Trump offered the same lame excuse he always has for not releasing his tax returns--"under audit." So why can't the IRS put that endless audit on fast track and get it done?
44
If he is separating himself from his businesses, how will he know what kind of job the sons are doing?
14
"Bombastic, vain and slippery," is that it? How about "Lincolnesque" like Obama? How about his amazing "team of rivals?" Also like Obama. Of course Obama fractured the country with his racial politics and grandstanding, produced a next to nothing slow growth economy, gave the go ahead to spy on and thwart his opposition with the IRS, lied to the American people constantly with "shovel ready jobs" that never occurred, or "if you like your plan you can keep it." Foreign policy has been one mega disaster. I look forward to President Trump who has put the grown-ups in charge. Many more years of your sore loser editorials will be delightful schadenfreude.
9
This is from your news paper.
"After the election, the memos, still being supplemented by his inquiries, became one of Washington’s worst-kept secrets, as reporters — including from The New York Times — scrambled to confirm or disprove them."
So why do you report what Trump has to say, when you know straight away it is a lie?
"After the election, the memos, still being supplemented by his inquiries, became one of Washington’s worst-kept secrets, as reporters — including from The New York Times — scrambled to confirm or disprove them."
So why do you report what Trump has to say, when you know straight away it is a lie?
16
When will this change? When will Trump divest from his companies? When will he stop bulling reporters and threatening our democracy? When the citizens of this country demand it stop. To quote the candidate I supported: “All over this country we have a lot of bright, decent, good people. They're saying, 'You know what, this situation is hopeless. [...] you can't beat the billionaires... you can't win. I'm giving up.' That is exactly what they want us to believe. And I beg of you, do not enter that world of despair. We can win this fight if we stand together.”
~ Sen. Bernie Sanders
Lets stand together. Lets demand this stop. This is our country. We don't get a second chance to claim our rights in the face of this kind of fascism.
~ Sen. Bernie Sanders
Lets stand together. Lets demand this stop. This is our country. We don't get a second chance to claim our rights in the face of this kind of fascism.
38
Donald Trump's press conference yesterday is a preview of how Trump will act
in the future.Unless the GOP powers reign in Trump, age 70, with a string of unbelievable wins, will continue his unpredictable behavior. The U.S.
needs leadership, not partisan politics. Trump is the President, and should
get a handle on his temper. Consider the CNN team has Carl Bernstein, Jake
Tapper, Jim Acosta Frank Sesno,, Gloria Borger, Anderson Cooper, Philip Mudd,
Kirsten Powers,and Jim Sciolto. Trump looked irrational and does not need a
press war with CNN. Where are Stephen Bannon and Jared Kushner?
in the future.Unless the GOP powers reign in Trump, age 70, with a string of unbelievable wins, will continue his unpredictable behavior. The U.S.
needs leadership, not partisan politics. Trump is the President, and should
get a handle on his temper. Consider the CNN team has Carl Bernstein, Jake
Tapper, Jim Acosta Frank Sesno,, Gloria Borger, Anderson Cooper, Philip Mudd,
Kirsten Powers,and Jim Sciolto. Trump looked irrational and does not need a
press war with CNN. Where are Stephen Bannon and Jared Kushner?
11
This vain, dishonest, angry mess was especially discomforting occurring only a few hours after President Obama's thoughtful, humble, optimistic and kind-spirited farewell speech, in which he praised and thanked many close to him & the American people most of all.
Thanks again, President Obama.
"You don't know what you've got til it's gone. " - Joni Mitchell
Thanks again, President Obama.
"You don't know what you've got til it's gone. " - Joni Mitchell
34
I assume Donald did not allow reporters access to the manilla envelop props.... pretty meaningless if he did not. Donald, I'm not a reporter, and I want to see your tax forms. Ironic that the proponent of fake news with his birther promotion now does not like fake news.... And unlike the birther thing, this one smacks of some kind of truth. How else does one explain Donald's unending support for the criminal that is Putin, despite all the evidence? I hope the Times and others keep digging. I would not be surprised if there is treason at the bottom of all this - definitely a Pulitzer Prise or some other prise for journalism in there somewhere - release the hounds!
41
Several questions....When trump threw the reporter out, why didn't his fellow journalists
up and leave in protest?
It is impossible for me to believe that the Press can't manage to tame an 11 year old
in a school yard. They would not have missed a story by leaving; they
would have changed the story from trump's incoherent comments to a story
about the abuse of the Press.....and how like Putin he behaves..He's already
power crazy.....
I read the NYT transcript of trumps "Press conference...so-called" There wasn't
a complete sentence in the entire performance. What exactly did you learn from
this jumble of repeated words or from single sentences that could not hold on to a completed thought from open to close?
The answer is nothing. The only information came from the lawyer. The journalists
in the room should have denied him a hearing having denied the Press theirs.
This guy is easier than you think to deal with.
I think it is time for the editorial boards of the great American newspapers
media outlets to get in one room and decide who is going to be in charge.
Another question: Are all those folders sitting on the desk like so many trump steaks supposed to give the American people comfort that there will be no business
conflicts?...
Final question for the moment. When have you ever been at a Press Conference
where applause was part of the "show"?
up and leave in protest?
It is impossible for me to believe that the Press can't manage to tame an 11 year old
in a school yard. They would not have missed a story by leaving; they
would have changed the story from trump's incoherent comments to a story
about the abuse of the Press.....and how like Putin he behaves..He's already
power crazy.....
I read the NYT transcript of trumps "Press conference...so-called" There wasn't
a complete sentence in the entire performance. What exactly did you learn from
this jumble of repeated words or from single sentences that could not hold on to a completed thought from open to close?
The answer is nothing. The only information came from the lawyer. The journalists
in the room should have denied him a hearing having denied the Press theirs.
This guy is easier than you think to deal with.
I think it is time for the editorial boards of the great American newspapers
media outlets to get in one room and decide who is going to be in charge.
Another question: Are all those folders sitting on the desk like so many trump steaks supposed to give the American people comfort that there will be no business
conflicts?...
Final question for the moment. When have you ever been at a Press Conference
where applause was part of the "show"?
50
Kudos to the NY Times, The Washington Post, CNN and other news sources who have stopped walking around Trump with kid gloves and reporting what needs to be reported. All the lies, misinformation and just trash that comes out of his mouth. Continue to ask the hard questions and hold his feet to the fire and maybe, just maybe America will be ok. We are all depending on you.
26
Consider this: Trump (DT) had his first press conference in about 6 months with a lot to answer for. DT produces a show for NBC. MSNBC's Morning Joe and CNN are in a much-reported ratings battle. The namesake of Morning Joe has admitted to giving DT advice before the election. On the eve of the press conference, CNN released details from a report marked "discredited." (Was what they saw marked that? Hard to believe.) Buzzfeed, owned by NBC, put out the correction overnight vindicating DT. This allowed DT to get away with a lot more during the press conference. Conflict of Interest! He can't produce a show on a network that doles out "news."
26
Tweets notwithstanding. The PE's ethical issues (so many) make the deal a no-brainer--"I'll sign whatever you want and say some nonsense to the public, you don't investigate me, EVER". The biggest quid pro quo in the history of civilization when you consider that the foundation of the greatest nation in the world will be crumbled with barely a thought or discussion. I don't think Trump even has to say those words, it's understood. Priebus will just crack his vicious partisan vengeful whip with the backing of the bigger more vengeful and fascist POTUS.
12
When is American going to wake up and accept the fact that Trump is a major threat to the country? It is past time to take action to stop him. It is past time for The NYT, Washington Post, LA Times, the AP, ABC, CBS, NBC and other legitimate news organizations and Democrats and sane Republicans (if there are any) on Capitol Hill to challenge Trump at every turn. Senator Schumer and Congresswoman Pelosi prove to Americans you have the guts to hit back at Trump. What are your impeachment plans? It should be obvious that Trump has committed treasonable acts. So far your lack of response is deplorable. Is there no Churchill to rally the country against this evil man? Act now before it is too late.
19
The most disturbing thing about this editorial is YOUR amazement that Trump was anything but what he has always been. How naive to expect him to be anything more than he is - a hollow man, bordering on psychopathic. You must STOP covering him in the "usual" way. He is brilliantly using you. You are being distracted from the real news, the Senate confirmation hearings, while you cover him like one of the Kardashians. Let the TV Critics cover him and his antics, including his "press" conferences (i.e. infomercials) while you cover the real news (i.e. all the things he doesn't want you to see.) He's like a magician, a master at distraction and deception. Wake Up NY Times! The press is all that is standing between us and the Decline and Fall of the American Republic.
35
Asked about his impression of the press conference, CNN analyst & 25 year veteran as a senior official of both the FBI and the CIA Philip Mudd responded: "I can't help but be discouraged."
13
And what is the "surprise"? The "press conference" was a joke. This Trumpster LOVES to hear himself talk, but even he finally understood he had to be seen in public. Even he knew he'd look the fool if he kept hiding. Yes, the press should have all walked out. AND, not to be disrespectful to the Presidency, note that you are on deadline.
18
More drivel from the NYT. "...he offered no olive branch to the majority of American voters who opposed him". I've seen and read the olive brach extended by his opponents. If the progressive left had tanks, they would be on every street corner rounding up their fellow citizens who dared to disagree with them. Take away Kalifornia and the majority iof Americans in the remaining FOURTY NINE states supported Trump. Whenthe insane bashing of Trup and his supporters cease, an olive branck will be offered. Until then, let the divisivness continue!
4
Keep up the good work, NYT. Do NOT let up. This man is a joke, an embarrassment, and that is the least of it...
26
I wish reporters at the Trump news conference had had the foresight and courage to come together and defend the CNN journalist that he bullied. Imagine the tantrum he would have had had they all said to him, "Apologize NOW or no more questions from ANY of us!"
29
Why is the 'Remarks of Office of Government Ethics Director Walter M. Shaub Jr.' not THE front page story of The New York Times?! This guy, who I never heard of before, NAILS it in the most eloquent way: Trump should step down or de-invest! There is not other way. If he doesn't, it will be disaster for your democracy!
25
The Donald did make one important announcement in his press conference. It might be "fake news", but who knows, maybe. He actually announced that the real number of unemployed in the U.S. is "96 MILLION"; and then he repeated that this was the "real" number of unemployed and that we all knew it. I admit that I had missed this (I don't know how). After all with 325 million people, and about 200 million between 18 and 65 who would be in the potential workforce, this would mean the ALMOST HALF OF ALL ADULTS ARE UNEMPLOYED according to the Donald. I couldn't believe that the country was really in such bad shape. Almost half the people out or work... that's amazing. And let's face it... what makes it so unbelievable is that it's just NOT TRUE. Any five year old could figure that out, but The Donald presents it in a televised press conference as what we all know is really true. The President-elect isn't really a liar, exactly; he just says things that have nothing to do with actual reality, and then tells us we should believe them. This is a lot closer to huckster. And we are the sucker born every minute.
26
"........because as you know, I have a no-conflict situation because I’m president, ......".
While this may be technically correct , this has a Nixonian ring that he cannot do anything illegal because he is the president.
While this may be technically correct , this has a Nixonian ring that he cannot do anything illegal because he is the president.
13
If Trump's treatment, and Spicer's subsequent bullying, of the CNN reporter didn't scare the living daylights out of anyone, then we are in serious trouble. I went to sleep sick to my stomach last night. Every one of those journalists should have gotten up and walked out en masse. Trump needs them as much as they need him. It's time someone brought him to heel.
32
I remember Richard Nixon, and those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it. It appears that there is going to be a steady drip, drip, drip of news leaks that will be the subject of Trump's tweets as well as screams of denials from Sean Spicer and Kellyanne Conway. Like Nixon, Trump has declared war on the media when the media does not offer up the story he wants.
Like Nixon, he will eventually be taken down by his own words and actions. The process will take months and will not be pretty as the Congressional Republicans will eventually say enough is enough. The Republic survived Richard Nixon, and it will survive Donald Trump.
Like Nixon, he will eventually be taken down by his own words and actions. The process will take months and will not be pretty as the Congressional Republicans will eventually say enough is enough. The Republic survived Richard Nixon, and it will survive Donald Trump.
15
It's ridiculous for the press to ask questions...they're asking from the perspective of normal:
"there must be something beyond the election"
"there must be something here to report"
But the only thing to report is a major personality disorder:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-d...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissism
However ridiculous, keep pressuring Mr. Trump.
It's not personal, but whoever occupies the Oval Office must do the job, whether he wanted it or not, whether he likes it or not...and whoever occupies that office must work for the American people...and not simply preen in front of the mirror all day.
"there must be something beyond the election"
"there must be something here to report"
But the only thing to report is a major personality disorder:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-d...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissism
However ridiculous, keep pressuring Mr. Trump.
It's not personal, but whoever occupies the Oval Office must do the job, whether he wanted it or not, whether he likes it or not...and whoever occupies that office must work for the American people...and not simply preen in front of the mirror all day.
17
If you think Trump as a Manchurian Candidate is out of the question, look no further than the country next to Manchuria, South Korea, where the sitting president has been revealed to be a real life Manchurian Candidate at the beck and call of a cult leader's daughter.
You think the same thing will not happen here?
You think the same thing will not happen here?
6
This embarrassment of a President-elect is both a thug and a buffoon at the same time. But he was right about one thing when he said, "“If Putin likes Donald Trump, guess what, folks? That’s called an asset.”
Yes Mr. Trump, your ignorant arrogance is an asset for Mr. Putin.
Yes Mr. Trump, your ignorant arrogance is an asset for Mr. Putin.
19
I have a hard time believing anything Trump says. Even the NY Times has called certain statements of his lies.
9
Seems from the anti-Trump Editorial Board PE Trump isn't allowed to defend himself against unproven allegations attached to U.S Intelligence Reports, making the allegations appear legitimate and set to undermine his presidency? I think I am going to start reading Fox to try to get a little balance. The NYT one-sided reporting all things Russia/Putin, Trump, Syria/Assad, etc. is an insult to my intelligence.
7
He's an embarrassment to this country. Plain and simple. Unfortunately he's dangerous as well
19
As I watched the 'news' conference, I kept comparing Obama's farewell speech to that of Trump's 'news' conference and I came up with: from the sublime to the ridiculous.
11
He is not president yet. The election was rigged,by him and the Russians. Of course,no one has the guts to stop him. At first, I understood why the Carters,the Clintons,The Bushes,and The Obamas were attending the inauguration but now I vehemently protest their going. The only way to show that man and his supporters that we are against what he stands for is to turn our backs in him,for the good of the country. Marching the day after won't make a whit of difference. Protest! Resist! Shame him!
8
Trump just can't stop bragging that the conflict-of-interest laws don't apply to him. He is inordinately delighted by that, like a three-year-old with a new toy.
13
Trump and the Republican Party are telling 20 million Americans that if they like their ACA healthcare insurance, they cannot keep it.
10 million Americans are being told that if they like their ACA-expanded Medicaid healthcare coverage, they "annotation keep it.
Americans will die: defacto premeditated murder.
10 million Americans are being told that if they like their ACA-expanded Medicaid healthcare coverage, they "annotation keep it.
Americans will die: defacto premeditated murder.
13
Only the press wants to see your tax returns? LIE. I want to see your returns. So do tens of millions of citizens.
And stop denigrating the press, Donald. You will support and defend the Constitution, including the first amendment, freedom of the press, won't you?
And stop denigrating the press, Donald. You will support and defend the Constitution, including the first amendment, freedom of the press, won't you?
19
Spectacle is his thing. Get used to it. And as the free press, as opposed to the captive press like Fox, I hope you are on the case. I saw the piece you published recently about the "gentle" Breitbart rep in Italy. That's not the language to use about anyone from Breitbart unless you put it in quotes. I don't care about the personal demeanor.
5
In response to Jose, I hope you keep his feet to the fire and yell to the rooftops when he is doing something that should be called out. The number one responsibility of newspapers is to keep an eye on government, so please, keep doing your job.
10
it's amazing that the country doesn't have a law to force a president to show his tax returns. Is it rocket science?
10
Lord. "A movement like the world has never seen before" indeed.
Oh how I wish Trump would stop bragging about his grand and glorious "movements."
Oh how I wish Trump would stop bragging about his grand and glorious "movements."
10
When Trump refused to take a question from the CNN reporter, why did the rest of the journalists present not walk out? Honest question.
24
Instead of donating his profits, why doesn't he just pay his taxes?
It is amazing to me how much he is getting away with!
It is amazing to me how much he is getting away with!
15
Keep your money, Donald. I don't want it in my Treasury.
8
It remains to be seen if his days for impeachment are getting any closer - there is more to his admiration of Putin than what is being said. Many arrogant people make mistakes from which it is difficult to recover - he made his first with CNN.
14
Contrary to the feelings of the liberal news media, Mr. Donald Trump has some good ideas - like using free prison labor to build the wall. The sheriff of Bristol County MA has already signed on to provide as many bodies as needed. All you
need is to get them there. Railroad trains would do. Freight cars.
What about housing? Let them build their own. What about escapees? A little barbed wire maybe, and watchtowers?
What about skills - hey, it's a wall, not rocket science.
need is to get them there. Railroad trains would do. Freight cars.
What about housing? Let them build their own. What about escapees? A little barbed wire maybe, and watchtowers?
What about skills - hey, it's a wall, not rocket science.
2
Trump is nothing but the one-man-summary of what America is. Please stop complaining and just look in the mirror. We made him.
7
He is not president yet. The election was rigged,by him and the Russians. Of course,no one has the guts to stop him. At first, I understood why the Carters,the Clintons,The Bushes,and The Obamas were attending the inauguration but now I vehemently protest their going. The only way to show that man and his supporters that we are against what he stands for is to turn our backs in him,for the good of the country. Marching the day after won't make a whit of difference. Protest! Resist! Shame him! Never my president!
6
What a disgusting spectacle. The US deserves to go down in history as a failed experiment.
11
When will everyone wake up and face the truth? He has no respect for anyone. How can the American people put up with his approach? We need to do something quick. He is making a mockery out of the American political system.
10
Everything was staged, right down to the reserved seats for fake-news purveyor Breitbart and the vocal supporters packing the Tower lobby. Unless he holds news conferences and press briefings in the Whitehouse, the legitimate news organizations should boycott such sham performances.
15
We have a collective, serious and solemn responsibility to confront the issues and minimize our support of media that reports the spectacle so as to interfere when th a full understanding of the issues. The issues are clear. We must be loud and vocal about DISrespect, abuse of power, lying and half-truths that are presented by our new Minister of Propaganda KA Conway, and her minions.
Keep the spectacle as a sidebar and make the be FACTS the headline. America will be better off for it.
Keep the spectacle as a sidebar and make the be FACTS the headline. America will be better off for it.
6
Trump is the greatest salesperson ever elected president. He sells himself, unashamedly. He will tell the public up is down, left is right and black is white, without a letup. And, about 50% of the US voters will believe him. This is a fatal flaw in the US system. My questions is: "How can the media compensate for this?"
5
Trump said, “You know, the only one that cares about my tax returns are the reporters, O.K.?”
My message to Trump:
I, like millions of voters, want to see your taxes.
My message to Trump:
I, like millions of voters, want to see your taxes.
17
Con man though and through. But in the la la land of Iowa as another article wrote today, they have swallowed it hook, line and sinker.
12
Until the majority of voters in this country start holding their representatives in government accountable for their actions, this kind of behavior will continue. We should expect 8 years of these types of actions coming from Trump and the Republican Congress. How much longer are all Americans willing to be controlled by the less than 25% of the country that has voted in these people?
10
And no one even mentioned his snarky remarks like the one referencing Lindsay Graham some day cracking the 1% ceiling. Granted, we all say stupid things, but then again, 99.999% of us are not representing our country to the rest of the World.
Unbelievable this "Circus Peanut" is really going to be President!
Unbelievable this "Circus Peanut" is really going to be President!
13
And Trump is not the President - yet. This lawless hawker will get his due eventually. "Little Marco", "Lying Ted", "Low Energy" Jeb and the rest of the Republican candidates and their minions will hopefully smell the new and refreshed swamp, and realize Trump is a disaster for their party and their country. We'll see who the real patriots are among the Republicans when and if they call out Trump's business entanglements and his policies by Tweet to name as few.
Until then, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Until then, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
10
I'm impressed by one thing about Trump; namely his ability to convince members of his team that they should behave and conduct themselves as he does.
I've been around lawyers for many years and in several countries (including the USA) and I have never heard a professional member of that body describe his or her client's company as 'massive' and its assets as 'iconic' in a public forum.
Very strange behaviour indeed.
I've been around lawyers for many years and in several countries (including the USA) and I have never heard a professional member of that body describe his or her client's company as 'massive' and its assets as 'iconic' in a public forum.
Very strange behaviour indeed.
14
I never liked or watched The Apprentice. There is a sense of the surreal to watch reality-tv style reality that you have a moral obligation to view. So many of us want to turn the TV off and feel like this will be 4 years of a purgatory where The Apprentice is on a loop and the consequences are all too real.
7
I disagree with he reader who takes exception to the NYT's important coverage of the President elect as being "at odds with the values of this publication." Like it or not, it is more important than ever right now that journalists continue to provide straightforward and unflinching analysis of people and events. While it may not always be easy reading, I'm relieved that we at least (still) live in a country where we have free press, though the president elect may prefer that it were otherwise. I also would be curious to hear what "honest attempt to retain and create jobs in this country" Mr. Trump has actually made. Perhaps this reader would prefer to switch to another publication that isn't critical of Trump, but where would we be if all we had was Fox news?
5
I have to laugh when one of Trump's crew says that rich people can't be corrupt, because they don't need the money.
If they don't need more money, why aren't they all enjoying their wealth by sitting on a beach in the south of France, or volunteering at local agencies if they feel the need to keep busy, productive, and useful?
My impression of rich people, especially ones like Trump and his cronies, is that they have a burning desire to get richer, and richer, and richer.
If they don't need more money, why aren't they all enjoying their wealth by sitting on a beach in the south of France, or volunteering at local agencies if they feel the need to keep busy, productive, and useful?
My impression of rich people, especially ones like Trump and his cronies, is that they have a burning desire to get richer, and richer, and richer.
13
I might feel a little better about the Trump takeover if he appeared to be making even the barest of efforts to act presidential-ish. But there's no sign of it. No fig leaf to shade us from the vanity bonfire. It wouldn't be that hard to memorize some pat answers to the questions you know you're going to get, would it? It's a news conference. You do it twice a year. We're all looking for a glimmer of hope. Okay, maybe it's better this way, now I know beyond a doubt that we are in for it.
7
Can't sleep so watching Don Lemon reruns of Trumps spectacle at his pyramid this evening. Can't believe that this schoolyard bully is going to be leading this country for four years. His performance shows he is unqualified to be president or even street cleaner and only hope that his cabinet picks nullify his stupidity.
12
For anybody who cares about words and their import, listening to Trump speak is pure torture. Never a coherent sentence- only stream of consciousness ramblings constantly interrupted by praise for the speaker. Trump has a Lilliputian intellect, but he can spew more lies, hypocrisy and fake outrage in a shorter space of time than anybody in recent memory except Joe McCarthy.
"...a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
"...a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
20
Trump continues to use the news media like a rented mule, the news media continues to take the money and allow it.
10
Donald Trump's hostility and threats toward the free press during the "news conference" were frightening. Trump should talk of Nazism - he has Fascist impulses sewn into his fabric. We must faithfully guard against any fascist rule which tramples on our Constitution. Walter Cronkite once noted that when Hitler took command of the German press - all of Germany was lost.
18
It's very complicated means Trump doesn't understand any of it. As Bernie said, I agree with him about negotiating with big Pharma but I'm not sure he understands what he said.
7
Most people have problems figuring out their prescription and how it is being paid for and how much.
You can bet filling prescriptions for 300,000,000 Americans is just a touch harder.
You can bet filling prescriptions for 300,000,000 Americans is just a touch harder.
1
Trump needs to be met head on and held accountable for his lies. He cannot be allowed to continue to spew lies and answer questions with prerecorded messages. He is so predictable he should be easy to call out for his twisting of the truth. Get going democrats and any republicans who care about our democracy.
12
Wouldn't it be great if Trump held a press conference and nobody came?
26
What a piece of garbage this PE is, doing a non-news conference for the benefit of no one but himself. Let's hope the Emoluments Clause gets him impeached immediately. Shame, too, on the cowardly and ethics-challenged GOP for putting self-interest before their country. This will all come home to roost before too long, much to the detriment of all of us honest and sane voters.
14
It's stunning that we Americans today are unsure whether there is method in Donald Trump's madness or whether he is simply mad sufficient to be incapable of rational behavior.
Mr. Trump himself is quick to yell "unfair!" at any perceived criticism or slight.
We citizens are the ones being treated unfairly by this president-elect. He has no right, and certainly no mandate, to up-end and substitute his contrary personal ideas for the long-established norms and practices by which we govern ourselves in this democracy.
His rationale for insisting on the chaos of his way--"I won"-- should alarm us all, particularly in combination with his demonstrated lack of knowledge about how our government works and his apparent delusion a president has dictatorial powers.
Mr. Trump himself is quick to yell "unfair!" at any perceived criticism or slight.
We citizens are the ones being treated unfairly by this president-elect. He has no right, and certainly no mandate, to up-end and substitute his contrary personal ideas for the long-established norms and practices by which we govern ourselves in this democracy.
His rationale for insisting on the chaos of his way--"I won"-- should alarm us all, particularly in combination with his demonstrated lack of knowledge about how our government works and his apparent delusion a president has dictatorial powers.
10
Plenty of us out here are skeptical about the reasons you are choosing to conceal your tax returns, Mr. Trump. It's not just reporters.
24
The way he packed the place with sycophants applauding his incoherent rantings reminded me yet again of Hitler's, Leni Riefenstahl and all of the enablers that supported a mad man they knew would bring great harm to everyone. Greed has no bounds
16
Who talks about themselves in the third person? “If Putin likes Donald Trump, guess what, folks?" He did that 2 other times during the press conference. It was more of circus with a clown as the Ringmaster! Not that the US press could bring themselves to do this... but what would happen if no one showed up to his press conferences? Let the foreign press cover them. He is abusive to the US press.
Obama is wrong about the office changing him. He is surrounding himself with people who have no reverence for the office and no knowledge of protocol. Does anyone really think he will listen to anyone but his hand picked puppets? IF he will listen to them! He will change the office.
There is a reason we've not had a business man with no government experience become president. Trump is it! Rejecting people with a working knowledge of government, the constitution & the world at large is national suicide. It's like having your butcher do brain surgery on you! Trump voters
& those who stayed home will pay the biggest price & will be responsible for what happens. Some may say that is unfair. But, when you ignore what a politician SAYS he will do because you think it's just for show, you have lost your marbles. Just because he said audacious things that made you think he would be different & take on big money doesn't excuse you from reality or responsibility. Who did you think he was going to pick for staff? It was always going to be people he knew or people from his class.
Obama is wrong about the office changing him. He is surrounding himself with people who have no reverence for the office and no knowledge of protocol. Does anyone really think he will listen to anyone but his hand picked puppets? IF he will listen to them! He will change the office.
There is a reason we've not had a business man with no government experience become president. Trump is it! Rejecting people with a working knowledge of government, the constitution & the world at large is national suicide. It's like having your butcher do brain surgery on you! Trump voters
& those who stayed home will pay the biggest price & will be responsible for what happens. Some may say that is unfair. But, when you ignore what a politician SAYS he will do because you think it's just for show, you have lost your marbles. Just because he said audacious things that made you think he would be different & take on big money doesn't excuse you from reality or responsibility. Who did you think he was going to pick for staff? It was always going to be people he knew or people from his class.
17
"Who talks about themselves in the third person? "
The editorial board, for one.
The editorial board, for one.
1
Much of the available time Trump had subordinates delivering his canned self-justifying messages. Then he acknowledged compliant reporters who pitched soft balls. Some press conference! Trump says, "Believe me" all the time because that's exactly what he wants the public to do. They should believe him, not the CIA or the news media or scientists. Believe the leader who alone can save us. So who needs press conferences at all?
10
I really don't care about Trump's sex life; however I am concerned about the possible collusion between his staff and Russian operatives. Other conflicts would be investments and indebtedness in involving Russia. Trump must release his tax returns in order to absolve himself of even the perception of corruption and being beholden to a foreign power.
16
Mr. Trump: "You know, the only one that cares about my tax returns are the reporters, O.K.?"
Mr. Trump, I am not a reporter. I am a 72 year old retired teacher, and I care very much about your tax returns. May I please see them?
Mr. Trump, I am not a reporter. I am a 72 year old retired teacher, and I care very much about your tax returns. May I please see them?
41
I am not a reporter and I care about the tax returns - A LOT.
30
I really don't think God Created him because he acts like a Devil.
13
Read today's piece in the NYT about what voters think in Iowa. It reads like a Stephen King novel.
15
" The arrangement is a fig leaf" I guess that is what you expect when you have small hands!
7
You Times editors act like petulant children who have not gotten their way so they throw a temper tantrum. Every day!! Why don't you give the guy a chance and see what he can do??
5
@ Jack...I keep reading, "give him a chance". What do you think has been happening for the last 2 months? Trump has had many opportunities to begin unifying the Nation. Yet, he behaves as though the campaign is continuing. He continues to attack anyone or anything that doesn't toe the mark. Is this supposed to be effective leadership?
But, nothing will change. He's a wannabe "tough guy" who's been allowed to get away with stuff for decades.
But, nothing will change. He's a wannabe "tough guy" who's been allowed to get away with stuff for decades.
12
The way he has handled his businesss and conducted his personal life tells us everything we need to know. Why give him a chance to bankrupt the country (anyone want to pay taxes for that wall), stiff people who've contracted with us, destroy our credibility in the world with his juvenile Twitter pated ramblings and incessant lying?
10
Because he's 70 years old and cannot change. Trump doesn't care about the American people, he cares only about himself and doing what benefits him.
10
More Trump buffoonery.
15
I want to know why, when Trump refused to take a question from the CNN corespondent and called the organization "fake news", none of the other members of the media in that room stood up to defend CNN.
This is how fascism is born, with a gradual chipping away at the credibility of our free press, with the shunning by those in power of news outlets, with the refusal by those in power to answer questions posed by our watchdogs of government.
The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, and every other major news outlet now have a duty to defend one another from attacks on credibility by our current President Elect.
YOU are our representatives at these news conferences. YOU are the voice of the American people. Do not allow our voices to be silenced.
This is how fascism is born, with a gradual chipping away at the credibility of our free press, with the shunning by those in power of news outlets, with the refusal by those in power to answer questions posed by our watchdogs of government.
The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, and every other major news outlet now have a duty to defend one another from attacks on credibility by our current President Elect.
YOU are our representatives at these news conferences. YOU are the voice of the American people. Do not allow our voices to be silenced.
31
The trump regime will be crony capitalism from the beginning to the end. The end I hope will be about two years from now if that late. When those who thought trump was just about as great as daytime television, realize that the fox is now selling organ parts from the chickens. How DO you explain to your grandchildren that I voted for this boil on the rump of humanity? But the really nice touch yesterday was mrs Mitch McConnell for transportation secretary. Nice payback for giving trump president Obama,s Supreme Court pick. Oh and Mitch is not at all a racist- see, my wife is a colored!
7
This should be right next to the article about folks in Iowa being ok with it.
Please read that article.
Americans are OK with Trump, get it?
WE are the outsiders.
Please read that article.
Americans are OK with Trump, get it?
WE are the outsiders.
7
Mogwal - We really aren't the outsiders. 70% of the U.S. population lives in states which did not vote for Trump. As for those who support him, we'll just have to check back with them in a few months, when their dreams have not been fulfilled by this false messiah.
5
Embarrassing. No morals. No ideals. No ethics. Doesn't pay taxes. Lies, cheats, steals, womanizes, bullies, and STILL middle America doesn't get it.
They're expecting a LOT from Trump to brush aside everything they believe in. They've sold their soul to the devil for pocket full of promises and when he doesn't keep them, they'll turn on him like the Italians did on Mussolini.
They're expecting a LOT from Trump to brush aside everything they believe in. They've sold their soul to the devil for pocket full of promises and when he doesn't keep them, they'll turn on him like the Italians did on Mussolini.
16
All you need to imagine is the name Clinton instead of Trump and how his followers would react to her behaving this way. Certainly, they would applaud her for her courage standing up to the dishonest press.
Right.
Right.
3
Did anybody get a look at what actually was inside those manila folders?
