At what point can we put him down as DISHONEST DON in the history books (ala Honest Abe)???
31
Bannon on the National Security Council? This is really weird. He is not qualified according to his resume. Outrageous!
"Bannon was an officer in the United States Navy for seven years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, serving on the destroyer USS Paul F. Foster as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Pacific Fleet and stateside as a special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon." wiki.
Ooops.
"Bannon was an officer in the United States Navy for seven years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, serving on the destroyer USS Paul F. Foster as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Pacific Fleet and stateside as a special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon." wiki.
Ooops.
4
Make your new "President" the laughingstock of the times. You must ridicule him. Remember H.C.Andersen's fairy tale "The Emperor's New Clothes".
14
I have concerns about running stories like this in the current climate. With so much focus on "fake news" it's more important than ever for credible news outlets (like the NYT) to run highly-sourced, verifiable stories. I don't doubt the accuracy here, but I think stories like this only fuel the notion that the liberal press is out to get them. The only way that perception changes is to find sources that will go on-the-record about the administration.
14
The man is clearly out of his depth but anyone with half a brain could've seen that. He's a thrice-married, casino-building, thin-skinned real estate mogul, who cares more about his planes and golf courses and buildings than the average working Joe. Do his supporters actually think that taking the oath of office and moving into the White House would transform him? Still don't have the tax returns!
Makes one wistful for George W. Bush.
Makes one wistful for George W. Bush.
36
It is unfortunate that no one has anything better to do with their time. Move On.
5
Aaaannnd.... none of it matters. As I write this, Betsy DeVos has been confirmed by Mike Pence. These people will simply be able to do what they wish. Very depressing to say the least.
16
Was the opening description of the presidential aides-that-could-not-not-shoot-straight, - based on information from an assortment of anonymous sources - really essential to this article or just added as fodder for the complaints of Sean Spicer? Why bother? Leave something for Page Six.
5
The funny thing is Trump was angry only about his bath rope this article reported. Trump is a psycho when he worries about useless thing like the bath rope instead of serious things like policy planning.
12
The United States has elected the leader that it clearly deserves.
8
It is a pity that some of the american media chose to keep lambasting their new elected president instead of encouraging the man to work in their favor.
It shows a weakness to your foe to see a disoriented people.
It shows a weakness to your foe to see a disoriented people.
3
Tactics that ignore reality tend to be unsuccessful and to produce unintended results.
Most of Trump's campaign promises were expressions that resonated with his audiences and had the characteristic of not necessarily being accurate representations of the facts. It did not matter to Trump because his goal was to capture his audiences' feelings about things, not their well considered views. This means that while Trump is fulfilling campaign promises, he's fulfilling statements based upon notions that he did not know as a candidate were true and probably have not been adequately verified to be true, now.
Now he is President and when he makes decisions or offers policies or expresses his wishes, he's doing things that are going to affect the real world, and so they matter to all people, not just his campaign audiences. He has an obligation to use the most reliable and verified facts available, rather than to just follow his gut as he did as a candidate.
Until Trump accepts that truth is not optional with respect to what he does, his staff are going to find all their tactics result in unexpected outcomes.
Most of Trump's campaign promises were expressions that resonated with his audiences and had the characteristic of not necessarily being accurate representations of the facts. It did not matter to Trump because his goal was to capture his audiences' feelings about things, not their well considered views. This means that while Trump is fulfilling campaign promises, he's fulfilling statements based upon notions that he did not know as a candidate were true and probably have not been adequately verified to be true, now.
Now he is President and when he makes decisions or offers policies or expresses his wishes, he's doing things that are going to affect the real world, and so they matter to all people, not just his campaign audiences. He has an obligation to use the most reliable and verified facts available, rather than to just follow his gut as he did as a candidate.
Until Trump accepts that truth is not optional with respect to what he does, his staff are going to find all their tactics result in unexpected outcomes.
15
Stumbles? I respectfully put forward without exaggeration that Donald Trump is the most mocked human being in the history of humanity. The entire world is making fun of him. America First, __________ Second videos, talk shows, cartoons, opinion columns--from everywhere. The tone is universally deeply contemptuous. I don't think that there has been anything comparable in history ever, let alone for the President of the United States (and that for less than one month).
19
He signs Executive Orders and doesn't know what the F they really mean?
24
President Trump's inner core is a never-ending quest for self-agrandizement. At age 70, it's difficult to change.
I knew Trump was hypomanic, supersensitive & tended to impulsively over-react to any slights from anyone. I still don't think he's a sociopath as some commentators suggested. He can forgive if some one shows regret over their crossing him. He's vindictive only as an instant reaction to his being slighted. He may disregard his obligation. He doesn't have a lot of sympathy for others.
More recently, however, I have noticed a touch of paranoia, which is too dangerous. Hope I am wrong.
His most serious & disastrous error was giving Steve Bannon so much power to "guide" him, in opposition to his loyal son-in-law & daughter. They maybe torn by this. It's uncertain how long Jared Kushner will be with him.
If Trump eases Bannon out & gradually gives more power & listens to Kushner and follows his advice, he probably would be okay. Also take at least a Valium pill everyday to relax a bit & overreact less often & less intensely. He could then become a good president, if not a great one. If not, he probably will end up being the first president to be impeached & removed from office, involuntarily. He & his family have to choose that, for the sake of the country & the world!
I knew Trump was hypomanic, supersensitive & tended to impulsively over-react to any slights from anyone. I still don't think he's a sociopath as some commentators suggested. He can forgive if some one shows regret over their crossing him. He's vindictive only as an instant reaction to his being slighted. He may disregard his obligation. He doesn't have a lot of sympathy for others.
More recently, however, I have noticed a touch of paranoia, which is too dangerous. Hope I am wrong.
His most serious & disastrous error was giving Steve Bannon so much power to "guide" him, in opposition to his loyal son-in-law & daughter. They maybe torn by this. It's uncertain how long Jared Kushner will be with him.
If Trump eases Bannon out & gradually gives more power & listens to Kushner and follows his advice, he probably would be okay. Also take at least a Valium pill everyday to relax a bit & overreact less often & less intensely. He could then become a good president, if not a great one. If not, he probably will end up being the first president to be impeached & removed from office, involuntarily. He & his family have to choose that, for the sake of the country & the world!
11
Trump is so clearly out of his league it is pathetic and scary. Unfortunately he has surrounded himself with people that are even scarier. Given the craven GOP Congressional leadership, we cannot expect any help from that quarter. Mr. Trump has stated in the past he doesn't read reports. He doesn't read books. I suspect he just signs what is put in front of him and makes assumptions about what is contained in the orders, or relies on Bannon, et al. to tell him what the details are. This is clearly a recipe for disaster, and deviousness. One really does have to wonder what Trump's reading ability and comprehension are. The first two weeks are not an anomaly. Mr. Trump's Presidency will be characterized by tirades, vindictiveness and chaos. Bannon and Trump may love this approach, but hopefully the public and Congress will come to realize that the destruction of government as we know it isn't the solution to our nation's problems.
56
I wish everyone would stop being in denial, wake up, and deal with the unequivocal fact (just look to actions taken thus far) that America has been taken over by radical Anti-Americans.
As far as I'm concerned, Trump, Bannon, and most of the zealot Republicans in office, are NOT Americans. They have sold out our country for their own perceived gains and agendas. The agenda's may be different for the different players but one thing is clear to me, their love for America is gone.
I can hardly utter, 'America is a democracy' because it just doesn't ring true, anymore. We don't see the troops marching down the streets, yet, but they'll be coming. Mark my words!!!
To all those in government who will fight for our democracy, do something about this. Wake up and deal with this reality head on!!! Deal with it swiftly, mightily and determinedly! Anything short of this will fail and then we all lose.
As far as I'm concerned, Trump, Bannon, and most of the zealot Republicans in office, are NOT Americans. They have sold out our country for their own perceived gains and agendas. The agenda's may be different for the different players but one thing is clear to me, their love for America is gone.
I can hardly utter, 'America is a democracy' because it just doesn't ring true, anymore. We don't see the troops marching down the streets, yet, but they'll be coming. Mark my words!!!
To all those in government who will fight for our democracy, do something about this. Wake up and deal with this reality head on!!! Deal with it swiftly, mightily and determinedly! Anything short of this will fail and then we all lose.
19
The idea that Trump staffers don't know how to turn on the lights has to be "fake news". The White House comes with a permanent staff. These are the people that clean the offices, cook the meals, and fix building problems. All of them know how to turn on the lights and what the floor plan is.
It's possible that one political staffer can't be bothered to ask for help, but that doesn't make the Trump administration operatives helpless fools. The have Presidential leadership for that.
Really, NYT don't provide ammunition to the Trump supporters.
It's possible that one political staffer can't be bothered to ask for help, but that doesn't make the Trump administration operatives helpless fools. The have Presidential leadership for that.
Really, NYT don't provide ammunition to the Trump supporters.
5
After reading this story, my mind's eye sees Trump sitting in his bathrobe, with a tv remote control and his finger on the trigger of his twitter app. He is raptly watching Fox News. In the background, we have Priebus going around in circles with a clipboard and his 10 point checklist. Bannon is slouched in a chair with a shot glass of single malt scotch, dictating the next EO to Miller, who writes down every word he says. Chilling.
9
Tips for Trump c/o Obama:
3. Shut out your critics.
Profiles of the president repeatedly mention his preference for ESPN over cable news.
“One cardinal rule of the road is, we don’t watch CNN, the news or MSNBC. We don’t watch any talking heads or any politics. We watch SportsCenter and argue about that,” Obama told The New York Times.
Obama says he likes to filter the news as much as possible, but recognizes that no one can live in a bubble. “One of the things you realize fairly quickly in this job is that there is a character people see out there called Barack Obama,” he told Michael Lewis. “That’s not you.”
http://99u.com/articles/7223/how-barack-obama-gets-things-done
3. Shut out your critics.
Profiles of the president repeatedly mention his preference for ESPN over cable news.
“One cardinal rule of the road is, we don’t watch CNN, the news or MSNBC. We don’t watch any talking heads or any politics. We watch SportsCenter and argue about that,” Obama told The New York Times.
Obama says he likes to filter the news as much as possible, but recognizes that no one can live in a bubble. “One of the things you realize fairly quickly in this job is that there is a character people see out there called Barack Obama,” he told Michael Lewis. “That’s not you.”
http://99u.com/articles/7223/how-barack-obama-gets-things-done
5
Who Are Those People?
The article was okay, but the lead-in photograph of Kellyanne Conway, Hope Hicks, Jared Kushner, Stephen K. Bannon, Reince Priebus and Stephen Miller was just spectacular.
Omigod, what a brain trust. It's too bad they couldn't squeeze Sean Spicer in there somewhere. Whew!
They must be the most brilliant advisors to the President since ... well I can't remember when.
The article was okay, but the lead-in photograph of Kellyanne Conway, Hope Hicks, Jared Kushner, Stephen K. Bannon, Reince Priebus and Stephen Miller was just spectacular.
Omigod, what a brain trust. It's too bad they couldn't squeeze Sean Spicer in there somewhere. Whew!
They must be the most brilliant advisors to the President since ... well I can't remember when.
10
How does one rethink something for which there was no thought process in the first place?
16
When I read the following in the online edition of German's Spiegel I was stuck by the similarity of my thoughts on the ascendency of Trump.
"Exactly 100 years ago tomorrow, Bannon began, the assassination in Sarajevo of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked World War I. Until that day, there had been "total peace. There was trade, there was globalization, there was technological transfer Seven weeks later, I think there were 5 million men in uniform and within 30 days there were over a million casualties."
He went on to say that the world is once again at such a point, "at the very beginning stages of a very brutal and bloody conflict." He blamed it on "a crisis both of our church, a crisis of our faith, a crisis of the West, a crisis of capitalism."
"Exactly 100 years ago tomorrow, Bannon began, the assassination in Sarajevo of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked World War I. Until that day, there had been "total peace. There was trade, there was globalization, there was technological transfer Seven weeks later, I think there were 5 million men in uniform and within 30 days there were over a million casualties."
He went on to say that the world is once again at such a point, "at the very beginning stages of a very brutal and bloody conflict." He blamed it on "a crisis both of our church, a crisis of our faith, a crisis of the West, a crisis of capitalism."
10
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/05/us/politics/trump-white-house-aides-s...
"Mr. Bannon has rushed into the vacuum, telling allies that he and Mr. Miller have a brief window in which to push through their vision of Mr. Trump’s economic nationalism.
Mr. Bannon, whose website, Breitbart, was a magnet for white nationalists and xenophobic speech, has also tried to reassure official Washington. He has been careful to build bridges with the Republican establishment, especially Mr. Ryan — whom he once described as “the enemy” and vowed to force out. He now talks regularly with Mr. Ryan to coordinate strategy or plot their planned overhaul of the tax code."
Mr. Ryan, do you honestly believe what they are proposing is for the "good" of the American people? It is time that ALL of the politicians of Washington, D.C., wake up, LISTEN to what is being demonstrated, and begin making changes for every other person that is not part of the elitist 1%!!!
"Mr. Bannon has rushed into the vacuum, telling allies that he and Mr. Miller have a brief window in which to push through their vision of Mr. Trump’s economic nationalism.
Mr. Bannon, whose website, Breitbart, was a magnet for white nationalists and xenophobic speech, has also tried to reassure official Washington. He has been careful to build bridges with the Republican establishment, especially Mr. Ryan — whom he once described as “the enemy” and vowed to force out. He now talks regularly with Mr. Ryan to coordinate strategy or plot their planned overhaul of the tax code."
Mr. Ryan, do you honestly believe what they are proposing is for the "good" of the American people? It is time that ALL of the politicians of Washington, D.C., wake up, LISTEN to what is being demonstrated, and begin making changes for every other person that is not part of the elitist 1%!!!
8
NYT just gets to make things up just to fit their "imagined view" of the WH.....how very sad for the 4 Estate
4
you are of course being willfully ignorant or just being paid to troll. The NYT like other credible new sources, verifies all of this with multiple sources, as clearly stated in the article.
Next time read the article before commenting on it. Now go back to your room in your mom's basement and put your tinfoil hat back on.
Next time read the article before commenting on it. Now go back to your room in your mom's basement and put your tinfoil hat back on.
16
How very sad for you to say so....
1
I'm not a Trump fan, but was the comment about the bathrobe essential to the story?
6
That's right I'm not interested in what he's wearing what is he doing for America is he working with his sta FF I want to be safe at the same time I don't want other people to be In Harm's Way
1
I say yes.
7
Where was this tone and cynicism for the past 8 years when the Obama administration bungled the roll-outs of several initiatives, fretted about its dismal approval ratings and maintained controversial, corrupt aides like Jarrett and Lynch?
4
Your none-too-veiled reference is obviously of the rollout of the ACA Dan. Whatever the merits or demerits of the ACA, it was a bona fide effort to provide health care and health care insurance to Americans who did not have such coverage. Contrast that with the Republican "plan," which is basically a strategy return to an "every man for himself" but at the same time hope nobody notices.
And last I looked, time marches forward. Obama is a private citizen and Trump is the President. That Obama may have made mistakes does not excuse the Trump doing the same. In fact, he should be able to learn from history, but since it is not on some Twitter feed he won't.
And last I looked, time marches forward. Obama is a private citizen and Trump is the President. That Obama may have made mistakes does not excuse the Trump doing the same. In fact, he should be able to learn from history, but since it is not on some Twitter feed he won't.
3
There must of been "tone and cynicism" back then, hence the low(er) approval ratings.
Unless you're imagining What Didn't Happen?
Unless you're imagining What Didn't Happen?
4
Dan - try reading the paper regularly and don't ignore things that don't fit your world view. The NYT was extremely harsh in its reporting on the botched rollout of the insurance exchanges under the ACA. Extremely harsh in its reporting of non action in Syria and actions in Libya.
How about you stop pretending to be informed and actually pay attention? Your blind and willful ignorance that is the biggest roadblock to constructive dialogue on how best to move forward.
How about you stop pretending to be informed and actually pay attention? Your blind and willful ignorance that is the biggest roadblock to constructive dialogue on how best to move forward.
16
When Mr Trump announced the immigration ban it was clear that he was reading it for the first time, he hadn't even seen the title before much less the body of the document he was signing. He read the title twice, slowly rolling it around in his mouth to give himself a chance to digest what he was reading and then made his pronouncement that the there was good stuff here, like it was a restaurant menu. The man is simply out of his depth, he doesn't belong in the Whitehouse, he knows it and he is desperately and not very successfully trying to fake it and his team is no help, peopled with individuals who have their own personal agendas and visions of how best to take advantage of this windfall access to the highest office in the land.
85
I'm not sure we should rush to impeachment. The incompetent, deranged White House is only half of the problem. The corrosive, immoral Republican Party in Congress is the other.
If the Trump team were evil but competent, like Dick Cheney, congressional Republicans would have political cover to enact their full damaging agenda. The longer this circus continues, the more it hurts them in the mid-terms. Impeachment would put Pence in charge, resulting in a veneer of relative stability that would ultimately help the Republicans though he'd be equally bad for the country.
If the Trump team were evil but competent, like Dick Cheney, congressional Republicans would have political cover to enact their full damaging agenda. The longer this circus continues, the more it hurts them in the mid-terms. Impeachment would put Pence in charge, resulting in a veneer of relative stability that would ultimately help the Republicans though he'd be equally bad for the country.
24
Altos decided we're plans for Donald Trump and the staff they can't do no more than God let them know I believe in the power of Prayer and I hope this outrageous things that's going on will be gone
The below says it all. The blind leading the blind. Lord help us all.
Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches in the cabinet room. Visitors conclude their meetings and then wander around, testing doorknobs until finding one that leads to an exit.
Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches in the cabinet room. Visitors conclude their meetings and then wander around, testing doorknobs until finding one that leads to an exit.
7
I do not have any doubt in the integrity of the President. He wants to see the status of US elevated. He is a real American, though the policies might not have been well written.
Even when things are flawed, it is refreshing to see someone who loves US after 8 long years of hypocrisy and anti-Americanism.
The media played choir boys to the then POTUS and all the Lefties danced while he formulated policies to minimizes US and a slow death to US hegemony in the world affairs.
Even when things are flawed, it is refreshing to see someone who loves US after 8 long years of hypocrisy and anti-Americanism.
The media played choir boys to the then POTUS and all the Lefties danced while he formulated policies to minimizes US and a slow death to US hegemony in the world affairs.
3
So Obama (Administration) keeping us safer than his predecessor (POTUS Bush and his boss Cheney) was just brilliant luck?
BTW, the world didn't start laughing at us until Orange became the new Whack.
BTW, the world didn't start laughing at us until Orange became the new Whack.
11
This is called "your belief system". Own it.
Trump putting Wall St in charge and letting your financial broker once again cheat you is a debatable "real American" move.
Taking away people's healthcare and lying about having a replacement is, as you say, "hypocritical".
Rushing into Yemen and losing a Navy Seal because you want to make a sudden splash is "flawed".
Your belief system is unmoored from fact. You don't get to "Great" from "Lies". Sorry.
Trump putting Wall St in charge and letting your financial broker once again cheat you is a debatable "real American" move.
Taking away people's healthcare and lying about having a replacement is, as you say, "hypocritical".
Rushing into Yemen and losing a Navy Seal because you want to make a sudden splash is "flawed".
Your belief system is unmoored from fact. You don't get to "Great" from "Lies". Sorry.
3
Michael - in your severely warped world view, Obama ins an anti-American, actively trying to diminish if not ruin the US because he hates the US? And the press was his willing accomplice, knowing that Obama wanted to ruin the US and helping him do it? This makes sense to you?
Dude, get a water filter or start drinking bottled water and see a doctor - you have a serious chemical imbalance.
Dude, get a water filter or start drinking bottled water and see a doctor - you have a serious chemical imbalance.
3
President Trump wants to ask how many innocent people have been killed in the USA through a lack of gun controls and the, to a British person the ridiculous posturing of the NRA in all matters of gun control.The likely hood of any immigrants from Muslim Countries killing as many people as own grown Americans manage is very small, the vast majority just want to hopefully lead a peaceful life.
10
An insecure man-child that bridles with contempt when things 'don't go as he so orders'.
A presidential bully-pulpit for a bungling, bullying CEO- He doesn't yet get that he CANNOT run a country, built on freedom, open dialogue and consensus, like a Fortune 500 company.
We don't 'do' dictators in this country, and we will never accept a 'Putin wanna-be' as a bonafide leader...
A presidential bully-pulpit for a bungling, bullying CEO- He doesn't yet get that he CANNOT run a country, built on freedom, open dialogue and consensus, like a Fortune 500 company.
We don't 'do' dictators in this country, and we will never accept a 'Putin wanna-be' as a bonafide leader...
13
Trust me, he hasn't been managing the US like a fortune 500 CEO. They typically have to answer to a board and shareholders. He believes he doesn't have to answer to anyone. He's managing his new gig just like he managed the old one, like a petty teapot dictatorial CEO-owner in a private company.
9
"When Mr. Trump is not watching television in his bathrobe or on his phone reaching out to old campaign hands and advisers, he will sometimes set off to explore the unfamiliar surroundings of his new home."
Sounds like a cross between Richard Nixon and Howard Hughes.
Sounds like a cross between Richard Nixon and Howard Hughes.
16
I hope he's found the bathroom.
4
And we have to wait four years for this to be over?
11
Only two years, that is IF the Dems can get their act together.
4
Well, I'm hoping it's 8 years.
Is there torture going on to find out who leaked these delectable details?
SNL is going to be more and more hilarious, while we are all crying ourselves to sleep.
SNL is going to be more and more hilarious, while we are all crying ourselves to sleep.
12
Donald Trump:
You are now a public servant, a public employee.
You now have 320 million bosses.
Listen to all of us.
You are now a public servant, a public employee.
You now have 320 million bosses.
Listen to all of us.
17
Such a scary time we are in to have the country in the hands of this man who has trouble focusing, does not understand the comnplexities of the issues and is obssessed by what people and the media think of him...
14
The world is witnessing what most of have expected; the wheels are coming off the clown car.
We now have a national clown - for all to see.
We now have a national clown - for all to see.
24
The wheels on the bus go round and round...all the way down...into the sinkhole.
5
You know there's a problem when reviled-in-his-home-state Chris Christie looks like a singlular paragon of competence.
20
This piece was sooooooo funny!!! And it's upset Spicer sooooooo much!! Please go on!!!
13
So, in other words, Trump is a Daddy's boy - always chasing after his father's approval, chiefly by trying to replicate his attitudes and style. His father lives on in an internalized version. That helps explain Trump's boundless ego. Someone please tell him to grow up.
9
Where was this "smelling blood" type oppositon when the murderous Iraq war started. Wars started on false pretextes, which caused the current miserable situation of those countries and gave West ISIS. Too late now, these are just details...
4
Can he actually lack the intellectual curiosity of, say, George W. Bush?
21
D-Day? More like Bay of Pigs. Corporate lackeys fighting for bankers' incomes.
14
The Trump team is working in the dark whether the lights are on or not. Just follow the guy in the white bathrobe with the gold letters DJT emblazoned on it.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
14
Trump is unlikely change stance as WhiteHouse Aides devise alternate strategies. Trump will waste money on building a wall to block Mexicans from entering the country illegally. Instead of partnering with the Mexican counterpart to negotiate a plan to curb illegal migrants Trump is under the wrong impression that his unilateral actions will bear fruit.
4
Who needs Doonesbury or Alfred E. Neuman when we have Thrush and Haberman?
Thanks for the article, I'm glad you had time to research and write such a melancholic portrait of President Chauncey Gardner in between covering up all those terror attacks I've been hearing about on Twitter today.
Thanks for the article, I'm glad you had time to research and write such a melancholic portrait of President Chauncey Gardner in between covering up all those terror attacks I've been hearing about on Twitter today.
7
written by the self labeled journalists who colluded with the clinton campaign.
yawn
yawn
1
lyd, if you don't think the NYT is journalism, what are you doing here? are you a paid troll? of just a moron who pays for access just to criticize it? interesting ...
4
It would be very useful if media outlets could get together and hire a staff of psychiatrists to watch for and report on the various signs of mental oddity (shall we say) in this administration.
7
Why are the women are walking three paces behind the men?
7
It was the Max Allowed to get them in the Photo?
Hey, I'm not agreeing with it (at all), just observing.
Hey, I'm not agreeing with it (at all), just observing.
4
I'm sure this is just a minor glitch. They'll get this all straightened out and everything will be OK. Look at how much fun they're having together in the photo. They really enjoy each others' company. So good to see that. I hope things work out for them.
4
Trump's vocabulary and communication level is well-established as being at that of a typical fourth-grader. Is it just me wondering if Trump's reading and comprehension skills are similarly deficient - and that he simply CAN'T read or comprehend these executive orders?
6
This is what happens when you elect someone who is unqualified for the job!!!!
5
Fascinating in the details of the day-to-day for Trump but how exactly to the writers know these details? You would have to be a fly on the wall in private offices for some of this info...
4
It's call interviewing people who work the grounds.
4
I'm pretty sure Trump is so low respected that people close to the situation don't mind sharing details
9
Dear K.H:
You can be sure of this, they know. No flies on the wall, just gossipy people, you know, just like at your workplace or any other venues where people gather for what used to called water cooler talk. In Trump's case, I imagine The Times got most of its information from Russia Today and their sources in Moscow. They know more about Trump than we do.
DD
Manhattan
You can be sure of this, they know. No flies on the wall, just gossipy people, you know, just like at your workplace or any other venues where people gather for what used to called water cooler talk. In Trump's case, I imagine The Times got most of its information from Russia Today and their sources in Moscow. They know more about Trump than we do.
DD
Manhattan
5
So, today's version is, in effect, that Bannon slipped his name onto the Principals Committee without mentioning it to Trump. That's frightening.
What happens next will be telling. Will Trump remove Bannon from the Committee (or reduce him to an ad hoc invitee or an observer), effectively agreeing that he doesn't belong there? Or not, in effect saying he (Trump) thinks it's a fine idea that hadn't occurred to him?
Or will Trump claim the Times got it wrong, that he knew all along, and try to make an argument for why this makes sense to him? Or maybe he won't feel the need to explain a thing.
What happens next will be telling. Will Trump remove Bannon from the Committee (or reduce him to an ad hoc invitee or an observer), effectively agreeing that he doesn't belong there? Or not, in effect saying he (Trump) thinks it's a fine idea that hadn't occurred to him?
Or will Trump claim the Times got it wrong, that he knew all along, and try to make an argument for why this makes sense to him? Or maybe he won't feel the need to explain a thing.
16
So they can't find the light switch. Amusing. Worse, Trump signs executive orders without reading them. He sends citizen-soldiers into harm's way after a dinner discussion instead of a security briefing. Oh, hear, hear! Let's do a checklist to avoid backlash! Yippee. Here's what's needed. An avalanche-sized off-ramp for the GOP snowflakes, because gawd knows that individually there is no individual courage, no moral compass left there. Y'all go wander around Arlington Cemetery a bit and have a think about what it takes to maintain a democracy.
29
Stop lying would be a good start.
31
If they're truly rethinking their method of governance, definitely consider finding the light switches, then the exits, then the driveway, then the outer gates, then Pennsylvania Ave, then keep on walking 'til they get to the Potomac and find a boat that will take them, all of them, to Florida and retire.
33
Trump is showing that so far, he doesn't have either the ability or personality to govern or learn how to govern, as President of the US. Further, most of his promises, such as to leave Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid alone, and negotiation of pharmaceutical meds downward, have all been reversed. Finally, rather than formulating his own policies, which he never had, he is accepting Ryan's policies, which will destroy millions of citizens in the US.
22
Already a flagrantly failed presidency: Buchanan, Hoover, and Bush 43' rolled into one...how much lower can we go?
19
Yeah those suckers who voted for him deserve to lose their Medicaid, jacked up MED prices and reduced social secure so they would learn a lesson for believing in a liar would deliver them to the promise land. You will hear me playing a very tiny violin for that crowd at their own funerals before they reach the next election.
3
"Mr. Trump got away from the White House this weekend for the first time since his inauguration"
Didn't he get inaugurated on a Friday, and head to New York the next day?
Didn't he get inaugurated on a Friday, and head to New York the next day?
17
God help us all for the next four years.....or until he gets impeached....or becomes bored and resigns.
20
One word kept popping up in my mind while I read this:
PATHETIC
This so-called president, his staff, his team, his aids, his plan, his actions, are all so pathetic.
A one-man how-to on how to diminish the presidency and this country.
Guess now we know why the words "lame" and "sad" show up in his tweets all the time. They must be running through his subconscious constantly.
PATHETIC
This so-called president, his staff, his team, his aids, his plan, his actions, are all so pathetic.
A one-man how-to on how to diminish the presidency and this country.
Guess now we know why the words "lame" and "sad" show up in his tweets all the time. They must be running through his subconscious constantly.
33
Words that are easily recalled when there isn't much else in there to compete for space.
1
@NYT - instead of solely covering the symptoms of a dysfunctional administration -- increasingly a known quantity -- please devote additional resources to investigating and enumerating the conflicts of interest between Trump's businesses and national security. Tax returns + divestment are not water under the bridge, don't loose focus, and above all don't be distracted by the offense-first approach of President Bannon and his advisor Trump.
58
Well said!
11
JT is right! NYT should be INVESTIGATING DT's use of the presidency to increase his own personal wealth and the wealth of his family. He's doing it right in front of the world, and no one is calling him out.Thank God for David Frum at the Atlantic. His recent article was the best one I have read since this corrupt administration took over. New York Times please get up to speed and do your job or I will cancel my subscription and hand my money over to Vanity Fair. I don't need to read about DT's idiotic behavior in your newspaper. Vanity Fair does a much better job of presenting him as the buffoon that he is. Please be journalists and investigate him so we can impeach this sorry excuse for a president.
7
The article is intense. One stops at the end of every paragraph to think about what's been described, to picture the chaos and the sadness and the danger. It's surreal. B
ut the picture! I almost can't stop looking at it. This odd assortment of, yes, deplorables strolling together with the women so classically ten paces behind the men. I still can't believe these people are in the White House.
I am appalled that McConnell and Ryan and most the rest of the GOP support this constantly unfolding debacle. How will they explain themselves to their bamboozled constituents once all the great lies are finally understood?
ut the picture! I almost can't stop looking at it. This odd assortment of, yes, deplorables strolling together with the women so classically ten paces behind the men. I still can't believe these people are in the White House.
