So,, can I get my money back? It is already 9 month's nonsence with the clown. In the beginning you think, let's give it a week and you stay focussed, until you realize the Americans have elected a total nutcase for president. Sorry no offence, except that it was a little stupid. By the way, it's $ 22.500,- as I'm not expensive $ 250,- per hour x 9 x 10 hours a month wasted.
38
If Trump is truly mentally ill then why is everybody attacking and provoking him? This is how you all respond to mental illness???
70
You have nailed it David Brooks!!!! Now, if we could only nail him!
6
I'm I'm not sure about sloppy, he does have no impulse control and his desire to be liked overwhelms all his thought processes. Similarly his hatred of criticism leads him in directions that only a mentally non competent person would go. This was perfectly clear 12 months ago. Why did it take so long for U to C this? He needs to be removed
70
David
Known facts:
1) America no longer leads the free world.
2) Trump is unfit for office.
But what now ?
Obviously Trump needs to be impeached or otherwise eliminated.
You need to make impeachment the go to issue and then start a merciless dissection of the stinking corpse of right wing politics in the US.
Known facts:
1) America no longer leads the free world.
2) Trump is unfit for office.
But what now ?
Obviously Trump needs to be impeached or otherwise eliminated.
You need to make impeachment the go to issue and then start a merciless dissection of the stinking corpse of right wing politics in the US.
23
Right. But what about the people who brought him to power? The racist trump voters, the media, the big money donors, Fox News, corporate interests, GOP stalwarts. Are they infantalists, too? If you're going to critique trump, you must go after his enablers. He didn't get here alone. He is a reflection of a white supremacist system that is mightily trying to erase the Obama legacy. Lots of complicit institutions and individuals paved the way for the Imbecile in Chief. Don't let them off the hook.
270
When someone writes the comedic play about this administration, I hope they include this line: "We’ve got this perverse situation in which the vast analytic powers of the entire world are being spent trying to understand a guy whose thoughts are often just six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar."
221
One more time:
YOUR party, YOUR candidate, YOUR president. YOU, Mr. Brooks, and all your other feckless Republican pundits, are personally responsible for this debacle. Republicans can run but they cannot hide, with their cowardly refusal to oppose or investigate, or criticize the psychopath they put into the presidency; at least until they pass Ryan's evil agenda of destroying Medicare and Social Security, and turning the country over to the insurance companies, the oil polluters, the crooked banksters, the Koch Brothers and the rest of the one percent plutocrats who have purchased the Republican Party like a street hooker. YOUR party, Mr. Brooks, and I hope you might reflect on your years of being the chief wink wink nod nod apologist for its bigotry, racism, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia and complete and utter lack of substance, sense or compassion. Besides the only reason you are so consternated about Trump is that people have finally woken up to what the Republican Party is all about, and are getting ready to get eliminate entirely the Republican cancer on the body politic come 2018 and 2020. They will be GONE, hopefully to see the inside of a prison cell, where they rightfully belong.
YOUR party, YOUR candidate, YOUR president. YOU, Mr. Brooks, and all your other feckless Republican pundits, are personally responsible for this debacle. Republicans can run but they cannot hide, with their cowardly refusal to oppose or investigate, or criticize the psychopath they put into the presidency; at least until they pass Ryan's evil agenda of destroying Medicare and Social Security, and turning the country over to the insurance companies, the oil polluters, the crooked banksters, the Koch Brothers and the rest of the one percent plutocrats who have purchased the Republican Party like a street hooker. YOUR party, Mr. Brooks, and I hope you might reflect on your years of being the chief wink wink nod nod apologist for its bigotry, racism, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia and complete and utter lack of substance, sense or compassion. Besides the only reason you are so consternated about Trump is that people have finally woken up to what the Republican Party is all about, and are getting ready to get eliminate entirely the Republican cancer on the body politic come 2018 and 2020. They will be GONE, hopefully to see the inside of a prison cell, where they rightfully belong.
