hold up under a full GOP assault on the truth.
Ah, you have to love this pageant. As Mr. Trump prepares for D.C., D.C. is welcoming Mr. Trump as it sharpens its knives. Half of the Senate and a large part of the House (Mr. Ryan) see themselves as the next president. Might as well throw in half of the state governors for a little spice, too. On to 2020!
President Obama can afford to be magnanimous. If anyone understands the limitations of the Presidency and D.C., it's him.
President Obama can afford to be magnanimous. If anyone understands the limitations of the Presidency and D.C., it's him.
34
Also, when Mr. Trump mentioned "some high flying assets," he almost blurted out something about drones and/or other intelligence assets that President Obama found to be informative. No wonder Putin loves this guy! Some of Hillary's e-mail messages were probably reclassified because they refer to the drone program...
2
It's nice to see that somethings will never change. Some NYT commenters here went straight from talking trash against a candidate to down-right vindictiveness toward a president elect. Aren't they the same who chastised Republicans eight years ago for doing the very same thing?
18
They are also rioting in the streets, setting fires, burning flags and blocking freeways. Yes, the hypocrisy is live and well.
12
some of the anti-Trump rhetoric from the left borders on sedition.
1
If you bite a cowflop you don't call it apple pie. Trump is orders of magnitude less competent and capable than Obama.
3
Pres. Obama would never make it as a fortune teller. "Iraq is on the right path." The country falls apart. "ISIS is contained." There's an ISIS massacre literally the very next day. "You can keep your doctor." Well, not exactly. "I'm confident Trump won't be president"—and on and on.
As for Trump, he probably looks nervous because he is. He never thought in his wildest dreams he'd actually be in the White House. We just put an eight-year-old in an AP physics class. Who uses their foundation's money to purchase a massive painting of themselves?
He belongs in Pyongyang or Minsk, maybe, but not in Washington. James Traub said it was going to be difficult to refer to Trump's administration as "Washington" for four years. Indeed it is. It's absolutely extraordinary what the American people, in their fathomless ignorance, have done.
As for Trump, he probably looks nervous because he is. He never thought in his wildest dreams he'd actually be in the White House. We just put an eight-year-old in an AP physics class. Who uses their foundation's money to purchase a massive painting of themselves?
He belongs in Pyongyang or Minsk, maybe, but not in Washington. James Traub said it was going to be difficult to refer to Trump's administration as "Washington" for four years. Indeed it is. It's absolutely extraordinary what the American people, in their fathomless ignorance, have done.
129
so, people who may or may not agree with you, are ignorant? am I understanding correctly?
Pyongyang or Minsk, or in the 12th century as a King or leader of the Knights Templar!
1
The fun will begin a few months from now when President Trump nominates Ted Cruz to the Supreme
Court.
Court.
20
I'm a lifelong Democrat who voted for Hillary Clinton. I'm honestly appalled by the comments on here and the behavior of the left in general since Tuesday night. In his election night speech Mr. Trump was very gracious, not only to Hillary, but to her supporters as well. And I was heartened to see what seemed like a very genuine statement that he gave yesterday with Mr. Obama, calling him a "very good man" who he was honored to meet, whose counsel he would seek, and who he hoped to see many more times. Mrs Clinton and Mr. Obama have been equally gracious.
We all rue the hyperpartisanship and talk about how we need to bring the country together, how we need to heal. But when we're on the other side of the fence (pardon the expression), do we act any differently than the people we deride? The president-elect has struck a very different tone since the election. I know it's only been a few days, but for God's sake, we have to live with him as President for the next four years. And we can't even give him a chance for four days? Sad.
We all rue the hyperpartisanship and talk about how we need to bring the country together, how we need to heal. But when we're on the other side of the fence (pardon the expression), do we act any differently than the people we deride? The president-elect has struck a very different tone since the election. I know it's only been a few days, but for God's sake, we have to live with him as President for the next four years. And we can't even give him a chance for four days? Sad.
146
I did not vote for Mr. Trump, or Ms. Clinton. I totally agree with your statements here. The reaction, in this blog, and on the streets has been a very bad case of being sore losers. Last week, many of these people, were saying that Trump supporters would be rioting and will cause an armed revolution. Ms. Clinton lost, and multiple days of protests have yielded burned American flags, blocking freeways and main arteries, looting, rioting and setting fires.
The Democrats reaction is that of scorched earth. And worse than what the GOP supporters did in 2008 and 2012. But, in this case, Clinton supporters are not even going to give Trump a chance to govern.
There is a great deal of work to do to fix this country, and the immature reaction of Clinton supporters is shameful, and hypocritical.
Mr. Trump is going to be President Trump for the next four years. If the problems of this country is going to be addressed and fixed, then the country has to come together. If for nothing else, to get this country back on the right track and make sure that what accomplished, continues.
The Democrats reaction is that of scorched earth. And worse than what the GOP supporters did in 2008 and 2012. But, in this case, Clinton supporters are not even going to give Trump a chance to govern.
There is a great deal of work to do to fix this country, and the immature reaction of Clinton supporters is shameful, and hypocritical.