I am appalled that McConnell and Ryan and most the rest of the GOP support this constantly unfolding debacle. How will they explain themselves to their bamboozled constituents once all the great lies are finally understood?
47
YES!!! I noticed the women lagging behind too !!!
14
Rethink. Doesn't that imply there was some thinking going on it the first place?
12
That image of Trump wandering around unknown parts of the WH at night in his bathrobe is disturbing.
23
In trying to make himself "great," trump will make America puny. Thank goodness for all the US citizens who are fighting to keep America great.
10
Claiming that Trump was not fully aware of the content of the EO in which he placed Bannon on the NSC is a significant claim. I have seen it being cited by several tertiary sources as an established fact. What is the source for this claim?
18
One Donald J. Trump would be that source.
5
Trump said it. Good enough source for you?
5
If we still lived in a world with any degree of reason and common sense left in it, this piece would be the final nail in the coffin of the brief, farcical, nearly catastrophic Trump administration. A cautionary sidebar in American history textbooks of the future.
Instead, we're all just supposed to accept this state of extreme ignorance, pathology, and dysfunction in the most powerful office in the world as the new normal. How can this possibly end well for anyone, including -- and especially -- Trump himself?
Instead, we're all just supposed to accept this state of extreme ignorance, pathology, and dysfunction in the most powerful office in the world as the new normal. How can this possibly end well for anyone, including -- and especially -- Trump himself?
45
I guess there is one silver lining: Better he is focusing on the dress codes than the nuclear codes...
23
This is a Shakespearean tragedy happening live on reality TV. It would be an amusing little parable if this were some skit on the Twilight Zone. But unfortunately it is not. The shadow President just wants to watch the world burn. Meanwhile, the man who was elected President needs to get the Oval Office ready for more live events like EO signings which he reads later after a Twitter rant. Well, I suppose that's one way to get your Neilson ratings up?... Perhaps somebody will slip Trump a resignation letter and tell him it's an order to restore order to the world?
32
Richard III or Macbeth? Who knows?
3
Why, why, why is the news about Trump being unaware of Bannon's appointment to the NSC buried in this piece? It should be the top story. Instead of attempting to be "stately and measured," the Times should try some courage!
39
Bannon having himself a seat on the NSC and Trump knew nothing about it?? Don't count on GOP leadership...when everything starts to go south McConnell "distances himself from Trump" and Paul Ryan repeats his mantra "We are going to repeal Obamacare. I say the public needs to keep putting forth the concept that Trump is not the President....it's Bannon. That might make him pay attention for more than 3 minutes....at least rattle his ego a little....
17
Trump and Bannon came to Washington ready to rumble and roar —
Signed Executive Orders to shut down the borders, with plenty more in store.
They don't want advice or brook dissent; wise counsel they ignore;
That's why their Yemen operation led to blood and gore.
Trump and Bannon came to Washington ready to rabble and rouse —
Stocked their administration with folks taking loyalty vows.
They don't believe in checks and balances; critics make them grouse;
That's why they're on their way to burning down the American house.
Trump and Bannon came to Washington ready to rock and roll —
The reality star and the alt-right hack, two bodies without one soul.
One tweeting in front of his tv set; one focused on his evil goal:
To replace the national character with a gaping, empty hole.
Trump and Bannon came to Washington ready to lock and load —
Considered nothing sacred or worthy to uphold.
They demean and malign and smear without fear; they have no moral code.
If we don't find a way to stop them, the center will not hold.
Signed Executive Orders to shut down the borders, with plenty more in store.
They don't want advice or brook dissent; wise counsel they ignore;
That's why their Yemen operation led to blood and gore.
Trump and Bannon came to Washington ready to rabble and rouse —
Stocked their administration with folks taking loyalty vows.
They don't believe in checks and balances; critics make them grouse;
That's why they're on their way to burning down the American house.
Trump and Bannon came to Washington ready to rock and roll —
The reality star and the alt-right hack, two bodies without one soul.
One tweeting in front of his tv set; one focused on his evil goal:
To replace the national character with a gaping, empty hole.
Trump and Bannon came to Washington ready to lock and load —
Considered nothing sacred or worthy to uphold.
They demean and malign and smear without fear; they have no moral code.
If we don't find a way to stop them, the center will not hold.
61
Magnificent!
3
This is great! Needed a chuckle after the depressing reality going on at 1600
2
Poetry amid the chaos
2
He was born ostentatious with the surname Trump. I wonder if he'd been so narcissistic if he was born to a William's or Johnson family. I may never play cards again.
7
it is clear that America has placed a pathological liar into the oval office. everyone is dancing around nuances, and arbitrary " facts", and fake news. but clearly, President Trump lives in a world of lies, and is unable to contain himself. A mess!
27
I can't recall the NYTimes using strikethrough font in a title, but if ever there was a time, they could strike out the "Re" of "Rethink" in the title of this article.
10
These are always the tactics of bullies and insecure narcissists. Move fast and aggressively (read violently). There is no need for thought or consideration, certainly not prudence. Think of the drunk at the bar getting in someone's face, brandishing whatever is at hand. That is how President Bannon operates, as well as the guy in the White House, dressed in a bathrobe and yelling at the TV.
39
Just this photo of this somewhat unhinged group of people is deeply surreal. I really can't fathom how this motley crew stumbled into power. Strange days.
33
My thoughts exactly!
2
It would be the eight wonder of the world if trump ever had a thought; all he can do is regurgitate the ignorance and fascism of his followers, including despicable people such as the cheat tom brady.
13
So many people say I should understand the disaffected people who voted for Trump. Well, I've been poorer than most of them and still don't understand it, and don't want to. You may need change because the engine in your car is not running properly. That doesn't mean you "fix it" by beating it with a crowbar. One has to distinguish between good change and bad change.
57
Only a man who has multiple children from three different wives would fail to have a picture of his (current, even if that's a temporary position) wife on his desk in the Oval Office.
37
Exactly what I thought. An adviser might even had suggested if.
11
You'd think that he would have a picture of his wife and young son--at the very least, especially since Melania and Baron are away in his golden tower in Manhattan. But then again, we are discussing Donald Trump who likely needs only a mirror to console him.
14
Trump is going to lose the court case over this executive order, even if it gets to the Supreme Court ... wait and see.
The Obamacare repeal is DOA and the Republicans are starting to talk about "next year."
The Republicans in Congress are starting to have that "deer in the headlights" look, avoiding town halls.
The Republicans are spending major political capital and time confirming a cabinet that seems all-but-certain to bring them crises and scandal. Even if they can get Betsy DeVos confirmed, with Pence as the tie-breaker ... it is a defeat. Some other Republican should do the rest a favor and vote against her too, because otherwise DeVos is going to be "the gift that keeps on giving" ... to the Democrats.
President Bannon has turned Trump into his poorly-controlled Mortimer Snerd. If Trump wants to salvage a Presidency he needs to fire Bannon and Miller, and try to find somebody like James Baker (who kept Reagan in office while he was increasingly demented) ... the Republicans will turn on Trump if he keeps damaging them as he has done.
Trump is on the ropes, and it's only a little more than two weeks.
The Obamacare repeal is DOA and the Republicans are starting to talk about "next year."
The Republicans in Congress are starting to have that "deer in the headlights" look, avoiding town halls.
The Republicans are spending major political capital and time confirming a cabinet that seems all-but-certain to bring them crises and scandal. Even if they can get Betsy DeVos confirmed, with Pence as the tie-breaker ... it is a defeat. Some other Republican should do the rest a favor and vote against her too, because otherwise DeVos is going to be "the gift that keeps on giving" ... to the Democrats.
President Bannon has turned Trump into his poorly-controlled Mortimer Snerd. If Trump wants to salvage a Presidency he needs to fire Bannon and Miller, and try to find somebody like James Baker (who kept Reagan in office while he was increasingly demented) ... the Republicans will turn on Trump if he keeps damaging them as he has done.
Trump is on the ropes, and it's only a little more than two weeks.
29
Didn't you read about new bridges being built with Ryan? Oh he and the other Republicans may attempt to pull the plug in Trump (and may even succeed) some day. But not yet, while he's still too useful to achieve the damage they've long dreamed of: privatize Social Security, drop taxes below subterranean depths, appoint anti-Roe judges and justices, reduce ("terminate"?) the EPA, end financial sector regulation (such as it is), and so much more! If Trump loyalists ever put 2 and 2 together, and figure out they were conned, only then will Republicans find enough of a spine to deliver us from Trump, too late.
3
Trump's buckshot style and lack of interest in governing makes it a challenge for people who are frustrated with him to cogently articulate their frustration with this administration. At least I am guilty of articulating my frustration with everything about his term in a far too emotional manner. Like now. I can't even get myself to type "his presidency". I'm in deep denial.
Reading comments from other readers does help me zero in on the source of my frustration. If I had to sum it up in 10 words or less it would be his lack of respect for everyone and everything. That includes our Constitution, the office he holds, the people in his administration, the military, our soon to be former allies, our air and water, our natural resources that have been protected by the government on our behalf since FDR, our right to make decisions about our health and our families, our education system - and most importantly all of us. I'm not convinced he respects his wife.
He wakes up every morning and raises his middle finger to the entire nation and goes about his merry way, leaving Bannon and his son in law to make decisions an intelligent, well-educated leader should be making with the advice of other intelligent, well-educated leaders of our court system and military.
But that's what we get for electing a glorified construction worker to the highest office in our nation. No wonder the rest of the world thinks we're a pack of idiots.
Reading comments from other readers does help me zero in on the source of my frustration. If I had to sum it up in 10 words or less it would be his lack of respect for everyone and everything. That includes our Constitution, the office he holds, the people in his administration, the military, our soon to be former allies, our air and water, our natural resources that have been protected by the government on our behalf since FDR, our right to make decisions about our health and our families, our education system - and most importantly all of us. I'm not convinced he respects his wife.
He wakes up every morning and raises his middle finger to the entire nation and goes about his merry way, leaving Bannon and his son in law to make decisions an intelligent, well-educated leader should be making with the advice of other intelligent, well-educated leaders of our court system and military.
But that's what we get for electing a glorified construction worker to the highest office in our nation. No wonder the rest of the world thinks we're a pack of idiots.
43
I'm beginning to feel deeply disoriented. At some point during the last three weeks I seem to have unknowingly wandered into some sort of dark parallel alt-universe. It has been greatly entertaining at times to be sure but I'm beginning to wish I could wake up. I suppose I should be comforted by the fact that most of the rest of the world also seems to have been transported to this strange alt-reality. What is alarming is how quickly the abnormal and aberrant begins to seem... well, normal... I see normal people endorsing the previously unacceptable. Without wishing to draw a direct analogy, I can understand for the first time how the views of the Nazis gradually came to be shared by the greater populace. When dominant leaders persistently agitate for a different and darker view of the world, gradually reality becomes twisted to fit this alternative worldview. I saw anger and a deep and I think justified desire for change in Donald Trump at the outset of his campaign, but I didn't see this unrelenting darkness of vision, the sense that everyone is out to get everyone else, that the survival of America is suddenly and perilously at stake. Maybe if I pinch myself hard enough I'll wake up...
43
Since Donald Trump won the election I also have to pinch myself on occasion. I can't believe this is real, it is just too wonderful.
3
Why wouldn't you want to draw a direct analogy? What's happening in America today very much mirrors the sentiment of Europe beginning in the late 19th century and culminating in World War II, and the Continent being metaphorically burned to the ground. Europe is still trying to recover even a modicum of the political and economic power its nations wielded pre-World War I. Americans, in their arrogance, somehow believe that it could never happen in this country. We have adopted a willful ignorance when it comes to historical context.
This is not a nightmare that you will wake up from. It won't just go away. This is the time for citizens of this country to take the historical blinders off and understand that WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, and the outcome wasn't so great for anyone the first (or 10th or 1,000th) time around.
This is not a nightmare that you will wake up from. It won't just go away. This is the time for citizens of this country to take the historical blinders off and understand that WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, and the outcome wasn't so great for anyone the first (or 10th or 1,000th) time around.
10
This won't end well for people named Trump, as Ivanka is already recognizing. Donald will regret not selling all his assets when he could.
32
Wow. Amazing read, NYT! All of us who've been paying attention during the campaign already knew that the man has no attention span for anything serious. He likes to socialize, shop and attempt to be cool on TV. He has never been engaged in public service in any capacity. He is not smart or educated, as he claims, and he is completely out of touch with real problems in the real world. He's a bully, whose wealth has precluded him from having to deal with criticism. And now he works for us, doing a job he's never been cut out to do and doing it as horribly as expected. Hopefully this will all be over soon.
36
We have a President who signs Executive Orders without knowing what is in them. That is beyond incompetent, it is dangerous. How little he values the people he was elected to serve.
It is reasonable to hold the President to a basic standard of common-sense, i.e. read a document before signing it. And, don’t call it an, “Executive Order,” if you don’t know what is in it!
Imagine if he had been hired into this position rather than elected. He would already be out, let go, fired, for lack of job skill, competence, following basic protocol, etc. Shocking that he is the president.
It is reasonable to hold the President to a basic standard of common-sense, i.e. read a document before signing it. And, don’t call it an, “Executive Order,” if you don’t know what is in it!
Imagine if he had been hired into this position rather than elected. He would already be out, let go, fired, for lack of job skill, competence, following basic protocol, etc. Shocking that he is the president.
40
Trump is burning political capital faster than the Taj Mahal Casino lost money.
34
Too Late! Trump "the uniter" failed with his cabinet picks. Trump "the fixer"
broke the EPA. Trump " truth teller" invented Alternate facts.....and he's sticking by them. Trump "the bully" went into Yemen looking for a badge of success but returned with paranoia and now the muslim ban to protect his own rear brand. Trump "the champion of the oppressed" oppressed even more by ignoring the majority of Americans whilst gilding the guilty. His self-serving actions and statements are not confined to America but have proliferated across oceans to people just like us, with independent thinking,
and a healthy repulsion toward Trump the despot.
broke the EPA. Trump " truth teller" invented Alternate facts.....and he's sticking by them. Trump "the bully" went into Yemen looking for a badge of success but returned with paranoia and now the muslim ban to protect his own rear brand. Trump "the champion of the oppressed" oppressed even more by ignoring the majority of Americans whilst gilding the guilty. His self-serving actions and statements are not confined to America but have proliferated across oceans to people just like us, with independent thinking,
and a healthy repulsion toward Trump the despot.
21
"and feels increasingly pinched by the pressures of the job" -- wait, the leader of the free world has been on the job two weeks and he's feeling pinched? I feel almost cheered. It's probably escapist optimism, but this is not the attitude of someone who plans to be there four years.
20
Wow, the real thing is funnier than SNL sketch.
20
When my great aunt had dementia, the family guarded her lovingly, keeping her out of harm's way and giving her small trivial tasks to give her the impression she was productive. An old sample book of upholstery and drapery materials was given her with the instruction to pick out the material for her bedroom curtain. She was handed the same sample book every day with this assignment for two and half years. While reading this article, I couldn't help but picture Mr. Bannon bringing a similar sampler book of drapery materials into the Oval Office each day and handing it to our president eagerly awaiting his day's assigned task.
66
Shame on you. He's our President, respect is required.
1
Respect is earned.
10
Yes, we should definitely give him all the respect he deserves... measured in ounces.
3
Does this picture not say it all: two women walking behind the men...
32
and one of them appears to be happy about it!
11
If we keep up the pressure, American citizens, this train will derail and our country will be saved.
32
Since his father's picture is the only one on the desk, might we expect a lot of issues from the fifties and sixties?
16
incredible reporting by NYT . can't get over the image of Trump in his rope walking alone through the white house.
18
Fredrick Christ Trump? Really? I would love to hear the story behind how the name Christ was chosen.
28
A nation's people have a deep need to be proud of their country. It is an important component of personal happiness both in and outside of any of the "bubbles".
Trump has diminished our future prospects for happiness, prosperity, and for peace.
Trump has diminished our future prospects for happiness, prosperity, and for peace.
25
I note with amused detachment the incoherent ramblings of your version of Mad King George (Trump). At least we didn't vote for ours.
For a real expose of his attitude to his fellow man just look at the way he treated people in Scotland when he set his sights on protected land to build a golf course.
Of more personal concern is the sight of our Prime Minister sidling up to this odious narcissist at the first opportunity.
However, it does seem to me that Trump is the logical end game for a system which has been campaign money driven for decades and run by suited white males with their own, and more chillingly their sponsors', self-interests at heart.
Trump is self-serving capitalism writ large. In that respect he is more honest than many who have stalked the halls of Washington in recent years.
At least you see him coming (if that isn't too stomach-churning an analogy).
It is rather hard for us to imagine how much a man of the people a multi-billionaire can really be.
I fear this is also the way we are headed due to the bland, self-interested stiffs we have had to put up with for decades in the UK.
God it's depressing isn't it?
I understand why America voted for Trump because at least he represented change. My hope for you all is his bumbling arrogance becomes the catalyst for real change, not just an excuse to fall back into the old ways again.
PS: You can have Boris Johnson, Theresa May and Nigel Farage in return for Bernie Sanders.
Good luck. I wish you well.
For a real expose of his attitude to his fellow man just look at the way he treated people in Scotland when he set his sights on protected land to build a golf course.
Of more personal concern is the sight of our Prime Minister sidling up to this odious narcissist at the first opportunity.
However, it does seem to me that Trump is the logical end game for a system which has been campaign money driven for decades and run by suited white males with their own, and more chillingly their sponsors', self-interests at heart.
Trump is self-serving capitalism writ large. In that respect he is more honest than many who have stalked the halls of Washington in recent years.
At least you see him coming (if that isn't too stomach-churning an analogy).
It is rather hard for us to imagine how much a man of the people a multi-billionaire can really be.
I fear this is also the way we are headed due to the bland, self-interested stiffs we have had to put up with for decades in the UK.
God it's depressing isn't it?
I understand why America voted for Trump because at least he represented change. My hope for you all is his bumbling arrogance becomes the catalyst for real change, not just an excuse to fall back into the old ways again.
PS: You can have Boris Johnson, Theresa May and Nigel Farage in return for Bernie Sanders.
Good luck. I wish you well.
36
Your Schadenfreude is hard to miss. But just remember two things:
1) Donald Trump did not win by the popular vote, in fact he lost that by nearly 3 MILLION votes .... which means ALL Americans aren't that dumb.
2) Good Luck with BREXIT. Now that you've opted out of the EU, you'll need all the financial support you can get.
Oh, and you can have Sanders, who has been noticeably quiet of late -- especially since you've already got his brother.
1) Donald Trump did not win by the popular vote, in fact he lost that by nearly 3 MILLION votes .... which means ALL Americans aren't that dumb.
2) Good Luck with BREXIT. Now that you've opted out of the EU, you'll need all the financial support you can get.
Oh, and you can have Sanders, who has been noticeably quiet of late -- especially since you've already got his brother.
4
We did not vote for ours either. Trump's main opponent received ~3 million more votes than Trump. Unfortunately the U.S. is not really a democracy. It is a republic. (Anyone who disputes this should recite the "Pledge of Allegiance" to themselves.) We elect electors who then vote for the President and Vice President. We need to change our Constitution to get rid of this disastrous situation.
5
We have exactly the same problem with the way our system is structured.
Effectively 32 out of 650 seats decide each election. It's a travesty.
I truly feel for you and there has to be a more representative system for both of us.
Unlike you compatriot who replied to me above, I'm sure you recognise that sentiment in my original comments.
Effectively 32 out of 650 seats decide each election. It's a travesty.
I truly feel for you and there has to be a more representative system for both of us.
Unlike you compatriot who replied to me above, I'm sure you recognise that sentiment in my original comments.
6
NY'ers of a certain age will remember Vincent "the Chin" Gigante, wandering Greenwich Village in a bathrobe, feigning mumbling while his crew knocked off his foes gangland style....hmmm
21
I seriously doubt that the bull in the china shop can be retrained under any circumstances. The key is to get the bull out.
18
Trump's failed connections with casinos is not without parallel here. In making reference to Las Vegas and when one is consistently losing at the tables, yet, hoping at some point their luck will turn around, as someone once said, "despite this run of bad luck, DO NOT believe for a moment that things cannot get worse".
Going forward, when it comes to Trump's and his cronies antics, there is no doubt whatsoever, things WILL get worse, A LOT WORSE!
Going forward, when it comes to Trump's and his cronies antics, there is no doubt whatsoever, things WILL get worse, A LOT WORSE!
14
Reporters do not understand Mr. Trump because journalists--like the up to date, coastal types they are--are intent on keeping up with the latest in social media.
After all, doesn't the President himself govern via twitter?
However Mr. Trump's voters meanwhile are driving around middle America listening by the multiple tens of millions to old fashioned Talk Radio--to Rush, Hannity, Savage, etc. It is that media that has shaped (or warped, from a liberal point of view) their wacky, reactionary worldview.
"Radio re-tribalizes mankind"--Marshall Mcluhan
Mr. Trump's persona derives from the talk radio host especially Rush--
egotistical, bombastic, aggressive behavior is mandatory; never apologize--its a sign of weakness; make one "outrageous" statement after another--Limbaugh himself remarked often during the campaign of Mr. Trump's calculated "outrageous" comments that he, Rush, had been doing the same thing for years.
So take heart, on the Left: President Trump is the last hurrah of a dying medium, not the wave of the future.
If only we can survive the next four years!
After all, doesn't the President himself govern via twitter?
However Mr. Trump's voters meanwhile are driving around middle America listening by the multiple tens of millions to old fashioned Talk Radio--to Rush, Hannity, Savage, etc. It is that media that has shaped (or warped, from a liberal point of view) their wacky, reactionary worldview.
"Radio re-tribalizes mankind"--Marshall Mcluhan
Mr. Trump's persona derives from the talk radio host especially Rush--
egotistical, bombastic, aggressive behavior is mandatory; never apologize--its a sign of weakness; make one "outrageous" statement after another--Limbaugh himself remarked often during the campaign of Mr. Trump's calculated "outrageous" comments that he, Rush, had been doing the same thing for years.
So take heart, on the Left: President Trump is the last hurrah of a dying medium, not the wave of the future.
If only we can survive the next four years!
22
Whilst Russian troops are on the move in Ukraine, our so-called President selects drapery and Bannon and Putin dance a jig!
20
Reads like mostly rumors anfd innuendo. Not much for significant facts --- seems more an attempt to put a poor light on two week old administration.
Right! Finally some balanced opinion & intelligence!
The fact that Bannon slipped through on an Executive Order Trump didnt remember signing is about as "poor" as it gets, actually.
9
Why is no one reporting the obvious; Trump cannot read! He must have some sort of reading disability. We have elected a man who doesn't read. Scary!
35
Trump appears to be in some sort of early dementia -- the contracted vocabulary, the sentence fragments ... nothing that remotely looks like a paragraph. The spleen and the vague referents and repetitive insults are symptoms of dementia too.
Trump's calls to foreign leaders are demented, no other word for them.
Trump's calls to foreign leaders are demented, no other word for them.
24
it's been reported he's dyslexic.
6
My thought exactly...POTUS can't read...
1
In a short time, history will judge the staggering ineptitude of this President and the callow people who surround and empower him.
17
Trump projects his fears on a continuous basis.
No Hillary, "you're the puppet", a "so-called judge", need I go on?
Clearly, the so-called President, is the puppet.
No Hillary, "you're the puppet", a "so-called judge", need I go on?
Clearly, the so-called President, is the puppet.
27
All the TV hosts and pundits are doing little smiles as they dicuss Trump. I know that they are mostly uncomfortable smiles, but some of them are humorous smiles. The day is coming when this nation has a serious crisis which Trump bungles. On that day the smiles will be gone and Ryan and McConnell will have to remove Trump from office. They should remove him now to avoid a crisis with mushroom cloud.
18
but they won't. they're trying to figure out how to make this work for them. to fix this, you have to get at the root of the problem and the root is mitch mcconnell and paul ryan...in that order. we wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for their brainstorm to get this fool into office. don't think for a second they weren't behind this...the comey fiasco, the endless "investigations" - please. my stomach turns every time i think of the fact that we could have had the most qualified person in our history in office. but we got this because of mcconnel's and ryan's ego. they should be in prison for treason...putting our welfare at stake for their own benefit.
18
"...a crisis with a mushroom cloud" while the strains of Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" float on the radioactive breeze...
4
Can anyone think of anything more painfully dull than the combination of Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump and the Washington DC social scene? The event horizon of banality.
22
"The event horizon of banality."
Brilliant analogy and oh, so true.
Brilliant analogy and oh, so true.
5
Thanks left coast, but I'll have to give all the credit to the truly brilliant Wm. Gibson, who once meditated on "the Tommy Hilfiger event horizon" in one of his books a few years back.
Since then it's been one of my favorite concepts to adapt/apply to other situations...
Since then it's been one of my favorite concepts to adapt/apply to other situations...
I don't know where to start...
First of all, none of this is a surprise given that we have elected a small-minded, super self-absorbed narcissist who didn't expect to be elected, but was only looking to capitalize on the p.r. for his own profit.
This gives SNL a year's worth of material.
The only thing he is good at (really!), and believe me the people around be him in the WH know this really well, is-
1. Using various media outlets and avenues to bring attention to himself and make monetary profit.
2. Using the emotions and fears of those who see him as someone to emulate (can't figure that one out) to be able to take advantage of them to advance his own agenda. (See number 1.)
3. A good sense of how present himself to his supporters as someone who is wealthy, successful and moving in a firm direction. Displaying intelligence and having a sense of culture is not terribly important.
4. Having a knack for choosing beyond tacky props, window dressing, ties, gold-plated phones, whatever... that display to a segment of the electorate that sense of being wealthy, successful, etc.
Yes, all of these are interrelated. But, this is the extent of Trump. I've been following this guy for about 35 years since I lived in New York and this is the extent of this guy who is like a dog rabidly chasing after a newspaper truck.
First of all, none of this is a surprise given that we have elected a small-minded, super self-absorbed narcissist who didn't expect to be elected, but was only looking to capitalize on the p.r. for his own profit.
This gives SNL a year's worth of material.
The only thing he is good at (really!), and believe me the people around be him in the WH know this really well, is-
1. Using various media outlets and avenues to bring attention to himself and make monetary profit.
2. Using the emotions and fears of those who see him as someone to emulate (can't figure that one out) to be able to take advantage of them to advance his own agenda. (See number 1.)
3. A good sense of how present himself to his supporters as someone who is wealthy, successful and moving in a firm direction. Displaying intelligence and having a sense of culture is not terribly important.
4. Having a knack for choosing beyond tacky props, window dressing, ties, gold-plated phones, whatever... that display to a segment of the electorate that sense of being wealthy, successful, etc.
Yes, all of these are interrelated. But, this is the extent of Trump. I've been following this guy for about 35 years since I lived in New York and this is the extent of this guy who is like a dog rabidly chasing after a newspaper truck.
17
Thank you for reporting about the White House. In today's universe, it takes courage to speak truth about power. What keeps me up at night is fear the media will buckle under trump's (lower case 't' is by choice) abusive behavior...
13
Excuse me, but didn't Americans vote in a president whose JOB is to read what he's signing. It was on line 2 of his job description, but oh, I forgot, he doesn't read, so he doesn't know what he's suppose to do. Duh, silly me.
23
Really, reading is so passé
4
I couldn't get beyond that picture, that cast of dangerous fascist clowns that are going to get us all killed either by their white supremacist base or terrorists or maybe in a war with Canada or Mexico. I almost forgot about the raping of the earth's atmosphere and water supply, that will kill us off also. Is it over yet?
Don't these people want to live to enjoy the fruits of their fraud?
Don't these people want to live to enjoy the fruits of their fraud?
14
Hey, they've gotten away with murder so far. Folks like this never think consequences will catch up with them. Perhaps their pal Thiel has a get-offa-Earth-free ship waiting.
1
Thank you so much, Glenn and Maggie, for this superb piece
14
Help us, Jared, Ivanka, Rex, and Rick. You may be our only hope for a voice of reason and calm rationality in the West Wing.
1
"Trump and Staff Rethink Their Tactics After Early Stumbles"
I doubt it's possible to "rethink" something that wasn't "thought" about in the first place.
I doubt it's possible to "rethink" something that wasn't "thought" about in the first place.
24
I think Shakespeare, Orwell and Sinclair Lewis are sitting in one of those darkened rooms writing this. Every day.
11
Forgot Rod Serling and Paddy Chayefsky as well, did you? Shame, shame...;)
1
The word picture painted here:
Trump upstairs, alone with nothing but his Big Brain to keep him company, in his bathrobe, roaming aimlessly around, watching The TV (FOX "News"), eating greasy artery clogging junk food, and twittering away to his fragile heart's content, presents a jarring insight to the plight of a very lonely isolated grumpy old man with too much time on his hands and thumbs. Not needing any human contact is the sign of an individual in need of psychiatric evaluation.
If he's not already, Trump will soon be talking to the portraits of presidential paintings on the wall, ala Richard Nixon, during the final days of his presidency. SAD.
DD
Manhattan
Trump upstairs, alone with nothing but his Big Brain to keep him company, in his bathrobe, roaming aimlessly around, watching The TV (FOX "News"), eating greasy artery clogging junk food, and twittering away to his fragile heart's content, presents a jarring insight to the plight of a very lonely isolated grumpy old man with too much time on his hands and thumbs. Not needing any human contact is the sign of an individual in need of psychiatric evaluation.
If he's not already, Trump will soon be talking to the portraits of presidential paintings on the wall, ala Richard Nixon, during the final days of his presidency. SAD.
DD
Manhattan
25
Just read that Spicer states emphatically that DJT does NOT own a bathrobe, does not WEAR a bathrobe (even though the White House staff makes sure that the residence is always stocked with clean bathrobes in the bathrooms) so this image of him wandering in the dark gets even scarier - does he sleep in his suits?
My money is on the ritual evening donning of a Hugh Hefner gold silk robe with matching silk pajamas (a gift from Putin) with a tiny electronic Manchurian device hidden in the DJT monogram that listens to everything he says at night on his phone and subliminally suggests the agenda for the following morning while he sleeps. Another transmitter is hidden in the photo of his dad in the Oval Office that emits a high-pitched message that only he can hear due to the implant in his brain that he received during one of his Russian escapades, and I suspect there is one is in his FemBot wife, who BTW will cost American taxpayers $1B or more if she refuses to move to the White House.