265
Mark Cuban summed it up. We elected a jagoff. A unique amalgamation of narcissist, ADHD, anti-intellectual, conspiracy theorist, and hypomania.
The Urban Dictionary defines the term. It is not in the DSM-5 manual at least not yet. It's inclusion should be Trump's academic legacy. If we survive global thermonuclear war.
The Urban Dictionary defines the term. It is not in the DSM-5 manual at least not yet. It's inclusion should be Trump's academic legacy. If we survive global thermonuclear war.
10
I come back to the same question,time and time again.How on earth did millions of Americans vote for this unhinged man child? Sure,Clinton ran a poor campaign but why were so many millions, so easily led into falling for vacuous campaign promises and simplistic rhetoric?
Only a few months into this pitiful administration,it simply beggars belief that any educated sane person would ever dream of thinking this narcissistic liar fit to be PROTUS.
Are we all part of a Twilight Zone episode?
Only a few months into this pitiful administration,it simply beggars belief that any educated sane person would ever dream of thinking this narcissistic liar fit to be PROTUS.
Are we all part of a Twilight Zone episode?
26
He is a child, and Putin is his parent.
What no-one is remarking on is that Trump was told by Putin to let the Russian ambassador and foreign minister into the Oval Office -- along with their assistants -- without allowing US media to monitor the meeting. And Trump did as he was told of course.
I would not be surprised if the Russian "staff" managed to place bugging devices, and now Putin is privy to everything said in private by this idiot and his White House fools.
What no-one is remarking on is that Trump was told by Putin to let the Russian ambassador and foreign minister into the Oval Office -- along with their assistants -- without allowing US media to monitor the meeting. And Trump did as he was told of course.
I would not be surprised if the Russian "staff" managed to place bugging devices, and now Putin is privy to everything said in private by this idiot and his White House fools.
94
Oh, c'mon let's call a spade a spade. Here's a headline more inclined to the truth: When the Republican Party of the United States of America elects a child to lead the world. Too little too late David Brooks.
70
This is an excellent opinion piece, and it appears to be pretty accurate. I have said all along (since his nomination last summer) that trumpster is a fistful of personality disorders in a rumpled suit. He exhibits traits of:
Narcissistic personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Conduct disorder, unspecified
These are not the personality traits that anyone should want to see in someone who is making sweeping decisions that affect the lives of millions/billions. Most Presidents probably have some level of Narcissistic personality, but this guy is in a league of his own.
Narcissistic personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Conduct disorder, unspecified
These are not the personality traits that anyone should want to see in someone who is making sweeping decisions that affect the lives of millions/billions. Most Presidents probably have some level of Narcissistic personality, but this guy is in a league of his own.
71
I propose that we let Kim Jong-un and Trump meet maybe two fools will cancel each other out and get peace in that part of the world.
27
Impeach this man.
66
Trump is like an arrogant ten-year-old on coke. He's the exact midpoint between a screaming toddler and the Incredible Hulk. His presidency is a Trumpster Fire.
...I could do this all day. But have I contributed to anyone's understanding? :\
...I could do this all day. But have I contributed to anyone's understanding? :\
45
Dear Ivanka,
Tell Daddy to resign as soon as possible. Otherwise, he might have to share a cell with Bernie Madoff. Tell Daddy he can go home to Trump Tower and maybe spend more time with Melania. Honey, are they talking to each other yet? She looks real mad at Daddy. I know Daddy will be so happy back in real estate and casinos and all that craziness. He seems to like it. He is so much happier when he can refuse to pay a contractor what he owes. Daddy needs more fun in his life. The White House is no fun, honey. Maybe you and Jared had some fun but Daddy didn't feel like people liked him or trusted him or believed in him. I know it'll be hard for you, sweetie, but go - tell Daddy you're worried about his health, tell him the stress is too much. I should know, just reading the headlines about him sent my pressure up 40 points. Daddy can't go on like this. A man his age needs less stress, more relaxation. He can sit at his desk in the Tower and pretend he's that old rascal real estate mogul that he always called himself. You'll see, he'll be fine back home where he belongs. You and Jared will have a quieter and happier life, too. What's there to do in Washington any way? Remember to tell Daddy that he'll have Secret Service protection for life. I think it's for life. Anyway he'll have some of those guys with him. That'll make him very happy. Ivanka, honey, you are the only one in the family that can give Daddy some peace of mind. Please do it. We love you.
