It'll only get worse.
33
I guess what stiles me 100 day on is that uring the capaign he was identified by many to be a narcissist. I thought perhaps his rhetic might change once he became president. Was that naive?
Obama spoke of "we" when speaking of his administration or matters involving the country. In fact all previous presidents that I remember did. Trump is "I" for any question asked be it directly about him or otherwise.
I find this truly scary as he obviously fails to comprehend that his decisions affect us all as Americans. It is not even a partisan issue, this man seems to think he's king.
Obama spoke of "we" when speaking of his administration or matters involving the country. In fact all previous presidents that I remember did. Trump is "I" for any question asked be it directly about him or otherwise.
I find this truly scary as he obviously fails to comprehend that his decisions affect us all as Americans. It is not even a partisan issue, this man seems to think he's king.
34
"Alarm that the U.S. might slip into a fascist dictatorship has diminished — ."
No, Mr. Kristoff, not really.
Trump takes many leafs from the Handbook of Fascism. He just finished a major diatribe against the media while promoting Alternate Facts and Fake News. His fascist predecessors did exactly the same. He is now promoting the end of Net Neutrality to give complete control over the internet to the biggest corporate ISPs like Comcast, ATT and Verizon
More threatening than his attacks on the press was his interview with Fox News where he said: “We don't have a lot of closers in politics, and I understand why: It's a very rough system. It's an archaic system.” Trump wants to consolidate power in his hands and be "The Closer". Trump - a man who admires Putin Saddam Hussein and invites Rodrigo Duerte to the white House- as "The Closer". Frightening indeed.
Birther Trump remains the threat to our democracy that he was even before being elected. Now that he is in power we must find every means of preventing Trump from becoming the fascist dictator of his dreams. The Republican leadership has abandoned patriotism in favor of the so-called Orange president. We the people, however, cannot afford to deny reality - ask those who witnessed the rise of Hitler.
No, Mr. Kristoff, not really.
Trump takes many leafs from the Handbook of Fascism. He just finished a major diatribe against the media while promoting Alternate Facts and Fake News. His fascist predecessors did exactly the same. He is now promoting the end of Net Neutrality to give complete control over the internet to the biggest corporate ISPs like Comcast, ATT and Verizon
More threatening than his attacks on the press was his interview with Fox News where he said: “We don't have a lot of closers in politics, and I understand why: It's a very rough system. It's an archaic system.” Trump wants to consolidate power in his hands and be "The Closer". Trump - a man who admires Putin Saddam Hussein and invites Rodrigo Duerte to the white House- as "The Closer". Frightening indeed.
Birther Trump remains the threat to our democracy that he was even before being elected. Now that he is in power we must find every means of preventing Trump from becoming the fascist dictator of his dreams. The Republican leadership has abandoned patriotism in favor of the so-called Orange president. We the people, however, cannot afford to deny reality - ask those who witnessed the rise of Hitler.
45
So 2%. So if only half of those would switch to Clinton, she would have won by 9.2 million. Wonder how that would have impacted the electoral college.
13
He is scarier than ever to me. A hundred days of (intentional) chaos, mis-steps and just total uncertainty. And that's what lies ahead. He thinks he is running a business which typically focuses on revenues and profits. Our country is not about revenue and profits, it's about creating a safe and prosperous society for all. His business driven methods will hurt this country. Good examples are his existing or intended relationships with dictators such as Duarte, Putin, Erdogan, just to name a few. He is jealous of these "successful" dictators. These are the kinds of controls and societies he dreams of. This man, his family and his "circle of friends" have to go as soon as possible. Friends of Trump = FOT. FOTs are no friends of mine.
30
Now have Trump fatigue . . .after two or three years of reading and hearing about him every day it has become boring. Is there a bright, new leader like Robert Kennedy in the wings?
7
I'd vote for Mickey Mouse. He didn't lie and he wasn't repulsive.
13
Mr. Kristof- just read a NYT article saying hate crimes are on the rise. Did you miss that one? Still want to advise everyone to relax because the threat of a fascist dictatorship is diminishing? Are your columns based on fact or wishful thinking?
25
Many posters here have confessed to being mystified how even 40% of the people could support an obvious ignoramus like Trump. Why doesn’t their support doesn’t seem to be wavering? I think the answer is simple.
Throughout history, demagogues have arisen, whose attraction is their huge personalities and egos to match. Julius Caesar, Napoleon and the 20th century dictators come to mind, but there are many more. People who are unhappy, even desperate with their lives, believe here is a person who can fix things. Their blind belief shares much of its character with religion.
Will Trump’s supporters eventually desert him? Maybe, but not likely. Hitler’s believers followed him to the bitter end. Napoleon led the French people to ruin. He was deposed and incarcerated, but escaped to lead the French to ruin a second time.
Throughout history, demagogues have arisen, whose attraction is their huge personalities and egos to match. Julius Caesar, Napoleon and the 20th century dictators come to mind, but there are many more. People who are unhappy, even desperate with their lives, believe here is a person who can fix things. Their blind belief shares much of its character with religion.
Will Trump’s supporters eventually desert him? Maybe, but not likely. Hitler’s believers followed him to the bitter end. Napoleon led the French people to ruin. He was deposed and incarcerated, but escaped to lead the French to ruin a second time.
34
A pretty fair assessment of Trump. And now I will ask the NYT.. what have you learned about yourself, your organization and your responses to Trump? More than a year since he broke onto the big stage.. It appears you don't have a valid reason or understanding of why he won and your favored candidate lost. ( hint- look for a repeat if something does not change on the left side.)
5
There are no "lessons" when dealing with fools. Consider this just today:
White House chief of staff Reince Priebus on Sunday said that President Donald Trump’s administration has “looked at” changing the law so that Trump can sue the press, though Priebus offered few details.
ABC News’ Jon Karl questioned Priebus on “This Week” about Trump’s suggestion in March that he might “change libel laws” in order to go after the New York Times.
“That would require, as I understand it, a constitutional amendment,” Karl said. “Is he really going to pursue that?”
“I think it’s something that we’ve looked at, and how that gets executed or whether that goes anywhere is a different story,” Priebus said.
Lessons?
White House chief of staff Reince Priebus on Sunday said that President Donald Trump’s administration has “looked at” changing the law so that Trump can sue the press, though Priebus offered few details.
ABC News’ Jon Karl questioned Priebus on “This Week” about Trump’s suggestion in March that he might “change libel laws” in order to go after the New York Times.
“That would require, as I understand it, a constitutional amendment,” Karl said. “Is he really going to pursue that?”
“I think it’s something that we’ve looked at, and how that gets executed or whether that goes anywhere is a different story,” Priebus said.
Lessons?
33
Thank you Nicholas for continuing to help us survive this devastating time in our republic's history.
As attached as I am to the The Gray Lady, I thought hard about canceling my subscription last year when every day brought a new article about Hillary Clinton's "crimes", as detailed ad nauseam by the GOP. Bernie Sanders was ignored and Trump kept front and center. This underscored the fact that the NYT is, when all is said and done, a corporation responsible to its shareholders. Gradually, and too late, the editors woke up to the looming national catastrophe they were enabling and began to take this election seriously.
Peter Baker's disturbing article, in today's NYT, brought back those bad old days for me. How is normalizing this administration helping to strengthen anyone except the oligarchs now in charge? I don't see any evidence that Trump has changed in any way. I do see how quickly he dissembles and backs off when someone calls his bluff.
You, Charles Blow and Paul Krugman function as life rafts for a great many progressive liberals! It is always a relief to know there are many others out there for whom those words are badges of honor and not accusations of dishonor. The fact that you resist helping to make this man, his administration and his GOP enablers our new normal is why I am still a NYT subscriber.
As attached as I am to the The Gray Lady, I thought hard about canceling my subscription last year when every day brought a new article about Hillary Clinton's "crimes", as detailed ad nauseam by the GOP. Bernie Sanders was ignored and Trump kept front and center. This underscored the fact that the NYT is, when all is said and done, a corporation responsible to its shareholders. Gradually, and too late, the editors woke up to the looming national catastrophe they were enabling and began to take this election seriously.
Peter Baker's disturbing article, in today's NYT, brought back those bad old days for me. How is normalizing this administration helping to strengthen anyone except the oligarchs now in charge? I don't see any evidence that Trump has changed in any way. I do see how quickly he dissembles and backs off when someone calls his bluff.
You, Charles Blow and Paul Krugman function as life rafts for a great many progressive liberals! It is always a relief to know there are many others out there for whom those words are badges of honor and not accusations of dishonor. The fact that you resist helping to make this man, his administration and his GOP enablers our new normal is why I am still a NYT subscriber.
31
Trump will go down in history as one of our worst - if not the worst - presidents ever. He was never really qualified for the position to begin with. His insatiable ego drove him to run, and his gullible base, who believes every lie issuing forth like raw sewage from that brain and mouth of his, got him elected. (I'd guess they get all of their fake news on their fake president from FOX noise.)
20
Among the key things learned during Trump's first hundred days is that if you TELL people they're better off, they will actually believe it. (Note NRA and Harrisburgh rallies.)
You can even convince them to pay for a border wall out of their dwindling pay checks despite bombastic promises the Mexicans would pick up the tab. And increased costs of health care reform are no problem, as well.
It also helps to repeatedly hammer the news media and any other dissenting voices. And any backpedalling on previous promises is justified as merely a display of flexibility.
You can even convince them to pay for a border wall out of their dwindling pay checks despite bombastic promises the Mexicans would pick up the tab. And increased costs of health care reform are no problem, as well.
It also helps to repeatedly hammer the news media and any other dissenting voices. And any backpedalling on previous promises is justified as merely a display of flexibility.
12
Reading only points #1-#6 of this column would be enough to convince most reasonable people of just how devastating the Trump presidency is. Your indictment, if accepted as accurate (a big if, I know), should get support from both Republicans and Democrats. That is, members of both parties presumably oppose "incompetence" and "charlatans" and those who "betray" their supporters.
And yet...there is #4 on your list: "Only 2 percent of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November...and if 2016 voters filled out their ballots today, Trump would be elected by the popular vote as well as by the electoral vote."
I've read many explanations for this apparent contradiction...but it still mystifies me at some level. Are Trump's supporters really so blinded by Trump's bombast, so willing to believe his lies, so hateful of their perceived "enemies," that they hang on to their support of Trump no matter what?
My only hope lies in that we're still near the start of this journey. Assuming that Trump doesn't change over the months and years ahead (likely), I can still hope that his supporters eventually do.
And yet...there is #4 on your list: "Only 2 percent of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November...and if 2016 voters filled out their ballots today, Trump would be elected by the popular vote as well as by the electoral vote."
I've read many explanations for this apparent contradiction...but it still mystifies me at some level. Are Trump's supporters really so blinded by Trump's bombast, so willing to believe his lies, so hateful of their perceived "enemies," that they hang on to their support of Trump no matter what?
My only hope lies in that we're still near the start of this journey. Assuming that Trump doesn't change over the months and years ahead (likely), I can still hope that his supporters eventually do.
14
You completely leave out JOBS. Even though the official unemployment rate is relatively low (I remember when "full employment" was defined as 2-3%, not 4-4.5%). Millions more have given up, are underemployed and/or had to move to low paying jobs.
This is the #1 issue and may fellow Democrats have no plan except same old infrastructure spending, etc. Obama had NO new innovative job training program except his good but little publicized increased in aid to vocational schools. We need to reinvigorate vocational schools and not push that everyone needs to go to college- Plenty of vocational jobs are well paid - car mechanics to MRI techs - which cannot be exported. Many college and second degree jobs can be offshore - even lawyers and CPA's
This is the #1 issue and may fellow Democrats have no plan except same old infrastructure spending, etc. Obama had NO new innovative job training program except his good but little publicized increased in aid to vocational schools. We need to reinvigorate vocational schools and not push that everyone needs to go to college- Plenty of vocational jobs are well paid - car mechanics to MRI techs - which cannot be exported. Many college and second degree jobs can be offshore - even lawyers and CPA's
5
During her campaign Clinton told idle KY coal miners they needed to retrain for new job opportunities and she got lambasted for it. Trump promised them a King Coal comeback and they supported him. Now they continue to wait...and wait..and wait.
Meanwhile, a few weeks back, Sixty Minutes ran a segment demonstrating how an impoverished county in MS had great success retraining minimum wage poultry workers for high tech $60k manufacturing jobs they were able to attract into the region.
And the KY coal miners continue to wait...and wait...and wait.
Meanwhile, a few weeks back, Sixty Minutes ran a segment demonstrating how an impoverished county in MS had great success retraining minimum wage poultry workers for high tech $60k manufacturing jobs they were able to attract into the region.
And the KY coal miners continue to wait...and wait...and wait.
11
Two unrelated thoughts: First, the more that Trump acts like a "normal" president the weaker his support from the alt-right will be. Second, the party out of power always looks weak. That's because it doesn't have a leader to whom the public can compare against the president. These things work themselves out over time.
6
Polling data that suggests #45 would beat Hillary again is misleading. The question can be easily interpreted as asking, "Knowing that Trump was going to win anyway would you still have voted for Hillary?" This does not judge Trump's current popularity. It measures the degree to which support for Clinton was less than wholehearted.
The takeaway is that DNC manipulation and nebulous messaging delivered a candidate who was unable to withstand the barrage of garbage thrown in her direction. The Democratic Party has skated along on the "We're the Lesser of Two Evils Platform" for way too long.
The other takeaway is that Democratic Party leadership will show up at protests to take advantage of photo ops, but are more comfortable in the swamp than in the street. The stakes have been raised, and the Democratic Party appears to continue to want to try slithering under the bar.
The takeaway is that DNC manipulation and nebulous messaging delivered a candidate who was unable to withstand the barrage of garbage thrown in her direction. The Democratic Party has skated along on the "We're the Lesser of Two Evils Platform" for way too long.
The other takeaway is that Democratic Party leadership will show up at protests to take advantage of photo ops, but are more comfortable in the swamp than in the street. The stakes have been raised, and the Democratic Party appears to continue to want to try slithering under the bar.
6
"Large majorities say he is not honest, does not keep promises and does not care about ordinary people."
The president has his faults but "does not care about ordinary people" is not one of them. "Ordinary people" voted for him and they are not complaining about his victory.
The president has his faults but "does not care about ordinary people" is not one of them. "Ordinary people" voted for him and they are not complaining about his victory.
1
Bob c., the fact ordinary people voted for him does not mean he cares for them. He claimed he would propose a great health plan that would cover everyone but he never studied the issue and tried to sell a plan that would cover 23 million less folks while enriching the wealthy who would get tax breaks. He cares as much for these ordinary people as those who paid Trump University up to 35,000 dollars.
12
"Only 2 percent of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November,..."
There is no cost attached to saying you still support Trump, even if you no longer do. On the contrary; to say that you continue to support Trump demonstrates tenacity.
I suspect that many Trump supporters secretly regret their votes.
There is no cost attached to saying you still support Trump, even if you no longer do. On the contrary; to say that you continue to support Trump demonstrates tenacity.
I suspect that many Trump supporters secretly regret their votes.
7
"I suspect that many Trump supporters secretly regret their votes."
Wishful thinking. Trump fans love their new president.
Wishful thinking. Trump fans love their new president.
2
Surely at least some of his supporters know that he really doesn't love them.
He is spending gobs of taxpayer money on golf and cake-- if he really loved the forgotten worker and the damaged towns, he would be ashamed to spend all that. He just wants their adoration but he will abuse them and us for as long as he can get away with it. Does he invite them for dinner? Does he sit with them in a real diner? Some of them surely sense he will dump them in a heart beat if their adoration wavers. They know he only really loves himself and craves the adoration and riches of the world's grifters.
The degree of difficulty of being president only surprised him because he thought that he could run the world for an hour or two per day by edict and big signatures, while plundering it in secret the rest of the day until Bill O'Riley came on TV at night after dessert..
He is spending gobs of taxpayer money on golf and cake-- if he really loved the forgotten worker and the damaged towns, he would be ashamed to spend all that. He just wants their adoration but he will abuse them and us for as long as he can get away with it. Does he invite them for dinner? Does he sit with them in a real diner? Some of them surely sense he will dump them in a heart beat if their adoration wavers. They know he only really loves himself and craves the adoration and riches of the world's grifters.
The degree of difficulty of being president only surprised him because he thought that he could run the world for an hour or two per day by edict and big signatures, while plundering it in secret the rest of the day until Bill O'Riley came on TV at night after dessert..
7
Americans should have someone in the White House who is mature, thoughtful and learns about important issues from briefings by trained experts rather than talking heads on Fox News. When did that become too much to expect?
13
If this nation is to survive the onslaught of corruption, the collusion and the thieving and the lies and the hate coming from Donald Trump on a daily basis, there are two possibilities that would begin a process of undoing the damage being done.
1. Donald Trump announces and tenders his resignation as President of the United States.
2. Donald Trump is impeached by the House, and convicted in the Senate.
When the next Presidential election comes up, the damage done to this nation could very well be irreparable and beyond any meaningful repair. Congress must put the country's best interest to the forefront, and remove this decisive and disturbed demigod from office at the soonest possible time.
The Constitution must be allowed to work for the good of the country.
1. Donald Trump announces and tenders his resignation as President of the United States.
2. Donald Trump is impeached by the House, and convicted in the Senate.
When the next Presidential election comes up, the damage done to this nation could very well be irreparable and beyond any meaningful repair. Congress must put the country's best interest to the forefront, and remove this decisive and disturbed demigod from office at the soonest possible time.
The Constitution must be allowed to work for the good of the country.
9
His 100 days? Divisive. Tumultuous. Embarrassing. Mistake Prone. Frightening.
Broke perhaps 80 promises in 100 days. Thousands of deceptions.
Filled the swamp corruptly.
Labor Department data shows at least 11,934 American jobs have been lost or are in the process of leaving the U.S. since his Inauguration Day.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin just said that no guarantee that middle class families would not pay more under the Trump tax proposals.
Trump himself--along with other obscenely wealthy people-- will pay less.
Half of Trump’s executive actions in the first hundred days have been related to destroying the environment.
Broke perhaps 80 promises in 100 days. Thousands of deceptions.
Filled the swamp corruptly.
Labor Department data shows at least 11,934 American jobs have been lost or are in the process of leaving the U.S. since his Inauguration Day.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin just said that no guarantee that middle class families would not pay more under the Trump tax proposals.
Trump himself--along with other obscenely wealthy people-- will pay less.
Half of Trump’s executive actions in the first hundred days have been related to destroying the environment.
22
Just as in 2016 when Trump's polls were undercounted by people who were ashamed to admit they would vote for him, many of those same people would be loathe to admit they would vote for progressive Democratic candidates in 2018 and 2020. The great mistake the Democrats are making now is by writing these prospective voters off and not offering them - or anyone else, any big ideas for the future, content to only fight battles on their secure home turf.
Pelosi, Stoyer and the rest of the boneyard are content to let the party become a permanent minority, lest their big coastal owners - I mean donors - take back their marbles and walk away. Forget about identity politics; alleviating people's financial anxieties makes a miraculous difference in their good will towards others. At least the Clintons got one thing right, both for the country and their own bloated bank accounts: it's the economy stupid!
Pelosi, Stoyer and the rest of the boneyard are content to let the party become a permanent minority, lest their big coastal owners - I mean donors - take back their marbles and walk away. Forget about identity politics; alleviating people's financial anxieties makes a miraculous difference in their good will towards others. At least the Clintons got one thing right, both for the country and their own bloated bank accounts: it's the economy stupid!
7
As a progressive, I'm no fan of Trump's, but he does do something I wish supposed progressives like Obama had done, namely everything in his power to implement his promises. Trump has done everything he can to push public opinion and congressional members in this direction.
Obama, by contrast, after winning in 2008, decided he wanted to be the passive president, leaving law creation to Congress and leaving his role to signing and implementing those laws, just as the Constitution prescribes. The result was that it took a full year to get supposed healthcare "reform" as the very flawed ACA.
Bernie Sanders and Trump, as different as they are in ideology, have this in common: Both believe that getting your ideas and promises implemented means activating the general populace for your views, even after being elected. It's a lesson Democrats should observe. Obama never managed to, and the result was 8 years of ineffective governance.
Whatever shortcomings Trump critics might see, Trump is out there everyday talking to everybody he can -- the public and Congress -- toward supporting the ideas he campaigned on. Too bad for us progressives that Obama didn't have the same determination.
Obama, by contrast, after winning in 2008, decided he wanted to be the passive president, leaving law creation to Congress and leaving his role to signing and implementing those laws, just as the Constitution prescribes. The result was that it took a full year to get supposed healthcare "reform" as the very flawed ACA.
Bernie Sanders and Trump, as different as they are in ideology, have this in common: Both believe that getting your ideas and promises implemented means activating the general populace for your views, even after being elected. It's a lesson Democrats should observe. Obama never managed to, and the result was 8 years of ineffective governance.
Whatever shortcomings Trump critics might see, Trump is out there everyday talking to everybody he can -- the public and Congress -- toward supporting the ideas he campaigned on. Too bad for us progressives that Obama didn't have the same determination.
5
I think you're underestimating the cohesive partisan resistance Obama faced at the usual choke point: an obstructionist Congress whose narrow goal was to defeat him even at the expense our general welfare.
16
Bernie Sanders has an ideology, Trump does not.
His "promises" and "ideas" are not consistent, they change with the wind. Trump could care less about making the country better for anyone but himself and his cronies. Oh, and of course he cares about his "ratings".
His "promises" and "ideas" are not consistent, they change with the wind. Trump could care less about making the country better for anyone but himself and his cronies. Oh, and of course he cares about his "ratings".
5
Steve, just remember that Obama's "leaving [the detauils of] law creation to Congress" meant that the ACA did get passed, whereas Trump's (and in 1993 Bill and Hillary Clinton's) "doing everything [they] can to push" resulted in ... nothing.
Bernie Sanders [having renounced his brief label of "Democrat"] has shown himself to be, like Trump, just another loud-mouthed angry old man. (I say this as someone who recently celebrated his own 78th birthday.)
Bernie Sanders [having renounced his brief label of "Democrat"] has shown himself to be, like Trump, just another loud-mouthed angry old man. (I say this as someone who recently celebrated his own 78th birthday.)
9
I still think it's possible for the investigation into Russian collusion to go forward and uncover that Trump colluded with Russia to get elected. However, it may take years before any facts emerge that implicate Trump. Also, if Trump tax returns become public information, as a result of an ACLU lawsuit we may have a better idea of what his conflicts of interest are.
18
"Focus on what’s truly important: health, tax and housing policy, the allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin, the efforts to undermine women’s health programs, and the effort to slash foreign aid just as 20 million people face possible famine."
You left out one very important but often overlooked item: public education. Betsy DeVos, Arne Duncan, and John King have all done their best to undermine public education and the future looks bleak unless we push very clearly for support of all children, not just those who can afford private schools.
You left out one very important but often overlooked item: public education. Betsy DeVos, Arne Duncan, and John King have all done their best to undermine public education and the future looks bleak unless we push very clearly for support of all children, not just those who can afford private schools.
19
You also left out the environment - one area where Trump and the republican congress are likely to work well together in trashing environmental protections. They're not likely to pass up any opportunity to put business interests above the public good.
6
"Trump systematically betrays his supporters. Elected in part on working-class anger at elites, he keeps proposing giant tax cuts for the rich financed by cutting health care for the needy, and his tax “plan” would in effect borrow from China to reward billionaires like himself. "
I would like to read just one comment by a Trump supporter who regrets his/her vote. That would give me hope. But, it is not going to happen. Trump supporters are just like him--no apologies, no regrets, no clue about the consequences of his actions. This is the lesson I have learned.
I would like to read just one comment by a Trump supporter who regrets his/her vote. That would give me hope. But, it is not going to happen. Trump supporters are just like him--no apologies, no regrets, no clue about the consequences of his actions. This is the lesson I have learned.
17
If their "no apologies, no regrets, no clue" reaction to their leader's betrayal continues, well then, I'd say that their loss of health care, higher taxes while real-estate plutocrats reap billions in windfalls, lack of "returned" jobs in mines, factories, etc. is their own fault, and therefore deserved. Let them eat trumpcake!
2
I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the possibility of impeachment. Mulitple investigations are underway and we already have substantiated evidence of involvement of trump administration officials with Russia prior to the election. When those investigations are completed and the full story of Trump's attack upon the country and the constitution become indisputable, well that's where the rubber will meet the road. Stay tuned folks.
21
Bravo, Mr. Kristof--again. May I recommend a similar masterpiece by FactCheck.org, "100 Days of Whoppers"? (http://www.factcheck.org/2017/04/100-days-whoppers/)
The 45% of eligible voters who didn't vote in the last presidential election bear considerable responsibility in the situation described here. Please, folks, wake up, get informed (without restricting yourself to talk radio or Fox), and vote.
The 45% of eligible voters who didn't vote in the last presidential election bear considerable responsibility in the situation described here. Please, folks, wake up, get informed (without restricting yourself to talk radio or Fox), and vote.
16
My greatest concern after reading Kristof's accurate description of Trump's first 100 days is that reputable columnists like this one are reassuring their readers that the slide toward a "fascist dictatorship" has diminished when nothing of the sort has occurred except in the overly optimistic minds of hopeful journalists. Timothy Snyder ("On Tyranny") describes the dangerous state of the "politics of inevitability" or the totally naive belief that our constitutional democracy is not in danger because it is destined to succeed. As Kristof admits, we have a long way to go to the end of this ersatz president's term. It's way, way too early to be telling the public not to worry. No government comes with a guarantee of survival; that state is only secured through care, protection, development, and vigilance. Kristof - and earlier this week his colleague, Timothy Egan - should continue making folks aware that our way of life is under siege by a fascist GOP and their totally out-of-touch clown of a president. Reassuring the public that things are getting better is very, very dangerous, not to mention irresponsible.
27
A thoughtful, substantive comment. I'll be thinking about the implications of this comment ...
2
Mr. Kristof did not mention the environment crisis. We need Environmental justice both here in the United States and throughout the world. If the planet has more droughts, floods, rising oceans we will begin to see mass migrations which will disrupt our societies, and our communities and causing further economic inequalities everywhere.
19
NOTHING has diminished, all who are not concerned with what has happened here can afford to avert their eyes. Those of us who voted for this fake human made a monumental mistake at the worst possible time. There are those who will always resist this incompetent kleptocracy, there are those who will listen to you.
14
So far checks and balances have constrained Trump, but he seems to be having another successful "delusional fit: by calling Kim Jung Un smart, inviting Duterte to the Whitehouse, fiercely attacking the media and all the while keeping Flynn's news sidelined.
5
Trump: a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma?
Here’s the key.
It’s always just been a heist.
Here’s the key.
It’s always just been a heist.
11
I have learned a few lessons from the Trump Presidency as well, about human nature. The one obsessing me right now is how far some people will prostitute and purger themselves to get their few minutes of fame. Watching those wall Street Titans rolling out Trump's budget was a sickening experience. They certainly know what a PR charade it is, what a disaster it would be if implemented, and yet there they are, seriously defending that nonsense, cheerfully destroying the reputations they spent many years cultivating in the business world.
8
What reputations? They're sharks among sharks. All it takes to garner respect on Wall Street is oodles of money, gotten by fair means or foul and then all sins are forgiven.
2
The basis of the power of propaganda is that ideas repeated often enough become true even when they are lies. It would be meaningful to look to both religion and advertising as sources of such repetition working in favor of Trump's appearing legitimate when he savages the lives of his base yet can get up in front of them and be cheered as he repeats lies that should have worn out their appeal by now as it has been seen just how baseless they are in fact.
6
Yes. Unfortunately, it's difficult to have compassion for people who are so easily mislead, even though their grievances, in some cases, are legitimate. Their ignorance, willingness to blame "the other," and continued support of Trump in the face of demonstrable proof of Trump's lies and self-serving behavior (the frequent, costly trips to his resort and blatant promotion of his properties, etc.) make it almost impossible to find common ground. He's not worthy of their respect, but they give it to him and his actions mock them.
6
WAMC is a public radio station in Albany, NY.
On a recent program Tom Vilsack [Secretary of Agriculture under Obama] explained why HRC lost.
If the Dems do not heed Vilsack's advice Trump will win again in 2020.
http://wamc.org/post/42717-panel
On a recent program Tom Vilsack [Secretary of Agriculture under Obama] explained why HRC lost.
If the Dems do not heed Vilsack's advice Trump will win again in 2020.
http://wamc.org/post/42717-panel
1
Kudos, kudos, kudos, and kudos to you Kristof. Did I remember to say Kudos?
2
Many folks wonder why the author of this editorial claims that the Democratic Party is disconnected from the people?
One thing proves this: the nomination - (the entitled forgone conclusion) - of Hillary Clinton. Bernie Sanders obviously generated real enthusiasm, which was ignored and discouraged. Hillary was pushed and pushed. So now we have what we have and the Democratic Party is greatly responsible.
One thing proves this: the nomination - (the entitled forgone conclusion) - of Hillary Clinton. Bernie Sanders obviously generated real enthusiasm, which was ignored and discouraged. Hillary was pushed and pushed. So now we have what we have and the Democratic Party is greatly responsible.
3
Good point. Bernie wasn't prepared with real policies and detailed plans to achieve his objectives, but he was on the right track. And, Hillary was bound to lose. I voted for her but I wanted some other woman to be the first woman in the White House. I think the Democrats should have realized her negatives were way too high for her to win. If she really believed in what she fought for, for so many years, she would have put her ego aside and helped another candidate carry that agenda forward.
