Ignore the monkey throwing feces to distract you. Follow the money. Now that industry can dump coal slurry into our water, how much will the companies make and whose children (and how many) will be poisoned? What will happen to America without the EPA? Exactly who will be hurt, and how? How much money has Trump's companies made since the election? How much money has Trump personally made from deciding to live in Mar-a-Lago instead of the White House, and how much will it cost the rest of us by year's end? What are the Goldman Sachs goons now in positions of power in the White House up to? How will they again try to destroy the world's financial infrastructure while everyone else is watching the monkey throwing feces?
21
how can we ignore this totalitarian? start! stop promoting his lunatic tweets, NYTIMES!
9
• "as painful as it may be to admit, the strategy may actually be a winning media strategy in 2017"
Well, it worked in 2016, unfortunately.
Well, it worked in 2016, unfortunately.
3
Trump's narcissism and sociopathy are only the smokescreen. While he commands most of the attention, Congress is dismantling protections for workers, those with health needs, the environment, and anyone who is "different." Trump is incapable of understanding or interest in the legislation that is headed his way, and will no doubt sign anything placed in front of him. His administration of oligarchs and haters will assure that policies are enacted in the cruelist way possible. Whether this is all planned or happenstance is irrelevant as Trump oversees the destruction of American society.
22
For more than a year when I've discussed politics with friends, I've been suggesting that the media stop covering the "noise" and return to covering the news. And every insult and/or inanity coming from Trump's mouth and his Twitter account is not news; it is most often infotainment. Yet the media gives Trump what he desperately needs -- attention -- by continuing to publish, analyze, and opine on his/his administration's stupidities and lies such that real news about policies (or lack thereof) is buried. Example: two things happened last week within a few hours of each other - Kellyanne Conway had her feet on the Oval Office sofa, and Trump signed a bill repealing Obama's attempt to keep guns out of the hands of the severely mentally ill. Which event received more coverage?
In a way, it is difficult to completely fault the media; when media companies are struggling financially, it's hard not to succumb to over-publicizing the clickbait and thereby boosting revenues. (It would be interesting to see a graph of media ad revenues with an overlay graph of Trump stupidities/lies.) I understand the need to create revenue, to satisfy shareholders. But it is important that we be as well-informed about the real issues as about the deflections. For all our sakes, please ignore the stupid and stick to the news we need to make informed decisions.
In a way, it is difficult to completely fault the media; when media companies are struggling financially, it's hard not to succumb to over-publicizing the clickbait and thereby boosting revenues. (It would be interesting to see a graph of media ad revenues with an overlay graph of Trump stupidities/lies.) I understand the need to create revenue, to satisfy shareholders. But it is important that we be as well-informed about the real issues as about the deflections. For all our sakes, please ignore the stupid and stick to the news we need to make informed decisions.
19
So Trump is crushing it?
If you mean his delusional self-importance, I would agree.
If by it you mean our nation, I would agree he is damaging it, but not crushing it.
Our nation's Founder's conceived of a Donald Trump. They truly did. That is why they gave the ultimate power to the people and their representatives.
Congress could vote Donald Trump out of office tomorrow and install VP Michael Pence and few Republicans or Democrats would shed a tear.
The Judiciary could abrogate every Executive Order and unconstitutional law passed by Trump and the would-be mouthy dictator would be silenced and impotent.
Trump must answer for his Russian connections today or tomorrow, but answer he will. His heirs will answer as well.
His tax returns, his opaque non-public over 500 LLCs, will be public record one day.
Corruption and illegal gains are not owned, but borrowed.
The mighty will be brought low and made to pay for their sins in this life or the next.
Trump should only hope this happens now rather than later.
If you mean his delusional self-importance, I would agree.
If by it you mean our nation, I would agree he is damaging it, but not crushing it.
Our nation's Founder's conceived of a Donald Trump. They truly did. That is why they gave the ultimate power to the people and their representatives.
Congress could vote Donald Trump out of office tomorrow and install VP Michael Pence and few Republicans or Democrats would shed a tear.
The Judiciary could abrogate every Executive Order and unconstitutional law passed by Trump and the would-be mouthy dictator would be silenced and impotent.
Trump must answer for his Russian connections today or tomorrow, but answer he will. His heirs will answer as well.
His tax returns, his opaque non-public over 500 LLCs, will be public record one day.
Corruption and illegal gains are not owned, but borrowed.
The mighty will be brought low and made to pay for their sins in this life or the next.
Trump should only hope this happens now rather than later.
7
If grabbing national attention is winning, Trump presidency is losing. He would be too busy to twit and attack his invisible enemy to govern the country. Less than two months, his administration is in disarray, and in endless controversies. CNN reported that he was very angry that Sessions' contact with the Russians took away the headline of his speech to Congress. Trump wants more than attention, he wants endless praise. It is not difficult to crash a narcissist, Trump will have a failed presidency, that is the ultimate defeat. The question is how much damage the country will suffer before then.
9
what's left if this is what democracy throws up?
1
After yesterday's rant, I believe that Trump's perceived "craziness" is indeed scripted. For some reason, Trump wants the perception to be,
'this dude is crazy". Could the reason be to instill fear?
'this dude is crazy". Could the reason be to instill fear?
6
Trump end up as a victim of waning interest? Not while there's a breath in his body--in office or out, Trump LIVES for attention.
5
I grant Mr. Wu's main points, with a minor caveat.
President Trump's scandals, successful though they are in satisfying his need for attention, make him more and more toxic to the Republican legislators he needs to get his major initiatives passed.
And if Trump can't fulfill his major campaign promises because he's burned his bridges with Congress, he and his Presidency will be regarded as a failure; and I don't know how his ego can abide that.
President Trump's scandals, successful though they are in satisfying his need for attention, make him more and more toxic to the Republican legislators he needs to get his major initiatives passed.
And if Trump can't fulfill his major campaign promises because he's burned his bridges with Congress, he and his Presidency will be regarded as a failure; and I don't know how his ego can abide that.
6
It's difficult to avoid Trump when it's all him all day on any channel that is not broadcasting cheesy jewelry sales or reruns to the exclusion of anything that has happened more recently than Halloween. The media blames the viewer/reader saying they do it because that what we demand. We blame the media for not mixing up the news coverage. We hear so much about Trump, about the only thing that hasn't been covered is his bowel movement schedule. I'm guessing daily, between 3:00 - 5:00 AM.
6
Really?!? You make it sound like this man has a strategy. He doesn't.
As his tweets today prove he is literally an unhinged, insecure and very sad individual. Sick in fact. He is more worthy of pity then admiration.
And he is constantly defeating his own objectives through his nonsensical tweets. In fact he will take the focus off of the desperate effort to repeal Obama care next week with his claim that he was spied on by Obama after he saw it in Breitbart news. Ask the Republican leadership if they think Saturday's early AM tweets were strategic or helpful for the objectives on hand for next week. I can hear the groans from DC all the way up here in Maine.
Yes he gains tremendous attention, but then so does a car accident. It is messy, diverting and briefly focuses the attention of everyone in the vicinity. But also like a car crash, there is nothing strategic about it. It is a calamity that people gawk at, move on and forget about an hour later.
If only we could. But a method to the literal "madness"? Not so much....
As his tweets today prove he is literally an unhinged, insecure and very sad individual. Sick in fact. He is more worthy of pity then admiration.
And he is constantly defeating his own objectives through his nonsensical tweets. In fact he will take the focus off of the desperate effort to repeal Obama care next week with his claim that he was spied on by Obama after he saw it in Breitbart news. Ask the Republican leadership if they think Saturday's early AM tweets were strategic or helpful for the objectives on hand for next week. I can hear the groans from DC all the way up here in Maine.
Yes he gains tremendous attention, but then so does a car accident. It is messy, diverting and briefly focuses the attention of everyone in the vicinity. But also like a car crash, there is nothing strategic about it. It is a calamity that people gawk at, move on and forget about an hour later.
If only we could. But a method to the literal "madness"? Not so much....
11
It actually is NOTHING like war reporting.
In war reporting, reporters see the soldiers in ongoing battle. This is the media chasing shadows of outlandish, likely fictional claims.
The media credulously decided to let Trump set the parameters of engagement back in the primary season by setting an idiotic precedent that anything from Trump's twit feed was news. In fact this very newspaper, for months on end, had a spot on the digital front page with a listicle of "Trump's Twitter Insults." Those were fine and entertaining while they were damaging Republican challengers. But once Clinton and the Times were in his sights, it was too late to stop the coverage.
In this election cycle, the media normalized propaganda and ended up unable to separate real and fake news. Maybe it IS like war reporting after all: as it is said, "In war, the first casualty is truth."
In war reporting, reporters see the soldiers in ongoing battle. This is the media chasing shadows of outlandish, likely fictional claims.
The media credulously decided to let Trump set the parameters of engagement back in the primary season by setting an idiotic precedent that anything from Trump's twit feed was news. In fact this very newspaper, for months on end, had a spot on the digital front page with a listicle of "Trump's Twitter Insults." Those were fine and entertaining while they were damaging Republican challengers. But once Clinton and the Times were in his sights, it was too late to stop the coverage.
In this election cycle, the media normalized propaganda and ended up unable to separate real and fake news. Maybe it IS like war reporting after all: as it is said, "In war, the first casualty is truth."
3
If we attend to Trump's bluster, we normalize Trump. If we "normalize" Trump, we normalize:
1. Disrespect for the Constitution and laws of the United States;
2. The refusal to accept the legitimacy of one's political opponents;
3. Public officials' refusals to respect the people who disagree with them and the condoning of officials who deny a fair hearing to critics' claims;
4. Diminishment of the media's right to communicate the truth and its duty to keep the citizenry informed;
5. The failure of public office holders to bear the responsibilities of public office with dignity;
6. Infidelity to facts and recourse to frequent distractions, falsehoods, and outright lies in order to manipulate the public;
7. The abandonment of customary practices that insure some degree of transparency on the part of public officials and the hiding of public officials' potential conflicts of interest beneath layers of opacity;
8. Disrespect for the members of the judiciary.
9. Nepotism and cronyism.
10. The condoning of public officials who are avaricious, self-servingly ambitious and vengeful.
11. An authoritarian assault on democratic freedom.
Over two centuries ago, John Adams warned American citizens:
"[A]varice, ambition, [or] revenge . . . would break the strongest cords of our constitution as a whale goes through a net."
Every patriotic citizen should read David Frum's "How to Build an Autocracy" and Jonathan Rauch's "Containing Trump"--both in "The Atlantic," March, 2017.
1. Disrespect for the Constitution and laws of the United States;
2. The refusal to accept the legitimacy of one's political opponents;
3. Public officials' refusals to respect the people who disagree with them and the condoning of officials who deny a fair hearing to critics' claims;
4. Diminishment of the media's right to communicate the truth and its duty to keep the citizenry informed;
5. The failure of public office holders to bear the responsibilities of public office with dignity;
6. Infidelity to facts and recourse to frequent distractions, falsehoods, and outright lies in order to manipulate the public;
7. The abandonment of customary practices that insure some degree of transparency on the part of public officials and the hiding of public officials' potential conflicts of interest beneath layers of opacity;
8. Disrespect for the members of the judiciary.
9. Nepotism and cronyism.
10. The condoning of public officials who are avaricious, self-servingly ambitious and vengeful.
11. An authoritarian assault on democratic freedom.
Over two centuries ago, John Adams warned American citizens:
"[A]varice, ambition, [or] revenge . . . would break the strongest cords of our constitution as a whale goes through a net."
Every patriotic citizen should read David Frum's "How to Build an Autocracy" and Jonathan Rauch's "Containing Trump"--both in "The Atlantic," March, 2017.
8
I don't understand why the NY Times is constantly over-indulging in further analysis of Trump and his behavior. I will do what other commenters here have said and stop reading your articles on Trump. They are not illumination nor newsworthy. The Times needs to find another way of "talking" about Trump. It's beyond the point of absurdity.
6
We've learned this week that he can't control the print media the way he does the TV news cycles and he was damaged by the reports about Flynn's, Kushner's and Sessions's meetings with Kislyak as well as the revelations that the Obama Administration preserved evidence of the Russian hacking of the election.
"Crushin' it" sounds like a sports metaphor, either for tennis or maybe football, however, Trump, despite the frenetic pace of his first few weeks in office, is like an athlete who doesn't have the stamina for the long haul and quickly burns himself out.
"Crushin' it" sounds like a sports metaphor, either for tennis or maybe football, however, Trump, despite the frenetic pace of his first few weeks in office, is like an athlete who doesn't have the stamina for the long haul and quickly burns himself out.
4
It seems that Trump is on his way out. Just a gut feeling. Just a sense that all the negatives, critiques, worries, frustrations have joined hands and are just too powerful to beat. It has become one unit. This is not an expression of "For" or "Against" but rather Reality. Give it another 2 or 3 month and he is gone.
4
So what happens when we stop paying attention? If history is any guide, this is what we may well see.
Internment camps for ethnic minorities.
Tens of millions of non-Christians living in fear for their safety and their families' safety.
Women forced to return to second-class citizen status, whose only permissible role is to give birth.
Targeting and assaulting the LGBTQ community with impunity, as the assailants claim their "religious liberty".
Stop paying attention? No thanks. The very survival of many of us depends on not looking away.
Internment camps for ethnic minorities.
Tens of millions of non-Christians living in fear for their safety and their families' safety.
Women forced to return to second-class citizen status, whose only permissible role is to give birth.
Targeting and assaulting the LGBTQ community with impunity, as the assailants claim their "religious liberty".
Stop paying attention? No thanks. The very survival of many of us depends on not looking away.
10
"How Donald Trump Wins by Losing" and how America loses by Trump's winning. Here we are at the crossroads: Disruption Junction at the corner of Dysfunction Square.
3
Trump is a reality TV star obsessed by ratings – he still can’t let go of “The Apprentice,” as he demonstrated once again Saturday morning by tweeting about the “firing” of its current host, Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is a man, who feigned being his own PR person back in his “I’ll take Manhattan” days. He still can’t believe that he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by almost 3 million votes or that his inaugural crowd was barely half the size of the Women’s March on Washington that followed the next day? Cable TV is gospel to him – even though as president he has access to better and real time sources of information – hence, Trump so nonchalantly broadcasts to the public, a non-existent terror incident in Sweden, without even first validating it with his national security team.
So while, “the goal of dominating mindshare is a classic strategy of influence,” there is no way influence can simply translate to winning without tangible results to accompany that mindshare. Charlie Sheen too, believed he was “winning,” using a similar strategy and we all know how that ended? In Trump’s case he is not going to lose because of “waning interest,” but due to old-fashioned “political defeat,” if he continues on this obsessive path of ratings, lies and obfuscation.
So while, “the goal of dominating mindshare is a classic strategy of influence,” there is no way influence can simply translate to winning without tangible results to accompany that mindshare. Charlie Sheen too, believed he was “winning,” using a similar strategy and we all know how that ended? In Trump’s case he is not going to lose because of “waning interest,” but due to old-fashioned “political defeat,” if he continues on this obsessive path of ratings, lies and obfuscation.
4
The solution is simple. Start a widespread boycott of Twitter (a la Uber's taxi-gate boycott) until they cancel his account. I like the use of Twitter for politicians during a political campaign as a way to run an effective, low cost campaign. But once in office, the President should not be tweeting. He's been provided a free platform to bully and intimidate others with serious consequences. Do Mugabe and Putin have Twitter accounts? Doesn't Twitter have a policy against cyber-bullying? Is Twitter complicit in facilitating an erosion of American democracy and supporting Trumpism?
12
I'll say it again: He is like Captain Queeg demanding an investigation into who stole the strawberries.
7
Thank you for a spot-on assessment of the Trump effect.
2
The public will get tired of Mr. Trumps malarkey and the media that relies on it. Why even bother to listen or read what Mr. Trump has to say; who has the time to listen to a continuous line of it from someone who can't be trusted for what he says. Its either thumbs up or thumbs down with him. For me it is thrumbs down to him and the malarkey forget about it.
2
The Pee Wee Herman White House: "if that's what I am what are you?"
Anyone else getting the feeling that this first couple of months is like watching the planes hit the Twin Towers? You know something bad is going to happen, but you have to watch to see what? The "addictive" news is more like "Let's see what the nutcases have done today". It's repulsive viewing, not compulsive.
The tactic of outright absurdity and attention-getting works. It's also a great way of distracting from everything else. This Oligarchy of the Obviously Obtuse may not be the real future problem. When you're stealing a country, a freak show distraction is a good basic tactic. The freaks themselves are just bit players, not big players.
It would be naive in the extreme to assume that what's visible is all that's happening. Nothing which happens in American politics is usually visible until it's happened. The Tea Party, that coalition of the cretinous, sprang fully formed out of the swamp, miraculously organized, fully funded, totally out of party control and obstructive. It was never a party thing; the GOP lost that ability to run itself years ago.
This is a variation on that theme; take over a lost party, add high visibility clothes to it, contentious babble or anything else, and it's a promotion of misleading superficiality on every level. It cannot possibly be the full story, and it may not be even a major part of the story. For example - I doubt very much if the rewards to those behind it will be on a variable scale. The pattern, if right, confirms itself.
The tactic of outright absurdity and attention-getting works. It's also a great way of distracting from everything else. This Oligarchy of the Obviously Obtuse may not be the real future problem. When you're stealing a country, a freak show distraction is a good basic tactic. The freaks themselves are just bit players, not big players.
It would be naive in the extreme to assume that what's visible is all that's happening. Nothing which happens in American politics is usually visible until it's happened. The Tea Party, that coalition of the cretinous, sprang fully formed out of the swamp, miraculously organized, fully funded, totally out of party control and obstructive. It was never a party thing; the GOP lost that ability to run itself years ago.
This is a variation on that theme; take over a lost party, add high visibility clothes to it, contentious babble or anything else, and it's a promotion of misleading superficiality on every level. It cannot possibly be the full story, and it may not be even a major part of the story. For example - I doubt very much if the rewards to those behind it will be on a variable scale. The pattern, if right, confirms itself.
I've been thinking along the same lines, but also trying to game out possibilities of how this will evolve. Of course Trump will lose his hold on our attention as we tire of him, as we surely will.
But Trump must remain the center of our attention because his narcissistic personality requires it. And there is another reason that goes all the way back to Big Brother and thousands of years before. A megalomaniac has to remain at the center of everything because that is the source of his power. Putin and Kim Jong Il are extreme examples.
In order to remain at the center of our attention after we tire of his act, Trump needs us to fear an enemy. So far he has tried Mexicans, Radical Islamic Terrorists, ISIS (ISIL). But these don't scared us enough to sustain him. He will need stronger medicine, an enemy (other than Russia) that we will actually perceive as a credible existential threat to all of us. At this point my gaming turns very dark. North Korea? China? Starting wars to revive flagging popularity at home is a common theme in history. Bush 43 sent us into Iraq for the same reason.
But Trump must remain the center of our attention because his narcissistic personality requires it. And there is another reason that goes all the way back to Big Brother and thousands of years before. A megalomaniac has to remain at the center of everything because that is the source of his power. Putin and Kim Jong Il are extreme examples.
In order to remain at the center of our attention after we tire of his act, Trump needs us to fear an enemy. So far he has tried Mexicans, Radical Islamic Terrorists, ISIS (ISIL). But these don't scared us enough to sustain him. He will need stronger medicine, an enemy (other than Russia) that we will actually perceive as a credible existential threat to all of us. At this point my gaming turns very dark. North Korea? China? Starting wars to revive flagging popularity at home is a common theme in history. Bush 43 sent us into Iraq for the same reason.
1
I feel like I'm watching a current version of the Truman Show with a flaming narcissist creating his own attention addict's reality. As we stare into the fishbowl of the White House, we see a swampy sphere of dishonesty and hate-mongering, delivered with a distinct lack of dignity. Time to start turning our attention not to resisting the TV reality, but to strengthening the ethics, vision, and actions necessary to transform our reality from a TV spectacle into a country that more authentically values liberty and justice for all.
3
Dump Trump
2
"There's no such thing as bad press". Why else call up papers as "John Baron" to dish on his own marital pecadilloes? Trump loves attention, that was probably his ultimate reason for running for President. Having a constant stream of "enemies"- the media and now Obama again- keeps the attention on him, and he also loves a fight. (What second-grader punches a music teacher?) Trump may act like he's upset by all these enemies, but subconsciously he's in heaven.
1
I suggest Melania read him the tale of the boy who cried wolf. One day he may need and want us to believe him.
Shining a spotlight, even a negative one, on Mr. Trump only energizes him. He is consuming too much space in the media and in our thoughts and conversations.
Let's STOP talking about this disaster of a president and focus our attention on the important issues-like the Russians highjacking the last election.
Let's STOP talking about this disaster of a president and focus our attention on the important issues-like the Russians highjacking the last election.
4
Very simply: Trump, SAD.
3
Why doesn't the NYT take a page from the WSJ, the front page to be exact. Run a small vertical column that summarizes Trump's idiocies of the day and bury their coverage deep, deep into first or second sections. For instance, "Trump accuses Obama of phone tapping without any evidence (page 10)". Cover real news on the first pages and deliver us back to the sanity we enjoyed before the presidential interloper laid waste to journalist integrity. In the end the problem is one for you, the media, to sort out not us... If we're getting addicted it's because you're filling the front page with nonsense.
5
I appreciate these insights. I have a larger concern, however, is that this strategy of one man is a cover up for all those who surround him. Maybe Trump is mentally ill, but doesn't that then distract more from his inner circle and some of those in Congress who are accepting this craziness, even supporting it as the refusal to investigate Russian connections, etc.?
2
The idea that Trump enjoys even negative attention seems disproven by his reported rage. He is not cackling with glee that he has successfully poked the hornets' nest--he is throwing everything against the wall, looking for good press and failing that, supporters' approval. The approval is diminishing; as it continues to drop and the press continues to call him out as an loser and a liar, he will not hold it together. So far, being president has been some shield against a level of contempt he has never experienced; my guess is that will not last four years.
1
I agree with this assessment. The question is how to effect him most effectively.
The White House Press Corp has to do something dramatic, along the lines of agreeing ahead of a presser to keep asking just one question over and over - for example "When will the President release his taxes?" over and over and over and when it is not answered ALL of them must turn their backs on Spicer, or better yet, Trump himself. All networks should black out news about Trump for three days until he has released his taxes. No news, no interviews, no commentary.
The White House Press Corp has to do something dramatic, along the lines of agreeing ahead of a presser to keep asking just one question over and over - for example "When will the President release his taxes?" over and over and over and when it is not answered ALL of them must turn their backs on Spicer, or better yet, Trump himself. All networks should black out news about Trump for three days until he has released his taxes. No news, no interviews, no commentary.
3
This superb piece really says it all. It would seem that the only cure for Trumpism is people losing interest in Trump. What kind of mega-distraction would that take? Perhaps a magnetic pulse that, among other things, knocks out social media.
Trump and his cast of characters represent the perfect profile for a foreign adversary that has just effected a soft coup against the Federal Government of the United States. The administration simultaneously creates endless distractions for the populace, and the various other branches of the government, while effectively creating a gradual, corrosive effect on both its domestic stability, and international influence. That condition, in and of itself is sufficient to achieve long-term neutralization of the United States as a world power, with the added benefit that the occasional successes in destroying entire branches of the U.S. Government could actually culminate in the elimination of that beacon of Democracy that America once was.
1
Alright. The change Trump wanted in America is now complete. Trump wins by losing.
And Hillary Clinton loses by winning.
And Hillary Clinton loses by winning.
1
Though this article is thought provoking, I have a different view of the media centricity surrounding Trump. We are seeking to expose him. Expose his hypocrisy and mounting contradictions. Expose his mean-spiritedness where he disparages anyone who disagrees with him. Expose his non-interest in governance, and his flimsy grasp of the issues. Expose the fact that the institutions within his government are floundering from lack of staffing, and from an aversion towards serving this president.
2
I thought this analysis was quite brilliant.
1
I'm sorry, but this article fails to show how Trump is winning by losing. I've just wasted some more time reading this. It
The most dangerous thing about Trump and his team of propagandists is their open, even mocking, disdain for truth and reality. While they are busy trying to create an alternate reality disconnected from actual reality, it is the broader public's lack of critical thinking skills that allows the scam to continue.
A predator depends upon weak prey, as in the case of Trump University. When Trump said in a televised debate that "We should have taken the oil" from Iraq, the appropriate public response should have been sheer horror. The public's response should have been, "You mean, Mr. Trump, after invading Iraq on false pretenses - establishing the precedent that a country can attack another on the mere suspicion that they might have certain weapons (even though they don't) and might, possibly, use those weapons to attack that country - and after causing the deaths of more than 100,000 Iraqis, we should have stolen their oil, in violation of international law?" The only world where such an idea would be even remotely acceptable is the more primitive world of the past.
A predator depends upon weak prey, as in the case of Trump University. When Trump said in a televised debate that "We should have taken the oil" from Iraq, the appropriate public response should have been sheer horror. The public's response should have been, "You mean, Mr. Trump, after invading Iraq on false pretenses - establishing the precedent that a country can attack another on the mere suspicion that they might have certain weapons (even though they don't) and might, possibly, use those weapons to attack that country - and after causing the deaths of more than 100,000 Iraqis, we should have stolen their oil, in violation of international law?" The only world where such an idea would be even remotely acceptable is the more primitive world of the past.
3
If anyone believes that Donald Trump is somehow 'losing' anything, I do not see how. HIS goals are being formulated and put into action. While he puts up straw issues one after the other that the media cant help but tout as proof this man is an idiot, he is quietly behind the scenes writing policy and formulating law. Trump is providing a target rich environment, so much so that perhaps the really important stuff wont get the attention it requires.
2
Media coverage of Mr. Trump's campaign was commentary mostly in disbelief of what was happening. Snickering the whole time, the media raised his visibility and opened Pandora's box as the price of eyeballs. Once out he tapped into the frustration of the 99% that we had been left behind and the Wall Street 1% had run off with everything. It did help him that Ms. Clinton had so many ties to Wall Street.
Now he's in. What to do? Continue reporting his colorful outbursts like a drug store tabloid? Ignore him? (Really? He is the president.) Perhaps just report what he does as flatly and briefly as possible. "Today, President Trump accused President Obama of tapping his phones but failed to produce the court order that would have authorized that action." End of story. No commentary. Make it as boring and every day no-news news as his rants have become.
Now he's in. What to do? Continue reporting his colorful outbursts like a drug store tabloid? Ignore him? (Really? He is the president.) Perhaps just report what he does as flatly and briefly as possible. "Today, President Trump accused President Obama of tapping his phones but failed to produce the court order that would have authorized that action." End of story. No commentary. Make it as boring and every day no-news news as his rants have become.
Yes , and he takes the headlines once again proving he is mentally off balance accusing President Obama of wiretapping his phone . My goodness when is this madness going to end . The Republican congress are such cowards . I have never been so sad for our country .
4
Trump screwed up and actually told the truth the other day...He called the whole Russian deal a ruse. Before that he called it a Democrat witch hunt. He slipped up and admitted all his delays and denials were just a ploy to cover up all the deregulations he is enacting. He can outright tell a truth and not be questioned.
Is this all as calculated as the author seems to suggest, or is some (much, most?) of it simply the gyrations of a sick mind? On the one hand, the early morning tweets could be seen as a strategic attempt to get a jump on the daily news cycle. On the other, they could be the rantings of an unstable, delusional, paranoid crank who's been tossing and turning in the dark half the night unable to turn off the voices in his head. More than likely, it's a mix.
Even if Trump is somehow able to maintain his onslaught on our attention, with its need for an ever-refreshing supply of windmills to tilt at, it's questionable how long it will continue to be effective (to the extent that it already is, at least among clear-thinking people). Sooner or later, even his die-hard supporters are going to expect results, and I have to believe that the majority of them will eventually tire of his dog-and-pony show. In the meantime, as offensive as it is, we'll all just have to endure it. This is shaping up to be the first presidency in which the people will turn gray, while the President's hair stays the same color.
Even if Trump is somehow able to maintain his onslaught on our attention, with its need for an ever-refreshing supply of windmills to tilt at, it's questionable how long it will continue to be effective (to the extent that it already is, at least among clear-thinking people). Sooner or later, even his die-hard supporters are going to expect results, and I have to believe that the majority of them will eventually tire of his dog-and-pony show. In the meantime, as offensive as it is, we'll all just have to endure it. This is shaping up to be the first presidency in which the people will turn gray, while the President's hair stays the same color.
2
Trump's presidency reminds me of "A FACE IN THE CROWD", made in1957 of Budd Schulberg's perceptive script, directed by Elia Kazan
ugh.
4
By now even his followers understand this principle: there is no bad publicity! it is prima donald's primal tweet
1
I grew up on a farm. If a fox got into the hen house, you could ignore him but maybe you would lose all your chickens. We have a major dilemma here in the United States. There is no easy answer.
48
It's time for a new show for Trump, it's called you're impeached.
47
Every politician picks fights.
Yes, and avoids the ones he promised before election. Like HIS Health Plan, NOT Congress'. Like his idea to shorten term limits, not back down to Mitch. Like HIS promise to not be a lackey for Wall Street unlike Hillary. Like HIS TAX OVERHAUL PLAN, not one that still allows loopholes for his kind like our present one. YUP. A real Cowboy alright. Dead in the saddle and whacked out from wild women and too many Parties in the company of his wealthy rancher friends. Sort of like a Global Cartwright Family on steroids, lacking their honsety, morals, and just plain humanity.
Yes, and avoids the ones he promised before election. Like HIS Health Plan, NOT Congress'. Like his idea to shorten term limits, not back down to Mitch. Like HIS promise to not be a lackey for Wall Street unlike Hillary. Like HIS TAX OVERHAUL PLAN, not one that still allows loopholes for his kind like our present one. YUP. A real Cowboy alright. Dead in the saddle and whacked out from wild women and too many Parties in the company of his wealthy rancher friends. Sort of like a Global Cartwright Family on steroids, lacking their honsety, morals, and just plain humanity.
14
NO politician holding the highest elected office in the land, seeks fight with allies.
Not at any time.
Not in any book.
Not at any time.
Not in any book.
1
Yeah like a real cowboy...not the fake Hollywood type. But the full-on lackey, the drifter, the probable sociopath who stayed out in the wilds- for everyone safety - instead of living with people.
Trump is to real masculinity what KFC is to gourmet chicken.
Trump is to real masculinity what KFC is to gourmet chicken.
Americans, it's time to acknowledge we have a quite genuinely DERANGED man in the Oval Office. Not theoretically, clinically! Just look at today's "Obama bugged my office" insanity. That he doesn't realise his specious "Wag the Dog" tactics are clear for all to see is astounding, and another clear indicator of his mental instability. As his dementia matastisizes, which it surely will, there will come a day when a real full-blown crisis will erupt.
58
And "genuinely deranged" or not -- there's no proof of Obama bugging the office.
Besides, why should he? -- when he's already left a nice little trail of documents that can be followed.
Besides, why should he? -- when he's already left a nice little trail of documents that can be followed.
1
Trump is mentally ill.
3
What you have to ensure is that when he drives of the cliff a la Thelma and Louise, the American people are not unwitting passengers.
1
trump supporters got what they deserved, but we ( Democrats ) did not deserve what we got.
44
Donald J. Trump is protecting the USA from the tyranny of the majority.
4
Well maybe protecting us from The Apprentice anyway.
The guy thinks Obama walked in and tapped Trump Tower because a talk show radio guy said so. He had "sources" that told him all about O's birth certificate.
The guy is a Loon.
The guy thinks Obama walked in and tapped Trump Tower because a talk show radio guy said so. He had "sources" that told him all about O's birth certificate.
The guy is a Loon.
3
Trump is essentially beating you guys (the media) at your own game: relevance. It is not necessarily about being right or wrong; bring newsworthy or not; but in our 24 hour news cycle, 60 second attention-spanned coverage, being immediate and/or controversial. He just has to be that "bright shiny" object that the media cannot resist.
6
Disco went down in flames as a music genre. It's shallow, preening, narcissistic nature guaranteed its demise. The current cacophony in the Whitehouse doesn't qualify as music. As Shakespeare wrote in Macbeth, "It is a tale...full of sound and fury; signifying nothing."
22
Yes, disco did go down eventually, but it was really fun and crazy while it lasted. And what kind of music prevails today? Some truly strange post-Johnny Cash country-pop (which, as you may have guessed, I hate) and that "shallow, preening, narcissistic" alien, Taylor Swift. Your Macbeth quotation applies across-the-board to contemporary America, a loud noise "signifying nothing" but the freedom to own the 80" flat-screen TV.
