This Sunday I got whiplash trying to follow this administration's policy points, but the players kept jumping over the fence like tennis balls. We do not support removing Assad from power, but we actually do? I think Lindsay Graham said it best when he said there's no guessing what Trump may do next. Crazier than a FOX because he's got FCPA in his hot pants, too!
Murdoch hasn't got the whole Sky bought up yet? GCHQ, did you do what I know you do? Tempora takes too long to cover for corrupted emails, tamper tantrums. Why'd they let Murdoch's Red Top's private server slide in that hacking case? FCPA disgrace. Trying to buy the whole pie, again!
See Cable about the Telegraph snap back! James Murdoch doing the Donald Duck!
Murdoch hasn't got the whole Sky bought up yet? GCHQ, did you do what I know you do? Tempora takes too long to cover for corrupted emails, tamper tantrums. Why'd they let Murdoch's Red Top's private server slide in that hacking case? FCPA disgrace. Trying to buy the whole pie, again!
See Cable about the Telegraph snap back! James Murdoch doing the Donald Duck!
21
I was duped. Of course I wasn't alone. I also share this distinction with NIcholas Kristof, who knows wears the rumpled hat of public humiliation for believing, as I did, that Trump's "Tomahawk missile attack" was something other than a publicity stunt. But the truth came out (very quickly in this case) as Syrian jets quickly returned to their "attacked" air base after being warned by the US Military and/or our "esteemed" Secretary of State to get the hell out before being "attacked," after which they promptly resumed their attacks on Assad's civilian enemies. Of course, they didn't have to leave, since video footage now reveals that not even the runways were damaged. Somebody call Mark Burnett. Even his reality shows have more credibility than the stunts staged by Trump and his fellow clown-car companions. So much for news about President Bannon's expulsion from the NSC. It looks like Bannon is still in control.
67
Paul Krugman gets it right when he says Trump's bombing of the Syrian airfield was a publicity stunt is not serious foreign policy.
The Syrian air strikes raises the question, "Is Trump now ok amongst the liberal ,humanitarian interventionists ? Will all the damaging material that liberals raised about Trump, the Russian spy , be thrown into the dust bin of history'?
The deeper problem is that our response to the rest of the world rests on two flawed premises: a) we are a city on a hill, a shinning example for the rest of the world to see and copy and b) we are exceptional as well as indispensable.
The reality is that we've become, as Martin Luther King noted 50 years ago, a violent, interventionist country. (See Vietnam , the Middle East, etc.)
Our best response to Syria is to have the UN work out, with Russian support, a peace place. Morever, we need to pull out our proxy armies, CIA armies, the drones , etc, The Saudis also need to stop funding Sunni Jahadi groups. Ditto Israel. Much of this involves the question of who will control middle eastern oil.
Making the world safe for US oil interests creates a very unstable world, And with Trump at the helm , makes it more so.
The Syrian air strikes raises the question, "Is Trump now ok amongst the liberal ,humanitarian interventionists ? Will all the damaging material that liberals raised about Trump, the Russian spy , be thrown into the dust bin of history'?
The deeper problem is that our response to the rest of the world rests on two flawed premises: a) we are a city on a hill, a shinning example for the rest of the world to see and copy and b) we are exceptional as well as indispensable.
The reality is that we've become, as Martin Luther King noted 50 years ago, a violent, interventionist country. (See Vietnam , the Middle East, etc.)
Our best response to Syria is to have the UN work out, with Russian support, a peace place. Morever, we need to pull out our proxy armies, CIA armies, the drones , etc, The Saudis also need to stop funding Sunni Jahadi groups. Ditto Israel. Much of this involves the question of who will control middle eastern oil.
Making the world safe for US oil interests creates a very unstable world, And with Trump at the helm , makes it more so.
25
Even in these pages the attack has helped Mr. Trump.
We should be talking about what he has already done. He has already elected an awful cabinet. He has already ensured we have a new right-wing supreme court justice. He has already ensured that numerous Obama era regulations to protect people were rolled back. And so on...
This is not a situation where 'one day he can become presidential'. Trump is leaving a legacy of failure and minority hardship and ecological disaster every single day. He won't 'become' presidential tomorrow.
We should be talking about what he has already done. He has already elected an awful cabinet. He has already ensured we have a new right-wing supreme court justice. He has already ensured that numerous Obama era regulations to protect people were rolled back. And so on...
This is not a situation where 'one day he can become presidential'. Trump is leaving a legacy of failure and minority hardship and ecological disaster every single day. He won't 'become' presidential tomorrow.
62
After less than 90 days of a Trump presidency, exhaustion is setting in. Can't we just buy out his contract and release him? What should we offer? A billion dollars? $2 billion? A small U.S. territory? One of Neptune's moons? Name your price, Don. Let's negotiate. But, please, take your whole entourage with you.
74
Just. Stop. Covering. Trump.
For one day, two days. Deny the addict his fix. Please.
For one day, two days. Deny the addict his fix. Please.
64
"Is Mr. Trump making life-and-death national security decisions based on TV coverage?"
YES!
Secondarily, if you want to know what he will do next wait until later this week when the next round of poll numbers come out. If they went up, expect more bombings.
YES!
Secondarily, if you want to know what he will do next wait until later this week when the next round of poll numbers come out. If they went up, expect more bombings.
I must take exception with the usually sober Dr. Krugman who suggests that nobody knew how to "finish" the Syrian conflict.
Trump thinks big league. He just forgot The Donald.
Trump only needs a short catchy phrase suitable for a bubba hat.
How about, "The 20:20:20:200 Plan: Twenty years, $20 trillion, 20 thousand troops killed, 200 thousand maimed." Should about do it.
Unless Russia, Iran, China or N Korea pile on, but adding extra numbers crowds the blurb on the hat. Too complex for voters to assimilate. It would only confuse folks.
Trump thinks big league. He just forgot The Donald.
Trump only needs a short catchy phrase suitable for a bubba hat.
How about, "The 20:20:20:200 Plan: Twenty years, $20 trillion, 20 thousand troops killed, 200 thousand maimed." Should about do it.
Unless Russia, Iran, China or N Korea pile on, but adding extra numbers crowds the blurb on the hat. Too complex for voters to assimilate. It would only confuse folks.
9
And do no underestimate what else could be at play here. Do you really trust anything - rhetoric, reports, coverage - that has anything to do with this so-called administration? What did Assad gain by doing this? Nothing much. What did the US gain by the strike? A show of strength? C'mon. Who in the world doesn't know the strength of the US army? And anyone who doesn't think that trump [sic] is crazy enough to exert the US's military might is - as Lindsey Graham said on Sunday - crazy (or living under a very large rock).
Who knows really what, who, how, why, and so on but several things we can be almost certain of are that this so-called president is not a kind person, he has no regard for the truth, his ego is out of control, he has no restraint, and he has far too many ties to Russia, even if second and third degree.
What would Russia and Syria collectively have to gain from this? An alliance in the Middle East? Not bad. What would the Russia and the US collectively have to gain from this? A whole helluva lot more. I mean, really if you were Russia would you rather have the US or Syria as your partner in crime? Methinks the fundamentals of that question have already been answered ...
Who knows really what, who, how, why, and so on but several things we can be almost certain of are that this so-called president is not a kind person, he has no regard for the truth, his ego is out of control, he has no restraint, and he has far too many ties to Russia, even if second and third degree.
What would Russia and Syria collectively have to gain from this? An alliance in the Middle East? Not bad. What would the Russia and the US collectively have to gain from this? A whole helluva lot more. I mean, really if you were Russia would you rather have the US or Syria as your partner in crime? Methinks the fundamentals of that question have already been answered ...
10
Meanwhile amidst all the theatrics, Politico tells us Trump signed an "executive order (that) calls for agencies to pinpoint 'at least two' current regulations to be repealed for each new proposed regulation. And it says the net incremental cost for fiscal 2017 should 'be no greater than zero,' meaning the cost of new regulations should be offset by existing rules that will be rescinded." What is happening almost two and a half months later? Do we have any idea what regulations are being repealed? What is their effect on health, safety, clean air and water, education, finance, etc., etc? The publicity stunts suck up all the air, and something small but that could and almost certainly will have serious consequences goes almost unnoticed. Help!
38
Thanks, Paul. This column ought to be put on posters and hung in every newsroom.
42
I hope you will discuss the economic consequences of Mr. Trump.
8
The man is a dangerous raud.
He was against Obama taking the course of action he just took, which begs the question why did Trump fire his missiles. It certainly wasn't in compassion for the Syrians who were gassed. If he felt any compassion towards Syrians he would have been more recptive towards the refugees after the photo of that little boy who drowned whose body was on the beach.Don't forget, this is a man who thinks only of himself, and what's in it for ME. I firmly believe his main reason was to deflect attention from his problems with the inquiry over the Russian involvement in the election. This way he can have his base screaming praise for him, but in actuallity nothing was accomplished.He told the Syrian government that they can kill civilians any other way they wish , as long as they don't use gas.
He was against Obama taking the course of action he just took, which begs the question why did Trump fire his missiles. It certainly wasn't in compassion for the Syrians who were gassed. If he felt any compassion towards Syrians he would have been more recptive towards the refugees after the photo of that little boy who drowned whose body was on the beach.Don't forget, this is a man who thinks only of himself, and what's in it for ME. I firmly believe his main reason was to deflect attention from his problems with the inquiry over the Russian involvement in the election. This way he can have his base screaming praise for him, but in actuallity nothing was accomplished.He told the Syrian government that they can kill civilians any other way they wish , as long as they don't use gas.
18
"The Trump administration now knows that it can always crowd out reporting about its scandals and failures by bombing someone" - so what's new? President Clinton's aerial bombing of Baghdad and a Sudanese pharmaceutical manufacturer fortuitously coincided with each new 'bombshell' in his long-running perjury scandal. My own Congressman at the time, Martin Frost, described his utter shock at the cynical and unAmerican suggestion that Clinton timed them to sweep away another story about his runaway appetites. Really; a fresh-from-the-confessional Martin Frost feigning shock that anyone would think Bill Clinton capable of a tawdry, cynical ploy tells you the bombings were no coincidence.
If we don't want bombing campaigns to be used to further a domestic political agenda, then we need to be consistent in opposing their use regardless of which party is running the show. A lot of Democrats, Hillary Clinton included, supported the Iraq war so as to not be on the peacenik side of the debate - what little there was. That's why she didn't read the NIE report - it didn't matter what it said. It was as much a political decision as Trump's Tomahawks but it didn't keep Dr. Krugman from supporting her.
If we don't want bombing campaigns to be used to further a domestic political agenda, then we need to be consistent in opposing their use regardless of which party is running the show. A lot of Democrats, Hillary Clinton included, supported the Iraq war so as to not be on the peacenik side of the debate - what little there was. That's why she didn't read the NIE report - it didn't matter what it said. It was as much a political decision as Trump's Tomahawks but it didn't keep Dr. Krugman from supporting her.
Scammers gotta scam, and his base gotta fall for it. Every time.
A black hole of willful ignorance.
A black hole of willful ignorance.
27
A stupid person's idea of presidential genius. Foreign policy by Fox.
28
This entire so-called "presidency" is a PR stunt. And the only folks that were fooled were people so desperate for help they reached out for a conman who's promises are as hollow as those of a used car salesman.
There's a reason Trump got hammered in NYC back in November--folks who have seen him play his PR games know he is a paper tiger, full of rhetorical bombast yet empty as a sieve.
This is no leader. This is a pathetic excuse. In short, a con. There's no vision here. Only derision.
There's a reason Trump got hammered in NYC back in November--folks who have seen him play his PR games know he is a paper tiger, full of rhetorical bombast yet empty as a sieve.
This is no leader. This is a pathetic excuse. In short, a con. There's no vision here. Only derision.
19
We know exactly what happened. Trump saw a picture of a suffering child on TV and impulsively launched a missile attack on a country that we are not at war with. And now the question is whether this is a policy - to attack anyone whose TV coverage upsets the President*. No - that is not a policy and that is not a strategy. That is a continuing story of an incompetent and impulsive guy in the white house
"So what have we learned from the Syria attack and its aftermath?"
I have learned nothing. I knew that Trump was unstable and delusional and was sure to start bombing something to distract the Media from the disaster of his Presidency and Russian scandal.
I knew the Corporate/Cable/Establishment Media would swoon over cruse missiles being launched from warships at night and the Chicken-Hawk Punditry would talk their phony tough talk about how great it was.
What frightens me is that Trump will see this as a victory for him and he will get us more involved in the Syrian 6 sided civil war.
We have a President who is dumber than Bush and crazier than Cheney.
I have learned nothing. I knew that Trump was unstable and delusional and was sure to start bombing something to distract the Media from the disaster of his Presidency and Russian scandal.
I knew the Corporate/Cable/Establishment Media would swoon over cruse missiles being launched from warships at night and the Chicken-Hawk Punditry would talk their phony tough talk about how great it was.
What frightens me is that Trump will see this as a victory for him and he will get us more involved in the Syrian 6 sided civil war.
We have a President who is dumber than Bush and crazier than Cheney.
The media needs to be ashamed of itself. One would think they learned their lessons with this illegitimate potus. Where is any good and honest journalism these days?
I know Dr. Krugman is a professor whose job, among others, is to teach student. If he is now trying to teach the so-called president that publicity is NOT policy then it's a job that is destined to fail.
After all, both words start with the letter "P" so why aren't they the same? Is Dr. Krugman trying to tell us that Reality TV is not the same as REALITY? Maybe "alternative reality" then?
After all, both words start with the letter "P" so why aren't they the same? Is Dr. Krugman trying to tell us that Reality TV is not the same as REALITY? Maybe "alternative reality" then?
6
Trump is an abomination and I can't believe there hasn't been a full scale revolt yet the likes of which we've never seen. He bases decisions on what he sees on TV, not on sound policy advice or info. He saw the gassed children on TV, so he attacked. No mention of the 400K Syrians dead already. They weren't on TV.
23
Trump, just like Paul Revere, announced that the "American missiles are coming!" I thought Trump believed in being unpredictable and not broadcasting to the enemy what you're doing ahead of time. He certainly hasn't been concerned about collateral damage and unintended casualties when it comes to civilians in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly in Syria where US air strikes in March killed more civilians than either Russia or ISIS. Yet he couldn't risk any casualties to the Syrian or Russian military who perpetrated or were complicit in a war crime and attempts to cover up that war crime with a Russian drone strike on the hospital treating the survivors. Or for that matter even any serious damage to the Syrian airbase that carried out the attack, shared by the Syrian and Russian forces who had to have known about the chemical weapons. Apparently Trump doesn't object to the deaths of "beautiful babies" in Syria except when Assad kills them with chemicals, and when a missile strike would solve a lot of image, press, approval ratings and Russia-gate problems for him. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/us-coalition-air-str...,
7
Thank you, Paul Krugman! This is exactly the situation!
With this 'un'-credible President, I'm hopeful that the Democrats are carefully and methodically building a case for his impeachment, then we can look forward to the Christian zealot 'Pence'.
10
DJT will never be my President. War is the choice of the fortunate few who will never fight in them. The draft dodger narcissist has not come close to fooling me. Taking it personal? You betcha I love the U.S.A.
Before Secretary Tillerson left for Moscow, President Trump filled Him in on the finer points of THE TRUMP DOCTRINE:
"I'm flexible. I'm very flexible. I take pride in my flexibility. It's my greatest strength. It's my flexibility that's a great inspiration to other world leaders. Other leaders--friends and foes--soon will be just as unpredictable, unbalanced and unhinged as me. I'm experienced in these matters. More experienced than anyone--than the generals. You name it. An unpredictable world I can deal with. Predictability is overrated. Throw the world a 180 degree curve ball. Get their attention. Get great press. Adulation even. Some say I have no foreign policy but flexibility is a great foreign policy--greatest policy ever. People love it. And they love me. Did you see the yuuugist crowd ever at my inauguration? National Mall, wall to wall people. And my election by acclamation? Flexibility is the key. Be flexible. Tell 'em whatever you want 'em to hear. Fool most of the people most of the time. The key to success in real estate development. In politics. In international affairs. Flexibility."
"I'm flexible. I'm very flexible. I take pride in my flexibility. It's my greatest strength. It's my flexibility that's a great inspiration to other world leaders. Other leaders--friends and foes--soon will be just as unpredictable, unbalanced and unhinged as me. I'm experienced in these matters. More experienced than anyone--than the generals. You name it. An unpredictable world I can deal with. Predictability is overrated. Throw the world a 180 degree curve ball. Get their attention. Get great press. Adulation even. Some say I have no foreign policy but flexibility is a great foreign policy--greatest policy ever. People love it. And they love me. Did you see the yuuugist crowd ever at my inauguration? National Mall, wall to wall people. And my election by acclamation? Flexibility is the key. Be flexible. Tell 'em whatever you want 'em to hear. Fool most of the people most of the time. The key to success in real estate development. In politics. In international affairs. Flexibility."
"Real leadership means
devising and carrying out sustained policies . . . that make the world a better place.
Publicity stunts . . . end up making America weaker, not stronger, because . . ."
the preachment, that is nearly fatuous, may be true enough, a nice criticism to apply to the fellow heading up the US govt at the moment.
however, there is no essential connection--or maybe even a likelihood--
in devising and sustaining of policies of a supposed REAL leadership (whatever exactly that may mean)
and a result of "making the world a safer or better place".
so leave off the cliches, when you notice the devising and sustaining of US policies that began with, e.g., taking out Saddam Hussein, and onwards, to the chasing out of terrorists, an incessantly sustained policy (devolving at times into a frustrating a whack-0-mole prodigiously expensive design, that appears to have no end.
the musings krugman is making here seem like tired cant.
devising and carrying out sustained policies . . . that make the world a better place.
Publicity stunts . . . end up making America weaker, not stronger, because . . ."
the preachment, that is nearly fatuous, may be true enough, a nice criticism to apply to the fellow heading up the US govt at the moment.
however, there is no essential connection--or maybe even a likelihood--
in devising and sustaining of policies of a supposed REAL leadership (whatever exactly that may mean)
and a result of "making the world a safer or better place".
so leave off the cliches, when you notice the devising and sustaining of US policies that began with, e.g., taking out Saddam Hussein, and onwards, to the chasing out of terrorists, an incessantly sustained policy (devolving at times into a frustrating a whack-0-mole prodigiously expensive design, that appears to have no end.
the musings krugman is making here seem like tired cant.
I wish our so called congress, especially the GOP, would wake up to the fact that despite what DJT thinks, they are not employees of the Trump Organization. He broke the law last week by attacking a sovereign nation that had not threatened the USA (i.e., read the Constitution and war powers act). They need to start acting like the equal branch of the gov't and reign him in.
THE TRUMP DOCTRINE: "I'm flexible. I'm very flexible. I take pride in my flexibility. It's my great strength. It's my flexibility that's a great inspiration to other world leaders. Other leaders--friends and foes--soon will be just as unpredictable, unbalanced and unhinged as me. Consistency is overrated. Throw the world a 180 degree curve ball. Gets great press. Adulation even. Some say I have no foreign policy but flexibility is a great foreign policy--greatest policy ever. People love it. And they love me."
Treat him like a disease. A month in quarentine. The best comment on a Trump action is to simply say, "Until the quarentine timeline is finished, we cannot reliably conclude if the action he took is part of Enrichment Collusion contagion or a benign narcissistic fit of temper.
5
Oh boy, Trump's 59 Tomahawks are the foreign policy equivalent of giving Vince McMahon a haircut in a wrestling arena.
Thank you Mr. Krugman for yet another insightful commentary on the disaster that is the Trump administration.
3
We do know what to do in Syria. We don't want to do it. Trump has no problem lying to try to convince us that he knows what to do even as he makes things worse.
The NYT is STILL reporting DJT's moves as if they are coherent policy formulated by a coherent president, treating him, as Dr. Krugmam puts it, " as if they have been desperate for excuses to ignore the dubious circumstances of his election and his erratic behavior in office, and start treating him as a normal president."
3
Trump is the present day incarnate of Chance the Gardner from Being There.
He watches and forms opinion and his ever evolving policy from what he sees on TV.
The bad thing we are starting to see he also reacts to it with consequence – with Twitter it was just being obnoxious, but now with guns and countries it’s pretty scary
He watches and forms opinion and his ever evolving policy from what he sees on TV.
The bad thing we are starting to see he also reacts to it with consequence – with Twitter it was just being obnoxious, but now with guns and countries it’s pretty scary
2
Fool us once, shame on Trump.
Fool us dozens and dozens of times, shame on America.
Shame, shame, shame.
Fool us dozens and dozens of times, shame on America.
Shame, shame, shame.
11
Trump could have done more damage to that airfield if he'd bought it and tried to run it as a business.
17
Stunts with warheads are pending.
1
If you have been paying attention for the last year or so, almost everything that comes out of Trumps mouth has to do with "Me,My,I." A sure sign of a megalomaniac, who is truly incapable of leading a nation, because it's all about HIM. I am truly worried that we won't survive HIM.
3
59 missiles costing some $90 million taxpayer dollars makes me wonder how many opiode-addiction or job training programs that 90 million could have covered.
7
Thank you, Professor Krugman, for recognizing Trump's airstrikes in Syria for what they are: a distraction. For the first time in many weeks, people stopped talking about the investigation into Trump's Russian connections. Like you, I am concerned that anytime the heat gets turned up on Trump, he will launch another fireworks show, and the media will dutifully report and commend his "actions," no matter how incoherent or inconsequential. "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it," and apparently we are reliving the Bush II years, at least in terms of military misadventures and catastrophies.
At 1.59 million dollars per Tomahawk missile fired, that adds up to $93,810,000. That is approximately 19% of Planned Parenthood's federal annual budget (http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/08/05/429641062/fact-che.... With this in mind it seems trivial to go after Planned Parenthood with the excuse that it is to save money.
5
This whole presidency is a publicity stunt.
4
Hoo boy, hope the rest of the world is paying attention. And let's not lose sight of the Russian connection.
5
Paul, if Trump really cared about those victims of Assad's brutal attack with Chemical weapons, he should sign an executive order immediately that the remaining children and parents from the gas bombed city of Idlib in Syria should be brought to the United States right away on refugee status visas.
But he didn't do nothing of that sort .
He just ordered his Defense Secretary to lob 59 tomahawk missiles from a destroyer without pinpointing their targets.
But we soon learned from CNN that the same Syrian fighter planes were bombing the same Syrian town of Idlib with conventional weapons within few hours after the gas attack.
So one has to wonder, whether everything this president said on his campaign trails and among all his actions now,if there is any credibility left of this president who won his election only through our decades old enemy Russia's help.
And by performing one stunt after another, this president has shown to us that he's an entertainer first. Leader second.
By saving 700 jobs in Carrier factory he tried to show that he could stop all the job flows to Mexico and other countries, but with the job flow and American factory flows to Mexico resuming again, we have to just shut him out from our day to day conversations permanently.
And if the rest of our citizens especially his core group of supporters haven't learnt the fact that this man is totally phony and full of humbugs, then they'll never learn the truth that we knew from the beginning of his campaign.
But he didn't do nothing of that sort .
He just ordered his Defense Secretary to lob 59 tomahawk missiles from a destroyer without pinpointing their targets.
But we soon learned from CNN that the same Syrian fighter planes were bombing the same Syrian town of Idlib with conventional weapons within few hours after the gas attack.
So one has to wonder, whether everything this president said on his campaign trails and among all his actions now,if there is any credibility left of this president who won his election only through our decades old enemy Russia's help.
And by performing one stunt after another, this president has shown to us that he's an entertainer first. Leader second.
By saving 700 jobs in Carrier factory he tried to show that he could stop all the job flows to Mexico and other countries, but with the job flow and American factory flows to Mexico resuming again, we have to just shut him out from our day to day conversations permanently.
And if the rest of our citizens especially his core group of supporters haven't learnt the fact that this man is totally phony and full of humbugs, then they'll never learn the truth that we knew from the beginning of his campaign.
7
Assuming Assad and his military has stores of sarin gas, and we must assume that they do, he could use them again tomorrow. Nothing about the much lauded Tomahawk missile attack did anything to prevent that. President Obama did more with his U.N. inspectors deal with Putin and Assad to reduce chemical weapons stores in Syria but because nothing blew up so we have 'Obama did nothing' while Trump apparently became Presidential. And what does the U.S. do the next time Assad uses poison gas. A 'proportional' counter attack with missiles will not do then. The world will not applaud a blow for blow from a superpower. That is why before you begin hostilities an overall strategy is necessary. Recall the Iraq incursion where the Bush Administration made up reasons for our invasion while we bumped along (and are still bumping along). Trump doesn't even bother to make them up.
3
The master of deflection is at it again and the trained seals of certain media outlets reprise their role in Lucy vs Charley Brown. The orange one has decades of experience in manipulating the reptilian part of his mark's brains. The only encouraging part of this is more and more people are waking up to the sleight of hand practiced by the orange one. The very critical point will be if enough voters wake up in 2018 to dispatch his minions in congress so that you, the people, can truly hold him accountable.
8
Because the public, Trump's supporters in particular, bought it, the publicity stunt. I wondered what the polling numbers were a few days after the airstrikes?
There may be some very smart and very exceptional Americans. But time and again, it is evidently clear that the majority of Americans are not smart, unthinking, not well informed, and not interested in being well informed -- the reality not changed by the fact that they are suffering from job loss or drug overdose.
There may be some very smart and very exceptional Americans. But time and again, it is evidently clear that the majority of Americans are not smart, unthinking, not well informed, and not interested in being well informed -- the reality not changed by the fact that they are suffering from job loss or drug overdose.
9
Straying a bit from the subject here, but when is NBC going to finally get rid of Brian Williams? I was horrified by his description of the 'beauty' of the missiles being fired. Does he not realize that missiles are designed to destroy and kill? I couldn't believe my ears on Thursday night. Mr. Williams seems oddly inspired by missiles and bullets. Maybe Erik Prince can fine a new position for him as a mercenary somewhere. Those film clips of missiles being fired were not beautiful. They were terrifying. There is human life on the receiving end of those weapons.
20
Of course he's making life-and-death national security decisions based on television coverage. This dangerous sociopath is also an ignorant fool with the knowledge and attention span of a toddler - and a similar ability to understand that actions have consequences.
18
Right on. And how could anyone think that president Cheeto will come up with 'policies' He had zero policies during the campaign and likely sees no need for any now.
3
The only vision this President has or had is one of enhancing his image. He needs to do that so when he looks in the mirror he must see a "winner". How he decides winning versus losing is anybody's guess; apparently if he says it's a win, then it is. And his acolytes follow like little ducklings follow their mother into the morass of lies and misdirection.
I fully agree with Dr. Krugman's piece today. The problem I've seen all along is a massive shallowness of intellect by this President. Apparently facts don't matter but deflection and lying is everything. Hopefully the voting public will see this as it truly is and follow Mr. Trump's promise to drain the swamp. He should be the first to go.
I fully agree with Dr. Krugman's piece today. The problem I've seen all along is a massive shallowness of intellect by this President. Apparently facts don't matter but deflection and lying is everything. Hopefully the voting public will see this as it truly is and follow Mr. Trump's promise to drain the swamp. He should be the first to go.
12
I too, agree with Dr. Krugman's piece today. And I agree with Mr. Brody. All presidents have large egos (they have to have the confidence to believe they can rule our country in a positive way,) but Donald Trump's ego is bigger than all the 44 men who served in that office, added together.
From his "look, mommy!" way of signing his executive orders to his incoherent, nonsensical speeches, its ALL about Donald Trump in his mind. His latest "look at the squirrel" action in Syria is actually part and parcel of his ego. It's going to get us into another war. He's beyond a despicable, self-centered man.
From his "look, mommy!" way of signing his executive orders to his incoherent, nonsensical speeches, its ALL about Donald Trump in his mind. His latest "look at the squirrel" action in Syria is actually part and parcel of his ego. It's going to get us into another war. He's beyond a despicable, self-centered man.
3
I think we must all resist normalizing this "president" and one party rule by some of the most corrupt (mostly) white men ever "elected" to office by gerrymandered states powered by unfettered corporate/billionaire donations.
18
Seems like the The House, Senate, White House and now the Supreme Court have been completely polarized along strict partisan lines. Unfortunately, even the supposedly neutral Media cannot claim to be unbiased. The unrelenting coverage of a man bereft of any skills or experience has become a President. He did not even deserve to be a footnote in our History but has ended up getting pages and pages of coverage. Why ask him questions when he has no answers. Why do Leaders in both Parties and the Media cover this act of impulse ( a war, no less! ). Why not simply question Trump's solo act of war without advice from real advisers, consent from the Senate? If it was the 'suprise' factor, we really can do without these kind of surprises where he does just because he can. Checks and balances? With Trump and coterie of Trumpistas, it is going to be zero checks and zero balances. I for one has become very fretful and angry because my tax money is being misused to pay for the likes of 59 tomahawks which really does nothing except bombing a deserted Syrian ( or rather Russian )Air Force hangar. At least it has revealed the war hawks even with their sheep clothing. Everyone seems morally bankrupt or are turning a blind eye to this shenanigan, megalomaniac for being labelled a coward. In fact, they are just that - a political coward.
9
Considering that Trump measures everything in TV Ratings he considers each of these TV events a substantial victory. It's all about the show and not about the substance. As long as he can point to a takeover of a news cycle that is a victory and time to move on to the next cycle. Substance be dammed.
4
The part that terrifies me is the policy and decision making based on what the President sees on TV.
Never mind that far more appalling scenes play out daily, too gory to show, how do we even know that the gassing scenes were real?
Apparently fake news to serve a political end is followed by actions based on face value and preconceived bias rather than verified facts.
Never mind that far more appalling scenes play out daily, too gory to show, how do we even know that the gassing scenes were real?
Apparently fake news to serve a political end is followed by actions based on face value and preconceived bias rather than verified facts.
4
I read the responses and see where the vast majority are critical of Trump’s use of a tragedy to seemingly “Wag the Dog”. It worked we have not heard anything about the Trump staff and Russia investigations in 4 days. I’m pretty The Congressional investigations for, in Trump’s eyes, might be derailed a week or 10 days. Congress is on vacation then they will be diverted by discussing ‘Did Trump need to go to Congress’ and how can we cut our patrons taxes. Thankfully the FBI will plod along.
But there is something else that needs to be discussed. Why is the US Navy so inept that they fire 59000 pounds of explosive at an airfield and the war planes can take off 4 hours later? Tomahawks can carry up to 1000 pounds of explosive each but they can be loaded lighter than that. Is it possible that the US Navy when faced with the time pressure to load 59 missiles gave up and fired them off empty? But maybe that was the plan. Trump was provided three attack plans to choose from. As incredulous as it might seem perhaps one of the plans was “fire unloaded missiles”. After all that would allow the TV pictures of launching things while it minimized risk to Russian troops. In the aftermath pictures I saw there was a concrete aircraft bunker that had sustained a damaged corner, maybe a 15 x 5 x 3 foot ding, to the rebar but no deeper. That is the type of damage I would expect to see if an unarmed missile crashed into it. Seems to me there is another important story.
But there is something else that needs to be discussed. Why is the US Navy so inept that they fire 59000 pounds of explosive at an airfield and the war planes can take off 4 hours later? Tomahawks can carry up to 1000 pounds of explosive each but they can be loaded lighter than that. Is it possible that the US Navy when faced with the time pressure to load 59 missiles gave up and fired them off empty? But maybe that was the plan. Trump was provided three attack plans to choose from. As incredulous as it might seem perhaps one of the plans was “fire unloaded missiles”. After all that would allow the TV pictures of launching things while it minimized risk to Russian troops. In the aftermath pictures I saw there was a concrete aircraft bunker that had sustained a damaged corner, maybe a 15 x 5 x 3 foot ding, to the rebar but no deeper. That is the type of damage I would expect to see if an unarmed missile crashed into it. Seems to me there is another important story.
8
Trump only believes what he sees on TV. He does not read memos larger than one page. I wonder just how this missile strike was presented to him. The picture circulating of the group of advisors around him when he made this decision includes many who would not be needed for a military decision. Did he ask for a show of hands? Was a nuclear option presented? One hopes the generals would have better sense than to tempt him with a tiny little "strategic" attack. But people this is the hand we have been dealt and we must play with these cards. What needs to be done now is to figure out how to maneuver Trump into positions that will do no harm. Remember, Brian Williams and others, cheering his decision in adulation only encourages him to take further macho actions of dubious consequences. Indeed "You break it, you own it."
6
I agree that Trump's policy decisions are based on publicity stunts. Get the headlines then reverse himself when the camera's are elsewhere. Now they are directed at the unsubstantiated charges that Syria used chemical weapons. Some in the NYTs are happy about the attack. Others who for years have lobbing constant accusations against Russian and Putin, during the safe years of Obama's presidency, are now upset that Trump could turn into a Bush replay looking for political benefit from warmongering. Trump is a mercurial rogue elephant who will prove to be a publicity stunt away from a truly dangerous catastrophe.
3
The real plan isn't small government, but it is no government. For that reason, Trump is assuming the role of Warren Harding, the wooden nickel President who played poker while the Treasury was looted by congressmen, senators, cabinet members, maybe even a plumber or two.
In other words, words speak louder than actions, especially when the President is so indolent and a bad sport, not to mention unqualified and sub-literate.
In other words, words speak louder than actions, especially when the President is so indolent and a bad sport, not to mention unqualified and sub-literate.
12
What concerns me is the likelihood that corporations will extract real concessions in exchange for good Trump publicity. In other words, Trump's price to be bought not only exists, but it is probably shockingly low.
The chance of that path seems to exist in the publicity he got from the Japanese bank that promised a US investment, credited Trump, but clearly wants the FCC to allow a merger in the cellular market that would hurt consumers.
Trading public policy for a headline and good publicity will hurt the US and consumers. People need to recognize that so Trump doesn't get to enjoy the benefits he is getting from stunts. Only then will he stop selling us out for cheap PR points.
The chance of that path seems to exist in the publicity he got from the Japanese bank that promised a US investment, credited Trump, but clearly wants the FCC to allow a merger in the cellular market that would hurt consumers.
Trading public policy for a headline and good publicity will hurt the US and consumers. People need to recognize that so Trump doesn't get to enjoy the benefits he is getting from stunts. Only then will he stop selling us out for cheap PR points.
5
The horrific poison gas attack perpetrated by Assad could not have come at a more opportune time for the opportunistic television reality host-n-chief. Big, shiny American missiles hitting their targets and heroic talk of saving children dominate newspaper and cable news headlines pushing all the disastrous news about dysfunction, swampy scandals and lies Trump is floating in, off the front page for the moment. The media appears to have already forgotten and forgiven "America First" Trump and his un-humanitarian Muslim ban keeping ALL Syrian refugees out of the United States, keeping more of them in harms way in Syria. The adjective "improvised" has even been attached to Trump's foreign policy by some media outlets. Reality television uses a loose script, follows a strict outline and the final product is heavily edited in post production to achieve maximum audience engagement. If Trump improvises anything, it is to disguise his lack of understanding and lack of a coherent strategy, while distracting from the real life dysfunction and scandals currently threatening to drown him. Even his improvisation is more calculation than nimble adaptation to swiftly changing reality, something he has honed his entire life pretending to be something he is not.
10
I almost always agree with Paul Krugman, but I think on this occasion he misses the point regarding the recent air strikes in Syria. They weren't intended to change the course of the war, but rather to discourage future use of poison gas by the al-Assad regime. He may well have achieved success in accomplishing that limited goal.
2
Yes, but he warned the Russians--who told the Syrians--ahead of time
What makes you people say that he would even think a President would launch strikes to boost his poll numbers ?
Why, his twitter feed of course:
"Now that Obama’s poll numbers are in tailspin – watch for him to launch a strike in Libya or Iran. He is desperate."
@realDonaldTrump, 10/9/12
Why, his twitter feed of course:
"Now that Obama’s poll numbers are in tailspin – watch for him to launch a strike in Libya or Iran. He is desperate."
@realDonaldTrump, 10/9/12
152
I'm reminded of the saying, "it's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled"
11
Brian Williams, Fareed Zakaria and other commentators of their ilk ought to be ashamed of themselves. Perhaps America deserves the media it has and the president it got. Anything that kills humans in its path cannot be a beautiful sight. But to Americans, the missiles are a symbol of their manhood... even more beautiful than the babies dictators kill.
6
Again, I will continue to repeat this ad infinitum; bring back the draft and the war cheerleaders will suddenly crawl back into the crevices where they belong.
4
"Real leadership means devising and carrying out sustained policies that make the world a better place.". i totally agree. and using that measure, Obama was not a leader.
1
President Obama succeeded in getting many good things done without the help of the racists in our congress. Just think how much more good could have been accomplished it the repubs could have put country first over their racism.
2
I continue to be astonished at the level of disrespect our current President generates from readers. I've seen nothing like it in all my 66 years of existence. I won't go so far as to say this is tragic, since that would require something attractive or endearing within Trump the man. Nonetheless to see another human being who is President of the USA so deservedly pilloried and demeaned to the extent Trump is on a daily basis in this paper and other media is both disconcerting and reassuring--if that makes any sense. But what makes no sense whatever is how such an incompetent, corrupt and intellectually and emotionally unfit person could become our President.