3
Respectfully, Mr. Kristof, I would elevate point 11. to the top of your insightful list. I would also hope that you and your colleagues in future reporting concentrate on the issues set forth in 11. We are well aware by now of Trump's cynical mastery of his political "rope a dope" schtick. Just stay with the big issues and the rest could fall into place. Then, with a measure of good fortune also, those "long three years and nine months still ahead of us" will never come to pass", for the survival of our republic.
8
Kristof omitted Trump's and the Trump family's business conflicts of interest which have converted our democracy into a kleptocracy.
17
Maybe instead of asking the "Trump voters" if they would vote for him again, the better question might be if the people who voted for the Green Party or other Independents would cast their votes again. Trump has not and likely will not lose his "base". It's the "protest" vote the democrats need to look to.
11
Yes, Mr. Kristof. "The Republic stands". But that's not enough.
The Republic stands for whom? -- that's the question.
For all practical purposes, Donald Trump is still in high- campaign gear, slinging out hash to his main support-base, while ignoring everyone else. Not only Democrats, but anyone who didn't vote for him, or who sees eye-to-eye with him.
That's no the way for the presidency to work.
At least not here, in America.
And until Mr. Trump finally figures that out, and does something more substantial than a tweet about it, he hasn't learned the most important "Lesson" of all.
The Republic stands for whom? -- that's the question.
For all practical purposes, Donald Trump is still in high- campaign gear, slinging out hash to his main support-base, while ignoring everyone else. Not only Democrats, but anyone who didn't vote for him, or who sees eye-to-eye with him.
That's no the way for the presidency to work.
At least not here, in America.
And until Mr. Trump finally figures that out, and does something more substantial than a tweet about it, he hasn't learned the most important "Lesson" of all.
7
I think it is time to pull back on the disrespect that is shown every time the words "Trump's base" are written. These Americans are our neighbors. We fought wars and sacrificed our young men and women for everyone in this country. They have a right to their thoughts and feelings. I personally don't come close to their feelings on many issues but they have a right to be heard. If we listened more we could become the bridge to unify the country.
2
I disagree. I do not respect the blatant racism of his followers. Perhaps they and the President should take time to listen to opposing views instead of relying on the fake news of outlets like Fox News, Breibart and The National Enquirer for their "facts".
6
Nick it is not the Democratic Party that is out of touch. The problem is the 42% of the voting population that is out of touch with common sense, honesty, and decency.
13
You might also define this problem as civic illiteracy. I wonder how many kids had high school civics and read the Constitution. My guess is not many.
3
I guess environmental protection and the effects of climate change are not truly important to you, since they didn't make your list in point 11. Not to mention sustained attacks on the integrity of science and the threat to defund federally sponsored research.
12
"The opposition to Trump has been ineffective?" See your own list. Where do you think all the legislative defeats come from? The high-minded intentions of our elected reps? Please. This is all about grass roots pressure. Viva la resistance!
10
Why bother to catalog the efforts of this administration? The bald truth is, Donald Trump is beneath the dignity of the office. Even if he achieved everything he promised during his vulgar and juvenile campaign, he'd still be a national disgrace. The sooner he's gone, the better.
11
I just saw an interview with a Trump voter on TV, and she stated how happy she was with her vote, how Trump is keeping his promises, how he's passed great legislation, and that she's looking forward to him fixing health care so that it is less expensive with smaller deductibles.
3
The #1 thing I've learned from Trump's first 100 days:
In nearly every way - his ability, compassion, curiosity, demeanor, honesty, intelligence, judgment, maturity, etc. - he's even worse than I expected.
The only thing that gives me hope, and perhaps the reason he might win a popular vote today - he's also a serial flip-flopper, adopting Hillary Clinton's positions on China, Syria, NATO...
In nearly every way - his ability, compassion, curiosity, demeanor, honesty, intelligence, judgment, maturity, etc. - he's even worse than I expected.
The only thing that gives me hope, and perhaps the reason he might win a popular vote today - he's also a serial flip-flopper, adopting Hillary Clinton's positions on China, Syria, NATO...
7
Enough of President Trump's bashing the media, journalism and free speech. Maybe the best way to truly get under his skin is for the media to take a one day moratorium on coverage of his actions. Let's take a one day time out to re-energize ourselves for the long battle ahead.
9
I don't think it's shocking that a liberal college student might be concerned about sharing a dorm room with someone who aligns themselves with a conservative worldview in which racial bigotry, xenophobia, homophobia and hostility toward women are tolerated.
24
I agree. There are certain baselines of morality that I raised my children to adhere to. Neither they, nor I, can countenance the offensive behavior and rhetoric of Mr. Trump and his core followers. I would not want my children to share quarters with individuals who have such a fundamental lack of reverence for these basic values.
These are not debatable social issues; they are moral imperatives, as heroes like John McCain know.
These are not debatable social issues; they are moral imperatives, as heroes like John McCain know.
5
Trump will not change.The strategies he learned under Roy Cohn's tutelage will
continue .Attack,divert, counterattack. Trump's Twittering is dangerous when it
comes into play with enemies like North Korea and Isis. Trump is superb when
he lectures his audience, as he did yesterday in Harrisburg. The problem is that
Trump is not hearing any criticism from the media or the public. "But he hasn't got anything on," a little child said.. From The Emperor's New Clothes.
continue .Attack,divert, counterattack. Trump's Twittering is dangerous when it
comes into play with enemies like North Korea and Isis. Trump is superb when
he lectures his audience, as he did yesterday in Harrisburg. The problem is that
Trump is not hearing any criticism from the media or the public. "But he hasn't got anything on," a little child said.. From The Emperor's New Clothes.
3
Dear Americans,
What you need to be aware of is the fact that over the last eight years Democrats have lost 900+ state legislature seats, 12 governors, 69 House seats, 13 Senate seats.
You have to ask your self why, and then work to turn this around from school boards on up. Maybe your wedge issue is not the most important one facing the Nation, ok?
What you need to be aware of is the fact that over the last eight years Democrats have lost 900+ state legislature seats, 12 governors, 69 House seats, 13 Senate seats.
You have to ask your self why, and then work to turn this around from school boards on up. Maybe your wedge issue is not the most important one facing the Nation, ok?
Mr. Kristof, I agree with most of your column. But the other lesson is for Democrats. The party had better learn to listen to the Trump base and at least pretend (like he does) to care about their concerns and issues. .
Somehow Trump has convinced them that he cares about them. They truly believe it. So how and why did that happen?
I think he used their religious upbringing and belief, through his words and deeds, to deliver messages that resonated with them.
His events, before the election and since, are more like tent revival meetings than political speeches.
His message--I alone can fix it. I will bring justice to a lawless land. Believe in me because I believe in you. I will be your benevolent father.
His base has grown up having faith in an all-powerful being who is just and is coming to save them. If you believe in me, I will save you. That was Trump's message in a nutshell.
And it resonated with his base a lot better than Tim Kaine talking to them in Spanish and Hillary telling them "we're in this together."
Democrats better wake up and find some old time religion, and soon.
Somehow Trump has convinced them that he cares about them. They truly believe it. So how and why did that happen?
I think he used their religious upbringing and belief, through his words and deeds, to deliver messages that resonated with them.
His events, before the election and since, are more like tent revival meetings than political speeches.
His message--I alone can fix it. I will bring justice to a lawless land. Believe in me because I believe in you. I will be your benevolent father.
His base has grown up having faith in an all-powerful being who is just and is coming to save them. If you believe in me, I will save you. That was Trump's message in a nutshell.
And it resonated with his base a lot better than Tim Kaine talking to them in Spanish and Hillary telling them "we're in this together."
Democrats better wake up and find some old time religion, and soon.
8
Very good point. Trump as the Savior. Shocking concept, but valid and scary. The believer is not allowed to doubt God.
1
After 100 days of obstruction the president shows his leadership and tenacity, two qualities the empty suit Obama does not possess. You do not like the past 100 days? Many did not like the last eight years of Obama's policies.
I agree with the issues you have identified that we need to follow But you left out the very critical issue of environmental/climate change issues. These don't just effect America but the entire planet. Trump has aligned himself and appointed people who deny the problem due to their own greed with the status quo.
4
What's truly important: keeping us out of a war, dealing with climate change, revamping our justice system, addressing racism.
2
To #11, please add climate. It's "truly important"!
"what's truly important" to focus on. you forgot efforts to reverse man-made global warming/climate change, right up there with avoiding nuclear war.
2
Getting Trump voters to admit they were wrong is a bad idea. It continues to polarize. Getting them to see the policies hurt them might well be easier and, in the end, more important.
1
The Princeton survey sounds about right. If you are a republican, then a person of different political views would advocate higher education, women's rights, immigrant's rights, and analysis of data. I think republicans in college would be ok with at least half of that. But a democrat would need to worry whether their new GOP roommate would hate them for their race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Of course they are more worried.
9
The Democrats are in the basement because they continue the attempt to ignore the persistent and popular voice of Bernie Sanders and the millions of us who support progressive ideas like Medicare for All, spending real money on infrastructure, and taxing those who can pay.
Young voters, the majority of whom voted for Sanders, did not and do not support Trump or the republican party. They are the future.
Young voters, the majority of whom voted for Sanders, did not and do not support Trump or the republican party. They are the future.
4
Really important? Get rid of electoral college and gerrymandering so we have a truly representative democracy! My investments are up, if my kids were young enough his plans would help me. Doesn't change my loathing the man's treasonous ways, Teflon don emolument clause avoidance, nepotism. Add in his promotion of racist policies, putting religion into the Supreme Court and public education, his mendacity and coarsening of our discourse. I could go on but I'm joining the Department of Redundancy Department. What's the point of more money if the planet is toasted? What is the point if our society doesn't function for all? Wealth isn't sustainable if it's built on misery. Success is to sell 1000 suits at a $1 profit, not 1 suit at $1,000 profit. Old lesson. I blame the republicans for getting in bed with the religious right in the '70s to elect Reagan in the '80s. Doesn't mean we can't fight back hard now, and win.
6
What about the environment /energy use / Climate Change? Why don't you mention this as an important issue?
3
"Even more people say that the Democratic Party is out of touch with ordinary voters than say the same of the Republican Party. "
See, the people can't be fooled all of the time.
See, the people can't be fooled all of the time.
However, I saw real disappointment on the faces of Trump voters when I reminded them they still had to pay the Obamacare penalty, and no there was no sign of it being gone next year either.
Mr Kristof, please comment on Trump's rally in Harrisburg.
1
Thank you for this thoughtfully constructed column. Trump may continuously fling about shiny things - one hopes they aren't more bombs and rockets - but I so wish there could be a concerted effort to get Trump's taxes and to enforce the emoluments clause. He is a duplicitous profiteer, unqualified for the Presidency. And please, please to all journalists, news people, commentators, for the love of this country, STOP referring to the White House circus as "palace intrigue." It just encourages the narcissist in chief.
3
Why is it that we Democrats and progressives are the ones who are supposed to empathize with trump's supporters? And they have no moral injunction to empathize with us. There's a kind of elitism right there.
12
Dear Mr. Kristof,
Are all the "pollsters" you are quoting the same batch that predicted Trump had no chance of winning the presidency?
Talk about "fake news".
Are all the "pollsters" you are quoting the same batch that predicted Trump had no chance of winning the presidency?
Talk about "fake news".
4
Sad to say, you are most likely to come to the end of your journey on the trail before Donald J. Trump does on his. May yours be happy and fulfilling.
Another cogent Kristof editorial. Nothing to disagree with. Trump needs to build community and be trusted and trustworthy. Thus far he is neither, and it will hurt the US in the long run if he continues his style of operation. Our allies will abandon us, and those on the fence will wonder whether it is worth aligning with an administration that behaves like a banana republic.
2
and all this should prompt some hard reflection among progressives. - I usually agree with you but not this time. His supporters have shown themselves to be just as ignorant, repulsive and hard-headed as he is. We can't reach them and there is no use trying. If anything, Democrats should try to bring 3rd party voters back into the fold. It is time to accept that a significant portion of US citizens is lost and will never be found. We need to figure out how to press on without them.
11
As to item 12, after watching Trump's campaign in Harrisburg last night, I don't have a high comfort factor that the threat of a fascist dictatorship has diminished. What I saw reminded me a lot of film clips of have seen of Hitler's rallies in Germany during the 1930s. His efforts to thwart the media, the courts, and the legislative process are indeed threats to our democratic processes.
Obama was hugely popular outside the US, perhaps more he was inside the US, even before he became President. My relatives who lived abroad, raved about him, looked up to him. Elderly women prayed for his welfare, especially since Obama had lost both his mother and grand mother (they never saw their son and grandson become President). In contrast, everyone outside the US is wary of Trump. On our trip abroad we braced ourselves for "what have you Americans done! How could you elect someone like Trump?" The nationalist and anti immigrant stance assumed by Trump, is turning people outside the US to view America as a place where hope and happiness goes to "die", no longer a place where dreams come true. We are amongst the wealthiest countries in the world, yet we have amongst the highest levels of discontent, depression and mental illness, in any developed country of the world. Greed for money, wealth (also seen in evangelical megachurches raising millions) is a bottomless pit, not unlike a hungry ghost who is never satisfied or satiated.
130
As for #11, don't forget Global Warming and his all out assault on protecting the environment. Yes we need to stay focused on all those other issues but we also need to preserve and protect the political sysyem that glorifies TRUTH, JUSTICE, and the AMERICAN WAY. We cannot allow corruption and the influence of money in politics drown out the voice of the people.
2
The only chance our nation has to survive this egregious assault on...well, everything is for Republicans in Congress to find their honor, remember their oaths to protect and defend the Constitution, and put country before party. I am not hopeful.
6
The most painful lesson of the Trump presidency so far has been that every second of it feels like a minute, every minute of it feels like an hour, every hour of it feels like a day, every day of it feels like a week, every week of it feels like a month, every month of it feels like a year, and every year of it feels like a lifetime!
So the first 100 days of President Trump feel like the first 100 weeks, which feel like the first 100 months, which feel like the first 100 years… which feel like eternity… what have we done to deserve this never-ending punishment?
So the first 100 days of President Trump feel like the first 100 weeks, which feel like the first 100 months, which feel like the first 100 years… which feel like eternity… what have we done to deserve this never-ending punishment?
1
What we have done to receive endless punishment: we have left the electoral college in place when it could be defanged state by state. See: http://www.nationalpopularvote.com/. State legislatures some of which are already one house away from full passage could save us from future torment by this ugly relic of past slave owning days. What else we have done is gerrymandering and every effort to restrict the votes of known liberal voters.
4
13. President Trump loves his supporters, but lashes out against all other Americans. Heartbroken.....I thought a president represented all Americans? So Sad.
2
This president represents only himself.
It's good to be reminded that respite can be had, and that recreation can be just that: a rebuilding of the self. Enjoy.
12. The incessant stream of negative articles about the man who is now President of all the people of these United States has not only not abated but has intensified.
Why, if he is so inept at getting his programs enacted is the NY Times still so determined to point out his myriad flaws?
Why, if he is so inept at getting his programs enacted is the NY Times still so determined to point out his myriad flaws?
The Republic stands....for now.
We're just getting started. And the deep problem isn't Trump--it's us: we the people elected Donald Trump President. That tells us a whole lot about the state of our political class (awful) and the body-politic (sick).
Republics are precarious, and ours is in decay.
We're just getting started. And the deep problem isn't Trump--it's us: we the people elected Donald Trump President. That tells us a whole lot about the state of our political class (awful) and the body-politic (sick).
Republics are precarious, and ours is in decay.
Best thing about Trump is that Hillary is not in the White House.
2
It's precisely that sort of attitude that got him elected.
4
I'm relieved our Republic stands, but the staunch support of his base just reflects the power of "conservative media," which explains why people who have everything to lose at the hands of the GOP and Trump continue to support them. they are aroused anew every day at those whom they should hate.
6
As much as I respect and admire you, Mr. Kristoff, I have to admit I find this column confusing. You state large majorities of Americans polled believe Trump is dishonest, doesn't keep his promises and doesn't care about ordinary people (all of which I believe are true as well, by the way). You also state that Trump systematically betrays his supporters - very obviously . And yet you state his "base" remains unwaveringly loyal and that if the election were held today he might even win the popular vote as well as the Electoral College. I find it quite hard to believe that all of these things are true. Having followed you for years, I find it equally hard to believe that you would write an inaccurate column. Therefore I am stuck with the idea that a large chunk my fellow Americans are the biggest and best rubes a con-man like Trump could ever dream of.
5
13. Stop covering Trump's rallies. Stop giving him the stage he needs so he can watch himself on TV. He wants notariety. If the press stops giving it to him every time he holds a rally, he'll stop holding rallies.
4
Two things I'm waiting for: Trump to name the period that "make America great again" was.
And, when do the people who hired illegals get prosecuted.
And, when do the people who hired illegals get prosecuted.
9
His rally in Pennsylvania was ugly, negative and fueled by resentment. Still intolerant of protest. Still hurling out that raw red meat to his easily riled up base.
The NY Times made a great point---Trump's anger at the media during the rally was contrived, given he had sought out interviews last week with reporters, so there's an ironic contradiction there. He needs the media, seeks it out, then uses it to manufacture grievance. Most of us believe he avoided the annual correspondents dinner because he is basically thin-skinned.
Meanwhile, in huge protests for the Climate March, it was chanted loudly:
"Resistance is here to stay. Welcome to your 100th day!
The NY Times made a great point---Trump's anger at the media during the rally was contrived, given he had sought out interviews last week with reporters, so there's an ironic contradiction there. He needs the media, seeks it out, then uses it to manufacture grievance. Most of us believe he avoided the annual correspondents dinner because he is basically thin-skinned.
Meanwhile, in huge protests for the Climate March, it was chanted loudly:
"Resistance is here to stay. Welcome to your 100th day!
6
"Even more people say that the Democratic Party is out of touch with ordinary voters than say the same of the Republican Party."
What do you do about such widespread ignorance? The Reagan administration killed the Fairness Doctrine, allowing right wing talk radio to put out an endless stream of lies and distortions. Same for Fox News. Then came Citizens United, allowing oligarchs to rent or purchase politicians. Then came social media with its social Balkanization, fake news, trolls and bots, domestic and foreign.
Now we apparently have a perfect storm, a tsunami of ignorance. It isn't the Democrats that are out of touch; it's a large portion of the electorate.
What do you do about such widespread ignorance? The Reagan administration killed the Fairness Doctrine, allowing right wing talk radio to put out an endless stream of lies and distortions. Same for Fox News. Then came Citizens United, allowing oligarchs to rent or purchase politicians. Then came social media with its social Balkanization, fake news, trolls and bots, domestic and foreign.
Now we apparently have a perfect storm, a tsunami of ignorance. It isn't the Democrats that are out of touch; it's a large portion of the electorate.
8
How can you post on Instagram if you have left your phone and mail behind on your hiking trip?
I am heartened by the marching crowds reflecting our values. We are more than a little shaken by the idiocy of this presidency but our social and moral infrastucture is strong. We shall overcome.
I am heartened by the marching crowds reflecting our values. We are more than a little shaken by the idiocy of this presidency but our social and moral infrastucture is strong. We shall overcome.
1
To those of us who loudly opposed Donald Trump in the 2016 campaign and worked unsuccessfully to defeat him, he has demonstrated in his first 100 days that he just as bad as we feared. Probably worse.
Nicholas Kristof’s list of 12 things he has learned is sobering, and it reflects the very things which should strike any thinking person who cares about our republic.
Item is number 4 on the Kristof list actually is an achievement by Donald Trump. The ABC/Washington Post poll shows that Trump would do even better in an election held today than he did this past November, and that is a chilling thought.
Hopefully, the poll is as inaccurate as the polling done by smug Robby Mook on behalf of Hillary Clinton.
Nicholas Kristof’s list of 12 things he has learned is sobering, and it reflects the very things which should strike any thinking person who cares about our republic.
Item is number 4 on the Kristof list actually is an achievement by Donald Trump. The ABC/Washington Post poll shows that Trump would do even better in an election held today than he did this past November, and that is a chilling thought.
Hopefully, the poll is as inaccurate as the polling done by smug Robby Mook on behalf of Hillary Clinton.
2
Lesson #13: It's a slippery slope. Trump has not always gotten away with his shenanigans. Fueled by the presidency, he himself may be numbed by seemingly getting away with behavior that crosses lines. One of these days, however, he will not recognize his own latest misdeed until it's too late, and the creeping incrementalism of sinking standards that sickens half of America will suddenly render Trump ill-equipped to deal with the consequences. At that point, all bets are off, and even Congress might actually do something about it.
2
What I have learned in the last 100 days is about the deeply entrenched arrogance of the liberal elite who presume to know what is best for the rest of America. The rest of America, the 98% who would vote for Trump again, are thrilled President Trump has the fortitude to shift America away from its job killing regulations, weak EU foreign policy, pro Iranian disastrous deal making, handwringing North Korean and ISIS policy. We are ecstatic that we have Justice Gorsuch and AG Sessions on our team. Melania, Jared and Ivanka make us proud. Every last word of President Trump is a jewel. We see the Progressive Left as unable to accept the consequences of an election and therefor resorting to violence. We will never adopt these tactics that undermine the foundations of our democracy that rely on the peaceful transition of power.
9
"Every last word of President Trump is a jewel."
Trump lost the popular vote by almost 3 million. He would not win again, since the poll cited did not include third party voters or the 40% of Americans who did not vote. Studies of the election have shown that the two biggest determinants of Trump voters were racism and sexism. The majority of Trump voters believed that Pres. Obama was born in Kenya (a racist lie) and believed that Hillary Clinton ran a child sex ring out of a Washington pizza restaurant. They now believe the completely unfounded lie that Pres. Obama wiretapped Trump, and they do not believe that Russia interfered in the election. All national intelligence agencies have confirmed that Russia interfered on behalf of Trump, and the FBI and other law enforcement and security agencies have totally denied any baseless wiretapping accusations.
In the real world, Trump has one of the lowest election victories, and has achieved the lowest approval levels of any president in the history of polling.
Delusions abound in Trump world. Kind of sickening actually.
Trump lost the popular vote by almost 3 million. He would not win again, since the poll cited did not include third party voters or the 40% of Americans who did not vote. Studies of the election have shown that the two biggest determinants of Trump voters were racism and sexism. The majority of Trump voters believed that Pres. Obama was born in Kenya (a racist lie) and believed that Hillary Clinton ran a child sex ring out of a Washington pizza restaurant. They now believe the completely unfounded lie that Pres. Obama wiretapped Trump, and they do not believe that Russia interfered in the election. All national intelligence agencies have confirmed that Russia interfered on behalf of Trump, and the FBI and other law enforcement and security agencies have totally denied any baseless wiretapping accusations.
In the real world, Trump has one of the lowest election victories, and has achieved the lowest approval levels of any president in the history of polling.
Delusions abound in Trump world. Kind of sickening actually.
13
Yes there are consequences to the election. Have you bothered to read the regulations that are being killed, have you listened to the threats made to N. Korea which could provoke retaliation and touch off WWIII. Can you tell the difference between the current ISIS policy and the previous administration's policy. Your glad you have AG Sessions who may be up to his neck in espionage due to his Russian cooperation. It's good you find the first family something to be proud of especially when they have found ways to significantly increase their net worth in their new positions. There is a shift alright, it's neither right or left. It's down. You should do some due diligence before you spout the Trump propaganda. You may discover distortions that might upset you Because of the newly anointed elite who think they know what's best.
I can't stand the willful ignorance being displayed by people like this, who rail against so-called "liberal elites" (as if millions of working class people who voted for Hillary and Bernie Sanders in the primary don't exist) and accuse them of being out of touch while they themselves remain stubbornly out of touch with reality. Do you know the State Department just reported Iran is in compliance with the deal? Have any meaningful steps towards pulling out of it been made? I'm not sure what you mean by "weak EU foreign policy," and think you might need to be reminded that EU stands for European Union and we are thus not a member. Did you know that in spite of Trump's promises GDP only grew by .7% in the first quarter of this year (to put this in words you can understand: BAD)? Do you really feel proud to be represented by Melania, who hides from her husband in New York on our dime? Are you proud of Ivanka using her position and, again, our tax dollars to travel around promoting her business? I have no idea what this "violence" by the left you refer to is, seeing as our marches have been peaceful (unlike Trump's rallies). We are not, in fact, undermining "the foundations of democracy" by protesting; our right to protest is actually one of the cornerstones of democracy. I would worry more about the threat to democracy presented by a president who, though you think everything he says is a "jewel," has so little respect for us that he lies on a near-daily basis. Translation: SAD.
Saint Nick gives us a pause : Liberalism mustn't be illiberal.
That begs, no screams, the questions : why have liberals, or those who currently masquerade as liberals, become so ill? Where has their vaunted tolerance and inclusion gone?
I'll bet Nick could score another Pulitzer if he explored all of the implications of that quandary.
That begs, no screams, the questions : why have liberals, or those who currently masquerade as liberals, become so ill? Where has their vaunted tolerance and inclusion gone?
I'll bet Nick could score another Pulitzer if he explored all of the implications of that quandary.
1
It's very hard to avoid Trump Derangement syndrome given his deranged presentation where he ping pongs from topic to topic, contradiction to contradiction, lies in the face of concrete evidence, insults and disrespects anyone who dares to disagree with him, including his own colleagues and high ranking party members, refuses to take responsibility for anything he does or says, takes credit for things that Obama did while gratuitously insulting him or blaming him for every mistake he's made and is so enraged by criticism and dissent that like a child during a temper tantrum, he starts throwing his weight around, wrecking his own environment for the sake of scoring minor points.
All that said, Kristof is right, the focus needs to be on policy not Trump's personality and character defects, even if both affect his judgement when it comes to the former. I would only add a few items to the list of truly important policy considerations and that would be criminal justice and immigration, both areas of deep concern to large swathes of the population and the people advocating for them.
All that said, Kristof is right, the focus needs to be on policy not Trump's personality and character defects, even if both affect his judgement when it comes to the former. I would only add a few items to the list of truly important policy considerations and that would be criminal justice and immigration, both areas of deep concern to large swathes of the population and the people advocating for them.
1
In a Gallup poll, only 36% declared him honest and trustworthy, down from 42% in February. His general approval rating--- a dismal 40%.
Many are coming to believe his statements and actions are a direct threat to representative democracy.
He will never transform to being "presidential."
100 days? Blaming everyone, his endless absurd tweeting, provoking wars. 100 days of insulting our closest allies and tearing down our very reputation internationally---day after day.
100 days of hubris and an unbelievably narcissistic sense of entitlement,
of never taking responsibility, and now blaming the Constitution because he can't force his will on this nation.
Republicans are complicit in their silence and assent.
Many are coming to believe his statements and actions are a direct threat to representative democracy.
He will never transform to being "presidential."
100 days? Blaming everyone, his endless absurd tweeting, provoking wars. 100 days of insulting our closest allies and tearing down our very reputation internationally---day after day.
100 days of hubris and an unbelievably narcissistic sense of entitlement,
of never taking responsibility, and now blaming the Constitution because he can't force his will on this nation.
Republicans are complicit in their silence and assent.
11
"The opposition to Trump has been ineffective in reaching Trump voters, and he remains deeply popular with his base."
No, I will not try to understand or reach Trump voters. There is no understanding or reaching stupid.
No, I will not try to understand or reach Trump voters. There is no understanding or reaching stupid.
13
Mr Kristof, Your list of lessons is depressing. You left out that Mr. Trump has broken many campaign promises. For example, he hypocritically spends an enormous amount of taxpayer money on his travel (Is this greed, ignorance, or loneliness?). Also, he seems oblivious to national security risks of speaking about diplomatic crises on his dining room patio in Florida (Is this stupidity, boldness, or carelessness?). The way he decribes it, he can have his mind changed on "very complex" subjects with just a 10-minute conversation from biased sources (Is this naiveté, lying, or just gut feelings?). He has installed his relatives in key positions in the White House (Is this nepotism, paranoia or a rational judgement based on the value of these advisors? Is there no one in our country who would do a better job than his relatives?). He holds pep rallies and sends inflammatory tweets just to bolster his (self-?) image and not to propose or promote policy changes, as a normal President might.
As a physician, traveler, and teacher, I have spoken with thousands of people from all walks of life and with many life experiences. I do not recall ever meeting someone with these odd qualities all in one person -- a self-promotor, hypocrite with naive flexibility in opinion on critical matters, and paranoid about opinions from outside of his family.
I hope that Mr. Trump will realize soon that our country is not a real estate company that he owns. We all own it.
As a physician, traveler, and teacher, I have spoken with thousands of people from all walks of life and with many life experiences. I do not recall ever meeting someone with these odd qualities all in one person -- a self-promotor, hypocrite with naive flexibility in opinion on critical matters, and paranoid about opinions from outside of his family.
I hope that Mr. Trump will realize soon that our country is not a real estate company that he owns. We all own it.
11
Two percent of Trump voters admit to regretting their choice? I'd say that most Trump voters are too embarrassed to admit (even to themselves) that they were so gullible to believe anything this man had to say, and that that they ignored the evidence (now fully known) of his complete and total unfitness for the job.
5
The lesson is that many US citizens are extremely poor at picking out a person who would be a good president.
10
The real dilemma is choosing the book for the Trump Library.
I bet it will have lots of pictures.
I bet it will have lots of pictures.
3
Or empty pages. Although there might be a little red book of his immortal tweets for his cult followers to worship.
2
"Trump's popularity among Republicans means that the liberal aim of removing Trump by impeachment or the 25th amendment is probably fantasy....."
I disagree. Trump's incompetence is rivaled by his arrogance and greed. None of these character defects seem to have an upper bound, with any one of them possibly leading to his removal from office.