1
Yet people still go out to disco nights. We still see the albums selling.
Americans love empty, pop-music is more empty then ever. They love empty plot lines on TV, in movies. Americans love nutrition-less food. Better to consume fluff that's been highly seasoned, then to seek real sustenance.
Many seem to hear a song (siren song to most of us) from the WH and it sounds like vengeance on all the "others" who have allegedly ruined their lives. Trump plays their tune, and the rest of us better not ignore that - because they can still come out next time and vote...while the lazy and apathetic stay home.
Americans love empty, pop-music is more empty then ever. They love empty plot lines on TV, in movies. Americans love nutrition-less food. Better to consume fluff that's been highly seasoned, then to seek real sustenance.
Many seem to hear a song (siren song to most of us) from the WH and it sounds like vengeance on all the "others" who have allegedly ruined their lives. Trump plays their tune, and the rest of us better not ignore that - because they can still come out next time and vote...while the lazy and apathetic stay home.
1
Mr. Wu writes: "So if the public is bored by the Affordable Care Act (without Mr. Obama, there’s no “opponent”), might Mr. Trump lose interest and start a new battle somewhere else?"
This is a chilling question, when faced with a man who can single-handedly take us into a new, large-scale shooting war (Iran) or a nuclear first-strike.
This is a chilling question, when faced with a man who can single-handedly take us into a new, large-scale shooting war (Iran) or a nuclear first-strike.
12
As scary as he is why wouldn't we pay attention.
9
Hold the presses!
Isn't "Ivanka" a Russian name?
I possess an as yet undisclosed dossier, from my years working as an anonymous source of intelligence in Minnesota (sorry, Al, I cannot hold this back any longer), on Ivanka Trump.
Her name from birth was secret code that Trump was "Soviet friendly."
Btw, Melania was an old plant from former communist Eastern Europe. Her code name, "First Lady".
Who knew?
I'm ready now to come in from the cold.
For a price.
Isn't "Ivanka" a Russian name?
I possess an as yet undisclosed dossier, from my years working as an anonymous source of intelligence in Minnesota (sorry, Al, I cannot hold this back any longer), on Ivanka Trump.
Her name from birth was secret code that Trump was "Soviet friendly."
Btw, Melania was an old plant from former communist Eastern Europe. Her code name, "First Lady".
Who knew?
I'm ready now to come in from the cold.
For a price.
4
He is a legend. I can't wait to see him sponsored. For example wearing a Gatorade sweat band, a Goldman Sacks t shirt a google baseball cap. Why not bring in some advertising money for the treasury department.
2
We are seeing a sinister abuse of the bully pulpit. There is method in his madness.
4
"You don’t have to like it to get hooked, and the result is to keep the whole country, and much of the world, entranced, as if to a disco tune that has implanted itself in the global consciousness and will not go away."
-
That's funny, I'm not a bit entranced by Trump, but I am annoyed by the media's entrancement, which keeps getting in the way of real news. The Times, in particular, seems to have developed what looks to me a lot like a psychopathological allergy to the man.
-
"Indeed, a good sign that Mr. Trump is winning by his own terms is just how many of your private conversations somehow turn to him, compelled by the irresistible force of addictive media."
-
There you go again, attributing other people's addictions to me. You're clearly focused on just one segment of the citizenry. You should get out more.
-
That's funny, I'm not a bit entranced by Trump, but I am annoyed by the media's entrancement, which keeps getting in the way of real news. The Times, in particular, seems to have developed what looks to me a lot like a psychopathological allergy to the man.
-
"Indeed, a good sign that Mr. Trump is winning by his own terms is just how many of your private conversations somehow turn to him, compelled by the irresistible force of addictive media."
-
There you go again, attributing other people's addictions to me. You're clearly focused on just one segment of the citizenry. You should get out more.
3
"Isn't there some other news?' What happened to the potentially devastating impact of the damaged spillway of the nation's tallest dam in Oroville, California?runoff of the 80 foot tall California dam." What's happened to the towns devastated by a series of tornados across the South in late January? There seems to be no news, news lately. I spend an inordinate amount of time in the last year reading both the "hard copy" and online versions of the New York Times and am an avid follower of MSNBC. However, lately the major portion of the news seems to be donald trump. I personally do not subject myself to listening nor viewing Mr. Trump.
Could we get back to the "real" news now?
Could we get back to the "real" news now?
"So if the public is bored by the Affordable Care Act (without Mr. Obama, there’s no “opponent”), might Mr. Trump lose interest and start a new battle somewhere else?"
-
Without Obama there's no opponent? Where did you get that idea? When Obama term-limited out, he ceased completely being an active problem. He'll doubtless be back, soon enough, as an aspiring leader of the chattering resistance, but he's been defanged by time and overfamiliarity. Opponents, on the other hand, remain, by the legion. Stay tuned.
-
Without Obama there's no opponent? Where did you get that idea? When Obama term-limited out, he ceased completely being an active problem. He'll doubtless be back, soon enough, as an aspiring leader of the chattering resistance, but he's been defanged by time and overfamiliarity. Opponents, on the other hand, remain, by the legion. Stay tuned.
1
Perhaps you haven't noticed the "chattering resistance" is also doing very well chattering along without Mr. Obama...
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
3
The media has created a beast that can never be fully fed...when Trump is gone from the White House, he will still be everywhere, boasting about how he knows more than the next president, how he knows more than anyone, injecting himself into every move the next president makes, ferociously tweeting "Sad!" at anything and everything, just to stay in the news. Now that he will have had a true taste of 24-hour heroin, he will never, ever be silent again and the media will allow him to dominate the air waves for years after his presidency, just for ratings. One can only hope that he will disappear like Sarah Palin, but I know in my heart that we are now stuck with him forever.
14
Not forever. Humans are mortal. Even psychopaths.
Trump is a train wreck that never ends. The wishful fools who expect any good to come from him are another sight to behold. This is a freak show to end history.
23
Losing is the only hope he has for winning. What, is he going to push the unemployment rate lower? Bring back coal? Find 23 billion for a pointless wall? Get the permanent government and most educated and informed people to regard him with anything but fear and loathing? His only hope is to keep Americans enthralled and hypnotized by the freak show, all the while ginning up and normalizing their ugliest fears, then selling them back to them in the commercials.
11
I think about Donald's love of fast food and how much he likes to watch television, especially now that he is on every day, and all this stress battling it out with the enemy of the people, the intelligence community, those so-called judges telling him what he can and can't do, Alec Baldwin... You know, pretty soon it all adds up. Not healthy. I'm just saying.
All eyes may be on Trump, but not mine. I'm so sick and tired of seeing him bloviate on the news that I can't even watch him. He's a lousy speaker. He has terrible views of this nation. He's restocking the swamp with people who want to make government unnecessary. And he could care less about people unless they adore him. At this point I record the news so I can fast forward through anything that features him. I'd rather read a good summation of what he's saying and doing in newspapers like the Times and the Post. It doesn't make me as angry.
24
Already I'm getting tired of Donald Duck's attention-mongering. He is becoming silly and dismissable.
14
I'm tired of winning.
15
I am thinking Trump meant that we would "be SO tired of all the Whining".
That is all the guy can do.
That is all the guy can do.
Dear Leader will tire of governing, and will only seek further chaos with things that matter more. After he’s done sacking government as we know it, he will need bigger pursuits which will keep us turning on his every word. Military action of any type, as gross displays of strength and bullying, will keep our attention.
The man is reckless and dangerous.
If morality won’t move Republicans, who will tolerate anything as long as their taxes are cut, perhaps they might find it a bit more personal when their children die for this man’s ego.
The man is reckless and dangerous.
If morality won’t move Republicans, who will tolerate anything as long as their taxes are cut, perhaps they might find it a bit more personal when their children die for this man’s ego.
3
Fantastic essay; thank you, Prof. Wu.
I came to a terrifying conclusion after reading your essay. The Koch brothers and their cronies were luke warm at best on DT's nomination. But, now that his election is a fait accompli, they're using the constant media distraction that is the Trump three-ring circus to implement as much of their long-sought-after hard-right legislative agenda as possible, as quickly as possible. I think even the Kochs recognize that there's a strong likelihood of impeachment proceedings before long. The question for the average American is what will be left of our environment, job prospects, 401K accounts, social safety net, health care--you name it--once the legislative strip-mining is complete?
It's a classic magician's tactic of "look over there." Don't be fooled.
I came to a terrifying conclusion after reading your essay. The Koch brothers and their cronies were luke warm at best on DT's nomination. But, now that his election is a fait accompli, they're using the constant media distraction that is the Trump three-ring circus to implement as much of their long-sought-after hard-right legislative agenda as possible, as quickly as possible. I think even the Kochs recognize that there's a strong likelihood of impeachment proceedings before long. The question for the average American is what will be left of our environment, job prospects, 401K accounts, social safety net, health care--you name it--once the legislative strip-mining is complete?
It's a classic magician's tactic of "look over there." Don't be fooled.
3
There should be a chess gambit called " the Donald" some what like bobby Fischer did to Boris Spassky by putting him off his game mentally with all sorts of weird behavior by Fischer. Trumps arenas, business, is not the same as world politics and leadership where he has no game. Ultimately the Chinese, the Russians, and especially the North Koreans will find his flailing about to be that of an amateur and not terribly worrisome. After all, divisions amongst us, put smiles on our enemies face. Donald trump is nuts. Plain and simple. The sooner he is impeached, the less damage he and his billionaire cronies will do. Try this strategy. Whenever he comes on tv, hit the mute or change the channel. When his face is on the magazine you read. Tear off the cover. Works for me!
1
First of all, Donald Trump may be winning -- But the country isn't,
And given the scope of things in the universe, that is far more important.
Next. This is not the stime to stop watching. Not because it's amusing or "riveting", but because the fate of our country lies in the hands someone clearly not up to the task.
People who want "winning", or "crushing it" are welcome to keep their puny little brains fixated on the unfolding catastrophe and the latest Trump fiasco, or episode of the Kardashians.
Everyone else needs to keep one eye on the U.S. Constitution, and the other eye on the barricades.
Congress has fallen asleep at the wheel, and we don't have the luxury of doing so either.
And given the scope of things in the universe, that is far more important.
Next. This is not the stime to stop watching. Not because it's amusing or "riveting", but because the fate of our country lies in the hands someone clearly not up to the task.
People who want "winning", or "crushing it" are welcome to keep their puny little brains fixated on the unfolding catastrophe and the latest Trump fiasco, or episode of the Kardashians.
Everyone else needs to keep one eye on the U.S. Constitution, and the other eye on the barricades.
Congress has fallen asleep at the wheel, and we don't have the luxury of doing so either.
5
This morning brought America yet another barrage of weird Trump tweets. This time themed with paranoid charges that his hotel was wiretapped by Obama.
Question: If Trump is found to be mentally ill and subsequently impeached what then? Trump has been privy to the highest state secrets and intelligence for months now. What might Donald Trump do if ousted from his seat of power? He has the capacity to be tweeting classified intel that could do great harm. How could the federal government make sure that our state secrets didn't come out in a Trump tweet-storm?
Question: If Trump is found to be mentally ill and subsequently impeached what then? Trump has been privy to the highest state secrets and intelligence for months now. What might Donald Trump do if ousted from his seat of power? He has the capacity to be tweeting classified intel that could do great harm. How could the federal government make sure that our state secrets didn't come out in a Trump tweet-storm?
6
In government we always assumed that winning for a politician meant how much they jelped their constituents or the public. But this man is a product of the media he claims to detest where there is no winning but ratings. So if you were expecting anything good for the public to come out of this, forget it. You are about to get nothing but ratings from a man who thinks he can run the government all by himself fixing everything but fixing nothing.
3
Mr. Trump wins by stonewalling.
Adults struggling with various mental health issues, some adults with money and power outrageously state 'silly facts' that push witnesses off balance.
America wins against Mr. Trump by revealing 3 decades of tax records, and investigating who in the Trump Administration cooperated with Russia to derail the 2016 presidential election.
America honors the 2.9 million Americans who voted for Senator Clinton by eliminating the Electoral College, which failed its Constitutional duty to be a safety net to keep flawed demagogues out of the Oval Office.
Adults struggling with various mental health issues, some adults with money and power outrageously state 'silly facts' that push witnesses off balance.
America wins against Mr. Trump by revealing 3 decades of tax records, and investigating who in the Trump Administration cooperated with Russia to derail the 2016 presidential election.
America honors the 2.9 million Americans who voted for Senator Clinton by eliminating the Electoral College, which failed its Constitutional duty to be a safety net to keep flawed demagogues out of the Oval Office.
2
On the plus side, the embarrassments and shameful decisions that Trump makes will eventually delegitimize the enitre Republican Party. It couldn't happen to a nicer (not) bunch of people.
4
The best we can do is sift the chaff from the wheat and be watchful. I believe there is a method to this madness- create much divergent noise and hoopla that most forget to watch out for the subterfuge agenda being foisted on us.
The agenda is the roll back of most laws and executive actions constraining the ability of large businesses to conduct their operations without political restraints, administrative actions or legal roadblocks.
When the current administration finishes its urenet agenda of policy rollbacks its allies will have unfettered freedom to pillage and rampage as they deem fit.
This noise is just a diversionary tactic while the real Change & impact will be implemented in cahoots with the feckless congressman and senators complicit with this purpose.
The agenda is the roll back of most laws and executive actions constraining the ability of large businesses to conduct their operations without political restraints, administrative actions or legal roadblocks.
When the current administration finishes its urenet agenda of policy rollbacks its allies will have unfettered freedom to pillage and rampage as they deem fit.
This noise is just a diversionary tactic while the real Change & impact will be implemented in cahoots with the feckless congressman and senators complicit with this purpose.
3
",,, the administration will be gone, leaving little in its wake, beyond the memories ..." Dear God, how I hope you are correct! But I fear it won't be the case. For examples, they will have sold or given away vast amounts of nationally held public lands in the West (changing the very nature of this region forever); they will have crippled public education and moved tax dollars to fly-by-night for-profit Trump U copycats; they will have spent us into oblivion on defense with very little to show; they will have strengthened the very "Radical Islamic Terrorists" they seek to destroy; they will have allowed banks and health insurers to once again pick our pockets; and they will privatized our public infrastructure with no perceptible improvement. This is a very dark time.
4
These 'psychologistic' readings of Trump are amusing but unhelpful. They are simply wishful thinking. Trump is not Paris Hilton. Paris Hilton is a meme. Trump is real and terrifying. Trump has a personal agenda that is as hidden as his taxes. Most of his governing so far has been throwing bones to the nut jobs and gasbags who supported him. His real agenda probably has something to do with creating a global kleptocracy along with Russian and Chinese billionaires all in the 'name of the people'. Trump will fail in most of his campaign promises but he might succeed in creating a new world order where the rich get richer and the poor get to feast on resentment.
5
"The war is not meant to be won, it is meant to be continuous." George Orwell. This perfectly fits Donald Trump and his administration and unfortunately is what we will witness for the next four years, barring impeachment. It's already exhausting and it's only been a month.
8
I have worked with people like Trump, managers and coworkers, superficial people obsessed with the pursuit of attention for its own sake. Every simple event or action was a drama, every corporate decision was an personal affront, every question was a challenge. Eventually the act grows tiresome and the simply fade away, either fired, laid off or transferred to some obscure backwater.
While Trump may be winning the rhetorical Twitter war with absurd conspiracies and rancor ( I'm not sure exactly what he is winning) by mid summer the Trump dog and pony show will grow ever more tiresome. By then there will be, I'm hopeful, some actual legislation passed like the replacement for the ACA. There is no possible way Congress can deliver what Trump has promised. Also Congress will push "entitlement" reform for Medicare and Social Security as part of the budgetary process., programs that Trump said were sacrosanct during the campaign and as late as last Wenesday.
No amount of insane tweets and slight of hand will diminish the seething anger from his betrayed supporters.
While Trump may be winning the rhetorical Twitter war with absurd conspiracies and rancor ( I'm not sure exactly what he is winning) by mid summer the Trump dog and pony show will grow ever more tiresome. By then there will be, I'm hopeful, some actual legislation passed like the replacement for the ACA. There is no possible way Congress can deliver what Trump has promised. Also Congress will push "entitlement" reform for Medicare and Social Security as part of the budgetary process., programs that Trump said were sacrosanct during the campaign and as late as last Wenesday.
No amount of insane tweets and slight of hand will diminish the seething anger from his betrayed supporters.
2
"But alternatively, and as painful as it may be to admit, the strategy may actually be a winning media strategy in 2017."
A lot has been said about President Trump's "war" on the news media, but that ignores what the media does to undermine its own effectiveness. When reporting has to be "edgy" and controversy dominates rational analysis, it's hard to counter a reality TV star who knows how to manipulate both the public and the press.
When something happens that has the potential to hurt this administration, the response is deflection, the legerdemain of making us look at something else until attention moves on to something else. It only takes a few hours, or days at the most.
I do not think that media attention will damage the administration. It's more likely that Trump's great need for attention and approval will ultimately hurt him because not enough attention will be given to the relatively boring details of governance. It's really not just about photo-ops and building a brand.
A lot has been said about President Trump's "war" on the news media, but that ignores what the media does to undermine its own effectiveness. When reporting has to be "edgy" and controversy dominates rational analysis, it's hard to counter a reality TV star who knows how to manipulate both the public and the press.
When something happens that has the potential to hurt this administration, the response is deflection, the legerdemain of making us look at something else until attention moves on to something else. It only takes a few hours, or days at the most.
I do not think that media attention will damage the administration. It's more likely that Trump's great need for attention and approval will ultimately hurt him because not enough attention will be given to the relatively boring details of governance. It's really not just about photo-ops and building a brand.
The danger is in the escalation of the taunts to command our constant attention.
People have said for the past two years; 'it can't get any worse.'
Trump always finds a way to up the ante.
I'de like to get out of this thing without experiencing first hand, a nuclear war.
A low bar, but that is how I've adjusted my personal goals.
People have said for the past two years; 'it can't get any worse.'
Trump always finds a way to up the ante.
I'de like to get out of this thing without experiencing first hand, a nuclear war.
A low bar, but that is how I've adjusted my personal goals.
9
I realize this guy was supposed to "get old in a hurry," but he hasn't. Instead, he has found ways to constantly stir up new fights -- and keep the attention on the battles, and not the larger war.
He's the drunk uncle at Thanksgiving dinner who alienates everyone at the table, but still manages to be the center of family discussion for months afterward. Eventually, the family puts him away in an institution or disinvites him to the next gathering. Unless the whole family is deeply troubled, too . . .
He's the drunk uncle at Thanksgiving dinner who alienates everyone at the table, but still manages to be the center of family discussion for months afterward. Eventually, the family puts him away in an institution or disinvites him to the next gathering. Unless the whole family is deeply troubled, too . . .
4
The concern is that while Trump continues to grab attention, his henchmen will change policy in ways deleterious to the United States. Like George W. Bush, who allowed Dick Cheney to run his government, Trump allows his cronies, in particular Steve Bannon, to do so. It is so important for the media to keep the focus not just on Trump but on what's happening to policy.
10
Trump is winning. Every tweet diverts the press and the democrats from the real progress Trump is accomplishing. These diversions give him a free hand to sign away all social and scientific advances Obama enacted. Trump admitted himself the other day when he called the Russian scandal a ruse. He is a showman the real action is going on backstage.
8
The move toward fascism in America will not go away UNLESS WE MAKE IT.
Had the German people spoken out and acted against Hitler there would have been no WWII, no killing of millions of Jewish people and other "undesirables" and no "middle east" crisis today.
WOMEN must lead the charge to stop another destructive fear-anger-hate-LIES induced war that causes only rape, pillage, plunder of average people and their lives in the name of crazed supposed power and money. WE must not let this HIStory continue.
Had the German people spoken out and acted against Hitler there would have been no WWII, no killing of millions of Jewish people and other "undesirables" and no "middle east" crisis today.
WOMEN must lead the charge to stop another destructive fear-anger-hate-LIES induced war that causes only rape, pillage, plunder of average people and their lives in the name of crazed supposed power and money. WE must not let this HIStory continue.
25
True.
Except the Middle East Crisis - the cornerstone for that was WW1 not WW2.
Except the Middle East Crisis - the cornerstone for that was WW1 not WW2.
I think DT is heading in the same direction as Mr. Richard Nixon went before by imploding actions rather than external forces.The pattern is well set- from election campaign, conflict of interests, Appointment to key positions of persons who are cannot be trusted, huge Russian involvement in the campaign,Killing initiated racial hatred, poorly thought out presidential orders, ridiculing of very judges who uphold the constitution to resulting 100 days of utter confusion. Hope, some semblance of good governance will remain to uphold the respect of a great powerful democracy & its liberties.Law makers & the GOP must do the right thing by the people in upholding truth, righteousness & respect for Law in the highest office for the people of America.Ensure that democratic process is not derailed. No one is above the Law.
1
People always pay attention to a clown. Fortunately for the nation, this is the first time a clown got elected by fake news, fear mongering, cheap rhetoric, manipulation and help from KGB. He is mentally unstable - says one thing in the morning and changes the same in the evening. He is a master mind manipulator. The con man plays the us vs them game very well. It can only change if only people take out their blindfold and see the true color of him. Our great nation is at danger- people wake up.
3
People eventually get tired of combativeness for its own sake. Trump will gradually alienate all but his most hard-core base. He will lose Congress in 2018 and he will lose re-election in 2020.
Meanwhile, don't blame me for the mess we're in - I voted for Hillary Clinton.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
Meanwhile, don't blame me for the mess we're in - I voted for Hillary Clinton.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
5
Perhaps the key is to ignore everything Trump says and only pay attention to what he does -- both acts of commission and omission. After all Trump's political success may be a symptom of a bigger problem, our 45 year decline in family purchasing power.
The greatest weapon against a narcissist is to act as if they don't exist -- I know because I tried it and it left an indelible impression on the target, permanently puncturing their ego balloon.
Then we will be free to concentrate on reversing the decline in family purchasing power in the face of automation, globalization, breaching of natural limits and reformation of monopolies.
The greatest weapon against a narcissist is to act as if they don't exist -- I know because I tried it and it left an indelible impression on the target, permanently puncturing their ego balloon.
Then we will be free to concentrate on reversing the decline in family purchasing power in the face of automation, globalization, breaching of natural limits and reformation of monopolies.
3
Why wouldn't the Democrats do some aggressive mindsharing of their own?
How's David Brock doing?
Who is the next Al Gore, who this time around will make the new Current TV a thundering success?
Why don't they start their campaign early, that is now, today, with bimonthly "Mandate of the Popular Majority Debates" in Honor of Hillary Clinton?
Imagine all the people... of the popular majority unsuppressed, un(FBI)lettered and unfettered by the ugly true face that is now being revealed by the current administration, its strong numbers revealed by the current so called ruler's staggering disapproval ratings (for whom would this be tacit no explicit approval and support?;-), they need some good mindsharing entertainment and celebration events of their own.
These Mandate of the Popular Majority Debates should be largely displays of unity the coming two years.
Let's rock and roll.
As I said in an earlier comment up here,
http://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/03/opinion/sunday/how-donald-trump-wins-b...,
I hope Oprah Winfrey will join.
The Democrats should start to sell paraphernalia now, and who can sell like her?
And I'm hoping Elizabeth Warren will jump in. She can sell me an entire coffee mug set of her own. I want to collect them all for my coffee table:
Elizabeth. Pocahontas. Goofy granny. Nevertheless we're resisting. The content of this mug is consumer protected. Warren.
I want her beautiful face on all my mugs.
Share my mind any day!
How's David Brock doing?
Who is the next Al Gore, who this time around will make the new Current TV a thundering success?
Why don't they start their campaign early, that is now, today, with bimonthly "Mandate of the Popular Majority Debates" in Honor of Hillary Clinton?
Imagine all the people... of the popular majority unsuppressed, un(FBI)lettered and unfettered by the ugly true face that is now being revealed by the current administration, its strong numbers revealed by the current so called ruler's staggering disapproval ratings (for whom would this be tacit no explicit approval and support?;-), they need some good mindsharing entertainment and celebration events of their own.
These Mandate of the Popular Majority Debates should be largely displays of unity the coming two years.
Let's rock and roll.
As I said in an earlier comment up here,
http://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/03/opinion/sunday/how-donald-trump-wins-b...,
I hope Oprah Winfrey will join.
The Democrats should start to sell paraphernalia now, and who can sell like her?
And I'm hoping Elizabeth Warren will jump in. She can sell me an entire coffee mug set of her own. I want to collect them all for my coffee table:
Elizabeth. Pocahontas. Goofy granny. Nevertheless we're resisting. The content of this mug is consumer protected. Warren.
I want her beautiful face on all my mugs.
Share my mind any day!
3
The main role of the democratic press should be to inform about information that is important for their decision-making processes. Hence failing to do so, is in my humble opinion a big mistake.
Trump election may have been strongly influenced by the constant press coverage of his speeches, but the final word was what the American people voted.
Maybe the issue was that people was not properly informed? I mean most people are unable to fact-check all what Trump said, and many media outlets published his words without any filter nor informative comment. That's why the work of good journalists is so necessary these days.
In any case, I think it's important to have in mind that at the end democracy means that people decide. And if the American people after being given proper information decide that they want Trump, then so be it. After all, democracy is not meant to be perfect, it's the less imperfect of the systems...
Trump election may have been strongly influenced by the constant press coverage of his speeches, but the final word was what the American people voted.
Maybe the issue was that people was not properly informed? I mean most people are unable to fact-check all what Trump said, and many media outlets published his words without any filter nor informative comment. That's why the work of good journalists is so necessary these days.
In any case, I think it's important to have in mind that at the end democracy means that people decide. And if the American people after being given proper information decide that they want Trump, then so be it. After all, democracy is not meant to be perfect, it's the less imperfect of the systems...
2
Like any other aggressive, ignorant loud-mouth his hold on our attention is likely to be limited. Then we can get back to dealing with the problems of the country without the diversion this boor constitutes. One only hopes his constituency will learn something from this act of wilful destruction of democratic politics. But I doubt it.And this is the real problem in the US today not Trump an insignificant symptom of a much larger problem.
1
"Strategic incompetence" is working for Trump so far, but already shows signs of its limitations.
He's president now, its not a campaign, the goals are different from those of base politics.
His base loves him, but his poll numbers are terrible (there appears little bump from Tuesday's well received speech); GOPer's in Congress seem diffident about supporting his agenda; the administration has zero control of the narrative, he suffers the heartbreak of a "tweeting" addiction.
At some point, a crisis is going to happen and crying "fake news" is not going to work. Its just a matter of time.
He's president now, its not a campaign, the goals are different from those of base politics.
His base loves him, but his poll numbers are terrible (there appears little bump from Tuesday's well received speech); GOPer's in Congress seem diffident about supporting his agenda; the administration has zero control of the narrative, he suffers the heartbreak of a "tweeting" addiction.
At some point, a crisis is going to happen and crying "fake news" is not going to work. Its just a matter of time.
3
The desperate socialistic, radical, democrats continue to invent a Russian conspiracy that does not exist. Every senator meets with Russian ambassadors. To casually say 'hi" and exchange pleasantries is quite different than secret meetings discussing strategies. The democrats have not been so weak since the 1920's and it infuriates them. Too bad; democrats lost and they are not in charge! And the witch hunt against Jeff Sessions also proves the point. The strategy and tactics should their desperation. Both Nancy Pelosi & Chuck Shummer are the prime example of ignorance.
3
This is a typical Trump ploy, change the subject when something detrimental is revealed. We are not talking about Democrats. jeff Sessions lied about his contacts with the Russians at a crucial time. That is the issue whether he was a Democrat or Republicans.
4
How do you know it doesn't exist? You weren't there. His people are in trouble for lying. All of you blaming this on Democrats being "infuriated at losing" must be teenagers; otherwise you'd remember we lost before and were angry but not like this--Bush was an ideological opponent and his wars caused huge anger, but he was not a Russian-owned (or not; TP reuses to defend himself adequately with taxes released and an independent investigation) no-nothing narcissistic baby. You show your ignorance with every word you write. I hope you enjoy it when the next hurricane hits NJ and because of Trump cuts there is not adequate warning; when your streams' pollution level rises again; when you or your friends or relatives lose health care; when we enter a pointless war that drains the Treasury and kills American kids.
4
They are not worried about "Hi". Our presidential election tampering by Russia was never about "Hi".
Are you kidding.
This is Trump's standard pattern of business. Remember, he always wins.
Even with his 6 bankruptcies.
As long as he got something out of it (No taxes for 20 years!) he wins and everything else is just collateral damage.
Trump has no strategy other than attack and deflect. He relishes the battle and thinks it makes him look strong on camera. In Trump's Central Casting administration, he cares only that he looks the winner. And really, to Trump, all press is good press. The more times his name is mentioned or written, the more his ego is fed.
Trump's looking for new and bigger spectacles, conflicts he can dominate in, that "he alone can save us" from. Trump's told us "we don't win at war". He's already planning an opportunity, dreaming of the press he will get.
There is no putting the country before Trump.
There is nothing more important than Trump.
He will show the world.
It will be huge.
Even with his 6 bankruptcies.
As long as he got something out of it (No taxes for 20 years!) he wins and everything else is just collateral damage.
Trump has no strategy other than attack and deflect. He relishes the battle and thinks it makes him look strong on camera. In Trump's Central Casting administration, he cares only that he looks the winner. And really, to Trump, all press is good press. The more times his name is mentioned or written, the more his ego is fed.
Trump's looking for new and bigger spectacles, conflicts he can dominate in, that "he alone can save us" from. Trump's told us "we don't win at war". He's already planning an opportunity, dreaming of the press he will get.
There is no putting the country before Trump.
There is nothing more important than Trump.
He will show the world.
It will be huge.
15
A long article restating what we know, which is that (a) Trump is a master media manipulator and (b) he has an obsessive need for attention. What the article leaves out is the reason that Trump behaves as he does and what he is trying to accomplish. My answer is that his need for attention and the appearance of wanting to accomplish a Trump dictatorship that rivals that of Putin are reflective of his being a malignant narcissist. "Malignant narcissism is a psychological syndrome comprising an extreme mix of narcissism, antisocial personality disorder, aggression, and sadism. Often grandiose, and always ready to raise hostility levels, the malignant narcissist undermines organizations in which they are involved, and dehumanizes the people with whom they associate." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malignant_narcissism. Our President is very sick.
12
Fantastic and insightful article. One thing I totally agree with, Donald Trump has no interest for achievements. In any case he will invent them, same as he invents his predecessor's failures.
Big problem is with opportunists around him. As long as they provide him with ways to get attention, they can get their crazy ideas promoted and executively ordered by POTUS
Big problem is with opportunists around him. As long as they provide him with ways to get attention, they can get their crazy ideas promoted and executively ordered by POTUS
8
Interesting theory, but not persuasive or helpful as unfortunately, Trump happens to be the President of the U.S., not merely a passing fancy of reality television. Americans must be informed and engaged as never before, and if we are discussing the peril facing our country all the time, that is what we must do. The more we ignore him, the more dangerous it will be for us all.
11
Yes, we mustn't ignore his dangerous behavior. In fact we must fight to oppose it. It might be helppful if his frequent so-called news appeared on page 2 of MSM.
Mr. Trump has long-since figured out that infamy is as good as fame, as long as he holds the spotlight. He became president by remaining continually controversial, keeping the attention of the media trained on him and away from everyone else. As Americans have such short attention spans, he got the most "play," and that mattered. He still does. There is no news other than Donald Trump and his controversies.
9
Trump has had remarkable success with a tactic of disingenuous distraction. He is under siege because so many of his aides and associates have been shown to have met secretly with the Russian ambassador, and several have lied about it, Trump responds by tweeting out photos of Pelosi and Schumer meeting with Putin, and tweets that the Russian ambassador visited Obama's White House 22 times.
This deflection - defending by attacking - overlooks several key points. First, it isn't the meetings that are the problem, it's the subject of discussion at the meetings. Pelosi and Schumer met with Putin out in the open - otherwise Trump wouldn't have photos of the meetings to tweet out.
Second, it is precisely the job of the White House to meet with foreign ambassadors. The whole reason that countries have ambassadors is to meet with the governments they are ambassadors to.
And third, Jeff Sessions, Carter Page and Michael Flynn all got in trouble not because they met with the Russian ambassador, but because they lied about it. Neither Pelosi, Schumer nor the Obama White House has ever denied that they met with Putin or the Russian ambassador.