Aunt Janny
Tell Daddy to resign as soon as possible. Otherwise, he might have to share a cell with Bernie Madoff. Tell Daddy he can go home to Trump Tower and maybe spend more time with Melania. Honey, are they talking to each other yet? She looks real mad at Daddy. I know Daddy will be so happy back in real estate and casinos and all that craziness. He seems to like it. He is so much happier when he can refuse to pay a contractor what he owes. Daddy needs more fun in his life. The White House is no fun, honey. Maybe you and Jared had some fun but Daddy didn't feel like people liked him or trusted him or believed in him. I know it'll be hard for you, sweetie, but go - tell Daddy you're worried about his health, tell him the stress is too much. I should know, just reading the headlines about him sent my pressure up 40 points. Daddy can't go on like this. A man his age needs less stress, more relaxation. He can sit at his desk in the Tower and pretend he's that old rascal real estate mogul that he always called himself. You'll see, he'll be fine back home where he belongs. You and Jared will have a quieter and happier life, too. What's there to do in Washington any way? Remember to tell Daddy that he'll have Secret Service protection for life. I think it's for life. Anyway he'll have some of those guys with him. That'll make him very happy. Ivanka, honey, you are the only one in the family that can give Daddy some peace of mind. Please do it. We love you.
Aunt Janny
116
David, you might also contemplate that in addition to the childlike Narcissistic psychopathy, there could be real dementia settling in on this senior. Besides his erratic behavior, I cite those vacant looks often featured in the photographs of him.
56
Here is verse that I adapted about him:
DONNY BOY [to the tune of Danny Boy]
Oh Donny boy, the bombs, your bombs are falling
In Syria and in Afghanistan.
I did not choose you ever, it was galling.
Now you, yes you, must go, you foolish man.
And don’t come back, not after what you started,
The rest of us will just be lying low.
That is, of course, unless we’ve all departed.
Oh, Donny boy, oh, Donny boy I fear you so.
But if ye come, and all the flow’rs are dying,
And we are dead, as dead we well may be,
Don’t dare come near the place where I am lying,
Your Ave there would surely stiffen me.
And should I hear your clumsy tread above me,
Then all my grave will harsher, crueler be.
The world will know that you did never love me,
Just lied so you might reckless ruler be.
DONNY BOY [to the tune of Danny Boy]
Oh Donny boy, the bombs, your bombs are falling
In Syria and in Afghanistan.
I did not choose you ever, it was galling.
Now you, yes you, must go, you foolish man.
And don’t come back, not after what you started,
The rest of us will just be lying low.
That is, of course, unless we’ve all departed.
Oh, Donny boy, oh, Donny boy I fear you so.
But if ye come, and all the flow’rs are dying,
And we are dead, as dead we well may be,
Don’t dare come near the place where I am lying,
Your Ave there would surely stiffen me.
And should I hear your clumsy tread above me,
Then all my grave will harsher, crueler be.
The world will know that you did never love me,
Just lied so you might reckless ruler be.
30
Donald Trump is YOUR guy, Mr. Brooks.
Tempers Flare and Confusion Swirls at Rattled White House
By GLENN THRUSH and MAGGIE HABERMAN 2:31 PM ET
As his staff squabbles, Mr. Trump’s mood has become sour and he has turned against most of his aides, two advisers say.
Maybe Trump should just fire all of them and keep Jared and Ivanka as his staff. Barron and Melania could also be key advisers.
