Lying Donald will forever be my Liar In Chief. BTW, how can you tell when Donald's not lying? His mouth is shut.
27
Gail, the Dow hit 19,000 - if you missed it. I have an open mind, hoping for a reset because without it we'll continue to get articles ridiculing him and what he's going to do. From the transcript of his trip to the Times (he wasn't scared to face any of you skeptics), he came away more confident and on track than you guys (and gals) who are still in campaign mode.
Hillary lost, by the way!
Hillary lost, by the way!
2
My so-called "reset" happens everyday when I have new and wonderful op-ed's from the NYT to respond to. Just call me a big fan. ;)
6
He sent you a note instead of tweeting? This was either a while ago or he's been boning up on his Emily Post. (Though of course that would require reading a book, so...a while ago.)
10
Ms. Collins, just finished the NYT interview with donald you mention in your column. Forced myself to read the entire transcript despite it's gut wrenching experience. Whew!! Wondered, if I were present, I'd either laugh hysterically or walk out of the room. How the people associated with this newspaper withstood that blathering narcissist for that long is beyond comprehension.
28
As usual, you are right, it is to laugh. Happy Thanksgiving, Gail!
9
Oh, you are back in form! Satire and belly laughs are the only appropriate response in parlous times like these.
14
That's okay, Gail, looked at your picture and thought, "What a loser, still churlishly whining even on Thanksgiving."
Forget Harding, let's hope he's more like Burr when it comes to defending himself from the coming daily assaults by our Sovietized mass media, e.g., NYT, WS, CBS, NBC, et al., still licking their collective wounds from a "sure thing" victory for their DNC Politburo pick.
Seems the stock market is telling us that the "do-nothing" years--save importing poverty across our southern border--of the Obama administration are finally coming to an end.
Now that is a real "Thanksgiving" message to the nation.
Forget Harding, let's hope he's more like Burr when it comes to defending himself from the coming daily assaults by our Sovietized mass media, e.g., NYT, WS, CBS, NBC, et al., still licking their collective wounds from a "sure thing" victory for their DNC Politburo pick.
Seems the stock market is telling us that the "do-nothing" years--save importing poverty across our southern border--of the Obama administration are finally coming to an end.
Now that is a real "Thanksgiving" message to the nation.
2
Perhaps Trump may not be completely crazy but Jeff Sessions and Ben Carson surely are....off the charts crazy. While HUD is a shrunken version of its former robust urban policy self, Justice matters, and matters a lot. Sessions will have enormous power to limit our personal liberties, prosecute political enemies and promote racist practices, especially in voting restrictions. Scary dudes!
16
Gail, thank you for not letting us down, Between you, Bruni and Blow, I'm confident Trump will be held to task. Part of me wonders how long he will actually last in office.
12
Gail, when Trump made his onerous comments on the campaign trail, you criticized. Now that he has retracted many of them. you sarcastically criticize. I enjoy your columns for their consistent inconsistencies and I thank you for that. They allow me to read what the other side is thinking or not. Happy Thanksgiving..
2
I find myself looking back fondly and wistfully on your columns about Romney and the dog on the roof of the car.
8
Gail - just because Trump called you those things shouldn't get you so huffy, you feel the need to write a column around it.
A large portion of the American public was called "Deplorables" by the other candidate you supported, Hillary Clinton. What about that?
A large portion of the American public was called "Deplorables" by the other candidate you supported, Hillary Clinton. What about that?
2
Gail, I read the transcript of his meeting with the Times, and he sounds crazy as ever to me. He can't complete a thought, knows nothing about world affairs, can't discuss anything without referencing how fantastic he is...its the same stuff we've heard for 18 months. The only thing different was that he wasn't hurling insults, or threatening to jail Hillary Clinton, or encouraging his 2nd amendment supporters to assassinate her.
He said nothing of substance concerning policy, b/c he has no opinions or positions. Someone else is running the show. That's obvious from the run-the-government-into-the-ground cabinet being assembled from the usual suspects, and the Republicans are creaming their jeans.
He's in it for the show - the parade of "applicants" arriving at Trump Tower, and the handshake photographs that appear afterwards in the papers. The fact that he can make a mint off it probably doesn't hurt either.
No, what he SAID in the meeting didn't matter to anyone. The fact that he was meeting at all with THE paper of record is what mattered - even to him. You can tell from his comments that he is awed by the paper, thinking, "Man, I've really made it b/c this paper is LEGIT!!"
The meeting completed his normalization and the normalization of what this country saw and heard over the past 18 months. It normalized the very low bar, and that is depressing.
He said nothing of substance concerning policy, b/c he has no opinions or positions. Someone else is running the show. That's obvious from the run-the-government-into-the-ground cabinet being assembled from the usual suspects, and the Republicans are creaming their jeans.
He's in it for the show - the parade of "applicants" arriving at Trump Tower, and the handshake photographs that appear afterwards in the papers. The fact that he can make a mint off it probably doesn't hurt either.
No, what he SAID in the meeting didn't matter to anyone. The fact that he was meeting at all with THE paper of record is what mattered - even to him. You can tell from his comments that he is awed by the paper, thinking, "Man, I've really made it b/c this paper is LEGIT!!"
The meeting completed his normalization and the normalization of what this country saw and heard over the past 18 months. It normalized the very low bar, and that is depressing.
17
I like your title, Ms. Collins.
Trump is a big fat turkey, aka an ugly loser.
Trump is a big fat turkey, aka an ugly loser.
9
Trump doesn't mean what he says most of the time because he doesn't even KNOW what he is saying most of the time.
18
Three thoughts came to mind when I heard that Nikki Haley was named UN Ambassador.
1. Thank God it wasn't Rudy Giuliani.
2. Thank God it wasn't Newt Gingrich.
3. Thank God it wasn't John Bolton.
Haley may not be the best choice, but compared to the other hacks in contention, she looks downright palatable.
1. Thank God it wasn't Rudy Giuliani.
2. Thank God it wasn't Newt Gingrich.
3. Thank God it wasn't John Bolton.
Haley may not be the best choice, but compared to the other hacks in contention, she looks downright palatable.
27
just a reminder to all of you liberal haters.
we won big and you lost. live with it.
we won big and you lost. live with it.
4
Wrong! He did not 'blast' alt-right twits. When pressed , he recited eight words.
"
He blasted the alt-right twits who celebrated his victory with Nazi salutes. (“Of course I condemn. I disavow and condemn.”) "
"
He blasted the alt-right twits who celebrated his victory with Nazi salutes. (“Of course I condemn. I disavow and condemn.”) "
1
Gail, your readers of "a certain vintage" may remember the song, "Undecided:"
'first you say you do and then you don't--and then you say you will and then you won't -- you're undecided now, so what're you gonna do?" DJT is an improvisational actor -- making stuff up as he goes. It's scary and fascinating and will be talked about on turkey day, tomorrow and for the length of his lease in the Oval Office. He will keep reading you and other NYT columnists. We're all talking about him. He loves when that happens.
'first you say you do and then you don't--and then you say you will and then you won't -- you're undecided now, so what're you gonna do?" DJT is an improvisational actor -- making stuff up as he goes. It's scary and fascinating and will be talked about on turkey day, tomorrow and for the length of his lease in the Oval Office. He will keep reading you and other NYT columnists. We're all talking about him. He loves when that happens.
3
Such a nice man. He sent you a personal message because you "underestimated" his wealth. With all the water having gone under the bridge, your letter seems quaint.
Keep it up Gail. We need the laughter and there is nothing funnier than the truth when it comes to the Trumpster.
Keep it up Gail. We need the laughter and there is nothing funnier than the truth when it comes to the Trumpster.
3
You are drinking the koolaid. trump tells his audience what it wants to hear. He doesn't even realize he is lying.
1
I'm still trying to figure out how Ms. Clinton was a poor choice for President because she had spent thirty years in government and hadn't, in all that time, managed to make America great, but Jeff Sessions, on the other hand, spent THIRTY-FIVE years in government--during which time America achieved the same level of greatness as during Ms. Clinton's service--but somehow Mr. Sessions, after all that time in office, is a good choice for Attorney General. Don't they both come from the same "swamp"?
10
If we can get 40 million more signatures(its almost million now)maybe the electoral college will really do the right thing. The whole point of setting it all up like this some hundred years ago was to keep a crazy man out of the white house. We are not debating whether Trump is crazy... now it appears he is both crazy and easily manipulated (kind of like a Cheney Bush combination... and we see how that worked out)
google "petition electoral college trump" and sign.
Then we wont be "putting off our fears through the holidays" we will be hoping for something good again. Obama was blocked by the sick Republican megalomaniacs and Trump is the biggest of these you have ever seen. Stop pretending it does not matter... again u know what Cheney-Bush did. Trump is worse!
google "petition electoral college trump" and sign.
Then we wont be "putting off our fears through the holidays" we will be hoping for something good again. Obama was blocked by the sick Republican megalomaniacs and Trump is the biggest of these you have ever seen. Stop pretending it does not matter... again u know what Cheney-Bush did. Trump is worse!
6
Gail, on this national holiday of thanksgiving I am once again reminded of how Thankful I am for you and your column!
13
As a white guy, age 71, living in South Florida (I know, we're more Yankee than Reb!), I'm especially miffed at Trump suggesting that he will remove the bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, and replace it with both. King was truly one of the Giants in the history of America, and his name--and spirit--will always be associated with similar Heroes--Ghandhi and Mandella.
Hey Donald, is there any reason that you cannot have the busts of both King and Churchill, another Giant of the Civilized World. Before you get your hopes up, however, the only place that your bust will ever appear in the White House is, perhaps, the John! (That's your middle name, eh?)
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Hey Donald, is there any reason that you cannot have the busts of both King and Churchill, another Giant of the Civilized World. Before you get your hopes up, however, the only place that your bust will ever appear in the White House is, perhaps, the John! (That's your middle name, eh?)
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
8
You made me smile and chuckle- thank you.
5
Happy Thanksgiving, Gail! You always make me smile, even when I feel like crying. God Bless these United States.
8
How can you even write about this person?
2
Haven't you heard? Next year he's going to pardon the turkey, but only the white meat.
42
My main hope is Superman arrives and stops the Trump world engine....
2
A wonderful column except for his letter to you - ride in the extreme. But the letter proves that Trump will ever change. It was not just campaign rhetoric - it's the way he thinks. His reversal on attending the NYT meeting was bizarre. I expect Kellyanne talked some sense in to him. Does she live in Trump Tower? She should or at the White House- who else will keep him on task? Not his wife, maybe his daughter. Please keep at it - the majority of the country who voted for Clinton deserve the truth.
2
Trump is defunding all climate research at NASA. Don't like the bad news about Climate change - just close your eyes and kill the research.
2
Ms Collins you have become too redundant. As they about athletes who've given up: "you're mailing it in".
Turkey Day is taking on a whole new meaning this year. Thank You Gail for helping us see it through.
3
What a great Thanksgiving present from Gail; so many great laughs!
1
Gail, the names he called you, don't let it bother you. This comes from a 70 year old male with the brain (if it even exists) of a 12 year old.
2
Happy Thanksgiving Gail! what a wonderful column! You are one of the few writers who can make me laugh about this travesty. I am still having a lot of trouble finding humor in it. I find it heartwarming and holiday appropriate that, after all the terrible things Donald said you still seek to mend wences with him.
2
Gail, you're beautiful, both inside and out; thanks for all the laughs. My best wishes for you and your family for a great Thanksgiving. Oh, when you say grace, please remember our beloved Seamus.
5
Remember the good old days when you saw the word dog in one of Gail's columns and knew you were going to be entertained with another story about Seamus.
1
Turkeys are more intelligent, and more likeable. I'm not going to talk about RUMP anymore today. I need a break. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. Enjoy your families.
3
Your understated but dead-on way of calling out absurdities shows that a smile can be wrung from almost anything...and we sure need those smiles nowadays!
3
I am not ready to carve - yet. I will give Trump and his clones and his choices for high office some more time to grow into the jobs they face. However, my support will disappear the second I hear one lie - to the people or to the leaders of the GOP, for whatever reason. I have had enough of the Nixons and the Bushes and their ilk. Those days are gone and unacceptable in these troubled times. I'm waiting..................
5
As always, I thank you, Gail. It was too late to post a thank you to Charles Blow. I have my "Trump is not my President" bumper stickers ordered and now will be checking for one that says "Build a Big Wence."
You guys keep me sane.
You guys keep me sane.
12
Get over it Gail. Flyover country has spoken and it does not want a corrupt and dishonest career politician as POTUS. I am not a Trumpster by any means but I can stomach him over your open borders, new world order globalist Hillary.
So maybe all that ranting during the campaign was akin to “locker room talk?” Let’s call it “election rally banter” that was half-serious, half-fun. But now we are faced with a president-elect, whose word is not his bond – sorry Melania… oops, sorry Michelle. How did this man do any deals?
I can almost visualize an Alex Baldwin parody on SNL of Trump taking the oath of office, “…and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States… um, wait a minute, Justice Roberts, can I get back to you on that? That Khan fellow was right… I haven’t read the darn thing as yet!”
Oh well, you get what you vote for? Even when you “win” with less votes – more than 2 million less! It’s the American way. Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy that turkey; we are going to be reminded of that bird everyday for the next four years!
I can almost visualize an Alex Baldwin parody on SNL of Trump taking the oath of office, “…and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States… um, wait a minute, Justice Roberts, can I get back to you on that? That Khan fellow was right… I haven’t read the darn thing as yet!”
Oh well, you get what you vote for? Even when you “win” with less votes – more than 2 million less! It’s the American way. Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy that turkey; we are going to be reminded of that bird everyday for the next four years!
1
Gail, on this one:
Je Suis Charlie (Blow that is).
Je Suis Charlie (Blow that is).
4
Do we have to wait for him to put you on the roof of his car (or more likely his plane) and take you to Canada, before you constantly remind us of his foibles?
Please, feel free to take as many potshots as necessary.
Please, feel free to take as many potshots as necessary.
3
Happy Thanksgiving, Gail!
How sad that you can't forsake the snarky comments, even on this day when the rest of us give thanks to God for the good things in our lives and in our country.
How sad that you can't forsake the snarky comments, even on this day when the rest of us give thanks to God for the good things in our lives and in our country.
He won't make through his 2nd year.
1
Dear Ms. Collins,
Well, I guess we HAVE to give him a break since he was duly elected as president of this country.
Face it, Mr. Trump took the fine art of campaign "misspeaking", political talk for "lying", to a new level, shattering all other paradigms on just how much to lie to get elected. He just lied virtually every time he opened his mouth. Admittedly, the enthusiastic supporters who screamed "Jail Hillary" were prime targets for his kind of campaign drivel but the real surprise is that more than Neanderthals voted for him.
But I seem to remember another president who promised to close Guantanamo and get us out of Iraq and Afghanistan. As the "Stones" intoned, "You can't always get what you want" leaving me with hope that the Trump, who excoriated virtually anyone not white, was using a ploy to motivate and inspire his "base" then, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, he may turn into something different. Hey, statistically his chance of being the worst president ever is not 100% just more like 99% and, as we all know, Americans love an underdog so "Go you 1%".
The real problem here is the other "nuts" who have taken over the asylum, the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE controlled House and Senate. While Trump, as all other presidents before him, will shoulder the media blame or praise depending on what actually happens, those guys in the Congress are the true "movers and shakers" or, as the last few years have shown us, the "Fiscal cliffers and Sequesterers".
Well, I guess we HAVE to give him a break since he was duly elected as president of this country.
Face it, Mr. Trump took the fine art of campaign "misspeaking", political talk for "lying", to a new level, shattering all other paradigms on just how much to lie to get elected. He just lied virtually every time he opened his mouth. Admittedly, the enthusiastic supporters who screamed "Jail Hillary" were prime targets for his kind of campaign drivel but the real surprise is that more than Neanderthals voted for him.
But I seem to remember another president who promised to close Guantanamo and get us out of Iraq and Afghanistan. As the "Stones" intoned, "You can't always get what you want" leaving me with hope that the Trump, who excoriated virtually anyone not white, was using a ploy to motivate and inspire his "base" then, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, he may turn into something different. Hey, statistically his chance of being the worst president ever is not 100% just more like 99% and, as we all know, Americans love an underdog so "Go you 1%".
The real problem here is the other "nuts" who have taken over the asylum, the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE controlled House and Senate. While Trump, as all other presidents before him, will shoulder the media blame or praise depending on what actually happens, those guys in the Congress are the true "movers and shakers" or, as the last few years have shown us, the "Fiscal cliffers and Sequesterers".
3
While I enjoy the satire and humor of your columns Gail, I cannot allow to pass the juxtaposition of "twits" and " alt-right." In fact, alt-right is the sanitized language for white supremacists, neoNazis etc.
In the brave new world (order) of Trump, it is worse than folly to soft peddle racism.
In the brave new world (order) of Trump, it is worse than folly to soft peddle racism.
3
It's already begun.
We will be taught by the media, including the Times, to lower our expectation of what it means to be normal.
The 'new' normal, will expect that we accept what used to be 'bat-s*%t-crazy', 'as not-so-bad-could-be-worse'.
Mr. Trump will find token women, Blacks, Hispanics and maybe a Log Cabin Republican to complete the visual of his entourage/'advisors'.
It is astounding to watch the pols in his own Party, who condemned him for months, refused to endorse him, and called him unfit both emotionally and intellectually, return to the fold, resumes' in hand.
The new normal isn't the New Testament redemption/forgiveness kind. It is simply reinforcement of it's own essence: hypocrisy is de rigueur.
We will be taught by the media, including the Times, to lower our expectation of what it means to be normal.
The 'new' normal, will expect that we accept what used to be 'bat-s*%t-crazy', 'as not-so-bad-could-be-worse'.
Mr. Trump will find token women, Blacks, Hispanics and maybe a Log Cabin Republican to complete the visual of his entourage/'advisors'.
It is astounding to watch the pols in his own Party, who condemned him for months, refused to endorse him, and called him unfit both emotionally and intellectually, return to the fold, resumes' in hand.
The new normal isn't the New Testament redemption/forgiveness kind. It is simply reinforcement of it's own essence: hypocrisy is de rigueur.
9
Thank you, Gail. Keep us laughing at all the absurdities!
Denise Lorenz
Denise Lorenz
5
On Thanksgiving, Americans sat down to dinner, looked at the candied yams and thought about Hillary Clinton.
Happy Thanksgiving, Gail! Apparently the NYT folks not yet normalizing President Elect Biff Tannen are Maureen D, who according to PE Biff isn't allowed to call him, Charles B, who didn’t attend the Svengali performance at lunch and is proud of it, and you. Go, team!
So, as we keep eyes on President Elect Shifty Guy, I wonder if we will ever know how much money he made off the election (compensated for the use of property at staggering markup, I'm sure) or pocketed as profit from the toys and trinkets sold to his followers. Or a list of businesses he has his tiny hands on, so that I can avoid sending any of my money or my company's money his way, even inadvertently. Investigative journalism, anyone?
In future NYT coverage and reporting, how about banishing tweets and replacing with real transcripts? Tweets are dreadful news devices, devoid of context and a distraction from real understanding. The contrast between the impression given by the tweets and the actual things said by PE Shifty...well, if it were a movie plot, you could fly a 747 through those holes.
You must have seen those circus and magic tricks in which the trickster creates some kind of flashy spectacle and under such cover changes clothes, picks your pocket, or even disappears. That’s PE Biff’s MO, except this trick is so very consequential.
“Used to be so good?” To quote Bugs Bunny, Shifty Guy is such a “maroon”. Let’s keep his twinkles to the fire, Gail—you go, girl!
So, as we keep eyes on President Elect Shifty Guy, I wonder if we will ever know how much money he made off the election (compensated for the use of property at staggering markup, I'm sure) or pocketed as profit from the toys and trinkets sold to his followers. Or a list of businesses he has his tiny hands on, so that I can avoid sending any of my money or my company's money his way, even inadvertently. Investigative journalism, anyone?
In future NYT coverage and reporting, how about banishing tweets and replacing with real transcripts? Tweets are dreadful news devices, devoid of context and a distraction from real understanding. The contrast between the impression given by the tweets and the actual things said by PE Shifty...well, if it were a movie plot, you could fly a 747 through those holes.
You must have seen those circus and magic tricks in which the trickster creates some kind of flashy spectacle and under such cover changes clothes, picks your pocket, or even disappears. That’s PE Biff’s MO, except this trick is so very consequential.
“Used to be so good?” To quote Bugs Bunny, Shifty Guy is such a “maroon”. Let’s keep his twinkles to the fire, Gail—you go, girl!
3
He is the same man he's always been, no matter when each of us first noticed him, and even for anybody arriving on the planet only a few days ago, and attending the happy social meeting at the NYT.
Did other people notice the teeny tidbit near the beginning of the transcripted session when he seemed to suggest he want to help the NYT itself, from its illness as the "failing" paper to being yet another Trump success?
If I sensed the NYT was his friend, because it shared the belief that his success was OUR success, I'd drop our subscription in an instant.
Can I still trust the NYT to be intelligent, brave, honest, smart? All those things which Trump is not?
Did other people notice the teeny tidbit near the beginning of the transcripted session when he seemed to suggest he want to help the NYT itself, from its illness as the "failing" paper to being yet another Trump success?
If I sensed the NYT was his friend, because it shared the belief that his success was OUR success, I'd drop our subscription in an instant.
Can I still trust the NYT to be intelligent, brave, honest, smart? All those things which Trump is not?
1
Correcting typo:
He is the same man he's always been, no matter when each of us first noticed him, and even for anybody arriving on the planet only a few days ago, and attending the happy social meeting at the NYT.
Did other people notice the teeny tidbit near the beginning of the transcripted session when he seemed to suggest he wants to help the NYT itself, from its illness as the "failing" paper to being yet another Trump success?
If I sensed the NYT was his friend, because it shared the belief that his success was OUR success, I'd drop our subscription in an instant.
Can I still trust the NYT to be intelligent, brave, honest, smart? All those things which Trump is not?
He is the same man he's always been, no matter when each of us first noticed him, and even for anybody arriving on the planet only a few days ago, and attending the happy social meeting at the NYT.
Did other people notice the teeny tidbit near the beginning of the transcripted session when he seemed to suggest he wants to help the NYT itself, from its illness as the "failing" paper to being yet another Trump success?
If I sensed the NYT was his friend, because it shared the belief that his success was OUR success, I'd drop our subscription in an instant.
Can I still trust the NYT to be intelligent, brave, honest, smart? All those things which Trump is not?
1
Carving up Trump? What an utterly violent title. And ending with torturing turkeys? Seriously, Gail, you need therapy. And so does your colleague — Charles Blow. You've lost your minds. Same old New York Times.
The good news. He will do whatever he thinks is popular.
The bad news. He will do whatever he thinks is popular.
The bad news. He will do whatever he thinks is popular.
4
One addition, please:
He is the same man he's always been, no matter when each of us first noticed him, and even for anybody arriving on the planet only a few days ago, and attending the happy social meeting at the NYT.
Did other people notice the teeny tidbit near the beginning of the transcripted session when he seemed to suggest he want to help the NYT itself, from its illness as the "failing" paper to being yet another Trump success? "...I'd like to help turn it around," he said. Exclamation point.
If I sensed the NYT was his friend, because it shared the belief that his success was OUR success, I'd drop our subscription in an instant.
Can I still trust the NYT to be intelligent, brave, honest, smart? All those things which Trump is not?
He is the same man he's always been, no matter when each of us first noticed him, and even for anybody arriving on the planet only a few days ago, and attending the happy social meeting at the NYT.
Did other people notice the teeny tidbit near the beginning of the transcripted session when he seemed to suggest he want to help the NYT itself, from its illness as the "failing" paper to being yet another Trump success? "...I'd like to help turn it around," he said. Exclamation point.
If I sensed the NYT was his friend, because it shared the belief that his success was OUR success, I'd drop our subscription in an instant.
Can I still trust the NYT to be intelligent, brave, honest, smart? All those things which Trump is not?
3
Oh, he's crazy all right. You had it right the first time, Gail. He deserves any and all comeuppances you can dish out.
To paraphrase the Orange Creature "We've all been through a lot. And we're all going to suffer greatly in many different ways for the next four years."
To paraphrase the Orange Creature "We've all been through a lot. And we're all going to suffer greatly in many different ways for the next four years."
5
Gail, just for the record, I think you look OK.
2
Oh, you silly dog, pig, liar-face! He doesn’t really mean it!
Oh for the days of Seamus on the roof of the car! Of course, Mitt Romney started this mess by calling Hillary Clinton “dishonest and untrustworthy” way back before it became a campaign mantra. I have both the tape and the transcript. Nice job, Mitt. Of course he may become Secretary of State now so maybe it all worked out for him.
The worst Barack thing Obama ever called anyone was a “colorful guy” after receiving rather worse insults than being called a “thousandaire.” Of course, Mr. Obama is classy guy. Say goodbye to that.
But yes, this has been largely a campaign of name-calling while racing straight for the gutter. Isn’t there some TV show where they do that every week? And we can expect this for four years! What fun! Why anyone, male or female, would aspire to the presidency after this will forever be a mystery.
This liberal Democrat has been taken her only solace from the fact that the Republicans don’t want him any more than I do.
Still waters run deep. Shallow waters, like baby swimming pools, slosh around and cause a lot of flooding. Expect much sloshing, little statesmanship.
Oh for the days of Seamus on the roof of the car! Of course, Mitt Romney started this mess by calling Hillary Clinton “dishonest and untrustworthy” way back before it became a campaign mantra. I have both the tape and the transcript. Nice job, Mitt. Of course he may become Secretary of State now so maybe it all worked out for him.
The worst Barack thing Obama ever called anyone was a “colorful guy” after receiving rather worse insults than being called a “thousandaire.” Of course, Mr. Obama is classy guy. Say goodbye to that.
But yes, this has been largely a campaign of name-calling while racing straight for the gutter. Isn’t there some TV show where they do that every week? And we can expect this for four years! What fun! Why anyone, male or female, would aspire to the presidency after this will forever be a mystery.
This liberal Democrat has been taken her only solace from the fact that the Republicans don’t want him any more than I do.
Still waters run deep. Shallow waters, like baby swimming pools, slosh around and cause a lot of flooding. Expect much sloshing, little statesmanship.
4
Speaking of being disappointed by Valentine's Day, as your colleague Charles Blow says about the president-elect, Trump's "strongest allegiance is to [his] own cupidity"! (with apologies to the god of desire and affection)
2
Donald's trip to the Times was an exercise in channeling the late, great Gilda Radner's character, Emily Litella: "Oh, that's very different...(smiles shyly) never mind."
2
Dear Gail, Trump reiterated to you and your colleagues at the Gray Lady meeting that he will keep an "open mind" - that he liked Obama a lot. that he condemns Alt-Right Nazi salutes, that he will not prosecute Hillary Clinton, that the Mexican wall is going to be more a fence (more offense) than a great wall, etc. and so forth. His message was to assure you, the media and we the people that he is not crazy. Face it, he's crazy as Dick's hatband as he tries to grow into the job of our President.
What a grreat laugh you've given us this Thanksgiving day to reiterate Donald Trump's letter to you saying you were "a dog and a liar" with the face of a pig! Fact-checking the biggest con man ever to run for our Presidency in 200+ years will be a must in however long or short his administration will last.
Donald Trump has pulled the wool over journalists' and our eyes like the Wizard of Oz, like The Music Man, like the Cardiff Giant hoax.
President Trump pardoning the American turkey next year at Mar-a-lago. his Villa Mauresque here in Palm Beach, will be a hoot. A turkey pardoning a turkey. In the spirit of gratitude and e pluribus unum we are grateful to have food on our tables , clothes on our bodies and a roof over our heads. And wish the Trumps a gladsome Thanksgiving in their Florida White House. Gail, please repeat Donald Trump's letter to you as often as you mentioned Romney's dog, Seamus, on the roof of the family car. Your words are balm for our troubled spirits.
What a grreat laugh you've given us this Thanksgiving day to reiterate Donald Trump's letter to you saying you were "a dog and a liar" with the face of a pig! Fact-checking the biggest con man ever to run for our Presidency in 200+ years will be a must in however long or short his administration will last.
Donald Trump has pulled the wool over journalists' and our eyes like the Wizard of Oz, like The Music Man, like the Cardiff Giant hoax.
President Trump pardoning the American turkey next year at Mar-a-lago. his Villa Mauresque here in Palm Beach, will be a hoot. A turkey pardoning a turkey. In the spirit of gratitude and e pluribus unum we are grateful to have food on our tables , clothes on our bodies and a roof over our heads. And wish the Trumps a gladsome Thanksgiving in their Florida White House. Gail, please repeat Donald Trump's letter to you as often as you mentioned Romney's dog, Seamus, on the roof of the family car. Your words are balm for our troubled spirits.
4
Ms. Collins, you lost, get over it.
How long will you continue your tirade? It is getting really old, fast.
Don't have any new thoughts? Perhaps some time off will help.
How long will you continue your tirade? It is getting really old, fast.
Don't have any new thoughts? Perhaps some time off will help.
Cute, but too nice. Your column sounds like you're being won over by Das Drumpf. Steel yourself! The guy's a con and a crypto fascist. He conned the deplorables, now he's going after the gullibles.
1
Trump is clearly not right in the head. He seems unable to go anywhere or meet anyone without a minder (Ivanka, Kushner, Kellyanne, right wing bully). Why not? How about a full medical and mental work up for him?
Kanye has obviously been troubled for some time, and it looks as if he'll be getting the help he needs. Doesn't our PEOTUS deserve the same consideration?
Kanye has obviously been troubled for some time, and it looks as if he'll be getting the help he needs. Doesn't our PEOTUS deserve the same consideration?
2
Dear President-elect Trump:
Thank you for your Thanksgiving message in which you say that we need to "begin to heal our divisions and move forward as one country."
Could you please share your personal journey from bigotry? You began by keeping black people from living in the buildings you own. Over the decades you disrespected our President with birtherism and demeaned minorities, women, immigrants, and the disabled.
Yet you arrived at the New York Times editorial board room disavowing your neo-Nazi supporters and promising to go forward with an open mind.
What were the steps along your path to cleansing the hate from your heart and atoning ~ really making up for the harm you have done to so many individuals and groups?
Please let us know, because I'm having trouble understanding how a person with your record can tell us to "restore the bonds of trust between citizens."
Thank you for your Thanksgiving message in which you say that we need to "begin to heal our divisions and move forward as one country."
Could you please share your personal journey from bigotry? You began by keeping black people from living in the buildings you own. Over the decades you disrespected our President with birtherism and demeaned minorities, women, immigrants, and the disabled.
Yet you arrived at the New York Times editorial board room disavowing your neo-Nazi supporters and promising to go forward with an open mind.
What were the steps along your path to cleansing the hate from your heart and atoning ~ really making up for the harm you have done to so many individuals and groups?
Please let us know, because I'm having trouble understanding how a person with your record can tell us to "restore the bonds of trust between citizens."
5
The Great Wence, should it ever get built, will be where Humpty Trumpty... well, you know the rest.
3
Hearkening back to his German roots, that would be "schweinhund" but, the lying, Gail! The lying! Really??
Just hope the people who voted for Trump kept their sales slips.
3
Living in the UK now, I hear the BBC interview national politicians every day on my morning commute. They are ruthless and they don't back down, pouncing on even a shadow of misunderstanding, contradiction, or inconsistency.
I am STILL waiting for a single one-on-one interview with this fraud, where he either explains himself or is publicly humiliated and held to account.
To his stupid, lying face.
Is nobody up to that task in the entire US??? So glad I left.
I am STILL waiting for a single one-on-one interview with this fraud, where he either explains himself or is publicly humiliated and held to account.
To his stupid, lying face.
Is nobody up to that task in the entire US??? So glad I left.
4
Torture is no trivial matter. Think of when they come for you, and torture YOU for not praising Trump. I am still disappointed that the torturers in the Bush years were not held to account - the Cheney's, the Bybee's, the Yoo's.
5
Thanks Gail. But I still fell like I'm on the Titanic ,gripping the railing, and vomiting over it onto the roiling waves.
3
I hope he won't try to strap you to the roof of his jet.
16
yes, you should get your quotes right first, then shoot. So quippy. So clever.
Gail says of Trump, "But the real, and very important, message from his outreach [to the NYT] was to remind the nation that he’s not crazy."
Sorry Gail, despite humor woven through today's column, the sentence above made my skin crawl. Why did you choose the verb "remind"? Was Trump ever NOT crazy? He may not be a certifiable lunatic, but the best you can say is that he has lived his life as a functioning individual with a very severe personality disorder. He has moments of clarity (e.g., maybe torture isn't a good idea), heavily clouded by emotional immaturity (e.g. I would do worse than waterboarding). There is no REMINDING the nation he's NOT crazy.
We need to be reminded that we have elected a thin-skinned man-child who is unpredictable. On a good day he may think clearly and not lash out (as he did at the cast of 'Hamilton'); on a bad day, who knows what he might do (punch a foreign leader in the face).
The other day I heard a pundit say that Trump will feel the weight of the office when early on he will be tested by China, Russia and especially North Korea which has a "very dangerous, unpredictable" leader. That made me chuckle--I thought, well now we will have our own "dangerous and unpredictable" leader. And sadly, that is what we must keep in mind.
Sorry Gail, despite humor woven through today's column, the sentence above made my skin crawl. Why did you choose the verb "remind"? Was Trump ever NOT crazy? He may not be a certifiable lunatic, but the best you can say is that he has lived his life as a functioning individual with a very severe personality disorder. He has moments of clarity (e.g., maybe torture isn't a good idea), heavily clouded by emotional immaturity (e.g. I would do worse than waterboarding). There is no REMINDING the nation he's NOT crazy.
We need to be reminded that we have elected a thin-skinned man-child who is unpredictable. On a good day he may think clearly and not lash out (as he did at the cast of 'Hamilton'); on a bad day, who knows what he might do (punch a foreign leader in the face).
The other day I heard a pundit say that Trump will feel the weight of the office when early on he will be tested by China, Russia and especially North Korea which has a "very dangerous, unpredictable" leader. That made me chuckle--I thought, well now we will have our own "dangerous and unpredictable" leader. And sadly, that is what we must keep in mind.
3
Handwringers unite! Give us your unhinged, your wooly-headed, your sulking narcissists and admirers of Wm. Blowhard! We have safe rooms! We have counselors with internet degrees! We have workshops on mobilizing illegals and sign-making crafts! We have tofu turkey too!! In fact, we have all manner of infantile diversions, fact-free study groups and politically correct, gluten-free opinions that won't stick to even the most accomodating wall when thrown up against it! There. We'll send the bill to your Obamacare provider...if we can find one that is.
BTW, the body language around that table is very expressive. You need to be careful not to whitewash the reporting because the pictures are, well...
Thank you I needed that.
1
On this dismal Thanksgiving I am thankful for Gail Collins, whose columns invariably help me get through the roughest, darkest days. Gail, you are a blessing!
1
Gail you need to start taking "wonderment pills" in the same manner that someone might supliment their testosterone. You need to swoon in wonderment every time Trump mumbles a garbled sentence or sentiment. When you drive by a once flourishing public school you pop a "wonderment pill" and squint at the boarded up windows and doors and imagine that the dilipaded building is being refurbished. When yo go to Michigan and Pennsylvania you take ten wonderment pills in hopes someone might not offer you a stiff forearm salute and a white power sentiment. Lastly, you get really really high on wonderment pills and pick up a biography of Jefferson Davis (and the Lost Cause) and try to understand why white people have gone crazy.
What? Trump not crazy? I want my money back!
1
About that recount . . .
You go, girl! Happy Thanksgiving.
2
Thanks for the LOL, I needed that.
1
All this reminds me of a Seinfeld episode where Jerry at one point announces, "I'm freakin' out! I'm freakin' out!"
Keep your powder dry, Gail. You'll have better targets in due course.
What was that old movie title? 'The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight' ?
Keep your powder dry, Gail. You'll have better targets in due course.
What was that old movie title? 'The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight' ?
