My thoughts are a bit off topic... I'm really surprised to see all those counter-terrorism units guarding the Trump Tower. Was it ever a US election where the president elect had to be protected that way from (presumably) his own people?
(I can say "his own people" here as opposed to his/her, since there was literally no women president so far)
(I can say "his own people" here as opposed to his/her, since there was literally no women president so far)
Well, Trump has to hire.
He has shown he cannot focus for more than 20 minutes.
He has shown he cannot focus for more than 20 minutes.
8
From the hiring page of GreatAgain.gov: "Consideration is taken for possible conflicts of interest. Financial holdings and sources of income must be disclosed."
Obviously someone forgot to tell the President-elect about that.
Obviously someone forgot to tell the President-elect about that.
24
So the first thing we hear on 60 minutes: Trump wants more guns, appoint a Supreme Court judge who will take away women's reproductive rights, throw 2 million immigrants (only 2% are criminals} away. He's doing exactly what he said so stop making excuses. What you see is exactly what you get! We're in trouble folks.
9
I've been hearing day after day now that Steve Bannon who is/was the chief editor of Breitbart News is an anti-Semite. So finally I figured to be sure I better log into Breitbart News and see for myself what is driving all the fear once and for all. I must be missing something. What I see are sections based on geography, and there's one section called Breitbart Jerusalem which seems quite supportive of Israel and its well-being.
Then it occurred to me! Maybe these charges are based on Breitbart encouraging bigots to rant against Jews in the Readers Comments section prompted by any article on Israel. So I went there to check them out. And yes; there were a few people either ranting against Jews or obviously suffering from Israel Derangement Syndrome. But far more in support of Israel and denouncing any anti-Semite who posted. And sorry to break the news to you noble NYT; but I've seen far worse in any Readers Comments section of your website.
Then just as I was about to move on and figured this is all nothing more than a phony smear campaign from disgruntled progressive liberals, I came across a column which claimed that the US Congress is "bought and paid for by the Israel Lobby". Now that got my dander up! This certainly is conspiratorial, deranged, smacking of Jew-hate. I was about to fire off an angry letter to Breitbart, but then luckily realized in the nick of time I mixed up my tabs and I was reading an old Tom Friedman column from again the noble NY Times.
Then it occurred to me! Maybe these charges are based on Breitbart encouraging bigots to rant against Jews in the Readers Comments section prompted by any article on Israel. So I went there to check them out. And yes; there were a few people either ranting against Jews or obviously suffering from Israel Derangement Syndrome. But far more in support of Israel and denouncing any anti-Semite who posted. And sorry to break the news to you noble NYT; but I've seen far worse in any Readers Comments section of your website.
Then just as I was about to move on and figured this is all nothing more than a phony smear campaign from disgruntled progressive liberals, I came across a column which claimed that the US Congress is "bought and paid for by the Israel Lobby". Now that got my dander up! This certainly is conspiratorial, deranged, smacking of Jew-hate. I was about to fire off an angry letter to Breitbart, but then luckily realized in the nick of time I mixed up my tabs and I was reading an old Tom Friedman column from again the noble NY Times.
11
For those of you who believe the Constitution will protect you from the excessive zealotry of Trump, Pence and Bannon, I would like to refer you back to WW2 and what happened to Japanese-Americans. We had a Constitution then, too, but it didn't offer much protection, did it?
27
I think it is really disgusting how the min stream media is picking on Bannon just because he has a disability and... Ops..Sorry. I had him confused with Geobbels.
8
The "help wanted" application form on the Presidential Transition Team website (http://bit.ly/2fMpAGD) asks for party affiliation.
Under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, federal employers are prohibited from asking political party preference questions of federal employees and applicants.
Trump is not off to a promising start to drain the swamp and rise above partisan politics.
Under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, federal employers are prohibited from asking political party preference questions of federal employees and applicants.
Trump is not off to a promising start to drain the swamp and rise above partisan politics.
10
americns ought to stock up on canned goods
and visit you fave resto soon as it may be closed, or youll find th prices have leapt upward
th food industry depends on that labor
mexicns dont only harvest and process produce, they process meat and poultry and drive th delivery trucks
until locals can be hired to fill those jobs , if they ever are, i anticipate shortages at th markets
restos and hotels use milli0ns of illegals as well
so if all th kitchen staff is deported, th resto might close
unless they can find locals, and watch those prices double fast
and surely th prices will leap bc locals will demand twice what illegals were getting
if trump throws out millions of illegals, mostly mex, there may well be food shortages
oh, and rich folks, say goodbye to those nannies and maids and gardeners and drivers you depend on to make your life so easy and swell
cheers from reality
back to you in la la land
9
Given the most recent comments from both moderate and extreme Muslims in the Middle East, the consensus among both groups is that the Trump administration and its policies towards muslims will be a superb recruiting tool for extremists all over the world. If that happens, then, unfortunately, one would likely suspect that terrorist attacks towards westerners, specifically, Americans, will substantially increase both inside and outside of the U.S. It is inevitable.
5
The issue that will make or break the Trump Administration is whether he buys the Congressional Republicans tax cuts for the rich and continued deficit-obssessed austerity or focuses on jobs by investing "bigly" in Infrastructure and "fair" trade policies that protect workers rather than corporations. This is the progressive agenda of the Bernie Sanders left that Dr. Krugman railed against in supporting Hillary Clinton. Trump knows he owes his victory to the disenfranchised Rust Belt workers. If ignores them as Hillary did, then the progressive Democrats should make a comeback in the 2018 mid-term elections.
2
I was happy over the Bannon appointment. "experienced" hands may not share Trump's vision and may try to entrench the old and useless policies of Obama or Bush.
We voted for change and that does not include the same people that have been around Washington for decades.
Bannon brings a fresh approach and a critical eye to government that I am glad to see.
We voted for change and that does not include the same people that have been around Washington for decades.
Bannon brings a fresh approach and a critical eye to government that I am glad to see.
7
The hiring of Bannon is the only clue we need for when tRump continues to say that he will bring our country together, he is lying through his teeth.
16
I visit the main cable news shows daily to get the ongoing lay of the land. One theme of today's spinners (isn't the campaign over?) is that Steve Bannon of Breitbart really isn't that Steve Bannon but another Steve Bannon who is good, kind, and free of hate, perhaps like the Pope.
However, Republican congressional enthusiasm seems muted, possibly recognizing that, now that they've effectively joined in, they own Bannon. How about an exploratory interview with Bannon that covers views that appear on Brietbart ? What's his view of the alt-right? His opinion of Paul Ryan? Is Bill Kristol really a "renegade jew"?
However, Republican congressional enthusiasm seems muted, possibly recognizing that, now that they've effectively joined in, they own Bannon. How about an exploratory interview with Bannon that covers views that appear on Brietbart ? What's his view of the alt-right? His opinion of Paul Ryan? Is Bill Kristol really a "renegade jew"?
8
Nah. McConnell will decide on the first day to impeach him, so they can deal with President Mike Pence.
5
"Shouldn't Be Allowed"
If you were clinging to any lingering doubt
That Trump wouldn't be a loose cannon
Those doubts have now been put to rest
In the person of Breibart's Bannon
"Birth control just makes girls ugly"
"In the workplace they should suck it up"
Don't school my kids with Jews, he said smugly
"Give me a kiss now, buttercup"
He promised he would surround himself
With people who would make us proud
Well, a race-baiting, Jew-hating, misogynist
Just shouldn't be allowed
If you were clinging to any lingering doubt
That Trump wouldn't be a loose cannon
Those doubts have now been put to rest
In the person of Breibart's Bannon
"Birth control just makes girls ugly"
"In the workplace they should suck it up"
Don't school my kids with Jews, he said smugly
"Give me a kiss now, buttercup"
He promised he would surround himself
With people who would make us proud
Well, a race-baiting, Jew-hating, misogynist
Just shouldn't be allowed
8
While the victory of Trump is nothing for Democrats to celebrate, there are two huge victories all true progressives should celebrate in the aftermath of Clinton’s defeat:
1. TPP is dead for the foreseeable future. If Clinton had won, TPP would have passed in the lame duck session, and there would be no impediment in the way of Congress eventually passing TTIP and a raft of other horrible pro-corporate, anti-worker, anti-consumer trade treaties. Under Trump, their chances are slim to none, esp. if progressives unite in Congress and at large both to oppose them and to encourage Trump to renogotiate NAFTA and other treaties already passed by traitorous neoliberal Democrats in collusion with Republicans.
2. The no-fly zone in Syria seems unlikely now. Had Clinton won, the US would now be revving up for a confrontation with Russia that could easily lead to war with an eye to putting al Quaeda-in-Syria into power. But if Trump follows through on what he said in the campaign, there may soon be a pro-Assad alliance with Russia that will see us fighting alongside Russia against ISIS and al Quaeda-in-Syria. If this were to happen, it might even break America free of its far too tight embrace in Saudi Arabia, lead to a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine war, and possibly eventually see an end to Cold War II. It is again the duty of all true progressives to encourage Trump along this path.
1. TPP is dead for the foreseeable future. If Clinton had won, TPP would have passed in the lame duck session, and there would be no impediment in the way of Congress eventually passing TTIP and a raft of other horrible pro-corporate, anti-worker, anti-consumer trade treaties. Under Trump, their chances are slim to none, esp. if progressives unite in Congress and at large both to oppose them and to encourage Trump to renogotiate NAFTA and other treaties already passed by traitorous neoliberal Democrats in collusion with Republicans.
2. The no-fly zone in Syria seems unlikely now. Had Clinton won, the US would now be revving up for a confrontation with Russia that could easily lead to war with an eye to putting al Quaeda-in-Syria into power. But if Trump follows through on what he said in the campaign, there may soon be a pro-Assad alliance with Russia that will see us fighting alongside Russia against ISIS and al Quaeda-in-Syria. If this were to happen, it might even break America free of its far too tight embrace in Saudi Arabia, lead to a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine war, and possibly eventually see an end to Cold War II. It is again the duty of all true progressives to encourage Trump along this path.
3
I remember thinking, just before the election, how happy I was that we were soon never to hear from Reince Priebus again... Sigh.
5
Trump is already exhibiting poor judgement, it's going to a long painful four years.
8
Already? Like, for 18 months already.
And poor judgement is not a disqualifier for election.
And poor judgement is not a disqualifier for election.
3
Just curious, are you still predicting that Hillary has a better than 90 percent chance of winning or are you awake now? May you in the future also start asking questions of the right people and listening to their answers.
5
We are past that.
Just curious, are you interested at all in what it takes to govern?
Just curious, are you interested at all in what it takes to govern?
8
Trump is going to create an administration using the "best minds" that do not seriously disagree with him to do things that he has never done but promised to do. Like bring back jobs to the U.S. that the private sector has eliminated using the private sector to bring them back. Reagan was going to do this with tax cuts and reducing regulation and by making government smaller. He didn't do it. Now Reagan never ran a bigger business than his career as an actor and a spokesman for G.E. (some of the people at G.E. help transform him from a pro-FDR Democrat to the conservative he became and who taught him everything that he knew about economics and government, reactionary arch-conservative business people). Trump's education on politics and government seems to come from people who are equally reactionary media people like Steven Bannon. Reagan's policies led to the disparities which seem to be driving Trump's supporters to support Trump. What will Trump's policies produce, a plutocracy, perhaps?
4
Through this entire election cycle I have been struck at the parallels between the Trump campaign and the campaigns that brought Hitler to power in Germany. Please note that I am not comparing Trump to Hitler, just that the campaign strategies bore great similarity. Appeal to the dis-enfranchised, and a mythical glorious past, and promise a return to greatness that has been squandered by the elites and destroyed by enemies within and global conspiracies from the outside.
By replacing Christie with Mike Pence, he has his Himmler-analog in place to seed the political appointments with people likely to be more loyal to Pence than Trump. Expect a lot of White, uber-Christian men in key important positions. Reince Priebus, the Goring-analog as chief of staff, controls access, and is, I think, less troubling than Pence. But, the propaganda minister, Goebbels-analog, Steve Bannon is a seriously flawed appointment and should raise concerns as to the presence of a White Nationalist sympathizer, if not out-and-out supporter in a position so close to the President.
I still fear that Trump will out-source the hard work of President to Pence while reveling in the public and more ceremonial aspects of the job.
As the Cinese say, "May you live in interesting times."
By replacing Christie with Mike Pence, he has his Himmler-analog in place to seed the political appointments with people likely to be more loyal to Pence than Trump. Expect a lot of White, uber-Christian men in key important positions. Reince Priebus, the Goring-analog as chief of staff, controls access, and is, I think, less troubling than Pence. But, the propaganda minister, Goebbels-analog, Steve Bannon is a seriously flawed appointment and should raise concerns as to the presence of a White Nationalist sympathizer, if not out-and-out supporter in a position so close to the President.
I still fear that Trump will out-source the hard work of President to Pence while reveling in the public and more ceremonial aspects of the job.
As the Cinese say, "May you live in interesting times."
7
If he wants to drain the swamp, how about not hiring about half of these open positions???? That alone would cut the government budget... and show his supporters that he's really a change agent...
3
Trump's choice of Bannon as a top adviser is at best antagonistic. Contrary to what he just said yesterday about bringing us together. Trump's behavior is only surprising when he behaves reasonably, which is rarely.
7
It is interesting how so many of Trump's supporters are claiming that he "didn't really mean" what he said and that they take him "seriously" but not "literally." And at the same time they say he "tells it like it is." Logic dictates that Trump cannot be "telling it like it is" and also not mean what he says. I always took him at his word because there was nothing else to go on. And indeed, he is already revealing that he is just as repulsive as he has acted. It surprises me that anyone was expecting anything else.
17
Laura --
I too noticed this spin-of-the-day (Fox), that what Trump has been saying throughout the campaign is not what he really means. His followers understand that what he says is not to be taken seriously -- all that is important is that it's pleasing. Thus, fact checking is silly. And this is offerred up seriously.
So, we are now to understand that perpetual conspicuously lying is not an immoral act. Veracity no longer is a virtue.
I too noticed this spin-of-the-day (Fox), that what Trump has been saying throughout the campaign is not what he really means. His followers understand that what he says is not to be taken seriously -- all that is important is that it's pleasing. Thus, fact checking is silly. And this is offerred up seriously.
So, we are now to understand that perpetual conspicuously lying is not an immoral act. Veracity no longer is a virtue.
10
It's hilarious -- the first thing Pence is doing is going to court to hide the emails that he wrote as governor of Indiana from public view. The Indiana Star reports:
"Now that the presidential campaign and most of the furor over Hillary Clinton’s email scandal are behind us, the Pence administration is going to court to argue for its own brand of email secrecy.
The administration is fighting to conceal the contents of an email sent to Gov. Mike Pence by a political ally. That email is being sought by a prominent Democratic labor lawyer who says he wants to expose waste in the Republican administration."
Oh boy, here we go. It's only days after the election, the Trump team isn't even in office yet it's obvious that "meet the new boss, worse than the old boss."
Nothing Trump said was true -- that was obvious about issues of fact, and now we know it about statements of intent.
Anyone who voted for Trump, what do you think about him laughing at you this way so quickly?
"Now that the presidential campaign and most of the furor over Hillary Clinton’s email scandal are behind us, the Pence administration is going to court to argue for its own brand of email secrecy.
The administration is fighting to conceal the contents of an email sent to Gov. Mike Pence by a political ally. That email is being sought by a prominent Democratic labor lawyer who says he wants to expose waste in the Republican administration."
Oh boy, here we go. It's only days after the election, the Trump team isn't even in office yet it's obvious that "meet the new boss, worse than the old boss."
Nothing Trump said was true -- that was obvious about issues of fact, and now we know it about statements of intent.
Anyone who voted for Trump, what do you think about him laughing at you this way so quickly?
38
Bannon as propaganda minister...it is going to be a long 4 years
2
Unless the GOP impeaches Trump. Likely, considering how uncontrollable he is.
2
People, but especially Democrats, should not despair over the nomination of Steve Bannon as Trump's senior advisor. Bannon; one racist to another, perfect fit! In addition, I submit the following list to fill some cabinet positions:
State: Roger Ailes
Defense: Dick Cheney
Homeland Security and Deportation: Joe Arpaio
Attorney General: David Duke
Interior: Cliven Bundy
Treasury: Sam Brownback
Labor: Scott Walker
The Department of Education should be downgraded and renamed as the "Office of Non-education." After all, who needs education. No education works just fine. En charge of this office will Sarah Palin.
Two new departments should be created to help the new administration:
Dept. of Truth: Sean Hannity
Dept. of Propaganda: Bill O'Reilly
The above will be an excellent group and definitely will make America great again.
State: Roger Ailes
Defense: Dick Cheney
Homeland Security and Deportation: Joe Arpaio
Attorney General: David Duke
Interior: Cliven Bundy
Treasury: Sam Brownback
Labor: Scott Walker
The Department of Education should be downgraded and renamed as the "Office of Non-education." After all, who needs education. No education works just fine. En charge of this office will Sarah Palin.
Two new departments should be created to help the new administration:
Dept. of Truth: Sean Hannity
Dept. of Propaganda: Bill O'Reilly
The above will be an excellent group and definitely will make America great again.
6
no chance. total resistance: republicans should understand this as they have been perfecting it for 8 years.
this time it will be principled.
this time it will be principled.
4
We as a country need to brace for at least four years of fighting an administration of which the kindest thing you can say is that it is unprepared to lead, and ill-equipped to do so even if it was prepared. We have just elected a president who encouraged violence at his rallies, who boasts about never having read anything for guidance (maybe he should start with the Bible), who thinks boasting of rape is acceptable and who has just appointed a white supremacist sympathizer as a senior advisor. This is how Hitler got his start - through a democratic election. The country should be prepared for a long, difficult slog through four years of protests, in which I expect to be participating. Just bought my bus ticket for the women's march on Washington, Jan. 21. See you there, Donald Trump. I will never call you my president. There will be no compromises with you, no giving you a chance.
2
President Trumpster is hiring sycophants. Loyalty, not intelligence, judgement, experience, or morality is what will get you the job.
In front of us extend four years of turbocharged Trump. Project out his psychological defects, and multiply. That's what it will be like. For further insight, read his tweets.
He'll be the oldest President to take office (Reagan was 69), so don't expect him to change or grow in the office. We have thousands of deranged nasty spitting tweets ahead of us - journalists will have to be up at 3 am to get in on the breaking news.
His circle will take their cue from the top and indulge their deep aberrations. Since people are policy, we may not survive.
I foresee a country called Amerika, from which people want to escape, rather than enter. A great wall will lock us in and children will memorize his Book of Tweets.
One key point of wisdom President Obama offered President Trumpster is that the Presidency is never about you; it's always about everyone else. The Trumpster simply said, "Wrong."
During the next few years, President Trumpster will go mad with power due to age and the lack of checks and balances. He will kill people and his spiraling tweets and casual mistakes will destroy everything we value.
The above is not a worse case, just a logical projection of what we've already seen combined with the power of the Presidency and total authoritarian Republican control.
In front of us extend four years of turbocharged Trump. Project out his psychological defects, and multiply. That's what it will be like. For further insight, read his tweets.
He'll be the oldest President to take office (Reagan was 69), so don't expect him to change or grow in the office. We have thousands of deranged nasty spitting tweets ahead of us - journalists will have to be up at 3 am to get in on the breaking news.
His circle will take their cue from the top and indulge their deep aberrations. Since people are policy, we may not survive.
I foresee a country called Amerika, from which people want to escape, rather than enter. A great wall will lock us in and children will memorize his Book of Tweets.
One key point of wisdom President Obama offered President Trumpster is that the Presidency is never about you; it's always about everyone else. The Trumpster simply said, "Wrong."
During the next few years, President Trumpster will go mad with power due to age and the lack of checks and balances. He will kill people and his spiraling tweets and casual mistakes will destroy everything we value.
The above is not a worse case, just a logical projection of what we've already seen combined with the power of the Presidency and total authoritarian Republican control.
3
No doubt when Donald saw he has to work with 4000 executive branch people AND Congress, he blanched. I suspect the president and Congressional leaders gave him the big picture, so now he knows the scope of the job.
I suspect he promoted Mike Pence because Donald isn't planning on staying until the party's over. And Congress is giddy at the prospect of privatizing Social Security, Medicare, and the VA... none of which came up in the campaign.
I suspect he promoted Mike Pence because Donald isn't planning on staying until the party's over. And Congress is giddy at the prospect of privatizing Social Security, Medicare, and the VA... none of which came up in the campaign.
4
The people who elected Trump do not want any part of the New Deal anyway,.
The midwest and south have voted against Medicare and Social Security for two decades now.
The midwest and south have voted against Medicare and Social Security for two decades now.
2
Donald Trump is President. This is where the fraud meets the road I guess.
1
Well, he can fill those jobs with lobbyists, after all, they are there in Washington and that's all the dumbkopf needs to know, apparently.
1
I didn't and never considered voting for Trump for the obvious reasons (I'm a college educated white woman with two professional degrees) but I am still amazed at his choices so far and planned for his cabinet. An outright climate change denier crackpot who's not even a scientist? Hey, how about an old white man for Surgeon General who denounces vaccinations and flu shots? Misogynists, bigots, racists and all of them OLD WHITE MEN just like the Donald.
6
It only takes 10 electoral votes to switch away from Trump and vote their conscience to nip the Trump et al. disaster in the bud. This is one of the reasons we have the Electoral College. This is our system.
3
Wow - so glad you're covering things fairly from here on in...
Would hate to see how this'd read, through the lens of your former - former - bias and arrogance...
Would hate to see how this'd read, through the lens of your former - former - bias and arrogance...
4
We should worry a lot more by the presence of the Trump family business in the Whitehouse.
I be thinking that "we, the people" should be receiving a royalty against the company's profits. Given the international marketing, corruption, and payola opportunities that we've voted into office, I'd say 50-50 would be somewhere close to a fair deal. Especially given the fact that when the Trump tax cut passes, every member of his direct family gets an automatic $1M tax cut.
He should not only be refusing to take his pay as President, he, should be paying for the job.
I be thinking that "we, the people" should be receiving a royalty against the company's profits. Given the international marketing, corruption, and payola opportunities that we've voted into office, I'd say 50-50 would be somewhere close to a fair deal. Especially given the fact that when the Trump tax cut passes, every member of his direct family gets an automatic $1M tax cut.
He should not only be refusing to take his pay as President, he, should be paying for the job.
2
He and his campaign people apparently didn't know that the entire White House staff (excluding service people) would leave in January. He didn't bother to learn anything during 18 months of trying to get this job. I predict he'll get tired of it in 6 months and retreat to his tower, emerging occasionally for rowdy rallies.
6
BTW...popular vote is a total different election. Different strategy.....resources and rallies held in different places...etc..so stop it already with she won the popular vote..she LOST..the rules are the rules..Let's hope he is a great President and give him the benefit of the doubt.
3
My only advise for sane Bureaucrats that are asked to stay in this sinking ship is abandon with relish or at least no regret. Your advise will be ignored and once you are dispensable, your pension along with your peace of mind will be forever tarnished. Let Trump appoint those he thinks are qualified and let's meet them in the mid term elections with "What have you done now?". You need not participate in the charade of a government poised to try demean, harm and destroy half of it's citizens with policies against climate change and for Law and Order. You might think staying will benefit the country, it will only benefit one man - the one who promised his voters - Economic salvation. When his ideas come from those who would like to divide the United States of America to those with haves and have nots. All you are doing is making America White Again.
Now we get to see what affirmative action actually looks like when white people get perks without really earning them (he didn't win the popular vote).
What a tepid editorial. This is the future. Pretending that a narcissistic despot can run a democracy. Trump is still an imbecile, and he's still a racist, so stop pandering, NYT. And tear him apart.
He gets a pass for not knowing the nuts and bolts of the jobs. He gets a pass for not having a staff in place. He gets a pass for proposing to work in DC part time. He gets a pass for being so ill-prepared to govern that President Obama has taken pity on him to give him one-on-one president lessons.
Will it always be this way? Sky-high standards for the black president. Preschool standards for the white?
What a tepid editorial. This is the future. Pretending that a narcissistic despot can run a democracy. Trump is still an imbecile, and he's still a racist, so stop pandering, NYT. And tear him apart.
He gets a pass for not knowing the nuts and bolts of the jobs. He gets a pass for not having a staff in place. He gets a pass for proposing to work in DC part time. He gets a pass for being so ill-prepared to govern that President Obama has taken pity on him to give him one-on-one president lessons.
Will it always be this way? Sky-high standards for the black president. Preschool standards for the white?
13
Trump has no idea how governments run. He channeled people's frustrations and anger and dread very successfully, but it was to win an election, not to change anything in government. He surrounds himself with people who have been long time absent from the endeavors which made them famous, and most of them have no better ideas about how the country's challenges might be addressed than anyone. Trump shows no knowledge of the problems beyond that they seem to be problems and not clue about the means to solve them beyond hiring the "best people". The media should consider his run for the Republican nomination and in the General Election and his experience in business. He has not the mental discipline to think through a problem and to work it until he finds the optimal solution, Trump did a decent job with the Apprentice but that was pretending, not real life.
2
Global warming is already underway with current levels of pollutants.
If we limit further pollutants to rise no further than currently envisioned, it would still be a substantial rise in what is already causing warming.
If we do everything now envisioned, it would not be enough to get the result we say we want. It will go higher, even if we do what we now talk about doing.
In short, it is too late to prevent global warming. That ship sailed. Train left the station.
What we can do now, must do now, is limit how bad it will get. It will get bad. But bad can be worse.
No matter what Trump does, Florida is in trouble. Some of his own land holdings are in trouble.
We can't talk about "Oh, Trump will allow global warming." We are past that.
How much will we get. How bad must it be now. What difference is actually feasible.
We need to talk about the storms we are going to get, the ocean rise we are going to get, and what will be smashed or sunk as things stand.
Then we can say about Trump, "What are you going to do about it?" Heck of a job Brownie?"
That is a very different conversation. We need to get real about it.
If we limit further pollutants to rise no further than currently envisioned, it would still be a substantial rise in what is already causing warming.
If we do everything now envisioned, it would not be enough to get the result we say we want. It will go higher, even if we do what we now talk about doing.
In short, it is too late to prevent global warming. That ship sailed. Train left the station.
What we can do now, must do now, is limit how bad it will get. It will get bad. But bad can be worse.
No matter what Trump does, Florida is in trouble. Some of his own land holdings are in trouble.
We can't talk about "Oh, Trump will allow global warming." We are past that.
How much will we get. How bad must it be now. What difference is actually feasible.
We need to talk about the storms we are going to get, the ocean rise we are going to get, and what will be smashed or sunk as things stand.
Then we can say about Trump, "What are you going to do about it?" Heck of a job Brownie?"
That is a very different conversation. We need to get real about it.
6
In the mid-1990's Trump headed up a gigantic real estate empire, financed by a lot of banks. He showed no ability to manage risk and as a result his empire became insolvent. Fortunately, he was too big to fail, so his big creditors helped to preserve his brand, which was gold at the time, so that they could get their money back. It lead Trump into a new venture, charging owners to put his name on their properties. Having failed in the kind of businesses that brings wealth and jobs into communities, he found success in finessing wealth to himself from other businesses and rebuilt his fortune. That is his history in business, he does alright for himself but when things go wrong, he's never the one who pays. Trump is learning how to manage with being President, now, and given his history, he will not spend a lot of time addressing his own weaknesses and turning them into strengths, he will find the things that further himself quickly and with the least effort and constantly work the angles to pass the costs of his blunders onto others, you and me.
6
Your premise is wrong -- it assumes we need 4,100 positions to be filled.
How do we know we need that many job positions ? Maybe we require 1,000 or only 500.
With less (but efficient) bureaucrats, we might have a 20 page healthcare law instead of 2,500 pages.
How do we know we need that many job positions ? Maybe we require 1,000 or only 500.
With less (but efficient) bureaucrats, we might have a 20 page healthcare law instead of 2,500 pages.
5
I still am not buying into the rhetoric that we have to give Mr. Trump a chance - he has appointed a fascist to be his right hand man. I'm sorry - but I can't get around that. When Leslie Stahl asked Trump about the fact his transition team was made up of political hacks and lobbyists, his excuse is that is all he had to choose from - but he still will drain the swamp. Give me a break. Unfortunately, as has been pointed out I think the equally dangerous man is Mr. Pence. He comes across as sooooo nice. However, he is a far right ideologue who will threaten civil liberties in this nation. Bannon has been quoted as saying that actually he "is a Lenist - I want to destroy government". Mr. Trump may drain the swamp, but the creatures that he exposes apparently are finding a new home on his team.
12
President-Elect Trump's appointees are extremely important as they will be running the country. I don't think Trump really ever wanted the job, but enjoys the limelight, attention, and adulation of his frenzied crowds at campaign rallies. Now that he has fulfilled his latest quest, he will have less patience with national and international policy issues than a 5th grade boy with hyperactivity. He will continue to create mayhem and leave his appointees and the media trying to make sense of his whirly-dervishness.
