It's already time for men of good conscience to stand up to this petty tyrant, but it seems the GOP, and Ryan in particular, are biding their time until their agenda is complete. Maybe then, will they appear to wake up and do the right thing and get this narcissistic lunatic out of power.
5
Now, please, please, PLEASE won't some Republicans have the guts to begin to do some compromising, and break with the party line on things they don't support, or think are wrong for the country. We didn't put all of you in Congress to just collect your paycheck. We put you to work! So, please don't be afraid to speak up, even when it's not popular.
3
Mitch and Paul should lead the charge to get Trump out of office. Bannon also has to go, the country should not have to take his abuse.
Pence is no knight in shining armor but anybody would be better than Trump.
Pence is no knight in shining armor but anybody would be better than Trump.
5
Zen poem
Litle man
In big house
Lies
Litle man
In big house
Lies
5
Republican leaders with a few exceptions lack character, integrity, understanding and wisdom. You just plain have to stand up for integrity irregardless if you win the next election or get an appropriation for your next project.
1
The sheer cowardice, and lack of patriotism among the Republicans is no longer astounding after 8 years of their opposition to almost everything President Obama tried to do. Marco Rubio is a useless cipher, and the rest of them have shown clearly that they only want to pave the way to their own fortunes by being in Congress, serving their donors' will. Trump is a menace, and it's instructive that the only GOP member, other than Lindsey Graham willing to call TRump's behavior what it is prefers to remain an anonymous source of very appropriate criticism. Trump wants to be a king.
2
So now everyone is talking about - and planning to investigate - non-existent "massive voter fraud" (all of which favored Democrats) - these are the headlines and the topics of opinion pieces - where is the investigation into, and outrage over - ACTUAL Russian interference in our elections (all of which favored Republicans)?
Come on media - you're being conned -again!!
Come on media - you're being conned -again!!
8
Don't forget Trump's criticism of people registered to vote in more than one state. I guess that's how Steve Bannon, Tiffany Trump, etc. were able to swing the electoral college-with a little help from Trump's favorite foreign leader: Putin. Ronald Reagan must be spinning in his grave).
2
If nothing else, the Trump phenomenon has certainly made the calling for Statesmanship ever more urgent. The Congress needs to put Country ahead of Party, citizens above ideology. The time for Statesmanship couldn't be any clearer than it is at this very moment.
Tariffs, Walls, Voter Fraud, Healthcare Repeal -- these are the priorities?
What happened to our integrity as a nation? Russian hacking of our elections? Key advisors with ties to Ukraine and Russia? What about roads and bridges? What about re-training for the unemployed? How about free speech? Are these no longer important?
We have gone off the deep end without a life jacket.
Are John McCain and Lyndsey Graham the only two Statesmen left? I sincerely hope not. We shall see.
Tariffs, Walls, Voter Fraud, Healthcare Repeal -- these are the priorities?
What happened to our integrity as a nation? Russian hacking of our elections? Key advisors with ties to Ukraine and Russia? What about roads and bridges? What about re-training for the unemployed? How about free speech? Are these no longer important?
We have gone off the deep end without a life jacket.
Are John McCain and Lyndsey Graham the only two Statesmen left? I sincerely hope not. We shall see.
2
Trump the demagogue is taking Republicans down the road to perdition. This lifelong Dem of a half century could not be more pleased.
Since Reagan, his Voodoo Economics and morally bankrupt social policies, the GOP has been the party of neanderthals. The poorly educated, the politically naive gather round the GOP, like flies to bat guano.
Republicans have long gone off the deep end, diving below depths of paranoia not seen since the days of Tail Gunner Joe McCarthy. The Wisconsin senator found Commies behind every red curtain, iron or not. Republicans of today became incensed with a Black President. They formed a Tea Party. It was a front. masking their racism. It didn't work. Their racism couldn't be curtailed. They could not hide their hate for President Obama.
Trump joined the Hate bandwagon, questioning the President's birthright.
The shoe is now on the other foot. We Dems are questioning the very sanity of Trump. He should never have been given a pass by the Electoral College and allowed to assume the presidency. There are very good reasons to believe Trump's abnormal behavior stems from some serious psychosis malady. Trump needs psychological counseling, maybe treatment in a sanitarium. He should not be allowed to alone in the Oval Office, mulling over the use of the nuclear codes should someone slight him.
Republicans are to blame. Their party must be taken to task for all the evil that Trump does.
DD
Manhattan
Since Reagan, his Voodoo Economics and morally bankrupt social policies, the GOP has been the party of neanderthals. The poorly educated, the politically naive gather round the GOP, like flies to bat guano.
Republicans have long gone off the deep end, diving below depths of paranoia not seen since the days of Tail Gunner Joe McCarthy. The Wisconsin senator found Commies behind every red curtain, iron or not. Republicans of today became incensed with a Black President. They formed a Tea Party. It was a front. masking their racism. It didn't work. Their racism couldn't be curtailed. They could not hide their hate for President Obama.
Trump joined the Hate bandwagon, questioning the President's birthright.
The shoe is now on the other foot. We Dems are questioning the very sanity of Trump. He should never have been given a pass by the Electoral College and allowed to assume the presidency. There are very good reasons to believe Trump's abnormal behavior stems from some serious psychosis malady. Trump needs psychological counseling, maybe treatment in a sanitarium. He should not be allowed to alone in the Oval Office, mulling over the use of the nuclear codes should someone slight him.
Republicans are to blame. Their party must be taken to task for all the evil that Trump does.
DD
Manhattan
5
Republicans have their rubber stamp in the WH, as long has he is useful in fulfilling their agenda he will stay, no matter how insane he is. They lack morals and integrity as seen by their actions for the past 40 years.
4
Mind term elections will have all of Trump's minions, possibly any GOP candidate, in line for replacement by another party's candidate. As Trump"s big business friends load the cabinet and his promises for the middle class recovery turn out empty, a huge tide will wipe out the GOP majority. The majority is organizing, aiming to take back the country from big business.
3
It's very nice that Senators McCaine and Thune view as "settled" law the law against torture. "The law is the law," iintones Mr. McCain. They do pick and choose, yes? The law is also settled law in the case of Roe v. Wade, but, not so settled that the Republicans aren't intent on having the Supreme Court upend it. It is not a principled stand to declare that the law is settled and then turn around and wish to unsettle it, in so many cases, abortion being just one of them. It is morally reprehensible that our august lawmakers impose their own personal morality on issues they feel strongly about, and ignore the voice of the people, which in the case of abortion is not on their side. We settled abortion a very long time ago, let it be. Are we really going to revisit settled issues every time the administration changes?
6
When the first large-scale terrorist attack hits, the country will come together and consider him Their Leader.
The Republican Party didn't want Trump and Trump didn't want them but here they are in bed together. The honeymoon won't last long.
1
Personally, I expect the worse but will be more than pleased to be wrong.
To make myself feel better about the unraveling of our republic as we know it, I have conjured up a 'fairytale' scenario. It goes like this: There are covert ops in place, ready to mobilize at the critical moment, to do whatever needs to be done to ensure our democracy and standing as leader of the free world isn't lost forever. A Missions Impossible scenario, if you will.
Silly, right??
To make myself feel better about the unraveling of our republic as we know it, I have conjured up a 'fairytale' scenario. It goes like this: There are covert ops in place, ready to mobilize at the critical moment, to do whatever needs to be done to ensure our democracy and standing as leader of the free world isn't lost forever. A Missions Impossible scenario, if you will.
Silly, right??
1
Concerning human behavior, there is nothing new under the sun. Or in the Homo genus. Our human proclivity for mendacity, deceit - the entire assortment of the Seven Deadly Sins - is exponentially prevalent within the Machiavellian political species known as Homo Republicanus.
That the Homo Republicanus species now exhibits few, if any, measurable concerns over issues and policies that once (say, less than 4 unbelievably long months ago) seemed to animate their very purpose in government - which, by sheer unimaginable coincidence, always required them to oppose and obstruct all things Obama or Democrat, regardless of contorted rationales - is not only unsuprising but predictable.
Just as we know that the Grand Canyon was formed by a small, elite caucus of prehistoric free-market Homo Republicanuses (Republicani?) chasing stone pennies down a gopher hole (an "alternate facts" view of geologic reality), we know (or should know) that the modern Homo Republicanus will relentlessly and shamelessly pursue lucre and power.
Whither now goes the stone penny?
That the Homo Republicanus species now exhibits few, if any, measurable concerns over issues and policies that once (say, less than 4 unbelievably long months ago) seemed to animate their very purpose in government - which, by sheer unimaginable coincidence, always required them to oppose and obstruct all things Obama or Democrat, regardless of contorted rationales - is not only unsuprising but predictable.
Just as we know that the Grand Canyon was formed by a small, elite caucus of prehistoric free-market Homo Republicanuses (Republicani?) chasing stone pennies down a gopher hole (an "alternate facts" view of geologic reality), we know (or should know) that the modern Homo Republicanus will relentlessly and shamelessly pursue lucre and power.
Whither now goes the stone penny?
2
Republicans are complicit, depending on what Trump is paying them. If Trump isn't making deals with them yet, it's because they are scared. Eventually when Trump becomes too toxic (namely, Congressional repubs' polls sink in their district) they will impeach him, vote in Pence (who they want anyway), the progressive movement will go back to sleep, and they will laugh all the way to re-election.
2
Trump will never be impeached. His party controls all three branches of government (Scalia's replacement will be a Scalia clone). And if he should die, one of his sons will take over.
On a side note, how much does it cost us for these people to leave their cushy offices in DC, that we've already paid for, to hide in Philly? Waste our money needlessly - and this is the party that claims fiscal responsibility?
3
What do the likes of Ryan, McConnell, Thune, Tillis, etc. see in Trump that I don't see? Nothing. Yet, they are fawning over him as if he were some sort of transcendental being. And if they think that there will be a better time than now to oppose his policy meanderings and pronouncements, I think they are sadly mistaken, and that will be to the detriment of their "fellow Americans."
2
The Republicans as per usual, will duck and cover while Mr. Trump continues to rant and rave.
After all, they know how important it is for them to continue to collect their wages, insurance coverage, gold plated retirement and months of paid vacations paid for we the people.
Why would they risk rocking the boat to help we the people. Just keep ignoring the man behind the curtain.
After all, they know how important it is for them to continue to collect their wages, insurance coverage, gold plated retirement and months of paid vacations paid for we the people.
Why would they risk rocking the boat to help we the people. Just keep ignoring the man behind the curtain.
1
Now is the time, even before his polls fall to the low thirties, for a few Republicans to stand up and say enough is enough. History would judge them heroic...actual patriots before party people. McCain? Graham?
2
This isn't surprising. Republicans in congress specifically and all Republicans generally are lacking in moral compass. They are driven by hate and greed. We live in a nation of hate filled hillbillies who are willing to do anything for a buck no matter the consequences.
3
At some point the Republicans will to acknowledge the lunacy of a President who is unwilling or incapable of accepting reality poses a threat to the nation. Incompetent does lead to successful outcomes.
2
They are afraid of Big Brother.
Trump will go after them too.
Trump will go after them too.
1
What people don't realize is the polls were right. What needs to be looked at is the 46% that didn't vote. Of course, that won't change the election, but it does answer the question.
1
"...occasional cocktails by nightfall..."
You are too kind...much too kind.
You are too kind...much too kind.
1
Annals of collaboration, 2017-style instead of 1942-Occupied Paris style. With the GOP, it's party over country, its needs, and the Constitution.
It would be interesting to see what Putin has on these guys, or will Mike Pompeo prevent the CIA from doing their jobs?
It would be interesting to see what Putin has on these guys, or will Mike Pompeo prevent the CIA from doing their jobs?
Will Rogers is quoted as saying, a way long time ago in a long past era, something about him not being a member of an "organized" political party, he was a Democrat.
That old homily, "as the party delights in the prospects of unified government, albeit with a divisive leader", pretty much defines today's, and a lot of tomorrows', Republican Party.
That old homily, "as the party delights in the prospects of unified government, albeit with a divisive leader", pretty much defines today's, and a lot of tomorrows', Republican Party.
Photographers do seem to always manage to catch Senator McConnell looking like a deer caught in a spotlight...dazed and unhappy. At a podium, walking down a hallway, doesn't seem to matter, some how they're always catching him looking thus...
4
A pattern is already emerging of Trump's outlandish, extreme, and impractical statements answered in turn by bland, moderate-sounding 'policy guys.' whose hard Right agenda seems centrist and soft by comparison.
4
The really creepy thing (and there is so much competition) is when he issued Proclamation 9570 to designate Jan. 20, the day of his inauguration, "National Day of Patriotic Devotion." This is so North Korea.
4
The doggy diversion. That's a new one, I think. It will take a whole kennelful of dogs to divert attention from Trump's gaffes as time goes on. This is only the beginning. There's also the issue of Trump tasking the Parks Services with trying to support Trump's claims about crowds at his inauguration. Surely there is some prohibition about a President diverting Federal personnel and resources to his own purposes. Or is he going to be able to order them to work at, say, Mar-a-Lago on the taxpayer's dime?
2
The GOP has been working their dark magic for decades, and in a way, it is almost a boon to our nation to have an out of control buffoon in the White House. The media HAS to report on him, and DJT's insatiable hunger for attention is a publicity magnet. This helps remove the anonymity cloak that has been protecting the nefarious dealings that have gotten us to our problems today, and that may return us to a pre-Obama economic instability with its devastating possibilities if we aren't careful. Somehow, everyone in power seems to be working for the moment instead of the long term. Hit and run policies will not shore up our economy, or keep us safe. DJT might have been a positive phenomena, if only his lust was for the good of the country instead of his mutated personal psychology.
2
One week down; 207 left to go!?!
The GOP leadership, post-hostile Donald Trump hostile takeover, is paralyzed in shock and awe.
It remains to be seen how long Republicans will follow the strongman president, Donald Trump.
It remains to be seen how long Republicans will follow the strongman president, Donald Trump.
2
Mark Sanford seems well qualified to identify bizarre behavior. Senators McCain and graham are reliably the most adult in the room and I sure hope they speak and act more forcefully
Is it just me...I am tired of the "member" reference by legislators. They are representing us. They work for us. They are not in a country club
Is it just me...I am tired of the "member" reference by legislators. They are representing us. They work for us. They are not in a country club
3
What inanity (rhymes with Hannity). Mark Sanford? Really? And Democrats still have to hear about Bill Clinton? I'd rather be governed by the puppy.
1
unpatriotic, self serving cowards
3
A craven Republican Congress supports Trump in order to insure votes in the next election. The tactic will backfire and Democrats will dance around the funeral pyre - if we make it for another two years, that is.
2
Can there be any greater cowards than this Republican Congress? The very things we learned as children, and attempt to teach our children, i.e., decency to others, honesty/integrity, and standing up to bullies, has been hijacked by Trump and his gang of crazies. And our Republican legislators can voice only the feeblest of admonishments?? As Shakespeare once wrote, "A coward dies a thousand times before his death...". What an absolute disgrace to basic human decency we are now seeing play out on the national stage...yeah, party before country. Wow.
4
The Democrats may be spineless, but the Republicans are soulless. They have nothing to offer but glorification of corporate greed, avarice and repression of divergent opinion, hoisted on a banner of odious pseudo-Christianity. Everything they say and do stinks. Their conduct will not be forgotten.
3
The irony of South Carolina #GOP Congressman Mark Sanford warning Trump of the dangers of going from "reality to bizarre" is truly rich. Trump and the #GOP clown menagerie are nothing if not entertaining.
2
Sanford is going to give Trump the "benefit of the doubt"?! (at least for 3 days)
Why are so many people using that phrase?
The benefit of the doubt is reserved for situations where there is doubt. With Trump, there's no doubt. It's clear that he is as dreadful as he appears. Stop giving him the benefit of the doubt and hold him to account.
Democracy won't save itself, and it doesn't guard against intellectual sloths who give unfit governors the benefit of the doubt.
Why are so many people using that phrase?
The benefit of the doubt is reserved for situations where there is doubt. With Trump, there's no doubt. It's clear that he is as dreadful as he appears. Stop giving him the benefit of the doubt and hold him to account.
Democracy won't save itself, and it doesn't guard against intellectual sloths who give unfit governors the benefit of the doubt.
4
How long will they let this go on?? They're taking what they can with him as their 'power' but they see the danger up close. None can think they alone can tame him, but Bannon's got his ear. They both distrust politicians.
Where can this go, when senior State Dept people are asked to resign so DT's own team can be brought in. Brave New World -> Mad Max. The Joker as prez for a few days disrupting, causing sensation while wiping out rights. How far will GOP let this go.
Where can this go, when senior State Dept people are asked to resign so DT's own team can be brought in. Brave New World -> Mad Max. The Joker as prez for a few days disrupting, causing sensation while wiping out rights. How far will GOP let this go.
3
Follow the money. Since Trump was elected, Ryan has had a permanent grin on his face, which says he has come into the windfall promised to him. The Kochs need to be investigated thoroughly for their constant meddling in American lives and livelihood.
3
It's time to start worrying about the next election, and to counter Republican efforts to suppress the vote by organizing to
help people get voter IDs who don't have them already. There's no point in trying to counter legislation to keep people from voting by challenging it in court; that simply hasn't worked; even when you win, there's always another law. Voter ID isn't going away. Why don't groups who have been working to register voters and to get out the vote redirect their efforts, and try to make sure the voters they have registered are allowed to vote when they get to the polls?
help people get voter IDs who don't have them already. There's no point in trying to counter legislation to keep people from voting by challenging it in court; that simply hasn't worked; even when you win, there's always another law. Voter ID isn't going away. Why don't groups who have been working to register voters and to get out the vote redirect their efforts, and try to make sure the voters they have registered are allowed to vote when they get to the polls?
1
Reading this is horrifying, almost Orwellian. Look we are used to GOP hypocrisy, so that's nothing new. But what is the new is the Republicans eagerness to give the president such a wide latitude on what constitutes truth.
So far the "truth matters" has been confined to Trump's ego-driven and outrageous claims about voter fraud at crowd size. But what will they do when he tries to reinvent the US relationship with Russia and other countries?
Will they fold on matters of US policy ieffect since the end of World War II? What will they do with Mr. Trump insists something absolutely obvious is not happening? Such as Russian aggression? Such as a rising nationalism that Trump paints as populism but the world can see is rising authoritarianism and political disarray?
Last night I heard that Gorbachev was predicting that a new world war was it coming on the scene. What will Republicans say about that?
So far the "truth matters" has been confined to Trump's ego-driven and outrageous claims about voter fraud at crowd size. But what will they do when he tries to reinvent the US relationship with Russia and other countries?
Will they fold on matters of US policy ieffect since the end of World War II? What will they do with Mr. Trump insists something absolutely obvious is not happening? Such as Russian aggression? Such as a rising nationalism that Trump paints as populism but the world can see is rising authoritarianism and political disarray?
Last night I heard that Gorbachev was predicting that a new world war was it coming on the scene. What will Republicans say about that?
7
Explore a favorite book of Trump’s, “My New Order”. Ivana said he kept it by his bed and read it often. It explains the tone of his speeches and his overall plan.
10
Republicans in Congress are hypocritical, unethical and soulless.
34
History lesson on the difference between Republican and Democrat governing. Us to project economy.
PoliticsThatWork .com Change in Unemployment Rate by Party of President- Since 1945
Each party has held the presidency for the same number of years since 1945. During those years, the unemployment rate has risen 11.8% under Republican presidents and has fallen 7.2% under Democratic presidents. Unemployment has fallen during the overwhelming majority of Democratic years since 1949. Unemployment rose steadily under Republicans up until 1982, then fell during the remaining Reagan years, and then rose again under both Bush Presidents.
PoliticsThatWork .com Dow Jones Performance by the Party of the President
During the most recent 15 years during which Republicans have held the presidency, the value of the Dow has increased by 42%. During the Democratic presidencies, it has increased by 609%- 14.5 times faster. The average growth in the value of the Dow under Democrats during this period has been 14.75% and under Republicans it has been 5.11%.
PoliticsThatWork .com Change in Disposable Income Since 1930 by the Party of the President
In the 44 years that we have had Democratic presidents since 1930, the real per-capita disposable income has increased 271%. During the 40 years during which we have had Republican presidents, it has increased 44%. On average, it has increased 3.1% (after adjusting for inflation) under Democratic presidents and 1% under Republican presidents.
PoliticsThatWork .com Change in Unemployment Rate by Party of President- Since 1945
Each party has held the presidency for the same number of years since 1945. During those years, the unemployment rate has risen 11.8% under Republican presidents and has fallen 7.2% under Democratic presidents. Unemployment has fallen during the overwhelming majority of Democratic years since 1949. Unemployment rose steadily under Republicans up until 1982, then fell during the remaining Reagan years, and then rose again under both Bush Presidents.
PoliticsThatWork .com Dow Jones Performance by the Party of the President
During the most recent 15 years during which Republicans have held the presidency, the value of the Dow has increased by 42%. During the Democratic presidencies, it has increased by 609%- 14.5 times faster. The average growth in the value of the Dow under Democrats during this period has been 14.75% and under Republicans it has been 5.11%.
PoliticsThatWork .com Change in Disposable Income Since 1930 by the Party of the President
In the 44 years that we have had Democratic presidents since 1930, the real per-capita disposable income has increased 271%. During the 40 years during which we have had Republican presidents, it has increased 44%. On average, it has increased 3.1% (after adjusting for inflation) under Democratic presidents and 1% under Republican presidents.
31
Profiles in cowardice.
27
The last thing this newspaper should do is throw any Republican a life line. I fear they already are.
13
How can you bury Mark Sanford's reference to going from real to bizarre so deep in the article? Is there so much humor here that we can just throw such pearls away?
20
The republican brick heads will soon get a wall to put their 'mind' to good use into. Literally.
8
The ducking of the G.O.P. lawmakers has an eerie air of Germany 1936.
36
Hold the presses. McConnell is already indebted to Trump. Remember McConnell's visits to Trump Tower during the transition. He secured a job for his wife as transportation secretary.
24
The GOP sold its soul to get Trump elected.
29
You're kind to think they had a soul start with.
2
Slowly but surely moving in the same direction as the Third Reich. Wake up America.
19
History will show these men destroyed the democracy of America.
At a Republican retreat, at the Library of Congress, right before Obama’s 2009 inauguration, Mitch McConnell said:
“there are enough of us to block the Democratic agenda-as long as they all marched in lockstep.”
“As long as Republicans refused to follow his (President Obama’s) lead, Americans would see partisan food fights and conclude that Obama had failed to produce change.”
January 20, 2009 Republican Leaders in Congress literally plotted to sabotage and undermine U.S. Economy during President Obama's Inauguration. In Robert Draper's book, "Do Not Ask What Good We Do: Inside the U.S. House of Representatives" Draper wrote that during a four hour, "invitation only" meeting with GOP Hate-Propaganda Minister, Frank Luntz, the below listed Senior GOP Law Writers literally plotted to sabotage, undermine and destroy America's Economy.
The Guest List:
Rep. Paul Ryan(R-WI)
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA),
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX),
Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX),
Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI)
Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA),
Sen. Jim DeMint (SC-R),
Sen. Jon Kyl (AZ-R),
Sen. Tom Coburn (OK-R),
Sen. John Ensign (NV-R) and
Sen. Bob Corker (TN-R).
Non-lawmakers present Newt Gingrich
During the four hour meeting:
The senior GOP members plotted to bring Congress to a standstill regardless how much it would hurt the American Economy by pledging to obstruct and block President Obama on all legislation.
At a Republican retreat, at the Library of Congress, right before Obama’s 2009 inauguration, Mitch McConnell said:
“there are enough of us to block the Democratic agenda-as long as they all marched in lockstep.”
“As long as Republicans refused to follow his (President Obama’s) lead, Americans would see partisan food fights and conclude that Obama had failed to produce change.”
January 20, 2009 Republican Leaders in Congress literally plotted to sabotage and undermine U.S. Economy during President Obama's Inauguration. In Robert Draper's book, "Do Not Ask What Good We Do: Inside the U.S. House of Representatives" Draper wrote that during a four hour, "invitation only" meeting with GOP Hate-Propaganda Minister, Frank Luntz, the below listed Senior GOP Law Writers literally plotted to sabotage, undermine and destroy America's Economy.
The Guest List:
Rep. Paul Ryan(R-WI)
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA),
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX),
Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX),
Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI)
Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA),
Sen. Jim DeMint (SC-R),
Sen. Jon Kyl (AZ-R),
Sen. Tom Coburn (OK-R),
Sen. John Ensign (NV-R) and
Sen. Bob Corker (TN-R).
Non-lawmakers present Newt Gingrich
During the four hour meeting:
The senior GOP members plotted to bring Congress to a standstill regardless how much it would hurt the American Economy by pledging to obstruct and block President Obama on all legislation.
54
President Trump was elected to say what he is saying. No, one should be surprised.
We have to put up with him for four years or we have him impeached.
There are no other real choices.
We have to put up with him for four years or we have him impeached.
There are no other real choices.
7
Spineless jellyfish every last one of them! I have no trust or faith that any of them will do anything about this fiasco of a president.
17
Finally they're calling it torture and not using a euphemism. That's a change for the better.
8
Every morning as I reach for my smartphone I’m reminded of Dorothy Parker’s famous quip as she reached to answer her telephone, “What fresh hell can this be?"
18
The unidentified Republican was right. You just keep repeating the same lies over and over "until it sinks in."
Even a few Republicans can admit to seeing America's dictator in waiting.
And they're as scared as the rest of us.
Even a few Republicans can admit to seeing America's dictator in waiting.
And they're as scared as the rest of us.
14
Not severed enough to stand up and be counted.
3
The emperor has no clothes. Something is wrong with this man.
20
I just saw Ryan and McConnell shrug off the cost of the border wall -- "$10, $15 billion..." -- whatever, I guess. Meanwhile, "conservatives" in my school district won't vote for a school millage that would cost them pennies a month.
32
Trump picks too many fights and his compulsive need to win each one will hurt him in the long run if not sooner. He wants to rewrite NAFTA and his first step is to try to blackmail the President of Mexico. Trump says it's the worst deal ever, but is it? Since NAFTA took effect trade between the three countries has quadrupled, creating jobs, profits, and revenue. It has also cost some jobs. To completely renegotiate NAFTA does not guarantee a better outcome. Starting off by insulting the President of Mexico is not a good tactic.
20
Trump hasn't read NAFTA; hasn't a clue as to its provisions and ignores the real-world benefits of the agreement, even if it may be flawed (most agreements are, they have to be). He'd rather rant and rave and resort to hyperbole than engage in a reasoned discussion.
1
They brought us this catastrophe. They will pay for it.