But many people, when they hear about Trump's accusatory tweets, is that Democrats are hypocrites because they also met with Russians. Trump is not stupid; he knows that's not the issue. He is intentionally obfuscating the issue, and he is having remarkable success with the tactic.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
This deflection - defending by attacking - overlooks several key points. First, it isn't the meetings that are the problem, it's the subject of discussion at the meetings. Pelosi and Schumer met with Putin out in the open - otherwise Trump wouldn't have photos of the meetings to tweet out.
Second, it is precisely the job of the White House to meet with foreign ambassadors. The whole reason that countries have ambassadors is to meet with the governments they are ambassadors to.
And third, Jeff Sessions, Carter Page and Michael Flynn all got in trouble not because they met with the Russian ambassador, but because they lied about it. Neither Pelosi, Schumer nor the Obama White House has ever denied that they met with Putin or the Russian ambassador.
But many people, when they hear about Trump's accusatory tweets, is that Democrats are hypocrites because they also met with Russians. Trump is not stupid; he knows that's not the issue. He is intentionally obfuscating the issue, and he is having remarkable success with the tactic.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
16
Calling people hypocrites is a pretty standard political attack. It usually doesn't do much to convince those who aren't already true believers.
I keep thinking that the Watergate debacle really started out over a stupid, relatively meaningless action. As the saga unfolded, it wasn't the break-in that mattered, it was the stupid actions taken to cover-up that break-in and the high-level involvement in the plot.
It seems quite credible that the Russians were trying to meddle in the election. Maybe no one thought that it would be possible for Trump to be elected, but confidence in the democratic process could be damaged.
The lines between Russian spies and diplomats aren't very clear. It also seems that the Russian ambassador is pretty savy and just a bit ruthless. It may be more like a John Le Carre novel than a witch hunt when this gets reviewed through the lens of history. There's a level of hubris involved in the Trump campaigners thinking they could control the Russians and use them to their advantage. Sad?
I keep thinking that the Watergate debacle really started out over a stupid, relatively meaningless action. As the saga unfolded, it wasn't the break-in that mattered, it was the stupid actions taken to cover-up that break-in and the high-level involvement in the plot.
It seems quite credible that the Russians were trying to meddle in the election. Maybe no one thought that it would be possible for Trump to be elected, but confidence in the democratic process could be damaged.
The lines between Russian spies and diplomats aren't very clear. It also seems that the Russian ambassador is pretty savy and just a bit ruthless. It may be more like a John Le Carre novel than a witch hunt when this gets reviewed through the lens of history. There's a level of hubris involved in the Trump campaigners thinking they could control the Russians and use them to their advantage. Sad?
What will Trump fans do, what will they think, when they wake up one morning two months or two years from now and realize that he can't deliver? He can't make it the 1930s again when coal was king, heating more than half the houses and businesses in America. He can't force or beg corporate America to keep jobs here because they are in competitive businesses and their competition is sending jobs overseas, installing robots and using other cost cutting measures? He can't make Mexico pay for a wall it doesn't want and he can't build a wall big enough and long enough to stop border jumpers who, in a near majority of cases these days, arrive on jet aircraft and simply overstay visas? When tax cuts create massive deficits and the federal govt. loses the ability to respond to crisis?
They won't blame themselves for voting for him. That is one of the unfortunate glories of democracy: we voters always blame someone else for our mistakes, usually the candidate.
When the party's over comes the hangover. We might even now be moving into that stage. Then comes regret. Trump's purpose is to put on a show with himself at the center. It has very little to do with actual government and the long, difficult and often messy process of making things better for citizens. The show is the point. When it ceases to be fun, Trump is likely to turn and run, just as he has done in his business career for most of his adult life.
They won't blame themselves for voting for him. That is one of the unfortunate glories of democracy: we voters always blame someone else for our mistakes, usually the candidate.
When the party's over comes the hangover. We might even now be moving into that stage. Then comes regret. Trump's purpose is to put on a show with himself at the center. It has very little to do with actual government and the long, difficult and often messy process of making things better for citizens. The show is the point. When it ceases to be fun, Trump is likely to turn and run, just as he has done in his business career for most of his adult life.
16
By that time most Trump voters will have forgotten they ever voted.
A President of "Twitter" and "Tweet"
To witness to a "loser" is so sweet.
To witness to a "loser" is so sweet.
They play checkers, the left plays candyland. They play chess, the left plays checkers. They left nows plays chess, but the opposition is playing Go. At one time merely a day late and a dollar short, the unhinged left and their puppy - the once potent democratic party - are left to scream redfaced as the business of a total repudiation of DC governance extant continues. What is not understood is that in continuous attacks on everything and everyone the goal of this administration is brought closer to realization in that the organs of the deep state and its visible entities are now forever in the political realm. This means any administration could operate unfettered by the permanent government so long as they control Congress. Like now. The other side of the coin is that without controlling Congress, which would be what the next liberal in the white house will face, no deep state well of support will be available to circumvent a hostile Legislature. Now that "war" has been declared, this administration will seek, find and uproot all vestiges of the liberal bureaucracy. By not prmitting any attempt at sensible governing, the left energizes those intent on a total dismantling. And they are only too happy to oblige. Once more, the tactics of the democrats will bring about the exact opposite of their desires. Volia!
Ces chanceux d'americains!
Ces chanceux d'americains!
3
Since Trump lies so much why do we care what he says? Or tweets? The danger is that we will be worn down and stop paying attention to what he or Congress does.
30
"Though we don’t have a state-run media, we do live in a society in which the president’s face and messages are sufficiently omnipresent to give Mao or Lenin a run for their money. When is the last time you went a day without seeing the “great leader”?"
I think Mr. Wu misses a huge point. While Trump may be in his element, basking in the glow of nonstop coverage and having virtually no competition for "clicks," isn't it impossible for him to hide anything?
Riding into office on a major scandal involving a foreign adversary state, Mr. Trump can no longer escape the glare, or get away with things when there were more GOP faces to deal with. "There ain't no place to hide," Mr. President, as a growing interest in all things Russian threatens to expose more malfeasance.
Trump may be 'winning" in mindshare, but serious news publications are enjoying record new subscriptions. Think print media is dead? Hard copies may be down but digital access is booming, as many a political junkie gets high on the drumbeat of reporter allegations.
I believe the attention Trump craves will undo him in the end. You can't live in a fishbowl without somebody noticing when the seaweed risks choking off your oxygen supply. In other words, attention is a double-edged sword: great for ratings until it turns.
Isn't it possible that the "witch hunt" Trump decries might end up revealing the messy murky truth behind the most untruthful President in US history?
I think Mr. Wu misses a huge point. While Trump may be in his element, basking in the glow of nonstop coverage and having virtually no competition for "clicks," isn't it impossible for him to hide anything?
Riding into office on a major scandal involving a foreign adversary state, Mr. Trump can no longer escape the glare, or get away with things when there were more GOP faces to deal with. "There ain't no place to hide," Mr. President, as a growing interest in all things Russian threatens to expose more malfeasance.
Trump may be 'winning" in mindshare, but serious news publications are enjoying record new subscriptions. Think print media is dead? Hard copies may be down but digital access is booming, as many a political junkie gets high on the drumbeat of reporter allegations.
I believe the attention Trump craves will undo him in the end. You can't live in a fishbowl without somebody noticing when the seaweed risks choking off your oxygen supply. In other words, attention is a double-edged sword: great for ratings until it turns.
Isn't it possible that the "witch hunt" Trump decries might end up revealing the messy murky truth behind the most untruthful President in US history?
25
Can you imagine how boring a Hillary Clinton presidency would have been? There would be little if any attention being paid to her everyday activity as it would have been a continuation of the same old thing. By contrast I can hardly wait to turn on the computer each morning and read in the Times about the latest foolishness of Trump and cry with the opinion writers when they tell me how dire things are.
15
A Clinton presidency would have been boring as Republicans would be investigating every breath she took, hypocritical lying politicians that they are. And even then the state of government would have still moved forward, unlike the mess we find ourselves in.
2
Agree. In fact he is creating a whole new class of people interested in politics. I love the gaffes and the hysteria. But the big picture he is doing a great job. The financial markets agree and in time the cry babies may have to pay homage to the great man.
That's true. The one thing to recommend living in "interesting times " is that they are interesting.
So more people will pay attention to Donald Trump. One should see then what a despicable person he is. But it doesn't seem so. If his popularity increases instead, despite all the awful things what he represents, then the reality is, that his fans and supporters are as despicable as he is. You deserve what you wish for and in a Democracy the majority decides.
23
Actually, here in the US, we don't live in a true democracy. Thanks to the electoral college, Trump still won the election but lost the popular vote by 3 million. Yes, his supporters may be as bad as he is- but they are not in the majority.
5
whoa. alternative explanation is that he is not despicable at all, that he uses inflammatory rhetoric to upset the limousine liberals of Washington, and that the good people of this country recognize he's a good man with an uncommon gift for getting good things done. Just because Hillary labelled us as deplorable does not make us deplorable.
1
No. Mr. Wu, the libstream media can and is presently being assessed as "uncritical". The libstream media, including the New York Times, has shown itself over the last eight years to be widely partisan and inaccurate.
12
But I read that Trump has divided the nation. So you are telling me it is the media dividing the country. But if I don't agree with the media that will make me an idiot. Which way to think.
Well written article, especially the insightful reference to variable reward schedule. And the image of rats in a cage somehow seems an appropriate analogue to our current position as the populace. The catch here of course is that to look away, to not maintain vigilance at this historical juncture, is to condone the actions of a man seemingly hellbent on disassembling the very pillars of democracy - free press, judicial authority, guaranteed basic human rights - that we have held dear since the country's inception.
In my view, we have no choice but to persist, to resist. Even if that means paying the mango in chief a little more attention than is reasonably warranted.
In my view, we have no choice but to persist, to resist. Even if that means paying the mango in chief a little more attention than is reasonably warranted.
12
First paragraph is telling: ["It is impossible not to watch: Every day of the Trump administration seemingly brings another plot twist, a new initiative, outlandish attack or bizarre reversal. Not since wartime has news been so riveting — and with the president fighting so many “enemies,” it is actually not unlike war coverage."]....
War coverage has always had "Fog of War" uncertainty.
Why does Trump ,the combative irascible counterpunching chaos thriving guy, want "FOG of WAR" type of news coverage? [iˈrasəb(ə)l/adjective
having or showing a tendency to be easily angered.]
"an irascible man" Trump, has PROMISED the Moon, and really needs to do something with his OWN Congress to get to that MOON & Back , for Obamamcare replacement, TAX REFORM - SWEEPING, INFRASTRUCTURE
spending in the $1 to 2 trillion range, just to get back to about 1985 period construction repairs.....
It's ALL good, for taxpayers who nothing about what this Rambling Wreck of wishlist legislation will do to our current "SMALL government". That's, as in, the just past RECORD all time congressional spending of $4 trillion.
Thanks BUDGET Cutting , Paul Ryan. Give us MORE of that pal ! !
Right??
War coverage has always had "Fog of War" uncertainty.
Why does Trump ,the combative irascible counterpunching chaos thriving guy, want "FOG of WAR" type of news coverage? [iˈrasəb(ə)l/adjective
having or showing a tendency to be easily angered.]
"an irascible man" Trump, has PROMISED the Moon, and really needs to do something with his OWN Congress to get to that MOON & Back , for Obamamcare replacement, TAX REFORM - SWEEPING, INFRASTRUCTURE
spending in the $1 to 2 trillion range, just to get back to about 1985 period construction repairs.....
It's ALL good, for taxpayers who nothing about what this Rambling Wreck of wishlist legislation will do to our current "SMALL government". That's, as in, the just past RECORD all time congressional spending of $4 trillion.
Thanks BUDGET Cutting , Paul Ryan. Give us MORE of that pal ! !
Right??
2
On the day of the now infamous press conference I was walking through a North Carolina airport.
It's about 2pm. There are 50 people in front of a tv monitor listening with rapt attention to Mr T.
I've never seen anything like it except in times of crisis, which maybe this is, or isn't. But it IS weird.
It's about 2pm. There are 50 people in front of a tv monitor listening with rapt attention to Mr T.
I've never seen anything like it except in times of crisis, which maybe this is, or isn't. But it IS weird.
7
Correcting a typo on my previous comment: Actually it is not...
I follow the news in print and television as though my life depended on it and my kids' and grandkids' lives, because the POTUS is a walking, talking time bomb. But I hit the mute button or fast forward any time his loathsome face disgraces my TV screen. Trump is making our country and the world gravely ill. How long will this go on?
28
Where has he made the world gravely ill. In fact the stock markets around the world have increased markedly because of his policies. That means the world will be financially better off. That means the world should be a safer place. You are assuming that his policies will be a failure but the markets are not agreeing with you.. Give the great man a chance.
There is no gain without loss. That is a law of nature.
Sooner or later everyone - even ardent supporters - get very sick and tired of frequent and violent pendulum swings in behavior and rhetoric of their favorite celebrity.
How long can Trump keep his fan-base, especially the looser supporters who simply voted against HRC - with his erratic and adolescent behaviors?
Blaming others, whining, never taking full responsibility, speaking in hyperbole (every problem will be solved, by me) will wear out...its a character flaw, and its one that has a very short runway...
How long can Trump keep his fan-base, especially the looser supporters who simply voted against HRC - with his erratic and adolescent behaviors?
Blaming others, whining, never taking full responsibility, speaking in hyperbole (every problem will be solved, by me) will wear out...its a character flaw, and its one that has a very short runway...
11
It's a character flaw that has made him president. It's a character flaw that he does what he says he will do. Maybe you need to have character flaws to achieve anything. He certainly has.
President Trump is a revolutionary figure; there will be no returning to the status quo ante. Trump has an agenda that puts him at odds with neoliberal globalism, seemingly believed by its acolytes to be an inevitable stage in human progress and enlightenment. The real question is, will he survive the machinations of his enemies?
12
Actually, Trump has an agenda that puts him at odds with reality.
Book makers are betting he won't last more than a year in office.
The question is, will he resign or be impeached.
Book makers are betting he won't last more than a year in office.
The question is, will he resign or be impeached.
2
Trump has tap danced, spun plates, twirled in circles and signed his name with big flourishes but has received very little positive press. Most of what he has done has been sloppy, badly presented and ineffective. He dominates the lower half of most legitimate polls taken since he became President. Yes, I think you can say he is the best failure we have ever had as President.
18
By far the best article ever read about Trump's personality. Great job!
15
I am actually surprized that some people, regardless of there political views, still pay attention to the contents of Trump's speeches, tweets etc. IMHO, it's exactly the same as studying the text of your daily phishing junk mail. Did it say today that you got a $100 billion account in Royal Bank of Nigeria - or was it $100 trillion prize from Secret Intergalactic Lottery?
Just like email scammers, Trump doesn't try to even pretend of saying anything which could pass for truth. The goal is simply to phish out the gullible souls who'll believe any statement or promise, no matter how preposterous, if a "Belieeve me!" added to it. And then to use them for his benefit.
Just like email scammers, Trump doesn't try to even pretend of saying anything which could pass for truth. The goal is simply to phish out the gullible souls who'll believe any statement or promise, no matter how preposterous, if a "Belieeve me!" added to it. And then to use them for his benefit.
22
I had a similar thought just before the Academy Awards. Instead of lambasting Trump, it would have been interesting if the Academy completely ignored him. Even better, gone out of their way to praise President Obama.
The rest of us can do the same and ignore the tweets from the unruly child. Instead we should focus on policy as much as possible, especially on policy that is unattainable. Where is the promised ACA replacement? Where is the 30 day defeat of ISIS? Where are the billions from Mexico for the wall? The more we ignore Trump's outbursts the faster he'll come unglued.
The rest of us can do the same and ignore the tweets from the unruly child. Instead we should focus on policy as much as possible, especially on policy that is unattainable. Where is the promised ACA replacement? Where is the 30 day defeat of ISIS? Where are the billions from Mexico for the wall? The more we ignore Trump's outbursts the faster he'll come unglued.
48
If they did that the academy awards would be boring. Where is the drama without Trump.
You can't look away because you love to hate. The millions are coming in the form of tariffs. You will be paying for it when you buy their products. Buy American then you will help the uneducated white male get a job.
The uneducated lazy bone does not deserve a job; he cannot hold a modern job.
I am losing interest in DT's constant rants and infantile behavior. Like many readers here, my worry is Bannon and company swooping in with all their altright agenda, unbeknown to even DT, much less us. Those in DC who can make a difference seem either unwilling, or unable, to lift a finger to stop them.
The most frightening aspect of the administration is how much worse each level becomes, when one thinks of impeach/remove.
Trump---Pence---Ryan ... what a nightmare triumvirate.
The most frightening aspect of the administration is how much worse each level becomes, when one thinks of impeach/remove.
Trump---Pence---Ryan ... what a nightmare triumvirate.
13
It's hard to imagine Trump and the country sustaining the current level of activity and awareness. People will be exhausted.
The danger is Trump will do something spectacular and awful - like start another stupid war- to keep everyone's attention.
The danger is Trump will do something spectacular and awful - like start another stupid war- to keep everyone's attention.
14
The sheer volume of Donald Trump's messaging will never, ever win me over to his deeply disturbed world view.
It is mind-boggling that a large majority of Republicans apparently believe that Trump's brash showmanship and topsy-turvy pronouncements are demonstrations of "effective, constructive leadership" ability.
Mr. Trump's many simplistic, divisive, stream-of-consciousness tweets, and other word eruptions, repeatedly disrupt peaceful existence, akin to the frustrating barking of a neighbor's dog, or relentless mosquito bites endured in a tropical swamp. But dogs and mosquitoes don't have access to nuclear bomb codes.
It is mind-boggling that a large majority of Republicans apparently believe that Trump's brash showmanship and topsy-turvy pronouncements are demonstrations of "effective, constructive leadership" ability.
Mr. Trump's many simplistic, divisive, stream-of-consciousness tweets, and other word eruptions, repeatedly disrupt peaceful existence, akin to the frustrating barking of a neighbor's dog, or relentless mosquito bites endured in a tropical swamp. But dogs and mosquitoes don't have access to nuclear bomb codes.
7
Do you want him to tweet when he is unconscious. If he could do that he may unwittingly set off the nuclear weapons. Now I am scared.
I don't get the claim.
Is dominating "mindshare" a goal in itself? Or is it a means to influence others and produce real-world results?
Is this the traditional use of propaganda in the service of other goals? Or is this something new: propaganda for its own sake?
Is dominating "mindshare" a goal in itself? Or is it a means to influence others and produce real-world results?
Is this the traditional use of propaganda in the service of other goals? Or is this something new: propaganda for its own sake?
2
Like all bad actors, Trump doesn't know when to get off the stage. He's overplaying his mindshare tactic. It's Trump, Trump, Trump everytime, all the time, 24/7, with daily Tweets, dark and dire pronouncements, one after the next. People become inured quickly. The unique becomes mundane. Over-messaging is self-defeating. How many do people you know (other than die-hard Trump voters who have no limits) who are fed-up with the Tweets, shock-jock pronouncements, insults, pettiness, and reminders of the "landslide" election four months ago? What's Trump going to do for an encore?
12
In his business, Trump managed the remarkable feat of commercializing narcissism. Imagine! Getting people to pay big bucks to put his name in huge letters on their hotel! Now he is trying to go one better: weaponizing narcissism, turning it into a political force. If he succeeds in this, it will not be winning by losing. It will be winning by selling himself as the source of all things good, others as the source of all things bad, creating phony crises (soaring murder rates, illegals flooding across the border, all our wealth flowing into foreign hands) and taking bold actions to end them. His weaponized narcissism has already won him almost all the Republican Congress, politicians ready to cede their own power in order to march under his narcissistic banner.
15
Trump's main foes are the media and the Democratic Party.
No wonder he's not worried.
No wonder he's not worried.
7
His real main foe is himself and his mouth, that will do him in. History will record him as a loudmouth boor with a constant need for attention.
1
Actually, it is now pretty easy to stop listening, hearing or reading about this incompetent sociopath that won less than half of American voters in a broken democracy. You just turn toward real life and wait for 3.5 years.
10
Unfortunately, "this incompetent sociopath that won less than half of American voters in a broken democracy" is the one defining "real life." There is no place to hide.
1
It's all so repulsive and disgusting. The executive branch has been replaced by a cartoon show. Once one could be proud of being and American. Once there was a currency called truth. The Founders did not anticipate the Republic falling into the hands of a two bit carnival operator. Time to impeach.
22
Actually they did and were quite worried about it. It was one of the reasons for the electoral college, they thought that a demagogue would be able to persuade a majority of people to fall for the flim flam.
Actually, the Founders did anticipate exactly this situation when they invented the Electoral College to guard against the direct election of a 'man who would be king', despite which Jackson got elected as 7th President by the masses. However, the three coequal branch structure of the government kept Presidents pretty much in check -- until FDR who was elected by the masses 4 times, leading to the 22nd amendment limiting the Presidency to 2 terms. FDR's Democratic party had 2/3 or higher Congressional majorities for his first 2 terms which began the vast expansion of the federal government that is still decried by the Repubs. The judiciary was the only check on FDR's power, and he tried to eliminate that one via his court packing scheme. Looming and actual war got him reelected the 3rd and 4th times and the war was arguably what ended the Great Depression. Trump's Congressional majorities are much narrower and far more internally fractious which, in effect, will at least delay and probably deny much of the Republican social agenda but the 1% and corporate America will likely get their tax cuts and reforms. The Roberts Supreme Court will not be a pushover either, particularly since Trump has been pillorying the judiciary but, on the other hand, it looks like Kellyanne's husband George, who clerked for Scalia and won the Paula Jones case, will be Solicitor General once Trump gets around to nominating someone.
My concern is that Trump is the front man entertaining the media and public while the cabal of Bannon, Miller, Kershner etc. pull off their agenda. Give the big guy something he can sign from time to time in a much publicized moment with fawning staff standing around clapping, send him out to a few "campaign-style" rallies to feed his ego, pretend to want to take his Twitter account away, but actually facilitate the crazy, angry side as a way to distract sane people - and we get the nation reformed in the image of the alt-right. It is plain that Trump does not even read what he signs, so who knows what might be slipped in?
75
I share your fears Ann-Marie. Most of the cabinet picks are buffoons who could not lead anyone out of a paper bag. Yes, the ones behind the scenes are doing all of the bidding, I am also convinced. Someway we have to get this entire administration out ! It will not be easy and will take a lot of work. Especially with the majority in congress stonewalling everything.
8
"Every day of the Trump administration seemingly brings another plot twist, a new initiative, outlandish attack or bizarre reversal." The whiplash unleashed by Trump and his minions is behavior classic to abusers. We are in a battered relationship: the administration being the batterers and the American people & the world victims of their abuse.
34
Great points. The abuser makes the abused question their own behaviors.
Thankfully many of us can see that his spin is false. We're not to blame, nor is the press in any deep and meaningful way. And while many people are currently willing to join him in his whirling dervish dance - the question remains; how long can they last? Trump has long been doing his odd-ball attack and withdraw, make-up (repeat) dance with the media and critics, he's like an elite athlete at this stage. But once, or IF, any of his, or the Repubs destructive legislation passes and it directly impacts those dancing with him...how long will they last then?
How long can his keep his lesser, looser base of supporters - when his policies and those of the Repubs hit them and theirs hard.
Thankfully many of us can see that his spin is false. We're not to blame, nor is the press in any deep and meaningful way. And while many people are currently willing to join him in his whirling dervish dance - the question remains; how long can they last? Trump has long been doing his odd-ball attack and withdraw, make-up (repeat) dance with the media and critics, he's like an elite athlete at this stage. But once, or IF, any of his, or the Repubs destructive legislation passes and it directly impacts those dancing with him...how long will they last then?
How long can his keep his lesser, looser base of supporters - when his policies and those of the Repubs hit them and theirs hard.
3
Eventually the American people will grow tired of Trump's bread and circuses form of leadership. Donald J. Trump feeds on the attention, adoration, and admiration of others. When the public cease their fascination with all things Trump and out of boredom seek change, then the Donald's crashing ego will make schadenfreude the national pastime.
17
@Bill
REALLY?? You still don’t get it do you? Trump supporters have found their leader. Their limitless zeal is getting mosques burnt to the ground. His sycophants will do ANYTHING for their god. Beat a Mexican to death? “Yeah punch ‘em in the face! Take ‘em out on a stretcher.” Yeah!
Better than NASCAR! “Lock ‘er up” was STILL being yelled at the Inauguration--on the steps of OUR Capitol. Yelled from the audience when he spoke at CPAC.
Trump can do NO harm in their eyes--he caught their mood when he said he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose one vote. They LOVE Trump! They LOVE that he grabs women by the pubes! YEAH!! LOVE that he assaulted all those women and they sent horrific tweets to the women who came forward in his honor. The Tweeter-in-Chief.
These disciples couldn’t understand Obama’s elegant speech--but they GET 140 characters to go along with his 100 word vocabulary. Great! Sad! Loser! Pig! A true man of the people. The blue collar billionaire. They’re getting conned and they LOVE IT! “The man says it like it is.” Like Johnny Paycheck’s “Take this job and shove it” Trump KNEW how the common man thought--Get as much T&A as you can cuz he’s the MAN. (BTW Paycheck’s real first name was Donald.)
Trump’s better than Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, George Strait, rodeo, and monster trucks rolled into one. Trump loves pro wrestling--not that faggy Broadway Musical stuff--yeah “Hamilton” is overrated!
This love affair is here to stay.
REALLY?? You still don’t get it do you? Trump supporters have found their leader. Their limitless zeal is getting mosques burnt to the ground. His sycophants will do ANYTHING for their god. Beat a Mexican to death? “Yeah punch ‘em in the face! Take ‘em out on a stretcher.” Yeah!
Better than NASCAR! “Lock ‘er up” was STILL being yelled at the Inauguration--on the steps of OUR Capitol. Yelled from the audience when he spoke at CPAC.
Trump can do NO harm in their eyes--he caught their mood when he said he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose one vote. They LOVE Trump! They LOVE that he grabs women by the pubes! YEAH!! LOVE that he assaulted all those women and they sent horrific tweets to the women who came forward in his honor. The Tweeter-in-Chief.
These disciples couldn’t understand Obama’s elegant speech--but they GET 140 characters to go along with his 100 word vocabulary. Great! Sad! Loser! Pig! A true man of the people. The blue collar billionaire. They’re getting conned and they LOVE IT! “The man says it like it is.” Like Johnny Paycheck’s “Take this job and shove it” Trump KNEW how the common man thought--Get as much T&A as you can cuz he’s the MAN. (BTW Paycheck’s real first name was Donald.)
Trump’s better than Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, George Strait, rodeo, and monster trucks rolled into one. Trump loves pro wrestling--not that faggy Broadway Musical stuff--yeah “Hamilton” is overrated!
This love affair is here to stay.
20
This is our burden to bear because his and his compatriots' words and deeds must live into posterity so that this does not happen again. This is the second machine age and we need to record every lie, every vile action, every alternative truth that his 'administration' perpetrates upon the American people. Thus, we have a better chance of spotting charlatans early if we do not forget the past.
18
What won for Trump is the incessant rightwing PROPAGANDA. Unless those opposed to it are willing to fund and create the opposing propaganda, there is no hope in today's media-crazed world to get away from Trumpism, lies and fraud.
6
Given that the war is for attention then such a reward must be given when deserved.
Rather than focus on the Republican President we must focus on his political opponents. This feedback loop provides those who represent our interests the rewards they crave instead of giving them away to those we find shocking and horrible.
Rather than using the President's name we must refer to him by his title and Party. This lessening of direct reward may hasten his fall into a boring has been.
Only by increasing the amount of attention given to those things we want and those actions we hold honorable can we exert influence in this competition for our attention.
Turning this power structure on it's head is up to us.
Rather than focus on the Republican President we must focus on his political opponents. This feedback loop provides those who represent our interests the rewards they crave instead of giving them away to those we find shocking and horrible.
Rather than using the President's name we must refer to him by his title and Party. This lessening of direct reward may hasten his fall into a boring has been.
Only by increasing the amount of attention given to those things we want and those actions we hold honorable can we exert influence in this competition for our attention.
Turning this power structure on it's head is up to us.
14
We must pay for the OPPOSING PROPAGANDA that talks against Trumpism and
then saturate the media with that.
then saturate the media with that.
5
Tim Wu's book The Attention Merchants focuses on how different people compete to harvest our attention, and how that competition has intensified over the years. It's an interesting book, with some interesting stories throughout history, from literal snake oil salesmen to Google ads today.
But just like his previous book, The Master Switch, I think Tim Wu takes his arguments in that book well beyond the support he finds for them. And he does that with his argument here. He sees Donald Trump competing for attention, not trying to get anything done.
Is that really what Donald Trump is doing? Sure, to someone who dislikes Donald Trump and dislikes what he stands for.
As Will and Ariel Durant said in their book The Lessons of History, "most history is guessing, and the rest is prejudice". Tim Wu's interpretation of what we have seen so far from now president Trump might be mainly prejudice mixed with some guessing. I don't find it persuasive.
Better I think to look at Donald Trump's long history of accomplishment in the business world. He has had his failures along the way, but it's not easy to build billions of dollars worth of buildings. Attention whoring has little to do with it.
I guess time will tell. A year or two from now we will see how well Tim Wu's guesses and prejudice hold up. My bet is they don't.
But just like his previous book, The Master Switch, I think Tim Wu takes his arguments in that book well beyond the support he finds for them. And he does that with his argument here. He sees Donald Trump competing for attention, not trying to get anything done.
Is that really what Donald Trump is doing? Sure, to someone who dislikes Donald Trump and dislikes what he stands for.
As Will and Ariel Durant said in their book The Lessons of History, "most history is guessing, and the rest is prejudice". Tim Wu's interpretation of what we have seen so far from now president Trump might be mainly prejudice mixed with some guessing. I don't find it persuasive.
Better I think to look at Donald Trump's long history of accomplishment in the business world. He has had his failures along the way, but it's not easy to build billions of dollars worth of buildings. Attention whoring has little to do with it.
I guess time will tell. A year or two from now we will see how well Tim Wu's guesses and prejudice hold up. My bet is they don't.
6
Something here is different.
I first glimpsed the this odd power by losing when The Donald retorted during the campaign that "He won" the battle about Obama's birth certificate by explaining "he got Obama to release the long form certificate". In other words, Trump claimed he made Obama do something, and that made Trump the winner. The Dems had no ready counter retort.
Something here is different.
I first glimpsed the this odd power by losing when The Donald retorted during the campaign that "He won" the battle about Obama's birth certificate by explaining "he got Obama to release the long form certificate". In other words, Trump claimed he made Obama do something, and that made Trump the winner. The Dems had no ready counter retort.
Something here is different.
4
What's different is that with Trump it's only about winning. If he wins outright, great, but if he loses he has to find some aspect of the defeat where he can be perceived as having won, like the gloating that he got Obama to release his long form birth certificate. And there must, of course, be gloating. He won the election, but he didn't win the inaugural crowd size, so in his mind the lying press was making him look like a loser. The gloating was denied him, hence the obsessing about the crowd size for days. Then there's winning the electoral college by the greatest margin in history. When corrected, he knew he couldn't blame a known fact on the lying press so he said he was just handed a piece of paper that said so. I notice he hasn't said it again--nothing to gloat about, so it's forgotten. Otherwise we'd be still be hearing about it.
What sort of person declares "only I can fix it" about issues he knows zero about, for instance, ObamaCare. Of course, now that it's not so easily fixed on "day one" as promised he just says he's "inherited a mess" and "no one knew it could be this complicated."
What's different here is that it's not about anyone but him. He must win, and he must win big. As he finds that his power as president is limited, that he can't always prevail, I'm hoping he will simply lose interest. Then maybe the press will lose interest as well and we won't have to hear about him anymore.
What sort of person declares "only I can fix it" about issues he knows zero about, for instance, ObamaCare. Of course, now that it's not so easily fixed on "day one" as promised he just says he's "inherited a mess" and "no one knew it could be this complicated."
What's different here is that it's not about anyone but him. He must win, and he must win big. As he finds that his power as president is limited, that he can't always prevail, I'm hoping he will simply lose interest. Then maybe the press will lose interest as well and we won't have to hear about him anymore.