12
His election as president of the United States is a reflection of the massive dumbing-down of our contemporaries, exacerbated by the emergence of internet and mass media hypnosis. The 24/7 news cycle also creates an accelerating effect on both the part of political actors and the news media audience. Nothing good can from this : a catastrophic geopolitical situation will develop that will dwarf the horrors of 9/11 because everyone is too fixated at obtaining 'results' at any price, never mind the long term effects.
6
Couldn't agree more with most of your comment. But whether your dire prediction will prove true is something I hope (and would pray if I thought it would do any of good) will not come to pass--for the sake of my own kids as well as the rest of the world! In the meantime France needs to worry about defeating Le Pen and her party of equally deploaibles.
I would be more astonished and depressed if we didn't have the reactions you describe. The people raising hell in town hall meetings across America helped defeat the Trumpcare scam, and we need a lot more of that type action.
Trump doesn't have a plan and it was obvious that he never had a plan on any o fthe major issues. For example, when asked about his policy for nuclear weapons, Trump did not know what the nuclear triad was - a fundamental, simple and basic strategy that has been in place ofr about 50 years at least.
He also was quoted as saying, "Who knew healthcare was so complicated?" Just about everybody, especially those without healthcare.
But in light of Trump's ignorance, I laughed in delight when the media jumped all over Trump's cruise missiles attemtping to divine a "policy." Don't you get it? There is no plicy. There is no plan. Everything is a reaction. Everything involves learning on the fly.
One trend has surface, however. When Trump fails to do something he said he would do (like getting rid of healthcare), it is good for America. When he does something he said he would do, like gutting environmental regulations to restore COAL????? it is very bad for the country.
He also was quoted as saying, "Who knew healthcare was so complicated?" Just about everybody, especially those without healthcare.
But in light of Trump's ignorance, I laughed in delight when the media jumped all over Trump's cruise missiles attemtping to divine a "policy." Don't you get it? There is no plicy. There is no plan. Everything is a reaction. Everything involves learning on the fly.
One trend has surface, however. When Trump fails to do something he said he would do (like getting rid of healthcare), it is good for America. When he does something he said he would do, like gutting environmental regulations to restore COAL????? it is very bad for the country.
5
It seems that the Syria bombing was just as empty and hollow as the Carrier jobs initiative. Just like Mr. Trump's jobs policy, I fail to seen anything coherent that resembles a concrete foreign policy plan.
5
So the end-result is to “weaken American credibility” and “show the world that we have a government that can't follow through”? It may be 3-1/2 years late, but at least Paul Krugman is finally speaking out against Obama's Syrian “red line” fiasco!
3
Do you mean the one where he went to Congress and asked for congressional authorization to go to war.
4
Whose fiasco was that exactly? The Obama administration wanted to take action against Syria and Republicans in Congress refused the request to approve it for the basest reasons. The same Republicans are now celebrating a bombing that will most likely prove useless, relieving no suffering and making not a dent in a dictator's hold on power. The truly great fiasco in this country is a Republican Party that cares not a whit about the average American and proves that to be the case every day.
9
He is a scary dangerous guy. He will do anything to get attention. He has no plan about anything. He thinks that he talks, the world must listen. He wants to be a king with cowed subjects. Today's swearing in of Gorsuch is an example of his need for attention. He couldn't allow Gorsuch (whom I detest) to have a solo swearing in. The dangerous guy took time to congratulate himself on his 100 days achievements. Scary!!!
10
I am eager to see the fallout from Trump's next announced political stunt to please his peanut gallery : 'heavy' vetting of foreign travellers arriving in the United States. The 'Trump Slump' is all over the press, indicating a severe decline in flight reservations to the United States, simply because the overwhelming majority of foreign arrivals have no reason to be scrutinized with such unreal zeal. How are Trump and his cohorts going to justify the job losses in the US tourist industry when Europeans and Asians will probably turn towards Canada and other more hospitable lands these days? Stunts can be costly, Mr Trump -- think about it.
4
This is an excellent article. It baffles me that I can be sitting and watching the news on MSNBC or any station other than Fixed News and see that this is all a distraction and a show while they continue to fall for it and act as if it is real or as if this is a normal presidency or the move of a normal president. We all know it was a distraction so let's learn our lessons of the past and move on. Trump's admin colluded with Russia and there is an ongoing investigation. Perhaps it muddied the waters when members involved in the investigation suddenly are gushing over his missile strikes-if maybe that was just the plan the whole time ...Putin calls Assad for a favor and then Trump calls in a pretty failed strike that would ultimately make it look as if USA and Russia are at odds and wipe TrumpRussia off the headlines.
5
It is a continuing fascination to read Krugman's unhinged rants and the sycophantic commenters that bleat and repeat his nonsense. Is the infamous "red line" regarding poison gas and the rapid descent from there now conveniently forgotten? Does anyone care that the treaty to eliminate all poison gas in Syria was a sham? Is it acceptable to continue this non-policy in the face of more brutal carnage? Is it unimportant that there is broad, bi-partisan support for this very reasonable and yes, moral, stand? The cynicism and hypocrisy that so many commenters deride will be most clearly evident when they look into a mirror.
4
Yes, many facts seem to be forgotten. Like President Obama went to Congress for authorization for military action and did not get their support. Now, many of the same Republicans that did not support him then are praising Trump for the action he took. Too, every American is appalled by Asad killing his own people, but how many are OK with us sending in troops to stop it. Not so simple, is it...
8
Before calling Krugman unhinged, turn on Fox to witness the dictionary definition of unhinged.
Trump is in a tough position. If he does not follow up with more Military action he will surly appear as a paper tiger. If he builds up Military action in Syria he will be in a quagmire, with no good end. Military Action in Syria looks like a mistake for the U.S. Building a coilition of Nato countries and Middle east countries with Humanitarian aid, safe zones looks as a better way to go.
1
As bad as the decision making 'process' of the president* is the proclamations by Sen. Lindsey Graham that not only is an AUMF not needed but we now have the grounds for regime change. Rabbit holes are beginning to look like safe spaces now because anything that seems reality or rationality based is just being tossed by the wayside by this administration and its enablers in the GOP.
2
this whole syrian charade is exactly that..a charade to deflect,divert and lie about the real issue at hand..his collusion with the russians.we must be vigilant in pursuing the truth about the tangle of people in trump's adm. who have ties to russia.to use tomahawk missiles,w/o clearance from congress,to try and cover with more smoke the fire that already stinks of treason is unconscionable.trump's entire performance since the day he announced his candidacy has been appalling.
6
"Publicity stunts may generate a few days of favorable media coverage..."
Problem is the media lets him string these together and his base thinks he is really doing things.
The media could have downplayed or even ignored his "Carrier" stunt but they didn't and his base just assumes since Obama never got any headlines for creating a few hundred jobs Trump must be doing much better.
It would be nice if what the rest of the world thought of Trump or the GOP made some difference but his voters don't know or care and the GOP that understand these things go along for the ride.
lff
Problem is the media lets him string these together and his base thinks he is really doing things.
The media could have downplayed or even ignored his "Carrier" stunt but they didn't and his base just assumes since Obama never got any headlines for creating a few hundred jobs Trump must be doing much better.
It would be nice if what the rest of the world thought of Trump or the GOP made some difference but his voters don't know or care and the GOP that understand these things go along for the ride.
lff
65
No reasonable person would take the response to the sarin attack as a sign that we suddenly have a coherent strategy for the Syrian situation.
It made a needed statement about chemical weapons, and the fact that it was even necessary exposed the slippage between what makes sense for Russia's interests in Syria and what makes sense to some twisted mind within Assad's military.
But in terms of Syria's overall war on its people or of this administration's ability to show intelligence and leadership, it was essentially meaningless.
And that was obvious from the get-go. Why waste a column pointing out the obvious?
It made a needed statement about chemical weapons, and the fact that it was even necessary exposed the slippage between what makes sense for Russia's interests in Syria and what makes sense to some twisted mind within Assad's military.
But in terms of Syria's overall war on its people or of this administration's ability to show intelligence and leadership, it was essentially meaningless.
And that was obvious from the get-go. Why waste a column pointing out the obvious?
30 million in tomahawk missilery is roughly 10 trips to Mar-a-Lagoon.
All DJT is displaying is that he can waste taxpayer dollars.
With each passing day we get closer to the FBI releasing the findings of their investigation that has been going on since July.
That day will be less about publicity stunts and more about justice. Can't wait!
All DJT is displaying is that he can waste taxpayer dollars.
With each passing day we get closer to the FBI releasing the findings of their investigation that has been going on since July.
That day will be less about publicity stunts and more about justice. Can't wait!
11
I've seen this $30 million figure a couple of times. I just googled "What does a Tomahawk cruise missile cost" and the answer that came up for me was $1 million each. Unless maybe a different sort of missile was used, that makes it $59 million. But who's counting...
Agreed, there is no vision or discipline. And, there seems to be such a craving in the media for a "real president" news item (endless failure is tedious to report on I guess), that anything that looks "positive" is trumpeted to the world. Still, it is a dark narrative you allude to. Floundering US presidents that get involved in foreign disasters is a cliche (and yes, the US is an imperial power). But it isn't a cliche for those who live in those, usually, far-flung, forgotten nations. That is the real red line, how much "collateral damage" you can stomach, in the name of your fleeting popularity at home.
2
My G-D, this whole thing has been Kabuki theater. The US warns the Russians who then inform the Syrians so that they can all prepare for our" commander in chief's" coolly reasoned, strike against Assad the baby killer. Mr Krugman is one of the first to point out that not one runway was touched and that this base was up and running in less than 48 hours. A wink and a nod and we have a "Presidential" Trump acting decisively against our selectively chosen foes. How now could anyone possibly believe that Donald is in bed with Russians????
7
Not only that, but you can't tell me the Air Force doesn't have weaponry specifically designed to crater an airfield so badly that it would take weeks or months to get it back to operational status. Giant craters you could hide a building in, not what you get from a lousy 1,000 pound TNT payload on a cruise missile. They were just convenient, safe and good TV. Not intended to actually do the job.
This is just another example of Trump changing the subject just when he was accused of hacking the 2016 elections which resulted in his becoming President. so, without a shred of evidence, he accused the Obama administration of wiretapping him.
And now, facing a serious investigation of his enlisting the aid of Russia and other foreign powers, he pretends that he is going against their wishes in sending Tomahawk missiles to destroy part of a Syrian airfield which quickly restored all its capabilities.
"Oh no", he seems to be saying, "I'm not in bed with Putin". Whose rather mild response shows what a charade this is in reality!
FBI and company, don't be fooled and please don't call off your investigation.!!!!
And now, facing a serious investigation of his enlisting the aid of Russia and other foreign powers, he pretends that he is going against their wishes in sending Tomahawk missiles to destroy part of a Syrian airfield which quickly restored all its capabilities.
"Oh no", he seems to be saying, "I'm not in bed with Putin". Whose rather mild response shows what a charade this is in reality!
FBI and company, don't be fooled and please don't call off your investigation.!!!!
8
Trump is carrying on a time-honored Republican tradition (at least since Dubya was in office); find something that looks like either a terrorist attack, or a civil war involving a dictator somewhere else in the world. Without congressional approval, intervene with an air strike or two; drop as many bombs as necessary.
In his case, it serves a twofold purpose; it enables him to show how tough the good ol' U S of A still is, which in turn will give his approval rating a bump, if not a spike; as well as serve as yet another much-needed distraction from the scandals and other issues of his maladjusted, dysfunctional administration.
Talk about flying by the seat of one's pants...
In his case, it serves a twofold purpose; it enables him to show how tough the good ol' U S of A still is, which in turn will give his approval rating a bump, if not a spike; as well as serve as yet another much-needed distraction from the scandals and other issues of his maladjusted, dysfunctional administration.
Talk about flying by the seat of one's pants...
3
Almost forgot, I wonder how many flag waving military advocates their would be if we were to reinstate the draft; I sure the number would drop significantly.
Also, to the great Tea Party who loved to quote Thomas Jefferson, how do they feel about Jefferson's belief that all wars should be fully funded, something the Bush Administration totally ignored.
Also, to the great Tea Party who loved to quote Thomas Jefferson, how do they feel about Jefferson's belief that all wars should be fully funded, something the Bush Administration totally ignored.
7
"All sound and fury, signifying nothing." That sums up this entire regime.
It was so disappointing to watch media outlets demonstrate that they had learned nothing, absolutely NOTHING, from our countries misadventures in Iraq.
How many times does the press have to make the same mistakes before they begin to take their jobs seriously and stop salivating over made for TV moments? What is Trumps long term strategy for Syria? What sort of commitment (Financial and otherwise) will it require from the United States? What is the definition of success vs. failure for the United States in Syria? When is the media going to start asking these questions?
How many times does the press have to make the same mistakes before they begin to take their jobs seriously and stop salivating over made for TV moments? What is Trumps long term strategy for Syria? What sort of commitment (Financial and otherwise) will it require from the United States? What is the definition of success vs. failure for the United States in Syria? When is the media going to start asking these questions?
3
Nailed it, Mr. Krugman. Thank you.
If there is an editor that reds these, I would like to know why my comment last night was deleted. It was one of the first ten.
2
Meanwhile, Bibi, shaving, smiling in the mirror this morning and humming to himself, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..."
6
I was fooled like Friedman by Trump's move. This missile strike was obviously coordinated with Russia and Assad, so no real harm done. 24 hours later, up and running again. All show, no substance. Is there anything about Donald Trump that isn't all show, no substance?
6
I would almost hope that is all it would be. I dread to think what his stupidity will get us into.
I completely agree with Krugman on this one. Just like the publicity stunt that Obama, Putin, and Assad made an agreement to get rid of all chemical weapons in Syria. Remember that publicity stunt? Who actually thought that agreement was real and not just a publicity stunt? Certainly the MSM did. They pushed it like it was the second coming of Santa. What a total joike. Both parties do it, but the MSM seems to suspend disbelief when the Democrats do it.
1
Sorry, Mr.K.
To *this* President, publicity stunts are likely the limits of his ability to understand and drive policy.
He's surrounded by a court of Machiavellian characters that makes Game Of Thrones look like a Saturday morning cartoon; where each member of his inner circle is working to enhance their own influence and stab others in the back in the process.
And trump?
He just sits there smirking, as if he had a clue as to how to BE "Presidential".
To *this* President, publicity stunts are likely the limits of his ability to understand and drive policy.
He's surrounded by a court of Machiavellian characters that makes Game Of Thrones look like a Saturday morning cartoon; where each member of his inner circle is working to enhance their own influence and stab others in the back in the process.
And trump?
He just sits there smirking, as if he had a clue as to how to BE "Presidential".
5
This criticism of Mr Trump's action or lack thereof has no suggestion as to how he can improve or what he should do to change.
It should be obvious to even the casual observer that he was in over his head from the moment he announced his candidacy yet he was freely elected under our rules.
If criticism has value beyond carping it must be accompanied by reasonable suggestions which point a way out and this column is one of the few which can bring this about.
Perhaps many of us are politically myopic and a signpost such as this column should at least point in the right direction even if the road is increasingly muddy and rutted.
It should be obvious to even the casual observer that he was in over his head from the moment he announced his candidacy yet he was freely elected under our rules.
If criticism has value beyond carping it must be accompanied by reasonable suggestions which point a way out and this column is one of the few which can bring this about.
Perhaps many of us are politically myopic and a signpost such as this column should at least point in the right direction even if the road is increasingly muddy and rutted.
1
@Ian McFarlane....
Sir,
It is not up to Paul Krugman to deliver policy ideas.
Paul Krugman is NOT the President.
Your boy trump isn't up to the job, that much is clear.
Sir,
It is not up to Paul Krugman to deliver policy ideas.
Paul Krugman is NOT the President.
Your boy trump isn't up to the job, that much is clear.
1
Trump is a master of hype in this land of hype.
4
"Ordering the U.S. military to fire off some missiles is easy." thanks for stating the obvious that seems to be ignored by the media, including your colleague Mr Kristof.
5
The only silver lining in Trump's presidency so far is his total incompetence. His incoherent and impulsive bombing of Syria is additional proof.
5
The lesson from this is that the media are looking for profits. Trump has been profitable. Wars are profitable. It was sickening to see non-stop CNN coverage of a ridiculous pinprick missile strike that, as Dr. Krugman notes, has the potential to highlight American weakness, not strength. Even more sickening were the reporters' credulous and gullible comments about how Mr. Trump was genuinely moved by pictures of dead babies. Haven't we learned that the man is an actor and a deceiver? If you buy that, he can sell you anything. And, even if it were true, it would make the president an extraordinarily easy figure to manipulate in a dangerous world.
4
Did anyone notice that he was completely unmoved by dead women? All the headlines screamed "innocent women and children," yet innocent women (and certainly men) were never mentioned or apparently, given a second thought. It makes the bombing all the more hideous and alarming.
4
Did you notice that the airstrike that killed 200 civilians in Mosul has completely disappeared from the news? Not even Krugman notes the hypocrisy.
3
Publicity Stunts Aren't Policy - So, why is that the policy at the Times?
Every day now we keep proving H.L. Mencken right when he wrote that "Democracy was the pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance."
It doesn't matter how despicable Trump's clown car of a cabinet is, what lunacy Trump tweets, how many times he flip-flops on positions, or how thoroughly he demonstrates this ignorance, mendacity, nepotism and narcissism, all he has to do is produce some new shiny object to defect everyone's attention.
About half this nation is preternaturally stupid. Unfortunately, a good portion of the other half are too lazy or too discouraged to bother voting. So, we get Trump, Ryan and McConnell. We are truly in the American Dark Ages. No Renaissance is in sight.
It doesn't matter how despicable Trump's clown car of a cabinet is, what lunacy Trump tweets, how many times he flip-flops on positions, or how thoroughly he demonstrates this ignorance, mendacity, nepotism and narcissism, all he has to do is produce some new shiny object to defect everyone's attention.
About half this nation is preternaturally stupid. Unfortunately, a good portion of the other half are too lazy or too discouraged to bother voting. So, we get Trump, Ryan and McConnell. We are truly in the American Dark Ages. No Renaissance is in sight.
6
The put the Syria attack into perspective, the cost to the US was estimated to be over 30 million dollars, and in some instances the estimates were even higher, which was money spent to basically accomplish nothing.
Meanwhile the Trump budget looks to cut similar amounts from programs that have demonstrated some measureable benefits; late post does not give me time to search for the affected programs.
The other item of equal importance is the media frenzy celebrating Trump's decisive action, which IMO was a true "Wag the Dog" moment in the Trump's Administration; little damage, waste of resources, and media distraction.
The bottom line is all an American President needs to do is launch a military attack, and all of a sudden his detractors begin to rethink their opinion of his presidency.
Meanwhile the Trump budget looks to cut similar amounts from programs that have demonstrated some measureable benefits; late post does not give me time to search for the affected programs.
The other item of equal importance is the media frenzy celebrating Trump's decisive action, which IMO was a true "Wag the Dog" moment in the Trump's Administration; little damage, waste of resources, and media distraction.
The bottom line is all an American President needs to do is launch a military attack, and all of a sudden his detractors begin to rethink their opinion of his presidency.
3
Where did the $30 million come from? I googled "How much does a Tomahawk cruise missile cost" and it came back $1 million each. Maybe they had a 2 for 1 sale? Should be $59 million though, right?
Trump is not a great thinker. His only ideology is his grandiosity. It appeared to me, in the hours surrounding (and not necessarily because of) the visit to the White House of King Abdullah of Jordan, something gobsmacked him. Pictures of the sarin gas atrocity in Syria? Reading his body language was instructive. He seemed rattled. He used the word "responsibility" about five times in his speech. Did he finally wake up to the fact that like it or not, he is the leader of the free world? I think his response to the atrocity was impulsive. So many unexpected things come your way when you're the US President. The lack of a coherent ideology other than self-interest can be a real problem.
74
So far, we are lucky that Trump is not a leader of any substance. His ignorance and innumerable character flaws would have - and still could - bring on multiple disasters. But the geopolitical circumstances still require complex and wise decision making. Russia, Iran, Syria and North Korea have a consistent record of ignoring diplomacy unless it is backed by military steadfastness and economic sanctions. Whatever policy emerges, it will be made by the cabinet members responsible for these. Mattis, McMaster, and possibly Tillerson and Haley appear to be up to the task. Credit and criticism for the strikes on Syria is due to these people, not to the Reality TV mogul who has stumbled into the presidency and can only proffer inelegant nonsense at any moment, while inadvertently keeping murderous dictators guessing - which is a good thing.
Real leadership requires a deft mind.
Trump has never exhibited qualities of a real leader and he never will. The media needs to accept that but old habits die hard and many of us still cannot believe we elected a child to run the country. In America's past, we have never had the opportunity to learn so much about a man'a past patterns of behavior, but then elect the man anyway.
Smart people learn from observing patterns of behavior of others and adjust their response accordingly. 63 million people didn't do that. Which says 63 million people are blind and cannot process patterns. They are blind for a multitude of reasons: ideology, desperation, stubbornness, entitlement, faith, belief, racism, resentment, anger, and finally, just plain stupidity.
The pattern is clear. Trump's actions will never be contemplative. Contemplation requires too much work. Tweeting small wins like Carrier is way easy. Firing off tomahawk missiles is way easy. Coming up with a coherent plan for Syria so his cabinet can speak from the same page? Will never happen.
Media needs to get smart and recognize the patterns. And remind Trump's supporters every chance they get.
Trump has never exhibited qualities of a real leader and he never will. The media needs to accept that but old habits die hard and many of us still cannot believe we elected a child to run the country. In America's past, we have never had the opportunity to learn so much about a man'a past patterns of behavior, but then elect the man anyway.
Smart people learn from observing patterns of behavior of others and adjust their response accordingly. 63 million people didn't do that. Which says 63 million people are blind and cannot process patterns. They are blind for a multitude of reasons: ideology, desperation, stubbornness, entitlement, faith, belief, racism, resentment, anger, and finally, just plain stupidity.
The pattern is clear. Trump's actions will never be contemplative. Contemplation requires too much work. Tweeting small wins like Carrier is way easy. Firing off tomahawk missiles is way easy. Coming up with a coherent plan for Syria so his cabinet can speak from the same page? Will never happen.
Media needs to get smart and recognize the patterns. And remind Trump's supporters every chance they get.
7
Trump is devoid of knowledge and experience and is guided solely by his huge ego. His only policy consists of failed attempts to make it easier for him to stand in front of a huge mirror on the wall and ask who is the greatest of them all. He has been and will continue to be a huge embarrassment to our nation. But Trump is just a symptom of the true problem. Our political system is in shambles, That millions of American's could be conned into believing that Trump and the powerful manipulators behind him would look after their welfare is testament to the strength of the entrenched Fox/Breibart propaganda machine. Trump is a TV character playing the role of so-called president. Real policy doesn't enter into his one-person world.
8
Trump’s (or more likely the generals')) decision to punish the Syrian government for using poison gas after they had agreed to remove their gas stockpiles, is exactly what Obama or Clinton would have done in the same situation.
After Assad crossed the red-line by using poison gas in 2013, Kerry and Putin wisely convinced Obama to avoid force if Assad would agree to get rid of all chemical weapons. Now that Assad reneged on the agreement by either hiding some of the weapons that were there in 2013 or acquiring and using new ones he is being punished. Exactly what Obama or Clinton would have done in the same situation.
It is encouraging that Trump is doing in this instance what any president would do. However, remember that: A headline during the election was - Trump's plan to seize Iraq's oil: "It's not stealing, we're reimbursing ourselves". The word "reimbursing" is now being used in context with Trump's assertion that he will force Mexico to pay for the wall. Trump reiterated that he would have seized Iraq's oil recently at a speech at to the CIA. A "trade" war might not look so bad as compared with the prospect of Trump using military force to seize Mexican gulf oil assets to reimburse the cost of the wall. In terms of the worst things that could ever happen to the USA, military conflict with Mexico when at least 10% of the American population is of Mexican heritage has to be high on the list..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4042715
After Assad crossed the red-line by using poison gas in 2013, Kerry and Putin wisely convinced Obama to avoid force if Assad would agree to get rid of all chemical weapons. Now that Assad reneged on the agreement by either hiding some of the weapons that were there in 2013 or acquiring and using new ones he is being punished. Exactly what Obama or Clinton would have done in the same situation.
It is encouraging that Trump is doing in this instance what any president would do. However, remember that: A headline during the election was - Trump's plan to seize Iraq's oil: "It's not stealing, we're reimbursing ourselves". The word "reimbursing" is now being used in context with Trump's assertion that he will force Mexico to pay for the wall. Trump reiterated that he would have seized Iraq's oil recently at a speech at to the CIA. A "trade" war might not look so bad as compared with the prospect of Trump using military force to seize Mexican gulf oil assets to reimburse the cost of the wall. In terms of the worst things that could ever happen to the USA, military conflict with Mexico when at least 10% of the American population is of Mexican heritage has to be high on the list..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4042715
1
"Is Mr. Trump making life-and-death national security decisions based on TV coverage?" Yes.
6
Putin has decided to back Assad militarily killing thousands of civilians, children and babies with airstrikes. Suddenly, Trump expresses outrage against chemical weapons and orders a worthless strike against an airfield. This is an act of frustration and bluster for public consumption.
Conventional weapons are not immoral? I beg to differ. Putin is not about to be out bullied by a feckless Trump who had no coherent policy in Syria.
Conventional weapons are not immoral? I beg to differ. Putin is not about to be out bullied by a feckless Trump who had no coherent policy in Syria.
3
"They want to seem balanced, even when there is no balance; they have been desperate for excuses to ignore the dubious circumstances of his election and his erratic behavior in office, and start treating him as a normal president."
Right!
Good heaves, Wake UP! people. This is the art of the Con, or the Deal as Trump sees it, working just as it is intended to work. It isn't blundering and stupid it is crafted to do exactly what it is doing, conning gullible people into seeing a pile of manure as some kind of gold. Playing on our compassion and trust for people to be honest, is what con artists do. Selling people stuff that will ultimately kill them, like cigarettes, is what the con is about. Climate denial to sell cancer producing policies is part of the Con. Making people think that individuals who are Rich are superior to them selves is part of the CON.
We voted a covey of con artists/business men into the most powerful position in the World.
The ? is, How to get rid of them.
Right!
Good heaves, Wake UP! people. This is the art of the Con, or the Deal as Trump sees it, working just as it is intended to work. It isn't blundering and stupid it is crafted to do exactly what it is doing, conning gullible people into seeing a pile of manure as some kind of gold. Playing on our compassion and trust for people to be honest, is what con artists do. Selling people stuff that will ultimately kill them, like cigarettes, is what the con is about. Climate denial to sell cancer producing policies is part of the Con. Making people think that individuals who are Rich are superior to them selves is part of the CON.
We voted a covey of con artists/business men into the most powerful position in the World.
The ? is, How to get rid of them.
3
Trump advocated allying with Assad, in spite of being very aware of the dozens of previous chemical attacks, the largest and far more deadly one being in 2013, for which Trump vehemently opposed any kind of intervention. In Dec. 2015 he also mocked those horrified by Saddam Hussein's genocide of his people by saying “Saddam Hussein throws a little gas—everyone goes crazy, ‘oh, he’s using gas!'” He added that the brutality in which Hussein engaged “stabilized” the region, praising him for being "good at killing terrorists" in spite of the conclusion of the 9/11 commission that Hussein had "aided and abetted them" and was "a skilled user of terrorism to intimidate Iraqis and eliminate any opponents, real and imaginary.” Trump frequently bemoaned the existence of "too many rules" (aka laws) that constrain democratic leaders and seemed to envy the dictators who have no such restraints, as if it was only laws that restrained democratic leaders from engaging in savagery and not the presence of a moral compass. He proposed committing his own war crimes by killing the wives and children of terrorists. He's demonstrated a "win at all costs, ends justifies the means" mentality, in business, campaigning and now as president. It stretches credulity to believe he's suddenly developed a moral compass, particularly since just last week he was happy maintaining his isolationist foreign policy and to allow Assad, whose barbarity is nothing new, to continue. This was nothing but a PR stunt.
2
"Publicity Stunts Aren't Policy" -- Are you sure, Paul?
With both Orwell and Warhol in mind, I think we should consider the possibility that we've entered a era -- or epoch -- when, in fact, they are.
Instead of denying it, our leading intellectuals should guide us in how to deal with it wisely.
With both Orwell and Warhol in mind, I think we should consider the possibility that we've entered a era -- or epoch -- when, in fact, they are.
Instead of denying it, our leading intellectuals should guide us in how to deal with it wisely.
1
David, spot on. Instead of joining in the chest thumping, our media and our intellectual leaders (where are they?) need to figure out how to stop the propaganda machine.
His ability to lie matches the length of his tie
Like Pinocchio' s nose it grows longer
Perhaps his actions truly belie
A weak man presenting himself "stronger"
If I say it, it is so
I'm strong --I retaliate
And my poor supporters do not know
They have given a weak man their fate
I will distract I will destroy
With tweets I make reality
It's not mine, but your poor boys
Who will be my wars' fatality
Like Pinocchio' s nose it grows longer
Perhaps his actions truly belie
A weak man presenting himself "stronger"
If I say it, it is so
I'm strong --I retaliate
And my poor supporters do not know
They have given a weak man their fate
I will distract I will destroy
With tweets I make reality
It's not mine, but your poor boys
Who will be my wars' fatality
3
See Keith Olbermann on YouTube "The Resistance."
3
Let's hope President Trump doesn't try a similar Tomahawk stunt against North Korea. That's preposterous, of course. But with Mr. Trump preposterous is possible.
3
Dr. Krugman raises an important point: will we ever get beyond the token gesture made with wide flourish to anything beyond a symbolic gesture with 45? Personally, I've no love for the Assad regime and was heartened by the response to attack the airfield. But then what? Nothing. From 45's mouthpiece, surly Sean we got a "Well, we showed 'em. Don't mess with Daring Donald." But, the Assad boys cleaned up the mess and the next day was business as usual.
So, I gott ask too, when's the media gonna hold 45's feet to the fire? He's still getting in his 18 holes and dining at Mar a Lago while Syria burns.
So, I gott ask too, when's the media gonna hold 45's feet to the fire? He's still getting in his 18 holes and dining at Mar a Lago while Syria burns.
2
Dr. Krugman points out the real problem with Syria and the continued carnage is not knowing what to do. Perhaps he, or the nytimes, would like to poll some who have knowledge of the situation and offer some suggestions. Those whose borders are inundated with refugees also have a vital stake in this. Don't count on Russia to help. Just knowing Syria is a thorn in the side of everyone else is enough to keep them going.
The real story last week was Xi and Trump, and N. Korea. Since we don't know any of the details of their talks, we can assume they agreed on a plan to denuclearize the Korean peninsula....or, since there is silence, continued stonewalling on the part of the Chinese in support of the NK nukes and threats to use them against everybody. Which is it? This is a national security issue that goes beyond Trump and needs to be addressed.
The real story last week was Xi and Trump, and N. Korea. Since we don't know any of the details of their talks, we can assume they agreed on a plan to denuclearize the Korean peninsula....or, since there is silence, continued stonewalling on the part of the Chinese in support of the NK nukes and threats to use them against everybody. Which is it? This is a national security issue that goes beyond Trump and needs to be addressed.
Somehow, people killed with cruise missiles fall under a different definition of "dead" than those killed with a nerve agent. The people of Syria are being defined under many headings everyday. They are victims of tyranny from all corners of the globe including the US. States who condone Trump do it more from sycophancy than solidarity. To side with him is to forget history: the Middle East was ignited by the vile demagoguery of the Bush/Blair era as they worked to decoy attention away from corporate deregulation. History should not forget any of these miscreants.
Let's face it, the two superpowers in the world are both criminal oligarchies, one supporting the other. We can impeach ours, the Russians may be stuck with theirs, but that's their problem. Russia must be frozen out internationally and we westerners need to rediscover statesmanship.
Let's face it, the two superpowers in the world are both criminal oligarchies, one supporting the other. We can impeach ours, the Russians may be stuck with theirs, but that's their problem. Russia must be frozen out internationally and we westerners need to rediscover statesmanship.
5
"And has anyone seen a sign, any sign, that Mr. Trump is ready to provide real leadership in that sense? I haven’t."
While Dr. Krugman is correct, Trump's actions are evidence of a much larger problem than his obvious failings as the nation's leader. As many have noted here, most Americans are either ignorant of, or simply don't care about the destruction wrought by his tenure.
While Ms. Clinton won the popular vote by a wide margin, only roughly one-quarter of eligible voters cast their vote for her -- the only competent candidate for the presidency. A solid majority of Americans either support our Republican leadership, or don't care enough to take action leading to their ouster, i.e, to vote for their opponents.
When a majority of a nation's citizens act and believe as ours do, there is only one term for it -- a failed state. In just a few short months, we have gone from a functioning democracy (albeit flawed), to single-party regime whose stated goals are to dismantle protections for its citizens --- civil rights, education, the right to basic health care, a clean environment -- protections of any decent society. A regime with no respect for the rule of law, and that will now have a Supreme Court's stamp of its legitimacy.
Not four months into his term, the nation has already grown quiet. This presidency means much more than the antics of a deranged buffoon -- it means that the United States must now take its place among a group of nations it once found abhorrent.
While Dr. Krugman is correct, Trump's actions are evidence of a much larger problem than his obvious failings as the nation's leader. As many have noted here, most Americans are either ignorant of, or simply don't care about the destruction wrought by his tenure.
While Ms. Clinton won the popular vote by a wide margin, only roughly one-quarter of eligible voters cast their vote for her -- the only competent candidate for the presidency. A solid majority of Americans either support our Republican leadership, or don't care enough to take action leading to their ouster, i.e, to vote for their opponents.
When a majority of a nation's citizens act and believe as ours do, there is only one term for it -- a failed state. In just a few short months, we have gone from a functioning democracy (albeit flawed), to single-party regime whose stated goals are to dismantle protections for its citizens --- civil rights, education, the right to basic health care, a clean environment -- protections of any decent society. A regime with no respect for the rule of law, and that will now have a Supreme Court's stamp of its legitimacy.
Not four months into his term, the nation has already grown quiet. This presidency means much more than the antics of a deranged buffoon -- it means that the United States must now take its place among a group of nations it once found abhorrent.
4
If Trump cured cancer Dr. Krugman would criticize him for practicing medicine without a license.
3
The Liar-in-Chief doesn't have the brain cells, altruism, dedication or compassion to be a physician.
The Liar-in-Chief deserves every bit of criticism lobbed his way from Dr. Krugman, the media and the American people. He's a traitorous, deplorable, self-serving, corrupt human being.
The Liar-in-Chief deserves every bit of criticism lobbed his way from Dr. Krugman, the media and the American people. He's a traitorous, deplorable, self-serving, corrupt human being.
7
No chance of that happening. But, let's give Trump credit. He read a teleprompter speech written by someone else to a joint session of congress for which he was widely praised. Then he ordered a symbolic missile attack on an airstrip with minimal damage for which he again is being widely praised. Anything else?
4
As Trump himself said, he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose any votes. That is a sad statement about Trump supporters. There is good reason why Trump loves "the poorly educated". They can't tell facts from lies. Unfortunately, we are all going to pay a price for Trump's mendacity and voter ignorance.
1
I'm not convinced that, as you said, "No doubt the Assad forces took some real losses." We know that Trump informed Russia in advance of the strikes. They likely informed Assad, who probably moved any high value assets to a safe location. They didn't even manage to shut down all the runways at the airbase, leaving one completely untouched. Anything that was damaged can be quickly repaired or replaced by Putin. Assad gets to position himself as standing up to Trump, as you noted. Putin makes loud anti-American noises, which helps distract his own "electorate" from his domestic troubles. Trump gets to bask in the media glow, and also point to Putin's mean words and say "See, I'm not his puppet. He hates me now!" Meanwhile Assad goes back to bombing civilians. Putin sends more bombs to Assad. And Trump goes back to golfing.
9
Thank you for keeping the focus on Trump's willingness to do anything to distract the media and the world from his inept administration and the FBI investigation into his possible collusion with Russia's interference with the presendential election. Keep the pressure on to expose his ties to Russia. The GOP will continue to defend him and deflect attention from the investigation as long as they believe that they can use him to push through their mean spirited, business backed agenda.
7
Dr. Krugman, I regret that you have resorted to lying. You are lying about President Obama's record on Syria.
Barak Obama did not make a "decision" on Syria. While Obama equvocated on Syria, and while he trusted Russian assurances about chemical weapons, the resistance to military action grew and overwhelmed him.
Obama was the ultimate "President of Inaction." He was not bold, decisive or strategic. He was a hard working vacillator and hesitator.
I do not agree with Trump's launch of Tomahawks on a Syrian air base, but it was ACTION. He did something in the wake of a horrific murderous attack on innocents. Obama did NOTHING.
