I thought he was going to show us how presidential he could be. Anyone else remember that? Right before he starts winning so much we get tired of winning.
7
For those not fluent in Republicanese, "alternative facts" in English means "lies."
9
trump spent 8 years using the media to delegitimize President Obama. Now he's whining like the weakling he is. Why the separate standard? President Obama set the precedent for presidential behavior. Come on, media. Do your job. Ask trump why he doesn't follow President Obama's example and carry himself with poise and self-respect.
13
One of the most inauspicious and scary aspects of this administration’s start is how the press may actually be making our toddler-in-chief more dangerous. At some point he’ll realize the difficulty of re-election and understand or fear he's likely to be a single-termer. He may therefore never extend an olive branch to his critics or political adversaries while in office.
One adversary has been identified. As with any statist regime, the enemy is one of the indispensable pillars of a free society: a free press. If the president doesn’t see the use of cultivating an amicable relationship with an independent and at times critical press, and continuously feels pressure from the electorate, then he may feel he’s backed into a corner and lash out with an irrationality we've not even begun to see from him yet. If he feels he has nobody to answer to but himself then we’ve much to fear. Nobody wants to see the world burn more than petulant toddlers who do not get their own way. Our only hope is that his vanity will overcome his ignorance as he pursues a legacy, however I’m convinced that he is not a prescient man.
What scares me most is that Trump now possesses the power to end all of humanity with a single temper-tantrum. Somebody whose only consistent political philosophy is characterized by impulsive, reactionary, and vehemently anti-intellectual statism lacks the capacity to foresee the impacts of their actions in elected office, particularly the highest.
One adversary has been identified. As with any statist regime, the enemy is one of the indispensable pillars of a free society: a free press. If the president doesn’t see the use of cultivating an amicable relationship with an independent and at times critical press, and continuously feels pressure from the electorate, then he may feel he’s backed into a corner and lash out with an irrationality we've not even begun to see from him yet. If he feels he has nobody to answer to but himself then we’ve much to fear. Nobody wants to see the world burn more than petulant toddlers who do not get their own way. Our only hope is that his vanity will overcome his ignorance as he pursues a legacy, however I’m convinced that he is not a prescient man.
What scares me most is that Trump now possesses the power to end all of humanity with a single temper-tantrum. Somebody whose only consistent political philosophy is characterized by impulsive, reactionary, and vehemently anti-intellectual statism lacks the capacity to foresee the impacts of their actions in elected office, particularly the highest.
5
Nixon lied...LBJ lied...Reagan lied...both Clintons lied...all politicians lie at sometime or other. We've come to accept that as reality. The difference with the Trump team is that honesty appears to have become the exception. So when they do say something truthful, it's indiscernible, anyway. How does one negotiate with people like that?
14
The most recent costly lie belongs to W Bush. More than 4,000 Americans dead in the sands of Iraq, some pulverized by roadside explosives and ten thousands of them maimed physically and mentally for life, without proper care.
1
The genies of racism, fear, greed, anger and revenge are given voice ,loosed by and personified in the person of Donald Trump.
A dangerous demagogue , a risk to all. Beware.
A dangerous demagogue , a risk to all. Beware.
18
As an American physician residing overseas, it worries me that the media are not queuing into the fact that this man may actually suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This personality disorder will deteriorate with time as people with NPD need constant positive accolades and feed-back or they will lash out and be hurtful. This is a serious mental health concern and one that the press, and certainly the cabinet should carefully consider. I feel bad for folks with this disorder as there is no treatment and life can get very difficult for them under pressure. Please pay attention to the mental health issues and do not let him get so angry he starts a nuclear war!
42
Exactly. The man is clearly suffering from this personality disorder. More attention needs to be placed on this in the media. I have yet to see even one interview with a mental health professional.
Anyone can check the criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder and he fits the criteria almost perfectly. Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.
Anyone can check the criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder and he fits the criteria almost perfectly. Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.
9
All he has to do is keep us safe and provide jobs, Newt says.
The only drawback is he doesn't have s clue how to do any of that.
Tweeting ain't gonna do it...
The only drawback is he doesn't have s clue how to do any of that.
Tweeting ain't gonna do it...
17
One unnerving scene among so many: When Trump called Kellyanne up to the victory stage with him; and she bounded up, all smiles, overcome like a star-struck teenager. The thrill of it all!
16
In July 2015 Carlos Lozada, for the Washington Post, wrote an analysis of Trump based on his books:
In ‘The Art of the Deal,’ Trump explains the power of psychology and deception in his early real estate acquisitions. He calls it “bravado” or “truthful hyperbole”. Before he was a brand name, he had to convince people that he was worth their time. It was small things here and there. Like asking his architect to gussy up the sketches for a hotel so it seemed like they spent huge sums on the plans, boosting interest in his proposal. Or having a construction crew drive machinery back and forth on a site in Atlantic City so that the visiting board of directors would be duped into thinking the work was far along. “If necessary,” he instructed a supervisor, “have the bulldozers dig up dirt on one side of the site and dump it on the other.”
“I play to people’s fantasies,” Trump explains. “It’s an innocent form of exaggeration and a very effective form of promotion.” Perception is reality, he writes, and achieving an “aura” (a recurring word in his writings) around his projects, his ideas and himself is essential.
My observation from afar… In other words, Trumps habits of deception and extravagant self-aggrandisement are long and firmly established, so take off those rose-tinted glasses now, Republicans, cos you’ve been duped; that fella ain’t gonna lead you anyplace you really wanna be.
In ‘The Art of the Deal,’ Trump explains the power of psychology and deception in his early real estate acquisitions. He calls it “bravado” or “truthful hyperbole”. Before he was a brand name, he had to convince people that he was worth their time. It was small things here and there. Like asking his architect to gussy up the sketches for a hotel so it seemed like they spent huge sums on the plans, boosting interest in his proposal. Or having a construction crew drive machinery back and forth on a site in Atlantic City so that the visiting board of directors would be duped into thinking the work was far along. “If necessary,” he instructed a supervisor, “have the bulldozers dig up dirt on one side of the site and dump it on the other.”
“I play to people’s fantasies,” Trump explains. “It’s an innocent form of exaggeration and a very effective form of promotion.” Perception is reality, he writes, and achieving an “aura” (a recurring word in his writings) around his projects, his ideas and himself is essential.
My observation from afar… In other words, Trumps habits of deception and extravagant self-aggrandisement are long and firmly established, so take off those rose-tinted glasses now, Republicans, cos you’ve been duped; that fella ain’t gonna lead you anyplace you really wanna be.
25
Like the Titanic, the America is on a predictable collision course. When the ship is sinking, the Priebusses, Ryans, and McConnells will be in the life boats, together with the rest of the one-percenters. All the rest of us will be drowning. Don't expect "Captain" Trump to go down with the ship.
20
After all the rallies, the tweets and facebook posts declaring love for Obama and disdain for Trump, how long do you think it will take for Republicans to turn tail and leave Trump stranded? How many more media reports shedding light on Trump's incompetence, pointing and laughing at his lame staff do we have to endure before Republicans panic and plot to rid themselves of their mistaken allegiance to Trump?
We know McConnell is now hyper-focused on mid-terms. He must be planning the party's survival strategy at this point - hunkered down in some suburban location with Ryan and whoever trying to figure out how to salvage what could become an even bigger mess.
I for one am anxious to see how they'll pull it off - and even more interested in how he'll spin it all.
We know McConnell is now hyper-focused on mid-terms. He must be planning the party's survival strategy at this point - hunkered down in some suburban location with Ryan and whoever trying to figure out how to salvage what could become an even bigger mess.
I for one am anxious to see how they'll pull it off - and even more interested in how he'll spin it all.
10
Now I know what it must have been like to be a republican for the last eight years and listening to Fox News.
7
If a person knew someone else had thin skin, what would you call that person when they intentionally pricked them to evoke a pained reaction? A torturer, maybe? Listening to MSNBC and other such liberal media organizations, that's apparently what everyone has become as well as their mission. When is someone going to call them out to disavow torture? Everyone seems to preach but nobody seems to practice. It's shameless and it makes me embarrassed to feel I've been a Democrat for 61 years.
2
You wouldn't call them a torturer. Like Trump said, when confronted with the fact that he hadn't paid any Federal income tax: It's smart. It's intelligent to get under the narcissistic con man's skin. Goad him until he can't take it anymore and he just quits.
2
Trump got more today than any president before him; this man is awesome! Anyone else would have been out on the links or having a burger and s beer. living it up on the tax payers dime. You know Trump is taking only a dollar a year for this job. A dollar-a-year man. Like may of the corporate executives who ran New Deal agencies under FDR. Patriots! Trump is a Patriot! Thank you.
5
Trump doesn't pay taxes
I'd take home a lot more money if i didn't pay taxes too. Thats patriotic?
Trump accepted help from a KGB enemy and discounted our own Intelligence service
Thats patriotic?
I'd take home a lot more money if i didn't pay taxes too. Thats patriotic?
Trump accepted help from a KGB enemy and discounted our own Intelligence service
Thats patriotic?
19
@James, I know your disappointed that HRC did not win, believe me, I feel your pain. When leaned to the left of senter, I was often angry and disappointed after the elections. But over the last 10 years, I came to my senses and realized the left had nothing to offer me. One day you will come to the same realization as I did and begin to make election decisions that benefit every American not just special groups. Thank you and good luck!
1
At $1 he is overpaid.
6
My Kindergartener is more mature.
22
It was only yesterday when Trump said he went to the Oval Office and found a letter to him from President Obama.
He was inaugurated on Friday, okay I know there were many parties to attend to.
But I can't help but think that he hadn't bothered to go to the oval before that.
Did Obama hide it ? Treasure hunt in the west wing everybody. Or maybe they thought his ego couldn't take it.
He was inaugurated on Friday, okay I know there were many parties to attend to.
But I can't help but think that he hadn't bothered to go to the oval before that.
Did Obama hide it ? Treasure hunt in the west wing everybody. Or maybe they thought his ego couldn't take it.
8
I am hardly a psychiatrist, but I think we all must consider -- even wake up to -- the very real possibility that President Trump is psychotic. He makes up his own reality as he goes along, lying about everything from the consequential to the mundane. It doesn't help that Spicer and Conway and others support his (mis)perceptions. He discourse is a confabulation of misinformation, ignorance, and wishful thinking -- and no one he trusts will correct him; or he will mistrust anyone who does. So, really, he is either nuts, or he is cleverly setting us up with manufactured discontent (non-existent American carnage"), paranoia (those immigrants), and lies (too many to list) so that he can be a modern Il Duce at the end of a couple of years. Both, I think.
33
Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Look it up, he fits perfectly.
3
Boo frickin' hoo!
“The point is that the attacks and the attempts to delegitimize this president in one day — and we’re not going to sit around and take it.”
They did this to Obama from day one. What is good for the goose is good for the pandering gander. How you respond to it show your character, or lack thereof.
I have no sympathy for a thin skinned hypocrite and his cronies. I hope he continues to swing "in defense" of himself at shadows. Maybe he'll wear himself out enough to resign.
“The point is that the attacks and the attempts to delegitimize this president in one day — and we’re not going to sit around and take it.”
They did this to Obama from day one. What is good for the goose is good for the pandering gander. How you respond to it show your character, or lack thereof.
I have no sympathy for a thin skinned hypocrite and his cronies. I hope he continues to swing "in defense" of himself at shadows. Maybe he'll wear himself out enough to resign.
27
Maybe we should demand Trump show his birth certificate (long form or it doesn't count) to prove he's really eligible for the presidency. Along with his tax returns.
6
Donald Trump’s issue with the crowd size should come as no surprise. He’s always had issues with size. http://nymag.com/news/articles/shortlist/trump/
9
Should we really be surprised by Trump's reactions to his not-very-impressive inaugural speech and his reactions to the honest reports of the lesser number of people attending the inauguration? Of course not. He acted in the same manner throughout the campaign - and before that - whenever people and events challenged him. Alternative facts and alternative realities are part and parcel of his thinking and behavior. He cares only for himself; there is no personal history of community service for the common good in his 70 years of life. Hence, this is a dangerous time for American democracy and international stability in a troubled world. This "leader" has such limited attention span and cares so little for the real needs of others.
Those who were on the streets across the USA and the world on inauguration day and after, especially the women who turned out in astonishing numbers, gave a clarion call to the Loyal Opposition: now is the time to act! Now is the time to form habits of united action to challenge whatever Trump does to harm human harmony and international cooperation and respect. It should be a busy time in the streets.
Those who were on the streets across the USA and the world on inauguration day and after, especially the women who turned out in astonishing numbers, gave a clarion call to the Loyal Opposition: now is the time to act! Now is the time to form habits of united action to challenge whatever Trump does to harm human harmony and international cooperation and respect. It should be a busy time in the streets.
15
As others have pointed out, all of the republican party politicians supporting Trump have promised "Trump will moderate once he wins the nomination." Then the moderation would come after he won the presidency. Then it was delayed, supposedly, till after he was sworn in.
I'm not the first to say it, but don't hold your breath waiting for a Presidential Trump with Gravitas and Class. What you see in President Trump, today, is what you get. He can't help being the way he is and won't change. These are patterns of behavior that have developed over the last 50 years.
I'm not the first to say it, but don't hold your breath waiting for a Presidential Trump with Gravitas and Class. What you see in President Trump, today, is what you get. He can't help being the way he is and won't change. These are patterns of behavior that have developed over the last 50 years.
23
Our prevaricator-in-chief has found in Spicer, a kindred spirit; angry, conveniently forgetful, and a supporter of alternative facts. Even today's press conference where he said, "I'm going to come out here and tell you the facts as I know them," sounds like Trump presenting the facts as he knows them; embellishments that are alternative facts in his parallel universe.
21
Spicer looked like a crazy puppet. The idiocy of the remarks at CIA, the use of WH staff to applaud/cheer on cue, the bizarreness and shamelessness of Conway are very troubling signs of things to come.
26
The Trump supporters are about to learn, when you put lipstick on a pig, you will still have a pig. No wonder the major circus is going out of business. Who can compete with our new president?
18
I think they forgot the lipstick.
15
Can someone, anyone, please start a petition for him to take a drug test and a mental capacity test? If the US can garner sixty million or more signatures on such a petition, would you not be able to gain some traction? Didn't I read that President Obama would act on petitions that had at least 100,00 signatories (and that there is one to get his tax returns that has at least 200,000 signatories?) The man does have serious mental issues if he's still fixating about crowd size and loss of the popular vote. And he's in charge of the US?
20
The campaign for 2020 is on. After all, campaigning is all this guy knows at this point in time.
2
Delegitimize the president. Hmmmmm. Where have we seen that playbook before? Squealing when the tables are turned, they "aren't going to sit around and take it". Sauce for the gander? Masters of the game, it's perfectly acceptable only when they practice the subversive art. What laughable hypocrisy.
I believe we've learned to expect nothing less.
I believe we've learned to expect nothing less.
10
"The real point here isn’t just that Donald Trump is very insecure, but more importantly that he tried to mislead the public into seeing the CIA as a partisan agency that wholly supported his very divisive campaign and now presidency. By doing that, Trump is working toward his larger goal of undermining the American voters’ trust in our government and media."
18
You do realize the adults in the room (aka the Republican Leadership) are only weeks from showing Trump and his Trump-ertantrums the door and happily installing President Pence, right?
Every Tweet, every emotional outburst, every clumsy swipe at anyone who hurts his fragile feelings, all of this is just digging his own grave -- and they're letting him do it! -- where he'll then be offered the choice of resigning with dignity or being easily impeached over a multitude of constitutional infractions.
'Cause, at the end of the day, the GOP doesn't want him, he doesn't want this job and the more he blows up on Twitter, the harder it is to see an avenue -- other than theft...again -- where they do well in the midterms.
Every Tweet, every emotional outburst, every clumsy swipe at anyone who hurts his fragile feelings, all of this is just digging his own grave -- and they're letting him do it! -- where he'll then be offered the choice of resigning with dignity or being easily impeached over a multitude of constitutional infractions.
'Cause, at the end of the day, the GOP doesn't want him, he doesn't want this job and the more he blows up on Twitter, the harder it is to see an avenue -- other than theft...again -- where they do well in the midterms.
13
First alt-right. Now alternative facts. I do not know where this alternative White House is, but could it please stay in its own alternative universe?
17
Pope Francis, here, is taking notes, from the very first start. No worry for Trump. He will fall on his fountain pen.
3
2 days in and already the worst president we've ever had.
15
And now, the end is near
And so I face the red curtain
Comrade, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's self serving
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it con
way
Regrets, I've had zero
But then again, facts are nothing to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without compunction
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it conning my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I grabbed others more than i can chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faked it all and I stood tall and did it conway
I've loved, I've laughed gloated lied and cried
I've had my fill, always winning
And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a humble way
Oh, no, oh, no, not me, putin and conway
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels
The tax records shows I owe nothing and did it conway
And so I face the red curtain
Comrade, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's self serving
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it con
way
Regrets, I've had zero
But then again, facts are nothing to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without compunction
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it conning my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I grabbed others more than i can chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faked it all and I stood tall and did it conway
I've loved, I've laughed gloated lied and cried
I've had my fill, always winning
And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a humble way
Oh, no, oh, no, not me, putin and conway
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels
The tax records shows I owe nothing and did it conway
7
Nice to say that he recognizes the right of people to have views even if they differ to his.
What would be interesting to know is whether, if the people number three times those in his inauguration, does he consider engaging in conversation or even compromising to embrace their will?
...'cause if he doesn't, the nice things he says have no substance.
What would be interesting to know is whether, if the people number three times those in his inauguration, does he consider engaging in conversation or even compromising to embrace their will?
...'cause if he doesn't, the nice things he says have no substance.
5
I can only laugh at everyone who said "Let's give him a chance and see if he can grow into a presidential personality". As if a 70 something year old is going to magically convert into something that he clearly is not. Trump was pathetic and disgusting before. And he still is now.
24
Scott Adams was wrong: Trump has not shifted to being presidential. Well there have been a few half-hearted attempts at shifting that way like his tweet acknowledging the protesters' right to peaceful protest, but it never seems to last long and whatever good optics are generated are quickly swamped by lies and bad judgements. This isn't only Mr. Trump's fault of course, he's also got an incompetent support staff and clearly needs a babysitter.
15
Babysitters; Yes I agree. From the outside looking in, it's more along the lines of "Amateur Hour on the Gong Show". Being a student of politics, especially American politics, the way I explain the last year and current situation to many folks up here is like watching that beautiful, beloved and cherished old aunt slowly lose her mind to dementia. Good luck from above the 48th.
16
Ah yes, the crowd was huge - the largest gathering of white, blonde-haired folks ever to attend an inauguration.
4
We need to get over Trump's infantile, megalomaniac tendencies and attend to the issues he is uniting us against: global warming, choice, public education, never-ending wars, and protectionist policies. He is poised to gut and seriously disrupt several departments doing lasting damage to the earth, US relations, and more. The war in the Middle East seems to have intensified under Obama, the gap between the haves and have nots is increasing, and no one has yet gone to jail for the 2008 crash for bilking billions from Americans. There are so many other things to talk about. This should be bottom of the page news.
10
His every move is motivated by grandiosity, delusional viewpoints emanating from his own beliefs without supporting evidence or the rejection of any information contrary to his own position. The rest of his decisions are apparently generated from the A B C's of crazy thinking meaning there's a situation, and he draws a hypothesis and conclusion without supporting information. "I believe this so it must be true". Madness really. His truth filter and reality block are seemingly impenetrable. Then there's no sense or respect for law and the U.S. Constitution. The omission of reaching out to all of us, before, at or after the inauguration, his insults to the talented, distinguished and caring President Obama and VP Joe Biden is beyond counter intuitive. The naive relationship with Putin is sad and scary. It's not a phasing contest of the macho boys club. All this from a man who as a child assaulted a teacher at his fancy prep school.
19
Does anyone think the Trump supporters, who love to ridicule and deride anyone who wants an empathetic society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, will recognize that Spicer is appealing to the media and all Americans to give Trump and his administration a "safe space" where they are shielded from all negativity? We need to stop doing things (like not showing up in droves for his inauguration) that are triggering for Trump. Come on everyone, we're hurting their feelings, even though maybe we're not doing it on purpose. We just need to understand that it's so, well, you know, demoralizing.
16
What the devil does Trump take "Do unto others as one would have others do unto you" to mean.
"Lock him up!"
"Lock him up!"
6
Do you folks just lay in waiting for Trump to say something controversial so you can attack him with it or to take something he said out of context and twist its meaning and divide your readers? That is how it appears. I have never seen such an attack on a new president in my lifetime.
2
We don't have to say a thing, his Twitter account says it all. Oh, and his alternative facts.
And about that 'I haven't seen such an attack on a president in my lifetime', in case you forgot Trump started it on Day 1 going after Obama. And the racist remarks, burning effigies, insulting the whole family, birth certificate, zero cooperation, calling names... you forgot them too quickly, huh? Or, are the meds not working?
And about that 'I haven't seen such an attack on a president in my lifetime', in case you forgot Trump started it on Day 1 going after Obama. And the racist remarks, burning effigies, insulting the whole family, birth certificate, zero cooperation, calling names... you forgot them too quickly, huh? Or, are the meds not working?
10
Why are you surprised? This is exactly what they were doing with Hillary when they thought she'd win: wait for any little hint of wrongdoing and pounce on it. Now that Trump won they've shifted focus to Trump. In their defense Team Trump isn't exactly making it difficult to find bad decisions to report on.
7
Nobody has to lie in wait, these are all self inflicted wounds by a thin skinned man....
14
It is becoming more and more upsetting to read accounts of Trump on stage and behind the scenes. The descriptions of his volatility and instability seem clearly to be symptomatic of mental illness. His chaotic methods and modus operandi are contagious, Conway and Spicer are like cats on a hot tin roof trying to keep up. These are not just simple character flaws. This man is ill.
31
Dear Marjorie:
A light bulb moment:
Of course Trump is a very sick man. That is what we New Yorkers have been saying since we first saw this buffoon descend his gold escalator, and lower the national IQ with his off-the-wall (pun intended) speech.
We have heard his con for decades, and so we laughed it off, initially. We couldn't imagine anyone in their right mind voting for this idiot. When Republicans drifted to him we thought, well, they're desperate folks who are mad at the world. With more qualified Republicans we thought once they exposed Trump his followers would see how demented Trump is.
That did not happen.
And so, with the fluke of an outdated Electoral College Pyrrhic victory, we are stuck with this nincompoop. Trump is never going to be presidential. In fact he is not a successful businessman. Trump's bankruptcies were real and the only reason Trump stayed afloat is because the banks who Trump defaulted made him a deal. He could use his name as collateral and they would take a cut of the action to pay off his debt, pennies on the dollar. Trump's losses were so great he became like Wall Street too big to fail. Ever hear that phrase before?
Yes, Trump is a fraud. What you see is what you get. What puzzles me is wasn't that apparent to those gullible goobers who heard him? Why on earth would they think such a unhinged mentally, thin-skinned, man-child be capable of being president?
DD
Manhattan
A light bulb moment:
Of course Trump is a very sick man. That is what we New Yorkers have been saying since we first saw this buffoon descend his gold escalator, and lower the national IQ with his off-the-wall (pun intended) speech.
We have heard his con for decades, and so we laughed it off, initially. We couldn't imagine anyone in their right mind voting for this idiot. When Republicans drifted to him we thought, well, they're desperate folks who are mad at the world. With more qualified Republicans we thought once they exposed Trump his followers would see how demented Trump is.
That did not happen.
And so, with the fluke of an outdated Electoral College Pyrrhic victory, we are stuck with this nincompoop. Trump is never going to be presidential. In fact he is not a successful businessman. Trump's bankruptcies were real and the only reason Trump stayed afloat is because the banks who Trump defaulted made him a deal. He could use his name as collateral and they would take a cut of the action to pay off his debt, pennies on the dollar. Trump's losses were so great he became like Wall Street too big to fail. Ever hear that phrase before?
Yes, Trump is a fraud. What you see is what you get. What puzzles me is wasn't that apparent to those gullible goobers who heard him? Why on earth would they think such a unhinged mentally, thin-skinned, man-child be capable of being president?
DD
Manhattan
22
Thank you Dennis,
Yes, I am having difficulty answering that question myself. It is bewildering. I am stumped at how so many can have such wildly divergent perceptions of the same events and character. I question my own senses, is there a gas in the air? Is it mass hypnosis? He is flailing about, ranting, tweeting contradictory, irrelevant inanities, and millions of U.S. citizens seem to think he is just fine. How is that possible? At present the answer is beyond me. Yes he is a con man, a crook, a rip-off artist and unethical, to boot. Many sane people are as well. He is not only morally and financially bankrupt, he is mad. Like George III, maybe. I wish this weren't happening. Thank you for the note.
Marjorie
Yes, I am having difficulty answering that question myself. It is bewildering. I am stumped at how so many can have such wildly divergent perceptions of the same events and character. I question my own senses, is there a gas in the air? Is it mass hypnosis? He is flailing about, ranting, tweeting contradictory, irrelevant inanities, and millions of U.S. citizens seem to think he is just fine. How is that possible? At present the answer is beyond me. Yes he is a con man, a crook, a rip-off artist and unethical, to boot. Many sane people are as well. He is not only morally and financially bankrupt, he is mad. Like George III, maybe. I wish this weren't happening. Thank you for the note.
Marjorie
17
As a candidate, Mr. Trump took a the "scorched Earth" approach. His supporters cheered and viewed him as a champion for them. Why would anyone think that he would be able to quickly change simply because he took the Oath of Office???
12
After President Trump's clenched-fist inaugural address, his "My Way" dance at the inaugural ball and subsequent tizzy-fit over crowd-size at his inauguration Friday versus the Women's March on Saturday, followed by his bizarre "I love you" visit to the previously-excoriated CIA on Saturday afternoon, I can only think Donald Trump is seriously unwell. Attention needs to be paid.
31
I could tell it was a rough weekend, just by looking Kellyanne Con-artist sitting on the side during Shawn Spicer's press conference today, she had triple bags under her eyes, and looked like she just rolled out of bed.
15
Freak running a freak show? All white, all male is not making American great again...KKK nation?
9
These guys and a gal are falling apart in front of the whole world. The world laughs ... and Putin I chuckles.
9
Who the heck needs Twitter or FaceBook? Here is a guy (Trump) who, for every word he puts on Twitter, spends about a day doing damage control.
It's math, he's a CEO, can he not see this? The negative return on a bad comment is immense. Why tinker with these accounts when he has to spend days, weeks or months doing damage control?
It's math, he's a CEO, can he not see this? The negative return on a bad comment is immense. Why tinker with these accounts when he has to spend days, weeks or months doing damage control?
6
He's not a *good* CEO. He's an incompetent CEO. He was simply born filthy rich. I can't for the life of me understand why his supporters apparently believe he's good at business! He's *dreadful* at business, bankrupt repeatedly.
14
Most of the recent gaffs could have easily been averted with the slightest semblance of humility. Trump and his his team are not having it though, no perceived slight unanswered or twisted. These are truly dark days. The Republican Party had better wake up. The democracy is at risk. The monster that they created is alive, it's alive!
11
As long as Donald Trump keeps signing anything a smiling Paul Ryan puts on his desk, the Republican Party is happy. They have their rubber stamp in the White House, and Trump probably isn't even looking (reading? ) at what he signs.
He signed signed an Executive Order to begin dismantling the ACA, yet Trump had told the American People he wouldn't allow the ACA to be rescinded until the GOP put something better in place. Well "Repeal and Replace" is just an empty Republican slogan.
He signed signed an Executive Order to begin dismantling the ACA, yet Trump had told the American People he wouldn't allow the ACA to be rescinded until the GOP put something better in place. Well "Repeal and Replace" is just an empty Republican slogan.
12
Future Trump Tweet --- "I've got the nuke codes. NaNa- NaNa - Na Na."
12
Who knows, maybe Steve Bannon is the sane one in that room. It's definitely not "Alternative Fact Conway". George Orwell could not have dreamt up the stuff that comes out of her mouth.
16
The minute Trump said "Patriotism destroys racism." (paraphrasing) I knew Bannon wrote it. Delusional statement.
Exhibit A - The Klan has regularly and primarily flown the U.S. flag since it's inception.
There are literally a myriad of examples of hyper patriotism fueling racism.
Exhibit A - The Klan has regularly and primarily flown the U.S. flag since it's inception.
There are literally a myriad of examples of hyper patriotism fueling racism.
10
"The average American isn't paying attention to this stuff", says Gingrich. He is wrong. I am an average American and I am paying attention. Instead of giving us details on his policy plans and agenda, Trump spends 2 days tweeting and speaking his anger about being "dissed" by news reports on the size of his inaugural audiences. When you run for the presidency, you know, or at least you should know, that you will be criticized and applauded by various people and groups at various times. Getting petty about criticism demeans the office of the President. If he is so into the appearance of "winning", then Trump needs to listen to a serious advisor (are there any on his team?) and rein in the petulant behavior. It may have worked in his campaign, but it doesn't work coming from the President of the United States.
26
I hope it hasn't escaped anyone's notice that Trump has already signed a barrage of executive orders, the kind that incensed Republicans when President Obama did the same. At least BO had a reason and strategy. He faced unprecedented obstruction and senseless opposition. Trump has both houses of Congress, yet he still chooses this route. We had better get used to this disorganized, frenetic, and non-sensical rush to nowhere, because it is the only thing Donald knows - his way or no way. And his way is no way to run a country.
This is going to be ugly. It already is.
This is going to be ugly. It already is.
24
In the next four years, the only thing keeping the US from becoming a third world government, is a factual press such as the NY Times.
9
If they do better than before the election.
They let us down.
They let us down.
8
See, Bernie Sanders.
1
Spicer made everything clear today when he said that the Trump White House can disagree on facts. White House facts are "truer" than any other.
Truth is now open for Republican debate --- despite facts. The Sun now revolves around the Earth and the Earth is flatter than a pancake.
Truth is now open for Republican debate --- despite facts. The Sun now revolves around the Earth and the Earth is flatter than a pancake.
14
Now that Trump is a public servant, doesn't that mean we will see his taxes and all of his financial information from this day forward?
14
My guess is no, we won't see tax returns which might show deposits from third parties. He had many failed real estate ventures; he was unable to get loans from American and European banks. He did get loans, though. Who loaned Trump money? The Russians in London who absconded with Russia's treasury? Why is he never critical of our primary adversary, the predatory Putin who is going to grab back the Baltic States once NATO is de-funded? Where do his sons have multiple business interests? Russia, as they have claimed. He owes Putin, and Putin owns him.
7
Trump has not grasped the fact that he is really not the boss. He has 320 million bosses now which makes him Public Servant #1, something, I'm sure he never thought of in his journey to the WH. As the Russian journalist advised today on NPR, American media should not get distracted by the 3AM tweets or these mindless arguments about topics like the crowd size on Jan 20th. All this is to really pull the wool over our eyes and hide what he is REALLY doing. Watch his real actions and investigate and report on it. Label all his nonsensical talk as lies, unless, they are not. Stop obsessing on every word coming out of his mouth. It's really not worth listening to and its not funny anymore.
37
What!? Trump serving the people? Never!! People must serve Trump!
5
Scary behavior and thinking immature reactiveness, resentments, inaccurate statements, out right lies, disregard for advisors, for history, for diplomacy, international relationships are a terrible and troubling path for Trump to take and for the world to experience. The ethics questions are glaring. No tax returns, running private businesses with family member puppets at the helm all foster the already clear lack of confidence the nation has for him. He is frustrating his own people and I hope the VP who has been part of intelligent political process with relationships across both parties, can persuade him to cool his reactiveness.
He clearly is remarkably unknowledgeable and disrespectful about the world, the environment in perilous jeopardy, and the constitution. Even his very bright, right wing press secretary is likable and articulate but will himself find it hard to present or answer the blunders ahead from Trump.
He clearly is remarkably unknowledgeable and disrespectful about the world, the environment in perilous jeopardy, and the constitution. Even his very bright, right wing press secretary is likable and articulate but will himself find it hard to present or answer the blunders ahead from Trump.
19
Expect to see high turn-over among his staff and his cabinet. His flips and flops are exhausting. People will tire of him rather quickly. The exceptions will be Kellyanne and Bannon who have nowhere else to go. Also, his son-in-law who is probably quite used to being around a loose canon by now.
14
No where else to go? Give em time.
Mind you Megyn Kelly was just recently one of the most virulent and abrasive of the Fox News team. Now with shorter hair and a new make-up artist she's completely done a 180 and been accepted into the sane word.
Glen Beck. Need I say more?
The talking heads need to talk
Mind you Megyn Kelly was just recently one of the most virulent and abrasive of the Fox News team. Now with shorter hair and a new make-up artist she's completely done a 180 and been accepted into the sane word.
Glen Beck. Need I say more?
The talking heads need to talk
2
Tillerson will stay, because he has drilling rights all over Russia and the Baltic States; once sanctions are lifted he will billions to his billions.
5
No one with frontal lobes could possibly be surprised by this. Trump has never, never shown any capacity to conduct himself with dignity and composure. Surprise, surprise - giving him the nuclear codes didn't help!
38
Trump's minions should ask themselves where they want to be when the indictments start. They think they are the smartest people ever, but so did Nixon's top aids. Kellyanne should study up on that history. "Ehrlichman was defended by Andrew C. Hall during the Watergate trials where he was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, perjury and other charges on January 1, 1975 (along with John N. Mitchell and Haldeman). All three men were initially sentenced to between two and a half and eight years in prison. In 1977, the sentences were commuted to one to four years. Unlike his co-defendants, Ehrlichman voluntarily entered prison before his appeals were exhausted. He was released from the Federal Correctional Institution, Safford, after serving a total of 18 months. Having been convicted of a felony, he was disbarred from the practice of law. Ehrlichman and Haldeman sought and were denied pardons by Nixon, although Nixon later regretted his decision not to grant them."
11
What are they swearing to do -- create 100 alternative facts per day? Is there no way to stop Klansman Steve Bannon from being sworn in at the White House? That is a new low, even for Ryan and McConnell. It's disgusting!
18
Does this guy even get to a year before he is impeached ?
20
Be careful what you wish for. Trump may be a pompous, thin-skinned fool but Pence is a wolf in wolf's clothing. He owes the Kochs for getting him where he is today.
9
Pence would have the exact same policies as Trump but he would manage to sound relatively sane and dignified while doing it.
6
No words are adequate to describe the despair I feel about this person being the president. I worry for women, minorities, the poor, the elderly, the vulnerable...the list goes on. How so many voters ever thought he was their champion- well they are dead wrong.
35
Please don't say bad things about Trump's irrational and unexplainable comments this weekend. He may have early onset dementia and may not any longer be able to process complex data. The "president" needs medical help, not negative judgments.
15
"Complex data". Hahahahah!!
(Not laughing because it is funny. It´s part of a survival technique).
(Not laughing because it is funny. It´s part of a survival technique).
4
Alternative facts = Truthiness alive and well.
13
Well for those who thought we didn't sufficiently plunder Iraq apparently Trump lamented how we "didn't take the oil when we left" and then continued on to say we might get another chance. Seriously? Didn't he run as being against the invasion of Iraq? Is he really this incapable of keeping his mouth shut and not just saying what he thinks his current audience wants to hear?
12
Good news, massive march on Washington by women's movements. Bad new, vindictive narcissistic bully, is the *president, and will seek revenge on woman's issues.
14
Call your State Reps and Senators! Tell them what you're concerns are and why you're mad! It's easy! I just did it today. Even if you're from a blue state, they can use the reminder and encouragement to fight the fights that need fighting! Michael Moore was right - they HAVE to answer the phone and listen to you. It is the most direct line from you to Washington that can make a huuuuge difference! Do it - it's not silly - it's our process and is empowering!
16
Be polite though; most of the people who answer the phone are young, college kids on unpaid internships - doing their own civic duty.