3
I am a sane woman, blessed with a non addictive personality and calm demeanor. My obsession with the news now is strictly the result of my great worry for our institutions, values, education of our kids , and everything else this narcissist will leave behind in ruins when he finally leaves office. The so called "president" ego and inner needs and what is a win or a lose for him is of no concern to me. I will continue to be informed and resist this lunacy for as long as he is at the helm.
24
Insightful article that resonates for me as I've been writing an article entitled "Donald Trump Has Lowered My Immune System". The campaign was brutal to witness and all I had to hold onto was Nov.8 when it would finally all be over and this horrifying man would slither way. So relaxed on election night I binged watched "The Crown" on Netflix and only tuned to CNN at 1am to see the ballroom balloons falling. Instead, I threw up in the garbage pail next to my bed because so dizzy and disoriented, I couldn't even make it to the bathroom. And it's been all down hill since then. So, now I read the NYT, The New Yorker & Washington Post voraciously and record every news program and magazine show so I can literally fast forward anytime Trump or anyone in his administration is speaking (or lying as is usually the case) I depend on the smart, albeit incredulous, news analysis and commentary as intellectual and emotional antibiotics. None of us can turn away. We're in crisis and so much is at stake now we have a responsibility to be active and engaged. I just need to find a way to feel strong enough again to be the gladiator people know and expect to raise my formidable sword in this fight for "Sane Change".
21
These so-called opinion-pieces seem to be more about speculation than anything. And this seems to be true of the news in general these days.
5
The media should know that they have been turned off by coverage of Trump and his crew, to the extent that as soon as his face hits the screen the off or change channel button is pushed. Given the documented misinformation and lies falsely called "alternative reality" there is nothing of value to learn from what is being said. It's a waste of time. Spend time instead on hard, in depth analysis of what has actually been done, and it factual impact on jobs, health, welfare and national security of this country.
7
Thank you for one of the best written articles regarding who we have become as a nation. When was the last day you did not see the great leader would not be effective but for the ignorance of the masses. When was the last time you read a good book or had your passport stamped in some foreign land besides a brief crossing to Canada or Mexico is the better question. It is self evident that Mr. Drumph is mentally diseased with the highest levels acheivable of NARCISSISM. one need look no further than him putting his name in gaudy gold letters wherever he can like an animal marking territory with urine. His pronounced insecurities must be fed praise constantly or he withers and dies. I still have faith in the HOME OF THE BRAVE seeing through the delusional boogeymen he constantly creates in order to keep his rube supporters thinking he is their savior and lauding him. 45 gave an hour long speech reading off a TelePrompTer without going insane and the bar he has set is so low pundits applaud him. Everyone wants to see themselves as better than others in our society and reality TV feeds that need in our most uneducated and therefore vulnerable how else would Honey Bubu be a celebrity? The interconnected world in which we live now is a double edged sword and Drumpf is proof of how destructive to us one side is. I pray for the citizenry of the country I love, wore the uniform of proudly and bled for. God Bless America may the arc of history really be bending to better days.
28
Thank you, sir, for your service and love of country. You are a true patriot
12
Dear Colonel
“Get your passport stamped?”
And there we have it. You don’t even know what percentage of civilians even HAVE passports do you? You’ve lived in your own bubble in the parallel universe of the military--I know it well.
1) Only 15% of Americans even HAVE a passport.
2) Most folks in the south have NEVER left their home state--well some got down to Panama City, FL...once.
3) Trump has so alienated the European Union that they are deciding in Brussels whether to make Americans get visas again! But Americans don’t know what visas are. They have NO IDEA how precious that shiny blue passport is...well “was.”
http://time.com/money/4689914/americans-europe-visa/
And while we’re talking about “Americans.” How do we get away with using the terms “America and Americans?” Isn’t there a big North America continent and a South America continent? Why are WE the “Americans?”
Colonel what I would LOVE to see you write about is why is that the military ALWAYS get an increase in the budget and NEVER a decrease? Why is that only the military gives student loans for two years of one’s life? Why do you get free medical and pension for the rest of your life when most pensions are being taken away by state budgets?
And WHY do you use your military rank of O-6 on a simple comment in the NYT that isn’t concerning the military? You’re retired sir.
So use your status to tell us why adding $56 BILLION to the Pentagon budget makes no sense while taking away EPA regulations.
“Get your passport stamped?”
And there we have it. You don’t even know what percentage of civilians even HAVE passports do you? You’ve lived in your own bubble in the parallel universe of the military--I know it well.
1) Only 15% of Americans even HAVE a passport.
2) Most folks in the south have NEVER left their home state--well some got down to Panama City, FL...once.
3) Trump has so alienated the European Union that they are deciding in Brussels whether to make Americans get visas again! But Americans don’t know what visas are. They have NO IDEA how precious that shiny blue passport is...well “was.”
http://time.com/money/4689914/americans-europe-visa/
And while we’re talking about “Americans.” How do we get away with using the terms “America and Americans?” Isn’t there a big North America continent and a South America continent? Why are WE the “Americans?”
Colonel what I would LOVE to see you write about is why is that the military ALWAYS get an increase in the budget and NEVER a decrease? Why is that only the military gives student loans for two years of one’s life? Why do you get free medical and pension for the rest of your life when most pensions are being taken away by state budgets?
And WHY do you use your military rank of O-6 on a simple comment in the NYT that isn’t concerning the military? You’re retired sir.
So use your status to tell us why adding $56 BILLION to the Pentagon budget makes no sense while taking away EPA regulations.
3
Did you read what the colonel wrote? He was on point and honest and posed true criticisms of Trump, I also appreciate what you wrote earlier, so surely going after the colonel was entirely unnecessary in this context. Geez, he sees the light and us that do need to stick together and focus on the true enemy, Trump and his alternative reality based on lies!
If attention wanes, Trump may do something dramatic to have it shifted back on him. How about a confrontation with North Korea, sending the National guard into Chicago, or high tariffs on goods coming in from Mexico. When you have center stage you can always figure out a way to regain the attention. Trump has become like a subliminal message continually flashing in our collective brain. If things become really desperate for him in the attention area, he could always shoot someone on 5th Avenue.
22
You are correct, sir. Every day I wake up saying that this will be the day that I ignore Trump. I tell myself that I need a break. I look for comedy and sports to distract me. But in the words of Dave Chapelle - I just can't look away!
11
" As the philosopher Jacques Ellul wrote of propaganda, to be effective, it needs eclectic to be “total,” meaning that as much of the population as possible must be continuously exposed."
There's the idea: keep talking about thousands of Muslims cheering the downing of the twin towers, and before long the cheering crowd is simply a part of the listeners unquestioned mindset.
There's the idea: keep talking about thousands of Muslims cheering the downing of the twin towers, and before long the cheering crowd is simply a part of the listeners unquestioned mindset.
8
An individual’s attention span is limited, but the number of stimuli he senses is not.
3
There is a bombardment by the MSM of anti-Trump pieces, each and every day. The MSM and Hollywood was even reading into the subliminal message behind the outfit that the FLOTUS wore, as if a dress could not simply be just dress! And it was rich that Hollywood was complaining about the price of the FLOTUS's dress immediately after the Academy Awards, where a parade of spectacular dresses was as per usual on full display.
I am not a consumer of Fox news, but I cannot imagine that there was the same level of vitriol coming from Fox during the 8 years of the Obama admin as the MSM & Hollywood are displaying now during the early days of the Trump adm. Keep it up, it may mean more wins for Trump.
I am not a consumer of Fox news, but I cannot imagine that there was the same level of vitriol coming from Fox during the 8 years of the Obama admin as the MSM & Hollywood are displaying now during the early days of the Trump adm. Keep it up, it may mean more wins for Trump.
4
As you are a non-Fox consumer, allow me to fill you in: from 2008-2016 Fox News was a hot mess of birtherist enuendo, Sarah Palin guest appearances, Benghazi Benghazi Benghazi, sexual harrassment suit cover-ups. As for your issue with coverage of fashion, well there is and has always been plenty of tasteless journalism since the profession was invented, but you don't have to read every article? I've been preoccupied with 1) continuing revelations that one of our political parties is complicit in what the US intelligence community has said is direct interference in our elections by Russian intelligence services and 2) the continuing attempts by the Republican party to revoke my cancer-afflicted mother's health insurance without any viable replacement. The moment the 'MSM' stops bombarding us with news about these is when we are truly lost.
15
He's like a puppy that will do anything for attention, 'good' or 'bad'. Only he's not that cute.
7
I have been complaining for months that the Liberal /Left media - The Nation, In these Times, daily kos, etc spend more time on OMG ! trump did this then on stories about how lib/left people can affect change
so yes, trump has bent the liberal / left media to suit his goal
PS: when you say trump dominates the 24/7 media cycle, what you are saying is that H Clinton, or Dems, aren't smart enough to figure out a counter strategy
considering she was supposed to be the smartest person in the room with the most money experience and staff, her failure speaks volumes
so yes, trump has bent the liberal / left media to suit his goal
PS: when you say trump dominates the 24/7 media cycle, what you are saying is that H Clinton, or Dems, aren't smart enough to figure out a counter strategy
considering she was supposed to be the smartest person in the room with the most money experience and staff, her failure speaks volumes
3
Clinton had a strategy: let the world see Trump for who he is. She had no idea how many people would vote for such an awful human being. It was a dumb strategy and shows just how out of touch the city folk are from the rural folk.
I was very disappointed with the way Clinton ran her campaign. The point of her candidacy was that she was the most prepared. Politics is a profession and we are seeing that now. Trump has no idea how to run a government. All he knows is reality TV and that is how he is running things. That's why people are still waiting for some kind of pivot from campaigning to governing, but it won't happen because he doesn't have the professional skills.
The reason why I was disappointed with her campaign is because she really didn't show us how much more than Trump she knew about the actual job. She kept focusing on his temperament, but not his actual skill (or lack thereof). She should have schooled him during the debates, rather than just dismiss him.
I was very disappointed with the way Clinton ran her campaign. The point of her candidacy was that she was the most prepared. Politics is a profession and we are seeing that now. Trump has no idea how to run a government. All he knows is reality TV and that is how he is running things. That's why people are still waiting for some kind of pivot from campaigning to governing, but it won't happen because he doesn't have the professional skills.
The reason why I was disappointed with her campaign is because she really didn't show us how much more than Trump she knew about the actual job. She kept focusing on his temperament, but not his actual skill (or lack thereof). She should have schooled him during the debates, rather than just dismiss him.
2
If Hillary Clinton was truly concerned that Trump would wreak havoc on America, then she would have put the country ahead of her own interests by not running for the Democratic nominee.
But then again, she's a politician...
But then again, she's a politician...
In actually it is not Donald Trump who is creating all the huballahoo
everyday. It is you, trying to destroy him.
everyday. It is you, trying to destroy him.
7
Speaking of losers, whatever happened to Sarah Palin? The craziness of Trump and the Trump administration have left her by the roadside. She could see Russia from where she was but only Trump and his guys could hear them.
11
Bravo! This is beautiful psychological analysis of Trump and the public.
The only statement missing is that we are all watching a version of "The Apprentice" DAILY.
The only statement missing is that we are all watching a version of "The Apprentice" DAILY.
9
I would say it's a hybrid of The Apprentice, The Biggest Loser, and after Tuesday's speech a little bit of The Voice thrown in.
2
To the media: there's a big world out there, much bigger than our small minded, small handed and small whatever else president. Why don't you focus on that! Maybe by marginalizing Mr. Trump you can help to marginalize his potential for harm. Simply by counting the number of front page articles one could think that control of the press has already shifted to the president. He is a master at playing the media so why do you keep letting him play you? Maybe one day Charlie Brown will walk away from Lucy and that football.
7
The reality is that much of the coverage on the Trump admin does not belong in the politics or news section of the paper, it goes in the Entertainment or Comics section. Much of what is coming out of the WH cannot possibly be taken seriously and he doesn't mean it seriously. It is Japanese Kabuki theatre:
Kabuki (歌舞伎 ?) is a classical Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers. The individual kanji, from left to right, mean sing (歌), dance (舞), and skill (伎).
The tough aspect for journos is deciding what is news and what is entertainment so that the right reporter is assigned to what emanates from the WH.
Kabuki (歌舞伎 ?) is a classical Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers. The individual kanji, from left to right, mean sing (歌), dance (舞), and skill (伎).
The tough aspect for journos is deciding what is news and what is entertainment so that the right reporter is assigned to what emanates from the WH.
7
"The tough aspect for journos is deciding what is news and what is entertainment"
-
Would that that were the case. Most contemporary American journalists seem fully engaged with the entertainment. I suspect that means that they know little about history and even the complexities of the present scene. Too bad for us, the consumers of their "news".
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Would that that were the case. Most contemporary American journalists seem fully engaged with the entertainment. I suspect that means that they know little about history and even the complexities of the present scene. Too bad for us, the consumers of their "news".
1
Mr Trump is like the boy who cried wolf.....you just don't hear him anymore. It is like putting your tv remote on mute!!!!
9
This is precisely how we feel about main stream media. During the last administration, most people already knew how left leaning the media was but did not see how much of it was blatant misrepresentation and outright falsehood. For example, recently Don Lemon, CNN anchor, actually said that Loretta Lynch met with Hillary Clinton on the tarmac in Arizona and then recused herself from the investigation into HRC. This is all so blatantly false and easily proven otherwise. So how can the left actually, and with a straight face, tell members of the right that CNN is a purveyor of unbiased quality journalism? The left and their media talking heads shoot themselves in the foot as much as the current administration does. So for Trump supporters who voted for a change in the status quo of the preceding party, our choice looks pretty damn good.
Wonderful. But what about the Democrats? When are they going to grab some attention, away from Trump? Hillary Clinton was...so bor-ing compared to Trump. And Pres. Obama, if not boring, was not very memorable.
Why can't the Democrats use the very same method to attract attention and to keep it? From the spoken words of FDR on the radio and the tele-prompted speeches of Obama, why not full use of the media, in 2017?
What about fancy power-points, SNL like humor in Congress, , etc? Why must boredom and endless detail be the norm in American politics?
=========================================================
I say, from a Bush War on TERROR, we now need a War on Trump ERROR
Why can't the Democrats use the very same method to attract attention and to keep it? From the spoken words of FDR on the radio and the tele-prompted speeches of Obama, why not full use of the media, in 2017?
What about fancy power-points, SNL like humor in Congress, , etc? Why must boredom and endless detail be the norm in American politics?
=========================================================
I say, from a Bush War on TERROR, we now need a War on Trump ERROR
2
Quote: "After four (or maybe two, or maybe eight) years of riveting developments and a blowout finale, the administration will be gone, leaving little in its wake, beyond the memories ... "
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Donald Trump is closely ringed by Republican enablers, fundamentalist Christians (explain that one), tax-cutting pseudo economists, pro-gunners, and climate-change deniers.
In four years we may have no Environmental Protection Agency, no National Endowment for the Arts, few national parks left free of oil-or-gas pumping stations, no Medicare, no Medicaid, very few reliable outlets for low-income women seeking contraception ... but lots and lots of polluted creeks, new military posts, and new bombers. And plenty of national debt.
Where do you live, Tim Wu? In La La Land? Donald Trump, his advisors (Bannon), and friends (Ryan) can do a whole lot of damage in just a few months.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Donald Trump is closely ringed by Republican enablers, fundamentalist Christians (explain that one), tax-cutting pseudo economists, pro-gunners, and climate-change deniers.
In four years we may have no Environmental Protection Agency, no National Endowment for the Arts, few national parks left free of oil-or-gas pumping stations, no Medicare, no Medicaid, very few reliable outlets for low-income women seeking contraception ... but lots and lots of polluted creeks, new military posts, and new bombers. And plenty of national debt.
Where do you live, Tim Wu? In La La Land? Donald Trump, his advisors (Bannon), and friends (Ryan) can do a whole lot of damage in just a few months.
7
"...impossible... plot twist... outlandish attack... bizarre reversal... Not since wartime... not unlike war coverage... media coverage cannot be faulted... wild... wrong..."
Mr. Wu, this is from your first paragraph.
Get a grip on yourself, man! You're writing unreadable garbage! You side is losing, and you're doubling down with no end in sight!
Lately I've been more and more interested in writing letters to the editor of the NYT. But with the writing getting more and more unreadable, what's the point?
Mr. Wu, this is from your first paragraph.
Get a grip on yourself, man! You're writing unreadable garbage! You side is losing, and you're doubling down with no end in sight!
Lately I've been more and more interested in writing letters to the editor of the NYT. But with the writing getting more and more unreadable, what's the point?
2
"Then please, let's just ignore him, maybe that will work."
You mean like don't write comments on NYT articles written about him -- is that what you mean by "ignore"?
You mean like don't write comments on NYT articles written about him -- is that what you mean by "ignore"?
2
Brilliantly written Prof. Tim Wu, you nailed the underlying psychological mechanism that Trump is using in a brilliant way! You have explained variable reward schedule so rightly. Trump and his people didn't waste time, effort, money on rocket science or Nobel laureates for camping strategy, they went low and cheap and has paid off in HUGE way.. dividends will accrue beyond 4 years! As you aptly point out using George Orwell, “The war is not meant to be won, it is meant to be continuous,” this is the driving force and oxygen for Trump and his inner circle. The mainstream news media, coastal liberal elites, and population under 30 didn't see this before election and still are not seeing this.... Great essay!
The population under thirty very much saw this coming. That is why they wanted Bernie.
"I used to be a rabid, engaged, constant consumer of news and politics. No more...I can't bring myself to watch this nation commit slow-motion suicide."
Like, for example, I would NEVER read this article, much less post a comment.
Like, for example, I would NEVER read this article, much less post a comment.
3
You win Trump Lotto!
But not necessarily 100% correct: Trump has allowed that lying is ok and that being intolerant is ok. America has begun to venture down the road of Fascism and we all HATE it and will not be labelled Good Americans.
But not necessarily 100% correct: Trump has allowed that lying is ok and that being intolerant is ok. America has begun to venture down the road of Fascism and we all HATE it and will not be labelled Good Americans.
Tim Wu may find Trump’s idiocy benign...just getting attention..no real harm done?
Trump dug down and allowed all the white haters to surface with impunity. Trump refused to dismiss the white supremacists in his base. David Duke who?
Douglas County is a few miles over from me here in Georgia. Just outside the perimeter of metro Atlanta and has a high percentage of African-American who voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012.
To start off Georgia has no “hate crime” statute. You know the “good ole boys jest havin’ fun!”
“Torres, 26, and Norton, 25, had been part of a group of 15 people calling itself ‘Respect the Flag.' On July 24, on 2015, they began a rampage through neighboring Paulding County. With Confederate battle flags attached to their trucks, they threatened African-American motorists and shoppers at a local Walmart.”
"911 call centers were flooded with calls. The next day they kept up their campaign and happened upon a party with African-Americans...BD party for 8-year-old child. The yard was full of friends and family when Torres and their crew began hurling racial slurs at the party goers and threatening them WITH A LOADED 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN POINTED AT THE 8 Y/O.”
http://www.ajc.com/news/local/douglasville-hate-crime-victim-defendants-...
Trump’s influence? The Northern Mississippi chapter of the KKK is protesting the 20 years and 13 year sentences of the white couple today...HERE!!!
I’ve never seen the Klan before today
Trump dug down and allowed all the white haters to surface with impunity. Trump refused to dismiss the white supremacists in his base. David Duke who?
Douglas County is a few miles over from me here in Georgia. Just outside the perimeter of metro Atlanta and has a high percentage of African-American who voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012.
To start off Georgia has no “hate crime” statute. You know the “good ole boys jest havin’ fun!”
“Torres, 26, and Norton, 25, had been part of a group of 15 people calling itself ‘Respect the Flag.' On July 24, on 2015, they began a rampage through neighboring Paulding County. With Confederate battle flags attached to their trucks, they threatened African-American motorists and shoppers at a local Walmart.”
"911 call centers were flooded with calls. The next day they kept up their campaign and happened upon a party with African-Americans...BD party for 8-year-old child. The yard was full of friends and family when Torres and their crew began hurling racial slurs at the party goers and threatening them WITH A LOADED 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN POINTED AT THE 8 Y/O.”
http://www.ajc.com/news/local/douglasville-hate-crime-victim-defendants-...
Trump’s influence? The Northern Mississippi chapter of the KKK is protesting the 20 years and 13 year sentences of the white couple today...HERE!!!
I’ve never seen the Klan before today
6
Yeah yeah, trump is winning by losing. As Maxwell Smart bumbles around, he says it was “my plan exactly.” trump has changed the rules, when you think he’s done for, you’ve really stepped right into his trap. Another opinion article with a provocative clickbait contrarian headline does its job.
Forgive me if I stick with the time-honored metric of approval rating. trump’s RCP average polling is still in the low 40s - in his HONEYMOON period. His administration has backed down or been slapped down in every single skirmish so far. Regardless of his media footprint, he’s not winning the battles, nor the war.
Forgive me if I stick with the time-honored metric of approval rating. trump’s RCP average polling is still in the low 40s - in his HONEYMOON period. His administration has backed down or been slapped down in every single skirmish so far. Regardless of his media footprint, he’s not winning the battles, nor the war.
6
It's impossible not to tune in on some device hoping to see the latest Trump flub. Mindshare? I guess, but after that election, it's definitely been uplifting being able to tune in YouTube and reruns of Sean Spicer getting carved up on SNL. But I have my fears all that may come to an end. Because It's become quite obvious these past few days all the recent talk of Trump being unhinged has forced Trump to be on his best behavior. It's that or Kellyanne Conway or another of Trump's handlers has ordered the White House Chef to start cooking with Prozac, slipping Trump a dose in his scrambled eggs at breakfast and again in a late night snack. And his Tweets are down, half of what we've witnessed in the past, and much milder in tone. I guess we'll just have to stay tuned.
2
He'll keep winning until he loses...office.
3
" wins" with losers. No thanks.
1
Trump is working 16 hours a day to fulfill exactly what he promised during his campaign.
The rest is chaff. And he is VERY good at that.
The rest is chaff. And he is VERY good at that.
2
An outstanding article - This provides a very plausible answer to the DT enigma.
Any attempt to understand the enigma of #45 is welcome, and this article certainly adds knowledge to the mix. I continue to see him as an emotionally unstable three-year-old who balls up his fists when he is not getting the attention three-year-olds scream for, but I also agree with some of the comments below that his tactics do resemble those of totalitarian leaders, and thus have a hint of contrivance. Certainly, his tactics are manipulative, but then, again, so are those of small children.
If secret service personnel have to pass tests of competence in the area of emotional stability, diplomatic ability, knowledge of geography and world affairs, basic historic competency, basic intelligence and reading ability, why not any public official who is privy to the same confidential information?
Perhaps this administration can teach us the importance of basic competence for public office. This media circus and manipulation is the joke of the world. If we survive this, should we not change the basic requirements for public office, especially one that has the welfare of the entire planet in its clutches?
If secret service personnel have to pass tests of competence in the area of emotional stability, diplomatic ability, knowledge of geography and world affairs, basic historic competency, basic intelligence and reading ability, why not any public official who is privy to the same confidential information?
Perhaps this administration can teach us the importance of basic competence for public office. This media circus and manipulation is the joke of the world. If we survive this, should we not change the basic requirements for public office, especially one that has the welfare of the entire planet in its clutches?
2
Paris Hilton is a good analogy.
2
Let's read what the news has to say. Two action movie Ads with Americans looking stressed, white not black. Tony Blair has a good pitch that we need a popular President not this trumped up rhino. Naturally Russia is beginning to fade from the front cover, 'so yesterday'. What else a recommendation to watch an abused primate? Pass on that, and at least somebody has retrieved the 500,000 dollar sweater that belongs to Tim Brody, the football player.
How about 'America is in need of a President' on the front cover of the Times? Or, 'State of Emergency Has Been Declared', everybody who is working could leave the office early and eat ice cream. Where is Bannon? Vanished again, or holding up the Vatican?
How the most inept man in America became Numero Uno is a fact, but how America is reacting is far more important and it is pie in the face to realize that it can happen here. A warning. A break-through for the New York Times would be a day without his name, April 1, a moment in history to be remembered. Tim Wu, a fine author, knows How to Write it Right to quote Ambrose Bierce, no twee expressions like persons of his 'ilk'.
A struggle to get inside our heads is worrisome. The discovery might be fatal, filled with straw and dust, dreams of winning the lottery. 'Latin America' writes look after yourself, 'Africa', the world is changing fast and 'Europe' remains quiet, waiting for a call while 'Russia' is here nibbling like mice. What happened to Paris Hilton?
How about 'America is in need of a President' on the front cover of the Times? Or, 'State of Emergency Has Been Declared', everybody who is working could leave the office early and eat ice cream. Where is Bannon? Vanished again, or holding up the Vatican?
How the most inept man in America became Numero Uno is a fact, but how America is reacting is far more important and it is pie in the face to realize that it can happen here. A warning. A break-through for the New York Times would be a day without his name, April 1, a moment in history to be remembered. Tim Wu, a fine author, knows How to Write it Right to quote Ambrose Bierce, no twee expressions like persons of his 'ilk'.
A struggle to get inside our heads is worrisome. The discovery might be fatal, filled with straw and dust, dreams of winning the lottery. 'Latin America' writes look after yourself, 'Africa', the world is changing fast and 'Europe' remains quiet, waiting for a call while 'Russia' is here nibbling like mice. What happened to Paris Hilton?
1
It's so easy to complain when you're not in power. Now Trump has no excuse as the Republican president dealing with a Republican Congress. The buck stops with him.
Or does it?
On the morning of his Tuesday speech, he blamed the generals by saying "They lost Ryan."
At his press conference when challenged by his false claim that his Electoral College victory was the largest since President Ronald Reagan, he said "I was just given that."
Yes, we have a person the White House who NEVER admits a mistake and is so readily and eager to blame everyone else.
In due time the American people will tire of him.
My bet is by October.
Or does it?
On the morning of his Tuesday speech, he blamed the generals by saying "They lost Ryan."
At his press conference when challenged by his false claim that his Electoral College victory was the largest since President Ronald Reagan, he said "I was just given that."
Yes, we have a person the White House who NEVER admits a mistake and is so readily and eager to blame everyone else.
In due time the American people will tire of him.
My bet is by October.
2
Its so true. We are addict to Trump. I find myself checking my Tweeter account every 20min. I can't stop watching the news channels.
For what it's worth I am enjoying every minute of it
For what it's worth I am enjoying every minute of it
1
The bottom line is that Trump sells newspapers and gets eyeballs and clicks. The NY Times pulled a media blackout on Sen Sanders and got Trump elected snd now continues to have him as the subject of the majority of its content. Like an arsonist who hangs around to help the firefighters extinguish the flames, the sick and twisted editors and columnists of this once-fine paper look not to solutions in the form of new leadership from the DNC, but rather want more flames.
The next article that presents solutions will be the first.
The next article that presents solutions will be the first.
1
Gutter Culture defeats Pedestal Culture. Gotcha defeats Excellence. Takedown defeats Aspiration. Complaint defeats Solution. Conspiracy Theory defeats Education. Scandal Lust defeats Skill. Reality TV defeats Drama. Video Game defeats Film. Blow Up defeats Grow Up. Bang defeats Bloom. Bomb defeats Art. Bullet defeats Thought. Snark defeats Discourse. Rant defeats Curiosity. Rage defeats Clarity. Accusation defeats Analysis. Authority defeats Ethics. Spectacle defeats Content. Money defeats Beauty. Surface defeats Depth. Score defeats Assist. Narcissism defeats Exploration. I defeats We. Autocracy defeats Democracy. America defeats America. Plato defeats Plato, once again losing to Plato. While Vladimir Putin laughs.
3
And yet, with all this mindsharing enabled and amplified by media steered and engineered by Big Money, plus strong voter suppression and voter roll purging, he still lost by a fat margin. That's a great sign of America's resilience. A groped win comes without a mandate. The GOP knows this, that's why they need to speak out loud that they have a mandate. To make it true nonetheless, even though it's witnessed by anyone who can look it's not a mandate. If they had it, they wouldn't need to address it.
Did Coca-Cola and its signature feat of indoctrination, Santa, ever wear out? For the same reason Trump won't as long as he delivers cake and circus. (Look at Putin, Erdogan etc.)
His biggest strength is that the DNC is still in Big Money's pocket as well, giving its voters the creeps. There are early signs that the rifts will last and a compromise candidate like Warren is unacceptable for the DNC.
This leaves an opening for an outsider to jump into the gap in the middle. My hope is Oprah. She can also run a Santa campaign without showing her cards like Trump did, she can compete in mindsharing, she can heartshare, and she'll shemash Trump. As Trump, unfortunately, and highly undesirably, stands a strong chance to be shot by a self-appointed "savior hero", she'll probably have to run against Pence though. He'll be a lot more difficult to take on.
Apart from mindsharing, there's also the coffee mug test.
Clinton didn't sell mugs (enough of them)
Goofy granny will. Oprah will.
Did Coca-Cola and its signature feat of indoctrination, Santa, ever wear out? For the same reason Trump won't as long as he delivers cake and circus. (Look at Putin, Erdogan etc.)
His biggest strength is that the DNC is still in Big Money's pocket as well, giving its voters the creeps. There are early signs that the rifts will last and a compromise candidate like Warren is unacceptable for the DNC.
This leaves an opening for an outsider to jump into the gap in the middle. My hope is Oprah. She can also run a Santa campaign without showing her cards like Trump did, she can compete in mindsharing, she can heartshare, and she'll shemash Trump. As Trump, unfortunately, and highly undesirably, stands a strong chance to be shot by a self-appointed "savior hero", she'll probably have to run against Pence though. He'll be a lot more difficult to take on.
Apart from mindsharing, there's also the coffee mug test.
Clinton didn't sell mugs (enough of them)
Goofy granny will. Oprah will.
3
Excellent, well-written piece even if it simply describes the dark thrill of watching a train wreck.
2
The more the media goes insane with hatred, the more the American population realizes that he is telling the truth. Liberals really do hate the average American. Liberals really are opposed to democracy and choice. That should be your take-away.
4
You must have missed the way the GOP treated the last president from Day One.
So no, media coverage does not make Trump's lies into truth. Sorry.
6
Nope. The media has not gone "insane with hatred", they are reporting what Trumps says and does.
Anyone who believes Trump is telling the truth is a delusional right wimg extremist. Trump lost the election and has had a negative approval rating from the get go. And no, that is not a made up number and no, the national polls were correct within their stated error of margin. Again, Trump lost by 3 million votes.
Your 2nd and 3rd sentences are meaningless. There are no liberals in the federal government and there are very few liberals in the population. You are so far to the right thay any centrist (Sanders) or moderate conservative (Clinton) looks like a socialist to people like you.
That should be your take-away.
Anyone who believes Trump is telling the truth is a delusional right wimg extremist. Trump lost the election and has had a negative approval rating from the get go. And no, that is not a made up number and no, the national polls were correct within their stated error of margin. Again, Trump lost by 3 million votes.
Your 2nd and 3rd sentences are meaningless. There are no liberals in the federal government and there are very few liberals in the population. You are so far to the right thay any centrist (Sanders) or moderate conservative (Clinton) looks like a socialist to people like you.
That should be your take-away.
4
Cloudy and Max are both too emotionally attached to their "side" to see through the fog of media hype to the actual structure of the system. (That is the actual definition of a radical, not is fake synonym, extremist).
Trump is smart enough to start his arguments with truth. Many jobs did go to foreign countries because of bad trade deals. Undocumented Immigrants are used by employers to lower wages. Global corporate mass media does lie, usually by omission, neglecting to tell us about things like the TPP, while imitating us with corporate press releases, horse race political coverage instead of issue education, and celebrity gossip.
The establishment of both parties are full of it too. The solutions they cook up, and most of Trumps solutions are typical establishment Republican talking points, are not designed to solve anything. As Wu points off the way is designed to last forever. It is a distraction.
The solution to illegal workers is to arrest the CEOs that hire then, and then increase legal immigration. Amnesty is not a solution, and a wall is not a solution. As long as there is demand that there will bee supply. ACA is another fake solution, originally designed by Republicans and then adopted by Democrats.
As they say in Westworld, "this game has deeper levels." The establishment cooperated to steal from the People, and Trump is part of the establishment. He stole Bernie's stump speech, but meant none of it.
Trump is smart enough to start his arguments with truth. Many jobs did go to foreign countries because of bad trade deals. Undocumented Immigrants are used by employers to lower wages. Global corporate mass media does lie, usually by omission, neglecting to tell us about things like the TPP, while imitating us with corporate press releases, horse race political coverage instead of issue education, and celebrity gossip.