Mr. Trump is going to be President Trump for the next four years. If the problems of this country is going to be addressed and fixed, then the country has to come together. If for nothing else, to get this country back on the right track and make sure that what accomplished, continues.
9
Four years isn't so bad; the problem we face is the coming generation-long poisoning of the Federal judiciary. Senate Dems will be powerless for at least two years because Republicans are going to eliminate the filibuster.
2
It's hard Mike with Rudy, Christie, Gingrich & Bannon waiting in the wings of power,
10
The photo is so telling. As the two shake hands, Trump looks down to avoid Obama's earnest gaze.
111
I voted for Hillary and have still not pulled out of the dump that Trump's victory put me in, however your comment is completely naive. This is just a photo of one second of their meeting. As you know, the cameras click along, taking stills of every moment of what the press people have at their disposal; it's the editors of the newspaper who decide what to publish and what impression to suggest. Grow up.
3
Trump's face is Robert Redford's character" face on the last scene of "The Candidate." He has just won and has no idea of what to do next. Well art becomes real life. Should we give him a chance to prove us wrong ?????
3
I too noticed that. As I said in an earlier post, Trump almost looked embarrassed or shameful. He should be ashamed of himself for meeting the President, whom he accused for a decade that he wasn't an American citizen and never apologized for it. If I were Obama, I don't know if I would have been so gracious. Michael Moore was on Morning Joe this morning saying basically the same thing. He also added that Obama needed to be wearing a t-shirt with the words "I'm with stupid" imprinted on it.
2
Many persons turn to politics or public service late in life -- Trump is such a person. While he did some stupid things, it is clear that in the last 5-6 years he has noticed the political landscape and the state of the country and figured, hey, I'm a billionaire, why not?
2
He's not a billionaire
4
Ending the article with a stab at fear-baiting with reference to the nuclear codes is a Huffington Post-like practice the Times needs to stop. I did not vote for Trump but it doesn't do any good now to fan those flames needlessly and actually just makes the Times look petty and sour for bring so wrong about this outcome. Save it for when there is real imminent danger like the possible appointments of the likes of Giuliani and Gingrich to his cabinet.
36
Our current POTUS is a gracious and mature, highly intelligent man who is fully cognizant of his stewardship obligations of our Ship of State - qualities which are utterly absent in the appallingly racist, bombastic ignoramus who will not only succeed President Obama, but also complete the GOTP's nullification of his tenure. I can barely bring myself to watch the news at this point - what I do know is that we must immediately abolish the Electoral College. Once again, the winner of the presidential election has been denied the Presidency as a result of this arcane, anti-democratic relic, and the very existence of this country is in dire peril as a result of this outcome.
87
Nonsense. Voters vote, or don't vote, under the rules of the electoral college. If it were a true popular vote then the vote total would be different. This shrieking from the left about "not my president" and claims that his win was illegitimate do not help our democracy.
3
you should be ashamed of yourself for talking about the president elect in this way.
2
No doubt, Ralphie, you were first to step up and condemn your candidate for the past 8 years or more during which he regularly claimed that our current POTUS was "not an American citizen?" Or when Newt Gingrich claimed that our current POTUS had "Kenyan Socialist views and was not one of us?" Or when your party's Joe Wilson from South Carolina screamed "YOU LIE" at our current POTUS during one SOTU speech? Or when your party decided, the very eve of our President's first inauguration, that they would block and obstruct every single initiative in order to make him a one term President, at the expense of the entire nation? I thought not: no doubt you were cheering them on in their heinous obstruction. Those who live in glass houses should refrain from throwing stones, sir. 11/11, 9:34 AM
7
Private meetings with the sitting President and complete security briefings deliver the complete unvarnished truth to the President-elect. Expect significant changes in tone and substance from Trump.
14
Maybe we'll get real lucky and he'll decline the Presidency.....
2
They obviously discussed pardoning Clinton. And life on the ground floor. And how soon the Obamas would move out of the WH except for maintaining a token presence. 30 minutes each, sounds about right.
Let's face it, Obama has made the entire country wait too long for his exit. Now the wait has become unbearable. Hurry up already. C'mon man!
Let's face it, Obama has made the entire country wait too long for his exit. Now the wait has become unbearable. Hurry up already. C'mon man!
5
She doesn't need to be pardoned, because she hasn't committed any crimes unless you hate women so much that her sheer competence is some sort of crime to you. Let's spend the next four years impeaching Donald Trump for tax evasion, promises to foreign governments through his business dealings, etc., stiffing his workers, phony university, discriminatory policies, on and on. Where's his tax returns? When is going to overturn the tax policies that allowed him to rob the American people for over twenty years? Are you going to stop talking about that and pretend he's qualified to be president?
12
Huh...The dignity and class the Obamas brought to the White House will be noted by history..even is some of our minds are so twisted by race and groupthink political ideology that we cant even see this undeniable fact. Accusations of out of touch and arrogance, hurled at the Obamas is code words the we all no to well..Just as your use of the words token presence above reveals who you are TMK.
6
Pardoning her for what!!!!!!!
6
If Trump succeeds, the US will fail because all of his policies are guaranteed to bring ruin and destruction. More tax cuts? Have you seen Kansas lately? When has supply side ever worked?