Which part of that last paragraph do you believe? Awful position for the country in that you could say that ALL of it is true - we have no clue what is going on in Trump World.
My money is on the ritual evening donning of a Hugh Hefner gold silk robe with matching silk pajamas (a gift from Putin) with a tiny electronic Manchurian device hidden in the DJT monogram that listens to everything he says at night on his phone and subliminally suggests the agenda for the following morning while he sleeps. Another transmitter is hidden in the photo of his dad in the Oval Office that emits a high-pitched message that only he can hear due to the implant in his brain that he received during one of his Russian escapades, and I suspect there is one is in his FemBot wife, who BTW will cost American taxpayers $1B or more if she refuses to move to the White House.
Which part of that last paragraph do you believe? Awful position for the country in that you could say that ALL of it is true - we have no clue what is going on in Trump World.
10
KF:
Gone viral on The Google:
Trump wearing a bathrobe.
Fake News, Sean? Inquiring minds want to know.
DD
Manhattan
Gone viral on The Google:
Trump wearing a bathrobe.
Fake News, Sean? Inquiring minds want to know.
DD
Manhattan
3
He's also getting his news fix from InfoWars, which explains the alternate facts today on the terrorist attacks that our media is refusing to cover. Also explains alot of his conspiracy theory 'truths' floating around under that hairdo. Man-bun at night?
5
To hear Donald Trump, a raging narcissist use the words "We the citizens of America"...see those words as carefully plotted words (vs We the People). Citizen is defined as a “legally” recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized. Citizens only being the product of law can be legally changed to not be citizens. People is defined as human beings in general or considered collectively. Trump has made human beings “less than or non-human” by redefining them as citizens.
This vision of people only being “citizens” would indeed be the vision of a narcissist where now also, "The United States", has now become an extension of Trump...literally. "We" can’t represent the existence of other people as wholly other living beings but instead for Trump, “We” only holds water when Donald Trump is looking in the mirror. Narcissists do not even fathom the notion of other people as not being some part of them.
If all of a sudden Trump's own hand would cease to respond to his will, he would punish it, cut it off, just to spite his own self. From that extrapolate how citizens will be treated if they don't abide by his will.
This vision of people only being “citizens” would indeed be the vision of a narcissist where now also, "The United States", has now become an extension of Trump...literally. "We" can’t represent the existence of other people as wholly other living beings but instead for Trump, “We” only holds water when Donald Trump is looking in the mirror. Narcissists do not even fathom the notion of other people as not being some part of them.
If all of a sudden Trump's own hand would cease to respond to his will, he would punish it, cut it off, just to spite his own self. From that extrapolate how citizens will be treated if they don't abide by his will.
21
Your mention of Trump's own hand ceasing to respond to his will brings to mind Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove", the slightly-mad, Cold War-era German scientific advisor to the President modeled after Wernher von Braun and played brilliantly by Peter Sellers. Dr. Strangelove's hand operated independently of his brain and would randomly fly up into a Nazi salute at the most inopportune times while he struggled mightily to restrain it.
Wow, is that ever weird and scary. The dark and absurd political comedy that satirized American and Soviet military might and masculinity now feels very real except the uncontrollable hand is connected to a small-minded petty narcissistic dictator rather than a calculating apolitical scientific genius.
Wow, is that ever weird and scary. The dark and absurd political comedy that satirized American and Soviet military might and masculinity now feels very real except the uncontrollable hand is connected to a small-minded petty narcissistic dictator rather than a calculating apolitical scientific genius.
5
"...Chris Christie...the Trump adviser with the most government experience, helped prepare a detailed staffing and implementation plan in line with the kickoff strategies of previous Republican presidents...It was discarded — a senior Trump aide made a show of tossing it into a garbage can..."
What utter and complete fools, not only his small, incompetent, and power-mad staff but the citizens who voted for complete destruction of the house with a flamethrower in order to "fix" it. I was crying early on but now I can't stop laughing at them all because they're the types who, when they need surgery, will pick a guy who made a show of tossing his anatomy textbooks into a garbage can.
What utter and complete fools, not only his small, incompetent, and power-mad staff but the citizens who voted for complete destruction of the house with a flamethrower in order to "fix" it. I was crying early on but now I can't stop laughing at them all because they're the types who, when they need surgery, will pick a guy who made a show of tossing his anatomy textbooks into a garbage can.
39
if christie is now the very model of a wise adviser, even if his advice was ultimately discarded, we have fallen extremely low!
6
If I'm reading this correctly, Mr Bannon got himself a seat on the Security Council through trickery. This is terrible. It's a nightmare.
59
Maybe we should start expecting a Trump to read executive orders before he signs them!
6
And what is even more disturbing, is that Bannon wasn't summarily fired in an instant. It tells one a great deal of what Bannon thinks of Trump that he could even deign to attempt something like that. And, how needy and enabling Trump is. I wonder what Mathis is thinking right now?
7
Is this failure to figure out the light switches metaphorical? It seems it must be so...
43
It is a result of the complete lack of good will and common interest between the Obama and Trump political appointees. If Hillary had won, many Obama administration people would have stayed on and preserved institutional knowledge.
10
The Trump team asked everyone to leave before they arrived.
We just read that Bannon got himself appointed to the Security Council?
Take the red button away please. Now.
We just read that Bannon got himself appointed to the Security Council?
Take the red button away please. Now.
5
Consider this: Trump, a Hitler wanna-be, studies Hitler Speeches, German heritage. Trump cozying up to Putin. Those afraid to look at their past are doomed to repeat it.
On August 23, 1939–shortly before World War II (1939-45) broke out in Europe–enemies Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union surprised the world by signing the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact, in which the two countries agreed to take no military action against each other for the next 10 years. With Europe on the brink of another major war, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin (1879-1953) viewed the pact as a way to keep his nation on peaceful terms with Germany, while giving him time to build up the Soviet military. German chancellor Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) used the pact to make sure Germany was able to invade Poland unopposed. The pact also contained a secret agreement in which the Soviets and Germans agreed how they would later divide up Eastern Europe. The German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact fell apart in June 1941, when Nazi forces invaded the Soviet Union.
On August 23, 1939–shortly before World War II (1939-45) broke out in Europe–enemies Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union surprised the world by signing the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact, in which the two countries agreed to take no military action against each other for the next 10 years. With Europe on the brink of another major war, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin (1879-1953) viewed the pact as a way to keep his nation on peaceful terms with Germany, while giving him time to build up the Soviet military. German chancellor Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) used the pact to make sure Germany was able to invade Poland unopposed. The pact also contained a secret agreement in which the Soviets and Germans agreed how they would later divide up Eastern Europe. The German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact fell apart in June 1941, when Nazi forces invaded the Soviet Union.
18
Check--- I can see that totally coming...from Steve Bannon using Trump! I don't think Trumps reads history...apparently only drapery catalogs!
4
Chris Christie, still making excuses for Trump, still hoping for a role in the Administration. What is going wrong is not primarily the fault of Trump's staff, including Bannon - the buck stops with Trump himself who chose the staff, and who is totally unfit in every way for the office he holds.
28
Doesn't Bannon have to be vetted for that role?
If this is wrong, I apologize. It's what I read last week.
From the Palmer Report, Jan 30.
>>According to section (a)(6) of federal statute 50 U.S. Code 3021, a civilian like Steve Bannon will in fact need to go through Senate confirmation and approval in order to serve on the National Security Council because he doesn’t fit into any of the five listed pre-approved categories. That obscure law, which has remained obscure because no president has ever tried to put a political hack on the NSC until now, was dug up by MSNBC analyst Jonathan Alter late on Monday night. This sets up a remarkable showdown if Trump goes ahead with the Bannon pick, because few in either party have shown any affinity or trust for the guy – and they’ll have limitless material for embarrassing him.<<
If this is wrong, I apologize. It's what I read last week.
From the Palmer Report, Jan 30.
>>According to section (a)(6) of federal statute 50 U.S. Code 3021, a civilian like Steve Bannon will in fact need to go through Senate confirmation and approval in order to serve on the National Security Council because he doesn’t fit into any of the five listed pre-approved categories. That obscure law, which has remained obscure because no president has ever tried to put a political hack on the NSC until now, was dug up by MSNBC analyst Jonathan Alter late on Monday night. This sets up a remarkable showdown if Trump goes ahead with the Bannon pick, because few in either party have shown any affinity or trust for the guy – and they’ll have limitless material for embarrassing him.<<
31
AT---You ask a great Question, that needs to be collaborated! Makes perfect sense, though. I would hope that Senate would NOT confirm him...But i don't know what is going on anymore...
5
No, he doesn't, because Zbannon is not on the NSC but rather on the Principles committee at the NSC.
3
And the hits just keep on coming!
18
This sums-up the situation for me: "For a man who sometimes has trouble concentrating on policy memos, Mr. Trump was delighted to page through a book that offered him 17 window covering options."
Maybe his staff could put policy memos in the decorating books.
Maybe his staff could put policy memos in the decorating books.
37
Thrush and Haberman, congratulations on an exceptionally penetrating and astute article. I look forward to many more over the next two years. (After which it won't matter quite so urgently--or so we dream.)
20
Before Trump was sworn in, I predicted he'll be gone by the end of this year. Now I give him six months, maybe even less.
20
I spent the past week in London, and was present for the anti-Trump protest there. I spoke to numerous people at my hotel and on the streets of London and, almost to a person, the revulsion and disgust over Trump's policies and demeanor is palpable.
38
Now that Trump and the GOP has chosen to ignore and in fact stop all activities in dealing with global warming, how long will it take the rest of the nations of this world to choose to go to war with the United States just for the sake of survival? The world will turn on the United States.
9
When can we cancel this season of Presidential Apprentice?
47
In 8 years time.
1
By the way, Trump's take on this was a furious demand for an apology for the allegedly false claim that he hangs out around the White House wearing a bathrobe. His Propaganda Spokesman Spicer claimed that he doesn't even own a bathrobe.
So apparently Trump hangs around in the White House, watching TV and yelling at news shows, wearing nothing at all.
So apparently Trump hangs around in the White House, watching TV and yelling at news shows, wearing nothing at all.
35
Eeeewwwwuw. Why are you torturing us more? Fiend...;)
Are we impressed? Surprised? Astonished only that the public firings have not begun yet with the exception of the Acting Attorney General. (I wonder if the trump knows of Arthur Godfrey firing people on live radio.) But give the trump time. He does not hide his true nature, does he?
7
"Mr. Bannon remains the president’s dominant adviser, despite Mr. Trump’s anger that he was not fully briefed on details of the executive order he signed giving his chief strategist a seat on the National Security Council."
WAIT--Trump didn't know that he had added Bannon to the NSC?? Bannon didn't mention that to him?
I don't want to think that Michael Moore might be correct that a coup is in the making, but check out today's lies/fantasies from the President about allegedly unreported attacks--oh sorry, that's a different issue...
WAIT--Trump didn't know that he had added Bannon to the NSC?? Bannon didn't mention that to him?
I don't want to think that Michael Moore might be correct that a coup is in the making, but check out today's lies/fantasies from the President about allegedly unreported attacks--oh sorry, that's a different issue...
28
Has anyone seen Veep?!?
6
He is relegated to the job of looking sincere on TV shows.
9
There is no end to the choas Trump can generate and endure; however, few among his staff are likely to be as resilient. The effort sto dismantle the institutions and protective regulations of our country are the issue.
No one cares that Trump is not a reader. He has not read a book in 25 years by his own admission; so,why the umbrage over not reading an Executive Order. For Trump, behavior has no consequence. HOwever, even Trump realizes he is in a downward sprial. What to do?
Trump is in service to himself and, no one else for all of his adult life. If truth be known, Trump's motivation may well be the accumulation of more wealth. This said, if choas is not furthering his main objective, he may find thinking, reflecting, reasoning, and collaborating, equisitely unacceptable. After all, Trump loves to hate. Because of this, Trump is doomed to failure, sooner as opposed to later.
No one cares that Trump is not a reader. He has not read a book in 25 years by his own admission; so,why the umbrage over not reading an Executive Order. For Trump, behavior has no consequence. HOwever, even Trump realizes he is in a downward sprial. What to do?
Trump is in service to himself and, no one else for all of his adult life. If truth be known, Trump's motivation may well be the accumulation of more wealth. This said, if choas is not furthering his main objective, he may find thinking, reflecting, reasoning, and collaborating, equisitely unacceptable. After all, Trump loves to hate. Because of this, Trump is doomed to failure, sooner as opposed to later.
11
There is an enormous sense of relief throughout New Zealand today. It is true that Mr Trump's courtesy call to the New Zealand Prime Minister yesterday only lasted 15 minutes. But then, although we host U.S. spy stations and sent troops to Afghanistan we also banned visits from U.S. nuclear warships for decades so a hurried call just before the Super Bowl started is all that could be reasonably expected. The phone call passed without insult and our deepest fear - that the President would threaten to send in his troops to seize our dairy cows - did not materialise. We can rest easy tonight.
39
First of all, it is a horrible visual that Trump is frequently in his bathrobe.
Secondly, Obama was class personified. When we heard private details, it was that Obama took a few almonds to a room where he studied piles of documents and data for the next morning's work until 2:00 a.m.
Nah, Trump's busy watching television. Wandering around.
And coming up with these gems that any negative information about him is fake news. That any low polls as to his dismal popularity are false. Could he be any more obtuse? Add profound denial to his psych profile.
Obama said something very simple, but very wise: Don't do stupid things.
Trump wasn't listening.
I personally welcome that The Donald is caught up in legal challenges and believes his administration is perceived as pure chaos. Clean up on aisle 5? Trump's never done it.
Maybe he'll stop tweeting valentines to vlad.
Secondly, Obama was class personified. When we heard private details, it was that Obama took a few almonds to a room where he studied piles of documents and data for the next morning's work until 2:00 a.m.
Nah, Trump's busy watching television. Wandering around.
And coming up with these gems that any negative information about him is fake news. That any low polls as to his dismal popularity are false. Could he be any more obtuse? Add profound denial to his psych profile.
Obama said something very simple, but very wise: Don't do stupid things.
Trump wasn't listening.
I personally welcome that The Donald is caught up in legal challenges and believes his administration is perceived as pure chaos. Clean up on aisle 5? Trump's never done it.
Maybe he'll stop tweeting valentines to vlad.
32
I am very, very afraid.
31
At least you're close to Canada.
10
"...despite Mr. Trump’s anger that he was not fully briefed on details of the executive order he signed..."
Do you remember the running joke on the M*A*S*H TV series, where Col. Blake often didn't know what the thing he was signing that Cpl. Radar had just put in front of him?
That's what this reminds me of. Scary!
Is that really the strategy in the White House? Trump can have a big photo-op showing off that he just signed a major executive order, but he clearly doesn't even know what's in it? This anecdote could seriously confirm that Trump was and is in this for the glory and adulation - and that he's currently getting more and more angry because of his increased isolation in the White House. This really code bode badly for the next four years - if Trump even makes it that far.
Do you remember the running joke on the M*A*S*H TV series, where Col. Blake often didn't know what the thing he was signing that Cpl. Radar had just put in front of him?
That's what this reminds me of. Scary!
Is that really the strategy in the White House? Trump can have a big photo-op showing off that he just signed a major executive order, but he clearly doesn't even know what's in it? This anecdote could seriously confirm that Trump was and is in this for the glory and adulation - and that he's currently getting more and more angry because of his increased isolation in the White House. This really code bode badly for the next four years - if Trump even makes it that far.
16
If the Trump Administration continues in this manner and Mr. Trump (he's got a long way to go to prove he's MY president) thinks or feels that the resistance from citizens is too great, he might take a page from Putin's book and manufacture a conflict (think Chechnya) that will allow him to grab control by limiting civil/human rights. He's already done his earnest best to eviscerate the Fourth Estate. He's going after the judiciary or should I say the 'so-called' judiciary and Congress on both sides of the aisle have yet to coherently and effectively 'grown a spine'.
17
while i know that DJT doesn't read "paper items" (anything on paper, i mean), i suspect that President Bannon does - so let's not give them any ideas!
2
So, you obviously voted in favor of Proposition 64 and are taking full advantage of it.
And Mike Pence hovers in the shadow, licking his sanctimonious lips in anticipation of Trumps impeachment.
56
And if that miracle occurs, Pence will take it as confirmation that his God is for real.
4
Hovers as if some robot terminator waiting in the wings to destroy what's left of our constitutional rights.
9
Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches? Really. Testing door knobs until they find an exit? I do not know whether to laugh or cry. You cannot make this up. Imagine the closed door meetings with these small men who cannot even tolerate themselves on SNL. Who are the real snowflakes here? But no worries, they can come back with some crude saying about whomever is speaking honestly of them. I am wondering how long it will take Congress to impeach this administration of playground bullies who obviously finally got their place after waiting for decades. Of course, there is a reason for the long wait.
25
This gang's clearly where they shouldn't be, and we are in big trouble with this gang. Bunch of alpha males looking for light switches....can't figure out the basics. Stumbling in the dark. Gees.
7
During my own time in Washington, I spent much of it commuting on the Beltway, listening to news about President Clinton--
...One thing early on that got my attention, was the newly elected President exclaiming how surprised he was, "at how many people hate me already...!" [my caption].
--
President Trump seems to be getting the same treatment.
Maybe it's not unusual.
--
No doubt, as a skilled politician, Bill Clinton had some idea what was coming, and adjusted. Needless to say, Donald Trump, with no experience at all, also needs to adjust, immediately, if he wants to survive four years of Washington.
--
Judging by his recent tweets, our new President has an exceedingly thin skin, as well as a surprisingly short memory--
Has he forgotten how he personally played a part, “in crucifying” President Obama, along with a vicious Republican opposition?
...Those who occupy the White House must learn not to throw stones...
--
It takes no brains to recognize that being President is the most maligned and thankless job in America--
...You wanted it, Donald, and you got it. So smarten up, and get used to it...!
—
Someone famously said that, “...the last shall be first, and the first last...” [Matthew 20:16] President Clinton saw the light, and acted accordingly--
“…I wake up every morning, eager to work hard [read, "take a beating"] for the American People…” [my caption]
If our new President doesn't follow suit, he'll surely crack under the strain.
And then what?
...One thing early on that got my attention, was the newly elected President exclaiming how surprised he was, "at how many people hate me already...!" [my caption].
--
President Trump seems to be getting the same treatment.
Maybe it's not unusual.
--
No doubt, as a skilled politician, Bill Clinton had some idea what was coming, and adjusted. Needless to say, Donald Trump, with no experience at all, also needs to adjust, immediately, if he wants to survive four years of Washington.
--
Judging by his recent tweets, our new President has an exceedingly thin skin, as well as a surprisingly short memory--
Has he forgotten how he personally played a part, “in crucifying” President Obama, along with a vicious Republican opposition?
...Those who occupy the White House must learn not to throw stones...
--
It takes no brains to recognize that being President is the most maligned and thankless job in America--
...You wanted it, Donald, and you got it. So smarten up, and get used to it...!
—
Someone famously said that, “...the last shall be first, and the first last...” [Matthew 20:16] President Clinton saw the light, and acted accordingly--
“…I wake up every morning, eager to work hard [read, "take a beating"] for the American People…” [my caption]
If our new President doesn't follow suit, he'll surely crack under the strain.
And then what?
17
Problem, Bullies don't "smarten-up".
It takes everyone around them to acquiesce even more for the chance it would appear they've gotten smarter.
It takes everyone around them to acquiesce even more for the chance it would appear they've gotten smarter.
The U.S. White House and our government in general is a plutocracy. A plutocracy is a society ruled or controlled by a minority of the wealthiest citizens. A plutocracy by any other name, or operating within or over any form of government, such as “a constitutional republic” or “a democracy” would still be in effect a plutocracy.
The wealthy plutocrats always want more money no mater how much wealth they already have. Human beings with out wealth are inconsequential. Their pain and suffering means nothing, if not politically or financially significant. Throw the non-rich some God, religion, small politics, and lies every now and then to keep them busy. This plutocracy will play politics a little. But the individual plutocrat's real goal is more money for the rich.
The wealthy plutocrats always want more money no mater how much wealth they already have. Human beings with out wealth are inconsequential. Their pain and suffering means nothing, if not politically or financially significant. Throw the non-rich some God, religion, small politics, and lies every now and then to keep them busy. This plutocracy will play politics a little. But the individual plutocrat's real goal is more money for the rich.
17
How long will it be before Donald Trump, his hand-picked generals or Red State governors use the military under their control to attack "the citizens of this country" Authoritarians, dictators, will use force...they won't care who or what Non-Citizens they harm, man, woman or child, white/black/red/yellow, old or young, gay or straight...it will only be when not if.
WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday to bring federal intervention to bear in Chicago to quell the "carnage" of gun violence plaguing America's third-largest city unless local officials can curb the murder rate on their own.
Cities/Crime
1. Detroit 1,988.63, 2. Memphis 1,740.51, 3. Oakland 1,658.39, 4. St. Louis 1,678.73, 5. Milwaukee 1,476.41, 6. Baltimore 1,338.54, 7. Cleveland 1,334.35, 8. Stockton, 1,331.47, 9. Indianapolis 1,254.66, 10. Kansas City 1,251.45, 11. Buffalo 1,228.24, 12. Atlanta 1,227.43, 13. Washington 1,185.32, 14. Nashville 1,122.45, 15. Toledo 1,091.23, 16. Newark 1,077.71, 17. Miami 1,059.96, 18. Philadelphia 1,021.45, 19. Minneapolis 1,011.96, 20. Houston 991.38, 21. New Orleans 973.88, 22. Cincinnati 905.36, 23. Orlando 901.13
24.CHICAGO 884.29
Chicago is 24th for crime…why use federal forces to deal with the “carnage” in Chicago? Where did the States Rights go for the Republicans?
WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday to bring federal intervention to bear in Chicago to quell the "carnage" of gun violence plaguing America's third-largest city unless local officials can curb the murder rate on their own.
Cities/Crime
1. Detroit 1,988.63, 2. Memphis 1,740.51, 3. Oakland 1,658.39, 4. St. Louis 1,678.73, 5. Milwaukee 1,476.41, 6. Baltimore 1,338.54, 7. Cleveland 1,334.35, 8. Stockton, 1,331.47, 9. Indianapolis 1,254.66, 10. Kansas City 1,251.45, 11. Buffalo 1,228.24, 12. Atlanta 1,227.43, 13. Washington 1,185.32, 14. Nashville 1,122.45, 15. Toledo 1,091.23, 16. Newark 1,077.71, 17. Miami 1,059.96, 18. Philadelphia 1,021.45, 19. Minneapolis 1,011.96, 20. Houston 991.38, 21. New Orleans 973.88, 22. Cincinnati 905.36, 23. Orlando 901.13
24.CHICAGO 884.29
Chicago is 24th for crime…why use federal forces to deal with the “carnage” in Chicago? Where did the States Rights go for the Republicans?
18
personally, i am just as afraid of the new war he will engage the US in, as the possibility of the deployment of federal troops against US citizens
7
Because he doesn't like Mayor Emmanuel, a Democrat who worked for Clinton. Also, Obama has a home in Chicago and Chicago is home to his presidential library and his foundation. Connecting the dots yet?
If you're not old enough to remember Argentina's dirty war of the late 70's and early 80's, google it. You're in for a real treat. We have so much to look forward to.
If you're not old enough to remember Argentina's dirty war of the late 70's and early 80's, google it. You're in for a real treat. We have so much to look forward to.
11
Fhc, which we're directly linked to BTW.
"But for the moment, Mr. Bannon remains the president’s dominant adviser, despite Mr. Trump’s anger that he was not fully briefed on details of the executive order he signed giving his chief strategist a seat on the National Security Council, a greater source of frustration to the president than the fallout from the travel ban."
I actually gave him a whole month before being overwhelmed with reading. Dear god, this is hilarious. Darth Vader comes to power because the president is too lazy to read the fine print.
I actually gave him a whole month before being overwhelmed with reading. Dear god, this is hilarious. Darth Vader comes to power because the president is too lazy to read the fine print.
24
So do we have a puppet dictator?
9
The man and his GOP lockstep party are as popular around the world as Hitler.
15
When Trump signs these "orders" he immediately holds them up to show us. It reminds me of when my then 2nd grade daughter drew a picture and showed Mommy and Daddy. Proud then, but this is pathetic. "Look everyone, I signed another one (not sure what's in it though). Didn't read it but SB said it's OK". Making America Great Again one day at a time.
34
Have you all read all or most of the headlines in todays' or any of the last two weeks worth of headline stories in this and or any other competent truth reporting news paper? They all spell the very dark time we are now in and the even darker times we are all headed for.
How much longer can we allow this man and his administration to ruin this country and destroy our standing in the world?
This man should be impeached soon.
How much longer can we allow this man and his administration to ruin this country and destroy our standing in the world?
This man should be impeached soon.
22
I can't imagine any new president having to "pass the time between meetings." I would guess that the demands on his time would be enormous, just getting up to speed on how the executive branch works, or getting briefed on the big issues confronting the country. Even if my chief-of-staff was an effective gatekeeper, I would be requiring briefings on my top priorities: the economy, defense, relations with key countries, etc.
26
Any president who signs EO without even reading to see what's inside isn't fit to be POTUS. No ifs, ands or buts.
31
While hearing and watching the lunacy of Trump and his administration, did you ever wonder if you took a drug?
Now the high chair king is saying that the media is covering up terrorism.
Now the high chair king is saying that the media is covering up terrorism.
14
Mental stress is the worst kind of stress, I'm wondering who will be the first one to have a heart attack or nervous breakdown.
8
Me probably
16
The image of DJT holding up his first Executive Order displaying his larger-than-life signature, in dark ink, each letter carefully drawn, narrow loops for the "l" and the "j" so as not to exaggerate or elongate but to allow the entire unfortunate reality of who it was signing albeit without reading this to pause and to gaze admiringly at his steady hand and "good penmanship", something important in the mind of a sixth grader, conscious only of his hope for praise from those around him... well I could go on, but isn't this self-satisfied smiling behavior, learned from his "showboating" dad Fred, basically what we cannot tolerate in the character of anyone called to lead? He is an embarrassment. We simply cannot do that in America. It’s un-American.
13
Why wasn't the most interesting and potentially historic fact of Bannon's apparently self-appointment to the National Security Council not the lead headline of this article?
37
How do the audience know that the reporting here is accurate? There are a lot of intimate details. Everything seems plausible, not surprising, and terrifying. At the same time, I could see critics of this report easily dismiss it as FAKE, especially given there are no sources listed.
1
This evening Glenn Thrush said In a PBS news interview that he and his co-reporter Maggie Haberman interviewed 55 people. Now that's extreme vetting.
17
The center of "American Carnage" is currently at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
26
None of the incompetence demonstrated by this team is in any way surprising to anyone who has been paying attention for any length of time.
27
After today's torrent of lies, who sees a change in tactics? I see a continued ramping up.
11
It shouldn't take a Gary Kasparov to figure out that Trump is a pawn of V. Putin.
No benefit of the doubt here!
Until he discloses his taxes or takes a serious position against Putin he appears as fully allied with the enemy. Putin's position in Russia may be understandable, but that he is committed to dividing and weakening the west defines him as an enemy through and true.
No benefit of the doubt here!
Until he discloses his taxes or takes a serious position against Putin he appears as fully allied with the enemy. Putin's position in Russia may be understandable, but that he is committed to dividing and weakening the west defines him as an enemy through and true.
15
So I guess that's why Trump always holds up the Executive Orders for the cameras after signing them. So he can watch the TV news the next day and find out what he has just signed.
30
trump has the nuclear codes and yet does not know how to turn on the WH lights. trump is a UPenn graduate and yet occupies his evenings watching tv. trump is the "leader" of the free world and is in his bathrobe by 6:30/7:00 pm...might I suggest - ask the WH porter where the light switches are ....READ some history texts......and get a social life..you are the PRESIDENT
20
Fake "so-called" president doesn't take his position seriously enough. Lifes are affected with every nonchalant decision "Bannon" makes.
7
Mistakes were made!?? The Donald will speak soon... You're fired! Unfortunately it won't be the Donald addressing the Donald.
11
Welcome to the Trump White House where Ready, Fire, Aim is the overall strategy which, once implemented, incurs the wrath of the current occupant who describes the fallout as fake news.
10
Well, I hope he's chosen a larger and more beautiful new dining room table, with his exquisite marble and brass taste, so he can include more real estate developers to advise him on his warfare tactics while he eats his meatloaf dinner. I'm still in in disbelief that so many voters fell for his ultimate scam.
26
trump needs to be removed before he goes nuclear and the voters / world pay with their lives or trump becomes a real time version of Howard Hughes or Hitler.
Republicans - you knew this man was not fit to be president but you either were afraid of HC or your HATE of women made you vote for trump, now your all making up alt facts or believing in trumps reality so you don't look like fools and can earn your government salary & health insurance.
Republicans - you knew this man was not fit to be president but you either were afraid of HC or your HATE of women made you vote for trump, now your all making up alt facts or believing in trumps reality so you don't look like fools and can earn your government salary & health insurance.
18
President Trump is a mercurial figure who reveals in the tempest atmosphere of his creation. President Trump is fighting a three front war:1) the media whom he sees as oppositional, questioning his credibility and pro Clinton during the presidential campaign. Any questioning or countering his view of the "facts", the media is cast as fake news; 2) Public opinion has the newly elected president at an all time low, taken away from his base, only to see the millions who oppose him and question his legitimacy; he is a man with a frail ego and lashes out against the opposition; 3) President Trump had run his campaign based on chaos and unorthodoxy; Washington and the Presidency is countering those proclivities, revealing the office requires a certain demeanor and that every spoken or written word have consequences. For all his rhetoric of draining the swamp, it will be Washington insiders that will determine the success or failures of the current administration. Outsiders such as Bannon and Miller must be subservient to Priebus and placed on the outer periphery of the presidency!
1
"Pass the time between meetings"?? I'm so happy the POTUS has so much free time on his hands.. what an utter disaster. may be he should take up cribbage. I can't wait for the Presidential library. Maybe it can have rides.
23
This is one of the very first NYT articles I have read in many months; I had to keep my distance from the propaganda I believe you have spouted so often.