1
Thank you Ms. Collins for putting yourself on the front lines in the face of the abuse you have suffered from this fraud, bigot, liar, sociopath. I have watched appalled as other reporters have suffered similar abuse throughout this campaign. We are out here and depend on you and your colleagues and the New York Times to report on a daily basis what we must know to participate in our democracy and save our country.
2
Mussolini did some good things for Italy, until he didn't.
2
Apologies for my laziness, I know I should look it up, when was the last time that someone who was actually elected to something, accepted that UN post?
Let's be thankful this day, Gail, that you are not the primary source of anything other than vitriol.
You have this innate need to think you are bright and comedic in your columns. Your need is far outdone by your lack of both.
As for your "dog" appelation, I can see how that mistake could happen. For months and months you had a dog for a brain when Romney had a dog on his roof. Calling you a "liar" was not fair, as you are instead a true believer in other than the truth. Primary sources can be wrong,
Sorry to tell you this, but the turkey you're eating today was in fact tortured....however briefly. Take comfort in and be grateful for what we all have: Blessings.
You have this innate need to think you are bright and comedic in your columns. Your need is far outdone by your lack of both.
As for your "dog" appelation, I can see how that mistake could happen. For months and months you had a dog for a brain when Romney had a dog on his roof. Calling you a "liar" was not fair, as you are instead a true believer in other than the truth. Primary sources can be wrong,
Sorry to tell you this, but the turkey you're eating today was in fact tortured....however briefly. Take comfort in and be grateful for what we all have: Blessings.
1
That phrase "extremely amiable" is a scary one for me. Trump already is making crazy appointments. The lay term "crazy" is not in the mental health book of diagnoses. I think Trump is crazy as a fox. He is crazy bold about keeping his world wide business interests. He already says he is making money off the presidency-his hotels are filling up.
He was very mean to you, Gail. Did he apologize? Anyone that mean to you is crazy.
He was very mean to you, Gail. Did he apologize? Anyone that mean to you is crazy.
2
We have some 25-30 people gathering for dinner tonight. Anyone who mentions the T word, will not get even a table scrap of TURKEY. That's the rule. No politics, no religion talk. Banned. People who want to drown their sorrows have to use the bathrooms.
1
Remember "flip-flop", back when John Kerry went down in flames because he once said (honestly), "I was against it before I was for it." ?
Those were the days.
Those were the days.
2
Don't you think there is a strong possibility that Nikki Haley is being bamboozled? She'll give up her governorship -- to a Trump supporter -- and take a post from which she could be summarily fired by Trump. Accepting the ambassadorship may not be a smart move on her part.
1
Sometimes you marry into a wonderful family. There may be a member who is the 'Success Story' and plays the part of Patriarch where at times there are reunions, on occasion weekly ones, to visit Grandmother, known as 'Gamma' in the Bronx.
Your brother-in-law, 'Harry' in his suit sits at the head of the table, his beautiful elegant long-suffering wife at his side (I would be rich if able to tell you how many friends have asked why she did it), but you all hope for the sake of Gamma that the evening is going to be of short duration, the roast under her instructions well cooked, the potatoes richly roasted.
All is going well. Gamma is smiling, dessert will soon be on the table and then comes the Royal Command. Harry announces that he would like your presence for the weekend. You give a gentle nudge, 'a footsie' to your spouse who does not know how to say No. Worse, he starts looking under the table for Bonzo who is happily chewing a bone outside on the porch. I call this 'A Great Time for Bonzo' because while a long silence has descended on our heads, your spouse still looking for the dog, Harry is looking at you in the eye.
You have been caught, your 'Better One' is going to cave in. Wait, you are about to take a stand. You are not going, he can go it alone, your sister-in-law was not consulted, she already has enough on her plate and could use a rest.
Trump is clever. Even entertaining for ten minutes, but he loves disruption above all, while Bonzo has it made.
Your brother-in-law, 'Harry' in his suit sits at the head of the table, his beautiful elegant long-suffering wife at his side (I would be rich if able to tell you how many friends have asked why she did it), but you all hope for the sake of Gamma that the evening is going to be of short duration, the roast under her instructions well cooked, the potatoes richly roasted.
All is going well. Gamma is smiling, dessert will soon be on the table and then comes the Royal Command. Harry announces that he would like your presence for the weekend. You give a gentle nudge, 'a footsie' to your spouse who does not know how to say No. Worse, he starts looking under the table for Bonzo who is happily chewing a bone outside on the porch. I call this 'A Great Time for Bonzo' because while a long silence has descended on our heads, your spouse still looking for the dog, Harry is looking at you in the eye.
You have been caught, your 'Better One' is going to cave in. Wait, you are about to take a stand. You are not going, he can go it alone, your sister-in-law was not consulted, she already has enough on her plate and could use a rest.
Trump is clever. Even entertaining for ten minutes, but he loves disruption above all, while Bonzo has it made.
Whatever side of the Thanksgiving table you are on, it's nice to know the other side is feeling politically uncomfortable too.
Don't take Trump's insults personally. Much like not pursuing prosecution of Hillary Clinton, he doesn't really mean it. Maybe dog and a liar yesterday day, but you are a jewel today.
Don't take Trump's insults personally. Much like not pursuing prosecution of Hillary Clinton, he doesn't really mean it. Maybe dog and a liar yesterday day, but you are a jewel today.
I'm thankful for Gail Collins.
You may feel a need to genuflek to the Donald, even though he has referred to you as a dog, liar and pig, but the rest of don't. He is the best con artist east of the Pacific and tells the crowd, including NY Times gathering, what he senses they want to hear. Look at the unqualified people he appoints, not his changing script. I hope by next Thanksgiving Donald is gone, impeached. He thinks he can do anything he wants as president. No he can't! Using his office as president to make money for his business is absolutely wrong. It has been all along whatever he called others, applied to him. It's lying Trump and crooked Trump....
Normalizing Trump already? No thanks.
“Unless he reverts and winds up ordering the turkeys tortured.” Indeed, Trump has moderated his campaign promise to torture kittens in the White House.
Trump is the wife beater who brings flowers on the anniversary. The hunter who claims respect for his pray before blasting away. The punisher who pounds and pounds away.....
Oops, sorry, lost my composure. Trump is the kind of guy that does that to me.
But can we please get passed this “fighting relatives at Thanksgiving” thing? I know that my Aunt Fanny, who brings her horrid egg plant and sawdust casserole voted for Trump. I will politely take one small helping of her wretched dish and will not, repeat WILL NOT, bring up politics. If we can’t enjoy this great holiday anymore because of dumb politics then we truly are lost.
Trump is the wife beater who brings flowers on the anniversary. The hunter who claims respect for his pray before blasting away. The punisher who pounds and pounds away.....
Oops, sorry, lost my composure. Trump is the kind of guy that does that to me.
But can we please get passed this “fighting relatives at Thanksgiving” thing? I know that my Aunt Fanny, who brings her horrid egg plant and sawdust casserole voted for Trump. I will politely take one small helping of her wretched dish and will not, repeat WILL NOT, bring up politics. If we can’t enjoy this great holiday anymore because of dumb politics then we truly are lost.
I am so tired from rearranging my deck chairs---on the Titanic. I cannot look at Donald Trump without thinking 'road kill' for the hair and 'transparent' for the porn pictures of the new First Lady. As luck (or God) would have it, I have my dying Mother to thank for this Thanksgiving Day!
Perhaps Mr. Trump looked to the wrong South Carolinian to be U. N. Ambassador. Congressman Mark Sanford has experience in foreign affairs!
I hope all of the NYT reporting staff, particularly Charles M Blow, read your article. They could really use that advice about consulting a primary source. The paper has become awash with little hyper links about "facts", which, when clicked, lead me to another NYT reported story citing another NYT story with the actual primary source never to be found - much like a house of straw. Sadly, this straw seems to be what the entire industry has become built upon. Which has made it all to easy for extremist pseudo-journalist to light it on fire.
1
Gail....you seem to have missed the economic magic of our Pulitzer Prize winning President Obama's doubling the National Debt from 9 to nearly 20 Trillion with no infrastructure projects, no construction projects and a whopping 1.05% growth spurt.
You must have missed the parade and fireworks show he threw for himself.
Now after such an amazing example of leadership in so many fields where Obama knew more than his advisors, he's going to stick around and give more indispensable advice to President Trump, a building tycoon.
You must have missed the parade and fireworks show he threw for himself.
Now after such an amazing example of leadership in so many fields where Obama knew more than his advisors, he's going to stick around and give more indispensable advice to President Trump, a building tycoon.
I was so glad several of my favorite columnist were at the meeting. I was disappointed Charles Blow was not there. After reading his column I get it. His comment line is closed. Please high five him for me when next you see him.
Thank you fir standing strong and staying vigilent.
Thank you fir standing strong and staying vigilent.
28
Face it Gail, no matter what you'd like to say about the President-Elect, it doesn't make the failure of the Democrats, globalists, elites, free trade and open borders fanatics, and most of all the mess and failures of the Obama administration go away.
The country spoke and we're going to try a new direction to solve out problems, not just a spokesperson with nice rhetoric that couldn't get his signature program right even on day 1 of its rollout.
And one by a man who has business experience, not political correctness skills. And that suits a whole lot of people in this country just fine even if he called you names. Remember, Hillary Clinton called a whole bunch of the AMERICAN PUBLIC "deplorables" among other things. And where do you mention that?
The country spoke and we're going to try a new direction to solve out problems, not just a spokesperson with nice rhetoric that couldn't get his signature program right even on day 1 of its rollout.
And one by a man who has business experience, not political correctness skills. And that suits a whole lot of people in this country just fine even if he called you names. Remember, Hillary Clinton called a whole bunch of the AMERICAN PUBLIC "deplorables" among other things. And where do you mention that?
33
Of course, there is a difference between an open mind and an empty one. Good column, Gail!
90
The lady doth protest too little, methinks.
53
The key to understanding Trump is, paying attention to his actions and NOT, what he says. Look at his appointments. His key advisor is a known racist and Trump claims he's never heard this before. Trump is easy to understand once you stop listening and start watching.
178
Always look for the bright side Gail. Yeah the dolt from SC could have been from AK. But he coulda buried her Ag Department or Ambassador to the Confederate States of America. Maybe he is saving tAg up for Joane Ernest. No Gail, no grace period. This man must be hassled, harried and attacked from day -60. No rest, no peace only a piece of mind, no time to catch his breath. He wanted it, he got it.
85
Gail, With all due respect, you're taking this situation way too lightly. Best be following your fellow scribe, Mr Blow and start sharpening the big knives. The time for laughing at this man has long past.
219
President Teflon- nothing sticks.
61
No olive branch. Trump is a monster.
187
Hey Gail - Happy Thanksgiving and please, please please continue to write these columns because I rely on them for my sanity.
137
At Mar-a-Lago, Trump assembles his Team of Grovels.
101
I'm thankful for you, Gail Collins! And thankful that I can laugh in the midst of my outrage
87
As Barack Obama famously told us (only eight years ago)...
"Election's have consequences", Gail.
Deal with it.
"Election's have consequences", Gail.
Deal with it.
21
Normally Gail I enjoy your comments and get a good laugh but not this time, this whole Trump thing is just too depressing for me right now.
128
I get the feeling Kelly Ann Conway is the most important person right now!
28
Donald's patination seems to be altering. Doesn't he bring his plasterer along to interviews?
31
I give thanks to Atlas Shrugged.
15
Donald Trump is determined to adopt a new post-election identity as a blank slate.
No strong opinions about anything are the order of the day. Trump, apparently intends to make decisions based on consensus. The word “whim” comes to mind.
Trump began the post-election period with a blitzkrieg of incendiary appointments – Steve “Good Fake News” Bannon, Jeff “Separate, But Separate” Sessions, General Michael “No Muslims Ever” Flynn, and Myron “Global Norming” Ebell.
Now the president-elect is telling us to erase those appointments from our memories, along with all of the terrible things he said during the campaign.
Inconsistent? Not really. We always knew that Donald Trump held no opinion strongly except for recognizing the amazing truth about his own specialness. He is now merely telling us what fools we were to believe anything he said during the campaign.
Erase your memory. That’s an order!
No strong opinions about anything are the order of the day. Trump, apparently intends to make decisions based on consensus. The word “whim” comes to mind.
Trump began the post-election period with a blitzkrieg of incendiary appointments – Steve “Good Fake News” Bannon, Jeff “Separate, But Separate” Sessions, General Michael “No Muslims Ever” Flynn, and Myron “Global Norming” Ebell.
Now the president-elect is telling us to erase those appointments from our memories, along with all of the terrible things he said during the campaign.
Inconsistent? Not really. We always knew that Donald Trump held no opinion strongly except for recognizing the amazing truth about his own specialness. He is now merely telling us what fools we were to believe anything he said during the campaign.
Erase your memory. That’s an order!
23
This piece, and Charles Blow's, shows who the real despicable folks are. You democrats who are incapable of even pretending to have an open mind are despicable and irredeemable.
8
“a dog and a liar” with the face of a pig"
Wow.
Keep mentioning it Gail, we all need to be reminded regularly what a loathsome man he is. You can take comfort in his bigly penchant for projection.
Wow.
Keep mentioning it Gail, we all need to be reminded regularly what a loathsome man he is. You can take comfort in his bigly penchant for projection.
50
I think that wall is getting shorter.
5
From the New York Times's earlier article about Haley's appointment to the post of UN ambassador: "If confirmed, Ms. Haley would step down as governor and be replaced by the state’s lieutenant governor, Henry McMaster, who was an early and vocal supporter of Mr. Trump."
Knowing this context, it certainly looks like the supposedly moderate choice of Halley might have been an excuse to "kick her upstairs" and give McMaster the governorship. In fact, so far it seems every single one of Trump's picks has been less about experience and more about rewarding people for being loyal to him.
Combine this with his sudden willingness to flip his policy positions for the New York Times editorial board, and suddenly he's not a former unstable ideologue moderating himself for the Presidency -- he's an apolitical con man who's saying whatever his audience wants to hear so that they'll let him get away with rewarding himself and his friends.
Knowing this context, it certainly looks like the supposedly moderate choice of Halley might have been an excuse to "kick her upstairs" and give McMaster the governorship. In fact, so far it seems every single one of Trump's picks has been less about experience and more about rewarding people for being loyal to him.
Combine this with his sudden willingness to flip his policy positions for the New York Times editorial board, and suddenly he's not a former unstable ideologue moderating himself for the Presidency -- he's an apolitical con man who's saying whatever his audience wants to hear so that they'll let him get away with rewarding himself and his friends.
49
Gail on this Thanksgiving Day I am thankful you write for the NYT. You smooth off my raw edges. There is only so long one one can live in despair with the curtains closed to keep this reality at bay. Is it some cosmic joke I don't yet get? I am an older person, actually 1 year older than the Donald. And a note to him, we both look old, not the 35 year old you see in your mirror. So I ask myself what can he really do to me? Too old to need birth control or an abortion so to hell with the once helpful Planned Parenthood. I don't need a job as I am mostly retired, but have a summer job. I live near many hispanics and I am comfortable with that. But if he hauls them off, I can shrug my shoulders and say good luck, I will miss you, particularly your kids. Will I still be around when we truly feel the effects of Global Warming? Yes we are in a draught in WNC, but then I'm not a farmer. Ho Hum, the weather has been beautiful. Go ahead and drill for oil and gas on public lands, I don't plan to visit Yosemite any time soon. What he can really do to affect me is screw up my Social Security and Medicare ( Medicare is not that great, but at least it is better than nothing---physical things start breaking down when you are older. So I can live in la la land if I stop reading the Times. But of course there is the possibility he might start tossing around nuclear weapons now that he knows what triad is. That would affect me, out in a blaze of glory.
15
I guess Trump is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't, Gail. Either he changes the horrible terrifying tune he sang throughout the campaign, angering his supporters and recalling himself to be a craven liar who will say anything to get attention and win OR he will reveal himself as true to the demagogic self on display throughout the campaign and only mouthing platitudes now to promote the "oh maybe he's really bit that bad" storyline as he guts the social safety net, first amendment rights for a free press, and enriches his family off the presidency. Oh who am I kidding, we may be fanned whatever he does. Please just don't fall for his lines, Gail.
12
Sorry Gail, I'm sticking with Charles Blow's approach: just because Trump chooses to forget some of the loathsome things he's said and done doesn't mean that I have to forget, too.
Glad you rechecked what he said about you. Remember that.
On a more cheerful note, Dr. Jill Stein has raised the initial funds necessary to order a recount in three swing states. It's amazing how much that information brightened my day.
Glad you rechecked what he said about you. Remember that.
On a more cheerful note, Dr. Jill Stein has raised the initial funds necessary to order a recount in three swing states. It's amazing how much that information brightened my day.
71
On this Thanksgiving Day, 2016, I reach out to U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Charles Blow, and Gail Collins and ask why "can't we just get along?"
8
In reading the transcript of the interview with Mr. Trump, I noticed that he singled out two columnists: Maureen Dowd and Gail Collins. After imploring that the NYT "call him" if there's information that proves him wrong, because he'd "love to hear it" he continued, in his unique rambling style:
"The only one who can’t call me is Maureen. She treats me too rough. I don’t know what happened to Maureen! She was so good. Gail. For years she was so good."
Douthat, Brooks, Friedman, Bruni - none of theses columnists were supported his candidacy, but if Trump mentioned them as irredeemable, I missed it. In fact, he told Frank Bruni that he would "get you to write some good stuff about me.")
While it's apparent that the PEOTUS has quite a thin-skin, it appears to be even thinner when the critiques are from women. Some of his supporters argued that he treated Sec. Clinton exactly the same as he did his GOP opponents, but I always sensed Trump was more incensed that a woman dare challenge him. How dare a woman not appreciate his...intellect? virility? power?
During the campaign, Mr. Trump argued that no one had more respect for women than he and as evidence, he'd mention how often he had hired women. Now he's busy appointing a few women to his cabinet - even women that had the temerity to disagree with him, like Gov. Haley. (Apparently she's sufficiently reformed.)
Thank you, Gail, for not being conned, too.
"The only one who can’t call me is Maureen. She treats me too rough. I don’t know what happened to Maureen! She was so good. Gail. For years she was so good."
Douthat, Brooks, Friedman, Bruni - none of theses columnists were supported his candidacy, but if Trump mentioned them as irredeemable, I missed it. In fact, he told Frank Bruni that he would "get you to write some good stuff about me.")
While it's apparent that the PEOTUS has quite a thin-skin, it appears to be even thinner when the critiques are from women. Some of his supporters argued that he treated Sec. Clinton exactly the same as he did his GOP opponents, but I always sensed Trump was more incensed that a woman dare challenge him. How dare a woman not appreciate his...intellect? virility? power?
During the campaign, Mr. Trump argued that no one had more respect for women than he and as evidence, he'd mention how often he had hired women. Now he's busy appointing a few women to his cabinet - even women that had the temerity to disagree with him, like Gov. Haley. (Apparently she's sufficiently reformed.)
Thank you, Gail, for not being conned, too.
76
Thanks, Gail, for telling me that the republicans are freaking out. i only seem to see them when they are cool as cucumbers!
6
And if Trump knows so much more than all the generals, why is he considering so many of them for key posts?
Now, what about a First Dog for Trump? Any thoughts on what breed?
Now, what about a First Dog for Trump? Any thoughts on what breed?
9
Hope to see you and that missive on Antiques Roadshow one of these days. As the appraisers always ask, "Do you have any idea what it's worth?"
9
In 2016, National Turkey Day was on November 8, not November 24.
70
Thanks for putting a smile on my face this Thanksgiving morning, Gail. I'm imagining "Great Wence" signs along the border. He seemed to be turning a corner at the meeting with the NYT staff, hope he doesn't blow it with an embarrassing Tweet.
9
This is the wonderful Gail Collins and even she is mustering an attempt to normalize Trump — yes with dry humor and yes of course she brings up many negatives, but still normalizing. Sad!
50
Crucial to have the corrected quote, Gail. Face of a pig, just the essence of a lying' dog. But what would that "something really, really terrible" have to be? Stoking hatred of one of the world's major faith traditions? Even thinking for a moment about Giuliani as secretary of state? I'm just wondering what "really, really" will need to look like, given the new normal.
Glad you got the quote right, because you really, really will have to use it. Anytime now.
Glad you got the quote right, because you really, really will have to use it. Anytime now.
30
As I read the NYTTimes during this long and brutal election, I thought no one could possibly vote for Trump. Article after article documenting who this man really is. Then I realized the vast number of people who voted for Trump don't read the NYTimes, and apparently few of the many newspapers that did not endorse me. Great OpEd, as well as charles Blow's. Unfortunately you are preaching to the converted. We got the anti-Obama and the anti-Clinton and all that says about who voted for this man. Thanks Republican Party for bringing this upon us. You won and America lost. I don't really feel like Thanksgiving.
29
Trump is moving to the Center---the Center for Disease Control.
10
Thanks for the much needed wit! It may not give me an appetite for any thanksgiving celebration, but it may help keep the bile down!
9
Too late! First impressions matter, and Trump's damage as a role model for the younger generation has been done.
We are in MA for Thanksgiving. When the adults asked the kids what they thought about our new president, we heard a chorus of kid remarks--yuck, oooh, stinks, sounds of throwing up, etc.
They told us most kids at school did not like Trump, but some of the ones who did were obnoxious. A 14 year old granddaughter added.that some of the middle school boys who liked Trump would walk by some of the younger kids in elementary school and tell them Trump was going to deport them. They bragged they made some of them cry. She said no one likes these jerks, but the don't care what anyone thinks.
Welcome to Trumpland kids!!
We are in MA for Thanksgiving. When the adults asked the kids what they thought about our new president, we heard a chorus of kid remarks--yuck, oooh, stinks, sounds of throwing up, etc.
They told us most kids at school did not like Trump, but some of the ones who did were obnoxious. A 14 year old granddaughter added.that some of the middle school boys who liked Trump would walk by some of the younger kids in elementary school and tell them Trump was going to deport them. They bragged they made some of them cry. She said no one likes these jerks, but the don't care what anyone thinks.
Welcome to Trumpland kids!!
43
"The Great Wence."
Thank you, Ms. Collins, for making this Thanksgiving bearable! I am still laughing and believe I will refer to The Donald as The Great Wence from now on, even though your originally referenced "Wence" bordered Mexico.
President-elect Great Wence! Hilarious...with or without the requisite cyclone!!
Thank you, Ms. Collins, for making this Thanksgiving bearable! I am still laughing and believe I will refer to The Donald as The Great Wence from now on, even though your originally referenced "Wence" bordered Mexico.
President-elect Great Wence! Hilarious...with or without the requisite cyclone!!
9
Living with Trump is the closest I've come to being in an abusive relationship. First he degrades you, then when he's totally dominated you, and sees you whimpering, he softens and lets you think that maybe things will be different. Until the next time—which is around the corner. Show him no kindness and no mercy. Everyone should be working around the clock to get him out of office.
70
I hate him. I've never felt so strongly about a president-elect in my entire life. And I'm nauseous over the fact that so many of my fellow Americans got taken in by this con boy. If you want to give him a chance Gail, well you're a better person than I am.
BTW, thank you for posting that photo of him in the meeting. He looks horrid. That double chin and those jowls are just pouring over that collar like Velveeta over a bad meatloaf. Yech!
BTW, thank you for posting that photo of him in the meeting. He looks horrid. That double chin and those jowls are just pouring over that collar like Velveeta over a bad meatloaf. Yech!
70
Thanks gail, I am thankful to have started my day off with a robust laugh. So, off we go . . .
7
America survived Reagan, so maybe there's hope.
http://www.salon.com/2015/12/27/behind_the_ronald_reagan_myth_no_one_had...
http://www.salon.com/2015/12/27/behind_the_ronald_reagan_myth_no_one_had...
6
We should look to the comity and commitment of governing excellence from such noteworthy exemplars as Mitch McConnell and John Boehner when President Obama first acceded to the Oval Office in 2009. Can anyone say that "our primary goal is to make Donald Trump a one-term president."
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
26
Thanks much Gail for the good humor while I prepare my murdered turkey. Hopefully we will all make it to NEXT Thanksgiving and still have a sense of humor intact.
17
My take will be short and bitter: never forget, never forgive. The Republican Party, collectively, has chosen Benedict Arnold over Abraham Lincoln. Trump is an all American grifter, the epitome of this country's no-so-hidden worst impulses and delusions. No matter what happens next, Amerika has revealed its overly Neo-Nazi leanings. If ithere must be another internal war, let it be.
45
When you put fat into a hot skillet, the fat melts. Sometimes, it enhances the ingredients, but if you put the wrong mix together, you get an oily, unpalatable mixture of waste. Considering Trump's appointments. I really think the second scenario is the best. Paying off his billionaire and political friends with jobs is going to result in a lot of waste. Let's see how long it takes before the fight is on. Though gleaning through the news, it may have already begun. Take an Alka Seltzer Paul Ryan. Take an Alka Seltzer.
7
Just dawned on me Gail that it is Thanksgiving on your side of the ocean! Enjoy, all of you!
So just random thoughts today, no essays.
Your best line of many good ones starts wtih: "Given that Haley appeared to be a finalist for secretary of state..." and ends with "the UN seems eminently sensible" Wonder if she knows what Aleppo is but less important to know that at the UN than as S of S.
As for climate I am beginning to think that many NYT commenters who write that they are concerned maybe are not all that concerned. They seem to show no interest in 15 Nordic solutions to dealing with climate change (15 already-in-use technologies) but I do understand that many find recommendations from this part of the world trying and if they come from Swedes almost insufferable. That based on a recent replier calling me a monomaniac.
So today, I will give thanks that here in Sweden there is no "Trump" and not even a Marine Le Pen!
Have a good one everyone!
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
So just random thoughts today, no essays.
Your best line of many good ones starts wtih: "Given that Haley appeared to be a finalist for secretary of state..." and ends with "the UN seems eminently sensible" Wonder if she knows what Aleppo is but less important to know that at the UN than as S of S.
As for climate I am beginning to think that many NYT commenters who write that they are concerned maybe are not all that concerned. They seem to show no interest in 15 Nordic solutions to dealing with climate change (15 already-in-use technologies) but I do understand that many find recommendations from this part of the world trying and if they come from Swedes almost insufferable. That based on a recent replier calling me a monomaniac.
So today, I will give thanks that here in Sweden there is no "Trump" and not even a Marine Le Pen!
Have a good one everyone!
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
30
Oh, he will be torturing turkeys at Thanksgiving all right. That would be all of us who thought he never had a chance.
27
No problem here, all 17 members of my family, gathering for Thanksgiving, know that Trump is a user and taker and a lowlife!
42
Rockefeller ordered the massacre in Attica. So there is nothing to comforting if that is who Trump,at best, winds up being like.
10
Next year the dementor-in-chief will start the annual televised turkey head chopping.
10
Just came from the column of the guy with principles who didn't go to the meeting. Just read the 800 reader responses -- 99.6% of them applauding like mad. I wanted to applaud, too, but the NYT had already closed the comment section. Strange, but anyway. What I'm getting at through the back door is that one of the readers said something that stuck, and your last paragraph about Thanksgiving seemed to cry out for the quote, and the only reason I mention it is that it's pretty clever and I didn't want anyone to think I was taking credit:
Question is, will the turkey ever pardon Trump?
Question is, will the turkey ever pardon Trump?
31
This brings up the historically astute comment: "The press takes him literally but not seriously; his supporters take him seriously but not literally."
I have two questions, each with several parts:
1) Will the Senate approve some rather bizarre appointments? Ms DeVos has a Bachelor's degree in business from a small christian college in Grand Rapids. Is this the perfect background for Secretary of Education? From there she went immediately to being a permanent full time Republican political operative... the "charities" she supposedly works for are all tax-exempt Republican campaign operations.
2) How could you get Mr. Trump's note to you so wrong? You are an experienced reporter. Which would you consider more insulting (if either)... to be said to look like a dog or look like a pig?
Dan Kravitz
I have two questions, each with several parts:
1) Will the Senate approve some rather bizarre appointments? Ms DeVos has a Bachelor's degree in business from a small christian college in Grand Rapids. Is this the perfect background for Secretary of Education? From there she went immediately to being a permanent full time Republican political operative... the "charities" she supposedly works for are all tax-exempt Republican campaign operations.
2) How could you get Mr. Trump's note to you so wrong? You are an experienced reporter. Which would you consider more insulting (if either)... to be said to look like a dog or look like a pig?
Dan Kravitz
17
As Look Ahead commented in an earlier post today, which Trump shows up depends on the audience.
The same was true of Adolf Hitler, as my old professor Gilbert Highet pointed out in a talk at Columbia (which is also Obama's alma mater). When the Great Depression hit Germany, Adolf's talks were all about jobs. The extermination of Jews was never mentioned. Hitler's vote share went from 4% to 43%. Despite having a minority of the popular vote, Hitler was made Chancellor in 1933.
He actually did have a jobs program, the Autobahns, which did spare Germany the worst of the Depression. The populace was so grateful that they did not object when he led them to mass suicide by invading Russia. Hitler was beaten by the end of 1942, at the cost of 20 million Russian and 10 million German deaths. Italy was make-work for US and UK troops, and D-Day was a side show. (There is a sarcastic reference to this in a Beatles song -- it ain't just my opinion.)
BUT Hitler secretly carried out his plan to murder all Jews, Poles and Ukrainians. He killed a million of each within the first year after invading Poland (the Holocaust by Bullets and Starvation, described in Yale professor Tim Snyder's books Bloodlands and Black Earth). Snyder also reports on Russian subversion of western elections.
Trump's secret agenda almost certainly focused on diverting millions to his own bank account. Watch Comedy Party Platform on YouTube (2 min 9 sec). Thanks. [email protected]
The same was true of Adolf Hitler, as my old professor Gilbert Highet pointed out in a talk at Columbia (which is also Obama's alma mater). When the Great Depression hit Germany, Adolf's talks were all about jobs. The extermination of Jews was never mentioned. Hitler's vote share went from 4% to 43%. Despite having a minority of the popular vote, Hitler was made Chancellor in 1933.
He actually did have a jobs program, the Autobahns, which did spare Germany the worst of the Depression. The populace was so grateful that they did not object when he led them to mass suicide by invading Russia. Hitler was beaten by the end of 1942, at the cost of 20 million Russian and 10 million German deaths. Italy was make-work for US and UK troops, and D-Day was a side show. (There is a sarcastic reference to this in a Beatles song -- it ain't just my opinion.)
BUT Hitler secretly carried out his plan to murder all Jews, Poles and Ukrainians. He killed a million of each within the first year after invading Poland (the Holocaust by Bullets and Starvation, described in Yale professor Tim Snyder's books Bloodlands and Black Earth). Snyder also reports on Russian subversion of western elections.
Trump's secret agenda almost certainly focused on diverting millions to his own bank account. Watch Comedy Party Platform on YouTube (2 min 9 sec). Thanks. [email protected]
28
Reading the transcript of Our Glory-ish Leader at the Times, all I could hear was Alec Baldwin reading it verbatim. High comedy in a terrifying way. The repetition was most disturbing to me, but I'm pre-disturbed when Trump is the topic, so maybe I'm not seeing things clearly. If I am... eeeek!
26
"Next year at this time, we’ll be watching President Trump pardon the Thanksgiving turkeys."
Hopefully next year we'll be watching Turkey #2 deciding whether or not to pardon Turkey #1.
Hopefully next year we'll be watching Turkey #2 deciding whether or not to pardon Turkey #1.
38
I'm bracing for the oncoming White House concerts. Has Scott Baio become musical? How many evenings can we listen to Ted Nugent?
16
Thank you. We should all remember that no matter how much he improves in the future (It could happen!) he did in fact truly send you that awful note. His words to you and to all of us in the past define who he is. I cannot imagine what it would take for him to redeem himself to the people of the world.
40
trump has lowered the bar so low that not seeming as if he's rabid scores him points. as for haley....the usa is the only western democracy that gives cred for foreign policy experience when a politician just shows up in another country.
33
"Cigarettes, beer and even some cake! Mr. Trump, Mr. Mattis, that's such a nice surprise! So, what do you want to hear?
Yes, you are excellence personified. Dazzling minds, dazzling bodies. You are the great great guys making America you know it again. You're the best there ever was. It's yuge. Never seen something like this before. You have perfected the Art of the Very Good Brain bereft and Theft Statesmanship Rig Deal. A miracle to behold. Eagles of telling it like it is with the wings and the faces of angels. Tens. Male 10s. A female 10 at your side, Mr. Trump. Among the trophy spoils of the war you waged and won - always winning and spinning the winning! - I see that shining Nobel Peace Prize. You deserved it, Mr. Trump. Someone who delivers olive branches across the aisle like a Republican FBI director and a meek deference of mounting an effective bully pulpit against obstructionist Congress and other "players" can't win the war and the prizes that come with it. It's only fair and you are being very fair. Why don't they do Very Good Noble Brain and Nobel Stamina Prizes in Oslo? Too bad. More cake, you're too kind!"
"Now that his riches look safe, other holy tasks wink and wave" I wished had been the 4th sentence of my other comment.
That comment got a lot of recommendations, due in part to its early entry. First time in my life I received some undeniably acclaiming group recognition. Thanks for the flowers. A deflowerment at the age of 53!
Johannes van der Sluijs
Yes, you are excellence personified. Dazzling minds, dazzling bodies. You are the great great guys making America you know it again. You're the best there ever was. It's yuge. Never seen something like this before. You have perfected the Art of the Very Good Brain bereft and Theft Statesmanship Rig Deal. A miracle to behold. Eagles of telling it like it is with the wings and the faces of angels. Tens. Male 10s. A female 10 at your side, Mr. Trump. Among the trophy spoils of the war you waged and won - always winning and spinning the winning! - I see that shining Nobel Peace Prize. You deserved it, Mr. Trump. Someone who delivers olive branches across the aisle like a Republican FBI director and a meek deference of mounting an effective bully pulpit against obstructionist Congress and other "players" can't win the war and the prizes that come with it. It's only fair and you are being very fair. Why don't they do Very Good Noble Brain and Nobel Stamina Prizes in Oslo? Too bad. More cake, you're too kind!"
"Now that his riches look safe, other holy tasks wink and wave" I wished had been the 4th sentence of my other comment.
That comment got a lot of recommendations, due in part to its early entry. First time in my life I received some undeniably acclaiming group recognition. Thanks for the flowers. A deflowerment at the age of 53!
Johannes van der Sluijs
13
Dearest Gail, Please consider framing the letter. You hold a relatively early example of the over-the-top insults that are hurled from our soon to be commander-in-chief. It would've been better if it had been tweeted but you should enjoy what you have.
Thank you for your service. I wish that you could have been funnier this year. Maybe you were that funny and I just wasn't in the right mood. Still not so much. I am hopeful that my sense of humor returns and I will be able to enjoy your future observations on - oh my God - the next leader of the free world.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. May we all spend the day counting the blessings that we have while we have them.
Thank you for your service. I wish that you could have been funnier this year. Maybe you were that funny and I just wasn't in the right mood. Still not so much. I am hopeful that my sense of humor returns and I will be able to enjoy your future observations on - oh my God - the next leader of the free world.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. May we all spend the day counting the blessings that we have while we have them.
56
Gail, if you use salt water when water boarding a turkey, it makes them more tender and a wenced enclosure keeps them from running off.
58
Thank you, Ms. Collins, for your droll wit and trenchant observations. They are indeed much to be grateful for at the present time!
I must ask though: where, oh where, is Dr. Eisenberg? Reading your wonderful prose without his verses is tantamount to eating turkey today without gravy.
Hoping that he is well and wishing you and him and your families all the very best at this Holiday Season.
Warm regards,
Tim Webster
I must ask though: where, oh where, is Dr. Eisenberg? Reading your wonderful prose without his verses is tantamount to eating turkey today without gravy.
Hoping that he is well and wishing you and him and your families all the very best at this Holiday Season.