At this state the North and the Pacific West needs to secede from the Union. We need to prepare articles of succession and just leave. We do not deserve to send our hard earned tax dollars to the Confederacy, the top ten takers are the hard core South, and receive nothing back but vicious hate.
At this state the North and the Pacific West needs to secede from the Union. We need to prepare articles of succession and just leave. We do not deserve to send our hard earned tax dollars to the Confederacy, the top ten takers are the hard core South, and receive nothing back but vicious hate.
31
The stock market seems to disagree.
Who mentioned supply side? That was a Hillary position, not Trump. As far as the South, most NYers plan to retire their. You can also visit your kids there as their economy is growing. It was good to see Trump do a bit better with Latinos and Blacks, who are abandoning the white liberal elites at a rapid pace.
Who mentioned supply side? That was a Hillary position, not Trump. As far as the South, most NYers plan to retire their. You can also visit your kids there as their economy is growing. It was good to see Trump do a bit better with Latinos and Blacks, who are abandoning the white liberal elites at a rapid pace.
3
Actually ,business wise,your going to have more money. The countries economic policies are not built for growth. China just expressed delight over negotiating with a pragmatic business man as opposed to an ideology based leader. All our allies are thrilled in the Mid East..the campaign is a show business exercise, .im sure you'd like to keep those drugs coming in from the border ,and the crazies in the sanctuary cities.
I wish President Obama had worded this differently: "If you succeed, then the country succeeds."
If Trump succeeds on what he promised his supporters, he will have set our society back 100 years and destroyed our air and lands.
If Trump succeeds on what he promised his supporters, he will have set our society back 100 years and destroyed our air and lands.
72
@Pantheist: Not only our air and lands, the planet's air and lands will be very likely as well.
7
I had the same thought. But I think we should interpret Obama's idea of success in a broader sense. Certainly for Trump to succeed in all of his promises and threats during the campaign would bring multiple layers of disaster globally.
3
This is my very thought! Trump's success is not something we look forward to. We hope for a smooth transition, yes; beyond that, we hope Trump doesn't embarass us and doesn't destroy everything we value.
1
I watched coverage of the meeting between the President and Trump, and was struck by the difference in demeanor and comportment between the two. The President had his usual non-dramatic civility in hand, despite a first face-to-face meeting with the man who had spent years plying him with lies, calumny and abuse - he's a Muslim, he wasn't born in the US, he literally founded ISIS, and more.
Trump looked puffy, ill-at-ease, shuffling and awkward. He frankly looked unhealthy and ailing to me, although I concede that I may be biassed. I just can't see Trump functioning in the way a President should, especially in the international arena. He hasn't so far shown that he has the chops.
Trump looked puffy, ill-at-ease, shuffling and awkward. He frankly looked unhealthy and ailing to me, although I concede that I may be biassed. I just can't see Trump functioning in the way a President should, especially in the international arena. He hasn't so far shown that he has the chops.
155
He's over 70 years old, and at this age we need to pay attention to our health, especially with regards to our diet. You can't eat like a teenager at our age, and he is reputed to be a big fan of very unhealthful foods. This does not bode well for the stresses of the office he is assuming. It would come as no great surprise if he were forced to relinquish his office for health reasons, if he doesn't get impeached first, of course.
2
Why should anyone be surprised that Donald Trump acted deferential, even honorable, with Obama. Trump has demonstrated he has no character, that he will say or do whatever it takes to get through a particular situation. He behaves the Woody Allen character, Zelig, who would adapt, chameleon-like, to whatever the situation required.
I'm sure in his next meetings with Republican leaders he will behave as he has throughout this campaign, mouthing all the correct right-wing bromides with the same sincerity he showed at the White House.
Trump is a man who is completely out of his league, and demonstrates that every time he opens his mouth. His character runs as deep as the gold-plate on his airplane.
I'm sure in his next meetings with Republican leaders he will behave as he has throughout this campaign, mouthing all the correct right-wing bromides with the same sincerity he showed at the White House.
Trump is a man who is completely out of his league, and demonstrates that every time he opens his mouth. His character runs as deep as the gold-plate on his airplane.
117
Bravo jim in Tucson!
6
Americans have elected Trump, a racist, sexist charlatan for president. We'll see how far Trump's bluffery will get him.
94
No, Americans voted for Clinton. The Electors will choose our President, and they don't vote until some time in December.
1
This photo makes me want to cry, continuing on from my intermittent tears the past few days. President Obama - a true leader, someone who made me feel safe knowing that he is in charge of my beloved country. And who must now turn over the reins to this man-baby who is so easily offended and who has done such harm to the country with his hateful rhetoric. ,
165
I couldn't agree more. This win for Trump is not our country's finest moment. President Obama has been such an intelligent, gracious leader. Can you imagine four years from now - hopefully, when Trump loses a reelection bid - what the transfer of power would look like then? Nothing like what Obama is doing for him now.