One thing is certain: Donald Trump has debased the office of President and greatly damaged America's world image for some time to come.
I disagree. Trump's incompetence is rivaled by his arrogance and greed. None of these character defects seem to have an upper bound, with any one of them possibly leading to his removal from office.
One thing is certain: Donald Trump has debased the office of President and greatly damaged America's world image for some time to come.
4
susan chira's column about the people who still support trump is worth a read. That's the april 29th column. i was hoping to get something akin from you. Seems there has to be some way to reach the "true believers." They have true fears and grievances, which are not responded to by mainstream politics, but why the quantum leap to trump? it's like the blind need for a saviour.
2
"Liberalism mustn't be illiberal."? I can't help thinking we pay a terribly high price for our freedom of the press. How would Rush Limbaugh have fared if for some eight years in Russia he had trashed Vladimir Putin the way he trashed President Obama? I think he would have bern visited some evening in his broadcasting booth by some masked men and taken out, or had some mysterious food-poisoning. We have been very tolerant (all in the name of freedom of expression) of garbage that has poisoned the minds of Limbaugh's adorers, many (if not all) of whom are Trump supporters. Mr. Kristoff, we have been very "liberal" (if that's the word) toward Limbaugh, Hannity, and their ilk, and what has it gotten us?
5
Oh, gee...it translates, then, to "he hasn't ruined us all, completely, just yet." In actual fact, I've been thinking that: maybe, just maybe, the guy is TOO incompetent to actually doom us as a viable species, going forward. He is working on it, though. I fear for my grandchildren.
thank you for the final paragraph. we do know all is not lost. this guy will destroy lots of the environment but he does not care. nor do his cabinet's ministers. the surprising thing to me is how few supporters of his ongoing hi jinks must not have children or older folks in their families. hmmm
1
There is no way, absolutely none, to reach Trump voters. The articles about how they feel, the attempts to understand them, are a waste of time. With each of his failures, they continue to blame the media or fake news, they wouldn't lose faith in Trump if he marched into their homes and snatched food from their tables. Oh wait, that's what he's doing.
13
Trump's base can't be reached, the countless articles about their viewpoints show the way they dismiss facts. I'm tired of the diatribes blaming Democrats for not "understanding" them. Let's turn our efforts to something productive, like growing our party from the grass roots on up.
12
Listening to FOX radical right-wing radio you get a glimpse into why Trump supporters have not wavered in their support.
The FOX around-the-clock right-wing shows pump out a narrative that Trump is working hard to serve the common man but Congress, including some Republicans, but especially Democrats and the Left, Liberal Media (source of fake-news) are fighting to stop him. Trump is not incompetent, he is under attack. He is single-handedly fighting the corrupt Washington establishment.
Trump supporters mostly give Trump an "A+", nothing less than a "B+". The narrative continues that he would have delivered on more promises if it hadn't been for the opposition, but 100 days is not enough time for him to work his magic Nevertheless, he is working very hard for his supporters (not necessarily for all Americans?).
I am more worried about Trump's supporters and FOX than I am about Trump. Trump supporters are living in an alt-right universe where FOX is their religion. They have been inoculated against truth and reality. They have FOX pumping a drug of anger, hatred and lies through their ears into what is left of their brains.
No wonder Democrats do not want to share a room with Trumpists (AKA, Republicans). Trump, Trumpists, Republicans ARE deranged. That is not being illiberal that is facing reality. President Obama did NOT tap Trump's phones, Hillary Clinton did NOT run a child-sex ring out of a pizza shop, thousands of American Muslims did not celebrate 9/11.
The FOX around-the-clock right-wing shows pump out a narrative that Trump is working hard to serve the common man but Congress, including some Republicans, but especially Democrats and the Left, Liberal Media (source of fake-news) are fighting to stop him. Trump is not incompetent, he is under attack. He is single-handedly fighting the corrupt Washington establishment.
Trump supporters mostly give Trump an "A+", nothing less than a "B+". The narrative continues that he would have delivered on more promises if it hadn't been for the opposition, but 100 days is not enough time for him to work his magic Nevertheless, he is working very hard for his supporters (not necessarily for all Americans?).
I am more worried about Trump's supporters and FOX than I am about Trump. Trump supporters are living in an alt-right universe where FOX is their religion. They have been inoculated against truth and reality. They have FOX pumping a drug of anger, hatred and lies through their ears into what is left of their brains.
No wonder Democrats do not want to share a room with Trumpists (AKA, Republicans). Trump, Trumpists, Republicans ARE deranged. That is not being illiberal that is facing reality. President Obama did NOT tap Trump's phones, Hillary Clinton did NOT run a child-sex ring out of a pizza shop, thousands of American Muslims did not celebrate 9/11.
12
You are perpetrating the myth of Liberal Colleges not being inclusive. The Berkeley and Middlebury lectures were canceled because of outside conservative militia style agitators promising violence. These right wing groups are centered in Montana, under the guise of protecting free speech they incite violence and discredit the Universities. You are a purveyor of "fake news".
I don't suffer from Trump derangement syndrome. I'm just plain old embarrassed and worried about Trump in the White House. His supporters on the other hand seem to suffer from Trump infatuation syndrome where nothing he says or does seems to matter to them. They are smitten and that's that. we should all be worried about their unconditional devotion.
5
These numbers are not adding up: "Only 2 percent of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November, and an ABC/Washington Post poll suggested that if 2016 voters filled out their ballots today, Trump would be elected by the popular vote as well as by the electoral vote."....
" but large majorities of Americans disapprove of his policies on immigration (57 percent to 41 percent, according a CNN poll)."
How can he have an approval rating at almost 2/3 or US yet still win the popular vote? Somebody's polling data is suspect somewhere.
I wonder where this Nation might be if the Democratic Party had its own propaganda machine to counter the noise from limbaugh/fox, would we see more people with a grasp of what is really happening or would we just have to sides even more polarized?
Imagine if you will, that fox not news dispensed conservative news and philosophy without the hatred for all things progressive and liberal.
As the so called president has shown it seems far easier to get people riled up and angry than to get them to think about solutions.
" but large majorities of Americans disapprove of his policies on immigration (57 percent to 41 percent, according a CNN poll)."
How can he have an approval rating at almost 2/3 or US yet still win the popular vote? Somebody's polling data is suspect somewhere.
I wonder where this Nation might be if the Democratic Party had its own propaganda machine to counter the noise from limbaugh/fox, would we see more people with a grasp of what is really happening or would we just have to sides even more polarized?
Imagine if you will, that fox not news dispensed conservative news and philosophy without the hatred for all things progressive and liberal.
As the so called president has shown it seems far easier to get people riled up and angry than to get them to think about solutions.
2
Eligible voters who voted vs. eligible voters who didn't vote. Presidential elections are determined by the 50% of eligible voters who vote. Split that between Clinton and Trump, and Trump's 25% of voters who voted for him, spread around in the right way, wins the Ekectoral College. Whereas approval ratings polls ask a sample of everyone, not just those who actually voted in election.
2
It's a pity that Mr. Trump appears incapable of learning the nuances of the presidency. He is trying to turn the clock backwards by 30-50 years, and time does not just flow that way.
Keep your promises, Mr. Trump. Healthcare for all--no exceptions; tax cuts for the average person, not the ultra-rich, women's health programs (American women do not suffer condescension lightly.) Help the impoverished of the world; we have much and it is our duty as good people to share our wealth with the less fortunate, regardless of our religion.
And if you or your campaign colluded with the Russians to get yourself elected, man up and take responsibility. Show that you can be a man of honor, and people will admire you, even if you did something wrong.
Keep your promises, Mr. Trump. Healthcare for all--no exceptions; tax cuts for the average person, not the ultra-rich, women's health programs (American women do not suffer condescension lightly.) Help the impoverished of the world; we have much and it is our duty as good people to share our wealth with the less fortunate, regardless of our religion.
And if you or your campaign colluded with the Russians to get yourself elected, man up and take responsibility. Show that you can be a man of honor, and people will admire you, even if you did something wrong.
3
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men
gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good
fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit
is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matt 7:16-20
gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good
fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit
is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matt 7:16-20
6
You are all missing the point. This man, who bragged about being a sexual predator, was elected largely because of the undeserved vilification of Hillary. (To be honest, she did nothing to counteract it and ran the most ineffective campaign.) If a few thousand votes in three states had gone the other way, we would not be having this conversation.
Republican lies beginning with Nixon, Ed Meese, Lee Atwater, Gingrich with his list of terms like traitor and coward, the Swift Boat attack on Kerry, and Rove have won the day. Fox News spews the most awful hate 24 hours a day.
Until the left can counter the hatred coming from the right, we will be stuck with concentration of wealth, shrinking middle class, expensive health care, and destruction of culture (watch what happens to NEH, NEA, and PBS).
Republican lies beginning with Nixon, Ed Meese, Lee Atwater, Gingrich with his list of terms like traitor and coward, the Swift Boat attack on Kerry, and Rove have won the day. Fox News spews the most awful hate 24 hours a day.
Until the left can counter the hatred coming from the right, we will be stuck with concentration of wealth, shrinking middle class, expensive health care, and destruction of culture (watch what happens to NEH, NEA, and PBS).
8
Please keep in mind the many, many executive orders he has signed so far. It will be decades before we recover from this, if ever.
5
All this trump talk for the last 100 days. We all know who and what he is and that he will never change. Yes, his supporters love him but that's not strange. It's time to move on. This paper should start to tie all his evil words and deeds to every GOP person in power so we can regain control of congress, and retake the white house.
5
Trump speaks of the "fake media" but what really concerns most Americans is Trump, the "FAKE PRESIDENT".
It's depressing to think that we'll be stuck with this clown for the next three-plus years. On the positive side, Trump has been getting a lot of criticism -- well-deserved criticism -- from the Fourth Estate, our independent media.
Thank heaven (and our forefathers) for the foresight to see the importance of establilshing an independent media! Without our media exposing Trump's seemingly bottomless pit of deliberate lies and gross distortions, we'd be in very bad shape, indeed.
This selfish, thin-skinned man-child has no conscience and lies with great frequency and with a disturbing ease that should have every American deeply concerned about our immediate future.
I am absolutely convinced that our clownish president, Donald McDonald, will go down in history as perhaps our worst president ever. I only hope that our Congress , Supreme Court, and our precious Media will continue to keep this clown in check.
It's depressing to think that we'll be stuck with this clown for the next three-plus years. On the positive side, Trump has been getting a lot of criticism -- well-deserved criticism -- from the Fourth Estate, our independent media.
Thank heaven (and our forefathers) for the foresight to see the importance of establilshing an independent media! Without our media exposing Trump's seemingly bottomless pit of deliberate lies and gross distortions, we'd be in very bad shape, indeed.
This selfish, thin-skinned man-child has no conscience and lies with great frequency and with a disturbing ease that should have every American deeply concerned about our immediate future.
I am absolutely convinced that our clownish president, Donald McDonald, will go down in history as perhaps our worst president ever. I only hope that our Congress , Supreme Court, and our precious Media will continue to keep this clown in check.
5
Two observations:
1. Liberalism has not become illiberal, any more than the vitriolic alt-right represents conservatism. The leftish censors of free speech at universities are extremists, not liberal, and must be courageously resisted .
2. As for "blessing the American people," I wonder if "we the people" deserve such blessing. I was curious about the polling data suggesting that Trump would win even the popular vote if the 2016 election were held today.
Really? Win against whom? If the Democratic Party were to nominate a young, bright, energetic, compassionate candidate to run against a crooked, mean, mendacious, narcissistic aged white bully, I would give the Democrats very decent odds.
Sadly, I no longer give the Dems good odds, for they are nearly as sclerotic as the GOP. The time is ripe for a third way. America pines for it. Please ... somebody!
Have a wonderful trek, Mr. Kristof. you've earned your respite in spades.
1. Liberalism has not become illiberal, any more than the vitriolic alt-right represents conservatism. The leftish censors of free speech at universities are extremists, not liberal, and must be courageously resisted .
2. As for "blessing the American people," I wonder if "we the people" deserve such blessing. I was curious about the polling data suggesting that Trump would win even the popular vote if the 2016 election were held today.
Really? Win against whom? If the Democratic Party were to nominate a young, bright, energetic, compassionate candidate to run against a crooked, mean, mendacious, narcissistic aged white bully, I would give the Democrats very decent odds.
Sadly, I no longer give the Dems good odds, for they are nearly as sclerotic as the GOP. The time is ripe for a third way. America pines for it. Please ... somebody!
Have a wonderful trek, Mr. Kristof. you've earned your respite in spades.
2
Trump voters don't care what he does as long as his continues to show contempt for anything liberal.
6
All NYT Opinion columnists dislike Trump including Kristof.
Since the Opinions are predictable and mind numbingly repetitious, is there any reason to read them?
The NYT extols diversity except for diversity of opinions.
Since the Opinions are predictable and mind numbingly repetitious, is there any reason to read them?
The NYT extols diversity except for diversity of opinions.
3
Wake up, Pollyanna! Trump isn't backing away from an imperial Presidency leading to fascism. He's just looking for more subtle ways to bring it about...and some not-so subtle, like breaking up the 9th Circuit because judges under it keep finding his fiats (executive orders) unconstitutional. Sure, some of his initial head-on charges have failed, but two of the most dangerous succeeded: the appointments of Neil Gorsuch, a right-wing elitist who never met a corporation he didn't favor, and Jeff Sessions, a barely-contained old Southern White segregationist who sees the police as being "handcuffed" by investigations into fundamental rights violations. Who also has a serious problem with demonstrations, judges in Hawaii, and anything that doesn't advance White supremacy.
If you cut away all the regulatory programs, and put them under elitist billionaires who favor their own class, and essentially make the elite unanswerable, and the hoi poloi unable to actually effect change, while establishing scape-goats and ignoring the REAL criminals (because of his own organized crime connections) the road to fascism is very, very short.
I've put up with intolerance and demeaning insults from reactionaries (mis-labeled "conservatives") for nearly 40 years. I see no reason for Liberals and Progressives to tolerate their lies and insults any longer.
Finally, #4. That poll doesn't ask the question: If you didn't vote would you, today, NOW come out and vote, and for whom?
If you cut away all the regulatory programs, and put them under elitist billionaires who favor their own class, and essentially make the elite unanswerable, and the hoi poloi unable to actually effect change, while establishing scape-goats and ignoring the REAL criminals (because of his own organized crime connections) the road to fascism is very, very short.
I've put up with intolerance and demeaning insults from reactionaries (mis-labeled "conservatives") for nearly 40 years. I see no reason for Liberals and Progressives to tolerate their lies and insults any longer.
Finally, #4. That poll doesn't ask the question: If you didn't vote would you, today, NOW come out and vote, and for whom?
8
Trumps victory was a shock to the world but what would be more of a shock is if he actually kept some of his election promises.
One of the great lessons from Trump's victory should be that we've got to wise up about American voters instead of just being angry that other people don't select candidates as liberals do. We're not going to "fix" them to think like we do. We can't just smirk angrily about the stupidity of the American voter and expect them to switch sides.
1
Spot on, but these events and facts are and will remain invisible to his cadre. They receive the word from Don or the Alt-right hate mills are immune to anything else.
Sure he's betraying them economically, and they won't get those "beautiful jobs" he promised, but they did get the major thing they voted for: Assurance from Don that the black and brown will go back under their boot where they belong.
Sure he's betraying them economically, and they won't get those "beautiful jobs" he promised, but they did get the major thing they voted for: Assurance from Don that the black and brown will go back under their boot where they belong.
1
No, we won't change the minds of some of these miscreants, but not all are racist slime.
What would be most effective, IMO, is what the cons call "class warfare." We have to change the cons Us vs. Them argument from meaning white vs. non-white to ultra-wealthy vs. middle class.
What would be most effective, IMO, is what the cons call "class warfare." We have to change the cons Us vs. Them argument from meaning white vs. non-white to ultra-wealthy vs. middle class.
On top of all else, the leaders of the Democratic Party seem to have forgotten their original mission of looking after the welfare of the average Americans and jumped in bed with the plutocrats. Something is amiss when people like Obama and Clinton take hundreds of thousands of dollars for the simple expedient of making speeches to rich bankers and the like. We average Joes and Janes can't afford stuff like that.
3
Trump cares only about Trump and for his supporters they still are dreaming the Best is Yet To Come. They still believe we we never got out of that deep recession they hate medical forced medical insurance for everyone, that illegals stole their jobs that they don't want to do and their old manufacturing jobs will be coming back. They really are the True Dreamers.
Well, I can agree with your lessons 4, 7 10 and 12. Enjoy your hike of the Pacific Coast trail and come back refreshed to give us more lefty angst.
If or when collusion with Russia is revealed, the reluctance to impeach will melt away like last winter's snow.
While there are many reason to fear Trump's effect on the US, remember that the GOP put him there and is relying on him to sign off on their agendas.
Trump seems to be working now to consolidate and extend his power, as in what his friend Erdogan has done.
Add to Nick's list:
* Trump is attacking the judiciary so that his Exec orders can be acted on without interference. Out goes the 'Rule of Law'.
* This ties into his struggles with Congress. How to herd cats is his challenge within his own party. If the judicial branch is neutered, including the SC, then he can follow in Ergogan's and Duterte's footsteps. He has invited Duterte to the White House, for lessons? Maybe to also add a hotel and golf course in the Philippines.
Ending the filibuster is one of his goals to further his agenda.
Trump seems to be working now to consolidate and extend his power, as in what his friend Erdogan has done.
Add to Nick's list:
* Trump is attacking the judiciary so that his Exec orders can be acted on without interference. Out goes the 'Rule of Law'.
* This ties into his struggles with Congress. How to herd cats is his challenge within his own party. If the judicial branch is neutered, including the SC, then he can follow in Ergogan's and Duterte's footsteps. He has invited Duterte to the White House, for lessons? Maybe to also add a hotel and golf course in the Philippines.
Ending the filibuster is one of his goals to further his agenda.
1
The scariest thing about the Trump Presidency is the Democratic Party and it's complete and utter lack of awareness as to why Republicans swept into power in every branch of the Federal government. Resistance by itself is not enough. American capitalism is broken and Republicans can't or won't fix it. Dems need a message that can unite Americans in moving the country forward, not back to the bad old days of the 1950's. Is Bernie Sanders truly the only voice arguing for change on the progressive side of America. If Dems don't make a turnaround soon and galvanize a new generation of charismatic leadership that embody hope and attractive realism for most Americans, Republicans will hold and even extend their majorities in the midterm elections and we are surely headed for a second Trump win in 2020.
You've buried (#11)the single most critical issue: COLLUSION.
Should the CIA/FBI conclude that Trump/Trump campaign colluded with the Russians during the campaign, this would mean he/they are guilty of Treason & would be prosecuted in a court of law accordingly.
NOTE: Impeachment is a political process, pertains only to presidential (i.e.Trump acts post-election). Trump/Trump campaign acts are treasonous preceded his "election".
Trump's entire administration, including Gorsuch on the SCOTUS would be INVALIDATED.
U.S. Constitution - Article 3 Section 3
Article 3 - The Judicial Branch
Section 3 - Treason
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
Should the CIA/FBI conclude that Trump/Trump campaign colluded with the Russians during the campaign, this would mean he/they are guilty of Treason & would be prosecuted in a court of law accordingly.
NOTE: Impeachment is a political process, pertains only to presidential (i.e.Trump acts post-election). Trump/Trump campaign acts are treasonous preceded his "election".
Trump's entire administration, including Gorsuch on the SCOTUS would be INVALIDATED.
U.S. Constitution - Article 3 Section 3
Article 3 - The Judicial Branch
Section 3 - Treason
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
1
Climate change is the most pervasive, ongoing threat facing us now. It shoukd at least be mentioned in 11. Trumps dismissal of it is a threat to all of us, both ads and Rs.
2
Make America great again - deport Trump.
If trump were not American, his name would be Gaddafi, Amin or Hussein - take your pick. Their characters are interchangeable. And the same undereducated and brainwashed American voters would hate him as much as they cheer him now.
2
You might want to follow your own advice, Mr. Kristof, and stop chasing the latest shiny thing. Until the press acknowledges their own complicity in this insanity and takes responsibility for righting the the wrong, they will continue to contribute to it by, as you have done here, exhaustively recounting what all of us already know: that Trump is a sociopath. It's getting old.
The most troublesome thing for me (actually there are many troubling things) is how his base trust what he says more than the media. He has figured out how to use his often false proganda to shape the narrative. This is vey dangerous, like sheep being led to slaughter. Where has critical thinking gone?
2
Nick, your columns are always clear-eyed, laced with humor, and at the end of the day, hopeful. I think your most important points are #4--Trump's popularity among voters remains strong and Democrats perceived as ineffective, while the American people, collectively are proving engaged and involved (#7). #10,#11 need to be incorporated into our 'going forward.' Enjoy your well-earned backpacking trip. With all the rain this past year, this year will look quite different. Thank you!
The crowd makes him do it, the loneliness makes him do it, his friends make him do it, his enemies make him do it, the media makes him do it, Obama made him have to do it, ... this president whines about everything and takes responsibility for nothing.
4
Mr. Kristof, regarding #4, given that more voters think the Democratic Party is out of touch, perhaps the Democratic Party establishment should be doing the hard reflection, not the progressive wing. Remember, they chose the candidate who lost the campaign to this ill-informed, sleazy liar.
2
Dear Nicholas,
Thank you for your reassurance. I, too, have to be reminded about:
"10. Democrats should be careful to avoid Trump Derangement Syndrome." I am astounded that the sun continues to come up in the morning.
And I beseech you, please take a complete vacation while on the trail. No photos necessary until your return. You need a complete rest. In the words of my father, " You have done a yeoman's duty, good sir." Thank you. Happy trails.
Thank you for your reassurance. I, too, have to be reminded about:
"10. Democrats should be careful to avoid Trump Derangement Syndrome." I am astounded that the sun continues to come up in the morning.
And I beseech you, please take a complete vacation while on the trail. No photos necessary until your return. You need a complete rest. In the words of my father, " You have done a yeoman's duty, good sir." Thank you. Happy trails.
"Alarm that the U.S. might slip into a fascist dictatorship has diminished — but it’s a long three years and nine months still ahead of us."
I disagree after watching Trump whip up hate for an hour at the Penn. rally last night. Trump would be assessed by any competent annalist using the standard DSM-5 criteria for Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (megalomania).eg:
1/ A fixation with fantasies of infinite success, control, brilliance, beauty, or idyllic love.
2/ A credence that he or she is extraordinary and exceptional and can only be understood by, or should connect with, other extraordinary or important people or institutions.
3/ A desire for unwarranted admiration.
4/ A sense of entitlement.
5/ Interpersonally oppressive behavior.
6/ No form of empathy.
7/ Resentment of others or a conviction that others are resentful of him or her.
8/ A display of egotistical and conceited behaviors or attitudes
9/ A grandiose logic of self-importance.
You only need to exhibit only 5 of the above 9 standards for this disease, Trump hits every mark.
America , you are in danger.
I disagree after watching Trump whip up hate for an hour at the Penn. rally last night. Trump would be assessed by any competent annalist using the standard DSM-5 criteria for Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (megalomania).eg:
1/ A fixation with fantasies of infinite success, control, brilliance, beauty, or idyllic love.
2/ A credence that he or she is extraordinary and exceptional and can only be understood by, or should connect with, other extraordinary or important people or institutions.
3/ A desire for unwarranted admiration.
4/ A sense of entitlement.
5/ Interpersonally oppressive behavior.
6/ No form of empathy.
7/ Resentment of others or a conviction that others are resentful of him or her.
8/ A display of egotistical and conceited behaviors or attitudes
9/ A grandiose logic of self-importance.
You only need to exhibit only 5 of the above 9 standards for this disease, Trump hits every mark.
America , you are in danger.
4
Thank you for this synopsis. I am as much outraged at the republican congress and senate as I am at Trump. Trump is being Trump. But the Republican group is disgusting. ...totally self serving and as narcissistic as Trump. From health care to the environment. Nothing is sacred. Trump's Russian connection and his taxes should Never be forgotten. The courts and the media are our only hope for checks and balances. I am embarrassed by the unfolding of our country.
1
The one big lesson I've learned is that you can, indeed, "fool some of the people all of the time" and if you have your own alternative facts and your own media outlets to deliver those false facts you can do it without ever making them aware of their foolishness. I've always thought that the other two sentences were needed to make the larger point, but it turns out that if you just concentrate on that one sentence you can get away with the biggest political heist in American history.
1
Do you really think he will last three more years and nine months? He even admitted recently that this job is more difficult than his old one!
1
The big difference between the leader of North Korea and the leader of the US is that the former is young and brash (and perhaps mentally ill) and the latter is old and brash (and perhaps mentally ill). Both, of course, are inexcusable. But T. (the developmentally arrested) has had far more years to learn better and has failed. Not that I think the north korean will, if he lives to be T.'s age, be any better. While both of these men (along with Putin, Erdogan and Duterte, etc.) fill me with horror, T. is the only one, perhaps because he is "our" (perhaps mentally ill) "leader", also induces a profound sadness. Not for the man, mind you, but for what his developmentally arrested psyche has done and can do to us and our country (that's OUR country), perhaps irreparably. What will the next 100 days bring? I wonder. And shudder to contemplate.
2
"but it’s a long three years and nine months still ahead of us"
We can only hope and pray that this utterly incompetent and ridiculous president doesn't last that long..
We can only hope and pray that this utterly incompetent and ridiculous president doesn't last that long..
3
Trump and his relationship with his base is founded on the principle, "Facts are dreams made dull". So, out he goes to the Harrisburgs, cosies up to his base, reinforces the dreams of the (white) dislodged,
That narrative is not going to change.
The narrative I look forward to is not the constant sniping at his narrative, but something from journalists and the Democrats more like Martin Luther King's, " I had a dream", JFK's "ask not what your country can do for you,,," LBJ's Civil Rights Speech,
Come on, journalists, Democrats, you need to construct, from a dream, a governing narrative, but remember as Trump does, you have to sell the dream.
That narrative is not going to change.
The narrative I look forward to is not the constant sniping at his narrative, but something from journalists and the Democrats more like Martin Luther King's, " I had a dream", JFK's "ask not what your country can do for you,,," LBJ's Civil Rights Speech,
Come on, journalists, Democrats, you need to construct, from a dream, a governing narrative, but remember as Trump does, you have to sell the dream.
Bless the American people: Scapegoating and bigotry carry a political price. In reality people, especially the down trodden and least educated, love to hate the others, those people have caused our problems. If those people are gone, all would be perfect.
This very thinking has happened for centuries, Spain, Portugal, Turkey. Rowanda, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Egypt, France, Germany, Russia, the list is endless, all around the world the others were either ostrazied or murdered. America has always it's Blacks to blame, imprision and murder.
Trump, his administration, especially Jeff Sessions, have condoned this very behavior and have started removing those others from our shores.
The wonderful American melting pot has become an inferno, to the elation of Trump's supporters.
This very thinking has happened for centuries, Spain, Portugal, Turkey. Rowanda, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Egypt, France, Germany, Russia, the list is endless, all around the world the others were either ostrazied or murdered. America has always it's Blacks to blame, imprision and murder.
Trump, his administration, especially Jeff Sessions, have condoned this very behavior and have started removing those others from our shores.
The wonderful American melting pot has become an inferno, to the elation of Trump's supporters.
1
Forget trying to convert the "trump vote". It is a waste of valuable resources. Put the effort into getting the Democrats that voted 3rd party to vote for Democrats. Next, get the Democrats that did not vote to VOTE!
1
Right. Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, on how to fix all of this idiocy?
How about some Light on the solutions. You have a column on the NYT.. how about using it to help solve the problems.
How about some Light on the solutions. You have a column on the NYT.. how about using it to help solve the problems.
Trump's biggest lesson: media shoots self-in-face loses credibility among independents. More Americans trust the WH than the professional media. Kathleen Parker (no Trump fan) acknowledges that Trump has neutralized the press completely. The only folks cheering are bitter Dems demanding more and more anti-Trump coverage. This thread is a classic example.
Think on the that for a moment: few people believe news from the WH, fewer trust the professional press outlets. Sad! Keep up the anti-Trump critiques, keep Dems happy, and turn off everyone else. The NYT is increasing the paper of record for out of touch rich folks on the coasts. Versailles valets sucking up the rich they ape. Can the press change? Don't hold your breath.
Think on the that for a moment: few people believe news from the WH, fewer trust the professional press outlets. Sad! Keep up the anti-Trump critiques, keep Dems happy, and turn off everyone else. The NYT is increasing the paper of record for out of touch rich folks on the coasts. Versailles valets sucking up the rich they ape. Can the press change? Don't hold your breath.
1
The willingness of most Trump voters to support him again is deeply disturbing, and reflects a terrible deficit in our education systems. Our colleges and universities have had to dumb down their curricula to attract enough students to fund the operation--in the absence of federal funding for higher education. So we have a populace that watches TV instead of reading, and thus doesn't understand what is going on in the world.
While it may seem fair enough that "you get the government you deserve", it doesn't work in the case of the last election because a majority of voters wanted Hillary Clinton to win. So we're all stuck with this incompetent, malicious, and venal president--an outcome that most of us don't deserve.
While it may seem fair enough that "you get the government you deserve", it doesn't work in the case of the last election because a majority of voters wanted Hillary Clinton to win. So we're all stuck with this incompetent, malicious, and venal president--an outcome that most of us don't deserve.
2
Speaking of dumbing down our educational system, Hillary Clinton did NOT receive a majority of the popular vote. Why is it so hard for well informed, highly educated liberals to understand such simple concepts as majority, minority and PLURALITY? Maybe that explains why highly educated liberals are saddled with ridiculous student loan anchors. Y'all are innumerate.