Warm regards,
Tim Webster
27
After reading your column and Charles Blows's, my overwhelming urge is to open the Thanksgiving wine immediately. I'm counting the days down to what will surely be a one-term disaster of a presidency. Everyone, take a break from politics at the dinner table today and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
102
The rumors of Mr.Trump's sanity have been greatly exaggerated.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I am grateful for Gail Collins. Thanks for making me smile.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I am grateful for Gail Collins. Thanks for making me smile.
19
In contemplating Mr. Trump, I wonder: Is he more offensive or more incompetent?
Then I realize I can have both!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Then I realize I can have both!
Happy Thanksgiving.
28
He is who he is. Mr Trump's campaign was angry, mean and terribly disrespectful. He speech and behavior was intentional. I believe we see him now being fairly polite and respectful after winning. He will resort to his old angry, mean and disrespectful self by Valentine's
18
Sooo cannot wait for the State of the Union address.
4
All in all I found the transcript of the NYT interview with Trump rather disappointing. For instance, this, about waterboarding: he says he's reconsidered his position, but then he says, “If it’s so important to the American people, I would go for it.” And we call this "moderation"? When in fact he's essentially saying he's still for torture if the majority of people want there to be torture?
No one calls him out on this. You still have a president-elect who is not guided by the constitution, nor by any notion of human rights, or, at a more practical level, by any thought of what this position might mean for our soldiers should they be taken prisoner by someone who chooses to operate along the same lines.
The bar has fallen so low with Trump that he can only step over it.
If the NYT is aiming to be the voice of the opposition for the next four years, you're going to have to lift the bar up yourself and hold him to it, which is to say that you're going to have to do better than you did this week. Next time Trump says "Gee, I really don't want to hurt the Clintons," how about you explain to him how beyond the pale of our political culture it was for him to even make the suggestion that she ought to be prosecuted in the first place? Ask him why he thought that was permissible?
It's pretty clear he will say anything to please an audience. Your job is to avoid the temptation to be pleased.
No one calls him out on this. You still have a president-elect who is not guided by the constitution, nor by any notion of human rights, or, at a more practical level, by any thought of what this position might mean for our soldiers should they be taken prisoner by someone who chooses to operate along the same lines.
The bar has fallen so low with Trump that he can only step over it.
If the NYT is aiming to be the voice of the opposition for the next four years, you're going to have to lift the bar up yourself and hold him to it, which is to say that you're going to have to do better than you did this week. Next time Trump says "Gee, I really don't want to hurt the Clintons," how about you explain to him how beyond the pale of our political culture it was for him to even make the suggestion that she ought to be prosecuted in the first place? Ask him why he thought that was permissible?
It's pretty clear he will say anything to please an audience. Your job is to avoid the temptation to be pleased.
34
Whether Trump is crazy is an almost moot point. He is a mean-spirited individual who has shown no real concern about other people, only negativity. That might be worse than crazy.
34
"A thousandaire..." I love it, and once again Donald proves he has a skin like tissue paper and the speaking style of a 12 year old. He lets no insult go ignored, and that bodes ill.
25
Trump won't pardon the turkeys. "They're foreigners and they're too fat. Maybe a 4? Off with their heads."
19
Actually, we haven’t had a mind so open in the White House since JFK.
4
Kellyanne Conway would say of Trump calling Gail a pig: "Yes, Mr. Trump did comment on Ms. Collins' appearance. But no one respects women more than Mr. Trump. Mr. Trump was simply pointing out that Ms Collins needs to pay greater attention to her hair style. Not blond enough."
The fact Nikki Haley has no foreign policy experience is exactly the point. In eight years she'll be on-deck, ready to become our first woman president.
The fact Nikki Haley has no foreign policy experience is exactly the point. In eight years she'll be on-deck, ready to become our first woman president.
11
What am I grateful for this Thanksgiving I ask myself. Well the comment section here at the NYT is one that immediately comes to mind. Many Nom de Plumes here have I looked forward to reading with as much enjoyment as the articles in question. So to you all I give thanks and wish you and yours a peaceful Thanksgiving. I myself will be celebrating with like minded family (all are wearing safety pins!) and for that I also give much thanks!
48
President-elect Donald J Trump,
Into the swamp has put his sump-pump.
All crud at the bottom is now at the top,
The elephant's in charge of the china shop.
His electorate's been played like a chump.
Into the swamp has put his sump-pump.
All crud at the bottom is now at the top,
The elephant's in charge of the china shop.
His electorate's been played like a chump.
44
A majority of us did not fall for the con job offered then, and we refuse to do so now. This creature said one thing yesterday, the opposite today, and who knows what tomorrow. Constant vigilance and vociferous pushback are needed, now.
59
Sometimes the sanest reaction to an insane situation...is Insanity. We have, somehow, "Elected" a Personage who, in free-floating style, Lied his way through months of a Fact-Finding public Campaign, boasted of being the "Grover-in-Chief", professed absolute personal Purity, withheld the Usual
Pretender-to-the-Presidency financial disclosures, gave us a chronic portrayal of a "sociopathic" presence. Then, without Pause, this paragon of Perfection, in his wonderment, has been cast onto a stage of Normalization. For now, I will remain in the company of Collins' Cynicism
and Blow's Criticism. If this is the President of the United States, a Diagnosis....is in Order.
Pretender-to-the-Presidency financial disclosures, gave us a chronic portrayal of a "sociopathic" presence. Then, without Pause, this paragon of Perfection, in his wonderment, has been cast onto a stage of Normalization. For now, I will remain in the company of Collins' Cynicism
and Blow's Criticism. If this is the President of the United States, a Diagnosis....is in Order.
27
Thanks to Ms. Collins for introducoing a little humor into my Thanksgiving celebration.
12
Republican majorities in both houses of Congress aside, Trump will be impeached within 2 years.
22
Gail Collins is funny in the way that Maureen Dowd tries to be...and isn't ever anymore!
There's a way around the Supreme Court mess: Unlike previous years, the Senate will be forced to go into REAL recess and actually adjourn on 16 December as the 114th Congress concludes and the 115th commences. In that gap President Obama can make an unassailable recess appointment to the Supreme Court that will stand until the next Senate session ends. So for a year, when lots of important decisions come up, Obama's recess appointment will be the 5th vote. Those decisions may stand for a very long time, too!
But until the Presidential election ACTUALLY happens in December, when the Electoral College votes, President Obama cannot act.
There's a way around the Supreme Court mess: Unlike previous years, the Senate will be forced to go into REAL recess and actually adjourn on 16 December as the 114th Congress concludes and the 115th commences. In that gap President Obama can make an unassailable recess appointment to the Supreme Court that will stand until the next Senate session ends. So for a year, when lots of important decisions come up, Obama's recess appointment will be the 5th vote. Those decisions may stand for a very long time, too!
But until the Presidential election ACTUALLY happens in December, when the Electoral College votes, President Obama cannot act.
31
One must consider the source when reading this article
5
Have you ever wondered why Election day is in November? Whilst not the definitive answer, one reason I've come up with is quite simple, "because it's in the same month as Thanksgiving." You might ask, "well, how do those two relate?" Again, simple. It means we get to vote for the turkey of our choice! This year, we got ourselves a lulu!
3
While I always appreciate Gail's humor, or in this case laughing in the face of terror, I have to remind myself and us all that DJT organized and led a political riot and those are not easily managed or led. Worse, they have consequences the linger far after the event as scores have to be settled, prices paid, and policy untangled. DJT clearly has no friends, not does he deserve any. As a card carrying narcissist, and thin skinned ranter he wouldn't be much at most dinner tables, and he'd always be selling you a hotel room. The shame he will bring on America for his tawdry behavior will be long lasting and painful. Again, the wreckage of this will be long lasting. We can already see people adjusting to this new tornado saying in many ways "it can't be that bad". It can and will be that bad.
18
I think we're long overdue for a complete psychiatric workup on Donald Trump: His desperate need for money and approval? Daddy was distant and intolerant. His obsession with women's' breasts? Mommy was even more distant. His compulsion to lie, cheat and steal? Military school.
Get him out of the White House and into therapy, where he belongs.
Get him out of the White House and into therapy, where he belongs.
17
Rather than comment on the prospects for Mr. Trump's presidency, or the content of his interview with the Times, I would like to comment on Ms. Collins' writing today. What a superb column: witty, wry, sly, and with a tone perfectly matched to the day. It reminds me of some of the reasons I am thankful for this newspaper. There will be other days for other kinds of columns.
10
Well I'm extremely sympathetic to Charles Blow but I'm thankful the resistance won't in fact be armed. Hopefully...
At least he's tacking to the center. I guess nobody told him he was supposed to do that for the general...
At least he's tacking to the center. I guess nobody told him he was supposed to do that for the general...
1
Gail,
No need for an olive branch. You may have read your colleagues Charles Blow fine essay--the president-elect doesn't deserve such grace.
You are a fine person and a beautiful woman. I'm sorry you had to endure such insults from one of the most horrible and hateful human beings on earth. I guess you can take comfort in the fact that he insults almost every decent person who crosses his path. You are in excellent company.
Keep up the good work!
No need for an olive branch. You may have read your colleagues Charles Blow fine essay--the president-elect doesn't deserve such grace.
You are a fine person and a beautiful woman. I'm sorry you had to endure such insults from one of the most horrible and hateful human beings on earth. I guess you can take comfort in the fact that he insults almost every decent person who crosses his path. You are in excellent company.
Keep up the good work!
23
This morning I am thankful that, so far, there has been no talk from the next administration of 21st century versions of the Alien and Sedition Acts.
I am also thankful for another year of your columns.
Happy Thanksgiving Ms Collin.
I am also thankful for another year of your columns.
Happy Thanksgiving Ms Collin.
8
Trump met with the NYT because of the headlines calling attenttion to his actions as president elect that are going to turn his presidency into one rivaling a banana republic. He knows that the NYT leads in investigative reporting and he can't dimiss these articles by being nasty and demeaning the press. So, he decided to turn on the snake charm oil and play nice. Tell his audience what he thinks they want to hear. The problem is that he can't hide from the Constitution, and his conflicts will catch up with hm.
Thank you NYT for the great work and don't believe a word he says.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/21/us/politics/donald-trump-conflict-of-i...
Thank you NYT for the great work and don't believe a word he says.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/21/us/politics/donald-trump-conflict-of-i...
15
Another journalist (well, kind of) throws a softball piece at Trump. No mentioin of: his outrageous, libelous lying, defamation of Hillary Clinton, no mention of Trump's serial, disgusting behavior with women, no mention of his serial non-payment of monies to those he contracted with to help make him his millions, his duping those "low information" types that voted for him (they really believe he's going to bring back jobs where they'll be making $50-60,000 to start-it won't, can't happen, automation took care of that, with millions of others from that golden era Trump promised to get back being simply outmoded.) Gail, you need to read the red-meat piece by Mr. Charles Blow and 'get it'. Leave the cool, snarky stuff to the masters like The Onion and the plethora of talk show hosts the Millennials get much of their news from (I kid you not).
8
Dear Gail, you are indeed a good sport, better person than I for sure. What is amazing is that with all your dog jokes about Mittens car adventures I could never imagine him spouting the obscenities Rump did.
On the other hand, I can't imagine any reader here to demand you produce proof of Rump's note to you. We have no doubt what you say is true. All one has to do is look at that orange-faced engineering marvel-coiffed monstrosity to know it is the truth of which you speak.
Rump is a bully, a man-child who can never apologize, never admit he messed up something which we can guarantee he will do royally as sure as the sun rises in the East. And when he does, we will show no mercy, grant him no quarter. His failure as a human makes him a Loser no matter what fortune or fame he acquires. A homeless man sleeping on the subway grates outside Rump Tower has more integrity and honor than the ogre who resides in the penthouse. Rump will never have our respect, only our wrath and disgust. For that will never cease long after he departs this earth.
DD
Manhattan
On the other hand, I can't imagine any reader here to demand you produce proof of Rump's note to you. We have no doubt what you say is true. All one has to do is look at that orange-faced engineering marvel-coiffed monstrosity to know it is the truth of which you speak.
Rump is a bully, a man-child who can never apologize, never admit he messed up something which we can guarantee he will do royally as sure as the sun rises in the East. And when he does, we will show no mercy, grant him no quarter. His failure as a human makes him a Loser no matter what fortune or fame he acquires. A homeless man sleeping on the subway grates outside Rump Tower has more integrity and honor than the ogre who resides in the penthouse. Rump will never have our respect, only our wrath and disgust. For that will never cease long after he departs this earth.
DD
Manhattan
27
The world as viewed from the Upper West Side.
Thankfully, there are other views and there are more of them.
Thankfully, there are other views and there are more of them.
2
I'm curious. Is there a difference between an open mind and an empty head?
12
Gail, I love you, and I never think you are wrong. But Trump is crazy, and it is dangerous not to think so.
A personality so craven, cruel and vacuous, so prone to statements that defy logical reconciliation, is not governed by the reality most of us occupy. He is an apparently empty, pliant vessel, whose actions are driven by his own desperate needs, and the words of encouragement whispered to him by his nefarious advisors. He doesn't make sense.
He is indeed crazy.
A personality so craven, cruel and vacuous, so prone to statements that defy logical reconciliation, is not governed by the reality most of us occupy. He is an apparently empty, pliant vessel, whose actions are driven by his own desperate needs, and the words of encouragement whispered to him by his nefarious advisors. He doesn't make sense.
He is indeed crazy.
35
Well, it seems that the NYT - and most of the people commenting here - still haven't figured out why and how Hillary Clinton lost the election. And rather than learn that lesson, they are continuing to make the same mistakes which cost them the election. I'd explain it to you, but you are too sure of your own brilliance to understand simple common sense realities.
3
Presidential elections are like golf.
Lowest scorer wins.
Lowest scorer wins.
7
Look at the bright side. This is the first time since Woodrow Wilson that we've had a president who was the head of a university!
25
Gail, You are wrong to be reporting Trump's "olive branch" efforts as anything other then continued posturing. We are so glad that the Times published the entire transcript which showed us just who he is and we don't to rely on your sanitized report. Whether he has horrible intentions or is just an uninformed narcissist with exceptional media skills, he is a dangerous person surrounded by dangerous people. We cannot wait and see. They are organizing and so should we.
26
Today I'm thankful for Gail Collins, whose column always cheers me up, even when I'm a bit down that, y'know, an orange-toupeed reincarnation of Nero is suddenly president.
25
Gee, after appointing old white men to some of the most important positions in the Cabinet and White House, he appoints women to two of the least significant and makes clear that a black man will be appointed to another. Now he has the diversity he needs to keep the "lugenpresse" at bay while he goes back to appointing white guys to the important jobs (State, Defense, Treasury). And what great choices! A UN Ambassador with no foreign policy experience (who needs it when you don't care about the UN anyway?), an Education Secretary who doesn't believe in public schools, and an expected Housing Secretary whose only qualification is that he grew up in an impoverished inner city. Bannon and Duke must be howling with laughter over today's "diversity" headline.
Don't be fooled by his genial interview with you guys. Read the transcript closely. He spent the first few minutes in a soliloquy about his electoral popularity - his customary narcissistic rant. It's nice to condemn and disavow racists but doing so only when you are forced to by interviewers' questions isn't very comforting. And the first time he did it was a quick comment followed by a longer weird pout about how he was booed years ago. There was virtually no policy discussed in any detailed way. And someone who claims to have an open mind on so many things is clearly just trying to curry favor with his audience. He wants to be loved by The Times.
What a bad joke he is.
Don't be fooled by his genial interview with you guys. Read the transcript closely. He spent the first few minutes in a soliloquy about his electoral popularity - his customary narcissistic rant. It's nice to condemn and disavow racists but doing so only when you are forced to by interviewers' questions isn't very comforting. And the first time he did it was a quick comment followed by a longer weird pout about how he was booed years ago. There was virtually no policy discussed in any detailed way. And someone who claims to have an open mind on so many things is clearly just trying to curry favor with his audience. He wants to be loved by The Times.
What a bad joke he is.
27
I just hope we get Mitt as Secretary of State. For sure we will hear about the dog on the roof. I miss that.
7
He will not pardon the Turkey but sale it. Business, Trump will assure us, must go on.
3
Since he spins like a weather vane in a tornado, we may get a different Trump next week.
4
I keep wishing that Trump had treated a pet poorly, or spoke of how disgusting they are. (Maybe he could say he had a dog with the face of a journalist.) That appears to be the only egregious line a politician cannot cross. Say what you want about people, but never strap a dog to the car roof.
So, I look at the turkey this year and think of ostriches. Keeping my head buried seems a sane way of coping.
And for Thanksgiving I am not going to think about what happens when all the turkeys come home to roost.
So, I look at the turkey this year and think of ostriches. Keeping my head buried seems a sane way of coping.
And for Thanksgiving I am not going to think about what happens when all the turkeys come home to roost.
6
Please please. Continue to write the truth. We deserve nothing more. He is not normal and for people to wish/want this man to be normal will be very disappointed
14
Thank you, Gail, for that opening paragraph. Made me laugh for the first time in a few days.
I'm picturing Trump reading this over breakfast. I've already re-subscribed to his twitter feed to hear him roar ineffectually and decidedly un-Presidentially.
I'm picturing Trump reading this over breakfast. I've already re-subscribed to his twitter feed to hear him roar ineffectually and decidedly un-Presidentially.
6
The truth will out. Chris told us he moved the cones, and the lying dog with the face of a pig told us the election was rigged.
3
There is no reset. America did not vote for him, since he did not win the popular vote. America didn't want him, but we're stuck with him. Do not make excuses for him, Gail, or normalize him or feel content to poke fun at his excesses, lies and hair. There is work to be done. Go do it.
15
I'm "mad as hell and I can't take it anymore!" I am a "nasty woman" who voted and I cannot be cured.
27
at the rate he's going by next thanksgiving trump will no longer be president
10
"This is one thing you can count on. We haven’t had a mind so open in the White House since Warren Harding." We can also count on the fact that Trump doesn't even know who Harding is, much less get the joke.
A dog and a liar with the face of a pig. Another instance of Trump's tendency to project his own failings onto someone else.
A dog and a liar with the face of a pig. Another instance of Trump's tendency to project his own failings onto someone else.
20
Yes, Gail, he has an open mind, very open, indeed as far as I can tell empty.
18
The Trump team offered to sell me a Christmas ornament for only $149. Trump wants to make my tree great again!
15
If only we could get a "Rockefeller Republican", the majority of voters this year who also happened to vote for Hillary Clinton would take that kind of president in a New York second.
But this is only Thanksgiving 2016. He hasn't taken office yet. A side dish of vigilance is called for until we can figure out how he will govern.
But this is only Thanksgiving 2016. He hasn't taken office yet. A side dish of vigilance is called for until we can figure out how he will govern.
2
Okay, Trump's not crazy. But he has the emotional maturity of a third-grader, and the moral development of a kindergartner. And we've just made him the most powerful man in the world.
God help us all.
God help us all.
13
Isn't Trump making some lovely choices for his cabinet positions. Of course they'll lead us in wonderful ways even though most of them have no experience or qualifications for their leadership roles.
Can't wait for him to announce his pick for Surgeon General. Skuttlebut on the street has it that since he strongly supported Tee Rump, Charles Manson is the leading contender. And for Treasury Secretary, it appears that Bernie Madoff is favored.
Merry Thanksgiving America. Enjoy it while you can.
Can't wait for him to announce his pick for Surgeon General. Skuttlebut on the street has it that since he strongly supported Tee Rump, Charles Manson is the leading contender. And for Treasury Secretary, it appears that Bernie Madoff is favored.
Merry Thanksgiving America. Enjoy it while you can.
2
It seems that everyone is busy analyzing what Trump is doing and will do. Me included. He is incurious, ignorant, and a liar. He believes what he believes in the moment. He is definitely being consistent. He has not changed. There is no hope for that. He's a 70 year old man. Since his younger days he has exhibited the same characteristics. He is living in the greatest 'reality' show on earth. Now he has real power, power over all our lives. He is the chaos man. It is a frightening, a frightening thing to experience. My only hope is that resistance will prevail. I recommend reading David Remnick's article in the latest New Yorker where he interviews President Obama on the election. The President gives a long term perspective, though, he may also be in denial. Time will tell, but it does not look good.
13
I'm proud to say that everyone in my family voted for Hillary; we may be an eccentric bunch, but we're not crazy! We will still avoid talking about politics today, though, because it's just too depressing.
16
Well, no matter what happens, I'm looking forward to this newspaper and other media outlets have a corrective freak-out over not having their Chosen One enter the White House for the next four years.
And thank goodness Trump never drove around with a dog on the roof of his car. That means not having to hear *that* for the next four years. Truly something to be thankful for.
And thank goodness Trump never drove around with a dog on the roof of his car. That means not having to hear *that* for the next four years. Truly something to be thankful for.
A few days ago, the Times ran an article about how to resist bad governance. The part I found most intriguing was the use of humor in parodying a government and/or its head(s). Given that, Ms. Collins might become the leader of a movement opposing Mr. Trump.
For all his braggadocio and bluster, Mr. Trump has the thinnest of hides. It was amazing to watch Mrs. Clinton, inept at virtually everything else in this awful campaign, manage to easily get under that tender skin of his in the debates. The man simply cannot bear criticism of any kind from anyone.
I offer this. Imagine a protest down Pennsylvania Avenue past the White House. It doesn't really matter what issue -there are so many!- as long as the participants don 'Trump wigs' and pin a tiny-hand 'fig leaf' to their zipper flaps.
For all his braggadocio and bluster, Mr. Trump has the thinnest of hides. It was amazing to watch Mrs. Clinton, inept at virtually everything else in this awful campaign, manage to easily get under that tender skin of his in the debates. The man simply cannot bear criticism of any kind from anyone.
I offer this. Imagine a protest down Pennsylvania Avenue past the White House. It doesn't really matter what issue -there are so many!- as long as the participants don 'Trump wigs' and pin a tiny-hand 'fig leaf' to their zipper flaps.
14
You said that you could look at it two ways. There's a third more disturbing way. Like a con artist or sociopath, he has core narcissistic value of "me," but he says whatever he thinks the particular audience wants to hear or needs to hear to accept him. As with any con artist, watch his actions, not his words.
16
I envision a horde of 'Good old Boys and Girls' in rural America, realizing they've been conned when voting for Trump. The choices weren't great either way.
3
Trump acts as if he thinks he is a king not the president of a democratic republic. I don't find much about him to be amusing.
12
On Thanksgiving there is much in the paper about Trump. On Inauguration Day will it have as much to say about a turkey?
8
At least Chauncey Gardner was a benevolent incompetent. The only way this malevolent incompetent gets through a 4 year term is by having people around him who will allow him to blow off steam (so what if the markets react?) and not actually do anything that doesn't involve highways and bridges. I never thought we would have anybody in the Oval Office that would make W look like a statesman...but here we are.
18
Only in Orwell's universe would it be considered "outreach" when Trump fails to say something antagonistic.
7
"If it’s so important to the American people, I would go for it,”
Well, actually a majority of the American voters wanted Hillary as their President.
Well, actually a majority of the American voters wanted Hillary as their President.
8
I believe many of Trump's supporters voted for him because he was NOT a politician. Sorry folks! He seems to be the ultimate politician. He makes a promise and then backs down. He says he is for one thing and then says he is no longer for it.
I am not saying all politicians lie but I am saying Trump cannot ever be trusted to say the truth. Because what ever audience he is in front of, he will tell them what he thinks they want to hear.
I am not saying all politicians lie but I am saying Trump cannot ever be trusted to say the truth. Because what ever audience he is in front of, he will tell them what he thinks they want to hear.
3
I could be wrong, but I think we need to pay attention to what he does, not to what he's saying for the time being. His comments to the NYT sounded hopeful, but he was probably doing what he does best, playing to the audience. On the other hand, we have his actions in the form of his cabinet picks. Color me very concerned
7
Trump will say anything to win. That is why he has no real position on things. For the last 6 years the GOP has frozen the government because they were more worried about their ideology than the American people. Maybe the end result of trump will be OK if you can get by the man.
1
Once again, Trump plays to his audience. He is a master of that.
Why is what he says now to the New York Times more credible that what he has been saying for the past two years on the campaign trail to the people who got him elected?
Either he is a liar and a con artist or a shallow man whose views and positions on important issues change with the wind. Whichever it is, it is hardly reassuring.
Why is what he says now to the New York Times more credible that what he has been saying for the past two years on the campaign trail to the people who got him elected?
Either he is a liar and a con artist or a shallow man whose views and positions on important issues change with the wind. Whichever it is, it is hardly reassuring.
5
The president elect has shown every sign of being a paranoid, together with incompetent, bigoted, and horribly conceited, but evidently all of those things (and more) can be overlooked by Gail's employer and at least some of her colleagues because he can also almost manage to almost be charming if almost being charming is absolutely necessary to get himself out of a jam. Nevertheless, it's your country (if you can keep it) so Happy Thanksgiving, America!
3
All ethics all scrutinizing in Politics down the drain. No checks and balances are necessary from the newly President elect Donald Trump in his committee as long it is monetarily beneficial to each and all.
Madame Hillary Clinton lost the election won by more than two million votes and still counting and she is temporarily out of the limelight for now.
Then there is controversial Jill Stein back again who cost Hillary Clinton with the loss is back again demanding recounts.
Bernie Sanders has earned respects and is continuing to remain vocal, to the Senator self profiting is never an issue..I am going to look at him although he was not my choice.
Sarah Palin anyone ?
What a joke America has become !
Happy Thanksgiving Gail have a great dinner with a lively conversation with the guests.
Madame Hillary Clinton lost the election won by more than two million votes and still counting and she is temporarily out of the limelight for now.
Then there is controversial Jill Stein back again who cost Hillary Clinton with the loss is back again demanding recounts.
Bernie Sanders has earned respects and is continuing to remain vocal, to the Senator self profiting is never an issue..I am going to look at him although he was not my choice.
Sarah Palin anyone ?
What a joke America has become !
Happy Thanksgiving Gail have a great dinner with a lively conversation with the guests.
3
And didn't the Donald promise to release his tax returns if and when he got elected?
Well, I, for one, am still waiting, but nobody seems to be talking about that anymore.
Why?
Well, I, for one, am still waiting, but nobody seems to be talking about that anymore.
Why?
4
I'm betting on a turkey in a stockade with a Trump logo over it. Spectators can be sold Trump chocolate, Trump water and possibly Trump beer. General Mattis will offer the bird a cigarette and get it to talk. Trumps torture every time!
1
Gail, there's a big difference between an "open mind" and an empty mind. Pray for the former, fear the latter.
1
We all know the kind of salesman Trump is. Tell them whatever they want to hear to close the deal, then don't bother to deliver. Interesting that Trump's ire against Ms. Collins was triggered by her questioning his financial worth. Someone needs to start the drumbeat "Show us your tax returns!"
6
Very clever and cutting criticism. Perhaps you will have such ripe material for as long as Trump is President elect and President. I am certain that it spurs NYT subscriptions by those who disdain Trump, and after all the paper of record is a for profit enterprise. Our country's political history is replete with character attacks at least as far back as Washington, Adams and Jefferson, so your columns are predictable and conventional. I suppose that you will also encourage defiance, which had his opponent prevailed would be decried in NYT headlines, but because it is Trump, no problem.
Not at all sure how your criticism helps average Americans. You are right about the lack of carefully articulated policy initiatives and the apparent lack of diligence of appointees and candidates for the new administration. However, not unlike your obviously poor understanding of the electorate, you may well miss the benefit of programs yet to be specified by Trump. That is OK with your fans because we all know that past President elects have had fully formed policy agendas and complete staffs in place less than the two or three weeks after the election. What is remarkable to me, and I did not support Trump, is that you and your colleagues find fault with virtually everything about him and apparently root for his failure. What does that say about your regard for the country? Perhaps the election results will be challenged successfully, but until then please focus on policy not personality.
Not at all sure how your criticism helps average Americans. You are right about the lack of carefully articulated policy initiatives and the apparent lack of diligence of appointees and candidates for the new administration. However, not unlike your obviously poor understanding of the electorate, you may well miss the benefit of programs yet to be specified by Trump. That is OK with your fans because we all know that past President elects have had fully formed policy agendas and complete staffs in place less than the two or three weeks after the election. What is remarkable to me, and I did not support Trump, is that you and your colleagues find fault with virtually everything about him and apparently root for his failure. What does that say about your regard for the country? Perhaps the election results will be challenged successfully, but until then please focus on policy not personality.
First start with an IQ test for candidates followed by a (sometimes unreliable lie detector test) and then a good background check on cheating, lying, stealing and other unscrupulous behavior. Not all candidates are villains, but the cleaner the record the better. We got none of the above in this election.
3
I recommend you read, or re-read, Charles Blow's column. Despite what we would like to believe, the Electoral College is not a convocation of wizards with magical powers sufficient to transform a troglodyte into a prince simply by voting for him. The creature who on November 7 was racist, boorish, ignorant, cruel, uninformed, and unqualified is no less racist, boorish, ignorant, cruel, uninformed, and unqualified today, no matter what happened on November 8. Pretending otherwise amounts to whistling past the graveyard.
I find it hard to watch as the New York Times begins to jettison its original--and accurate--estimation of Donald Trump, and falls into the false alchemical narrative that is beginning to take shape: that the election itself has changed this lump of lead into something golden.
One of the scariest things about a democracy is that "the people" can get it wrong. When they do, the only bulwark against catastrophe is the clear-eyed judgment of a free press that is fact-based and committed to the truth. That's you. Or at least has been you till now. We need you and we're counting on you. An awful burden, I grant you, in this world of alternate realities unmoored from the truth and dismissive of traditional media. But there it is.
I find it hard to watch as the New York Times begins to jettison its original--and accurate--estimation of Donald Trump, and falls into the false alchemical narrative that is beginning to take shape: that the election itself has changed this lump of lead into something golden.
One of the scariest things about a democracy is that "the people" can get it wrong. When they do, the only bulwark against catastrophe is the clear-eyed judgment of a free press that is fact-based and committed to the truth. That's you. Or at least has been you till now. We need you and we're counting on you. An awful burden, I grant you, in this world of alternate realities unmoored from the truth and dismissive of traditional media. But there it is.
6
The best way to deflect any political talk at the dinner table is to announce you're having a sex change operation. Guaranteed to work. Enjoy the day.
11
This turkey needs no carving mam. He's spoiled, stuffed with rotten lies and poisonous creatures ready to come out. He's going to carve our nation and we're going to be sick for years to come.
6
Trump's pick for his Chief Strategist provides a glimpse of what is to come in the next four years. As the Chief Executive of Breitbart News, Steve Bannon encouraged the Alt-right movement which is a racist, misogynistic and anti-semitic group. At its meeting held in Washington recently, some of the Alt-right members were filmed saluting "Heil Trump" to celebrate his victory.
6
I recall my sixth grade teacher explaining that nominees for the Supreme Court had to be most experienced, wise, temperate, and respected members of the legal profession. Then a certain porn fan and serial harasser was not only nominated, but confirmed.
Of course, it was a given that the qualifications for the office of President were assumed to reflect a list of moral and personal superlatives. No more.
Of course, it was a given that the qualifications for the office of President were assumed to reflect a list of moral and personal superlatives. No more.
7
Even though "This too shall pass," I cringe to think of Pres. Trump appointing Supreme Court justices. I am grateful that the men who wrote our
Constitution gave us a tricameral government with built-in checks and balances.
Constitution gave us a tricameral government with built-in checks and balances.
3
Maybe the Presidency will make an honest man out of the Donald: he may improve his brand enough to become an actual billionaire. And his tax cuts will make America great again for the 1%. The rest of us, not so much.
1
Trump might regret not building a wall. What he's never said about the wall but is surely the case is that the true purpose of the wall is not to keep the thieving murdering Mexicans out but rather to keep the rest of in. After a few months of the Trump presidency there will be long lines at the exit doors. Only the white supremacists, neo-nazis, racists and anti-semites will be left.
2
I defer to those with professional experience to determine whether Mr. Trump is certifiably crazy, but I despair that we need to consider this possibility. That said, his recent pronouncements, including the transcript of his comments on climate change are both frightening and completely consistent with the ramblings of his pre-election rallies.
Unable to form full sentences, he babbles, repeats nonsense to fill air time, free associates, references utter nonsense drawn from who-knows-where, and ultimately focuses on himself rather than the problem at hand.
Crazy? perhaps not, although I'll reserve judgment. Immature, ill-considered, idiotic--definitely. All things we don't want in the head of the free world. I'm terrified.
Unable to form full sentences, he babbles, repeats nonsense to fill air time, free associates, references utter nonsense drawn from who-knows-where, and ultimately focuses on himself rather than the problem at hand.
Crazy? perhaps not, although I'll reserve judgment. Immature, ill-considered, idiotic--definitely. All things we don't want in the head of the free world. I'm terrified.
7
It's going to be interesting to see how the Trump supporters react when they realize that they were lied to: when low skill jobs don't return; when immigrants and Muslims don't disappear; when the Ryan House, Repubulican Senate and President gut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the social safety net; when their children die in some inadvertent foreign military misadventure; when farm commodity prices fall from a fall in Chinese imports due to a trade war; when they can no longer get health insurance; and life hasn't returned to their fantasy of the 1950's. How will these angry voters react as they realize that their hero is just another political liar and the 1 per cent are the only ones profiting from the Trump Administration. it won't be pretty.
6
I really do take solace in believing that Trump is a Republican in name only. If that's accurate it's going to be a fun four years watching conservative right wingers recoil in horror as the fact they've put a NY closet Democrat in the White House is revealed day by day.
2
Of course all of Trump's campaign promises were flat-out lies, the better to fool the cross-over voters of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. This whole he was accusing Hillary Clinton of "saying anything" to get elected.
White working class voters will get no coal mines, no manufacturing jobs and no reduced immigration. Their public schools will be savaged and their health care will deteriorate or be eliminated, and will be more expensive.
The American public voted overwhelmingly for Clinton. Trump has no mandate and he was and is a proven liar. He is appointing unqualified and dangerous officials. This is our darkest day as Americans.
White working class voters will get no coal mines, no manufacturing jobs and no reduced immigration. Their public schools will be savaged and their health care will deteriorate or be eliminated, and will be more expensive.
The American public voted overwhelmingly for Clinton. Trump has no mandate and he was and is a proven liar. He is appointing unqualified and dangerous officials. This is our darkest day as Americans.
10
"Next year at this time, we'll be watchingPresident Trump..."
I don't think so. Next year at this time, we'll be watching President Pence forgive the turkeys. Here is the scenario: After inauguration, Trump will resign and Pence will take the role. Trump's reason: It is not fair to my family to give up control of my vast properties all over the world. And it would not be fair to the American people if I did not give up control. I heard today that it is Pence who is receiving the daily intelligence briefings. Trump has heard one or two. Trump wants to win – not to serve. Other people serve him. President of the US is a terrible job – at $400,000 per year it is a grossly underpaid job. Why should Trump give up his gold airplane and step down to Air Force One? No way. Remember where you heard it.
I don't think so. Next year at this time, we'll be watching President Pence forgive the turkeys. Here is the scenario: After inauguration, Trump will resign and Pence will take the role. Trump's reason: It is not fair to my family to give up control of my vast properties all over the world. And it would not be fair to the American people if I did not give up control. I heard today that it is Pence who is receiving the daily intelligence briefings. Trump has heard one or two. Trump wants to win – not to serve. Other people serve him. President of the US is a terrible job – at $400,000 per year it is a grossly underpaid job. Why should Trump give up his gold airplane and step down to Air Force One? No way. Remember where you heard it.
8
I don't know why people felt comfortable voting for Trump and his Russian oligarch-like life style. Clearly, a lot of moderate voters (plus a lot of far right voters) wanted change and felt that another Clinton was not the answer. We need to look more deeply at what is going on in rural and urban America in particular - income inequality, lack of health insurance, globalization issues etc--to understand why the middle segment of America would risk their future, the environment, etc on a reality TV star/developer. It's unfortunate that Bernie did not win the D primary, because I think he would have beaten Trump easily.
4
Pretty irresponsible to suggest that one can view Trump in only two ways.