6
I worked in a politically connected law firm in D.C. for five years; those unpaid interns come from families wealthy enough to support them while they work for free. A few might be struggling students; however, most are not poor, and they are well connected. Internships are political gifts.
3
NYT : dont stop at the crowd pictures. give him more rope. he will use it. keep a list of what obama achieved for Americans every day of his presidency. compare it with what he manages to achieve (or destroy) at the same stage. Also, facts matter. Lies matter. 2018 matters. dont let us down.
19
I rarely say this to someone who is not me, but you have got to calm down.
5
I think the contentious attitude of Conway and Priebus regarding the media is a deliberate attempt to kick up a lot of dust so that Trump's frequent, ridiculous comments can be recast by them and blamed on the media's bias.
15
If any of President Trump's adversaries did not know before, they know now, anyone (and I mean anyone!) who says their proverbial dog is bigger than his imaginary dog will cause a thin-skinned emotional melt-down of the first order. So sad.
12
What is with President Trump? He had to use the same Lincoln Bible as Obama, even the exact same inaugural cake, and he focused on trying to out-do him in attendance. And then he's out to undermine Obama's ACA. It's all very clear.
12
He enters the WH with the lowest poll ratings in recent memory. His inaugural address was attended by a small crowd compared to the millions who crowded in to see and hear Obama. President Obama leaves office with high poll numbers, and with much influence left to use on public opinion. He is a gentleman, and a decent man. However, he will not stand idly by while Trump destroys a legacy which helps ordinary Americans. He needs to rest; but, he will be back in the fight. He is the man Trump is afraid of; his followers are the many Trump is afraid of. Trump is running scared, because he knows he is not educated or prepared for office of President. He will rely on a Cabinet of predatory billionaires who will destroy the Agencies they will head. The backlash will eventually come, and it will be "yuge".
6
Deplorable/s are told not to trust any media reports.
11
Thank you NYT. Thank you Chuck Todd and Meet the Press. Thank you radio.
Thank you Twitter. As HL Mencken once said, "you don't argue with someone who orders ink by the barrel." Our independent press is the envy of the world.
It is not perfect as the Times reporter proved when jumping to a conclusion about what "seemed" to be true. But, the mistake, once noted, was corrected.
Mr. Trump needs to learn-quickly that to err is human but to ignore one's mistake is asinine. The media can accept an imperfect leader, but on or behalf it never accept a blatant liar. Well done.
Thank you Twitter. As HL Mencken once said, "you don't argue with someone who orders ink by the barrel." Our independent press is the envy of the world.
It is not perfect as the Times reporter proved when jumping to a conclusion about what "seemed" to be true. But, the mistake, once noted, was corrected.
Mr. Trump needs to learn-quickly that to err is human but to ignore one's mistake is asinine. The media can accept an imperfect leader, but on or behalf it never accept a blatant liar. Well done.
21
My overall concern is how all of this is being viewed in other major continents. Mr. Trump still has to face the Chinese and clarify the use of the term rape with respect to business dealings. This is truly a very sad and painful period for America. I just hope and pray that future forecasts do not call for chance of fall out with a few mushroom clouds just over the horizon.
9
LOOK, GUYS: it doesn't take a social psychologist to see what's happening here? Trump and his gang almost never have any concern to support the truth in their communications. What they are doing is altogether different; Trump's strategist has even admitted what they are all about. They are simply trying to control the press. If they can intimidate the press into backing off, then they can get their message to the people without any correction or contradiction from the press.
In my opinion, they press must talk about this often until they get the idea into people's heads; then the public can better weigh the conflicting facts presented to them by the press and by Trump.
In my opinion, I further think that much of Trump's tweeting is a symptom that he suffers from OCD, and that he simply cannot control his reactions to behavior of others that is outside of his control.
In my opinion, they press must talk about this often until they get the idea into people's heads; then the public can better weigh the conflicting facts presented to them by the press and by Trump.
In my opinion, I further think that much of Trump's tweeting is a symptom that he suffers from OCD, and that he simply cannot control his reactions to behavior of others that is outside of his control.
16
So, here we are again: The day after his inauguration, Trump is mainly concerned about matters of size, i.e., mine is bigger than yours. Why the phallic obsession?
Perhaps one million-plus women (and men) marching in the streets around the world the day after the inauguration might mean, that there are grown-ups who think there are more important issues the world for a President of the United States to consider.
Hey, Kellyanne Conway, here's two more alternative facts to consider: Donald Trump is not a little man with a overblown sense of self. And you're a smart mature woman who's eager to believes the truth shall set you free.
Perhaps one million-plus women (and men) marching in the streets around the world the day after the inauguration might mean, that there are grown-ups who think there are more important issues the world for a President of the United States to consider.
Hey, Kellyanne Conway, here's two more alternative facts to consider: Donald Trump is not a little man with a overblown sense of self. And you're a smart mature woman who's eager to believes the truth shall set you free.
7
Trump lashes out at anybody and anything that make him feel small. I'll leave it to others to do the penny psychology here. Trump is a petty and dangerous man.
27
Trust me on this one:
"The narrative that Trump is standing up to the establishment is ridiculous. He IS the establishment."
Trump is NOT the "establishment," and never will be. You'd be wise to get over that misconception ASAP.
"The narrative that Trump is standing up to the establishment is ridiculous. He IS the establishment."
Trump is NOT the "establishment," and never will be. You'd be wise to get over that misconception ASAP.
8
n this article about the shaky and shady start to BoyKing D's new job, it seems obvious that, either he can't grasp the magnitude of the Office, or he and his advisors have chosen to step out on thin ice. And they no doubt have consulted with the Bananarepublican that whatever goes wrong, it was the Democrats' fault.
Down the road, the Conservatives with Paul Ryan taking the lead will try to explain to the nation why Medicare and Social Security should be privatized. Brace yourselves for accusations that it was because Medicare and Social Securty were badly managed by Democrats and that the only known cure will be privatization. How will they accomplish this? The same way KellyAnn Conway spins and slip-slides her way out of a direct question asked by leading pundits on any given day. She dodges and weaves and wriggles free, all while running out the clock with her motor mouth prattling on and on. There is never an answer to the original question. Her cohort, Sean Spicer, will take to the podium in the White House press briefing room where he will berate the reporters before creating an elaborote lie for his Twitterer in Chief.
They will do all this to deflect any questions about DJT's business dealings and hot temper ... the new president's chief advisors, Conway, Bannon, Priebus, are rabidly loyal to the president and each has a history of similarly evasive tactics when questioned in an interview. The Roy Cohn-style machine is in charge. Take heed. Resist.
Down the road, the Conservatives with Paul Ryan taking the lead will try to explain to the nation why Medicare and Social Security should be privatized. Brace yourselves for accusations that it was because Medicare and Social Securty were badly managed by Democrats and that the only known cure will be privatization. How will they accomplish this? The same way KellyAnn Conway spins and slip-slides her way out of a direct question asked by leading pundits on any given day. She dodges and weaves and wriggles free, all while running out the clock with her motor mouth prattling on and on. There is never an answer to the original question. Her cohort, Sean Spicer, will take to the podium in the White House press briefing room where he will berate the reporters before creating an elaborote lie for his Twitterer in Chief.
They will do all this to deflect any questions about DJT's business dealings and hot temper ... the new president's chief advisors, Conway, Bannon, Priebus, are rabidly loyal to the president and each has a history of similarly evasive tactics when questioned in an interview. The Roy Cohn-style machine is in charge. Take heed. Resist.
15
I am concerned by how fragile President Trump seems to be. Every president endures affronts to their role as president, as we "regular" people do most days in our lives. I am wondering if Trump has ever faced adversity that wasn't quickly managed so that he didn't fall apart. I am angry that my tax dollars will be paying for all the time wasted on managing his ego.
23
Here's the thing: Everyone has a first impression to make when meeting new people, or starting a new job and beginning the first term as an elected official. In some instances, a person who starts out making a bad impression can improve and create a positive relationship or reputation. However, Donald Trump began his presidential campaign with a negative message and it's been downhill ever since. I understand that many of his supporters appreciate his campaign tone. However, a growing number of people on both sides of the political spectrum, government agencies and other areas of our society are offended by his public persona and message. Stating something negative about a person or institution, then reversing a position and acting like the previous comment vanished into thin air is bad form. Especially when it occurs repeatedly. Finally, pushing through policies without fully understanding the impact is not a course anyone should take, particularly with the ACA. Millions of families and businesses depend on the legislation for their health insurance. Instead of eliminating it from public policy, the wise move would be to adjust the bill, much like the adjustments to Medicare through the years. If the first few days of the Trump administration is an example of his four years in the White House, we're on a wild ride no one knows how to rein in. I don't like telling people I told you so, but many of us did and the message fell on deaf ears!
20
To Trump, Conway, Priebus & company, I say: Put a sock in it!
First 48 hours of Don the Con's term and we're being told LIES, LIES, LIES. He's tilting at everything that moves and doesn't salute him.
"Why didn't these people vote?" has to be one of the most genuinely stupid statements I've ever heard from anyone, much less the purported leader of the free world.
Trump is, in reality, a weak man, and this job is going to illuminate his every fault under bright kleig lights. We'll see what clay feet (and mush-for-brains) Donnie really has, and it's not a pretty picture.
First 48 hours of Don the Con's term and we're being told LIES, LIES, LIES. He's tilting at everything that moves and doesn't salute him.
"Why didn't these people vote?" has to be one of the most genuinely stupid statements I've ever heard from anyone, much less the purported leader of the free world.
Trump is, in reality, a weak man, and this job is going to illuminate his every fault under bright kleig lights. We'll see what clay feet (and mush-for-brains) Donnie really has, and it's not a pretty picture.
20
No, the question about voting is one of the few intelligent things he said. Hillary lost three battleground states by a relatively small number of votes. The NYT ran a story right after the election about people in WI, including several African Americans, a few who did not vote and one who wrote himself in. Blacks overall did not come out in the numbers for Hillary that they had for Obama. Some Bernie supporters stayed home. Why didn't they vote? The decrease in the black vote in NC, for example, cannot be entirely written off to voter suppression. Hillary was close to carrying several states but close does not cut it. Yet, I do not only fault voters. She never campaigned in some states-depending on black and Hispanic voters (who actually went for her at a lower rate than for Obama-23% voted for Trump), along with some portion of what was the old Democratic working class to be enough. NOT!
At the post-election demonstrations in NYC using the rallying cry of "not my president," some demonstrators acknowledged they had never gone to the polls. Just over half of eligible Americans voted.
So, yeah, he is right. Why didn't they vote? If they had, we would not have a megalomaniac for president.
At the post-election demonstrations in NYC using the rallying cry of "not my president," some demonstrators acknowledged they had never gone to the polls. Just over half of eligible Americans voted.
So, yeah, he is right. Why didn't they vote? If they had, we would not have a megalomaniac for president.
3
I love having Newt Gingrich tell me what the average American is thinking.
15
Sean Spicer has brought Trump his very own Baghdad Bob, and is just as believable. Meanwhile, Trump's jobs program is succeeding. Everyone in his family (except Melania and Baron, so far) is employed by the government.
14
Given his comfort level with social media, I would not be surprised if President Trump did away with all press briefings and press conferences and communicated directly with the nation via Facebook Live or Periscope. Politicians are increasingly using these platforms and Erdogan used them during a military coup when he was unable to get on television. If the President can communicate with the nation directly, why is there a need to communicate through print, television and radio?
3
Yes, and the fact that people increasingly get their "news" from these sources is part of what is driving the poor condition press icons such as the NYT are in.
3
Just an indication of the juvenile antics yet to come from this president and White house.
22
Great. We have a bunch of Baghdad Bobs in the White House.
Remember this classic from 2003? "It has been rumored that we have fired scud missiles into Kuwait. I am here now to tell you, we do not have any scud missiles and I don't know why they were fired into Kuwait."
Remember this classic from 2003? "It has been rumored that we have fired scud missiles into Kuwait. I am here now to tell you, we do not have any scud missiles and I don't know why they were fired into Kuwait."
19
Welcome to war Era of Republicans
6
"That has left the new White House feeling besieged from Day 1, fueling the president’s grievances and, in the view of some of his aides, necessitating an aggressive strategy to defend his legitimacy. “The point is not the crowd size,” Reince Priebus, the White House chief of staff, said on “Fox News Sunday” "
Mr. Trump and his advisers are "de-legitimizing" themselves using half-truths, alternate facts and out-right lies.
Mr. Trump and his advisers are "de-legitimizing" themselves using half-truths, alternate facts and out-right lies.
29
Ms.Conway's used the phrase, "alternative facts" to support her claims about the number of people at the inauguration. Orwell called it "new speak" in his novel "1984." It seems that alternative facts is a clear and ominous sign that we are headed towards a totalitarian state.
33
1984 is the standard operating procedure manual for trump and the republicans
14
Yup. And maybe add "Animal Farm." Some of the animals in it remind me of the Donald and his minions.
4
It pretty clear the dark state and the Republican handlers are going to have a tougher time bringing Trump to heel than they thought. I for one would relish a full-blown war between the President and our "intelligence community". Nothing would suit me more than to see their domestic powers, funding, and apparatus completely gutted, and the remainder of them shipped off to listening posts at the Russian border!
4
One 9/11 not enough for you? Who will stop the next big terrorist attack?
16
Spook, why?
2
"A day after waves of opponents gathered in Washington and cities around the nation and world to protest his presidency, Mr. Trump began Sunday still in a mood to push back."
How about:" A day after [ Millions ] of opponents gathered in Washington and cities around the nation and world..."?
Sounds like the three writers are terrified of a possible Trump-Twitter-Tirade.
How about:" A day after [ Millions ] of opponents gathered in Washington and cities around the nation and world..."?
Sounds like the three writers are terrified of a possible Trump-Twitter-Tirade.
13
I just watched a video of Trump's speech to the CIA, and "rocky" doesn't begin to describe the president's conduct this past weekend. Forget the tweets and arguments about the size of the crowd at the inaugural; forget the historically awful address; pretend Sean Spicer didn't refuse to take questions or throw a hissy fit at his first press conference; ignore Kellyanne's explanation of Spicer's "alternative facts." Watch the complete video of Trump in front of the wall of stars at Langley speaking to the men and women whose business it is to keep our nation safe and who risk their lives doing so. Beyond embarrassing, this speech--more than any other he's given, demonstrates the magnitude of the ineptitude, arrogance, self-absorption, recklessness, and peevishnss of our new commander-in-chief: it is chilling.
54
Well said.
7
And these are all people trained to read and evaluate other people as intelligence sources.
6
It's even worse than it appears. CBS News is reporting that the Trump team brought in about 40 of it's own cheerleaders for the CIA appearance.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sources-say-theres-a-sense-of-unease-in-inte...
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sources-say-theres-a-sense-of-unease-in-inte...
13
It sure looks to me that driving up international migrations and climate change is the Republican agenda, since it utterly opposes planning parenthood anywhere.
21
It is indeed s shame that no one in his circle of close advisors can tell our new President to cool it on trivial points like the size of the crowd at the inauguration. As a result, he is trivializing his presidency, embarrassing all of us and making us ashamed of him in the eyes of the world. Why can't he see that?
18
Can't believe I'M defending our POTUS on this one,..but here goes:
Kathy, Kathy, Kathy,...he was elected in spite (or because) of a History and Campaign of (You fill in the blank) and now he's POTUS.
Probably the last time Trump followed the advise(ment) to "Cool It",.. he was on his GrandFather's Lap throwing a fit as an 8yr old because he didn't get the Dick Tracy Squad Car for Xmas.
And he's been throwing 'em on the regular ever since.
Kathy, Kathy, Kathy,...he was elected in spite (or because) of a History and Campaign of (You fill in the blank) and now he's POTUS.
Probably the last time Trump followed the advise(ment) to "Cool It",.. he was on his GrandFather's Lap throwing a fit as an 8yr old because he didn't get the Dick Tracy Squad Car for Xmas.
And he's been throwing 'em on the regular ever since.
2
The headline is false. Trump's top advisors are not surprised and certainly not troubled. They more than any one else writing these comments know what kind of a man and what kind of president he is. They know they have their work cut out for them and can barely avoid gloating, as we see Mr. Kushner doing in the photograph as he is sworn in.
I think the article is misleading. It reads Kellyanne Conway's comment about using "alternative facts" as troubled when in fact she is bragging. Of course she won't wear her adorable Gucci Patriot's coat every day, but there will be an equivalent preening from the super anti-abortionist Roman Catholic mother of four boys. She and her husband, who provided the legal brief to impeach Bill Clinton, have been part of the alternative facts movement for years and now they can even brag openly about it. These folks know very well who and what they are dealing with and they are eager to do it. To imply, falsely, that these advisors are troubled by Mr. Trump's week-end behavior is wishful thinking. Inaugural crowd size i as minor, distracting and welcome alternative fact. This teapot tempest hides the real, major facts that Trump trumpetted this week-end. He killed the ACA by signing an Executive Order to eliminate the individual heath care mandate, which defunds AFC. This makes the ACA economically infeasible. Congress and the Insurance companies are complicit. Insurance companies will now exit ACA in droves. Write about that, dummies.
I think the article is misleading. It reads Kellyanne Conway's comment about using "alternative facts" as troubled when in fact she is bragging. Of course she won't wear her adorable Gucci Patriot's coat every day, but there will be an equivalent preening from the super anti-abortionist Roman Catholic mother of four boys. She and her husband, who provided the legal brief to impeach Bill Clinton, have been part of the alternative facts movement for years and now they can even brag openly about it. These folks know very well who and what they are dealing with and they are eager to do it. To imply, falsely, that these advisors are troubled by Mr. Trump's week-end behavior is wishful thinking. Inaugural crowd size i as minor, distracting and welcome alternative fact. This teapot tempest hides the real, major facts that Trump trumpetted this week-end. He killed the ACA by signing an Executive Order to eliminate the individual heath care mandate, which defunds AFC. This makes the ACA economically infeasible. Congress and the Insurance companies are complicit. Insurance companies will now exit ACA in droves. Write about that, dummies.
17
It's more than lies and childish tantrums, it really is a plan to undermine the press/media; perpetuate false news to his followers; and set the tone to progressively eliminate the need to even have press conferences.
So please, media, get your information from other sources rather than counting on any kind of honest respnse from the horses mouth. Yet, still be present at those vacuous press conferences to best expose what their ultimate plan in.
I think Sean Spicers press conference today was their frightened response to yesterdays cia disaster, but there are still lots of holes in the story Sean tells and he consumes too much time on propoganda.
So please, media, get your information from other sources rather than counting on any kind of honest respnse from the horses mouth. Yet, still be present at those vacuous press conferences to best expose what their ultimate plan in.
I think Sean Spicers press conference today was their frightened response to yesterdays cia disaster, but there are still lots of holes in the story Sean tells and he consumes too much time on propoganda.
15
Well if there's an Alternate Universe,..surely it's composed of Alternate Facts.
(A) Very Nixonian and Rumsfeldian a term.
(A) Very Nixonian and Rumsfeldian a term.
14
"My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over" - Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States. President Trump, you are about to plunge our nation into another 'long national nightmare'.
15
Buyer remorse has already begun to set in. This is going to be a divorce before the honeymoon even begins. Forgive the mixed metaphors.
17
I think mr. Trump needs to attend a few classes one would be anger management to learn how to control himself over things that should not even bother him especially as the President of the United States. Next he needs charm school because Lord knows no charm when it comes to working with finesse with those around him. He acts like a spoiled child throwing temper tantrums because things are going exactly how he wants them the instant he wants them I'm sorry but I would expect a little more class out of a president of the United States money doesn't make you classy. It is a vulgar mouth and children of this country are watching him people of this country are watching him closely scrutinizing his every move every word and hanging on them. I have never seen the likes of it
14
Kellyanne Conway is proving to be argumentative, annoying and shrill. This style gets old very soon, and it does not serve her boss at all well. Coming up with multiple euphemisms for "lie" is not clever, not politic and not effective. This is not an asset to the White House--it only makes people even more mad and distrustful--if that is even possible at this stage!
29
Some Presidents of the USA had severe mental, emotional and psychological problems. The electorate rebuked the politicians and sent Donald Trump to Washington to teach the politicians and the world a lesson. The media are under attack.
So what's new?
So what's new?
2
The "newt" is wrong about most things, most recently that the average American isn't paying attention to the dreck emanating from Trump's mouth. Indeed we are listening, Newtie, & are rising up against it. (witness the women's march; just the beginning, my friend). More importantly, we are not letting his chaos moves deter us from seeing the bigger picture of just what he is really doing.
27
Mr. Spicer complains that Mr. Trump is constantly being confronted with negativity. He earned the negativity with his extremely negative comments about women, immigrants and every citizen who did not vote for him. Spicer declares "we are not going to sit around and take it". That resistance to Mr. Trump, his advisors and his policies is exactly the declaration of protesters to his aggressively negative actions. When Mitch McConnell declared during President Obama's first term that his singularly most important goal was to ensure that Obama was a one-term President, did he not consider that such a negative statement would not be returned upon him and other Republicans?
18
These people say they do unto others as the want others to do unto them.
3
Don't like Trump's style, however, I am very pleased with some of the new initiatives we're seeing with the Trump Administration. For example, I appreciate that he has reached out to Israel's Prime Minister inviting him to come to the White House soon. It is refreshing to have an Administration that is once again friendly to our ally Israel, unlike Obama who was increasingly hostile to Israel. His anti-Israel animus started in his disrespect towards Netanyahu on his belated White House visit, then in his flyover of Israel for his Cairo speech to reach out to the Muslim world, then in his flawed Iran nuclear deal, and finally culminating in Obama's calculated offense in supporting the UN over Israel. So while I wrote in another GOP candidate for president, I do feel appreciate that Trump has vowed to always support Israel in the UN, and to seek to rework the terribly flawed Iran nuclear deal as well. A much better track for our nation, and for our allies.
3
So this article is about how you feel Obama treated Netanyahu, oh and the GLOBAL Iran Nuclear Deal with the US, UK, China, France, Germany,...?
Noted.
Noted.
12
Most importantly, is this the beginning of the end for democracy? Is there a fatal weakness in a system that allows all to vote. The Athenians installed a dictator (Pericles) but he was a wise and learned citizen The Republicans have given us Trump. There is a big difference.
9
On his third day as president, D. complains through his press sec. that it is demoralizing to be met a critical press. Apart from not having understood the role of the press in a democracy, I suppose Obama also found it demoralizing to be blocked by the republicans for 8 years, but I never heard him whine about it like a crybaby. I believe D. once said he had tremendous stamina. And what is the whining going to sound like when other world leaders refuse to meet him on his suggest... orders?
23
And so it begins. If this man can't deal with something as trivial as the size of the inaugural crowds, how will he react when it comes to something truly dire? I shudder for America.
22
The scariest thing about this is that for Trump mis-reporting crowd size is as dire as gets. When we're attacked by terrorists, all he'll have to say is "Told you so!".
3
Trump's supporters are still enthusiastically supporting him. No matter how pathetic and crazy this man gets his followers approve. That is what I don't get.
How could such a considerable portion of the people of this country be so naive to think that Trump will do good for the nation when he has such profound character flaws? These flaws permeate through every single decision he makes and the final result will not be good.
Would you hire a contractor who acts like Trump, i.e. lies and deceives and offends and ..., to build your house?
How could such a considerable portion of the people of this country be so naive to think that Trump will do good for the nation when he has such profound character flaws? These flaws permeate through every single decision he makes and the final result will not be good.
Would you hire a contractor who acts like Trump, i.e. lies and deceives and offends and ..., to build your house?
22
Many Trump supporters are cool with his grifter MO because it ratifies their's.
15
I will say it straight, Trump is dangerous for many reasons...I.e illiterate, uneducated, a brute, a narcissist, and an ego blown up from a sad childhood from which he never recovered. Each statement from him or his Twitter account sounds like the mewings of a 12 year old who didn't get his way and wants it now matter what. He can NOT let go of a slight. No sane grown man keeps on harping about the slights that he imagined came his way. He is not mature, not complete in character nor morals. Many people, but not the majority, have elected a school-yard bully to be our President and I pray for the future of our country. The "Alternate Facts" thing is too much!...My God, if your table is made of wood and you know it for a fact and someone says it might be made of plastic as an "Alternate Fact", that is plain Insanity of the highest order! Facts are facts people! The sky is blue. the grass is green! He, as I said in the beginning of my opinion, is a complete and obvious danger to this country we hold so dear...God help us all.
24
Make that 3 years old. And by the way his inaugrual hats were made in China.
9
Hey NYTimes, obsessing with Trump's "obsession" with the media much? As it only takes a few minutes of thought and activity to fire off a well timed tweet or deserved fiery statement at the gleefully post truth media, I am sure you will be calmed to know that neither Trump nor his people are staying up at night thinking about news organizations and such. "Damage Control" for Trump is getting on to important matters and not worrying about NYTimes news analyses which usually misses the point of Trump and his presidency. Please learn Trumpspeak and then Times folks will sleep better.
4
Shouldn't the POTUS and his people also "Learn" TrumpSpeak?
Unless confliction and contradiction are primary components of it.
Unless confliction and contradiction are primary components of it.
5
Ummm Trump seems to be spending an inordinate amount of time thinking about news organizations - that's the problem. He can't handle the criticism - you know the old saying "if you can't stand the heat,..."
15
bronx refugee wrote
"Damage Control" for Trump is getting on to important matters.." yea, like signing an Executive Order to rescind the Affordable Care Act. Never mind that he and the Republicans told us they would have a better replacement for the ACA. Remember, "Repeal and Replace ?
Well where is the replacement for the ACA? Or did Trump lie to his supporters?
"Damage Control" for Trump is getting on to important matters.." yea, like signing an Executive Order to rescind the Affordable Care Act. Never mind that he and the Republicans told us they would have a better replacement for the ACA. Remember, "Repeal and Replace ?
Well where is the replacement for the ACA? Or did Trump lie to his supporters?
4
The media, whether it be Face the Nation or The NYT, has got to name the lies when they are spewed. We The People are counting on you to say it! Please!
30
Whether personally or by example or by business policy, he has hurt hundreds of women. Now he's ready to hurt millions of women throughout the world.
23
The 'removal' of the MLK bust from the Oval Office has been troubling me since it was reported and 'corrected'.
The 'correction' stated that a door and a person (agent?) blocked the bust from the reporter's view. I agree that reporters should exercise the highest journalistic standards and that Zeke should have looked very carefully (behind the door and person) to make sure it wasn't simply 'hidden'.
It would no surprise me to learn that the entire episode was orchestrated by President Trump or his staff to present an optic of bias or prepare a Twitter offensive.
The bust might have been removed for cleaning and returned later, or it might have been removed for a more nefarious reason and returned when they were caught.
What we know is that the bust is hidden from view and I wouldn't be surprised if it were removed some time in the future. Look, it's okay for the President to have in his office what he wants in his office.
Why not just say, 'Yeah, I removed it and I plan on putting another bust in it's place'. Sure lot's of people would be upset, but it's HIS office in OUR house.
Now if he smashed it - that wouldn't be right.
I know only this, we'll never get the TRUTH from this administration. Everything will be obfuscated, denied, and misdirected.
At least the reporter corrected his report. You'll never get that from President Trump, or any politician.
The 'correction' stated that a door and a person (agent?) blocked the bust from the reporter's view. I agree that reporters should exercise the highest journalistic standards and that Zeke should have looked very carefully (behind the door and person) to make sure it wasn't simply 'hidden'.
It would no surprise me to learn that the entire episode was orchestrated by President Trump or his staff to present an optic of bias or prepare a Twitter offensive.
The bust might have been removed for cleaning and returned later, or it might have been removed for a more nefarious reason and returned when they were caught.
What we know is that the bust is hidden from view and I wouldn't be surprised if it were removed some time in the future. Look, it's okay for the President to have in his office what he wants in his office.
Why not just say, 'Yeah, I removed it and I plan on putting another bust in it's place'. Sure lot's of people would be upset, but it's HIS office in OUR house.
Now if he smashed it - that wouldn't be right.
I know only this, we'll never get the TRUTH from this administration. Everything will be obfuscated, denied, and misdirected.
At least the reporter corrected his report. You'll never get that from President Trump, or any politician.
15
I'm starting to think those six bankruptcies are no coincidence.
26
Believe dat!
According to reporting at the time: Trump skimmed money to pay his other debts, then sold bonds to support the failing Casinos, eventually selling out to an investor (Ichan?) at a loss.
He blamed dead executives (died in a plane crash ... all three) and after a short period the executive manger quit 'because he could no longer bear to face the wives of the dead executives while Trump demeaned those men'
OMG! There's so much more Trump history ... people should have vetted him a long time ago. The mob connections (nothing got built in NYC without the mob being involved) alone should have disqualified him for the office he holds now.
Oh well, he is President now ... our only hope are American citizens and Congress. What are WE going to do? I'm tired of writing in the comments section.
According to reporting at the time: Trump skimmed money to pay his other debts, then sold bonds to support the failing Casinos, eventually selling out to an investor (Ichan?) at a loss.
He blamed dead executives (died in a plane crash ... all three) and after a short period the executive manger quit 'because he could no longer bear to face the wives of the dead executives while Trump demeaned those men'
OMG! There's so much more Trump history ... people should have vetted him a long time ago. The mob connections (nothing got built in NYC without the mob being involved) alone should have disqualified him for the office he holds now.
Oh well, he is President now ... our only hope are American citizens and Congress. What are WE going to do? I'm tired of writing in the comments section.
10
Please, say something worthwhile and fact based instead of Twitter-esque opinion splattering. Focus on reaching potential readers with limited backgrounds who need clear facts and a story line. One clear fact which got lost in this article was that Trump's Senior Political Adviser (a new title, I think), Kellyanne Conway used the term "alternative facts." The heading should have been "Conway cites alternative facts in explain photographic reality." This would have been factual and eye-catching. Many people believe Trump's and the Far Right's mythology which has been groomed for years. This mythology inspired 62,000,000 yes votes on November 8, 2016. How? Conway helped create and, more importantly. sustain and adapt this mythology for Trump. This was an excellent opportunity to start revealing how the alt story became reality, from a master. Conway transformed Trump's failing campaign in May 2016 to win the Electoral Vote in November. Your own prejudice against women (including Maggie Haberman) shows how you mis-underestimate Ms. Conway's role. She has practiced for years on Bill Maher's "comedy" Real Time, The Mercer foundation provided permanent employment to her, to develop winning mythology using scientific polling. The NYTimes must focus on facts. Skillful reporters like Nicolas Confessore flail on Twitter. Assign a real reporter to show how facts are distorted to create propaganda to examine and explain how and why Conway succeeded just when Trump was failing.
10
Was that by THE GLENN THRUSH - the self described hack who demonstrated his professional objectivity during the campaign like John Harwood, George Stephanopoulos, Martha Ravitch and so many others in the establishment media?
The NY TIMES is currently restructuring itself out of business and this will accelerate when Carlos Sims decides he needs to pull his money out of the obsolete jalopy.
The NY TIMES is currently restructuring itself out of business and this will accelerate when Carlos Sims decides he needs to pull his money out of the obsolete jalopy.
1
I must say the headline of the article is misleading - no Aides are quoted in the article as being troubled or concerned. Aides presumably work for the President. they are different than a more casual/unofficial supporter. As we Resist we need to be factual. Do better Washington Post.
4
Hey, it's amateur hour. Whatcha expect?
10
Here you go again, NYT.
Trump floods the airwaves with verbal idiocy, lies, and provocative abuse.
And you go right for the shiny, sparkly things, allowing him to actually act on things that you then fail to notice.
He is a lousy politician. He is a worse "businessman". He is the slime below the lowest depths to which humanity can sink. But he is a master manipulator and you, for over a year now, have been hypnotized by this ugly act.
Stop it. Now.
Trump floods the airwaves with verbal idiocy, lies, and provocative abuse.
And you go right for the shiny, sparkly things, allowing him to actually act on things that you then fail to notice.
He is a lousy politician. He is a worse "businessman". He is the slime below the lowest depths to which humanity can sink. But he is a master manipulator and you, for over a year now, have been hypnotized by this ugly act.
Stop it. Now.
16
Was this weekend really "Rocky" for Trump, or did it accomplish exactly what he wanted it to?
Trump: SQUIRREL!!!
Press: Where, where, where?
...and in the mean time we are not discussing how flagrantly unqualified DeVos, Pruitt, Carson, etc. are.
Trump: SQUIRREL!!!
Press: Where, where, where?
...and in the mean time we are not discussing how flagrantly unqualified DeVos, Pruitt, Carson, etc. are.
7
When Sean Spicer said that Trump was going to reach out to women at the press conference today, I almost fell off my chair. Mr. Trump has been grabbing and beating people up for so long, he doesn't know how to do anything else.
15
what exactly were they protesting on weekend?
-more jobs?
-better border security?
-meaningful healthcare policy that fits all without penalizing the innocent?
-reduced islamic terrorism?
-more jobs?
-better border security?
-meaningful healthcare policy that fits all without penalizing the innocent?
-reduced islamic terrorism?
4
You don't really think any of that will happen do you?
4
DR, I'm certain they think it,..they just don't believe it (either).
2
Lots of women in California marched. Quite likely you know some.....or maybe not......but try asking someone. I bet she'd be very glad to explain it to you in words you might understand.
9
Somewhere today I found the name and words of Christopher Buckley
being mentioned with regard to the changes occurring in this country.
I am missing his father.
Also, during the past few months many references have been made
to amendments to our Constitution - specifically I and II.
When are we going to dig up XXV?
being mentioned with regard to the changes occurring in this country.
I am missing his father.
Also, during the past few months many references have been made
to amendments to our Constitution - specifically I and II.
When are we going to dig up XXV?
1
Your are brainlessly, mindlessly assuming that the party in power has not decided on a replacement plan. What do you base your assumption on? Your two adverbs should be applied to the previous administration that publicly lied about the ACA and, despite its failures, (e.g., massive increases in premiums as well as deductibles) continued to insist how well it was working. It has already caused harm to millions, Before you start throwing rocks, you should seriously review the failures of your party.
2
Alternative Facts and Multiple Truths - Sounds like the Trump has signed on to the concept of a Multiverse. So without due ado - Is it possible that we borrow a president from a parallel universe for the next 4 years?
5
So tell me, a year from now, who is going to be focusing on this last weekend? Is anyone going to be focused on the Clinton foundation, Benhazi, or Clinton's email server a year from now, much less two weeks from now? I doubt it.
2
The the press should only report what they believe will be focused on at least a year later?
You may be conflating News Media with History Books.
You may be conflating News Media with History Books.
7
I never thought I'd wish for this, but I'm ready for the next Presidential election. And I hate campaigns and all of the wrangling that goes with them. Bring it on. Now, please.
7
My fear is that those around him will eventually, if not already, be afraid to voice anything contrary to what Trump thinks because they will hear the "Your fired" statement. When it comes to that, then it will be no different than having a Hitler or a Stalin, or any of that ilk running the country.
7
How am I supposed to teach civil discourse, fact-based argument, and clarity in composition to developmental writing students if the most powerful politician--literally on the planet--writes like a fifth grader, argues like a four year old, and promulgates facts like one of those sites that really wants you to know about how "This one dietary choice is the only weight loss solution you'll ever need!"?
18
You live in Pennsylvania? Try getting involved in local politics and help get rid of any Rs running in 2018.
9
Already on it! Joined the township environmental advisory committee. Looking forward to canvasing for the next two years to get back the house!
7
Everyone who hates Trump has no reason to hate him. Reason being is if you are educated and aspire to be something in life you understand the world will give you great amounts of resistance especially when talking negatively about someone; and people who understand basic principles like sow and reap or karma don't want bad karma. Secondly if you don't aspire to be something for yourself, family, classmates, or loved ones... than you are a welfare driven individual blaming everyone for your mistakes and problems and not taking responsibility for your outcome. He is in office because he attempted to run for president and he won; you are complain because you don't understand why, how, when, where of how he won. Uncertainty creates fear and frustration. Go read a book!
1
I can give you a hundred reasons to hate him, starting with his bigotry, his dishonesty, his mistreatment of women, his complete lack of ethics etc.
