Flynn's ties to Russia are certainly an issue. Last summer I wrote about how Flynn's ties with Putin and Russia demanded a serious inquiry https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/trump-putin-russia-dnc-hack-wikileaks-the... At the same time, there are other, even more serious questions about other ties between Trump's and Putin's people that I raised just before the election, including some exclusive information that the major media missed: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exclusive-top-trump-aides-deeper-linked-r... Additionally, all this should bring renewed focus on the Russo-American Cyberwar of 2016, which peolpe still don't seem to realize how unprecedented and serious a problem it is.
4
Mr. Comey... Mr. James Comey... Please answer the white paging telephone.
2
This way he can just be Russia's NSC.
It's all for the best.
Before, it was a clear conflict of (Russian) Interest.
It's all for the best.
Before, it was a clear conflict of (Russian) Interest.
2
A persistent aversion to planning or careful vetting, the distaste for research and examination, the rejection of logic and reason in favor of seat-of-the-pants guessing and impulsive risk-taking mixed with half-baked Ayn Randian and FA Hayekian perceptions are the hall marks of the current Republican businessmen at their fell work.
4
What's interesting is that Bannon created an alternative strategic group within the White House, communicated the differentiation from the Security Council (strategic v/s day-to-day), and then pressed his foot on Flynn's neck, as per the other story, that Flynn needs to go now.
Poor, Trump. Who's he left to trust now? Given the public pronouncements against Priebus by his buddy Ruddy, all he will be left with eventually will be President Bannon, or so-called President Pence.
If I were Trump, I'd be very paranoid right now...
Poor, Trump. Who's he left to trust now? Given the public pronouncements against Priebus by his buddy Ruddy, all he will be left with eventually will be President Bannon, or so-called President Pence.
If I were Trump, I'd be very paranoid right now...
1
One down, Flynn, and now Bannon should be forced out of the NSC. He and the smarmy Miller are liabilities to Trump and the nation. Actually we should have a vote of confidence if we could. That would end Trump's reign of stupidity and selfishness. How did we get this far. This administration represents the nadir of American democracy. There is a desperate need for a sea change or we will drown.
2
Presidenting while insane. So sad.
Sigh...
POTUS is not an entry level position.
POTUS is not an entry level position.
3
I hope someone at the NSC has the courage to withhold real information from Trump/Bannon and their Russian masters.
Is there such a person? Are they doing whatever it takes to protect our country, or are they powerless?
Is there such a person? Are they doing whatever it takes to protect our country, or are they powerless?
2
The fact that Russia is so aggressively defending General Flynn is VERY VERY
worrying.
worrying.
4
It's time to get rid of Donald Trump before it is too late. As I've said already, something smells in Glocamorra. Trump is just as compromised as Flynn was and even more so regarding Putin and the Russians. There is zero confidence in Trump as Commander in Chief and he can't be trusted...at all. What are we waiting for?
4
The problem about a possible Chaos in the National Security Council is a delicate situation.The great problem is how to stablish different missions during Trump´s Presidency.So the conclusions to create good diplomat routes in this council has to be agreed to foreign policy of USA.The problem is that this moment is strange to have good coordination between Secreatry of State and Secretary of Defense.The situation in Holy Land doesn´t clarify if Israel want to consolidate the frontieres about 1959 or occupy more territory in this area of the planet.Besides, Iraq is not a pacific country and anybody doesn ´t know the future in middle East.On the whole, the National Security Council has to be prepared for great changes in the international relations related to many countries, arriving a conclusion that White House had to design a plan to be more sure United States in spite of the politician cost related to different goverments, but without forgetting the essential topics conected with international commerce relations.
In this period of confusion, it would be useful if NYT would publish a list of persons who are on the NSC, also those who are admitted to their meetings. Do all of them have security clearances, Bannon specifically?
17
It's also important to know who are members the "shadow council" mentioned in the article and compiled by President Bannon. My guess?
Most members of President Steve's shadow council will have ties to Breitbart News and other white nationalist sewers.
Most members of President Steve's shadow council will have ties to Breitbart News and other white nationalist sewers.
4
Hard to imagine the readers of the NYT being concerned about national security after years of doubting the reasons for military spending increases.
For all of us who know we need to get Trump out of the White House as soon as possible, this episode serves as a good reminder. Focus on Russia, Russia, Russia. The daily, sometimes hourly, outrages that flow from Trump can make it easy to get distracted. Please everyone, demand that your representatives conduct a thorough investigation. Now.
19
Why45?
It's sad about Flynn! The U.S. has lost a potentially great NS Advisor, thanks to the cruel, vindictive left-wing media creeps.
Remember the age old saying about people who live in glass houses? I sure hope that what goes around, comes around, and the media eventually reap what they have sown.
A sad day for America, regardless of one's political strips!
Remember the age old saying about people who live in glass houses? I sure hope that what goes around, comes around, and the media eventually reap what they have sown.
A sad day for America, regardless of one's political strips!
The media are the messenger, John. News outlets aren't responsible for the shady, nefarious and illegal acts of so many in the three-week-old tRump administration.
Where was your outrage when the people who live in glass houses -- i.e. the GOP -- were targeting Hillary's e-mails, Benghazi, etc.? You thought they were doing a fine job back then, didn't you? Speaking of reaping what you have sown.
Sow the wind, reap the whirlwind, baby. This is just an appetizer compared to what the GOP and Trump have coming to them.
Where was your outrage when the people who live in glass houses -- i.e. the GOP -- were targeting Hillary's e-mails, Benghazi, etc.? You thought they were doing a fine job back then, didn't you? Speaking of reaping what you have sown.
Sow the wind, reap the whirlwind, baby. This is just an appetizer compared to what the GOP and Trump have coming to them.
23
I note your use of "potentially great" which in this case did not materialize. He was taken out during the Obama presidency and given more responsibilities under Trump and still he failed. It's a really great day for America!
1
I cannot think a of a more blatant example of throwing stones from a glass house than the campaign of Putin's Puppet for president of the US. Everything Trump accused others of doing, he does worse.
1
I have it from reliable sources that Generals Mattis and Kelly along with the intelligence community have developed a top secret plan called the "Barney Fife" plan to give Pres. Trump dummy nuclear launch codes. This is to prevent Trump from inadvertently starting World War III in a delusional fit of rage. Of course the Russian government was to be notified but it had already hacked the Pentagon and knew about the plan. They just didn't get the Barney Fife reference.
10
No card carrying liberal has ever before uttered a
word for national defense and it is impossible to take these faux concerns seriously!!
word for national defense and it is impossible to take these faux concerns seriously!!
1
Flynn is not the problem. Flynn is just a symptom. Flynn's resignation amounts to squeezing out one pimple on the acne scarred face that is the Trump administration.
18
This is not just about Flynn. As the Italians say "Il pesce puzza dalla testa" - the fish stinks from the head. Trump knew what was going on. He knew it long before the public did. And he knew it because he ordered Flynn to do it.
29
Lol. And your basis for your certainty.
The way to get a president one likes, is to vote. 50% of US adults eligible to vote decided to stay home instead. How deplorable is that. Statistically, it it is reasonable to expect that a fair proportion of those commenting here can be counted among that 50%. If there is a qualified statistician in the crowd I would be extremely happy to I told that I am mistaken in this assumption. It would be good to know that none of us is in the 50% who couldn't care less about their country.
11
I voted. The stinking system I voted under just doesn't count it.
2
50% hated Hillary AND Trump.
2
Now is the time for the Democrats to go full "red scare" on the GOP, You can bet, if the roles were reversed, the Republicans would be doing the same thing.
On another note, it's fascinating to watch the Repugs twist themselves into pretzel knots. The Trump base hates the GOP establishment, so the GOP has hitched its shoddy wagon to Trump's rapidly falling star. Can't wait to see how all those disillusioned Trump voters will react when Trump is deposed and we're stuck with President Pence.
On another note, it's fascinating to watch the Repugs twist themselves into pretzel knots. The Trump base hates the GOP establishment, so the GOP has hitched its shoddy wagon to Trump's rapidly falling star. Can't wait to see how all those disillusioned Trump voters will react when Trump is deposed and we're stuck with President Pence.
9
"National security" means so much more than military posture. This is why we have a multi-agency "Council" to deal with it. Ignorance and disrespect for government responsibility and process that are the hallmark of this administration are going to get us into a great deal of trouble domestically and globally. Shall we have a betting pool on the date of the first downgrade of our sovereign debt due to excessive "country risk"?
11
Who is next? FAKE 45? Need more investigation......
2
TREASON - Going with he's calling Snowden on his cell, inquiring on a spare room he can bunk at for a while.
and this is the guy who imagined 'security threats' because of Hillary's e-mails?
and this is the guy who led the cheers, 'lock her up?'
and this is the guy who led the cheers, 'lock her up?'
11
These guys are amazing for what they will do to others that they would do anything to avoid having done to themselves.
The Trump Presidency: An American Tragedy.
12
What's next Steve Bannon for National Security Advisor?
9
I read comments sections such as this, and feel frustrated and sad. As edifying as this article is, and as heartfelt as the comments are, my sense is that the President's base likes what he is doing just fine. While the thinking of this base probably goes no far than "Great, he's shaking things up," the bottom line is that Trump's base is safisfied. So are we all preaching to the choir?
12
Remember during the campaign when some of us asked, "If you needed surgery, would you choose a butcher or a skilled well trained surgeon?" Enough voted for a butcher.. This mess with Flynn and many other choices for 45's cabinet, and NSC shows why people with government experience are better suited to run government. BUT, the goal of some Republicans aka, Grover Nordquist et. al. want to drown government in a bathtub. They are getting close.
5
Flynn's theme song upon arriving at the White House:
Send in the Clowns.
Theme song upon departing:
King of the Road.
Send in the Clowns.
Theme song upon departing:
King of the Road.
1
The Keystone Kops in the White House can't even get their stories straight.
Kellyanne was on with Matt Lauer this a.m. insisting that Trump still had "confidence" in Flynn and would have kept him on if Flynn "hadn't resigned."
Paul Ryan was just on CNN saying Trump "was right to ask Flynn to resign."
The Not Ready for Prime Time Players strike again. And we're less than one month in, folks. It's going to be an interesting four years unless Paul Ryan mans up for once in his life and invokes Article 25.
Kellyanne was on with Matt Lauer this a.m. insisting that Trump still had "confidence" in Flynn and would have kept him on if Flynn "hadn't resigned."
Paul Ryan was just on CNN saying Trump "was right to ask Flynn to resign."
The Not Ready for Prime Time Players strike again. And we're less than one month in, folks. It's going to be an interesting four years unless Paul Ryan mans up for once in his life and invokes Article 25.
15
Ayn Rand's brat sits next in line after Mike Pence in the order of presidential succession, right where Gerald Ford was when Spiro Agnew went down in flames, ahead of Nixon.
Pence stinks so bad they'll have to replace him before pulling Donald's plug.
Pence stinks so bad they'll have to replace him before pulling Donald's plug.
"Mr. Trump’s speech and actions demonstrate an inability to tolerate views different from his own, leading to rage reactions. His words and behavior suggest a profound inability to empathize. Individuals with these traits distort reality to suit their psychological state, attacking facts and those who convey them (journalists, scientists).
In a powerful leader, these attacks are likely to increase, as his personal myth of greatness appears to be confirmed. We believe that the grave emotional instability indicated by Mr. Trump’s speech and actions makes him incapable of serving safely as president."
(Dr.Lance Dodes/Dr.Joseph Schachter) (NYT)
Dr. Dodes is a retired assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Schachter is a former chairman of the Committee on Research Proposals, International Psychoanalytic Association. The letter was also signed by 35 other psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers.(NYT)
In a powerful leader, these attacks are likely to increase, as his personal myth of greatness appears to be confirmed. We believe that the grave emotional instability indicated by Mr. Trump’s speech and actions makes him incapable of serving safely as president."
(Dr.Lance Dodes/Dr.Joseph Schachter) (NYT)
Dr. Dodes is a retired assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Schachter is a former chairman of the Committee on Research Proposals, International Psychoanalytic Association. The letter was also signed by 35 other psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers.(NYT)
9
New Trump appointees are carrying coffee mugs with that Trump campaign slogan into meetings with foreign counterparts, one staff member said.
What's wrong with that? Sounds like a practical and economic idea considering all the cups probably left over from the campaign. Why not put them to use rather than going out and buying new ones on the taxpayer's dime? Why is even the slightest detail always viewed with such great suspicion these days? God forbid they would say Starbucks, for then it would be reported as big corporations had taken control at the White House. . . . Like they haven't?
What's wrong with that? Sounds like a practical and economic idea considering all the cups probably left over from the campaign. Why not put them to use rather than going out and buying new ones on the taxpayer's dime? Why is even the slightest detail always viewed with such great suspicion these days? God forbid they would say Starbucks, for then it would be reported as big corporations had taken control at the White House. . . . Like they haven't?
2
Apparently concepts like tact, diplomacy and discretion are too complex for tRump voters -- and staff members -- to grasp.
14
Honest question: why doesn't it bother you that the President is trying (and succeeding!) in profiting from his office?
8
You can only cover what is rotten for so long. Eventually the stench becomes evident and the risk of an epidemic becomes real. No Alt-Right media can twist, justify or carry this any further.
12
Le Monde published an article about the reaction of Russians diplomats and government officials as well as the welcoming of the opposition,after the demission ,but nothing in the USA .
Démission de Flynn : l’opposition russe salue la chute d’un « agent du Kremlin »
En savoir plus sur http://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2017/02/14/demission-de-flyn...
Démission de Flynn : l’opposition russe salue la chute d’un « agent du Kremlin »
En savoir plus sur http://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2017/02/14/demission-de-flyn...
3
And we're to believe our national security is his number one concern? Guess that was just another line and another lie.
12
If you think that Mr. Flynn was so bold with his phone conversations to Russia, just wait until the Goldman Sachs Team gets started with the US Treasury.
20
The main question was did Trump knew about the conversation since he hero worships Putin ?
Obviously it is the VP Pence finally brought Flynn down, for misleading him with lies.
Obviously it is the VP Pence finally brought Flynn down, for misleading him with lies.
5
Trump and Jared and Bunion knew what Flynn was doing and conspired with him and the Ruskies for some quid pro quo BEFORE the POTUS Election. THEY KNEW and were in on it ! LOCK 'EM UP ! ALL OF THEM ! LOCK 'EM UP !!!
11
Hopefully this has the domino effect of knocking down everyone complicit, up to the dump himself. Surely this band of doofus amoral thug nuts do not possess enough gray matter to master a complete cover-up of the web of complicity? Maybe soulless stephen-Mein-Kampt-Soviet-Totalitarian-ist-KKK-bannon might be with his utterly contaminated wasted gray matter . But still hoping this is start of the total downfall of this vial offensive stench-ridden dangerous regime.
3
And after this whole Flynn debacle, to think that the news media (sadly including the NYT) spent two whole years obsessing about Hillary's email server and her 2009 internal emails is mind-boggling and infuriating to anyone with a sense of fair play. The media have some deep soul-searching to do.
What must Hillary be thinking now about all this?
What must Hillary be thinking now about all this?
12
Right, these suspicions of Russian ties have been obvious to long-term observers like me since early in the election but every single news outlet led with hysterical repetition of anti-Hillary accusations of compromising national security. Those of us who are serious students of film and literature always knew this could happen and marveled openly as it did actually begin to unfold with Donald "Citizen Kane" Trump. Yet journalists and, more importantly, their editors and media owners who are more educated than the average voter in media art and history should have been the first to spot that Art had correctly predicted History and splashed that across front pages instead.
The full-bore attacks on, and demonization of, President Trump, and any action that he undertakes, does no credit to the New York Times or the Washington Post. The witch hunt by the establishment's media is proof that the establishment feels deeply threatened, while leaving the reader with no recourse to reliable information. Too bad, for the American people.
I'm not establishment. I just know con artists when I see them. Trump is the worst of the worst.
9
Of course the media made Flynn talk to the Russians. Or are you suggesting they should look the other way and not cover it?
6
What, in your opinion, is 'reliable information'? Information you agree with?? Turn off that Fox 'News' Channel - there's never been any reliable information there.
4
Making policy to fit tweets?
Staff kept in the dark?
President unaware about latest questions swirling around Flynn?
Dysfunction in government?
Flynn was a symptom of a much larger and dangerous problem. We have an intellectually incurious commander-in-chief who has shown no interest in governing other than by fiat. He scared away months ago any and all individuals, Rational Republicans I’ll call them, who know how a White House ought to be staffed and how it should function. And we’re supposed to believe that Ivanka and Jared can fix this?
SOS.
Staff kept in the dark?
President unaware about latest questions swirling around Flynn?
Dysfunction in government?
Flynn was a symptom of a much larger and dangerous problem. We have an intellectually incurious commander-in-chief who has shown no interest in governing other than by fiat. He scared away months ago any and all individuals, Rational Republicans I’ll call them, who know how a White House ought to be staffed and how it should function. And we’re supposed to believe that Ivanka and Jared can fix this?
SOS.
13
It won't be long until the theme song of the Trump Administration is "Another Bites the Dust."
9
Just the first rat to flee the sinking ship.
6
Good riddance to Mr. Flynn. When I read his CV, such as his conspiracy theory opinions I would never have approved him in the first place. Now perhaps we will have General Petraeus, who is not untarnished, but no more than Hillary so wonder how the Trump supporters can square his behaviour, and rant on as they did about Hillary...Anyhow we now have this disaster of a President so glad there is one less disaster in the Cabinet. Double dealing corruptible...those words spring to mind and let's add Liar to the mix. Glad he is gone.
5
Lock him up!!! Lock him up!! Lock him up!!
I wonder if the people who chanted "lock her up!" during Flynn's RNC speech will demand Flynn receive the same treatment??
I will not hold me breath.
I wonder if the people who chanted "lock her up!" during Flynn's RNC speech will demand Flynn receive the same treatment??
I will not hold me breath.
8
The firing of Sally Yates was part of a huge cover up by this administration in a last ditch attempt to stop any role she had in an investigation into this matter. Clearly, Flynn was acting on the orders of his future boss. That, or he was auditioning for the appointment he wanted, and knew--or should have known--it was illegal. Trump, Pence, and all those at the top knew about these conversations and covered them up. Trump himself was already interfering with international diplomacy with his calls and conversations after the election. I see no difference between what Trump did and what Flynn did prior to the inauguration. These people lie so much they no longer see them as lies.
9
Less than one month in to the Trump "Administration" and already we have one of his fabulous, wonderful, spectacular appointees resigning in utter disgrace. (Not a single Obama appointee resigned in any remotely similar circumstances during the eight years he was in the White House).
That being said, while Flynn is horrible, but he is not the real story here. The real story is: who knew what Flynn told the Russians, and when did they know it?
If you believe that somehow Flynn was having a major substantive discussion with the Russians, who hacked the election, about how Trump would lift the Obama sanctions -- but not ever mention that discussion to a single, solitary soul -- then I have a bridge I'd like to sell you. Flynn needs to go to jail, as does everyone else who was privy to any substantive information about his chitty-chat with the Russians prior to January 20, 2017. Too bad we no longer have a functioning Department of Justice or Republicans in Congress with any morals whatsoever to get to the root of this.
That being said, while Flynn is horrible, but he is not the real story here. The real story is: who knew what Flynn told the Russians, and when did they know it?
If you believe that somehow Flynn was having a major substantive discussion with the Russians, who hacked the election, about how Trump would lift the Obama sanctions -- but not ever mention that discussion to a single, solitary soul -- then I have a bridge I'd like to sell you. Flynn needs to go to jail, as does everyone else who was privy to any substantive information about his chitty-chat with the Russians prior to January 20, 2017. Too bad we no longer have a functioning Department of Justice or Republicans in Congress with any morals whatsoever to get to the root of this.
11
This administration is absolutely pathetic. They are like the political version of the Keystone Kops. A bunch of bumbling idiots....all of them.
11
People are crazy if they don't think Trump knew exactly what Flynn was discussing with the Russians! Of course he knew, but now that they are caught, he will play dump like usual.
15
This isn't about Flynn or the administration serial lying, it's about treachery.
6
The conversation happened in December before the inauguration, and it was wiretapped, yet they waited until now to read the transcript?
2+2=6?
2+2=6?
7
If you think Flynn woke up one morning and said...I think I will talk to the Russians today, a little chit-chat, don't need to tell the President anything, just a chit chat which I will not be able to remember later on. Sure, and I got bridges to sell.
9
Am I the only one who noticed this excerpt from Mr. Flynn's resignation letter:
"I am also extremely honored to have served President Trump, who in just three weeks, has reoriented American foreign policy in fundamental ways to restore America's leadership position in the world."
Restore America's leadership? Judging by the reactions from Australia, China, and numerous other countries to Mr. Trump's escapades, I thought that the US had become the laughing stock of the world.
Just goes to show (a) that delusion truly does exist at the highest levels of the USG, and (b) that promulgation of the "big lie" will continue, excellent investigative journalism notwithstanding.
"I am also extremely honored to have served President Trump, who in just three weeks, has reoriented American foreign policy in fundamental ways to restore America's leadership position in the world."
Restore America's leadership? Judging by the reactions from Australia, China, and numerous other countries to Mr. Trump's escapades, I thought that the US had become the laughing stock of the world.
Just goes to show (a) that delusion truly does exist at the highest levels of the USG, and (b) that promulgation of the "big lie" will continue, excellent investigative journalism notwithstanding.
13
In my opinion it defies credulity that General Flynn discussed lifting sanctions with the Russians on his own. Let me suggest Mr. Trump secretly suggested he do that and that is why it took so long for General Flynn to leave the administration.
6
So when is President Bannon going to resign, and that guy who hired him? I mean, a guy with NO foreign policy or intelligence, who is a Nazi sympathizer, is on the NSC. And a guy who discusses foreign policy on an unsecured phone in the dining room of his business, and has clear ties to Russia--they should both go. But I guess the buck stops at the fall guy, and not the ones who hired him.
8
During the campaign, Trump's dimwitted minions screamed about Hillary's so-called treachery and foreign government involvement at the same time the now disgraced Flynn helped his son disseminate the outrageous lies about Clinton operating a child sex-slave ring out of a pizza parlor. We see now that the real traitors are embedded in the White House, the chief among them being the president himself. Why else would the Russians back him other than to get favors in return. The chickens are coming home to roost.
5
Lock him up!
6
Lock him up! He was protesting too much last year. Preachers always preach against their own sins, thinking if they are so much against such behavior, the flock will never think the preacher is doing the offensive activity.
2
President Obama set up Trump for a fall by enacting unusually harsh sanctions against the Russians right before he left office. Obama anticipated that Trump would overreact and send in Flynn to reassure the Russians that things would be different under Trump. Obama calculated that Trump would not know that he violated the Logan Act, which prohibits private citizens from negotiating with foreign governments. Well played President Obama, well played.
1
Turmoil is the order of the day...Americans have become blinded with fear.
1
We're back to "who knew what and when did they know it". Recall that long ago the Trump team removed from the Republican platform a matter dealing with Russia and weapons to the Ukraine. This pro-Russia thing has gone on for some time. And given all that has transpired since this strange change to the platform, including Trump's continuous displays of apparent Putin-love, hints that Flynn's activities were more than just that of a rogue. There's a certain Watergate smell to all of this. Follow the money.
Needless to say, especially Republicans in Congress -- Ryan, McConnell, and all the rest -- need to grow a spine and investigate, to place nation over party. Anyone remember what integrity looks like?
Needless to say, especially Republicans in Congress -- Ryan, McConnell, and all the rest -- need to grow a spine and investigate, to place nation over party. Anyone remember what integrity looks like?
4
Yep, the demoncrats wage political skirmishes, while the nation suffers by losing someone who would win the battle for our security and safety.
This comment just goes to show how deep and willful the ignorance is in some citizens. Even when presented with FACTS, they will deny those facts and keep right on with the falsehoods.
Flynn Fact: "I never, ever, told the Russians, who hacked our election for Trump, that Trump and I would undercut the sanctions against Russia imposed by Obama, our sitting president at the time. And I never, ever told Trump or anyone else in his inner circle what I did . . . I mean, what I didn't . . . do."
1
I find it hard to believe that Flynn was not doing exactly what Trump and his closest strategists were not asking of him. The stink from this scandal emanates further than Flynn's immediate vicinity, but someone must take the fall and so he is gone. But it is not the end of this story by any means
1
I don't understand why the Times is reporting as fact that Gen. Flynn misled people in the administration. Is there any evidence for this aside from the say-so of the people who have an interest in denying the administration's knowledge and participation? If not, the Times should report something along the lines of "claiming" that they were misled.
2
The Flynn story exemplifies the attitude that pervades the Trump administration at the highest levels. Let's begin with Trump's statement that he is a good judge of people. Being a good judge of people is subjective; a through vetting is not. Hence, the first question ought to be who did the vetting and how thorough was it? Second, the people at the top, including the president are guided by overzealousness and revenge. In the case of Mr. Flynn, an objective observer can see that his actions prior to the inauguration were an attempt to ingratiate himself as a "big player" in the administration. His job, so he thought, was to peer into the President's mind, think that he knew what the President thought, and then act on it without clearance and supervision. Flynn's eagerness in support of Trump, including the famous "lock her up" cheerleading demonstrated that he was probably seeking revenge for his dismissal from the Obama administration and the desire to prove that he was right all along. Does that indicate that the Trump administration is using zealousness and revenge as indicators of who should be holding top positions? Look at the qualifications of some of the cabinet members, and then ask that question. The goal is to rip and shred policies, along with removing expert personnel, to assert and prove Trump's various claims. Finally, there is no restraining mechanism to act as a check. Ultimately, this is the President's job, but he, too, is zealous and revengeful.
4
Yates told administration weeks ago about Flynn and no one raised a hand to protect the nation? Unforgivable. Looks like both Flynn and Putin could blackmail the administration.
5
Bannon next, hopefully???
2
How fast can a Presidential Administration completely fall apart before it is assembled? I am afraid we are about to find out.
2
Flynn : Lock him up!
1
Flynn is just the tip of the iceberg....
This story goes much deeper. A Russian Oligarch..and close Putin confidant flew into PB on Friday when Trump/Flynn arrived....This from the PalmerReport:
www.palmerreport.com/...
As we reported on Saturday, internet sleuths had pieced together based on flight plans that Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev flew all the way from Switzerland to West Palm Beach on Saturday, while Trump and Flynn just happened to be there. This story becomes more intriguing now that it’s been confirmed that Flynn was in on Trump’s West Palm Beach trip.
Rybolovlev has previous documented real estate dealings with Trump. And it’s widely suspected (though not proven) that Vladimir Putin has been using Rybolovlev as some kind of go-between with Trump during the election collusion.
This story goes much deeper. A Russian Oligarch..and close Putin confidant flew into PB on Friday when Trump/Flynn arrived....This from the PalmerReport:
www.palmerreport.com/...
As we reported on Saturday, internet sleuths had pieced together based on flight plans that Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev flew all the way from Switzerland to West Palm Beach on Saturday, while Trump and Flynn just happened to be there. This story becomes more intriguing now that it’s been confirmed that Flynn was in on Trump’s West Palm Beach trip.
Rybolovlev has previous documented real estate dealings with Trump. And it’s widely suspected (though not proven) that Vladimir Putin has been using Rybolovlev as some kind of go-between with Trump during the election collusion.
4
Trump will be able to manage his administration up to and until a national security crisis occurs. At that point confusion will reign, he won't know what to do and he will be looking for someone to blame for the sorry state of affairs. He has no leadership training or ability beyond "my way or the highway". He has not learned, nor will any of his sycophants tell him that although you can delegate work, you can not delegate responsibility.