1) It seems certain that Trump never bothered to talk with experts about the vast majority, if not all, of his major campaign themes. Definitely not in any sustained and serious way.
2) Trump may indeed be growing into the presidency, but "growing into" is exceedingly vague and offers no suggestion as to how far he has to go nor whether and when he's likely to get there. This is an opinion piece; it's fair for Collins' to share hers.
So each of the above may be true. Yet Trump remains a narcissist in the extreme, likely to lash out at perceived slights or in reaction to pressure when he fails to follow or deliver on his campaign rhetoric. And this time with potentially far more severe consequences, given command of various government agencies and no shortage of lackeys to do his bidding.
The degree to which he is interested in governing remains to be seen. Moreover, I'm not aware of anything in his past that suggests as an executive, whatever his style, with a very spotty track record, to put it mildly.
And for nearly half the polity none of this may matter. Despite all expert attempts to explicate the voting patterns in the election, it may simply be that Trump is the Great White Hope for most of those who voted for him. He has undoubtedly believed this, and it may continue to drive both his words and actions.
In my view he has been, and remains until proven otherwise, The Ugliest American.
1) It seems certain that Trump never bothered to talk with experts about the vast majority, if not all, of his major campaign themes. Definitely not in any sustained and serious way.
2) Trump may indeed be growing into the presidency, but "growing into" is exceedingly vague and offers no suggestion as to how far he has to go nor whether and when he's likely to get there. This is an opinion piece; it's fair for Collins' to share hers.
So each of the above may be true. Yet Trump remains a narcissist in the extreme, likely to lash out at perceived slights or in reaction to pressure when he fails to follow or deliver on his campaign rhetoric. And this time with potentially far more severe consequences, given command of various government agencies and no shortage of lackeys to do his bidding.
The degree to which he is interested in governing remains to be seen. Moreover, I'm not aware of anything in his past that suggests as an executive, whatever his style, with a very spotty track record, to put it mildly.
And for nearly half the polity none of this may matter. Despite all expert attempts to explicate the voting patterns in the election, it may simply be that Trump is the Great White Hope for most of those who voted for him. He has undoubtedly believed this, and it may continue to drive both his words and actions.
In my view he has been, and remains until proven otherwise, The Ugliest American.
5
Before we pass the gravy today, let's focus on the gravy that Trump's appointment seem to ladle generously to those who, despite their deficits on experience and the extreme beliefs they hold, are now poised, if confirmed, to run large federal agencies or represent the US internationally or domestically. It is not difficult to infer that he rewards loyalty (or at least opposition to his opponents) mightily, but the most disturbing of all of his announced cabinet has to be for Secretary of Education. Besty DeVos has no background in education and no expertise at running a large organization, but she has a strong credentials as a "Republican philanthropist" - um, would that not be a political contributor? She apparently has spread her largess to members of Congress, nearly guaranteeing her confirmation.
Was it not "pay for play" that Trump attacked Clinton for doing (with just the haziest of substance)? Did he not promise to end federal corruption? Could he have given Mrs. DeVos an ambassadorship, say to France, or to a warmer clime? Despite the fact that she is a zealot skewed away from public education to privatization, which many if not most of us can predict will not go well, her lack of leadership and management credentials is astonishing.
On second thought, might as well have some more gravy. Seems to be the theme of this Thanksgiving.
Was it not "pay for play" that Trump attacked Clinton for doing (with just the haziest of substance)? Did he not promise to end federal corruption? Could he have given Mrs. DeVos an ambassadorship, say to France, or to a warmer clime? Despite the fact that she is a zealot skewed away from public education to privatization, which many if not most of us can predict will not go well, her lack of leadership and management credentials is astonishing.
On second thought, might as well have some more gravy. Seems to be the theme of this Thanksgiving.
7
What thoroughly gets me is the capitulation of all those politicians who "could not support him" now scurrying for seats in his government. "The King is dead. Long live the King." We was "had." Interesting to see that Mitch (who vowed on Obama's first day never to let him get anything passed) knows how to smile, not just a smile but a full-blown grin. Shakespeare, come back! Not only were the remains of Richard III found under a parking lot in London last year but we now have a bunch of Falstaffs ready to rule. Great material.
7
Mr. Trump deserves a chance when he starts to behave like a responsible adult rather than the tantrum-tweeting plutocrat that he is.
6
Truth be told, just 15 minutes ago we named our turkey Donald. Usually we have to ask around to get a family member to do the carving. Five and one half hours from now I am expecting a line of eager carvers to start forming.
8
Only two intelligence briefings so far? Easy! Just issue the intelligence briefings as a series of tweets. Better still, one of his staffers could consolidate a daily briefing into a single page, then deliver it as a video with film clips inserted for entertainment value.
5
With Donald Trump and a Republican controlled Congress, I now live in fear. I am in my 80's and although I do own a small place to live in, I have no income except Social Security and like nearly all seniors rely on Medicare to keep me alive when needed. I also have children who are educated, with decent incomes, but have counted on both programs to help in their retirement which isn't that many years away. The poor and ignorant who voted for Trump will be sorely disappointed and many citizens will eventually suffer.
For the first time in my long life, I hope I am dead wrong in what I just wrote.
For the first time in my long life, I hope I am dead wrong in what I just wrote.
92
Trump has said repeatedly that he's not going to touch Social Security and Medicare. Your fears are groundless.
1
No worries...
As I have been taught, character has four components: integrity, intent, capability, and results. Trump's recent complete 180 on so many positions speaks to his complete lack of integrity and questions all the rest. Either it was calculated and we cannot trust a word the man says, or he believes these things while he says them, in which case he must actually be "crazy", i.e. have a mental illness.
28
That is an interesting thought, perhaps early Alzheimer's, as he doesn't seem to remember a lot of things he has said and also the paranoia he some times exhibits.
1
Gail,
Happy Thanksgiving and a special thanks for making me laugh out loud. It has been an extraordinarily miserable two weeks since the Donald was elected. I have watched with horror the news media treat this man as if he were a legitimate presidential candidate and blast repeatedly, with baited breath every atrocious statement he uttered on Twitter or in his rallies. Hilary Clinton was more than the most truthful, intelligent and popular candidate. Yet, the New York Times ran with the email stories, got them factually incorrect and never bothered to investigate Trump's many lies and misdeeds until six weeks before the election. Our Fourth estate failed us badly and you are one of the few consistent lights in the darkness. We will hold our breaths and pray that our President Elect does not blow us up or plunge us into a nuclear war.
Happy Thanksgiving and a special thanks for making me laugh out loud. It has been an extraordinarily miserable two weeks since the Donald was elected. I have watched with horror the news media treat this man as if he were a legitimate presidential candidate and blast repeatedly, with baited breath every atrocious statement he uttered on Twitter or in his rallies. Hilary Clinton was more than the most truthful, intelligent and popular candidate. Yet, the New York Times ran with the email stories, got them factually incorrect and never bothered to investigate Trump's many lies and misdeeds until six weeks before the election. Our Fourth estate failed us badly and you are one of the few consistent lights in the darkness. We will hold our breaths and pray that our President Elect does not blow us up or plunge us into a nuclear war.
76
So the "loser" got 2 million more votes than the "winner"? Our 250 year old constitution needs a full overhaul and update to reflect the real world of today.
116
Losers file petitions...
Where's the demand that drumpf apologize to President Obama for the birther nonsense and the vicious insults he hurled at the president during the campaign?
72
They both needed to apologize and I understand they did at their private meeting...
didn't hellary start that?
The Republican Establishment seems to be keeping their distance from the Orange President. Just like the Dems, they seem flummoxed as just how to interface with President Von Clownstick. And this may be the start of a bipartisan relationship among the sane people in both parties. Or, not.
37
Charles Blow has a scathing column today about never ever forgiving or normalizing Trump for the 17 months in which he changed political discourse and the political process and the estimation of the world and our own estimation of ourselves - forever.
Gail, on the other hand, does what Gail does so well, why we love her, and writes with just as sharp a pen, but with a smile on her face - and ours - while she does it.
And then there's Trump.
I really don't think his supporters are going to care about his backpedaling - they're just not going to see it that way. Much as the way very religious people sincerely believe that when bad things happen - very bad - it is part of a plan that we just don't understand and we must have faith - so do his people feel about him.
Someone said the other day on CNN that he was not upset that Trump wasn't going to "Lock her up" because his real plan all along had been to force Obama to pardon her as his last act - showing Obama for what a crook he was, and her for what a crook she was, to need a Presidential pardon to stay out of jail.
I swear.
Everything he does or does not do, will be part of some bigger more beautiful plan than we can understand, and that will all come clear soon to us left wing liberal elites when he decides to let us all in on it - probably as the curtain comes down on his Presidency - and he takes his spoils and goes home.
Today I give thanks Ted Nugent didn't run for President this year.
Gail, on the other hand, does what Gail does so well, why we love her, and writes with just as sharp a pen, but with a smile on her face - and ours - while she does it.
And then there's Trump.
I really don't think his supporters are going to care about his backpedaling - they're just not going to see it that way. Much as the way very religious people sincerely believe that when bad things happen - very bad - it is part of a plan that we just don't understand and we must have faith - so do his people feel about him.
Someone said the other day on CNN that he was not upset that Trump wasn't going to "Lock her up" because his real plan all along had been to force Obama to pardon her as his last act - showing Obama for what a crook he was, and her for what a crook she was, to need a Presidential pardon to stay out of jail.
I swear.
Everything he does or does not do, will be part of some bigger more beautiful plan than we can understand, and that will all come clear soon to us left wing liberal elites when he decides to let us all in on it - probably as the curtain comes down on his Presidency - and he takes his spoils and goes home.
Today I give thanks Ted Nugent didn't run for President this year.
15
It's so wunnerful that Trump is gonna stack the White House with outsiders who have absolutely no experience for the jobs they will fill, or in anything else.
And the Trump takes his stage direction of the day, finds his marks, and opens his little, round, cupidy mouth and, lo!, he sounds presidential, sorta. Today. Tomorrow, maybe not so much presidential as auctioneer of ugly things or spewer of absolute nutziness. Depends on who he sees last just before the mouth opens, like the cute little old lizardy chameleon he is.
I hope Trump's mob of loyal robots and the rest of the GOP sellouts enjoy having their cancerous tumors removed by Joe the plumber, or their heart bypasses done by any old guy on the street with nothing else to do. Pilots of the Trump Hindenberg or Air Force One can just be, you know, guys. Maybe get an unemployed coal miner. Yah, outsiders is where it's at. No experience? No problem. Know nothing? Well, that would be the next president.
And the Trump takes his stage direction of the day, finds his marks, and opens his little, round, cupidy mouth and, lo!, he sounds presidential, sorta. Today. Tomorrow, maybe not so much presidential as auctioneer of ugly things or spewer of absolute nutziness. Depends on who he sees last just before the mouth opens, like the cute little old lizardy chameleon he is.
I hope Trump's mob of loyal robots and the rest of the GOP sellouts enjoy having their cancerous tumors removed by Joe the plumber, or their heart bypasses done by any old guy on the street with nothing else to do. Pilots of the Trump Hindenberg or Air Force One can just be, you know, guys. Maybe get an unemployed coal miner. Yah, outsiders is where it's at. No experience? No problem. Know nothing? Well, that would be the next president.
22
I feel constantly uneasy as I read, listen, and consider all that is being said about our "President elect." The country is behaving as if this emperor is actually clothed. Where is the little kid who yells the truth? A fiction writer could not come up with the ridiculous yet horrifying reality the world is facing in giving this man any credence. Isn't there some constitutional way we as a nation can say, "Oooops, we made a mistake? Let's do a do over."
Remember when George Bush was elected and there was unease in the land that maybe the wrong person was elected? But, the thinking was, by surrounding him with knowledgeable people the nation could get by. There was even a Time magazine cover illustrating this. Yeah, and we know what happened there! We have the situation again only in exponential terms. This is really scary.
Remember when George Bush was elected and there was unease in the land that maybe the wrong person was elected? But, the thinking was, by surrounding him with knowledgeable people the nation could get by. There was even a Time magazine cover illustrating this. Yeah, and we know what happened there! We have the situation again only in exponential terms. This is really scary.
38
Please don't buy into the myth that we can judge this administration by its wiords, instead of its deeds. The transition team make-up and early appointments are overwhelmingly horrific, with climate-deniers, creationists-in-School activists, and Koch industry shills making policy while the press reports on how impressed it is that aTrump sometimes seems vaguely normal. Actions, not words.
43
Thank you for pointing out this often missed issue: Donald Trump as the ultimate salesman who plays to his audience. We do know that his actions in the past have included taking advantage of people's vulnerabilities such as gambling casinos and Trump University and that making money has been his "prime directive". Hard to imagine he will actually have the good of the country on his agenda while President.
6
Excellent point and one that I think about every day. I'm not enamored by their "words" - however, their hate speech is something should be dealt with because it enables their disgusting "deeds" such as allowing vermin like bannon and sessions to receive appointments and nominations.
4
One might posit that Donald Trump is the idiot savant with a prodigious capacity to serve as President of the United States.
1
So do you so posit?
Perhaps others have mentioned this in the comments, but I keep thinking of what sort of situation we'd have now had the outcome of the election been the reverse of what it is currently, if Trump had won the popular vote by more than 2 million ballots but lost the electoral college. How gracious might he have been in that scenario? I imagine the peaceful protests we are seeing now would be riots with guns, chaos, anarchy. I can't shake the feeling that these are very dangerous times, and that we haven't seen anything yet.
Yes, he can act sane when he needs to, but isn't that just part of the con? Part and parcel of an abusive relationship? Once we are complacent, when we think things are back to some kind of normal, we'll get a smack upside the head that will knock us off our feet.
Yes, he can act sane when he needs to, but isn't that just part of the con? Part and parcel of an abusive relationship? Once we are complacent, when we think things are back to some kind of normal, we'll get a smack upside the head that will knock us off our feet.
48
Gail,
Since you work for the "jewel" of the news, your humor and commentary provides highly readable insight into the American "experiment". My prayers for the Trump era is that he and his appointees have an open mind that can can help America prosper and broadly share the benefits of the experiment.
It is my intention to read about actual policy proposals as they make their way through the policy process and when I see anything that appears dingbats and not in the interess of fellow citizens, I will take to using my only outlet and write in the comments and letters to the NYT editors.
I have strong convictions about the future of our transportation system, so I will do my best to try and persuade the Trump Administration that the future should include a 2nd Generaton Powell and Danby Maglev transport system for both passnegers and trucks. Carrying trucks is the big difference between the first and 2nd generations. It is not your father's Maglev. It is a much more energy efficient, low-maintenance system. It has the capability to carry trucks and vans in roll-on, roll-off truck carriers at 300 mph in terrible weather that won't permit flying.
Mr. Trump has mentioned according to TV that he plans to use Maglev on the NEC. That is great, if he diecides to demonstrate and certify Powell and Danby's truck and passenger surface transport system. Their system can uniquely adapt to conventional railroad trackage & can access downtown stations. www.magneticglide.com
Since you work for the "jewel" of the news, your humor and commentary provides highly readable insight into the American "experiment". My prayers for the Trump era is that he and his appointees have an open mind that can can help America prosper and broadly share the benefits of the experiment.
It is my intention to read about actual policy proposals as they make their way through the policy process and when I see anything that appears dingbats and not in the interess of fellow citizens, I will take to using my only outlet and write in the comments and letters to the NYT editors.
I have strong convictions about the future of our transportation system, so I will do my best to try and persuade the Trump Administration that the future should include a 2nd Generaton Powell and Danby Maglev transport system for both passnegers and trucks. Carrying trucks is the big difference between the first and 2nd generations. It is not your father's Maglev. It is a much more energy efficient, low-maintenance system. It has the capability to carry trucks and vans in roll-on, roll-off truck carriers at 300 mph in terrible weather that won't permit flying.
Mr. Trump has mentioned according to TV that he plans to use Maglev on the NEC. That is great, if he diecides to demonstrate and certify Powell and Danby's truck and passenger surface transport system. Their system can uniquely adapt to conventional railroad trackage & can access downtown stations. www.magneticglide.com
1
Trump's language is astounding. He sounds like a nasty little child. Calling people names like that reveals a violent undercurrent. Instead of beating someone up or committing actual physical violence, he channels that violence into words. Now that he has a lot of power, one wonders in what other ways he would channel his violent hatred for someone he feels has wronged him. There are a lot of similarities to other people who aim to be ore are actually totalitarian leaders. He could do something very stupid that could hurt the country if people show how much they despair the things he has shown himself to be.
19
It will be interesting to see what happens in the blue collar communities that turned out for Trump based on his promise of "millions of jobs" when they learn the details of his so-called infrastructure plan, the key to which is as follows:
"Harness market forces to help attract new private infrastructure investments through a deficit-neutral system of infrastructure tax credits."
Or, as Ronald Klain, who directed implementation of the Obama stimulus, writes: "Trump’s plan is not really an infrastructure plan. It’s a tax-cut plan for utility-industry and construction-sector investors, and a massive corporate welfare plan for contractors. The Trump plan doesn’t directly fund new roads, bridges, water systems or airports, as did Hillary Clinton’s 2016 infrastructure proposal. Instead, Trump’s plan provides tax breaks to private-sector investors who back profitable construction projects. These projects (such as electrical grid modernization or energy pipeline expansion) might already be planned or even underway. There’s no requirement that the tax breaks be used for incremental or otherwise expanded construction efforts; they could all go just to fatten the pockets of investors in previously planned projects. . .a stunning $85 billion after-tax profit for contractors — underwritten by the taxpayers. [See: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/trumps-big-infrastructure-plan-i...]
Told ya.
"Harness market forces to help attract new private infrastructure investments through a deficit-neutral system of infrastructure tax credits."
Or, as Ronald Klain, who directed implementation of the Obama stimulus, writes: "Trump’s plan is not really an infrastructure plan. It’s a tax-cut plan for utility-industry and construction-sector investors, and a massive corporate welfare plan for contractors. The Trump plan doesn’t directly fund new roads, bridges, water systems or airports, as did Hillary Clinton’s 2016 infrastructure proposal. Instead, Trump’s plan provides tax breaks to private-sector investors who back profitable construction projects. These projects (such as electrical grid modernization or energy pipeline expansion) might already be planned or even underway. There’s no requirement that the tax breaks be used for incremental or otherwise expanded construction efforts; they could all go just to fatten the pockets of investors in previously planned projects. . .a stunning $85 billion after-tax profit for contractors — underwritten by the taxpayers. [See: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/trumps-big-infrastructure-plan-i...]
Told ya.
52
Indeed.
Those blue collar people who voted for Trump will discover that -- if they find new jobs -- they will have to pay tolls to private companies who build new federal highways under Trump's kleptocracy plan, so that a never-ending stream of profit goes to private interests for building a PUBLIC highway that should be paid for by the United States (via gas taxes or whatever method, but publicly financed).
The rich will get richer here and those of modest means will have to dig deep to pay for it.
I am completely in favor of massive infrastructure spending (which IMO Obama whiffed on by being too timid). But the entire premise of the Trump plan to privatize and create perpetual profit streams for investors rather than have the government build roads. These highways are not only for interstate commerce (perhaps the primary bedrock federal interest), but also have a significant national defense element (go back to the rationale in Eisenhower days for the new federal interstate highway system).
I would oppose forcefully any such plan that ultimately fleeces the public at the expense of favored private interests who will get these contracts (want to bet a lot of Trump donors will be among them?) and reap a perpetual stream of profits for doing what should be done by government in the public interest.
Those blue collar people who voted for Trump will discover that -- if they find new jobs -- they will have to pay tolls to private companies who build new federal highways under Trump's kleptocracy plan, so that a never-ending stream of profit goes to private interests for building a PUBLIC highway that should be paid for by the United States (via gas taxes or whatever method, but publicly financed).
The rich will get richer here and those of modest means will have to dig deep to pay for it.
I am completely in favor of massive infrastructure spending (which IMO Obama whiffed on by being too timid). But the entire premise of the Trump plan to privatize and create perpetual profit streams for investors rather than have the government build roads. These highways are not only for interstate commerce (perhaps the primary bedrock federal interest), but also have a significant national defense element (go back to the rationale in Eisenhower days for the new federal interstate highway system).
I would oppose forcefully any such plan that ultimately fleeces the public at the expense of favored private interests who will get these contracts (want to bet a lot of Trump donors will be among them?) and reap a perpetual stream of profits for doing what should be done by government in the public interest.
8
Blue Ridge Boy,
Thanks for these outstanding insights.
Keep the protest alive...
Thanks for these outstanding insights.
Keep the protest alive...
1
On this Thanksgiving Day 2016, among the things I'm thankful for is that I'm:
* Not a Muslim
* Not a Mexican
* Not an immigrant of any kind in the U.S. in this era
* Not a woman
* Not an LGBT
* Not the Environment
* Not related to Trump
* Not a prospective choice for Cabinet (I wouldn't answer the phone)
* Not a student at Trump University
* Not a contractor Trump still owes money to
* Not him
* Not a Muslim
* Not a Mexican
* Not an immigrant of any kind in the U.S. in this era
* Not a woman
* Not an LGBT
* Not the Environment
* Not related to Trump
* Not a prospective choice for Cabinet (I wouldn't answer the phone)
* Not a student at Trump University
* Not a contractor Trump still owes money to
* Not him
85
It an amateur magician's trick: keep your eyes on all of the draconian negative things that I'm showing in this hand; while I profess to have changed my mind, and promptly blow up the theater with the even worse stuff that I have in my other hand.
I cut my Trump Turkey to shreds before I cooked it. It's not making me feel any better about the future of America, Thanksgiving, the holes in the Constitution, or the future of humanity itself.
I cut my Trump Turkey to shreds before I cooked it. It's not making me feel any better about the future of America, Thanksgiving, the holes in the Constitution, or the future of humanity itself.
12
We have all of Trump's words on video and, even in his own written tweets, ready to be dredged up for replay. I suppose he will blame an alt universe for misunderstanding what he said.
But he's promised to drain the swamp, and no doubt from the way his actions are playing out now, there is going to be a new swamp. The biggest and best swamp ever! There has never been a swamp like this one! It will be huge!
It will be full of alligators and crocodiles and lots of unqualified people. A new reality show every day. The United States of America is about to become rebranded and the Trump coffers will be refilled.
But he's promised to drain the swamp, and no doubt from the way his actions are playing out now, there is going to be a new swamp. The biggest and best swamp ever! There has never been a swamp like this one! It will be huge!
It will be full of alligators and crocodiles and lots of unqualified people. A new reality show every day. The United States of America is about to become rebranded and the Trump coffers will be refilled.
41
Say what you will about The Rump I will not change my opinion - I'm in dire fear of this orange demogogue - I'm in dire fear for my country and nothing he has said or done will change my opinion because he is one scary cretin who will flush us down the drain.
83
There was something that baffled me throughout the campaign. Trump would say something that would have sent any normal candidate into the abyss and his supporters would explain it away. He didn't mean that, he meant . . . . It was just locker room talk. Yet they were all supporting him because of what he said. Apparently not understanding you can't have it both ways.
So basically they had selective listening, hearing what they wanted, not hearing what they should have. Not exercising any critical thinking, just being swayed by a bombastic orator. That, of course, always ends well, as history shows.
What they should now be seeing now is what those of us who did think, who did listen, knew then. The man is a liar, bigly. He is a master of telling people what they want to hear. A salesman above all salesmen. But he should not be trusted. He wants what he wants and will say anything to get it.
His cabinet is a bunch of incompetents advising him. But that's okay because rich people have convinced themselves they are smarter than the rest of us. People with no experience in the jobs he is handing them like foil wrapped canoes for being his buddy, or worse yet, being like him. This should end well. How will Nikki Haley navigate the nuances of international relations? How will Ben Carson handle the next Katrina?
So basically they had selective listening, hearing what they wanted, not hearing what they should have. Not exercising any critical thinking, just being swayed by a bombastic orator. That, of course, always ends well, as history shows.
What they should now be seeing now is what those of us who did think, who did listen, knew then. The man is a liar, bigly. He is a master of telling people what they want to hear. A salesman above all salesmen. But he should not be trusted. He wants what he wants and will say anything to get it.
His cabinet is a bunch of incompetents advising him. But that's okay because rich people have convinced themselves they are smarter than the rest of us. People with no experience in the jobs he is handing them like foil wrapped canoes for being his buddy, or worse yet, being like him. This should end well. How will Nikki Haley navigate the nuances of international relations? How will Ben Carson handle the next Katrina?
70
> Not exercising any critical thinking
"I have denied knowledge therefore, in order to make room for faith." Kant
"Reason is man's basic method of survival." Rand
"I have denied knowledge therefore, in order to make room for faith." Kant
"Reason is man's basic method of survival." Rand
2
Well, I think you should have yourself appointed to his cabinet, so you can set all those 'incompetents' straight. We really need somebody as smart as you are. Happy Thanksgiving, Oh Great and Might Wizard of Smart!
I'dm seeing the split in reactions to Donald Trump. On the one hand, "never forget" and on the other hand "let's understand these people." I want to put forward perhaps a different view, perhaps just an expansion of the olive branch view. Here's the point: agrression begets aggression. Much of the country perceives our outrage and our language as a constant shaming message. Something like "for shame you redneck pigs. You are the worst of us, you probably want to go back to lynching, you are irredeemable racists." They feel our judgement and counter-react. They never see how we are heartbroken about the exclusion he has fostered, about the real effects on real people. Because, in part, we are busy shaming and being self-righteous. Because we don't act wisely from our own griefs and resort instead to the seduction of taking up our embattled fortresses. In short, the real question is how do we stand by the marginalized AND stand with our fellow Americans who have cast a vote that traumatizes many of us? Can we do "both and."
8
I can understand and truly empathize with the people who voted for our Fearless Leader. I'm not so far removed economically, so let's agree that they meant well. The problem lies with Trump. I still believe we're all doomed.
6
If you are 'traumatized' by the outcome of a fair and free election, go some place where there aren't free and fair elections. Happy Thanksgiving, and try not to feel so 'marginalized'.
1
Our country is the turkey being carved up for profit by Trump. I don't think that politically we have much to give thanks to this year, and in the next four years.
48
The fact that the stock market is soaring tells you that the 1 per cent knows that they will prosper under the Trump Administration. The rest of us, probably not.
3
Thank you Ms. Collins! I just needed, like you, to put this all into proper perspective. But that raises a difficult dilemma for me. Should I lose my appetite over the minority of Americans who, out of ignorance, stupidity or despair voted this irresponsible whack job into the most important job on the planet. Or alternatively should I lose my appetite over the minority of registered voters who, out of apathy, stupidity or voter suppression did not vote and therefore allowed this irresponsible whack job to "win" the most important job on the planet.
Either way I just don't have much of an appetite now and will have less of one in a month.
Either way I just don't have much of an appetite now and will have less of one in a month.
66
No, you should lose your appetite over the ignorance, stupidity and despair of all of the Americans who inflicted eight miserable years of Obamaland on the country. Glad to clear that up for you. Happy Thanksgiving!
"They said President Trump won't let girls go college," ten-year-old Isabella, referring to her pals at school, lamented to her mother after the election. So, her Mom as asked that we the adults in Isabella's life ratchet our angst down around the Thanksgiving table and not fan her daughter's fears. Just as we wouldn't discuss a messy train wreck around the kids, the election at our gathering will be a non-starter.
But, at some point, Isa and all the children will have to learn the truth. What will we tell them about this man so unsuited to be the most powerful person in the world?
Maybe it won't be up to we Americans who elected him to define his role in the world. Germany, China, Iran and other powerhouses may do it for us by reversing history and diminishing America's stature as a world power and leader of the free world. Replaced by what? Isabella and the other children will need to know.
But, at some point, Isa and all the children will have to learn the truth. What will we tell them about this man so unsuited to be the most powerful person in the world?
Maybe it won't be up to we Americans who elected him to define his role in the world. Germany, China, Iran and other powerhouses may do it for us by reversing history and diminishing America's stature as a world power and leader of the free world. Replaced by what? Isabella and the other children will need to know.
21
Fasten your seatbelts. We're in for a rough bumpy ride. We can be sure of turbulence, hopefully we'll avoid fatalities and long-term injury. Am I hopeful? Don't ask.
37
I'm afraid it will be more than a bumpy ride.
2
No olive branch and no help. He ran only because he could pay for it and because his narcissism demands the attention. Now, the cake needs to be paid for. We will see that a business background is no preparation for leading a nation. We will see that dumb is as dumb says and does. He will fail in almost important decision he encounters. The silver lining is that common sense folks will hopefully see him for what he really is...a con man, and they may learn something about how to make more informed choices in the future..OR NOT.
18
I think that we will see the 21st century Harding administration with all the self dealing and corruption and nuclear weapons thrown in.
The Donald sold people a lot of Kool Aid. And the people lapped it up. In the name of change, not being politically correct, and, don't forget, to lock Hillary up. Now that he is stepping back, slowly but surely, from the screaming precipice, what are the lemmings that followed him to that edge going to do. Will they step back? Or will they keep going over the edge? Only time will tell. But I am sure they will all have buyer's remorse, later if not sooner. The only problem is that they forced me into this untenable position as well.
Today being a day to give thanks, let me thank you my fellow Americans!
Today being a day to give thanks, let me thank you my fellow Americans!
13
Now that the Bully and Bigot has won he wants everyone to get along? Are you kidding me? What an absolute idiot. To paraphrase Winnie: We shall never give up, never go along, never, for this positively odious excuse for a human to attain the presidency is repugnant to any society which claims to be the greatest on God's earth. It is blasphemy, and it will not stand. From now the The Demagogue's last day in office we shall never give up in removing this clear and present danger to America.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
26
Today is the day that the lunatic fringe -- the neo-Nazis, the KKK, the White Citizens Council and white nationalists -- the hard core of the president-elect's constituency, should give thanks that their prayers for an ethnic-cleansed America were finally answered. In the spirit of the Pilgrims of 1620, the bounty and plenty that has always blessed America may result in a harvest of bitter fruit and disappointments in the coming years.
10
Nazism and Marxism are similar in the same way that both are different from the American Revolution.
Trump looked around and realized he'd never get the Democrat nomination. Hillary was standing there waiting to be crowned. No sense even trying to break up the impending dynasty.
He announced the he'd say anything to anybody to get ahead, and he did. People call those statements lies, and he just shrugs. (It's a kind of "whaddya gonna do about it?" playground bully thing.) It worked in 4th grade and it worked in 2016.
He opted to get to the top of the heap as a Republican (moderate closet Democrat). He, even while lying, was more intact than the 15 loonies who thought they should be president. Not my favorite person in the world, but a lot more pragmatic than many realized. This was about winning, not administration, and he won. After the first few horrific statements from him, most of us stopped listening, but the people he needed listened on. I'm surprised that so many people are so very surprised.
Nobody's going to burn the place down. Nikki Haley won't fall on her face at the UN, but she probably won't be great. Big whoop. Trump said out loud that he didn't think much of the U.N. At least he didn't appoint Bolton who wanted to disband the organization.
A "Rockefeller Republican" would probably work out ok, but he'll have to do it in stages, and there will lamentations, but it will progress.
I'm gonna make some more popcorn and watch.
He announced the he'd say anything to anybody to get ahead, and he did. People call those statements lies, and he just shrugs. (It's a kind of "whaddya gonna do about it?" playground bully thing.) It worked in 4th grade and it worked in 2016.
He opted to get to the top of the heap as a Republican (moderate closet Democrat). He, even while lying, was more intact than the 15 loonies who thought they should be president. Not my favorite person in the world, but a lot more pragmatic than many realized. This was about winning, not administration, and he won. After the first few horrific statements from him, most of us stopped listening, but the people he needed listened on. I'm surprised that so many people are so very surprised.
Nobody's going to burn the place down. Nikki Haley won't fall on her face at the UN, but she probably won't be great. Big whoop. Trump said out loud that he didn't think much of the U.N. At least he didn't appoint Bolton who wanted to disband the organization.
A "Rockefeller Republican" would probably work out ok, but he'll have to do it in stages, and there will lamentations, but it will progress.
I'm gonna make some more popcorn and watch.
1
Nikki "It'a a great day at the U.N." Haley".
1
Thanks for making my education a complete waste, America. Have a wonderful collapse.
19
Trump is right about the quality of American education, Steve. Just look at how many of its products voted for him. Frightening is too weak a word.
3
"The Mexican wall is going to be a mixture of wall and fences — think of it as the Great Wence."
Thank you, Gail, you made me laugh despite the fact that I can't watch the news for fear of having to see the big orange balloon that instead of being in the Macy Parade today will be floating to DC in January for the inauguration -- not as a balloon in that parade -- but as the person being sworn in.
Thank you, Gail, you made me laugh despite the fact that I can't watch the news for fear of having to see the big orange balloon that instead of being in the Macy Parade today will be floating to DC in January for the inauguration -- not as a balloon in that parade -- but as the person being sworn in.
9
I think you and Gail need some better meds.
I assume that the turkeys he eventually will pardon does not include his cabinet.
15
I read the full interview that the NYT published yesterday of their meeting with Trump and I thought that both Trump and the NYT were constrained and polite to one another. On several occassions bait was thrown out but Trump did not take it. When Trump states that he will give something a closer look, well, that is a brushoff. It was funny that the subject of NYC flooding came up as it is predicted that in 100 years parts of the city will be like Venice, regardless of whether or not coal is burned. Collins provided insulting language that Trump had written to her but not the content of the article to which Trump was responding. Given a few minutes, Trump could have responded to Collins in a more biting and sarcastic way, but that was Trump at the time. Even Gail was well behaved at the meeting, I wonder why?
3
Can someone explain what he meant by windmill blades emitting steel.
1
Thanks for the needed humor Gail, but for me and millions of others, Thanksgiving dinner will taste bad this year, and for many years to come. I can’t wait for the return of those good tasting moments.
A neighbor of mine, about ten blocks away, still has an old political yard sign in place. It has a BOLD crossed-out line, still visible to be read underneath the cross-out: "Make America Hate Again" Not crossed-out are the words: “NOT-- Vote Hilary". The sign needs to stay there as long as we need it to be there, reminding us every day, for as long as we need to be reminded, that the U.S. Civil War has not yet ended ...... It's still 1861 in the American mindset. There are still a few Trump signs remaining. I know all those neighbors who voted for Trump, but we don’t bring up the election.
As I’ve said before in this forum, I know who voted for Trump in my family. Trump and his supporters have helped enable all the haters from our past and present.
As Martin Luther King said: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
A neighbor of mine, about ten blocks away, still has an old political yard sign in place. It has a BOLD crossed-out line, still visible to be read underneath the cross-out: "Make America Hate Again" Not crossed-out are the words: “NOT-- Vote Hilary". The sign needs to stay there as long as we need it to be there, reminding us every day, for as long as we need to be reminded, that the U.S. Civil War has not yet ended ...... It's still 1861 in the American mindset. There are still a few Trump signs remaining. I know all those neighbors who voted for Trump, but we don’t bring up the election.
As I’ve said before in this forum, I know who voted for Trump in my family. Trump and his supporters have helped enable all the haters from our past and present.
As Martin Luther King said: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
25
Yes, Paul, because everyone knows you and the rest of liberal land are the undisputed keepers of moral superiority. Happy Thanksgiving, Oh Pius One.
Gail, I think I have to take issue with "Trump isn't crazy". How do we define crazy? If we define it as an axis Ii personality disorder, then yes, Donald Trump is a troubled guy. The narcissism so many have commented on was on full display in this interview.
More disturbing us where he ranges into sociopathy, for example, with his molestation of women. The fact that he sat still for an hour, didn't start screaming etc. doesn't make him "not crazy". His level of grandiosity alone cannot admit any nuances or shades of gray. His governing will, therefore be knee-jerk and unconsidered. The whispers in his ear, where accompanied by the flattery that feeds the narcissist will be heeded.