14
Sure; that's a of energy and hate for someone that wont bring you peace! Expression is free will, don't allow your hate to grow that it changes your fate!
1
Lionel Dorsey - That hatred will be channeled into action that will help improve things for my grandchildren.
2
Unity is better than division. For the good of the Nation and the world, Americans need to get behind this President and his advisors.
"When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice." -- Trump Inaugural Address, January 20, 2017.
Calling all patriots...
"When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice." -- Trump Inaugural Address, January 20, 2017.
Calling all patriots...
Millions of us were all marching on Saturday. Where were you?
2
Hey, give the guy a break. His comment is sincere and his sentiment absolutely correct and patriotic. Nevertheless, it's very difficult to get behind a president whose every utterance is so destructive and divisive. In the end it's really more important "For the good of the Nation and the world" that WE all get together. And that starts with listening and talking to our fellow citizens as President Obama encouraged us to do and to not vilify the other.
2
Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels. As true now, as when it was first spoken.
My mother taught me that "pointing" was rude.
Why does Mr. Trump point ?
Didn't his mother teach him that it was rude ?
Why does Mr. Trump point ?
Didn't his mother teach him that it was rude ?
7
Gingrich said: "He has to keep America safe and create a lot of jobs. That’s what he promised in his speech. If he does those two things, everything else is noise.” Unfortunately, those are the two biggest things in the world. "Safe" doesn't just mean safe from terrorism. Safety includes action to improve our food system (both domestic and imported foods), health care, violent crime, white collar and Wall Street crime and fraud, water sources, environmental hazards that cause death, and industrial accidents such as mining disasters. Simple, right Newt? As for creating jobs, he somehow has to convince the Republican bigwigs to stop making people at their companies work two jobs in an eight-hour day and to bring back some of the jobs that Trump has tried to convince us were taken away by other countries. (No, they were sent away to those other countries.) Does anybody really believe that someone with a very narrow and limited scope of education and work experience limited to one family-run business has the background to expertly oversee the toughest job in the world?
4
Congress listens to voters and political donors. Congress can impeach for any reason. Including preferring Gov. Pence. Simple majority in the H of R. 2/3rd majority in the Senate, where only 1/3rd of the GOP members would have to agree. How long will it take?
3
Who will be the first Trump administration member to be arrested? These people have no shame.
9
We fully will expect The New York Times constantly to bombard the Trump Presidency. We will continue supporting the Trump Presidency recognizing The New York Times flatters itself almighty.
4
All the sycophancy in the world won't make Trump a good president. In fact, he's been slumming on sycophancy his whole life.
7
At least you are reading a reliable news source. Perhaps there is hope that some clarity will get through and you may distinguish from facts and "alternative facts".
6
Really? You'll support people dying from a lack of medical care? You'll support the loss of civil rights? You'll support the high cost of environmental disasters?
Who is going to support you when another recession hits the country?
Who is going to support you when another recession hits the country?
14
How long is it going to take for all to see that he will not change because he cannot change? Trump is a very sick man.
25
There is one solution to this man's superego. US should do what autocrats do once they are in charge of their country:
His full size picture should be hung in every public building, and also even churches.... For the latter, candles should be lit, by his photo, and daily prayers uttered...
His full size picture should be hung in every public building, and also even churches.... For the latter, candles should be lit, by his photo, and daily prayers uttered...
6
No doubt I am echoing others when I urge the NYT and other media to drop the prissy, overly deferential euphemism.
This was not a "rocky weekend" it was an embarrassing, humiliating descent into laughingstock territory and a frighteningly ignorant display of adversarial, anti-free-speech ideology by the creatures whose actions in the coming weeks, months and years will erode quality of life for the rest of us for decades to come.
Those of us over age 50 don't have too many more presidential administrations to burn. The coming major foul-ups by this one are going to blight our chance of a secure old age and negate DECADES of diligent, earnest hard work we've put in. All on spiteful, sociopathic whim.
Stop treading so lightly and show these amoral monsters for what they are! Do your jobs!
This was not a "rocky weekend" it was an embarrassing, humiliating descent into laughingstock territory and a frighteningly ignorant display of adversarial, anti-free-speech ideology by the creatures whose actions in the coming weeks, months and years will erode quality of life for the rest of us for decades to come.
Those of us over age 50 don't have too many more presidential administrations to burn. The coming major foul-ups by this one are going to blight our chance of a secure old age and negate DECADES of diligent, earnest hard work we've put in. All on spiteful, sociopathic whim.
Stop treading so lightly and show these amoral monsters for what they are! Do your jobs!
30
Just what America needs, more advice and counsel from the repudiated elitists who try to pass off their pretentious self absorption as some kind of enlightened high mindedness. The cultural Marxists in NY, DC, SF and West LA. have been exposed. Welcome to the real revolution
Hemmersley Hammersmith - The people in MY, SF etc. are the ones paying taxes to support the uneducated rubes who voted for Trump. We'll still have our health care, our homes etc. while Trump supporters are wondering what happened to their medical care and checking their mail boxes for government checks that will never show up.
13
Are we in crazy town?!? Alternative facts?!? Is there such a thing? He hasn't even been president for a week yet.
13
Just as a reminder.
This president that is worried about the perceived size of his inauguration audience also has his tiny hands on the nuclear launch button.
This president that is worried about the perceived size of his inauguration audience also has his tiny hands on the nuclear launch button.
11
This person has no center, other than an infinitely dense narcissistic core. He has a minimal attention span, a false or a weak understanding of many topics, and he is impulsive in the extreme. We know what he is like already, and he is not going to change. This is all going to get worse. Republicans, if you value your careers (I won't ask you if you value your country, that is a stretch too far), then start looking for the exits.
18
My favorite is the smarmy Paul Ryan whose mother raised him on Federal disability payments for his father; and who went to university on Federal grants. He is like the person who escapes the disaster below and pulls up the ladder so others cannot escape.
Reince Priebus says, "...we're not going to sit around and take it."
Well, that's what more than half of the electorate had to do, and is still having to do. Why not take the initiative and give us a break? Many of us were hoping against hope for some morsel of conciliation but instead are given bread and water in the form of "alternate facts".
I didn't spend fifty six years as a civilian supporting defense and national security to just shut up and take it, myself.
Well, that's what more than half of the electorate had to do, and is still having to do. Why not take the initiative and give us a break? Many of us were hoping against hope for some morsel of conciliation but instead are given bread and water in the form of "alternate facts".
I didn't spend fifty six years as a civilian supporting defense and national security to just shut up and take it, myself.
22
Trumps behavior shows no respect for americans citizens. He insults and then pretends it never happened. Patronizing and blatant lies that show no respect for someone's intelligence. He treats most US citizens as a womanizer treats an insecure woman. Those that voted and support him fail to see or accept the abuse, rationalizing and justifying his acts in a manner similar to an addicts facilitator. As for those closer to him it appears that they will take the abuse and humiliation for betraying their values in exchange for a personal benefit.
9
Let's be fair, he doesn't respect the citizens of any country, it's not just the U.S.
5
One fact overlooked in this 'world of Donald Trump' is there are Americans who have already earned or received their financial security in life and they are not starting out, or grinding their way to some level of ability to pay in life. They enjoy the show, the entertainment, which Trump provides. They sit in their homes detached from daily grind and laugh at a guy who is willing to give the finger to the media, the lesser, the rest of the world, sans Russia. Some of these people shelter assets from taxation, some give to the Republican Party candidates. They travel, they live among those like them, and they are generally evangelical Christians. These are happy times for them, they share the best investment advice sources at the local Country Club and perhaps sources in NYC. As long as things don't get too far out of hand, they like a good show. And they want the poor to pay more for healthcare, and they want to a lot less for very high deductible plans, because they have the ability to pay if the worst happens. I know, I know these people. So, we have two different worlds out there, and the world of Trump is now in the White House and some seats in Congress. Pushback has to be fierce.
19
I'm caught between the idea that this is due to awkwardness, stupidity, and lack of experience - and the uncomfortable feeling that this is part of a long game manipulation, in which Trump plays directly to his base, declares war on journalism and truth itself, and sets the stage for dysfunction and conflict such as this country has never seen.
7
Although he can pretend he's someone else for a period of time, all it takes is a slight to his thin skinned ego to revert him to the Real Donald Trump. In previous roles - deal maker, reality TV host, presidential candidate, etc. - people had the choice to embrace his quirky persona, or deal with it minimally or not at all. Now that he's our President, we no longer have the option of ignoring him. The Real Donald Trump is not suited to his new role. Don't expect him to change much if at all.
5
It was very good of Trump, in his inauguration speech, to tell us what a horrid, dangerous and generally really bad country we live in. Perhaps those with brains should emigrate and leave this allegedly terrible place to Trump, his minion and those Trumpkins
4
When the GOP sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing corruption. They’re bringing greed. They’re liars. And some, I assume, are good people.
14
I'm truly not sure how people with values and
intelligence will be able to cope with this man
for four years . He reminds me of some insane
character from a Kurt Vonnegut novel . His cabinet
would be hilarious if they weren't in these positions
. What has happened to our beloved country ?
intelligence will be able to cope with this man
for four years . He reminds me of some insane
character from a Kurt Vonnegut novel . His cabinet
would be hilarious if they weren't in these positions
. What has happened to our beloved country ?
16
I think the Vonnegut reference was astute.
4
I think W Bush was wiser. If only Trump could invent story that a small and poor country, thousands of miles away, was threatening our country we all Americans would cheer him as a hero and follow him till his mission was accomplished.
4
Turgut,
Trump already said he intends to re-invade Iraq and take their oil.
He's not very creative ya know.
* Obama used the Lincoln Bible, so did Trump
* Obama had a cake at his inauguration, so did Trump ... it was identical
* Jackie Kennedy was a class act, Melania tried to act classy
* George Bush invaded Iraq, so will Trump
* George Bush destroyeed the economy, so will Trump
* Republicans want to invade Iran, so does Trump
He's a wannabe.
Disclaimer: litigation avoidance requires that I note the above is my opinion
;)
Trump already said he intends to re-invade Iraq and take their oil.
He's not very creative ya know.
* Obama used the Lincoln Bible, so did Trump
* Obama had a cake at his inauguration, so did Trump ... it was identical
* Jackie Kennedy was a class act, Melania tried to act classy
* George Bush invaded Iraq, so will Trump
* George Bush destroyeed the economy, so will Trump
* Republicans want to invade Iran, so does Trump
He's a wannabe.
Disclaimer: litigation avoidance requires that I note the above is my opinion
;)
3
I don't think that whining about the size of the inauguration crowd was an error: I think it was a rather brilliant move to hijack the news coverage, which would otherwise be about nothing except the Women's March. Goebells would be proud.
11
I wrote an email to friends with those same sentiments, even down to the Goebbels would be proud comment. I don't think you were one of the friends to whom I wrote, but you should be on my list of friends
Great minds think!
Great minds think!
6
We all have seen what this person does and says. He is a cheat and a liar. His penchant for bait and switch appears to be his method of success in business and has been the same in the campaign and now in "governing". Pay attention to the man behind the curtain. Let's not be fooled again ~ he has the codes.
9
Ignore what he says watch what he does and be vigilant for democracy
13
He is such a despicable creature. He is in over his head. When he doesn't get his way he kicks and screams. I am so sickened by him and the fact that he is the leader of this country. I think he will be so spiteful regarding womens concerns just to retaliate against the millions who marched on Saturday. He will show us who the boss is. All I can muster up is a huge yuck.
22
Perhaps you should consider Canada.
2
The patriots in 1789 didn't consider Canada, why should we?
We must stand up against Trump and his cohorts, and anyone else, whenever he and his cohorts and others are being authoritarian.
Stopping authoritarianism, in any shape and form authoritarianism takes, is what being democratic is all about.
Say "no" to and stop tyranny.
Say "no" to and stop Trump's from employing authoritarian utterances, ideas, acts, policies, procedures, legislation, resultant laws; and, as well, Trump' encouraging Americans to be authoritarian toward other.
Being authoritarian is favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.
And stop Trump from his ultra-dangerous words and acts against Freedom of The Press, Freedom of the Press which is one of the mainstays of American democracy.
Trump's speech, his speaking out, has, and is likely to again, cross the line between Freedom of Speech over to calling out "fire" in a crowded theatre in order to hurt other people.
Stopping authoritarianism, in any shape and form authoritarianism takes, is what being democratic is all about.
Say "no" to and stop tyranny.
Say "no" to and stop Trump's from employing authoritarian utterances, ideas, acts, policies, procedures, legislation, resultant laws; and, as well, Trump' encouraging Americans to be authoritarian toward other.
Being authoritarian is favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.
And stop Trump from his ultra-dangerous words and acts against Freedom of The Press, Freedom of the Press which is one of the mainstays of American democracy.
Trump's speech, his speaking out, has, and is likely to again, cross the line between Freedom of Speech over to calling out "fire" in a crowded theatre in order to hurt other people.
13
Spicer's admonishing the press that the media's negativity is demoralizing and deflating? Seriously? A journalist's job is not to inflate a president's fragile ego.
And a press secretary's job is not to lie on behalf of the leader of the free world!
And a press secretary's job is not to lie on behalf of the leader of the free world!
27
Spicer makes one long for Ron Ziegler.
10
The missing MLK bust could be classic gaslighting. Hide the bust, bring in reporters, hope the reporter notices, and then put it back. After all, Trump brought his hand-picked cheerleaders to the CIA with him so anything is likely.
14
I think we need to stop referring to POTUS as the "leader of the free world." That ended with Trump's swearing-in. He is an unprincipled locomotive whose brakes have stopped working (if they ever did). What country in its right mind (or best interests) would follow Donald John Trump?
14
(1) “For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while THE PEOPLE have borne the cost.”
- DJT, Inaugural Speech, 2016.
(2) "All of these government changes have brought some positive advantage only to the actors who took part in the play; but the results were almost always quite negative as far as the interests of THE PEOPLE were concerned"
-AH, Reichstag Speech, 1937.
- DJT, Inaugural Speech, 2016.
(2) "All of these government changes have brought some positive advantage only to the actors who took part in the play; but the results were almost always quite negative as far as the interests of THE PEOPLE were concerned"
-AH, Reichstag Speech, 1937.
9
the illegitimate President doesn't have enough knowledge to know who AH is.
2
That's an interesting similarity, Ken. But what's your point really? How and with what rhetoric would we fight a government that has for too long served the special interests of a relatively small number of inside players and their corporate paymasters, the lobbying system, etc.?
I mean, this is an actual real thing, isn't it? Or has the New York Times and NPR and Frontline down through every manner of more progressive media outlets and out and out leftist political voices from Chomsky to Nader... have they all been lying to us? Not to mention Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Haven't inside-the-beltway politics and policies too long now benefited the few, the elite, and deep pocketed?
For much of the last half-dozen years, before Trump was ever a thought in any of our minds in terms of an actual and successful run for POTUS, this newspaper and the Washington Post used simply amazing investigative feature reporting to show tragic examples of the growing economic inequality and the injustices it was producing on the ground and in people's lives. This while simultaneously decrying this era we are living in now as 'The New Gilded Age.'
Has any of that changed? Hasn't our government in Washington been run by and for intrenched and elite special interests for too long to the detriment of those out in the country who are not elite or well-born or connected?
I mean, this is an actual real thing, isn't it? Or has the New York Times and NPR and Frontline down through every manner of more progressive media outlets and out and out leftist political voices from Chomsky to Nader... have they all been lying to us? Not to mention Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Haven't inside-the-beltway politics and policies too long now benefited the few, the elite, and deep pocketed?
For much of the last half-dozen years, before Trump was ever a thought in any of our minds in terms of an actual and successful run for POTUS, this newspaper and the Washington Post used simply amazing investigative feature reporting to show tragic examples of the growing economic inequality and the injustices it was producing on the ground and in people's lives. This while simultaneously decrying this era we are living in now as 'The New Gilded Age.'
Has any of that changed? Hasn't our government in Washington been run by and for intrenched and elite special interests for too long to the detriment of those out in the country who are not elite or well-born or connected?
3
And a man who inherited and squandered a fortune, failed in casinos and real estate ventures, borrowed money from shady Russian oligarchs known to his sons who do business in Putin's Russia, is the man who represents the "common man". He retreats to his gilded, marble bedecked Tower penthouse, rather than live in a tasteful White House open to the people he claims to represent. How many of those people will ever be welcome in the penthouse? The only foreign leader he has not mocked or insulted is Vladimir Putin. I find that both revealing and frightening. No doubt the Baltic States currently under the protection of NATO find the same.
Saturday's protesters far outnumbered Friday's inauguration attendees. So Trump goes into denial and tweets.
Seeing the protesters, he adds, “Why didn’t these people vote?". They did! Why doesn't he listen?
Heedless of the millions more votes against him, heedless of the mass protests, "Trump Revives Reagan-Era Ban on Use of Foreign Aid for Abortion Counseling". This will not end well for him.
Seeing the protesters, he adds, “Why didn’t these people vote?". They did! Why doesn't he listen?
Heedless of the millions more votes against him, heedless of the mass protests, "Trump Revives Reagan-Era Ban on Use of Foreign Aid for Abortion Counseling". This will not end well for him.
14
"This" guy is mesmerizing. So accustomed to the falsity of tele reality! He should have learn better after "the apprentice" but humility and modesty are not his best qualities. I was always told that one has to make his / her own successes forgiven. His bullyness is a major weakness, and a dangerous one for The USA and the rest of the world. At best he started on the wrong path. At worse....Gd saves us all!
4
I feel very sorry for President Trump. He has had to endure criticism from fhe liberal media and his critics like no other president before him. They pounce if he makes the slightest incorrect move and he is being scrutinized every moment of his waking hours. For example, saying he removed the bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he didn't even touch it was way out of line. They are finding every little bit of fault with him and that would drive me insane. He hasn't even been able to have a grace period and they are acting like attack dogs. It is so unfair and unjust. The conservative media never treated Bill Climton or Barack Obama in this way. They were much more decent.
Also, the Women's March came the same weekend as the inauguration and that must have been very unnerving for him and the Republicans. I am all for protesting in a civilized manner but some of the protestors rioted and acted like thugs. This was criminal behavior and they should be arrested and punished severely.
President Trump was elected by the electoral vote and is our president now. We should let him govern our country and do what he promised us he would do. We should respect him and let him do his job. He is the president of all the people not just those of us who voted for him. Give him a chance to perform.
Also, the Women's March came the same weekend as the inauguration and that must have been very unnerving for him and the Republicans. I am all for protesting in a civilized manner but some of the protestors rioted and acted like thugs. This was criminal behavior and they should be arrested and punished severely.
President Trump was elected by the electoral vote and is our president now. We should let him govern our country and do what he promised us he would do. We should respect him and let him do his job. He is the president of all the people not just those of us who voted for him. Give him a chance to perform.
1
We should respect him the same way he respected Obama.
4
The way you describe Trump and his feelings makes him sound like a sensitive snowflake who needs a safe space and puppies.
Are you being sarcastic when you say the conservative media was much more decent? And when you say the Women's March must have been "unnerving" for Republicans? I genuinely can't tell how "post-truth" some people's "alternative facts" are anymore.
Are you being sarcastic when you say the conservative media was much more decent? And when you say the Women's March must have been "unnerving" for Republicans? I genuinely can't tell how "post-truth" some people's "alternative facts" are anymore.
10
He is doing his job. The proof is in the pudding.
Alternative facts, the evil media. He wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for all the free media.
The media failed up to this point but now they can redeem themselves. Stay on it, NYT .
He signed up for this job knowing full well what it required and if he didn't he should not have run for office.
Quit excusing him or dissing the NYT for reporting on what he IS doing...no more tears for DT because he "is new" at this. He was warned, he was told. He was informed.. He had 18 months to get ready. Don't be easy on him, why? It will not serve him or the country. He labeled himself as the only one who could "fix" America, whatever that means.
Like I said, what he is doing is DT being the president, his way. Sad.
Alternative facts, the evil media. He wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for all the free media.
The media failed up to this point but now they can redeem themselves. Stay on it, NYT .
He signed up for this job knowing full well what it required and if he didn't he should not have run for office.
Quit excusing him or dissing the NYT for reporting on what he IS doing...no more tears for DT because he "is new" at this. He was warned, he was told. He was informed.. He had 18 months to get ready. Don't be easy on him, why? It will not serve him or the country. He labeled himself as the only one who could "fix" America, whatever that means.
Like I said, what he is doing is DT being the president, his way. Sad.
5
Conway represents the WH, and each media outlet has a moral obligation to refuse to let her to use its platform to spread "alternative facts" of any kind - whether it's the ACA or petty grievances. This has been going on long enough, and failure to hold her accountable is one reason we are in this ghastly situation now.
It is time to time-delay press briefings and interviews to make sure the content is accurate, and questions are (truthfully) answered instead of deflected, before airing them.
It is time to time-delay press briefings and interviews to make sure the content is accurate, and questions are (truthfully) answered instead of deflected, before airing them.
9
Yes, keep asking questions. As someone noted earlier, KAC and DT and SS have that deer in the headlights look. Make them support what they say. Don't let them
Off the hook.
Off the hook.
5
There needs to be an end to this. If the elite media does not want to be treated as an opponent to Trump, as a group it should stop being his opponent. Call him to task absolutely. There will be much to call him to task for. But the presumptive animus and opposition must stop. The NYT hiring a crowd size expert? To back up what? And why? Several hours prior to Trump's inauguration a photo was published showing lots of empty space, It was compared to an Obama inauguration photo. But taken when? Other photos taken during Trump's inauguration seem to show a fulsome crowd. You have five responsibilities, Who, What, Where, When, and Why. It's difficult to accept your conclusions on Why, when something as substantive as When is missing.
2
Why does a Canadian care about this at all?
6
Can you not see (even 20 months ago) that HE is opposing everything & everyone decent, good, vulnerable, free, & democratic in the country. As well as opposing the survival of the very planet! Would YOU not oppose him, immediately, if he were campaigning to be PM of our country & was set to take away all your rights?! He is a dictator & needs to be stopped. Now.
7
What makes you conclude that the Trump inauguration photo was taken earlier? Seriously, why would you come to this conclusion when multiple news organizations have reported that the photos were take at the same hour of the day?
It is absolutely important to keep the president honest on everything, including this crowd size issue. It starts with this and goes all the way to times when there is much more at stake. He is the leader of the free worked and we must not tolerate any lies or distortion.
It is absolutely important to keep the president honest on everything, including this crowd size issue. It starts with this and goes all the way to times when there is much more at stake. He is the leader of the free worked and we must not tolerate any lies or distortion.
6
We the people must take action. Our representative form of government is being wrested away from us by corporate greed. This new regime is seeking to undermine our very Society.
13
One day he lashes out at an agency or person and the next day says he loves them and "no one has more respect" for them than Donald J. Trump. How are people going to work with this guy?
18
I have read some of the comments and I am not surprised at the negative view of Trump and the resulting view that next time will be better.
I am not that optimistic myself.
Trump is a populist. The views of his supporters are radically different than the views of the NYT readers.
The illusions of the Trump supporters can be maintained a long time by the circus surrounding him:
anti trade, anti immigration, anti muslim, anti press and pro jobs all hold big appeal with his base.
Although I am generally neverTrump I must confess that I see promise in jobs, assuming he can get infrastructure works going, as well as his insistence on companies not moving job overseas.
Although I am an old guy who doesn't need to work anymore, I lost my software development job when my company decided to save money by moving development overseas.
It also ticks me off that everybody, including Trump. only talks about manufacturing when discussing jobs moving overseas. Our largest software development companies have moved hundreds of thousands of jobs overseas, to places like India, China, Ireland and Prague. IBM has probably more developers overseas than in the US.
It warms my heart when I consider the possibility that the Donald will call them out on this.
I am not that optimistic myself.
Trump is a populist. The views of his supporters are radically different than the views of the NYT readers.
The illusions of the Trump supporters can be maintained a long time by the circus surrounding him:
anti trade, anti immigration, anti muslim, anti press and pro jobs all hold big appeal with his base.
Although I am generally neverTrump I must confess that I see promise in jobs, assuming he can get infrastructure works going, as well as his insistence on companies not moving job overseas.
Although I am an old guy who doesn't need to work anymore, I lost my software development job when my company decided to save money by moving development overseas.
It also ticks me off that everybody, including Trump. only talks about manufacturing when discussing jobs moving overseas. Our largest software development companies have moved hundreds of thousands of jobs overseas, to places like India, China, Ireland and Prague. IBM has probably more developers overseas than in the US.
It warms my heart when I consider the possibility that the Donald will call them out on this.
6
Jobs are NOT the only issue. (And anyway, he won't bring back jobs, he doesn't know how & also he's already shown he makes big promises which he has no intention of keeping.) But on Saturday millions of people around the planet marched to protest his extreme, repressive, & inhumane ideas. You don't think women's & children's rights & climate change which is endangering the entire planet isn't important?! You think his insane & unstable fingers on the nuclear button isn't serious? Forget jobs, he'll NEVER deliver. He's going to destroy the planet & all the people on it!
7
In France, the candidates for President -- elections are in April -- think Trump is incompetent, a liar, an idiot and worse. He is laughed at.
His "rocky start" adds fuel to this fire, as do the worldwide marches on Saturday. In Europe's eyes, Trump has abandoned everything the U.S. once stood for, and in so doing, given up its leadership in the Western World.
The leaders at the World Economic Conference in Davos, Switzerland last week are stepping up to fill America's place. China, and other countries, are taking the lead in producing alternative energy -- it creates more jobs, and revenue for them.
Europe is coming together to fight Putin, and Russia, and to contribute more to NATO. European countries are continuing their social safety nets, as Trump's Congress snatches away the limited American social safety net on Trump's first day in office.
France continues to fight ISIS -- Trump et al are still mulling it over. Europe works to protect the environment, the Trump Congress works to destroy it.
His speech to the C.I.A. was ridiculous -- lots of his well-known superlatives in empty phrases, then 1/3 of the talk aimed at the press and how they under-reported his inaugural turnout.
His rocky start is not surprising, faced with his steep learning curve, lack of ability to focus and responding to criticism as his highest priority. He's not Presidential caliber. What worked on "The Apprentice" does not work in his new job.
His "rocky start" adds fuel to this fire, as do the worldwide marches on Saturday. In Europe's eyes, Trump has abandoned everything the U.S. once stood for, and in so doing, given up its leadership in the Western World.
The leaders at the World Economic Conference in Davos, Switzerland last week are stepping up to fill America's place. China, and other countries, are taking the lead in producing alternative energy -- it creates more jobs, and revenue for them.
Europe is coming together to fight Putin, and Russia, and to contribute more to NATO. European countries are continuing their social safety nets, as Trump's Congress snatches away the limited American social safety net on Trump's first day in office.
France continues to fight ISIS -- Trump et al are still mulling it over. Europe works to protect the environment, the Trump Congress works to destroy it.
His speech to the C.I.A. was ridiculous -- lots of his well-known superlatives in empty phrases, then 1/3 of the talk aimed at the press and how they under-reported his inaugural turnout.
His rocky start is not surprising, faced with his steep learning curve, lack of ability to focus and responding to criticism as his highest priority. He's not Presidential caliber. What worked on "The Apprentice" does not work in his new job.
16
You have made a great deal of assumptions here that I do not agree with. You sound just like a talking head of the Democratic missinfomed!!
Lilou: Well said! I wish every American, especially his "supporters," would read what you've written & take it to heart! Merci!
6
@Jay Slaughter -- regarding French candidates' opinions, it comes from the candidates themselves. The French newspapers have been mocking Trump for months, and my friends laugh and shake their heads when his name is mentioned. They feel sorry for me, and America.
What was said at the World Economic Conference was reported in the New York Times. They, and the Washington Post, were my sources on Trump's plans to fight ISIS--plans not yet formed.
It is easy to find France's record in fighting terrorism and terrorists for over three years now, in the Middle East and Africa, They in fact worked closely with the US, but, this might change.
I admit that my opinions on his CIA conference, and his qualification for office, are my own.
What was said at the World Economic Conference was reported in the New York Times. They, and the Washington Post, were my sources on Trump's plans to fight ISIS--plans not yet formed.
It is easy to find France's record in fighting terrorism and terrorists for over three years now, in the Middle East and Africa, They in fact worked closely with the US, but, this might change.
I admit that my opinions on his CIA conference, and his qualification for office, are my own.
3
What is most terrifying to me is that I believe his team will soon realize that allowing him to exercise strength/authority is the only way to ensure Trump's psychological stability/grounding. The chaos and conflict he craves/creates is avoidable/manageable only if he has something larger to bite into. Lets not be naive folks - we will very soon see a crisis/event that occurs for no other reason than to facilitate the stabilization of Trump's deranged psyche. It will be an episode of domestic law and order theater designed to not only allow him to play the strong-man but to delegitimize the opposition and media. Unity through patriotism [meaning unconditional support of POTUS/admin] will be the through-line from the inaugural so this will happen before the nationalist sentiment/message of his address fades from public memory. The pillage behind the curtain will be so craven and extreme that the public facing political theater will be designed to manipulate the public's limbic system more than any American politician in history.
7
You know nothing that you have stated!
"Alternative facts"....
Did the church og scientology at one point in history get their hands on D and his "terrific" group of people? When I listen to DJT talking about himself and his past, future, and imaginary achievements, it reminds me of Breivik; the terrorist whose first trial primarily was about assessing wether or not, or to what degree he could be declared sane. D and his staff don´t get that what they perceive as "the delegitimizing" is an expression of lack of trust and respect, things one usually have earn in a relationship.
And listening to Spicer´s first briefing.... They clearly don´t get it. What I heard Spicer say, partly whining, with as much patience as he could muster, was: D wants praising! And if you don´t praise him, he will turn into a bad mood! Spicer´s appearance was fake and superficial.
Did the church og scientology at one point in history get their hands on D and his "terrific" group of people? When I listen to DJT talking about himself and his past, future, and imaginary achievements, it reminds me of Breivik; the terrorist whose first trial primarily was about assessing wether or not, or to what degree he could be declared sane. D and his staff don´t get that what they perceive as "the delegitimizing" is an expression of lack of trust and respect, things one usually have earn in a relationship.
And listening to Spicer´s first briefing.... They clearly don´t get it. What I heard Spicer say, partly whining, with as much patience as he could muster, was: D wants praising! And if you don´t praise him, he will turn into a bad mood! Spicer´s appearance was fake and superficial.
9
For all the whining about the 'liberal bias' in the media, I see just the opposite. It's been happening for a while, and I don't think the media recognizes what to do about it, or even that it does it.
They soft pedal their coverage of the right, because they are afraid of accusations that they're are not being fair. In the end the right gets away with a lot of stuff that no one would ever tolerate from the left.
"Alternative facts" are not falsehoods. They are lies. Why did Mr Todd soft pedal it? Because he didn't want to be accused of being unfair? Why is such a dubious spokesperson even on his show? The media gives these liars a platform and then sugar coat their lies. I don't recall Hillary and Co. ever using the phrase "Alternative facts".
They lie so much that it's become business as usual and the media gives it a pass like it's the new normal. Well the media has sure done it's fair share to make it the new normal.
The next stage will be the over the top cheerleading when and if this crew accomplishes even the tiniest achievement.
They soft pedal their coverage of the right, because they are afraid of accusations that they're are not being fair. In the end the right gets away with a lot of stuff that no one would ever tolerate from the left.
"Alternative facts" are not falsehoods. They are lies. Why did Mr Todd soft pedal it? Because he didn't want to be accused of being unfair? Why is such a dubious spokesperson even on his show? The media gives these liars a platform and then sugar coat their lies. I don't recall Hillary and Co. ever using the phrase "Alternative facts".
They lie so much that it's become business as usual and the media gives it a pass like it's the new normal. Well the media has sure done it's fair share to make it the new normal.
The next stage will be the over the top cheerleading when and if this crew accomplishes even the tiniest achievement.
21
This weekend the Gryphon, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts have emerged from the other side of the looking glass. Their new names are Sean Spicer, Reince Priebus, and Kellyanne Conway.
10
DT can do enough wrong things on his own. I does seem that the press is now bating him, but he obviously can not take it. this is not good for any of us including people like me who did not vote for DT. It now seems obvious that the grand plan is make DT look as bad as possible, even beyond what he actually is, as part of a grand strategy to win the mid terms and the next presidency. The problem with this approach, is the US suffers. The end does not justify the means. Maybe the press can back off on the mocking, and see if this man can do something right. If he does, then give him credit. It seems juvenile, but this is the man the electoral college elected and he needs lots of help. Even President Obama said it before he left office: We want DT to do well, since we all do then.
Bias: No one is making him look bad! He's doing it all on his own. I think the media is being remarkably civil. If they said it like he really is, then you'd see the difference. He IS bad. He is BAD. In every sense of the word.
6
Dear Kellyanne:
“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”
― Daniel Patrick Moynihan
“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”
― Daniel Patrick Moynihan
33
Love it !
4
Someone please explain to Trump and his counselors that the negativity that Mr. Spicer decries is not because citizens are trying to be downers raining on Trump's parade but instead because citizens are trying to be heard. Spicer says those US citizens saying "no, no, no" are telling Trump "no you can't" when many in fact are saying "no please don't" or, more desperately, "no, not in our name."
12
Has the news media forgotten Steve Bannon? This all smacks of his manipulative tactics. And notice how there's been radio silence from the administration about Bannon's whereabouts and activities.
26
I agree. I think Bannon is the chief manipulator behind this and that he wants a facist government in the U.S. To put it simply, I believe he wants to destroy our democracy. The way you start is by distorting the truth. These are KGB and nazi tactics - foreign to the U.S. up to now.
16
Trump's best achievement was to save us from business as usual Clinton presidency. He will be remembered for that with gratitude!
I wish I could understand what's going so badly in people's lives that they would rather throw the system away over having "business as usual"
13
If he will be remembered for anything with gratitude, it will be for the last day he occupies the Oval Office and returns to private life.
9
I call the present system that tolerates high crime rates, homeless people, poverty and which does not provide universal education and healthcare as "business as usual". If we only care only for our personal lives this is bad news and is perhaps the biggest source of our problems.
1
I fear the future will reflect the worst of the past. Read about the reigns of the Roman emperors Caligula and Nero if you want to gaze into the future of the United States. To those who say it can't happen here, watch how quickly alternative facts become what the state dictates as what MUST be accepted as fact.
13
And its not like you have a Republican party willing to stand up to his idiocy. No matter what Dumpster does they remain silent.
15
Proud liars and thieves, "Scratch a lie, find a thief". This is horrible.....
7
I marched against Trump on Saturday, and I rely on the media, especially the Times, to inform my resistance. Unfortunately, this article is a thinly-veiled editorial at best and fake news at worst.
The click-baiting headline notes that Trumps "top aides" are troubled, and the purported "story" is underscored by a lead photo of Conway, Kushner, Bannon, and Priebus -- i.e., the top aides. But does the article reference any particular "top aide" that is troubled, or anyone in the lead photo? Are there quotes from anyone in the administration? Not in the least. The article simply states, without attribution, the vague sentiment of undefined senior advisers. The money quote, apparently, is from the unknown Trump "supporter" Mr. Wood. This is a worthwhile editorial, not a news story.
I have started seeking more objective news from other sources -- eg, LA Times, WAPO -- an am concerned that this publication is inexplicably giving fodder to the President's dangerous attacks on the media.
The click-baiting headline notes that Trumps "top aides" are troubled, and the purported "story" is underscored by a lead photo of Conway, Kushner, Bannon, and Priebus -- i.e., the top aides. But does the article reference any particular "top aide" that is troubled, or anyone in the lead photo? Are there quotes from anyone in the administration? Not in the least. The article simply states, without attribution, the vague sentiment of undefined senior advisers. The money quote, apparently, is from the unknown Trump "supporter" Mr. Wood. This is a worthwhile editorial, not a news story.
I have started seeking more objective news from other sources -- eg, LA Times, WAPO -- an am concerned that this publication is inexplicably giving fodder to the President's dangerous attacks on the media.