6
Let's be clear - this was a change election. There was a huge groundswell of support under Sanders and Trump. The DNC and establishment media favored Clinton over Sanders, to his detriment. The minimal coverage Sanders did get, compared with other candidates, was often disingenuous, despite his strong movement of support. With all this institutional support, Clinton became the nominee. On the right, the establishment resisted Trump, but due to his combativeness, and constant media coverage, he made it through to become the nominee. In fact, NYT and other respected sources covered Trump non-stop, while denying oxygen to Sanders' strong movement. Sanders had a better chance than Clinton to beat Trump. The Republicans had a change candidate, but DNC wanted an establishment candidate, during a change election. The Clinton candidacy was largely due to arrogance on the part of the democratic party, and media in general. Don't complain now - pride comes before a fall.
67
You really think this country would have elected a socialist Jew when they wouldn't elect a woman? Bernie Sanders has a job to do in the Senate and it sounds as though he's ready to go. Good on him. But Hillary Clinton should be taking the oath of office in January. Purity tests on the left will be no effective opposition at all, as we can see with the Labour Party in the UK.
2
I didn't see the House change. Or the Senate.
For all the talk of a change election, Republican Senators not only kept their cushy K Street pipelines, they did it with more votes than the alleged change candidate.
For all the talk of a change election, Republican Senators not only kept their cushy K Street pipelines, they did it with more votes than the alleged change candidate.
3
If you think Sanders would have defeated Trump, you are delusional.
Trump would have won in a landslide. The airwaves would have been filled with pictures of Bernie and Stalin. No way Sanders would have stood up to Trump in the debates. He would have been all flustered.
In 2020, we'll put Elizabeth Warren up against Trump. Things will go better, if the country is totally destroyed by then.
Trump would have won in a landslide. The airwaves would have been filled with pictures of Bernie and Stalin. No way Sanders would have stood up to Trump in the debates. He would have been all flustered.
In 2020, we'll put Elizabeth Warren up against Trump. Things will go better, if the country is totally destroyed by then.
2
The New York Times writes: "Mr. Trump, whose campaign drew support from white supremacist groups, sat just in front of a bust of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Oval Office."
And so we quickly learn how the Times intends to cover the Trump presidency.
And so we quickly learn how the Times intends to cover the Trump presidency.
30
The Times is the Times. I remember when it was truly the Times - the grey lady we could count on for fairness and objectivity.
14
I saw that too while watching. All we needed was a painting of Lincoln, Harvey Milk, Chavez and the members of Pussy Riot holding hands to have made that irony complete.
3
Sad. He prevailed despite it. And The Times curiously never talked about how Clinton drew support from Islamic extremists, like the father of the Florida gay nightclub shooter who attended her rally and had a prime time seat behind her.
1
President Obama is responsible to acknowledge that Trump's success is America's. Contrast that with the Congressional Republicans who, from election night 2008, made Obama's failure their top goal.
182
Thank you!! When I try to bring this up to my Republican friends, they don't seem to remember it. This has to be repeated time and again.
6
So much has been written and said about how we must all come together and give Trump a chance. But after all the terrible things he said and did during his campaign, Trump will have to prove to me that he deserves that chance. I'm not won over by one simple gracious acceptance speech (I can't help but wonder if it were a concession speech he had to give, would he have been as gracious?) Nor do I think this man has had some sort of transformation simply because he was polite yesterday. Let's see what he says and does in the coming weeks and months and who the men and women are that he chooses to surround himself with. Until then, as Mr. Blow said in his column yesterday, "I'm resisting."
313
We the people, who are seeing our will thwarted for the second time in 16 years, must do everything in our power to keep this fact firmly in the forefront of the national consciousness. If it takes constant demonstrations, so be it. How convenient that his tower is in midtown Manhattan. So convenient for maintaining a constant presence to remind him of the opposition. And how fitting that his major line of defense against an outraged public is a line of sanitation trucks.
2
Really?
Are you talking about secession or insurrection?
Or working to make Trump a one-term President?
Are you John Brown, Jefferson Davis or Mitch McConnell?
Are you talking about secession or insurrection?
Or working to make Trump a one-term President?
Are you John Brown, Jefferson Davis or Mitch McConnell?
1
You're talking as if you have power over him. As much as I don't like him either, he won. It doesn't matter if you resist or not. We are stuck with him for 4 years.
1
Get ready for another 2001 - 2009 Grand Old Poseidon adventure, America.
You wanted to flip the America boat.
Get ready to capsize and drown in the violent waves of unregulated vulture capitalism.
The Electoral College elected Greed Over People as your President and your governing party...and you're about to get it good and hard.
Enjoy the economic beatings.
You wanted to flip the America boat.
Get ready to capsize and drown in the violent waves of unregulated vulture capitalism.
The Electoral College elected Greed Over People as your President and your governing party...and you're about to get it good and hard.
Enjoy the economic beatings.
198
Did Hillary take millions from Wall Street, or did she not? Answer that, and then talk about "vulture capitalism".
3
I agree with you that Trump is fraud, but let's not sanctify Obama in the process, because he pretty much continued with Bush's adventurism in the Middle East (he compensated the withdraw of the troops with private contractors and drones), destroyed - with the help of France and the UK - Libya (this is on Clinton: rumor says Obama was divided in this issue, but pending on not invading Libya; Clinton is credited for convincing him) despite Kaddafi's warnings that it would trigger a mass immigration to Europe (this triggered the rise of the far-right in Europe) and, and this is again on Clinton, initiated the disastrous "pivot to Asia" in South China Sea. Plus, he did support, passionately, both the TPP and the TTIP.