Here's another lesson from a cogent description of how our civilization could collapse: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170418-how-western-civilisation-could-...
"While we are all in this together, the world’s poorest will feel the effects of collapse first. Indeed, some nations are already serving as canaries in the coal mine for the issues that may eventually pull apart more affluent ones. Syria, for example, enjoyed exceptionally high fertility rates for a time, which fueled rapid population growth. A severe drought in the late 2000s, likely made worse by human-induced climate change, combined with groundwater shortages to cripple agricultural production. That crisis left large numbers of people – especially young men – unemployed, discontent and desperate. Many flooded into urban centres, overwhelming limited resources and services there. Pre-existing ethnic tensions increased, creating fertile grounds for violence and conflict. On top of that, poor governance – including neoliberal policies that eliminated water subsidies in the middle of the drought – tipped the country into civil war in 2011 and sent it careening toward collapse."
"While we are all in this together, the world’s poorest will feel the effects of collapse first. Indeed, some nations are already serving as canaries in the coal mine for the issues that may eventually pull apart more affluent ones. Syria, for example, enjoyed exceptionally high fertility rates for a time, which fueled rapid population growth. A severe drought in the late 2000s, likely made worse by human-induced climate change, combined with groundwater shortages to cripple agricultural production. That crisis left large numbers of people – especially young men – unemployed, discontent and desperate. Many flooded into urban centres, overwhelming limited resources and services there. Pre-existing ethnic tensions increased, creating fertile grounds for violence and conflict. On top of that, poor governance – including neoliberal policies that eliminated water subsidies in the middle of the drought – tipped the country into civil war in 2011 and sent it careening toward collapse."
6
While I'm sure it's annoying to refer to another resource, the collapse article is full of amazing insights. Here's more:
"Western societies’ collapse will be preceded by a retraction of people and resources back to their core homelands. As poorer nations continue to disintegrate amid conflicts and natural disasters, enormous waves of migrants will stream out of failing regions, seeking refuge in more stable states. Western societies will respond with restrictions and even bans on immigration; multi-billion dollar walls and border-patrolling drones and troops; heightened security on who and what gets in; and more authoritarian, populist styles of governing. “It’s almost an immunological attempt by countries to sustain a periphery and push pressure back,”"
""Denial, including of the emerging prospect of societal collapse itself, will be widespread, as will rejection of evidence-based fact. If people admit that problems exist at all, they will assign blame for those problems to everyone outside of their in-group, building up resentment. “You’re setting up the psychological and social prerequisites for mass violence,”"
"Western societies’ collapse will be preceded by a retraction of people and resources back to their core homelands. As poorer nations continue to disintegrate amid conflicts and natural disasters, enormous waves of migrants will stream out of failing regions, seeking refuge in more stable states. Western societies will respond with restrictions and even bans on immigration; multi-billion dollar walls and border-patrolling drones and troops; heightened security on who and what gets in; and more authoritarian, populist styles of governing. “It’s almost an immunological attempt by countries to sustain a periphery and push pressure back,”"
""Denial, including of the emerging prospect of societal collapse itself, will be widespread, as will rejection of evidence-based fact. If people admit that problems exist at all, they will assign blame for those problems to everyone outside of their in-group, building up resentment. “You’re setting up the psychological and social prerequisites for mass violence,”"
2
45's supporters take a pernicious delight in seeing all the sturm und drang happening in response to his winning and subsequent actions. (Yes, they will have to look that term up!). There is a particular pleasure for them in seeing us suffer, which is, by the way, another German term. As a result there is no place for discourse. Discourse requires thinking and knowledge. A certain level of curiosity and an open mind.
I imagine, for some, hate is easily accessible. It may be a result of nature, that's just the way they are, and for others it may be by nurture, it's all they've ever known. Somewhere in that mix, hate becomes the excuse for what is otherwise a deep pain and sadness. This would be a moment of compassion. Unfortunately, my compassion for them has been locked in a vault. Nope, not now.
There will come a time, of which I am certain where the "pleasure" they get out of others suffering will turn on them. When they realize that the very man and his party they have supported do not care for them, do not see them and in fact only feel contempt for them. I truly hope I can allow myself to feel compassion for them, because it is my nature. For those that remain steadfast in their hate, it will be kept in the vault.
I imagine, for some, hate is easily accessible. It may be a result of nature, that's just the way they are, and for others it may be by nurture, it's all they've ever known. Somewhere in that mix, hate becomes the excuse for what is otherwise a deep pain and sadness. This would be a moment of compassion. Unfortunately, my compassion for them has been locked in a vault. Nope, not now.
There will come a time, of which I am certain where the "pleasure" they get out of others suffering will turn on them. When they realize that the very man and his party they have supported do not care for them, do not see them and in fact only feel contempt for them. I truly hope I can allow myself to feel compassion for them, because it is my nature. For those that remain steadfast in their hate, it will be kept in the vault.
8
I fear that the separation of powers in our democracy is threatened, and so the democracy itself. The Republicans seem too hesitant to challenge trump, ascribing to him some magical connection to voters. They won't take on his ethical travesties or the royal court he is building. But it's not really trump threatening us, he's just the poster child for decades of Republican chicanery. If they succeed in their racist voter suppression and gerrymandering, our democracy is at risk. It is simply critical that in 2018 voters turn out and vote for Democrats or the damage being done to our democracy will be irreversible.
8
The Russian and GOP propaganda machines, including the thousands of paid trolls and bots controlling online comment sections, still seems to be in place.
Having swayed so many minds to accept Hillary as dishonest to the point of evil and Trump as honest to the point of blind trust, that machinery can slowly be dismantled through the dogged pursuit of Truth and reason.
It will take time to recover and reveal to all that the Trumperor has no clothes, but reality will eventually win out if we keep at it.
Having swayed so many minds to accept Hillary as dishonest to the point of evil and Trump as honest to the point of blind trust, that machinery can slowly be dismantled through the dogged pursuit of Truth and reason.
It will take time to recover and reveal to all that the Trumperor has no clothes, but reality will eventually win out if we keep at it.
5
The Reality and The Truth are that Trump is President. Delusion and Denial share a Clinton Presidency. See the difference?
Three years and nine months, of a man who is ignorant, arrogant, angry, volatile and plainly not stable to hold the nuclear codes. A long time indeed.
It may prove to be an eternity, literally.
It may prove to be an eternity, literally.
15
Thank you for calling Trump out as the most reviled leader ever to inhabit the oval office. Anyone who gives him the least amount of credit or insists that we give him a chance has no knowledge of what it takes to be president or is not paying attention. Trump is still insulting his past competitors and past presidents. He has no sense of couth. He is the typical nouveau riche boor who thinks gold plated toilets are a mark of accomplishment. He has no speaking ability and explains everything by "it will be easy, or it will be fabulous or it will happen so fast it will make your head spin." He and his children are using the presidency as a means of self enrichment. How can we keeping looking away as he spends time entertaining at his properties and collecting monies from stays at his hotels? He favors laws that will hurt poor people and tax abatement that favor the rich. When will it all end?
13
The people who voted for Trump are as complex and ambiguous as any other human beings are. But maybe they are incapable of seeing “beyond” their zone of comfort and beyond their irrational fears because they have not had the opportunity (or chose not to) to move out of their mold, to question, to be exposed to a diversity of transforming human interactions and life experiences. They may not be curious enough to meet other cultural and religious communities and understand them so that they could understand themselves. Therefore their brain and their heart do not have access to the knowledge that would have opened their mind.
They have the right to feel resentful if they feel that the governing system has failed them. Political and intellectual hypocrisy, corruption and manipulation are nothing new. What puzzles me is that they can’t even see that the man they voted into office is the epitome and the cause of everything they feel victims of and want him to correct!! They invited the wolf into the barn and cannot recognize him under his disguise when the majority of us can!!
There is a way forward though. Education and those in charge of education should be enlightened enough to teach young minds the tools for self-knowledge, the tools that will help them remain endlessly curious about life and about being human.
They have the right to feel resentful if they feel that the governing system has failed them. Political and intellectual hypocrisy, corruption and manipulation are nothing new. What puzzles me is that they can’t even see that the man they voted into office is the epitome and the cause of everything they feel victims of and want him to correct!! They invited the wolf into the barn and cannot recognize him under his disguise when the majority of us can!!
There is a way forward though. Education and those in charge of education should be enlightened enough to teach young minds the tools for self-knowledge, the tools that will help them remain endlessly curious about life and about being human.
9
B, it must be a very difficult lesson for you wonderful progressives to master. The lesson is that we are stupid. Stupidity explains 97% of our failings as human beings. Being stupid, we cannot explain the other 3%. Being stupid, all of the educational efforts in the universe will not change the fundamental problem. Until you folks morally embrace eugenics and cognitive cleansing, you are stuck with us.
1
I would like to understand how Trump can have the lowest approval ratings of a new president in polling history, and majorities disapprove of his policies on health care and immigration, and yet an ABC/Washington Post poll showed that he would win the popular vote if an election were held again. This is very disturbing. Is this incongruence related to unpopularity of the Democrats? I really like my Democrat representatives - Bernie Sanders, Patrick Leahy, and Peter Welch - who seem to be very in touch with their consitituents. What is going on???
15
"It is way easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled" Mark Twain. The tail is wagging the dog in the most despicable way. Resist and replace 45.
20
The bottom has dropped out.
Three months into the presidency of an erratic, ignorant, impulsive, sketchy, greedy, intemperate, vindictive pathological liar, and the silver lining is that our nation still stands.
Talk about grading on a curve!
Three months into the presidency of an erratic, ignorant, impulsive, sketchy, greedy, intemperate, vindictive pathological liar, and the silver lining is that our nation still stands.
Talk about grading on a curve!
11
Will the press ever stop being misty-eyed at the idea of the "Trump voter"? (Those people around whom liberals must tread carefully for fear of hurting their tender feelings.) They're called Republicans. Republicans voted for Trump, and also a handful of swing voters who bought the idea that Hillary was evil incarnate and Obama was a Muslim BLM communist. The vote has been split near 50-50 for almost every election for the past sixteen years. There was no great change this time--except that Trump showed that the American right will vote for anything, no matter how ignorant and unqualified. And of course these people haven't changed their opinion of him yet. Look how many disasters it took for the worm to turn against George W Bush.
19
Lesson #4 is critical. If you want to enact your agenda, you have to win elections. And the Democrats are not headed to a sweep of the midterms with the current strategy.
4
Praise to the people who have come out across the country and overseas to stand their ground. Who will help charter the waters?
6
Trump supporters simply wanted a bomb thrower. They hated Obama, and hated Hillary even more. He doesn't have to accomplish anything more to satisfy them.
11
Hopefully, Trump will get bored and quit.
3
"Alarm that the U.S. might slip into a fascist dictatorship has diminished — but it’s a long three years and nine months still ahead of us."
Exactly: Even Hitler took a few years to get his fascist train rolling.
The trend remains the same: Citizens United will bankroll not just pro corporate and pro rich future candidates but will finance voter suppression and televised propaganda via commercials such as those that urged voters to support Gorsuch. Gerrymandering will remain in effect because the elephants run congress, an apt symbol for a party that has spent decades working the local levels to achieve dominance in both the states and the country through a slow and steady-elephant-like plod over every little thing that could be crushed to their advantage. They have remained "on message" for neartly 40 years since Reagan and their long-term singlemindedness has not veered even a degree in the programmed guided missle that ams at a fascist bullseye.
Exactly: Even Hitler took a few years to get his fascist train rolling.
The trend remains the same: Citizens United will bankroll not just pro corporate and pro rich future candidates but will finance voter suppression and televised propaganda via commercials such as those that urged voters to support Gorsuch. Gerrymandering will remain in effect because the elephants run congress, an apt symbol for a party that has spent decades working the local levels to achieve dominance in both the states and the country through a slow and steady-elephant-like plod over every little thing that could be crushed to their advantage. They have remained "on message" for neartly 40 years since Reagan and their long-term singlemindedness has not veered even a degree in the programmed guided missle that ams at a fascist bullseye.
7
The greatest lesson we should learn is a leopard never changes it's spots. A psychopath, is a psychopath, is a psychopath. Hope we will still be around in three years and nine months.
8
Another lesson: The more golf he plays, and the more time spent on one of his courses smacking that little white ball across a fairway into the tall grass, the less damage he can do to anything. And as his handicap improves, so may the possibility we will all survive to vote in the next election.
The election of 2018 is coming. Vote in a Democratic House and Senate.
Grab the popcorn and witness the Mother of all Impeachments.
I can't wait.
The election of 2018 is coming. Vote in a Democratic House and Senate.
Grab the popcorn and witness the Mother of all Impeachments.
I can't wait.
7
I say the 4th point is on target. Too many Democrats fail to understand the minds of conservative voters, or Trump voters, and don't understand how hard it is get his voters to change their minds about him.
4
You know Hitler didn't shape Germany in 100 days
You know Lenin didn't shape Russia in 100 days
You know Freddy Marcos didn't shape the Philippines in 100 days
Nor Mubarak in Egypt
Nor Mugabe
Nor the Shah of Iran
Pinochet needed more than 100 days to shape Chile
You know Lenin didn't shape Russia in 100 days
You know Freddy Marcos didn't shape the Philippines in 100 days
Nor Mubarak in Egypt
Nor Mugabe
Nor the Shah of Iran
Pinochet needed more than 100 days to shape Chile
4
Neil Gorsuch, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. That's success in a nutshell. There will be more to come. Get used to it. You will continue to lose because your party's top leader is a septuagenarian socialist and your youthful members are either snowflakes or antifa gangsters. And by the way, your progressive ways have kept inner city blacks in desperate poverty and horrible schools for decades. These are undeniable facts.
6
@Dave Smith
Because most blacks in the US were well off before Democratic programs? Remind us when that was. Oh right.
Because most blacks in the US were well off before Democratic programs? Remind us when that was. Oh right.
3
Well, for sure, we have learned that he is a cowardly, corrupt, lying bully who is afraid of humor, and an embarrassment to our country. Lesson number one.
10
Wait a minute, he has gone to a foreign country more than 12 times, Mar-a-Lago. It's foreign to all but the 1%.
12
The fact that fellow citizens voted for the King Birther, D.J. Trump worries me to no end. It was obvious that Trump was (and remains) a world-class liar but people still supported him. Scary.
6
I have a friend who is a staunch Trump Supporter. He lives in Massachusetts, a place that went all in for Clinton and as blue as you can get. He loves nature and believes in saving the environment. What happens next might explain why people are true to Trump.
I've tried to point out the many contrarian actions taken by Trump. His assault on the environment, his abusive immigration policies that threaten my friends close ties to illegal immigrants, his harmful tax plan, the disastrous results on people's health by gutting the ACA, and on and on. Much of this backed by articles in the NYTimes or Washington Post. These are not the sources of choice for fake news.
The man is intelligent but ignores much of the documentation I send him. He does us other sources which might be considered fake news.
He has finally requested I send him no more. Just send good things. He apparently recognizes some bad things Trump is doing from my correspondence. So why continue supporting such a self serving person? It may be in a message where he vented his hatred for democrats and Clinton. Somehow he contributes all our ills to them. He is so blind with hatred that he can't see how Trump is pulling a colossal con job on the American Public. It may be fake news has had a much bigger impact on his psyche? The fake news is like the Nazis used to demonize the Jews and promoted Hitler. Many Germans accepted the fake news against Jews. They saw their savior as Hitler!Trump?Hitler!Trump?Hitler!?????
I've tried to point out the many contrarian actions taken by Trump. His assault on the environment, his abusive immigration policies that threaten my friends close ties to illegal immigrants, his harmful tax plan, the disastrous results on people's health by gutting the ACA, and on and on. Much of this backed by articles in the NYTimes or Washington Post. These are not the sources of choice for fake news.
The man is intelligent but ignores much of the documentation I send him. He does us other sources which might be considered fake news.
He has finally requested I send him no more. Just send good things. He apparently recognizes some bad things Trump is doing from my correspondence. So why continue supporting such a self serving person? It may be in a message where he vented his hatred for democrats and Clinton. Somehow he contributes all our ills to them. He is so blind with hatred that he can't see how Trump is pulling a colossal con job on the American Public. It may be fake news has had a much bigger impact on his psyche? The fake news is like the Nazis used to demonize the Jews and promoted Hitler. Many Germans accepted the fake news against Jews. They saw their savior as Hitler!Trump?Hitler!Trump?Hitler!?????
5
It would be helpful to figure what roles the anti-regulatory, anti-government NRA, and the networks of anti-gay-rights fundamentalist Christians have played in sustaining support for Donald Trump.
Wayne LaPierre, longtime leader of the NRA, first coined the phrase "jack-booted government thugs" to describe federal ATF agents. And our VP, Mike Pence, approves of "conversion therapies" that would Make America Straight Again.
These two ideologies often reinforce each other.
I once interviewed a female member of a local militia who described Armageddon. She said the American government would require all citizens to have "transponders" containing personal info implanted in their wrists. Want to buy groceries? Swipe your wrist over the scanner. These computer bits would constitute the "Mark of the Beast" described in Revelations. Americans who resisted the surgery (those who hasn't been instantly Raptured up) would grab their guns, head into the wilderness, and set up camps to wait for the Second Coming.
America.
Wayne LaPierre, longtime leader of the NRA, first coined the phrase "jack-booted government thugs" to describe federal ATF agents. And our VP, Mike Pence, approves of "conversion therapies" that would Make America Straight Again.
These two ideologies often reinforce each other.
I once interviewed a female member of a local militia who described Armageddon. She said the American government would require all citizens to have "transponders" containing personal info implanted in their wrists. Want to buy groceries? Swipe your wrist over the scanner. These computer bits would constitute the "Mark of the Beast" described in Revelations. Americans who resisted the surgery (those who hasn't been instantly Raptured up) would grab their guns, head into the wilderness, and set up camps to wait for the Second Coming.
America.
3
There are many times seeing Donald Trump that give me the creeps, but when I see him salute I want to scream, cry, or get sick.
That this inept man is making military decisions is unforgivable. To see him go from being a crooked businessman to lording over our country's security hits a raw nerve everytime his hand comes up to his brow.
That this inept man is making military decisions is unforgivable. To see him go from being a crooked businessman to lording over our country's security hits a raw nerve everytime his hand comes up to his brow.
14
"when I see him salute I want to scream, cry, or get sick"
Yes, and when he hugged that flag, I hope someone washed it afterwards.
Yes, and when he hugged that flag, I hope someone washed it afterwards.
5
How can both points 1 and 4 be true? Point 1: he is the most deeply unpopular president ever. Point 4: more people would vote for him today than did during the election?
We Americans have clearly gone insane. Which explains why we elected such a loony toon!
We Americans have clearly gone insane. Which explains why we elected such a loony toon!
5
Are you serious? More people would vote for him now than did in November? This is madness: His approval ratings stink. He is perceived as dishonest and untrustworthy. But people outside the ranks of the delusional, people who may even realize the harm he intends to do to the environment, to the rule of law, to access to health care, to a more stable world...many of these people would vote for him? Either the math is wrong or we have already entered an Orwellian world.
5
Reading this editorial on the 100th day of Trump's presidency, I am reminded of the old joke about an old man on a train who keeps saying:"Oy, am I thirsty, oy, am I thirsty..." . Hearing the constant complaining, someone finally brings him a glass of water. The old man drinks the whole glass and without missing a beat goes:"Oy , was I thirsty, oy, was I thirsty.... "
just as we thought we've heard all there was to say about Trump's first 100 days, I'm worried that other artificial landmarks will be used for analyzing ,evaluating and explaining the incompetence of this miserable presidency .
If we can't improve it we'll have to find a way to end it. We can do it.
Yes we can.
just as we thought we've heard all there was to say about Trump's first 100 days, I'm worried that other artificial landmarks will be used for analyzing ,evaluating and explaining the incompetence of this miserable presidency .
If we can't improve it we'll have to find a way to end it. We can do it.
Yes we can.
3
From time to time in my job from which I am now retired, I was required to ruin someone's day and drop a house on them--"No ma'am, your daughter is not clumsy, she has a brain tumor" or "the doctor you said told you your daughter's defects could be fixed if you just got her here was sadly mistaken". [These things actually happened...]
SCPOTUS Trump has brought to me what I was required to bring to others from time to time. His time in office is a disease from which we might recover but it will leave inevitable lasting and deep scars. Respect for the Constitution? Gone. Rule of law? Gone. Equitable divisions of power and money between classes? Gone. Empathy for others' suffering? Gone. Respect for the planet? Gone.
If a Higher Power asked Trump was his yardstick was for success, an honest answer would be the achievement of amassing all wealth and power in himself, his family and his kleptocratic brethren. We might be left with only pitchforks and torches but Mr. Trump will be driven from the world into his castle, a prison of his own making, unable to venture into the wider world for fear of it's opprobrium. He would do well to (re)read Marley's soliloquy from Dickens' A Christmas Carol: "Mankind was my business!"
Would that there is a just God.
SCPOTUS Trump has brought to me what I was required to bring to others from time to time. His time in office is a disease from which we might recover but it will leave inevitable lasting and deep scars. Respect for the Constitution? Gone. Rule of law? Gone. Equitable divisions of power and money between classes? Gone. Empathy for others' suffering? Gone. Respect for the planet? Gone.
If a Higher Power asked Trump was his yardstick was for success, an honest answer would be the achievement of amassing all wealth and power in himself, his family and his kleptocratic brethren. We might be left with only pitchforks and torches but Mr. Trump will be driven from the world into his castle, a prison of his own making, unable to venture into the wider world for fear of it's opprobrium. He would do well to (re)read Marley's soliloquy from Dickens' A Christmas Carol: "Mankind was my business!"
Would that there is a just God.
6
Who knew leading the free world was so hard?
A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market?
A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market?
6
I take particular exception to your paragraph 10, in which you imply that young Republicans are more accepting of others' political views than are young Democrats. However, you don't take into account the remarkable political moment we are living through. People get beat up at Trump rallies and the crowd cheers. Trump incites racism and more violence with lies of raping, murdering Mexicans, "bad hombres," flooding across the border into the US. A simple, verifiable fact is that more people have been leaving the US for Mexico than visa-versa for years.
The point is that as of November 9, 2016, Republicans are in charge politically, whatever dirty tricks Trump and Putin used to generate that unlikely result. It's much easier to be tolerant when you own all the railroads, Boardwalk and Park Place. It's not quite as easy when your Republican opponent refuses to give you the dice (e.g., McConnell being unwilling to consider a sitting president's mainstream Supreme Court nominee), is in secret talks with Kamchatka on how to cheat and win the game, and "negotiates" your giving him all the utilities with the threat of dropping MOABs on every property you own.
As to why there are more Democrats than Republicans at Dartmouth? Dartmouth is an excellent school with extremely selective entrance requirements. It has long been the case that the well-educated lean Democrat. If Dartmouth wants to look more "balanced," they simply need to be less selective in their admissions.
The point is that as of November 9, 2016, Republicans are in charge politically, whatever dirty tricks Trump and Putin used to generate that unlikely result. It's much easier to be tolerant when you own all the railroads, Boardwalk and Park Place. It's not quite as easy when your Republican opponent refuses to give you the dice (e.g., McConnell being unwilling to consider a sitting president's mainstream Supreme Court nominee), is in secret talks with Kamchatka on how to cheat and win the game, and "negotiates" your giving him all the utilities with the threat of dropping MOABs on every property you own.
As to why there are more Democrats than Republicans at Dartmouth? Dartmouth is an excellent school with extremely selective entrance requirements. It has long been the case that the well-educated lean Democrat. If Dartmouth wants to look more "balanced," they simply need to be less selective in their admissions.
3
I'm 78 years old, and I have ever been this worried about our country since the Cuban misssle crisis. Then, I was a young mother with two very young babies and a husband who traveled for a living. We all now know the outcome and trade offs that occurred for that resolution. Cooler heads prevailed.
Now, those cooler heads are few and far between in this cabal, laughingly called an administration, headed by a spiteful adolescent who has no idea that he's in over his ridiculously coiffed head. I worry about my children and my two lovely granddaughters, all of whom are just as disgusted as I am.
Now, those cooler heads are few and far between in this cabal, laughingly called an administration, headed by a spiteful adolescent who has no idea that he's in over his ridiculously coiffed head. I worry about my children and my two lovely granddaughters, all of whom are just as disgusted as I am.
10
I have no desire whatsoever for Trump to be even marginally successful.
I don't want nuclear war or total economic collapse but just like some
voters took the big risk of voting for Trump because they wanted change
I turn want Trump to fail dramatically and often even if it messes things up.
His supporters must be shamed into learning the difficult but necessary lessons that they made a big mistake when they voted for him, you shouldn't let anger allow you to get the better of you so you make a rash decision, you have to be careful what you ask for because you might get it and it's not all about you. And if as i suspect Trump is impeached and sent to prison---but gee rich folk don't go to jail even if they're guilty because they hire very expensive lawyers---I hope that his supporters still don't stand behind their President who would then be a convicted felon. But who knows. Maybe they are so loyal they'll gladly follow him into the slammer. Although I've heard Club Fed is pretty plush particularly in the Martha Stewart designed Federal Prison. Trump when he goes to jail should spend his time in the County lock up. He'll learn a whole lot about what life is really all about. He knows very little right now. And maybe he'll be able to start a fan club on the inside. I'm sure a lot of his supporters will end up there.
I don't want nuclear war or total economic collapse but just like some
voters took the big risk of voting for Trump because they wanted change
I turn want Trump to fail dramatically and often even if it messes things up.
His supporters must be shamed into learning the difficult but necessary lessons that they made a big mistake when they voted for him, you shouldn't let anger allow you to get the better of you so you make a rash decision, you have to be careful what you ask for because you might get it and it's not all about you. And if as i suspect Trump is impeached and sent to prison---but gee rich folk don't go to jail even if they're guilty because they hire very expensive lawyers---I hope that his supporters still don't stand behind their President who would then be a convicted felon. But who knows. Maybe they are so loyal they'll gladly follow him into the slammer. Although I've heard Club Fed is pretty plush particularly in the Martha Stewart designed Federal Prison. Trump when he goes to jail should spend his time in the County lock up. He'll learn a whole lot about what life is really all about. He knows very little right now. And maybe he'll be able to start a fan club on the inside. I'm sure a lot of his supporters will end up there.
6
bless the American people? The ones diverted by a phony "scandal" about using a personal email account to elect this guy with a poll showing he would win even the popular vote today? No Nick. We reap what we sow
5
I'd like to add to No. 9 on the list. With Trump sending everyone off in a million rabbit hole searches during his first 100 days, Trump has succeeded at quelling any sense of alarm at our getting into a Nuclear Missile War with North Korea. Where's the outrage at Trump talking about a Nuclear War-- like he's discussing making a great trade deal (which he hasn't done, by the way.) This is absolutely nuts that we are allowing this boorish excuse for a president to do this. And all the talk about his support among his base at 98% simply tells me his base is nothing more than a bunch of intellectually incurious dopes who were duped. And they'll never get that. We have to trounce every opposition candidate in the next two elections. Period.
10
Not mentioned here is that #45 severely slashed the budget for the Department of State.
Who needs diplomats, when he promises to have the bigly greatest, most tremendous military in the world?
He'll just drop some big shiny toys that go boom on both Syria and Afghanistan, taking care of all of our problems with them, and that darn Russia connection will disappear from the front pages of the press.
For far too many of our evil lefties, including myself, 100 days of this presidency already feel like years.
Who needs diplomats, when he promises to have the bigly greatest, most tremendous military in the world?
He'll just drop some big shiny toys that go boom on both Syria and Afghanistan, taking care of all of our problems with them, and that darn Russia connection will disappear from the front pages of the press.
For far too many of our evil lefties, including myself, 100 days of this presidency already feel like years.
4
Trump's appeal and success is based on primal messages and power: hyper masculinity, race hatred, fear of the other, incohate anger. Dialogue and understanding cannot counter this. Time for wishy washy progressives to hate just as well.
4
On 8, 9 and 12:
Trump has no plans to start World War III. He worries too much about his own survival and that of his family and his businesses. Besides, how can he spend his ill-gotten gains if the world is reduced to a smoking pile of irradiated ash? Sure, if Russia or China lobs a few hundred ICBMs our way, we will retaliate (but neither of them have any reason to do that). If Trump decides in the middle of the night to launch some preemptive strike against North Korea, no one will allow him to do it. And what will he do after that, complain to the media that he wasn’t allowed to launch a first-strike nuclear attack “for the American people?” Everyone involved will deny it happened, and people will then pull an Article 25 on him.
Trump has been obfuscating and confusing while staying busy pretty much just ripping us all off. Doesn’t that come as a relief?
By the way, DNC: do you have some secret plans for the elections next year? We’re all trapped in this House of Mirrors and our faces are getting pretty banged up as we keep walking into the glass walls. Any idea where we can find the door?
Trump has no plans to start World War III. He worries too much about his own survival and that of his family and his businesses. Besides, how can he spend his ill-gotten gains if the world is reduced to a smoking pile of irradiated ash? Sure, if Russia or China lobs a few hundred ICBMs our way, we will retaliate (but neither of them have any reason to do that). If Trump decides in the middle of the night to launch some preemptive strike against North Korea, no one will allow him to do it. And what will he do after that, complain to the media that he wasn’t allowed to launch a first-strike nuclear attack “for the American people?” Everyone involved will deny it happened, and people will then pull an Article 25 on him.
Trump has been obfuscating and confusing while staying busy pretty much just ripping us all off. Doesn’t that come as a relief?