This report is a fresh and fair look at the new president, and I see it was done with the windows open. I still think your continued reference to Bannon and Preibus as "conflicting power centers" is evidence that you have not yet closed the door on your stuffy "Fake News Department", but despite that reference the article makes a lot of sense, and hopefully the president will read and learn from it as well.
This is reporting more akin to what I remember so well from the Times and the Post during the Kennedy and Johnson years.
It was, in a word, perceptive. I hope the content of this article is indicative of a better path that some of your staff may have wisely chosen to follow.
The press need not necessarily be an adversary any more than a sycophant to any new president who must find his way in those lonely new halls that very few must ponder. I detected a very slight dose of empathy in this article, albeit well-disguised. Good. Perhaps the authors realize the truism that the presidency is the loneliest job on earth. If our new president has any fault I can discern, it is that he may have not really taken account of the full weight of this unique responsibility.
Please keep it up this kind of report.
A new day for all of us has, in fact, begun, and breakfast tastes much better with honey than vinegar.
This report is a fresh and fair look at the new president, and I see it was done with the windows open. I still think your continued reference to Bannon and Preibus as "conflicting power centers" is evidence that you have not yet closed the door on your stuffy "Fake News Department", but despite that reference the article makes a lot of sense, and hopefully the president will read and learn from it as well.
This is reporting more akin to what I remember so well from the Times and the Post during the Kennedy and Johnson years.
It was, in a word, perceptive. I hope the content of this article is indicative of a better path that some of your staff may have wisely chosen to follow.
The press need not necessarily be an adversary any more than a sycophant to any new president who must find his way in those lonely new halls that very few must ponder. I detected a very slight dose of empathy in this article, albeit well-disguised. Good. Perhaps the authors realize the truism that the presidency is the loneliest job on earth. If our new president has any fault I can discern, it is that he may have not really taken account of the full weight of this unique responsibility.
Please keep it up this kind of report.
A new day for all of us has, in fact, begun, and breakfast tastes much better with honey than vinegar.
7
As the alternative saying goes, " you can catch a lot more flies with honey than with vinegar." The flies in this case will be people willing to leak more info on this dishonest charlatain as it becomes clear that the honey the Times is putting out is real news on the new administration.
1
"Perhaps the authors realize the truism that the presidency is the loneliest job on earth. If our new president has any fault I can discern, it is that he may have not really taken account of the full weight of this unique responsibility.”
Perhaps he could have done so prior to announcing his candidacy? Unfortunately, the “fault” you refer to is a fatal flaw: hubris. His misbegotten belief that because he believes he is capable to being president he somehow can be will is both foolish and dangerous.
Perhaps he could have done so prior to announcing his candidacy? Unfortunately, the “fault” you refer to is a fatal flaw: hubris. His misbegotten belief that because he believes he is capable to being president he somehow can be will is both foolish and dangerous.
12
You seem to be looking for media that only confirms what you want to believe. Try Fox News or Vox.
6
The Donald admitted that he didn't really know what he was signing.
When will Paul Ryan and the spineless Republicans say something?
When will Paul Ryan and the spineless Republicans say something?
24
"Staff Rethink", that I can buy; Donald himself "re-thinking" something? I don't think so.
9
Trump would make a wonderful hostess to the White House. That's Donald Trump.
2
Describing Trump's operations as an "improvisational approach" is a monument of euphemism. Erratic, irresponsible, reckless, vagarious, anarchic, pernicious, blundering, indefensible, fraudulent, sophistic and preposterous might begin my descriptor list of the Trump administration's style.
14
In writing his response to Hillary Clinton’s IQ scores, Donald Trump was sitting at his desk and saw a bottle of hand sanitizer with the numbers of 99.99%...that is where he gleaned the numbers of his retort of answering 99.99% of the questions of the IQ test correctly. He states his IQ is 156. In comparison, Stephen Hawking – IQ 160.
Dr Amanda Potter, psychologist, British Psychological Society: “While having a sufficient cognitive ability or IQ is important for any individual to succeed, both emotional intelligence and social intelligence are also critical.”
She added all three types of intelligence were important for the success of an individual.
Emotional Intelligence: being aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. "emotional intelligence is the key to both personal and professional success" (Daniel Goldman)
Social Intelligence: An aggregated measure of self/social-awareness, evolved social beliefs and attitudes, capacity to manage complex social change. Social intelligence defines humans.
Trump
1.Antisocial Personality Disorder (deceitfulness, repeatedly lying, use of aliases or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.)
2.Borderline Personality Disorder (a pattern of unstable/intense interpersonal relationships, alternating between extreme idealizations and devaluation.)
3.Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Has a grandiose sense of self-importance)
Dr Amanda Potter, psychologist, British Psychological Society: “While having a sufficient cognitive ability or IQ is important for any individual to succeed, both emotional intelligence and social intelligence are also critical.”
She added all three types of intelligence were important for the success of an individual.
Emotional Intelligence: being aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. "emotional intelligence is the key to both personal and professional success" (Daniel Goldman)
Social Intelligence: An aggregated measure of self/social-awareness, evolved social beliefs and attitudes, capacity to manage complex social change. Social intelligence defines humans.
Trump
1.Antisocial Personality Disorder (deceitfulness, repeatedly lying, use of aliases or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.)
2.Borderline Personality Disorder (a pattern of unstable/intense interpersonal relationships, alternating between extreme idealizations and devaluation.)
3.Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Has a grandiose sense of self-importance)
18
Maybe his parents told him that he had a really high IQ in order to give him some self esteem. I can imagine some 1940's parent thinking 'what harm could it do?'
The best is yet to come ... wait until he confronts the reality of foreign affairs ! this will turn ugly with lots of collateral all around (just what Putin wanted)
9
Where have you been the last few weeks? He's been destabilizing the globe and alienating our allies since Jan 21.
15
If he doesn't read the executive orders, any of his aides could slip in anything they like and he wouldn't know it. So who is really in charge? Who is dictating policy? The unelected person who drafts the order? What if someone inserted a sentence that said " I resign , effective immediately" ? That should give the so-called Chief pause.
16
In a recent article on Russia's economy, Russia's Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said the government is working on "a set of measures to further support growth and accelerate it."
Putting Donald Trump into office was the first step.
How Trump embraces Putin's pillars of foreign policy..."Make Russia Great Again".
Putting Donald Trump into office was the first step.
How Trump embraces Putin's pillars of foreign policy..."Make Russia Great Again".
9
Are we still working to force Donald Trump to release his taxes??? Any fair-minded, thoughtful person has got to know there's a treasure trove of evidence there. Every time I think about him thumbing his nose at the American people when he basically told Hilary, "I don't pay taxes and that makes me smarter than you".
25
Did Trump really signed an Executive Order without reading it. I'm no Constitutional authority but clearly his staff was not elected. I didn't vote for him, but neither did anyone voted for Bannon and other staff members. How do we know he's not signing the order to start a nuclear conflict? This is beyond negligence and lack of responsibility.
He should be fired by Congress.
He should be fired by Congress.
28
Newspapers make mistakes, but I generally trust the Times. But I really need to ask, is the second paragraph satire, conjecture, or hyperbole? Sadly, I don't know if I've been a victim of Poe's Law. It's not even funny anymore. Guess I'll just have to remember when I'm reading the Times and when I'm reading Waterford Whispers.
Not a fan of Mr. Trump, although I'm obviously a fan of understatement. Slagging him off has just gotten too easy. It's like hearing variations of the same joke over and over again. Tactically however, sarcastically spreading the "President Bannon" term is probably effective. Trump might certainly change policy and staff because his feelings are hurt.
Hopefully we'll have a chance to elevate the discourse at a later time.
Not a fan of Mr. Trump, although I'm obviously a fan of understatement. Slagging him off has just gotten too easy. It's like hearing variations of the same joke over and over again. Tactically however, sarcastically spreading the "President Bannon" term is probably effective. Trump might certainly change policy and staff because his feelings are hurt.
Hopefully we'll have a chance to elevate the discourse at a later time.
3
Let's say you were in a relationship where the other person did everything to abuse you and your life. Might you say that they were intentionally or at least subconsciously attempting to destroy the relationship? Would you consider it the wise thing to stay in that relationship? So Trump has so far divided and conquered our nation, is subverting the constitution, undermining our nation’s security, attacking our allies. Now tell me, how's this relationship going? Of course what if the person who was doing everything to abuse you and your life started to treat someone else warmly, caring and supportive even when they knew that the other person was a danger to you and your life. Would you consider it to be the wise thing to stay in that relationship? So Trump has invited Russia to attack our media and use it to subvert our nation, openly "tweets" maybe Putin will be his new best friend, all of a sudden wants to drop all of our previous walls of protection against Russia, Putin and his cronies, and tells our intelligence community it is incompetent but references Putin as a true source of intelligence. Now tell me, how's that relationship going? Interestingly enough, Trump is just another human being, nothing more and nothing less. He eats, sleeps, drinks, poops, gets dressed just like the rest of us. Don't assign him any special powers because he is not God. Deal with him as any other abusive person should be dealt with.
28
Exactly,
Well said.
Well said.
5
Watch what happens when Trump becomes jealous of Bannon for stealing his limelight.
Its either Article 25 of the Constitution or impeachment. Wonder which will come first.
Its either Article 25 of the Constitution or impeachment. Wonder which will come first.
20
The man is mentally ill. And he's getting worse under pressure. How long will Congress force us to suffer this sick, incompetent, megalomaniac before articles of impeachment are served on him?
36
"To pass the time between meetings, Mr. Trump gives quick tours to visitors".
I find it really shocking that the President could find himself with nothing to do between meetings. If nothing else, he should at least use it to read his own executive orders.
I find it really shocking that the President could find himself with nothing to do between meetings. If nothing else, he should at least use it to read his own executive orders.
47
"Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches in the cabinet room."
This explains a lot. Think about it. Reflect on it. Try to digest it. Blend it with, "I'm voting for Trump because he will surround himself with the right people after he's elected."
Where's Eleanor Roosevelt with her candle when we need her? Oh, yes, Chester A. Riley really got it right when he said, "What a revolting development this is".
This explains a lot. Think about it. Reflect on it. Try to digest it. Blend it with, "I'm voting for Trump because he will surround himself with the right people after he's elected."
Where's Eleanor Roosevelt with her candle when we need her? Oh, yes, Chester A. Riley really got it right when he said, "What a revolting development this is".
18
I am beginning to get the idea that the 'so-called' president can't read. He is always having his staff explain things to him and they are always explaining the wrong thing. That is supposedly why they are not presidents, but then again.
15
Mr. Trump is not a president, but he plays one on TV...
31
bobrt
it is so un-American that you and most of the people who post here cannot respect the office of president of the united states.
it is so un-American that you and most of the people who post here cannot respect the office of president of the united states.
It is Donald Trump who demeans the Presidency. This has happened before, and it never ends well.
3
Sarah: I would venture to say that it is precisely BECAUSE people respect the office of the President that so many of them are posting their fears and concerns here. (Clearly, Trump himself - and the men and women immediately around him - have virtually no respect for the office at all.)
3
Now he is being referred to as Pence's Poodle and Bannon's boy. And today he said he did not understand the executive order that was put in front of him to sign, that he then signed. Is Mr. Trump there solely for his marquee value? Is that not enough to enact Article 25?
21
Perhaps a gradually humiliated, somewhat ridiculed, politically wounded Trump would be less capable of gaining support and manipulating things to get the vicious economic programs supported and passed than an administration OFFICIALLY run by Pence/Ryan--who might "appear" more reasonable as they eviscerate the economy and intensify the transfer of wealth to the wealthy. So maybe we should oppose the impeachment of Trump?
9
I personally believe that Pence was selected as V-P precisely to keep Trump in office. Better the erratic, unfocused devil you know than the hard-line, misogynistic, efficient devil who is waiting in the wings.
7
If it were anyone else but the president, I'd be laughing my head off. Trump came from reality tv, but he is living in his own world. He's more concerned with ratings, than governing the country. He's a denier of facts, and cannot handle criticism. His tweets prove he's losing it. Bannon writes the rules, then gives it to Priebus, who places it in front of Trump to sign. He does without reading it. Trump is out of the loop, because he's out of sight, and out of mind. Bannon knows this, so he force feeds Trump his scandalous agenda. Trump could be comatose, but Bannon and Miller will say everything is copacetic.
14
When you say "out of mind" ...
1
This "so-called" President should be better at his job but this is like Trump University - President Trump claimed that he would be deeply involved in the administration of Trump U and later when he was sued he admitted that he was not. I guess after his Term is up he will have a book ghost written for him where he indicates he focused on the big picture and left Steve Bannon and Mike Pence to run the country.
8
While I find no difficulty grasping the fear that I associate with this administration, I do grapple with understanding it's absurdity. Too bad this isn't 'fake news'.
5
As I reread the article and the comments, an old joke came to mind about a really bad football team. The coach says " We are going to start with the basics...this is a football." From the back of the locker room, the quarterback says"Slow down coach."
11
How long will it take Steve Bannon to fake another lunar landing?
5
Oh. He already did --- You didn't know that?
Isn't FAKE NEWS great???
Isn't FAKE NEWS great???
3
Dear NYTimes,
After 25 years of considering you the pinnacle of free media in a democratic America (with all my mentors, professors and friends), "sneaking" into Donald Trump's private hours at the White House was the lowest in American journalism I have ever seen. I just organized a conference on "post-truth" era, attended one at the National Press Club and --while I will closely follow this and other dangers to our democracy--I am deeply disappointed in you.
Respectfully,
After 25 years of considering you the pinnacle of free media in a democratic America (with all my mentors, professors and friends), "sneaking" into Donald Trump's private hours at the White House was the lowest in American journalism I have ever seen. I just organized a conference on "post-truth" era, attended one at the National Press Club and --while I will closely follow this and other dangers to our democracy--I am deeply disappointed in you.
Respectfully,
3
Ah, the self-righteous indignation.
"Improvisational"? NY Times... you're much too kind to this presidential imposter and his self-centered band of troublemakers.
7
I'm still wondering if the Bernie Busters, Jill Stein voters, and other progressives who refused to vote for Hillary Clinton, many of whom said that it would make no difference if Trump won, are happy now?
35
Fascinating article and great reporting !
Maybe Trump will have to eat some humble pie after all . Wouldn't that be refreshing and well deserved .
Great work NYT!
Maybe Trump will have to eat some humble pie after all . Wouldn't that be refreshing and well deserved .
Great work NYT!
9
Trump's bizarre, unintended comedy fails to alleviate or distract from my growing conviction that we have a dangerous madman occupying the White House.
20
With snarky comments about the light swtiches and the window coverings, the credibility of the writers is diminished.
3
Or maybe the administration who didn't think it was important enough or care enough to prepare for the job of running this country is rightly diminished by this information.
16
Someone in Trump's staff must have had to Google "Rethink".
3
Rethinking their tactics? Do they have any?
3
The buffoon is driving himself directly into the ground. Clearly his mother never taught him manners. President? Ha ha ha ha ha.
6
Wonder how DT responds to assessment of one of the civilised world's most respected journals, which depicted him as a jihadi holding up the bleeding severed head of America's icon of liberty and refuge. https://magazin.spiegel.de/SP/2017/6/utm_source=spon&utm_campaign=ce...
A telling image that will surely be remembered as long as he is.
A telling image that will surely be remembered as long as he is.
6
Maybe Trump will revert to Swedish extraction now.
2
Thanks for the real news NYT, refreshing though it is, it offers a terrifying view of a complete debacle going on in the most powerful institution in the world. Kushner is to blame for this transition, by canning Christie, any semblance of professionalism has completely gone out the window. And as those self help success books tell you, you never have a second chance to give a first impression. Yes we smell blood, and because he is such a rude, selfish and uncaring person, no one will mourn his demise. The resistance is alive and well, and we will never, ever give up.
6
Chris Christie made the same kind of first impression on me as Trump did. A bully who negotiates only from overwhelming advantage.
8
I can just picture him in his bathrobe watching T.V. Class personified! What have we done? I can't believe this is happening! BTW our tax dollars are being spent big time offering protection for the first lady who chooses NOT to live in the White House. Absurd! This family is making fools of us all.
19
He can't read. He really can't read. Good God, the President can't read.
17
Looks like stupid won. It's hard to surround yourself with good people after something like that.
12
"Good people" never had anything to do with this administration.
6
So now that Bannon has been put on the security council, tRump claims he wasn't advised on the EO he signed? What's this guy's problem? The order was right in front of him. Why didn't he read it, as any competent CEO or so-called president would do. Is he so stupid he doesn't know what effect these EO's have?
After watching his depositions where he's asked to read things, I believe tRump is illiterate and can't read. And he has already admitted that he has other people write his tweets, so he an't write either.
After watching his depositions where he's asked to read things, I believe tRump is illiterate and can't read. And he has already admitted that he has other people write his tweets, so he an't write either.
13
Everyone is giving 'President' Trump a tough time, and I object most strenuously. That is like beating up on the special needs kid in the back of the class. The problem is Fuhrer Bannon. Too bad poor old Donald doesn't have the brains to realize that he is just a patsy for Bannon. This would be comical if it wasn't leading to the demise of this country.
12
He broke it. He owns it. Pass me another rotten tomato. It's the next best thing to kneeing Hitler in the groin, and you want us to be nice to him? Silly Wabbit.
1
I disagree Francis, folks are speaking OUT against the (kind of) folks that Beat Up Special Needs Kids.
8
No excuse.
If it wasn't for Trump --- there would be no Bannon.
And remember, the White House is no place for thin-skinned demagogues, (or people used to sitting in the back of the class)
Start over.
If it wasn't for Trump --- there would be no Bannon.
And remember, the White House is no place for thin-skinned demagogues, (or people used to sitting in the back of the class)
Start over.
9
I actually found this encouraging! All the time he spends obsessing over news (rather than governing) means protests WORK - they are they key to getting this mans ego so twisted that he continues making blunders and hopefully gets himself kicked out of the oval.
He sees our resistance, and is clearly effected by it. Lets keep it going!
He sees our resistance, and is clearly effected by it. Lets keep it going!
22
How can a one-dimensional ruler be 'turned around'? He has no other side to offer. If you'll look at Romania, you'll see it has a more responsive government at this point than DJ Trump. If this is chaos, it's deliberate and it emanates from a tiny circle run by Bannon. The chaos, the narcissist watching TV talk about him -- bad cinema.
12
IF all this hubris leads to the isolation and elimination of Steve Bannon from the administration then that is progress for "Team Trump". Not a solution. Limited progress. But small movement to a better deal for the American people the next four years. And hire a decorator. They are all over.
8
No. Not enough until Trump im or explodes on Fox News.
1
He wants to be "looped in earlier"? Isn't the loop supposed to start with him???
40
Yeah. You picked up on that too? Scary.
17
I ask EVERYONE to write, email or call your representatives and urge them to grow a pair and impeach this dangerous fool. Trump has shown that he is not fit to hold this office in numerous ways - his Russia-First attitude; installing a self-acknowledged White Supremacist Neo-Nazi in the White House as his main counselor; by his blatant ignorance of how the government and the Constitution function; his clear violation of the Emolument Clause of the Constitution by his failure to put his assets into a genuine blind trust so that the American people can be assured his policy decisions are not aimed at enriching himself, his family or his colleagues. And there is more, like starting World War III. rolling back Clean Air and Water regulations, etc - but this is enough. I strongly believe that if a large number (or all) the Democrats began to call for his impeachment, sane Republicans would join the cause. This man is a danger to our country. I intensely disagree with Vice-President Pence's views and dogma, but at LEAST he is an adult who can exercise self-control.
19
I don't know why people are surprised. During the campaign Trump demonstrated that he was ignorant of history, current events, science. and the environment among other things. This streak of impetuousness was clearly present as well. He only believes what he wants to believe. How could anyone think that a 70 year old man could change?
25
The problem isn't his age. It's his narcissism.
8
An early involvement of Trump will make the matters even worse.
4
So, just like Nixon, Trump is intimidated by protestors. He canceled his trip to Milwaukee last week to avoid being exposed to any protest activity (a fear of Trump's which has been widely-reported in recent days - the leaks from inside the West Wing are quite consistent about this).
We knew Trump has a thin skin. But we didn't necessarily know that the mere sight and sound of Americans expressing their First Amendment rights in the streets would cause him to curl up and quiver inside his White House cocoon with his only connection to reality being his TV remote control.
We're in a desperate fight for the soul of our nation. And we've just discovered our Secret Weapon - our Kryptonite against the Man of Steal.
To the streets!
We knew Trump has a thin skin. But we didn't necessarily know that the mere sight and sound of Americans expressing their First Amendment rights in the streets would cause him to curl up and quiver inside his White House cocoon with his only connection to reality being his TV remote control.
We're in a desperate fight for the soul of our nation. And we've just discovered our Secret Weapon - our Kryptonite against the Man of Steal.
To the streets!
37
Many similarities to Nixon. March!
2
Keep to the streets, powerfully and peacefully. Time to move on, DT.
No. Trump is Nixon without the intellect, class or morals.
2
With Mrs. Trump in NY, and refusing to move to Washington (I really don't blame her), Mr. Bannon and his side-kick, the so-called president, have a great opportunity to highlight their policy and organizational skills for all to see: The White House Easter Egg Hunt.
Surely, they can pull that off without insulting anyone. Or can they?
Surely, they can pull that off without insulting anyone. Or can they?
20
My tax dollars are now paying for her security in NYC and D.C. The double standards make me furious. Michelle Obama was mercilessly attacked by the Fox Mews Republican crowd for wearing a sleeveless dress yet Melania is allowed to do . . . Nothing at the tax payers expense.
14
Trump is annoyed because he was not fully briefed on details of the executive order? Yet John Kelly did not receive "guidance from the White House, which had not asked his department for a legal review of the order." Trump is ill-equipped to serve as president. He's a petulant child who quickly assigns blame to others when things don't go his way. Watching this man in action is like seeing the uprising of a dictator. Thank goodness we have laws in place to which he is accountable.
18
Rump can't read. Why does he need to be "fully briefed" when the written order is right in front of him?
12
Yes, the "uprising of a dictator" and the tantrums of a child. I suggest a four year time-out for the orange man.
4
Unfortunately, he isn't accountable. He controlls the enforcement mechanism.
Really? Bannon creates an executive order giving himself a seat on the National Security Council - that Trump signs without knowing what was in it? That's a pretty brazen power grab. Certainly unprecedented. Congress: get off your collective ham-hocks and exercise some oversight. No one elected Steve Neo-Nazi Bannon as President.
48
Posted on Facebook: Photo of Trump and Pence.
Trump: The less immigrants we let in, the better.
Pence: Fewer.
Trump: Shhh, don't call me that in public yet.
Trump: The less immigrants we let in, the better.
Pence: Fewer.
Trump: Shhh, don't call me that in public yet.
24
Stealing this.
Apparently, or at least according to the Times, the Trump team's big problem is procedure, protocol, and perception, and not the substance of what they are trying to steamroll through executive orders - a substance that gets no mention in this rather superficial article. I don't think the millions of people that have so far mobilized to oppose Trump's policies will desist in creating a movement to bring down his nascent regime simply because his handlers create a more appealing and respectable facade to shield the dark and authoritarian reality they plan to impose.
6
Trump ought to say: "I am not up to it", and resign the Presidency.
And, while Trump is mustering the courage to resign the presidency, he should let Steve Bannon go !The health and welfare of our American Democracy depends on these acts.
I would like to believe that there are people in the Republican Party who know that they must cause Trump to let Bannon go; and cause Trump to resign.
With Bannon in the White House and with Trump in the Presidency every considerate American of every political persuasion in in danger.
We must find a way to work together to get Bannon and to get Trump out of the Whitehouse.
And, while Trump is mustering the courage to resign the presidency, he should let Steve Bannon go !The health and welfare of our American Democracy depends on these acts.
I would like to believe that there are people in the Republican Party who know that they must cause Trump to let Bannon go; and cause Trump to resign.
With Bannon in the White House and with Trump in the Presidency every considerate American of every political persuasion in in danger.
We must find a way to work together to get Bannon and to get Trump out of the Whitehouse.
15
"Rethink" requires initial "think".
How ironic.
How ironic.
11
Rethink tactics? The White House has turned into an animal farm. Talk about shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted .... We have a president with visible signs of mental illness. When will this be addressed? When the cows come home? Probably not - but the chickens have certainly come home to roost and the consequences too real to joke about.
19
Is there any reason to believe that the Republican Congressional delegation that needs to charge Trump with an impeachable offense is any less wacky than Trump is?
8
I was at a party this weekend with lots of Republicans. Several of them WOULD NOT admit they'd voted for Trump. One gal said, "I don't talk politics I just talk fashion". Ha! The emperor truly has no clothes and now maybe a few less voters willing to admit what they've done. Guess it doesn't matter because Bannon is in charge anyway.
16
Americans voted for him, America's system elected him. Do not complain. Enjoy the ride.
5
Correction:
Not ALL Americans voted for him...(remember, he lost the popular vote!)
An outdated Electoral College System (s)elected him... (by a slim margin)
Freedom of Speech is protected by the U.S. Constitution.
And there's nothing to enjoy about this ride.
Not ALL Americans voted for him...(remember, he lost the popular vote!)
An outdated Electoral College System (s)elected him... (by a slim margin)
Freedom of Speech is protected by the U.S. Constitution.
And there's nothing to enjoy about this ride.
25
The old "you might as well lay back and enjoy it" sickness.
Only a photo of his father? Whose middle name was "Christ"? (You gotta be kidding, right? You couldn't make this up!)
Not a single photo of Melania to be seen? Speaks volumes, eh?
This essay is really all about how narcissistic sociopaths spend their time.
This should be mandatory reading for every citizen.
Not a single photo of Melania to be seen? Speaks volumes, eh?
This essay is really all about how narcissistic sociopaths spend their time.
This should be mandatory reading for every citizen.
29
With regard to displaying only the picture of his father, this reinforces my $5.00 analysis: Trump has Daddy issues. Never could please the old man. Now look at me, Pop! Interesting, too, that his siblings have been very silent at their brother.
17
Didn't the old man tell Donald that he approved of his boy's decision to run for president in a seance with Trump's spiritual counselor?
3
"WASHINGTON — President Trump loves to set the day’s narrative at dawn, but the deeper story of his White House is best told at night.
"Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches in the cabinet room. Visitors conclude their meetings and then wander around, testing doorknobs until finding one that leads to an exit. In a darkened, mostly empty West Wing, Mr. Trump’s provocative chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, finishes another 16-hour day planning new lines of attack.
"Usually around 6:30 p.m., or sometimes later, Mr. Trump retires upstairs to the residence to recharge, vent and intermittently use Twitter. With his wife, Melania, and young son, Barron, staying in New York, he is almost always by himself, sometimes in the protective presence of his imposing longtime aide and former security chief, Keith Schiller. When Mr. Trump is not watching television in his bathrobe or on his phone reaching out to old campaign hands and advisers, he will sometimes set off to explore the unfamiliar surroundings of his new home."
OMG! No other words needed...
"Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches in the cabinet room. Visitors conclude their meetings and then wander around, testing doorknobs until finding one that leads to an exit. In a darkened, mostly empty West Wing, Mr. Trump’s provocative chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, finishes another 16-hour day planning new lines of attack.
"Usually around 6:30 p.m., or sometimes later, Mr. Trump retires upstairs to the residence to recharge, vent and intermittently use Twitter. With his wife, Melania, and young son, Barron, staying in New York, he is almost always by himself, sometimes in the protective presence of his imposing longtime aide and former security chief, Keith Schiller. When Mr. Trump is not watching television in his bathrobe or on his phone reaching out to old campaign hands and advisers, he will sometimes set off to explore the unfamiliar surroundings of his new home."
OMG! No other words needed...
16
Mr. Bannon prepared an executive order that put Bannon himself on the National Security Council, and removed the military and intelligence experts. Without reading the order and ignorant of what it contained, President Trump nevertheless signed it.
Is there a term for that?
An elite member of the government uses administrative chicanery to abruptly seize control of an important government role, and purge others from that same role. The maneuver succeeds when the president and his supporters apparently acquiesce.
Is there a term for that?
An elite member of the government uses administrative chicanery to abruptly seize control of an important government role, and purge others from that same role. The maneuver succeeds when the president and his supporters apparently acquiesce.
17
Is there a term for that???....
How about: Nepotism? Sycophancy? Insanity????
How about: Nepotism? Sycophancy? Insanity????
7
The Congress can't even impeach this unvetted President Bannon.
1
The French have a word for it: Coup
6
After the most recent Trump absurdities- for example- Trump not checking that he let Bannon on the National Security Counsel,I wonder if anyone who voted for Trump regrets the biggest mistake of their life- voting for Trump.
12
Maybe they'll get cured of thinking "Anything else is certain to be better than what I have now."
3
Sometime - I hope soon, The Trump supporters will see: The polls lie when they dont agree with Trump, The press lies when they don't agree with Trump , the judiciary lies when they don't agree with Trump and all who have stood in his way lie when they don't agree with Trump.
As my father said to me " what Peter says about Paul tells us more about Peter". If DJT did not hold the highest office I and many would call him a dumb uneducated nut who pulled the wool over the eyes of those in need of an honest broker. I believe in them and they will be his downfall.
god help us
As my father said to me " what Peter says about Paul tells us more about Peter". If DJT did not hold the highest office I and many would call him a dumb uneducated nut who pulled the wool over the eyes of those in need of an honest broker. I believe in them and they will be his downfall.
god help us
10
The laws of physics lie when they don't agree with Trump. Ordinarily, people win the Darwin Award for sharing that outlook much younger than Trump is.
3
"Trump and Staff Rethink Tactics After Stumbles," only to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. It's in their DNA to mess up everything they touch. Bannon's presidency with decorative and useless Donald can't get its act together.
7
President Trump and his top aides may be learning to familiarize themselves with White House light switches, door knobs and unexplored rooms. But Trump would be better served by sitting down with a copy of the U.S. Constitution and a sixth-grade primer on how America's three-branched system of governance has repeatedly rescued the country from the foolish foibles of one overblown branch, which would have otherwise toppled the tree. There are no "so-called judges." There are no "alternative facts." And there are swamps to be drained in every administration, sometimes even in those that are two-weeks-old.
17
He doesn't read, remember? Only if one of the hosts on Fox like Bill O'Reilly reads the primer (and the constitution) on the air (after 6:30pm), then Trump will get a chance to learn how the US gov't is structured, how it works.