So he "blasted" the alt-right and their nazi salutes? What was that, like, a sentence? He spend an entire campaign not-so subtlety courting the alt-right while his son retweeted Pepe-the-frog memes to whistle up the dogs. Far, far more importantly he chose Bannon as his closest advisor, a man whose media platform waves misogyny, racism and ant-semitism as a flag of honor. That's what he really thinks, that Bannon defenses a seat of high honor in the White House. That is as much encouragement as the alt-right could have ever hoped to receive. Of course they're gleeful.
But he gave the Times a sentence condemning the alt-right. Oh. Good.
He says what you want to hear, and then puts into practice exactly the opposite. Crazy.
More disturbing us where he ranges into sociopathy, for example, with his molestation of women. The fact that he sat still for an hour, didn't start screaming etc. doesn't make him "not crazy". His level of grandiosity alone cannot admit any nuances or shades of gray. His governing will, therefore be knee-jerk and unconsidered. The whispers in his ear, where accompanied by the flattery that feeds the narcissist will be heeded.
So he "blasted" the alt-right and their nazi salutes? What was that, like, a sentence? He spend an entire campaign not-so subtlety courting the alt-right while his son retweeted Pepe-the-frog memes to whistle up the dogs. Far, far more importantly he chose Bannon as his closest advisor, a man whose media platform waves misogyny, racism and ant-semitism as a flag of honor. That's what he really thinks, that Bannon defenses a seat of high honor in the White House. That is as much encouragement as the alt-right could have ever hoped to receive. Of course they're gleeful.
But he gave the Times a sentence condemning the alt-right. Oh. Good.
He says what you want to hear, and then puts into practice exactly the opposite. Crazy.
61
> He says what you want to hear, and then puts into practice exactly the opposite.
Leftist professors teach anti-ideological Pragmatism. You got it now, good and hard.
Leftist professors teach anti-ideological Pragmatism. You got it now, good and hard.
At least I discovered something to be thankful for. I gobbled up your concluding paragraph. Humor wise, it's one of your best.
I am still peeved about the wall. He's still importing the blocks from China or Nepal where he has workers making ties, (I believe) for less than a dollar an hour.
The consummate salesman varies his pitch as needed. Nothing he says is real. It's a dynamic variable whose value blows with the winds of the zeitgeist. On, "Black Friday" we might be served left-over meat. Remember folks like Ben Carson are still in the sauce bowl ready to be poured. He's still not finished serving. Indigestion might only be, a week or two away.
I am still peeved about the wall. He's still importing the blocks from China or Nepal where he has workers making ties, (I believe) for less than a dollar an hour.
The consummate salesman varies his pitch as needed. Nothing he says is real. It's a dynamic variable whose value blows with the winds of the zeitgeist. On, "Black Friday" we might be served left-over meat. Remember folks like Ben Carson are still in the sauce bowl ready to be poured. He's still not finished serving. Indigestion might only be, a week or two away.
7
He says a few reasonable, sane things and all of a sudden people forget 40-50 years of his history. Does anyone really believe the person we have come to know for so long is suddenly the complete opposite? A person is who and what they have shown themselves to be; not who and what they appear to be in a few recent instances. He is who he is; we know who and what he is; he will never be anything else but that. Anyone who thinks otherwise is deluding themselves.
15
I suspect that for as long as DT last (we're taking bets in my circle as to how long that will be) the country and the government will be in a constant state of churn. I also suspect that it will be near impossible for anything to get done. When the guy in charge swings from right to left, when he changes his mind daily (hourly?), when he starts adding and dropping staff, in short, if nothing is steady, how does anybody make plans or policies? Or carry them out? Does the staff just ignore the boss and get on with their jobs because who knows what he wants today? Or are they paralyzed? I speak from experiencing. I had a boss who couldn't make a decision and stick with it. Who would say one thing and then another and scream at us for doing the first thing (even though many people heard the first order or it was in writing). Finally the organization was paralyzed and people started leaving. A year later she was fired, but the damage couldn't be undone. I fear that is the future of America.
15
> When the guy in charge swings from right to left, when he changes his mind daily (hourly?), when he starts adding and dropping staff, in short, if nothing is steady, how does anybody make plans or policies?
"[The Pragmatists] declared that philosophy must be practical and that practicality consists of dispensing with all absolute principles and standards—that there is no such thing as objective reality or permanent truth—that truth is that which works, and its validity can be judged only by its consequences—that no facts can be known with certainty in advance, and anything may be tried by rule-of-thumb—that reality is not firm, but fluid and “indeterminate,” that there is no such thing as a distinction between an external world and a consciousness (between the perceived and the perceiver), there is only an undifferentiated package-deal labeled “experience,” and whatever one wishes to be true, is true, whatever one wishes to exist, does exist, provided it works or makes one feel better."
-Ayn Rand
"[The Pragmatists] declared that philosophy must be practical and that practicality consists of dispensing with all absolute principles and standards—that there is no such thing as objective reality or permanent truth—that truth is that which works, and its validity can be judged only by its consequences—that no facts can be known with certainty in advance, and anything may be tried by rule-of-thumb—that reality is not firm, but fluid and “indeterminate,” that there is no such thing as a distinction between an external world and a consciousness (between the perceived and the perceiver), there is only an undifferentiated package-deal labeled “experience,” and whatever one wishes to be true, is true, whatever one wishes to exist, does exist, provided it works or makes one feel better."
-Ayn Rand
Reset? No. Never. This racist, mysogynist, liar, cheater, manipulator, narcissist, sexual predator, dim-witted bloviator is not my President, no matter how much he wants me to love him. This is my Thanksgiving toast, by the way. Too much?
28
I am not in the slightest reassured by Trump's latest comments which I suppose were made to make us "elites" feel more kindly toward this bigoted blowhard.
We're in very big trouble and don't think for a minute that those who voted for him will be spared.
We're in very big trouble and don't think for a minute that those who voted for him will be spared.
18
Gail, how can you say Nikki Hailey has no experience in foreign affairs? How on earth do you think she was conceived, if not as the result of an affair between two foreigners? Doesn't get much more intimately involved than that.
Trump doesn't dole out hints about his plans, and for good reason. He has no idea what he's going to do. Every thing he has promised for the past 18 months has been modified with every iteration or walked back, if not flatly denied that he ever said it. Trump's memory is much like that of a computer. There is his long-term memory which is akin to the note written down on a scrap of paper by one of those little elves that live in your laptop and stuffed into a cubbyhole very similar to those in an old rolltop desk. These can be fished back out for future reference. Then there is the short term kind that is available only while the electricity is running and the lights are on, sorta like something written on the blackboard at school. Turn the power off and the little elf-janitor rushes in and washes the blackboard clean for the next day's class. Trump uses the former to preserve insults cast his way and not much else, apparently. The latter is where everything else goes: Poof!, essentially, when he has had a moment to sleep on it. We used to call that senility or just old age. In four or eight years we'll have officially renamed it. This would be a good time to put out a call for suggestions for this malady's moniker.
Happy T-Day, Gail.
Trump doesn't dole out hints about his plans, and for good reason. He has no idea what he's going to do. Every thing he has promised for the past 18 months has been modified with every iteration or walked back, if not flatly denied that he ever said it. Trump's memory is much like that of a computer. There is his long-term memory which is akin to the note written down on a scrap of paper by one of those little elves that live in your laptop and stuffed into a cubbyhole very similar to those in an old rolltop desk. These can be fished back out for future reference. Then there is the short term kind that is available only while the electricity is running and the lights are on, sorta like something written on the blackboard at school. Turn the power off and the little elf-janitor rushes in and washes the blackboard clean for the next day's class. Trump uses the former to preserve insults cast his way and not much else, apparently. The latter is where everything else goes: Poof!, essentially, when he has had a moment to sleep on it. We used to call that senility or just old age. In four or eight years we'll have officially renamed it. This would be a good time to put out a call for suggestions for this malady's moniker.
Happy T-Day, Gail.
5
While he may be trying to assure us that he is not crazy, it remains remarkably clear that he has a case of narcissistic personality disorder on a grand scale. And that remains extremely problematic for us as a nation. Narcissists confuse the people they are in relationship with and can make them feel like they are the crazy one - reality becomes very fuzzy. Narcissists also don't think anything is wrong with them so rarely seek help, and lack empathy. It's very dangerous to have a POTUS who lacks empathy.
24
Gail, thanks for adding a note of levity to this Thanksgiving Day. I'll be cooking for my family and giving thanks that I can afford it this year. I'm afraid that next year I'll be in line at some charity along with all the other seniors whose Social Security and Medicare have been cut to the bone.
23
The president-elect can't build bridges with words. His are fluid. He builds mud puddles, sometimes streams, all running downhill.
12
> The president-elect can't build bridges with words. His are fluid.
Thats what Leftist profs claim about language.
Thats what Leftist profs claim about language.
Yes, Trump is a funny man for sure. Whether intentional or not is the big question. So it kind of makes him a scary man too. This is probably off the wall, but has anyone looked into whether he has some sort of contract with Vince McMahon?
2
Gail, I normally love your outlook. Today, not so much.
It is a serious mistake to try to make common cause with this man. We need to hold him accountable for the hate he engendered in his rallies. We need to hold Republicans accountable for 9+ years of Hillary-bashing. (Whatever her problems, they did not equate with his faults.)
Please, in your next column, reference Dan Rather's eloquent plea for us to stand firm in the next 4 years. The wrong man was elected, without the popular vote.
It is a serious mistake to try to make common cause with this man. We need to hold him accountable for the hate he engendered in his rallies. We need to hold Republicans accountable for 9+ years of Hillary-bashing. (Whatever her problems, they did not equate with his faults.)
Please, in your next column, reference Dan Rather's eloquent plea for us to stand firm in the next 4 years. The wrong man was elected, without the popular vote.
70
If anyone (especially a reporter) gets the opportunity to ask T any questions, these are the most important: Have you ever read the Constitution? Did you discuss it in School ?. Do you understand it? (I would like to know what kind of schooling his supporters got re our Constitution. This worthy topic could be researched country-wide.)
1
No. We cannot normalize hatred, xenophobia, racism, or ignorance. We cannot "wait and see" how much Trump enriches himself against our interest, by leveraging the office to bend government's to the benefit of his companies. And we cannot stand by while people empowered by Trump's victory assault Muslims in parking lots, tell Hispanic children they're going to sent "back to Mexico," and order Jewish classmates to "get in the oven." The onus is on Trump and his backers to affirmatively and aggressively show us that our well-founded fears can be put to rest. That must start by taking Steve Bannon and Gen. Mike Flynn out of the White House, and until that happens, we cannot sit back and hope against the obvious that the future is bright.
33
The election of Donald Trump has been so much a story of a very low bar that it reminds me of the description my fellow-students and I adopted for a high-school teacher we disliked intensely: “He is alright, really. He just hates children and dogs.”
17
I understand he really does hate dogs...would like to get rid of all pet dogs. The man has no compassion and no morals.
Gail,
Good job. Don't take the letter too seriously. One of the loves of my life, was an Australian Sheltie who was both smarter and had much more moral character than me or anyone I've ever known. Think about being a dog as something like that. Also, had a small white pig (smallest in the litter actually) that my father told me I could take to the county fair if I took good care of him. Besides making sure he had the best of the pig food that we used (no details) to eat, I repeatedly polished his hooves with oil, gave him a bath and brushed his hair. Looked pretty good. Got a white ribbon, but still he was kind of cute. Bottom line--not all pigs are ugly. Forget about the liar part--according to the Washington Post and Politico, Trump lies somewhere between 78% (Post) and 91% (Politico) of the time. With this admittedly limited data that means that there's only somewhere between a 9% to 22% chance that you have to take the liar part seriously; and, according to the Toronto Star those are high numbers.
Good job. Don't take the letter too seriously. One of the loves of my life, was an Australian Sheltie who was both smarter and had much more moral character than me or anyone I've ever known. Think about being a dog as something like that. Also, had a small white pig (smallest in the litter actually) that my father told me I could take to the county fair if I took good care of him. Besides making sure he had the best of the pig food that we used (no details) to eat, I repeatedly polished his hooves with oil, gave him a bath and brushed his hair. Looked pretty good. Got a white ribbon, but still he was kind of cute. Bottom line--not all pigs are ugly. Forget about the liar part--according to the Washington Post and Politico, Trump lies somewhere between 78% (Post) and 91% (Politico) of the time. With this admittedly limited data that means that there's only somewhere between a 9% to 22% chance that you have to take the liar part seriously; and, according to the Toronto Star those are high numbers.
2
Mr. Trump, as his acolytes invariably call him, does have an open mind. Unfortunately, it is open at both ends, and retains little--except, that is, in the diverticula where his egoism resides together with his faculty for gauging the profit potential of any situation. White House = Cookie Jar?
Trump's rejection of neo-Nazis and others, “I condemn. I disavow and condemn,” is surely a phrase fed to him and practiced by him. It reminds me of Billy Budd and other accused seamen of the British navy who practiced: “an impulse of anger instantly regretted.” That phrase in the mouth of anyone not generally verbal, pointed to conspiracy. But to suggest Mr. Trump needs coaching in the simplest of matters is too much for a day like today.
Trump's rejection of neo-Nazis and others, “I condemn. I disavow and condemn,” is surely a phrase fed to him and practiced by him. It reminds me of Billy Budd and other accused seamen of the British navy who practiced: “an impulse of anger instantly regretted.” That phrase in the mouth of anyone not generally verbal, pointed to conspiracy. But to suggest Mr. Trump needs coaching in the simplest of matters is too much for a day like today.
4
I'm not a trained professional. I took Psyc101 as an undergraduate several decades ago.
That out of the way, it's my opinion that Donald is insane. All the little things he says and does affirms that observation. He's mean, cruel and rotten to the core.
As such he's a danger to the USA and the world. It's going to be a long, interesting and challenging four years.
May the Good Lord have mercy on us all. We'll need it.
That out of the way, it's my opinion that Donald is insane. All the little things he says and does affirms that observation. He's mean, cruel and rotten to the core.
As such he's a danger to the USA and the world. It's going to be a long, interesting and challenging four years.
May the Good Lord have mercy on us all. We'll need it.
9
It seems the country is taking the "wait and hold your breath" attitude with Trump. The heart-felt crying and deep depression of the left is starting to slow to a trickle, but the fear is still there. In four years, can the Right really destroy the social safety net? That would be a true disaster.
2
I will have an open mind too when he shows sincere contrition and apologizes for his lies (beginning with the birther issue), insults and behavior.
8
I was just watching The Producers on TV and it occurred to me what the perfect theme song for the Trump administration should be.
5
When both Ryan and McConnell are ecstatic it means we are in real trouble. They are both corrupt and self serving.
But, Trump reminds me of a few of what I call congenital liars that I have known. They tend to lie even when a lie completely unnecessary. And, when confronted with the lie later, they will deny they said it. He confirms this each and every day.
What he says and does depends entirely on the audience. Like any good, amoral sales person, he knows how to shuck and jive.
God, help us - unless Hillary can be convinced to challenge. I would not blame her if she doesn't as she has suffered enough. Mid-terms here we come.
But, Trump reminds me of a few of what I call congenital liars that I have known. They tend to lie even when a lie completely unnecessary. And, when confronted with the lie later, they will deny they said it. He confirms this each and every day.
What he says and does depends entirely on the audience. Like any good, amoral sales person, he knows how to shuck and jive.
God, help us - unless Hillary can be convinced to challenge. I would not blame her if she doesn't as she has suffered enough. Mid-terms here we come.
9
> What he says and does depends entirely on the audience.
This is the modern view of human behavior taught by Leftist professors.
This is the modern view of human behavior taught by Leftist professors.
What about his promise to release his tax return when the IRS audit was completed? Will we lose track of that promise, thankful of his rollback of the extremist promises, the ones that got him elected? He was in the gutter and his voters loved it. His change of tune was like as President elect, he could issue Presidential pardons, like what Obama has done. Only the pardon was to himself, for his behavior during his campaign. The end justified the means. To bad he can't be impeached based on the lies and insults of his during the election.
But back to the tax return....will he ever release it? Don't the Times writers and their tax experts have any idea when the audit should be finished?
But back to the tax return....will he ever release it? Don't the Times writers and their tax experts have any idea when the audit should be finished?
7
The one area where Trump might actually do real good is infrastructure. As Gail notes, Ryan is probably choking on pumpkin pie thinking about the cost, but hey, Dick Cheney told us that deficits don't matter, right? Lets' look at any company that has built more than one thing for Donald Trump, not that I'm suggesting any fix or conflict of interest. Don't worry Paul, entitlements will be slashed like Smiley in Walmart.
If I were Gail, and received of a note describing me as a "dog and a liar with the face of a pig", I'd reply by calling him a flat worm and psychopath with the hair of a tropical parrot. Or, I might have sued him for slander and libel, and words not found in the bible. Or, better yet, I might call Mel Brooks to help me pen the world's best retort.
All of this is soon to be moot, as the evidence is mounting that the election was rigged, there was yuuge voter fraud, and HRC actually won. You can bet that this time around the supremes ain't gonna aid and abet, and she won't roll over like Gore. Besides, she already has a more complete list of actually competent people lined up for all 4107 positions that need to be filled. As a bonus, many Obama folks are likely to hang in. As this will take 2 years to sort out, Obama will have to stay on as well. When it's over, the Dems will have congress, and most of the RNC will be hiding in asylum at the new Russian embassy that used to be Trump Tower in NYC, still gridlocked.
You will wake when I count to 3.
If I were Gail, and received of a note describing me as a "dog and a liar with the face of a pig", I'd reply by calling him a flat worm and psychopath with the hair of a tropical parrot. Or, I might have sued him for slander and libel, and words not found in the bible. Or, better yet, I might call Mel Brooks to help me pen the world's best retort.
All of this is soon to be moot, as the evidence is mounting that the election was rigged, there was yuuge voter fraud, and HRC actually won. You can bet that this time around the supremes ain't gonna aid and abet, and she won't roll over like Gore. Besides, she already has a more complete list of actually competent people lined up for all 4107 positions that need to be filled. As a bonus, many Obama folks are likely to hang in. As this will take 2 years to sort out, Obama will have to stay on as well. When it's over, the Dems will have congress, and most of the RNC will be hiding in asylum at the new Russian embassy that used to be Trump Tower in NYC, still gridlocked.
You will wake when I count to 3.
2
The sad thing about this election is that turmp reflects a significant portion of America. This is not to condemn them all as a homogenous group of anything (racists etc.) but there is certainly no question about the broad appeal of ignorance, anger and complete disdain for knowledge, tolerance and understanding of our history.
12
The suffering Hillary faced came from the bigoted bully, the GOP and their endless committees investigating ad nauseam trying desperately to come up with something criminal and when they didn't forming another committee to continue pursuing red herrings.
Gail, I've always loved you managing to find humor in whatever subject you explore, but this time is different. This isn't merely leaving a dog on the roof of your car barfing into the wind. This is the election of someone who makes more than half the country barf at the mere thought of occupying the Oval Office. This is an atrocity. Can it happen here has been a lingering question since WWII. The answer is an unequivocal YES.
DD
Manhattan
Gail, I've always loved you managing to find humor in whatever subject you explore, but this time is different. This isn't merely leaving a dog on the roof of your car barfing into the wind. This is the election of someone who makes more than half the country barf at the mere thought of occupying the Oval Office. This is an atrocity. Can it happen here has been a lingering question since WWII. The answer is an unequivocal YES.
DD
Manhattan
16
I am fortunate in one respect: there will be absolutely no Trump supporters at the large family gathering where I will dine today.
16
Thank you Gail for another year of entertaining/informative opinions. About two million of us would have a lot more to be thankful of if 'she that must not be named' had been elected president, but then there is always the hope for a better tomorrow.
2
Thank you Gail. I've been questioning my own sanity since I just can't make sense of how anyone could vote for that man let alone my once liberal parents. They tried to convince me how evil Hillary is and T is just fine. The only way I can forgive them is to believe their news sources - fox and information clearinghouse - never exposed the real T. I never read/watch those sources so I'll never really know. Still I'm so angry. How can America be so stupid.
18
> How can America be so stupid.
“The mere absorbing of facts and truths is so exclusively individual an affair that it tends very naturally to pass into selfishness. There is no obvious social motive for the acquirement of mere learning, there is no clear social gain in success thereat.”
-John Dewey,
"John Dewey, the father of modern education (including the Progressive nursery schools), opposed the teaching of theoretical (i.e., conceptual) knowledge, and
demanded that it be replaced by concrete, “practical” action, in the form of “class projects” which would develop the students’ social spirit."
-Ayn Rand
“The mere absorbing of facts and truths is so exclusively individual an affair that it tends very naturally to pass into selfishness. There is no obvious social motive for the acquirement of mere learning, there is no clear social gain in success thereat.”
-John Dewey,
"John Dewey, the father of modern education (including the Progressive nursery schools), opposed the teaching of theoretical (i.e., conceptual) knowledge, and
demanded that it be replaced by concrete, “practical” action, in the form of “class projects” which would develop the students’ social spirit."
-Ayn Rand
" during which he was extremely amiable. He blasted the alt-right twits who celebrated his victory with Nazi salutes. "
Gail, he is on what passes as a Trump charm campaign. He needs breathing room while he consolidates his power in DC. Then on 1/21/17 comes out swinging. First target; The press. Second target; The opposition.
Don't buy anything he 'says'. See what he does. He and his base supporters are in psychosis and the bad behaviors will pore forth and soon.
Gail, he is on what passes as a Trump charm campaign. He needs breathing room while he consolidates his power in DC. Then on 1/21/17 comes out swinging. First target; The press. Second target; The opposition.
Don't buy anything he 'says'. See what he does. He and his base supporters are in psychosis and the bad behaviors will pore forth and soon.
4
The claxons are blaring, people are rioting in the streets, and the 'screamers' are crowding the pages. At one time it appeared to be largely the Republicans who employed 'screamers', the brittle, shrill ones anointed to carry the party news to the far corners of the land, but the Democrats have replied in kind. One of the loudest messages is that we were not responsible for the situation that we are in, we did not chastise and demean those who did not share our beliefs, and as result were not responsible for the systematic bias in the media and among the polls that ended up missing one of the biggest stories in recent political history. No, we just need to scream louder, and more often, until we are deaf to all other noises.
1
I've tried to tell hysterical leftists this all along: Trump is the best you could have done for a Republican president. He will prove to be a Rockefeller Republican. My only hope is that he fosters enough growth in the economy to pay for his dream agenda. It's our only hope. Money will be spent hand over fist.
I read somewhere that more tax revenues were received last month (or quarter?) than at any time in history. And yet the national debt continues to prolifically climb. If the whole thing comes crashing down, I will not be surprised.
I read somewhere that more tax revenues were received last month (or quarter?) than at any time in history. And yet the national debt continues to prolifically climb. If the whole thing comes crashing down, I will not be surprised.
1
What is troublesome, with the election of Trump, even if he goes back on his campaign promises is that a near majority of Americans voted for him. They were duped, into hoping that he would actually build a wall and make Mexico pay for it. They thought that he would persecute Hillary and that he would deport 11 million illegals. They hoped that he would pull the health care coverage from 20 million Americans, that couldn't afford it before and they were newly covered. They were willing to overlook his unpreparedness for the office of the president, all in the hope of "change" Trump is not so scary after all. he might grow while in office. What's scary is that a huge portion of Americans voted for such a person. Where is the goodness of the American character? Where is the largess of a nation that forgave Japan and Germany, for the destruction that they caused and made them friends and helped them re-build? Where is the greatness that America had, that Trump's election took away?
19
My New Year's predictions (made early so as not to get lost in the rush on New Year's Day):
trump will get ginormously wealthier.
Working whites and people of color will bear the burden of the trump reign.
Medicare and Social Security will be compromised if not eliminated.
trump will be impeached or otherwise removed from office before his first term is completed.
All hail Paul Ryan, our next savior.
trump will get ginormously wealthier.
Working whites and people of color will bear the burden of the trump reign.
Medicare and Social Security will be compromised if not eliminated.
trump will be impeached or otherwise removed from office before his first term is completed.
All hail Paul Ryan, our next savior.
5
Yes Gail, the inexperienced President-elect (had to take a deep gasping asthmatic breath writing that) and some of his inexperienced appointees are just as happy and thankful this Thanksgiving day to be soon governing the country as their supporters. Nothing foul or rigged in the election results, just a festive table with a pardoned fowl on it. Time for each one of them to mull , reflect and talk turkey about domestic and geopolitical strategies while at the same time uttering a prayer that they'll be able to wing it in the next four years.
2
And the turkey will be all white meat.
1
Looks like the dealmaker in chief charmed the NYT writers, Blow excepted, into a deal - I'll be nice to you if you'll be nice to me.
Maybe they should look at the small print: I was just joking. Be careful what you say or my far-right-hand man will be coming after you bigly.
With trump, to somewhat paraphrase what Ronald Reagan said, you need to verify before you can trust; and even then, you can't be too sure.
Maybe they should look at the small print: I was just joking. Be careful what you say or my far-right-hand man will be coming after you bigly.
With trump, to somewhat paraphrase what Ronald Reagan said, you need to verify before you can trust; and even then, you can't be too sure.
4
It is next to impossible to get the stench out of the way Trump ran his campaign. To get the turnout he needed to beat Clinton, he had to go complete demagogue. Once you've been sprayed by a skunk you never forget it. He violated so many norms of decency (who can ever get the image of him mocking a handicapped reporter out of their head) that when historians view his rise to the White House it will go down as of the most disgraceful episodes in our history. For him to say never-mind now does not cut it. The general public seems to like the new improved Trump and are in a forgiving mood, but then there are times when we appear to suffer from mass amnesia. It must have made Obama's skin crawl to sit down with the man who tried to delegitimize his Presidency in such an overt racial way. But for the sake of the nation he had to practice decorum. You certainly don't.
17
The thing that will get me through today is knowing the electoral college has not had its votes counted yet. What if this anachronism of slavery and the constitutional convention actually swung into action after 240 years and did something too save the republic? Churches would fill for Christmas in a massive act of spontaneous thanksgiving.
12
"Fiscal conservatives are terrified that Trump will spend a ton of money on construction projects and refuse to cut entitlements."
Only if you take T's statements at face value. He'll go after Medicare like a vulture on road kill.
Only if you take T's statements at face value. He'll go after Medicare like a vulture on road kill.
5
The only reason Donald is projecting reasonableness lately is because he is worried that enough electors will do the right thing snd prevent his ascent to the presidency- as they well should .
11
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.
7
At this Thanksgiving I will give thanks to the NYT Food Columns and their wonderful holiday recipes. I will give thanks that I was born before 1957 so that Medicare will cover me before Paul Ryan turns it into a voucher system. I will give that everyone at my holiday table(and I include my two cats) would have voted for a piece of damp cardboard for president rather than you-know-who. And I will give fervent thanks for the two terms of the most intelligent, graceful, strong and witty President of my lifetime, Barack Obama.
51
What bothers me the most -- besides having to endure a President Trump for the next 4 years -- is that during the presidential campaign, a good portion of the American electorate didn't have the intelligence to recognize the obvious lies and distortions that spewed forth from his mouth like that huge oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico from a few years ago.
So, yes, I do question the intelligence of the American electorate for being an easy turkey for the plucking for the Donald....And, yes, I think that four years should be more than sufficient for those who voted for him to come to a new awakening with the vivid realization that, yes, they made a huge mistake.
The sad truth though is that these next four years will seem like an eternity to me...Hopefully, the Democrats will get their act together and figure out how to win back the hearts and minds of the American people and win back the House, the Senate, and the White House in 2020. Amen.
So, yes, I do question the intelligence of the American electorate for being an easy turkey for the plucking for the Donald....And, yes, I think that four years should be more than sufficient for those who voted for him to come to a new awakening with the vivid realization that, yes, they made a huge mistake.
The sad truth though is that these next four years will seem like an eternity to me...Hopefully, the Democrats will get their act together and figure out how to win back the hearts and minds of the American people and win back the House, the Senate, and the White House in 2020. Amen.
24
A Transgender bathroom is the single most important, relevant issue of our party. We fought and campaigned hard to protect the rights for a minority group whose populous represents of a whooping .0001 percent of our country! We are just going to have to double down and try again harder in 2020! If people don't think transgender rights are worth fighting for then those people are perhaps bigoted, racist and quite possibly anti-semite.
1
My late father's maxim is coming true: he's proving to be a man of no principles, meaning he can now become a statesman. The rule applied to Reagan, so why not Trump?
8
Thank God the pendulum has swung back towards a more central conservative political point of view. We've been walking the edge of the cliff with the liberal know it all in chief the past 8 years. Hard to believe the great national nightmare is almost over.
@John from Concord, Ohio.
A national nightmare is just beginning.
It won't be long before you'll be missing Obama.
A national nightmare is just beginning.
It won't be long before you'll be missing Obama.
2
"know it all in chief?" Yes, Obama knew more than Trump, knew more than McCain /Palin, knew more than Romney/Ryan, knew more than George W. Bush too. I was proud that we had a "know it all" President. Now we have someone who doesn't want to know, doesn't care to know about much beyond the fact that he won an electoral college victory.
I will take liberal know it alls any and every day versus the new Know Nothing Party known as the GOP. The GOP knows only what their billionaire petrol benefactors want them and pay them to know.
I will take liberal know it alls any and every day versus the new Know Nothing Party known as the GOP. The GOP knows only what their billionaire petrol benefactors want them and pay them to know.
2
John,
Tune in next Thanksgiving to redress the Nation with such soothing reflections, and if you got it right, you may have the bigly turkey this American got with a 5000-point coupon at the local piggy market.
Tune in next Thanksgiving to redress the Nation with such soothing reflections, and if you got it right, you may have the bigly turkey this American got with a 5000-point coupon at the local piggy market.
Trump is the dirtiest player in politics. "She went through a lot and suffered greatly in many different ways." That is his admission of how he denied the presidency to Hillary Clinton. She took more abuse than Jeb Bush. He told her to her face she should be in jail and he would put her there. He thrives on making people suffer greatly, not in one way but in many different ways." He's a sadist. A real sicko, and Gail, you have the smile of an angel. the patience of a saint, and a great sense of humor.
20
HRC hid her disdain for half the country behind her smug, superior smiling smirk. Like it or not, Donald said what was on his mind. HRC couched her election with 'we are one', while half the country did not agree with that global attitude. Her promises to continue outsourcing and open all borders turned off those from small towns and communities away from metropolitan areas, who saw no change from the past 8 years. So we voted against her. Your view of Trump can apply to HRC, Bill and Chelsea, who helped themselves, when moving out of the White House, to furniture, jewelry, china and other items, many of which were government property and had to be returned. They also had to pay for those 'gifts' that were kept. We remember those Clintons in the White House; maybe you do not.
The "other side" is not as freaked out as he for the simple reason that there is no other side. And Trump certainly isn't freaked out. Ryan and McConnell have their dream President. They will avert their eyes to every questionable business deal he makes provided he dutifully signs whatever piece of legislation they put under his nose. This is the bargain they've arrived at and they will stick to it (and we're stuck with it) as long as both "sides" read their lines on cue and don't fall off the stage. Anyone who seriously imagines that Trump and his new Congress are going to quarrel over anything of importance to them is in La-La Land.
9
Trump has pulled off an unparalleled deceit. Half of what he said on the campaign trail was factually incorrect, and much of the rest that he said were promises that he never intended to keep. He'll never do anything to help the "neglected" voters who made the difference in this election. And now that the campaign is over and it appears that he's not crazy after all, we should believe that he is actually honest, forthcoming, rational, conciliatory, thoughtful, etc. etc. etc? Anyone who believes that the slightly more tolerable version of Trump that we see today is real or here to stay, or that he'll grow into the job, will certainly be disappointed. He is the dog and the liar, not Gail!
13
I agree, except for the part where dogs are insulted by being compared to Trump. He's not fit to lick their paws.
1
Trump is purposefully toning down the rhetoric with the goal of convincing skittish electoral college electors that he is not crazy. Once his position has been secured on December 19th, he will revert to his true character and pursue revenge against all of the journalists, politicians , and business adversaries who opposed him.
15
I'm thankful that the woman who I voted for recieved 2 million more votes than the unregistered sex offender.
It shows me that while there are still some whiney, gullible white supremacist losers out there plotting against this country, there are still more Americans in America and for that I am thankful.
It shows me that while there are still some whiney, gullible white supremacist losers out there plotting against this country, there are still more Americans in America and for that I am thankful.
51
Trump is a bully, has absolutely no values, can't even comprehend right from wrong, He cannot control himself. With his thin skin, ready to counter punch with insults, we are going to be exposed to total chaos over the next four year.
This man is in way over his head. God help us all.
This man is in way over his head. God help us all.
29
Show of hands: who thinks a grown man who bursts into girls' dressing rooms to watch them get dressed for his pageants or grabs the genitalia of unsuspecting woman should be forced to register as a sex offender?
Now, who thinks such a man is presidential?
Now, who thinks such a man is presidential?
70
Trump should prosecute Hillary but keep her in the Lincoln bedroom so he could ask her what to do after Inauguration day. That day the ship of state will sail away from his friendly port of reality tv and he will have to make decisions of consequence.
2
Donald Trump is a real estate salesman. Period.
A salesman will say anything to close the deal. Once that is done, the saying is "Don't sell past the deal."
That is exactly what happened in this election. That is exactly what we will get.
Crazy - perhaps not. Manipulative - definitely.
A salesman will say anything to close the deal. Once that is done, the saying is "Don't sell past the deal."
That is exactly what happened in this election. That is exactly what we will get.
Crazy - perhaps not. Manipulative - definitely.
23
Trump said some reasonable things when he met with everyone at the NY Times. That was then. What is his position today? Tomorrow? Next week? It will all depend on who he has last spoken with. His policy positions (if you can call them that) are at best fluid. I find it difficult to believe that he genuinely disavows white nationalists when he chose Steve Bannon as his top aide and Jeff Sessions to be Attorney General.
This time next year - that phrase strikes terror into my heart -we will be well into Trump's first year as President. What will our country be like then? What will education look like with the person Trump has chosen to head our education system is a supporter of the voucher system. Will health care, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security be voucher systems as well? Will immigrant families be torn apart? Will we be a toxic waste dump from lack of regulations? Will the FDIC be a thing of the past? Civil Rights? I am having a difficult time enjoying Thanksgiving this year, and I suspect I am not alone.
Gail, I would find it difficult to extend an olive branch to someone who had insulted me the way Trump insulted you. He showed his extreme immaturity, and that alone makes him unfit to be President. ( By the way you are lovely.)
Oh that Mitt Romney would strap Trump to the top of his car and head north.
This time next year - that phrase strikes terror into my heart -we will be well into Trump's first year as President. What will our country be like then? What will education look like with the person Trump has chosen to head our education system is a supporter of the voucher system. Will health care, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security be voucher systems as well? Will immigrant families be torn apart? Will we be a toxic waste dump from lack of regulations? Will the FDIC be a thing of the past? Civil Rights? I am having a difficult time enjoying Thanksgiving this year, and I suspect I am not alone.
Gail, I would find it difficult to extend an olive branch to someone who had insulted me the way Trump insulted you. He showed his extreme immaturity, and that alone makes him unfit to be President. ( By the way you are lovely.)
Oh that Mitt Romney would strap Trump to the top of his car and head north.
23
Let's remember that he will "spend" a ton of money on construction projects - but it won't cost us nearly the quoted amount since he'll certainly stiff all the contractors. And he'll do so with the lying face of an old, dumpy, moronic man - I like dogs and pigs too much to copy him on that.
14
First of all, I am sorry that you have to receive a letter like that from anyone. Our public can be cruel to the people who they see in front of them - reporters, police, protestors, teachers, more. Even if you didn’t write a similar letter back, Steinem recently did, and pretty sure she used the word “gelatinous". So - some women are as comfortable without the gloves as Trump, when need be.
Trump “won”, which was all he wanted. He’s clearly unprepared, without any idea of rules in the very real and most dangerous arena in the world. His appointments, the recent ones, remind me of Teach for America, where they take the least prepared and put them in the most needy of places. It’s an MBA world view, which is not good for most of us. The ultimate problem for Trump is that this isn’t a show he can cancel or a deal he can back away from. Every move matters and for once in his very rich life, there may not be a tower he can crawl back into, should he fail. And maybe he’s getting wind of that.