7
As Ed Koch used to say, "The people voted, now they must be punished."
13
When I read David Leonhardt's email lead, "The Media Cannot Waver," I rushed to comment. "Comments section closed." On Krugman, Blow and others. So here goes.
Mr. Leonhardt and others, yes, the media cannot waver. Problem is, when Trump attacked Mr. Acosta of CNN and "the media" allowed it, wavering wasn't the question any more. Caving in like cowards became the issue. Shame on all of you.
Mr. Leonhardt and others, yes, the media cannot waver. Problem is, when Trump attacked Mr. Acosta of CNN and "the media" allowed it, wavering wasn't the question any more. Caving in like cowards became the issue. Shame on all of you.
9
Yes the seem more concerned with access to officials rather than calling a blatant lie for what it is, a LIE. Apparently corporate sponsorship, advertising dollars and clicks are more important than American democracy. Where is the media pounding the Trumpster and his daughter on their record of labor abuses? How come no one mentions that that Trumpster and Ivanka's producats are ALL MADE OVER SEAS! The only hope we have is that Anonymous gets some dirt on Putin's Puppet and releases it.
4
Donald is no different now than when he was campaigning or President-elect except more wounded by losing the popular vote, such a low turnout for his inauguration compared to any other recent President, a worldwide turnout bigger than his inauguration by milliions for the Women's March directly protesting him, knowing that we know he only won the election via cheating-interference by FBI and Russians (he would not have won if the GOP, FBI, Wikileaks, Russians, and that his popularity (support poll) is lowest of an incoming President. Besides that he has yet to resolve his Russians entanglements, his conflicts of interest, or make full financial disclosure per the 1978 Ethics Act. Congress, the GOP particularly, is failing again. It is ridiculous that we don't have a fairly rigorous set of standards to qualify for President, Vice President, Senator, Rep... like mandatory retirement age of 65 unless agrees to annual 3rd party physical and mental (executive) health assessment and full financial disclosure of family -- Oh wait, we do have law and common practice that make those mandatory. Why we don't have candidate requirements to run for office is bizarre. We have strict requirements to be hired by the FBI, to be a teacher or professor, to be lawyer, a doctor, etc. than we do for our elected officials. So Sad
10
Folks keep waiting for some signal or hint of human decency from this pile. They keep looking for "the pivot" to presidential.
Nice to hope for good but by now, that hope has crossed over to insanity.
How many times do you need to bump your head or stub you toe before you STOP DOING THAT??
Nice to hope for good but by now, that hope has crossed over to insanity.
How many times do you need to bump your head or stub you toe before you STOP DOING THAT??
13
At this point, it's probably better for the world if these people succeed in undermining American economic and diplomatic superiority.
Perhaps nations with a higher collective intelligence than ours can fill the gap and lead the world to greater prosperity.
In the process, we will become a largely irrelevant third world country, but it's probably for the greater good of humanity.
Perhaps nations with a higher collective intelligence than ours can fill the gap and lead the world to greater prosperity.
In the process, we will become a largely irrelevant third world country, but it's probably for the greater good of humanity.
12
Girls have a special way of bullying. KAC is reminiscent of these. Her interview with Chuck Todd was instructive--she played both aggressor and victim. It went something like this: "Chuck, I'm going to have to reconsider my relationship with you" (threat) "Chuck, don't laugh at me" (victim) Children and teachers learn how to deal with these sorts of girls. Now our journalists and we citizens have to figure it out--fast please.
20
Todd more than held his own on the bullying front, he is no victim. Kellyanne Conway is a woman, not a girl, by the way.
This idiot is just undermining past presidents work just for the sake of undermining them.
He has no clue and no solutions.
He has no clue and no solutions.
20
No surprises here. The moron-in-chief takes office. Mr. Trump has been desperate to have his elder daughter and her husband included as officials of the Trump Administration, so that they can continue to act as Mr. Trump's brain. He depends on them to explain what people are talking about in meetings. He has no clue whatsoever.
The nonsense about the difficulty of moving from private citizen to a top elected position in the USA is simply gloss over the well-known fact that Mr. Trump is an incompetent in everything other than in hucksterism.
One can wish that the Republicans in the current Congress are fearful of being painted with the same brush as Mr. Trump, and will soon seek to force him to resign, but no chance. They will tolerate his insanity, so long as they can further reduce taxation on the highest income/wealthiest and so long as they can destroy the social programs that are of benefit to almost all of the USA population, outside of the now infamous 1%.
Also might the NYTimes editors permit reporters to state that Mr. Trump, and his myriad "advisors", are abject liars about every topic, rather than using toothless euphemisms for abject lies: untruth (an absurd word) or falsehood or similar.
The nonsense about the difficulty of moving from private citizen to a top elected position in the USA is simply gloss over the well-known fact that Mr. Trump is an incompetent in everything other than in hucksterism.
One can wish that the Republicans in the current Congress are fearful of being painted with the same brush as Mr. Trump, and will soon seek to force him to resign, but no chance. They will tolerate his insanity, so long as they can further reduce taxation on the highest income/wealthiest and so long as they can destroy the social programs that are of benefit to almost all of the USA population, outside of the now infamous 1%.
Also might the NYTimes editors permit reporters to state that Mr. Trump, and his myriad "advisors", are abject liars about every topic, rather than using toothless euphemisms for abject lies: untruth (an absurd word) or falsehood or similar.
18
Watching Trump destroy himself is painful, particularly when our whole nation is vulnerable to this man's weaknesses and childishness.
His narcissism and stupidity becomes glaring when he lashes out -- OK, Mr. Obama got much larger crowds at his inauguration? This is a surprise? (in Washington DC? The first black president in the US gets big crowds in Washington DC? Donald, you are pathetic if you cannot get this. Pathetic also if you are unable to comprehend that the majority of Americans did not vote for you, and indeed increasingly fear and despise you.)
And then the childishness -- my God, we send children to nursery school to learn how to take their turn, have some empathy, stand in line, not need to be first all the time. The Donald needs to go back to Day Care.
When this man goes into narcissistic crisis ... remember, he has the bomb.
Never in the history of the US have we put somebody as stunted and disordered into office as Trump.
His narcissism and stupidity becomes glaring when he lashes out -- OK, Mr. Obama got much larger crowds at his inauguration? This is a surprise? (in Washington DC? The first black president in the US gets big crowds in Washington DC? Donald, you are pathetic if you cannot get this. Pathetic also if you are unable to comprehend that the majority of Americans did not vote for you, and indeed increasingly fear and despise you.)
And then the childishness -- my God, we send children to nursery school to learn how to take their turn, have some empathy, stand in line, not need to be first all the time. The Donald needs to go back to Day Care.
When this man goes into narcissistic crisis ... remember, he has the bomb.
Never in the history of the US have we put somebody as stunted and disordered into office as Trump.
32
Lee Harrison -well stated absolutely correct.
6
Yes, and that lit includes Andrew Jackson!
1
One silly and outlandish scene from Trump's first presidential news conference sticks in my mind: when he called Kellyanne to the stage. She ran up, thrilled and grinning like a 14-year-old encountering Elvis in 1957 or the Beatles in 1966.
9
He also called Kellyanne up to the stage the night before inauguration and said "thank you baby," what's up with that.
6
Trump’s bogus war on the media is clumsily calculated to suck ink and airtime from more critical issues — like his ties to Russia, shredding of strategic international alliances, not revealing his tax returns, apparent conflicts of interest, inadequate vetting of unqualified appointees, and his dangerous shoot-from-the-hip policy-making style. Everything Trump does is posturing for ego, dominance and deals, and he’s banging on mainstream media like a toy drum.
12
Spicer is suggesting the unemployment rate is debatable with the rest of the governments' positions and reports in answer to Moira's request we all agree what square one is. Hard to pin down a moving marker. But he did make sure to make her a martyr to Trump's cause.
You could tell she resented the approbation with digusto. She's a reporter, not a rape victim, Spicer. It's his boss who went off the rails just like he did Saturday deflecting our attention from what WOMEN want to say or ask.
You could tell she resented the approbation with digusto. She's a reporter, not a rape victim, Spicer. It's his boss who went off the rails just like he did Saturday deflecting our attention from what WOMEN want to say or ask.
5
Wow, did anyone catch Conway using her Hashknife to hold "those women" accountable for their own conditions? Why haven't WE got equal wages to our abilities while her boss trumpets grabbing our genitals, yes, he CAN?
Bring it, Conway, bring that claim the injured are to blame for their condition to our tea party. You won't leave smiling. We refuse to let you hijack our initiatives just because you broke into a boy's club in need of a grounding wire. Just try and rename our movement a disaster. Look where it got you.
Bring it, Conway, bring that claim the injured are to blame for their condition to our tea party. You won't leave smiling. We refuse to let you hijack our initiatives just because you broke into a boy's club in need of a grounding wire. Just try and rename our movement a disaster. Look where it got you.
12
Here's a headline. Why not write:
"Trump Keeps Promise, Rejects TPP, Aligns Policies With Those of Organized American Labor?
Instead, the msm wrings its hands over nonsense, viz. Trump's casual exaggerations over trivial things.
Is it any wonder he trashes the media?
"Trump Keeps Promise, Rejects TPP, Aligns Policies With Those of Organized American Labor?
Instead, the msm wrings its hands over nonsense, viz. Trump's casual exaggerations over trivial things.
Is it any wonder he trashes the media?
1
Trump even bites the hands that feed him, sucker.
1
They covered that, too.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/23/us/politics/tpp-trump-trade-nafta.htm...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
And israel
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/22/us/politics/donald-trump-benjamin-net...®ion=Marginalia&src=me&version=newsevent&pgtype=article
and everything else that he's doing. You want them to only cover the positive stuff or is it okay for our media to try to get a grasp on the truth?
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/23/us/politics/tpp-trump-trade-nafta.htm...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
And israel
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/22/us/politics/donald-trump-benjamin-net...®ion=Marginalia&src=me&version=newsevent&pgtype=article
and everything else that he's doing. You want them to only cover the positive stuff or is it okay for our media to try to get a grasp on the truth?
7
Free trade benefits the US way more than it does other countries. Now we have no part of the Asian economy and are allowing China to control the eastern markets. Not smart.
7
K. Conway made a big mistake when she used the phrase "alternative facts." She has slipped and admitted that she and the rest of the Trump team were lying. Everyone should grasp this opportunity with both hands and throw back "Is this yet another alternative fact?" back to their faces whenever they lie, which is all too often.
13
Kellyanne plumbs the next black hole down in an infinite series of them.
5
He and his administration show immediately their willingness to lie openly.
7
I hope things get a lot worse for him and the third rate stooges he has surrounded himself with.
Not my President. Never will be.
Not my President. Never will be.
14
Just like Obama want mine.
Trump spent the weekend arguing about mindless minutia, wasting the time of the American people. But worse, the media spent exponentially more time talking to experts convening panels, writing column after column to prove him wrong. I'm not sure who the bigger fools are. Each side seems bent on proving the other wrong. I don't mind debate over serious issues, like immigration, health care, trade policy, but enough is enough. Trump or his surragate makes a one paragraph statement, then cable news talks about it for eight hours.
Can't somebody rise above this ? It seems that both Trump and the media will not let a point go until they have proven themselves right. I don't care how big the crowd was, and I don't need scientists, experts, panelists and columnists to choke my senses with one rebuttal after another. It becomes childish. Please, everyone, say what you have to say then let it go. I am disgusted, tired, and just want to hear real news for a change.
Can't somebody rise above this ? It seems that both Trump and the media will not let a point go until they have proven themselves right. I don't care how big the crowd was, and I don't need scientists, experts, panelists and columnists to choke my senses with one rebuttal after another. It becomes childish. Please, everyone, say what you have to say then let it go. I am disgusted, tired, and just want to hear real news for a change.
3
Real news? Apart from the BBC and NPR, just where do you look?
1
Trump's staff needs to keep his statements to others truthful, based upon solid confirmed actualities, not speculations nor hyperbole, because how one expresses one's thoughts does reflect one's thoughts. Making decisions based upon 'alternative' facts and opinions leads to actions which will not address the realities of the situation. Trump is an intelligent person but he is so poorly disciplined intellectually that he continually mixes up his feelings and his reasoning, which leads to all these spontaneous expressions and going off in tangents. He's not going to change and so others have got to help him stay focused better.
3
He was expelled from a military middle school due to lack of discipline. His family was troubled: a domineering German father and a beaten down mother. He had terrible role models on both sides. He was raised by nannies, spoiled and allowed to have temper tantrums at the age of eight. That is who he is, a spoiled 8 yr. old at the age of 70. We make a mistake to look for adult behavior and reasoning. Bannon understands this; Tillerson understands this; Pruitt understands this. Trump's Cabinet understands he needs to be coddled and flattered; if they do that, they will be allowed to loot and become even richer billionaires.
The media needs to sharpen its attention span and get over hyperventilating about every time Trump & Co. takes a whack at them, because this is a classic distraction from what is really going on. We have handed over the country to a con artist, and that means we have to pay extra attention to what is going on behind the smoke screen. We need journalists now more than ever. Don't fall for the trap.
7
I burst out laughing at the photo accompanying the article. Show us the version where they all have their fingers crossed behind their backs.
On a somewhat more serious note, since all of these people are compulsive serial liars, do the oaths they took at this ceremony mean anything?
Is any purpose served by your attendance at a press briefing? They'll just scream at you again like the bullies that they are, for the benefit of an audience that thinks this is another episode of reality TV. You'll print the lies accompanied by some mild explanation, which most of us no longer need since there is a presumption of dishonesty and a few of us who have lost all ability to discern fact from fiction (or right from wrong) will take as more proof of the press's disrespect for their Leader.
On a somewhat more serious note, since all of these people are compulsive serial liars, do the oaths they took at this ceremony mean anything?
Is any purpose served by your attendance at a press briefing? They'll just scream at you again like the bullies that they are, for the benefit of an audience that thinks this is another episode of reality TV. You'll print the lies accompanied by some mild explanation, which most of us no longer need since there is a presumption of dishonesty and a few of us who have lost all ability to discern fact from fiction (or right from wrong) will take as more proof of the press's disrespect for their Leader.
5
Donald Trump's problem is that he is under the impression that he is the smartest and most competent person on earth. So he thinks that there is nothing beyond what he thinks and perceives and therefore it is beyond him to look to how others (normal people) act, and understand how to act in any given situation, including ones first days as president of the US.
In Trump's mind whatever he decides to do is automatically not just the right way to act, but is also the best way to act, since he is the greatest and most successful person on earth, not to mention the smartest.
So where a normal person can look at the way he acted and see that it was totally inappropriate, this is only because a normal person looks to society at large to understand what is proper and what is outrageous. Trump however has only one single guide to tell him what normal and acceptable is, and that is what he personally thinks.
As a result we have a man who acts, and will continue to act, in ways that any normal person never would because they would understand they are embarrassing themselves and making a mockery of themselves by doing so.
In Trump's mind whatever he decides to do is automatically not just the right way to act, but is also the best way to act, since he is the greatest and most successful person on earth, not to mention the smartest.
So where a normal person can look at the way he acted and see that it was totally inappropriate, this is only because a normal person looks to society at large to understand what is proper and what is outrageous. Trump however has only one single guide to tell him what normal and acceptable is, and that is what he personally thinks.
As a result we have a man who acts, and will continue to act, in ways that any normal person never would because they would understand they are embarrassing themselves and making a mockery of themselves by doing so.
10
"Donald Trump's problem is that he is under the impression
NO, MICHAEL, IT'S OUR PROBLEM NOW !
NO, MICHAEL, IT'S OUR PROBLEM NOW !
It's like "Nixon on steroids". We are in for a very dark period. We could be looking at a disastrous 4 years.
9
If Trump was truly "getting down to work" he would be studying and consulting govt experts on all the details concerning his campaign promises to throw out anything not pro business. He is infamous for not wanting to read anything though. Anybody can sign some fancy looking papers throwing out years of hard work. If nothing else, this lack of careful consideration should be considered grounds for impeachment. No shareholder would approve of action like this in a corporate environment!
4
As long as the TPP is dead, I am happy. I have a small record label and the reason people download our music illegally in poor countries is they must pay 74 cents USD for a digital song in, say, Vietnam. The TPP would have overridden the jurisdiction of individual countries on downloading. I don't agree with that. I use an attorney who owns a company called Rightscorp which fairly enforces seeding. He gets a fair $20 settlement when their software detects seeding. $10 goes to his company, which is a penny stock by the way, and $10 goes to the band and songwriters, it does not go to us as a label. This is more than fair and it is essentially up to me to decide what I want to enforce. A couple punk bands don't sell anyway and they do not want the rights enforced. I released them because I think they do important music and I anticipate, in the future, far future, it will be profitable. It's a hedge. Anyway, it would have also taken enforcement out of our label's hand and sometimes, if a band is popular internationally, we'll have them go on tour to make up for the lack of sales. I don't want the distribution conglomerates to enforce those laws even though I think both Spotify and free downloading is a problem for the industry. The autonomy of individual countries should be considered. Let's hope this defeat sticks. Good and bad in every administration, even Jesus Obama.
2
If you're happy, I'm happy. But your rant on a side issue is almost longer than the story-subject of your comments. Or were you just trying to use this story to advance the cause of your own? Either way, I'm happy for you.
1
The Spicer scree against the media has little to do with the size of the crowd attending the inauguration or what Trump did or did not say about the CIA during his campaign. Facts are facts and media's job is to accurately report the facts. The real purpose of this challenge to the media is a much longer term goal: to diminish the media and make it less effective at reporting the truth of the Trump actions. With Trump's authoritarian approach, his instinct is to denigrate the media because the media challenges Trump's use of what Kelly Anne Conway calls "alternative facts" and what the rest of us call lies. I think we will continue to see this tension and I only pray that the media doesn't allow itself to be marginalized or shut out from reporting what Trump says and does. If Trump isn't kept under the media's microscope we will find ourselves wondering what happened to our democracy.
5
Trump's first few days may seem inauspicious to some, but it really is a "small sample size". You could argue that the sample size is quite large, given his life history, his campaign, and the transition process, but he really is POTUS now, and its not the first few days that matter. I'm not optimistic, but time will tell. Hysteria and hyperbole and a rush to judgement do not serve us well.
1
I am watching the media like a hawk to make sure you are doing the job. This story does NOT support your headline "Rocky First Weekend for Trump Troubles Even His Top Aides." There is not a single Trump top aide quoted in this story or even referenced anonymously -- all quoted are outsiders or former advisors to others. I am shocked at Trump's mere existence, but I am more concerned that the media get this stuff RIGHT. It was a disastrous weekend, the harbinger of a disastrous presidency but PLEASE match your headlines and your stories. Please don't give them any ammunition against you. This is a matter of changing the headline, not the story.
4
The PsOV to the chaos saw that both parties were getting equal time with Trump, but the sorest losers won out. The adults have to admit he's a disaster, but Putin's greatest KGB success.
2
What do you make of the demeanors of the four top aides in the photograph leading the story?
1
You're watching the wrong party too closely. I wonder if you perform the same hawk-level scrutiny to Breitbart? Drudge? Fox News?
4
We are about to find out what happens when a country elects a president who is quite literally insane.
13
Why does anyone, especially the so-called news media keep pretending Trump is sane? It is clear he is not mentally fit enough to be a pet sitter. Silence and pretending otherwise on behalf of the news media is even more alarming, after all the mindless greedy news media gave US this mess by putting profit in front of truth and reality.
12
"he is not mentally fit enough to be a pet sitter"
Agreed. It's a very good test of a person's character and stability: Would you leave him alone with your dog? No way.
Agreed. It's a very good test of a person's character and stability: Would you leave him alone with your dog? No way.
5
May I please remind you that there is a difference between being the most powerful person in the so-called free world (which Donald Trump arguably is) and being in charge of it?
Mr. Trump is the president of the United States, not of Canada, where I live, or any other country, thank God.
Mr. Trump is the president of the United States, not of Canada, where I live, or any other country, thank God.
8
Since many Trump supporters want little more than to burn our country down, I'm guessing they're delighted that their Fearless Leader has already set himself aflame. Looking forward to the "alternative facts" his attorneys will present at his impeachment and/or treason hearings.
13
We need a huge campaign in this country to support the free press. Not only is a free press the fourth pillar of our democracy but we must remember that people living free and not-so-free all over the globe look to our free press daily for news, analysis and commentary. BUY your news everyone. Support real journalism. And all you legal-types bone up for pro bono work defending the free press and journalism.
Donald Trump's campaign was all about his hatred of journalism and love of faux-news. Steve Bannon, who won him the election countering real journalism with his brand of populist entertainment, Breitbart, is now officially installed in the White House as Trump's Brain.
This isn't going away. I think it is the very top problem on a very long list of dire problems ushered into the White House on inauguration day because without a free and respected press nothing else can go well for Americans and people all over the world will suffer greatly.
Donald Trump's campaign was all about his hatred of journalism and love of faux-news. Steve Bannon, who won him the election countering real journalism with his brand of populist entertainment, Breitbart, is now officially installed in the White House as Trump's Brain.
This isn't going away. I think it is the very top problem on a very long list of dire problems ushered into the White House on inauguration day because without a free and respected press nothing else can go well for Americans and people all over the world will suffer greatly.
12
I agree we need the free press. but we need them to report facts, not their opinions-that's what editorial pages are for. we need them to report honestly and objectively, no spin, no agenda. the American people, all the American people, are smart enough to draw their own conclusions and make their own opinions when given clear, correct and purely factual reporting. and that's what the press needs to do. "we the people" have lost our faith in the press because the press has lost their way. when the press finds their way and fulfills their true responsibility credibly only then will we begin to pay attention to them.
Well, in the meantime we've got Spicer, Conway, Steve Bannon (Trump's Brain) and, of course the Greatest Purveyor of Truth that God Ever Made -- Herr Trump to get your "Alternate Facts" from. How on earth can we expect anyone to report anything "honestly" when they're getting their "facts" the Hugest, Bigly Liar ever handed a megaphone. I appreciate your feeling that journalism isn't telling you enough Truth but that itch ain't gonna be scratched by this administration. Donald J. Trump wouldn't know Truth if it knocked him out in a TKO in the fantasy boxing ring he operates in where he's constantly "hitting back" (to use his sandbox expression) with Reality.
Your statement of this problem you perceive is very dire and dramatic and, yet, "we the people" chose to elect the greatest "opponent" of a free press, free speech and Reality in general ever to hold public office in this great nation. The man declines security briefings claiming that the entire American security apparatus are Nazi's and idiots and don't believe anything they say and Wikileaks is a more reliable source of information for him as President of the United States. That right there is objectively factual and reported by the press. Until further notice by this administration everyone is free to draw their own conclusions and have their own opinions about said facts.
Your statement of this problem you perceive is very dire and dramatic and, yet, "we the people" chose to elect the greatest "opponent" of a free press, free speech and Reality in general ever to hold public office in this great nation. The man declines security briefings claiming that the entire American security apparatus are Nazi's and idiots and don't believe anything they say and Wikileaks is a more reliable source of information for him as President of the United States. That right there is objectively factual and reported by the press. Until further notice by this administration everyone is free to draw their own conclusions and have their own opinions about said facts.
1
We shouldn't be surprised by these liars....Surely some of you remember President Reagan during the Iran-Contra Scandal saying that Oliver North didn't lie he just said something radically different from the truth...good ole saint ronnie still leading from the grave !
12
Trump understands that if one loses one's projected sense of competence and control before an audience that they will lose interest and stop listening, and he will be up there all alone. So even when he's not sure of what he's doing he tries to make others believe that he's certain and in control. It's posturing and he's good at it, but it's not reflective of whether he knows what he's doing or not, and people should not take his comments as indicating the product of serious thought and consideration.
5
Trump's MO is relativistic. He's in charge as long as everyone else is even more unbalanced.
4
Keep up the resistance and attacks. This will be Trump's undoing and keep him off topic. When his,supporters see he is nothing more than a tv celebrity that can't resist attacking his critics eventually they will see the light of this lightweight personality.
8
Yes, even his supporters will become tired of his whining about insignificant matters. Why is he spending time on Twitter instead of governing? If his aides really cared about ensuring that he focuses on governing, they would shield him from gossip about such trivial matters as inauguration crowd size.
3
I watched Kellyanne's alternative facts news show yesterday. Trump's top advisers might want to talk to her.
I can't wait till one of her kids uses that excuse to her. She's just given the teenagers of America a whole new line to invoke.
But beyond that, whenever she shows up to explain the president's declarations, it's a dog and pony show. I'm amazed she can stand there and completely evade answering questions where true facts contradict things the president has declared.
The media has to continue to try to keep her on focus as she a master of changing it.
And now as I type this I'm listening to Spicer sort of not try to apologize for his alternative facts of yesterday. Still declaring it's the most watched inauguration ever. If he wants to go one on one with false facts, he's going to lose. But he's going to go down trying.
Trump's minders have their work cut out for them. Hopefully they can prevent him from starting a war with someone.
And after that march on Saturday Congress might want to think clearly and deeply about doing any rubber stamping because we are watching very closely and we are not going to lose this momentum.
And if the president wonders where we were on Election Day, we were voting and we will be voting again.
I can't wait till one of her kids uses that excuse to her. She's just given the teenagers of America a whole new line to invoke.
But beyond that, whenever she shows up to explain the president's declarations, it's a dog and pony show. I'm amazed she can stand there and completely evade answering questions where true facts contradict things the president has declared.
The media has to continue to try to keep her on focus as she a master of changing it.
And now as I type this I'm listening to Spicer sort of not try to apologize for his alternative facts of yesterday. Still declaring it's the most watched inauguration ever. If he wants to go one on one with false facts, he's going to lose. But he's going to go down trying.
Trump's minders have their work cut out for them. Hopefully they can prevent him from starting a war with someone.
And after that march on Saturday Congress might want to think clearly and deeply about doing any rubber stamping because we are watching very closely and we are not going to lose this momentum.
And if the president wonders where we were on Election Day, we were voting and we will be voting again.
8
"...making a series of verifiably false claims." Thank you, NYT, for reporting the truth. Keep up the good work.
13
Trump has engaged in even more outrageous antics even before the election, and he still manage to become President. If you are looking to defeat Trump, I don't think focusing on this (as front page material) is going to do it.
That there is no Trumpcare ready to replace Obamacare is news that is much more likely to sway voters. I am surprised that has not been more of a focus in the media. I spoke with a Trump fan yesterday who, as far as I know, had no health insurance before Obamacare. When I told him that there Obamacare repeal is already underway but there is no Trumpcare ready for implementation, he expressed astonishment.
There are a lot of Trump fans who may stay home in 2018 and 2020 if you show them that Trump is a con man who has his hand in their pockets. But Presidential temperament? I don't think those voters care.
That there is no Trumpcare ready to replace Obamacare is news that is much more likely to sway voters. I am surprised that has not been more of a focus in the media. I spoke with a Trump fan yesterday who, as far as I know, had no health insurance before Obamacare. When I told him that there Obamacare repeal is already underway but there is no Trumpcare ready for implementation, he expressed astonishment.
There are a lot of Trump fans who may stay home in 2018 and 2020 if you show them that Trump is a con man who has his hand in their pockets. But Presidential temperament? I don't think those voters care.
7
President Trump's continued off message rambling and his own "fake" facts are not only troublesome but makes one pause about his actual state of mind.
4
The media is not always 100% fair and balanced, but it is our only defense against this administration's desire to manipulate and mislead us all. Make no mistakes, Trump, Bannon, Conway and Preibus have taken a page out of the Russian playbook with their attempts to destroy the credibility of the press. Regardless of whether you wish they had reported more or less on an issue or candidate, the media is the only institution capable of reporting critically on him and fact-checking him regularly. That is why they are afraid of it. We must support and stand behind the free press.
7
"However, Mr. Trump later adopted the more above-it-all demeanor that presidents typically take. 'Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy,' he wrote on Twitter. 'Even if I don’t always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views.'
That is NOT a more conciliatory tone -- that is almost certainly one of his aides trying to undo some of the damage the Thug-in-Chief had done in the previous two days. Trump's Twitter account has had these kinds of toned down statements before and the evidence seems to suggest that it isn't Trump, himself, tweeting. It certainly doesn't sound anything like Trump.
That is NOT a more conciliatory tone -- that is almost certainly one of his aides trying to undo some of the damage the Thug-in-Chief had done in the previous two days. Trump's Twitter account has had these kinds of toned down statements before and the evidence seems to suggest that it isn't Trump, himself, tweeting. It certainly doesn't sound anything like Trump.
8
Agreed. That kind of tweet indicates somebody took his toys away.
3
Trump is unusually obsessed about the size of things: TV ratings, inaugural crowds, his own small hands. Hmm, me thinks the man protests too much.
6
President Trump we, the people, are watching you closely. We are ready to march again and again. This is not a television show. This is real life. The policies you are changing will effect us.
8
And they are surprised why? Are they as self absorbed as their new boss? I once had a professor who addressed an unprepared student "No matter how hard you try you can't make chicken salad out of chicken s**t". He never met Kellyanne who can do it without missing a beat. However at some point even she will melt down
5
Trump is what you see is what there is, no more, no less. He's never worked through any problem on his own besides being an entertainer and a showman, he's had others figure things out and explain his choices in a rather limited world up until now. Now he's dealing with the whole world and a lot of uncertainties, and there are no simple choices from which he can choose anymore, and he's in role which is unlike any he's had before.
I am amused by the Republicans and surrogates for Trump who are trying to reframe Trump's mystifying behaviors as genius unappreciated, that while it may be eccentric it indicates a deeper understanding of the issues which will result in new and innovative solutions. It's just people projecting their wishes, I think. Trump is a man who pretty much shows everything that is on his mind and he's struggling not to get his head around something which is much bigger and more complex than he ever imagined. He fixates on those things about which have meaning to him to keep from feeling lost.
I am amused by the Republicans and surrogates for Trump who are trying to reframe Trump's mystifying behaviors as genius unappreciated, that while it may be eccentric it indicates a deeper understanding of the issues which will result in new and innovative solutions. It's just people projecting their wishes, I think. Trump is a man who pretty much shows everything that is on his mind and he's struggling not to get his head around something which is much bigger and more complex than he ever imagined. He fixates on those things about which have meaning to him to keep from feeling lost.
6
Sorry,
"... Trump is a man who pretty much shows everything that is on his mind and he's struggling not lose his balance while he tries to get his head around something which is much bigger and more complex than he ever imagined..."
"... Trump is a man who pretty much shows everything that is on his mind and he's struggling not lose his balance while he tries to get his head around something which is much bigger and more complex than he ever imagined..."
1
The media taunting a President with a sensitive ego reminds me of a school playground, where the bullies steal a kid's hat, playing keep away with it, while the victim chases his hat around. Both are foolish.
Of course more people watched the Obama inaugural. First black President, economy going down the tubes with fear in all sectors of the economy, it would be impossible to beat the number of people who would have shown up for Obama. Particularly in a city with a majority black population.
But who cares. Obviously, the President cares. But my question is, why does the media care?
As for the Women's march, the turn out was impressive. Particularly when combined with the other marches throughout the nation and world. But make no mistake about it, particularly with the Washington demonstration. This had very little lead time. No doubt, those who came from afar to participate in Washington were of a class where they had the time and the economic resources to attend. Those without the time or the economic resources to attend represent the Trump base.
Of course more people watched the Obama inaugural. First black President, economy going down the tubes with fear in all sectors of the economy, it would be impossible to beat the number of people who would have shown up for Obama. Particularly in a city with a majority black population.
But who cares. Obviously, the President cares. But my question is, why does the media care?
As for the Women's march, the turn out was impressive. Particularly when combined with the other marches throughout the nation and world. But make no mistake about it, particularly with the Washington demonstration. This had very little lead time. No doubt, those who came from afar to participate in Washington were of a class where they had the time and the economic resources to attend. Those without the time or the economic resources to attend represent the Trump base.
The CIA's situation is the least of Trump's problems. The fact that the US doesn't use the electoral vote to decide who is president but instead has a clumsy out of date system to decide invites distain for his presidency. His noisy "tough guy" rhetoric combined with his fact devoid assessment of the state of the union just compounds his weak position.
5
He's the President. Did you miss the Electoral vote results?
The CIA used to be autonomous and fully independent; but Barack Obama was so worried that his world view was collapsing that he ordered the CIA to clean up its reports so that it looked like he wasn't utterly & completely wrong. Again.
Now the CIA has to be flushed, cauterized, and re-manned with people who don't play stupid politics... like a dozen other agencies.
The CIA used to be autonomous and fully independent; but Barack Obama was so worried that his world view was collapsing that he ordered the CIA to clean up its reports so that it looked like he wasn't utterly & completely wrong. Again.
Now the CIA has to be flushed, cauterized, and re-manned with people who don't play stupid politics... like a dozen other agencies.
1
Trump's behavior is what got him elected. How can anyone even contemplate that he's going to change it? It's what got him where he is, it's the only behavior he knows. His entire life is an affirmation, celebration of his behavior! Why on earth would he change?!?
And what he does in America is the least of it. After all, you had the opportunity to express an opinion, to make a choice. What will happen when he's being himself in Russia or in China? Or if he, with the full authority of his august office, casually slanders the whole of Africa or South-America?
Honestly, as the center-right candidate of the French Presidency said today, Europe should, however reluctantly, begin to look East. After all, if Vladimir Putin is such a swell guy, Trump couldn't begrudge us our inching closer to him... Or could he?
And what he does in America is the least of it. After all, you had the opportunity to express an opinion, to make a choice. What will happen when he's being himself in Russia or in China? Or if he, with the full authority of his august office, casually slanders the whole of Africa or South-America?
Honestly, as the center-right candidate of the French Presidency said today, Europe should, however reluctantly, begin to look East. After all, if Vladimir Putin is such a swell guy, Trump couldn't begrudge us our inching closer to him... Or could he?
4
The globalists will indeed look away from freedom and capitalism. But the European voters are doing little Brexits all over the place.
2
I hear so much about how, supposedly, Trump is less a thin-skinned compulsive than a cagey strategist, out to distract us all with petulant tweets. I actually find the latter theory less plausible, and have often wondered whether those who report on him as a master media manipulator are merely saving face, ashamed to admit having been distracted by a blowhard operating on sheer instinct. However, the "cagey strategist" aspect should have at least been addressed in the article. Lends more credibility—don'tcha think?
2
The most troubling thing about the Presidency is not the man himself but the "yes sir" people surrounding him. Spicer, Conway, Bannon and Priebus not only do not challenge him, they feed the beast and then promote alt truths.
All recent US Presidents had one thing in common, a wife who could be a sounding board, someone who could help POTUS get back to reality. I know nothing of Melania but she strikes me as not wanting to get near the White House. She most likely believes that if he was impossible before, he is now more intolerable than ever. Good marriages have a way to smooth the rough edges of each partner. I doubt third time lucky applies here.
Such a sad state of affairs, we have a leader who knows nothing of leadership, only an autocratic, sniveling and belittling manner of doing things, one who throws his toys out of the pram at the slightest sign things are not what he wants them to be.
All recent US Presidents had one thing in common, a wife who could be a sounding board, someone who could help POTUS get back to reality. I know nothing of Melania but she strikes me as not wanting to get near the White House. She most likely believes that if he was impossible before, he is now more intolerable than ever. Good marriages have a way to smooth the rough edges of each partner. I doubt third time lucky applies here.
Such a sad state of affairs, we have a leader who knows nothing of leadership, only an autocratic, sniveling and belittling manner of doing things, one who throws his toys out of the pram at the slightest sign things are not what he wants them to be.
8
If this blithering egomaniac makes it that long, it's gonna be a long 4 years.
10
Deligitimize a president? Trump spent years casting doubt on Obama's legitimacy by claiming he wasn't born in the US. I guess it doesn't feel so good when your past sins come back to haunt you. Donald Trump, I believe you have a lot more sins that will revisit you over the next four years.
