I am sickened by the idea of a merit system for immigration. Like the Lords in their house said, politicians should not play with people's lives. This better be good or I am not going to follow Mr. Trump.
We have to stop with the Skutniks. I do feel great compassion for special people who have endured inordinate hardships, but a president's address should outline efforts that address our great government's capacity to support our citizens. These people should not also be victims of political subterfuge.
5
The way he treated Chief Petty Officer Owens' widow...like a prop...and then daring to speak for the brave man who served his country: This was wildly inappropriate. There wasn't a shred of genuine feeling or depth to his remarks, and to deliver them straight-faced shortly after blaming his generals for Owens' death dishonors his sacrifice and hers. I truly am shocked that so many in the media have called that the moment he became the president. Trump was a gameshow host for a tragedy instead of commander in chief; that he's in charge of keeping active duty soliders safe and taking care of vets when they return churns my stomach.
8
Trump's exploitation of Ryan Owens' widow, whose SEAL husband was lost during Trump's own botched plan to make a big opening in Yemen, was deplorable. The poor woman was literally writhing in psychic pain, goaded on by President Gentility. The scene, which went on and on, epitomized the relationship between Trump and the rest of us, especially those on whom he counts to effect his agenda. Congressmen, Supreme Court justices, and state legislators beware: you could be next on the "use 'em, abuse 'em, and lose 'em" carousel.
9
So now the man is presentable? He traded a red tie for a blue one and actually put a pin on it and buttoned up, so what?. A most unpresidential speech, devoid of substance, clearly written by others who have a very discernible agenda and who represent the greatest danger this nation has faced since its founding.
11
So Trump gives a speech without too many lies and insults, and the Republicans want us to see a Demosthenes. He is a mediocre actor playing the role of a President.
Does anyone actually think he believes any of the stuff in that speech? He's like the kid who gets a trophy just for playing the game... let's all pat Donny on the head and say "good boy!"
Does anyone actually think he believes any of the stuff in that speech? He's like the kid who gets a trophy just for playing the game... let's all pat Donny on the head and say "good boy!"
10
Using the widow of a Navy Seal in front of a world wide audience was manipulative when the Navy Seal's father refused to meet Trump and called for an investigation. His ridiculous "longest" applause in the spotlight was just as conniving.
10
Both the Media and the Dems fell into a Trump trap:
- Nancy Pelosi looked like a deer caught in the headlights throughout Trump's speech.
- Dem Congresswomen looked like the crew of a cruise ship all dressed in white.
- Chuck Schumer announced no compromises with Trump the day before Trump tells the nation he is above petty partisanship.
- Dems sitting in disapproval while Trump says his job is to look out for America
- The Media to overreact to Trump's and Bannon's CPAC statements about the Media being enemies of the people and then the Media had to backtrack with rave reviews a few days later.
To a large group of independents, Dems and Media looked like sore losers who won't cooperate to do what's good for the country. Even Dems know the optics for Dems were terrible last night.
Dems need a better plan than we're too pure to make deals with Trump.
- Nancy Pelosi looked like a deer caught in the headlights throughout Trump's speech.
- Dem Congresswomen looked like the crew of a cruise ship all dressed in white.
- Chuck Schumer announced no compromises with Trump the day before Trump tells the nation he is above petty partisanship.
- Dems sitting in disapproval while Trump says his job is to look out for America
- The Media to overreact to Trump's and Bannon's CPAC statements about the Media being enemies of the people and then the Media had to backtrack with rave reviews a few days later.
To a large group of independents, Dems and Media looked like sore losers who won't cooperate to do what's good for the country. Even Dems know the optics for Dems were terrible last night.
Dems need a better plan than we're too pure to make deals with Trump.
6
End trivial fights? Wow, that's the most hypocritical thing this so-called president has said yet, but when no one else exists in his alternate universe, I suppose we can't expect much. Last night was all smoke and mirrors; a simple diversion away from his deepening scandal with the Russians. He's still a huckster and a snake-oil salesman. He's clueless and delusional. What a fake and sad man.
11
Exactly what prior president insulted the immigrants of other countries like Germany? How is that speaking 'presidential'?
4
"End trivial fights." Like twitter-tantrums with actors and actresses, department stores, news outlets, belittling people with disabilities, women, and political opponents. Those types of fights?
11
'Optimistic' address?
What was optimistic?
What was optimistic?
6
Sad that when Trump doesn't actually soil himself on network TV, pundits and analysts praise him for being presidential. I'm not that easily impressed. Same story, lower decibel level. That's all.
11
I'm right there with you. Too bad we are surrounded by fools
4
Oh look! The Emperor has new clothes!!
8
A for the truth at its most succint.
2
trump, ryan and mcconnell should remember "what goes around comes around".
4
He engages in endless verbal sucker punches and ad hominem attacks, promotes vile, baseless claims, and then has the audacity to call for others to take the high road? I know hope springs eternal, but if you buy that, I am sure he has a prime piece of swamp land he would sell you. A leopard can't change his spots, and one prepared speech can't change Trump's inherent vulgarity.
15
Excellent, @tom.
3
Health care is NOT a trivial fight in a country that should have National Health Insurance for the entire populace. Try to kill Medicare and Social Security and the Republican Party will be Finished for good!
8
Congress went home for recess and it was rough. They called up the Whitehouse and demanded the speech be presidential "or else". So Trump's team hired some good speechwriters and kept Bannon and Miller far away from it. Then Ivanka and Jared pleaded with dad to stay on script. And voila! Now the Congress can take a brief sigh of relief because suddenly Trump seems presidential. One problem - you can't erase the 70 years of Trump showing us his true colors.
8
Tone doesn't equal substance.
He can change his tone all he's able - never enough -
but he's still be an ignorant, misogynist, racist, anti-democratic,
anti-immigrant, crass, bullying hustler. America's - and Russia's - very own Grifter-in-Chief.
He can change his tone all he's able - never enough -
but he's still be an ignorant, misogynist, racist, anti-democratic,
anti-immigrant, crass, bullying hustler. America's - and Russia's - very own Grifter-in-Chief.
7
DT is consistent and predictable. Narsicists are very self-centered and project that self everywhere. This is the man who tweeted trivia about a TV show while the SEALS were trying to survive his mess up. He and his Republican Party are direct threats to democracy and what we used to believe America was, or could be. there's nothing trivia about what we are fighting here.
7
By asking Congress to end "trivial fights," Trump is once again pointing fingers. He is the one who day-in and day-out since announcing his candidacy has been sowing division with racial and other incendiary comments, 3 am rants on Twitter, non-stop lying that is often so apparent as to be embarrassing, if not psychotic, etc.
It is Trump who needs to step up and apologize for his behavior, and then change it if he wants the "trivial fights" to end. It starts and ends with him.
It is Trump who needs to step up and apologize for his behavior, and then change it if he wants the "trivial fights" to end. It starts and ends with him.
8
I was offended by the way in which Carryn Owens was seemingly displayed by Trump at the address . It just looked to me like Trump , being the opportunist that he is , used the casualty of this brave soldier as a political punt . Especially when he remarked that Ryan was looking down and knew that he set a world record . That was just tasteless .
My heart goes out to Ryan's wife . It is tragic .
But I came away with the sense that something in the picture didn't fit .
Maybe it was just me .....
My heart goes out to Ryan's wife . It is tragic .
But I came away with the sense that something in the picture didn't fit .
Maybe it was just me .....
15
Exactly, @Karen. It's the picture of Dorian Gray.
5
Interesting how this guy insisted that all of you poor bast*rds are borne of the same gawd. That must be a relief.
2
This article clearly illustrates how far standards have been lowered to accommodate Trump's incompetence. What a sad commentary on our country.
12
It *is* interesting how Trump elicited loud applause from Republican Legislators. You've said it well.
4
What's "trivial"? Twitter attacks on Hollywood actors and on TV satirists and on union leaders? Or investigations of Russian influence on the Trump campaign and of Trump's numerous conflicts of interest?
9
I don't care what you people see different in this lying snake, all I have to say is he must have 50 pound gonads asking Democrats to "stop the trivial fighting" and help the Republicans in Congress now.....after 8 years of them saying "NO" to everything the Democrats tried to pass. Now that they're in power, I guess he expects us to cow-bow to them now that they need our help to pass their agenda. I just hope our people have the guts to give them back their own actions and see how they like it. I know that everyone is going to say that thinking like that will get us nowhere but what about the last 8 years.....that doesn't count? Well, I think it does! Let's see how the Republicans fair with a "party of NO" on the other side.
12
The Reagan Presidency started several things, and one which EVERY President since has followed is the introduction of people he thinks merit our attention. The widow of the soldier killed in last months treasure-trove raid was the star of the evening with a scene which you cheat yourself if you don't take time to watch.
How did the President do? Even the Democrat media saw this as a victory, even Reaganesque. Trump did keep his cool.
What this means in the immediate future for the Democratic Party was aptly portrayed by the appearances of Ms. Pelosi and others who looked as if they had swallowed something still alive.
How did the President do? Even the Democrat media saw this as a victory, even Reaganesque. Trump did keep his cool.
What this means in the immediate future for the Democratic Party was aptly portrayed by the appearances of Ms. Pelosi and others who looked as if they had swallowed something still alive.
5
It looks to me that Reagan fooling them once set them up to be fooled again and again.
7
The fact that Trump did not explode into rage does not make him Presidential. It is a shame that commentators laud him solely for controlling his temper.
While supporting the coal industry, on one hand, he supported clean air on the other. Better he support re-education for coal miners, including reading and writing if necessary, to prepare them for another career, perhaps in the clean energy sector.
He said he supported clean water, while just yesterday, the day of his address, he signed an executive order overturning a 2015 rule preventing the flow of pollution into major bodies of water, wetlands and ponds.
His called for lower drug prices. In France, BigPharma's new drugs go through "extreme vetting"-- by 4 separate ministries, at the end of which time, the government says, "We will pay you X euros per pill -- take it or leave it".
My BigPharma clients have explained to me how much they like doing business in the U.S., where the sky's the limit on drug prices.
Trump's lower cost medicines will be so due to inferior quality control.
Given Trump's changeability, toxic Cabinet members (except for his national security advisor), rapacious Republican agenda and Steve Bannon, who has vowed deconstruction of America as we know it, anyone who believed what Trump will be sorely disappointed. He sang a sweet, mendacious song, with no budget back-up.
Trump did not erupt into rage last night. He did not speak the truth. This does not make him Presidential.
While supporting the coal industry, on one hand, he supported clean air on the other. Better he support re-education for coal miners, including reading and writing if necessary, to prepare them for another career, perhaps in the clean energy sector.
He said he supported clean water, while just yesterday, the day of his address, he signed an executive order overturning a 2015 rule preventing the flow of pollution into major bodies of water, wetlands and ponds.
His called for lower drug prices. In France, BigPharma's new drugs go through "extreme vetting"-- by 4 separate ministries, at the end of which time, the government says, "We will pay you X euros per pill -- take it or leave it".
My BigPharma clients have explained to me how much they like doing business in the U.S., where the sky's the limit on drug prices.
Trump's lower cost medicines will be so due to inferior quality control.
Given Trump's changeability, toxic Cabinet members (except for his national security advisor), rapacious Republican agenda and Steve Bannon, who has vowed deconstruction of America as we know it, anyone who believed what Trump will be sorely disappointed. He sang a sweet, mendacious song, with no budget back-up.
Trump did not erupt into rage last night. He did not speak the truth. This does not make him Presidential.
8
To JudyW Cumberland MD,
About Ukraine.
President Victor Yanucovich was the man installed by Moscow with the able help of Paul Manafort.
Everything was about as OK as we are now with Trump in office and then Yanucovich announced that in spite of the peoples stated preference for and years long negotiations with promises of trade and entry to the EU market he was not going to sign that deal & instead take a payment of aid from Russia and make a trade deal with Russia.
This lead to protests. The protestors gathered in the Maiden Square (Independence Square) in the capital. This was during winter for 3 months they held out.
Then after 3 months and the height of winter the military started shooting people. They still refused to move.
All along they had been in talks with the government. Then one day Yanucovich made a deal with the protestors/Parliament. He agreed not to sign with Russia and to accept the deal everyone had worked so hard on. He left the negotiations and started packing in a few hours he had fled to Moscow claiming a coup. Then they discovered the palace he had built in secret with their money.
Parliament who was in session and involved with the negotiations showed up for work the next day and kept on governing. There never was a coup and they simply went on with life knowing the truth of Yanucovich’s lies clear to all now. They had elections and then Russia started a war with them first Annexing the Crimea then starting to murder people in eastern Ukraine.
About Ukraine.
President Victor Yanucovich was the man installed by Moscow with the able help of Paul Manafort.
Everything was about as OK as we are now with Trump in office and then Yanucovich announced that in spite of the peoples stated preference for and years long negotiations with promises of trade and entry to the EU market he was not going to sign that deal & instead take a payment of aid from Russia and make a trade deal with Russia.
This lead to protests. The protestors gathered in the Maiden Square (Independence Square) in the capital. This was during winter for 3 months they held out.
Then after 3 months and the height of winter the military started shooting people. They still refused to move.
All along they had been in talks with the government. Then one day Yanucovich made a deal with the protestors/Parliament. He agreed not to sign with Russia and to accept the deal everyone had worked so hard on. He left the negotiations and started packing in a few hours he had fled to Moscow claiming a coup. Then they discovered the palace he had built in secret with their money.
Parliament who was in session and involved with the negotiations showed up for work the next day and kept on governing. There never was a coup and they simply went on with life knowing the truth of Yanucovich’s lies clear to all now. They had elections and then Russia started a war with them first Annexing the Crimea then starting to murder people in eastern Ukraine.
2
The purpose of the fighting in Eastern Ukraine is to establish a land corridor to the Crimea.
If you remember it Putin's excuses were almost word for word exactly the same excuses Hitler used to annex Czechoslovakia and Austria.
If you remember it Putin's excuses were almost word for word exactly the same excuses Hitler used to annex Czechoslovakia and Austria.
3
magicisnotreal: so where do Victoria Nuland and her cookies fit into your revisionist fantasy? The US worked with the opposition and the fringe left to violently overthrow the Ukrainian government in order to undermine Russia, including costing it Sebastopol. Things have not gone to plan.
1
THE DUMBING DOWN OF THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY?
The 45th President of the United States addressed a joint session of congress and didn't say anything really stupid or insult the American people, while only making modestly untruthful claims and assertions. The Republicans claim the speech to be a monumental success and move to declare March 1, 2017 a national holiday. The Nobel prize committee is notified. Sarah Palin, when contacted for comment, says she is "unimpressed".
In a related story, high school track and field star leaps over parking curb and claims an Olympic record!
I don't know about you, but listening to the "smirker-in-chief" make speeches is nearly unbearable to me. I recently watched the movie "Florence Foster Jenkins", where Meryl Streep gives a "highly overrated" performance as a rich New York heiress who becomes an opera singer known for her painful lack of singing skill. (The parallels to our current president are breathtaking, aren't they?) I find myself feeling the same discomfort watching the president speak as I did watching Florence sing.
So I have discovered a blissful alternative to the current political narrative as played out on cable TV. Last night, instead of watching the president speak for 90 minutes, I watched two episodes of The West Wing. Would that we could get Aaron Sorkin to script the current White House, we wouldn't have to bear watching the bumbling dumpster fire that is the current administration.
The 45th President of the United States addressed a joint session of congress and didn't say anything really stupid or insult the American people, while only making modestly untruthful claims and assertions. The Republicans claim the speech to be a monumental success and move to declare March 1, 2017 a national holiday. The Nobel prize committee is notified. Sarah Palin, when contacted for comment, says she is "unimpressed".
In a related story, high school track and field star leaps over parking curb and claims an Olympic record!
I don't know about you, but listening to the "smirker-in-chief" make speeches is nearly unbearable to me. I recently watched the movie "Florence Foster Jenkins", where Meryl Streep gives a "highly overrated" performance as a rich New York heiress who becomes an opera singer known for her painful lack of singing skill. (The parallels to our current president are breathtaking, aren't they?) I find myself feeling the same discomfort watching the president speak as I did watching Florence sing.
So I have discovered a blissful alternative to the current political narrative as played out on cable TV. Last night, instead of watching the president speak for 90 minutes, I watched two episodes of The West Wing. Would that we could get Aaron Sorkin to script the current White House, we wouldn't have to bear watching the bumbling dumpster fire that is the current administration.
7
Better you watch Faulty Towers, Curb Your Enthusiam, Seinfeld reruns or The Honeymooners.
2
This is so Trump. Calling them "trivial fights" trivializes the philosophical differences that inform our representatives.
7
Interestingly, no one yelled out "you lie" during his speech.
11
They should have call him a liar. Anyway Dems have more class that Repubs.
3
Trump is OK as long as he recites someone else's words, "sands down" his personality, and follows the script.
But as Joseph Campbell warned about people who are totally unconscious, their lives are living them and not the other way around, the truth always leaks out.
Trump couldn't resist turning the tribute to the Navy SEAL into an "applause-o-meter" moment. He wrongly imagined how much a guy who was a SEAL was probably just like him, reveling in the length of an ovation.
He is the most unconscious person we have had in the presidential role in my lifetime. Dangerous.
But as Joseph Campbell warned about people who are totally unconscious, their lives are living them and not the other way around, the truth always leaks out.
Trump couldn't resist turning the tribute to the Navy SEAL into an "applause-o-meter" moment. He wrongly imagined how much a guy who was a SEAL was probably just like him, reveling in the length of an ovation.
He is the most unconscious person we have had in the presidential role in my lifetime. Dangerous.
13
The Left sure does know how to double-down on hate.
6
Why not express some hate for our idiot lying president who has cruelly insulted as many people as he has touched and made the last year a painful uncertainty for the world
6
No Ivy, Trump and Republicans are the ones that have been doubling-down on hate as a guiding principle for gaining political power for a long time now. You are just angry that Democrats and the left are putting a harsh light on it, and that there is a lot to put a harsh light on.
8
Ivy. The con-artist simply sold us, and you a bill of goods laced with lies, pure and simple. Hate? This clown wrote the book on hate. Don't hold your breath on Mr. Nothing doing anything he said he would.
7
Trump was having a leisurely dinner when he ordered Carryn Owens' husband to his death. Last night, he turned around and used her grief as a prop to glorify himself. And the gathered family members of the victims of immigrant crime? Extras in a Nazi-style attempt to demonize and scare and drum up support for Trump's VOICE policy.
Why you found this more hopeful and presidential than usual is a mystery. Last night's speech wasn't optimistic. It was about American victimhood.
Trump could have invited Ian Grillot, the guy who attempted to tackle then gunman who shot two Indian engineers in Kansas. He could have at least mentioned the 30 Yemeni civilians, among them an 8-year-old girl, who joined Ryan Owens in death.
But neither gesture would have provided the symbolism he needed to justify his calls for a larger military and obedience to the police state he seems to want. His rhetoric left no place for Grillot's bravery or compassion or shame for the dead Yemeni civilians because neither offered political advantage to the only person who really matters to the president: himself.
Why you found this more hopeful and presidential than usual is a mystery. Last night's speech wasn't optimistic. It was about American victimhood.
Trump could have invited Ian Grillot, the guy who attempted to tackle then gunman who shot two Indian engineers in Kansas. He could have at least mentioned the 30 Yemeni civilians, among them an 8-year-old girl, who joined Ryan Owens in death.
But neither gesture would have provided the symbolism he needed to justify his calls for a larger military and obedience to the police state he seems to want. His rhetoric left no place for Grillot's bravery or compassion or shame for the dead Yemeni civilians because neither offered political advantage to the only person who really matters to the president: himself.
15
Wow! Did J. miss the whole story.
To Mr. Obama's credit, he OK'd that military event while it was his decision. The required darkness outside was not available (a new moon) until Trump was sworn in. There is no President to criticize here, but you have to admit it was Obama's correct decision, with Trump having it explained to him and giving the go-ahead.
The other side may have been alerted beforehand, but by the time they heard drones overhead, the raid was challenged to succeed.
The military that was in place the last several years reported to the new SecDef that the information was indeed worth the trouble and loss of life.
Trump handled the salute to that widow perfectly and the Congress gave her an amazing reception.
Police states require a huge surveillance machine looking at everyday citizens - which Mr. Obama created - but they also require a gigantic government. The GOP is always going to land on the side of a smaller federal government.
J. needs to brush up on the basic differences between socialism and democracy; between progressivism & the Soviet model, and Hitler's Nazi state versus what the Founders prescribed.
To Mr. Obama's credit, he OK'd that military event while it was his decision. The required darkness outside was not available (a new moon) until Trump was sworn in. There is no President to criticize here, but you have to admit it was Obama's correct decision, with Trump having it explained to him and giving the go-ahead.
The other side may have been alerted beforehand, but by the time they heard drones overhead, the raid was challenged to succeed.
The military that was in place the last several years reported to the new SecDef that the information was indeed worth the trouble and loss of life.
Trump handled the salute to that widow perfectly and the Congress gave her an amazing reception.
Police states require a huge surveillance machine looking at everyday citizens - which Mr. Obama created - but they also require a gigantic government. The GOP is always going to land on the side of a smaller federal government.
J. needs to brush up on the basic differences between socialism and democracy; between progressivism & the Soviet model, and Hitler's Nazi state versus what the Founders prescribed.
3
Thanks for the update, L'O, but I'm familiar with the background of the Yemen raid. That doesn't change the fact that Trump didn't take it seriously. He wasn't in the Situation Room. And the military utility of the raid is still being questioned, despite the reference to General Mattis last night.
I think it's delusional to assume Trump brought the widow to his speech purely because he wanted to honor her. He could have done that in a more dignified private meeting. She was just there to serve as a background character and to make him look good. (Trump isn't unique here. All presidents invite people purely to get applause that they can steal.) The fact that Trump referred to the length of the ovation makes it pretty clear that he judges such things in terms of their value as a spectacle.
Again: She was a prop. He doesn't care about these people. He just needed a "presidential"-seeming moment in his speech and she was brought in to help. He used her authenticity to bolster his own image. He's a disgrace.
I think it's delusional to assume Trump brought the widow to his speech purely because he wanted to honor her. He could have done that in a more dignified private meeting. She was just there to serve as a background character and to make him look good. (Trump isn't unique here. All presidents invite people purely to get applause that they can steal.) The fact that Trump referred to the length of the ovation makes it pretty clear that he judges such things in terms of their value as a spectacle.
Again: She was a prop. He doesn't care about these people. He just needed a "presidential"-seeming moment in his speech and she was brought in to help. He used her authenticity to bolster his own image. He's a disgrace.
9
L'Osservatore - there is no truth whatsoever to the claim that Obama ok'd the botched raid in Tunisia. Trump was the Commander in Chief, and made the decision with Bannon and Kushner by his side. It's appalling to have this lie repeated - Trump was the Commander-in-Chief, and bears all the responsibility for what occurred. It's shameful that Trump would sink so low as to not own up to the decisions he has made. But it's not at all surprising to anyone familiar with Trump's M.O.
7
The Framers View of Impeachable Offenses: (1) Impeachment for abusing power in connection with the public purse and the military; (2) Impeachment for practicing corruption in being elected president; (3) Impeachment to deal with betrayals of trust, which incorporated corrupting the electors; (4) Impeachment and removal for neglecting to check the excesses of his subordinates; (5) Impeachment for the failure to perform the duties of the executive; and, (6) Impeachment for the President's interference with the Senate's treaty ratification process. (See "Madison Debates" and "Law of Impeachment"). Current Risks for Trump in order of likelihood: (2)(4)(5) & (3) .
8
I must say, I was not expecting Trump to be "normal". Nor was I expecting that I would agree with much of what he proposed. He even noted the importance of the environment! Reality set in when I realized no one in his cabinet would support such efforts.
1
Not "normal." The word is hollow. Empty, false, without substance. Just one of about a dozen examples: he reads from someone's script about the need for everyone to stop violence. Yet every time he opens his mouth, he is aggressive, us
es incendiary language, attacks individuals & their reputations, & lies (a kind of violence in itself). He told others to be accepting, but he himself bullied, attacked, & drummed up false emotion by staging the people he brought, for that purpose, to his performance. He's oblivious to the fact that he's the worst terror-ist around. It's a serious & unique kind of mental illness he has.
es incendiary language, attacks individuals & their reputations, & lies (a kind of violence in itself). He told others to be accepting, but he himself bullied, attacked, & drummed up false emotion by staging the people he brought, for that purpose, to his performance. He's oblivious to the fact that he's the worst terror-ist around. It's a serious & unique kind of mental illness he has.
5
The dark themes. The wholly fact devoid scare tactics. Trump realizes that his campaign message was great at getting angry white folks to back him but now he needed to get above the limited unsatisfactory levels of support he has. The speech once again shows the conversational unimpressive direction of his leadership. Lots of great promises and no real proposals. The problem with his pretend effort to reach out and be more inconclusive is that it will be forgotten when he goes to the next venue.
5
Id est - in other words - CH admits that he/she didn't spend two seconds actually watching last night's marvelous performance.
OBTW, the use of ''dark'' is not earning any more points, that expired two weeks ago. No Soros points today.
OBTW, the use of ''dark'' is not earning any more points, that expired two weeks ago. No Soros points today.
2
This speech came immediately on the heels of last week's CPAC, where Conservatives gathered to learn that under Donald Trump the 'C' in their organization's name now stands for Chameleon. Not four days later he is being heralded as something quite different, a seeming relief when it doesn't mean entirely Chaotic. Who will he alienate next week? His behavior is not that of any sort of leader, but an ultimate follower, the kind the gives even politicians a bad name.
4
Reading todays blogs things are suddenly very clear. The absolute hatred here towards Trump shows the hatred in this country. It lacks civility, intelligence, mature stability. The dislike from other countries about this side of the ocean is not because of Trump but rather what some 50% of this country is all about: two dimensional stupidity - or in more simple words "The Ugly American."
4
Please notice the "absolute hatred" which HE consistently displays! Every time he opens his mouth he is aggressive, attacking innocent individuals, or outright lying. He is dismantling everything which helps make life easier& better for millions of good & decent citizens, including children. He is abusing his power, deliberately targeting individuals & groups, & causing incredible suffering. Now THAT'S absolute hatred of a unique kind!
4
Rule #1 of gaslighting: look more normal when in public so those who you are abusing on the regular start to seem like maybe they are exaggerating.
12
Appearing presidential vs. being presidential:
1. Releasing tax information vs. remaining secretive.
2. Appointing an impartial panel to investigate possible Russian "hacking" into election vs. referring to such requests as "trivial".
3. Using intelligent and thoughtful means of communicating vs. tweeting
1. Releasing tax information vs. remaining secretive.
2. Appointing an impartial panel to investigate possible Russian "hacking" into election vs. referring to such requests as "trivial".
3. Using intelligent and thoughtful means of communicating vs. tweeting
8
It's a shame that many liberals have such a hard time getting past Donald Trump's persona. Kissinger was probably responsible for more human suffering than was Nixon. But Nixon's slimy persona drew the critics like moths to a flame.... meanwhile Kissinger kept doing his thing (even mentoring Hillary).
2
What's a shame is that he still hasn't been impeached. And thrown out, sham persona & all!
2
This is the same retreaded line that Trump will become "presidential," there is a Trump we do not see despite all the evidence he has put before us for months and years now.
Tell us what is beyond the persona that we are collectively overlooking carl, we really want to know.
Tell us what is beyond the persona that we are collectively overlooking carl, we really want to know.
1
"Mr. Trump said that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had guaranteed him that it was a 'highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence.'”
Too bad about the kids who were killed, but, y'know, stuff happens.
I am skeptical: Would someone please look into whether Sec. Mattis actually said this? It doesn't seem like his style, but it definitely seems like DJ's MO.
Too bad about the kids who were killed, but, y'know, stuff happens.
I am skeptical: Would someone please look into whether Sec. Mattis actually said this? It doesn't seem like his style, but it definitely seems like DJ's MO.
8
Mattis will resign in a timely way. No point on falling on a grenade to save this fool.
1
So, just so I get this straight. Trump has spent the last two years spewing his angry, hatred laced divisive message to a minority of voters that helped elect him. Now that he has what he wants, which is power, achieved by exploiting every negative emotion possible, he wants everyone to forget all of that and work together. He must think that the majority of voters in the last election, who voted against him, are as vacant as he is.
11
I can't watch him. His posture and self-satisfied smug facial expressions remind me of Mussolini.
10
He may sound more optimistic and less belligerent. But he can NEVER be presidential. He is simply unfit and dangerous, and nicer words won't change that for me. Ever.
11
Haters gotta hate, I suspect nothing Trump would ever do would convince you that he is presidential.
2
And they're not even his own words! He read what someone else wrote for him, he was totally oblivious to the meaning of the words he was spewing out.
3
sjaco - Trump's record speaks for itself. Bankruptcies. Tax cheat. Sexual assaults. Trump University fraud. Lies, and more lies. You're right. Nothing will convince us that Trump is presidential.
4
Let's be clear: Trump is a heck of a huckster, and a huckster sure ought to be able to turn in a good speech.
7
Trump is playing the media by stating that he will grant legal status to non violent immigrants. He is a master manipulator and constantly used the media and everyone at his disposal to further his political gains.
Look at how he used those unfortunate people whose loved ones were murdered by undocumented immigrants. This was a very sad spectacle. Equally he'd did not need to need to bring the spouse of a fallen soldier to traumatize her in front of millions.
Look at how he used those unfortunate people whose loved ones were murdered by undocumented immigrants. This was a very sad spectacle. Equally he'd did not need to need to bring the spouse of a fallen soldier to traumatize her in front of millions.
5
She did not look traumatized to me; neither did Maureen Scalia. The guests of the Democrats, those in the gallery who were making finger motions at President Trump, could do with some traumatization, in my view.
The poignant images of Carryn Owens, the wife of our slain brave warrior, Chief Petty Officer William (Ryan) Owens, transcended everything last night. It was as if the eternal grieving widow in Picasso's Guernica, with arms stretching upwards to implore heaven itself had come to life yet again in the halls of Congress. Every member of Congress, and the president, himself, should have a copy of Guernica on their office walls and before urging military action should recall last night's images of the grieving widow in the painting come to life in the form of the magnificently heroic Mrs. Owens.
5
Her husband died as a result of US military incompetence. We lost Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, and have killed thousands of innocents in Yemen. Our military is the biggest loser. Our country will follow. We are all in a toilet that is being flushed. Still time to emigrate.
He's proven over and over he'll say anything to get what he wants. He's like a first grader being told what to read. Then abruptly chimes in to show how he really feels. It's like it's his way of getting back to the script writers.
3
Why has the press not pointed out the clear examples of when Trump said one thing and then the opposite in the same speech?
For example:
Stock Market growth a record vs. "we have the worst financial recovery in 65 years".
"past administration has put on more new debt than nearly all other Presidents combined" vs. plan: cut taxes, get rid of military sequester and spend massively on infrastructure
"I believe strongly in free trade..." vs. Lincoln ("abandonment of the protective policy by the American Government [will] produce want and ruin among our people.") was right
"My administration wants to work ... to promote clean air and clear water" vs what he's actually done with EOs (Reviewing the Waters of the U.S. Rule, etc)
"work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately." vs his discussion of a rare disease survivor's plight. Reducing drug prices will impact R&D among drug developers...so you can't really have a lot of inexpensive yet innovative drugs and novel drugs for rare diseases.
...could go on
For example:
Stock Market growth a record vs. "we have the worst financial recovery in 65 years".
"past administration has put on more new debt than nearly all other Presidents combined" vs. plan: cut taxes, get rid of military sequester and spend massively on infrastructure
"I believe strongly in free trade..." vs. Lincoln ("abandonment of the protective policy by the American Government [will] produce want and ruin among our people.") was right
"My administration wants to work ... to promote clean air and clear water" vs what he's actually done with EOs (Reviewing the Waters of the U.S. Rule, etc)
"work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately." vs his discussion of a rare disease survivor's plight. Reducing drug prices will impact R&D among drug developers...so you can't really have a lot of inexpensive yet innovative drugs and novel drugs for rare diseases.
...could go on
5
Some of the press HAS pointed out his lies! NYTimes had analyses & fact-checking. Washington Post did detailed fact-check. Professor Robert Reich (held positions in 3 presidential admins; does daily Resistance Report on his Facebook page, Inequality Media) listed 12 of Trump's most blatant falsehoods in his show or performance in Congress. Do a bit of searching & you'll be glad to see that many outlets are now fact-checking everything he says. It's heartening to see his lies being challenged.
2
Yeah, I saw the fact checking pieces. I was more interested in them pointing out his conflicting statements within the speech. For example, when he said: "Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead" but then he also said "My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America", implying that American would be less of a "leader of the free world" than previous administrations thought they were.
Those are conflicting statements...which is it? Lead the world, or just be responsible for America?
Those are conflicting statements...which is it? Lead the world, or just be responsible for America?
Wow! The bar is really low. For once, #45 wasn't off the wall, so that makes him presidential. Yeah, right.
9
I think Trump misspoke a word when he confused "deluded" for "eluded", but no one can tell from a speech what the near future is for this presidency.