2
There is an old Hindi proverb translation "if you ask monkey to light the house, monkey will winding up burning your house". This is what we have at our hand.
How much of our home will be burnt during his four years that is what we have to see. Let us hope, it is not the entire house.
How much of our home will be burnt during his four years that is what we have to see. Let us hope, it is not the entire house.
6
The impression I got from watching Trump at this meeting is that he is feeling a bit overwhelmed by the weight that's suddenly on his shoulders. Nothing he's done in his life has the seriousness of this endeavor. He's now responsible for 360 million Americans and, in a way, for the rest of the world. This is no joke. This is no promotional stunt. This is real and will affect everything that happens in the world from here on out. I think he realizes that he's in over his head. For all our sakes, we need to find a way to help him lead and make the right choices, even if that means obstructing certain paths and blocking certain measures. We can rail against him all we want, but at the end of the day our survival depends on his success. I'm not sure he's up to the task, but we have to turn him into a real leader and not just a showman who got more than he bargained for.
14
I hoped to never see this day, or read an article like this one in the NY Times. I said beforehand I had faith in American voters to not elect a goon, but I was not prepared for this. My observation on the Presidency is that it forces both the best and the worst of the man who is President. It atomizes his character and tends to pull it apart. We shall see how Donald Trump deals with "the toughest job in the world". I hope for the best from him, but expect the worst. It would not surprise me if he does not complete a full term as our President.
26
“No, I meant he’s the founder of ISIS. I do.”
--- Donald Trump
That being the case, Mr. Trump is now guilty of consorting with one of America’s greatest enemies.
--- Donald Trump
That being the case, Mr. Trump is now guilty of consorting with one of America’s greatest enemies.
31
The very first words out of his mouth in the Oval Office were a lie. The meeting was scheduled for an hour, and only ran over a few minutes. Trump lied when he said it was scheduled for 15 minutes and spontaneously they talked for "almost 90". The Times incorporate in-line, immediate fact-checking, or it will continue to fail in its duty to the people.
40
I read it was scheduled for 20 minutes with POTUS turning it over to his team to start the debriefings (17 of them). Plus the Cavs were in the House. I think President Obama might have found their presence more fun and less laughable.
2
From Mr. Trump's expressions yesterday it seems the gravity of what he has gotten himself into has set in. No sir, this is not a TV production that will end in 13 weeks. Gosh, I hope you're up to it...
100
Heck, he and his family looked utterly stunned/dismayed when he made his acceptance speech. If he ran just so he could increase his brand awareness and go on to Trump TV after losing, he's just gotten one nasty shock.
5
Trump probably thinks he can bluff his way through the public appearance party of the Presidency. The policy part is going to be executed by Pence, McConnell, and Ryam. Their only goal will be to cause as much pain for the rest of us as possible.
6
I hail Mr. Trump's victory. It is the American's who voted him to power. Just because the result was unexpected why should he be vilified. He contested the election and won just as any other US President. No US president can be authoritarian as seen in many military rulers where democracy is absent. The congress, the judiciary and the Press can guide Trump to do good to US. As an Indian i would always love and cheer the USA.
12
He is not vilified because he won the election, he is vilified because that is how he behaved towards our diverse American population.
62
Yeah but he said the election was "rigged" so maybe he shouldn't be here and his claims investigated to the fullest extent possible. A lengthy process that might take 4 years...
5
You're too kind, and blind.
2
"I very much look forward to dealing with the president in the future"
That's sounds more ominous than conciliatory to me.
That's sounds more ominous than conciliatory to me.
12
President Johnson said, it’s nothing personal it’s just politics, which sums up the Donald, the master of pandering.The only ones that took Donald’s comments literally were the Democrats, which they used against him.I always felt he was not what he claimed he is, he is not conservative, he is not religious, he will not destroy Obama’s legacy, including Obama Care, but will give people an option rather than Obama Care.He is nothing like he portrayed himself to be, in order to appeal to the one voting block that supported him.
I believe he will surprise all the Pundits again.
I believe he will surprise all the Pundits again.
3
I would love to believe your dreamy interpretation, and yes, he's a liar who panders and over-promises, but he's promised too many and has full control over the Senate, the House, and soon, the Supreme Court. He's promised to overturn Roe v. Wade, he's promised to return coal as an energy source instead of developing solar and wind, he's promised to deregulate polluting industries and put a climate denier in charge of EPA, he's fired up the know-nothing Neo-Nazis and immigrant haters and promised to built a wall near Mexico, and ban Muslims and refugees fleeing wars we helped to create, he's robbed his own workers, made tax evasion an art, is entangled with foreign governments with whom he does business and to whom he is beholden--and now so are we and he's called so many names that fear and and civility have bloomed like fatal weeds. School children are afraid, and ask if they are safe. White children of hate-mongers feel entitled to tell a black child to get to the back of the bus, and a man ripped a hijab off a woman's head on the subway. You reap what you sow; you can't scream fire and hatred and lies for 18 months, and then, imagine that the adults in government will somehow manage the puffed-up boar hurling and huffing and rutting through the hallowed halls. The pig is out of the box.