14
"Kellyanne Conway, his counselor, contributed to the combative mood in an interview with NBC’s Chuck Todd when she described the falsehoods that the White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, had told reporters Saturday night as “alternative facts” — an assertion that lit up Twitter."
Falsehoods? Falsehoods? They were LIES, not merely falsehoods. Yes, Trump lies all the time and you're going to have to report that and it's going to be difficult because it will look like you never cut the poor, beleaguered president any slack. But the guy and his subordinates lie at a rate and to a degree never before seen in American politics. You can report that honestly and accurately, or you can always look for ways to soften the blow.
Falsehoods? Falsehoods? They were LIES, not merely falsehoods. Yes, Trump lies all the time and you're going to have to report that and it's going to be difficult because it will look like you never cut the poor, beleaguered president any slack. But the guy and his subordinates lie at a rate and to a degree never before seen in American politics. You can report that honestly and accurately, or you can always look for ways to soften the blow.
10
The Press will eventually destroy this man's credibility even if the press is unfair and biased in its relationship and the people around him. His biggest challenge is not releasing his tax returns and even though he and at his insistence that the public is not interested in them since he won, that will continue to be a driving presidential issue throughout his term if he is even able to serve it out. Corruptions and scandals with people in the administration that emerge over the next few years will drive the Press to keep pursuing this issue.
4
The whole pathetic dimwit Republican Party neglected to do the most basic vetting of Trump. What were they thinking?
3
Hey, networks and print media. Inform the White House Press Office that you will no longer accept statements from spokespeople with "alternative facts". Don't invite Kellyanne to any of your Sunday morning shows. Don't cover WH news briefings live. When they lie, don't beat around the bush. It's not an "alternative fact" or a "misstatement", it's a lie. Call out each and every lie for what it is.
19
We knew he's unfit. I'm waiting to hear about how he colluded with Russia during his campaign. It wouldn't surprise me if he's illegitimate too. The American people deserve the truth. It's not going to come from him so we need to fight for it. Hopefully our intelligence institutions do their job because the congress will not.
14
Trump probably has no worries that James Comey's FBI will disclose anything about its investigations of him.
3
Trump's not going to adjust. I'm not going to adjust to his fascist ways either. I don't think the majority of my fellow citizens are going to adjust either.
15
Why in the world would any journalist or anyone else seek comment from Newt Gingrich on any topic related even tangentially to the concept "truth"? Gingrich has found favor inside Trump's stable of liars, and there he will thrive until we rid our nation of this ugly clan that managed to capture the White House by winning 2.8 million votes fewer than its opposition.
22
All he managed to prove this weekend was that THREE MILLION MORE OF US were right about him....Guy is a serious head case and we are in for a lot of problems with him at the helm...
Watching him rant about crowd size, after many of us saw the live feed of that parade with thousands of empty seats, tells me his grasp of reality is pretty much non-existent.....I feel sorry that it matters so much to him..Validation and respect are EARNED. He should be focusing on that.
Watching him rant about crowd size, after many of us saw the live feed of that parade with thousands of empty seats, tells me his grasp of reality is pretty much non-existent.....I feel sorry that it matters so much to him..Validation and respect are EARNED. He should be focusing on that.
13
A 70 year old narcissist most likely will never change. He is a thin-skinned angry man. He hates it when people don't agree with him. Don't love him. Adore him. Whatever. He deserves what happened across the world on Saturday. Protests heard in his new home. I bet these protests continue in NYC at his Tower when he jets home to be with the family. Or I hope so. He started this nasty campaign on day one.
He is one nasty dude. Keep up the clamor if he says things, and does things you don't like. Call, petition, letters, protests... and vote in 2018
He is one nasty dude. Keep up the clamor if he says things, and does things you don't like. Call, petition, letters, protests... and vote in 2018
13
"At first, at least, Mr. Trump seemed to be resisting the notion that he should adjust his approach now that he is in office."
"At first..." Where is the evidence that Trump changed or gave any indication of
changing or even wanting to change? This is the kind of equivocal, mealy-mouthed writing that has robbed the NY Times of so much of its former respect.
"At first..." Where is the evidence that Trump changed or gave any indication of
changing or even wanting to change? This is the kind of equivocal, mealy-mouthed writing that has robbed the NY Times of so much of its former respect.
6
I admire this newspaper's considerable effort and expense to provide a venue where people can prove that free speech can cost them credibility.
1
Ellis is right. The one solid thing about Trump is that his words before winning election match up with is words afterward.
This is in stark contrast to Barack Obama who never once mentioned using the IRS and OSHA against his political opponents, funding foreign terrorism through Iran, or suing nuns in the United States.
Nut he spoke, sang, and told jokes really well. Maybe that should have been enough?
This is in stark contrast to Barack Obama who never once mentioned using the IRS and OSHA against his political opponents, funding foreign terrorism through Iran, or suing nuns in the United States.
Nut he spoke, sang, and told jokes really well. Maybe that should have been enough?
Times are changing and it's about time readers got used to it. One cannot even imagine the outrage had countless Republican members of congress boycotted Obama's first inauguration. There are very few comments here that don't wreak of intolerance.
4
like yours?
Why should anyone tolerate bigotry, greed, ignorance and dishonesty?
5
My heart bleeds for the spoiled who wantonly cast people into uncertainty.
1
Leave it to a has-never-been like Gingrich to think that Americans only care about the most basic values....their safety and their jobs. The mega-march last weekend clearly showed that Americans also demand justice and respect for all, freedom of speech and press, environmental improvement, decent public education and a host of things beyond basic animal needs. We're not settling for crumbs from the government. This is the USA and we expect much much more.
9
Newt Gingrich was the only reason Bill Clinton's budgets didn't get him replaced in 1996. They combined to almost produce a surplus one year.
2
He is mentally unstable. This is going to be bad. Everyone who thought they could contain him will find themselves badly wrong.
8
... and bigly.......
1
It's surprising that people who voted for him are stunned by his performance this weekend. If you don't want a president who acts like a petulant little child on Twitter, then don't vote for a person who acts like a petulant little child on the campaign trail. I'm at a loss as to why people like L. Lin Wood would have expected things to have gone differently this first weekend. Nothing over the course of how he ran his campaign would have suggested otherwise and yet, they appear to be baffled that "he's got a long way to go."
14
Rocky first weekend? Hey, give the man his due. Immediately following the election, he went to work for us by going on all those Victory Tours — you know, putting his government together.
5
Who are these "senior members" who urged moderation and "other staff" who egged on his outrage? Followed by a big apologia about how hard it is to be Presidential. It's not that hard to be factual. Pretty shoddy reporting.
2
FDR didn't find it difficult, even through the Depression and much of WWII; Truman didn't find it difficult; Eisenhower and LBJ didn't find it difficult; Nixon didn't find it difficult (even though he was a clinical paranoid); Clinton didn't find it difficult; Reagan didn't find it difficult until he fell victim to Alzheimers; Obama has never found it difficult. So, if Trump finds it "difficult", it might be because he has never held an elective office or even a job. He is a spoiled man with a stunted personality. He lost the popular vote, much to our credit. He won the Electoral College vote, much to our dismay.
I thought the choice of song my way summed up things perfectly. 1) Trump did things his way his individual way. 2) It is a song for the end of a life not the beginning of a presidency.
I think the press needs to be careful. Trump takes his game plan from the wizard of oz or a good magician by diversion and misdirection. Ignore the tweets whats going with the other hand. Trump is definitely a narcissistic but he's not stupid. What's he up to with his other hand. Getting his cabinet approved and signing executive orders that will have long term repercussions. While we are focused on crowd size he killed the aca, tpp and got the senate to approve Rex Tillerson.
I think the press needs to be careful. Trump takes his game plan from the wizard of oz or a good magician by diversion and misdirection. Ignore the tweets whats going with the other hand. Trump is definitely a narcissistic but he's not stupid. What's he up to with his other hand. Getting his cabinet approved and signing executive orders that will have long term repercussions. While we are focused on crowd size he killed the aca, tpp and got the senate to approve Rex Tillerson.
3
"I thought the choice of song my way summed up things perfectly. 1) Trump did things his way his individual way. 2) It is a song for the end of a life not the beginning of a presidency."
Trump seems to think, by this telling choice, that the heavy lifting is over -- it's all gravy and rainbows now.
Trump seems to think, by this telling choice, that the heavy lifting is over -- it's all gravy and rainbows now.
3
Sean Spicer, Trump's Surrogate Liar, um, I mean Press Secretary, stood in front of journalists on Saturday and lied his butt off. He appeared to be genuinely angry. Recently, Spicer told David Axelrod that he, Spicer, couldn't lie as Press Secretary because your integrity is all you have in a position like that. Then, he lied his butt off.
Was he angry at the journalists present? The media in general? Maybe, but I think another explanation is possible. Spicer was angry at Donald Trump, his boss, for ordering him to go back on what he'd told Axelrod and lie as Press Secretary. And not just tell a lie, but tell a lie that everyone could see was a lie. It wasn't spin or a close call. Nope. It was a whopper and the only way to support that lie would be with more lies.
If Spicer has the integrity he claimed to Axelrod that he has, he would have handed in his resignation already. And maybe he's busy writing it as I write this. But I doubt it. Instead, I think Spicer will adapt. He'll toss out the old ethical code if it was ever really in place, and start doing jaw exercises to get his mouth ready to tell one huge lie after another. Soon, he won't be angry when he lies for Trump, but he'll look more like Alternative Facts Conway. He'll have a huge stupid grin on his face while he tells bigger and bigger lies with increasing frequency.
White House journalists should ask Spicer if he'd like to retract his statements about the inauguration audience...and then watch him squirm.
Was he angry at the journalists present? The media in general? Maybe, but I think another explanation is possible. Spicer was angry at Donald Trump, his boss, for ordering him to go back on what he'd told Axelrod and lie as Press Secretary. And not just tell a lie, but tell a lie that everyone could see was a lie. It wasn't spin or a close call. Nope. It was a whopper and the only way to support that lie would be with more lies.
If Spicer has the integrity he claimed to Axelrod that he has, he would have handed in his resignation already. And maybe he's busy writing it as I write this. But I doubt it. Instead, I think Spicer will adapt. He'll toss out the old ethical code if it was ever really in place, and start doing jaw exercises to get his mouth ready to tell one huge lie after another. Soon, he won't be angry when he lies for Trump, but he'll look more like Alternative Facts Conway. He'll have a huge stupid grin on his face while he tells bigger and bigger lies with increasing frequency.
White House journalists should ask Spicer if he'd like to retract his statements about the inauguration audience...and then watch him squirm.
5
Mr. Trump actually embodies the role and office of President of the United States. That role and embodiment are largely ceremonial, figurehead-like, and more for show, celebration and/or lamenting, etc. A few photos from these very early days already reflect the Trump Oval Office. Mr. Trump sits at his desk and signs paperwork and several aides, counselors, policy-advisors, etc. surround him. That is the essence of any Presidency. JFK had plenty of advisors, counselors, his brother Bobby, speechwriters, et. al. Jack Kennedy was a great front man for The New Frontier and Camelot and Americans loved him. He was "the man who accompanied Mrs. Kennedy to Paris." For the next four years America will be run by the men and women behind and surrounding Mr. Trump. He, himself, is going to be a foil or reflection, or mirror of the nation's attitude. If the Cabinet Office of "Secretary of Employment" can recover and create American jobs via nation-wide projects, then Mr. Trump will look like the face of a President on a piece of American currency or mint.
1
As vindictive as Trump as proven to be he will not stop until he's eradicated [in his mind anyway] the aura and achievements of Obama. In so doing he will further define himself as the petty little demagogue he is.
It is frightful to contemplate how this first weekend of his presidency may actually be the high point.
Where many who might have been elected in his place would recognize an opportunity to demonstrate civility and statesmanship after a hard fought election and incompetent transition he has chosen to continue in campaign mode like the football player who peaked in high school and never developed further emotionally only living for the cheers and rallies.
How sad that it's come to this. How sad that patriotism for ones country is only self aggrandizement based on lies and false equivalencies. How sad that his grossly incompetent band of sycophants who should be the adults are acting like power mad children.
History will ultimately judge but the American people will have the first crack at his legacy. Trump would be wise to have some insights but right now the spoiled child is set to destroy things without having an inkling of what they are. Be careful what you wish for because you own it and are solely accountable and the world is watching.
It is frightful to contemplate how this first weekend of his presidency may actually be the high point.
Where many who might have been elected in his place would recognize an opportunity to demonstrate civility and statesmanship after a hard fought election and incompetent transition he has chosen to continue in campaign mode like the football player who peaked in high school and never developed further emotionally only living for the cheers and rallies.
How sad that it's come to this. How sad that patriotism for ones country is only self aggrandizement based on lies and false equivalencies. How sad that his grossly incompetent band of sycophants who should be the adults are acting like power mad children.
History will ultimately judge but the American people will have the first crack at his legacy. Trump would be wise to have some insights but right now the spoiled child is set to destroy things without having an inkling of what they are. Be careful what you wish for because you own it and are solely accountable and the world is watching.
4
I'm inclined to believe that all this faux outrage and battles with the media is going to become commonplace with this administration. The Trump base fueled by Fox news and other right wing agents love it and lap it up. Keep the masses inflamed on some nonexistent issue while the administration pushes through legislation detrimental to their base....repealing Affordable Care Act, gutting Social Security. Trump administration politics 101
10
Good lord! We are certainly in for the ride of our lives. God help us all.
6
Read from several different places. Try the Wall Street Journal if you can. And ditch the bloggers.
Same old tactics used this weekend: have media focus on inaugural crowd numbers instead of more coverage of the Women's March. Would have hoped that the media would have caught on to this technique after 2 years of covering Trump, but no, Kellyanne is sent out with more outrageous remarks and the media just follows, like well-trained dogs chasing a treat. When will they learn? And when will they stop giving Kellyanne and gang air time and print space?
7
Our acquisition of trump would seem like an epic tragedy for any nation, but to also receive kelly anne conway as a bonus is beyond cruel irony. Ultimately will the torrent of unprecedented mendacity, reversals and obfuscation permenently damage and distort our own sense of intellect and empirical knowledge.
5
What is striking across the board about trump's behavior (no capital "T" on purpose), is that anyone would think trump could or would pull it together once elected. This is wishful, fantasy thinking. Come to think of it, that's the tack the GOP has usually taken, the "yellow-brick road" approach to policy. We have watched trump for 18 months. This is one 70 year old tiger not planning to change his stripes.
2
Oh, some of his aides are "troubled"? How insightful! They've got a head start of the rest of the aides who *aren't* troubled. Perhaps they should clue them in. Better get used to it. See all those folks in the photos of the marches, those marches that took place on every continent? We're not going away. We're just starting.
2
they (and you know why "they" are) are getting exactly what they deserve.
1
It's funny to me that those who elected and supported Trump often raise the spectre of Communism as to why they they'd rather not have someone like Hilary or Bernie as President.
Trump's lying and distortion of facts is Communism in action. In Communist Russia, politicians like Stalin routinely erased people out of pictures and documents in their revision of history when said people later rebelled or contradicted what thy had to say. (These folks were also sent to labor camps in Siberia or killed.) It was so bad that a friend, raised in Russia, stated to this day he doesn't know how much of what he learned in school was fact vs fiction. In Communist China, officials were forced to lie about agricultural productivity resulting in famines killing millions in the 1960s. Trump's revisionist history of how many people attended the Inaugaration, while a minor thing in itself, does not bode well at all for how he will react to more substantiative issues in the future.
Time to re-read 1984 and make multiple copies of any important pictures and/or documents.
Trump's lying and distortion of facts is Communism in action. In Communist Russia, politicians like Stalin routinely erased people out of pictures and documents in their revision of history when said people later rebelled or contradicted what thy had to say. (These folks were also sent to labor camps in Siberia or killed.) It was so bad that a friend, raised in Russia, stated to this day he doesn't know how much of what he learned in school was fact vs fiction. In Communist China, officials were forced to lie about agricultural productivity resulting in famines killing millions in the 1960s. Trump's revisionist history of how many people attended the Inaugaration, while a minor thing in itself, does not bode well at all for how he will react to more substantiative issues in the future.
Time to re-read 1984 and make multiple copies of any important pictures and/or documents.
4
I think y'all are missing the point...Donald does this as strategy. Before the kerfuffle over the crowds are his inauguration, what were talking about: huge rallies opposing him, right? He does these outrageous theatrics to wipe negative events from the news-cycle. He figures (with reason) that people talking about him (even if critical) is better than people talking about folks opposed to him.
Watch, he does it every time someone opposed to him gains a moment of prominence in the media: Mr.Khan, the disabled reporter, the Miss Univ etc etc.........It's a strategy: media: don't fall for it.
Watch, he does it every time someone opposed to him gains a moment of prominence in the media: Mr.Khan, the disabled reporter, the Miss Univ etc etc.........It's a strategy: media: don't fall for it.
6
I really think you at NYT are barking up the wrong tree, exactly as happened during the campaign. This story that you're chasing about crowd numbers is irrelevant in the long run. The far more important stories, that will have consequences for us all, are taking place in the Congress: confirmation hearings, conflicts of interest on the part of nominees and Trump as well, pending legislation, etc. These stories need more and constant daylight. We need to see this kind of reporting......
3
At the rate Trump is going, if 4 years from now there is non-radioactive life on the planet, I will call it a win.
6
What if Sean Spicer's anger during his Saturday press briefing was, not at the media, but at having been made by Trump/Bannon/Priebus to come out and face the media with easily-disproved falsehoods?
2
He's free to quit. He knew he was signing up to work for a liar.
4
Once a bully, always a bully. Trump's assertions towards press in the first weekend prove so.
Once insecure person, always insecure. Trump's and his team's lies about crowd size shows how insecure they are.
Once a bigot, always a bigot. Trump started and remained clung to 'Birthrism' claims out of sheer hatred for Obama. Now he has started undoing Obama initiatives without proper alternatives in place. It further proves that deep down, Trump is even more full of hatred then he outwardly displays.
He desperately needs therapy. Unfortunately, his team is nurturing his bad traits. Not many will have sympathy for him, when he leaves but the damage would have been done.
Once insecure person, always insecure. Trump's and his team's lies about crowd size shows how insecure they are.
Once a bigot, always a bigot. Trump started and remained clung to 'Birthrism' claims out of sheer hatred for Obama. Now he has started undoing Obama initiatives without proper alternatives in place. It further proves that deep down, Trump is even more full of hatred then he outwardly displays.
He desperately needs therapy. Unfortunately, his team is nurturing his bad traits. Not many will have sympathy for him, when he leaves but the damage would have been done.
3
This presidency is so reminiscent of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate events. Here a con man without a legitimate mandate, and with no real intention of caring for the country has taken possession of our well being. He is deceiving us with "alternative facts" and is off to A Very Bad Beginning.
3
Keep up the protests/pressure...trump will be so distracted that it will hamper his ability to lovingly harm us all.
Seeing millions of people against him, combined with a paltry gathering at his inauguration (Sad!) really grabs him in his most sensitive spot — his ego.
Seeing millions of people against him, combined with a paltry gathering at his inauguration (Sad!) really grabs him in his most sensitive spot — his ego.
7
I spent some time watching Trump during the unity service on Saturday at the National Cathedral and, after observing his very odd behavior, am convinced that there is something cognitively wrong with him. Among other things, he fist bumped the clergy during the processional and stood in silence during one of the songs because he could not read the words in his program. Everyone else was singing, but Trump wasn't. He was checking out who was in the audience. Just saying...
8
Things actually got easier for Trump. He is no longer the leader of the free world, so he won't have that to worry about. And it's easier for the rest of us, but the US is no longer the leading nation of the free world.
2
I am already so tired of this administration.
Dear Journalists and The Media,
Please stop making Trump's personality disorders and tweets front page news. We are all well-aware that Trump is a bloviating narcissist who cannot handle criticism and has illusions of grandeur. We are also aware that he constantly tells lies to make himself seem more powerful, intelligent, and adored than he actually is. Please dedicate a single column to these well-known, abundantly-covered issues and spend the rest of your time investigating and reporting what he is actually doing, how it is actually impacting us and the world around us, and his ethical and legal conflicts.
He is the president now. Our (economic, social, physical) lives could very well depend on him. Please stop treating him like a reality TV star.
Sincerely,
A Fan of Your Intelligence and Persistence
Dear Journalists and The Media,
Please stop making Trump's personality disorders and tweets front page news. We are all well-aware that Trump is a bloviating narcissist who cannot handle criticism and has illusions of grandeur. We are also aware that he constantly tells lies to make himself seem more powerful, intelligent, and adored than he actually is. Please dedicate a single column to these well-known, abundantly-covered issues and spend the rest of your time investigating and reporting what he is actually doing, how it is actually impacting us and the world around us, and his ethical and legal conflicts.
He is the president now. Our (economic, social, physical) lives could very well depend on him. Please stop treating him like a reality TV star.
Sincerely,
A Fan of Your Intelligence and Persistence
4
The Sean and Kellyanne show should be no surprise, since they bluffed and blustered their way to getting Donald Trump elected. They are both expert at obfuscation, misdirection, intimidation and outright lying. This campaign of vilification of the press and outright false statements establishes a new low in American politics. Nothing good will come of this.
6
The Trump administration's weekend performance has given America a new Alice-in-Wonderland riddle.
Question: What's the alternative to facts?
Answer: Alternative facts, of course.
Question: What's the alternative to facts?
Answer: Alternative facts, of course.
6
'The lack of discipline troubled even senior members of Mr. Trump’s circle,...'
How can any intelligent human being have expected anything but zero self discipline from Trump? Has he ever demonstrated any self discipline or good judgement? No. Just a thin skin, a willingness to lie without remorse and then want to avenge anyone who points out his lies.
I believed Trump would not finish his term due to irrational behavior and the treasonous actions he initiated but now I'm wondering that it might be a matter of months before responsible adults in both parties realize he is a hazard to our country and the world.
How can any intelligent human being have expected anything but zero self discipline from Trump? Has he ever demonstrated any self discipline or good judgement? No. Just a thin skin, a willingness to lie without remorse and then want to avenge anyone who points out his lies.
I believed Trump would not finish his term due to irrational behavior and the treasonous actions he initiated but now I'm wondering that it might be a matter of months before responsible adults in both parties realize he is a hazard to our country and the world.
3
I question the judgment of everyone who enabled Trump all the way into the presidency without divulging his tax returns. The man defies even the most basic rules of disclosure in deal-making.
1
It's not about "judgment." I question the morals and ethics of each person who voted for Trump. That also includes relatives, unfortunately.
2
Trump is going to keep doubling down on his refusal to compromise. And when challenged, he will double down again. And again.
He will seek to win, literally "at all costs".
It is up to the Republican leadership to prevent the President from destroying our nation in order to soothe his ego and prove he's right.
He will seek to win, literally "at all costs".
It is up to the Republican leadership to prevent the President from destroying our nation in order to soothe his ego and prove he's right.
3
Why is No.45 so obsessed with the size of things? Crowd size, his genital size during the famous debate, the size of his intellect, the size of his victory, crowds during his campaign. . . .
No.45 does not need a measuring tape, he needs a team of psychoanalysts, and a padded office.
No.45 does not need a measuring tape, he needs a team of psychoanalysts, and a padded office.
6
A 70 year old adult struggling with significant mental health issues has a rough patch day 1.
It has to be that most dishonest media.
We all know that alternative facts go over well.
It has to be that most dishonest media.
We all know that alternative facts go over well.
9
Let's face it, there are no standards of journalism in America. I for one believe that when a news organization intermingles its own political agenda with its reporting, it opens itself to, and should be, the subject of criticism. The opinion section is for just that, opinions, and the news should be straight up. In short, the news media earned a good beat down for some of the coverage, and I applaud the President for taking them to task when they take a decidedly destructive and opinionated slant on the news.
2
Everybody is biased. You need to understand your own biases to distinguish them from other people's biases.
2
He's not really the president. He's just pretending. Most of us don't regard him as such, and will never refer to him as such. He's a sicko, who doesn't know the difference between right and wrong, or even which issues are most important to the country, rather than himself and his cronies. Better learn to duck and cover. NOT a president. NEVER trump.
3
@ Steve Bolger
What does that have to do with a newspaper reporting facts, which is what the MSM is supposed to do?
Or do facts not matter anymore, only feelings?
What does that have to do with a newspaper reporting facts, which is what the MSM is supposed to do?
Or do facts not matter anymore, only feelings?
He was pack of lies before, during and after the camapaign. Nothing will change - that's who/what he is.
17
This is is eerily reminiscent of The Caine Mutiny. The obsession over the most minute, petty issues--the strawberries--led the crew to question the mental state of the captain. When the first crisis occurred--the stormy seas--they relieved the captain over his unsteady and alarming behavior. This president has not yet been tested. So far it's just the strawberries. God help us when a real crisis occurs.
15
Relieving a captain is a form of regicide. One had better do it right and with perfect justification.
We are not a monarchy; we don't commit regicide, we impeach for cause. Trump will give cause with his conflicted business interests and his refusal to divest. He will refuse to give his tax returns which would probably show large loans from third parties (money laundered from Russian oligarchs). He will repeal the ACA and leave nothing to the 22 million Americans now insured. He will repeal the EPA and allow industrial pollution to return to our clean air and water. Eventually, he will do enough harm to threaten the gerrymandered Congress in thrall to large donors. We are a consumer society with fewer jobs, less revenue, and thin safety nets. Congress will have to answer for that; and, they will throw Trump under the bus.
There is really no doubt: This will be the shortest and most expensive administration in the history of our country.
13
Did I miss something, or did this article not identify a single top aid who was troubled? The only troubled individual I noticed was some lawyer whose only apparent connection to Trump was that he defended him on Twitter.
6
This is not the first time we have seen an ill-advised vindictively-worded tweet followed by a more conciliatory and reasonably-worded one. My theory is that the president angrily (and impulsively) tweets, then someone grabs his phone (moments or hours later) and tweets again (for him). How else to explain the split-tweet personality?
13
How about bipolarism as an explanation instead of different people tweeting?
Even Usan Bolt had to crawl first before he could run. For those who like to count things, maybe they can figure out how many times he feel first before becoming the world's fastest. That will give them something constructive to count that won't be too controversial.
Apparently, there are two phones. The one trump won't give up, and the one an aide uses to try to mop up his messes. You can tell the differences in style and facility of language. One is educated, the other, not.
2
Make history! Be the congressperson in your class to bring a bill of impeachment against Donald J Trump for failure to disclose financials and all around dangerous scary making leadership. Thank you.
10
It seems that I remember several kids in grade school that behaved the same way....
6
Yea, I know. Some kids just don't take losing well.
Just read report that Spicer will be meeting with WH press corps. I hope the first words to come out of this mouth are "I apologize for my behavior yesterday" No qualifiers ( I was having a bad day, only got 2 hours of sleep as the baby has colic, the dog ate my talking points, I couldn't find the car keys), just a simple straightforward apology. Oh, wait.....
What I'd LIKE to hear is "my boss is certifiable and none of us have any clue what we're doing...."
What I'd LIKE to hear is "my boss is certifiable and none of us have any clue what we're doing...."
10
These are similar sentiments to when George W took office? His father was the last qualified person to be President. The others were elected with the hope that they could manage the impossible. No disrespect for the junior Senator from Illinois, or, the least powerful Governor in the US (Texas), or the Governor of Arkansas and Georgia. We will get more people who are well-marketed (in this most recent case (self-marketed). Our election process and media system are heading in opposite directions - instant media and elongating election cycles. We all lose in this model.
2
Trump makes George W. look like a historical scholar of the first rank and gentleman of the highest order.
3
Kevin-- Maybe the job has gotten too big and complicated for one person. Online has pushed forward a movement towards communities with a core group providing leadership. A lot of companies have moved to more collaborative models of leadership as markets have become more complex too (vs. e.g. the celebrity CEO)...maybe the presidency is out of date?
1
While I disagreed with W and other Republicans, Trump is another whole kettle of fish on another level. No one has insulted so many people so persistently and acted like a carpet (i.e. lie). I just hope that rational Republicans, Democrats, and Independents can overthrow Trump or rein him in during the next 4 years.
1
"Right' because that word should be used only with it's real meaning: "Morally good, justified".,"true or correct" rather than as a political position that opposes "right" and "true" at many points.
"Alternative" because many of us who read the NYT do so from a longing for a mature, wise voice that rises above the ping-pong that "truth" seems to be caught in. I am not sure how the NYT can do a good job of being a mature and "right' voice well. But 3 quotes stand out in my mind:
1--(from Michelle Obama) "When they go low, we go high"
2--(from an earlier comment) " Mr. Trump is a man who displays a meanness of spirit and a pettiness of heart. The press must not follow his example."
3--(from the Book of choice by many who voted for Trump) "I will tell you the truth" a phrase of Jesus repeated 30 times in the book of Matthew alone and many more times in the other gospels. Gospels means "good news" or "evangelium" and many, who seem to espouse that sort of "right", in truth do not seem to have read the words many of them might say on Sunday; Give us (not me!!) our (not my!!) daily bread--or the words of Mary: "He has brought down the powerful from their throne and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty."
The NYT does give us "daily bread" that lifts us up , but help us keep our focus on the larger story of "what is good" and teaches us how to "do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly" (Micah 6:8)
Thank you.
"Alternative" because many of us who read the NYT do so from a longing for a mature, wise voice that rises above the ping-pong that "truth" seems to be caught in. I am not sure how the NYT can do a good job of being a mature and "right' voice well. But 3 quotes stand out in my mind:
1--(from Michelle Obama) "When they go low, we go high"
2--(from an earlier comment) " Mr. Trump is a man who displays a meanness of spirit and a pettiness of heart. The press must not follow his example."
3--(from the Book of choice by many who voted for Trump) "I will tell you the truth" a phrase of Jesus repeated 30 times in the book of Matthew alone and many more times in the other gospels. Gospels means "good news" or "evangelium" and many, who seem to espouse that sort of "right", in truth do not seem to have read the words many of them might say on Sunday; Give us (not me!!) our (not my!!) daily bread--or the words of Mary: "He has brought down the powerful from their throne and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty."
The NYT does give us "daily bread" that lifts us up , but help us keep our focus on the larger story of "what is good" and teaches us how to "do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly" (Micah 6:8)
Thank you.
6
I guess some simply do not recognize propaganda when they see it. Very sad and scary.
Take not the name of the Lord thy God in vain. No account of what God thinks is reliable. The good news is that, for all practical purposes, God does not think at all. This comes with what some consider bad news: whatever does think is mortal, including all human beings.
1
Congratulations to Ashley Judd for reaching a new low for vile disgusting talk. Is this what we have to look forward to? She won't be anyone's role model. And Madonna wants to blow up the White house. I'm pretty sure that can get you thrown in jail for 20 years, see U.S. Code Title 18 Part I Chapter 115 § 2385.
1
Ashley Judd was speaking for millions of people and her message is effective.
3
It seems to me that Trump is simultaneously his own worst enemy, but also subject to an inherently biased liberal press corp. Biased or not, it comes with the territory and his attempts to cow the press into submission and return them to a pre-Nixonian mindless mouthless which is content to bask in the glory of the presidency, is pathetic and will fail. I think the Times and other news outlets should be more balanced, but this is beyond the pale.
1
Truth is not biased. The Fact is: Trump's inauguration was attended by less people than either Obama's or the Women's March.
Secondly, we have Trump's twitter rants to know that he, himself, made disparaging remarks about the CIA.
Mr.Trump, you can not rewrite history. Alternative facts are lies.
Secondly, we have Trump's twitter rants to know that he, himself, made disparaging remarks about the CIA.
Mr.Trump, you can not rewrite history. Alternative facts are lies.
2
Trump really is schizoid.
Even con artists should know that business depends on confidence. So why is this fool blundering around making people wonder if they will be able to get health care, or avoid getting kicked out of the US, or continue to receive a Social Security disability check etc. etc.? This is really bad for business.
Even con artists should know that business depends on confidence. So why is this fool blundering around making people wonder if they will be able to get health care, or avoid getting kicked out of the US, or continue to receive a Social Security disability check etc. etc.? This is really bad for business.
10
Peter, Glenn and Maggie, Please stop this heavy handed reporting. He got an adoring ovation from the beleaguered crew at CIA who were obviously relieved to see Brennan gone, and he helped the borrower debt ratio for prospective homebuyer's on day one. The terrible TPP - gone. The man has been in office less than a week. Your reporting puts you in with the same CNN team who ran the "Golden Showers Dossier." The result of such slanted journalism has made your relevance somewhere between The Onion, and The Penny Saver.
4
I have a lovely bridge to sell you.
10
The "beleaguered crew at CIA" were not the ones cheering Mr. Trump. The "ovation" came from his own people who accompanied him to the meeting.
6
The Trump appearance at CIA headquarters was in fact an awkward, "uncomfortable" encounter, according to NBC, the Independent newspaper of London, and reporters from other outlets who were present. The applause heard came not from the CIA officials, but from an entourage of spectators whom Trump had brought in with him to create the illusion of a positive reception. In fact many in the CIA audience were appalled and offended by Trump's incoherent and off-topic remarks.
5
Trump has just rejected the TPP trade agreement. He is now ready to enact Part 2 of the his economic revitalization plan consisting of the building of a Swiffer-Duster Mop manufacturing plant in Bumble Ohio. The resulting flood of home grown manufacturing will then fill Wal-Mart's everywhere.
Easy as that.
Easy as that.
5
Gingrich was apparently asleep on Saturday. Plenty of Americans are paying attention.
7
Friday crowds not even close to 2009 and 2013. Spicer is just a lapdog mouthpiece for what will be a disastrous administration. The numbers don't lie. It is Trumps tenuous relationship with basic arithmetic that I am certain landed him in bankruptcy court as often as it did.
10
Somehow the flaws in systems always work out in Trump's favor. Winning the presidency through a process that vaporized, at the minimum, 3 million votes to declare him the winner, is a triumphant culmination of a miraculous career.
2
Trump's first weekend is a continuation of his first 70 years. No surprise at all.
Politico recently interviewed 3 people who have written about Mr. Trump and the conclusions were chilling. Mr. Trump is not interested in helping the American people or the USA. He is interested in being the center of attention, being adored, and taking vengeance on anyone or anything that does not show him adoration, submission, or threatens his power. I wish the press would use the phrase "Narcissistic Personality Disorder" to describe Mr. Trump, or at least highlight the disorder to let readers decide if this describes the president.
In Mr. Trump's narcissistic mind, he must be adored, admired, and viewed as the best. Any threat to that must be destroyed. This explains Mr. Trump's attack against John Lewis, his unwillingness to admit that Russian hacking even existed, let alone tipped the election in his favor, his prickliness about the popular vote loss, and this weekend's blow-up about crowd size. The first few items put an asterisk by his presidency, and thus may diminish the awe other people view him with. And, of course, when his ego and insatiable desire to be admired are threatened, he will lash out at those who challenge him. His administration's lies about the inauguration crowd size occur because this narcissist can not concede any other president being more popular.
His behavior makes sense, given who he is.
Politico recently interviewed 3 people who have written about Mr. Trump and the conclusions were chilling. Mr. Trump is not interested in helping the American people or the USA. He is interested in being the center of attention, being adored, and taking vengeance on anyone or anything that does not show him adoration, submission, or threatens his power. I wish the press would use the phrase "Narcissistic Personality Disorder" to describe Mr. Trump, or at least highlight the disorder to let readers decide if this describes the president.
In Mr. Trump's narcissistic mind, he must be adored, admired, and viewed as the best. Any threat to that must be destroyed. This explains Mr. Trump's attack against John Lewis, his unwillingness to admit that Russian hacking even existed, let alone tipped the election in his favor, his prickliness about the popular vote loss, and this weekend's blow-up about crowd size. The first few items put an asterisk by his presidency, and thus may diminish the awe other people view him with. And, of course, when his ego and insatiable desire to be admired are threatened, he will lash out at those who challenge him. His administration's lies about the inauguration crowd size occur because this narcissist can not concede any other president being more popular.
His behavior makes sense, given who he is.