3
I do not believe for one second that Flynn acted on his own when speaking to the Russian ambassador. Flynn did what he was told by DT and is now taking the role of fall guy.
We need to get to the bottom of the DT cesspool of the WH.
We need to get to the bottom of the DT cesspool of the WH.
3
With Flynn gone is Bannon, who sees war with China and Iran, even more powerful. SCARY !!
4
I've caught some comments praising the media about this reporting, Don't Be So Quick with that!!! I have yet to see or hear any of them saying "hey wait a minute, this guy now is admitting to and suddenly he became an honest ex-military top officer with a conscious and that he's telling the truth about misleading others, from the VP on down, he what he told them", I don't buy that they didn't know!!! What else and who else is involved in trying to cover over this! The Russians, especially in their Intelligence community, aren't stupid! We may know down the road when it'll be really bad as to National Security if putin doesn't get exactly what he wants, even minor issues, and they start leaking out info! I'll bet our own Intelligence community, at least some, know also if anyone else is involved, and given the trumper slams on what they might do in pulling the trumpers nose ring!!! Don't buy that pence wasn't aware and thus outright lied, nor others including the trumper, or not! Just think that if the conservative congress gets balls and Impeaches that means the putin would still have pence to play and who in the congressional leadership, especially the involved committee's, just like under the bush, knew and when!! they too will be played!!!!!!!!!!
Keeping My Oath: USN All Shore '67-'71 GMG3 Vietnam In Country '70-'71 - Independent**
Keeping My Oath: USN All Shore '67-'71 GMG3 Vietnam In Country '70-'71 - Independent**
1
Recommend we revise the history books to have George Washington reported as stating to his father about that cherry tree: "I cannot provide incomplete information."
I think forcing Flynn out was part of a conspiracy by CIA and State because of Flynn's position on Russia and Islam. It was not in keeping with the supposed US position on Russia and Islam. I am sure that Flynn was forced out so that someone could come in who would be cozy with Islam and anti-Russian. I think that is what is going on. The US has a paranoia about Russia which is disgraceful and yet wants to flood the country Muslim refugees so we wind up like the mess Merkel created in Germany.
"Lock her up" for using a server outside the security system and yet absolute silence from the hordes when your new Government members collude with Russia to bring down the Governmental system.
This has to be some sort of joke ?
Enraged when Obama had the occasional golf game but it is ok for the new President to take foreign leaders to his own resort (where others pay through the nose to be a member and catch a glimpse)...all the while costing tax payers.
Flynn...in charge of your Military yet in the pocket of Russia.
I think the citizens of your country must be stark raving mad...
This has to be some sort of joke ?
Enraged when Obama had the occasional golf game but it is ok for the new President to take foreign leaders to his own resort (where others pay through the nose to be a member and catch a glimpse)...all the while costing tax payers.
Flynn...in charge of your Military yet in the pocket of Russia.
I think the citizens of your country must be stark raving mad...
4
Is Miller the one feeding Trump these toast posties? The "entire world"? The whole "Earth?" Is Miller an agent of extra terrestrials, or do all Plutoids talk like that, now?
Good that Michael T. Flynn, President Trump's National Securoty Adviser, stepped down and out. Good riddance! His son Michael G. Flynn was a precursor to his father's foolishness of telling the Russian Ambassador to the US that sanctions imposed by President Obama against Russia would be lifted after the election. Mr. Flynn didn't "remember" his conversations about lifting the sanctions on Russia - he was a senior military intelligence office and director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and favoured military over diplomatic initiatives. His son, Michael Flynn was fired by President Trump during his first week in office because he Tweeted fake news stories about Hillary Clinton in child sex-trafficking in a pizza restaurant. The son was given the chop from the Transition Team Dec 7, 2016. Pop, Michael T. Flynn, was given the chop 3 weeks and 3 days into his job as Trump's National Security Adviser. Two bad dudes. Two bad hombres. Two bad apples. What next, we wonder? Oh, yes, President Trump will be here in Palm Beach, his Southern White House Mar-a-Lago, for the third weekend in a row. This is the long Presidents Day Weekend...
2
Important to note three things...
1. He is accused of violating protocol, not the law. As Washington is now saying behind closed doors, this happens with every transition.
2. The NSA was listening to the call. I'm fine with that...but the left has screamed for years how this is bad. I don't hear them screaming now.
3. The president acted quickly. Message to anyone in Washington. Aside from all the media stories, this is what everyone is talking about this morning. President Trump means business.
1. He is accused of violating protocol, not the law. As Washington is now saying behind closed doors, this happens with every transition.
2. The NSA was listening to the call. I'm fine with that...but the left has screamed for years how this is bad. I don't hear them screaming now.
3. The president acted quickly. Message to anyone in Washington. Aside from all the media stories, this is what everyone is talking about this morning. President Trump means business.
I don't think liberals object to listening to Russia "diplomats."
1
Watching a former military colleague of Michael Flynn on Brian Williams' 11th Hour last night, I was struck with his characterization of Gen. Flynn as a very disciplined officer with intelligence matters and that he would never act on his own. So he is falling on his sword to protect who? Steve Bannon, Steve Miller, or more likely, Donald Trump?
5
Odd that Flynn finally had to go because he lied to the Vice President and not because he and everyone else in the administration lies regularly to the public. Proof that lying is a key weapon in the administration arsenal that the admininistration members value, unless it is turned against themselves. To alter a famous Lyndon Johnson phrase, they want everybody inside the tent lying out, not inside the tent prevaricating on the inside.
1
Many of us in the city who watched the Trump disasters of the late 80's and 90's knew what a Trump administration would be about, namely, Donald Trump. We warned the rest of America however not enough voters in key states believed us so now we have a typical Trump operation charged with the security and economic prosperity of our nation. That is to say disorganized, disoriented and dishonest
4
lock him up!
5
This is the first casualty. hope there may be more because this whole presidency is based on lies and deceit. He had to resign for two reasons in my opinion - lies and unauthorized dialogues with foreign country especially the most notorious US adversary. He may have been singled out for other reasons - to cover others. It is time to have a full investigation on this - even the President should not be excluded - what he knew and when he knew. The congress and the senate will not do it because Mr. Trump serves their purpose though they do not fully agree on many things but they what to preserve the majority to do ir-repairable harm to the nation for the sake to hold on power. The media and the well wishing citizens are responsible to take role of saving the moral of the great nation.
1
So all the liberals are so concerned over our national security now-----------yet nothing was said about Mrs. Clinton and the payoffs to the Clinton Foundation while she was Secretary of State. The media and liberal double standard just continues to rear its ugly head.
So, Peter, if you want to talk double standards, let's talk about the name I keep hearing over and over as Flynn's replacement-General Petraeus, who knowingly and willingly and admittedly gave classified information to his lover. Shouldn't he be held to the same standard as Mrs Clinton? So, I guess, lock him up, too!
2
So: 'I resigned because my innocent, pro-forma phone call was reported to the VP, but I inadvertently forgot to mention one or two empty sentences of my pro-forma chatter, after a distinguished career of never being not indispensable to everyone, and boy was it fun campaigning for you guys.'
Then: "I am honored to have served our nation and the American people [sic] in such a distinguished way" .. that no sober human will know what on earth I'm talking about.
Then: "I am honored to have served our nation and the American people [sic] in such a distinguished way" .. that no sober human will know what on earth I'm talking about.
If you believe that Michael T. Flynn talked to the Russian Ambassador about lifting sanctions immediately after President Obama announced sanctions against Russia without the full knowledge and permission of Donald Trump and key members of his administration, then (1) you probably are a Trump supporter and (2) I have a bridge to sell you that's on special today, that is if Trump hasn't already sold it to you.
5
This is what we to have look forward to in the next four years...musical chairs, amateur hour, and allies wondering Whiskey Tango Foxtrot about the consistency of our foreign policy especially with the Russians.
The general Republican silence on Trump in general and his attitude towards Putin in particular is deafening and should scare the bejesus out of all of us.
Although I did not agree with Reagan, he did get Gorbachev to the table and was accurate on how to treat the Russians. Trump is either being blackmailed or he is just plain naive about Russia (killings, collapsing economy and elections)
Hail the new Republican credo....Party first!!!
The general Republican silence on Trump in general and his attitude towards Putin in particular is deafening and should scare the bejesus out of all of us.
Although I did not agree with Reagan, he did get Gorbachev to the table and was accurate on how to treat the Russians. Trump is either being blackmailed or he is just plain naive about Russia (killings, collapsing economy and elections)
Hail the new Republican credo....Party first!!!
3
The matter with Flynn is all very serious. First, there was trump former campaign manager, Manafort, who had serious Russian ties and there are questions about his communications with Russia during the campaign, now trump's national security adviser, Flynn, who communicated with Russia to possibly let them know that sanctions could be reversed, raising questions on whether that was to reward Russia for tampering with the election or it related to blackmailing. What did trump know and did he direct Flynn to contact the Russian ambassador on the issue (and Russia subsequently did not retaliate when Obama imposed sanctions for election meddling)? Stay tuned.
2
The real question is what all he promised to Russia, and who all authorized that promise. It is not credible that he did this as a lone wolf.
3
Jpriestly--He would have NO reason to do these things without instructions from his nefarious, lying boss.
2
ChesBay--Here's the skinny on trump, pense, and flynn:
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/13/1633485/-Proof-Positive-Pence-...
Conclusion: THEY ALL KNEW ABOUT IT!
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/13/1633485/-Proof-Positive-Pence-...
Conclusion: THEY ALL KNEW ABOUT IT!
1
There is not much to say other than this:
President Trump needs to clear the air. He needs to release his tax returns for the last 10 years and dispel once and for all the lingering suspicions about his relationship with Vladimir Putin. President Trump may not have anything to hide but the refusal to release the tax returns gives the impression that there may be some issues. It is always better to tell the truth than to hide facts or lie about them.
President Trump needs to clear the air. He needs to release his tax returns for the last 10 years and dispel once and for all the lingering suspicions about his relationship with Vladimir Putin. President Trump may not have anything to hide but the refusal to release the tax returns gives the impression that there may be some issues. It is always better to tell the truth than to hide facts or lie about them.
2
Didn't Nixon's people talk with the North Vietnamese about the war while LBJ was still president and didn't LBJ call Nixon out on that issue during a phone call from the White House? How is that people entrusted with the security of our country so lack in their knowledge of history, especially a general?
1
Flynn was doing Trump's bidding with Russia.
Lock them up.
Lock them up.
4
Lots of talk about the idea that Flynn could have been blackmailed by the Russians. But we already have a pretty good sense that Putin probably has some very interesting information on the president--potentially much more damning than what they have on Flynn. The press should be asking about what control the Russians are exerting over the president.
1
Dear Vladimir,
On this Valentine's day I am sorry i am not sending you chocolates and flowers. Americans will never understand the love between us. For now we must hide it until springtime and then we can spread our wings and be happy again.
Kisses xxxxxxxx,
Donald
On this Valentine's day I am sorry i am not sending you chocolates and flowers. Americans will never understand the love between us. For now we must hide it until springtime and then we can spread our wings and be happy again.
Kisses xxxxxxxx,
Donald
4
I think that the gap in time between when Sally Yates provided the Trump administration of her concerns about Flynn's relationship with Putin occurred because Trump needed time to figure how to manipulate the situation so that Flynn could fall on his sword to save Trump. What about the relationship between Trump and Putin; that is where the core is. There is a body of information that indicates Trump and Putin go back at least eight years. This should be investigated immediately, although I bet it is being investigated as we speak. There is a bad smell to this whole thing.
5
The ultimate hypocrisy here is that Flynn basically told one lie and has to leave, while Trump compulsively lies all of the time and is here to stay!
3
A far more serious situation, but a bit of an echo of Billy Bush losing his job while Donald Trump ascended to the White House.
2
Fire! Ready. Aim. Week 4 of the Confederacy of Dunces. Next!
3
"Out like Flynn"
Kind of represents this so-called administration
Kind of represents this so-called administration
Can't wait for the impeachment hearings to start.
Now that will be must-see TV!
Now that will be must-see TV!
3
Man, these dudes are closer to Russia than Snowden.
For at least he's hinted he's ready to leave:):)
For at least he's hinted he's ready to leave:):)
2
Well, sheeeyat! A "cancer" growing in the minds of a couple of tens of billions of the earth's inhabitants provides some wonderful opportunities" for shooting expeditions (waaay better than eradicating the buffalo), for population reduction (all those shut mouths reduce the need to feed) and the possibility of finding sime industrial use for the mid-term and possibly unlimited supply of human body tissue.
It makes a fella want to shake himself up another gimlet.
It makes a fella want to shake himself up another gimlet.
The silence from the GOP leadership on this massive scandal has been deafening as well as disgraceful.
3
Ah, so the clumsy roll out of the Muslim Ban was just a sham to make the acting AG more an internal enemy than a defender of the US Constitution? Trump shot first and refused to answer the judiciary's questions so as to make them look like they are hysterically anti-Putin? So as to save his rootin' tootin' Putin adviser and his own seditious bacon?
Didn't work, and now we know why Donald fears Justice. His idea; he defended this guy because it was his idea from the gitmo. Donald wanted Obama to know Putin admired him more than Barry.
Didn't work, and now we know why Donald fears Justice. His idea; he defended this guy because it was his idea from the gitmo. Donald wanted Obama to know Putin admired him more than Barry.
In my dream world, Twitter does the US a great service by deleting the President's account. Perhaps on grounds of trolling.
When Trump tweets spur-of-the-moment garbage after watching TV news for a bit, our entire federal bureaucracy lurches further toward world conflict.
This goes far, far beyond the usual political disagreement. He is dangerously incompetent and ignorant. I fear this story will end in a horrible reckoning for our country.
When Trump tweets spur-of-the-moment garbage after watching TV news for a bit, our entire federal bureaucracy lurches further toward world conflict.
This goes far, far beyond the usual political disagreement. He is dangerously incompetent and ignorant. I fear this story will end in a horrible reckoning for our country.
1
"Flynn Fact": "I never, ever, ever undercut President Obama's sanctions against Russia for hacking the 2016 election. And no one in the current Trump Administration ever knew about it."
Now who did I say what to? I don't remember who I told which story. National security depends on me.
1
Flynn was on a mission, who gave the order?
What did the President know and when did he know it?
What did the President know and when did he know it?
4
23 months or less until the impeachment hearings begin.
Republican are the spawn of the ww2 era America Firsters and I hope will be as reviled.
To have affirmed a man they knew could be subject to subject to Kremlin blackmail is skirting treason.
What other cabinet members shenanigans subject to foreign blackmail will be discovered, I hope in time.
Will this weeks SNL show the entire cabinet on marionette strings, with Putie and Koch pulling the wires?
Republican are the spawn of the ww2 era America Firsters and I hope will be as reviled.
To have affirmed a man they knew could be subject to subject to Kremlin blackmail is skirting treason.
What other cabinet members shenanigans subject to foreign blackmail will be discovered, I hope in time.
Will this weeks SNL show the entire cabinet on marionette strings, with Putie and Koch pulling the wires?
Well what is one lie here and there - in the Trump administration lying or "alt fact" is a prerequisite.
1
Not a single Obama appointee resigned his or her post during the entirety of his administration. Now, just three and a half weeks into his presidency, the first Trump appointee has resigned in utter disgrace.
That being said, Flynn seems to be a sideshow. The real question is, who else in Trump's circle (including Trump himself) knew of the conversations Flynn had with the Russians prior to the election. Presumably Trump, Bannon, Conway and the others in circle all knew -- and for all we know aided and abetted Flynn in his efforts to undermine the work of a sitting president. Seems like they should all be going to jail rather than "running" the country.
Here's hoping a flood of new leaks from the White House reveals all of this. Trumpty Dumpty crowed about draining the swamp, but what he's actually been doing is replacing it with a sewer.
That being said, Flynn seems to be a sideshow. The real question is, who else in Trump's circle (including Trump himself) knew of the conversations Flynn had with the Russians prior to the election. Presumably Trump, Bannon, Conway and the others in circle all knew -- and for all we know aided and abetted Flynn in his efforts to undermine the work of a sitting president. Seems like they should all be going to jail rather than "running" the country.
Here's hoping a flood of new leaks from the White House reveals all of this. Trumpty Dumpty crowed about draining the swamp, but what he's actually been doing is replacing it with a sewer.
6
Putin is laughing at us EVERY DAY.
5
Perhaps, one day, it will dawn on them that the "collective they" are not above the law.
1
Don't believe for a minute that Pence and Trump didn't know in advance what Flynn was doing and saying. they both are being saved at the expense of Flynn. protect the office of the VP and POTUS at all costs. Nixon administration on steroids
2
Remember Candidate Trump's "Wall of Shame"? Trump's headquarters had a wall of photos of GOP candidates that dropped out of the race. We need a new "wall of shame" that show which of Trump's cabinet members and cronies quit, get fired (or jailed) because of incompetence, corruption or any other reason.
First up: Michael T. Flynn
First up: Michael T. Flynn
At last President Obama and his sucessor have something in common--they both found it necessary to fire Michael Flynn.
4
We now know that Flynn has "resigned".
We also know that his subject conversation with the Russian diplomat was not explicit enough that Trump had no choice - get him out or "stand by his man". So much - once again - Christie and Giuliani anyone - for his vaulted loyalty.
The question Trump was asking was about this incident was the reaction to it, not the substance.
Obviously, Obama's painful dismissal - firing - of Flynn was not enough of a red flag (excuse the pun) for the Trump administration - probably a feather in his cap. But the man was, is, and will always be, not only NOT a Security Advisor, but a Security Risk.
He, like his tenders, has no idea about how government and international relations work, how to share power and seek advice and permission, how to manage out of loyalty instead of fear.
One down - so many more to go.
We also know that his subject conversation with the Russian diplomat was not explicit enough that Trump had no choice - get him out or "stand by his man". So much - once again - Christie and Giuliani anyone - for his vaulted loyalty.
The question Trump was asking was about this incident was the reaction to it, not the substance.
Obviously, Obama's painful dismissal - firing - of Flynn was not enough of a red flag (excuse the pun) for the Trump administration - probably a feather in his cap. But the man was, is, and will always be, not only NOT a Security Advisor, but a Security Risk.
He, like his tenders, has no idea about how government and international relations work, how to share power and seek advice and permission, how to manage out of loyalty instead of fear.
One down - so many more to go.
2
There once was a hoary old saying
One that folks were fond of conveying
It was “You’re in like Flynn”
Often said with a grin
But spoken of those who were staying
One that folks were fond of conveying
It was “You’re in like Flynn”
Often said with a grin
But spoken of those who were staying
3
Yes... yes.... slowly begins disassembling of the apparatus... and we gloat and leave comments that preach to our choir in voices of our collective righteous lefty acumen... and just as we wait for the last sawn-thru leg of the chair to collapse, Trump pirouettes up and out of it, revealing himself as the ersatz wilier Hamlet - achieving the outing and death of Limbaugh-swaggering-GOP Claudius! He picks up the crown and summons the chairman of the DNC to crown him born again anew on the steps of the AFL-CIO as the liberal Democrat he "has always secretly been", having first firmly galvanized the left, now luring them with his flute to consolidate behind him. And like a sudden spring tide so many GOP Sauls-on-the-road to Damascus suddenly needing to order new stationary.
Honesty now, how many of you would be surprised? Just offstage in the wings that table with the bunny in the hidden box awaits to be wheeled out on cue for that moment when a newly humbled and contrite Trump respectfully doffs his top hat.
Honesty now, how many of you would be surprised? Just offstage in the wings that table with the bunny in the hidden box awaits to be wheeled out on cue for that moment when a newly humbled and contrite Trump respectfully doffs his top hat.
Fake news, fake news. Spin it the liberal way...make Trump look bad. Tell parts of the truth--the parts that serve your purpose--and twist the rest. Try to make the President fail, instead of trying to help and support. That's the spirit. You remind me why I left the liberals years ago.
The story that keeps on giving... Sally Yates informed the White House of his lying about the context of the phone calls on January 23. So everybody knew, yet no action was taken? WHY? The only action that followed was the dismissal of Yates - "excuse of the travel ban"- but no action in regard to Flynn. His content must have reached everybodys ears by then, yet he was still defended by Spicer, and the rest of the gang.
The Russian circle is closing in...
Btw: Anybody heard or seen from Ryan lately? Awfully quiet these days, no? There is really nothing to say??? Is he practising to take the oath of VP already?
McConnell, you found another rae claise to prohibit free speech?
To all you quiet republicans out there something that must sound familiar:
YOU LIE!!!
The Russian circle is closing in...
Btw: Anybody heard or seen from Ryan lately? Awfully quiet these days, no? There is really nothing to say??? Is he practising to take the oath of VP already?
McConnell, you found another rae claise to prohibit free speech?
To all you quiet republicans out there something that must sound familiar:
YOU LIE!!!
4
On a positive note, he and his son will have more time to spend together, perhaps over pizza.
5
When does one start to question the Republican Senate that is rushing approval of Trump's picks? The Justice Dept. knew about this. The Senate should have vetted the nominee better.
1
...All things are quiet during a pleasant evening on the Mar a Lago dining patio....then someone yells: "Quick, call the NSC together, North Korea launched another missile!!"
"Here's what's going on, Mr. President. Let me spread this map of the globe on your dinner table. Could you please move those martini's and vodka tonics over to there, Sir?
"So, say this tomato is Kim Jong-un, and this nicely sliced piece of cucumber is North Korean Defense minister Hyon Yong-Chol..."
A waiter chirps in from the next table: "Excuse me, Sir, but Kim Jong-un executed Hyon Yong-Chol a year or so ago with an anti-aircraft gun because he fell asleep during a military ceremony..."
"WHAT!!!" snaps Mr. President...."Get Hannity on the horn so we can figure this disaster out..."
And so goes another day of Making America Great Again....
"Here's what's going on, Mr. President. Let me spread this map of the globe on your dinner table. Could you please move those martini's and vodka tonics over to there, Sir?
"So, say this tomato is Kim Jong-un, and this nicely sliced piece of cucumber is North Korean Defense minister Hyon Yong-Chol..."
A waiter chirps in from the next table: "Excuse me, Sir, but Kim Jong-un executed Hyon Yong-Chol a year or so ago with an anti-aircraft gun because he fell asleep during a military ceremony..."
"WHAT!!!" snaps Mr. President...."Get Hannity on the horn so we can figure this disaster out..."
And so goes another day of Making America Great Again....
8
Dear Mr. President, in order to find out what's going on, feel free to call Barack Obama for an explanation.
2
GIVE HIM A BREAK, he was just a little confused on the job description., first day on the job. He thought he suppose to be advising the Russians, not the United States.
2
Russian practice is to not let operative operate alone. Who besides Bannon is also likely part of the Russian cabal in the White House? When did Trump know there was continuing contact between his people and the Russians? What other transcripts and recordings of Trump campaign and White House staff and the Russians does the FBI have and how long have they had them?
Until we know that, Flynn's resignation is no more than a distraction from perhaps the most serious national security threat since the cold war.
Until we know that, Flynn's resignation is no more than a distraction from perhaps the most serious national security threat since the cold war.
2
The reporter might note that Flynn was fired by Obama and Gen. James Jones served Obama for one year not one month. What role did Bannon play in this? Did President Trump know or does he just golf and wander around the White House. Trump's much vaunted chaos theory is not a strategy it's because he does not know how to manage. He's not made a statement on the Korean missile launch - he just partied. He is not meeting with Dr. Merkel - nor did he meet with the King of Jordan. Bannon plicies? There is much to fear - the country is being undermined while Trump and Bannon act in a bizarre and pathological manner. Locking reporters in a basement with black plastic on the windows! Is jail next?
3
Time to "Lock him up".
1
So Flynn resigns, and the h sends Kellyanne FakeNews out to explain. But when George Stephanopoulous asks mike questions, like "why did the WH leave Flynn in his position for 17 days after being warned by the Justice Department" Ms. FakeNews does not have a single content answer.
Incompetence reigns in the WH, top to bottom. They only hire "the VERY BEST people".
Are we winning yet?
Incompetence reigns in the WH, top to bottom. They only hire "the VERY BEST people".
Are we winning yet?
2
The question remains: was Trump in on these discussions before taking office and had Flynn take the fall? They didn't tell Pence, but Bannon was probably in on it as well.
The notion that Flynn DIDN'T make these phone calls at Trump's behest is laughable. Flynn is the fall guy for a President who has no concern for rules. Bannon knew, as well. Pence. All of them.
Mike Pence was so busy whoring for this Administration in order to advance his own religious right agenda that he vouched - emphatically - for Michael Flynn, a man of controversial reputation whom - as far as I can see - Pence barely knew. Every aspect of this Flynn affair needs to be exposed, including all contacts by Trump associates and family members with Putin's and his crew. Every aspect of our president's dealings must also be revealed including his tax returns.
1
What no Comey letter to congress warning the nation of Mr. Flynn's breach of national security? What no alert to the nation that there will be an FBI investigation of Mr. Trump's dinner party in Florida in which he invited club members to join the national security briefing on North Korea? Oh so sorry, I didn't realize there was no longer any electioneering needed; carry on Mr. Comey.
5
Comey should be fired next.
What a contrast between Michael Flynn and Gen. Harold Moore, whose obituary appears in today's Times. There's an object lesson here in patriotism, honor, and the lack of both.
2
Do I hear shouts of "Lock Him Up!" from the base and deplorable basket?
Trump's incompetence is putting the United States at great risk.
How will this group of willfully ignorant right wing radicals respond to a real crisis in the real world where each episode doesn't end with the words 'You're Fired'.
How will this group of willfully ignorant right wing radicals respond to a real crisis in the real world where each episode doesn't end with the words 'You're Fired'.
As the good soldier that Flynn is. he took a bullet for Trump.The relationship between Trump & Russia is still a mystery. Does Russia have something on Trump, & did Trump tell Flynn to assure the Russians that he would remove Obama’s sanctions when he became President ? Sooner or later the truth will come out & out will go Trump.However, nothing will change with Pence as President, we will still have a Reactionary Theocrat that will turn back the clock.
2
No Way does this "Make Russia Great Again".
2
President Trump suffers from extreme NPD, Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It makes it practically impossible to take balanced decisions . We can expect that he will continue to be erratic in his nominations and strategies. He cannot be expected to have an organized staff all pushing in the same direction. Flynn is just the first of many confusions and "alternative truths" we can expect.
2
No more of this..no more!!! The insults hurled at those of us that have half a brain, and moreover that we take time in our lives AS REQUIRED, to inform ourselves of the issues that impact our NATION versus running around with your hair on fire attending rallies listening to someone, who now has PROVEN to be incapable YES INCAPABLE!!, denigrate all things governmental..of using pointed personal attacks on all manner of our citizenry remember the Khans hell, remember John McCain. A big part of leading is as it should be honoring and guiding our institutions of governance. And now?..tell us, tell us all..who/what have you presented to us, your countrymen, as a leader? for an answer you need to begin by asking yourselves this question, who is this moron Stephen Miller?
3
It seems to me that anyone who believes Trump wasn't behind, and/or ordered, Flynn to talk to the Russians is naive.
1
From the Third Presidential Debate:
TRUMP : Now we can talk about Putin. I don't know Putin. He said nice things about me. If we got along well, that would be good. If Russia and the United States got along well and went after ISIS, that would be good.
He has no respect for her. He has no respect for our president. And I'll tell you what: We're in very serious trouble, because we have a country with tremendous numbers of nuclear warheads -- 1,800, by the way -- where they expanded and we didn't, 1,800 nuclear warheads. And she's playing chicken. Look, Putin...