12
What happens when Trump's giant infrastructure projects and a few more budget-busters get proposed in a "drown government in a bathtub" fiscally anal Congress? With any luck, two wildfires putting each other out.
2
We must give this time for the Trump house of cards to implode on itself.
Please keep in mind. Trump is not the problem. He is an obvious carnival barker and huckster. He is easily baited and can be played like the tool he is.
The Republican Party that had demonstrated itself to be politically and intellectually bankrupt for the last 8 rears, now shows it's level of moral depravity, first with the creation of a Trump phenomenon and then falling in line in a sea of brown shirts. This is a problem.
But more importantly, it is the angry ones, the ignorant ones and the fearful ones who will bring shame to this great human experiment called the United States of America.. They are the minions of Trump and revel in their lack of knowledge and the belief that bravado can carry the day. Their strength is in the mob, as has always been the case, throughout history, with that kind. They are the single-celled Americans, lacking in American Exceptionalism and if they cannot pick up their game, they must be ushered back to the safe confines of their rock, under which they crawled from.
Go USA! Thank you.
Please keep in mind. Trump is not the problem. He is an obvious carnival barker and huckster. He is easily baited and can be played like the tool he is.
The Republican Party that had demonstrated itself to be politically and intellectually bankrupt for the last 8 rears, now shows it's level of moral depravity, first with the creation of a Trump phenomenon and then falling in line in a sea of brown shirts. This is a problem.
But more importantly, it is the angry ones, the ignorant ones and the fearful ones who will bring shame to this great human experiment called the United States of America.. They are the minions of Trump and revel in their lack of knowledge and the belief that bravado can carry the day. Their strength is in the mob, as has always been the case, throughout history, with that kind. They are the single-celled Americans, lacking in American Exceptionalism and if they cannot pick up their game, they must be ushered back to the safe confines of their rock, under which they crawled from.
Go USA! Thank you.
10
I find the idea that the wall on the border with Mexico should be paid by the Mexicans totally outrageous. Imagine your neighbor, telling you that he wants to build a fence between his and yours properties and that he going to send you the total bill and the bill is going to cost 20 billion dollars. This kind of bulling should be opposed all the times not just in grade schools. Unfortunately Trump never had proper schooling.
6
It's starting to fall apart. This is chaos. We have no sane leaders in power. The people need to rise up against this authoritarian administration which wants to help no one but themselves. They don't want a democracy - they want a regime - at any cost.
8
Trump is a dangerous, reckless demagogue. Republicans who support him and his lies will live to regret being such sycophants.
11
It's not just the Republicans who appear intimidated and unwilling to directly challenge some of outrageous tweets of Trump, it's also members the media-not all but some if not many. It took the Times many days before it dared write that Trump lied.
He's been lying while he was candidate Trump, seeking the nomination Trump and citizen Trump. The world didn't care much about his veracity till 1/20/17. Now the people in our country care deeply. Our allies care as do our enemies (or shall I use the euphomism "adversaries" as many in the media grasped at "untruths" or similar words because they were frightened to write or say "lies".)
Undersoood: there's a reluctance to call the president a liar. But if he demands
being called one by systemically lying, if Conway and Speiser [sp] demand being called liars, if Bannon tells the media to shut up, well boys and girls, the ball and the First Amendment are in your court.
He's been lying while he was candidate Trump, seeking the nomination Trump and citizen Trump. The world didn't care much about his veracity till 1/20/17. Now the people in our country care deeply. Our allies care as do our enemies (or shall I use the euphomism "adversaries" as many in the media grasped at "untruths" or similar words because they were frightened to write or say "lies".)
Undersoood: there's a reluctance to call the president a liar. But if he demands
being called one by systemically lying, if Conway and Speiser [sp] demand being called liars, if Bannon tells the media to shut up, well boys and girls, the ball and the First Amendment are in your court.
8
Now we know - Republicans are putting party before country, and selling their souls. Feels rather unforgivable.
8
Today's news featured a video looking back at the history of Trump's "build a wall" movement. It featured a teenage boy speaking excitedly of his hopes for a wall shutting out Mexicans - it was sad, and scary.
Racism, and harnessing the resentful, twisted rage of bigots -- that's what this administration is about. The fact that there's so much of it in this country - sad again. . .
Racism, and harnessing the resentful, twisted rage of bigots -- that's what this administration is about. The fact that there's so much of it in this country - sad again. . .
9
Trump will do what he wants one way or another. He will be the alpha dog in the government kennel. Congress beware. He bites. Let him bluster all he wants. In six months we should have an idea of how deep his damage will be. Right now he is looking like a one man band playing his favorite tunes. The true test will come when a crisis occurs and how he handles it.
3
Be interesting to see how the Republican Stooges in the House and Senate will
react to the Russian Stooge in the White House. If they can't roll him regularly, there will be conflict. Who will be looking out for the welfare of the Republic?
That entity has yet to be revealed. Stay tuned.
react to the Russian Stooge in the White House. If they can't roll him regularly, there will be conflict. Who will be looking out for the welfare of the Republic?
That entity has yet to be revealed. Stay tuned.
6
We should start asking ourselves. Is Donald an anarchist ? He appoints people to agencies that don't believe in the fundamentals of the agency they will be serving. He is bombastic,egocentric and convinced the way we governed is wrong. I think he wants to bring down the whole system-without a constructive or realistic alternative.
10
Is it too much to ask for that the Republicans focus more on being American leaders, on looking for sanity and reason, and what is healthy for this country, rather than being political lapdogs to the will of this very deranged president?
7
As Mitt Romney said: He is a fraud.
If voting occurred, which it did, one can put 1 + 1 and conclude
voter fraud did indeed occur.
We all need to get used to new forms of fact, of logic, of deductive systems.
If voting occurred, which it did, one can put 1 + 1 and conclude
voter fraud did indeed occur.
We all need to get used to new forms of fact, of logic, of deductive systems.
5
Why they need a vacation in Philadelphia is a mystery, and Trump can just as well stay in the White House, no need for him to fly 136 miles in Air Force One at HUGE expense to make some absurdly incoherent statement to the same group he sees every day back in DC. He is a puppet, and judging from all the "signing work" he has been doing this week, the puppet masters are practicing pulling the strings. He is, as Grover Norquist so clearly described, just the man they were looking for when he said:
"We don't need a president to tell us in what direction to go. We know what direction to go. We want the Ryan budget. ... We just need a president to sign this stuff. We don't need someone to think it up or design it. The leadership now for the modern conservative movement for the next 20 years will be coming out of the House and the Senate."
They sure have found their man.
"We don't need a president to tell us in what direction to go. We know what direction to go. We want the Ryan budget. ... We just need a president to sign this stuff. We don't need someone to think it up or design it. The leadership now for the modern conservative movement for the next 20 years will be coming out of the House and the Senate."
They sure have found their man.
18
Think how much money he's going to spend getting anti-choice women to show up to his march to "prove" that women love him. (What women? Will he dress up his gang of white men?). He could bankrupt us by summer with his shenanigans.
2
I hope the republican party stands between us and this madman. Trump may bring the nation together, just not the way he thought. If the republican party stands with this madman, they may bring the nation together, just not the way they thought.
It would be nice to see billboards in every city Impeach Trump 2017.
It would be nice to see billboards in every city Impeach Trump 2017.
9
Hope is not a strategy.
1
I read an article from the Washington Post by Jennifer Rubin, a conservative columnist on Trump's mental health. If he continues to believe in his own facts, continues to surround himself with conspiracy theorists stroking him for their own agenda we are not just in for a very dangerous ride but a delusional man taking down our democracy.
23
There are surely many Republicans that see what Trump is doing and care about their country and its democracy. The question is how many have the backbone to take a leadership role against Trump's lies and attempted power grabs?
The more thoughtful of them will wonder how long before there is an unstoppable public backlash. Will it be when some of the more accomplished Cabinet members decide that an association with Trump is an albatross they choose not to wear? Will it be when there is a wiki leak of something in Trump's personal domain they cannot abide? Will it be a realization that a schoolyard bully wearing their uniform occupies the White House?
They will also wonder what happens to their political career if they have a Trump stain on it.
Believing, praying that it is only a matter of time before checks and balances do their jobs.
The more thoughtful of them will wonder how long before there is an unstoppable public backlash. Will it be when some of the more accomplished Cabinet members decide that an association with Trump is an albatross they choose not to wear? Will it be when there is a wiki leak of something in Trump's personal domain they cannot abide? Will it be a realization that a schoolyard bully wearing their uniform occupies the White House?
They will also wonder what happens to their political career if they have a Trump stain on it.
Believing, praying that it is only a matter of time before checks and balances do their jobs.
2
Trump's decrees are acts of implied violence and we the people have become his abused partners. The Republicans got what they wanted thanks to Comey and the archaic and abusive electoral college. It would be ironic if they discovered even they couldn't take the constant sense of alarm.
3
The GOP may hide, but it certainly doesn't object. They are enablers, complicit in the string of assaults on democratic process and civil liberties. Will the Democrats have the courage to call them out, or will they be Quislings who find excuses to accept the domination of an unaccountable executive branch?
5
For the good of the country, and our allies, these elected officials need to rid themselves of the fear they have of being, well, twitted.
We the people have elected them as one of our branches of the government that provides a check and balance on issues that affect all of us. If they are unwilling so they don't feel the wrath of a twitter, or their constituents, then step aside and allow someone to do the job.
By bobbing and weaving, obfuscating and confusing, they are performing no service whatsoever to this country, and I find that disturbing, to say the least.
We the people have elected them as one of our branches of the government that provides a check and balance on issues that affect all of us. If they are unwilling so they don't feel the wrath of a twitter, or their constituents, then step aside and allow someone to do the job.
By bobbing and weaving, obfuscating and confusing, they are performing no service whatsoever to this country, and I find that disturbing, to say the least.
3
With the State Dept leaders exiting, starting a trade war with Mexico - one of our major trading partners, essentially shutting down the EPA and ensuring censorship of the agency, focusing totally on his popularity, and finding out the only people who voted twice are in his family and his administration - it's not clear we can make it to day 10, much less 100. I am beyond disappointed in the GOP representatives that they cannot see what this is - a dismantling of our government and our democracy. There is no CEO who could come into a company and do this without the board calling him or her in. I suggest we do that. If Democrats are snowflakes, winter is coming.
4
If the Democrats want to stand a chance in 2018, and again in 2020, they must tie every Republican to Mr. Trump at every opportunity. The GOP has made it clear that they consider a madman the leader of their party, and they follow him wherever he leads. It is the responsibility of the Democrats to remind the public of that daily.
7
Wait a minute -- complete tax reform by August?? The only way that would be possible if there is no due diligence. It will take 50 years to recover from this sideshow, and 100 years to pay the debt.
5
All bosses, no leaders. No souls to sell. It's going to get nasty and I am ready for nasty - but let's start with national work stoppage, before resorting to perhaps the inevitable violence. It's coming, blinders on or not.
4
The Republicans are devoid of moral sense, ethical commitment, and just plain spine. They will cakewalk with Trump all the way to the destruction of real freedom in America and preside at the last quivering of American stature among nations. Abraham Lincoln will groan to see a party founded on his gravity and common sense abandon rectitude and righteousness in favor of the cheap deal, the self-serving and restrictive law, and the compromise with Evil.
7
Yes, Donald Trump and his band of not-so-merry freaks are a problem; a big problem. But the larger problem is the multiple numbers of Republican members of Congress who, vocally and silently, support the president. In actuality, Trump is their puppet. They are using him to promote and achieve goals they set years ago. It would be naive of the American people, and the press, to believe otherwise. In electing Donald Trump president, his supporters have taken the country back decades to a time and philosophy that will bring them much misery.
6
Kudos to Senator John Thune of SD for saying that "With respect to torture, that's banned." "We view that to be a matter of settled law". I am not always of fan of Senator Thune, but I applaud his courage to proclaim this truth. I hope more Senators have the courage of their convictions regarding this. If we do not abide by the Geneva Convention, then we will suffer the consequences or rather our military people will.
8
Plans? Republicans where are your “plans”?
So far, Republican leadership has only demonstrated a singular plan to look backward in what appears to be vengeful efforts to remove or reverse the last eight years of a democratic president. No plans for keeping whats working and fixing or improving what’s not working well, clearly being demonstrated in the thoughtless effort to end ACA/Obamacare.
Republicans leadership have spent the last eight years as Mitch McConnell promised to block, “what ever Obama and democrats proposed”, and the Republicans have been very successfully (to the detriment of the functioning of the US congress as a governing entity).
So, Republicans it time to offer something other than just obstructionism and representing the corporate and the wealthiest of this nation and present to Americans those “great plans” to win us over. What are your “better” plans for dealing with the big issues? Climate Change, Healthcare for all citizens, Income Inequality, the Inequality of the justice system, dealing with the 1.3 trillion debt on our college students (they’re our future), loss of trillions of dollars in revenue due to two tax cuts during a time of war and yet to end cost of the war.
Here is a place to start, try making good case for you ideas, openly with the public and in the format of an informative and intelligent debate. Present your ideas in congress and to the American people, If your ideas have merit, they can stand up to the light of an open debate.
So far, Republican leadership has only demonstrated a singular plan to look backward in what appears to be vengeful efforts to remove or reverse the last eight years of a democratic president. No plans for keeping whats working and fixing or improving what’s not working well, clearly being demonstrated in the thoughtless effort to end ACA/Obamacare.
Republicans leadership have spent the last eight years as Mitch McConnell promised to block, “what ever Obama and democrats proposed”, and the Republicans have been very successfully (to the detriment of the functioning of the US congress as a governing entity).
So, Republicans it time to offer something other than just obstructionism and representing the corporate and the wealthiest of this nation and present to Americans those “great plans” to win us over. What are your “better” plans for dealing with the big issues? Climate Change, Healthcare for all citizens, Income Inequality, the Inequality of the justice system, dealing with the 1.3 trillion debt on our college students (they’re our future), loss of trillions of dollars in revenue due to two tax cuts during a time of war and yet to end cost of the war.
Here is a place to start, try making good case for you ideas, openly with the public and in the format of an informative and intelligent debate. Present your ideas in congress and to the American people, If your ideas have merit, they can stand up to the light of an open debate.
5
When will Congress do its Constitutionally mandated job of oversight over this President? Either Trump is dishonest/delusional/or a dupe to foreign banks.
Asking us taxpayers to pay for a wall with billions of dollars and then fund an investigation of basically non-existent fraudulent voting-- Trump himself said there were none back when Stein was asking for recounts! How can Congress possibly throw our taxpayer money away simply to appease an unfit President--then tell us they are destroying our safety nets because of costs? How can they destroy a working health insurance system replacing it with one that is worse?
Turns out the only protection we have against an unfit/delusional/dishonest President is Congress. Does Congress not realize that their support of this President is destroying our faith in our government far more than Trump? They are our bulwark--yet they are craven and in dereliction of their sworn duty to our nation.
Our nation is becoming the byword for a President who is profiteering in office, a man who seemingly cannot distinguish between truth and falsehood, who is likely beholden to foreign banks/governments (His huge indebtedness is not to US banks--they refused to lend to him.) We are discussing torture! We are insulting both our allies and our enemies. And Congress has shown that it simply does not have the gumption nor the will to do their mandated job of protecting our country.
Asking us taxpayers to pay for a wall with billions of dollars and then fund an investigation of basically non-existent fraudulent voting-- Trump himself said there were none back when Stein was asking for recounts! How can Congress possibly throw our taxpayer money away simply to appease an unfit President--then tell us they are destroying our safety nets because of costs? How can they destroy a working health insurance system replacing it with one that is worse?
Turns out the only protection we have against an unfit/delusional/dishonest President is Congress. Does Congress not realize that their support of this President is destroying our faith in our government far more than Trump? They are our bulwark--yet they are craven and in dereliction of their sworn duty to our nation.
Our nation is becoming the byword for a President who is profiteering in office, a man who seemingly cannot distinguish between truth and falsehood, who is likely beholden to foreign banks/governments (His huge indebtedness is not to US banks--they refused to lend to him.) We are discussing torture! We are insulting both our allies and our enemies. And Congress has shown that it simply does not have the gumption nor the will to do their mandated job of protecting our country.
3
The Republican Party has chosen party over country, power over country, and money over country. This is no longer the party of patriots. Republicans could care less about the United States of America, except when wrapping themselves in the flag is to their benefit. Donald Trump's lies, misinformation, and bullying of our free press show that he is a clear threat to our republic. Unfortunately, the Republican Party doesn't care.
8
The 25th Amendment to the Constitution enables the VP and cabinet to call the President mentally unfit, and Congress needs to ratify it in time. No need for impeachment proceedings.
It seems that republicans in Congress continue to do nothing; otherwise the mentally deranged White House occupant would be long gone.
It seems that republicans in Congress continue to do nothing; otherwise the mentally deranged White House occupant would be long gone.
6
The wall is a metaphor for the protections which Trump has built around him. As the old saying goes - if you can't go through it - go around it. I believe in the intelligence of empassioned, concerned citizens to find the constitutional laws that can be utilized to press upon this administration that their chipping away at our (new and revised) democracy by the distraction of serial executive actions, false statements, repeals on human rights, motions to restrict civil rights, legislating female human bodies, and blatant violations of the consistution will not be tolerated. That is what we the people can do.
4
The only time Republicans will clash with Trump is if he wants to do something that unintentionally makes the rich a little less rich or the powerful a little less powerful. They will support his plans to throw billions more at the voracious military-industrial complex because that money goes straight into the pockets of the already rich. They might even budget billions more tax dollars for his wall, if their cronies are assured of getting steel and construction contracts with non-union labor. Obviously, they will go along with any Obamacare "replacement" plan that profits the insurance and pharmaceutical behemoths. I really can't imagine them standing up to their leader over anything based on principle.
4
These men, and I use that term loosely, have been living off the public for so long that they have lost sight of the fact they were elected by the American people to protect this country from despots such as Trump. If they are unable to carry out their sworn duties, they are of no use to the rest of us, and should just go home and get a real job. What this country needs desperately, now, are public servants willing to push back against those that are intent on doing us harm.
7
From the close of this article:
“A fellow member turned to me and pointed to it and said, ‘That’s what third-world dictators do,’” Mr. Sanford said. “They just repeat the same misinformation over and over and over again until it sinks in.”
Mr. Sanford was asked if he shared his peer’s concerns that Mr. Trump had displayed authoritarian tendencies. He paused for a beat.
“I’m going to give anybody the benefit of the doubt,” he said, “over the first three days.”
The Republicans didn't give President Obama the benefit of the doubt for even three minutes -- they public vowed to oppose him, against the will of the voters, from the moment he was elected. The Republicans are despicable -- they have demonstrated that they have no moral core and are willing to hand the country over to a delusional sociopath without putting up any resistance or standing by their oft stated values. It makes me sick.
“A fellow member turned to me and pointed to it and said, ‘That’s what third-world dictators do,’” Mr. Sanford said. “They just repeat the same misinformation over and over and over again until it sinks in.”
Mr. Sanford was asked if he shared his peer’s concerns that Mr. Trump had displayed authoritarian tendencies. He paused for a beat.
“I’m going to give anybody the benefit of the doubt,” he said, “over the first three days.”
The Republicans didn't give President Obama the benefit of the doubt for even three minutes -- they public vowed to oppose him, against the will of the voters, from the moment he was elected. The Republicans are despicable -- they have demonstrated that they have no moral core and are willing to hand the country over to a delusional sociopath without putting up any resistance or standing by their oft stated values. It makes me sick.
18
The Republican Party will support him until, his base deserts him, Row V Wade is overturned, ACA is done away with and three new conservative justices are put in place on the Supreme Court. Until then the Republican Congress will keep him in place as President.
If all the above is done within the first four year term, the Republicans will find some way to either impeach President Trump or have a challenger oppose the President in 2020 that is a true conservative Republican that will fit the Republican mold for a President.
If all the above is done within the first four year term, the Republicans will find some way to either impeach President Trump or have a challenger oppose the President in 2020 that is a true conservative Republican that will fit the Republican mold for a President.
6
Trump could be a surprise. It's easy to smash stuff, I what to see if trump is able to actually build anything. I would like to see him swing the axe at CIA, all the way down to middle management and turn that organization exclusively into an information gathering organization. And dramatically reduce their numbers.
I would also find out why the FBI did nothing with the investigation requests they were presented by the government for the 2008 crash. Not one person is jail for the worlds largest fraud. SORRY THAT DON'T CUT THE MUSTARD. Trump needs to gut the FBI, right down to middle management and make CIA, FBI and JUSTICE accountable again. The US has lots of law but how it's enforced is corrupt and screwy.
I would also find out why the FBI did nothing with the investigation requests they were presented by the government for the 2008 crash. Not one person is jail for the worlds largest fraud. SORRY THAT DON'T CUT THE MUSTARD. Trump needs to gut the FBI, right down to middle management and make CIA, FBI and JUSTICE accountable again. The US has lots of law but how it's enforced is corrupt and screwy.
I just visited my Republican Congressman's website to find out when Town Hall meetings are scheduled. They aren't listed. Are yours?
We need to attend those meetings in DROVES.
We need to attend those meetings in DROVES.
17
Whoa -- when Mark Sanford thinks your behavior approaches "bizarre" ....
46
Stole my thought.
2
And they are ALL being used by Putin, who is laughing it up in Moscow.
24
Republicans realize this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. No one one is going to disturb the goose who is signing their legislative golden eggs. They know that if played correctly, a Trump legacy could last for decades. The majority on the Supreme Court, tax reform, regulation elimination, a vastly smaller Federal government and an immense military buildup are within their reach. What once seemed like hopeless dreams are now possible: Roe v. Wade can be overturned, Social Security can be privatized, Medicare can be gutted. A conservative utopia is at hand and all they have to do is protect a Trump presidency.
50
Except for the fact that he may force early retirements for some of them, even enough to lose a majority by way of grave Republican losses at the polls as early as 2018—if President Cuckoo Bird keeps up with his bizarre ramblings and conspiracy theories.
5
The majority of Republican congresspeople are craven and absent any true morals or values. They're the worst of us. They believe in nothing other than power. How many times do they need to demonstrate this? That Lindsey Graham is now viewed as a beacon of sanity tells us everything we need to know.
44
The cowards in the Senate/House need this clown to save their bacon in the mid-terms because they have nothing to hang their hats on. They will use him till the next Prez election and see any possible way to eject him and install Mike "The Preacher" Pence into the slot. Theocracy here we come. Freedom from Religion is a better way. Remember when you prayed for that new bike? Make one feel better but really does nothing.
16
Trump is GOD's GIFT to FREE AMERICA. Healthy america is an inspiration for world. GLOBALIST try to steal american wealth and try to diversify in asia and china. 8 years of trump , World will be in peace. He need to overhaul CIA and replace all globalist agent in CIA and NSA. Nationalism is only to save the world from parasite GLOBALIST. Open society is a TERROR SOCIETY. We must bring european union down. Groupism is always evil. If we create something , you have to maintain it for long time.Inorder to maintain people does evil things. It become evil life form. Globalism and European Union must be uprooted and destroyed.
3
I read this out loud in a fake Russian accent and it sounded pretty funny.
5
The battle for America's future has begun. We need to make a volunteer army of freedom-loving people who are willing to do battle. We need an army of people to move to the small "red states" and be ready for the mid-term vote in 2 years.
-Fight for Democratic control of both the House of Representatives and Senate.
-Pass a constitutional amendment to eliminate the Electoral College.
-Pass a constitutional amendment to repeal the Great Compromise and eliminate the US Senate
-Fight for Democratic control of both the House of Representatives and Senate.
-Pass a constitutional amendment to eliminate the Electoral College.
-Pass a constitutional amendment to repeal the Great Compromise and eliminate the US Senate
10
GOP Lawmakers. How embarrassing is the headline for this story? How much more embarrassing is it acknowledging that it's true??
Stand up to this person. By nominating him as the GOP candidate, you gave a guarantee that you could work with him, not under him.
There's not a squad of Republican Guards waiting in the hallway to escort you away if you stand up and say what you think. By not speaking the truth, your representing your constituents to be the same. No wonder the Dem's are laughing right now.
Every day you accommodate his whims/fantasies/altfacts, is another day that your integrity as an American Lawmaker is questioned.
Stand up to this person. By nominating him as the GOP candidate, you gave a guarantee that you could work with him, not under him.
There's not a squad of Republican Guards waiting in the hallway to escort you away if you stand up and say what you think. By not speaking the truth, your representing your constituents to be the same. No wonder the Dem's are laughing right now.
Every day you accommodate his whims/fantasies/altfacts, is another day that your integrity as an American Lawmaker is questioned.
17
It's time for the Republicans put country before party and admit that President Trump can't tell the difference between fact and fiction. I don't think he'd be found competent enough to stand trial. I'd like to see him put to the test.
23
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
24
Six days into the trump administration and they've already lost the midterm elections. GO REPUBLICANS!!! Somewhere else.
21
It's like watching a real-life version of "The Emperor's New Clothes." Trump is a freaking lunatic, and no one who's in a position to do something about it to has the courage to stand up and say so.
32
From the town that stood up to the British in 1775, Trump is just as bad. Don't the Republicans recognize that he is mentally unfit to be President and do something about it before more damage is done? Do they want to be re-elected and hope for party unity? I suspect some Republican senators already live in Trump's alternative reality. Yes, he was elected, but that does not mean he is an effective President for the country.
17
Obama solicited illegal immigrants to vote.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfgEvgVC6Qs
13 percent of illegals admit they vote.
http://www.capoliticalreview.com/capoliticalnewsandviews/poll-13-of-ille...
So who is telling us that the claim of millions of fraudulent votes is preposterous? Journalists?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfgEvgVC6Qs
13 percent of illegals admit they vote.
http://www.capoliticalreview.com/capoliticalnewsandviews/poll-13-of-ille...
So who is telling us that the claim of millions of fraudulent votes is preposterous? Journalists?
Oh dear, Bob, looks like you've got hold of some fake news there. Go ahead and read (can you read?) a real newspaper and see if you find the same stories there.
40
I just linked to the poll. Totally unscientific back in 2013. It was a telephone poll of 800 supposed hispanics(No way to confirm it) . A few "admitted to voting although no legal status". This poll than extrapolated for the entire country based on a random poll of 800 people. The popilation of the country is over 325 million. Just not enough sample size to claim any facts to this poll.
4
The Republicans in Congress who are fearful of Trump will pay for their cowardice in the long run.
The Democrats in Congress who do not stand up, speak out and take a stand against Trump and his sycophants will pay for their cowardice too.
Tragically, if individuals in these two groups must finally speak out about this dictator in Putin's grasp. They know it's true. What are they waiting for?