Tempers Flare and Confusion Swirls at Rattled White House
By GLENN THRUSH and MAGGIE HABERMAN 2:31 PM ET
As his staff squabbles, Mr. Trump’s mood has become sour and he has turned against most of his aides, two advisers say.
Maybe Trump should just fire all of them and keep Jared and Ivanka as his staff. Barron and Melania could also be key advisers.
16
I wish we could just say "You're fired!" and be done with him.
7
Mr.Brooks, you spent 800 words or so to boringly reiterate what is already known.
-- "Trump is an infantalist" (or as most of call it, childish)
-- Trump's "falsehoods are attempts to build a world in which he can feel good"
-- He "is too incompetent to understand his own incompetence"
-- He "wants people to love him"
-- "there is perpetually less to Trump than it appears"
-- the Russian leak revealed Trump's"dangerousness"
Many of us long ago reached these conclusions and are now focused on the very real danger that Trump represents to America and the world. We are alarmed and impatient for action to eliminate the Trump threat.
How about you? Or are you content to remain one of the "vast analytic powers of the entire world", idly musing about Trump's shallow persona?
-- "Trump is an infantalist" (or as most of call it, childish)
-- Trump's "falsehoods are attempts to build a world in which he can feel good"
-- He "is too incompetent to understand his own incompetence"
-- He "wants people to love him"
-- "there is perpetually less to Trump than it appears"
-- the Russian leak revealed Trump's"dangerousness"
Many of us long ago reached these conclusions and are now focused on the very real danger that Trump represents to America and the world. We are alarmed and impatient for action to eliminate the Trump threat.
How about you? Or are you content to remain one of the "vast analytic powers of the entire world", idly musing about Trump's shallow persona?
45
I can't help but make the comparison to the character Chauncey Gardner in "Being There," except for the greater intelligence and maturity of Chauncey.
38
Chance Gardiner (Peter Sellers), Being There, 1979
7
Your characterization is an insult to children.
30
I would characterize DT as a spoiled brat who is a stupid bully who cannot take any responsibility for any of his mistakes or shortcomings. He is a pathological liar.
DT has severe mental disorders and is actually not intelligent and is a lazy person- and oh yeah, a raging racist and totally amoral in every way.
That was clear and obvious during the campaign and now we are living with this one man wrecking ball every day.
He's 70 years old and he's not going to change- only get worse under the pressure. He needs to go immediately.
Sorry, DT- no one but your gullible base believes anything you say nor do they think this is fake news.
I
DT has severe mental disorders and is actually not intelligent and is a lazy person- and oh yeah, a raging racist and totally amoral in every way.
That was clear and obvious during the campaign and now we are living with this one man wrecking ball every day.
He's 70 years old and he's not going to change- only get worse under the pressure. He needs to go immediately.
Sorry, DT- no one but your gullible base believes anything you say nor do they think this is fake news.
I
34
Just heard Trump demote Recep Tayyip Erdoğan from President to foreign minister during their live press conference....
8
He has a severe narcissistic disorder.
14
Leaving the deplorable out of it, I take this is a validation of the GOP. Glad see a party of elephants in a circus, free entertainment for all until the tents is on fire.
7
So MANY quotable quotes from this column! But here's the best: "We’ve got this perverse situation in which the vast analytic powers of the entire world are being spent trying to understand a guy whose thoughts are often just six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar."
15
"Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child." (Ecclesiastes 10:16)
26
The Republican Establishment loves this 9 year old, Mr. Brooks. While we watch his antics and hope he doesn't literally blow our country and its democracy away in a explosion of rash words and temper tantrum of stupid actions, the Republicans are raiding our Social Security piggy bank, stealing our safety net, and making government "small enough to drown in the bath tub" -- just as they promised. They don't care if the 9 year old in the White House takes the whole place down with him, because that fits their needs.
44
Yeah, true, a generally smart conservative columnist can see the obvious. But what about the rest of GOP? Boy, they're doomed.