I'm guessing blank paper.
I'm guessing blank paper.
13
Why does anybody pay attention to anything this guy says or tweets?
Every tweet or public appearance is show-biz.
Hey, look at me, yes me, don't pay any attention to the fascists, or those pigs at through, or the fanatics with a 'christian' agendas.
Is anything this guy spouts an actual promise? Who falls for this crap?
If some tweet makes absolutely no sense can it be called a promise? Doesn't a promise require the attribute that it is actually based in reality?
Every tweet or public appearance is show-biz.
Hey, look at me, yes me, don't pay any attention to the fascists, or those pigs at through, or the fanatics with a 'christian' agendas.
Is anything this guy spouts an actual promise? Who falls for this crap?
If some tweet makes absolutely no sense can it be called a promise? Doesn't a promise require the attribute that it is actually based in reality?
6
My only hope is that, with the pendulum swung so far to the absurd, those of us who have been 'complacent,' ie the media - which, to a large part, still tries to play neutral and balanced only to get slammed and paved over by lies and biased agenda points -, the apathetic citizenry, and other 'decent' politicians on both sides, will FINALLY stand up to make the truth heard. If people tend to believe what they're told - as exemplified by this electoral, political nonsense heralded as truth by repetition and volume - then why not let the truth's awesome weight swing the pendulum back to 'normal'? Brook no nonsense. Speak the truth!
13
I watched Trump near the beginning for just about five minutes and he seemed really rattled. The man just isn't up to the job.
13
Thank you for continuing to question and report the president-elect's antics. Keep it up.
13
That press conference was an embarrassment, a travesty and a portent of things to come. Personally, I am embarrassed to have the president-elect of my country conducting himself like the head of a junta -- not the head of a nation respected around the world. His behavior during the event was puerile, bullying and confrontational ... not presidential. Regrettably, it signals more of the same for the future. He spoke in the same way as he did at all his rallies. His flacks in the audience cheered and applauded at the right moments, disrupting the decorum of a press conference that we have come to expect. All in all a very discouraging ... and dare I say deplorable performance from a man who wants to be the leader of the "free world." And, it's gonna get worse before it gets better!
15
The Times leaves out one important thing about Trump. He has a...
learning disability, LD, making it impossible for him to tell right from wrong.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I suggest that the Times consult with psychologists about learning disabilities.
Seriously, learning disabilities in the White House must be cause for concern.
Donald Trump mocks everyone and everything because he feels mocked.
Please, NY Times, get some experts on learning disabilities to comment.
The only thing we have to fear now is... Donald (LD )Trump!
=============================================
learning disability, LD, making it impossible for him to tell right from wrong.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I suggest that the Times consult with psychologists about learning disabilities.
Seriously, learning disabilities in the White House must be cause for concern.
Donald Trump mocks everyone and everything because he feels mocked.
Please, NY Times, get some experts on learning disabilities to comment.
The only thing we have to fear now is... Donald (LD )Trump!
=============================================
10
Goodbye America.
12
If anyone expected the arrogant shameless bravado of Trump to moderate when he becomes president they are supremely naïve. Expect more of the same. From tawdry sex scandals to massive bribery schemes. His new cabinet better be ready because Trump's dishonesty might end up ensnaring them in legal harms way. Could there be worse candidates for president in 2016. One can say that Hillary Clinton at least had sophisticated public policy credentials. She was devious with an unseemly sense that the rules don't apply to her. But she seems a paragon of virtue against the voracious appetites of Trump.
5
Americans should thank Donald Trump for doing us a huge favor. He has stated repeatedly, whether talking about his taxes, conflicts of interest, or in other arenas that he will do what the law requires but no more, that we cannot ask him to meet a higher standard than that established by law. Never have I heard someone in (or about to enter) public office articulate a clearer rationale for robust regulation vigorously enforced. If the bar of ethical behavior is no higher than that established by law make those provisions high, clear, and endowed with harsh penalties rigorously enforced. We can do no less that what our president demands!
4
As one who has paid attention to the creation of the Affordable Care Act, contrary to Mr. Trump's inaccurate assertion, the only almost universal health care program in the history of this country WAS CREATED BY THE REPUBLICANS.
It contained the key feature that instead of having a national risk pool of members, the membership was limited to individual states which divided and conquered.
Mr. Trump claims that the Democratic Party owns the hodge podge, multii-biller, muli-payer, multi-state, unintergrated system. While it is true that the Obama Administration was able to make a workable system out of the Republican sow's ear; it was the systematic and deliberate disintegration of the national health plan by the mean-spirited, Republican wrench into the gears of the healthcare machine that caused all of the problems with the system. States could opt out. States could reject additional medicare.
Mr. Trump enjoys the amnesia of the uneducated that he claims to love to so much. It's going to be beautiful and tremendous and something he alone can do-- fix the predatory practice of drug companies through collective bargaining.
Doesn't Mr. Trump know that's socialistic and communistic and that the Republican Party has been fighting collective bargaining for drug supplies in medicare and everything else since the Nixon administration.
California used collective bargaining and consequently they have the least expensive and best implementation of the screwed up Republican plan.
It contained the key feature that instead of having a national risk pool of members, the membership was limited to individual states which divided and conquered.
Mr. Trump claims that the Democratic Party owns the hodge podge, multii-biller, muli-payer, multi-state, unintergrated system. While it is true that the Obama Administration was able to make a workable system out of the Republican sow's ear; it was the systematic and deliberate disintegration of the national health plan by the mean-spirited, Republican wrench into the gears of the healthcare machine that caused all of the problems with the system. States could opt out. States could reject additional medicare.
Mr. Trump enjoys the amnesia of the uneducated that he claims to love to so much. It's going to be beautiful and tremendous and something he alone can do-- fix the predatory practice of drug companies through collective bargaining.
Doesn't Mr. Trump know that's socialistic and communistic and that the Republican Party has been fighting collective bargaining for drug supplies in medicare and everything else since the Nixon administration.
California used collective bargaining and consequently they have the least expensive and best implementation of the screwed up Republican plan.
5
How anyone, even a Trump voter, could have watched the presser and not been embarrassed for our nation is beyond me.
13
This election has taught us that American exceptionalism--if it ever really existed--is now dead.
9
Americans should be scared and outraged. Every other president has been a chef. Maybe you're not partial to all cuisines and some chefs were better than others, but they all were chefs. Trump is barely a line cook at the dirtiest and emptiest greasy spoon diner in America. If those with wide pulpit and platform don't denounce and call out this greasy line cook EVERY DAY, we're all gonna choke.
7
I can't wait for SNL this week. The jokes will write themselves and it will be better than Trump's laughable press conference.
7
I thought that Mr. Trump was brilliant yesterday. I couldn't have been happier to watch him dress down the self important opinion makers in the press corps. I really hope that he keeps it up. Time for some real Hope and Change.
2
I watched the news conference. We have elected a maniac. Unlike North Korea we did this to ourselves.
15
That phony reality show yesterday shouldn't be dignified as a news conference, he didn't answer any questions. It was a typical Trump self indulgent insult fest. Divert, insult and pout. He's a delusional puffed up Putin puppet. And he should know all about fake news, he pushed that fake news Obama birther story for eight years, then when he finally had to let it go, blamed Hillary Clinton, for words we heard out of his mouth year after year. Welcome to your comeuppance mister trump.
8
When Trump refused to hear or speak to the CNN correspondent the entire press corps should have stood up and walked out. Where is the solidarity in freedom of the press?
13
Another thing the twitterer said was that Obama had made the decision to pull Americans out of Iraq. This was foisted on the previous administration, W's, by Maliki. You have to call him on this one every time, but I understand. He lies so much and there is just so much space on the editorial page.
10
There once was a vain New York huckster
Speaking in surroundings of luster
Trying hard to defend
That which we all contend
Is only his usual bluster
Speaking in surroundings of luster
Trying hard to defend
That which we all contend
Is only his usual bluster
9
The charade of "Donald Trump", the surreality show, goes on: he the tweeted attacks on Arnold Swartzeneger for bad ratings on aTV; photo-ops with Don King, and discussions with foreign business partners; but, what about preparing for the job that lies ahead?
He telephoned the President of Taiwan, bypassing the One-China Policy, first established by Presient Richard Nixon and NSA Henry Kissinger, back in 1972. Generally, a victor sits back and wait for the congratulator calls and cards to stream in. But, your pompous act of "I'm ready to do this!" has just placed the safety of Taiwan in jeopardy, by its neighbor, across the Taiwan Straits.
Mr. Trump should have left the governing to those who are capable of such, and just focus on the scheming, one-upmanship and tweeting.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
He telephoned the President of Taiwan, bypassing the One-China Policy, first established by Presient Richard Nixon and NSA Henry Kissinger, back in 1972. Generally, a victor sits back and wait for the congratulator calls and cards to stream in. But, your pompous act of "I'm ready to do this!" has just placed the safety of Taiwan in jeopardy, by its neighbor, across the Taiwan Straits.
Mr. Trump should have left the governing to those who are capable of such, and just focus on the scheming, one-upmanship and tweeting.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
6
We have elected a russian spy as our President. It's all downhill from here.
13
You had to know he was going to do a phony baloney dog and pony show once he had that obvious TV ploy of setting up the table and piling it high with folders minutes before he came on stage. And that is what he did come on stage and do his act, he did not step up to a podium to give a press conference and never has.
10
The NYT's first mistake is in the first paragraph:
"there was a shock from his first news conference as president-elect, on Wednesday."
Stop calling Trumps Show and Tells "press conferences."
"there was a shock from his first news conference as president-elect, on Wednesday."
Stop calling Trumps Show and Tells "press conferences."
16
The truth is that I would like to see the tax returns...
22
Insulting to serious journalists, who should have walked out.
16
Is it me or I am having a nightmare? Is there anybody else or I am the only one who perceives tha such an unprepared, despicable, gross and egotistic character will have our destiny in his "small" hands?
Isn't this sufficient proof that democracy as in it's present form is failing miserably?
The real, blatant and only truth here and now is that the only reason that stops the US to kick him out is the fear that his Stormtropers will grab their guns, jump on thir choppers and create mayhem! Only that reason.
It is more than clear that he CAN NOT be in charge not just this Country but the world's destruction.
Isn't this sufficient proof that democracy as in it's present form is failing miserably?
The real, blatant and only truth here and now is that the only reason that stops the US to kick him out is the fear that his Stormtropers will grab their guns, jump on thir choppers and create mayhem! Only that reason.
It is more than clear that he CAN NOT be in charge not just this Country but the world's destruction.
10
Wondering: Who scooped up all the manila envelopes and started reading their contents? How many copies of each document were provided to the reporters? Did each network or major newspaper get a complete set? Given Trump's approach to disclosure, I would expect nothing of importance to be IN those envelopes, but I hope someone at the NY Times is reading and will report whatever Trump decided to provide. Like the Times, the TV news programs I watched last night did not disclose manila envelope contents. Hmmm.
6
"Like the Times, the TV news programs I watched last night did not disclose manila envelope contents. Hmmm."
Probably because stacks of blank paper aren't all that interesting?
Probably because stacks of blank paper aren't all that interesting?
6
Each of them contained 10 8X10 glossies of your glorious president-defect.
5
Trump deplores "rumors", unless, of course, he is spreading them, like about the pizza parlor or Obama's birth.
21
NYTimes, your frame of reference is most resilient, and it seems incapable of flexing. Your dim view of everything related to Trump needs leavening, tempering. Might you consider that he earnestly wants to re-boot the country in a good way. You and I disagree with some of his ideas. But your writing here this morning is unremittingly sour. Please give a thought to a refreshed stance, and move to accommodate his new way of being President. A dialogic, communicative relationship between press and President will help us all, versus a combative and utterly disapproving one. Thank you for hearing my plea.
3
NYT, please keep at this task. We don't want the first inkling of another Kristallnacht to be the sound of breaking glass. Hard as it may be to understand, experts (elites) have been discredited. Gingrich got his wish--Demonization (of Democrats). Norquist got his too--Nasty Bitterness reigns across the country. Of course, they had the help of a cast of thousands in the media. Well, he who wins by fake-news may well lose by fake-news. When Comey interfered in the election, Trump loved it. Now, when just possibly, someone in Intelligence leaks, they're Nazis. Sad.
9
I have the feeling that the majority of the people will soon be saying to Trump: 'You're fired!' The question is whether he and his administration will give heed to this action.
7
Here, in the microcosm of that so-called press conference, we have seen the face of the Trump presidency. Petulance and braggadocio and his own, imported cheering section.
12
I applaud the calls to focus on Trump's actions as the real threat to the country.
But I think we still need to attend to his words, if only to keep Kellyanne Conway busy defending them.
But I think we still need to attend to his words, if only to keep Kellyanne Conway busy defending them.
9
I didn't vote for TRUMP, but each day post election I've really tried to have an open mind. Maybe he'll come around. Maybe he'll do some good.
Maybe he'll behave like an adult.
After yesterday's press conference, I can't delude myself any longer.
He is going to bring America and it's people to their knees. I just hope whatever he does, can be undone.
Maybe he'll behave like an adult.
After yesterday's press conference, I can't delude myself any longer.
He is going to bring America and it's people to their knees. I just hope whatever he does, can be undone.
24
Trump has a warped Messiah complex. "Only I can fix it." "A movement like the world has never seen before." "The greatest jobs producer that God ever created." Yes, he really is putting himself on the same plane as Jesus Christ. All his evangelical supporters should pay heed -- they've elected a man who has broken almost every one of the Ten Commandments and who sees himself as some kind of new Messiah. Let me introduce you to the Antichrist, folks. Better go re-read the Books of Daniel and Revelation.
8
"...the world has never seen before" "That's called an asset." "...the greatest" ".. "...because I'm president." Not only are these the words of an egotistical megalomaniac, they are the assertions of a would-be tyrant. When combined with his threats to the press, his off the cuff tweets, his thin-skinned resentment of anyone who disagrees with him, and his completely inability to provide any credible and credible detail on anything - there is virtually no possibility that this man can behave as a leader of a democratic society. How long will it take for the people who voted for him and the Republicans who still support him to realize this. And then what do we do about it?
7
If it's too much for anyone to stomach, I'm sure with zillions of cable channels now, somewhere someone will be running Obama's last eight years in reruns. Tune into those instead if you must watch something on TV. Personally, I've quit.
4
I would like to challenge you to examine an assumption imbedded in the second line of this editorial: "small-screen character". Donald Trump is not acting - he can't help himself. There is a mental condition known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) - he has it. Most mental health professionals will not publicly state this without performing a personal diagnosis but I challenge anyone to read the 9 traits associated with this condition and tell me he doesn't have every single one of them - in spades! If Trump doesn't have NPD then no one does. If Trump doesn't have NPD then it doesn't exist. With that as a context, it is much easier to understand everything he does. It is not an "illness" in the sense that it is not created by a bacteria or virus - it's how his brain is wired. There is no drug to fix it, those who have it cannot self-correct, and they typically don't seek treatment - why would they, they know everything. He's 70 years old, he's not going to change. Anyone who voted for him thinking he was putting on a act was wrong. While he may have a "condition" rather than an illness, I'm feeling sick all of a sudden.
15
"In Iowa, Trump Voters Are Unfazed by Controversies"
As long as that headline from the story on the font page of today's NYT remains true, none of these issues will have much impact.
As long as that headline from the story on the font page of today's NYT remains true, none of these issues will have much impact.
5
He added, “You know, the only one that cares about my tax returns are the reporters, O.K.?”
I wonder if this person is aware that reporters, journalists, etc. are provide for and protected by the Constitution in exactly the same way as are guns--only more so! If he really respects gun ownership because it is a Constitutional Right (as in Bill of...), he should open up his skull and brain and show a little more respect for media. While they do an unnecessary amount of jibber-jabber, they also keep this society free and informed--against all odds.
I wonder if this person is aware that reporters, journalists, etc. are provide for and protected by the Constitution in exactly the same way as are guns--only more so! If he really respects gun ownership because it is a Constitutional Right (as in Bill of...), he should open up his skull and brain and show a little more respect for media. While they do an unnecessary amount of jibber-jabber, they also keep this society free and informed--against all odds.
3
Mr. Trump thinks that the laws of the land do not apply to him and his family. I guess that the courts will be busy testing his claim.
3
Until Donald Trump releases his tax returns, the citizens of this country will not know their President’s previous sources of income, his contributions to charity or his effective tax rate. To shame this man into doing what every President has done for decades, it should be the duty of the White House press corps at the beginning of every briefing by the Press Secretary henceforth to ask the same question: “When will the President release his tax returns?”
7
Try to keep up--the business of America is business. Governance is reduced to the art of the deal. The new political reality is totalitarian authority, overbearing security, omnipresent surveillance, and universal thought conformity compelled by speed-lying surrogates and Newspeak tweets. Trumpism works because its paranoid bling distracts attention from sustained attacks on the commonwealth by Wall Street, oil barons, tech giants, big pharma, and corporate feather-bedders whose dealings reduce confidence in democratic government institutions and their mission. Sit back and enjoy the main feature, but don't forget the side shows of misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and bigotry!
5
The scoundrel Putin and his co-conspirators must have relished that performance, watching as America implodes because of their dastardly deeds that got Trump elected.
We have been attacked, not with missiles or guns, but by a cunning and despicable act of strategy.
I'm glad that the intelligencia has that information and shared it. I'm glad someone published it. It is the remedy for a runaway national admiration of that which was meant to destroy us.
God save our nation. Never forgive Russia. Fences make good neighbors.
We have been attacked, not with missiles or guns, but by a cunning and despicable act of strategy.
I'm glad that the intelligencia has that information and shared it. I'm glad someone published it. It is the remedy for a runaway national admiration of that which was meant to destroy us.
God save our nation. Never forgive Russia. Fences make good neighbors.
3
I'm glad that liberals and the New York Times editorial board can commiserate and whine endlessly about the president-elect. It seems that their loss is just too hard for them to take and each day they sadly stretch for another phony scandal to hang their hats on (Russian election hacking is to blame for the election loss, Trump slept with a prostitute in Moscow because an anonymous source told an anonymous source told an anonymous source so it has to be true...). I get it. But at a certain point folks it would just make sense to accept your loss and deal with it as adults. Just like Mitch McConnell said regarding the confirmation process.
You didn't just lose the presidency. You lost the Senate. You lost the Congress. You lost the majority of governorships in the country. And you lost a record number of state assembly seats. Did a Russian hacking scandal cause this?
Me thinks not. If Democrats don't focus on the real reasons they lost you will see another Republican president in 4 years.
You didn't just lose the presidency. You lost the Senate. You lost the Congress. You lost the majority of governorships in the country. And you lost a record number of state assembly seats. Did a Russian hacking scandal cause this?
Me thinks not. If Democrats don't focus on the real reasons they lost you will see another Republican president in 4 years.
4
To "Dr. M"
Yes, we liberals "whine endlessly" because we won the popular vote by nearly three million votes, just as we lost with GW who also lost the popular vote. Two Republican disasters.
And we lost congressional seats through Republican gerrymandering, another brand of corruption. And of course, the anti-Hillary FBI put out a false report days before the election, compounded with Trump calling publicly for Russia's help - and they obliged.
You Republicans are comfortable with corruption on that level, and yes, we liberals will whine, but we will also work to take your tools of corruption away from you.
Yes, we liberals "whine endlessly" because we won the popular vote by nearly three million votes, just as we lost with GW who also lost the popular vote. Two Republican disasters.
And we lost congressional seats through Republican gerrymandering, another brand of corruption. And of course, the anti-Hillary FBI put out a false report days before the election, compounded with Trump calling publicly for Russia's help - and they obliged.
You Republicans are comfortable with corruption on that level, and yes, we liberals will whine, but we will also work to take your tools of corruption away from you.
5
The real reason the D's lost is that there are 65 million dumb bells out there and the archaic dysfunctional electoral college.
1
I think that trumps lapsing off when talking about the 'fake news' problem, to discussing his involvement in the Miss Universe contest in Russia, shows that he has no idea what being president means!
7
I've been reading the NYT for four decades. Since I was a young boy sitting in the small kitchen of our home, picking up the sections my parents read and placed on the table. I have never, in all these years, read and re-read little more than an eight month litany of how the "media" (including, and first and foremost this paper) have been sideswiped, caught off guard, marching in formation into a guerrilla war, etc. Enough already - if you do not have a game plan for how to critically engage this colossal liar and manipulator pack it up please. Gird yourselves, re-evaluate your practices, hire new reporters...adapt! I can't continue to read articles decrying your own inability to accurately report and hold this man accountable to the public. Inform us please- stop reflecting on your own impotence and bewilderment. If this once great paper cannot put its collective resources behind a comprehensive, intelligent and proactive approach to serving the public interest you're done. You're no different than the charlatan who you so often proclaim outwits you. Resist his lies and games, engage the issues. Roll up your sleeves and get to work already.
7
Is There a medical term or diagnosis for the style or type of behavior exhibited by Donald Trump on a very consistent basis in the past six months?
W
W
6
would it be unprecedented but appropriate to start impeachment proceedings now--- before his inauguration?
6
He is the corrupt artful dodger. He is avoiding being held accountable. He should resign and tend to his business dealings, not mix them up with governing we the people of America!
5
A war with China will stop all this petty talk of the "Constitution" and ethics violations.
Complete financial disclosure starting with tax returns?
Look at my pile of papers, no wait you can't look!
Complete financial disclosure starting with tax returns?
Look at my pile of papers, no wait you can't look!
3
Mr Trump's promise (or rather, his attorney's promise) to "donate" to the Treasury whatever profits accrue from persons connected with foreign governments staying in his hotels, calls to mind that Mr Trump has something of a record of not following through with announced intentions regarding "donations" of money.
10
I cant help but think that mostly everything regarding this upcoming presidency, everything from the health of the democracy, to definitions of what a democracy is will need to be taken up by the supreme court.
The worst would be things continuing to go on the way they are; an entire heritage, a birthright, a great democratic idea being dismantled before our eyes and everyone ranting but doing essentially nothing.
The worst would be things continuing to go on the way they are; an entire heritage, a birthright, a great democratic idea being dismantled before our eyes and everyone ranting but doing essentially nothing.
5
The same people who smugly railed against Obama's "hopey-changey stuff" really seem sold on Trump's own brand of "hopey-changey stuff".
3
Xavier: the delivery system has been improved so much there is no comparison with 2009.
Mr. Trump, I'm a citizen, not a reporter, and I care. Release yur tax returns!
6
When the media reports "unsubstantiated" but damaging allegations to smear anyone but especially, the President or President-elects, it loses its credibility in judging ethics.
What happened to the Times promise
"All the News That's Fit To Print"?
A media organization, including the Times, cannot be strongly partisan without undermining its credibility as a news source.
What happened to the Times promise
"All the News That's Fit To Print"?
A media organization, including the Times, cannot be strongly partisan without undermining its credibility as a news source.
3
The release of these unsubstantiated report is in itself news. The NYT republican reported on the fallout of the release of this document, not on the veracity of the data in the document.
1
Donald Trump is a hustler who along with a bunch of other hustles is doing his best to derail the affordable health care act. I jest but I can only imagine if he is papering together the "best insurance" co in the world "trump you got it covered health insurance" … Not the replacement plan but the inusrance co because as you know as president … he can do that. On a real note .. because it may be the only way to offer a health care plan in 90 days as he has promised. Tell me how you get all the players together in 90 days.. Insurance Co's .. States.. Congress.. just seems like a Huge chore. Or he is lying. Like its some sort of non deadline he can break as millions await ..unisured or wondering if the policy they bought last month will be honored next month because well there will be a new plan by the month after that… Can I say that this is conference room bravado that I am sure Mr. Trump has employed while arranging one of his failed projects designed to bring in money and not results … One of his deals that has drifted into lawsuits and other nowhere deal places that so many of his projects go, to add to his write off folder or just plan hold out folder collecting loans or whatever funds he has assigned to feed his bank accounts and then slip out of town. Yes the last thing those who have renewed their ACA accounts wanted to hear. Trump's 90 day keep em dancing in the dark .. you can hardly wait for this ( as many sick folks probably can't) health care mirage.
3
Unbelievable how the media/press allow themselves to be bullied around, preached to, and pushed by Trump. Willingly too. And they completely give in and don't push back.
2
Watching Trump made me cringe. He is completely undignified. All that money cannot buy poise or grace.
8
Michelle All the money Secretary Clinton had could not buy the presidency.
Listen up! Trump is a product of Television that was promoted heavily by television that tries to cover butt by making comedy skits about Trump to cool our despair, but the fact remains, Trump is a Circus ringleader and that was made abundantly clear by his rattled performance during his news conference.
3
You are correct, I believe we have elected P.T. Barnum reincarnate. The man will provide the "Greatest Show on Earth" except this time it includes words like bigly and smartest man on the planet.
And there will be tons of magic acts including how we manages to avoid doing the things he promised to do or blaming others for not being able to do it, and/or taking credit for things that he did not even do.
It will be a circus show for sure, and we will suffer for it.....
And there will be tons of magic acts including how we manages to avoid doing the things he promised to do or blaming others for not being able to do it, and/or taking credit for things that he did not even do.
It will be a circus show for sure, and we will suffer for it.....
4
On the issue of Mr Trump's tax returns, while it is clear that the "under audit" excuse is just that - a ridiculous excuse - why doesn't someone ask him if as President he will release his ongoing returns (i.e. for 2016 onward) to the public on the date they are filed with the IRS just as previous presidents have done? You don't get audited on a current return immediately, so that "excuse" can't be used. He owes the public that transparency
4
gk: I would be utterly amazed if President Trump remained under audit more than ten days after the confirmation by the Senate of an IRS commissioner. Much beyond that, I agree he would have some explaining to do.
1
One news article today questions whether the press needs to find better tools for covering Trump. The answer is no. We must assume that many if not most of the people watching saw it for exactly what it was - a self-absorbed, greedy bully who abuses others to make himself appear "tough" The only question the press might have asked, just to make it clear for the viewers at home --"Mr. Trump, why are your staff members here heckling us and cheering for you?" Although others may have enjoyed the spectacle, can only assume that there were many others for whom Mr. Trump's antics inspire only loathing and a firm commitment to resist.
5
I see the phrase "the majority of americans voted angst trump" and it rings hollow. the fact of the matter is that if you discount HRC's margin of victory in California and New York, trump won the rest of the country by 3 million votes. this is a deficit that the democrats are going to find it very difficult to over come.
2
If we discount California and New York? Are the residents of those states not citizens? Shall we apply your logic and discount the rest of the country?
He lost the popular vote, and won due the electoral college, whose premise is that one person's vote is worth more than another's.
He lost the popular vote, and won due the electoral college, whose premise is that one person's vote is worth more than another's.
7
And if we discount Texas and Alabama how much would she have won by. Your argument makes no sense period
5
California should succeed from the union, and encourage every other blue state to do so, until Donald Trump is out of office. Anyone who wants to leave the red states and come to a blue state would be welcome.
We are not only the cultural centers we are the medical centers the financial centers the tech centers, the innovative thought that draws young people from all over the world to us. Flyover blue states are only a drag on our economies. We should not let an antiquated electoral system, driven by votes from trailer trash behavior of the uneducated, who are easily swayed by authoritarian despots like Trump to rule over our better sense.
We don't need them but they will find out they need us.
We are not only the cultural centers we are the medical centers the financial centers the tech centers, the innovative thought that draws young people from all over the world to us. Flyover blue states are only a drag on our economies. We should not let an antiquated electoral system, driven by votes from trailer trash behavior of the uneducated, who are easily swayed by authoritarian despots like Trump to rule over our better sense.
We don't need them but they will find out they need us.
4
Why don't we call a spade a spade- we got ourselves a real live despot for President, believes he's above the law, won't follow the law and makes up his own laws. It's seems the people who support him don't seem to care either because he is going to make ' America great again'. Talk to those folks next year I wonder if they will feel the same way.
10
Stop covering them.
I have heard this excuse that because it's the President, it's newsworthy and therefore our obligation to cover him.
That's nonsense. There were hundreds of times that you failed to cover Obama's words or actions. All you need to do is apply the same standard.
Just ignore him and do some actual reporting on newsworthy items like his conflicts of interest. There are enough to give you at least one story a day for his entire term.
I have heard this excuse that because it's the President, it's newsworthy and therefore our obligation to cover him.
That's nonsense. There were hundreds of times that you failed to cover Obama's words or actions. All you need to do is apply the same standard.
Just ignore him and do some actual reporting on newsworthy items like his conflicts of interest. There are enough to give you at least one story a day for his entire term.
105
I am having difficulty understanding, fran, how the media could not cover, let us say a statement on Russian policy. Were they not to, they would resemble one of the joke newspapers of the 1980s, Not the Philadelphia Inquirer, which is so parochial and self-centered that the fact that New York has been destroyed by a nuclear blast is mentioned briefly and only twice, one of which is in the entry about the 76ers-Knicks game, cut short.
Trump cannot permit the merest mention of potential corruption and obvious conflicts of interest surrounding his empire. He, instead, expects praise for the corruption he HASN'T engaged in. "You know, theoretically, I'm obliged to do nothing. In fact, I'm only doing this because I'm such a swell individual."
He informs us, expecting that we'll go off and tell our grannies how upstanding we find the president-elect, that he has turned down a $2-billion bribe from a Gulf-state magnifico. Gee, what a thing to do! Don Trump sure is some guy!
Trump is exactly like an ex-Soviet strongman: portraits of himself, setting up his own cheering gallery, machismo, brazen corruption. On the bright side, I can't wait to see what SNL does with those golden-showering Russian strumpets. ... "A movement like the world has never seen!" He is delusional. There is, truly, something pitiable about this chap -- or, rather, there would be if he weren't about to possess the Gold Codes.
He informs us, expecting that we'll go off and tell our grannies how upstanding we find the president-elect, that he has turned down a $2-billion bribe from a Gulf-state magnifico. Gee, what a thing to do! Don Trump sure is some guy!
Trump is exactly like an ex-Soviet strongman: portraits of himself, setting up his own cheering gallery, machismo, brazen corruption. On the bright side, I can't wait to see what SNL does with those golden-showering Russian strumpets. ... "A movement like the world has never seen!" He is delusional. There is, truly, something pitiable about this chap -- or, rather, there would be if he weren't about to possess the Gold Codes.
3
The sad thing is that he really believes his own nonsense. I hope there's people within his administration and the republicans in congress with a backbone to stand up to this charlatan.
2
I was embarrassed to be an American watching that clown show yesterday. Apparently 'make America great again' means we are a third-world dictatorship where there is zero accountability, constant propaganda, and the rule of law is ignored.
3
Simple, loud and clear: we, the voters, care about your tax returns, Donald. ( Including moderate independents, like me.)
3
In his first pseudo-press conference since his electoral college win, Mr. Trump continued to exemplify his arrogant, spiteful, deceitful, petulant political brand. The contrast could not be more stark to the consistently empathetic, gracious, well-informed, level-headed words and actions of President Obama these past eight years.
I have always wanted to be a pragmatist and find a reasonable middle ground for the sake of democracy and our common good. Mr. Trump (the "fantastic" negotiator) and his enablers are making that increasingly impossible. I fear we will become a nation that pendulums from one extreme to the other.
For me, January 20th will be a day of mourning for the diminishment of the values of inclusion and respect that make America great (even as I will be grateful that we remain a nation that embraces a peaceful transition of power as exemplified by Mr. Obama's grace and dignity in departing office).
I have always wanted to be a pragmatist and find a reasonable middle ground for the sake of democracy and our common good. Mr. Trump (the "fantastic" negotiator) and his enablers are making that increasingly impossible. I fear we will become a nation that pendulums from one extreme to the other.
For me, January 20th will be a day of mourning for the diminishment of the values of inclusion and respect that make America great (even as I will be grateful that we remain a nation that embraces a peaceful transition of power as exemplified by Mr. Obama's grace and dignity in departing office).
4
If there is any good news in this conference, it appears Trump is really not interested in governing---he likes the stage the Presidency provides him, but the job is just not who he is...So, we might have the combination of his son-in-law, daughter, maybe Mike Pence, and whoever turns out to be a bureaucratic type, running this country. As to a Republican congress, they are already on their way to losing the next election cycle.
4
T rump, the president-defect, tells us he, and he alone, is capable of draining the swamp he says is Washington. He can't drain the swamp he has too many bodies buried it it.
Some in the republican party say he will pivot to being presidential when he sees the great responsibility that the office bears. He will not become other that what his nature dictates, and his nature is that of a spoiled, entitled 6th grader.