AND, never underestimate the American public. I have more faith is us than I do in Congress. We are a bunch of fighters from the get go. We are a determined people. And the majority of us know that Trump is clear and present danger.
Call Senators and Congressmen......even if they are not in your state.
The Democrats in Congress who do not stand up, speak out and take a stand against Trump and his sycophants will pay for their cowardice too.
Tragically, if individuals in these two groups must finally speak out about this dictator in Putin's grasp. They know it's true. What are they waiting for?
AND, never underestimate the American public. I have more faith is us than I do in Congress. We are a bunch of fighters from the get go. We are a determined people. And the majority of us know that Trump is clear and present danger.
Call Senators and Congressmen......even if they are not in your state.
28
Is there anyone left in Washington left that has any integrity? Or it a quality that is reserved only for outsiders? Sad!
21
Not mentioned here is that Mr. Trump gave his prepared address, but left without taking questions about policy details and direction from Congressional Republicans. To walk out on reporters is one thing, but to do the same during this retreat is unpresidented.
Senator Tillis's use of a puppy to deflect questions is original and gave me a chuckle.
Senator Tillis's use of a puppy to deflect questions is original and gave me a chuckle.
10
Please do not give in to Bannon's attempts to threaten and muzzle the media. Hold Trump and hold congress (GOP and Dems)accountable for their words and their actions (not what is supposed to be in their hearts). Call a lie a lie. Don't try and sugarcoat it. News organizations like the NYTimes are needed now more than ever.
35
May I, as a veteran journalist, reassure you that Bannon's veiled threat may cause some to cower, but the great media institutions have "manned up" and are not bowed by the deceitful connivanceamof Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, Peter Thiel or the conspicuously dishonest Kellyanne Conway. "Keep your mouths shut" will be remembered as an accelerant of intrepid, dogged press. Bannon hates such competition for Trump's ton ear, but the man is obsessed with media, to Bannon's everlasting vexation.
3
Why doesn't anybody simply say:
The Republican are treasonous.
The Republican are treasonous.
26
I gave up looking for a moderate Republican years ago. Now I'd gladly settle for one with a backbone. Where will they be when Trump declares martial law? Hiding under their desks most likely, if they're not too busy sucking up to billionaires at a fundraiser.
17
I think GOP leaders need to draw a distinction between ideology and pathology fast before Donald Trump crushes our republic and starts WW3. Maybe it is convenient for some Republicans to have a bully push through bad policies; but to any Trump supporters in Congress I say: it wasn’t just Jews, or homosexuals, or gypsies, who died during WWII. Millions of “aryans” were drafted and killed in the pursuit of world domination. Today Trump is threatening the press; tomorrow it could be you.
9
Evidently the President of Mexico cares more about his country than the US congress cares about what is happening in ours. At least the Women's March had the nerve to stand up for our rights.
13
Bravo!
Is there an intelligent adult in either the presidency, t-rump's cabinet or the repulsive party? Please show me one or two.
11
Nicolas Kristof asked if Trump is a crackpot or a liar in his column today. Why chose between the two? He's obviously both. He hasn't got a clue what he's doing.
Coalition soldiers, Canadians, Brits, French, Dutch, Polish and many others died in U.S. wars in the middle east over the past decade and half. Not again, not for Trump.
Coalition soldiers, Canadians, Brits, French, Dutch, Polish and many others died in U.S. wars in the middle east over the past decade and half. Not again, not for Trump.
16
Scary, dystopian times. RESIST!!
16
GOP created this monster(Joker Trump)! I intend to make sure that they wear him around their nick for as long as I live , my children, grand children and my great grand children will also make them remember that through their cheating they are responsible for every thing he insanely screws up !
10
A group with hardly one member with a backbone.
16
As awful as Trump and his minions are, they still beat a seriously flawed Democratic party candidate. The DNC and fanatical supporters of Mrs. Clinton who are no better than the most rabid supporters of the Donald are to blame for the man who now occupies the White House.
It was classic hubris to put up Clinton with her resume padding and gaming of the electoral system and Americans are now paying the ultimate price.
And now that Trump is president, where is the Democratic party leadership? Didn't they learn anything from Hillary's mistake to assume that her opponent would just implode instead of taking the initiative to state clearly an alternative, a better way? Democrats need to keep their lunatic fringe in check and show some leadership otherwise Trump will be in charge for more than one term.
It was classic hubris to put up Clinton with her resume padding and gaming of the electoral system and Americans are now paying the ultimate price.
And now that Trump is president, where is the Democratic party leadership? Didn't they learn anything from Hillary's mistake to assume that her opponent would just implode instead of taking the initiative to state clearly an alternative, a better way? Democrats need to keep their lunatic fringe in check and show some leadership otherwise Trump will be in charge for more than one term.
6
The enablers When Trump falls so will they Painfully .For them
5
Let's have a contest to see how low Republicans will go!! Will they bark like a dog if Trump demands it? Will they eat off a plate without their hands--on video--if Trump demands it? And how about doing nothing when Trump gets out of line? If Trump says the Sun circles the Earth, will they keep their mouths shut? How about if Trump says the Earth is only 5,000 years old?
4
Perhaps they'll be willing to welcome a horse as one of the members of their esteemed council. I seem to remember a historical precedent for this. Caligula, anyone?
Theresa May will today get a very clear look at the people she desperately needs to act as her political and economic saviours in Britain's ill-considered and spectacularly ill-timed exit from the EU. Perhaps she will feel obliged to meet with Vladimir Putin next.
1
We have 3 years and many many days left to deal with a Strangelovian situation. The Rs and the Ds have to have a quiet conversation about this soon. He is intent on destroying the USA as we know it. To return to the movies...Mad Max is on the street and revving his doomsday machine. Get to work guys. You eventually were able to deal with the Great Bush Recession. Its time to work this out or we are going to be in the ditch too soon.
4
This is simple strategy. Ryan and McConnell aren't going to take unnecessary risks. Under Obama, it was decided to move ahead without ever needing democratic support for anything and just wait out his terms (which, by the way, is labeled as tyranny when it's the other way around). There is no reason whatsoever for them to say anything in open opposition to Trump since it gains them nothing. Integrity is something they gave up a long time ago. This is strategy from beginning to painful end.
5
My father died in 1990, my mother in 2004. My mother was my father's executor. My sister and I were my mother's executors.
As far as I know, the name of neither of our parents was removed from the NYS voter rolls. My sister and I were very efficient executors, as was our mother; no one even thought of moving either parent's name from the rolls.
As far as I know, both parents are still deceased (sadly), and neither has voted from Eternity.
When my husband and I moved out of Manhattan and registered in our new district, neither of us cancelled our former voter registration. I assumed that the former registrations would be cancelled when the new ones were processed.
These outdated voter registration records reflect housekeeping issues, not fraud. Trump is a liar, fooling no one except his deluded base. Moreover, his low favorables -- 37% as of the inauguration -- do not merely confirm the popular vote, but also suggest that many Republicans who voted for Trump did so as Republicans, not Trump supporters.
As far as I know, the name of neither of our parents was removed from the NYS voter rolls. My sister and I were very efficient executors, as was our mother; no one even thought of moving either parent's name from the rolls.
As far as I know, both parents are still deceased (sadly), and neither has voted from Eternity.
When my husband and I moved out of Manhattan and registered in our new district, neither of us cancelled our former voter registration. I assumed that the former registrations would be cancelled when the new ones were processed.
These outdated voter registration records reflect housekeeping issues, not fraud. Trump is a liar, fooling no one except his deluded base. Moreover, his low favorables -- 37% as of the inauguration -- do not merely confirm the popular vote, but also suggest that many Republicans who voted for Trump did so as Republicans, not Trump supporters.
8
"It's a work in progress"
Begging the question whether the finished product will be more lies or less.
Begging the question whether the finished product will be more lies or less.
1
We can attribute many of Trump's positions to 'policy' which one may or may not agree with. But the phantom of 'voter fraud' is different, despite being given credence by many presidents. Under Bush 2 AG Gonzalez went after federal attorneys in some western states despite numerous bi lateral commissions which found the occurrence ' statistically zero'. After the re election of Obama states with republican governors and legislatures passed extremely repressive voter registration laws, using this untruth again. But with Trump, it's a new, sickening wrinkle. This rebirth of 'voter fraud' is purely based on his brittle, infantile ego. The narrative that he won the election by an overwhelming landslide is only his fantasy. He lost the popular vote and won the electoral vote by a small margin. His post election approval level is among the lowest in recent history. These are 'real' facts. If he the republicans spend our money on such an 'investigation' they all should be thrown out.
4
Meet the new Congress, led by Suddenly Spineless Ryan and McConnell. After eight years of obstruction and fevered machinations, suddenly they have lost their voice? I realize some of this is party politics, but they swear to uphold the Constitution. The most solemn vow they take besides marriage, and they are watching the attempt to trample the First Amendment by sidelining a free press, the disregard of the Emoluments Clause, and the threats to reinstitute torture. Watching with no comment.
They have folded in the face of missing or falsified ethics disclosures; the same ethics disclosures that Spineless Mitch vowed to uphold in 2012. I am embarrassed by their unwillingness to stand up to the bully White House and his band of liars.
They have folded in the face of missing or falsified ethics disclosures; the same ethics disclosures that Spineless Mitch vowed to uphold in 2012. I am embarrassed by their unwillingness to stand up to the bully White House and his band of liars.
11
Trumps administration or lack thereof is barely a week old and it out of control. Most of his party elders must have severe pain when they walk due to the lack of spinal fluid. Only John McCain ,a national hero and Lindsey Graham seem to have the good sense to openly oppose Trump. I live in Pa and our GOP Senator Toomey appears to be MIA. One of his campaign promises was that he would stand up to Trump when Trump spouted his prevarications, well we in PA are seeing how fast that promise went down the disposal.
Now the latest news is one of Trumps minions, Bannon, tells the press to shut up. There's and ole Philly saying here Mr. Bannon "if you are finished saying your piece please wipe yourself before you leave" I'm looking forward to the impeachment proceedings.
Now the latest news is one of Trumps minions, Bannon, tells the press to shut up. There's and ole Philly saying here Mr. Bannon "if you are finished saying your piece please wipe yourself before you leave" I'm looking forward to the impeachment proceedings.
8
Republicans have better step up and do something to protect the country from a dictator in waiting. A week in and its obvious the man is danger to republic.
5
Explore a favorite book of Trump’s, “My New Order”. Ivanka said he kept it by his bed and read it often. It explains the tone of his speeches and his overall plan.
4
A 76 year old man, John Lewis, has to lead the charge again while his much younger colleges sit there and suck at the teat.
The democratic leadership for the last decade is an abject failure that is reflected by their numbers, in state houses as well.
Our best hope is that some talent from the marches will pop up, because what they have today should be plowed under for the most part.
The democratic leadership for the last decade is an abject failure that is reflected by their numbers, in state houses as well.
Our best hope is that some talent from the marches will pop up, because what they have today should be plowed under for the most part.
8
Try to see it for what it is....Mr. Trump only defeated the Democrats...but he destroyed the GOP!
11
The Republicans brought Trump on themselves and on the country. They as a lot do not stand for anything that is relevant to the country in 2017 or in the future. But then most of them are old and so is Trump. Hope for the best after four years. More of the spineless Republicans may leave clearing the way for a more inclusive Republican party and less of them may be hesitant about being "holier than thou". These are sad times.
6
And so it begins, the imperial presidency that so many claimed that President Obama was practicing, only at a higher, dysfunctional level. At least with President Obama we could be assured that some due diligence was practiced. With our new President, it almost appears that the policy is decided with no thought as to the consequences.
If the Republicans in the House and Senate do not temper this type of governance, the party will fracture and we the people will suffer in the end.
If the Republicans in the House and Senate do not temper this type of governance, the party will fracture and we the people will suffer in the end.
20
The problem for Trump is plummeting credibility from his endless lies and then lies about lying. Now Steve Bannon, the mental midge alt-right blowhard "strategist" for Trump, is trying to portray the press as the opposition party. It's difficult to decide which is dumb and which is dumber, although Bannon may have the lead right now.
Trump is nothing more than a third-world dictator wannabe, authoritarian but an intellectual zero, with anger issues and a complete inability to separate fact from fiction. Bannon is full of fire and brimstone but completely unconnected to reality.
If congressional Republicans want to keep their seats, they had better stand up to these two. Even Republican voters have limits to how much infantile nonsense they will tolerate when it comes to governance of what is on its way to becoming a second-rate democracy with utter fools for leaders.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Trump is nothing more than a third-world dictator wannabe, authoritarian but an intellectual zero, with anger issues and a complete inability to separate fact from fiction. Bannon is full of fire and brimstone but completely unconnected to reality.
If congressional Republicans want to keep their seats, they had better stand up to these two. Even Republican voters have limits to how much infantile nonsense they will tolerate when it comes to governance of what is on its way to becoming a second-rate democracy with utter fools for leaders.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
6
Unlike Trump, Bannon is not stupid. He's crazy, undoubtedly, but not dumb. Which makes him more dangerous than Trump and probably the puppet master behind many of Trump's shenanigans.
6
Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan better watch out. Their hypocrisy and anti American behavior will come around to bite them in their hindquarters. As soon as they cross Trump they'll be steamrolled by him.
Look at Chris Christie although he supported Trump somehow he got on Trump's bad side and Trump made him look like a fool and quite possibly his career is over. I think Mitt Romney was seeking the Secretary of State position in good faith. Instead of saying "No thank you" Trump had to humiliate him.
Look at Chris Christie although he supported Trump somehow he got on Trump's bad side and Trump made him look like a fool and quite possibly his career is over. I think Mitt Romney was seeking the Secretary of State position in good faith. Instead of saying "No thank you" Trump had to humiliate him.
4
In you're guts
You know
He's nuts.
You know
He's nuts.
18
As John McCain learned while campaigning back in 2008, don't challenge the alternative facts believed by your voters.
In 2011, Speaker of the House John Boehner said "'It's not my job to tell the American people what to think."
If the people believe in Santa Claus, and you wish to be their representative, then you do to. Or you'll be labeled main stream. corrupt, an elitist. Out of touch. And find you have no place in the new USA/Trump/GOP alternate
reality.
If U.S. citizens believe we are about to be invaded by Mars, that's OK with the GOP.
As long as you can still wage war, get your tax cuts, deny women reproductive health services, ban abortion and degrade all forms of "political correctness." Who cares?
I and the millions of Americans don't believe in Superman. But do still believe in truth, justice and the American way.
In 2011, Speaker of the House John Boehner said "'It's not my job to tell the American people what to think."
If the people believe in Santa Claus, and you wish to be their representative, then you do to. Or you'll be labeled main stream. corrupt, an elitist. Out of touch. And find you have no place in the new USA/Trump/GOP alternate
reality.
If U.S. citizens believe we are about to be invaded by Mars, that's OK with the GOP.
As long as you can still wage war, get your tax cuts, deny women reproductive health services, ban abortion and degrade all forms of "political correctness." Who cares?
I and the millions of Americans don't believe in Superman. But do still believe in truth, justice and the American way.
6
Someone, Ivanka?, needs to calm him down. Every opportunity he has had to reach out has been met with divisive threats. One wonders if, sadly, he is suffering from dementia like his father did. President Trump is digging in over silliness that is easily proven false. He can argue all he wants that 2 3=10 but the only convincing answer is 5 or perhaps 23 or 32. What is wrong with him?
2
Or suffering from Syphilus caught in Russia of course
4
The reasonable Republicans in congress should realize the enormous power they have. Our system was designed with checks and balances, so they should not be afraid to embrace these tools. I know they are super excited to reduced taxes, etc, etc, but some things are just too important to ignore.
3
Agreed Is their agenda worth the fall from grace when Trump falls? Because he WILL fall and hard
History think back to Joe McCarthy and Roy Cohn his henchman and Trump teacher .
It's our job to help them fall
History think back to Joe McCarthy and Roy Cohn his henchman and Trump teacher .
It's our job to help them fall
3
Regardless of who elected this guy he has already shown himself to be an incredibly repulsive person. It won't take getting much more Trump before the vast majority of Americans cannot stand to hear another one of his vicious and ugly words -- or his endless bragging narcissism. People will tune him out and turn him off. It won't take long before everyone has overdosed on him and can't stand it anymore to see or hear him. He's so totally distasteful and repellent that people are not going to want anything at all to do with him. People are simply going to start shutting him off.
8
That's the idea, isn't it? Get people to tune him out, to ignore his lunacy so that he can run amuck causing damage and destruction while no one is paying attention.
If there was ever a time to test the balance of powers provision of the U.S. government, it is now. Will Congress and the Supreme Court do their jobs?
If there was ever a time to test the balance of powers provision of the U.S. government, it is now. Will Congress and the Supreme Court do their jobs?
7
The number of full democracies across the world recently dropped from 20 to 19 with America the latest causality (http://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=DemocracyIndex2016 ). America now has its' own version of "Bagdad Bob" in "DC Sean" and Trump's positive poll numbers are in the thirties after only a few days in office compared to the lowest value measured in the twenties for Pres. Nixon just before he left office. And so it begins.
2
Expect a gunfight between Bannon and McCain. It's a Republican revolution just starting to warm up.
2
Having traveled to parts of Africa, the Trump White House is starting to resemble something very familiar - I call it BIG MAN disease:-
The big man creates a cult following around the idea of himself as the only one who can save the country from all enemies foreign, domestic, seen and UNSEEN.
At the center of this mania is the firm idea that the big man is only motivated by his desire to help the poor and uneducated masses often ignored by the educated elite.
The big man has a very sensitive personality.
The popularity of the big man is NEVER questioned or challenged.
The big man is ALWAYS RIGHT and those who oppose him are stooges of some foreign power or ideology.
The big man gives long winding speeches that aim to prove he is the number one expert in everything he does, says, or believes.
The big man's political party bends to his will, and any opposition is crushed mercilessly.
The Big man does not read extensively nor does he encourage others to read. Intellect and knowledge lead to questions about the big man's lack of intellect (not allowed!)
The media initially loves the big man's large persona until the bubble bursts and he turns on them. Soon they are publicly ridiculed as idle intellectuals or traitors to the best interests if the common man.
Travel to any African country, turn on the evening news and this is the standard for local political consumption. I never thought I would see that under the seal of the President of the United States of America.
The big man creates a cult following around the idea of himself as the only one who can save the country from all enemies foreign, domestic, seen and UNSEEN.
At the center of this mania is the firm idea that the big man is only motivated by his desire to help the poor and uneducated masses often ignored by the educated elite.
The big man has a very sensitive personality.
The popularity of the big man is NEVER questioned or challenged.
The big man is ALWAYS RIGHT and those who oppose him are stooges of some foreign power or ideology.
The big man gives long winding speeches that aim to prove he is the number one expert in everything he does, says, or believes.
The big man's political party bends to his will, and any opposition is crushed mercilessly.
The Big man does not read extensively nor does he encourage others to read. Intellect and knowledge lead to questions about the big man's lack of intellect (not allowed!)
The media initially loves the big man's large persona until the bubble bursts and he turns on them. Soon they are publicly ridiculed as idle intellectuals or traitors to the best interests if the common man.
Travel to any African country, turn on the evening news and this is the standard for local political consumption. I never thought I would see that under the seal of the President of the United States of America.
12
Hitler
Mussolini
Stalin
Mussolini
Stalin
4
It's not doubling down on "false claims",
It's doubling down on "LIES".
Words do matter. If you say you are going to call lies lies, then please start doing that.
It's doubling down on "LIES".
Words do matter. If you say you are going to call lies lies, then please start doing that.
10
Every day he is in office, Comrade Trump is laying the groundwork for disaster with his inept policies. Trump, his supporters, and his enablers are all to blame. The rest of us will be on the right side of history, but that will be of little consolation as we bear the tragic cost of the Trump administration along with those responsible for it.
5
I see many readers find the Republicans as either cowards or hypocrites for not standing more forcefully against the outrageous claims this administration has been dishing out. It is just too early for any sensible politician to diss the president for his inflaming LIES. What are they to do? Hope and pray this does not continue? No politician in his/her right mind would take the president’s claims of millions of illegal voters in the election or the size of the crowds at his inauguration seriously. They much would like for all of this to go away. However, this is the same mistake others made during the primaries: not to take --now president Trump, seriously. Unfortunately the LIES and falsehoods will not go away. If not the preposterous falsehoods of late, others similarly wild will surface down the road. No one can tame this idiot-in-chief. Now more than ever, the press needs to clearly and without uncertain terms call out the falsehoods of this administration for what they are: made-up LIES. Let headlines call them out: “PRESIDENT TRUMP LIES ABOUT VOTER FRAUD”. We need to keep this administration in check by relentlessly fact-checking the statements they make to the public. We have come to far and our country has sacrificed A LOT, to ever allow anyone, let alone this idiot-in-chief to take away or diminish voter rights, women rights, religious freedom, marriage equality… to divide our country and to appeal to the worse in our citizens.
8
Create an alternative news briefing funded by non partisan groups hold the briefing right after spicer' lies and quote Federal Govt sources
Let the games begin
Let the games begin
1
It's possible that increasing numbers of Republican lawmakers are coming to the view that living by the Trump might mean dying by the Trump. They now own him (and vice versa), and everyone now knows that could be as vicarious as are "alternate facts".
2
"I was just following Orders"
6
Goodness. Regular profiles in courage, these guys are.
5
I have no concern about the future of the Republican Party which always does fine. Rather I am increasingly worried about the moribund Democratic Party.
They are not fighting for us. Where are the news conferences to complain about
Trump's nominees? They are more submissive than ever.
They are not fighting for us. Where are the news conferences to complain about
Trump's nominees? They are more submissive than ever.
7
It is hardly surprising that the same group of unprincipled hypocrites who chose to obstruct President Obama at every turn just to make him fail (often at the expense of the country) would choose to support an ignorant narcissist who has already done so much damage to the office of the president, the country and the world in his first week in office. His words are already being used in ISIS recruitment videos, and who can disagree that his inflammatory rhetoric will undoubtedly serve to motivate more anti-American hatred.
All lawmakers need to act in the interest of our nation at this time of grave danger, put aside their petty self-interests and speak up against this farcical president
All lawmakers need to act in the interest of our nation at this time of grave danger, put aside their petty self-interests and speak up against this farcical president
6
Honor. Not everyone possesses it, but all too many times in our short history it has been the cornerstone of heroic actions which saved our young Republic. It is usually easy to spot a dishonorable person. They constantly blame others for their own shortcomings, easily sell out others for their own gain and are the first to run and hide when threatened with harm. America's institutions have long been bastions of honor. Now, more than ever, patriots of honor must step up to defend our Republic. Courageous men and women in the Congress, the CIA, our military and civilians must step forward to challenge the clear and present danger that is the Trump presidency.
2
The Democratic leadership should do everything in its power to ensure that this Republican Party is forever defined by its embrace and election of this man. Every Republican congressperson running for reelection should —and must be —defined by every word, every action and every policy that comes out of this administration. Drastic times call for drastic measures: Democrats and Progressives should develop a spine and fight to the death to cure our country of this cancer. Stop showing up with a knife to a fight in which the others always show up with a semi automatic.
2
Who will be the first brave republican to declare the Emperor has no clothes?
1
Lincoln, but he's dead.
1
Has everybody forgotten that Richard Nixon was not impeached for the Watergate break-in itself, but for LYING about it!
2
Trump is a very mentally disturbed person. His lies scare me. I hope that he does himself in as soon as possible so we can move on in a sane way. Thank you,
3
Nothing about this President is normal. Both parties need to recognize this soon. Republicans cannot "assume their position" anymore; both parties need to consider impeachment or removal soon. This President Svengali is mesmerizing all of us and we have no idea what his real, behind-the-scenes agenda is; all we have is smoke and mirrors to distract us. I'm not a conspiracy theorist; I fear that we are being hypnotized to do his bidding as he takes us down the banal road to some kind of totalitarianism.
2
I hope the Republicans will grow a pair and get rid of this raving psychopath asap! We are the laughing-stock of the world at this point. Trump is the most unqualified "president" we have ever had. Wasn't a crazy English King one of the main reasons for the Revolution? Dump this loon and do it soon!
3
Apparently not content with simply being world-class hypocrites, most Republicans lawmakers are seemingly doing everything they can to add pathetic coward to their political and legislative resumes. What a surprise.
5
Gone is the hope that decent men and women can be found among GOP Congresspeople. Gone is the hope that someone, anyone, just one, would speak out against this irresponsible, illegitimate tyrant and put country first. Do any of these people have a soul? A heart? Do they go home to their families and proudly speak of the work they do?
The man is lying and plundering. Yet, the "leaders," specifically P. Ryan and M. McConnell, are rolling over. Rubio dipped his toe in the water of backbone and immediately, inexplicably, found it too cold. Faint denial of fraud isn't taking a stand. (In fact, has it not come out that both Bannon and Mnuchin are registered to vote in 2 states? Isn't that documented voter fraud?)
Congress - you who have been chosen to represent the people of this country - for heaven's sake, do something. Say something. Yes, you're all glad that H. Clinton didn't win. Yay for you. Now get on with the business of doing your job and representing ALL people.
The man is lying and plundering. Yet, the "leaders," specifically P. Ryan and M. McConnell, are rolling over. Rubio dipped his toe in the water of backbone and immediately, inexplicably, found it too cold. Faint denial of fraud isn't taking a stand. (In fact, has it not come out that both Bannon and Mnuchin are registered to vote in 2 states? Isn't that documented voter fraud?)
Congress - you who have been chosen to represent the people of this country - for heaven's sake, do something. Say something. Yes, you're all glad that H. Clinton didn't win. Yay for you. Now get on with the business of doing your job and representing ALL people.
6
It is not true that Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump. They are confirming all of his administrative picks even though they have not all passed a thorough vetting, they are behind his executive orders, they are actively suppressing the vote in most red states, they have appropriated 800 Million dollars for Radio America that is now the sole mouth piece of the president with two no-nothings appointed to head it by the president, the list continues for pages.
The Republicans and Trump are one and the same. They have the same values, they have the same policy goals. They must both be defeated. First the Republican Congress in 2018, then the impeachment in 2019. Resist, register to vote, vote in 2018.
The Republicans and Trump are one and the same. They have the same values, they have the same policy goals. They must both be defeated. First the Republican Congress in 2018, then the impeachment in 2019. Resist, register to vote, vote in 2018.
6
I'd like to know who Mr. Sanford's colleague is, because that person is accurately describing Trump's behavior. Whether you voted for him or someone else, Americans should be alarmed that he continues to live in a universe where he defines what's real and what is not.
4
If Trump / Bannon expects the media to keep its collective mouth shut, he / they have another think coming. Trump's campaign lived by the media outrage generating click stack, and shall die by the same.