11
@Peggy Rogers - Maybe someone could provide him with copies of those old 1970's cartoons, I think they were called "School House Rocks"(?) which explained how our government works.
3
Judging from the commercials during the Super Bowl corporations like Budweiser, Coca Cola, and AirBnB know they are global enterprises.
So while Trump is stuck on an early 20th century notion - that was already outdated then - of America First, international global enterprises know there is no going back to a simplistic closed world order.
Our lives, jobs, the companies we work for and with are all global. But our President's vision is that our country is not
No country is an island.
So while Trump is stuck on an early 20th century notion - that was already outdated then - of America First, international global enterprises know there is no going back to a simplistic closed world order.
Our lives, jobs, the companies we work for and with are all global. But our President's vision is that our country is not
No country is an island.
23
I've said this before, and I'll say it again. And again and again, after every horrific piece of news we read about this "so called" president. Trump voters, you own this. All of it. You're responsible for the horrific circumstances this country is now in. You alone. You own it.
Years from now, you will try to say you couldn't have imagined the wreckage that this presidency has caused our nation, and the world. But the rest of us won't buy it. We who didn't vote for him knew what damage he was capable of. Any sane, decent person would have known it. You chose to be ignorant, and subject this nation to your collective tantrum.
And we will never forget what you did.
Years from now, you will try to say you couldn't have imagined the wreckage that this presidency has caused our nation, and the world. But the rest of us won't buy it. We who didn't vote for him knew what damage he was capable of. Any sane, decent person would have known it. You chose to be ignorant, and subject this nation to your collective tantrum.
And we will never forget what you did.
67
I'll gladly own this. Considering there isn't a single congressman or woman who has EVER read every line of the bills they sign, and the perennially applicable quote by Pelosi of "we have to pass the bill to see what's in it," there is zero room for anyone who voted against Trump to complain. All federally elected officials rely on aides to summarize the bills they sponsor and vote on for them. This isn't unprecedented, nor is it as serious a problem as you all are making it out to be. It amazes me people can be so alarmist without having any understanding of the precedent and context for these things.
2
And loving it Zatari!....The only "wreckage" is what Barry O left for us to clean up. Trump has sent the statists, dictators, illegals, and collectivists scattering so what's not to like? He may be a little rough around the edges, but he's hitting all the right issues. It's so nice to have a man of action as president instead of an Islamic apologizing ditherer. Give the man some time, he'll do us proud.
1
I would only add that it's not only those that voted for Trump that are responsible for this, but also the 40 percent of eligible voters that didn't vote at all. If nothing else, this mess should teach us that we can no longer remain silent.
13
This gang is rumbling all over The White House & the Constitution. America is endangered by these sociopathic thugs. There is nothing worse than a malignant narcissist & America must NOT tolerate this unprecedented mob that believes they can ignore WE THE PEOPLE, as well as trample the Constitution and the Rule of Law.
Where is the CIA? Why are they not speaking up? American citizens should not be subjected to such tyrannical and dangerous acts. Trump proves every three seconds that he is of the criminally insane. He is far worse than Nixon because he so pathetically ignorant. His Iago is in charge, and is running our great nation into a chaotic hell.
Where is the CIA? Why are they not speaking up? American citizens should not be subjected to such tyrannical and dangerous acts. Trump proves every three seconds that he is of the criminally insane. He is far worse than Nixon because he so pathetically ignorant. His Iago is in charge, and is running our great nation into a chaotic hell.
20
The Congress is the only people who can do anything about this. Badger your Congresscritter if it's not Gerald Nadler, who already detests Trump.
6
Trump (on Seattle judge who quashed Muslim ban): "If something happens, blame him and the court system." Well, something will happen eventually. I guess we will then see if this president's contempt for the judicial branch of his own government will result in contempt and violence perpetrated on that branch by those he inspires. Would he be impeachable then?
6
Love the opening metaphor/situation. Working in the dark and people can't find the exits.
Maybe a literacy test should be required for the presidency? Or a comprehension one? The idea that someone who taught Constitutional law and was elected a U.S. Senator can be replaced by a rank amateur and his team of apprentices is terrifying.
Maybe a literacy test should be required for the presidency? Or a comprehension one? The idea that someone who taught Constitutional law and was elected a U.S. Senator can be replaced by a rank amateur and his team of apprentices is terrifying.
8
Ready, FIRE, aim!
What else could be expected when one who took companies into bankruptcy six separate times?
Perhaps the ancestor Trump should feature in the Oval Office should be his grandfather, who established the fortune that enabled the real estate empire with his brothel on the Yukon gold mining route. This individual seems to be the family foundation for the key areas of military service avoidance, exploitation of females, and selling out character for lucre.
What else could be expected when one who took companies into bankruptcy six separate times?
Perhaps the ancestor Trump should feature in the Oval Office should be his grandfather, who established the fortune that enabled the real estate empire with his brothel on the Yukon gold mining route. This individual seems to be the family foundation for the key areas of military service avoidance, exploitation of females, and selling out character for lucre.
14
I am still hopefull. Sometimes he has sometimes very brillant moments for microseconds. He is an animal and could be a political animal as well.
He must be open to new stuff which may be not very easy for a man of 70 years and concentrate on his main promise to spread fairness.
But the most important thing is to avoid empty theater and kick everybody out who advises him to such stuff to impress any audience. His father was not looking for popularity as well. I still like him.
He must be open to new stuff which may be not very easy for a man of 70 years and concentrate on his main promise to spread fairness.
But the most important thing is to avoid empty theater and kick everybody out who advises him to such stuff to impress any audience. His father was not looking for popularity as well. I still like him.
1
Could you please explain, exactly WHY you still like him? What has he done that you like? Because to the majority, he's a train wreck.
11
Trump is a bully. He won't even talk unless he believes he holds an overwhelming advantage. Forget about fairness, Trump despises it.
7
Mr. Trump seems unaware that there are 3 USA branches of government: legislative, judicial and executive!
6
The men in front, the women way back. Is this a picture of an Islamic state, or the WH?
12
And yet, when you ask people who voted for him, they all think he's doing a "great job." CNN gathered several women who voted for him together and asked what they liked about him. Several of them mentioned his "transparency." One said she just didn't understand why people disliked or distrusted him because "he's the most transparent President we've ever had." I think these people believe "transparency" means using racial epithets, personal slurs and basically saying whatever comes into ones mind without thought about who it might affect. We definitely live in two Americas. I don't have much hope for us all however.
20
The story of the Trump officials sitting in a dark conference room is a wonderful metaphor for the administration's approach to everything.
They would rather be in the dark than ask someone who may actually know something.
They would rather be in the dark than ask someone who may actually know something.
16
I hardly can believe what I see, read and hear. Wish you all the best. Paul Verhoeven on Dutch tv tonight compared your president with Hitler. In January 1933 he became Reichschansellor (because he had promised the Catholic Party to leave the Pope alone), in August 1933 'all who were next to him were gone'. Including judges and so forth. Verhoeven still lives in the US, he said, but his family council decided to wait for 4 or 5 months to see how it'll develop... and dependent upon developments would leave the US. Not that Verhoeven's so interesting, but he's made a great film with Elle.
I'd say: Get back to Montesqieu and Machiavelli. Horkheimer and Adorno! We've seen this all before. Nevertheless... very shocking.,. this is. Not that Europe is in a better shape.
I'd say: Get back to Montesqieu and Machiavelli. Horkheimer and Adorno! We've seen this all before. Nevertheless... very shocking.,. this is. Not that Europe is in a better shape.
6
Appearance & attitude are all for this POTUS. How difficult it must be to have Bannon ever photographed. As Commander of Carny, Trump knows many people are impressed with window dressing...literally & figuratively.
His interest is clearly in polls not policy, looking confident more than being competent.
The Apprentice was a success which probably set the fantasy winner boss brand that sold him as a national savior to some voters.
Now the chaos and SNL skewering will rebrand him as hapless, uniformed (how embarrassing to not know Frederick Douglass!!) and inept- dependent on a weirdo saboteur for speeches & policy.
The new Trump brand will look like those bankrupt casino facades!
His interest is clearly in polls not policy, looking confident more than being competent.
The Apprentice was a success which probably set the fantasy winner boss brand that sold him as a national savior to some voters.
Now the chaos and SNL skewering will rebrand him as hapless, uniformed (how embarrassing to not know Frederick Douglass!!) and inept- dependent on a weirdo saboteur for speeches & policy.
The new Trump brand will look like those bankrupt casino facades!
10
Why do Republicans seem to love presidents who have no common sense, no care for Americans and well on their way to dementia or stalled in ignorance? Reagan, GWB and now Trump.
10
we've elected a twitter addict as president.
9
Not "we". "We", the people, gave about 7 million more votes to candidates other than this mentally deranged individual. The Electoral College, in an appalling act of dereliction of duty, allowed an unqualified demagogue to ascend to the post of chief executive. The purpose of the EC was to prevent this very disaster from occurring...... that and appeasing slave states.
4
A smoother roll-out of his imbecilic, racist, and immoral policies is not going to make them go over any better with the majority of the American populace. Sure, you can put lipstick on a pig, but at the end of the day it's still, and always will be exactly that, a pig.
20
They don't have to rethink their tactics, they have to rethink their thinking. Their thinking and policies are flawed not the tactics, that is why people are rebelling.
13
Their tactics are hopelessly juvenile. It's all "I'm rubber, you're glue", "You did it first", "I know what you are but what am I?" level material.
3
Trump is a fat old man with a high stress job. He eats junk food and does not exercise. He has a bogus doctor who makes up his diagnosis to suit his patient's fancy. Love him or hate him, Trump is unlikely to survive his first four years. Heart attack looms. Oh, hello, Pence. You can wipe that vacuous smirk off your face any time now, Mike. Soon it'll all be on you.
16
grow some... fore Bannon
Interesting how quickly the "Give him a chance" sentiment appears to have dissipated. So yeah, it's still early, sure... but things just seem to keep getting weirder.
I used to think that if Earth was visited by extraterrestrials, they would think we're all insane. Now I think they'd figure some of us are more insane than others.
This all may well turn out to be the best thing to happen to the Left in a long time... not to mention whatever third-party options present themselves next time around.
I used to think that if Earth was visited by extraterrestrials, they would think we're all insane. Now I think they'd figure some of us are more insane than others.
This all may well turn out to be the best thing to happen to the Left in a long time... not to mention whatever third-party options present themselves next time around.
4
Winning the Presidency is for this Emperor a big hit of Bad Huckster Karma...I can only hope it turns out that way for the Republicans who are enabling this abomination.
9
The Trump Show "So You Wanna Be President!!" Sponsored by none other than the Republican Party leadership. Have these people no shame whatsoever?
17
Our so-called president and his so-called advisors at work. Gonna be a long four years.
16
Bannon and Priebus won't last very long together. Now let's hope Trump and the presidency won't last too long either
13
Trump hasn't stumbled. He has been tripped occasionally by judges with overreaching feet, maligned by fake news, harassed by progressive jihadists and stalled by recalcitrant Republicans. Nothing unexpected.
Take the immigration order: Trump keeps promise and issues temporary prohibition. Media, Democrats go ballistic. Lawsuits filed. Activist judges react and issue stay orders. Appellate Courts reinstate prohibition - or not.
Fast forward. Some young male, Middle Eastern immigrants do what they do, molest women (Germany), rape women (Sweden), shoot people (France). ISIS claims credit. Who do sane people blame, Trump? I don't think so. He tried to keep them out. Who wanted them in?
Trump is moving fast, but he isn't playing a short term game.
Take the immigration order: Trump keeps promise and issues temporary prohibition. Media, Democrats go ballistic. Lawsuits filed. Activist judges react and issue stay orders. Appellate Courts reinstate prohibition - or not.
Fast forward. Some young male, Middle Eastern immigrants do what they do, molest women (Germany), rape women (Sweden), shoot people (France). ISIS claims credit. Who do sane people blame, Trump? I don't think so. He tried to keep them out. Who wanted them in?
Trump is moving fast, but he isn't playing a short term game.
2
And when native-born Americans do it? Shoot people? Rape women? I'm more worried about a native-born American with a gun than an immigrant.
9
He hasn't stumbled; he has fallen flat on his face. Lowest polls historically and most people do not approve of the illegal, non-Constitutional Muslim ban which is bigoted.
13
Dylan Roof is a white guy jihadist now presumably awaiting his sentence. The Aurora massacre guy- white. Yes, these guys do what they do. And they are born here.
So yes, Trump has stumbled. Bigly.
So yes, Trump has stumbled. Bigly.
7
This is what happens when you take a huffing, puffing rank amateur and elect him President, at least in the Electoral College. Trump has the attention span of a rock, and his intellectual curiosity is on the same scale. All of the campaigning and the crowds and the attention was fun, but Trump got the job, somehow and is left with the biggest "Oh ____" moment in the history of mankind. And so is the United States. You ever hear of The Peter Principle? A man (or woman) in an organization rises to his highest level of incompetency? Trump is The Peter Principle on steroids.
27
If you voted for this man or not, it is scary to me that he is delegating what he is signing to Steve Bannon! Americans who voted for Trump did not vote for President Bannon.
Pres. Trump better start reading everything he is about to sign and better yet, he needs to recruit those who understand our politics in his cabinet, but who also understand how to govern for everyone - not just right wing extremists. Why are there no democratic cabinet members?
Pres. Obama recruited some Republican and former Bush people to better govern since no one man can really know everything about our great country!
He wants to appear like he's doing everything he said on the campaign stump so his supporters will not have buyers remorse or so he's well liked. If he wants to be well liked he should listen to all the people not just the ones who actually voted for him. The problem is, you don't just do things to make yourself look good, you do them because they are the right thing to do. The fact that we have to point that out to our POTUS is scary!!
Pres. Trump better start reading everything he is about to sign and better yet, he needs to recruit those who understand our politics in his cabinet, but who also understand how to govern for everyone - not just right wing extremists. Why are there no democratic cabinet members?
Pres. Obama recruited some Republican and former Bush people to better govern since no one man can really know everything about our great country!
He wants to appear like he's doing everything he said on the campaign stump so his supporters will not have buyers remorse or so he's well liked. If he wants to be well liked he should listen to all the people not just the ones who actually voted for him. The problem is, you don't just do things to make yourself look good, you do them because they are the right thing to do. The fact that we have to point that out to our POTUS is scary!!
11
I am astounded at petty criticism being leveled by the Times at the Trump administration. America clearly did not intend to elect a president who had it all down pat. The country voted for change and that is what we're getting. When I suffer though your articles and the narrow minded responses of your readers I ask myself daily why I even bother!
4
JN
So read something else.
So read something else.
5
Your do understand that the majority of Americans opposes him, don't you? He lost by over 3 million votes, and opposition is growing by the minute. It's not the NYT, it's America facing facts and fighting back.
6
Something else is not enough. A green card is a green card.
1
Sounds like POTUS is his own FLOTUS.
9
I hope cable news show hosts realize the responsibility they have to educate the president. Facts please! The boy president has no clothes.
10
Not the kind of team that inspires confidence in the event of an asteroid heading towards earth, a terrorist with a nuclear weapon, Russian invasion of the Baltics, a flu pandemic, category five hurricane bearing down on Miami, a major earthquake in Oregon, a recession, a police shooting and inner city riots, oil spill, ice storm, bridge collapse, high rise fire, drought in Kansas, visit by foreign leader, electrical blackout in Peoria, food contamination crisis, any loss by Team USA anywhere, satellite crash, interstate traffic jam, Oscar scandal, or just about anything.
13
We are vulnerable, national security-wise, at this juncture, probably more than any other time in our nation's history because of the lack of preparation of the President for his governmental position. He has wanted this for several decades, as I see it, yet did nothing to prepare for the duties of public service at the highest level. He needs careful watching, as well as those whom he has chosen to advise him. The Republican Congress has the highest duty to do the right thing to protect us all, and our sovereign, The U.S. Constitution.
1
We here in the United States of America constantly proclaim our vaunted status as the "greatest nation on earth". That title comes with responsibilities that go far beyond the basics. The exceptionalism that we claim came about because we do exceptional things like open our doors to the "huddled masses yearning to breathe free". When we undermine one of the founding principles that we are a nation of immigrants we undermine our exceptionalism and we can no longer claim the mantle of greatest nation. The world looks to us for leadership. We have a responsibility to ourselves to assure the safety of our people and the security of our borders. But we also have a responsibility to the world to do the right thing, to set the right example, to give freedom it's profound meaning like no other country. We are risking everything with Donald Trump at the helm. We are risking our profound and inexplicable greatness by going down the path he would like to take us down. We must resist him every time he seeks to close us off from the greater world with walls of fear and borders of barbed wire. We must resist his every attempt to define people who are different from us as dangerous or less worthy of compassion. We are at a precipice and how we proceed will define our position in the future...will we continue to be a stabilizing force that helps keep the world in relative peace or will we cede our moral authority to other countries who lack the moral standing to hold that position?
10
Now that Ringling Bros. is calling it quits, maybe we should start calling whoever's nation this is, the Greatest Show on Earth instead.
This is quite an article. So he's either Nixon already, or the kid no one ever liked or even grudgingly respected at school. Every Republican in Congress should be planning an intervention. They should start by blocking Betsy DeVos and sending the White House a reality check.
16
Did NYTimes ever call President Obama "Mr. Obama" while he was in office? I'm guessing the author is still having trouble typing "President Trump".
3
Uhhhh, all the time. Sheesh you Republicans are so think skinned.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/opinion/mr-obama-pick-up-your-pardon-...
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/opinion/mr-obama-pick-up-your-pardon-...
6
Flanders - Calling the President "Mr" has been the standard for a long time. Here is a link to a Times article from 1973 referring to the President as "Mr Nixon"
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0123.html#article
What did take a long time, and was highly unusual, was for Mr Trump to admit Mr Obama was American born.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0123.html#article
What did take a long time, and was highly unusual, was for Mr Trump to admit Mr Obama was American born.
17
They did
2
Is Trump going to ask Bannon to excuse himself from the NSC, since he was not fully briefed? Probably not. This is just another example of the Trump administration's abuse of information.
11
Pres. Trump might be able to revoke that part of the EO concerning Bannon's place on the NSC since it is Executive Order, afterall.
1
Is anyone else terrified that this person is signing things he did not fully understand or got fully briefed on? Any simpleton knows you never sign anything until you fully understand what it is you are signing. It seems the swamp is real now and we are all going to drown.
21
Who is responsible for monitoring the mental and physical health, decision-making capacity of the President?
14
Only the US Congress can act about it. How flaky is your Congrescritter? Texas send some strange characters to Washington.
4
that's Ivanka's jib
Besides never having been "Vetted", He was never Diagnosed.
1
Earth to planet Trump:
300,000,000 Americans are your bosses now.
You're an employee. Expendable.
300,000,000 Americans are your bosses now.
You're an employee. Expendable.
39
DJT exhibits inability to focus or answer a direct question, grandiose personality, short attention span, outbursts, inability to distinguish fact from fiction or truth from lies, blatant disrespect for anything resembling acceptable social behavior the list goes on and on. Do psychiatrists suggest I wonder, an MPE? What about the rest of the clowns around him.
7
Keeping in the dark! "Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches in the cabinet room...." Seems no hope the light will be on for the next four years.
4
He might want to think about getting a dog.
6
NO. Poor dog!!! Sociopaths should never be allowed near defenseless creatures.
3
LVS,
You're right, of course. I was thinking he needed a friend. Soon enough the rest of us will be chained to the wash post out back with little shelter, wormy chow and filthy water. Unconscionable to subject a poor animal to that.
You're right, of course. I was thinking he needed a friend. Soon enough the rest of us will be chained to the wash post out back with little shelter, wormy chow and filthy water. Unconscionable to subject a poor animal to that.
Sociopaths shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the presidency either.
2
There is something profoundly wrong with the drafting of an Executive Order that can produce a result that sees a former Norwegian Prime Minister and holder of a diplomatic passport - visiting the U.S. in order to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington - held by authorities at Dulles airport and interrogated for over an hour because he visited Iran in 2014.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/03/former-norway-pm-bondevi...
This is incompetence and paranoia at its very worst.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/03/former-norway-pm-bondevi...
This is incompetence and paranoia at its very worst.
21
Yes it is incompetence at its worst, but make no mistake -- it's very high quality paranoia.
2
Is not one of the first steps taken by any tyrant to try to persuade the people they cannot trust any source of information except that coming from the controlling party's propaganda machine? We are watching a repeat of Germany, USSR, China and North Korea. Let's hope this group is not as successful as those they appear to seek to emulate.
11
This is unprecedented. Now all news is said to be fake.
2
This aged man fears that I'm reading more than my resident President and
that, as a People, all we are accomplishing is giving the First Family a much-needed Absence from His Presence.
that, as a People, all we are accomplishing is giving the First Family a much-needed Absence from His Presence.
13
Please get him off Twitter. He writes like a seventh grader and seems to share every thought he has. I implore his staff to work on his reflective side, if he has one.
7
The members of the electoral college could have done the right thing and saved us from this. How do they sleep at night?
9
They were just political insiders selected to perform a ceremony.
7
They were just political insiders PAID to perform a ceremony.
3
Will someone please put together a crash course on the Constitution and detail the separation of powers, the reasoning behind that separation, and the full details on how bills are put together and passed. Maybe a copy of School House Rock, expanded to the adult level of needed education for All the White House Staff?
These people have no clue how things work and desperately need to understand the process. Also, someone to go over the more important Supreme Court rulings and how they affected the law of the land would be a good idea too. Please?
These people have no clue how things work and desperately need to understand the process. Also, someone to go over the more important Supreme Court rulings and how they affected the law of the land would be a good idea too. Please?
7
Why does it not disturb Trump supporters as much as everyone else that Trump has chosen as his closest, most trusted adviser Steve Bannon, an avowed racist and fascist who has said plainly in his own words that he wants to bring everything crashing and destroy our current form of government. Are his supporters so caught up in the alternate universe of the so-called president Trump that they too have lost all sense of reality? Even the ultra-conservative law professor John Yoo has written in today's NYT that Trump represents executive power run amok!
10
They elected Trump to sink the ship, and they're determined to go down with it. Their captain probably has a raft stashed to float off on.
13
Watching television all the time may not be the best Idea, Donald. Remember, Reading is Fundamental.
14
The problem is not about rethinking tactics -- it's about competence, governing by whim and tweet, dealing in "alternate facts, and indulging in extended narcissism, insult, fabrication, and lies. It's about minimal thought and study -- slap dashery. It's about motives, goals, and moral behavior. It's about a compliant party that places winning elections over national good and, apparently, will do anything to that end. And, boiling it down, it's about pursuing the wrong and dangerous path for a modern democracy.
15
Frankly, I'm beginning to enjoy the sheer wackiness and imbecility of the Trump show, and think that Trump may actually do at least some of what his followers claimed he would do: get rid of the fat-cat political class and "drain the swamp."
He will do this however by rousing the apathetic moderates and mildly-lefties into the fury necessary to throw the bums out, Trump included.
Only somebody as crazy and as disfunctional as Trump can do what he is doing -- creating a mockery of conservative positions and inoculating at least a generation against people like him.
Lost from the discussion of this moment is that Trump has driven a leaden stake through the brass heart of old-fashioned conservatism. Only about 20% of the GOP are such any more -- the rest are Trump's neo-fascist white-revanchists or Cruz's evangelicals -- almost all the latter having sold their souls and all their credibility to Trump in exchange for power they will not get.
Trump makes a mockery of them all, as does their inability to do what they said they would do: repeal Obamacare.
He will do this however by rousing the apathetic moderates and mildly-lefties into the fury necessary to throw the bums out, Trump included.
Only somebody as crazy and as disfunctional as Trump can do what he is doing -- creating a mockery of conservative positions and inoculating at least a generation against people like him.
Lost from the discussion of this moment is that Trump has driven a leaden stake through the brass heart of old-fashioned conservatism. Only about 20% of the GOP are such any more -- the rest are Trump's neo-fascist white-revanchists or Cruz's evangelicals -- almost all the latter having sold their souls and all their credibility to Trump in exchange for power they will not get.
Trump makes a mockery of them all, as does their inability to do what they said they would do: repeal Obamacare.
14
He did not win the election by being competent, he won by lying.
He has never run his companies competently and he will not govern competently.
The first major crisis--that he will almost certainly create--will expose his and his administration's incompetence.
Disasters will ensue.
He has never run his companies competently and he will not govern competently.
The first major crisis--that he will almost certainly create--will expose his and his administration's incompetence.
Disasters will ensue.
27
You write as if this remains in the future. Where've you been since Jan. 20?
4
The president sounds like he needs some friends in the White House. However, he has surrounded himself with true deplorables, and he is quickly making himself persona non grata with other world leaders, leaving himself increasingly isolated. He has, in two weeks, made a thorough fool of himself, and he has done nothing but damage to the Constitution which he vowed to preserve, protect, and defend. He needs to get rid of Bannon and Kellyanne, he needs to have Mr. Spicer taught some manners and ethics, and he needs to surround himself with people who know how to govern a nation like ours. One thing that he seems to be succeeding at, though is uniting our nation........against him.
20
Since Trump abhors animals, he cannot even live with the only reliable friend said to reside in Washington: a dog.
8
Here we have the opportunity for a perfect Trump Moment and one I'll be happy to read about. If he is so annoyed that Bannon pulled a fast one by putting himself in all the National Security meetings then, as President, he can utter his favorite line, "You're fired".
If loyalty is as important to Trump as we hear it is, then he has been betrayed and he has no other choice.
Time for Trump to "grow a pair" and do the right thing.
If loyalty is as important to Trump as we hear it is, then he has been betrayed and he has no other choice.
Time for Trump to "grow a pair" and do the right thing.
11
The Apprentice is in the White House!
Pray for us not him!
Pray for us not him!
8
I used to believe it took at least a bit of genius to become affluent. After watching Trump drooling incompetence, I can see that anyone can make money, and it probably helps if you're a raving nutcase that has one french fry short of a happy meal
8
It really helps to be born into money.
5
Many people say that Trump would have done better had he invested his inheritance in an S&P 500 index fund. But he would have had to pay taxes along the way.
6
There is a Chinese saying that wealth never lasts beyond 3 generations because by the time, it gets to the 3rd generation, much of the intelligence, diligence, drive needed to make money in the first place by the 1st generation is gone. The 3rd generation may also be so used to being rich that they are out-of-touch with the real world. From another commenter, it sounds like Trump is Gen 3, with his grandfather being the 1st generation.
I've met people like Trump.....they're where they're at because they were born into their position of wealth and influence but dig a bit further and it's their handlers that are actually making every important decision and steering them. Once the handlers are gone, having sucked them dry, they fail.
I've met people like Trump.....they're where they're at because they were born into their position of wealth and influence but dig a bit further and it's their handlers that are actually making every important decision and steering them. Once the handlers are gone, having sucked them dry, they fail.
1
Those curtains will come in handy when he needs to hide from his idiotic mistakes and faux governing.
7
My plan for 2018 election: Listen to neighbors who vote. Build trust. Then target responses to each person's needs or fears.
Nov. 9, I walked and LISTENED to those with Trump signs. Saw license plates from Ohio+West Virginia+Texas. ALL are 60+ years old and moved to live with old and sick family members--like me. With some, that person had died -- leaving these caregivers their paid-for house. None fancy.
This is what listening revealed: ALL are generous people -- good neighbors. Though I didn't ask, none would have known what "alt-Right" is.
One couple captures all responses to my only question: "Did you understand and vote on the two FL constitution amendments?"
"I read both the day before I voted, but didn't understand them. On the 'solar power' one, though, I remembered seeing lots of signs. So I knew it must be important. Most of the signs said "VOTE NO" so I did."
This from a quiet man talking with me curbside while his wife ably handles table saws set up in their front yard to finish her rebuild of her deceased mother's kitchen. His only comment on their plans: "For 38 years, I stay out of her way until she's done! Just like I did in our West Virginia home."
Find and listen to (don't read), Scranton Joe's reflections on what we "educated" white neighbors must do by the 2018 Senate elections to grab the pendulum of power and bring it back into the safe zone --one neighbor at a time. Listen. Then target a message to each.
Nov. 9, I walked and LISTENED to those with Trump signs. Saw license plates from Ohio+West Virginia+Texas. ALL are 60+ years old and moved to live with old and sick family members--like me. With some, that person had died -- leaving these caregivers their paid-for house. None fancy.
This is what listening revealed: ALL are generous people -- good neighbors. Though I didn't ask, none would have known what "alt-Right" is.
One couple captures all responses to my only question: "Did you understand and vote on the two FL constitution amendments?"
"I read both the day before I voted, but didn't understand them. On the 'solar power' one, though, I remembered seeing lots of signs. So I knew it must be important. Most of the signs said "VOTE NO" so I did."
This from a quiet man talking with me curbside while his wife ably handles table saws set up in their front yard to finish her rebuild of her deceased mother's kitchen. His only comment on their plans: "For 38 years, I stay out of her way until she's done! Just like I did in our West Virginia home."
Find and listen to (don't read), Scranton Joe's reflections on what we "educated" white neighbors must do by the 2018 Senate elections to grab the pendulum of power and bring it back into the safe zone --one neighbor at a time. Listen. Then target a message to each.
6
You don't inherit a paid-off house which had been lost to medical bankruptcy.
3
*Throws up*
The problem is that too many eligible voters don't know what they don't know. They're too easily swayed by bumper stickers and television ads because actually educating themselves requires too much effort.
5
President Trump's team points to an analysis by the Obama security experts as indicating that the 7 countries in question are potential sources of terrorists. But what the team don't point to, even in the broadest sense, is any newly developing intelligence that changes the level of identified risk. That suggests the decision to halt immigrants is a purely political one, rather than one based on new information the rest of the world is not privy to. The President's use of power should be eminently reviewable by the courts in these circumstances. Such far reaching powers should only be exercised in the narrowest of circumstances and only for the right reasons, i.e. for reasons of national security, not to honour some election promise. Mr Trump made his decision about a Muslim ban, which he floated early in the election campaign, long before he had had access to any security briefings. He seemingly does not have the right advisers in place to brief him about the proper use of his powers.
8
It's a clown car, but the clowns aren't funny.
10
Retire them like the other clowns in Ringling Brothers.
5
I like to read FAKE NEWS from the failing NYT and others. Much better than alternative facts. Sad!