The establishment of both parties are full of it too. The solutions they cook up, and most of Trumps solutions are typical establishment Republican talking points, are not designed to solve anything. As Wu points off the way is designed to last forever. It is a distraction.
The solution to illegal workers is to arrest the CEOs that hire then, and then increase legal immigration. Amnesty is not a solution, and a wall is not a solution. As long as there is demand that there will bee supply. ACA is another fake solution, originally designed by Republicans and then adopted by Democrats.
As they say in Westworld, "this game has deeper levels." The establishment cooperated to steal from the People, and Trump is part of the establishment. He stole Bernie's stump speech, but meant none of it.
It's more than ironic that Donald Trump's circus has overwhelmed our national stage in 2017, just when P.T. Barnum's has reached its swan song (last NYC show tonight and disbanding in May).
The Wikipedia entry (omitting internal citations) on Barnum begins:
"Phineas Taylor 'P. T.' Barnum (July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891) was an American politician, showman, and businessman remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Although Barnum was also an author, publisher, philanthropist, and for some time a politician, he said of himself, 'I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me', and his personal aim was 'to put money in his own coffers'."
While I can't vouch for the accuracy of the Barnum entry, it is alarming how readily we could substitute 'Donald J. Trump' into the blurb and have a fairly apt description of the chief huckster of our own era.
It was bad enough the original Barnum held in his palm the imaginations and pocketbooks of his gullible marks. Our 2017 Barnum holds all that, together with the fate of our democracy and planet.
Republican hacks are the trained elephants in Trump's circus. But the only thing holding them captive is big money. What will it take to set them and our democracy free?
The Wikipedia entry (omitting internal citations) on Barnum begins:
"Phineas Taylor 'P. T.' Barnum (July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891) was an American politician, showman, and businessman remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Although Barnum was also an author, publisher, philanthropist, and for some time a politician, he said of himself, 'I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me', and his personal aim was 'to put money in his own coffers'."
While I can't vouch for the accuracy of the Barnum entry, it is alarming how readily we could substitute 'Donald J. Trump' into the blurb and have a fairly apt description of the chief huckster of our own era.
It was bad enough the original Barnum held in his palm the imaginations and pocketbooks of his gullible marks. Our 2017 Barnum holds all that, together with the fate of our democracy and planet.
Republican hacks are the trained elephants in Trump's circus. But the only thing holding them captive is big money. What will it take to set them and our democracy free?
3
This says a lot about the American people, who don't really have a clue how to govern themselves; what they know is what their selfish needs are, like children, and this time threw a tantrum by mindlessly allowing Tweetle-Dumb to become president. He flattered their ignorance - too many were susceptible - and here he is, our president.
There were many opportunities to fix things since Reagan, yet we sat back and let the Republicans spread their cancer throughout our government, never once demanding something from our "representatives."
We made our bed and it won't be fixed until we conquer our allergy to education and stop being selfish brats.
Democrats! You have a lot to answer for too. But ultimately, the American people were sleeping the sleep of denial ignoring reality.
There were many opportunities to fix things since Reagan, yet we sat back and let the Republicans spread their cancer throughout our government, never once demanding something from our "representatives."
We made our bed and it won't be fixed until we conquer our allergy to education and stop being selfish brats.
Democrats! You have a lot to answer for too. But ultimately, the American people were sleeping the sleep of denial ignoring reality.
2
Stop playing his game. The major newspapers and electronic media should agree to take a one week hiatus with no coverage of Trump. Not reading his lies will not cause the destruction of democracy or the First Amendment. Maybe people will then look for news, rather than spectacle.
6
Amen to the speculation comment. Far too much news is speculative in nature. It's getting dreary!
If this is winning, I don't want to play.
3
We're paying attention like we pay attention to a good suspense drama. We want to know how it ends and how the bad guy gets his just dessert.
7
Trump has many arcs to his career and like many internet celebrities and financial hucksters, the time will come when people are bored with him or one of his many transgressions ultimately catches up to him...a whimper of boredom and indifference to his tiresome antics or a spectacular crash fed by the very forces that catapulted him to worldwide notoriety.
4
Winning? I keep discovering new depths of disgust for this vulgar man and all his vulgar supporters (Republican congresspeople, voters, TV suck-ups). Tweet by tweet. Lie by lie.
He's not winning me.
He's not winning me.
22
I hope he takes the retrumplicans with him.
7
The first bit of therapy is to get rid of your TVs. This relieves you of (a) advertising and (b) Trump's grimacing face, fake teeth, and lizard eyes. Then, using just your PC, you can skip Trump articles easily -- and avoid any of the noise.
Once people realize that Trump has a fourth-grader's tedious repertoire of bullying, obfuscation, and hissy fits, they will look for another amusement. Now if Trump goes nuclear, then his supporters may have a change of heart about their hero. His term, minus an apocalypse, will inoculate the nation against Republicans for a thousand years.
Once people realize that Trump has a fourth-grader's tedious repertoire of bullying, obfuscation, and hissy fits, they will look for another amusement. Now if Trump goes nuclear, then his supporters may have a change of heart about their hero. His term, minus an apocalypse, will inoculate the nation against Republicans for a thousand years.
14
While I agree... WHO HAS A TV ANYMORE?
Let's see how Trump supporters like the "spectacle" of filthy air or dirty water or devastating hurricanes or stagnant wages or plummeting stock prices or homegrown terror attacks or body bags coming home from the Yellow Sea or East China Sea or Iran.
12
Lots of speculation in this!
He may also win by starting out with extreme, crazy positions. When he moderates them slightly to appeal to critics, his new proposals risk appearing sane by contrast. The bar is set so low for him that he gets undeserved credit when he rises just a little.
28
Trump has us blackmailed.
His wave of horrors and absurdities deserves no reward and we can all see that any attention is rewarding to him.
But if we look away, we risk what he likes to call a Disaster.
And I am afraid this show is not going to wear out. We can expect no waning of interest:
Trump has surrounded himself with the Keystone Cops of government. So the parade of Crazy is never-ending. If we tire of Trump, we get Sessions or DeVos or Carson or Bannon or Kellyanne ...
Yes, he has ensured our cooperation by threatening disaster. Ad Nauseum.
His wave of horrors and absurdities deserves no reward and we can all see that any attention is rewarding to him.
But if we look away, we risk what he likes to call a Disaster.
And I am afraid this show is not going to wear out. We can expect no waning of interest:
Trump has surrounded himself with the Keystone Cops of government. So the parade of Crazy is never-ending. If we tire of Trump, we get Sessions or DeVos or Carson or Bannon or Kellyanne ...
Yes, he has ensured our cooperation by threatening disaster. Ad Nauseum.
14
The shame of it is that the disaster probably won't be from ISIS or North Korea or Russia or somewhere outside our borders. The shame of it is that, like an abusive spouse who doesn't get his way, Trump will blow something up inside our borders just to make sure he keeps our attention and compliance.
1
Thanks for sparing us having to see another photo of the tweeter in chief.
8
Squint hard and you'll see you've gotten no relief.
1
A lengthy article to come to the conclusion that people are fascinated by things like dumpster fires.
Doesn't mean it's a good thing.
Doesn't mean it's a good thing.
13
All I know is I am enjoying the budding scandal over the Russia connection. First Flynn goes, then Jeff Session (who I call Jeff Secession) recuses himself. Will bubbala Jared be next. Didn't he talk to the Russian? Net net what I want to see is 20 years of Trumpty Dumpty's tax returns followed by impeachment and conviction. An outcome better than a Hillary win!!!
54
@Don: you seem to think -- erroneously -- that if you can somehow obtain Mr. Trump's tax returns since 1995 (the one that ALREADY stolen) -- you will be able to impeach him. It doesn't work that way.
The legality of Mr. Trump's returns are entirely up to the IRS. They had 20 years to reject his returns, or file charges against him and there is not a shred of evidence they have done so. Likely, with his absurd (though legal) deductions, he has been audited EVERY year.
Also: Trump has no legal obligation whatsoever to produce his returns. Given the sharp knives that are out -- would YOU reveal YOUR returns under such circumstances? I doubt it.
To impeach the President, you must have A. very serious charges that are provable in court and B. a 2/3rds vote in the Senate. The Senate is majority Republican. Good luck.
Also, you cannot impeach the President because you dislike him -- you didn't vote for him -- you don't like the Electoral College -- you wish the laws were different than they are -- you hate his guts -- you are pretty sure he's lying (but no hard proof) -- he has a bad comb-over. Sorry. Try again.
The legality of Mr. Trump's returns are entirely up to the IRS. They had 20 years to reject his returns, or file charges against him and there is not a shred of evidence they have done so. Likely, with his absurd (though legal) deductions, he has been audited EVERY year.
Also: Trump has no legal obligation whatsoever to produce his returns. Given the sharp knives that are out -- would YOU reveal YOUR returns under such circumstances? I doubt it.
To impeach the President, you must have A. very serious charges that are provable in court and B. a 2/3rds vote in the Senate. The Senate is majority Republican. Good luck.
Also, you cannot impeach the President because you dislike him -- you didn't vote for him -- you don't like the Electoral College -- you wish the laws were different than they are -- you hate his guts -- you are pretty sure he's lying (but no hard proof) -- he has a bad comb-over. Sorry. Try again.
1
Dear Mr. Concerned Citizen. There may be nothing financially illegal about the returns but it will show the extent of the Russia connection. Otherwise what is he hiding, the ONLY president who has not turned over his tax returns. He is hiding something!!!!!
4
Better than a Hillary win? Not if we're left with Mike Pence.
All of the organized protests "resist" marches rallys Hollywood all go towards this as well. Having grown up on comic books during the primaries I noticed an amazing similarity between the Hulk and Trump. In the comics the more the Hulk is attacked the stronger he gets. I noticed this to be true of Trump. Cruz and Rubio tag team attacking him during the primary and didn't stop him. Clintons calling his supporters "Deplorables" energized his supporters and him so that they used the term as a badge of honor. It really is a remarkable phenomena.
1
The question is how, by managing Trump via "negtive attention", can we prevent Congress from doing all the bad stuff that they, or Trump, want to do? Can we play him to block them?
Thoughtful column. It's so hard to deal with a lunatic with real power.
Mr. Trump himself of course is not immune to defeats or criticism, he's so immature and insecure the slightest whiff of criticism causes him to throw a tantrum and try to disparage & strike back with his "fists", via tweets, verbal threats or other insane comments the next time he gets the mic. And he always blame others.
But of course his voters seem immune and oblivious to his ignorance and incompetence, and his propaganda. As does the republican party in congress. But maybe as the author suggests even a favorite clown becomes tiresome at some point to devoted fans. We can hope.
The problem for the media and all of us really is, when you have a maniac in charge who potentially is destroying the country, you have to watch him unrelentingly, you can't just ignore him.
The media however could try and focus more on what if anything he actually does that helps or hurts people, on any available details of his so called policies if any are available.
I know it would be short or blank most of the time, but could you start a daily column entitled: trump's policies and their effects on real people.
And also another, likely lengthy, called trump's tantrums, delusions, lies and tweets.
Then if we want we might more easily skip the usual insane rantings.
Mr. Trump himself of course is not immune to defeats or criticism, he's so immature and insecure the slightest whiff of criticism causes him to throw a tantrum and try to disparage & strike back with his "fists", via tweets, verbal threats or other insane comments the next time he gets the mic. And he always blame others.
But of course his voters seem immune and oblivious to his ignorance and incompetence, and his propaganda. As does the republican party in congress. But maybe as the author suggests even a favorite clown becomes tiresome at some point to devoted fans. We can hope.
The problem for the media and all of us really is, when you have a maniac in charge who potentially is destroying the country, you have to watch him unrelentingly, you can't just ignore him.
The media however could try and focus more on what if anything he actually does that helps or hurts people, on any available details of his so called policies if any are available.
I know it would be short or blank most of the time, but could you start a daily column entitled: trump's policies and their effects on real people.
And also another, likely lengthy, called trump's tantrums, delusions, lies and tweets.
Then if we want we might more easily skip the usual insane rantings.
So what do we do? To paraphrase the cartoon I saw a while back: My need to be informed is in direct conflict with remaining sane.
It's a brain rash with seemingly no way to treat it.
It's a brain rash with seemingly no way to treat it.
2
Rather that writing so much about the president, the media, the NYT included, should focus on his enablers in congress. We should make sure they will be held accountable in the midterm election and forever after in their political careers. Report on policies, and what each voting in congress means.
6
Wow. Very well articulated. It's a maddening paradoxical cycle: we strongly dislike the things he says and does, yet we read and watch about him -- even though we strongly dislike the attention he is getting.
I strongly dislike how I no longer enjoy opening the NYT app on my phone because his face is all over it. Looking at his image evokes a feeling of revulsion. And frustration. Because I find it hard to accept that so many folks support him.
I find it hard to accept that the men and women in our Congress do not want to investigate the Russian meddling in our Presidential Election!!
I find it hard to accept that our President spouts nonsense all day long and, yet, he is not laughed off the stage by everybody.
Things have got to change. Right?
I strongly dislike how I no longer enjoy opening the NYT app on my phone because his face is all over it. Looking at his image evokes a feeling of revulsion. And frustration. Because I find it hard to accept that so many folks support him.
I find it hard to accept that the men and women in our Congress do not want to investigate the Russian meddling in our Presidential Election!!
I find it hard to accept that our President spouts nonsense all day long and, yet, he is not laughed off the stage by everybody.
Things have got to change. Right?
18
I fully expect 'war' to become actual war sooner than later. I predict Iran will be the target. Iran is culturally hostile to the US and Israel, they have some sort of nuclear research program, and they have a large and fairly developed economy. War with Iran could drag on indefinitely, providing the liar-in-chief with a bottomless pit of non-stop attention grabbing, sensational, blatting nonsense.
2
Eventually he's going to have to pull bigger stunts to get the same attention. Frankly he's become a little redundant. But I've discovered that he puts on a show when he needs to distract us from the real story so now I find myself chasing whatever he's trying to hide and focusing on that.
We need our media to look for the real story also. Doing so would neutralize Trump and as a side benefit drive him nuts also. Please don't let Trump control the story, do let him implode.
At least Americans are engaged and paying attention again.
We need our media to look for the real story also. Doing so would neutralize Trump and as a side benefit drive him nuts also. Please don't let Trump control the story, do let him implode.
At least Americans are engaged and paying attention again.
7
Where is the continuing investigative reporting on the Yemen raid? Why is Trmp getting a pass? Because he honored the Navy Seal's widow, who he created? Eight investigations of Benghazi and nothing for this ill conceived, botched raid? This is where the media can make a difference. Trmp creates a new controversy to draw attention from the previous one. He knows and counts on the public's short attention span to allow him to move on from one misdeed to the next with no repercussions. Yes, he is winning.
9
"Waning interest says it all". Hopefully the media will get bored with the constant coverage of Trump. I know that I am. It will interesting to see what happens to Trump when very few in the media are covering him or the public just tunes him out. It might take four years for that to happen.
We seem to forgot that Trump has an opponent in his battle for public opinion. The media wants to control our attention no less than Trump does.
5
The reason we forget that is it's not true. "The Media" is not some single entity with a grim purpose of controlling America. The media in actuality is made up of hundreds of TV networks, newspapers, and websites, employing hundreds of thousands of people, and each are trying to report the facts with more or less spin on them (like NYT some liberal spin, Fox more conservative spin, Breitbart total lies all the time, etc.). So don't be so paranoid.
1
I think you're off by an order of magnitude. Mainstream media involves thousands of news outlets. The point is that they do not act INDEPENDENTLY. They share a set of interests that strongly determines how these conduct their business. It's not grim or paranoid to recognize that NONE of these outlets would survive economically if they could not capture and influence the attention of news consumers. The assertion that they share a political orientation that is, generally, in-line with the political establishment should also be of no surprise. There is considerable overlap in their professional and cultural circles. The conservative bias of mainstream media was obvious during the days of Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld. (CNN would never have been called the "Clinton News Network".) But since Obama's administration took charge, all this has changed - and Fox News is now the weak outsider (loaded with cheesy commercials and with lower production quality.) Keep in mind, Fox News only recently backed Trump. Only a couple Fox radio programs took a chance on Trump before he vanquished the republican establishment.
1
I agree that Donald is entertaining. The media averaged about a hundred articles a day for 18 months of the campaign and that wasn't--ahem--all policy analysis.
But the reason I track him now is that I fear for the Republic. Donald is a fascist. I owe him nothing but resistance.
But the reason I track him now is that I fear for the Republic. Donald is a fascist. I owe him nothing but resistance.
8
Trump is busy making America less great.
(But you knew that from the fact that he has been saying the opposite. The vast majority of what he says is the opposite of the truth.)
(But you knew that from the fact that he has been saying the opposite. The vast majority of what he says is the opposite of the truth.)
5
Great piece, referencing a "variable reward schedule" using the now king-of-clickbait as the formula for maximizing media revenues. The "ignore until he goes away" suggestion clearly won't happen given tabloid news gone digital. As for following American politics and policy to get a daily "fix" without enriching the media giants, I recommend (no affiliation) the www.electoral-vote.com blog.
Like so many of my friends, starting 43 days ago, I became afflicted with:
Trumpression
And
Trumpiexty
Each day, my friends and I tell each other to tune out Trump in the newspapers, to turn off NPR and CNN.
But, a sense of Trumpanoia prevails, and I feel a sense of obligation to be watchful, and vigilant.
Trumpression
And
Trumpiexty
Each day, my friends and I tell each other to tune out Trump in the newspapers, to turn off NPR and CNN.
But, a sense of Trumpanoia prevails, and I feel a sense of obligation to be watchful, and vigilant.
7
Annamarie,
I too suffer from a disease that started 43 days ago. But luckily, after a recent visit to a prominent doctor in NYC he told me "that he has identified the disease due to numerous patients complaining of the same SEVERE symptoms". Like his other patients I have been watching a President that constantly lies and has a following that enjoys his lies. Also, the doctor has "documented" other symptoms like participating in rallies against "Not My President", posting comments in NYT articles about the President and watching Steve Colbert eviscerate Trump on a nightly basis. But there is hope .... the Doctor told me that a vaccine is being tested and the results look promising. Hopefully the vaccine will be covered under Trump's replacement for the ACA.
I too suffer from a disease that started 43 days ago. But luckily, after a recent visit to a prominent doctor in NYC he told me "that he has identified the disease due to numerous patients complaining of the same SEVERE symptoms". Like his other patients I have been watching a President that constantly lies and has a following that enjoys his lies. Also, the doctor has "documented" other symptoms like participating in rallies against "Not My President", posting comments in NYT articles about the President and watching Steve Colbert eviscerate Trump on a nightly basis. But there is hope .... the Doctor told me that a vaccine is being tested and the results look promising. Hopefully the vaccine will be covered under Trump's replacement for the ACA.
1
"As democracy is perfected, the office of the President represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day, the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be occupied by a downright fool and a complete narcissistic moron."
H.L. Menken
The Baltimore Evening Sun
July 26, 1920
H.L. Menken
The Baltimore Evening Sun
July 26, 1920
The author states: "..when facts are just props, deployed for dramatic effect."
And when the sorrow of a grieving widow is deployed for dramatic effect and as distraction from a poorly planned and executed military operation.
Trump kept the horrible "moment" going for a "record" time by his continuous gaze and clapping--beyond any reasonable and sensitive tribute. Truly a reality show...
And when the sorrow of a grieving widow is deployed for dramatic effect and as distraction from a poorly planned and executed military operation.
Trump kept the horrible "moment" going for a "record" time by his continuous gaze and clapping--beyond any reasonable and sensitive tribute. Truly a reality show...
26
That was very painful for the widow. Not a sensitive guy, Trump, not at all.
3
I am not American and maybe it is the American way, but I would have given the widow a hug, if I were Ivanka!
1
Mr. Wu gave an excellent Cspan talk on his book The Attention Merchants.
Apt now, as we have the misfortune of a ‘wild presidency’. Every day more impulsive tweets. DT and his cabinet are acting out a bizarre Reality TV spectacle. He won’t moderate, or evolve, but will double down.
But the more he pushes boundaries, the more pushback he’ll get, and this may actually help him be a martyr for his fans, who cling to the illusion of Trumpf as a victim of the media and the establishment. In fact that’s the main identity he cultivates for his political power.
If Obama had fought harder against the establishment Gop and the Wall St corporatocracy that funds elections and directs party platforms, he would have grabbed plenty more huge, sustained attention. And changed our political standards of what the govt owes its people. Against such Gop destructive, anti democracy extremists, we need more than a well mannered leader in opposition.
So Trumpf’s bizarre behavior, instead of turning people off, is pleasing his fans, and firing them up in his defense. The more he fights the better they stick to him. The media’s thinks their exposure of his faults will increase public disapproval. It does, but is the constant focus on him maybe backfiring and reinforcing the support of his gullible true believer fans?
To save US democracy, DT's eventual downfall must be more definite and unambiguous than just weakening media spotlighting.
Apt now, as we have the misfortune of a ‘wild presidency’. Every day more impulsive tweets. DT and his cabinet are acting out a bizarre Reality TV spectacle. He won’t moderate, or evolve, but will double down.
But the more he pushes boundaries, the more pushback he’ll get, and this may actually help him be a martyr for his fans, who cling to the illusion of Trumpf as a victim of the media and the establishment. In fact that’s the main identity he cultivates for his political power.
If Obama had fought harder against the establishment Gop and the Wall St corporatocracy that funds elections and directs party platforms, he would have grabbed plenty more huge, sustained attention. And changed our political standards of what the govt owes its people. Against such Gop destructive, anti democracy extremists, we need more than a well mannered leader in opposition.
So Trumpf’s bizarre behavior, instead of turning people off, is pleasing his fans, and firing them up in his defense. The more he fights the better they stick to him. The media’s thinks their exposure of his faults will increase public disapproval. It does, but is the constant focus on him maybe backfiring and reinforcing the support of his gullible true believer fans?
To save US democracy, DT's eventual downfall must be more definite and unambiguous than just weakening media spotlighting.
I can no longer listen to Trump or watch him on TV or read about him. I read the news everyday, but find myself skipping the articles about The Donald. I'm just so tired of it. Everything gets old if there is way too much of it for way too long. I'd lose my mind if I had to follow Donald's every ridiculous new tweet or his daily whacko lies or his incessant bragging. Enough is enough. Burnout will be Trump's downfall. And before long most of the country will be exhausted by it and move on.
2
As I suggested quite some time ago in comment to a previous article, an effective strategy may be to marginalize Trumps antics, and only print actual newsworthy information on the front page. The remainder of references and coverage of his antics and tweets gets relegated to back pages in the 'Political' section, or even the media section. Perhaps the NYT should launch a comics section devoted to Trump.
Every time he is sensationalized, he succeeds in his mission. And the public likes watching a disaster and cannot turn away from the carnage. Ever drive by an automobile crash on the highway traveling in the opposite direction wondering why traffic is stopping with no impediment to travel in your direction? Rubberneckers cannot resist seeing what all the commotion is about, so all traffic becomes impeded.
We are being dragged down by the constant nonsense, and it may just come down to who can outlast the other before everyone and everything gets ignored.
Every time he is sensationalized, he succeeds in his mission. And the public likes watching a disaster and cannot turn away from the carnage. Ever drive by an automobile crash on the highway traveling in the opposite direction wondering why traffic is stopping with no impediment to travel in your direction? Rubberneckers cannot resist seeing what all the commotion is about, so all traffic becomes impeded.
We are being dragged down by the constant nonsense, and it may just come down to who can outlast the other before everyone and everything gets ignored.
Clever insights and interesting hypotheses. One possibility, I think, is that the constancy of his being different will eventually wear thin. I was fascinated by the Republican primary process, mostly because of Trump's outlandish behavior and his surprising success against the rest of the field, but during the general election I became bored with him, though not with the ups and downs of the election. And the same is true now. To me what is now interesting is not Trump himself but whether he and the Republican congress will be able to roll back the safety net programs, severely damage essential agencies like the EPA, and otherwise make America less great.
1
"To live by attention is to die by it as well, and he may end up less a victim of political defeat than of waning interest, the final fate of every act."
Please, let this be true. I am so sick of hearing about Donald Trump, especially, on sites like Reddit. There are so many shills trying to keep this us vs him going ; both parties are at fault.
Please, let this be true. I am so sick of hearing about Donald Trump, especially, on sites like Reddit. There are so many shills trying to keep this us vs him going ; both parties are at fault.
1
The Presidency of Donald Trump not as much of a threat to America as people have been making out because Trump is in fact severely curtailed in action by the institutions of America and he is more along the lines of an entertainment act which must draw attention and his fate will most probably be that of a fading act?
No doubt many today of both political parties hope this is true. But if this analysis of Trump is accurate it is terrifying for what it inadvertently reveals: That virtually every aspect of American life is an act, that we live in an artificial, coverup, untruthful, put on a front reality. We worship film--actors. We are constantly bombarded by advertisement. Corporations and government act in secrecy. All is false or at best guarded before the eye.
If Trump, a billionaire, with all his commotion cannot, even in the highest office of the land, inject some actuality, honesty, clarity, analysis into the American situation but is rather just another entertainment act, then America is truly in trouble. We are essentially a fake people. We despise literature, writing which penetrates to the heart of America. We are not much for aesthetics unless it is to decorate or disguise or "make pretty". What we essentially have is administration in which everybody is careful to mouth the correct words, to play the right part, to essentially put on an act.
The question really is whether anyone or any institution in America can exist precisely by not being an act.
No doubt many today of both political parties hope this is true. But if this analysis of Trump is accurate it is terrifying for what it inadvertently reveals: That virtually every aspect of American life is an act, that we live in an artificial, coverup, untruthful, put on a front reality. We worship film--actors. We are constantly bombarded by advertisement. Corporations and government act in secrecy. All is false or at best guarded before the eye.
If Trump, a billionaire, with all his commotion cannot, even in the highest office of the land, inject some actuality, honesty, clarity, analysis into the American situation but is rather just another entertainment act, then America is truly in trouble. We are essentially a fake people. We despise literature, writing which penetrates to the heart of America. We are not much for aesthetics unless it is to decorate or disguise or "make pretty". What we essentially have is administration in which everybody is careful to mouth the correct words, to play the right part, to essentially put on an act.
The question really is whether anyone or any institution in America can exist precisely by not being an act.
The military budget is increased. So is the international aggression. When the fight is picked, we'll rally round the flag. And most of what Herr Trump has done will be forgotten. Just in time for the re-election. How this great nation of ours is allowing this to happen is one of the more disheartening (not to mention nauseating) civic experiences of my adult lifetime.
And with this I have learned, if only in the tiniest of increments, what it must feel like for the truly oppressed people from around the world, including this nation, to watch the alternate reality around them nullify what they live each day. The horror.
And with this I have learned, if only in the tiniest of increments, what it must feel like for the truly oppressed people from around the world, including this nation, to watch the alternate reality around them nullify what they live each day. The horror.
1
Trump's job is to distract. While the media follows his every tweet, Ryan, McConnell, Schumer, etc. , will be passing legislation to privatise social security, Medicare, Medicaid, tolls, schools, resources on public lands etc.
Compared to Trump, the pundits will declare Ryan very reasonable. Trump will demand everything for everyone, as he did with healthcare, but when the legislation his his desk, he will sign it and declare victory.
This is the most dangerous time since the civil war. They were already trying to steal everything, but with the Great Tweeter in office, the timetable had been greatly accelerated.
For decades the global corporations have been using our government to loot countries under the cover of disasters, natural and man made. Trump is just the sister they have been waiting for, to do it to us.
Read Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein, to see exactly how it is done.
Compared to Trump, the pundits will declare Ryan very reasonable. Trump will demand everything for everyone, as he did with healthcare, but when the legislation his his desk, he will sign it and declare victory.
This is the most dangerous time since the civil war. They were already trying to steal everything, but with the Great Tweeter in office, the timetable had been greatly accelerated.
For decades the global corporations have been using our government to loot countries under the cover of disasters, natural and man made. Trump is just the sister they have been waiting for, to do it to us.
Read Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein, to see exactly how it is done.
From the minute that he first announced his candidacy, Trump has dominated the mass media. Every unthinking and confused utterance of this man has dominated political discussion and the news without there being much analysis of any issues beyond the failure of fact checking to confirm much of anything that he says or claims. He has woven a narrative that accounts for all the fears, resentments, and hopes of millions of Americans who feel like their world is not as predictable and familiar as it used to be, without trying to be truthful with respect to reality, and he's become their hero and avatar in the mass media. There is but a thin membrane of awareness about the office he now holds in himself and amongst his closest advisors. His people, like himself, have no belief that knowing what it true verses what is not, makes any difference in their achieving their ends. And so well informed people spend hours contemplating not the real challenges that we all face but the farce going on in Trump's profoundly ignorant mind and the falsehoods that flow like a stream from the White House. Meanwhile, the high officials of the cabinet and national security assure the world that the United States will stay the course that has worked for seventy years and Trump contradicts them in his twitter comments. It's time to pull the plug on this clown show. Trump is a black hole, report what Trump says, but discuss our real world problems instead of his silliness.
2
Like the Wizard of Oz, Pres. Trump does not want us to notice the man behind the curtain (Bannon). Unfortunately, this strategy will work only until we face a national emergency that requires presidential leadership. If we had another 9/11 incident, Pres. Trump would be the first to leave town and go to Mar-A-Lago. I hope we can survive the next four years.
2
Donald Trump earned his chops in NYC on the hot griddle of lurid tabloid, NY Post Page 6-type media that fed him the endless attention that his infantile, megalonarcissitic personality required and desired. He learned his lessons well.
He has found that lessons learned there also work on the mainstream media as well.
And worked on the gritty, angry, vengeful, hopeful audience, I mean populace, that elected him.
People keep underestimating Donald Trump. I agree that it is both his strength and inevitably, his weakness. As long as you keep in mind that this guy and his minions aren't going anywhere soon. The Republicans and his base won't let it happen. And Trump sells too much advertising.
We think of checks and balances as a troika (a term not used accidentally) - Presidential, Legislative, Judicial. Journalism, the Fourth Estate, represents the fourth, and presently, the last, best check and balance.
My fear is that even if Trump goes down in flames it won't make much of a difference. By the time it might happen, the ravages that The Trump administration and the icy cold Republican majority in the House and Senate will have inflicted upon the American people could take a generation - or two to undue. Or not possible to undue at all.
He has found that lessons learned there also work on the mainstream media as well.
And worked on the gritty, angry, vengeful, hopeful audience, I mean populace, that elected him.
People keep underestimating Donald Trump. I agree that it is both his strength and inevitably, his weakness. As long as you keep in mind that this guy and his minions aren't going anywhere soon. The Republicans and his base won't let it happen. And Trump sells too much advertising.
We think of checks and balances as a troika (a term not used accidentally) - Presidential, Legislative, Judicial. Journalism, the Fourth Estate, represents the fourth, and presently, the last, best check and balance.
My fear is that even if Trump goes down in flames it won't make much of a difference. By the time it might happen, the ravages that The Trump administration and the icy cold Republican majority in the House and Senate will have inflicted upon the American people could take a generation - or two to undue. Or not possible to undue at all.
I want to decrease my exposure to Trump's escapades, lies, and misbehaviors. But the Trump phenomenon is addictive in its ability to subconsciously keep dragging my cursor over yet another report that should be damaging to his reign. It appears that Trump has been channeling P.T. Barnum for at least 20 yearns while validating Barnum's belief that "no publicity is bad publicity." When he confined his behavior to a narrow part of the population, he seemed obnoxious but relatively harmless. But now he has truly gone viral. If I survive this era, I might need serious cognitive therapy.
2
Donald Trump is a product of the narcissistic, attention-seeking, thin-skinned media. He is their reality show. The media couldn't turn their eyes away in the run-up to the election. Yes, the modern media have become the "enemy of the people".
It is time for serious journalism to take up the challenge. Perhaps the NYTimes could lead by developing a separate section dedicated to investigations of actual issues, while maintaining their current format for everything else. This section would explicitly exclude any latest scandals, rumors, tweets, etc., but focus on real people and policy analysis. It is critical to distinguish professional journalism as much as possible from the noise and competition coming from social sites, hate radio, cable news, etc.
It is time for serious journalism to take up the challenge. Perhaps the NYTimes could lead by developing a separate section dedicated to investigations of actual issues, while maintaining their current format for everything else. This section would explicitly exclude any latest scandals, rumors, tweets, etc., but focus on real people and policy analysis. It is critical to distinguish professional journalism as much as possible from the noise and competition coming from social sites, hate radio, cable news, etc.