6
"Go sell crazy someplace else".
Oh, Mr. Nicholson, how right you were.
Oh, Mr. Nicholson, how right you were.
3
A recent article in the NYTimes suggested that what candidates say during the campaign is not to be taken as seriously as what they say as elected officials.
Why?
As Trump hires we can see that the news perpetually apologized for a man who Is utterly unapologetic.
He meant it. I'm not sure if the voters really knew it. That's because the news confused it. But the voters should have known. Imagine what it must feel like to step to a barrage of internationally networked microphones and tv cameras and speak.
When reporters don't hold candidates accountable for the content of what they say, the risks implied by their remarks become the electorates' liability.
Why should the press apologize or soften the perception of risk? Don't second guess what candidates mean. Report on what they say.
Why?
As Trump hires we can see that the news perpetually apologized for a man who Is utterly unapologetic.
He meant it. I'm not sure if the voters really knew it. That's because the news confused it. But the voters should have known. Imagine what it must feel like to step to a barrage of internationally networked microphones and tv cameras and speak.
When reporters don't hold candidates accountable for the content of what they say, the risks implied by their remarks become the electorates' liability.
Why should the press apologize or soften the perception of risk? Don't second guess what candidates mean. Report on what they say.
6
Trump will never be my president; and, no, I won't give him a chance.
8
so what are you going to do about it?
2
What does "give him a chance" mean? Does it mean what I think it means?
To me it sounds like Kaa's song (the python), from the Disney Jungle Book:
Trust in me, just in me
Shut your eyes and trust in me
You can sleep safe and sound
Knowing I am around
Slip into silent slumber
Sail on a silver mist
Slowly and surely your senses
Will cease to resist
Trust in me, just in me
Shut your eyes and trust in me
I'm sure not going to do that! The same thing with the "he's your president" line ... so what? I'm not in the armed forces, there's no order he can give me directly that i must obey. I can acknowledge he is the elected president, and that I support nothing he proposes, and will resist to the limit, individually and collectively. I prefer Winston Churchill's
"We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, ..."
in my exercise of my constitutional and representational rights, against Trump's vicious and idiotic plans.
Fortunately it turns out that we can already see Mr. Trump laughing at all the suckers who voted for him and repudiating most of his own statements. It's days after the election and pretty soon most of the Trump supporters will say "He's not my president, either!"
But you voted for him ... and I didn't.
To me it sounds like Kaa's song (the python), from the Disney Jungle Book:
Trust in me, just in me
Shut your eyes and trust in me
You can sleep safe and sound
Knowing I am around
Slip into silent slumber
Sail on a silver mist
Slowly and surely your senses
Will cease to resist
Trust in me, just in me
Shut your eyes and trust in me
I'm sure not going to do that! The same thing with the "he's your president" line ... so what? I'm not in the armed forces, there's no order he can give me directly that i must obey. I can acknowledge he is the elected president, and that I support nothing he proposes, and will resist to the limit, individually and collectively. I prefer Winston Churchill's
"We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, ..."
in my exercise of my constitutional and representational rights, against Trump's vicious and idiotic plans.
Fortunately it turns out that we can already see Mr. Trump laughing at all the suckers who voted for him and repudiating most of his own statements. It's days after the election and pretty soon most of the Trump supporters will say "He's not my president, either!"
But you voted for him ... and I didn't.
3
Good heavens! What will he and the country at large do without your backing?
1
"Israel has already signaled it will expand settlements with the blessing of the president-elect. The cabinet looks like it will be stuffed with unqualified Trump cronies. Virulently anti-poor people Paul Ryan has effectively been put in charge of budget priorities and is floating Medicare cuts. A climate change denier is selecting the head of the EPA. Why wait to use every available avenue to undermine Trump on the altar of civility?"
This from Truthdig "Right on Cue, Media Begins to Normalize Trump." Bannon, Guiliani, Gingrich? Nightmare brought to life. Come on NYT, your last line " let’s hope he is asking that question of the right people, and listening to their answers." He is NOT. Get a grip.
This from Truthdig "Right on Cue, Media Begins to Normalize Trump." Bannon, Guiliani, Gingrich? Nightmare brought to life. Come on NYT, your last line " let’s hope he is asking that question of the right people, and listening to their answers." He is NOT. Get a grip.
7
Its refreshing to read all the recent creative writing. Auto-renew?
2
It's certainly going to be interesting! A draft dodger President that didn't get an endorsement from anyone he dealt with in the business or finance community, or from any major newspapers, who has denied housing to African-Americans, routinely bullied and denigrated women, who hasn't paid taxes in many years is going to fix the system? Do the people in Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin really think those industrial jobs are coming back? Or did we just let the fox in the hen house?
4
I think Obama must have had that “What do we do now?” moment and that’s when he became a past master of the formulation “It’s not about more x or less x; it’s about smarter x.”
He's also in the process of hiring a Supreme Court Justice. He has, thank God, abandoned the usual Civics 101 drivel about picking Justices who will enforce the law, blah, blah,blah. He has told us he fully expects his nominee to help end legalized abortion and greatly expand Second Amendment rights, exactly the same way he would expect an employee to toe the company line. The SCOTUS is about to officially become what it has actually been in recent history: a fully functional arm of the ruling political party.
It's going to be a hellishly interesting four years. I just hope the government left after his first term is recognizably that of a Republic rather than just another Trump brand.
It's going to be a hellishly interesting four years. I just hope the government left after his first term is recognizably that of a Republic rather than just another Trump brand.
6
The Times is not off to a good start on its road to redemption. It is repeating a mistake it made during the primary and election: Hyper focusing on minor inconsequential details and always assuming the worst.
An objective observer might also call this looking for things to criticize.
An objective observer might also call this looking for things to criticize.
4
I am so glad that I didn't listen to my husband and stocked up on cheap wine. Trump will do whatever he, and Ivanka, want to do. Let's hope behind the scenes she smooths out his rough edges. If his administration is anything like his tweets, I am going to need all that wine and more.
5
Is there a website I can go and apply for?
Notice that Trump's first nominations, Priebus and Bannon are at odds with each other. This is the sign of a good executive, one who has senior staff with different ideas, completely unlike Obama's yes men.
I would LOVE to see Sarah Palin as Interior Secretary. I am not a fan of her personally, but she knows how to hunt and knows where oil comes.
I would LOVE to see Sarah Palin as Interior Secretary. I am not a fan of her personally, but she knows how to hunt and knows where oil comes.
5
While there is much hand wringing over Trump's current selections, we need to remember Trump's only core value: the desire to win. That means that no appointed job is safe. Everyone will have to perform and compete. Trump is doing what he has to do today to acknowledge those who have elected him. Once there, he will rearrange his staff continually. Remember, not too long ago, Trump was a Democrat. His Democrat kids couldn't even vote for him during the NY primaries. It's too early to know who Trump will turn out to be.
4
This was a reasonably reasoned piece from the Editors. Only a couple of snarks.
Did they read the letter that the Boss and the Executive Editor sent to all of us subscribers? Well, the remaining subscribers that hadn't cancelled their subscriptions to the Times.
Let's hope the New York Times is serious about rededicating itself to the fundamental mission of Times journalism. You know, making the Times great again, as it was in the good old days.
Without fear or favor. All political perspectives and life experiences. Hold power to account, impartially and unflinchingly.
We, all third of a billion of US, need the Old Gray Lady. Please.
Did they read the letter that the Boss and the Executive Editor sent to all of us subscribers? Well, the remaining subscribers that hadn't cancelled their subscriptions to the Times.
Let's hope the New York Times is serious about rededicating itself to the fundamental mission of Times journalism. You know, making the Times great again, as it was in the good old days.
Without fear or favor. All political perspectives and life experiences. Hold power to account, impartially and unflinchingly.
We, all third of a billion of US, need the Old Gray Lady. Please.
6
Do Democrats do what republicans did to them ?
~ Leave many key positions unfilled ( by not even taking up a vote on them ) for the entire length of the administration .
Let alone not even taking a vote on SCOTUS nominees.
~ Leave many key positions unfilled ( by not even taking up a vote on them ) for the entire length of the administration .
Let alone not even taking a vote on SCOTUS nominees.
5
Yes. It's exactly what was done by the Democrats in the final year of Bush the Elder's presidency... Your memory is short...
1
Do not fear NYT, rest assured Donald Trump will hire only the best for his administration. I am sure there are many people would love to be part of his team. This is history in the making. Wait and see.
6
The question is, will it be palatable to a majority of Americans? Will it destroy US standing with the rest of the world who have shared values? If it is not, he will eventually wear the moniker of Worst President Ever.
"... he will eventually wear the moniker of Worst President Ever."
He'd have to beat out Carter and for that honor. And who knows about our current POTUS?
He'd have to beat out Carter and for that honor. And who knows about our current POTUS?
Somehow the media is missing the point, one of the reasons for Donald Trumps election is " he has no governmental experience ".
13
If you are as outraged as I am about Bannon's appointment, call your Republican Senators and Representatives - takes one minute and if they get enough calls, it makes a difference.
2
Unfortunately they have no control over White House positions. Our only hope is that 63 to 70 electoral votes are changed to get this cabal of democracy-destroyers on the losing side.
4
I've been an environmental advisor to the GOP for years.... US Rep Harris Fawell (IL), Gov. Henry Bellmon (OK), many others. I wouldn't take a job in this guy's cabinet if offered, he's going to be a disaster for the US and world.
3
So you advise the GOP that Climate Change is a Hoax.
Peachy. You sure have a load of credibility.
Peachy. You sure have a load of credibility.
3
The exact opposite, I counseled the GOP on the importance for having a strong environmental position in the tradition of Teddy Roosevelt. I'm a Certified Climate Reality Leader/Mentor under Al Gore's program, have won awards from the US and UK government, and used to have a great deal of credibility on this topic in the GOP. Unfortunately, the Tea Party and wing-nuts have taken it over, and there is no longer a moderate voice in the GOP.
5
And CRS you just responded courteously to the criticism of someone who shot from the lip without knowing what he/she was talking about... Kudos to you...
2
It is fascinating to hear the wishful thinking embedded in this editorial and how is skews the editorial board's language. You attribute, without evidence, that Mr. Trumps failure to appoint Governor Christie to a high post to wisdom. You are reassured that some transition experts have been sighted. You pull your punches about other appointments calling them "unnerving" and Mr. Bannon's role "ominous." The Board seems in great need to put this abnormal president and transition into a normative context. The Times wants Trump to develop wisdom. The Times want to be reassured. These desires are understandable, but in your rush to normalize you do the public a disservice because you are not accurately and objectively assessing the players and process with hints of lesser-evilism thrown in....at least he didn't appoint Christie...so we get some other ideologue who looks better on TV.
10
The nepotism and ethical problem here is disquieting. No one related to the president-elect should be involved in even early vetting. Trump hasn't removed himself from his family business, as evidenced by his opening the new hotel while campaigning.
4
"No one related to the president-elect should be involved in even early vetting."
Really? I guess that depends on whose ox is being gored. Wasn't Bill scheduled to be Hillary's economy Czar?
Really? I guess that depends on whose ox is being gored. Wasn't Bill scheduled to be Hillary's economy Czar?
2
Everyone, don't despair. I sent Trump a magic 8-ball. Everything will be altright, I mean all right.
3
This is milquetoast. Trump is not going to appoint acceptable candidates. His choice of Bannon shows his true whacko bent. Please stop hoping for the best. Our republic is at stake.
11
Democrats ignored Rural America and Trump cashed in. Story is pretty simple. Every time a major media outlet denounced Trump, his support only strengthened in Rural areas. Trump by the way never wanted any support from DC and main stream media. Liberal attacks were like a fodder for his campaign. Every leak from wikileaks helped his cause; every time a news broke out about Clinton Foundation or her email server Trump support tripled and quadrupled.
Its DNC fault for choosing an establishment candidate when rural america was looking for a "CHANGE". Rural america knows the truth, they are ready to sacrifice at the expense of Change. DNC missed to read the mood of the country and ignored Bernie. Hillary was of course most qualified person to be the POTUS but this was a wrong election. Remember this was a CHANGE election.
Its DNC fault for choosing an establishment candidate when rural america was looking for a "CHANGE". Rural america knows the truth, they are ready to sacrifice at the expense of Change. DNC missed to read the mood of the country and ignored Bernie. Hillary was of course most qualified person to be the POTUS but this was a wrong election. Remember this was a CHANGE election.
7
Malcolm Forbes of Forbes Business Magazine warned:
"Few businessmen are capable of being in politics, they don't understand the democratic process, they have neither the tolerance or the depth it takes. Democracy isn't a business."
A business's primary aim is increasing the bottom line and, therefore, executive salaries and dividends paid out to the stockholders.
A democratic government has the duty to "to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."
A corporation is an absolute hierarchy that operates internally in secrecy. There is no such thing as a democratic process, and employees have only the rights those above them in the hierarchy grant them. Every person has his or her place and knows who they have to kiss up to or can kick down the ladder. Competition for the next rung of the ladder is fierce and the "qualities" of the psychopath/sociopath are a great advantage in playing the corporate game. This accounts for why in a world with an estimated ratio of psychopaths to ordinary people is about 1 in 100, among large corporation CEOs' it is estimated to be 1 in 5.
"Few businessmen are capable of being in politics, they don't understand the democratic process, they have neither the tolerance or the depth it takes. Democracy isn't a business."
A business's primary aim is increasing the bottom line and, therefore, executive salaries and dividends paid out to the stockholders.
A democratic government has the duty to "to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."
A corporation is an absolute hierarchy that operates internally in secrecy. There is no such thing as a democratic process, and employees have only the rights those above them in the hierarchy grant them. Every person has his or her place and knows who they have to kiss up to or can kick down the ladder. Competition for the next rung of the ladder is fierce and the "qualities" of the psychopath/sociopath are a great advantage in playing the corporate game. This accounts for why in a world with an estimated ratio of psychopaths to ordinary people is about 1 in 100, among large corporation CEOs' it is estimated to be 1 in 5.
11
Is Paul Manafort on Trump's list? He would be an inspired selection for Secretary of State. That way Trump and comrade Putin can divvy up the planet without cash-wasteful wars.
6
Do not let him take the oath for POTUS. Ask Obama to stay on.
5
@Philip Bogetto
How old are you? Do you have even the remotest idea of what you are saying? Here, try to understand:
"Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States." 18 U.S. Code § 2383
How old are you? Do you have even the remotest idea of what you are saying? Here, try to understand:
"Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States." 18 U.S. Code § 2383
3
Hiring Steve Bannon will make Fox News look like Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
65
Trump won by working his tail off, thereby setting a great example for his team, and spending as little as possible. This should be the pattern for how he governs, with the goal of shrinking government by 20% in the next four years. Get government out of our lives, and watch the economy thrive. Pharaoh, let my people go. In other words: "You're fired".
8
Confused Democrat writes, "Yet, Mr. Trump as appointed a "gentlemen" to a key position in his administration who is associated with publication that regularly attacks and dehumanizes Jews, Blacks and Hispanics."
Not one word about the "gentlemen" hating women and wanting to control their bodies.
It is not a MAN'S world and Confused Democrat and other men who think it is are about to find out - by women and socially conscious men.
Not one word about the "gentlemen" hating women and wanting to control their bodies.
It is not a MAN'S world and Confused Democrat and other men who think it is are about to find out - by women and socially conscious men.
2
With the head of the tea-party-republican party and the chief hater and white supremacist/nazi/skinhead boss in charge there is simply nothing to convince me that their goal is not the complete destruction of democracy in America and around the world. This is a fox so-called news and hate radio triumph. Top 1% Global Financial Elite will "win" it all.
Here's a horror-story about Steve Bannon - Special "advisor" to The Con Don. Read it and weep.
http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/graphics/2015-steve-bannon/
Here's a horror-story about Steve Bannon - Special "advisor" to The Con Don. Read it and weep.
http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/graphics/2015-steve-bannon/
7
Trump has made only two appointments. Preibus and Bannon. The former is an establishment Republican. Bannon is a white nationalist. This proves that Clinton was right - half of his supporters are deplorable.
6
The term, "white nationalist", is bandied about just like all the other slurs thrown at republicans. I read Breitbart. (Do you?) I've not seen any evidence of these accusations. (And, no, rightwing is not synonymous with racistsexistxenophogic.)
What I do see on Breitbart are articles on things the media doesn't or won't cover. Often it provides the other side to a story or background information that is less interesting to the media because it doesn't comport. To be a fully informed republican, you must go to other sources. The media cannot be trusted to do the job. This last election is a perfect example of why.
For the record, it's exactly this mentality that caused democrats to lose the election. Not just an intolerance but a reckless need to destroy anyone who doesn't agree with them.
What I do see on Breitbart are articles on things the media doesn't or won't cover. Often it provides the other side to a story or background information that is less interesting to the media because it doesn't comport. To be a fully informed republican, you must go to other sources. The media cannot be trusted to do the job. This last election is a perfect example of why.
For the record, it's exactly this mentality that caused democrats to lose the election. Not just an intolerance but a reckless need to destroy anyone who doesn't agree with them.
4
"... white nationalist..."
You know, the only people who seem obsessed with race or skin color are the disciples of the Great Divider... And the term "white nationalist" seems to be used by the left-wing fringe to mean anyone -- and that would include many *real* Democrats -- who disagrees with them. That is exactly what led to political bludgeoning you are and your fellow travelers are complaining about. Get over it. Try to make the country work. It helps everybody if Mr. Trump is a successful President, you included...
You know, the only people who seem obsessed with race or skin color are the disciples of the Great Divider... And the term "white nationalist" seems to be used by the left-wing fringe to mean anyone -- and that would include many *real* Democrats -- who disagrees with them. That is exactly what led to political bludgeoning you are and your fellow travelers are complaining about. Get over it. Try to make the country work. It helps everybody if Mr. Trump is a successful President, you included...
2
"Mr. Bannon will be chief strategist and senior counselor"
Also known as Minister for Propaganda.
Also known as Minister for Propaganda.
6
This is a vital point, the one most important thing for Trump.
There are about 5,000 major appoinitive positions, each of which bring with them some assistants and staff. They fill the government at the top.
They do not come from nowhere, just spring up from the ground. They are waiting for their turn to power. They wait in think tanks, and universities, and other places subsidized by donors.
They are the Establishment. They are the shadow government that motivates the party to push its candidate. They don't really value the one person at the top so much as all the people who come with that person. They can overlook a lot in the person at the top, if all the rest come in to take over the whole government.
There is a huge Republican Establishment living in think tanks and the like who are NOT Trump. They were Bush, they were others, but essentially none were Trump. Many of them publicly rejected Trump, even went to Hillary hoping to ride her back into power.
Now the Republican Establishment has done an about face. They hope to ride Trump into power after all. They don't care about what Trump said or did. They want power. They want in.
They are what Trump defeated when he sent 16 other candidates home, and some went to Hillary then were defeated again.
These are the neocons, relabeled hawks for Hillary. These are the huge Bush family machine. There are all the people Trump defeated and we rejected already.
Trump's first test: Don't let them back into government.
There are about 5,000 major appoinitive positions, each of which bring with them some assistants and staff. They fill the government at the top.
They do not come from nowhere, just spring up from the ground. They are waiting for their turn to power. They wait in think tanks, and universities, and other places subsidized by donors.
They are the Establishment. They are the shadow government that motivates the party to push its candidate. They don't really value the one person at the top so much as all the people who come with that person. They can overlook a lot in the person at the top, if all the rest come in to take over the whole government.
There is a huge Republican Establishment living in think tanks and the like who are NOT Trump. They were Bush, they were others, but essentially none were Trump. Many of them publicly rejected Trump, even went to Hillary hoping to ride her back into power.
Now the Republican Establishment has done an about face. They hope to ride Trump into power after all. They don't care about what Trump said or did. They want power. They want in.
They are what Trump defeated when he sent 16 other candidates home, and some went to Hillary then were defeated again.
These are the neocons, relabeled hawks for Hillary. These are the huge Bush family machine. There are all the people Trump defeated and we rejected already.
Trump's first test: Don't let them back into government.
5
The GOP can impeach Donald in the first year. For anything.
If that happens, we get Pres. Mike Pence.
All the Trump stuff goes away.
If that happens, we get Pres. Mike Pence.
All the Trump stuff goes away.
1
How a leader hires is definetly a testament of leadership skill. I think that the President-Elect should surround himself with good people that have a background of how the gov't systems work. It's very important that he hire for the position and what is needed at that position, instead of promoting people that have tenure, just because they've been there for a long time. I made a bad hiring mistake one time and I have figured out 5 ways to make sure I don't do that again. Here's my story. https://bossinthemiddle.com/2016/11/14/i-hired-the-wrong-person/
2
Who in their right mind would believe that Trump would fill his cabinet, appointees, and other advisers with anything but racist, bigoted, misogynistic, and otherwise inept people? And what is "outrage' from the right other than politically correct talk that enables Trump and his policies. You would have to be blind to not see the evolution of the Republican party in the last 8 years. Was blocking every move by Obama the act of a "concerned" party? I would love to be wrong, but I am afraid that this is the first step in the dissolution of our democracy.
9
Why do you believe that the only way someone could possibly support Trump was because they're racist, bigoted, misogynistic and inept? Do you not understand that this is part of the reason that Trump was elected? You look at half of the country and have decided that we are not worth anything and therefore can be directed by you (because you know better than I do what it means to live in the midwest) regardless of how those people feel. We're sick of it. We're sick of being told that if you don't support extremely liberal social positions, the only reason is because your racist and bigoted. We're sick of being told that our way of life is wrong and that we need to change (and conveniently be just like you) to belong in your society.
Your attitude, your belief that everyone who isn't like you is not just wrong but inherently evil is why almost the entire middle of the country said no more.
Your attitude, your belief that everyone who isn't like you is not just wrong but inherently evil is why almost the entire middle of the country said no more.
2
You know nothing about my attitude or what I believe. My observations are those of some one who has watched the political landscape for the past 20 years. I lived through Bush 41 and 43. You honestly think Bannon is not a racist or bigot? If you do, you are not paying attention.And who says "lock her up" to a presidential candidate? A conservative or a deeply disturbed individual? Did you watch any of the video of Mr. Trump belittling handicapped people? Hispanics? This is not a liberal position, it is a humane one. People like you on the right have been putting up the same tired argument - those with humane, progressive views are "elites". If you mean in education and thinking then I agree. If you mean that we should do something for those who have lost jobs because they were sent to Mexico, I am all for it. Is your job in jeopardy because of anchor babies? Judges of Mexican heritage? African Americans? I suggest you think more about the heritage you have as an American and less about everyone like me. You may need to make some stark choices in the near future.
2
Finally, someone who gets it.
It's the rise of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. Dementors are sure to follow. Can we all agree to just not say his name for four years? I can't empower him by saying his name even one more time.
36
This was very good - I just hope we don't have to go through all 700+ pages of Deathly Hallows before he's defeated
19
So who gets the roles of Goebbels and Himmler? Hitler was a hero to the German people, in the beginning. It has happened before, it can happen again.
6
To Val,
Bannon and Giuliani.
Bannon and Giuliani.
3
Do you have your copy of "The Art of the Deal"?
Reynolds v. Sims (1964) established a "one man, one vote" standard under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Bolling v. Sharpe established that the equal protection clause applies to the federal government via the 5th Amendment.
Clinton could sue Trump & allow the Supreme Court to clarify if the 14th Amendment nullifies the electoral college section of the constitution or at least that electoral college votes must be apportioned corresponding to actual number of votes instead of the current "winner-take-all" system.
Clinton could sue Trump & allow the Supreme Court to clarify if the 14th Amendment nullifies the electoral college section of the constitution or at least that electoral college votes must be apportioned corresponding to actual number of votes instead of the current "winner-take-all" system.
6
That's just bitter-ender fantasyland. For example, the 23rd Amendment gives DC three electoral votes.
Sorry, the decision of how to award electoral votes is given to the states, not the federal government. They have no power to force states to allocate EV in any way. The court would find that Clinton lacks standing to bring the suite and it would be dismissed (if it ever got to SCOTUS, which it probably wouldn't, it'd wouldn't make it to, much less past, an appellate court)
1
All of these guys have no idea how much work running the government of the whole free world takes. They think they can send a memo every now and then for four hours a day and nap the rest of the time.
2
So this is what American Exceptionalism has to show for itself after 240 years. Our government is infested with snake-oil salesmen gorging themselves on the public trough, and now Trump's "usual suspects" are taking over the reins. Xenophobes, racists, profiteers, homophobes, religious zealots and other assorted con men are walking the red carpet towards our halls of congress and the White House. They are being led by Donald Trump, the poster boy for everything corrupt in human nature, and for whom, many voted for, as a result of being bamboozled by the Republican Party.
So much is written about the result, but very little is said about the cause of this mess.
Way to go, America. You were given a gift, Americans, and you are throwing it away.
So much is written about the result, but very little is said about the cause of this mess.
Way to go, America. You were given a gift, Americans, and you are throwing it away.
10
Appointing Bannon says it all. Then there is his campaign manager threatening Harry Reid.
This isn't good.
This isn't good.
12
Dear America:
You get the government you vote for. We voted for a person with no government experience who has surrounded himself with ideological vultures who know the system inside and out. Anyone who thinks that things are going to change needs to get his or her head examined.
1) A Wall St. executive is going to be nominated for Treasury Secretary.
2) A 1/2 term Governor is going to be nominated for Interior Secretary.
3) A former Mayor who is off his rocker is going to be nominated for Attorney General.
4) An 84-year old Sheriff might be nominated for Homeland Security, though I can't see him getting a security clearance.
This is just the beginning.
You get the government you vote for. We voted for a person with no government experience who has surrounded himself with ideological vultures who know the system inside and out. Anyone who thinks that things are going to change needs to get his or her head examined.
1) A Wall St. executive is going to be nominated for Treasury Secretary.
2) A 1/2 term Governor is going to be nominated for Interior Secretary.
3) A former Mayor who is off his rocker is going to be nominated for Attorney General.
4) An 84-year old Sheriff might be nominated for Homeland Security, though I can't see him getting a security clearance.
This is just the beginning.
10
of the end
1
I would like to apply for the job as melania's pool boy---is that job open?
2
On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.
H. L. Mencken
For every complex problem there is a solution that is simple easy and wrong.
H.L. Mencken
It is going to be a difficult 4 years even if we do survive as a legitimate democracy.
H. L. Mencken
For every complex problem there is a solution that is simple easy and wrong.
H.L. Mencken
It is going to be a difficult 4 years even if we do survive as a legitimate democracy.
5
One side benefit for the plain folks of the land is the excruciating existential pain that the elites of the land are suffering because they didn't get their way. At least the elites can affix their pacifiers to their bleeding breasts with their diaper pins.
Life ain't fair. Albert Ebmud
Life ain't fair. Albert Ebmud
1
If you can show Scheme Trump your long form American birth certificate and your legal immigration papers that gives you the right to remain in America then Donald John Trump will hire you.
The next Third Lady of the United States Melania Knauss Trump should lead by example.
The next Third Lady of the United States Melania Knauss Trump should lead by example.
1
lead what, exactly ? the pardon of the holiday turkey ?
The NYT and other major publications need to stop normalizing this. Trump appointed Bannon as his top advisor. This man is an anti-Semite. Stop acting like this is a normal course of events.
11
Bannon's feelings are American Mainstream. Didn't you see the election results?
Media will absolutely normalize this behavior. Didn't you see the campaign?
Media will absolutely normalize this behavior. Didn't you see the campaign?
Germany 1933, redux.
5
For all the pundits who argued that he was a vote against the establishment, you are repeating your 2000 error when you argued that W's biggest problem would be reining in his own right wing. Fool you twice, shame on you. The essence of the 1% establishment ("I'll take mine and to hell with everybody else") is now there, and nobody talked about this, but instead harped on e-mails, talks to Wall Street, and anything else to guarantee that the woman wouldn't win. HAVE YOU NO DECENCY? (That, just as as when it was originally uttered, is a rhetorical question.)
That will be another first from The Donald. He will be saying You are Hired! 4000 times rather than saying 'You are fired" with gusto. How the world has changed indeed. For better?
Stephen Bannon - a racist, anti-Semitic homophobe with a record of domestic violence - is chosen by Donald Trump to be his "chief strategist and senior counselor," and the best that The New York Times can come up with is that it's "ominous"?! It's outrageous that such a bottom-feeder will be counseling and strategizing a willfully ignorant, politically inexperienced danger such as The Donald, yet the best the Times can come up with is "ominous"? Please ... screw up what little courage you have, and denounce Trump's continued degradation of core American values.
12
I am not a Trump supporter (nor Hillary), but doesn't it seem that the NYTimes might just hold off for a little while in it's barrage? I mean how many Trump attack articles are there in the paper just today?!
We all live in this country and MUST work to come together. While we may disagree about who should be president (neither), that is over now. What we need is some unity. Everyone was angry when the Reps met and agreed to block many Obama agendas in 2008/2009. They said it was wrong to have an agenda to block the president, correctly so. But now, somehow, it's okay to attack everything Trump and all of the citizens that voted for Trump.