By the way, DNC: do you have some secret plans for the elections next year? We’re all trapped in this House of Mirrors and our faces are getting pretty banged up as we keep walking into the glass walls. Any idea where we can find the door?
5
How about: invoke the 25th *Amendment* (it's even in this *article*)
2
Well, yes, not a good prez. But how about a column on why his supporters are so diehard. The true believers. yes, them. thnx.
4
"Focus on what’s truly important".
Might I add global warming? That can't be left off any list of what's important. Because, as I heard it said today, there's no planet B.
Might I add global warming? That can't be left off any list of what's important. Because, as I heard it said today, there's no planet B.
2
Lessons from 100 days of President Trump:
1) Lies sell.
2) Sexual assault and abuse is alive and well.
3) Blaming immigrants and Muslims appeals.
4) A large segment of America consists of suckers.
1) Lies sell.
2) Sexual assault and abuse is alive and well.
3) Blaming immigrants and Muslims appeals.
4) A large segment of America consists of suckers.
13
Mr. Kristof apparently wrote this prior to Trump's speech in Pennsylvania last night or he would not be so sanguine about fascism receding. I believe democracy is in a lot more trouble than we realize. All a fascist leader needs is the blind faith of his followers, and Trump has that in spades.
6
I recall clearly the great victories of Obama's first hundred days - closing Gitmo, ACA, Climate Change deal, bringing home all the troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, outsourcing all torture and rendition to US criminal client states, and handing baskets of tax-payer money to Wall St. criminals. I'm confused, however, by the premise of the column. It is my understanding that Mr. Kristof only gives lessons and lectures. He's less aware and reflective than G.W. Bush.
The fantasy that Bush would be impeached was rightly mocked as 'impeachment porn' by many sober critics on the left. Trump is doing about as poorly as he did when he beat a field of sixteen and then handed the former Secretary of State her lunch.
The fantasy that Bush would be impeached was rightly mocked as 'impeachment porn' by many sober critics on the left. Trump is doing about as poorly as he did when he beat a field of sixteen and then handed the former Secretary of State her lunch.
1
I worry that we seem to be living in a country with polar opposite values. How can one side think he's doing a bang up job while the other side is trying not to cry. I'm not sure what it's going to take for Trump supporters to loose faith in their fearless leader. What a sorry state of affairs.
4
The big takeaway is that if you stand up to Trump he will fold
At bottom he is weak and all sizzle and no steak.
In 100 days he has turned the American People into the
student body at Trump University. He is a one trick
pony running the same scam and grift. The people have
figured that out, even if our vaunted press pretends otherwise.
He has no idea what he is doing and he lies about everything.
Like a kidney stone, this too shall pass
At bottom he is weak and all sizzle and no steak.
In 100 days he has turned the American People into the
student body at Trump University. He is a one trick
pony running the same scam and grift. The people have
figured that out, even if our vaunted press pretends otherwise.
He has no idea what he is doing and he lies about everything.
Like a kidney stone, this too shall pass
1
Did you put on your rose-colored glasses again? Looks like you see hope. You used the word "cataclysmic" to describe possible consequences of war erupting on the Korean Peninsula. I think it perfectly describes the state of our nation (and our world) today. Whether the nation's president (I'll never use the possessive "my" or even "our" in that construction) is symptom or cause doesn't really matter. Stupid is is stupid does is just fine in a Mack Sennett comedy, but nowadays it is likely to bring doom not laughs.
4
I've thought about this a great deal, whether if a new election were held today whether Trump would be re-elected? And, who would we choose to oppose him, since Clinton seems to have gone walkabout, and no one -- with the possible exception of Rep. Maxine Waters and Elizabeth Warren seems to understand how to confront the disaster in the White House.
But, having said that, I have to ask....if this were 1937, not 2017, and Hitler had a nuclear weapon, what would you do? Would you...as our leaders are currently doing...pretend that he does not represent an existential threat to all of us/the earth/all living things, or that there's nothing we can do....or realize that these are extraordinary times when the leader of the free world is a mentally unbalanced, wildly ignorant, narcisstic fool, and do something substantive that will relieve him of the presidency, and his co-conspirators. Just because this has never been done, doesn't mean that the founding fathers wouldn't approve of an extraordinary solution rather than sitting in front of the TV with our mouths open were a better solution. The people who didn't vote are the answer. They didn't vote because in their wildest dreams they never thought we'd get the completely ridiculous result we did. A new vote for a candidate certified sane by a panel of psychiatrists is what we need now....not hand wringing and analysis of twitter drivel by a babbling aged infant.
But, having said that, I have to ask....if this were 1937, not 2017, and Hitler had a nuclear weapon, what would you do? Would you...as our leaders are currently doing...pretend that he does not represent an existential threat to all of us/the earth/all living things, or that there's nothing we can do....or realize that these are extraordinary times when the leader of the free world is a mentally unbalanced, wildly ignorant, narcisstic fool, and do something substantive that will relieve him of the presidency, and his co-conspirators. Just because this has never been done, doesn't mean that the founding fathers wouldn't approve of an extraordinary solution rather than sitting in front of the TV with our mouths open were a better solution. The people who didn't vote are the answer. They didn't vote because in their wildest dreams they never thought we'd get the completely ridiculous result we did. A new vote for a candidate certified sane by a panel of psychiatrists is what we need now....not hand wringing and analysis of twitter drivel by a babbling aged infant.
4
Donald Trump is psychologically ill. He is unfit to and unhinged. He is a disgrace to the office of the presidency. America will be great again when he and his ilk are gone. The swamp is now a cesspool.
2
Good piece, as always. But on #11, why does the list of important things not contain climate change? If the Siberian permafrost melts then we face the likely end of human civilization, not worries about how much Russia meddled in one election (which we know they did, and which we will never know exactly the details). If we're going to avoid chasing "the latest shiny thing", then let's look at the real elephant in the room, climate change.
3
Here are two reasons that Trump won and two areas that need to be changed for Democrats to win, short of relying on a major economic downturn or other catastrophe:
1) Media. Hillary's ratings were driven down to the point where Trump edged her in a trustworthiness poll. Republicans have their own cable TV network and some newspapers, but the "liberal" media such as the Times and the other cable networks often pursue a policy of false equivalence. They amplified the phony email server and Benghazi "scandals" perhaps for this reason and perhaps just in pursuit of reader/viewership or because of advertiser influence. What are the plans of the Times (for example) and the Democratic party to change this?
2) Economic policy. The policy of the Democratic establishment is just enough to the left of Republicans on economic matters that they can claim to be the representatives of working people, but white working people are not buying it (non-whites have little choice because of the implicit racism of Republicans). The success of both Trump and Sanders showed that most people are getting fed up with increasing inequality. International trade is a major part of this, but the Democratic establishment and its media remain committed to globalization.
What has been learned about these things? Just pointing out the faults of Trump and protesting in various ways is not going to make much difference - he was elected in spite of these mostly well-known faults.
1) Media. Hillary's ratings were driven down to the point where Trump edged her in a trustworthiness poll. Republicans have their own cable TV network and some newspapers, but the "liberal" media such as the Times and the other cable networks often pursue a policy of false equivalence. They amplified the phony email server and Benghazi "scandals" perhaps for this reason and perhaps just in pursuit of reader/viewership or because of advertiser influence. What are the plans of the Times (for example) and the Democratic party to change this?
2) Economic policy. The policy of the Democratic establishment is just enough to the left of Republicans on economic matters that they can claim to be the representatives of working people, but white working people are not buying it (non-whites have little choice because of the implicit racism of Republicans). The success of both Trump and Sanders showed that most people are getting fed up with increasing inequality. International trade is a major part of this, but the Democratic establishment and its media remain committed to globalization.
What has been learned about these things? Just pointing out the faults of Trump and protesting in various ways is not going to make much difference - he was elected in spite of these mostly well-known faults.
1
Perhaps the Dartmouth student response, comes from knowing your roommate's party supports a racist, mysoginist, serial sexual assaulting, bully, who continually used threats of violence during the campaign. There is no equivalence the other way.
6
Trump's actions are horrifying. Mr. Kristof's 12 points are a useful summary.
One can hope that as time goes on, those who voted for him will see that he is not helping but hurting them: "The day I realized it can be smart to be shallow was, for me, a deep experience." http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/05/01/a-hundred-days-of-trump
Danger ahead, rocks ahoy!
Meanwhile, can we please not fight with each other, while we get these monsters out of the way? With voter suppression, gerrymandering, money in politics (not the Democrat's fault), intimidating, the use of prison as Jim Crow, and Republican domination in so many local offices and courts, we have a steep slope to climb. The blame fest won't help, and taking your toys and going home or hating on moderates and pragmatists is a losing strategy.
Above all, we need to start winning on behalf of the ideals of my once great country. True patriots, unite. We need a livable earth, and Trump's people are eager to trash it for profit as fast as possible.
One can hope that as time goes on, those who voted for him will see that he is not helping but hurting them: "The day I realized it can be smart to be shallow was, for me, a deep experience." http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/05/01/a-hundred-days-of-trump
Danger ahead, rocks ahoy!
Meanwhile, can we please not fight with each other, while we get these monsters out of the way? With voter suppression, gerrymandering, money in politics (not the Democrat's fault), intimidating, the use of prison as Jim Crow, and Republican domination in so many local offices and courts, we have a steep slope to climb. The blame fest won't help, and taking your toys and going home or hating on moderates and pragmatists is a losing strategy.
Above all, we need to start winning on behalf of the ideals of my once great country. True patriots, unite. We need a livable earth, and Trump's people are eager to trash it for profit as fast as possible.
6
On #12, the Republic may be standing, but it is no thanks to the Republicans, who have provided no checks nor balances. The courts, thankfully, have provided some sorely needed checks and let's hope that continues, even with the Republicans helping Gorsuch steal what should have been Judge Garland's seat in the Supreme Court.
On #9, our "leader" is as nutty as the Korean "leader." Remember, Trump wanted to bomb the expletive out of ISIS, not to mention wanting Iranian boats "shot out of the water," and did authorize the dropping of a MOAB in Afghanistan and fired a few missiles into Syria, which is not all that different from Kim Jong-un's tendency to fire a few missiles every now and then. "I hope he's rational," said Trump of Mr. Kim. I am willing to bet that many world leaders have said that of Trump.
On #8, what are the chances that McMaster will be NSA if Flynn hadn't faced troubling questions about his indefensible contacts with Russia and lobbying for Turkey. So, let's not give Trump any credit for changing his advisers, which he only did under pressure. Trump's refusal to take responsibility for appointing an ill-suited Flynn to begin with and blaming the Obama administration for Flynn's security clearance is typical of the man we know and unfortunately still in charge.
Also, on #8, how much of Trump's new-found respect for China and affection for President Xi is due to China's favorable treatment of Trump's business interests? Only Xi and he know.
On #9, our "leader" is as nutty as the Korean "leader." Remember, Trump wanted to bomb the expletive out of ISIS, not to mention wanting Iranian boats "shot out of the water," and did authorize the dropping of a MOAB in Afghanistan and fired a few missiles into Syria, which is not all that different from Kim Jong-un's tendency to fire a few missiles every now and then. "I hope he's rational," said Trump of Mr. Kim. I am willing to bet that many world leaders have said that of Trump.
On #8, what are the chances that McMaster will be NSA if Flynn hadn't faced troubling questions about his indefensible contacts with Russia and lobbying for Turkey. So, let's not give Trump any credit for changing his advisers, which he only did under pressure. Trump's refusal to take responsibility for appointing an ill-suited Flynn to begin with and blaming the Obama administration for Flynn's security clearance is typical of the man we know and unfortunately still in charge.
Also, on #8, how much of Trump's new-found respect for China and affection for President Xi is due to China's favorable treatment of Trump's business interests? Only Xi and he know.
9
Thanks Socrates, I will order "White Trash" today.
2
Trump's problem is that he is not programmed to think. He is not curious, to learn, or even find out, what he doesn't know--which is everything!
Donald Trump acts from ignorance, ideology--idiotology?--and he is currently following his basest instincts of racism. He seems to be hell-bent on eradicating nothing and everything that his predecessor--President Barack Hussein Obama--has accomplished. That's why he does't leave well enough alone--Affordable Health Care--and go after something that needs fixing!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Donald Trump acts from ignorance, ideology--idiotology?--and he is currently following his basest instincts of racism. He seems to be hell-bent on eradicating nothing and everything that his predecessor--President Barack Hussein Obama--has accomplished. That's why he does't leave well enough alone--Affordable Health Care--and go after something that needs fixing!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
2
Just once, I'd like to see a headline on the front page of the New York Times that stated, "Donald J. Trump is a miserable dirt bag".
"All the news that's fit to print". Really? Put your money where your mouth is. The man is a miserable loser, say so!
"All the news that's fit to print". Really? Put your money where your mouth is. The man is a miserable loser, say so!
Am I the only one who thought the poem, The Snake, recited by Trump was inappropriate, bordering on soft porn-- the way he read it?
1
This is like sitting at a $5 minimum bet blackjack table in Vegas and, after 4 solid hours of playing, finding yourself down only $10.00. You can console yourself with the idea that, at only 2 1/2 bucks/hour, it was cheap entertainment.
Oh there were moments. Like the time you split a pair of 8's only to pair those up with two more 8's, which you also split. And your final hands were all in the 13-19 range and the dealer busted. Where did all that money go? Oh, right! It just brought you back up to almost even, just like now. Not once in four hours were you ever more than $5 ahead.
Then there's the game called "Death by a Thousand Cuts."
Oh there were moments. Like the time you split a pair of 8's only to pair those up with two more 8's, which you also split. And your final hands were all in the 13-19 range and the dealer busted. Where did all that money go? Oh, right! It just brought you back up to almost even, just like now. Not once in four hours were you ever more than $5 ahead.
Then there's the game called "Death by a Thousand Cuts."
1
Kristof - unlike our president - tells it like it is, not as he thinks it must be (since that's his momentary thought). Hope Kristof enjoys the PCT - he's earned it. A bit of time up there would be good for our President - it didn't hurt John Muir or Teddy Roosevellt.
Those ABC News/Washington Post poll results show that only 2 per cent of Trump voters *regret their vote* in the 2016 election, while majorities of respondents (a set that includes Trump voters) find Trump unqualified, dishonest, etc.
My inexpert reading of that divergence is that Hillary Clinton is anathema to the people who chose Trump. Do they think Donald Trump makes a good president? No, many don't. Well, would they retroactively change their vote? No, because that might have helped make Clinton president.
What the poll suggests about a hypothetical rerun of last year's election is a very weak indication of what to expect in the next election.
http://thefamilyproperty.blogspot.jp/
My inexpert reading of that divergence is that Hillary Clinton is anathema to the people who chose Trump. Do they think Donald Trump makes a good president? No, many don't. Well, would they retroactively change their vote? No, because that might have helped make Clinton president.
What the poll suggests about a hypothetical rerun of last year's election is a very weak indication of what to expect in the next election.
http://thefamilyproperty.blogspot.jp/
In my 62 years, I've never seen such lying, deceit, disregard and total contempt for people by a President of the United Statesand this includes Trump's support base. This makes it all the more bizarre as his base still cheer in ecstatic approval, though they and the rest of us are seeing our basic rights and wealth being systematically stolen by this Autocrat.
It reminds me of the old Yiddish expression, which roughly translates into:
"Don't pee on my leg and tell me its raining". This is exactly what the Trump administration is doing.
It reminds me of the old Yiddish expression, which roughly translates into:
"Don't pee on my leg and tell me its raining". This is exactly what the Trump administration is doing.
1
There once was a President made small
By showcasing decorum's downfall
A huge vulgarian
And would-be caesarian
He's an executive branch foul ball
By showcasing decorum's downfall
A huge vulgarian
And would-be caesarian
He's an executive branch foul ball
Brilliant analysis. Has fabulosity. The emperor has no clothes.
Lessons:
1. Donald Trump First.
2. Smarm and hobnobbing with a murderous dictator is our President's idea of a balanced domestic and foreign affairs blitz (to wit today: Donald has a “very friendly conversation with the Philippines's Duterte "according to a statement issued by the White House late Saturday."
All of which hints at what Donald really wants:
To be a fascist dictator in his own Right.
1. Donald Trump First.
2. Smarm and hobnobbing with a murderous dictator is our President's idea of a balanced domestic and foreign affairs blitz (to wit today: Donald has a “very friendly conversation with the Philippines's Duterte "according to a statement issued by the White House late Saturday."
All of which hints at what Donald really wants:
To be a fascist dictator in his own Right.
1
I have to say, the fact that Trump supporters are so unanimous in their support of this clown is fascinating in a "watching a car crash" sort of way.
I don't expect people to embrace the Democratic Party. However, to pledge fealty to the Modern GOP is frnakly bizarre.
I don't expect people to embrace the Democratic Party. However, to pledge fealty to the Modern GOP is frnakly bizarre.
2
Thank you, Mr. Kristof, for listing these lessons from the first 100 days of Mr. Trump Goes to Washington. The saddest lesson of this Grand Guignol of a Presidency is that the America people continue to enjoy being conned. We are a nation of carnival rubes.
3
Thank you. This a concise and outstandingly good summary.
1
With such high numbers of voter abstention (40% last presidential, 65% last mid-term), everything is possible.
Would that Trump could only replicate William Henry Harrison's performance. Even late would be a dream come true for America and the world.
1
I can't disagree with anything you say about Trump or about the various factions of American voters, but I have to come to the defense of Berkeley. Nobody, and certainly not the campus administrators, wants to prevent anyone from speaking on campus. Chancellor Dirks laid out in a recent Times op-ed how the campus tried to negotiate a safe time and place for Coulter to speak; they /did/ let Yiannopoulos speak as scheduled, and a small group of outsiders turned what had been a nonviolent student protest into a threat to public safety.
Yes, the Berkeley community does tend to lean left, but we take free speech very seriously, to the point where we let John Yoo return to the law school faculty after his role in torturing Muslims at Guantanamo.
Yes, the Berkeley community does tend to lean left, but we take free speech very seriously, to the point where we let John Yoo return to the law school faculty after his role in torturing Muslims at Guantanamo.
1
P.S. I should have said, I am not a spokesperson for the university; these are my opinions.
I think a large segment of America has done great damage to itself with its persistent belief that what Government does is take their hard-earned money and give it to undeserving people with dark skin color. Why else would the Trump demographic in aggregate support the health care and tax and trade policies that will make them poorer and less secure?
1
Lessons from 100 Trump days:
1.Bring back required-for graduation-Civics to American education.
2. In the Presidential debates, ask a minimum of 3 questions per candidate concerning American history and civics.
3. Do not allow the Press to treat the campaign as a variety/reality show.
1.Bring back required-for graduation-Civics to American education.
2. In the Presidential debates, ask a minimum of 3 questions per candidate concerning American history and civics.
3. Do not allow the Press to treat the campaign as a variety/reality show.
2
Americans will survive Mr. Trump´s presidency as long as they remain faithful to the spirit of the First Amendment. The latter reinforces the principle of checks and balances spelled out in the American Constitution.
As you and your colleagues strive to bring facts to light, you facititate the tools law-abiding citizens need to probe the reliability of Mr. Trump´s actions and statements.
Critical judgement based on proven facts is the key to a better future for any continent where populism and nationalism threaten to undermine the foundations of democracy.
As you and your colleagues strive to bring facts to light, you facititate the tools law-abiding citizens need to probe the reliability of Mr. Trump´s actions and statements.
Critical judgement based on proven facts is the key to a better future for any continent where populism and nationalism threaten to undermine the foundations of democracy.
Nick - as you point out if the election were today Trump would win again, his base is that solid. And the Democrats have no leader and no platform.
I'l a Democrat and I have no idea what the party is about right now. I see Sanders, Warren, Schumer and Pelosi. None of these are going to lead our country out of this.
I'l a Democrat and I have no idea what the party is about right now. I see Sanders, Warren, Schumer and Pelosi. None of these are going to lead our country out of this.
Any poll, as if anyone believes them these days, doesn't capture the national mood regarding this president, this government. If the GOP can't get-it-done now, when will they ever keep those promises made to their anxious supporters. Probably never. Trump supports tell us that 100 days is not a true measure of Trump's performance, pointing to his reversals - not new legislation - of Obama's regulations. 100 days not enough time; let's give him another 100 to prove he can lead the country without getting us into a shooting war. I doubt that he can be what so many supporters want him to be, and do.
While comparisons to Richard Nixon abound, at least he saw value in Americans having clean air and water, and founded the EPA by executive order in 1970.
That sort of thing can't be done with an executive order. It requires congressional action.
There was a swelling sense that the air we breathe, the water we drink and the earth we walk on were important back in 1970. Everyone could see that LA was becoming a polluted mess where, without action, living would not be possible in a few years. Toxic waste dumps were being uncovered across the nation. Furthermore, the issues had not been forcefully ripped into partisan divides, so it was easier for Nixon to sign the bill. If I recall correctly, OSA was also created while Nixon was prez. While he was hated by the libs, Nixon's actual governing, leaving out Vietnam and Chile, was in some ways as progressive as moderate Democrats could hope.
There was a swelling sense that the air we breathe, the water we drink and the earth we walk on were important back in 1970. Everyone could see that LA was becoming a polluted mess where, without action, living would not be possible in a few years. Toxic waste dumps were being uncovered across the nation. Furthermore, the issues had not been forcefully ripped into partisan divides, so it was easier for Nixon to sign the bill. If I recall correctly, OSA was also created while Nixon was prez. While he was hated by the libs, Nixon's actual governing, leaving out Vietnam and Chile, was in some ways as progressive as moderate Democrats could hope.
1
Mr. Kristof " The opposition to Trump has been ineffective in reaching Trump voters, and he remains deeply popular with his base." WHY?
A decade ago, an interesting graffiti appeared in the walls around violence-ravaged Bogota. It said: Basta de Realidad. Queremos Promesas --loosed translated: Enough of Reality. We want Promises.
The election of Donald Trump in 2016 sent a clear unmistakable message from the American people to the powers that be, including the news media.
We are fed up with politics as usual. We want a strong new leader to fix the problems, particularly the decline of the middle class. We want promises. Make America Great Again.
The question in the day after is: What will happen IF Donald Trump does not deliver on his promises?
A decade ago, an interesting graffiti appeared in the walls around violence-ravaged Bogota. It said: Basta de Realidad. Queremos Promesas --loosed translated: Enough of Reality. We want Promises.
The election of Donald Trump in 2016 sent a clear unmistakable message from the American people to the powers that be, including the news media.
We are fed up with politics as usual. We want a strong new leader to fix the problems, particularly the decline of the middle class. We want promises. Make America Great Again.
The question in the day after is: What will happen IF Donald Trump does not deliver on his promises?
1
In regard to point #12 in this column, the viability of checks and balances built into our Constitution: what happens if and when Trump decides that he doesn't like that process? His most devoted followers would cheer anything he might do. Since many voters don't know much about government at the start, since they have been carefully trained, by themselves and propaganda media, to be utterly cynical about govt. anyway, they would very likely welcome a strong hand not just tweeting against supposed enemies, but one that sought to abolish protections against outright tyranny.
It could happen. Here. The Republicans on Capitol Hill have shown they are about one thing, continuing to get re-elected and maintain power. The so called Freedom Caucus wants to rip the guts out of the federal govt., so a dictator would likely look good to them, too.
As the story in today's Times about two men from Pittsburgh shows, Trump supporters have built a wall around themselves and his criticism of "their" president. If they see it, the criticism is filed under "disregard", never looked at again. Newspapers across the country are not reporting the full story of the Trump disaster. Those that had Washington bureaus closed them years ago, so most Trump supporters get their "news" from Fox, talk radio and right wing websites where never is heard a discouraging word, at least where Trump is concerned.
We are in a dark place and, at this point, there is little light pointing the way.
It could happen. Here. The Republicans on Capitol Hill have shown they are about one thing, continuing to get re-elected and maintain power. The so called Freedom Caucus wants to rip the guts out of the federal govt., so a dictator would likely look good to them, too.
As the story in today's Times about two men from Pittsburgh shows, Trump supporters have built a wall around themselves and his criticism of "their" president. If they see it, the criticism is filed under "disregard", never looked at again. Newspapers across the country are not reporting the full story of the Trump disaster. Those that had Washington bureaus closed them years ago, so most Trump supporters get their "news" from Fox, talk radio and right wing websites where never is heard a discouraging word, at least where Trump is concerned.
We are in a dark place and, at this point, there is little light pointing the way.
2
Look on the bright side: with luck, only 1360 more days to go.
And if you round up you could maybe, sorta, justify saying 10% of his term is gone already.
And if you round up you could maybe, sorta, justify saying 10% of his term is gone already.
# 11( allegations of Trump campaign collusion with Putin) should be #1 and to a large extent, keeps impeachment in play, maybe not in 2017 but possibly after the mid terms. With the growing activism of groups in both red and blue states to peel off key congressional districts, it will take about 8 seconds for the start of impeachment hearings if democrats can win that edge in Congress.
Your other reasons are important but we must keep our eyes on the FBI and investigative journalism to uncover reasons why Russia interfered in our election.
Your other reasons are important but we must keep our eyes on the FBI and investigative journalism to uncover reasons why Russia interfered in our election.
4
We're not only at the 100th day of Trump, but we're well past the first centennial of multinational oligarchic rule that broke the control of government away from the electorate and that is overreaching with an increasingly relentless profit greed fetish and power craze in the past few decades, tilting the wealth of the earth to the 0.01%.
Grim Oligarchic Predator rule is tattooed in the maps of our gerrymandered districts, purged voter rolls, voting places and hours, the software of our decrepit voting machines, the maps of our prison population stats, Washington lobbyist offices, anonymous shell company 'books', the make-up of our Supreme Court with medieval feudalism residue mindsets, our inequality divide stats. That´s where the shameful tattoos are, I'd tell Mr. O´Reilly, not as plantation pigmentation on blacks their foreheads, or where you pushed but were denied to find them with the lower rank young flesh you craved.
Not much to be relieved about for humanity, trapped well over a century now by the Rockefellas and co pulling the strings of our government, commerce, military and media.
As our oceans devolved into dying and soured plastic soups, harried by ever stronger hurricanes, we're headed for climate change and ecological disaster, multidrug-resistant superbugs we won't be able to keep in check, terrorist attacks on our nuclear plants and potentially a nuclear winter.
Praise to the Lord? For another raise to our overlords?
While our most vulnerable we deport?
Grim Oligarchic Predator rule is tattooed in the maps of our gerrymandered districts, purged voter rolls, voting places and hours, the software of our decrepit voting machines, the maps of our prison population stats, Washington lobbyist offices, anonymous shell company 'books', the make-up of our Supreme Court with medieval feudalism residue mindsets, our inequality divide stats. That´s where the shameful tattoos are, I'd tell Mr. O´Reilly, not as plantation pigmentation on blacks their foreheads, or where you pushed but were denied to find them with the lower rank young flesh you craved.
Not much to be relieved about for humanity, trapped well over a century now by the Rockefellas and co pulling the strings of our government, commerce, military and media.
As our oceans devolved into dying and soured plastic soups, harried by ever stronger hurricanes, we're headed for climate change and ecological disaster, multidrug-resistant superbugs we won't be able to keep in check, terrorist attacks on our nuclear plants and potentially a nuclear winter.
Praise to the Lord? For another raise to our overlords?
While our most vulnerable we deport?
4
This country is in a uniquely deluded and even schizophrenic place now that we have probably never seen. We were equally divided right before the Civil War, but for clear reason: states' rights, meaning the right to own slaves. I think the current cause was evident beginning with the George W. Bush administration. As the president "You could have a beer with," people other than the branded "coastal elites" were afraid of increasingly rapid change and wanted to keep their safe space and feel that they too counted as opposed to the more privileged who somehow left them behind and didn't care. The Bush family was wealthy, but somehow George "seemed" more like them. Now we see the worst of it: A New York billionaire, who nonetheless reassures people that no matter what he does, he's "one of them," mainly because he "talks like them" and and makes them feel important even if he never actually does anything for them. Many of them protested about the possible loss of their health insurance but would still vote for him again.
We are not going to slow down global change, and many Trump voters will continue to be frightened enough to stick with him, trusting that he will come through on his promises, even as he daily demonstrates that most of them were fantasies and he nowhere has the knowhow to implement new policies. Meanwhile, for spin, he signs executive orders, which are simply to review policies, and his followers think that means something has been achieved.
We are not going to slow down global change, and many Trump voters will continue to be frightened enough to stick with him, trusting that he will come through on his promises, even as he daily demonstrates that most of them were fantasies and he nowhere has the knowhow to implement new policies. Meanwhile, for spin, he signs executive orders, which are simply to review policies, and his followers think that means something has been achieved.
3
Every day is worse than the last. This liar and golfer-in-chief has declared war on truth, science, minorities, immigrants, the arts, the courts, education, ethics, morality, the environment and common decency. He brings out the worst in his supporters and he seeks out the worst among foreign leaders. Having complimented Putin, made nice with Xi and congratulated Erdogan, he now invites, Duterte, the Philippine leader who insulted Obama and murders his own people, to the White House. And his Republican enablers continue to sit by an do nothing. I am sickened by this travesty of a president and the cowardice of the not-so-grand old party.