5
Um ... digital subscriptions to the NY Times have increased.
10
Republicans have always been contemptuous of facts. This is one reason the entire scientific community are liberals. Republicans simply do not exist in that world. Their contributions are zero.
20
Because science has gone political. They determine the outcomes before they run the experiments. Gotta get that sweet, sweet government research grant.
Yeah? Do you have the remotest understanding of the scientific method? Theories lead to hypothesis about expected outcomes, experiments are devised and executed to test said hypotheses. Experiments then replicated to validate, or not, previous results. It's not rocket science.
Maybe you mean research funded by corporations and lobbying groups to prove their products have no ill-effects?
Maybe you mean research funded by corporations and lobbying groups to prove their products have no ill-effects?
1
Our "so called " President 's Twitter-show governs as though he is being Neilsen-rated and we need to stop this travesty. His Twitter show be immediately cancelled as it offers nothing but "alternate facts" and outright lies. This should give Twitter plenty of reason to cancel the @realDonaldTrump show for hate speech, i.e. what is essentially speech that hates the truth.
10
Americans, as a nation... as a democracy, you have to take a step back and realize the implications of this man in office. We must not only think about the effect he is having now, but remember that the future is made today. And the fact that the entire world is now controlled by a figure head, who's boss is not only a racist but a man who just want's to see the world burn is a much more freighting and real problem then what Trump decides to tweet. We need to look into the future, not only for us but the kids who will have to grow up in a post- Trump presidency. I implore you Americans to realize that what this man is doing, goes against everything your founding fathers said. I implore you Americans, especially the ones still on the side of the tyrant (I'm not talking about Trump) to finally stop talking and get this failure of a White House out. Not only for you, not only for your kids, but for the sake and future of the human race.
15
As the CEO of several companies, Trump is used to delegating authority and implementing strategies created by those under him that best fit his goals and business instincts. Doing it for a real estate empire is one thing, doing it for a nation is another. Trump was sensitive to draining the swamp. But his council of advisors should have included Romney, Guliani, Christie and Gingrich, who have governed one of the nation's largest cities, two states and at least the House of Representatives. Bannon may provide the dynamite, but it takes experts to handle it, install it, and keep it from blowing up more than the desired target. The shock waves, while jarring, will hopefully help the president build foundations with more flex and bend, then solid unyielding pillars that crumble with the slightest bit of movement against them.
3
There's a good idea, stock his stable with more nicely dressed, slicker liars and cheats than the ones he has now.
6
One can imagine the lonesome 45th president in his robe shuffling late at night through the penumbra of the corridors of his ephemeral power, checking on locked doorknobs, reading the walls with his small fingertips, anxiously searching for a switch, evoking memories of provocative beauty pageant contestants he once held close, so close. And just as it seemed he could grab such inebriating beauty...
--Mr. President! Secretary Tillerson calling from Moscow, here is an STE, please follow me, Sir.--
Excerpt from "100 Hundred Days Being Alone"
--Mr. President! Secretary Tillerson calling from Moscow, here is an STE, please follow me, Sir.--
Excerpt from "100 Hundred Days Being Alone"
5
As if the Nixon, Reagan and Bush administrations were something other than a vile assortment of lying filth. A Republican is a Republican. There's nothing unusual about Trump.
9
He's unusually nuts and unusually ignorant.
9
At what point does the nation, collectively, finally say outloud...there is no one home in that head. Reagan was having issues by his second term, was sleeping through cabinet meetings, and often just smiling and waving at the press over the sound of the helicopters. So it comes down to...who is really in charge, and I'm afraid it is not Mr. Trump.
12
Trump rattling around the residence and watching tv and yelling at his twitter account reminds me -- and not in a good way -- of when Tricky Dick was wandering around the halls of that same building, talking to the paintings.
At that point, as I recall, discrete orders were given to the Strategic Air Command to ignore any weird orders from the president. Maybe check with the vice president first? Just to double-check, ya know...
At that point, as I recall, discrete orders were given to the Strategic Air Command to ignore any weird orders from the president. Maybe check with the vice president first? Just to double-check, ya know...
15
Love that picture. Reince Priebus: Ok, Stephen is riding up front with me. Jared Kushner: Why do I always have to ride in the back?
9
Someone should totally do a daily Caption the Trump Team contest! Do it!
Gee. Never thought of WHINING as a lifestyle. Seems that the pathetic Liberal Left has made snivelling and paranoia their new reality.
Relax, silly leftists. The man will learn this job, make some mistakes and well ALL judge him when its over.
Now, get on with your lives.
Relax, silly leftists. The man will learn this job, make some mistakes and well ALL judge him when its over.
Now, get on with your lives.
3
' ... make some mistakes ...' ? Chump has no qualifications, no experience, and the temperament of a little girl. Already his incompetence and stupidity have resulted in the loss of American lives.
8
Ain't it so, good luck.
1
It's clear that you voted for the man, but you're grappling with your obviously poor decision by blaming concerned citizens for overreacting.
24
We're the boss now whether he likes it or not and he should be happy about that if he was sincere in leading our country. Bannon will be his downfall who is definitely a nasty piece of work who needs to go back to playing war games and whipping up hate storms. Pence no better just a shinier Teflon coating. I'm sick and tired of being embarrassed for our country.
8
The man even lies about the drapes in his office. GOP, you gave us a real winner with this one.
13
My current, favorite trump declaration is, when asked by an interviewer: "Mr President, how will we know when America is great again?" To which, he replied: "I'll tell you." Precious. From a guy who has both conned people his entire life and has been skipping intelligence briefings his entire life. Why his supporters believed a single thing he ever uttered is beyond me, other than the very sad reminder that there are a whole lot of really dumb people out there.
16
There are so many negative topics about President Trump and his administration (I reluctantly did not refer to him solely as "Mr. Trump", or "The Donald") that it is difficult to know where to start. As a veteran, and a former intelligence community member, I was -- and continue to be appalled that Mr. Bannon now has an official seat on the NSC principals committee. There is no role for a politician at that table, but there is for the DNI and the Chairman of the JCS. But most certainly no place for a chief (political) strategist.
10
Since you are not addressing him in person, it is perfectly acceptable, and in fact, correct, to refer to him as "Mr. Trump" in print.
Only when in the presence of the president must you say, "Mr. President" or "President SoandSo."
In this case, I'm sorry it's not Madam President; or President Clinton.
How we failed.
Only when in the presence of the president must you say, "Mr. President" or "President SoandSo."
In this case, I'm sorry it's not Madam President; or President Clinton.
How we failed.
5
In response to a poll question of last week asking if Donald J.Trump " has met your expectations," I would like to add that he not only met my expectations, but far, far exceeded them. I did not believe that any one person could possibly be as uninformed, vindictive, ignorant, and disastrous in the role of president as Mr. Trump has been.
30
"Improvisation" is the key word here. This naked emperor and his staff rush to judgment and action without thought of consequences for anyone other than themselves. Following up with personal attacks on the integrity of judges and others is a way in which to maintain his own tattered self-respect. The mirror is tarnished so he cannot or will not see.
8
"Trump and Staff Rethink Tactics After Stumbles" would only make sense if "Trump and Staff" had thought about their tactics the first place. You can think about something again (reassess it) if you actually thought about it in the first place (made an initial assessment). Trump, Bannon, and their Lemmings, never thought about anything except trying to hurt as many people as possible in the shortest period possible without once considering the consequences, including the damage to the our democracy, their violations of the Constitution, and their creating an international crisis. Obviously, none of these were tactics, they weren’t even a strategy from which tactics flow.
4
The best news in this article is that the protests are affecting the president.
Getting information to Trump, a man who believes his own PR, is well nigh impossible. Surely we know any letter more critical than, "go get 'em Tiger" will never reach him. He truly thinks he represents the people, and that they look and sound and think like those who attended his rallies.
The protests often seem futile. Yet they're making an impact, enough to provoke second (or perhaps first) thoughts. That's encouraging!
Let's keep beating the drum. March, protest, write, repeat. Let us see if the force is irresistible or the object immovable!
Getting information to Trump, a man who believes his own PR, is well nigh impossible. Surely we know any letter more critical than, "go get 'em Tiger" will never reach him. He truly thinks he represents the people, and that they look and sound and think like those who attended his rallies.
The protests often seem futile. Yet they're making an impact, enough to provoke second (or perhaps first) thoughts. That's encouraging!
Let's keep beating the drum. March, protest, write, repeat. Let us see if the force is irresistible or the object immovable!
12
Crowd size does impact the President. March!
Bad enough we have reckless, petulant child as commander in chief. The legislative branch is conspirator in this destruction by their utter refusal to criticize or check his power abuses. Will any Republican show the integrity to put country above ambition?
11
America. Are you finally getting the picture????
What else is it going to take for you to realize you voted for a LIFETIME of this?
YES! -- This administration involves the Supreme Court picks as well, and they're there until they retire or expire.
So, still waiting for the waters to rise because there's no such thing as Climate Change?
Still thinking those MILLIONS of jobs are going to magically reappear on our shores?
If so, you're in need of a "Rethink" as badly as this administration is.
What else is it going to take for you to realize you voted for a LIFETIME of this?
YES! -- This administration involves the Supreme Court picks as well, and they're there until they retire or expire.
So, still waiting for the waters to rise because there's no such thing as Climate Change?
Still thinking those MILLIONS of jobs are going to magically reappear on our shores?
If so, you're in need of a "Rethink" as badly as this administration is.
16
Reminds me of the old "We have to pass the bill to see what's in it" line from Ms. Pelosi. Oh but wait, I forgot, since it was a Democratic politician making that statement, it's totally OK. Forgive me, I'm not quite up to date on socially acceptable double standards yet. Are we also ignoring the fact that no congressman has actually read any of the bills they sponsor or sign, and that they rely on aides and staffers to read those bills and brief them on the highlights? Is that a double standard that is socially acceptable now too, to demonize Trump for Executive Orders which carry far less weight than actual law but praise Democratic congressmen and women for doing the same?
3
An Executive Order that places a white supremacist political hack on our National Security Council has quite a bit of weight, in my book.
Confused. Doesn't Trumps's removal (or replacement w Bannon) of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director of National Intelligence from the National Security Council work AGAISNT his strategy to keep America safe from "Islamic terrorists"?
2
I really could have lived without the mental image of Trump sitting around in his bathrobe shouting at CNN.
14
I wonder if Trump will ever acknowledge the fact that he was elected to serve, not dictate.
11
Yes, Donald, always make sure that you fully understand something before you sign it as President of the United States ..... We kind of thought that you could figure that out for yourself.
6
the president is mentally ill and unfit for service. why nobody can see this is amazing and is the real "fake" news. he needs to be removed from office at once.
8
Trump even lies about his drapes! Watching TV during lunch, (catsup with cottage cheese a la Nixon?) but fails to read an unconstitutional order from Bannon. Creepy, Nixonian images of him watching TV and tweeting while trying to figure out which doors to use. Gee, I think I’ll try out that keypad in the “football” case.
This man needs psychiatric help.
This man needs psychiatric help.
3
Right, badly needed money from its real purpose to make more fake news about President Trump. If mental health was more organized he would probably help a lot of sick people who would appreciate the help.
From this article, I wouldn't be surprised if Trump starts being more of an absentee President, spending more and more of his time in NY.
4
Is it really possible for him to be any more of an absentee????
2
Oh God I hope not. I live in NYC, every time Trump is here it costs my city a million dollars and ties up traffic across Manhattan. I'm hoping a case is made to prevent Trump from ever coming here again.
1
Good point N. He's a no-show mentally already. I'm thinking more of him just losing interest in the whole "being President" and retreating physically to Trump Tower. Melania seems to have done just that already, and has rejected the whole "First Lady" thing.
Stephen Bannon is like a spirochete that knew exactly where to burrow in order to effectively spread his disease and do the most damage. To Bannon’s credit, he knows exactly how to manipulate our so-called president who isn’t smart enough to figure out he’s being treated like an idiot with a pen.
5
I imagine Der Trump calls these fake comments. So critical! So right!!
2
Lines from T.S. Eliot's "Burnt Norton" seem particularly apt when it comes to Trump and his staff and their actions, distractions, fanciful "facts" and "twittering" tweets.
. . . . Only a flicker
over strained time-ridden faces
distracted from distraction by distraction
Filled with fancies and empty of meaning
Tumid apathy with no concentration
Men and bits of paper, whirled by the cold wind
That blows before and after time . . . . . . Not here
Not here the darkness, in this twittering world.
. . . . Only a flicker
over strained time-ridden faces
distracted from distraction by distraction
Filled with fancies and empty of meaning
Tumid apathy with no concentration
Men and bits of paper, whirled by the cold wind
That blows before and after time . . . . . . Not here
Not here the darkness, in this twittering world.
4
"Trump and Staff Rethink Tactics After Stumbles"
But, they have to think first.
But, they have to think first.
2
If Trump's stranglehold on the Republican base starts to crack up, the Republican Congress will toss him aside like a wet hankie, the way Trump did Christie. Pence is the Platonic ideal of the perfect stooge of the Republican Establishment and big money men, not to mention the Republican Congress itself. He'd be at least as bad as Trump for liberals domestically, but at least he'd be marginally less likely to get us all killed.
8
Where is the proof that Trump has not been fully briefed on the executive orders he is signing?
"Mr. Trump, who was not fully briefed on the executive order he signed giving his chief strategist a seat on the National Security Council, has demanded that he be looped in earlier."
We've also seen a recent interview with Chris Christie discussing the executive immigration ban and repeatedly stated that Trump was "let down" by his staff and was not properly informed of the consequences. I kept waiting for Brian Williams to ask Christie "do you have anything to support your claim that Trump was not fully briefed on what he was signing? Williams never asked that question.
Presidential Memo to Staff;
As outlined in Section II, paragraph 6 of your Employment Policy, part of your job function will be to take the blame when I make bad decisions. By signing this policy you agree to the terms of my personal indemnification and are furthermore bound by the Confidentiality Agreement.
"Mr. Trump, who was not fully briefed on the executive order he signed giving his chief strategist a seat on the National Security Council, has demanded that he be looped in earlier."
We've also seen a recent interview with Chris Christie discussing the executive immigration ban and repeatedly stated that Trump was "let down" by his staff and was not properly informed of the consequences. I kept waiting for Brian Williams to ask Christie "do you have anything to support your claim that Trump was not fully briefed on what he was signing? Williams never asked that question.
Presidential Memo to Staff;
As outlined in Section II, paragraph 6 of your Employment Policy, part of your job function will be to take the blame when I make bad decisions. By signing this policy you agree to the terms of my personal indemnification and are furthermore bound by the Confidentiality Agreement.
3
The Washington Post reported today that Trump did not read, or did not see, the part of the executive order that appointed Bannon to the National Security Council, yet he signed it anyway. This is dangerous. Who knows what other EO might get put before him that he signs without understanding or even reading? (It appears that Trump may have something like dyslexia so he is literally unable to read.)
21
jtf123--WHAT will Republicans do about this, if anything? Call you Senators and Representatives, particularly if they are Republicans, and tell them you don't want Fascists having any power in our "flawed democracy." This is part of what makes it a flawed democracy.
1
The question is : Can Trump read?
5
Dyslexia doesn't mean he can't read.
2
Hopefully, the more America sees the more they will realize the ugliness of the GOP and their tool.
14
We have seen too much already. America is in need of a strong Safety-Net and some of The People want to know Who is going to provide one.
1
You don't fool me, NYT: Trump says that you are facke news. I believe Trump, I do not belive you. Unfortunate thousands of readers are duped by you, the New York Times.
2
define "facke" please. i think i know what word you were trying to use but it only further illustrates that trump supporters are ignorant & not very bright...but hey-have a nice day.
6
Aw, bless your heart. Of course you do. (Btw, fake is spelled without a c.)
7
Yep, Trump said he liked uneducated voters, especially the ones that can't spell.
So, which is it? Mr. Trump was out of the loop and therefore cannot be held responsible for the chaos? Or, as we saw, he signed those Executive Orders with great gusto, often also bragging about is prowess at getting things done, just as he promised, and thereby created a firestorm.
It seems to me it's a little late for the new disavowals. If these Executive Orders had been huge successes, I'm sure he'd be strutting his stuff. This backtracking is only meant to conceal the obvious: the man is totally out of his depth. And that's putting it mildly.
It seems to me it's a little late for the new disavowals. If these Executive Orders had been huge successes, I'm sure he'd be strutting his stuff. This backtracking is only meant to conceal the obvious: the man is totally out of his depth. And that's putting it mildly.
12
My favorite part of those EO signings are when Trump turns the Order around and proudly displays his signature on it to all in the room. This "so called" president doesn't have a clue what's in it but it makes for such a great photo op.
17
Doris2001--When he reads them aloud (maybe because he moves his lips when he reads, anyway, and doesn't do it very well) it is obvious that it's the first time he has laid eyes on them.
2
It doesn't surprise me that he signs papers that he hasn't read - see his failed real estate deals.
Based on his personality, we need a Democrat Trojan Horse. Someone who will say ridiculous things to him like " Wow - was that 5 or 6 million that I saw at your Inauguration?" & "My your hands are looking quite large today" :). I'm guessing that his isolation in the White House will make him more unstable as times goes by.
Based on his personality, we need a Democrat Trojan Horse. Someone who will say ridiculous things to him like " Wow - was that 5 or 6 million that I saw at your Inauguration?" & "My your hands are looking quite large today" :). I'm guessing that his isolation in the White House will make him more unstable as times goes by.
15
Delighted to know Mr. Trump had time to go through drapery books for his new drapes in his office. Really important.
13
This is a very time-consuming matter for multiple homeowners.
1
The look on Prince Jared's face suggests he's waiting for Reince to tell him which Disney World rides are the best. Get this pack of clowns back to the circus.
13
This old song personifies everything...
"It's good to be king, if just for a while
To be there in velvet, yeah, to give 'em a smile
It's good to get high and never come down
It's good to be king of your own little town
Yeah, the world would swing if I were king..."
Maybe Tom had a vision into the future, when he wrote this song..
This administration has been nothing but an embarrassment to the nation especially after the remarkable & classy presidency of the past 8 years under Obama..
"It's good to be king, if just for a while
To be there in velvet, yeah, to give 'em a smile
It's good to get high and never come down
It's good to be king of your own little town
Yeah, the world would swing if I were king..."
Maybe Tom had a vision into the future, when he wrote this song..
This administration has been nothing but an embarrassment to the nation especially after the remarkable & classy presidency of the past 8 years under Obama..
8
Will someone please combine this photo with the Horsemen of the Apocalypse painting by Viktor Vasnetsov (fittingly, a Russian)?
8
Boy, that picture of DJT looking a little morose says it all. I think DJT really thought the job would be easy. He had so little respect (or so much hatred) for Obama that he thought he could do a better job. It's all Obama's fault of course because Obama made it look easy. That's because Obama was a class act--intelligent, humble, contemplative.
But 63 million people didn't like that approach to governing. They took the stability of our government for granted and rewarded Republicans for their refusal to do what Congress is supposed to do.
With Obama, we had a beautiful, loving family. With Trump, we have essentially a loner who can't even find a picture of his 10 year old son and current wife to place on his desktop. He has been able to all his life use his money to buy his way into people's hearts, oops I mean, people's desire for power and status.
WTH were people thinking when they voted for this man? Why did they put their and our future at so much risk?
But 63 million people didn't like that approach to governing. They took the stability of our government for granted and rewarded Republicans for their refusal to do what Congress is supposed to do.
With Obama, we had a beautiful, loving family. With Trump, we have essentially a loner who can't even find a picture of his 10 year old son and current wife to place on his desktop. He has been able to all his life use his money to buy his way into people's hearts, oops I mean, people's desire for power and status.
WTH were people thinking when they voted for this man? Why did they put their and our future at so much risk?
31
He is mentally deteriorating fast, real fast. There is more to come, mark my words.
8
Isn't one of first rules of Business:
1) Know your Product-strength/weaknesses
2) Know your Target
First rule already broken. Trump is a carnival barker. He is great at motivating the sale. But he cannot be the Product. Because a Product must have some viability or you can only sell once. The idea is to get repeat customers. Which brings in Rule 2. He doesn't have a majority audience and probably getting less everyday. Lesson: be careful what you wish for, you might get it...
1) Know your Product-strength/weaknesses
2) Know your Target
First rule already broken. Trump is a carnival barker. He is great at motivating the sale. But he cannot be the Product. Because a Product must have some viability or you can only sell once. The idea is to get repeat customers. Which brings in Rule 2. He doesn't have a majority audience and probably getting less everyday. Lesson: be careful what you wish for, you might get it...
13
Sure, Trump is incompetent. No surprise there. I wish Democrats Would take the time to find the right people to EXPLAIN to Trump fans WHY this is bad for our country. The "invisible" Americans who voted for Trump are not going anywhere - and stories like this do not matter much to them.
12
How do you explain something to people who don't listen?
5
The president can't read and has no idea what he is signing. Trump is the disaster we have been hearing him talk about. Apparently he doesn't care either.
11
cjonsson--You do not want a president pense, I assure you.
4
Alright guys, picking out drapes, angry tweeting, watching TV, exploring the new house, signing stuff in that swell Oval Room for the cameras and bragging about it is a whole lot of work! And hey, everyone see that you don't have to read a bunch of boring papers (there are people for that) to make lots of stuff happen.
14
sashaki--I guess that depends upon what you mean by "making stuff happen."
2
"Aides confer in the dark" while Kellyanne hallucinates in broad daylight on a new alternate fact du jour. That's teamwork.
One is prompted to think that none of this drama could ever be set to music, even though it has operatic melodrama—not even by Verdi or Wagner.
Oh, maybe by Luigi Nono, master of atonality. They have so much in common!
One is prompted to think that none of this drama could ever be set to music, even though it has operatic melodrama—not even by Verdi or Wagner.
Oh, maybe by Luigi Nono, master of atonality. They have so much in common!
7
Please do not insult the brilliant Luigi Nono's memory. He was an anti-fascist and he would never have had anything to do with the likes of so-called president Trump.
4
I stand corrected.
There's no rethinking. Now that some major policy things have been bulldozed through they'll try and put a fresh paint of coat over the rest of it. Trump wants "unity," by which he means your total acquiescence to him. No parity; no discussion; no comprise or collaboration: just subjugation to the will of President Trump and the extreme right.
8
What is a person who becomes president of the US and flouts most procedures of his office, tweets all the time and even projects rules and policies which are NOT vetted proclaims that the intelligence service is horrific, media are liars, CIS should be junked, does not see the reason for daily intell reports because he thinks he knows everything better than any one else, cozies up to a regime that stands opposite our democracy, at least what it was before January 20, 2017 and now gets angry when he creates a serious error because no one told him about it.
C'mon people! How do you describe this person in no more than one word!
C'mon people! How do you describe this person in no more than one word!
10
Please someone wake me up when this nightmare is over.............it can't possibly be real..............what ! you mean it is ? How do we get rid of this macabre circus of insanity ??
4
Schizophrenia.
1
Donald got away from the White House after only 15 days on the job.
Do the images of Donald signing documents remind anyone else of the governor in the movie Blazing Saddles. "work work work work.."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2beJKmdbgs
Do the images of Donald signing documents remind anyone else of the governor in the movie Blazing Saddles. "work work work work.."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2beJKmdbgs
15
The great businessman becomes president of the United States and doesn't even read what he is signing! Have I got some great land for you to acquire here in Florida. It's above water at least part of the year. Just sign here.
16
Oh. Is that the line next to the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty????
1
I am ardently anti-Trump, but why does the Times still refer to Donald Trump as "Mr. Trump" and not "President Trump"?
It seems disrespectful - not to Donald himself - but to the office of the President. And I think we all need reminded - especially those of us who oppose him - that he is the President, whether we like it or not.
It seems disrespectful - not to Donald himself - but to the office of the President. And I think we all need reminded - especially those of us who oppose him - that he is the President, whether we like it or not.
2
That is NYT's standard style. They referred to President Obama as "Mr. Obama" throughout his administration.
10
I looked up an article about Obama on the NYTimes website. He is referred to as "former President Obama" once, then as "Mr. Obama" after that, just as President Trump/Mr. Trump is referred to in this article. I think it is the way the NYTimes writes. Here is a link to the article... https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/23/us/politics/woodmont-country-club-oba...
1
Simple answer.....it is President Bannon who is running this country.
2
They're pretty much incompetent, guided by their own malignant convictions based in fear and hate. Installed in an electoral fluke, they represent the ideas and intellectual acumen of the least common denominator; stewing in their own illegitimacy. My gawd, they've turned the very concept of America on its head.
11
I tried to look up Steve Bannon's lapel pin ( What he is wearing in the large group picture) in online pictures. I found a symbol with the white hexagon with a black x in the middle that stands for white supremacy. Bannon's white hexagon does not appear to have a black x in the middle but seems to have something red and black in the middle. I cannot see it clearly. Anyone out there who knows how to capture the image to enlarge it to see it better??? Two of the other guys in the photo are also wearing unusual lapel pins.
7
Secret service pin identifying legit staff members. They change frequently so as not to be copied. Especially in a new administration new faces will be coming and going frequently, and the secret service staff won't know them all yet.
if you google them ("lapel pins bannon") it appears that the secret service issue them on a rotating basis. I don't know why they're wearing different ones -- but the one Bannon is wearing, a hexagon, is peculiar. You might have more luck.
1
Bannon probably designed his own himself so he could use the hexagon and give a nod to his white supremacist buddies. It is odd that all the guys in the photo seem to be wearing different pins. How does the Secret Service keep track of them? What's to keep someone from having a fake one made, especially if they are all different anyway. Bannon's would be easy to copy, for example. Do they have a chip in them that clears them through w/o a password or something? None of this makes any sense. What about the guy wearing the U.S. flag? Where's his SS pin?
I am sure Mr. Trump will again complain about leaks within his organization in an effort to deflect criticism ---- what he fails to realize is that all those around him lack respect for him and feel the need to let the world know of his "character." He is a tool and easily manipulated. I'm glad he likes his curtains.
12
Look at the photo: Traditional line up with the "important" men leading while the women follow at a discreet distance.
16
I need to take a dose of Brioschi every time one of these bizarre photos appears. I don't really know who these peopl are, or where they came from. Just like the agita they cause, I just want them all to go away.
1
He's a rough hewn genius who will save America from itself. When he said of the US "we aren't so innocent," my heart leapt. I haven't heard such criticism of our country's dubious meddling in foreign countries since the Vietnam war. During that time liberals were leading the charge. Now they have been co-opted by the establishment. When you see Anheuser Busch singing the praises of immigrants and CitiBank telling us how much they love gays, and lying politicians like Rahm Emanuel telling us what our "core values" are, you know something is wrong. Yet we have so-called "protesters" dancing to the corporate tune and the NYT encouraging them with its treacly coverage. Trump has the power as President to speak the truth and to tell the establishment where to get off, and he is keeping his promises to those who voted for him. As for the rest of you, you can spare yourselves your put on agony and phony despair because you're on the wrong side of history.
1
Oh my. Wrong side of history are we? Trump is closely aligned with Steve Bannon, a known right wing white supremacist. Whose values closely align with those? Why, it's Hitler and Mussolini. Trump is a modern day Mussolini. Were they on they right side of history? I think not.
6
Well time will test your comment....a very short time.....I hope you come down from the clouds soon.
4
Ed unless you're native American or native Hawaiian then you too are the descendant of immigrants. Arriving here and making a success story out of yourself is the American dream, not something to be condemned. The comment concerning Citibank and gays is just ugly. You can't talk about being on the wrong side of history if you preach American intolerance.
5
The EO's Pres Trump signed for beefing up the Southern border were re-affirmation of existing immigration law that Obama had negated and ignored for 8 long years causing the current illegal entry chaos. Obama's release of thousands of criminal aliens from prisons to roam free in unlawful sanctuary cities has made us less safe.
Your paper never questioned the presence of Val Jarrett, Samantha Powers and or Michelle Obama in the top security Situation Room during Obama's admin. None of them had ANY experience or quals to be in that setting. Nor did you note that Steve Bannon was a career Naval Officer with intel background at the Pentagon.
Your paper neglects to mention that statutory law passed by Congress in 1952 gives the president sole power to limit entry of "immigrants and non-immigrants" at any time he deems necessary for national security. Lax vetting and enforcement of US visas enabled San Bernardino and Boston Marathon murders and jihadi refugees have been identified in recent European slaughters.
Fake news includes purposeful omissions to avoid informing the public of the full story. The venerable NYT has failed its commitment to get it right. Try reading your own news feeds before stirring the flames of opposition and motivating paid anarchists.
Your paper never questioned the presence of Val Jarrett, Samantha Powers and or Michelle Obama in the top security Situation Room during Obama's admin. None of them had ANY experience or quals to be in that setting. Nor did you note that Steve Bannon was a career Naval Officer with intel background at the Pentagon.
Your paper neglects to mention that statutory law passed by Congress in 1952 gives the president sole power to limit entry of "immigrants and non-immigrants" at any time he deems necessary for national security. Lax vetting and enforcement of US visas enabled San Bernardino and Boston Marathon murders and jihadi refugees have been identified in recent European slaughters.
Fake news includes purposeful omissions to avoid informing the public of the full story. The venerable NYT has failed its commitment to get it right. Try reading your own news feeds before stirring the flames of opposition and motivating paid anarchists.
1
Cute, Jarrett, Mrs. Obama etc. weren't on the National Security Council. Time to get a clue.
6
None of those you list had a seat on the NSC. Very, very different.
The night he won Iowa, Trump declared his love for poorly educated voters. On national television.
The night he won Iowa, Trump declared his love for poorly educated voters. On national television.
Trump knew exactly what he was signing. Absolutely!
3
O doesn't everybody just wish they could be a fly on the wall...
6
A nightmare from which I have yet to awaken. I'm counseling Trump (He has earned no honorific) about whom he should consult for a closer connection with reality. Should I recommend Reince, Bannon, Jared or Kellyanne?
5
Most of his personal possessions are in NY. As is his immediate family. The only personal photo he has is of his father, not his wife, young child, or other children.
He had time to go through a book of window treatments, and took the weekend off after being in his job for only 13 days.
Then, of course, there's the obvious elephant in the room, in more ways than one:
"despite ... not fully briefed on ... executive order ...giving his chief strategist a seat on the National Security Council, a greater source of frustration to the president than the fallout from the travel ban."