Now, I ask you, Dr. Krugman, this question. IF President Trump were to commit resources to building an American based orphan refugee camp for threatened children, would you object to it as a publicity stunt?
This is the type of humanitarian ACTION that many Americans are hoping for. This is the ACTION that President Obama did not take.
Americans want our government to take action in the face of gross acts of inhumanity. Now, that President Trump has shown that he is ending the former administration's quivering equivocation, why not hope for more actions? Better actions.
So, Dr. Krugman, instead of distorting Obama's (and Clinton's) weak and failed record on Syria, and instead of decrying Trump's action as a publicity stunt, how about offering your insight on what actions America should be taking.
Barak Obama did not make a "decision" on Syria. While Obama equvocated on Syria, and while he trusted Russian assurances about chemical weapons, the resistance to military action grew and overwhelmed him.
Obama was the ultimate "President of Inaction." He was not bold, decisive or strategic. He was a hard working vacillator and hesitator.
I do not agree with Trump's launch of Tomahawks on a Syrian air base, but it was ACTION. He did something in the wake of a horrific murderous attack on innocents. Obama did NOTHING.
Now, I ask you, Dr. Krugman, this question. IF President Trump were to commit resources to building an American based orphan refugee camp for threatened children, would you object to it as a publicity stunt?
This is the type of humanitarian ACTION that many Americans are hoping for. This is the ACTION that President Obama did not take.
Americans want our government to take action in the face of gross acts of inhumanity. Now, that President Trump has shown that he is ending the former administration's quivering equivocation, why not hope for more actions? Better actions.
So, Dr. Krugman, instead of distorting Obama's (and Clinton's) weak and failed record on Syria, and instead of decrying Trump's action as a publicity stunt, how about offering your insight on what actions America should be taking.
4
Didn't President Obama seek authorization from Congress to act? And as with everything else he wanted to do, the answer was no.
1
If Trump proposed a refugee camp for orphaned children it would rightly be ridiculed as a publicity stunt. Housing children in a mass camp is not only stupid it's an inhumane idea, they should be placed with foster families where they would get the support and attention every child deserves.
Why is dumb action better than inaction?
Or more specifically why are you so certain if Obama had launched a few missiles it would have made a difference? Certainly didn't do much again Saddam Hussein in the 90s. Unless we are prepared to enact regime change ourselves, missiles are a waste of time and money.
Or more specifically why are you so certain if Obama had launched a few missiles it would have made a difference? Certainly didn't do much again Saddam Hussein in the 90s. Unless we are prepared to enact regime change ourselves, missiles are a waste of time and money.
What did the strikes accomplish?
Answer: positive reinforcement by the media etc. for a military action inconsistent with apparent policy.
That's not a good thing.
Aircraft carrier on its way to the Korean peninsula, etc. Looking for more easy "wins?"
Answer: positive reinforcement by the media etc. for a military action inconsistent with apparent policy.
That's not a good thing.
Aircraft carrier on its way to the Korean peninsula, etc. Looking for more easy "wins?"
7
What was accomplished? America matters again. Maybe.
This is what I seriously want to know. IF the unpredictable Trump follows up with a humanitarian act, will the Democrats support this?
I sometimes think that some of my Democratic friends would rather have Trump fail, then have innocent children protected from nerve gas.
I was and am opposed to the use of military force when we could try humanitarian force for a change, but at least action some action was taken.
This is what I seriously want to know. IF the unpredictable Trump follows up with a humanitarian act, will the Democrats support this?
I sometimes think that some of my Democratic friends would rather have Trump fail, then have innocent children protected from nerve gas.
I was and am opposed to the use of military force when we could try humanitarian force for a change, but at least action some action was taken.
1
Trump's not a president, he just plays one on TV. Avenging dead babies with cruise missiles is like a sweeps week stunt to lift sagging ratings. We've been seeing dead Syrian babies wash ashore in the Mediterranean for three years and still won't let the people fleeing the war come here to safety. But, hey, explosions look great on TV and give us something shiny and patriotic to look at. Trump may be in the the Oval Office, but he's still in the entertainment biz.
211
Paul is wrong to say that Obama had nothing to do with starting the mess in Syria. The "deep state" has been trying to destroy Syria since before Bush W. (Axis of Evil). Obama got caught up in that after the Syrian demonstrators were attacked. Obama chose to use "proxy" agents to attack the Bassad regime. Other countries did the same. Money and weapons were sent in.
Putin didn't care to lose his navy base so Russia came in to stalemate the process. To break the stalemate, chemical weapons were used. Logically, the chemicals would seem to have come from someone opposing Assad, Iran and the Russians that created a "false flag" event.
Trump blew up something like a hundred million dollars worth of rockets for the usual reason: "all politics are local". A real shame the money could not have been used for humanitarian relief for the victims of this conflict.
Putin didn't care to lose his navy base so Russia came in to stalemate the process. To break the stalemate, chemical weapons were used. Logically, the chemicals would seem to have come from someone opposing Assad, Iran and the Russians that created a "false flag" event.
Trump blew up something like a hundred million dollars worth of rockets for the usual reason: "all politics are local". A real shame the money could not have been used for humanitarian relief for the victims of this conflict.
3
Didn't we recently suspect that somebody had hacked some emails or something and interfered with, um, what was it, oh yeah, the US presidential election, that's right. Wasn't congress going to investigate or something?
Oh geez, I forget now. That was so last week.
Oh geez, I forget now. That was so last week.
12
Thank you for restating, once again, the Emperor Has No Clothes! Somebody has to keep the refrain going since the media and the populace keep forgetting this truth.
10
But the Emperor is still Emperor... butt naked and all.
4
Here's the trick to surviving this Trumpian nightmare: don't rely on the media to report honestly, factually or even completely. Not even the NY Times. They've been in the tank -- and anti-Clinton -- for some time.
Gather your information from myriad sources even foreign. Check and double check. And even then, treat with caution any pro-Trump narrative, always being aware there are other unseen angles afoot.
Nothing's changed with this man. And until we here in the States get honest, fearless reporting, nothing will.
Gather your information from myriad sources even foreign. Check and double check. And even then, treat with caution any pro-Trump narrative, always being aware there are other unseen angles afoot.
Nothing's changed with this man. And until we here in the States get honest, fearless reporting, nothing will.
3
Driven by ratings, guided by television, and showing no evidence of thoughtful strategic planning, we are clearing in the hands of a self-proclaimed reflexive president whose only goal appears to be generating excitement from a moment in time rather than the hard work and thoughtful effort required to actually plan a response with long-term objectives in mind.
Congress must step in and insist the White House adhere to constitutionally-binding procedural steps needed before Trump launches his next fire-works show toward a sovereign nation. Not only because that next nation might be able to fire back, but it may actually encourage them to fire first.
Congress must step in and insist the White House adhere to constitutionally-binding procedural steps needed before Trump launches his next fire-works show toward a sovereign nation. Not only because that next nation might be able to fire back, but it may actually encourage them to fire first.
1
Note that Trump gets a toofer with his anti-abortion base by justifying his strike with "poor dead babies." Maybe it's a sign that he's going to start showing concern with post-birth children.
3
How much did those 60 Tomahawk missiles cost us? Exactly what damage was done?
2
When Assad gassed Syrians in Idlib province he presented Trump with a trifecta of opportunity to do that which most satisfies his warped soul. Emotional pain seeing the pictures of gassed children? Please. What Trump saw was an opportunity for political advantage ....... at home.
First, he could deliver a poke in the eye to Barack Obama; the man he loves to hate. Obama walked up to the line in 2013 gave military planners whip lash by stopping. Trump saw this opportunity as a way to show himself to be so much more manly than Obama. The American people would cheer him for a change.
Second, sending 59 missiles to a Syrian airbase changes the subject from collusion with Russia to a manly man kicking a dictator in the crotch. Subject changing is what has occupied Trump's time more than anything else in the past several weeks. The missile attack gave him some relief in thinking about new ways to distract the American media.
Third, what could be better for a GOP that likes nothing more than for a Republican President to make a show of force somewhere in the world. Forgotten for awhile is the health care fail and the dysfunction of an amateurish White House.
No, Trump is not really moved by the terrible suffering of children. If he were, he would increase aid to Syrian refugees languishing in camps. He would up the limits on Syrian refugees able to enter the USA. When he starts to do that I'll begin to believe him when he talks of those "beautiful babies".
First, he could deliver a poke in the eye to Barack Obama; the man he loves to hate. Obama walked up to the line in 2013 gave military planners whip lash by stopping. Trump saw this opportunity as a way to show himself to be so much more manly than Obama. The American people would cheer him for a change.
Second, sending 59 missiles to a Syrian airbase changes the subject from collusion with Russia to a manly man kicking a dictator in the crotch. Subject changing is what has occupied Trump's time more than anything else in the past several weeks. The missile attack gave him some relief in thinking about new ways to distract the American media.
Third, what could be better for a GOP that likes nothing more than for a Republican President to make a show of force somewhere in the world. Forgotten for awhile is the health care fail and the dysfunction of an amateurish White House.
No, Trump is not really moved by the terrible suffering of children. If he were, he would increase aid to Syrian refugees languishing in camps. He would up the limits on Syrian refugees able to enter the USA. When he starts to do that I'll begin to believe him when he talks of those "beautiful babies".
145
Who knew? Who cares?
Certainly not the 46% of Americans who elected and selected Trump to be POTUS.
Certainly not the 46% of Americans who elected and selected Trump to be POTUS.
1
We have no definitive proof Assad gassed anyone.
1
"We have no definitive proof Assad gassed anyone."
Carolyn, that is an odd and unsupported statement. Who else could have done it? No other faction in the Syrian war has an air force that can deploy poison gas from warplanes, which is what witnesses reported. Only Assad has those resources, and he has used them before. What makes you think someone else did it? Or do you not believe it happened?
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39500947
Carolyn, that is an odd and unsupported statement. Who else could have done it? No other faction in the Syrian war has an air force that can deploy poison gas from warplanes, which is what witnesses reported. Only Assad has those resources, and he has used them before. What makes you think someone else did it? Or do you not believe it happened?
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39500947
Rally 'round the flag, boys! The Friday Fireworks display covered all the bases for President Trump.
It changed the subject from Devin Nunez and the Russian election interference investigation to how strong and resolute our president is in his position of Commander-in-Chief. How could anyone accuse Trump of being in cahoots with the Russians if he is so willing to upset them by attacking an airbase (after letting the Russians know it is coming) that is still operational after the raid, avenging those beautiful babies. He won't tell Congress or the press when questioned what his plans are. That would ruin the element of surprise. Why would the Syrians once again cross the "red line" and use poison gas when they can bomb the same people to dust and not receive even a verbal reprimand from the Trump Administration's Department of State or Defense? Described as a "one time proportional response", the Tomahawk shower is nothing but a diversion by the Trump Administration.
It changed the subject from Devin Nunez and the Russian election interference investigation to how strong and resolute our president is in his position of Commander-in-Chief. How could anyone accuse Trump of being in cahoots with the Russians if he is so willing to upset them by attacking an airbase (after letting the Russians know it is coming) that is still operational after the raid, avenging those beautiful babies. He won't tell Congress or the press when questioned what his plans are. That would ruin the element of surprise. Why would the Syrians once again cross the "red line" and use poison gas when they can bomb the same people to dust and not receive even a verbal reprimand from the Trump Administration's Department of State or Defense? Described as a "one time proportional response", the Tomahawk shower is nothing but a diversion by the Trump Administration.
95
Trump administration: smoke and mirrors over substance. Unfortunately, P. T. Barnum's views on gullibility still apply, even among professional pundits and senior statesmen.
1
Donald Trump still plays the media like the Devils fiddle and when he plucks the strings they dance like a his little puppet.
3
And with an all-volunteer military there's always enough enthusiasm for every war-like action.
1
You won't find any real policy with Trump. The Republican agenda has to do with making money from their positions in government. There are no plans to do anything or the country or the people.
Therefore, there isn't any real policy.
Therefore, there isn't any real policy.
2
The trouble is that the media is always focused on what they call the optics of an event. What looks good, not what has been accomplished. I can see a common observer being affected by optics, but what are professional evaluators, so-called experts, pundits and the likes being impressed by optics? Where is their deep analysis? We are no longer in campaign mode where masses can be moved by a token action or a debate zinger. People should be focused on the meaning and consequences of a decision n and not become a claque ready to applaud a big noise.
1
Sorry. The real question is, "Why did drump become so utterly contemptible?"
1
It is so obvious from the beginning that Trump did this to distract from the ongoing investigations into his collusion with Russia now and during the campaign.
What is even more suspect is his warning to Putin before striking who most certainly warned Assad who then removed the war-ready planes off the tarmac and left the damaged planes to be hit. The runway was even left functional!
This was an expensive publicity stunt on the taxpayers' dime. Surely those funds, for example, could've been used for PBS, lunches for hungry kids and Meals on Wheels.
Shame on the media and any Democrats who praised this transparent nonsense. Why did the NYT print Senator Tom Cotton's propagandist diatribe?
What is even more suspect is his warning to Putin before striking who most certainly warned Assad who then removed the war-ready planes off the tarmac and left the damaged planes to be hit. The runway was even left functional!
This was an expensive publicity stunt on the taxpayers' dime. Surely those funds, for example, could've been used for PBS, lunches for hungry kids and Meals on Wheels.
Shame on the media and any Democrats who praised this transparent nonsense. Why did the NYT print Senator Tom Cotton's propagandist diatribe?
3
What about helping Syrian refugees, Mr. Trump? I guess its easier to throw bombs over there than it is to help scores of people try to continue living by offering them hope and a home.
4
"Is Mr. Trump making life-and-death national security decisions based on TV coverage?"
That's 100% of what he is. The only there there is who's got his ear within his handlers and how they fawn over his brilliance.
From Obama to this inglorious needy shell of a person. Reading transcripts of his interviews makes me cry.
That's 100% of what he is. The only there there is who's got his ear within his handlers and how they fawn over his brilliance.
From Obama to this inglorious needy shell of a person. Reading transcripts of his interviews makes me cry.
1
Paul Krugman writes: "But outside its effect on the news cycle, how much did the strike actually accomplish? A few hours after the attack, Syrian warplanes were taking off from the same airfield, and airstrikes resumed on the town where use of poison gas provoked Mr. Trump into action. No doubt the Assad forces took some real losses, but there’s no reason to believe that a one-time action will have any effect on the course of Syria’s civil war."
Wrong! If there is another Sarin gas attack, there will be another United States military response and rightfully so.
Wrong! If there is another Sarin gas attack, there will be another United States military response and rightfully so.
I'm not sure by reading this if you think this publicity stunt actually accomplished something to that end?
Another Sarin gas attack by Assad will result in another 59 Cruise missiles directed at Syrian military installations from United States destroyers stationed in the Mediterranean.
I disagree that Trump, I can't bring myself to call him president, has no policy. He has a foreign policy and a domestic policy. They are stupid and stupider.
How anyone sees this as "presidential" is beyond me. Trump's desire to interrupt the news cycle and showoff to the president of China (or get out of having a conversation using "big words") cost over a dozen lives, four of whom were children. Perhaps this is a bit of hyperbole, but how does this make him any better than those we wish to see removed as heads of state?
"Policy that makes the world a better place?" While Bill Maher gave us the relief of a good laugh this weekend, it's depressing to think that he really nailed it. Republicans are just giving us the biggest "Dick Moves" they can come up with, while they serve their master - the almighty dollar. And now we have a good conservative "christian" who will further distort the Supreme Court longer than many of us will live. Let's never forget the so-called Republicans, like McConnell and Ryan, who continue to prop up this horror, or the supposedly neutral parties, like Comey's FBI, and the "mainstream media" led by the Washington Post, who enabled him in the first place. The Russians can't hold a candle to these ... sorry, but I can only come up with ... traitors.
2
The mainstream media is as resposible for giving us trump as any of the far-right fringe lunies. I have watch the news over the last few days in disbelief at the support they gave this hypocritical criminal man for bombing Syria. As many other commentators here have said, why these babies, why now? Because he need a 'look squirrel" moment. Oh, and Ivanka said to.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ivanka-trum...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ivanka-trum...
2
Trump is psychotic imbecile who does not what he is doing..
Those who voted for Trump knew who he was and voted for him anyway.
They owe the United States an apology.
Those who voted for the Trump bum liked his message of hate and bigotry.
Their vote had nothing to do with economy.
They are deplorable bigots who like the fact that Trump brought hate groups into the mainstream.
Trump is no populist nor did he run a populist campaign.
He is an out of touch elitist who who scorns working class Americans.
Those who voted for Trump knew who he was and voted for him anyway.
They owe the United States an apology.
Those who voted for the Trump bum liked his message of hate and bigotry.
Their vote had nothing to do with economy.
They are deplorable bigots who like the fact that Trump brought hate groups into the mainstream.
Trump is no populist nor did he run a populist campaign.
He is an out of touch elitist who who scorns working class Americans.
1
Mr Krugman, would you please comment on this article?
http://www.politico.eu/article/why-the-arabs-dont-want-us-in-syria-midea...
It seems we have no good options in the Middle East because we helped create the problems with decades of earlier interventions, and because any possible solution has already been tried and failed. So, now what? The length of the article is some indicator of the long and tired history of questionable actions the US has taken to protect our access to oil. The very oil that has helped contribute to climate change. It's hard to have an opinion about Syria when you don't know what's really going on. So, what do you think?
http://www.politico.eu/article/why-the-arabs-dont-want-us-in-syria-midea...
It seems we have no good options in the Middle East because we helped create the problems with decades of earlier interventions, and because any possible solution has already been tried and failed. So, now what? The length of the article is some indicator of the long and tired history of questionable actions the US has taken to protect our access to oil. The very oil that has helped contribute to climate change. It's hard to have an opinion about Syria when you don't know what's really going on. So, what do you think?
It's all our fault:
HBR, April 10, 2017
If Humble People Make the Best Leaders, Why Do We Fall for Charismatic Narcissists?
By Margarita Mayo
Human beings hunger for superheroes.
HBR, April 10, 2017
If Humble People Make the Best Leaders, Why Do We Fall for Charismatic Narcissists?
By Margarita Mayo
Human beings hunger for superheroes.
1
The press coverage of the missile strike was fawning, and predictably so. People in the U.S. though, are not fooled, and they are angry as hell, more so on the left, but on the right as well.
The 2018 midterms will be payback time.
The 2018 midterms will be payback time.
1
Regarding the launching of theses misfiled at Syria. It keeps me up at night to think that a real estate developer has the power to order these strikes- and worse.
God help us.
God help us.
Ever since Trump announced his candidacy, the media has been all Trump, 24-7! It's still going on. The bigger the scandal, the bigger the fiasco, the more chaos in the government, the more he's in the news! Even your columns and tweets are mostly about Trump. Will this ever end?
2
Not until he's no longer president.
2
Our so called President Wags The Dog while Making America Bomb Again.
1
We the people and the media have set the bar so low the next thing we will be applauding is trump cat videos on YouTube.
1
President for a day. Hmmm...sounds like the name of a new trump tv production.
1
That's ALL he's got, publicity and stunts. Seriously.
3
Distraction, distraction! No one's talking about the Russian connections to Trump anymore. Is the media really that clueless?
5
Trumps been president for 70 days.....Dang Krugman....it took you 10 years to get that fancy Economics PhD!!!
This reminds me of the old movie "Wag the Dog" where the President creates a fake war to divert attention from domestic issues. Maybe Trump watched that movie???
3
I.m flabbergasted that President Trump's cruise missile attack failed to crater the runways at the Syrian/Russian air force base. The President said they were too easy to repair. Sen. John McCain agreed, but said they were also easy to crater again, and again, if necessary. The attack was clearly a diversion from reality. Reality will occur when the President is asked to release his 2016 Tax Return. He won't do so. Too incriminating. Hopefully, the Senate won't protect him with another Nuclear rule change.
All too true. Even the New York Times headline the day after read something like "What Does the Air Strike Mean for U.S. Foreign Policy?"--though within the article was an acknowledgment that Assad and Putin were both WARNED beforehand. So what was actually accomplished was precisely nothing--except some excited news coverage, which is what 45 lives for. Despite the lyrics of our excessively militaristic national anthem, "bombs bursting in air" reflect no foreign policy at all, just a publicity stunt to distract us from the clear signs of Russian collusion in our rotting body politic and make the gullible think that this means 45 is "decisive" and "tough on Russia." And, of course, his momentary spasm of so-called compassion does not extend to the people trying to find sanctuary from this murderous mayhem.
1
He's like an 8 year old spraying bullets from a tommy gun. Looking to hit things that make him powerful and manly. Not an ounce of thought or policy guides his actions; Carrier, Ford, wiretapping, burying Nunes, AHCA, Syria, concern for babies, North Korea.
His theory is that if he fires enought shots something will be bound to stick.
His theory is that if he fires enought shots something will be bound to stick.
Fred Trump had Alzheimer's. If you assume the president is showing signs of it, his behavior begins to make sense. He needs to keep his family close to care for and protect him, and we need to consider the 25th amendment.
2
It is true that Syria response was about atrocities only parenthetically. It was 1st & foremost about WMDs & a prez's only charge—protect/defend.
The phony Obama-Putin chemical weapons deal in Syria is the canary in the coal mine. Consider: Putin—Assad sponsor—oversaw removal of Assad's chemical weapons! Purpose was not to save Syrians from chemical weapons but for Obama to save face for his lack of moral courage
Similarly, O's phony legacy-driven nuke deal & secret side deals: They de facto nuclearized Iran, setting up nuke arms race in entire insane, apocalyptic region—deals that IF OBEYED, give Iran nukes in a blink of an eye as they defeat the grim logic of MAD.
Against will of people, O gave a mortal enemy devoted to our annihilation the means to achieve that very end.
He gave Iran: its operating budget - govt/terror/nuclear; regional hegemony/nuclear threshold status/ever-shrinking breakout time/nukes, R&D/ICBMs/ABMs/legitimacy.
What did we get? Increased risk of dirty bombs in harbors, nukes reaching mainland, Iran's ABM-protected impregnable nuke sites & the nightmare scenario—nuke arms race in unstable, apocalyptic region PROPELLED by MAD–which reveals 1st-strike intention.
O's pick for advisor for Iran strategic communications & planning was Ben Rhodes, aspiring fiction writer. It's hard to miss the irony. Or the arrogance. (Perversely, it was Rhodes who ultimately disclosed O's Big Nuke Lie (The Aspiring Novelist Who Became Obama's Foreign-Policy Guru: NYT))
The phony Obama-Putin chemical weapons deal in Syria is the canary in the coal mine. Consider: Putin—Assad sponsor—oversaw removal of Assad's chemical weapons! Purpose was not to save Syrians from chemical weapons but for Obama to save face for his lack of moral courage
Similarly, O's phony legacy-driven nuke deal & secret side deals: They de facto nuclearized Iran, setting up nuke arms race in entire insane, apocalyptic region—deals that IF OBEYED, give Iran nukes in a blink of an eye as they defeat the grim logic of MAD.
Against will of people, O gave a mortal enemy devoted to our annihilation the means to achieve that very end.
He gave Iran: its operating budget - govt/terror/nuclear; regional hegemony/nuclear threshold status/ever-shrinking breakout time/nukes, R&D/ICBMs/ABMs/legitimacy.
What did we get? Increased risk of dirty bombs in harbors, nukes reaching mainland, Iran's ABM-protected impregnable nuke sites & the nightmare scenario—nuke arms race in unstable, apocalyptic region PROPELLED by MAD–which reveals 1st-strike intention.
O's pick for advisor for Iran strategic communications & planning was Ben Rhodes, aspiring fiction writer. It's hard to miss the irony. Or the arrogance. (Perversely, it was Rhodes who ultimately disclosed O's Big Nuke Lie (The Aspiring Novelist Who Became Obama's Foreign-Policy Guru: NYT))
1
It's been reported by other news organizations that Rex Tillerson's State Dept warned Russia of the impending air attack, thus enabling the removal of all fixed wing aircraft and personnel. Why hasn't this been bigger news? This appears to be another calculated signature empty gesture by our new president...one of several so far. What is his endgame? That every American becomes so jaded that his administration can get away with anything because the citizens have given up on trying to parse truth from fiction? Why isn't the Times calling Trump out in clearer language? We risk our democracy by tiptoeing around this farce of a presidency looking for signs of truth.
2
Q: "Is Mr. Trump making life-and-death national security decisions based on TV coverage?"
A: "Bingo"
A: "Bingo"
You're right. Trump is scatterbrained and ineffective... as an emperor. Having just kissed one of those goodbye on Jan. 17th, many out in Deplorable America are so thankful that our current POTUS remembers that he is NOT the emperor, and so they are being patient.
If interested, readers can track Trump's ability to keep campaign promises (his policy, BTW) at http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/trumpometer/ It is run by a group who despises him, so the assessments should not include any fluff.
Thanks for your sneering, dismissive attitude as well, Mr. K. You always remind me why I will never pay one dime for the paper the NYT is printed on, much less what is inside.
If interested, readers can track Trump's ability to keep campaign promises (his policy, BTW) at http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/trumpometer/ It is run by a group who despises him, so the assessments should not include any fluff.
Thanks for your sneering, dismissive attitude as well, Mr. K. You always remind me why I will never pay one dime for the paper the NYT is printed on, much less what is inside.
Anyone remember the first Iraq war?
Sadam Hussein asked if it was okay to go into Kuwait and then, when he did, GHWB took the chance to knock him down a peg.
Does that sound famile\iar? The Trump administration communicates to Assad that we aren't interested in what he does. Then, when immediately does something Trump doesn't like, Trump takes the chance to knock him down a peg.
The process worked really well for GHWB. Not. For a number of reasons, we can see many of our problems with the Middle East stemming from the decision to knock Hussein down a peg in 1991. As Dr. Krugman points out, Trump has shown no indication of having a game plan that will avoid similar a similar fiasco.
Sadam Hussein asked if it was okay to go into Kuwait and then, when he did, GHWB took the chance to knock him down a peg.
Does that sound famile\iar? The Trump administration communicates to Assad that we aren't interested in what he does. Then, when immediately does something Trump doesn't like, Trump takes the chance to knock him down a peg.
The process worked really well for GHWB. Not. For a number of reasons, we can see many of our problems with the Middle East stemming from the decision to knock Hussein down a peg in 1991. As Dr. Krugman points out, Trump has shown no indication of having a game plan that will avoid similar a similar fiasco.
1
As a young idealistic man, it was difficult for me to comprehend that certain difficult problems in this world, elude solutions. In time, I began to understand.
It would appear that the Shiite-Sunni continuous warring in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Africa and everywhere else they or their proxies exist defies simplified explanations and apparent solutions.
Does Trump have the mental acuity or capacity to understand, let alone solve this problem?
No.
It would appear that the Shiite-Sunni continuous warring in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Africa and everywhere else they or their proxies exist defies simplified explanations and apparent solutions.
Does Trump have the mental acuity or capacity to understand, let alone solve this problem?
No.
2
Absolutely, but the rot goes deeper than a Drumpf. Americans love to blow things up and kill people. Doing so thousands of miles away is fairly safe for them. However, as we get peppered by domestic massacres, the brain-dead are more and more comfortable with blowing up children--here. But not in Syria? Something major has to change to make our country civilized like the North and Europe. The outlook is bleak, the current is frightening.
Is there any answer to what happened in this election? It is to 'Resist and Never Normalize'. Get involved in any way you can. Every little bit helps.
Many of the republican base is lost to the democratic needs of the people. The Repulicans here, and the political right overseas have pushed emotional issues. People are responding without reason. Propaganda wins over a lot of hearts and minds. Djt's supporters love that there is no filter on his words, no matter how incoherent. Rebellious people who, due to unhappiness, desperation or racism, voted for this lunacy and are either dug in, or, hopefully, wavering.
So, what comes next? Maybe nothing until 2018. Anti-trumpster, cra cra conservative republicans and freedom caucus members must be voted out! We must get out the vote. It's a numbers game. Even red, red districts have blue, independent, and red people disenchanted with this current chaos.
I see a new energy. Join Indivisible. Find democratic groups in your area. Also, support the local politicians who support human rights and welfare. Support the new DNC team - Tom Perez and Keith Ellison. Give time or money when you can. It will be a long slog, but we must do it.
Many of the republican base is lost to the democratic needs of the people. The Repulicans here, and the political right overseas have pushed emotional issues. People are responding without reason. Propaganda wins over a lot of hearts and minds. Djt's supporters love that there is no filter on his words, no matter how incoherent. Rebellious people who, due to unhappiness, desperation or racism, voted for this lunacy and are either dug in, or, hopefully, wavering.
So, what comes next? Maybe nothing until 2018. Anti-trumpster, cra cra conservative republicans and freedom caucus members must be voted out! We must get out the vote. It's a numbers game. Even red, red districts have blue, independent, and red people disenchanted with this current chaos.
I see a new energy. Join Indivisible. Find democratic groups in your area. Also, support the local politicians who support human rights and welfare. Support the new DNC team - Tom Perez and Keith Ellison. Give time or money when you can. It will be a long slog, but we must do it.
1
Trump's inability to think beyond his next tweet is only one problem. The fact that voters actually believed this fool should be president is a bigger one.
5
The media seems to have forgotten the refugee ban as well. How can you be a humanitarian and not let Syrians into this country?
3
"Fair and balanced" is killing the truth...let Fox fawn , smear, and lie, and the rest of the Media can get back to just reporting on the treasonous, imbecilic, or just flat dangerous things Trump is up to...
3
The Syria strike like the State of the Union message to Congress is all P.R. It works short-term with no staying power or coherence beyond its momentary emotional appeal. President Xi of China was on-hand as the latest prop among stooge "soul mates" that the U.S. president embraces and discards at his whim, moving on to the next one. No, we are not seeing Policy here; only Emotion and Whimsy.
The "attack" serves to dispel the dark clouds of suspicion about Trump being Putin's paid puppet. But I suspect that was Putin's intent: "Donnie-boy, I'll tell Assad to take a small hit for the team and you launch and then I can pretend to be angry and send a warship for a little show ....then the steam will go out of the Russia investigations and you will look tough. win-win
1
The first television president lacks policy people at the White House and the Pentagon. He does have Fox and Fox and Friends and he is comfortable with positive spin on TV on a regular basis. This is what appeals to his base. Little thought some kind of action and on to the next thing.
1
Is it true that Trump owns stock in the manufacturer of the Tomahawk missiles and essentially made a profit from the attack?
Krugman states: "Aside from everything else, think about the incentives this creates. The Trump administration now knows that it can always crowd out reporting about its scandals and failures by bombing someone."
Apparently he forgot all about Clinton, Monica Lewenski and the bombing of Serbia. Wag the dog.
Apparently he forgot all about Clinton, Monica Lewenski and the bombing of Serbia. Wag the dog.
Attempting to shut down future sarin attacks and uphold a 100 year old moratorium on chemical weapon use is not a publicity stunt.
20
So do you think he accomplished this??? Please.
2
Sending 59 tomahawks to an airfield that's up and running 24 hours later is a lame attempt at "shutting down future sarin attacks."
2
What the columnist terms "Publicity Stunts" are to our Allies in the Mideast long overdue US actions to restore US credibility in the region.
And without credibility the US can not negotiate a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the region
And without credibility the US can not negotiate a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the region
Did Professor Krugman write that Obama's 2013 redline proclamation to Syria made America weaker because he threatened action and didn't follow through when Assad brazenly crossed the line?
1
He went to Congress for approval which Republicans failed to support.
3
Please, the airfield was closed for half a day. Assad will continue his brazen attacks and because Trump got us involved America will look weaker for not stopping it.
You don't need to go see the movie "Wag the Dog" . We're living it.
4
"Publicity stunts may generate a few days of favorable media coverage..."
If you view your job as a reality TV star, as he and his supporters seem to do, then publicity stunts is all you need.
If you view your job as a reality TV star, as he and his supporters seem to do, then publicity stunts is all you need.
1
Can there be any doubt that Trump's repeated declarations that ISIS was the real problem in Syria and that the United States interest resided in working with Assad and Putin to fight ISIS led Assad to experiment once again with chemical weapons? So now the Trump administration launches a showy and ineffective attack to curb the chemical attacks on Syrian civilians and then IGNORES a conventional attack on Syrian civilians from the SAME base we bombed. We can only assume that the message to Assad and Putin was received, "Don't embarrass us with chemical attacks on civilians, go back to bombing them".
Great column by a great writer!
1
Publicity stunts are the politics of mass media propaganda of our Presidential Apprentice Donald John Trump. That is what the 46% of Americans who voted Trump in 2016 wanted him to do.
If Hillary Clinton had a tenth of the political talent for publicity stunts of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May and Sheikh Hasina then she would be occupying the White House.
If Hillary Clinton had a tenth of the political talent for publicity stunts of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May and Sheikh Hasina then she would be occupying the White House.
1
It's part of the budget process. How are you going to justify increased handouts to military contractors without military action? Seems to be what's happening here.
2
Had the option been available to launch Tomahawks at people investigating his Russian ties, Trump would have surely done so. As it is, an empty Syrian airport had to do.
Does anyone think that if the media were to show Mr. Trump pictures of the horrific murdered children in Newtown, Ct, He would then order some missles fired at those who manufactured the guns that were used? That would be presidential action, indeed.
You can't do the "Wag The Dog" more than once.
Nothing more dangerous than a Republican president with low poll numbers.
3
In 1993 Republicans accused Bill Clinton of using missile strikes in Iraq as a distraction from scandal but were eager to back an invasion of Iraq when Bush was in the WH. Republicans gave Obama no credit for eliminating Bin Laden as a threat but In 2013 they told Obama they wouldn't support attacks against Syria because they didn't want U.S. involved in that Civil War. How are we to adopt and maintain foreign policy strategy with this kind of partisan thinking?
1
The media has been a failure for decades.
The only thing Trump can and will do to distract the feeble-minded from his incompetence is to tell the military to kill people.
This has worked for other Presidents in the past; so why not now?
This has worked for other Presidents in the past; so why not now?
1
I am afraid that when people accuse Trump of being a narcissist, other folks do not truly understand what that means. His behavior on the Syria situation was motivated by two things: need for approval and opportunity to embarrass President Obama. Anybody that has been in relationship with a narcissist understands that they lack the ability to feel empathy. Anything that looks like empathy is merely a mirroring of the empathy that others exhibit in an attempt to appear like they care....which is why he shifts positions based on who is in the room speaking to him. People would be wise to study and understand narcissism because this guys is the classic malignant narcissist and EVERY thing that he does is consistent with those tendencies...I mean EVERY thing: the gaslighting, the triangulation, the confabulation, the lying. I get frustrated by those people (especially in the media) that try to understand his behavior viewing it through the lens of normal people. Through those lenses, nothing will make much sense...but through the lens of narcissim, everything that he does is predictable.
3
"decided not to start something nobody knew how to finish."
That's good sense, we don't need to become embroiled in another war we can't win. This is a civil war, we have no part in it except for going after ISIS.
That's good sense, we don't need to become embroiled in another war we can't win. This is a civil war, we have no part in it except for going after ISIS.
2
I've said this before, but I repeat... This so-called president is treating this entire episode as a reality show. Everything done is to increase "ratings". As long as he is the lead story he is happy. Notice how unhappy he is when the story changes to Bannon or even Jared. There is no policy except "me first".
1
The Trump admin distraction tactics are getting more and more dangerous by the day. We go from making up wiretapping claims, to Nunes' stunt to bombing another country whose ally is Russia -- a dictator actively trying to undermine democracies. Thank you for calling out the obvious.
1
Actions speak louder than the red lines of Obama.
14
"Actions speak louder than the red lines of Obama."
They certainly speak, but they are ultimately incoherent and ineffective.
They certainly speak, but they are ultimately incoherent and ineffective.
Congress prevented Obama from launching military attacks, an inconvenient truth Republicans ignore. Trump didn't ask for permission, and that was OK with the turtle from Kentucky who has done more than anyone else to destroy our system of government.
1
These actions may "speak louder" in that they make more noise, but they accomplish far less, at far greater a cost. Engaging in acts of war, and firing into another country is an act of war, and requires lots more thought and approval than anyone in the Trump administration devoted to this particular attack on an airfield. Remember that we are still very much engaged in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the longest in the history of the United States. We have killed and hurt hundreds of thousands, spent trillions of dollars; all to clean up a mess created by the Bush administration.
By the way, Trump's 59 cruise missiles did absolutely nothing to eliminate Assad's capability to use chemical weapons.
By the way, Trump's 59 cruise missiles did absolutely nothing to eliminate Assad's capability to use chemical weapons.
The existence of a "news cycle" as Krugman uses that term here is a relatively new thing. "Winning it" is even newer.
Trump won the Presidency by winning the news cycle in ways nobody else ever had. Then he backed off once in office, and got overwhelmed. Now he grabbed that cycle just this once, and he's good again.
I can't say if he'll continue to make the effort constantly to win the new cycle, but that does seem to be a lesson. In this world of a news cycle, winning it is a dominant fact of governance.