His spokes ghoul, Kellyanne Conway, tells us not to listen to his words but to look into his heart. Well, missy, that cannot be done because his heart is as black and dark as an abandoned coal mine.
If We the People do not wake up and vote republicans out of every office in the land that it will be possible to vote them out of, then we and our democracy are indeed doomed.
Some in the republican party say he will pivot to being presidential when he sees the great responsibility that the office bears. He will not become other that what his nature dictates, and his nature is that of a spoiled, entitled 6th grader.
His spokes ghoul, Kellyanne Conway, tells us not to listen to his words but to look into his heart. Well, missy, that cannot be done because his heart is as black and dark as an abandoned coal mine.
If We the People do not wake up and vote republicans out of every office in the land that it will be possible to vote them out of, then we and our democracy are indeed doomed.
4
California should succeed from the union, and encourage every other blue state to do so, until Donald Trump is out of office. Anyone who wants to leave the red states and come to a blue state would be welcome.
We are not only the cultural centers we are the medical centers the financial centers the tech centers, the innovative thought that draws young people from all over the world to us. Flyover blue states are only a drag on our economies. We should not let an antiquated electoral system, driven by votes from trailer trash behavior of the uneducated, who are easily swayed by authoritarian despots like Trump to rule over our better sense.
We don't need them but they will find out they need us.
We are not only the cultural centers we are the medical centers the financial centers the tech centers, the innovative thought that draws young people from all over the world to us. Flyover blue states are only a drag on our economies. We should not let an antiquated electoral system, driven by votes from trailer trash behavior of the uneducated, who are easily swayed by authoritarian despots like Trump to rule over our better sense.
We don't need them but they will find out they need us.
7
I tried to post this for Gail Collin's op-ed but will put it here, since it still seems relevant:
I'm sure KGB Major Vladimir Putin and his brilliant disinformation apparatus are delighted that the president elect is at war with our press and national security apparatus.
Regardless of who won the election, Clinton or Trump, Russia's intent was to delegitimize our electoral process. To a large degree, they have succeeded.
The Kremlin celebrated Trump's victory because it makes their job much easier - Trump himself is working to muzzle dissent and further erode the freedom and rights that are the essence of western democracy.
If Hillary had won, the same festering resentment against liberalism would still exist in the US, abetted by the "trove of e-mails" and years of disinformation gleefully promulgated by right wing partisans. The Kremlin wins again, although the erosion might be slower...
For many reasons, the long game for Russia since the time of the Czars has been to undermine the principles of western democracy. They are not our friends.
I'm sure KGB Major Vladimir Putin and his brilliant disinformation apparatus are delighted that the president elect is at war with our press and national security apparatus.
Regardless of who won the election, Clinton or Trump, Russia's intent was to delegitimize our electoral process. To a large degree, they have succeeded.
The Kremlin celebrated Trump's victory because it makes their job much easier - Trump himself is working to muzzle dissent and further erode the freedom and rights that are the essence of western democracy.
If Hillary had won, the same festering resentment against liberalism would still exist in the US, abetted by the "trove of e-mails" and years of disinformation gleefully promulgated by right wing partisans. The Kremlin wins again, although the erosion might be slower...
For many reasons, the long game for Russia since the time of the Czars has been to undermine the principles of western democracy. They are not our friends.
5
Publicize the campaign to make January 20th a "national day of mourning". Wear black on inauguration day. "It's Mourning in America", as Ronald Reagan once said. Very few people will be able to get to Washington to protest, but wearing black can be done by anyone.
10
Why does anyone believe anything that Trump ever says??
Take one simple example. Who is going to pay for the wall? It won't be Mexico, it will be you and I after our health insurance has been destroyed.
Remember what Trump says and does never match!! Sure he may create a lot of jobs, but that does NOT mean that those who get employed and work will actually get paid! Remember all those workers he has stiffed??
Why should Trump try to avoid conflict of interest. He thinks the rules don't apply to him. The only solution is to find him in violation of the law and charge him with high crimes and treason.
Take one simple example. Who is going to pay for the wall? It won't be Mexico, it will be you and I after our health insurance has been destroyed.
Remember what Trump says and does never match!! Sure he may create a lot of jobs, but that does NOT mean that those who get employed and work will actually get paid! Remember all those workers he has stiffed??
Why should Trump try to avoid conflict of interest. He thinks the rules don't apply to him. The only solution is to find him in violation of the law and charge him with high crimes and treason.
7
I can't think of a time in my lifetime in which good investigative journalism has been more important than it is right now.
16
Jim: Yet it was singularly lacking with respect to the candidacy of Secretary Clinton.
1
The carnival barker continues with his bloviating and the reporters all sucked it in. Pathetic. This is just more of the same. Don't hold your breath for any change.
6
Let's stop pretending that Donald Trump will behave anything like a president. He's there to enriching himself, his (friends) and family.
He could care less about democracy and would sell the United States down the tubes for any favors that enriches him.
He stated that if he ever ran for president he would run as a Republican because they're so stupid they believe anything he says.
You have to give him credit he was certainly right about that.
He could care less about democracy and would sell the United States down the tubes for any favors that enriches him.
He stated that if he ever ran for president he would run as a Republican because they're so stupid they believe anything he says.
You have to give him credit he was certainly right about that.
14
While watching this news conference, I could not help but recall that priceless number "Razzle Dazzle" sung by Richard Gere in the film "Chicago." Look them up or even better watch the U tube version. It is The Donald all over again. And I don't think he even realizes it.
2
But, he showed us all of the stacks of manila folders with all of the papers that he signed. Lots and lots of folders with lots and lots of papers.
What more do we need to see?
What more do we need to see?
9
I am looking forward to the day when the American people can say to this man, "You're fired!" Hopefully, we can do this in less than four years. He certainly continues to demonstrate that he's a "loser" and his actions are "disasters."
9
The news media needs to work together. How about if they boycott the next news conference. Or even better, they all walk out together at the first sign of abusive behavior. Of course not all of them will do it. But even if half did it -- it would be telegenic and impactful.
Trump isn't just another politician. The news media is trying to use their old methods but they aren't working. They need to come up with something new to deal with a man so willing to lie and bully.
Trump isn't just another politician. The news media is trying to use their old methods but they aren't working. They need to come up with something new to deal with a man so willing to lie and bully.
11
Comparing Obama's farewell address to Trump's so-called news conference says it all, doesn't it? Thoughtfulness, seriousness, empathy, generosity - these values are gone now. We have replaced them with arrogance, narcissism, thin-skinned bullying and greed.
The GOP, after choosing obstruction for eight years over service to America, is now determined to erase even the memory of the values that they fought so hard to defeat. Maybe they hope that we will simply forget, that we won't be able to go on feeling sick to our stomach for four years.
The GOP, after choosing obstruction for eight years over service to America, is now determined to erase even the memory of the values that they fought so hard to defeat. Maybe they hope that we will simply forget, that we won't be able to go on feeling sick to our stomach for four years.
8
Trump is Trump - there are many like him. What's astounding is the silence of senior Republicans. A lock on power is worth this damage to the institution of the president, and your country? Apparently so.
11
Tax returns now please. Actually, we do care and will keep asking for them, right up to the day he's impeached.
7
Wow, Hillbilly Nation has to be lapping this one up. Good thing it is soupy gruel, hard to chew without teeth. Does this guy ever complete a sentence. He make Palin seem like an intellectual giant. The beginning of the end is near. I just hope God(the one who just made the Dumpster the greatest job creator ever) has a sense of humor. Otherwise expect fire, brimstone and a hundred plagues to be cast upon a populous who worshiped at the golden calf of the Donald.
2
NYT editorial criticism - no matter how biting or sensible - will not deter Trump, let alone derail him. It energizes him and his fawning mob of post-truthers.
Time now to turn to an old journalism playbook.
In the 1972 Presidential election, Richard Nixon won re-election in a "real" landslide - 49 states went for the Trickster. Less than two years later, with his reputation and presidency destroyed by unfathomable corruption uncovered and reported by journalists not pundits, RMN resigned. It was one of US journalism's finest hours.
It can be replicated. Follow the money.
Time now to turn to an old journalism playbook.
In the 1972 Presidential election, Richard Nixon won re-election in a "real" landslide - 49 states went for the Trickster. Less than two years later, with his reputation and presidency destroyed by unfathomable corruption uncovered and reported by journalists not pundits, RMN resigned. It was one of US journalism's finest hours.
It can be replicated. Follow the money.
11
Has NYTimes covered the outlines of this? "Mr. Trump’s nominee for health and human services secretary, has proposed a plan that would make health insurance unaffordable for millions of Americans, especially working-class people and those with prior medical conditions."
2
Yes, this has been well covered in the Times. Are the working-class people and those with prior medical conditions paying attention? We all had better be.
1
It's his standard ploy when caught with his hands in the cookie jar -- he promises to donate the cookies to charity, and then quietly eats them later.
5
Was it not the intention of the Founders that the US will never have a King?
I have heard yesterday the President of the United States openly, towards his subjects, asserting that particular laws ("conflict of interest") do not apply to him.
Yes, he graciously said "I will not use the fact that I am above law, though I could, you know...".
This is exactly what the Monarchy is. The only restraint on the Monarch is his own grace.
I have heard yesterday the President of the United States openly, towards his subjects, asserting that particular laws ("conflict of interest") do not apply to him.
Yes, he graciously said "I will not use the fact that I am above law, though I could, you know...".
This is exactly what the Monarchy is. The only restraint on the Monarch is his own grace.
5
He accused the press of putting false information out. That's rich.
8
It's a shame, but it looks like the Russians, ISIS, fake news and the extreme right wing media have won. Trump's win and the changing of the rules and expectations for ethical and moral behavior are game changers. Will we ever go back to expecting, or at least having the facade, that our leaders need to be ethical? What we see is that all of Hillary's money, organization, and newspaper endorsements mean very little. What matters is bombast, ridiculous promises and a weird kind of charisma. The "wisdom of the American people" is the same as the wisdom of the Germans and Italians in the 1930's. The illusion of American exceptionalism is dispelled.
6
What movement is he talking about? The only movement he is involved with is one that comes out of his rear.
3
This passion for Donald Trump horrors by the NYT's editorial board, this incessant rhythmical enfeebling of everything Donald Trump attempts to do and these judgments for which there are no appeals display an instinctive cruelty for those with whom you disagree. I believe these noxious editorials flow more from snobbishness than profundity. President-Elect Donald Trump is to doing exactly what he promised the American people he would do. He's building a foundation for jobs, growth and affordable healthcare all without the demoniacal qualities you ascribe to him. Millions of Americans reject the scorn and obloquy the NYT's editorial board heaps upon Donald Trump.
1
Exactly what is his foundation for healthcare built on?
1
This is the same Mr. Trump who fraudulently trafficked the birther rumors. It is the same Mr. Trump who asked Russia to hack into Mrs Clinton's emails. He call out to a 400 lb guy in bed to hack her emails. He specifically called on Russia. He demanded that the press take him seriously. Now that some alleged dirt about him is popping up he is accusing the media of witch hunt. What do you suppose the role of free press is in a democracy?
He lied his way through. Retaining a few Carrier jobs will not be enough. Should our country now interfere in free markets? There is no way coal jobs are coming back to Appalachia. Nor are significant amount of steel jobs. We need to prepare our country, our next generation for the jobs and the careers of tomorrow. Education is the real foundation for the future; In order to remain the leader in Technology.
He lied his way through. Retaining a few Carrier jobs will not be enough. Should our country now interfere in free markets? There is no way coal jobs are coming back to Appalachia. Nor are significant amount of steel jobs. We need to prepare our country, our next generation for the jobs and the careers of tomorrow. Education is the real foundation for the future; In order to remain the leader in Technology.
2
Would that so many millions of Americans were actually reading the NYT. It might have made a difference.
2
The toxic Banana Republican regime many feared is here. Tragically, this is likely to end very badly for both Trump's opponents and his supporters, with the possible exception of America's oligarchs.
5
Your comments about this press conference are on point. Some journalists tried to push him for answers, but - still- not hard enough. Now, as late as it is, let's roll up our collective sleeves and demand a full stop to this smoke and mirror show to reveal the real Donald Trump. The world is watching.
9
I looked at that pile of dossiers, and all I could think of were steaks.
2
I watched the news conference spectacle. Mr. Trump appears vapid and petulant almost off-the-charts. That this is the man who will represent America before the world distresses me almost beyond words.
By the way, if you believe he turned down a $2 billion deal, then you also probably believed that he had investigators in Hawaii and "they can't believe what they are finding". That is the sort of gullibility that has enabled the rise of this ridiculous man.
By the way, if you believe he turned down a $2 billion deal, then you also probably believed that he had investigators in Hawaii and "they can't believe what they are finding". That is the sort of gullibility that has enabled the rise of this ridiculous man.
7
And this insult to democracy and every American named "Trump" will continue. This reminds me of Watergate and the risky stand the Washington Post took to go public. I am confident that the reputable media including Post of course and the NYT will have far more disturbing lies, scapegoating, bloviating, crudeness, and vulgarity from PutinPuppet to report in the future. Report it and keep reporting it. Eventually, another Deep Throat will materialize and, hopefully, the NYT as well as the Post will be instrumental in deposing the Trump Emperor With No Clothes.
1
Totally clueless, unsophisticated about the actual way a democratic government can and should work and proud of what he doesn't know. Will America survive a Trump administration?
3
What a circus. The president-elect and his staff are the scariest clowns ever.
4
In my fantasy all the members of the press would simultaneously get up and walk out when Trump is rude to a reporter, such as he was yesterday to Jim Acosta.
Now that would be a story!
Now that would be a story!
8
What you need to understand is that most Americans don't care. What Trump (or Obama for that matter) says at a press conference is irrelevant to their lives. And Trump has used this approach his whole life so he's not likely to change.
Focus his actions and not on his messaging style.
Focus his actions and not on his messaging style.
5
This is exactly why I voted for Donald Trump. I don't care about his tax returns or anything else. I want to see him on TV pointing out the fake media. After his remarks about CNN, I went back to work and gave a spectacular performance, feeling good and pumped. After 8 years of being afraid to say anything this is refreshing.
4
The quality of reporters' questions was horrible. When he spoke of repealing ACA and replacing it almost immediately, no one asked if he'd keep campaign promises such as (1) pre-existing conditions cannot be used against an applicant and (2) Medicare won't be touched. I could go on, but that "report" jumped on by BuzzFeed should have been an afterthought.
Just like the evening news and the debates: little on issues and lots on nothing.
Just like the evening news and the debates: little on issues and lots on nothing.
7
Even if Trump's plan's had some credibility. there would likely be no way to verify if they were carried out. Will the public be allowed to see the documents that establish the trust? Will the deliberations of the ethics adviser be public?
Any guesses?
Any guesses?
5
I spent a good 25 years of my life trying to set the moral compass of my children in the direction of the greater good, but I never knew what to tell them about people that don't seem to have one.
9
Well, if you reared your children with acts of empathy toward those with less, then they should not have to be told: they will be empathetic and caring individuals and will innately understand why people like trump are evil.
1
The file folders were meaningless props for show, their contents blank pages. What a metaphor.
3
This is the time for the Democrats and the media to take account of Trump's signature campaign promise, "Who's going to pay for the wall? Mexico 100%", never mind the weasel words Trump used in that farce of the Press conference saying now that Mexico would reimburse us in someway.
Trump may have slipped in reimburse the taxpayers, but that was not the message throughout the campaign, and it was clear that we weren't paying for the wall, "Mexico is going to pay for the wall....100%"!
There must be hundreds of clips of Trump making it clear at his rallies that "Mexico was paying for the wall.....100%", it time to play them over and over again, and make Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell watch them like a brainwashing tape until they get it too!
Trump may have slipped in reimburse the taxpayers, but that was not the message throughout the campaign, and it was clear that we weren't paying for the wall, "Mexico is going to pay for the wall....100%"!
There must be hundreds of clips of Trump making it clear at his rallies that "Mexico was paying for the wall.....100%", it time to play them over and over again, and make Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell watch them like a brainwashing tape until they get it too!
Trump daily hounded President Obama about his birth certificate. Trump needs to be hounded daily about releasing his tax returns.
3
Releasing his tax returns was one of Trump's earliest promises. Do not stop demanding and do not let him or his surrogates pivot away from the issue.
Anyone believe that the Old Post Office Trump hotel will turn a profit in the next four years? Anyone think that a major source of its hotel room and event and restaurant business will be from third world dictatorships and law firms etc. hoping to fluff the president, who is rather obviously approaching his job in a personal and autocratic way? Anyone imagine that Trump will not have any idea where the business for the hotel is coming from ?
And now for something completely different…
Well, that’s what the Trump voters said they wanted and they’ve certainly gotten that. “Give him a chance”, they say, and somehow this delusional, vindictive man will transform into someone worthy of the highest office in the land.
I think I’ll take an antacid and drown myself in some Python farce for a day. I need to look away from Trump’s Theatre of the Absurd, lest I die of despair.
Well, that’s what the Trump voters said they wanted and they’ve certainly gotten that. “Give him a chance”, they say, and somehow this delusional, vindictive man will transform into someone worthy of the highest office in the land.
I think I’ll take an antacid and drown myself in some Python farce for a day. I need to look away from Trump’s Theatre of the Absurd, lest I die of despair.
3
I was so dismayed by not only Trump's "performance" and refusal to acknowledge reality, but the applause and cheers of his staff; particularly the sycophantic introduction by Mike Pence (who, imo is worse than Trump) - reading what had to be Trump edited notes, sounding like a hostage reading a note from his captors. god save us
3
What happens to the Trump name value and licensing if(when) he gets impeached or is forced to resign in disgrace? The brand value will be that of soiled goods and a liability rather than an asset. They'll be ripping the "Trump" name off buildings and everything else it's plastered onto faster than a heartbeat.
I can't wait.
I can't wait.
2
We demand to see his tax returns. The press should be a lot tougher on him. He is a deranged man - troubling and dangerous to say the least. And please, the
'intelligence community' should spill the beans. We demand and deserve to have full disclosure. This is our country and he is working for us, supposedly.
'intelligence community' should spill the beans. We demand and deserve to have full disclosure. This is our country and he is working for us, supposedly.
5
I don't know if readers follow local news, but former Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Chaka Fattah was very recently sentenced to ten years in federal prison after a judge found him guilty on charges of racketeering, fraud and money laundering. If, as Sheri A. Dillon of Morgan Lewis and Bockius is correct that the emoluments clause dose not apply to Trump as president, then it also does not apply to Representative Fattah and he was wrongly convicted. The specific 1989 ruling referenced by Dillon partly reads "Except as otherwise provided in such sections, the terms “officer” and “employee” in sections 203, 205, 207 through 209, and 218 of this title shall not include the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or a Federal judge.
(d)The term “Member of Congress” in sections 204 and 207 means—
(1) a United States Senator; and (2) a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives."
So, does Chaka Fattah go free, and does Donald Trump get immunity? I know one thing. If I should ever go rogue and need a lawyer, I'm going to put Morgan Lewis at the top of my list. Couldn't hurt, could it?
(d)The term “Member of Congress” in sections 204 and 207 means—
(1) a United States Senator; and (2) a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives."
So, does Chaka Fattah go free, and does Donald Trump get immunity? I know one thing. If I should ever go rogue and need a lawyer, I'm going to put Morgan Lewis at the top of my list. Couldn't hurt, could it?
This man is a national embarrassment; his 5th-grade vocabulary, grammatical incoherence and persistent self-aggrandizement are squirm-inducing and unseemly. Electing him was the equivalent of hiring the guy from the pizza parlor to do your brain surgery.
Whatever happens, America will never be respected internationally again unless we turf him out. All efforts must be focused on impeaching him. The Republicans were threatening to impeach Hillary before she took office, and without any solid reason—why can't Democrats do the same? Lord knows we have plenty of evidence. All decent Americans should be calling the US Office of the Independent Counsel (the only body with standing to enforce the Emoluments Clause) every day and demanding they move to impeach. If we don't, the damage that he and his pirate crew will do is not a possibility—it's a certainty.
Whatever happens, America will never be respected internationally again unless we turf him out. All efforts must be focused on impeaching him. The Republicans were threatening to impeach Hillary before she took office, and without any solid reason—why can't Democrats do the same? Lord knows we have plenty of evidence. All decent Americans should be calling the US Office of the Independent Counsel (the only body with standing to enforce the Emoluments Clause) every day and demanding they move to impeach. If we don't, the damage that he and his pirate crew will do is not a possibility—it's a certainty.
5
The only political figure that comes to mind who resembles Mr. Trump is Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Miniter of Italy. Berlusconi lasted about three years. The "huge" difference between the two, however, is that Mr. Trump will be the new President of the United States of America. If yesterday's press conference was any indication of how Mr. Trump plans to conduct his White House press conferences, the decorum we have known up to now (since the age of television), will be cast aside. Instead, the "World" will witness a President's overwhelming ego, glib sound-bites, and general disdain for the press.
2
Perhaps the prop folders were Trumps version the the Queen's purse.
Mysterious yes, and probably nothing in there.
Mysterious yes, and probably nothing in there.
Do his sons have the same protection against conflict of interest that he has as president? And, of course, they will contact him about request from individuals and leaders of countries to do business with his companies. These are still his companies.
1
Think about this presidency as a literary work. Scratch that, think of it as a made for TV series. The underlying theme is corruption. The candidate comes into office after bragging about how he corrupted local politicians. He then announces that norms to avoid corruption do not apply to him. But these are just the subplots. The deep story is how this corrupts his supporters. Trumps true genius is in giving his followers tools to rationalise their support for him. Where Obama confronted thinking and behavior, Trump provides cover for it. The plan that he is going to donate the proceeds when foreign leaders stay at his hotels is not to satisfy the conflict of interest problem, because it doesn't. The goal is to give his followers a tool to suppress their conflicting thoughts. The real danger of Trump is not that he corrupts the system. It is that he corrupts the people.
94
I am appalled by my fellow Americans for having elected this out-of-control nuclear bomb for President of the United States.
3
D Trump: Deceive, Deflect, Deny, Delude etc. The serious media continue to underwrite free Trump's toxic infomercials by offering him or his Senior Winged Monkey, Kelly, so many platforms. Why keep barking at this podium?
The fourth estaters were again mercilessly fire-hosed with sewage at the "press conference" ring in yesterday's three ring Washington circus. By now, the news people should have learned to more appropriate and shown up in clown suits or hazmat outfits or better, not at all. On the plus side, Mr. T. has replaced his steak and water merchandise, with a more gravitas, new line, of Trump brand, office supplies.
The fourth estaters were again mercilessly fire-hosed with sewage at the "press conference" ring in yesterday's three ring Washington circus. By now, the news people should have learned to more appropriate and shown up in clown suits or hazmat outfits or better, not at all. On the plus side, Mr. T. has replaced his steak and water merchandise, with a more gravitas, new line, of Trump brand, office supplies.
1
The only movement he's capable of managing ia a bowl movement. I am so over him and he hasn't even started - it's going to be a long four years.
1
When I heard trump's response, what I heard in my mind was that slogan that used to end every TV ad for The Men's Warehouse: "Your going to like our style". It took the company's board some doing but they finally dislodged their owner and founder to get rid of what made them look cheap, low class, and ham fisted.
Every time I hear trump say something like "I think you're going to be pleased" or clumsy blanket professions like yesterday " It's faux news" that's what I think of. I'm embarrassed that our president lacks the discernment and taste that he sounds like the guy selling cheap suits. It wouldn't be so bad if he at least knew how cheap the suits he's selling are and was trying to pull one over on me but he doesn't. He is as much a sham as his suits.
I know quality and he ain't it. Is this what it's come to, selling the rest of the world cheap suits and losing out, permanently losing out on the waves of change taking the rest of the world forward because our president is a bad toupee wearing a cheap suit?
Every time I hear trump say something like "I think you're going to be pleased" or clumsy blanket professions like yesterday " It's faux news" that's what I think of. I'm embarrassed that our president lacks the discernment and taste that he sounds like the guy selling cheap suits. It wouldn't be so bad if he at least knew how cheap the suits he's selling are and was trying to pull one over on me but he doesn't. He is as much a sham as his suits.
I know quality and he ain't it. Is this what it's come to, selling the rest of the world cheap suits and losing out, permanently losing out on the waves of change taking the rest of the world forward because our president is a bad toupee wearing a cheap suit?
4
Had me recalling Stephen Sondheim, circa 1973-
"And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns...
Well, maybe next (press conference.)"
"And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns...
Well, maybe next (press conference.)"
1
When this supremely disordered man craters, it's going to be spectacular. We can only hope it happens sooner rather than later and that the country doesn't go down the toilet with him.
4
angus: I'm unable to envision circumstances under which the failure of a president does not mean serious problems for the country. And don't say Nixon, the economy was in the tank in 1974-75.
It was a show worthy of the con man, Trump. What else could anyone expect? What I would like to see happen is that journalists would gather around one of their own when a President refuses to take questions from a reporter from a news outlet he does not like. Now journalists are eating their own over the intelligence leaks. Why? Because they are afraid of Trump? I expect so and he knows it. We are on our way to losing a free, independent press.
2
I was listening in NPR while driving and my first thought was, "Did this guy seriously bring cheerleaders to a press conference?"
If we could only agree to ignore him he would wither and die. Unfortunately, with Pence and his slimy, spineless cohorts in charge, we can't afford that either.
If we could only agree to ignore him he would wither and die. Unfortunately, with Pence and his slimy, spineless cohorts in charge, we can't afford that either.
4
For five years Trump tried to ruin President Obama's presidency with his shameful birther campaign, so now he's getting a taste of his own bad medicine.
2
It seems to me that Trump is actually doing something. Republicans said NO to everything for 8 years. Democrats redefined what is meant by compromising and acquiescing under Obama's doctrine of I've Got to Please Them!
From yesterday's bizarre control the media presentation, I agreed with one statement, CNN is fake news.
From yesterday's bizarre control the media presentation, I agreed with one statement, CNN is fake news.
2
I'm selling my entire retirement account but keeping some bond and short funds. It's going to be a bumpy ride down.
1
Given what the stock market's done since 11/8, you'll soon have to log in at the public library, as the Supreme Court ruled in a case involving Morristown, NJ you will continue to have access.
He has been a loud, vulgar bully, ruled by greed, crippled by narcissism, delusions of grandeur, and 'protected' from facing the reality of the world by 'yes' men and women he pays to surround him like a warm blanket. This has been and will continue to be his entire life. He has no clue about how the world works beyond his own shady business deals. Ethics? A sense of duty to his fellow citizens? Compassion? An understanding of how governments work? The fragility of world order and the planet on which we live? If he continues forward as 'president,' it will take generations to recover.
5
Those who think things are going to change on Inauguration Day are tilting at windmills. We are soon to hear the tune "Hail to the Liar-in-Chief."
1
We should continue to ask on a regular basis about releasing his tax return, and at least, in the meantime, showing his return for the previous year. This should be a constant and continual campaign until some sort of disclosure will likely happen.
2
Somebody suggested boycotting Trump's so called press conferences. If only the media had the courage. They could concentrate on what the man does and not what he says, since so much of what he says has proven to be false or nonsense. If our government really has checks and balances, I would like to be reading about how those checks are working. We could read about Trump's reaction to an empty press conference room in the entertainment section.
7
All of his followers know he tweeted, and Foxnews and others will cover it anyway. You'd never keep it out of the majority of people's newsfeeds.
During the 9/26/16 presidential debate, Donald Trump’s statement on the DNC hacking was: “She's saying Russia, Russia, Russia, but I don't—maybe it was. I mean, it could be Russia, but it could also be China. It could also be lots of other people. It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds, OK?"
On 12/9/16, Trump’s transition team slammed the CIA after it concluded Russia intervened in the election; Trump’s transition team noted: “"These are the same people that said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.”
On 12/12/16. Trump then stated: “They have no idea if it's Russia or China or somebody. It could be somebody sitting in a bed some place. I mean, they have no idea.”
Then after being briefed last week by intelligence agencies, Trump responded yesterday: “As far as hacking, I think it was Russia. Hacking’s bad, and it shouldn’t be done. But look at the things that were hacked, look at what was learned from that hacking.”
This is Presidential material? This is how Trump manages serious issues? First, trash everyone under the sun, then say they were right but it’s good that it happened?
How can any foreign country rely on anything this guy ever says?
When he takes the helm next week, Trump will flip flop along, year after year, finger to the wind, on most every issue that drops on his desk. He will rely on people he trusts (i.e., his kids) to guide him. And that is truly scary.
God help us all with Trump at the helm of the US.
On 12/9/16, Trump’s transition team slammed the CIA after it concluded Russia intervened in the election; Trump’s transition team noted: “"These are the same people that said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.”
On 12/12/16. Trump then stated: “They have no idea if it's Russia or China or somebody. It could be somebody sitting in a bed some place. I mean, they have no idea.”
Then after being briefed last week by intelligence agencies, Trump responded yesterday: “As far as hacking, I think it was Russia. Hacking’s bad, and it shouldn’t be done. But look at the things that were hacked, look at what was learned from that hacking.”
This is Presidential material? This is how Trump manages serious issues? First, trash everyone under the sun, then say they were right but it’s good that it happened?
How can any foreign country rely on anything this guy ever says?
When he takes the helm next week, Trump will flip flop along, year after year, finger to the wind, on most every issue that drops on his desk. He will rely on people he trusts (i.e., his kids) to guide him. And that is truly scary.
God help us all with Trump at the helm of the US.
136
The captain of the Titanic didn't help the passengers much either.
What a sorry performance. Goodbye to the dignity of the office all Americans have come to expect. Ditto it's incorruptibility. We are in for a very rough ride and the voter remorse will grow amongst the folks who voted for this clown.
Resist.
Resist.
9
Over the past two days, being laid up with a virus which has kept me off the golf course, I've wiled away my time taking soundings from many friends and associates in several countries and regret to report that almost to a man and a woman, they are laughing at America's choice and sadly, at America.
I sincerely hope that in due course that opinion can be reversed but it won't be easy. It may require 'the Big I'.
I sincerely hope that in due course that opinion can be reversed but it won't be easy. It may require 'the Big I'.
1
How long before we will have President Pence? It seems pretty clear that if "treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors" have not been already committed they surely will be. How does this compare with the private e-mail server? If one American dies because of repeal of the ACA is that a high crime?
5
"How long before we will have President Pence?"
Not likely as long as Trump's base is solidly behind him. The GOP members in congress don't want to get on the wrong side of those folks.
Not likely as long as Trump's base is solidly behind him. The GOP members in congress don't want to get on the wrong side of those folks.
"How does this compare with the private e-mail server? If one American dies because of repeal of the ACA is that a high crime?"
Secretary Clinton, we know, would have started with four. At least.
Secretary Clinton, we know, would have started with four. At least.
Have you ever had a background check for a top level security clearance? Donald hasn't. And soon he'll be the boss of all the people who vet those background checks. What are the real odds that he's been compromised? It seems the answer is "the election's over, don't worry 'bout it."
For a country that expresses so much pride in our democratic processes, and checks and balances, we've really screwed ourselves royally.
Let's all party with Putin the next time he takes over another country.
For a country that expresses so much pride in our democratic processes, and checks and balances, we've really screwed ourselves royally.
Let's all party with Putin the next time he takes over another country.
3
pete, President Trump's security clearance was given him by the people.
I really am not surprised by Trump. His act is his act and I expect to see it for the next 4 years. What I am really shocked and disappointed in is how he is surrounded by the GOP who ether supports his crazy act of just sits quite. What little respect I had left for them after Bush and Iraq is gone now. Once those angry white men get their way and our first black president is gone I wonder how long it will take them to figure out they sold out to the devil?
9
The republican dream, a fantastic show trial, lawyers aplenty all in identical suits, tea shoes and those cute little gold plated ethics spittoons.
The judge and jury, sorry they weren't able to make it.
The judge and jury, sorry they weren't able to make it.
1
On a Presidential Harm Meter we cannot judge Trump yet. But given the judgment of Trump out there, it might be well to suggest that harm can be equated with causing deaths. On this measure, without needing Google, we can place George W. Bush, Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson. Should Trump not appear in this top three, would he then merit as much vitriol? Just asking.
If you're going to go with deaths, wouldn't it be Lincoln, FDR and Johnson as your top three? The civil war and WW2 had many more deaths than anything since, but we typically don't consider Lincoln or FDR as bad presidents because of the wars they oversaw.