Trump “won”, which was all he wanted. He’s clearly unprepared, without any idea of rules in the very real and most dangerous arena in the world. His appointments, the recent ones, remind me of Teach for America, where they take the least prepared and put them in the most needy of places. It’s an MBA world view, which is not good for most of us. The ultimate problem for Trump is that this isn’t a show he can cancel or a deal he can back away from. Every move matters and for once in his very rich life, there may not be a tower he can crawl back into, should he fail. And maybe he’s getting wind of that.
19
I submit that we should require of all Presidential candidates a battery of qualification tests. Let an independent laboratory test them for drug use and mental fitness, and have a CPA review their tax returns and business holdings and lobbyist connections, and a thorough review of their foreign entanglements.....
Our current president elect would fail on one or more of these tests. Maybe all.
But isn't that one of the purported duties of the independent press and media; to properly vet a candidate? Of course, you first need to build your reputation for fairness and accuracy, and employ the best investigative reporters. If you fail to convince the majority of the population that you have that reputation, you have failed in your duty to the people.
Our current president elect would fail on one or more of these tests. Maybe all.
But isn't that one of the purported duties of the independent press and media; to properly vet a candidate? Of course, you first need to build your reputation for fairness and accuracy, and employ the best investigative reporters. If you fail to convince the majority of the population that you have that reputation, you have failed in your duty to the people.
13
A more useful test might be the one immigrants take to become citizens. It seems especially suited to candidates like The Donald.
4
My American expat friends and I always look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving here and sharing our food, traditions, and a bit of history (apocryphal or not) with other friends of many nationalities. As there are no football games or parades to watch we mostly just spend several hours eating and drinking and happily conversing about "remaking the world" as they say here.
Sadly we all feel that the election of the truly repugnant and divisive Donald Trump as the next POTUS has cast a pall over the occasion as never before. Although our hostess has already declared that when we come together this Sunday, the table will be a "No Trump Zone," we are all very much aware that there will be a "Specter at the Feast" that no one can ignore.
Sadly we all feel that the election of the truly repugnant and divisive Donald Trump as the next POTUS has cast a pall over the occasion as never before. Although our hostess has already declared that when we come together this Sunday, the table will be a "No Trump Zone," we are all very much aware that there will be a "Specter at the Feast" that no one can ignore.
52
I'm invited for Thanksgiving to my cousin's place. They also have declared a "no politics" policy. A "Specter at the Feast" in my case, too.
Hillary got 3,446, 281 more votes in CA than Trump got. (rounded up, that is plus 3,500,000 million) If California was removed from the vote count, Trump won the rest of the country. (Hillary had at most 2.5 million more votes.)
Conversely, if we had only popular vote instead of the electoral college, California would determine the winner of every US Presidential election.
Conversely, if we had only popular vote instead of the electoral college, California would determine the winner of every US Presidential election.
78
So according to you, California doesn't count as part of the United States. And you got an NYT pick for this?
As a NY resident, I resent that someone's vote in Wyoming carries about 3.5 times the weight of mine. If you really want to weight the value of people's votes, how about this: trump carried four or five times as many counties as Hillary. The counties that voted for her account for about 2/3 of the nation's GDP.
As a NY resident, I resent that someone's vote in Wyoming carries about 3.5 times the weight of mine. If you really want to weight the value of people's votes, how about this: trump carried four or five times as many counties as Hillary. The counties that voted for her account for about 2/3 of the nation's GDP.
4
I have an idea. Let's only count the votes of the 49 states and tell the folks in California the need note vote as their citzenship is impaired by their geographic location. Oh, by the way, we'll keep collecting taxes from those folks cuz it's economy is the largest in the USA. And all the laws that adversely affect them, well too bad, move to a red state.
I won't bother with the useless math exercise to examine the vote totals for all the red states that well exceeded Hillary's totals.
One person and one vote.
Pretty simple idea.
Pretty widely used in most democratic processes.
Hey, give them half a vote, there's something that might work for .......??
I won't bother with the useless math exercise to examine the vote totals for all the red states that well exceeded Hillary's totals.
One person and one vote.
Pretty simple idea.
Pretty widely used in most democratic processes.
Hey, give them half a vote, there's something that might work for .......??
1
Popular Democracy? The 6th largest economy in the world having a say in the country's leadership? One person one vote? The technology and entertainment center of the world having a voice? Heaven forfend!
1
Oh dear, in the photograph of Donald Trump that accompanies this opinion piece, Trump's double chin is showing. Don't you know that when he met with other media groups before meeting with the NYTs one of the things he screamed about was that they used a photo of him showing his double chin? According to The New Yorker, Trump is offended by the photos he sees in the news and wants everyone to only use flattering pictures.
Meanwhile, Ms. Collins has one of the sweetest faces in the news world and writes a column that makes millions of people happy. Someone in my comment has the face of a pig and it's not Ms. Collins.
Meanwhile, Ms. Collins has one of the sweetest faces in the news world and writes a column that makes millions of people happy. Someone in my comment has the face of a pig and it's not Ms. Collins.
12
Remember in junior high school, when the class elected a president? Whoever got the most votes won. Unfortunately, here in 18th-century America, it doesn't work that way. Those of us in cities, whose tax dollars flow out, are less important than our compatriots in places like Mississippi, who live on our generosity.
Donald Trump didn't win this election. We have Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and their slaveholder, planter buddies to than for his elevation to a job he neither won nor deserved.
Donald Trump didn't win this election. We have Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and their slaveholder, planter buddies to than for his elevation to a job he neither won nor deserved.
6
Did Trump really take Hillary off the hook? Has anyone actually read the hilarious transcripts of the Times meeting? The pretense that this was cogent interchange quickly approached farce.
As this theater of the absurd ploughed on, Pinch sounded more and more Trumpian. Trump, on the other hand, sounded like the oracle at Delphi. Read his equivocations—uh, prophesies—carefully. He is NOT, for example, predicting no prosecution of the crooked queen. Regarding the contrary real-Times tweets, oracular ambiguity allows people to hear what they want to hear.
Friedman vs Trump was perhaps the only probing and cogent moment. Good questions from Tom. And coherence from Don. The prez-elect ultimately rendered the interlocutor speechless, seizing on the windmill's dismal net environmental impact, portraying it as a weapon of mass destruction, a net polluter, and bad for the balance of trade. (Made exclusively by Siemens & China, he said.) Trump defused Friedman's final retort on the matter—(an SC wind-turbine plant)—noting the GE operation was assembly-only.
He answered (to laughter) Friedman's robotics-taking-away-manufacturing-jobs question with "we'll make the robots." I was waiting for Friedman to counter by conjuring up Kubrick, ("the robots will make the robots"), but it never came.
As this theater of the absurd ploughed on, Pinch sounded more and more Trumpian. Trump, on the other hand, sounded like the oracle at Delphi. Read his equivocations—uh, prophesies—carefully. He is NOT, for example, predicting no prosecution of the crooked queen. Regarding the contrary real-Times tweets, oracular ambiguity allows people to hear what they want to hear.
Friedman vs Trump was perhaps the only probing and cogent moment. Good questions from Tom. And coherence from Don. The prez-elect ultimately rendered the interlocutor speechless, seizing on the windmill's dismal net environmental impact, portraying it as a weapon of mass destruction, a net polluter, and bad for the balance of trade. (Made exclusively by Siemens & China, he said.) Trump defused Friedman's final retort on the matter—(an SC wind-turbine plant)—noting the GE operation was assembly-only.
He answered (to laughter) Friedman's robotics-taking-away-manufacturing-jobs question with "we'll make the robots." I was waiting for Friedman to counter by conjuring up Kubrick, ("the robots will make the robots"), but it never came.
2
I feel like a passenger in a car being driven at high speed by a petulant and unpleasant 7 year old boy who is also texting to his friends about how cool he is. Except our situation is actually a lot more dangerous.
4
In sizing up Mr. Trump’s record as a human being, businessman and political candidate it ought not to be forgotten that, among his many other accomplishments, he is a world class coward and thug who avoided the draft, keeps his lifetime of nefarious business activities hidden behind phalanxes of lawyers and lawsuits, grabs women by their genitals because he can get away with it and routinely threatens his enemies, real and perceived, with retaliation and harm; who will now be in charge of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard; so if we wanted a thug and coward running things, we got one.
8
Donald Trump’s insults directed at you are horrendous, I feel his behavior does go back to his childhood (and possible mental issues) but I digress.
As for his “second look” on his campaign promises, that is a good thing.
Trump is now getting better information than he had before he was elected.
He no longer gets all his information from unbalanced ring wing media propaganda, he now has intelligence advisors.
Trump is learning the left is not all bad, and that is a good thing. Trump expressed 7 times that he has an open mind now, this is fantastic.
He is willing to listen to both sides and that is good for all of us.
As for his “second look” on his campaign promises, that is a good thing.
Trump is now getting better information than he had before he was elected.
He no longer gets all his information from unbalanced ring wing media propaganda, he now has intelligence advisors.
Trump is learning the left is not all bad, and that is a good thing. Trump expressed 7 times that he has an open mind now, this is fantastic.
He is willing to listen to both sides and that is good for all of us.
I am thankful for gemli, Socrates and all the wonderful voices here at the NYT that give voice to my ever-diminishing secular rights by speaking out vehemently against American tyranny, tribalism, unregulated corporate greed, and those powerfull, entitled using their obscenely unlimited resources to advocate positions using post-truth messaging creating an alt-right, alt-universe.
Amen.
Amen.
17
I think Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell will be happier at their Thanksgiving table than millions of us. They can't wait to turn Medicare into a lousy, insufficient voucher system, they can't wait to cut Medicaid and Social Security and pour more money into their defense friends' wallets, Education will become all voucher charter schools that will teach a state religion at taxpayers' expense, the infrastructure projects will all help his rich friends more than us, etc.
The giggles haven't stopped at Paul Ryan's house. He's so thankful he can cut us all down to size, we poor Americans who have gotten 'too much' from Mr. Obama. It doesn't matter to him that he himself benefited so greatly from Social Security. He doesn't want the rest of us to have what he had: a chance.
Trump is their idiot king they think they can control. But Trump is not controllable. Probably the Republicans will have impeached and convicted Trump by next year's Thanksgiving and Mike Pence, who they really want for president, will finish the job of hurting so many who are already hurting. We're all just a bunch of turkeys to Republicans.
The giggles haven't stopped at Paul Ryan's house. He's so thankful he can cut us all down to size, we poor Americans who have gotten 'too much' from Mr. Obama. It doesn't matter to him that he himself benefited so greatly from Social Security. He doesn't want the rest of us to have what he had: a chance.
Trump is their idiot king they think they can control. But Trump is not controllable. Probably the Republicans will have impeached and convicted Trump by next year's Thanksgiving and Mike Pence, who they really want for president, will finish the job of hurting so many who are already hurting. We're all just a bunch of turkeys to Republicans.
5
What am I thankful for today, among other things? President Barack Obama.
He might be the last president with class, intelligence, rightful passion I see in my elder lifetime.
Watching him pardon the turkeys was delightful. A reminder of the joy and pride in my country this man has brought to my life personally.
I know naysayers will comment on this negatively. But today I don't care.
It's Thanksgiving and we can and should express what we are grateful for. We owe it to ourselves to remind ourselves of that gratefulness. If not today, when? It is more than turkey, you know. :)
He might be the last president with class, intelligence, rightful passion I see in my elder lifetime.
Watching him pardon the turkeys was delightful. A reminder of the joy and pride in my country this man has brought to my life personally.
I know naysayers will comment on this negatively. But today I don't care.
It's Thanksgiving and we can and should express what we are grateful for. We owe it to ourselves to remind ourselves of that gratefulness. If not today, when? It is more than turkey, you know. :)
15
Agreed 1000%.
2
"Plus, once again we are relieved it’s not Rudy Giuliani."
Rudy Giuliani might be horrified to find that it is never Rudy Giuliani. At least I sincerely hope not. Rudy Giuliani is bald. Trump has a weird thing about hair, as if a man can't possibly have a functional brain unless it has a huge thatch covering it. By all the evidence we've seen it doesn't have to be real or attractive or even normal-looking, but it has to be there. On the plus side for most Trump toadies, looking like a pig seems to be a plus. Unless it's a fat one.
Rudy Giuliani might be horrified to find that it is never Rudy Giuliani. At least I sincerely hope not. Rudy Giuliani is bald. Trump has a weird thing about hair, as if a man can't possibly have a functional brain unless it has a huge thatch covering it. By all the evidence we've seen it doesn't have to be real or attractive or even normal-looking, but it has to be there. On the plus side for most Trump toadies, looking like a pig seems to be a plus. Unless it's a fat one.
3
Here's another theory, Donald Trump is the first president in American History not to over estimate the intelligence of the American people and willing to appeal shamelessly to their foolishness.
All of us elitists with college pedigrees imagine we understand the mediocrity of human intelligence as a whole- but are always wrong and PT Barnum types like Trump are the only ones who really get it.
It is more than the innate limitations of human intelligence that is at play here- there is the brain debilitating affect of superstition and cult like structures of belief in magic, which includes our millions of creationist, bible-literalist types - many of whom would test as quite intelligent but whose brains are at war with themselves trying to hold on to beliefs that their logic strongly rejects. There is no test to measure this IQ stripping cognitive conflict.
This is the force that rendered GW's decision making powers so poor- instead of listening to advisers and studying issues he prayed a lot and imagined the rumblings in his gut were messages from God.
When you think that God has your species back, and created the entire universe on mankind's behalf alone, you do not feel the same responsibility to fight climate change or anything else that you are sure God wouldn't let get in the way of his Plan.
Right now, it seems like our species hasn't a prayer.
All of us elitists with college pedigrees imagine we understand the mediocrity of human intelligence as a whole- but are always wrong and PT Barnum types like Trump are the only ones who really get it.
It is more than the innate limitations of human intelligence that is at play here- there is the brain debilitating affect of superstition and cult like structures of belief in magic, which includes our millions of creationist, bible-literalist types - many of whom would test as quite intelligent but whose brains are at war with themselves trying to hold on to beliefs that their logic strongly rejects. There is no test to measure this IQ stripping cognitive conflict.
This is the force that rendered GW's decision making powers so poor- instead of listening to advisers and studying issues he prayed a lot and imagined the rumblings in his gut were messages from God.
When you think that God has your species back, and created the entire universe on mankind's behalf alone, you do not feel the same responsibility to fight climate change or anything else that you are sure God wouldn't let get in the way of his Plan.
Right now, it seems like our species hasn't a prayer.
6
Every American should visit a third world country. It would put their thoughts in the correct perspective. The appointments President elect Trump made with perform with stellar ability. Nikki Haley was a very quick study upon being a governor. She excelled as will everyone selected. The left likes to continuously complain; we are all tired of it. Get over the presidential and on with your life.
Schizophrenia does that to its unwitting victim. Every day is a 180 turnabout. In this case there is something to the inmates taking over the institution.
Trump one said that President Obama pulled off the greatest con in history with his birth certificate.
It is increasingly clear that Trump is set to pull off the greatest con in history by convincing people that he is anything other than the narcissistic, vengeful, pathological liar he has shown himself to be all along.
It is increasingly clear that Trump is set to pull off the greatest con in history by convincing people that he is anything other than the narcissistic, vengeful, pathological liar he has shown himself to be all along.
3
The positive about electing a tax cheat/reality TV star/Bankrupt Billionaire real estate mogul/Alt White/sexual predator as President is we can be hopeful that he is simply a warm hearted sociopath.
3
Yes, Gail, his 'face of a pig" insult to you is the Seamus on the car roof reminder that this is a man who should not be in the White House. He has has not the temperament, intelligence, or compassion to be the POTUS. Trump, even on Thanksgiving, remains a deplorable human being and his choices for the cabinet and advisers remain a reflection of the terrible mistake that the voters of this country have made. He may weakly claim to not be a racist, but Bannon is now the power behind the throne and the Klan and neo-Nazis are holding rallies in his honor. And the Supreme Court will be poisoned for decades. If Trump is not crazy, he certainly knew that he could fool enough of the crazies in the electorate to vote for him and I expect he will be holding a lot more ego-gratifying rallies than press conferences. His willingness to inject his financial dealings into diplomatic relations has already become obvious and it is my guess that he will be impeached on those grounds, leaving us with Pence, another deplorable man who, granted, will have no interest in British windmills or Argentinian hotels, but who will most certainly have a lot more to say about how his religious beliefs should interfere with your rights. And the 0.1% get to dance to the bank,
9
“[M]embers of labor unions, and unorganized unskilled workers, will sooner or later realize that their government is not even trying to prevent wages from sinking or to prevent jobs from being exported. Around the same time, they will realize that suburban white-collar workers — themselves desperately afraid of being downsized — are not going to let themselves be taxed to provide social benefits for anyone else.
At that point, something will crack. The nonsuburban electorate will decide that the system has failed and start looking around for a strongman to vote for — someone willing to assure them that, once he is elected, the smug bureaucrats, tricky lawyers, overpaid bond salesmen, and postmodernist professors will no longer be calling the shots. …
One thing that is very likely to happen is that the gains made in the past 40 years by black and brown Americans, and by homosexuals, will be wiped out. Jocular contempt for women will come back into fashion. … All the resentment which badly educated Americans feel about having their manners dictated to them by college graduates will find an outlet”
Richard Rorty
At that point, something will crack. The nonsuburban electorate will decide that the system has failed and start looking around for a strongman to vote for — someone willing to assure them that, once he is elected, the smug bureaucrats, tricky lawyers, overpaid bond salesmen, and postmodernist professors will no longer be calling the shots. …
One thing that is very likely to happen is that the gains made in the past 40 years by black and brown Americans, and by homosexuals, will be wiped out. Jocular contempt for women will come back into fashion. … All the resentment which badly educated Americans feel about having their manners dictated to them by college graduates will find an outlet”
Richard Rorty
5
My copies are on order.
Among the many blessings I am thankful for is Gail Collins. She lightens the load of our shocking election result. With her essay today, I have finally stopped gritting my teeth; instead, they will be used to gnaw on a drumstick as add a word of thanks that the president elect is nowhere near where I live in California.
8
Is it not just that he will say whatever those in front of him want to hear and will make them like him? Do we really believe that a conversation with editors at the WSJ, let's say, would not have elicited very different responses? Actions speak louder than words - I am not going to allow myself to be bothered too much by what is said, but will pay close attention to what is actually done.
4
I've read the transcript of the Times' meeting. If we eliminate the self-congratulation parts, it doesn't take very long. If we take out all the references to hotels and golf courses and ignore the many repetitions, we can get reading time down to seconds.
I did learn from the President-elect that wind is very dangerous, particularly when it is used in electricity-generating windmills.
Can't wait to see who the tremendous, very talented, exceptional and experienced new head of the EPA is.
I did learn from the President-elect that wind is very dangerous, particularly when it is used in electricity-generating windmills.
Can't wait to see who the tremendous, very talented, exceptional and experienced new head of the EPA is.
3
I voted for someone else in the past election and wasn’t truly surprised at the outcome of that election. The person I voted for wasn’t my first choice but at the polling place I figured she was my only choice. I was led to believe if the person who won, won the world change as I have known it. I was told if Trump won stocks would crash and our allies would be in wholesale panic. Stocks went through the roof and none of our allies have recalled their ambassadors. The Never Trumpers of the right who refused to be seen with Trump before the election are now burning a path to Trumps door looking for work. Poor Mitt Romney who looks lost. Mitt loved Trump in 2012 was revolted by his behavior before the election and now is at Trumps door with his hat in one hand and his resume in the other. Governor Haley of South Carolina found Trump repulsive in the beginning of November and now plans to call his boss in 2017? Now we are told Trump staying in own hotel is a conflict of interest and just maybe his should stay in a Hilton instead. All I can is Trump won and the other person lost and its time we all get over it. I am totally ashamed that my side lost to Trump. Now I am being humiliated by how my side is looking like sore losers more and more every day. The sky is not falling and we are not Chicken Little. All the predictors of the outcome of the past election were wrong and there is a chance they are wrong again. A guy with as big of an ego as Trump has something to prove.
2
Of course, Donald Trump isn't really offering to spend a ton of money on construction projects. He's offering up tax incentives to developers so they can profit of his "infrastructure plan." Hardly the same thing. Will it be long before we find that the Trump Organization has expanded into the business of developing infrastructure projects?
4
Very important point, JD, that needs to be reinforced. There will be false equivalencies put forth over a true infrastructure bill and this republican scam.
2
One only needs to read the transcript of the meeting with the NYT to understand what an incredible light-weight Trump is in mental capability if not in physical appearance.
That said, there is no doubt in my mind that he is emotionally unstable, lacks a moral compass and exhibits a number of characteristics one associates with a sociopath, all of which characterize Trump the con artist. He is good at that.
To read the manuscript you have to have both a fact checker as well as an interpreter. One reads the transcript understanding that not only does it not make sense, ever sentence has a clause that allows for the plausability of denial. If a wall needs to be built, then it needs to be built around Trump.
That said, there is no doubt in my mind that he is emotionally unstable, lacks a moral compass and exhibits a number of characteristics one associates with a sociopath, all of which characterize Trump the con artist. He is good at that.
To read the manuscript you have to have both a fact checker as well as an interpreter. One reads the transcript understanding that not only does it not make sense, ever sentence has a clause that allows for the plausability of denial. If a wall needs to be built, then it needs to be built around Trump.
5
Trump was surrounded during the entire campaign by a swirling murmuration of horrors, so thick, so chaotic, that to pick out and focus on a single one was an impossibility. But Ms Collins has done so perfectly here. His nasty, childish note to her, engendered by the mildest of humorous proddings, shows the true Trump: Not mentally ill, nor evil, but a childish, insecure, and inarticulate bully. Also, oleaginous, in best Uriah Heep fashion. In the presence of someone from whom he hopes to gain some favor, he is flattering in a screamingly disingenuous and obvious fashion. His hot and cold is not inconsistent; both flow from a consistent and slimy self-interest.
4
We've had Presidents who can't think or talk straight before. Many of them, actually.
You don't have to reach back to Harding for that. Reagan was infamously incoherent; Bush, Sr. couldn't speak an English sentence. His son Shrub made up words out of sheer laziness, and demonstrated what limited cleverness he had by speaking as little as possible. He's decided to test whether he's better with pictures than words, now, and the jury is still out on that.
The nominations for the Cabinet so far are such a circus parade of incompetence, we can be absolutely assured that nothing will change in Washington over the next four years.
It will take President Lump and his people that long just to figure out how to turn on the computers.
I look forward, personally, to an extended period of mild nausea and persistent despair, punctuated by brief episodes of hilarity and then horror.
It'll be like a winter flu that never ends.
You don't have to reach back to Harding for that. Reagan was infamously incoherent; Bush, Sr. couldn't speak an English sentence. His son Shrub made up words out of sheer laziness, and demonstrated what limited cleverness he had by speaking as little as possible. He's decided to test whether he's better with pictures than words, now, and the jury is still out on that.
The nominations for the Cabinet so far are such a circus parade of incompetence, we can be absolutely assured that nothing will change in Washington over the next four years.
It will take President Lump and his people that long just to figure out how to turn on the computers.
I look forward, personally, to an extended period of mild nausea and persistent despair, punctuated by brief episodes of hilarity and then horror.
It'll be like a winter flu that never ends.
6
I note you reference republican presidents, Steven! few are orators, as Obama and Kennedy, but communicating intelligently, without lying and evasion seems to be the unacceptable standard. Sad.
2
Trump is saying all the right things. But it doesn't matter. He is putting in place all the people to carry out the Breitbart Limbaugh Far Right vision. Less resources for public education more for charters. Stack the supreme court with Scalia's. Go after Iran and big military increases. Way less environmental more business favor. Coal instead of renewable. Try to privatize Social Security. Get rid of Medicare. All the while he will say whatever they tell him to say. And the lapdog media will repeat it. Even when it contradicts what you see right in front of your eyes and know for sure. Keep the masses entertained with the big political reality TV show while things that would benefit most people get worse and farther and farther away.
Orange, NJ
Orange, NJ
8
You're more generous than I am. Trump hasn't yet earned my trust or respect. I doubt he will. We all have flaws but healthy human nature wants to see and appreciate the best in each of us and to give everyone a chance to show their generosity, humility, and humanity. A president should display these and other attributes. Trump hasn't yet been inaugurated but his boorish and self-centered behavior throughout his life and thus far in his presidential journey clearly identifies him. He can play various roles for short periods, depending on his audiences, but he cannot change his core character. I fear that his lack of grounding principles and political philosophies coupled with his needs to pander to his multifaceted base and his inability to separate his and our nation's interests will harm us in ways not yet understood.
2
Trump may not be crazy; but irresponsible and unscrupulous, as his candidacy was based on lies and insults to satisfy a crazy and prejudiced fringe, ready and willing to thrash democratic institutions and the people that make them possible, with no plans whatsoever to make things better. And now, president-elect Trump, without ever conceding he was so bullishly nasty, finds himself lost in a vast sea of lost opportunities to find, and name, capable individuals that know their job. This is shameful, its consequences as yet unforeseen but likely delivering painful dysfunction.
3
I'm so thankful I will not be sitting at a Thanksgiving table with anyone who voted for that man with the yellow hair. As one commenter stated, we will now be living with House of Cards. I love that series, with Kevin Spacey delightfully portraying Francis Underwood. The British version of the Prime Minister is equally as excellent. I've said to people that Francis Underwood is so very deliciously evil; I could not wait to see the next offering to see how awful he would be. But that was fiction. I never dreamed I'd live to see the day when we would have a president as horrifying. But there's a difference. Francis Underwood is intelligent and knows exactly how the government works. I'm not sure which is worse, knowing or not knowing. It's for sure we have one now who "knows not what he knows not".
4
One has to wonder just when this unprecedented version of The Emperor’s New Clothes will be shut down? The man is not well. Every single day he shows the entire world what a high functioning sociopath with a text book case of narcissistic personality disorder looks like and no seems the least bit interested in organizing an intervention let alone committing him to full time psychiatric care before turning over the keys to the nuclear arsenal.
12
I wouldn't be surprised if it's President Pence who pardons the turkey. With Trump's casual attitude toward mixing his jobs as chief executive of both the government and his business, especially as it has an impact on foreign relations, I would think that even the corrupt Republicans in Congress would finally say enough.
4
Sure, it's reassuring to see that Mr. Trump could be influenced by someone else with a more reasonable view on something (like General Mattis on torture), but it may also mean he can also be influenced by someone who doesn't have what's considered a reasonable view on a particular issue. Flexibility is only a virtue if one has a strong moral compass to guide decision making.
4
Generals (Mattis) aren't supposed to be civilian Secretaries of Defense until they have been retired for seven years. There's a reason for that, and Congress should not confirm the breaking of the rule.
With respect to General Mattis's advice, not to torture, Mr. Trump reportedly said, "If it’s so important to the American people, I would go for it,” No, no, no. Our leader is supposed to follow international law and listen to the learned experience of experts like General Mattis. Without thinking it through (one hopes), Trump is saying that on a moral decision of high consequence, he would look to the besotted crowd he's roused up and invite them to decide, "Thumbs up" or Thumbs down."
With respect to General Mattis's advice, not to torture, Mr. Trump reportedly said, "If it’s so important to the American people, I would go for it,” No, no, no. Our leader is supposed to follow international law and listen to the learned experience of experts like General Mattis. Without thinking it through (one hopes), Trump is saying that on a moral decision of high consequence, he would look to the besotted crowd he's roused up and invite them to decide, "Thumbs up" or Thumbs down."
9
Why is "our leader" required to follow international law? We are (used to be?) a sovereign nation.
Birds are the wise survivors of a catastrophic mass extinction event that occurred 65 million years ago. Those feathers and that wish bone and those two wings and those two legs and those hollow bones were the result of biological DNA genetic evolutionary fit natural selection within the mighty reptilian raptor theropod dinosaur line. T. rex was a very big bright powerful bird.
Ben Franklin wanted to make the turkey the national bird. Any one familiar with a wild turkey knows the genius Founding Father had great scientific natural history insight.
Donald John Trump is no big turkey. The Donald is a Dodo.
Ben Franklin wanted to make the turkey the national bird. Any one familiar with a wild turkey knows the genius Founding Father had great scientific natural history insight.
Donald John Trump is no big turkey. The Donald is a Dodo.
7
WOW! Zoology Minor; or maybe Zoology Major? Lots and lots of excellent career choices with either one of those.
blackmamba, Can we hope that he and his ilk soon become extinct?
1
Donald Trump may not be crazy but he is a narcissist and that condition is a mental disorder. As a result, he cares only about himself and nobody else - not his country, not his party, not his family. He will do and say anything in order to in order to get the adulation he so badly needs. This disorder makes him unpredictable and scary.
Speak to women who have been married to narcissists, as I have, and you will see how hurtful and destructive a narcissist can be.
On this Thanksgiving, let us all be grateful that our Constitution provides a means to remove a sitting President peacefully. We may need it.
Speak to women who have been married to narcissists, as I have, and you will see how hurtful and destructive a narcissist can be.
On this Thanksgiving, let us all be grateful that our Constitution provides a means to remove a sitting President peacefully. We may need it.
11
Cross Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" with Woddy Allen's "Zelig," et voila! Donald Trump. A hulking grotesquery, devoid of soul, yet so desperate for acceptance and approval he will assume, chameleon-like, the traits and language of whatever present constituency dictates on any given day or hour. Fawning and conciliatory one moment, vicious and aggressive the next. Instability without remorse. We've seen it for 18 months. Nothing that has occurred in the last two weeks should lead anyone to believe he has changed one iota. Not my president.
17
Gail; Actions speak much louder than words. All those folks who voted for Trump despite his clearly contradictory and inane (insane?) campaign messages, along with those of us who didn't vote for him, will be hoping and praying today and for quite a time to come, that he really wants to NOT wreck our country. So I agree with you and President Obama that Mr. Trump deserves a chance to show that he can wisely manage our executive federal branch.
However, based on his history, I'm still betting that in the end, he's just a sad, ignorant, greedy narcissist and talented salesman, who never expected to find himself in this position, and who is likely to make decisions that cause tremendous pain for US citizens, mostly his voter base.
We may be witnessing the failure of American democratic government. And while hopeful, we also have many reasons to be vigilant in anticipation of Trump the Disaster.
However, based on his history, I'm still betting that in the end, he's just a sad, ignorant, greedy narcissist and talented salesman, who never expected to find himself in this position, and who is likely to make decisions that cause tremendous pain for US citizens, mostly his voter base.
We may be witnessing the failure of American democratic government. And while hopeful, we also have many reasons to be vigilant in anticipation of Trump the Disaster.
15
T rump spent 5+ years shrieking from the rooftops that Obama wasn't legitimate because he was born in Hawaii, or Kenya, or Mars.
T rump is not the legitimate president elect because he lost the election. It seems that there is strong evidence of election machine hacking, possibly by the Russian intelligence forces with ties to his campaign.
He is not interested in the daily intel briefings, can't be bothered. Hasn't yet met at State with anybody, far as we know.
If charges of treason, a recount, or the Electoral college doing its job by not awarding him the votes do not stop this buffoon from sitting in the Oval Office we must never reward him with legitimacy or normalcy.
If we do we won't, we can't go back to what ever might have been legitimate or normal in our History.
T rump is not the legitimate president elect because he lost the election. It seems that there is strong evidence of election machine hacking, possibly by the Russian intelligence forces with ties to his campaign.
He is not interested in the daily intel briefings, can't be bothered. Hasn't yet met at State with anybody, far as we know.
If charges of treason, a recount, or the Electoral college doing its job by not awarding him the votes do not stop this buffoon from sitting in the Oval Office we must never reward him with legitimacy or normalcy.
If we do we won't, we can't go back to what ever might have been legitimate or normal in our History.
27
Trump took red meat off the menu for his Thanksgivings supporters. He is now more focused on promoting the Trump brand. He reversed himself on several positions overnight, one being working for Trump, inc while in the White House. Seems now it's not a problem because there are no laws to prevent it.
Trump loves reading contracts and finding loopholes and he found a huge one in the mother of all contracts, the Constitution. The President is exempt from conflicts of interest. Sure, he can't take gifts from foreign countries, but who needs another rosewood pen set? What he can do is make deals around the world and extend the Trump brand from soups to nuts--very classy nuts.
Our problems would be solved overnight if he would just make us all Trump America employees. I hear he treats his people very well.
Trump loves reading contracts and finding loopholes and he found a huge one in the mother of all contracts, the Constitution. The President is exempt from conflicts of interest. Sure, he can't take gifts from foreign countries, but who needs another rosewood pen set? What he can do is make deals around the world and extend the Trump brand from soups to nuts--very classy nuts.
Our problems would be solved overnight if he would just make us all Trump America employees. I hear he treats his people very well.
1
One question: why should we believe anything Trump says now or in the future when he has been lying to us for years? Actually, he only has been lying to his supporters, that 25% of eligible voters who supported him at the polls. He never really attempted to reach the rest of us because he already had demonstrated his true nature with his birther campaign. His selections to fill his administration are abysmal and his pronouncements about his business dealings should be enough to dispel any vague hope that Trump will not be one of the worst presidents in our history.
18
"He said I was 'a dog and a liar' with the face of a pig."
He has some sense of humor, that Donald. I wonder what he will be calling Putin in a couple of years.
I am an independent who voted for Hillary because I did not want to be associated with the folks at Trump rallies.
Then a funny thing happened. When it was clear that Trump won, I felt a huge sense of relief, and complete joy! It made no sense. I had ripped Trump in NYT's comments sections for months. Upon reflection, I realized I did not want to live through four more years of a do-nothing-but-investigate-Clinton
Congress, and Trump's policy positions were very similar to those of Sanders. I could see huge spending programs for the military and infrastructure spurring economic growth, and a surging stock market, and Trump would not do foreign interventions a la Clinton, but would crush ISIS. Trump also pledged to raise tariffs, which would bring back lots of jobs.
So, every since the election, I have supported Trump and asked Democrats to give him the benefit of the doubt.
There will be plenty of time in the future to criticize Trump, but I suspect he will be a great President.
My wish is that the two parties stop being ideological and compete for the best minds who can govern with wisdom and energy and high moral principles. So, we need two teams: blue shirts and red shirts, and there ought to be the same proportions of moderate liberals and moderate conservatives on each team.
He has some sense of humor, that Donald. I wonder what he will be calling Putin in a couple of years.
I am an independent who voted for Hillary because I did not want to be associated with the folks at Trump rallies.
Then a funny thing happened. When it was clear that Trump won, I felt a huge sense of relief, and complete joy! It made no sense. I had ripped Trump in NYT's comments sections for months. Upon reflection, I realized I did not want to live through four more years of a do-nothing-but-investigate-Clinton
Congress, and Trump's policy positions were very similar to those of Sanders. I could see huge spending programs for the military and infrastructure spurring economic growth, and a surging stock market, and Trump would not do foreign interventions a la Clinton, but would crush ISIS. Trump also pledged to raise tariffs, which would bring back lots of jobs.
So, every since the election, I have supported Trump and asked Democrats to give him the benefit of the doubt.
There will be plenty of time in the future to criticize Trump, but I suspect he will be a great President.
My wish is that the two parties stop being ideological and compete for the best minds who can govern with wisdom and energy and high moral principles. So, we need two teams: blue shirts and red shirts, and there ought to be the same proportions of moderate liberals and moderate conservatives on each team.
1
I have to respond to this little gem: "...Trump's policy positions were very similar to those of Sanders..."
Sorry, but I am afraid you don't get it even now. Trump has no policy positions. He's bobbing and weaving more than a middle weight fighter going up against The Greatest. His own supporters said they were confident he did't mean a lot of what he was saying during the campaign, but they never told the world which statements they believed he meant. Now, he is walking sideways trying to figure out where he stands on anything.