It is policy. Policy is whatever it takes to win the news cycle.
This is not healthy. It can't turn out well. But it is what we've created, and not just Trump.
Trump won something he did not create, something that was there before him. I trace it at least to the CNN 24/7 coverage of the Persian Gulf War. It has evolved from that, but it is that thing that is growing and consuming "policy."
Trump won the Presidency by winning the news cycle in ways nobody else ever had. Then he backed off once in office, and got overwhelmed. Now he grabbed that cycle just this once, and he's good again.
I can't say if he'll continue to make the effort constantly to win the new cycle, but that does seem to be a lesson. In this world of a news cycle, winning it is a dominant fact of governance.
It is policy. Policy is whatever it takes to win the news cycle.
This is not healthy. It can't turn out well. But it is what we've created, and not just Trump.
Trump won something he did not create, something that was there before him. I trace it at least to the CNN 24/7 coverage of the Persian Gulf War. It has evolved from that, but it is that thing that is growing and consuming "policy."
3
But Trump is the ultimate showman or conman if you like. He didn't say anything substantial during his presidential campaign. He ran on the Republican dislike of Clinton, the visible unsuitability of the GOP candidates, and the perceived untrustworthiness of all things Clinton. He's in office because enough people decided that they preferred showmanship to substance, a bully to a well-qualified woman who watched what she said instead of venting on Twitter. Now we have our showman in chief. Let's see if he and the GOP can make the transition from being a show to being a real government that serves its citizens, works with our allies, and leaves the world a better place for all.
3
Professor Krugman, you're sounding like a broken record. We get it. Trump is nothing but a giant stunt gone very badly. But you seem incapable of grasping a basic fact: if the DEMOCRATS (and Republicans) do NOT publicly call these stunts out, thereby shaping the media's narratives, most people are only going to see the stunts, and quite a few are going to believe them.
I wish you could grasp this, because we're already racing along the same path, but in even more nightmarish fashion, that we were on from 2001-2008, when George W. Bush was president, and you were called "shrill" and worse, yet again and again Democrats would go silent or not speak up, and we endured crisis upon crisis, horror upon horror (Enron collapse, 9/11, anthrax attacks, Iraq War, Katrina aftermath, global economic crisis, etc.).
Please get the DEMOCRATS to speak up! The media aren't going to amplify these criticism it if the Democrats won't publicly and consistently articulate them. Don't they ever learn anything from the GOP?
I wish you could grasp this, because we're already racing along the same path, but in even more nightmarish fashion, that we were on from 2001-2008, when George W. Bush was president, and you were called "shrill" and worse, yet again and again Democrats would go silent or not speak up, and we endured crisis upon crisis, horror upon horror (Enron collapse, 9/11, anthrax attacks, Iraq War, Katrina aftermath, global economic crisis, etc.).
Please get the DEMOCRATS to speak up! The media aren't going to amplify these criticism it if the Democrats won't publicly and consistently articulate them. Don't they ever learn anything from the GOP?
1
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
6
Trump and the TV news media were made for each other.
Remember, he's a narcissist who actually gets his "information" from watching TV news (primarily FOX). If you stop and think about that for a minute, it's insane for a president to be doing that.
So he is both pathologically compelled to do publicity stunts and strategically rewarded by the coverage. That dynamic explains a lot of what we've seen from him throughout the campaign and into the early presidency.
Remember, he's a narcissist who actually gets his "information" from watching TV news (primarily FOX). If you stop and think about that for a minute, it's insane for a president to be doing that.
So he is both pathologically compelled to do publicity stunts and strategically rewarded by the coverage. That dynamic explains a lot of what we've seen from him throughout the campaign and into the early presidency.
3
You ask what we've learned? I've learned that a lot of people, even those who oppose Trump, will cheer for a pointless, ineffective gesture like this missile strike. Had those missiles been targeted on Assad's palace, that would have made sense and I would have cheered as well. The problem is, as with Iraq, if you eliminate the murderous tyrant, much worse chaos ensues.
2
Finally, some real commentary on Trump's bombing efforts, meant primarily to deflect attention from his Russia troubles, instead of cheerleading. But let's get real about the media. It is, for the most part, neither responsible nor reflective. But then jingoism sells "papers".
2
We must all keep our eyes on the Russian interference in our elections. All else is slight-of-hand.
1
If Trump actually cared about Syrian babies, he would reverse his position on Muslim refugees. Thankfully, we have courts that can think. Trump just uses the deaths of children to manipulate boys in the media who love rockets.
2
Although Dr. Krugman says he supposed the Syrians took some real losses from our missile strike, I wonder how true that is. Seems the least we could've done was bomb the runways so they were unusable. But many reports show that Syrian war planes were taking off from that base the very next day.
So was the missile strike just for PR and didn't really cause any significant damage? Just for show so that Trump could show he's can play at being Commander in Chief? The circumstances of this whole affair seem mighty peculiar.
So was the missile strike just for PR and didn't really cause any significant damage? Just for show so that Trump could show he's can play at being Commander in Chief? The circumstances of this whole affair seem mighty peculiar.
1
I could not understand why the news media was falling all over itself to call Trump "presidential" for firing off missiles with no thought to consequences. What was presidential about that? Just as going into Iraq despite being warned about the consequences was not "presidential". The reporters did not even wait to see what Assad's response would be before declaring the missile strike a success, when in fact little damage was done, few of Assad's resources were heavily damaged, and Assad continued bombing immediately. Yes, the pictures of the children were horrible, but what was to be done about the use of sarin was a problem for the U.N. to tackle not one for the U.S. to solve on its own, especially when Haley had just signaled to Syria that the U.S. had no interest in taking on Assad. In fact, the airstrike highlighted the fact that Trump has no policy, he just reacts.
One other thing. I was disheartened at the story in the NY Times about President Obama's handling of Syria as being detrimental to his legacy. Obama understood that becoming entangled in Syria would only deepen the crisis in the Middle East, and call for an even a larger commitment of our troops, with no end game.
What worries me most about this airstrike is the fact that Trump now receiving favorable press, he will use force as a means to increase his favorability ratings. The favorable coverage fed his ego and soothed his paranoia.
One other thing. I was disheartened at the story in the NY Times about President Obama's handling of Syria as being detrimental to his legacy. Obama understood that becoming entangled in Syria would only deepen the crisis in the Middle East, and call for an even a larger commitment of our troops, with no end game.
What worries me most about this airstrike is the fact that Trump now receiving favorable press, he will use force as a means to increase his favorability ratings. The favorable coverage fed his ego and soothed his paranoia.
4
The Trump administration shoots from the hip before thinking about real consequences.I don't know if it is because they don't have the ability to think critically before they act or because they don't care. Either does not bode well for our country. It's not someone who thinks and talks like the average or below average intelligent person that I want in leadership. It's someone who hs above average intelligence, can think critically, and see the multiple possible consequences of his/her actions.
2
Donald Trump's entire life has been a publicity stunt.
He s turning the government into a third rate carnival, and he's the head barker and snake oil salesman.
The freak show called the Trump Administration has come to town.
How long it stays is anyone's guess. We can all hope for a speedy departure.
He s turning the government into a third rate carnival, and he's the head barker and snake oil salesman.
The freak show called the Trump Administration has come to town.
How long it stays is anyone's guess. We can all hope for a speedy departure.
7
Setting aside our national interests (as Trump has clearly done), this airstrike attack proves, yet again, that Trump is no businessman. Thus the ROI (return on investment) has been negligible at best and negative at worst. $60+ million cost to inflict little or no damage. A high cost for an empty threat. It's right up there with the Mexican Wall - let's spend recklessly just because he can. Congress needs to step up to hold him accountable.
6
" but they end up making America weaker, not stronger, because they show the world that we have a government that can’t follow through."
The story should be that the United States of America doesn't have a functioning government at the present moment. We can never let this pass as normal whether he lasts his full term or quits tomorrow.
Next year it is up to thinking and caring Americans to vote the republican party out of its majority status and take back our Country.
The story should be that the United States of America doesn't have a functioning government at the present moment. We can never let this pass as normal whether he lasts his full term or quits tomorrow.
Next year it is up to thinking and caring Americans to vote the republican party out of its majority status and take back our Country.
3
Americans paid 60million just for the missiles not counting all the background infrastructure man-hours etc. to get them airborne. Lots of free advertising on public dime. What are the outcomes? Base is operational, one off event posturing to accomplish what? A civilian in a diplomats position. Will children stop being murdered? Means zip without followup.
3
Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events. (Churchill)
4
This might be more complicated than some of of the top Trump critics in the comments here realize. I even disagree, gently, with Paul Krugman, when he writes: "No, we haven’t learned that Mr. Trump is an effective leader. Ordering the U.S. military to fire off some missiles is easy. Doing so in a way that actually serves American interests is the hard part, and we’ve seen no indication whatsoever that Mr. Trump and his advisers have figured that part out."
While is annoying that this helps Trump on many fronts, it nevertheless was a brilliant move on his part. I feel obligated to remind Dr. Krugman, who I consider one of my greatest teachers, that it was Secretary of State John Kerry who said repeatedly, and I paraphrase, I need some displays of military muscle in Syria, to support our political efforts. Our enemies think we are so wounded, they can ignore us with utter impugnity.
Regardless of his reasons or motivations, Trump has done the right thing.
Yes he could and should do much more, but he has enforced one of Obama's red lines. Obama did actually enforce his one red line, by having the Assad govt give up its chemical weapons through Russia. NYT last week.
I fear Trump will be tempted to use his missile attacks, not to help the people of Syria, but himself. It is up to his foreign policy team to help him move towards some sort of rehabilitation with the foreign policy establishment of both parties.
While is annoying that this helps Trump on many fronts, it nevertheless was a brilliant move on his part. I feel obligated to remind Dr. Krugman, who I consider one of my greatest teachers, that it was Secretary of State John Kerry who said repeatedly, and I paraphrase, I need some displays of military muscle in Syria, to support our political efforts. Our enemies think we are so wounded, they can ignore us with utter impugnity.
Regardless of his reasons or motivations, Trump has done the right thing.
Yes he could and should do much more, but he has enforced one of Obama's red lines. Obama did actually enforce his one red line, by having the Assad govt give up its chemical weapons through Russia. NYT last week.
I fear Trump will be tempted to use his missile attacks, not to help the people of Syria, but himself. It is up to his foreign policy team to help him move towards some sort of rehabilitation with the foreign policy establishment of both parties.
4
It is very obvious that Trump is obsessed with his popularity. He is focused on obtaining what he considers "wins." Having a strategic policy, a Trump Doctrine, would get in the way of maximizing these victories. This missile strike was all for show. It accomplished little by itself. It was a low risk show of force, not an attempt to really hurt Russia's friend Assad.
It was the George W. Bush administration that emphasized the belief that terrorists "respect strength." Bush was The Decider, never vacillating, never going back on any red lines. He called out the Evil Doers, the Axis of Evil countries. What he got in return was 9/11 and then the Iraq debacle.
Terrorists are willing to blow themselves up. Their cause demands martyrs. Bush was foolish enough to give them all the martyrs they wanted. Trump will avoid that mistake as his show attack suggests. But Trump's show of force will not change Assad's position. Russia has a lot more to do with Assad staying in power than those cruise missiles did.
It was the George W. Bush administration that emphasized the belief that terrorists "respect strength." Bush was The Decider, never vacillating, never going back on any red lines. He called out the Evil Doers, the Axis of Evil countries. What he got in return was 9/11 and then the Iraq debacle.
Terrorists are willing to blow themselves up. Their cause demands martyrs. Bush was foolish enough to give them all the martyrs they wanted. Trump will avoid that mistake as his show attack suggests. But Trump's show of force will not change Assad's position. Russia has a lot more to do with Assad staying in power than those cruise missiles did.
No policy?
I've read several times in that last few days that there is "no policy" but that it is a good thing: whatever policy he would confabulate would only be totally wrong.
Perhaps chaos is better than a policy based upon lies or nothing.
I've read several times in that last few days that there is "no policy" but that it is a good thing: whatever policy he would confabulate would only be totally wrong.
Perhaps chaos is better than a policy based upon lies or nothing.
1
I saw a movie many years ago and Trump's response to the chemical attack reminded me of that movie - Wag the Dog. When the president in the movie needed to change the negative media/public narrative, he faked a war and became a hero. Nasty things have happened in recent wars and in the USA to citizens. Forgive me for not believing that the president who has been capable of ignoring these events has suddenly developed empathy and a conscience. The man capable of walking in on teens changing their clothes, who only needs breath mints to start kissing and groping beautiful women, who can publicly lust after his daughter without concern for her feelings, who has been immune to the plight of 'lesser' mortals - is not going to change over night. How gullible are we? Please.
3
I've had a lot of mixed feelings about the missile strikes against Syria. Yes, Trump probably had his own selfish motivations, but beyond that and as much as I detest Trump, is it ok to do nothing after the sarin gas attack?
I think the Trump administration has to share some blame for the attack, since they signaled to the Assad regime that they didn't care what Assad does.
Maybe these missiles are more symbolic, like warning shots? Many people assisting civilians in Syria or with family there have welcomed the missile attack.
Yes, Syria represents a probable quagmire, but can the world just watch without trying?
Perhaps effective diplomacy could address this problem, but the Trump administration has cut the arms off of the State Department.
I think the Trump administration has to share some blame for the attack, since they signaled to the Assad regime that they didn't care what Assad does.
Maybe these missiles are more symbolic, like warning shots? Many people assisting civilians in Syria or with family there have welcomed the missile attack.
Yes, Syria represents a probable quagmire, but can the world just watch without trying?
Perhaps effective diplomacy could address this problem, but the Trump administration has cut the arms off of the State Department.
Why are questions like this: "And has anyone seen a sign, any sign, that Mr. Trump is ready to provide real leadership in that sense?" still being asked?
It's obvious, he has no coherent policy, seems incapable or indifferent to forming one. It's policy by instinct and on the fly. I'm sure he thinks he has the best instincts of anyone!
It's obvious, he has no coherent policy, seems incapable or indifferent to forming one. It's policy by instinct and on the fly. I'm sure he thinks he has the best instincts of anyone!
3
As individuals work to get their tax statements filed, I wonder if they're envisioning Trump and his entourage being wined and dined weekends at Mar a Lago, and us footing the bill? This guy is heartless, clueless, and absolutely the worst guy ever to get elected president in modern times. And where are all those Conservatives who rant and rave about the way our government wastes money? Trump's bill for his weekend forays to Mar a Lago for golf and fine dining is costing us millions and millions. The White House has something called the East Room and the West Wing where important transactions, meetings, and dinners are typically held. We should start demanding Trump quit with the grandiose lifestyle he's enacted. I busted my butt all my life and resent what I see going on. Enough of this nonsense.
5
The airfield was used again within hours of being shelled. Trump said he didn't destroy the runways because runways were too easy to fix. He tweeted out, "fill and top." You fill and top a pothole. Wouldn't a cruise missile leave huge craters that would take days to fill in? Trump either didn't know what he was doing or he intentionally left the airfield with little damage.
5
Both.
Mr. Krugman, you must have been reading my mind. I have been trying to get past the jingoistic reactions of some of my friends all weekend long with the same explanations. I am particularly upset with the same old reactions on the part of the press who cannot help becoming another cheerleading section for the Trump administration. Presidential? Baloney. It was an obvious political "dog and pony show" as anyone with some years of experience behind them could see.
2
Title of Krugman's column with similar a bombing, but Hillary is the president:
"Hillary Shows Her Meddle."
"Hillary Shows Her Meddle."
1
In other news, Trump has decided to launch some Tomahawk missiles against California today to tamp down action on the "sanctuary state" legislation being considered there.
"I can not let the beautiful babies of California suffer under such laws," Trump explained.
"I can not let the beautiful babies of California suffer under such laws," Trump explained.
On February 2nd Mr Trump and the Republican House overturned Obama's ban on gun sales to the mentally impaired. I guess Trump had his TV turned off during the Sandy Hook massacre of American children.Or was he listening to his friend Alex Jones who says Sandy Hook was a government conspiracy? This con man has found a way to "make America great again" and much of the media follows along like sheep.Can Trump standing on an aircraft carrier in military garb be a photo op the media just can't miss?
Still awaiting Jarod Kushner's next move in Syria and elsewhere. Think of it as a test, i.e. does young inherited wealth provide a stronger basis for leadership of a world power than older inherited wealth whose previous success is debatable, or non existent?
1
The great concern is that Trump makes decisions like this because he watches television. We get no sense that he was fully briefed by the generals who surround him before he pulled the trigger. Yet relying on television to inform your policy is an extremely dangerous position. Television news is designed to incite and provoke action, not thought. I say it's time to limit the kid's TV time (and his Twitter account as well).
4
Dr. Krugman.
It is not about policy or achievements.
It never was.
It is all about winning the news cycle.
It is all about slogans that fit on ball caps and bumper stickers.
It is all about repeating the same alternate facts over and over and over again until they become "truth."
It is all about deflection of serious questions.
It is all about meaningless distractions.
It is all about demeaning one's opponents.
It is all about winning.
That's the way it started.
That's the way it is now.
That's the way it will continue until....
It is not about policy or achievements.
It never was.
It is all about winning the news cycle.
It is all about slogans that fit on ball caps and bumper stickers.
It is all about repeating the same alternate facts over and over and over again until they become "truth."
It is all about deflection of serious questions.
It is all about meaningless distractions.
It is all about demeaning one's opponents.
It is all about winning.
That's the way it started.
That's the way it is now.
That's the way it will continue until....
185
The press stops playing the game for financial gain. So it will never end. Vote.
1
Yes, I remember the Carrier deal. And I'll raise you one: the 9/11 attacks.
After those attacks, any lingering questions about Bush's legitimacy were forgotten. How can you question your leader in war? I don't believe that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job, but they were a gift to Bush and the other Republicans.
Donald Trump's legitimacy as president was even more at stake; the media, momentarily chastened, were reporting the troubles blow by blow. When Devin Nunes recused himself, Trump lost a protector in Congress. Without an imminent terror attack this time, Trump took the initiative himself.
As Dr. Krugman has pointed out, it worked like a charm. Who says Donald Trump can't learn something?
After those attacks, any lingering questions about Bush's legitimacy were forgotten. How can you question your leader in war? I don't believe that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job, but they were a gift to Bush and the other Republicans.
Donald Trump's legitimacy as president was even more at stake; the media, momentarily chastened, were reporting the troubles blow by blow. When Devin Nunes recused himself, Trump lost a protector in Congress. Without an imminent terror attack this time, Trump took the initiative himself.
As Dr. Krugman has pointed out, it worked like a charm. Who says Donald Trump can't learn something?
128
We are saying the same thing over and over - yes, to DT's mental and emotional limitations which result in puerile and dangerous behavior in all matters.
He's just the present face of well financed, established political ideology. Why not use this opportunity to learn about the militarization of the US. The motives to use military means. The money which promotes "defense". The defense budget of the US in comparison to other nations.
He's just the present face of well financed, established political ideology. Why not use this opportunity to learn about the militarization of the US. The motives to use military means. The money which promotes "defense". The defense budget of the US in comparison to other nations.
Bombing Syria was, at 90 million dollars, comparatively speaking, a cheap stunt. The only sign I've seen is that the POTUS is ready, at the drop of a hat, to fly off to Florida and play golf on the US taxpayers dime, racking up 20 million plus so far in travel expenses. Then, after a refreshing couple of days he drops back in on DC and waits for Friday while tweeting about this and that. He has shown us he will never "become" POTUS. That requires some basics that he lacks, like commitment, leadership skills, reverence for the job, patience, reading, research, listening and following through. The guy isn't even interested in faking it. In the meantime, the US treasury is his personal piggybank and he is taking full advantage of all the perks.
2
Trump is a brand. He is nothing but empty Marketing. But it works as you know, marketing always works - why else would sugar-water (aka sodas and american beer) be top sellers?
Instead the true damage will be done by congress and the supremes because they are true-believ... er, rightwingers.
Instead the true damage will be done by congress and the supremes because they are true-believ... er, rightwingers.
1
So the blatantly misogynistic, ignorant, racist, greedy bully who mocked the disabled during the campaign, spit on the family of a dead soldier because he was Muslim, and colluded with the Russians to wreck our electoral process is now suddenly "Presidential"because he fired a few missiles?
It's pretty depressing to see supposed journalists on television acting like scatterbrained teenagers, dizzy with affection, because they got to see a few rockets fired from a battleship. The superficiality and dearth of intelligence in the American mainstream media never ceases to amaze. Journalistic integrity? What's that?
It's pretty depressing to see supposed journalists on television acting like scatterbrained teenagers, dizzy with affection, because they got to see a few rockets fired from a battleship. The superficiality and dearth of intelligence in the American mainstream media never ceases to amaze. Journalistic integrity? What's that?
6
Our so-called foreign policy can be summed up in three words: Wag the dog.
8
"Does anyone still remember the Carrier deal?" Yes, I do. I noted with grim schadenfreude last week that Mr. Trump was strangely silent on Caterpillar's closure of its Aurora plant, with the loss of 800 jobs.
A braggart and a bully. This is politics, GOP style. This is "governing," GOP style.
A braggart and a bully. This is politics, GOP style. This is "governing," GOP style.
8
To be truly presidential, Trump would have held a news conference after the strikes to layout the reasoning and goal of the strikes. He would then layout the long term goal for the US in Syria.
As noted, it appears that there is no long term goal. This was a slap on the wrist of a misbehaving child. Mommy Donald now has to reconcile his actions with Daddy Vlad.
As noted, it appears that there is no long term goal. This was a slap on the wrist of a misbehaving child. Mommy Donald now has to reconcile his actions with Daddy Vlad.
1
Every time I see a photo of Don on the White House Lawn, boarding Air Force One, or sitting in the Oval Office, I scroll the photo downward as I read the forum comments.
He is undeserving of the office of POTUS, and he cares nothing for injured, maimed, and dead Syrians.
He is a hoax of the worst kind, and it is beyond stunning that his base dutifully accepts from him everything of which it accused Obama, which only further validates the notion that the objection to Obama was about race, after all.
He is undeserving of the office of POTUS, and he cares nothing for injured, maimed, and dead Syrians.
He is a hoax of the worst kind, and it is beyond stunning that his base dutifully accepts from him everything of which it accused Obama, which only further validates the notion that the objection to Obama was about race, after all.
5
Trump should remove the North Korean menace. We cannot have a maniac with nuclear weapons and missiles that can deliver them to California. Now is the time for an all-out attack. We should be prepared for serious casualties. But it is worth it.
"U.S. Allies in Middle East Praise Trump's Missile Strike in Syria" (NY Times)
Including Israel - and there are not many events on which Israel and the Arab Nations in the region agree
Could it be, living there, they know better what is going on ?
Including Israel - and there are not many events on which Israel and the Arab Nations in the region agree
Could it be, living there, they know better what is going on ?
They've got a great track record at doing things that result in peace and prosperity throughout the region. So, forget that idea, Gerhard.
The only thing "great" about this missile launch, is what it did for TV ratings.
Otherwise, it was a dud. And Americans so eager for a show of maco bravado, thinking it will somehow resurrect the dream of a bygone Pax Americana, have been sold a cheap bill of goods.
This very expensive airstrike did nothing more than target a few empty Syrian air shelters.
How else were Syrian Air Force planes able to take off the next day? -- with little or no collateral damage??
If any real damage had been done, Assad would have been on the phone to Putin, and Putin would be at our doorstep by now.
And on top of that, Trump has no real policy -- foreign or otherwise, of what to do next....outside of blaming Obama.
But after awhile, even that will wear as thin as an excuse for this administration's ability to get anything right.
Otherwise, it was a dud. And Americans so eager for a show of maco bravado, thinking it will somehow resurrect the dream of a bygone Pax Americana, have been sold a cheap bill of goods.
This very expensive airstrike did nothing more than target a few empty Syrian air shelters.
How else were Syrian Air Force planes able to take off the next day? -- with little or no collateral damage??
If any real damage had been done, Assad would have been on the phone to Putin, and Putin would be at our doorstep by now.
And on top of that, Trump has no real policy -- foreign or otherwise, of what to do next....outside of blaming Obama.
But after awhile, even that will wear as thin as an excuse for this administration's ability to get anything right.
115
I'm not sure I agree with the idea that Trump knowingly did the Syria strike as a publicity stunt, but it does fit his normal pattern, which is one of a kid with attention deficit syndrome, who can only concentrate on a problem long enough to do something showy and then move on. In the Syria case, there are no significant results yet, and there won't be unless Rex Tillerson proves to be a master of diplomacy in Moscow (unlikely), or this strike was more than just a one-off attack (also not likely). The Syrian air force lost around a dozen obsolete Su-22 ground attack aircraft, but they have around two dozen of that type left to carry out further attacks, which were initiated from the same base on the next day. Trump's strike wiped out 3% of the Syrian air force (about 450 strong) at a cost of over $80 million in expended Tomahawks, and Assad went on as before. That wins the news cycle, but it's no policy.
2
Doctor Krugman may be speaking a little too soon on the strike in Syria even though he is right on about jobs. President Trump was following good advice by some very competent military folks acting on good intelligence here. We have lots of military assets in Syria and Sarin can be used on them as well. Regardless of any other definitions, we are at war in Syria. What would we call it if the Mexican Army was in Arizona aiding the original Mexican families of that territory to make Arizona part of Mexico again? Silly thought, I know but it does show the absurdity of any denial that we are at war in Syria.
I am certain that the Pentagon planners have given their Commander-in-Chief ample options for the contingencies that may arise from this strike. He has surrounded himself with some very good military folks as even his critics have admitted. Even though I did not vote for him I applaud this strike.
I am certain that the Pentagon planners have given their Commander-in-Chief ample options for the contingencies that may arise from this strike. He has surrounded himself with some very good military folks as even his critics have admitted. Even though I did not vote for him I applaud this strike.
Berate Trump if you will. He certainly deserves it.
But what about the Times and its willingness to "interview" Trump at the drop of a hat when he wants to use this platform. His "interview" with the Times was merely used to repeat the misdirection nonsense that Susan Rice had committed a "crime."
So using the media for his own ends is something that Trump does quite well.
At the Times' expense.
But what about the Times and its willingness to "interview" Trump at the drop of a hat when he wants to use this platform. His "interview" with the Times was merely used to repeat the misdirection nonsense that Susan Rice had committed a "crime."
So using the media for his own ends is something that Trump does quite well.
At the Times' expense.
4
trump trash tweets nyt incessantly,
yet always seem to want to be interviewed by them, and the nyt always obliges
kind of like a battered wife syndrome
2
Will the US allow Russia, Hezbollah, Iran and Assad to control a 85% Sunni country by Shiite forces with weapons. The bombing is really a weak ploy if you aren't serious about saying it's time to let the Sunnis run the country like we did in Iraq with allowing the Shiite majority to run Iraq. Russia can have a base if they got their act together with someone like Egypt in the Med, but they are so heavy handed.
Missiles away! A made-for-TV 'shock and awe' stunt accomplishing nothing except to further embolden Putin, Assad, and Trump. And Brian Williams! Wow! Does he love Pentagon-provided video or what!
3
I find it stunning how focused our foreign policy reactions are on the here and now - on the latest news cycle if you will. We all act as if the thing to do whenever something happens is to react to it now, now, NOW! It's self defeating and not really how foreign policy should work. What the nation has to realize is that sometimes you have to wait; sometimes the best thing to do is nothing. That's particularly so with authoritarian dictatorships because, someday, the authoritarian dies. Putin will one day be dead. Assad will one day be dead. Kim Jong-un will one day be dead. When that happens things will change. The opportunity to do something really constructive may present itself, particularly if the death of the dictator is not a natural one. Play the long game, U.S. Don't let every incident immediately spiral you into an hysterical tizzy. You might be pleasantly surprised at the results.
1
Thank you, Paul, for reminding us about the "Carrier miracle." With Trump's propensity to spew outrageous nonsense on a daily basis, it's easy to forget what happened months ago. Or even yesterday.
Trump, in one of his many shameless stunts, has pandered to the white working class coal workers. He's promised to bring back coal jobs, and even coal industry business executives and union leadership acknowledge that this isn't going to happen.
Look at the retail industry. Due in part to the rise in online shopping, companies Sears, J.C. Penney and K-mart are taking a big hit. Wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity for the Job-Creator-in-Chief to come to the rescue? If we listen carefully, all we hear is the sound of crickets.
This is who Trump is. Always taking the credit for things he didn't do. And blaming everyone but himself for everything else.
Trump, in one of his many shameless stunts, has pandered to the white working class coal workers. He's promised to bring back coal jobs, and even coal industry business executives and union leadership acknowledge that this isn't going to happen.
Look at the retail industry. Due in part to the rise in online shopping, companies Sears, J.C. Penney and K-mart are taking a big hit. Wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity for the Job-Creator-in-Chief to come to the rescue? If we listen carefully, all we hear is the sound of crickets.
This is who Trump is. Always taking the credit for things he didn't do. And blaming everyone but himself for everything else.
5
The Media, ever and always, are so easily lead they are pathetic. And speaking of pathetic, Brian Williams's recent near orgasm about the beauty of our weapons was so appalling I found myself looking for a basin in which to vomit. And this from MSNBC? PBS sold out long ago but I was hoping there was one network with some objectivity and independence. Maybe the BBC?
The bombing was all show.
"See, I don't care what Putin thinks"
The fact is it did nothing, zero, zilch, nada to change the situation in Syria, but certainly changed the subject here in the US.
"See, I don't care what Putin thinks"
The fact is it did nothing, zero, zilch, nada to change the situation in Syria, but certainly changed the subject here in the US.
2
This Congress (McConnell and Ryan especially) must let Trump know they won't support him further until he fires Bannon and Miller - at the very least!
Every morning I go to my laptop with a sick feeling in my gut wondering what irrational action by the Trump Group has occurred since yesterday! This macho attack on Syria is the latest, and disgustingly but not surprisingly, touted as "the right thing to do" by McCain and Graham! What is wrong with Republicans anyway?
Every morning I go to my laptop with a sick feeling in my gut wondering what irrational action by the Trump Group has occurred since yesterday! This macho attack on Syria is the latest, and disgustingly but not surprisingly, touted as "the right thing to do" by McCain and Graham! What is wrong with Republicans anyway?
1
Trump's supporters are cut from the same ignorant racist cloth as draft dodger trump himself so if you see your popularity slipping just bomb some brown people.
Problem solved.
Trump has turned America into just another 'also ran' country.
We let the stupid take over and now we have an idiot in the white house.
Bravo trash.
Hey has he returned your piece work factory job yet?
No?
Well don't worry idiots, I'm sure they'll be here any day now.
Problem solved.
Trump has turned America into just another 'also ran' country.
We let the stupid take over and now we have an idiot in the white house.
Bravo trash.
Hey has he returned your piece work factory job yet?
No?
Well don't worry idiots, I'm sure they'll be here any day now.
@ Bob - There is nothing racist about Trump. But if you want to see real racism in action, go to the Clintons' residential city of Chappaqua, New York and you'll see it nearly every day.
If the idiot in chief had no publicity stunts up his sleeve, he'd have nothing else to fall back on. Trump's campaign and presidency is nothing but a series of publicity stunts, including Syria. No one in their right mind thinks Trump has any concept of the problems of the world. He only knows how he whatever he does he wants to look good, bring in the big numbers. Trump will milk his war making powers to the hilt until the story fades from view. Trump will then scramble to look for more cases of him "winning" the presidential ratings. In the end nothing will help. Trump is a dunce. They dye is cast. His rep is secured. He has been stereotyped. That's Show Biz, baby, and that's the Prez Biz too.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
Well said, Dr. K. However one sector of the media is doing outstanding work - newspapers. Of course, you have to read them. While many people have put themselves in harm's way for this country, we need more people to read for their country. I hope that does not become our epitaph.
Well, Trump did manage to show "leadership" in that he led the media away from;
a. The Senate changing the rules to allow
b. Mr. Gorsuch's nomination as a Supreme Court Justice to pass; he's being confirmed today.
And all this distraction by lobbing a few missiles at Syria.
Apparently even the NYT is fascinated by explosions and missile launching while here, in the good, old homeland, the rules are changing, SCOTUS is turning a "hard starboard rudder" and women's rights, check that, everybody's rights are quickly being gobbled up by the wealthy.
Oh, and polls seem to indicate that better than 50% of Americans like the idea of cruise missile follies which accomplish, well, better polling numbers at the least!
a. The Senate changing the rules to allow
b. Mr. Gorsuch's nomination as a Supreme Court Justice to pass; he's being confirmed today.
And all this distraction by lobbing a few missiles at Syria.
Apparently even the NYT is fascinated by explosions and missile launching while here, in the good, old homeland, the rules are changing, SCOTUS is turning a "hard starboard rudder" and women's rights, check that, everybody's rights are quickly being gobbled up by the wealthy.
Oh, and polls seem to indicate that better than 50% of Americans like the idea of cruise missile follies which accomplish, well, better polling numbers at the least!
Maybe the NYT wants to focus less on making sure we get our daily dose of both-sidesism and be the actual liberal media for once.
What? No "policy for Syria?" How about someone suggesting one?
1
Firing off 100 million dollars worth of missiles was good for the MIC and push broom suppliers in Syria, but little else materially seemed accomplished. It did take the heat off Trump and Putin's love affair, perhaps the main aim of the whole misadventure. Brian Williams and Fareed Zakeria should be hanging their heads in shame, they were played, bigly, again.
1
Yep. What the Doc said.
And the commenter who mentioned the gnat.
And the commenter who mentioned the gnat.
1
I think you have misread Mr. Trump. His policy is simple: What is good for me is good for the Nation. What is bad for me is bad for the Nation. With those two statements you have his policy in a nut shell. Trump is not a deep thinker.
3
All the comments here are laughable. The people who voted for the lying loser Clinton just can't get over it. It's good to see a military strike against a perceived evil dictator. However, the perceived evil dictator is needed, to keep the order in his country. Otherwise there will be chaos and anarchy, just as we now have in Iraq thanks to GWB and in Libya thanks to BHO.
1
Trump got such a warm fuzzy rush from this little display of fireworks, distraction, and ratings boost that he immediately upped the ante by sending ships to Korea. Anyone remember the Gulf of Tonkin incident? Very hard to conclude anything other than that for the time being, we are royally screwed.
1
So where Mr. Krugman, were your opinions when Obama put wobbly index finger dipped in ketchup and scrawled dotted red line on mushy sand? That's the bar affirmed by your silence then, just to remind you. Trump exceeded it by a mile, then some.
The instant criticism you and your colleague Mr. Blow deliver week after week, always absent comparison to worst-prez-in-US-history Obama, has graduated from the opinion equivalent of hot air, to now nerve gas. Quit already, learn Wordpress and rant your heart's content. Over here, readers are bored stiff.
The instant criticism you and your colleague Mr. Blow deliver week after week, always absent comparison to worst-prez-in-US-history Obama, has graduated from the opinion equivalent of hot air, to now nerve gas. Quit already, learn Wordpress and rant your heart's content. Over here, readers are bored stiff.
1
Mr. Krugman please help me understand how this incompetent narcissist is allowed to get away with this. Why isn't this question being asked at his NOT SO FREE press conferences?
Why is the media complacent on this?
The so-called president claims he's moved by "the beautiful little babies" of Syria killed in a horrific gas attack by Bashar al-Assad's government. So why does he try to ban them from coming here as refugees?
LIAR!!!
Unless, he just doesn't want to SEE them gased, as an excuse to send off 59 tomahawks missles to distract from all of his other failures, as in that poorly planned military attack that killed 200 innocent civilians (and one Navy Seal who he exploited in his speech to congress) in Yemen 2 months ago.
Why is the media complacent on this?
The so-called president claims he's moved by "the beautiful little babies" of Syria killed in a horrific gas attack by Bashar al-Assad's government. So why does he try to ban them from coming here as refugees?
LIAR!!!
Unless, he just doesn't want to SEE them gased, as an excuse to send off 59 tomahawks missles to distract from all of his other failures, as in that poorly planned military attack that killed 200 innocent civilians (and one Navy Seal who he exploited in his speech to congress) in Yemen 2 months ago.
A cynic's view: Trump warned Russia (Putin) that he was bombing the air field. What follows is pure theater. The media and Trumpets fall all over themselves praising Trump for being "Presidential". Kill a few people, knock out a few buildings, what the hell? Air field open for business the next day. Then, lots of anger passing back and forth between Trump and his minions to eliminate the 'wrong', absolutely 'wrong' impression that Trump and Putin for collaborating in any way.
I just don't buy it. Just part of the extended Reality Show underway.
I just don't buy it. Just part of the extended Reality Show underway.
1
Trump is the master of the empty gesture. In firing off some missiles Trump has put himself on the scoreboard which permanently establishes him as the Anti-Obama. The few days of favorable media coverage generated by such empty gestures pay off by the imprint they leave in the minds of largely feeble minded American voters.
2
Good column. Thanks.