Stephen: One could make the argument that the election of Abraham Lincoln cause many more deaths.
I meant to type "caused', pardon me. Didn't we get promised an improvement in interface?
I agree with another reader that the press and media should stay away from his self-aggrandizing events, but I would take it a step further by not publishing or displaying his tweets. These tweets usually allow him to "dishonestly" put forward "false news". His childish tantrum towards CNN made him look like the fascist. Reporters have their sources, use them, because this president views his press conferences as episodes of his hopefully short lived reality series, if in fact these new reports turn out to have validity.
10
Isn't it about time that all the articles about Trump's antics indicate a seriously flawed man, clearly exhibiting all the symptoms of mental illness and which should be acknowledged? The public has a right to know that he will be making vital decisions in the Oval Office which will affect everyone.
Every medical person I have spoken to and politically knowledgeable person I know, have no doubts about this unfortunate fact.
He is incapable of change or negotiation as a result and it is time for the Editorial Board of the NYTimes to speak out as well as other organizations and brave souls as he is truly unfit for office.
Every medical person I have spoken to and politically knowledgeable person I know, have no doubts about this unfortunate fact.
He is incapable of change or negotiation as a result and it is time for the Editorial Board of the NYTimes to speak out as well as other organizations and brave souls as he is truly unfit for office.
19
"Every medical person I have spoken to and politically knowledgeable person I know, have no doubts about this unfortunate fact."
Everyone's against him but the people.
Everyone's against him but the people.
First he came out with his bullying press secretary trying to intimidate the press into silence, then "ducked and dodged when reporters asked whether he or members of his staff colluded with Russia before the election." They never got a straight answer that he did not, other then his comment about a tweet, and then the "no" that reporters had to squeeze out of him on his way out the door after the camera coverage had ended.
And, after all the fake and libelous news stories he spewed against Hilary, and how he so gleefully jumped on the Comey inquires to make slanderous claims against her as a crimanal deserving prison, not to mention his whole birther slander about Obama, NOW he has the gaul to fain some moral high ground about "fake news" -- when it's directed at him. His bombast, his use of intimidation to silence the reporters asking the questions makes me wonder if he actually has something to hide.
And, after all the fake and libelous news stories he spewed against Hilary, and how he so gleefully jumped on the Comey inquires to make slanderous claims against her as a crimanal deserving prison, not to mention his whole birther slander about Obama, NOW he has the gaul to fain some moral high ground about "fake news" -- when it's directed at him. His bombast, his use of intimidation to silence the reporters asking the questions makes me wonder if he actually has something to hide.
5
I can't take it anymore.
It's just too depressing.
I'm going cold turkey on reading the news - especially opinions.
It's just too depressing.
I'm going cold turkey on reading the news - especially opinions.
3
Those Americans who voted for Trump because you know--change and emails and Benghazi and the first Black President. Guess what? A week from today that change will be a reality show with no parameters, ethics, morality, compassion. truth and for most of us little entertainment value. When people you care about lose their health insurance, food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security benefits, voting rights or their lives on a foreign battlefield or in a hospital ER--just clap and continue enjoying the show that may end with both a bang and a whimper.
6
How about the press insisting that Trump during his next so-called press conference should have a translator on the stage, one who will translate his short sentences of mangled word salads into coherent English?
3
I understand a nationwide search for such a person has been made and that it continues.
1
There is in Donald a builtin self-destruct mechanism. It's called hubris.
Old Greek Myth:
'When the gods want to punish man, they give him what he desires most'.
Old Greek Myth:
'When the gods want to punish man, they give him what he desires most'.
2
Donald Trump has never been and will never be beholden to anyone but himself and his ego. To any person who is going to wait anxiously during the next four years for Trump to 1. admit to any wrongdoing or regret over any of his actions or 2. perform any action, no matter how small, that will benefit the nation or its people before it benefits him I say this: stop wasting your time.
3
It is not in the nature (or even control) of a narcissist to take either of those activities.
"Donald Trump has never been and will never be beholden to anyone but himself and his ego."
Isn't that the ultimate dream of most politicians?
Isn't that the ultimate dream of most politicians?
The more I learn about this and the more I think about this, the angrier I get. We are talking about what would be treason if it is true, and the document on Buzzfeed is quite credible.
I had pinned my hopes on a free and fair press to help get this country through a presidency that could well destroy our democracy. Now my hopes are dashed.
Our news organizations are making public rationalizations about why they did not put out this information detailing ties between Trump’s campaign and Russia BEFORE the election. They all use the term "unsubstantiated." Yet I can recall countless occasions when the same outlets reported tons of unsubstantiated information about the Clintons.
In this case, journalists apparently had seen the document now on the Buzzfeed site and yet most of the press kept mum about it and kept pumping out Clinton emails. I believe the news groups could have found a way to get the essence of this into the public debate without violating its classified status. The behavior of the news media in this case was unforgivable.
I had pinned my hopes on a free and fair press to help get this country through a presidency that could well destroy our democracy. Now my hopes are dashed.
Our news organizations are making public rationalizations about why they did not put out this information detailing ties between Trump’s campaign and Russia BEFORE the election. They all use the term "unsubstantiated." Yet I can recall countless occasions when the same outlets reported tons of unsubstantiated information about the Clintons.
In this case, journalists apparently had seen the document now on the Buzzfeed site and yet most of the press kept mum about it and kept pumping out Clinton emails. I believe the news groups could have found a way to get the essence of this into the public debate without violating its classified status. The behavior of the news media in this case was unforgivable.
5
Postpone the Inauguration. The 20th Amendment to the Constitution says, "if the President-elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice-President-elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide.....declaring who shall then act as President or...."
We have a President chosen by the people in the White House right now. The President elect is being investigated by the government for possible treason or collusion with foreign enemies of the United States, for tax irregularities and for other ethical considerations and declared hostility to press and other freedoms. He should not be given the executive power over the agencies investigating him. That will cause a Constitutional crisis which threatens the Constitution itself. For the love of country, both Republicans and Democrats have a chance to avert this calamity by simply declaring in a resolution the until these investigations have cleared him, he "has "failed to qualify" until these questions about his qualifications and intentions toward our democracy, our republic, have been sufficiently put to rest.
We have a President chosen by the people in the White House right now. The President elect is being investigated by the government for possible treason or collusion with foreign enemies of the United States, for tax irregularities and for other ethical considerations and declared hostility to press and other freedoms. He should not be given the executive power over the agencies investigating him. That will cause a Constitutional crisis which threatens the Constitution itself. For the love of country, both Republicans and Democrats have a chance to avert this calamity by simply declaring in a resolution the until these investigations have cleared him, he "has "failed to qualify" until these questions about his qualifications and intentions toward our democracy, our republic, have been sufficiently put to rest.
7
Trump says that the only people who care about his tax reports are journalists. That is false- I care about his finances because I want to see if his conflicts of interest are as deep rooted as I feel they are. Right now I have no choice but to think his innocent, but I'm sure once he reveals them people will know him for the fraud he is.
5
So, you want to see his tax returns for the sole purpose of finding something, anything to use against him? That's not looking for conflicts of interest, that's looking for a way to prosecute the man regardless of whether he's done anything wrong or not.
A scan of the comments below will tell you there are many who share your view, and concern.
After yesterday debacle, I woke up this morning feeling utterly defeated. It seems there will be no end to this man. Nothing sticks, nothing is verified, no one is going to stop him from lowering the standards and requirements of governing.
I want - no, need - a president I can respect. I don't have to agree with him all the time, but I do need to be able to respect him. I want decency and truth and maturity. I want someone who is calm, measured, knowledgeable, and comports himself with dignity.
I don't want a freak show, I don't want a circus, I don't want someone telling me ad nauseam how great and rich and wonderful he is - and who punishes people and organizations who disagree. I want someone who is caring and hard working, not someone who tweets through the day about the "unfair" slings and arrows he has had to endure. I don't want to have to spend my time worrying about what he is going to do next, what inappropriate person he is going to bestow power upon, who he owes, and who owes him. I don't want someone who demands constant attention, because on the one hand, he is addicted to it, and because on the other hand, he simply can't be trusted. I don't want a soft spin from a kellyanne on words I have just heard with my own ears.
Four years of this, and I will be as crazy as he is.
I want - no, need - a president I can respect. I don't have to agree with him all the time, but I do need to be able to respect him. I want decency and truth and maturity. I want someone who is calm, measured, knowledgeable, and comports himself with dignity.
I don't want a freak show, I don't want a circus, I don't want someone telling me ad nauseam how great and rich and wonderful he is - and who punishes people and organizations who disagree. I want someone who is caring and hard working, not someone who tweets through the day about the "unfair" slings and arrows he has had to endure. I don't want to have to spend my time worrying about what he is going to do next, what inappropriate person he is going to bestow power upon, who he owes, and who owes him. I don't want someone who demands constant attention, because on the one hand, he is addicted to it, and because on the other hand, he simply can't be trusted. I don't want a soft spin from a kellyanne on words I have just heard with my own ears.
Four years of this, and I will be as crazy as he is.
283
I've written it before and I will write it again---the behavior of Mr. Trump is best explained if you understand the psychological state of someone with narcissistic personality disorder and who is a pathologic liar.
Look them up, and use them to comprehend his approach to all challenges and situations. Then can you see where he is coming from, and how he will react. There is no other sense to his behavior, because there is little sense in him, just a lot of neediness, self-serving, a fluid idea of facts, and a compulsion to debase others.
As Trump himself often says: "Sad." I would add, "pathetic." In either case, it does not bode well for the country.
Look them up, and use them to comprehend his approach to all challenges and situations. Then can you see where he is coming from, and how he will react. There is no other sense to his behavior, because there is little sense in him, just a lot of neediness, self-serving, a fluid idea of facts, and a compulsion to debase others.
As Trump himself often says: "Sad." I would add, "pathetic." In either case, it does not bode well for the country.
1
I love how The Con Don and his spokespeople use things they are promoting to attack "the other side". Nazi, children, fake news, etc, etc, etc.
Worse yet is that the media promotes the lying blather. It feels like I'm back in a very nasty high school. Thank heavens the real adults in America - no matter what their age - are going to fight with everything we have to save OUR democracy.
Worse yet is that the media promotes the lying blather. It feels like I'm back in a very nasty high school. Thank heavens the real adults in America - no matter what their age - are going to fight with everything we have to save OUR democracy.
10
Paula says, "This was the saddest day for me -- sadder than the day he clenched the nomination or the day he won the election. This is when the whole world got to see what a buffoon we have elected. A dangerous, duplicitous, angry, fool. America, what have you done? "
Yes, Paula, I agree. However I ask, "What have WE done?"
Yes, Paula, I agree. However I ask, "What have WE done?"
3
What a completely dishonest buffoon Trump is. I think he's not rich at all, and he's appointed greedy billionaires who hate all government to his Cabinet so that they won't complain or turn him in when he uses the Presidency to enrich himself- because they'll be doing the same.
6
Saturday Night Live doesn't even need to touch this. This petulant man-baby is already writing his own jokes. But it will only be funny after he's well away from power. I don't know why he thinks that the people who don't buy into his act and want him held accountable (including those in the press that refuse to join his daisy chain of bottom kissing) are going to be so easily dismissed? It's ridiculous. Our democracy is becoming a farce. Not even Shakpearean, more like Mad magazine.
6
Wysiwig; what you see is what yo get. A good old computer graphic term that describes this very binary presidency-to-be very accurately. I think, unfortunately, that the incoming president needs to be treated very binary as well, nuances will be totally lost on him and his staff. The kind of stance the columnist Charles M Blow has already taken.
4
In case anyone is compiling a list, I'm not a reporter and I do care about his tax returns.
(Pretty clever though. If it's said frequently enough - that the only people that care about his returns are reporters - enough people will internalize that message, believe it and actually promote it. The essence of advertising. Our own QVC president.)
(Pretty clever though. If it's said frequently enough - that the only people that care about his returns are reporters - enough people will internalize that message, believe it and actually promote it. The essence of advertising. Our own QVC president.)
8
"If they (his children, the prince-lings) do a bad job, I’ll say, ‘You’re fired.’”
How will he know? According to him he will have no dealings, conversations or knowledge regarding their guardianship of his businesses other than what he reads in the media. Seeing as how the organization is private and closely held the media has no way of publishing anything other than what it is spoon fed.
The con is right on the surface slapping us in the face
How will he know? According to him he will have no dealings, conversations or knowledge regarding their guardianship of his businesses other than what he reads in the media. Seeing as how the organization is private and closely held the media has no way of publishing anything other than what it is spoon fed.
The con is right on the surface slapping us in the face
9
Let's all refuse to pay taxes until Trump releases his tax returns.
16
Expecting Trump to do the right thing, or act like a normal human adult, will always lead to disappointment.
10
Simple effective step. Stop going to press conferences. Nothing comes from them except vagaries, bragging and abuse. Embarrassing. Is it possible to stop taking the man seriously?
8
If there ever was a day to start drinking hard liquor in the afternoon it was yesterday after that press conference.
21
I didn't watch it. I watched a u-tube of Obama singing Amazing Grace at the SC funeral for the Roof victims, and then I went off-line for awhile. A nice dog walk and cleaning a toilet was far superior to anytime spent in the presence of this madman.
2
Trump as president is really starting to terrify me. People talk of our leaders playing checkers or chess, but it feels more like our country is beginning a dangerous game of Russian Roulette. The stakes of this game are way too high - this dangerous man should not be the leader of the free world.
11
The Trump Show in his alternative universe is nothing but the biggest and best reality television show. He figured this out years ago. It's bad entertainment though; with no-talent actors and it will not be renewed.
5
The health and welfare of America matters far less to Donald Trump than the wealth of his businesses. He will stop at nothing to make sure that is the case. I think we need to Fire him!
9
Does anyone really doubt Trump's people were in direct contact with the Russians during the election? Watergate on steroids. Impeachment is the way to toss him aside.
16
Can't wait for the State of the Union speech. Instead of a summary of how the country's doing, we'll be treated to a litany of personal slights he's experienced from celebrities.
9
My television stays off on January 20 and I'm wearing a black arm band.
7
I think I"ll fly the flag upside-down at half mast.
1
@njglea: I'm with you. Let's all switch off on Jan 20 and make it the smallest TV audience on record. Let's break his teeny tiny heart and bruise his massive ego:
"We are going to have an unbelievable, perhaps record-setting turnout for the inauguration, and there will be plenty of movie and entertainment stars,” Mr. Trump said. “
We all know how obsessed he is with ratings. Let's make sure he weeps - and then tweets his anger... I've faith that his doctor was incompetent if not fraudulent and so I'm not mourning if Trump's BP rises... he's made millions sick with worry.
"We are going to have an unbelievable, perhaps record-setting turnout for the inauguration, and there will be plenty of movie and entertainment stars,” Mr. Trump said. “
We all know how obsessed he is with ratings. Let's make sure he weeps - and then tweets his anger... I've faith that his doctor was incompetent if not fraudulent and so I'm not mourning if Trump's BP rises... he's made millions sick with worry.
1
The only way to protect America and our democracy can survive this catastrophe quality, independent and free Press vigilance and endurance.
Man this will be way beyond what WP did in Watergate.
I strongly admire the Carl Bernstein standing nowadays, he is the Gandalf against the Sauron like nowadays.
In Free press we Trust , there is no other way to get through this 4 year.
Man this will be way beyond what WP did in Watergate.
I strongly admire the Carl Bernstein standing nowadays, he is the Gandalf against the Sauron like nowadays.
In Free press we Trust , there is no other way to get through this 4 year.
10
Sadly for our country, in almost everything he says and tweets, Trump continues to be totally and completely PC: Petulantly Childish.
4
I'm not so inclined to condemn a madman. I blame the ignorance inherent in the voters that elected Trump. The root cause to punish is Television that elected their Television man. This is not funny now.
16
I am highly frustrated by the ignorance, and it seems to be multiplying. The people were conned by a world class con man. He knows how to use television. It is really the media who is at greater fault here. They are the so-called professionals. We don't have much journalism any more, we have sensationalism. Instead of Woodward and Bernstein we have....Megan Kelly.
We used to be able to rely on them as the watchdogs. Now they are just a bunch of enablers.
What we have learned, unfortunately, and this will prove to be the future of our democracy for the near future, is that lying and manipulation works. All of the consultants are watching this of course, and their careers are based on getting people elected. Now that this can has been opened, nobody knows how to get it back in the can. It is like trying to unlearn how to build a nuclear bomb.
We used to be able to rely on them as the watchdogs. Now they are just a bunch of enablers.
What we have learned, unfortunately, and this will prove to be the future of our democracy for the near future, is that lying and manipulation works. All of the consultants are watching this of course, and their careers are based on getting people elected. Now that this can has been opened, nobody knows how to get it back in the can. It is like trying to unlearn how to build a nuclear bomb.
1
You won't condemn a madman, Patrick? That is how Hitler got power. WE had better condemn The Con Don - fast.
3
Unfortunately, this performance reminds me of Jesse Ventura when he held "press conferences". It was more like a press confrontation. Refusing to answer questions, calling reporters as being from "fake news" organizations. The only thing he missed was referring to them as "jackals". Just give him time. Hopefully, he will hang himself with his "lack of conflicts".
63
I honestly think the guy cannot buckle under the kind of pressures that the presidency would put him under. I mean, we know he's got a thin skin, can't stand any sort of "feedback" but guess what, he will be under a microscope for things he does/done/will do.
Now with the sort of a list of expectations that his voters expect him to do, it would be next to impossible for anybody let alone someone who has the same attention span as a 'fly'. Good things come to good people. My fellow democrats, centrists & progressives, make every effort to 'educate' his voters, obstruct the nastiness and I bet we'll see every red state turning blue in 2018/2020.
Now with the sort of a list of expectations that his voters expect him to do, it would be next to impossible for anybody let alone someone who has the same attention span as a 'fly'. Good things come to good people. My fellow democrats, centrists & progressives, make every effort to 'educate' his voters, obstruct the nastiness and I bet we'll see every red state turning blue in 2018/2020.
4
With our eyes wide open, we are all about to go over a cliff in eight days. Not sure how that can be considered a smooth transition.
“You know, the only one that cares about my tax returns are the reporters, O.K.?” Perhaps we can put that to a binding national vote.
“If Putin likes Donald Trump, guess what, folks? That’s called an asset.” From Trump's point of view, he is right. Who wants to be on Putin's hit-list? If Putin Likes him, he will likely live longer than if Putin unfriends him.
Unlike most bowling balls, this one is speeding up before it strikes the Washington political and institutional pins we all rely on, causing mayhem, death (as part of the "repeal-sanity" and "replace-with-nothing" movement) and destruction (environment, climate, etc).
Those "piles of manila folders" filled with sheets of paper actually contain all of Trumps magical solutions and promises to our nation - all those BLANK sheets of paper - who knew? (most of us, apparently).
Does Trump realize that based on how things are going his celebrity will be referred to as infamous instead in the history books?
“You know, the only one that cares about my tax returns are the reporters, O.K.?” Perhaps we can put that to a binding national vote.
“If Putin likes Donald Trump, guess what, folks? That’s called an asset.” From Trump's point of view, he is right. Who wants to be on Putin's hit-list? If Putin Likes him, he will likely live longer than if Putin unfriends him.
Unlike most bowling balls, this one is speeding up before it strikes the Washington political and institutional pins we all rely on, causing mayhem, death (as part of the "repeal-sanity" and "replace-with-nothing" movement) and destruction (environment, climate, etc).
Those "piles of manila folders" filled with sheets of paper actually contain all of Trumps magical solutions and promises to our nation - all those BLANK sheets of paper - who knew? (most of us, apparently).
Does Trump realize that based on how things are going his celebrity will be referred to as infamous instead in the history books?
9
It would be nice to see the press score some points against the President-elect and the only way that will happen is if they stop playing with him. Most of the time exchanges are like sanctioned fencing bouts where each side is intent to score a point and then withdraw, I would rather the press instead seek to throw him off his guard, to perform a Chamley-Watson, and really get under his skin. I believe Trump has no personal courage, he's a bit like Biff from Back to the Future or more to the point like Ziggy Stardust.
"Making love with his ego,
Ziggy sucked up into his mind
Like a leper messiah"
"Making love with his ego,
Ziggy sucked up into his mind
Like a leper messiah"
5
There is more than one way to cat a skin. Have Donald declare bankruptcy. which he has done a plethora of times before, and have the bankruptcy judge order the trustee to move all his assets into a blind trust. Problem solved.
2
It's obvious that if he had given news conferences regularly over the last six months he would not have been elected, something his staff understood completely.
14
Remember when the press was apoplectic about Hillary not giving a press conference ? Yet they were good little boys and girls and kept their mouth shut when the Intimidator in Chief did the same.
I wonder if those files at the podium was all the blackmail material he has on network and media executives.
I wonder if those files at the podium was all the blackmail material he has on network and media executives.
"It's obvious that if he had given news conferences regularly over the last six months he would not have been elected...."
What makes you think that his voters were not thrilled with his performance yesterday?
What makes you think that his voters were not thrilled with his performance yesterday?
Donald Trump's first press conference since last July showed that, if anything, he has become less thoughtful and dignified since he was elected president. It was hard enough watching his petulant antics behind a "President-elect" seal in a Manhattan high-rise. It will be unbearable to watch him perform his clown act inside the White House. How on earth did we let this happen?
7
I did not vote for Trump but it bothers me that so many talk about how stupid and incompetent he is. After all, he is a billionaire and soon to be president of the United States. He must have something going for him. Most people don't come close to what he has accomplished.
2
Yet along the way to getting rich, he has acquired no grace or dignity and no sense of how to treat others. I think Trump is an arrogant ignoramus, because he proves it daily with his words and deeds.
1
It's easier if you start from privilege and lack ethics and compassion.
Trump's so-called press conferences are a waste of everyone's time - nothing but nonsensical fulminations by a bloviating lout.
9
I guess its just me and the reporters that care about Trumps tax returns, and possibly 65 million (give or take) other Americans as well.
8
Many Americans, myself included, are wondering where the true outrage is over this liar and his attempts to control public opinion. I like the comment below that he needs to be laughed off the stage by the press.
6
"I like the comment below that he needs to be laughed off the stage by the press."
You and most of those posting along similar lines forget a basic fact---White House reporters like their careers.
You and most of those posting along similar lines forget a basic fact---White House reporters like their careers.
Trump's "News Conference" showcased perfectly why the man has no business being President of The United States. His dismissal of critical questions and issues, his simplistic, no think, and bombastic manner convinced me beyond a shadow of doubt that the country is in very deep trouble. Clearly, it is time to hunker down. Its going to be a long four years.
5
"Clearly, it is time to hunker down. Its going to be a long four years."
Look at the bright side, the next season of "House of Cards" will be out next month.
Look at the bright side, the next season of "House of Cards" will be out next month.
1
I listened to yesterday's news conference while driving the car. It was like being half-awake and half-asleep - one mind on autopilot functioning in reality and the other paralyzed and impotent, adrift in an ominous dream where there exists no autopilot and no roadmap. The dream will soon become day to day reality.
2
Trump is a sad excuse for a human being, let alone a president. What an enormous mistake the voters have made. We are in very serious trouble; make no mistake about that.
7
The final "You're fired" line was a real cherry on top. Trump still wants to be the boss. Even in a news conference set up to discuss his separation from managing his company, Trump can't resist underscoring his continued dominance in managing the managers.
3
Trump speaks and the NY Times is doing its job to share what Trumps says, promises and does. It is the responsibility of the Press to cover the President.
If, the gentleman from PA, truly feels it doesn't matter what Trump says or does then he should applaud the NY Times for covering Trumps words, promises and actions with all of us. Or, does it really matter to the gentleman from PA what Trump says and does - hence, he wishes Trumps words and actions not be revealed?
I believe what a person says, promises and does - clearly shows who they are as a person. Trump is sending out alot of abusive words, promises and actions, daily. His version of the truth is always skewed to fulfill his own needs.
Trump is an Emperor wearing invisible clothes made from his EGO - at some point, real soon - more and more Americans will awaken to this true reality.
So, I applaud the NY Times for recording in print what Trump says, promises and does - for all of us to hear, see and soon truly realize - that - Trump is determined to dismantle the Office of the Presidency of Our Beloved USA.
And, he hasn't even begun, yet.....
If, the gentleman from PA, truly feels it doesn't matter what Trump says or does then he should applaud the NY Times for covering Trumps words, promises and actions with all of us. Or, does it really matter to the gentleman from PA what Trump says and does - hence, he wishes Trumps words and actions not be revealed?
I believe what a person says, promises and does - clearly shows who they are as a person. Trump is sending out alot of abusive words, promises and actions, daily. His version of the truth is always skewed to fulfill his own needs.
Trump is an Emperor wearing invisible clothes made from his EGO - at some point, real soon - more and more Americans will awaken to this true reality.
So, I applaud the NY Times for recording in print what Trump says, promises and does - for all of us to hear, see and soon truly realize - that - Trump is determined to dismantle the Office of the Presidency of Our Beloved USA.
And, he hasn't even begun, yet.....
2
Given the hypermedia landscape in which we now live, it's clear that the forces of reason will never win against the forces of deception and manipulation. Trump's shilling goons were there to make every dirtbag statement sound wondrous. And many people watching will take these reactions--which are bought and paid for--as confirmation of his brilliance.
Here's a good solution: a project to enroll hundreds of thousands of "laughers" to follow him at every turn--at his press events, his stupid rallies, and every other inane public appearance. A few thousand citizens should take shifts outside the White House lawn to guffaw at his cowardice and empty bravado all day and all night. Pundits should intentionally stifle laughter when talking about him or just break into full-out belly-laughs. If the motorcade passes by, stop and howl with laughter. "What a weirdo!" you yell, as you point through his tinted windows.
He doesn't crave the legitimacy of the state. He craves emotional validation because he is a weak little boy. So shower him with laughter. I promise you: it will be golden.
Here's a good solution: a project to enroll hundreds of thousands of "laughers" to follow him at every turn--at his press events, his stupid rallies, and every other inane public appearance. A few thousand citizens should take shifts outside the White House lawn to guffaw at his cowardice and empty bravado all day and all night. Pundits should intentionally stifle laughter when talking about him or just break into full-out belly-laughs. If the motorcade passes by, stop and howl with laughter. "What a weirdo!" you yell, as you point through his tinted windows.
He doesn't crave the legitimacy of the state. He craves emotional validation because he is a weak little boy. So shower him with laughter. I promise you: it will be golden.
6
Regarding that pile of manila folders---shouldn't some of those contracts become part of the public record? Or is that infomation all private because its a private company? And the ethics oversite, will this be open to public? Probably not.
1
Why should folders full of blank sheets of paper become public record? There's a reason no one was allowed to actually have a peek inside those folders. It was a ridiculously transparent theatrical prop.
1
The theater of Trump will distract us from the real threat we face. Republicans have been trying to dismantle the social safety net for years and now they have their chance. Tonight they started on the ACA, an easy mark because of how unpopular it is but they won't stop there. Social security, Medicare and other things we hold dear stand to be greatly weakened.
Don't expect the Republicans to investigate Trump with the same zeal as they have Hillary. As long as Trump puts on a good show and keeps us distracted they won't do a thing. If he gets too unmanageable there is always Pence.
Don't expect the Republicans to investigate Trump with the same zeal as they have Hillary. As long as Trump puts on a good show and keeps us distracted they won't do a thing. If he gets too unmanageable there is always Pence.
3
When Trump said he had been offered a "$2billion deal in Dubai over the weekend", my reaction was that about two weeks before he becomes President he is still meeting with people proposing business opportunities? He's doing that instead of focusing on building a government? This does not bode will for America and a scandal free next four years.
4
In the news conference, much of which I watched while eating lunch, demonstrated who in charger. Trump ruled the news conference like no president before him. No more milquetoast press conferences. How refreshing. Thank you.
Why is the press so meek, gentle? When the elected leader of this country behaves the way he did in his "press conference" and he's 'allowed' to establish a new low in American democracy, ethics, and the executive branch of government we are heading for some dark times. The press better start shinning a stronger light on this disaster. I wonder why the press didn't walk out when Trump made his comments to the CNN reporter or at a minimum given the floor to that reporter.
6
When I watched Trump press conference, just like at all other times I have witnessed this character since his ascendance in today's political land of Oz, the words of Henry II about Thomas Becket always come to mind, "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?"
2
Why would any rational person still hold out hope that the "awesome responsibilities" of the presidency might temper Trump's behavior? That's like waking up one morning expecting your coffee to make itself.
Now I'm going for a walk. It should take me about four years to get to the southern tip of Argentina from here.
Now I'm going for a walk. It should take me about four years to get to the southern tip of Argentina from here.
6
He can't deal with or comprehend truth because he has spent his life lying. This is such a joke, how much total embarrassment and humiliation will the goofy old party tolerate at our countries expense?
5
On the day of January 20th a small child was born. His name was Donald Tweet. His middle names were Lie and Cheat. He was like Peter Pan and had never grown up. He cannot read, he cannot spell and can not write more than 140 characters , at night. He stole money from investors and workmen. He is happy talking to people who roar their praise but understand nothing. Like all small child bullies he rants and screams at any adverse comments or forms of criticism. In a democracy he would be nothing as he did not receive the majority of votes. But the USA is not a democratic country. Power is donated by an archaic Electoral College whose original reasons were to stop the power of political parties. Also the founding fathers were afraid of a true democracy because there considerations were just after the French Revolution. So rather than a true democracy the plan was skewed in the favor of the smaller states. Thus the voters in tiny Iowa with 3 million voters have the same power as 38 million voters of California.
Donald Tweet has the selective memory of a spoiled child. He says he won the popular vote but in a true democracy he lost by 3 million votes.
Has any country ever been run by a child !!
Donald Tweet has the selective memory of a spoiled child. He says he won the popular vote but in a true democracy he lost by 3 million votes.
Has any country ever been run by a child !!
4
I think the Ripley's "Believe It or Not" program should be revived as a weekly, televised, forum that solely features the last Trump press conflict. There can be call-in, texted voting, or Survey Monkey questions to gauge the public's opinion of our Poser-in-Chief's truthiness.
3
I listen to Obama talk and I hear a gracious and compassionate man that is secure enough to use self-deprecating humor. I hear Trump talk and I hear a man so insecure and thin skinned he must attack anyone who challenges him while constantly bragging about himself. I hear no redeeming qualities. And never trust a person that can't use self-deprecating humor.
12
Nothing that comes out of Trump's mouth is surprising anymore. We knew who he was before the election, and a select group of American idiots voted for him anyway. I don't think he will make it to the six month mark of his administration without impeachment charges, but if I'm wrong we are in a lot of trouble. Senate Republicans are the caretakers of our Democracy now. Hang on tight. We're in for a rough ride.
4
The media is full of smart, aggressive, partially educated people with an agenda, which is not consistent with the agenda of most Americans. People care about their welfare, economic and emotional. Most people have learned a long time ago that many stories from all media outlets are not accurate. Doom, fear and gloom, create higher rating and every media outlet panders to those emotions. Dry, clear simple facts are really boring.
So I love the Donald and how he treats the media, because the media has created him and his tactics to keep things interesting. Plus, the media gets what it wishes for, which is higher ratings due to controversy. That's all the media companies care about. We know that deep down in your pocket book there is a special place for Trump!
So I love the Donald and how he treats the media, because the media has created him and his tactics to keep things interesting. Plus, the media gets what it wishes for, which is higher ratings due to controversy. That's all the media companies care about. We know that deep down in your pocket book there is a special place for Trump!
To all my fellow concerned citizens, please hear me out.
Those circling, hoping to get their first chance to take a big piece out of Trump were played by the intelligence community (mostly the CIA) yesterday. I am one of those dupes. I'd love to have a good reason to call Trump a traitor. Of course I would, I can't bear to watch him, but yesterday's press conference was a major failure.
It gave Trump a chance to totally discredit MSM. Trump can now use the intelligence community on others the same way it was used on him -- destroy their lives with equally unsubstantiated spy novel reports. Trump used yesterday's drama to cover up his insanely illiberal goals and slip through any real, genuine scrutiny by the press.
I pray something solid comes out of this intelligence report, but judicial proceedings, activism, civil disobedience and protest are the best ways to fight back. The press needs to stay totally focused on what Trump is really doing -- not releasing his tax return, holding onto his business, blustering about ACA with no real plan, hiring toxic cabinet members who refuse to submit required information, etc.
If there was ever a time to get real, it is now.