Are you so elitist that you've loss the ability to be objective and honestly as why? (did it happen) what? (do we need going forward)
Or did you never have the ability for objective reporting? I know that answer - "we used to." Not sure who is running things at the NYTimes, but am saddened by their biased reporting, inflammatory attacks on people they don't agree with, and the unending reporting on Trump and race. It's to the point where you've lost credibility. How did you let that happen?!!
We all live in this country and MUST work to come together. While we may disagree about who should be president (neither), that is over now. What we need is some unity. Everyone was angry when the Reps met and agreed to block many Obama agendas in 2008/2009. They said it was wrong to have an agenda to block the president, correctly so. But now, somehow, it's okay to attack everything Trump and all of the citizens that voted for Trump.
Are you so elitist that you've loss the ability to be objective and honestly as why? (did it happen) what? (do we need going forward)
Or did you never have the ability for objective reporting? I know that answer - "we used to." Not sure who is running things at the NYTimes, but am saddened by their biased reporting, inflammatory attacks on people they don't agree with, and the unending reporting on Trump and race. It's to the point where you've lost credibility. How did you let that happen?!!
4
Hillary is still issuing instructions. She told all of her people to protest during the concession speech when she referred to Facebook . She will have her civil war eventually.
1
ahem! It is not elitist to tell the truth to Power.
It would seem the entire world would have cause to fear Mr. Trump.
He has not hidden his hatred for our Democratic principles of government.
He has sought advice from a notable foreign dictator.
It would seem the entire world would have cause to fear Mr. Trump.
He has not hidden his hatred for our Democratic principles of government.
He has sought advice from a notable foreign dictator.
2
Asked who the enemy that she was most proud of, Hillary said "oh, Republicans" and then labeled half of Trump supporters as "deplorables" yet you are certain that he is the threat to Democratic government. He didn't tell half of the country that he was proud to be their enemy.
Someone who had to cheat to get the DNC nomination and who continues to try and belittle people who don't support her is not the person i will trust with "our Democratic principles of government"
Someone who had to cheat to get the DNC nomination and who continues to try and belittle people who don't support her is not the person i will trust with "our Democratic principles of government"
1
Why does this piece not refer to President-elect Trump by that title? As it refers to the Vice President-elect as such, not referring to President-elect Trump as such seems rude and only designed to gratify the haters.
I remind you that you constantly refer to President Obama by title.
Shame.
I remind you that you constantly refer to President Obama by title.
Shame.
5
One snicker at The Donald and "You're fired!"
1
“What do we do now?” - Trump knows exactly what he wants - A RETURN ON HIS INVESTMENT.
Hiring will be much the same as he did for Trump U, except for his inner circle of hacks and family.
Extreme Vetting - which did not happen to Trump's candidacy (tax returns) - will be limited to "Yes Men", ideologically Right Wingers and Breitbart News' endorsed Who's Who in the alt-right, and others he can blame when things do not go as He wants.
Sure he is draining the swamp, only to be refilled with His toxic waste.
Hiring will be much the same as he did for Trump U, except for his inner circle of hacks and family.
Extreme Vetting - which did not happen to Trump's candidacy (tax returns) - will be limited to "Yes Men", ideologically Right Wingers and Breitbart News' endorsed Who's Who in the alt-right, and others he can blame when things do not go as He wants.
Sure he is draining the swamp, only to be refilled with His toxic waste.
7
If Hillary was elected, the 4000 positions would just go to her donors and not the best person available. No nonsensical quotas needed to MAGA!
2
He won because he wasn't a professional politician...why can't you seem to GET IT? 4000 jobs? Bet we can do with about 2000...........make the govt smaller
3
Why does anyone think that government should be getting smaller when the population it needs to serve keeps getting larger? OF COURSE government should be several multiples of the size it was in 1900 -- in terms of budget, if not the number of employees on the payroll.
1
Can you name one successful, industrialized country that governs by small government principles?
(Hint: there are none in the entire world)
(Hint: there are none in the entire world)
2
He hired a lap dog to handle the Congress, and is keeping a bull dog in the cage out back to feed the 'base' raw meat, and strike uncertainty, fear, and caution in the hearts of any detractors.
The essence of Goebbels and Himmler. We're on our way!
The essence of Goebbels and Himmler. We're on our way!
12
I'm pretty sure the man who came this far while battling the hostile MSM and establishment, would do just fine with his hirings without any assistance from NYT's editorial page. All his has to do is to keep the snakes away.
1
President-elect Trump has a lot of work to do. He's lucky about one thing...he has such an easy act to follow. With the left-leaning mainstream media exposed, the facade will quickly fall from the Obama administration.
That being said...I hope Mr. Trump doesn't take the bait. We need a LEADER! Please ignore the nonsense from the left, including at times this newspaper. Hire competent people...without regard for quotas.
We've seen the media attacked by the current administration and the Justice Department turned into a political machine. Restore honesty and integrity to the Judicial branch of government.
Finally, stop answering the baited questions from the media. You are against murdering the unborn...enough said. They fixate on their radical liberal agenda...but that doesn't mean you need to do so.
For many of us...the long dark winter of the past 8 years is almost over. Right the ship and lead America, all of America. What we've seen the past 8 years has been the most partisan running of our government in history. No leadership and a radical agenda that clearly was ruining the country. UNDO it all and restore America.
We want JOBS not a social agenda!
That being said...I hope Mr. Trump doesn't take the bait. We need a LEADER! Please ignore the nonsense from the left, including at times this newspaper. Hire competent people...without regard for quotas.
We've seen the media attacked by the current administration and the Justice Department turned into a political machine. Restore honesty and integrity to the Judicial branch of government.
Finally, stop answering the baited questions from the media. You are against murdering the unborn...enough said. They fixate on their radical liberal agenda...but that doesn't mean you need to do so.
For many of us...the long dark winter of the past 8 years is almost over. Right the ship and lead America, all of America. What we've seen the past 8 years has been the most partisan running of our government in history. No leadership and a radical agenda that clearly was ruining the country. UNDO it all and restore America.
We want JOBS not a social agenda!
2
I hear there is a door-buster white sale at Macy's on the day after Thanksgiving.
2
He hired a racist for his cabinet. Enough middle-ground and nuance, NYT. Why aren't you reporting on those who would rather shut down the government until the people are truly represented? Until each vote TRULY counts equally? Blow up the EC. Trump might gain Con-Mander in Chief status, but he'll never be America's leader. Resist, resist, resist.
6
What cabinet?
1
It is just beyond ridiculous to me that all I'm hearing from the GOP that I'm just supposed to sit back and HOPE this con man becomes JFK. This is madness.
7
Let's hope Trump ignores any advice from the NYT editorial board, platonic guardians with nothing left to guard.
2
Every other headline in the Times starts out with Donald Trump... Can I please have my newspaper back???
4
You'll get what's left of it. And that, Kate, will be not much... Biased, hate filled fear mongering has destroyed what had once been a great news paper....
1
Sad commentary.
When does the firing start? We know how much he likes firing people. He is literally the best at it. So, I am not getting too worked ap about who he is hiring. That is not his specialty. I recommend starting an office pool or betting line to see who goes first...or how long one stays..it will help you get past the next four years...oops...Governor Christie?
Fantasy White House Staff, anyone?
Fantasy White House Staff, anyone?
1
Looks like graft, corruption, and ethics violations galore for the next few years. Drain the swamp indeed!
6
Sane heads Donald!Sane heads! u'll do good
1
And 'ominous' it is....a controlled alt right media....and if criticism comes, watch out...now is the time for all good men and women to stand up and be counted...or is this the beginning of the demise of our democracy?
1
It's starting! All the young women who didn't vote or thought it was okay to vote for a man who brags about groping women will find out what life was before Roe. Those who thought they were voting for a 'disrupter' were tricked. Trump's son told the truth -Donald doesn't know anything -doesn't care about anyone beyond himself (and maybe his kids). The country will be under the thumb of the extreme right wing of the Republican Party.
3
Please stop pretending that all is "normal" and going the way that other transitions have gone. The appointment of Bannon, an "equal partner" of Priebus and white nationalist, raises so many red flags that one might think condemnation is in order. Are you going to sit back while Nero fiddles AGAIN! Speak out, please, no holds barred.
9
"He wisely replaced the team’s tarnished chief, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, with Vice President-elect Mike Pence." "WISELY"? Are you freaking kidding? As the print of this op ed dries, Pence is designing his assault on our LBGTQ communities. Open your eyes.
6
You can not sugar coat this. You can not normalize this. You can not minimize this.
Trump has made official the policy oh! sorry! 'strategy' racism, bigotry, sexism and anti-semitism in the White House with the appointment of Bannon of Breitbart.
There is no 'spin' on this.
Trump has made official the policy oh! sorry! 'strategy' racism, bigotry, sexism and anti-semitism in the White House with the appointment of Bannon of Breitbart.
There is no 'spin' on this.
8
"...who is thinking about labor or the F.C.C.?"
Really?! Is this the best the Editorial Board can do to try to scare Americans and paint a "sky is falling" picture?
The FCC and Labor Dept can go for years without being staffed and no American would notice.
The government will do just fine regardless of how fast or slow, how great or not so great the transition is done.
Really?! Is this the best the Editorial Board can do to try to scare Americans and paint a "sky is falling" picture?
The FCC and Labor Dept can go for years without being staffed and no American would notice.
The government will do just fine regardless of how fast or slow, how great or not so great the transition is done.
1
When Churchill once famously declared, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself”. clearly, he had never met Trump.
4
And most assuredly never had read the NY Times...
This is just more fear mongering and hysteria. So much for Mr. Sulzberger's letter yesterday promising to rededicating his paper to honest reporting.
4
@Sharkie
He'll never know about it. He cancelled his own subscription yesterday and is now confined to reading the WSJ and New York Post for news, and once in awhile the National Enquirer when he wants to do any fact checking...
He'll never know about it. He cancelled his own subscription yesterday and is now confined to reading the WSJ and New York Post for news, and once in awhile the National Enquirer when he wants to do any fact checking...
I've been a NYT reader for 40yrs and as a libertarian I've always had to accept the fact that my daily papers including the WSJ and NYT are a little biased in not too much change but in lieu of that I'd get honest objective reporting and balanced coverage. It wasn't ever apparent to me until this election season just how biased and 'out to lunch' NYT has become. You've been missing the most important story of the last decade. I'm seriously considering cancelling my NYT subscription. I think the real people that are bitter and angry that thi s new economy has left that behind are is the editorial staff!
2
He has no idea what he is doing.
11
He is truly clueless.
As has been pointed out by a plethora of retired federal officials, Trump (and now his "Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Horrors") are a direct threat to both the constitution and to the national security of the United States. Period. Please keep that in mind, NY Times editors, when covering this traitor and his despicable cronies.
7
This is so refreshing. We have a president-elect who is not bogged down with politics and owes no one having run using his own money. He will remove the engines of the Beltway and remove its wheels. He'll drain the swamp.
1
I think you are in for a shock. He will not drain the swamp, he is the swamp. He loves all those suck up lobbyists, and guess what, you aren't one. You and the rest of Texas are just losers to Trump. As Bugs Bunny says, so long, suckah.
11
Do you realize the GOP Congress can impeach Trump for anything and replace him with Pres. Mike Pence, one of their own?
How many GOP reps and senators would rather have Pence than Trump?
How many GOP reps and senators would rather have Pence than Trump?
Wake up NOW.
"As Mr. Trump, modern history’s least politically experienced president-elect, takes on one of the weightiest management jobs in the world, let’s hope he is asking that question of the right people, and listening to their answers."
You know the opinion he least cares about?
The NY Times is so deep in its own narrative that it can't even produce an analysis of something as non-partisan as the process of power transition without steeping it in the slander "Hey, you know what? Donald Trump is a racist, and he's got a bunch of white supremacists telling him what to do."
I think you folks need to take a few minutes to research what racism is and what racial discrimination is. I think you folks need to take a few minutes to think about whether your indictment of Donald Trump is valid.
I understand that this will be difficult for you, because you're all living in an alt-realtiy, in which facts don't matter. However, a large portion of the public is freaking out, and a fair case could be made that this is the effect of Hillary and her propaganda team stoking irrational fears by slandering Donald Trump with the racist label -- all because they never had a legitimate case for her candidacy.
You folks are very haughty in advising Donald Trump to be careful with his language. Perhaps, you might turn the mirror towards yourselves.
You know the opinion he least cares about?
The NY Times is so deep in its own narrative that it can't even produce an analysis of something as non-partisan as the process of power transition without steeping it in the slander "Hey, you know what? Donald Trump is a racist, and he's got a bunch of white supremacists telling him what to do."
I think you folks need to take a few minutes to research what racism is and what racial discrimination is. I think you folks need to take a few minutes to think about whether your indictment of Donald Trump is valid.
I understand that this will be difficult for you, because you're all living in an alt-realtiy, in which facts don't matter. However, a large portion of the public is freaking out, and a fair case could be made that this is the effect of Hillary and her propaganda team stoking irrational fears by slandering Donald Trump with the racist label -- all because they never had a legitimate case for her candidacy.
You folks are very haughty in advising Donald Trump to be careful with his language. Perhaps, you might turn the mirror towards yourselves.
1
No mention of climate change denier #1 Myron Ebell to head up EPA transition team? Masters of the Universe (ha) take heed......money and power can't cut a deal with nature, or buy another planet. Deals, policies and foolhardy measures can be done over in 4 years, but there is no do-over with climate change. This is it. Wreck this planet and there is literally nowhere else to go.
5
New York Times: You sent out a letter apologizing to us for your poor coverage of the election. Agreed - it was terrible. The "flawed" candidate. The "lesser of two evils." The "hold my nose and vote." The emails ad infinitum. Trump as an interesting phenomenon rather than as a terrifyingly unbalanced hate-monger and demagogue. Please do not continue. Stop Normalizing Trump.
9
The swamp is being drained all right - into the Trump White House.
11
I'm just thankful Hillary isn't the president.
3
I am pleased that Mr. Blow is taking a more wait and see attitude, while leaving the hysteria to the many enraged readers who are offering comments.
You and your editorials. You enabled Mr. Trump because he sold newspapers for you. You damned Hillary Clinton with faint praise.
Now we have Breitbart executives in command of the Oval Office.
While you were running light-weight articles on asinine pronouns like "ze" and cheering on college students with silly gripes, and calling Michael Brown a "teenaged boy" as if he were 14 and hadn't stolen and brutalized a shopkeeper, reactionaries were diseminating other kinds of stories.
Some people say that in two years we can elect Democrats to the house and senate to check Trump's plundering of our economy, gutting of our civil rights, and turning our republic into a quasi-dictatorship.
We can only hope it will still be possible to do so.
Now we have Breitbart executives in command of the Oval Office.
While you were running light-weight articles on asinine pronouns like "ze" and cheering on college students with silly gripes, and calling Michael Brown a "teenaged boy" as if he were 14 and hadn't stolen and brutalized a shopkeeper, reactionaries were diseminating other kinds of stories.
Some people say that in two years we can elect Democrats to the house and senate to check Trump's plundering of our economy, gutting of our civil rights, and turning our republic into a quasi-dictatorship.
We can only hope it will still be possible to do so.
3
Hey, show yourself up by blaming the Messenger!
Our current debacle is caused by the same predilections that brought us the Nazi Movement.
Namely GREED!
Our current debacle is caused by the same predilections that brought us the Nazi Movement.
Namely GREED!
Not my president.
7
Now that the white supremacists are crawling out of the gutter into the broad daylight it should be a breeze to recruit them into the White House.
3
Jimmt Carter, Ronald Regan, Bill Clinton, and George Bush Jr were all new to Federal Office. They were closely followed by a junior Senator from Illinois who had almost as litle Federal experience as they did. So what's the big deal?
Ed Burchianti
Ed Burchianti
2
Elected offices held before POTUS:
Jimmy Carter - Georgia State Senator, Governor of Georgia
Ronald Reagan - Governor of California
Bill Clinton - Governor of Arkansas
George W. Bush - Governor of Texas
Barack Obama - Illinois State Senator, US Senator from Illinois
Donald Trump - none
Actually it seems Barack Obama had the most experience in elected federal office as a US Senator. Donald Trump: no experience to any elected office local, state or otherwise - apparently he was caught flat footed on the fact that he has to replace everyone in the West Wing.
Jimmy Carter - Georgia State Senator, Governor of Georgia
Ronald Reagan - Governor of California
Bill Clinton - Governor of Arkansas
George W. Bush - Governor of Texas
Barack Obama - Illinois State Senator, US Senator from Illinois
Donald Trump - none
Actually it seems Barack Obama had the most experience in elected federal office as a US Senator. Donald Trump: no experience to any elected office local, state or otherwise - apparently he was caught flat footed on the fact that he has to replace everyone in the West Wing.
No more of this garbage for "news".
You've gotta be kidding me.
Its so niiiiiice that it takes a phone call, and over 5 minutes of wait time, in order to be forwarded to the department that is able to cancel my subscription to this horrible rag of a newspaper. It cant be done online like everything else. So the Times is just like every other corporation that uses these tactics against its customers. So far (as I write) its another 7 minutes on hold waiting for that department, total time now at 13 minutes. I guess the call center is a little busy with all the cancellations these days.
Update: its done - it took 16 minutes 30 seconds to cancel.
You've gotta be kidding me.
Its so niiiiiice that it takes a phone call, and over 5 minutes of wait time, in order to be forwarded to the department that is able to cancel my subscription to this horrible rag of a newspaper. It cant be done online like everything else. So the Times is just like every other corporation that uses these tactics against its customers. So far (as I write) its another 7 minutes on hold waiting for that department, total time now at 13 minutes. I guess the call center is a little busy with all the cancellations these days.
Update: its done - it took 16 minutes 30 seconds to cancel.
2
Ignorance is definitely not bliss, so You will regret it soon!
Kate,
Ignorance about the KKK rally going in NC while the Times talks about Trump this and that as if he's a legitimate President?
Or ignorance about ATT's role in funding the complete destruction of democracy through the GOP's redistricting strategy?
Or ignorance about who Bernie Sanders is and what his platform consisted of?
You want ignorance about these topics and more, just read the Times.
I'm publishing a book on Nazi Germany, and so far this week "The Rise and Hall of the Third Riech" is out of stock and back ordered at Amazon. You won't understand the correlation if all you read is this propaganda. People understand this situation is not blissful at all.
PS. I love NM. Peace and love to all.
Ignorance about the KKK rally going in NC while the Times talks about Trump this and that as if he's a legitimate President?
Or ignorance about ATT's role in funding the complete destruction of democracy through the GOP's redistricting strategy?
Or ignorance about who Bernie Sanders is and what his platform consisted of?
You want ignorance about these topics and more, just read the Times.
I'm publishing a book on Nazi Germany, and so far this week "The Rise and Hall of the Third Riech" is out of stock and back ordered at Amazon. You won't understand the correlation if all you read is this propaganda. People understand this situation is not blissful at all.
PS. I love NM. Peace and love to all.
"Mr. Trump, who has no experience in the workings of government,"
An oft repeated phrase when referring to Trump. Our present President had very little experience when he took on the job and look how well that worked out. It is probably the fact that he has no experience in this type of government that propelled him into the White House.
An oft repeated phrase when referring to Trump. Our present President had very little experience when he took on the job and look how well that worked out. It is probably the fact that he has no experience in this type of government that propelled him into the White House.
I hope the NY Times, and many of the pundits we follow to help us get through this (i.e. Samantha Bee, John Oliver), will provide a really good detailed history refresher of the Nixon years. Because that was, famously, when the free press really helped take down all in the Nixon Administration who would deny our civil liberties.
"Less than a year before Richard M. Nixon's resignation as president of the United States, Spiro Agnew becomes the first U.S. vice president to resign in disgrace. The same day, he pleaded no contest to a charge of federal income tax evasion in exchange for the dropping of charges of political corruption."
"Less than a year before Richard M. Nixon's resignation as president of the United States, Spiro Agnew becomes the first U.S. vice president to resign in disgrace. The same day, he pleaded no contest to a charge of federal income tax evasion in exchange for the dropping of charges of political corruption."
2
Thanks for that repeat of a fine History Lesson!
3
The main thing that struck me about Trump on 60 Minutes last night was that he seems a bit more fragile--dare I say, "elderly"--in a close-up, one-on-one interview than he does in front of his large and boisterous rallies. Let's hope he has some deep reserves of not only managerial chutzpah, but also some plain old "stamina" as the U.S. presidency is a heavy lift even for a fit, lucid 50-something individual, such as Barack Obama.
I only hope that this is a one-term administration. In 2012, we were already talking about 2016, so let's start planning for 2020. The applicant needs to be well-educated, honest, familiar with history, the Constitution and the ideals that made this country great. He or she will need to be a good team-builder, experienced in government, not ethically-challenged, not part of an old or new dynasty, untainted by scandals past or present, politically-moderate, and in touch with all aspects of American life, from the needs and worries of the poor to the concerns of the very wealthy. And finally, he or she must have demonstrated a willingness to listen to and to hire those men and women who are similarly untainted, who are not afraid to honestly speak their minds, and who represent the diversity of this nation. (That's not this group.)
1
The GOP Congress would much rather have President Mike Pence.
It would be easy to impeach Trump for anything.
The GOP would get so much help for this from the Dems.
It would be easy to impeach Trump for anything.
The GOP would get so much help for this from the Dems.
1
The first step when recruiting staff in a 'new enterprise', is to understand and define the roles these staff will play. Perhaps staff are required, perhaps not. It is the over arching purpose (policy) of Trump's administration that is important- not the staff (at this stage).
Of course there are key roles that require filling promptly. This is the stage we are at, he has efficiently built a team of people he trusts, respects, and that he can rely on to assist (procedurally) in the recruiting decisions to be made in his name.
Next will come the definition of roles, and it will be up to individual heads of departments and managers to plan, argue and reason for resources (including staffing) to allow them to carry out their roles.
Will this require 4,000+ staff? Maybe it will, maybe it won't.
Be patient, be supportive of your President, and perhaps we will all learn something.
Of course there are key roles that require filling promptly. This is the stage we are at, he has efficiently built a team of people he trusts, respects, and that he can rely on to assist (procedurally) in the recruiting decisions to be made in his name.
Next will come the definition of roles, and it will be up to individual heads of departments and managers to plan, argue and reason for resources (including staffing) to allow them to carry out their roles.
Will this require 4,000+ staff? Maybe it will, maybe it won't.
Be patient, be supportive of your President, and perhaps we will all learn something.
2
Anyone who is not horrified at the scope of information and scale
of investigative resources now available to Steve Bannon is in serious
denial. His outings of Acorn and Planned Parenthood were done without
any of the powers he now is a telephone call away from requesting.
Calling him a right wing populist is like calling Myron Ebell a contrarian. It's a
type of neutralizing non descriptive term that does not at all describe what his
actions already define him as. He is interested in one thing only. That is,
to destroy any opponent whom he identifies as, if not also believes to be "ideologically left", "big government promoter", etc. I suppose libertarian
is part of the lexicon too, which is hardly "right wing populist".
He now has all the power he will need to add many more scalps to his
collection of trophy kills. Surely climate change researchers and environmental activists are high on the hit list.
That is what has happened over the weekend
of investigative resources now available to Steve Bannon is in serious
denial. His outings of Acorn and Planned Parenthood were done without
any of the powers he now is a telephone call away from requesting.
Calling him a right wing populist is like calling Myron Ebell a contrarian. It's a
type of neutralizing non descriptive term that does not at all describe what his
actions already define him as. He is interested in one thing only. That is,
to destroy any opponent whom he identifies as, if not also believes to be "ideologically left", "big government promoter", etc. I suppose libertarian
is part of the lexicon too, which is hardly "right wing populist".
He now has all the power he will need to add many more scalps to his
collection of trophy kills. Surely climate change researchers and environmental activists are high on the hit list.
That is what has happened over the weekend
3
Trump and Bannon. The white nationalists and the American Nazi Party members are celebrating their victory, and I hear no alarm bells from sensible people. Worse, I endured my less than five minutes of Joe Scarborough this morning as he and Harold Ford, Jr. waxed eloquently about how wise Trump is to hire the "good balance" of Priebus and Bannon. My head hung in grief -- I had no control over it. What are they thinking? Since when can it ever be good or even acceptable to have a Bannon -- a professed and proud raging white nationalist -- within shouting distance from the Oval Office? Trump won in large measure because what passes for journalists these days accomodated his divisiveness and bigotry without putting it in any historical, moral or ethical or humanitarian context whatsoever. The result is that many voters began to perceive such views as just fine (or perhaps shruggable), and not at all as aberrant and as hideous that they are, by any measure of human decency. Bannon and his ilk have no rightful place where truth, comity, goodness and compassion should prevail.
6
One thing that should happen in the Trump administration is legislation to insure the vote is fair. Greg Philips of voter fraud.org tweeted “We have verified more than three million votes cast by non-citizens,” after reporting that the group had completed an analysis of a database of 180 million voter registrations. If this is true Trump quite possibly did also win the popular vote. In Europe citizens use voter cards. Why is it considered discriminatory to suggest that here? Are we suggesting that the Europeans are racist?
1
Since Trump has no long-term political organization behind him to furnish potential candidates for the appointed positions, I expect to see a return of the same cast of characters that manned the Reagan and Bush (1&2) administrations. Since Trump has no particular party loyalty, it's reasonable to assume that there may be a sprinkling of members of the Clinton and Obama administrations as well. Some of the high profile cabinet positions will go to "names" but o think the chances of a Gingrich, an Arpaio or a Giuliani getting Senate approval are thin.
I wonder if there is any kind of historical precedent when selecting someone like Stephen Bannon as your "Senior Advisor".
For example, there have been times when a White House Press Secretary has been selected directly from the press (for example, Tony Snow from Fox News), but hiring someone that is from the press is quite different from hiring a publisher that owned a share of a publication that promoted his candidacy, while also promoting itself as a "news organization".
Furthermore, while their promotion was obviously effective and raised the profile of Mr. Bannon, it now puts Breithart News on a level playing field with publications like the New York Times. In point of fact, it will give Breithart News unprecedented access to Mr. Trump and his soon to be announced policy statements.
Worse, Bannon will not completely disown himself from his creation, perhaps in the same way Mr. Trump will have difficulties disowning himself from his businesses.
Breithart News will indeed become the unofficial mouthpiece for Mr. Trump's presidency.
Worse, while elevating Breithart News to an equal of the New York Times (and/or even Fox News) and having someone on the "inside" like this, it can and will morph into something that is akin to Pravada!
Thus, if this election has taught us anything about "fact" and "truth", it is that either can become elastic and ever evolving and Bannon has proven himself to be quite adept at manipulating both.
For example, there have been times when a White House Press Secretary has been selected directly from the press (for example, Tony Snow from Fox News), but hiring someone that is from the press is quite different from hiring a publisher that owned a share of a publication that promoted his candidacy, while also promoting itself as a "news organization".
Furthermore, while their promotion was obviously effective and raised the profile of Mr. Bannon, it now puts Breithart News on a level playing field with publications like the New York Times. In point of fact, it will give Breithart News unprecedented access to Mr. Trump and his soon to be announced policy statements.
Worse, Bannon will not completely disown himself from his creation, perhaps in the same way Mr. Trump will have difficulties disowning himself from his businesses.
Breithart News will indeed become the unofficial mouthpiece for Mr. Trump's presidency.
Worse, while elevating Breithart News to an equal of the New York Times (and/or even Fox News) and having someone on the "inside" like this, it can and will morph into something that is akin to Pravada!
Thus, if this election has taught us anything about "fact" and "truth", it is that either can become elastic and ever evolving and Bannon has proven himself to be quite adept at manipulating both.
2
It was often the case, especially in the 19th century, that the president used a particular news outlet to get his views out to the public.
Used is different from directly hiring an outlet.
In this respect, Bannon is very different from the norm or do you honestly believe he will completely divorce himself from Breithart News?
If you do, there is a bridge I would love to sell to you! It has a great view of Lower Manhattan from one end and the Brooklyn waterfront from the other!
In this respect, Bannon is very different from the norm or do you honestly believe he will completely divorce himself from Breithart News?
If you do, there is a bridge I would love to sell to you! It has a great view of Lower Manhattan from one end and the Brooklyn waterfront from the other!
Those protesting Trump's election can get away with doing so because he is a white male. Had conservatives done the same thing to Barack Obama they would be called racist, or sexist if they had protested a Clinton victory. What will we say when the first Democrat yells "You lie!" at Trump's state of the union address?
Black privilege is when you can label those with different political policies as racists.
Black privilege is when you can label those with different political policies as racists.
1
Wait. Conservatives have been protesting alright. They refused to work with Barack Obama for eight years, including on infrastructure spending he proposed, and that they now propose as if it just occurred to them, because they didn't want to be caught on camera shaking hands with a black man. Or because they wanted to through the whole country under the bus in the off chance that they would blame Democrats instead of Republicans, and it turned out to be repulsively brilliant.