The use of gas in an international crime. Where was the United Nations in this response? I don't think it is wise for the US to unilaterally respond to international violence. With all due respect to the foreign policy team, this response does not appear to have been well thought out. The safety of Americans in theater, in the Mideast, and the World and has been compromised.
The use of gas in an international crime. Where was the United Nations in this response? I don't think it is wise for the US to unilaterally respond to international violence. With all due respect to the foreign policy team, this response does not appear to have been well thought out. The safety of Americans in theater, in the Mideast, and the World and has been compromised.
2
Dr. K do you recall Israel's total destruction of Egypt's air force during the 6 Day war? I do not believe it would be wise to do a similar thing to Syria, unilaterally, but did anyone notice that 59 Tomahawk cruise missles could not destroy just a single airbase? This must be disturbing news for military planners. I really don't think it makes a lot of sense to destroy only one air base. I think I would have launched plan B to have destroyed every single plane and helicopter in Syria.
Since, we appear to have taken sides in Syria's civil war. I think we and other members of the international community should figure out who and what government will replace the current government and try to force the government to a cease fire and negotiations to end hostilities begin restoration of Syria.
It makes no sense to continue killing. The entire region needs to start worring about water, food, and the end of oil, and natural gas as an energy resource.
The Trump team needs to think about the how we can achieve economic and political stability beyond mid-Century with enlightened trade and economic development policies.
Since, we appear to have taken sides in Syria's civil war. I think we and other members of the international community should figure out who and what government will replace the current government and try to force the government to a cease fire and negotiations to end hostilities begin restoration of Syria.
It makes no sense to continue killing. The entire region needs to start worring about water, food, and the end of oil, and natural gas as an energy resource.
The Trump team needs to think about the how we can achieve economic and political stability beyond mid-Century with enlightened trade and economic development policies.
Can you imagine anyone having to refer to anything Obama did - from giving a speech to meeting with a foreign leader - as "Presidential"? He was the essence of Presidential. Once he was inaugurated he WAS the President. Such a reference would have been redundant.
Just as the term "Compassionate Liberal" would be. Only the Compassionate Conservatives have to attach the label to their name to try to convince others that this conservatism is different from the old Conservatism which obviously, then, lacked Compassion. Trouble is, the term is just that - a term - an oxymoron at that - as is proven with every step they take.
The party of no is still that - they are good at saying no to Obamacare, no to Medicaid, no to a strong public school system, no to Environmental Protection, no to banking regulation, no to Law Enforcement oversight, no to money for low income housing, no to immigration.
But they have shown with embarrassing and impactful repetitiveness that they cannot govern. Many members of Congress have never sat while they had the drivers seat in governing. Others can barely remember when they could govern actively instead of by obstruction and by determining never to seat a Supreme Court Justice nominated by a Democratic President - name and qualifications unseen - Burr, Cruz and McCain.
It's not just Trump. There was no "Replacement" plan, no legal "Muslim Ban Plan", no budget, no tax plan, no cogent foreign policy.
What were they doing?
Just as the term "Compassionate Liberal" would be. Only the Compassionate Conservatives have to attach the label to their name to try to convince others that this conservatism is different from the old Conservatism which obviously, then, lacked Compassion. Trouble is, the term is just that - a term - an oxymoron at that - as is proven with every step they take.
The party of no is still that - they are good at saying no to Obamacare, no to Medicaid, no to a strong public school system, no to Environmental Protection, no to banking regulation, no to Law Enforcement oversight, no to money for low income housing, no to immigration.
But they have shown with embarrassing and impactful repetitiveness that they cannot govern. Many members of Congress have never sat while they had the drivers seat in governing. Others can barely remember when they could govern actively instead of by obstruction and by determining never to seat a Supreme Court Justice nominated by a Democratic President - name and qualifications unseen - Burr, Cruz and McCain.
It's not just Trump. There was no "Replacement" plan, no legal "Muslim Ban Plan", no budget, no tax plan, no cogent foreign policy.
What were they doing?
4
If there is a lesson in this it is "Don't do horrific stuff when the president wants to change the news cycle."
2
To suggest that Mattis, McMaster, and the entire USA military are complicit in what you call a "stunt" to boost Trump in some way is beyond laughable.
But that is Keugman in a nutshell. A self-annointed crusader of the extreme left who has been on the wrong side of everything.
The headline here is misleading. It should be "News Media Fails Again."
All of Trumps antics reek of political theater. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if Putin helped him to write the script for the Syrian bombing.
2
Thank you, Prof. Krugman. I didn't buy any of it for a nanosecond and have been railing for days about the endemic amnesia that always seems to pervade the media's and public's consciousness.
3
While I'm no fan of President Trump, Mr Krugman's assertion that President Obama "decided not to start something" is patently false. His red line was a marker he decided not to back up. Thus, we were viewed as a "paper tiger."
Under President Obama and Secretary John Kerry we had Russia's aggression against Ukraine, North Korea's increasingly provocative testing of nuclear weapons, and a Russia that emerged as an increasingly powerful force in the Middle East and an emboldened Iran.
Under President Obama and Secretary John Kerry we had Russia's aggression against Ukraine, North Korea's increasingly provocative testing of nuclear weapons, and a Russia that emerged as an increasingly powerful force in the Middle East and an emboldened Iran.
Millions of dollars worth of missiles hit the targeted airfield and it's up and running within a few hours? Here's your two choices about why you should be concerned: 1) The missiles are not particularly accurate and the Syrians incredibly lucky or 2) This was another reality show produced by Trump to bolster his polls and divert attention from his ongoing Russia problems. Myself, I pick number 2.
282
Who knew that Governing would be so difficult...actions have reactions.
Obama saw that there were too many moving pieces, much risk but no certain win. trump is a sandbox player, no thought is involved, awe in the night sky.
Obama saw that there were too many moving pieces, much risk but no certain win. trump is a sandbox player, no thought is involved, awe in the night sky.
I don't expect Trump to change at all. On the other hand, I had assumed the media had learned its lessons from their overreactions to Iraq during the Bush administration, and their foolish use of Trump during the primaries to boost ratings because he was entertaining. Well, they haven't. If something is big and grabs headlines, they are all over it. I would like to live in a world of statesmen and journalists, rather than one of carpetbaggers and shock jocks.
3
Excellent and right on Mr.Krugman!! Neither Mr.Trump nor the media nor the plentiful pundits and experts nor vast swaths of the population have learnt from past failures. Mr.Trump was not noted for kissing babies on the campaign trail and he has used the Tomahawk gimmick in response to the Assad regime's ongoing horror show as a one time diversionary tactic to fulfill his unsatiable appetite for applause and praise. Shame on the media for falling for this gimmick with hyperventilating exhilaration.
1
Indeed Prof. Krugman, the White House is a glorified TV studio, beaming a barrage of staged events for the all to eager 24 hour news outlets. Add this to the propensity of Trump to lie and hype and how are any discerning citizens to trust anything that comes out of the White. Instinct led me a a cynical response to the missile attack even with cable news circling in glee around it like a bunch of bored fraternity boys watching a fireworks show on the 4th of July. Like every thing else produced by the White House this attack lacked any clarity, depth, or coherent long range rational....except a stunt to win the news cycle and reverse the curse of incompetence and corruption.
Mr. Krugman, focus on the economics for a moment: At $1 million a Tomahawk, that's $10 million per crippled MIG fighter we actually found left behind after we warned the Syrians to evacuate their fly-able jets.
Surely, this is more than a publicity stunt.
This must make Mr. Assad's blood run cold--at the thought he might bankrupt the United States at this rate.
After all, he needs us to fight ISIS.
Surely, this is more than a publicity stunt.
This must make Mr. Assad's blood run cold--at the thought he might bankrupt the United States at this rate.
After all, he needs us to fight ISIS.
1
"And has anyone seen a sign, any sign, that Mr. Trump is ready to provide real leadership in that sense? I haven’t."
Well, in all fairness it's necessary in passing to note that on these very pages Tom Cotton claimed that Trump's missiles "restored our credibility", apparently more or less instantaneously. Now that's leadership.
Well, in all fairness it's necessary in passing to note that on these very pages Tom Cotton claimed that Trump's missiles "restored our credibility", apparently more or less instantaneously. Now that's leadership.
There is nothing in this article that reflects your own expertise, nor is there anything that hasn't been said by many many many in the past several days. You have gotten lost since the election, Mr. Krugman, and are just one of the crowd, now. I hope you find your footing again and start making real contributions to the national conversation.
Mr. Trump may like to claim that the media are biased against him, but the truth is that they’ve bent over backward in his favor.
Dr. Krugman obviously tunes into these "news" shows so he can provide objective analyses. I used to hit the "mute" button and set the "closed caption" button. Now I just read The New York Times and other similar periodicals.
Looking at these overpaid pundits who babble away and have the intellectual capacity of ducks is something I can no longer do.
Dr. Krugman obviously tunes into these "news" shows so he can provide objective analyses. I used to hit the "mute" button and set the "closed caption" button. Now I just read The New York Times and other similar periodicals.
Looking at these overpaid pundits who babble away and have the intellectual capacity of ducks is something I can no longer do.
The Syria missile strike was a military Tweet: as shallow an any of Trump's other policies Tweet-like in depth. After the brouhaha of the Trumpcare bill which would have defrauded citizens out of health care or with a plan containing neither health nor care, the $75 million spent on this strike after the GOP just tried to cut Medicaid for wealthy tax cuts--out of fiscal responsibility--should have us all up in arms.
Trump is damned by his own earlier Tweets saying Obama would use military action to raise his poll numbers. Empathy? Trump was coached by Ivanka and Jared on how to fake it.
Follow Trump's money: any investigation w/o doing this is a sham.
Trump is damned by his own earlier Tweets saying Obama would use military action to raise his poll numbers. Empathy? Trump was coached by Ivanka and Jared on how to fake it.
Follow Trump's money: any investigation w/o doing this is a sham.
1
Firing those missiles are like prosecuting a civil lawsuit. The firing of missiles being analogous to the filing of a complaint. Any first year practitioner could do that. But then you have to prosecute the case, conduct discovery, depose witnesses, conduct a trial, argue the case and win a verdict. Trump is not close to the expertise of a seasoned trial lawyer, or even a first year law student.
On his attention span with the cruise missiles, its a known fact that Trump instinctively responds to visual stimuli. Recall his statement made on the open mike about his impulse when he sees a beautiful woman and what he said he is compelled to do? Well, apparently visual stimuli of war injuries has the same impact except he responds with a cruise missile rather than with his hands.
On his attention span with the cruise missiles, its a known fact that Trump instinctively responds to visual stimuli. Recall his statement made on the open mike about his impulse when he sees a beautiful woman and what he said he is compelled to do? Well, apparently visual stimuli of war injuries has the same impact except he responds with a cruise missile rather than with his hands.
"So here’s a hint: Real leadership means devising and carrying out sustained policies that make the world a better place. Publicity stunts may generate a few days of favorable media coverage, but they end up making America weaker, not stronger, because they show the world that we have a government that can’t follow through."
So when is the press going to take the hint and stop facilitating this madness with news driven not by objectivity but revenue streams. They are the other half of this equation and have no right to complain or have any defence for the situation when they are complicent.
So when is the press going to take the hint and stop facilitating this madness with news driven not by objectivity but revenue streams. They are the other half of this equation and have no right to complain or have any defence for the situation when they are complicent.
1
blaming the media for trump is deflection. trump arose in a toxic atmosphere of distrust and resentment. the media transmit this but they didn't create it. the fundamental problem is the massive demographic and economic shift making its way through the country and its profound impact on individual lives. until this underlying revolution stabilizes we'll have this same old same old.
Given that Trump warned the Russians of the strike, and that the Assad family have been Russian vassals since 1970, there is some reason to doubt that the Assad regime suffered materially from the strike.
6
That's right. Putin was warned about the attack and the airfield was emptied. So sad how the public continues to be duped by this showman.
1
It's difficult to argue that Assad's chemical-weapons attack should come off without a response, but...
That response ought to be multilateral, if possible, and be part of a coherent longer-term strategy. None of that is true in this case. At least equally unsettling is that Trump, a man without a policy other than obsessing about his own insecurities, will quickly come to see the military as his toy to play with around the world, and as an instant way to win over support. The logical conclusion of that is deeply scary...
That response ought to be multilateral, if possible, and be part of a coherent longer-term strategy. None of that is true in this case. At least equally unsettling is that Trump, a man without a policy other than obsessing about his own insecurities, will quickly come to see the military as his toy to play with around the world, and as an instant way to win over support. The logical conclusion of that is deeply scary...
6
There could hardly be a more instructive example than Syria of the fact that it is all but impossible to win a military conflict with air power alone. President Manbaby's Excellent Airstrike is just one more airstrike in a place that has seen thousands and will likely see thousands more. And the moral message coming from the Mad King? Stick to conventional weapons for committing war crimes and killing children.
2
President Trump is correct when saying that the media has been biased against him. No other president has had to endure the constant criticisms such as the ones that are hurled at him every day. They continually find fault no matter how successful he has been and he has been successful in his short time in office. This must be very frustrating and maddening and yet he continues to lead our country in the right direction.
The liberal progressives will continue this negativity of Mr. Trump throughout his presidency but he must just turn a blind eye to the constant jabs thrown at him. He has his supporters and we are very pleased with how he is running our country. We are very pleased he is our president and wish him continued success in correcting the mistakes of the last administration, it must not be easy but he will get it done.
The liberal progressives will continue this negativity of Mr. Trump throughout his presidency but he must just turn a blind eye to the constant jabs thrown at him. He has his supporters and we are very pleased with how he is running our country. We are very pleased he is our president and wish him continued success in correcting the mistakes of the last administration, it must not be easy but he will get it done.
1
No other president has deserved the constant criticisms. I'm not especially liberal, but I find the behavior of Trump to be appalling. The media reporting accurately his actions does not constitute bias, even if it differs from your point of view.
1
The Liar-in-Chief LIES constantly, he's corrupt (doesn't pay his vendors, architects and there's Trump University), he's inconsistent, he refuses to release his tax returns (and he said he would), he's a bully, he calls people derisive, horrible names and insults handicapped people.
Why do you not comment on the deplorable, despicable Donald Trump? Why are you OK with people - and this country's President (not mine) - behaving this way?
Why do you not comment on the deplorable, despicable Donald Trump? Why are you OK with people - and this country's President (not mine) - behaving this way?
1
Oh, give me a break! Trump alone sent more hostility Obama's way than all the media combined have done to Trump.
What you say is true. The media unintentionally and negligently gave us Trump. They did so because they are venal, cynical, simplistic and not nearly as smart or sophisticated as they think they are. True, no one is as smart as they think they are, but with the media and Trumpolini, they really aren't. The media, overall, are better than Trump, but, generally speaking, they share too many similar characteristics. Both crave popularity and attention without a thought to consequences. They are easily distracted and vain enough to be confused by flattery. Both become bored relatively quickly and prefer entertainment rather the hard work of actually accomplishing a goal. Watching MSNBC - supposedly Trump's harshest critic - cover the missile strike was depressing - the "beauty" of our weapons? Nothing has changed in Syria since Trump's inauguration except maybe he saw a photo which upset him. Chemical warfare is horrific but how much worse is it than dying by the hundreds by hot steel piercing bodies? What comes next? Hard questions not explored. Far more fun to watch fancy fireworks and feel strong. That is dangerous.
Over the past few weeks, the media seem to have become tired of being in the opposition. This is going to be a long slog. More than Russian interference, the media gave us Trump. They must own this responsibility and do something about it. This is not a game.
Over the past few weeks, the media seem to have become tired of being in the opposition. This is going to be a long slog. More than Russian interference, the media gave us Trump. They must own this responsibility and do something about it. This is not a game.
9
Trump taking the moral high ground is a joke. Some media coverage praised his concern for the children, but did not note how he did not look into the camera ,reading the teleprompter until the end of his speech. His reversal in his stance on Syria was praised by some media pundits, some congressmen, and his base supporters with out looking more deeply at the results... No destruction of the air fields which allowed Assad to attack again. So, his polling numbers went up, his distraction from the scandals worked for the weekend, his relations with Russia looked more in line with congress, and supposedly both Russia and Trump profited from this disaster. Russia gets to sell more planes to Assad, and Trump's portfolio supposedly improves with the company that makes Tomahawk missiles.
4
In the days of the Soviet Union, Pravda was famous for publishing propaganda as fact. But Soviet citizens knew what they were getting and could interpret it accordingly.
Now in the US, the more-or-less free press are as easily distracted and gulled as a 3-year-old child. Skeptical journalism is AWOL from the daily print news, which mostly consists of press releases or knee-jerk opinions. The broadcast anchors are worse: they are merely newsreaders. All of them (including NPR and PBS) depend upon corporate sponsors.
Some genuine investigative reporting does happen, and the NYT deserves credit for its ongoing series of in-depth reports. But these are the exceptions. Overall, we live in an environment of corporate propaganda masked as impartial news reporting.
Most people don't realize it's propaganda, and that makes it much more potent and effective than Pravda ever was. The corporate news system controls the topics of discussion, and that's as good as thought control.
If you want reliable information consistently, look for a source that relies on subscribers instead of advertising. It won't pretend to be impartial (journalism never was) but you'll know what you are getting.
Now in the US, the more-or-less free press are as easily distracted and gulled as a 3-year-old child. Skeptical journalism is AWOL from the daily print news, which mostly consists of press releases or knee-jerk opinions. The broadcast anchors are worse: they are merely newsreaders. All of them (including NPR and PBS) depend upon corporate sponsors.
Some genuine investigative reporting does happen, and the NYT deserves credit for its ongoing series of in-depth reports. But these are the exceptions. Overall, we live in an environment of corporate propaganda masked as impartial news reporting.
Most people don't realize it's propaganda, and that makes it much more potent and effective than Pravda ever was. The corporate news system controls the topics of discussion, and that's as good as thought control.
If you want reliable information consistently, look for a source that relies on subscribers instead of advertising. It won't pretend to be impartial (journalism never was) but you'll know what you are getting.
Dr Krugman
Please speculate, in a forthcoming column, about the number of jobs, Trump might generate, if he were to launch a pre-emptive all out offensive, against Syria, ISIS, North Korea, China, and Russia, all at the same time.
This can easily be done, with our nuclear submarine fleet alone.
Then we'd be, "The king of the hill" again.
And, Trump critics, such as you, would have to eat, humble pie.
Please speculate, in a forthcoming column, about the number of jobs, Trump might generate, if he were to launch a pre-emptive all out offensive, against Syria, ISIS, North Korea, China, and Russia, all at the same time.
This can easily be done, with our nuclear submarine fleet alone.
Then we'd be, "The king of the hill" again.
And, Trump critics, such as you, would have to eat, humble pie.
The timing of the chemical attack couldn't have come at a more convenient moment for Trump.
The media are all gaga talking about Syria 24/7.
No one is talking about the Russian connection any more.
The media are all gaga talking about Syria 24/7.
No one is talking about the Russian connection any more.
9
Trump sends 59 cruise tweets to Syria why? Because he can, with almost no risk of counter attack. Also because 2 special elections for Congress loom. How brave.
Assad will keep on keeping on. What else can he do except flee to Moscow? Trump will proclaim endlessly about his great victory in Syria. Putin will keep plotting.
We are making America great again. What is the next step? Don't worry. It will be terrific and we'll know what to do when we get there. For now, I will tweet about how today is all Obama's fault. Bad guy. Sad.
Assad will keep on keeping on. What else can he do except flee to Moscow? Trump will proclaim endlessly about his great victory in Syria. Putin will keep plotting.
We are making America great again. What is the next step? Don't worry. It will be terrific and we'll know what to do when we get there. For now, I will tweet about how today is all Obama's fault. Bad guy. Sad.
7
So who owns the media? The same people that profit from dropping bombs. And there's nothing like a good bombing to bring us all together behind our "new", "improved", and yes, "presidential" scatterbrained nincompoop. We are watching a slow motion train wreck that is picking up speed.
Here's a hint. Real leadership can mean dealing with actual reality on behalf of the folks being led. But many American voters and most Trump voters don't want that kind of leader. They want someone who defends their fragile self identities and makes them feel good about themselves. That's the reality Mr. Trump works.
7
This column pretty much nailed it, but left out that war is a useful distraction from failed policy and has been used for that purpose for a long, long time. In our own recent history, the illegal invasion of Iraq rallied support for a Dubya presidency that before 9/11 had been accomplishing nothing and going nowhere.
And let's not forget the Argentine invasion of the Falklands some 35 years ago. That was done for two reasons: first, the Argentine economy was a basket case and the people were becoming angry; and second, the Argentine rulers falsely believed that a woman, Margaret Thatcher, would be a pushover and never take her country to war.
Of course, war as a distraction is only possible if there is also a lapdog media. I suggest the NY Times Editorial Board review the paper's conduct in the run-up to our invasion of Iraq. It was pretty disgraceful, and must not be repeated.
And let's not forget the Argentine invasion of the Falklands some 35 years ago. That was done for two reasons: first, the Argentine economy was a basket case and the people were becoming angry; and second, the Argentine rulers falsely believed that a woman, Margaret Thatcher, would be a pushover and never take her country to war.
Of course, war as a distraction is only possible if there is also a lapdog media. I suggest the NY Times Editorial Board review the paper's conduct in the run-up to our invasion of Iraq. It was pretty disgraceful, and must not be repeated.
5
Last week the child took a pawn and thinks it's checkmate. Please, somebody take away trump's chess pieces and let him play with checkers instead. He has no idea how each piece moves, can't even tell a rook from a king. Let him go back to what he's good at; cheating contractors.
Keep writing Dr. Krugman, keep writing.
7
Krugman is uncharitable in the extreme, and the op-ed neglects some obvious realities: that responding with force to chemical weapons use has well-settled strategic and human rights benefits, and that Obama failed dismally when similarly situated in 2013. He claims the media's celebration of the strike and Trump's claims of media "bias" are in tension. That's wrong. The media's response shows only that they'll (over-)peddle whatever narrative the public wishes to consume. Before the strike, anti-Trumpism was in high demand, but today, Americans seem to have taken a greater interest in our country's status as a global human rights enforcer than in Trump's alleged missteps. Krugman wants to thwart this development, and so he conveniently disregards considerations don't fit neatly into the anti-Donald/nostalgia-for-Barack story. SAD!
“Dropping bombs on someone to prove that you’re willing to drop bombs on someone is just about the worst reason to use force.” ---Barack Obama
That's all this was, a flamboyant show of force.
We need a strategy in Syria, not a knee-jerk bomb-dropping exercise to look strong and show the world America is Back! They've been pulling babies out of rubble for six years now. It's not like we haven't all seen the destruction in Syria. There's been plenty of TV coverage. If we've seen it, so has Mr. Trump, who we know certainly likes to watch TV. Until last week, he was completely uninterested. Do the math.
That's all this was, a flamboyant show of force.
We need a strategy in Syria, not a knee-jerk bomb-dropping exercise to look strong and show the world America is Back! They've been pulling babies out of rubble for six years now. It's not like we haven't all seen the destruction in Syria. There's been plenty of TV coverage. If we've seen it, so has Mr. Trump, who we know certainly likes to watch TV. Until last week, he was completely uninterested. Do the math.
7
Coherent strategy? No. Publicity stunt? Yes. Manipulation of the cable media to get the Russia investigation of his back? Absolutely. And it worked. I for one have stopped watching any cable news. The talking heads that pretend to be journalists are like a dog who sees a squirrel. In times like these I so very much appreciate the NYT.
6
In these dread times, so much worse even than the horrific Bush2 years, nothing is more disheartening than seeing so many in the media once again, as then, adopting the attitude of craven, unquestioning adoration of the CIC as soon as he unleashes a few bombs.
The shallowness, lack of moral center, and failure of critical thinking among reporters and commentators since Friday's pointless attack are beyond appalling; they are frightening. So, it is THIS press we're supposed to trust to ferret out and report the truth about DT? God save us all.
The shallowness, lack of moral center, and failure of critical thinking among reporters and commentators since Friday's pointless attack are beyond appalling; they are frightening. So, it is THIS press we're supposed to trust to ferret out and report the truth about DT? God save us all.
2
How cynical to think that the Carrier deal was just a publicity stunt. Trump intends to create even more jobs and business for Carrier by proposing that "the big, beautiful wall" has air-conditioners installed every 100 feet along its 2,000 mile path. In his mind, that's a win-win...we get to keep the all Mexicans out while keeping all the cool air in.
The NYT jumped on the pro-war bandwagon so quickly. Wonder if we reinstated the draft (for both sexes) if all of these pundits would be so war crazed.
I love the pictures of Xi Jinping sitting next to President Trump. Xi points and says, "squirrel, look over there." Meanwhile Xi picks America's pocket.
1
Unintended Consequences?
Amoral people probably shouldn't express moral outrage and expect praise. But Trump is clearly able to recognize opportunity when he sees it, as he did in this case after someone explained the situation to him.
His genius lies in his opportunistic instinct and he quickly seized the moment by ordering the limited attack in Syria. Furthermore, this action was announced in his self-aggrandizing Florida Taj Mahal while President Xi was there. The location and timing were likely meant to impress Xi and also suited Trump's "look what i can do" braggadocio style.
Let's hope The President's action has a beneficial side-effect not related to Syria. Perhaps President Xi - and the rest of the world - will be convinced that the Trump's threat to act unilaterally on President Un's threats to America is real and that a non-military resolution of the N. Korean nuclear threat follows.
Amoral people probably shouldn't express moral outrage and expect praise. But Trump is clearly able to recognize opportunity when he sees it, as he did in this case after someone explained the situation to him.
His genius lies in his opportunistic instinct and he quickly seized the moment by ordering the limited attack in Syria. Furthermore, this action was announced in his self-aggrandizing Florida Taj Mahal while President Xi was there. The location and timing were likely meant to impress Xi and also suited Trump's "look what i can do" braggadocio style.
Let's hope The President's action has a beneficial side-effect not related to Syria. Perhaps President Xi - and the rest of the world - will be convinced that the Trump's threat to act unilaterally on President Un's threats to America is real and that a non-military resolution of the N. Korean nuclear threat follows.
Wonder when Trump will finally react to the pictures of the thousands of starving children in Yemen, South Sudan, etc. Oh, right, Fox News doesn't cover starving African countries.
3
Not only was the show with cruise missiles a stunt, but it sure looks like it was worked out with the Russians. What better way to get people and the press off of covering the Russian / Trump collision in the election than having Trump and the Russians looking like they are fighting. Yet we warn them about the attack (but the Russians are supposed to keep it secret from their ally the Syrians?). And after 59 missiles are launched at the airbase it it back in business the next day bombing the same target? Sure smells fishy from here.
2
A very cogent analysis.
"Is Mr. Trump making life-and-death national security decisions based on TV coverage?"
Why yes, he is. Why do you ask?
Or, if you prefer, "I like to watch."
Why yes, he is. Why do you ask?
Or, if you prefer, "I like to watch."
2
According to Trump
advisor Alex Jones, 9/11 was a big show that won an entire election.
advisor Alex Jones, 9/11 was a big show that won an entire election.
2
It's par for the course for the man to make impulsive, ill-considered decisions for little more than momentary appeasement of raw, insatiable thirst for power and glory.
Fore!!!
Fore!!!
2
What a joke. When his idol, "The One," did absolutely nothing, Krugman was fine with that. At last someone (the hated -- really feared -- Trump) actually does do something to warn Assad about the use of chemical weapons, and Krugman is full of criticism. Hey, Paul, compare the number of chemical attacks Assad perpetrated after the famous Obama-Putin removal of "all" chemical weapons and the number perpetrated since Trup destroyed the 20 MiGs.
You don't have to admire much, or even any, of Trump's personality to see the hypocrisy of liberals.
You don't have to admire much, or even any, of Trump's personality to see the hypocrisy of liberals.
"Is Mr. Trump making life-and-death national security decisions based on TV coverage?" Well. Yes. If you can't read and you watch Fox News all the time, you do get a simplistic picture of the world. (I'm not attacking Fox News here: if a president couldn't read and watched CNN all the time she'd get a simplistic picture of the world.) Remember the Wicked Witch in "Snow White" who kept on staring into that mirror on the wall seeking confirmation of her own beauty? That reminds me of Frump staring into Fox. That witch's mirror finally told the truth. Wonder if this modern mirror will.
3
"Is Mr. Trump making life-and-death national security decisions based on TV coverage?"
Yes, and the "coverage" he is watching is Fox News. Heaven help us.
Yes, and the "coverage" he is watching is Fox News. Heaven help us.
I think you're being way to kind to trump. He's a belligerent ignoramus and nothing more. Let's also not forget his bootlickers McConnell, Ryan and the rest of the republican establishment. They are complicit in the fraud as well at this point.
I imagine it went something like this:
Ivanka: "Daddy, did you see the pictures of those poor children in Syria who were gassed?"
DJT: " No honey, there was nothing on Fox"
Ivanka: " it was horrible daddy. You should do something. "
DJT: "Don't cry honey. Daddy will take care of it"
Ivanka: "Daddy, did you see the pictures of those poor children in Syria who were gassed?"
DJT: " No honey, there was nothing on Fox"
Ivanka: " it was horrible daddy. You should do something. "
DJT: "Don't cry honey. Daddy will take care of it"
The more things change, the more they remain the same. Reagan had Iran/Contra and a bout of memory loss. Clinton had Monica and bombs an aspirin factory in Sudan. Bush planed to invade Iraq because he was told to do so even before 9/11 and Obama pledged an end to these wars and instead gave us the surge, including the total destruction of Faluja.
So is it surprising that Trump sees suffering children on Fox News and within 48 decides to unilaterally declare war on Syria? And Dick Cheney, our very own war criminal, runs around giving speeches proclaiming that Muslims hate us because we stand for democracy, not because of our policy of murdering innocent civilians.
Trump has finally gotten the memo and decided to get on board. The frightening thing is what news event will cause him to lash out with his new, powerful toys next time?
The same unstable, narcissist who ran for office now controls the US military and has had the taste of blood and has basked in the creepy adulation the media has heaped on him. This may be the basis for our new foreign policy. God help us.
So is it surprising that Trump sees suffering children on Fox News and within 48 decides to unilaterally declare war on Syria? And Dick Cheney, our very own war criminal, runs around giving speeches proclaiming that Muslims hate us because we stand for democracy, not because of our policy of murdering innocent civilians.
Trump has finally gotten the memo and decided to get on board. The frightening thing is what news event will cause him to lash out with his new, powerful toys next time?
The same unstable, narcissist who ran for office now controls the US military and has had the taste of blood and has basked in the creepy adulation the media has heaped on him. This may be the basis for our new foreign policy. God help us.
Mr. Krugman,
I despise TRUMP as much, if not more than, the next guy, but your analysis of his actions in Syria smell like knee-jerky. I assume that he will not follow up the missiles with any coherent policy, but I'm not willing to blanketly condemn that action and look only at the catastrophic imagined consequences. Could you be a more cartoonish caricature of a liberal pundit?
And you claim that news organizations are enabling him by treating him as credible. Come on. You are riding on his coat-tails too.
Oh yes... still waiting for that mea culpa......????
I despise TRUMP as much, if not more than, the next guy, but your analysis of his actions in Syria smell like knee-jerky. I assume that he will not follow up the missiles with any coherent policy, but I'm not willing to blanketly condemn that action and look only at the catastrophic imagined consequences. Could you be a more cartoonish caricature of a liberal pundit?
And you claim that news organizations are enabling him by treating him as credible. Come on. You are riding on his coat-tails too.
Oh yes... still waiting for that mea culpa......????
1
This is what a con artist does !
Never mind how I am betraying America. Look at this, and this, and this, and this. Not looking anymore? I'll start a war. I'll kill people. I'll ruin the environment. I'll ruin the supreme court.
Just don't look into how I became president.
Never mind how I am betraying America. Look at this, and this, and this, and this. Not looking anymore? I'll start a war. I'll kill people. I'll ruin the environment. I'll ruin the supreme court.
Just don't look into how I became president.
1
I appreciate Prof Krugman's ability and willingness to point out something that far too few people (wherever they are on the political spectrum) seem willing or even able to recognize: our corporate "news" media are clearly biased...
TOWARD this so-called President.
I just wish Prof K had gone the next step, and named his own column's syndicator -- the Grey Lady, our Paper of Record, the august New York Times -- as Suspect #1.
It was the NYTimes, which still largely sets the agenda for our "news" industry, that made Trump the so-called President he is today.
Don't believe this?
Consider that it was Comey, Assange, Putin, Bernie's Bro's, the Publicans in Congress, and Judicial Watch that catapulted the lies about Hillary and her non-existent, faux "scandals" that clearly, unequivocally, and undeniably cost her a winnable election.
But they would have gone nowhere without the credible megaphone of the Times to amplify their voices -- the very same megaphone that was conspicuously turned off when it came to talking about the very real scandals of Donald Trump, especially those connecting him (the recent dog-on-pony show notwithstanding) to the manipulators of Moscow.
And, of course, they're still at it now.
Trump himself clearly emboldened Assad's use of chemicals, just as surely as the Ambassador of that other great Publican, GHW Bush, gave Saddam Hussein a green light to invade Kuwait back in 1990.
Is the Times pointing this out to their readers?
Tumbleweeds and crickets...
TOWARD this so-called President.
I just wish Prof K had gone the next step, and named his own column's syndicator -- the Grey Lady, our Paper of Record, the august New York Times -- as Suspect #1.
It was the NYTimes, which still largely sets the agenda for our "news" industry, that made Trump the so-called President he is today.
Don't believe this?
Consider that it was Comey, Assange, Putin, Bernie's Bro's, the Publicans in Congress, and Judicial Watch that catapulted the lies about Hillary and her non-existent, faux "scandals" that clearly, unequivocally, and undeniably cost her a winnable election.
But they would have gone nowhere without the credible megaphone of the Times to amplify their voices -- the very same megaphone that was conspicuously turned off when it came to talking about the very real scandals of Donald Trump, especially those connecting him (the recent dog-on-pony show notwithstanding) to the manipulators of Moscow.
And, of course, they're still at it now.
Trump himself clearly emboldened Assad's use of chemicals, just as surely as the Ambassador of that other great Publican, GHW Bush, gave Saddam Hussein a green light to invade Kuwait back in 1990.
Is the Times pointing this out to their readers?
Tumbleweeds and crickets...
"And has anyone seen a sign, any sign, that Mr. Trump is ready to provide real leadership in that sense?"
Mr. Trump may never make the transition from autocratic CEO to President.
Mr. Trump may never make the transition from autocratic CEO to President.
1
All this talk, Dr. Krugman, about the media "bending over backwards" in the attempt to have Trump appear as a *normal* president is certainly valid, but they've overlooked one significant factor. "He's finally done what President Obama refused to do." That was the talking point of every repub over this past weekend with no one even attempting to set the record straight.
So let's try: In 2013 when Obama drew his now infamous "line in the sand" the Assad regime, with Putin's help, agreed to eliminate every gas weapon in their arsenal. Since that agreement there was NOT one attack, of any sort, using gas weaponry until last week. UN Ambassador Nikki Halley was correct in her assessment of Russia and their complicity, and / or their ignorance of Assad and his agreement-breach that he made with Sec. Kerry and Putin in St. Petersburgh back then. Kerry probably told Assad what may, or will, happen if he were to break that agreement. But as with past Democratic administrations he chose not to make any such threats public. When talking about very, very serious issues, some extra positive poll numbers just aren't worth it. That is, if you're truly serious.
So let's try: In 2013 when Obama drew his now infamous "line in the sand" the Assad regime, with Putin's help, agreed to eliminate every gas weapon in their arsenal. Since that agreement there was NOT one attack, of any sort, using gas weaponry until last week. UN Ambassador Nikki Halley was correct in her assessment of Russia and their complicity, and / or their ignorance of Assad and his agreement-breach that he made with Sec. Kerry and Putin in St. Petersburgh back then. Kerry probably told Assad what may, or will, happen if he were to break that agreement. But as with past Democratic administrations he chose not to make any such threats public. When talking about very, very serious issues, some extra positive poll numbers just aren't worth it. That is, if you're truly serious.
1
I have been sickened by journalists, especially Fareed Zakaria, whom I had respected, coming out and calling Trump presidential as a result of the military strike.
Number one, Russia was informed before the strike and thereby, presumably, Assad. And I agree with Mr. Krugman. Now the president has learned an important lesson: When you need to up your rating or distract from the current (and hopefully ongoing) investigations, drop a couple of missiles and step back and take a bow.
When will Republicans and others in Congress simply admit that this guy is not fit to be the mayor of Calaveras County, much less the President of the United States? In fact, mentioning president in conjucntion with Trump has become an oxymoron. He lacks the emotional stability, the leadership skills, the fundamental knowledge of the law and governmental functions, and also the Intelligence and diplomacy needed to lead a nation.
I feel sorry for the guy, I have to admit. Here is a fellow who is so insecure he allowed his hubris to make a fool of him and the entire country. But I feel angry with Congress and the voters and the press who should know better.