Trump's business empire, going up and rapidly down at the same time during his long career, was built on ad libbing, make it up as you go along and assure everyone that everything will be wonderful, until it isn't. Then, he would run away, pocketing management fees and, when possible, pushing debts on the failing enterprise so he wouldn't have to pay them. There is absolute no reason to believe he's going to change now, at the age of 70.
Sorry, but I am afraid you don't get it even now. Trump has no policy positions. He's bobbing and weaving more than a middle weight fighter going up against The Greatest. His own supporters said they were confident he did't mean a lot of what he was saying during the campaign, but they never told the world which statements they believed he meant. Now, he is walking sideways trying to figure out where he stands on anything.
Trump's business empire, going up and rapidly down at the same time during his long career, was built on ad libbing, make it up as you go along and assure everyone that everything will be wonderful, until it isn't. Then, he would run away, pocketing management fees and, when possible, pushing debts on the failing enterprise so he wouldn't have to pay them. There is absolute no reason to believe he's going to change now, at the age of 70.
9
Gail look at Donald Trump's appointment of Betsy Devos. She not only lacks any professional educational training, she is a homophobic, misogynistic, anti- Global Warming, religious extremist. How can anyone who endorses gender bigotry and anti- science imbecility, be Secretary of Education? In Jane Mayor's "Dark Money", she quotes Betsy Devos on her families political contributions ($200 million to Republicans since 1970) "I have decided to stop taking offense...that we are buying influence...they are right...we expect things in return" She has joined governors like Scott Walker in an effort to destroy the political power of pro Democratic teacher's unions. She has been part of a movement in Michigan to replace guaranteed teacher pensions with 401K's that would make millions for Wall Street brokers. She is part of a Conservative Cabal, including the Koch brothers and other fossil fuel oligarchs, that has favored using vouchered charter schools to transfer public tax dollars from financially strapped public schools to private and religious schools
19
Mr. Trump did not win the election because of his good looks, his skill as an orator and a debater; or because voters believed that he is a good family man, an honest man, a dignified man, a compassionate man, a man who cares about people in trouble, a man who treats women and minorities well, a man who knows a lot about foreign affairs, economics, terrorism, education and the Second Amendment or because they believed that Mrs. Clinton was the devil.
They voted for him because they believe that he is a lout with big appetites, a mean man, a crude man, an unethical man, a big crook who gets away with doing things that other people don’t get away with; who as President maybe would do some things that would end up helping them or at least hurting their perceived enemies among liberals, minorities and refugees from other countries.
It is important in coming days that all of his soon-to-be realized failures as President be understood as his own failures and his own failures alone, not as failures of Democrats or President Obama or Mrs. Clinton or the media or Muslims or blacks or Jews or Mexico or anyone else who permanently or temporarily ends up on his enemies list.
Otherwise, new Donald Trumps even worse than he is will quickly emerge and voters will be strongly tempted to head off in their direction.
They voted for him because they believe that he is a lout with big appetites, a mean man, a crude man, an unethical man, a big crook who gets away with doing things that other people don’t get away with; who as President maybe would do some things that would end up helping them or at least hurting their perceived enemies among liberals, minorities and refugees from other countries.
It is important in coming days that all of his soon-to-be realized failures as President be understood as his own failures and his own failures alone, not as failures of Democrats or President Obama or Mrs. Clinton or the media or Muslims or blacks or Jews or Mexico or anyone else who permanently or temporarily ends up on his enemies list.
Otherwise, new Donald Trumps even worse than he is will quickly emerge and voters will be strongly tempted to head off in their direction.
10
The election campaign was a reality show and Trump was the executive producer and host. It was all about personality and emotion: a spectacle to boggle viewers who didn't want to watch boring stuff. We all talked about the production values: the script, the costumes, the ratings... and the Big Surprise at the season finale.
Now we are enduring trailers for the new series: with the prediction that it will run for 4 years, maybe 8 -- or maybe indefinitely! This one will be a Psychological Thriller. Already we sense a new strategy/plot device: counterplay!
Yes! is he crazy? Pretending to be crazy? Really sane underneath? Or really clueless? Does he crave love? And why did he sound so wooden in his reading of the text about healing our divisions? Is he worried that Abraham Lincoln will rise from the dead? or just keeping an open mind?
Let us resist the coming attractions! What matters is the progress we've made as a society and as a nation over the last 50 years, and the very real prospect that it will be undone. Trump's words, at this point, are meaningless. His actions speak for themselves. And so do we.
Now we are enduring trailers for the new series: with the prediction that it will run for 4 years, maybe 8 -- or maybe indefinitely! This one will be a Psychological Thriller. Already we sense a new strategy/plot device: counterplay!
Yes! is he crazy? Pretending to be crazy? Really sane underneath? Or really clueless? Does he crave love? And why did he sound so wooden in his reading of the text about healing our divisions? Is he worried that Abraham Lincoln will rise from the dead? or just keeping an open mind?
Let us resist the coming attractions! What matters is the progress we've made as a society and as a nation over the last 50 years, and the very real prospect that it will be undone. Trump's words, at this point, are meaningless. His actions speak for themselves. And so do we.
3
Since we're looking for silver linings, here's one: Hillary Clinton will not be president.
Sure, I voted for Clinton & am still mired in a tight cocoon of existential dread over the prospect of a Trump presidency.
But history suggests that Clinton would have been a lousy president. She is not inspirational. Americans like to hear their leaders deliver inspiring words delivered with something approaching conviction. The soaring speech is part of our political DNA.
Emotional orations aside, Clinton has never been able to market her products. Yes, she's had some good-to-middling policy ideas over the years, but other than sort of favoring Dubya's Iraq War, and devising a secret Republicanish healthcare plan, most don't know what those ideas are.
Add to that the GOP's promise to keep several phony impeachment investigations going for the duration of her presidency, and you've got a foolproof recipe for a stuffed turkey of a presidency, one that could set back the progressive agenda even more than Trump will do on purpose.
More good news: Americans aren't as horrible as the Electoral College results suggest. Hillary won the vote by more than 2 million & counting. We still come down on the better side, if just barely.
The Constant Weader at http://www.RealityChex.com
Sure, I voted for Clinton & am still mired in a tight cocoon of existential dread over the prospect of a Trump presidency.
But history suggests that Clinton would have been a lousy president. She is not inspirational. Americans like to hear their leaders deliver inspiring words delivered with something approaching conviction. The soaring speech is part of our political DNA.
Emotional orations aside, Clinton has never been able to market her products. Yes, she's had some good-to-middling policy ideas over the years, but other than sort of favoring Dubya's Iraq War, and devising a secret Republicanish healthcare plan, most don't know what those ideas are.
Add to that the GOP's promise to keep several phony impeachment investigations going for the duration of her presidency, and you've got a foolproof recipe for a stuffed turkey of a presidency, one that could set back the progressive agenda even more than Trump will do on purpose.
More good news: Americans aren't as horrible as the Electoral College results suggest. Hillary won the vote by more than 2 million & counting. We still come down on the better side, if just barely.
The Constant Weader at http://www.RealityChex.com
5
We've elected a President who is ill-equipped for the job at hand in both skill-set and temperament, one who has made it cleat that he will put his own business interests ahead of the interests of our country and its citizenry. And now he is appointing to important positions people without the proper experience, skill-set, and temperament. And though it will take some time to become more apparent, we have failed our country and the larger world in electing Trump our President and Trump is setting up his administration for failure and his base of support for more difficult lives with each new appointment he makes; he hasn't even gotten to his Supreme Court nominee yet and things are already looking dire.
6
Promotors/developers like Trump are to be found throughout society, they are not uncommon. The modus operandi is to live lavishly, ostentatiously, be the picture of success, then use that platform to sell things at inflated prices. Look at the real estate ads in any city, there will be condos and properties and clubs promising an unparalleled experience to those lucky enough to buy in, backed by promoters who are living large. Look at the different projects that have been developed over the years in those same cities and identify those which have been sold under that style of marketing. How have they done? Some work I guess, others are just places to live or go, like anywhere else, nothing special, some are complete flops, like the Trump casinos in Atlantic city, a stark and embarrassing contrast between how fabulous it was promised to be and how abysmal it actually was.
Trump is amazing not just for all the deals he has done, but also for the deals he has been able to continue to do despite the high profile failures he has had and the people he has stiffed. It is remarkable, he just keeps going. He has built his brand, no question, but it is a brand that many would not touch, would not go near, would not lend to it, would not invest it in, would not buy from it.
Well, he has just used all the same tools to do the biggest deal of his life, America has bought in. So now what are they going to get, will it be Trump Tower in Manhattan or Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City?
Trump is amazing not just for all the deals he has done, but also for the deals he has been able to continue to do despite the high profile failures he has had and the people he has stiffed. It is remarkable, he just keeps going. He has built his brand, no question, but it is a brand that many would not touch, would not go near, would not lend to it, would not invest it in, would not buy from it.
Well, he has just used all the same tools to do the biggest deal of his life, America has bought in. So now what are they going to get, will it be Trump Tower in Manhattan or Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City?
3
I would naturally agree with you but President Obama was no more prepared to be president than Donald Trump and our foreign policy under the Kerry, Clinton, Rice and Powers regime has hardly been a success. It has been a mess. Mr. Obama, a smart and well meaning person, was overwhelmed by politics and seemed to retreat into a world of celebrity adulation. Had he spent more time in the flyover states and less time raising money in Hollywood, it might have been easier for Hillary Clinton to overcome her deficiency in connecting with voters in states she had to win.
The Democratic Party is run by a tired band of old-timers who have presided over the slow erosion of power over the last eight years. The number of seats that have turned over at the local level is breath taking.
Stop blaming the Trump voter. The Democratic Party abandoned them years ago in search of greener pastures. Those pesky rust belt and rural southern state problems weren't going to stand in the way of wealth accumulating on the coasts.
The Democratic Party is run by a tired band of old-timers who have presided over the slow erosion of power over the last eight years. The number of seats that have turned over at the local level is breath taking.
Stop blaming the Trump voter. The Democratic Party abandoned them years ago in search of greener pastures. Those pesky rust belt and rural southern state problems weren't going to stand in the way of wealth accumulating on the coasts.
1
Oh well. Pig is probably better than dog. I remember reading somewhere that they are highly intelligent. And they are true omnivores. They get by eating everything. My uncle had a fish camp on the Wakula River in northern Florida. I visited often. Pigs too visited regularly to raid the garbage camps. This was part of Florida that few people ever saw. The pigs had notched ears; they belonged to someone. Their ears were notched in conformity with a 19th century southern practice. They were given the right to roam widely. New England where I live now has fences. Not so in the old South.
It gives me some pleasure to write about this. I am avoiding political topics because they make me so mad. I will be 72 in about one week. If that dastard Paul Ryan accomplishes his long held desire to turn Medicare into a voucher system, I would like to notch his ears and have him run wild in the swamps. Lord knows he is a pig. I imagine that the is part of the 1% who will benefit from his plan of tax cuts. Funding those are why he wants to demolish the "entitlements" that most of us worked a lifetime to secure.
Ok, I violated my own stated desire to avoid a political topic on my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. There is still much to be thankful for that have nothing to do with the Republican party. It can and should go to hell.
It gives me some pleasure to write about this. I am avoiding political topics because they make me so mad. I will be 72 in about one week. If that dastard Paul Ryan accomplishes his long held desire to turn Medicare into a voucher system, I would like to notch his ears and have him run wild in the swamps. Lord knows he is a pig. I imagine that the is part of the 1% who will benefit from his plan of tax cuts. Funding those are why he wants to demolish the "entitlements" that most of us worked a lifetime to secure.
Ok, I violated my own stated desire to avoid a political topic on my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. There is still much to be thankful for that have nothing to do with the Republican party. It can and should go to hell.
11
We are facing an unprecedented disaster, because Trump is a narcissist who says whatever pops into his head to suit the occasion and audience. He has no ideas, no policies, no moral center. His biographer figured that out and has been saying so in the New Yorker and during interviews over the past months.
Waiting to see what he does or having an "open mind" about Trump dangerous. We know what he is; we mus organize, now, to resist him. I am not an organiser. I am willing to join any local group working to set up firewalls via local and state representatives so that my state, NY, Is protected.
For example, we need a state health care plan, similar to the one in Massachusetts, that will protect our citizens if the ACA is disabled or repealed. In addition, New York –both the city and state –need to be declared sanctuaries, particularly for our young "dreamers," some of whom are my students. Columbia University has already put out a statement declaring the Columbia will function as a sanctuary University. Governor Cuomo must do the same regarding SUNY and CUNY.
We need also to take steps to protect public education, via bond proposals and other actions to fund our schools. We must file law suits to force the federal government to keep its prior commitments to our children.
We must also protect women, by reaffirmimg New York state pro-choice and equal pay laws.
Most importantly, we must elect local and state officials who will oppose Trump. Begin the work today.
Waiting to see what he does or having an "open mind" about Trump dangerous. We know what he is; we mus organize, now, to resist him. I am not an organiser. I am willing to join any local group working to set up firewalls via local and state representatives so that my state, NY, Is protected.
For example, we need a state health care plan, similar to the one in Massachusetts, that will protect our citizens if the ACA is disabled or repealed. In addition, New York –both the city and state –need to be declared sanctuaries, particularly for our young "dreamers," some of whom are my students. Columbia University has already put out a statement declaring the Columbia will function as a sanctuary University. Governor Cuomo must do the same regarding SUNY and CUNY.
We need also to take steps to protect public education, via bond proposals and other actions to fund our schools. We must file law suits to force the federal government to keep its prior commitments to our children.
We must also protect women, by reaffirmimg New York state pro-choice and equal pay laws.
Most importantly, we must elect local and state officials who will oppose Trump. Begin the work today.
8
We are facing an unprecedented disaster, because Trump is a narcissist who says whatever pops into his head to suit the occasion and audience. He has no ideas, no policies, no moral center. His biographer figured that out and has been saying so in the New Yorker and during interviews over the past months.
Waiting to see what he does or having an "open mind" about Trump are dangerous mistakes. We know what he is; we must organize, now, to resist him. I am not an organiser. I am willing to join any local group working to set up firewalls via local and state reps, so that my state, NY, Is protected.
For example, we need a state health care plan, similar to the one in Massachusetts, that will protect our citizens if the ACA is disabled or repealed. In addition, NY –both the city and state –needs to be declared a sanctuary, particularly for our young "dreamers," some of whom are my students. Columbia University has put out a statement declaring the Columbia will function as a sanctuary University. Governor Cuomo must do the same regarding SUNY and CUNY.
We need also to take steps to protect public education, via bond proposals and other actions to fund our schools. We must file law suits to force the federal government to keep its prior commitments to our children.
We must also protect women, by reaffirmimg New York state pro-choice and equal pay laws.
Most importantly, we must elect local and state officials who will oppose Trump. Begin the work today.
Waiting to see what he does or having an "open mind" about Trump are dangerous mistakes. We know what he is; we must organize, now, to resist him. I am not an organiser. I am willing to join any local group working to set up firewalls via local and state reps, so that my state, NY, Is protected.
For example, we need a state health care plan, similar to the one in Massachusetts, that will protect our citizens if the ACA is disabled or repealed. In addition, NY –both the city and state –needs to be declared a sanctuary, particularly for our young "dreamers," some of whom are my students. Columbia University has put out a statement declaring the Columbia will function as a sanctuary University. Governor Cuomo must do the same regarding SUNY and CUNY.
We need also to take steps to protect public education, via bond proposals and other actions to fund our schools. We must file law suits to force the federal government to keep its prior commitments to our children.
We must also protect women, by reaffirmimg New York state pro-choice and equal pay laws.
Most importantly, we must elect local and state officials who will oppose Trump. Begin the work today.
8
"Fiscal conservatives are terrified that Trump will spend a ton of money on construction projects and refuse to cut entitlements. Murmurs of the dread term 'Rockefeller Republican' are probably wafting at Paul Ryan’s holiday table. Perhaps liberals can take comfort in the fact that the other side is just as freaked out as they are."
Ms. Collins, liberals cannot "take comfort in the fact that the other side is just as freaked out as they are."
The only thing scarier than the Trump presidency is Speaker Ryan strutting about saying that the Republicans have "a mandate" and that the nation now confronts "a united Republican government."
I guess the Republicans can claim a "mandate" anytime their presidential candidate loses the popular vote by only 2,000,000 or so, and when, by gerrymandering and voter suppression, they also control both the Senate and the House.
I concede that it would be even far more scarier if it were President-Elect Ryan--or Cruz or Rubio--claiming a "mandate" to bring the full force of "a united Republican government" crashing down upon us.
We know just exactly what "a unified Republican government" with a "mandate" would do: privatize or otherwise weaken Social Security et al.,
deregulate Wall Street, eliminate environmental regulations, increase the nation's debt by lowering taxes and fees, particularly those of rich GOP donors, reinstall all the laissez faire glories of the Gilded Age.
Loose cannon Trump vs. targeted cannon Ryan--a hard choice!
Ms. Collins, liberals cannot "take comfort in the fact that the other side is just as freaked out as they are."
The only thing scarier than the Trump presidency is Speaker Ryan strutting about saying that the Republicans have "a mandate" and that the nation now confronts "a united Republican government."
I guess the Republicans can claim a "mandate" anytime their presidential candidate loses the popular vote by only 2,000,000 or so, and when, by gerrymandering and voter suppression, they also control both the Senate and the House.
I concede that it would be even far more scarier if it were President-Elect Ryan--or Cruz or Rubio--claiming a "mandate" to bring the full force of "a united Republican government" crashing down upon us.
We know just exactly what "a unified Republican government" with a "mandate" would do: privatize or otherwise weaken Social Security et al.,
deregulate Wall Street, eliminate environmental regulations, increase the nation's debt by lowering taxes and fees, particularly those of rich GOP donors, reinstall all the laissez faire glories of the Gilded Age.
Loose cannon Trump vs. targeted cannon Ryan--a hard choice!
6
Once upon a time, in 1969 a poet rejected MC duties at Woodstock to instead, make one last trip on an ocean going ship. During 40 days and nights at sea the LAN Lord uh pin Heaven revealed his word unto the poet's mind.
Early in 1970 H. Marshall McLuhan, over lunch said, "Mike you are a prophet. You are way ahead of the world with your spoken poem to be spoken for all mankind on worldwide television. You will have to wait for the world to catch up to you.
J. Edgar Hoover marked me down a "person of special interest," and his minions to this day harass me, track me wherever I go online, destroy any thread I start and more—two attempts on my life the 3rd in the hopper.
Your America. The story of Adman and Even in the Gar Den, all the generations of man, how the Cheyenne-easy people became yellow skinned blacklisted in the land of the recollected free home of the brave.
The Electors duty to choose is the final check and balance created by the Founders. They smelt a popular vote could be stilted and someone with an agenda opposed to our essence could win the popular vote.
Conversely, someone could lose the popular vote. The Electors have the final say. Except for one problem—both candidates are despised by the majority. Nationwide, perhaps a million people skipped voting for president.
I am the write-in applying to every TV station to deliver a couple 3-hour speeches before the Electors vote.
I bring to the table a Vehicle for World Peace.
http://michaelslevinson.com
Early in 1970 H. Marshall McLuhan, over lunch said, "Mike you are a prophet. You are way ahead of the world with your spoken poem to be spoken for all mankind on worldwide television. You will have to wait for the world to catch up to you.
J. Edgar Hoover marked me down a "person of special interest," and his minions to this day harass me, track me wherever I go online, destroy any thread I start and more—two attempts on my life the 3rd in the hopper.
Your America. The story of Adman and Even in the Gar Den, all the generations of man, how the Cheyenne-easy people became yellow skinned blacklisted in the land of the recollected free home of the brave.
The Electors duty to choose is the final check and balance created by the Founders. They smelt a popular vote could be stilted and someone with an agenda opposed to our essence could win the popular vote.
Conversely, someone could lose the popular vote. The Electors have the final say. Except for one problem—both candidates are despised by the majority. Nationwide, perhaps a million people skipped voting for president.
I am the write-in applying to every TV station to deliver a couple 3-hour speeches before the Electors vote.
I bring to the table a Vehicle for World Peace.
http://michaelslevinson.com
Trump: "It should be a felony for teachers to take political, environmental, or social positions in the classroom. It should be treated similar to teacher-(minor) student sexual misconduct. The damage to the minor takes years to rehabilitate.
It is not so shocking to crack down hard on teacher misconduct. Military officers are not allowed to espouse their political opinions and do so at their peril. It is a violation of the UCMJ, just as it is a violation to fraternize with enlisted personnel for a reason. They are in positions of authority.
We strengthened laws against sexual harassment in the workplace by employers for a reason. All the worse when adults supervise minors.
They are called minors for a reason. Their status as one should provide sufficient legal protection to stop political, environmental and social activism before their opinions are fully formed by the age 18."
It is not so shocking to crack down hard on teacher misconduct. Military officers are not allowed to espouse their political opinions and do so at their peril. It is a violation of the UCMJ, just as it is a violation to fraternize with enlisted personnel for a reason. They are in positions of authority.
We strengthened laws against sexual harassment in the workplace by employers for a reason. All the worse when adults supervise minors.
They are called minors for a reason. Their status as one should provide sufficient legal protection to stop political, environmental and social activism before their opinions are fully formed by the age 18."
If I've learned anything in my life, Gail, it has been that people who lie, cheat, and cause harm of any variety, when given a second chance, do the same thing again. That kind of second chance is more properly called "enabling." Look at domestic violence: perpetrators beat up their wives and girlfriends, and then go through a brief "hearts and flowers" stage, where they might apologize and make promises. Then the rage builds again and they again perpetrate violence.
People who harm once and then apologize and change spend the rest of their lives regretting what they did and trying to be better people. Those people don't try to schmooze their victims into forgiving them. Trump is in his hearts and flowers stage. As with domestic violence, we can probably count on the next round being worse than the last. And if we try to get away, we can count on things becoming life threatening.
People who harm once and then apologize and change spend the rest of their lives regretting what they did and trying to be better people. Those people don't try to schmooze their victims into forgiving them. Trump is in his hearts and flowers stage. As with domestic violence, we can probably count on the next round being worse than the last. And if we try to get away, we can count on things becoming life threatening.
16
I thought you were talking about Hillary.
Gail, you should consider his letter to you as his version of the Nixon enemies list. Consider it a badge of honor.
I believe that he will say anything at anytime as long as he thinks it will make his audience like him. I believe that he has absolutely no idea what the job of president entails and will not be bothered to learn one thing to be able to make a sound decision - he is already blowing off his daily security briefing. I believe that he is an empty soul with no moral center or compass and that we are in terrible, terrible danger as a country. The people he is surrounding himself with absolutely terrify me - the new Sec. of Education is the enemy of the public school system and that is a very bad omen for minority children. I believe that we will become, if we have not already become, the laughing stock of the world, unless he gets us into a new war with some foreign leader who will provoke and taunt him with a petty insult. I have lived through Reagan and Nixon and W, but this is different. This man really frightens me.
I believe that he will say anything at anytime as long as he thinks it will make his audience like him. I believe that he has absolutely no idea what the job of president entails and will not be bothered to learn one thing to be able to make a sound decision - he is already blowing off his daily security briefing. I believe that he is an empty soul with no moral center or compass and that we are in terrible, terrible danger as a country. The people he is surrounding himself with absolutely terrify me - the new Sec. of Education is the enemy of the public school system and that is a very bad omen for minority children. I believe that we will become, if we have not already become, the laughing stock of the world, unless he gets us into a new war with some foreign leader who will provoke and taunt him with a petty insult. I have lived through Reagan and Nixon and W, but this is different. This man really frightens me.
25
Gail Collins has very little to say in this particular column and goes ahead and says it. Perhaps the objective of the exercise was simply to share her cynical mood with the rest of us. In that, she's certainly succeeded. But most importantly, she is once again reminding herself and the rest of us that Trump will be the next president of the United States. I suspect (hope?) that the more she writes about this, the sooner she'll get used to the idea. And then, perhaps, the sooner she will write and act constructively (as opposed to cynically) for the sake of this great country--a country greater than any individual leader whomever may be.
2
Donald Trump is clearly a legend in his own mind. As a successful businessman (aka huckster), he has the real ability to read an audience and tell them what they want to hear. Why else would he vacillate on so many of his pre-election promises. Now that he is President-Elect, we accept many of his new positions as a sign that perhaps things will not be as bad as we fear.
Beware – the master salesman is again speaking to his audience, telling them things they want to hear. Trump has proven again and again that he only acts in his own best interests. And the things he says are only a means to an end, not a statement of belief or commitment to action.
We all need to be reminded of the reality we are facing. We also need to be thinking ahead to mid-term elections and to work now on building a national slate of candidates who will right the course of the country.
Beware – the master salesman is again speaking to his audience, telling them things they want to hear. Trump has proven again and again that he only acts in his own best interests. And the things he says are only a means to an end, not a statement of belief or commitment to action.
We all need to be reminded of the reality we are facing. We also need to be thinking ahead to mid-term elections and to work now on building a national slate of candidates who will right the course of the country.
19
Has it occurred to anyone that the president-elect may be manic-depressive? Schizophrenic? Self-absorbed to the point of clinical psychosis? Do we know what medications he takes? It's true that his physician concludes that Trump will be the healthiest president we've ever had. But perhaps the drugs he takes, which haven't been identified, account for his rather abrupt mood changes. Or maybe it's the drugs his physician takes. All I can say is that since Donald J. Trump was declared our next president, I've started taking Valium twice a day -- and now he seems quite reasonable and even pleasant to me.
19
Those who continue to talk about "normailization" just because the campaign is over and that we are expected to put all the Trump nonsense and mind boggling vulgarity (both intellectual and language-wise) behind us are painfully misleading themselves. Trump will not be assuaged by the highest responsibilities and calling in the name of the American people. He remains a narcissistic fool with the mind of 7th grader.
The Trump's administration promises to become the most extreme and unprepared to perform in the name of our nation's best interests and future. With a far-right lunatic as his Chief of Staff (like a prime minister role) and a low-grade general who, according to real generals, makes up his own facts, as the president's highest miitary advisor, what do you think that is going to happen? Did we mention the conflicts of interests that are already looming large on Trump's path? How is the department of justice led by J. Sessions (a Republican rebuked by his own party for his openly racist positions) is expected to handle them? Not to forget that bizarre obsession for "torture", who is moral stain on our nation (how can you lead on the world scene then?), and above all, it does not work.
Our best bet is that this pathetic individual will be impeached by the mid-term elections. People, this is happening: Trump is the president-elect and there will be no waking up in a land by the rainbow...
The Trump's administration promises to become the most extreme and unprepared to perform in the name of our nation's best interests and future. With a far-right lunatic as his Chief of Staff (like a prime minister role) and a low-grade general who, according to real generals, makes up his own facts, as the president's highest miitary advisor, what do you think that is going to happen? Did we mention the conflicts of interests that are already looming large on Trump's path? How is the department of justice led by J. Sessions (a Republican rebuked by his own party for his openly racist positions) is expected to handle them? Not to forget that bizarre obsession for "torture", who is moral stain on our nation (how can you lead on the world scene then?), and above all, it does not work.
Our best bet is that this pathetic individual will be impeached by the mid-term elections. People, this is happening: Trump is the president-elect and there will be no waking up in a land by the rainbow...
25
And how about a secretary of Educaton who doesn't believe in public schools or checking on the quality of education provided by the for profits. It will be Trump University right down to preschool!
2
Beyond the hate and weak (winking) disavowal of hate groups, Trump has chosen a racist, Sessions for Attorney General. Like all textbook fascists, he is also choosing corporate representatives for leadership including, former Verizon consultant Jeff Eisenach and former Sprint lobbyist Mark Jamisonto to head the FCC, billionaire and former corporate lobbyist for school privatization Betsy DeVos to head the Dept of Education, Steven Mnuchin, Former Goldman Sachs executive for Treasury Secretary, and the list goes on He is also tapping militarists and extremists.
His rhetoric and choices show the influence of Steve Bannon, who is a classic fascist, wanting in his own words " to create a level of nationalism we haven't seen since the 1930's." The press, in classic style reminiscent of that period, holds unrealistic expectations of this administration, looking for moderation, behavior within civilized norms and signs of direction based on what Trump says.
We have learned how ineffective and dishonest our mainstream media is but, we citizens who are able to learn from history and who, by a slim but significant majority rejected these dangerous fascists must unite and resist this tyranny. We have never faced such an internal danger to our nation.
*******www.commondreams.org/views/2016/11/23/solidarity-politics-resist-coming-regime
His rhetoric and choices show the influence of Steve Bannon, who is a classic fascist, wanting in his own words " to create a level of nationalism we haven't seen since the 1930's." The press, in classic style reminiscent of that period, holds unrealistic expectations of this administration, looking for moderation, behavior within civilized norms and signs of direction based on what Trump says.
We have learned how ineffective and dishonest our mainstream media is but, we citizens who are able to learn from history and who, by a slim but significant majority rejected these dangerous fascists must unite and resist this tyranny. We have never faced such an internal danger to our nation.
*******www.commondreams.org/views/2016/11/23/solidarity-politics-resist-coming-regime
25
Like many of his predecessors, Donald Trump is interpreting his victory as a resounding support for his plans to bring about change. And that may be his eventual undoing.
Most reasonable people would curb their enthusiasm when considering that they actually lost the popular vote by over 2 million votes and were propelled to power by about 120,000 voters in Michigan, Pensylvania and Wisconsin. Only the fluke of the antiquated Electoral Vote allowed Trump to win the Presidency.
This should have had a humbling effect. A sane person would temper his/her plans to recognize that more citizens oppose you than support you. But Trump, like many leaders elsewhere, can't accept that reality and will govern as if the great majority supports him. And that eventually will be his undoing.
Most reasonable people would curb their enthusiasm when considering that they actually lost the popular vote by over 2 million votes and were propelled to power by about 120,000 voters in Michigan, Pensylvania and Wisconsin. Only the fluke of the antiquated Electoral Vote allowed Trump to win the Presidency.
This should have had a humbling effect. A sane person would temper his/her plans to recognize that more citizens oppose you than support you. But Trump, like many leaders elsewhere, can't accept that reality and will govern as if the great majority supports him. And that eventually will be his undoing.
23
That last paragraph would have applied to W Bush, wouldn't it? And it didn't stop him in Iraq. I hope you're right, but history doesn't support your optimism.
1
In addition to be the most insufferable individual, he may not qualify as human, on the planet, this individual is a moral black hole.
His mendacity exceeds anything I have witnessed in a full 60 plus years of living a very full and engaged and diverse life. I have worked as a senior financial executive to a number of very high net worth families. I am one of the white guys who apparently has not realized how much discrimination I have had to endure.
This individual has no moral underpinnings, well if the pursuit of wealth and his unendurable vanity were moral principles, then I would stand corrected.
If he has a redeeming quality, he is keeping it well hidden.
The thought that this man has gamed the democratic system through a torrent of lies, hateful rhetoric spewed like a gushing geyser and now he wants to "make nice".
First on the list of pursuit for the American people is a full accounting of business interests in detail. Congress should vote to engage an international public accounting firm to conduct a full and complete audit of this man's financial interests. The IRS should be instructed to complete the audit of his tax returns forwith and they should then be released as he has promised innumerable times.
This individual has pilloried Hillary Clinton over the Clinton Foundation, her and Bill's speech activity and the most overblown issue in the public domain in the last 50 years, her private server.
Let us demand that this man come CLEAN before inauguration day.
His mendacity exceeds anything I have witnessed in a full 60 plus years of living a very full and engaged and diverse life. I have worked as a senior financial executive to a number of very high net worth families. I am one of the white guys who apparently has not realized how much discrimination I have had to endure.
This individual has no moral underpinnings, well if the pursuit of wealth and his unendurable vanity were moral principles, then I would stand corrected.
If he has a redeeming quality, he is keeping it well hidden.
The thought that this man has gamed the democratic system through a torrent of lies, hateful rhetoric spewed like a gushing geyser and now he wants to "make nice".
First on the list of pursuit for the American people is a full accounting of business interests in detail. Congress should vote to engage an international public accounting firm to conduct a full and complete audit of this man's financial interests. The IRS should be instructed to complete the audit of his tax returns forwith and they should then be released as he has promised innumerable times.
This individual has pilloried Hillary Clinton over the Clinton Foundation, her and Bill's speech activity and the most overblown issue in the public domain in the last 50 years, her private server.
Let us demand that this man come CLEAN before inauguration day.
76
As much as I admire these suggestions, I am at a loss as how they could be implemented, especially before inauguration, and even until his first term. I fear these things could not come out until and unless there are investegations relating to impeachment. If that is successful we get Mike Pence. While not as personally odious as the President elect, his extreme conservative views are more consistant and more durable than the President elect's. God Help Us All
What is remarkable is that headlines are presenting Trump's latest cabinet picks as reaching out to the center - the Washington Post put it: "Trump’s latest Cabinet-level picks diversify his administration" the New York Times similarly. The only reason that this is being said is that after choosing to surround himself with far right wing bomb throwers, he now picks people who throw grenades?
Any one of his latest picks would have caused enormous controversy if they were for example picked by Mitt Romney - but after the shock of Jeff Sessions (a pretty openly racist Senator, whose fingers were all over the Don Siegelman case), Bannon (racist website operator), Flynn (intemperate Islamophobe), etc. the latest appointments are being appreciated for being, well, magically less nuts!
Betsy deVos is a hardline promotor of home schooling, private religious schools and voucher programs pretty facially designed to support de-facto school segregation - and known for her hostility to public education (and utter lack of experience with it - her children were sent to private christian schools), and in Michigan efforts to ensure that there are no regulations or standards for private schools.
Ben Carson - no experience in housing, and very right wing personal beliefs. And now Wilbur Ross for Treasury, the vulture capitalist par excellence! All of these picks would for anyone else be causing consternation not relief.
Any one of his latest picks would have caused enormous controversy if they were for example picked by Mitt Romney - but after the shock of Jeff Sessions (a pretty openly racist Senator, whose fingers were all over the Don Siegelman case), Bannon (racist website operator), Flynn (intemperate Islamophobe), etc. the latest appointments are being appreciated for being, well, magically less nuts!
Betsy deVos is a hardline promotor of home schooling, private religious schools and voucher programs pretty facially designed to support de-facto school segregation - and known for her hostility to public education (and utter lack of experience with it - her children were sent to private christian schools), and in Michigan efforts to ensure that there are no regulations or standards for private schools.
Ben Carson - no experience in housing, and very right wing personal beliefs. And now Wilbur Ross for Treasury, the vulture capitalist par excellence! All of these picks would for anyone else be causing consternation not relief.
92
Don has reduced the "bar" so low, we'll never get over the results of the incompetence. If I break my leg, I go to the most experienced orthopedic doctor, not an intern in general practice. Insanity to all who discredit experience.
1
Years ago, Trump told Fortune magazine: “It’s very possible that I could be the first presidential candidate to run and make money on it.”
Money. That's all Trump cares about.
The great Trump kleptocracy of the American presidency has begun.
Money. That's all Trump cares about.
The great Trump kleptocracy of the American presidency has begun.
169
V,
The press is already getting all sleepy-dreaming, spinning out the hopeful little gestures this neo-Caligula is issuing.
He will be coming for everything, and soon. So soon. And bigly. So quickly our heads will spin. Sad.
The press is already getting all sleepy-dreaming, spinning out the hopeful little gestures this neo-Caligula is issuing.
He will be coming for everything, and soon. So soon. And bigly. So quickly our heads will spin. Sad.
3
Kleptocracy has been globalized.
Trump's not crazy, he's criminal, which we know from his fraudulent Trump University settlement.
The minute that settlement was announced, he diverted the media with tweets about Hamilton, that might as well had been him yelling "Squirrel!" from the top of Trump tower.
He's playing the media and everyone else as the true conman that he is.
Now he gushes about the NYTimes. Now he gushes about Obama. Now he wants to forgive Hillary, which is not his choice if she really is as criminal as he says she is.
By the way, all the things Trump accused Hillary of, the pay for play, the corrupt Foundation, the speaking fees? Turns out Hillary is an amateur to Trump in that department.