2
The Donald Trump era has begun.
And it turns out the anti-knowledge, anti-Semitic, anti-brains people are frontrunners for key positions in our government. We'd be better off with inanimate objects like light bulbs and door fixtures running our government.
It might have been naive to believe in the institutions of the United States, but without them, what would I believe in?
Now, I'm not so sure. I'm ashamed to live in a country that can so easily be duped. Conned. Had by a snake-oil salesman who would've been nothing without daddy's help or a honed ability to screw people over. We used to be a nation of doers, dreamers and believers. Of men and women, despite their differences, believed in the power of a people bound together in a common purpose. No longer can I buy into that reality.
What strikes me most about this election is that the right-wing, chest-beating, pick-yourselves-up-by-your-bootstraps, no-help-necessary "America" essentially blamed their hardships on the Other People. But if those Other People had hardships of their own... well, then, that's just their fault. We'll be peeling back the layers of hypocrisy for years to come.
Oh, and one last thing — we're about to find out just how little Republican congressmen cared for their countrymen when they give Trump a blank check to do as he pleases. The same infrastructure-building measures were proposed by Obama. The difference? These spineless hacks didn't want to give Obama a "win."
And it turns out the anti-knowledge, anti-Semitic, anti-brains people are frontrunners for key positions in our government. We'd be better off with inanimate objects like light bulbs and door fixtures running our government.
It might have been naive to believe in the institutions of the United States, but without them, what would I believe in?
Now, I'm not so sure. I'm ashamed to live in a country that can so easily be duped. Conned. Had by a snake-oil salesman who would've been nothing without daddy's help or a honed ability to screw people over. We used to be a nation of doers, dreamers and believers. Of men and women, despite their differences, believed in the power of a people bound together in a common purpose. No longer can I buy into that reality.
What strikes me most about this election is that the right-wing, chest-beating, pick-yourselves-up-by-your-bootstraps, no-help-necessary "America" essentially blamed their hardships on the Other People. But if those Other People had hardships of their own... well, then, that's just their fault. We'll be peeling back the layers of hypocrisy for years to come.
Oh, and one last thing — we're about to find out just how little Republican congressmen cared for their countrymen when they give Trump a blank check to do as he pleases. The same infrastructure-building measures were proposed by Obama. The difference? These spineless hacks didn't want to give Obama a "win."
110
November 14, 2016
Surely Trump's wall be first priority from keeping a mass exodus out country - as the times is right for critical judgment to pursuit a land of pursuit of happiness as defined by the calibration of ones citizenship directed towards the wealth in nation's character and wisdom - with the better angels guidance.
JJA Manhattan, N.Y.
Surely Trump's wall be first priority from keeping a mass exodus out country - as the times is right for critical judgment to pursuit a land of pursuit of happiness as defined by the calibration of ones citizenship directed towards the wealth in nation's character and wisdom - with the better angels guidance.
JJA Manhattan, N.Y.
1
You are actually describing Democrats - not Republicans. Take a good look at the losing party and its so-called leader and see how poorly they are dealing with losing - rather like babies who don't get a candy when they want it.
More so with Christie whose integrity has been at least questioned with the recent GWB scandal. Picking him (and Gingrich) was proof of lack of political maturity. I think we are in for surprises.
1
What is most frightening is that he is "choosing" from the bottom of the swamp. For the party who wants to shut down the government and get rid of people, the president elect is certainly filling all the spaces, and then some, with his own ilk. This should all be very frightening. I have to wonder, for folks who have been "chosen", how can they be in government with law suits agains them. i.e., Arpaio?
48
It's only the beginning, and these new hires are despicable, and not necessarily because they're Conservatives. Things are likely to get much worse.
3
On the election of Donald Trump to the office of President of the United States and the protests against him, Leon Wieseltier captures the essence of why Trump's election must be rejected.
Wieseltier writes:
Quote
It is unforgivable not to know one’s own country. Yet the expansion of our understanding does not absolve us of the responsibility for judgment. To understand is not to forgive. Let us study the roots of populism and ponder the nature of ethnonationalism, but let us also maintain our disgust at the low and malign politics that have just prevailed. There is no economic analysis that can extenuate bigotry. The scapegoating of otherness by miserable people cannot be justified by their misery. Resentment, even when it has a basis in experience, is one of the ugliest political emotions, and it has been the source of horrors. Trump’s road to power was manifestly a foul road, even if it was supported by millions of people. Wisdom is never to be found in numbers. Trump’s success vouches only for his strategy. It says nothing about his probity or his decency. Those Americans who are ashamed that we have elected as our president a man bursting with prejudices and lies are right. Their shame makes America great again.
Unquote
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/11/11/stay-angry-t...
Wieseltier writes:
Quote
It is unforgivable not to know one’s own country. Yet the expansion of our understanding does not absolve us of the responsibility for judgment. To understand is not to forgive. Let us study the roots of populism and ponder the nature of ethnonationalism, but let us also maintain our disgust at the low and malign politics that have just prevailed. There is no economic analysis that can extenuate bigotry. The scapegoating of otherness by miserable people cannot be justified by their misery. Resentment, even when it has a basis in experience, is one of the ugliest political emotions, and it has been the source of horrors. Trump’s road to power was manifestly a foul road, even if it was supported by millions of people. Wisdom is never to be found in numbers. Trump’s success vouches only for his strategy. It says nothing about his probity or his decency. Those Americans who are ashamed that we have elected as our president a man bursting with prejudices and lies are right. Their shame makes America great again.
Unquote
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/11/11/stay-angry-t...
27
The protests against Trump are not spontaneous when busses are chartered to bring protesters in and Democrat activists are coordinating things. Luckily with alternative media sites we can see this. It's what the left seems to do here and in Europe to try to get their agenda accomplished. It usually results in violence as in Greece where a bank was fire bombed a few years ago and is financed by the usual sources (Soros). http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-11-13/blocks-anti-trump-protest-buses...
2
If Trump doesn't call for a popular vote run-off election now, he's a miserable coward. Par for the course with bullies.
Connie,
Surely you jest. Your argument about bussing protesters is specious at the best and spurious at the worst. There is nothing wrong with organizing to retake your country from a racist, misogynist and anti-Semitic operation like that of the President-elect.
Organize, organize and organize to reject the Trump election.
Surely you jest. Your argument about bussing protesters is specious at the best and spurious at the worst. There is nothing wrong with organizing to retake your country from a racist, misogynist and anti-Semitic operation like that of the President-elect.
Organize, organize and organize to reject the Trump election.
4
Be careful what you wish for. You are about to discover how bad things can get. Given the way the world is, the perps will blame the victims, since it has worked so well since 1980. They've got most of the money, most of the power, and they want more.
Don't think they're ready to share it with hardworking hard-pressed Americans who voted for a TV con man who knows nothing but production values, marketing, and how to be angry and hurt his enemies. They're not.
Financial firms are busy counting their money already. Billionaires will be able to leave their fortunes to the next generation untouched. Courts will keep on helping the wealthy take pennies from the poor.
But all of this is dwarfed by climate change and the coming global conflicts and migrations that are multiplied by its threat.
Fact is, no amount of bluster and billionaire bragging will stop or produce one drop of rain. We're burning up our planet and after four decades ignorance is no longer an excuse.
It's time to wake up. I would assume that Trump will wish to appear more reasonable than he was on the campaign trail, when his nastiness called up hatred and mobthink. But his staff choices don't lie.
Evil be thou my good ... Millions of his supporters are good people, but they are blind if they think he is like them. He lost a lot of other people's money before he discovered TV and Twitter could make appearance more powerful than reality.
While you're at it, put Jesus back in Christianity: read the gospels.
Don't think they're ready to share it with hardworking hard-pressed Americans who voted for a TV con man who knows nothing but production values, marketing, and how to be angry and hurt his enemies. They're not.
Financial firms are busy counting their money already. Billionaires will be able to leave their fortunes to the next generation untouched. Courts will keep on helping the wealthy take pennies from the poor.
But all of this is dwarfed by climate change and the coming global conflicts and migrations that are multiplied by its threat.
Fact is, no amount of bluster and billionaire bragging will stop or produce one drop of rain. We're burning up our planet and after four decades ignorance is no longer an excuse.
It's time to wake up. I would assume that Trump will wish to appear more reasonable than he was on the campaign trail, when his nastiness called up hatred and mobthink. But his staff choices don't lie.
Evil be thou my good ... Millions of his supporters are good people, but they are blind if they think he is like them. He lost a lot of other people's money before he discovered TV and Twitter could make appearance more powerful than reality.
While you're at it, put Jesus back in Christianity: read the gospels.
40
Funny how we keep saying "wake up" to brain-dead zombies.
& it's already horrifying. A Nazi overseer. An enemies list. Threats of retribution to critics. A "mandate" with a 1-1/2 million less votes. Millions of deportees whose crime is being Mexican. A contradictory foreign policy, given Iran sway over Syria and Yemen while incentivizing their acquisition of nuclear weapons. & on & on. ... Sarah Palin??
25
The absolutely unhinged Rudy Ghouliani as AG would be an absolute insult to those firefighters who perished on 9/11 because of faulty radios, and those clean up workers who weren't protected from inhaling disease causing particulent matter at ground zero.
26
Giuliani, genius, put the New York City anti-terrorim office in tower 1 of the Twin Towers, because it was within walking distance of where he lived.
That tower was ground zero for the 9/11 attack. The office was taken out.
That tower was ground zero for the 9/11 attack. The office was taken out.
2
What's the problem? There are at least 4100 people locked up in the federal prison system. Make a list, send it to Mitch McConnell for rubber stamping, and proceed.
8
I was curious to see what the NYT's would say about Stephen Bannon. I was hoping for something strong. "Ominous" was about all you could muster up. Very disappointing.
23
NYT really want to be fair.
We must treat racists equal to Mother Teresa. It is the liberal way.
We must treat racists equal to Mother Teresa. It is the liberal way.
1
TRUMP The Chump Chooser In Chief. Now Donald's goose--er duck is cooked. A l'orange to match his hair and makeup. Orange is the new presidency. Watch out for a renaming of the White House--in future it will be known as the Orange Duck House. Trump's first assignment will be choosing his cabinet. He can use two techniques. The first is to bounce quarters off the bed in the Lincoln bedroom. The second is using Ronnie Ray Gun's crystal jar full of Jelly Belly jellybeans (nonsugar anyone), orange colored only of course. So Donald, get Quacking! You've oniy got 4,000 jobs to fill. Or you could go back to your TV show with your priceless line, You're Fired! If it turns out you're a one trick ducky, perhaps that will be your duck call. Quoi, quoi, quoi? Say what?
5
BTW, talking about orange: remember the "orange revolution" in Ukraine? Guess who organized that one? Yes, good Ol' Manafort....who supposedly is also under FBI investigation, but Comey thought back in August it was "to close" to announce anything as it might be interfering with the election.....
NOT my president, not now, not ever! Just like illegal war criminal Bushie. Stupid arrogant Americans!
Resist and block everything. Don't back down! Republican'ts are a disease on this nation a earth. Just look at their actions. They say they "love" this country, but look at their actions not words. Just like Frank Burns of MASH.
Stop watching Fixed Noise propaganda coolaid! Get the facts from real news such as NYT not childish made up fiction from WND, fascist unamerican Breitbart, Fixed Noise, druggie Lumbah, etc.
Thanks stupid arrogant Americans, you just made this country into a fascist state! No different from 1930s Germany or Italy! Just look at Trumpets "picks" for cabinet and his hatred of the press and the Constitution as per his actions not words. Turning SCOTUS into just another arm of the banana republic. This is NOT a democracy any longer. He can't take TRUTH unless it comes from Fixed Noise propaganda coolaid. Look at unAmerican unpatriotic Breitbart pick and fascist Preibus among others.
Trump no different from Neville Chamberlain regarding his hero Putin.
Question; why do Republican's hate this country and the Constitution so much as per their actions not words?!
Resist and block everything. Don't back down! Republican'ts are a disease on this nation a earth. Just look at their actions. They say they "love" this country, but look at their actions not words. Just like Frank Burns of MASH.
Stop watching Fixed Noise propaganda coolaid! Get the facts from real news such as NYT not childish made up fiction from WND, fascist unamerican Breitbart, Fixed Noise, druggie Lumbah, etc.
Thanks stupid arrogant Americans, you just made this country into a fascist state! No different from 1930s Germany or Italy! Just look at Trumpets "picks" for cabinet and his hatred of the press and the Constitution as per his actions not words. Turning SCOTUS into just another arm of the banana republic. This is NOT a democracy any longer. He can't take TRUTH unless it comes from Fixed Noise propaganda coolaid. Look at unAmerican unpatriotic Breitbart pick and fascist Preibus among others.
Trump no different from Neville Chamberlain regarding his hero Putin.
Question; why do Republican's hate this country and the Constitution so much as per their actions not words?!
30
I noted in his 60 Minutes interview that Trump talked about his expertise in construction while discussing the possible wall between the US and Mexico. I wasn't aware until reading this editorial that he is a micro-manager, but that fits nicely with the implication that he would actually be on-site to oversee the wall construction. Made me wince and laugh at the same time.
9
Mr.Trump will be hiring mostly controversial people so that he will be always in news. His three amigos-----Giuliani, Christie and Gingrich are most hated politician in America today. Stephen Bannon is an agent of white supremacist group. We will have a tough roller costar ride for next four years. Fasten your seat belt.
17
Who is going to march on Washington DC against the inauguration of Trump? Please advise and count me in.
12
I've booked my hotel room. And virtually everything is already gone. It's going to be an unprecedented gathering of huge proportions.
1
The Million Woman March is scheduled a day late and a dollar short -- but it's still a statement and a presence.
@lg212
Don't hold your breath. All of the crazies are busy moving to Canada...
Don't hold your breath. All of the crazies are busy moving to Canada...
1
NYT never fails to impress. On one day your owner pledges to renew his emphasis on journalism. Today, you are the central clearing house for information regarding the location and progress of each Trump protest. You've got a great interactive graphic that will keep the democratic sychophants and acolytes focused on their assigned task to attack Trump at every turn.
Great job with the New Journalism, NYT. Bravo.
Great job with the New Journalism, NYT. Bravo.
3
So... thousands of people in 50 cites are marching in protest for 5 days. what should they do? Just ignore it?
1
Donald Trump installs a fascist, White Supremacist, ant-Semite, Stephen Bannon, as his strategy director, and The Times hopes that Trump will call on "professionals able to challenge the boss if necessary, and separate qualified from unqualified job-seekers"?
Is that what Trump did in hiring Bannon? Is Bannon's hiring truly "reassuring," as the Times says, because "some experts have been sighted"?
Our national nightmare has begun. For The Times to soft-pedal fascism is to close its journalistic eyes to that nightmare unfolding before us.
Is that what Trump did in hiring Bannon? Is Bannon's hiring truly "reassuring," as the Times says, because "some experts have been sighted"?
Our national nightmare has begun. For The Times to soft-pedal fascism is to close its journalistic eyes to that nightmare unfolding before us.
25
We gave Hitler a chance, too. That worked well.
24
We?
1
Seems to me, dear Editorial Board, that Barack Obama had no experience in executive government when he was elected, and neither did he have any experience in hiring people for anything.
So, what's your problem?
Or are you going to continue the litany of false issues that consumed you so thoroughly throughout this past election cycle.
I'm betting that you will be unable to raise yourselves above the latter....
So, what's your problem?
Or are you going to continue the litany of false issues that consumed you so thoroughly throughout this past election cycle.
I'm betting that you will be unable to raise yourselves above the latter....
5
And yet, Mr. Obama knew what he didn't know, so he gathered people who did know.
1
Purely applying conventional wisdom, Barack Obama was, and is sane. He at least had some familiarity with things like "public policy", and "foreign policy".
He presumably also knew how a bill becomes a law. We knew that he had some acquaintance with the constitution. Obama was a US Senator. Does that answer your question?
He presumably also knew how a bill becomes a law. We knew that he had some acquaintance with the constitution. Obama was a US Senator. Does that answer your question?
5
Unless you become president by starting out at VICE president, NONE has experience in the executive branch. However, Obama was a U.S. Senator, so he had experience in the Legislative Branch, and that was preceded by his tenure in the Illinois Senate, 13th district.
So -- Obama most certainly did have government experience. This wombat has nothing going for him.
So -- Obama most certainly did have government experience. This wombat has nothing going for him.
4
I don't know what half of the population your paper tries to appeal to but I would bet that Breitbart might just be getting larger and you will be scratching your head as to how to attract readers. Still you don't get it. Every story about Trump is negative. Those of us that like Donald Trump will have little choice but to also look elsewhere for favorable stories. So in the future you may become irrelevant.
6
And I'm sure your new source is Breibart news because you want stellar journalism. Good for you !
3
The LARGER half. The half that gave more votes to Clinton than to Trump.
And don't worry about where you'll go for "positive" stories about Trump--you have the same resources of self-serving fantasy you've long had: Fox, Breitbart/Bannon (now installed in the White House and salaried by us taxpayers. "Drain the swamp" indeed), WND.
And don't worry about where you'll go for "positive" stories about Trump--you have the same resources of self-serving fantasy you've long had: Fox, Breitbart/Bannon (now installed in the White House and salaried by us taxpayers. "Drain the swamp" indeed), WND.
2
An so the intimidation begins. The sentence "Those of us that like Donald Trump will have little choice but to also look elsewhere for favorable stories." says it all about the spin expectations he has for his "news" sources.
1
As usual the Times misses the real issue. Our federal government simply has become to large and unmanageable. Just think of how many people needed to be hired just 100 year ago, between when a president is elected and they take office, maybe 100?
So what Trump should do is to eliminate half of the positions, stream line the organization so it can be managed and all of us have to realize that will be good for the country. Yes it will cause some problems, but solve more.
So what Trump should do is to eliminate half of the positions, stream line the organization so it can be managed and all of us have to realize that will be good for the country. Yes it will cause some problems, but solve more.
7
Wrong!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at the end of 2014, 1.9 percent of the 143 million American non-farm workers were employed in the civilian sector of the federal government.
"The total absence of governmental control had led to a portentous growth of corporations. In no other country was such power held by the men who had gained these fortunes. The Government [was] practically impotent. Of all forms of tyranny the least attractive and the most vulgar is the tyranny of mere wealth."
--Teddy Roosevelt, An Autobiography, Chapter XII 1913
“I hope we shall take warning from the example and crush in it’s birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength, and to bid defiance to the laws of their country.”
-- Thomas Jefferson letter to George Logan, 1816
American government is to be of, by and for the people. Corporations are not. Hate American government at our peril.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at the end of 2014, 1.9 percent of the 143 million American non-farm workers were employed in the civilian sector of the federal government.
"The total absence of governmental control had led to a portentous growth of corporations. In no other country was such power held by the men who had gained these fortunes. The Government [was] practically impotent. Of all forms of tyranny the least attractive and the most vulgar is the tyranny of mere wealth."
--Teddy Roosevelt, An Autobiography, Chapter XII 1913
“I hope we shall take warning from the example and crush in it’s birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength, and to bid defiance to the laws of their country.”
-- Thomas Jefferson letter to George Logan, 1816
American government is to be of, by and for the people. Corporations are not. Hate American government at our peril.
3
Fair enough, enumerate which positions should be eliminated. Bonus points if you can outline the economic damage done by the loss of all those jobs.
Elsewhere in this edition, Rudy Giuliani says Donald Trump shouldn't "put his children out of work." How has the American right managed to translate "meritocracy" into "liberal oligarchy"? And erased the concept "nepotism"? Mr. Trump's children were born into a real estate empire, as he himself was, and now they've (to use Mr. Trump's own term, meant for others of course) "lucky-spermed" their way into key roles in our governance. Mr. Giuliani, why shouldn't they seek their own work, like most of their father's (and Mrs. Clinton's) supporters? Why not, for example, do a stint in the armed services, given their call for building up the military?
17
Exactly right, Amlin Gray. These are part of Trump's "wannabe tough guy" cadre. I've always wondered about these kinds of poseurs. If they're so bloody tough, join the Marines or the Airborne.
2
Did you serve in the military? What gives you the right to tell Trump;s kids what to do?
I think I heard Ivanka say they're prepared to impoverish themselves on behalf of their noble cause, last night on 60 minutes.
If you believe these folks will make America Great Again, you'll believe anything.
If you believe these folks will make America Great Again, you'll believe anything.
3
Revolt. Peacefully. The majority being governed by a majority is why South Africa's former government system was untenable. Ours now seems untenable -- I don't even see How this country makes it to January 21. We overthrow the shackles of England to gain equal representation... Only to see fewer votes determine our leader? From States that contribute less financially, culturally, socially to America? Rise up. Don't accept this election sitting down. Lay the groundwork to take over DC next election -- and keep protesting and demand the will of the people be met.
5
Lordy, you'd thought NYT would learn by now.
Trump's predecessors have hired 4,000 or so folks. There is no requirement that Trump do so. The vast majority of the 4,000 or so folks hired by Trump's predecessors are campaign workers and others who are owed favors. Look at the job titles: Schedulers, policy advisers, special assistants...
Methinks that the federal government will get on just fine without so many folks padding the payroll. I'm no Trump fan--he is utterly unfit to be president--but I'm sorry, NYT. Once again, your slip is showing. You're assuming that Trump, who owes nothing to anyone, is going to fill all of these slots. What if he doesn't, and what if we're none the poorer?
Cover Trump, cover him fairly, but quit with stories like these that presume 4,000 jobs are really needed and Trump has no qualified applicants.
Trump's predecessors have hired 4,000 or so folks. There is no requirement that Trump do so. The vast majority of the 4,000 or so folks hired by Trump's predecessors are campaign workers and others who are owed favors. Look at the job titles: Schedulers, policy advisers, special assistants...
Methinks that the federal government will get on just fine without so many folks padding the payroll. I'm no Trump fan--he is utterly unfit to be president--but I'm sorry, NYT. Once again, your slip is showing. You're assuming that Trump, who owes nothing to anyone, is going to fill all of these slots. What if he doesn't, and what if we're none the poorer?
Cover Trump, cover him fairly, but quit with stories like these that presume 4,000 jobs are really needed and Trump has no qualified applicants.
3
We will all find out very soon that he does, in fact, owe a lot of people and they will all be stepping up for their checks.
1
Joan,
Again, this sort of reaction is part of the problem. Even before he commits a sin, you are saying he's a sinner.
I think that Trump is unfit to be president, but he nonetheless won the election. A bunch of knee-jerkers who moan on the internet and set trash can fires In Portland aren't going to change a thing.
If Sanders, or even Biden, had run, we wouldn't be having this conversation. If you want to blame someone for this mess, blame Hillary, because she's the one who wasn't electable and bamboozled the rest of us into thinking that she was. But don't go blindly throwing rocks at Republicans before they've earned a stoning. That's the sort of thing that Republicans do.
Again, this sort of reaction is part of the problem. Even before he commits a sin, you are saying he's a sinner.
I think that Trump is unfit to be president, but he nonetheless won the election. A bunch of knee-jerkers who moan on the internet and set trash can fires In Portland aren't going to change a thing.
If Sanders, or even Biden, had run, we wouldn't be having this conversation. If you want to blame someone for this mess, blame Hillary, because she's the one who wasn't electable and bamboozled the rest of us into thinking that she was. But don't go blindly throwing rocks at Republicans before they've earned a stoning. That's the sort of thing that Republicans do.
Forgive me if I somehow offended you. As you will note from my comment, I did not in fact say anything negative. I merely said, wait and see. Your reaction is what is troubling.
1
"Draining the swamp" doesn't mean you fill it back up again. One might think that at least 2,000 of these positions could be eliminated or consolidated. The federal and state governments need to be restructured as if they were in bankruptcy (which they effectively are). This is among the president-elect's experience portfolio. He might use it.
2
Interesting to see how Trump echoes Ralph Nader as he defends his appointments of former office holders turned lobbyists: "That's all they have down there (Washington)." How easy will it be to manipulate this wealthy naif? He can eliminate the EPA, but the creatures of the swamp he claims to want to drain are in no danger of becoming extinct.
2
To reiterate many comments posted in the last few weeks, this is my kiss goodbye to the NY Times. The comments on these pages used to be, on balance, thoughtful and informed. During the election mine were sometimes censored, and on many days comments were riddled with right-wing nonsense.
What was once an important voice in the free press has become an instrument of the forces that resulted in a Trump presidency, a shameful low for America already reeling from the devastation of corporatism and anti-democratic forces.
The Headline "Trump Triumphs" was the last straw, after the Times profited handsomely by providing more free coverage to Trump than any other media outlet, according to the Harvard Shorenstein report. (Compare the Huff Post headline on the same day: "NIGHTMARE")
As noted on the Shorenstein site today, pure "horserace coverage" has its consequences. http://shorensteincenter.org/news-coverage-2016-presidential-primaries/
There is no excuse for this. This is the era of the KKK-endorsed President, and all of the false equivalency media coverage leaves every uninformed American with the impression that Hillary's email server justifies having racist jew-haters running this Country. Nobody should buy this nonsense that this election was legitimate and that Trump / GOP dont represent a radically unamerican and antidemocratic agenda. One has to read The Washington Post (or many of the good alternative media sources) to get even a little understanding of this.
What was once an important voice in the free press has become an instrument of the forces that resulted in a Trump presidency, a shameful low for America already reeling from the devastation of corporatism and anti-democratic forces.
The Headline "Trump Triumphs" was the last straw, after the Times profited handsomely by providing more free coverage to Trump than any other media outlet, according to the Harvard Shorenstein report. (Compare the Huff Post headline on the same day: "NIGHTMARE")
As noted on the Shorenstein site today, pure "horserace coverage" has its consequences. http://shorensteincenter.org/news-coverage-2016-presidential-primaries/
There is no excuse for this. This is the era of the KKK-endorsed President, and all of the false equivalency media coverage leaves every uninformed American with the impression that Hillary's email server justifies having racist jew-haters running this Country. Nobody should buy this nonsense that this election was legitimate and that Trump / GOP dont represent a radically unamerican and antidemocratic agenda. One has to read The Washington Post (or many of the good alternative media sources) to get even a little understanding of this.
9
Closet theorist - "...riddled with right-wing nonsense."
It seems that you believe that all opposing view points should be censored especially that "right-wing nonsense." For the majority of the campaign this venerable newspaper stayed far to the left of center in its opinions and its facts. Clearly that wasn't enough for you!
It seems that you believe that all opposing view points should be censored especially that "right-wing nonsense." For the majority of the campaign this venerable newspaper stayed far to the left of center in its opinions and its facts. Clearly that wasn't enough for you!
1
So exciting to have what Scott Adams calls the first "direct-democracy president." I don't recall seeing any president go directly to the people before for ideas and job applications. At least on the surface, this really does seem different, like you don't have to be an insider from the Ivy Leagues to offer valuable expertise to your country. I think detractors should wake up from the hypnosis the media put them under for a year, exaggerating and distorting every letter this man said, and realize he is not a monster and this new look for our government may really be a positive change. Get on board to help make the country better, stop following the media's lead and trying to find fault in every little letter of every little word. Time to grow up folks.
3
Do you realize that you wrote this to people whose votes are automatically discarded a priori by the Electoral College and under-represented per-capita to boot?
2
Scott Adams is a good cartoonist, but trusting him for a definition of a democratic election is like trusting a con man with the US presidency. Oh, wait....
2
A successful transition needs professionals able to challenge the boss if necessary, and separate qualified from unqualified job-seekers.
This should be: A successful transition needs professionals able to challenge the boss if necessary and to separate qualified from unqualified job-seekers.
Please proofread!
This should be: A successful transition needs professionals able to challenge the boss if necessary and to separate qualified from unqualified job-seekers.
Please proofread!
1
While it's true that it is one of the weightiest management job in the world it is also one that no one has any prior experience with. The risks of transition are the same for everyone and are largely irrelevant. Let's keep our focus on policy. That's where the rubber meets the road.
3
Hmm. Just saw the movie "Soylent Green" on TCM last night, about an overheated New York in 2022 - a victim of "the greenhouse effect" (yes, quoted from a movie from 1973!)
I can't help but see the tragic irony and the foresight of this movie, the timing and the idea that we will be eating each other (figuratively?) in only six years from now.
Perhaps Trump - a New Yorker - should watch this movie before selecting those who are intent to destroy this planet's climate - this time on our own dime (taxes).
I can't help but see the tragic irony and the foresight of this movie, the timing and the idea that we will be eating each other (figuratively?) in only six years from now.
Perhaps Trump - a New Yorker - should watch this movie before selecting those who are intent to destroy this planet's climate - this time on our own dime (taxes).
4
"Soylent Green" was adapted from Harry Harrison's futuristic sci fi novel named "Make Room! Make Room!" It was a warning about a world with seven billion people ruled by fascist governments. We're beyond that number now; and while we aren't using bull dozers to clear rioters from the streets, military tanks are an ominous foreshadowing.