We need a long, slow, unrelenting and rather unsensational multilayered campaign to have real, lasting results.
Those circling, hoping to get their first chance to take a big piece out of Trump were played by the intelligence community (mostly the CIA) yesterday. I am one of those dupes. I'd love to have a good reason to call Trump a traitor. Of course I would, I can't bear to watch him, but yesterday's press conference was a major failure.
It gave Trump a chance to totally discredit MSM. Trump can now use the intelligence community on others the same way it was used on him -- destroy their lives with equally unsubstantiated spy novel reports. Trump used yesterday's drama to cover up his insanely illiberal goals and slip through any real, genuine scrutiny by the press.
I pray something solid comes out of this intelligence report, but judicial proceedings, activism, civil disobedience and protest are the best ways to fight back. The press needs to stay totally focused on what Trump is really doing -- not releasing his tax return, holding onto his business, blustering about ACA with no real plan, hiring toxic cabinet members who refuse to submit required information, etc.
If there was ever a time to get real, it is now.
We need a long, slow, unrelenting and rather unsensational multilayered campaign to have real, lasting results.
7
So - the deal is - never accept the first offer. What will he take? 3B? 5B? Just the fact that the offer was made and he's now bragging about it should give pause to every American. And, with Trump, you can't even be sure there was an offer - just a talking point to make him appear to "give one for the Gipper".
Also - of all the huge oil companies in the world, Exxon Mobil is the only one not state owned. (Citing a wonderful piece last night from Rachel Maddow). Exxon Mobil holds the oil rights to 64M acres of Russian soil (4 1/2 times what they hold in the U.S.). But they can't exploit them because of our sanctions against Russia. Along comes Trump and he wants to make the CEO of Exxon Mobil Secretary of State. The man who will be most influential in making foreign policy. Sanctions? Sanctions? We don't need no bloody sanctions. And some don't think Putin's interfering in the election made a difference?
Also - lots of rep chatter during the election about Hillary's speech to Goldman Sachs - as if she would give them kid gloves treatment if she became President. So what happens? Trump wins and picks 3 top GS executives for his cabinet/staff. Irony? Not a strong enough word.
We're in trouble, folks.
Also - of all the huge oil companies in the world, Exxon Mobil is the only one not state owned. (Citing a wonderful piece last night from Rachel Maddow). Exxon Mobil holds the oil rights to 64M acres of Russian soil (4 1/2 times what they hold in the U.S.). But they can't exploit them because of our sanctions against Russia. Along comes Trump and he wants to make the CEO of Exxon Mobil Secretary of State. The man who will be most influential in making foreign policy. Sanctions? Sanctions? We don't need no bloody sanctions. And some don't think Putin's interfering in the election made a difference?
Also - lots of rep chatter during the election about Hillary's speech to Goldman Sachs - as if she would give them kid gloves treatment if she became President. So what happens? Trump wins and picks 3 top GS executives for his cabinet/staff. Irony? Not a strong enough word.
We're in trouble, folks.
15
This news conference yesterday was probably one of the most difficult things he's faced since the election, only because the audience was not all adoration. Under stress, he does what he always does - attack and insult. As some of the talking heads have pointed out, we better get used to that.
His ego knows no bounds.
His ego knows no bounds.
6
At some point the Free Press will have to accept that there is no rule of law. Institutions have been broken. There was no rule of law for the frauds who manufactured the Iraq invasion, there was no rule of law for the frauds that brought the economy to its knees and there is no rule of law to manage Trump and Russia. There is no rule of law within the GOP, the FBI or the CIA and the Left is impotent and complicit. No one stood up for Jim Acosta yesterday from the Press. This PEOTUS has been installed by a web of corruption and at the perfect time in the US where there is not a single institution of consequence to stop it. I don't say this as a point of surrender but of reckoning.
11
You nailed it Monroe. This did not happen in a vacuum. I would just add that "there is no rule of law" when it comes to the media. Since the end of the Fairness Doctrine, the less educated have been subjected to (and have fallen for) right wing propaganda in relentless support of all that you note in your post.
2
After listening to President Obama's farewell then getting another day of the PE, an epiphany: the meanness, the obstinacy, the near illiterate speaking style; this is what his followers want in their leader. Proper manners, grace, intelligence, empathy--these are disdained, and considered signs of weakness. This is what populist movements seem to come down to: angry jabs and outrageous statements whose only purpose is to escalate the mood.
4
This Circus Clown in Chief act has gone on long enough. We as a sane and open democracy cannot install this horribly unstable man as our president. If we do, we will spend the next four years managing scandals and mitigating damages. It will be a tragedy for all the world over.
2
I would think Mr. Trump a man worthy of his election if he were to confront Vladimir Putin over the Russian invasion of the Crimea and Ukraine; the shooting down of a passenger airliner over the unannounced Ukrainian war zone with a Russian surface to air missile battery he supplied for a day (Oops.); the poisoning of the Russian defector Alexander Valterovich Litvinenko with a tea cup of Polonium (Just as effective as an ice axe in the head but not as quick.), and the drive-by murder Putin's political opponent of Boris Nemtsov in sight of the Kremlin.
2
First, it was Trump acknowledging President Obama was actually born in the U.S. after years of denying that he was. Then it was Trump saying thousands of Muslims in New York cheering the falling of the Twin Towers, an obvious lie that he still has not acknowledged as wrong. Now, he concedes that Russia hacked into our election after denying that confirmed evidence for months.
Apparently, we are in for four years of presidential paralysis because the incumbent has to be coaxed into accepting facts he does not care for.
Apparently, we are in for four years of presidential paralysis because the incumbent has to be coaxed into accepting facts he does not care for.
2
He should have done what he does best. Take the questions in another part of the building, maybe even another state or country, and tweet out his answers on multiple large video monitors. Maybe even back to back tweets if he wants to elaborate.
Seriously, he really should hire a professional tweet-writer as his tweets are getting kind of repetitious and childish. Alas, that cannot happen because his immense ego could not imagine a tweeter better than himself.
Seriously, he really should hire a professional tweet-writer as his tweets are getting kind of repetitious and childish. Alas, that cannot happen because his immense ego could not imagine a tweeter better than himself.
2
Why should everyone 'but' the President be expected to divest themselves of conflicts of interest?
You would think that the President of all people would be held to the highest standard.
Most 'normal' candidates for high office would want to make sure that the people they serve have no reasons to doubt their integrity. Trump doesn't seem to care what anyone thinks.
After seeing him rant away at the press conference I can't help but wonder if he truly is 'unbalanced'.
You would think that the President of all people would be held to the highest standard.
Most 'normal' candidates for high office would want to make sure that the people they serve have no reasons to doubt their integrity. Trump doesn't seem to care what anyone thinks.
After seeing him rant away at the press conference I can't help but wonder if he truly is 'unbalanced'.
4
The Federal government is soooooo boring.
I like it so much more when Presudential news conferences are turned into entertainment. Cabinet hearings and policy-making overshadowed by sex, drugs and talks about Russian spies. Like a John Grisham novel come to life.
Wheeeee!
Oh, how the newspapers and TV stations deserve to be shaken up! They are so hung up on the old, dark, musty world of fact-checking and thoughtful analysis. They really need to get on board with the new age of anything goes, reality TV government.
So much fun to watch the liberal media paddle like lap dogs thrown into the deep end of the reality TV pool.
What could go wrong?
I like it so much more when Presudential news conferences are turned into entertainment. Cabinet hearings and policy-making overshadowed by sex, drugs and talks about Russian spies. Like a John Grisham novel come to life.
Wheeeee!
Oh, how the newspapers and TV stations deserve to be shaken up! They are so hung up on the old, dark, musty world of fact-checking and thoughtful analysis. They really need to get on board with the new age of anything goes, reality TV government.
So much fun to watch the liberal media paddle like lap dogs thrown into the deep end of the reality TV pool.
What could go wrong?
In addition to the steaks and wine on the table, I would have liked to have seen copies of his Tax Returns. I was glad when he was asked about them, unfortunately, he again lied, well maybe spoke an untruth, refusing to release them once again.
What is he hiding?
What is he hiding?
2
Steamy Russian intel, media fight, cabinet appointment hearings prove true 3 ring circus
Trump gave no details on substantive issues
Trump gave no details on substantive issues
1
After the eventual falling out between the new US administration and Russia, Putin will release Trump's tax returns.
At that point, he will be convinced of who was behind the hacking of US institutions.
At that point, he will be convinced of who was behind the hacking of US institutions.
3
Wait --- the president-elect spent many years slandering President Obama, lying outright about his own efforts to 'get to the truth' about the president's birth certificate, and now he's angry that someone spread unpleasant information about him? What?
It can't be good for international peace and security to call the soon-to-be president an ignorant, infantile, dangerous jerk on national television; that's why, until now, it hasn't been done. But maybe that needs to happen, if only to let our allies know that all of us aren't crazy.
It can't be good for international peace and security to call the soon-to-be president an ignorant, infantile, dangerous jerk on national television; that's why, until now, it hasn't been done. But maybe that needs to happen, if only to let our allies know that all of us aren't crazy.
4
The circus act unfolding before our eyes has just launched a four-year run. It is on our national doorstep, about to stage a home invasion. Hide the family silver, sew the savings into the mattress and crawl under the bed. Take with you a long supply of snacks and water.
As to Trump's personal behavior, who cares? He boasts openly and endlessly about his salaciousness and too many voters could care less. What an independent investigation needs to pursue now, however, is the question of collusion by Trump campaign personnel and operatives associated with any organ of the Russian government during the presidential election campaign. Then the investigators must level with the American people no matter what the conclusion.
If collusion is discovered and verified, then we would have no less than treason to prosecute against the undermining of the official foreign policy of a democratically-elected American government during a time of bilateral conflict with a foreign adversary. The stakes are as stark as that.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
As to Trump's personal behavior, who cares? He boasts openly and endlessly about his salaciousness and too many voters could care less. What an independent investigation needs to pursue now, however, is the question of collusion by Trump campaign personnel and operatives associated with any organ of the Russian government during the presidential election campaign. Then the investigators must level with the American people no matter what the conclusion.
If collusion is discovered and verified, then we would have no less than treason to prosecute against the undermining of the official foreign policy of a democratically-elected American government during a time of bilateral conflict with a foreign adversary. The stakes are as stark as that.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
Trump's supportersand Republicans who control Congressand seek to fulfill their anti government purposes do not care about any of this. And Democrat leverage is limited. Its as if blue beard and his crew has taken over government and will be given free hand to loot and pillage.
Pirates do this for material gain, but this has to do with the hatred of middle America for government in general which they see as a big give away to the undeserving ignoring the fact that they themselves could be the beneficiaries of this support. And that much of the give away is to the rich who sock it away in foreign assets.
For people who have believed in our system of government and its ability to root out corruption it is horrifying to see the end of all that. The barbarians are not at the gate. They are running amock down our streets and in our homes and we are supposed to sit back and enjoy it.
Pirates do this for material gain, but this has to do with the hatred of middle America for government in general which they see as a big give away to the undeserving ignoring the fact that they themselves could be the beneficiaries of this support. And that much of the give away is to the rich who sock it away in foreign assets.
For people who have believed in our system of government and its ability to root out corruption it is horrifying to see the end of all that. The barbarians are not at the gate. They are running amock down our streets and in our homes and we are supposed to sit back and enjoy it.
1
Every nation DESERVES the Government that it has. Unfortunately, a Government that was elected by the minority of the people against the principle of Democracy, shall prove to be a "Grand Mistake" for which the entire Nation will pay a heavy price. The sixty two million individuals who voted for Trump because of their racism and bigotry, or casually seeking a change shall for ever remain responsible for the damage they have inflicted on our country by their senseless act. I fear that they may never get the chance to ask for forgiveness once this horrible four years is behind us. Let us hope that the World shall remain intact come 2020!
3
It is astounding how this person with no legitimacy to hold this office is being allowed to do so and being supported by our congress. Astounding. The more I hear the less I can believe we are allowing this to happen.
What's left to say?
What's left to say?
6
I've been to the DMZ in South Korea and looked across the barrier to the North, with its phalanx of marionette-like soldiers ritually marching back and forth. It's a disorienting, frightening experience. Watching Donald Trump on national TV label objective reporting "fake news" and call reporters and intelligence officials who release factual but potentially inconvenient information liars and Nazis makes it clear we are on the cusp of entering the same kind of alternate reality where the truth is whatever the government says it is, and things do not turn out well for people who dare question the Great Leader. The difference is there's no fence I can turn and walk away from.
2
Promises, promises. Trump makes promises galore. Does anyone with an ounce of common sense have any doubt this joker doesn't know what a promise means.
Since his Daddy handed over the presidency of the family business to the small-fingered Donny this man-child has made promises, or what he perceives as promises, to Unions, contractors, developers and banks promising whatever they wanted to hear. It is not the promises Trump made, it is his propensity to renege on them when they don't suit his fancy. That he is a pro at.
Trump's idea of a promise is to convince the mark of his sincerity. Once he has fooled a client, a potential business partner, or gullible rubes who naively voted for him, he could care less what happens, until, that is, it comes time show his cards. Then Trump goes into high gear attempting to explain away why his promises have not seen fruition. As Trump himself said after the election, "I won't need them (voters) for another four years". He did say he was joking. I assure you, he was not.
Trump sincerely believes he is one of the smartest men in all humankind, a real Einstein. That is what occurs when a spoiled child is given every bauble he demands or throws a temper tantrum until he gets what he wants. Next Friday the nation will see this Promise Keeper in full Trump mode. How long you believe in him will determine how long it is until you realize that pain in your be-hind is self-inflicted.
DD
Manhattan
Since his Daddy handed over the presidency of the family business to the small-fingered Donny this man-child has made promises, or what he perceives as promises, to Unions, contractors, developers and banks promising whatever they wanted to hear. It is not the promises Trump made, it is his propensity to renege on them when they don't suit his fancy. That he is a pro at.
Trump's idea of a promise is to convince the mark of his sincerity. Once he has fooled a client, a potential business partner, or gullible rubes who naively voted for him, he could care less what happens, until, that is, it comes time show his cards. Then Trump goes into high gear attempting to explain away why his promises have not seen fruition. As Trump himself said after the election, "I won't need them (voters) for another four years". He did say he was joking. I assure you, he was not.
Trump sincerely believes he is one of the smartest men in all humankind, a real Einstein. That is what occurs when a spoiled child is given every bauble he demands or throws a temper tantrum until he gets what he wants. Next Friday the nation will see this Promise Keeper in full Trump mode. How long you believe in him will determine how long it is until you realize that pain in your be-hind is self-inflicted.
DD
Manhattan
3
All bombast, no substance. We had hoped that was just a campaign tactic, but not surprisingly, this is the new normal in a Trump White House. He is the master of double-speak (just play back his answer on what will replace Obamacare!) and offers no details. And yet, this lack of content keeps working to his benefit. Trump is a master magician in a global circus of illusion, and his supporters keep paying admission to see the show. The rest of us are trying to figure out the inner workings of the tricks, while he and his co-illusionists bank the proceeds. Personally, I hope the press gets wise and stops focusing on his performance. Instead they should follow the money: in this case the link between, Putin's oil reserves and Exxon's profits.
3
President-elect Trump is a known entity. In his 70 or so years on the planet, he has demonstrated a great deal of boorishness, bellicosity, lack of dignity, and disdain for traditions and protocol. Accordingly, nothing he has done or said over the past 2 months has been particularly surprising.
The more apt question is one for the American people. Do we collectively desire a president who respects the "awesome responsibilities and dignity of the presidency?"
Or, is our culture such that the American electorate not only tolerates, but affirmatively desires, a leader who acts like a boor-in-chief?
As the recent election results sadly indicate, a lot of people are certainly in the latter group.
The more apt question is one for the American people. Do we collectively desire a president who respects the "awesome responsibilities and dignity of the presidency?"
Or, is our culture such that the American electorate not only tolerates, but affirmatively desires, a leader who acts like a boor-in-chief?
As the recent election results sadly indicate, a lot of people are certainly in the latter group.
3
What I have come to realize with an explication by Rachel Maddow last night, is that business does not view politics or statesmanship as significant. The only significance is business. If it is good for business it is good for us. Oops. I have heard that before. With Tillerson, it finally sinks in.
1
Stop covering Trump. Do not send NYT rfeporters to his press conferences. Do not report on what he says or tweets. Do not mention him either by name or as "the President".
Trump is a figleaf, a beard, a merkin for what the Republican establishment will do for the next eight years. McConnell, Ryan, Pence and Priebus (MRPP) will be running the country. They have already signaled that they will allow deficit spending by tax reductions, infrastructure bonds and defense expenditures to create a boom economy, The coming Trump boom will last through is reelection in 2020. E
Eventually the Fed will have to substantially raise interest rates to reduce inflation. Then MRPP will argue for large reductions in social spending as the deficits will have grown too large.
Then there will be a large recession (in about six to seven years). The Democrats will retake the House, Senate and Presidency in 2024.
Trump is a figleaf, a beard, a merkin for what the Republican establishment will do for the next eight years. McConnell, Ryan, Pence and Priebus (MRPP) will be running the country. They have already signaled that they will allow deficit spending by tax reductions, infrastructure bonds and defense expenditures to create a boom economy, The coming Trump boom will last through is reelection in 2020. E
Eventually the Fed will have to substantially raise interest rates to reduce inflation. Then MRPP will argue for large reductions in social spending as the deficits will have grown too large.
Then there will be a large recession (in about six to seven years). The Democrats will retake the House, Senate and Presidency in 2024.
5
It sounds like you've given up the fight at the first punch. No way will I not put the gloves on and give it all I've got for as long as I have to. Trump and his cabal are punks and they'll fall hard, when they inevitably do.
The man simply does not understand what it means to be president. As to returning profits made from foreign payments, you know what his promises are worth. It took weeks of shaming him before he finally donated the million to veterans he promised. Moreover, he will deduct all sorts of "business" expenses, maybe putting a portrait of himself in each hotel, before returning money to the Treasury.
He will become embroiled in daily conflict of interest issues, and we will have the pleasure of witnessing a running display of Republican congressional hypocrisy as they contort themselves to avoid taking action. Welcome to the Banana Republic of North America.
He will become embroiled in daily conflict of interest issues, and we will have the pleasure of witnessing a running display of Republican congressional hypocrisy as they contort themselves to avoid taking action. Welcome to the Banana Republic of North America.
4
Along with this "press conference", this week, we've also had President Obama's farewell speech. The difference speaks for itself..
How many times, throughout the primaries, the campaign and the post-election weeks, have we said -- Well, this will sink him. There's no way he'll survive this." And every time it seemed to just make him stronger in the eyes of his supporters. The fact is, whenever the "elites" (whatever that means) disapprove of something he says or does, it makes his supporters like him all the more. The events of this week will be the same. We're in for a very bad four years.
How many times, throughout the primaries, the campaign and the post-election weeks, have we said -- Well, this will sink him. There's no way he'll survive this." And every time it seemed to just make him stronger in the eyes of his supporters. The fact is, whenever the "elites" (whatever that means) disapprove of something he says or does, it makes his supporters like him all the more. The events of this week will be the same. We're in for a very bad four years.
9
What we saw today in this "press conference" should send shudders down any thinking person's spine. Our republic is in danger. This crisis is more than this man who has won the Presidency. It is the Republican Party that nominated him. It is the Democratic Party that failed to defeat him. The crisis is not Trump; the crisis is the political system that elected him.
15
The dem party machine defeated its own self by clinging to Hilary and black balling Bernie. The press aided and abetted. Every day as I read interviews with Voters my feeling is stronger thatBernie would have prevailed were it not for the diseased DNC.
Trump continues to play the press like a violin. He effortlessly and completely dominated the morning's proceedings. Eventually they will figure out he is baiting them, not the other way around, but it hasn't happened yet.
6
To call Trump's event a "press conference" is a gross overstatement.
All we got, WE - the Americans that this obnoxious man is about to represent as the U.S.A, was blathering the same tripe he delivered during his campaign, and outrage that anyone should even further investigate anything he said.
I keep looking for a ray of sunshine somewhere...after all, we survived Nixon's Watergate and nefarious dealings with J. Edgar Hoover, Reagan's illegal arms deals, Clinton's (Bill) peccadilloes. But Trump thinks he is king (or maybe a god), that his word (or tweet) is undeniable, that he is unaccountable, that his character is beyond reproach, and that anyone who challenges him on any issue is an abomination, is his enemy and should bear the full storm of his retribution.
It is sad to me that the "news" now is a chronicle of the maelstrom that his candidacy and election has created, and being reported in an almost "normal" way. Seems the only sane light shining on the events can be found in the "Opinions" section. We should be afraid, very afraid.
All we got, WE - the Americans that this obnoxious man is about to represent as the U.S.A, was blathering the same tripe he delivered during his campaign, and outrage that anyone should even further investigate anything he said.
I keep looking for a ray of sunshine somewhere...after all, we survived Nixon's Watergate and nefarious dealings with J. Edgar Hoover, Reagan's illegal arms deals, Clinton's (Bill) peccadilloes. But Trump thinks he is king (or maybe a god), that his word (or tweet) is undeniable, that he is unaccountable, that his character is beyond reproach, and that anyone who challenges him on any issue is an abomination, is his enemy and should bear the full storm of his retribution.
It is sad to me that the "news" now is a chronicle of the maelstrom that his candidacy and election has created, and being reported in an almost "normal" way. Seems the only sane light shining on the events can be found in the "Opinions" section. We should be afraid, very afraid.
20
Its confirmed, he can't (won't) change to Presidential mode. Some may call it refreshing. For me, it's very unsettling. I see no upside in this style of governing.
13
Trump is playing to his audience and, in the main, their vocabulary isn't very extensive either. Any other President-Elect who pulled what he has would be yanked. As it stands, the best thing the Republicans can do is to start impeachment hearings in the House, right after he is sworn in on January 30. Treason? High Crimes? Misdemeanors? Investigate and act.
From Pence and Conway to Bannon and the rest of that poor excuse for a leadership team, stop whining. No one is undermining Trump's administration. He is doing just fine all by himself.
From Pence and Conway to Bannon and the rest of that poor excuse for a leadership team, stop whining. No one is undermining Trump's administration. He is doing just fine all by himself.
18
I have never read any of Trump's books, nor do I ever intend to, so I have no idea what "do a deal" even means. This, apparently, is the essence of his success, but I think it's going to be our downfall as a country.
4
Perhaps at the next election, if we get that far, Sudan, Nigeria and Somalia might send U.N. approved "inspectors" to assure the voting is done "legally"?
It would seem appropriate that a Third World Nation such as we're becoming be given only the best of scrutiny.
It would seem appropriate that a Third World Nation such as we're becoming be given only the best of scrutiny.
6
How was it that not one reporter asked to examine the (supposed) documents and file folders that were used as a prop, since they were on public display?
9
They were just trying to get him to answer any question, period.
1
Good question. And how is that reporters couldn't figure out how to report on the contents of the addendum to the intelligence briefing even though they know claim to have known all about the documents BEFORE the election?
1
If it wasn't already clear, it should be after yesterday's news conference, that Donald Trump is temperamentally, morally, and psychologically unfit to be President of the United States. His reactive, arrogant and dismissive attitude demonstrates a mindset that is ill suited to the demands of this office. Make no mistake, his tenure will be a time of great danger to the Republic we love. Do not be distracted by his theatrics and bombast into thinking that this man is merely a buffoon who can be easily controlled by our constitutional principles and institutions. He is a dangerous man whose political calculous is carefully calibrated to appeal to the lowest common denominator of mean spiritedness and resentment. He fully understands Machiavelli's insight that citizens are "...so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions." I am also reminded of lessons learned from my study of history that fascism relies upon a constant stream of staged theatrics, like today's news conference, to distract and overwhelm the populous while the real work of undermining democracy goes on quietly behind the scenes. Recent press admonitions to not "normalize" Trump should be heeded. We must be very vigilant and informed in the days, months and years to come if we are to emerge from this administration secure in the democracy we cherish.
13
The real problem with Trump's "theater" approach to politics isn't that it's "theater," it's that it's bad theater. Trump "drama" is melodrama. Politics at any level is symbolic and dramatic and, like all life, is made of tragedy, comedy, farce, etc.--it has staging and background, plot, and dialogue. FDR and Lincoln, to name only two, were masters at it. So is Obama and most would include Reagan (I don't).
Bad theater leaves us with the impression that life is like a drama--we see all the apparatus that goes into making theater--we're constantly aware of stage management. Good theater reveals to us that life is drama. It's the difference between a Harlequin romance and Romeo and Juliet. Big dif. Frankly, I don't think that Trump is up to the task. His "telling it like it is" just reminds us that "no, it ain't." He's a lousy actor in a role that requires good acting.
Bad theater leaves us with the impression that life is like a drama--we see all the apparatus that goes into making theater--we're constantly aware of stage management. Good theater reveals to us that life is drama. It's the difference between a Harlequin romance and Romeo and Juliet. Big dif. Frankly, I don't think that Trump is up to the task. His "telling it like it is" just reminds us that "no, it ain't." He's a lousy actor in a role that requires good acting.
6
The cheer leading squad assembled for the press conference reminded me of the canned laughter provided for a 1960's sitcom. Unfortunately, unless you have a very sick sense of humor, the press conference wasn't funny.
12
Trump is not my President. He has Putin's fingerprints all over him. The USA's sovereignty has been compromised. Let's start the mid term campaign now, we must win the Congress to save our Government from Putin's grip and influence.
6
Why did Trump mention the 96 million adults in the country that are retired, in college or aren't interested in working? What does conservative meme mean? It's become common conservative parlance. Even the WSJ accords it no weight.
2
When a democracy is run by a person who was not elected by the majority, it is not a democracy. It poisons the principles which grant us the freedom and security to choose our own future. Americans will not tolerate a president who does not represent their ideals and ambitions.
3
This is what 62M Americans wanted over the will of 65M of the rest of us: a reality-TV presidency. A spectacle; bread and circuses. If we make it another two years to the next election without a world war, and if Jeff Sessions doesn't implement voter suppression on a scale never-before-seen, I will bet a wave will wash out the crap in Congress and then impeachment proceedings may begin. That's the audacity of my hope.
10
This is a case for Dr. Hunter Thompson. Sadly, the doctor has left the planet for the moon, or parts beyond, leaving us without the words we need to put Trump in the proper perspective.
"There is no such thing as paranoia. Your worst fears can come true at any moment."
"There is no such thing as paranoia. Your worst fears can come true at any moment."
5
Trump: "I could run both my business and be president 'perfectly'." " I will be the greatest jobs producer that God ever created" I didn't have to turn it down, because, as you know I have a no-conflict situation because I'm President, which is - I didn't know that until about three months ago, but it's a nice thing to have." An absolutely meaningless press conference and loaded with unmitigated arrogance.
10
I believe it is refreshing to see someone fight back against the webnews sludge, and very effectively.
Many of us watching from the sidelines have been sitting watching these pressers unfold, yelling at our TV's while some lame mindbot interrupts with another stupid headline selling observation.
Sit down!
Obama quickly learned it is better to have a staged news conference with pre-arranged questions. Along with his rambling diatribe lectures, forget it!
It's fake. It's refreshing to see something that is real.
What no fake birth certificate? Let's connect him to Russia! That will work.
And in the middle of his presser he calls out Big Pharm for ripping off the people, down goes their stock prices!
One sentence he has done more for the regular folk than the President has done in 12 months.
Many of us watching from the sidelines have been sitting watching these pressers unfold, yelling at our TV's while some lame mindbot interrupts with another stupid headline selling observation.
Sit down!
Obama quickly learned it is better to have a staged news conference with pre-arranged questions. Along with his rambling diatribe lectures, forget it!
It's fake. It's refreshing to see something that is real.
What no fake birth certificate? Let's connect him to Russia! That will work.
And in the middle of his presser he calls out Big Pharm for ripping off the people, down goes their stock prices!
One sentence he has done more for the regular folk than the President has done in 12 months.
Mr. Trump's promise to donate the profits from his DC hotel to the government (as if that would buy his way out of obvious conflicts) sounds remarkably like his promise to donate the royalties from the sale of one of his books and the huge donation he was going to make on behalf of veterans. Are we reassured?
7
Also, easy to get lost among the headline-drawing comments, but did I hear Trump promise that states that voted for him would be receiving numerous advantages? Way to unify.
11
I'm not a real Trump fan, but many of the states that voted for him had manufacturing economies. In the past several decades, both Republican and Democrat politicians have made it financially lucrative for manufacturing plants to leave the USA.
The process was simple: move manufacturing to a poor country and not only do you get workers who are paid very low wages, you get a tax break when you bring the manufactured goods into the USA. What can be the end result of moving well-paid, good benefit manufacturing jobs out of the USA? More poor people in the USA. And wealthy people (the owners of manufacturing plants as well as Wall Street) become far wealthier.
The people who had decent wages and benefits from manufacturing jobs often had no alternative but to take a part-time, no/low benefit job or go on welfare. These people want to work, and need to work. They live in inner cities, small towns, and across the USA.
Wouldn't it make sense to encourage manufacturing company heads and boards of directors to locate new (or newly-renovated) plants in the areas that were devastated by the loss of millions of jobs?
As Voltaire said, "Work keeps us from three great evils: boredom, vice, and need".
The process was simple: move manufacturing to a poor country and not only do you get workers who are paid very low wages, you get a tax break when you bring the manufactured goods into the USA. What can be the end result of moving well-paid, good benefit manufacturing jobs out of the USA? More poor people in the USA. And wealthy people (the owners of manufacturing plants as well as Wall Street) become far wealthier.
The people who had decent wages and benefits from manufacturing jobs often had no alternative but to take a part-time, no/low benefit job or go on welfare. These people want to work, and need to work. They live in inner cities, small towns, and across the USA.
Wouldn't it make sense to encourage manufacturing company heads and boards of directors to locate new (or newly-renovated) plants in the areas that were devastated by the loss of millions of jobs?
As Voltaire said, "Work keeps us from three great evils: boredom, vice, and need".
1
I saw all of what ou said. Additionally, I saw that our new president, by playing offensive, is being defensive. Clearly hiding things behind aggression against everybody that does not follow him blindly.
By the way. I am not a reporter and, I am very interested to see Trump's tax returns and very, very interested to know why he knows about the 2 billion Dubai deal if he is not into his business anymore. President or not, Trump will never let go the management of his business.
By the way. I am not a reporter and, I am very interested to see Trump's tax returns and very, very interested to know why he knows about the 2 billion Dubai deal if he is not into his business anymore. President or not, Trump will never let go the management of his business.
10
Part infomercial, part circus, and all lies from the mouth of the Psycho Toddler Elect. He brings an audience of acolytes to cheer him on while denigrating the Press, the People, the office he has won with lies, lies and more lies. Putin's Poodle elect displays his ignorance and avarice. January 20 is a day of national mourning. The day America officially dies. RIP Democracy. You had a good run.
15
Like Abraham who promised to sacrifice his son to a phantom, trump would sacrifice his sons to an empty ego should they fail him. trump has no greater priority than to hide its vacuity.
In his lifelong quest to fill the bottomless and every widening pit of his ego, He ran for president on a lark and was surprised when he began winning in nearly every state's primary contest. He was astonished that he won the Electoral College. Now he acts flabbergasted and outraged that citizens want him to actually act like a president. This is how he hides himself from himself and everyone else.
We have a human brain stem occupying the most powerful position in the world.
Calling Ben Carson. Is it possible to do a brain transplant?
In his lifelong quest to fill the bottomless and every widening pit of his ego, He ran for president on a lark and was surprised when he began winning in nearly every state's primary contest. He was astonished that he won the Electoral College. Now he acts flabbergasted and outraged that citizens want him to actually act like a president. This is how he hides himself from himself and everyone else.
We have a human brain stem occupying the most powerful position in the world.
Calling Ben Carson. Is it possible to do a brain transplant?
7
Trump is who he is. Most intelligent people have known for a long time that there never would be any "pivot." But how many times did we hear Republicans refuse to criticize him because the House and Senate would provide a check on his worst tendencies? Where are the Republican House and Senate now? The Russia hacking, the profiting based on his position, the lack of releasing tax returns - he would not get away with any of them if we had a Republican Congressional leadership more interested in governing than ripping affordable health coverage away from millions of Americans.