1
In the 1960's, when government was controversial but Presidents were serious people, the controversial issues led to special programs devoted to those issues and providing broad perspectives for the public to comprehend, and it was reflected in real public concerns about those issues and their resolutions. When the President said anything, it was considered to be serious and well considered, whether it was ultimately proved accurate or not. With Trump we have half the people assuming that they understand what Trump will do and intends to do but who do not believe much of anything that he says? Yes. Trump has penetrated their minds with his brain waves and they feel it. It's called a popular delusion or madness of crowds phenomenon by social psychologists, in which people simply forget themselves and join in what in entertainment is called a suspension of disbelief for the sake of participating. It will wear off and when it does, Trump will become the man that nobody cares to discuss anymore.
1
Unlike Paris Hilton, Herr Trump commands a military and a wide range of other Federal agencies with extensive powers limited only by the effectiveness of our constitutional system of checks and balances.
Unlike Paris Hilton, Herr Trump has shown an ability to stir people to action, and not just hold their gaze. That action has ranged from acceptable things like voting to unacceptable things like violence.
Paris Hilton never tried to declare the free press the "enemy of the people."
The question is not when people might tire of Trump.
The question is when the rule of law - via the Courts and Constitutional checks via Congress and the States - will succeed in limiting his power.
Let Trump loom large in our minds, I say. Its the actions we take to limit his power and maintain the Constitution that will matter.
Unlike Paris Hilton, Herr Trump has shown an ability to stir people to action, and not just hold their gaze. That action has ranged from acceptable things like voting to unacceptable things like violence.
Paris Hilton never tried to declare the free press the "enemy of the people."
The question is not when people might tire of Trump.
The question is when the rule of law - via the Courts and Constitutional checks via Congress and the States - will succeed in limiting his power.
Let Trump loom large in our minds, I say. Its the actions we take to limit his power and maintain the Constitution that will matter.
1
The spectacle is part of Trump's plan. We obsess over Russian connections and Twitter feeds, while Trump, his cabinet and the Republican Congress take away our civil liberties, voting rights, clean air and water, public education, social services, and health care. I fear Trump is speaking the truth: Russia is a ruse. There is something far more nefarious at work here.
1
I like this argument, and I think there's something to it. I respectfully offer a refinement. Ratings showed that Trump's speech to Congress had a relatively small audience. The American people have apparently learned that what Trump says doesn't much matter. The fascination is with the endless twists and turns as Trump pursues his policies. What matters is where Trump goes, not where he says he will go. All action, no talk. Trump is a video game with the sound turned off.
The relationship between Trump and many of us has become symbiotic, addictive and toxic. In other words he needs us to feed his insatiable need for attention and validation and we now need him to feed our new way of distracting ourselves from our personal woes. Before Trump, that was, for many, the job of alcohol and mind altering drugs--and even our devices. Those substances and things help numb us and/or refocus our attention so we can better tolerate the intolerable things that show up in our lives.
However, the down side of any addiction is that tolerance eventually occurs. And that means needing more and more of whatever we're addicted to for the same mind-altering effects.
Thus this Trump symbiotic addiction (him to our attention and us to his radical behavior's ability to release our brain's dopamine) could turn dangerous. And that's because of Trump's access to the nuclear code which acting on would be the ultimate way a flawed mind starving for attention who seems to care less about consequences could get back what he craves once our attention begins to wain.
However, the down side of any addiction is that tolerance eventually occurs. And that means needing more and more of whatever we're addicted to for the same mind-altering effects.
Thus this Trump symbiotic addiction (him to our attention and us to his radical behavior's ability to release our brain's dopamine) could turn dangerous. And that's because of Trump's access to the nuclear code which acting on would be the ultimate way a flawed mind starving for attention who seems to care less about consequences could get back what he craves once our attention begins to wain.
1
Mr. Wu: Your last two paragraphs contradict the previous ones. As another theory of communications (at most a proto-science) puts it a "hot" personality burns out much faster than a "cool" one. President Obama is more popular than ever. Although President Trump has been in office less than six weeks, I can hardly bear to watch him any more. It's like watching re-runs of the three stooges.
It's all about what we actually want with Trump.
Do we want him - I mean influence him - to be an effective leader to take us to prosperity, thriving and success? OR do we want to prove him what a joke he is.
(And it is comical that he actually is in the minority - so how did we let this happen?)
The latter is naive. The latter will not succeed, as he is - provenly - immune to such. Effectively turn the tables on anyone who shines the light on their lies, manipulations, use of the "base", engagement of the onerous right who is not interested in most of us thriving.
Nor we be successful in leading him to wisdom.
I think we have to wait out this, and vote them out: starting in the next two years. Voting them out will be easier if the "base" will do no better after T's changes... if America actually suffers... if China quicker becomes #1 - facilitated by all this.
In the meanwhile, we have to be vigilant to not push our country over the precipice and prevent leading to xenophobia, fascism, dictatorship of the minority, imposition of ways and values that the majority does not want.
So, what do we want as citizens?
Do we want him - I mean influence him - to be an effective leader to take us to prosperity, thriving and success? OR do we want to prove him what a joke he is.
(And it is comical that he actually is in the minority - so how did we let this happen?)
The latter is naive. The latter will not succeed, as he is - provenly - immune to such. Effectively turn the tables on anyone who shines the light on their lies, manipulations, use of the "base", engagement of the onerous right who is not interested in most of us thriving.
Nor we be successful in leading him to wisdom.
I think we have to wait out this, and vote them out: starting in the next two years. Voting them out will be easier if the "base" will do no better after T's changes... if America actually suffers... if China quicker becomes #1 - facilitated by all this.
In the meanwhile, we have to be vigilant to not push our country over the precipice and prevent leading to xenophobia, fascism, dictatorship of the minority, imposition of ways and values that the majority does not want.
So, what do we want as citizens?
I fear that if Democrats do not end the top-down power structure in the party, that succeeded in losing the election to Donald Trump and the GOP, that Trump will gain a second term.
He is a master media baiter who will continue to rouse his rabble.
He is a master media baiter who will continue to rouse his rabble.
53
He lost the election.
3
Brilliant take, professor. I also envy your students.
14
It's interesting that I would read this column today. That's because for the first time since the beginning of the nominating process, I scanned the home page of the NYT, and thought, do I really want to read this article about trump?
But I did feel compelled to read about the many Russian connections that have invaded the White House. This definitely needs to be investigated. It shouldn't be a politicized investigation, but one to find out about foreign meddling in our election. The next election could find the Republicans being targeted. I think they should embrace this idea for lessons learned. It could serve them well.
But I did feel compelled to read about the many Russian connections that have invaded the White House. This definitely needs to be investigated. It shouldn't be a politicized investigation, but one to find out about foreign meddling in our election. The next election could find the Republicans being targeted. I think they should embrace this idea for lessons learned. It could serve them well.
4
Hope I am following the original topic, but just watched the Putin talk about Trump and the hoax of his misbehavior on the Times first page, and there it was: Putin saying that Trump didn't take the bait of the prostitutes! That's an admittance on the Russians trying to blackmail Trump. What a joke!
1
When is he going to be "our" president instead of the free wheeling, rogue elephant in the china shop? He appears not to give a whit for the American public while bowing at the altar of Goldman Sachs. Every day, he takes away a little more - our environment, educational resources, healthcare, retirement - and offers nothing in return. When does his base realize they are losing just like the rest of us?
46
I think the limited grey matter of the nation can’t get past “entertainment”! Incredibly frightening.
I'm a Columbia alum and a Trump zealot, and spent time at Columbia Law library, probably before prof Wu, was born. Llater, as a Westlaw paralegal, I invented my own way of shepherdizing cases.
This piece is such ignorant twaddle, that I see why / how Columbia has been taken over by the crazy students; I stopped giving alumni money long ago, long before they hosted the Iranian butcher, but then I go back to the 60s when OUR side took over the campus
Trump is a serious as a heart attack, and twice as dangerous to his enemies, and his media circus is all the art of misdirection, sleight of hand, to foll the yahoos and superficial, be afraid be very afraid
=
This piece is such ignorant twaddle, that I see why / how Columbia has been taken over by the crazy students; I stopped giving alumni money long ago, long before they hosted the Iranian butcher, but then I go back to the 60s when OUR side took over the campus
Trump is a serious as a heart attack, and twice as dangerous to his enemies, and his media circus is all the art of misdirection, sleight of hand, to foll the yahoos and superficial, be afraid be very afraid
=
7
You are correct. On the other hand he also is a showman extraordinaire and he and his antics are addictive. Too bad he couldn't be like a pretend president for a TV show or something. On the third hand he requires constant vigilance because he is unpredictable and not fit for the job. Resist.
Ignore the form and focus upon the content of Trump's statements and you see a shallow mind and a weak intellect that has very little interest in anything beyond being a popular celebrity, a man who can attract and keep an audience for entertainment's sake but could not plan a field trip for elementary school children.
1
"Trump is a serious as a heart attack, and twice as dangerous to his enemies"
Too bad his enemies are a free press, an opposition party and the truth.
Too bad his enemies are a free press, an opposition party and the truth.
3
And while we reflect trivialities about Tweetie Pie, we might heed President Bannon's call for attention to the dharma.
As put by Raimundo Panikkar:
"I am convinced both by the sings of the time and by the work of contemporary scholars that the world finds itself before a dilemma of planetary proportions: either there will be a radical change of 'civilization,' of the meaning of the human, or a catastrophe of cosmic proportions will occur. This leads me to see a genuine meeting of cultures [beyond Bannonion "nationalism" and Clintonion "neoliberal globalization" to something along the lines of true planetization a la de Chardin, Gebser and Aurobindo] as a first step toward a metanoia pregnant with hope."
From the preface to "Christophany: The Fullness of Man."
www.remember-to-breathe.org/Breathing-Videos.htm
As put by Raimundo Panikkar:
"I am convinced both by the sings of the time and by the work of contemporary scholars that the world finds itself before a dilemma of planetary proportions: either there will be a radical change of 'civilization,' of the meaning of the human, or a catastrophe of cosmic proportions will occur. This leads me to see a genuine meeting of cultures [beyond Bannonion "nationalism" and Clintonion "neoliberal globalization" to something along the lines of true planetization a la de Chardin, Gebser and Aurobindo] as a first step toward a metanoia pregnant with hope."
From the preface to "Christophany: The Fullness of Man."
www.remember-to-breathe.org/Breathing-Videos.htm
5
I like what Panikkar is saying. Unfortunately he's saying it in a way that will never be understood by most of the people who voted for Trump and many who didn't. It may be time for us to acknowledge the necessity of tailoring our discourse to fit the background of the people we are hoping to reach.
No one is pointing a gun to anyone's head and forcing them to produce or consume this stuff. Unlike what one sees in places like North Korea or Cuba.
What we all are witnessing is shrewdly executed public relations. Unlike the regular politicians who are terrified about offending the general public, or some subset of that, President Trump, who has never served in a public office, could care less. When he is expressing his opinions, even as President, they are just that - opinions.
I"m sure the majority of those who voted for Trump, or against Clinton, really could care less. This era we are in represents truly unbroken ground in modern US politics. The electorate voted in someone who has never had anything to do with politics. All along the road the political establishment, politicians as well as media, completely missed the boat. Rather than properly assessing this new environment within the new context, most of the political establishment continues flail their arms and gnash their teeth, shrieking the sky is falling. Instead they should all be standing in line singing mea culpa's because that is why we are here, 50+ years of establishment failures.
What we all are witnessing is shrewdly executed public relations. Unlike the regular politicians who are terrified about offending the general public, or some subset of that, President Trump, who has never served in a public office, could care less. When he is expressing his opinions, even as President, they are just that - opinions.
I"m sure the majority of those who voted for Trump, or against Clinton, really could care less. This era we are in represents truly unbroken ground in modern US politics. The electorate voted in someone who has never had anything to do with politics. All along the road the political establishment, politicians as well as media, completely missed the boat. Rather than properly assessing this new environment within the new context, most of the political establishment continues flail their arms and gnash their teeth, shrieking the sky is falling. Instead they should all be standing in line singing mea culpa's because that is why we are here, 50+ years of establishment failures.
6
There's nothing that gets our attention more fully than threats; that's just how we are wired. But the backlash is coming and it will be furious, and at some point Trump and the GOP won't know what hit them. So all this hoopla by the administration, while successful in capturing mind share, is not a winning strategy at all. Hitler and the Third Reich got plenty of attention, too, but that didn't end well for them, did it? Trump and his cronies will not just be a foot note in American history, but pariahs.
16
Quite the opposite for me.
I used to be a rabid, engaged, constant consumer of news and politics. No more. My psyche and personal health can't take it.
I see a nation cartwheeling toward open civil war, and it sickens me how much wealth and life and happiness is being flushed away. I can't bring myself to watch this nation commit slow-motion suicide.
I used to be a rabid, engaged, constant consumer of news and politics. No more. My psyche and personal health can't take it.
I see a nation cartwheeling toward open civil war, and it sickens me how much wealth and life and happiness is being flushed away. I can't bring myself to watch this nation commit slow-motion suicide.
65
DJFarkus, I think yours is the tmost eloquent and spot on reply. We can't govern ourselves and allowed the mob - the GOP - to gain the confidence to brazenly extort with impunity, openly, knowing a know-nothing population will roll over and continue sleeping the sleep of denial. Yes, some fight, but the mob is now entrenched in government and controls its turf completely.
1
That is what they count on. As sane, caring, thinking people shut down, they are free to loot everything.
1
In reply to DjFarkus
That is exactly the aim of Bannon and company, the real operators, discourage and demoralize. IF you want to see your democracy completely go down the drain proceed as you describe. I would think the American attitude would be to go down swinging if it came to that.
That is exactly the aim of Bannon and company, the real operators, discourage and demoralize. IF you want to see your democracy completely go down the drain proceed as you describe. I would think the American attitude would be to go down swinging if it came to that.
What a significant insight into this most improbable reality we all face: a man whom most of us deeply hate but can't stop watching. For some reason I'm reminded of B.F. Skinner's notion of reflexive conditioning, which elevated rat intelligence to the status of the human. We're no different than the rats; when it comes to politics we all tune in to avoid not doing it.
2
Up is down and black is white and win is loss. Protesting Trump is helping Trump. Success is failure and failure is success. This is all self-indulgent nonsense. Can we talk about how the Democrats have lost over 1000 state legislature seats in the past decade? Can we stop acting like there's some kind of mastermind media chess game going on with Dr. Evil Trump when the failure of the Democratic party is clearly much, much, MUCH deeper and more systemic than that?
8
m.e., you could say that, you could very well say that the Democratic Party has failed but since the Republican Wing of the Eagle was damaged at the beginning of the Recession, it is going to take a quiet strong and steadfast action on the part of We The People to set matters straight with cool heads to lead us forth. America can do this. Show the Big Distraction the Exit Door. We cannot afford to forget to breathe and have our face kicked by a large boot; We can say 'No', and mean it.
Gerrymandering, Koch brothers, complacency anyone?
Yes the Democratic party did more tip get Trump elevated than Putin or Comey ever could.
1
Wishful thinking. It is more than likely that Trump's tenure will be just as transformative as Lincoln's -- just in the opposite direction.
2
Just so long as it ends in the same manner.
1
There is an overabundance of coverage of Trump's tweets and an absence of coverage about all of the damage his administration is doing behind on the scenes on the cabinet level. They have managed to weaken voting rights, destroy environmental regulations and terrify our allies in a few short (long) weeks.
I am also appalled about the lack of coverage on the Congress's role in the Trump - Russia election interference scandal. At what point does the GOP Congressional leadership's refusal to provide the public with a full and transparent investigation become treason? By refusing to do everything to uncover the facts, the Congressional leadership is aiding treason. The entire GOP leadership needs to be under investigation for aiding treason. LOCK THEM UP!
I am also appalled about the lack of coverage on the Congress's role in the Trump - Russia election interference scandal. At what point does the GOP Congressional leadership's refusal to provide the public with a full and transparent investigation become treason? By refusing to do everything to uncover the facts, the Congressional leadership is aiding treason. The entire GOP leadership needs to be under investigation for aiding treason. LOCK THEM UP!
59
It's not an accident that the press emphasizes the meaningless while the real damage is ignored.
1
If this man succeeds in keeping himself at the top of the news for four years, my brains will be scrambled. How much can one take? It's not like he's advertising a product and changing up the ads to keep me buying it. His only need for media is to see himself and collect adulation from his fans (while smacking down those who aren't). Isn't this whole interlude in the WH just a chance to advertise his name brand and collect more $ after leaving? Does anyone believe that rust belt job notices will be hand-delivered to the doors of the jobless?
I am doing my best to ration my news viewing to 1 hour a day....for my health. If he makes it to a second term, one of us will implode from the sheer stress of it.
I am doing my best to ration my news viewing to 1 hour a day....for my health. If he makes it to a second term, one of us will implode from the sheer stress of it.
15
Considering waking hours only, remember, 1 hour a day is like giving up 1 year of your live for every 16.
2
I agree. The Donald is not a politician, he's an artist and his art form is gaining attention. Terrorists and he have this in common: they only have power until we ignore them.
10
Max,
Terrorists and the President of the United States both have the power to commit unspeakable cruelty and violence.
Terrorists and the President of the United States both have the power to commit unspeakable cruelty and violence.
When do we start ignoring?
So this is the justification of Trump shooting someone in the middle of 5th Avenue and people loving it? Trump has threatened it and as his desperation for attention grows this is what America has to look forward to? I think he needs to sit and be very very quite - he is not Oprah and this is not Survivor he is the President.
5
I find myself checking The Times and CNN multiple times a day, waiting for the other shoe to drop, or, to use another metaphor, certain that soon there will be a straw that breaks the camel's back. It hasn't happened yet, but surely that time will come. Until then I find myself addicted to the Donald Show.
18
Eric Caine of Modesto made a sharp comment, suggesting that as we laugh distractedly at the clown, his vultures will pick our pockets.
"Trump's tactics of misdirection are supremely suitable for the reduced attention spans of social media, and exploit people's need for yet another mindless spectacle for outrage and indignation. Meanwhile, the nation is once again plundered by the usual suspects. It's a great act for today's carnival of fools."
Caine's idea was echoed by Eben Spinoza who spoke of Trump's outlandish antics as akin to the "chaff" --or junk-- bombers drop to distract and disorient radar.
If the media and readers are looking for ways to take on this administration responsibly, we would do well to look past this intentionally distracting "chaff" and focus unrelentingly on the real injustices being carried on behind it.
"Trump's tactics of misdirection are supremely suitable for the reduced attention spans of social media, and exploit people's need for yet another mindless spectacle for outrage and indignation. Meanwhile, the nation is once again plundered by the usual suspects. It's a great act for today's carnival of fools."
Caine's idea was echoed by Eben Spinoza who spoke of Trump's outlandish antics as akin to the "chaff" --or junk-- bombers drop to distract and disorient radar.
If the media and readers are looking for ways to take on this administration responsibly, we would do well to look past this intentionally distracting "chaff" and focus unrelentingly on the real injustices being carried on behind it.
A narcissist or a bully running a family unit also has "mindshare" but the people coming out of that system have learned dysfunctional behavior and have had their time wasted. Watching/reacting to some loon is not participatory democracy.
Mr. Trump finding a way to suck all the oxygen out of the room is good for media but the exhortation to have a government by, for, and of the People is a different project altogether.
Mr. Trump finding a way to suck all the oxygen out of the room is good for media but the exhortation to have a government by, for, and of the People is a different project altogether.
2
Trump may have won the Presidency but so many Americas think of him as a loser or worse and he knows it. I could almost feel sorry for him if he wasn't trying to ruin the USA.
1
It's why he won, isn't it.
By comparison, all the other presidential candidates were...ordinary banal, mere mortals going about the traditional business of cherry-picking facts and figures, bending the truth to their advantage.
Here's poor ordinary Bush and Kasich talking policy. Snooze.
Here's poor ordinary evangelical Cruz beating the threadbare drum of morality. Been there, done that.
Here's Clinton wonking, backpedaling, forcing herself to smile. Spare me.
And here's Trump with his TV hair, a heat-seeking missile simultaneously demeaning his opponents while serving up inflammatory position statements and juggling CinemaScope lies.
Trump won "American Idol." He plays TV, Twitter and a live audience like Paganini played a Strad.
By comparison, all the other presidential candidates were...ordinary banal, mere mortals going about the traditional business of cherry-picking facts and figures, bending the truth to their advantage.
Here's poor ordinary Bush and Kasich talking policy. Snooze.
Here's poor ordinary evangelical Cruz beating the threadbare drum of morality. Been there, done that.
Here's Clinton wonking, backpedaling, forcing herself to smile. Spare me.
And here's Trump with his TV hair, a heat-seeking missile simultaneously demeaning his opponents while serving up inflammatory position statements and juggling CinemaScope lies.
Trump won "American Idol." He plays TV, Twitter and a live audience like Paganini played a Strad.
1
Kilroy,
He lost the vote, remember?
He only won the "Electoral" "College," an institution which was, yes, rigged.
He lost the vote, remember?
He only won the "Electoral" "College," an institution which was, yes, rigged.
3
Why is it that all media outlets (including even the Times) need to continue splashing photos of his orange face all over every article and piece?????
4
In Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," one major plot twist hinges on the revelation that the job of the President of the Galaxy is not to wield power but to distract from power (whether he knows it or not). Trump performs this task every bit as well as Zaphod Beeblebrox--while he creates constant spectacle, with all the frantic anticipation of and speculation about what amazing or appalling thing he will do next, Bannon, McConnell, Ryan & Co. quietly gut democracy behind the curtain.
3
Then please, let's just ignore him, maybe that will work.
2
It is a brave new world for the media and for us citizens. Our obsessive attention to the spectacle of Trump and Co., whether horrified or gleeful, is strangely irresistible. I feel like a moth drawn to the candle, I cannot but fly toward it. The media, too, is obsessed with the spectacle, unable to disengage from the constant tumult and surprise. This is Trump's art, like a magician he keeps our attention focused on spectacle, while we suspect somewhere up his sleeve he holds the trick that will finally make sense of it all. But what if there is no resolution, what if, as Mr. Wu suggests, it is all about spectacle, and Trump has no grand aspiration beyond the show?
It's the media's job to sort through all the spectacular, shocking events and find a narrative thread, and guide us toward understanding. But what if there is no meaning, no thread, nothing really to understand, what if chaos (for the sake of attention) is the objective? I wonder if this isn't the source of our fascination, that we are all searching for the narrative thread, and Trump's stupendous trick is that he has none to offer. He has nothing up his sleeve. The trick is that there is no trick.
It's the media's job to sort through all the spectacular, shocking events and find a narrative thread, and guide us toward understanding. But what if there is no meaning, no thread, nothing really to understand, what if chaos (for the sake of attention) is the objective? I wonder if this isn't the source of our fascination, that we are all searching for the narrative thread, and Trump's stupendous trick is that he has none to offer. He has nothing up his sleeve. The trick is that there is no trick.
1
Being President of the United States naturally draws enormous amounts of attention and scrutiny. It's no longer so simple, that we can teach Donald a lesson by just ignoring him.
Excellent piece. In college as a student I read the 1841 classic "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds." That book, by Scotsman Charle Mackay proclaimed, "We find that whole communities suddenly fix their minds upon one object, and go mad in its pursuit; that millions of people become simultaneously impressed with one delusion, and run after it, till their attention is caught by some new folly more captivating than the first."
4
Excellent column, Tim. You have very effectively shown the connection between the President's personality disorder, the compulsive and obsessive appeal of contemporary media, and the contribution we all make to the ongoing dynamic simply by paying attention to the circus/spectacle/train wreck.
Ok so: what to do about it? How does one avoid the twin dangers of 1. Feeding the beast with attention, and 2. Retreating into denial (by shutting out all media except meditation sites, going on a six month silent retreat, backpacking the Pacific Coast Trail, etc.) only to wake up in two years realizing we are in Berlin in 1936 and it's getting to be too late?
Two suggestions: 1. Follow the news but "just the facts." Focus on the substance of proposed legislation, executive orders, court decisions etc.; avoid headlines that start with "Trump says" or "Trump blasts" or "Person X responds to Trump." And 2. Focus on constructive activity by bookmarking your local Congress person's web page and keeping track of his or her schedule of local visits and town halls and constituency outreach. Write more emails ("The oroposed Wall is too expensive and research says it will not be effective, see, e.g. ..."); join groups planning protests, compare notes with others who are active. In short be CONSTRUCTIVE. Take action rather than obsessively consume the news.
Ok so: what to do about it? How does one avoid the twin dangers of 1. Feeding the beast with attention, and 2. Retreating into denial (by shutting out all media except meditation sites, going on a six month silent retreat, backpacking the Pacific Coast Trail, etc.) only to wake up in two years realizing we are in Berlin in 1936 and it's getting to be too late?
Two suggestions: 1. Follow the news but "just the facts." Focus on the substance of proposed legislation, executive orders, court decisions etc.; avoid headlines that start with "Trump says" or "Trump blasts" or "Person X responds to Trump." And 2. Focus on constructive activity by bookmarking your local Congress person's web page and keeping track of his or her schedule of local visits and town halls and constituency outreach. Write more emails ("The oroposed Wall is too expensive and research says it will not be effective, see, e.g. ..."); join groups planning protests, compare notes with others who are active. In short be CONSTRUCTIVE. Take action rather than obsessively consume the news.
2
Please consider that this whole "mindshare" thing may be a smokescreen for what is really happening. The President as decoy, if you will. While the riveting, almost physically addictive spectacle of Donald J. Trump "doing his thing" creates a sort of saturation effect, it so focuses the senses that it clears the field for others to set things in motion. Think the abrupt decision of the DHS to do away with executive exceptions for certain categories of illegals. Think action on a variety of conservative hot button issues at State level. And those are only the ones that have already been spotted, too late to be acted upon.
It will be hard, but do try to look beyond the circus crier. That's where tomorrow's reality is being shaped.
It will be hard, but do try to look beyond the circus crier. That's where tomorrow's reality is being shaped.
In my case, it's not so much attention as obsession. I'm a puzzle-solver. I like to get (temporarily) stymied by a tough crossword puzzle. President (I still cant put these words together) Trump is the biggest puzzle I've yet encountered. How did this happen? Did he really say/do that? Do his supporters really not see what he is? How do the people around him keep straight faces? I keep reading about him and watching him on the news because I think I'll figure it out. Everyone in my household is rooting for me to solve this puzzle. I'm afraid the crossword will have to wait.
6
Dear Rebecca Stanley,
I totally agree, it's an interesting puzzle. I advise though, just call him 'Trump', or possibly 'Big Fat Liar Trump', there is no reason for any honorary titles.
What my figuring has led me to, as to why people can support him, is that at least a third of Americans have the intelligence of a brain damaged trout.
I totally agree, it's an interesting puzzle. I advise though, just call him 'Trump', or possibly 'Big Fat Liar Trump', there is no reason for any honorary titles.
What my figuring has led me to, as to why people can support him, is that at least a third of Americans have the intelligence of a brain damaged trout.
4
A good part of FDR's 3.1 administrations was war. Early on it was war against the vested corporate interests and later on it was war against the Empire of Japan and Nazi Germany. Why is it that Trump is criticized for his war against entrenched liberal-progressive doctrine (it is a battle, if not a war) while FDR is seen as the patron saint of Good Government and Good Policy?
What a disingenuous remark. I suppose you don't remember that Hitler started the war that embroiled FDR's terms. In this case though, Trump is waging a war against the media, progressive thought, and more than half of all Americans. So it's kind of the other way around, in FDR's days we were fighting against fascism, and now Trump is the fascist fighting against us.
You could add to that the fact that Trump has done nothing good in government and has come up with no good polices. Trump is the worst president we've ever had, although there are still plenty of incredibly delusional people who haven't realized that yet.
You could add to that the fact that Trump has done nothing good in government and has come up with no good polices. Trump is the worst president we've ever had, although there are still plenty of incredibly delusional people who haven't realized that yet.
68
Wow! You really don't get what people are upset about.
To a whole lot of us it appears that Trump is at war with US.
He's taking away the rules that keep our water clean so that his rich friends can make more money.
He's taking away the rules that keep our air clean so that his rich friends can make more money.
He's taking away OSHA rules that prevent his rich friends from putting our lives on the line so that can make more money faster.
He is putting Wall Street bankers in charge of our financial system since they did such a good job in the lead up to 2008.
He's going to take our tax dollars away from so many areas of government that benefit us so that he can increase the military budget and buy yet more guns, airplanes and ammo from his friends who own the armaments businesses.
If he could he would take away the freedom of the press, which allows us a forum in which to confront him.
I could go on and on. But it's probably pointless.
To a whole lot of us it appears that Trump is at war with US.
He's taking away the rules that keep our water clean so that his rich friends can make more money.
He's taking away the rules that keep our air clean so that his rich friends can make more money.
He's taking away OSHA rules that prevent his rich friends from putting our lives on the line so that can make more money faster.
He is putting Wall Street bankers in charge of our financial system since they did such a good job in the lead up to 2008.
He's going to take our tax dollars away from so many areas of government that benefit us so that he can increase the military budget and buy yet more guns, airplanes and ammo from his friends who own the armaments businesses.
If he could he would take away the freedom of the press, which allows us a forum in which to confront him.
I could go on and on. But it's probably pointless.
343
He did one good thing. He saw to it that Hillary was not elected.
“While Mr. Trump’s methods are of our time, the goal of dominating mindshare is a classic strategy of influence, because the sheer volume of messaging allows the leader to transform minds, construct alternative realities and begin changing the rules of the game itself”
This is the line in the article that I found unsettling. At what point in the transformation of minds does this influence result in reprogramming by a professional on the order of, say, a Steve Bannon. North Korea and Nazi Germany are examples which have produced large numbers of “true believers”. At this point a regime has the wind in their sails to plot whatever course is most beneficial to them and their inner circle
.
Or does this finally get tiresome to the vast majority of citizens and they move on to other areas of interest. Advertisers have much experience in the difficulty of holding on to eyeballs and ears. 6 months? 2 years? The sooner the better.
This is the line in the article that I found unsettling. At what point in the transformation of minds does this influence result in reprogramming by a professional on the order of, say, a Steve Bannon. North Korea and Nazi Germany are examples which have produced large numbers of “true believers”. At this point a regime has the wind in their sails to plot whatever course is most beneficial to them and their inner circle
.
Or does this finally get tiresome to the vast majority of citizens and they move on to other areas of interest. Advertisers have much experience in the difficulty of holding on to eyeballs and ears. 6 months? 2 years? The sooner the better.
1
The difference is that advertising is media, while Trump has the ability to cause actual, in your face, disaster.
America and Americans lose every time our so-called President Trump's ignorant, immature, incompetent, intemperate, inexperienced, infantile, juvenile and senile delinquent natural born nurture and nature creeps through. Trump's tiny tinny teeny 140 character mind is a royal inherited intentional distraction.
8
Mr. Wu did get some of the issues with Mr. Trump. But the category of attention is too small to understand. You have to read about sociopathic, machiavellian narcissism and then add Guy Debbord's Society of Spectacle. If you add a some history of autocratic movements and then as "Socrates" has suggested Hitler's Mein Kampf you get a pretty accurate picture of what is going on. This is a coup attempt to destroy our democracy as we know it, Mr. Wu, not a a battle for attention.
10
The media should focus attention on the impacts of Trump's policies, not his rhetoric.
Repeal of the stream protection rule - show photos of mountaintop. mining.
Repeal of waters of the US rule - show photos of destroyed wetlands and stream
Repeal of the methane reporting rule and EPA Clean Power Plan - photos of people dying in heatwaves, floods, droughts, dam breaches, hurricanes, tornadoes, crop failures, melting glaciers, etc
Get out of the Beltway press conference and into the real world.
Repeal of the stream protection rule - show photos of mountaintop. mining.
Repeal of waters of the US rule - show photos of destroyed wetlands and stream
Repeal of the methane reporting rule and EPA Clean Power Plan - photos of people dying in heatwaves, floods, droughts, dam breaches, hurricanes, tornadoes, crop failures, melting glaciers, etc
Get out of the Beltway press conference and into the real world.
103
They won't do that. It is up to you.
Where is my bottle of Victory Gin? "Fragments of triumphant phrases pushed themselves through the din: 'Vast strategic maneuver-perfect coordination-utter rout-half a million prisoners-complete demoralization...greatest victory in human history...The voice from the telescreen was still pouring forth its tale of prisoners and booty and slaughter, but the shouting outside had died down a little." Sound familiar?