22
It bothers me that Trump's aides are using "alternative facts" instead of the truth...It reminds me of the story "the emperor wore no clothes"...We are in so much trouble if this continues....
10
In this climate of gross, unending lies by the new administration reporters must be extremely careful in the accuracy of the words used. In this story stating he "punched back" to me infers that he is defending punches at him. Were punches delivered by the press?
5
The best thing his handlers can hope to do is cage the elephant so they can resume dismantling our country and handing it over to Wall Street bankers and oil tycoons.
Maybe they can trick the Orange One by giving him a sort of "dead end" Twitter account that doesn't actually publish his comments for the public to see.
Maybe they can trick the Orange One by giving him a sort of "dead end" Twitter account that doesn't actually publish his comments for the public to see.
4
Will we never learn? This is "double-speak!" A raw position followed by what looks like a walk-back - and sadly, taken for one - but actually a technique to disseminate the original position and get away with it. The word "adopted" accepts belief in actual change:
Raw: Kellyanne Conway, his counselor, contributed to the combative mood ...when she described the falsehoods ... as “alternative facts."
Walk-back: However, Mr. Trump later "adopted" the more above-it-all demeanor that presidents typically take. “Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy ... Even if I don’t always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views.”" Really?
The original is what matters, and the walk-back, in this case a lie, should not EVER, at face value, be "accepted" as honest. "Adopted" means subscription to what is adopted. There has been no adoption! We see this pattern over and over again, ad infinitum. It's time to recognize what we are seeing as "double-speak!"
There is no need to violate journalistic decorum. We can't know what's in his head and can't, and therefore should not, call him a liar. But we shouldn't credit a disingenuous follow-up as a walk-back. We don't have to use words like "accepted" that bestow honor. All we have to say is "Mr. Trump later "tweeted" the more above-it-all demeanor ..." He'll probably go nuts if we do that, but then we'll know we hit the nail on the head!
Let's please not give credit where credit it is NOT due!
Raw: Kellyanne Conway, his counselor, contributed to the combative mood ...when she described the falsehoods ... as “alternative facts."
Walk-back: However, Mr. Trump later "adopted" the more above-it-all demeanor that presidents typically take. “Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy ... Even if I don’t always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views.”" Really?
The original is what matters, and the walk-back, in this case a lie, should not EVER, at face value, be "accepted" as honest. "Adopted" means subscription to what is adopted. There has been no adoption! We see this pattern over and over again, ad infinitum. It's time to recognize what we are seeing as "double-speak!"
There is no need to violate journalistic decorum. We can't know what's in his head and can't, and therefore should not, call him a liar. But we shouldn't credit a disingenuous follow-up as a walk-back. We don't have to use words like "accepted" that bestow honor. All we have to say is "Mr. Trump later "tweeted" the more above-it-all demeanor ..." He'll probably go nuts if we do that, but then we'll know we hit the nail on the head!
Let's please not give credit where credit it is NOT due!
6
Every time our new President impetuously acts out, you can bet that Mr. Bannon is the one behind it all...... He's an unqualified sociopathic advisor to an unqualified President. And the two of them are dangerous if they get off leash together. Soon we'll start seeing advisors/cabinet members jump ship as the two of them become more and more unwound. The few that are qualified on his cabinet will not support Bannon and his damaging effect on the Presidency. You can bet there's a constant drone of "it's either him or I" being uttered behind the scenes.
6
Trump is fixated on size. He takes great offense if anyone questions how large something of his is. This weekend it was the size of his crowd; what will it be tomorrow? Hey, Trump, it is not the size of your crowd that matters -- it's how you use your office to help America.
10
How in the world could anyone who has been paying attention be surprised. A thin skinned,egotistical bully whose relationship with truth and facts is completely nonexistent is what he has been for 70 years. Just what did you expect after his inauguration? This isn't Monty Python "And Now For Something Completely Different". What you saw is what you get and there's plenty more where that came from. Believe me!
13
"Instead, Mr. Trump chose to listen to other aides who shared his outrage and desire to punch back. By the end of the weekend, he and his team were scrambling to get back on script."
He's listening too much to Steve Bannon and not enough to the more rational people on his time.
Newt Gingrich: “There are two things he’s got to do between now and 2020: He has to keep America safe and create a lot of jobs. That’s what he promised in his speech. If he does those two things, everything else is noise.”
Yes, Mr. Gingrich, noise that will keep him from being able to accomplish #1 and #2.
"But he spent his Friday night in a whirlwind of celebration and affirmation. When he awoke on Saturday morning, after his first night in the Executive Mansion, the glow was gone, several people close to him said, and the new president was filled anew with a sense of injury."
This may be his Bipolar D/O kicking in. He at least has narcissistic personality D/O, perhaps more.
Bottom line. It was a terrible start, and he will lose any intelligent supporters he has if he keeps up behaving in tantrums instead of leading the country in a steady manner.
He's listening too much to Steve Bannon and not enough to the more rational people on his time.
Newt Gingrich: “There are two things he’s got to do between now and 2020: He has to keep America safe and create a lot of jobs. That’s what he promised in his speech. If he does those two things, everything else is noise.”
Yes, Mr. Gingrich, noise that will keep him from being able to accomplish #1 and #2.
"But he spent his Friday night in a whirlwind of celebration and affirmation. When he awoke on Saturday morning, after his first night in the Executive Mansion, the glow was gone, several people close to him said, and the new president was filled anew with a sense of injury."
This may be his Bipolar D/O kicking in. He at least has narcissistic personality D/O, perhaps more.
Bottom line. It was a terrible start, and he will lose any intelligent supporters he has if he keeps up behaving in tantrums instead of leading the country in a steady manner.
3
The presidential staff's immediate role seems to normalize, translate and defend their boss's erratic burbling.
4
He doesnt "burble" he LIES. Streams burble, at least until they are so full of Trump pollution they no longer move.
1
If the NY Times had called Drumpf on every lie, every time before the election, Clinton would be in the White House. Instead, we have traitor Twitler in the White Only House.
6
Yet another wishgram, not a news article. Consider its construction, conceit and whether it is a matter of fact, or simply a fabulous journey into the wild, wonderful world of imagination. But you don't have to take my word for it.
1
I wouldnt take your word for the sky is blue. Which it wont be after he turns up the pollution factor. Enjoy your nice orange sky. Its his favorite color, he loves to paint himself that color.
1
What a team the orange one has assembled. One has to wonder if Sean Spicer swallowed whatever pride and dignity he may have had to o out and speak easily verifiable untruths and then storm off in a snit. Kellyanne continues to demonstrate her alternate reality stance by coining a new term, alternative facts. So now someone can claim the sun DOES rise in the west because it is an alternative viewpoint or fact. Welcome to the looking glass world of the orange one.
4
"Verifiable false claims"? Why can't the Times and other news sources just use the perfectly good English word, "lie"? If that kind of plain speaking had been used during the campaign, perhaps we wouldn't be in the mess we are now.
6
Since when did outright lies become known as "damage control"? What are they gonna call the people who die because of the Obamacare repeal? Cemetery Job Creators?
10
If there are too many at once, and they start to pile up, they will disappear. Someday evidence maybe found they went into the local incinerator, then mixed with garbage. Its what he thinks of them as.
2
Don't give him any ideas, Wolfie!
1
Trump's behavior is classic abuser pathology. First, a slap in the face or worse, hence the outrageous comments on Mexicans when he announced. Jump to the Nazi references to the Intelligence agencies. In the past few days he has said that Mexico was being wonderful, then, on to the CIA to tell them how great they are. So, knock them down followed by make up sex.
7
Upon realizing his error Zeke Miller quickly corrected his error and issued an apology. Something President Trump has never done and may never do. He does not seem capable of either.
11
The error should never been made, as if Miller had shifted his weight slightly, he would have seen the MLK bust. How many of his retraction tweets were forwarded, compared to his original race-baiting tweet?
That he tweeted this 'fake news' in the first place is not hurting Trump, but helping him. Leave it to the Left to continue shooting themselves in the foot.
That he tweeted this 'fake news' in the first place is not hurting Trump, but helping him. Leave it to the Left to continue shooting themselves in the foot.
His move today against the TPP is made without knowledge, as will many of his moves. Sounds bad to me, don't do it. Sounds good to me, do it. Details and underlying facts and evidence don't matter. That is the Trump doctrine.
Forty percent of the world would have had higher standards, and the deal would not have taken U.S. jobs. Now, China has its opening to control Asia, but with far lower worker, copyright, and environmental standards.
Forty percent of the world would have had higher standards, and the deal would not have taken U.S. jobs. Now, China has its opening to control Asia, but with far lower worker, copyright, and environmental standards.
3
We now live in Oceania where alternate facts will sooth our anxieties and pave the way to bliss. "Send in the clowns. Don't bother they're here"
What the heck is conservative about lying and supporting lies.
HC was far from being Princess Leia, but we have elected a tallow self serving Jabba the Hut. Who would have thought that millions of women across the world would gather wearing pink hats, to save what's true and special about the United States!
What the heck is conservative about lying and supporting lies.
HC was far from being Princess Leia, but we have elected a tallow self serving Jabba the Hut. Who would have thought that millions of women across the world would gather wearing pink hats, to save what's true and special about the United States!
5
Good thing they did. I tried to buy on on Amazon and found my account hacked (to buy girls pink PJs) at 12:47am Sunday morning.
The inmates are running the asylum. What more is there to say?
7
Do our valiant journalists not have any sense that this article sounds exactly like the multitude of articles that ran against Trump before the election, pointing out with unmaskable glee that Trump's campaign was in big, huge, enormous trouble even according to his own inner advisors?
And what, pray tell, was the final effect of those articles?
Why, nothing less than the delivery of President Donald Trump.
Welcome to The Law of Unintended Consequences.
And these articles are only more likely to backfire now, because it is the actual presidency and actual governing that they are targeting, not just a campaign and election. There are many people who will forgive the media's excesses in a campaign, but expect the media along with everyone else to make a real attempt, after the election has been decided, to work together for the sake of the country.
And what, pray tell, was the final effect of those articles?
Why, nothing less than the delivery of President Donald Trump.
Welcome to The Law of Unintended Consequences.
And these articles are only more likely to backfire now, because it is the actual presidency and actual governing that they are targeting, not just a campaign and election. There are many people who will forgive the media's excesses in a campaign, but expect the media along with everyone else to make a real attempt, after the election has been decided, to work together for the sake of the country.
1
Trump, no matter what you say, is an insane buffoon. Should be 1. IMPEACHED 2. put in a hospital for the criminally insane, in a locked ward in a cold pack 3. every staff member should be in the tub next to him.
Then we can work on impeaching Pense who is a religious cultist and unfit for any office in the country, including Ferile Cat Catcher.
Then we can work on impeaching Pense who is a religious cultist and unfit for any office in the country, including Ferile Cat Catcher.
1
Johnathan Last in The Weekly Standard Saturday referred to Donald Trump as having the qualities of "...a tin pot dictator and authoritarian." Ringling Brothers may have shut down, but Priebus Brothers seems much in business. If those clowns have no friends this side of William Kristol, Fred Barnes and the lot, the fetid swamps of Brietbart will be their only home. Maybe they can take over a bird sanctuary, or some other loony bin where their idiot claims will be met with credence.
4
Ringling Bros is closing, but, not until May.
When are "some of his supporters" going to finally understand - what will it take - that this man is mentally incapable of being the president of this nation? It's just remarkable. Even some of those who oppose him politically keep saying "Well, it will happen, he will understand what needs to be done." Etc. But it won't and he won't. He is mentally ill, a sociopath.
9
Even on inauguration day, Trump persisted to divide this country by calling those against him as "enemies". He might as well said oppressors. That same day while addressing the CIA, his behavior turned childish and demeaning when he commented on the size of the attendance at his inauguration, highly unsuitable for a Commander in Chief. And again that same day, he overturns the mortgage-fee cut for first time buyers. How does that help his supporters?
Trump is wet behind the ears when it comes to leading our country and it is only going to get wetter.
Trump is wet behind the ears when it comes to leading our country and it is only going to get wetter.
6
Don't presidential wanna-be's have to go through a complete physical examination by a physician or three? I don't mean like that on-the-fly exam by DJT's personal friend/doctor that deemed his health as the best. I mean an objective panel of doctors to evaluate a candidate's physical, mental, and emotional well being before they can even get to the election in November.
If there isn't such a requirement, shouldn't there be one? But I suppose we've missed that boat haven't we?
If there isn't such a requirement, shouldn't there be one? But I suppose we've missed that boat haven't we?
7
For now. Just remember to get a law passed about this, after we hang the present regime.
1
Even as I remain in a state of chronic anxiety, I am heartened by the massive turnout of protesters this weekend. I can imagine Reince Priebus calling Paul Ryan, cribbing that line from "Tora, Tora Tora"... "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."
The liberals have been awoken. The wave is coming. And it is UUUUUGE.
The liberals have been awoken. The wave is coming. And it is UUUUUGE.
10
Those who are not liberal, not conservative, not Demipoots, not repugs have also awakened. We are the ones who will go to war to get rid of the above who only care about themselves. So get ready everybody, join us or end up on the bottom.
This presidency is a travesty. We CANNOT accept this brazen attempt at running a coercive and corrupt administration. Trump did not "pivot" at all, like many of his supporters had hoped. What now? Will they allow Trump to drive our country into the brink of disaster, the very disaster that Trump himself claims Obama created (which is in fact an all out LIE). I'm appalled at our political ineptitude to put this whole debacle to rest before it started. AND WHERE ARE HIS TAX RETURNS?
7
What concerns me perhaps the most, and what I've yet to see pointed out, is that while it is clear to anyone willing to objectively look that Trump's behaviors are the symptoms of a man with a serious mental health condition(s) instead of his supporters being repulsed, or at the very least deeply concerned about his behavior, the more ridiculous it became; the more ill he appeared the more his supporters rallied to him like his antics and illness were something to aspire too! Yes! This is how we should all be they seemed to think.
My god, what is going on in this country?
My god, what is going on in this country?
6
The WT want something for nothing. Everything for nothing. Therefore they accuse those who have nothing, live with nothing, some giving up and ending up alcoholics and addicts, of being why THEY cant have everything. Well, guys, time to actually admit your drunks and addicts. Then you will get something. 3 days detox, and an AA meeting list for your area. Until dumpy demands taxes from all AA meetings (they take in so much!).
We are self supporting through our own voluntary contributions. We pay our way. Something you would never even think of doing.
We are self supporting through our own voluntary contributions. We pay our way. Something you would never even think of doing.
When you are unhappy with the outcome of an event that was evenly and fairly conducted, a ballgame, an election or whatever, it is often soothing to come up with scenarios that show the victor to be less than their victory or that only the worst can come from this outcome. This is happening now with the leftist, propagandist media: Donald Trump is an unhinged renegade that is going to destroy the America we know, we are doomed to third world status, etc. When in reality the America the leftist and their media lapdogs know or think they know, is not the real America. The real America is the one that they have looked down on and ignored for decades, working America whose jobs have been diminished to low paying service sector work, whose insurance has been stripped away and replaced with higher premiums, higher deductibles and less coverage. Did the
Eat really think these folks were going to just stand quietly by and let their lives be rolled over by progressive globalists? I don't think so. If you were shocked by the election you are in for many more shocking outcomes. Your lives will change, working lives will see improvement. The people, yes the workers, have spoken.
Eat really think these folks were going to just stand quietly by and let their lives be rolled over by progressive globalists? I don't think so. If you were shocked by the election you are in for many more shocking outcomes. Your lives will change, working lives will see improvement. The people, yes the workers, have spoken.
2
millions thought he was an unstable sociopathic creep conman way before the election even took place
what we need are term limits for senators & representatives
what we need are term limits for senators & representatives
2
I'll bet you $100 right now that the average American fares worse under the Trump Administration than any in memory, save the Hoover Administration.
3
It would be hard to find a deeper nadir than the past eight years.
It wasn't all bad. Trump's team has given us the concept of 'alternative facts'. I have become much younger, taller and slimmer as a result.
17
Best comment of the day.
5
For the love of everything sane, we have just elected a reality TV star/heckler/clown/media buffoon. Someone clearly described in DSM-V. How do we top this? Gene Simmons of Kiss as president?
What dark chapter in the great experiment.
What dark chapter in the great experiment.
7
I would druther Gene Simmonds.
2
Donald Trump is without a doubt an unstable person. Shouldn't that be reason enough for his impeachment?
8
One would hope, but he's not letting us at his tax returns or his stabilizing additives.
1
The NYT still doesn't get it, or they do but they won't let on to the readership.
Trump is playing them. When was the last time that a new president made his first official visit to the CIA? Why would he do that?
I will speculate it is because the CIA is a source of a great many classified leaks that are willingly published by our so-called established media companies, like the NYT and the Washington Post. Such leaks and their publication are already established, my speculation is about Trump's unstated motive for making an appearance at the CIA, and making sure the Washington media will report on it.
Trump is playing them. When was the last time that a new president made his first official visit to the CIA? Why would he do that?
I will speculate it is because the CIA is a source of a great many classified leaks that are willingly published by our so-called established media companies, like the NYT and the Washington Post. Such leaks and their publication are already established, my speculation is about Trump's unstated motive for making an appearance at the CIA, and making sure the Washington media will report on it.
Lets see smartmouth. You left school in the what? 2nd grade at the age of 18? Good thing your school gave up on social promotions.
He went to the CIA because someone figured he better make nice with the big bad spies before they switched sides. Of course THEY wouldnt, they are good Americans, while Trump and his henchmen work for Pootin. Can you spell HIGH TREASON?
He went to the CIA because someone figured he better make nice with the big bad spies before they switched sides. Of course THEY wouldnt, they are good Americans, while Trump and his henchmen work for Pootin. Can you spell HIGH TREASON?
2
Fact: the earth revolves around the sun--Galileo
Alternative Fact: the sun revolves around the earth--the Inquisition
Fact: human activity is causing global warming--99.9% of scientists
Alternative Fact: global warming is a Chinese hoax--Donald Trump
I leave the reader to decide.
Alternative Fact: the sun revolves around the earth--the Inquisition
Fact: human activity is causing global warming--99.9% of scientists
Alternative Fact: global warming is a Chinese hoax--Donald Trump
I leave the reader to decide.
9
According to Newt Gingrich, “The average American isn’t paying attention to this stuff." ... “They are going to look around in late 2019 and early 2020 and ask themselves if they are doing better. If the answer’s yes, they are going to say, ‘Cool, give me some more.’”
What does Gingrich know about the average American? He is contending that average Americans only care about their personal finances and nothing about social justice, the image of our leadership, or any of the other myriad issues facing this country.
The myopia of Gingrich, the Trump administration, and -- admittedly -- a significant portion of the electorate, if not the majority, will quickly create conditions in the country and across the globe that will take years to reverse, if reversal is possible.
What does Gingrich know about the average American? He is contending that average Americans only care about their personal finances and nothing about social justice, the image of our leadership, or any of the other myriad issues facing this country.
The myopia of Gingrich, the Trump administration, and -- admittedly -- a significant portion of the electorate, if not the majority, will quickly create conditions in the country and across the globe that will take years to reverse, if reversal is possible.
3
This entire article could simply have said, "Trump behaves on his first day in office as expected. Worse to come. "
18
NYT, give this person a job writing for you!
1
If Conway and Spicer had a shred of honor in them, they'd both resign for lying. Both lied about the reporting of attendance, and Conway went further to call the lie an "alternative fact". The only "alternative" to a fact is a lie.
Either Conway is a brazen liar OR seriously mentally challenged as she is unable to differentiate between "fact" and "lie".
Either Conway is a brazen liar OR seriously mentally challenged as she is unable to differentiate between "fact" and "lie".
10
They are so used to dealing in "alternative facts" from living in their "alternative world" that they have no idea what constitutes a lie and constitutes a truth.
The fact she clings to is that Trump will marry her after he gets rid of his current wife, and settle 500 million dollars on her on their wedding day. Some people will believe anything.
I have to disagree that Conway's 'alternate facts' baloney ever grabbed the news cycle. By the time people were hearing her, they had absorbed the impact of the march - everyone knew about it by then. Conway just followed by making Trump look even stupider than he had made himself look.
Trump's people are trying to live in an alternate reality - 'alternate facts' implies an alternate reality. Let me repeat that: ALTERNATE REALITY !
Trump's people are trying to live in an alternate reality - 'alternate facts' implies an alternate reality. Let me repeat that: ALTERNATE REALITY !
7
It's clear that they are living in an alternate reality. I wonder if they think that by voicing their "alternative facts" those "facts" will be considered the truth, when coming from Conway and the rest of the clan. I suspect they now they are spreading lies, but don't care that everybody else, other than Trump's fans, know they are lies.
2
They will be by the mentally deficient who voted for him. They have no idea what the word alternate even means. They dont know how to use a dictionary even if they could find one in their town. The schools out there forbid their use. As they forbid any learning. Just 12 years of warehousing and dump them out, give them an alternative diploma that says "this brat spent 12 years in our system, never got the credits to graduate".
1
Trump has long fulfilled the criteria of a textbook sociopath: a swindler in business, a compulsive and pathological liar, a racist, a sexual predator, a man devoid of empathy, as demonstrated with the disabled journalist.
What we saw the past several days appears different: a man whose mental illness has him at the brink of decompensation. Individuals who are thinking clearly simply do not behave in this fashion. Trump is plainly impaired and deteriorating; the damage that a President of unsound mind might do is staggering.
It is time to start the mechanism designed for this situation: the 25th Amendment.
What we saw the past several days appears different: a man whose mental illness has him at the brink of decompensation. Individuals who are thinking clearly simply do not behave in this fashion. Trump is plainly impaired and deteriorating; the damage that a President of unsound mind might do is staggering.
It is time to start the mechanism designed for this situation: the 25th Amendment.
9
I don't see Trump resigning on his own. He thinks he's just fabulous. He will have to be removed by other means.
1
Trump, Bannon, Conway, Spicer (and all others in the new president's Circle of Belligerents) are bullies who use their bitter mouths and the Internet to cut decent, civil people down to size.
Their behavior is little different than that of the angry, out-of-control adolescents that have made bullying a wild-fire epidemic in America's schools.
Their behavior is little different than that of the angry, out-of-control adolescents that have made bullying a wild-fire epidemic in America's schools.
10
Why on earth is Jared Kushner even there? He has absolutely nothing to contribute to this country except his own personal interests as the rest of them have. His whole group of advisors scares the daylights out of me. If THIS is the best and the brightest this country can get, we are in a pile of trouble here. And I make a prediction; Ultimately one or two of his top advisors are going to end up leaving due to power struggles......and it won't be the 35 year old whose papa paid his way into Harvard.
7
Kushner is there, he is married to Ivanka, because the Moussade wants him to be. He is an Israeli spy. As an American this means he can be tried, convicted, and hung for treason.
1
Look at these advisors: perhaps Kushner can set the agenda....certainly
Bannon and Conway and Priebus should be muzzled.
and then there are those from the military; who could demand the respect
which certainly has not yet given them....
I cannot imagine that General Mattis would approve of the lack of respect given to those at the CIA and the US Intelligence.
Insubordination does NOT set well in the minds of respected commanders.
Bannon and Conway and Priebus should be muzzled.
and then there are those from the military; who could demand the respect
which certainly has not yet given them....
I cannot imagine that General Mattis would approve of the lack of respect given to those at the CIA and the US Intelligence.
Insubordination does NOT set well in the minds of respected commanders.
3
Arm-chair analysis: Trump has always been aware of his cerebral failings and because of a demanding, authoritarian and extremely successful father had to find--consciously and unconsciously-- ways to coverup his handicaps--such as limited memory, analytical skills, and emotional intelligence to appear capable in his father's eyes. He learned to delude himself and others by magnifying, aggrandizing everything connected to him until he could no long distinguish between truth and falsehood. Humility is not something learned in one's seventh decade, unfortunately. I almost feel sorry for him. Hubris is self-defeating at every level.
7
He needs to have a long talk with his Maker. SOON and IN PERSON.
That picture of the white supremacist Bannon taking the oath to serve in our government makes me sick. We have lost our place as shining beacon, and become something shameful.
13
I remember very clearly the election of 1970, when our private day school chose a student council president in a closely fought battle. Alex, the boy who would be our valedictorian and matriculate at Yale, was challenged by "Stretch," the C student, basketball player, and smart-mouth, who would go on at age 17 to get a 22-year-old woman pregnant, marry her at 18, and never accomplish anything beyond working for his father's business.
Early on, the valedictorian had a fight with his girlfriend, who promptly began making snarky, negative posters for his opponent. "Alexander was great in 354 B.C. -- but not today" read one. Fortunately for our little community, Alex won, and our school thrived.
Today, it seems, Stretch and his dimwitted cronies have taken the prize, are standing in front of the student council and the parents and teachers, and haven't the foggiest notion what to do next. Like the dog that unexpectedly caught the car, they're in way over their heads, and have so far exhibited no aptitude for learning what to do next.
If you don't prepare, you better be smart enough to wing it. If you can't wing it, you better be able to find a coach who can help. If you disdain coaching and still think you're the smartest person in the room, god help us all.
Early on, the valedictorian had a fight with his girlfriend, who promptly began making snarky, negative posters for his opponent. "Alexander was great in 354 B.C. -- but not today" read one. Fortunately for our little community, Alex won, and our school thrived.
Today, it seems, Stretch and his dimwitted cronies have taken the prize, are standing in front of the student council and the parents and teachers, and haven't the foggiest notion what to do next. Like the dog that unexpectedly caught the car, they're in way over their heads, and have so far exhibited no aptitude for learning what to do next.
If you don't prepare, you better be smart enough to wing it. If you can't wing it, you better be able to find a coach who can help. If you disdain coaching and still think you're the smartest person in the room, god help us all.
7
A dog who finally catches the car mostly ends up under it. Lets hope this car runs over Trump SOON.
1
Trump can't stop pumping the Russian horse crap.
We are the government? No, we are a Republic, not some Land Bread and Peace HS establishment he fronts for Putin. Who's gonna run things if not our institutions? Organized crime? You betcha!
We are the government? No, we are a Republic, not some Land Bread and Peace HS establishment he fronts for Putin. Who's gonna run things if not our institutions? Organized crime? You betcha!
1
Yes, the attitude and responses coming from Conway and Spicer and Trump seem both adolescent and disingenuous but what seems to be getting less attention is how calculated and dangerous they are. It's easy to get frustrated and fed up and even angry at the obvious petulance and dis-information (alternative facts) but we all need to recognize this as both a calculated effort to divert attention from the enormous and unprecedented outcry that was the world-wide Women's March and, even more insidiously, the very conscious attempt to undermine our fundamental institutions - in this latest news cycle it was our free press. This is out of the Bannon playbook. At the very least this is the birthing of an illiberal democracy and at the worst it speaks to a growing fascism. The new administration is fond of regurgitating Obama's comment that "elections have consequences" but they do so with no recognition of the true facts that close to 3 million more people voted against their policies and rhetoric. If they have a "mandate" for anything it is to listen to the majority of the populace that are their critics. As in any truly liberal democracy it is incumbent on the citizenry to stay engaged and continue to speak truth to power. I marched in LA this past weekend and the very first placard I saw as I disembarked from public transportation at the rally site read: "Do I really have to have THIS argument again?!"
Yes. I'm afraid we do. Sadly, more than ever!
Yes. I'm afraid we do. Sadly, more than ever!
5
If you are going to report that the bust of M.L.K. has been removed from the Oval Office then you better make sure, real sure, that your facts are straight.
Hey, folks, you ain't heard nothin' yet. Wait until he engages one to one with other world leaders, that's when the tweets will become really interesting. I picture the whole country mortified, wishing all 230 million of us wanting to dig a hole and bury ourselves in shame. You know, Angela Merkel is no "10."
4
If no number 10 is available, he will take anything within hand and mouth reach. Calling it a mercy groping/tongueing.
A fish rots from it head. Trump chose to intervene and stake his personal credibility on a triviality like crowd size his first few days in office, and demonstrably lied doing so. His lies are so casual, automatic, self serving, frequent and his attention is so predictably and easily drawn by any perceived slight to his image of himself that he not only is destroying his personal credibility but he is taking America's credibility down with him now that he is president. The question now is why should anyone believe anything this man says on important issues on national security like North Korea, Isis and Russia, or on the economy like jobs, health insurance, and taxes?
8
Trump has no credibility already, except with his fans. During the campaign his hissy fits over trivialities came often, and we heard his lies almost every hour of the day. Nothing has changed. Clearly, there is someone in his circle that provided the text for his second tweet on the march. Nothing like that would have come out of his mouth if left on his own. Whoever this person is has a Herculean task trying to contain the ticking bomb that is Trump.
1
I find it very hard to believe that any Trump senior advisors, members of his inner circle or supporters would make any comments within earshot of the media, especially the NYT. Dan Pfeiffer, an advisor to Obama, was quoted as saying that adjustment from private citizen to running the country is "unbelievably hard". So why should the measure or expectation for Trump be any different?
Why? Because he's never wrong, he's the smartest, most honest, most hardworking person in the world, who knows how to do everything better than anyone else, and every past president is the worst president ever. And as such, this perfect man should be eager that the media is there to make sure everything he does is celebrated by the entire world.
1
Because his brain is so big and b e a u t i f u l. His words.
President Obama came in prepared; he was educated and had served as a State Senator and as a U.S. Senator. He had a Harvard Law Degree and was a member of Harvard Law Review. He could speak in whole sentences and paragraphs; he could be witty and smart. He could be compassionate and sing Amazing Grace. He could attend funerals for the children who died at Sandy Hook and stay to mourn with those grieving families; he shed honest tears at the deaths of those little kindergarten children. He was never vulgar or rude or mean. He took on the job and did it well for eight years. A hard act to follow for most people; an impossible act to follow by an uneducated vulgarian.
1
The size of the crowd issue successfully took the media attention away from the fact that our new POTUS killed a mortgage insurance decrease. Isn’t that like increasing taxes on the middle class in his first day?
8
Not sure why the NYT and others are protesting their Spicer-issued red card, one fully-earned in every way. Let's go through the violations again (since you don't wanna replay Spicer's tape)
- The bust-removal nonsense report
- Indisputable fact that Trump's nomination was indeed the most-watched inauguration in history. Who needs 2009 photographs! The very fact that the press is digging is laughable
- The overkill coverage of the parade the day after, which really should be called Loser's Day . Some of the most foul-mouthed women, screaming, grabbing own crotches in public. How these "ladies" got away with no arrests for lewd behavior is the only real news here, everything else sour grapes. After that disgusting show of crass behavior broadcast nationwide, Donald Trump looks like a saint now
- Finally, what DT did or did not say at the CIA is meaningless at this time because his appointee wasn't around to prepare for his visit. Instead, what we know is that the building has of late been leaking heavily, very heavily. So unless DT is allowed to fix that problem, he's rightfully gonna rant on anything and everything
All this is clear to most people except those in the press. Hopefully some of Price's verbal lashing will lead to changes. Who benefits most? Why, us paying readers of course. As of now we still have to struggle through lame excuses by Buzzfeed pretending to be opinion, not to mention tired coverage of SNL pretending to be news. Give us a break!
- The bust-removal nonsense report
- Indisputable fact that Trump's nomination was indeed the most-watched inauguration in history. Who needs 2009 photographs! The very fact that the press is digging is laughable
- The overkill coverage of the parade the day after, which really should be called Loser's Day . Some of the most foul-mouthed women, screaming, grabbing own crotches in public. How these "ladies" got away with no arrests for lewd behavior is the only real news here, everything else sour grapes. After that disgusting show of crass behavior broadcast nationwide, Donald Trump looks like a saint now
- Finally, what DT did or did not say at the CIA is meaningless at this time because his appointee wasn't around to prepare for his visit. Instead, what we know is that the building has of late been leaking heavily, very heavily. So unless DT is allowed to fix that problem, he's rightfully gonna rant on anything and everything
All this is clear to most people except those in the press. Hopefully some of Price's verbal lashing will lead to changes. Who benefits most? Why, us paying readers of course. As of now we still have to struggle through lame excuses by Buzzfeed pretending to be opinion, not to mention tired coverage of SNL pretending to be news. Give us a break!
3
No. You give us a break. I don't know where you are or what march you watched, but it was millions of people worldwide, and it was peaceful. We are the majority. Trolls like you are not worth whatever you are being paid by Russia to troll, and if you are not being paid by anyone, you are still overpaid. Your bullet point screed is a screed of lies. All is clear to the majority....and you are not in the majority. Those of us who did march, who respected Barack Obama, who have children and grandchildren we love and want a democracy for, see you. We see you. You are fooling nobody but yourself, with your angry. empty, desperate lies. I'm a retired mathematics professor, and can tell you that numbers are not alternate facts. The numbers tell the story. And here's the story. Three times as many marchers were in DC on Saturday than attendees at the inauguration. And DC was a small piece of a huge turnout world wide where millions of people marched. Trump won three states by a total of 77,000 votes, while losing the popular vote by 3 million, and those three states edged him over into an electoral college "win". He sounds and acts like a tin pot fuhrer. We see you. We see him. SNL has never pretended to be news. Buzzfeed has never pretended to be opinion. You may like Trump, or are simply a paid troll. But no matter....he is going to meet resistance. Count on it. He isn't gonna "fix" any problems. He is the problem. (And so are people like you.)
9
Wait a moment. SNL has never been considered a source of news. It's pure comedy. If you don't understand that as reality, then you're in a different universe than the rest of America.
And who made the most stink about the number of people at the inauguration? None other than Trump. His ego would not allow him to have anything less than the highest turnout.
And what did he say when meeting with CIA personnel? "I really like you, because you voted for me".
Give it a break, Donald.
And who made the most stink about the number of people at the inauguration? None other than Trump. His ego would not allow him to have anything less than the highest turnout.
And what did he say when meeting with CIA personnel? "I really like you, because you voted for me".
Give it a break, Donald.
7
@Rebecca
So at least we agree the march was a platform for lewd behavior, obscenity-laden speech, and caps in the shake of female organs, the likes of which put Trump to shame. Next time take your daughters to a museum (can't believe university professors need this advice. Retirement boredom obviously).
So at least we agree the march was a platform for lewd behavior, obscenity-laden speech, and caps in the shake of female organs, the likes of which put Trump to shame. Next time take your daughters to a museum (can't believe university professors need this advice. Retirement boredom obviously).
1
Trump is obviously a lying, impulsive and manipulative con man, but is there a White House physician available to conduct a mental status exam to see if he is also delusional?
This is a serious question as our national security is potentially at risk.
This is a serious question as our national security is potentially at risk.
10
I think that is a very fair question to ask. His own physician says he's physically healthy. But there were no documents to prove that.
Yet, more importantly, as you state, can we get an objective opinion regarding Trump's emotional health?
Yet, more importantly, as you state, can we get an objective opinion regarding Trump's emotional health?
1
A man named Swartz wrote an article for The New Yorker; he spent six weeks with Trump ghost writing The Art of the Deal. His opinion of Trump was that he was completely self-involved; he didn't read anything; he watched the news if he was on it; he had no attention span or ability to focus long enough to absorb difficult ideas or material. Of course Trump tweeted that all were lies, and that he himself had written the book he later sold for a profit, giving little to the man who actually wrote it. Trump has stiffed contractors and small businesses by either bankrupting out of legitimate debts, or telling men with little financial resources to sue the Trump empire. He is more than a grifter; he is a mean, vindictive man whose Cabinet will loot and pillage the U.S. treasury, after destroying our position as a leader of the free world.
The anti-Trump protests signify the incredulous disbelief across America of the Donald Trump election. Where else in any democratic country in the world the presidential candidate who receive 2.9 millions fewer votes that the leading candidate wins the election? How Hillary Clinton who received 2.9 millions more votes than Donald Trump ended up as the loser? This doesn't happen in any other country in the world where the majority vote candidate since the Aristotle's era wins the elections! This asymmetrical American election process turns democracy upside-down. And to add insult-to-injury, Trump complained constantly during the elections that "The American Political System" was rigged against him! Well, it was actually rigged in his favor! Plus, The Americans are urgent to go to the polls because "Every Vote Counts!" This claim is also ipso facto fiction! To the anti-Trump protesters, therefore, Trump is not a "legitimate president!"