7
Dear Doc,
Your points are well taken, & if I felt whatever he said would come to fruition, I would be marching with the, not my President crowd.A magical thing happens when you enter the White House as the President, it overwhelms your ego, evens Trumps over blown ego.I understand it's a humbling experience.Our Judicial system considers you innocent until proven guilty, lets give Trump a chance and for now lets consider his outrageous comments, just pandering, & raw meat for those that are deplorable & are part of the rank & file of the Republican party.
Your points are well taken, & if I felt whatever he said would come to fruition, I would be marching with the, not my President crowd.A magical thing happens when you enter the White House as the President, it overwhelms your ego, evens Trumps over blown ego.I understand it's a humbling experience.Our Judicial system considers you innocent until proven guilty, lets give Trump a chance and for now lets consider his outrageous comments, just pandering, & raw meat for those that are deplorable & are part of the rank & file of the Republican party.
1
President Obama was gracious in his acceptance of change, he is to be commended for that.
Speaker of the House Ryan was as phony as you can get, caught up in the moment he almost succeeded in torpedoing.
President Elect Trump will have to get used to the still sharp jabs of his former opponents, the anyone but Trump groupies. I would expect his business acumen will serve him well as he begins the transition to normalcy and away from the open borders policies of his predecessor.
The mobs of angry shouting voices in the streets will calm down, sore losers. I cannot imagine riots and angry protestors in the streets had Hillary won. If you looked at them they were mostly children, goaded on by frustration. I have no problem with that. Some will come around, others will be deported.
President Elect Trump ( that has a GREAT ring to it ) should be given an oppourtunity, he was outspent by a "machine politic" almost three to one, that in itself should open peoples eyes to his business talents. If this kind of wisdom can now be applied to a macro based economy there is still a chance America can reverse the downward spiral it has been on since late in George W. Bush's administration.
Please Mr President Elect no more nation building until the United States is rebuilt.
May God bless the United States of America and grant our soldiers, sailors and servicemen and women safety.
Speaker of the House Ryan was as phony as you can get, caught up in the moment he almost succeeded in torpedoing.
President Elect Trump will have to get used to the still sharp jabs of his former opponents, the anyone but Trump groupies. I would expect his business acumen will serve him well as he begins the transition to normalcy and away from the open borders policies of his predecessor.
The mobs of angry shouting voices in the streets will calm down, sore losers. I cannot imagine riots and angry protestors in the streets had Hillary won. If you looked at them they were mostly children, goaded on by frustration. I have no problem with that. Some will come around, others will be deported.
President Elect Trump ( that has a GREAT ring to it ) should be given an oppourtunity, he was outspent by a "machine politic" almost three to one, that in itself should open peoples eyes to his business talents. If this kind of wisdom can now be applied to a macro based economy there is still a chance America can reverse the downward spiral it has been on since late in George W. Bush's administration.
Please Mr President Elect no more nation building until the United States is rebuilt.
May God bless the United States of America and grant our soldiers, sailors and servicemen and women safety.
4
If you looked at them they were mostly children, goaded on by frustration. I have no problem with that. Some will come around, others will be deported.
That's the next generation you are talking about. The ones worried about climate change, of high education and living costs. Saying that they were "goaded on by frustration" denies their fears, surely.
That's the next generation you are talking about. The ones worried about climate change, of high education and living costs. Saying that they were "goaded on by frustration" denies their fears, surely.
14
pealass,
Frustration, fear, whatever.
Whenever I was doing something I should not have been doing I felt fear, this is what kept me from doing those things, that and guilt. So I understood what I said.
The next generation of what ? Angry entitled, easily lead youth believing in the "hope and change" Obama promised them, or Bernie and Hillary. Free college, free this - free that. To be free for anyone means that someone pays, whom ? Me, not you, your country will have its own problem with the influx of newcomers who will quickly try to remake their adopted land into a copy of their former homes.
So, good luck with that.
Frustration, fear, whatever.
Whenever I was doing something I should not have been doing I felt fear, this is what kept me from doing those things, that and guilt. So I understood what I said.
The next generation of what ? Angry entitled, easily lead youth believing in the "hope and change" Obama promised them, or Bernie and Hillary. Free college, free this - free that. To be free for anyone means that someone pays, whom ? Me, not you, your country will have its own problem with the influx of newcomers who will quickly try to remake their adopted land into a copy of their former homes.
So, good luck with that.
2
What did the president think of the president-elect's secret plan to crush the so-called Islamic State? Is he going to implement it before he leaves office? Mr. Trump must have shared that plan with Pres. Obama today in order to ensure that by the time he is inaugurated, the threat to Americans from terrorists is significantly reduced. He DID share his secret plan with the current commander-in-chief of the armed forces, didn't he? If not, why not? Surely he doesn't want to keep Americans at risk for one day longer than necessary. Just want to remind Americans not to forget, no matter how much charm and humility he oozes, this is still Donald Trump we're dealing with here, dressed up with a nice new title.