26
Duck and cover is good strategy in thunderstorms and tornadoes.
But in Trumpty World, it's far wiser to run for your life.
But in Trumpty World, it's far wiser to run for your life.
13
The Republicans on Capitol Hill are of two minds: cowardice and denial.
The first group fear for their jobs and are bent on self-preservation.
The second group pretends nothing is wrong and that the Great Trumpkin will discover good sense and prevail. They will accept anything with a " Republican" sticker on it, because that alone makes it good.
The first group fear for their jobs and are bent on self-preservation.
The second group pretends nothing is wrong and that the Great Trumpkin will discover good sense and prevail. They will accept anything with a " Republican" sticker on it, because that alone makes it good.
8
Hhhhmmmm, where before have we seen an unstable Trump-like rabble-rousing demagogue? This is straight out of history's playbook 101. Populist demagogue plays on the insecurities of the common folk, gains office, institutes authoritative leadership, censors free press, muzzles intellectuals (or worse), tramples over democratic processes. The world has travelled down this dangerous rocky road before and it invariably never ends well. This was envisioned by our founding fathers and our government was set up to prevent such an occurrence. However Hamilton's premonition of this and his vision of the electoral college failed miserably. The current weak kneed legislature seems unlikely to provide the necessary check and balance. Sadly as historians often say: history tends to repeat itself and we tend not to learn lessons from history's most colossal blunders. It can happen in our America.
12
Someone needs to stand up to this joker and tell him this is not how a democracy is run. This guy is not a king, he is not a czar. I'm surprised he hasn't installed full length mirrors in the Oval Office just so he can admire himself all the time. The Repubs now have majority and they are just yes men to this joker. It is a sad day when they care more about their own interests than that of their constituents. Who will finally stand up and say "The emperor has no clothes?"
12
This is not a "reality" program any more; this is real life, in which real lives are affected. If there's nothing that can be done to stop government by executive order, Republicans have to have the nerve to challenge them.
And since when was government conducted via Twitter post?
And since when was government conducted via Twitter post?
7
As long as Trump gives them a long leash, they will come back and slobber all over him every time he asks. These are a craven lot; they know he is a mentally ill demagogue. But they also know that the people who voted for him are the very definition of low information voters and they are utterly beholden to the same people.
I got chills this morning realizing that Trump is making it impossible for those people from Iraq and Afghanistan who worked for us and put their lives on the line for us to immigrate to the US. They are being thrown under the bus because a cowardly demagogue and his ignorant followers are afraid of the very people who risked their lives to help us. Remember that Trump is the man who said that avoiding STD's was his personal Vietnam War. "Have you no shame, sir?"
I got chills this morning realizing that Trump is making it impossible for those people from Iraq and Afghanistan who worked for us and put their lives on the line for us to immigrate to the US. They are being thrown under the bus because a cowardly demagogue and his ignorant followers are afraid of the very people who risked their lives to help us. Remember that Trump is the man who said that avoiding STD's was his personal Vietnam War. "Have you no shame, sir?"
15
To no ones surprise the GOP has once again chose the line of least resistance as they have done for the last 8 years. Courage is not their forte, and no one should doubt that any longer. Speaker Ryan and Marco Rubio are the bigger fools for aiding and abetting Mr. Trump by omission. They have thrown what little credibility they may have had in the past under the bus, along with their courage. What a legacy they leave for the country, and the Grand Old Party.
6
Republican party leaders? You are kidding, right. What "Leaders"? They happily follow the Pied Piper over the cliff. That's not leadership fellas. I never had much use for politicians, but never in my wildest imagination did I see this. They want power so much that they will do anything, no matter how un-American to, keep it. "Profiles in Cowardness" indeed.
6
Don't be fooled. The GOP is 100% behind Trump. He is pushing everything they want and demonizing every obstacle in their way. All the rest is to distract us.
11
Trump won't read your op-ed in its entirety, but he will read the title. He
will love it. Please don't give him that gratification. Trump doesn't "thunder,"
he speaks, but in a manner less articulately then most.
will love it. Please don't give him that gratification. Trump doesn't "thunder,"
he speaks, but in a manner less articulately then most.
6
Let's not kid ourselves the Republicans love Trump. When I see the word Republican, I think white. And white people love Trump. Let's not allow them to pretend they don't.
8
I would think that many Republicans may already be looking at 2018 and how their re=elections may be affected by the Liar in Chief. I know my Congressman in southern California is scared to death of defeat as he almost lost this last election and his reputation has collapsed. A change in the House majority could devastate the Liar's goals to destroy us.
13
There are many differences between the way civilians see things and military see things, and in our system, civilians are supreme. You have to take into account that civilians think it may be advantageous for our adversaries to be unclear about our policy, whereas military prefer our adversaries to know exactly what they’re in for. (Obama was awfully coy about what qualified one to end up on his “kill list” for the CIA’s drone program.) Civilians also have a different understanding of what it means and how to “get tough” with terrorists. (Bush was awfully deferential to the CIA in the matter of “enhanced interrogation.”) (The reader will note the influence of the CIA, presumably because these were not strictly speaking within the purview of the Armed Forces.) It also has to be said that military are more focused on the brass tacks of how policy is conducted, while elected officials have to attend to the presentation of policy to a wide public as well. One wants a yes-or-no answer from the President, but it may be advisable to give the other a maybe–maybe-not answer. Fighting men don’t like this ambiguity; the rest of the population lives in it.
1
And what do the GOP "leaders" think of the debacle with Mexico? Yet another quagmire! Does the British prime Minister know she is co-staring with an American football player? I would take that as an insult. Maybe a little boys locker room talk? Some guy with a puppy at the "retreat"? This has been the most embarrassing week - all Trump can say is that he likes the White House phones! The GOP is showing it's "strengths". Weird and whacky!
8
Denigrate. Deflect. Deny. Distract. Disrupt. Destroy. Disappear. Democracy went missing.
3
Really, there is no chest beating going on by either Ryan or McConnell. Along with Trump, they represent a Trinity of Horrible Plans. All three place the narrow interests of the wealthy and narrow minded over country. They have been and will be unwilling to work for the good of their constituents. Who nominated our current leader, and then voted for him? How is it that the leader of the Republican Party is now Chief of Staff! How interesting that McConnell's wife is in the Cabinet! Duck and Cover? Not! This is just part of the bait and switch game. We get it.
4
I have a few words for GOP lawmakers in both the House and Senate (some may be good people):
Wimp and liars. In standing by in agreement with a President that lies, or tells untruths with the intent to deceive, they become liars by association.
Wimp and liars. In standing by in agreement with a President that lies, or tells untruths with the intent to deceive, they become liars by association.
3
Trump is drunk with power now but he'll soon feel challenged in ways he has never experienced before. There will be resistance from congress, the supreme court, state and federal agencies, and Americans. Nothing is in locked step.
We shall overcome.
We shall overcome.
3
Are no Republican leaders alarmed that during the bizarre speech to the CIA the president made claims that endanger our troops? Have they no values beyond partisanship? Our president said, "We should have taken the oil, maybe we can still do that." These segments are being used in recruitment videos to incite the very people the American troops are trying to reinforce and train. The man is dangerous and unhinged.
5
The GOP ( and of course Comey and Putin) put him in office. They must be held accountable every single one of them. Resist trump and hold the GOP accountable.
3
I'm hoping we don't have to wait too long before the first impeachable offense.
3
The house and senate GOP members may be too spineless to stand up to Trump but the citizens of the US are no longer asleep at the wheel. We will vote them all out of office come the next election cycle. Maybe that was the one good thing about Trump being elected. It woke everyone up.
2
The only time I'll admit there is ANYTHING good about Trump, is once he's been put out of office.
Can't do that
Voting districts have been so Gerrymandered by both parties that only 5% of seats changes hands, or bottoms, every cycle. You can't "throw the bums out" any more. You have to control the states first, local elections before that county elections before that. The GOP are experts at that. you are looking at 20 years.
Voting districts have been so Gerrymandered by both parties that only 5% of seats changes hands, or bottoms, every cycle. You can't "throw the bums out" any more. You have to control the states first, local elections before that county elections before that. The GOP are experts at that. you are looking at 20 years.
The present member of Congress are lacking backbone and principle. The only way to stop this madness is to change the makeup of Congress. If we can survive the next 18 months, and persuade more than 48% of the country to vote, we can do it.
As the famous quote attributed the Sir Winston Churchill says, "... we have already established what you are, we are now haggling over price."
We have established what the Republican party is and now we are becoming all too aware of the price.
As the famous quote attributed the Sir Winston Churchill says, "... we have already established what you are, we are now haggling over price."
We have established what the Republican party is and now we are becoming all too aware of the price.
2
They are cowards all. Either that or they have even less scruples and are more unprincipled that Trump The Magnificent. I don't understand it. How in God's name did we put such a sniveling crew of wimps into office? I suggest they should at least show where they stand by asking the minority elected president to bend over at their next meeting so they can all kiss his royal rear end.
And to those of you who elected McConnell and Ryan and the rest of them all I can say is, you may not have known what they were before, but you surely know what they are now, and if you keep them in office you're just as bad as they are.
And to those of you who elected McConnell and Ryan and the rest of them all I can say is, you may not have known what they were before, but you surely know what they are now, and if you keep them in office you're just as bad as they are.
5
Trump will remain an albatross around the GOP leadership's collective necks for as long as he remains in office. And his albatrossities will continue to worsen. Expect lots more ducking.
2
Demagogues with extreme ideas rarely rise on their own. They usually have help of mainstream politicians who think they can use the demagogue to acquire power for themselves.
3
Stealing from another post because it sums things up well:
"What we are witnessing is racism, bigotry, opportunism, selfishness towards self-preservation and cowardice of the highest order."
I would add that in the age of social media, this appears magnified compared to the past. Nevertheless, the same culprits mentioned above seem to always cast a shadow over what could be with a rational, creative, and morally-centered political class and polity. Unfortunately, this place has never had that, and sadly, perhaps, never will.
"What we are witnessing is racism, bigotry, opportunism, selfishness towards self-preservation and cowardice of the highest order."
I would add that in the age of social media, this appears magnified compared to the past. Nevertheless, the same culprits mentioned above seem to always cast a shadow over what could be with a rational, creative, and morally-centered political class and polity. Unfortunately, this place has never had that, and sadly, perhaps, never will.
1
Grow a backbone! Put your country BEFORE partisan politics! Trump is unfit for office and threatens our Republic! Congressional Republicans, don't let this 240 year old experiment crumble on your watch! Senators McCain and Graham, I don't generally support your politics but I deeply respect and applaud your voices raised against Trump.
6
Trump is straight out of British pantomime. He veers between Widow Twankey and Captain Hook. He's just what one would expect from a WWE heel whose proudest boast is that he has never read a book since childhood.
The grey men in their grey suits, however, like to project themselves as serious men of substance -- grave, measured and thoughtful. Instead, they show themselves to be lily-livered men, with no stomach for a fight. They are cyphers. They are shadow men. They come from the dark places where no light shines and that is where they belong.
This is what we get when real men like Washington and Lincoln, Roosevelt and Churchill no longer walk the earth. We humans have become a depraved and destitute race, and we have brought our calamities upon ourselves.
The grey men in their grey suits, however, like to project themselves as serious men of substance -- grave, measured and thoughtful. Instead, they show themselves to be lily-livered men, with no stomach for a fight. They are cyphers. They are shadow men. They come from the dark places where no light shines and that is where they belong.
This is what we get when real men like Washington and Lincoln, Roosevelt and Churchill no longer walk the earth. We humans have become a depraved and destitute race, and we have brought our calamities upon ourselves.
5
Even when they recognize the danger which Trump poses, the Republicans in Congress refuse to put country ahead of party. We must look elsewhere for leaders to resist the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.
8
With notable exceptions, such as John McCain, the Republicans are proving to be absolutely spineless and without any moral character----just as they were during the election itself. By not speaking out then and endorsing the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, they are now confronted with the fruits of their own cowardice.
3
America is beginning to resemble the precursor to an insurgency. A weak, corrupt state that represents the rich rather than everyone. Could Russia have planned this more perfectly??
Look at Afghanistan, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria. All of it seems strangely familiar.
Look at Afghanistan, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria. All of it seems strangely familiar.
2
Where is the outraged party of family values, anti-putin and Russia, ethics and the values of Lincoln? You know the party that raged against the Obama white house for signing executive orders which were both imperialistic and illegal? King Obama and who does he think he is breaking the law signing such outrageous executive orders, blah blah, blah. Where is the Republican outrage now? They are cowards, liars, and driven by the chance to do all the damage they can before the gig is up.
4
Paul "Entitlements Funded My Education" Ryan and Forgetful Mitch McConnell will go down as two of the worst Congressional leaders in the history of our country.
They are dangerous extremists and their "governance" will set us back for generations.
Can't wait to educate my grandchildren on the follies of weak men such as these.
They are dangerous extremists and their "governance" will set us back for generations.
Can't wait to educate my grandchildren on the follies of weak men such as these.
4
There are a few minor defections from the fawning but nervous support of President Trump (Graham SC, McCain AZ), but I see that changing sooner rather than later. President Trump is going to tell the GOP, America and The World how things are going to be and defection will start gaining momentum. It will only take a couple more senators calling Trump on just a few of his many excesses. Once that starts happening, President Trump will take to his Twitter shaming, which will create much greater fractures. As President Trump demands 100% fealty and worship, he will become an even greater parody of himself and dissenters will begin to strongly wonder what supporting him will cost in terms of the remaining shreds of their integrity.
The Graham/McCain trickle is a tiny leak in a huge dam. Once the fissures grow, they'll grow fast and Trump will quickly become a political liability for the GOP. Then, the Democrats will become unrelenting in impeachment calls and the GOP will start to face some very difficult decisions.
All this could be avoided, of course, if President Trump demonstrated a modicum of constraint.
The Graham/McCain trickle is a tiny leak in a huge dam. Once the fissures grow, they'll grow fast and Trump will quickly become a political liability for the GOP. Then, the Democrats will become unrelenting in impeachment calls and the GOP will start to face some very difficult decisions.
All this could be avoided, of course, if President Trump demonstrated a modicum of constraint.
trumps approval rating has gone up to 59% What is congresses approval rating?
I don't follow @POTUS thanks for letting us know
2
The pathetic GOP has finally gotten their ultimate tool. He will sign things, say things and you will watch by the sidelines rubbing your hands in glee because you will get your way.
Remember, you own it. You own Trump and you will have no excuses to make before the American people. You can't blame Obama. Your lies and cowardise are your own to defend.
We are watching and taking note. Run from it, deny it but you own it all and ultimately you will be accountable.
How wonderful to never have to put the country first. How lucky to be able to hide from reporters and facts.
The reckoning comes with elections and we will speak and we will remember.
Remember, you own it. You own Trump and you will have no excuses to make before the American people. You can't blame Obama. Your lies and cowardise are your own to defend.
We are watching and taking note. Run from it, deny it but you own it all and ultimately you will be accountable.
How wonderful to never have to put the country first. How lucky to be able to hide from reporters and facts.
The reckoning comes with elections and we will speak and we will remember.
6
When will Republicans show a concern toward the application of laws and policies to all citizens of the United States, regardless of Party, let alone color, gender, country of origin, wallet size (there's that size thing again)?
When will the press, (if not Mr. Chaffetz, Partisan Investigator in Chief)-- make a huge deal about the unsecured smart phone that the President of the United States uses just as did Hillary Clinton, WHO WAS NOT THE PRESIDENT?
But forgive me, perhaps--'If the President does it, it's not a crime" ?
Or maybe, since 1980--if a REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT (or any Republican for that matter) does it, it is definitely not a crime--not worth talking, thinking, or writing about? (?)
When will the press, (if not Mr. Chaffetz, Partisan Investigator in Chief)-- make a huge deal about the unsecured smart phone that the President of the United States uses just as did Hillary Clinton, WHO WAS NOT THE PRESIDENT?
But forgive me, perhaps--'If the President does it, it's not a crime" ?
Or maybe, since 1980--if a REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT (or any Republican for that matter) does it, it is definitely not a crime--not worth talking, thinking, or writing about? (?)
1
Peyton Manning? Peyton, you don't need the money, and any association with these goons can do nothing but diminish your marketability to sponsors looking to hire you. You hang with the GOP, then stuff your chicken parm where the democracy don't shine.
6
The resourceful Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain knows to butter her bread by leaving the United Kingdom and crossing an ocean to visit Republicans for one-stop shopping. Peyton Manning, the retired football star, never had to butter his bread but seeks appearance fees so not to learn.
Coming up with money for a border wall is a good idea which will not be a problem for Congress, where no tax dollar cannot be wasted. Republicans love wasteful taxes if backed by GOP ideology. Call it patriotism in a stadium and say no more.
Congressional leaders know the president’s power to sink fortunes with a Twitter message. Bravery is foreign to Congress, unlike foolishness and regressiveness. Besides, they like Trump who butters their bread. Representative Mark Sanford, Republican of South Carolina, fits the GOP mold and explains it by example. But Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina bizarrely speaks of undermining “faith in our democracy,” a craft perfected over untold decades by his GOP party.
Coming up with money for a border wall is a good idea which will not be a problem for Congress, where no tax dollar cannot be wasted. Republicans love wasteful taxes if backed by GOP ideology. Call it patriotism in a stadium and say no more.
Congressional leaders know the president’s power to sink fortunes with a Twitter message. Bravery is foreign to Congress, unlike foolishness and regressiveness. Besides, they like Trump who butters their bread. Representative Mark Sanford, Republican of South Carolina, fits the GOP mold and explains it by example. But Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina bizarrely speaks of undermining “faith in our democracy,” a craft perfected over untold decades by his GOP party.
1
Now that their agenda is no longer defined by thwarting Obama, these GOP leaders have no idea what to do. They were just as surprised as the rest of us that Trump won. They have no affirmative agenda. After this initial slash and burn period, they will come up short.
2
Heads-up to all who think it important to weigh in on the President's reign, (whoops, I mean administration) so far: If you want to leave a message on the White House Comments line 202-456-1111, good luck. The recording this morning states that the line is closed but that comments *are important to the President.* I phoned my Senators and Representatives to make sure they are aware; apparently the line has been closed for days.
4
Keep it up sycophants. Mid-term elections less than 2 years away.
5
Come on, Congress.
Recognize that Trump is not mentally fit or capable of being the POTUS.
Impeach him now for obvious insanity.
Of course that mean you'll have to deal with Pence.
But at least he's not openly insane.
Recognize that Trump is not mentally fit or capable of being the POTUS.
Impeach him now for obvious insanity.
Of course that mean you'll have to deal with Pence.
But at least he's not openly insane.
3
The one good thing coming out of this whole mess is that we won't have to hear from Republicans about their piety, their "values," or their ever-so-personal relationship with Jesus.
3
Yes, GOP lawmakers: You should "duck & cover" your behinds. You are working for a crazy, pathological liar.
3
"Father, I did not chop down that cherry tree. I really believe I did not chop that tree down, so even though I did, I didn't. Get it Pops?"
3
Cowards. Period.
Time for the collective American public to rise up and cut short the election of the first American dictator before he destroys what little safety and sanity is left in this country.
If the ruling Republicans are cowering and trembling over this clinically unstable man can you imagine what they'll do when the largest crowd in history shows up on the Capital steps and demand that they put the country first and begin impeachment proceedings against him?
This is not bad reality TV . This is real life, with real consequences and so many moving parts globally we don't have time to wait to see if he can transition into something other than who DT has shown the country he clearly is, since he first appeared in NYC decades ago. He's never been anything else.
If it walks like a thug/tryant and talks like a thug/tryant - it's a thug with clinical personality disorders to boot. This is disgusting that we as a country would let such a mentally ill person be our downfall.
There's a huge difference between someone who is a jerk or obnoxious or arrogant or vulgar or amoral and one who is pathologically ill. Trump is the later. Wake up America. Don't be afraid of the truth about what has happened here.
And the Republicans care more about the advancement of the power of their party than the safety and dignity of our country. Time for action by all who really love this country and real democracy.
Time for the collective American public to rise up and cut short the election of the first American dictator before he destroys what little safety and sanity is left in this country.
If the ruling Republicans are cowering and trembling over this clinically unstable man can you imagine what they'll do when the largest crowd in history shows up on the Capital steps and demand that they put the country first and begin impeachment proceedings against him?
This is not bad reality TV . This is real life, with real consequences and so many moving parts globally we don't have time to wait to see if he can transition into something other than who DT has shown the country he clearly is, since he first appeared in NYC decades ago. He's never been anything else.
If it walks like a thug/tryant and talks like a thug/tryant - it's a thug with clinical personality disorders to boot. This is disgusting that we as a country would let such a mentally ill person be our downfall.
There's a huge difference between someone who is a jerk or obnoxious or arrogant or vulgar or amoral and one who is pathologically ill. Trump is the later. Wake up America. Don't be afraid of the truth about what has happened here.
And the Republicans care more about the advancement of the power of their party than the safety and dignity of our country. Time for action by all who really love this country and real democracy.
11
They cower and deny, pretending to be blind. But eyes with unimpaired vision point their finger: the Emperor walks butt-naked.
6
McConnell and Ryan and the rest of their dopey deadbeat colleagues in Congress, folks lacking in integrity that have not done any real work to advance the public/common good for years, will more than likely continue to dodge their responsibilities to the American public.
Those expecting the Republican Congress to deliver us from the evil Trump is inflicting on the nation by his lying and conspiracy theories have not been paying attention to their modus operandi. These guys are deadbeats, folks having no interest in advancing the public good while they continue to receive a generous paycheck and count on taxpayers to fund their rich benefit and pension packages. Politics as usual works for them but not the rest of us. Things are bad, and we can count on them getting worse, assuming there is truth to the saying about past being prologue.
Those expecting the Republican Congress to deliver us from the evil Trump is inflicting on the nation by his lying and conspiracy theories have not been paying attention to their modus operandi. These guys are deadbeats, folks having no interest in advancing the public good while they continue to receive a generous paycheck and count on taxpayers to fund their rich benefit and pension packages. Politics as usual works for them but not the rest of us. Things are bad, and we can count on them getting worse, assuming there is truth to the saying about past being prologue.
6
With his cavalier attitude towards the Constitution, his enormous ego, his total ignorance of how to deal with delicate political issues, and the fact that Congress seems to be unable to stand up against Trump's bulldozers...,
Is it Trump's ultimate goal to try to become a Vladimir Putin and/or Turkey's Erdogan, eliminating any opposition and moving towards ....God forbid: autocracy...
Is it Trump's ultimate goal to try to become a Vladimir Putin and/or Turkey's Erdogan, eliminating any opposition and moving towards ....God forbid: autocracy...
1
The only jobs these 100 senators can create is for Hollywood script-writers who could never have imagined the movie, Three Stooges White House.
2
Thank you NYT, you continue to call a spade a spade: trump is an unmitigated liar. Too bad the GOP still stands in line to kiss his ring.
See Keith Olbermann, A Plea to Trump Fans: This Man is Dangerous
https://youtu.be/1qdRyMgaR2g
Let's hope our lawmakers will wake up soon. Our democracy and the safety of our world are at stake.
See Keith Olbermann, A Plea to Trump Fans: This Man is Dangerous
https://youtu.be/1qdRyMgaR2g
Let's hope our lawmakers will wake up soon. Our democracy and the safety of our world are at stake.
2
trump is a maniac
have a nice day
1
Mark my words, the GOP will use Trump's lie about voter fraud as a pretense for harming voting rights.
3
These scoundrels are all practiced at making Faustian bargains.
Are they really going to behave any differently with the latest most dangerous devil?
Are they really going to behave any differently with the latest most dangerous devil?
1
Trump is such low IQ person it’s unbelievable. He is short-tempered
and an dishonest business man, NEVER HAD EXPIRIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL POLICY.
Ignorance and arrogance have no excuse, but Mr. Trump will find one!
and an dishonest business man, NEVER HAD EXPIRIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL POLICY.
Ignorance and arrogance have no excuse, but Mr. Trump will find one!
2
What a resemblance! Mitch McConnell and Howdy Doody.
Both wooden heads operated by strings.
How does he keep getting re elected?
Gerrymandering?
Now THAT needs to be investigated far more than e-mails.
Both wooden heads operated by strings.
How does he keep getting re elected?
Gerrymandering?
Now THAT needs to be investigated far more than e-mails.
3
Not gerrymandering, Kentucky-meandering.
Gerrymandering of congressional districts does not benefit US senators who are elected in statewide contests.
Gerrymandering of congressional districts does not benefit US senators who are elected in statewide contests.
1
ok..but I always like to preface that I'm merely an old retired autoworker who's basically seen more yesterdays that I'll see tomorrows;. But in my overview of this Predator in Chief, he reminds me of the old street thugs I knew while growing up in the city. They (the thugs) were clearly amoral characters with the inability to define anything but carried on in a fashion until they were arrested, charged, sentenced and eventually served their time before reality hit them. DJT is merely a tester of things. And then when he does the apologetic thing, he'll give you the impression that he really didn't begin the foolishness parenthetically his "birther movement" but he'll be apologetic nevertheless. You can see through Trump like a shower curtain at the Mustang Ranch.
5
Democrats should be galvanized. Democrats should be organizing. We should be phoning our representatives ( not emailing or signing petitions) to tell them that unless they show some spine they can expect grass roots opposition. Shameful how many Dems voted for Pompeo. And Dems before you ask for money you need to have an analysis of what went wrong and what to do about it.
3
There's a sale on backbones today. GOP politicians, I suggest you all purchase one so you can stand up to the Trumpster.
3
"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." Abraham Lincoln
7
Thus should be a headline in tomorrow's paper, all in Capitol letters and bold writing.
Can we impeach him yet?
3
Yes, with the help of a relentless media and demonstrating , vigilant public. Basis to impeach: his refusal to comply with basic principles of transparency of his taxes, divesting himself completely of the swamp of his investments and that he has mental pathology that would qualify him as a sociopath i.e devoid of real empathy or conscience and therefore, the greatest threat to our national security.
1
These continuos trump antics, accusations, outbursts and fits of pique coupled with an obsessive compulsion to control evey aspect of the entire dialogue with flying fantasies belies a fatal discord within the republican party, though they deflect and obfuscate with embarrassing contortions. How long can this endure at the current level of intensity.
AS I expected, the GOP has assumed the role of the subjugates while Trump bullies them. This situation is frightening. Who, if Congress is not, is standing between Trump's Autocracy and our Government's sense of right and wrong?