And is this action irrevocable? Can't it be changed? Can someone with some REAL knowledge of facty-facts (as compared with alternative facts) guide him through reversing this idiot policy? Just asking.
He had time to go through a book of window treatments, and took the weekend off after being in his job for only 13 days.
Then, of course, there's the obvious elephant in the room, in more ways than one:
"despite ... not fully briefed on ... executive order ...giving his chief strategist a seat on the National Security Council, a greater source of frustration to the president than the fallout from the travel ban."
And is this action irrevocable? Can't it be changed? Can someone with some REAL knowledge of facty-facts (as compared with alternative facts) guide him through reversing this idiot policy? Just asking.
17
President Trump didn't know exactly what the executive orders he signed said? He didn't understand in even general terms what he was signing?
How often has he signed things without reading and understanding them first?
Now we see why he went bankrupt 6 times!
How often has he signed things without reading and understanding them first?
Now we see why he went bankrupt 6 times!
12
Amatures. Amatures. Amatures. Sad!
8
An amatEURish attempt at thoughtful commentary. Even sadder!
3
Have you all forgotten how smart Trump is? He told us several times during the election. I remain unclear as to why so many people are surprised by his actions (or lack thereof) and the advisors he's chosen. He gave us fair warning.
4
I don't consider 70yr olds presenting themselves as 6th Graders that only want to disrupt the class as Smart.
Now is it smart it managed to get them all the way to the Presidency,...
I'd say yes only if I'd considered a person that won the lottery a brilliant financial planner.
Now is it smart it managed to get them all the way to the Presidency,...
I'd say yes only if I'd considered a person that won the lottery a brilliant financial planner.
3
"I'm like really smart. I went to Wharton. It's a terrific school. Terrific."
7
As a middle-aged woman, I occasionally had relatives and colleagues asking me why I was reading Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games series. I replied it was excellently written and I read books without regard to their categorization, "young adult" or otherwise. The horrible and funny thing is, some of Collin's ideas are playing out right now....maybe not on the level (yet?) of teenagers battling each other to the death for survival......but certainly her ideas about politics as a reality TV and the machinations of evil, greedy people in government. Trump is no President Snow (not wily enough and too pre-occupied with irrelevant details like curtains) but rather Bannon might be, pulling the strings of Trump and others.
10
Reading this just stirs up my anger at all those people who, though disgusted by Trump, just could not bring themselves to vote for Hillary Clinton, voting instead for Jill Stein or whoever that doper guy was, or just leaving the box blank.
20
Just because we picked a rotten lemon from the bag is no insurance that the rest were any fresher.
1
He's too stupid to sort out the good from the bad. He's going to destroy the castle while pretending to go after the cockroaches, while the Republicans, oligarchs, plutocrats, and kleptocrats make off with the spoils. The whole family are grifters. They are going to cost the taxpayer a great deal of money while they abuse his office to travel around the world investing in other countries, not the USA. As for the AWOL FLOTUS, it's a terrible shame she is costing the taxpayer $1 million a day extra because of their dysfunctional marriage. I wish Congress would pass a law so taxpayers would only have to support one nuclear family and one residence. The abuse of this man with multiple ex-wives and children who are abusing the situation for personal gain, is unprecedented. But then every horror he is unleashing is unprecedented.
16
The day may be coming when Trump will ask the ultimate proof of his follower's unquestioning loyalty, and insist (as in Woody Allen's Bananas) everyone wear their underwear on the outside of their pants while they join together in singing America's new national anthem - Donald, Where's Your Trousers?
7
the voters who threw a temper tantrum trying to sink our government, deserve to be thrown overboard while the rest of us try to right the ship of state.
20
It's apparent from the contents of this article that the 25th Amendment (sec. 4) is a viable option. The Vice President in concert with a majority of either the cabinet or Congress can effect the removal of the President based upon the fact that he cannot discharge the powers and duties of his office. The picture of Trump's presidency presented here makes the argument that that is in fact the case. Trump clearly does not have the intellectual, emotional, or practical ability, or even the desire, to execute the powers of the office in a manner that the American public expects and deserves. The VP and Congress need to step up, assert themselves, and correct this.
Oh, and please keep us updated on just what pattern he finally chooses for the drapery.
Oh, and please keep us updated on just what pattern he finally chooses for the drapery.
13
Mygod, what could be the point of 2069 "comments" to get 23 NYTimes picks (at the present)?
Well, let the history books not forget this passage from this delightful article: "For a man who sometimes has trouble concentrating on policy memos, Mr. Trump was delighted to page through a book that offered him 17 window covering options."
And let's recall a point made by President Obama in a documentary near the end of his presidency: "The Oval Office is the crown jewel of the penal system."
Let us provide The Donald with a grand TV and get on with the business of good government without him.
Well, let the history books not forget this passage from this delightful article: "For a man who sometimes has trouble concentrating on policy memos, Mr. Trump was delighted to page through a book that offered him 17 window covering options."
And let's recall a point made by President Obama in a documentary near the end of his presidency: "The Oval Office is the crown jewel of the penal system."
Let us provide The Donald with a grand TV and get on with the business of good government without him.
7
Its has been said before the emperor has no clothes, this national embarrassment is historic, and the two weeks of numbnut Executive Branch poppycock will become a topic in political science courses across the country for decades. He's about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
9
There is no tactic or strategy that the "administration" can devise that will alter the basic inadequacies of this man (Trump). My hope is that, one day, all those who have blindly followed this bumbling excuse of a leader, will awaken and see what evil Trump has brought upon this nation.
7
Is anybody surprised? President Trump spent all his life in a family business and and gave orders which he expected to be obeyed without question. Now he is caught up between people who are too close to him for firing and those he cannot fire-such as Judges and elected officials.
9
"Mr. Bannon remains the president’s dominant adviser, despite Mr. Trump’s anger that he was not fully briefed on details of the executive order he signed giving his chief strategist a seat on the National Security Council...."
So Trump signs executive orders without reading them or understanding what they mean? Really? Well, then, Bannon is president, and Trump is indeed his puppet.
So Trump signs executive orders without reading them or understanding what they mean? Really? Well, then, Bannon is president, and Trump is indeed his puppet.
19
"We have to pass the bill to see what's in it.". Sound familiar? Oh, but wait, because it was a politician on your side of the aisle, it's totally OK. My bad, I'm not quite up to date on the double standards that are socially acceptable.
So he spends his 'free' time watching TV. What about reading briefs and educating himself about government, issues, problems, meeting people, etc? Ah no, it's about him on TV.
Remember Obama who every evening would take time to read briefs and read letters from regular citizens? I guess Trump is too busy for that...
Remember Obama who every evening would take time to read briefs and read letters from regular citizens? I guess Trump is too busy for that...
11
To defend Putin, Trump degraded the entire nation, in front of the world.
22
Remember when we only found out later that Reagan had Alzheimer's and Nancy had been running the show and covering up for him? Well, that's what's likely going on with T. He's got some form of dementia, signs things that he doesn't read or understand, and busies himself playing with the drapes and watching TV and making angry phone calls and tweets.
I assume that Republicans are holding off on the medical evaluation until they get him to sign all the papers they want him to sign. Only then will he be declared incompetent and removed from office...
I assume that Republicans are holding off on the medical evaluation until they get him to sign all the papers they want him to sign. Only then will he be declared incompetent and removed from office...
27
Dementia?? -- Others in the field have it pegged as "Malignant Narcissism".
bipartisanreport.com/2017/01/27/johns-hopkins-top-psychotherapist-releas...
bipartisanreport.com/2017/01/27/johns-hopkins-top-psychotherapist-releas...
2
I am in that field, and what I am saying is that the dementia is in addition to the narcissistic personality disorder. That makes it even worse...
So what is it?.....The proverbial 'Chicken' or the 'Egg'???
Amid the plethora of awful executive orders and nominations one thing that disturbed me more than most was the removal of fiduciary responsibility from financial advisors. This is a hard won protection for the average person that the Trump people focused on so early in the presidency. Imagine if Social Security is privatized and Americans cannot trust their financial advisors to be acting in their best interest. This is so cynical and should get a lot of attention from the press. Put it in the context of the many people who lost their investments and had lousy advice and then lost so much in the financial crisis. Then there is just the day to day dishonesty by advisors who prey on individuals and ruin their hopes for the future.
20
Am wondering how he has time to eat, much less watch cable news day and night, as you report, with his frenetic schedule.
2
The "fake news" is that Donald Trump wrote and understood his pompous, dangerour "executive" orders. If he were a CEO, he'd have been fired by now.
10
Steve Bannon still finds him useful.
4
Keep the heat on all those GOP senators who are rubber stamping all those Bannon/Trump nominees to the swamp cabinet. If you have one or two of these senators in your state, call up their office and ask when they will return home and hold town meetings to explain their decisions to their constituents.
14
I think the photograph that accompanies this article more or less says it all. Our President is an empty suit who has surrounded himself with either people who are liars, people who are in over their head, or people who are dangerous and want to destroy everything that is good about our country.
15
Lots of schadenfreude observations, a sour-grapes quote from Christie (who cares what he thinks) and little else. In actual fact, they're re-calibrating, improvising, asking what can be done better. Something the NYT hasn't done for two years.
Listen, they're not re-thinking strategy, they are polishing execution. Compare with Obama's "I'll speech my way through it". It never worked, yet he clung to it even after he'd been succeeded, unable to resist one last snooze of a speech at AFB.
Give these guys a break. They won't need too many if they're indeed doing what's being reported. Expect slicker, better execution. Increasing confidence too, once the 9th circuit is done fuming over tweets and getting down to real business. The order is rock solid. Have headline writers ready.
Listen, they're not re-thinking strategy, they are polishing execution. Compare with Obama's "I'll speech my way through it". It never worked, yet he clung to it even after he'd been succeeded, unable to resist one last snooze of a speech at AFB.
Give these guys a break. They won't need too many if they're indeed doing what's being reported. Expect slicker, better execution. Increasing confidence too, once the 9th circuit is done fuming over tweets and getting down to real business. The order is rock solid. Have headline writers ready.
4
It will be interesting to see how long the Trumpettes sing this jerks praises, especially when they start feeling some pain in their wallets.
8
"Give these guys a break"....and give them more time to polish off the execution.
That's a joke, right?
That's a joke, right?
3
What goes around, comes around, would be my first thought. It's the "push-back" & the protests, & the good judges making the right calls, & the Constitution, that guarantee this country's democracy won't go down the "tubes" as Trump & his supporters would have it. Did they really expect to do this by the seat of their pants, w/out a shred of resistance? Well, time to wake up. Some have spoken, which is why the world is faced w/this mess. And some, a good few, have taken to the streets to keep up the pressure. So I would say to those who hold a different opinion on each & every "executive order" rolled out so far, "TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE". This is key.
8
Wow. What a bunch of nonsense the NYT publishes. And people buy it.
1
And yet you take the time to both read and comment on it?
Perhaps MD is for Mighty,..
Perhaps MD is for Mighty,..
7
And you a physician? God help your patients.
3
Somebody find me the duct tape, pronto. What? You don't know where the duct tape is? You're fired!
Hey you! We need to fix this mess. Find me some duct tape!
Hey you! We need to fix this mess. Find me some duct tape!
2
Sounds like he's having lots fun trying out his new playhouse while the big boys try to figure out how to turn on the lights? Great.
8
Fred Trump's middle name was Christ? Suddenly, it all falls into place...
5
What is the lapel pin that Steve Bannon is wearing in the group photo??
2
His father's middle name was Christ? Seriously?
That's just a little too much to process.
Did Fred try to live up to his middle name? Doubtful attending a KKK rally makes one very Christ-like. So, I guess the answer is no.
I know a guy who chose "Cornelius" as his middle name, when he was confirmed in the Catholic church. Planet of the Apes had come out and there you have it. I understand his motivation, but Fred's parents had some problems.
I mean, who gives their kid Christ as a middle name? Talk about a burden of unreasonable expectations. Fred Christ Trump was certainly not a pattern breaker, in that family and he left us all with a doozy on our hands.
Maybe if Donald went off to some Taos, New Mexico New Age men's retreat, wept in a sweat lodge, passed the talking stick, spoke the the truth about himself to other similar, morally adrift old men, maybe if he read Robert Bly he would have a moment of clarity. Returning to the White House, he'd wander the residence, all alone, asking the ghost of Lincoln, "what the hell am I doing here?"
Or maybe he's a psychopath and the only name that matters to him is Trump. The morally adrift are his advisors, now. Can't we convince him it would be cool to put GoPro cameras everywhere, turn his lonely life into the best reality tv show ever? Wouldn't you like a scene where he's on the phone, pleading with Melania to visit. We'd find empathy, perhaps. Certainly the ratings would be "huge!"
Jared, get Mark Burnett on the phone!
That's just a little too much to process.
Did Fred try to live up to his middle name? Doubtful attending a KKK rally makes one very Christ-like. So, I guess the answer is no.
I know a guy who chose "Cornelius" as his middle name, when he was confirmed in the Catholic church. Planet of the Apes had come out and there you have it. I understand his motivation, but Fred's parents had some problems.
I mean, who gives their kid Christ as a middle name? Talk about a burden of unreasonable expectations. Fred Christ Trump was certainly not a pattern breaker, in that family and he left us all with a doozy on our hands.
Maybe if Donald went off to some Taos, New Mexico New Age men's retreat, wept in a sweat lodge, passed the talking stick, spoke the the truth about himself to other similar, morally adrift old men, maybe if he read Robert Bly he would have a moment of clarity. Returning to the White House, he'd wander the residence, all alone, asking the ghost of Lincoln, "what the hell am I doing here?"
Or maybe he's a psychopath and the only name that matters to him is Trump. The morally adrift are his advisors, now. Can't we convince him it would be cool to put GoPro cameras everywhere, turn his lonely life into the best reality tv show ever? Wouldn't you like a scene where he's on the phone, pleading with Melania to visit. We'd find empathy, perhaps. Certainly the ratings would be "huge!"
Jared, get Mark Burnett on the phone!
6
The last thing Bannon wants is the first thing Dems should do. Reach across the aisle and actually try to solve the problems that Trump appropriated to galvanize his populist movement. The reality is that these are problems and they need to be solved. Dems did ignore many issues and they need to recognize this failure. Bannon has his own agenda and he knows that the only way he can enact it is through distraction because he doesn't really want to solve any of these issues - he is only using them to move his agenda forward.
Its time to change the gameplan and stop playing into Bannon's hand. Its time to change the rules because he is outplaying Dems every step of the way.
A Dem leader needs to move to the center and show that the Democratic party can solve these problems. This is the last thing Bannon and team Trump really want and it is the only thing that can save Dems.
Its time to change the gameplan and stop playing into Bannon's hand. Its time to change the rules because he is outplaying Dems every step of the way.
A Dem leader needs to move to the center and show that the Democratic party can solve these problems. This is the last thing Bannon and team Trump really want and it is the only thing that can save Dems.
2
Somehow I don't think the issue with Bannon was ever to 'solve problems', I think Bannon wants absolute power, white christian power, they're really not interested in the issues of the working class or anything else, they want a white-nationalist vision for America & for everyone else to pretty much just die, or whatever.
There was a democrat who actually was interested in the very same problems Trump pretended to take on, that was Bernie Sanders. The same core issues: Working Class whites, free trade, etc.
Not everything is this left/right/center linearity, IMO. There are indeed commonalities, while issues of free trade & working class whites were a surprise to the elites of both sides, they were the compelling populist issues that determined the election, & happened to be a commonality.
But Sanders was the genuinely talented, actual politician, committed to people's cause, not an elite of the corrupt political class in the typical sense that the trumpist are so hostile to.
The Dems & their media outlets generally just backed the wrong candidate, Bernie would have been able to fight Trump on his turf, and the contrast between competent & absurdist would have been clear in a Bernie/Don debate. The opposition didn't need to invent a more compelling platform, they had one, but they belittled & abandoned it to their permanent demise.
There was a democrat who actually was interested in the very same problems Trump pretended to take on, that was Bernie Sanders. The same core issues: Working Class whites, free trade, etc.
Not everything is this left/right/center linearity, IMO. There are indeed commonalities, while issues of free trade & working class whites were a surprise to the elites of both sides, they were the compelling populist issues that determined the election, & happened to be a commonality.
But Sanders was the genuinely talented, actual politician, committed to people's cause, not an elite of the corrupt political class in the typical sense that the trumpist are so hostile to.
The Dems & their media outlets generally just backed the wrong candidate, Bernie would have been able to fight Trump on his turf, and the contrast between competent & absurdist would have been clear in a Bernie/Don debate. The opposition didn't need to invent a more compelling platform, they had one, but they belittled & abandoned it to their permanent demise.
4
Sorry. Not singing Bernie's praises.
He lost with the African-American & Minority communities, which means he wasn't a voice for ALL the people .... Plus he ran a divisive and poisonous campaign that rivaled Republicans proud in its vitriol.
He's not a Democrat and should have run as the Independent
he is.
Better than Trump? Yes.
But still not a saint.
He lost with the African-American & Minority communities, which means he wasn't a voice for ALL the people .... Plus he ran a divisive and poisonous campaign that rivaled Republicans proud in its vitriol.
He's not a Democrat and should have run as the Independent
he is.
Better than Trump? Yes.
But still not a saint.
1
Hail to the "failing New York Times"!!!!
5
Failing? Is that you Donald?
BTW, NYT readership is up these days.
BTW, NYT readership is up these days.
10
If the NYT is "failing" -- why bother to post this comment here????
----GOTCHA!
----GOTCHA!
5
A clown is a normal person in a clown suit and makeup. We now have a president that kinda reversed that aphorism.
5
The real fake news story is the idea that Trump could ever be presidential or have a moment void of self absorption. Perhaps it might be wise to consider honestly conversing with the American people instead of conning them. Sounds radical but it just might work......
6
That was also the Democratics problem. Not one party is willing to tell the people who voted for Trump the truth re: their jobs be it Coal or Cars. No one is willing to tell the truth to people living in poverty. Welfare just placates them The educated and elites many in the Democratic Party r all furious now because a madman was elected. they have little understanding of how to win hearts and minds. Nor do they care.
E - You can't win the mind of an ignorant bigot, especially if they refuse to read or learn.
2
And the saddest part about Trump's administration is that it is much worse than just about everyone expected. That said, will things get better? Not a chance. SAD
17
Actually. I'm not surprised that it's this bad -- and neither are the MILLIONS who voted otherwise.
It's not "SAD" .... it's pathetic.
It's not "SAD" .... it's pathetic.
1
The Trumpet ought to be used to reality shows by now. Apparently the new one with him again at the top of list, is becoming more than he bargained for. He will either bend to the realities of his new responsibilities or destroy himself in the process leading to his removal from this new reality program.
Hopefully he will not damage our brand in the process.
Hopefully he will not damage our brand in the process.
2
Administrations such as Trump's generally end in a military coup.
7
Good journalism in stitching together a behind the scenes account only two weeks into the presidency.
I am heartened by all of the sources speaking about WH internal actions and issues versus the WH public trappings . POTUS and team coming to grips with the fact that internal knowledge is becoming public may have the greatest effect on the administration.
I am heartened by all of the sources speaking about WH internal actions and issues versus the WH public trappings . POTUS and team coming to grips with the fact that internal knowledge is becoming public may have the greatest effect on the administration.
6
Nothing is going to change. Trump is 70 years old and he is what he is.
8
How long is the Republican party going to allow this train wreck to continue? Or will it continue to be 'party' over 'country'?
13
A ship of fools- called titanic. So sad.
11
Great job red America! You given what is routinely considered one of the most demanding jobs on the planet, over the largest "enterprise" on earth - the U.S. government - to the ultimate con man, who in 2 weeks time has turned it into a "no show" job!
17
We have an ignorant man for president who is in way over his head. That should be apparent to all at this time. His staff is no better. This is ridiculous. It will not get better. Ready, fire, aim.
10
Trump and his staff have proven one thing, they can't think.
10
Including those that voted for him.
Trump up at dawn - tweeting off the top of his hair. Ye gods!
Aides conferring in the darkness. Sounds about right. Good grief!
Visitors wandering around, testing doorknobs. Now that is scary! I mean really scary. And the Secret Service? What at they doing when visitors are doing that???
So all our enemies need do is become a wandering visitor!
Keystone Cops is way above the White House paygrade.
Aides conferring in the darkness. Sounds about right. Good grief!
Visitors wandering around, testing doorknobs. Now that is scary! I mean really scary. And the Secret Service? What at they doing when visitors are doing that???
So all our enemies need do is become a wandering visitor!
Keystone Cops is way above the White House paygrade.
9
Word is that he has his own security force in place.
1
The problem is not of tactics. Trump has been stained by vile prejudice, slander, and race/ethnic baiting as in the birther campaign he sustained for years or in his campaign's slurs against Mexicans as criminals and rapists and inner-city blacks as gangsters, and Muslim refugees as murderers. Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions, and Steve Miller speak for an unreconstructed white supremacist attack on humane, tolerant, acceptance of people of different cultures, religions, and races as deserving of equal protection under the law and innocent until proven guilty - and even then as individuals, not as entire communities or nations. Trump is their manipulator of public opinion, the master-Tweeter and distorter of reality, hoping by his lies to disguise the attack on the American constitution and the rule of law.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/cover_story/2017/02/gove...
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/cover_story/2017/02/gove...
7
I am sure this has already been asked/said, but why is Trump displeased with the lack of detail given in his "briefing" about the Executive Order? I understand that it may, necessarily, be written by someone else, but shouldn't he actually READ something before signing it? Is this not something most of us learn in grade school? Or at least by the time we are 18? This is a billion dollar business man we are talking about. The buck stops with you, Mr. President, whether you like it or not.
13
Thank you for your coverage. I am dismayed by the amount of patience that has been shown to President Trump. I can't imagine another human being in the role of (now) president not being held accountable for his or her words and deeds. His actions have been consistent for the past year - his rollout isn't a stumble, its is his modus operandi. When will Donald Trump be held accountable?
Please keep up the good work, but please don't give this man any free passes. He must stand on his own two feet.
Sincerely,
Louisa Van Leer
Please keep up the good work, but please don't give this man any free passes. He must stand on his own two feet.
Sincerely,
Louisa Van Leer
12
I do not think I am overly naive about past presidents, but I can only assume article is the antithesis of how past presidential administrations have performed.
How is an American citizen supposed to retain any sense of optimism? I guess the fact that a journalistic institution like The NYT is able to uncover and report such "stumbles," enough light still shines in the White House, despite being unable to find the light switch or to know how to ask someone. Or are they too embarrassed?
How is an American citizen supposed to retain any sense of optimism? I guess the fact that a journalistic institution like The NYT is able to uncover and report such "stumbles," enough light still shines in the White House, despite being unable to find the light switch or to know how to ask someone. Or are they too embarrassed?
5
What have we gotten ourselves in for? I, for one, did not vote for him but am stuck with him. What a disastrous picture the article paints. So glad he can spend his time looking for window treatments in between his tweets and insulting phone calls.
9
Your description of what happens at the White House at night sounds like something out of Woodward and Bernstein's The Final Days. Except the description of the Nixon White House in that book was about the unraveling of an administration, not the beginning of one, and, memory serves, it was slightly more upbeat as well.
11
As a New Yorker who frequents Europe and Asia often and is seeing the shifting trends there on immigration, it is only the Marxists backed by George Soros that can even begin to think of "open borders". That utopia is dead and new rules are being drafted quietly in Europe, and even though Donald Trump has been the elephant in the china shop, these changes will continue as demand for Western lands is fast outstripping supply.
The billions outside simply can never be accommodated. So as a realist, Donald Trump's lamentable implementation is only a hiccup in the grand scheme of the coming times. Brexit and England are quietly achieving much of Donald Trump's executive orders without all the publicity and reality tv fan-fare that even the NYT is regrettably indulging in. It is time for a re-balancing of Western security needs with a safeguarding of the principles of Western Civilization, versus the unchecked massive Eastern Immigration from their failed states. The Eastern Byzantine empire perished in such an ostrich like fashion. Only a fool would feel unthreatened by the recent happenings in Asia, which are only a harbinger of things to come.
The billions outside simply can never be accommodated. So as a realist, Donald Trump's lamentable implementation is only a hiccup in the grand scheme of the coming times. Brexit and England are quietly achieving much of Donald Trump's executive orders without all the publicity and reality tv fan-fare that even the NYT is regrettably indulging in. It is time for a re-balancing of Western security needs with a safeguarding of the principles of Western Civilization, versus the unchecked massive Eastern Immigration from their failed states. The Eastern Byzantine empire perished in such an ostrich like fashion. Only a fool would feel unthreatened by the recent happenings in Asia, which are only a harbinger of things to come.
5
As soon as you mention the Soros Conspiracy Theory rational people tune you out.
I like it, because I have developed a drinking game where people take a shot every time Soros is mentioned.
Take a drink everybody!
I like it, because I have developed a drinking game where people take a shot every time Soros is mentioned.
Take a drink everybody!
10
Sorry. You lost me blaming "Marxists".
Just what we need. Another overblown pseudo-intellectualization of the problem.
Just for the record.
The situation both here, and in Europe is far too complicated to address in just a few sentences and the foregone conclusions as you have attempted to exploit.
And as far as the Immigration & BREXIT problems are concerned -- they were in existence long before Trump was even in the picture.
"Only a fool" would think to credit his so-called Executive Orders as the sole solution to what is happening today.
Try again.
Just what we need. Another overblown pseudo-intellectualization of the problem.
Just for the record.
The situation both here, and in Europe is far too complicated to address in just a few sentences and the foregone conclusions as you have attempted to exploit.
And as far as the Immigration & BREXIT problems are concerned -- they were in existence long before Trump was even in the picture.
"Only a fool" would think to credit his so-called Executive Orders as the sole solution to what is happening today.
Try again.
1
Please identify the lapel pin Steve Bannon is wearing! NOT an American Flag, but WHAT?
6
It's likely a Secret Service pin, used to identify important individuals at security checkpoints. The pin can change daily, which makes them harder to forge than paper passes.
1
Myles - Where on earth are you getting this from?
It's more than likely some kind of secret Brotherhood pin -- simply wearing a hood in broad daylight would be far too obvious.
1
I wonder whether this week will see Mr Trump signing an Executive Order commemorating the Bowling Green Massacre as a day of Remembrance and a National Holiday?
7
Trump promised us chaos and disruption. And he has delivered around the clock starting from the very first moment, exceeding our wildest expectations. I guess that's why we fondly call him The Furor.
5
a "so-called" president ....
13
Steve Bannon, a self-confessed racist and fascist has Trump's ear. The GOP thought they could control Trump...Wrong!!!! Trump is a nutcase. Everyone knows that. He lives in an alternate universe with himself as chief god. The people who are responsible for his ascendancy to the throne are the Republican leaders who knowingly backed and now support him despite his obvious mental instability. If there is a nuclear war started by an angry Trump these Republican anti-patriots will be responsible.
12
This entire Ban (not ban, ban, not ban, ban, not ban) is a fine example of Trump's impulse to shoot first and ask questions later.
That's fine at the OK Corral, but it's not fine when you sit atop the highest perch of power on earth and are subject to the laws set forth by our brilliant Constitution.
That's fine at the OK Corral, but it's not fine when you sit atop the highest perch of power on earth and are subject to the laws set forth by our brilliant Constitution.
10
You know an article is good and true when serial liar Donny Trump calls it FAKE NEWS on Twitter!
22
So Trump retires to the residence at around 6:30 PM. 6:30!!! Elementary students work longer into the evening than he does!
13
Am I the only person who hears the theme song from the Beverly Hillbillies while reading this article?
16
When are the elephants and donkeys get together and help
.Our wonderful USA.
.Our wonderful USA.
2
A problem Mr. Trump and his group have created: How does one know when they are telling the truth? Was Mr. Trump really so unaware of Steve Bannon's move to the NSC? The political habit of blaming others when problems arise has reached new heights or depths with the Trump ascendency to the Oval Office. Should reporters take everything Mr. Trump or a spokesperson says with a large dose of salty skepticism? When our government has operated in a new world where the boys and girls so often cry "Wolf," and where Mr. Trump is described as someone completely "different," we surely need to find a different, more wary approach to reporting.
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
3
"To pass the time between meetings..." That pretty much says it all.
17
Trump supporters wanted and received the ultimate outsider, someone who doesn't know nor care how government works. I just don't see how anything positive or productive can come out of this white house. I only hope that I am wrong.
10
Trump's ignorance and arrogance is gobsmacking.
10
Trump/Bannon = Pinky and The Brain
10
Sad. Truly sad!
6
Republicans are catching on, too. We've got a dangerous, deluded, extremely well-armed thug "serving" as out president. He actually, obviously, believes that we should serve him. He must be removed from office -- nonviolently as the Constitution provides -- for our own survival as a democratic (small "d') republic.
9
Are they? To me they seem as cynical as ever Jim, willing to put up with Trump as long as he goes for their agenda, tax cuts for the 1% and the corporations they own.
5
Corporations seem to be rebelling so far. I think the GOP better pay attention to which way the wind is blowing. The money is going to be gone at this rate.
1
The Insane Clown Posse of "Don the Con", "Flakey Flynn", "Bonehead Bannon", "Crackpot Conway" and the other self dealing and self aggrandizing members of the inner circle are well on their way to destroying America, our great institutions, our values, and fleecing the public-all under the patriotic guise of making us safe and prosperous.
In just 2 weeks "Don the Con" has managed to introduce the worst cabinet selections, transition, policy promulgation, relations with allies and enemies, military excursion, public distrust, and approval ratings in our Nations great history. With all the chaos and anxiety it's hard to believe it's been just 2 weeks since the "Insane Clown Posse" took over. If this is an example of his forte, "business acumen", we're in for a long 4 years.
The public must be encouraged and educated on the issues so they can rise up with consistent and sustained actions: contacting government representatives, boycotting products and services from companies and states aligned with the "Insane Clown Posse", effectively and actively protesting, and organizing votes against Republicans at all levels of government beginning in 2018.
Our democracy and freedom are durable but not unbreakable.
In just 2 weeks "Don the Con" has managed to introduce the worst cabinet selections, transition, policy promulgation, relations with allies and enemies, military excursion, public distrust, and approval ratings in our Nations great history. With all the chaos and anxiety it's hard to believe it's been just 2 weeks since the "Insane Clown Posse" took over. If this is an example of his forte, "business acumen", we're in for a long 4 years.