I recommend both the book and the movie if you don't mind chills up your spine.
I recommend both the book and the movie if you don't mind chills up your spine.
Perhaps we should plan the future in terms of decentralization, down sizing the large cities, if you will, since the urban centers seem to be the biggest users of fossil fuels and unmatched consumers of energy resources...
@ David in Dallas :
I appreciate your earnestness but mark my words: our new world order should never include the likes of S. Bannon anywhere near our government. We are not cowering under our beds. We will be vigilant and will do whatever we need to do as a private citizens to lawfully protect this country from a mentally disturbed President and the alt-right. We are not alarmists. We are realists. We do not believe liars, cheats, snake oil salesmen and propaganda makers. We who oppose Trump and his "consigliere" know what we know to be the truth. I believe that some day you good folks who believe Trump will also see the truth because he will show you he's deceived you. When that day comes I will be right there to shake your hand.
I appreciate your earnestness but mark my words: our new world order should never include the likes of S. Bannon anywhere near our government. We are not cowering under our beds. We will be vigilant and will do whatever we need to do as a private citizens to lawfully protect this country from a mentally disturbed President and the alt-right. We are not alarmists. We are realists. We do not believe liars, cheats, snake oil salesmen and propaganda makers. We who oppose Trump and his "consigliere" know what we know to be the truth. I believe that some day you good folks who believe Trump will also see the truth because he will show you he's deceived you. When that day comes I will be right there to shake your hand.
27
America is watching closely as President-elect Trump starts looking “to find 4,100 qualified people.” With the first couple appointments over the weekend, Trump is batting .500 because by putting the leader of the alt-right movement inside the White House, he seemed to reward loyalty over prudence.
But the real test comes after “Mr. Trump puts his hand on the Bible,” will he actually “drain the swamp” or let the swamp engulf him?
But the real test comes after “Mr. Trump puts his hand on the Bible,” will he actually “drain the swamp” or let the swamp engulf him?
24
The Bible will likely melt under his hand. How could anyone of faith vote for this man?
2
"Drain the swamp" is a particularly inapt description of the way Trump works. He is all about who's loyal to him and tongue kisses his nether quarters. Having worked as a consultant on Wall Street for decades, I can say that the virtually unanimous opinion of him in the financial community is that he is basically a slime eel from the depths of the swamp (does that make Bannon and Priebus the kind of parasites who live on a slime eel's skin)? Companies are not supposed to tell employees how to vote, but, very quietly, even Goldman Sachs instructed its top executives not to vote for Trump. The entire financial community sees chaos in the making. Maybe not in 2017, but they are now talking about a repeat of Bush's disastrous 2008 collapse by 2018.
1
..or fill the swamp with sewage. I remember that quote about finding the 'Best People',so great that our heads will spin, and spin they will. If the goings on on the Apprentice were any sign, yeah Right.
Isn't it clear that trump is being led by the nose by his staff, each of which now feels empowered to advance their own alt-right, climate denial, or trickle-down theories? A perfect example is the appointment of an infamous climate change denier and coal industry supporter, Myron Ebel, to head the hunt for new EPA administrators. We are in for a bleak time, America. The only bright spot is the apparent unheard of level of infighting and back-stabbing going on.
Trump is not a leader.
Trump is not a leader.
87
I noted that Paul Ryan is now all excited about privatizing Social Security and Medicare - something Trump promised not to mess with. If the House and Senate send him a bill doing this, does anybody think he'll undercut what power he might have by vetoing it. Every wingnut idea proposed in Congress over the past three decades is being pulled out of the closet and will soon be in play.
2
Donald Trump's "hiring" experience is limited to reality TV and the business that he inherited from his father. The iconic Trump mantra is you're fired. The Trump team is full of morally emotionally mentally ethically challenged buffoons like Rudy Giuliani, Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie and Ben Carson. Trump's kids and his son-in-law are hopelessly incompetent, inexperienced, immature and conflicted.
Reince Preibus is partisan political operative who is part of the Wisconsin Republican Party Politburo that includes Speaker Paul D. Ryan and Governor Scott Walker. A troika of lifetime government benefits and employment welfare dole dependent parasitic takers.Men who have never been bravely patriotic and honorable to ever volunteer to put on an American military uniform nor humanely humble and empathetic enough to ever volunteer to ever serve in any community human rights service. While Steve Bannon is the Lee Atwater and Karl Rove Dark Lord Rasputin appealing to the worst demons of Trump's nature.
Reince Preibus is partisan political operative who is part of the Wisconsin Republican Party Politburo that includes Speaker Paul D. Ryan and Governor Scott Walker. A troika of lifetime government benefits and employment welfare dole dependent parasitic takers.Men who have never been bravely patriotic and honorable to ever volunteer to put on an American military uniform nor humanely humble and empathetic enough to ever volunteer to ever serve in any community human rights service. While Steve Bannon is the Lee Atwater and Karl Rove Dark Lord Rasputin appealing to the worst demons of Trump's nature.
86
This is not true.
He hired Kelly Ann Conway. Perhaps the greatest hire in decades. Moreover, he made this hire after recognizing that things weren't going to work with Paul Manafort.
The most important qualification for the presidency is good judgment. Of course, we cannot extrapolate from one judgment, but we can fairly argue that Trump got off to a good start.
Hillary, on the other hand, proved again that the defining feature of her mind is bad judgment. All the scandals in Arkansas, all the scandals in DC -- even stealing the China from the White House, and then Iraq, Libya, and Syria, and on and on and onto the refusal to come clean on the email and the mishandling of classified information. Even calling half of her potential voters deplorable. What an idiot.
He hired Kelly Ann Conway. Perhaps the greatest hire in decades. Moreover, he made this hire after recognizing that things weren't going to work with Paul Manafort.
The most important qualification for the presidency is good judgment. Of course, we cannot extrapolate from one judgment, but we can fairly argue that Trump got off to a good start.
Hillary, on the other hand, proved again that the defining feature of her mind is bad judgment. All the scandals in Arkansas, all the scandals in DC -- even stealing the China from the White House, and then Iraq, Libya, and Syria, and on and on and onto the refusal to come clean on the email and the mishandling of classified information. Even calling half of her potential voters deplorable. What an idiot.
2
Let's hope organizational anarchy and disorientation do not reign in the White House.
That the majority of voters have been told their votes count less than those who hold undue influence in "battleground states" the minority who've elected Trump via an outmoded and unfair system know as the Electoral College. The majority of us -- WE THE PEOPLE -- refuse to accept this vile sexist bigot as president simply because most Americans didn't vote for him. I hope for a peaceful overthrow of our government and instituting the leader Millions of American's votes should not count for less than those of fewer voters. Refuse to accept this man as President. Shut down DC. Peacefully overthrow this system and allow the PEOPLE to elect their leaders, not via an outmoded and unrepresentative system that doesn't reflect the views of the majority of Americans.
13
If Trump had the slightest shred of integrity and belief in actual support, he would be asking for a run-off election to remove all doubt that he has a mandate.
4
We are doomed.
14
Bannon and Goebbels- not much different. And the population has been primed!
13
Trump's Cabinet: "Creatures from the Black Swamp"
Buckle up, folks. This country is in for a bumpy ride; the election has gone from Clown Car to Train of Insanity, hurtling along at breakneck speed toward the station, and with no brakes to speak of. Await the catastrophic impact.
Buckle up, folks. This country is in for a bumpy ride; the election has gone from Clown Car to Train of Insanity, hurtling along at breakneck speed toward the station, and with no brakes to speak of. Await the catastrophic impact.
11
"As Mr. Trump, modern history’s least politically experienced president-elect, takes on one of the weightiest management jobs in the world, let’s hope he is asking that question of the right people, and listening to their answers."
So you think Donald Trump, who ran the Trump organization for decades, is incapable of hiring people? Maybe just not the people you like ...
So you think the President has "one of the weightiest management jobs in the world"? I have never observed the government as being particularly managed ... but I have observed it being mismanaged. That's what government does - it mismanages. Ever been to a DMV office?
I don't think Mr. Trump can do worse ...
So you think Donald Trump, who ran the Trump organization for decades, is incapable of hiring people? Maybe just not the people you like ...
So you think the President has "one of the weightiest management jobs in the world"? I have never observed the government as being particularly managed ... but I have observed it being mismanaged. That's what government does - it mismanages. Ever been to a DMV office?
I don't think Mr. Trump can do worse ...
5
John- I have been to a DMV offices in NJ and NY these past 40 years.
Have you? I find them much improved over as recent as 10 years ago.
Must you use 1970s style comments to justify voting for Trump?
In the meantime, Trump's vaunted "management style" casued him to go bankrupt 4 (or is it 6?) times, had him routinely stiff contractors as a way to save money and has him involved in litigation accusing him of fraud.
Oh- and he's appointed Bannon as his chief "strategist".
Have you? I find them much improved over as recent as 10 years ago.
Must you use 1970s style comments to justify voting for Trump?
In the meantime, Trump's vaunted "management style" casued him to go bankrupt 4 (or is it 6?) times, had him routinely stiff contractors as a way to save money and has him involved in litigation accusing him of fraud.
Oh- and he's appointed Bannon as his chief "strategist".
11
Do you think the President manages the local DMV?
Do you drink the milk, eat the meat, and take the aspirin you buy? If so, then, yes, you've observed a gov't being managed well. Indeed, the fact that you were able to post your comment using the internet is yet another example.
I don't know if I'd tout Trump's business prowess for ... much of anything, I guess. His track record is undoubtedly checkered. But, if you want to see the difference between "people someone doesn't like" and "people who are incompetent" just google "New Orleans, Katrina" ...
Do you drink the milk, eat the meat, and take the aspirin you buy? If so, then, yes, you've observed a gov't being managed well. Indeed, the fact that you were able to post your comment using the internet is yet another example.
I don't know if I'd tout Trump's business prowess for ... much of anything, I guess. His track record is undoubtedly checkered. But, if you want to see the difference between "people someone doesn't like" and "people who are incompetent" just google "New Orleans, Katrina" ...
2
Please. This government is a huge machine that requires an exceptional level of management skills. Federal taxes are collected, social security is paid, medicare runs, mail runs reliably. And even on the state level, it works. Your garbage is picked up, your transit runs, your streets are plowed. (Btw, when was the last time you were in the DMV in Manhattan? They are very efficient now-- waaaaay better than a typical wait in a doctor's office....)
They haven't bankrupted three casinos, nor have they defaulted in paying contractors, of which they have many.
They haven't bankrupted three casinos, nor have they defaulted in paying contractors, of which they have many.
1
The NYT is a major reason trump was elected . They abdicated there responsibility to get the information that they could of got but were incompetent in doing . The revealing of his tax returns would of no doubt swung the election to Hillary .
For all the history the NYT has been involved with this should go down as it's darkest mistake . NYT failed when the citizenry of USA really needed its expertise.
For all the history the NYT has been involved with this should go down as it's darkest mistake . NYT failed when the citizenry of USA really needed its expertise.
5
Actually, the problem was Hillary Clinton. When you get a candidate who has so much baggage that they can only excite a small percentage of the voters in their own party, how can you expect the opposition to even consider them?
3
The only thing you know about Trump's returns was published right here.
The system gamer from Hell took a $1 billion tax write-off on losses he caused to other people.
The system gamer from Hell took a $1 billion tax write-off on losses he caused to other people.
12
Meager hope in one hand and much that looks like emerging nepotism and cronyism in the other.
15
Maybe the NYT can start a course to help reverse the stunted emotional state of its most ardent readers so they can accept the reality of the current situation. The continued reporting of this fear based "end of the world" is sending many of these folks under their beds as they do not know how to deal with the fact their view of the new world order has been destroyed. We deplorable people who wanted change will not jail you, kill you or deport you. We do not care if you are gay, transgendered, muslim, or non-white. We just want you to focus on personal responsibility and take ownership of your decisions to breed, work, educate your families and generally survive in this big world without so much dependence on the government. Stop with the excuses and stop waiting on the politically elite from either party to care for you on a daily basis. This will all turn out much better for those of you that take this responsibility and stop with the tantrums.
17
and so the sacrifices of "the greatest generation" seem rather to have weakened than strengthened our national character, the ease we were granted lead rather to an addiction to convenience than an assumption of stewardship...rather to opinionism than inquiry and, so, incapable of meeting challenge and taking responsibility, here we are, the "chicken little" generation.
But you have elected a government in order to repeal the dependency on government.
Do you not see a fundamental contradiction there?
Do you not see a fundamental contradiction there?
7
Not all Americans have the advantages of Speaker Paul Davis Ryan who has been on the government benefits and employment welfare dole all of his life without ever honorably bravely serving in the military or in any community human humane empathetic service. Ryan castigates and condemns the American "takers" and praises and honors the "makers". That Ryan parasitic caste also includes the likes of Newt Gingrich and Rudy Giuliani.
12
I hate to inject negativism in the election of Present-elect Trump, but his record over the past two decade shows financial failure one after the other, how we can trust a guy whose acumen is zilch. Twelve bankruptcies, IRS tax fraud never paid any taxes, cheated students on real estate training. Pending law suits which he is trying to delay so that once he inaugurated as president he is exempt from any litigation. Cabinet selection process is based on cronyism, all neocon back in business look what they did in Iraq war still going on over past 16 years trillions dollars spent what we accomplished. Trump alluded to this last night on 60 minutes that trillions can be used to fix our infrastructure. How Trump saved himself those neocons they are joining in droves to frame both foreign and domestic policies
61
No future presidential candidates will release their income tax returns because Trump didn't and he won. I'm astounded that he got away with that, and it's just more damage Trump has done to the office before he's even sworn in.
9
As they say, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. I wouldn't put much faith in Trump or his ability to hire the best and brightest.
7
Ah, but you injected it anyway, didn't you Ccaps.
As I recall, Barack Obama had absolutely no experience in hiring anyone for anything when he was elected.
He was a back-bencher in the Senate who just happened to make a great speech at a convention.
So, suggesting that the Democrats had a better set of qualifications for hiring people for jobs seems to be getting yourself way ahead of the facts.
As I recall, Barack Obama had absolutely no experience in hiring anyone for anything when he was elected.
He was a back-bencher in the Senate who just happened to make a great speech at a convention.
So, suggesting that the Democrats had a better set of qualifications for hiring people for jobs seems to be getting yourself way ahead of the facts.
Mr. Trump is a fool. I would just sit get some popcorn, sit back, relax, and watch him self destruct. I predict his impeachment in a couple of years.
7
Perhaps, but the GOP is notorious for not investigating its own. As long as the GOP controls the House, they will never impeach Trump.
2
C'mon, NYT! Really? You and the mainstream media, but particularly the drum-beat from the Grey Lady, delivered us this mess with your false equivalency and hatred of the Clintons.
Constant sniping and echoing with glee the innuendo pumped out by the GOP and the Alt-right brigades of deplorables undermined Clinton support across the Heartlands. Time to put up your hand: you shot our puppy.
So, stop with making out that what is happening is reasonable. These are all completely deplorable men - they don't even pretend to follow the norms of a decent modern democratic country. Racists, bigots and unethical MEN (Heaven save us) are being given control. At least stand up for decency even if you couldn't stand against lies, deceit and falsehood during the campaign.
Constant sniping and echoing with glee the innuendo pumped out by the GOP and the Alt-right brigades of deplorables undermined Clinton support across the Heartlands. Time to put up your hand: you shot our puppy.
So, stop with making out that what is happening is reasonable. These are all completely deplorable men - they don't even pretend to follow the norms of a decent modern democratic country. Racists, bigots and unethical MEN (Heaven save us) are being given control. At least stand up for decency even if you couldn't stand against lies, deceit and falsehood during the campaign.
6
The NYT is not to blame for this mess.
I suggest you spend your time
fighting the real enemy.
I suggest you spend your time
fighting the real enemy.
2
I didn't vote for Donald Trump, but I wonder, do they really need all of these people? I mean, if John Podesta had that much time to spend on emailing as he did, he could of filled a half dozen jobs with that time he spent. Maybe now is the time, to decide what are the relevant jobs and what are not!
1
Wasn't the Republican convention supposed to be the first test? Which he said would be a glittering exercise in showbiz know-how? And all the nation got was Scott Baio, Rudy Giuliani, assorted Trump offspring, his own tedious speech and doom.
8
Trumps not making any of these decisions. The transition team will attempt to get his input, and he'll get annoyed that they're forcing him to pay attention to stuff written on paper. He'll say, "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Now, where's my next rally?"
9
How many employees does the EPA have? Web says 230000, that can be drastically cut, get rid of fanatics. Use it for it's original purpose monitor water, air, and REAL pollutants - not CO2.
Also eliminate regressive fanatics in the IRS and other federal agencies. In other words purge liberal regressive fanatics from all areas of the federal government.
Also eliminate regressive fanatics in the IRS and other federal agencies. In other words purge liberal regressive fanatics from all areas of the federal government.
Oh. You mean make them ineffective.
Why are you so sure that the number you quote is too much?
But in the end, you reveal your hand.
You disbelieve science. Do you know what happens when the
atmosphere has higher levels of C02?
Are you aware that you are not a plant?
Is North Nevada high ground?
Why are you so sure that the number you quote is too much?
But in the end, you reveal your hand.
You disbelieve science. Do you know what happens when the
atmosphere has higher levels of C02?
Are you aware that you are not a plant?
Is North Nevada high ground?
2
Great. We can all practice tax avoidance, like Trump. It will work out great.
We must keep a close tab in all those who are part of the regime. Possibly there will be a time when this nation recovers from this authoritarian nightmare. If that happens, and I am not sure that it ever will, we will need truth and reconciliation committees to tally up the crimes of these persons. If that day ever comes we must all keep in mind that we let this happen, we let a man who lost the popular vote by more then 600,000 votes destroy this Republic and plinge the world into environmental catastrophe. And when we explain how this could have happened remember to start it with....well there was this thing about e-mails....
7
What does it say of the voters who voted this guy in as the next President of USA?
6
When I heard the Demagogue had won the Electoral contest, my immediate reaction was to recall that final scene from the '72 film, "The Candidate", when Bill McKay (Robert Redford), siiting alone in his hotel room after just being declared the winner of a US Senate seat, looks up to his "advance" man and asks, "What do we do now?".
The Demagogue will never admit to it, but that's what Rump should be thinking. If, that is, he has half a brain. Frankly, I've got my doubts he has that much gray matter. Much like the deplorable ones who voted for him. half appears a vast underestimation.
DD
Manhattan
The Demagogue will never admit to it, but that's what Rump should be thinking. If, that is, he has half a brain. Frankly, I've got my doubts he has that much gray matter. Much like the deplorable ones who voted for him. half appears a vast underestimation.
DD
Manhattan
14
If I was a Trump voter, I'd be furious at the appointment of Reince "the establishment" Priebus as COS. But as a non-Trump voter, I am not surprised by this move at all.
7
Prebus did a far better job as party head than, say, Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, didn't he?
Judge him on the job he does, not prejudge him on your political hatreds, Diego. You might find that things political go better for you.
Judge him on the job he does, not prejudge him on your political hatreds, Diego. You might find that things political go better for you.
Non-sequitur. Who said anything about DW-S? I'm commenting on the fact that Trump ran on a promise to drain the swamp, and Priebus is one of the main professional swamp fillers.
1
This situation is beginning to remind me of another country; pre-war Iraq where the Sunni minority had control of all areas of government and the Shiite majority didn't have a real voice.
3
Giving Trump a "chance" is exactly how he got to where he is in the first place. Is our memory so short? He does not deserve a "chance" because he is dangerous demagogue. Remember that? Giving him a "chance" is a denial of what we know are the facts. He did not grow a new skin overnight. He got to the White House with people (including some mainstream media) saying: he's a joke, he isn't going to last, he didn't really mean it, he's just exaggerating, his bark will be worse than his bite, he doesn't really want the job, etc. We are now being asked to give him a "chance" with the likes of Bannon in our government?! Do people think by giving him a "chance" we will just deny what we know is true because it is too hard to think about anymore and we're tired? I will never give him, nor the whole threatening Trump machine, a "chance" to destroy our country. I will stay vigilant and act as needed. Remember "never again"? Now is the time to never forget.
164
Amen!
Contrary to the naïve banal pleasantry coming from Barack Obama during their White House meeting that "if President Trump succeeds then so does America", the reality is if that if Trump succeeds America fails and Americans lose. For Trump "success" comes at the expense of the black, the brown, the Mexican, the Muslim, the poor, the environment, the deficit, the debt, the old, the young, the educated, the ill, the imprisoned, the addicted and the LGBTQ.
Contrary to the naïve banal pleasantry coming from Barack Obama during their White House meeting that "if President Trump succeeds then so does America", the reality is if that if Trump succeeds America fails and Americans lose. For Trump "success" comes at the expense of the black, the brown, the Mexican, the Muslim, the poor, the environment, the deficit, the debt, the old, the young, the educated, the ill, the imprisoned, the addicted and the LGBTQ.
3
Amen to everything you said. We have, sad and terrifyingly, had an incompetent and ignorant candidate imposed on us by the Electoral College. It should have been eliminated decades ago, since we are a literate nation. But we are stuck with the results and they may well be catastrophic. As I write this, the melt waters of the poles are pouring down upon Eugen, OR, the city I live in. The climate catastrophe that has been predicted since the 1960's is now obliterating the coasts of island countries. The snow on the mountains has largely disappeared. Does anyone imagine that President-elect Trump and his cabinet and the new Congress believe this well-documented science, much less have the desire or aptitude to address it? I fear for my children, my grandchildren and my great-grand daughter. We are entering the rising waters in a very leaky boat.
I knew the wheels would fall off but I did not expect it so quickly. These appointments show how "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours " works. " Drain the swamp" was just a campaign slogan and not a core tenet. This is the real JV team. Politicicians and theorists whose time and beliefs are in the past. Hope springs eternal, I hope he proves me wrong.
72
Indeed. You do not need to be influenced by fabulously wealthy donors if you yourself are a fabulously wealthy guy.
How working class people thought he was "their guy" is a mystery.
How working class people thought he was "their guy" is a mystery.
1
Apparently the complete quote is, "Drain the swamp of your bilge, and fill it with mine." It is still a swamp.
NYT (or National Review, Fox, CBS, etc., take your pick): Shhhh ... you've been wrong for decades.
Dead wrong.
This election is banging off a rock ledge, part of the Free Fall Apocalypse.
Additional ledges await ...
“The good people died first. Those who refused to steal or to prostitute themselves died. Those who gave food to others died. Those who refused to eat corpses died.”
Timothy Snyder -- "Bloodlands" (Ukrainian Starvation by Stalin 1930s)
---
“Two fellows die of tetanus. Their skin turns pale, their limbs stiffen, at last only their eyes live—stubbornly. Many of the wounded have their shattered limbs hanging free in the air from a gallows; underneath the wound a basin is place into which the pus drips. …
A man cannot realize that above such shattered bodies there are still human faces in which life does its daily round. And this is only one hospital, one single station; there are hundreds of thousands in Germany, hundreds of thousands in France, hundreds of thousands in Russia. How senseless is everything that can ever be written, done, or thought, when such things are possible. It must all be lies and of no account when the culture of a thousand years could not prevent this steam of blood being poured out, these torture-chambers in their hundreds of thousands. A hospital alone shows what war is.” Erichque Remarque -- All Quiet on the Western Front
---
"The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it." George Orwell
Dead wrong.
This election is banging off a rock ledge, part of the Free Fall Apocalypse.
Additional ledges await ...
“The good people died first. Those who refused to steal or to prostitute themselves died. Those who gave food to others died. Those who refused to eat corpses died.”
Timothy Snyder -- "Bloodlands" (Ukrainian Starvation by Stalin 1930s)
---
“Two fellows die of tetanus. Their skin turns pale, their limbs stiffen, at last only their eyes live—stubbornly. Many of the wounded have their shattered limbs hanging free in the air from a gallows; underneath the wound a basin is place into which the pus drips. …
A man cannot realize that above such shattered bodies there are still human faces in which life does its daily round. And this is only one hospital, one single station; there are hundreds of thousands in Germany, hundreds of thousands in France, hundreds of thousands in Russia. How senseless is everything that can ever be written, done, or thought, when such things are possible. It must all be lies and of no account when the culture of a thousand years could not prevent this steam of blood being poured out, these torture-chambers in their hundreds of thousands. A hospital alone shows what war is.” Erichque Remarque -- All Quiet on the Western Front
---
"The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it." George Orwell
3
Great quotes from great works.
Relevance?
Relevance?
The Bannon hire is very worrisome. I had been very troubled at the comparisons throughout the campaign of Trump to Hitler. The fact that Mr. Trump hired a known anti-semite racist bigot to whisper in his ear daily is very scary, and goes along way towards confirming the comparison.
20
Well, somebody has to come up with propaganda to distract the rubes while Trump cuts taxes for the very wealthy.
3
He'll do fine. Can we stop with all the hysteria already? He's infinitely more experienced hat our outgoing president. Give him a chance.
1
How is he more experienced than Obama? He develops golf courses and puts his name on buildings. Since he refuses to release his tax returns, we don't really know how good he is at doing these two things. At least Obama has a history of public service and was a Senator. Trump wasn't even aware that Russia invaded Crimea.
9
More experienced than our outgoing President? At what? Grabbing women's genitals?
This country needs an infusion of critical thought and intelligence.....
This country needs an infusion of critical thought and intelligence.....
3
Ah yes. But experienced at WHAT?
Going bankrupt and Reality TV?
Going bankrupt and Reality TV?
1
With all those campaign promises he made to the working class surely he will hire pro-union liberals in key positions, right?
9
it was about a third of the way into this reasonable editorial, the kind of one would expect as a first step toward the future of a new administration, that the the wave came, maybe it was at the mention of "hacks" (and its projection on the trump effort without reflection on its own hackishness)...whyeverfor, it was then that the irrelevance of anything the times has to say hit home...having given up its credibility for advocacy, and still lingering in in the shallows of resentment, the times has lost this (disappointed democrat) voter's trust.
Indeed.
It is necessary not only to " mold" the facts to fit your narrative.
You must also challenge the credibility of anyone who provides facts to the contrary.
It is necessary not only to " mold" the facts to fit your narrative.
You must also challenge the credibility of anyone who provides facts to the contrary.
2
The choices which worry me the most are those who are right wing extremists, Republican Party hacks who merely echo the "cut taxes and regulations" mantra which is the Party's only real philosophy, and the thugs like Christie, Guiliani, and Ginrich
76
Or, as I call it, the GOP.
3
Ted Bundy would make a great Secretary of the "Health, Education, and Welfare." Ted is now a little physically incapacitated, but he matches Trumps's ideology better than anyone still living.
8
I'm thinking Ammon Bundy for Secretary of the Interior.
4
What have we learned about Trump and those who believe in him? He will fish and eat from the “swamp” he swore to drain. He will say one thing and do another. When challenged on this behavior, he will just deny it, or say it is bias media attention. Most of his supporters will either accept his denials, or blame unfair, liberal media. It is obvious that many people want to and will believe in him, regardless of his faults or the facts. Another Teflon President?
9
So now we have an official alt-right advocate in a senior official post.
It is outrageous yet not unexpected.Steve Bannon is the embodiment of the disease,hatred, that plagues this nation now. This is Trump's first blatant misstep. What other horrors are in store- the immoral adulterers Newt and Rudy?
It is outrageous yet not unexpected.Steve Bannon is the embodiment of the disease,hatred, that plagues this nation now. This is Trump's first blatant misstep. What other horrors are in store- the immoral adulterers Newt and Rudy?
6
4000 political appointees to be filled by presidential appointments seems to me about 2000 too many.
2
Great to see him with his family for the "60 Minutes" interview. Makes it easy to believe that, with his companies being managed by those same folks, there's no possibility of a conflict of interest.
We are just that stupid, aren't we?
We are just that stupid, aren't we?
26
This may be in error but from what I have recently read, the ethics laws that were passed to restrict such conflict of interest situations applies only to members of Congress. The law specifically exempts the President for some reason. I guess Congress just figured the President would accept the fact that he/she has to subscribe to certain ethical standards and they do not need to be legislated. My understanding is that Trump can continue to manage his businesses if he wishes.
Bannon will somehow continue to be able to convince Trump supporters of the truth Trump wants them to believe regardless of any actual facts.
6
Trump promised to turn his business over to his children --- and by appointing them to the transition team, he has done just the opposite: he has put his business in charge of the country.
Bad move.
Bad move.
11
The transition team is not his government.
And given that his kids have been most active in the campaign and know his inclinations, why shouldn't they be employed in that role?
You, sir, are seeing ghosties and goblins where there are none.
...Cue the "vast right wing conspiracy".
And given that his kids have been most active in the campaign and know his inclinations, why shouldn't they be employed in that role?
You, sir, are seeing ghosties and goblins where there are none.
...Cue the "vast right wing conspiracy".
2
Trump's transition team is already full of Washington insiders, wealthy elites and industry lobbyists. That tells us who he is going to put in most of those 4,000 jobs and the kinds of policies they will promote.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-swamp-d...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-trump-swamp-d...