4
This will sound very melodramatic, but if the Republicans in Congress don't stand up for some sort of sanity, our country, and by implication, the entire world, is at risk. As a liberal, I am dismayed at the right-wing agenda, and what it will do to policies and laws such as the affordable health care act, immigration, gay marriage, freedom of choice and other rights that have been put into place by Democrats AND Republican leaders. But the reality is that that's politics. We don't all get what we want! Concerned politicians, business leaders, and citizens have the right and the responsibility to stand up and fight for our beliefs within the structure of a democratic society.
What is truly alarming is our new president's blatant lies, narcissism, constant need to have his ego gratified, thin skin, insistence on holding grudges, lack of intellectual curiosity, and propensity to make it all personal and fly off the handle at any perceived "insult". These are the hallmarks of someone who is mentally unstable, and a would-be despot. And if his aides, his family, his cronies, his cabinet, and the Republican congress are all too cowardly to rein him in, or persist in the delusion that he'll change - the consequences could be dire.
Aren't their constitutional and practical guidelines to remove a president when he is no longer physically or mentally capable of doing the job, even if he thinks he is? What will it take? How much worse will it get?
What is truly alarming is our new president's blatant lies, narcissism, constant need to have his ego gratified, thin skin, insistence on holding grudges, lack of intellectual curiosity, and propensity to make it all personal and fly off the handle at any perceived "insult". These are the hallmarks of someone who is mentally unstable, and a would-be despot. And if his aides, his family, his cronies, his cabinet, and the Republican congress are all too cowardly to rein him in, or persist in the delusion that he'll change - the consequences could be dire.
Aren't their constitutional and practical guidelines to remove a president when he is no longer physically or mentally capable of doing the job, even if he thinks he is? What will it take? How much worse will it get?
6
Yes! This (among other things like concentrating on the really big stuff) is what journalists should be doing. Keep embarrassing these feckless stooges until they cry "uncle." It will take a while but stick to the task!
You have this subscriber's full support!
You have this subscriber's full support!
3
And when they came for the communist I never spoke up, because I was not a communist.........
4
The Republicans believe that global warming is not due to human actions and so there is nothing that people can do to control it. They believe that markets can more efficiently and at least cost resolve all the problems of mankind while efforts by the most thoughtful and careful people who are motivated by doing good rather than conducting war are all futile. They believe that the unemployed are unemployed because they refuse to find work and that sharing the costs of health care, education, and social supports deprive the country of wealth and prosperity rather than contributing to those things. They have forgotten what led to World War I and II, and think that the U.S. can operate without allowing for the interests of other countries and remain at peace and free to do business across the world freely. In other words, they refuse to respect the facts that are there for all to see when they do not comfort their prejudices, and have lost the ability to govern pragmatically. Trump can be manipulated to give them everything that they want and they are swiftly learning how to keep his support.
1
The GOP ultimately will no doubt take the big hit from the Trump behavior.
3
If these people really thought that they could control and rein in this insane dictator, they are as delusional as he is. Those who keep trying to hold him up no matter what he says are spineless and dishonorable.
8
It is a remarkable day when, among Republicans in Congress, Representative Mark Sanford (R-SC) stands out as a voice of (partial) sanity in calling out Trump. His example doubly underlines the moral cowardice and opportunism of most of Sanford's GOP colleagues. It is up to them to uphold their party's principles (such as they are) and to put a brake on this dangerous demagogue who, in the course of three days has, among other things, ceded economic primacy to China in the Pacific (by torpedoing the Pacific Trade pact) and produced the worst crisis in our relations with Mexico (a partner in trade, immigration control, and narcotics suppression) in nearly 100 years. When are the adults in the Republican Party going to stand up? Or do they even exist anymore?
7
A Trump-ordered investigation is going to find millions of irregularities in the states' voter rolls: people registered in two states, people registered at two addresses or with two different spellings of their names, and people who have died. And with those findings of irregular REGISTRATIONS, and absent any evidence of actual fraudulent ballots, he will declare vindication of his claim that millions of fraudulent ballots cost him the popular vote.
2
Please tell me they are not surprised.
I agree completely with this article, but it may be missing the bigger picture. Whenever you see a big media circus like the patently false claims about inauguration crowd size, realize that it may be a diversion. Somewhere behind the scenes, something is going on that Trump doesn't want to draw attention to.
Like a clown drawing all the attention at the circus. You don't notice until later that your wallet is missing.
Like a clown drawing all the attention at the circus. You don't notice until later that your wallet is missing.
3
"Patently false claims about inauguration crowd size" ???....
You mean something like the 3 MILLION "illegal" votes?
It's too late for you.
You mean something like the 3 MILLION "illegal" votes?
It's too late for you.
1
Is a sitting US Federal Judge as an officer of the court not legally obligated to report felonious incriminating information know by them about any citizen regardless of affinity.
1
You do remember who's in control of the Supreme Court, don't you?
If misinformation continuously is given out b y the White House, unfortunately people will start believing it.
That is why George Orwell's 1984 has become popular again.
I am very worried as to what may happen!!!
That is why George Orwell's 1984 has become popular again.
I am very worried as to what may happen!!!
6
WE have a precedent in US history, McCarthy.
McCarthy used the same tactics of intimidation, lies and use of headlines to terrorize Americans. It took 4 years for the Senate to finally put and end to it.
Don't expect much from congress.
McCarthy used the same tactics of intimidation, lies and use of headlines to terrorize Americans. It took 4 years for the Senate to finally put and end to it.
Don't expect much from congress.
5
just from his words and actions of the last few days, all of Congress/Senate should be asking themselves - how do we deal with this clearly mentally unwell person.
At some point these people will have to grow spines and do their jobs - representing the PEOPLE, whose lives, along with those in other countries, are jeopardized by the instability, vindictiveness and randomness from which this "president" is operating. Pence is no prize, but he meets the very low bar of at least being sane.
At some point these people will have to grow spines and do their jobs - representing the PEOPLE, whose lives, along with those in other countries, are jeopardized by the instability, vindictiveness and randomness from which this "president" is operating. Pence is no prize, but he meets the very low bar of at least being sane.
2
Not directly on topic but: if Trump is disputing the election results when he won, what do Republicans think he's going to do if he loses? The denial of reality, the willingness to search for an anecdotal needle in a haystack ("Bernhard Langer told me that someone who looked hispanic voted.") as a basis for a "major investigation" all suggest that Trump will NOT accept the concept of an election loss. He can't accept the concept of an election win! So what is going to happen to the US if he loses in 4 years? This guy is in charge of the military. Denying reality, believing what you say is truth only because you said it is crazy for normal people, but when you are president it is toxic for democracy and it could lead to real damage and even bloodshed.
3
Dissent in Congress or elsewhere in government with Trump policies is unacceptable to our Commandant in Chief. It is political suicide for sure. None dare disagree except Putin. And his silence so far shows where he stands with Trump policy.
2
The GOP lawmakers have no spine. They are worried about their jobs and golden health benefits. There's a word for what they are, starts with a 'w' and ends with an 'e', especially Paul Ryan. It's so predictable and disgusting. I just hope we don't get obliterated in a nuclear war that I think our new president could start any minute now. And the bliiionaires that have stockpiled water and weapons in underground bunkers, don't you know it will take longer than their lifetimes to be able to rehabitate the planet? Why on earth do they want to be here living in their shelters when their friends and families are obliterated. Ugh.
3
Isn't it time to leave Mark Sanford's history in the past? Why is it in a New York Times story this late in the day?
3
Trump's insulated by the 200+ Republican Reps who are each afraid to be singled out by him on Twitter. I'm writing out the 23 Republican Reps from districts that Clinton won. I'm leaving out NC, which will be re-districted, but will note here the 3 NC Republican reps in the carved up Charlotte area because 2-3 of them will have to compete against one another next year after the redistricting: Holding (02), Rouzer (07), and Hudson (N08).
Please call any of them out if they're yours to remind them that they need you to vote for them next year.
CA: Denham (10: east of San Jose), Valadao (21: central CA), Knight (25: northeast LA), Royce (39: Fullerton), Walters (45: east Orange County), Rohrabacher (48: west Orange County), Issa (49: San Diego to Orange County).
PA: Costello & Meehan (06 and 07: northwest and west of Philly). 07 is an absurd that might win most obviously gerrymandered.
VA: Comstock (VA-10: just west of DC).
FL: Curbelo (26) and Ros-Lehtinen (27) and southeast Miami and of it.
TX:
Culberson (07: west Houston suburbs), Hurd (23: southwest Texas), Sessions (32: north/ northeast Dallas/ surburbs).
IL: Roskam (06: west Chicago suburbs); AZ: McSally (02: Tuscon); KS: Yoder (03: KC and south); Minnesota: Paulsen (03: west Minny suburbs), NJ: Lance (07: Flemington/ Westfield), NY: Katko (NY-24: Syracuse and west).
WA: Reichert (08: east of Seattle), CO: Coffman (06: east Denver -- this is the guy who slipped out of his office a couple weeks ago).
Please call any of them out if they're yours to remind them that they need you to vote for them next year.
CA: Denham (10: east of San Jose), Valadao (21: central CA), Knight (25: northeast LA), Royce (39: Fullerton), Walters (45: east Orange County), Rohrabacher (48: west Orange County), Issa (49: San Diego to Orange County).
PA: Costello & Meehan (06 and 07: northwest and west of Philly). 07 is an absurd that might win most obviously gerrymandered.
VA: Comstock (VA-10: just west of DC).
FL: Curbelo (26) and Ros-Lehtinen (27) and southeast Miami and of it.
TX:
Culberson (07: west Houston suburbs), Hurd (23: southwest Texas), Sessions (32: north/ northeast Dallas/ surburbs).
IL: Roskam (06: west Chicago suburbs); AZ: McSally (02: Tuscon); KS: Yoder (03: KC and south); Minnesota: Paulsen (03: west Minny suburbs), NJ: Lance (07: Flemington/ Westfield), NY: Katko (NY-24: Syracuse and west).
WA: Reichert (08: east of Seattle), CO: Coffman (06: east Denver -- this is the guy who slipped out of his office a couple weeks ago).
4
Four years is a long time to duck & cover. McConnell & Ryan need to step up & control their monster.
8
Does anyone know if it is legally possible for the people to call for a new election ASAP for president and congress? Is there something in the constitution that allows for this? Is there a certain number of signatures required? Can we take it to the Supreme Court?
3
Maybe, just maybe, the people who have supported these cowards will start to realize all the damage they are doing to our country. They did everything they could to obstruct President Obama. They are puppets of the corporations/one percent. These choose power over country. They are willing to put up with a mentally unstable ego maniac rather than relinquish any power - and on and on.
3
Scottish poet Robert Burns said it best -- "Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!"
3
Guess it's time for the Republicans to grow up and learn how to take care of themselves. It's not a bad thing, really, they've just never had to do it before.
2
Is there any principal or position the GOP won't sacrifice for power?
6
You have to have principles in order to sacrifice them. These are souless careerists who care only for themselves.
2
Nope, these people would sacrifice their own children for power.
2
Funny how the Republicans were all over Obama policy and it made headlines everyday. One even called him a "liar" and is strangely silent now. I don't seem to hear much from the Democratic Peanut Gallery Politicians lately. Or is the press not reporting their "Nays" just as those dissenting in the Repubes are oddly silent.
4
When is the Religious Right going to stand up for its values and against Trump? With every passing day, and there haven’t been that many, the Republican Party gets becomes less ethical and moral and possibly legal assisting the Trump Administration. There will be a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering before these hypocrites meet their maker and by then it will be too late.
5
Up until now the G.O.P. has shown itself to be nothing more than a group of ideological idiots in lock-step, content to do nothing.
There is no reason to think that's going to change in the foreseeable future.
Not when you have Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Committee comfortably ensconced inside the White House, ready at Trump's beck and call -- and the rest of the Congress cronies too worried about their own seats to dare speak out otherwise.
If anything, it's a perfect fait accompli for the G.O.P., which continues to hold its own self-interest above that of the Nation's.
There is no reason to think that's going to change in the foreseeable future.
Not when you have Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Committee comfortably ensconced inside the White House, ready at Trump's beck and call -- and the rest of the Congress cronies too worried about their own seats to dare speak out otherwise.
If anything, it's a perfect fait accompli for the G.O.P., which continues to hold its own self-interest above that of the Nation's.
4
I cannot way til they go against him. He will become a Democrat and demonize all of them and say how they are all fake. It's coming
1
There was voter fraud. The FBI's weird, unnecessary and calculated announcement 11 days before the election. The Russian hack. And, I wouldn't be surprised if some of trump's ardent supporters engaged in some fraud.
The "investigation" needs to be expanded to these issues to determine if, indeed, trump is a legitimate elected president.
The "investigation" needs to be expanded to these issues to determine if, indeed, trump is a legitimate elected president.
2
Anne Coulter was registered in two states (NY and Conn.) in 20012 and admitted it when she was found out. She committed voter fraud! Lock her up!
"So far, dissent has been limited, and almost always cautious."
And always will be.
The GOP is in Trump's back pocket.
And always will be.
The GOP is in Trump's back pocket.
2
I would like to see a photo of Thom Tillis' puppy, please.
2
These guys used switchblades on President Obama, most notably when it came to his attempting to fill the empty seat on the Supreme Court [they successfully stalled until Obama's term ran out]. They're gonna get theirs. If not right out of the gate, certainly when the next Congressional elections are held. Trumps doing the Democrats the greatest favor he could: by letting Trump tear off the smiley face that has disgraced their party for eight years.
Racist.
Duplicitous.
Disingenuous.
Which is another way of saying bigoted liars. You know where my vote's goin'.
Racist.
Duplicitous.
Disingenuous.
Which is another way of saying bigoted liars. You know where my vote's goin'.
2
As always with the GOP, party first, country, well ... not even second. I would say football second, NASCAR third, country maybe fourth. Non-republican Americans? As if they merit even a smirk.
2
My concern -- given the willingness of the bulk of Trump supporters to laps up his "alternate facts" -- is that they don't have any particular problem with the idea of America as a police-state, just so long as it is the "right" kind of police-state.
Unlikely? Well consider this. The American south was effectively a police-state for 100 years after it "lost" the Civil War. And most "real" Americans at the time -- the sort who now form the core of Donald Trump's support -- seem to have been perfectly content with that situation.
Unlikely? Well consider this. The American south was effectively a police-state for 100 years after it "lost" the Civil War. And most "real" Americans at the time -- the sort who now form the core of Donald Trump's support -- seem to have been perfectly content with that situation.
2
It is high time that the media put the squeeze on Republicans in Congress, and not allow them to talk their way through interviews with non- or evasive answers about where they stand regarding Trump and his proposals. Trump doesn't really care what people think, but politicians who need to run for re-election do. Look how long it took the NY Times to finally decide to use the word "lie" about Trump's statements. The time for timid questioning of people like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell is long past; it's time to put their feet to the fire.
1
One should consider that the Republicans in Congress are not fixated upon the arts of elections and of showmanship like Trump but they are determined to act according to their preferences regardless of what reality presents to them. They insist that human activities cannot possibly contribute to climate change, that the wealthy investors and corporations are the sole drivers of all economic growth and that workers compensation and safety as well as programs which help people live better are all superfluous externalities which waste the country's means to prosper, and the only way to achieve peace in the world is to exterminate all enemies without mercy. It's a collection of people who are inclined to destroy our modern world and to let it return to a time when big wars between states was the norm.
1
The GOP in Congress needs to get through its duck-and-cover phase really fast because they have critical work to do in evaluating Mr. Trump's fitness for office.
2
Cowards, cowards, every last one of them. Trump will turn on them whether they lay low or not. They want their agenda passed but they'll get more than they bargained for when it does. It's all so tragic for our country.
4
The Republicans will put up with anything as long as they get their JUSTICE.
1
Congress must face the fact that Trump is dangerous and unable to preform the duties of his office. One duty is foreign affairs. Attacking our allies, like Mexico and many Muslim countries, repudiating our critical alliances, such as NATO and our alliances with Japan and South Korea, and advocating nuclear proliferation, is evidence of inability to preform his duties.
Another duty is law enforcement. Advocating the theft of oil fields in the Middle East, advocating crimes against humanity, such as torture, and advocating indefinite detention without trial and without due process of law, is evidence of inability to preform the law enforcement duty.
Corruption, self-dealing, using the office to expand a private business, profiting from conflicts of interest, receiving money from foreign governments for personal gain, are all violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution.
At some point Congress must remove or impeach Trump. His words must be taken seriously. When he speaks about delusional falsehoods, Congress must listen and prepare for a Pence presidency.
Another duty is law enforcement. Advocating the theft of oil fields in the Middle East, advocating crimes against humanity, such as torture, and advocating indefinite detention without trial and without due process of law, is evidence of inability to preform the law enforcement duty.
Corruption, self-dealing, using the office to expand a private business, profiting from conflicts of interest, receiving money from foreign governments for personal gain, are all violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution.
At some point Congress must remove or impeach Trump. His words must be taken seriously. When he speaks about delusional falsehoods, Congress must listen and prepare for a Pence presidency.
1
They are such cowards, such soulless hypocrites. Ryan, McConnell and most of the rest of the Republicans are groveling, genuflecting and rubbing their nose into the derriere of the naked emperor. All telling him what a beautiful new suit he's wearing. Somebody within the Republican hierarchy needs to break ranks and start holding Trump accountable before something truly awful happens.
2
"He will continue to give voice to conspiracy theories and peddle misinformation."
I am no Journalist and no English major in my college years but I believe the correct way in plain English that everyone understand is:
He will continue to give voice to conspiracy theories and peddle LIES.
I am no Journalist and no English major in my college years but I believe the correct way in plain English that everyone understand is:
He will continue to give voice to conspiracy theories and peddle LIES.
2
The GOP has consistently been about maintaining their power above the issues that are important to the American people. Issues like health care, guns, voting rights, women's rights, etc. even though supported by a majority of Americans get no play by these guys.
There are NO profiles in courage in this group and to hope for something better would be a pipe dream. Their first concern is their own survival plus complete party unity.
We are dealing with a European style ideological party and if the Dems are intent on taking back control, they will have to be as single minded as well. You don't come to a gunfight with a baguette, brie and a chardonnay.
There are NO profiles in courage in this group and to hope for something better would be a pipe dream. Their first concern is their own survival plus complete party unity.
We are dealing with a European style ideological party and if the Dems are intent on taking back control, they will have to be as single minded as well. You don't come to a gunfight with a baguette, brie and a chardonnay.
2
"Duck for cover" ?
The majority have been hiding or sneaking around under cover since Trump came on the scene.
No self-respect.
The majority have been hiding or sneaking around under cover since Trump came on the scene.
No self-respect.
3
Just once, it would be nice to see the so-called representatives of the people" truly be so or at least make the effort.
1
The Trump Administration is still in a larval state. But it will shortly devour the Supreme Court; and without that check on its growth the remainder of the body, the legislature, will succumb. The only resisting power left will be that of the people to vote. Trump is already attacking that power as fraudulent, and radical right-wing lawmakers will accordingly limit it, as they have always done--and this time there will be nobody to prevent it. or to limit anything else. Already legislatures are emboldened to savagery, exempting drivers who injure protest marchers from civil or criminal liability. Trump himself encourages savagery, extolling torture. The whole world is watching.
3
It is time to arrive at the offices of our cowardly elected officials on both sides of the aisle, in both houses with pitchforks, torch fires, and our collective rage. Stand up and stop this mad destruction of our country and its basic laws, values, and principles. Stand up, now.
2
Trumpty Dumpty sat on his wall
Claiming that Mexico’d pay for it all.
And all the clowns’ spokesmen and all of their ken
Touted this nonsense time and again.
Claiming that Mexico’d pay for it all.
And all the clowns’ spokesmen and all of their ken
Touted this nonsense time and again.
13
Brilliant.
1
Power-hungry cowards -- just like the candidate they supported. Shame on you!
6
Remember in Animal Farm, how Squealer (Conway) used the Sheep (Congressional Republicans) to support Napoleon (Trump)?
4
For the Republicans, Trump is a useful idiot, providing a convenient distraction while Mike Pence and his Koch-approved cabinet go about slashing and burning the New Deal behind the scenes.
7
“The president can sign whatever executive orders he likes,” said Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, who was tortured as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. “But the law is the law. We are not bringing back torture in the United States of America.”
Well I'm glad SOMEONE said it. This is not a situation where reasonable people can agree to disagree, but we're all good people trying to do our best. It's not a situation where we merely disagree about "tone" or "P.C. language." Often, both the delivery AND substantive content of Trump's policy goals are terrible. The GOP and Trump supporters in general often pride themselves on cutting to the chase; rejecting tact and courtesy in order to "call a spade a spade." It would be easier to give a grudging nod of respect to that point of view if so many would stop trying to make Trump out to be some greatly persecuted teller-of-truths. I've been to Middle America and there's something about the manifest decency of the area that convinces me that, this past election notwithstanding, they themselves are reasonable, honest people. Yet Trump is the quintessential New York hustler and blue collar workers aren't stupid. For them to have turned to Trump as their champion is not so much an indication of their faith in his him as it is an act of utter desperation. For my part, I'm willing to admit that I did not fully understand just how bad things must be in their lives for them to deliver us all into Trump's hands.
Well I'm glad SOMEONE said it. This is not a situation where reasonable people can agree to disagree, but we're all good people trying to do our best. It's not a situation where we merely disagree about "tone" or "P.C. language." Often, both the delivery AND substantive content of Trump's policy goals are terrible. The GOP and Trump supporters in general often pride themselves on cutting to the chase; rejecting tact and courtesy in order to "call a spade a spade." It would be easier to give a grudging nod of respect to that point of view if so many would stop trying to make Trump out to be some greatly persecuted teller-of-truths. I've been to Middle America and there's something about the manifest decency of the area that convinces me that, this past election notwithstanding, they themselves are reasonable, honest people. Yet Trump is the quintessential New York hustler and blue collar workers aren't stupid. For them to have turned to Trump as their champion is not so much an indication of their faith in his him as it is an act of utter desperation. For my part, I'm willing to admit that I did not fully understand just how bad things must be in their lives for them to deliver us all into Trump's hands.
3
Mother-ship USA has taken a fatal blow and is slowly sinking after hitting an iceberg named Trump. McConnell, Ryan and are playing stringed instruments on the deck.
7
In my opinion, the behavior of the Liar in Chief of the United States only faintly strains the credibility of the Country Club wing of the Republicans and their leadership, as he is "One of Them" ... "The Others" ... like the Tea Party. LiCOTUS' bizarre world view and dangerous agenda seems to be very well aligned with that of The Others, who are the majority of the Republican Party which delivered his nomination and his election. The real story here is the threat that the Republican majority poses to its own Congressional leadership. The Republican Party has, since the Nixon Administration, sown the Wind of racism, paranoia and, since the Reagan Administration, theocratic nationalism; now they reap the Whirlwind. The Republican leadership can more or less contain the threat to their power within the DC beltway; witness their successful suppression of the Tea Party in Congress. Unfortunately, for the Republican leadership, Washington D.C. is a relatively few square miles surrounded by an awful reality, and now the duly elected leader of The Others is squarely, and powerfully, in their midst.
3
Weaklings. Cowards. Failures. This is the republican establishment. These guys (and yes they are "guys") are slithering fools lacking the fortitude to do what's right after doing so much wrong during the Obama years. They are confused and misguided and they, like their resident-in-chief leader, are liars, every single one of them.
4
We have a Republican tyranny, where the minority is bullying the majority. Due to the Electoral College's antiquated mechanisms, and illegal gerrymandering, the Republicans who have recieved less votes than Democrats in BOTH presidential and congressional elections are in control.
This is minority rule run amok.
This is minority rule run amok.
6
Don't forget Koch Bros. money. They declared their goal for the last election to be concentrating on local races. They have slowly and methodically turned traditionally progressive and liberal states into conservative ones.
"Coming up with a plan to pay for the border wall" means that Trump will stiff his people again. Us.
6
Donald Trump is the perfect Republican.
After all, he embodies all of the positions and opinions the Republican party has been advocating for decades now:
He is selfish, and cares only about the well-being of the wealthy.
He's a full-blown misogynist.
He uses bigotry and racism for political means.
He embraces homophobia.
He denies scientific facts, calling them "a hoax".
He spouts lies about "voter fraud", lies which can be used to further disenfranchise voters (especially people of color).
He sees every aspect of public policy as an opportunity for a business deal.
He's belligerent to our allies and other nations throughout the world.
He's jingoistic and flirts with violent solutions, even torture.
Republicans - why do you duck and cover? Isn't this what you've always wanted? In Trump, Republicans have the apotheosis of every cultural, diplomatic, and economic belief they've pushed since Reagan.
Trump really is the perfect Republican.
After all, he embodies all of the positions and opinions the Republican party has been advocating for decades now:
He is selfish, and cares only about the well-being of the wealthy.
He's a full-blown misogynist.
He uses bigotry and racism for political means.
He embraces homophobia.
He denies scientific facts, calling them "a hoax".
He spouts lies about "voter fraud", lies which can be used to further disenfranchise voters (especially people of color).
He sees every aspect of public policy as an opportunity for a business deal.
He's belligerent to our allies and other nations throughout the world.
He's jingoistic and flirts with violent solutions, even torture.
Republicans - why do you duck and cover? Isn't this what you've always wanted? In Trump, Republicans have the apotheosis of every cultural, diplomatic, and economic belief they've pushed since Reagan.
Trump really is the perfect Republican.
11
Republican lawmakers are revealing themselves as the craven sycophants they are. Many of these people opposed Trump during the campaign because they understood that he is a dangerous sociopath. But now, it's party above country. Shame on them.
11
Weak henchmen and lemmings. The types who answer 'Democrats!' when Trump asks what is wrong is Chicago? Gold stars for the lackeys until they see the boat sinking then run for the exits, then deny they were ever on it at all.
4
Let's not forget to mention that Republicans have used voter fraud as the excuse for passing voter ID laws — their way of reducing votes in predominantly Democratic precincts. Are they going to criticize President Trump for bringing up voter fraud? Of course not.
5
One thing we can console ourselves with, when this is all over and the country starts to rise from the ashes of Donald Trump's conflagration, everyone will know it was the Republican Party who enabled him. They will have nowhere to hide.
6
COWARDS! If you cannot answer these questions then don't think it is acceptable for you to tell any person, anywhere what rights they are 'entitled' to.
One term in Congress earns you a lifetime pension and benefits. Entitlement indeed!
One term in Congress earns you a lifetime pension and benefits. Entitlement indeed!
5
Those opposed to eliminating the electoral college, tweet your hands.
2
Marco El proxeneta Rubio and company. They will fall in line because they don't want a twitter war. They think people will forget by 2018. After all, they have alternative facts!