WALLACE: Wait, but...
TRUMP: ... from everything I see, has no respect for this person.
CLINTON: Well, that's because he'd rather have a puppet as president of the United States.
TRUMP: No puppet. No puppet.
CLINTON: And it's pretty clear...
TRUMP: You're the puppet!
CLINTON: It's pretty clear you won't admit...
TRUMP: No, you're the puppet.
CLINTON: ... that the Russians have engaged in cyberattacks against the United States of America, that you encouraged espionage against our people, that you are willing to spout the Putin line, sign up for his wish list, break up NATO, do whatever he wants to do, and that you continue to get help from him, because he has a very clear favorite in this race.
===================
TRUMP : Now we can talk about Putin. I don't know Putin. He said nice things about me. If we got along well, that would be good. If Russia and the United States got along well and went after ISIS, that would be good.
He has no respect for her. He has no respect for our president. And I'll tell you what: We're in very serious trouble, because we have a country with tremendous numbers of nuclear warheads -- 1,800, by the way -- where they expanded and we didn't, 1,800 nuclear warheads. And she's playing chicken. Look, Putin...
WALLACE: Wait, but...
TRUMP: ... from everything I see, has no respect for this person.
CLINTON: Well, that's because he'd rather have a puppet as president of the United States.
TRUMP: No puppet. No puppet.
CLINTON: And it's pretty clear...
TRUMP: You're the puppet!
CLINTON: It's pretty clear you won't admit...
TRUMP: No, you're the puppet.
CLINTON: ... that the Russians have engaged in cyberattacks against the United States of America, that you encouraged espionage against our people, that you are willing to spout the Putin line, sign up for his wish list, break up NATO, do whatever he wants to do, and that you continue to get help from him, because he has a very clear favorite in this race.
===================
4
Treason to elect Republican presidents really is no vice.
National Security meetings now take place at Mar Lago.
You can order the "Brief and Turf" and attend a highly sensitive meeting with classified information.
You can even get a picture with the military aide carrying the football with all the nuclear codes as a side dish.
Makes Hillary's emails look like nothing.
You can order the "Brief and Turf" and attend a highly sensitive meeting with classified information.
You can even get a picture with the military aide carrying the football with all the nuclear codes as a side dish.
Makes Hillary's emails look like nothing.
4
One is consistently awestruck by the degree to which Trump utterly transcends and exceeds last nitpick he made of any of his targets. The man is absolutely the most empowered psychopath in the history of Earth.
1
On 29DEC16 Obama expels Russian diplomats after Russian interference in US elections is confirmed.
There are a lot of negative Russian reactions to the sanctions imposed by Obama, including talk of retaliation. Example from the Official Twitter feed of the Russian Embassy in the United States of America, Russia in USA, tweets 29DEC16 “#Peskov: There is no doubt that Russia's adequate and mirror response will make Washington officials feel very uncomfortable as well”
Flynn and Kislyak speak on phone on 29DEC16
Something changes since...
On 30DEC16 Putin announces that it will not expel anyone.
Trump tweets 30DEC16:
“Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!”
When the issue is raised regarding the call(s) between Flynn and Kislyak Republicans deny any discussions of sanctions between Flynn and the Russian ambassador.
13FEB17 Flynn resigns as it comes to light that he lied about the nature of his discussions with the Russians.
Flynn tweets from Michael Flynn @GenMikeFlynn: “But if a scapegoat is what's needed for this Administration to continue to take this great nation forward, I am proud to do my duty.” On 14FEB16.
So, I guess the question is, what did Trump know and when did he know it? Did he simply accept Putin’s move after their speaking of retaliation as Sgt. Shultz would: “I know nothing!” which wouldn’t make him too bright or was he part of it and count it as as early coup for him?
There are a lot of negative Russian reactions to the sanctions imposed by Obama, including talk of retaliation. Example from the Official Twitter feed of the Russian Embassy in the United States of America, Russia in USA, tweets 29DEC16 “#Peskov: There is no doubt that Russia's adequate and mirror response will make Washington officials feel very uncomfortable as well”
Flynn and Kislyak speak on phone on 29DEC16
Something changes since...
On 30DEC16 Putin announces that it will not expel anyone.
Trump tweets 30DEC16:
“Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!”
When the issue is raised regarding the call(s) between Flynn and Kislyak Republicans deny any discussions of sanctions between Flynn and the Russian ambassador.
13FEB17 Flynn resigns as it comes to light that he lied about the nature of his discussions with the Russians.
Flynn tweets from Michael Flynn @GenMikeFlynn: “But if a scapegoat is what's needed for this Administration to continue to take this great nation forward, I am proud to do my duty.” On 14FEB16.
So, I guess the question is, what did Trump know and when did he know it? Did he simply accept Putin’s move after their speaking of retaliation as Sgt. Shultz would: “I know nothing!” which wouldn’t make him too bright or was he part of it and count it as as early coup for him?
It is difficult to believe that Flynn was not acting on behalf of the president-elect, whose incoming team may have had serious reasons to fear the reaction from an angry Putin.
It is equally difficult to believe that Flynn would think that calling the Russians with a "Merry Christmas" greeting would resolve that problem.
It is equally difficult to believe that Flynn would think that calling the Russians with a "Merry Christmas" greeting would resolve that problem.
In this reality show of an Administration, it will be interesting (and, maybe, terrifying) to see who goes next.
In the end, Putin probably has the goods on Trump himself. Trump was never a reflective or circumspect man. God and Putin only know what is in that fat dossier. Putin, unlike Trump, has enough impulse control to wait for just the right moment before he rolls out that weapon.
In the end, Putin probably has the goods on Trump himself. Trump was never a reflective or circumspect man. God and Putin only know what is in that fat dossier. Putin, unlike Trump, has enough impulse control to wait for just the right moment before he rolls out that weapon.
Great. First to resign in less than one month.
Now, the real problem is, what is the Alt-President going to do? Who will the Alt-President install on the council?
Now, the real problem is, what is the Alt-President going to do? Who will the Alt-President install on the council?
2
Funny how one little lie within the administration drives Flynn out, yet Trump and company's continual lies to the American people are accepted as normal by many citizens and his own party. And does anyone doubt that Trump had a hand in Flynn's calls to Russia? Would love to see a transcript of those calls.
So Flynn briefed the VP with "incomplete information". Isn't that just another term for a lie of omission? If Flynn did break the law, which seems pretty apparent he did shouldn't he be "locked up". Seems like what goes around eventually comes around.
1
Flynn is the tip of the iceberg. A monumental inquiry will follow which will look at Trump, Manafort, Bannon and the Trump organization's relationship with Russia. The door has been flung open.
2
The same kind of monkey business was conducted on Iran by people purporting to represent Ronald Reagan during the Iran Embassy hostage crisis that coincided with the 1980 presidential election. When this started surfacing, Bush 41 pardoned everyone who had been involved, to quash the investigation.
I wonder if this will happen again to cover up this coup d'etat.
I wonder if this will happen again to cover up this coup d'etat.
1
Great reporting. Thank you.
1
Eight years of continual congressional disruption lead by Mitch McConnell with Tea Party propaganda and deception has born fruit, at last. The first of the liars is dead. Short live the others to follow.
1
Less than one full month in the Oval Office Trump has shown us and the world that he has no moral authority. Nothing he does here on in will matter. His approval numbers across many polls shows he is losing ground. He is unravelling. Forget about a "honeymoon". We can stick a fork in this one.
2
Trump will probably hang in there long enough to poison the federal judiciary with 100 jurists Hell-bent on breaking the constitutional dam that holds back a flood of pent-up faith-based legislation.
1
So, when will Donald admit he was behind this entire episode?
4
until trump reveals his taxes this only heightens concerns that he is dirty with Russian money or blackmail. it s hard to believe that Flynn would speak to the Russians with trump s direction and or approval. I m not sure why you don t have a running clock on your front page indicating how many days trump has refused to release his taxes. I know the great unwashed don t get it but I think you owe them a duty to highlight this grave concern.
13
Can we at least consider the possibility that Flynn did in fact tell Pence of the sanctions discussion, but Pence, not realizing there would be transcripts of the calls, was the one who lied?
13
Lyin'' fer Jesus, Hoosier-style...
1
Sure, they are all in cahoots trying to feed at the global fascism trough. No one need be fooled that they are in it for responsible governance. The Mar-a-lago fiasco proved that starkly: an actual international crisis was handled appallingly as if there was never the least consciousness that they are supposed to be prepared for actual work. Immediately afterword the popular vote loser sauntered over to a wedding taking place for the family of a big campaign donor in a greasy display of in-your-face conflict of interest. Profiteering on all sides at his royal court - and from you and I paying taxes for the federal government to pay mar-a-lago for all the security, etc. Anyone who is not shocked and seething mad is either not paying attention or willing to accept anything in exchange for an extremist agenda. Sickening.
1
OR - Pence and Trump thought they could bury the call transcripts and gave Flynn the OK. They assured him the FBI would keep quiet and the Russians would play along. Thank God DOJ still has some balls.
As Casey Stengel said of the '62 Mets, "Doesn't anyone here know how to play this game?"
12
Problem is they are playing a different game on a different playing field. We're just lucky that so far they are as bumbling as keystone cops. Hitler is rolling his eyes.
1
As the vortex of unethical insanity spins out of control inside and outside of the Trump White House, (open-air, unsecured dining room policy meetings at Mar-A-Lago) it is easy to become distracted and forgetful. So lets not forget that as the acting Attorney General of the United States, Sally Yates, was fired by President Trump for "defying him". while she and her team were already in the process of investigating Flynn and raising the the exact allegations against him that we was forced to resign for. Ms. Yates was not simply fired for standing up for our constitutional rights, which have been ruled as violated over and over again by multiple judges, she was also fired this in an apparent attempt to cover up the Flynn fiasco. Imagine, just imagine, what would be going on right now if this happened under the watch of Mrs. Clinton, or Barack Obama.
14
It's the new normal, anything goes as long as you promise everything to christian extremists and white supremacists. That makes any embarrassment, any breach, any lie, any incompetence, and profiteering, entirely palatable.
1
I am going to ask again, where's Manafort? He disappeared quietly back into the shadows after he left the campaign? I doubt he's sitting at home knitting by the fire.....
21
These high-placed Russian contacts within the Trump campaign/administration are truly troubling.
"Lock her up"? Lock him up!
15
Administrations both Republican and Democratic have been subjected to times of turmoil. Let's not through back ourselves to the 50s and start looking for communist under the beds. Flynn is gone, move on. Obama and HRC found it acceptable to allow Iran to restart its nuclear program, yet the NYT deems that issue not news worthy. It's truly a disgrace what passes as news worthy. The NYT should stick to political poll projections! We all know how astute they are at that endeavor!
2
Wow, i suppose the popular vote loser is going to get a pass on everything from you. Sad.
3
@ George, quoting you-"Let's not "through" back ourselves to the 50s".
No they are not looking for Communists under the bed, they are looking for them in PEOTUS communiques, not particularly a 'throw" back as it were.
No they are not looking for Communists under the bed, they are looking for them in PEOTUS communiques, not particularly a 'throw" back as it were.
1
This has nothing to do with Iran or the International Agreement.
Unless you think Flynn was making deals with them too as a private citizen, kinda like Reagan's folk with Iran or even Nixon's with Vietnam before they took office?
Unless you think Flynn was making deals with them too as a private citizen, kinda like Reagan's folk with Iran or even Nixon's with Vietnam before they took office?
3
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall, all the King's horses and all the King's men couldn't put Humpty together again. We're living in a nursery rhyme.
5
I am exhausted. It has been only 24 days yet they are full of caos and incompetence !
One the positive side, one "Bad Hombre" down, few more to go. I applaud the media for pressing on. Otherwise, we would have never known what Flynn did. The GOP Congress seems to have forgotten their role in our system of checks and balances.
One the positive side, one "Bad Hombre" down, few more to go. I applaud the media for pressing on. Otherwise, we would have never known what Flynn did. The GOP Congress seems to have forgotten their role in our system of checks and balances.
13
3 weeks into their 4 year term the Trump White House has a national security council member- Bannon - who is talking about going to war with the biggest army in the world. China has 500 million trained main force and reserve force soldiers. The US does not have sufficient conventional ammo to defeat that army and will need to call upon nuclear weapons to win.
This is a tragedy in the making and I pity our all volunteer military force members.
This is a tragedy in the making and I pity our all volunteer military force members.
6
Well, it ain't gonna be a ground war and it ain't gonna be a pity just for the troops. We are all going to suffer if we can even survive a nuclear war, because it would get to that in hours if not minutes. Seriously.
2
Michael Flynn clearly lied when he said that he did not speak to the Russians about sanctions. He clearly lied when he said he could not recall speaking to the Russians about the sanctions.
But just to be very clear: Sally Yates, the former deputy AG had warned the dump administration about appointing Michael Flynn because she must have known about Flynn's conversations with the Russians. And if Sally Yates knew, so did President Bannon, Dump and Pence. She would have told them why she had such strong concerns, she had to issue her warning.
But still, they persisted because they didn't care. But supporting Michael Flynn despite the warning and information they received, Bannon, Dump and Pence ALSO LIED to the American people.
But just to be very clear: Sally Yates, the former deputy AG had warned the dump administration about appointing Michael Flynn because she must have known about Flynn's conversations with the Russians. And if Sally Yates knew, so did President Bannon, Dump and Pence. She would have told them why she had such strong concerns, she had to issue her warning.
But still, they persisted because they didn't care. But supporting Michael Flynn despite the warning and information they received, Bannon, Dump and Pence ALSO LIED to the American people.
15
When is the Republican leadership going to say that the National Security Council -- without the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, without the Director of National Intelligence -- and with Steve Bannon running the show -- is not credible. But it is downright frightening.
So he thinks the US is headed towards a showdown with Iran and China -- since this is an administration that hates to be wrong, I fear they will provoke an unnecessary confrontation. Please Congress, do something!
So he thinks the US is headed towards a showdown with Iran and China -- since this is an administration that hates to be wrong, I fear they will provoke an unnecessary confrontation. Please Congress, do something!
8
So many questions:
Why was Flynn, the National Security Advisor, calling the Russian Ambassador in the first place? Wouldn't that have been the job for the Chief of Staff?
Is it coincidental that after Flynn's calls, Russia didn't retaliate for imposition of additional sanctions? And that Trump later ordered some sanctions be lifted?
Was Flynn going rogue when he had these discussions with Russia? Was he acting on his own to implement what he thought was right or what he thought was the Trump agenda?
Did the White House Counsel tell Trump about DOJ's concerns?
Hard to decide if this is more similar to Watergate or Ollie North and Iran-Contra.
Why was Flynn, the National Security Advisor, calling the Russian Ambassador in the first place? Wouldn't that have been the job for the Chief of Staff?
Is it coincidental that after Flynn's calls, Russia didn't retaliate for imposition of additional sanctions? And that Trump later ordered some sanctions be lifted?
Was Flynn going rogue when he had these discussions with Russia? Was he acting on his own to implement what he thought was right or what he thought was the Trump agenda?
Did the White House Counsel tell Trump about DOJ's concerns?
Hard to decide if this is more similar to Watergate or Ollie North and Iran-Contra.
13
Agree.
If this is an Ollie, then what took Trump so long? It was a sloppy Ollie, lacking in deniability for the president from the gitmo. Trump hoped the DoJ and NSA would fall asleep and he could change the channel? Is he causing all this chaos just as cover for his own involvement? He claims the press and justice have a hard on for him before we know how many of his advisers are under suspicion?
That's the way the mob would play it. Dirty the coppers before they corner your game. Seems no one wanted a share of their spoils.
No doubt in my mind Trump told Flynn he was all in on telling Vlad to cool his jets so Trump could sell him parts later. We just need the proof, and Trump's stalling was pretty obvious as well as twitting Vlad's smart to follow Trump's bleeds.
If this is an Ollie, then what took Trump so long? It was a sloppy Ollie, lacking in deniability for the president from the gitmo. Trump hoped the DoJ and NSA would fall asleep and he could change the channel? Is he causing all this chaos just as cover for his own involvement? He claims the press and justice have a hard on for him before we know how many of his advisers are under suspicion?
That's the way the mob would play it. Dirty the coppers before they corner your game. Seems no one wanted a share of their spoils.
No doubt in my mind Trump told Flynn he was all in on telling Vlad to cool his jets so Trump could sell him parts later. We just need the proof, and Trump's stalling was pretty obvious as well as twitting Vlad's smart to follow Trump's bleeds.
Dear New York Times, GOP, and Democrats in Congress, what on earth is really going on between this Trump administration and Russia? Seriously? What is going on? No matter what one's politics, the American people have a right to know, so please, keep investigating and inform us! Our democratic republic depends upon it!
37
Don't expect any republican in congress to investigate ANYTHING Trump!!
Especially McConnell!!
Especially McConnell!!
Flynn talked to the Russian ambassador on December 29, offering some kind of sanctions relief. Putin announces no retaliotary sanctions, Trump tweeted (on December 30) "V Putin is a very smart man".
Was Trump part of the decision to have Flynn signal a new sanctions regime under Trump -- what was DJT's involvement in his team's conversations with the Kremlin.
What did the President know, when and what part did he plan in driving the conversation. We need an unbiased investigation ASAP.
Was Trump part of the decision to have Flynn signal a new sanctions regime under Trump -- what was DJT's involvement in his team's conversations with the Kremlin.
What did the President know, when and what part did he plan in driving the conversation. We need an unbiased investigation ASAP.
75
YOU said it!
3
Time to Repeal the entire administration and Replace with President Obama & his administration. REPEAL & REPLACE with people who have actual public service experience and do not spread lies and fear. Until an investigation has been completed on how Russia interfered with the election this administration needs to be put on hold. After the investigation, we can repeal and replace.
38
This is completely absurd: fitting policy to our ignorant and uneducated POTUS' tweets. Is anybody going to stand up and protect this nation's interests? Trump should resign already. He is wholly unprepared, uninterested in what it takes to be prepared, and did not think for a moment that he would actually win. The Republicans need to pressure him to resign immediately, except they are too excited to raid the national treasury and give Americans nothing for their tax dollars in this critical moment. Devils all.
43
Really he should.
And he has some good "outs" to assuage his fragile ego:
1) he accomplished his main goal of showing up President Obama by attaining the office and striking down a bunch of President Obama's achievements, and
2) he can claim the Presidency can survive without him -- he's already proven how easy it is to appear presidential -- but his sprawling businesses are much more important to the world and need his attention.
He can up-brand himself as a popular king abdicating the throne to become the rock-star that the world really needs. Do it, Donald. It will be even more historic. The MOST historic move the world has ever seen.
And he has some good "outs" to assuage his fragile ego:
1) he accomplished his main goal of showing up President Obama by attaining the office and striking down a bunch of President Obama's achievements, and
2) he can claim the Presidency can survive without him -- he's already proven how easy it is to appear presidential -- but his sprawling businesses are much more important to the world and need his attention.
He can up-brand himself as a popular king abdicating the throne to become the rock-star that the world really needs. Do it, Donald. It will be even more historic. The MOST historic move the world has ever seen.
Can you blame Flynn for being so confused about what he may or may not have said to Russia? I mean, it's not like he could see it from his house... Oh no, that privilege is reserved for a lucky few, like Sarah Palin or the northern cousin of De Vos' grizzly bear...
19
This is good news, right?
8
Unless Flynn's still in as much as Vlad has been.
I don't knew enough of the fine details to say if he should be booted or not. But with all of the appointment being slow-walked through the Senate, it would take too long to replace him. Trump has no choice buy keep him around for the time being.
The job does not require Senate approval. I can't believe Petreaus still gets on those lists. He lied to Justice and gave his mistress access to secrets just to stroke his own ego. Trump would LOVE to have him onboard.
What did Trump know and when did he know it?
36
Please, Mr. Trump, do not engage the United States in a new war.
14
What could go wrong?
7
Flynn is a loose cannon. Wouldn't we like to know why he was dismissed from the Defense Intelligence Agency? Why would Trump want to associate with a dismissed general, especially one who was proud to have his photo taken sitting at a dinner next to Putin? He has lied about the content of his telephone call with the Russian Ambassador. There are recordings, as well as Vlad's tepid response to the sanctions. There are many more issues to be investigated and resolved about the Trump Organization and the Trump Campaign's contacts (collusion?) with Russia during the campaign.
27
The reason Flynn was dismissed has been covered.
The reason Trump likes him is because he was one of the few who supported him early and because Trump loves to play with his tin soldiers.
The reason Trump likes him is because he was one of the few who supported him early and because Trump loves to play with his tin soldiers.
This is the worst reality show, ever.
42
Must agree. Reagan made a better show of it when Meese released the news Ollie sold jet parts to our Iranian hostage takers...where did the money go cliff hanger!
Sure enough, it went to the cut off Contras we refused to fund for death squading Central America into a budding gangland.
Sure enough, it went to the cut off Contras we refused to fund for death squading Central America into a budding gangland.
History is full of true stories where palace intrigues have led to the King's down fall. Michael Flynn, then Trump's pick for national security adviser, might have contacted the Russian ambassador after Obama imposed sanctions against Russia towards the closing days of his administration
(Jan 19th). Flynn, being a Trump loyalist, might have kept the contents of his conversation with the Russian ambassador secret and intentionally held Mike Pence or other persons out of the loop. Then, he didn't give a full report to Mike Pence subsequently and according to reports misled him. Sanctions against Russia weren't discussed, it was claimed.
Now, it's becoming clear that Flynn did discuss certain issues the national security apparatus wasn't aware of or it wasn't briefed on.
Another indication of the brewing palace intrigues is when two or more officials begin to talk in different directions. One adviser of Donald Trump, Kelley, says Flynn enjoys full confidence of the president whereas the press secretary says the president was still "evaluating" the situation.
As the liberal press appears to be running with this breaking story, it doesn't look at this stage any head is going to roll. As long as Flynn has the ear of Donald Trump, he's unlikely to be thrown under the bus. Donald Trump knows how to reward a loyalist and punish a defector. The VP might be asked to fall in line even after he feels he wasn't truthfully briefed by Flynn.
Every one has to get used to a new situation.
(Jan 19th). Flynn, being a Trump loyalist, might have kept the contents of his conversation with the Russian ambassador secret and intentionally held Mike Pence or other persons out of the loop. Then, he didn't give a full report to Mike Pence subsequently and according to reports misled him. Sanctions against Russia weren't discussed, it was claimed.
Now, it's becoming clear that Flynn did discuss certain issues the national security apparatus wasn't aware of or it wasn't briefed on.
Another indication of the brewing palace intrigues is when two or more officials begin to talk in different directions. One adviser of Donald Trump, Kelley, says Flynn enjoys full confidence of the president whereas the press secretary says the president was still "evaluating" the situation.
As the liberal press appears to be running with this breaking story, it doesn't look at this stage any head is going to roll. As long as Flynn has the ear of Donald Trump, he's unlikely to be thrown under the bus. Donald Trump knows how to reward a loyalist and punish a defector. The VP might be asked to fall in line even after he feels he wasn't truthfully briefed by Flynn.
Every one has to get used to a new situation.
6
Care to "revise and extend" your remarks as they say on the Hill?!
2
Shows what you know.
"The liberal press"? Feh.
"The liberal press"? Feh.
Given all of the lying from everyone in this administration, from the Top Down, who is at all surprised by the mess this presidency and government is in? Without any facts to reliably act upon everyone is guessing. That is not a strategy - it's incompetency.
All Flynn has done is to follow the commander-in-chief's example of lying, his own moral character and allegiance to Russia and that of other liars - Conway, Bannon, Spicer, Miller, etc. He fits right in.
Any system based on lies does not end well - ask Nixon! And everyone in this administration lies to everyone - the American people, allies, so-called adversaries, to the press, to law enforcement, even to each other, .... It is now too late for them to switch to telling the truth because no one will believe them. So much for "national security."
All Flynn has done is to follow the commander-in-chief's example of lying, his own moral character and allegiance to Russia and that of other liars - Conway, Bannon, Spicer, Miller, etc. He fits right in.
Any system based on lies does not end well - ask Nixon! And everyone in this administration lies to everyone - the American people, allies, so-called adversaries, to the press, to law enforcement, even to each other, .... It is now too late for them to switch to telling the truth because no one will believe them. So much for "national security."
31
Trump is not a liar. He is a lunatic surrounded by liars. As lunatic, he has no idea that he is lying.
Dear god... the NSC is having to make the briefings "fun" and not "boring" with "fewer words and more pictures" else the President of the United States can't be bothered to read them...
A rare election in which the winners are the ones who could use some soul-searching...
A rare election in which the winners are the ones who could use some soul-searching...
24
What disasters we see unfolding, there is no end to it! Our government is full of bad, bad people, this is becoming more obvious by the day. It's bad from the top, Trump himself, who has set up the most intentionally corrupt governmental culture I have ever witnessed. We MUST get rid of these people, they have absolutely no concept of public service, of the public good, or of even protecting their own country. NO HONOR. Flynn must go, then we must work on all the other corrupt officials, on of whom was just confirmed today - Steve Mnuchin as Treasury Sect'y. Imagine! (Yeah, Trump, "everything this man has touched has turned to gold." For himself.)
37
If all this mess was occurring with a Democratic President Impeachment proceedings would have long started.
36
And meanwhile the President's interpreter, "Alternative Facts" Conway, by stating firmly that Flynn had the Trump's full confidence, set off a storm of speculation that he was about to be fired.
24
Want to know when contacts with Russia started? My bet is that it was just before Trump started effusing about Putin, which was quite a bit before the election. Trump was gaga over the fact that Putin had called him "brilliant," but apparently the Russian word Putin used can also mean "flashy" or "gaudy" -- brilliant in the literal sense.
We are in such peril as a country. On election night, I said he would be impeached in six months. Appears that he's right on track for that.
We are in such peril as a country. On election night, I said he would be impeached in six months. Appears that he's right on track for that.
24
Let's hope that he is also convicted, not just impeached!
I'd say the center cannot hold if I thought there were a center.
25
Even a cat 5 has an eye of calm. A rolling dumpster fire has no center, shifting all the time, its rancid contents flinging around inside.
1
Dianne, I will marry you right now! Thank you!
Time to look into seriously the president's complicity in the Flynn affair. He was there and as the boss he is the ultimate one responsible! Flynn is taking the rap but he is not alone in this.
47
Read the harrowing editorial in today's edition titled, "The Caddyshack President."
It's all a joke till Trump's incompetence and inability to accurately perceive reality cause a lapse in our security measures and a lot of people get killed.
Let's see how Trump supporters like life after his staff compromises our security or "he alone" bungles us into an accidental nuclear exchange… hint there ain't gonna be no cable TV or cheetos!
President Mistake is charge.
And he will be squarely to blame if we get hit badly.
Except he'll blame everyone else.
It's all a joke till Trump's incompetence and inability to accurately perceive reality cause a lapse in our security measures and a lot of people get killed.
Let's see how Trump supporters like life after his staff compromises our security or "he alone" bungles us into an accidental nuclear exchange… hint there ain't gonna be no cable TV or cheetos!
President Mistake is charge.
And he will be squarely to blame if we get hit badly.
Except he'll blame everyone else.
24
Obama.
5
If anyone thinks Flynn acted on his own without the ok from Trump, come on now. So what's this nonsense about Trump losing faith that in him.
34
Friends: it's GOOD to be in the middle of nowhere. Best wishes.
11
Steve Bannon is the individual to be anxious about. Flynn may be unsuitable, but Bannon is unqualified, unsuited and incompetent.