The public must be encouraged and educated on the issues so they can rise up with consistent and sustained actions: contacting government representatives, boycotting products and services from companies and states aligned with the "Insane Clown Posse", effectively and actively protesting, and organizing votes against Republicans at all levels of government beginning in 2018.
Our democracy and freedom are durable but not unbreakable.
11
Donald Trump is an utter fool - an utter fool in charge of the world. We are going to need every ACLU lawyer on the planet. Put on comfortable shoes America, we are going to be marching for the next 4 years to preserve our republic.
24
This is a right wing, corporation take over of our government! They do not and will not care about anything that matters to the most of us..this is all about power and wealth for the very few, and it has been in the working for a very long time. Lately it has not been organized or thought out very well, but it always has been lurking.. notice the dereliction of duty towards the country by Congress and it doesn't matter how it is achieved just as long as the outcome is total control of everything, again I plea to God, if He is there to save us from this madness because no one has the will to stop it!
7
Once everyone agrees upon the vision, the mission, and the plans to effect the purposes of an administration, the tactics follow according the circumstances which will determine how events will tend to play out. Trump's team are people who cannot get the job done because they refuse to accept the circumstances that must be addressed to succeed. Trump ignores the limits our system places upon Presidents because he does not want to understand them, he thinks he can do what he wants because he wants. His staff ignores the complexity and laws that keep our government able to work and to comply with the laws because they do not want to deal with the constraints, they just want everybody to make the changes needed to carry out want they want. Trump and his staff think that he was elected to take emergency control of a failed government, to make it function once more, and to set it on a new path. He thinks that he is a special leader, even more special that Washington or Lincoln, and so do his staff. How many of Trump's supporters actually believe that Trump has their blessing to undo our form of government on their behalf, nobody knows. In any case, it's not even a simple majority of the people, and none of those who have any knowledge of this country and the world at this time. Trump is trying to implement campaign promises based upon falsehoods and there are no workable tactics for making lies true.
12
Ah, yes. The NY Times continues their campaign to diminish President Trump who has tweeted that the "facts" in this article are bogus. When you work 20 hours a day, like Trump, you do have time to consider the smaller things in life like drapes - if that even happened. BTW: Our most stylish president to date, President Obama, was lucky to put in a 8 hour day for the taxpayer and you know, not much seemed to come out of those days.
2
brick
there are no facts to trumps tweets
research to find out what a fact is
there are no facts to trumps tweets
research to find out what a fact is
3
If Trump says it's false it must be true. Trump is only ever correct about anything by accident.
6
Thanks for the Laff.
Trump is diminishing himself without anyone's help if he is signing off on stuff he has no idea he is signing and then complaining about it.
Fact: Obama was working into the night and it is documented. And he wasnt padding around in a bathrobe leading tours. He acted like being POTUS was a job.
"our most stylist president to date" is looking like a very large box due to a steady diet of junk food.
Try again. Facts are more stubborn than anything you offer as a defense for the indefensible.
Trump is diminishing himself without anyone's help if he is signing off on stuff he has no idea he is signing and then complaining about it.
Fact: Obama was working into the night and it is documented. And he wasnt padding around in a bathrobe leading tours. He acted like being POTUS was a job.
"our most stylist president to date" is looking like a very large box due to a steady diet of junk food.
Try again. Facts are more stubborn than anything you offer as a defense for the indefensible.
6
Trump likes to be surrounded by "beautiful things", although to be honest I'm not sure how Steve Bannon fits in that picture.
13
How can you re-think something that has never been thought out to begin with? What we have is a big ostentatious publicity stunt that has taken over our country. This president has no interest in governing only in the big media moment and the glory of the role. No depth, foresight, or sense of governance, just blind ego and gaudy display. Reality television with no reality. Papa Doc Donald is a disgrace to the office.
12
How about : "Trump and Staff Rethink After Totally Screwing Up and Realizing That Most People Hate What They Are Doing"
17
Sentences like, "Cloistered in the White House, he now has little access to his fans and supporters — an important source of feedback and validation — and feels increasingly pinched by the pressures of the job and the constant presence of protests," make me pretty skeptical of the rigors, impartiality and assumptions the reporters are making in this piece.
Did Trump tell the reporters he feels "increasingly pinched?" Did the reporters observe this in the first person? Did Trump divulge this to an aide who leaked this to the writers? What is the evidence for this? Or is all of this assumed?
Passages like this really turn me off.
Did Trump tell the reporters he feels "increasingly pinched?" Did the reporters observe this in the first person? Did Trump divulge this to an aide who leaked this to the writers? What is the evidence for this? Or is all of this assumed?
Passages like this really turn me off.
3
The reporters are relaying the observations of Trump's close advisers. Because the same people yelling "Fake news!" every five minutes are also leaking like crazy to the New York Times and the Washington Post.
4
How many in the Trump administration does it take to turn on a light bulb? None, they just tell each other it's already on.
32
LOL! This should win the internet for today.
2
Such an Idiot. SAD!
10
Look at the cast of characters in the photo accompanying this article. From left to right: a dishonest woman who has forever altered the political discourse with her concept of "alternative facts;" a clueless woman whose only responsibility that I can discern is to notify the media when the White House intends to not comment on an issue; an equally clueless man who seems to have even less responsibility but is, after all, married to daddy's little girl; a dangerous, immoral, and unhinged white supremacist; an astonishingly spineless man whose name shall ever serve as the definition of "toady;" and a young weasel who looks like he would take them all out if it helps him move up the ranks. These are the people advising our inept, uninformed, narcissistic, dishonest, dim bulb of a president.
More than sad. Terrifying!
More than sad. Terrifying!
37
In a novel predicting our current national nightmare, South American author Gabriel Garcia Marquez wrote a deeply moving work called The Autumn of the Patriarch where a South American dictator roams his empty palace alone and in the dark while he ruminates about his rule and its excesses... The dictator's thoughts convey his desperation and loneliness alongside the atrocities and ruthless behavior that keep him in power. The novel is a frightening portrait of what we see in Washington where the advisors who direct the dictator's every move and construct an apparatus of terror and political repression.
9
D-Day, but said the president’s team had stormed the beaches ...stormed the beaches maybe in the wrong country.
Actually if more like invading Egypt without the benefit of a Romel.
Actually if more like invading Egypt without the benefit of a Romel.
6
Meanwhile, Jared Kushner is out playing socialite with his wife.
12
That's the only thing either of them is suited for.
2
Vanity, lack of self-control and shallow character are the traits on display since his inauguration. Donald Trump is not big enough to fill Presidential shoes, because he has no depth. The President is signing Executive Orders as fast as Bannon churns them, with no real grasp of the content beyond titles. Whatever one's politics, is it asking too much for a U.S. President to read, to understand, to ask questions? Whose fault is this, Mr. President?
17
Those are character traits he has displayed his whole life.
4
His showing the signed executive orders to an audience like my first grade teacher used to read the Dick, Jane, and Sally books to us would be breathtakingly hilarious if it were not so horrifying. Sad!
17
Once again, Bernie Sanders had this guy(Trump) pegged right from the outset. Along with the Republican Party and despite his few empty promises, most of which will never see the light of day, Trump is a fraud, a pathological liar and in reality has little or no concept or concern about what the majority of the American people really want or need.
15
We have all seen Trump sign these documents. Clearly, he derives great pleasure from adding his large and ostentatious signature.
Does he understand that the purpose of that signature is to certify that he knows what the document says and that he approves?
Does he understand that the purpose of that signature is to certify that he knows what the document says and that he approves?
38
Trump spends most of his time and attention on monitoring and defending his oversized ego. No wonder he does not know the details of his executive directives. A real president would be in the loop from the start, giving guidance and direction and then reviewing the the end product. But who can do that after night after night of twittering about incompetent judges and false crowd size estimates?
He simply has not the self discipline or the desire to work hard at becoming a good president. As I predicted from the start, he will tire of the job, remain, to the detriment of America, a unpredictable figure head and some of his staff (Pence?) will emerge as the real go to guy.
He simply has not the self discipline or the desire to work hard at becoming a good president. As I predicted from the start, he will tire of the job, remain, to the detriment of America, a unpredictable figure head and some of his staff (Pence?) will emerge as the real go to guy.
10
Let's hope he just resigns! OR, we have a new election, ungerrymandered and all votes counted!
2
Trump is pretending he doesn't know what's going on. What's worse that he doesn't know what's in his executive orders or that he has appointed a white-supremacist-sympathizer to the NSA? Either way Trump is incompetent and potentially traitorous.
He should resign or be impeached as a danger to our democratic republic.
He should resign or be impeached as a danger to our democratic republic.
15
Better it be messy than they pull the pin on the 'war' grenade.
The solution to coalescing the public, manufacturing ratings & consent, compelling any opposition to fall in line is usually to have a war.
Once a war is on, everybody switches into this reflexive 'support the troops' & unites behind whatever the warmonger in chief is up to, right or wrong.
As long as there's disquiet & dissent in the ranks at least things are fluid. But once the USA goes to war, which, knowing the USA, it will, game over for any dissent, and especially for the victims of US foreign wars.
So expect the Gulf of Tonkin incident in the Straights of Hormuz, or something to that effect. Or we'll have a terrorist incident with a whole array of distracting retaliatory rhetoric that will sweep all issues of policy & procedure completely off the table & unify the administration & the nation behind some emergency or other.
Trump is just itching to tweet 'told ya so', and if it doesn't happen in time to settle his kekeling contingent, Bannon will no doubt find a way to manufacture an event.
The solution to coalescing the public, manufacturing ratings & consent, compelling any opposition to fall in line is usually to have a war.
Once a war is on, everybody switches into this reflexive 'support the troops' & unites behind whatever the warmonger in chief is up to, right or wrong.
As long as there's disquiet & dissent in the ranks at least things are fluid. But once the USA goes to war, which, knowing the USA, it will, game over for any dissent, and especially for the victims of US foreign wars.
So expect the Gulf of Tonkin incident in the Straights of Hormuz, or something to that effect. Or we'll have a terrorist incident with a whole array of distracting retaliatory rhetoric that will sweep all issues of policy & procedure completely off the table & unify the administration & the nation behind some emergency or other.
Trump is just itching to tweet 'told ya so', and if it doesn't happen in time to settle his kekeling contingent, Bannon will no doubt find a way to manufacture an event.
13
The key question is whether or not the military will back a known lunatic or remain loyal to the American people. This is Germany 1933, and the role of the military and police agencies will be a determining factor: World War III awaits us if patriotism does not reign supreme.
3
A huge amount of damage can be done without dropping bombs or firing missiles. That's already been accomplished.
1
Take a deep breath.
"To pass the time between meetings, Mr. Trump gives quick tours to visitors..."
Seriously? He has nothing better or more important to do?
Good Lord, this is even worse than I thought.
"He often has to wait until the end of the workday before grinding through news clips with Mr. Spicer, marking the ones he does not like with a big arrow in black Sharpie...."
While killing trees in the process.
Yo, there's this thing called the internet. It's tremendous!
You can even mark electronic files with notes!
Albeit not with a Sharpie.
[facepalm]
Seriously? He has nothing better or more important to do?
Good Lord, this is even worse than I thought.
"He often has to wait until the end of the workday before grinding through news clips with Mr. Spicer, marking the ones he does not like with a big arrow in black Sharpie...."
While killing trees in the process.
Yo, there's this thing called the internet. It's tremendous!
You can even mark electronic files with notes!
Albeit not with a Sharpie.
[facepalm]
8
You've obviously not observed the reams of paper academics consume on a daily basis.
1
Can someone just slip in a Resignation Letter next time, I'm sure Mr Trump will sign it, not knowing what he was doing.
51
Mr. Trump, who was not fully briefed on the executive order he signed giving his [white supremacist] chief strategist a seat on the National Security Council, has demanded that he be looped in earlier.
6
I love reading the comments of NYTimes readers. Many are intelligent, funny and astute.
28
Thanks Mr. Gordon, that's rather astute of you. Do yourself a favor and don't read the comments on the Fox Nooz blogs.
The first sentence of the second paragraph of this article is an apt metaphor for this administration:
"Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches in the cabinet room."
You just cannot make this stuff up.
"Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches in the cabinet room."
You just cannot make this stuff up.
639
Well, I suppose it could be fake news, but it is important to consider the source. This is the New York Times, not Breitbart.
5
Disprove it with sources. We'll wait.
2
It doubt that it made much difference. I'm sure Trump's aides can't see in the dark. Who can? But they also can't see in the light, either.
1
The worst president in US history. SAD!
18
More than sad - terrifying. One person benefits: George W. No one can call him the worst president any longer. In fact he looks better every day.
4
And imagine-- He's managed to pull off being the worst so-called "President" in U.S. history, only within the course of TWO WEEKS!!!
Wow!....just wow!
Wow!....just wow!
3
“The fact is that he’s put forward a policy that, in my opinion, is significantly more effective than what he had proposed during the campaign, yet because of the botched implementation, they allowed his opponents to attack him by calling it a Muslim ban.”
Mr. Christie, is what you are referring to as a NON Muslim ban an "alternative fact"?
Mr. Christie, is what you are referring to as a NON Muslim ban an "alternative fact"?
8
"One former staff member likened the aggressive approach of the first two weeks to D-Day, but said the president’s team had stormed the beaches without any plan for a longer war."
Yeah. Just like D-Day, except they missed Normandy and landed in the Azores.
Yeah. Just like D-Day, except they missed Normandy and landed in the Azores.
11
Wandering around in the dark because light switches are a challenge? Guests having to literally test doors in the dark to find an exit? Trump watching cable TV day and night? The White House led by "a surprisingly small crew of no more than a half-dozen empowered aides with virtually no familiarity with the workings of the White House or federal government"?
This is a travesty. A confederacy of dunces.
Obviously these people don't know what they're doing. No, I do not want my president and staff learning from scratch on the job. Yes, there is a value, a big one, to hiring experienced people with expertise and intelligence.
Trump sounds seriously delusional. The "opening stages of his presidency were going well"? On what planet? He doesn't even seem to know what's actually in the executive orders he's signing. He doesn't know an EO he signed gave Bannon a seat on the National Security Council? What the heck is wrong with this "so-called president"?
Now he's claiming negative polls are fake news. In his delusional world, everything negative is fake.
This is a hot stinking mess. These people are making a mockery of the presidency.
What do you expect from a reality-TV con man who bullied and blustered his way across the stage like a half-wit rooster, speaking like a mafioso, promising bitter gullible people the world, stuffing his cabinet with his billionaire donors, whose right-hand man is an obvious racist?
This is simply disgusting.
This is a travesty. A confederacy of dunces.
Obviously these people don't know what they're doing. No, I do not want my president and staff learning from scratch on the job. Yes, there is a value, a big one, to hiring experienced people with expertise and intelligence.
Trump sounds seriously delusional. The "opening stages of his presidency were going well"? On what planet? He doesn't even seem to know what's actually in the executive orders he's signing. He doesn't know an EO he signed gave Bannon a seat on the National Security Council? What the heck is wrong with this "so-called president"?
Now he's claiming negative polls are fake news. In his delusional world, everything negative is fake.
This is a hot stinking mess. These people are making a mockery of the presidency.
What do you expect from a reality-TV con man who bullied and blustered his way across the stage like a half-wit rooster, speaking like a mafioso, promising bitter gullible people the world, stuffing his cabinet with his billionaire donors, whose right-hand man is an obvious racist?
This is simply disgusting.
18
This is the gang who couldn't shoot straight. They need to do more than just rethink their tactics, they need read a few books on American History including more recent ones. The victims of the Bowling Green Massacre would certainly agree.
9
I really don't want to think about any of these losers shooting in any way, shape or form.
2
Why doesn't someone just lock the doors to the White House and throw away the key? We're riding shotgun on the avalanche to the end of democracy. A President who is so dismissive of his office that he doesn't read the Executive Orders he's signing, and a staff and Republican Congress who are determined to make as much money as they possibly can before he's thrown out. What could go wrong?!
11
Just turn off the WiFi. Leave the doors open so they can find them - and leave.
1
This so-called president is an embarrassment to our country, and an embarrassment to the Free World.
The one silver lining to all this is that our once complacent citizenry isn't taking their patriotic duty for granted anymore. Everyone has been shocked into wakefulness.
The one silver lining to all this is that our once complacent citizenry isn't taking their patriotic duty for granted anymore. Everyone has been shocked into wakefulness.
12
"Aides confer in the dark because they cannot figure out how to operate the light switches in the cabinet room. Visitors conclude their meetings and then wander around, testing doorknobs until finding one that leads to an exit."
That is, well they....I got nothing...
That is, well they....I got nothing...
7
No doubt that some of these people up in arms now about Trumps careless actions, voted for him..after he already said what he was going to do. The man showed you who he was before you elected him and you STILL didn't believe him.
10
What did Ronald Reagan do with himself each evening? A little historical perspective and comparison might be interesting about now. What's anybody supposed to do?
2
Here's part of an NYT account of President O'Bama's evening routine: By 8 p.m., the usher’s office delivers the president’s leather-bound daily briefing book — a large binder accompanied by a tall stack of folders with memos and documents from across the government, all demanding the president’s attention. “An insane amount of paper,” Mr. Kass said. Mr. Obama often reads through it in a leather swivel chair at his tablelike desk, under a portrait of President Ulysses S. Grant. Windows on each side of Grant look out on the brightly lit Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial.
....
“He is thoroughly predictable in having gone through every piece of paper that he gets,” said Tom Donilon, Mr. Obama’s national security adviser from 2010 to 2013. “You’ll come in in the morning, it will be there: questions, notes, decisions.”
....
“He is thoroughly predictable in having gone through every piece of paper that he gets,” said Tom Donilon, Mr. Obama’s national security adviser from 2010 to 2013. “You’ll come in in the morning, it will be there: questions, notes, decisions.”
20
Mr. Obama spent the dinner hour with his wife and children and then headed to the Oval Office to read briefings to obtain as much knowledge and insight as he could on the vast array of issues that he would be required to deal with as President.
That's what a President is supposed to do.
That's what a President is supposed to do.
6
Uhm, the Presidency is not a 9-5 job Iver. It's not like he's running out of things to do, he's over his head.
8
After reading this piece the most telling things to me were the statements that the only personal photo in the oval office was of his father. Where are the photos of his wife, children, and grandchildren?
Also the biggest thing to upset him about the executive orders was giving Steve Bannon a key position on the Security Council? Hope he doesn't watch the SNL opener from last Saturday.
Also the biggest thing to upset him about the executive orders was giving Steve Bannon a key position on the Security Council? Hope he doesn't watch the SNL opener from last Saturday.
11
And about that Muslim Ban, is any further investigation being done about the confederacy of Islamic Nations where Trump business is conducted and the exclusion of the ban for those nations. To this average citizen it seems a direct violation of the emolument clause in the Constitution. Trump again and again shows himself to be in this for only for his own benefit monetarily of conceit.
The Republicans could take this opportunity to run free of the ideologue,meglomaniac. But I hope their smarmy devotion to him sinks their party in 16, 17 and 18.
The Republicans could take this opportunity to run free of the ideologue,meglomaniac. But I hope their smarmy devotion to him sinks their party in 16, 17 and 18.
2
I'm shocked, shocked! that his advisors are exploiting the Presidents' short attention span, low reading ability and ego. Who could have seen this coming?
12
Who says they are exploiting his short attention span? They may be doing the best they can to cover for him.
2
I can't wait to see the movie, assuming, of course, the world isn't destroyed before the so-called President is booted out of the White House.
5
I fealt like I was reading a description of The Odd Couples tv set. Felix going through the drape catalog while Oscar is In his bathrobe watch ing sports...
4
Citizen Kane is what came to my mind, this so-called president, in his bathrobe, wandering the darkened halls of the WH late at night. That image will now and forever be stuck in my head...unfortunately.
3
Yes, very good, Sandra, and "Scarface" and "The Godfather Parts II and III," indeed all American movies that are cautionary tales of the rich and powerful left alone in the end. -- thegamesmenplay.com
So . . . Does anyone actually believe that looping in Trump any earlier (or later) will make for a different outcome? The whole gang is pretty loopy already. Add Trump to the mix and it’s like wild. Imagine possibilities represented as marbles, and they are shaken violently in a tin can, does that create more or less order? Another important question: Do two or more people who know nothing know more than one person who knows nothing? But that, my friends, the problem is that none of them know enough to keep this country out of harm’s way. I had been quite frantic while thinking about the horrendous possibilities, but I am becoming (relatively) at ease with images of Armageddon, or at a minimum, shear chaos for his (hopefully) short-lived term as POTUS.
5
So our President, purportedly both an excellent business man and the leader of the free world, is putting pen to paper without reading what that paper says? Even my 10 year old knows better than that.
In addition, that smacks (even more than previously thought) of a power grab on the part of Bannon, who clearly knew Trump would just sign it.
In addition, that smacks (even more than previously thought) of a power grab on the part of Bannon, who clearly knew Trump would just sign it.
12
I really tried to read the article. I see no discernible story here...
1
Short version: The Wizard of Oz. Behind the Curtain Scene.
5
"But for the moment, Mr. Bannon remains the president’s dominant adviser, despite Mr. Trump’s anger that he was not fully briefed on details of the executive order he signed giving his chief strategist a seat on the National Security Council, a greater source of frustration to the president than the fallout from the travel ban."
What the holy hell, man. This isn't a joke or a sitcom! Do your job. Or people like Bannon will do it for you.
What the holy hell, man. This isn't a joke or a sitcom! Do your job. Or people like Bannon will do it for you.
5
This is far worse than "The emperor has no clothes." This fellow only thinks he's our emperor when, in fact, he's our public servant whom we elected to serve us. We must now discharge him on account of his hubris, bullying, incompetence, presumption and dangerous arrogance.
12
Trump is a puppet who makes a very convincing dummy. But the Republican party so hated the Clinton and Obama messages of inclusion and the successes they had on the world stage that they would rather burn down the whole house than build on the foundation left particularly by Obama. Every admin carries forward from the last admin because consistency is key to good governance and considered change. But this time, Obama's color made the mad dogs see red and they wanted annihilation of anything he stood for even if it was a Republican idea.
The question now is will this mistake so called president of Ryan and McConnell's open the eyes of Republican voters to finally realize that the message they have been hearing for years, from the conservative traditionalists, of Democrats losing their way, imposing social change and non-religious beliefs on Republican voters personally, supporting the undeserving poor, being soft on defense, creating deficits and hurting the entrepreneur is really the playbook of the Republicans. Will we stand united or continue to divide.
The question now is will this mistake so called president of Ryan and McConnell's open the eyes of Republican voters to finally realize that the message they have been hearing for years, from the conservative traditionalists, of Democrats losing their way, imposing social change and non-religious beliefs on Republican voters personally, supporting the undeserving poor, being soft on defense, creating deficits and hurting the entrepreneur is really the playbook of the Republicans. Will we stand united or continue to divide.
7
President Trump and his top staff reconsidering their improvisational approach to governing.
Improvisational
That explains why SNL, and its improvisational approach to comedy, so precisely mimics Donald's administration.
Improvisational
That explains why SNL, and its improvisational approach to comedy, so precisely mimics Donald's administration.
5
The possibilities for satyre (spelling intentional here) seems inexhaustible when the subject is Trump. Has anybody else, in any age, been so open to satire as Herr Dictator,Mussolini. Stalin, Franco, Cleopatra or Caesar, . I think you all get the point. But, I am also suggesting that the game is being overplayed. I've already suggested that Monopoly should be revised as a game suitable to the age of Trump. But few responses make we ask certain questions.
2
I think comparisons to Tony Soprano are more apt: like him, Trump is an illiterate thug with a nasty attitude toward women and black people who sucks dry every business they touch. They can't string together four coherent sentences but surround themselves with a small crew -- exact word! -- of flatterers and loyal henchmen. The analogy is not too strained, except that Tony Soprano was an effective leader.
5
"Usually around 6:30 p.m., or sometimes later, Mr. Trump retires upstairs to the residence to recharge, vent and intermittently use Twitter."
And a lovely article about President Obama about 2 months back indicated his typical work day ended around midnight or later with the readings he took with him ...
Americans have illegitimately appointed a failure to replace an A grader.
And a lovely article about President Obama about 2 months back indicated his typical work day ended around midnight or later with the readings he took with him ...
Americans have illegitimately appointed a failure to replace an A grader.
16
Well that's the difference between mature Adult and a Bully.
6
Mr. Trump promised to "shake up" Washington, which, insofar as it includes the Republican side of the establishment, seems relatively unfazed. So far all he's managed to shake up is the American public's ability to sleep soundly.
6
The incredible shrinking So called President.
7
The entire administration is all smirks. ryan smirks. trump smirks. pence smirks. bannon smirks. mcconnell smirks.
They are rudderless and they smirk.
I wish nothing horrendous for our country, But something shocking is going to have to wipe that smirk off their faces.
It's as if they all got their jobs through incompetence...smirk.
They are rudderless and they smirk.
I wish nothing horrendous for our country, But something shocking is going to have to wipe that smirk off their faces.
It's as if they all got their jobs through incompetence...smirk.
8
Outrageous. He doesn't know what he is signing then feigns anger that he has not been informed about the full contents of the bill he is signing. If this were a play it would be a farce. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
9
Yeah, I learned by watching the Great British Bake Off you can't just throw an Opera Cake together, much less let the contestants be their own judges.
4
Trump is a terribly impatient man in a world ever more demanding of patience
His vanity and thin skin and refusal to learn are real liabilities in the real world, and he is making the world a lot more dangerous every day.
"Donald Trump was a stock market disaster: Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts reported losses of $647 million from 1995 through 2004" http://www.marketwatch.com/story/donald-trump-was-a-stock-market-disaste...
His vanity and thin skin and refusal to learn are real liabilities in the real world, and he is making the world a lot more dangerous every day.
"Donald Trump was a stock market disaster: Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts reported losses of $647 million from 1995 through 2004" http://www.marketwatch.com/story/donald-trump-was-a-stock-market-disaste...
6
What a loser....sad!
8
When Mr. Trump is not watching television in his bathrobe or on his phone reaching out to old campaign hands and advisers, he will sometimes set off to explore the unfamiliar surroundings of his new home. Sounds like Peter seller's character Chance in "Being There."
7
More fake news, list real sources, please.
3
Yeah, like Fox News does, right?
5
Good grief.
3
You made the accusation Dennis, thus your burden to justify your claim it is "fake news."
3
President Reagan gave us the "I don't recall" defense.
President Clinton gave us the "...what the meaning of the word 'is' is.
Trump will give us the NON EST FACTUM defense - not his deed...He signed something he didn't know he was signing.
President Clinton gave us the "...what the meaning of the word 'is' is.
Trump will give us the NON EST FACTUM defense - not his deed...He signed something he didn't know he was signing.
18
Sure but to be fair, Reagan really couldn't recall, about the Iran-Contra scandal or much else. He had Alzheimers, his brain was breaking down all through his presidency, and memory is one of the first things to go.
2
I will correct myself in that it was the Iran-Contra mess under President Reagan's watch when the "I don't recall" defense was first popularized by Oliver North during congressional hearings.
If at the time of Reagan's testimony he was indeed showing signs of Alzheimers but not yet diagnosed let's agree to make this a teaching moment. Certainly if he had been diagnosed or suspected I would hope that he would not have had to testify.
Having been a caregiver for a loved one with non-Alzheimers dementia your reply hit a raw nerve. I'm glad you pointed it out.
For the teachable moment, dementia is not just about memory loss. There are other cognitive manifestations that are also happening. Here's a link to the 10 early signs of Alzheimers which are pretty much applicable to the early signs of other dementias.
http://m.alz.org/10-warning-signs.asp
If at the time of Reagan's testimony he was indeed showing signs of Alzheimers but not yet diagnosed let's agree to make this a teaching moment. Certainly if he had been diagnosed or suspected I would hope that he would not have had to testify.
Having been a caregiver for a loved one with non-Alzheimers dementia your reply hit a raw nerve. I'm glad you pointed it out.
For the teachable moment, dementia is not just about memory loss. There are other cognitive manifestations that are also happening. Here's a link to the 10 early signs of Alzheimers which are pretty much applicable to the early signs of other dementias.
http://m.alz.org/10-warning-signs.asp
2
Dear Agent99,
Thanks for the correction, and my apologies for hitting a raw nerve. My dad also has FTD, very akin to Alzheimer's, and it's not an easy thing to deal with. Very early on, possibly right before the diagnosis, I was in the car with him on a highway, and getting frustrated with traffic he floored it, reaching over 90 mph. Not a memory issue there either, but lack of impulse control. I see a lot of the warning signs in Trump's actions too.
Thanks for the correction, and my apologies for hitting a raw nerve. My dad also has FTD, very akin to Alzheimer's, and it's not an easy thing to deal with. Very early on, possibly right before the diagnosis, I was in the car with him on a highway, and getting frustrated with traffic he floored it, reaching over 90 mph. Not a memory issue there either, but lack of impulse control. I see a lot of the warning signs in Trump's actions too.
A couple of months before the election you guys ran an article describing how Trump is most scornful of and disgusted with those who suffer an instance of public humiliation.
But what could be more mortifying than the daily revelations of poor character, malicious incompetence, and childish insecurity that Trump himself offers up through his tweets and interviews? The man may be oblivious to it, but he's currently engaged in one of the most humiliating public displays of self humanly possible. Time is an evil mistress, Mr. Trump. And she won't let you off the embarrassment hook for all this. But hey you can always angry-tweet her!
But what could be more mortifying than the daily revelations of poor character, malicious incompetence, and childish insecurity that Trump himself offers up through his tweets and interviews? The man may be oblivious to it, but he's currently engaged in one of the most humiliating public displays of self humanly possible. Time is an evil mistress, Mr. Trump. And she won't let you off the embarrassment hook for all this. But hey you can always angry-tweet her!
17
SNL is making an important contribution. The big desk/little desk image was unforgettable, as was the skit with Puttie, Rex, and "Trump" a few weeks ago, indelibly illustrating how no one even cares what he thinks. "Useful Idiot".
4
He never wanted or expected to be President. Now that the joke backfired on him (and us) he needs a graceful way out. Perhaps medical problems will require him to step down so he and Bannon can begin their media venture.
12
The trouble with him stepping down is we get Pres Pence.... unless the house or senate flip to blue at the midterms that might be just as disastrous.
1