3
It appears Trump may be an empty vessel, waiting to be filled by the last person who had his ear. If it's one of the far right crazies in a high policy post, we are in for rough sailing on uncharted waters.
6
Trump hasn't worked an honest day in his life. Expecting this grifter to manage the presidency is delusional, at best. For starters a president needs a work ethic and Trump lacks any kind of ethic at all.
13
I saw the photoop with President Obama in the oval office. Mr. Trump's deer in the headlights expression looked as if he had just been told that he had a brain tumor. I do wish him well. I hope that he finds senior people who will give him candid assessments, rather than courtiers who, like Nixon's inner circle, assure him that whatever he wants to do is just fine.
5
Since we're now in the post PC era of public discourse let's just come out and say it: we know what this man responds to!
So, c'mon ladies!
If an attractive lobbyist in a low cut dress is what it takes to secure a moderate Supreme Court nominee, or save the Paris Climate Accords...then so be it!
Many cold-war era disasters were intercepted and foiled by a strategic smile and whiff of perfume, so why not deploy similar tactics at this critical point in history.
Prior national crises have shown some of our patriotic sisters doing a lot more to achieve a lot less.
2
This is the time when the media faces its biggest challenge: Can it remain brutally honest about the incompetence and unsuitability of the appointees and not be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the awful and the truly awful choices? The American citizens can only stand so much criticism, valid or not, before there is a backlash movement against such intense but justified scrutiny. " Let them alone so they can do there job" will be a rallying cry that will find sympathy support among the uninformed. Goodness knows there are enough of the latter around.
5
Myron Ebell will be head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The world is watching this dumbmindedly - and I personally am very angry about every single Sanders supporter who didn't vote for HRC.
Greatings from Germany, Europe
The world is watching this dumbmindedly - and I personally am very angry about every single Sanders supporter who didn't vote for HRC.
Greatings from Germany, Europe
11
Yes, Angelina. I too am upset that Bernie Sanders supporters "sat on their hands" out of pique or "principle."
I am a Bernie Sanders supporter. I held my nose and vote for the far better of two quite flawed candidates, Hillary Clinton, to avoid having this orange buffoon as President. Nobody said she would be perfect. I am certain she would not have appointed the kinds of bigots and far right radicals that we are going to have advising this man.
I am a Bernie Sanders supporter. I held my nose and vote for the far better of two quite flawed candidates, Hillary Clinton, to avoid having this orange buffoon as President. Nobody said she would be perfect. I am certain she would not have appointed the kinds of bigots and far right radicals that we are going to have advising this man.
7
The appointment of Bannon. chairman of Breitbart News, an alt-right news media outlet, as chief strategist and senior counselor signals that this will be a cruel administration. It is terrifying. The scenarios that might possibly arise, based on the racial, misogynist, and clearly antisemitic views represented here are worthy of a cry out - a wail - by the media -not an unbiased assessment - as testified to by the current marches against the values set forth by this president elect. The game plan has changed for many Americans - and we are preparing, if necessary, to resist oppression and cruel measures directed at all minorites, women, LGBT individuals.
12
Do you have any doubt that David Brock, king of the alt-left, would have been invited to a prominent place in a Clinton administration?
1
In keeping with the concerns raised in this article, may I suggest a large graphic called "Draining the Swmap--or Filling It?" It should keep a daily tally of Mr. Trump's appointments and show--through its color scheme--who is new to government and who is a lobbyist or an old schemer such as Gingrich and who is new to (federal?) government. Some other visual element should indicate their political leanings, from Alt Right to Far Left. (I guess we won't see many of the latter.) Still another graphic element should indicate their level of training or education for their job. Just a thought.
9
Are you suggesting, Ms Mackin, that he fill his administration with YOUR team and not his?
I seem to recall that it was Mr. Trump that won the election, not Mrs. Clinton.
I seem to recall that it was Mr. Trump that won the election, not Mrs. Clinton.
I'm suggesting that he keep his campaign promises.
1
Tump success so far has been build on being unprofessional --- that is his draw. That appeared to have worked in his unconventional campaign, it will certainly fail running a conventional government.
5
I would like to humbly recommend myself for the post of concierge at the front door of the White House. I could point every visitor to the slot machines on the first floor and point all the the beauty pageant contestants to the dressing rooms.
I know I do not agree with President elect Trump on everything, but I know he would like alternative opinions. That I am handicapped and almost blind should not be a problem as I know how much he cares for the bodily challenged. I am also a little old about Mr. Trump's age but that should make us compatible. and I am not always serious about things but perhaps he needs a chuckle.
Perhaps this application will go no where, not even beyond the Times censors, but it was worth a try.
I know I do not agree with President elect Trump on everything, but I know he would like alternative opinions. That I am handicapped and almost blind should not be a problem as I know how much he cares for the bodily challenged. I am also a little old about Mr. Trump's age but that should make us compatible. and I am not always serious about things but perhaps he needs a chuckle.
Perhaps this application will go no where, not even beyond the Times censors, but it was worth a try.
4
If there could be a perfect time to apply the oft-repeated Reagan phrase, "Trust but verify", this might be it. There's little room for trust with regard to clear intent to concentrate political power in so overt an effort to inflict damage on a 240 year-old system, though. But then, Reagan understood that verify trumped trust.
The "trust but verify" stage ended on November 8.
2
For those who remain unable to comprehend why Trump was elected please read President Lincoln's public response to Horace Greeley. In 1862, Mr. Greeley was then editor of the New York Tribune. He penned an editorial asking what the President "seems to be pursuing". It will cast light on, why Trump. Here is a link to Lincoln's letters:
Letter to Horace Greeley
http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/greeley.htm
Simply stated, the country is at a crossroads and is imperiled. The union must first be saved before any other actions are taken.
It is as straightforward as that.
Letter to Horace Greeley
http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/greeley.htm
Simply stated, the country is at a crossroads and is imperiled. The union must first be saved before any other actions are taken.
It is as straightforward as that.
The election was rigged.
Russians/Trump hacked Democratic servers, and may have hacked voting machines.
Computer security experts have discovered a server in Trump Tower that is communicating with a Russian server.
A Russian diplomat says that Russia has had ongoing contact with the Trump campaign.
The fifth column was Russian. The Manchurian candidate prevailed.
Russians/Trump hacked Democratic servers, and may have hacked voting machines.
Computer security experts have discovered a server in Trump Tower that is communicating with a Russian server.
A Russian diplomat says that Russia has had ongoing contact with the Trump campaign.
The fifth column was Russian. The Manchurian candidate prevailed.
8
Randall,
Please keep us informed on this over the coming weeks.
Please keep us informed on this over the coming weeks.
We have certainly had inexperienced presidents before. Barack Obama, who's only prior management experience was as a community organizer, comes to mind.
So far I am moderately pleased that Trump's rhetoric since the election has been calm and conciliatory. He has even called for a stop to violence by his supporters. Let us hope that his policies are also moderated from what was said during the election.
So far I am moderately pleased that Trump's rhetoric since the election has been calm and conciliatory. He has even called for a stop to violence by his supporters. Let us hope that his policies are also moderated from what was said during the election.
1
One of the strangest articles of right wing faith is the dogma that business executives are inherently superior at managing government. Businesses are run to make profits, often at the public's expense. Governments, at least in democratic societies, are intended to serve the public. The two have nothing to do with each other. Not only that, Donald Trump is a failed businessman with several bankruptcies, he is apparently afraid to show his financial records to the public at all, and there is no evidence that he is a good manager whatsoever.
16
The Peter Principle in action.
2
There is certainly an expectation, JEB, that they might be better than junior Senators who were former "community activists".
1
If Trump really wants to improve the lot of the angry blue collar workers that supported him so energetically, I don't think Bannon, Pence, or Ryan are going to help him. Creating jobs and massive infrastructure investment are not the type of things they would go to the barricades for. And neither would the more affluent Republicans who voted for him.
It seems that Trump is finding safety in the ultra conservative wing, and alt right offshoot of his chosen party. Pence was an early Tea Party member, which can't hurt. And if he wants more safety he can enlist Pence, Priebus, and Ryan to help him mend ties with Charles Koch, who would not support his candidacy.
About the the only major politician that would man the barricades for Trump's blue collar promises is Bernie Sanders.
It seems that Trump is finding safety in the ultra conservative wing, and alt right offshoot of his chosen party. Pence was an early Tea Party member, which can't hurt. And if he wants more safety he can enlist Pence, Priebus, and Ryan to help him mend ties with Charles Koch, who would not support his candidacy.
About the the only major politician that would man the barricades for Trump's blue collar promises is Bernie Sanders.
3
One area where there will be a lot of jobs to fill will be in building The Wall. Fortunately, there is no shortage of people to fill those jobs. As we remember, the patron saint of the modern (r) party, Ronald Reagan, helpfully suggested in the 1980's that then newly and recently unemployed people in the Rust Belt should just move to Texas, where the jobs were then. Once again in the Lone Star State, opportunity beckons! I expect those angry old white men that made the difference for Mr. Trump in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin will be only too happy to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and make the journey to the Rio Grande build The Wall to keep those pesky Mexicans out. Better yet, once The Wall is completed, they can stay there and be landscapers, construction workers, and migrant agricultural workers.
Mr. Trump is far more brilliant that I ever gave him credit for. He is thinking holistically without having any idea what the word means.
Mr. Trump is far more brilliant that I ever gave him credit for. He is thinking holistically without having any idea what the word means.
8
President-elect Trump is the same candidate Trump we have seen insulting the Press and lying to the public with "gusto". And if past is prologue, his presidency promises to be corrupt, vengeful and incompetent. Some of us have called this vulgar bully "the ugly American", as he resembles one of the characters in the book of the same name, exposing American incompetence and arrogance in a fictitious Asian country...but perfectly applicable to the U.S., now that this demagogue may have free rein in his capricious allocation of jobs to "serve' the country (given all government branches are, or will be, under his control. For starters, seeing bullies Giuliani, Gingrich, Christie and Gannon in the front seats, is a most ominous sign for corruption and malfeasance. And we thought Cheney's influence on "W" was the worst. This circus could get worse, given the dangerous clowns being considered. Just your mentioning Palin and Arpaio ought to bring chills to our democracy, bandits on the loose and even lipstick on a pit bull. It sure looks we have lost our marbles. The only thing that sounds 'encouraging' is that the republican congress will stop its doggone obstructionism to a quasi-republican president; a lapdog instead. And to all women, beware, as the Supreme Court is stuffed with Pence-like judges to curtail the basic freedom to choose.
4
The self imposed blinders by MSM, including NYT in this case, that
led to an absence of inquiry into how
a DT administration would actually be staffed - and why that is important - were, like the disappearing of Climate Change from the discussion, very harmful to that part of
the reality based community that was susceptible to the siren songs
of Clinton's opponent. I refer in particular to sore Sanders' voters and
detached millennials. They were not focused upon, nor obliged to
confront some evident facts that were staring them in their faces .
The evidence based and science based parts of the Federal executive
branch will now be placed into the hands of ideologues and frauds
with little scientific competence or interest in getting one. EPA , FDA,
NOAA, NSF, etc. etc. will now all get directors and upper echelon administrators
who will be fundamentally at odds with the world views of their
civic service employees. This will lead to efforts to control
their communications and punish "leakers" that will intimidate
and frighten others into obedient silence. The consequence of this will be a gutting of the critical roles played by the agencies in policy development.
In other words a cutting off of the head to impose ideological
fictions will inevitably ensue.
This trajectory could have been described/emphasized by noting the models already provided by several states run by comparable ideologues
like Walker or Scott, for whom, evidence is irrelevant.
led to an absence of inquiry into how
a DT administration would actually be staffed - and why that is important - were, like the disappearing of Climate Change from the discussion, very harmful to that part of
the reality based community that was susceptible to the siren songs
of Clinton's opponent. I refer in particular to sore Sanders' voters and
detached millennials. They were not focused upon, nor obliged to
confront some evident facts that were staring them in their faces .
The evidence based and science based parts of the Federal executive
branch will now be placed into the hands of ideologues and frauds
with little scientific competence or interest in getting one. EPA , FDA,
NOAA, NSF, etc. etc. will now all get directors and upper echelon administrators
who will be fundamentally at odds with the world views of their
civic service employees. This will lead to efforts to control
their communications and punish "leakers" that will intimidate
and frighten others into obedient silence. The consequence of this will be a gutting of the critical roles played by the agencies in policy development.
In other words a cutting off of the head to impose ideological
fictions will inevitably ensue.
This trajectory could have been described/emphasized by noting the models already provided by several states run by comparable ideologues
like Walker or Scott, for whom, evidence is irrelevant.
3
Why would The NY Times think that a man with an inflated ego with a history of impulsive and poor business decisions all of a sudden turn into a magnanimous Chief Executive? This is just wishing what doesn't have a prayer of happening. Like Charlie Brown forever hoping that Lucy won't take away the football as he runs up to kick it.
He has already shown his hand. He has hired Washington insiders to push the levers in Congress. They will work with Congress to grant everything on the Republican Party 's Christmas list. And figure out how to give a few crumbs to the people.
And he has his Minister of Propaganda who will make sure the people think those crumbs are just the beginning of more to follow. And he will divert their attention with a little bit of hatred and bigotry while the Republican Party pursues its dream of finally dismantling Social Security and Medicare by privatizing it.
By all means let's give Trump a chance to show that a leopard can change its spots. But, with his transition team and first hires, he has already shown that all he will do is use cosmetics to make it look like the spots are changed.
Sure, give him a chance but don't participate in applying the concealing make up.
He has already shown his hand. He has hired Washington insiders to push the levers in Congress. They will work with Congress to grant everything on the Republican Party 's Christmas list. And figure out how to give a few crumbs to the people.
And he has his Minister of Propaganda who will make sure the people think those crumbs are just the beginning of more to follow. And he will divert their attention with a little bit of hatred and bigotry while the Republican Party pursues its dream of finally dismantling Social Security and Medicare by privatizing it.
By all means let's give Trump a chance to show that a leopard can change its spots. But, with his transition team and first hires, he has already shown that all he will do is use cosmetics to make it look like the spots are changed.
Sure, give him a chance but don't participate in applying the concealing make up.
44
Rita, why are you listening to the NYTs? They could not have been more wrong about this election and now their reputation is in the dumpster.
I have subscribed to the NYT for many years and used to believe they had a valid, objective opinion about public events. Not any more. I honestly treat them as a magazine now, just expressing individual opinions and considering their recent tract record, why would I care?
I have subscribed to the NYT for many years and used to believe they had a valid, objective opinion about public events. Not any more. I honestly treat them as a magazine now, just expressing individual opinions and considering their recent tract record, why would I care?
I'm most worried about press freedoms and misuse of the power of the judiciary to carry out Mr. Trump's personal vendettas.
Remember the man we saw during the campaign is the same who now will put that large hand on the Bible in January. It does liberals no good to moan and groan, refight the battles of the campaign, or obsess over the popular vote vs electoral college. This man will be president on January 20.
I'm watching Trump's hires very closely, particularly Rudolph Giuliani whose almost unhinged support of Trump will likely be rewarded with a plum judicial appointment. Remember, Giuliani couldn't get a political job if his life depended on it after he went off the deep end so to speak. His bet on Trump now will give him tremendous power: watch him! His vindictiveness is just as bad as Trump's.
Finally, placing Bannon in the inner circle does nothing to convince me that Trump will be the president "of all the people" or contribute to creating a "country that loves one another" in the fractured syntax Trump used in the excitement of his win.
Like people in general, leaders are judged on the basis of who they associate with. The Trumpian "pals" of Gingrich, Giulani, Bannnon, and his children (who were raised in the same belief system Trump holds) do little to convince me that the Trump administration will be all that different from the Trump campaign.
Remember the man we saw during the campaign is the same who now will put that large hand on the Bible in January. It does liberals no good to moan and groan, refight the battles of the campaign, or obsess over the popular vote vs electoral college. This man will be president on January 20.
I'm watching Trump's hires very closely, particularly Rudolph Giuliani whose almost unhinged support of Trump will likely be rewarded with a plum judicial appointment. Remember, Giuliani couldn't get a political job if his life depended on it after he went off the deep end so to speak. His bet on Trump now will give him tremendous power: watch him! His vindictiveness is just as bad as Trump's.
Finally, placing Bannon in the inner circle does nothing to convince me that Trump will be the president "of all the people" or contribute to creating a "country that loves one another" in the fractured syntax Trump used in the excitement of his win.
Like people in general, leaders are judged on the basis of who they associate with. The Trumpian "pals" of Gingrich, Giulani, Bannnon, and his children (who were raised in the same belief system Trump holds) do little to convince me that the Trump administration will be all that different from the Trump campaign.
128
Very well said. Trump's most recent appointment of Bannon as a senior advisor and his threatening legal action against those who speak up against him is quite frightening. With these and other developments, I see little difference between the current Republican and American Nazi parties. I truly fear for minorities, women, and those living below the poverty line. It will be a cathartic 4 years, that's for sure.
5
Rudy Giuliani, the man who could have saved the firefighters and unblocked the stairways for the people climbing down if he had acted on the advice of structural engineers on 9/11.
Yowsa.
Yowsa.
4
Christine, I know you are a popular blogger for the NYT, but you need to get over it. Your candidate, who you so forcefully supported, lost.
No one "needs" to convince you of anything about the Trump Presidency. He is in charge and will do what he does, regardless of what you may think of it.
No one "needs" to convince you of anything about the Trump Presidency. He is in charge and will do what he does, regardless of what you may think of it.
Well, what voters and supporters of Mr. Trump need to remember in the upcoming months and years....and with absolutely crystal clear certainty....is that you voted for him. Remember that. YOU voted for him.
39
I wasted an hour to cast a vote on toilet paper.
Right and YOU likely voted for Obama, so I guess you own some of the misery he caused in the ME along with the economic terrorism he unleashed on folk relying on coal for their livelihoods.
Trump has already started doing what an almost as government-inexperienced Barack Obama did - put people with government experience (Pence, Priebus) in charge of or closer to the staff decisionmaking process.
And, btw, how do you take a cheap shot at Gingrich being "ethically challenged", implying his unsuitability to help in hiring, after endorsing the thoroughly corrupt HILLARY CLINTON for president?
And, btw, how do you take a cheap shot at Gingrich being "ethically challenged", implying his unsuitability to help in hiring, after endorsing the thoroughly corrupt HILLARY CLINTON for president?
4
The two are not mutually exclusive.
PS. Most who have paid attention to the allegations, the numerous prolonged investigations and the findings have come to the conclusion that the "thoroughly corrupt Hillary Clinton" is a construct of right wing propaganda.
PS. Most who have paid attention to the allegations, the numerous prolonged investigations and the findings have come to the conclusion that the "thoroughly corrupt Hillary Clinton" is a construct of right wing propaganda.
84
If Hillary Clinton is "thoroughly corrupt" just tell me in a few words who has found her corrupt and for what actions. So far, I've only heard the conclusion, but no facts behind it.
11
Gee, Newt had to resign. First as Speaker and then as Representative. What did Hillary ever have to resign from?
9
Holy cow! This is pretty even handed editorializing from the NYT. I appreciate the fresh attitude after the clear one-sided coverage during the campaign. Please continue in this vein. The country needs it.
1
Sorry, the last thing the country needs is for the media to whitewash in the name of " fair and balanced".
41
Many mindless, greedy men and women twisted with racism and xenophobia, tinged with white supremacy and full of self-aggrandizement will fill these posts.
The dismantling of economics fairness, social progress, government supported education and environmental protection will begin in earnest.
Much will be privatized. What is left of government functions will be outsourced to Trump's business friends.
The profit motive will dictate who gets educated,who gets health care, who has access to the internet, who receives equal justice under law and who goes to prison.
Equal access denied and equal opportunity a lost cause, until ...
The dismantling of economics fairness, social progress, government supported education and environmental protection will begin in earnest.
Much will be privatized. What is left of government functions will be outsourced to Trump's business friends.
The profit motive will dictate who gets educated,who gets health care, who has access to the internet, who receives equal justice under law and who goes to prison.
Equal access denied and equal opportunity a lost cause, until ...
29
Bannon is not the "Pied Piper of alt-right conspiracy theorists.' He is an avowed white nationalist and known anti-semite.
Stop normalizing these people and do it now.
Stop normalizing these people and do it now.
154
Thought experiment: what if Obama had hired Louis farakhan as his "political adviser." Would the media have been all, whatevs? Someone on NPR was saying how smart it is to have someone who will appease the base. Why is it acceptable to have a base that demands racism, crackpot conspiracy theories, and vile ideas about women's?
68
They weren't whatevs about the Rev. Wright, and he wasn't even hired.
2
Trump is a void that will be filled with the ideas and words of those he surrounds himself with. There is no hidden strength or thoughtfulness in him that the media and his supporters assume will reveal itself. He is not like the rest of us.
He will become a puppet of whomever is the strongest personality in his circle.
Most of us go on day to day without thinking much about the effect the federal government has on our lives. We will breathe the air whether it is clean or not, go to work whether or not the government is demolishing its income base and carry on even if Planned Parenthood is defunded.
Meanwhile in Washington, Trump's people will be working hard to smear their hate all over the Constitution because they revere nothing but their own egos believing decency is a weakness. People with this kind of power think the rest of us are stupid do-gooders who are losers because we want to help the weakest of us along the way.
We will wake up one day and 4 years of Trump will have gone by and only looking back will we see what his presidency has wrought. Once it is broken there is not putting it back together again.
He will become a puppet of whomever is the strongest personality in his circle.
Most of us go on day to day without thinking much about the effect the federal government has on our lives. We will breathe the air whether it is clean or not, go to work whether or not the government is demolishing its income base and carry on even if Planned Parenthood is defunded.
Meanwhile in Washington, Trump's people will be working hard to smear their hate all over the Constitution because they revere nothing but their own egos believing decency is a weakness. People with this kind of power think the rest of us are stupid do-gooders who are losers because we want to help the weakest of us along the way.
We will wake up one day and 4 years of Trump will have gone by and only looking back will we see what his presidency has wrought. Once it is broken there is not putting it back together again.
19
A tually, there can be "putting it back together again" ut the cost and effort will be enormous.
2
We better start thinking about how to put it back together again.
Let's hope that the Donald brings some of his 'reality' genius to personnel selection. He cannot premier a successful new show with has-been actors from worn out reruns. Please, no Newt-Rudy Hour.
He can keep his entourage at Trump Tower Versailles and have them quibble over who gets to carry the King Donald Louis spittoon.
He can keep his entourage at Trump Tower Versailles and have them quibble over who gets to carry the King Donald Louis spittoon.
6
After not surprisingly backtracking on his election campaign promise to "repeal and replace" Obamacare, I fully expect Mr. Trump to signal that he is backing off from another disturbing aspect of his campaign rhetoric by appointing a Syrian refugee to head the Department of Homeland Security.
10
Didn't Trump brag that he had "the best brains" in the country at his beck and call? Where are they?
41
Those three "best brains" will be minding the family business while daddy is busy figuring out how to manipulate our government in ways to make the whole family richer.
3
He also promised 'the biggest stars' at the Republican convention and all he came up with was Scott Baio. A example of what's to come.
3
Unfortunately, he was referring to the small amount of gray matter in his own skull. Good luck with that.
3
I grew up believing that politicians, military leaders and businessmen widely regarded as American success stories could serve as useful role models for me; and I believe that reading biographies of men like Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Lincoln, Truman, Rockefeller, Carnegie, Grant and Edison actually did end up contributing substantially to the very modest career success I eventually was able to achieve.
Back then, it never occurred to me that an impostor like Donald Trump could come along and capture the imagination of millions of Americans. It frightens me to think of large numbers of American children growing up today thinking of him as some kind of a role model.
Back then, it never occurred to me that an impostor like Donald Trump could come along and capture the imagination of millions of Americans. It frightens me to think of large numbers of American children growing up today thinking of him as some kind of a role model.
43
There is a story of a man who took pride in the fact that he had trained a cat not to chase mice. As he stroked his cat, he claimed he had re-shaped nature itself. At a dinner party a skeptic took out of his pocket a mouse and let it loose on the table. The cat looked, alerted his senses, strained, held itself but eventually sprang free from his master's hold and shot out like a bolt after the mouse.
Trump is a person from an occupation and environment in which deals have to be made, people convinced to gamble their money, politicians to be courted or bribed. For this business, you need wheeler dealers, people who know which button to push and which weaknesses to take advantage of. People who know people who know people. In other words, lobbyists. This is the world in which Trump has lived for 50 or so years. He may have tried to train himself to hold back, but when the prize was there to be grasped, he went back to them. That's where he is most comfortable. All the training from his handlers could take him only far, but couldn't change his nature.
Trump is a person from an occupation and environment in which deals have to be made, people convinced to gamble their money, politicians to be courted or bribed. For this business, you need wheeler dealers, people who know which button to push and which weaknesses to take advantage of. People who know people who know people. In other words, lobbyists. This is the world in which Trump has lived for 50 or so years. He may have tried to train himself to hold back, but when the prize was there to be grasped, he went back to them. That's where he is most comfortable. All the training from his handlers could take him only far, but couldn't change his nature.
28
This is so true. And, the fact is, the more a person is under pressure/stress, the more he/she falls back into what's comfortable and familiar. Judging by some of his picks so far, I am not confident or comforted that he will be looking out for the good of the country. After that horrific campaign, I just don't see how he can walk back all the horrible things he said. Bannon is a disturbing choice, as is Palin, as is Newt. These are all very divisive, partisan people.
2
Stephen K. Bannon, chief strategist. Let's call it by his true name, Minister of Propaganda. Half Truths and Diversion (if Brietbart News is any example). Fair and Balanced will never be heard from the Trump Whitehouse.
114
Thanks for saying this.
1
It's disgusting!
All this wishful thinking.....
God help America and the world!
God help America and the world!
33
As I write this Reince Priebus is on televsion lying in true Republican style. We have been lied to by this Party for so long and had middle class taxes raised by them while they made the wealthiest wealthier and taken to war by that party on a lie. Why should we believe anythng their "sane" representative is telling us?
Add to that this Party has propagandized us about terrorists until some people are more afraid of "foreigners" and immigrants than they are of the real fear: losing the democratic heritage we have and losing our freedoms to exploitation and propaganda.
Add to that this Party has propagandized us about terrorists until some people are more afraid of "foreigners" and immigrants than they are of the real fear: losing the democratic heritage we have and losing our freedoms to exploitation and propaganda.
52
President elect Trump will hire a great staff. He is a highly successful businessman and he has a lot of experience in that area. Weak characters (as in the Obama administration) will not be considered. And (unlike Hillary Clinton) he paid for his election with his personal funds. And he used his money much more judiciously/smartly than Clinton. He can hire who he pleases. He has no payback favors like Clinton whose staff had way too much baggage.
7
So far, Trump has been filling offices with partisan hacks, longtime political players that he made fun of during the campaign and other losers. If there's anyone who fits his promise of "the best brains" in the country, please point them out. Trump lied again--he doesn't know any capable people he can put to work at all.
8
I have a bridge available for purchase.
6
I'm sure Putin will make wise choices for him.
6
President Trump, whatever his intentions, will face the challenge of running an enterprise many orders of magnitude larger than the Trump Organization and with an entirely different focus. We are asking someone who has been running a deli or gas station to manage Microsoft or Boeing. Second, because the business world is so different from the public sector and Mr. Trump enjoys greatly misplaced confidence in his executive abilities (revised motto......I am not really a successful businessman, I just play one on tv) he needs to be acutely attentive to the quality of the choices he makes. Clearly much of the country is apprehensive that he will be the head banker who hands the keys of the vault to a gaggle of grifters, thieves, and conmen. The question is does he do so consciously and deliberately or does he do so serenely oblivious the polity is about to be robbed blind? Third, his victory has the effect of placing ideologues like Paul Ryan in the position of being able to pursue their own agendas, e.g., abolishing Medicare in order to throw huge blocks of business to insurance companies who will gratefully shower his campaign with contributions. Had Trump campaigned on abolishing Medicare his election might have been more problematic. Finally we have elected a president whose personal interests are tied up in court cases and IRS audits. How does he avoid any suspicion of corrupt practices and abuse of power while seeking to protect his private fortune and properties?
34
I believe, as Michael Moore has said, that Trump will not make it through four years. For Trump, the presidency is like a shiny new toy, and he will grow bored, or he will break some law. I cannot wait.
53
If Trumps does not make it through four years, The Inquisitor and the rest of us will be left with Mike Pence, who may be far more objectionable and dangerous.
2
Unfortunately,0 the public will never know one half of what The Donald is doing because his great team of advisers will cover up any of his major faux pas. In fact they will use their manipulation of the press to lay the blame for any "problems" on the democrats
Crossing fingers on this one.
At its best, our government is ill-equipped to handle major crises, such as climate change.
When the government itself is the crisis, what is left to stop a catastrophe?
When the government itself is the crisis, what is left to stop a catastrophe?
46
The military.