Nikos Retsos, retired professor
Nikos Retsos, retired professor
9
It is amazing that ANY of Mr. Trump's aides would argue, much less prevail in the argument that a message about the size of the crowd was of any concern to the American people at all, much less a priority. Sending Sean Spicer out on Saturday night to deliver this message as if it was important and following the next day with Kellyanne Conway's dispicably rude, interruptiive and laughable performance in "alternative facts" served only to underscore why the majority of the American people cannot support Mr. Trump, even if they want to do so. Quite simply, Mr. Trump is more concerned about his image than he is about us. We are on our own here.
8
If we are on our own, its time for a revolution, as written in the Declaration of Independence.
Keep your eye on Steve Bannon - not the dancing puppets. Trump is not the mastermind - he is the entertainment keeping us busy while they empty our coffers.
36
TOO RIGHT, JULIEB. Glad someone else sees the charade. See you at the barricades.
1
Trump is off to exactly the start he wanted. He will banish the legitimate press and speak to his base through alt media. He will govern with the support of a highly leveraged minority (19 million voters?) but this is nothing new. Republican control of the Houses of Congress has been achieved for decades with the support of highly leveraged minorities and the right wing media -- with lots of anti-democracy assistance from voter suppression and precise gerrymandering. Thus Rep. Chaffetz can say he would investigate Clinton on day 1 if she won but now there is absolutely nothing to investigate about the more corrupt/conflict-ridden Trump. Some say we are slipping into authoritarianism, but we are already there.
7
We can only slip into authoritarianism if we allow it. Just go about our daily business, ignoring all orders from Trump and his syncophants (including his trolls here). It is tough to control a people used to having their own way. It will take many millions of traitors to sneak around trying to make the US like Russia. Then we still wont listen. If they try too hard, they will find more and more of them missing every morning. Never to be found.
R.E.S.I.S.T. !
R.E.S.I.S.T. !
Left to right: Snake charmer, megalomaniac, Svengali, putz. If this line-up doesn't shake you to the core, what will? Preserve us
8
The first day showed how childish Trump and his minions are. I saw Sean Spicer's press conference and he came across angry and combative. He made false claims about the crowd size and lambasted the Time magazine reporter who had already apologized for his error. I also saw Kellyanne Conway with Chuck Todd and she must believe that the American public is stupid. Kellyanne has the perfect name to describe her, because she is a Con(way) woman who will say or do anything for money and power. Trump should grow up and listen to his more mature advisors and distance himself from the likes of Conway and Spicer. He also could do better than having Reince Priebus as his White House chief of staff. The man always has a frighten look on his face. None of these so called faces of the administration seem to exhibit any gravitas.
11
This "person" and his "team" are the most depraved, vile, despicable things to ever masquerade as humans. I cannot believe that on his first weekend in office, he already sent out his hapless communications director to lie and look like a fool in front of America. Really, Trump? You really want to focus on how many idiots attended your inauguration? THAT'S what's important to you? Any mature, sane person would shrug it off and get down to business. Not you. You want to fight with media professionals who can get facts (that's right, look up the definition of a fact- there is no such thing as an "alternative fact"- it's either a fact or it isn't). How much longer is the American public expected to not notice that the emperor wears no clothes?! How much longer is the media going to put up with this? How much longer are Republicans and Democrats going to pretend that this is a legitimate, sane choice for president? He's nuts and the people who defend and support him are hurting this country.
21
It's all about his projecting himself as the smartest and most important person on the planet; and infallible.
2
Typical manic and narcissist behavior. Donald's insistence that north is east and up is down need are manifestations of his mental illness. At least he didn't launch a nuke. Yet.
6
just for fun.. visited the White House website...https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings...absolutely NOTHING there. Now, that is SAD Mr. President.
4
I am truly saddened by the woeful incompetence of the Trump administration--particularly Trump himself. I would love to try to be hopeful but am finding it extremely difficult. The worst thing is that they don't know what they don't know, which will, unfortunately, affect us all.
5
Trump epitomizes the worship of force and the practice of cruel intolerance, an ugly spirit now emerging and taking hold in the US. It is the antithesis of securing a national minimum of civilised life ... open to all alike, of both sexes and all classes, by which we mean sufficient nourishment and training when young, a living wage when able-bodied, treatment when sick, and modest but secure livelihood when disabled or aged.
5
That an unfit, unqualified and completely unprepared reality tv bully with serious personality disorders who based his entire campaign on an empty slogan and "alternative facts" is having a tough start? Is that what you're trying to say?
6
“The average American isn’t paying attention to this stuff,” saind Gingrich. What troubles me most from the speeches this weekend and from comments like Gingrich's above is that there is this underlying assumption from Trump, his team and his surrogates that the average American is stupid, doesn't care and doesn't pay attention.
Guess what? They are wrong. People do pay attention that what Trump said in his inaugural address completely contradicts his actions. That the claims both Spicer and Conway made over the weekend and on news shows are complete lies.
Trump won on a technicality. The majority of the American people do not want him as President. We do want his tax returns and we see the conflicts of interest and rules he is breaking already in regard to his business interests.
People recognize lies, people recognize when they are being conned. "Joe Lunchbox" is not so stupid. The American people are on to Trump, the sooner he is called to the carpet for all the laws he is breaking the better and removed from office the better.
Guess what? They are wrong. People do pay attention that what Trump said in his inaugural address completely contradicts his actions. That the claims both Spicer and Conway made over the weekend and on news shows are complete lies.
Trump won on a technicality. The majority of the American people do not want him as President. We do want his tax returns and we see the conflicts of interest and rules he is breaking already in regard to his business interests.
People recognize lies, people recognize when they are being conned. "Joe Lunchbox" is not so stupid. The American people are on to Trump, the sooner he is called to the carpet for all the laws he is breaking the better and removed from office the better.
6
I wonder how long it will be before the Trump administration creates their own media network called "American Truth".
3
Keep insisting on truth and facts, boys and girls of the press.
There is no such animal as alt-truth, truthiness or alt-facts.
we all were taught that in first grade.
Trump and his minions know that too, but their entire program as President depends on their continuing ability to bamboozle and manipulate the gullible citizens who voted for such a fraud.
There is no such animal as alt-truth, truthiness or alt-facts.
we all were taught that in first grade.
Trump and his minions know that too, but their entire program as President depends on their continuing ability to bamboozle and manipulate the gullible citizens who voted for such a fraud.
3
All I know is that someone in the entertainment business is missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The current administration would be a perfect Munster-like reality show. They could call it "Watch us Blow Up the U.S.."
3
Statements like 'he is in charge of the free world' are utterly painful. The rest of the world is watching and all they see is a clown.
Is it at all possible to believe that he really represents some important voices that need to be heard? I don't think so. I cannot understand why is it necessary to be reminded of the shallowness of some human aspiration?
Is it at all possible to believe that he really represents some important voices that need to be heard? I don't think so. I cannot understand why is it necessary to be reminded of the shallowness of some human aspiration?
2
Yes, this is a rocky start, but as with his campaign I don't underestimate his ability to twist the public and media in knots as they focus on his behaviour and personality. Like a skilled magician he practices the art of misdirection and as Dariel Fitzkee notes "The true skill of the magician is in the skill he exhibits in influencing the spectators mind." When Trump, Sean Spicer, or Kellyanne Conway are performing their 'saw the country in half/sleight of hand' theatrics, the focus needs to stay on the 'other hand'.
1
Trump's thin-skinned, reactionary attitude toward any opposition--legitimate or otherwise--is going to put his administration in front of the Supreme Court within months. His dictatorial style will no doubt raise quite a few hackles, but his cavalier attitude toward the legislative process and governmental regulation will soon put him at odds with virtually every branch of the Federal Government.
He'll be in court by the end of this year--if not sooner.
He'll be in court by the end of this year--if not sooner.
3
I know a local lawyer who thinks the same thing as the rest of his old partners. Is there a pool we can all dive into? Instead of Ice Break, call it Jail Date. Do we need to declare hour of the day? Maybe minutes.
I bought one of those calendars in Georgetown with Nixon defacing each day so you could scratch his ticket and count down to ecstasy, Bodhisattva.
I wish I hadn't been so liberal with my claws, probably worth a few laughs.
I bought one of those calendars in Georgetown with Nixon defacing each day so you could scratch his ticket and count down to ecstasy, Bodhisattva.
I wish I hadn't been so liberal with my claws, probably worth a few laughs.
Unfortunately, there is no one in the GOP or elsewhere to play the Van Johnson role in the Caine Mutiny "Captain, you are a very sick man and I am relieving you of command". Putting constitutional niceties aside, that fantasy would leave those of us with any progressive bent with Mike Pence, a step back--as in back to the 1850s- from Trump on social issues. We enter uncharted territory in our country which, however, provides real opportunity--what if the Saturday marches-which left this 71 year old writer weepy-actually was the beginning of a movement whose overarching purpose is simply to get all clear minded people to vote.
6
Nobody even dares to tell Trump he has snagged the tow cable in the propeller already.
2
He's the dumbest president ever. Trump is used to being a celebrity, where he can control the narrative. Now that he's president, he can't. The past weekend shows you just what this is going to be like for as long as Trump lasts - hopefully not long.
13
It would appear Spicer failed the audition.
4
I think he was channeling Steve Bannon, and both need one of those valiums
Senator Rogers deals on the Hill. Do they forget what took Bretbart's life? Busting a gasket about the size of one's casket.
The fate of most alpha baboons.
Senator Rogers deals on the Hill. Do they forget what took Bretbart's life? Busting a gasket about the size of one's casket.
The fate of most alpha baboons.
It's not that Donald Trump "won't" listen or is unruly.
It might be more accurate to say "can't."
Although he did not ask to be this way, Donald Trump has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In this unaware and really quite painful state, narcissists rarely seek change. Because they lack a true internal identity, narcissists are easily manipulated. They gobble the energy around them, moment by moment, in a never-ending search for external validation.
We can only trust Donald Trump to behave in a similar fashion, give or take periods of lesser or greater clarity and lesser or greater calm, for the rest of his life.
It might be more accurate to say "can't."
Although he did not ask to be this way, Donald Trump has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In this unaware and really quite painful state, narcissists rarely seek change. Because they lack a true internal identity, narcissists are easily manipulated. They gobble the energy around them, moment by moment, in a never-ending search for external validation.
We can only trust Donald Trump to behave in a similar fashion, give or take periods of lesser or greater clarity and lesser or greater calm, for the rest of his life.
4
He may be able to destroy the world. . and this country, but the President of the United States is not "in charge of the free world."
It is not 1960, and the "other" world leaders are in charge of their respective regimes. Even client states like Israel run their country as benefits themselves, with little regard for "allies" like the US
It is not 1960, and the "other" world leaders are in charge of their respective regimes. Even client states like Israel run their country as benefits themselves, with little regard for "allies" like the US
3
"Let Trump be Trump"....yup...his campaign managers/team thought they could pull a fast one over on us...I'm surprised that they're surprised...how dumb did they think the rest of us (who didn't vote for him) really are?
8
You have to admit that voting for Trump without even wanting to see his tax returns was a very convincing demonstration of profound idiocy. At this point they might suspect the public wasn't really brain-dead, just drugged.
2
I like Steve Bolger !!
1
Newt: The average American IS paying attention to this stuff and we're appalled.
17
Seantor McCain was not so stupid as to deride the women and men who marched with them. He knows a cancer was growing on the presidency before it got sworn in.
2
Saint Elizabeths Hospital should construct a new presidential wing for lying (and delusional?)Trump.
Heck, he’s so infatuated with himself that maybe he would think of it as Trump Psych Towers.
Heck, he’s so infatuated with himself that maybe he would think of it as Trump Psych Towers.
7
The Republicans are just biding their time until they can impeach him.
12
And then after that, Republicans will bide their time until they can impeach Pence.
Ken - Why would they want to impeach Pence? He's a mean spirited, greedy liar who will glad ruin the middle class and grind the poor under his feet.
3
The CIA "speech" Trump gave was excruciating to watch, and I saw reported elsewhere that the isolated clapping is from a group of sycophants (low-level staffers perhaps) he brought with him as cheerleaders. Apparently, the several hundred CIA employees he was addressing were silent. How demoralizing it must be for all of the civil servants who now have this administration in charge.
27
What can one say to a man who should not be President and to the people who should not have elected this damaged individual. I see no bright spot, to think he is going to change is pure fantasy. His madness at anything that is not adulation is just the tip of his inattention to any advise or direction. the Trump brain is on a different plane than ordinary folk and by that I mean I don't think he has no clue from hour to hour what he thinks or what he will do next. We are to be lead by a person not in control of himself and surrounded by money bloated louts like himself. This cannot end well for little people who put their trust in this high grade moron...
9
You say Trump has a lack of focus!? It's more like he's a delusional paranoid schizophrenic with bipolar overtones who is surrounded with enabling radical talking heads whose sole purpose is to confirm and bolster Trump's latest alternative fact.
8
Did anyone notice the seeds planted by this administration on Saturday? The ones soon to grow into a complete BAN on the press? They looked like this: "we may have to rethink our relationship with the press"!!!
It's so obvious. I'm just curious about how long before they implement the blackout. Of course, they will handpick a couple of mouthpieces like Brietbart that will present the "alternative facts" according to their liking. It's a LOCK people. Get ready for it.
It's so obvious. I'm just curious about how long before they implement the blackout. Of course, they will handpick a couple of mouthpieces like Brietbart that will present the "alternative facts" according to their liking. It's a LOCK people. Get ready for it.
15
I am afraid you are right. I have been worried about this for month. Brong on the ACLU.
4
Example of Trumps tweet pattern:
12:00 p.m. tweet - Wow, you people really think I care about your opinion. I won, you lost. Get over it. Sad - get a job.
1:35 p.m. tweet (after staff pleads with him): The American way is to protest. Your opinion is valued. Thank you for making your voices heard.
12:00 p.m. tweet - Wow, you people really think I care about your opinion. I won, you lost. Get over it. Sad - get a job.
1:35 p.m. tweet (after staff pleads with him): The American way is to protest. Your opinion is valued. Thank you for making your voices heard.
10
The first casualty of an authoritarian regime is the TRUTH!
18
Then again, just burning down the Reichstag makes governing so much easier than trying to deal with one's critics in civilized manner. And Trump was never one to do anything the "hard" way.
At least not when he had to do the work.
At least not when he had to do the work.
6
And people are still thinking he's going to "change" now that he's in office?
What world of illusion are they living in? They just put in office a guy with abysmally poor judgment, no morals, no respect for anyone, and problems with severe narcissism—and they're expecting he'll do what's best?
[Facepalm]
What world of illusion are they living in? They just put in office a guy with abysmally poor judgment, no morals, no respect for anyone, and problems with severe narcissism—and they're expecting he'll do what's best?
[Facepalm]
8
Trump has been compared to Frankenstein where interestingly enough Frankenstein (as described in stage play) was a creation made from different people. Here’s antidote to how Trump is like Frankenstein. The news agencies report that Trump answers his phone "masquerading" as his publicist. I suggest otherwise. I believe that he is sooo split personality that some part of him IS his own publicist. Listen to his conversations where in one breath he says he will do one thing and then, in the next breath... watch the expressions on his face change...he says the exact opposite. His alternate personalities come pouring out right in front of your face but because he does it so much, he looks like a political butterfly, uncommitted, doing whatever necessary to gain control. He is saying all of these different things because he is all of these different people.
Dissociative Identity Disorder DSM-5
Two or more identities.
Different personality states. Marked discontinuity in sense of self, accompanied by related alterations in affect, behavior, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, and/or sensory-motor functioning.
These signs and symptoms may be observed by others.
Gaps in recall of everyday events.
He says he’s represented himself with many other false selves throughout his business. It has even been recently commented about his "two" different twitter selves. Who is he as a president? Hitler!
Dissociative Identity Disorder DSM-5
Two or more identities.
Different personality states. Marked discontinuity in sense of self, accompanied by related alterations in affect, behavior, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, and/or sensory-motor functioning.
These signs and symptoms may be observed by others.
Gaps in recall of everyday events.
He says he’s represented himself with many other false selves throughout his business. It has even been recently commented about his "two" different twitter selves. Who is he as a president? Hitler!
5
You know what they say about guys with small crowds...
8
Trump's mandate is 27% of all eligible voters. That's it! And over half of all eligible voters (some 100 million) didn’t even bother to vote. Voter apathy is tragic.
9
As everyone here knows, Trump has now completely blown two - count 'em, TWO - chances to make a first impression as President of the United States of America. His innaugural speech - blown, largely by staying low, small, and trite. But he could have reset his meter by taking a high-road reaction to this weekend's enormous world-wide protests and the small crowds at his ceremony. Instead, again, low, small, and just plain childish lies.
So there we have it, the answer to last week's big question posed here in the NYT: "Can Donald Trump Be Presidential?"
So there we have it, the answer to last week's big question posed here in the NYT: "Can Donald Trump Be Presidential?"
8
Great post. And we all know the answer to the question is "No."
3
I will try and discipline myself to ignore Trump's utterings. The truer damage is what Congress is doing in more or less silence undermining the infrastructure of the country, and that needs resistance. Trump in a way is the torrero in the bullfight waving the red flag to try and distract the bull.
9
from elsewhere in the Times " President Trump’s new hotel in Washington lost money in its opening months."
Will fiscal bankruptcy follow moral bankruptcy?
Can chapter 11 be far behind?
Will GSA declare him in breach of his lease?
It is fake news that anarchists posing as staff have let loose a bedbug infestation at the hotel, in every single room, not true at all.
But people I know and respect seem to think..............
Will fiscal bankruptcy follow moral bankruptcy?
Can chapter 11 be far behind?
Will GSA declare him in breach of his lease?
It is fake news that anarchists posing as staff have let loose a bedbug infestation at the hotel, in every single room, not true at all.
But people I know and respect seem to think..............
7
Three things ; 1) Hope he understands and moderate his behavior to that of POTUS like. 2) The lepord can not change his spots - NOT ENTIRELY ANY WAY. 3) If he produces results; this is all noise. And if NOT, he is doomed and will either be impeached or be neutered in his very first term and become a joke.
Can NOt end wihtout saying that the upside is also UNLIMITED. he could be the second coming of THE RONALD REAGAN.
Can NOt end wihtout saying that the upside is also UNLIMITED. he could be the second coming of THE RONALD REAGAN.
1
Reagan Democrats sure drank the hair of the dog when they fell for Trump.
2
I do not love to digress into minor issues in the face of this president's problems, but when it lightens the moment to do so, it's worth it. So look at the Saturday Night Live riff on KellyAnn Conway. It is brilliantly entertaining, on target and pathetic. SNL has some very talented people. The best line in this professionally produced musical production is "Who says that lying isn't art?"
7
Since the time when fiction was first invented there are those who consider any untruth "a lie". Untruths are lies. Fiction is not. When you read fiction you know on the first page that what is encountered in the book is not true. Many even say now that anyone, thing, place named in this work does not mean that what happens happened to them/it. So, it can be set in any city. Include real people (usually famous or governmental). Fiction can tell real truthes. Trump cant. Oh that he was fiction. But, he isnt. So we must call him on every untruth he or any of his staff tell. The word UNTRUTH may even be better than lie. That word has been used so often his poor little pea brained followers (his fans) scream at the meer mention of it. So, look at the word untruth. It means not true. They know the meaning of the word truth. His staff does, and the meaning of the words alternative truth. The alternative truth is Trump is so sick and has picked so many sick people to have around him that all should be in mental hospitals to keep them (and us) safe. So, think of that every time they use the words alternative truth. Then look hard at the word UNTRUTH. It means not true. It means LIE.
There's another way to look at this. Maybe his senior members are not scrambling to get back on point. Maybe things are going exactly as planned. News media is talking about crowd size and alternative facts and meanwhile, Der Trump has halted hiring of federal workers and frozen pay raises for government employees. While everyone is babbling about "falsehoods," he's started dismantling the federal government. It's obfuscation.
10
Trump's entire financial expertise is in the field of chiseling.
3
Trump freezes federal hiring, ending the greatest source of jobs over the last 8 years.
5
In his first day,Trump and in team exposed themselves to be the liars that they have always been. Ridiculous, easily proved lies about a ridiculous subject. In his first day, Trump exposed the personal failings, childish emotional reactions, sick insecurities and above all his pathological lying. His press secretary and other senior aides disgraced themselves in supporting their unhinged and totally unqualified president. It was disgraceful and will forever damage every goddam one of them.
Here's the thing, Mr.President: the vast majority of Americans did not vote for you, do not consider you their president and will not cut you any slack at all. And yes, Mr. President. It is personal.
Here's the thing, Mr.President: the vast majority of Americans did not vote for you, do not consider you their president and will not cut you any slack at all. And yes, Mr. President. It is personal.
27
Correction: while the tweet about the peaceful protests came from trumps Twitter account, he certainly didn't write it. That much is clear. He is consistent in his tone on Twitter and this tweet was written by someone else.
11
We we in Wisconsin are hoping Kellyanne Conway will tell us today that the Packers won Sunday.
12
Well, the Packers deserve it, and one can't deny: 'the Packers won!' IS 'an alternative fact'!
1
He won't change. This will be the template moving forward. He won't last six months.
7
Why does the New York Times persist in using the words, "falsehood" or "false statements" to describe what Trump and his people say? They are LIES. These people are LYING. Don't shy away from using the appropriate language.
17
How long till they realize they're working for a mentally ill person suffering from diagnosable narcissim? With his finger on the nuclear codes?
9
There are many checks and balances before a nuclear weapon can be launched. It would surprise me if those who are actually able to complete that act are as nutty as the current Commander in Chief.
We should all call Paul Ryan and remind him of how excited he said he was to work with Trump.
5
And that if he touches anything belonging to the seniors we will savage him uncontrollably. First we will make sure that when we again control congress (either 2 years or next week, if we scare them badly enough) we will have a law passed removing his pension and medical coverage, so that when he retires he will have nothing. Unless he goes and works at a job not governmental for enough quarters (and we will work hard to make that not happen) to earn SS and Medicare (unless he has destroyed them, then he can starve with the rest of us). Then a law about not double dipping. No government pension and nongovernmental SS and Medicare.
Oh from the announcements this morning I think it is time for all governmental workers with 30 years on the job or better, to retire, today. Your pension will not get bigger, it is set in stone along with the governmental medical insurance. So, take your knowledge and training and leave. Your job will not be filled. The Government will grind to a halt for lack of workers. Sounds so much like fun. Your knowledge should get you a good job with lobbiests, so you can have a good life. You will have a ring side seat to watch Dumpy implode.
Oh from the announcements this morning I think it is time for all governmental workers with 30 years on the job or better, to retire, today. Your pension will not get bigger, it is set in stone along with the governmental medical insurance. So, take your knowledge and training and leave. Your job will not be filled. The Government will grind to a halt for lack of workers. Sounds so much like fun. Your knowledge should get you a good job with lobbiests, so you can have a good life. You will have a ring side seat to watch Dumpy implode.
1
His ramshackle assortment of advisors need to get used to working for a thin-skinned idiot. The turnover of staff leaving in the first year will look somewhat like a field of dandelions blowing on a fine summer day. The greatest turnover ever. Sad!
10
Trump and his minions are finding out on day one that it is so much easier (and so much more fun) to be on the outside riling the masses, making outrageous statements and basking in the glow of admiring supporters than being responsible for governing. Mr. Trump is not going to be able to change. What is troubling are the actions and statements from those around him. The exchange between Kelly Ann Conway and Chuck Todd was astounding. "Alternative Facts"???? Did she attend the Putin School of Journalism? The main stream media needs to be scrupulous though in covering the Trump Administration honestly and without bias. Just report the facts - Mr. Trump and his cohort's own words and actions will speak for themselves. A common tactic of Mr Trump and his followers is to berate journalists for "lying". The American people have less confidence than ever in the media, due to all the misinformation that is slung around via Fox News and social media. It will be a challenge for professional journalists to win back that confidence in such an atmosphere - but it is important that you make this a priority. A free and honest press is central to our democracy.
9
Why does Team Trump create "alternative facts" and accuse the press of dishonesty? I think the most likely explanations are they are crackpots or doing it as part of a strategy to discredit the press and critics. In either case, isn't it reasonable to expect their decisions be dangerous to Americans and the national interest of the U.S.?
7
Trump always accuses others of his offenses. So he accuses the media with lying when he and his spout "alternative truth" which are LIES, by definition. Just watch his tweets, his "speeches", his staffs "announcements" for his lies. Then publish them and call them as they are. LIES.
1
Glad I'm 70 and have seen better days in America. Have no hope to offer on the state of politics. Literally just pray we survive 4 more years. Is this how it all ends?
15
Only if we let it Senior. Im 65, disabled, and not ready to give up yet. I learned to fight back. Verbally, mentally, and physically in MY teenage years.
If the worst (for seniors) happens and SS and Medicare are savaged and destroyed you will see me on the Capitol steps, in my wheelchair, with a sign that says, no meds, means I will die, here I sit, until it happens. My MURDERERS NAME IS CONGRESSMAN RYAN! I hope to be joined by others with the same problem. If I can not stop him I will make sure his perfedy goes down in history and all his decendents know he was a crooked, lying, madman, along with his master Trump.
If the worst (for seniors) happens and SS and Medicare are savaged and destroyed you will see me on the Capitol steps, in my wheelchair, with a sign that says, no meds, means I will die, here I sit, until it happens. My MURDERERS NAME IS CONGRESSMAN RYAN! I hope to be joined by others with the same problem. If I can not stop him I will make sure his perfedy goes down in history and all his decendents know he was a crooked, lying, madman, along with his master Trump.
1
What was the total crowd size in the Women's marches? How well has the NYTimes (for example) reported it? Take a look at the spreadsheet in https://twitter.com/djpressman/status/823174274735337472 gathered by Jeremy Pressman. (Detailed numbers are a bit different from the top line and are still changing.) The current low estimate is about 3.3 million for the US, and the current high estimate is about 4.6 million. This represents the largest single protest in US history.
If you search using Google or Bing, you will still find statements like "over one million" based on apparently nothing at all. (I was able to count well over 2 million by looking at local news sources in a few big cities in about 40 minutes yesterday.)
You will find more references to Trump's utterly fantasy numbers like 1.5 million not actually present at his inauguration than to the 3.3 to 4.6 who actually demonstrated against him the next day.
One of the rocky starts is clearly the Press inability to report and contrast.
If you search using Google or Bing, you will still find statements like "over one million" based on apparently nothing at all. (I was able to count well over 2 million by looking at local news sources in a few big cities in about 40 minutes yesterday.)
You will find more references to Trump's utterly fantasy numbers like 1.5 million not actually present at his inauguration than to the 3.3 to 4.6 who actually demonstrated against him the next day.
One of the rocky starts is clearly the Press inability to report and contrast.
5
Trump is mentally incompetent, and has been for quit a while. When are the 'powers that be' going to realize this and take some responsibility for it?
8
There's something horribly amiss with this administration. They got the brass ring but still act like the sorest of losers. From the bleak inauguration speech to everything that followed so far, they've proved that they'll govern (word used loosely) as they campaigned -- angrily, with a nasty attitude and an (invisible, unjustifiable) axe to grind.
Nothing gracious, humble or service-oriented about them. It's a travesty that they've come this far.
Nothing gracious, humble or service-oriented about them. It's a travesty that they've come this far.
13
He reminds me of a 14 year old. Except for the access to the nuclear codes part.
5
A "14-year-old?"
You give Trump's infantile brain too much credit.
You give Trump's infantile brain too much credit.
4
Let's hope we never hear the phrase; "leader of the free world" and Donald Trump in the same sentence. That would be quite obsurd seeing that he is clearly an embarrassment to this country.
6
Anyway, a president of the U.S. is not a 'leader of the free world', for god's sake, s/he is the leader of the U.S. only, and should remember that.
"However, Mr. Trump later adopted the more above-it-all demeanor that presidents typically take. “Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy,” he wrote on Twitter. “Even if I don’t always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views.”" - we all know that he didn't write this tweet. Let's not pretend that he did.
3
Trump should have stuck to selling real estate to the 1 percenters. Amazingly a sizable portion of our electorate bought Trump's extreme promises. Maybe today he is realizing that he has two years to deliver.
The average Joe in your typical red state will need to be hooked up to an IV dripping with alternative facts. Average Joe will not be receiving higher pay and a new pickup truck. Average Joe will not see Hillary in jail. Average Joe will not see tax relief or cheaper healthcare. Average Joe will not see Trump's tax returns.
Trump did it! He sold us swampland in Florida. Average Joe will not be happy. Average Joe will remember the broken promises.
The average Joe in your typical red state will need to be hooked up to an IV dripping with alternative facts. Average Joe will not be receiving higher pay and a new pickup truck. Average Joe will not see Hillary in jail. Average Joe will not see tax relief or cheaper healthcare. Average Joe will not see Trump's tax returns.
Trump did it! He sold us swampland in Florida. Average Joe will not be happy. Average Joe will remember the broken promises.
3
Leave him. Let him shoot himself on the foot. You know where his Achiles heel is, just keep throwing darts and keep the boy busy until he really falls....
3
They're not "lashing out at the press", they're "lashing out at the facts."
6
I cannot disagree with Mr. Gingrich's statements here, but that doesn't mean things are off to a great start.
Journalist must refrain from engaging in a useless tit-for-tat with Trump and members of his administration. However, that doesn't mean not reporting facts, calling out Trump and others when they fail the Pinocchio test (lier, lier pants on fire), especially when his spokespeople like Conway make and continue to make such ridiculous statements. Report the facts, call the statements what they really are...lies.
I found it ironic that Spicer encouraged people to look at the photos on the front page of the NYT as proof of his assertion. I guess their hatred of the media includes not looking at the source they pointed to for validation. And that source refuted their claims and showed them to be the lying and/or incompetent fools we know them to be. If anyone was insulting and shameful, it was them.
If this wasn't POTUS, I'd be rolling on the floor laughing....
I found it ironic that Spicer encouraged people to look at the photos on the front page of the NYT as proof of his assertion. I guess their hatred of the media includes not looking at the source they pointed to for validation. And that source refuted their claims and showed them to be the lying and/or incompetent fools we know them to be. If anyone was insulting and shameful, it was them.
If this wasn't POTUS, I'd be rolling on the floor laughing....
4
I dream of a day when someone in office will say "My fellow Americans, our long national psychosis is over."
7
ALL AMERICANS ARE YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Mr PRESIDENT
Many of we who marched did vote, and we marched not to delegitimize you, Mr President, but to remind you of this: Electoral college results mattered in 2016. They are no longer important. You are now the Chief Executive to the board of directors that is the entire 300 million of us, We the Diverse America. Please act like it!
Many of we who marched did vote, and we marched not to delegitimize you, Mr President, but to remind you of this: Electoral college results mattered in 2016. They are no longer important. You are now the Chief Executive to the board of directors that is the entire 300 million of us, We the Diverse America. Please act like it!
5
Or we will remove your stock options, take back all your bonuses, and FIRE YOU, sooner than your 4 year contract date.
IMPEACH NOW!
IMPEACH NOW!
1
Kellyanne Conway made the Spiro T. Agnew memorial comment of a lifetime, "Alternative-Facts." Trump shares with Nixon his combative attitude with the press, and we can expect a Nixonian decline. Trump battled the media and opponents on his way into office, just like, "You won't have Richard Nixon to kick around anymore," and "opposition to the war is the single greatest enemy facing the U.S.". True to form, Trump has even spoken of those who didn't support him as "enemies" at his inaugural ball.
3
President Obama took the concerns of those Americans who didn't vote for him too seriously, in his efforts to reach out to all of our citizens. This, I believe, led to their sense of entitlement, and their deluded notion that their numbers should have a disproportionate influence on our nation. The Trump voters actually believe the majority of Americans should not now be heard. And if anything, Trump knows his base. Be assured he will call upon their rabid support when he thinks he needs it.
5
I think trump is cracking, I'm going to keep pushing. Instead of playing with my twitter, I'm going to write to my legislator. Alt-truth my bony behind....
4
"Alternative facts?" The inability to distinguish real from unreal is a hallmark of psychosis. We may be heading towards the 25th Amendement, Section 4.
5
The response from Trump via Sean Spicer is truly disappointing. It seems obvious that the administration is doubling down on their policy of fabricating reality and then attempting to forcibly push that fantasy despite all evidence to the contrary. Sean Spicer is a third rate con man, in a bad suit--just like his boss.
4
It is no wonder POTUS is anti establishment as to my knowledge he has not engaged in the way or attempted to understand how we, Americans, organize ourselves as a people resting upon our Constitution and our form of Democracy where the legal is the moral. We do however have citizens that might be called 'legal creeps' gaming our system. Why does POTUS refuse to transparency with his taxes? Why are his business ethics under scrutiny? What is his measuring stick for good and right judgements when he operates outside our Constitutional and Democratic traditions, foundation, and good reasoning? How can he lead? Also I would like to put forth what is a 'good deal.' A good deal is when both parties are happy or when both parties are unhappy. A bad deal is when one party is happy and the other party is unhappy. Are POTUS's proclamations the art of the bad deal?
I am trusting in our institutions, not necessarily individuals within those institutions.
A critical time to be reflective and aware while combining our hearts and minds. If something POTUS does is legally actionable then we must take action. At least I can thank POTUS for this stimulation even if we learn the organizational truths about ourselves through the outrage embedded within 'alternative facts.'
I am trusting in our institutions, not necessarily individuals within those institutions.
A critical time to be reflective and aware while combining our hearts and minds. If something POTUS does is legally actionable then we must take action. At least I can thank POTUS for this stimulation even if we learn the organizational truths about ourselves through the outrage embedded within 'alternative facts.'
2
We all watched this train wreck happening in slow motion over the past 12 months, now we will watch the train actually hit the wall.
2
I called my kids in DC this morning including my one GOP Rep to start the Impeachment Process. That is all.
9
How will that help? We'll just be stuck with Pence and Ryan and they're both a lot meaner and more dangerous than Trump.
1
Our last captain steered this Nation dangerously off course, headed for the rocks. It's going to take some time to turn the Ship of State around and head us out to safer waters again. Whatever trivial issues popped up this weekend are to be infinitely preferred to the disaster that the first weekend of a Hillary Clinton presidency would have been to the long-term interests of the United States and the world.
I think we can all agree on that and be thankful.
I think we can all agree on that and be thankful.
2
No we cannot all agree on that
8
Trivial? We can not agree on that. Trump and his minions have gotten on way over their heads and will be playing catch up for a long time. The rant by Spicer is indicative of the lack of skills in his picks, not to mention Conway's "alternate facts" which to you and I , are called lies.
2
You clearly live in an alternative reality. PB
3
Many commenters focus on Trump's "build the wall" promise, implying that he will have failed unless he actually builds that wall and gets Mexico to pay for it.
That's what we in the law biz call a "straw man argument" -- one that's easy to knock down but which your opponent is not really making. Trump already has "walked back" his "build the wall" threat, and almost nobody takes it seriously any more (much less that Mexico will pay for the wall).
What most Americans DO expect, however, is tougher enforcement of immigration laws going forward. Many of us still remember what Reagan told us in the 1980's: "There are 3 million illegal immigrants here in the US. We want to give them all amnesty, and in return we promise it won't happen again going forward."
Turns out, of course, that it DID happen again: we're now told that there are 11 million illegal immigrants here. Trump initially said that he'd deport them all, which few believed and which Trump has since "walked back." His actual policy doesn't appear likely to differ much from Obama's: focus on the "bad guys," the illegal immigrants who commit crimes after they get here -- with one major difference: Obama appeared likely to let that 11-million number continue to grow; Trump does not.
Americans are painfully aware that Reagan made the same "going forward" promises that Trump is now making, and that those promises didn't come true. Nevertheless, naive or not, most Americans hope that they will come true this time.