15
@Christy: Do not see how it advances the dialogue, provides room for discussion to repeat unsubstantiated charges, emotionally driven,against the chief of state voted into office by over 60 million of us, his supporters. Even the language used, the insults appear to be cadged from some left wing blog, and "tout compte fait,"are not informative, except of your own prejudices. Responsible commentary is backed by fact:" Trump was a lousy landlord, and having visited hovels he charges a small fortune for,this is why!" Or, Trumps misuses English language, says "between you and I,"rather than " between you and me," 2 examples cited by Breslin years ago when he went after Trump. Trump receives Duerte which he must because Phillipines is fighting Al Queda and drug gangs. How could Trump not receive the Phillipines leader. Have u never heard of realpolitik, and having to deal with those in power because it is necessary to have allies, no matter how unsavory?As far as OBAMA is concerned, he's paid his dues, is now reaping the benefits, 60 million dollar book contract and 400,000 per speech. Do not believe you will see him visiting folks in dangerous housing projects to offer them support anytime soon. He didn't when he was president, why would u think he would do so now?
1
I don't and I won't speak to people who voted for him and still support him. They ignore the lies, self-dealing and fear mongering in support of protecting their guns, limiting entitlement programs and enslaving women and those in jail for too long for the wrong reasons. I continue to know what is important, but feel irrelevant and incapable of doing anything about it. My Senator is Marco Rubio, a wimp who sees himself as the next President. He will be another Duce.
14
Unless and until the Dems find a charismatic person to fill the Trump void created by the incompetence, lying, and greed, it's steady as she goes.
That person might start with the truth. That the Trump voter is right. They have been getting the short end since the Reagan inauguration. That the .1% have been been lining their pockets while middle class folks got nothing. Elizabeth Warren's This Fight is our Fight is a step in that direction. The question is can she charismatic enough?
Part of the Trump strategy, if you can call it that - you might even call it an obsession, is to be the topic of all news coverage. That leaves little for a newcomer. But that's OK. That means the person can travel under the radar for awhile.
Unfortunately that means endless travel, endless county fairs, and endless baby kissing. But the truth is a very powerful thing as Trump found out, and the traction it gives you in the political market place is a thing to behold.
Complaining about Trump is one thing. Addressing the reasons he was able to run and win the presidency is quite another.
That person might start with the truth. That the Trump voter is right. They have been getting the short end since the Reagan inauguration. That the .1% have been been lining their pockets while middle class folks got nothing. Elizabeth Warren's This Fight is our Fight is a step in that direction. The question is can she charismatic enough?
Part of the Trump strategy, if you can call it that - you might even call it an obsession, is to be the topic of all news coverage. That leaves little for a newcomer. But that's OK. That means the person can travel under the radar for awhile.
Unfortunately that means endless travel, endless county fairs, and endless baby kissing. But the truth is a very powerful thing as Trump found out, and the traction it gives you in the political market place is a thing to behold.
Complaining about Trump is one thing. Addressing the reasons he was able to run and win the presidency is quite another.
5
The hate for Elizabeth Warren on the Republican side is visceral. As much as I respect and admire her work, she could never be elected, or if she was, it would be as ugly and partisan as it was for Obama, and would have been for Hillary. No, I fear we will have to find a palatable, (read WASP male) to front for the democratic party to at least bring some of the Never-Democrats to the table.
I agree with Mr. Kristof's analysis in Point 11 that Democrats and progressives need to focus on the major flaws in Trump's policies that need to be resisted as hard as possible, not just his latest tweet or gaffe. But let's not forget Trump's personal flaws and misdeeds. He has gotten away with egregious conflicts of interest for which any previous president, especially a Democrat, would have been run out of town. Progressives also need to fight the cognitive dissonance among Trump supporters, who want to make America white again (which it never was) as it retreats from any significant role in maintaining peace, order and democracy here at home, or around the world.
9
I watched some of Trump's Harrisburg rally last night. At one point, Trump promised the best health care ever at little or no cost. As the crowd cheered wildly for this outrageous lie, Trump stepped to the side and put on the greatest imitation I have ever seen of that self satisfied face that Mussolini perfected in the 1930s. Il Duce should sue for copyright infringement. The rest of us should work even harder to back those who oppose this maniac.
24
All good points and I agree with all of them. I believe that our president is doing great harm to our country. In particular, his policies will increase the amount of income inequality that exists and that is something that will continue to cause problems well into the future.
13
The problem is not in our President but in ourselves. When 42% of the people approve of this man, when most of the people who voted for him believe he is doing a good job, when the numbers indicate that he could now win the popular vote, there is a deep fault in our democracy.
I believe it is the effectiveness of the propaganda machine established by the plutocratic, monopolistic, oligarchic right wing in our country. Fox "news", and more importantly right wing talk radio, have created the alternative reality that feeds the populace that supports this caricature of a rich, important man.
Until an effective counterweight is found, and MSNBC is not sufficient, I fear for the country.
I believe it is the effectiveness of the propaganda machine established by the plutocratic, monopolistic, oligarchic right wing in our country. Fox "news", and more importantly right wing talk radio, have created the alternative reality that feeds the populace that supports this caricature of a rich, important man.
Until an effective counterweight is found, and MSNBC is not sufficient, I fear for the country.
23
All true, and all scary.
But Trump has broken the law early and often:
1) Nepotism is against the law (5 U.S. Code Section 3110), but Trump has brought his son in law and daughter into the White House.
2) Lobbying Disclosure Act - Secret waivers have been issued by Trump to numerous lobbyists, weakening ethics rules.
3) Emoluments Cause, Article 1, Constitution. All the payments to Trump businesses that he has not severed ties with including hotels, Mar a Lago, Trump Tower, his daughter and his son-in-law's businesses are profiting from positions of trust in the White House including from foreign diplomats, leaders, and personnel.
4) Sessions perjured himself by lying under oath to obtain his position.
5) Price was under active investigation for his medical stocks when Trump fired the federal prosecutor involved.
6) Various lies by Trump on casino gambling in Florida and trying to bribe Bush, his donation to the Florida attorney general to stop the investigation of the Trump U fraud and many other lies that continue almost daily. His cult believers completely believe the lie that Pres. Obama wiretapped Trump.
So many lies, so much corruption, and this isn't even counting the Russian interference in the election. Have checks and balances really worked? Any Democratic president would have been under investigation for any or all of these activities. Pres. Clinton was impeached for perjury about a sexual affair, but Trump's lies and actions have been much more serious.
But Trump has broken the law early and often:
1) Nepotism is against the law (5 U.S. Code Section 3110), but Trump has brought his son in law and daughter into the White House.
2) Lobbying Disclosure Act - Secret waivers have been issued by Trump to numerous lobbyists, weakening ethics rules.
3) Emoluments Cause, Article 1, Constitution. All the payments to Trump businesses that he has not severed ties with including hotels, Mar a Lago, Trump Tower, his daughter and his son-in-law's businesses are profiting from positions of trust in the White House including from foreign diplomats, leaders, and personnel.
4) Sessions perjured himself by lying under oath to obtain his position.
5) Price was under active investigation for his medical stocks when Trump fired the federal prosecutor involved.
6) Various lies by Trump on casino gambling in Florida and trying to bribe Bush, his donation to the Florida attorney general to stop the investigation of the Trump U fraud and many other lies that continue almost daily. His cult believers completely believe the lie that Pres. Obama wiretapped Trump.
So many lies, so much corruption, and this isn't even counting the Russian interference in the election. Have checks and balances really worked? Any Democratic president would have been under investigation for any or all of these activities. Pres. Clinton was impeached for perjury about a sexual affair, but Trump's lies and actions have been much more serious.
25
The first hundred days
Have gone by in a haze
Of corruption, confusion, and golf;
The rich and the spoiled
Are completely embroiled
And are feeding like pigs at the trough.
For the rest of the world
The horror unfurled
In a series of terrible tweets,
While the toddler in chief
Swung between rage and grief
As his efforts turned into defeats.
The first hundred days
Placed us all in a maze
Of incompetence, boasting, and greed.
The number of stumbles,
Miscues, lies, and bumbles
Make abundantly clear what we need.
All good men and true
And good women too
Must rise and jump into the breach:
The world’s only hope
Is to offload this dope -
It is already time to impeach!
Have gone by in a haze
Of corruption, confusion, and golf;
The rich and the spoiled
Are completely embroiled
And are feeding like pigs at the trough.
For the rest of the world
The horror unfurled
In a series of terrible tweets,
While the toddler in chief
Swung between rage and grief
As his efforts turned into defeats.
The first hundred days
Placed us all in a maze
Of incompetence, boasting, and greed.
The number of stumbles,
Miscues, lies, and bumbles
Make abundantly clear what we need.
All good men and true
And good women too
Must rise and jump into the breach:
The world’s only hope
Is to offload this dope -
It is already time to impeach!
14
The fact that Trump betrays his base while they continue to slavishly adore him only proves the point that liberals have been criticized for making: Trump supporters are not big thinkers. There are no alternative facts and that's a politically incorrect statement that I'm sure Trump voters will appreciate.
16
What, "big thinkers" in America? In either the Democrat or Republican parties? There is a better chance of giant spiders showing up, overturning and crushing cars on the freeway in the middle of rush hour, than finding a "big thinker." The "big thinkers" in America are devoting their time to the truly big issues--how to better live-stream sports and porn to the people over their smart phones.
Ironically, the biggest losers are the liberals. Surprise! All the violance and intolerance can only sink the Democratic party lower. Sad! Their self-righteousness is in full display and it is ugly. I have long realized that liberals are merely extremists on the other end of the spectrum. I am not convinced that they truly care about many things they claim they are passionate about. I can say this based my personal experience. Racial relationship is one.
I am not sure that I am still welcomed by the new democratic party. I believe in meritocratic system but not their socialist agendas.
I am going to mail the special election ballot tomorrow. It is mostly about school board election. I still vote like a Democrat. But I am sickened by the two political parties in this country. President Trump is fresh air to me and it is so intriguing! I am tired of political correctness and I will give him benefit of doubt. You never know!
I am not sure that I am still welcomed by the new democratic party. I believe in meritocratic system but not their socialist agendas.
I am going to mail the special election ballot tomorrow. It is mostly about school board election. I still vote like a Democrat. But I am sickened by the two political parties in this country. President Trump is fresh air to me and it is so intriguing! I am tired of political correctness and I will give him benefit of doubt. You never know!
1
Something is off, way off. On the one hand you say that Trump enjoys the lowest approval ratings of any president at this point, yet on the other you cite an ABC/WaPo poll that indicates he would win both the electoral AND popular vote were the election held today? Either the American people suffer from an extreme case of cognitive dissonance, or I'm losing my fragile grip on sanity. Regardless, I'm scared to death.
40
Trump's base won't abandon him unless something extraordinary happens. It could be the discovery of a huge fraud, a monumental tax evasion, irrefutable proof of collusion between him and the Russians in the election, or a mishandling of an international crisis with catastrophic consequences.
In the meantime, he and the "good people" who support him will continue doing an irreparable damage to the Republic.
In the meantime, he and the "good people" who support him will continue doing an irreparable damage to the Republic.
27
"Trump's base won't abandon him unless something extraordinary happens"
So let`s set up a multimillion fund for an IRS patriot to leak Trump`s tax returns.
So let`s set up a multimillion fund for an IRS patriot to leak Trump`s tax returns.
It's hard to imagine that Trumpmand his ultra wealthy cabinet members and associates don't denigrate his base behind closed doors. These are people who have spent their adult lifetimes making sure that they don't live among the less well off, or that their children don't go to school with them. They pay tens of thousands to belong to exclusive golf clubs rather than play at public courses.
His supporters may stay with him in the Fifth Avenue scenario, but I'm betting they would cut him loose if he or one of his cronies were caught mocking his working class supporters--which they most assuredly do.
His supporters may stay with him in the Fifth Avenue scenario, but I'm betting they would cut him loose if he or one of his cronies were caught mocking his working class supporters--which they most assuredly do.
Mrs. Clinton lost to the most beatable candidate in the past 50 years.
The voters could not all have been poor, uneducated 'deplorables', but judging from the comments for the past 100 days, the anger from her loss has not diminished.
Mr. Trump was not prepared for the work, the position, nor the pushback- perhaps, over time, he will learn to lead our country in a way that makes everyone feel better.
The voters could not all have been poor, uneducated 'deplorables', but judging from the comments for the past 100 days, the anger from her loss has not diminished.
Mr. Trump was not prepared for the work, the position, nor the pushback- perhaps, over time, he will learn to lead our country in a way that makes everyone feel better.
3
You are correct. All of the voters were not, "poor, uneducated deplorables." Many were educated and white, who didn't mind that they voted for someone with no political experience, as well as alleged ties to an American adversary. Many intelligent people voted for this buffoon because he is a man, and HRC is a woman.
Many people voted for this man because they are afraid of brown people coming into this country and murdering them, yet voted for a man who spoke to a group of activists who shroud themselves in the 2nd Amendment while fantasizing about being at a gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
So, as long as is this babbling plebeian is in office, I won't feel better.
Many people voted for this man because they are afraid of brown people coming into this country and murdering them, yet voted for a man who spoke to a group of activists who shroud themselves in the 2nd Amendment while fantasizing about being at a gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
So, as long as is this babbling plebeian is in office, I won't feel better.
1
Trump lost the popular vote by millions of votes. Gerrymandering (sp?) gave him the electoral votes. He belongs in the Oval Office about as much as I do. Who are you? you might ask. Nobody is my answer.
One area the Republicans have dominated the Democrats in recent years has been the press. Regardless of what Obama did, there was always extensive press coverage of his opponents. Unfortunately, that is not the case today as Trump and the Republicans dominate the news cycles.
Yes, on occasion, we hear about Town Hall protests or see some film clip on the news about a protest or a sound bite from one of a handful of Democrats, but day to day coverage is sadly lacking. This has led to the misconception that Democrats are out of touch with the people and resulted in many of them throwing their lot with Trump and the Republicans.
Maybe another lesson we can learn from the 100 day reign (so far) is that many people believe what they want to believe regardless of facts and the best way to actually reach them is to constantly reiterate a very pointed message.
Yes, on occasion, we hear about Town Hall protests or see some film clip on the news about a protest or a sound bite from one of a handful of Democrats, but day to day coverage is sadly lacking. This has led to the misconception that Democrats are out of touch with the people and resulted in many of them throwing their lot with Trump and the Republicans.
Maybe another lesson we can learn from the 100 day reign (so far) is that many people believe what they want to believe regardless of facts and the best way to actually reach them is to constantly reiterate a very pointed message.
9
Yes, it’s a long three years and nine months before us, made immensely more acute to Democrats by the prospect of SEVEN years and three months remaining before us.
Normally, I’d think that maintaining over such a period anything LIKE effective “resistance” would be an unlikely prospect; but, then, we have the Republicans over the entirety of Obama’s eight years as example of why it’s not. Yet it was that byplay over eight years that broke our politics and summoned Trump. If we can’t get our collective act together, what might eight MORE bootless years buy us by way of Martian leaders in popular response to our failure? Marine Le Penn? An Army general? That vampire-looking guy in the Netherlands?
The Republic stands, and it will continue to stand. But we need to work more productively together to DESERVE better leaders than we’ve been forced to employ merely to clear logjams. That means BOTH sides must compromise on basically held convictions.
13. Excessive regulation is dead, or at least in an extended state of dying. Democrats need to accept that this is a consequence of the election. But what regulation MUST remain to keep our commerce orderly and humane and our air and water clean?
14. It remains that the ENTIRETY of our healthcare framework is FAR too expensive, doesn’t actually work very well and delivers pedestrian outcomes by global standards. So … what can we do about that?
What are those things that Dems can trade Trump for things HE wants for things THEY want?
Normally, I’d think that maintaining over such a period anything LIKE effective “resistance” would be an unlikely prospect; but, then, we have the Republicans over the entirety of Obama’s eight years as example of why it’s not. Yet it was that byplay over eight years that broke our politics and summoned Trump. If we can’t get our collective act together, what might eight MORE bootless years buy us by way of Martian leaders in popular response to our failure? Marine Le Penn? An Army general? That vampire-looking guy in the Netherlands?
The Republic stands, and it will continue to stand. But we need to work more productively together to DESERVE better leaders than we’ve been forced to employ merely to clear logjams. That means BOTH sides must compromise on basically held convictions.
13. Excessive regulation is dead, or at least in an extended state of dying. Democrats need to accept that this is a consequence of the election. But what regulation MUST remain to keep our commerce orderly and humane and our air and water clean?
14. It remains that the ENTIRETY of our healthcare framework is FAR too expensive, doesn’t actually work very well and delivers pedestrian outcomes by global standards. So … what can we do about that?
What are those things that Dems can trade Trump for things HE wants for things THEY want?
10
A seventy year old man who, despite setbacks, was a successful businessman, and a very successful TV performer, and then went on to win an election for the highest office in the land, is certainly not going to change any of the behaviors that enabled this success. Soul-searching, deep moral reasoning, and fact finding were not among the behaviors that brought the President his successes. Public service was never in his wheelhouse. What we have here is "the boss." He's wily, stubborn, laissez-faire, and quite capable at making his associates and himself rich, without bothering with questions of ethics... But I do appreciate how the President's critics point out the gap between what a president should be and what our President is. It reassures me that our country is more than just a capitalist rat race.
10
On the plus side, Mr. Trump has made the "Seinfeld" holiday Festivus great again. That must be what Trump was celebrating yesterday at the Harrisburg rally. He spent 90 minutes airing grievances.
Next up, feats of strength.
Next up, feats of strength.
18
One thing we didn't learn during Trump's 100 days of destruction is anything about his presidential tax evasion: what is in his tax returns that he doesn't want the public to see?
In his cultural war of divide and conquer between so-called elites and blue collar working class Americans, how many blue collar workers were appointed to the Cabinet or important positions in his administration? I stopped counting at none.
In his cultural war of divide and conquer between so-called elites and blue collar working class Americans, how many blue collar workers were appointed to the Cabinet or important positions in his administration? I stopped counting at none.
22
It is not surprising that Trump supporters still support him despite his continued, let's call it misinformation coming from his mouth and his flip flopping and apparent ignorance. The simple answer is that they are uninformed. They typically get what they call news from Faux and talk radio.
They are not bad people or even unintelligent, they seek information that supports their opinion and alternative facts. Unfortunately for our Democracy.
They are not bad people or even unintelligent, they seek information that supports their opinion and alternative facts. Unfortunately for our Democracy.
20
2% in 100 days, so by simple extraction 6% of Republicans by the end the year would not vote again for Trump. That's a positive to me. Then consider the 90 million eligible voters that didn’t cast a ballot. And polls found that many of them were in critical counties that had they voted it would have been for HRC.
I'm hopeful that if we can survive until midterms in 2018 things will be on the upswing.
I'm hopeful that if we can survive until midterms in 2018 things will be on the upswing.
21
The "suggestion" that Trump could win the popular vote now amongst 2016 voters given the chance to vote again, of course does NOT take into consideration potential voters that just didn't bother to vote due to antipathy fostered, in part, by polls that predicted a massive Clinton win.
The press appeared to follow two deeply rutted tracks: 1) publicise every single outrageous thing that spewed forth from the Trump campaign and 2) counter that with poll data practically ensuring a Clinton win.
Give me a break. Given Trump's approval ratings I don't see how the man could win election to manage the village dump right now.
The press appeared to follow two deeply rutted tracks: 1) publicise every single outrageous thing that spewed forth from the Trump campaign and 2) counter that with poll data practically ensuring a Clinton win.
Give me a break. Given Trump's approval ratings I don't see how the man could win election to manage the village dump right now.
13
Trump to put it as simply as possible is the result of a careless irresponsible statement gone bad. A statement by thoughtless ideologues without a clue or care regarding the repercussions of their actions. Unfortunately we all are and will continue to pay a price for that irresponsibility.
6
Secret waivers ?! In point 6 sentence two you say,"the white house issues secret waivers". Open waivers have been a growing practice, I first noticed as the Obama administration issued rules to States and health insurance companies and then negotiated waivers. State governments now do it. Pass a minimum wage "law", and then entertain waiver requests. At least we knew who was dealing and what the deal was. But now " secret waivers"? All of it violates equal application of the laws. Puts government for sale: for the sellers political benefit, and for the buyer's private interest. Oh, good grief.
6
It will be a long time before Trump supporters become disillusioned. Mainly, IMO, that is because his very outsider behavior, his refusal to act presidential, his blowing away of all decorum, and his impulsiveness all play well with his base.
In addition, the base tends to be made up of folks who equate a strong America with use of military power.
They see him as screwing all of the establishment and the "elites" both of whom they loathe. The more odd and abnormal for a president his behavior the more they think he is sticking it to all the grown-ups. So, for now, they want him to break all the rules. Because they see government as "bad," they love it whenever he dismantles regulations w/o really knowing or caring why those regulations were in place or what removing them might do.
The base's equating strength with military might means that they see things like his recent use missiles and the MOAB as finally showing the world that they 'can't mess with us.' They believe that America is now 'back.'
The disillusionment will come - but maybe not for a few years. When their streams are polluted; their children get sick more easily; their jobs either don't re-materialize or change so that they are again unemployed, then they will see that they have been had. By then Trump will either be gone (please God) or into his 2nd term with their help.
In addition, the base tends to be made up of folks who equate a strong America with use of military power.
They see him as screwing all of the establishment and the "elites" both of whom they loathe. The more odd and abnormal for a president his behavior the more they think he is sticking it to all the grown-ups. So, for now, they want him to break all the rules. Because they see government as "bad," they love it whenever he dismantles regulations w/o really knowing or caring why those regulations were in place or what removing them might do.
The base's equating strength with military might means that they see things like his recent use missiles and the MOAB as finally showing the world that they 'can't mess with us.' They believe that America is now 'back.'
The disillusionment will come - but maybe not for a few years. When their streams are polluted; their children get sick more easily; their jobs either don't re-materialize or change so that they are again unemployed, then they will see that they have been had. By then Trump will either be gone (please God) or into his 2nd term with their help.
24
Racism rules in much of the country. That is the real message I take from Trump's continued success with his base.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
56
True. But also the fact that the rich can get away with anything because the rules are drawn in their favor. So everyone, get rich fast!
Of course Trump's base will stand firmly behind him, despite the ethics violations or reduction in policies that benefit many in that group. The stubborn streak that exists in much of the rural Midwest, where some of Trump's strongest supporters live, will not waver. The farmers who laboriously turned the hard clay soil many decades ago left descendants who won't quit, no matter the outcome.
13
The fact that Trump would win the popular vote is the terrifying one.
It proves both that the GOP hate machine is more effective than ever, and the Democrats remain a useless mess with nothing to advance them in state elections, in national elections, in any election.
I weep for us, because we have lost our center - the part of us that believes in something other than money; the part of us that feels that representative government works for all the people, not just the moneyed class.
I weep for the Democratic party that still can't see the irony in their definition of social mobility. If we push people to move out of the first quintile, and into the second quintile, then we must have pushed someone else down. 20% is 20%. That too many see this economy and social mobility as driving them downward, we ought to be focusing on how to raise the standard of the bottom three tiers.
That is driving Trump's "success" in the first 100 days; the forlorn hope that whatever he does will change a lot of people's view that their path forward is a downward trajectory.
It proves both that the GOP hate machine is more effective than ever, and the Democrats remain a useless mess with nothing to advance them in state elections, in national elections, in any election.
I weep for us, because we have lost our center - the part of us that believes in something other than money; the part of us that feels that representative government works for all the people, not just the moneyed class.
I weep for the Democratic party that still can't see the irony in their definition of social mobility. If we push people to move out of the first quintile, and into the second quintile, then we must have pushed someone else down. 20% is 20%. That too many see this economy and social mobility as driving them downward, we ought to be focusing on how to raise the standard of the bottom three tiers.
That is driving Trump's "success" in the first 100 days; the forlorn hope that whatever he does will change a lot of people's view that their path forward is a downward trajectory.
11
Reinhold Niebuhr labeled this capacity to defy the forces of repression “a sublime madness in the soul.” Niebuhr wrote that “nothing but madness will do battle with malignant power and ‘spiritual wickedness in high places.’ ” This sublime madness, as Niebuhr understood, is dangerous, but it is vital. Without it, “truth is obscured.” And Niebuhr also knew that traditional liberalism was a useless force in moments of extremity. Liberalism, Niebuhr said, “lacks the spirit of enthusiasm, not to say fanaticism, which is so necessary to move the world out of its beaten tracks. It is too intellectual and too little emotional to be an efficient force in history.” In essence, liberalism step aside for now!
Credit where it's due: Trump's political impotence has been aided and abetted by those who would have been its natural agents: a Republican Congress.
For starters, it was wounded when Trump took office. Whatever his physical attributes, he has very small coattails: the GOP lost 6 House seats in the last election and 2 in the Senate. That's why his threat to work against Republicans who wouldn't do the heavy lifting of the Obamacare replacement bill that went nowhere is so laughable; the GOP has demonstrated that they can lose elections without his help, thank you very much.
Then, too, the Republican Party and conservatism in general has been driven to an identity crisis by Trump's accession. This helped defeat any attempt to draft a health care bill in the House, and has led to a shake-up of the leadership at the Heritage Foundation that looks like a old-fashioned Soviet-style purge.
So, yes, the Republic stands, despite the Republican Party.
For starters, it was wounded when Trump took office. Whatever his physical attributes, he has very small coattails: the GOP lost 6 House seats in the last election and 2 in the Senate. That's why his threat to work against Republicans who wouldn't do the heavy lifting of the Obamacare replacement bill that went nowhere is so laughable; the GOP has demonstrated that they can lose elections without his help, thank you very much.
Then, too, the Republican Party and conservatism in general has been driven to an identity crisis by Trump's accession. This helped defeat any attempt to draft a health care bill in the House, and has led to a shake-up of the leadership at the Heritage Foundation that looks like a old-fashioned Soviet-style purge.
So, yes, the Republic stands, despite the Republican Party.
29
I strongly suspect his best times, in the sense of his worst times, are in front of him. If the FBI really does its job and it turns out he and his power hungry thugs cooperated with Putin to break American law to subvert the election process, Trump should go to jail.
Of course, the 1% would only have to turn to their many Congressional employees to steal from the poor, but it would make for an interesting time.
I wonder if Trump's last 100 days involve a jail cell.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
Of course, the 1% would only have to turn to their many Congressional employees to steal from the poor, but it would make for an interesting time.
I wonder if Trump's last 100 days involve a jail cell.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
29
Mr. Kristof, I will repeat here what I have repeatedly said elsewhere.
Never underestimate the ignorance of the American electorate.
As has happened many times in our political history, the pendulum will swing the other way. There is a political reckoning coming, like a whirlwind. The Republicans are going to reap it, and if fortune and karma exist they will be relegated to the same historical dustbin as the American Party.
For they know nothing.
Never underestimate the ignorance of the American electorate.
As has happened many times in our political history, the pendulum will swing the other way. There is a political reckoning coming, like a whirlwind. The Republicans are going to reap it, and if fortune and karma exist they will be relegated to the same historical dustbin as the American Party.
For they know nothing.
65
Two lessons that went unmentioned:
1) Change is unpreventable and can be for the better or the worse. We just experienced the latest change--this one from better (Obama) to worse (Trump). The wheel turns and will turn again, absent cataclysm of course. (That's the chance Trump voters took.) And 2) The Constitution has nothing to say about the necessity of becoming a well-informed voter. All votes are created equal. Judgment can't be legislated--it must be internally fought for. We remain "sufficient to stand, but free to fall."
1) Change is unpreventable and can be for the better or the worse. We just experienced the latest change--this one from better (Obama) to worse (Trump). The wheel turns and will turn again, absent cataclysm of course. (That's the chance Trump voters took.) And 2) The Constitution has nothing to say about the necessity of becoming a well-informed voter. All votes are created equal. Judgment can't be legislated--it must be internally fought for. We remain "sufficient to stand, but free to fall."
10
What is the most surprising aspect of Trump's rather dismal 100 days is how little it has changed the minds of his base. What that tells me is not that they are oblivious to Trump's lack of success but feel that the rest of the country is against him and makes it hard for him at every turn. In effect, we have become a much more polarized country since his election win - love him or hate him. Trump is fine with that which is shockingly un-presidential. Thus, under the Trump presidency, we will get more divided and more polarized which can increasingly and quickly threaten the social, economic and physical well being of the country. The only way out is for the two sides to understand each other better as ordinary citizens without getting into political vitriol that is the norm in Washington DC.
14
One thing that I believe Trump has done well - deflecting blame for his failure to make good on most of what he promised. Congress is responsible for the failure to repeal and replace the ACA. "So-called judges" are responsible for the failure of his plans to control immigration. And the "fake news" media is responsible for just about everything, including reporting on his failures. As Mr. Kristof wrote: "The opposition to Trump has been ineffective in reaching Trump voters, and he remains deeply popular with his base." Because, you know, he's trying and everyone else is against him.
2
There has to be a short-term and long-term strategy to get America back on track to becoming more fair, just, and yes, happy.
Short-term = call out Trump on his lies, and prevent his bad policies from being implemented. Be civil to each other and remind everyone about the nature of our reality and the limited but meaningful goals we can accomplish now.
Long-term = (As an independent voter who votes for Democrats because some are actually really good and others are better than their opponents) I think the only real hope is a revitalized Democratic Party. It has the organizational infrastructure -- which of course needs expansion. The old rhetoric has to end, and down-to-earth explanation of our needs and possibilities needs to be laid out. Don't exaggerate -- it just makes Trump seem more reasonable. Trying to match the Republicans' tricky vocabulary (death panels, death taxes) is a counterproductive task. Simple language, clear goals, repeated again and again, unification (identity politics has to be balanced carefully with electoral victories), and encouraging good candidates to run for office are the only way. And of course educating everyone (we need to support more progressive think tanks so that the accurate information gets circulated) about the realities of health care, taxes, international relations, the environment, technology, etc. is a must.
Enough shouting. Now is the time to organize and act deliberately!