The majority of our presidents have either been lawyers or soldiers. Considering what a huge business the United States government is, Trump, a person used to running a large business, may be the kind of person we need as our CEO.
9
The aim of business is narrow, to make money for its officers and shareholders. The aim of government is far wider, to create a supportive environment for its citizens. Has Trump ever looked beyond his own interests?
2
Wait a minute, wasn't George W. Bush the big businessman that was supposed to run the government with maximum efficiency?
2
A large business is not a democracy.
A business does not have a varied constituency.
A business does not have a varied constituency.
3
I'm at the association of land grant universities (APLU) meeting in Austin right now. Last night, at the welcome reception, I met a female university administrator from northern Illinois university. She told me that she briefly met an attorney at one of the sessions yesterday, and that they both briefly ended up in the elevator together alone. There, he said to her that he was recruiting for the new a Trump administration, and that he was sure that she would be highly qualified for a position in the new administration, passing her his card, asking her to apply online, and mention that he had recommended her in the application. She kept a straight face, but was mortified, because they had spent no more than 45 seconds chatting, and this man knew nothing of her academic or work qualifications, other than that she was at the meeting. She did notice that she fits the Trump qualifications for a woman - tall and blonde, except that she said she'd need to lose 20 lbs to be considered. I'm sure we'll get lots of highly qualified people! Lol!
45
That is a good pick-up line I might try in a hotel bar instead of an elevator.
A woman alone in an elevator with a man who supports Trump???
1
Forget the hiring.
One reason Trump got "hired" as president is that he promised to kick out all the illegal immigrants living the USA. As a show of good faith, assuming he has any, he should immediately check the immigration status of every single person who works for him or at any of his businesses, in any capacity, and fire anyone without pristine proof that they are legally entitled to work here. That means hotel maids, gardeners, dishwashers, and right on up to management. No exceptions. While he's at it, why not go a step further? He can stop importing foreigners on work visas and go all American.
It will be exciting to see how many jobs this provides for the citizens who voted for him.
Yeah, right.
One reason Trump got "hired" as president is that he promised to kick out all the illegal immigrants living the USA. As a show of good faith, assuming he has any, he should immediately check the immigration status of every single person who works for him or at any of his businesses, in any capacity, and fire anyone without pristine proof that they are legally entitled to work here. That means hotel maids, gardeners, dishwashers, and right on up to management. No exceptions. While he's at it, why not go a step further? He can stop importing foreigners on work visas and go all American.
It will be exciting to see how many jobs this provides for the citizens who voted for him.
Yeah, right.
26
Yes. He could start with Melania. It seems she worked and got paid as a model on ten occasions while she had a visitor's visa in 1996. Such employment is illegal. She did not get an H1-B visa until after those assignments.
So she appears to have lied on her green card application and on her citizenship application. The penalty for knowingly lying on such applications can include being stripped of illegally obtained US citizenship and deportation.
So she appears to have lied on her green card application and on her citizenship application. The penalty for knowingly lying on such applications can include being stripped of illegally obtained US citizenship and deportation.
2
He hires "guest workers " at Mar a Lago.....he pays them $3.00 an hour while the State of Florida makes up the $5.00 difference in minimum wages.
Fraud and hypocrite of the highest order
Fraud and hypocrite of the highest order
2
Pee Wee Herman for Secretary of Insanity. Make American more insane than ever.
19
Paul Reubens is much more sane than the old retreads Trump is appointing.
2
Most reasonable choice.
1
Ye, he is hiring. Between short lists and actual announcements, it is readily apparent that most of them are Washington insiders, elites, the establishment and lobbyists. Where is the change in that?
26
He is smart enough to know that he is essentially clueless. So he'll do what anyone would do. Hire "experienced" people. Status quo with a perverted alt-right twist. That's the cocktail of the day. Gag.
4
What swamp was he going to drain? How about starting with swamp has beens like Giuliani, Gingrich, McConnell,Ryan , Preibus and Christie.
2
The president-elect gave us more double talk in the 60 MINUTES interview.
When asked about the issue of same sex marriage, Mr. Trump said we can leave those so-recently-recognized rights alone as a matter of "settled law."
But he still insists that his first SCOTUS pick should be "pro-life," potentially threatening to stack the court in order to overturn, or continue to undermine, Roe v. Wade, which, to use Trump's own words, should also have become a matter of "settled law" when the SCOTUS decided the case in 1973.
When asked about the issue of same sex marriage, Mr. Trump said we can leave those so-recently-recognized rights alone as a matter of "settled law."
But he still insists that his first SCOTUS pick should be "pro-life," potentially threatening to stack the court in order to overturn, or continue to undermine, Roe v. Wade, which, to use Trump's own words, should also have become a matter of "settled law" when the SCOTUS decided the case in 1973.
47
This gets scarier and scarier by the day. Steve Bannon, a notorious anti-semite and bigot at the heart of Trump's inner circle? A notorious climate denier slated for the EPA? Sarah Palin??
62
Ditto.
Reading this editorial, and such phrases as "...let us hope he is asking that question of the right people" is just as discouraging for me, or even much more, than seeing President Obama being "cordial" with the demagogue who until last Wednesday was deemed by millions (and counting) to be unfit, dangerous, etc.
We continue in danger. It is also an insult to millions, such as children and women, for the NYT to offer images and words of Trump as though he has now past a test and it is safe to let him touch people. Jesus.
We continue in danger. It is also an insult to millions, such as children and women, for the NYT to offer images and words of Trump as though he has now past a test and it is safe to let him touch people. Jesus.
56
Hopefully all USAID staff will be replaced by capable technical experts. That organization these past 8 years has become the global laughing stock with main focus on incompetent NGO's doing useless "goodie-goodie" work.
3
I never knew much about one of Trump's chief political mentors, Newt Gingrich, until recently. I thought I didn't like him, but couldn't remember why. But a quick look at his Wikipedia entry cleared that up for me. One entry that stood out amongst many was this:
In 2016, Newt Gingrich filed a debt settlement plan document with the Federal Election Commission indicating his 2012 presidential campaign would pay zero dollars toward the more than $4.6 million in unpaid debts owed to 114 businesses and consultants.[169]
In 2011, while running in the presidential primaries, Gringich claimed a net worth of $6.7 million.
No wonder Trump and Gingrich are so close friends.
In 2016, Newt Gingrich filed a debt settlement plan document with the Federal Election Commission indicating his 2012 presidential campaign would pay zero dollars toward the more than $4.6 million in unpaid debts owed to 114 businesses and consultants.[169]
In 2011, while running in the presidential primaries, Gringich claimed a net worth of $6.7 million.
No wonder Trump and Gingrich are so close friends.
57
And like Trump and Giuliani, Gingrich is also a thrice-married, draft dodging serial adulterer.
16
Trump also said at one point that he would renegotiate U.S. debt to pay pennies on the dollar. I'm not an economist, nor do I play one on TV, but this sounds like a formula for skyrocketing interest rates, as U.S. debt would be rated as, at best, junk bonds. To even suggest this with the world's reserve currency is either stupid, wicked, or insane. In his case, it could be all 3.
1
They are all septuagenarians as well. The US is becoming more of a gerontocracy than the USSR or PRC ever were.
1
"Staffing his administration is the first test of Donald Trump’s sales pitch to Americans: that his career running companies will make him a better president than any politician."
Well, he shot that all to hell by hiring Steve Bannon. That is a lock for worst President ever, right there.
Well, he shot that all to hell by hiring Steve Bannon. That is a lock for worst President ever, right there.
61
To the Editors,
Excuse me but didn't this guy run for president, and win, claiming it wasn't going to be the 'same old' government as in the past?
Your 'list' from a 'government handbook' is just the sort of thing the alt right, now just the plain old right, hates with a passion.
Since your paper, and just about every other news organization, guessed the election wrong, why should anyone reading your paper assume that Mr. Trump will 'follow the rules' and continue with previous standards of, well, government bloat?
Face it, the right's concern about size of government has a basis in truth, they just twist the 'facts' to suit their pocketbooks. Most likely these 4,000 jobs will be filled and be paid for by firing anyone in any of the 'regulatory commissions' as needed. It seems the 'Dept. of Education' is already on the chopping block; that 'reading and writing' stuff is SO over rated.
So sit back, watch the hatchet job on government agencies, watch cronies, friends and relatives become 'Dept. Heads' and invest your money in defense stocks while realizing that the mid-term elections are coming and, once more, the electorate, shudder, will have it's say.
Drinking heavily might also be an option.
Excuse me but didn't this guy run for president, and win, claiming it wasn't going to be the 'same old' government as in the past?
Your 'list' from a 'government handbook' is just the sort of thing the alt right, now just the plain old right, hates with a passion.
Since your paper, and just about every other news organization, guessed the election wrong, why should anyone reading your paper assume that Mr. Trump will 'follow the rules' and continue with previous standards of, well, government bloat?
Face it, the right's concern about size of government has a basis in truth, they just twist the 'facts' to suit their pocketbooks. Most likely these 4,000 jobs will be filled and be paid for by firing anyone in any of the 'regulatory commissions' as needed. It seems the 'Dept. of Education' is already on the chopping block; that 'reading and writing' stuff is SO over rated.
So sit back, watch the hatchet job on government agencies, watch cronies, friends and relatives become 'Dept. Heads' and invest your money in defense stocks while realizing that the mid-term elections are coming and, once more, the electorate, shudder, will have it's say.
Drinking heavily might also be an option.
16
"It seems the 'Dept. of Education' is already on the chopping block; that 'reading and writing' stuff is SO over rated."
B-but, who will administer the generous retraining programs, etc. he promised all those Rust Belt voters? Ha!
B-but, who will administer the generous retraining programs, etc. he promised all those Rust Belt voters? Ha!
1
Dear trblmkr,
I think the military is looking for some folks and they will provide all the training necessary.
See, problem solved!
I think the military is looking for some folks and they will provide all the training necessary.
See, problem solved!
1
To NYT Editors: Trump just selected an alt-right bigot as his senior counselor. Someone who will have Trump's ear about more than just campaign strategy. And all you can say about it is that it's "ominous"? One sentence, let's move on? Is the press now going to try and normalize Bannon as they are doing with Trump? Take a page out of the Washington Post (literally if you must) and read their headlines and columns about this choice. Shame on you NYT.
127
I got the same Impression. I was shocked and saddened by this editorial.
3
Isn't offering someone a role in the administration in exchange for a campaign contribution illegal?
I'm pretty sure that's a violation if the law.
I'm pretty sure that's a violation if the law.
5
Richard Nixon was a misogynist, racist, and bigot, but on paper his tenure in the White House was one of the most progressive: the Vietnam War ended, Roe v. Wade was passed, EPA was formed, OSHA passed. This all happened despite him. These outcomes required many movements that emerged and posed a threat to the establishment at that time: native-American movement, anti-war movement, women's rights movement, and workplace right's movements. Of course, it matters who the president is, but it matters more that movements are built by the electorate and effect change, independent of the party establishments. There is hope. [paraphrased from Kshama Sawant]
17
Nixon was arguably the most liberal of the post-war Presidents (Truman, Eisenhower, JFK, LBJ, Nixon). Just shows how little meaning "liberal" and "conservative" have in this country. They are invariably euphemisms for something else.
yeah, but republicans were moderate and rational and responsible then. talk to me after Ryan and McConnel and the Tea Party have their way.....
3
Take to the streets and protest the appointment of white supremacist Steve Bannon in the White House. NO Steve Bannon in the White House. The KKK
love him. If Trump wants to end the street protests and reassure Americans about the type of president he will be, he must leave Bannon behind.
love him. If Trump wants to end the street protests and reassure Americans about the type of president he will be, he must leave Bannon behind.
43
I did not vote for Trump. But he won. Now I feel he deserves a fair a chance. That includes picking advisers he wants. If Trump can begin to institute reform and reign in the inefficient and corrupt federal government that will be a great start.
9
It's "rein" in, not "reign" in, although, as I think about it, the orange one is no doubt planning to reign (as in demagoguery), so never mind.
16
One thing I am utterly baffled by is the following:
Donald Trump, Jr.'s wife, Vanessa is half-Jewish.
Eric Trump's wife, Lara, is Jewish and they were married under a huppa.
Ivanka Trump converted to Judaism and her husband, Jared Kushner, is Orthodox Jewish.
These children and son-in-law are perhaps Trump's closest advisers, right?
Yet blatant racist and anti-Semite Stephen Bannon will be chief strategist and senior counselor, an insider position as close to the future president as the Chief of Staff.
How do the Trump children, and Trump himself, endure having a man that close who is a direct pipeline to people that believe Trump's children are all "race traitors" and their spouses and Trump's grandchildren don't actually have a right to exist?
In 1932 and 1933, the KPD refused, on principle, to form a coalition with the SPD to block and prevent the rise of the NSDAP. Such a coalition would have prevented 10's of millions of deaths, including those of most of the KPD who had 25% of the German vote. So much for their "principles".
A wise American wrote that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. We may very well be repeating it. These are very frightening times.
Donald Trump, Jr.'s wife, Vanessa is half-Jewish.
Eric Trump's wife, Lara, is Jewish and they were married under a huppa.
Ivanka Trump converted to Judaism and her husband, Jared Kushner, is Orthodox Jewish.
These children and son-in-law are perhaps Trump's closest advisers, right?
Yet blatant racist and anti-Semite Stephen Bannon will be chief strategist and senior counselor, an insider position as close to the future president as the Chief of Staff.
How do the Trump children, and Trump himself, endure having a man that close who is a direct pipeline to people that believe Trump's children are all "race traitors" and their spouses and Trump's grandchildren don't actually have a right to exist?
In 1932 and 1933, the KPD refused, on principle, to form a coalition with the SPD to block and prevent the rise of the NSDAP. Such a coalition would have prevented 10's of millions of deaths, including those of most of the KPD who had 25% of the German vote. So much for their "principles".
A wise American wrote that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. We may very well be repeating it. These are very frightening times.
35
You assume Trump or his family gave ANY principles,. Your bad.
These are frightening times.
These are frightening times.
19
I have been asking the same questions. Something horrifically amiss here.
2
Trump is moving from campaign mode to governing mode. Inevitably, that will necessitate compromises and modifications of his positions. Unfortunately, President Obama could never cease campaigning. Most Trump voters did not take him literally. Hopefully, this fact will become apparent to the NYT reporters. The election is over. Stop speculating and start reporting.
2
You're new here,aren't you? Of course they took him literally. Have you seen the rise in hate crimes, just in a few *days*? His supporters think they have been given carte blanche.
19
Anyone who doesn't understand that the next political campaign begins immediately after the swearing-in hasn't been paying attention.
1
In Donald Trump, we have a President-elect who is open about his racism and misogyny, who is now appointing like minded racists and misogynists to his personal staff and who has no respect for the Constitution of the United States (to include a litmus test for judges and Supreme Court nominees). No, we do not need to give Trump a chance. He has already established his racist and misogynistic bona fides.
It is important to listen carefully to Trump's words -- he uses the word "appointee" as if he is a dictator -- and see how his actions reinforce his words of racism and misogyny.
Yet, we have Americans who voted for Trump's racism and misogyny, but claim they are not racists or misogynists. This claim by "democratic-minded" Americans is worse than the contention of the soldiers of NAZI Germany, who tried to excuse their murder and slaughter of millions of Jews and the "others" with the claim they were merely following orders.
What is the excuse of these "democratic-minded" Americans who voted for a racist and misogynist to be President of the United States? How soon we forget our world and American history of racism, misogyny and demagoguery.
First they came for the "others", then they came for me.
It is important to listen carefully to Trump's words -- he uses the word "appointee" as if he is a dictator -- and see how his actions reinforce his words of racism and misogyny.
Yet, we have Americans who voted for Trump's racism and misogyny, but claim they are not racists or misogynists. This claim by "democratic-minded" Americans is worse than the contention of the soldiers of NAZI Germany, who tried to excuse their murder and slaughter of millions of Jews and the "others" with the claim they were merely following orders.
What is the excuse of these "democratic-minded" Americans who voted for a racist and misogynist to be President of the United States? How soon we forget our world and American history of racism, misogyny and demagoguery.
First they came for the "others", then they came for me.
90
To John S.: I totally agrre with you. We can not and should not sit idle....remember even an occupied France, and a willing collaborateur Vichy puppet regime, was redeemed by people who joined the Resistence, even at their peril, but their concience needed to be clear and aspire to higher levels...
We in the US have to show the world where the buck stops!
We in the US have to show the world where the buck stops!
1
The building revolution against Trump will be widespread, it will also be strong.
Trump talked tougher than any candidate before.
The opposition is building. I can feel it. the Trump chance will itself be the object of greater change. Trump's party will be ruined. His properties destroyed. The country and the economy in tatters. electoral majority tyranny will be rebelled against. All is lost, what will be will be now. trump deports, the populace thwarts. Trump overturns Roe, Roe overturns Trump. It is all very simple. The campaign putsch will be met with democratic revolution. It is building. It will be fast.
Trump talked tougher than any candidate before.
The opposition is building. I can feel it. the Trump chance will itself be the object of greater change. Trump's party will be ruined. His properties destroyed. The country and the economy in tatters. electoral majority tyranny will be rebelled against. All is lost, what will be will be now. trump deports, the populace thwarts. Trump overturns Roe, Roe overturns Trump. It is all very simple. The campaign putsch will be met with democratic revolution. It is building. It will be fast.
15
This is exactly the same out-of-touch thinking that led to this election disaster.
In case you haven't noticed, the nation is turning more red, not more blue. Just look at the Democratic losses at the state and national levels.
In case you haven't noticed, the nation is turning more red, not more blue. Just look at the Democratic losses at the state and national levels.
3
I think what we are going to find out is that Donald Trump is going to drain the swamp of some insiders and then replace them with another gaggle of his own insiders.
Trump is a con man who made his name on reality TV. Angry voters helped elect him hoping that he would help with the pain they have been feeling since the 2008 recession and before. I think they are in for a big surprise. Trump may be great for the wealthiest in America but I fear that he is going to make life worse, maybe much worse for everyone else.
I think the coming months are a good time for the media to look themselves in the mirror to contemplate its complicity in this situation and to resolve to do its job better. Had the media been as concerned with the character and business dealings of Donald J. Trump as it was with Hillary Clinton's emails, we'd be in a different place today.
Trump is a con man who made his name on reality TV. Angry voters helped elect him hoping that he would help with the pain they have been feeling since the 2008 recession and before. I think they are in for a big surprise. Trump may be great for the wealthiest in America but I fear that he is going to make life worse, maybe much worse for everyone else.
I think the coming months are a good time for the media to look themselves in the mirror to contemplate its complicity in this situation and to resolve to do its job better. Had the media been as concerned with the character and business dealings of Donald J. Trump as it was with Hillary Clinton's emails, we'd be in a different place today.
55
had the media been as concerned with Bernie Sanders as they had with HRC's "turn" (or "coronation") as the next president, we wouldn't be here either. you really think merely mentioning her emails (which, I'll add, was completely her doing) somehow caused this mess? she did! all by herself. and now everyone is looking for someone to blame for "her" poor decisions! there are no "turns" for president, no coronations, and as far as popular vote/electoral college...am I to understand that within a given state HRC won the popular vote of that state and received fewer electoral votes than she was entitled to? or was it simply that she won the vote on the coasts (greater population) and DJT simply won in more states to garner a larger electoral college vote (while winning the popular vote in those states)?
3
The times' articles and opinion pieces have a new theme: that President Trump, when he goes to Washington and even in these initial appointments, will become a politician and let down the supporters in flyover land. The times seems to want to believe this, very much, or else wants us to believe it to depress us after Tuesday's great victory.
Sorry, not buying it. Trump's doing fine, the times is in the peanut gallery, wondering how it's gonna make the paychecks with the subscribers gone. One thing you are not anymore, is influential.
Sorry, not buying it. Trump's doing fine, the times is in the peanut gallery, wondering how it's gonna make the paychecks with the subscribers gone. One thing you are not anymore, is influential.
6
Hope you enjoy the country ending revolution that's building against Trump. It'll take a bit of time. But when you deport, we thwart. When you end social programs, we moratorium, when you remove Roe, we rebels.
rebellion, like the sound of that word, you're going to be seeing it. The second American Revolution is on the way.
rebellion, like the sound of that word, you're going to be seeing it. The second American Revolution is on the way.
19
In reply to Commenter Here: the appointment of Steve Bannon says it all. He is a white nationalist and conspiracy theorist whose followers are gleeful that he has mainstreamed their views. If you are comfortable with that, shame on you. As for the rest of us, we will continue fighting for our democracy and the ideals that it represents.
46
Never forget. Trump lost the popular vote. You are in the minority, friend.
19
So now that Mr. Trump is President-Elect can we expect that the IRS -- acting on urging by Mr. Trump -- is going to complete work on their audit of his taxes, so he can present his tax return to the American people before he takes office?
66
Alternately, as a kindness to Mr. Trump, President Obama could order the IRS to do it.
28
Or, alternatively, Trump will use his new power to interfere with the IRS audit, to have Christie pardoned, and many other things that will add up to a nice collection of "dirty tricks." And, hopefully, a modern "Woodward and Bernstein" will sort it out and enough in Congress will impeach him or get him to resign. Of course, then we have Pence, another horror of a human being. Get rid of him and we have Ryan, a third horror of a human being.
24
The "Wizard-elect" who would make "Oz" great again is already putting on his show. Just like the Grand Wizards wanna-be in Louisiana who put in his claim that his "clan" helped make Oz great again, the Wizard-elect is trying to get the heart, brain and courage presents ready for the grand show in January. The Wizard-elect wants to have his lightning and smoke ready for the great rallies to come, and to have his ministers of propaganda and prejudice ready at the go. The Wizard-elect may be putting on a show to tell his minions to play nice, but his irritable nature against this media outlet have already leaked his true nature and his intentions to melt away the first amendment like the wicked witch. It is important that we all look to the good witches, who meet in December to cast their spells for President to help set things right in Oz, before the tornado of despair and destruction hits all of us on the 20th of January. W-E's appointments and his tweets of intolerance and ignorance betray any smoke and mirrors used to distract and to provide a semblance of normalcy in a world gone askew. We need to remember the quote from Maya Angelou - "when they show you who they are, believe them the first time." The videos of the Wizard-elect's xenophobia, race-bating, dehumanizing behavior are guides to the past, present and future.
20
Bravo. You have contextualized what many of us are feeling. The palpable fear in the streets is what is following the tears that have been shed. Most Americans will have their lives changed for the worst if Donald Trump and his party have their way. Paul Ryan will almost deifintely get social security privatized, we will get a SCOTUS that will destroy womens" rights and keep big money in politics until the country is completely destroyed.
8
His campaign promise was reject Washington insiders and in less than a week he's ceding the control of the government to the Republican establishment. Is this not the definition of a swindle?
99
it appears in the dictionary under "bait and switch."
17
"His campaign promise was to reject Washington insiders and in less than a week he's ceding the control of the government to the Republican establishment. Is this not the definition of a swindle?"
Yes, "bait and switch," a ruse for the rubes. He was pandering, not telling it like it is.
When the Trumpsters figure out they've been swindled, they'll focus their hate back at the source.
If they do, I'll consider these irredeemables redeemed and all will be forgiven.
Yes, "bait and switch," a ruse for the rubes. He was pandering, not telling it like it is.
When the Trumpsters figure out they've been swindled, they'll focus their hate back at the source.
If they do, I'll consider these irredeemables redeemed and all will be forgiven.
Obama appointed many of Bill Clinton's team. And with all the insiders to help him, he didn't have much problem appointing competent advisers. The same is true of Trump. But Trump has a special burden. He has promised supporters to bring back jobs from abroad, to fashion a new health care program, and to lift up the uneducated to a higher status, closing the gap with the educated. Finding advisers to do this, which has never been done before, and may be impossible, is his real challenge. 44 presidents of varying experience have put together an administration. The 45th can do it, too. But Trump makes or breaks based on whether he can deliver on his promises to his supporters. That's a long shot.
54
A valid comment, Michjas. Trump has perhaps two years in which to provide forward movement on some of his inane promises. I refer to putting America back to work and wall building just to mention two.
11
Trump used those promises to get elected, I doubt he's going to attempt to or will be able to follow through on many of them. Mexico will not be paying for a wall. No wall will get built (we can't afford it and it's a bad idea), the same types of jobs will not return to the rust belt and the push back from American corporations will be huge if Trump goes too far in demonizing them for using cheap labor outside the US. I think it was a mistake for Obama (who I voted for twice and still support) to bring in Clinton's economic team; those are the very people who, along with Alan Greenspan and Republicans in Congress at the time (including Newt Gingrich) got rid of Glass-Stegall and laid the groundwork for the 2007 meltdown.
5
I have an Indian head nickel here that says Trump will not complete his first two years in office. Any takers?
3
We have had less-than-bright Presidents before perhaps when times were slower and there was less Media coverage. To gamble away our Future at this turning point in history, however, may be fatal. In what way? A growing feeling of uncertainty and instability, coupled with a depressed Nation, when Americans are of all people and cultures, the divide between the poor and the rich continues, possibly leading to riots. 'Ferguson' and 'Flint', swept under the rug again. Hoping America with its multi-faceted communities will branch out and bring its best to the table. Will Democracy win the day and should the Constitution be amended?
12
Chief strategist is actually the Chief Deplorable. These men are disgusting.
183
Having watched the senator from Mississippi for many years, as a Southerner, I was horrified to see his name on the list. Add to that, John Bolton?
41
To quote someone or other "elections have consequences". Guess what. Merrick Garland's not getting on the Supreme Court either. "Let's defeat her in November". Done.
4
Trump and his paranoid micro-manage style will turn even scarier once the press starts asking questions. he'll be advised to shut out certain journalists, and entire news organizations the moment he makes a misstep. The people he has surrounded himself will be whispering in his ear fueling what they know is true, he's a sociopath and the way to undermine him, manipulate him, and achieve their own goals, is simply to tell him, he's great and everyone who disagrees, is out to get him. We haven't begun to see the mess. The uneducated people who voted for him, don't understand or care. The country is in danger.
To the poor hopefuls who believed he would hear you...you've already been forgotten. You gave him the only thing he and his cronies wanted, power. They hate poor people, unions, working class, women and blacks. White , Rich, Arrogant and Privileged-- that's the next four years. Your factories will never again billow smoke from its rusted stacks. You've been hoodwinked.
To the poor hopefuls who believed he would hear you...you've already been forgotten. You gave him the only thing he and his cronies wanted, power. They hate poor people, unions, working class, women and blacks. White , Rich, Arrogant and Privileged-- that's the next four years. Your factories will never again billow smoke from its rusted stacks. You've been hoodwinked.
172
Looks like we are going to find out how many conspiracy theorists, sex offenders, bigots, supply siders, adulterers, and national disgraces it takes to run a government.
311
Mr. Leighty, maybe they'll do better than all the Mother Teresas we've had running the government to date.
1
Well, starting at the top, there's at least one...
3
It is humorous that this page which has demonstrated an unbridled disdain and utter hatred for Mr. Trump, his policies and his voters now presumes to offer him advice. This page seeks his destruction. Why should he listen to you?
7
What is humorous is how you trumpists so easily disregard his flaws that he easily reassigned to his enemies!
23
To all who are poo-pooing the election of Trump, saying give him a chance or it's not as bad as it seems, I suggest they start following the news. The fear is real. I read of Kellyanne Conway threatening Senator Harry Reid and others who go against The Great And Powerful OZ with libel suits. Will jailing public dissenters be far behind? Will reporters be "disappeared" like in other thug-run nations? The right wing nihilists just elected an admirer of Putin and his tactics to lead the USA! Have we ever had such a dangerous president in the recent history of our country? Such a thin-skinned man-child who can't control his itchy little twitter finger? MA GOP Gov Charlie Bake is on public record stating his concerns of retribution by the trump administration because Baker and our state refused to back trump in the election. Pundits say don't worry, he's constrained by the constitution but who protects us if the constitution is ignored? Who do we turn to? Our conservative courts? Our conservative elected officials? Our neutered Democratic leaders who will have a severely marginalized voice in trumpland? Who will speak for us? How will they hold his feet to the fire when they fear retribution? Would he attempt to silence critics like Sanders? Warren? The free press? Will he go beyond juvenile twitter and exact revenge in more profound ways? Will our voices be silenced under threat of lawsuits or jail? Our right to protest? America is quickly becoming unrecognizable. God help us.
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No, but much can be done to treat the press as auxiliaries to the Democratic Party, which of course they are. For example, libel insurance of any sort should be outlawed. Second, in this day of the internet, the space in the White House occupied by the correspondents' association can be put to much better use. The press can have offices in the Federal Building in Baltimore with an hourly shuttle. And the whole idea of a pool reporter and photographer trailing the president wherever he goes is something for the past, as such folk cannot be trusted near President Trump. Then, make it clear letting James Risen off the hook set no precedent, or even reconvene the grand jury and summon Mr. Risen to testify. Much good can be done with the IRS agents freed up from slow-walking Tea Party groups, setting them doing audits of media corporations. Mind you, only if there's a valid excuse but a half-brained GS-10 could think of one.