That's what we in the law biz call a "straw man argument" -- one that's easy to knock down but which your opponent is not really making. Trump already has "walked back" his "build the wall" threat, and almost nobody takes it seriously any more (much less that Mexico will pay for the wall).
What most Americans DO expect, however, is tougher enforcement of immigration laws going forward. Many of us still remember what Reagan told us in the 1980's: "There are 3 million illegal immigrants here in the US. We want to give them all amnesty, and in return we promise it won't happen again going forward."
Turns out, of course, that it DID happen again: we're now told that there are 11 million illegal immigrants here. Trump initially said that he'd deport them all, which few believed and which Trump has since "walked back." His actual policy doesn't appear likely to differ much from Obama's: focus on the "bad guys," the illegal immigrants who commit crimes after they get here -- with one major difference: Obama appeared likely to let that 11-million number continue to grow; Trump does not.
Americans are painfully aware that Reagan made the same "going forward" promises that Trump is now making, and that those promises didn't come true. Nevertheless, naive or not, most Americans hope that they will come true this time.
5
You speak for "most Americans"?
1
What Alternate Facts can you present that Obama "appeared likely to let that 11-million number continue to grow; Trump does not. "?
Unless you too are going to "Walk Back" your Alternate Facts?
Unless you too are going to "Walk Back" your Alternate Facts?
2
You didn't point out that Obama has deported more people than any president in recent history. This was the method he chose to try to keep the size of illegal immigrants under control, but felt compelled to stay quiet about it because of possible political fallout among Latinos. Republicans jumped on this topic knowing that Obama couldn't respond.
It is impossible not to have "leakage" across our long borders with Canada and Mexico, so illegal immigrants are a fact of life. (Anyone who believes otherwise is not familiar with our borders - suggest you take a road trip sometime.) With more control we can slow the flow, that's all.
Among the illegal immigrants there are some criminals. And there are some who take advantage of our public benefits without contributing taxes. But there are also some that contribute to society as well as any citizen. Even use someone else's SSN and pay taxes, including social security taxes they will never personally benefit from. The Social Security Administration knows about this and how much it helps their bottom line, but they, too, keep quiet to avoid creating a political storm.
It's all down to economics, but because this is a political hot potato we can't seem to have rational discussions about it. How much does additional border control cost, and what do we gain in tangible monetary benefits as a result? Instead, we get hyperbole and slogans. Obama was at least thoughtful; will Trump be?
It is impossible not to have "leakage" across our long borders with Canada and Mexico, so illegal immigrants are a fact of life. (Anyone who believes otherwise is not familiar with our borders - suggest you take a road trip sometime.) With more control we can slow the flow, that's all.
Among the illegal immigrants there are some criminals. And there are some who take advantage of our public benefits without contributing taxes. But there are also some that contribute to society as well as any citizen. Even use someone else's SSN and pay taxes, including social security taxes they will never personally benefit from. The Social Security Administration knows about this and how much it helps their bottom line, but they, too, keep quiet to avoid creating a political storm.
It's all down to economics, but because this is a political hot potato we can't seem to have rational discussions about it. How much does additional border control cost, and what do we gain in tangible monetary benefits as a result? Instead, we get hyperbole and slogans. Obama was at least thoughtful; will Trump be?
2
He is a narcissistic liar surrounded by enablers and charlatans. Steve Bannon is a racist, anti-Semite with a dystopian vision for America. Kellyanne Conway seems to need some Haldol for her delusional pronouncments: alternative facts indeed. Priebus and Spicer are GOP hacks. And then there are his Cabinet picks almost all of whom hold views antithetical to the briefs of their departments. This is "Alice in Wonderland". Up is down and down is up. Trump is the capricious and angry Queen of Hearts more concerned with his crowd numbers than paying homage to those who died in the service of their country at the CIA.
The marches on Saturday were wonderful, an expression of resistance and disgust with the new president. However, this is not enough. This energy has to be translated into action and organization in rebuilding the Democratic Party from the ground up, precinct by precinct, state by state to retake state legislatures and governorships and then the federal government. This resistance has to be as determined and loud as the Tea Party. The Democrats have to regain the trust of working class and middle class voters and motivate young people. So all you marchers and those who could not march, join the Dems, support the ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center in fighting any erosion in civil and voting rights. Start right now to impact the 2018 election. Marching is not enough.
The marches on Saturday were wonderful, an expression of resistance and disgust with the new president. However, this is not enough. This energy has to be translated into action and organization in rebuilding the Democratic Party from the ground up, precinct by precinct, state by state to retake state legislatures and governorships and then the federal government. This resistance has to be as determined and loud as the Tea Party. The Democrats have to regain the trust of working class and middle class voters and motivate young people. So all you marchers and those who could not march, join the Dems, support the ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center in fighting any erosion in civil and voting rights. Start right now to impact the 2018 election. Marching is not enough.
7
Ultimately, a person "temperamentally" unfit for high office cannot hide that fact.
5
“The average American isn’t paying attention to this stuff,” Talk about ignoring us and playing to the stupid that elected him. Three million more people are in fact "paying attention".
4
In move magnificent move this weekend, Trump replaced the bust of Winston Churchill to its rightful place.
3
Which is almost important as starting to dismantle ACA, wiping out the FHA fee reduction for first time home owners, and completely deleting all policy statements regarding civil rights, work protections, and climate change.... NOT
2
“Sounded like somebody hitting a milk bottle with a ball peen hammer,” said George. -- from Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron.
That’s the sound of Donald J Trump’s every pronouncement. It vibrates and rattles in one’s head, causing continuous agony and impeding clear thought. If he had remained a wealthy TV absurdist then all would be well and we’d chose to ignore him or laugh at him.
However, with each new pronouncement Trump and his team further exposes themselves and the country to ridicule as the laughing stock of the world. Imbeciles. I was aghast at the lies of the Press Secretary’s first conference. His obvious nervousness was to be expected from a person tasked with lying to many millions of people. I would have been humiliated.
This new administration is an extension of Trump’s TV persona.
What happens when lies become the new truths? The old simple answer is that people ignore stop signs. But life is not so simple. We now have a man in charge of nuclear reactors who has no knowledge of them. We have a woman in charge of schools who knows little of education. And so it goes with the Trump administration.
Reality and Nature have their way in the final analysis. I am fraught with anxiety thinking about what it means to us all in the meantime. Here’s hoping that this folly ends soon and control of our minds returns from the Twilight Zone of the Trump Presidency.
That’s the sound of Donald J Trump’s every pronouncement. It vibrates and rattles in one’s head, causing continuous agony and impeding clear thought. If he had remained a wealthy TV absurdist then all would be well and we’d chose to ignore him or laugh at him.
However, with each new pronouncement Trump and his team further exposes themselves and the country to ridicule as the laughing stock of the world. Imbeciles. I was aghast at the lies of the Press Secretary’s first conference. His obvious nervousness was to be expected from a person tasked with lying to many millions of people. I would have been humiliated.
This new administration is an extension of Trump’s TV persona.
What happens when lies become the new truths? The old simple answer is that people ignore stop signs. But life is not so simple. We now have a man in charge of nuclear reactors who has no knowledge of them. We have a woman in charge of schools who knows little of education. And so it goes with the Trump administration.
Reality and Nature have their way in the final analysis. I am fraught with anxiety thinking about what it means to us all in the meantime. Here’s hoping that this folly ends soon and control of our minds returns from the Twilight Zone of the Trump Presidency.
4
I sympathize (I really do), if I had Small Hands; I too would spend an inordinate amount of my focus on inflating the size of things.
3
His small hands make them easier to fit into places they shouldn't be.
He doesn't want the job. He wants the title. Beware what you wish for: Little Man.
13
Get ready for a rough ride for at least a year. At the point maybe congress will have had enough.
5
Trump needs to remember that he made numerous promises to the American people: 1] There would not be any cuts to Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid, 2] raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour, 3] invest a trillion dollars to rebuild the infrastructure of our country, 4] reestablish Glass-Steagall legislation 5] six weeks of paid maternity leave, 6] fix bad trade policies 7] replace the ACA with some thing that was more inexpensive and BETTER than the ACA and 8] he'd work to unify the country.
The reality is that none of the above will happen - in fact much of what he does will be the opposite of his claims, e.g., Republicans are in the process of cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Trump is a hypocrite. He's more concerned with filling the pockets of his cronies and himself instead of helping American people.
The American people will be asked in 2020 are you better off now than you were in 2016 ... and the response will be no more Bushes, Clintons or Trumps in the White House; because he will fail at fulfilling his promises. Trump can't create an alt fact America; because you can fool the people some of the time but you cannot fool them all of the time.
The reality is that none of the above will happen - in fact much of what he does will be the opposite of his claims, e.g., Republicans are in the process of cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Trump is a hypocrite. He's more concerned with filling the pockets of his cronies and himself instead of helping American people.
The American people will be asked in 2020 are you better off now than you were in 2016 ... and the response will be no more Bushes, Clintons or Trumps in the White House; because he will fail at fulfilling his promises. Trump can't create an alt fact America; because you can fool the people some of the time but you cannot fool them all of the time.
4
Bill Clinton left office with the U.S. at peace and a full treasury. Bush used that surplus to start a war for oil, a trillion dollar war we are still in. Where were those Rumsfeld WMD's? They were not there, only rusted out chemical storage vessels. What happened to the artifacts looted from Baghdad's museums? Some have been returned, some are in private collections, and some are for sale on the black market. Old roads and walls were destroyed by tanks and soldiers casually taking stones for souvenirs. We destroyed much of ancient Mesopotamia, for oil. We did not get that oil; Exxon got that oil, and now our troops are expected to go back in and protect Exxon's oil wells. And, will our troops be expected to protect the Baltic States via NATO when they are left undefended by Trump's policies? Where did Trump get money to save his failed real estate ventures? Not from American and European banks. But, he did get loans from somewhere through third parties. Laundered money stolen from the Russian treasury and held in London banks by Russian oligarchs. Where do Trump's sons have multiple business interests? They claim to have those interests in Russia; I believe them. So, is Putin an adversary now, or the best friend a poseur ever had? Once sanctions are lifted, Tillerson will act on his drilling rights all over Russia. This is corruption we have not seen ever. Real, serious corruption at the top of our government.
He needs to feel what it's like when people say unfair things about him. If he has any conscience in him at all (highly doubtful at this point), maybe he'll realize what needs to change immediately in his approach to things.
But like a leopard and his spots, a sociopath is chained to his detachment from reality.
But like a leopard and his spots, a sociopath is chained to his detachment from reality.
4
Steve Bannon - November 18, 2016 - Hollywood Reporter: "Darkness is good. Dick Cheney, Darth Vadar, Satan. That's power. It only helps us when they get it wrong. When they're blind to who we are and what we're doing"
I believe Bannon wrote trump's Inaugural Speech. Insulting the former Presidents who were gracious enough to attend was disgusting. trump's supporters shouting "lock her up" when President Clinton and Secretary of State Clinton were seated, along with the persistent booing of Senator Schummer when he spoke of an America that includes all, people of every race, color, religion, immigrants, the disabled etc - was vile.
Using the term "America First" was purposeful. It was a dog whistle to many trump voters. See David Duke's twitter account where after the speech he wrote: "Hail Prez Trump. America First....." and "Surrounded by the Jewish establishment trump declares war on the entire agenda....".
The weekend was a nightmare. trump's narcissistic, inappropriate ramblings at the CIA - how large his crowd was, how many times he's been on the cover of Time, lying to blame the press for statements he himself made about the CIA, we should have taken Iraq's oil and then "maybe we'll get a second chance". Spicer's angry lies, Conway's shrill lies and treatment of Chuck Todd.
Without the huge exception of the breathtaking, heart swelling Women's March - last Friday through Sunday were the bleakest days of life - second only to losing people I love.
I believe Bannon wrote trump's Inaugural Speech. Insulting the former Presidents who were gracious enough to attend was disgusting. trump's supporters shouting "lock her up" when President Clinton and Secretary of State Clinton were seated, along with the persistent booing of Senator Schummer when he spoke of an America that includes all, people of every race, color, religion, immigrants, the disabled etc - was vile.
Using the term "America First" was purposeful. It was a dog whistle to many trump voters. See David Duke's twitter account where after the speech he wrote: "Hail Prez Trump. America First....." and "Surrounded by the Jewish establishment trump declares war on the entire agenda....".
The weekend was a nightmare. trump's narcissistic, inappropriate ramblings at the CIA - how large his crowd was, how many times he's been on the cover of Time, lying to blame the press for statements he himself made about the CIA, we should have taken Iraq's oil and then "maybe we'll get a second chance". Spicer's angry lies, Conway's shrill lies and treatment of Chuck Todd.
Without the huge exception of the breathtaking, heart swelling Women's March - last Friday through Sunday were the bleakest days of life - second only to losing people I love.
10
I just keep opening new bottles of wine as I watch the news. It's the only way to swallow the bitter pills that keep coming.
4
Chuck Todd's interview yesterday on Meet the Press with Kellyann Conway was one of the most startling exchanges I've ever seen on a news program. Mr. Todd was trying to get a simple answer that Ms. Conway avoided with every possible Cirque du Soleil contortion ultimately coining the phrase "alternative facts." Mr. Todd said simply, "Alternative facts are not facts." Bravo Mr. Todd!
That interview will go down in the history books together with "You're no Jack Kennedy."
That interview will go down in the history books together with "You're no Jack Kennedy."
6
It appears that Mr. Trump is only in this "game" for the adulation, and nothing more. Little adulation and constant criticism will wilt his enthusiasm quicker than anything, leading this peripatetic personality to behave most erratically. America and the world are in for a bumpy ride.
Mr. Trump is already pulling out of the TPP, leaving the field wide open for China, Japan and Korea, and even India. It's the American economy that will suffer in the end. The emerging markets are elsewhere, and Mr. Trump is all about abandoning them.
Mr. Trump is already pulling out of the TPP, leaving the field wide open for China, Japan and Korea, and even India. It's the American economy that will suffer in the end. The emerging markets are elsewhere, and Mr. Trump is all about abandoning them.
6
Does Trump think he and Putin can chalange china? What a MORON!
Russia is the disrupter. All they can do is drive gas and oil prices up in Europe. China is our real economic adversary, and to give them free rein is the stupidest thing Trump's done so far. But Putin is so happy.
Trump wants nations to give up their sovereignty to participate in trade negotiations, his first step away from the eight principals of the Atlantic Charter.
Russia is the disrupter. All they can do is drive gas and oil prices up in Europe. China is our real economic adversary, and to give them free rein is the stupidest thing Trump's done so far. But Putin is so happy.
Trump wants nations to give up their sovereignty to participate in trade negotiations, his first step away from the eight principals of the Atlantic Charter.
2
If his top aides are troubled, how the heck do you think we feel. By the way, there is nothing that is currently occurring that wasn't predictable based on his personality. But now, his narcissism, need for taunting adversaries such as the press, along, with impulsivity and recklessness. He is continuing to be the same person that most of us saw and dreaded before.
So, one can't blame him any more than blaming a needy child, and therefore, we must look towards the actors in this charade that benefit from owning this presidential "tool", who, following his pathologic instincts, is just being himself.
The main benefactor of Trump's predictable behavior is Steve Bannon, the Leninite, who publicly wished for the total dissolution of western civilization. We hear the least from him now, but the man must be trembling with delight. The other cast members using Trump as their foil - at least for the while - are the Republicans (McConnell, especially Ryan, and those in lock-step with them). Blood will be on their hands as they dismantle what they find onerous in current and past legislation. As they attack women's healthcare, specifically Planned Parenthood, they seek to dismantle the most obvious beacon for women in need, prior to marching back to Roe versus Wade, and thereby, undoing decades of protective law. The Affordable Care Act is in the same pathway and their pen is drawn to repeal it.Trump worries about crowd size and his ego needs. The others are the danger.
So, one can't blame him any more than blaming a needy child, and therefore, we must look towards the actors in this charade that benefit from owning this presidential "tool", who, following his pathologic instincts, is just being himself.
The main benefactor of Trump's predictable behavior is Steve Bannon, the Leninite, who publicly wished for the total dissolution of western civilization. We hear the least from him now, but the man must be trembling with delight. The other cast members using Trump as their foil - at least for the while - are the Republicans (McConnell, especially Ryan, and those in lock-step with them). Blood will be on their hands as they dismantle what they find onerous in current and past legislation. As they attack women's healthcare, specifically Planned Parenthood, they seek to dismantle the most obvious beacon for women in need, prior to marching back to Roe versus Wade, and thereby, undoing decades of protective law. The Affordable Care Act is in the same pathway and their pen is drawn to repeal it.Trump worries about crowd size and his ego needs. The others are the danger.
49
I wouldn't hire anyone out of Brietbart's fake news factory. It is nothing but a vandal's sandbox.
3
Just as the voters knew about his business conflicts and "didn't care", his staff knew about his being unfit for office and did't care. So now they care?
5
The description of Mr. Trump's reactions as a "counterpunch" and "counterattack" imply a strategic behavior on his part, a description that is demonstrably unwarranted. What we are witnessing yet again is the president's chronic lack of self control, his tendency to lash out when he feels threatened. He is so predictable. All you have to do is poke him with a stick and he loses control of himself.
3
All I can say is up until we have the midterm elections in 2018 there is no stopping so much of the nonsense that is about to unfold. I beg the people of America to vote democrat during those midterm elections and use their voting rights to do something that makes sense. Although it's kind of humorous the republicans did everything they could to stop Obama from doing good things and I want the democrats to stop Trump the same way. The difference is that I am truly and deeply scared about the things Trump will want to do. He promises things I don't believe he'll ever deliver on. In this instance I guess I'll cross my fingers that I'm wrong and that something good will come out of this....haha here's to hoping!
3
Trump's skillset is that of a television celebrity. On "The Apprentice", he was not asked to defend himself, or provide answers to global crises. His hair and make-up had to be done. He had to meet his cues.
The teams quarreled among themselves, and Trump got to say, "You're fired!" at the end. He was presented as a wealthy scion of commerce, with enormous expertise in business affairs.
The Trump organisation, and its global branding and marketing strategies, are what we owe this image to. Shiny, gold, multi-married Trump, who, as it turns out, has not been very good at handling business affairs, but has been excellent at not paying his contractors and superb at declaring bankruptcy. His private life and predatory ideas about women were largely unknown. He wasn't held accountable for his actions.
Suddenly, and surprisingly, he is the President. Now he is under a microscope. His smallish former existence, when compared to being a leader of the free world, really did not prepare him for personal attacks. He's never been so exposed, in all his inadequacy and shallowness of thought.
No wonder he's lashing out so much -- it's doubtful he's ever received so much criticism. He doesn't know what to do.
The people around him doubtless are trying to "manage" him, while Congress happily takes advantage of his vulnerability to advance their agenda.
The teams quarreled among themselves, and Trump got to say, "You're fired!" at the end. He was presented as a wealthy scion of commerce, with enormous expertise in business affairs.
The Trump organisation, and its global branding and marketing strategies, are what we owe this image to. Shiny, gold, multi-married Trump, who, as it turns out, has not been very good at handling business affairs, but has been excellent at not paying his contractors and superb at declaring bankruptcy. His private life and predatory ideas about women were largely unknown. He wasn't held accountable for his actions.
Suddenly, and surprisingly, he is the President. Now he is under a microscope. His smallish former existence, when compared to being a leader of the free world, really did not prepare him for personal attacks. He's never been so exposed, in all his inadequacy and shallowness of thought.
No wonder he's lashing out so much -- it's doubtful he's ever received so much criticism. He doesn't know what to do.
The people around him doubtless are trying to "manage" him, while Congress happily takes advantage of his vulnerability to advance their agenda.
4
There is virtually no chance that Trump's more "mature" tweet on the women's march ("Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy, even if I don’t always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views.") was written by our new President. Trump does not use commas, or express himself in full sentences. Most importantly, he seldom ends statements without an exclamation point! I suggest someone be charged with determining the probability of Trump authored tweets versus "alternative" Trump tweets (aka Conway tweets).
51
It's a run-on sentence, and hence probably his.
Wasn't this just a repeat to his reactions to the protests the weekend after the election? It just sounds like recycled tweeting!
Looks like he did use a comma -- and no exclamation point -- in the Tweet you cited.
The Electoral College, source of this Evil, must be abolished.
11
Sorry folks, the emperor has no clothes. After listening to the speech at the CIA, I thought this guy is legally insane, and some day, someone is going to have to remove him to save the world from his destructive acts.
7
What Trumpians have said is sadly no less ridiculous than what we have heard from elsewhere about WMDs, the joy of free trade and election polls.
So far in the 21st century I don't see the pols or the media with a lock on fact based claims which is precisely why Trump got a new address.
The Times ought to spend their time getting their own journalism right instead of tit for tat on hot air.
So far in the 21st century I don't see the pols or the media with a lock on fact based claims which is precisely why Trump got a new address.
The Times ought to spend their time getting their own journalism right instead of tit for tat on hot air.
In a move to satisfy his banker friends, the first move was to raise mortgage payments.
I want to hear Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren's response on the Senate floor and during cabinet confirmation hearings.
I want to hear Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren's response on the Senate floor and during cabinet confirmation hearings.
3
Stop putting the Orwellian Ms. Conway on tv until she agrees to have a conversation and vomit talking points. She comes across as a petulant child.
4
If lies are equivalent to truth to our government, then we no longer have a government. Call your legislators, NOW.
2
Walking through the very windy canyons of Manhattan this morning, I wondered whether all these super-tall skyscrapers will be the grotesque tombstones that we’ll leave to some future generation of scavengers, as they ask themselves how and why it all started to unravel and fall with the despotic reign of a dangerous buffoon named Trump. What fools these mortals be....
2
It seems to me that the prevailing feeling from whitehouse spokes people is that, truth come from authority, instead of truth being the authority.
The we're not going to take it additude, is funny for a group of people that are use to taking their toys and going home after things get a little rough.
AS far as staying focused on what matters watch, if things do not go well for the new administration I'm sure the US will get hit with another Surprise attack to draw our attention away from the complete disaster that their mindset will inflict on this nation.
The we're not going to take it additude, is funny for a group of people that are use to taking their toys and going home after things get a little rough.
AS far as staying focused on what matters watch, if things do not go well for the new administration I'm sure the US will get hit with another Surprise attack to draw our attention away from the complete disaster that their mindset will inflict on this nation.
1
Unhappy about "attacks and the attempts to delegitimize this president."
You could not make this up.
You could not make this up.
3
News Flash! There were 3.5M more votes for the other candidate.
Saturdays demonstrators, and I was one, did vote absolutely.
This behavior by the new administration, one and all, is troubling. Or can I say mind blowing?
This does not bode well for era of Trump and more importantly, for our nation.
Saturdays demonstrators, and I was one, did vote absolutely.
This behavior by the new administration, one and all, is troubling. Or can I say mind blowing?
This does not bode well for era of Trump and more importantly, for our nation.
2
In Trump's mind the size of his inaugural crowd was huuuge, just like the size of his "hands". How low can we go?
4
The government is now controlled by people who value money and power above the good of the country. For eight years they would not do their Constitutionally-required job and blocked everything the President tried to do for the good of the country and its citizens. They pander to their extremist base in order to stay in power. They lie to the people, say they are for them, and once elected and in power, kowtow to the rich who gives them the money and power they crave. They have and will continue to do anything, even if it does harm to our country and its citizens, in order to get and keep that money and power. They even asked for and joyfully accepted help from a foreign dictator wishing to destroy the US in order to get that power and money. In my youth we called such people "traitors" -- today they call themselves "Republicans."
4
The following both are true and are not mutually exclusive:
Trump is a thin skinned, unthinking, mercurial reflexive people pleaser who is bound to make hasty gut decisions on matters where serious reflection and debate is appropriate.
The mass media has both a liberal and anti-Trump bias out of step with the nation that obfuscates where Trump and moderates, Independents and even Democrats could find common ground.
Trump is a thin skinned, unthinking, mercurial reflexive people pleaser who is bound to make hasty gut decisions on matters where serious reflection and debate is appropriate.
The mass media has both a liberal and anti-Trump bias out of step with the nation that obfuscates where Trump and moderates, Independents and even Democrats could find common ground.
2
Facts have a liberal bias.
2
Donald Trump has been "delegitimizing" himself for decades, now.
Where has this Reince Priebus character been??
Where has this Reince Priebus character been??
4
Long ago, before America gradually changed for worse, we were not afraid of the contacts with the foreigners. Actually we initiated them being confident that through the exchange and encounter of different cultures and ideologies we would prevail.
Today we are afraid that the alleged friendly relationship between the Russian president Putin and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson would hurt America and backfire badly.
Just imagine if Ronald Reagan was afraid of hanging around with Mikhail Gorbachev…
Today we are afraid that the alleged friendly relationship between the Russian president Putin and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson would hurt America and backfire badly.
Just imagine if Ronald Reagan was afraid of hanging around with Mikhail Gorbachev…
1
Note to The Donald: We're just not that into you.
12
Hiding tax returns from view, keeping personal business-government conflicts of interest in place, and a grandious attitude, on top of nepotism and change for the sake of change, hoping to better the country, but not the world, is more than a recipe for disaster that fellow citizens and others will pay for, it is a fool's errand!
4
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Sen. Jack E. Sandlin is facing a social media backlash for a Facebook post that called the masses gathered for last weekend's Women's March "fat women out walking."
Sandlin, a Republican who represents 36th District voters who live between 10th Street and south of Greenwood in Johnson County, took down the message but not before screenshots had been widely shared on Facebook and Twitter.
The post in question went up Sunday and showed a photo of a mass of protesters, many in pink hats and carrying signs, with the words "In one day Trump got more fat women out walking than Michelle Obama did in 8 years."
Sandlin, a rookie senator, deleted the photo and posted a new message about midnight Monday.
"Apparently there is an offensive post on Facebook that's attributed to me about women in Washington marching," Sandlin wrote. "Not sure how that ended up on my Facebook wall but that certainly does not reflect my opinion of women. People who know me will know that's not my view."
Address:
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-382-9467
Sandlin, a Republican who represents 36th District voters who live between 10th Street and south of Greenwood in Johnson County, took down the message but not before screenshots had been widely shared on Facebook and Twitter.
The post in question went up Sunday and showed a photo of a mass of protesters, many in pink hats and carrying signs, with the words "In one day Trump got more fat women out walking than Michelle Obama did in 8 years."
Sandlin, a rookie senator, deleted the photo and posted a new message about midnight Monday.
"Apparently there is an offensive post on Facebook that's attributed to me about women in Washington marching," Sandlin wrote. "Not sure how that ended up on my Facebook wall but that certainly does not reflect my opinion of women. People who know me will know that's not my view."
Address:
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
800-382-9467
6
Trump is really a great role model for the youth of our country. Boys and girls can better find their place by following his actions.
I think there is no question that we are in the midst of a national crisis called the Trump Presidency. Trump was called a "dangerous demagogue" in an unprecedented pre-election editorial by USA Today. Colin Powell, in a confidential email now in the public domain called Trump a "national disgrace" and an "international pariah." Both of these assessments were right when they were made prior to the election and they remain right today. Remember, we are still in the first week of the Trump administration. Please gird yourselves. Things should get worse.
4
The language of advertising differs from the language of philosophy. What counts is not the truth but the emotional effectiveness of the utterances. Most candidates for office run advertising campaigns to achieve it. There is no reason to expect veracity from people who seeks power largely for self-aggrandizing ends. Impressions, not facts, are what matter to them.
We do not insist that commercials be truthful. Why should campaigners for president--or presidents-- be?
We do not insist that commercials be truthful. Why should campaigners for president--or presidents-- be?
He didnt stop at rock bottom, but continuing to dig -
Democrats should just keep shut for 2 years, let him shovel into his own pile of garbage. Republicans will get into a civil war, as they did before he got elected, with factions trying to impeach him for Pence
- who needs streaming TV reality shows, we have the White House of Cards!
Democrats should just keep shut for 2 years, let him shovel into his own pile of garbage. Republicans will get into a civil war, as they did before he got elected, with factions trying to impeach him for Pence
- who needs streaming TV reality shows, we have the White House of Cards!
4
As for Gingrich's sanguine assessment of what's "cool" - he'd be the last source I'd ever turn to for insight on that particular subject...
3
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling.
3
Fabulous beginning! I hope Trump supporters are pleased. Best part of it was Hillary showing her grace and at the same time applauding the marchers. The Clinton's are resilient, Hillary is stronger than most and she will be back in politics for sure!
5
I'm most alarmed about the Orwellian proclamations already being issued by his senior staff. Our nation, born out of protest and principles of freedom, faces an unprecedented threat, and yet millions of my fellow citizens are so enthralled that they are able to deny what is happening before their eyes. I hope the NYT will report vigorously on any movement to undermine our constitution and the freedoms it enshrines. It is clear they are mounting a snow storm of propaganda in a effort to bury us. I think we are equal to the task of calling them out, but it will take constant vigilance (with a nod to Professor Mad Eye Moody).
38
I worry over free press and freedom of speech in this new Trump era of lies. I can only imagine how Journalists feel. But not to worry, the majority of Americans know when Trump is lying, we know when he is mad, and we know when the media is right. Logic and evidence will eventually prevail and Trump will go down in history as a petty bully attacking the smart kids. His insecurities are his downfall. Keep report on this, NYtimes.
4
Like many, I am acutely embarrassed that the President of the United States would spend the first few critical hours whining about crowd size. Not surprised, mind you, but really ,,, he needs to grow up. He's now fully ensconced in the kitchen so he had better learn how to take the heat.
3
Trump apparently believed that he could be ultimate celebrity empowered to do ANYTHING as president.
1
Arguing about how many people attended the inauguration is a useless irrelevant waste of time and energy. A president's priority should not be how many groupies are looking at him.
4
I really wonder if he is in the early stages of dementia. Poor emotional control, memory problems, difficulty with organization and staying on task. And Ivanka and Jared keep a close eye on him. At least with Secret Service around he won't go wandering off.
7
Pam that is a very real possibility. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia have reached epidemic proportions in our society. Sometimes it is very difficult to get the "patient" to agree to meeting with a neurologist for an evaluation. A brain scan can determine if Alzheimer's is present. This should be added to the qualifications for higher office, including the Supreme Court. Both the UK and Canada limit their Supreme Court justices to a ten year term or retiring at 75, which ever comes first.
The USA should consider this limit also.
The USA should consider this limit also.
2
It is unfortunate that Trump has such a thin skin and is so predictable. Also that the Time's writers and others have his number and will miss no opportunity to goad and embarrass him so they can be "shocked" at the response. I'm sure the authors are all immeasurably pleased with their cleverness but keep in mind this too diminishes the country.
An infantile psyche at the helm..
(My crowd was bigger than his crowd.)
(My tower is tower is bigger and golder than his tower.)
(My thing is bigger than his thing.)
and that may be his problem...he's not so sure.
There needs to be a pair of resident psychiatrists at the White House unattached politically, to evaluate the possibly rash decisions of a man with the nuclear codes.
(My crowd was bigger than his crowd.)
(My tower is tower is bigger and golder than his tower.)
(My thing is bigger than his thing.)
and that may be his problem...he's not so sure.
There needs to be a pair of resident psychiatrists at the White House unattached politically, to evaluate the possibly rash decisions of a man with the nuclear codes.
5
The premise of this story seems to be that Trump's first couple of days as president "troubled even senior members of [his] circle," but there aren't any quotes in the article to support that claim, not even from anonymous sources. I'd like to believe that there's someone in Trump's inner-circle showing some reticence about how he's choosing to proceed, but it'd be a lot more convincing (and appropriate) for the authors to actually present some evidence supporting that claim.
1
None of this is surprising. He is a narcissist, and narcissist don't become outwardly-focused because of an office or some pomp or circumstance. He will always react to perceived slights, like a cat to a piece of string. He will always find sycophants—the Kellyannes and the Steves—who tell him what he wants to hear. "Yes, Mr. President, they are so mean and so wrong!" And, he will listen to them, because it will make him feel better. He is unfit for this office for precisely this reason. He will be baited, again and again, and it will hurt America. He reacts now to tweets about crowd size, and to a bunch of women wearing pink hates. This is nothing, Mr. President. You are reacting to Americans. There are much darker and meaner things in this world than reporters and feminists. Grow up, while you still have the chance... but, I think, fat chance.
7
1 day and this administration already looks old and rusty.
4
Trump ran his business, his campaign and the transition, the same way he will run the government. Fill your staff with your family and people who only tell you what you want to hear and Trump will be Trump for the next four years. Why does anyone expect this man to change one little bit?
5
"Alternative facts" = Lies.
Kelly Anne whatever-her-name-is is the propaganda minister.
Saying that "his" healthcare replacement plan (which does not exist) will cover everyone with lower deductibles and lower costs is a total lie.
This all shows what a grave disaster awaits us with 4 years of this outfit. When will the Republican Congressional leaders in Washington call a spade a spade and start addressing this massive fiction that is the Trump disaster?
He is a pathological narcissist old man with no grasp of facts, policy, truth, governing, or the responsibility of leading the free world.
Putin is smiling at what he has done to the US.
God help us all.
Kelly Anne whatever-her-name-is is the propaganda minister.
Saying that "his" healthcare replacement plan (which does not exist) will cover everyone with lower deductibles and lower costs is a total lie.
This all shows what a grave disaster awaits us with 4 years of this outfit. When will the Republican Congressional leaders in Washington call a spade a spade and start addressing this massive fiction that is the Trump disaster?
He is a pathological narcissist old man with no grasp of facts, policy, truth, governing, or the responsibility of leading the free world.
Putin is smiling at what he has done to the US.
God help us all.
10
A picture says a thousand words. When four people such as these are sworn in to be at the pinnacle of world power....
3
Yes, we thought we had a good opportunity to elect someone, adult for change. And we got it! We got a sulky, pouting, whiney child in the Ultimate Office. Definitely a sea of change. There is no precedent in our cherished, Democratic Country!
4
Mr. Priebus, you make me laugh. "We're not going to sit around and take it,"
You don't have a choice, friend. It's going to keep on coming.
You don't have a choice, friend. It's going to keep on coming.
13
That sneaky gopher cut his teeth stuffing ballot-boxes.
1
I tried calling the White House comment line this morning and got a recording that the line is closed and to use Facebook messenger instead, or email. The administration keeps talking about payback and readjusting relationships...is that why they want my profile? Orwellian double speak, alternative facts, a war with the press all are attacks on democracy. It wouldn't surprise me to hear that the current administration is compiling a more detailed enemies list than Richard Nixon.
8
"This is going to go downhill quickly," said a supporter, "and that's not good for any of us." Truer words were never spoken.
12
Weekend? How about day 1? He proved himself to be markedly unfit when he appeared at the CIA and utterly dishonored their dead by injecting politics, press smears and lies about crowd numbers into his apology visit. So your president has defiled the memory of CIA dead and ravaged the press on day 1(at the same event!)-- good luck going forward.
7
You can just see, you can smell it already, that this administration will end in scandals which will make Watergate seem trivial. There are smoking guns simply everywhere. I went to see the National Parks Adventure movie recently and just cried over what this country has become.
5
Pumpkin Head is already well on his way to being the worst president in history. The main problem is P.H. thought he was going to be king. He never realized that the presidency was a real JOB.
4
Very concerned, very, about the slash-and-burn / willy-nilly way things seem to be done right now. Just destroy it, think not about how it would affect the electorate or what might be needed to balance your deletion. It's like the Ramones song, "I'm Against It." With nothing that you're for to balance.
That and the absolute refusal to release tax returns and the lies that were told. Yah, millions across the globe marched against you and your cabinet, and you say you will lie with impunity and break a promise you made to release your tax returns.
Just sick.
That and the absolute refusal to release tax returns and the lies that were told. Yah, millions across the globe marched against you and your cabinet, and you say you will lie with impunity and break a promise you made to release your tax returns.
Just sick.
4
All the sniped remarks and sour grapes in the world (this comment section) isn't going to change that.
Enjoy the next four years.