While the speech is supposed to be general and lofty, there needs to be evidence of some ability to accomplish his goals, at least some small indication that they can be done. Trump offers somewhat radical designs, such as high tariffs on imported goods (will Trump supporters pay the higher prices?), dumping more money into a fiscally inefficient military (will that money wind up in the right spots?), and an attack on Mexico with his immigration policy and disparagement of NAFTA. Also, cancellation of ACA, for which there is no Republican alternative, other than Ryan's naive confidence in a non-existent plan.
Trump's echoing of health savings accounts and tax credits from the Price plan is no reassurance that Republicans have a solution.
And the irony of the girl with the rare disease is that, while her father started a pharmaceutical company that Trump admires, the drug that resulted is manufactured by a French firm and costs $298,000 a year. It's all show with Trump and his people. It's left to Americans to evaluate the real benefits of Trump's speech.
I am the "show me" person. His statements excited Republicans, but I am looking for results. Any results are clouded by the ridiculous hype and prevarication from the Trump regime.
While the speech is supposed to be general and lofty, there needs to be evidence of some ability to accomplish his goals, at least some small indication that they can be done. Trump offers somewhat radical designs, such as high tariffs on imported goods (will Trump supporters pay the higher prices?), dumping more money into a fiscally inefficient military (will that money wind up in the right spots?), and an attack on Mexico with his immigration policy and disparagement of NAFTA. Also, cancellation of ACA, for which there is no Republican alternative, other than Ryan's naive confidence in a non-existent plan.
Trump's echoing of health savings accounts and tax credits from the Price plan is no reassurance that Republicans have a solution.
And the irony of the girl with the rare disease is that, while her father started a pharmaceutical company that Trump admires, the drug that resulted is manufactured by a French firm and costs $298,000 a year. It's all show with Trump and his people. It's left to Americans to evaluate the real benefits of Trump's speech.
I am the "show me" person. His statements excited Republicans, but I am looking for results. Any results are clouded by the ridiculous hype and prevarication from the Trump regime.
8
But the public approved and thus deserve what will transpire. Justice will prevail.
Not one word about science.
8
Thousands of EPA people are updating their resumes this very minute.
2
He did talk about rare diseases, space travel
2
Donald J. Trump recited a speech someone wrote for him, proving once again that he can read at an elementary-school level.
His checking the applause-o-meter for the Navy Seal killed in the useless raid he ordered (and then tried to palm off on his generals) was appalling. The poor widow must have been too wrapped up in her grief to tell Drumpf to get lost when he came skulking around.
His checking the applause-o-meter for the Navy Seal killed in the useless raid he ordered (and then tried to palm off on his generals) was appalling. The poor widow must have been too wrapped up in her grief to tell Drumpf to get lost when he came skulking around.
12
Trump even managed to paw this widow, in a way. She will not cherish the memory of this occasion.
3
We really should not be surprised by the polish of this presidential (?) address. Turmp NEEDED to come out of the White House and make an appearance in public. The volume of derogatory commentary was becoming significant. He needed to both demonstrate competence (for the GOP) and reaffirm adulation (for himself). And... in making such an appearance it was absolutely necessary for him to capture the confidence of the GOP at this critical juncture. He likely -knows- he is suspected of having an erratic, disordered personality. He needed to carry the speech flawlessly, or risk his presidency. Given these perspectives... it is not at all surprising that he stuck to his teleprompter's carefully crafted message and camouflaged himself well within the mainstream of political discourse. He was forced onto open ground with no alternatives... and he had to make the best of it. I'm sure many millions will think his message reassuring, but to me it was pure acting.
4
Bugs Bunny could sound presidential and optimistic if he read a Steve Bannon propaganda speech off a teleprompter.
10
Donald J. Trump works for Russia, not the United States.
5
I watched the Trump speech but I learned more by watching the response of the Democrats in attendance. For instance....
- I learned that Democrats don't want to deport criminal illegal immigrants...
- I learned that Democrats don't want a secure border to prevent drugs from coming across the border...
- I learned that Democrats don't want to have "fair trade"...
- I learned that Democrats don't want minority children in failed public schools to have the opportunity for a better education.....
- I learned that Democrats don't want a strong military as a deterrent.....
- I learned that Democrats, who never read the ACA still want to burden the American people with it's out of control costs.....
But most of all I learned that the haters will keep on hating
- I learned that Democrats don't want to deport criminal illegal immigrants...
- I learned that Democrats don't want a secure border to prevent drugs from coming across the border...
- I learned that Democrats don't want to have "fair trade"...
- I learned that Democrats don't want minority children in failed public schools to have the opportunity for a better education.....
- I learned that Democrats don't want a strong military as a deterrent.....
- I learned that Democrats, who never read the ACA still want to burden the American people with it's out of control costs.....
But most of all I learned that the haters will keep on hating
11
Most Americans want the ACA. Illegal immigration was at an all time low under Obama. Taking away taxpayer money from public schools and giving unregualteing voucher schools is no favor to minority kids. In fact DeVos knows little about public schools or minorities either. Her spiel on black historical universities completely missed the facts of segregation and Jim Crow.
Maybe you are just seeing what you want. People using critical thinking is not "hating".
Maybe you are just seeing what you want. People using critical thinking is not "hating".
2
Pinky Lee:
You didn't learn any of this last night. You had perceived opinions that reflect your own partisan bias.
-deportation is cruel and unusual punishment for the vast majority of criminal illegal immigrants and that's anti-constitutional so I guess that means you are too.
-there is no technology that will effectively secure our border to prevent drugs from coming across. Claiming so is a lie.
-is the "Import-Export" Bank fair? who set that up?
-"Choice" in public education is nonsense. Our country is horribly racist and most "minorities" are segregated from the white "majority". Why is that schools in "majority" areas are not "failed" but those in "minority" areas are? End racism then talk to me about this "choice".
-We already have the far and away strongest military in the world and its not the Democrats who voted to slow down military spending. Was Eisenhower, he who talked about the "Military-Industrial Complex", a Democrat? Or are you just a partisan liar.
-How do you know those Democrats didn't read the ACA?
Pinky Lee: you didn't learn last night that "haters will keep on hating". did you hear that on talk radio or read it in social media? You were convinced of that before the speech. Will you deny that? Anyway, truth tellers and common sense and decency seekers will keep on telling the truth and seeking decency in our government, whether you or any of your ilk have an opinion about it our not.
You didn't learn any of this last night. You had perceived opinions that reflect your own partisan bias.
-deportation is cruel and unusual punishment for the vast majority of criminal illegal immigrants and that's anti-constitutional so I guess that means you are too.
-there is no technology that will effectively secure our border to prevent drugs from coming across. Claiming so is a lie.
-is the "Import-Export" Bank fair? who set that up?
-"Choice" in public education is nonsense. Our country is horribly racist and most "minorities" are segregated from the white "majority". Why is that schools in "majority" areas are not "failed" but those in "minority" areas are? End racism then talk to me about this "choice".
-We already have the far and away strongest military in the world and its not the Democrats who voted to slow down military spending. Was Eisenhower, he who talked about the "Military-Industrial Complex", a Democrat? Or are you just a partisan liar.
-How do you know those Democrats didn't read the ACA?
Pinky Lee: you didn't learn last night that "haters will keep on hating". did you hear that on talk radio or read it in social media? You were convinced of that before the speech. Will you deny that? Anyway, truth tellers and common sense and decency seekers will keep on telling the truth and seeking decency in our government, whether you or any of your ilk have an opinion about it our not.
4
Ppl who love the trueth, hate the lies. Independent of person, could be anyone, does not have to be trump. I personally hate lies, not the person, we shall love everyone.
I've just reviewed a number of the comments here. Apparently many people have changed their minds about this president, simply because he read a speech, and managed not to slur women or minorities while doing so.
Have we been taken in this easily? If so, we deserve this monstrosity of a leader, and the destruction he'll surely bring to this country.
As we see millions deported en masse, children ripped away from their parents, and the number of hate crimes climb to levels never seen in this country, will we turn away, because this president managed a pretense of sanity while following a teleprompter for ninety minutes?
The tenor of these remarks -- praising the "new version" of this president -- makes me decidedly more fearful than I was just several days ago, and that is saying something.
Have we been taken in this easily? If so, we deserve this monstrosity of a leader, and the destruction he'll surely bring to this country.
As we see millions deported en masse, children ripped away from their parents, and the number of hate crimes climb to levels never seen in this country, will we turn away, because this president managed a pretense of sanity while following a teleprompter for ninety minutes?
The tenor of these remarks -- praising the "new version" of this president -- makes me decidedly more fearful than I was just several days ago, and that is saying something.
10
Oh the drama! I suspect you've been fearful your entire life, and you majored in creative writing. We don't have to rip children away from their criminal parents, I propose the government provide free transportation to wherever the parents are headed - by bus of course. Is that better now?
2
Dave T,
So you find hate crimes amusing. Says a lot about what Americans have now become.
So you find hate crimes amusing. Says a lot about what Americans have now become.
7
D B Cooper: I agree completely with you about this! I was scared before, but now I'm scared & despairing. To see that all this tyrannical person had to do was read a speech with nicer words & so many people were so easily fooled by his trick! That is frightening beyond belief!
2
Trump asked Congress to end trivial fights.
He needs to convince himself of this as he is the most adversarial President in the history of the US. Talk is cheap.
He needs to convince himself of this as he is the most adversarial President in the history of the US. Talk is cheap.
8
President Trump hit it out of the park last night.
3
You're missing an 's'. Otherwise, you're right on the mark.
2
If by hitting it out of the park you mean saying nothing of substance on how he intends to enact policies and programs he hasn't identified in any detail, I agree totally.
1
To the Unpresident Donald: Affordable health care is not trivial. Feeding hungry school children is not trivial. Respecting all races and religions is not trivial. Not alienating our allies is not trivial. Speaking out immediately against racial and religious bias attacks is not trivial. Relieving middle class tax burdens is not trivial. Preventing war is not trivial. Preserving clean water and air is not trivial. Promoting a livable wage is not trivial. Demanding quality and affordable education is not trivial. Respecting women and LGBT is not trivial. Standing against shattering families and deporting parents is not trivial. Protecting sacred Native-American land is not trivial. Sovereignty over our own bodies is not trivial. Protecting our freedom is not trivial. Honoring freedom of the press and speech is not trivial. Adherence to the constitution is not trivial. Embracing a global responsibility to morality is not trivial. Banning the financial foxes from the chicken coop is not trivial. Investigating our election being high-jacked by a foreign entity for personal gain is not trivial. Being outraged by the worst of the country holding the reins is not trivial. Objecting to presidential conflicts of interest is not trivial. With the definition of trivial as applied to an individual as frivolous, superficial, shallow, unthinking, air-headed, featherbrained, lightweight, foolish, silly, trite, you, sir, are trivial.
9
I thought it hilarious how the Republicans kept standing up on cue from Mike Pence.
6
After a year and a half of many Tweets, we got the Bird Droppings. I recommend you don't look up to this guy, and for God's Sake, don't open your mouth.
Now I'm just having fun.
Now I'm just having fun.
2
Having written an alternate Inaugural Address for Mr. Trump, which was infinitely more compelling and more unifying than the address he actually delivered, I expected to find last night's speech to Congress to be equally divisive and disastrous. But, miraculously, I was very pleasantly surprised at the rich substance and brilliant articulation of our President's address and shocked to find myself thinking that it actually approached, in part, some of the greatest presidential speeches in American History. While I could have written a better Inaugural Address than the one he gave, and done so in fifteen minutes or less, I could never have written anything to even approach the masterpiece he delivered last night -- not even if I had all the time in the world. As I continue to grieve Hillary's loss -- our loss -- I do have a scintilla of hope that President Trump will continue steadfastly on the path he carved last night (sans his juvenile gestures of blame aimed at the blue side of the aisle).
3
John Cahill: Sorry to tell you, but you have been taken by a practised conman. He read some "nice" words, but in reality, coming from him, the words are hollow, empty of good intention, sadly lacking in substance, & filled with falsehood. It's a masterpiece in deception.
2
Well he seems to have stopped campaigning and gone over to governing mode.
1
Keep dreaming. A buffoon managed to read a speech that his handlers wrote for him off a teleprompter. It's not that the dog dances well, it's that he dances at all. The neo-fascist agents behind him are still there, pulling the strings.
5
HOw is this governing?! He's simply grabbing the nearest pen, posing, then signing horrendous orders. He's giving (reading) speeches, instead of using his position to improve the lives of the people. He's playing at being president, he's not actually *doing* anything. Except causing incredible suffering to millions & destroying all that is good & decent in the country. Tyrannizing, not governing.
2
Having written an alternate Inaugural Address for Mr. Trump, which was infinitely more compelling and more unifying than the address he actually delivered, I expected to find last night's speech to Congress to be equally divisive and disastrous. But, miraculously, I was very pleasantly surprised at the rich substance and brilliant articulation of our President's address and shocked to find myself thinking that it actually approahed, in part, some of the greatest presidential speeches in American History. While I could have written a better Inaugural Addtress than the one he gave, and done so in fifteen minutes or less, I could never have written anything to even approach the masterpiece he delivered last night -- not even if I had all the time in the world. As I continue to grieve Hillary's loss -- our loss -- I do have a scintilla of hope that President Trump will continue steadfastly on the path he carved last night (sans his juvinile gestures of blame aimed at the blue side of the aisle).
1
What reasonable construction of the situation gives you a "scintilla of hope" that the 70 year old leopard has changed his spots?
3
"Rich substance?" This was an outcomes-premised speech: all talk about the ends and no substantive talk about the means. This is true of many presidential addresses, which is to admit that Trump's address last night was in no way an outlier. But just because we could point to a great number more of presidential addresses that took the same approach does not mean that we can't point out that this was in no way a speech of "rich substance"; indeed it means that this speech, and the countless others like it, are all talk and no walk.
1
The bar for Mr. Trump is set so low that he's garnering, not only disproportionate, but unmerited praise for a speech that would be considered quite ordinary had it been delivered by anyone else. Without specifics, it's impossible to know what measures his administration would take to achieve the goals he set out or even what they mean. Why was there no mention of Russia? He was more disciplined in his reading, nevertheless his talk of cooperation is belied by his numerous criticisms directed toward Democrats.
6
Today's headlines are disappointing. Seems the press is back to square one with Trump, reporting his semi-normal tone as an enormous accomplishment and allowing him to get away with the most Orwellian takeaways. perhaps the most dangerous is that American people overwhelmingly voted for Trump's vision of America.
How about this headline: "Trump rewrites election history by spinning results as an "earthquake," in order to push through a radical agenda" Fact check: his 2.86 million popular vote loss doesn't give him a mandate, nor does the meager 77,000 votes that put him ahead in the electoral college. Trump won because of hundreds of thousands of millennials who turned out in 2012 stayed home in 2016. If the press stopped focusing on angry rustbelt voters and instead ran stories on why millennials who supported Clinton stayed home, the discussion would be altogether different. Destroying the mandate myth completely undoes Trump's claims that he's acting on behalf of the American people. He's not. It's up to the press to keep hammering that point. It will take far more than one news cycle to get this point across. Try 20--at least.
How about this headline: "Trump rewrites election history by spinning results as an "earthquake," in order to push through a radical agenda" Fact check: his 2.86 million popular vote loss doesn't give him a mandate, nor does the meager 77,000 votes that put him ahead in the electoral college. Trump won because of hundreds of thousands of millennials who turned out in 2012 stayed home in 2016. If the press stopped focusing on angry rustbelt voters and instead ran stories on why millennials who supported Clinton stayed home, the discussion would be altogether different. Destroying the mandate myth completely undoes Trump's claims that he's acting on behalf of the American people. He's not. It's up to the press to keep hammering that point. It will take far more than one news cycle to get this point across. Try 20--at least.
7
This speech clearly challenges to the gross characterization of Trump and his administration that some liberals have come to love.
I'm guessing that there are more than a few readers here that were surprised at how much Trump had initiated over the past month. At the very least, the inept/chaotic/amateur-hour/moronic stereotypes need retooling. When stereotypes are dis-proven, one should then question the source of those stereotypes (and their motives). The opposition will continue to be blind-sided by Trump's success if they do not critique their own, slanted views.
I'm guessing that there are more than a few readers here that were surprised at how much Trump had initiated over the past month. At the very least, the inept/chaotic/amateur-hour/moronic stereotypes need retooling. When stereotypes are dis-proven, one should then question the source of those stereotypes (and their motives). The opposition will continue to be blind-sided by Trump's success if they do not critique their own, slanted views.
2
So what you are saying is that the bar is so low with this president that when he acts like a grown up, and shows some modicum of respect for the office he holds, we should all be in awe? And we should all consider it a success? Sorry, not even remotely impressed. After a campaign of insulting just about everyone (except the poor white Christian middle aged men who work so hard and can't get a good payin' minin' job cause those terrible liberal environmentalists closed them down), we're supposed to marvel at his "presidential" speech? Why? Because he refrained from insults, whining and false statements? Try harder. Much harder.
6
carl bumba: He READ a speech! Written by someone else, for godsake! Reading some nice words, crafted by someone else, does not trick people into believing he's changed. Even after reading a pretty sppech, he's STILL inept, chaotic, amateur-hour, & moronic. He's STILL unsuited & unfit to lead a complex & diverse democracy.
1
This from the guy who calls names and attacked Nordstroms? Give me a break. Time for him to quit denigrating this country and come up with solutions that he claims to have. And I mean something other than giving himself and his billionaire buddies another tax cut. (Although I guess it wouldn't really benefit him since he already doesn't pay any!)
5
Seems La La Land did win over at Trump headquarters.
The problem is, as they pointed out over at The Atlantic, the purpose of the joint session is not to assure the GOP that its candidate is sane.
No policy was offered or addressed. The Russia and tax issues plaguing Trump remained undealt with, the Yemen mess papered over and a widow put on display. Not good.
The problem is, as they pointed out over at The Atlantic, the purpose of the joint session is not to assure the GOP that its candidate is sane.
No policy was offered or addressed. The Russia and tax issues plaguing Trump remained undealt with, the Yemen mess papered over and a widow put on display. Not good.
6
Donnie Duce read a scripted speech. He is looking more and more like Mussolini.
5
Once again, it appears Trump had a correctly low estimation of the American people. He acts like an ignoramus, liar, and a bully for over a year. He lowered the standard and expectations of the American people. Now, he managed to read one speech from a teleprompter without attacking a deceased veteran's family, mocking a disabled person, or talking about sexually assaulting a woman, and suddenly everybody is impressed. All the insane policies are still in place. There is no more concrete plan than before. But the American people thinks you are "presidential" and "statesmanlike!" Boy howdy!
You act like an angry lunatic all the time, and when - for one speech - you do not, everybody thinks you belong in the White House! Truly, Trump's genius is he knows to always aim low.
You act like an angry lunatic all the time, and when - for one speech - you do not, everybody thinks you belong in the White House! Truly, Trump's genius is he knows to always aim low.
5
CityBumpkin: What you said! Plus: it wasn't even his own words! Someone else wrote them for him!
The speech was a variation of: Mexico Will Pay For the Wall
The next speech will be: OK, you taxpayers will Pay For The Wall.
The GOP claps wildly for both versions.
The next speech will be: OK, you taxpayers will Pay For The Wall.
The GOP claps wildly for both versions.
8
Trump is beginning to understand what governance in our system happens to be, that he must work within rules that limit his powers and he needs to negotiate with Congress, not just the leadership but all the members of that body, if he is to achieve much of anything that he seeks. So he is talking the talk, now. But if one examines the substance of what he said it is clear that he still contradicts himself repeatedly, clearly unable to understand how some issues are very much involved in others such that doing something with respect to one will affect the other and vice versa. He brought up these things, he did could have trimmed his comments to what he knew but he did not.
He continues his clueless proposal that every new regulation requires the elimination of two existing because all regulations are created equal and have equal effects, none. By cutting regulations and taxes he's going to restore the economy dynamics and vigor of the 1960's. He's going to make corporations restore manufacturing jobs, high paying jobs, to the U.S. and he's going to raise tariffs on imported goods to stimulate domestic manufacturing. He's going to undo the policies promoted by the private sector and Chicago school economics and free traders, and the loss of industrial dominance to foreign countries, all by himself. Aspirational talk that means nothing if it cannot be made real.
He continues his clueless proposal that every new regulation requires the elimination of two existing because all regulations are created equal and have equal effects, none. By cutting regulations and taxes he's going to restore the economy dynamics and vigor of the 1960's. He's going to make corporations restore manufacturing jobs, high paying jobs, to the U.S. and he's going to raise tariffs on imported goods to stimulate domestic manufacturing. He's going to undo the policies promoted by the private sector and Chicago school economics and free traders, and the loss of industrial dominance to foreign countries, all by himself. Aspirational talk that means nothing if it cannot be made real.
2
The guy gives a speech written by someone else and all of a sudden he's Churchill. Get real.
24
So Bannon should get the credit?
Trump's Russian collusion to steal the election for Putin's agenda is not a "trivial fight". His ongoing violations of the Emoluments Clause and obvious conflicts of interest are not "trivial fights". Trump's scapegoating of "the other" to justify a police state is not a "trivial fight". Trump's attacks on a free press are not "trivial fights". His blatant lies about voter fraud, his "numbers", and made-up terrorist acts are not "trivial fights". His refusal to call out anti-semitism are not "trivial fights". They stab at the very heart of our democracy. So, no. We won't stop.
12
If there is a thorough non partisan investigation into any involvement by Trump's team with the Russians, and proof of what contact there was and any wrongdoing by anyone, then I will pay attention, but until then, you are speculating that there was any Russian collusion. If there is an investigation and a determination that he has conflicts of interest, I'll be happy to consider that. There is nothing I've read that applies. Only some unreasonable suggestions that it was necessary that Trump sell his entire billion dollar empire in order to serve as President. That never was a suggestion I agreed with.
Where has there been any steps taken to make this a police state? And who is the other? Trump has criticized the free press. His free speech, which I thought you valued? I have been criticizing the media for a lack of impartiality for the past year. I agree with that assessment.
He's called out antisemitism and his daughter has converted to Judaism, how much more of an example does it get?
Criticize away, but at least be accurate and fair.
Where has there been any steps taken to make this a police state? And who is the other? Trump has criticized the free press. His free speech, which I thought you valued? I have been criticizing the media for a lack of impartiality for the past year. I agree with that assessment.
He's called out antisemitism and his daughter has converted to Judaism, how much more of an example does it get?
Criticize away, but at least be accurate and fair.
Some people seem to think one somewhat presidential speech is enough to absolve Trump of all criticisms enough not to worry about his proposed policies, and the manner in which they might be realized.
I immediately think of the fable: A scorpion asks a frog to carry it across a river. The frog hesitates, afraid of being stung, but the scorpion argues that if it did so, they would both drown. Considering this, the frog agrees, but midway across the river the scorpion does indeed sting the frog, dooming them both. When the frog asks the scorpion why, the scorpion replies "What else did you expect? It's my nature."
I immediately think of the fable: A scorpion asks a frog to carry it across a river. The frog hesitates, afraid of being stung, but the scorpion argues that if it did so, they would both drown. Considering this, the frog agrees, but midway across the river the scorpion does indeed sting the frog, dooming them both. When the frog asks the scorpion why, the scorpion replies "What else did you expect? It's my nature."
4
Let's see if his actions match his words going forward since as you have noted that he behaved "more presidential", the King of Trivial and Petty Tweets!
3
An adult has walked into a house that has been overrun by teenagers who have been given their parents credit cards and keys to the car. That adult has burst through the door and said, enough!! President Trump has done more to take charge and get stuff done in his short time as president than I have ever seen in my life. Like it or not, he is in charge and doing a fantastic job!! Look at the stock market !!! No mention of it AT ALL in the NYT business section. That is crazy! Swallow your pride and face facts.....you will see him go down as the most important president this country has ever seen. Mark my words.
3
Going by stock market reactions - The S&P stayed flat during Reagan and GW Bush. It tanked during GH Bush and increased about 2x under Clinton and 1.8x under Obama.
Stuff Done ? - No. He has been "stuffing" it is more appropriate.
A racist bully is a racist bully even by another name.
Stuff Done ? - No. He has been "stuffing" it is more appropriate.
A racist bully is a racist bully even by another name.
3
You mean the same stock market that rose from the depths in 2007 - 7000(!) to nearly 20,000 in 2016, all under our do nothing, no good socialist previous president?
1
The better question is: will Trump supporters admit (and swallow their pride) that he's going down as the worst and least accomplished president in modern times?
The unfortunate reality is that no matter how much this guy messes things up in the economy and foreign policy, and no matter how empty his promises are, his supporters will blame Obama, the democrats, the Mexicans, the Muslims, and maybe even the almighty, but never ever will they take responsibility for their vote nor will they hold Trump accountable for his empty promises and incendiary rhetoric.
The unfortunate reality is that no matter how much this guy messes things up in the economy and foreign policy, and no matter how empty his promises are, his supporters will blame Obama, the democrats, the Mexicans, the Muslims, and maybe even the almighty, but never ever will they take responsibility for their vote nor will they hold Trump accountable for his empty promises and incendiary rhetoric.
2
This was a speech filled with fine rhetoric and nice phraseology, which provided a well delivered litany of well sounding measures and promises, designed mainly for the delight of those still dreaming or eerily wishing that whom they elected is just about to fulfill his empty commitments.
Paul Ryan, who by now must be suffering from neck pain, as the result of his constant and hypocritical head nodding during the entire duration of the speech, when he was asked by a reporter about his opinion of the address, he called it "a home run". Well, following the baseball analogy, under MLB Review Rules, it will be determined that instead of a home run, it was in fact a long foul ball!
Paul Ryan, who by now must be suffering from neck pain, as the result of his constant and hypocritical head nodding during the entire duration of the speech, when he was asked by a reporter about his opinion of the address, he called it "a home run". Well, following the baseball analogy, under MLB Review Rules, it will be determined that instead of a home run, it was in fact a long foul ball!
6
Translation: Trump decided to read a canned speech (still full of alternative facts) written by a speechwriter rather than following his usual playbook of attacking anyone and everyone, and blaming everybody but himself.
Why don't we try paying attention to substance over form for a change? Why don't we look at facts instead of emotionally satisfying rhetoric. Trump has been spewing nonsense, lies, and hot air for so long, should we be impressed simply because he decided to read from a teleprompter for a change? Or perhaps this is the genius of Trump: he has lowered the bar so much everybody thinks he is acting "presidential" and "statesmanlike" the instant he behaves as something other than an angry lunatic.
I'll be impressed when Trump has come down to the world of facts, and has solid, sane policy proposals for a change.
Why don't we try paying attention to substance over form for a change? Why don't we look at facts instead of emotionally satisfying rhetoric. Trump has been spewing nonsense, lies, and hot air for so long, should we be impressed simply because he decided to read from a teleprompter for a change? Or perhaps this is the genius of Trump: he has lowered the bar so much everybody thinks he is acting "presidential" and "statesmanlike" the instant he behaves as something other than an angry lunatic.
I'll be impressed when Trump has come down to the world of facts, and has solid, sane policy proposals for a change.
7
Was I the only only one cringing in my seat, when Trump started talking about fallen hero Owen. The loss of Mr. Owen was direct consequense of his (Trump's) botched plan to raid Yemni outpost for nothing. No doubt, Owen deserves our respect, but was the president trying to ride his coattails without a word of apology? Did he not desecrate Mr. Owen's sacrifice by lying about the value of retrieved intelligence already available on U-tube?
10
It wasn't just you, my students in my American govt class were upset over it, and reminded all of us how the Republican congress spent millions investigating Clinton over Benghazi, but now suddenly the death of this man is a valuable sacrifice and a good decision? It was inappropriate at best, but as usual, most in the TV media ate it up like candy, since they love tears and someone's suffering on raw display on Reality TV. Disgusting.
3
Bamarolls: No, you weren't the only one cringing. And yes, he did desecrate the sacrifice of a life. And yes, he did lie.
1
I can hear 45's inner circle in the back room now with president bannon saying "that went off just as planned."
9
Yes, just Obama's inner circle must have reacted after his first (and very successful) address to Congress. Turning it into a sinister cartoon does really advance things.
Same speech he has been giving since i started watching him last year. America, we made the right choice!
1
Who cares what charade this monster puts on? He can lie with a smile as well as with a scowl. So someone wrote a speech for him. What is the big deal NYT? Why are you parsing every meaningless word of this would-be dictator's drivel? His portrayal of "trivial fights" shows he lacks any understanding of the momentous issues before us. But what can one expect from a grifter and charlatan like Trump? He hasn't even an inkling, not even the tiniest notion, of the fights progressives are going to mount against him and his obscenely un-American policies.
4
Reading a prepared script written to try to correct some of his horrible speeches of the past, in a rehearsed, measured tone does not make one presidential. Look to the content of the messsage, not the style, to see that he is still talking about demonizing immigrants, using families of victims as political tools, setting to destroy the public education system that has helped make this country a world leader for over 200 years, promises big tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, plans to spend billions in increase in unnecessary military buildup (who does he plan to go to war against?), forging ahead with his ridiculous wall etc. Within 48 hours we will see the real Trump emerge again.
2
Don't forget the speech was written by two neo-Fascists, Bannon and Miller. And it was full of lies. It's not pleasing to see NYT writers taken in by "manner."
4
I find it hard to believe that the New York Times has actually been taken in. I would hazard a guess that the tone of the article is meant to demonstrate to the world, like, hey, we're not so liberal that we can't report a story from an unbiased perspective. So, in response to being berated for generating fake news, the NYT is pushed to compromise its principles, to abandon true objectivity, and in the process, generate some fake news of its own, a step closer to Donald Trump's own fake news. This is how a despot's accusations push others to back away from a challenge, reporting the real truth.
Where was all the outrage when Obama put a crippled Army Ranger on display during the 2014 State of the Union address?
1
What was the context of the Army Ranger's presence?
He was used as a political tool, just like Trump used the Navy SEAL's wife as a political tool.
The regressives on here are just too hypocritical to acknowledge that ALL politicians play disgusting games.
The regressives on here are just too hypocritical to acknowledge that ALL politicians play disgusting games.
Wake up.
Honoring a disabled vet is not the same as trying to weasel out of responsibility for injury and death which is exactly what Trump did.
Trump actually said "THEY (his Generals) lost Ryan".
Trump obviously used the widow to try to hide behind - for an order he signed off on. It is well known that Owen's dad blamed Trump and called for an investigation. The Buck stopped at Trump's desk.
Honoring a disabled vet is not the same as trying to weasel out of responsibility for injury and death which is exactly what Trump did.
Trump actually said "THEY (his Generals) lost Ryan".
Trump obviously used the widow to try to hide behind - for an order he signed off on. It is well known that Owen's dad blamed Trump and called for an investigation. The Buck stopped at Trump's desk.
Apparently Trump not wearing an adult diaper on the outside of his suit is the bar on the floor for this guy.
He stood, he read, he "aspired".
Okey Dokey.
This changes what exactly.
He stood, he read, he "aspired".
Okey Dokey.
This changes what exactly.
6
The Trump approach is keep them guessing. Change each speech to say opposite things so that you can never be pinned down to any statement.
You recall the parable Trump said a few days ago about the women who rescued a snake and then the snake bit her? "But you knew I was a snake when you rescued me", said the snake.
Yes. Well see, that's Trump. The man's a snake.
Yes. Well see, that's Trump. The man's a snake.
1
It would be my guess the reporters who wrote this story have never bought a used car or dealt with a real estate agent. Trump is a con man and will say what people want hear.
We know that Trump and the Republican Congress are going to do terrible thing to this Country no matter how nice they sound.
Trump didn't foam at the mouth: Maybe he is a reasonable man after all?
No he isn't.
We know that Trump and the Republican Congress are going to do terrible thing to this Country no matter how nice they sound.
Trump didn't foam at the mouth: Maybe he is a reasonable man after all?
No he isn't.
6
How low has the bar really been set? Just because he did not act like a 5 year old Mussolini he actually gets praise! No specifics on how any of his proposals will evolve.Sounded grandiose and not thought out. The damage he has inflicted so far as the POTUS is real. Even if somehow he acted more presidential, which I could never see, Who really cares? He is just perpetuating the con at our expense. The fallen SEAL even set a presidential record for the longest applause of a dead soldier. The comment seemed really out of place.
9
I am starting to worry that the liberal-leaning press, which the NY Times surely is, is willing to call black and white grey in an effort to appear fair-minded to conservatives. Trump looking "presidential'? Trump a "mad genius"? No. No, no, no. Trump last night was the same Trump we've seen over and over and over again. Nothing new, just the same tricks he pulls out of his tired old hat and somehow manages to dazzle those wanting to believe him with, or those who decided to sell their souls for a climb to power with him (i.e. Paul Ryan). I hope the liberal-leaning press does not lose a baseline ability to call a song and dance show featuring shameless half-truths and other shenanigans cloaked in "presidential"-looking swagger (Close your eyes, he's about to pull a rabbit out of his hat, folks!) what it is, in the interest of appearing fair-minded.