11
There is one simple phrase to explain the being that is in the White House and was put there by our fellow citizens - a Fat, Dirty Old Man. No need to wonder what those citizens were thinking, obviously they had given no thought to what they were doing. But we will all pay the price of their actions. If you are not frightened out of your skin - see your medical doctor, you need help. Irene
12
You've hit the nail on the head. Trump is a 7-year old child who knows how to manipulate TV audiences, like his voter base.
8
I wish I could sit my representatives down and make them read every one of these comments. They seem to think the whole country is basking in the glow of Donald's brilliance, when in fact he's one firefly short of lights out.
16
David Brooks is starting to sound like Maureen Dowd.
3
The GOP still has the presidency and both houses of Congress, each of those houses led by a man with his own issues. But, I digress. Just sign off on whatever documents are required by the 25th Amendment and put the poor guy out to pasture. He'll probably be the happiest man in the USA at being relieved if the duties of an office which he himself admits he should not have won.
9
Nobody should be applauding any profound insights revealed in Brooks' article. Trump has been consistently transparent his whole life. Too many, most tragically the MSM, ignored what was right before their own eyes the whole time. So now we have a toddler-in-chief. Duh.
18
Really, David? You flatter him - six fireflies in a jar. I don't think there are that many.
17
So, here we have a President that is 100% incompetent ... he ran on a platform that he "was a amazing business man" and would "drain the swamp". Sorry Mr. Trump, as a native New Yorker all my life I have watched your business deals (including bankruptcies) and you were a incompetent business man as you are a incompetent President. I give you "credit" as a builder though, it's amazing how quickly you expanded the swamp.
34
The experience of being conned is a shocking one. I've experienced it at great personal cost.
It is a shocking experience because the charlatan prey's on your trust, your goodwill, your desire for something better.
When the rug is finally pulled from under your feet, you look around helplessly at all the people who enabled the fraud (in my case, negligent accountants, lawyers) and wonder how they could have advised you so badly. But worst of all, you spend years wondering why you ignored the red flags, why you didn't trust your doubts, and why you believed something that was too good to be true.
America - you've been conned.
It is a shocking experience because the charlatan prey's on your trust, your goodwill, your desire for something better.
When the rug is finally pulled from under your feet, you look around helplessly at all the people who enabled the fraud (in my case, negligent accountants, lawyers) and wonder how they could have advised you so badly. But worst of all, you spend years wondering why you ignored the red flags, why you didn't trust your doubts, and why you believed something that was too good to be true.
America - you've been conned.
44
God, these are the days where I actually wish there was Democrat voter fraud. At the very least we would have an unlikable President and Congress would have GOP control until 2020 but there would be some level of competence in the White House.
And now our Child-in-Chief is going bye-bye for a while and hopefully won't start WWIII in the process.
Great column by Brooks. "...six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar." I'll
remember that line.
And now our Child-in-Chief is going bye-bye for a while and hopefully won't start WWIII in the process.
Great column by Brooks. "...six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar." I'll
remember that line.
14
Can you imagine Trump handling info on Osama bin Laden and then having to decide what to do??
p.s. It should be "infantilist", not infantalist.
p.s. It should be "infantilist", not infantalist.
7
Hitler was ridiculed for years before the world had to accept that this dictator throwing childish tantrums was in fact a psychotic mass murderer.
So far, djt has overstepped the bounds of decency at every turn. He is not murdering anyone, but he figured out early on that as President he is as above the law as any king, and has taken full advantage of this fact on many fronts.
So far he has not begun a nuclear war but he's only been in office for a few months. Is everyone going to sit around and wait to see how far he's willing to go? If he is willing to go as far as any of these despots around the world who he seems to so admire?
IS he going to start that nuclear war? It doesn't seem far fetched to me.
There should be less focus on the two scoops of ice cream, more focus on the brutal deportations that have already begun around the country, despite the fact that his immigration ban has been thwarted. For now.
He is playing dictator, yes, but one day he might fully learn how to do it.