16
He'll donate the profits? I thought he wasn't going to be making any. Wish I could do tax write-offs on someone else's business, like say Trump Towers ... We, the tax payers, will fortify his NY "white house" (including el6ectronic security, the subway system under it, and the air space over it) to WH stds.; totally disrupt NYC police, residents, businesses, and Logan Airport effecting tax payer income resources; provide security for his scattered family - even on international business under the Trump name; pay millions in rent to the Trump business for secret service and personnel for their floors of office space - just a few tax payer business expenses. We do own the building. Later we get to repeat it all in Florida but add in the Coast Guard. Same slippery slope, just a new run. His donation!
9
This will all play out and with any luck the Democrats may shift from the past to the future and start discussing the major issues facing our nation, rapid, rapid, change, a universal income, the robot revolution, and they will begin to discuss this in order to adopt a platform for the future in 2020. This will require new candidates, Tulsi Gabbard, perhaps... real progressives and please no more Hillary types in fact, style, politics or opinion. If the Democrats become the true populist, common man centric party of the future they should have no problem defeating Trump in 2020.
8
Tulsi Gabbard? The woman whose loyalty is to herself and wears her ambition like a designer dress? Interesting, no more Hillary Clinton types? You mean no more women who put country and its citizens above grandstanding and self? Who have worked for the country and whose opinion is to do the best for the country? Better the female equivalent of the buffoon who is about to assume the office he stole with Russia's help? The old if it worked for them, it can work for us routine, aka, the monkey see monkey do routine.
The Democratic establishment will never shift from the past.
They'll focus on what they did during the 8 years of Obama: Destabilization, chaos and war while paying only lip service to the actual needs of the working/middle class.
Blacks didn't turn out for Hillary. Neither did Hispanics. Neither did women.
They'll focus on what they did during the 8 years of Obama: Destabilization, chaos and war while paying only lip service to the actual needs of the working/middle class.
Blacks didn't turn out for Hillary. Neither did Hispanics. Neither did women.
One word- Bernie
The only "Clown" in town is the President-Elect. The only problem is that clowns usually make people laugh. This one gives us ulcers. He is a liar, a cheat and most certainly a con-man. He made his money cheating the investors, the banks, his wives, to mention a few.
Listen - the people who voted for Trump will get exactly what they deserve - nothing but heartache. If you've never watched the classic movie "Seven Days in May", I recommend it. Hopefully, our "Seven Days" will end up better than the movie.
Listen - the people who voted for Trump will get exactly what they deserve - nothing but heartache. If you've never watched the classic movie "Seven Days in May", I recommend it. Hopefully, our "Seven Days" will end up better than the movie.
15
"the people who voted for Trump will get exactly what they deserve".....True, but they are not nearly astute enough to recognize it when it happens.
4
I hope that each time Trump speaks or holds a press conference there will be an official Democratic response so the American people don't forget what a real president with actual policy positions and knowledge should sound like. Even the most junior of the elected Democratic representatives could do a more coherent press conference than Trump. Perhaps the Democratic governors or the mayors of the largest cities can take turns as well expressing the concerns of the 66 million US citizens who voted against Trump.
6
You put a lot of faith in the mostly spineless democrats. We can surely rely on Bernie to articulate the issues with great clarity but even Warren gets into tit for tat name calling. There's Cory, the esteemed John Lewis and and Maxine Waters. I can't think of anyone else. So basically 4 Dems in the govt who may likely speak out.
Good luck with your hope.
Good luck with your hope.
1
Unfortunately, many people who voted for him subscribed to the myth that almost all problems can be solved simply by voting for somebody, for that "right person".
Many problems, actually most problems, cannot be solved that way.
Many problems, actually most problems, cannot be solved that way.
10
Democrats need to hold an alternative adult press conference where real issues are discussed. The free American press is not something "granted" by Trump in a powdered wig. The silly 1950s Richie Rich act is stale - the prop idea, the hovering family stuff=cut! Keep applauding sycophants out, tough questioners in. Let's literally restore the historic WH property in DC for 4 years. Trump can live in his tower. He is an embarrassment right now-
16
I am surprised that this opinion piece did not mention the cheering squad that Trump brought along, which cheered and jeered on cue. Press conference cheering squads - another first for America. The press corps needs to put their heads together and figure out a new way to handle the Trump "press conferences" - assuming Tump stages another one.
21
The times should shout from the front page how weird this pressed was.
"His staff and supporters applauded, and the show was over."
That's pretty much the way all of his "press conferences" are likely to go during the rest of his, hopefully, single term. The Jester of Trump Tower has rapidly bullied his way to the throne, despite receiving only a minority of the national presidential vote. Has anyone else noticed that he is wearing no clothes -- royal purple or otherwise?
That's pretty much the way all of his "press conferences" are likely to go during the rest of his, hopefully, single term. The Jester of Trump Tower has rapidly bullied his way to the throne, despite receiving only a minority of the national presidential vote. Has anyone else noticed that he is wearing no clothes -- royal purple or otherwise?
3
Hunker in for many moons of the new president bullying the press, calling facts “fake news” and winging it with versions of the truth in sync with his prejudices. The more the responsible press exposes his hype the angrier he’ll get. Eventually, non-rocket science will save the day: in the end balloons too full of hot air pop.
1
This press conference was disturbing.
Bullying reporters, dodging questions of possible treason and shrugging off ethical issues are the hallmarks of diktat, not democracy.
I still can't believe Americans elected this grifter impresario.
Bullying reporters, dodging questions of possible treason and shrugging off ethical issues are the hallmarks of diktat, not democracy.
I still can't believe Americans elected this grifter impresario.
9
Donald Trump will be investigated, indicted and convicted of collusion with Russia to undermine our democracy. Everyone associated with him, who had their fingers in that pie, will also be arrested as accessories. This is only the beginning.
2
This is how it will be for the next four years, unless Republicans in the House and Senate decide that Trump's actions are too awful to continue. The rest of us who care about the law, the fact-based media, and whoever else points out the ethical problems with his presidency have no say in the matter whatsoever.
2
I want to know who on the Trump team thought a pile of folders on a table would be a "good" visual.
I think when the next press conference is held that all press refuse to attend.
What if everything in the recently released documents is true?
The press has alot of work to do!
I think when the next press conference is held that all press refuse to attend.
What if everything in the recently released documents is true?
The press has alot of work to do!
2
White House Apprentice will, unfortunately, foul the airwaves --daily, not just weekly-- for the next four years. That is written into what was once considered to be America's most iron-clad contract. There is a clause in that document, something about "Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors," that could be invoked, were the majority of the House of Representatives constituted of men and women who truly deserve the honorific, "Honorable." But it isn't. Even if it were, the "jury" for such a trial (for at least the next two years, anyway) is stacked in the apprentice's favor.
One might wonder what sort of "Misdemeanor" would qualify for impeachment. That is a reasonable wonder to have. Murder apparently doesn't rise to the level of a Misdemeanor, constitutionally. After all, Mr. Trump has stated several times during the past year or so that he could kill someone in the middle of 5th Avenue in New York City and walk away, scot-free. No one has contradicted him on that point.
Sadly, as sorry a production as was ever produced, White House Apprentice will lead the TV (and Twitter) ratings for the duration.
One might wonder what sort of "Misdemeanor" would qualify for impeachment. That is a reasonable wonder to have. Murder apparently doesn't rise to the level of a Misdemeanor, constitutionally. After all, Mr. Trump has stated several times during the past year or so that he could kill someone in the middle of 5th Avenue in New York City and walk away, scot-free. No one has contradicted him on that point.
Sadly, as sorry a production as was ever produced, White House Apprentice will lead the TV (and Twitter) ratings for the duration.
2
Through this "press conference" I did see more why some people voted for Trump. While he has no respect for anyone, that interestingly includes the same intelligence establishment that helped murder Allende, and deposed the democratically elected head of Iran, Mossadegh in 1953, and so on. I expect Trump to be worse than any President since that clown Reagan was in office, but it is ironic that at the present time, he is causing such discomfort among what has been called the "Deep State."
People knowledgeable about the intelligence establishment see this part of the battle as between two anti-democratic groups.
See e.g.: https://theintercept.com/2017/01/11/the-deep-state-goes-to-war-with-pres...
I expect Trump will eventually fall in line with the Deep State and through them do even more damage than Obama did (aided by the MSM). At least for now there is something, like his destruction of other Republican candidates, that is at least amusing if not useful.
People knowledgeable about the intelligence establishment see this part of the battle as between two anti-democratic groups.
See e.g.: https://theintercept.com/2017/01/11/the-deep-state-goes-to-war-with-pres...
I expect Trump will eventually fall in line with the Deep State and through them do even more damage than Obama did (aided by the MSM). At least for now there is something, like his destruction of other Republican candidates, that is at least amusing if not useful.
2
I am so scared all this is true. Dem have never learned a thing from their losses and Deep State runs both parties.
The spectacle was so awful that words alone can't capture it. Presidential temperament gone with the wind.
Imagine what the outside world must think of American "judgment," empowering Mr. Congeniality?
Mr. Trump better have a lawyer beside him 24/7 before he answers any question or tweets, his conflicts of interests already spiraling out of control.
If we had a parliamentary system, Trump would have already lost a "vote of confidence" post-election; we would have already proclaimed, "You're fired!"
7
"If we had a parliamentary system, Trump would have already lost a "vote of confidence".....If we had a parliamentary system Trump would never be president in the first place.
3
The bully has the bully pulpit. Yesterday he showed how he'll use it in the press conference.
It's impossible to believe that he speaks for the American people, the GOP people, or even the billionaire people. He speaks self-centered manner for Trump only. How will the bully form any coalitions with the Senate, House, and international community?
It's impossible to believe that he speaks for the American people, the GOP people, or even the billionaire people. He speaks self-centered manner for Trump only. How will the bully form any coalitions with the Senate, House, and international community?
7
With respect to the editors of the Times and other papers, why was there not a lead story saying "Trump Refuses to Deny Russian Collusion"?
I know the front pages are filled with Trump stories, but I see the press still afraid to bring this person to task. If Obama had refused to deny colluding with an enemy of the United States to gain an electoral advantage this would have been the lead in every newspaper.
When will the press get some spine?
I know the front pages are filled with Trump stories, but I see the press still afraid to bring this person to task. If Obama had refused to deny colluding with an enemy of the United States to gain an electoral advantage this would have been the lead in every newspaper.
When will the press get some spine?
13
Putin's hacking had as much to do with Trump's election victory as doping had to do with Lance Armstrong's Tour de France victories. In theory the victories could have occurred anyway, but the probabilities of that are miniscule.
I reject the cold-war type analysis which suggests that Putin and the Russian government's objectives were to generally discredit the American electoral process. Putin has no interest in spreading an economic system in the way that Stalin and Khrushchev did.
The question then becomes what did Putin hope to gain by aiding Trump? For argument's sake, assume that Trump had agreed to do Putin's bidding. What Russia and Putin desperately need is money. Even if Putin asked Trump to have the American Treasury transfer, say $200 billion to Russia, that is not going to happen. Even Kellyanne Conway could not spin that one into anything that would be acceptable to the American people or congress. Absent writing Russia a big check, how could Trump cause Russia to gain $200 billion? The answer would be a $50 increase in the price of oil.
We know what has caused most of the oil price spikes in the last 50 years. That has been wars in the Middle East. The first oil shock came with the 1973 war. Twenty percent of oil traded worldwide moves by tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important petroleum transit choke point. Iran also provides various pathways that could lead to another oil price spike..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4034048
I reject the cold-war type analysis which suggests that Putin and the Russian government's objectives were to generally discredit the American electoral process. Putin has no interest in spreading an economic system in the way that Stalin and Khrushchev did.
The question then becomes what did Putin hope to gain by aiding Trump? For argument's sake, assume that Trump had agreed to do Putin's bidding. What Russia and Putin desperately need is money. Even if Putin asked Trump to have the American Treasury transfer, say $200 billion to Russia, that is not going to happen. Even Kellyanne Conway could not spin that one into anything that would be acceptable to the American people or congress. Absent writing Russia a big check, how could Trump cause Russia to gain $200 billion? The answer would be a $50 increase in the price of oil.
We know what has caused most of the oil price spikes in the last 50 years. That has been wars in the Middle East. The first oil shock came with the 1973 war. Twenty percent of oil traded worldwide moves by tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important petroleum transit choke point. Iran also provides various pathways that could lead to another oil price spike..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4034048
I didn't vote for him but man this is fun reading and watching these people lose there minds. This editorial board and in particular Charles Blow are almost having panic attacks on a daily basis. It's really entertaining, but the true deep seeded fear in this editorial and others is he will succeed in bypassing them and get things done and make outreaches to the communities passed over by the democrats for years.
The chaos Trump has created isn't my idea of fun. While change is certainly needed, and has been for a long time, turning our country into a reality show has potentially catastrophic consequences. We laugh this off at our own peril. We need mentally healthy, mature adults in charge, regardless of what political party they represent.
1
Why would you enjoy seeing half the country deeply concerned by the frankly weird behavior of the president elect?
Hey, wake up! It was the Republicans who blocked Obama's legislation and his nominees for both the Supreme Court and lower courts. Senator McConnell stated at the start of Obama's presidency his intention to block his entire legislative agenda. McConnell will go down in infamy. Which are the communities Ibama passed over?
Trump's televised attack on CNN's Jake Acosta should have invoked a strong reaction from the serious national and international media in the room. They should have stood together and supported Acosta by collectively deferring to him, instead of carrying on as if nothing remarkable had just happened, asking their preprepared questions (and getting no answers). A total sham.
17
From the cover story:
"But if Mr. Putin and his agents wanted to entangle Mr. Trump using business deals, they did not do it very successfully. Mr. Trump has said he has no major properties there, though one of his sons said at a real estate conference in 2008 that “a lot of money” was “pouring in from Russia.”"
Maybe it's not a question of Trump buying in Russia, but of Russia buying bad Trump properties in the States, laundering their money via Trump and keeping his business afloat. This needs to be investigated!!
"But if Mr. Putin and his agents wanted to entangle Mr. Trump using business deals, they did not do it very successfully. Mr. Trump has said he has no major properties there, though one of his sons said at a real estate conference in 2008 that “a lot of money” was “pouring in from Russia.”"
Maybe it's not a question of Trump buying in Russia, but of Russia buying bad Trump properties in the States, laundering their money via Trump and keeping his business afloat. This needs to be investigated!!
3
Most frightening for me was when he inferred that the world sees the US as weak. On the contrary, the US has shown more restraint in recent years and we've rebuilt international respect.
This is a precursor to finding a purpose by putting our mighty military to good use in the eyes of this egotist. Yes, it was Trump who compared us to Nazi Germany.
This is a precursor to finding a purpose by putting our mighty military to good use in the eyes of this egotist. Yes, it was Trump who compared us to Nazi Germany.
5
As I listened to the press conference, I repeatedly told myself,"ok, this is when he will start talking in the manner I am accustomed to a President speaking." Instead, over and over, I heard coming from his mouth the petulance and ignorance of the man who thinks the country is his own reality show.
7
Americans are addicted to reality TV and trash media. Unfortunately, they also have the confused idea that our government should be a sordid reality show rather than a functioning government like normal countries have.
Think about his statement asserting that, if his sons do a poor job running the t rump organization, he would fire them. This right there demonstrates that he will still be actively involved and in control even if his sons are "in charge" of the operations of the company. Perhaps nominally, but not in actuality. T rump still has ultimate control, thus negating any claims that he has divested himself from the operations of the company.
He lies, yet every now and then he slips up and inadvertently reveals the truth.
He lies, yet every now and then he slips up and inadvertently reveals the truth.
10
It's up to Republicans to put this man in his place -- and that's far away from the White House. Trump's first press conference demonstrates that he is still, as ever, unfit, uncommitted, unable and unwilling to take his responsibility toward this nation seriously, but if the Republicans take their responsibility seriously, they will jump on the first reason he gives them to start impeachment proceedings. It shouldn't take long and it can't happen soon enough.
11
"I will be the greatest job producer God ever created.." Mighty words. Let's see if he lives up to this statement. When he cannot live up to all this rhetoric. The economy tanks, jobs reports are failures, health care/Medicaid for those in need no longer is affordable or perhaps exists. What will all his supporters believe then? Trump cannot continue speaking to those who supported him. Eventually, he will be forced to govern all citizens in this country. Something he and his cronies are solely unqualified and unprepared to do.
7
All in favor of Trump releasing his taxes, say, "aye"!
Trump is living in a fantasy if thinks that the public doesn't care about his tax returns. We, the public, need to make more of an outcry for that to happen.
In addition, I would like a law to be passed that all candidates for president and vice president submit at least 3 years of tax returns as part of the process.
All in favor, say, "aye".
Trump is living in a fantasy if thinks that the public doesn't care about his tax returns. We, the public, need to make more of an outcry for that to happen.
In addition, I would like a law to be passed that all candidates for president and vice president submit at least 3 years of tax returns as part of the process.
All in favor, say, "aye".
21
This is low theater, which like other such offerings, quickly wears thin if not grating. People can only be fed such thin fare for so long before they turn away in disgust. One can only hope the new President doesn't entangle the country in international situations where Americans are called upon to risk their lives on his say so for that is when this juvenile theater will come resoundingly to a close.
9
I wonder if the best way to deal with this deal is to ignore it. It is the same old excreta over and over. I think that by treating it as a regular kind of interface between a president and the public is counterproductive and helps support the illusion that this person is a President.
It would be wonderful if for one week the name of this person would not appear in the NYT.. Wonder what would happen.
It would be wonderful if for one week the name of this person would not appear in the NYT.. Wonder what would happen.
14
Maybe President-elect Trump is the leader of "a movement like the world has never seen before" - maybe he's not. i.e.the Fasces of Rome and latter-day Mussolini. Trump's first press conference was a major disaster, notwithstanding what his chief adviser Kellyanne Conway said - "don't pay attention to his words" - can you imagine? And will Trump be "the greatest job producer that God ever created"? Gimme a break.
The window-dressing pile of manila folders President-elect Trump had with him on the podium reminded us of Romney's "binders full of women"...And his braggadocio about being offered $2 billion to do a deal in Dubai was just more inglorious narcissism.
The difference between the catastrophe of Trump's press-conference and beloved President Barack Hussein Obama's farewell address in Chicago the night before was staggering to the American people who did not vote for Trump and did not want him as our leader and still don't. Scowling and pulling faces, Trump's angry press-conference would have been funny if it wasn't so scary to imagine that loose cannon, shooting pumpkins on the deck of the USS Titanic for the next 4 years. Or hopefully, for a much briefer administration.
Major conflicts of interest will be on Trump's calendar in the coming year. Gainsaying and voting to repeal President Obama's Health Care Act has already started in the Senate this morning, even before President-elect Trump takes the oath of office in a week. What are we the people going to do?
The window-dressing pile of manila folders President-elect Trump had with him on the podium reminded us of Romney's "binders full of women"...And his braggadocio about being offered $2 billion to do a deal in Dubai was just more inglorious narcissism.
The difference between the catastrophe of Trump's press-conference and beloved President Barack Hussein Obama's farewell address in Chicago the night before was staggering to the American people who did not vote for Trump and did not want him as our leader and still don't. Scowling and pulling faces, Trump's angry press-conference would have been funny if it wasn't so scary to imagine that loose cannon, shooting pumpkins on the deck of the USS Titanic for the next 4 years. Or hopefully, for a much briefer administration.
Major conflicts of interest will be on Trump's calendar in the coming year. Gainsaying and voting to repeal President Obama's Health Care Act has already started in the Senate this morning, even before President-elect Trump takes the oath of office in a week. What are we the people going to do?
19
I, for one, vow to never watch the inauguration, the state of the union speech, press conferences or twitter feeds of this poser. Everything for show, nothing to be believed, nothing of value.
If he would show an ounce of humility, I *might* feel sympathy for him in this situation. For now, I can only encourage him to eat more Big Macs with a super-sized order of fries.
As for his supporters, you deserve the destruction that is sure to come. The rest of us don't.
If he would show an ounce of humility, I *might* feel sympathy for him in this situation. For now, I can only encourage him to eat more Big Macs with a super-sized order of fries.
As for his supporters, you deserve the destruction that is sure to come. The rest of us don't.
24
As a long-time reader and subscriber I am growing alarmed at the state of NYT coverage of President-Elect Donald Trump.
The daily full-front-page barrage of nothing but excoriation and vituperation seems to be fundamentally at odds with what I believed (perhaps mistakenly) were the values of this publication.
It makes the NYT look third-rate and raises readers’ suspicions that this publication is fanatically in thrall to undisclosed (political/money) factions.
Yes, President-Elect Trump can be abrasive, combative and flashy. He is sui generis as an American President. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.
His honest attempt to retain and create jobs in this country is laudable. His intention to eliminate the unnecessary, destructive and dangerous state of undeclared war between the USA and Russia is equally commendable. The latter will empower European security and economic prosperity, both greatly needed.
Please reconsider your intemperate reporting on the President-Elect.
The daily full-front-page barrage of nothing but excoriation and vituperation seems to be fundamentally at odds with what I believed (perhaps mistakenly) were the values of this publication.
It makes the NYT look third-rate and raises readers’ suspicions that this publication is fanatically in thrall to undisclosed (political/money) factions.
Yes, President-Elect Trump can be abrasive, combative and flashy. He is sui generis as an American President. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.
His honest attempt to retain and create jobs in this country is laudable. His intention to eliminate the unnecessary, destructive and dangerous state of undeclared war between the USA and Russia is equally commendable. The latter will empower European security and economic prosperity, both greatly needed.
Please reconsider your intemperate reporting on the President-Elect.
3
Points taken and (believe-it-or-not) respected. But for me personally the fact the NYT is speaking truth to power in the measured way it is (measured given the context) is one of the main reasons I recently became a subscriber. That, and watching the US system's checks and balances starting to gain traction, restore my faith (though not all fears for my American friends and colleagues): in civility, the value of critique, thoughtful writing and compassion. And in the very finest journalism.
5
Read the Constitution. Our Founders foresaw the possibilitiy that dangerous bullies like Trump might be elected, and wanted a free Press empowered to expose and oppose tyrants like Trump. The Times knows it must lead the attack against the violence Trump intends against Obama's legacy. Abolishing Obamacare will harm and kill Americans unless he is stopped.
1
You have a point here. The CBS morning news had little to say about the press conference. But Trump's behavior yesterday draws aghast sighs, besides the fact that he is repetitive and inarticulate. He is an embarrassment and I believe that this newspaper has every right and duty to report and editorialize on Trump's horrible, bullying and nonsensical behavior.
3
The stupidity of liberals continues to astound. So desirous of a continuing temper tantrum over having their philosophies thoroughly inundated across a sea of red, they publish a packet of lurid tales, completely unverifiable, without sources or comment. The result is to tar the entire media octopus and entangle its tentacles with one another into one big blot of "fake news". This anxious idicoy sets your plan back immeasurably as the meme of a biased, agenda-driven fake news media is further cemented in the minds of the voting public. These halfwits just can't help themselves and that's why they are on their way to Whig status. Once agian, nice work!
Glib, vain, smug, arrogant, vulgar, selfish, Machiavellian, superficial, thin-skinned to a fault, Trump is an obscenity and an affront to decency, competence, reflective thought (or any serious thought), principle, and commitment to anything and anyone beyond himself. The words come in deluges, but there is little meaning or organization behind them. We are held hostage to an empty suit, an ignorant, unfeeling, dysfunctional child-man who leaps from one petulant tantrum to the next without ever gaining any insight whatsoever into his vacuous, vapid self.
7
Anybody that believes a word the orange one says is intelligence challenged. He is a complete fraud and liar and a demagogue fascist dictator in the process of destroying the USA. Of course he does not bother to announce just what jobs he is going to create, what pay and benefits they will offer or how exactly this will be done. And the world has seen "leaders" like this multiple times and spent years regretting permitting their rise to power: in the 1990´s in Venezuela, the 1930´s Germany, in Russia, Korea, multiple African countries. These dictators plunder and destroy. Let us impeach this man asap.
3
The stark comparison between the obvious intelligence, grasp of the issues and the English language, humility and eloquence and well - class - between our outgoing and our incoming Presidents, appearing so closely together, literally brought me to tears.
How far we have plummeted in one election.
How far we have plummeted in one election.
14
Perhaps the most shocking thing in that "Press Conference" was not the casual disregard for truth, not the pathological narcissism, nor even the reflexive puffed up bully boy posture. It was the fact that with a week until his inauguration Mr. Trump displays no greater depth of understanding about the issues before our nation than he did 18 months ago.
Also his team has yet to break him of the habit of constantly ending declarative statements with interrogatives. Ok? Believe me. It's annoying and bespeaks weakness and insecurity.
Also his team has yet to break him of the habit of constantly ending declarative statements with interrogatives. Ok? Believe me. It's annoying and bespeaks weakness and insecurity.
8
The only way to describe the "incident" we witnessed was utter chaos. Stunning does not begin to describe an incoming President that is under IRS audit, our Intelligence Community having to look into his alleged relationship with Russia and the buffoonery of his low brow tweeting in the wee hours of the morning. Props set out on a table do nothing to ease any rational persons fears of what will come in the next 4 years. Mr. Trump understands that his voters only listen to quick sound bites and they love to hear him insult anyone he disagrees with. We have yet to hear ONE substantial piece of information or factual information from this man. This is an absolute nightmare.
7
The minute they started piling the folders and manila envelopes on the table, I realized we were in for kabuki theater. The applause we heard from his lackeys only corroborated this was not a press conference but a bizarre and intentionally staged spectacle. To hear journalists attempt to deconstruct D.T.'s incoherent responses as if they were deep, introspective, truthful, and important pronouncements is truly pathetic.
9
How are children going to be influenced by Trump's horrible behavior, lack of civility, dishonorable intentions and immoral conviction? The old adage 'if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all' is not only lost on the social media generations, but the boorish behavior of congress and the president-elect is strikingly reprehensible. What a stark contrast from the reasoned, sophisticated and admirable bearing set by President Obama. Who will be the beacon of respect and civility going forward? Who can Americans trust to be the adult in the room? Who will lead by example of the Golden Rules by treating others as you would want to be treated?
3
In the first opera of the New Year, the opening scene shocked the audience. The character Maltrumpio, just days before his coronation, was about to sing 'presso conferencia', a moment of unparalleled pride. But he pulled a Mariah, and there was only stunning, uncomfortable silence. Kelliania and Melankia, his most trusted females, held 'carta di cue' to assist him with his impromptu remarks, but there was nothing. His eyes darted about, lost. It was like the 1598 performance of the Perverdi opera "Usignolo" (the Nightingale), when the proud tenor Petulante was about to sing his aria, and bird excrement fell on his gorgeous hair. The shame and shock ended his career, dispelling the silly myth. But in our opera, the curtain fell on Maltrumpio. The audience could only guess at the tweetilos soon to come.
2
Obama was correct to warn us about the demise of democracy. Daily revelations about Trump's too-close, too-cosy relationship with Russia have underscored doubts about the predatory electoral practices this bloated septuagenarian has engaged in. One thinks that with such a narcissistic person as Trump, it's all about ego gratification and he has only the most shallow understanding of anything like the big picture we need him to see as our leader. How to unelect him given the latest shocking espionage revelations from England and Russia? Or is it already too late?
1
It's probably too late for government to take action, but not too late (never too late) for the people to take back their country. The people need to protest & resist. History seems to show that citizen action (people power) is the only way to take back our freedom.
1
The Trump bombast and hectoring were designed to deflect attention away from the investigation into contacts between his campaign and the Russian government. Common sense tells us that there were such contacts and that they may have had criminal implications. But his angry outburst and exaggerations cowed the media and killed the story. Clever, but horrifying. The media reps must decide that if their colleagues are treated as CNN was treated, they will end a press conference. Trump is acting from the autocrat's playbook. He is a frightening disgrace.
1
I agree, Sarah. All media agree to end any conference as soon as he gets abusive, dictatorial, or stupid. If he acts juvenile, he gets grounded & sent to his room. If he acts disruptive & dangerous, he gets solitary, or gets thrown metaphorically in the brig. No more coverage. Desperate times. Desperate measures. He is obviously unstable. And I think he is as guilty of shady dealings as you suggest.
Look folks, here's the deal. When it all hits the fan - that the Administration is full of inept people and blazing mistakes; when corrupt dealings surface because highly connected people including the President profited from insider knowledge and dealings; that the world takes advantage of our weakness and we reacted with irrational and destablizing policy - we cannot be surprised or dismayed.
Trump has made it plain that he will do all these things, that voters knew it, and he will be right.
We know it will hit the fan, because we have known other Trumps who have run other countries into disaster. But since most of us don't read newspapers, or follow international news, most have never heard of people like Silvio Berlusconi. Or, for that matter Warren G. Harding.
Ignorance is bliss until the bills come in.
Trump has made it plain that he will do all these things, that voters knew it, and he will be right.
We know it will hit the fan, because we have known other Trumps who have run other countries into disaster. But since most of us don't read newspapers, or follow international news, most have never heard of people like Silvio Berlusconi. Or, for that matter Warren G. Harding.
Ignorance is bliss until the bills come in.
4
There still is this thing called reality, which even Trump supporters have to live in. Trump has been putting on his nihilistic show with the back up of a competent government. That will change soon, and the dysfunction will start affecting everybody. I realize that some people apparently voted for him because of the show, and apparently want their lives to be chaos, but that will get old soon. There really is no good answer on how to deal with this situation. The public and the media will continue to be insulted while he proclaims himself to be the biggest and best. But the sleaze will continue to ooze out.
3
With Obama his moral center allowed us to give him enormous power and trust, he earned the Presidency. With Trump, he lacks a moral center and is trying to use the power of the office to coerce us into respecting him. "Bow down to me", he seems to be saying. No Mr Trump. That CNN reporter is not alone in wanting answers. The media are not some separate entity to the people. They are infused throughout our community and they tell our stories every day. Mr Trump, you lost the popular vote by a wide margin. For a reason I cannot fathom, the founding fathers enshrined that the electoral college can allow you to rise to power. But, they also bestowed a constitution which protects us. The media is a part of those protections. Bush (W) evoked an enormous negative reaction from the public, even though the media were relatively (compared to now) cowed at the time. Even though he started a war, and destroyed our economy, which you are more than likely to do, he could not destroy who we were as Americans. A force rose up, the phenomenon of Obama, and it shook the world with its earned power. The world will not shake with your presence, it will not embrace you, it will shrink from you and do every thing it can to remove you from your position. The most surprising thing about your candidacy is that for the first time I find myself not able to respect the office you hold, indeed I am looking at other offices for leadership instead. I never felt that before, even under Bush.
1
Self-interest created the United States of America, not God or any great moral necessity. 8 out of the first 12 Presidents owned people and crafted a country which allowed them (and protected their right) to reap the benefits of a religiously, economically, and morally sanctioned practice. Somehow we're trying to convince ourselves that Trump is any different than previous presidents. Let's not kid ourselves. Ethics are what congress and the people of the US will allow.
WYSIWYG with now Tyrant-elect Trump. He's seized the "bully pulpit" and discarded the last word in favor of demonizing and trying to silence the press (aka "dishonest media"): clearly revealed what was apparent--that he's ethically challenged in not divesting his business interests or releasing his tax returns; and he completely misunderstood what the intelligence agencies were trying to demonstrate (that Russia was prepared to use disinformation against him) and instead used it as an excuse to call them Nazis and also browbeat news outlets that covered he story,, and he continued to embrace Vladimir Putin lending suspicion that there's "more than meets the eye" in both his behavior and that of his nominee to be Secretary of State. This was not a press conference, but a frightening spectacle that would be better called an op-press conference.
1
I am hopeful that the legitimate news organizations develop a strategy that will provide the public accurate information not colored and orchestrated by this meglomaniac. I really don't fault the print media as much as the broadcast media. The one thing I will give Trump credit for is showmanship and his ability to manipulate the media. If you read his narcissistic rants, you have to be aghast, but most people don't read them, they only hear them. Fight back. Stop broadcasting and publicizing his tweets and rants. I only read what Reagan said - never watched him as I realized he was a very seductive speaker.
1
Speaking of promises, will a NYT reporter please ask the Trump administration where the cement & steel for this "Big, Beautiful, Wall" will come from? Since Trump is all about restoring US jobs, I'm sure he will use US material and US labor to build the wall.
I seem to recall reading a report about a year ago that there aren't enough cement plants on the US side of the border to supply the material needed to this wall; that the only large cement plant in the region is owned by Pemex in northern Mexico. In addition, US steel has been in decline for decades, but it was a major promise by Trump during the campaign to bring that industry and its jobs back. So my question is: Do we have the capacity in the US to build this "Big, Beautiful, Wall?"