9
One of those trivial fights in which Mr. Trump has become engaged (through no fault of his own, of course) is with the media, the evil media, the enemy of the people. Let us see Mr. Trump soften his view towards the press before we buy into this saner and less threatening vision of the world, of his mission, and ultimately of himself. This morning, people are emphasizing, with a sense of reassurance, the important role that the congress will have in controlling his unrealistic and hateful plans. Did anyone really expect him, last night, to stand up and candidly lay out his vision of congress, in front of ..... the congress? To take him at face value is to ignore not only the past but the also the direction in which he is pushed both by his trusted advisors and, more importantly, by his grandiose and narcissistic personality. To trust him is to ignore the many times that this has played-out over the past 18 months. We have seen, very clearly, his terrifying vision of the First Amendment and we have seen initial attempts to castrate the Judiciary. Should we now become complacent about his version of the role of congress? Is the apple that he offered last night sweet or poisoned? Let us not be naive.
5
Oh yeah!
"...said he was eager to reach across party lines and put aside "trivial fights" to help ordinary Americans."
Not so fast......how laughable....just a little late!!!! Who started the "trivial fights"???????
After picking silly, childish fights with everyone both at home and abroad, Donald J. Trump wants to work with others?????
How funny the current occupant of the White House showed total disrespect to President Obama with his stupid, racist BIRTHER nonsense and is now calling for what again?
Let's not forget the Republican Party/Tea Party's relentless attacks, disdain and full blown disrespect consistently shown to President for 8 long, painful years.
The Right are in total control of the 3 branches of government and can have a field day dismantling President Obama's Regulation that......
protects our waterways and streams to satisfy the "Swarm" that were promised will be "drained", gutting Obamacare and ending the Medicaid expansion while giving us "access" to health care but enriching the "Swarm", allowing mentally ill to purchase guns to satisfy the NRA, need I go on??????
"Making America Great Again" is a fiction since most of the world except BFF Putin has nothing good to say about our beloved nation and no one is rolling out the welcoming red carpet.
What a huge difference with President Obama who was welcomed with open arms overseas!
"...said he was eager to reach across party lines and put aside "trivial fights" to help ordinary Americans."
Not so fast......how laughable....just a little late!!!! Who started the "trivial fights"???????
After picking silly, childish fights with everyone both at home and abroad, Donald J. Trump wants to work with others?????
How funny the current occupant of the White House showed total disrespect to President Obama with his stupid, racist BIRTHER nonsense and is now calling for what again?
Let's not forget the Republican Party/Tea Party's relentless attacks, disdain and full blown disrespect consistently shown to President for 8 long, painful years.
The Right are in total control of the 3 branches of government and can have a field day dismantling President Obama's Regulation that......
protects our waterways and streams to satisfy the "Swarm" that were promised will be "drained", gutting Obamacare and ending the Medicaid expansion while giving us "access" to health care but enriching the "Swarm", allowing mentally ill to purchase guns to satisfy the NRA, need I go on??????
"Making America Great Again" is a fiction since most of the world except BFF Putin has nothing good to say about our beloved nation and no one is rolling out the welcoming red carpet.
What a huge difference with President Obama who was welcomed with open arms overseas!
3
Actions speak louder than words. For one month we've seen irrational behavior, lies from podium and lies in tweets. We daily see a crass, power-hungry GOP Admin lick their chops as governance disappears. We watch Bannon's worldview become the White House view. We see ill-chosen Cabinet appointees destroy and deconstruct agencies, we see our country more vulnerable to toxins. And, we do NOT see investigation of Russia's tampering in our government. We do NOT see Donald Trump's taxes revealed. No, this is not "normal" - this is abnormal, tarted up to look presentable for one night. Speechwriters earn their money putting words in the mouths of pols; only POTUS has the nuke codes and has the capacity to ruin the planet. We have long years of abnormal ahead.
6
President Trump spoke in an articulate and intelligent manner. He was disciplined and presidential and was firm but not a bit arrogant. He spoke with strong convictions on the issues he promoted during his presidential campaign. He made Americans believe -- 71 percent -- that he will and can deliver on his promises. I am one of those people.
4
Trump read teleprompters. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that you considered them a crutch when they were read by President Obama.
2
First, that you would feel compelled to give high marks to a president for acting "presidential" says a lot about where you are coming from.
Second, where are the details? For example, where is the "back to work" program initiative for the manufacturing unemployed/working class in the Ohios and Pennsylvanias of the country?
Third, without any such details, just "strong conviction" that he will "deliver on his promises," why do you believe him? Blind faith?
Second, where are the details? For example, where is the "back to work" program initiative for the manufacturing unemployed/working class in the Ohios and Pennsylvanias of the country?
Third, without any such details, just "strong conviction" that he will "deliver on his promises," why do you believe him? Blind faith?
1
I don't find anything hopeful about his promise to throw money at for-profit prisons and military contractors.
5
Even if softly spoken by your three-year-old grandchild or 80-year-old grandmother, hypocrisy and indefensible policies are still indefensible.
3
This is the problem with America; image trumps reality over and over again (no pun intended). After all Trump has shown us. from his erratic behavior while in office to the extraordinary pronouncements prior, are we really so easily manipulated that we see him in a new light..reborn, washed of his sins????? Any street corner pimp can put on a blue suit and sound educated, (and in fact most pimp are brillant); but do the clothes and the eloquence really change what he is?
5
Here's my take on Trump's speech. Same bald-faced lying, far exceeding any other presidential address in history. Same baseless scapegoating of undocumented workers as a major source of the Nation's ills. Same foolish and misguided policies, on trade, border protection, military buildup, healthcare, etc etc. Same fantasy promises of beautiful outcomes at no cost, not the least eliminating deficits even while putting in place huge tax cuts and massive increases in spending.
So what's different? He said Democrats should "join him" (the same day he issued his most recent insult to the Democratic Minority Leader). And that "concession" got him praise as having delivered the best speech of his life.
So what's different? He said Democrats should "join him" (the same day he issued his most recent insult to the Democratic Minority Leader). And that "concession" got him praise as having delivered the best speech of his life.
7
This is just sad.
The press and the Trumpers seemto be like the kid of the alcoholic dad who believes for the millionth time that the old man is really going to buy you that motorcycle he promises every time he gets drunk. Maybe an Al-Anon meeting is in order for a reality check. Lol.
The press and the Trumpers seemto be like the kid of the alcoholic dad who believes for the millionth time that the old man is really going to buy you that motorcycle he promises every time he gets drunk. Maybe an Al-Anon meeting is in order for a reality check. Lol.
5
Funny - that's basically what Jon Stewart said on Colbert's show on Monday. He compared Trump to a bad boyfriend that the girl keeps hoping she'll be able to change. It never works, as many of us already know.
1
Trump has more opposition than any President or candidate in recent history. How can we not stand behind a President that wants to help The American People? I'll be the first to say he sometimes talks a little too much "off the cuff", but isn't that the reason he was elected? For his bold stance on topics, and his complete opposition to fake scripted politicians? Did anyone happen to see Nancy Pelosi telling the D congressman, "tell them your a muslim?" Are you honestly saying that this party has honest intentions? It's embarrassing to see the major figures that shape the Democratic party and their history of payoffs and corruption. Does anyone even care to look at Hillary Clinton's Rose Law Firm; that literally started her political payoffs and money laundering in the late 80's? How do you stand by your husband that was impeached for his scandalous behavior, but use him as your platform for why you should be the next President? And then Loretta Lynch , aka ATTORNEY GENERAL, refusal to cooperate or seek justice in relation to Hillary Clinton's clearly criminal activity ? It's disgusting. Or you have former President Barack Obama throwing his feet up on the desk in the Oval Office and doing Mic drops like some sort of degenerate rapper. Would anyone agree that it's shameful to treat the most prestigious position in our country this way? Trump is battling all of this opposition and attacking MAJOR subjects this country needs answers too. I support Trump because its right
2
Trump is just helping himself to everything he can grab, baby. This country has obviously perfected the evolution of suckers.
I respect the office of the presidency. It does not mean I have to support the ideas and policies of it's occupant.
I didn't vote for him and I don't support his agenda. In the end, it's not personal, it's about policy.
Paul Ryan probably is nice enough in his private life, but I still don't support his position on issues.
I didn't vote for him and I don't support his agenda. In the end, it's not personal, it's about policy.
Paul Ryan probably is nice enough in his private life, but I still don't support his position on issues.
1
Thankfully, so far, he has not suggested reversing Abraham Lincolns Executive Order, the Emancipation Proclamation, though the administration is still young.
1
I'm doing research on choosing a financial planner. I wanted to find information on red flags when looking for someone to help. Here are the red flags I found on Investopedia. I believe they are applicable in other professions as well:
Lack of credentials
Lack of time
Poor communications skills
Big promises
Lack of transparency
Too much salesmanship
Disorganization
The article said that if you find yourself shaking your head "yes" for more than one of these, find another advisor.
Lack of credentials
Lack of time
Poor communications skills
Big promises
Lack of transparency
Too much salesmanship
Disorganization
The article said that if you find yourself shaking your head "yes" for more than one of these, find another advisor.
5
GOP, the past 8 years of NO. Now they are cheering and want Dems to forgive and forget? We would be further ahead if GOP worked with Obama, instead of Racist McConnell with NO. Trump wants Dems to go to bed with repulsive Republicans? Calling out immigrant violence and no mention of helping all victims of crime? Watching Ms O'neil, still grieving and Trump using her a his pawn while Phony Ivanka watch makes ill of the casualties of the Bush debacle. The father O'neil has it right, investigate. The rest of Trump's speech pure politics, money for the rich, dispare for working people and more American blood. Trump is the pipeline to nowhere after 2 years of temp jobs.
1
This speech was a regurgitation of everything he has been saying without the nasty rhetoric. It's the compliment to his nastiness, a tactic not a position.
On they other hand, the "so-called" president may be realizing his "so-called" administration is losing its early battles: travel ban & ACA. He is very behind schedule on the immediate repeal & replace of ACA. His appeal to the travel ban hold stands undefended in court. A 7th grader could give a speech with greater substance.
On they other hand, the "so-called" president may be realizing his "so-called" administration is losing its early battles: travel ban & ACA. He is very behind schedule on the immediate repeal & replace of ACA. His appeal to the travel ban hold stands undefended in court. A 7th grader could give a speech with greater substance.
2
Sorry Trump, it takes more than one reasonable-sounding speech to gain the trust of the American people. Everything you have done so far has been ignorant and divisive, and you expect us to call you presidential based on a single speech which is nothing out of the ordinary?
5
The headline makes no sense given the substance of the article.
How is it in any way optimistic for America if Congress, regardless if it is in a bipartisan or partisan way, to enact Trump's agenda?
And how is it being presidential to recognize a war widow then make reference to the strength of the applause meter?
I need another shower.
How is it in any way optimistic for America if Congress, regardless if it is in a bipartisan or partisan way, to enact Trump's agenda?
And how is it being presidential to recognize a war widow then make reference to the strength of the applause meter?
I need another shower.
2
The evident belief of many Americans that death leads to immortality is one of the creepiest features of this culture.
1
The speech was his best so far. I almost choked as he said clean air and water as the head of the EPA starts to take it apart. I can see the coal dust running down the streams now but with the smoke for the coal fired plants maybe won't be able to see it.
Abolishing this regulation won't save any coal mines, but it will make it cheaper to just abandon piles of mining wastes.
The problem is:
Would you buy a used car from Trump?
Would you buy a used car from Trump?
5
Two things struck me about Trump’s speech; first, he can complete a full sentence with a teleprompter; second, he’ll stoop low to gain the country’s sympathy, e.g., using a grieving Navy Seal’s wife as a stage prop. His comments were painted with a very broad brush, e.g., inferring thousands of jobs will soon be created by a host of industry giants due to his efforts and after only 30 days in office. As these projects take years to plan, there is reason to be suspicious. Or, that by building a wall and banning immigration he will keep us safe from “radical Islamic terrorism” when most acts of terror here are perpetrated by native-born Americans. Or, that he’s keeping us safe by instituting the largest modern increase in military spending; one, increases that won’t keep us safe; two, we’ve seen three larger increases on a percentage basis just since 2002…he’s grasping to find merit in his own administration; and three, money that will deprive other agencies of the funding they need to be effective. At the same time he’s going to “promote clean air and water”, he’s already signed Executive Orders to reduce government oversight of water and his support for the fossil fuel industry will negatively affect the air we breath. In his first month as President he’s played 6 rounds of golf at a price tag to the American taxpayer of approx. $2M per round and he has the gall to preach about poverty in America. I found this speech long on promises and short on details.
2
When it reaches the point where a so-called president can speak in vague generality about billions of dollars in expenditures coupled with "massive" tax cuts, all without uttering a single syllable as to how it all is to be paid for, and not only get away with it but actually receive praise, look out. Smart people realize immediately that they are dealing with a con artist, and are about to be played for suckers. And when it reaches the point where many apparently can't see that, or, worse, simply don't care, it's all over.
6
One way or another, the Electoral College cheats a majority of voters in presidential elections of any relevance to the outcome at all.
This country is brain freaking dead. 12 million volts applied between its ears wouldn't even raise its temperature.
This country is brain freaking dead. 12 million volts applied between its ears wouldn't even raise its temperature.
3
Same old, same old. Feed the rich. Starve the people. Many people were pleased by his new drugged-out relaxed style, but it made me wonder what face his handlers would give him tomorrow.
7
Drugged out leader being controlled by others = John Gill Patterns of Force in the OST series. The fact that Gill promoted Nazism is the icing on the cake!!
The cause of many "trivial fights" could be clearly seen if Trump would look in the mirror. Just days ago, he called Nancy Pelosi "incompetent," and has insulted every enemy real or imagined, including John McCain. The speechwriter can write his speeches, but he can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
7
Trump likes Seals who don't get killed.
1
To awink: The market will fall even faster once the real Dumpf reveals himself. You 19% up will become a 100% down. Besides being stupid, he is a puppet, only as good as the Kellypan, Brandon, Preboob giving him oxygen. He is a fraud.
2
So is he trying to is nice to deflect from the investigation of his campaigns collusion with the Russian interference with the US election? Does he think that a few promises of possible concessions to the Democrats will cause them to go easy on the investigations? He may have lowered his voice and stuck to the prompter, but the speech sounded like a high school commencement except for the content which was diabolical if enacted.
The key features seem to be eliminating health insurance for 20 million people, cutting revenue and increasing spending, but worst of all feeding the insatiable military industrial complex by among other things increasing the number of nuclear weapons. Per the quote below there are already enough to destroy the planet.
"There are an estimated total of 20,500 nuclear warheads in the world today. If the average power of these devices is 33,500 Kilotons, there are enough to destroy the total earth landmass."
The key features seem to be eliminating health insurance for 20 million people, cutting revenue and increasing spending, but worst of all feeding the insatiable military industrial complex by among other things increasing the number of nuclear weapons. Per the quote below there are already enough to destroy the planet.
"There are an estimated total of 20,500 nuclear warheads in the world today. If the average power of these devices is 33,500 Kilotons, there are enough to destroy the total earth landmass."
3
I can’t understand why anyone would have watched last night’s dog-and-pony show. We have all watched this thuggish, malevolent creep worm his way into office (with the help of the FBI and the Russian intelligence service) and we have listened to his insane ravings for more than a year now. Nothing that this creature does or says will matter more than what we have seen to date. He, like his blind followers, are irredeemable. He cannot be normalized.
6
Some may believe this speech means Trump is finally ready to govern. My guess is that he will return to his mean tweeting, race-baiting, childish behaviors, leaving people feeling like Charlie Brown after trusting Lucy to finally hold that football for him. This man has lied so many times, he now needs to win back our trust, and is unwilling to do what it takes: renounce the alt-right, encourage a full and impartial investigation into all ties to Russia, reveal his taxes and divest all family businesses to resolve all conflicts of interest.
7
How seductively sedate Trump was. I didn't buy it.
6
Really ..... it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks.
It is even harder one speech will expunge all his past divisive statements.
It is even harder one speech will expunge all his past divisive statements.
1
Too little, too late.
5
Trump is a great job creator! For teleprompter operators.
4
ED......Obama even used a teleprompter when speaking to a 3rd grade class
This guy is like the worst boyfriend/girlfriend of most young people. They are horribly self-centered and uninterested in you or your life, only their own achievements and success, except maybe one hour per week. And so, you learn, sometimes through heartbreak is that this cannot become your future spouse. They're just not into you.
America, Trump is just not into you.
America, Trump is just not into you.
7
I'm glad the change in tone in one speech written for him transforms him from demagogue to reasonable leader. Now I feel that he has righted the following concerns:
Producing early morning hour tweets shouting FAKE NEWS while lying about crowd sizes and fictional massacres.
Staging an unnecessary, symbolic mission that killed a Navy Seal while the indignant cries of "Benghazi" still ring in the air.
Settling to pay $25 million for peddling a fake university.
Choosing racist, xenophobic, and nativist immigration stances and bans as the centerpiece of his presidency.
Appointing a white supremacist blogger as chief strategist.
Conducting open-air conversations about US policy at Mar-a-Lago on the heels of attacking his opponent about emails and servers.
Appointing a cabinet of inexperienced individuals who hate the role of their respective job descriptions from public education to labor to the environment.
Alienating foreign leaders and threating coalitions.
Using dictator speak to shut down our first Amendment rights.
Having to fire a member of his cabinet who was colluding with Russia to get elected.
Violating the emoluments clause.
Refusing to release his taxes.
Threatening gender and equality rights.
Trump is clearly changed now because he sounds--for one time-- like a quasi-articulate leader giving a speech out of the GOP 101 manual.
Producing early morning hour tweets shouting FAKE NEWS while lying about crowd sizes and fictional massacres.
Staging an unnecessary, symbolic mission that killed a Navy Seal while the indignant cries of "Benghazi" still ring in the air.
Settling to pay $25 million for peddling a fake university.
Choosing racist, xenophobic, and nativist immigration stances and bans as the centerpiece of his presidency.
Appointing a white supremacist blogger as chief strategist.
Conducting open-air conversations about US policy at Mar-a-Lago on the heels of attacking his opponent about emails and servers.
Appointing a cabinet of inexperienced individuals who hate the role of their respective job descriptions from public education to labor to the environment.
Alienating foreign leaders and threating coalitions.
Using dictator speak to shut down our first Amendment rights.
Having to fire a member of his cabinet who was colluding with Russia to get elected.
Violating the emoluments clause.
Refusing to release his taxes.
Threatening gender and equality rights.
Trump is clearly changed now because he sounds--for one time-- like a quasi-articulate leader giving a speech out of the GOP 101 manual.
3
Can't trust Trump and his advisors as far as you can throw each one of them.
He and they are manipulators.
Keep holding them accountable to affect democratic humanistic ethical policies and programs. Not ones based on the gold standard and the profit motive for the obscenely and unnecessarily rich and wealthy.
Trump has the lobbies of his buildings and other structures paneled in gold-like reflective metals to that 24x7 he can have his head up in there looking at his reflection in his golden room.
Benefit of the doubt? Can he grow up and learn to be kind and considerate: We will see/calculate the results day by day, week by week, for the remainder of the 208 weeks by the qualities of Trump's policies and programs.
He and they are manipulators.
Keep holding them accountable to affect democratic humanistic ethical policies and programs. Not ones based on the gold standard and the profit motive for the obscenely and unnecessarily rich and wealthy.
Trump has the lobbies of his buildings and other structures paneled in gold-like reflective metals to that 24x7 he can have his head up in there looking at his reflection in his golden room.
Benefit of the doubt? Can he grow up and learn to be kind and considerate: We will see/calculate the results day by day, week by week, for the remainder of the 208 weeks by the qualities of Trump's policies and programs.
Recently there has been a lot of talk in congress about how broken the ACA is. I for one agree that the ACA is not well. Now the republicans claim to be the party that will rescue the American people from a collapsing health care system. I would like the republicans in congress to answer just one question. Why did you sit on your hands and do nothing to improve the ACA for the last seven plus years? All that time wasted. In that amount of time the United States could have corrected the flaws, increased accessibility, and developed the best and most comprehensive health care in the world; instead of starting all over and creating a flawed system again. VERY SAD!!!
3
The best reply to Donald Trump's Address to Congress comes from Senator Bernie Sanders. Watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eK-5ivYb3o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eK-5ivYb3o
3
Thank you for sharing this. It's a shame that the people who most need to hear it, won't bother to listen.
A civil Trump is indeed news.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating, dear hearts.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating, dear hearts.
3
Trump acted like an adult for 62 minutes. Congratulations! Did Steve Bannon give him a cookie for his effort afterwards?
All kidding aside, the collective high-five on display from the media and Americans alike show we have an overwhelming need to be soothed. Authoritarianism always sounds better when it's not being shouted at 100 decibels.
Actions speak louder than words. His address was tepid and lacking of any substance. But his actions speak louder than words: his AG is a stone-cold racist, his Education Sec'y questions whether we should even have public education, his Sec'y of State's ties to Russia are concerning, and Bannon...where do we even begin with this white nationalist monster who's the puppeteer to Trump's blunt instrument?
We should be questioning everything Trump and his administration are doing. And that means everyone, including the press, including voters.
All kidding aside, the collective high-five on display from the media and Americans alike show we have an overwhelming need to be soothed. Authoritarianism always sounds better when it's not being shouted at 100 decibels.
Actions speak louder than words. His address was tepid and lacking of any substance. But his actions speak louder than words: his AG is a stone-cold racist, his Education Sec'y questions whether we should even have public education, his Sec'y of State's ties to Russia are concerning, and Bannon...where do we even begin with this white nationalist monster who's the puppeteer to Trump's blunt instrument?
We should be questioning everything Trump and his administration are doing. And that means everyone, including the press, including voters.
2
Left vs Right
Hegel said it goes something like this:
Thesis appears, antithesis inevitably emerges.
They do battle.
Eventually, synthesis results.
Synthesis is the new thesis and the process continues, theoretically improving with each thesis, antithesis, synthesis loop.
But if thesis will not even listen to antithesis, what then? No synthesis possible.
We desperately need civil discourse.
Thesis is uncivil.
Antithesis is uncivil.
The press is uncivil
To borrow from Walter Cronkite, "Good luck America. Your best days may be behind you."
Hegel said it goes something like this:
Thesis appears, antithesis inevitably emerges.
They do battle.
Eventually, synthesis results.
Synthesis is the new thesis and the process continues, theoretically improving with each thesis, antithesis, synthesis loop.
But if thesis will not even listen to antithesis, what then? No synthesis possible.
We desperately need civil discourse.
Thesis is uncivil.
Antithesis is uncivil.
The press is uncivil
To borrow from Walter Cronkite, "Good luck America. Your best days may be behind you."
2
The US often confounds itself pathetically by believing mutually contradictory things simultaneously.
2
Ma'am, I am truly sorry for your horrible loss. However, as a veteran, it disgusts me to see that buffoon use you and your husband for his own nefarious ends. While he and "his generals" are playing soldier, real people will suffer and die. Honor and duty are not real to him, just a sound bite. A death: collateral damage. To be written off, like a bad business deal. Just the cost of doing business. For profit, family enriching, business.
6
Optimistic? Really? Just because he smiled? Where have our critical thinking skills gone? He's bringing back "10s of thousands of jobs". Well, we'll see. Meanwhile, he's planning to fire 3000-5000 staff from EPA alone, smart, hard-working scientists and engineers who solve real problems. Energy and Education are next. Please, people. Pay attention!
9
I saw Trump leer a time or two. Is that how he smiles?
1
During the Democratic primaries the NYTimes ignored Bernie, dismissing his social democratic policies as so much pie in the sky.
The reason the U.S. is such an obscene contrast of poverty and wealth is the absence of income security and health programs commonplace in other wealthy democracies.
By abolishing FDR's family support program, the Clintons threw millions into extreme poverty. They threw millions more into prison with mass incarceration.
However, if you point out these facts, the NYTimes, voice of the Democratic establishment, refuses to publish the observations.
The Clintons are mistrusted because they have betrayed trust so often.
The U.S. needs social democracy. You're the only wealthy democracy without a social democratic party and consequently you have a 100 million underclass.
The reason the U.S. is such an obscene contrast of poverty and wealth is the absence of income security and health programs commonplace in other wealthy democracies.
By abolishing FDR's family support program, the Clintons threw millions into extreme poverty. They threw millions more into prison with mass incarceration.
However, if you point out these facts, the NYTimes, voice of the Democratic establishment, refuses to publish the observations.
The Clintons are mistrusted because they have betrayed trust so often.
The U.S. needs social democracy. You're the only wealthy democracy without a social democratic party and consequently you have a 100 million underclass.
His tone-deaf segment about families of those in law enforcement worryinng about their loved ones coming home from work, but did not recognize the other side was appalling. It is true, that families do worry about such a situation, but it's part of the job. What about all of those minority families who have to worry about their child going out and about their daily lives to happen upon a trigger-happy officer? I am sure the parents of Tamir Rice did not expect their son to not come home just from playing outside.
6
The proliferation of guns makes our law enforcement personnel a lot less safe and I'm sure they know that. It's odd that Republicans never seem to realize it.
One prepared speech delivered by an individual with acting ability does not redress the verbal abuses heaped on the public for over a year.
5
Is it presidential to weaponize the grief of a widow, and exploit the death of her husband for a political stunt?
9
trump has promised to release details about his promises next week
which oddly never seems to come, does it
6
undocumented immigrants? No that would be illegal aliens.
Mexico's ruling elite has been having its cake and eating it too. Mexico's natural resources are just as numerous as the U.S.'s. It is time for Mexico to take care of their own citizens, develop its own economy, and increase the standard of living for its own people. The porous border of the U.S. should no longer be used by Mexico as a pressure relief valve for its social problems. The cabal of 'white' Mexicans who rule Mexico and enrich themselves at the expense of non-white Mexicans and the American taxpayers needs to end.
Controlling our own border is not inhumane. In fact, controlling the border will protect the frequently victimized i.e., illegal aliens. Once Mexico realizes that the old game is over they will have to do things differently and actually look out for their own citizens.
Mexico's ruling elite has been having its cake and eating it too. Mexico's natural resources are just as numerous as the U.S.'s. It is time for Mexico to take care of their own citizens, develop its own economy, and increase the standard of living for its own people. The porous border of the U.S. should no longer be used by Mexico as a pressure relief valve for its social problems. The cabal of 'white' Mexicans who rule Mexico and enrich themselves at the expense of non-white Mexicans and the American taxpayers needs to end.
Controlling our own border is not inhumane. In fact, controlling the border will protect the frequently victimized i.e., illegal aliens. Once Mexico realizes that the old game is over they will have to do things differently and actually look out for their own citizens.
5
President Trump's congressional address was excellent and very impressive. He was cool, calm and collected and not at all combative like he sometimes has been in the past. He brought up the important issues such as defeating radical Islamic terrorism without being afraid to use the term. He discussed the dangers of illegal immigration and those who must be deported due to criminal and unlawful behavior. He talked about the many jobs already created but that more must be done for the American worker.
He reassured me that I made the correct decision in voting for Mr. Trump and I have no regrets. He stressed that he wants to make America great again and that he has American interests at heart. He was presidential and will perform the duties he has set out to do. Our country is in good hands with this president and he will keep us safe from our enemies. He has the know how and intelligence to make good things happen for all Americans.
He reassured me that I made the correct decision in voting for Mr. Trump and I have no regrets. He stressed that he wants to make America great again and that he has American interests at heart. He was presidential and will perform the duties he has set out to do. Our country is in good hands with this president and he will keep us safe from our enemies. He has the know how and intelligence to make good things happen for all Americans.
2
People who have no regrets have no amygdalas. You and Trump are peas in a pod.
1
Are you paid to post this drivel or do you just enjoy being a troll?
The speech was devoid of specifics and any real meaning. It was the same lies and empty sloganeering in a slightly less transparent package, but still easy enough to see through. Don't be fooled.
4
Now the work begins for Donald Trump. Playing both sides, without delivering the goods to either, will be a disaster in the end. He will astound even himself, for unbeknownst to even him, he is slowly becoming the the very politician he's despised his whole life. Either he's going to disappoint and anger Team Bannon/Miller/Conway/Supporters, or he's going to anger Team Priebus/Ryan/Pence/Detractors. But true to Trump form, he will lie through his teeth to both teams in an effort to hold this together.
And he thought this was like running a business.
And he thought this was like running a business.
Congress is just playing Spy vs. Spy with itself.
Politics is an art of mediation that bullies never learn.
Politics is an art of mediation that bullies never learn.
The bite of the snake was bearable, but the venom will change all that.
5
This headline and many of the "he acted Presidential" comments truly distress me. Soft dictatorships rely on normalization by the media and voters who make decisions based on shallow and subjective, over-emotionalized perceptions. This man has created levels of chaos and anxiety in this country for six weeks, lied shamelessly and appointed a Cabinet, who his own "senior advisor," the nationalist Bannon, described as "deconstructionist." They have disdain for the very agencies they are supposed to govern. He shamelessly uses the wife of the Navy Seal killed in a ill advised excursion decided over dinner with his son-in-law, who he believes can solve military, diplomatic and health care issues for the country.
Wake up people - all of this spells danger ahead. Oh but yeah - he can recite a speech. How low the bar has fallen!
Wake up people - all of this spells danger ahead. Oh but yeah - he can recite a speech. How low the bar has fallen!
13
That speech was by no means presidential. Actions speak louder than words, Trump is a crazed hypocrite. Between listening to Trump and watching the smug expressions on Ryan and Pence, I can't decide what sickened me more.
5
It should be obvious by now that Trump will say whatever he thinks people want to hear, regardless of what he said before, regardless of practicalities, and regardless of the truth. The guy who somehow got elected without ever realizing that revamping the healthcare system would be "so complicated," obviously isn't a deep thinker. He's someone who listens to only to yes men and flatterers, acts impulsively, claims credit when things go right, denies reality when they don't, and expects others to clean up the mess as he moves on to the next shiny object that catches his attention/
My guess is that, behind all the bluster about fake news, he's deeply troubled by record low approval ratings and mass protests. Enough so that he's willing to make a few semi-conciliatory remarks. Big deal. Look at his cabinet appointments and ask yourself whether any of those people are going to be anything but the rogues and radicals they've been all their career. The Donald may blow in the wind, but the people who will be doing the actual governing know what they to accomplish these next four years, and they're not in to help laid off factory workers.
My guess is that, behind all the bluster about fake news, he's deeply troubled by record low approval ratings and mass protests. Enough so that he's willing to make a few semi-conciliatory remarks. Big deal. Look at his cabinet appointments and ask yourself whether any of those people are going to be anything but the rogues and radicals they've been all their career. The Donald may blow in the wind, but the people who will be doing the actual governing know what they to accomplish these next four years, and they're not in to help laid off factory workers.
3
Australia sends their young men to the USA to sow their final oats, before settling down. They do here, what they are not allowed to do there. Hypocrites. And Canada? Same thing. They do elsewhere what not allowed to do at home. Hypocrites.
Dear Mr. President,
please go on.
Here in Germany dozends of newspapers produce thousands of articles/comments against you on a weekly basis.
This is a clear indicator on the political landscape supported by the press.
It simply reflects how nervous some people are running around.
There had been no better mirror in the past decades like this.
Our politicans like Angela Merkel are enjoing their power and and at the same time ignoring the needs of the domestic people. The motto is "Own people last".
In collaboration with the leading papers they fight against democracy and against basic values of a society.
I am not a supporter of Donald Trump, but I am sure that he came at the right time.
In Europe it will take some further months until the political power will be dispatched in a new way.
The modern revolution is going on - without blood. And the final result will lead to more peace on our planet.
We do need politicans that destroy our values and our running societies.
Go on Mr. President.
Good luck and much success.
please go on.
Here in Germany dozends of newspapers produce thousands of articles/comments against you on a weekly basis.
This is a clear indicator on the political landscape supported by the press.
It simply reflects how nervous some people are running around.
There had been no better mirror in the past decades like this.
Our politicans like Angela Merkel are enjoing their power and and at the same time ignoring the needs of the domestic people. The motto is "Own people last".
In collaboration with the leading papers they fight against democracy and against basic values of a society.
I am not a supporter of Donald Trump, but I am sure that he came at the right time.
In Europe it will take some further months until the political power will be dispatched in a new way.
The modern revolution is going on - without blood. And the final result will lead to more peace on our planet.
We do need politicans that destroy our values and our running societies.
Go on Mr. President.
Good luck and much success.
1
Are you seriously kidding me? He managed to somehow not completely lose it again with another incomprehensible speech and he's suddenly "presidential" and we have to give him a chance? Are you out of your minds?!
The vast majority of what he said was half true at best, completely untrue mostly and congress needs to act to remove this maniac from office. Of course, being republican controlled, they won't.
So hello to the swampiest administration in US history and one of the most imbecilic. Money funneled back to the top--rights funneled back to the bottom. Our environment suffers. Education suffers. Health care suffers. Our economy will suffer. Trump keeps taking credit for things he had nothing to do with, blames others for what he did have something to do with and marches on carrying out Steve Bannon's dream of mass destruction of our state.
Insanity.
The vast majority of what he said was half true at best, completely untrue mostly and congress needs to act to remove this maniac from office. Of course, being republican controlled, they won't.