Mr. Bannon's supposed qualification to sit on the National Security Council, while Generals and Admirals are excluded, is that he once served as an officer in the U.S. Navy.
And he did. He achieved the rank of lieutenant.
Congratulations to Mr. Bannon. Pay grade O-3. That leaves O-4 through O-11 above him, lieutenant commanders, commanders, captains, rear admirals, vice admirals, admirals, and fleet admirals. Thousands of them.
In Bannon's enlistment there were likely over 40,000 officers in the Navy. Lieutenants are important, but can't, and aren't expected to, run a ship, let alone a squadron, fleet, or task force, certainly not the Navy, and not the NSC. Experiences that Admirals acquire make them “somewhat” more qualified for the position.
Mr. Bannon served in the Pentagon, too, but with 20,000 other military personnel, or more, many of them officers, including hundreds, probably a thousand other Navy lieutenants, and Army, Air Force, and Marine Corp captains, the equivalent rank.
A Navy lieutenant at the Pentagon is not making decisions of national, let alone international, importance.
Mr. Bannon should strike even Republicans as seriously dangerous, because he is.
Running the United States shouldn't be like the humorous advertisement, "I'm not a surgeon, but I play one on TV."
Yet it's government under Donald Trump.
Mr. Bannon's supposed qualification to sit on the National Security Council, while Generals and Admirals are excluded, is that he once served as an officer in the U.S. Navy.
And he did. He achieved the rank of lieutenant.
Congratulations to Mr. Bannon. Pay grade O-3. That leaves O-4 through O-11 above him, lieutenant commanders, commanders, captains, rear admirals, vice admirals, admirals, and fleet admirals. Thousands of them.
In Bannon's enlistment there were likely over 40,000 officers in the Navy. Lieutenants are important, but can't, and aren't expected to, run a ship, let alone a squadron, fleet, or task force, certainly not the Navy, and not the NSC. Experiences that Admirals acquire make them “somewhat” more qualified for the position.
Mr. Bannon served in the Pentagon, too, but with 20,000 other military personnel, or more, many of them officers, including hundreds, probably a thousand other Navy lieutenants, and Army, Air Force, and Marine Corp captains, the equivalent rank.
A Navy lieutenant at the Pentagon is not making decisions of national, let alone international, importance.
Mr. Bannon should strike even Republicans as seriously dangerous, because he is.
Running the United States shouldn't be like the humorous advertisement, "I'm not a surgeon, but I play one on TV."
Yet it's government under Donald Trump.
57
I bet the Hah-vahd axis came into play.
The real question that needs to be asked is: Did President Trump ask Michael Flynn to convey to the Russians that he would consider lifting sanctions upon assuming office.
It's highly unlikely that Mr. Flynn was communicating with the Russian ambassador without getting approval from Mr. Trump first.
It's highly unlikely that Mr. Flynn was communicating with the Russian ambassador without getting approval from Mr. Trump first.
34
Rep. McCarthy, Cal, should start an investigation ASAP!
With all the chaos, incompetence and imminent danger that the Trump regime is exhibiting, the U.S. has become the Titanic heading full steam ahead towards major disaster. Hubris and arrogance helped to determine the fate of the ship that all thought unsinkable and the same can be applied here, except, toss in Trumps' clear mental instability which poses a direct threat to himself and others - meaning the rest of us. Just three weeks in to this term - is it already too late to jump ship?
9
Can Flynn be summoned to testify in front of Congress for 12 hours?
17
Republicans would have to have him testify, and that isn't going to happen.
4
Well, then, they have hit bottom.
5
From the article: "Mr. Bannon sees the United States as headed toward an inevitable confrontation with two adversaries — China and Iran."
Yes, because Mr. Bannon is working hard to make that happen.
Yes, because Mr. Bannon is working hard to make that happen.
29
The description of Trump allowing briefings of only a page long, nothing more than 9 bullet points and preferably pictures and maps tells me, that at best, he is dyslexic.
His failure to concentrate on more detailed documents looks more like what I saw in presenile dementia of mine that were about his age.
In either regard the US needs someone who is fact based, analytical and can exercise some control over his emotions. Flynn must go. Petraeus, with all of his warts, would be a much better choice to ride herd over this bunch of incompetent conspiracy theorists that make up the current Security Council.
His failure to concentrate on more detailed documents looks more like what I saw in presenile dementia of mine that were about his age.
In either regard the US needs someone who is fact based, analytical and can exercise some control over his emotions. Flynn must go. Petraeus, with all of his warts, would be a much better choice to ride herd over this bunch of incompetent conspiracy theorists that make up the current Security Council.
17
Trump is a "big picture" guy.
Will not help. Trump knows more than the Generals.
Isn't the National Security Council supposed to gather up information from their agencies of origin -- as opposed to the ramblings of late night tweets -- and synthesize them into a synchronized parts of whole?
Instead of gathering scattered tidbits from Trump's mental midnight meanderings, aren't council advisers supposed to present to the West Wing a view of the world as it is, not as their paranoid and deluded leader thinks it is?
Aren't council members to be driven by the truths as they are extracted byte by byte from computers, telephones, spies and counterspies, and not driven by trying to stay in step with the innervisions of a psychiatrically scrambled soul?
No wonder the National Security Council is in such turmoil. It is simply not doing its job. If it keeps acting from fear instead of facts and from deceptions of the mind instead of the deeds of actual doers, it will become as unbalanced as is the Trump administration.
Instead of gathering scattered tidbits from Trump's mental midnight meanderings, aren't council advisers supposed to present to the West Wing a view of the world as it is, not as their paranoid and deluded leader thinks it is?
Aren't council members to be driven by the truths as they are extracted byte by byte from computers, telephones, spies and counterspies, and not driven by trying to stay in step with the innervisions of a psychiatrically scrambled soul?
No wonder the National Security Council is in such turmoil. It is simply not doing its job. If it keeps acting from fear instead of facts and from deceptions of the mind instead of the deeds of actual doers, it will become as unbalanced as is the Trump administration.
18
Thinking you know better than the NSC professionals about how they should do their jobs is precisely how we ended up with Trump.
6
Where have you been? They are operating from 'alternative facts'!
If you didn't realize it, these were rhetorical questions. And if the duties I describe are not in fact in line with the job descriptions, then they certainly should be. Don't you think?
Are we all proud of his outstanding team of liars and clueless incompetents that Trump has assembled yet? They are the best, so great! He is surely a genius; believe me!
This is the ultimate in amateur hour where no one knows what they're doing or how do get things done. Case in point is the crisis handling of the North Korean missile launch over drinks and desert and in full display of civilians and unsecured cell phones-cameras used to illuminate Top-Secret ... menus? Is this a Monty Python skit? It is a preview of the nuclear football being activated, in full public view over dinner - the ultimate global reality TV suicide.
Though I will give credit to the commander-in-chief for not reading the prepared statement to the press - likely written by Stephen Miller with a declaration of war against North Korea - and instead vowed 100% support for Japan.
As for Flynn, can Hillary call for him to be locked up?
I hope Big Brother intelligence agencies keep tight surveillance over this administration from the top on down.
This is the ultimate in amateur hour where no one knows what they're doing or how do get things done. Case in point is the crisis handling of the North Korean missile launch over drinks and desert and in full display of civilians and unsecured cell phones-cameras used to illuminate Top-Secret ... menus? Is this a Monty Python skit? It is a preview of the nuclear football being activated, in full public view over dinner - the ultimate global reality TV suicide.
Though I will give credit to the commander-in-chief for not reading the prepared statement to the press - likely written by Stephen Miller with a declaration of war against North Korea - and instead vowed 100% support for Japan.
As for Flynn, can Hillary call for him to be locked up?
I hope Big Brother intelligence agencies keep tight surveillance over this administration from the top on down.
26
How can they ? They're controlled by the New Administration with strict instructions to shut up and stay out of it.
8
Perhaps Flynn ....is a willing scapegoat
If Trump had to release his Tax Returns..as evidence of violations of
the emoluments clause of the Constitution....then more might be revealed
Trump put Flynn in place intentionally...the why about this is what needs to
be uncovered.....
If Trump had to release his Tax Returns..as evidence of violations of
the emoluments clause of the Constitution....then more might be revealed
Trump put Flynn in place intentionally...the why about this is what needs to
be uncovered.....
6
You appear to never have heard of the Internal Revenue Service, but any businessman doing as many deals in as many places as Your President Trump has over the years would have been jailed had he cheated on his taxes.
I imagine Trump spends on tax preparation in all his businesses each year an amount equal to or greater than your lifetime income. However, please do continue to hate and fear the rich. The GOP is counting on it.
I imagine Trump spends on tax preparation in all his businesses each year an amount equal to or greater than your lifetime income. However, please do continue to hate and fear the rich. The GOP is counting on it.
4
Someone please hack and release the tax returns. Then all this bad stuff will go away.
11
I literally could not care less what legal things any taxpayer has taken advantage of. The Boxers' & Feinsteins' would be interesting reading, though: insider trading is legal for Senators.
So the good news is that 'the donalt' likes maps and mr. flynn can't quite remember important things like breaking the law... I will trade a 3-D World Atlas to the potus and in rerurn he can send mr. flynn to moi...
8
And Flynn wants Hillary locked up!
The NSA has proven the tendency toward entropy. From an ominous, covert big brother, it was rapidly made a wild, widening spiral into a flamboyant ship of fools.
2
What I see are similiarities in the Nixon election when they made a deal with the Veitmanes. Reagan's deal with Iran and the Iran-Contra affair. Bush's shady election and going to war in Iraq lies. This election turned on Republican James Comey releasing some of Hilary's emails that went nowhere and Flynn's communicating with the Russian before the election and them hacking the DNC.
Republicans will do anything to win an election including treason. Benghazi was small potatoes but do you hear any peep out of the Republicans? Disgusting. They have complete control and the only thing I can hope for is in the next economic meltdown coming soon they get tossed out on their petards.
Republicans will do anything to win an election including treason. Benghazi was small potatoes but do you hear any peep out of the Republicans? Disgusting. They have complete control and the only thing I can hope for is in the next economic meltdown coming soon they get tossed out on their petards.
15
It is outrageous that Trump held a meeting with Japan;s leader at dinner with other patrons of his club milling around. OUTRAGEOUS. One of whom identified the nuclear football to viewers on line. OUTRAGEOUS.
Best thing he did.
Hopefully, North Korea and Iran saw it too.
They will think twice.
Only the Progressives get worked up because they got nothing else.
Best thing he did.
Hopefully, North Korea and Iran saw it too.
They will think twice.
Only the Progressives get worked up because they got nothing else.
1
Yes because they're intelligence services weren't aware of the nuclear football before? So if Obama had done the same thing you would be praising it? It's a great thing that the world is on edge because the President is "unpredictable" an din control of nuclear weapons?
6
CD, it's not a great thing when we Americans are a part of the world on edge.
4
North Korea timed its nuclear launch auspiciously.
The Russians have Trump over a barrel and Flynn is holding the leash. There will be no firing because Flynn knows too much damaging info about Trump. Bet on it.
12
It is doubtful that Flynn would have discussed the sanction topic on his own. He must have been carrying out orders from soon to be Pres. Trump. Why is no one pointing this out??
16
Trump is not qualified to be President of the U.S., and he's showing it to anyone who is not unable to perceive the significance of what he is doing, but he is the President and his actions affect all Americans and most people around the world, so I want him to do a good job based upon sound reasoning and excellent information. I therefore would like him to replace Flynn, Miller, and Bannon with people who are experienced and sound professionals, and to give up the social media, for now.
11
Not only is Mr. Flynn supremely unqualified to hold this position, but he is the biggest threat to our national security. Forget the phantom jihadists who supposedly are pouring into our borders it is time that we begin deporting members of the Trump administration, and while we are at let's throw the feckless GOP legislators on that bus too.
19
We should all relax. Remember trump is "very smart" and he promised us all that he'd only hire the "very brightest". Like Betsy Devos, Rick Perry, et. al.
This will all turn out well. Or not...
This will all turn out well. Or not...
20
Or not.
DD
Manahattan
DD
Manahattan
9
Guys, you should see Stephen Miller's interviews from last weekend. Bone chilling!
If he is allowed to continue that way, we are surely headed for a war with Iran. Guaranteed.
If he is allowed to continue that way, we are surely headed for a war with Iran. Guaranteed.
21
Absolutely. I predicted this right after the " election". Iran or bust. Within 3 months, 6 months max..
7
Yes. Beware the crusader.
3
No matter what poltician or which party, when I hear "I can't recall...." that's lying. If things continue as they have, we will soon be treated to phase #2: "There's enough blame to go around." And people fall for this, over and over.
8
Flynn is a symptom of a bigger problem.
We have a President who is distracted, reckless, and indifferent to national security.
We have a majority led republican congress who by their lack of action is clearly putting Party over Country (specifically national security).
I don't think I've ever been this scared.
We have a President who is distracted, reckless, and indifferent to national security.
We have a majority led republican congress who by their lack of action is clearly putting Party over Country (specifically national security).
I don't think I've ever been this scared.
28
Seriously???? If President Obama or his staff pulled ANY of the stunts of the last few weeks, the GOP would be screaming "IMPEACHMENT! ". I, an atheist, have actually (almost) prayed that the military gave HIM fake nuclear codes. Sir, have you NO sense of decency, decorum, history, respect or HONOR??? You shame and diminish America. I am sorry to be alive to witness this spectacle.
34
Imagine if during the 2008 election if Obama made the comments about McCain that Trump made?
22
It is often observed that history is inevitably prone to repeat itself. "Evil prospers when good men do nothing."
Hitler's propaganda chief, Joseph Goebbels, supposedly said: "If you tell a lie big enough, and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it, and he also said, 'Truth is the Enemy of the State." You are aware of the outcome to Germany, are you ready for it to happen, here in the USA. Watch carefully as it is starting the same way.
Milton Mayer, They Thought They Were Free
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Hitler's propaganda chief, Joseph Goebbels, supposedly said: "If you tell a lie big enough, and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it, and he also said, 'Truth is the Enemy of the State." You are aware of the outcome to Germany, are you ready for it to happen, here in the USA. Watch carefully as it is starting the same way.
Milton Mayer, They Thought They Were Free
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
10
Trump, apparently, cant't read more than 140 characters at a time. No wonder he likes maps and graphics. Perhaps he needs to hire people to read reports out loud. Is Trump dyslexic?
13
Possibly. He most likely has a learning disability. Anyone who resists reading like he does shows that he cannot comprehend information this way. Maybe he should get tested.
Why is the media and even Congressmen and Senators avoiding the elephant in the room?? Did Trump order Flynn to talk to Russia? It is such an obvious question, it's ridiculous that no one is asking this. What the heck???? Why aren't you asking this, media?? Trump is involved in going behind the President's back, and is guilty of treason.
34
But Nancy, the rules don't apply to this case.
They only apply to Democrats named Clinton.
They only apply to Democrats named Clinton.
17
How is Flynn's future even still in question?! Trump's posturing about "evaluating his future" is just that - Flynn should have been gone as of Friday. Need we remind him of the supposed leaks he so bemoaned when they came from the Democratic candidate, none nearly as egregious as this one?
Truly, the ineptitude and unethical morass in which this administration wades knows no bounds.
Truly, the ineptitude and unethical morass in which this administration wades knows no bounds.
20
We seem to forget that a huge part of our national security is how the rest of the world views us and respects us as a PEOPLE.
I remain steadfastly anti-Trump. But I realize we are making a huge mistake. All the ‘support’ for Trump bashing in the media and on Twitter for example is an illusion – a mirror.
The reason we don’t see pro-Trump content anywhere is his supporters have grown tired of being attacked by us ‘free speech’ liberals. This is also the reason the media got it wrong before the election. Trump voters stayed silent, didn’t attack anyone, but waited to vote to make their point.
We need to learn all this anti-Trump noise is entrenching the support of Trump’s voters, even adding to their numbers. More importantly, our reaction is causing us to lose respect everywhere. Not because of Trump so much, but because of the tantrum we are throwing in reaction to his election.
But all is not lost! We WILL get what we want when George Clooney stands for President 4 years from now. So my plea is for us to grow up and make the world respect us again. It’s up to us because the citizens on the right aren’t making any noise at all.
“But,” we cry, “Look at what Trump's doing! Screaming, smashing and bashing is justified!” Yes we have good reason to be anti, but not this way. It’s not the behavior I’m proud for the world to see. Yes, he’s an idiot, but we don’t need to be idiots too, that is descending to his level. Come on, we are better than that … yes?
I remain steadfastly anti-Trump. But I realize we are making a huge mistake. All the ‘support’ for Trump bashing in the media and on Twitter for example is an illusion – a mirror.
The reason we don’t see pro-Trump content anywhere is his supporters have grown tired of being attacked by us ‘free speech’ liberals. This is also the reason the media got it wrong before the election. Trump voters stayed silent, didn’t attack anyone, but waited to vote to make their point.
We need to learn all this anti-Trump noise is entrenching the support of Trump’s voters, even adding to their numbers. More importantly, our reaction is causing us to lose respect everywhere. Not because of Trump so much, but because of the tantrum we are throwing in reaction to his election.
But all is not lost! We WILL get what we want when George Clooney stands for President 4 years from now. So my plea is for us to grow up and make the world respect us again. It’s up to us because the citizens on the right aren’t making any noise at all.
“But,” we cry, “Look at what Trump's doing! Screaming, smashing and bashing is justified!” Yes we have good reason to be anti, but not this way. It’s not the behavior I’m proud for the world to see. Yes, he’s an idiot, but we don’t need to be idiots too, that is descending to his level. Come on, we are better than that … yes?
I want to know when the investigations will begin.
13
The coup is coming. Bannon and Gorka will be leading the charge. Right now they are doing an end run around the government. Read about these two guys, then you'll know what really scary is. Trump and the rest of these incompetents are purposeful distractions from what Bannon and Gorka are plotting.
14
Bottom Line Question: What did Trump know and when did he know it regarding the Flynn sanctions discussion with the Russians? It is beyond belief that Flynn did not debrief Trump on his Russian sanctions discussion. If so, Trump allowed Flynn to lie to the American public and took no action to set the record straight. As the person in charge, Trump is accountable for that lie, not his subordinate.
21
Three are the cases: 1) Trump and his closest nominees are hiding some big dirty plan to Americans. 2) Putin has Trump under his control heavily influencing his decisions. 3) America has the worst combination of incompetent and insane people driving this beautiful country toward a catastrophic end.
19
All of them, Katie.
9
Excellent!! Where is she, by the way? The Presidential Apprentice should bring her in, for MAXIMUM distraction, don't ya know.
2
Remember the crazy stuff Flynn and his son were posting on social media?
The Russians have been playing him like a fiddle.
The Russians have been playing him like a fiddle.
32
In the positive side, this level of chaos and disorganization decreases the likelihood of the Trump administration getting anything accomplished.
15
I am confused. It is OK for the president and all of his advisers,counselor, press secretary, vice president on down to lie about whatever Trump believes is his unique version of the truth and lying is OK as long as it supports the Trump administration and their warped agenda. But if you lie to a member of the administration it is awful and possibly a reason to be fired. Pence is annoyed that he was lied to. Now
you know what we Americans feel like when we are lied to every day. Trump the liar in chief has no regard for the truth so why should anyone in his administration believe that the truth is important.
you know what we Americans feel like when we are lied to every day. Trump the liar in chief has no regard for the truth so why should anyone in his administration believe that the truth is important.
21
Amen!
4
Can you imagine if this amount of chaos or confusion occurred on Obama's watch. Chaffetz would be in his glory and impeachment papers would already be collated. Is Flynn a Russian asset?
22
Can Trump be any more compromised? For a guy who doesn't like to tell the American people his plans (health care ISIS, taxes). He sure like to expose national security to everyone and their mother - Flynn and Russia, North Korea talks at Mar a lago with live facebook coverage.
15
I found this the most troubling quote of all.
"And while Mr. Obama liked policy option papers that were three to six single-spaced pages, council staff members are now being told to keep papers to a single page, with lots of graphics and maps.
“The president likes maps,” one official said."
"And while Mr. Obama liked policy option papers that were three to six single-spaced pages, council staff members are now being told to keep papers to a single page, with lots of graphics and maps.
“The president likes maps,” one official said."
17
They were they were all such critics when Hillary mishandled classified info, now Trump doesn't seem to care about any rules. That's right, only HIS rules count today. They are all hypocrites, liars and dangerous to democracy. So much is being written about Trumps dictator tendencies and really how easy it will be to change our culture as we know it if we allow it.
RESIST every moment.
RESIST every moment.
21
Only competent and honest people are capable of picking competent and honest people to run cabinets, agencies, or councils under them. Lose cannons generally attract loose cannons to their fold.
12
Future Opening for article in NYT--- Two years into his Presidency Trump asks for all pre-teens to sign up for Military.
7
And he'll even " let" the women join. As long as they are 7 or below, no great loss.
3
Let's see if i understand this, Flynn lied. Conway says Trump has confidence in Flynn, but Conway lies all the time. On the other hand Trump also lies constantly, so was he lying when he told Conway that he had confidence, meaning he has no confidence, or was Conway lying about being lied to? Was Trump devious enough to lie to Conway knowing that she would lie, reversing his lie and thereby letting people know what he really felt? So are they all lying, or are they all simply mentally ill?
35
What happens when insane people are elected to office? This happens.
27
People shrug off the symptoms of insanity as an act or MO and hope for the best.
Failure to successfully remove the insane officeholder may cost serious money and liberty.
Failure to successfully remove the insane officeholder may cost serious money and liberty.
14
Totally inappropriate. How could the President of the United States not be aware of what his National Security Adviser is discussing with Russia? The safety and security of the nation is compromised under this administration. Republican Congressional members sit idly as if they are awaiting Devine intervention.
20
Trump knew and ordered Flynn. Only thing that makes any sense.
14
This group of hypocrites were saying that Hilary Clinton should be prosecuted and sent to Guantanamo for her email servers - which have not been shown to have been hacked. So shouldn't we expect a similar approach to Flynn for consorting with Russia to subvert a presidential policy and lying about it.
What about discussing classified national security in a public restaurant? Should we lock him up?
What about discussing classified national security in a public restaurant? Should we lock him up?
32
First rule of politics. Never give your opponent a soundbite (especially on video) that can lose you the election. Basket of Deplorables was devastating. At this Point, What's the Difference. Read My Lips. We just can't trust the American people to make those types of choices ... Government has to make those choices for people. My husband may have his faults, but he has never lied to me. I am not a crook. I do not believe in people owning guns. It all depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is. Outside of the killings, DC has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. When the president does it, that means that it is not illegal. We had no domestic attacks under Bush – we’ve had one under Obama. Like a good general, I treated everyone who wasnt with me as against me. I did not have sexual relations with that woman, And then we're going to Washington, D.C.—to take back the White House—YEEEEEAAARGH!
The powers of the president WILL. NOT. BE. QUESTIONED.
Yes, it's that bad.
The powers of the president WILL. NOT. BE. QUESTIONED.
Yes, it's that bad.
3
So in like flynn has done it again
13
It is outrageous that Trump held a meeting with Japan;s leader at dinner with other patrons of his club milling around. OUTRAGEOUS. One of whom identified the nuclear football to viewers on line. OUTRAGEOUS. I want Trump fired for incompetence, period, end of story. He is violating his oath of office.
51
I always thought America was great and have defended America in discussions many times. But even I give up on trying to defend America under Trump, a joke is a joke but this is just ridiculous. Roll on 2020, hopefully America will still exist then and still have free elections. Until then let's hope we can at least enjoy the clown and he does not break America.
23
Hey most of us didn't vote for him.
7
Remember when BJ Clinton strolled across the tarmac to talk to AG Lynch?
BJ Clinton claimed they only talked about grand children and gold.
This was met by derision from then candidate Blutarsky.
Now that he is President, we can all be calmed by the claim that it was benign and had absolutely nothing to do with politics or foreign policy.
For his part Jack D. Ripper Flynn is going total Reagan: I don't remember......
Isn't there ANYONE ELSE from Goldman Sachs that can end this reign of error?
BJ Clinton claimed they only talked about grand children and gold.
This was met by derision from then candidate Blutarsky.
Now that he is President, we can all be calmed by the claim that it was benign and had absolutely nothing to do with politics or foreign policy.
For his part Jack D. Ripper Flynn is going total Reagan: I don't remember......
Isn't there ANYONE ELSE from Goldman Sachs that can end this reign of error?
7
With the exception of Senators Sanders, Warren and a handful of others, these words by W. B. Yeats from his poem " The Second Coming", remain relevant today: "The best lack all conviction, while the worst are filled with passionate intensity."
13
Why is Trump "unaware of the questions swirling around Mr. Flynn's dealings with Russia?" Shouldn't he be? It's rather important for the country! Why is he in the dark or is it just lie number 116,278?
28
He watches a lot of TV they say. Maybe if they put it on a channel that covers actual news.
Maybe he is watching the Cooking channel.
Maybe he is watching the Cooking channel.
12
Much to do about nothing...The press again over blows a situation that has no significant effect on anything. The press has loss all credibility.
4
actually Tony, the President holds the power of nuclear annilation and is advised by the National Security Council because Trump has zero experience governing, has never been the military or served anything but his business interests, so this sort of thing is very very important. The press is critical
32
You forgot to end this post with "Sad!"
14
I'm old enough to remember 'Ted Mack'a Original Amateur Hour', this crowd in the White House wouldn't even get an audition.
24
One thing we do know: Flynn, Bannon, and Manafort all collaborated with the Russians during the campaign and now into the first few weeks of Donnie do nothing's administration.
Donnie parties and plays golf and sends out hissy fit
tweets and that's about it.
Trump's tax filings over the last 18 years will reveal extensive ties to Putin and Russian banks for over 9 billion dollars in loans! Show the taxes to the US people and let us decide!
Donnie parties and plays golf and sends out hissy fit
tweets and that's about it.
Trump's tax filings over the last 18 years will reveal extensive ties to Putin and Russian banks for over 9 billion dollars in loans! Show the taxes to the US people and let us decide!
40
Que the laugh track, except this is real and the stakes are so high. I hope this ship of fools doesn't bungle us into a war.
18
This is an episode of the Presidential Apprentice meets the Three Stooges.
28
The turmoil will continue, Flynn is just like Newt Gingrich, Liar, manipulator, hypocrite, instigator. This situation has a lot of dirty hands starting with Trump. If Trump told him to do it and promise his job after election, impeach is the correct solution and Flynn should resign now. Flynn has zero dignity, he's famous for create conspiracy theory. His son resigned from WH, because of fake stories about Hillary. His father did everything to get this job. we need a serious Investigation.
28
How about their e -mails???
17
Actually, the whole WH crew has private emails stored on the RNC server--just as the Bush WH had... but you'll never hear "Lock them up" about it. After all, it turns out that Hillary's supposed "threat" to national security via her emails was a threat to Russian national security, since they apparently weren't able to hack them.
I notice that now that Macron, in France, is ahead of the Putin funded Le Pen in the polls, that Julian Assange is claiming he will release damning material about him by WikiLeaks.
I notice that now that Macron, in France, is ahead of the Putin funded Le Pen in the polls, that Julian Assange is claiming he will release damning material about him by WikiLeaks.
8
I know most "high ups" and the media need to be "restrained" from saying what needs to be said, but I don't. The greatest threat our country faces, or for that matter, has faced in many years is coming from and is centered in the White House RIGHT NOW! That is not an exaggeration!
22
Why should we not think that Trump was giving Flynn direction vis a vis the Russians??