Short-term = call out Trump on his lies, and prevent his bad policies from being implemented. Be civil to each other and remind everyone about the nature of our reality and the limited but meaningful goals we can accomplish now.
Long-term = (As an independent voter who votes for Democrats because some are actually really good and others are better than their opponents) I think the only real hope is a revitalized Democratic Party. It has the organizational infrastructure -- which of course needs expansion. The old rhetoric has to end, and down-to-earth explanation of our needs and possibilities needs to be laid out. Don't exaggerate -- it just makes Trump seem more reasonable. Trying to match the Republicans' tricky vocabulary (death panels, death taxes) is a counterproductive task. Simple language, clear goals, repeated again and again, unification (identity politics has to be balanced carefully with electoral victories), and encouraging good candidates to run for office are the only way. And of course educating everyone (we need to support more progressive think tanks so that the accurate information gets circulated) about the realities of health care, taxes, international relations, the environment, technology, etc. is a must.
Enough shouting. Now is the time to organize and act deliberately!
31
Which progressive think tanks do you recommend supporting, please.
"we need to support more progressive think tanks so that the accurate information gets circulated"
Especially as some of the think tanks are funded (owned ) by The Koch`s and their "Dark Money" as outlined in J. Mayer`s book.
Especially as some of the think tanks are funded (owned ) by The Koch`s and their "Dark Money" as outlined in J. Mayer`s book.
Have a look at
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
He's something new to Federal Washington, a bonafide American Caesar, an insurrectionist, the antithesis of a Washington, Eisenhower or even a Reagan.
Trump rose to the Republic's preeminent political position not by uniting the nation by building a broad consensus among disparate groups, but by dividing, by playing sectional politics, pitting individuals and groups against each other while ceaselessly and shrilly undermining rival institutions to drastically weaken them, hoping to eventually destroy them; chaos and mendacity just two of many weapons. We have yet to feel the full force of his onslaught, or see many of those weapons employed with anything like full effectiveness, although both crises are probably approaching.
My great worry is, as he learns the ropes he becomes less incompetent and, therefore, more dangerous to the citizenry. Unencumbered by moral scruples, resolute and dissolute in the same breath, unscripted, unmanaged and unmanageable, he discovers new ways to exploit the powers inherent in the presidency, the highest of high public offices, not to conduct government business to the nation's fullest benefit but simply to fulfill the tactical need or whim of the moment, or merely to get his way; how he defines "success".
Twain's famous indictment of the Congresses of his era, that "neither life nor limb nor property are safe while the legislature is in session" definitely applies only, in this case, to him and a Congress that quails before him.
Trump rose to the Republic's preeminent political position not by uniting the nation by building a broad consensus among disparate groups, but by dividing, by playing sectional politics, pitting individuals and groups against each other while ceaselessly and shrilly undermining rival institutions to drastically weaken them, hoping to eventually destroy them; chaos and mendacity just two of many weapons. We have yet to feel the full force of his onslaught, or see many of those weapons employed with anything like full effectiveness, although both crises are probably approaching.
My great worry is, as he learns the ropes he becomes less incompetent and, therefore, more dangerous to the citizenry. Unencumbered by moral scruples, resolute and dissolute in the same breath, unscripted, unmanaged and unmanageable, he discovers new ways to exploit the powers inherent in the presidency, the highest of high public offices, not to conduct government business to the nation's fullest benefit but simply to fulfill the tactical need or whim of the moment, or merely to get his way; how he defines "success".
Twain's famous indictment of the Congresses of his era, that "neither life nor limb nor property are safe while the legislature is in session" definitely applies only, in this case, to him and a Congress that quails before him.
27
As a progressive centrist (I'm happy to accept ideas from the left and right as long as they benefit the common good), I have been searching for the reason why most of Mr. Trump's base continues to support him, despite the litany of observations you have listed. I think this issue is related to your observation regarding the sentiments of Dartmouth college students rooming together. The workings of democracy require a forthright exchange of ideas based on reason and truth (not hyperbole and fiction). To have such an exchange, the participants must seek it out and know their subject matter well to be able to defend or counter a position with knowledge (not whim or something from someone on social media). Democrats must seek out such discussion and be intellectually prepared for it. It is far easier to spout hyperbole and fiction to defend yourself in discussion than to do so based on truth and knowledge (the latter are much harder to find). It seems to me that it is far easier today to be a Republican than a Democrat. The Democrats need to get smarter and understand their subject matter much better. In order to understand our Republican countrymen and seek to influence their ideas, we must tirelessly engage with them; we must be comfortable with them as roommates. It's about character and democracy.
12
I have tried to engage with some of these people. As soon as I question Donald Trump, or bring up some true fact such as an ethical violation on the part of any of his people, they disintegrate into anger, name-calling, and ad hominem attacks on President Obama or Hilary Clinton. If I say that people will lose their health insurance under Trumpcare, or that Trump's tax plan will benefit him bigly, or ask why on earth Mexico would pay for the wall, or take any pleasure in my Spanish lessons, I am met with contempt and derision. Why would I want this in my room?
33
What has this American voter done to cause each and every neighbor, the Bible-Readers, the Construction Workers, the Veterans and the Christians to show up at my door with a note of apology, an offering of food with a sheepish look, a little act of kindness? Nothing, but nothing at all, I have listened silently to their venom, their support of Trump, and there seems to be a sense of shame in the collaborative air that we share.
1
I agree we should focus on what's important, but what is that exactly? In the end what it does not contain is preserving the good blue-collar factory jobs of the past. It would be nice if the world never changed, if we had the kind of nice predictable career paths where we could do exactly what worked for our forebearers and end up with a nice reliable career, but that's not the world we live in. A chaotic wind blows, the world that existed 50 years ago is no more and we must all learn to accept that. That doesn't mean abandoning the middle class or ignoring those that are in trouble, but it does mean abandoning the notion that we should prop up failing businesses in order to spare their workers from being laid off. Instead we need to help those without jobs develop the skills they need to get hired.
27
Am from India. It is surprising that the present leadership in India is walking the same path so far in content and spirit though these two countries have only one thing in common that is democracy. It is now 4 weeks to 3 years in India that Modi came to power but that the media has never so far scrutinized him the way media does it in US. Like Trump, in India Modi has also systematically betrayed his supporters Elected in part on working class and ordinary peoples anger at the establishment, bureaucrats, and Politicians. That so much similarity but the media in India has turned itself parroting what Modi has to say. Like Trump, Modi here in India has also taken people by slogans that is never get materialized. That the relations with neighbour has grown to worst level that keeps deteriorating everyday. But it is a matter to rejoice that the Americanshave journalists and media electronic and print that scrutinizes the leadership and not parrot it. While Trump says Make America great again and here in India it is Make India great again. Rhetoric and nothing else but rhetoric are common to these two leaders the greatest of democracies in the world. Thanks Kristof
25
@Roy:
Mainstream American news media basically ignores South Asia unless the story is particularly gruesome, like some epic natural disaster that kills a hundred thousand people. But even those might run just a few days. Afghanistan only merits occasional mention unless the story involves a significant number of American ground troops, or our casualties are high, or the intramural massacre is appalling.
The cause of most Americans' disinterest? Disaster fatigue must account for much of it, especially if the story involves Pakistan, Afghanistan, corruption, the Taliban, al-Qaeda, ISIS, the Haqqani Network, the ISI. It's a tar pit our nation's leaders threw us into headfirst promising a quick in-&-out. Fifteen years later we're still stuck in the goop because administration after administration can't find a way out, can't extricate itself. I think most Americans resent it and are disgusted by it, the cost especially, why they prefer not to think about it. Or, because so many South Asians are poor, illiterate and dark-skinned, dark skin a turnoff given nativist prejudices. And South Asia is about as far away from The Homeland as you can get, so why should we care what happens on the far side of the world?
Were India and Pakistan to tumble into all-out nuclear war that catastrophe undoubtedly would be extensively covered. But beyond worries about nuclear fallout coming here I doubt that most Americans would actually care very much, least of all about the outcome.
Mainstream American news media basically ignores South Asia unless the story is particularly gruesome, like some epic natural disaster that kills a hundred thousand people. But even those might run just a few days. Afghanistan only merits occasional mention unless the story involves a significant number of American ground troops, or our casualties are high, or the intramural massacre is appalling.
The cause of most Americans' disinterest? Disaster fatigue must account for much of it, especially if the story involves Pakistan, Afghanistan, corruption, the Taliban, al-Qaeda, ISIS, the Haqqani Network, the ISI. It's a tar pit our nation's leaders threw us into headfirst promising a quick in-&-out. Fifteen years later we're still stuck in the goop because administration after administration can't find a way out, can't extricate itself. I think most Americans resent it and are disgusted by it, the cost especially, why they prefer not to think about it. Or, because so many South Asians are poor, illiterate and dark-skinned, dark skin a turnoff given nativist prejudices. And South Asia is about as far away from The Homeland as you can get, so why should we care what happens on the far side of the world?
Were India and Pakistan to tumble into all-out nuclear war that catastrophe undoubtedly would be extensively covered. But beyond worries about nuclear fallout coming here I doubt that most Americans would actually care very much, least of all about the outcome.
The Progressives definitely need to be cautious of the hubris they have because of the obvious lies Republicans and Trump tell their supporters. Progressives tend to look at facts and science and see a clear path forward because the data is so much in favor of the Progressive agenda. They do not understand the 'alternative facts' or 'faith based' reasoning of the right wingnuts. Who would believe this clap-trap conman garble?
Well, there is a sucker born every minute. Tribalism is definitely still with us. It is easier to blame the other for our own faults. This is what Republicans understand. Progressives need to pick one or two obvious contradictions is the right wing propaganda and pummel it through the next election. Don't get side tracked by obvious multiple lies these vermin tell.
Concentrate on loss of health care, abuse of women and making the rich richer that are the core of the Republican Party of 2016. This has a chance of defeating these fat white men and their fearful women.
Well, there is a sucker born every minute. Tribalism is definitely still with us. It is easier to blame the other for our own faults. This is what Republicans understand. Progressives need to pick one or two obvious contradictions is the right wing propaganda and pummel it through the next election. Don't get side tracked by obvious multiple lies these vermin tell.
Concentrate on loss of health care, abuse of women and making the rich richer that are the core of the Republican Party of 2016. This has a chance of defeating these fat white men and their fearful women.
43
And get Trump`s tax returns out in the public so that he can be impeached.
Are there no patriots in the IRS ??
Are there no patriots in the IRS ??
1
Presidencies ultimately survive or fall on what they get done, and so far Trump, blessedly, has gotten nothing done of any consequence. Unless he is seriously willing to work with the Democrats crafting liberal-leaning programs on taxes, infrastructure, and health care, I don't think he will get something done.
The most important points of this column for me are the ones that speak to liberals. Hatred is a great motivator, but at some point the hatred has to turn into concrete action at voting booth across the country. Many of Trump's voters will never desert him, and it's quite frankly difficult not to be contemptuous of their blind, and to me, irrational, loyalty. But they are Americans, and their economic distress partly caused them to first believe in, and then vote for, Trump.
Oh, and it didn't help that a corrupt DNC pushed the most hated female politician in the country to be Trump's electoral opponent.
The most important points of this column for me are the ones that speak to liberals. Hatred is a great motivator, but at some point the hatred has to turn into concrete action at voting booth across the country. Many of Trump's voters will never desert him, and it's quite frankly difficult not to be contemptuous of their blind, and to me, irrational, loyalty. But they are Americans, and their economic distress partly caused them to first believe in, and then vote for, Trump.
Oh, and it didn't help that a corrupt DNC pushed the most hated female politician in the country to be Trump's electoral opponent.
9
Oh, and it didn't help that a corrupt DNC pushed the most hated female politician in the country to be Trump's electoral opponent.
Too right. We could (and should) be basking in the light of President Sanders' good heart, sanity, and competence. Sanders 2020!
Too right. We could (and should) be basking in the light of President Sanders' good heart, sanity, and competence. Sanders 2020!
1
Best summation of Trump's first 100 years, oops, I mean 100 days I have read anywhere. But I do not share Nicholas' optimism and belief that checks and balances are working. Two of the most fundamental concepts to our democracy, the rule of law and genuinely free and fair elections, I believe are still in question as to whether they are alive and well. Collusion of the Trump campaign with Russia now seems to be essentially buried and dead, when neither of the Congress's committees chosen to investigate this matter have done anything more than posture. There is so much smoke that there most definitely is a forest fire here of immense consequence, but will this issue ever really be thoroughly investigated and the guilty brought to justice? Seriously, why is Michael Flynn still walking around a free man? I am starting to believe that Trump and his cohorts will completely skate on the crimes they committed during the election and that will mean that our democracy is dead as a doornail - not dying - dead and gone. It will mean we are no better than any run-of-the-mill banana republic and our future existence is doomed. It is exhausting to continue to stare this horrific truth in the face and much easier to just accept treasonous behavior by ignoring it or calling it by another name, but to do so risks everything that is good and noble about this country.
70
Things looked awfully good for Nixon, yet he was shown the door.
1
Trump has taught America an unmistakable Presidential lesson in his first 100 days:
We're gonna' need a much bigger swamp !
We're gonna' need a much bigger swamp !
82
Turn this into a bumper sticker, Socrates. I'll take a dozen.
2
Seems to me evident that Trump is the fake president. He's only posturing in the role and that's why the rules and responsibilities of the Office of Presidency don't matter to him. Expecting him to be presidential is in vein. He's not going to change. What may change is that his handlers get better at handling him and he becomes more convincing and effective in manipulating the powers and levers of government. That really scares me. If he gets more smooth, his dangerousness may become less obvious and all of us who are concerned less vigilant.
32
With respect to that swamp in Washington it was interesting to listen to The Donald tell his deplorazombies in Pennsylvania how happy he was to have escaped that swamp on a day in which he would otherwise have been playing golf at taxpayers' expense. Gee, he's been President for three months now: why hasn't he drained that swamp? In actuality, it's now a full-fledged bog. The toads and the turtles are gone, replaced by lizards and crocodilians.
80
Don't insult crocodiles and lizards by comparing them to Trump.
1
Actually, I was comparing them with Trump's lickspittles and those clamoring for favors and influence. But you're correct: unlike The Donald and his minions those critters actually do fulfill a purpose in the natural scheme of things.
2
He has far too many bodies buried in that swamp to drain it.
2
Remember the margin of victory for Trump in key states was less than 2 % so that number is not insignificant.
I am not surprised that the first 100 days had more chaos than an orderly conduction of Government business. Trump has none of the core values of a "Republican" nor do many of the people in office that now call themselves Republicans. The Democrats have diversity, but it does seem to me that the Republicans have an even broader diversity and that is added to many of them just not thinking about the consequences of their acts.
The first 100 days should have been a time to zero in on getting more and better jobs as I really think that is why many voted for Trump. That goal seemed to be lost in the shuffle of fighting self inflicted fires.
I am not surprised that the first 100 days had more chaos than an orderly conduction of Government business. Trump has none of the core values of a "Republican" nor do many of the people in office that now call themselves Republicans. The Democrats have diversity, but it does seem to me that the Republicans have an even broader diversity and that is added to many of them just not thinking about the consequences of their acts.
The first 100 days should have been a time to zero in on getting more and better jobs as I really think that is why many voted for Trump. That goal seemed to be lost in the shuffle of fighting self inflicted fires.
14
I read the Fox News list of accomplishments. It included, along with the Gorsuch appointment, a host of executive orders. These include "An order to lengthen the ban on administration officials working as lobbyists. There is now a 5 year-ban on officials becoming lobbyists after they leave government, and a lifetime ban on White House officials lobbying on behalf of a foreign government."
This seems like a good step towards "draining the swap" But given that Trump has appointed a cabinet of lobbyists and allowed appointments to sidestep ethics rules, it's difficult to square just what this means.
Trump is a disaster, put slightly in check--at least for now--by a ineffective Congress and a few judges. But he has already done considerable damage to our country, especially immigrants and new citizens of this country.
I'm hopeful that democracy will flourish as people rise up in response. But I remain nervous for our country--especially for already vulnerable populations.
This seems like a good step towards "draining the swap" But given that Trump has appointed a cabinet of lobbyists and allowed appointments to sidestep ethics rules, it's difficult to square just what this means.
Trump is a disaster, put slightly in check--at least for now--by a ineffective Congress and a few judges. But he has already done considerable damage to our country, especially immigrants and new citizens of this country.
I'm hopeful that democracy will flourish as people rise up in response. But I remain nervous for our country--especially for already vulnerable populations.
39
The Swamp is getting bigger and deeper and very heavily populated. Watch Your Step!
1
I am a liberal and proud of it. I must however be living in an parallel universe. I read about Trump supporters and their cultish, fanatic support of a man so transparently inadequate, out of his depth, blatantly and unabashedly mean spirited, petty, vindictive, amoral, and without a shred of good judgment or common sense that I seriously wonder what country I'm living in.
I will not apologize for being educated. I will not apologize for believing that ethical behavior, honesty, character, good judgment, compassion, generosity and open mindedness are important qualities in a president and most certainly make someone a good leader. Maybe not for big oil or pharma which thrives on greed and what's good for the shareholder. But for representing a country with hundreds of millions of citizens, a must.
I could understand, somewhat, the thought process of a Trump voter. I am mystified by those who continue to support him. His juvenile antics, shameful lack of interpersonal skills and histrionics are suited to television, not world politics. I am mystified that people don't see this; or don't care; or think it's great; or think he's great; or think our country was so broken it needed to be fixed; or think racism is an American right; or think lobbing missiles at a foreign country with the express purpose of accomplishing nothing somehow makes him a strong leader.
I think his supporters are wrong. In fact I know they are wrong and I won't apologize for thinking this way.
I will not apologize for being educated. I will not apologize for believing that ethical behavior, honesty, character, good judgment, compassion, generosity and open mindedness are important qualities in a president and most certainly make someone a good leader. Maybe not for big oil or pharma which thrives on greed and what's good for the shareholder. But for representing a country with hundreds of millions of citizens, a must.
I could understand, somewhat, the thought process of a Trump voter. I am mystified by those who continue to support him. His juvenile antics, shameful lack of interpersonal skills and histrionics are suited to television, not world politics. I am mystified that people don't see this; or don't care; or think it's great; or think he's great; or think our country was so broken it needed to be fixed; or think racism is an American right; or think lobbing missiles at a foreign country with the express purpose of accomplishing nothing somehow makes him a strong leader.
I think his supporters are wrong. In fact I know they are wrong and I won't apologize for thinking this way.
759
"His juvenile antics, shameful lack of interpersonal skills and histrionics are suited to television, not world politics."
What you say is exactly true. But what does that tell us about the thought processes, critical thinking skills, and understanding of government, of a large swath of the American people? It seems they are largely nonexistent. What passes for logic and judgement among Americans is scary.
I started reading another article here eabout two guys who still support Trump. One guy said since he was a billionaire he wouldn't take a bribe to do something. Does that imply other presidents have taken bribes? Does this person have concrete evidence of this? Real hard evidence not some accusation from a right wing blowhard looking to boost ratings on his radio show or sell Internet ads.
This is the kind of example explaining why Trump is good I have seen over and over since the campaign and why people actually voted for him. The evidence of the man and his life was horrible. A cheat of people who worked for him; a cheat who skimmed loans meant to bolster businesses which went bankrupt and caused losses for investors; a sleaze who took advantage of women to grope them and ogle them; a liar who made promises he didn't keep; a cheat who took people's money for a fake education and claimed no wrongdoing even though he paid, (why pay?). The evidence was all there but it was ignored, explained away, and people deluded themselves for whatever reason and voted for him.
What you say is exactly true. But what does that tell us about the thought processes, critical thinking skills, and understanding of government, of a large swath of the American people? It seems they are largely nonexistent. What passes for logic and judgement among Americans is scary.
I started reading another article here eabout two guys who still support Trump. One guy said since he was a billionaire he wouldn't take a bribe to do something. Does that imply other presidents have taken bribes? Does this person have concrete evidence of this? Real hard evidence not some accusation from a right wing blowhard looking to boost ratings on his radio show or sell Internet ads.
This is the kind of example explaining why Trump is good I have seen over and over since the campaign and why people actually voted for him. The evidence of the man and his life was horrible. A cheat of people who worked for him; a cheat who skimmed loans meant to bolster businesses which went bankrupt and caused losses for investors; a sleaze who took advantage of women to grope them and ogle them; a liar who made promises he didn't keep; a cheat who took people's money for a fake education and claimed no wrongdoing even though he paid, (why pay?). The evidence was all there but it was ignored, explained away, and people deluded themselves for whatever reason and voted for him.
117
I'll go further.
I agree with every word you say, but on the Trump voter and supporter, in most cases they are just like him. Completely ignorant of history, poorly educated, and not worldly. They have little real idea of the US outside their own home town, and even less of life in other countries.
They live in a Fox News bubble. They have a total disconnect between government services they love and the taxes that pay for them.
They love Trump's rants because he sounds the way they either do or wish they did. He's a TV star not a politician, and the connect with that image.
Finally, they have no idea that the policies proposed by the GOP and/or the Trump administration will hurt them the most; not the urban side of the country that mostly voted for Sec. Clinton.
(PS- Do not assume all these people live in some small, rural town. Come to the south and eastern shores of Staten Island. Sadly, right here in NYC, there are people who almost never leave this island to go Manhattan to a show, a concert, a museum. To them, the ferry ride across the harbor is like a ride into another country, and they avoid it like the plague. So terribly sad.)
I agree with every word you say, but on the Trump voter and supporter, in most cases they are just like him. Completely ignorant of history, poorly educated, and not worldly. They have little real idea of the US outside their own home town, and even less of life in other countries.
They live in a Fox News bubble. They have a total disconnect between government services they love and the taxes that pay for them.
They love Trump's rants because he sounds the way they either do or wish they did. He's a TV star not a politician, and the connect with that image.
Finally, they have no idea that the policies proposed by the GOP and/or the Trump administration will hurt them the most; not the urban side of the country that mostly voted for Sec. Clinton.
(PS- Do not assume all these people live in some small, rural town. Come to the south and eastern shores of Staten Island. Sadly, right here in NYC, there are people who almost never leave this island to go Manhattan to a show, a concert, a museum. To them, the ferry ride across the harbor is like a ride into another country, and they avoid it like the plague. So terribly sad.)
10
Thanks Vic G.
I almost don't feel the need to comment.
However, you left out his recent, thoroughly vulgar attack on Elizabeth Warren.
He is a pig.
I almost don't feel the need to comment.
However, you left out his recent, thoroughly vulgar attack on Elizabeth Warren.
He is a pig.
4
Checks and balances are not working. If checks and balances were working as envisioned by the founding Fathers the Electoral College would not have given its votes to Trump. Trump is exactly the sort of authoritarian demagogue that the Founding Fathers feared. He also is eminently impeachable for a minimum violating the enoluments clause. the only thing that has checked Trump so far is the complete incompetence of trump and the Republican Congress.
50
'the only thing that has checked Trump so far is the complete incompetence of trump and the Republican Congress.'
And that probably is our saving grace.
And that probably is our saving grace.
3
Such a sad state of affairs, with one of the most inexperienced, incompetent, self-serving liars with some of the worst judgement possible. And while many Americans agree Trump is doing a poor job, it is highly possible he could be elected again. Why? This is crazy.
Why in the world Trump has so much support, no matter how badly he messes up? A few thoughts:
1. For some reason, the Democrats do not act as an effective party of opposition. Much of what I heard from our relatives who voted for Trump is that there was no way they would ever, ever vote for Hillary--they hate the Clintons for many reasons. A few said they would vote for Bernie Sanders, but NOT Hillary Clinton.
2. Just like before the election, the media does little but focus on Trump and what he says, tweets, and does. What the media does not pay attention to is often far more important; plus, the lack of alternative options and discussions only acts to "normalize" Trump and his antics and misguided policies. How much information and coverage did the media give us about the Scientists March on Washington on Earth Day (April 22, 2017)? Where is any concerted attempt to give us information about why the middle class keeps stagnating while almost all the money goes to the top 10%?
3. My husband and I just moved from central New York to northern Utah. Go beyond the Northeast and outside major urban areas and you hear much more about sports & gossip than Trump, politics, and the state of the state.
Why in the world Trump has so much support, no matter how badly he messes up? A few thoughts:
1. For some reason, the Democrats do not act as an effective party of opposition. Much of what I heard from our relatives who voted for Trump is that there was no way they would ever, ever vote for Hillary--they hate the Clintons for many reasons. A few said they would vote for Bernie Sanders, but NOT Hillary Clinton.
2. Just like before the election, the media does little but focus on Trump and what he says, tweets, and does. What the media does not pay attention to is often far more important; plus, the lack of alternative options and discussions only acts to "normalize" Trump and his antics and misguided policies. How much information and coverage did the media give us about the Scientists March on Washington on Earth Day (April 22, 2017)? Where is any concerted attempt to give us information about why the middle class keeps stagnating while almost all the money goes to the top 10%?
3. My husband and I just moved from central New York to northern Utah. Go beyond the Northeast and outside major urban areas and you hear much more about sports & gossip than Trump, politics, and the state of the state.
41
If the press would contrast accurate descriptions of Clinton's policy plans (what might have been) with what Trump does, a large majority would choose her over him.
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/
38
The press was too busy amplifying all the lies about Hillary Clinton that were ginned up by the right-wing propaganda machines of Fox, Drudge, Breitbart, and Infowars, etc, to do any actual reporting on her policies.
2
"An ABC/Washington Post poll suggested that if 2016 voters filled out their ballots today, Trump would be elected by the popular vote as well as by the electoral vote." This statement is misleading.
Actually, this is what the poll said: "However, while Trump would retain almost all of his support if the election were held again today (96 percent) [thus, 4%, not 2%, of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November], fewer of Clinton’s supporters say they’d stick with her (85 percent), producing a 40-43 percent Clinton-Trump result in this hypothetical re-do among self-reported 2016 voters. That’s not because former Clinton supporters would now back Trump; only 2 percent of them say they’d do so, similar to the 1 percent of Trump voters who say they’d switch to Clinton. Instead, they’re more apt to say they’d vote for a third-party candidate or wouldn’t vote.
Actually, this is what the poll said: "However, while Trump would retain almost all of his support if the election were held again today (96 percent) [thus, 4%, not 2%, of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November], fewer of Clinton’s supporters say they’d stick with her (85 percent), producing a 40-43 percent Clinton-Trump result in this hypothetical re-do among self-reported 2016 voters. That’s not because former Clinton supporters would now back Trump; only 2 percent of them say they’d do so, similar to the 1 percent of Trump voters who say they’d switch to Clinton. Instead, they’re more apt to say they’d vote for a third-party candidate or wouldn’t vote.
9
Yes, most of Clinton's votes would go to a third-party candidate, but that does not change the fundamental math that Trump would win 43 to 40 (assuming that the poll really reflects reality, which is questionable).
8
It also does not help that in that same poll the current rendition of the democrats actually have a lower approval rating than Republicans and are considered to be more "out of touch" with most Americans.
Incidentally, as confirmed by several other polls and the ABC/WP poll conducted over the last several months, the most popular and trusted politician in America , "by a country mile", over the second place choice, is Bernie Sanders. Democrats are still in a state of denial about why, over the last ten years, they have become the party of losers.
Incidentally, as confirmed by several other polls and the ABC/WP poll conducted over the last several months, the most popular and trusted politician in America , "by a country mile", over the second place choice, is Bernie Sanders. Democrats are still in a state of denial about why, over the last ten years, they have become the party of losers.
4
The Republic indeed still stands, but we have not yet seen any truly desperate measures by El Donaldo and company. Watch out for our "Reichstag" fire, a major event with which Trump can whip the sentiments of the people into a frenzy ------ a false terrorism attack perpetuated by an supposed Islamic opponent. I agree with Mr. Kristoff on most of the points he made, but fail to see much hope --- because as long as this man-child has the nuclear codes, we are all living on borrowed time.
69
13: We must beware lest his mediocrity becomes the norm. The country needs intellect and experience. The Democratic alternatives to Trump must exhibit the qualities Trump so patently lacks. We must avoid the game-show and fight with reason rather than bombast.
55
There is an unverified quote attributed to Adlai Stephenson, when told that he would get the vote of all thinking people. His supposed response was, "that's not enough, madam, we need a majority."
In fact, Hillary Clinton exhibited all of those qualities that trump obviously lacks. Unfortunately, the right-wing propaganda machine was simply too powerful, managing to keep the focus on such trivialities as her emails and a whole host of right-wing conspiracy lies.
In fact, Hillary Clinton exhibited all of those qualities that trump obviously lacks. Unfortunately, the right-wing propaganda machine was simply too powerful, managing to keep the focus on such trivialities as her emails and a whole host of right-wing conspiracy lies.
1
Sorry but checks and balances are NOT working. Congress will not reign in Trump, even though he violates the Constitution's emoluments clause. We are left with a few judges of conscience, who will sooner or later retire to be replaced with Trump appointees. Two to four years max before the Republic will not stand. Taking control of one half of Congress in 2018 is a necessity if the Republic is to stand.
217
Yes Arnie, as Lincoln knew, a house divided against itself cannot stand.
A simple answer: the people with gobs of money are the ones getting "the checks" and increasing their "balances".........
It's education, education, education. If we had a literate well informed electorate...the foundation for a viable democracy, we wouldn't be in the middle of this madness. What was the actual percentage of eligible voters who participated in the election? Then too who knows how we even got here. Also are those numbers verifiable? When will we know and how much suffering and damage will happen in the interim?