So hello to the swampiest administration in US history and one of the most imbecilic. Money funneled back to the top--rights funneled back to the bottom. Our environment suffers. Education suffers. Health care suffers. Our economy will suffer. Trump keeps taking credit for things he had nothing to do with, blames others for what he did have something to do with and marches on carrying out Steve Bannon's dream of mass destruction of our state.
Insanity.
7
Trump has produced a conditioned response in me that will take more than
a single speech to undo. Truth be told, I can't imagine that I will ever trust, or
respect the man. It's too late for this citizen and this president. I think the worst is yet to come.
a single speech to undo. Truth be told, I can't imagine that I will ever trust, or
respect the man. It's too late for this citizen and this president. I think the worst is yet to come.
6
Dismember Dubya? He was ALL loved after 9/11...then he attacked Iraq and we will live with it forever.
To call Trump reading a speech they wrote for him as the way he will be is a joke of the highest order. Sad.
To call Trump reading a speech they wrote for him as the way he will be is a joke of the highest order. Sad.
2
So, the monkey can dance.
3
So, he keeps it semi-together once and now he's presidential. That after calling Nancy Pelosi incompetent and then saying he wants to work together. He bans individuals illegally and now wants to allow immigrants in. He wants to dismantle Obama care (I do like how the Republicans who voted for Trump are now calling it ACA -- HAHA -- yes, the same Obamacare you jeered and voted against!) and now admits that it's "confusing." And now, filling his swamp with the worst self-serving and destructive individuals this man could find. Yeah, that's presidential alright.
6
Let us not be lulled to sleep by a softer spoken Trump. Both the devil and the angel of a person are in the details of their actions.
As Obama had Luther the anger translator we will likely need Leaker the truth translator.
As Obama had Luther the anger translator we will likely need Leaker the truth translator.
2
Trump and the Republicans will someday regret they ever declared government-subsidized, private provider group health insurance a failure. The only workable alternative to it is a government-sponsored single payer system, and their epitaph for Obamacare will be remembered if we repeal it now and have to repair the damage later.
2
Lurching away from his longstanding policy prescriptions, but who will doubt that we'll hear those horrid prescriptions again. The evil seethed for weeks as he thundered down on the least advantaged among us. then he moderates for a couple of hours. Even evil is episodic and never purely evil. But the dominant theme is the many is painfully evident. Drive him out of office!!
2
" time to end trivial fights." Like the mafia pledging to end crime. Or the banks promising free money. Or a " weight loss" program that is effective, safe and free. Blah, blah, blah.
5
His speech could be entitled "throw spaghetti on the wall , see what sticks." Can our wonderful country really survive this man and his pack of cretins I. E. Republicans for 4 years??
5
Oh, so Donald Trump delivered a carefully prepared speech designed to raise his poll numbers? Now I feel better. All those offensive things he has said and done in his entire adult life can now be forgotten. Seriously, anyone who brought away the slightest glimmer of hope from this performance piece is either naive or has set the bar lower still for this man.
7
One sedate speech does not a man make. He rarely made speeches, mostly screeches.
4
If there is one thing I've learned is that people don't change. Especially once they have tasted power and others have to beckon to their will. Leopard-spot correlation applies here. As the cancer of racism and anti-Semitism rots the US, he's offering up snake oil like the carnival barker that he is. Three-card Monte is entertaining to watch until you lose your money. He's playing us again. Don't fall for it.
6
Of course but millions were taken in including apparently Van Johnson.
I had recently watched the Stepford Wives so am sensitized.
I had recently watched the Stepford Wives so am sensitized.
Re the phrase " rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and military." Roads, bridges, tunnels, electrical grid and on and on, yes they all need some attention and money. "Rebuilding" the military is simply a false statement. Shame on the writers and editors for stating an unnecessary arbitrary 10% increase with those words.
1
The reason the President is asking for both sides of the political aisle to work together is that after only a month he realizes members of the GOP are empty suits.
He needs someone [Democrats] that knows how to govern and how to enact laws to help save his Presidency.
He needs someone [Democrats] that knows how to govern and how to enact laws to help save his Presidency.
If the time for small thinking, trivial fights and fear is over, why doesn't Trump lead the way and just resign?
6
I assume all the anti President Trump commenters have noticed the recent meteoric rise in the stock market. I personally have enjoyed a 19% return on my retirement funds since election day. I will take the old or the new President Trump, thank you. I also assume the anti President Trump folks with similar positive financial results will be returning these ill-gotten gains or donating them to charity. If you are near retirement and have not enjoyed similar gains you have much bigger problems than who the president is.
9
What a perfectly smug thing to say. Glad you are doing well in your golden years. Hopefully you have grandchildren to whon you can bequeath your windfall. They will need it....
4
You may want to take those gains off the table as they are not based on anything other than hopeful speculation. After a 7 year run in the market maybe becoming slightly bearish might be a good move. Trees don't grow to the sky. Trump's policies (?) may not see the complete light of day!
4
What goes up, must come down.........................
2
Trump's talk-talk is all aspirational:
"I know the greatest people", "I know more than the Generals" "No one loves the First Amendment More Than Me" yadda yadda.
The problem is his actions: Illegal detainments, attacks on our Free Press, disparaging women's rights, hiding his taxes, his investigated dealings with Russia, a botched job in Yemen and the loss of Ryan Owen.
"I know the greatest people", "I know more than the Generals" "No one loves the First Amendment More Than Me" yadda yadda.
The problem is his actions: Illegal detainments, attacks on our Free Press, disparaging women's rights, hiding his taxes, his investigated dealings with Russia, a botched job in Yemen and the loss of Ryan Owen.
3
Congratulations, Trump was able to show enough self control to read a speech. Trump saying we need to end trivial fights is laughable. Let's do a split screen of his last press conference and this speech, which do you think is the real Trump?
1
Uh oh...
Word is out Obama had more viewers for his first address.
The side show already is losing its appeal.
Word is out Obama had more viewers for his first address.
The side show already is losing its appeal.
1
No mention of the disruptions at town hall meetings that the sinister Obama has been orchestrating? Boys, you can put the net back in the trunk, until the next tweet/rant. Oh, and by the way, ICE just detained two bus loads of men on their way to harvest flowers a few miles from my parents' house. They took away 11 to be deported. Evidently one of them had had a DUII.
3
The Times actually saying something reasonable about President Trump? They must be ice skating in Hades.
2
I'm sure it is mentioned in several of the 1,000 comments that precede mine, but there is something profoundly ironic in an exhortation to Congress to end "trivial fights" coming from Donald Trump, who launches trivial fights on a daily basis. There is a famous story about Mahatma Gandhi who was asked by a boy's mother to cure the son's sugar habit. Gandhi asked the mother to come back in a week. When they reappeared, the mother asked about the week's hiatus, and Gandhi said, "I had to stop my use of sugar before asking the boy to do so." I'd like to see Trump model the behavior.
1
Anyone can put on a blue tie and read a speech someone else wrote. What we know and is proven is that Trump is a liar and not be believed. He was advised he had to be more presidential and somewhat more conciliatory, but that doesn't change what he says and does behind closed doors. He has a long record of saying whatever he thinks that a group wants to hear. Our country is in grave peril. Trump is not to be believed or trusted. More than sad! It's terrifying.
5
The fact that he managed to string a few sentences together and not drool on himself too much does not make him "reasonable' or "presidential".
6
Am I working back at the factory yet?
2
Sounds like you're joking about a job that you don't need.
If people want to listen to a speech that counts, please listen to Senator Sam Ervin's opening remarks to the Watergate Committee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSpFIRrm0Bw
For anyone to think Russian involvement in our election is to be trivialized, they are underestimating our enemies and allowing our democracy to be compromised.
For anyone to think Russian involvement in our election is to be trivialized, they are underestimating our enemies and allowing our democracy to be compromised.
3
The same confidence trickster. that convinced folks to give their money to Trump University.
Donald's illegal business practices, ranging from false claims to racketeering, still the same old Donald.
The 'art of the scam', 'the bait and switch' president.
Donald's illegal business practices, ranging from false claims to racketeering, still the same old Donald.
The 'art of the scam', 'the bait and switch' president.
4
For one hour last night DJT spoke using proper grammar, full sentences and a normal tone. He didn't call anybody names (directly) and didn't remind us of his "historical" electoral college win. The bar is so low that the speech is being heralded as one of the best, if not the best, in history (Fox News). Van Jones, who I used to respect, is blathering all over the place that DJT is "now the President"
I see things differently.
DJT is a classic abuser....perhaps not with his fists, but certainly with his mouth. His MO is to lash out, to demean, to threaten and to be punitive in order to show who is boss and to get what he wants. He gets off on it. After he has exorcised his demons, he mellows out for a period by being congenial or even magnanimous. The victim is thrown off by congenial DJT. Needing to believe the abuser is not really an abuser, the victim reacts with praise and relief. But, that is a false sense of security. He will be back. The demons are just taking a time out.
I see things differently.
DJT is a classic abuser....perhaps not with his fists, but certainly with his mouth. His MO is to lash out, to demean, to threaten and to be punitive in order to show who is boss and to get what he wants. He gets off on it. After he has exorcised his demons, he mellows out for a period by being congenial or even magnanimous. The victim is thrown off by congenial DJT. Needing to believe the abuser is not really an abuser, the victim reacts with praise and relief. But, that is a false sense of security. He will be back. The demons are just taking a time out.
6
It's too bad that the NYT didn't discover fact checking during the Obama administrations and during the election process. But to use a tired old cliche that applies very well, "better late than never".
2
Yes, but each of their "fact checks" could have ALSO been fact checked. There are always many levels of interpretation of complex relationships. Anyone claiming to be a "fact-checker" should not be trusted - especially when they use cheesy props, like buzzer sounds, for special effect.
1
Anyone who thought this was an optimistic or unifying speech was completely hoodwinked. Here's the strategy of Trump's speech:
1. Paint a dark and dystopian view of America, almost all of which is either false, or grossly distorted.
2. Blame that situation on the Democrats, particularly the prior administration (you know, that black guy in the White House).
3. Propose policies that will either make those problems much worse (e.g. his proposals for replacing Obamacare) or he couldn't possibly get through a Republican Congress (e.g. that infrastructure proposal). And, while you're at it, mention a Justice Department task force (Voice) whose SOLE purpose is to demonize immigrants, to make sure you can keep that front and center.
4. Last, invite the democrats to join in a bipartisan effort to clean up a mess which they created but doesn't really exist. This has the added advantage of making Democrats look like obstructionists if they don't go along with even the worst of your proposals.
I found the speech extremely offensive and insulting.
1. Paint a dark and dystopian view of America, almost all of which is either false, or grossly distorted.
2. Blame that situation on the Democrats, particularly the prior administration (you know, that black guy in the White House).
3. Propose policies that will either make those problems much worse (e.g. his proposals for replacing Obamacare) or he couldn't possibly get through a Republican Congress (e.g. that infrastructure proposal). And, while you're at it, mention a Justice Department task force (Voice) whose SOLE purpose is to demonize immigrants, to make sure you can keep that front and center.
4. Last, invite the democrats to join in a bipartisan effort to clean up a mess which they created but doesn't really exist. This has the added advantage of making Democrats look like obstructionists if they don't go along with even the worst of your proposals.
I found the speech extremely offensive and insulting.
1
Not a word about 'false news', just false promises and big military spending. In another era this scenario would have been hailed as 'peace in our time'.
2
" In another era this scenario would have been hailed as 'peace in our time'."
Chamberlain never said "peace in our time". He said it was "peace with honour" and "peace for our time". Peace in our time is a phrase coming from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.
Chamberlain never said "peace in our time". He said it was "peace with honour" and "peace for our time". Peace in our time is a phrase coming from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.
Obamacare is not collapsing, but a speech with just one lie seems pretty good these days. I hope the president will allow the people who wrote his speech to make other decisons since they seem to have more of a handle on things.
2
This is the third Bush Presidency with severe tax cuts and military empire building proposals that didn't work out before and will give the same results again. They never learn. They just like to live in an echo chamber of self grandeur and reinforcement among themselves to publish their orthodoxy that only works to get them votes and in power but ultimately trashes the nation.
History repeats because people repeat their knowledge of history.
History repeats because people repeat their knowledge of history.
2
The leopard doesn't change his spots. Trump showed as much when he ad-libbed about the length of the standing ovation given the widow of the fallen soldier in Yemen. Was that a bit of envy, Mr. T? You didn't come close to such a reception by members of your own party last night. You need constant adulation to keep that contemptible grin on your face. He read from the carefully crafted speech until the moment when somebody else received the adulation of the crowd...........just too much to bear without making a remark off message. I have no hope of that ever changing........sad....
5
I'm not buying what he's selling. He's had multiple chances to be the president of all Americans and he's willfully failed at it every time. One carefully crafted speech changes nothing. The quote from Maya Angelou that says "when someone shows you who they are, believe them" is quite true here. He's shown us who he is, and that's the person I believe.
15
FAKE president.
16
I wonder if that speech was as much to Trump as from Trump
The car company Ford years ago had an advertising campaign "Quality is Job #1" in part aimed at their employees
With this speech having lines about trivial fights being behind us was it a way for Trump's people to get him to focus and knock off the Twitter wars and other trivia?
And if so will this be a daily affirmation?
The car company Ford years ago had an advertising campaign "Quality is Job #1" in part aimed at their employees
With this speech having lines about trivial fights being behind us was it a way for Trump's people to get him to focus and knock off the Twitter wars and other trivia?
And if so will this be a daily affirmation?
The hypocrisy of last night's speech was utterly nauseating. Nothing, zilch, nada in that speech sounded like the Trump who we have seen over 99.99% of the last year, and especially not since November. Is one ghost-written speech enough to convince you that he is going to delivery on his pretty promises to the American people? Look at his track record over his entire life: Trump is out for one thing and one thing only--himself. Shall the leopard change his spots (with apologies to leopards)? On top of that, there is little indication that members of his cabinet have the good of the nation and the average American as their priority.
Don't believe a word of it. A pathological liar doesn't suddenly become acquainted with the truth overnight. All of you, including the NYT, who were snookered by this snake oil salesman's pitch better be on your guard. You're in for more body blows from this Fake President. He's a disgusting person and should be treated as such. He is very much like that other snake oil salesman, Chris Christie. His approval ratings are approaching single digits and the people who were suckered into voting for him twice are screaming for his head the loudest. Christie was a a blowhard devoid of substance right from the very beginning. So is Trump. Yet people who voted for Christie once were suckered into voting for him again when everything known about him after his first fours clearly showed that he shouldn't be voted for again. The same is true of Trump. He's a pathological liar, a terminal narcissist, a misogynist, a racist, a homophobe, an Islamophobe, anti-refugee, anti-Mexican, anti-democracy, anti-First Amendment, and an all around terrible person. Wake up to the fact that we have a Fake President who gave a FAKE performance. As his staff has said more than once, don't listen to what he says, listen to what he means. I think I now know what that means.
4
Peter: Regrettably, I think your lengthy, one-paragraph post says more about you than it does about President Trump.
I don't regret saying, you're wrong. Which part do you disagree with? Everything I said about Trump and Christie is well documented. Perhaps you prefer to ignore reality like they do.
1
Not a Bad Speech, at least in its form/delivery, not bad at all.
What will become of President Trump's Proposals, who can say.
What will become of President Trump's Proposals, who can say.
1
Particularly since he has yet to make any of any import.
I'm a NYT subscriber. During the Primaries and the General Election, I never criticized the NYT reporting because I believed it was balanced and fair. Even when the stories were damaging for the candidate I supported. I really pride myself on that.
Can you please tell me where I can learn more about this "Optimistic Address" you referenced in the headline?
I watched a very dangerous and very powerful person rant about starting a government agency for the sole purpose of publishing propaganda against marginalized and disadvantaged groups.
"Optimistic Address". Have you lost your minds?
Can you please tell me where I can learn more about this "Optimistic Address" you referenced in the headline?
I watched a very dangerous and very powerful person rant about starting a government agency for the sole purpose of publishing propaganda against marginalized and disadvantaged groups.
"Optimistic Address". Have you lost your minds?
5
More hopeful to whom??? The companies that will make zillions from his phony defense build up? His Russian cronies?
Here is who will be hurt. People at the bottom end of the economic ladder who will see further cuts to vital, lifesaving services. You can tell how bad it will be for the American people by the smiles on Trump's, Pence's and Ryan's faces in the picture you have attached to the article.
Here is who will be hurt. People at the bottom end of the economic ladder who will see further cuts to vital, lifesaving services. You can tell how bad it will be for the American people by the smiles on Trump's, Pence's and Ryan's faces in the picture you have attached to the article.
Wake up media! He is who he has always been. He just learned to read a teleprompter.
2
Talk is cheap.
5
An adult acting like an adult is cause for congratulation and praise. I see. Not!
3
Oh wow,we are supposed to be bowled over because so called president read a speech written for him in a civil tone ???? Perhaps he has finally begun a trial of medication intended to treat his overt mental health issue. However,do not be fooled , he is still the same cretin . He can't hide or overcome his obvious inability to govern.
5
I don't waste my time watching Trump, but I thought the idea was the "deconstruction of the administrative state"? Was this "optimistic" address another feint, a means of drawing attention away from what's really going on, or what's really happening (or about to)? I guess only time will tell, but I'm definitely not "optimistic".
And I do wish Paul Ryan would stop smirking. He may think, as most of the Republicans seem to, that he only represents his supporters. Millions of us are planning to disabuse him of that notion in 2018.
And I do wish Paul Ryan would stop smirking. He may think, as most of the Republicans seem to, that he only represents his supporters. Millions of us are planning to disabuse him of that notion in 2018.
3
His chin is so high in the air, you'd think he was royalty. I've lost much respect for Mr Ryan....
He is all better now..Right.
5
It was so nice to listen to an American President for a change.
1
"VOICE": Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement". But Mr. Trump, an ethical approach would be to also establish an office for "VOCAUPPBIOFOFY!" "Victims of Cruel and Unusual Punishment Perpetrated by ICE Officers Following Orders from YOU!".
Deportation is Cruel and Unusual Punishment for the vast majority of its victims. Children are being separated from the parents right now due to your orders.
Deportation is Cruel and Unusual Punishment for the vast majority of its victims. Children are being separated from the parents right now due to your orders.
2
With the exception of a few, I thought the democrats acted like idiots, especially Al Frankin and Cory Booker. And, when they all walked out at the end of the speech before Speaker Ryan brought down the gavel, don't think that went unnoticed by everyone else, including the cameras. In the very liberal area from which I live, even here people thought it grossly overdone and disrespectful of the office.
I'd say the further split into two countries continues and we all know where this can very well lead. I would say to democrats be careful how you play with this.
I'd say the further split into two countries continues and we all know where this can very well lead. I would say to democrats be careful how you play with this.
1
It takes much much more than just a prepared speech to be presidential. We're so on edge right now from a few weeks of his unscripted persona we'll project anything into him that even remotely looks like sanity. So he appeared to be more presidential. Move along folks, nothing to see here.
Donald Trump has picked more "trivial" fights than any other public figure I can think of, so I'm not impressed with his call for an end to "trivial" fights.
For decades, Trump has shown us nothing but willful destructiveness and pathological self-aggrandizement. It's going to take a lot more than one speech to prove that he as the maturity, judgment, and knowledge needed to run the United States government. The fact that he managed to stay on script last night doesn't change the fact that the script itself was mediocre. If you set the bar low enough, anyone can look "presidential."
His shameless exploitation of a war widow and his twisted attempt to make illegal immigrants the scapegoat for violent crime in America show that nothing about Trump has changed.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
For decades, Trump has shown us nothing but willful destructiveness and pathological self-aggrandizement. It's going to take a lot more than one speech to prove that he as the maturity, judgment, and knowledge needed to run the United States government. The fact that he managed to stay on script last night doesn't change the fact that the script itself was mediocre. If you set the bar low enough, anyone can look "presidential."
His shameless exploitation of a war widow and his twisted attempt to make illegal immigrants the scapegoat for violent crime in America show that nothing about Trump has changed.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
1
Let's ask Khizr and Ghazala Khan how they feel about this new version of draft dodger trump.
1
One "sunnier" speech, and some people are suddenly more hopeful? WTH people, gullible much? Never listen to what this cretin says, watch what he does. Example, just a minor thing but not much press coverage to the order which now allows for the mentally ill to buy guns.
The corporate infotainment complex is doing its best to normalize the incompetent kleptocracy. The resistance will not be televised.
1
Trump managed last night not to be irreverent to the America people, or to others around the world, which must have taken quite a bit of an effort on his part, and on the part others, so I'd give him "E" for effort. On the other hand he gave no details to making 'America Great Again", which has been his short-coming, specifics to details, not wanting to take responsibilities for making decisions, and would rather fault others for bad decisions made, a case in point is faulting the generals for a botched mission. This man doesn't get it, he's the commander in chief, and "The buck stops here". He's no longer running a hotel and can fault the employees, he's the leader of the most powerful military in the world and must take total responsibility for it, and throwing more money at it isn't what it needs, it needs smart leadership that builds a trust with those he leads, not a finger pointer. The military is not going to cure the ills of America, it's there to protect our ideal at home, and at the moment there are a few bad guys out there that resent us that have to be taken care of, but $50 billion, please put it to better use.
I thought it was Trump who was doing most of the "trivial fighting" with all his tweets. With the bar set so low he was actually able to read a speech but does he believe what he said or as I suspect they were just words on a paper which someone handed him. Will have to wait till he starts tweeting again to see the real Trump
I just wish the Times didn't feel that it had to balance out its objective reporting by using such patronizing headlines like - "Trump, in Optimistic Address." What is optimistic about building policies on lies - that immigrants are a major cause of crime in the US; that building an expensive and useless wall will stop immigrants from coming here; that our military is in shambles and we need to rob from the rest of the country to make the military beast bigger; that we need to take insurance away from 20 million people and replace it with fairy dust; that his alt right nuts had nothing to do with the defamation of Jewish cemeteries; and on and on. We can NEVER lose sight of this guys roots starting with his hateful racist attack on Pres. Obama and all of his lies since then. Never forget!
1
“From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears.”
Really?
I guess fear is only a good talking point when you're trying to get scared people to vote for you.
What a clown show.
Please don't fall for it.
Really?
I guess fear is only a good talking point when you're trying to get scared people to vote for you.
What a clown show.
Please don't fall for it.
1
What possible difference does it make if the address was optimistic? He is a proven liar, at a 70% rate, so you know what he says means absolutely nothing. He'll just do what he wants to do, ignoring what his speech said, and he'll make sure any difficulties that occur are laid on Obama's doorstep.
1
Russian interference in our democratic way of life is not trivial, and will not be put aside. Independent Investigation is needed as evidenced by the recent vote in Congress.
As for Trump/Bannon styles...I expect the cost of the "Great Wall" to be placed under the Defense budget (thus the bloat recently proposed. Plans would be drawn by Army Corp of Engineers, and touted by Trump Administration as 2 for 1, defense/infrastructure "repair". The Mexico "payment" will be a renegotiated Trade Agreement. Meanwhile, daycares are closing on army bases...trickle down economics at its worst.
Trump declined salary of President, another slide of hand. He then jet-setted his and is family's way, at taxpayers expense, (recall that he pays no taxes and thinks this is smart). This one month's expenditure was comparable to Obama's yearly rate.
He further abuses power and extorts our money, developing and profiting from his "brand" across the globe. This is Wall Street CEO income rationale. He and the Republican administration decided to capitalize on Putin's efforts and privatize the Presidency!! The Senate and the Congress will resemble the Italian Parliament in no time as envy sets in. Argh!
As for Trump/Bannon styles...I expect the cost of the "Great Wall" to be placed under the Defense budget (thus the bloat recently proposed. Plans would be drawn by Army Corp of Engineers, and touted by Trump Administration as 2 for 1, defense/infrastructure "repair". The Mexico "payment" will be a renegotiated Trade Agreement. Meanwhile, daycares are closing on army bases...trickle down economics at its worst.
Trump declined salary of President, another slide of hand. He then jet-setted his and is family's way, at taxpayers expense, (recall that he pays no taxes and thinks this is smart). This one month's expenditure was comparable to Obama's yearly rate.
He further abuses power and extorts our money, developing and profiting from his "brand" across the globe. This is Wall Street CEO income rationale. He and the Republican administration decided to capitalize on Putin's efforts and privatize the Presidency!! The Senate and the Congress will resemble the Italian Parliament in no time as envy sets in. Argh!
"He then jet-setted his and is family's way, at taxpayers expense,"
By way of example, President Trump's corporate airplane is far more luxurious than Air Force One.
By way of example, President Trump's corporate airplane is far more luxurious than Air Force One.
The Con Don must have realized how unpopular he is and how thin his "minority" of Americans is. Here's a reminder:
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/america-gives-trump-earful-not-my-pr...
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/2/27/1638350/-Check-out-these-massive...
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/america-gives-trump-earful-not-my-pr...
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/2/27/1638350/-Check-out-these-massive...
1
THe first link is for "Not my president" worldwide demonstrations. The second is for "pro-trump rallies" - sad is right.
1
I agree, we should stop the trivial fights and really get down to business and get tough. Fight this man and his Congress.
6
Trump's "optimistic address," "hopeful vision, "bold plan"?
WHY does the media keep reporting on what Trump "says" as if it's of any importance (as opposed to what he has DON and IS DOING!) and keep going along with the admirably favorable spin?
Guess the "the press is the enemy" attack by Bannon and his gang is paying dividends in terms of a cowed response? Just as intended!
WHY does the media keep reporting on what Trump "says" as if it's of any importance (as opposed to what he has DON and IS DOING!) and keep going along with the admirably favorable spin?
Guess the "the press is the enemy" attack by Bannon and his gang is paying dividends in terms of a cowed response? Just as intended!
5
"Petty fights" !? Yeah, right, petty like: free press, racial & ethnic hatred & violence,clean air, clean water, confronting climate change, border walls, minimal wage, taxes & paying taxes, abortion, sexual abuse, voting rights etc., etc., etc... -Lenny
3
Why the Left and the Media are sooo angry:
Suppose the following is true:
Whoever controls language, also controls thought.
Whoever controls thought, also controls behavior.
Suppose the PC Left and the PC Media control language.
Suppose that America, outside of New York and California, has been for ages, choking to death on PC controlled language, tip-toey prettyspeak for lies.
Suppose Straight Talk appears in the form of Donald Trump and squashes PC.
Suddenly the Left and most of the Media are without their most potent and deadly weapon, PC language which sings of moral superiority, guilt and thereby, props up principles unable to stand on their own merits.
Ergo lame ideas exposed, anger......lots and lots of anger.
Suppose the following is true:
Whoever controls language, also controls thought.
Whoever controls thought, also controls behavior.
Suppose the PC Left and the PC Media control language.
Suppose that America, outside of New York and California, has been for ages, choking to death on PC controlled language, tip-toey prettyspeak for lies.
Suppose Straight Talk appears in the form of Donald Trump and squashes PC.
Suddenly the Left and most of the Media are without their most potent and deadly weapon, PC language which sings of moral superiority, guilt and thereby, props up principles unable to stand on their own merits.
Ergo lame ideas exposed, anger......lots and lots of anger.
3
I've have never been cursed at as a "liberal" by anyone who appeared to have the slightest coherent idea of what liberty is.
He could certainly help the process by letting a few truths slip out of his mouth on occasion.
I would certainly call the first minute of his address somewhat optimistic, but then his fascist rhetoric with his inside voice took over and he begad the downward path to his old ways right quick.
I would certainly call the first minute of his address somewhat optimistic, but then his fascist rhetoric with his inside voice took over and he begad the downward path to his old ways right quick.
1
One wonders if we're deporting any Eastern Europeans you know those who traffic in human beings, drugs, $$$ Certainly not all of them are here legally but they are white, wink wink.
1
Oh my, the bar just gets lower and lower!
He spent much of his speech in Alt-Reality mode, frequently lying or misleading on basic facts: 94 million unemployed, overrun by gangs, etc.
He is so far riding the success and hard work done over the past 8 years, not the 'mess' he believes he has inherited. Ultimately, reality will catch up and unfortunately we are all likely to be losers.
He spent much of his speech in Alt-Reality mode, frequently lying or misleading on basic facts: 94 million unemployed, overrun by gangs, etc.
He is so far riding the success and hard work done over the past 8 years, not the 'mess' he believes he has inherited. Ultimately, reality will catch up and unfortunately we are all likely to be losers.
4
Trump offers a more optimistic vision?!? Did you listen to the speech? He started off with how great the market is doing; halfway through he was left with a mess; talked about clean water; earlier in the day rolled back clean water regulations; military spending? Is it really necessary - I think not. He did not address Russia, the Muslim ban, tens of millions losing healthcare...I could go on and on. Do not allow Trump to manipulate the media as it appears he is doing. Why wasn't the lede - Trump softens language of destruction OR Trump contradicts actions taken earlier in day Or Trump avoids addressing Russia connection OR Trump avoids addressing corruption in cabinet? Many other options were available rather than an "optimistic address". Very disappointing NYT.
5
'optimistic' - I think it means he did not overtly attack, condemn, blame, denigrate, insult or allude to his mad max vision of the US that he attributed to past Presidents and Governments.
It's sure gonna be a busy year for the dictionary people with all these new definitions.
It's sure gonna be a busy year for the dictionary people with all these new definitions.
1
I don't think a man who can't even crack a smile has any idea which way(s) happiness lies.
Trivial? Like unconstitutional and illegal executive orders? Like Russian hacking? Like his refusal to release his tax returns? Like the Russia dossier? Like appointing a billionaire who literally purchased her position to sect of ed? Like appointing a decades long racist as AG? Like his near constant lying? Like his having a white supremacist as chief advisor and appointing him to the National Security Council? Like appointing a Russian connected law breaker as National Security Advisor? Like his wasting tens of millions ALREADY on his lavish lifestyle? Like his virulent attacks on cornerstones of American democracy like the free press? Like his violations of the Emoluments clause and laws prohibit conflicts of interest for public officials?
Trivial like that? And this is just in 4 1/2 weeks.
Impeachment is how this needs to end. Sooner rather than later. Reading a teleprompter with the competence of a candidate for student council does not change anything.
Plus - fact checkers put the number of blatant lies north of 13 last night......
Trivial like that? And this is just in 4 1/2 weeks.
Impeachment is how this needs to end. Sooner rather than later. Reading a teleprompter with the competence of a candidate for student council does not change anything.
Plus - fact checkers put the number of blatant lies north of 13 last night......
3
There is nothing left of Trump after you subtract all his provocations.
"Oh,,... That speach was given to me... "
1
If Pres. Trump gets the funds for all the programs and tax cuts he favors in his address to Congress, he will do for our government what he did three times for his businesses - bring about bankruptcy!
2
Its funny how so many people become fooled. After the Republicans stab the US in the back when they purposely held President Obama hostage with his choice for Supreme court. After the Republicans lied and spread their propaganda whenever President Obama tried to do his job. After all the racial tensions and quotes led by his circle. After Trump continued to hire racist individuals in the most sacred positions in the US. Trump now, wants bi-partisan. And the Democratic leaders are so stupid to fall for it. Yes Rendell was so right. All of our Democratic leaders are wussies. All of them give in, when the Republican leaders have shown they will never. The US Contempt corruption. Democratic leaders contempt with no back bone. Yes it is time to be an Independent voter. Because when you are involved in one party. No matter which one. Both are crooked the end of the day. When will we ever have a party that is actually for the people and not for their pockets.
1
The Democrats are so clueless they don't even know which purportedly Democratic candidates are really Republican ringers.
He's clever (was it Steve Bannon?) in his vagueness. What "trivial fights" are he referring to? Many people (including me) would say he's the prime offender. Are his "opponents" trivial? Are the goals they want "Trivial"? As with Trump, it's vague and unclear and mildly hostile.
2
All of Trump's dealings with Russia are trivial, and unworthy of inquiry by anyone. His genius is so magical he is worth putting up with unlimited conflicts of interest for the privilege of living under his demigod governance.
I watch in disbelief as the media starts fawning over Trump's speech, which continued most of his campaign themes, with a more somber tone, while providing no new details. Any politician who would, before last year, promise to build a "great, great wall" along the southern border would have been rightly ridiculed for that sentence alone but I guess that's all fine now that Trump changed his tone and even his tie for one speech.
This is a fundamental problem in American politics that helped Trump to get elected. The media wastes its time spending hours and hours analyzing sentences in a generic speech. A Republican congressman on the morning news neatly summarized this problem when challenged on the lack of detail. Apparently getting to the nitty-gritty of, say, health care "puts people to sleep". Well, people may be put to sleep permanently if they don't have the patience to find out exactly how their health care is going to be arranged or not arranged in the future. I hope that we all know better and eventually judge this president by his actions and not on his choice of ties.
This is a fundamental problem in American politics that helped Trump to get elected. The media wastes its time spending hours and hours analyzing sentences in a generic speech. A Republican congressman on the morning news neatly summarized this problem when challenged on the lack of detail. Apparently getting to the nitty-gritty of, say, health care "puts people to sleep". Well, people may be put to sleep permanently if they don't have the patience to find out exactly how their health care is going to be arranged or not arranged in the future. I hope that we all know better and eventually judge this president by his actions and not on his choice of ties.