Number one, Russia was informed before the strike and thereby, presumably, Assad. And I agree with Mr. Krugman. Now the president has learned an important lesson: When you need to up your rating or distract from the current (and hopefully ongoing) investigations, drop a couple of missiles and step back and take a bow.
When will Republicans and others in Congress simply admit that this guy is not fit to be the mayor of Calaveras County, much less the President of the United States? In fact, mentioning president in conjucntion with Trump has become an oxymoron. He lacks the emotional stability, the leadership skills, the fundamental knowledge of the law and governmental functions, and also the Intelligence and diplomacy needed to lead a nation.
I feel sorry for the guy, I have to admit. Here is a fellow who is so insecure he allowed his hubris to make a fool of him and the entire country. But I feel angry with Congress and the voters and the press who should know better.
2
So let's have some brave journalist interview residents of the attacked town. Having survived the gassing, and then a short time later endured a gaggle of bombs dropped on their heads, what might they be thinking? From that perspective, life does not look like their lot improved much by missiles dropping on an airfield where the Russians were forewarned. Military personnel and equipment could be removed, making the Tomahawks's effectiveness essentially the same if they had dropped into the ocean. Of course the 8 minute barrage cost 50+ million dollars(59 weapons at $890,000 apiece).
2
The people in the Middle East believe that all this is part of the retreat of America from the region. I tend to agree with them. There is no solution here and may not be one for a few hundred years and when it comes, it will come because people in the region decide to make it so.
2
Bombing Syria was just a way for Trump to show his base that he can handle a weapon, fire a gun, be a man. Nothing more. I doubt Trump could spell Syria if you gave him the first three letters.
All the Republicans in Congress who refused to give Obama permission to attack Syria have now fallen in with Trump to look tough and support their man.
Sorry guys - but it doesn't work and it doesn't fool anyone.
Obama played the Republicans - he never wanted to start something in Syria that he knew America could not finish - so he asked a hostile Congress for permission - and as usual - they said no. Obama got what he wanted by playing reverse psychology.
Trump needs to be very careful now - he's fired a warning shot that got him some attention - next time he owns it. Assad will do it again. It will be a fine tightrope for Trump to walk between getting the American people involved in another unwinnable war and alienating his bromance partner in the Kremlin.
Tillerson now has to go to Moscow next week and explain to his old partner Putin that he can talk Trump in off the ledge.
All the Republicans in Congress who refused to give Obama permission to attack Syria have now fallen in with Trump to look tough and support their man.
Sorry guys - but it doesn't work and it doesn't fool anyone.
Obama played the Republicans - he never wanted to start something in Syria that he knew America could not finish - so he asked a hostile Congress for permission - and as usual - they said no. Obama got what he wanted by playing reverse psychology.
Trump needs to be very careful now - he's fired a warning shot that got him some attention - next time he owns it. Assad will do it again. It will be a fine tightrope for Trump to walk between getting the American people involved in another unwinnable war and alienating his bromance partner in the Kremlin.
Tillerson now has to go to Moscow next week and explain to his old partner Putin that he can talk Trump in off the ledge.
199
Putin doesn't need to be talked off a ledge. He knows the score and was just as happy as Trump to have the speculation about Russia-gate quashed. It puts too much of a spotlight on him, the Russian oligarchs, their money laundering, protests in Russia, the tactics used to deal with protesters and critics, their meddling in the upcoming European elections, as well as the focus on the upcoming Russian elections. Putin and his organized crime regime cannot engage in business as usual with the world's attention on them, nor can they tell the world all Russians are happy under his rule if the media's filming protests against their corruption. Why do you think Trump contacted the Russians an hour in advance (only informing congressional leaders as the strike was occurring), giving them time for the Syrians to move all their aircraft? Why do think the Russians chose not to use the missile defense system they have on that airbase capable of taking out Tomahawks? Why do you think there was minimal, mostly cosmetic damage and the majority of the incredibly accurate missiles just hit empty field areas? This was done with a wink and a nod, and both Trump and Putin benefit. Putin himself hasn't been as outraged as you'd expect if this wasn't a charade, notably not canceling the visit from good friend Tillerson, where I expect they'll discuss ways to "mend fences" so they can go ahead with those sidelined Exxon oil deals. They're playing a long con. Putin's nothing if not patient.
Can anybody with any real understanding of the gathering in Philadelphia in 1787 step back, look at what is going on in Washington and think; yes, this is exactly what the Framers had in mind? A proven serial liar media-star buffoon handing out critically important government positions like party favors to friends, family and business associates? Abetting the destruction some of America's most politically sacred rights – like voting and freedom of the press? And now, starting a costly and non winnable war (or two) to mask the scandals, failures and incompetence of his administration?
Some of us think Publius is up there somewhere today kneeling in front of porcelain bed pan.
Toqueville, observing some of the morally questionable aspects of the emerging American democratic republic in 1831, believed that as education became more and more democratized and as social and political enlightenment spread, America would make wiser decisions on election days.
Oooops.
Some of us think Publius is up there somewhere today kneeling in front of porcelain bed pan.
Toqueville, observing some of the morally questionable aspects of the emerging American democratic republic in 1831, believed that as education became more and more democratized and as social and political enlightenment spread, America would make wiser decisions on election days.
Oooops.
1
"They want to seem balanced, even when there is no balance; they have been desperate for excuses to ignore the dubious circumstances of his election and his erratic behavior in office, and start treating him as a normal president."
Thank you for saying what must be said, over and over again. This airstrike was nothing more than wagging the dog. It's time for the media to stop pandering to trump, and to stop providing accolades for behavior that would be expected of an 8th grader.
Thank you for saying what must be said, over and over again. This airstrike was nothing more than wagging the dog. It's time for the media to stop pandering to trump, and to stop providing accolades for behavior that would be expected of an 8th grader.
12
While many debate the best course of action to address the situation in Syria, make no mistake, the missile strike on that airbase had nothing to do with the children of that country, or the horrible images of men and women writhing in agony until they died. It had everything to do with a weak, insignificant man pretending to have a foreign policy because he can push the launch button. And don't be surprised if, in the next few weeks, you see Nikki Haley addressing the United Nations, as Colin Powell once did, holding a mysterious vial. Only this time she'll claim the vial contains the tears of beautiful babies killed by Assad, not of those denied asylum by a callous immigration policy.
5
This Syria attack merely proves that Trump indeed has the attention span of toddler- the only reason he attacked appears to be because he saw footage of dying babies, much the way you can only get a 2 year old to respond by waving a rattle. What if he hadn't seen footage of the gas attack, would he have responded then? Probably not. This man's obtuseness knows no bounds, he didn't give two wits about this civil war last week, now he was "moved to act". What a joke.
261
Given recent Syrian successes on the battlefield and what looks like the end of the resistance, doesn't it seem strange that Syria would now haul out banned chemical weapons to strike a thinly held, previously devastated farming community? Limited tactical gain, substantial collateral damage, and near certain strategic risk, for what?
Release satellite imagery of the day prior to the attack and count the number of flyable aircraft departing the field and not returning. I would bet that there were few if any flyable aircraft on the airfield when it was struck. Notable we the left the runways useable.
This reeks of Russian set up. They are playing a long game, while we are playing pickup.
Release satellite imagery of the day prior to the attack and count the number of flyable aircraft departing the field and not returning. I would bet that there were few if any flyable aircraft on the airfield when it was struck. Notable we the left the runways useable.
This reeks of Russian set up. They are playing a long game, while we are playing pickup.
3
When the missiles were announced, I was horrified. The picture of a tiny boy washed up on a Mediterranean beach didn't move Trump? The picture of the shell shocked boy, covered in concrete dust, in the ambulance didn't give Trump urgency? Suddenly, now that Trump is in charge of a trigger, he is 'moved by precious dead babies?' Wow.
No policy, no thought, no plan. But it worked, it knocked the Russian influence story straight off the New York Times and the Washington Post for 48 hours. And got Trump called presidential again. This might be worth it if the President actually had a plan, or opened up the country for refugees; but he doesn't, and he won't. And yes, this does make us weaker.
No policy, no thought, no plan. But it worked, it knocked the Russian influence story straight off the New York Times and the Washington Post for 48 hours. And got Trump called presidential again. This might be worth it if the President actually had a plan, or opened up the country for refugees; but he doesn't, and he won't. And yes, this does make us weaker.
506
This stunt just amplified trumps shallowness and cynicism.
In this latest action, trump has just taken his reality show presidency to a new level - and a dangerous one at that.
5
Thank you for pointing out the obvious that so many "pundits" and newscasters like Brian Williams have chosen to ignore. The strike was basically ineffective, it was a ruse to distract us from all that has been happening in this administration since its beginnings, it seems to be based, by Trump's own admission on a quick gut reaction, and it contradicts everything in his previous positon concerning Syria and his insensibility to the horrendous suffering of the Syrians up until this point.
251
"Thank you for pointing out the obvious that so many "pundits" and newscasters like Brian Williams have chosen to ignore.'
Brian Williams has proven to be the Donald Trump of serious newscasters. He had me going there for a while.
Brian Williams has proven to be the Donald Trump of serious newscasters. He had me going there for a while.
Here's another hint: Trump doesn't need a coherent policy on anything. He
knows that half his audience is just as shallow as he, and the other half is silent. Can there be any other explanation for the current state of the nation? It's time for people who truly know a thing or two to come out of the shadows.
knows that half his audience is just as shallow as he, and the other half is silent. Can there be any other explanation for the current state of the nation? It's time for people who truly know a thing or two to come out of the shadows.
2
The TAXES ?
2
We have a 14 year old president. The worst part is that it is a doltish 14 year old with a bad attitude.
2
Now, more than ever, Resist!
2
Excellent article. Clearly Trump is a paper tiger, an emperor with no clothes, a dangerous joke. Clearly he is no leader. Clearly he has no plan other than to feed his ego another cookie. Clearly he he lacks the ability to read and comprehend his briefing materials and to merely think.
4
Trump is all hat and no cattle.
2
I guess the daily bombings of Syria by Obama for the past 6 years and the arming by proxy via Saudi Arabia of al Nusra, Isis and al Quaeda in Syria were just publicity stunts too.
1
Trump isn't the president, he's the TV-Star-in-Chief.
2
It appears to me that the Syrian people do not have the luxury of looking, as they say, a gift horse in the mouth. They will take any support they can get against their failed president.
Yes Sir, you are right. However we have hope for the good of America.
Carl Bernstein, who is not a Republican, wrote in one of his books: " It would be difficult to overstate the chaos of the first one hundred days of the Clinton presidency or the shock to the established political order that the Clintons and their exhausted retinue brought to Washington..."
At the end of the day, as we say, they corrected the situation.
Maybe "The Few Good Men" who another great NY Times writer mentioned a few days ago are starting to act in order to help President Trump. If the President has problems, America too.
Carl Bernstein, who is not a Republican, wrote in one of his books: " It would be difficult to overstate the chaos of the first one hundred days of the Clinton presidency or the shock to the established political order that the Clintons and their exhausted retinue brought to Washington..."
At the end of the day, as we say, they corrected the situation.
Maybe "The Few Good Men" who another great NY Times writer mentioned a few days ago are starting to act in order to help President Trump. If the President has problems, America too.
it is all easy to understand when you see this as the new reality show "Donald Trump's American Democracy". there is nothing more going on. every once in a while a member of his administration may say or do something like tillerson criticizing russia but it's just another hoax. i wonder when people like tillerson mcmaster and mattis will find better things to do than perform in this farcical show. barnum and bailey is shutting down but a new circus has opened in DC.
That Trump is chaotic, impetuous and shallow is self-evident. What is truly disturbing is the incoherent, rudderless and freewheeling cabinet that he has working for him, and supposedly for the good of the nation. Do these cabinet members take Trump literally, symbolically, metaphorically, seriously or not at all and do their own thing? Tillerson and Haley flip-flopping, Mattis and McMaster doing what they know best as Generals, and the climate change deniers and Goldman Sachs alumni doing their thing - and the self-serving GOP's so called leadership making hay while the sun shines... It is a circus with dire consequences for the nation and the world already.
6
I chuckle every time the phrase "Trump's policy on..." appears. He has no policies, he has no doctrines. During his campaign, whatever was expedient was his line for the day. Nothing has changed.
2
He's always been purely a marketing guy. No follow-through. Why anyone expected anything else, or thought he'd make a good president is beyond me.
3
I had met Trump supporters over a friend's birthday this weekend . I am so sorry for their "ignorance" . They simply ignore everything ... There is not even a reason for argument since they ignore everything . It is amazing how they look exactly like the President . I am so sorry !
1
Geez, Paul, he put his son-in-law in charge of middle east peace. What more could he do?
With his performance as president one wonders how his hotels got built.
1
OPM, didn't you know?
I'd like some actual proof that Assad is behind the gas attacks. Too much to ask?
1
President Andrew Shepherd: [in the Oval Office] What I did tonight was not about political gain.
Leon Kodak: "Yes sir. But it can be, sir. What you did tonight was very Presidential."
President Andrew Shepherd: "Leon, somewhere in Libya right now, a janitor's working the night shift at Libyan Intelligence Headquarters. He's going about doing his job... because he has no idea, in about an hour he's going to die in a massive explosion. He's just going about his job, because he has no idea that about an hour ago I gave an order to have him killed. You've just seen me do the least Presidential thing I do."
Leon Kodak: "Yes sir. But it can be, sir. What you did tonight was very Presidential."
President Andrew Shepherd: "Leon, somewhere in Libya right now, a janitor's working the night shift at Libyan Intelligence Headquarters. He's going about doing his job... because he has no idea, in about an hour he's going to die in a massive explosion. He's just going about his job, because he has no idea that about an hour ago I gave an order to have him killed. You've just seen me do the least Presidential thing I do."
2
Consistency is "hobglobbinism" if DJT changes his mind, as the attack's popularity seems to indicate.
Purists, ideologues, and cynical pundits are duly complaining.
That his instinctual decision is also a calculated publicity stunt is oxymoronic
at least until one realizes that such is dynamic reality.
The medium is the message.
The news video of the babies horrible deaths trumps.
Purists, ideologues, and cynical pundits are duly complaining.
That his instinctual decision is also a calculated publicity stunt is oxymoronic
at least until one realizes that such is dynamic reality.
The medium is the message.
The news video of the babies horrible deaths trumps.
I was trying for satire and came-up with the misspelling.
I'm blaming that d "g" word which semi fascinates at least every Oct 31st.
Satire ought not be mixed with another gruesome war incident, anyhow.
Joseph Heller, for shame.
DJT caused me to do it.
Meanwhile, find some genuine Waldo meaning:
" Hobgoblin of little minds meaning:
A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. Emerson believed that people need to stop foolishly following everyone else, and become self-reliant."
Hey, would RWE be a GOPer, anyway?
I'm blaming that d "g" word which semi fascinates at least every Oct 31st.
Satire ought not be mixed with another gruesome war incident, anyhow.
Joseph Heller, for shame.
DJT caused me to do it.
Meanwhile, find some genuine Waldo meaning:
" Hobgoblin of little minds meaning:
A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. Emerson believed that people need to stop foolishly following everyone else, and become self-reliant."
Hey, would RWE be a GOPer, anyway?
It is amazing that people think that sending bombs to an airfield makes Trump presidential. This isn't presidential it is grandstanding. Are Americans so gullible? I guess they are.
3
Umm, he's president. Yes, they're *that* gullible.
Dr. Krugman,
Decrying Trump won't evict him from the White House. To do that, his opponents must merge all their issues into a pro-Constitution platform backed by Constitutional law experts.
Decrying Trump won't evict him from the White House. To do that, his opponents must merge all their issues into a pro-Constitution platform backed by Constitutional law experts.
1
Trump, saw his approval rating in the dump, has President Xi at Mar a Lago and becomes "Putinesque", lobes a few bombs with no strategy.
3
Once again, Paul Krugman, you are the voice of sanity and reason. Thank you!
4
There is no strategy, no policy. It's all IMPROV.
"...the form of theatre, often comedy, in which most or all of what is
performed is unplanned or unscripted: created spontaneously by the
performers. In its purest form, the dialogue, action, story, and characters
are created collaboratively by the players as the improvisation unfolds in
present time, without use of an already prepared, written script."
(Google)
Except that it is not comedy. People are dying...going to die.
Trump has reduced foreign and domesic policy into IMPROV. Into a game of governance whack-a-mole....
"...the form of theatre, often comedy, in which most or all of what is
performed is unplanned or unscripted: created spontaneously by the
performers. In its purest form, the dialogue, action, story, and characters
are created collaboratively by the players as the improvisation unfolds in
present time, without use of an already prepared, written script."
(Google)
Except that it is not comedy. People are dying...going to die.
Trump has reduced foreign and domesic policy into IMPROV. Into a game of governance whack-a-mole....
Trump's launch of Tomahawk missiles was entirely predictable. Tomahawks are just Tweets in tangible form. We can expect more Tomahawks in the coming weeks and months. Unfortunately, Tomahawks may result in unintended consequences such as a new Korean war or superpower conflict with Russia and China. Not that Trump has the wit to know or care.
4
"Publicity Stunts Aren't Policy?"
Somebody should have mentioned this to Barack Obama. He publicity-stunted his way through eight years, doing late-night talk shows while the Middle East melted down and China muscled up.
But that's OK, because Krugman forgives all if you have a (D) after your name.
Somebody should have mentioned this to Barack Obama. He publicity-stunted his way through eight years, doing late-night talk shows while the Middle East melted down and China muscled up.
But that's OK, because Krugman forgives all if you have a (D) after your name.
Bush had his publicity stunt with "Mission Impossible"! That was disgusting to see from a President!
2
Trump is our president. OMG, we are now witnessing one of our worst fears. As president he has the power to destroy the world with reckless regard for his consequences. Will somebody tell FOXNews to report the real news not the fake news because if they don't Trump is going to get us all killed.
2
Thank you! You're the only journalist I trust.
The buck stops...well...we're still waiting to find out, Snake-oil-in-chief.
Trump is similarly appeasing conservatives with all the regulatory roll backs and challenges to anything deemed liberal or progressive. What happens when he runs out of these publicity stunts? Because these aren't governing or leading either. He's handing out cake to the mob. And we know what happens when the mob has no cake.
1
Mr. Krugman's view of the media is exactly what got us into this Trump mess in the first place. It is hard to believe that the media will follow like sheep, or as George Kennan said, like lemmings falling into the sea. Mr. Kennan, as the architect of U.S. foreign policy after WWII, would be appalled at what passes for foreign policy today; Twitter Re-Election Diplomacy. The Republicans will need their re-election war for 2020, so stay tuned; every elected Republican Administration since 1968 has used war and militarism to get re-elected, expect the same, and more, from Trump.
1
Most disappointing of all is to see otherwise sober-minded commentators comparing Trump's knee-jerk Syrian airstrike favorably to Obama's cautious-if-unspectacular attempt to prevent further WMD usage by making Assad give up his chemical arsenal. That the strategy failed is not the point. That it showed Obama's maturity -- to take political heat while attempting to do something very hard -- is the point. I'm not sure we'll see anything so nuanced from this generals-dominated White House.
11
Just as every action by Obama wasn't perfect , neither is every action by Trump a failure. The encouraging aspects of the missile launch is that it seems he was following grown up advice for a proportionate response (and not mr bannon's), and that he seems capable of learning and changing his mind, both admirable aspects of an otherwise terrifying presidency. I do however have real questions about why expensive military hardware was used that was relatively ineffective in disabling an airfield, if that was the real goal.
1
There's nothing good that can come from an "otherwise terrifying presidency"...you don't rejoice because a broken clock is right twice a day.
He has a very long way to go to prove that this kind of rationallization is more than just magical thinking. There is nothing whatsoever to indicate the man has any kind of intellectual maturity or real respect for the office of POTUS. I only hope that he doesn't develop a taste for the testosterone-loaded thrill of calling air strikes and playing with soldiers
What we're witnessing in the military response to Syria, with the timing in relation to the meeting with China in Florida & the dispatch of the warship toward North Korea, are signs that the Trump administration's foreign policy is now being conducted exactly as that of a Rubio, Cruz, or Bush.
Placed on indefinite hold are the wall, public works & other poetical campaign pronouncements. The Trump supporters butterfly (a moth to detractors), has now become the bee, stinging adversaries around the world, until swarming subsides and the honey making begins. We're great again, whether building or destroying. How sweet it is!
Placed on indefinite hold are the wall, public works & other poetical campaign pronouncements. The Trump supporters butterfly (a moth to detractors), has now become the bee, stinging adversaries around the world, until swarming subsides and the honey making begins. We're great again, whether building or destroying. How sweet it is!
1
Let's look behind the curtain folks. While the MSM is once again all Trump 24/7 with his latest stunt (that is all it was) in Syria, what have the Trump Administration been up to?
Very ominous was the movement of a navy fleet towards the Korean peninsula.
Why? Are Trump and his generals planning another proportionate strike against North Korea?
While Trump played the Syrian fiddle, what was the outcome of Trump's meetings with President Xi and the Chinese delegation? The buildup for weeks leading to this gathering at Mar-a-Lago received minimal coverage. Was Trump the tough negotiator? What was said, how did it go? The Chinese were not impressed by Trump's bluster bombs. Will they help with North Korea?
Attorney General Sessions has been busy turning back the justice clock. Agreements for oversight and reform of local police departments found to have abused the law are now no longer binding. Sessions is moving ahead with the Trumpian 'law and order' campaign pledge. He is thinking of reinstating minimum and harsh sentencing requirements especially for drug offenses. Watch out for the private prisons to start filling up with anyone brown.
All of the above a not getting the media scrutiny they deserve because we are all debating Trump's actions and motives. This is what we get when we elect a President who has as his first priority to make money for himself out of this presidential gig, who lies daily and spreads fake facts like Easter eggs on the lawn.
Very ominous was the movement of a navy fleet towards the Korean peninsula.
Why? Are Trump and his generals planning another proportionate strike against North Korea?
While Trump played the Syrian fiddle, what was the outcome of Trump's meetings with President Xi and the Chinese delegation? The buildup for weeks leading to this gathering at Mar-a-Lago received minimal coverage. Was Trump the tough negotiator? What was said, how did it go? The Chinese were not impressed by Trump's bluster bombs. Will they help with North Korea?
Attorney General Sessions has been busy turning back the justice clock. Agreements for oversight and reform of local police departments found to have abused the law are now no longer binding. Sessions is moving ahead with the Trumpian 'law and order' campaign pledge. He is thinking of reinstating minimum and harsh sentencing requirements especially for drug offenses. Watch out for the private prisons to start filling up with anyone brown.
All of the above a not getting the media scrutiny they deserve because we are all debating Trump's actions and motives. This is what we get when we elect a President who has as his first priority to make money for himself out of this presidential gig, who lies daily and spreads fake facts like Easter eggs on the lawn.
18
"Look at me. Look at me" say the autocrat on the TV screen.
But government--like a real invisible hand--works when no one is watching; where no one can see.
The rules--policies--constitute the game; the players--superstars or not--must play by the rules. Otherwise it's cheating. Whimsical executive action, like bills of attainder and biased referees, violate due process, the rule of law and even football.
Even professional sports--teams privately owned by the mega rich--need leagues, commissioners, unions and collective agreements and policies. Otherwise there'd be no games. So too with international trade.
So too with the economy in general. It is really a "political-economy"--as the GOP well knows, pretending the economy is somehow politically transcendent--a reality above and beyond property, tax and labor law--with invisible puppet strings only they can pull--like gnostic theists.
But government--like a real invisible hand--works when no one is watching; where no one can see.
The rules--policies--constitute the game; the players--superstars or not--must play by the rules. Otherwise it's cheating. Whimsical executive action, like bills of attainder and biased referees, violate due process, the rule of law and even football.
Even professional sports--teams privately owned by the mega rich--need leagues, commissioners, unions and collective agreements and policies. Otherwise there'd be no games. So too with international trade.
So too with the economy in general. It is really a "political-economy"--as the GOP well knows, pretending the economy is somehow politically transcendent--a reality above and beyond property, tax and labor law--with invisible puppet strings only they can pull--like gnostic theists.
4
Trump continues to be the "headline president". He pushes the button on the missile strike, he signs the executive order, but the details and sustainable policies are details for others to figure out. While I agree with the message in this latest headline, I, like others, need to see a sustainable policy on Syria. Are we getting involved for humanitarian reasons? Are we trying to broker peace talks? Push the Russians out? What is our long term goal and game plan to achieve it. The world, literally, is watching.
3
Good judgment when faced with conflicting advice on making decisions is the great necessity in a president. For whatever reason, the American people elected a man who has shown himself, through his history, to be a liar and a cheat and a man who lives by creating misleading appearances. If the harm that this man likely will cause through his blustering gross incompetence were limited to those who voted for him, the nation would still suffer horribly and unnecessarily. Or if we put the Generals who know something about making and avoiding war in charge, we end up with a military dictatorship. The answer lies in how willing the republican party is in taking the risk that this incompetent will cause irreparable harm to the nation. Where is the 25th Amendment when this nation needs honorable people with backbone in the Congress ?
13
It is true, Dr Krugman, but those stunts were made for trumpkin's consumption, they believe he brought those Carrier jobs back already, and no one can convince them otherwise. If we we have several meeger jobs reports in a raw then war (punishing bad guys) becomes an option to rack up popularity.
1
All you need to know about the Trump administration can be found in two movies: "Wag the Dog", about a spin doctor who concots a fake war with Albania to distract from a presidential sex scandal, and "The Mouse That Roared", about a small country that declares war on the United States in order to lose and rebuild itself with American largesse. Donald Trump is easily led, not a leader, and we've seen the likes of him before.
7
A chemical bombing by Assad is not fake. And the Russian meddling story had been replaced by the Susan Rice story. So your theory is null and void.
A perfect summation of Trump's lack of ability to sustain any coherent thought/create any coherent policies, and the insane amount of media support he has received. Yesterday an article noted that Trump received an estimated $2.9 billion in free advertising from the media during the campaign relative to Hillary Clinton. Of course the GOP isn't going to do anything but applaud Trump (or stay silent) in response to anything Trump does, regardless of its level of atrociousness.
But, Dr. Krugman, why didn't your column mention the lack of opposition by the Democrats in Congress to Trump's missile mania? If Obama had launched a bunch of Tomahawks at Syria without Congressional approval, you can bet the ranch that McConnell and Ryan would have gone ballistic (so to speak) about the fact that he had failed to get such approval.
The Democrats need to stand as a group in opposition to whatever Trump does. If they don't, they'll be losing even more seats in 2018 and 2020.
But, Dr. Krugman, why didn't your column mention the lack of opposition by the Democrats in Congress to Trump's missile mania? If Obama had launched a bunch of Tomahawks at Syria without Congressional approval, you can bet the ranch that McConnell and Ryan would have gone ballistic (so to speak) about the fact that he had failed to get such approval.
The Democrats need to stand as a group in opposition to whatever Trump does. If they don't, they'll be losing even more seats in 2018 and 2020.
7
There can be no doubt that use of chemical weapons is a heinous crime. This is especially true when the victims are defenseless men, women and children caught in a conflict that props up a brutal dictator such as Assad.
However, it is reprehensible that Trump seized upon this horrific crime as a pretext for striking against Assad, especially given Trump's prior lack of concerns and admonitions to Obama in response to previous use of chemical agents against civilians. Trump's missile strike against Syria was another in his long line of deflections of attention from the daily revelations of the Russia scandal and the resulting delegitimization of Trump's presidency.
There is a breath-taking stench to this expensive and pointless misdirection, given that both the Russians and Syrians were notified in advance of the strike, there was minimal damage to the airstrip, and no known destruction of whatever banned chemical weapons Assad still may have.
There should be little doubt that this was a pre-planned action intended to provide Trump the opportunity as a 'war-time president' to drown out his critics at home. [Incredible cinematography from a warship!] It also provides Trump an appearance of distance from Putin, while letting Putin appear 'tough' in condemning the US strike, given recent anti-government rallies in Russia. And, not coincidentally, Assad is assured of Russia's continued military support.
Putin, Assad, and Trump benefited; American policy-making lost.
However, it is reprehensible that Trump seized upon this horrific crime as a pretext for striking against Assad, especially given Trump's prior lack of concerns and admonitions to Obama in response to previous use of chemical agents against civilians. Trump's missile strike against Syria was another in his long line of deflections of attention from the daily revelations of the Russia scandal and the resulting delegitimization of Trump's presidency.
There is a breath-taking stench to this expensive and pointless misdirection, given that both the Russians and Syrians were notified in advance of the strike, there was minimal damage to the airstrip, and no known destruction of whatever banned chemical weapons Assad still may have.
There should be little doubt that this was a pre-planned action intended to provide Trump the opportunity as a 'war-time president' to drown out his critics at home. [Incredible cinematography from a warship!] It also provides Trump an appearance of distance from Putin, while letting Putin appear 'tough' in condemning the US strike, given recent anti-government rallies in Russia. And, not coincidentally, Assad is assured of Russia's continued military support.
Putin, Assad, and Trump benefited; American policy-making lost.
20
Journalism about the President is still in a pathetic state, thinking that the use of a teleprompter and the launch of a few cruise missiles add up to "Presidential" behavior.
We have to support the alternative media sites that call it like it is because even the best of the big media are faltering in their attempts to get a handle on Trump; they have been repeatedly chumped.
Trump is an incompetent fool. We can't afford to be the same - that's what got us into this mess.
We have to support the alternative media sites that call it like it is because even the best of the big media are faltering in their attempts to get a handle on Trump; they have been repeatedly chumped.
Trump is an incompetent fool. We can't afford to be the same - that's what got us into this mess.
12
The media, MSM, is now exposed for the Trump junkies they are. Ready to main line any and ever second an opportunity presents itself. The buzz is all praise and glory. Such a heady concoction of visions and sounds. Reality is now in the distant past. The mindless and lazy rule the day. Apparitions and mirages fool all. Solid footing or quick sand, they care not. A space shot to nowhere.
2
Trump won in large part because he promised to "clean the swamp." Trump keeping Obama-Clinton moles in place, as well as assorted apolitical hack-opportunists like Comey—and to do so shockingly even after exposure of Obama's treasonous sabotage of the Trump presidency—sadly suggest Trump's priorities may lie elsewhere.
Is Trump's own legal position too tenuous? Is Trump too compromised himself to rout out the filth? Is Trump sacrificing country to the Trump family brand?
It doesn't help matters that the GOP, recusing itself into oblivion, is utterly devoid of street smarts. I suspect the silver-spooned Trump should be included here. One mustn't confuse an inarticulate, bigmouth vulgarian cum Queens accent and free-flowing ArchieBunker-isms with a real NYC street-fighter. (Many NYC street-fighters are, in fact, quite eloquent.)
Where are the investigations of the Clintons, Obama, Rice et al.? Where are the indictments?
Is Trump's own legal position too tenuous? Is Trump too compromised himself to rout out the filth? Is Trump sacrificing country to the Trump family brand?
It doesn't help matters that the GOP, recusing itself into oblivion, is utterly devoid of street smarts. I suspect the silver-spooned Trump should be included here. One mustn't confuse an inarticulate, bigmouth vulgarian cum Queens accent and free-flowing ArchieBunker-isms with a real NYC street-fighter. (Many NYC street-fighters are, in fact, quite eloquent.)
Where are the investigations of the Clintons, Obama, Rice et al.? Where are the indictments?
2
Where is the evidence that all these scandals you describe are actually real?
2
• "Where are the investigations of the Clintons? Where are the indictments?"
Oh, haven't you heard about the Clintons?
"They're good people." Trump said so.
Oh, haven't you heard about the Clintons?
"They're good people." Trump said so.
1
Not only has the media bent over backward to show "balance" in its coverage of Trump, but our Republican Congress has also decided to ignore the fact that an unbalanced nincompoop is in charge of the government. The scheming and grasping of Mitch McConnell and his gang of vultures is almost more dangerous than Trump's idiocy. Their transparent contempt for the American people and the constitution is disgusting. They are so hungry for power that they are willing to overlook Trump's lying, his conflicts and his ignorance. They think that they won't have to answer for their kowtowing to the madman, but they will. History is not kind to collaborators.
5
Any person with the slightest interest about what has been happening in Syria could satisfy that curiosity with a few moments of research on the Internet. Graphic images of the death and destruction have been around for years. One would hope that whatever policy now exists regarding Syria is based on more than a momentary reaction to the latest horrific images. Sadly but expectedly, the White House isn't saying.
1
If, by some miracle, the country is able to survive this illegitimate presidency, there will have to be a final accounting of not just the Republicans who protected this traitorous group, but also the media that failed to show courage and do its job of accurately investigating who did what and for what reasons.
5
Trump has turned to the one thing many presidents (W) have used to look presidential, military action. War is popular as long as there aren't too many body bags coming home.
3
While a slightly different flavor, and admittedly the situationn in Syria is a horrible situation, this is just the same old Republican playbook going back to Reagan and Granada - beat up on s small country to show we're tough and use that for positve publicity for ourselves.
The situation is afar more difficult situation to resolve and isn't really amenable to Reagan's Granada solution.
The situation is afar more difficult situation to resolve and isn't really amenable to Reagan's Granada solution.
5
trump has two concerns, promoting his businesses world wide and being number one rating in the news. As is clear from over 50 years of his behavior, He does not care how he realizes these ends. he is a con man.
9
If I thought this man was capable of learning, of empathy, of understanding I would have some hope for our nation. I hate reality TV, I hate that our government has become as absurd.
9
Am I being too harsh in saying that at least 35% of Americans and 75% of local TV station "journalists" aren't deep thinkers? Top that off with a significant loss of rationality that seems to occur neurologically to white people over the age of 40, especially to men, and especially to those who listen to Rush Limbaugh and other right-wing radio ranters...and therein lies a problem much larger and more dangerous to the nation than Trump.
12
Subtext: Raytheon manufactures the missiles. trump owns stock in Raytheon. trump recalls that cheney made $40 billion for his company, and a $34 million personal payday, by lying the US into the Iraq war. gop war-profiteering presidents.
8
Krugman is missing it here. Not because he is wrong- but because he is not weaving together the pattern of actions that suggest we are headed to a nuclear war- whether starting in the Middle East or the Korean peninsula.
Indeed, the potential for miscalculation is now greater than in any time in American history. We are in deep trouble. Deep. This is not just show versus substance- this is impending disaster.
Indeed, the potential for miscalculation is now greater than in any time in American history. We are in deep trouble. Deep. This is not just show versus substance- this is impending disaster.
4
Looking at the picture of Trump and company hunkered in the secure room at his private club Mar Largo, while he supposedly questioned his choices in response to Syria's chemical weapons use, one can't help but wonder what kinds of questions he asked? Will this help my poll numbers or make the Russia investigation go away? Exactly how many missiles will it take to shock and awe? ...And the most important one, will Vlad still help me in the 2020 election if I attack his other best bud?
2
And where is Congress? If there ever was a president for whom Congress should check by invoking its constitutional power of declaring war (or not declaring war), it's Trump.
3
Trump doesn't have a clue about where to go from here. He can't even handle the basics like appointment of the hundreds of officials necessary to run an effective government. He resorts to simplistic gestures like useless missile strikes to focus the attention away from his ineptness. Another war in the Middle East would probably aid his cause.
1
The media loves click-bait and Trump is click-bait. Wars always lead to higher ratings, especially as Brian Williams cooed images of missiles being fired and things being blown up. Given that Trump has been rewarded with positive press in Syria, I expect a lot more missile and special forces actions to come. I fear we will attack North Korea very soon.
4
With apologies to Metallica this column should be titled: Enter Strawman.
"No doubt the Assad forces took some real losses, but there’s no reason to believe that a one-time action will have any effect on the course of Syria’s civil war."
Really? And who said it would? Face it, the Obama administration put the Syrian civil war on a path where options are very, very limited. Heck of a job Barack!
What the strike did accomplish, and the real problem from Mr. Krugman's standpoint, is expose, again, the utter fecklessness of Obama's hollow redline statement as well as his subsequent statements that negotiations had removed Syria's CW stockpiles. It also provided reassurance to our allies, and worry to our foes, that this president's foreign policy will be more than empty words with no willingness to back them with action. The fact that the Chinese president happened to be nearby is a bonus.
"No doubt the Assad forces took some real losses, but there’s no reason to believe that a one-time action will have any effect on the course of Syria’s civil war."
Really? And who said it would? Face it, the Obama administration put the Syrian civil war on a path where options are very, very limited. Heck of a job Barack!
What the strike did accomplish, and the real problem from Mr. Krugman's standpoint, is expose, again, the utter fecklessness of Obama's hollow redline statement as well as his subsequent statements that negotiations had removed Syria's CW stockpiles. It also provided reassurance to our allies, and worry to our foes, that this president's foreign policy will be more than empty words with no willingness to back them with action. The fact that the Chinese president happened to be nearby is a bonus.
1
just what do you think he accomplished? They were flying sorties out of there the next day
He warned them to keep Putin from getting upset with him.
He warned them to keep Putin from getting upset with him.