What about this: "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any from of Government becomes destructive of those ends, it is the right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government."
"And power means the capacity to inflict unlimited pain and suffering to another human being. Power, then, for [Trump and Putin] creates reality, it creates truth."
Down with Doublethink.
Down with Big Brother Trump and his Comrade Vladimir Putin!
What about this: "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any from of Government becomes destructive of those ends, it is the right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government."
"And power means the capacity to inflict unlimited pain and suffering to another human being. Power, then, for [Trump and Putin] creates reality, it creates truth."
Down with Doublethink.
Down with Big Brother Trump and his Comrade Vladimir Putin!
3
"...deriving their power from the consent of the governed..." This is the essence of modern political theory, that each human is a sovereign being that lends some sovereignty to our representatives. Each of us is just as important as the other, just as important as the president. Their mass media tells us we are lesser (lazy takers, though we do the actual work), but our system falls apart if that is true, its foundation ripped out from below. We must exercise or rights and use the power of democracy to tame the markets and put the billionaires back in their place before their ideology of greed destroys all that we have built.
Tax back the half of the planetary wealth they have stolen and invest it in all humans before it is too late.
Tax back the half of the planetary wealth they have stolen and invest it in all humans before it is too late.
Yeah I wont lie I dont trust anything any media says anymore. Your opinions dont matter to me at all, only the news. Us mllenials have either jumped into the echo chamber or found ways to use multiple sources to root out bias. I chose the second way, and man the NYT is super biased. When I cant count on hearing the truth anymore, Im going to discount what you and everyone else says.
8
Are you also "going to discount" what Trump Bannon Cooper Kushner Sessions and Zippy the Pinhead say? Or will you just disregard that echo chamber you don't trust?
5
Yes. Just because Trump lies doesn't mean global corporate mass media is telling the truth.
My best guess is that Trump represents one group of global billionaires (possibly Russian, though I've seen no actual evidence), and the more established billionaires that don't like to see one of their own with so much extra power are dueling it out using their mass media outlets.
The enemy of my enemy is not my friend.
My best guess is that Trump represents one group of global billionaires (possibly Russian, though I've seen no actual evidence), and the more established billionaires that don't like to see one of their own with so much extra power are dueling it out using their mass media outlets.
The enemy of my enemy is not my friend.
1
You nailed it. This is simply a "bad hombre" looking for attention any which way he can get it, but let us hope that the waning interest, i.e. the final fate of every act is just around the corner. I have had my full 4 year share of SNL spoofs and CNN scares in the last 2 months. He can exit like Nixon or Hilton, but he needs to exit soon.
17
I admit I'd be fine with him exiting like Lincoln too at this point.
3
Another tactic Trump uses is the "I did not poop in my pants" tactic. "Look;see the gold metal reflecting panels I put up in so many of the lobbies of the buildings I build and own; and, look at my billions of paper dollars and coins and
stock certificates: Keep your eyes on that, not on the poops in my pants: I am a master amass-or., (or is it amass roe ((?))."
But if we look closely at what evidence we already have; and if we are successful in getting to examine D. Trump's tax returns, we definitely would see the purposeful and shameful stains.
D. Trump has his head up in the golden room so he can continually look at his reflections.
I smell a rat.
stock certificates: Keep your eyes on that, not on the poops in my pants: I am a master amass-or., (or is it amass roe ((?))."
But if we look closely at what evidence we already have; and if we are successful in getting to examine D. Trump's tax returns, we definitely would see the purposeful and shameful stains.
D. Trump has his head up in the golden room so he can continually look at his reflections.
I smell a rat.
14
Trump is a train wreck. Hard not to look. Nothing for him to be proud of though.
20
I think that an implicit assumption is that by dominating mindshare, Trump's agenda is also dominating. However, that's based on our past politicians who actually had, you know, agendas and philosophies and some concept of good that goes beyond ratings and an applause line. Dominating media naturally led to something because the pols wanted it to lead to something. Trump just wants it to lead to more domination of the media, which brings the applause his needy psyche craves.
Trump is a man without anything beyond his own narcissism and personal greed and sociopathic need to be the biggest...thing... in the room. It begins, and ends, with ratings for him.
So much so that he imagines a Navy Seal in heaven being thrilled, not by aiding his country or dying bravely on mission or in being recognized as a hero, but by breaking a record for applause in Congress. Which record he can thank Donald for, because of course it's about Trump.
When Trump meets off the record with editors of the NYT or news anchors, he tells them what they want to hear. He needs to seduce the room, and then it's like the promises he made to contractors and broke.
Trump's speeches at rallies: You can read or see him meandering, and then, realizing he's becoming boring, in a non sequitur throwing the crowd some red meat as an applause line. Because he's got no idea besides claiming an applause line.
Trump is a man without anything beyond his own narcissism and personal greed and sociopathic need to be the biggest...thing... in the room. It begins, and ends, with ratings for him.
So much so that he imagines a Navy Seal in heaven being thrilled, not by aiding his country or dying bravely on mission or in being recognized as a hero, but by breaking a record for applause in Congress. Which record he can thank Donald for, because of course it's about Trump.
When Trump meets off the record with editors of the NYT or news anchors, he tells them what they want to hear. He needs to seduce the room, and then it's like the promises he made to contractors and broke.
Trump's speeches at rallies: You can read or see him meandering, and then, realizing he's becoming boring, in a non sequitur throwing the crowd some red meat as an applause line. Because he's got no idea besides claiming an applause line.
1
He may have the power to compel attention, and make every move seem outrageous. Because, when you come right down to it, he hasn't done much of anything, certainly not anything terribly unexpected.
The worst is the 'Muslim Ban' the request for a pause in immigration from seven countries until his administration figures out a way to vet people better. The decree as written contained flaws which made it possibly unconstitutional, so he has to release it again, more tightly written.
In black and white, the above doesn't seem so very incredible or extraordinary, not something to make the history books. (It was the mildest version of the promised actions he'd made on the campaign trail) but at the time, it seemed quite momentous.
The writer of this piece wanted an example of something truly bizarre that Trump did, and chose this:
'A surprise policy reversal, like Tuesday’s promised compromise on undocumented immigrants, followed immediately by something shockingly normal, like his scripted address to Congress, which, illogically and unexpectedly, made no reference whatsoever to the earlier proposal.'
Restated: Earlier in the day, he said he might consider changing some details of a policy. Later, during an otherwise normal speech, he didn't happen to mention his decision one way or the other.
In black and white, that is not something that would make the history books: But somehow, when Trump did it, it garnered breathless headlines.
The worst is the 'Muslim Ban' the request for a pause in immigration from seven countries until his administration figures out a way to vet people better. The decree as written contained flaws which made it possibly unconstitutional, so he has to release it again, more tightly written.
In black and white, the above doesn't seem so very incredible or extraordinary, not something to make the history books. (It was the mildest version of the promised actions he'd made on the campaign trail) but at the time, it seemed quite momentous.
The writer of this piece wanted an example of something truly bizarre that Trump did, and chose this:
'A surprise policy reversal, like Tuesday’s promised compromise on undocumented immigrants, followed immediately by something shockingly normal, like his scripted address to Congress, which, illogically and unexpectedly, made no reference whatsoever to the earlier proposal.'
Restated: Earlier in the day, he said he might consider changing some details of a policy. Later, during an otherwise normal speech, he didn't happen to mention his decision one way or the other.
In black and white, that is not something that would make the history books: But somehow, when Trump did it, it garnered breathless headlines.
What would happen if the Times or any other outlet created a Trump section, a box on the front page but maybe the lower left corner, in which it noted all of the outlandish statements and antics of the President. He's the President so you can't not cover them. And reserved headlines for when he actually DOES something. Signs a bill, issues and executive order, negotiates a "beautiful deal."
Borrowing a page from the Republican handbook, what if we "starved the beast" of the attention he craves.
Just a thought.
Borrowing a page from the Republican handbook, what if we "starved the beast" of the attention he craves.
Just a thought.
1
Interesting, but in my opinion not persuasive. The author, at one point, compares Trump's attention-grabbing to successful propaganda. That's invalid. One key to successful propaganda is constant repetition of the same theme, so that it's the theme, not the details, that stick in the victim's mind as expressed in just a few words or slogans.
Trump's themes become entirely inconsistent when he commits the "error" of descending into any details at all. His absolutely diehard supporters aren't concerned about the details, but many of those "not-so-diehard" supporters are beginning to express confusion, perhaps eventually beginning to understand that the themes have feet of clay: meaningless expressions of things he can't do, just as doubt crept in among Berliners accustomed to hearing that a (non-existent) army corps was "coming soon" to save the city from the Russians, according to Goebbels. They couldn't overlook the "detail" of Russian short-range artillery shells falling all over Berlin.
And - oh, so thankfully - we still have the legitimate print press to challenge Trump's themes and to take apart his details piece by sordid piece. Seen through that lens, Trump's attention-grabbing merely serves to call more and more attention to the emptiness of his words.
Trump's themes become entirely inconsistent when he commits the "error" of descending into any details at all. His absolutely diehard supporters aren't concerned about the details, but many of those "not-so-diehard" supporters are beginning to express confusion, perhaps eventually beginning to understand that the themes have feet of clay: meaningless expressions of things he can't do, just as doubt crept in among Berliners accustomed to hearing that a (non-existent) army corps was "coming soon" to save the city from the Russians, according to Goebbels. They couldn't overlook the "detail" of Russian short-range artillery shells falling all over Berlin.
And - oh, so thankfully - we still have the legitimate print press to challenge Trump's themes and to take apart his details piece by sordid piece. Seen through that lens, Trump's attention-grabbing merely serves to call more and more attention to the emptiness of his words.
The only people trump is "winning" with are people who don't have two neurons rubbing together inside their thick skulls.
Most unfortunately for those of us who do, we appear to be significantly outnumbered.
This is the real problem in America today. DT is merely the visible festering, pustulent boil on the derriere of our formerly great nation. The virus of stupidity is what is actually going to kill the patient.
Most unfortunately for those of us who do, we appear to be significantly outnumbered.
This is the real problem in America today. DT is merely the visible festering, pustulent boil on the derriere of our formerly great nation. The virus of stupidity is what is actually going to kill the patient.
1
For better or worse
Some of us turn to verse
As we vie for the reader's attention.
Just how would it play
If we toiled night and day
To communicate in this dimension?
The chances are slim
That with sonnet or hymn
We could get policies to our liking.
Declaim though we may
In this poetic way
It's a punch bowl of froth we'd be spiking.
Some of us turn to verse
As we vie for the reader's attention.
Just how would it play
If we toiled night and day
To communicate in this dimension?
The chances are slim
That with sonnet or hymn
We could get policies to our liking.
Declaim though we may
In this poetic way
It's a punch bowl of froth we'd be spiking.
This is a great piece by its insight into the Trump phenomenon.
But it also fills one with pessimism because it looks like there is no escaping of handing him the victory he's after, which is the total submission of the society to his chaotic eccentricity. There seem to be no way to stop the destruction he's apparently able to cause to the society in US and in the whole world. Something he's already greatly succeeding in.
The constant, continuous public attention is his immediate reward but his real strength, the real menace of his reign is in blackmailing the society with his ability to raise chaos with the help of the basket of deplorables - his voters. He said he'll accept the election result if he's elected. What you think would happen if he wasn't?
Are we before a new civil war in US? If it happens, the world, not just the order in it, will be brought to ruin.
But it also fills one with pessimism because it looks like there is no escaping of handing him the victory he's after, which is the total submission of the society to his chaotic eccentricity. There seem to be no way to stop the destruction he's apparently able to cause to the society in US and in the whole world. Something he's already greatly succeeding in.
The constant, continuous public attention is his immediate reward but his real strength, the real menace of his reign is in blackmailing the society with his ability to raise chaos with the help of the basket of deplorables - his voters. He said he'll accept the election result if he's elected. What you think would happen if he wasn't?
Are we before a new civil war in US? If it happens, the world, not just the order in it, will be brought to ruin.
1
The POTUS2017 is creating forum to host a philosophical and religious definition in our country that forces members of the participatory democracy to examine and define their positions on issues that include (but are not limited to) honesty, integrity, stewardship of resources, environmental protection, compassion, equal opportunity, democracy vs social control, access to health care, social security (for veterans, disabled, retirees) child welfare & public education. The greatest democracy must create more opportunity and not hoard the fruits of our bountiful harvest, especially when at least 1.8 billion people used a drinking-water source contaminated with feces in 2016 (www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs391/en/) Money needs to circulate in communities for the economy to work. The President is sworn and obligated to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity. We will live in the future we create.
Trump is a great man and he has already begun to make America great again as we saw yesterday when he addressed the crew of the USS Gerald Ford.
Well, except that he can guarantee attention by starting an actual war. There's no greater way to focus the attention of everyone in the country on the Presidency. Or to grab more power. This is something authoritarian leaders know well.
1
Some nationwide organization needs to organize a 'Ignore Trump Day'. The opposite of the Jan 21 Women's March. Declare a day where participants are urged to switch away from channels/stations when a Trump story comes on; not read articles/news featuring Tump; not click anything Trump related; unfollow him on Social Media platforms; not email or text or post or talk about him.
The attention deprivation should drive him crazy (wait .....).
The attention deprivation should drive him crazy (wait .....).
1
Woe unto the people who view politics as mere entertainment - or worse, a means only to enrich themselves. Civilization requires peaceful negotiations and less fanning the flames of human emotions.
"One possibility is that, for this presidency, whether anything is actually 'accomplished' will end up being entirely beside the point."
Let's hope. Many of us will be relieved if he accomplishes nothing of his ugly, divisive, bigoted agenda.
Let's hope. Many of us will be relieved if he accomplishes nothing of his ugly, divisive, bigoted agenda.
1
In a country, and perhaps a world, where people watch The Kardashians, Amish Mafia, and Real Housewives instead of the news, it's no surprise eventually we would elect a reality TV star president.
It's the instant gratification presidency for our viewing pleasure.
It's the instant gratification presidency for our viewing pleasure.
1
First of all, what are we to do, ignore what appears to be an all out assault on American Democracy? Should we just go shopping and let things work themselves out? I don't think so.
We have to pay attention to the spectacle if we are going to see beyond it. And beyond it lie at least three intersecting vectors.
1. Trump himself, a venal and greedy con man whose lifelong effort has been to enrich himself by fleecing others.
2. The GOP congress, uncomfortable with some of Trump's antics, but more than willing to use the distraction provided to enact deeply unpopular legislation benefitting only their oligarch benefactors.
3. The wild card - Vlad Putin and his neo Great Game adventure in disrupting western democracies while sowing the seeds of the next breakout episode of global war-profiteering.
The Trumpian spectacle is cover for all of this. You can ignore it but only at your peril.
We have to pay attention to the spectacle if we are going to see beyond it. And beyond it lie at least three intersecting vectors.
1. Trump himself, a venal and greedy con man whose lifelong effort has been to enrich himself by fleecing others.
2. The GOP congress, uncomfortable with some of Trump's antics, but more than willing to use the distraction provided to enact deeply unpopular legislation benefitting only their oligarch benefactors.
3. The wild card - Vlad Putin and his neo Great Game adventure in disrupting western democracies while sowing the seeds of the next breakout episode of global war-profiteering.
The Trumpian spectacle is cover for all of this. You can ignore it but only at your peril.
2
We and our media should be focused on policies and actions, not orange hair and tweets.
It doesn't matter what Trump tweeted today. What matters are the DETAILS in the executive order he signed.
It doesn't matter how much he garbled or didn't garble his latest speech. What matters is that Congress just removed yet more environmental protections.
It doesn't matter what Trump tweeted today. What matters are the DETAILS in the executive order he signed.
It doesn't matter how much he garbled or didn't garble his latest speech. What matters is that Congress just removed yet more environmental protections.
Trump may have the new Media conned and his supporters may love him no matter how often he sells out the country and smears our values. But those who oppose him, a majority, are growing both more scared and angrier. That is not normally a recipe for victory.
2
Trump is enjoying his new-found fame, but his 15 minutes are running like everyone else's. Sooner or later. he too will discover that no man is a prophet in his own land. His relentless sturm und drung is psychologically and emotionally stressful and wears its listeners out. As Wu warns, "To live by attention is to die by it as well, and he may end up less a victim of political defeat than of waning interest, the final fate of every act.".
2
Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. This is the metric, the only metric, by which Trump will be judged, and he will likely be judged kindly
2
i don't understand why grown adults are so confused by Trump's communication style.
I grew up in Queens, and around people in business, and they sort of talk like Trump.
They think out loud. They blurt out alternative ideas. They put forward ideas that they likely would not pursue. They enjoy an argument. They are not certain which way they are going - they listen and react. They don't have a "policy" they have a process.
If this was someone on the Left? You would find him thoughtful, innovative, the opposite of hide-bound. A supple thinker who is not afraid to think outside the box, not afraid or too hung up to change course if that's what his instinct tells him.
Trump is actually a GREAT kind of thinker. He blurts out how he feels. He feels many things. He fights orthodox thinking when he hears it. He asks to widen the debate always. He goes this way AND that way.
It is good thinking. It is un-conventional. It is fearless most of all. He is not afraid of you. You should take a lesson in that: do not be afraid of him.
I grew up in Queens, and around people in business, and they sort of talk like Trump.
They think out loud. They blurt out alternative ideas. They put forward ideas that they likely would not pursue. They enjoy an argument. They are not certain which way they are going - they listen and react. They don't have a "policy" they have a process.
If this was someone on the Left? You would find him thoughtful, innovative, the opposite of hide-bound. A supple thinker who is not afraid to think outside the box, not afraid or too hung up to change course if that's what his instinct tells him.
Trump is actually a GREAT kind of thinker. He blurts out how he feels. He feels many things. He fights orthodox thinking when he hears it. He asks to widen the debate always. He goes this way AND that way.
It is good thinking. It is un-conventional. It is fearless most of all. He is not afraid of you. You should take a lesson in that: do not be afraid of him.
6
"Mexico will pay for the Wall"
10 minutes later: "The US taxpayer will pay for the Wall"
Sorry, but that aint "great thinking".
10 minutes later: "The US taxpayer will pay for the Wall"
Sorry, but that aint "great thinking".
4
I heard all that "blurt" stuff a couple of weeks ago on Sean Hannity. Oh, the nonsense that Trump supporters have to come up with.
1
The people who sort of talk like Trump, saying anything that enters their heads without thinking about it or having any facts to back it up, are universally ignorant blowhards. This makes sense, because Trump is also an ignorant blowhard.
1
President Trump has not had an easy time in office due to the negativity of his liberal critics. He has made great strides since becoming president but has been scrutinized more than any other president in history. President Obama did not suffer the same fate from his conservative critics. This is so typical of the progressive liberal bias.
President Trump's congressional address was excellent and right on target and was approved by 78 percent of Americans. No small feat for a man who was not supposed to win the election. He will make a fine president in spite of the daily criticisms and lambasting from the media who hates him immensely. He is strong and resilient and will continue to make America great once again.
President Trump's congressional address was excellent and right on target and was approved by 78 percent of Americans. No small feat for a man who was not supposed to win the election. He will make a fine president in spite of the daily criticisms and lambasting from the media who hates him immensely. He is strong and resilient and will continue to make America great once again.
3
You need to cite which poll you are quoting. It is an outlier.
The speech was considered good by around 62% of the 800 viewers polled by CBS. For the bar being nearly on the ground, expectations were met.
Perhaps you have forgotten Mr. Trump's entirely false personal vendetta against Obama with his birth certificate lies. It lasted for 8 years- Mr. T indulged in the "daily criticisms and lambasting" as you say.
You simply cannot be a great man or make anything great behaving as Mr. Trump did.
The speech was considered good by around 62% of the 800 viewers polled by CBS. For the bar being nearly on the ground, expectations were met.
Perhaps you have forgotten Mr. Trump's entirely false personal vendetta against Obama with his birth certificate lies. It lasted for 8 years- Mr. T indulged in the "daily criticisms and lambasting" as you say.
You simply cannot be a great man or make anything great behaving as Mr. Trump did.
1
This op-ed offers premises from which it argues that Trump ultimately will fail. Yet the premises are invalid leaving the conclusion with no intellectual foundation but ideological interest.
First is the premise that the stentorian behavior the author claims is emblematic of Trump’s persona, largely caused by the need for constant attention, is perpetual. Yet his formerly constant tweeting diminished immediately after the election, then yet further after the inauguration and today largely has disappeared. It’s been ages (or at least a couple of weeks) since we’ve been treated to criticism of Alec Baldwin as a no-talent hack, long since gone to seed and dining out sadly on ancient glories. So, there is no continuum of stridency apparent in Trump’s behavior, and if anything the arc is militating to far more presidential behavior. Heck, soon he may offer public appreciation of Melissa McCarthy’s efforts.
Then, it’s not argued but offered as a premise that this “war” is made continuous through Trump’s constant efforts, when in fact the belligerence and spleen that feed it come largely from an alt-left MSM and congressional liberal caucus that live in existential fear that he might succeed at his agenda.
The author might await discovery of Trump’s true “steady state” as president before offering another extrapolation of his likely fate. Clearly, he’s evolving as his agenda moves into its implementation phase, and NOBODY yet has ANY defensible idea of how successful he’ll be.
First is the premise that the stentorian behavior the author claims is emblematic of Trump’s persona, largely caused by the need for constant attention, is perpetual. Yet his formerly constant tweeting diminished immediately after the election, then yet further after the inauguration and today largely has disappeared. It’s been ages (or at least a couple of weeks) since we’ve been treated to criticism of Alec Baldwin as a no-talent hack, long since gone to seed and dining out sadly on ancient glories. So, there is no continuum of stridency apparent in Trump’s behavior, and if anything the arc is militating to far more presidential behavior. Heck, soon he may offer public appreciation of Melissa McCarthy’s efforts.
Then, it’s not argued but offered as a premise that this “war” is made continuous through Trump’s constant efforts, when in fact the belligerence and spleen that feed it come largely from an alt-left MSM and congressional liberal caucus that live in existential fear that he might succeed at his agenda.
The author might await discovery of Trump’s true “steady state” as president before offering another extrapolation of his likely fate. Clearly, he’s evolving as his agenda moves into its implementation phase, and NOBODY yet has ANY defensible idea of how successful he’ll be.
5
Richard, care to amend your Gorsuch prediction? Or the one about Jeb?
1
Might be best to realize that Trump is an ignorant, incompetent narcissist, and that there is no master plan. There will be no steady state, or competent governance, there's just self-infatuated Trump doing anything he can for applause, because nobody ever really loved him.
1
I think that Tim Wu has nailed it, and appreciate that Orwell quote: “The war is not meant to be won, it is meant to be continuous.” And the reference to the efficacy of a variable reinforcement style of conditioning behavior.
Mr. Trump's own style is to be continually distracted as well as to deliberately distract. The media's consumption of anything that might remotely be considered news, 24/7, also means it remains his biggest reward.
I don't think a 70 yr old bad boy is going to change, so either his staff drug or hog-tie him at critical moments; or he eventually does something so egregious that the most power hungry Republican is aghast; or the media stops blasting his tweets and pictures continuously to starve his inner tapeworm.
Granted, his loyal followers will go to less cautious sources of 'sorta news,' but that's where they go now.
It's important to try to get attention directed to whatever actions he and his appointees engage in.
Mr. Trump's own style is to be continually distracted as well as to deliberately distract. The media's consumption of anything that might remotely be considered news, 24/7, also means it remains his biggest reward.
I don't think a 70 yr old bad boy is going to change, so either his staff drug or hog-tie him at critical moments; or he eventually does something so egregious that the most power hungry Republican is aghast; or the media stops blasting his tweets and pictures continuously to starve his inner tapeworm.
Granted, his loyal followers will go to less cautious sources of 'sorta news,' but that's where they go now.
It's important to try to get attention directed to whatever actions he and his appointees engage in.
61
(Continued from previous post).
We conservatives (in the original sense of wanting to conserve our wonderful heritage) want the environment to be protected, for climate change to be acknowledged and dealt with, for government dealings to be transparent, for science to be respected, and for conflicts of interest to be fully disclosed. We expect our government to be fiscally responsible. There is nothing 'leftist' or partisan about these positions, which not long ago were espoused by many Republicans in public office.
When you don't state your own views on these issues, and how you might disagree with the Trump administration on some of them, you come across as merely an articulate partisan. Would you join me in an open discussion of the above issues? Does it trouble you that virtually no Republicans express independent views on these topics?
We conservatives (in the original sense of wanting to conserve our wonderful heritage) want the environment to be protected, for climate change to be acknowledged and dealt with, for government dealings to be transparent, for science to be respected, and for conflicts of interest to be fully disclosed. We expect our government to be fiscally responsible. There is nothing 'leftist' or partisan about these positions, which not long ago were espoused by many Republicans in public office.
When you don't state your own views on these issues, and how you might disagree with the Trump administration on some of them, you come across as merely an articulate partisan. Would you join me in an open discussion of the above issues? Does it trouble you that virtually no Republicans express independent views on these topics?
We may not have a state-run media, but we do have numerous outlets that have found a profit motive in playing that role. Oddly enough, their official separation from the state may lend them more credibility, making them more effective than officially state-run media could hope to be.
This is what concerns me most about the modern-day media, but the root of the problem is the audience. It's a free market system. What happens when reassurance and vindication is in higher demand than facts and truth? And, what can possibly be done about it? Tough to change consumer preferences.
This is what concerns me most about the modern-day media, but the root of the problem is the audience. It's a free market system. What happens when reassurance and vindication is in higher demand than facts and truth? And, what can possibly be done about it? Tough to change consumer preferences.
2
Mr. Trump is the product of a society that feeds on "reality television", "hate radio" personalities and "fake news" like Fox and Breitbart. A significant portion of American society have been "brainwashed" into accepting this kind of entertainment, and I use that term very loosely, as the real world.
The presidency has become the new "realty show" with ratings that must be a source of great satisfaction for much of the media. But because it mirrors the type of programming that too many Americans are addicted to it distorts the real world we are living in.
As social media continues to divorce people from real interpersonal relationships and the consequent necessity to interpret words, actions and nuances of body language we become increasingly isolated from a diverse society and it's differing viewpoints.
We have been "conditioned" to react to the actions of Trump and his "cast of characters" as somehow reflecting this real world.
The solution, I believe, is to step back from the increasing penetration of social media into our everyday lives. Education is always a sure cure for the circus we are witnessing, but that may not be sustainable if the Education department under De Voss has it's way.
The presidency has become the new "realty show" with ratings that must be a source of great satisfaction for much of the media. But because it mirrors the type of programming that too many Americans are addicted to it distorts the real world we are living in.
As social media continues to divorce people from real interpersonal relationships and the consequent necessity to interpret words, actions and nuances of body language we become increasingly isolated from a diverse society and it's differing viewpoints.
We have been "conditioned" to react to the actions of Trump and his "cast of characters" as somehow reflecting this real world.
The solution, I believe, is to step back from the increasing penetration of social media into our everyday lives. Education is always a sure cure for the circus we are witnessing, but that may not be sustainable if the Education department under De Voss has it's way.
75
"conditioned" is chillingly accurate
2
They were not brain washed. They live in a society where they are free to choose and they chose hate radio and Fox faux news and other alternative facts/fake news sites to get their misinformation. Do not insult actual prisoners and kidnapping victims kept against their will and brain washed with these purposefully dishonest and deplorable people.
In this day and age, with the internet bringing the world to you with a couple of keystrokes there is NO excuse to remain ignorant.
Republicans love to go on and on about personal responsibility. Well, I agree with them. We are personally responsible for our choices of news and how we vote and as well.
In this day and age, with the internet bringing the world to you with a couple of keystrokes there is NO excuse to remain ignorant.
Republicans love to go on and on about personal responsibility. Well, I agree with them. We are personally responsible for our choices of news and how we vote and as well.
We watch this administration's outlandish posturing, lies, and reversals with the same morbid fascination as gawkers at the scene of a nasty accident. We are overwhelmed that our new president can be so obnoxious and yet so successful. The media saturation generated by the Trump phenomenon will be difficult to maintain for four long years. There are at least two (probably more) downsides to this steady stream of trivia and distraction: firstly that a steady diet of propaganda and lies will denature American optimism and altruism into corrosive cynicism and misanthropy, and secondly that Team Trump will have to come up with ever greater levels of stimulus to stay in the public eye, in which case a good old fashioned war would be just the ticket.
11
Spectacularly well-written. Very enjoyable.
7
There can be a number of arguments on how DT lost by winning too.
What we are seeing is exactly the same.
Now the situation is, someone can say how I win, the answer is because you lost.
The bell is continuously ringing, louder and louder. Curtain falling down one after another on the show. It seems like big show is yet to come.
There is no taste in the victory.
What we are seeing is exactly the same.
Now the situation is, someone can say how I win, the answer is because you lost.
The bell is continuously ringing, louder and louder. Curtain falling down one after another on the show. It seems like big show is yet to come.
There is no taste in the victory.
1
What is the attention span of pitchforked peasants?
27
This is the second of two articles on Trump as spectacle, the first going back to Debord's view of spectacle, this one framed more as center of attention. I think there's little doubt that society is becoming spectacle, with two caveats: it was always spectacle, ruling was always through images; and spectacle is neither more or less truthful than reality, full of struggle, inequality, and exploitation.
Spectacle is our reality, and it embodies control of media, images, and real production. Authority--in government, business, education, or temple--works by spectacle. What is new are new forms of spectacle.
Our world is changing in many ways for many people who feel neglected: how they are treated and portrayed. Spectacle is the heart of the new reality, for good and evil. Arts and performances are more and more important; some of the displays are profoundly authoritarian. I don't think we've acknowledged the sweep of the revolutions.
Spectacle is our reality, and it embodies control of media, images, and real production. Authority--in government, business, education, or temple--works by spectacle. What is new are new forms of spectacle.
Our world is changing in many ways for many people who feel neglected: how they are treated and portrayed. Spectacle is the heart of the new reality, for good and evil. Arts and performances are more and more important; some of the displays are profoundly authoritarian. I don't think we've acknowledged the sweep of the revolutions.
4
In order to keep the attention of the masses, he's probably going to have to keep upping the ante on his shenanigans. Otherwise, people will actually start thinking "oh, look who resigned today, ho hum". It would be interesting to see where this might lead in a couple of years, if it weren't so scary.
12
We -- all of us -- lovers haters and everyone in-between - are in uncharted territory. Being "governed" by an egomaniac / narcissistic with no real commitment to his role. Indeed, a man-child on a journey to prove primarily to himself that he will continue to literally impact the country and world. And he is doing just that. As other NYT readers have shared now and in the past, the news media fuels his flame and does nothing to extinguish it. They like Trump must love the attention - after all, this positively reinforces his ongoing behavior. By "this" I refer to the non-critical regurgitation of his remarks, lies, falsehoods, rants, and tweets. So, the media must re-visit their priorities, and stand up to Trump cleverly diminishing the influence of the free-press, and their old, useless ways of reporting. IT is time to focus on what's truly and dangerously at stake.
70
What will be the end result of Mr. Trump's unprecedented media addiction? History will primarily remember him for behaving like a two year old, constantly tugging at his mother's dress. Trump will easily go down as the most narcissistic president in the history of the United States. Given his historical competition for that title, Trump's easy victory will say an awful lot.
5
A more accurate analogy of that is "chaff," the inexpensive junk that bombers drop to distract radar. The true Republican agenda is to wipe out the Estate Tax and reduce taxes paid by the "real" owners of America. Trump's ridiculous freakshow does have its costs (ask anybody here violating current immigration laws), but its true effect is to siphon attention and energy from the tax goals. If successful, this restructuring may be hardly even perceived. Our society has been largely recast by tax restructuring by Reagan, Clinton, and Bush 2, but it is far more responsible for Guilded Age 2.0 than anything else.
10
Many of us are simply waiting for Trump to crash in a brick wall and witness it when it happens.
That is the only attraction, a voyeuristic escape mechanism.
At the same time, we keep hoping that the arc of history indeed bends toward justice.
The only worry is the size of the radius of curvature.
That is the only attraction, a voyeuristic escape mechanism.
At the same time, we keep hoping that the arc of history indeed bends toward justice.
The only worry is the size of the radius of curvature.
8
In other words - this man/child is being the little brat in the room - all noise, all disruption - but all of the attention too. Great. We have a six-year-old commander-in-chief.
5
Please, don't knock the six year old. Both of my grand kids, one past six and one becoming six in a month, behave much better after they were older than four than this so-called president.