9
@ The Hawk - I don't see anyone "fawning" over Trump. Some media outlets, especially the NYTimes made the effort to be impartial and let up a fraction in their relentless criticism of him. Take a breath. I think you can manage to tolerate a few minor positive statements made about him.
Tomorrows headline "This speach was just given to me..."
All morning long, watching CNN, MSNBC, I was struck by how rules and protocols regarding politics and the media messages have starkly changed in the era of "Trump". All I saw was a parade of surrogate Republican propagandists being interviewed and showcased - Ari Flescher and the rest. I find Trump's address was just another piece of showtime. This guy wants us all to forget about "trivial fights". Sorry folks - he's lied for too long, made outrageous character assassinations (Obama was born in Kenya and is a Muslim; Obama is responsible for the intel leaks going on now in his White House and is personally behind the anti-Trump demonstrations, funded by George Soros, just for starters) for me to ever give him a chance. He's used all his chips with me. #NotMy President - now or ever.
7
We need to have a serious fight right now over the cumulative effects of the Electoral College voter cheating system that has politically and culturally divided and segregated the US.
1
Didn't anyone see that when he said "end the trivial fights" he was looking directly at and pointing his little hand towards the Democrats?
2
Media pundits were pleased to see a different Trump and his show of respect for the widow of the fallen commando and acknowledgement of victims of hate crime in Kansas. Pleeease, do not be so gullible fools. He still delivered a campaign speech ... absent were his bias, guile, self praise and screaming.
Some media channels praised him for showing the discipline to stick with script. Really? Are you setting a bar for president so low that merely staying on the script and soft delivery implies presidency's "mission is accomplished"?
The very notion of "being" or 'acting" presidential is baseless. A person either "is" or "is not" presidential. There is nothing to "become" or "act".
Just remember that barely hours before the speech, Trump threw the general's under the bus for Yemen fiasco, claimed that no one knew the healthcare issue was so complex and has yet to "sincerely" tell his followers to let go of their hatred.
Trump is not presidential, period.The man is a coyote and will remain so no matter what outwardly skin he puts on.
Some media channels praised him for showing the discipline to stick with script. Really? Are you setting a bar for president so low that merely staying on the script and soft delivery implies presidency's "mission is accomplished"?
The very notion of "being" or 'acting" presidential is baseless. A person either "is" or "is not" presidential. There is nothing to "become" or "act".
Just remember that barely hours before the speech, Trump threw the general's under the bus for Yemen fiasco, claimed that no one knew the healthcare issue was so complex and has yet to "sincerely" tell his followers to let go of their hatred.
Trump is not presidential, period.The man is a coyote and will remain so no matter what outwardly skin he puts on.
2
A genuine effort to reach out to Democrats starts with Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court. Neil Gorsuch is young and will have his turn.
4
If a 70 year old man acting like a sane, rational adult while reading a pre-written speech off a Teleprompter is worthy of acclaim and adulation, then America has a dangerously low bar when it comes to what's "Presidential."
5
He's still just a con man. Every word he utters, whether it's on twitter, or in reading a speech someone else wrote, should be considered about as valuable and meaningful as secondhand smoke.
6
I watched the speech munching a bag of Cheetos so I could relate better to the Trumpster. I was not impressed by his address to Congress, little or no specifics just words. As a veteran I was touched and give him credit for recognizing the widow of Navy SEAL William Ryan Owens, my wife and I wiped away tears as we watched Mrs. Owens break down in tears.
I have never understood why Trump seems to applaud himself when he campaigned and last night after his address was finished. The dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong Un does the same thing.
I have never understood why Trump seems to applaud himself when he campaigned and last night after his address was finished. The dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong Un does the same thing.
3
Trump suffers from ADP - Attention Deficit Policy. It's always been impossible for him to follow through on any idea. We'll have to wait and see what happens between now and the... well... next tweet.
2
Trivial fights like say whining anytime a story comes out that you don't like? Like creating the nonsense term, "fake news", like attacking anybody that disagrees with you. Like lying over 60% of the time. Trump is a disgrace, the GOP congress is a disgrace and America is on its way to becoming a disgrace. The GOP did not have one member of the House vote to see Trump's tax records for potential conflicts of interest even when the majority of both Dem and Rep citizens believe he should disclose them.
3
Mr. President, if you want the Congress, and America, to stop the "trivial" but actually internecine (look it up here https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internecine) battles, you might consider setting an example. You might stop trivializing the arguments of anyone who disagrees with you and behave instead like an adult who is capable of understanding nuanced thought. You might recognize that the bedrock of democracy is freedom of thought and expression. You might, to coin a phrase, grow up.
2
What was "normal" about Trump's speech? Trump appears to have studied old recordings of Benito Mussolini. The level of Trump's pomposity was just ludicrous, as was the shamelessly exaggerated applause accorded to his every vague pronouncement by the Republicans in the audience. Boy, have they hitched their wagons to a real piece of work. There really is no point in paying attention to this or any of Trump speech as he will just contradict everything he said over the next few days.
2
All that was missing was the Darth Vader outfit and the heavy breathing that characterized his year of campaigning. Don't be seduced by the dark force.
1
When I see Trump, I think Russia, taxes, grabber, birther. No soft-toned speech will change his national mob boss disposition. I can't take him seriously even with the backdrop of our beloved flag. From time to time, you should expect he will tone it down because his bloviating becomes tiresome even to Republicans. Communication style is a means to an end that any salesperson understands how to utilize. He and Leninist, Bannon, still have their eyes on the prize - to tear down the US government (Bannon's words, not mine) and if that takes Trump whispering like NPR in his speeches they'll do it.
Finally, after eight years, a real American President.
3
Yes, an American President who put the needs of American citizens before those of Muslim "refugees" and the rest of the world.
1
The dystopian in chief acts vaguely human, speaks in almost complete sentences mouthing lie after lie or monstrously regressive /reactionary blather and the NY times acts all cuddly wuddly, really?! What I saw was a clarion call to get to the barricades and /or the death of democracy
We do live in a brave new world. A new world where a man who tweets blatant lies around the clock, is so childish that it can (and does) make middle-schoolers angry if you compare their maturity to his, a serial molester and a tax cheat is elected president. That's before his opening acts of attacking religions, national heritages, cultures and parents whose son died fighting for America. But today, he's presidential. I feel much better now.
5
The liberal echo chamber is out in full force today. It doesn't matter the subject matter of the article...the comments are all very much the same. Hysteria and Trump bashing have become a blood sport.
Incessant Trump bashing may make libs feel superior but it does NOTHING to move our country forward. That is of course an inconvenient truth to the 'haters', dividers and partisan hacks.
I am not a Trump supporter but he is our President for the next four years. This desire to see him fail is a desire to see our country fail. Who's 'deplorable' now?
Incessant Trump bashing may make libs feel superior but it does NOTHING to move our country forward. That is of course an inconvenient truth to the 'haters', dividers and partisan hacks.
I am not a Trump supporter but he is our President for the next four years. This desire to see him fail is a desire to see our country fail. Who's 'deplorable' now?
3
SOS just served up in softer tones. The bar is set so low for this guy that if he just sounds civil, he get's high marks for acting "presidential." Do not be fooled. He's the proverbial sheep in wolf's clothing.
5
Anyone knows if this means the "trivial fights" will end starting with him first, or only for others? Does it mean that Meryl Streep, Schwarzenegger, "the failing New York Times and Washinton Post", Nordstrom, and "the enemy of the American people" will no longer be on his tweets any more? And he will direct his tweeting power at the likes of Putin instead?m
1
While I am absolutely in favor of President Trump coming to his senses, I think that his record thus far has been of inconsistent and partially contradictory stances on many issues. I think this article well points out the inconsistencies of President Trump's statements on the day of this speech. It is up to the President to make his many statements fall in line with a consistent policy. I certainly hope he can do this and that his ultimate policy is more reasonable than his actions to date have been.
Trump almost sounded like a Democrat toward the end of his speech, but, given his changeability, toxic Cabinet members (except for his national security advisor), rapacious Republican agenda and Steve Bannon, who has vowed deconstruction of America as we know it, anyone who believed what Trump said last night is not paying attention to the realities of "Trump-world", and will be sorely disappointed.
I could not believe he was supporting the coal industry. Better he support re-education for coal miners, including reading and writing if necessary, to prepare them for another career.
He said he supported clean air and water, while just yesterday, the day of his address, he signed an executive order overturning a 2015 rule preventing the flow of pollution into major bodies of water, wetlands and ponds.
The call for lower drug prices was unrealistic, given American capitalism. In France, BigPharma presents new drugs to the government, which are then reviewed by 4 separate ministries, at the end of which time, the government says, "We will pay you X euros per pill -- take it or leave it".
Some of my clients work for BigPharma and have explained this process to me, and how much they like doing business in the U.S., where they can charge the highest prices with no limit.
If anything, Trump's lower cost medicines will be so due to inferior quality control.
Trump did not erupt into rage last night. He did not tell the truth. This does not make him Presidential.
I could not believe he was supporting the coal industry. Better he support re-education for coal miners, including reading and writing if necessary, to prepare them for another career.
He said he supported clean air and water, while just yesterday, the day of his address, he signed an executive order overturning a 2015 rule preventing the flow of pollution into major bodies of water, wetlands and ponds.
The call for lower drug prices was unrealistic, given American capitalism. In France, BigPharma presents new drugs to the government, which are then reviewed by 4 separate ministries, at the end of which time, the government says, "We will pay you X euros per pill -- take it or leave it".
Some of my clients work for BigPharma and have explained this process to me, and how much they like doing business in the U.S., where they can charge the highest prices with no limit.
If anything, Trump's lower cost medicines will be so due to inferior quality control.
Trump did not erupt into rage last night. He did not tell the truth. This does not make him Presidential.
3
Last night Trump said what he thought he had to say to get good reviews.
Of course he wants us to believe all his words. But, how much of what he said does HE actually believe?
What are the chances he was following the advice he gave to his Cabinet nominees prior to their confirmation hearings... for them to say whatever they needed to say to get successfully confirmed.
Of course he wants us to believe all his words. But, how much of what he said does HE actually believe?
What are the chances he was following the advice he gave to his Cabinet nominees prior to their confirmation hearings... for them to say whatever they needed to say to get successfully confirmed.
1
Great speech.... love infrastructure idea... grow the economy to pay for roads/bridges/airports, etc... jobs, jobs, jobs.... America's president, not the world's president.... keep up the fight against Junk Journalism.
2
And Mr. So-Called President, if you are serious about gaining the trust of the people...where are your tax returns?
3
I wonder when the Trump administration will open a federal office for Victims of Hate Crimes?
4
Teleprompter Trump continued:
We will provide access to those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Everyone will have access to policies from Trump University Health Insurance of Idaho.
Cheap and great coverage until you actually try and use it.
See we support states rights until it comes to screening health insurance provisions within that state.
No minimum coverage requirements. No analysis of the corporate stability of out of state providers.
Oh no.....
.....oh look......a military widow.........
We will provide access to those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Everyone will have access to policies from Trump University Health Insurance of Idaho.
Cheap and great coverage until you actually try and use it.
See we support states rights until it comes to screening health insurance provisions within that state.
No minimum coverage requirements. No analysis of the corporate stability of out of state providers.
Oh no.....
.....oh look......a military widow.........
3
“From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears.”
Which says exactly nothing. Do our aspirations include groveling in gratitude to a fascist leader? Or becoming Russia's lapdog? Or letting Big Business do whatever it likes without restraint?
Which says exactly nothing. Do our aspirations include groveling in gratitude to a fascist leader? Or becoming Russia's lapdog? Or letting Big Business do whatever it likes without restraint?
1
The greedy, treasonous Puppet of Putin who put Steve Bannon in charge of the White House and a fox in every "hen house" of his administration, just became even more dangerous. It turns out that he can read a speech without saying something bizarre or threatening.
It difficult to believe that the bar is so low.
It difficult to believe that the bar is so low.
3
Wow, the guy reads a speech and stays on message and somehow people seem to think he is now deemed presidential?? His speech was just a bunch of generalities with no substance. After years of lies on the campaign trail, and a horrible month in office, I wouldn't cut him an inch of slack until he actually does something positive. He's a con man - stop listening to his words and trying to infer a cogent presidential mind behind the words.
2
He started as a racist birther, with the baggage of crimminal nonpayment to vendors and the fraud known as Trump U
For a year, he has spouted lie after lie
He appointed a super right wing cabinet which is already making the country worse
one speech does not atone for this; shame on the media for focusing on style rather then substance
For a year, he has spouted lie after lie
He appointed a super right wing cabinet which is already making the country worse
one speech does not atone for this; shame on the media for focusing on style rather then substance
2
You didn't mention the most chilling piece of the "optimistic address", his newest addition to Homeland Security--VOICE--Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement. This, the latest acronym for the roundup of immigrants who commit such criminal acts as driving without a tail light, who have children that are afraid to go to school, who have lived in the US for years, paying taxes and contributing to their communities. For President Trump, they are just a few exceptions among 11 million "bad hombres."
Trump is like a pair of dice, you never know what will come up. Presidential one moment a 6 year old throwing a tantrum the next. He and his cronies are going to set this country back 30 or more years. Guns instead of people is their newest moto. He is not even a good business man only someone that has built a false brand like Madoff.
3
Everyone is complaining about the lack of details. I have been listening/watching " State of the Union" or similar addresses for longer then most of "everyone" has been on the planet. They historically are not detail speeches. They are outlines. Be sure brain is engaged before using keyboard .
1
The reaction to the speech by your reporters seemed to indicate that the Goddess of reasonableness and comity had suddenly descended, kissed Trump on the brow and give him the gift of "seeing the light". Wishful thinking, of which the press seems to be full today, is not the same as reality. I am not sure that this leopard has had his spots rubbed off.
3
Trump is the source of all the "trivial fights", not the Dems. Not the media. Not the intelligence agencies. A lot of TV's talking heads are wondering if his speech's optimistic tone for the country signals the introduction of a new and finally more presidential Trump. Whether he'll make that now-cliched pivot predicted a year ago. It's absurd. He will always be the same petty, ego-maniacal child; it is, quite simply, who he is. He can't change and he doesn't want to. During his inaugural speech, Trump painted a portrait of "American carnage" overshadowing the country. Now that he's been in office a few weeks, he declares from the heart that he has already lead the way toward a brighter and prettier nation, with a clear path to more jobs, less crime, a stronger economy more manufacturers wanting to remain here. There's a new sense of national pride sweeping the land, he proclaimed. More nationalistic fever, certainly, and a jump in hate crimes, yes, but more good-paying jobs for working folk? How? Certainly, we must acknowledge he has found higher-profile jobs for billionaires; after all, he's been hiring them to run a government that's supposedly all about the working class. We must also acknowledge Trump's new skill at something else: learning to stick to the script, read off a teleprompter. But Tuesday's bright, shiny words were penned by others. What are the chances his own, mean and petty tweets will change? Zero to none, realists can confidently predict.
5
Someone in our family has schizo-affective disorder and we have good days too, but relapses are part of the disorder. I suspect we will see something similar here.
6
Yay, he gave a good speech. Does anyone care about substance anymore?
1
This was nothing more than a well-constructed speech, the vulgar and cynical deployment of a grieving woman, a trained monkey who can read a teleprompter. In the meantime, the slight of Mr. Bannon's and Mr. Miller's hands shield their articulated agenda to "blow up" our democracy, beginning first with our environment, both natural and political.
5
Dear Leader's address to the nation reminded me of the song "Smiling Faces". I also noted the enthusiastic applause, good job fellas you don't want Dear Leader to see you not applauding heartily. Can't wait for the self-aggrandizing tweets.
3
Absolute codswallop. Read between the lines. There is nothing different here apart from the tone and the fact he kept to the script. Healthcare, gone. Spending on weapons through the roof and so it continues. It isn't what he says,it is what they do. It's amazing to me how easy it is to get praise by just putting on a good "Show"
2
Here is MY take on the speech.
Trump: Flip Or Flop?
Trump: Flip Or Flop?
The Corporate Dems are onboard with most of Trumps economic policies. Tax cuts for the people who bribe them is 100% in roundhouse. The progressives that gave you the finger by not voting for Hillary is done with you. The smear campaign against against Kieth Ellison to get the TPP loving Perez as DNC chairman proved you would rather lose with a Corporate Democrat than win with a progressive. Trump will get eight years.
Democrats are the Liberal Wing of the Republican Party.
Democrats are the Liberal Wing of the Republican Party.
Ronald Reagan spoke well and was popular.
But his policies, especially tax and spending decisions, put us on the course we still struggle with today.
The favoritism toward the very wealthy and the scrambling the rest of us in the middle class do on a daily basis to keep our heads above water.
Republican policy is to worship the wealthy and bend the rules and decisions of government to their narrow needs.
The backbone of the economy, the great American masses, is not their prime concern.
We all know that, but we let ourselves get seduced by the smooth talkers they throw at us each generation.
Trump is their latest salesman.
Are you still buying in the blind?
Or will you take a moment, listen to reputable voices and trusted sources to figure out who wins under their plans and who gets more pain heaped on their backs.
Here's a hint:
The ACA - Obamacare - is a massive shift of wealth from the rich to the middle class and poor. It reverses, in the form of health insurance, almost forty years of wealth accumulation in the other direction. That's why it's so hated by conservatives at its foundation.
Watch for the ACA's tax the rich components to be reversed, replaced with typical Republican tilt to the wealthy.
By the way, taxing the wealthiest to help in a small way the needs of the middle class is completely popular in America according to every poll.
It's something every civilized society on Earth does without question. Only conservatives have a problem it.
But his policies, especially tax and spending decisions, put us on the course we still struggle with today.
The favoritism toward the very wealthy and the scrambling the rest of us in the middle class do on a daily basis to keep our heads above water.
Republican policy is to worship the wealthy and bend the rules and decisions of government to their narrow needs.
The backbone of the economy, the great American masses, is not their prime concern.
We all know that, but we let ourselves get seduced by the smooth talkers they throw at us each generation.
Trump is their latest salesman.
Are you still buying in the blind?
Or will you take a moment, listen to reputable voices and trusted sources to figure out who wins under their plans and who gets more pain heaped on their backs.
Here's a hint:
The ACA - Obamacare - is a massive shift of wealth from the rich to the middle class and poor. It reverses, in the form of health insurance, almost forty years of wealth accumulation in the other direction. That's why it's so hated by conservatives at its foundation.
Watch for the ACA's tax the rich components to be reversed, replaced with typical Republican tilt to the wealthy.
By the way, taxing the wealthiest to help in a small way the needs of the middle class is completely popular in America according to every poll.
It's something every civilized society on Earth does without question. Only conservatives have a problem it.
5
This Administration has proven that it is more important to pay attention to its actions over its rhetoric. I applaud his cabinet members for getting him to read a prepared speech but do we really think that he has our best interests at heart, when most of his past actions seem only to benefit him?
1
For one day, The Donald acted like a grown up. Call the media. Bring out the trophies! All hail Macbeth! Now, toss Steve to the curb and I might - might - consider an iota of respect for you.
4
Just as his adoring fans refused to accept his own accounts of grabbing women in a highly offensive way by saying he was "only kidding". We must also say that his attempt to look presidential ( he did not) was only a Reality TV joke.
2
It's somewhat disconcerting that the Times neglects to mention here trump's statements about creating the VOICE program, which was chilling enough to draw gasps from some of the members of the audience last night, including those of us at home.
1
Sorry, but this is the same old story. Trump reads a speech that someone else wrote off a teleprompter and people believe momentarily that he has suddenly been rendered sane. Then, a few days later he's right back to the same irrational behavior and the same dysfunction.
I know we all want there to be a sane, normal person in The White House but the level of magical thinking out there is astounding. This guy is seventy years old - he's not going to change at this point. What we have is a high-functioning sociopath who on occasion can make himself appear to be normal in 1-hour bursts.
I know we all want there to be a sane, normal person in The White House but the level of magical thinking out there is astounding. This guy is seventy years old - he's not going to change at this point. What we have is a high-functioning sociopath who on occasion can make himself appear to be normal in 1-hour bursts.
1
Has anybody seen my life preserver? Because I am drowning in Trump news. Suddenly every other bit of news is relegated to the back pages (or ignored altogether). I'm sick and tired of this 24/7 coverage of the less-than-nothing that Trump has accomplished in the worst 40 days of any U.S. presidency since the beginning of time. Do we really need seven articles on Trump's speech on the first page of the digital version of the NYT? Please STOP!
1
Trivial?
Yes, I'd like them to fight about health care, economic justice, ending the wars, instead of partisan attacks left over from the campaign Red Baiting Russia like we are fools from the '50's.
Yes, I'd like them to fight about health care, economic justice, ending the wars, instead of partisan attacks left over from the campaign Red Baiting Russia like we are fools from the '50's.
Here are the President's major achievements so far: Scare and arrest and deport immigrants, make mortgages less accessible, make guns available to seriously mentally ill people. To me, this doesn't spell success...
2
Can one sane speech overcome two years of hatred and angry and lies?
2
Doesn't it strike anybody as odd that we are applauding that the president, our "so called" president, acted normal?
15
The Times pick of this comment saved this paper from a scathing critique of it's sedate coverage from me.
Donald Trump should never be normalized.
The reason Trump has Washington guessing is that his speech was incoherent, full of baseless assertions, laced with denials (the Yemen raid was a success) and deceit (NATO money is "pouring in" as a result of his efforts), and mostly, totally illogical (he is going to propose an "historic", "big, big" tax cut at the same time as a $54 billion increase in military spending and a new, trillion dollar infrastructure program). Anybody hoping to hear an action plan, or at least one serious solution proposal, was most definitely frustrated listening to Trump ramble.
But Trump's vague delivery remained clear on themes of political isolationism, economic protectionism, elimination of regulation, elimination of taxes, extreme law enforcement, cultural bigotry, and military domination. Congressional Republicans thought it was good and cheered repeatedly, eager to implement those themes however they can.
A thinking person's best guess is that greatness is hardly in America's future under Trump, and best hope is that Trump fails in his quest to return America to the dark place in his shaky recollection.
But Trump's vague delivery remained clear on themes of political isolationism, economic protectionism, elimination of regulation, elimination of taxes, extreme law enforcement, cultural bigotry, and military domination. Congressional Republicans thought it was good and cheered repeatedly, eager to implement those themes however they can.
A thinking person's best guess is that greatness is hardly in America's future under Trump, and best hope is that Trump fails in his quest to return America to the dark place in his shaky recollection.
2
For Trump to trivialize the Resistence by calling it "trivial fights" is wishful thinking in the extreme. This was no "reaching out" for cooperation. Either he sorely underestimates his opposition, or someone taught him how to insult them a little more slickly than usual.
1
Headlines matter. Many people skim the news. When the NYT prints “Trump Offers Up a More Hopeful Vision” that creates the take-away. Abbreviating that speech to “a More Hopeful Vision” really skews the meaning and context. What about scrapping the ACA without a replacement? Deporting millions of people? Scrapping the EPA, NEA, and CPB? Investigating his Russian contacts? His lying and attacks on the press? His conflicts of interest? Withholding his tax returns? That headline just supports his sleight of hand. Look over there! It diverts attention from what matters. His speech was filled with the usual baseless accolades. But he just proposed a $54 billion increase in military spending. A budget that will magically get paid for by 3% growth. And his PR stunt about immigration earlier in the day with the TV anchors was never mentioned. It would’ve been more accurate to say “Trump Offers a Confusing and Vague Vision.” Yes, he successfully read a speech written by Bannon and Miller from a teleprompter. That’s a really low bar for a president's "More Hopeful Vision.” He just sprinkled a little sugar over his usual Crazy.
4
Trump seemed to cover almost all of his campaign talking points last night but does anyone find it interesting that there was no mention of term limits, which he conveniently left out of last nights "update"? I guess that campaign promise would not have gone over so well on either side of the aisle.
I still want Trump to release his tax returns.
I still want Trump to release his tax returns.
3
Bannon is sly enough to tilt Trump's tone any way that serves to reduce antipathy and further his stealth agenda. Propaganda can be a brash rant or a soothing calm.
The devil's in the details. By emphasizing federal responsibility to build up the military- Trump ignores the true scope of 'homeland security' which requires competent oversight, regulation and protections. CDC, FEMA, FDA, public health, bridges, energy grid, air & water are as essential as B2 bombers.
Few think traditional military hardware is the answer to guerilla terrorism, sleeper cells and other tactics designed to be David to US Goliath.
Chest beating is not strength.
Claiming Ryan's 5 point plan is a great insurance fix is simply fraud.
Dropping tens of millions of patients from coverage doesn't save money for those buying coverage; it flood ERs with uninsured very sick patients whose care is mandated to be given for free.
Mandating everyone is in- no freeloaders- is essential for solvency. That is fiscal reality. The only coherent way to reduce cost & remain solvent (if the GOP is serious about controlling entitlement costs) is graduall expansion of Medicare- a tried & true beloved national insurance system. National insurance for everyone, with everyone chipping in, healthy or sick, rich paying more, not only reduces overhead, admin, profiteering-- it serves every US business, relieving employees & owners from the burden of providing this crucial benefit.
Vouchers geared to age is a hoax & a mean joke.
The devil's in the details. By emphasizing federal responsibility to build up the military- Trump ignores the true scope of 'homeland security' which requires competent oversight, regulation and protections. CDC, FEMA, FDA, public health, bridges, energy grid, air & water are as essential as B2 bombers.
Few think traditional military hardware is the answer to guerilla terrorism, sleeper cells and other tactics designed to be David to US Goliath.
Chest beating is not strength.
Claiming Ryan's 5 point plan is a great insurance fix is simply fraud.
Dropping tens of millions of patients from coverage doesn't save money for those buying coverage; it flood ERs with uninsured very sick patients whose care is mandated to be given for free.
Mandating everyone is in- no freeloaders- is essential for solvency. That is fiscal reality. The only coherent way to reduce cost & remain solvent (if the GOP is serious about controlling entitlement costs) is graduall expansion of Medicare- a tried & true beloved national insurance system. National insurance for everyone, with everyone chipping in, healthy or sick, rich paying more, not only reduces overhead, admin, profiteering-- it serves every US business, relieving employees & owners from the burden of providing this crucial benefit.
Vouchers geared to age is a hoax & a mean joke.
5
Reading the comments below, I'm surprised by the lack of critical thinking and inability to see past the empty platitudes of Trump's comments. He wants clean air and water? So why is he gutting the EPA and getting rid of a whole host of environmental regulations? His health care plan, lacking in specifics as it was, will be out of reach for most Americans.
Trump is already a miserable failure and it's up to patriotic Americans everywhere not to fall for his empty propaganda as he attempts to destroy the values that we hold dear.
Trump is already a miserable failure and it's up to patriotic Americans everywhere not to fall for his empty propaganda as he attempts to destroy the values that we hold dear.
3
Yeah, right, these two wonderful Koch boys would have the cleanest energy business in the world if only the EPA weren't irritating them.
They bought this slobbering stooge Congress for us.
They bought this slobbering stooge Congress for us.
1
This front page editorial is a clear indication that this paper has no clue about how the majority in this country (including many Democrats) feel about immigration. The stand alone blanket amnesty passed by congress and signed by Reagan only exacerbated the problem of illegal immigration. So from Center Left to Far Right there is little to no stomach for another one. A "crackdown on immigrants in the United States illegally" like the one Trump ordered is a necessary first step before any immigration bill with compromise on both sides can even get off the ground. Once our government proves it can finally be trusted to enforce our immigration laws, it will be a lot easier to point out that deporting 11 million people is probably not a great idea, and that a fair number of these folks are actually making America great, so why not make them Americans.
In the interim the Far-Left needs to get it though its head that: Illegal Aliens are not "Immigrants" and identity theft is not a victim-less crime.
In the interim the Far-Left needs to get it though its head that: Illegal Aliens are not "Immigrants" and identity theft is not a victim-less crime.
Countries that are serious about managing immigration have centralized national ID registries and ID cards. Individual private citizens cannot be expected to enforce immigration laws.
Reagan's amnesty didn't solve the illegal immigration problem because it wasn't paired with issuance of national ID cards to everyone including those who got amnesty.
Reagan's amnesty didn't solve the illegal immigration problem because it wasn't paired with issuance of national ID cards to everyone including those who got amnesty.
1
The man is a blowhard. Unbelievable that anybody thinks he is someone who should be President of the United States.
7
Bully-enablers always expect to be rewarded by their favorite sons, but are seldom requited by their heroes in the end.
This is an inexcusable headline. For once Trump stops frothing at the mouth and manages to read a teleprompter for an hour instead of his typical rambling incoherence and NYT front page/headlines are practically fawning over him.
15
We're starting to exhibit the signs of being repeatedly manipulated. We're looking so hard for any silver lining, that as long as he doesn't ratchet up the rhetoric we're willing to give up more ground.
Was it us? Shouldn't we give him another chance? Not everything he does is so terrible. Manipulation and then rationalization. Rinse and repeat.
Was it us? Shouldn't we give him another chance? Not everything he does is so terrible. Manipulation and then rationalization. Rinse and repeat.
1
Do not be fooled that Trump was able to read a prepared speech from a TelePrompter. He is insane and a con artist. He fooled over 60 million Americans into thinking he could be the President. I hope the NYT is not fooled by this.
6
Are we supposed to applaud someone that is offering us grandiose platitudes and smiling at us, while at the same time, he and his minions are taking away our freedoms, livelihood or health care. ( just to name a few ) ?
No.
It is the boy that cried wolf but in reverse. The boy ( the President ) has split us apart, split us apart, split us apart, split us apart and now is asking us to come together.
Sure, let's come together so long as we do and agree upon exactly everything they say or want us to suffer for.
Again .... No.
No.
It is the boy that cried wolf but in reverse. The boy ( the President ) has split us apart, split us apart, split us apart, split us apart and now is asking us to come together.
Sure, let's come together so long as we do and agree upon exactly everything they say or want us to suffer for.
Again .... No.
7
OK speech well delivered. The goals are more like a wish list to Santa since there is no indication that they are possible to fulfill. If you really, really listed to what he said, it was to grow the police and military and deregulate, deregulate, deregulate.
My sympathy to the widow of the Navy SEAL. This is not the first politician to use a fallen soldier to go for the sentimental, and she is not the first to play into the role on camera, but I personally thought it was the absolute low point of the speech given the questions about the mission and the things he has said about others who have served. Disgraceful.
My sympathy to the widow of the Navy SEAL. This is not the first politician to use a fallen soldier to go for the sentimental, and she is not the first to play into the role on camera, but I personally thought it was the absolute low point of the speech given the questions about the mission and the things he has said about others who have served. Disgraceful.
3
Trump "end trivial fights". you first!
1
The only real State of the Union was given by Steven Beshear. He was far more coherent and could speak English in paragraphs. He gave a casual devastating critique of the current President. Someone in the Democratic Party should bring Beshear in a leadership role in the Party. He speaks for many working class people in a way that is easy to understand.
The current President, on the other hand, speaks in vague, elliptical sentences. He appears to want to appeal to his base but his words seem to mask personal interests. At the end he talked about former nations and how the U.S. should make them friends. That appears to be Russia. Why not take an official position on Russia; is there any personal reason for wanting to make nice with the Communist country.
If you are truly trying to work with the other side, you don't point at one of its leaders, as the President did a few times against Pelosi.
Lack of class, lack of basic speaking abilities, lack of coherent policies. Go see Steven Beshear on YouTube to see how to give a talk.
The current President, on the other hand, speaks in vague, elliptical sentences. He appears to want to appeal to his base but his words seem to mask personal interests. At the end he talked about former nations and how the U.S. should make them friends. That appears to be Russia. Why not take an official position on Russia; is there any personal reason for wanting to make nice with the Communist country.
If you are truly trying to work with the other side, you don't point at one of its leaders, as the President did a few times against Pelosi.
Lack of class, lack of basic speaking abilities, lack of coherent policies. Go see Steven Beshear on YouTube to see how to give a talk.
1
What a cynical use of a woman's grief..to deflect criticism and possible investigation into Trump's authorization of the raid that cost Seal Owens his life.
Shameful...
Shameful...
10
Great speech. The Democrats looked foolish and downright anti-American.
2
Pfffttt.
Talk is what Trump does.
I will check back in 5 minutes and see what Mr. T has drastically changed into its opposite. Lol
Talk is what Trump does.
I will check back in 5 minutes and see what Mr. T has drastically changed into its opposite. Lol
2
Actually, we are very much pro America; the people, including you, but you are all now wayward fascists that need to calm down and get back to life without jumping up and down in hatred and anger about almost everything.
Wow, one prepared speech, characteristically short on detail, suddenly makes this man "presidential?". It simply shows how desperate the press (and America) is to write / read about something other than this man's endless litany of fearmongering.
4
Mr. Trump is not acting presidential. Were he to acquired a degree of sanity, he would have implored for forgiveness for his basic indecency on the campaign road.
He should confess that his treatment of fellow candidates was an act of bullying, with no let down, until decent people wilted beneath the applause rendered unto his brutality.