18
And while they try and herd this bunch of cats into some kind of coherent foreign policy the world just motors along while watching this side show in amusement.. What a collosal clash of egos and people putting thoughts they cobbled together during a binge drinking spree out there for the public to see. No wonder the US government is always finding it necessary to bail out their previous businesses and rescue generals from failed wars etc. i guess having billions does not equate to having brains and common sence as well. There has to be another term developed to describe this cacaphony of voices coming out of Washington,. Group Think used to cover what went on there, but what is happening now could hardly be called group think. Every idiot with some idiotic thought that passes through his fogged up brain seems free to annunciate it to the world. Then the " Whoops" thats not what we wanted to say after all. Then the Commander in Chief fixes his reptilian gaze on the latest clown and says in his booming voice, while waving his miniature fingers in the air " You´re fired".
8
I just watched NY Rep. Chris Collins interview on MSNBC. Rep Collins thinks we, the people of the US are wrong, over reacting in fact, to look any further at General Flynn's possible security transgressions as this is no big deal, overblown hysteria, "should be kept as an internal matter with the administration" ,we should keep our noses out o this silly little thing.
Really?
Is this how the voters of New York state roll? When a possible breach of American security occurs they want their representative to lecture the American people and the press to "bud out" because we're too emotional?
How did this guy get elected? Does he owe Trump money or something?
Really?
Is this how the voters of New York state roll? When a possible breach of American security occurs they want their representative to lecture the American people and the press to "bud out" because we're too emotional?
How did this guy get elected? Does he owe Trump money or something?
18
And once upon a time Hillary used a private server...
36
Whatever these dissimulating psychotics accuse of others, they do worse themselves. Just look what Trump's golf habit costs. He'll have to chisel $10 million off the cost of every F-35 to pay for it.
16
We're debating if Flynn should be "fired" and in some countries, he would have already met the "firing" squad. My God. He's the National SECURITY Advisor. How much debate is this worth?
40
Trump doesn't know what court handles Firing Squads. He's New to the Game.
6
What do the following have in common? (A) Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob, (B) Charlie McCarthy and Edgar Bergen, (C) The Muppets, (D) Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin?
17
Howdy Doody, Charlie McCarthy and the Muppets are funny. Trump and Putin are not.
2
Is there a single Republican in the House who cares about National Security?
In addition to all that was outlined in the article, it appears that Trump discussed the North Korean missile launch on an unsecured phone in a public place (with other diners taking photos of the guy with the launch codes!)--and we know the North Koreans are good at hacking (just ask Sony).
Trump may well be deeply in debt to Russia and standing by his moles, but what about the Republicans in the House? Millions of dollars spent on investigating a server that was set up to receive only emails the people who sent them considered non-confidential, while not a peep about what must have been clearly the highest level of top secret communications on a cell phone in a public setting, with the fellow standing by with the Nuclear Launch codes photographed with mugging club members?
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/13/us/politics/mar-a-lago-north-korea-tr...
Likely impeachable offenses are stacking up higher than Trump Tower. Will no Republican even begin a tiny investigation? A few questions? Again, is there not a single House Republican who cares at all for our National Security?
In addition to all that was outlined in the article, it appears that Trump discussed the North Korean missile launch on an unsecured phone in a public place (with other diners taking photos of the guy with the launch codes!)--and we know the North Koreans are good at hacking (just ask Sony).
Trump may well be deeply in debt to Russia and standing by his moles, but what about the Republicans in the House? Millions of dollars spent on investigating a server that was set up to receive only emails the people who sent them considered non-confidential, while not a peep about what must have been clearly the highest level of top secret communications on a cell phone in a public setting, with the fellow standing by with the Nuclear Launch codes photographed with mugging club members?
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/13/us/politics/mar-a-lago-north-korea-tr...
Likely impeachable offenses are stacking up higher than Trump Tower. Will no Republican even begin a tiny investigation? A few questions? Again, is there not a single House Republican who cares at all for our National Security?
42
"The president likes maps."
He is governing by pictures. This, among all the other scandals, is so beyond disturbing.
He is governing by pictures. This, among all the other scandals, is so beyond disturbing.
27
Bannon in Trump's ear is the greatest threat.
25
Flynn knowingly lied, he was paid by the Russian's propaganda television station ... let's not forget, Flynn passed on egregious, false stories about Hillary and sexual abuse of children ! This man is heavily involved with Russia ... no ifs, buts about it ... he needs to go now !
28
Is it any wonder that North Korea is taking advantage of the fact that our national security is in the hands of a loose band of amateurs, from the top down?
14
Homeland Security should have a record of that phone call, or are they NOT supposed to do that anymore... Legally?
10
Meanwhile in eastern Europe, USA and NATO buds continue an enormous build up of military forces against Russian "aggression".
Looks like someone is really anxious to start WW3 sooner than later.
I just wonder what the earth would look like after it.
Looks like someone is really anxious to start WW3 sooner than later.
I just wonder what the earth would look like after it.
6
Flynn is a liar and should be held for treason. The POSOTUS will fall soon enough on his Russian sword or his refusal to divest from his companies. The rest of the idiot POSOTUS's crew will fall after that. Next clown please.
9
It might help to remember that the National Security Council didn't exist until Truman, and that our nation's present predicament has its basis in the U.S. government's (that's a group of elite "movers and shakers," folks) proclivity to advance beyond our borders to "protect our interests" by bombing foreign peoples and deposing foreign leaders (preceded by a media blitz on what terrible people these leaders are, of course), leaving these countries in far worse state than before.
(But, that certainly is good for the war materiél suppliers, that second one.)
So, let's get rid of that proclivity, and the National Security Council.
Fearful of a military attack on the U.S. by foreign powers? That is best handled by our military. What are they there for anyway? That, which is mentioned in the first paragraph above?
.
(But, that certainly is good for the war materiél suppliers, that second one.)
So, let's get rid of that proclivity, and the National Security Council.
Fearful of a military attack on the U.S. by foreign powers? That is best handled by our military. What are they there for anyway? That, which is mentioned in the first paragraph above?
.
2
There isn't a smart bomb invented that will only hurt Democrats. Republicans will suffer also from Putin or the North Koreans or who knows who else is getting ready to exploit Trump's lack of competency. He has made us a gigantic fat juicy target. We are all in such big trouble and the republicans are made of cookie wafers which will crumble at the first threat. Republicans have no integrity. I am disgusted by their embrace of Trump and Putin's love affair.
14
Firing Mr. Flynn would be the act of a responsible administration. However, this administration has shown that they have no respect for the law, ethics and an acceptable mode of governing. Mr. Flynn will not leave his post any time soon.
11
I'm a USA Citizen in NZ. What bothers me is that the USA has great academic institutions. People are bright. Not everyone but the USA produces some bright people and well rounded people. The people in and around Trump at the top level don't represent that the best that is America. This is one of the most depressing things. We are better than this!
17
Ok folks ,Flynn is off the rails,talking to Putin BEFORE the election about what our country will do for him for hacking our election
So who hired him?
?and we've had one mistake after another in our United States because trump is unable to define Democracy , he can only give authoritarian orders.
Write him,tell him,the sooner he resigns the better,or we can wait for the Republicans to put a leash on him and pray it's not too late!
So who hired him?
?and we've had one mistake after another in our United States because trump is unable to define Democracy , he can only give authoritarian orders.
Write him,tell him,the sooner he resigns the better,or we can wait for the Republicans to put a leash on him and pray it's not too late!
10
Before judging lets heard actual tape. Bureaucrats have history of doctoring transcripts to please Obama.
1
Maybe use something besides "Louisiana Facts". Lol.
10
Remember there is peckerwood General David Petraeus and the only thing we need to worry about would be a Russian LADY with a steno pad.
7
Conway says Trump has full confidence in Flynn.
The lairs are covering for each other.
The lairs are covering for each other.
14
He has full confidence in Alternate Facts Conway too for what that is worth. Pitiful.
15
Now, Spicer says Trump didn't say what Conway claims he said. Did Trump lie to Conway, or Conway to the press, or Spicer? The circle widens.
5
Does Flynn perhaps know too much about where the campaign "bodies are buried"?
12
He probably buried them...
10
It's much simpler than that. if Flynn was indeed operating under Trump's direction then Flynn can get Trump impeached.
Flynn is no Scooter Libby.
Flynn is no Scooter Libby.
2
The first three weeks have been even worse than I imagined. Only three weeks and it's train wreck after train wreck! Anyone who still supports DT must be lacking either a brain or a conscience. Mitch McConnell & Paul Ryan - if we can't appeal to your conscience, which you've set conveniently aside to get your druthers, let us appeal to your sense of preservation. The executive branch of the United States of America is run by grifters, traitors, nihilists... so full of hate and vindictiveness. It is destroying what is great about America. I would take mere incompetence in a hearbeat.
I can't even hope that the House and Senate Republican majorities will be overturned in 2018 because sadly so many American voters seem to have lost their critical thinking skills after decades of brainwashing.
Who will hold these people accountable???
I can't even hope that the House and Senate Republican majorities will be overturned in 2018 because sadly so many American voters seem to have lost their critical thinking skills after decades of brainwashing.
Who will hold these people accountable???
25
I never thought I'd say it but I wish we had George W. Bush back.
12
ESG, agreed - I thought GWB was pretty dim and was ashamed he was a fellow Harvard Business School alum, but at least he meant well. DT is a mean, stupid, ignorant, destructive bully, surrounding himself with sycophants full of hate who want to throw bombs at everyone. I never thought I'd say this: Dick Cheney would be better than what we have now.
10
I'd love some George, right about now.
2
The NY Times is not alone in repeating the perhaps unwarranted assumption that Flynn was lying to Pence and others.
The possibility should be left open that all those who stated Flynn did not discuss easing of sanctions with the Russian ambassador were part of a larger conspiracy that began during the election.
Flynn, Manafort, Page and perhaps others are known to have had extensive contacts with Russian intelligence operatives in the spring and summer of 2016. Did they conspire with Russians about the targets of hacking and the timing of press releases with the spoils of those hacks?
And most importantly, what and when did candidate Trump know about these relationships? And did he direct Flynn to get word to Putin that sanctions would be lifted?
The possibility should be left open that all those who stated Flynn did not discuss easing of sanctions with the Russian ambassador were part of a larger conspiracy that began during the election.
Flynn, Manafort, Page and perhaps others are known to have had extensive contacts with Russian intelligence operatives in the spring and summer of 2016. Did they conspire with Russians about the targets of hacking and the timing of press releases with the spoils of those hacks?
And most importantly, what and when did candidate Trump know about these relationships? And did he direct Flynn to get word to Putin that sanctions would be lifted?
13
"Mr. Bannon sees the United States headed toward an inevitable confrontation with two adversaries - China and Iran". Is this to be a self-fulfilling prophesy brought on by an esotericist remnant of the 19th century. It's time for pitchforks and torches.
26
Thank you for highlighting the single most chilling line in that article.
14
Beyond all this, I saw the Trudeau/Trunp discussion this afternoon.
Trudeau was intelligent, dignified and diplomatic, whereas Trump never went beyond everything being the greatest, the most tremendous, etc., and all the people who voted for him (he said he had a HUGE majority in the Electoral College) would be very very happy and get exactly what they want.
I saw a Prime Minister standing beside a stupid and mean person badly pretending to be the President of the United States.
Donald J. Trump - the Great Pretender, the Fake President.
Trudeau was intelligent, dignified and diplomatic, whereas Trump never went beyond everything being the greatest, the most tremendous, etc., and all the people who voted for him (he said he had a HUGE majority in the Electoral College) would be very very happy and get exactly what they want.
I saw a Prime Minister standing beside a stupid and mean person badly pretending to be the President of the United States.
Donald J. Trump - the Great Pretender, the Fake President.
41
I heard DT speak on the radio - his ignorance and low-level of intelligence radiate in every sentence he manages to say. He sounds like a slow 2nd grader pretending to be better than he is. What I find truly frightening is that so many Americans still seem to think he is great.
17
Obama was right for firing this "fruit salad" General. I guess Trumpolini loves "Flynn facts."
Impeach Trumpolini now!
Impeach Trumpolini now!
24
And now we read and see pictures on Facebook of Trump running an impromptu NSC crisis meeting in full view and hearing of casual diners in his club restaurant.
25
No more Flynn Facts, Mr. Flynn. I know you were not a West Pointer, but you should look up what the Honor Code was all about.
20
So Trump likes pictures and maps and one-page documents.
I propose we all send Trump coloring books about the founding fathers and principles of the constitution and government. Perhaps the old School House Rock short on how laws are made would be helpfull. Let flood the White House with material designed to accommodate his attention span. I'm thinking 5 to 6 yr old materiaal.Oooo! And a map of the world might be helpful as well. I'm totally serious; we can call it the educate Trump campian! I know I'm facetious, but it's all got, after reading this depressing article. I'm going on Amazon this very second!
I propose we all send Trump coloring books about the founding fathers and principles of the constitution and government. Perhaps the old School House Rock short on how laws are made would be helpfull. Let flood the White House with material designed to accommodate his attention span. I'm thinking 5 to 6 yr old materiaal.Oooo! And a map of the world might be helpful as well. I'm totally serious; we can call it the educate Trump campian! I know I'm facetious, but it's all got, after reading this depressing article. I'm going on Amazon this very second!
23
Flynn sounds like Iran-Contra all over again. Foreign arms sales to fund a wall, what a great idea...not.
20
How dare this President actually enforce the laws as written! That CanNOT be Cool.
4
L,Osservatore- what are you talking about? That sentence doesn't have any context. Are you speaking in code?
4
DT is a master of "watch the birdie." This is all likely to be water on a duck's back.
4
Jives, not jibes.
No, I think it's good, but here's the bigger issue:
That we both looked it up is reason enough to have gone with "agrees" instead. No sense trying (and failing) to sound hip.
That we both looked it up is reason enough to have gone with "agrees" instead. No sense trying (and failing) to sound hip.
1
A new twist - "Out like Flynn."
15
Brilliant, Jacques...
3
Remember when Admiral Stockdale began a vice presidential debate with the questions, "Who am I? Why am I here?" Every day I ask myself the same thing about our so-called president and his administration -- Who are they? Why are they here?
18
The American vote put these people in charge. Abut time, too.
Flynn would gladly have given up his life for the United States and will make a fine addition to our government. The shock is that such people are now working under a President after eight years of leaders picking and choosing what they dislike the most about the country.
Flynn would gladly have given up his life for the United States and will make a fine addition to our government. The shock is that such people are now working under a President after eight years of leaders picking and choosing what they dislike the most about the country.
4
Please remember, L'Osservatore, that it was a minority of people -- by a significant margin, but somehow in just the right places -- that handed an electoral victory to this undisciplined assemblage.
9
Oh come off it! Flynn's behavior is inappropriate
1
That he had conversations at all is a violation of law and the public trust. What he discussed is immaterial,, wonderful, awful,sanctions,,, anything. That he 'forgets' is absolutely unacceptable.
He should be arrested and prosecuted now. No debate. Air it in courts.
He should be arrested and prosecuted now. No debate. Air it in courts.
22
Fire Flynn; give him his third canning. Here's why: He cannot be trusted.
The man has no sense of decorum, nor a clear understanding that no one died and left him in charge to write new rules of conduct. There's more: The less than fully frank with his superiors Flynn led chants of Lock Her Up in reference to Hillary Clinton. That alone marks him as a someone who doesn't mind being in the mud, when he should be above all of that partisan stuff. An alliance with a loose cannon president doesn't excuse Flynn's chanting like a party hack at the Republican nominating convention. (Later, his less than decorous son would wade deeper into the mud, echoing preposterous assertions of the pizza-place pedophilia that anyone with common sense would not have countenanced.)
And that's not even covering his bile toward Islam. His vituperative denunciations certainly do not echo the Reagan era 'trust but verify' approach applied to our Cold War nemesis, the USSR, which, of course, is now reduced to Putin Russia, whom Flynn apparently trusts, without needing the verify part.
Problems abound with Gen. Flynn. It almost seems like he didn't care that he could be tracked talking to the Russians before he had the green light. It seems like Flynn presumed the new chaotic, bull in a china shop approach order of Trump Brand Oval Office Inc. meant he could freelance his own approach.
Because of all that, Flynn needs to be flung back to where he came from: the sidelines.
The man has no sense of decorum, nor a clear understanding that no one died and left him in charge to write new rules of conduct. There's more: The less than fully frank with his superiors Flynn led chants of Lock Her Up in reference to Hillary Clinton. That alone marks him as a someone who doesn't mind being in the mud, when he should be above all of that partisan stuff. An alliance with a loose cannon president doesn't excuse Flynn's chanting like a party hack at the Republican nominating convention. (Later, his less than decorous son would wade deeper into the mud, echoing preposterous assertions of the pizza-place pedophilia that anyone with common sense would not have countenanced.)
And that's not even covering his bile toward Islam. His vituperative denunciations certainly do not echo the Reagan era 'trust but verify' approach applied to our Cold War nemesis, the USSR, which, of course, is now reduced to Putin Russia, whom Flynn apparently trusts, without needing the verify part.
Problems abound with Gen. Flynn. It almost seems like he didn't care that he could be tracked talking to the Russians before he had the green light. It seems like Flynn presumed the new chaotic, bull in a china shop approach order of Trump Brand Oval Office Inc. meant he could freelance his own approach.
Because of all that, Flynn needs to be flung back to where he came from: the sidelines.
27
Don't believe for a second that this is just about Flynn - an isolated incident or mistakes made by one man. Didn't believe Pence's defense of Flynn in December or Trump's professed ignorance of Flynn's conversatins with the Russian ambassador now.
Clearly Flynn is being offered up as a sacrificial lamb to excuse the entire campaign for ongoing cahoots with Putin and the theft of this election.
Clearly Flynn is being offered up as a sacrificial lamb to excuse the entire campaign for ongoing cahoots with Putin and the theft of this election.
2
Does Flynn have early onset Alzheimer's? He cannot remember what he said to perhaps the most important head of state we deal with only a few months ago?
27
Truly. Just tell him he already served and put him in the Rubber Room and get another candidate Donald. He apparently wont even know the difference.
3
I'm grateful to General Flynn for his military service to our country. But his re-tweeting a fake news story during the campaign about Hillary Clinton running a child prostitution ring, his "lock her up" speech at the convention, his phone calls to the Russians before taking office, and now the possibility he lied about them....all show a pattern of behavior that is unbecoming an officer. He needs to step down.
32
Remember the film, King of Hearts?
Terrific flick-it's about how the inmates rule the asylum.
Why would some of us think of that?
Terrific flick-it's about how the inmates rule the asylum.
Why would some of us think of that?
9
Trump's administration collaborated w/ Russia throughout presidential campaign. Perhaps the NYTimes should be covering this.
25
2018 cannot come soon enough. This is how the Taliban got elected because the people of Afghanistan wanted peace and stability so they elected strongmen to do the job their elected officials couldn't do. Are we any better? Our republican congress is complicit and willingly blind. We elect them because we think they will give us tax breaks or be more accountable...but they are criminals and liars and frauds.
Get your id's updated people...you are gonna need them.
Get your id's updated people...you are gonna need them.
20
"The President likes maps."
I doubt it. The last time he saw a map was likely in middle-school when he paid the class nerd to do his geography homework.
If you gave him a outline map of the Uurasian continent I doubt he could pencil much beyond England and Italy (the shape is a dead give-away . .and, of course, Russia
I doubt it. The last time he saw a map was likely in middle-school when he paid the class nerd to do his geography homework.
If you gave him a outline map of the Uurasian continent I doubt he could pencil much beyond England and Italy (the shape is a dead give-away . .and, of course, Russia
14
A year from now? How about a month.!?
8
Week four and the Trumpian debacle continues to barrel along its path of ultimate destruction
13
Trump, unlike Bush and Obama, is constantly evaluating and reevaluating personnel, and is prepared to make changes as warranted. He likes high-performers.
1
Really?? ....DeVos, Flynn, Carson (maybe)
If Trump asked to jump off a bridge, would you?
Wake up!
If Trump asked to jump off a bridge, would you?
Wake up!
16
Performing what, exactly?
12
@ED
DJT likes lots of maps and graphs with one page summary briefing. My hypotheses is that he has ADHD or unable comprehend an english report with a juvenile mind, six pages and single space briefing which takes tremendous (he likes this word a lot) focus and discipline to read. No wonder he likes to tweet without the constraint of grammar and more importantly, his so called Executive Orders are all over the place without consulting someone else. His picks are not high performers, especially Flynn.
DJT likes lots of maps and graphs with one page summary briefing. My hypotheses is that he has ADHD or unable comprehend an english report with a juvenile mind, six pages and single space briefing which takes tremendous (he likes this word a lot) focus and discipline to read. No wonder he likes to tweet without the constraint of grammar and more importantly, his so called Executive Orders are all over the place without consulting someone else. His picks are not high performers, especially Flynn.
1
as long as GOP led Congress gets to pass tax cuts for the wealthy, chop off support programs for the poor and needy, spend more money on the military industry, gut the EPA and kill any meaningful response to climate change... what the hell they care if the rest of the country and the world goes ape-nuts led by apocalypse-loving right hand men of this prez. by the time those poor blue class voters who voted for trump wake and realize they have been thoroughly had, congress GOPers and their handlers and trump's family will have long gone the banks laughing. this administration is a mash up of the utterly shameless greedy anf the utterly nutty.
13
Putin must be so happy.
18
Yes, Putin successfully got the world's oligarchs together so that they could destaballize and weaken the United States of America. Great job, Putie!
6
"Turmoil from the top down" is what we're getting in general from Trump and his catastrophic mis-administration. The sooner we get rid of him and his gang -- legally, constitutionally, without violence -- the better for our USA and all life on Planet Earth.
20
Please allow me to quote from my book, "The Best Faux Quotes Of Abe Lincoln" in regard to matters of confusion in the Trump administration:
"To my esteemed friends, I give you my enemies, who are yourselves."
"To my esteemed friends, I give you my enemies, who are yourselves."
4
It seems to me that a dysfunctional NSC is a larger threat to national security than letting immigrants in from countries whose immigrants up until now have posed no threat to us.
32
Yes, it's really scary that because of the dishonesty and incompetence of the Trump Administration we are much more vulnerable to attack than before he was elected.
7
Flynn is another conspiracy theorist - he was retweeting complete nonsense about Clinton and some pizza place being some hell hole of child abuse.
He was hollering Lock Her Up at a major party's Presidential convention. He is the clearest case of a genuine nut job that the GOP has run by the American public in a long time. Now we find out he was being a freelancer with Putin while Obama was POTUS?? This is unbelievable. What will it take.
Please stop indulging these idiots. Get him out of there.
He was hollering Lock Her Up at a major party's Presidential convention. He is the clearest case of a genuine nut job that the GOP has run by the American public in a long time. Now we find out he was being a freelancer with Putin while Obama was POTUS?? This is unbelievable. What will it take.
Please stop indulging these idiots. Get him out of there.
32
He's a high grass snake, that's what he is.
12
Or, low class fake
12
Trump is reluctant to get rid of Michael Flynn, because he - as most dictators - puts loyalty ahead of merits. Flynn was fired by Obama in 2014 over disagreements, in Trump he saw someone who could bring him in from the cold. He formed a private consulting firm, and became a partner of Brainwave Science in Spring 2016, a controversial technology company co-run by a man once convicted of trying to sell stolen biotech material to the Russian KGB - according to Bloomberg. Flynn said he later ended his cooperation with Brainwave. But he has had strong ties with "Russia Today" - a TV channel backed by the Kremlin. Even if Trump doesn't have direct contact with Russia, Flynn is his conduit.
18
Mike Flynn was part of the Putin cyber-war against Democratic candidate H.Clinton. Flynn pushed the crazy conspiracy theories of A. Jones and Steve Bannon, the Bretbart conspiracy theorist and scandalmonger who now runs Trump’s trickster-media as Trump's chief strategic adviser with his rabid right-wing side-kick Steve Miller. Opportunistic traitor Flynn should NEVER be given a security clearance.
18
Trump is one of the last people on our planet I would choose to respond to the erratic thug rattling missiles from North Korea.
11
Samantha Bee was correct, our new president can barely read, and doesn't like to, preferring pictures.
uh...
"part of his genius, 'a picture [being] worth a thousand words'."
gag me.
uh...
"part of his genius, 'a picture [being] worth a thousand words'."
gag me.
19
Obviously he didn't talk to those guys of his own initiative, the not yet president no doubt told him to make as much contact as possible, hence Flynn's not yet rolled head.
4
Mr. Trump during the campaign has called so many accomplished government servants "losers". So early into his presidency there are already rumors that Chief of Staff is over his head, Michael Flynn is on thin ice etc. It is very easy to criticize (in this case viciously) outside looking in.
6
We can't allow Flynn to be made the scapegoat. There is only one possible reason he would be talking to the Russians: because Trump told him to. We need to follow this lead back to our Prevaricator-in-Chief.
24
It's amateur hour in the executive branch. So SAD!
11
This article is frightening. The Trump administration is seemingly populated with misfits starting with the President. The organization is functionally incompetent apparently. The mistakes to be made with this mix are many. I am sure previous admins had their problems similar in some degree to this one. The difference is guy at the top of the pyramid. His prized unpredictability is good for a sporting event, poorly conceived for running our government.
14
Yet another harrowing example of the difference between administrations past and the current one. Simply put, there is a profound difference between being a bad driver, and simply not knowing how to drive. This dunce upon a time knows only the accelerator, speeds through stop signs, and refuses to ever yield the right of way. When you don't even know what a turn signal is, or how to operate your headlights, you do not know how to drive. Trump's presence on the road endangers us all, and the keys need to be revoked as quickly as possible.
10
Trump is WINNING! I love how he is taking it to Democrats and there is nothing they can do.This warms my heart that the lefties are rioting.. Just shows the American people how out of touch they really are.
2
Then why are you all still so hysterical!
2
you mean just how out of touch the americans who voted for Trump are?
3
What is he winning? This isn't a game mags, no one's out of touch, this fool affects U.S. ALL.
15
"Two officials said that at one recent meeting, there was talk of feeding suggested Twitter posts to the president so the council’s staff would have greater influence."
Holy mackerel, are they training a dog or advising the president of the United States?
I'll never understand the need of people to 'shake things up' by getting an outsider who is so far outside that he has no idea what he's doing. If you didn't like your last cataract surgery are you going to get a plumber to do your next one? Why not have your eye doctor fix your drain while you're at it? We now have someone whose best accomplishment at life is taking dear old dad's inheritance and using it to be a grifter. He's swindled a huge swath of the American electorate and now we ALL have to pay for his schemes.
Flynn lied to Pence. Flynn has probably violated the Logan Act. Flynn should be out already. Why isn't he? I'll bet you because Flynn knows too much. If he's had communications with Russia since before the election then there is every chance that he brokered some sort of deal with Putin to interfere with the election in Trump's favor in return for Trump's cooperation afterward. (Why else would Trump be so reticent in speaking out against Russia?) So, now we're stuck with Flynn, a hothead conspiracy theorist with no experience and poor judgement.
Can't wait till the first great disaster comes along that requires a cool head and steady hands.
Holy mackerel, are they training a dog or advising the president of the United States?
I'll never understand the need of people to 'shake things up' by getting an outsider who is so far outside that he has no idea what he's doing. If you didn't like your last cataract surgery are you going to get a plumber to do your next one? Why not have your eye doctor fix your drain while you're at it? We now have someone whose best accomplishment at life is taking dear old dad's inheritance and using it to be a grifter. He's swindled a huge swath of the American electorate and now we ALL have to pay for his schemes.