I seem to recall reading a report about a year ago that there aren't enough cement plants on the US side of the border to supply the material needed to this wall; that the only large cement plant in the region is owned by Pemex in northern Mexico. In addition, US steel has been in decline for decades, but it was a major promise by Trump during the campaign to bring that industry and its jobs back. So my question is: Do we have the capacity in the US to build this "Big, Beautiful, Wall?"
The "press conference" was an embarrassment for the world to see. Our new president could barely complete a thought or a sentence;he dodged questions he didn't like, was slippery and evasive. I continue to wonder that with his lifestyle, maybe there are some things out there that would scald him!
Unfortunately for us, the remainder of the country, if trump goes, we are left with pense, another rt wing ideologue who is even more scary than his boss.
Unfortunately for us, the remainder of the country, if trump goes, we are left with pense, another rt wing ideologue who is even more scary than his boss.
Such continued negativity is disappointing. Anyone with common sense understands that having a globally branded, real estate / gaming / hospitality tycoon as president is going to involve a few compromises; namely, it's not going to be possible to separate out every conflict. I for one believe that the president elect will discharge his duties solely in the interest of, and for the benefit of, the American people. Maybe the Times should get off its high horse and simply report on actual deals as they come up and see where things go.
Well, the only thing he has "done" so far is to make cabinet picks that certainly call in to question his devotion to working in the interest of the common people.
This much is clear: The previous ways in which the press interacted with the President of the United States of America no longer apply. Press conferences should not be expected to yield meaningful, responsible answers to the issues that face this country. Journalists who are members of the White House Press Corps are diminished in stature; their roles have less, or even little, meaning. They must find other ways to obtain the news we American citizens need.
5
I'm not an attorney, but I believe if a U.S. Presidential candidate was working in coordination with Russia during the campaign, this conduct would be treason. Hopefully this issue will be vigorously pursued by the press and the intelligence community until the full facts are known. The American public deserves this, and relies upon it.
4
With Watergate, we had one seminal issue which led to the downfall of a president-basically a coverup of what has been described as a third rate burglary.
With what we know and with suspicions whirling around regarding possible Russian blackmail, failure to insulate the presidency from the Trump brand,
persistent, systemic lying, failure to reveal tax returns, smearing legitimate journalists, associating our intelligence community with Nazis, before he's even taking the oath as president, Mr. Trump will begin his presidency almost where Nixon waived to the forelorn members of his staff, weeping on the White House
lawn, the departing President making the victory sign, holding back tears, as he helicopters to oblivion.
We are living through the most dangerour and surreal imminent assumption of power by a new administration in our history.
With what we know and with suspicions whirling around regarding possible Russian blackmail, failure to insulate the presidency from the Trump brand,
persistent, systemic lying, failure to reveal tax returns, smearing legitimate journalists, associating our intelligence community with Nazis, before he's even taking the oath as president, Mr. Trump will begin his presidency almost where Nixon waived to the forelorn members of his staff, weeping on the White House
lawn, the departing President making the victory sign, holding back tears, as he helicopters to oblivion.
We are living through the most dangerour and surreal imminent assumption of power by a new administration in our history.
2
I'm glad I'm not alone. The world is full of rational people, apparently, who see the same things I'm seeing, and I think this crosses party affiliation.
This election has trivialized the office of the presidency. All attempts to "normalize" this presidency by the press (and the people, as measured by the volume of these blogs) fail time and time again. We can hope against all odds things will change, but we know in our heart of hearts that is unlikely. The only way many of us can sleep is to voice our concerns - the same ones - over and over. This is the repetitive nightmare we can't escape.
The only changes we see are when things get worse - racists appointed to senior law enforcement positions, Russian self-interest apparently about to be adopted as the policy of our land.
We have been all reduced to the lowest tier of Maslow's hierarchy of needs - that is - the basement-level hope that America has survived worse, and thus can survive the oncoming ruination of our union.
The swamp has not been drained. It's just been renamed and a golf course has been installed.
This election has trivialized the office of the presidency. All attempts to "normalize" this presidency by the press (and the people, as measured by the volume of these blogs) fail time and time again. We can hope against all odds things will change, but we know in our heart of hearts that is unlikely. The only way many of us can sleep is to voice our concerns - the same ones - over and over. This is the repetitive nightmare we can't escape.
The only changes we see are when things get worse - racists appointed to senior law enforcement positions, Russian self-interest apparently about to be adopted as the policy of our land.
We have been all reduced to the lowest tier of Maslow's hierarchy of needs - that is - the basement-level hope that America has survived worse, and thus can survive the oncoming ruination of our union.
The swamp has not been drained. It's just been renamed and a golf course has been installed.
5
Yes, this is indeed the winter of our discontent. Yesterday's spectacle was most appalling for its utter predictability. And yet, Trump still managed to put out a few more statements that surprised us: notably, his accusation that our intelligence may have leaked the salacious dossier; his even more slavish and fawning attention to the butcher Putin; his declaration that he turned down $ 2 billion even though he could have accepted it; his statement that only the press is interested in his tax returns. The press and the rest of us---we all must work to counter this pile of boushwah with straightforward reporting and demand for accountability. Otherwise, we all lose. As James Fallows said in The Atlantic, Trump's victory is the greatest threat to the American idea in our time---perhaps in any time.
7
Whatever you think of Donald Trump, there is certainly something "rotten in Denmark," when the nation's intelligence agencies make such an overt attempt to discredit and undermine an incoming President because he advocates improved relations with Russia. There seems to be an entrenched lobby in Washington that vehemently opposes any rapprochement between our two countries under any circumstances. Double dealing, under the table operations and circulating doggy dossiers are nothing new for the intelligence agencies. Remember, President Kennedy vowed to scatter the CIA to the winds for their trickier in the Bay of Pigs operation. They have only gotten worse over the years as their power and breadth of operations has spread. Of course we know what happened to President Kennedy. The black operations of the so-called intelligence professionals have done more to harm our country than it is possible to calculate. It is hard to determine what is a bigger threat to our democracy, the election of Donald Trump, or the overt attempt to sabotage his Presidency before it even starts.
11
It's like Ludlum meets House of Cards. A maze of mirrors. Double-triple-quadruple crosses by double-triple-quadruple agents. If they wanted to sow basic mistrust of public officials, institutions, processes and our very neighbors, Russia has succeeded.
Watching this show, I had to ask myself, is Trump a sociopath or a compulsive liar? A sociopath is someone who lies to get their way and does so with little concern for others. Such a person is goal-oriented and has little regard or respect for others. They can be charming and charismatic, but they use their talented social skills in a manipulative and self-centered manner. A compulsive liar, on the other hand, is someone who lies out of habit, it’s their normal way of responding to questions. Compulsive liars bend the truth about everything, large and small. For a compulsive liar, telling the truth is very awkward and uncomfortable while lying feels right.
I suspect Donald is a sociopath, who knows when he is lying, and does it regularly but selectively to benefit his situation. There are no morals involved for him, just his own betterment. After a lifetime of lying for his own benefit, he is very good at it, not in that we can’t see it is a lie, or investigate and find out what he said was a lie, but rather in that he does it effortlessly and without any hint of remorse.
I suspect Donald is a sociopath, who knows when he is lying, and does it regularly but selectively to benefit his situation. There are no morals involved for him, just his own betterment. After a lifetime of lying for his own benefit, he is very good at it, not in that we can’t see it is a lie, or investigate and find out what he said was a lie, but rather in that he does it effortlessly and without any hint of remorse.
5
When a President speaks at a press conference, he is talking to reporters who have followed him since day 1. So there is a level of specificity that is expected in addressing reporters that know all the basics. If a President talks to the White Hose press in sound bites, he is not living up to his end of the bargain. If I were a reporter and Trump repeatedly talked down to me, I'd find someone else to talk to. What if a President called a press conference and nobody showed up?
3
I'm not sure why I expected any better, but that news conference has to have been the most disgusting, amateurish, unpresidential display in the history of the office. The bragging and the evasiveness and the mendacity are by now familiar characteristics of the man, but the singling out of individual news organizations for attack was beyond the pale. It really does raise deep concerns that Trump intends to try to use his office to silence--or retaliate against--our free press and our constitutional liberties. What did it mean when he said that Buzzfeed would face "consequences"? That CNN is "fake news"?
Contrast Trump's despicable behavior to the measured, calm, mature demeanor of President Obama throughout the past eight years. The contrast makes me want to cry.
Contrast Trump's despicable behavior to the measured, calm, mature demeanor of President Obama throughout the past eight years. The contrast makes me want to cry.
6
I suspect few can be shocked by anything Donald Trump does now, and his record of provocative bad behaviour means almost any accusation merits serious consideration.
What is truly shocking is the number of politicians and hangers on who are willing to overlook the dangers he poses and ride on his coat tails. This - for the more thoughtful - must require significant mental contortions and self delusion. How bad would things have to get before those people stop making excuses for him and leave him exposed for what he is - totally unsuitable to be president regardless of his politics?
What is truly shocking is the number of politicians and hangers on who are willing to overlook the dangers he poses and ride on his coat tails. This - for the more thoughtful - must require significant mental contortions and self delusion. How bad would things have to get before those people stop making excuses for him and leave him exposed for what he is - totally unsuitable to be president regardless of his politics?
2
"Mr. Trump invites corruption by signaling that corporations and foreign actors have many ways to curry favor with him and his administration through his family."
Everybody keeps mentioning this but nobody seems to be talking about what happens when terrorists start targeting Trump-branded properties worldwide. People are talking about this possibility aren't they?
Right now it is what we in IT call "security by obscurity", where something is considered secure because nobody is talking about it. It is not real security but it does give people a false sense of security.
President Barack Obama keeps blathering on and on about how civilized his Presidency was. All the innocent civilians killed by drone strikes during his administration would vehemently disagree with that assessment.
I'll bet after keeping George Bush's war going for eight years the Nobel Prize committee must be kicking themselves for prematurely giving President Obama its' Peace Prize.
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/012.png
Too bad President Obama was too liberal in his use of drones. That means we probably are going to see a lot of tit-for-tat: a Trump building gets bombed followed by drone strikes.
I predict that Donald Trump will NEVER win a Nobel Peace prize. In fact we'll be lucky if he does not start World War III before his four year term is up!
Everybody keeps mentioning this but nobody seems to be talking about what happens when terrorists start targeting Trump-branded properties worldwide. People are talking about this possibility aren't they?
Right now it is what we in IT call "security by obscurity", where something is considered secure because nobody is talking about it. It is not real security but it does give people a false sense of security.
President Barack Obama keeps blathering on and on about how civilized his Presidency was. All the innocent civilians killed by drone strikes during his administration would vehemently disagree with that assessment.
I'll bet after keeping George Bush's war going for eight years the Nobel Prize committee must be kicking themselves for prematurely giving President Obama its' Peace Prize.
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/012.png
Too bad President Obama was too liberal in his use of drones. That means we probably are going to see a lot of tit-for-tat: a Trump building gets bombed followed by drone strikes.
I predict that Donald Trump will NEVER win a Nobel Peace prize. In fact we'll be lucky if he does not start World War III before his four year term is up!
2
Today's event was actually an infomercial. Only taking the format of a 'press conference", it was one-way show, staged and useless. This guy is encased in a fact-proof bubble of self-dealing, lies and delusions. The conventional plutocrats and the serfs who service them will dispose of Trump soon after he signs the bills that will further concentrate wealth , health and power.
1
What's troublesome is that Trump's team always suggests solutions to go around the structures and rules already in place, when everybody else in the government is expected to respect. It's troublesome because it shows that Trump considers himself above the law. He thinks of himself as an absolute monarch, whose word should close any debates. But it is at the same time eroding his authority and the confidence of the public, when he should work at convincing the country that he will defend our institutions.
2
It’s getting a bit late in the day, but it really is time for American journalists to get their act together with Trump.
First mistake. Giving him billions of dollars of free air time when all he offered was hokum. I thought journalists were trained to deal with that. But no, if he dodged their questions, well, look at the ratings.
Second mistake. Trump herded the journalists into pens at his rallies, and then turned the crowd on them. A mass media walkout would have soon stopped that. It’s not as if anything of any substance would have been missed by not being there.
Third mistake. At his first press conference in six months, Trump refused to take a question from CNN after calling it a “terrible organisation. Fake news.” The other journalists let it pass without a whimper.
Fourth mistake. Jake Tapper piously scolded BuzzFeed for publishing unsubstantiated allegations about Trump in an intelligence briefing. What humbug! If that stuff was considered important enough to bring to the attention of the President and President-elect, it was a fair call to say it was important enough to bring to the attention of the American people.
First mistake. Giving him billions of dollars of free air time when all he offered was hokum. I thought journalists were trained to deal with that. But no, if he dodged their questions, well, look at the ratings.
Second mistake. Trump herded the journalists into pens at his rallies, and then turned the crowd on them. A mass media walkout would have soon stopped that. It’s not as if anything of any substance would have been missed by not being there.
Third mistake. At his first press conference in six months, Trump refused to take a question from CNN after calling it a “terrible organisation. Fake news.” The other journalists let it pass without a whimper.
Fourth mistake. Jake Tapper piously scolded BuzzFeed for publishing unsubstantiated allegations about Trump in an intelligence briefing. What humbug! If that stuff was considered important enough to bring to the attention of the President and President-elect, it was a fair call to say it was important enough to bring to the attention of the American people.
7
The press, Democrats and concerned public continue to treat Trump like he has informed things to say. They/we can't seem to adjust our thinking to understand that Trump has no core belief or guiding plan.
The people to question seriously about policy and issues are his advisers. Asking them what Trump plans is to get nonsensical answers. Instead ask what they plan. Cut the middle man Trump out of the picture all together.
The whole Republican establishment is hiding behind Trump as they carry out their government privatization plan. Go after them and let Trump's TV show, "the Greatest president Ever" tank in the ratings.
Let the TV critics analyze Trump's performance while the news reporters follow the real stories and tell America what is really going on in the halls of government and in Trump Tower.
When the leader is crazy, the people to watch are the ones trying to fill the void. McConnell, Ryan. Kushner, Connelly, Pence et al look like the cats who swallowed the canary and unfortunately America is the hapless bird.
The people to question seriously about policy and issues are his advisers. Asking them what Trump plans is to get nonsensical answers. Instead ask what they plan. Cut the middle man Trump out of the picture all together.
The whole Republican establishment is hiding behind Trump as they carry out their government privatization plan. Go after them and let Trump's TV show, "the Greatest president Ever" tank in the ratings.
Let the TV critics analyze Trump's performance while the news reporters follow the real stories and tell America what is really going on in the halls of government and in Trump Tower.
When the leader is crazy, the people to watch are the ones trying to fill the void. McConnell, Ryan. Kushner, Connelly, Pence et al look like the cats who swallowed the canary and unfortunately America is the hapless bird.
4
Trump's ill-informed, incoherent rambling bordering on paranoia press conference proves he cannot deal with being president. He will never be contemplative no-drama Obama, but please, can we have some sign of leadership? He sounded like a high school kid who forgot to do his homework, and could not stop fidgeting trying to make excuses.
When will Trump's total incoherence trigger Section 4 of the 25th Amendment:
"Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President."
Can we even hope the named officials don't just become terrified lackeys?
When will Trump's total incoherence trigger Section 4 of the 25th Amendment:
"Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President."
Can we even hope the named officials don't just become terrified lackeys?
2
" He ducked and dodged when reporters asked whether he or members of his staff colluded with Russia before the election"
Wouldn't an innocent person demand a full and fair investigation to clear their name? Why isn't Trump doing that?
It is especially important that a President not be vulnerable to blackmail by foreign governments. Complete transparency makes blackmail useless. That is what Americans need, and Trump should be demanding that his name be cleared.
Even if some of the salacious parts of the intelligence reports are true - romping with prostitutes in Russia - how embarrassing would that be after we've heard him talking about using his celebrity status to be able to grab women by their genitals?
But, if the reports are true that he (and his campaign staff) colluded with Russia to subvert our presidential election, Americans must know that.
If these charges are not fully investigated and cleared from the record, they will hang over his presidency. So, why isn't Trump demanding a full investigation of these reports?
Wouldn't an innocent person demand a full and fair investigation to clear their name? Why isn't Trump doing that?
It is especially important that a President not be vulnerable to blackmail by foreign governments. Complete transparency makes blackmail useless. That is what Americans need, and Trump should be demanding that his name be cleared.
Even if some of the salacious parts of the intelligence reports are true - romping with prostitutes in Russia - how embarrassing would that be after we've heard him talking about using his celebrity status to be able to grab women by their genitals?
But, if the reports are true that he (and his campaign staff) colluded with Russia to subvert our presidential election, Americans must know that.
If these charges are not fully investigated and cleared from the record, they will hang over his presidency. So, why isn't Trump demanding a full investigation of these reports?
2
In addition to not letting Trump off the hook by asking multi-part questions and thus allow him to choose which to respond to, reporters should also insist that the previous question be answered before moving on, even if that question was asked by a previous questioner. They should also not allow him to refuse to take questions from one of their colleagues. Trump should not be allowed to play one news organization against the other to avoid answering important questions as he has successfully done throughout the campaign and post election period.
5
Does anybody with a brain (i.e., the 65 million who voted against this dangerous clown) actually believe that releasing his tax returns or details of his Russian escapades (if they exist) would make any difference to the 62 million who voted for him? It is not an original observation to note that if got elected based on what we already knew, there ain't nothin' that's going to change the minds of those who voted for him. EVERYTHING that he says is a lie or deflection. His cabinet choices have been something much worse than a simple abomination: they're dangerous and destructive. This was not an election of qualifications (he has less than none), dignity or character; this was a giant middle finger from the non-intellectual working class—which is tired of hearing about the rights of women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ community, and has been taught to disbelieve in global warming and the value of science—to the liberal intellectual elites. Period. There's no cure for that. But I applaud the Times for its efforts, even though they fall on deaf ears. The alternative—lying down and rolling over for a dictator—is worse.
6
Yesterday's performance by Trump was a deplorable performance, props and all. Trump was as presidential as he will ever be--which is to say never.
Americans are going to have to show what they are made of over the next four years. We're going to need to call up the courage the early settlers had, and move away from our passive ingestion of TV news and take action every single time Trump et alia makes a move to destroy American institutions and departments that keep this country civilized. We will need to call our Congressmen, and gather together to express our resistance. The next four years are going to be difficult, but if we resolve to act together, maybe we can prevent catastrophe.
Americans are going to have to show what they are made of over the next four years. We're going to need to call up the courage the early settlers had, and move away from our passive ingestion of TV news and take action every single time Trump et alia makes a move to destroy American institutions and departments that keep this country civilized. We will need to call our Congressmen, and gather together to express our resistance. The next four years are going to be difficult, but if we resolve to act together, maybe we can prevent catastrophe.
7
We should judge Trump by his actions, never his words or those spoken by his agents, employees or relatives. He hasn't released his taxes and that is focus point one for the media to pursue relentlessly. His suggested ideas around having an "ethics advisor", being employed by the Trump companies is absolutely absurd. His refusal to sell off his holdings and put the proceeds into a blind trust is a constitutional issue and should be treated as such. In my opinion, it is grounds for impeachment. No one may violate the constitution or is above the law including Trump. He knew, or his lawyers certainly know that as President of U.S., there are certain obligations of the office and this one is spelled out in the constitution. This the media should focus on as well because if we, the people, accept this violation of our constitution then we become a "banana republic" in fact. I am not willing to accept evasion of law and willful violation of it because someone who ran for the office and was elected finds it inconvenient to adhere to constitutional principles in place since our nations founding. We are either a nation of laws or we are not. Count me in for standing up for our constitution and avoiding the path to tyranny and cronyism of the highest order.
5
His "Me Conference "was a circus.
It did nothing to allay well justified fears about the consequences of his style and lies.
For example his ridiculous comment about repealing the ACA and simultaneously introducing its replacement.
Then his blind love for Putin , he does not accept that the attack on our democracy need to be punished with additional sanctions.
Incidentally President Obama did not tolerate and did not hesitate to critizize Putins human rights record yet during his 8 years he did find common ground with Putin on Iran and nuclear disarmament
Yes Trump by all means work with Putin but never in the process sacrifice our values and democracy
We are going to look back on Trumps 4 years as a period of total confusion and at the end of it the lives of those in our poorest counties will not be better
It did nothing to allay well justified fears about the consequences of his style and lies.
For example his ridiculous comment about repealing the ACA and simultaneously introducing its replacement.
Then his blind love for Putin , he does not accept that the attack on our democracy need to be punished with additional sanctions.
Incidentally President Obama did not tolerate and did not hesitate to critizize Putins human rights record yet during his 8 years he did find common ground with Putin on Iran and nuclear disarmament
Yes Trump by all means work with Putin but never in the process sacrifice our values and democracy
We are going to look back on Trumps 4 years as a period of total confusion and at the end of it the lives of those in our poorest counties will not be better
1
The press needs to band together to stop this bully in his tracks, at least at press conferences. If he refuses to answer a reporter's question, no other member of the press corps should ask one. When called upon, the next reporter should simply say he concedes the floor to the reporter from publication X, whose question was unanswered. And so on down the line. The point of every story about Trump cannot be his obnoxious behavior -- it has to be about the people he wants to appoint, the policies he wants to progress, or the conflicts of interest that might exist. Enough about his petulant and vulgar behavior and treatment of the press. Enough about the idiotic tweets, complete with their misspellings and grammatical errors. We all know more than enough about this guy's character. The press should be forcing him to either speak on substantive issues, or, as I suspect is the case, demonstrate to all that his knowledge and vision is non-existent and that all he has is shallow showmanship and grade-school level insults.
11
Totally agree with you, Anne! If media got together, in solidarity like that, it would be a game-changer, in every sense of the word. The press would be free again. And he'd be forced to stop his controlling games, or he'd be totally out. (Maybe he could go for much-needed therapy then.)
The Donald is the Donald, is the Donald. Those who looked for some miraculous transformation post election were running on the bemusing fumes of extreme fantasy.
Despite the buffoonery, manic bravado, and stentorian deflection, the President of the United States to (very shortly) be is, and will remain extraordinarily politically and legally vulnerable in myriad ways.
The dark shadow of impeachment will certainly be his constant burden, and that will surely create huge liabilities for the exercise of effective federal governance. AS a result, the biggest losers will certainly be the American people.
If there is any saving grace here it may well be that President Trump becomes an agent of profound change in a sense that has yet to be generally acknowledged:
Not by making America great again, but by forcing an undeniable and broadly accepted recognition of and genuine commitment to reform our deeply fractured and corrupted political process and culture.
Despite the buffoonery, manic bravado, and stentorian deflection, the President of the United States to (very shortly) be is, and will remain extraordinarily politically and legally vulnerable in myriad ways.
The dark shadow of impeachment will certainly be his constant burden, and that will surely create huge liabilities for the exercise of effective federal governance. AS a result, the biggest losers will certainly be the American people.
If there is any saving grace here it may well be that President Trump becomes an agent of profound change in a sense that has yet to be generally acknowledged:
Not by making America great again, but by forcing an undeniable and broadly accepted recognition of and genuine commitment to reform our deeply fractured and corrupted political process and culture.
7
The only question of real substance that was asked Trump refused to answer. A reporter asked if he would unequivocally state that his campaign had no ongoing communications with the Russians.
There was a reason he didn't answer the question, folks. Believe me.
This show and tell, complete with props - manila folders filled with papers, fell on its face. As a WSJ later commented on CNN, she'd heard many of these Trump lines a "gazillion" times.
This was simply a version of a Trump campaign stop.
His lack of understanding of how legislation, namely a replacement for the ACA, gets proposed, negotiated, and passed, was jaw dropping.
His continued braying about how Mexico was going to pay for a wall - nonsensical.
His attack on CNN because they chose to report the existence of the Steele memos - personally vindictive.
But hey, this is Trump. It's who and what he is. The good citizens of the United States are about to get the government they deserve. And it ain't gonna be pretty.
And guess who the ultimate fall guy is going to be in all of this? Them.
Would that it were not so.
There was a reason he didn't answer the question, folks. Believe me.
This show and tell, complete with props - manila folders filled with papers, fell on its face. As a WSJ later commented on CNN, she'd heard many of these Trump lines a "gazillion" times.
This was simply a version of a Trump campaign stop.
His lack of understanding of how legislation, namely a replacement for the ACA, gets proposed, negotiated, and passed, was jaw dropping.
His continued braying about how Mexico was going to pay for a wall - nonsensical.
His attack on CNN because they chose to report the existence of the Steele memos - personally vindictive.
But hey, this is Trump. It's who and what he is. The good citizens of the United States are about to get the government they deserve. And it ain't gonna be pretty.
And guess who the ultimate fall guy is going to be in all of this? Them.
Would that it were not so.
11
" The good citizens of the United States are about to get the government they deserve."
No, the "good citizens" are going to get Trump -- something they do not deserve. I am saddened by the ignorance of the citizens who cannot see through his cons.
No, the "good citizens" are going to get Trump -- something they do not deserve. I am saddened by the ignorance of the citizens who cannot see through his cons.
Mr. Trump claims that no one but reporters are interested in his tax returns. Wrong. I am an ordinary citizen and a voter and I am greatly concerned about what he may be hiding through years of business machinations. I believe countless million of my fellow citizens also care.
I also recognize that many citizens don't care. Yet, it amazes me that the same people who were so frenzied about the Clinton Foundation's (not for profit and largely publicly disclosed) ability to serve as a conduit to a US Secretary of State act as if they don't seem to give a hoot about the Trump Organization's (for profit and hidden from the public) ability to serve as a conduit to a US President.
The public deserves full information about a President's financial entanglements and our "representatives" in Congress should mandate disclosure of them. How else can anyone evaluate whether, at the very least, the emoluments clause of our Constitution is complied with? Surely, Congress still cares about that document.
My guess is that, since Mr. Trump seems loathe to do anything that isn't explicitly mandated by a law, we might only see his tax returns once they show he actually has made billions, even if that is at the public's expense.
I also recognize that many citizens don't care. Yet, it amazes me that the same people who were so frenzied about the Clinton Foundation's (not for profit and largely publicly disclosed) ability to serve as a conduit to a US Secretary of State act as if they don't seem to give a hoot about the Trump Organization's (for profit and hidden from the public) ability to serve as a conduit to a US President.
The public deserves full information about a President's financial entanglements and our "representatives" in Congress should mandate disclosure of them. How else can anyone evaluate whether, at the very least, the emoluments clause of our Constitution is complied with? Surely, Congress still cares about that document.
My guess is that, since Mr. Trump seems loathe to do anything that isn't explicitly mandated by a law, we might only see his tax returns once they show he actually has made billions, even if that is at the public's expense.
6
All this angst and he isn't even sworn in yet. The next few years are going to be tough and we have to remain vigilant. There will be many many lawsuits from what I'm thinking (as well there should be); sort of like GW Bush admin. when they acted first and then said "so sue" before stopping only because of court order (which is another reason that the Dems must continue the current status quo of 8 on the Supreme Court bench -- the Repubs have already shown by the resistance to replacing Scalia during the Obama administration that the country won't descend into chaos without a 9th justice). So much wrong with the incoming person who will never be my president.
2
With any luck, one of the many smoking guns littering Trump's past and present will end this national catastrophy well before he ruins too many American lives. As for people who want look past the mountains of evidence—or worse, somehow see all of Trump's lies it as a sign that our next president is going to change the ways of Washington—I have no hope that they will come to their senses any time soon. The only (small) solace I can find: far more people voted against Trump—and Senate Republicans—that voted for them. Now it is our job to organize and rescue this nation before it is too late.
6
I was wrong. Trump really is that shallow and stupid, with the vocabulary of a five year-old.
President? Yeah, right.
President? Yeah, right.
15
He is the President of the United States. He really is. He represents all of us to the rest of the World. He commands the most powerful military in human history. He is the tail that wags the majorities in the House and the Senate.
And as a country we put him there. It's a sobering thought.
And as a country we put him there. It's a sobering thought.
1
Trump's biggest mistake has been to insult the intelligence community. They alone will take him down.
13
Especially after he compared them to Nazis !! I hope all the decades long dedicated intelligence officers and employees take him down. He insults and degrades everyone in his path.
This is only the beginning of his sad but warranted demise.
This is only the beginning of his sad but warranted demise.
Trump is an asset, all right. He's an asset of Russian intelligence.
10
You had to wonder if Donald Trump had not practiced all his finger pointing, his voice, his pinpointing of one single reporter, his staffers clapping at appropriate times. It was so rehearsed. The folders piled for what? No one could see them, so why were they there. They could have had the phone book torn up in sheets. What is Donald Trump afraid of? He hides behind KellyAnne. He throws out comments about being a germaphobe which instantly gave me visions of Howard Hughes, another unapproachable germaphobe. Basically, I think that is it. Easy to brag in front of rallies, easy to promise anything, easy to lie, but if you get caught, pretty scary. Going on the attack and regurgitating campaign issues like Hilary etc. are so much easier than given answers to something you are afraid of.
13
Do not believe for one second that the media is the only interested party in Trump's tax returns.... and continue to push to have these released to the public! Given the uncommon business holdings, it has never been more important for America to understand where our chief executive's income and debts are.
9
This press conference was utterly unbelievable. Small and petty at every level. A reality show. This was someone who got a captive audience and was trying to impress them and tell them how "fantastic" he is. It is very cute and adorable with 4-6 year olds.
A few notable moments:
- he will not let the people in the states that elected him (!) loose their jobs
- he said that after 8 years (!) he will turn to see how his sons did with his businesses
- he will make big pharma agree to negotiate drug prices
Never mind that there was NO mention of any foreign policy issues. None. Zero. Nothing about the ME overall, Syria, ISIS, or nuclear weapons proliferation.
Vladimir will run circles around him, and when the inevitable break-down in relations happens, Putin will make a fool of a sitting US president with whatever dirt he has gathered.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, congress is left alone to destroy it all in a great conflagration, while we are busy with the theatrics of a pre-schooler.
At least SNL will be there to provide some laughter amid the chaos we are about to enter.
A few notable moments:
- he will not let the people in the states that elected him (!) loose their jobs
- he said that after 8 years (!) he will turn to see how his sons did with his businesses
- he will make big pharma agree to negotiate drug prices
Never mind that there was NO mention of any foreign policy issues. None. Zero. Nothing about the ME overall, Syria, ISIS, or nuclear weapons proliferation.
Vladimir will run circles around him, and when the inevitable break-down in relations happens, Putin will make a fool of a sitting US president with whatever dirt he has gathered.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, congress is left alone to destroy it all in a great conflagration, while we are busy with the theatrics of a pre-schooler.
At least SNL will be there to provide some laughter amid the chaos we are about to enter.
16
So he's going to turn press conferences into a circus too? Applause from the planted people? Does anyone wonder how the historians will record this clown act?
6
*Connect the dots! Trump's unresolved conflicts of interest and related national security issues remain imminent, grave threats to turn American democracy into a Russian kleptocracy!*
The Jan. 11 Trump plan fails to meet ethics standards of the Office of Government Ethics:
https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/Congressional%20Correspondence/092B59EFD...$FILE/Carper%20response.pdf?open
1/11 Trump’s non-solution to his conflicts of interest and emoluments problems https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2017/01/11/trumps-non...
1/11 Trump Conflict Plan Woefully Inadequate
http://www.commoncause.org/press/press-releases/trump-conflict-plan-woef...
The 12/16 document "The Emoluments Clause: Its Text, Meaning, And Application to Donald J. Trump" by Eisen, Painter, and Tribe is at http://www.commoncause.org/democracy-wire/trump-conflicts-of-interest-ma...
The Jan. 11 Trump plan fails to meet ethics standards of the Office of Government Ethics:
https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/Congressional%20Correspondence/092B59EFD...$FILE/Carper%20response.pdf?open
1/11 Trump’s non-solution to his conflicts of interest and emoluments problems https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2017/01/11/trumps-non...
1/11 Trump Conflict Plan Woefully Inadequate
http://www.commoncause.org/press/press-releases/trump-conflict-plan-woef...
The 12/16 document "The Emoluments Clause: Its Text, Meaning, And Application to Donald J. Trump" by Eisen, Painter, and Tribe is at http://www.commoncause.org/democracy-wire/trump-conflicts-of-interest-ma...
7
Trump's press conference reminded me of a Dog and Pony show. Or, a circus sideshow where he's the barker.