Unfortunately, I suspect the Syria attack was a dog whistle to Trump's anti-abortion base. The sudden emotion (fake tears?) over the dead babies sounds too much like a pro-life slogan and all those billboards with scare photos of fetuses.
3
Trump is a
Pretend President; a shallow, insipid man who lies and makes promises he can't keep, and in fact, is not that bright. And we can be sure his decisions will not be that well thought out, nor consequences considered. Like a baby, he seeks constant gratification and reassurance, and that is his only goal.
Pretend President; a shallow, insipid man who lies and makes promises he can't keep, and in fact, is not that bright. And we can be sure his decisions will not be that well thought out, nor consequences considered. Like a baby, he seeks constant gratification and reassurance, and that is his only goal.
4
Besides an executive order here or there, apparently to get revenge on President Obama for embarrassing him at the white house correspondents dinners, Trump has assigned the actual duties of the president to Jared Kushner. Meanwhile the republican congress eliminates government polices that benefit those Americans that not part of the top 20% economically.
How do the workers touch the victims of the Sarin gas attacks.?I thought Sarin Gas couldn't even be touched? Doesn't make sense. Good intelligence says it was fertilizer factory that was bombed and the chemicals mixed together to create the toxic mix.
If that is true it would follow logic that Putin, Trump and Assad actually work together, and the supposed friction is just for public consumption.
How do the workers touch the victims of the Sarin gas attacks.?I thought Sarin Gas couldn't even be touched? Doesn't make sense. Good intelligence says it was fertilizer factory that was bombed and the chemicals mixed together to create the toxic mix.
If that is true it would follow logic that Putin, Trump and Assad actually work together, and the supposed friction is just for public consumption.
3
Facts are inconvenient at times. But the fact is nothing changed in Syria except we bombed some airfields after we had told the Russians and therefore the Syrians, before we did it. And no, as Wilbur Ross blurted out like a senile old man, we didn't wipe out 20% of the Syrian air force. What we did was spend 28 million dollars on missiles alone in a publicity campaign. But there is a much larger story here to be unmasked. What happened here first is that about 100 human beings were exposed to sarin gas and died a painful death for the political charade to follow. Somehow this charade was communicated to those in the Trump administration as coordination and clarity were necessary to ensure a passive Russian response to a measured U.S. action. That means covert communication exchange is going on away from the security services of the U.S. which is disconcerting, yes? So we bombed an airfield Syria knew was going to be bombed and the proof of the charade was that it was fully operational after we bombed it and that has been confirmed already by the media as planes took off and resumed their bombing missions the same day. So the "Wag the Dog" operation cost over 100 people their lives so that Trump could change the media focus. There is deplorable and then there is something much worse and that is what we just saw last week, a lying President willing to have other human beings die for his benefit. That makes him complicit to murder with Putin. So much for the right to life.
6
If you asked me what the best sound was in the world, I would declare it to be the laughter of a child. That would be the basis for my domestic and foreign policy were America foolish enough to give me the role as President. Embedded within this sound are many things: the child is loved, neither hungry nor threatened nor alone, healthy and at play. That is my definition of success as a civilized society. To the extent we drift from this benchmark, that is not civilization.
Mr. Trump's prime directive is also clear: self-promotion, self-enrichment and self-centered action. It's Trump Uber Alles. A Tweet here, a Tomahawk salvo there, an Executive Order everywhere.
A random walk through events is not a policy, Mr. Trump.
I am exactly as old as Mr. Trump. For our children, I will await the call of the nominating conventions.
Mr. Trump's prime directive is also clear: self-promotion, self-enrichment and self-centered action. It's Trump Uber Alles. A Tweet here, a Tomahawk salvo there, an Executive Order everywhere.
A random walk through events is not a policy, Mr. Trump.
I am exactly as old as Mr. Trump. For our children, I will await the call of the nominating conventions.
8
Or the call of impeachment.
2
Trump didn't grow an intellect, especially not one trained through learning to think rationally, with a pinch of taught logic thrown in.
Should that be held against him? Many people are in the same boat.
Inductive and, more importantly, deductive reasoning, built on argumentative and reductive proofs, have not themselves been around that long---really only since the ancient Greeks of immediate presocratic, then Athenian glory days.
Nor does Trump does seem particularly gifted for metaphorical expression and analogical reasoning, either. Those methods are, "...in the course of human events..." much broader, deeper and OLDER streams of consciousness (pun) than puritanically turning over cold logic rocks, then "grubbing" for any hard fact larvae that try to scuttle off, when exposed to (en)light(enment).
Maybe just as well, since the problem with reasoning from analogy, a habit developed by homo sapiens' earlier ancestors?---which likely led to the development of symbolic language?---is that you have to know where to stop!
Follow an analogy too far and you always go off the rails. Poetic, but non sequitur.
Project managers know upstream from down-, horizontal contributions, vertical integration---analogies! Only the good ones know industrial processes aren't rivers!
Trump's instinctive hyperbole would worry me, if he had analogy.
But instinct! He might have enough of that to pursue food (approval) and avoid pain (disapproval). Like an amoeba. For a while.
Should that be held against him? Many people are in the same boat.
Inductive and, more importantly, deductive reasoning, built on argumentative and reductive proofs, have not themselves been around that long---really only since the ancient Greeks of immediate presocratic, then Athenian glory days.
Nor does Trump does seem particularly gifted for metaphorical expression and analogical reasoning, either. Those methods are, "...in the course of human events..." much broader, deeper and OLDER streams of consciousness (pun) than puritanically turning over cold logic rocks, then "grubbing" for any hard fact larvae that try to scuttle off, when exposed to (en)light(enment).
Maybe just as well, since the problem with reasoning from analogy, a habit developed by homo sapiens' earlier ancestors?---which likely led to the development of symbolic language?---is that you have to know where to stop!
Follow an analogy too far and you always go off the rails. Poetic, but non sequitur.
Project managers know upstream from down-, horizontal contributions, vertical integration---analogies! Only the good ones know industrial processes aren't rivers!
Trump's instinctive hyperbole would worry me, if he had analogy.
But instinct! He might have enough of that to pursue food (approval) and avoid pain (disapproval). Like an amoeba. For a while.
1
Trump's reaction to what he saw on his TV machine about Syria apes how Reagan reacted to "The Day After". That show was a fiction about the impact of a nuclear apocalypse on ordinary Americans living in the heartland. Reagan was ostensibly genuinely moved by what he viewed, and surprised that nuclear war could be so horrible. The show made the H-bomb and the consequences of using it real to him; and it motivated him to reach out to Gorbachev and the Soviets to try roll back the raging arms race that was going on back in 1983. Something which, to their everlasting credit, they did.
So foreign policies inspired by TV are nothing new. Trump is following a precedent established by Saint Ronnie the Dim himself.
So foreign policies inspired by TV are nothing new. Trump is following a precedent established by Saint Ronnie the Dim himself.
3
The unprecednted Unpresident is a fool. We know that, and the rest of the world knows that. But he does control the world's largest and most power military and can unilaterally launch a nuclear attack. Here in San Francisco, I'm acutely aware that this idiot could incompetently convince his Korean co-idiots that they have nothing to lose by lobbing their still untested nukes at us. Oh what hand-wringing there would be if Silicon Valley were turned into Glass Valley. On the other had, that might slow down the AI-driven software automation for awhile, so as to be his most successful Labor Policy.
John Dean, of Watergate fame, was right when he said the Trump administration was in "cover-up" mode in order to obstruct the on-going investigations of this president and his staff. He should know.
As long as this president and his family continue to violate the emoluments clause and deconstruct Obamacare to be replaced with something much less effective, we will see more distracting behavior. Woe is us.
by Linda Selvia
As long as this president and his family continue to violate the emoluments clause and deconstruct Obamacare to be replaced with something much less effective, we will see more distracting behavior. Woe is us.
by Linda Selvia
6
Without a government what can Trump do even if he wanted to? I mean the scariest part of the Trump presidency is almost 3 month in and we have no government. Of the over 500 appointments requiring confirmation Trump has made less than 50. This is not the fault of the Senate or anyone but Trump. The State department for example has 2 of about 80 appointed jobs filled and no one up for confirmation. Tillerson claimed that it was because under Trump there would be fewer wars so he would not need as big a state department. But it is also true that not having an American government and therefore diminished American power and influence is also what Vladimir Putin most desires. Just saying.....
2
Good one. Since the morning after election day many people expected this jackanapes to start messing with bombs and missiles to replace his verbal mud. He is a stock figure, the loudmouth American tourist in a foreign country, the duping preacher who can veer from blubbering sentimentality to aggressive action and back again. During his campaign he showed us he is best fit to lead a lynching party. Now we have governance by whim. Trump is in a foreign country, a place the democratic myth characterizes as espousing rational and diplomatic discussion. Not even the whisper of that myth remains. and the biggest failure of all, the most grievous disappointment, is the hand-licking of most of the fearless 4th estate.
3
This has always been the play book for this administration: 1) Trade war with China when the economy starts to tank due to a lack of professional competent management by a ruling cohort looking to personally enrich themselves, so he can blame it on the Chinese, and 2) military engagement in the run up to Trump's reelection vote in 2020 vs a country that can't retaliate against the US, so he can run as a war time president.
Very disturbingly, Trump had to go to these plans much earlier than expected - in his first 100 days! - and lead with a military strike. Context matters, of course, and he did this while fully backing down from any tough stand on China due to the face to face negotiations he was having in real time with the Chinese president. With no actual plan re China and literally meeting face to face with an opposing word leader he had so regularly disparaged, Trump was at a loss, so he shifted and made a veiled threat by attacking Assad. The Chinese read that stunt for what it was - an empty that from a cowardly leader...
Very disturbingly, Trump had to go to these plans much earlier than expected - in his first 100 days! - and lead with a military strike. Context matters, of course, and he did this while fully backing down from any tough stand on China due to the face to face negotiations he was having in real time with the Chinese president. With no actual plan re China and literally meeting face to face with an opposing word leader he had so regularly disparaged, Trump was at a loss, so he shifted and made a veiled threat by attacking Assad. The Chinese read that stunt for what it was - an empty that from a cowardly leader...
2
Trump's very election was a publicity stunt gone horribly, horribly wrong. He was supposed to get some air time to make the signs of his name that he sells worth more. If, like the Republican voters always insist, government should be run more like a business, this incompetent would not survived his probationary period. We also would have have talked to his manager to how he got in the door in the first place. I don't see a single qualification on Trump's resume that makes him fit for the job. He needs to be removed from office because the path he is on is dangerous to American interests at home and abroad. His advisers, such as they are, range from an unhinged, Nazi-loving anti-Semite with some dopey ideas that have crawled out of a trailer park militia to making his overprivileged son-in-law his all-purpose errand boy. (This is how Tony Soprano and Saddam Hussein both "governed".) We don't need to debate Trump's abilities. He is Sarah Plain without the lipstick. The United States needs to be rid of this pitiful man. He is too stupid to fathom just how stupid he is.
8
Image, not content, has always been Trump's focus. (Content requires attention and, often, lots of reading to obtain a deep understanding).
Gold-plated lobbies in his buildings.
T-R-U-M-P in huge letters slapped on buildings (I mean, who does that???).
Fancy titles.
Personal jet.
Dramatic game show-- Fired!
Beautiful wives with lots of bling.
It is becoming clearer every day that he had no depth--of personality, intelligence, convictions or integrity.
Yes, he is an expert--of putting on a show. Nothing else.
Gold-plated lobbies in his buildings.
T-R-U-M-P in huge letters slapped on buildings (I mean, who does that???).
Fancy titles.
Personal jet.
Dramatic game show-- Fired!
Beautiful wives with lots of bling.
It is becoming clearer every day that he had no depth--of personality, intelligence, convictions or integrity.
Yes, he is an expert--of putting on a show. Nothing else.
4
It's become apparent that Mr. Trump has discovered our treasury, a deep well that's ripe for the pleasures of the family. In three months, the Trump family and its many associates have blown thru what has taken other administrations years to accrue.
More disturbing is Trumps discovery of how effective a military show of might can turn a lessor man into a giant, and how distracting a shock and awe campaign can be. And, if nothing else, Trump knows his base and how easy it is to use smoke to confuse.
It appears one thing is very clear, this administration is going to extract it's toll on all of us, in a few short months we now know the real cost of a Trump presidency . . .an enormous increase in the national debt and an empty treasury. This will be worse than 43.
More disturbing is Trumps discovery of how effective a military show of might can turn a lessor man into a giant, and how distracting a shock and awe campaign can be. And, if nothing else, Trump knows his base and how easy it is to use smoke to confuse.
It appears one thing is very clear, this administration is going to extract it's toll on all of us, in a few short months we now know the real cost of a Trump presidency . . .an enormous increase in the national debt and an empty treasury. This will be worse than 43.
3
What all con artists know is that all that matters is the lie. Make it big. Make it bold. People will follow you even if you never deliver on the promise. Trump has made a career of lying to people. He can't seem to stop. This is also characteristic of con artists or psychopaths. They use lies to navigate life and when they are caught, they keep lying. Trump's mistake is lying himself into the White House where eventually he will be backed into a corner. As a real estate developer he could be slimy and just pay off the lawsuits with a small percentage of the profits made from those "investments." But that strategy will not work as President. I predict he will keep lying until there is no one left to stand by him; the he'll be impeached.
1
Paul,
Has anyone asked how many of the poisoned children were there because of the difficulty of getting out of Syria? Because their parents decided that fleeing is futile? How many families have stayed, putting their children in danger, because western nations, especially the U.S., have collectively decided to take fewer and fewer refugees?
President Trump says that we aren't going to take any of the desperate people from Syria until we "figure it out". How about this, Mr. President: we act out of humanity and decency and take in our fair share of these refugees until the world "figures out" how to bring peace to Syria. Until then, no more manipulating the media with missiles. No more crocodile tears.
Has anyone asked how many of the poisoned children were there because of the difficulty of getting out of Syria? Because their parents decided that fleeing is futile? How many families have stayed, putting their children in danger, because western nations, especially the U.S., have collectively decided to take fewer and fewer refugees?
President Trump says that we aren't going to take any of the desperate people from Syria until we "figure it out". How about this, Mr. President: we act out of humanity and decency and take in our fair share of these refugees until the world "figures out" how to bring peace to Syria. Until then, no more manipulating the media with missiles. No more crocodile tears.
5
Every day the sense that what was left of our democracy after Citizens United and the Koch brothers' assault on public universities and the Congress can be salvaged, becomes less likely. Unless there is a miracle created by those of us in the streets convincing our congressional representatives that they need to think of us instead of their reelection, we become a mere shadow of our former selves as Americans.
The third assault on our democracy is corporative. Republicans scream that Démocrats take corporate money. Reason says they must if they are to compete with massive corporate expenditure for the Republicans, which has put us in the situation we are in. Creating an oligarchy while going international, is the big gain for them. After all, in complete control, they can keep the "citizenry" on slave wages as they get tax advantages and unrestrained power.
Survival of the founding fathers' dream? We can only fight for that miracle. The Science March and the Climate March are ahead. Will they, that is those of us in the streets get our message across?
The third assault on our democracy is corporative. Republicans scream that Démocrats take corporate money. Reason says they must if they are to compete with massive corporate expenditure for the Republicans, which has put us in the situation we are in. Creating an oligarchy while going international, is the big gain for them. After all, in complete control, they can keep the "citizenry" on slave wages as they get tax advantages and unrestrained power.
Survival of the founding fathers' dream? We can only fight for that miracle. The Science March and the Climate March are ahead. Will they, that is those of us in the streets get our message across?
2
"Is Mr. Trump making life-and-death national security decisions based on TV coverage?" Well yes, or rather, based on what TV coverage his aides show him. That shouldn't be a surprise. It fits what we already knew about him. As far as the "big question," President Obama may have been concerned about "starting something no one knew how to finish," but for President Trump that is a non-issue. Past actions and statements have no bearing on future actions and statements. He isn't bound by policy, he doesn't make policy, and his decisions aren't guided by policy. It isn't one of his words.
This is an entirely new dynamic in foreign affairs (and domestically as well). The President's actions are almost essentially arbitrary, since he isn't bound be reason or consistency. But he's got history's most powerful military at his beck and call. As he grows more familiar with the powers of President, we're likely to see more of this sort of thing. Sometimes it might do momentary good, sometimes ill, but it definitely is going to make the world more volatile.
This is an entirely new dynamic in foreign affairs (and domestically as well). The President's actions are almost essentially arbitrary, since he isn't bound be reason or consistency. But he's got history's most powerful military at his beck and call. As he grows more familiar with the powers of President, we're likely to see more of this sort of thing. Sometimes it might do momentary good, sometimes ill, but it definitely is going to make the world more volatile.
1
The Trump 'Presidency' is a PR stunt posing as an administration. I'm of the firm belief that this entire Trump mistake began as a media event and evidence of paid attendees at his announcement backs this theory up. The first few furtive weeks of the campaign were a joke. Then the media found that clicks and viewership increased with each successive week. Crazy sold.
This latest week of media coverage yet again proves that the press is still the leader of events and not the scribes of history. The pitiful display by right and left media personalities on the evening of the bombing was a clear demonstration that our Democracy is in the hands of monied interests willing to do anything for a tick up in the ratings or a marked increase in eyeballs on a page.
It's all fun and games until some country ends up dead; Coming up next, news at 11.
This latest week of media coverage yet again proves that the press is still the leader of events and not the scribes of history. The pitiful display by right and left media personalities on the evening of the bombing was a clear demonstration that our Democracy is in the hands of monied interests willing to do anything for a tick up in the ratings or a marked increase in eyeballs on a page.
It's all fun and games until some country ends up dead; Coming up next, news at 11.
2
I heard the news about Sandy Hook as it was first reported. It was difficult to maintain my composure while relating the story to my wife later that morning, much as President Obama had difficulty addressing the nation later that day. I find it incomprehensible that President Trump, who lived through the same experience and has weakened gun control laws, had an epiphany while watching television coverage of the victims of al-Assad’s barbarism.
It is at least suspicious that Trump had this sudden change of heart and “attacked” the airfield, which al-Assad immediately started using again. Standing up to Putin? Tillerson suddenly finding his voice? This seems to be one big publicity stunt choreographed by Trump and Putin.
It is at least suspicious that Trump had this sudden change of heart and “attacked” the airfield, which al-Assad immediately started using again. Standing up to Putin? Tillerson suddenly finding his voice? This seems to be one big publicity stunt choreographed by Trump and Putin.
4
Well said Dr. Krugman. The Tomahawk strike stimulated the tribal mentality the U.S. has possessed since the revolutionary war. Each military encounter following that war for independence has supported that mentality and has created a nation that is in fact extremely adept at making war. One must admit we're pretty good at military encounters and after two unpaid for wars in the Middle East, we have a seasoned and extremely capable military. Although the Viet Nam war was considered a loss overall, our guys won every battle we fought but for all the wrong reasons. Trump, now that his approval rating as elevated from 35% to 43% will see this as a tool that will make America great again. Bannon will do his part since he'll use that tribal mentality the country possesses as a trigger for more useless strikes and we'll still have a child for president with no coherent foreign policy. Everything from this moment forward will be for political purposes and the Republicans will glow with glee in their endless quest to feed the military industrial complex and keep the idiot's approval ratings up. Nothing will be between us and another military encounter. Will it be N. Korea? The Russians? The Tomahawk strike was useless and had no military value but was very helpful to Trump and the neo-cons who obstructed Obama when it could have made a difference. We should all be very afraid.
2
Neither Trump or the Republican Congress has any real interest in providing solid leadership for the American people.
Trump is still trying to run the country as he ran his business empire and the Republican Congress is still trying to satisfy their corporate sponsors.
And both Trump and the Republican congress are still, successfully, fooling their gullible supporters into thinking they actually are for the people.
Only in America.
Trump is still trying to run the country as he ran his business empire and the Republican Congress is still trying to satisfy their corporate sponsors.
And both Trump and the Republican congress are still, successfully, fooling their gullible supporters into thinking they actually are for the people.
Only in America.
3
To quote Charles Blow from a recent colunm: “To be sure, Donald Trump is a despicable man and an awful president who deserves whatever he gets. He is crude, a liar, a bully and a cheat. He is vainglorious and vengeful.” He is also way over his head and is incompetent and impulsive. One thing he is an expert on is, all consequences be damned, what in the moment, every moment, is good for Donald Trump.
In today’s paper I read that Tillerson will be taking a hard line with Russia and earlier that Putin is displeased with Trump. How much more difficult will it now be to revoke Obama’s sanctions for tampering with our election to elect Trump? Now if Putin was really vengeful he might complain that Trump is welshing on yet another deal and that after all he did to install Trump in the White House he forgot who put him there. But I don’t think that’s the deal.
With investigations into whether Trump colluded with a hostile foreign power to destroy Hillary Clinton and thereby elect Trump a seeming change in the bomance between Putin and Trump would be just the diversion needed. Trump having fired off those missiles as a reaction to the use of weapons of mass muder, Putin’s protest to an attack on a client state was just the thing to change the Trump-Russia discourse, for a while until the next Trump attack on our system of government,
In today’s paper I read that Tillerson will be taking a hard line with Russia and earlier that Putin is displeased with Trump. How much more difficult will it now be to revoke Obama’s sanctions for tampering with our election to elect Trump? Now if Putin was really vengeful he might complain that Trump is welshing on yet another deal and that after all he did to install Trump in the White House he forgot who put him there. But I don’t think that’s the deal.
With investigations into whether Trump colluded with a hostile foreign power to destroy Hillary Clinton and thereby elect Trump a seeming change in the bomance between Putin and Trump would be just the diversion needed. Trump having fired off those missiles as a reaction to the use of weapons of mass muder, Putin’s protest to an attack on a client state was just the thing to change the Trump-Russia discourse, for a while until the next Trump attack on our system of government,
3
The president will keep us amused for a while, then the economy will collapse, as it has so many times before under leadership of the party now in power, the adults will take over, then, due to the power of entropy, they will not be able to clean up the mess "fast enough." then the cycle restarts.
3
There is a question posed by the sustained slaughter of the Syrian people by that country's government. What could be worse than a government whose policy is to kill and maim tens of thousands of its own citizens year after year?
Are barrel bombs and mortar fire acceptable when chemical weapons are not?
The argument that taking out the leadership of a murderous regime would be the mere evolution to something worse raises the question of what could be worse than the present "government" of Syria.
The catastrophe of Syria offers no good options for the US and our allies. Humane treatment of refugees who manage to escape the murderous trap that is Syria is one policy that should be beyond question.
Options for effective interventions in Syria are hard to imagine and probably politically difficult or impossible to enact. Serious solutions are often characterized as stepping onto a slippery slope. A better metaphor may be jumping off a cliff.
And at this juncture, we "elect" Donald Trump.
Are barrel bombs and mortar fire acceptable when chemical weapons are not?
The argument that taking out the leadership of a murderous regime would be the mere evolution to something worse raises the question of what could be worse than the present "government" of Syria.
The catastrophe of Syria offers no good options for the US and our allies. Humane treatment of refugees who manage to escape the murderous trap that is Syria is one policy that should be beyond question.
Options for effective interventions in Syria are hard to imagine and probably politically difficult or impossible to enact. Serious solutions are often characterized as stepping onto a slippery slope. A better metaphor may be jumping off a cliff.
And at this juncture, we "elect" Donald Trump.
Twice in the last week Trump has tweeted thanks to "Al Sisi". I guess it's too much to ask that Trump get the names of the leaders of other countries right.
1
The riskiest aspect of this is not domestic reaction but reaction from hostile actors overseas. They can provoke Trump into a knee-jerk reaction, leading him around by the nose. Assad uses chemical weapons and Trump obediently blows up a few planes. Assad then immediately resumes bombing the same city from the same airbase demonstrating to the Syria opposition that no one is really coming to help them. I am sure they are already "tired of winning."
3
As much as I loath Mr. Trump I have to agree with the missile strike which made good on our threat (Obama) of severe consequences if banned weapons were used. Casualties, to my knowledge, were at a minimum and a number of planes were destroyed. He could of had them fired at Assad's hiding place but didn't. Now the Syrian government is on notice-don't do it again or we'll send more Tomahawks to your door step.
1
No, we haven't. Had Mr. Trump aimed the Tomahawks at Assad's office door step, we might have.
1
The hypocrisy of the US is incredible. Just a week or so ago more than 400 and possibly up to a thousand civilians were killed in US bombing in Syria and little has been said or done about that. Now, without positive confirmation that it was Assad instead of chemical weapons stored by other groups, the US responds, by doing a 180 degree turn around, based on an emotional response and the media and establishment of both parties are practically having an orgasm . So, Mr President,
what exactly is your policy? Or does it continue to be a secret. Who actually is in charge?
what exactly is your policy? Or does it continue to be a secret. Who actually is in charge?
Do you really believe that Russia didn't inform Syria of the pending attack so they could move any flyable aircraft off the airfield? Don't you wonder why the damage was so limited and that the runways were left undamaged when we have weapons that will render them unusable for quite a while?
Dr Krugman,
Donald Trump is making the world a better place. It is only by withdrawing into a cocoon and understanding that bravado and sabre rattling no longer is acceptable behaviour that America might become a leading force for good in the world.
The reality of a archaic and historically challenged legislative, executive and judicially challenged government tells the world the USA can no longer lead. We are no longer waiting for American leadership and the USA and Russia simply must reinvent themselves if they want even a minor role in future leadership.
There is nothing to be gained in controlling Syria except bad experiences. The governance of corporations and kleptocrats is short term and the corruption and decay is innate.
China understands the future but real democracy in a nation of one billion must be very frightening especially when change is happening so quickly.
Mr Trump provides no leadership because the USA has no leadership to provide even Barack Obama could not provide the leadership the world needed because the USA has no leadership to provide.
The OXFAM America pdf. Broken at the Top tells us about American Leadership it leads not to the promised land but back to slavery and oppression.
Donald Trump is making the world a better place. It is only by withdrawing into a cocoon and understanding that bravado and sabre rattling no longer is acceptable behaviour that America might become a leading force for good in the world.
The reality of a archaic and historically challenged legislative, executive and judicially challenged government tells the world the USA can no longer lead. We are no longer waiting for American leadership and the USA and Russia simply must reinvent themselves if they want even a minor role in future leadership.
There is nothing to be gained in controlling Syria except bad experiences. The governance of corporations and kleptocrats is short term and the corruption and decay is innate.
China understands the future but real democracy in a nation of one billion must be very frightening especially when change is happening so quickly.
Mr Trump provides no leadership because the USA has no leadership to provide even Barack Obama could not provide the leadership the world needed because the USA has no leadership to provide.
The OXFAM America pdf. Broken at the Top tells us about American Leadership it leads not to the promised land but back to slavery and oppression.
5
As Dr. Krugman pointed out we had the great Carrier rescue, now we have the great missile launch. Neither one did anything of lasting substance. So that leads me to wonder what will be the next great show for the masses. Bread and circus anyone? This seems to be the only trick in his repertoire.
So I wonder how long the American public, with it's notoriously short attention span, will be dazzled by his pyrotechnic show. And how the tricks might have to escalate to keep those popularity bumps coming?
By now careful Trump watchers, as opposed to those who want to whitewash everything he does, have a pretty good picture. He is a man of no substance, ill informed, untruthful, mercurial and impulsive, approval seeking, surrounds himself poor quality advisors, and ego driven. He currently is positioned in the most powerful position in our world.
We are one real crisis, not little over blown ones, away from trouble.
So I wonder how long the American public, with it's notoriously short attention span, will be dazzled by his pyrotechnic show. And how the tricks might have to escalate to keep those popularity bumps coming?
By now careful Trump watchers, as opposed to those who want to whitewash everything he does, have a pretty good picture. He is a man of no substance, ill informed, untruthful, mercurial and impulsive, approval seeking, surrounds himself poor quality advisors, and ego driven. He currently is positioned in the most powerful position in our world.
We are one real crisis, not little over blown ones, away from trouble.
23
You say the truth. But, I ask American media wants to live in denial. We all know and have known Trump and his cabinet plus the vicious white men in suites, GOP, only wish to further their riches and the corporate agenda. No wonder they ignore every move this mad man makes. Now with North Korea in the gun sites, may lord help because apparently the people of the USA are hamstrung and helpless.
1
Accompanied by epic military music, a startling cable news commercial for coverage of the missile launch displayed the media's eagerness to glorify Trump as an incipient war president.
12
Yeah, nothing screams being "presidential" like a missile strike with no policy,
It all reminds me of RR's invasion of Grenada except that didn't involve the possibility of starting a major international incident. It just served to bolster American "low self-esteem". The timing of this missile launching should help get Congress to raise the military budget. It also has united hawks of all parties.
Truly a Trumpian action.
It all reminds me of RR's invasion of Grenada except that didn't involve the possibility of starting a major international incident. It just served to bolster American "low self-esteem". The timing of this missile launching should help get Congress to raise the military budget. It also has united hawks of all parties.
Truly a Trumpian action.
Thank you for laying out this cogent position about the lack of leadership at the White House despite occasional "presidential" actions--and those actions such as the on script speech can only be judged presidential by using third grade standards for admission to college.
20
It may be that understanding the "combat efficiency" of the Syria strikes will help understand whether anything positive can be accomplished in Korea.
1
Two situations completely different. One size military reaction doesn't fit all.
We can only hope that the FBI is not fooled by publicity stunts.
25
I would have been more supportive if Trump had been moved by the picture of the little drowned Syrian boy washed up on a Mediterranean beach, or the bloodstained little Syrian boy sitting in shock after being pulled out of the rubble left by an air strike -- and opened our doors to Syrian refugees. You need a State Department for policy guidance, and our State Department has been gutted.
53
All pundits are now making this point, calling for a Trump policy on Syria and all other eligible subjects. But Trump is not a policy person—yet, and whether he will become one is doubtful, given his personal attributes. So the question is whether those around him can develop sensible policies, and on that too it is too early to tell, as they need first to jockey for power, to determine who will be making any policies. What we have for now are issues of learning curves and political development. Calling for policies at this point is premature and unrealistic.
4
But necessary and justified.
This week has not been a good week for the Democrats. ( see article on pA11 of how Obama's deal with Russia and Syria re chemical weapons will forever haunt him; and Adam Liptak's piece on how Gorsuch's election will affect the Court for generations to come.)
So I suppose your likening what Trump did to what Obama should have done those many years ago a "publicity stunt," was to be expected.
So I suppose your likening what Trump did to what Obama should have done those many years ago a "publicity stunt," was to be expected.
1
Strike word 'Democrats' and replace with 'USA nation' and your comment makes sense. Today's Republicans bear no resemblance to actual Republicans and are a dangerous, nihilistic force for destruction. Other than that it is the fault of Democrats, who truly are weak as they look...
If TV coverage is required to form Trump's opinions resulting in action why not produce TVShows that are the outcome of his policies. We might open with a scene of a city barely visible because of a cloud of pollution covering it, then cut to the emergency room where young and old are coughing and choking, blood pouring from mouths and nostrils because of the air quality. The zoom in on a neighborhood home where people are gathered around a bed of a dying child. There was no treatment available because the research for a promising drug was cut due to lack of federal funds. Next we move to jammed streets and hi ways because bridges and roads were partially closed due to crumbling infrastructure. Next scene we see many elderly people, women and children waiting to get into shelters for a meal, healthcare treatment, and a place to sleep. All because safety net programs were cut. Meanwhile a shinny new Bentley comes cruising by the crowds and speeds up because of the disgusting scene. Next we fade to a beautiful forest and move in close. We see dying plants, trees and wildlife poisoned by nearby mining. Wait this show is only just started. There's not enough space to write the whole script. But this show is taken from Trump's script. It's his budget. Final scene we see Tom-a-Hawks fired. Trump's poll ratings jump
Because he learned one off retaliatory actions bring him praise without need for follow up. This is a script for future production given our current course.
Because he learned one off retaliatory actions bring him praise without need for follow up. This is a script for future production given our current course.
8
Brilliant! If we actually had a 'liberal' media we would see this show
The key to anything Trump does is a "publicity stunt". His whole campaign and presidency is just that: empty promises and shallow thought. It's all show and nothing more because he knows his True Believers look just at that and nothing else. And, of course, Trump hopes he can create a diversion from the Russian investigation that will probably go nowhere anyway due to the committee's eventual cover up of what really is going on between Trump and Putin.
11
Yes, I remember the Carrier deal. Trump, reminded that he declared, "Carrier will never leave", explained that Carrier meant NOT Carrier - he really meant, "all other companies from here on in".
Similarly, when Trump said, "AGAIN, TO OUR VERY FOOLISH LEADER, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA - IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN & FROM THAT FIGHT THE U.S. GETS NOTHING!", it turns out that what he really meant was, 'I'll attack Syria as soon as I need to create another distraction'.
Similarly, when Trump said, "AGAIN, TO OUR VERY FOOLISH LEADER, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA - IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN & FROM THAT FIGHT THE U.S. GETS NOTHING!", it turns out that what he really meant was, 'I'll attack Syria as soon as I need to create another distraction'.
6
Let's pause to consider the military snapping off a smart salute and pulling the trigger. Which indeed is their job, but it puts the lie to all the chatter about the generals acting as a moderating force in the administration.
And the strike was bizarrely ineffective: Russians prewarned, (gee I wonder if they mentioned anything to their allies?), unclear what if any actual damage occured. Pretty theatrical stunt.
And the strike was bizarrely ineffective: Russians prewarned, (gee I wonder if they mentioned anything to their allies?), unclear what if any actual damage occured. Pretty theatrical stunt.
6
"...actual, coherent policies...". All we have seen from Trumpland is golf, Mar-a-Lago, a few meetings (in which many of the visiting dignitaries appear to be uncomfortable), and the latest reality show episode, spend yuuuuuge amounts of money to have a "show of force" that actually accomplished nothing to help boost Trump's ratings.
Yet, in the immediate aftermath many news organizations and right wing pundits along with Trump supporters were waving pom-poms and singing high praise for the fortitude that Trump exhibited in sending a "message" to Assad, or not.
Trump is not the leader of the free world. He abdicated that role on day one of his administration due to having no policy, no plan and an inner circle that has questionable ethics.
We will be the witness of the witless "president" and the chaos that will rain upon us.
Yet, in the immediate aftermath many news organizations and right wing pundits along with Trump supporters were waving pom-poms and singing high praise for the fortitude that Trump exhibited in sending a "message" to Assad, or not.
Trump is not the leader of the free world. He abdicated that role on day one of his administration due to having no policy, no plan and an inner circle that has questionable ethics.
We will be the witness of the witless "president" and the chaos that will rain upon us.
9
And meanwhile, to show how tough we are, we send an aircraft carrier to the Korean coast. Remember the Pueblo, and what it got us.
6
Let me try to get this straight.
Donald Trump tweets, repeatedly, that the sitting President, Barack Obama, should absolutely not send any forces into Syria. Then when it's his turn, and he's been in office for a couple of weeks, Trump bombs Syria.
Trump accuses President Obama of spending too much public money on vacations and playing too much golf. Then President Trump eats up enough taxpayer money on his own excursions in ten weeks to equal Obama's expenses for two years. And he plays a whole lot of golf.
Trump accuses Hillary of being a cheater and using her charitable Foundation for her own profit. Of course he knows that he used his own Foundation to buy a big portrait of himself and pay bribes to the Florida attorney general, who threatened to investigate Trump University. And yes, Trump knows he's the consummate cheater. He's cheated on women, employees ... he knows. Dimly. With glee.
What's going on here?
When Trump looks at other people who hold power, he wants to take them down, dominate them, and so accuses them of all of his own greedy impulses and secrets.
When he has claimed more power, enough power, he indulges those impulses.
Wouldn't it be a blast to bomb someplace? Show 'em who's boss, who's the man! Wow!
As a leader, he is terrifying because elementally competitive and always hungry.
Donald Trump tweets, repeatedly, that the sitting President, Barack Obama, should absolutely not send any forces into Syria. Then when it's his turn, and he's been in office for a couple of weeks, Trump bombs Syria.
Trump accuses President Obama of spending too much public money on vacations and playing too much golf. Then President Trump eats up enough taxpayer money on his own excursions in ten weeks to equal Obama's expenses for two years. And he plays a whole lot of golf.
Trump accuses Hillary of being a cheater and using her charitable Foundation for her own profit. Of course he knows that he used his own Foundation to buy a big portrait of himself and pay bribes to the Florida attorney general, who threatened to investigate Trump University. And yes, Trump knows he's the consummate cheater. He's cheated on women, employees ... he knows. Dimly. With glee.
What's going on here?
When Trump looks at other people who hold power, he wants to take them down, dominate them, and so accuses them of all of his own greedy impulses and secrets.
When he has claimed more power, enough power, he indulges those impulses.
Wouldn't it be a blast to bomb someplace? Show 'em who's boss, who's the man! Wow!
As a leader, he is terrifying because elementally competitive and always hungry.