Flynn lied to Pence. Flynn has probably violated the Logan Act. Flynn should be out already. Why isn't he? I'll bet you because Flynn knows too much. If he's had communications with Russia since before the election then there is every chance that he brokered some sort of deal with Putin to interfere with the election in Trump's favor in return for Trump's cooperation afterward. (Why else would Trump be so reticent in speaking out against Russia?) So, now we're stuck with Flynn, a hothead conspiracy theorist with no experience and poor judgement.
Can't wait till the first great disaster comes along that requires a cool head and steady hands.
19
Pence lied for Flynn. Flynn got caught. Pence had no choice but to throw the hot potato back at Flynn.
1
Officials at town halls, and the few who show up to work 2 weeks straight because of all the time they take off, need to let the country know why taxpayers are paying salaries of staff such as Conway, Miller, Flynn, and "assistants-to-nowhere." If a grown man, in a government position, has to be told not to discuss classified information with dinner guests and listening staff, then heaven help us all. The next, big protest march needs to be over in McConnell's Kentucky and Ryan's Wisconsin, along with the chant, "Hey stupid, fix this."
9
Mike Flynn should be fired by POTUS. Also agree with the WI reader comment below that behind these distractions, policies are made by Trump & team that adversely affect all Americans. POTUS is using the same strategy he used in business - chaos, obfuscation, lawsuits that drag on forever, keep everyone guessing. We all need to get in front of this with a good strategy.
8
I, too, "wonder if we'll be here a year from now."
10
Sorry for the OT comment, but I'm stunned. The NY Times has given major coverage of President Trump's encounter with every national leader he has met or talked with so far. Except for Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, whose visit today gets one mention, under the smallest possible headline, on the Times homepage.
What is the Times saying about how it sees Canada's importance in the scheme of things? This is an incredible snub of Canada's leadership and of the many Canadians who subscribe to the Times.
What is the Times saying about how it sees Canada's importance in the scheme of things? This is an incredible snub of Canada's leadership and of the many Canadians who subscribe to the Times.
5
Has it occurred to you to wait a few hours until there is some news about the meeting to report on?
5
It's Canada, no one cares. Trudeau's getting his dirty oil dragged through our heartland, so y'all are all set.
2
Count your blessings, Trump and Trudeau don't belong in the same sentence together. Best they continue to report on the thugs he keeps company with. We'll need the help of our neighbors to the north when it comes time to clean up this utter fiasco.
7
This is a guy who trades in conspiracy theories and has loose relationship with the truth. He has mislead the Vice President and seems most certainly to have a questionable relationship with Russia and it's leaders. It makes literally no sense that the administration has remained silent and is moving so slowly which only gives legs to all the speculation.
8
Steven Miller, the administration spokesperson who did the rounds on the talk shows on Sunday, sounded to me like a flat out fascist with some of the remarks he made. He fits right in with the administration mold. Bannon, who seems to be the chief administration ideologue - to the extent there is any ideology at all - must have been thrilled. Trump, a man ensconsed in narcissism, arrogance and duplicity, must have been thrilled also. If we had a normal President, Miller would be fired immediately, but not with Trump. We have a very sick administration.
21
Shocking, just shocking. That's all I can say. We're being governed by beginners and led by someone who is mentally ill!
23
Are we forgetting that Flynn knows all about the Trump/Putin connection? How can he be let go if he has all of the knowledge necessary to bring the whole Trump disaster to a screeching halt? We will be able to tell if this is the case shortly. Let us not forget that some intelligence assets now believe that the "35 page dossier" is accurate, in part. More to come on that front and, of course, Flynn is just the tip of the iceberg. Nothing that Trump does is of any significance until the intel on the relationship with Russia becomes public. He is in a holding pattern whether he knows it or not.
8
Who actually makes the final decision over whether Michael T. Flynn stays or goes? Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin?
13
Of course Putin will make the decision! Then his little lapdog Trump will do as he's told, while making a duckface and pretending to be a "strong leader".
7
Sometimes I wonder whether Trump has actually been hypnotized or "brainwashed" by Putin. He seems somewhat programmed.
5
I think Putin has his very own Muppet thing going on in the White House.
1
Just what we need to protect ourselves against terrorism, turmoil at the NSA.
10
As a wise person once said, if it smells like treason, it just might be.
Meaning that treason is quite rare, so its distinct odor is not something one dismisses.
That odor stems in part from the loudest, most glaring of circumstantial evidence—in this case silence: Trump's history of abject silence about Russia.
Just strange. And smelly.
Meaning that treason is quite rare, so its distinct odor is not something one dismisses.
That odor stems in part from the loudest, most glaring of circumstantial evidence—in this case silence: Trump's history of abject silence about Russia.
Just strange. And smelly.
17
A fish starts to rot from the head .
11
Hillary Clinton's emails are chickenfeed compared to the telephone transcripts between Michael Flynn and the Russian Ambassador. Release them to the public forthwith!
30
"Tell me who you walk with and I'll tell you who you are!" Cervantes
The focus should be on Russia. Why did Russia hack our presidential election? Why did Russia/Putin work very hard to get Trump elected? Follow the money from Russian oligarchs to Trump; take a hard look at Trump's inner circle and their connections to Russia: Bannon, Carter Page, Roger Stone, Michael T Flynn and our EXXON SOS! A good starting point would be Trump's tax returns!
The focus should be on Russia. Why did Russia hack our presidential election? Why did Russia/Putin work very hard to get Trump elected? Follow the money from Russian oligarchs to Trump; take a hard look at Trump's inner circle and their connections to Russia: Bannon, Carter Page, Roger Stone, Michael T Flynn and our EXXON SOS! A good starting point would be Trump's tax returns!
18
The president knew about Flynn's situation and lied to the public by playing dumb. Just my opinion. The folks involved with this administration don't seem to have a problem lying to advance their agenda(s).
13
….this delay on any action makes one wonder what Flynn has on Trump or is Trump’s tough management personae just so much wind like everything else he does?….
10
All I can say is that I don't know what Putin is hanging over Trump's head as blackmail, but it must be a humdinger! What I want to know is when are the telephone transcripts between Michael Flynn and the Russian ambassador going to be released? The public has a right to know exactly what was said between these two men.
17
I bet the markets have already adjusted to his sedition and are wondering when he will start handing out the military contracts to contain our anger over his overreaching.
2
The transcripts will be released at the same time as Trump's tax returns.
5
Donnie's Security Council sounds like they are having the same problems with him as many of the rest of us. I wake up in the morning and try to make sense of his Tweets, too. Because of what Bannon or Miller may do, they fear for their jobs ... in this unstable world, I fear for my life.
10
Compared to Trump and his gang of happy clapping hangers-on the Adams Family look positively normal,
8
So now we have foreign policy being made by Twitter posts and single sheet pieces of paper with maps drawn on them.
Be afraid, be very afraid. (God knows I am).
Be afraid, be very afraid. (God knows I am).
15
Did Flynn get dressed in the dark? Really?? Brown shoes with a black suit.
3
That happens when one cannot guess how the boss wants them to dress.
5
Does Trump have a line of brown shoes?
4
Trump is learning what Flynn's former colleagues meant by "Flynn Facts".
16
Is this an alternative to Kelly Anne's line of lying?
Do we understand her husband is in line to argue cases before the SCOTUS on behalf of the president because the previous appointee says it's too hard to get passed the Dems. REALLY??
One liar to another, that's a win for Kelly Anne's share in this ham sandwich.
Do we understand her husband is in line to argue cases before the SCOTUS on behalf of the president because the previous appointee says it's too hard to get passed the Dems. REALLY??
One liar to another, that's a win for Kelly Anne's share in this ham sandwich.
5
Richard -- you've already said this exact same thing here.
You are reduced to this?
And then as to a " a flailing NSC, imperfectly integrated with a president " ...
Why is the NSC "flailing," hmmm? It wasn't doing so under Obama.
And as to "integrated with the President" ... you think the NSC is some sort of borg-clone with the President? Really?
You are reduced to this?
And then as to a " a flailing NSC, imperfectly integrated with a president " ...
Why is the NSC "flailing," hmmm? It wasn't doing so under Obama.
And as to "integrated with the President" ... you think the NSC is some sort of borg-clone with the President? Really?
5
Flynn should be gone, it's a no brainer..can't be trusted for any number of reasons..start with he was actually asked to leave the DIA unable to constrain himself and be a team player inside the playbook of the Obama Admin.
Which in just about every mother and father in Americas heart, whose sons/daughters who serve, are safer. This supposed incredibly insightful "warrior" did not understand his role in serving superior officers/officials knowing full well that these people (including himself) serve at the "pleasure" and behest of the POTUS. Now in hopes that he, along with "BannO Boy" and "Moronic Miller"" can finally cure their version of Americas ills. And to h_ll with what much smarter and more patriotic people think.
Which in just about every mother and father in Americas heart, whose sons/daughters who serve, are safer. This supposed incredibly insightful "warrior" did not understand his role in serving superior officers/officials knowing full well that these people (including himself) serve at the "pleasure" and behest of the POTUS. Now in hopes that he, along with "BannO Boy" and "Moronic Miller"" can finally cure their version of Americas ills. And to h_ll with what much smarter and more patriotic people think.
4
This NSC won't be there in a year. But neither will Trump. Even if he doesn't trip the triggers to get impeached, the fact that being President is actual work will lead him to resign.
8
Pence will be much worse than Trump because he is complicit and can be purchased. Trump thinks of his kids and their future and his legacy. I do think that he be pulled back from the brink...but Pence will march us al right off the cliff. Pence is a religious zealot
7
Pence is worse than Trump because just like Paul Ryan, he truly enjoys hurting people.
Trump couldn't spell "legacy" much less care about what it means.
Trump couldn't spell "legacy" much less care about what it means.
4
As others have said, what did the so-called president and vice-president know and when did they know it?
13
When Steven Miller speaks all I see are brown shirts and jack boots
21
This is a truly frightening look at the internal workings of the NSC:
-NSC principal Steve Bannon terming conflict with China and Iran as inevitable.
-NSC staff endeavoring to make policy on the basis of the president's tweets.
-Speaking times at meetings constrained by practices from TV news.
-Memos for the president reduced to one page, including maps and graphics.
The Trump administration appears incapable of sophisticated thought or analysis. This president appears incapable of managing the requirements of his office.
-NSC principal Steve Bannon terming conflict with China and Iran as inevitable.
-NSC staff endeavoring to make policy on the basis of the president's tweets.
-Speaking times at meetings constrained by practices from TV news.
-Memos for the president reduced to one page, including maps and graphics.
The Trump administration appears incapable of sophisticated thought or analysis. This president appears incapable of managing the requirements of his office.
17
When Hillary retold the story that she had been told, that the Benghazi attack was based on a video, the Republicans wanted to hang her, even though when she learned the truth she shared that as well. Mr. Pence was on news programs lying to the American Public about these secret conversations Flynn was having, where is the lynch crowd now?
34
Not endorsing any one position here. Just trying to understand what Trump and his administration is trying to do with its emphasis on military rather than diplomatic approaches. It appears given what Trump campaigned on and his blunt approach to every issue that he is determined to have his way and to implement his vision of America on the world. Well, that isn't going to happen through diplomatic niceties alone according to his belief. He needs his own version of "speak softly and carry a big stick" though he is hardly quiet about his intentions and the big stick is his build up of American military resources. For nearly a decade, the Eisenhower administration was able to carry out foreign policy and impose America's vision upon the world because it had nuclear weapons in the background serving as an implied threat. It appears Trump is arming himself first before going into negotiations with countries like China and Iran. He knows full well they will not roll over to his demands unless he can back them up with a big stick. It reminds me of the Godfather''s approach to negotiations when Vito Corrleone advised to "make him an offer he can't refuse."
1
Trump found that not knowing the facts allowed him to make assertions without knowing if there were any real facts to back them up. It worked on his gaining the confidence of 47% of the electorate and winning the Presidency. So why would he change his methods? Remember that as clueless and half mad the notions coming from his closest advisors, they helped elect Trump. The simple observation is that when the President and his administration do things, it's not enough to impress their fans, it must actually work in the real world with all the people who are not their fans. It has not sunk in quite yet with Trump and his advisors that the time for 'alt - facts' is not, now, that they had better deal with reality or events will overtake them in very unexpected ways.
8
Common, they're the mean girls in school. So who cares? Dah.
3
Trump will always blame his incompetency on others. Flynn was probably not acting on his own.
12
This is Watergate with a new twist. The question now is who will replace pence and will trump resigned or face the impeachment. Either way it is time for the circus to leave town.
15
"Staff members are struggling to make policy that jibes with President Trump’s Twitter posts,.." Really. Most of us want the locker-room, twitter posts to stop. However, the idea that national policy is set by staff to fit twitter posts sounds like NYT hoopla.
Sounds reasonable to me... they understand that a Trump has the attention span and literary capacity of a gnat and they have come to terms with these realities and are adjusting. Sounds plausible to be given that he clearly is a regurgitation without an original thought and they might as well take there chance at competing with morning news cast sound bites...
1
"From the Top Down"
When you have CRAZY at the top, then, by definition, all the "appointments" - which can be fired at will - are fraught with "crazy making."
Switching the deck chairs will not make this ship float. A clean sweep, starting at the top, is the only solution.
When you have CRAZY at the top, then, by definition, all the "appointments" - which can be fired at will - are fraught with "crazy making."
Switching the deck chairs will not make this ship float. A clean sweep, starting at the top, is the only solution.
9
I am so depressed and distressed. This new administration is an abysmal failure and I see all of our institutions and practices being torn asunder or threatened. I am afraid of the huge amount of damage that will be done nationally and internationally. I see little hope for Republican solutions that help anyone but the wealthy, white males.
I am and will continue to resist and take positive action, but I am really worried about our future.
Sorry for the downer.
I am and will continue to resist and take positive action, but I am really worried about our future.
Sorry for the downer.
9
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...
7
People on or working for the NSC should not take tweets as policy or even guidance for setting policy.
Although if I were in their shoes I can see how it would be tempting to look to tweets for guidance, especially in the absence of clear directives from my chain of command. Still, it seems to me to be bad policy to set policy by tweets.
Although if I were in their shoes I can see how it would be tempting to look to tweets for guidance, especially in the absence of clear directives from my chain of command. Still, it seems to me to be bad policy to set policy by tweets.
5
Ya think?
3
I am still waiting for Trump's Tax Returns - let NYT and the rest of the media focus on that. To paraphrase Trump - please hack the so-called President's tax returns please, in order to get real clarity about him. Focus, focus!!!
21
Folks at the NSC: if you want to keep up with Trump's loose-cannon shots on policy, you'd better just sign up to Twitter and follow your boss's twits, er I mean tweets. Then at least you'l know as little as everyone else around him but you'll know it at about the same time. Sorry guys but when you kiss the ring of a toad, he doesn't always turn into a Prince.
4
Don't blame Flynn, Bannon, Miller, Spicer or Kellyanne.
It's the boss. The clueless, narcissistic, boss - Trump.
That is the guy responsible and the guy who HAS to go.
It's the boss. The clueless, narcissistic, boss - Trump.
That is the guy responsible and the guy who HAS to go.
11
So, "GULP", they were just following orders?
Yikes!!!
Yikes!!!
12
Holy - the gang that couldn't shoot straight! What a gaggle of incompetents and hairballs.
12
This is bigger than the NSC.
Let's take a cue from Donald about common sense: Donald ran a pretty sleazy campaign. He hired people with direct social, professional and financial connections with Russia, not once, but three times or more.
Our intel people -- and the Russians -- say they were talking during the campaign, including DNC hacking, Donald's invitation to hack Hillary's private emails, concluding with Mr. Flynn's discussion of sanctions before the inauguration. That last was emphatically denied by Priebus, Spicer and the vice president.
Now we are supposed to believe Donald knew nothing about anything and Flynn lied to everybody. Right.
Common sense tells me they were all in on it for months. They got caught.
Working with a foreign government to throw a national election is espionage.
Innocent or guilty? Our intelligence community has the information. The public needs to know.
37
Lock him up!!
17
Yes, Flynn must go. But who ordered Flynn to make those calls . . . . Our democracy depends on us asking the harder, and bigger questions-- why did Flynn do this and at whose bidding? I suspect the answer will be Trump.
10
The most obvious pas de duex since Putin's horse threw a shoe. Trump could not resist telling everyone how he and Puti pulled it off together. So "smart."
4
Flynn being "dismissed"? What about indicted on treason?
16
Lock Him Up.
12
The "old" Logan Act has not been enforced in the past because it DIDN'T NEED TO BE. Who would have thought anyone in a position of such power as Flynn would even CONSIDER violating it? We must enforce it now, or give up trying to enforce ANY laws intended to keep our government accountable. Trump and his cronies believe "rules" of any sort simply don't apply to them.
11
Does anyone now if there are any private rights if action associated with the Logan Act!
Running government is different than running a business. This new administration is incompetent. I fear for our lives
10
Thanks for nothing Trump voters. I blame you for the mess we're in.
Trump was honest during his campaign. His boorish behavior and radical ideas were evident throughout the campaign but you chose not to take him at his word. It was not just political rhetoric. You thought that by some miracle, you would get an effective person in the WH despite all the evidence to the contrary including multiple bankruptcies due to incompetence and cheating everyone he did business with. All the facts were in plain sight as to what type of idiot president we would get- including the fact that Putin wanted this fool in the WH. You decided to ignore his sexual predators and that Bannon is a white supremacist. You probably approve of white supremacy but don't know enough about history to be afraid of how that turned out in Nazi Germany.
But you chose to ignore all the evidence that was obvious to anyone that chose to look at the facts and not be caught up in their own willful ignorance.
The sad irony is that many of you are already figuring out you were duped and this so called president will do much more harm before eventually being impeached. You will not be able to trust your food sources, breathe the air or drink the water- in addition to trade wars, shooting wars, etc.
Hope you're happy.
Trump was honest during his campaign. His boorish behavior and radical ideas were evident throughout the campaign but you chose not to take him at his word. It was not just political rhetoric. You thought that by some miracle, you would get an effective person in the WH despite all the evidence to the contrary including multiple bankruptcies due to incompetence and cheating everyone he did business with. All the facts were in plain sight as to what type of idiot president we would get- including the fact that Putin wanted this fool in the WH. You decided to ignore his sexual predators and that Bannon is a white supremacist. You probably approve of white supremacy but don't know enough about history to be afraid of how that turned out in Nazi Germany.
But you chose to ignore all the evidence that was obvious to anyone that chose to look at the facts and not be caught up in their own willful ignorance.
The sad irony is that many of you are already figuring out you were duped and this so called president will do much more harm before eventually being impeached. You will not be able to trust your food sources, breathe the air or drink the water- in addition to trade wars, shooting wars, etc.
Hope you're happy.
27
If there are any silver linings for Trump voters it is that all of the migrant farm work will be available to them pretty soon, and they can have all of the avocados and guacamole their hearts' desire if they can afford either - thanks to the inane actions of their anointed leader continually and needlessly kicking our trade partners in the teeth and starting ridiculous kerfuffles. I hope some vestiges of affordable healthcare are still available once these wealth of migrant workers jobs become available because heat strokes and weathered joints and backs don't treat themselves. Well, at least they will all be busy in the fields. This should keep them distracted and their spirits high while their children are off fighting all of the impending wars...
The 62,979,636 Americans that voted for Trump just wanted "a big change in Washington!"
Without any idea of what that change would eventually look like.
How about a global nuclear war? That would be a "big change" wouldn't it Trump voters? And with the nations security in that hands of a bunch of idiotic clowns, you're all a lot more likely to get it.
Oh, Trump is going to "change things" alright. He's going to change this country into something that will barely circle the drain on it's way down.
Without any idea of what that change would eventually look like.
How about a global nuclear war? That would be a "big change" wouldn't it Trump voters? And with the nations security in that hands of a bunch of idiotic clowns, you're all a lot more likely to get it.
Oh, Trump is going to "change things" alright. He's going to change this country into something that will barely circle the drain on it's way down.
26
Hey NY Times, you buried the lede. Looks like President Bannon wants to start a war or two:
"For his part, Mr. Bannon sees the United States as headed toward an inevitable confrontation with two adversaries — China and Iran."
"For his part, Mr. Bannon sees the United States as headed toward an inevitable confrontation with two adversaries — China and Iran."
17
What is to be most important is the evident battling between the White House and various intelligence agency personnel. I have no sense of what this means.
1
It means Trump is like a child king surrounded by competing untitled families after his power and good graces.
7
Trump's silence on this issue raises the question about his possible involvement in the pre-inauguration dialog with Russia.
While this much more serious than hawking shoes at the White House, I fear it will be deal with in the same manner. A slap on the wrist.
While this much more serious than hawking shoes at the White House, I fear it will be deal with in the same manner. A slap on the wrist.
12
Hopefully I am first to say this here...With friends like Trump, who needs enemies? You can't go wrong standing next to the biggest bully on the block. Donald himself is a compulsive provocateur. He is a terribly impatient man in a world ever more demanding of patience. When can we begin the impeachment process?.
12
Or indictment for treason?
3
Sounds awfully like the Trump Taj Mahal Casino - at its best. May God have mercy on our souls!
9
Some comments suggest that it's natural that those who worked "for Obama" would chafe under a Trump administration with very different goals and biases - but this misunderstands the makeup and mission of the NSC. Those working under Obama (and Bush before him) were encouraged to advocate for *whatever* actions they thought best. Yes, the President had to pick and choose, and Obama's political biases meant that he was more likely to find arguments for nuclear negotiation with Iran compelling than he was arguments for militarism in the same theater (for example). But this simply does not mean that the best arguments for the latter case were unacceptable. The NSC is traditionally an internally-transparent, expertise-driven agency which is open to (internal) suggestion and disagreement from all sides. This is how it has been used by Presidents of both parties. At its best, this encourages constructive debate and productive interactions where one person's idea or concern prompts another set of concerns brought by somebody with expertise in a different field.
Now the NSC has rapidly turned reclusive, secretive, and frightened. Ideas do not build on one another, but are rather stifled in a climate of political nervousness and ideological testing. Where before Presidents have wanted to hear the best case for any opinion or course of action, it appears that Mr. Trump just wants to hear his predetermined position applauded by experts who can give it the sheen of respectability. Scary.
Now the NSC has rapidly turned reclusive, secretive, and frightened. Ideas do not build on one another, but are rather stifled in a climate of political nervousness and ideological testing. Where before Presidents have wanted to hear the best case for any opinion or course of action, it appears that Mr. Trump just wants to hear his predetermined position applauded by experts who can give it the sheen of respectability. Scary.
14
Sally,
Haven't we all had friends like that? She'll ask you what you 'honestly' think; when in reality she really only wants you to agree with her. Worse yet, if you don't support her position, she'll turn on you and use the constructive criticism she purportedly asked for against you.
On more than one occasion, I've had to axe that type of toxic 'friendship.' It's exhausting. You can never win. You can only lose. The only difference is now that I'm older, I don't wait nearly as long to end the relationship.
I'm not sure if I feel sorry for or disgusted by people who can't see their way to (figuratively) blocking Mr. Trump's calls and texts. It's tough, I know; but sometimes you just have to tell yourself - it's over.
Haven't we all had friends like that? She'll ask you what you 'honestly' think; when in reality she really only wants you to agree with her. Worse yet, if you don't support her position, she'll turn on you and use the constructive criticism she purportedly asked for against you.
On more than one occasion, I've had to axe that type of toxic 'friendship.' It's exhausting. You can never win. You can only lose. The only difference is now that I'm older, I don't wait nearly as long to end the relationship.
I'm not sure if I feel sorry for or disgusted by people who can't see their way to (figuratively) blocking Mr. Trump's calls and texts. It's tough, I know; but sometimes you just have to tell yourself - it's over.
4
Trump's so-called presidency is a hot mess.
11
The NSC created under President Truman in 1947 which was about the time the standard US introduced the standard 525 lines TV in 1941. Since then TV programs were much broadened to include wars, diplomacy, and governance. Given our so-called president trump has admitted he learned lots of lessons from watching TV programs I fail to see the relevance of an NSC under him. When you know everything, or you think you know everything, why would you need any advises other people to fetch you your cup of coffee? I think he is smart to keep the NSC because it increases the number of employed people. After all he is against outsourcing jobs and I assume that includes outsourcing to Russia.
1
And the biggest smoking gun of all--how likely is it that Flynn discussed plans for a Russian inspired October surprise, say in the form of inflammatory leaked anti-Clinton emails...?
4
As one circus retires, another takes its place—the Trump Family and Friends Three-Ring Circus. Tickets are only $500 but free with purchase of an Ivanka dress or bracelet (merch sold at the door by Kellyanne Conway).
It's Spicer in one ring, Miller in the second, and Priebus in the third. The Grand Masters of Ceremonies are the one and only white supremacist Steve Bannon, most famous for reviving a surge of hate crimes across the U.S. and authoring botched executive orders from the Oval Office, and the notorious hacker Vladimir Putin, most famous for the first theft of a U.S. election by a foreign entity. The performers—Flynn, Kushner, de Vos, Sessions, Ryan, O'Connell, Chafetz, et. al.—famously do their acts of faster and faster running in circles. Head clown Donald Trump does magic tricks, getting his audience to see one thing but believe another. Head-clown-in-waiting Pence smirks and bobs his head at everything the head clown says.
The good news is the show won’t last. Not soon enough, the Trump Circus will load up the caravan and move their tents to Russia. Turns out, the whole thing was just a nasty prank from the universe to remind us how precious our democracy is and that, in the USA, love and kindness will ultimately defeat hate and intolerance.
It's Spicer in one ring, Miller in the second, and Priebus in the third. The Grand Masters of Ceremonies are the one and only white supremacist Steve Bannon, most famous for reviving a surge of hate crimes across the U.S. and authoring botched executive orders from the Oval Office, and the notorious hacker Vladimir Putin, most famous for the first theft of a U.S. election by a foreign entity. The performers—Flynn, Kushner, de Vos, Sessions, Ryan, O'Connell, Chafetz, et. al.—famously do their acts of faster and faster running in circles. Head clown Donald Trump does magic tricks, getting his audience to see one thing but believe another. Head-clown-in-waiting Pence smirks and bobs his head at everything the head clown says.
The good news is the show won’t last. Not soon enough, the Trump Circus will load up the caravan and move their tents to Russia. Turns out, the whole thing was just a nasty prank from the universe to remind us how precious our democracy is and that, in the USA, love and kindness will ultimately defeat hate and intolerance.
11
Folks, it's all going to be just fine. Ivanka just released a line of designer radiation suits, and KellyAnne is wearing one right now on Fox News.
10
Woud somebody please explain to me what the big deal is about. Natioanl Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn may have "misled" Vice President Mike Pence about Flynn's chats wiith the Russian ambassador. For an election campaign and presidency built on a mountain of lies, fabrications and falsehoods, this apparent fib is a non-issue. It is actually par for the course. Just ask the greenkeeper in chief occupying the Oval Office right now might say.
2
The lack of tweets on this issue is telling. No 3am rants about fake news, the NY Times, lies, etc.
9
I'm sure Putin is a busy man. Maybe he has been hard to reach.
3
" . . . council staff members are now being told to keep [policy option] papers to a single page, with lots of graphics and maps."
Perhaps a cartoonist should be brought on board to provide the president with policy option papers in comic book format.
Perhaps a cartoonist should be brought on board to provide the president with policy option papers in comic book format.
14
How much longer do we have to endure this inept confusion..??....There's an issue with nearly all the administration...when is enough enough..??...In the future...besides making it mandatory to reveal your taxes ...and a medical evaluation...the next Presidential nominee needs to undergo psychological testing....we can't go through this again...oh how I wish we could deal with Hillary and her emails....or even feel the Bern....anything but this nightmare !! Don't blame me ...I didn't vote for Humpty Trumpty !! Let's start the impeachment...please !!!