18
Ah, so Trump has channeled his inner humanity and discovered graciousness. Well, let's not get too excited. The man won, and everybody is being nice to him. Again the bar for him is somewhere below ground. Have we already forgotten the welcome that Obama was regaled with--the promise to make him a one-term president and the accusation of "you lie" as he gave his first address to Congress? Juxtapose those mean-spirited sour grapes with the civil good wishes and calls for unity that came from Clinton and our current president.
Does anyone really think that had the tables been turned and Clinton won the electoral vote while Trump won the popular count, he would have exhibited the same graciousness that he is displaying now? I haven't heard the word "rigged" since last Monday.
Let us not fool ourselves. We have seen what this hollow shell of a person is--void of a moral core, self-absorbed, demanding of constant approval.
I do not feel reassured.
Does anyone really think that had the tables been turned and Clinton won the electoral vote while Trump won the popular count, he would have exhibited the same graciousness that he is displaying now? I haven't heard the word "rigged" since last Monday.
Let us not fool ourselves. We have seen what this hollow shell of a person is--void of a moral core, self-absorbed, demanding of constant approval.
I do not feel reassured.
178
RIGGED!
There you go....
There you go....
Having sent in a quarterback for the Superbowl who has never played football, it is not surprising that Trump is picking his team from off the old bench and even from the ranks of the retired players - receivers he knows and trusts and with much more experience than he - swamp dwellers all.
And on the sidelines? The coaches and refs from the ranks of the big, monied fans that know the other swamp dwellers well and who the swamp dwellers owe favors to, and who can make him stay n his position, as quarterback, even if he loses the game this year.
And the fans in the stands can cheer or boo, they don't even realize they have already done their part, put him in as quarterback against all odds - and now they are superfluous, a distraction, really, and can all just take their ridiculous t-shirts and hats and chants and go home for all he cares.
See, America IS great again. HE IS QUARTERBACK.
And on the sidelines? The coaches and refs from the ranks of the big, monied fans that know the other swamp dwellers well and who the swamp dwellers owe favors to, and who can make him stay n his position, as quarterback, even if he loses the game this year.
And the fans in the stands can cheer or boo, they don't even realize they have already done their part, put him in as quarterback against all odds - and now they are superfluous, a distraction, really, and can all just take their ridiculous t-shirts and hats and chants and go home for all he cares.
See, America IS great again. HE IS QUARTERBACK.
31
Trump supporters seem to think he's going to be a operate outside the box as president. But the people he's surrounding himself with are not just the box, they are a lid that will enclose America in a radical right wing nightmare.
145
The left is in shock and it pays for them to take a look at why. Simply put, they've been misled. Lied to. Told what to expect. Told what was going to happen. They're still being misled by being told how this "impossible thing" happened. It's bigotry, sexism, racism, homophobia. All stupid explanations that have no validity, no common sense associated with them. Only hatred.
Nothing will change for the left until they stop believing they know what's good for America. Until they stop believing the KNOW what's going to happen IN America.
Nothing will change for the left until they stop believing they know what's good for America. Until they stop believing the KNOW what's going to happen IN America.
6
well said.
1
Mr. Right, you're absolutely wrong. We liberals understand completely what happened. Whites who felt their place of privilege and power slipping came out in droves and voted for a man who promised them theirs would be the only seat at the table moving forward. That's all they wanted, and were completely willing to overlook the fact that he's a xenophobic racist misogynistic egomaniacal know-nothing that will, in the end, do nothing for their pathetic plight. The fact that they could over look this, or even embrace this, is what makes us all sick.
3
A true leader meets a buffoon and acts graciously. End of story.
Same day Trump gets top secret briefing and Russians openly admit helping Trump get elected while Hillary wins the popular vote by over 200,000 votes but is barred from winning by a system set up to have the white male aristocracy make the final decision and not the voters. Our FBI Director hinders Hillary's chances while ignoring illegal hacking and treason committed by her opponent.
Three GOP presidents have now been elected by meddling in foreign affairs and assisting our enemies -Nixon, Reagan and Trump. No wonder so many are disillusioned and did not vote. This election was a total farce. Greatest democracy in the world? Not even close.
Same day Trump gets top secret briefing and Russians openly admit helping Trump get elected while Hillary wins the popular vote by over 200,000 votes but is barred from winning by a system set up to have the white male aristocracy make the final decision and not the voters. Our FBI Director hinders Hillary's chances while ignoring illegal hacking and treason committed by her opponent.
Three GOP presidents have now been elected by meddling in foreign affairs and assisting our enemies -Nixon, Reagan and Trump. No wonder so many are disillusioned and did not vote. This election was a total farce. Greatest democracy in the world? Not even close.
245
Also, the first [!!] Tweet from President-elect Trump shows he has NO idea about our Constitution:
[quote] Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/796900183955095552
Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair! [end quote]
Stop WHINING, Mr. Trump and
READ the CONSTITUTION!
Mr. Khan has a copy he can give you.
[quote] Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/796900183955095552
Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair! [end quote]
Stop WHINING, Mr. Trump and
READ the CONSTITUTION!
Mr. Khan has a copy he can give you.
42
And democrat presidents have not meddled in foreign affairs? Let's see...Bay Of Pigs, Vietnam, Serbia.....