3
i wonder what it will take for these elected officials to open their eyes and then their mouths and then refuse to play along.
for me the scariest thing on inauguration weekend was richard spencer getting cold cocked - a la the team trump playbook - contrasted with the peaceful protest of women's march. there has always been the presence of a potential violent left to respond to the freely violent right.
too much of this will not go unanswered forever. people will lose faith in the rules, written and unwritten, that protect us all.
odd that Mark Sanford needs to tell us "you can move from real to bizarre if you don’t watch out".
yet no one appears to be watching out.
instead they FALSELY "give" him "the benefit of the doubt".
i fear the center will not hold.
certainly not when a minority government professes and maintains majority control. there is no mandate here.
how quickly ballgowns can become shaved heads is historical fact, not alternative fact.
for me the scariest thing on inauguration weekend was richard spencer getting cold cocked - a la the team trump playbook - contrasted with the peaceful protest of women's march. there has always been the presence of a potential violent left to respond to the freely violent right.
too much of this will not go unanswered forever. people will lose faith in the rules, written and unwritten, that protect us all.
odd that Mark Sanford needs to tell us "you can move from real to bizarre if you don’t watch out".
yet no one appears to be watching out.
instead they FALSELY "give" him "the benefit of the doubt".
i fear the center will not hold.
certainly not when a minority government professes and maintains majority control. there is no mandate here.
how quickly ballgowns can become shaved heads is historical fact, not alternative fact.
This is what happens when you pander to such an extreme base. You're stuck with them, and him.
If only the GOP was less involved with absolute power and could actually soften their hearts and do some some actual conservative good. The Supreme Court nominee blocking will never be forgiven by me.
If only the GOP was less involved with absolute power and could actually soften their hearts and do some some actual conservative good. The Supreme Court nominee blocking will never be forgiven by me.
3
The Republicans will be known as collaborators.
11
A special note to the GOP:
I paraphrase you this caution, “you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time”.
As you know many of us see Trump with our own eyes, we hear Trump with our own ears. You may want to remember that many of us, both Democrats and Republicans, can actually tell the difference between truth and lies no matter how wildly Ms. Kelly Ann Conway tries to spin us into of her crazy alternate universe of “alternate facts”. Even though Mr. Trump wants to convince us that millions of us are illegal immigrants voters, we are not. And we do and will vote.
If, after your first 200 hundred days, you continue to coddle and pander to Mr. Trump as if he is, underneath all his nonsensical petulance, actually a rational person, it will be on all of you.
I paraphrase you this caution, “you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time”.
As you know many of us see Trump with our own eyes, we hear Trump with our own ears. You may want to remember that many of us, both Democrats and Republicans, can actually tell the difference between truth and lies no matter how wildly Ms. Kelly Ann Conway tries to spin us into of her crazy alternate universe of “alternate facts”. Even though Mr. Trump wants to convince us that millions of us are illegal immigrants voters, we are not. And we do and will vote.
If, after your first 200 hundred days, you continue to coddle and pander to Mr. Trump as if he is, underneath all his nonsensical petulance, actually a rational person, it will be on all of you.
6
Well, so much for the shredded, spineless GOP brand. A brand which stands for anything-goes, anything said, partisan politics. Will any Republican stand up to the loose canon in the White House? 2018 will not come around soon enough to make things right for America, by America.
6
The G.O.P. lawmakers are not exactly Profiles in Courage, are they?
7
Q.Why are 3rd world countries so poor? A. Because the leaders are so bad.
2
Ok I will give the guy with the puppy a pass. The rest of the GOP is useless. They will go to any means necessary to stay in power and that means not upsetting the POTUS. The only downside to their acquiesce is loss of a spine.
Ryan's goal, as has been the GOP's since FDR, is to eliminate Social Security. Since LBJ, it's been to eliminate Medicare. It's in "defense of freedom and liberty" that they want us to starve and be sick, rather than to drink of that poisonous "European Socialism."
Ryan and his Aynn Rand accolytes are salivating at "setting us free" from the security of a social safety net. Do Trump's low-information voters even know that this is the GOP's mission from God?
Ryan and his Aynn Rand accolytes are salivating at "setting us free" from the security of a social safety net. Do Trump's low-information voters even know that this is the GOP's mission from God?
6
McConnell and Ryan should be in special places - one on Devil's Island, and the other on Robbin Island.
2
...or the Island of Dr. Moreau....
2
These are dishonorable oath-breakers. Why expect anything from them?
Power, perks and privileges. That's what they live for. What they crave. They will do ANYTHING they think will help them stay in power.
Power, perks and privileges. That's what they live for. What they crave. They will do ANYTHING they think will help them stay in power.
5
Cowards interested only in their own welfare; a political party made for a demagogue like Trump.
4
Having friends who voted for Trump say that we shouldn't worry, we'll see how good he is like seeing a man drowning and saying that it's o.k-humans can float. Our new president is perilous for all of us and does not deserve any apologies or passes. The problem is that we do not know what to do about it.
4
Trumps speech in Philly only shows that he and McConnell, Ryan, Priebus are low IQ people. McConnell is such a hypocrite as are the 'family values; people! Trumps hate, ignorance, lack of knowledge of the Constitution, and intolerance toward people not of his small mindedness, shows he is fit to be president, nor are Pence or Ryan!
6
Trump is used to having his problems litigated where can use loop holes and legalese to escape problems. Now he is causing an imbalance in the safety of our country by playing power "games" with Mexico. It has been projected that Mexico will deepen its partnership with China. Out southern boarder will become a boarder we will truly have do defend then and it will not be just from illegal aliens, it will be from enemy aliens.
4
Town Halls baby. Town Halls.
Need to go all Tea Party on them to get any pivot.
Need to go all Tea Party on them to get any pivot.
5
To: John McCain...I know you are not a coward, senator. Our country needs you to impeach Donald J. Trump.
We all respect your service to our country. No one else has the stuff it takes to do this. The millions of Americans and other supporters who marched on January 21st will stand with you.
IMPEACH DONALD J. TRUMP
We all respect your service to our country. No one else has the stuff it takes to do this. The millions of Americans and other supporters who marched on January 21st will stand with you.
IMPEACH DONALD J. TRUMP
5
It's time for congress to recognize that President Trump is toxic to the republic, to our union and he's deadly to their political careers, if he gets even tacit support. He needs to be excised like the infection he is. Holding a consensus that keeps him in office will become impossible. I promise that I will continue to stand up and protest his every deed, and I am far from alone. Congress is getting hosed by a mobster-wannabe mentored by mafia attorney Roy Cohn. I beginning to miss guys like Jack Abramoff . . .
2
The Republicans are such terrible cowards. Our country is going to be destroyed by this greedy narcissist who is becoming crazier by the hour,and not one of them will step up to save us.
12
Duck and Cover?? How about this, STOP HIM NOW!
6
I am very heartened to see the increasing political activism of American people. One of my favorite signs at the women's march was " Democracy is not a spectator sport" I am also calling and emailing the Prime Minister of Canada about his failure to support Mexico as a NAFTA partner. Since the wall makes no economic sense, it can only be viewed as an act of racism. Keep calling your congressman and senator. When their re-election is in jeopardy, maybe then they will throw Trump under the bus.
6
The Republican leadership shares the blame for Trump's election.
And they continue on the path of moral bankruptcy, failing utterly to put the good of our nation before their personal interests and party propaganda.
Can no one just stand up and say, "this is wrong?" It's wrong to approve at least 50 percent of these Cabinet nominee--they're dangerous. It's wrong to put the lives of women all over the world in jeopardy. It's wrong to jeopardize and to challenge legally established, fundamental civil rights.
It's wrong to fail demand financial transparency from the nation's president. It's wrong that the president of the United States stands perilously close (if not immersed) in Constitutional violations.
It's wrong to lie.
And so on. And so on.
Could just a few good Republicans in Congress and the Senate just put down their collective feet, hard, and stop this madness that they know to be wrong?
It's wrong to fail to stand up and say, "This is wrong. It violates my oath of office. It violates my sense of decency and morality. It violates the fundamental values of my country, and I will no longer support this insanity."
And they continue on the path of moral bankruptcy, failing utterly to put the good of our nation before their personal interests and party propaganda.
Can no one just stand up and say, "this is wrong?" It's wrong to approve at least 50 percent of these Cabinet nominee--they're dangerous. It's wrong to put the lives of women all over the world in jeopardy. It's wrong to jeopardize and to challenge legally established, fundamental civil rights.
It's wrong to fail demand financial transparency from the nation's president. It's wrong that the president of the United States stands perilously close (if not immersed) in Constitutional violations.
It's wrong to lie.
And so on. And so on.
Could just a few good Republicans in Congress and the Senate just put down their collective feet, hard, and stop this madness that they know to be wrong?
It's wrong to fail to stand up and say, "This is wrong. It violates my oath of office. It violates my sense of decency and morality. It violates the fundamental values of my country, and I will no longer support this insanity."
2
Trump is psychotic and in the throes of his narcissism. It is not a laughing matter. It is very like a drug addiction in that he must get a fix regularly and his tolerance is growing inordinately. He can't stand being apart from or away from his "stash", his supporters, sycophants and favorite ideologues. He needs their drooling adulation. Someone needs to intervene- Now! He's walking around with nuclear weapons codes in his "pocket." If nothing is done, he will one day crash mightily and all hell will break loose. Think about it!
A retreat in Philadelphia. Perfect. Time and place for an intervention.
A retreat in Philadelphia. Perfect. Time and place for an intervention.
2
Republicans: We the people CAN get angrier and we can stay that way for as long as it takes to replace, impeach, recall you or vote you out of office. Your leader in the White House said we could not get angrier in his interview last night. Oh Yes We Can.
4
Cowards. History will condemn all those elected representatives who chose not to speak out. Really, GOP senators and congressmen, you don't have the strength of character to pursue the truth even when it is uncomfortable?
2
It won't matter what Herr Trump does, the Republicans will follow like lemmings. It's all about party, not country, not even ideology anymore. The Republicans want to destroy as much of this country as possible and the Puppet President is their proxy.
2
I shouldn't be amazed but I am. The Republican party is now in charge of _everything_ and they still can't do anything except limit human rights, destroy the environment, mutilate our foreign policy and, most especially, spend money we don't have on projects that help no one.
4
If any of the Republicans have the least sense of awareness of why there has never been a World War III, then they should know that as annoying as are many international organizations and arrangements under treaties with multiple countries, the peace that the U.S. made after World War II still depends upon the U.S. support for those organizations and treaties, and walking away from them could lead to a really big war, a World War III. Trump has no sense of history, he dwells in the presence, in his world, and the Congress had better learn to think globally or everyone is going to suffer.
2
Trump is an embarrassment.
Congress is an embarrassment.
The stature of the United States is dropping like a rock.
If we, the people, don't do something about it then we will be an embarrassment.
Congress is an embarrassment.
The stature of the United States is dropping like a rock.
If we, the people, don't do something about it then we will be an embarrassment.
5
The man is walking time bomb. And it's ticking.
5
The example of Marco Rubio capitulating in support of Rex Tillerson following his scathing interrogation of him during the committee hearings is a perfect example of how utterly spineless the Republicans are. Do any of them have the courage, dare I say principal, to stand up to this ego-maniacal buffoon or are they more concerned about the next election cycle? Let me guess.
2
Trump is going to come crashing down, sooner rather than later, and when he does he is going to take all those cowardly repugs with him. Just hope the Dems will be smart enough to pick up the pieces and get us going again with a progressive agenda that benefits all Americans. This too will pass!
3
Unless the Republican leadership reins in Trump now, those who voted for Trump will assume that everything that comes out of his mouth is true and represents the overall goals and philosophy of the party. Bigotry. Protectionism. Etc. That will be disastrous for the party as a whole when people who voted for Trump become disenchanted and disillusioned. Simply put, the party will tank.
Regarding voter fraud, if the Republicans proceed with an investigation of voter fraud as demanded by Trump, they will find evidence of voter fraud whether it actually exists or is based on "alternative facts." These lies will then be used to further suppress citizens' rights to vote, will further erode voter trust in the political system, and will delegitimize all future elections because the losers will claim the votes were rigged.
This is a serious threat to our democracy, yet appears that the Republican leadership who claim defend our democracy may ultimately be the ones to destroy it.
Regarding voter fraud, if the Republicans proceed with an investigation of voter fraud as demanded by Trump, they will find evidence of voter fraud whether it actually exists or is based on "alternative facts." These lies will then be used to further suppress citizens' rights to vote, will further erode voter trust in the political system, and will delegitimize all future elections because the losers will claim the votes were rigged.
This is a serious threat to our democracy, yet appears that the Republican leadership who claim defend our democracy may ultimately be the ones to destroy it.
4
Just flash the queen of diamonds and straight out ask 'em, "Is Donald Trump the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being you've ever known in your life?"
2
What a sad group of elected leaders. Think the party has setup a surgical tent in the basement of the Hart building for mass Lamiectomies.
2
Iam sure some of the commentators here voted for Trump or did not vote at all, we need to constantly remind ourselves that somewhere somehow Trump won the election period. Our actions have succeeded in creating the likes of Trump, and this is the consequence of our actions, by placating ourselves through time bidding Trump will only get worse and more ruthless in his actions,Americans will pay a dear price for this choice, American democracy and worldwide power will suffer immensely, it will survive on a limp, but I believe it will be a lesson for all Americans who because of their petty prejudices chose to elect an obvious and openly paraded demagogue into the highest office in the land.
3
Republican politicians including those in Congress should take note Trump lost the popular vote by 46 percent to 54 percent for "someone else"--Clinton, third-party candidate, or write-in. Even if all the votes Trump falsely claims are fraudulent were thrown out, he STILL would have lost the popular vote to "someone else." Polls rate his job performance so far as abysmal.
It may be too late for Congressional Republicans to attempt salvaging their party by resisting Trump now. In the eyes of the majority of voters who voted for "someone else," and those now suffering "buyers' remorse," Republicans will remain the party that allowed, aided, and abetted the election of an unqualified, incompetent, undisciplined Trump.
And for every day that Trump takes action that seems irrational, appears to trample on American values, and shows the incoherence of his thinking with Tweets and irrelevant matters, Democrats become surer in making their case the Republicans' idea of a proper president is not only laughable but dangerous to democracy. The criticism that Democrats are sore losers "not giving the President a chance" rings much more hollow now: Increasingly, in the public eye, they've become the bulwark against the mad man.
It may be too late for Congressional Republicans to attempt salvaging their party by resisting Trump now. In the eyes of the majority of voters who voted for "someone else," and those now suffering "buyers' remorse," Republicans will remain the party that allowed, aided, and abetted the election of an unqualified, incompetent, undisciplined Trump.
And for every day that Trump takes action that seems irrational, appears to trample on American values, and shows the incoherence of his thinking with Tweets and irrelevant matters, Democrats become surer in making their case the Republicans' idea of a proper president is not only laughable but dangerous to democracy. The criticism that Democrats are sore losers "not giving the President a chance" rings much more hollow now: Increasingly, in the public eye, they've become the bulwark against the mad man.
This is when we bypass Trump and go straight to Congress. If they see public opinion turning against Trump's proposals, they will switch their positions. For Republicans, who stood opposed to President Obama on everything, this is about holding on to their positions; it has nothing to do with their ethics or even political ideology, because they abandoned those a long time ago.
3
What they don't tell you is that Tillis was looking for the right place on the puppy's neck in which to sink his fangs.
It wil have to como to ter point that Trump will have to go of his own doing, or there Republicans will join with the Democrats and tell him that he has to go.
This cannot continue for very much longer. We have elected a golem and he must be destroyed.
This cannot continue for very much longer. We have elected a golem and he must be destroyed.
I think the Republicans will use Trump to push through their own agendas, anti-abortion, repealing ACA and giving the insurance companies free reign again, repealing environmental laws, etc. Then when his numbers go so low that if affects Republicans in weak positions in their own states, they will dump him with some sort of impeachment, and the "shocking" news of conflict of interest corruption.
Everything will simmer down, Pence will rage on anti-abortion anti-woman laws and let the rest slide.
Everything will simmer down, Pence will rage on anti-abortion anti-woman laws and let the rest slide.
1
What about the (supposedly) revered checks and balances? Spineless wimps.
3
Hello? Doesn’t anyone see the answer here? Trump is finally handing us a solution to the question of his legitimacy on a silver platter.
By suddenly proclaiming that “millions” of unauthorized immigrants voted in the election, Trump is now declaring the election to be invalid.
And we are trying to convince him otherwise?
Instead, let’s take him at his word. If 3.5 million people (which is higher than the population of Iowa) voted illegally, then certainly the election is a mis-vote, as that would be about 2.5% of the total number of people that voted – a significant amount.
Let’s let Trump call the shots on this one, even as a bullet may hit his own foot. If he is confidently proclaiming that there was massive election fraud and now wants to launch an investigation to prove it, let’s save him the trouble and grant him his assertion.
As a result, I look forward to this headline at the NYT:
“Trump’s Declaration of Rampant Voter Fraud Renders 2016 Presidential Election Null and Void: New Election Called.”
By suddenly proclaiming that “millions” of unauthorized immigrants voted in the election, Trump is now declaring the election to be invalid.
And we are trying to convince him otherwise?
Instead, let’s take him at his word. If 3.5 million people (which is higher than the population of Iowa) voted illegally, then certainly the election is a mis-vote, as that would be about 2.5% of the total number of people that voted – a significant amount.
Let’s let Trump call the shots on this one, even as a bullet may hit his own foot. If he is confidently proclaiming that there was massive election fraud and now wants to launch an investigation to prove it, let’s save him the trouble and grant him his assertion.
As a result, I look forward to this headline at the NYT:
“Trump’s Declaration of Rampant Voter Fraud Renders 2016 Presidential Election Null and Void: New Election Called.”
3
Not to go too far off topic, but. Election 2016 needs to be thoroughly investigated. From hacks, to Russians, to voter fraud. Any American politician who doesn't want this to go forward (as investigations have already started) should have their patriotism impugned. Instead "our" President is busy today impugning the patriotism of anyone who thinks immigrants should be given a fair shake. This, I think, will be Trump's MO throughout his Presidency. Outrageous proposals (build a wall, gag orders), followed by attacks on anyone who doesn't agree. Obviously the media will be attacked relentlessly. Liberals and Democrats will attack the guy, how effectively, remains to be seen. It's going to be interesting to see how many rank and file conservative Americans will support Trump's lunacies, his divisive agenda, and cast hate at THEIR VERY OWN NEIGHBORS.
2
Those who are waiting for the Band-Aid coalition of Mr. Trump's team and the GOP to crumble may well be disappointed. For the most part they are content with stepping back and letting him take credit for wrecking programs and agencies, that they sought to undermine for years. They are pretty much mostly in support of his agenda. They are hoping that their submissiveness will be rewarded with pork-barrel projects and support during the mid-term elections.
Don't count on them to protect the rights or to be working on behalf of "We the People". Unconstitutional gag orders issued to public agencies, useless walls, interference by Russia during the elections, reckless threats against China on Twitter... No credible action from them on these. Expect more of the same in coming months.
Don't count on them to protect the rights or to be working on behalf of "We the People". Unconstitutional gag orders issued to public agencies, useless walls, interference by Russia during the elections, reckless threats against China on Twitter... No credible action from them on these. Expect more of the same in coming months.
3
Can we endure another * WEEK * OF his madness? This is FIVE DAYS!!!!! The GOP owns this man and his clinical insanity. We and the rest of the planet are just their victims.
3
I wish I could trust Congress to keep Trump in check, but recent history has shown Congress to be filled with the most spineless and feckless, who are more concerned with self-preservation than their country, the Constitution, and good ethics.
1
Republicans are quite obviously afraid of Trump, cowed at his insults, his tweets, his finger pointing. They are giving him incredible power to rewrite our national narrative, meanwhile, hoping to save their own butts.
3
We must impeach this president. He is not well. Why in the world are the Republicans backing off??. Are they fascist too? There will be protests and I fear there will be violence.
3
Unfortunately, impeaching will not get Trump out of office. It was thus with Bill Clinton who finished out his term.
Besides, if Trump is somehow removed from office, we are stuck with that Angie's List guy, Mike Pence. After that it is that great Republican survivalist Paul Ryan. What is it with Republicans? The last few have been terrible presidents: Nixon, Reagan, the Bushes and now Trump.
Looking back at this list, I can honestly say I've suffered a lot.
Besides, if Trump is somehow removed from office, we are stuck with that Angie's List guy, Mike Pence. After that it is that great Republican survivalist Paul Ryan. What is it with Republicans? The last few have been terrible presidents: Nixon, Reagan, the Bushes and now Trump.
Looking back at this list, I can honestly say I've suffered a lot.
Instead of building a wall, how about punishing those who employ illegal immigrants? Oh, but that would be Republican-supporting businessmen. Never mind.
4
Despite their claims to the contrary, Mr. Obama was well liked and admired around the world.
The GOP seems to forget it was their last tenure at the helm of our country that precipitated our fall in world standing.
After the fiasco of W, now they replace him with Trump?!
Everything that has negatively affected the worldview of our great nation can be laid at the GOPs doorstep.
The GOP seems to forget it was their last tenure at the helm of our country that precipitated our fall in world standing.
After the fiasco of W, now they replace him with Trump?!
Everything that has negatively affected the worldview of our great nation can be laid at the GOPs doorstep.
4
The cute puppy strategy is also effective deflection on local news around the country, so as to avoid angering the advertisers and media conglomerate owners over any political bias: 5 minuets of liqueur store robberies and car crashes, 10 minuets of cute puppy videos and comments on Twiter about the cute puppies, 5 minutes of weather, 25 minutes of sports, and the rest of the hour 30 commercials - "and see, we never once mentioned about our rights being trampled and striped from us by Republicans in the state, or Trump's idiotic behavior and threat to our nation -- which if we did mention, we'd lose all our sponsors, so cant' do that."
You have ignored his history of egregious behavior, his lack of knowledge or respect for governance or the Constitution, his dishonesty, his xenophobia, his misogyny and his support autocratic dictators. He is yours. Republicans... you own him and his actions forever more.
1
If there is one thing about this God-awful situation that I can find some humor in, it's that the Republicans own this wretched man and I'm going to watch with unbridled glee as they wrestle with his idiocy. I will be taking schadenfreude to new heights. At least until the midterms, when, one hopes, people will come to their senses and relieve the Congress of its disastrous GOP majority.
3
Our Republican party has hollowed itself out so completely, that it needs to be removed branch and root. Such malice and cowardice is a sad sign that our country is not exceptional, it is not special. We are a nation of self-interested, spineless and suicidal former immigrants, unable to stand up for what is right.
1
I would expect the Republican coalition to support DJT for a surprisingly long time. We've started to see how unhinged he can get when someone contradicts him, and with their jobs on the line, I can't see a career politician commit career suicide. Best hope for all, is that some controversial issues don't incorporated into legislation.
This is craven behavior.
Revolting, Republicans.
Revolting, Republicans.
6
Silly article.
The only way to knock out Trump, is to come up with real evidence of serious wrongdoing - that is where the focus needs to be. So please, New York Times, stop braying like a good Democratic Party mascot, and provide some real investigative reporting that will trigger Trumps removal.
You will be given the Nobel Prize for Sanity when you get the job done.
The only way to knock out Trump, is to come up with real evidence of serious wrongdoing - that is where the focus needs to be. So please, New York Times, stop braying like a good Democratic Party mascot, and provide some real investigative reporting that will trigger Trumps removal.
You will be given the Nobel Prize for Sanity when you get the job done.
3
Don't worry, Peter,
In the "bits and pieces" of Trump that the New York Times is revealing, it is getting the job done.
One of these days, one of the bits or one of the pieces will be huge in its just condemnation of the Scourge president -- huge enough to unseat him.
In the "bits and pieces" of Trump that the New York Times is revealing, it is getting the job done.
One of these days, one of the bits or one of the pieces will be huge in its just condemnation of the Scourge president -- huge enough to unseat him.
Journalists, NYT, Et al., You must continue to hold the feet of these political operatives and elected officials to the fire and not let up until you get solid answers--and that anyone riding Trump's coattails will be held responsible for the words and deeds of their leader--that their attempts to evade and dissemble that responsibility will not be forgotten or excused. They will need to be reminded of this continuously and for a long time since they've gotten used to flying under the radar of public scrutiny. This "free pass" on ethics and accountability ends for them now. You sow the wind. You reap the whirlwind.
2
It just take a brief glance at the transcript of last night's TV interview to understand that Trump is not fit to be president:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/transcript-abc-news-anchor-david-muir-int...
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/transcript-abc-news-anchor-david-muir-int...
2
My favorite part of the news today is definitely the *acquires puppy to distract self from the horrors taking place around me* approach that Senator Tillis has chosen to employ. I may use that strategy myself.
98
@McKenzie Gravitt:
I hope his puppy piddles on his poinsettias.
I hope his puppy piddles on his poinsettias.
1
Dear Americans,
though I am a foreigner, who may not be supposed to comment on Your domestic business, that is how to cope with Your newly elect president, I cannot help, but see it as my duty, to support and warn You to become/ remain extremely vigilant and ready to fight for the very existence of Your democracy!
Though every historic analogy is flawed and the American society of 2017 is different on many levels to those of Germany 1933, there are too many frightening similarities, to be found daily, to the young and widely underestimated Hitler- government, his personality traits and speaking patterns, that must not be ignored!
Germany`s democracy was completely destroyed within months.
May my german angst be proven wrong and Your country will continue to be the democratic `land of the free and home of the brave` under the rule of law!
though I am a foreigner, who may not be supposed to comment on Your domestic business, that is how to cope with Your newly elect president, I cannot help, but see it as my duty, to support and warn You to become/ remain extremely vigilant and ready to fight for the very existence of Your democracy!
Though every historic analogy is flawed and the American society of 2017 is different on many levels to those of Germany 1933, there are too many frightening similarities, to be found daily, to the young and widely underestimated Hitler- government, his personality traits and speaking patterns, that must not be ignored!
Germany`s democracy was completely destroyed within months.
May my german angst be proven wrong and Your country will continue to be the democratic `land of the free and home of the brave` under the rule of law!
6
Jefferson, borrowing from the Emperor Tiberius, claimed that the issue of continued slavery in the US was like "having a wolf by the ears"---unjust to hold on, dangerous to let go. So, he temporized. In my opinion dishonorably. The regular Republicans now find themselves in this position vis a' vis the Trump/Bannon apparatus. Unlike Jefferson they won't see "justice in one balance, self-preservation in the other" but they will be choosing between strategies for self-preservation. They will temporize too, and the best guess is they will find neither justice nor self-preservation.