5
What did Trump and Pence know and when did they know it?
7
If Pence lied to cover for Trump telling Flynn to ask Putin to restrain his reaction to the sanctions, then he's worse a liar than the BOTH of them. Perversion of justice, AKA obstruction. He lied because he knew what they had done was already illegal!! Otherwise, why lie?
4
Wow. I feel safer already. Not. Impeach the POTUS, now. No thought, no sense, no security.
4
And impeach Pence too. We need a new election.
5
Recalling Trump's answer to a debate question regarding the recession.....his bravura brava-ed "I made a lot of money during the recession....." I can't get that out of my head! I want to see his tax returns.....!
8
Richard Nixon had his White House Plumbers to identify and plug the leaks, what will Donald Trump name his crew?
Answer below:_____________________
Answer below:_____________________
2
Why is the Times so focused on the 'turmoil' and not covering Trump's historic meetings with Japan's and Canada's PMs?
2
They can do both at the same time, so you need to adjust your perception to reality.
1
Haven't you heard? The NYT is still calling Michel Brown "an unarmed teenager murdered by a white police officer." This newspaper has become nothing but a mouthpiece for the radical left agenda and reporting of whatever they despise at any given time--and they do not ever cover views which differ from their own.
[Not so] smart [nose] picker - how are these meetings historic? because no one threw up on the Japanese PM?
4
How about extreme vetting him to find out the truth?
8
No, no, no, no, no!
"Time to deep-six the Electoral College once and for all."
You just don't get it, do you? Democratic-candidate supporters argue for "popular vote" to be the decider (always after the election is over) only when the Democratic candidate loses the EC vote but wins the popular vote.
Sometimes it's the other way around. When Hillary Clinton's husband got elected, for example, he got 69% of the EC votes, even though 57% of Americans voted for someone else. Needless to say, no complaints about the EC after THAT election!
"Time to deep-six the Electoral College once and for all."
You just don't get it, do you? Democratic-candidate supporters argue for "popular vote" to be the decider (always after the election is over) only when the Democratic candidate loses the EC vote but wins the popular vote.
Sometimes it's the other way around. When Hillary Clinton's husband got elected, for example, he got 69% of the EC votes, even though 57% of Americans voted for someone else. Needless to say, no complaints about the EC after THAT election!
3
The percentage of the popular vote isn't what matters -- it's who wins the popular vote among those running. Bill Clinton won the popular vote over several opponents, and so did Hillary. As for this ever going the other way (with a Republican winning the popular vote and a Democrat winning the EC), that's just never going to happen. The cities are where the people are, and the cities show no sign of going red for the foreseeable future.
4
But Bill Clinton did get MORE votes than any other candidate; hence he won both the EC and the popular vote. With three candidates running, no one reached 50% that year.
1
"What did the President know and when did he know it?"
13
Isn't this considered treason?
11
Only Americans consider this treason...
4
Yup, he did it, but Trump seditiously helped him to plan it.
3
Flynn can FORGET promises he's made to Putin unless he wants to bask in International Shade. Am I right, Ladies? Who wants a Russian facilitator for an NSA operator? I want Ernestine back!
2
I cannot get the phrase Dead Man Walking out of my head.
8
Every day now reminds us of the words of Abraham Lincoln which are paraphrased here: ....Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether this nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. ...The world will not long remember what we say, but it will never forget what we do .. ..We must highly resolve that that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth..... With the likes of Donald Trump in the White House, we the American people now face a struggle of unprecedented proportion. Every person who cares about the fate of our nation must find a way to join this struggle. If we do not learn from the history of the past century, we will be condemned to repeat it,
6
Wait a minute, Flynn actually did speak with the Russians? Better push replay on the "Voter Fraud" button.
8
Not only did Flynn assure Putin that US sanctions would be lifted when Trump was in office, but Flynn appears to get his news about international affairs from Russia.
As reported by the AP, national security aides to Flynn have been inquiring about Poland's incursion into Belarus.[1] There has been no such incursion.
But Russia want's the public to believe that Poland is threatening Belarus' sovereignty. Radio Poland reports Russia has been playing 'war games' in Belarus as though they are preparing to invade Poland. [2]
This should scare everyone.
[1] https://apnews.com/9a5a5fbbb2ba45b2b9316e1734ec22eb
[2] http://thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/290720,Russia-may-pose-threat-to-Poland-w...
As reported by the AP, national security aides to Flynn have been inquiring about Poland's incursion into Belarus.[1] There has been no such incursion.
But Russia want's the public to believe that Poland is threatening Belarus' sovereignty. Radio Poland reports Russia has been playing 'war games' in Belarus as though they are preparing to invade Poland. [2]
This should scare everyone.
[1] https://apnews.com/9a5a5fbbb2ba45b2b9316e1734ec22eb
[2] http://thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/290720,Russia-may-pose-threat-to-Poland-w...
7
Just one of the many things I find disturbing about all of these shenanigans, is the allegation that Michael Flynn "lied" to VP Pence about the conversation with the Russian ambassador. I suspect a greater deal of collusion among the administration and staff than what is being reported, and perhaps they are looking for Flynn to be a patsy.
To illustrate another example, I'll point out the Senate confirmation hearings for Tillerson as SecofState. He was asked many questions about Russia, which he was vague in answering, but most chilling for me was his response when asked if he had discussed Russia with President Trump. He said "NO". I find it very hard to believe (assuming all parties are being honest), that Donald Trump could interview Tillerson for this position, and Russia never come up, given the massive amount of turmoil around hacking, Russia's involvement in both the Ukraine and Syria, and Tillerson's documented business ties to Russia via Exxon.
Either Trump picked Tillerson without any discussion about actual world affairs and possible challenges as SecofState, and based it on his magnificent head of hair, or they are lying. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but mine is that they are LYING.
To illustrate another example, I'll point out the Senate confirmation hearings for Tillerson as SecofState. He was asked many questions about Russia, which he was vague in answering, but most chilling for me was his response when asked if he had discussed Russia with President Trump. He said "NO". I find it very hard to believe (assuming all parties are being honest), that Donald Trump could interview Tillerson for this position, and Russia never come up, given the massive amount of turmoil around hacking, Russia's involvement in both the Ukraine and Syria, and Tillerson's documented business ties to Russia via Exxon.
Either Trump picked Tillerson without any discussion about actual world affairs and possible challenges as SecofState, and based it on his magnificent head of hair, or they are lying. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but mine is that they are LYING.
9
Why are people suggesting that Flynn should just quietly step down, rather than be prosecuted for violating the Logan Act? This looks like a case for a special prosecutor, who could look into the wider web of connections between Russia and the Trump campaign.
19
If there is any soul left in the heart of ordinary Americans, the Republicans should get shellacked in the 2018 elections for their pandering to evil and treason for the sake of tax cuts for the rich.
5
This is an outrage- Bannon and an inevitable war with China and Iran. For sure they would go Bush one better no make that 2 better. Don't these Republicans have anything to do other than start wars of choice. Wow, impeach trump now and then get rid of every appointee.
5
I can't recall a more dangerous presidency in my lifetime. What I would do to have GWB back in there. At least his appointments were sound choices.
5
Flynn is should be held for treason. Treason: the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government. Aligning with Putin would be exactly that.
6
I read The Emperor's New Clothes to my grandsons yesterday. Could be written about the Trump Admin.
4
45 likes maps, does he like dinosaurs and jigsaw puzzles too?
Such an adorable toddler.
Such an adorable toddler.
5
A coup of sorts is taking place. Flynn has already been identified as erratic from his time serving previously.
None of this should be a surprise to anyone. Trump clearly telegraphed [or twittered] his lack of focus and lack of depth throughout his campaign and now into his presidency. That he changes his position regularly is not surprise. There is no depth of belief that backs him. He can only believe as dictators do to trust no one but himself and the most loyal to him.
Everything is going to be broken that isn't already. The press will be limited. Those inside the White House will always be running behind because a crazy man doesn't want to follow any normal processes to disperse or gather information. And because he has Bannon and Flynn who are so anti-American in their beliefs we will have chaos to cover up the bigger deeds with smaller skirmishes.
At some point there will be a crisis we will have to deal with that consumes us, but lives will be wrecked by crazy policies and we will all be exposed to the world in the worst reality show to cave democracy.
Continue to speak up and out. 'Paranoia runs deep, into your life it will creep. It starts when you're always afraid'...and so goes that song.
None of this should be a surprise to anyone. Trump clearly telegraphed [or twittered] his lack of focus and lack of depth throughout his campaign and now into his presidency. That he changes his position regularly is not surprise. There is no depth of belief that backs him. He can only believe as dictators do to trust no one but himself and the most loyal to him.
Everything is going to be broken that isn't already. The press will be limited. Those inside the White House will always be running behind because a crazy man doesn't want to follow any normal processes to disperse or gather information. And because he has Bannon and Flynn who are so anti-American in their beliefs we will have chaos to cover up the bigger deeds with smaller skirmishes.
At some point there will be a crisis we will have to deal with that consumes us, but lives will be wrecked by crazy policies and we will all be exposed to the world in the worst reality show to cave democracy.
Continue to speak up and out. 'Paranoia runs deep, into your life it will creep. It starts when you're always afraid'...and so goes that song.
6
Goes to show you that those in congress don't give a flying fish (word substitution) about anybody. I really hope we can get some people to take a stand and do what's right for this country. I've never been more scared as an American.
7
Once a liar always a liar. Flynn has to go. If you want to lie about your weight who cares but lying about speaking to one of the most dangerous men in the (Putin that is) is a stain on your character. Although his boss - liar in chief Trump - has no integrity whatsoever so it's par for the course with this lot.
5
If Flynn made that call to the Russians without Trump's knowledge, then why does he still have a job. If Flynn lied to or omitted the content in discussing that call with Trump why does he still have a job. If Flynn made the call and didn't think the content important enough to share with Trump why does he still have a job. If Flynn discussed the content of the call with Trump, before or after the call, why is Trump covering up that fact? ( Pence is obviously upset that he was not 'in the loop' and is demonstrating that he does not want to be part of that loop.) It seems inconcievable that Flynn did not discuss the content of the call with the Russian with someone in Trump inner circle: Bannon, Kushner, Conway, etc. It's either gross insubordination, gross hiring /decision making competency, or collusion to cover up a possibly illegal act. Note: if Trump doesn't know what his staff is doing, how does that indicate good leadership?
6
Things are looking mighty bad for Flynn, especially if they can prove that he sent encrypted messages to the Russian ambassador assuring him that sanctions would be lifted on Russia after Trump was in power. On what authority was he speaking? Undoubtedly he might have to take the fall. But should he fall alone? Doesn't the buck stop with the president?
5
So the question is was Flynn acting without direction or authorization from Trump? If Flynn is fired that may be true. If he is NOT fired then there is yet another confirmation (in a long list of confirmations) that Trump is nothing but a Putin puppet.
Is the so called President a traitor to his country?
Is the so called President a traitor to his country?
4
The incompetence is astounding.
Not only is the NSC in turmoil, there is chaos surrounding everything coming out of the White House.
Did you see the article about Trump getting a National Security call about N.Korea launching a missile? You know, the one where Trump takes the call in front of hundreds of non-government officials in the dining room of Mar-a-lago.
Trump even had people at the club taking selfies with the guy that carries the nuclear football. President's since Eisenhower have not identified that guy in public for obvious security reasons. Trump had people posting his picture on facebook this weekend.
Comey called Hillary careless because she had emails. Why doesn't he say something about Trump?
Where are the Republicans? Since they are not differentiating themselves they are all now and forever Trump Republicans. They can no longer claim the mantles of constitutionalists, fiscal responsibility, personal responsibility or any other conservative orthodoxy.
RIP GOP
Not only is the NSC in turmoil, there is chaos surrounding everything coming out of the White House.
Did you see the article about Trump getting a National Security call about N.Korea launching a missile? You know, the one where Trump takes the call in front of hundreds of non-government officials in the dining room of Mar-a-lago.
Trump even had people at the club taking selfies with the guy that carries the nuclear football. President's since Eisenhower have not identified that guy in public for obvious security reasons. Trump had people posting his picture on facebook this weekend.
Comey called Hillary careless because she had emails. Why doesn't he say something about Trump?
Where are the Republicans? Since they are not differentiating themselves they are all now and forever Trump Republicans. They can no longer claim the mantles of constitutionalists, fiscal responsibility, personal responsibility or any other conservative orthodoxy.
RIP GOP
14
Very well said.
Yes, Trump Republicans will be ultimately accountable for this disaster. The judicial branch is doing their part at holding the executive in check, but so far the legislative branch is selling their soul for what? politics?
Yes, Trump Republicans will be ultimately accountable for this disaster. The judicial branch is doing their part at holding the executive in check, but so far the legislative branch is selling their soul for what? politics?
4
"Brisker, tighter, more decisive meetings" with dumbed-down handouts with pictures....
Does it seem to you the president has abducated his primary duty to protect our nation from our enemies and handed over the duty to trigger happy generals like Michael Flynn and extremist ideologues having no national security experience, such as Steve Bannon?
Just imagine if JFK did what Trump is doing and let nuke-happy Curtis Lemay and the other trigger happy generals run the show during the Cuban Missile.
The lesson of the Cuban Missile Crisis is that a strong and compentent president is always the last line of defense against the ideologues, the incompentent and a trigger-happy military who would see our nation and world go up in flames.
The trouble is to many of our citizens refused to listen to this lesson when they voted for a thoughly unqualfied Donald Trump for president who thinks the last line of defense is to play no defense.
Does it seem to you the president has abducated his primary duty to protect our nation from our enemies and handed over the duty to trigger happy generals like Michael Flynn and extremist ideologues having no national security experience, such as Steve Bannon?
Just imagine if JFK did what Trump is doing and let nuke-happy Curtis Lemay and the other trigger happy generals run the show during the Cuban Missile.
The lesson of the Cuban Missile Crisis is that a strong and compentent president is always the last line of defense against the ideologues, the incompentent and a trigger-happy military who would see our nation and world go up in flames.
The trouble is to many of our citizens refused to listen to this lesson when they voted for a thoughly unqualfied Donald Trump for president who thinks the last line of defense is to play no defense.
6
The feeling one gets is that the establishment money wants the old reactionary regime calling the shots in foreign policy. Russia bad, China good, etc.
Recently the Times ran a little blurb saying we re-affirmed the "one China policy" which had fallen into doubt on a Trump comment.
Why not simply take the position that we agreed to the one China policy before China unilaterally turned it into the "all China" policy.
In this manner, adherence to the one china policy hangs on the actions of China.
Our military has been suggesting for some time that the Pacific is worth more worry than the mid east. There's more than a handful of sand at stake.
Recently the Times ran a little blurb saying we re-affirmed the "one China policy" which had fallen into doubt on a Trump comment.
Why not simply take the position that we agreed to the one China policy before China unilaterally turned it into the "all China" policy.
In this manner, adherence to the one china policy hangs on the actions of China.
Our military has been suggesting for some time that the Pacific is worth more worry than the mid east. There's more than a handful of sand at stake.
3
It's more than turmoil. There is also the lying and the incompetence - quite a toxic mix.
18
White Russians aside. Why the hell can't they lie straight? This is the shabbiest poot factory Russia ever founded.
Words fail me. Americans may have a love/hate relationship with our national security organizations, but throwing them into chaos and ignoring their insight sounds extremely dangerous to our nation. More so than worrying about imaginary terrorist threats from highly vetted refugees and legal residents.
25
I was furious at our overreaching without warrant precisely because they could not promise the NEXT president would demonstrate similar prudence. Like collecting everything was ever prudent.
Trump and Company have a lot of enemies, but the capacity of Prism to deliver them in a metamoment is undeniable. Don't have to deny NSLs.
Trump and Company have a lot of enemies, but the capacity of Prism to deliver them in a metamoment is undeniable. Don't have to deny NSLs.
"... Donald Trump was elected by people who wanted the status quo thrown out,” (T.K. McFarland, Deputy National Security Adviser).
Well, thank you to all of the people in this country who ignored the danger signs of a Trump presidency and have brought us to the brink of a national crisis. Perhaps those who voted for Trump were complimented by his rallying statement that he loved "uneducated people."
Well, thank you to all of the people in this country who ignored the danger signs of a Trump presidency and have brought us to the brink of a national crisis. Perhaps those who voted for Trump were complimented by his rallying statement that he loved "uneducated people."
8
There is an old folk saying that perfectly applies to Donald Trump and his team lead by Bannon, Miller, and Flynn: "He diggee, diggee, diggee, but there's no meat dar!"
If you insist upon believing in things that are not real, you will never be able to make any efforts that will not have unexpected results.
If you insist upon believing in things that are not real, you will never be able to make any efforts that will not have unexpected results.
2
Would you let a doctor operate on you if he can't recall speaking to the anesthesiologist?
Unfortunately we will need to wait four years before getting that second opinion.
Unfortunately we will need to wait four years before getting that second opinion.
8
How can intelligence agencies (ours and others) continue to share classified materials with the compromised Flynn? How can he do his job without them?
10
Hmmm....President Bannon didn't know Flynn was yukking up the Ruskies? I'll bet Manafort knew......Looks like no one is minding the asylum AND even if Kellyanne and Stephen are, too inexperienced and dimwitted to make any difference. Thank goodness my sanity or sleep does not depend on the flim-flammery at the White House. On the other hand, maybe I should be afraid......like very, very afraid!
7
The similarities between House of Cards and real life are frightening.
11
Francis Underwood is more competent than Donald Trump.
4
Totally agree!
Read '1984'...you won't sleep for a week.
1
"Three weeks into the Trump administration, council staff members get up in the morning, read President Trump’s Twitter posts and struggle to make policy to fit them."
This is literally how Trump has operated for many years. Not to trivialize it, but the examples were provided by the production staff of "the Apprentice" who disclosed that Trump would literally fabricate the justifications for selecting the winner and the post production team would have to re-edit entire episodes to make the facts disappear and support Trump's illusion.
This isn't a game. It's not a TV show. Trump is not merely in over his head he is dangerously incapable of seeing the world outside himself.
This is literally how Trump has operated for many years. Not to trivialize it, but the examples were provided by the production staff of "the Apprentice" who disclosed that Trump would literally fabricate the justifications for selecting the winner and the post production team would have to re-edit entire episodes to make the facts disappear and support Trump's illusion.
This isn't a game. It's not a TV show. Trump is not merely in over his head he is dangerously incapable of seeing the world outside himself.
34
The Republicans in Congress support Flynn and unhinged President Trump chose Flynn because President Obama fired Flynn. That is all they care about still is sticking it to the too successful black man and keeping him in his place.
The Republicans will only deal with Flynn if he becomes more of a political liability than the satisfaction of a finger flip to Obama because they don't care about the Constitution or the institutions it creates except when it supports their own world view and their own ambitions.
Their bigotry may take down the country 150 some years after the slaves became citizens. It was at that point that the white power base began to lose faith in the Constitution. They only agreed to sign the document when they had the advantage because of the great slave clause compromises and once those were challenged and amended they have used their power to game the system to regain the advantage.
The Republicans will only deal with Flynn if he becomes more of a political liability than the satisfaction of a finger flip to Obama because they don't care about the Constitution or the institutions it creates except when it supports their own world view and their own ambitions.
Their bigotry may take down the country 150 some years after the slaves became citizens. It was at that point that the white power base began to lose faith in the Constitution. They only agreed to sign the document when they had the advantage because of the great slave clause compromises and once those were challenged and amended they have used their power to game the system to regain the advantage.
17
Yep!
The amateur-hour performed by the loose-canon ensemble. How long will it take for Congress to assert itself and do what is best for the country, as opposed to what is best for partisan Republican politics? Hopefully, this happens before its too late for these United States.
11
I doubt they trouble their minds about what might be needed to unite the nation they fractured.
3
Nope. They like it exactly as it is... oligarchs need themselves, people who oddly think they have a chance of attaining oligarch status (I am looking at you folks in Kansas), and an oppressed labor class (POC).
1
President Trump's and Vice President Pence's advisers have recommended monitoring the cell phones and email of career NSC staff members for leaks?
Once again it looks like this administration and the republicans in congress, for all their talk, are not on our side. That is, not on the side of all Americans and the principals that they value.
(This comes after these administration and republican positions: Leaks of stolen information are wonderful when orchestrated by the Russians about Secretary Clinton. It is not important that the Russians influenced an American election. The American intelligence services are disparaged and not believed. It doesn't matter that Putin has his political opponents murdered. The list goes on and on.)
Once again it looks like this administration and the republicans in congress, for all their talk, are not on our side. That is, not on the side of all Americans and the principals that they value.
(This comes after these administration and republican positions: Leaks of stolen information are wonderful when orchestrated by the Russians about Secretary Clinton. It is not important that the Russians influenced an American election. The American intelligence services are disparaged and not believed. It doesn't matter that Putin has his political opponents murdered. The list goes on and on.)
5
It appears that President Bannon is lining up his ducks, with Trump a figurehead, Flynn, the Benedict Arnold, Spicer, the prerecorded answering machine, Conway, the master of lies and spin, Priebus, the clueless one, Pence, the 2nd empty suit, all waiting their chance to screw America.
5
If President Trump wants to save his Presidency he needs to fire Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon & Steve Miller -for starter's. Admit early mistakes. Reconsider his extreme agenda. PAUL FEINER, Greenburgh
5
This needs an impeachment hearing:
Trump, who endlessly hassled Hillary Clinton for possible unsecured emails
sat at a table near the bar at Mar-a-Lago and talked about breaking news. Including North Korea. And read intelligence documents.
There were hotel guests everywhere as well as within earshot and ability to video it all---this Mediaite piece is a must read. This is some investigative journalism by a diner there.
How did Trump know there weren't foreign spies among hotel guests? Look at the crowd around him as he and staffers review documents as people shine their phone's camera lights on those documents.
http://www.mediaite.com/online/mar-a-lago-guest-poses-with-the-guy-who-h...
Trump, who endlessly hassled Hillary Clinton for possible unsecured emails
sat at a table near the bar at Mar-a-Lago and talked about breaking news. Including North Korea. And read intelligence documents.
There were hotel guests everywhere as well as within earshot and ability to video it all---this Mediaite piece is a must read. This is some investigative journalism by a diner there.
How did Trump know there weren't foreign spies among hotel guests? Look at the crowd around him as he and staffers review documents as people shine their phone's camera lights on those documents.
http://www.mediaite.com/online/mar-a-lago-guest-poses-with-the-guy-who-h...
9
Meanwhile Flynn provably lied point-blank about purporting to represent the US in a negotiation with a foreign official. This is the same guy who led "Jail Hillary!" chants at trump rallies for purportedly lying to the FBI about e-mails.
These people are freaks, they are so void of self-awareness.
These people are freaks, they are so void of self-awareness.
4
I am sure in Trump's mind he "looked important and presidential." Just like on t.v.! Perhaps we can end this whole nightmare by offering him a reoccurring role on the Blacklist. Trump and his proletariat love optics. Apparently this includes maps and pretty pictures.
"Struggling to make policy that jibes with Trumps Twitter posts..."
Foreign policy by twit? That's about it, isn't it?
Who can save us from President Bannon and Vice President Trump?
Without a real leader to rally around, any leftest movement will go absolutely nowhere, just like OWS did.
Who's going to step up?
Foreign policy by twit? That's about it, isn't it?
Who can save us from President Bannon and Vice President Trump?
Without a real leader to rally around, any leftest movement will go absolutely nowhere, just like OWS did.
Who's going to step up?
4
It's no big deal, it's just the "National Security Council", what's the worst that can happen? Planes in skyscrapers? Dirty Bombs? Mass shootings?
Besides the new NSC is going to be great, awesome, we're going to get so tired of national security no one is going to believe it.
Unfreaking believable.
May the Good Lord have mercy upon us and our children.
Besides the new NSC is going to be great, awesome, we're going to get so tired of national security no one is going to believe it.
Unfreaking believable.
May the Good Lord have mercy upon us and our children.
8
As far as we can tell from here there is no turmoil. Trump is making good on his campaign promises instead of the normal professional politicians who do nothing unless it's easy, make excuses and fret about gridlock.
We support the President.
We support the President.
1
Who is "we" ?
The 92 million who didn't vote for him ? (includes the non-voters)
Or the signifiant percentage of the 62 mill that assumed he had no chance, and held their noses when they pulled that lever.
The 92 million who didn't vote for him ? (includes the non-voters)
Or the signifiant percentage of the 62 mill that assumed he had no chance, and held their noses when they pulled that lever.
5
Are you kidding?!
3
Wait until he gets his tiny hands on your health care.
4
Trump is preoccupied with the coverup of his role in Flynn's Russian caper. Time for a Special Prosecutor on the entire Trump/Putin rat's nest.
18
Paranoia as the minions flit and grovel around the dictator wannabe. Attention deficit bully child pops in and out to keep everyone on edge and distrustful of each other. Don't pass notes and destroy the old notes.
Flynn's at least as nuts as our pink-haired leader. (The wackiest leaders like Trump and Kim Jun Un and Berlusconi are so hung up on their hair. What does this mean?) Attack the pizza parlor and the Iranian ship. More than 140 characters.
Flynn's at least as nuts as our pink-haired leader. (The wackiest leaders like Trump and Kim Jun Un and Berlusconi are so hung up on their hair. What does this mean?) Attack the pizza parlor and the Iranian ship. More than 140 characters.
7
Flynn's conversation with the Russian ambassador about sanctions is the issue. Yes, it really matters that Obama was still in the oval office, but to my thinking, the real issue is the cozying up with Russia, then OR now. What the heck are we doing with Russia? And please don't tell me Flynn's operating on his own. Perhaps he acted before he should but again, why should he act in this manner with Russia? That is the question, the issue, and the subject that belongs on the top of the reported news.
10
Hmmm. No surprises here. There'll be a whole lot more before the True Believers come to their senses. Flynn would be out under any other Administration or Congress. Not with this one. As Trump says "Sad".
8
An unprecedented amount of internal leaks from any WH staff and who can blame these folks speaking anonymously?
I'll venture they are patriots who are witnessing firsthand a U.S. President who is possibly mentally imbalanced and lacks the intellectual capacity and judgment to serve the nation.
I'll venture they are patriots who are witnessing firsthand a U.S. President who is possibly mentally imbalanced and lacks the intellectual capacity and judgment to serve the nation.
15
Can you imagine what other world leaders are saying to their spouses in private about this fiasco of a government we have in place right now, after meeting / conference calling with these lying bumbling us-first goobers? We will have zero credibility and only be met with suspicion on the world stage for the next four years.
Taxes???
Russian Ties???
Trump Inc conflicts???
Independent investigations!!!
Taxes???
Russian Ties???
Trump Inc conflicts???
Independent investigations!!!
10
It has become clear that having a wild man as president doesn't work.
13
This guy Trump is a national disgrace with all his bluster and dog whistle turmoil! Yesterday his gloating over the ICE raids should bring condemnation from anyone who respects human rights!
11
"I don't recall discussing it, but I can't rule it out." = yes, I did
11
We will of course see a resignation soon.
I am betting that some of these words will be in the resignation letter:
Family (as in spend more time with)
Distraction (as in the country does not need at this truly historic etc etc)
Name (as in clear my)
Words you will not see:
Russians
Sanctions
Mistake
My bet? $50 to ACLU if I am wrong; $49.99 if I am right.