Like a three year-old kicking and screaming out of Chucky Cheese he'll get noticed. But for a three year-old diminished dignity isn't a problem.........
6
The media became addicted to the man in a flash. He exploited the loophole at the intersection of politics and entertainment in a brash manner that was irresistible to the for-profit algorithms that govern what makes the news.
The Trumped up birther controversy was nothing more than an audacious field test of media manipulation. Every controversy that follows that one is equally fake including this Russia brouhaha.
The Internet has screwed up everything. Normality is a thing of the past.
The Trumped up birther controversy was nothing more than an audacious field test of media manipulation. Every controversy that follows that one is equally fake including this Russia brouhaha.
The Internet has screwed up everything. Normality is a thing of the past.
3
No doubt about it, Trump has the eyes and ears of the world. Is he winning by losing, no I don’t see that at all. What I see is the continuation of an immature and dangerous man in the most powerful leadership position in the free world. Of course I watch him, mindshare as the author says, as I should. He is the most dangerous person on the planet right now!
Watergate might be a good analogy to your winning by losing. Nixon and his henchmen were in the news (lots of free press) for almost two years. But the constant drip, drip, drip,…. took a toll. And we all know how that ended.
Being in the news and on everyone’s mind is not always a good thing. Particularly when the vast majority of the news is “bad”.
Watergate might be a good analogy to your winning by losing. Nixon and his henchmen were in the news (lots of free press) for almost two years. But the constant drip, drip, drip,…. took a toll. And we all know how that ended.
Being in the news and on everyone’s mind is not always a good thing. Particularly when the vast majority of the news is “bad”.
6
As I see it there are two prominent groups of people that can’t get enough of Trump. There are his enemies that eat up all the negative news about him & his associates, & there are those that get off on his scapegoating of certain minorities.
The problem is that those of us that want to see him impeached is the alternative may be worst, because waiting in the wings is a reactionary theocrat whose first allegiance is to his idea of God.If you think that the born again Bush was a detriment to progress, like with stem cell research,Pence will not let Transgender people into the country let alone a toilet, & the Gay community will be thrown in Jail for dancing with someone of the same sex.
We just can’t win for losing.
The problem is that those of us that want to see him impeached is the alternative may be worst, because waiting in the wings is a reactionary theocrat whose first allegiance is to his idea of God.If you think that the born again Bush was a detriment to progress, like with stem cell research,Pence will not let Transgender people into the country let alone a toilet, & the Gay community will be thrown in Jail for dancing with someone of the same sex.
We just can’t win for losing.
6
Trump may be the center of attention, but keep in mind that he's always been a master at sleight-of-hand. His so-called losses are part of an episodic strategy; he "loses" some outlandishly impossible proposals and wins by making slightly less outlandish proposals seem reasonable. And don't forget his supporters and enablers in congress, who are more than happy to do business in his enormous shadow. Trump's tactics of misdirection are supremely suitable for the reduced attention spans of social media, and exploit people's need for yet another mindless spectacle for outrage and indignation. Meanwhile, the nation is once again plundered by the usual suspects. It's a great act for today's carnival of fools.
39
Reminds me of an advertising axiom - it doesn't matter how good or bad, how effective or ineffective, the ad is, as long as it gets a response. When we are saturated with the ad labeled "President Trump," we become addicted and on the slippery slope to brainwashing.
4
Thank you, Prof. Wu, for this very eloquent, intelligent, thoughtful, and quite humorous essay, which now has thoroughly cleared up for me the question I've had regarding why I can't stop watching this circus sideshow of a presidency. It is as addicting as a slot machine, and the payout about the same (although one can occasionally get lucky at a slot machine; I don't see what some luck will get me with Trump-news addiction). "Mr. Trump's eventual downfall may be less like Richard Nixon's than Paris Hilton's": best sentence I've read in the NYT in a long time! I envy your law students.
124
Orwell's continuous war has been aided by years of continuous anger-inciting propaganda from the Limbaugh to Brietbart to Alex Jones inciters, to continuous claims that our public education system is a disaster, to the never-ending, insatiable need for Donald J. Trump to make the news, and for an eager media machine that thrives on all of the above. Thus technology has made addicts of us all, and nothing in the Affordable Care Act is available to break the publc's being hooked.
It was Ronald Reagan who counseled "Trust but verify." Donald J. Trump has replaced Reagan's caution. Now it's "Trust me, don't verify, and if you don't like it, just shut up." The current crop of students involved in public education have a chance at enlightenment. It appears that education's true failure is with the older generations who have been conned by propaganda Orwell and others envisioned long ago.
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
It was Ronald Reagan who counseled "Trust but verify." Donald J. Trump has replaced Reagan's caution. Now it's "Trust me, don't verify, and if you don't like it, just shut up." The current crop of students involved in public education have a chance at enlightenment. It appears that education's true failure is with the older generations who have been conned by propaganda Orwell and others envisioned long ago.
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
7
I was in college during the Watergate revelations. Every day friends and classmates gathered on the plaza with our one copy of the New York Times. (This being San Diego, the New York Times was an exotic bird, and we took turns obtaining it.) We shared out the sections and pored over every detail of the twists and turns, the follies and high drama. And talked and talked. Now I have a few more sources, but still wake up to check the Times online to see what new shocker has unfolded. Back in the 70s, we couldn't have imagined that our democratic institutions would not "check" and "balance" Nixon & Company's criminal actions. Today, not so sure.
81
And Mr. Wu just figured this out?
1
Yup. Thanks, thanks, thanks, for writing this.
1
One word: Fox. Absolutely corrupt. Made specifically to lie. To abort democracy for the free market heaven. Disgusting. Now look where you are. Your version of corporate capitalism chokes your development. You use the work community because society implies sharing. Can't have that. It all must be market based. No health care, no education, no society unless someone gets their slice. Grifters. Shame.
5
Fox News is a cable channel with 1.3 million viewers (according to Neilson).
Trump got 63 million votes.
Therefore....61.7 million people who DO NOT WATCH FOX NEWS, voted for Trump.
Fox News is not the problem. The left has to get off of these meme, because it's stupid and untrue.
Trump got 63 million votes.
Therefore....61.7 million people who DO NOT WATCH FOX NEWS, voted for Trump.
Fox News is not the problem. The left has to get off of these meme, because it's stupid and untrue.
1
Dear Concerned,
It is pretty obvious that FOX has more than 1.3 million viewers. Not as many as some people think but nationwide/worldwide many millions tune in, along with the rightwing radio "talkers," amd sites like Glenn Beck contribute more daily. What I am suggesting is that millions of people have a steady diet of the bilge these sites put out and it gets inculcated into their distorted world view.
It is pretty obvious that FOX has more than 1.3 million viewers. Not as many as some people think but nationwide/worldwide many millions tune in, along with the rightwing radio "talkers," amd sites like Glenn Beck contribute more daily. What I am suggesting is that millions of people have a steady diet of the bilge these sites put out and it gets inculcated into their distorted world view.
1
I love this graphic.
2
Maybe this time we'll incarcerated the President who launched an attack on
American laws and values...........
American laws and values...........
3
Definitely Trump has succeeded in being the center of attention at all times, by being chaotic, incompetent, abrasive, and undignified. But I'm not so sure this is a great strategy.
I, and many people I know, have gone from disliking and disparaging Trump, to despising him utterly. A lot of people not only see him as the worst president in history, after less than two months of his term, but as the enemy of the people, and the worst thing to happen to American democracy.
He revels in the attention for now, but eventually even someone as self-infatuated and ignorant as him is going to get a harsh awakening. After his miserable presidency is over with, he is never going to be able to walk the streets of Manhattan unmolested again. His home town, except for Staten Island, the extremely rich, and the unintelligent, now hates him.
He will also be depressed to see how his presidency will be reviled by history. There are going to be a number of tell-all books by people inside his administration detailing the corruption, confusion, and cacophony of his crew. Probably there won't be one by Melania, his soon-to-be ex-wife number 3, because the post-nuptial agreement being renegotiated now will undoubtedly require her silence. But quite a lot of people are going to spill the beans about his incompetence, because while folks pretend loyalty to him for their own gain, people really do not like him personally.
So my hope is that while he's on top for now, justice will be done.
I, and many people I know, have gone from disliking and disparaging Trump, to despising him utterly. A lot of people not only see him as the worst president in history, after less than two months of his term, but as the enemy of the people, and the worst thing to happen to American democracy.
He revels in the attention for now, but eventually even someone as self-infatuated and ignorant as him is going to get a harsh awakening. After his miserable presidency is over with, he is never going to be able to walk the streets of Manhattan unmolested again. His home town, except for Staten Island, the extremely rich, and the unintelligent, now hates him.
He will also be depressed to see how his presidency will be reviled by history. There are going to be a number of tell-all books by people inside his administration detailing the corruption, confusion, and cacophony of his crew. Probably there won't be one by Melania, his soon-to-be ex-wife number 3, because the post-nuptial agreement being renegotiated now will undoubtedly require her silence. But quite a lot of people are going to spill the beans about his incompetence, because while folks pretend loyalty to him for their own gain, people really do not like him personally.
So my hope is that while he's on top for now, justice will be done.
4
This is why the twitterverse is important to Trumpler. He longs for attention late at night and goes on his phone to blow our minds. At the end of it all, he is a sad character who stand for nothing other than the most vile things of humanity.
5
Right. I am surprised that it has taken so long for people to figure out President Trump and the secret to his success. He is a genius at social media and reality TV. A genius at using today's mass communication tools. And for some reason the NYT and liberals wildly magnify his actions and words. Thus giving him even more publicity. The NYT printing 10 to 15 editorials, columns, and articles a day on Don T just gives him tons more publicity. The best way to combat him is to ignore him. But I don't think the NYT and other liberals can do that. It feels too good to rant about Don Trump every single day.
2
Critics of the media had a point during the campaign, but now please be realistic and answer this---what would proper coverage of Trump look like now? Give 1 example of how the press should report his statements, tweets and actions.
The press has to report all this. It is what it is. Who is magnifying what, at this point? The news gets more bizarre every day. How do you downplay this, and who defines what coverage is apt?
The press has to report all this. It is what it is. Who is magnifying what, at this point? The news gets more bizarre every day. How do you downplay this, and who defines what coverage is apt?
2
All very interesting -- and quite possibly right on target -- and yet at the end of the day, or of the President's term, the question of what has really changed in people's lives will matter most. What are the actual deliverables on which Trump will have delivered? A better health care system? Millions of new jobs, particularly in manufacturing? A nationwide reduction in crime? An America made "great again"? Methinks not. It is reality which will bring down the beast, not a decline in viewer fascination.
3
I completely agree. One might now feel the urge to ignore the Trump circus after reading Mr. Wu's thoughts as a way to to ignore the narcissist-in-chief, but that would be fatal to our democracy with likes of Bannon, etc. pulling the levers of power.
Better, as many have suggested, is to ignore the circus and focus on the policies. Many op-ed columnists have long-ago stated that we should ignore the Twitter rants, etc. Good advice. Can the media follow that advice? That remains to be seen.
Better, as many have suggested, is to ignore the circus and focus on the policies. Many op-ed columnists have long-ago stated that we should ignore the Twitter rants, etc. Good advice. Can the media follow that advice? That remains to be seen.
1
From day 1 of the presidential campaign the media obsession with Trump has kept him in the spotlight and propelled him to the Presidency. The media created this Frankenstein monster, and, like all monsters everyone wants a look. The media, meanwhile, are laughing all the way to the bank.
2
"Though we don’t have a state-run media, we do live in a society in which the president’s face and messages are sufficiently omnipresent to give Mao or Lenin a run for their money. When is the last time you went a day without seeing the “great leader”?"
Sit with that for a few moments and contemplate the images it conjures up - then get back to speaking up and acting out to defend our Constitution and our Country from our dangerous and delusional President.
Sit with that for a few moments and contemplate the images it conjures up - then get back to speaking up and acting out to defend our Constitution and our Country from our dangerous and delusional President.
1
Yup. It's warfare.
I never thought I would be part of an army. Actually I'd like to go AWOL. But I can't! Not because of the unpredictable schedule of rewards (that experiment was done with animals), but because I'm human. And being human, I have frontal lobes, which allow me to forecast but bad and good events. It's the bad events that motivate my participation in the "war" against trump.
Yes. I count the victories. But even more I consider the terrible potential for disasters.
Just this morning I woke up realizing I'm part of a fight. A war. An army of citizens, our Free Press, our Judiciary. It's a daily battle now. Not a reality show, like the writer would have us think.
This is not a "reality show". Not for those of us who feel we must go daily to the line of battle. We read to do battle. Not to be entertained.
It's the "resident" who wants attention. So I refuse to watch him on TV. I despise the man. I believe the mere sight of him is toxic for my neurons, my mental health.
Resist! In every way you can.
I never thought I would be part of an army. Actually I'd like to go AWOL. But I can't! Not because of the unpredictable schedule of rewards (that experiment was done with animals), but because I'm human. And being human, I have frontal lobes, which allow me to forecast but bad and good events. It's the bad events that motivate my participation in the "war" against trump.
Yes. I count the victories. But even more I consider the terrible potential for disasters.
Just this morning I woke up realizing I'm part of a fight. A war. An army of citizens, our Free Press, our Judiciary. It's a daily battle now. Not a reality show, like the writer would have us think.
This is not a "reality show". Not for those of us who feel we must go daily to the line of battle. We read to do battle. Not to be entertained.
It's the "resident" who wants attention. So I refuse to watch him on TV. I despise the man. I believe the mere sight of him is toxic for my neurons, my mental health.
Resist! In every way you can.
106
Very well said, TheraP, and I believe it reflects the thoughts of the vast majority of Americans.
How did we let things get here? By not paying enough attention when things were going okay and by assuming "someone" was/is protecting OUR democracy. They are not. It is up to all of us to DEMAND and CREATE the kind of America most of us believe in. One man/woman cannot do it alone. Democracy takes participation by all of us.
Now is the time to pay attention and take action to counter-act the Robber Barons who have gotten control of OUR governments at all levels. They think they have finally "won" their 40+ year goal to destroy democracy.
NO. They have not and WE must all step up and protect the one thing we value most about democracy. THAT is what will save us -not sticking our heads in the sand.
How did we let things get here? By not paying enough attention when things were going okay and by assuming "someone" was/is protecting OUR democracy. They are not. It is up to all of us to DEMAND and CREATE the kind of America most of us believe in. One man/woman cannot do it alone. Democracy takes participation by all of us.
Now is the time to pay attention and take action to counter-act the Robber Barons who have gotten control of OUR governments at all levels. They think they have finally "won" their 40+ year goal to destroy democracy.
NO. They have not and WE must all step up and protect the one thing we value most about democracy. THAT is what will save us -not sticking our heads in the sand.
4
It truly is war. And much as those who fought the Nazis or any other oppressors throughout history had no choice, neither do we. We don't get to choose the times we are in. It's only going to get worse as far as the assaults on the press, other democratic institutions, the environment and human dignity. This is not business as usual, it's a slow moving facist coup.
3
@TheraP.
Agreed. It's for all the marbles this time. And I can assure you that like millions of others in the country I will Resist in every way I can.
Agreed. It's for all the marbles this time. And I can assure you that like millions of others in the country I will Resist in every way I can.
Given what we know about his "all publicity is good publicity" approach, where any attention is deemed good attention in that it continues to make him (and his fragile ego) the center of attention, it is tempting to adopt the strategy of ignoring him.
It won't work. It didn't work during the run-up to the Republican convention. It didn't work in the election. When Trump is ignored, he simply finds something more outrageous to say or do, and the problem is that those inevitable outrages now are backed by the power of the presidency.
The notion that ignoring him will make him go away is appealing, especially at a time when many Americans are suffering from PT(rump)SD. Unfortunately, our nation cannot afford to ignore him and must, instead, increase the pressure on those who have the power to get off the dime and put country ahead of party.
It won't work. It didn't work during the run-up to the Republican convention. It didn't work in the election. When Trump is ignored, he simply finds something more outrageous to say or do, and the problem is that those inevitable outrages now are backed by the power of the presidency.
The notion that ignoring him will make him go away is appealing, especially at a time when many Americans are suffering from PT(rump)SD. Unfortunately, our nation cannot afford to ignore him and must, instead, increase the pressure on those who have the power to get off the dime and put country ahead of party.
2
winning in this context is a relative concept. i doubt that historians will agree, if there is anyone left to write history after this boob finishes with the world.
4
He shoulda called it, "The Art of the Smokescreen"
We all remember the kid in class who didn't care what the history lesson was about, he wanted our attention and would make crude jokes or bodily noises in an effort to draw us away from the teacher leading the lesson.
Now, on the national stage, that kid IS the leader. Whatever short term boost this circus may give the ratings, it speaks of 'end times' for a democracy.
Now, on the national stage, that kid IS the leader. Whatever short term boost this circus may give the ratings, it speaks of 'end times' for a democracy.
96
In Canada (maybe elsewhere as well), middle school students use a new term "trumping around" as in "stop trumping around." It means, seeking attention by being rude and uncooperative. Been used for a year or so now.
2
The cornerstone of this administration is the lie.
Trump doesn't care about America, he cares about himself.
His idea of being president is simple: if his greed and narcissistic need is satisfied then all the rest is barely important.
Trump doesn't care about America, he cares about himself.
His idea of being president is simple: if his greed and narcissistic need is satisfied then all the rest is barely important.
4
Americans might be willing to pay close attention to this unfolding spectacle and even get some perverse entertainment from watching the day-to-day plot twists. Not unlike being unable to turn away from a multi-car highway accident that is happening right in front of you. But when these same Americans begin feeling the effects of failed policies and harmful laws in their lives, the show will turn very ugly. Even someone as self-absorbed as Trump must realize on some level that not all attention is good.
6
The result: more people are paying attention to our government, than ever. Maybe they will even vote in the next election.
405
Actually, they did vote. By nearly 3 million more in favor of the Democratic candidate. But too many voted for independents or third party candidates in three states with small Electoral College numbers, and that made all the difference.
It could be that DT and his administration will totally make the the Congress irrelevant in facing the destruction Bannon and DT create. Hopefully, there will be something left to save in two years. Judging by the intransigence of Republican officials to common sense and their rigid collective sense of "only they can be right," even if Russia didn't totally affect the election, those who couldn't see the difference in the candidates and those who represent the monied elite will continue to destroy the discussion necessary for democratic law.
It could be that DT and his administration will totally make the the Congress irrelevant in facing the destruction Bannon and DT create. Hopefully, there will be something left to save in two years. Judging by the intransigence of Republican officials to common sense and their rigid collective sense of "only they can be right," even if Russia didn't totally affect the election, those who couldn't see the difference in the candidates and those who represent the monied elite will continue to destroy the discussion necessary for democratic law.
BRothman--OBVIOUSLY, not enough of them voted. Less than 50% of eligible voters. Republicrooks got a "mandate" of less than 25%.
1
Does voting matter anymore? I was one of the 65 million that voted for HRC. She won by almost 3,000,000 votes and isn't our Prez. Did my vote matter?
For a couple of weeks I've been progressively more annoyed the the Times editorial policy of making as much as possible of the news Trump-centric, rather than policy-centric.
This article has convinced me. By continuing to click on these news articles, read them, and leave my comments, I am helping Trump win the media game.
From now on I will withdraw from most of my news reading and engage only in actions that lead directly to positive political results.
Since the inauguration my personal political action has been to write a paper letter, not an email, to the White House each weekend. I pick a specific topic and state my views as directly as possible.
I will continue with that. I will withdraw my attention from the media game that Trump is playing with us.
This article has convinced me. By continuing to click on these news articles, read them, and leave my comments, I am helping Trump win the media game.
From now on I will withdraw from most of my news reading and engage only in actions that lead directly to positive political results.
Since the inauguration my personal political action has been to write a paper letter, not an email, to the White House each weekend. I pick a specific topic and state my views as directly as possible.
I will continue with that. I will withdraw my attention from the media game that Trump is playing with us.
230
best comment on this page imho
1
you are so right
NPR is just as bad; their coverage of Trump's speech to congress was almost, lets discuss his clothing , instead of lets discuss his policy
this is a guy whose right wing cabinet is doing its best to destroy our country, and the Times and the rest of the media roll over
Thank god for P Krugman
NPR is just as bad; their coverage of Trump's speech to congress was almost, lets discuss his clothing , instead of lets discuss his policy
this is a guy whose right wing cabinet is doing its best to destroy our country, and the Times and the rest of the media roll over
Thank god for P Krugman
2
Either way you lose.
I believe this need for attention will be his downfall. The spotlight will constantly show the inadequacy of his administration as well as himself. He would do better to quietly go about his business so no one takes notice. But since he is an "egomaniac with low self esteem" going quietly is not an option. The spotlight will finally show the fallacies of his beliefs and the hypocrisy of his administration. I believe he will be impeached because the spotlight.
189
"The spotlight will finally show the fallacies of his beliefs and the hypocrisy of his administration. I believe he will be impeached because the spotlight."
Sorry, it doesn't work that way! Wish that it did, though. People have had enough time to notice and went for the slime, lies and hypocrisy of Trumpism.
Sorry, it doesn't work that way! Wish that it did, though. People have had enough time to notice and went for the slime, lies and hypocrisy of Trumpism.
1
"The spotlight will constantly show the inadequacy of his administration as well as himself."
Methinks that you give too much tribute to the American people.
Methinks that you give too much tribute to the American people.
Unfortunately, he will not be impeached because the Congress finds him a useful idiotic who will sign anything put on his desk without even reading it. Mike Pence is not nearly so stupid but he is even more of a right winger and may actually object to one or two things the Congress wants to do because they are too "progressive."
1
You tend to pay attention when your house is on fire. This is not considered a "win" by most rational people.
404
He has rationalized that its not his house to begin with. Except to do as he pleases, and Republicans and Conservatives in general are all too willing to help him.
2
Trump didn't win the White House by any rational means.
3
Trump doesn't care what rational people think, nor does he care about what the majority think. As long as he can manipulate his base, he will go forward, ever-increasing those he is at war with.
1
More people listening to him isn't proven by his television ratings for his speech before Congress. To put it bluntly, he tanked. His ratings were as thin as his inauguration crowd.
The public is already tired of Trump, tired of his mouth, tired of his lies, tired of his tweets. Since Trump lives for adoration, lack of interest in him is what will cause him to get tired and quit.
The public is already tired of Trump, tired of his mouth, tired of his lies, tired of his tweets. Since Trump lives for adoration, lack of interest in him is what will cause him to get tired and quit.
14
Doubtful. If he doesn't get himself impeached by the lying coward repuglicans, he will keep upping the ante to stay in view.
2
The Con Don and his Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion Good Old Boys' Party/ Cabal win only if WE let them.
An article in one of today's major news outlets reports that The Con Don watches only Rupert Murdoch's fox so-called news now and calls every other major media outlet "fake" news. The same article states that the average fox so-called news audience is 3 million viewers. A tiny minority of people who have been brainwashed with The Con Don and Robber Baron propaganda. Another article reports that Rupert Murdoch is trying to buy yet another television outlet - Sky News - and is awaiting EU approval. WE must stop him from getting anymore power over world media.
To start WE must boycott fox so-called news and hate radio/social media. Do not give them your time, attention or money. Starve the beasts.
WE must use every non-violent means to help OUR government workers keep us informed of the truth and stop The Robber Baron Cabal from destroying democracy in America.
WE, the Good People of America who love democracy are the only ones who can stop this train wreck - WWIII and another global financial meltdown that will further enrich the Robber Baron Cabal - and WE must do it.
RIGHT NOW!
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-sky-plc-m-a-twenty-first-fox-eu-idUSKB...
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-secrecy-exclusive-idUSKBN16A0GD
An article in one of today's major news outlets reports that The Con Don watches only Rupert Murdoch's fox so-called news now and calls every other major media outlet "fake" news. The same article states that the average fox so-called news audience is 3 million viewers. A tiny minority of people who have been brainwashed with The Con Don and Robber Baron propaganda. Another article reports that Rupert Murdoch is trying to buy yet another television outlet - Sky News - and is awaiting EU approval. WE must stop him from getting anymore power over world media.
To start WE must boycott fox so-called news and hate radio/social media. Do not give them your time, attention or money. Starve the beasts.
WE must use every non-violent means to help OUR government workers keep us informed of the truth and stop The Robber Baron Cabal from destroying democracy in America.
WE, the Good People of America who love democracy are the only ones who can stop this train wreck - WWIII and another global financial meltdown that will further enrich the Robber Baron Cabal - and WE must do it.
RIGHT NOW!
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-sky-plc-m-a-twenty-first-fox-eu-idUSKB...
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-secrecy-exclusive-idUSKBN16A0GD
13
No, the non-Fox media needs to band together and change the way they report on Trump. Fox watchers will watch Fox. Reasonable, intelligent people don't. The D.C. press corps needs to reverse the model. They need to hold the press conference and invite Spicer to visit. That's how it's done in Germany. That way they can control the narrative instead of letting Trump have the reins. Most of the stuff coming out of the WH press conferences is nonsense, anyway. Spicer telling lies, acting like a fool. What's really happening is behind the scenes, being concealed, covered up, lied about. Investigative reporting is going to upend this corrupt administration. It's already rotten to the core. Going to need a battalion of Deep Throat leakers.
12
@seeking peace...... a bit more detail please, on how it's done in Germany----holding press conferences with leaders? How is the media effective there?
I read somewhere that Rupert Murdoch tried to impose his media monopoly in Germany, but was thwarted. Is that true? Here he was NOT thwarted. Fox News is dominant across he country in radio/TV.
And the Times quotes Rush Limbaugh in articles.
Does Germany or other nations have a Fox equivalent monopoly with big influence? Are their rw talk show hosts quoted in their newspapers, along side their presidents, like Limbaugh and Obama in the NYT?
I read somewhere that Rupert Murdoch tried to impose his media monopoly in Germany, but was thwarted. Is that true? Here he was NOT thwarted. Fox News is dominant across he country in radio/TV.
And the Times quotes Rush Limbaugh in articles.
Does Germany or other nations have a Fox equivalent monopoly with big influence? Are their rw talk show hosts quoted in their newspapers, along side their presidents, like Limbaugh and Obama in the NYT?
2
The media learned nothing from the primaries and the election. The press trumpeted every outrageous Trump statement to his base giving him billions of dollars in free publicity. The press proved itself unable to influence the public in any way that was meaningful but it certainly provided red meat to Trump's base.
Now Trump campaigned on the fact that he wasn't a professional politician and a Washington outsider bent on shaking everything up. The whole tenor of current reporting merely confirms this to his base who excitedly look forward to the break up of the old order and an uptick in jobs. The press can't help itself nor can the Resistance - they are stuck with the platitudes of the old and rejected administration. Trump wins every time and will only lose if he doesn't deliver on his promises.
Now Trump campaigned on the fact that he wasn't a professional politician and a Washington outsider bent on shaking everything up. The whole tenor of current reporting merely confirms this to his base who excitedly look forward to the break up of the old order and an uptick in jobs. The press can't help itself nor can the Resistance - they are stuck with the platitudes of the old and rejected administration. Trump wins every time and will only lose if he doesn't deliver on his promises.
19
Michhael--Corporate America OWNS most of the media. They see it as in their best interest to give trump any break they can, while retaining a suspicious audience. Just as long as they keep, and reading, but hopefully not thinking. It will be in OUR best interest to read, and watch, media that is not corporately owned. At least we will get two sides of any story. If that's too much for some of you, all I can say is, I guess it's better to be convinced than right. Less wear and tear on the grey matter, and the conscience.
1
The Corporate press is stuck screaming about Trump to boost circulation precisely because they are losing circulation to alternative media
5
ChesBay--...just as long as they keep READING, and watching...
2
It is not just Trump.
The outpouring of opposition has revealed in stark relief much that Americans reject on both sides of this monkey fight, as they fling feces in their zoo enclosure inside the Beltway.
The self righteous opponents of Trump delude themselves if they think that their attacks on Trump are winning anything for themselves. They justly tear down Trump, but they also justly go down with him.
The press has turned itself into the political opposition, did so from when it openly became part of the Hillary Campaign last year. It has done incalculable damage to the very idea of the Fourth Estate independent of either political party.
I don't suggest that as defense of Trump. I don't defend Trump. I point out that the press is self destructing in its partisan orgy. That sells its stuff at the moment, but it has a long term price.
When lawyers choose clients and then what they are willing to do for those clients, they must keep in mind the distinction between selling their time and effort, and selling their own reputation and ethics. Selling off reputation is selling off an entire professional future, selling one's own future for one client's immediate purposes.
The press has in that way lost sight of what it is trading, its long term reputation and effectiveness in society.
Trump loses. The attack on him loses too. The attackers in their frenzy of partisanship sell their own future.
We need a vision of the future, and a positive idea.
The outpouring of opposition has revealed in stark relief much that Americans reject on both sides of this monkey fight, as they fling feces in their zoo enclosure inside the Beltway.
The self righteous opponents of Trump delude themselves if they think that their attacks on Trump are winning anything for themselves. They justly tear down Trump, but they also justly go down with him.
The press has turned itself into the political opposition, did so from when it openly became part of the Hillary Campaign last year. It has done incalculable damage to the very idea of the Fourth Estate independent of either political party.
I don't suggest that as defense of Trump. I don't defend Trump. I point out that the press is self destructing in its partisan orgy. That sells its stuff at the moment, but it has a long term price.
When lawyers choose clients and then what they are willing to do for those clients, they must keep in mind the distinction between selling their time and effort, and selling their own reputation and ethics. Selling off reputation is selling off an entire professional future, selling one's own future for one client's immediate purposes.
The press has in that way lost sight of what it is trading, its long term reputation and effectiveness in society.
Trump loses. The attack on him loses too. The attackers in their frenzy of partisanship sell their own future.
We need a vision of the future, and a positive idea.
19
Concerned:
If the left is doing what the GOP was doing, then what is wrong with that? This is the way the game is played now; the GOP wanted and fought for these rules, and perhaps the Democrats are deciding that two can play the game. Republicans found gridlock preferable to Obama's policies, and now Democrats prefer gridlock to Trump's. Gridlock is thus saving the country from a disaster greater than gridlock. Of course, when we are hit with a crisis or an ongoing problem and cannot make a coherent response, the disadvantage of gridlock appears; we cannot pull out of Afghanistan or occupy it, so we remain stuck into our second decade there.
The Republicans have the power to do just about anything they make up their mind to do. But they cant make up their minds, and this has little to do with the Democrats.
If the left is doing what the GOP was doing, then what is wrong with that? This is the way the game is played now; the GOP wanted and fought for these rules, and perhaps the Democrats are deciding that two can play the game. Republicans found gridlock preferable to Obama's policies, and now Democrats prefer gridlock to Trump's. Gridlock is thus saving the country from a disaster greater than gridlock. Of course, when we are hit with a crisis or an ongoing problem and cannot make a coherent response, the disadvantage of gridlock appears; we cannot pull out of Afghanistan or occupy it, so we remain stuck into our second decade there.
The Republicans have the power to do just about anything they make up their mind to do. But they cant make up their minds, and this has little to do with the Democrats.
7
What you consider a "partisan orgy," many of us see as an effort by the fourth estate to stand up to an orgy of lies that demands a response. That you see the effort as being partisan tells us something about where you are coming from and that you consider telling the truth as not essential to our society.
As for the press becoming "part of the Hillary Campaign last year," I'm curious about how you see the many papers that have always endorsed Republican candidates last year instead choosing to endorse Hillary, the Democratic candidate. Whether or not you agree with those endorsements, I should think it would give you pause to consider what might have led them to do so. Partisan orgy? I don't think so.
As for the press becoming "part of the Hillary Campaign last year," I'm curious about how you see the many papers that have always endorsed Republican candidates last year instead choosing to endorse Hillary, the Democratic candidate. Whether or not you agree with those endorsements, I should think it would give you pause to consider what might have led them to do so. Partisan orgy? I don't think so.
These "wins" by losing may be correct, but the real losers are the American people.
232
There were just enough losers to get this clown elected. In the process, we all became losers.
1
An Administration of traitors,
At home with the world's dictators,
Whose foundational need,
Is to satisfy their greed,
With Russian collaborators.
At home with the world's dictators,
Whose foundational need,
Is to satisfy their greed,
With Russian collaborators.
155
Technic Ally--Hear, hear! VERY well said. Thanks.
3
Thank you, and as always, I am inspired to do better by Larry Eisenberg's examples.
4