3
Trump has become a complete freak show. I cheered, out loud, when CNN's reporter Jim Acosta refused to back down and kept after Trump. Finally, someone in the media willing to take him on. Trump's combative response, which Trump must believe makes him look tough and strong, only made Trump look like a pathetic bully. It is simply the most staggeringly unpresidential, undignified response and press conference I've ever seen from a president. We need much, much more of Acosta's kind of refusal to back down in the face of Trump's ridiculous intimidation.
Hey, media folk: a reminder that bullies are always cowards at heart. Conway asked us to look into Trump's heart, and you might as well, to see the quivering mass of adolescent boy, who must use intimidation, harassment and thuggery to handle pretty much anything. I don't see how Trump can deal with the job on any level-- he keeps showing us he falls apart and literally flails his ugly, cowardly heart at the slightest perceived threat. He can't keep himself together.
It is horrifying, embarrassing, and infuriating to imagine this freak show continuing.
Hey, media folk: a reminder that bullies are always cowards at heart. Conway asked us to look into Trump's heart, and you might as well, to see the quivering mass of adolescent boy, who must use intimidation, harassment and thuggery to handle pretty much anything. I don't see how Trump can deal with the job on any level-- he keeps showing us he falls apart and literally flails his ugly, cowardly heart at the slightest perceived threat. He can't keep himself together.
It is horrifying, embarrassing, and infuriating to imagine this freak show continuing.
15
Let's go bacak a little, Do you remember the year 2006?
What is called worst year of GW Bush presidency?
Iraq war literally run down his presidency and crisis one way or another couldn't be averted, Father sent Baker to fix things at least last 2 years can be breathable.
Think that months, American public was literally worn out of Iraq quagmire and word no light in sight was the most common phrase in everybody's mouth.
Trump hasn't started his term, I am already there. Literally worn out, burn out and feeling How can I get through 4 years.
I cannot see any other way I must take Samantha Bee, john Oliver and Bill Maher fatal dose, I am not still sure I can get through this.
What is called worst year of GW Bush presidency?
Iraq war literally run down his presidency and crisis one way or another couldn't be averted, Father sent Baker to fix things at least last 2 years can be breathable.
Think that months, American public was literally worn out of Iraq quagmire and word no light in sight was the most common phrase in everybody's mouth.
Trump hasn't started his term, I am already there. Literally worn out, burn out and feeling How can I get through 4 years.
I cannot see any other way I must take Samantha Bee, john Oliver and Bill Maher fatal dose, I am not still sure I can get through this.
6
I'm not sure the nation can tolerate four years of this nonsense.
85
Hopefully, he will self-destruct in much less than 4 years.
I'm quite sure it can't.
Since his election thousands of ex EMC employees were laid off by the leveraged buyout company Dell and its partner Silver Lake. Come on Donald here's your chance to show us that you can save thousands of highly skilled very well paid technical jobs. Probably doesn't even know what EMC or Dell do.
33
Time for an independent investigation of Trump and his team's ties to Russia - no matter your side or view, if you love this country, that is something you should want to know. Or would you prefer to have as president a guy owned by our biggest rival, if not outright enemy?
69
Yes. Why don't the few Democratic senators left who aren't thoroughly intimidated by the rest of the bullies in D.C. form an investigative committee? Now. C'mon Bernie and Elizabeth. Get busy.
As a polish official just pointed out on bbc news, trump continually criticizes American and foreign leaders, yet has nothing bad to say about Putin, which is suspicious.
Huh, for 8 years we heard Russia wasn't our enemy? Now they are? What gives? The 1980's called they want there foreign policy back? How quick you forget or just don't care because it's politics.
Comrade Trump's ties to the Soviet block are even more extensive. His first wife Ivana Zelníčková was born in communist Czechoslovakia. His third wife Melanija Knavs in the Socialist Republic of Slovenia. While neither woman has shown any concern about the poor, the National Enquirer and Alt-Right sites would have had a field day if Hillary similar Soviet connections. But then they are in the tank for the Donald.
45
Should we hold hearings in the senate now on "un-american activities"? Or better yet lets round up all the people born behind the Iron Curtain. For 8 years this administration said Russia wasn't an enemy but now they are?
"When I meet with intelligence..."
Now, wouldn't that be something.
Now, wouldn't that be something.
64
To make clear that he will have no conflict of interest, Trump is turning over his business to his sons. Of course if they are so stupid as to not make the Trump brand a pile of money while he is President, he said he would fire them.
That's how independent the business will be of him!
That's how independent the business will be of him!
44
As Al Jolsen used to say during his performances: "You ain't seen nothin' yet, folks." With Donald Trump, there is nothing more: we've seen it all -- and it's all bad. The saddest part of all this was that when he was running during the Republican primaries, it was Trump running against the entire Republican establishment. Now that he's won the presidency, the Republican establishment is complicit in supporting and encouraging the worst in him. Which was totally predictable: he is the embodiment of every indecent, unfair, xenophobic, racist and misogynist trait ever possessed by a single political party in the this country's history.
62
Trump, as his Republicans supporters in Congrees, is vile to the utmost degree. Those poor lumpen proletarians who voted for him will soon suffer the consequences if Obamacare is repealed.
I'm sure the citizens of Mexico, whom Trump claims to dearly loves, are happy to know that Trump is generating is preparing an IOU for payment of the wall, even though their government clearly stated that not going to happen. Trump sounds like a mobster shaking down a storefront,
I though one of his better insults was the comment that Lindsey Graham hasn't quite reached the 1% mark. Meaning I take it that Graham is in the bottom 99 with the rest of us peasants.
The sooner Kellyanne Conway and Jared Kushner take over the more substantial presidential responsibilities, the better. We'll still be left with cake when we are hungry, but without the bragg-bable-bully-fibs.
And please, you in the media, don't ever plead for another news conference
I though one of his better insults was the comment that Lindsey Graham hasn't quite reached the 1% mark. Meaning I take it that Graham is in the bottom 99 with the rest of us peasants.
The sooner Kellyanne Conway and Jared Kushner take over the more substantial presidential responsibilities, the better. We'll still be left with cake when we are hungry, but without the bragg-bable-bully-fibs.
And please, you in the media, don't ever plead for another news conference
17
Sherm, trump's head is still in the republican primary. The 1% referred to Graham's poll numbers.
Appalling beyond words, a nightmare come to life. I think we need to be terrified.
60
I passed terrified awhile ago.
1
I couldn't make it through the entire spectacle today, quitting soon after the CNN "Don't be rude" admonishment from the Rudest Man in the World. Once again, he believes that if he denies something loudly and persistently enough, the truth will take a back seat to him. His deflections and denials are legendary. I wonder what it is like to live in that shell of deception called his life? My head hurts at the thought of his distorted fantasies and darting, short-lived focus, like a world of fun-house mirrors. Please, please, please let there be enough Republicans in Congress of sound mind and solid spine to stand up to the vanities of this sorry excuse for a president. They are our only hope. (Never thought I'd say that!)
53
The Republicans are akin to the dogs feeding on scraps that fall from the king's table. They lack the self-respect and the courage to poison the king's cup in order to save the kingdom.
The spectacle was so awful that words alone can't capture it. Presidential temperament gone with the wind.
Imagine what the outside world must think of American "judgment," empowering Mr. Congeniality?
Mr. Trump better have lawyer beside him 24/7 before he answers any question or tweets, his conflicts of interests already spiraling out of control.
If we had a parliamentary system, Trump would have already lost a "vote of confidence" post-election; we would have already proclaimed, "You're fired!"
Imagine what the outside world must think of American "judgment," empowering Mr. Congeniality?
Mr. Trump better have lawyer beside him 24/7 before he answers any question or tweets, his conflicts of interests already spiraling out of control.
If we had a parliamentary system, Trump would have already lost a "vote of confidence" post-election; we would have already proclaimed, "You're fired!"
31
I don't think the word "ethics" is contained in Trump's vocabulary; he certainly doesn't get that something can be legal, but not ethical.
Given that without tax returns we have no true idea of Trump's financial status, we have no idea of how motivated he may be to use his office to save his financial skin. I can't believe a truly wealthy man would involve himself in the tawdry fraudulence of Trump University. You have this "amazing company"; why use the hard sell to squeeze a paltry few dollars (by billionaire standards) from your desperate "students"?
There is a kind of flagrant reflexive immorality in Trump that isn't at all hard to see. But lots of people are comfortable ignoring it. Sad.
Given that without tax returns we have no true idea of Trump's financial status, we have no idea of how motivated he may be to use his office to save his financial skin. I can't believe a truly wealthy man would involve himself in the tawdry fraudulence of Trump University. You have this "amazing company"; why use the hard sell to squeeze a paltry few dollars (by billionaire standards) from your desperate "students"?
There is a kind of flagrant reflexive immorality in Trump that isn't at all hard to see. But lots of people are comfortable ignoring it. Sad.
34
As a citizen, I want to see Mr Trump's tax returns.
Just like he promised.
Just like he promised.
55
I can't keep the thoughts of The Hunger Games from my mind. Mr. Trump is beyond comprehension. How did this happen?
24
Read the article in today's Times about the Iowans. That's how it happened.
He seems to think he deserves praise for turning down a deal in Dubai (at least for now). What the heck is he doing talking about a deal 10 days away from the inauguration in the first place? Isn't he supposed to be tending to the people's business? And he basically said at the end that he expects the company to be doing even better when he leaves office, so he's clearly not disinterested in how it fares while he's in office. If I had had a conflict of interest like this when I worked for a financial services company or a newspaper, I would have been fired.
38
He doesn't tweet. He twits.
15
America, through the electoral college and some help from Putin and Comey, has made its bed. Now we must lie in it. I fervently hope there will be a day when we are able to arise from it. Not feeling optimistic. Scary.
26
He won. I get it. But every single word he utters is proof of his incompetence. Anyone who thinks that he is ever going to become "presidential" is either delusion or an unbridled optimist. He never has any idea what he is talking about and he doesn't care. It is useless trying to parse what he says about anything. Even he doesn't know what he means. Every article written about him, every analysis of what he says or does, and any consideration of his performance must be premised from the understanding that he is an unrepentant liar, mentally challenged, and incapable of analyzing any issue or making any decision without considering whether it flatters his ego. That's not to say that the media shouldn't continue to investigate and report the facts, they should - we need it now more than ever - but in reporting the facts and in attempts to understand his statements it must be acknowledged or at least understood that the man is cray-cray.
56
If this were not so deadly serious, I would chuckle and say he's coo-coo for cocoa puffs. But it is serious. The man cannot express a coherent thought. He has, if I interpreting him correctly, called the presidency "a nice thing to have." What? It is the most powerful position on the planet and he holds for the benefit of the American people.
22
He meant no laws about conflict of interest applying to the president that apply to other government officials is a nice thing to have. Integrity is also a nice thing to have but we're out of luck there.
"I have no dealings with Russia" ... what about Russians. The people in Dubai aren't stupid they know that offering a deal he can't accept will curry favor and feed that world class ego.
14
Our expectations of a humbled Trump may be misled. Trump is an oligarch. Perhaps the incredible truth is that the US Presidency is a demotion for him. After all, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Dictators, all work for Oligarchs, not the other way around. In some ways he might have less power now that he did before. He certainly has less wealth (unless he totally skirts the conflict-of-interest rules). America, meet your first oligarch president.
18
Why didn't a reporter ask him why we shouldn't believe the report on his salacious activity in Russia inasmuch as we know, from his own taped voice, his compulsion to grab women's genitals and sexually assault them? Could he answer that please?
22
The media seems to constantly fail on follow-up questioning.
Too bad they are all so afraid of the sicko about to be president.
Too bad they are all so afraid of the sicko about to be president.
One wonders how many of Trumpty's cabinet picks realize the pounding their reputations are taking for standing up, front-and-center, with this dreadful president-elect.
Did they jump in the rabbit hole possessed of some sort of warped confidence that the alliance will advance their political careers? If so, how dreadfully wrong they are, for every one of these pathetic cling-ons will one day fade, along with their fearless leader, into that part of the brain where bad memories get purged.
Did they jump in the rabbit hole possessed of some sort of warped confidence that the alliance will advance their political careers? If so, how dreadfully wrong they are, for every one of these pathetic cling-ons will one day fade, along with their fearless leader, into that part of the brain where bad memories get purged.
22
I watched the reality show news conference this morning and then all day fixated on those file folders stacked up on the table. To me, they're a symbol. For all we know, those files could contain Chinese take-out restaurant menus. They represent the con, the smoke and mirrors performances we get from our next President. It's crazy making, as our eyes and ears are taking it all in and then we're told that we didn't see and hear what we know we did! Kellyanne pivots and spins and all the talking heads thank her for coming and invite her back again. This woman LIES. To our faces. Donald lies so much he can't keep track of all the lies. We're expected to believe that he won't talk to his sons about business. For four years! How can anyone stay up-to-date on current events and keep their blood pressure in check at the same time? I hate to say it, but my husband had a good (if not original) idea. "Let's move to Canada." Make America great again. What a farce.
413
The minute they started piling the folders and manila envelopes on the table, I realized we were in for kabuki theater. The applause we heard from his lackeys only corroborated this was not a press conference but a bizarre and intentionally stated spectacle. To hear journalists attempt to deconstruct D.T.'s incoherent responses as if they were deep, introspective, truthful, and important pronouncements is truly pathetic.
1
I'm already feeling the physical and emotional effects of a Trump presidency and he hasn't even taken office yet. I've prided myself on being as informed as I can about issues on both "sides of the aisle". But I'm seriously thinking I need to turn off all forms of news (sorry NY Times) and ignore current issues and events just to stay sane and healthy. Knowing about the insanity that is coming will only burden me. I'm so sad about what is happening in America but its also out of my control so I think I just need to start focusing on things I do have control over in my day to day life. Hold on, America! It's gonna be a very bumpy ride!
1
The table full of folders (no doubt personally autographed by trump himself!) reminded me of the single empty folder on the table in front of him when he paraded the Bill Clinton accusers for a news conference before a debate with Hillary (of whom he must be terrified and threatened by the way he keeps bringing her up again and again). No matter how numerous and important he tried to portray them, they were still really very empty when it comes to the ethics of his business dealings.
After watching the gracious concession of Hillary and the heartfelt and thoughtful farewell address by President Obama, my heart sank at the totally ungracious "winner's" first fake press conference. It was like a tour of an insane asylum by its craziest occupant.
Despite the superlatives hurled around about himself and the (to him) necessary denigrations of Hillary, the Democrats, the intelligence community and the real press, I somehow have some reservations about this idiot-elect.
After watching the gracious concession of Hillary and the heartfelt and thoughtful farewell address by President Obama, my heart sank at the totally ungracious "winner's" first fake press conference. It was like a tour of an insane asylum by its craziest occupant.
Despite the superlatives hurled around about himself and the (to him) necessary denigrations of Hillary, the Democrats, the intelligence community and the real press, I somehow have some reservations about this idiot-elect.
1
We must find a way to impeach!
56
What good will that do? Pence and Ryan are even worse than he is.
Yes. It is our only hope, Mark.
In one interview I heard the Buchanan was the worst president in US history.
Will that fact stand next 4 years?
I am sure it will not.
Will that fact stand next 4 years?
I am sure it will not.
17
Trump is a man of class.. In 8 days, America will be made GREAT again..
4
What kind of class? We are all people of class. The question is of quality.
That's right. We will be an outstanding vassal state to Russia. Make Russia Great Again.
“I will be the greatest jobs producer that God ever created.”
God has a wicked sense of humor.
God has a wicked sense of humor.
14
Trump has no connection to reality. He appears to think it is a reality TV show and, of course, they aren't real. Except that somehow in Trump's mind they are real.
This man is about to be handed the capability of destroying the planet.
This man is about to be handed the capability of destroying the planet.
24
When Tom Price's health plan that will make healthcare unaffordable for middle and lower class people and those with preexisting conditions gets implemented, are we supposed to feel badly for them, many of them who voted for this, are we supposed to feel badly for them? No. I won't. I'll keep my sympathy for those who voted against him.
13
The GOP "replacement" plan will need Democratic votes to pass. Don't hold your breath.
It's like a Saturday Night Live skit...except it's real. Truth really is stranger than fiction. Especially if it involves the pompous president-elect. Rememer, he's not my president Trump voters-he's all yours.
15
All the the press has to do is follow the money. Trump cares about one thing and that is his business and making money. Since he isn’t putting his assets into a blind trust, all his decisions should be looked at benefiting the Trump brand.
So, follow the money and see where it leads. Get in the weeds, look for the seeds of Donny T’s misdeeds.
So, follow the money and see where it leads. Get in the weeds, look for the seeds of Donny T’s misdeeds.
17
A few days ago, in response to an anti-Trump post I placed on Facebook, I heard from an old classmate I have not seen since we graduated high school more than 45 years ago. His comment: "It will be fun keeping track of the big show about to unfold, his biggest ever! I'm really going to enjoy the next four years of political theatrics." This is the problem. Politics for so many has just become entertainment, and in their minds, the biggest entertainer deserves to be president. How on earth do we change this terrifying perspective?
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I too have heard from people who are entertained by this fulfillment of Alexander Hamilton's worst fears and I wonder at it. It is disturbing. To give these high and mighty people the benefit of the doubt, maybe this is just a defense mechanism, like denial. Or are they unable to tell the difference between theater and reality, or are they just devoid of any decency? This is dangerous for all the rest of us. On an individual personal level I challenge this. On a national level, it is the media that entertains. If our journalists and news providers don't get out of the entertainment business right now we're going to throw away what is left of our democracy. A lot of pain and suffering and tragedy is coming soon. Maybe the 1% will be entertained, not me.
Within the first month of being president, Trump will show that he is thumbing his nose at the people of America! There will be some brilliant and proficient minds that will figure ways to nullify or neutralize The Rump! He is allowing Republicans to put the hangman's noose around their necks, both individually and as a Party and by mid term, 2018, we the people will rectify the mistake made in 2016.
How do you begin to encourage Trump's "True Believers" that they've been conned by this guy when first of all they see nothing wrong with his blatant lies, evasions and empty promises (now "we" have to pay for the wall). What's even worse, they only thing they care about is that Donald Trump was elected. The self destruct button was pushed.
The essence of the imposter archetype in comic theatre can be seen by absurd hand gestures, grotesque facial ticks, ridiculous hair, and inane bluster. Trump, timeless in his repulsive vanity, is quite perfect for Moliere or Ionesco. That this obscene spectacle, witnessed today, holds our nation hostage plunging into dire tragedy.
27
Did you notice Trump's family there? Why?
Linus had a security blanket. Trump has his family. This is why Kushner is being pushed to be an advisor. Trump can only survive with his security blanket nearby.
Trump really cannot do this job. He is too exposed. He can only exist in a very tightly controlled environment, where he has substantial control. Trump is way over his head because he cannot fake and control the United States. Don't think Putin and others have not figured this out. They know. They know how to size people up. Trump is a man baby who will hide behind his kids, bluster, Kelley Conway, stacks of folders, or any prop he can find. He is not the real thing. Our leader is a baby who needs his family to provide a shield for him. The Trump's have gone outside they're little crib in Manhattan and they are going to get lost. This is going to end as badly as it is beginning.
Linus had a security blanket. Trump has his family. This is why Kushner is being pushed to be an advisor. Trump can only survive with his security blanket nearby.
Trump really cannot do this job. He is too exposed. He can only exist in a very tightly controlled environment, where he has substantial control. Trump is way over his head because he cannot fake and control the United States. Don't think Putin and others have not figured this out. They know. They know how to size people up. Trump is a man baby who will hide behind his kids, bluster, Kelley Conway, stacks of folders, or any prop he can find. He is not the real thing. Our leader is a baby who needs his family to provide a shield for him. The Trump's have gone outside they're little crib in Manhattan and they are going to get lost. This is going to end as badly as it is beginning.
59
Watching Obama's farewell last night and Trump's spectacle today, it was as if Goofus and Gallant had come to life...
17
Re: “I will be the greatest jobs producer that God ever created.”
Don't drag ME into this!—God
Don't drag ME into this!—God
29
Such a nasty President-elect. Sad.
31
I wish I never heard him talk about himself in the third person, as he did today. I wish I never heard him talk about the $2 billion "offer". I wish I never heard him yell "fake news" at a good reporter while one of his advisors works for fake news central, Breitbart. I wish I never heard any of it because it scares me. I am scared for the welfare of my family, my community and my country and I have no idea what to do about it. Worse yet, I have no confidence that those who have the power to check this behavior will have the courage to do so.
54
It gets "curiouser and curiouser".
Comrade Trump is on a collision course with destiny. There is certainly a kernel of truth in the IC dossier, and the many allegations therein will engender outrage in the folks still sane in America. What should scare the daylights out of us is a majority of his supporters couldn't care less where he's taking us. They appreciate his braggadocio and his "standing up" to the "corrupt" press.
This is the Comrade Trump reality show, choreographed by Bannon and delivered daily by Spicer, his minister of propaganda and lap dog
Kellyanne.
Personally I look forward to his perp walk,preceded by him sitting in the Trump Tower elevator exhorting Bannon to "pray with me."
Comrade Trump is on a collision course with destiny. There is certainly a kernel of truth in the IC dossier, and the many allegations therein will engender outrage in the folks still sane in America. What should scare the daylights out of us is a majority of his supporters couldn't care less where he's taking us. They appreciate his braggadocio and his "standing up" to the "corrupt" press.
This is the Comrade Trump reality show, choreographed by Bannon and delivered daily by Spicer, his minister of propaganda and lap dog
Kellyanne.
Personally I look forward to his perp walk,preceded by him sitting in the Trump Tower elevator exhorting Bannon to "pray with me."
14
Nicolle Wallace said she, as a pundit was in "the real world", Ohio and Erie, PA this past weekend. She observed that those Trump voters did not care about the Russia, Putin or Tillerson issues. They do not care at all about Trump's business conflicts. My question is: At what point would they care? How far does Trump have to go? I think that they are so absolutely ecstatic that the president is no longer black, he can do anything, anything he wants. So very, very dumb.
32
The next time he berates a member of the press like that again, the other press members need to boo him. What's he going to do? Pull your credentials? NO! Attention is his oxygen - he needs you more than you need him.
34
Or they could accomplish the same or better by being fully professional and just walking out. That would suck the air out of DJT's world.
You have to dumb down your viewing sensibilities when you watch Trump to understand why he is such a big hit in the rural areas of America. In a large geographical part of the country where Duck Dynasty and Hee Haw are considered great cultural shows, Trump hit that press conference right out of the park. Big generalized promises, bashing the press, showing outrage at a power base that is out to get him, Trump hit all the right notes. As educated and logical people huff and puffed at the spectacle, on the other side of the screen his ever growing and energized base cheered him on.
25
All calculated to distract attention away from his investments and how he will be merging them with the presidency! It is we who will be shafted. Those country folks will see the crooked and fraudulent person they elected, who will rob out country blind for the enrichment and edification of himself and his family.
This man is a dyed in the wool liar, and one of the cleverest con men to come along in quite a while. Too bad there are so many rubes among us, who are happy because they think somebody else is getting "hosed"--when they are too!
NYT and American journalism: keep on the Russian connection. If you can disprove these allegations, fine, but if there's something to them, we need to know.
NYT and American journalism: keep on the Russian connection. If you can disprove these allegations, fine, but if there's something to them, we need to know.
25
And the rubes include the Senate and the Congress. What an embarrassing spectacle coming out if D.C.
They used to call Trump's behavior "sophomoric"
4
Donald Trump is used to fighting, and winning, legal battles in the courts. This time his conflicts are with the American people and will be fought out in the court of public opinion.
5
It's as if we're trapped in some surreal alternate reality TV show. It is exhausting trying to apply logic to anything Trump says. People don't want to believe Trump is that bad because most people are decent and hope for the best. He knows that and take advantage at every opportunity.
13
This business about Trump hotel profits going to the US Treasury: Is this for real? Already heightened terrorist targets, Trump-branded properties around the world are now positioned as money-making entities for the United States government, adding to their vulnerability. As taxpayers are we in the hotel business now?
12
And if there are losses, do we have to pay?
PLEASE stay on him. Relentlessly and with vigor. The press is all we have, now...
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The act that got him into millions of living rooms, and was on the road last year. Yuuge ratings!
Hang on to your morals, decency and sanity. Then come back here and remind us all. I'll do the same.
Hang on to your morals, decency and sanity. Then come back here and remind us all. I'll do the same.
6
Yes, many lies, half-truth, exaggerations, serious evasions and sometimes poor understanding of the issues. All troubling issues. But Trump's tone and temperament during his first new conference is also a national embarrassment and danger. He was nasty, mocking and unhinged at times. This presser no doubt will continue to chip away at the respect and trust our nation maintains worldwide. We weren't the only ones watching.
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I have always had the upmost respect for the US. Many of my customers are in the US. They are great people!
It is impossible to watch this unfolding and not find your perception of the US as a country declining. It is easy to explain away differences in policy positions. It is OK that we see Health Care implemented differently for example.
But what is not OK and what is impacting outsiders perception is the manner in which leaders behave. "He was nasty, mocking and unhinged at times." I couldn't agree more! Leader of the Free World? I used to affirm POTUS in this way, but would fight that for the next four years at every opportunity.
It is impossible to watch this unfolding and not find your perception of the US as a country declining. It is easy to explain away differences in policy positions. It is OK that we see Health Care implemented differently for example.
But what is not OK and what is impacting outsiders perception is the manner in which leaders behave. "He was nasty, mocking and unhinged at times." I couldn't agree more! Leader of the Free World? I used to affirm POTUS in this way, but would fight that for the next four years at every opportunity.
It was nauseating and a surreal shift from Obama's speech the night before, but I persisted in watching, because I believe he means for us to turn away, give up, stop listening. And our democracy depends on our listening carefully, even though we know it's lies. Thank you NYT for covering it and holding him accountable for his words. NEVER let him or his minions tell you it doesn't matter what he says, or that he shouldn't be expected to explain when he changes his story.
19
Let's face it. The country "elected" a boor and a bully, though the "other" candidate got almost 3 million more votes than Trump.
The "show," as you called it, that Trump put on today is a continuation of the act that he put on during the campaign. Let's hope the country gets tired of the "show" soon and rejects his act.
Trump will never voluntarily give up his business interests or set up a blind trust. If the GOP lets Trump and some of his nominees get away with conflicts-of-interest, they'll pay a price. It is not a question of "if" but "when."
The "show," as you called it, that Trump put on today is a continuation of the act that he put on during the campaign. Let's hope the country gets tired of the "show" soon and rejects his act.
Trump will never voluntarily give up his business interests or set up a blind trust. If the GOP lets Trump and some of his nominees get away with conflicts-of-interest, they'll pay a price. It is not a question of "if" but "when."
12
Apparently his approval is at 37%. This performance probably didn't approve this number.
7
Really the long game here doesn't involve DT at all, or even Putin, but the legislators of our government and their greed for power. Not one of the senate or house leaders could win a national election, but right now they are are staring at all out power within a few months. There is no way the cynical McConnell is not happy to let Trump and his dirty cabinet picks slide into place, because he knows full well that his branch controls the levers to bring down a president. An egomaniac like DT couldn't possibly survive 4 years of moral, and ethical, and legal oversight by the senate, and as long as the republicans hold the senate, they can control who takes over next. No one likes Trump because he is unpredictable in the extreme, and so his days are numbered. A sense of overwhelming morality will arise in 1.5 years (before the next election cycle) and whatever scandalous tapes might exist will be released, DT will be impeached and the truly right-wing zealots will take power.
10
I think you are correct. It's a Pence world for the US. Theocracy on the horizon!
Trump thinks everything is negotiable. Conflicts of interest? Corruption? Nepotism? "Look, here are some hotel profits I'll give your nice country here. Now go away with your ethics, which are for other people anyway, and leave me and my lovely family to do America, I mean, to do what's right for America."
13
So, because I could not bear to watch this spectacle, did any reporter ask him point-blank about the fact that the IRS has said the "audit doesn't matter?" He is a simpleton, thus he must be asked simple questions that require simple answers. The latent tendency for modern reporters to ask long, complicated questions does not and will not work with him. Be like lawyers - always know the answer before you ask the question.
13
This is what we get when we elect a man whose adult life is better suited to reality tv than to the serious job of leading of country.
17
Trump rallied support for his eventual candidacy with the fake news he repeated ad nauseum on Fox and elsewhere that President Obama wasn't a real American. Now, as presumptive president elect, he shows the depth of his respect for the fourth estate whose patience he's already so abused by attempting to divide and conquer. Now we have the good press and the bad press according to Me. Journalists and editors worthy of their calling should hereafter avoid quoting Donald Trump on account of the fact that he's a proven liar. Better yet, since even his minions say what comes out of his mouth isn't what he really means to say, why muse over what he says at all? Focus on his doings and report on them, period. Everything else is down the rabbit hole obfuscation.
20
Leigh: I think you've got it! Media should TOGETHER stop reporting anything he says. He has a mental problem, he craves media attention, he is obsessed with controlling media attention. With no attention, his oxygen is cut off. He will expire.
1
I think we need to take Kelly Conway's assessment seriously--we can't believe anything that the DT says. So why have a press conference at all? Just another platform for a performer who has no grasp on reality.
21
How long until the majority of the county sees that this "Emperor" has no cloths, and treats him accordingly?
17
Mr. Trump "bragged that over the weekend he had been offered $2 billion 'to do a deal in Dubai,' adding, 'I didn’t have to turn it down, because as you know, I have a no-conflict situation because I’m president, which is — I didn’t know about that until about three months ago, but it’s a nice thing to have.'"
The foregoing, along with many other instances, indicates that Mr. Trump is psychopathologically incapable of seeing himself as others see him. How can one so oblivious to the perspectives of others possibly be psychologically fit to be the leader of the world's most powerful nation?
A similar question arises with reference to Mr. Trump's frequently false utterances. I know that many hold back from labeling Mr. Trump a liar since lying involves the intent to deceive. But if Mr. Trump persists in repeating falsehoods and these are unintentional, is he capable of intentionally stating a true state of affairs? How can he possibly be fit for office if his life is lived so unintentionally?
The foregoing, along with many other instances, indicates that Mr. Trump is psychopathologically incapable of seeing himself as others see him. How can one so oblivious to the perspectives of others possibly be psychologically fit to be the leader of the world's most powerful nation?
A similar question arises with reference to Mr. Trump's frequently false utterances. I know that many hold back from labeling Mr. Trump a liar since lying involves the intent to deceive. But if Mr. Trump persists in repeating falsehoods and these are unintentional, is he capable of intentionally stating a true state of affairs? How can he possibly be fit for office if his life is lived so unintentionally?
28
You are absolutely right. He is not fit. He is unstable. Millions of good decent Americans, & millions the world over, saw this clearly, 20 months ago. When (if) he becomes president, he will destroy the country.
I think you've gone too far. There is no right to be able to attend press conferences. Freedom of the press was to protect citizens who attempted to influence others by having pamphlets printed. In the 19th century, newspapers openly proclaimed their partisanship. There is no right for press organs to deceive the public by fraudulently claiming to be nonpartisan.
I don't expect that the press will be given more access to government buildings than any other citizens.
And the thing is, by printing rumors in the way you did, you justify his crackdown on you.
I don't expect that the press will be given more access to government buildings than any other citizens.
And the thing is, by printing rumors in the way you did, you justify his crackdown on you.
3
Please. Please inform yourself. And please use your imagination. You have NO idea what it'd be like to have a press which is not free to report, you have not stopped to imagine! Have you heard of Pravda? Means "truth" in Russian & is state-controlled so-called news. No truth except the leading autocrat's, to totally control the people. Same in China: strict control of the news, so that citizens do not know what's going on, in or out of their country. One of the first things a dictator does in a take-over is close down radio stations & news offices! People the world over literally give their lives to maintain a free press! And you, who were fortunate enough to live in a democracy (until now, maybe not much longer), you are so thoughtlessly critical of one of the elements of a free country, a free press, which oppressed people would give their lives for! This guy is trying to silence free & open reporting! For one thing, he is not mentally stable. For another: he's doing exactly what dictators do first, as they set up their dictatorship! And YOU are helping him?!
Trump's attempt at comparing the published memo to "Nazi Germany" tactics would have stood on its proverbial tip-toes just for the comparison. But when he stated, " Just like Nazi Germany did and does", I realized he had no awareness he was stating Germany is a Nazi led Nation. Was his present-tense use just to add largess to his sentiment- ? Or is he truly uneducated; not realizing 21st Century Germany isn't still under Nazi rule?