I am betting that some of these words will be in the resignation letter:
Family (as in spend more time with)
Distraction (as in the country does not need at this truly historic etc etc)
Name (as in clear my)
Words you will not see:
Russians
Sanctions
Mistake
My bet? $50 to ACLU if I am wrong; $49.99 if I am right.
9
I'll take your bet.but there has to be a time frame. " Soon " is too indefinite.
I'll give it a couple of days before I send the check off. Amount TBD.
Your on!
Is it time to storm the bastille (er ..dark... shucks red house (can't seem to find the white word for the out house) Yet???
2
The NSC is ripe for disastrous military adventurism.
People who believe that the United States' much vaunted, vast military machine will vindicate the so-called President's design to be the tough guy on the stage really don't remember the Chosin Reservoir.
In November and December 1950, the 1st Marine Division and US Eight Army drove on the Yalu River in North Korea, the ever-arrogant Douglas MacArthur over-stepping his orders and believing in his military genius to destroy North Korea. The Chinese counter-attacked and whipped our forces so badly that the United States was forced to leave its dead in mass graves along the route of retreat. Despite the facts UN Forces had over-whelming air superiority and the poorly armed Chinese were ill-equipped to fight in the bitter cold, the Chinese and North Koreans threw us out of North Korea for good.
We're good...we're not that good.
People who believe that the United States' much vaunted, vast military machine will vindicate the so-called President's design to be the tough guy on the stage really don't remember the Chosin Reservoir.
In November and December 1950, the 1st Marine Division and US Eight Army drove on the Yalu River in North Korea, the ever-arrogant Douglas MacArthur over-stepping his orders and believing in his military genius to destroy North Korea. The Chinese counter-attacked and whipped our forces so badly that the United States was forced to leave its dead in mass graves along the route of retreat. Despite the facts UN Forces had over-whelming air superiority and the poorly armed Chinese were ill-equipped to fight in the bitter cold, the Chinese and North Koreans threw us out of North Korea for good.
We're good...we're not that good.
3
I knew one of those Marines. He didn't talk about it much, but said it was brutal. And the cold was horrible. They were (and are) Marines, not miracle workers.
Ah, how quickly and conveniently we forget!
"I can't see how you came to this conclusion (that we'd be more likely to get into a war with Clinton as president)."
Easy.
Remember Clinton's solemn vow to establish a no-fly zone over Syria?
On Election Day, when I thought she'd win (as did nearly everyone, until late in the evening), I started worrying that she really meant that "solemn vow," and that, therefore, we'd soon be risking thermonuclear war with Russia over a jerkwater Middle East country that most Americans couldn't point to on a map until the civil war began. I hoped Clinton would "flip-flop" on that "solemn vow" (as she had on so many other issues -- the Keystone XL pipeline, for example, or the TPP trade deal, or gay marriage), but I recognized that, this time, she might actually really mean it.
Did I worry that we might all get vaporized in a thermonuclear blast? Yes. Not all that much, I'll confess, since Clinton tends to flip-flop on pretty much everything that matters. But I certainly worried more about that than I did with Trump, who never made such a stupid "solemn vow" in the first place.
The reason I say that this is "NOT funny" is that getting vaporized in a thermonuclear war is not much fun. Can't say I speak from personal experience, but I can imagine... And say what you will about Trump, but DON'T say he'd be more likely to get us into more stupid wars. He bluffs and blusters, but Clinton is the one who actually made "solemn vows."
"I can't see how you came to this conclusion (that we'd be more likely to get into a war with Clinton as president)."
Easy.
Remember Clinton's solemn vow to establish a no-fly zone over Syria?
On Election Day, when I thought she'd win (as did nearly everyone, until late in the evening), I started worrying that she really meant that "solemn vow," and that, therefore, we'd soon be risking thermonuclear war with Russia over a jerkwater Middle East country that most Americans couldn't point to on a map until the civil war began. I hoped Clinton would "flip-flop" on that "solemn vow" (as she had on so many other issues -- the Keystone XL pipeline, for example, or the TPP trade deal, or gay marriage), but I recognized that, this time, she might actually really mean it.
Did I worry that we might all get vaporized in a thermonuclear blast? Yes. Not all that much, I'll confess, since Clinton tends to flip-flop on pretty much everything that matters. But I certainly worried more about that than I did with Trump, who never made such a stupid "solemn vow" in the first place.
The reason I say that this is "NOT funny" is that getting vaporized in a thermonuclear war is not much fun. Can't say I speak from personal experience, but I can imagine... And say what you will about Trump, but DON'T say he'd be more likely to get us into more stupid wars. He bluffs and blusters, but Clinton is the one who actually made "solemn vows."
1
"Mr. Flynn turned to Ms. McFarland and, in what seemed to be a self-deprecating joke, said, 'I wonder if we’ll be here a year from now?'"
Given the ineptitude of the Trump regime, I wonder if any of us will be here a year from now...
Given the ineptitude of the Trump regime, I wonder if any of us will be here a year from now...
8
"I’m going to surround myself only with the best and most serious people.... we want top of the line professionals."
DJ Trump: Washington Post, August 30, 2016
Nothing accentuates the rank ineptitude of this administration, than 45's own words.
DJ Trump: Washington Post, August 30, 2016
Nothing accentuates the rank ineptitude of this administration, than 45's own words.
16
Nobody really believes that Trump + Pence didn't know that Flynn spoke with Putin's ambassador and Putin himself. We heard this when Flynn came on the scene more forcefully, and President Obama was still with us.
It was the last week of December. Right when Obama imposed sanctions.
Flynn knew enough about the Russian sanctions because of he and Trump having intelligence briefings. Certainly they knew this.
The FBI is currently investigating Flynn's communication with Russian Ambassador Kislyak.
Don't expect too much. The FBI has been on Trump's side.
Sean Spicer lied as well--saying "Flynn took that call. It centered on the logistics of setting up a call with the president of Russia and [Trump] after the election."
During a town hall Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) hinted Congress would have to do something if Flynn's lies about Russia go all the way up to The Donald, who said he didn't hear about Flynn's talk, nor did he hear about North Korea's missile launch. His wife was hiding under her hair.
President Bannon had no comment.
It was the last week of December. Right when Obama imposed sanctions.
Flynn knew enough about the Russian sanctions because of he and Trump having intelligence briefings. Certainly they knew this.
The FBI is currently investigating Flynn's communication with Russian Ambassador Kislyak.
Don't expect too much. The FBI has been on Trump's side.
Sean Spicer lied as well--saying "Flynn took that call. It centered on the logistics of setting up a call with the president of Russia and [Trump] after the election."
During a town hall Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) hinted Congress would have to do something if Flynn's lies about Russia go all the way up to The Donald, who said he didn't hear about Flynn's talk, nor did he hear about North Korea's missile launch. His wife was hiding under her hair.
President Bannon had no comment.
1
There are recordings of all those conversations. Flynn knew that from his time at DIA.
Nixon knew that everything said in the Oval Office was recorded, yet he sat there and planned the Watergate break-in and cover-up. Hubris.
Or maybe we're trapped in Kafka's brain. (Don't worry. Trump doesn't know who Kafka was.)
Nixon knew that everything said in the Oval Office was recorded, yet he sat there and planned the Watergate break-in and cover-up. Hubris.
Or maybe we're trapped in Kafka's brain. (Don't worry. Trump doesn't know who Kafka was.)
1
Isn't James Comey too busy reading Anthony Weiner's sextings? When's he going to bring this critical matter before a grand jury?
1
Since Paul Ryan and crew have pretty much been neutered and declawed without resistance or pride, Trump and his fascist crew will go unrestrained and unaccountable.
If only there were term limits perhaps some of these congressional members could muster the testicular fortitude to save our democracy rather than prioritize their sorry excuse for overpaid civic service from now to time in memoriam.
I would like to believe it would be a harder choice for them to seek there soles for a max of say 8 or 10 years of financial security rather than the hat most of them enjoy now... life time financial security.
If only there were term limits perhaps some of these congressional members could muster the testicular fortitude to save our democracy rather than prioritize their sorry excuse for overpaid civic service from now to time in memoriam.
I would like to believe it would be a harder choice for them to seek there soles for a max of say 8 or 10 years of financial security rather than the hat most of them enjoy now... life time financial security.
Probably so, but...
"I can't even begin to imagine if a democrat did this, the Fox News crowd would be foaming at the mouth..."
On the other hand, certain other news "crowds" would be finding no fault at all with that Democrat.
"I can't even begin to imagine if a democrat did this, the Fox News crowd would be foaming at the mouth..."
On the other hand, certain other news "crowds" would be finding no fault at all with that Democrat.
The Disaster unfolding in D.C. under the "Bully from Queens" and his cadre of equally-inexperienced far-Right zealots can be summed up in one "Equation":
Arrogance + Ignorance = Incompetence
Arrogance + Ignorance = Incompetence
4
This is Trump's Kakistocracy brought to you by Vladimir Putin. The NSC is being rendered dysfunctional by bad appointees and the addition of Bannon.
3
Yep...
Who else can see a plan by President Bannon to invite an attack on us, or gin one up if there are no takers among our adversaries, and then accuse those who refuse to unite behind his "administration" of being the "traitors?" Forget about demonstrating in the streets, folks: he'll declare an emergency, invoke the posse comitatus, and sic our own military on us, not to mention the self-styled, NRA-armed "militias" who have been just itching to assert their "manhood," effectively driving the resistors and disruptors underground. Right out of his idol Stalin's playbook.
Maybe exposing the possible scenario would prevent it?
Maybe exposing the possible scenario would prevent it?
13
“The president likes maps,” one official said."
And crayons to color in the countries. He usually only eats a few, but be sure to bring a full box.
And crayons to color in the countries. He usually only eats a few, but be sure to bring a full box.
31
OMG, shades of Mad Max coloring books while Iron Man flies him through fog for the first time!
2
This is what happens when there is no adult in charge, like a fourth grade class with the teacher out of the room.
18
Though he claimed, without any basis, that he was fired from the DIA over policy differences, it was clear that Gen Flynn was fired for his incompetence in managing that agency. And that incompetence and mendacity is revealed again.
22
Trump and Flynn have had a long relationship.
It is not beyond the realm of possibilities that, prior to Flynn's being nominated by Trump, both of them colluded to have secret discussions regarding the ending of in-place sanctions put upon Russia.
As facts begin to come out that Flynn, when at the time was a non-governmental entity, had secretive dealings with Putin & Company, it certainly creates an air of a potential plotted effort (by Trump & Flynn) to curry mutual favor between Trump and Putin.
Since Trump has stated that he 'likes' Putin, might that statement be a cover that these two are more close that a generalized 'like'?
If it proven that both Trump and Flynn did in fact collude to affect the outcome the recent election, BOTH of them must go.
As the saying goes...' Usually, where there's smoke there's fire...' Stay tuned-
13
Did Flynn not know that U.S. intelligence monitors the communications of Russian diplomats? If not, he's not really qualified to be a national security advisor.
13
Did you get that J-Trig? Someone was listening!
1
Perhaps we should rename it the National Insecurity Council.
11
I am disappointed when flag-rank military officers like Michael Flynn are dishonest.
Another one is DHS Secretary John Kelly, who either lied or was "deliberately misleading" about the extent to which the Muslim travel ban was cleared and coordinated with relevant U.S. government agencies. It's clear that Congressional leaders were not consulted, but it's also clear from the rollout of this executive order that Secretary Kelly's own employees were not provided with the guidance needed to implement the order. If Kelly was briefed as fully as he claims to have been, then he failed miserably to provide CBP with the directives and guidelines they needed to avoid the chaos that ensued at airports.
Another one is DHS Secretary John Kelly, who either lied or was "deliberately misleading" about the extent to which the Muslim travel ban was cleared and coordinated with relevant U.S. government agencies. It's clear that Congressional leaders were not consulted, but it's also clear from the rollout of this executive order that Secretary Kelly's own employees were not provided with the guidance needed to implement the order. If Kelly was briefed as fully as he claims to have been, then he failed miserably to provide CBP with the directives and guidelines they needed to avoid the chaos that ensued at airports.
11
If Michael Flynn is not the definition of a "so-called" national security adviser, I don't know who is.
10
If Flynn was prepared to lie to Vice President Pence about his conversations with the Russian ambassador, then it is likely that he either acted with then President-elect Trump's blessing or he is totally a rogue actor. If he acted with Trump's blessing, he probably kept some proof, like a tape recording or contemporaneous notes, to protect himself in just this situation. Trump may not be able to fire him if Flynn could implicate Trump in his illegal conversation.
If he is a rogue actor, to whom is he beholden? If Trump keeps him, is there anyone who will investigate to whom he owes allegiance?
If he is a rogue actor, to whom is he beholden? If Trump keeps him, is there anyone who will investigate to whom he owes allegiance?
2
Flynn gets fired for incompetence, commits a crime negotiating with the enemy as a citizen, then gets caught red handed by his own security forces. What a disgrace to the American military and a threat to our nation.
12
So glad Colonel Dad is gone as he was crestfallen when I was right about North passing profits from Iranian jet part sales to the Contras. I thought he'd be proud I was paying attention. "How can you be so cynical?"
I have no esprit de corp clouding my judgement?
I have no esprit de corp clouding my judgement?
2
The whole Iran-Contra mess didn't pass the laugh test.
Remember that the first person to take a plea bargain on that deal was hit by a car and killed. George HW played hardball, but he knew what was being recorded.
Remember that the first person to take a plea bargain on that deal was hit by a car and killed. George HW played hardball, but he knew what was being recorded.
This makes me so uncomfortable but I must say this. Dare I say that so called president would probably like a crisis that hurts the US so he can say I told you so. Then he will be the savior,God help us.ISIS is primed,so terrifying.
11
No doubt about it. Wouldn't put it past him to work with Putin to make sure there is a false-flag attack or crisis.
3
What did you expect from a documented fraud and sexual predator?
Trump has been sued for fraud 3500 times and has literally stiffed thousands of people of billions of dollars.
What were Trump voters and those that did not vote expect? That a corrupt narcissist with ZERO experience and ZERO knowledge was going to magically "make America Great"?
America was already GREAT.
Trump has been sued for fraud 3500 times and has literally stiffed thousands of people of billions of dollars.
What were Trump voters and those that did not vote expect? That a corrupt narcissist with ZERO experience and ZERO knowledge was going to magically "make America Great"?
America was already GREAT.
19
Robert,
Where in the world do you come up with assertions like this?
"Trump has been sued for fraud 3500 times and has literally stiffed thousands of people of billions of dollars."
Are you just subscribing to the "big lie" theory? Just repeat something over and over and over, and eventually your audience will believe it must be true?
Or what? Where do you come up with this stuff?
Where in the world do you come up with assertions like this?
"Trump has been sued for fraud 3500 times and has literally stiffed thousands of people of billions of dollars."
Are you just subscribing to the "big lie" theory? Just repeat something over and over and over, and eventually your audience will believe it must be true?
Or what? Where do you come up with this stuff?
MyThreeCents - Do a quick internet search and you'll find multiple news stories about this. I can't believe you haven't seen them already.
2
Apparently, treason is now a Republican value, up there with reducing taxes for the ultra-wealthy and putting racists in charge of the Justice department.
48
The management of empire in the twenty-first century requires a high degree of competence and skill. Trump has no problem with pushing the American empire agenda, the issue of competence is not yet resolved.
The architects of empire are watching closely.
The architects of empire are watching closely.
3
I'm imagining the Trump National Security Council reading the NYT comments section to figure out how to solve their problems.
5
Like Trump reads newspapers. He read feeds from newspapers TV is aloud to tell. The rest if fake until the next cycle spin.
1
I support General Flynn. In fact I support all of Trump's men. Each and every one them. All of them. Thank you.
1
Cannot take from dissenters their right to resent those who command our forces into unnecessary aggression. Dad had to taek heat from his little commie pinko children who resented the Pentagon damaging his character and his health. Dropping napalm, he was the last one for whom anyone had any sympathy.
1
Funny how you leave out Trump's women. I remember Donald saying something about how he LOVES the 'poorly educated'.....
2
Being ignorant is not a badge of honor. Guess you only support men, not women. Typical for a Trumpee.
3
My dog has a longer attention span than Donald Trump.
We need a new phrase for monitoring the Trump Presidency:
24/7/140
Dan Kravitz
We need a new phrase for monitoring the Trump Presidency:
24/7/140
Dan Kravitz
8
Trump and his entire incompetent and inexperienced administration will bring the USA down to ruin.
Meanwhile, the Republicans in Congress are watching and doing NOTHING as Trump and his TREASONOUS TRAITORS destroy the USA.
McConnell, Ryan, Graham; this nation's downfall and any blood spilled will be on their hands.
Meanwhile, the Republicans in Congress are watching and doing NOTHING as Trump and his TREASONOUS TRAITORS destroy the USA.
McConnell, Ryan, Graham; this nation's downfall and any blood spilled will be on their hands.
8
People are kept in the dark because the man at top is not copus mentis.
4
In other words...crazy, compos mentis.
1
Dan,
I also heard his Latin is a little shaky.
I also heard his Latin is a little shaky.
"Mr. Bannon sees the United States as headed toward an inevitable confrontation with two adversaries — China and Iran."
Because the Russian Orthodox Church is technically Christian, Russia will join us in this great clash of civilizations?
What is the Trump administration's position on fluoridated water? My advice - Sug, don't forget to say your prayers.
Because the Russian Orthodox Church is technically Christian, Russia will join us in this great clash of civilizations?
What is the Trump administration's position on fluoridated water? My advice - Sug, don't forget to say your prayers.
1
I feel safer already (not).
3
Bureaucracy and Trump are incompatible. The various agencies in the gov't might as well be on different planets. The main reason is that Trump has no strategy or any interest in orderly process. Flynn's gaff or whatever it was falls in line in the NYTs world, if it isn't damning Putin its a scandal.
ATTENTION: NYT readers.
We are not at war with Russia. We helped them destroy the Nazis in WW2. Russia is not the enemy. They spy on us about as much as Israel does. The country's current policy toward Russia is the product of Obama's personal prerogatives and choices much like his policy in regard to gun control, abortion, environmental regulation and domestic tax policy, etc. He's not president anymore. Russia has not threatened our national security. They have just done things Obama did not like and did not know how to effectively respond to.
Whether Flynn talked to the ambassador about sanctions or not is along the same significance of Debbie Wasserman-Schultze plotting to keep Bernie Sanders from becoming a Democratic candidate for president.
We are not at war with Russia. We helped them destroy the Nazis in WW2. Russia is not the enemy. They spy on us about as much as Israel does. The country's current policy toward Russia is the product of Obama's personal prerogatives and choices much like his policy in regard to gun control, abortion, environmental regulation and domestic tax policy, etc. He's not president anymore. Russia has not threatened our national security. They have just done things Obama did not like and did not know how to effectively respond to.
Whether Flynn talked to the ambassador about sanctions or not is along the same significance of Debbie Wasserman-Schultze plotting to keep Bernie Sanders from becoming a Democratic candidate for president.
5
Your party conducted treason by unauthorized negotiations with Iran and George H. W. Bush had to pardon dozens of people to cover it up. I wouldn't trust you to represent me in any capacity. Aristotle Gluteus Maximus.
2
Appealing to racism to overcome the last 97 years of antipathy and cold war status? That's pretty novel, too bad the facts don't bear your fantasy out.
2
ATTENTION: Aristotle.
I'm assuming you must be very young if you cannot trace any historical event further back than President Obama.
The fact that your comment is an editor's pick tells me the NYT is bending over backwards to accommodate an alternative point of view. My advice - bask in your glory while you can.
I'm assuming you must be very young if you cannot trace any historical event further back than President Obama.
The fact that your comment is an editor's pick tells me the NYT is bending over backwards to accommodate an alternative point of view. My advice - bask in your glory while you can.
4
"The President likes graphics and maps" - I'm sure a person that is so well read and informed can draw nuanced conclusions from charts and maps - this is a very dangerous place for US foreign policy, Hilary was seen as too hawkish by many, the way Trump views the world and his constant knee jerk reactions are serious causes for concern, major wars are usually initiated by simple misunderstandings,
4
So the President likes one page options with lots of pictures, graphs and charts. How comforting.
8
Where is the Republican led inquiry into Flynn breaking the law negotiating with Russia. Evidently our national security means absolutely nothing to Republican charlatans. I assume that repealing (if u can use that word) the ACA is much more important than protecting our country. And while Trump tries to ban Muslims, the traitor is in his midst. Hey I know, get Comey to investigate. Putting two Russian stooges together would be amusing.
2
Turmoil at the NSC is but a mere symptom of the enormous disarray Trump and Co. created daily. They are amateurs who have not yet figured out how to implement their fascist agenda. The worst news however, is that the Republican Party doesn't care. The extremist Christian right/Tea Party GOP is happy to sit back and smirk while chaos reigns in Washington. They have a so-called president who will go along with every plan they have to undo all social and economic progress made since the days of FDR. What is not to like?
5
It is the job of the press to criticize the government. There is much to criticize here, most notably the elevation of propagandist and right wing ideologue Steve Bannon to the NSC while demoting the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. This unusual and disturbing development concerns the national security and deserves our attention. If someone of experience, intelligence, and judgement had been elected, this wouldn't be happening. If Trump can't take the heat, he should get out of the kitchen.
4
Time to deep-six the Electoral College once and for all.
5
A month ago I thought our adversaries would take advantage of the Trump admin's cluelessness to launch some kind of operation against the U.S. Now it's clear they don't have to. Trump is doing all the damage they could hope for.
9
Given that Flynn's son and possibly Flynn were behind some of the Fake new stories about Hillary Clinton, there is every reason to suspect he has ties to the Fake news global epicenter - Russia. Given that, there is no reason to expect that would be honest and forthright about matters of National Security. The National Security Advisor is cutting a deal with Russia without the knowledge of the President? The National Security Advisor is lying to the Vice-President? Flynn needs to go. Whatever he is playing at is not got for our security.
10
Is it just me, or do others think that Stephen Miller, the White House senior policy adviser, looks like a mid-30 year-old Vladimir Putin?
5
trump and his incompetent buffoons fly by the seats of their pants which are on fire.
5
I can't even begin to imagine if a democrat did this, the Fox News crowd would be foaming at the mouth...
9
"And while Mr. Obama liked policy option papers that were three to six single-spaced pages, council staff members are now being told to keep papers to a single page, with lots of graphics and maps."
Why not include a word jumble? And a word to the wise: If Flynn wants to keep his job he should make sure he is seen buying his wife something from the Ivanka Trump line for Valentine's Day.
Why not include a word jumble? And a word to the wise: If Flynn wants to keep his job he should make sure he is seen buying his wife something from the Ivanka Trump line for Valentine's Day.
27
I find it almost impossible to pull for Trump to succeed. I don't want to be the Democratic equivalent of Harry Reid whose obstructionist leadership forced Obama into the Executive Order arena far too often. I want our country to get better, but I can't think of any impressive figures in the cabinet. It seems to be littered with incompetence, narcissism and intolerance. To think that 80,000 voters from four states have enabled this amateur hour rollout is almost heartbreaking. This will be the longest four years in my lifetime.
11
I think you mean Mitch McConnell, not Harry Reid.
1
"Mr. Trump suggested to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday that he was unaware of the latest questions swirling around Mr. Flynn’s dealings with Russia"
But Trump is acutely aware of which stores have dropped Ivanka's products and what the late night comedy is saying about his so-called presidency.
And his blind followers think his focus is on making America great again ...
But Trump is acutely aware of which stores have dropped Ivanka's products and what the late night comedy is saying about his so-called presidency.
And his blind followers think his focus is on making America great again ...
9
The Trump Biome is Binary. Do not sweat the detail.
Yes, no, or I don't know.
Yes, no, or I don't know.
2
The only surprise here is that anyone is actually surprised by all this!!! Trump is just doing as president EXACTLY what he said he was going to do as a candidate. Wake up America!!! This is real!!! We voted this unfit, unstable, unethical clown into the White House and now we deserve everything that's headed our way!!! Good luck suckers...
3
Instead of taking victory tours between November 8th and January 20th to brag about a beautiful victory and continue hearing applause, Donald should have been paying attention to the details of selecting key staff. If the aim has been to create chaos out of order, that is being achieved. Flynn, Priebus, Spicer and perhaps others have damaged hopes of goodwill and are no longer in good standing, numerous executive branch positions remain unfilled, and key embassies have no leader. Efforts to use The White House to promote the Trump brand have backfired, as did the refugee Executive Order. From what the foreign press reports, our image abroad is crumbling, and President Bannon's political philosophy is not working here or abroad. Donald could show that he has some role in leading the government by firing Flynn for his obvious dishonesty, which everyone but Donald knew about before Flynn's appointment. Time to stop the nonsense and govern.
3
Why hasn't Michael Flynn been terminated? One can only assume he likely didn't act only and will sing upon a proper interrogation.
5
This just makes me think of Roger Cohen's column last week. This administration's sheer incompetence is going to get people killed, and Trump will turn around and use that to justify a crackdown. He will go after everyone, and his terrified, frenzied followers will be militant, as Sean Spicer et al fill the airwaves with jingoism on steroids.
92 million didn't vote and another 64 million voted for him. I don't have much faith that the American people are up to the task of stopping this madness.
92 million didn't vote and another 64 million voted for him. I don't have much faith that the American people are up to the task of stopping this madness.
6
It already has gotten people killed.
Miller the killer is the one to be most worried about. Yesterday he was much better at the spreading of open lies as disinformation than Mrs Scamway. He did not hesitate and actually made it seem he believed the lies he knew he was telling because of that lack of hesitation. Must be that trinity College education kicking in on Mrs Scamway that makes her hesitate. They hate that she is an Alumnae after all this shameful public behavior.
Miller the killer is the one to be most worried about. Yesterday he was much better at the spreading of open lies as disinformation than Mrs Scamway. He did not hesitate and actually made it seem he believed the lies he knew he was telling because of that lack of hesitation. Must be that trinity College education kicking in on Mrs Scamway that makes her hesitate. They hate that she is an Alumnae after all this shameful public behavior.
2
The electors of the Electoral College were charged with protecting the presidency from the ignorant and inept, and they failed miserably. Whatever happens going forward, it will be on their heads. They were the last, best, protection from ineptitude in the executive, and did not do their job. Other than throwing the bums out, one wonders how this country, how the world, will survive four more years...it's only been three weeks, and everyone's exhausted.
32
They did not fail the EC was corrupted by the GOP creating rules that took away its independence.
1
@JWL:
You really don't know much about the Electoral College, do you? Anyone who thinks its function is to prevent a Trump from becoming POTUS is definitely in need of a refresher course in American history. Start with the 2000 election and work your way back.
You really don't know much about the Electoral College, do you? Anyone who thinks its function is to prevent a Trump from becoming POTUS is definitely in need of a refresher course in American history. Start with the 2000 election and work your way back.
1
mather,
The GOP started corrupting its intended purpose during reagan's first term when rumors of using the EC to stop a second reagan term were floated, probably by the GOP for the purpose of providing the justification for the rules changes that forced an electors vote instead of allowing them to be independent.
The GOP started corrupting its intended purpose during reagan's first term when rumors of using the EC to stop a second reagan term were floated, probably by the GOP for the purpose of providing the justification for the rules changes that forced an electors vote instead of allowing them to be independent.
3
I wonder if the maps need to be black and white as well, so that Trump can color them in?
21
"Lock him up. Lock him up"
Just putting it in parlance he might find comfortable.
Just putting it in parlance he might find comfortable.
18
Not buying all these "anonymous" sources - it the conversations were "recorded" there should not be any speculation.
If all this were true the recording would be leaked already.
If all this were true the recording would be leaked already.
2