Words are cheap. Hitler claimed to be a socialist. LBJ ran against Goldwater on a "peace" platform. Nixon, said he was no crook and was forced to resign for burglary coverups.
Stop falling victim to you wishes for a measured rule by Trump. He is the face of modern Vulgarity, and Pretense, beginning with his words and ending in his false head of neon orange "hair".
And what was his veiled threat to China all about? His plans of filing bankruptcy on the debt to China, is a threat to China, and you do not tweak the toe of a sleeping giant.
He should confess that his treatment of fellow candidates was an act of bullying, with no let down, until decent people wilted beneath the applause rendered unto his brutality.
Words are cheap. Hitler claimed to be a socialist. LBJ ran against Goldwater on a "peace" platform. Nixon, said he was no crook and was forced to resign for burglary coverups.
Stop falling victim to you wishes for a measured rule by Trump. He is the face of modern Vulgarity, and Pretense, beginning with his words and ending in his false head of neon orange "hair".
And what was his veiled threat to China all about? His plans of filing bankruptcy on the debt to China, is a threat to China, and you do not tweak the toe of a sleeping giant.
1
An important and highly accurate read:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/28/trump-congress-speech-po...
It is sickening to watch the media fall all over itself to congratulate the Oaf-in-Chief.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/28/trump-congress-speech-po...
It is sickening to watch the media fall all over itself to congratulate the Oaf-in-Chief.
3
In 1961 President Eisenhower warned of the undue influence of the Military Industrial Complex. We now have a government of billionaires and generals and what might happen in the future is anyone's guess, but if we ignore Eisenhower's comments, it's at our own peril. Trump's speech was the ultimate reverse Robin Hood proposal, that is, take from the poor and give to the rich. We need to be very watchful, not let the "presidential" demeanor of last night talk lull us into complacency.
2
Not impressed. I was stunned that broadcast media was fawning all over Trump, specifically the canned "emotions" and props he used like the wife of the Navy seal (which appeared to be an over-board attempt to drown out the criticisms of the father of that same deceased Navy seal). Basically, Trump called for a ludicrous increase in military spending, cuts everywhere else, and the media, more-less, applauded his new presidential qualities.
What an embarrassment.
What appears to be an intrepid media, holding Trump's feet to the fire, will eventually cave to power, like they always do.
What an embarrassment.
What appears to be an intrepid media, holding Trump's feet to the fire, will eventually cave to power, like they always do.
4
Why cant Trump admit he was too stupid to think Obamacare was a complex piece of legislation too complex for him to understand, too good to repeal, and too extensive to replace. Now it seems the governors advised him incorrectly. Well, that is no excuse. He got political mileage out of it and should no be called for too ignorant to proceed. Lets call people what they are instead of being so parsimonious and politically correct.
1
Of course! Now that he's elected, he wants people to stop challenging his birth certificate. Or whatever.
He wants you to be compliant, complacent and most of all adoring and obedient--like good Trumpies.
He wants you to be compliant, complacent and most of all adoring and obedient--like good Trumpies.
2
The demonizing of immigrants continues. And the use of a widow's pain - and a family's loss - for political gain and misdirection, is abhorrent.
2
All the "trivial fights" have been started by President Trump.
3
My autonomy - and the autonomy of my granddaughters - Is. Not. Trivial.
5
We know who Trump is. He's shown us clearly over the course of his life, and in particular during the several months of his candidacy and the first months of his administration. One speech, written by a professional, practiced ahead of time, made from a teleprompter, does not change the damaging, hateful, vile policies he proposes, policies which he proposes, by the way, with little to no specificity. As is typical with him, his modus operandi: you do the work, if it plays well, I will take the credit; if not I will blame you.
8
I didn't see this speech as terribly presidential. It sounded like a calmer version of his many, many campaign speeches. I imagine many people were taken in by the long exploitation of the memory of the killed Navy SEAL.
2
good speech, don't like him back tracking on dealing with illegals. there should be no amnesty of any kind. ALL illegals should be eligible for deportation.
1
Pre-election Trump: seeking political advantage by mocking the family of a dead soldier.
Post-electionTrump: seeking political advantage by praising the family of a dead soldier.
Pre-election Trump: seeking political advantage by mocking a disabled person.
Post-election Trump: seeking political advantage by praising a disabled person.
Pre-election Trump: seeking political advantage by disparaging the military.
Post-election Trump: seeking political advantage by praising the military.
There is a pattern here. This person simply has no moral compass. He will say and do anything to get what he wants.
As for the two blue tie wearing, jack-in-the-box bobble heads behind him...
Pre-election Paul Ryan: Trump is a threat to the nation.
Post-election Paul Ryan: Trump is the great leader we have been waiting for.
And on and on.
Post-electionTrump: seeking political advantage by praising the family of a dead soldier.
Pre-election Trump: seeking political advantage by mocking a disabled person.
Post-election Trump: seeking political advantage by praising a disabled person.
Pre-election Trump: seeking political advantage by disparaging the military.
Post-election Trump: seeking political advantage by praising the military.
There is a pattern here. This person simply has no moral compass. He will say and do anything to get what he wants.
As for the two blue tie wearing, jack-in-the-box bobble heads behind him...
Pre-election Paul Ryan: Trump is a threat to the nation.
Post-election Paul Ryan: Trump is the great leader we have been waiting for.
And on and on.
9
Well the press seems ready to forgive and forget. Let us also not forget that this speech is ritual, forgotten quickly, except for the visuals and symbolism. And there was plenty of that. The democratic side of the aisle rarely broke a smile, the only ones who stood or applauded were likely of being seen on camera not supporting some innocuous bromide--like finding that spot that makes a dog scratch its hindquarters.
And that seemed the message to me. The GOP is in this for the long haul, and they believe they can make huge partisan gains if Trump behaves himself. For his part Trump's main priority seems to be ego gratification. But the speech itself? More of the same: blaming Obama, huge tax cuts will stimulate economic growth (where have we heard that before?), regulations are bad. The contentious issues--investigating the myth of widespread voter fraud, travel bans, removing protections against LGBTQ discrimination, the press as the enemy of the American people, a cabinet stacked with underqualified billionaires, an anti-Semite in the Oval Office--he has learned a valuable lesson, apparently: keep controversy under the radar.
The other notable outcome was Trump's ability to seethe in private as the democrats sat stone-faced. The gesture to their side of the hall when he mentioned 'trivial fights' was clear.
And the democratic response--yes, demographic pandering. But the message was clear--this presidency is bait-and-switch.
Let's focus on substance, not props.
And that seemed the message to me. The GOP is in this for the long haul, and they believe they can make huge partisan gains if Trump behaves himself. For his part Trump's main priority seems to be ego gratification. But the speech itself? More of the same: blaming Obama, huge tax cuts will stimulate economic growth (where have we heard that before?), regulations are bad. The contentious issues--investigating the myth of widespread voter fraud, travel bans, removing protections against LGBTQ discrimination, the press as the enemy of the American people, a cabinet stacked with underqualified billionaires, an anti-Semite in the Oval Office--he has learned a valuable lesson, apparently: keep controversy under the radar.
The other notable outcome was Trump's ability to seethe in private as the democrats sat stone-faced. The gesture to their side of the hall when he mentioned 'trivial fights' was clear.
And the democratic response--yes, demographic pandering. But the message was clear--this presidency is bait-and-switch.
Let's focus on substance, not props.
4
A bully does not get the privilege of simply asking people to stop fighting with him because he believes the fight to be "trivial." We will fight--we will fight racism and xenophobia, which were still rampant throughout his speech last night. This new, painfully acronymed commission VOICE is one of the most terrifying ideas a politician has put forward in recent years, and is blind to the historical precedent set by pre-Nazi Germany and pre-genocide Rwanda.
American lives are not worth more, period.
American lives are not worth more, period.
1
Articles like this that are focused on a shift in tone neglect the facts of both the content of the speech, especially introducing the VOICE office, as well as the factual inaccuracies. The same day he delivered this speech, news came out that he blamed the military for a failed raid in Yemen that he authorized. Do you really think someone becomes "grows up" in a matter of hours? Does the delivery really mask the content for so many? Recent history shows that these dreams of transformation into something discernible as Presidential will always be dashed. Who cares if someone sounds Presidential anyhow? The proof is in policy and action. Now let's all get back to the facts and to real journalism. A analysis of tone is just irresponsible fodder on theatrics.
4
I just wanted to complement the Times' congressional correspondent for her comment during the speech. She pointed out that sealing the border with Mexico would do little if anything to alleviate the problem of abuse of prescription opioids as virtually all of these are manufactured in the U.S. or are legally imported.
This highlights the phoniness of the Republicans' blustering that one of the main reasons for building the wall is to cut off the traffic in opioids. Add to that the fact that in their plan to allow people to choose what they want covered in their health insurance which would mean that only those that are already drug addicts would choose treatment to cover this only adds to the sham.
This highlights the phoniness of the Republicans' blustering that one of the main reasons for building the wall is to cut off the traffic in opioids. Add to that the fact that in their plan to allow people to choose what they want covered in their health insurance which would mean that only those that are already drug addicts would choose treatment to cover this only adds to the sham.
2
So Trump graded his performance thus far as an A or A- for achievement and a C- for communication. I give him an F for accomplishment, but this is about a C+ or B- for communication. In essence he's just learning to lie a little better by using softer, more lofty prose. For someone who has based his administration on fear and hatred, he's now trying to sell himself as the savior. No sale here.
3
He is still not "Presidential". At best, he was "Presidential Candidate-ish". He is still campaigning, now pandering for swamp votes and still taking every opportunity to congratulate himself, even on things he has already failed. Millions of Americans need help right now, and he's working hard to get the GOP to pat him on the back for platitudes.
2
So he hires a couple of speech writers, and people think he's back on his hinges. Dream on, suckers.
2
I did not find this hopeful. I found that Trump, "sticking to the TelePrompTer" to be even more frightening. People believe this somehow makes him presidential. Nothing he said was convincing, he lacks depth of understanding. What he says is either ill informed or based on half truths and no nuanced thought - no thought sometimes, or Ritter by someone else (sometimes all of these). His lack of knowledge and the ability to communicate deeply complex issues is astounding. For him to stand before congress and the country to inform us that it turns out the ACA is very complicated was not just an embarrassment, it was a revelation of his inherent lack of any ability to be a world leader.
The only thing last night that was as scary as Trump was having to look at that supreme empty suit Paul Ryan. God save us.
The only thing last night that was as scary as Trump was having to look at that supreme empty suit Paul Ryan. God save us.
2
Lots of comments in here suggesting that Trump is misunderstood. Well, let's not misunderstand this: Trump has built a cabinet full of billionaires, has bragged about groping married women, refuses to release tax returns, lies about his talks with Putin, assaults the press, assaults immigrants, wants to build a us/mexican wall, spends weekends in Florida at a country club, has suggested that global warming is propaganda by the Chinese gov't, and on and on and on. I'm not "misunderstanding" anything. I know who Trump is. The NYTs and other outlets need to keep the heat on.
2
Actions speak louder than words. This performance is a cover up for the damage that has already been done. Fact checking the details makes this a hollow speech.
2
Mr Trump is a master salesman. He knows when to pitch his product and when to bully his opponent into submission.
His first address to congress had to be a sales pitch, all wrapped in velvet. He needs the legislature on his side to fund his administration, his budget and his political agenda.
His first address to congress had to be a sales pitch, all wrapped in velvet. He needs the legislature on his side to fund his administration, his budget and his political agenda.
1
I hope he follows his own advice.
Hopeful "vision". How about "chimera"? Instead!
1
Winning an election by using demagogic tactics is not a triviality. I will not EVER forget how he won -- the lies he was willing to repeat over and over again, the one's he stepped back from when it was convenient. I will not EVER allow him to become normalized in my mind. I hope I have company in this intention.
2
Blaming "the generals" for the death of Navy Seal Owens, when it was Trump who couldn't even bother putting down his fork and leaving his dinner party to make that fateful decision.
A cowardly, un-American act of finger pointing by the "Commander in Chief."
At least he didn't blame it on Owens himself, like he disparaged McCain and other war heroes for "getting captured."
A cowardly, un-American act of finger pointing by the "Commander in Chief."
At least he didn't blame it on Owens himself, like he disparaged McCain and other war heroes for "getting captured."
1
I think it was a fairly good speech. I do want our country to succeed and remain powerful, and free, and he seemed aware of that need yesterday.
I really wanted to believe the good things he posited yesterday, but its almost impossible to do so.
His past actions, wild unpredictability and DIRE lack of experience , coupled with his Russian connection, leave me feeling the same way.
Yes, still worried about Trump and what terrible harm he could do to our country and the world.
These remain terrifyingly uncertain times because of him.
I really wanted to believe the good things he posited yesterday, but its almost impossible to do so.
His past actions, wild unpredictability and DIRE lack of experience , coupled with his Russian connection, leave me feeling the same way.
Yes, still worried about Trump and what terrible harm he could do to our country and the world.
These remain terrifyingly uncertain times because of him.
3
I have never felt more betrayed in all my life. I voted for Trump because he wasn't going to be a politician. And what happens right in front of my eyes? Poof...he turns into a politician trying to make everybody happy with a laundry list of pie-in-sky, over the rainbow promises.
I voted for Trump because he wanted Muslims out. Because he wanted EVERY illegal out. Now, he decides to turn himself into Mother Teresa? I'm just sick. I voted for Trump because he said he would repeal ObamaCare from day one. Now, he want to come up with a better entitlement? All of a sudden, he's a Socialist. What's next, no wall? Clean water? A nice word about Planned Parenthood? The Candidate I voted for just morphed into a promises promises politician which means ........he will start blaming everyone else for whatever happens next. I'm done.
I voted for Trump because he wanted Muslims out. Because he wanted EVERY illegal out. Now, he decides to turn himself into Mother Teresa? I'm just sick. I voted for Trump because he said he would repeal ObamaCare from day one. Now, he want to come up with a better entitlement? All of a sudden, he's a Socialist. What's next, no wall? Clean water? A nice word about Planned Parenthood? The Candidate I voted for just morphed into a promises promises politician which means ........he will start blaming everyone else for whatever happens next. I'm done.
Go ahead, keep trying to normalize this clown. Nevermind that his entire life's history in business and elsewhere confirms we have a maniacal, narcissist-in-chief.
Actions, not words people.
Actions, not words people.
4
I found the speech to be disgustingly cynical, per the norm for the GOP.
All promises, with no way to pay for it.
Not a hint of hypocrisy in chastising Democrats for, far more responsibly, do the same. Remember they said how Obama's rescue of the economy would, instead, destroy it?
The most abhorrent part was exploiting the grief of the wife of the soldier who died during the badly botched raid in Yemen. I hope the full story of this raid get leaked out shortly.
And the lies about Obamacare continued, as the ludite bobbly-heads of Ryan and Pence stayed in near-syncopated rhythm.
Shame, shame, shame.
All promises, with no way to pay for it.
Not a hint of hypocrisy in chastising Democrats for, far more responsibly, do the same. Remember they said how Obama's rescue of the economy would, instead, destroy it?
The most abhorrent part was exploiting the grief of the wife of the soldier who died during the badly botched raid in Yemen. I hope the full story of this raid get leaked out shortly.
And the lies about Obamacare continued, as the ludite bobbly-heads of Ryan and Pence stayed in near-syncopated rhythm.
Shame, shame, shame.
2
This so called President managed for the first time to speak from a teleprompter for more than 10 minutes without running down some denial of reality rat hole and that makes his performance tonight "Great"
Holy Smoke has the bar been lowered for this guy
Talk about Affirmative Action
That guy is the poster child for lowered expectations...
Holy Smoke has the bar been lowered for this guy
Talk about Affirmative Action
That guy is the poster child for lowered expectations...
5
This is the same response everyone gave after his acceptance speech when he won the presidency. I image he will act the same after this speech as he did after the first.
There is no way DT could have stood up before Congress and America and spewed out his usual nonsense. This was the equivalent of dressing him up for Sunday School. Remember that cozy little get together Trump had with The NY Times staff?
Beware this man.
Beware this man.
2
I am reading some of the comments and can help but ask myself how people can be so gullible. All Trump spewed out was hollow bombast. The fact that he appeared somewhat sane doesn't change the ugliness of his malignant narcissism and his paranoia agenda. The only position any rational person can assume is total resistance to Trumpism.My stomach churns by the crude political exploitation of the fallen seal's widow. We need to fight that travesty.
To the barricades!
To the barricades!
2
In reading the vastly liberal readers' comments its clear the party of "love and tolerance" still hates Trump and the Republicans. So please,... continue to sit on your hands when Islamic terrorism, immigration reform, crime reforms, national unity, and loyalty to law enforcement and the military are discussed. Continue to resist and riot in the streets with Keith Ellison and Elizabeth Warren with the blowhorn.
2
Will do sir, we learned from the best! And you keep up that positive attitude!
Republicans, TParty in particular, sat on its hands for 8 years while Obama was President. Get used to the reverse happening. It's not a big deal. It's just obstruction.
Trump claims a mandate he has not won.
His party lost seats in the House and the Senate, and he lost the popular vote by about 3 million.
He is in power due to an oddity in our system.
That is not a mandate to undo health care, unsettle NATO and the world order, remake the judiciary with right-wing zealots, attack the environment, gut regulations, increase military spending by 10%.
His party lost seats in the House and the Senate, and he lost the popular vote by about 3 million.
He is in power due to an oddity in our system.
That is not a mandate to undo health care, unsettle NATO and the world order, remake the judiciary with right-wing zealots, attack the environment, gut regulations, increase military spending by 10%.
1
After completing a State of the Union survey, I received two emails from President Trump's campaign on Feb. 28, one thanking me for my time and the other asking for my financial support so that the President can "fight back against the Left, the fake news media and out-of-touch Hollywood elites."
So much for his claims last night to set aside "trivial fights" and promote unity across party lines. The assumption was made because I took this survey that I was not one of those awful "lefties" who actually value the free press. My take-away was that there are two countries right now, and I happen to live in the one he could care less about.
So much for his claims last night to set aside "trivial fights" and promote unity across party lines. The assumption was made because I took this survey that I was not one of those awful "lefties" who actually value the free press. My take-away was that there are two countries right now, and I happen to live in the one he could care less about.
7
I have watched and listened to the pundits today reacting to the President's speech. It's ironic that many who urged us previously to not to listen Mr. Trump's words are giddy now about a single speech. I imagine we should forget about what we've heard the President say over the last eighteen months. One speech cannot erase the race baiting, crude insults, xenophobia, distortions and outright lies. Last night proved Mr. Trump can read from a teleprompter-not that he can govern in an way that can breach partisan divides and bring decorum and dignity to his office.
3
What is being confirmed for me this morning is simply the fact that we exist in a sound bite entertainment world more than ever.
Smart phones, internet, twitter, snapchat, instagram etc have all conspired to shorten attention spans to the minimum, such that one speech has some thinking that that 70 year old spots have changed.
Take a breath and look around. Bannon, Devos, Sessions, Spicer, Conway, Bannon and Miller. Bannon and Miller. Bannon and Miller.
Trump himself and his lack of character, integrity, and ethics throughout his life.
To those who will say give him a chance? Hey he is the POTUS of the entire country for good or bad. I hope for the best and plan for the likely.
I am going to remain vigilant, aware, and I will not walk in to a bare knuckle brawl for the future of this country in a state of doe eyed Polly Anna wonderstruck-ness.
Smart phones, internet, twitter, snapchat, instagram etc have all conspired to shorten attention spans to the minimum, such that one speech has some thinking that that 70 year old spots have changed.
Take a breath and look around. Bannon, Devos, Sessions, Spicer, Conway, Bannon and Miller. Bannon and Miller. Bannon and Miller.
Trump himself and his lack of character, integrity, and ethics throughout his life.
To those who will say give him a chance? Hey he is the POTUS of the entire country for good or bad. I hope for the best and plan for the likely.
I am going to remain vigilant, aware, and I will not walk in to a bare knuckle brawl for the future of this country in a state of doe eyed Polly Anna wonderstruck-ness.
7
Last night in front of full house, Trump read, largely word by word, someone else's carefully written script to fully and blatantly exploit a fallen Navy SEAL's widow in a very carefully crafted reality tv media event with Trump's daughter, Ivanka, conveniently standing right next to the widow the entire time. Astonishingly, the media seems to have largely bought it.
Unfortunately, Trump couldn't care less about that brave SEAL, Ryan Owens, the poor extended Owens family, or anyone else.
But do you know what Trump does care about? His golf course in Dubai.
Trump had been trying to get that golf course open but failing so he ordered what the government of Dubai had wanted for some time: a raid in Yemen. The poor father of the fallen SEAL - who my guess is, doesn't buy a word of what Trump said and did last night - has been asking for an investigation into why the raid occurred? THAT'S why the raid occurred. Because of Trump's money.
Unfortunately, Trump couldn't care less about that brave SEAL, Ryan Owens, the poor extended Owens family, or anyone else.
But do you know what Trump does care about? His golf course in Dubai.
Trump had been trying to get that golf course open but failing so he ordered what the government of Dubai had wanted for some time: a raid in Yemen. The poor father of the fallen SEAL - who my guess is, doesn't buy a word of what Trump said and did last night - has been asking for an investigation into why the raid occurred? THAT'S why the raid occurred. Because of Trump's money.
2
Talk is cheap. He has no plan. through earlier in the day he did sign legislation giving mentally ill persons the right to buy guns because mentally ill persons need guns too. That will help curb the violence in inner city Chicago that he loves to stick in our faces at every opportunity possible. And let's build up the military because you can never have enough bullets and bombs. Let's round up the illegals because well the small town folk and rurals hate those people and the Muslims too. Trump would make a good small town sheriff.
4
Give credit where credit is due. That was a great speech albiet a 180 degree turn from the Donald we have seen prior!
He is being true to his thesis as outline in the "Art of the Deal". Go to any negotiation aggressively high and then negotiate down to what you really want or can get.
Thankfully Bannon and Miller must have got to him and persuaded him to practice his oration and parrot the speech that was written for him. The two wrote good rhetoric and Trump was on the top of his game with its hyperbole, it was a good speech.
But he also just wrote his own criteria (report card) on which he can be judged in the future (very good, very good..) Let's hope and pray he gets a passing grade.
He is being true to his thesis as outline in the "Art of the Deal". Go to any negotiation aggressively high and then negotiate down to what you really want or can get.
Thankfully Bannon and Miller must have got to him and persuaded him to practice his oration and parrot the speech that was written for him. The two wrote good rhetoric and Trump was on the top of his game with its hyperbole, it was a good speech.
But he also just wrote his own criteria (report card) on which he can be judged in the future (very good, very good..) Let's hope and pray he gets a passing grade.
tumultuous presidency? At least let him get started before accusing the president of doing things he hasn't done yet.
1
There is no war with himself, no significant chaos in the WH and no dark themes. Wars, chaos and dark themes mostly can be found among Democrats and certainly among the media. Biggest takeaway from the speech: former #1 at the DNC Debbie Wasserman and current #2 at the DNC Keith Ellison and others, sat silently, stone faced, cold anger in the eyes and those horrible frozen, waxy PC smiles.........while America applauded and cried for Ms. Owens' loss. More pointless spit, as Dems nearly fell over themselves, hustling out the door.
4
Republicans did the same thing when Obama was president.
Yes......equally despicable. Disagree no problem, but where is the civil discourse?
Let's see, what has Trump actually accomplished since he's been in office: Plants can now dump waste into rivers and lakes again, mentally ill patients who cannot even manage their own affairs can now buy guns, corporations no longer have to report any money exchange between them and foreign entities, innocent immigrants have been terrorized and deported, and he has filled his cabinet full of Goldman Sachs (Wall Street) characters - some with strong ties to Russia – not to mention his own. This is filling the swamp, not draining it. I don't care what he said or how "presidential" he sounded. The main point is what is he doing, not what he's saying. I hope the American people are not that naïve and realize that Donald Trump is first and foremost an entertainer whose main talent lies in conning the public.
9
Thank you for processing history & decoding political doubletalk.
Each citizen is called upon to make America greater in his or her own way. This can be accomplished by service, by volunteerism, by peaceful activism, by objectivity. However there is no normalizing xenophobia, homophobia, racism anti-Semitism so all of us must be called upon to be a culture watch. In our confused, overcivilized yet selfish culture the unorthodox may be the appropriate strategy. However artist should never ever be perceived as terrorists. Works of art --plays in particular- are orchestrations of emotions. Let us honor American innovation & individuality even at the risk of being labelled agitators or insurrectionists.
Each citizen is called upon to make America greater in his or her own way. This can be accomplished by service, by volunteerism, by peaceful activism, by objectivity. However there is no normalizing xenophobia, homophobia, racism anti-Semitism so all of us must be called upon to be a culture watch. In our confused, overcivilized yet selfish culture the unorthodox may be the appropriate strategy. However artist should never ever be perceived as terrorists. Works of art --plays in particular- are orchestrations of emotions. Let us honor American innovation & individuality even at the risk of being labelled agitators or insurrectionists.
2
The bully held himself back and managed not to pick on the kids at school for one whole day. Congrats !
4
I'm disappointed that little has been said, including by readers, about the continuing insanity of the America in its obscene spending on military, homeland security and intelligence. We are apparently so addicted to such unnecessary and wasteful spending of our tax revenues that no one seems to notice or care that we will spend more than a trillion dollars every year.
And for what? It certainly doesn't make us here in the "land of the free" any freer. Indeed, if anything, our freedoms have never been more threatened by those empowered by all that homeland security legislation and spending. Maybe this spending assuages the pathetic fear generated here in the "home of the brave" by fear-mongers like Trump. If so, it is at the cost of educating our children and young adults properly and without weighing them down with enormous, soul-crushing debt. And at the cost of having to forego needed infrastructural and science spending. And most perniciously, at the cost of eventually bankrupting needed social welfare programs like Medicare and Social Security, and our national Treasury itself.
When will America ever come to its senses? We have elected a madman who has never cared about prudent spending because he's always had the bankruptcy courts to bail him out personally. But there is no bankruptcy court for the USA. There is only chaos of unimaginable catastrophic proportions awaiting our excessive, unneeded "defense" spending. And the continuing ignominy of President Trump.
And for what? It certainly doesn't make us here in the "land of the free" any freer. Indeed, if anything, our freedoms have never been more threatened by those empowered by all that homeland security legislation and spending. Maybe this spending assuages the pathetic fear generated here in the "home of the brave" by fear-mongers like Trump. If so, it is at the cost of educating our children and young adults properly and without weighing them down with enormous, soul-crushing debt. And at the cost of having to forego needed infrastructural and science spending. And most perniciously, at the cost of eventually bankrupting needed social welfare programs like Medicare and Social Security, and our national Treasury itself.
When will America ever come to its senses? We have elected a madman who has never cared about prudent spending because he's always had the bankruptcy courts to bail him out personally. But there is no bankruptcy court for the USA. There is only chaos of unimaginable catastrophic proportions awaiting our excessive, unneeded "defense" spending. And the continuing ignominy of President Trump.
1
Remember when voters cast their ballots for Trump, arguing that the time had arrived for "outsider" disruption? Are those the same voters now finding comfort in the "Trump-is-sounding-more-like-a-polished-politician" tone of last night's speech? Just asking.
I am very concerned about the number of people who are saying that since he gave a somewhat decent speech that he's now "presidential" and we should give him a chance. He is still the same person he's always been - a liar. Hours before this speech he blamed the generals for Owens' death and Jews for the desecration of their own cemeteries. All Trump proved last night was that he can be sane for an hour and 10 minutes and that he can read.
5
"Trivial," give me a break, he was putting down the Dems (the nation's only hope). He had the perfect forum to do that, i.e., cheerleaders on the right(his left) and decorum that allowed him to put down (with gestures, etc.) the other side of the room without retribution, despicably taking advantage of our respect for our government institutions.
We will see those gestures again and again, as I'm sure those who dealt with him in the business or tv reality worlds did often.
We will see those gestures again and again, as I'm sure those who dealt with him in the business or tv reality worlds did often.
2
Trump did the worst possible thing, which was give a positive, uplifting Presidential speech. Horrible! This will only cause cognitive dissonance among hate-filled Leftists, as witnessed by the bile flowing in this comment section.
You need to master your negative feelings before they master you.
You need to master your negative feelings before they master you.
1
just give him time to read and hear some negative reviews.
he will respond poorly.
within 48 hours everyone will have forgotten how nice he sounded.
he will respond poorly.
within 48 hours everyone will have forgotten how nice he sounded.
For country's sake, I want to trust that this represents real change; but I can't yet, given the mountains of ugly history. It'll take more than one speech. If the rate of saying indisputably false things drops to politician-normal, and stays there, then I'll accept the normality of this presidency.
2
The tone??? It was still the hate of others and demonizing those criminal immigrants. Hate and bigotry spoken in a calmer tone is still hate and bigotry
Sorry folks - not buying into the theatrics of a showman regardless of how sober he might appear once in a blue moon. We have to set future expectations based on past performance. There is nothing in this person's past record that is suggestive of prolonged sanity. He is rude, offensive, conspiratorial and basically lacks all the qualities to be expected in a shop floor supervisor let alone the leader of an entire country.
6
He took credit for things that occurred under President Obama:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/ap-fact-check-trump-distorts-immigration-repo...
45 is a global disgrace.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/ap-fact-check-trump-distorts-immigration-repo...
45 is a global disgrace.
5
I just watched Steve Breshear's response and it is right on. It's very sad that this man now in the White House whose name I will not mention has used anger and fear to get there and to divide the nation. It's disturbing that he has chosen to represent the worst of Wall St interests over the interests of the People. The only thing that has matter to him is whatever makes a profit whether it destroys people's lives and property or not. Profit is the only goal according to this guy. He considers things like people's families being ripped apart and their lives destroyed trivial? Environmental regulations that protect people and their property are trivial? This is a large and diverse country and as Breshear notes in the end of his response the last line of the pledge is "freedom and justice FOR ALL"
3
Reading a speech of a teleprompter does not take back or change any of the poison that he has spewed so far. There is a word for this tactic: appeasement. I hope that nobody falls for it and that everybody stays active and vigilant, the media in particular.
5
Take heed:
We actually have a president who not only cancelled a rule that would have stopped Big Coal from wantonly polluting streams, but he actually used it as an applause line.
He called it 'regulations that threaten the future and livelihood of our great coal miners'.
This was a rule that would have protected 6,000 miles of streams and 52,000 acres of forests, preventing debris from coal mining from being dumped into nearby waters. (Reuters)
It can't be repeated enough:
"No credible studies have shown that rolling back major regulations on coal pollution will contribute to a major increase in coal mining jobs" (NYT)
To allow the polluting 6,000 miles of streams & 52,000 acres of forests is an ecological disaster of world-class proportions.
Reuters:
The Sierra Club ... calling the rule "a long overdue step toward guaranteeing every community in America is protected from the toxic water pollution caused by surface coal mining." The organization said the mining dumps dangerous heavy metals such as mercury, selenium and arsenic into local waterways and "puts the health of families living near coalfields at risk."
An Interior official projected that fewer than 300 jobs would be lost after the regulation takes effect next month.
The rule would require companies to restore streams and return mined areas to conditions similar to those before mining took place. Companies also would have to replant native trees and vegetation."
Denying such a regulation is derangement.
We actually have a president who not only cancelled a rule that would have stopped Big Coal from wantonly polluting streams, but he actually used it as an applause line.
He called it 'regulations that threaten the future and livelihood of our great coal miners'.
This was a rule that would have protected 6,000 miles of streams and 52,000 acres of forests, preventing debris from coal mining from being dumped into nearby waters. (Reuters)
It can't be repeated enough:
"No credible studies have shown that rolling back major regulations on coal pollution will contribute to a major increase in coal mining jobs" (NYT)
To allow the polluting 6,000 miles of streams & 52,000 acres of forests is an ecological disaster of world-class proportions.
Reuters:
The Sierra Club ... calling the rule "a long overdue step toward guaranteeing every community in America is protected from the toxic water pollution caused by surface coal mining." The organization said the mining dumps dangerous heavy metals such as mercury, selenium and arsenic into local waterways and "puts the health of families living near coalfields at risk."
An Interior official projected that fewer than 300 jobs would be lost after the regulation takes effect next month.
The rule would require companies to restore streams and return mined areas to conditions similar to those before mining took place. Companies also would have to replant native trees and vegetation."
Denying such a regulation is derangement.
10
His comment regarding how fascism was defeated through military strength was well beyond simple irony and well into demagogic propoganda, given that his own accession to the Oval Office represents nothing less than a hostile takeover of the Executive and Legislative branches of the Federal government by neofascists, which Drumpf & Co. thoroughly reflect.
3
“The time for small thinking is over, the time for trivial fights is behind us,” he said. “From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears.”
Donald Trump is lecturing us on avoiding "trivial fights"? His entire campaign and presidency thus far is characterized by nothing but trivial fights. Rosie O'Donnell, anyone? Meryl Streep? Newspapers on cable news networks?