The world is now in full-blown civil war. Language (aka words selected by the new President and his supporters vis-a-vis words selected by the media as they witness an report vis-a-vis what each individual can comprehend and discuss) no longer has meaning. The only meaning that exists is the visual impact -- obvious in being hurtful. How will this end? Will it de-escalate into something good? Who will bring about the de-escalation, if anyone? I am attempting to do so on a very small scale. Will it be enough? Will I be snuffed out?
Grow a spine GOP! This is your chance to stand up for values you propose to hold and to set a new course toward a more inclusive and civil politics. Or are we witnessing the death throes of the Republican party, taking one last stampeding hurrah before the elephant kills over and is replaced by Pepe the Frog?
They are cowards. They supported him and now that they have unleashed the monster, are afraid to admit they may have been wrong.
Ryan will spring to de-legitimize DJT as soon as it's politically feasible. After all, impeachment of DJT would place Ryan only one heartbeat away from the presidency. When the malevolent carnival barker is gone, Pence/Ryan's scary anti-people policies might appear acceptable by contrast. But then at least our Constitutional balance of powers could again kick in. We could debate, vote in more moderate leaders, and resume being a republic, not a dictatorship.
1
They are all going to need puppies to hide behind.
Principled Senators of both parties should have demanded that President Obama's nominee for Supreme Court be considered and a confirmation vote held. By allowing McConnell and company to carry out their unprincipled partisan insult to the Constitution it will turn out that they have provided a particularly risky gift to an aspiring despot.
Principled Senators of both parties should have demanded that President Obama's nominee for Supreme Court be considered and a confirmation vote held. By allowing McConnell and company to carry out their unprincipled partisan insult to the Constitution it will turn out that they have provided a particularly risky gift to an aspiring despot.
As for the GOP. has "their party’s leader ... overstepped?" Overstepped? Not quite. He has jumped, both feet first, into a fetid cauldron of septage and appears to relish treading whatever liquid substance he finds there. Worse, he is drawing the whole country into the pot with him, for he is the face of the nation. We made him so, bless our wizened little hearts.
This leaves us to wonder what is the better oxymoron: Republican integrity or GOP courage?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
This leaves us to wonder what is the better oxymoron: Republican integrity or GOP courage?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Kelly Ann Conway, as a side job. will be offering coaching classes for Republicans in the House and Senate on how to dodge and deflect Trump's comments.
1
Here's hoping Senators and Congresspersons recognize that Mr. Trump's abysmal numbers translate to very limited political clout and move to prevent his wilder ideas. Otherwise...oh boy!
The GOP has shown us all who they are since the 1980s. They have a vision for an American corporate dictatorship. PERIOD. To hell with with civil rights, women's rights, environmental stewardship, healthcare for millions - the list is endless. Anyone who thinks otherwise believes Trump's attendance numbers and watches the sunrise in the west. Mr. Trump could be curled up under his desk in the Oval Office, drool running down his tie, and not one republican would dial 911. That is what we have come to.
1
Trump has often proved himself to have a short attention span, be fairly undisciplined in his ways, and very inefficient in business practices. So how to explain this onslaught of Executive bills, and policy changes, addressing EPA website, and their public communications ban at the same time he's out there ranting on about 3-5 million illegal votes, none of which, as he himself, stated he was able to get? Easy - it's not Trump doing to the policy changes, its the team in the background, it's Bannon, Priebus, Mercer and Conway. And they're not doing it without help and input from Ryan and McConnell. Ryan and McConnell are the ones with insider information on how government agencies work. So whole GOP Leadership might try to duck and cover, don't let them - they're as much as part of this as Trump camp are- they're just trying to sell the notion of their "clean hands" because they know a lot of these policies will not sit well with their voters. Hold them accountable too.
2
I think this is exactly right.
Pena Nieto showed more spine today than Ryan, McConnell and the rest of the GOP combined.
5
Republicans have to tell the "emperor " he has no clothes! Will they do it before or after he hurts this country irreparably? Disgusting self serving cowards, all of them. Our country is so much better than them.
1
Why are we surprised that the Republicans act like a bunch of cowards? We have had a long opportunity to discover their lack of spine and lack of any virtue. The recent ruling that exempts their papers from public scrutiny is proof enough that they have few ethics or scruples and next to no loyalty except to themselves and their deep pockets. The country, hah! Being in the GOP is just an excuse to get rich and cultivate power.
1
The Congress has some advantages because they understand Government as it is where as Trump has only a vague notion of what it is, so if they learn how to play Trump, they can get a lot of what they want out of him. However, I think that anyone who considers Trump and the Congress needs to appreciate what it means that Trump is unwilling to disclose his tax returns nor to divest his business interests while he serves. This is a man who took the job half heartedly and remains prepared to step away from it an any moment in time. He is not committed to being President and to pay the price of having that much power and responsibility enough to devote everything he has to the job. He will work with the Congress in anyway which helps to help him win the next election and is totally willing to reverse himself in anyway which will make him seem the winner at any point in time. Apart from playing the game to win he has no values that guide his behaviors.
By supporting Trump and not speaking out about his mental incapacity and destructive behaviors, the GOP has officially crossed over from mere self-serving partisans to treasonous villains.
1
trump is our King George III. What's worse, King George III wasn't voted into office.
2
‘That’s what third-world dictators do,’” Mr. Sanford said. “They just repeat the same misinformation over and over and over again until it sinks in.” And, there you have republican political strategy. Grandpa can't help himself and sometimes he has that little childlike smile when he does it, most times It's just anger, though.
The time has already come for any Democrat thinking of running for Congress or Senate in 2018 to start running on an impeachment platform. "Vote for me and I will vote for a Trump impeachment." That should work very well in any swing district and maybe even some not so swing ones.
The Republicans should show the same intestinal fortitude toward President Trump as they did when opposing President Obama... oh wait, they are on the same side now. What was I thinking?!!!
The Republicans are cowards. There is no other way to put it. They did everything they could to destroy President Obama and now they are backing a president who is mentally unstable just so they can appease their rich donors. They choose power over country a long time ago and hopefully they will pay for that decision in the end.
It is pretty clear now that Mitch McConnell will go down in history as a majority leader who backed his party forsaking the constitution. Depending upon how the nation comes through this shameful period, he may also be blamed for a long descent into economic, military, and social disaster. His culpability is nearly inescapable.
Could McConnell redeem himself? Possibly, at least partially, but he will have to lead by denouncing the most powerful member of his own party when he wrong. It seems unlikely.
Could McConnell redeem himself? Possibly, at least partially, but he will have to lead by denouncing the most powerful member of his own party when he wrong. It seems unlikely.
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil...the New Congress, evil itself. They are Dante's Opportunists, and Dante created a special place in Hell for them. Really, they are just spineless career pols in the pockets of Big Money. Nothing new here. Will they allow Trump to create a totolitarian state?
It's obvious President Trump correctly realizes the popular vote is the basic bulwark of democracy. I challenge him to lead the way to get rid of the electoral college and see if he can actually win in a completely democratic America. He doesn't have the political will or savvy to do so, in my estimation. I am tired of rich, slimy politicians (including Trump) getting elected by putting money into states where voting laws can be overridden (Florida) or people do not have the wherewithal to study or understand the issues and using those electoral votes to falsely influence elections.
GOP lawmaker are cowards. Period.
3
Something must be done before the free press is cancelled by executive order. Some journalists have already been arrested! Trump is a regular Mussolini.
2
Before and after Hitler came to power, many believed that he wouldn't actually do what he had promised. As the second world war raged and reports of death camps began to filter through, many still would not believe what they were hearing. This is how a social cancer metastasizes. With denial and covert participation. Is Trump a delusional sociopath? The jury's still out on that. But one thing is clear: his GOP enablers, especially the leadership, is guilty of treason. For those who believe that what happened in Nazi Germany couldn't happen here, think again. Germany boasted a high culture and was home to great artists and scientists, yet it launched a monster who brought the world to the brink of destruction. While the US can take credit for many great accomplishments, what happened in Germany can happen here as well. The first steps have been taken.
5
its fun till someone starts a nuclear war
3
They've had big mouths this entire campaign and election season, now mums the word. I don't think they thought this unbalanced president would be an embarrassment nationally and internationally as he has been.
Our allies are just going to have to wait until the fever breaks and he's gone.
Our allies are just going to have to wait until the fever breaks and he's gone.
1
It's only the first week and already Trump is drawing down his political capital like a crazy person. For the sake of the rest of us, McConnell really should advise him that he won't have the option of walking away from the messes he creates by declaring bankruptcy.
2
The republicans should remember what Elie Wiesel said, "to stay silent and remain indifferent, is the greatest sin of all."
7
A foundation of conservatism is an acute sensitivity to the emotion of fear. It's physiological, just like all ideology. For them, call it cowardliness, if you like; they are afraid of anything new or different. trump is different, to be sure, but ultimately conservative.
1
Faustian cowards. They are risking all of us to push their own one-sided largely unpopular policies. I hope they go down, but they may take us with them!
2
And still, Mr. Trump IS the duly elected President of the United States...
As such he has control over the full might of the Federal Administration in its multitudinous manifestations. No-one should base his hope for change on the prospect of widespread dissent among the federal employees, or, if this article is anything to go by, on the GOP suddenly and decisively deciding to break its ties to Mr. Trump.
Mr. Trump and his ilk have more money than God. And election campaigns are endless and cripplingly expensive undertakings. Ensuring that lavish contributions will flow and continue to flow to those senators and representatives who acquiesce will not be a challenge, more a like a walk in the park. Targeted advertising to drum up support, a focus on single issues (casually obfuscating the fact that someone who gets into office for his support for the Second Amendment is also handed power to vote on any other topic), will ensure the faithful turn up in sufficient numbers. Other tactics will seek to disenfranchise, or simply to disgust, the others into not showing up.
Looking at the spectacle from across the Atlantic, what bedevils me is the fact (yes, FACT) that a man who got some 3 million fewer votes than his opponent was sworn in as the rightful President. How can a nation that sticks with a system that was devised over two centuries ago, principally to overcome the difficulties of travel, and that allows for this result, claim to be a paragon of democracy?
As such he has control over the full might of the Federal Administration in its multitudinous manifestations. No-one should base his hope for change on the prospect of widespread dissent among the federal employees, or, if this article is anything to go by, on the GOP suddenly and decisively deciding to break its ties to Mr. Trump.
Mr. Trump and his ilk have more money than God. And election campaigns are endless and cripplingly expensive undertakings. Ensuring that lavish contributions will flow and continue to flow to those senators and representatives who acquiesce will not be a challenge, more a like a walk in the park. Targeted advertising to drum up support, a focus on single issues (casually obfuscating the fact that someone who gets into office for his support for the Second Amendment is also handed power to vote on any other topic), will ensure the faithful turn up in sufficient numbers. Other tactics will seek to disenfranchise, or simply to disgust, the others into not showing up.
Looking at the spectacle from across the Atlantic, what bedevils me is the fact (yes, FACT) that a man who got some 3 million fewer votes than his opponent was sworn in as the rightful President. How can a nation that sticks with a system that was devised over two centuries ago, principally to overcome the difficulties of travel, and that allows for this result, claim to be a paragon of democracy?
3
As a fellow North Carolinian, I think we should all band together to help find Sen. Tillis' spine, if such a thing exists.
1
We've been bouncing pillar to post. Before the election there was talk about the death of the republican party. After the election, things flip-flopped to the death of the democratic party. Now, given trump and pence, it appears we're on the verge of the death of the republican party who seem intellectually ill prepared to govern all the people of the United States as first priority.
1
The smartest move the Congressional Republicans could make right now would be to impeach Trump in the House and convict him in the Senate and put Pence in the White House (and please note that I voted for Hillary). Grounds for impeachment were intentionally left vague by the Founding Fathers as "high crimes and misdemeanors" so that a future Congress could render judgment against a President in keeping with the times, unforeseeable conditions then prevailing, and changing values as held by the people of that unknown future. That's why one of the arguments deemed acceptable by some noted constitutional scholars is that a public official has committed "high crimes and misdemeanors" when he offends public sensibilities. Well if Donald J. Trump has not since day 1 of his Presidency offended the vast majority of Americans, then the Republicans in Congress don't know a skunk when they smell one. McConnell and Ryan take note: If you don't get this raging narcissist, this loud-mouthed bully, this reckless fool out of the White House with impeachment, you will be inciting lawless behavior of the people, by the people and FOR the people. And make no mistake about who they will ultimately blame for your failure: It will be the two of YOU.
2
Someone, whether this paper, or Senator Schumer, or Representative Pelosi, needs to initiate demands that Trump resign, since he is manifestly incapable of carrying out the duties of his office. We don't need a letter from a shrink saying he's mentally incompetent. We just need someone to start acting like a responsible adult and call a spade a spade.
2
The president of Mexico today showed all those spineless Republicans how to stand up to a bully. Hint: it does not involve endorsing him or kissing his ring or being cute because it's convenient to your ideology.
2
ALL OF THEM - SPINELESS! Stand for themselves - only!; their own preservation and avoidance & fear of tweet attack from djt.
4
They have continued to prove themselves to be as childish and petulant as the bully they are kowtowing to. Cowardly, concerned only for their personal interests, they all have abrogated their duties to represent the people and should be dismissed by their constituencies.
1
They don't question Trump because they agree with him: tax cuts, repeal ACA, the wall (started by W), believeing "Islam is against us", fighting sanctuary cities, bullying the rest of the world, gag rule on abortion, creating "alternative" facts/reallity (remember stories about ISIS people coming through Mexican border?), school vouchers, denying global warming...which one of those topics was questioned by the Republican leadership during tthe last 8 years?
None
None
2
Regarding the voter fraud topic, Trump may actually be on to something, in his inarticulate, bombastic way.
Many folks here in the U.S. move from state to state throughout their lives for a variety of reasons (job changes, family or lifestyle changes, retirement, etc.). While the numbers on such moves are probably available somewhere, there may actually be a significant number of folks registered to vote in two or more states. And there may be no mechanism for state(s) to take dead folks off the rolls.
Some sort of systematic mechanism seems warranted and should potentially be federally required so that anyone who moves to another state should be taken off the voting books in the state from which they moved when they register to vote in the state that they currently reside. Similarly, a federal requirement should be instilled that states must take dead voters off of their voting rolls.
This article brings to mind a situation I read about where a farmer living in northwest Vermont learned that due to recent surveys, his farm was actually located in New York state and not Vermont. Needless to say, this is another scenario where someone might become registered to vote in two states, and didn't even have to move. And interestingly, upon learning that he no longer lived in Vermont but was in fact a New York state resident, the farmer noted: "That's great...now I don't have to live anymore through those frigid Vermont winters..."
Many folks here in the U.S. move from state to state throughout their lives for a variety of reasons (job changes, family or lifestyle changes, retirement, etc.). While the numbers on such moves are probably available somewhere, there may actually be a significant number of folks registered to vote in two or more states. And there may be no mechanism for state(s) to take dead folks off the rolls.
Some sort of systematic mechanism seems warranted and should potentially be federally required so that anyone who moves to another state should be taken off the voting books in the state from which they moved when they register to vote in the state that they currently reside. Similarly, a federal requirement should be instilled that states must take dead voters off of their voting rolls.
This article brings to mind a situation I read about where a farmer living in northwest Vermont learned that due to recent surveys, his farm was actually located in New York state and not Vermont. Needless to say, this is another scenario where someone might become registered to vote in two states, and didn't even have to move. And interestingly, upon learning that he no longer lived in Vermont but was in fact a New York state resident, the farmer noted: "That's great...now I don't have to live anymore through those frigid Vermont winters..."
The Republicans have been working for decades to subvert US democracy and put themselves permanently in power. Voter suppression through stiff ID requirements, and manufactured long waits in democratic strongholds, and, of course, the blatant takeovers of congressional districts through acrobatic gerrymandering all lead to a huge advantage for republicans in every congressional election.
Now, thanks to a reality TV celebrity, they have a clear field to solidify their control of the government. And, thanks to their refusal to let the elected president fill the empty seat on the SCOTUS, they get to load that their way as well.
Trump is just a distraction from the real threat to democracy that the Repulican party has become.
Now, thanks to a reality TV celebrity, they have a clear field to solidify their control of the government. And, thanks to their refusal to let the elected president fill the empty seat on the SCOTUS, they get to load that their way as well.
Trump is just a distraction from the real threat to democracy that the Repulican party has become.
2
If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem.
Republicans own Donald Trump lock stock and barrel and need to have that hammered into them daily.
Republicans own Donald Trump lock stock and barrel and need to have that hammered into them daily.
McConnell has to decide fast when he will start to work to make Trump a one-term president. He is not good at that anyway as he showed with Obama, so the sooner the better. This time it's either Trump or minority in 2018.
He has to learn the lesson of the Republican primary: if he doesn't get in front of the tsunami he will be wiped out.
He has to learn the lesson of the Republican primary: if he doesn't get in front of the tsunami he will be wiped out.
1
"I think you can move from real to bizarre if you don't watch out. And some of what he's done in tweet-world and others certainly fit that mold."
SOME? More like MAJORITY. The Republicans are displaying exemplary COGNITIVE DISSONANCE, like never before. John McCain and Lindsey Graham are exceptions, and I hope they press on to lead the charge to sanity.
#NotMyPresident
SOME? More like MAJORITY. The Republicans are displaying exemplary COGNITIVE DISSONANCE, like never before. John McCain and Lindsey Graham are exceptions, and I hope they press on to lead the charge to sanity.
#NotMyPresident
2
he does not know history, nor does he care. he does not know American history or traditions, nor does he care. he knows how to force people to nourish his self-assessment as the best, the most, the only. So, what stands between his delusions of grandeur and the destruction of our nation is Congress, mostly the GOP. If they love America, a little of our democracy will be protected. If they only love themselves (though clearly he is the Best Lover of himself, even more than most in Congress for themselves) our nation will be set back to the time of WWII, and I shudder to think of the sacrifices made at that time, only to end up in the hands of an unbalanced, know-nothing. An orange monkey who will destroy anything he wants at will because of his disorder and those who have enabled him all these years. Will GOP continue to enable him? Probably. Get them out in 2018 is the only answer. Then the monkey will rattle his bars and rail against democracy once again.
1
I am sure many Republicans thought with the Presidency, Congress and the Senate under their belts, they were salivating at the idea of putting forth their agenda unencumbered. In this case "be careful what you wish for" is an understatement. In the past, the opposition party(democrats) was their enemy and they proceeded as such with their statements and policies. Now, since the democrats are in such disarray and weak, they are spending the majority of their time having to deal with a narcissistic, paranoid, delusional individual in whom they do not know what he is going to do or say next, which is, ultimately considerably worse and he is suppose to be on "their side"!
Since they are more interested in maintaining power and their cushy jobs, other than the select group of Republicans who have been at odds with Trump right from the outset, I would suspect most will look the other way, grit their teeth, role their eyes and for the time being anyway, bear it.
After all, other than the 25th Amendment which I doubt the Republicans would have the guts to implement, what can they really do with this guy?
Since they are more interested in maintaining power and their cushy jobs, other than the select group of Republicans who have been at odds with Trump right from the outset, I would suspect most will look the other way, grit their teeth, role their eyes and for the time being anyway, bear it.
After all, other than the 25th Amendment which I doubt the Republicans would have the guts to implement, what can they really do with this guy?
What separates the enduring leadership of our nation, from its woeful demise, is a handful of GOP Senators and Representatives willing to cast votes for something more important than their own re-election.
Any takers?
Any takers?
1
The GOP railed against Obama's unilateral executive orders. Now with Trump's unilateral executive orders, not a peep.
4
We should all call Paul Ryan and remind him of how excited he said he was about working with Trump.
6
I see a train - a train of reckless stupidity - and it is hurtling down towards a giant crash. And in its pathway are these congressman and innocent American people. The key question is how do we step out of the way without being hurt. History tells us being stoic and trying to stop this train is usually unsuccessful, being agile and stepping away would be too selfish, and that leaves us with one option - resiliency.
2
Duck and cover indeed. I have been trying to call the offices of Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell since the inauguration and get either a busy signal or an off-putting, curt message that the "volume of calls has been very high between office hours" with an abrupt goodbye and no option to leave a message. I am horrified daily by the chaos -- the frightening direction we are headed, the cowardice (more like calculated elusiveness) of these supposed "leaders", the mind-numbing callousness of executive orders from the President, the felony charges against members of the press, the gag rules... it is impossible to keep up. I barely recognize my country anymore and it has been just over a week. Dark, dark days.
5
So Republicans in Congress are afraid of Trumpl!. Surely one of them will write a book about this entitled Profiles in Cowardice.
3
Trump is skiing on a gentle slope of snowflake powder.
Dear Snafu,
What is snowflake powder?
What is snowflake powder?
American or the wilting kind? I call his followers who've already left him at the polls, The Independents, "beer foam." They come out when agitated, but otherwise let us do their driving. Now they are down on Trump for lying about his distrust of Wall Street.
What will it take for Republicans to back away from this dumpster fire and regroup? Both parties need a refresher on what it means to represent this country, but good God, the Republicans are lost. Will they ensure that 45 doesn't commit treason--and if he has, will they have the steel to indict?
2
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
The failure of the GOP to acknowledge and confront President Trump's obvious inadequacy for the job should be acknowledged as treason, the oath that our leaders swear is to uphold the constitution and protect the country not for blind obedience to a political party or demogogue. President Trump quite obviously suffers from a Narcissistic Personality Disorder resulting in intermittent delusional and paranoid ideation which should simply disqualify him from service. For voters and leaders who were repulsed by the apparent dishonesty and chicanery of Secretary Clinton to turn a blind eye to what is currently on display is nothing more than hypocrisy and cowardice and dove-tails quite nicely with the growing legitimacy of the idea that his narrow electoral victory was animated and driven by base racism and misogyny rather than the touted official story of Hilary Clinton's shortcomings.
The failure of the GOP to acknowledge and confront President Trump's obvious inadequacy for the job should be acknowledged as treason, the oath that our leaders swear is to uphold the constitution and protect the country not for blind obedience to a political party or demogogue. President Trump quite obviously suffers from a Narcissistic Personality Disorder resulting in intermittent delusional and paranoid ideation which should simply disqualify him from service. For voters and leaders who were repulsed by the apparent dishonesty and chicanery of Secretary Clinton to turn a blind eye to what is currently on display is nothing more than hypocrisy and cowardice and dove-tails quite nicely with the growing legitimacy of the idea that his narrow electoral victory was animated and driven by base racism and misogyny rather than the touted official story of Hilary Clinton's shortcomings.
1
Paul Ryan the so called " policy guy" is the biggest coward out there. Trump should adopt him as his back up puppy dog if he already has one. Let us hope there are at least some in GOP that will stand up to trump ( McCain? anyone ?).
3
They are cowards, and they will pay for it in 2018. The thing is, they know that, and yet they're still too afraid to stand up to him. 2018 is going to be a bloodbath for the Republican Party. I, for one, am looking forward to it.
5
I could barely finish reading this article. What a bunch of spineless, cowardly weasels.
5
I haven't heard anyone raise this point so I'll give it a shot. My take on why Trump is focusing on the number of "illegal" voters is twofold. The first, and most obvious reason is that Trump's massive ego is getting in the way of him fully accepting that he won the 2016 election because he did not win the popular vote. By a lot. And since Trump is all about "winning" he just can't get past this point. However, the more troubling issue for me is that Trump needs someone to "validate" the illegal voter claim so he can take credit for a full voter mandate to do whatever he wants. Or in other words, he doesn't just want to be President. Rather, he wants, no needs the popular vote to take on the role of dictator because that's big time "winning." And I know there's someone out there who will write the report he wants to see, so let's get ready for the fireworks when those results become public. God help the USA!
1
RB:
Yep, I mentioned this point yesterday in that, when one looks at Trump's entire business history, he looks at every negotiation as one that he MUST WIN in its entirety and if any element of that win is questioned, he looks for an outlet to blame someone or something else for those areas in which he felt he might have not been totally successful. The popular vote and mythical voter fraud issue is the perfect case in point. In essence, he is totally devoid of humility. One cannot underestimate the danger here with an individual whom would look at dealing and negotiating with world leaders as always a "win at all cost" proposition. When one really thinks about it, the repercussions of this attitude are horrifying which makes this man unfit for leadership.
Yep, I mentioned this point yesterday in that, when one looks at Trump's entire business history, he looks at every negotiation as one that he MUST WIN in its entirety and if any element of that win is questioned, he looks for an outlet to blame someone or something else for those areas in which he felt he might have not been totally successful. The popular vote and mythical voter fraud issue is the perfect case in point. In essence, he is totally devoid of humility. One cannot underestimate the danger here with an individual whom would look at dealing and negotiating with world leaders as always a "win at all cost" proposition. When one really thinks about it, the repercussions of this attitude are horrifying which makes this man unfit for leadership.
Missed your comment yesterday, but feel better that others are noticing it too. Like dictators of the past, if he says something enough the "sheep" believe it to be the truth, especially when he can get Fox News, Trump's version of Pravda, to agree with everything he says.
Certainly this is a proud time to be a republican. (Not!)
2
I find it interesting that the photograph chosen to accompany an article that is headlined "As Trump Thunders, G.O.P Lawmakers Duck and Cover" is a group shot that has Mitch McConnell in the center. Mitch McConnell should not be "ducking and covering" - that is not a privilege to which he is entitled. Mitch McConnell and his ilk need to be right out there in the middle of this mess that they helped create through their obstructionism, narrow-mindedness, outright greed, and willingness to look the other way while a totally unfit individual with despotic tendencies took the helm of our country. They need to own this.
4
This is the new normal for the Republican leadership which has repeatedly favored party and winning over moral principle and the well being of the nation. The predictable concerns raised by them about Russia, etc., and then the reversal on votes, positions and tacit approval. As a remarkably egocentric (read narcissistic personality disorder) Trump continues to do what he has done during the campaign, the wiggle room for McConnell, Ryan, Rubio at al becomes increasingly confined and their behavior more and more cartoonish. And it would appear that Mr. Trump sees himself as a king and not a president, issuing proclamations in the form of tweets and now executive orders. I do believe history will judge them harshly....
2
Cowards. Meanwhile democracy dies.
6
Lafayette! It rises like a Phoenix! A man is not a nation, and those who disgrace it will be replaced.
The Republican plan is simple: They will make it appear that they have some uncomfortable reservations about Trumps emotional instability (while they support virtually everything he does). Then, after he decides he can make more money outside of the government, Republicans will run Mike Pence or someone else in 2020 who "appears" moderate in comparison to Trump. This will allow them to look like they are reasonable people after all and not the extremist authoritarians that they really are. They will then run as "moderate" conservatives and go back to lying to the people about what they plan to do. Once they have the White House again, they will continue to legislate against the majority of Americans.