47
Republicans are pro hypocrisy. Sound extreme? They see closets as good, as allowing for human foibles while upholding ideals of behavior. They also do not believe that the same rules apply to 'Us' and 'Them'. Since 'we' are right, no rules need apply to us but since everyone else is "Not Us', any rules we think may be imposed are just fine. Even handedness is not always an ideal held by everyone
2
With so many Generals advising the President, the retaliatory Syrian strike surely was also meant to convey a message to the Chinese president dinning with him and the North Korean leader, who sent his own missile message the day before. What to make of all that? Counting the Syrian leader, and the leaders of his allies in Russia and Iran that adds up to six malicious politicians that are leading their nations down dangerous paths. All righteous, all deeply delusional. So it goes. What is certain is that the $70 million the missiles cost will never, ever, be spent on the injured children and devastated families that suffered the chemical weapon attack. We have red states not lines. We can't afford Medicare for our own sick and homeless. Taxpayers won't stand for it.
Nor will the $3.2 billion spent building each of the two destroyers that launched the $70 million's worth of Tomahawks ever be spent on the 500,000 refugees now banned from their new defenders' homeland, for reasons of security. Not in our budget projections. We have to increase military spending. You see those $1,842.7m per vessel destroyers have to be replaced with the newer Zumwalt-class destroyers with an average cost of $7.5 billion per ship. Just to be on the safe side. You understand.
Nor will the $3.2 billion spent building each of the two destroyers that launched the $70 million's worth of Tomahawks ever be spent on the 500,000 refugees now banned from their new defenders' homeland, for reasons of security. Not in our budget projections. We have to increase military spending. You see those $1,842.7m per vessel destroyers have to be replaced with the newer Zumwalt-class destroyers with an average cost of $7.5 billion per ship. Just to be on the safe side. You understand.
8
Charles Blow talks about "real leadership" MIA in Trump's actions. I would settle for coherence and complexity.
5
Trump may have been genuinely appalled at the images of dead, gassed children, but now he has no thought for any of it or the airport attack.
We should all know this guy by now. He lives in the moment. He has the attention span of gnat. All his thoughts are on himself. The world he knows revolves around him or it doesn't exist.
Bombing Syria was an act of war. If Trump had started a war with a country that could really fight back in a sustained way, we would really be in trouble with Trump as Commander-in-Chief. Think about it. Do you think he would golf any less while the country he ostensibly leads is at war? How much sustained thought do you think he would give to his role in relation to a war?
It wouldn't have to be a war for the U.S. to be in serious trouble with Trump at the helm, any crisis will do. So far, all Trump's crises have all been self-made political and administrative fiascos. Folks, that's not going to change in a crisis that's a danger to this country. We need to get ready or get rid of Trump.
We should all know this guy by now. He lives in the moment. He has the attention span of gnat. All his thoughts are on himself. The world he knows revolves around him or it doesn't exist.
Bombing Syria was an act of war. If Trump had started a war with a country that could really fight back in a sustained way, we would really be in trouble with Trump as Commander-in-Chief. Think about it. Do you think he would golf any less while the country he ostensibly leads is at war? How much sustained thought do you think he would give to his role in relation to a war?
It wouldn't have to be a war for the U.S. to be in serious trouble with Trump at the helm, any crisis will do. So far, all Trump's crises have all been self-made political and administrative fiascos. Folks, that's not going to change in a crisis that's a danger to this country. We need to get ready or get rid of Trump.
29
As for the media's reaction to the tomahawks (Brian Williams essentially having a patriotic orgasm on live TV) I personally don't believe that this time around the public will fall for the war drum beat like we did in 03- thanks to the prevalence of social media and other forms of news that aren't the mainstream establishment media powerhouses. Americans I hope are no longer so easily duped when we all swim in a digital miasma of opinion these days, no more "Follow the Leader".
16
"Americans I hope are no longer so easily duped..." You can always hope.
However, I haven't seen the least bit of evidence of it.
However, I haven't seen the least bit of evidence of it.
I'd like to think you're wrong but I'm afraid he will deceive the public into thinking they will be under attack. Herman Goering said it all. You just create an enemy, make the people afraid of him and you can easily lead them to war.
I'm not a fan of Trump or his policies, and I'm equally concerned about the use of military action to draw attention from domestic problems, but in fairness, the missile attacks weren't supposed to be about a shift in US policy toward Syria. They were about showing that (1) the US will retaliate the use of WMDs, without regard for diplomatic delicacy, and (2) Trump will use US military might if you get his dander up. Regardless of whether these are indeed true, having the world believe them to be is probably in our national interest.
8
@ernie cohen
Philadelphia
Sorry to disappoint you Ernie but these seriously risk averse little firework displays did nothing to impress the world or more specifically the intended audience of Assad and Russia that the US was serious about anything.
Philadelphia
Sorry to disappoint you Ernie but these seriously risk averse little firework displays did nothing to impress the world or more specifically the intended audience of Assad and Russia that the US was serious about anything.
13
But neither (1) nor (2) goes to any real effectiveness, or offers one scintilla of hope for the region.
2
There's little agreement about what is in America's interest. Does the US need 800 military bases in the world? What exactly does not fall under the category of America's interests? As far as I can see, 45's missile attack was pretty much the military equivalent of one of his nasty tweets, but in the real world with real consequences. I recall when Jeb! said that 45 couldn't insult his way into the presidency. How wrong he was, and now president he continues to offend, insult
and puff himself up with phony patriotism, which the American public loves, unfortunately. Still no plan, secret or otherwise. He once knew so much more than the generals, now the generals are in charge. The future looks very grim indeed.
and puff himself up with phony patriotism, which the American public loves, unfortunately. Still no plan, secret or otherwise. He once knew so much more than the generals, now the generals are in charge. The future looks very grim indeed.
Of course Trump is not presidential. He is a limited man sitting in front of his TV and reacting to the snippets of news that dramatize tragedy. As for the use of military power, however, he has more than a handful of weapons in his playpen, cruise missiles are just the beginning. They are "beautiful" as Brian Williams rashly described them, and camera ready for the evening news.
Amid all the bravado we should remember that Trump is not alone among Presidents who used military power without authorization from Congress and used it in a way that was not for the Country's defense or even emergent. Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II and Obama all expanded the use of military power without congressional authorization. At least Obama urged a reluctant Congress to act, which they declined, and in the case of Syria's use of poison gas sought a diplomatic solution before using air power.
The problem is with America's bloated military and their cheerleaders in Congress (eg. McCain and Graham) whose trigger fingers are always too itchy.
Amid all the bravado we should remember that Trump is not alone among Presidents who used military power without authorization from Congress and used it in a way that was not for the Country's defense or even emergent. Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II and Obama all expanded the use of military power without congressional authorization. At least Obama urged a reluctant Congress to act, which they declined, and in the case of Syria's use of poison gas sought a diplomatic solution before using air power.
The problem is with America's bloated military and their cheerleaders in Congress (eg. McCain and Graham) whose trigger fingers are always too itchy.
21
Trump fired the missiles to forestall the fickle finger of fate pointing to him as Assad's enabler. He expressed such a laissez-faire attitude toward the Assad-Putin axis some were starting to say Trump invited the gas. That would not have been good for his image, now, would it? So he got ahead of the story.
Laughable is the notion Trump felt something seeing dead kids. Sociopaths only use other humans. They feel no pain except their own.
Laughable is the notion Trump felt something seeing dead kids. Sociopaths only use other humans. They feel no pain except their own.
43
Not quite laissez-faire, Bill. Trump was an active April Glaspie 2.0. he went out of his way to wave Assad on into conscience-free, self-determined territory.
This worked out badly with Saddam Hussein. It was just as stoo-pid, to use the technical term, with Assad.
Nothing was forestalled. Trump is guilty. And the convenient rockets' red glare doesn't change that fact.
This worked out badly with Saddam Hussein. It was just as stoo-pid, to use the technical term, with Assad.
Nothing was forestalled. Trump is guilty. And the convenient rockets' red glare doesn't change that fact.
So now Putin and Trump are at odds, just when the investigations of Russian influence on the election are moving forward. I'm generally not an advocate of conspiracy theories, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if the two of them collaborated on this calculated bit of flim flam.
35
We'll know more if Wikileaks now releases the supposed information on 45 that
they may have. If we don't hear from Wiki this week then your conspiracy
theory may not be a theory at all.
they may have. If we don't hear from Wiki this week then your conspiracy
theory may not be a theory at all.
It was a Potemkin missile strike.
Exquisitely timed for the prime time news audience across the country and to punctuate the end of the dinner with China. And, of course, at night, in order to maximize the beauty of the fireworks.
And, of course, the media was aware that something was up. More "leaks"?
The news media is more reliably consistent than Trump's foreign policy. It responds consistently to shows of military force - with awe at the display and little appreciation for the human consequences. When will the news media recognize that missile attacks are not just awesome fireworks shows?
Exquisitely timed for the prime time news audience across the country and to punctuate the end of the dinner with China. And, of course, at night, in order to maximize the beauty of the fireworks.
And, of course, the media was aware that something was up. More "leaks"?
The news media is more reliably consistent than Trump's foreign policy. It responds consistently to shows of military force - with awe at the display and little appreciation for the human consequences. When will the news media recognize that missile attacks are not just awesome fireworks shows?
27
Mr. Krugman's efforts to denigrate the President overlook facts on the ground. Millions of our fellow citizens still note 'the Carrier deal,' simply because unlike Barack Obama, Donald Trump well understands the power of saying what he will do, doing it, and sending a message. Krugman ignores the long term effect this has, e.g., surging consumer confidence, Wall Street approval, housing sales and all the rest. As a business man, the President understands the power of actions. Regarding Syria, our President saw what occurred and, again acted without endless hand wringing and delays. If Mr. Krugman watched his minutes-only address from Palm Beach, not only would he have to acknowledge fairly that the President spoke honestly, but that his words put to rest all notions of a man acting 'irrationally' or 'under the control of Russians...' All of us should feel not only honor but relief we have a President who will act decisively yet proportionally to the threats in front of him. Now all the elites have left is to argue a purported 'impulsive' reaction, in the face of weapons of mass destruction, i.e. chemical warfare. My rhetorical question is when does Mr. Krugman give President Trump a fair shake in his analysis. I hope soon.
5
Consumer confidence is surging among Republicans (dropping among Democrats, though), Wall Street approval is because of the dismantling of the actual laws that protect consumers (when they get scammed again, will their confidence once again surge)? Housing sales up - Really? in the last 60 days people rushed to buy houses?
Obama did plenty as he said he would; More health care, no new wars, no more torture, no one indicted in his administration, healed the US economy, helped the capital intensive industries and realizing the dream of US energy independence, plus getting Bin Laden.
One can denigrate "handwringing delays", but the fact is the chickens are coming home to roost for all of our past dealings with dictators and all of our coups to topple governments (#1 is the 1955 toppling of the democratically elected President of Iran, which led directly to the Shah torture chambers and the rise of the dreaded Shiite Ayatollahs). Whether it is thoughtful Obama or go with the gut anti-intellectual Trump, the have to realize what is so and accept the clean up will be a long time coming.
Final thought: It's awfully hard to promote democracy when one of our major parties is constantly saying it is rigged, phony, fake and only one side is allowed their appointments. We are ruining our own 'brand", because of partisan advantage. That makes it a pretty hard sell to dictator weary oppressed states no matter who is in office.
Obama did plenty as he said he would; More health care, no new wars, no more torture, no one indicted in his administration, healed the US economy, helped the capital intensive industries and realizing the dream of US energy independence, plus getting Bin Laden.
One can denigrate "handwringing delays", but the fact is the chickens are coming home to roost for all of our past dealings with dictators and all of our coups to topple governments (#1 is the 1955 toppling of the democratically elected President of Iran, which led directly to the Shah torture chambers and the rise of the dreaded Shiite Ayatollahs). Whether it is thoughtful Obama or go with the gut anti-intellectual Trump, the have to realize what is so and accept the clean up will be a long time coming.
Final thought: It's awfully hard to promote democracy when one of our major parties is constantly saying it is rigged, phony, fake and only one side is allowed their appointments. We are ruining our own 'brand", because of partisan advantage. That makes it a pretty hard sell to dictator weary oppressed states no matter who is in office.
3
Definitely too much fox propaganda!!
• "Millions of our fellow citizens still note 'the Carrier deal, ..."
Well, yes -- Dr Krugman didn't argue that publicity stunts don't work as publicity. They get publicity, but they don't address the larger problems.
• "Donald Trump well understands the power of saying what he will do, doing it, and sending a message."
Donald Trump said "Carrier will never leave" and then went and forgot all about it - until he happened to see on TV "a gentleman, worker, great guy, handsome guy" expressing confidence in Trump's promise. Trump took that for sarcasm.
Trump said his promise was just a "euphonism" - something you say to sound good. He explained that when he said, "Carrier", he meant "other companies", not Carrier.
Anyway, realizing that people still remembered Carrier after he'd forgotten about it, he could understand the publicity-stunt potential.
Well, yes -- Dr Krugman didn't argue that publicity stunts don't work as publicity. They get publicity, but they don't address the larger problems.
• "Donald Trump well understands the power of saying what he will do, doing it, and sending a message."
Donald Trump said "Carrier will never leave" and then went and forgot all about it - until he happened to see on TV "a gentleman, worker, great guy, handsome guy" expressing confidence in Trump's promise. Trump took that for sarcasm.
Trump said his promise was just a "euphonism" - something you say to sound good. He explained that when he said, "Carrier", he meant "other companies", not Carrier.
Anyway, realizing that people still remembered Carrier after he'd forgotten about it, he could understand the publicity-stunt potential.
1
I've grown so cynical about this administration because I believe Trump's team used the Syrian tragedy as an opportunity to change the prevailing narrative about his failing presidency. An isolated bombing does not a president make.
24
Much as I respect Paul Krugman, Economics Nobelist (and well-deserved), his knowledge of politics and foreign relations is no better than any other well-read and thoughtful layman. Much of what he says here is spot on. Trump is reactive, not thoughtful, planning and far-sighted as one needs to be in the international world. Tillerson is a little better, because he's rational and better educated. The 3 generals as well, but, as military men they think "military" first.
The problem with Syria is not simply that Trump is reactive, it's that he was cornered with no good solution--either look weak or attack to look "strong" without having a cohesive plan. I would that that the generals who saw what NOT planning for the next step wrought in Iraq would have advised him on what's next. Maybe they did and Trump didn't listen? He's good at that--not listening to the unpleasant, which is catastrophic for a President.
But it's not a stretch to say Trump is totally unprepared for the international political arena. He thinks a little glad-handing, a visit to his ugly, utterly pretentious Mar-a-Lago, and golfing, tossing in a few implied threats, he can schmooze his way past highly experienced and skilled leaders like Xi, Abe, and Merkel, because it worked with UK's May (but not with Mexico, Canada or Australia).
Syria has shown just how much Trump is a balloon: A thin skin filled with hot air and nothing else.
The problem with Syria is not simply that Trump is reactive, it's that he was cornered with no good solution--either look weak or attack to look "strong" without having a cohesive plan. I would that that the generals who saw what NOT planning for the next step wrought in Iraq would have advised him on what's next. Maybe they did and Trump didn't listen? He's good at that--not listening to the unpleasant, which is catastrophic for a President.
But it's not a stretch to say Trump is totally unprepared for the international political arena. He thinks a little glad-handing, a visit to his ugly, utterly pretentious Mar-a-Lago, and golfing, tossing in a few implied threats, he can schmooze his way past highly experienced and skilled leaders like Xi, Abe, and Merkel, because it worked with UK's May (but not with Mexico, Canada or Australia).
Syria has shown just how much Trump is a balloon: A thin skin filled with hot air and nothing else.
14
I think you've very much underestimated Theresa May.
Many pundits seem to think "becoming president" is like losing your virginity: a single act, not performed especially well, but of profound significance.
11
Thanks for wrecking my buzz, Krugman!
1
It's safe to assume that nothing Donald Trump does is motivated by concern for the public good. He isn't a president in real life; he just plays one on TV from time to time. Is it possible that the entire Syria event last week was orchestrated--by the administration and/or Russia--to fake a Trump-Putin conflict and dampen American resolve to find out whether Trump and Putin colluded during the 2016 election? Conspiracy theory is easier to swallow than the news these days.
21
I don't agree that the cruise missile strike in Syria is evidence of Trump's incompetence. Rather it is another shrewd move in this case to divert attention from the investigation of Russia's interference with the 2016 elections.
The Russian influence on our elections is the big historic event of the past year. Finding out the connections (or not) of Trump's son-in-law, and others in his campaign, with Russia is the most important action we need to take to preserve, protect, and defend our democracy. Trump wants to stop or deflect the investigations. It is his highest priority and he took a bold step to accomplish his aim (and it seems to be working so far).
The Russian influence on our elections is the big historic event of the past year. Finding out the connections (or not) of Trump's son-in-law, and others in his campaign, with Russia is the most important action we need to take to preserve, protect, and defend our democracy. Trump wants to stop or deflect the investigations. It is his highest priority and he took a bold step to accomplish his aim (and it seems to be working so far).
11
Are you kidding the Russian event is the biggest event in our history. A Presidential contender scheming with the Russians to take over the presidency. His entire administration working with the Russians. That's worse than Ronald Reagan
Colluding with the Iranians to haul the hostages until after the election. Which he completely got away with.
Colluding with the Iranians to haul the hostages until after the election. Which he completely got away with.
I dunno, I think the airstrike was effective. I mean, didn't you see that blackened spot on one of the runways? Trust me, I have a driveway: that'll take weeks to clean off.
19
100% true. Theater as a substitute for real action. Whether photo op executive signings largely going nowhere, press release budgets and ludicrously ineffective firework displays in the Syrian desert. The latter carefully staged to ensure no one actually got hurt, the base remained operational, and the Syrians/Russian were able to resume flying sorties by the afternoon. Now let's be under no illusions here the alternative courses presented serious risks of confrontation and American casualties but Trump wasn't interested in anything that constituted risk that he couldn't handle. Thus the only signal that has actually been sent is that the US is a paper tiger that Assad/Putin don't need to worry. Same with the trade wars. Tearing up NAFTA? 45% tariffs on US imports? Never going to happen.
15
Agree. And what did that little bit of theater cost us, around $70 million? Unbelievable.
How much is it worth to us to have Putin abandon Assad.
Half the sanctions, all the sanctions?
Half the sanctions, all the sanctions?
2
If Paul Krugman wished to maintain even a pretense of credibility he would know when to just be quiet and wait for Trump to make his next mistake instead of trying to dismiss the strike on Syria by likening it to a publicity stunt. (Oh, and it really did no harm at all when Obama drew his red line and then failed to enforce it. In fact, that was a great triumph of diplomacy because a majority of the chemical weapons was disposed of, a great example of carrying out Obama's "sustained policy", blah, blah, blah.) Wait to see what comes out of the Tillerson meeting before claiming this was simply a cheap stunt.
We can all hope that Fox doesn't broadcast a picture of the North Korean dictator pointing his middle finger at Trump, or cruise missiles will be sent to rain down on North Korea.
Today's column seems to assume that the purpose of the Tomahawk attack on Assad's airbase was an intervention in the Syrian civil war. But this is not so. It was just a warning to Assad about his use, again, of chemical weapons.
This guy wears makeup every day of his life. He is just a very bad actor who can barely read his lines. He has no original thoughts. He just reacts to Fox Faux News scripts read out to him by Bill O'Reilly.
If Fox News was closed down he would be as direction less as an actor with no script.
If Fox News was closed down he would be as direction less as an actor with no script.
16
You took the words right out of my mouth. Only Shakespeare to write a comedy with such a buffoon as president. I strain to think what his character would be called. Dumph?
The hypocrisy and transparency of this event is palpable. This poorly planned and executed stunt had only one goal, and it was all political...distract...distract...distract (especially from the Russia investigation). Trump are so very transparent and no matter how much the media tries to dress-up and put lipstick on this pig...it is still a pig
President Trump's toughness is a canard and his Tomahawk Missile strike against Syria's airbase, from which al-Assad's Sarin gas attack against his own people originated, was a manipulation of the press and social media by his foreign policy advisers who are fighting like cats in a bag. Trump did NOT "become the President of the United States" by his firing of some missiles at Syria. Trump does not have the qualities of true leadership we sought in a President during the 17 months' of an intolerable Presidential Campaign. Trump is a Tweeter, not a leader.
We Americans have no idea of the consequences of Trump's unthinking strike against Syria last week. The ghastly ripples from the stone he skipped into the pond will become apparent as time goes by. Dare we hope that Donald Trump will be unseated, ousted, impeached from his 3 Presidential offices (Trump Tower, The White House, Washington, DC, Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach weekend place) soon? Our leader is arriving for his 11th weekend in Florida since taking office. it's Easter! It's Passover!
We Americans have no idea of the consequences of Trump's unthinking strike against Syria last week. The ghastly ripples from the stone he skipped into the pond will become apparent as time goes by. Dare we hope that Donald Trump will be unseated, ousted, impeached from his 3 Presidential offices (Trump Tower, The White House, Washington, DC, Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach weekend place) soon? Our leader is arriving for his 11th weekend in Florida since taking office. it's Easter! It's Passover!
16
What would be the grounds for impeachment?
Great commentary, no one can analyze current politics and economics better than Mr. Krugman. One point is missing though: who actually is responsible for the gas killings? Where is the credible investigation? Why is almost everyone jumping to conclusion? Have we not learned anything from the WMD disaster? Everyone seems to accept that Assad's military used chemical weapons again. But did the TV watching president fall into a trap? It's a cynical and sly war tactic to blame your opponent for an atrocity that was staged on your own people. A reasonable president would double the diplomatic effort, find the war criminals, pressure Russia behind the scenes, rally the world's nations and open the borders for refugees. That's the hard work. Sending missiles is cheap and in the end a coward act.
Right on!
Distracting the public outrage over Trump's incompetence, he attacked an airfield "bravely", to no effect on the ground. The airfield is operational.
Now "Friendship Award" recipient Tillerson will "confront" Putin.
Looks like Susan Rice accusations have been replaced with Syria?
Trump's people may have colluded with Russia to defeat Clinton. Jared Kushner may have been among them. We may have an illegitimate president separated by time from justice. We may also have a wounded demagogue who is desperately reaching for any distraction.
The press has an obligation to focus on real events and real consequences. Syria does not pose any threat to American National Security. North Korea does. Our existence is threatened by one. Factory closings do not threaten our economy. Destabilizing healthcare does. Leaking documents that pertain to the Russian interference in the 2016 election does not threaten our National Security. Colluding with Russians does.
Now "Friendship Award" recipient Tillerson will "confront" Putin.
Looks like Susan Rice accusations have been replaced with Syria?
Trump's people may have colluded with Russia to defeat Clinton. Jared Kushner may have been among them. We may have an illegitimate president separated by time from justice. We may also have a wounded demagogue who is desperately reaching for any distraction.
The press has an obligation to focus on real events and real consequences. Syria does not pose any threat to American National Security. North Korea does. Our existence is threatened by one. Factory closings do not threaten our economy. Destabilizing healthcare does. Leaking documents that pertain to the Russian interference in the 2016 election does not threaten our National Security. Colluding with Russians does.
Couldn't agree more, Mr. Krugman.
Dear Dr. Krugman:
Yes, no surprise is that leadership requires vision. Among Mr. Trump and his aggregated clowns, where do we see...?
Is it possible his hollow "publicity stunt" was actually a predictable reflex stimulated by a real President, President Putin? (Here's a man with a warped, nasty, inhumane vision, but vision nonetheless.) Who could believe this "little whiff of sarin" strategy was NOT his doing?
And though our 100-million-dollar tomahawk wrist-slap will make Trump look (among fools) "presidential" for a day or two, who benefits in the long run? Only two guesses allowed.
Best Regards,
JV
Yes, no surprise is that leadership requires vision. Among Mr. Trump and his aggregated clowns, where do we see...?
Is it possible his hollow "publicity stunt" was actually a predictable reflex stimulated by a real President, President Putin? (Here's a man with a warped, nasty, inhumane vision, but vision nonetheless.) Who could believe this "little whiff of sarin" strategy was NOT his doing?
And though our 100-million-dollar tomahawk wrist-slap will make Trump look (among fools) "presidential" for a day or two, who benefits in the long run? Only two guesses allowed.
Best Regards,
JV
Krugman makes claims without presenting a shred of evidence. I think he is lying because he just can't stand the economic success that Trump is having with companies and jobs. Real leadership creates a safer world because bad actors are restrained, unlike the situation with Obama where lines meant nothing , aggressors ignored him and there was no leadership. Krugman just can't admit he was wrong.
Obama suckered Putin into inheriting the quagmire that is Syria. Putin is now trying to sucker Trump and, according to Nikki Haley, it's working.
I am unwilling to concede that "...use of poison gas provoked Mr. Trump into action." Some may think me cynical, but there is absolutely nothing in Trump's background consistent with his presumed moral outrage. More likely, given the opportunity to take advantage of popular outrage and the need to position himself appropriately, let alone to distract us from other matters, he accepted advice that must have essentially concluded that firing missiles was essentially risk-free. Who and where is the adult in the room?
Trump is a con man . He convinced many people to pay thousands of dollars to be able to attend the seminars at Trump University . He convinced millions of working class Americans to vote for him because he was going to bring jobs back . He convinced Republicans that he was one of them . Now he is convincing the TV pundits that he is changing course in Syria . That one time strike is a good move politically but there is no policy behind it . Regarding jobs and a stronger foreign policy is all show and no substance . This is what happens when we elect a reality TV start as president .
Produce too much news and news loses value ...your basic supply and demand.
This reality-TV president is working the media like a gossipy old bitty up the street, but our news outlets empower him by playing his game, going beyond reportage, and giving in to endless repackaging of his every move. News coverage is like gossip anymore: non-stop speculation, conflicting opinion, and manipulative, human-interest responses. I like to imagine Walter Cronkite and his peers sitting on a cloud, shaking their heads at the bellicose opinion-mongering, cheap, emotional sensationalism, and celebrity-based entertainment that passes for news coverage today. A few decades ago, those masters of brevity and truth held it as their creed to share only what happened, and then leave it to us to decide what we think. They only had minutes a day to give us all the news, and that's just about how long they needed. Now we are blessed and burdened with endless hours every day, on countless channels and web pages, all of which need to be filled with "news". When actual news runs out, it gets spun like cotton candy into more and more gossipy fluff. Is it any wonder that our media outlets lose credibility ...along with the news itself?
As to our president, I say: starve the beast! Let his random actions and petulant tweets speak for themselves. The only downside is: you might have to do without the advertising revenue on all those news programs and web pages (...but don't get me started).
This reality-TV president is working the media like a gossipy old bitty up the street, but our news outlets empower him by playing his game, going beyond reportage, and giving in to endless repackaging of his every move. News coverage is like gossip anymore: non-stop speculation, conflicting opinion, and manipulative, human-interest responses. I like to imagine Walter Cronkite and his peers sitting on a cloud, shaking their heads at the bellicose opinion-mongering, cheap, emotional sensationalism, and celebrity-based entertainment that passes for news coverage today. A few decades ago, those masters of brevity and truth held it as their creed to share only what happened, and then leave it to us to decide what we think. They only had minutes a day to give us all the news, and that's just about how long they needed. Now we are blessed and burdened with endless hours every day, on countless channels and web pages, all of which need to be filled with "news". When actual news runs out, it gets spun like cotton candy into more and more gossipy fluff. Is it any wonder that our media outlets lose credibility ...along with the news itself?
As to our president, I say: starve the beast! Let his random actions and petulant tweets speak for themselves. The only downside is: you might have to do without the advertising revenue on all those news programs and web pages (...but don't get me started).
3
Nice article reminding us of prior stunts pulled by DJT.
I believed we would intervene in a conflict or some military event for months and the "so called" attack on Syria was simply a ratings generator.
The administration has always lacked detail on any policy of substance because that requires effort and ultimately makes them accountable to facts. DJT is allergic to facts.
I continue to follow the events around the world and this administration, because it is important. But I will never rest or normalize this WH.
The work of the US voter will not be completed until this president is removed from office.
I believed we would intervene in a conflict or some military event for months and the "so called" attack on Syria was simply a ratings generator.
The administration has always lacked detail on any policy of substance because that requires effort and ultimately makes them accountable to facts. DJT is allergic to facts.
I continue to follow the events around the world and this administration, because it is important. But I will never rest or normalize this WH.
The work of the US voter will not be completed until this president is removed from office.
4
Thank you Mr. Krugman for your article and I am not holding my breath waiting for trump to become a leader. He is incapable. What he is capable of is creating chaos. I was astounded at all the positive reactions he received from people who had not thought through the consequences of the bombing. These were not the people who voted for him, and yet they reacted in much the same way. They gushed over trump, supporting him, without reflecting on the whole story. Bedazzled by the show of power they were stopped cold in their tracks like a deer in headlights.
Why now? Trump says it was because of pictures. Please tell me he is not making policy because of pictures? I don't think he is. I think it is just another simplistic bait and switch move that countless people have swallowed whole. People who should know better.
I read article after article trying to understand the mentality of the people who voted for trump. Much to my dismay, I see those that support him have selective amnesia and seem to have no ability or desire to understand repercussions. They, and now more, are following the pied piper off the cliff.
Why now? Trump says it was because of pictures. Please tell me he is not making policy because of pictures? I don't think he is. I think it is just another simplistic bait and switch move that countless people have swallowed whole. People who should know better.
I read article after article trying to understand the mentality of the people who voted for trump. Much to my dismay, I see those that support him have selective amnesia and seem to have no ability or desire to understand repercussions. They, and now more, are following the pied piper off the cliff.
6
The mass media created a following for Trump by offering coverage of a candidate whose qualifications and policies were scant indeed. Mr. Krugman from the get go saw through this showman for what he is and continues to do so today. Unfortunately Mr. Krugman is a lonely voice.
The press was never able to explain the real story of Syria, which was that we had no good options. Yes, we could have aided the rebels but there was no way that we could guarantee that our weapons would not end up being used againts us.
And doing nothing is a lousy story. It has no pictures and is not a perfect solution. But about Obama's Syrian policy, we could see what an intelligent and cautious man would do. The result is that we (the USA) are not impaled by the Syrian struggle. And that is a good thing.
Trump is the opposite, an incautious man with a mediocre mind.
And doing nothing is a lousy story. It has no pictures and is not a perfect solution. But about Obama's Syrian policy, we could see what an intelligent and cautious man would do. The result is that we (the USA) are not impaled by the Syrian struggle. And that is a good thing.
Trump is the opposite, an incautious man with a mediocre mind.
not sure what the fuss is. isn't instant gratification the american way and a strategy to get the 'folks' pumped up? these would be the same people who think 1/4 of the american budget goes to those ungrateful and mysterious foreigners.....
16
The surge of hope we were feeling that Trump would not be allowed to get away with pulling one over on our country has substantially faded. When Trump couldn't do it otherwise, he bombed his way into good publicity. It worked for him. He keeps on proving the worst about us over and over again.
24
And the media, including the NY Times, just ate it up with a spoon. There's nothing like a flying missile to get those hormones going. Remember "Shock and Awe?" That was the "war" in Kuwait, which eventually led to the war in Iraq, which led to seven years of war, and 268,000, violent deaths including combatants (https://www.iraqbodycount.org/)
The tragic part about all this is that the most dubious man to ever hold the Oval Office is discovering that he can kill with impunity. Our world, plunged into uncertainty by the ruthless, vile, demagoguery of the Bush/Blair tetrarchy, has now become decidedly dangerous. Statesmanship died decades ago, never to return.
10
We need to be doing the Shock and Awe thing to the Syrian government starting with Assad's palace. The guy needs to wake up and prescribe new eyeglasses for himself without the rose colored lenses.
Krugman is correct in calling Trump a disaster. worse, how does one explain why he was elected even with Russian interference. Something is wrong with Americans.
We elected him. Part of the problem was the Democrats had a poor candidate who was not liked. What we did not like was Hillary visiting Was Street instead of Main Street. With Citizens United it was easier to raise money. She had no reason to talk to the working class.
Trump will be gone in less than 22 months. Let's focus on repealing Citizens United. Let's also focus on repealing Trump.
We elected him. Part of the problem was the Democrats had a poor candidate who was not liked. What we did not like was Hillary visiting Was Street instead of Main Street. With Citizens United it was easier to raise money. She had no reason to talk to the working class.
Trump will be gone in less than 22 months. Let's focus on repealing Citizens United. Let's also focus on repealing Trump.
16
Believing the GOP Congress will impeach trump is wishful thinking . It won't happen .
Another red herring to follow while the real story should be the Russian involvement in the US election. Enough, sustained political entertainment and everyone will forget that there is a whiff of actual treason in the air that must be put to rest. I wouldn't be surprised if Russia was even in on the airfield attack idea so Putin could say nasty things about the US and "show" people that he and Trump aren't buddies.
9
Trump would have us believe that he had a sudden change of heart about Syria because he saw children suffering and dying. But he has not reacted viscerally to images of victimized kids when: the Newtown killings took place and he still wanted unfettered access to guns; he tried to keep refugees from our country and last said he will go to the Supreme Court; his administration considers removing children from parents who came here undocumented; kids came here fleeing violence in Central America; Putin was killing civilians in Eastern Europe and Syria; etc...
If Trump wants to sell a change of course, pretending it is due to having such emotional reactions rings hollow when it is so inconsistent.
If Trump wants to sell a change of course, pretending it is due to having such emotional reactions rings hollow when it is so inconsistent.
13
It's not clear that this has bumped Trump's poll numbers up very much. I suspect that this decision isn't that popular. He's not going to win over any Democrats or independents, who already deeply mistrust Trump and generally don't support a Syria intervention. And Trump's own core supporters within the Republican party are isolationists. What this might do is get soft Republican support to harden up around Trump. But it may also alienate his base depending on how he plays it.
Maybe the idea is that this would just distract the media from negative coverage about Trump. Unclear to me that this is the case, although a good way to get negative coverage to come your way is to make obvious mistakes in a military conflict or for one you've prosecuted to go badly for you. Think of Bush circa 2005-2006.
Democrats perhaps will suffer from this, because the support for intervening in Syria among elected Democrats is much higher than among the Democratic base, and this may remind Democratic voters of this fact. But then again, the next election is a long way off.
My take: I think humanitarian intervention can in principle be justified, but this burden is rarely met. Trump has done nothing to explain or to justify his strategy or what just peace he seeks to prosecute after the intervention. I also don't trust someone who has in the past stated his aim to commit war crimes or human rights violations to pursue this strategy.
Maybe the idea is that this would just distract the media from negative coverage about Trump. Unclear to me that this is the case, although a good way to get negative coverage to come your way is to make obvious mistakes in a military conflict or for one you've prosecuted to go badly for you. Think of Bush circa 2005-2006.
Democrats perhaps will suffer from this, because the support for intervening in Syria among elected Democrats is much higher than among the Democratic base, and this may remind Democratic voters of this fact. But then again, the next election is a long way off.
My take: I think humanitarian intervention can in principle be justified, but this burden is rarely met. Trump has done nothing to explain or to justify his strategy or what just peace he seeks to prosecute after the intervention. I also don't trust someone who has in the past stated his aim to commit war crimes or human rights violations to pursue this strategy.
7
Let's be real here. Aside from showing his base that he is the tough guy president who barely can read from a teleprompter, what has he accomplished? As many people have already noted this was a reasonable response to a barbarian's attacks on his own people but this is nothing new here. Recent history should remind us of the reluctance on the part of Congress to act in the past when the same atrocities were happening. The real intervention here needs to take place this week when Tillison meets with Russian counterparts. Russia is the big player here and its about time the moron in charge realized that diplomacy is the answer, at least this is what history seems to suggest, not only with respect to the quagmire of the Middle East, but to most international conflicts and tensions. Appalling that the moron in chief who touts himself as the deal-maker has gutted the State Department and failed to provide Tillison with the support he needs to deal with situations like this. And please don't send the boy wonder to do the job of experienced and qualified personnel.
9
A leopard doesn't change their spots and nothing has changed in this beast's psyche. The 70 year old moron is still the same moron he was prior to the Syria strikes. The only masterful thing I've seen this man do is manipulate the media and public in order to enrich himself. In the financial markets the contrarians are usually right more than they are wrong and you can apply the same theory to 45. Right now he has the masses enthralled with his display of empathy and moral compass on display. What a great humanitarian he is portraying to be and the masses are singing his praises as though he were a saviour. I'd place my money with the contrarians and Dr. Krugman.
9
While I agree with your critique of the usual terrible MSM's coverage of Trump, lots of people had an idea of what the USA should have done in Syria under Obama. Like everything else he did, Obama was Clinton redux: looking at poll numbers, no moral courage, Never again, what's that. The USA has the ability to act, the control of the planet, and promotes itself as the world's caretaker. Its presidents since Truman have not acted as such. True leadership is lacking.
1
Does your assessment of Obama's inaction take into account that he did the appropriate thing in asking Congress for authorization for use of force and Congress said "No Way?" But now that's it's a Republican president doing the unauthorized bombing, everything is hunky dory?
Mission accomplished Mr. Trump!
Shame on news media for being so gullible!