Donald Trump, whose entire campaign and agenda is based on unfounded fears is now talking about "aspirations"? Aspirations to do what? Deport millions of non-US citizens because of fear of rising crime rates - that are not actually rising? Aspirations to increase the defense budget by $50 billion at the expense of education, scientific research, the arts, the protection of the environment? Based on what? Fear of China? Fear of hordes of "Islamic Terrorists" bent on invading Kansas and Oklahoma?
His handlers may have tempered his language somewhat, but there is nothing here but the same crazy nonsense.
Astonishing.
Donald Trump is lecturing us on avoiding "trivial fights"? His entire campaign and presidency thus far is characterized by nothing but trivial fights. Rosie O'Donnell, anyone? Meryl Streep? Newspapers on cable news networks?
Donald Trump, whose entire campaign and agenda is based on unfounded fears is now talking about "aspirations"? Aspirations to do what? Deport millions of non-US citizens because of fear of rising crime rates - that are not actually rising? Aspirations to increase the defense budget by $50 billion at the expense of education, scientific research, the arts, the protection of the environment? Based on what? Fear of China? Fear of hordes of "Islamic Terrorists" bent on invading Kansas and Oklahoma?
His handlers may have tempered his language somewhat, but there is nothing here but the same crazy nonsense.
Astonishing.
5
I remain skeptical, watchful. But give him credit. It was a very strong, mostly unifying speech. Calling out the hate crimes against the Jewish communities and the Kansas murders showed an empathy he previously seemed to have lacked. I still don't like most of his cabinet choices (especially EPA), but maybe, just maybe this speech signals a new, better, more civil leadership from Mr. Trump. God knows we could use it.
2
Your comment is honest, thoughtful, balanced, fair and rational.
In the context of this typical NY Times Comments section, that puts you in very rarified company indeed.
In the context of this typical NY Times Comments section, that puts you in very rarified company indeed.
Actions speak louder than words! RESIST!
3
Vague, non-specific, full of contradictions. He gives people what they want to hear and it's so sad to see them completely lap it all up. Just sad.
4
Very surprising and effective speech. The call outs from the visitor's gallery, especially the widow of the SEAL, were particularly poignant and effective. Frankly, I think he caught everyone by surprise. The Dems and elements of the press had painted a picture (sometimes deserved) of a President that was all over the place. This speech was focused, reasonable, and had an appropriate balance between policy and values. The impact was clearest on the Dems who seemed to have been caught off guard. They have built a strategy based on resistance at all costs and suddenly realized that some of what he was saying resonates with the electorate. Their choice of a response by an old, former politician instead of a young, rising star just accented their dilemma. Even their comments during the post speech phase were strained. Things like: "he has been President for forty days and doesn't yet have a plan to address crime in Chicago". Really, well our former President was from Chicago and didn't have a plan after eight years. I think the Dems need to rethink their approach to this very unconventional President.
1
Trump's presentation of Chief Petty Officer William (Ryan) Owens' widow was effective political theater. It does not, however, negate his disclaimer of responsibility for Owens' death earlier that same day, placing blame on the generals who "lost Ryan".
3
The headline reads:
TRUMP OFFERS UP A MORE HOPEFUL VISION
That is, until he changes his mind........again.
TRUMP OFFERS UP A MORE HOPEFUL VISION
That is, until he changes his mind........again.
3
Oh gosh, he acted like an adult for a whole hour! Give him a lollipop!
4
Trump is a negotiator; he likes to drive hard bargains. We should expect him to start by taking extreme positions on issues, like immigration, which gives him space to moderate later without giving up any real ground. By threatening extreme levels of deportation and travel bans, the more modest restrictions we may end up with will seem like a relief to his opponents.
Sometimes it seems that the worst fear of Trump's most vociferous critics is not that the country will go down in flames, but that it might not.
1
Please.
It was Trump who did a speech about "American Carnage" for his inauguration after being handed an intact economy, low immigration, and uptickinyg jobs. He is the critic AND the flamethrower. His cabinet is a total betrayal of the working class.
It was Trump who did a speech about "American Carnage" for his inauguration after being handed an intact economy, low immigration, and uptickinyg jobs. He is the critic AND the flamethrower. His cabinet is a total betrayal of the working class.
trump didnt fall off the podium ?!
hes a genius
another Churchill or Gandhi
yeah, thats it, Gandhi
hes a genius
another Churchill or Gandhi
yeah, thats it, Gandhi
2
American media is experiencing the stockholm syndrom, they suddenly fall in love with their captor with a few nice words after they have been treated like garbage and pointed as liers and traitors. Watching the GOP giving standing ovation so proud of their President doesn't look good to the world, Trump is taking the US and the world on a cold war mode and it gives me the chill , humanity has moved five steps back.
4
If anyone thinks that this speech makes him a changed man and now a president they are easily swayed. Actions speak louder than words, and also words do hurt.
I was very upset for the poor widow of the William Owens, the Navy SEAL. He manipulated everyone USING her grief. Owens' father refused to meet with Trump because he knew the raid was not well thought out. Of course they are going to claim that Intelligence was successfully retrieved from this operation, which was a total lie. And, Intelligence, lets back up a bit, the very agencies he doesn't listen to told him that? So now we are supposed to believe he's listen to INTELLIGENCE agents?
Did anyone else feel sorry for the poor woman and see just how manipulated she was by POTUS?
I was very upset for the poor widow of the William Owens, the Navy SEAL. He manipulated everyone USING her grief. Owens' father refused to meet with Trump because he knew the raid was not well thought out. Of course they are going to claim that Intelligence was successfully retrieved from this operation, which was a total lie. And, Intelligence, lets back up a bit, the very agencies he doesn't listen to told him that? So now we are supposed to believe he's listen to INTELLIGENCE agents?
Did anyone else feel sorry for the poor woman and see just how manipulated she was by POTUS?
6
Trump is a pathological liar. Why would any selfless person believe anything he expresses?
7
somehow every other US voter supports him, and he has tried to deliver on all of his promises
Three things have become clear about Trump: 1) he’s putting EVERYONE on notice that he plans to work with BOTH sides in our perpetual congressional catfight to enact policies he deems central to “making a better America”; 2) those policies are not going to be as sharply conservative as some have projected; and 3) he’s not going to telegraph to the press what he intends to do and how he intends to do it until he needs to – likely leading to many more of these double-takes among defenders of progressivism whose editorial position has been so opposed to what it THINKS his intentions are.
That said, he will seek things from an undivided Republican Congress that they won’t give him, he’ll need to compromise with BOTH sides to get SOME version of what he wants, but the eventual highly-likely results are becoming clearer with every benchmark speech he makes. Excessive regulation will be rolled back, taxes will be lower, trade deals will better protect American worker interests, we will FAR better secure our southern border, we will correct the weakened state of our military, and we will lighten the burden of political correctness that has descended increasingly like a pall on all American interactions for a generation.
But, equally sure is that liberals will find some things in his plans for America that they can support, just as conservatives will. That’s about as hopeful a portent of less divisiveness and faction in our future as any we’ve seen in a very long time.
That said, he will seek things from an undivided Republican Congress that they won’t give him, he’ll need to compromise with BOTH sides to get SOME version of what he wants, but the eventual highly-likely results are becoming clearer with every benchmark speech he makes. Excessive regulation will be rolled back, taxes will be lower, trade deals will better protect American worker interests, we will FAR better secure our southern border, we will correct the weakened state of our military, and we will lighten the burden of political correctness that has descended increasingly like a pall on all American interactions for a generation.
But, equally sure is that liberals will find some things in his plans for America that they can support, just as conservatives will. That’s about as hopeful a portent of less divisiveness and faction in our future as any we’ve seen in a very long time.
3
Trump is putting everyone on notice that nothing he says means anything at all.
We already got that message.
We already got that message.
1
His cabinet says he is not working "for both sides". That is laughable.
1
Richard:
I gather you missed the comments of Steve Bannon at CPAC. The last thing on "Trumps mentor's" mind is reducing divisiveness, in fact, it is clearly quite the opposite. The Republican Party and particularly Trump's administration isn't remotely interested whatsoever in appealing to any voters outside of his "brain dead" swath of loyal supporters.
I gather you missed the comments of Steve Bannon at CPAC. The last thing on "Trumps mentor's" mind is reducing divisiveness, in fact, it is clearly quite the opposite. The Republican Party and particularly Trump's administration isn't remotely interested whatsoever in appealing to any voters outside of his "brain dead" swath of loyal supporters.
"wow, this sheep suit fits great!"
5
I have stepped into the Twilight Zone. Trump managed to read from a teleprompter so he is thus more presidential? Earlier in the day, the man blamed Obama for his failed Yemeni raid and said the rise in antisemitism is Jews fault. He had props in his audience--people whose family members were killed by undocumented immigrants--to bolster his offensive point that Mexicans are criminals. But he read without shouting, waving his hands and saying the word "carnage," so now we should all sing Hail to the Chief?
5
He needs to be the first to end the petty comments and tweets...
6
Can’t believe Trump had the audacity to invite "families of victims of violent crime by immigrants" to his address. What about the family’s of victims of crimes by Dylann Roof? By James Holmes? By cops?
3
Now that Trump has affirmed that the US is not leaving NATO and that good relations with Russia are probably not on the table, the Establishment has decided that he's OK.
Funny how that works.
Funny how that works.
2
We must never forget the man is all about appearance. Last night he appeared more measured, less rude and "more presidential" but everything he says and does is calculated and superficial. I find it astounding that people can think he's "changed" ---narcissists don't change, they shape-shift to get what they want and last night, Trump was after higher poll approval ratings. This speech was a highly staged production from start to finish and the astoundingly boring and long clapping sessions were also staged and not spontaneous as they would have us believe.
3
The "optimism" of Trump's speech is the moral equivalent of Eva Peron's care of the poor while she and her husband pillaged to coffers of Argentina. Beware, the tiger does not change his stripes.
1
Do not listen to a word that Trump says. Instead watch closely every last one of his actions.
3
When the ventriloquists manipulate his thoughts, President Trump voices some fine rhetoric. When not, he reverts back to Chucky.
2
Hilter gave rousing speech after speech. Look how that turned out...
7
One well read speech does not a president make.
This man in the white house places me between a rock and a hard place. I do not like him for many reasons but do I want him to fail? I hope for our country and all her citizens to succeed. I salute the service and sacrifices of all those in our military as well as their families, but do not agree with the politicizing of Carryn Owen's husband. He needs to do so much more than read a speech and I still doubt that he is capable.
This man in the white house places me between a rock and a hard place. I do not like him for many reasons but do I want him to fail? I hope for our country and all her citizens to succeed. I salute the service and sacrifices of all those in our military as well as their families, but do not agree with the politicizing of Carryn Owen's husband. He needs to do so much more than read a speech and I still doubt that he is capable.
5
The media has continuously warned us that DJT's words and deeds are somehow not related to the particular outcome of the subject matter. He read a speech in a tempered tone, half of which were outright lies or half truths, and a great majority of his audience are more enamored with his presidential presentation than the veracity of that subject matter. We are hopelessly divided which will ring out the truth that Honest Abe said over one hundred fifty years ago. " A house divided cannot stand".
5
This china can't be mended... Paper plates, anyone?
3
I slept well last night. Read a book, talked with a pal on the phone, waited to read about it this morning. Been sleeping better since switching channels when he appears. Not avoiding the news. Read it online for hours. It's limiting the presence of any grandiose addicted person that protects the spirit.
As to this poltergeist presidency, the nation may survive. Many of us ordinary folks are in danger.
As to this poltergeist presidency, the nation may survive. Many of us ordinary folks are in danger.
6
Trump proved that that he can read pretty words as well as any fifth grader. Republicans are relieved.
7
That was all fine and good, but how big was his Electoral College win?
One thing I noticed abut the speech is that I didn't hear the word "amnesty" uttered. Up until last night, we would hear the word spoken in every sentence when republicans spoke of immigration. No use of the word amnesty, by either the president or any other republicans, and that's a good thing. It appears that the word has been purged from the English language. I almost feel sorry for republicans like Ted Cruz and Newt Gingrich. How will they be able to stifle the word? A path to citizenship without the derogatory word aaam-nesty. Anyway, Trump did a good job of reading the speech he was given. Remarkable discipline.
All of this coming from someone who lives for petty fights?
Show us the tax returns!
Prove you are not beholden to Putin!
Get rid of your puppetmaster Steve Bannon!
Show us the tax returns!
Prove you are not beholden to Putin!
Get rid of your puppetmaster Steve Bannon!
2
Never believe anything Donald Trump says, never.
He has long been a practiced liar and will continue to be so. That he was able to read last night's address to Congress only confirms that he can read, nothing more. And even though he is able to read, one can conclude, from his delivery, that he is not accustomed to doing it let alone reading aloud.
Don't think, or assume, that Trump is offering a more reasoned and thoughtful agenda. He is an empty suit before an empty facade - nothing has changed nor will it, so don't be fooled.
He has long been a practiced liar and will continue to be so. That he was able to read last night's address to Congress only confirms that he can read, nothing more. And even though he is able to read, one can conclude, from his delivery, that he is not accustomed to doing it let alone reading aloud.
Don't think, or assume, that Trump is offering a more reasoned and thoughtful agenda. He is an empty suit before an empty facade - nothing has changed nor will it, so don't be fooled.
1
I didn't watch the speech. I was too stressed from the constant bullying, the smears, the incivility that's come from this guy. I wasn't going to subject myself to more of it.
Reading that he was well behaved, I am looking at the policies he is standing behind. Yep: still bullying, smears, and hostility to the communities and values I hold dear.
Reading that he was well behaved, I am looking at the policies he is standing behind. Yep: still bullying, smears, and hostility to the communities and values I hold dear.
1
This speech was the product of calculated strategy and focus groups - somebody realized that Trump needed to sound more conciliatory, "presidential" and coherent at this point, so they wrote a speech (on about third grade level), made him read it, and changed his tie from red to blue. People are so desperate to feel safe from their own president that they are willing to believe that this speech represented something genuine. In the meantime, Trump is busy destroying the environment, promoting the use of government offices to increase the portfolios of his already billionaire friends, and making the lives of undocumented immigrants a living hell.
1
Being able to read from a teleprompter does not make a person presidential. It means he can read. We observed that even during the campaign. Ted Cruz could read Green Eggs and Ham, but could not understand the message of the story. It is up to people who believe in equal rights for all, healthcare for all and, soon, clean water and air for all to persuade others. The true Republican philosophy is catering to big business and everything else (premature death from curable conditions, destruction of the environment, and an economy that does not benefit the vast majority of Americans) is collateral damage. As long as Trump follows that line there will be no censure of his atrocities.
1
How about an end to trivial and petulant tweeting by POTUS?
And how about an end to him blaming anyone but himself and refusing to take responsibility, like saying Obama is behind the protests at town halls?
That'd be a good start.
And how about an end to him blaming anyone but himself and refusing to take responsibility, like saying Obama is behind the protests at town halls?
That'd be a good start.
3
I wonder who wrote this speech for him? He wants co operation after his GOPers have spent the last four years demonizing Obama. Coooerate with those that deliberatly held up Obamas pick for a Supreme Court seat? Cooperate with the King of the racist Birther movement?
He is all talk and frankly I cant stand him and his cohorts that want cooperation even as they accuse the Democrats of defacing Jewish cemetaries in a false flag operation and Obama organizing paid protesters to protest against him.
Never! Anyone that thinks Trump is now Presidential after one speech, ignoring his rants and ravings, lies and divisive nature..needs to have their head examined!
He is all talk and frankly I cant stand him and his cohorts that want cooperation even as they accuse the Democrats of defacing Jewish cemetaries in a false flag operation and Obama organizing paid protesters to protest against him.
Never! Anyone that thinks Trump is now Presidential after one speech, ignoring his rants and ravings, lies and divisive nature..needs to have their head examined!
3
I am amazed how low the bar has now been set for 45. Many of the commenters here and even the "left" press are praising his speech. 45 acted "presidential", provided no specifics, did not hell at the press, did not mention Russia and suddenly he is gaining favor. Give me a break. Do you actually believe that a person this flawed, this crude, this uniformed, etc. can change overnight?
4
Talk is cheap, particularly when said talk is loaded with lies. I don't believe a word Trump says; I'm more interested in his actions and his actions so far have been horrific. The pundits are tripping over themselves at how "presidential" he is yet, ignore the many falsehoods contained in Trump's speech. I hope this isn't a sign of the media's pre-election complacency. It is imperative that the media continue calling falsehoods lies, continue holding Trump and his surrogates accountable for the lies they tell and refute the lies with fact based evidence.
1
President Trump with a wonderful speech and an extension of the olive branch to the Democratic party and the media. For all of those who wont give his administration a chance there is good news - The "not my president" rallies will continue, and the fanatical folks who host and attend those rallies while waving the Black Flag of Anarchy will welcome you with open arms.
I prefer law and order and the Stars and Stripes.
I prefer law and order and the Stars and Stripes.
3
Trump didn't sniff dozens of times into the microphone last night, didn't call out Senator Warren as "Pocohantas" from the podium, and didn't attack the media as the enemy of the American people. No attack on Obama for leading a clandestine operation of leaks designed to undermine his Presidency.
Apparently his rehashing of a litany of campaign promises lacking any real specifics as he stuck to the teleprompter is all it takes to receive the glowing accolades he's receiving all over the airwaves today, a home run!
It's a shame he didn't stand there and read all of his tweets for an hour, that would've been far more revealing of the message from deep in his heart.
Apparently his rehashing of a litany of campaign promises lacking any real specifics as he stuck to the teleprompter is all it takes to receive the glowing accolades he's receiving all over the airwaves today, a home run!
It's a shame he didn't stand there and read all of his tweets for an hour, that would've been far more revealing of the message from deep in his heart.
2
There are days that I'm still in shock that this man is president and then there are others in which people are falling all over themselves to normalize him because he managed to control himself and act presidential for an hour and I realize exactly how this all happened.
I sincerely fear for this country's future.
I sincerely fear for this country's future.
4
Yeah, yeah. Moscow has toned down the Trump elation and now Trump appears "more presidential."
Don't be taken in!
Don't be taken in!
What bothered me more than the bombastic speech and those applauding it was the Times' tepid response. Readers on the left and right, to comprehend this horrow show you will need to consult many more media sources (on the left and right) and also look outside the US.
1
Trump is such a shady character. He can say anything he wants to say to pacify his skeptics, but it doesn't work for me. He is still a man who is very unethical and with very few scruples. Look at his cabinet--none of this people want to destroy a better America; they want to destroy it. Look at Bannon--he is an extremely dangerous person. Look at trump's refusal to show his tax returns. What is he hiding?
1
Trump nailed it, his genius shinned through.
Genius? Oh dear......You might want to rethink that
1
Being able to read a teleprompter makes him "presidential"? Scrapping clean water protections is not "trivial." Deciding to gut NEA, NEH, NPR-- and ACA is not "trivial"! Ramping up military...creating culture of hate...not trivial. Letting mentally ill people buy guns is not trivial.
3
all out assault on environment, wholesale giveaway to top earners and mega corporations, re vitalization of police statism and private prisons is what it is. Milquetoast reporting by NYT kicking back in. Maybe now they'll let you back into the WH press briefings
3
I didn't interrupt my evening for hours of political theatrics; it's more effective to read a transcript. I did see a video clip of the grieving military widow and was saddened by Trump's willingness to exploit that grief. Unfair, very unfair...
What we didn't get was an explanation of our "need" to increase military spending by billions. We already spend the of the TOTAL of the next 7 largest national military budgets in the world combined. Here's President Eisenhower on this subject... 1961
"This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new.... The total influence—economic, political, even spiritual—is felt in every city, every statehouse, every office of the federal government... Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military–industrial complex.
The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists, and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes... Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together."
The economy? It's the military budget, stupid...
What we didn't get was an explanation of our "need" to increase military spending by billions. We already spend the of the TOTAL of the next 7 largest national military budgets in the world combined. Here's President Eisenhower on this subject... 1961
"This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new.... The total influence—economic, political, even spiritual—is felt in every city, every statehouse, every office of the federal government... Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military–industrial complex.
The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists, and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes... Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together."
The economy? It's the military budget, stupid...
3
It had all the earmarks of a late nomination for a new category of Oscars - 'Best performance in the suspension of public disbelief by a sitting president'.
So given are some to fantasy, including large swaths of the media, that they appear willing - even eager - to accept that the tiger can change its stripes, that the leopard can change its spots, and that the demagogue who so consistently and thoroughly abandons civility can in an instant invoke it. Did Bannon pass him the right envelope - or today, tomorrow, will his boss capriciously, inexplicably enunciate yet an entirely different master plan for the remaking of America in his own image and likeness?
In the vein of 'no praise like self-praise', Trump has awarded himself top marks for his performance - almost daring the fake-newsers to say something bad, anything bad, about his tele-prompted, poll-prompted momentary display of coherence on the hill.
It's one thing to applaud the performance; it's another to walk away believing the actor who played the part is someone other than the avaricious, shallow, thin skinned narcissist who tweets invective against real and imagined foes in his bathrobe into the wee hours of the morning.
So given are some to fantasy, including large swaths of the media, that they appear willing - even eager - to accept that the tiger can change its stripes, that the leopard can change its spots, and that the demagogue who so consistently and thoroughly abandons civility can in an instant invoke it. Did Bannon pass him the right envelope - or today, tomorrow, will his boss capriciously, inexplicably enunciate yet an entirely different master plan for the remaking of America in his own image and likeness?
In the vein of 'no praise like self-praise', Trump has awarded himself top marks for his performance - almost daring the fake-newsers to say something bad, anything bad, about his tele-prompted, poll-prompted momentary display of coherence on the hill.
It's one thing to applaud the performance; it's another to walk away believing the actor who played the part is someone other than the avaricious, shallow, thin skinned narcissist who tweets invective against real and imagined foes in his bathrobe into the wee hours of the morning.
5
I can't believe you people. Nothing he said was "presidential". Just because they brought a public speaking coach on board to figure out a way he could seem less repugnant doesn't mean anything has changed. He's still building an army to attack our friends and neighbors, throw them in detention/concentration (because when you throw a bunch of people of one ethnicity into a prison it's a 'concentration') camps and throw them out of the country. Or, since deportation requires the cooperation of the receiving country--indefinite internment (camps}. He's still emboldening racists, Nazis and homophobes world-wide. He's still building that idiotic wall. He still is a serial sex offender. He is still building armies to attack our citizens and residents drawing from pools of his most terrifying supporters. And his "handler" Steve Bannon publicly announced that the overthrow of our government was underway (what did you think the 'dismantling of the administrative state' meant?'). I'm disappointed in you, Times.
American outrage must continue if this country has any hope of staying America. We must understand that we are under attack from within and without. I've never seen such a concentration of Russian trolls on Twitter like I saw last night since the election. They had meme templates. These are the times the second amendment was written for and he tapped the part of the country who took that seriously. We must continue to fill the streets and town halls to fight tyranny. Persist!
American outrage must continue if this country has any hope of staying America. We must understand that we are under attack from within and without. I've never seen such a concentration of Russian trolls on Twitter like I saw last night since the election. They had meme templates. These are the times the second amendment was written for and he tapped the part of the country who took that seriously. We must continue to fill the streets and town halls to fight tyranny. Persist!
7
I don't believe a word of what this man says. He is a known liar and sounded semi sane last night just to please the crowd. A wolf in sheep's clothing.
6
“I know more about ISIS than the generals do. Believe me.”
“We are going to convey my top generals and give them a simple instruction.....They will have 30 days to submit to the oval office a plan for soundly and quickly defeating ISIS. We have no choice."
“I do know what to do and I would know how to bring ISIS to the table or beyond that, defeat ISIS very quickly and I’m not going to tell you what is… All I can tell you it is a foolproof way of winning.”
- Donald Trump
==============
“We are going to convey my top generals and give them a simple instruction.....They will have 30 days to submit to the oval office a plan for soundly and quickly defeating ISIS. We have no choice."
“I do know what to do and I would know how to bring ISIS to the table or beyond that, defeat ISIS very quickly and I’m not going to tell you what is… All I can tell you it is a foolproof way of winning.”
- Donald Trump
==============
4
Americans have incredibly short memories. Please don't forget the thousands of horrible things this man has said and done since he was a young man. But, more importantly, don't forget the policies and appointments he has put in place since inauguration. Trump is a terrible, terrible man... don't be fooled, and don't forget it.
7
The media swoons over stagecraft, calling it "Presidential," and we see photos of a weeping widow splashed everywhere. How about the other face of war and this mission? The photo of an eight-year-old American girl, dead through no fault of her own. http://bit.ly/2mdWaqd This is how imperial militarism advances and a great nation declines.
4
The Show - the con - the salesman --- we've seen it all for a long time now - before the election.
He was the same South Florida, real estate salesman like always...
This time he did not cut the pills in half...
Same, but diff'rnt...
He was the same South Florida, real estate salesman like always...
This time he did not cut the pills in half...
Same, but diff'rnt...
3
Standing behind widows for applause while spouting militarization is the lowest low.
9
Why, oh why, do people like this widow allow themselves to be used this way?
I think the New York Times (at some upper level, most likely) is beginning to exhibit signs of Stockholm Syndrome. You are making excuses for your tormentor, the authoritarian, when he speaks just a little more softly.
However the speech is a swiss cheese of contradictions. These should be examined; we should be measuring Trump's claim to wish to withdraw from the world stage against his massive increase of military spending. Fifty four billion is a lot, even given the inflated prices the government pays its private contractors. Either massive waste or war.
The Times also gives a lot of front page space today to Trump's "behind the scenes promises" on immigration that he pretended (in dramatic fashion) to make to journalists. Trump mentioned none of this in his formal speech. Don't fall for his games-- Al Gore, Mitt Romney and so many others have found out how much these private assurances are worth.
However the speech is a swiss cheese of contradictions. These should be examined; we should be measuring Trump's claim to wish to withdraw from the world stage against his massive increase of military spending. Fifty four billion is a lot, even given the inflated prices the government pays its private contractors. Either massive waste or war.
The Times also gives a lot of front page space today to Trump's "behind the scenes promises" on immigration that he pretended (in dramatic fashion) to make to journalists. Trump mentioned none of this in his formal speech. Don't fall for his games-- Al Gore, Mitt Romney and so many others have found out how much these private assurances are worth.
3
Sad! The bragging by Turmp that William Ryan Owens received the longest standing ovation in history. Would she trade that moment for the life of her husband? Tragic that it gets played into something award worthy. Sad!
8
TRUMP, They are not trivial, and the are not fights, it is a response to your illegal and incompetent governance . Second, FOOLS that you are that this imbecile utters a few word not chosen by him like a 7 years old reciting math tables and he gets a standing ovation. More lies and and exaggeration DOES NOT MAKE ON PRESIDENTIAL.
10
I very much doubt Trump knows the meaning of "trivial".
2
Sure he does it stares back at him from the mirror he is constantly gazing into.
Hopeful message , let's go back to the coal production and build the pipeline from Canada?
That's the message of hope for future generations? when we know for a fact that protecting our ecosystem is the most urgent thing to do and we have no more time to waste
That's the message of hope for future generations? when we know for a fact that protecting our ecosystem is the most urgent thing to do and we have no more time to waste
1
The man built his career on fraud, deception, lies, slander, deflection and bait-and-switch. It's going to take a lot more than one speech to convince me that this leopard has changed his spots.
4
Tuesday night, DJT told a fairy tale:
"in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started [...], spoken by families of all colors and creeds[...]. But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus -- as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and large, all across our country. Finally, the chorus became an earthquake..."
The speech revealed Trump's delusion.
There was no Revolution.
There was no Earthquake.
There WERE boasts of Trump groping women's genitals, the 71% of his statements being lies, his and his campaign scheming with Russia to throw our election, his partnering with white-supremacists, and his constant verbal attacks on everyone including Pope Francis.
Last night was a PT Barnum performance. After his speech, we learned of a yuge group of white house handlers needed to write his speech.
PT Barnum gave the speech -- luckily his mental ticks didn't derail his pompous performance. He read from the teleprompter with aplomb. Now, after we've woken up, we are waiting for his magic promises to come true. Every fairy tale has a happy ending. Reality doesn't.
HOW will he give us better education, healthcare, meds, and environment BY DE-FUNDING those federal agencies?
HOW will he pay for the largest military buildup ever and the $1 trillion in infrastructure projects, WHILE lowering taxes (and lowering gov't income)?
Complete with a shameless reality-show segment -- USING a grieving widow.
A sophisticated fairy tale!
"in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started [...], spoken by families of all colors and creeds[...]. But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus -- as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and large, all across our country. Finally, the chorus became an earthquake..."
The speech revealed Trump's delusion.
There was no Revolution.
There was no Earthquake.
There WERE boasts of Trump groping women's genitals, the 71% of his statements being lies, his and his campaign scheming with Russia to throw our election, his partnering with white-supremacists, and his constant verbal attacks on everyone including Pope Francis.
Last night was a PT Barnum performance. After his speech, we learned of a yuge group of white house handlers needed to write his speech.
PT Barnum gave the speech -- luckily his mental ticks didn't derail his pompous performance. He read from the teleprompter with aplomb. Now, after we've woken up, we are waiting for his magic promises to come true. Every fairy tale has a happy ending. Reality doesn't.
HOW will he give us better education, healthcare, meds, and environment BY DE-FUNDING those federal agencies?
HOW will he pay for the largest military buildup ever and the $1 trillion in infrastructure projects, WHILE lowering taxes (and lowering gov't income)?
Complete with a shameless reality-show segment -- USING a grieving widow.
A sophisticated fairy tale!
5
Trump probably owes it all to his waggy-tailed little puppy dog at the FBI, James Comey, who smeared Hillary with the name of Anthony Wiener a week before the election using the e-mail pretext.
Trump's ability to read a speech off of a teleprompter, without veering from the message, has pundits and a sizable portion of the electorate exalting him and declaring him, 'Presidential'. That is very dangerous. Nothing has changed. He continues to be a divisive, xenophobic, racist whose policies are bad for the country, along with his deeply unconstitutional 'banning' of media outlets who critique him. He was a dangerous Demagogue prior to the speech, and he is following his speech. Please don't drink the Kool-aide! The man is dangerous and should be impeached.
4
Great start to clean water and air, planning on gutting the EPA and rolling back legislation wholesale that protects what he claims to want. What a joke.
3
Want some examples???
Trump said he had a "Great" meeting with Harley Davidson motorcycle executives on the White House lawn? …. Why the WH lawn? Because he cancelled a planned trip to Milwaukee because large demonstrations were forecast and he didn't want to face them .
Trump wants "clean water and air" .. ... But on the same day he signed the executive order that allows mines to dump sludge in the river ways as the did before the EPA prohibition.
etc, etc. Need we go on?
Trump said he had a "Great" meeting with Harley Davidson motorcycle executives on the White House lawn? …. Why the WH lawn? Because he cancelled a planned trip to Milwaukee because large demonstrations were forecast and he didn't want to face them .
Trump wants "clean water and air" .. ... But on the same day he signed the executive order that allows mines to dump sludge in the river ways as the did before the EPA prohibition.
etc, etc. Need we go on?
6
How are we judging what it means to be a "presidential" speech? Is it the rhetorical flourishes of a JFK; is it the delivery of a Bill Clinton; or is it the steely determination of a Ronald Reagan? Nope, it was just a speech that, compared to his past speeches, seemed passable; however the bar was already quite low.
10
Or as Stephen Colbert said, one that doesn't scare the heck out of members of his own party.
3
I'm confused. I understand that we're supposed to ignore Trump's words, but should we look into his heart or look at his actions or both? And if we're supposed to ignore his words, shouldn't we ignore his State of the Union speech? And if we're supposed to watch his actions, shouldn't we consider his Cabinet nominations and his executive orders?
4
There's no "looking into his heart"! It's a black hole!
1
A quick note on style - Trump's oratory skills proved to be lacking, IMHO. When he said, with regards to Ryan's legacy, that it was "etched" into eternity, I immediately went to Google to look for the speechwriters. Either he should have spent more time internalising his speechwriters' words, or his speechwriters should have worked harder to match his oratory style better. It almost seemed like Trump was reading these words off for the first time!
And, yes, the bit with Ryan's wife was disgusting.
And, yes, the bit with Ryan's wife was disgusting.
6
I bet we can find more than a handful of americans who have been killed by orthodox jews. Or by Swedes. Or web designers. Or disgruntled employees. Or college students. Or even toddlers. Should we get rid of them too? Having the families of victims of illegal immigrants was a hateful, ridiculous stunt that proves nothing.
And please, for the love of country, let's stop rewarding the rabid dog just because he was able to sit on command and raise his paw without soiling the rug or mauling your cousin, like it usually does. Trump is the same man of yore–you know, the same man from about 12 hrs ago? He didn't just magically stopped being a xenophobic, racist, incongruous, ignorant, self-absorbed, misogynist man. Let's not be fooled.
And please, for the love of country, let's stop rewarding the rabid dog just because he was able to sit on command and raise his paw without soiling the rug or mauling your cousin, like it usually does. Trump is the same man of yore–you know, the same man from about 12 hrs ago? He didn't just magically stopped being a xenophobic, racist, incongruous, ignorant, self-absorbed, misogynist man. Let's not be fooled.