2
If the popular vote actually counted, I would have made the effort to go out and vote for Trump, as would many other people in hopelessly blue states and that 200,000 would dissappear in a heartbeat. Also realize that Hillary only had a 0.2% higher share of the popular vote than Trump when arguing that she is the people's choice.
8
This is frightening on so many levels. Trump is not qualified to be President. He already looks like a deer in the headlights. Heaven help us all.
201
I agree....first thought on seeing those photos this morning was that he looks terrified. Looks like the dog has caught the car he was chasing....
2
So now what? We're all supposed to forget all the terrible things Trump has said about Obama? "Oh, look how presidential Trump is being!" What a joke.
193
Remember how Obama said the KKK was supporting Trump? The biggest problem with transition is that the Yuuuge federal government has grown into this enormous leftist blob. 19,000 government jobs created last month alone.
3
the government grew larger during both reagan and gwb. look it up. use facts, so you don't look like a fool.
1
Mr. Right - But the KKK was supporting Trump.
4
The evolution of "the way things are done" inside the beltway has been formulated over many years. It will take many years to change that. In an article about KStreet lobbyists in today's paper people like Trent Lott are salivating. That should be the first place to undergo change. But will it?
5
Why would you believe anything this newspaper says about anything related to Washington DC and politics in general without at least triple checking it? Have you learned nothing?
After what just happened, from now on you have to say "The article in today's New York Times , which I fact-checked with the Washington Post and PolitiFact, which gave it a "Pants on Fire" rating, said that..."
After what just happened, from now on you have to say "The article in today's New York Times , which I fact-checked with the Washington Post and PolitiFact, which gave it a "Pants on Fire" rating, said that..."
5
When I think of Secretary Clinton's expertise in everything a president should know; when I think of her concern, demonstrated so often, for all kinds of people; when I think of the continuous and needless investigations she has been subjected to, and the hate; when I think of her brilliant performance in all three recent debates -------- then I am too depressed to write a comment on this article.
254
THIS! TIMES 1,000,000,000,000,000,000............
9
whatever else you say about President Obama, no one can deny that he has consistently comported himself with dignity and class. I hope the new president can take a lesson on that. I truly believe that both men want what's good for the country.
28
Doubtful.
6
"...no on can deny...."
Uh, millions have denied this for the past eight years. But I share your hope that the new president can learn something from his predecessor.
Uh, millions have denied this for the past eight years. But I share your hope that the new president can learn something from his predecessor.
RHoff - Agree except for the last sentence.
I'm waiting for two key decisions to see just which Trump the US will get:
1. Will Trump appoint the alt-right darling Steve Bannon to the role of Chief of Staff? This is the position that controls the people who will have access to President Trump and the information he will get; and
2. Will Trump follow Breitbart News/Bannon's calls to try to purge Paul Ryan from House leadership?
If either of these two things happen, that is a sign that Trump is looking to pursue a truly radical, protectionist and race-baiting agenda.
1. Will Trump appoint the alt-right darling Steve Bannon to the role of Chief of Staff? This is the position that controls the people who will have access to President Trump and the information he will get; and
2. Will Trump follow Breitbart News/Bannon's calls to try to purge Paul Ryan from House leadership?
If either of these two things happen, that is a sign that Trump is looking to pursue a truly radical, protectionist and race-baiting agenda.
30
No, it will show that Trump hasnt a clue as to how to be President for ALL the people.
2
Now democrats can show republicans just how effective filibusters can be...
35
Maybe or maybe not. A little history lesson; Harry and his merry band eliminated that for may federal appointments, guess who benefits from that nuclear option now? Once that genie was let out of the bottle, no one knows where it might stop.
6
You need to vote to implement the nuclear option... So for everything except political appointments you would run into a brick wall. And in all actuality they probably won't vote for a nuclear option because politicians work to stay in office forever. And that means they will most likely have to deal with a vengeful democratic majority at some point.
Psssst. First order of GOP business - do away with the filibuster.
3
I think this could possibly be truly humbling for Donald Trump, at least that's what I hope. This is happening whether we like it or not and it is an opportunity for personal growth like no other. Let's hope he's strong enough to rise to it.
104
Based on the campaign he ran, the only growth he will be experiencing is in his wallet and the wallets of his cronies.
27
Remember what he said: If people say nice things about him, he'll do the same.
What if somebody criticizes him, that happens quite often in real life and is bread and butter in politics.
Compromise? I don't think that is part of his personal agenda.
Hope dies last as the saying goes. So let us hope, but the man is already 70+, and you do not change that much anymore at that age.
And just look at the people he surrounds himself with.
But as I said, hope dies last and there is still time for miracles and wonders.
What if somebody criticizes him, that happens quite often in real life and is bread and butter in politics.
Compromise? I don't think that is part of his personal agenda.
Hope dies last as the saying goes. So let us hope, but the man is already 70+, and you do not change that much anymore at that age.
And just look at the people he surrounds himself with.
But as I said, hope dies last and there is still time for miracles and wonders.
13
I agree. It's the best we can hope for.
5
If what was truly deserved happened, the president would have picked him up by his collar, and thrown him out the front door.