In the meantime, they will try to be quiet about their support for Trump's agenda because, after all, it IS the Republican agenda. This will include voter suppression legislation and imprisonment of many other more liberal voters, suppression of the media, etc. to ensure their continued hold on power.
In the meantime, they will try to be quiet about their support for Trump's agenda because, after all, it IS the Republican agenda. This will include voter suppression legislation and imprisonment of many other more liberal voters, suppression of the media, etc. to ensure their continued hold on power.
2
Spineless saps is what they are.
5
Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf, better known to the world as Bagdad Bob, was the Iraqi Information Minister during the 2003 Iraqi invasion and a global punch line.
He repeated lies to the world to please his boss, Saddam Hussein, and persuaded no one of anything. His press conferences were watched for laughs.
Sean Spicer as White House Press Secretary appears to be going for laughs as well: “This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period."
It is very telling that Sean Spicer and the White House are willing to trade their credibility so easily for nothing.
Credibility lost is difficult to regain. But consider that Bagdad Bob was spreading disinformation while their country was being invaded.
Orwellian Doublespeak like "alternative facts" - which is really just false data trumped up to spin a false narrative - needs to be addressed with the power of truth and accuracy.
"A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth." Aesop
He repeated lies to the world to please his boss, Saddam Hussein, and persuaded no one of anything. His press conferences were watched for laughs.
Sean Spicer as White House Press Secretary appears to be going for laughs as well: “This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period."
It is very telling that Sean Spicer and the White House are willing to trade their credibility so easily for nothing.
Credibility lost is difficult to regain. But consider that Bagdad Bob was spreading disinformation while their country was being invaded.
Orwellian Doublespeak like "alternative facts" - which is really just false data trumped up to spin a false narrative - needs to be addressed with the power of truth and accuracy.
"A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth." Aesop
6
Many of us have seen similar behavior in lesser degrees in our professional lives. The boss makes a statement, a policy or personnel decision that isn't supported by the facts and opinions of the experts. The sycophants quickly praise the boss for his or her superior insight, wisdom and judgement. The subordinates made of sterner stuff have a choice-say nothing or exercise some moral courage to raise an objection and risk their standing with the boss.
The consequences of poor decisions based on the unsupported beliefs of an executive at the local or state government are usually short term and small in scale. A program, policy or budget could fail. Street lights may not be replaced, potholes may not be filled and library doors may be closed more. The public is inconvenienced but not likely endangered.
The consequences of the judgements and actions of Mr. Trump extend far beyond the inconvenience of dodging a few unfilled potholes. The health of our economy, the strength of our democracy, our standing in the world and our national security can be at stake. Which leader will have the moral courage to take a stand and tell the emperor that he has no clothes?
The consequences of poor decisions based on the unsupported beliefs of an executive at the local or state government are usually short term and small in scale. A program, policy or budget could fail. Street lights may not be replaced, potholes may not be filled and library doors may be closed more. The public is inconvenienced but not likely endangered.
The consequences of the judgements and actions of Mr. Trump extend far beyond the inconvenience of dodging a few unfilled potholes. The health of our economy, the strength of our democracy, our standing in the world and our national security can be at stake. Which leader will have the moral courage to take a stand and tell the emperor that he has no clothes?
6
As Gail observed, it's becoming apparent that the power behind the throne is Pence and his minions in the Prince/DeVos/Flynn cabal. I suspect they have the goods on a number of republican power brokers.
This is not a swamp, it's an infestation. The best remedy, I suspect, is sunlight.
This is not a swamp, it's an infestation. The best remedy, I suspect, is sunlight.
6
That is a nasty bunch of bitter vengeance seekers, much like Trump. They have it all, and still they want our minds.
A Cheney Stew of trouble brewers.
A Cheney Stew of trouble brewers.
2
Yes, and Christian Supremacists who would, in addition to imposing Christian Sharia here, wage apocalyptic war against Islam--a war we can ill afford and might not win.
The sons and the daughters of the Trump voters, I fear, are being led like lambs to the slaughter.
The sons and the daughters of the Trump voters, I fear, are being led like lambs to the slaughter.
Congress, get Section 4 of the 25th Amendment ready. You know you are going to have to use it. The trigger will be when President Trump starts talking about using nuclear weapons. Vice President Pence, do your homework.
1
Bootlickers, despicable.
3
The dandy duo of do-nothing dweebs: McConnell and Ryan. I despise Donald Trump, but at least he is not afraid of the sound of his own footsteps in the dark. There are courageous and intelligent politicians out there, most notably Elizabeth Warren. We need our representatives to behave like her: speak and vote their conscience, not hide in the shadows in hopes of being reelected. We may not always agree with them, but I admire politicians like John McCain for their willingness to say what they think, and often (although not always) vote for what they feel is right.
2
well, isn't that what cowards do?
4
It is no shock that the president is trying to put a gag order on many federal employees, trying to curb social media. He knows how disruptive they can be. Now that he's used it for his purposes, he wants to shut the door. This is quite a show. We'll see if he can also gut whistle-blower protections.
With respect to the looming health care battles, it should be noted that HHS nominee Tom Price is endorsed (not unanimously) by the AMA, an organization that represents roughly 15% of the country's physicians. A more appropriate view is the nearly 75% of primary care physicians nationally who want the ACA amended, not repealed: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1700144?query=TOC .
With respect to the looming health care battles, it should be noted that HHS nominee Tom Price is endorsed (not unanimously) by the AMA, an organization that represents roughly 15% of the country's physicians. A more appropriate view is the nearly 75% of primary care physicians nationally who want the ACA amended, not repealed: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1700144?query=TOC .
Shame. Shame on Republican Lawmakers for selling our country out for their own power.
Shame.
Shame.
1
Profiles in Cowardice
3
I heard some of the comments of Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell and I was frankly disgusted. How can they EVER challenge Trump's lies when they both stood there and lied easily about how it was the Democrats' fault that nothing got done and Obama's fault (yes they liberally blamed him) when it was clearly THEIR plan to obstruct everything Obama and the Democrats worked for.
The only thing they challenged Trump on was torture.
Then our illegitimate President came and the first thing he did was gloat like a spoiled brat. I had to turn it off. Not one President in my lifetime, from Eisenhower to Obama, EVER put on such a disgusting and undignified display.
No, I don't think there are many Republicans with the backbone to stand up to King Donald, and I wonder how long Lindsey Graham, Mark Sanford and John McCain will.
Even Elizabeth Warren and Sherrod Brown have stated they'll vote to confirm Ben Carson so there's no Democratic spine to stand up to Trump either.
What happened to my country?
The only thing they challenged Trump on was torture.
Then our illegitimate President came and the first thing he did was gloat like a spoiled brat. I had to turn it off. Not one President in my lifetime, from Eisenhower to Obama, EVER put on such a disgusting and undignified display.
No, I don't think there are many Republicans with the backbone to stand up to King Donald, and I wonder how long Lindsey Graham, Mark Sanford and John McCain will.
Even Elizabeth Warren and Sherrod Brown have stated they'll vote to confirm Ben Carson so there's no Democratic spine to stand up to Trump either.
What happened to my country?
A remarkable coincidence of unlikely circumstances enabled Trump to become president. This is a man who has demonstrated no civil decorum. He calls people NAMES. He BLATANTLY LIES. He NEVER ADMITS that he is wrong. How could anyone ever think a man of this moral stature would PIVOT and magically become presidential upon his inauguration is beyond me.
THIS IS FAILURE IN THE EXTREME. So America, what are we doing to do about it?
THIS IS FAILURE IN THE EXTREME. So America, what are we doing to do about it?
Huh?
We forgive the Times for their support of the Democrat Party. We ignore the horribly biased reporting from the last 12 months. We even understand when the liberal Times has not endorsed a Republican for President since 1952.
They now descend to a whole new level of unprofessionalism. Deception, prevarication and outright fact-creation suit their current purpose.
Somewhere, Adolf Ochs is weeping.
We forgive the Times for their support of the Democrat Party. We ignore the horribly biased reporting from the last 12 months. We even understand when the liberal Times has not endorsed a Republican for President since 1952.
They now descend to a whole new level of unprofessionalism. Deception, prevarication and outright fact-creation suit their current purpose.
Somewhere, Adolf Ochs is weeping.
In an interview with George Stephanopoulos donald did not know the Crimean was part of the Ukraine.
donald repeatedly stated that President Obama was not an American citizen. Fake news
donald stated that thousands of muslins were rejoicing in the streets of Jersey City after the World Trade Centers went down. Fake news.
And now it's voter fraud, Fake news.
The press should be asking why donald is spreading fake news.
?Why is the press not using donalds words agains him, Fake News?
donald repeatedly stated that President Obama was not an American citizen. Fake news
donald stated that thousands of muslins were rejoicing in the streets of Jersey City after the World Trade Centers went down. Fake news.
And now it's voter fraud, Fake news.
The press should be asking why donald is spreading fake news.
?Why is the press not using donalds words agains him, Fake News?
1
Is it possible that all of this, everything that has happened leading up to the election, the inauguration and since, is just a wild GOP conspiracy and Trump is just a sick pawn who performs to the best of his ability as directed?
His selection of cabinet secretaries lead me to believe that he could not have had a part in that. All those directives he issued raise questions and if Trump has a meltdown, which he will, we end up with Pence and after him it is Ryan.
The Republicans are remaking our entire government in Trump's name, they are unraveling our social net, creating serious enemies all over the world for us, ruining our environment and laying the groundwork for a civil war.
I am a Democrat but I am grateful to the NRA for supplying us with all those guns, we might need them, and our pitch forks and ball bats too.
His selection of cabinet secretaries lead me to believe that he could not have had a part in that. All those directives he issued raise questions and if Trump has a meltdown, which he will, we end up with Pence and after him it is Ryan.
The Republicans are remaking our entire government in Trump's name, they are unraveling our social net, creating serious enemies all over the world for us, ruining our environment and laying the groundwork for a civil war.
I am a Democrat but I am grateful to the NRA for supplying us with all those guns, we might need them, and our pitch forks and ball bats too.
These people spent eight years doing absolutely nothing but undermining President Obama, calling him dictatorial, weak, mendacious ("You lie!"), un-consitutional, un-American, corrupt, and incompetent. Now they are faced with someone in their own party who is truly all those things (yes, even dictatorial AND weak, if by weak one includes pathologically insecure and think-skinned).
So what do they do? They dither and they make excuses. They delude themselves into thinking everything will be fine. They reassure themselves that their own agenda (which may or may not also be Trump's) will be advanced.
But just as they were wrong about Obama, I strongly suspect they are wrong about Trump. It will not be fine. Their own agenda, along with their own butts, will be mauled in the ensuing mess. In a worse case scenario for them, they will be held accountable for the tragic disaster the Trump years are already shaping up to be. Couldn't happen to nicer folks.
So what do they do? They dither and they make excuses. They delude themselves into thinking everything will be fine. They reassure themselves that their own agenda (which may or may not also be Trump's) will be advanced.
But just as they were wrong about Obama, I strongly suspect they are wrong about Trump. It will not be fine. Their own agenda, along with their own butts, will be mauled in the ensuing mess. In a worse case scenario for them, they will be held accountable for the tragic disaster the Trump years are already shaping up to be. Couldn't happen to nicer folks.
Repubs are laying low b/c they are terrified he is going to get impeached -- and they don't want to stir the waters on anything that might promote that.
Even if impeached, Dems in the Senate won't "convict" though -- b/c that would put ultra-conservative Pence as President. Yet the image of the Republican Party will be severely damaged by an impeachment effort -- esp for the 2018 elections.
Even if impeached, Dems in the Senate won't "convict" though -- b/c that would put ultra-conservative Pence as President. Yet the image of the Republican Party will be severely damaged by an impeachment effort -- esp for the 2018 elections.
Suppression of the press and arrest of journalists has already started. Are we living in Turkey? Freedom of the press -- we must save it !!
2
Actually the repubs would be wise to just bide their time and let Mr. Trump continue to self-destruct... impeachment and then President Pence who they wanted all along.
The GOP can only save itself by repudiating Trump. If they meekly fall in line behind the madman, they will deserve the destruction of their party that is sure to follow.
GOP - knock it off and man up. Think of the good of your country for a change, and it will work to the good of your party. Otherwise, all is lost for you.
GOP - knock it off and man up. Think of the good of your country for a change, and it will work to the good of your party. Otherwise, all is lost for you.
1
These professional politicians always seem to forget who they work for. It's time to get rid of these people at the mid term elections. Democracy is losing it's hold here in the US while these people play partisan politics. The Democrats also need to get a grip. While they cut healthcare, etc., they still receive their big salaries and free healthcare, paid by us. People are getting really sick of this scenario.The march on Saturday past, was mostly women, but lots of men and transgender too,meaning all sexes are dissatisfied with the direction Trump is trying to force down our throats.. We will not stop protesting,until they stop threatening us with bad policies that hurt us all.
The saying is, 'constructive criticism' is always good. how can you make constructive criticism of 'destructive one way thoughts' with no feedback mechanism? We pay for the wall, we pay for the deportation, we pay for voter's fraud investigation and we pay for what else? we pay for Mr. Trump and his family to be richer and richer with no accountability at site. we also pay for aca repeal where millions lose their medical coverage but all elected leaders enjoy the best healthcare. In addition, we also pay the price of losing our friends internationally. First victim is Mexico's President. Then, may be the Canadian PM, then German chancellor and so on and so forth. we loose world' order when china takes over all African, south American and Asian markets with its economic power. With our protectionism in place, we loose our negotiating power and dominance. We can see an axis being developed between Russia and China. If friendship with China is not possible how do we expect friendship with Russia? Is there any leadership in GOP who could rise on the occasion and take over the leadership before we go a long way to the destruction before it is too late with whimsical executive order with trillion dollars deficit?
126
Maybe Jesus will come again and run as a Republican.
I would not bank on Congressional Republicans and The Republican Party to do their job of "checks and Balances" that we Americans have been boasting about for a couple of centuries. The Republicans have proved that in order to grab "Power" they will forego any and everything including, and not limited to, The Constitution. If they have not agreed with Trump's outrageous rhetoric and policies, they have at best kept quiet. So, I believe we can forget the proper discharge of Congressional Duties by Republicans for now, and assume that we are living in a single party system such as North Korea, Iran or China for now until the American Electorate decides that Dictatorship is really not the way this nation should see its future in. But we will continue lecturing the World on the merits of The Jeffersonian Democracy and the two-party system of Government.
Senator Graham should be commended for stating the obvious but sorely needed truth that President Trump's persistence on the nonissue of voter fraud undermines our democracy. We need more Republican senators and representatives to say out loud that the truth matters and that we will not allow Trump to drag our democratic process down by trying to convince us of a false reality. It is a dangerous precedent to set. Americans must be vigilant of having the wool pulled over our eyes, and we need our congress people to lead that effort.
1
To Scott from Cincity. Prepare to experience big league disappointment with your candidate and his policies. It's revealing that you would enter the fray and express some doubt at all. I credit you for not still being a "true believer."
1
What statesmen! What courage!
1
It is disappointing but not surprising to see the GOP deficit hawks cowering in a dark, dusty corner while Trump threatens to blow up the federal budget (hello, Speaker Ryan); it is disappointing but not surprising to see small government Republicans biting their tongues (hello, Senator Rand); it is disappointing but not surprising to see GOP internationalists all of a sudden losing their will to speak out as Trump introduces barriers to trade and kills free trade agreements (hello.. oh, forget it - there are so many to name...); it is disappointing but not surprising to see GOP moderates making excuses for Trump's anti-regulation, anti-environmental extremism; and it is disappointing but not surprising to see the entire GOP establishment offering up so-called "alternative facts" to cover up for Trump's ceaseless lies. All of those things are disappointing but not surprising because Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and the rest of the GOP sold their souls for the bargain of temporary political power in turn for supporting Trump.
Trump is the man that GOP establishment supported and helped get elected. Trump is the man who owns GOP, and the GOP in turn owns him. GOP officials can run and hide, but they can't escape Trump.
Trump is the man that GOP establishment supported and helped get elected. Trump is the man who owns GOP, and the GOP in turn owns him. GOP officials can run and hide, but they can't escape Trump.
3
I think I spotted an error in your article entitled "As Trump Thunders, G.O.P. Lawmakers Duck and Cover." Didn't you mean to say "As Trump Thunders, G.O.P. Lawmakers Duck and Cower?" The G.O.P. leaders' failure to speak out against obvious lies by the POTUS is an act of cowardice, pure and simple.
4
The key question is how long will the POTUS staff - and the Congress - be able to sustain/control the POTUS delusional behavior in order to keep power?
3
The greatest cowards and traitors in US history are the current GOP leadership, Ryan, McConnell et al., who knew before, and know even more now, that Trump is incapable of leading a two car parade let alone the United States of America. They are a disgrace not only to the nation but to humanity.
7
Republicans enabled Trump's rise and benefited from his popularity with his base and in Congressional elections from Putin's cyber-warfare through Wikileaks for about a dozen seats. GOP Congressmen and Senators will only separate themselves from Trump's follies, provocations, and offensive declarations and actions when he loses a big chunk of popular support. That in turn, unfortunately, is only likely to happen when the effects of Trump's policies and the incompetence of his Cabinet are felt in economic recession and difficulties with other countries, while his self-dealing becomes impossible to ignore. At a guess, by 2019, when the next presidential elections are in the calculations of everyone and the Trump Administration has burned out, the GOP would try to get him out of office if he doesn't leave on his own. More would be the pity if the Democrats do not find an effective voice to mobilize civil society in the difficult years to come of unprecedented attacks on the U.S. constitution, the rule of law, science, and common sense and decency.
3
Manning at a Republican retreat. Haven't we been subjected to a torrent of condemnation for celebrities showing their liberal political leanings. Well, if Peyton Manning can show his endorsement of Trump, advertisers should hear from those who don't agree with that endorsement.
6
hes overrated
sad.
lame.
sad.
lame.
Agreed - and how 'bout Tom Brady, who considers Trump a great friend?
Both men suffer from inflation problems which have inflamed their audiences to unfathomable heights. I could care less out football, but Manning should learn to lie better. Donald has the best lies. Bald face and knowing it.
Capitol Hill Republicans are of two minds: denial and cowardice.
The first group believes in anything with a "Republican" sticker on it. As long as they believe this is so, they are content: Donald Trump will be fine, he will get better, he will listen to good advice, give him a chance. It is all good because he is a Republican, so nothing bad can happen to us.
The other group is only interested in self preservation, their careers and having an after-life beyond politics. They know the situation requires them to speak out, but they are afraid of a 40 character Twitter comment.
The first group believes in anything with a "Republican" sticker on it. As long as they believe this is so, they are content: Donald Trump will be fine, he will get better, he will listen to good advice, give him a chance. It is all good because he is a Republican, so nothing bad can happen to us.
The other group is only interested in self preservation, their careers and having an after-life beyond politics. They know the situation requires them to speak out, but they are afraid of a 40 character Twitter comment.
3
This has to stop. They are getting away with theft, cheating, and lying for way too long. Now they're getting away with enabling a Fascist takeover of our democracy.
4
I for one hope trump drags the whole lot down with him into the abyss.
4
Hey O'Connell, how ya feeling these days?
Nausea setting in?
Nausea setting in?
3
Trump is the leader of the Republican Party and the congressional leaders need to give him a Russian Bear Hug.
2
Comes with bugs, rug dealers. White Russian House. Who knew the Imperialdickheads would make a throw back?
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
proverbs 18
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
proverbs 18
3
The GOP will be happy to duck and cover with vagueness when it comes to achieving their social and political goals. The millions of illegal voters nonsense is a good example. Everyone, including all of the GOP'ers in DC, know there was no voter fraud. But if the "investigation" produces more voting restrictions, then they'll be only too happy to go along with the charade.
What ever happened to passing a bill to repeal the ACA for the 40th "some odd" time now that they can't "duck behind" President Obama? Yes, that's what I thought. Duck and cover has been going on for some time now. Mitchell and Ryan still haven't figured out they will need help from the other side of the isle to stop this runaway train. Trump might, in the end, be the unifier of Congress. But first, it's back to finding all those illegal votes that were cast and insulting half the world's leaders.
3
In a local TV interview in Wisconsin last June, Speaker Ryan is quoted calling the US Congress the “oldest deliberative body in the world” and saying of the US, “we are the oldest democracy.”
Aside from discussions at to the accuracy of the claims, are the Speaker and other majority leaders in the Congress mindful of the current state of deliberation and democratic rule.
Aside from discussions at to the accuracy of the claims, are the Speaker and other majority leaders in the Congress mindful of the current state of deliberation and democratic rule.
2
Trump's voter fraud investigation will be the same as his investigation of O'Bama's birth certificate in Hawaii. Great headlines, lies ("You cannot believe what they have found") and nothing else. It was great for ratings.
Democrats should support the investigation with full force and propose legislation to do so. The Republicans will consent and the results will prove that there is not voter fraud. Or more likely they will nix the idea and the Democrats can point out their unwillingness to prevent voter fraud.
Democrats should support the investigation with full force and propose legislation to do so. The Republicans will consent and the results will prove that there is not voter fraud. Or more likely they will nix the idea and the Democrats can point out their unwillingness to prevent voter fraud.
1
The folks in Congress should get a spine. What fortunes of theirs will be sunk? They will get full pay for life (and great health care), while they are working, i.e. stallwarting, as well as for the rest of their lives long after they no longer occupy the seats in the Senate and House. So who cares if they don't pander to their constituents or sheepishly follow their fellow party members, they should think for themselves about what is right, what is rational, what is sane, and what is truly the meaning of what makes America great today. At the rate Trump is going, along with his cabinet picks, it will be very hard for any American to hold their head up with pride in country, never mind set foot outside this country without facing fear of retribution and ridicule.
As an old girlfriend used to admonish: "Quit acting like a baby."
3
The whole bunch of them are nothing but enablers. To maintain their power and position they need to be yes men to Trump. Disgusting how low they can go.
4
Congressional Republicans are in the unenviable position of trying to sell snake oil while a mad carnival barker outshouts them from across the way.
3
Millions voted illegally but burning coal doesn't contribute to global warming. OK then!
3
These GOP lawmakers are all going to go down with the Titanic that is President Trump if they don't start reacting to what's going on. They will be held accountable for everything he does, unless they push back on some of these executive orders he's signing like proclamations from his throne, and the outright lies he's spouting.
5
Cowards! These people are responsible for letting this incompetent and dangerous fool into the white house. They need to wake up and stop him before he does irreparable damage. He is obviously mentally ill, with a serious personality disorder. Please, do your job and save the country!
16
Republicans invented alternative facts. They have perfected the false narrative. And when it comes to blatant hypocrisy, they are second to none. No question that Trump is a dangerous megalomaniac, but for 40 years the GOP has put party before country as they have ruthlessly dismantled democracy to replace it with a plutocracy. Now is not the time to defend any Republican because of some perceived feeble opposition to Trump. They own him and they own all that happens until they lose the majority.
11
If anyone needs any more evidence of the completion of moral and ethical bankruptcy of the Republican Party, here it is for all the world to see. This party's "leaders," a term I use very loosely, are corrupt, vengeful abusers of power who will stoop, lie, obfuscate, duck, avoid; in short, anything, yes anything, to keep it.
Their elected leader is already in violation of Constitutional law on conflicts of interest and nepotism, and not only are are doing nothing about it, they are rolling in Capitol's aisles with glee while they drag us back exactly to where we were at the end of George W. Bush's administrations.
I still cannot believe that so many people voted for this - this affront to ordinary citizens, human decency, to democracy and to our Constitution.
The nightmare, a word I hear on lips everywhere these days, continues.
Their elected leader is already in violation of Constitutional law on conflicts of interest and nepotism, and not only are are doing nothing about it, they are rolling in Capitol's aisles with glee while they drag us back exactly to where we were at the end of George W. Bush's administrations.
I still cannot believe that so many people voted for this - this affront to ordinary citizens, human decency, to democracy and to our Constitution.
The nightmare, a word I hear on lips everywhere these days, continues.
12
The only thing the GOP does well is nothing. Cowards all.
12
And once this very dark, sad period is over how will all of these politicians and advisors explain their own words, choices and behaviors? We must never forget their fecklessness, duplicity, and deceit.
16
America has spoken and it wants a funny and wacky dictator. The GOP congress is the legislative version of the Keystone Cops as they stammer and standby. The rest of the world is laughing and simultaneously appalled.
4
If they wanted Duck Soup, why didn't they just ask why a duck?
Either way, we've got a birdbrain.
Donald Trump is not a threat to the usa. It's the millions of americans who are just like him and support him we must fear.
11
They're all couched out on oxy and beer, so never fear a confused potato.
"This is Tilly."
Wow. We are literally getting into Checkers-speech territory here. You think if Trump told him to drown the puppy, he'd say "Yes, sir"?
Wow. We are literally getting into Checkers-speech territory here. You think if Trump told him to drown the puppy, he'd say "Yes, sir"?
3
And this is my dog Lilly. She says your dog said you haven't been able to shake that sinking feeling and keep kneeling without begging for a snack. Are you preying for intervention? Well, that's easily arranged with a deranged president. Just call him on it.
congrats to the pres of mexico for not coming to the usa
btw, trump cancelled the meeting by telling him to not come if he were not going to pay for the wall
btw, trump cancelled the meeting by telling him to not come if he were not going to pay for the wall
3
Gutless! You can't tell me, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Vandenberg, Dirksen, Goldwater, and Ronald Reagan, aren't among other things, rolling over in their graves!
5
the last cat scan trump took showed there was an actual cat in his head
this might explain a lot of things
maybe he could get ben carson to operate, remove the cat and thereby save the world
whod look stupid then, huh ?
12
Trump does not behave like a serious, legitimate political leader -- simply because, as was obvious from his campaign, he is neither serious nor legitimate. (By his own unaccountable reckoning, he won by losing the popular vote due to massive voter fraud. What?) He can't engage in meaningful negotiations with anyone because his words have no stable or definable meaning. So, expect him to continue keeping everyone off-guard, causing even those in his own party to scramble to protect themselves and their constituents from the political damage he does and all the new dangers he exposes us to. And expect more world and domestic powers (beginning, it seems, with Mexico, to be followed perhaps by China and maybe NATO countries) to turn their backs and walk away from engagement with the United States, at least until Americans decide to elect a leader who can construct a coherent thought and make a meaningful effort to stand by a definable position. Meanwhile, "Win! Win! Win!" and "Jobs! Jobs! Job!" are weightless, meaningless abstractions without further details and demonstrable policies. Signing vaguely worded executive orders does not constitute decisive action -- as Trump's former supporters are beginning to find out.
10
Gannon brings to mind the Russian peasant Rasputin controlling a wanna-be king Trump.
3