We have dropped the ball and it's getting worse. If in fact it is education as I believe we are on quicksand. The U.S. is among the lowest ranked in educational performance in developed countries in the world. We are on a downward spiral as profit is the singular driving force in all our institutions. All systems are reduced to number crunching and the heart, soul and humanity of our world has been the price. My optimism holds out that the egregious horrific outcomes we are witnessing and experiencing will press our backs to the walls to make us all become the change that is required.
We have dropped the ball and it's getting worse. If in fact it is education as I believe we are on quicksand. The U.S. is among the lowest ranked in educational performance in developed countries in the world. We are on a downward spiral as profit is the singular driving force in all our institutions. All systems are reduced to number crunching and the heart, soul and humanity of our world has been the price. My optimism holds out that the egregious horrific outcomes we are witnessing and experiencing will press our backs to the walls to make us all become the change that is required.
65
I hope you are right. It is our only, and last chance to become what our founding fathers aspired to: a shining beacon of democracy. We must raise the level of discourse and educate all our citizens to think critically, or we are lost.
Yes and which party has dragged down, slowed down, and attacked the public school system? Starts with R.
1
How about just a "literate, well-informed" President Trump? It is too late for that. And the electorate.......
I agree that we should focus on what's "truly important", but where does that list of items end? Besides Kristof's six, what about environmental policy, regulation, and climate change? Or clean energy vs. fossil fuels? Or the fate of National Monuments and other public lands that may be open to exploitation? How about deportations -- real people facing real crises every day? How about Trump's business ties and profiteering -- probably easier to document and prove than the Russia connections, and happening as we speak? On and on it goes, where it stops nobody knows.
35
The Republic slides. We need to push back, together.
1
Has America's representative democracy died? "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" no longer applies. The popular vote does not count. Conspiracy and potential treason is overlooked, as hate trumps compassion. Loopholes in tax code, tax evasion, and foreign hacking deny the people resources and legitimate leadership. The three branches of government have a bare Republican majority, but exhibit the behavior of a landslide majority. Sad.
63
Think about it, in TWO out of the last FOUR Presidential elections, the candidates(both democrats) with the higher popular vote, LOST the election. Clearly, in my opinion anyway, that is NOT a representative democracy and no other western industrialized democracy has such a totally dysfunctional system.
2
when g w bush was selected president by the supreme court, republicans governed like they had a landslide majority...and those were the good old days.
3
"No grade" says the Trumpster, "just praise.
Unseemly those 100 A's
Lincoln, FDR,
Are no longer Par.
I, always, observers amaze."
Unseemly those 100 A's
Lincoln, FDR,
Are no longer Par.
I, always, observers amaze."
20
I really need help on understanding why such a large percentage of the population believes Democrats are out of touch with our citizens. Democrats favor programs that help the poor and the middle class, protect the environment, have passed healthcare--which is more complicated than anyone knew. Republicans favor tax cuts for the wealthy, getting rid of the EPA and regulation which protect air and water, taking money from public schools to give vouchers to the rich, taking health care away from women. Please explain this to me!
446
It's because the Republicans promote hate and intolerance. It's far easier to blame others (and hate them as a result) than to deal with uncomfortable truths.
92
It's because the right-wing Republican propaganda machines of Fox, Drudge, Breitbart, Infowars, etc. told them so. There is no consistent Democratic media messaging to counter the 24/7/365 drumbeat of the right. Contrary to Republican claims, the corporate-controlled "mainstream" media leans right, not left. This is why there has been so much false equivalence and so little real journalism in recent years, and with "net neutrality" being gutted, it will only get worse.
Hillary Clinton was demonized for years by the right-wing, and she wasn't the first Democrat or will be the last Democrat to be politically eviscerated by the media hate machine and the politics of bigotry and resentment.
Hillary Clinton was demonized for years by the right-wing, and she wasn't the first Democrat or will be the last Democrat to be politically eviscerated by the media hate machine and the politics of bigotry and resentment.
19
People are tribal. The Republicans are the party of the whites and the Democrats are the party of people of color and losers. Sure some privileged white men who are successful like myself are Democrats but racism is so ingrained in American culture that it is hard for people even to see it. But Fox news sure fires up the white privilege resentment.
17
"Focus on what's truly important:" I agree with your list, but I'd like to add climate change and the environment to it.
84
Mr. Kristof: You list is impressive, except that you leave off of #7, Truly Important issues: the environment, including climate change. The damage that trump and his cronies are doing will be irreversible, global, and will impact all the living creatures on this earth forever.
156
How does this: "...he has by far the lowest public approval of any new president in polling history. Large majorities say he is not honest, does not keep promises and does not care about ordinary people" square up with this: "...and an ABC/Washington Post poll suggested that if 2016 voters filled out their ballots today, Trump would be elected by the popular vote as well as by the electoral college"? I'm not being critical or facetious. I really don't understand how both truths are possible.
139
"An ABC/Washington Post poll suggested that if 2016 voters filled out their ballots today, Trump would be elected by the popular vote as well as by the electoral vote." This statement is misleading.
Actually, this is what the poll said: "However, while Trump would retain almost all of his support if the election were held again today (96 percent) [thus, 4%, not 2%, of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November], fewer of Clinton’s supporters say they’d stick with her (85 percent), producing a 40-43 percent Clinton-Trump result in this hypothetical re-do among self-reported 2016 voters. That’s not because former Clinton supporters would now back Trump; only 2 percent of them say they’d do so, similar to the 1 percent of Trump voters who say they’d switch to Clinton. Instead, they’re more apt to say they’d vote for a third-party candidate or wouldn’t vote.
Actually, this is what the poll said: "However, while Trump would retain almost all of his support if the election were held again today (96 percent) [thus, 4%, not 2%, of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November], fewer of Clinton’s supporters say they’d stick with her (85 percent), producing a 40-43 percent Clinton-Trump result in this hypothetical re-do among self-reported 2016 voters. That’s not because former Clinton supporters would now back Trump; only 2 percent of them say they’d do so, similar to the 1 percent of Trump voters who say they’d switch to Clinton. Instead, they’re more apt to say they’d vote for a third-party candidate or wouldn’t vote.
3
Does it include how the voters for the third party candidates would now vote? Also, does it include those voters who did not vote? Perhaps they would be more like likely to vote now.
It could be (mathematically) possible because about 40% of eligible voters didn't vote.
If the ABC/WaPo poll asked "2016 voters" (i.e., only those who voted) how they would vote today - but ALL Americans (voters and non-voters) are asked about Trump's honesty, etc. - then such results are not mutually exclusive.
It could also simply be that people would vote for him again today despite believing he's dishonest and doesn't care about ordinary people. I know (personally) many Clinton voters felt those same things about her in November, but voted for her because, despite her (perceived) dishonesty and lack of care about ordinary people, she was better than the alternative. It's possible that people would claim to vote today for someone they dislike if they feel alternatives are even worse.
If the ABC/WaPo poll asked "2016 voters" (i.e., only those who voted) how they would vote today - but ALL Americans (voters and non-voters) are asked about Trump's honesty, etc. - then such results are not mutually exclusive.
It could also simply be that people would vote for him again today despite believing he's dishonest and doesn't care about ordinary people. I know (personally) many Clinton voters felt those same things about her in November, but voted for her because, despite her (perceived) dishonesty and lack of care about ordinary people, she was better than the alternative. It's possible that people would claim to vote today for someone they dislike if they feel alternatives are even worse.
How can it be that the most important job in the world--President of the United States--does not require any job experience or educational accomplishments? There are no requirements for screening, no resume review, no personal interviews by a Board of Directors, no government evaluation, no vetting, no background check, no financial declarations (i.e. tax disclosures), no financial dealings with foreign enemies needs to be disclosed and no criminal or military inquiry. No need for a mental or psychological evaluation required. You just need to be a natural born citizen, reside here for 14 years and be older than 35 years of age.
.
.
75
Insightful comment KH. How do we change this? At the minimum, tax returns must be a requirement. And to prevent another debacle such as djt, a psychological exam administered and reviewed by impartial experts.
41
The founding fathers feared an authoritarian demagogue like Trump. The resume review was supposed to be the independent judgement of the electors of the Electoral College. That safeguard failed us. The Republican Party process also failed by not weeding out the incompetent Trump.
21
as well as the mandatory showing of tax returns and the psychological tests mentioned by mary ann? i have thought, ever since dick cheney, that we need to know what prescription drugs the president and vice president are taking. you may think i am kidding or that this is an outrageous invasion of privacy.... but we can see in our everyday life the side effects of these powerful and popular drugs. just because they are legal does not mean that they do not have dangerous and harmful side effects. i remember when cheney was running wild that some of his old republican associates said that he had changed and was "unrecognizable". also, how to explain the choice of palin by john mccain? a definite lapse in lucidity by an otherwise principled man. because drugs are prescribed so often we have a large group of people in this country that would not be alive without their prescriptions?we need to consider the down side. if prescription drugs keep a loved one around and in reasonably good physical and mental health? fine. we just don't need them at the highest levels of government.
In his 11th point, Mr. Kristof somehow excluded these two items from his list of "what's truly important." First, Donald Trump's pause in the climate action initiatives begun by the Obama administration, along with doubt around the world that the US will do anything to show its adherence to the Paris Climate Accords, will certainly make life much more difficult and insecure for countless people around the world.
Secondly, many peaceful, hard-working people in this country now live in fear that they will be seized and deported; refugees who are among the most needy and pitiful people in the world receive from the US a most unfriendly attitude of mistrust and gross, unfair prejudice, and are kept out, left to their miserable, unlivable circumstances; and for the first time in our history -- unless it's the second, to remember the Underground Railroad in part -- , innocent people are actually risking their lives to flee across the border to Canada.
Secondly, many peaceful, hard-working people in this country now live in fear that they will be seized and deported; refugees who are among the most needy and pitiful people in the world receive from the US a most unfriendly attitude of mistrust and gross, unfair prejudice, and are kept out, left to their miserable, unlivable circumstances; and for the first time in our history -- unless it's the second, to remember the Underground Railroad in part -- , innocent people are actually risking their lives to flee across the border to Canada.
31
I really feel that if roughly 1/2 the population of the USA is not put off by
Trump's crass demeanor and all the other adjectives Nick ticks off, I wonder if I should be proud to be an American.
Some folks say "this is not who we are" but I guess it IS who a lot of us are.
When I see people wearing a Trump hat or sport a Trump bumper sticker, I feel like a stranger in a strange land.
Trump's crass demeanor and all the other adjectives Nick ticks off, I wonder if I should be proud to be an American.
Some folks say "this is not who we are" but I guess it IS who a lot of us are.
When I see people wearing a Trump hat or sport a Trump bumper sticker, I feel like a stranger in a strange land.
350
Patsyann0....read Nancy Isenberg’s epic book on the American underbelly that disproportionately voted for Donald Trump: “White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America”.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/22/books/review-white-trash-ruminates-on...
America is a very sick and disgraceful country that loves to punish its poor whites into economic, intellectual and moral poverty...and Donald Trump is happy to give them that Grand Old Poverty they continue to vote for....over and over again.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/22/books/review-white-trash-ruminates-on...
America is a very sick and disgraceful country that loves to punish its poor whites into economic, intellectual and moral poverty...and Donald Trump is happy to give them that Grand Old Poverty they continue to vote for....over and over again.
152
And I look for a shotgun hanging over the rear window of the pickup truck to assess what the current threat level is.
But why worry? Kristof tells us that Republicans are all warm and fuzzy and those awful Dems--the elites!--just freeze them out!
But why worry? Kristof tells us that Republicans are all warm and fuzzy and those awful Dems--the elites!--just freeze them out!
3
"America is a very sick"
Yes Socrates but the USA is definitely "Exceptional". U- S - A ,, U -S - A.
Yes Socrates but the USA is definitely "Exceptional". U- S - A ,, U -S - A.
I'm an alumna of the University of California, Berkeley, and I am ashamed of my alma mater. The late Clark Kerr, who was president of the university in the 1960s, defined a university's purpose: To make students safe for ideas, not ideas safe for students. If people didn't want to hear Ann Coulter -- or any other speaker whose opinions may be unpopular -- no one forced them to attend.
19
Since you know Berkeley well, you can visualize the campus, unlike people who are spreading false attacks.
The fact is that Coulter was to be paid $20K, mostly from an outside group. The campus organization that invited her did not arrange a room before fixing the date and then announced that if no room is available, she will impose herself (and the outside agitators who threaten violence) on Sproul Plaza. The University was worried about violence ;a peaceful demonstrator recently was beaten by a right-wing outsider) and suggested a venue on a date and time that she rejected.
The fact is that Coulter was to be paid $20K, mostly from an outside group. The campus organization that invited her did not arrange a room before fixing the date and then announced that if no room is available, she will impose herself (and the outside agitators who threaten violence) on Sproul Plaza. The University was worried about violence ;a peaceful demonstrator recently was beaten by a right-wing outsider) and suggested a venue on a date and time that she rejected.
31
Yes and no. Would you let a member of the congregation of an African American church invite in a KKK speaker because they practiced a different brand of Christianity, one that involved burning crosses? Or a Jewish university member that invited in a Holocaust denier? There was something hostile and aggressive about inviting Coulter to Berkeley. This was an assault on all the students of color and with different backgrounds and gender identifications at a time in their lives when they are vulnerable. Coulter is a hate mongerer who makes money from her books and talks about the "browning of America": she is no William F. Buckley intellectual. Coulter wanted riots and attention, although the Black Bloc people came from off campus and the mid-Western Trump followers came long distances to fight.
2
I support Ms. Coulter's right to speak even though I believe anything she says is worthless. That said, could anyone enlighten me on the pro-choice or gay rights advocacy speakers who have spoken on any of those southern Christian colleges.
1
I disagree with you, Mr. Kristof, that he would get the popular vote if voting were to occur again! There is unprecedented opposition and resistance to Trump and his crowd. The one good thing from this election is that many, many voters are aroused to participation and action. His poll numbers are very poor and not likely to get better. So No, he would not get the popular vote on a do-over!
29
I cannot wrap my head around the idea that the polls show Trump's deep unpopularity and, as Mr Kristoff, points out, his apparent simultaneous potential electability in a future election.
Two hopeful notes: Although Mr Kristoff points out that an astounding low 2% of Trump voters regret their choice in 2016, that's almost enough especially if we do not get another Jill Stein. Also, I can easily imagine a Democrat rising up to capture people's imagination much as Bernie Sanders did. Cory Booker is thoughtful, balanced and comes across as a real person.
Two hopeful notes: Although Mr Kristoff points out that an astounding low 2% of Trump voters regret their choice in 2016, that's almost enough especially if we do not get another Jill Stein. Also, I can easily imagine a Democrat rising up to capture people's imagination much as Bernie Sanders did. Cory Booker is thoughtful, balanced and comes across as a real person.
191
"An ABC/Washington Post poll suggested that if 2016 voters filled out their ballots today, Trump would be elected by the popular vote as well as by the electoral vote." This statement is misleading.
Actually, this is what the poll said: "However, while Trump would retain almost all of his support if the election were held again today (96 percent) [thus, 4%, not 2%, of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November], fewer of Clinton’s supporters say they’d stick with her (85 percent), producing a 40-43 percent Clinton-Trump result in this hypothetical re-do among self-reported 2016 voters. That’s not because former Clinton supporters would now back Trump; only 2 percent of them say they’d do so, similar to the 1 percent of Trump voters who say they’d switch to Clinton. Instead, they’re more apt to say they’d vote for a third-party candidate or wouldn’t vote.
Actually, this is what the poll said: "However, while Trump would retain almost all of his support if the election were held again today (96 percent) [thus, 4%, not 2%, of Trump voters say they regret their choice in November], fewer of Clinton’s supporters say they’d stick with her (85 percent), producing a 40-43 percent Clinton-Trump result in this hypothetical re-do among self-reported 2016 voters. That’s not because former Clinton supporters would now back Trump; only 2 percent of them say they’d do so, similar to the 1 percent of Trump voters who say they’d switch to Clinton. Instead, they’re more apt to say they’d vote for a third-party candidate or wouldn’t vote.
2
Yes, our country will be just fine as long as only two people run for an office, and each of those two have deep ties to the military-industrial complex and owe many many many people political favors because of taking donations that now approach a billion dollars per presidential campaign.
It's not difficult. I live in the depths of fly-over country, and my neighbors almost all voted for Trump. In their minds, we do not have two political parties debating the best policy decisions for the American people, but a single party, the party of God and the party of Satan. Satanism goes by many names, one of which is simply "Obama," another "socialism," another "liberalism," especially the sort that condones abortion and homosexuality. Commitment to the GOP is not a reasoned or self-interested policy decision, but a commitment of faith. Trump may be unpopular, as a particular pastor may be unpopular, but he still represents the party of God and his sins will not cause them to defect from the party of God. If the current political alignment leads to calamity -- and I have no doubt whatsoever that it will inevitably lead to calamity -- a commitment of faith requires some suffering to make it "meaningful" ala Job and the blame for the suffering will not fall on the party of God, but the malignant influence of big city Democrats. It may be delusional to hope for Trump's impeachment, but perhaps not as delusional as Kristoff believes. His impeachment would result in Pence, who represents the party of God a much better and whose empowerment would take us one step closer to the Handmaid's Tale. My neighbor's would not shed a tear if Trump were impeached and replaced with Pence, but they would gnash their teeth and rend their garments if a democrat were elected.
10
The same ABC/Washington Post poll says 42% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance as President at 100 days, while 53% disapprove....that's deeply disturbing enough on its own, of course, given Trump's profound disqualifications for the job, his empty character and his alt-right Kindergartner performance-to-date as a Presidential imposter and interloper.
Trump's 42% approval rating at 100 days compares to an average of 69% approval rating for all past presidents at 100 days in office going back to Harry Truman...real evidence that Trump really does stink.
President Obama had a 69% approval rating at 100 days, but he was following one of America's more mentally challenged Presidents, George W Bush, whose alt-right team also successfully stole a Presidential election and then proceeded to destroy both Iraq and the American economy over an eight-year period.
There are even more important American lessons to be learned by studying the last 17 years instead of the last idiotic 100 days of trumpery.
The lesson is that when Grand Old Pirates manage to steal yet another Presidential Election from the American people by blatant electoral deception, their Grand Old Predatory instincts are no accident.
They want to yet again rape the treasury and rip off America, and the Predator-In-Chief is 'ready to serve'.
America's poor and middle class whites suffer from a serious, fatal form of 'rich man' blind worship that keeps the Grand Old Punishment flowing like cheap moonshine.
Trump's 42% approval rating at 100 days compares to an average of 69% approval rating for all past presidents at 100 days in office going back to Harry Truman...real evidence that Trump really does stink.
President Obama had a 69% approval rating at 100 days, but he was following one of America's more mentally challenged Presidents, George W Bush, whose alt-right team also successfully stole a Presidential election and then proceeded to destroy both Iraq and the American economy over an eight-year period.
There are even more important American lessons to be learned by studying the last 17 years instead of the last idiotic 100 days of trumpery.
The lesson is that when Grand Old Pirates manage to steal yet another Presidential Election from the American people by blatant electoral deception, their Grand Old Predatory instincts are no accident.
They want to yet again rape the treasury and rip off America, and the Predator-In-Chief is 'ready to serve'.
America's poor and middle class whites suffer from a serious, fatal form of 'rich man' blind worship that keeps the Grand Old Punishment flowing like cheap moonshine.
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thank you.
2
Patience, Patience! The disapproval numbers will be going up, up and away, as Trump's incompetency becomes more apparent..........
3
Thank you for your articulate assessment. Fran Leibowitz was quoted in Vanity Fair saying that the problem is "Poor people think rich people are like Donald Trump." So sad, so true, so damning for us all.
1
"Even more people say that the Democratic Party is out of touch with ordinary voters than say the same of the Republican Party."
Nicholas, as I have argued repeatedly here in this space, a people only get the government that they have collectively earned in consciousness.
While deeply imperfect, the Democratic Party makes a regular point of addressing the real world economic concerns of ordinary people. The Republican Party, on the other hand, makes a regular point of fanning Americans' fears and prejudices, while lavishing their legislative attention on the concerns of the ultra-rich.
For instance, when granted a sufficient majority in the House and Senate, Democrats made it their business to save the nation from a 2nd Great Depression and attempt to introduce the same kind of universal health care that EVERY OTHER ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL COMPETITOR already has. The resulting ACA was imperfect - but the best that could be done given the monkey wrench of the filibuster, and the long reach and deep pockets of the for profit insurance industry.
In contrast, when granted majorities in both legislative chambers, the Republicans sought to gut this imperfect healthcare plan - and replace it with one far less robust yet even more expensive for vulnerable Americans.
Nicholas, if a majority of the American people are unable to dispassionately distinguish between these two approaches, then they will have earned the pain and adversity that will surely accompany four years of Trump.
Nicholas, as I have argued repeatedly here in this space, a people only get the government that they have collectively earned in consciousness.
While deeply imperfect, the Democratic Party makes a regular point of addressing the real world economic concerns of ordinary people. The Republican Party, on the other hand, makes a regular point of fanning Americans' fears and prejudices, while lavishing their legislative attention on the concerns of the ultra-rich.
For instance, when granted a sufficient majority in the House and Senate, Democrats made it their business to save the nation from a 2nd Great Depression and attempt to introduce the same kind of universal health care that EVERY OTHER ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL COMPETITOR already has. The resulting ACA was imperfect - but the best that could be done given the monkey wrench of the filibuster, and the long reach and deep pockets of the for profit insurance industry.
In contrast, when granted majorities in both legislative chambers, the Republicans sought to gut this imperfect healthcare plan - and replace it with one far less robust yet even more expensive for vulnerable Americans.
Nicholas, if a majority of the American people are unable to dispassionately distinguish between these two approaches, then they will have earned the pain and adversity that will surely accompany four years of Trump.
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I suggest you look a little closer, although the numbers are shrinking, the majority of democrats who receive corporate donations, still refuse to support single-payer healthcare and an increase in the minimum wage.
1
I heard a COO (Chief Operating Officer) of a large company say "I am a Republican but I am voting Democrat because they are a nicer bunch of people".
In a nutshell.
In a nutshell.
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let's back off this idea being expressed here and in the column ; a majority of voters did not even go to the polls this last election and i don;t believe they have in the history of this country. historically only about 50% of the citizens eligible to vote are even registered. out of that number we may get as high a about 60% that will bother to go and vote. on the other hand these stockholm syndrome types that vote republican? they vote but they could easily be defeated if all the people that are too hip, too lazy or too jaded would get out and at least vote in presidential elections.
4
I have Trump to thank for expanding my urban vocabulary, forced to look up expressions like the following, two of my favorites:
Goat Rodeo.
"A goat rodeo or goat rope is an especially chaotic situation, typically in a corporate or bureaucratic setting" (like the White House or our foreign policy in the last 100 days)."
Gaslighting.
"Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or members of a group, hoping to make targets question their own memory, perception, and sanity. Using persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction, and lying, it attempts to destabilize the target and delegitimize the target's belief." (a perfect description of Trump and his "team")
Goat Rodeo.
"A goat rodeo or goat rope is an especially chaotic situation, typically in a corporate or bureaucratic setting" (like the White House or our foreign policy in the last 100 days)."
Gaslighting.
"Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or members of a group, hoping to make targets question their own memory, perception, and sanity. Using persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction, and lying, it attempts to destabilize the target and delegitimize the target's belief." (a perfect description of Trump and his "team")
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It's from the great Cukor-directed film "Gaslight" (1945) starring Ingrid Bergman (Best Actress Oscar), Charles Boyer, and Joseph Cotten.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036855/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036855/
2
I quibble about calling these “lessons,” which would imply that they taught us something. They’re merely descriptive of our descent into darkness as a nation. Instead of “lessons,” I’d suggest “epitaph.”
Voters knew what they were getting. His ignorance was on full display, and his crassness and ineloquence were the hallmarks of his candidacy. He lied, and people believed him. He squawked and bellowed, and it was music to their ears. He could not maintain eloquence for the span of a tweet, much less give a soaring speech that uplifted the masses rather than demeaning his targets.
We were foolish not to recognize the fools among us who thought the jackbooted thugs and skinheads at his rallies exemplified our values as a nation. His voters witnessed 100 days of ineptitude, meanness, false accusations, petulant displays, unjustified grandiose boasting and blank stares. And yet, almost all would vote for him again. They’ll be hurt by his policies, but the jury’s out on whether they even understand cause and effect.
Now the president is whining that being president is hard, although the workload hasn’t stopped him from weekly jaunts to Mar-a-Lago. I don’t doubt that the job is hard if the only thing you know about the country is how to avoid paying taxes.
Maybe before he deports the undocumented we should see how well he does on the US Citizenship Naturalization test. Rather than take a test, I’ll wager he’d step down voluntarily.
Voters knew what they were getting. His ignorance was on full display, and his crassness and ineloquence were the hallmarks of his candidacy. He lied, and people believed him. He squawked and bellowed, and it was music to their ears. He could not maintain eloquence for the span of a tweet, much less give a soaring speech that uplifted the masses rather than demeaning his targets.
We were foolish not to recognize the fools among us who thought the jackbooted thugs and skinheads at his rallies exemplified our values as a nation. His voters witnessed 100 days of ineptitude, meanness, false accusations, petulant displays, unjustified grandiose boasting and blank stares. And yet, almost all would vote for him again. They’ll be hurt by his policies, but the jury’s out on whether they even understand cause and effect.
Now the president is whining that being president is hard, although the workload hasn’t stopped him from weekly jaunts to Mar-a-Lago. I don’t doubt that the job is hard if the only thing you know about the country is how to avoid paying taxes.
Maybe before he deports the undocumented we should see how well he does on the US Citizenship Naturalization test. Rather than take a test, I’ll wager he’d step down voluntarily.
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"They’re merely descriptive of our descent into darkness as a nation. Instead of “lessons,” I’d suggest “epitaph.”"
One of your best and you have written a lot of bests.
trumpism--the epitaph of a nation.
One of your best and you have written a lot of bests.
trumpism--the epitaph of a nation.
17
No Gemli, the jury’s not out on whether Trump supporters even understand cause and effect. More correctly, the verdict in in - they have no idea.
9
"Rather than take a test, I’ll wager he’d step down voluntarily."
(No, he'd promise to take the test, not take it, and then deny ever saying he would).
(No, he'd promise to take the test, not take it, and then deny ever saying he would).
6
Good summary of the monstrosity that is the Trump Presidency. Didn't mention all of the swamp creatures he appointed as Cabinet Secretaries, but you got the big picture about right.
As to winning the popular vote today, that may be because some of Clinton's upper middle class supporters may see just how much everything in the Trump agenda plays to their personal benefit. Tax deductions for child care that only benefit high bracket earners, health insurance subsidies for high income families, tax cuts biased to the wealthy in many ways, and of course, massive cuts in Federal transfers from Blue to Red States in his budget proposals. (a lot of the GDP of Southern and Appalachian states comes from Federal transfers, as high as 40% in Mississippi).
He may not be able to achieve a single major legislative accomplishment, but there is a very good chance he could wreck parts of the economy and environment with reckless unilateral Executive actions. Tourism, agricultural exports, research, tech jobs and much else is likely to suffer under Trump, as countries like Mexico retaliate against foul Trump rhetoric, and multinationals adjust to labor shortages and trade barriers by moving operations to other countries. Canada is already benefiting from US tech companies setting up operations where they can more readily access skilled immigrants.
Small towns will continue to lose jobs to on-line retail, automation and hospital closures. Trump is doing nothing to help them transform.
As to winning the popular vote today, that may be because some of Clinton's upper middle class supporters may see just how much everything in the Trump agenda plays to their personal benefit. Tax deductions for child care that only benefit high bracket earners, health insurance subsidies for high income families, tax cuts biased to the wealthy in many ways, and of course, massive cuts in Federal transfers from Blue to Red States in his budget proposals. (a lot of the GDP of Southern and Appalachian states comes from Federal transfers, as high as 40% in Mississippi).
He may not be able to achieve a single major legislative accomplishment, but there is a very good chance he could wreck parts of the economy and environment with reckless unilateral Executive actions. Tourism, agricultural exports, research, tech jobs and much else is likely to suffer under Trump, as countries like Mexico retaliate against foul Trump rhetoric, and multinationals adjust to labor shortages and trade barriers by moving operations to other countries. Canada is already benefiting from US tech companies setting up operations where they can more readily access skilled immigrants.
Small towns will continue to lose jobs to on-line retail, automation and hospital closures. Trump is doing nothing to help them transform.
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"Canada is already benefiting from US tech companies setting up operations where they can more readily access skilled immigrants."
I recall over the years where companies also located facilities in Canada to benefit from the health care programs. When the GOP finally gets their program approved and signed by Trump, this one thing may drive more companies to move to Canada, or Mexico. A friend retired to Mexico and tells me that the health care is great.
I recall over the years where companies also located facilities in Canada to benefit from the health care programs. When the GOP finally gets their program approved and signed by Trump, this one thing may drive more companies to move to Canada, or Mexico. A friend retired to Mexico and tells me that the health care is great.
1
The interpretation that Trump would win the popular vote if the election were held today is misleading. What the ABC/Washington Post poll indicates is that many Clinton voters, now knowing she lost, would vote for a third-party (protest candidate) if they could vote again today. When the next election rolls around, most of them will do what they did last time, which is vote for the Democratic candidate because the Party is more consistent with their views and because, well, they want Trump out of there.
1
Thank god for your column. It keeps me sane. It is one of the only places I can read about He Who Shall Not Be Excusef. (The job is hard...oh, pub-leeze - of course it is, especially when you are not suited to it, your wife hates it, and your daughter is your hostess with the mostest). I cannot listen to him or watch him. I have no problem with people who support him - we've all been conned when we are desperate or greedy. Happy Sierras!!
1