8
I don't know much about macroeconomics or infrastructure repair, but I know something about healthcare. I agree with those who say that the devil is in the details. Good coverage for everyone, no preexisting condition exclusion, lower deductibles, affordable premiums, and saving money overall??? Sounds wonderful but impossible. Unless you mean single payer and taking on the lobbyists.
9
"The idea is a sharp break from the crackdown on immigrants in the United States illegally that Mr. Trump ordered in his first weeks in office and the hard-line positions embraced by his core supporters that helped sweep him into the White House."
How can a president who lost the popular vote be referred to as having been swept into the White House? Are you trying to get invited to the next gaggle?
How can a president who lost the popular vote be referred to as having been swept into the White House? Are you trying to get invited to the next gaggle?
3
The ridiculous charade that the Electoral College isn't the most fraudulent national election scheme in the world makes the US look like a famous set of three sensory-deprived monkeys.
1
Steve Bolger,
I knw something shady was up when the GOP started changing the rules for the EC during reagan's first term.
I also noticed the manipulation of the Press and use of propaganda. Some Press reported it but that was shut down pretty fast. By the end of his first term the 1% was fully in control of the message all Press outlets presented. If you did not know until then the people in the Press room controlled what they put out regardless of who owned the outlet. The most egregious and nagging change is the adoption of the suspension of disbelief in reporters as they were speaking to people. They just stopped confronting bold faced lies and moved on to ask other questions as if it were not their responsibility as a person and a reporter to confront someone whom they knew full well just lied to their face. That one thing has done more harm than many combinations of the other tactics being used to undermine our Nation.
I knw something shady was up when the GOP started changing the rules for the EC during reagan's first term.
I also noticed the manipulation of the Press and use of propaganda. Some Press reported it but that was shut down pretty fast. By the end of his first term the 1% was fully in control of the message all Press outlets presented. If you did not know until then the people in the Press room controlled what they put out regardless of who owned the outlet. The most egregious and nagging change is the adoption of the suspension of disbelief in reporters as they were speaking to people. They just stopped confronting bold faced lies and moved on to ask other questions as if it were not their responsibility as a person and a reporter to confront someone whom they knew full well just lied to their face. That one thing has done more harm than many combinations of the other tactics being used to undermine our Nation.
Soon in next 12 months all leaders in each nation will be using his speech
(Mr Trump is great) to get elected . He is saying clearly, if your house is not in order you don't exist.His message is, to make your own nation secured and rich is the duty of each elected leader. Worry about your house ,let other take responsibility and become productive . Hand out promoted by Democrats make them all lazy and terrorist .
(Mr Trump is great) to get elected . He is saying clearly, if your house is not in order you don't exist.His message is, to make your own nation secured and rich is the duty of each elected leader. Worry about your house ,let other take responsibility and become productive . Hand out promoted by Democrats make them all lazy and terrorist .
1
Whats wrong with Americas military structure? Trump apparently wants bigger U.S. military to carry out his stated plans to "take and keep" Iraqi and Libyan oil.
A bigger U.S. military might also be needed to continue Americas unending habit of invading and destroying tiny third world type countries like Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. If Trump is correct U.S. invasion of Iraq based on lies of CIA that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction then U.S. murdered over 4400 Americans in vain on policies in Iraq that provoked ISIS. Why are none of Americas lawyer leaders who dominate the congress on trial for murder?
A bigger U.S. military might also be needed to continue Americas unending habit of invading and destroying tiny third world type countries like Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. If Trump is correct U.S. invasion of Iraq based on lies of CIA that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction then U.S. murdered over 4400 Americans in vain on policies in Iraq that provoked ISIS. Why are none of Americas lawyer leaders who dominate the congress on trial for murder?
2
It's a long democratic tradition to take a sacred cow, such as the military, and want to invest more money into it. But, just as we have heard that up to a third of medical expenditures may well be wasted money, it would be a serious mistake to not look into possibly military waste that can be recaptured.
My only other concern was VOICE, an office for criminal immigration victims representation. It seems divisive, but it would good sense to advocate for help and compensation for all crime victims.
Otherwise, it was wonderful to see someone who knows how to raise capital and negotiate, finally tackle the American economy. For too long governments have merely been taxing and spending with little thought on either end, even though they eat up an alarming 39% of GDP.
My only other concern was VOICE, an office for criminal immigration victims representation. It seems divisive, but it would good sense to advocate for help and compensation for all crime victims.
Otherwise, it was wonderful to see someone who knows how to raise capital and negotiate, finally tackle the American economy. For too long governments have merely been taxing and spending with little thought on either end, even though they eat up an alarming 39% of GDP.
I wonder how many members of the public realize - certainly not the ignorant who voted for him - that the Republicans kept up that applause for the lost SEAL to such a forced length, to help promote the image that Trump had made a wise decision to send him.
As though Trump had any wisdom in him.
Sad.
As though Trump had any wisdom in him.
Sad.
7
At this point, it is far safer to assume that anything coming out of Trump's mouth is a lie, regardless of whether he speaks in proper English or his usual gibberish. Are we that gullible?
4
2017 definition of Presidential:
The ability to communicate promises (not plans) without a peppering of overt insults, attacks, slurs and self congratulatory phrases.
The ability to communicate promises (not plans) without a peppering of overt insults, attacks, slurs and self congratulatory phrases.
3
Less Unhinged does NOT a President make.
6
I was disappointed with the Democrat's decision to boycott virtually all applause. Not applauding solidarity with Israel? Does that mean the Democrats don't want solidarity with Israel? And, not applauding the wife of a fallen soldier? Does that mean they don't care about those who give their lives for our country? And not applauding the First Lady is a first in itself. First Lady is not a political position. It's a happenstance of marriage. They Democrats should have applauded the issue they support and not applaud the issues they don't. Withholding all applause did not help their cause, it only muddled it.
3
Maybe you should star by looking at the source of those questions within yourself.
You might find an adult in there somewhere.
You might find an adult in there somewhere.
Well, let's get one of those trivialities out of the way right now. Let's just sort out this Russian business, shall we? Just to settle things, how about letting the citizenry of this country see those tax returns of yours, Mr. President*? Then, perhaps you could satisfy the trivial concerns of the various investigative agencies and Committees? After that, you might want to clean up your somewhat fraught personal business life so as not to continually violate the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution? That one may turn out not to be so very trivial, but you have to agree it's a problem all around. Since we all know that when you make a public statement you stand by it, I'm absolutely sure you'll get right at clearing out all these trivialities so we can go back to fighting the horrors of 4.8% unemployment, a strong economy and near-universal health care - you know, that horrible mess that you inherited from President Bush.
5
It doesn't matter what he says; it's what he does. Where is the funding coming from? Think about that for a minute.
5
I have zero confidence in this guy, he is not "presidential", this is like a bad movie. With phenomenal resources squandered on him and his people over the years he should be regarded as a drug addict or alcoholic, who likewise are usually incorrigible liars and destructive in their actions. The only response to him and people like him are censure, legal maneuvers to oppose his bad policies, leaks and exposes to discredit him.
His presidency has been a depressing slog for all the concerned citizens who wanted principled change and reform, not the worst and most cynical style of plutocratic political looting as we saw in the past. There is no reform possible for Trump or his people.
His presidency has been a depressing slog for all the concerned citizens who wanted principled change and reform, not the worst and most cynical style of plutocratic political looting as we saw in the past. There is no reform possible for Trump or his people.
6
If Trump can act like an adult, maybe it is time to give him a chance.
He'll probably back away from 'The Wall', since it seems unpopular and angers Mexico. Furthermore, large amount of infrastructure spending is a Liberal dream, so I do not understand by The Times board rallies against it and so do most dems.
" almost verbatim from a prepared text."
Obama used a teleprompter for almost all his speeches, and had a very well-known speech writer. Save the criticism. This is why people are tired of the media, and their double standards. And Obama also had no problem drone bombing regions for an extended period of time, which even commentators in this very newspaper have mentioned, yet we rally around the SEAL mission as a failure.
Trump proposes big ideas and fills in the details later - America needs some big ideas, whether or not Trump is the leader to deliver them is yet to be seen. However, I at least will give him a chance.
He'll probably back away from 'The Wall', since it seems unpopular and angers Mexico. Furthermore, large amount of infrastructure spending is a Liberal dream, so I do not understand by The Times board rallies against it and so do most dems.
" almost verbatim from a prepared text."
Obama used a teleprompter for almost all his speeches, and had a very well-known speech writer. Save the criticism. This is why people are tired of the media, and their double standards. And Obama also had no problem drone bombing regions for an extended period of time, which even commentators in this very newspaper have mentioned, yet we rally around the SEAL mission as a failure.
Trump proposes big ideas and fills in the details later - America needs some big ideas, whether or not Trump is the leader to deliver them is yet to be seen. However, I at least will give him a chance.
2
Lol. Lying is the easy part.
Well said. I used to vote democrat, I am now absolutely disgusted with the partisan rancor, hypocrisy and incompetence coming from democrats in congress and the senate. Nancy Pelosi is beyond the pale!
Impeach her on grounds of dementia and incompetency. Just get her out of public office, she ruined Obama's first two years and now she is doubling down and trying to outdo herself in Trump's first two years.
Impeach her on grounds of dementia and incompetency. Just get her out of public office, she ruined Obama's first two years and now she is doubling down and trying to outdo herself in Trump's first two years.
1
Trump's effect on the value of the peso has already cost that unfortunate nation more than the price of his wall.
I look for a president which is not "presidential" but more like an "ordinary American". Who are the "non-ordinary", special Americans;
celebrities? rich people? homeless people, or all of the above?
celebrities? rich people? homeless people, or all of the above?
1
The Trump we saw last night was the Trump many of his voters probably hoped they'd see, but hadn't seen until now. It was a huge course correction for Trump, one most people likely thought beyond his capabilities. Today, I am watching even his harshest critics saying that he walked into the speech a divisive figure, and walked out president of the United States. For me to call myself one of his harshest critics would be an exercise in understatement, but I agree with them.
In discussing the Affordable Care Act last night, Trump mentioned something I thought was of real significance, but none of the pundits seemed to have picked up on it. He said that he was asking congress to enact legislation that would allow governors to expand Medicare in their states as they saw fit, in order to ensure that everyone's health care needs were taken care of. This is essentially a single-payer plan for those who can't afford insurance, what Obamacare should have been to begin with, and far more progressive than anything suggested by Obama. It would indeed be ironic if Trump was the president who managed to get this passed - and under a Republican congress, at that. Likewise spending one trillion on infrastructure.
Of course, it was only one speech. Trump is still under the baleful influence of Bannon, and as long as that's the case I think we are justified in fearing the worst. But as single speeches go it was impressive.
In discussing the Affordable Care Act last night, Trump mentioned something I thought was of real significance, but none of the pundits seemed to have picked up on it. He said that he was asking congress to enact legislation that would allow governors to expand Medicare in their states as they saw fit, in order to ensure that everyone's health care needs were taken care of. This is essentially a single-payer plan for those who can't afford insurance, what Obamacare should have been to begin with, and far more progressive than anything suggested by Obama. It would indeed be ironic if Trump was the president who managed to get this passed - and under a Republican congress, at that. Likewise spending one trillion on infrastructure.
Of course, it was only one speech. Trump is still under the baleful influence of Bannon, and as long as that's the case I think we are justified in fearing the worst. But as single speeches go it was impressive.
12
Behind the new "tone" every one is so giddy about was still the same disgusting rhetoric and hate for immigrants. Really driving home the fear of "other" meaning anyone not white. Give me a friggin break. The man is anything but presidential. He's an opportunist.
1
I heard something different ( am I incorrect?). I heard Medicaid, not Medicare, AND the shifting of the burden to governors through block grants (the actual process Paul Ryan is suggesting) will not bear any resemblance to the single-payer approach which, I do agree, President Obama never should have taken off the table before it as even subject to negotiation. I wish you were right!
Peggy in New Hampshire
Peggy in New Hampshire
1
Hardly impressive. You lowered the bar so far it's ridiculous
2
Considering this man has been in show business all his life, he did not deliver his script very well.
He seemed to have to concentrate very hard to read aloud some very long sentences with big words.
How insulting to have this man follow President Obama.
He seemed to have to concentrate very hard to read aloud some very long sentences with big words.
How insulting to have this man follow President Obama.
18
Now he's got no excuse for acting like a petulant child from now on.
I found his body language hilarious. He was more comfortable reading to the GOP, while he seemed angry at the Dems for not loving him unconditionally.
And THEN he stepped all over that moment of EXTENDED ecstatic pain he put that widow through, cliamed he'd broken another record and dictated he knew her husband was with them, because Trump made sure he couldn't be.
Good choice on the white dresses, ladies. He seemed angrier than a bull on White Russians. He made it clear by pointing and stink eyeing who he will blame for his failures, even though he has both houses.
But now we know he can control himself, so he's gonna take MORE heat when he returns to the childish campaign trail with agonizing tears.
I found his body language hilarious. He was more comfortable reading to the GOP, while he seemed angry at the Dems for not loving him unconditionally.
And THEN he stepped all over that moment of EXTENDED ecstatic pain he put that widow through, cliamed he'd broken another record and dictated he knew her husband was with them, because Trump made sure he couldn't be.
Good choice on the white dresses, ladies. He seemed angrier than a bull on White Russians. He made it clear by pointing and stink eyeing who he will blame for his failures, even though he has both houses.
But now we know he can control himself, so he's gonna take MORE heat when he returns to the childish campaign trail with agonizing tears.
12
The reaction to this speech is absolutely bizarre to me. Most of the "lofty goals" Trump discussed were the same xenophobic wall-building and Muslim-banning and mass deporting he's been dreaming about for the past year. But now we rise in maudlin applause, declaring him "our President" simply because he was able to deliver a rehearsed speech without veering into incoherent rambling? That's the bar that we've now come to accept? The reality is that most of the policy he was espousing is the same descpicable fear-mongering exclusionary nationalism he's been talking about all along. The "trivial fights" he so glibly dismisses, (chuckle chuckle), are the battles being waged by the few politicians still fighting for the rights of these vulnerable, "undesirable" citizens. My skin crawled as he used the grieving widow as a mechanism to not only justify his ordering of the raid, but to render any argument otherwise off-limits (if you disagree, answer this: what, specifically, does the widow of this brave fallen serviceman have to do with the state of the union? If the intention was truly to honor his memory, do it tastefully, and privately, in order to rule out any accusation of posturing). This speech was the exact same thing we've been seeing all along. The only thing Trump proved was that can maintain a rehearsed public presence for an hour without losing control of himself. Just becuase he's not shouting doesn't render the ideas any less hateful and ignorant.
11
Spot on
The megalomaniac cherry-picked the findings of a recent report, saying it found immigration costs U.S. taxpayers “billions of dollars a year.” The report said immigration “has an overall positive impact on long-run economic growth.” Then the schizoid said “94 million Americans are out of the labor force,” a figure that includes the retired, college students and stay-at-home parents. THE VAST MAJORITY — 88.5 MILLION — SAID THEY DIDN’T WANT A JOB.
In other words, the mentally unstable fellow keeps lying and lying and has the audacity of asking to end of what he calls “trivial fights”? It seems that to him lying and deceiving are trivial facts in his alternative reality.
In other words, the mentally unstable fellow keeps lying and lying and has the audacity of asking to end of what he calls “trivial fights”? It seems that to him lying and deceiving are trivial facts in his alternative reality.
7
So he spoke better. So what. Look at his and his employees actions.
13
Excepting the spittle and shaming, this was the same stump speech Trump has delivered since he began. I am against racism in all forms, but I will keep Bannon as my chief strategist despite his ownership of Breitbart, an online website that promotes racist views amongst other conspiracy topics. I support women's health care, but I will defund all clinics that provide reproductive services. Clean air is necessary, but I will defund EPA and remove regulations to permit industry to grown and allow them to pollute. I will stop ISIS, but I will defund Dept of State to halt non-military aid programs. I will make America's military strong, but I will ignore the specific needs of the military persons responsible who want more high-tech and covert; not more nuclear bombs and delivery systems.
Trump is either an abject idiot or mentally incapable of rational thought process. Either way, he remains unfit to be President.
Trump is either an abject idiot or mentally incapable of rational thought process. Either way, he remains unfit to be President.
12
Autocracy: Rules of Survival
by Masha Gessen
Believe the autocrat (He means what he says)
Do not be taken in by small signs of normality (There are no safe zones)
by Masha Gessen
Believe the autocrat (He means what he says)
Do not be taken in by small signs of normality (There are no safe zones)
10
Excellent, compelling speech! I had to tune out of Obama's speeches finding them arrogant and boring. Now if Shumer would drop the divisive snarks and insults and actually work with the Rupublicans, maybe we could fix America's many problems.
4
Just out of curiosity, what was compelling....the empty statements, the lack of moral compass? Additionally, what did President Obama say that was arrogant?
What the GOP and the President do will truly be what matters. Clean water, air to breath and food to eat...these are the things we can not take for granted. Hope you don't have children.
What the GOP and the President do will truly be what matters. Clean water, air to breath and food to eat...these are the things we can not take for granted. Hope you don't have children.
Sure thing dear, as soon as McConnell quits the Senate.
Same old bad ideas delivered in a more civil tone in a speech crafted by many. This is NOT a paradigm shift for Trump.
Not my president and NEVER will be no matter how much he forces a smile and fakes compassion.
Not my president and NEVER will be no matter how much he forces a smile and fakes compassion.
8
Don't listen to what Donald Trump says. He's an expert at slight of mouth. Watch what he does. And watch what Sec. Jeff Sessions does.
11
All the speech last night proved was that Trump can read.
8
So in 6 weeks, America went from "Carnage" to " Optimism".
The Trump presidency may just boil down to whether you have ever dealt with a sociopath or if you haven't.
To change the message 180 because "that's not working" is not being some great businessman, it is that you are losing the audience and need to tell them "other stuff". Until lies are refuted, there is no "new Trump", no "new message".
Always, always, always, watch the behavior. So far, the lies keep coming based on evidence. For example: Who signed off on Yemen? It wasnt "They".
The Trump presidency may just boil down to whether you have ever dealt with a sociopath or if you haven't.
To change the message 180 because "that's not working" is not being some great businessman, it is that you are losing the audience and need to tell them "other stuff". Until lies are refuted, there is no "new Trump", no "new message".
Always, always, always, watch the behavior. So far, the lies keep coming based on evidence. For example: Who signed off on Yemen? It wasnt "They".
5
Nope, don't end trivial fights. Trivial fights are currently the only thing we have, and they're better than nothing at all. Obstruct at 110% level; I'm more than willing to wait for a half-decent human being to be in the office to realize anything 'good' from all this.
2
Every other sentence out of Trump's mouth is either a lie or an exaggeration. The only promise he's carrying out is rounding up a group of people who are unable to speak for themselves and deporting them. Obamacare repeal is going down the tubes fast. His budget is DOA according to Senate Republicans. Sooner or later his relationship with the Russians is going to come out. He's personally benefitting financially from his new job in the Oval Office. The list goes on.
So instead of suffering through his elementary school level reading of the TelePrompTer I put on a movie with a very appropriate theme. I watched
" Cat on a Hot Tin Roof " with Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Burl Ives.
The theme?
MENDACITY.
If you don't know what it means google it.
So instead of suffering through his elementary school level reading of the TelePrompTer I put on a movie with a very appropriate theme. I watched
" Cat on a Hot Tin Roof " with Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Burl Ives.
The theme?
MENDACITY.
If you don't know what it means google it.
2
Excellent
I still remember President Obama's speech from last year. I remember the patronizing looks on every single republican face. I could tell last year that republican's in congress where going to do everything to shut down and dismiss President Obama's last year in office. I did not tune in last night and I don't care. I simply do not care about trying to get along. I clearly remember the past 8, no the past 16 years and exactly how republican's acted all through that time.
3
Content aside, an element in Mr. Trump's speech to Congress that repeatedly caught my attention was his repeated use of a strangely soft voice. Those urgently whispered words might have come from a brutal mob boss desperate to convince a group of children that he's really a kindly old uncle with pockets full of candy. Then and now, it sounds phony because it is phony; the children don't believe it, Uncle Don doesn't believe it, and neither do I.
5
How is it that Republican Presidents always appear in office with promises to "end the bickering in Washington" or move beyond "trivial fights", never seem to remember who fought or bickered ?
MItch McConnell, architect of the grand Supreme Court seat theft and king of obstructionism , sat through last night's speech looking like an altar boy, politely applauding his new master.
Give them credit - they're not shy to use their power and brag about non-existent mandates.
MItch McConnell, architect of the grand Supreme Court seat theft and king of obstructionism , sat through last night's speech looking like an altar boy, politely applauding his new master.
Give them credit - they're not shy to use their power and brag about non-existent mandates.
4
An A for tone. An F for the same Trump old and bad ideas masquerading as benign.
5
Congratulations to Trump's speech writer and to whoever it was that got him to act like a president instead of an immature school yard bully. The speech was very "Presidential". In other words it sounded great and offered nothing of any real substance. There were no details about how to overhaul the ACA, no details about immigration reform, no details about the "war on ISIS", etc.
I am sure that the republicans realize that with the president's approval numbers being as low as they are that they are in real danger of losing big in the mid term elections. Trump's address to congress was the kind of performance designed to get the approval numbers up without committing to anything specific. I am sure we will be back to the vitriolic tweets and the outrageous paranoid rhetoric before the end of the week.
I am sure that the republicans realize that with the president's approval numbers being as low as they are that they are in real danger of losing big in the mid term elections. Trump's address to congress was the kind of performance designed to get the approval numbers up without committing to anything specific. I am sure we will be back to the vitriolic tweets and the outrageous paranoid rhetoric before the end of the week.
5
Let me see if I can channel Trump's speech:
"I love America! You love my America! Because you love my America you love ME! You will stop paying attention to all trivial things ... that means everything except how much you love ME! HOW GREAT I AM.
Everything will be GREAT because I tell you so! You believe me because i'm the greatest and America is the greatest ... except for that horrible, horrible, no good, very bad, KENYAN who ruined our great country! But now I'm in control ... yes I am. And all those horrible horrible haters and sore losers, well you know they hate America! That's right, they hate America because they hate ME! I AM AMERICA! You love America, you love ME!
And you know I am really smart. I'm the smartest. I'm even way smarter than the Decider. So if I am smarter than the Decider ... I AM YOUR GOD. YOU WILL LOVE ME AND OBEY ME ... and give us all your money. Yes you will.
And if you don't...."
Seems to me that about covers Trump. Anything I missed?
"I love America! You love my America! Because you love my America you love ME! You will stop paying attention to all trivial things ... that means everything except how much you love ME! HOW GREAT I AM.
Everything will be GREAT because I tell you so! You believe me because i'm the greatest and America is the greatest ... except for that horrible, horrible, no good, very bad, KENYAN who ruined our great country! But now I'm in control ... yes I am. And all those horrible horrible haters and sore losers, well you know they hate America! That's right, they hate America because they hate ME! I AM AMERICA! You love America, you love ME!
And you know I am really smart. I'm the smartest. I'm even way smarter than the Decider. So if I am smarter than the Decider ... I AM YOUR GOD. YOU WILL LOVE ME AND OBEY ME ... and give us all your money. Yes you will.
And if you don't...."
Seems to me that about covers Trump. Anything I missed?
8
It was a scripted Performance and the night was a Production.
9
Thanks a lot Republicans, you've set the bar so low for us now that I expect Anthony Weiner to be a shoe-in for president in 2020.
2
I truly hope the NYT and other MSM media do not start playing nice, just because Trump didn't bash them in his address to Congress, and could read from a teleprompter without going off script. That one speech in no way eliminates the all the many controversies and constitution violations from his first month. Have we forgotten his violation of the emolument clause, the violation of free speech in barring the NYT from press briefings, the "enemy of the people" attacks? A true example of an abusive relationship.
2
So I watched the speech and went to bed feeling calmer. But I slept with one eye open. Can a leopard change its spots?
1
former NYC deputy mayor, Alair Townsend: “I wouldn’t believe Donald Trump if his tongue were notarized.”
3
"end trivial fights"
Start at home, Mr. Trump, with your own unprovoked behavior and that of your staff, how you handle the ensuing criticism, and then there is the manner of governing and policies and handling criticism over those. When you and your staff start behaving like responsible adults, you will see much of the 'trivial' fade away.
Start at home, Mr. Trump, with your own unprovoked behavior and that of your staff, how you handle the ensuing criticism, and then there is the manner of governing and policies and handling criticism over those. When you and your staff start behaving like responsible adults, you will see much of the 'trivial' fade away.
2
For over 50 years, this man has had zero credibility. Zero. It's his true brand. Why would anyone with any sense believe a single word of what he says, let alone promises? He's gotta go.
3
He started every trivial fight.
3
Anyone, most particularly a draft-dodger, who denigrates a captured soldier -- remember McCain? -- and a Gold Star family -- remember the Khan family? -- can *never* *ever* be trusted with our country's well- being. Can *never* be trusted to protect us. He has no capacity for empathy, one of the essential traits in a leader, no matter *what* he reads from a script.
17
"For too long, we’ve watched our middle class shrink as we’ve exported our jobs and wealth to foreign countries. "
FACT CHECK PLEASE:
How does America export its wealth? Is this just buying imports? Or is this investing in overseas assets? America consistently runs a trade deficit and a capital account surplus. The latter means that, far from exporting its wealth, America imports wealth from the rest of the world (and on a large scale.) The US is the favorite investment destination of many developing nations, depriving *them* of the investment they need to build their economies.
FACT CHECK PLEASE:
How does America export its wealth? Is this just buying imports? Or is this investing in overseas assets? America consistently runs a trade deficit and a capital account surplus. The latter means that, far from exporting its wealth, America imports wealth from the rest of the world (and on a large scale.) The US is the favorite investment destination of many developing nations, depriving *them* of the investment they need to build their economies.
5
I did not watch the speech--I cannot stand to listen to a pathological liar spew uninterrupted nonsense.
I do, however, have some thoughts on immigration reform, based on comments in this article.
Republicans have no interest in solving the immigration problem with a bipartisan bill. It is probably the greatest messaging advantage they have over Democrats. As long as the problem exists, they can continue to claim that Democrats want "open borders". The phrase was apparently even present in Hillary's Wall Street speech transcript, although she was referring to economic exchange, not people moving across the border. The perception that Democrats want the country to be over run by immigrants is a problem for Democrats. The last thing Republicans want to do is help them solve it.
I do, however, have some thoughts on immigration reform, based on comments in this article.
Republicans have no interest in solving the immigration problem with a bipartisan bill. It is probably the greatest messaging advantage they have over Democrats. As long as the problem exists, they can continue to claim that Democrats want "open borders". The phrase was apparently even present in Hillary's Wall Street speech transcript, although she was referring to economic exchange, not people moving across the border. The perception that Democrats want the country to be over run by immigrants is a problem for Democrats. The last thing Republicans want to do is help them solve it.
8
In reflection I would disagree with the Democrats for not applauding and cheering most of the remarks of the President...for one thing, we do know that he won't be able to deliver, however, it is what we all want for our nation.
It was mean spirited of the Democrats to not go along with the farce and a foolish political ploy..
It was mean spirited of the Democrats to not go along with the farce and a foolish political ploy..
1
Don't let the act fool you. He's still the same old Don the Con. They call him that for a reason.
9
Yes, he sounded "nicer", but the message is still the same. Those who are being lulled into giving him a chance after one speech, you might as well join him, because you will be useless in the fight against him and his destructive policies.
5
Trump has set the bar so low that our expectations were likewise low so he managed to rise above that lowest bar. Which is not saying much! Still the core of his message has not changed just the delivery.
10
Until proven otherwise, this seems exactly along the lines of Bannon's strategy: shock, disruption, chaos, reassurance to the public that everything is ok, the public willing to believe it because the alternative is untenable, gradual acceptance, normalization, victory. Don't be taken in by the whole charade.
30
Spot on. We are being played. And for that matter so is dt.
Instead of pouring more money down the Pentagon's gullet, I would rather see a long overdue focus on accounting for their expenses, which are more than half the government's budget.
I have not forgotten that the Army has to cook it's books just to balance them and that is dead wrong and irresponsible.
I have not forgotten that the Army has to cook it's books just to balance them and that is dead wrong and irresponsible.
13
I'll believe what Mr. Trump says when he shows us his tax returns.
18
I cannot tell a lie. I did not watch Trump's speech. I do not care what kind of tone he adopts in the moment. I am not interested in what he says. The only thing that interests me about Donald Trump is what he does.
Trump has assembled the most cruel and inept Cabinet in living memory. He has taken the shackles off ICE for no good reason, to pump up the macho posturing of low-level agents to act as judge, jury and executioner against the most vulnerable among us. He ignores human needs and exalts the military. He is on the fast track to wrecking the environment.
So last night he delivered an optimistic address? I'm not buying it.
Trump has assembled the most cruel and inept Cabinet in living memory. He has taken the shackles off ICE for no good reason, to pump up the macho posturing of low-level agents to act as judge, jury and executioner against the most vulnerable among us. He ignores human needs and exalts the military. He is on the fast track to wrecking the environment.
So last night he delivered an optimistic address? I'm not buying it.
287
All the whipped cream was wrapped around his weasel words: "THEY lost Ryan".
He doesnt want this young man's death on his head. But the buck stopped at Trump Day One whether he likes it or not.
He doesnt want this young man's death on his head. But the buck stopped at Trump Day One whether he likes it or not.
The most "vulnerable among us" are illegal aliens, who broke into the country illegally? Do you really believe that? That's like excusing a thief because he's poor. Wrong is wrong, illegal is illegally. Get them out.
You and me both. :-(
It looks like he had some adult help with his speech!
I glad to hear he'll put aside his trivial fights, but I still wonder if he loves this country. This speech gives some hope, but it may be a ruse just like his presidency, which I see as a way to further build the brand. Let's see now if he's willing to move past the "wall", his unneeded and for show military build-up (where's the war?), and focus on infrastructure and fixing Obamacare (or, sorry, the Affordable Care Act).
I glad to hear he'll put aside his trivial fights, but I still wonder if he loves this country. This speech gives some hope, but it may be a ruse just like his presidency, which I see as a way to further build the brand. Let's see now if he's willing to move past the "wall", his unneeded and for show military build-up (where's the war?), and focus on infrastructure and fixing Obamacare (or, sorry, the Affordable Care Act).
7
listen, donny, this is your last chance.
just read this as its written and no theatrics, get it
you need to pacify the rubes while your billionaire buddies loot the country of its last treasure
after thats done, you can go back to cheating real estate associates
got it ?
yes, steve, whatever you say steve
please dont hurt me steve
just read this as its written and no theatrics, get it
you need to pacify the rubes while your billionaire buddies loot the country of its last treasure
after thats done, you can go back to cheating real estate associates
got it ?
yes, steve, whatever you say steve
please dont hurt me steve
Trump may be a little vague on how he's going to accomplish his wish list but you have to admit he's nailed the defiant, arrogant Mussolini look. And he's only been in the WH for 5 weeks. Very impressive.
7
I thought the same. The jutting chin and imperious expressions.
Bravo! The man can read from a teleprompter without making us all cringe. From what I can see his style for the evening may have changed but his agenda has not. So if you like the idea of repairing our roads while people's civil liberties are taken away, our waters and air become more polluted, and new industries are not developed, then yeah, his speech was fine.
5
Polls taken after 45's speech to a joint session of Congress indicate a majority across the Great Divide viewed the speech favorably. Is that because he appeared as Mr. Congeniality and not as Fearful Leader? So he learned something from sponsoring beauty pageants besides voyeurism and sexual assault. He still does not have my respect.
5
Am I one of the few who finds Trumps use of Mrs. Owens grief as a way to avoid being held accountable for his death appalling? What kind of further heartbreak has he caused the family by this display when the SEAL's father is calling for an investigation. Stop taking cover behind this families pain and grief and do the right thing. Take some responsibility and get to the bottom of this tragedy! The similarities to Benghazi are haunting and we spent years and millions on that investigation.
15
TOTALLY agree with you. I felt terrible for this poor woman and how manipulated she was by him in her time of grief.
1
Disappointment among so many Democrats is very obvious this morning, especially in these comments. I can only suggest that they pray for a disaster next time. To attempt to be positive is not good apparently.
3
One wonders what Trump is up to with his VOICE squad. We already have ICE.
The roll out of the sorrowing widow was very effective. It was over done. Don't be fooled, the Yemen mission was a debacle and needs to be investigated. Using that poor wife was terrible.
The roll out of the sorrowing widow was very effective. It was over done. Don't be fooled, the Yemen mission was a debacle and needs to be investigated. Using that poor wife was terrible.
14
I didn't watch the speech, because there is nothing in it that could be remotely informative. The man is a liar controlled by a cabal of white nationalists, Russians (the defenders of White Christendom), and corporate interests. There is almost nothing, short of consigning oneself to a St. Helena, that this man can do to redeem himself in my eyes. His policies that will damage the country (and likely the world) and his supporters whose rancor for people like me is boundless will never receive my approval.
8
Words are cheap. DJT's inconsistency has made them worthless.
9
he actually delivered on his campaign promises during the first 4 weeks