None of that violates the First Amendment. But it will make it clear to the press that they lost the election, and President Trump won.
None of that violates the First Amendment. But it will make it clear to the press that they lost the election, and President Trump won.
3
You are correct. The unchecked Republican fanatics will try to disappear as many of us as they can. Deportations are just a start - it's called ethnic cleansing. I'd like to see New England harden itself. Let's start with a wall and welcome Liberal refugees from Red States.
2
Bannon is there to keep a firm eye on Preibus.
In the first 100 days, Team Trump will massively reverse the Bush/Obama economies by getting rid of executive orders and regulations that are stifling small business development. He will start with border security and deporting criminal illegals. Tax reform will happen, monies overseas will be repatriated.
He hasn't even been sworn in yet and his presidency is having a great effect on us and the world.
In the first 100 days, Team Trump will massively reverse the Bush/Obama economies by getting rid of executive orders and regulations that are stifling small business development. He will start with border security and deporting criminal illegals. Tax reform will happen, monies overseas will be repatriated.
He hasn't even been sworn in yet and his presidency is having a great effect on us and the world.
7
Revolution is on the way. Just around the corner.
14
If by "great" you mean "big," then yes. As someone who is living in another part of the world right now, I can assure you that the effects aren't "great" in the sense of "good."
9
The money aint coming back. And Trump is the first to know it because his will stay safely elsewhere, overseen by the merry threesome called his children.
8
Steve Bannon in an Executive Branch post? Seriously Dude?
Last night my wife told me how she intends to be open minded, to show tolerance and respect while Mr. Trump got started in his vital work.
Now, before Day One, Trumpolini has shown a genuinely breathtaking lack of sense for one of the most important jobs in the world. Offending millions of Americans right out of the box with the appointment of Bannon isn't exactly the way to unify. So much for that chance you had the Duce.
In any case, NOW the "little people" will now learn what it is like to be ruled instead of governed. Lord help us all, big and small.
Last night my wife told me how she intends to be open minded, to show tolerance and respect while Mr. Trump got started in his vital work.
Now, before Day One, Trumpolini has shown a genuinely breathtaking lack of sense for one of the most important jobs in the world. Offending millions of Americans right out of the box with the appointment of Bannon isn't exactly the way to unify. So much for that chance you had the Duce.
In any case, NOW the "little people" will now learn what it is like to be ruled instead of governed. Lord help us all, big and small.
205
Breitbart, Reveling in Trump’s Election, Gains a Voice in His White House
--- NY Times yesterday.
I apparently am one of the very few people who still believes that Mrs. Clinton was correct to label them deplorables. You attend enough Sunday school classes in your life and it alters your view of things.
--- NY Times yesterday.
I apparently am one of the very few people who still believes that Mrs. Clinton was correct to label them deplorables. You attend enough Sunday school classes in your life and it alters your view of things.
189
You are in the company of tends of millions, they'll be with you in the street. The country is ending, the revolution can't be stopped now.
23
We aren't all politically correct. Many still call a spade a spade. Deplorable and irredeemable are simply true statements, like "vast right wing conspiracy".
1
I think we need to step back and give the new President a chance. After all, people were going nuts when Obama was elected stating that he was going to confiscate all your guns, trash the economy, implement Sharia Law etc, and that never actually happened, did it?
7
Big difference.
With Obama, those things were never going to happen - they were just lies designed by the right to scare people away from voting for him.
I'm frightened of the things that Trump himself has promised to do. I hope they were all just more of his lies - but they are things he said, not things his opponents claimed he'd do.
With Obama, those things were never going to happen - they were just lies designed by the right to scare people away from voting for him.
I'm frightened of the things that Trump himself has promised to do. I hope they were all just more of his lies - but they are things he said, not things his opponents claimed he'd do.
35
But Obama never said those things.
It was people freaking out about a black president that said those things
It was people freaking out about a black president that said those things
49
While I am worried about the policies that Predident Electoral Trump might Implement , I take solace in the understanding that he is a grifter. He will certainly not make good on many of the terrible promises he made to his supporters during the campaign. For example, he now embraces key elements of the Affordable Care Act. His notoriously plastic memory will enable him to claim this shift as no change at all. Trump doesn't need the support of the angry and anxious white voters any more - he got the job and they no longer have anything to offer him but trouble. It will be fascinating, if terrible, to see what he actually does in office.
7
Oh NYT? Why are you normalizing the absurd? How can you not include that he named Steve Bannon as senior advisor and that he is an unrepenting bigot. A fascist gets a desk in the West Wing and you speak about how Reince Preibus may balance that out some. Really? Courage now.
397
My thoughts, exactly! NYT, it is up to you NOT to normalize the absurd. It is up to you to inform, to warn, the public about the dangers this man and his minions pose to Democracy. Do your job, do it loudly, and do it relentlessly.
182
Problem is that Trump's "public" doesn't read anything other than Brietbart. NYT preaching to the choir isn't going to help anything.
8
Carolyn, ha! Why should the NYT now quit normalizing the absurd when it got such good practice at it by being a political action committee for HRC for the last two years.
1
The decision to split internal power between Priebus and Bannon should be an alarm bell of the first magnitude. This is how dictators establish power structures: they give a modicum of power to subordinate leaders so that those leaders constantly compete with one another for higher standing in the eyes of the leader. Such a power structure ensures that all are beholden to the leader. In the fields of German and Soviet history, historians refer to this phenomenon as the creation of a power structure in which everyone must "work towards" the fuhrer, or towards Stalin.
It is, simply put, an inherent power structure of authoritarianism.
Anyone who goes to work for this administration is supporting the erosion of rule by the people and for the people. With all due respect to Obama and Clinto, they are absolutely wrong about the need to support this man. As a lover of American democracy and it's institutions, the only path forward is to hope for, and work towards, the abject, utter failure of this man and his agenda.
It is, simply put, an inherent power structure of authoritarianism.
Anyone who goes to work for this administration is supporting the erosion of rule by the people and for the people. With all due respect to Obama and Clinto, they are absolutely wrong about the need to support this man. As a lover of American democracy and it's institutions, the only path forward is to hope for, and work towards, the abject, utter failure of this man and his agenda.
268
We have been told by the national prominent figures and institutions that we should give Mr. Trump a chance.
We have been told by our neighbors who supported Mr. Trump that he said foolish things and didn't mean them and we should give him a chance.
We have even been told by some of our Democratic party leaders and leading Liberals that they know Mr. Trump and that he is no racist and that we are obligated as good citizens to give him a chance.
Yet, Mr. Trump as appointed a "gentlemen" to a key position in his administration who is associated with publication that regularly attacks and dehumanizes Jews, Blacks and Hispanics.
So tell me, should we now continue to give Mr. Trump another chance to prove that his painful campaign rhetoric was " just silly talk"?
Or should we begin to believe our lying eyes and ears?
Those who continue to insist we should give Mr. Trump a chance would be advised to remember Mr. Burke's quote:
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"
We have been told by our neighbors who supported Mr. Trump that he said foolish things and didn't mean them and we should give him a chance.
We have even been told by some of our Democratic party leaders and leading Liberals that they know Mr. Trump and that he is no racist and that we are obligated as good citizens to give him a chance.
Yet, Mr. Trump as appointed a "gentlemen" to a key position in his administration who is associated with publication that regularly attacks and dehumanizes Jews, Blacks and Hispanics.
So tell me, should we now continue to give Mr. Trump another chance to prove that his painful campaign rhetoric was " just silly talk"?
Or should we begin to believe our lying eyes and ears?
Those who continue to insist we should give Mr. Trump a chance would be advised to remember Mr. Burke's quote:
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"
781
Confused:
None of us knows what is going to happen. As for the Burke quote, it does not do justice to the complexity of his views as they evolved over his life. We can all pull out favorite aphorisms. We can interpret those sayings from opposing perches, including the one you've chosen.
I voted for Hillary Clinton. She lost in the Electoral College. I do not like the outcome, but our country has never run totally on simple majoritarian rule.
Is our representative democracy going to fall apart? Are we now part of a worldwide long-term trend of escalating xenophobia and intolerance? I hope not, and the situation may be more nuanced than some might allow--particularly in the intense heat of the election period: http://www.economist.com/news/essays/21596796-democracy-was-most-success... .
As the Editorial Board piece emphasizes, I hope the Trump camp chooses wisely. Mr. Bannon's selection predictably makes many nervous. I do wonder what the president-elect's son-in-law and daughter Ivanka (both of whom are Jewish) think about the Bannon appointment. Do they know something we do not?
If things do not head in a more agreeable direction, the mid-terms will get very nasty for the Republicans. If we think this 2016 cycle was bad, I shudder to think what will happen with all the political redistricting at stake in 2020.
None of us knows what is going to happen. As for the Burke quote, it does not do justice to the complexity of his views as they evolved over his life. We can all pull out favorite aphorisms. We can interpret those sayings from opposing perches, including the one you've chosen.
I voted for Hillary Clinton. She lost in the Electoral College. I do not like the outcome, but our country has never run totally on simple majoritarian rule.
Is our representative democracy going to fall apart? Are we now part of a worldwide long-term trend of escalating xenophobia and intolerance? I hope not, and the situation may be more nuanced than some might allow--particularly in the intense heat of the election period: http://www.economist.com/news/essays/21596796-democracy-was-most-success... .
As the Editorial Board piece emphasizes, I hope the Trump camp chooses wisely. Mr. Bannon's selection predictably makes many nervous. I do wonder what the president-elect's son-in-law and daughter Ivanka (both of whom are Jewish) think about the Bannon appointment. Do they know something we do not?
If things do not head in a more agreeable direction, the mid-terms will get very nasty for the Republicans. If we think this 2016 cycle was bad, I shudder to think what will happen with all the political redistricting at stake in 2020.
2
There is no reason to believe that the plans of the youthful heir Hitler will be put into practice. He has matured into the reasonable and peace-loving statesman of today
1
Dear Confused Democrat,
Just tell me where to go and what weapons to bring as you seem to be suggesting revolution since clearly 1/2 the voters liked what this ultimate 'snake oil salesman' was peddling.
Other than that, I did my part, voted 'sensibly' and got nowhere except wishing I had supported Mr. Sanders a bit more.
As in so many democracies in the past, "Put a fork in it because it's done".
"Emperor Donald" almost sounds like a Disney cartoon without the humor.
Just tell me where to go and what weapons to bring as you seem to be suggesting revolution since clearly 1/2 the voters liked what this ultimate 'snake oil salesman' was peddling.
Other than that, I did my part, voted 'sensibly' and got nowhere except wishing I had supported Mr. Sanders a bit more.
As in so many democracies in the past, "Put a fork in it because it's done".
"Emperor Donald" almost sounds like a Disney cartoon without the humor.
If one looks at the job requirements at greatagain.gov, one can not start to ponder how ludicrous this is, as anybody applying for one of these 4000+ jobs has to:
"...be required to fill out financial disclosure forms"!!
In other words, Trump could not be hired by his own staff, as we are still waiting for these tax returns of Mr. Tax Thief-elect....
"...be required to fill out financial disclosure forms"!!
In other words, Trump could not be hired by his own staff, as we are still waiting for these tax returns of Mr. Tax Thief-elect....
290
By law, he and Pence are exempt, to a large degree. He is not immune, however, from civil actions, and through those we may yet get a good look at how he runs his businesses and what conflicts of interest he maintains, which are proscribed by law. This all may come back to bit him in ways he never suspected. I'd prefer he saw it coming, but you can't always get what you want.
1
They might just say "Mind your own business. My tax return is under audit. I will show it to you sometime in the future."
1
Dear Nina,
what inflammatory rhetoric? Look up the requirements at the Trump site. Just ask for your presidents tax returns, it is your right as well. Or is the first amendment already in that grave danger that one is intimidated not to post a comment on NYT site? Are clansmen waiting outside my garage at 4am otherwise for me?
what inflammatory rhetoric? Look up the requirements at the Trump site. Just ask for your presidents tax returns, it is your right as well. Or is the first amendment already in that grave danger that one is intimidated not to post a comment on NYT site? Are clansmen waiting outside my garage at 4am otherwise for me?
2
Thank goodness the NYT gave the gloom and doom some rest. Keep an open mind and give the man a chance. Donald Trump is not an ideologue.
I do want to see the how's and the nuts and bolts of campaign promises that folks in the Midwest hold dear: renegotiating trade deals and China containment.
I do want to see the how's and the nuts and bolts of campaign promises that folks in the Midwest hold dear: renegotiating trade deals and China containment.
2
Looking at many of the incompetants in that list, I think his economic policies won't matter. This will be the Keystone Kops Administration and his Presidency will be a disaster.
25
I expect that Mr. Trump will be much more successful than the very low expectations we see in the Mainstream Media. Of course this is the same media which also dismissed him as a buffoon who had no chance to win the Presidency. Turns out that he is one of the few people in our country who correctly understood the mood and the issues facing the majority of hard working Americans. He also was smart enough to defeat Hillary, the DNC, and their partners in the mainstream media - all while spending a small fraction of the the money spent by Hillary and her campaign. Trump's history suggests that he will surround himself with very smart and effective people. Preibus and Pence are a great start.
4
Just to remind you, he did NOT win the popular vote.
30
The small fraction he spent was thanks to all the 'free stuff he got from the media, waiting at his knees for one more absurd pronouncement.
8
Just to remind you - the contest was for electoral votes. You don't change the rules after the event. If the contest was for popular votes, both candidates would have campaigned differently, and frankly - in different locations.
2
Mr. Trump's supporters like to fantasize that he "tells it like it is".
If that were so, he would attach the following title to Mr. Bannon: Chief Propaganda Minister.
If that were so, he would attach the following title to Mr. Bannon: Chief Propaganda Minister.
249
The Republican Party has had propaganda ministers for years. That' the REAL reason we have Donald Trump at the top os the Party.
14
...that's to long and cumbersome for "his folks" to understand, also way to technical, I think: "Ol'Goebbels" sounds much more familiar to them, like Ol'South, Ol'times....
1
chief hateful white supremacist and anti-Semite and misogynist
1
I hope the Times has the political courage and integrity to eat crow. Reality bites and so does the truth. Trumps interview with Stall and 60 minutes plus meeting with Obama reveal Trump fooled everyone with his crazy campaign act. That's right, it was an act.
Now Trump will play the normal compromising president, another act that will calm the masses.
Alan Greenspan was right. He said Trump is a good actor and nothing more. Not the cruel goul we thought.
What now, New York Times?
Now Trump will play the normal compromising president, another act that will calm the masses.
Alan Greenspan was right. He said Trump is a good actor and nothing more. Not the cruel goul we thought.
What now, New York Times?
8
Have you not seen his tweets since winning the election? I would hold judgment for a while, let's say until at least the end of today, seeing how he is going to have his first press conference. I predict the moment he gets his second question that irks him, he'll up and leave.
53
Are you saying that installing Bannon as an "equal partner" to Priebus qualifies as "normal?" Are you kidding?
85
Sorry, editorial board, it's going to be an unmitigated disaster. When Steve Bannon is given as much power inside the White House as Reince Priebus, an honorable (if uninteresting) man even if he is an ideologue, then a major reset is necessary.
One asks why the new president values Mr. Bannon so highly? It cannot be that he is steady and clear and deliberative; a man who subscribes to the partnership between governing and the governing through the usual lens of "we may have our differences but we're all Americans." This is what W., and his father before him, or even Ronald Reagan or Gerald Ford, or (gulp!) Richard Nixon, may have thrown out after their electoral victories. Donald Trump's employment of Mr. Bannon in the corridors of power will have the same effect as a serrated knife: cutting and deeply divisive. One would be a fool to imagine that the president-elect doesn't for a moment know what he's doing.
Given Mr. Trump's ignorance about the federal government, one might expect him to lean heavily upon the already-entrenched bureaucrats and lobbyists on K. Street to supply him with the thousands of names that he will be under great pressure to provide. Time mitigates against reflection, and in Mr. Trump's case, reflection is his least appreciated virtue.
Do not be surprised to have his nascent administration peopled with the likes of your example of the unprepared senator-elect ("what do we do now?"). So much for "draining the Washington swamp."
Business as usual.
One asks why the new president values Mr. Bannon so highly? It cannot be that he is steady and clear and deliberative; a man who subscribes to the partnership between governing and the governing through the usual lens of "we may have our differences but we're all Americans." This is what W., and his father before him, or even Ronald Reagan or Gerald Ford, or (gulp!) Richard Nixon, may have thrown out after their electoral victories. Donald Trump's employment of Mr. Bannon in the corridors of power will have the same effect as a serrated knife: cutting and deeply divisive. One would be a fool to imagine that the president-elect doesn't for a moment know what he's doing.
Given Mr. Trump's ignorance about the federal government, one might expect him to lean heavily upon the already-entrenched bureaucrats and lobbyists on K. Street to supply him with the thousands of names that he will be under great pressure to provide. Time mitigates against reflection, and in Mr. Trump's case, reflection is his least appreciated virtue.
Do not be surprised to have his nascent administration peopled with the likes of your example of the unprepared senator-elect ("what do we do now?"). So much for "draining the Washington swamp."
Business as usual.
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Around and under swamps is peat moss that has bubbled and gurgled and digested for eons
3
I was with you 100% until your last sentence. The problem is this is not just business as usual, but something much more extreme.
3
While Trump started out with a solid base of alt-right white racists, anti-semites, anti-Muslims, anti-immigration (at least of non-Europeans), & all those who rage at the changes made since the good old 1950s of segregation, Jim Crow laws, & white male protestant domination, he did seduce the frightened working class people into believing (rightly) that Hillary Clinton was one more in a long line of Democratic & Republican neo-liberals who did not understand or care about their fates.
Most of these non-alt-right people voted for Trump as a protest vote, a Molotov Cocktail, to shake things up in the two-party establishment elite. They will lose out on three counts. First, most of the people who Trump is looking at (Bannon, the hardcore racist, misogynist, and anti-Semite notwithstanding) are the very elite DJT said he would drain the swamp of. Witness his turning to almost all inside-the-beltway establishment people from Congress or the K street lobbies for his transition team and his choice of ultimate establishment insider Reince Priebus as the second most powerful man in the government. Second, Trump is not a mere Molotov Cocktail, but a suitcase nuke with a very hinky trigger. Lastly, Trump has always publicly separated people into "Winners" and "Losers." Now that he doesn't need their money or votes anymore, the desperate and frightened working class people who voted for him return to his "Loser" category & should not be surprised to see their lives get even worse.
Most of these non-alt-right people voted for Trump as a protest vote, a Molotov Cocktail, to shake things up in the two-party establishment elite. They will lose out on three counts. First, most of the people who Trump is looking at (Bannon, the hardcore racist, misogynist, and anti-Semite notwithstanding) are the very elite DJT said he would drain the swamp of. Witness his turning to almost all inside-the-beltway establishment people from Congress or the K street lobbies for his transition team and his choice of ultimate establishment insider Reince Priebus as the second most powerful man in the government. Second, Trump is not a mere Molotov Cocktail, but a suitcase nuke with a very hinky trigger. Lastly, Trump has always publicly separated people into "Winners" and "Losers." Now that he doesn't need their money or votes anymore, the desperate and frightened working class people who voted for him return to his "Loser" category & should not be surprised to see their lives get even worse.
31
Swamps are drained to expose the ills within and exterminate them. What we're seeing here is a swamp being drained, but instead of exterminating the critters exposed, they're all being fed. Mike Pence is seeing to that.
Pence may turn out to be the wiliest political creature we've seen in decades. We've all been focused on Trump, debating whether his win was a brilliant political coup or just plain dumb luck. Meanwhile, Pence, in his alarmingly soothing voice, has been shrewdly playing Trump whisperer to insert his allies and set himself up with more power than Cheney.
It's hard not to believe that Pence, more than anyone, saw the Donald for the empty suit he is; it's also hard not to believe that Trump thinks he's running the show, with no idea he's being manipulated.
The swamp is going to be even more noxious than it's ever been. It would be delightful to relish the wholesale betrayal of the suckers who voted for Trump if the result didn't have such a profoundly negative effect ont the rest of humanity.
Pence may turn out to be the wiliest political creature we've seen in decades. We've all been focused on Trump, debating whether his win was a brilliant political coup or just plain dumb luck. Meanwhile, Pence, in his alarmingly soothing voice, has been shrewdly playing Trump whisperer to insert his allies and set himself up with more power than Cheney.
It's hard not to believe that Pence, more than anyone, saw the Donald for the empty suit he is; it's also hard not to believe that Trump thinks he's running the show, with no idea he's being manipulated.
The swamp is going to be even more noxious than it's ever been. It would be delightful to relish the wholesale betrayal of the suckers who voted for Trump if the result didn't have such a profoundly negative effect ont the rest of humanity.
419
How can Trump drain the swamp, when he left a large GOP plug in?
11
More charitably: the Democratic Party needs to console as much as possible the truly desperate Trump voters as they lose the little they have.
4
I read over the weekend the Trump's staff is working on how to keep his rallies going once Trump becomes President. Apparently the instant gratification, applause and adulation help to keep Trump calm and focused.
Pence will be running the country. If you had paid attention, Trump told us his VP would be handling all domestic and foreign policy. Trump is going to just do speeches and rallies. Maybe he'll have a TV show?
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/magazine/how-donald-trump-picked-his-r...
Pence will be running the country. If you had paid attention, Trump told us his VP would be handling all domestic and foreign policy. Trump is going to just do speeches and rallies. Maybe he'll have a TV show?
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/magazine/how-donald-trump-picked-his-r...
14
"Such a manager could help estimate the chances that the Senate would confirm Sarah “Drill, Baby, Drill” Palin to lead the Department of Interior, or Joe Arpaio, departing sheriff of Maricopa County, Ariz., anti-immigration hard-liner and lawsuit magnet, as homeland security secretary."
Rarely do I challenge the New York Times' choice of words, but here I must object to the phrase "estimate the chances." Surely the authors meant to say "eliminate the possibility."
A transition manager who has the nation's best interests at heart should do everything in his or her power to eliminate the possibility that Palin, an ignoramus of colossal proportions, or Arpaio, a dangerous racist, would ever have a place in President Trump's cabinet.
Rarely do I challenge the New York Times' choice of words, but here I must object to the phrase "estimate the chances." Surely the authors meant to say "eliminate the possibility."
A transition manager who has the nation's best interests at heart should do everything in his or her power to eliminate the possibility that Palin, an ignoramus of colossal proportions, or Arpaio, a dangerous racist, would ever have a place in President Trump's cabinet.
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I'm looking forward to hunting and hiking in the new Tailing Ponds National Monument, created by our new interior secretary, Sarah Palin. I suspect it will abut the new uranium mines next to the Grand Canyon, and be maintained by folks in pink undies courtesy of the new director of the federal bureau of prisons, hotels and casinos, Joe Arpio. Mar a Gitmo will also fall under his jurisdiction. The condors, native Americans and tourists will be aglow! Don't worry about radiation poisoning, as the head of the FDA, Martin Shkreli, will have you covered.
8
And yet they sound like the people of Donald's dreams !
We've grown used to the media pretending that the GOP establishment is behaving ethically & responsibly, instead of rewriting the rules whenever it suits them. We're used to the GOP relying on the far right propaganda industry to concoct the hoaxes & smear campaigns that keep its voters angry & obedient, while the mainstream media turns a blind eye. Now we are asked to imagine that Mr Trump, who ran on a platform of unapologetic lies, authoritarian & racist rants, & trashing the rule of law, will be tamed by the GOP establishment's "professionalism". I would point out that the GOP establishment has in fact already long been tamed by the fascist criminality represented by Mr. Bannon & Mr. Trump. The establishment's imagined "professionalism" has more to do the media's and the Democrat's complicity than with any adherence to the law or the public interest. This is simply terrifying. Fascist societies are not built by individual leaders ex nihilo, but out of the failures of institutions, & the willful blindness the public, the media, and the opposition. I can't even tell whether the wishful thinking expressed in this editorial is an attempt to reassure its writers, or pacify its readers. But wishful thinking is not what is called for. There is always time to fight back, but it will get harder, not easier.
190
Thank you. Seeing even part of the 60 Minutes interview has shown Donald Trump's complete ignorance of the American people he wants to bring together. This lifelong Democrat is more sympathetic to the prople he pretends to represent, those who voted out of anger at the system, than he is. To fail to understand that the demonstrations are anyhing but "professional," adds to the fear so many of us feel.
8
I really hope that Trump fills his cabinet with technocrats rather than ideologues. But appointing the evolution denier Ben Carson as Secretary of Health and Human Services or Sara Palin as Secretary of Interior would be such a powerful symbolic message that it could undo all the good technocrats can accomplish in the new administration. I don't mind lobbyists or bankers as long as they can cleave to the middle course charted by the Obama administration. Better corrupt than ignorant; better rich than rabid; better conservative than fascist.
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I hear that chimpanzees are as outraged that they evolved from the same proto-primates that produced Trump, Carson, Bannon, et al. as evangelicals are that evolution teaches that they share a common ancestor with chimps.
As I see it, Republicans appear to be the missing link between the earliest primates and modern man.
As I see it, Republicans appear to be the missing link between the earliest primates and modern man.
3
I was about to recommend this post until the end - this isn't like those people who voted 3rd party consequences be damned, corrupt is as bad as ignorant; might even be worse b/c it's willful. There's just silver lining
1
The people are not at all happy with the technocrat elites making policy decisions that are better left to the free market. ObamaCare is a good example.
Amazing that you have not recognized how close to fascists that technocrats are. Socialism is the form of government where private ownership of the means of production but the technocrats get to decide how businesses will be run.
Amazing that you have not recognized how close to fascists that technocrats are. Socialism is the form of government where private ownership of the means of production but the technocrats get to decide how businesses will be run.
He said on 60 Minutes, that he won't touch Same Sex marriage because it is a ' settled issue but then goes on to state that he would appoint s Supreme Court justice to overturn Roe vs Wade. Which is it Mr President-elect?
236
Does that mean both should be re-opened, or neither?
2
Yes, and people are trying to say this was not about "gender". The Con Don wants gay men on his side and wants women to "stay in their place".
Don't plan on it, Chief Predator and Con Don and friends. Women will not go quietly into your 15th century world.
Don't plan on it, Chief Predator and Con Don and friends. Women will not go quietly into your 15th century world.
5
Funny, I don't remember NYT making such a big deal of Obama's complete lack of experience in anything other than getting elected when he took office.
14
Obama was a constitutional lawyer, community organizer and graduate of Harvard. Enough said.
62
And a United States senator.
24
Listen, nobody marched in streets against GWB after his Supreme Court selection, nor his second term election.
Maybe there is blindness among his followers to the very real threat he poses to both our country and our citizens.
There have always been hate crimes and likely there will always be hate crimes, but there is a definite uptick in racial and homophobic attacks in the few days following this election.
The alt-right has been training and waiting for a few decades just for this moment. The hate filled rhetoric that Trump used, the lack of pushback as his supporters used violence against others, and now the addition Bannon (racist, sexist, misogynistic, homophobic and anti-Semitic) is just the signal they have been awaiting.
Maybe there is blindness among his followers to the very real threat he poses to both our country and our citizens.
There have always been hate crimes and likely there will always be hate crimes, but there is a definite uptick in racial and homophobic attacks in the few days following this election.
The alt-right has been training and waiting for a few decades just for this moment. The hate filled rhetoric that Trump used, the lack of pushback as his supporters used violence against others, and now the addition Bannon (racist, sexist, misogynistic, homophobic and anti-Semitic) is just the signal they have been awaiting.
42
He has 4,099 more to fill. And they’ll all be Republicans.
Scary, isn’t it?
Jimmy Carter also was a micromanager, but at least Donald Trump doesn’t put dining partners off their feed by chewing with his mouth agape. Or at least not that we know.
“Hacks?” Eye of the beholder, chums.
And maybe we can stop referring to Newt Gingrich as that “ethically challenged” guy, and start referring to him as “that guy who forced Bill Clinton to sign three balanced budgets”.
The monumental condescension in this editorial is … impressive.
Scary, isn’t it?
Jimmy Carter also was a micromanager, but at least Donald Trump doesn’t put dining partners off their feed by chewing with his mouth agape. Or at least not that we know.
“Hacks?” Eye of the beholder, chums.
And maybe we can stop referring to Newt Gingrich as that “ethically challenged” guy, and start referring to him as “that guy who forced Bill Clinton to sign three balanced budgets”.
The monumental condescension in this editorial is … impressive.
7
How would you describe a former Speaker of the House who had eighty-four ethics charges filed against him during his tenure?
340
Gosh Richard. I heard it was the other way round about that budget.
57
Kat:
I'd describe him as a man with many enemies.
I'd describe him as a man with many enemies.
3
On the other hand, if you're an extremist and fantasist, you're ideal as an adviser to the President.
I wonder if there will be a Bannongate to match Billygate. Nah, cowards all, the Senate.