In 14 days Trump has met with Indian leaders to talk about his business, suggested foreign diplomats stay at his hotel, talked to the head of Argentina about building permits for his property with Ivanka, met with the head of Japan with Ivanka, highlighted his wife's QVC junk on the official White House website, shilled his properties on the official White House website sent Don Jr. to the Ritz in Paris for a secret meeting about Syria (that was actually a month ago). And his security detail at Trump tower is costing New Yorkers $1million per day.
Where are the outraged Republicans? I'm beginning to think they care more about their party than their country?
Please don't let the thousandaire off the hook, Ms. Collins.
I think you have a lovely face and hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
The minute that settlement was announced, he diverted the media with tweets about Hamilton, that might as well had been him yelling "Squirrel!" from the top of Trump tower.
He's playing the media and everyone else as the true conman that he is.
Now he gushes about the NYTimes. Now he gushes about Obama. Now he wants to forgive Hillary, which is not his choice if she really is as criminal as he says she is.
By the way, all the things Trump accused Hillary of, the pay for play, the corrupt Foundation, the speaking fees? Turns out Hillary is an amateur to Trump in that department.
In 14 days Trump has met with Indian leaders to talk about his business, suggested foreign diplomats stay at his hotel, talked to the head of Argentina about building permits for his property with Ivanka, met with the head of Japan with Ivanka, highlighted his wife's QVC junk on the official White House website, shilled his properties on the official White House website sent Don Jr. to the Ritz in Paris for a secret meeting about Syria (that was actually a month ago). And his security detail at Trump tower is costing New Yorkers $1million per day.
Where are the outraged Republicans? I'm beginning to think they care more about their party than their country?
Please don't let the thousandaire off the hook, Ms. Collins.
I think you have a lovely face and hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
278
V, the actual amount of Secret Service expense is two million a day, plus what he charges for them to ride on his airplane or stay in his buildings. The Republicans will love paying for security for his five kids and 9 or 10 grandchildren. We have to hope they stay close to home but that probably won't happen. Wonder what the total will be when they all go on vacation to some high priced resort or the boys go to Africa on safari again?
6
You're beginning to think they care more about party. That has been pretty evident for almost 50 years.
They gave up any shred of honest standing when they welcomed the bigots from the southern democratic party.
They gave up any shred of honest standing when they welcomed the bigots from the southern democratic party.
5
Now we see why Trump admires Putin's 'leadership' so bigly; He intends to rule as a gangster-capitalist, with a nice dash of Erdogan tossed in for good measure.
Seriously, the press does not see this coming, just as they did not see Trump coming.
And Ryan and McConnell seem to think they can control the agenda. Reminiscent of Von Papen and Hindenberg, hey?
Seriously, the press does not see this coming, just as they did not see Trump coming.
And Ryan and McConnell seem to think they can control the agenda. Reminiscent of Von Papen and Hindenberg, hey?
2
From time to time, the United States has taken decisions that show that we are 1. not infallible; 2. given to occasional but extreme reactions; 3. cannot claim moral integrity. The Red Scare of the twenties, the internment of Americans of Japanese descent, the McCarthy period, the Vietnam debacle, the political interventions in many countries from Iran to Chile to Guatemala, the Iraq war. Years later, we always ask ourselves: How could we have done that. Paraphrasing the immortal Pogo : How could be wrong when we are so sincere? We are about to embark on a roller coaster ride with the latest decision of the United States: the election of Donald Trump as president of the United Sates. The improbability of it all conflicts with the astounding reality. Let's hope that years from now, we will not ask ourselves: How could we have done that?
188
Actually Frank, If you think about about it, we Americans make such mistakes with great frequency, say every 8 to 15 years, and the dumb things wed do tend to bleed one into another in a continuum. There is a smug, mindless and holier-than-thou underbelly that lurks ceaselessly in our society. Or call it a two-headed monster that rears its ugly head: One side is filled with hate and fear toward anything that doesn't look, sound, dress, pray and act just like it does. The other yearns to demonstrate its raw and massive power over others while believing falsely that doing so is the only means to keep itself safe and secure. Alas, the twin-headed monster gets itself ensnarled in never-ending traps with no exits. It's a "March of Folly", as Barbara Tuchman would call it, and its consequences are far from pretty.
3
It will be of little solace when Cheeto Jesus and his coalition of wilfully ignorant hate mongers manage to burn the country to the ground to remember that two million more people voted for Clinton.
Were it not that lovely eighteenth-century white-male-property-owners-protecting farce of an electoral device, it would be the screaming fact free-ers who were predicting the end of civilisation.
Were it not that lovely eighteenth-century white-male-property-owners-protecting farce of an electoral device, it would be the screaming fact free-ers who were predicting the end of civilisation.
6
Frank, All those actions were taken by our leaders. Not by the American public. I posit it was those leaders that lacked sincerety, and in most cases much more. But this one is on us, whether we voted for him or failed to vote or did not fully see the threat before our very eyes and failed to actively campaign against him. I for one wished I'd tried harder.
Because really, how many people are surprised at the way things are going?
Because really, how many people are surprised at the way things are going?
4
My sole consolation about the incoming President is that the stress of the Presidency ages those who occupy it. The Vainglorious Mr. Trump will not be able to put on enough make up to hide the aging. Already he is looking like a fish out of water, in more ways than one.
Of course, if it is true that he is skipping intelligence briefings, then maybe the only aging he has to worry about is from getting too much sun playing golf.
So far his cabinet appointments have been notable, and not in a good way. If a good leader assembles a team of the best and the brightest, his opening plays are not a good sign.
But it is Thanksgiving. So let's be thankful that, of those who voted, the majority of Americans exercised good judgment. And that Rudy Giuliani has not been appointed to be Secretart of State...yet.
Of course, if it is true that he is skipping intelligence briefings, then maybe the only aging he has to worry about is from getting too much sun playing golf.
So far his cabinet appointments have been notable, and not in a good way. If a good leader assembles a team of the best and the brightest, his opening plays are not a good sign.
But it is Thanksgiving. So let's be thankful that, of those who voted, the majority of Americans exercised good judgment. And that Rudy Giuliani has not been appointed to be Secretart of State...yet.
315
A colleague of mine teaches in a state prison. The day after the election, her students commented that the American people can't recognize a con man when they see one. Too bad they can't vote!!
10
Nothing more gratifying than liberal sour grapes. Hope they go well with your turkey today.
Trump not be crazy, but he's still the Donald Trump who was so loathsome to so many on the campaign trail--and to millions of New Yorkers long before that. Reading the full transcript of the New York Times interview pretty much confirms that. He began with a long, rambling description of the huge crowds that attended his rallies "with something like 15,000 more people who couldn't get in.". And he says that if the outcome was based on the popular vote, he would have won that, too, because he would have spent more time in populous states. (Of course, Hillary Clinton would have, too.)
So at the start of the meeting to discuss appointments and policy in a Trump administration, Donald Trump thinks it's appropriate to provide a puffed-up summary of his "tremendous victory."
One of the striking things about the transcript is the number of times it reads "Reince Priebus: [inaudible]." At those times I imagine him saying, sotto voce, "I cannot believe this guy is going to be president of the United States."
So at the start of the meeting to discuss appointments and policy in a Trump administration, Donald Trump thinks it's appropriate to provide a puffed-up summary of his "tremendous victory."
One of the striking things about the transcript is the number of times it reads "Reince Priebus: [inaudible]." At those times I imagine him saying, sotto voce, "I cannot believe this guy is going to be president of the United States."
256
I was struck by the fact that in the interview, Trump has the vocabulary of a twelve year old boy -- bragging, gloating, double adjectives to puff up the most mundane comments -- the only words missing were "bigly" and "hugely" -- he has the vocabulary of the huckster and con-man -- both of which he is.
8
Watching Trump realize that governing is not like managing a company, it is much more complex than he thought and it is definitely not campaigning has been interesting. Walking back his outlandish campaign rhetoric must be painful for his supporters. Adding to their woes, the House and Senate leadership both sound the same as they have for the past 6 years. When they finally realize the change they wanted is not the change they are going to get, they have my sympathy this holiday season.
99
I have no sympathy for deplorable people who fail to grasp basic civics, vote their identity and emotions, can't recognize a con man when he's right in front of them, and do not take personal responsibility when their coal mines or factories close as the world shifts away from the destructive industrial era that was built on noxious fossil fuels and rapacious extraction of the earth's finite resources.
24
If I'm toldlectured one more time that any of us vote(d) against our interests I'm going to stomp my feet like the toddlers who are doing the lecturing. Please stop. Let me do this one more time for you, Junior.
A strong(er) American economic condition is in all of our interests. This should be clear to a communist; but for some reason it's missed by most of you. Admiral Trump will raise all small boats. Lower taxes, less regulation, more exports. Trickle-down--so slandered by you--is only/basically capitalism writ another way. Trump will simply floor it. Obama, like all lefties, hit the brakes.
Just watch. And stop whining.
A strong(er) American economic condition is in all of our interests. This should be clear to a communist; but for some reason it's missed by most of you. Admiral Trump will raise all small boats. Lower taxes, less regulation, more exports. Trickle-down--so slandered by you--is only/basically capitalism writ another way. Trump will simply floor it. Obama, like all lefties, hit the brakes.
Just watch. And stop whining.
1
Get back to us in 4 years and let us know how it worked out. As to the Obama administration, it worked fine for us and we fully recovered from the Bush disaster.
20
Having cared for two seriously mentally ill relatives in my home, let me make it clear that mentally ill people can look and behave normally much of the time, so we should not be reassured that Mr.Trump can sound rational and conciliatory.
The fact that on the very same day he calls the Times a failed newspaper he praises it as an international jewel reveals something is truly amiss. If he cannot see how self-contradictory so much of what he says is, or if he believes no one else will remember what he said, he is having a hard time connecting with reality.
We should probably be feeling sorry for him, but given the power he now has, what I am is afraid.
The fact that on the very same day he calls the Times a failed newspaper he praises it as an international jewel reveals something is truly amiss. If he cannot see how self-contradictory so much of what he says is, or if he believes no one else will remember what he said, he is having a hard time connecting with reality.
We should probably be feeling sorry for him, but given the power he now has, what I am is afraid.
1173
If you read the full transcript of this interview (it's all online), this becomes even more apparent. A high school senior would have been able to speak more coherently on climate change. The repetition, rambling and self-references are pretty scary.
13
Most of his craziness is expressed through 3 a.m. Tweets. However, when he meets people in person, be backs down and plays nice like most bullies do because underneath all the bravado is a scared little boy desperate for affection and approval.
6
Don't feel sorry for him for any reason.
Being delusional is not necessarily painful.
If I think I'm a Disney princess, surely I don't feel bad about it.
Being delusional is not necessarily painful.
If I think I'm a Disney princess, surely I don't feel bad about it.
6
A few things seem certain: 1) we will be constantly surprised; 2) our new POTUS will lie freely and often deny that he ever "said that" even though it is on tape for all to watch; 3) chaos will reign, which means that people will likely come and go at all levels; 4) the POTUS will have to have rallies so that his fragile ego can be fed by the cheering throngs, which will become a problem for his staff as 4) those throngs become more and more disillusioned by promises unfulfilled; 5) there will continue to be cringe-worthy incidents on the world stage; 6) Trump, if he gets through the next 3 years, will announce that he is not running for reelection either because he has accomplished all that needs to be done and America is now great OR because he has more important things to do.
829
7) The more confounded among the commenters will suffer periodic bouts of "Kanye Syndrome", a newly discovered disorder that seems to only affect the extremely narcissistic and/or talent-vacant delusionals.
4
And one day one of his "disappointed" followers will take a shot at him and a Secret Service agent or a cop will be the one who catches the bullet. Madmen and dictators often die at the hands of those who put them into power when the followers finally understand that they've been "had" by the person they followed.
3
Anne-Marie, he may not run for a second term because he would sense that the world hates him, but rationalize it in a truly sociopathic way, "America is rigged!" The fact that he is blind to his orange face and cotton candy hair every time he looks into the mirror is astounding; it says it all - to me, at least.
7
You never know which Trump is going to show up today, the conciliatory one or the alt-right storm trooper. Or actually you do, it's all about the audience.
Expect more of the rhetoric of violent white nationalism when it suits his purposes, to move his most ardent supporters to anger. This is the Trump we can expect in crisis, the one who lashes out with wild threats and childish name calling when events turn against him or us.
But in moments of calm, it's all carefully chosen words to appear reasonable to the majority who opposed his Presidency from the start.
The only thing you can count on is that his policies will benefit his own interests more than ours.
Expect more of the rhetoric of violent white nationalism when it suits his purposes, to move his most ardent supporters to anger. This is the Trump we can expect in crisis, the one who lashes out with wild threats and childish name calling when events turn against him or us.
But in moments of calm, it's all carefully chosen words to appear reasonable to the majority who opposed his Presidency from the start.
The only thing you can count on is that his policies will benefit his own interests more than ours.
723
So you supported the politician who "earned" $20 million dollars while "serving" the pubic and her "nonprofit"?
There will be no political talk for me today: the hostess, my nephews wife, already forbade it. Half her family voted for Trump, and practically all of my family are cursing and scratching our heads.
So while we eat turkey there will be plenty of elephants near the table as well. I mean how much could you say about the Patriots over the course of a one hour meal?
President elect is going to continue his master of the work of picking the right person for the right job down in Florida. It doesn't seem to have bothered his most rabid supporters that this man hasmore homes than they have gripes.
Nothing like relying on a billionaire when you are out of work and have been for years. Can you imagine Donald Trump going to the supermarket and picking up a pound of potatoes? It reminds me of President George HW Bush and his check out scanner problem.
Anyway Gail, the American people are united on one thing: isn't it great to have a holiday centered on a turkey with 2 million more voters than voted for Trump forced to hold their tongues?
Maybe we should stick them out instead in a form of visual protest at the man who would be king.
So while we eat turkey there will be plenty of elephants near the table as well. I mean how much could you say about the Patriots over the course of a one hour meal?
President elect is going to continue his master of the work of picking the right person for the right job down in Florida. It doesn't seem to have bothered his most rabid supporters that this man hasmore homes than they have gripes.
Nothing like relying on a billionaire when you are out of work and have been for years. Can you imagine Donald Trump going to the supermarket and picking up a pound of potatoes? It reminds me of President George HW Bush and his check out scanner problem.
Anyway Gail, the American people are united on one thing: isn't it great to have a holiday centered on a turkey with 2 million more voters than voted for Trump forced to hold their tongues?
Maybe we should stick them out instead in a form of visual protest at the man who would be king.
415
I'm thankful for not having to be at a family gathering of people seething and holding their tongues while wanting to rip into one another. Instead my husband and I will be dining in a nice restaurant that doesn't cater to large "family" groups surrounded by other people enjoying a good meal unencumbered by the pretend "happy family" that Americans like to cling to as being the way it is when it reality -- it isn't.
7
Christine, are we related or having dinner at the same place? I, also, have been muzzled by my wife and daughter --- the in-laws are all pistol-packing Trump supporters. I know I'll be saying more than once, "How about those Patriots!"
8
Of course, the George Bush scanner thing was another totally fabricated media event, so I would expect you to swallow it hook line and sinker. If you wonder why Trump is president, look in the mirror.
"Trump not crazy!"
The president-elect is a serial liar and a narcissist. I once thought that he simply listened to the last person to whom he spoke. As Frank Bruni pointed out, he has an insatiable demand to be loved. He lets the crowds' cheers set him off but he puts on a different persona for the Times' roundtable. When confronted with a recording of his own misogynist boastings, he can claim, "I didn't say that."
He goes to D.C., where he will be huddling with the likes of Ryan and McConnell. I believe that he will be captured by right wing in their attempt to dismantle much of the social safety net, despite his campaign promises, and of the regulations which protect our workplaces and our environment.
The president-elect is a serial liar and a narcissist. I once thought that he simply listened to the last person to whom he spoke. As Frank Bruni pointed out, he has an insatiable demand to be loved. He lets the crowds' cheers set him off but he puts on a different persona for the Times' roundtable. When confronted with a recording of his own misogynist boastings, he can claim, "I didn't say that."
He goes to D.C., where he will be huddling with the likes of Ryan and McConnell. I believe that he will be captured by right wing in their attempt to dismantle much of the social safety net, despite his campaign promises, and of the regulations which protect our workplaces and our environment.
624
So funny to see liberals call Trump a liar when their candidate was Hillary
"Trump not crazy."
Don't we need a verb here?
And despite dismantling the social safety net (a giveaway to Ryan) and deconstructing regulations, he STILL won't be able to make those coal mining jobs come back. That market has spoken.
Don't we need a verb here?
And despite dismantling the social safety net (a giveaway to Ryan) and deconstructing regulations, he STILL won't be able to make those coal mining jobs come back. That market has spoken.
2
As the Republican Party sits down to dinner today on what in any sane or decent country would rightfully be called Native American Day, they will celebrate the sentimental glory of Thank-God-For-White-People-Giving-America-The-Shaft-Again and their unexpected, early White Christmas gift, the O. Henry Electoral College appointment of the country's most famous vacuum-cleaner salesman as President of the United States.
The Republican Party, Machiavellian maestros on the pirating of political power, will give thanks to their diabolical Lord and Swindler for allowing them once again to snatch victory from the jaws of democracy.
The Grand Old Pirates will regale in their sacrosanct medieval righteousness of tyranny of the white male minority through every nefarious means necessary - gerrymander, filibuster, voter suppression, FBI letter, Electoral College and good old, fashioned, reliable White Spite.
"For two centuries supporters of the Electoral College have built their arguments on a series of faulty premises. The Electoral College is a gross violation of the cherished value of political equality. At the same time, it does not protect the interests of small states or racial minorities, nor does it serve as a bastion of federalism. Instead the Electoral College distorts the presidential campaign so that candidates ignore most small states - and many large ones - and pay little attention to minorities."
- George Edwards III
Welcome back to the Grand Old Plantation, everybody.
The Republican Party, Machiavellian maestros on the pirating of political power, will give thanks to their diabolical Lord and Swindler for allowing them once again to snatch victory from the jaws of democracy.
The Grand Old Pirates will regale in their sacrosanct medieval righteousness of tyranny of the white male minority through every nefarious means necessary - gerrymander, filibuster, voter suppression, FBI letter, Electoral College and good old, fashioned, reliable White Spite.
"For two centuries supporters of the Electoral College have built their arguments on a series of faulty premises. The Electoral College is a gross violation of the cherished value of political equality. At the same time, it does not protect the interests of small states or racial minorities, nor does it serve as a bastion of federalism. Instead the Electoral College distorts the presidential campaign so that candidates ignore most small states - and many large ones - and pay little attention to minorities."
- George Edwards III
Welcome back to the Grand Old Plantation, everybody.
922
Today, after our constitutional trip to the dog park, I will go, as I do every Thanksgiving, to the nearby casino on the Tohono O'Odham reservation, and put $20.00 in a slot machine, hoping for the best. The adjacent golf course and the glitter and noise will remind me of our new PUTUS, and the loss of the $20 will reinforce that. As I leave, I'll be further saddened as all the one arm bandits will remind me of congress. As I drive out onto a county road the irony of what we've done will resonate, our nation has finally gone totally off the reservation.
13
We could now also welcome visitors and immigrants with the slogan "Welcome to the Kingdom of the United States" for it will be ruled by King Trump and his Royal Family". Looking at his court, it looks like the oligarch has won and plutocrats will finally support him totally. One has to feel bad for all the disappointed Trump voters for the swamp just grew larger and deeper.
8
I really think that you owe the many decent, hard-working vacuum salespeople an apology....
Warren Harding? Oh, it’s one of those SOPHISTICATED witticisms: Warren Harding, an Ohioan and a Republican, was sensitive to the plights of minorities and women and had been a newspaper publisher, but he only served for two years before inconveniently dying in 1923. He did all sorts of Republican things, like tightening immigration, strengthening tariffs and slashing taxes; but left us with Teapot Dome … and Calvin Coolidge and his cats. This comparison hits on ALL of Gail’s cylinders, doesn’t it? He even once said “Don't expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong,” and “The chief business of the American people is business.” But he served so LONG ago. Funny.
The only thing he never gave us was a Slovenian wife.
But be fair. Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina probably has more foreign policy experience than Rudy Giuliani, and Rudy may be our next sec. of state.
Glad to see that the Times outing resulted in a willingness to give Trump a chance. I think he should do one of those a month. But, for the record, our Gail is NOT a “dog and a liar”, with the “face of a pig”. He must have been thinking of Steve Bannon when he wrote that.
The only thing he never gave us was a Slovenian wife.
But be fair. Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina probably has more foreign policy experience than Rudy Giuliani, and Rudy may be our next sec. of state.
Glad to see that the Times outing resulted in a willingness to give Trump a chance. I think he should do one of those a month. But, for the record, our Gail is NOT a “dog and a liar”, with the “face of a pig”. He must have been thinking of Steve Bannon when he wrote that.
170
The 1920's did not end well.
Oh, and that "tightening immigration" thing was an act of Congress designed to keep Jews, Italians and Slavs out and allow those from Northern Europe in.
Oh, and that "tightening immigration" thing was an act of Congress designed to keep Jews, Italians and Slavs out and allow those from Northern Europe in.
110
Harding did all sorts of "Republican things," alright. Teapot Dome was the worst of a number of scandals that came to light after his death.
One stark contrast between Warren G. and Trump: Harding ran on the slogan "a return to normalcy."
One stark contrast between Warren G. and Trump: Harding ran on the slogan "a return to normalcy."
25
Dear Mr. R. Luettgen:
Not everyone at the Times joined in on Rumpfest. Specifically Charles Blow as well as numerous others refused to be party in any way to this travesty wrought upon the nation. We would not allow our presence to be perceived as acknowledging this know-nothing demagogue being our president. Many of us at the Times won't allow ourselves to be seen in any way as condoning this bigot and bully's right to be president.
That is why the Founders created the Electoral College, to prevent such an aberration from becoming president. Come December I hope they acquiesce to the will of the people and the majority of voters by denying this fascist the presidency. Give him a chance? Fat chance.
DD
Manhattan
Not everyone at the Times joined in on Rumpfest. Specifically Charles Blow as well as numerous others refused to be party in any way to this travesty wrought upon the nation. We would not allow our presence to be perceived as acknowledging this know-nothing demagogue being our president. Many of us at the Times won't allow ourselves to be seen in any way as condoning this bigot and bully's right to be president.
That is why the Founders created the Electoral College, to prevent such an aberration from becoming president. Come December I hope they acquiesce to the will of the people and the majority of voters by denying this fascist the presidency. Give him a chance? Fat chance.
DD
Manhattan
18
He has a salesman's soul, saying anything for effect, then instantly forgetting the words, all to keep people on a permanent edge.
Forget the words, forget the sycophant careerists. The results will be disaster for this country.
To all the apathetic nonvoters: look in the mirror to see
evil.
Forget the words, forget the sycophant careerists. The results will be disaster for this country.
To all the apathetic nonvoters: look in the mirror to see
evil.
467
Gail, I can't believe you mentioned the turkey pardon!! One of the first things I said to my friends on Nov 8 was that there will be no more turkey pardons. I just don't think he has it in him.
2
Happy Thanksgiving, Ms. Collins, to you and yours.
Your colleague David Brooks, last Monday, authored a widely-read plea for patience and tolerance for the president-elect. It seemed eminently sensible; after all, Americans are legendary for their tolerance and patience, in showy demonstrations of leniency and kindness for what we call "underdogs"; you know, those disrespected, not-highly-regarded entries into huge (sorry) competitive events in which they have no chance at success. Perhaps this description doesn't fit "thousandaires." Like you, I'm trying.
President Obama, on Sunday in Lima, told us that the pressures of the job of presidency has a way of stabilizing an individual, pulling him (it should have been "her" but never mind) back from the precipice of imprudence. Think of all the dangers in the abyss: Vladimir Putin; Chinese aggression in the South China Sea; Israeli expansion of settlements (Jared Kushner will calm those eternally roiled waters, surely); a shrunken planet with too many people, polluted by unbreathable air and water poisoned by industrial effluence in the service of profits; the gutting fears of coiling and uncoiling ISIS) terror cells; Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan.
I'm not counting that No. 45, wholly outside his DNA, will become thoughtful and statesmanlike, demonstrating Obama-like qualities of leadership and prudence and oh, bridge-building. I'm not from Missouri, but I say: show me.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
Your colleague David Brooks, last Monday, authored a widely-read plea for patience and tolerance for the president-elect. It seemed eminently sensible; after all, Americans are legendary for their tolerance and patience, in showy demonstrations of leniency and kindness for what we call "underdogs"; you know, those disrespected, not-highly-regarded entries into huge (sorry) competitive events in which they have no chance at success. Perhaps this description doesn't fit "thousandaires." Like you, I'm trying.
President Obama, on Sunday in Lima, told us that the pressures of the job of presidency has a way of stabilizing an individual, pulling him (it should have been "her" but never mind) back from the precipice of imprudence. Think of all the dangers in the abyss: Vladimir Putin; Chinese aggression in the South China Sea; Israeli expansion of settlements (Jared Kushner will calm those eternally roiled waters, surely); a shrunken planet with too many people, polluted by unbreathable air and water poisoned by industrial effluence in the service of profits; the gutting fears of coiling and uncoiling ISIS) terror cells; Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan.
I'm not counting that No. 45, wholly outside his DNA, will become thoughtful and statesmanlike, demonstrating Obama-like qualities of leadership and prudence and oh, bridge-building. I'm not from Missouri, but I say: show me.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
335
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
Thank you soxared, 04-07-13. I have not been able to make that statement clearly since Bush II completely mis-stated it, screwed it up that is.
I hope Trump attempts it.
Thank you soxared, 04-07-13. I have not been able to make that statement clearly since Bush II completely mis-stated it, screwed it up that is.
I hope Trump attempts it.
His comment about Hillary suffering a lot, to me, cements my belief that he is not fit to be dogcatcher. Early in his campaign, he stated that he was going to destroy her. He did it with the help of Rudy, Newt, KellyAnne, Chaffetz and numerous other and now he claims he wants her to heal! What a heel. It is the same argument he used when he claims he got Obama to turn over his birth certificate proving Obama was a citizen. This man-child has no respect for civility(PC) or himself!
887
He's smart enough to know many Americans are stupid and/or trusting, and easily impressed, and is unscrupulous enough to lie and cheat his way into manipulating them. He has proven it time and again with the casinos, real estate, Trump Univ., etc, and now the election. Then he comes and flatters the "smart" people and they say "He's not so bad after all. Where is that bridge he wants to sell us again?"
8
...and don't forget Comey.
1
Or the truth.
2
"A dog and a liar with the face of a pig." At first I thought no billionaire in his right mind could call a lady that. She's putting me on. And then it dawned on me. What else might we expect given his track record during this election?
345
Money has nothing to do with class. Some of the classiest, intelligent and charming people I've met have been poor.
18
Nice!
No point in sulking.
No point in sulking.
12
Perhap's something has been lost in translation. A fuller explanation might help explain things further.
3
You are wrong.
Our confederate congress sulked for 8 obstructionist years and now we have an unrrgistered sex offender in the white house
Our confederate congress sulked for 8 obstructionist years and now we have an unrrgistered sex offender in the white house
20
With Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote count still rising at the two million mark, perhaps Trump's beginning to realize We the People didn't elect him, the Electoral College will. So, he's backtracking on the wall, the illegals, the Muslims, health care, and even Hillary herself.
But we should not be fooled by small signs of normality because we must believe his campaign rhetoric as who he really is: a vulgar bully, an autocrat with no scant for facts and evidence contradicting his bigotry and ego.
Take heart that Democrats picked up 2 Senate seats and 6 House seats; that there are no permanent victories in politics, that there will be yet more Congressional elections, and that the GOP does't have a 60 vote super majority in the Senate.
But we should not be fooled by small signs of normality because we must believe his campaign rhetoric as who he really is: a vulgar bully, an autocrat with no scant for facts and evidence contradicting his bigotry and ego.
Take heart that Democrats picked up 2 Senate seats and 6 House seats; that there are no permanent victories in politics, that there will be yet more Congressional elections, and that the GOP does't have a 60 vote super majority in the Senate.
524
For those going to a Thanksgiving dinner where we are free to repeat the important points about the actual votes that you make, here are two more items to discuss
1) an article about vulnerabilities to vote hacking, which must be addressed whether or not there is a recount
https://medium.com/@jhalderm/want-to-know-if-the-election-was-hacked-loo...
And
2) the petition to ask the Republican Electors to be faithful to the democratic choice of the large majority of American voters who rejected the unprepared, uninformed divisive man who has done nothing but exploit others for personal gain his entire life
https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-electors-electoral-college-ma...
1) an article about vulnerabilities to vote hacking, which must be addressed whether or not there is a recount
https://medium.com/@jhalderm/want-to-know-if-the-election-was-hacked-loo...
And
2) the petition to ask the Republican Electors to be faithful to the democratic choice of the large majority of American voters who rejected the unprepared, uninformed divisive man who has done nothing but exploit others for personal gain his entire life
https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-electors-electoral-college-ma...
16
I think you give trump too much credit. He isn't backtracking because of reasoned political motives - he's just saying what the people who are in front of him want to hear. Next week torture will be just fine - hell be "thinking about it".
When he is in front of people who scream for a wall and torture and a Muslin Registry he is for all those things. When he is in front of people who want restraint, no torture and consideration of scientific consensus on global heating he is for those things.
That isn't backtracking. It doesn't even rise to transference - its just pure reflecting-mirror. There may very well be no real Trump.
When he is in front of people who scream for a wall and torture and a Muslin Registry he is for all those things. When he is in front of people who want restraint, no torture and consideration of scientific consensus on global heating he is for those things.
That isn't backtracking. It doesn't even rise to transference - its just pure reflecting-mirror. There may very well be no real Trump.
14
The "real" Trump has been revealed in his Tweets and rants and stump speeches.
7
I didn't want to spoil my Thanksgiving by thinking about Trump. But as I live abroad, I read the NYT everyday and it couldn't be helped. So I started thinking about PEOTUS and I read with disgust the nasty things he said about you. Now I can only marvel at how for the next 4 years we as Americans will watch the REAL "House of Cards" unfold before our very eyes.
299
Private Trump is at the finish line. Roughly having what he wanted. He freed himself and can settle all those outrageous injustices he imparted so he could thrive exceptionally. Now he thrives safely and that's okay enough for him. I don't see him as bad as Mitch McConnell who would take the presidency as a chance to quadruple his own wealth (dev)four times. I think he now definitely wants to do good to the nation.
And he wants to please. Unfortunately he's in the Republican Party. There are no credentialed alt-Right folks left to appoint into his gov. So establishment Rs it will be. Then the oligarchy-propelled machine will start to grind, the Obama buddy thing will become unthinkable and they will be the first in his ear begging to be pleased. Exit serious infrastructure investment plan, which is weird since the plutocrats would profit, but they are outnutting themselves here. This is bad for the economy, but crumbling bridges are good for the climate. We'll rebuild later with clean energy. Hopefully.
There will be infinitely extended tax cut, absolution and regulatory boons for the already ultra wealthy. The costs- and debt-imprisoned 99% will see their already scant opportunities thwarted and slammed.
If you want to influence Trump, make sure to be a good-looking young woman, rich or a shining white supremacist buddy.
The hope lies not even in the rape case against him doing him in, since Pence will be worse, and number three in line, Ryan, is the worst of them all.
And he wants to please. Unfortunately he's in the Republican Party. There are no credentialed alt-Right folks left to appoint into his gov. So establishment Rs it will be. Then the oligarchy-propelled machine will start to grind, the Obama buddy thing will become unthinkable and they will be the first in his ear begging to be pleased. Exit serious infrastructure investment plan, which is weird since the plutocrats would profit, but they are outnutting themselves here. This is bad for the economy, but crumbling bridges are good for the climate. We'll rebuild later with clean energy. Hopefully.
There will be infinitely extended tax cut, absolution and regulatory boons for the already ultra wealthy. The costs- and debt-imprisoned 99% will see their already scant opportunities thwarted and slammed.
If you want to influence Trump, make sure to be a good-looking young woman, rich or a shining white supremacist buddy.
The hope lies not even in the rape case against him doing him in, since Pence will be worse, and number three in line, Ryan, is the worst of them all.
202
You are absolutely right. Trump is unqualified and crazy as a loon. Pence is a born again nut who doesn't believe in climate change, evolution, and spends way too much time worrying about the LGBTQ community. (I always think that people who freak about same sex marriage and transgenders using rest rooms are hiding something.) Pence was poised to loose Indiana's governorship bigly when Trump threw him a lifeline. But Paul Ryan, who has been the beneficiary of our government's safety net or on it's payroll for most of his life is the worst. It galls me no end that this guy (who brags about his Catholicism endlessly) is acts like the anti-Christ. No free school lunches, no Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, food assistance, and no kindness. I wish Pope Francis would give him a tweet and request he change churches. If Trump gets impeached, Pence and Ryan must also be impeached. It should be a package deal. I think that the House Minority Leader (Nancy?) should step in. She's be great.
14
With respect, Ms. Collins, you have stated that the real message from his outreach - or was it his royal summons - was to remind the nation that he's not crazy. Substitute the word "convince" for "remind" and you have it correct.
I am a holder of a Ph.D. in psychology. I served for a year as the Director of Research at the Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry. I interviewed more than 100 patients in that year. I testified in Circuit Courts on please of Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) and Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI).
In those proceedings, qualified expert witness testimony [also known as professional opinion] is ruled on by a judge. The law states that the person who's competence or guilt is being adjudicated must have had a long-standing mental illness.
Based on my reading of books (such as Never Enough) about Mr. Trump, and reading accounts of his statements in the NYTimes, Wall Street Journal, and articles in Real Clear Politics from many different sources, and my observation of Mr. Trump's behavior and statements in the course of the past two years, it is my professional opinion that Mr. Trumps view of himself and he world he lives in is divergent from reality.
I am neither reminded nor convinced that he is not crazy. You have your opinion, and it is enough to convince you to forgive him for insulting your humanity and appearance. And to accept him as mentally sound.
Each of us has a right to our opinion.
I am a holder of a Ph.D. in psychology. I served for a year as the Director of Research at the Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry. I interviewed more than 100 patients in that year. I testified in Circuit Courts on please of Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) and Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI).
In those proceedings, qualified expert witness testimony [also known as professional opinion] is ruled on by a judge. The law states that the person who's competence or guilt is being adjudicated must have had a long-standing mental illness.
Based on my reading of books (such as Never Enough) about Mr. Trump, and reading accounts of his statements in the NYTimes, Wall Street Journal, and articles in Real Clear Politics from many different sources, and my observation of Mr. Trump's behavior and statements in the course of the past two years, it is my professional opinion that Mr. Trumps view of himself and he world he lives in is divergent from reality.
I am neither reminded nor convinced that he is not crazy. You have your opinion, and it is enough to convince you to forgive him for insulting your humanity and appearance. And to accept him as mentally sound.
Each of us has a right to our opinion.
1336
Interesting observations, but while I'm certainly no fan of Trump, I'm also certain that it's not competent for any mental health professional to make a diagnosis when they have not actually treated a patient in person and reviewed their personal psychopathology and history. Just sayin.
4
Whatever one's thoughts about Mr. Trump, and there certainly are issues which one might address regarding his stability. I am also a licensed Ph.D in psychology, with about 40 years of experience, including forensic issues.
It is really inappropriate for any professional to assess the mental stability of an individual on the basis of long-distance information, without an person interview.
It is really inappropriate for any professional to assess the mental stability of an individual on the basis of long-distance information, without an person interview.
3
I wish that people who I want to agree with would proofread carefully, and that only those with stupid ideas would use "who's" for "whose," "please" for "pleas," and "Trumps" for "Trump's."
2
We do know that whatever Trump does, there will be no clear and transparent explanation and reasoned justification for it. At most we will get a sales pitch, which will sound good but which may go against the facts or just not make sense.
336
"May" go against the facts? How hopeful you are.
1