So far, djt has overstepped the bounds of decency at every turn. He is not murdering anyone, but he figured out early on that as President he is as above the law as any king, and has taken full advantage of this fact on many fronts.
So far he has not begun a nuclear war but he's only been in office for a few months. Is everyone going to sit around and wait to see how far he's willing to go? If he is willing to go as far as any of these despots around the world who he seems to so admire?
IS he going to start that nuclear war? It doesn't seem far fetched to me.
There should be less focus on the two scoops of ice cream, more focus on the brutal deportations that have already begun around the country, despite the fact that his immigration ban has been thwarted. For now.
He is playing dictator, yes, but one day he might fully learn how to do it.
23
Trump is no child. When are you liberals going to get over that you guys lost? Trump is our president, just deal with it. He has been in office for 4 months, yet you guys treat him like a red headed step child, even though he hasnt had a chance to be in office. When Obama won both elections, I didnt cry, or protest or riot, I accepted it. 8 years of the Obama, 8 years of Bush, 16 years of garbage. We finally get a non career politician in who is trying to put America first and you guys just complain. Liberals are the children here. Grow up!
7
I would appreciate it if the news media -- the REAL news media -- would publish a list of Republicans and any Democrats and Independents who support or have supported Trump. That includes the Electoral College electors whose job was NOT to rubber stamp Trump (the popular vote LOSER) but to prevent such a person (Trump) from ascending to the highest, most demanding job in the world. ALL of these people failed -- most knowingly. As did the Electoral College because of the electors.
I want their names because if any of them ever decide to run for office or apply for an important job -- anywhere -- that requires recommendations and/or security clearance I will send a letter defining and illustrating how unfit they are for that job or opportunity.
I want their names because if they die before I do, I will send a letter to their "Legacy Memory Book" defining and illustrating how unfit they were as a person and as a U. S. citizen.
I want what these horrible people did to enable Trump to follow them around for the rest of their lives like an albatross around their necks or like a combination of Dickens' Ghost of Christmas Present and Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come. You will see Trump and all Republicans in these quotes from "A Christmas Carol": Wikipedia, Ghost of Christmas Present, paragraphs 2 & 3 under "Description"; Wikipedia, Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come, paragraphs 1, 2 & 3 under "Description."
I want their names because if any of them ever decide to run for office or apply for an important job -- anywhere -- that requires recommendations and/or security clearance I will send a letter defining and illustrating how unfit they are for that job or opportunity.
I want their names because if they die before I do, I will send a letter to their "Legacy Memory Book" defining and illustrating how unfit they were as a person and as a U. S. citizen.
I want what these horrible people did to enable Trump to follow them around for the rest of their lives like an albatross around their necks or like a combination of Dickens' Ghost of Christmas Present and Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come. You will see Trump and all Republicans in these quotes from "A Christmas Carol": Wikipedia, Ghost of Christmas Present, paragraphs 2 & 3 under "Description"; Wikipedia, Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come, paragraphs 1, 2 & 3 under "Description."
30
First of all, comparing Trump to a child is highly unfair — to all the kind-hearted, curious, thoughtful, interesting, fun and fabulous children out there. Second I don't think the comparison accomplishes much. I think that the discourse about how bad and flawed and faulty his person is needs to end. We know it by now. And those who don't know it by now will never want to. When the Louvre is on fire, do you measure the temperature or do you try to save the artwork? So, save the ink spilled in Trump character studies and ask yourselves what you can do to help end this mess.
15
"We’ve got this perverse situation in which the vast analytic powers of the entire world are being spent trying to understand a guy whose thoughts are often just six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar." Beautiful writing and terrifying image. I'm committing that line to memory.
Not a lot of light in that jar. And those fireflies popping on and off.... so persistently repetitive.
Not a lot of light in that jar. And those fireflies popping on and off.... so persistently repetitive.
7
The Boy King clearly needs a Regency.
3
It's looking more like Rome in AD 69. No one really seems to be in charge, or numerous people think they're the one who's really in charge, while they mop up after the person who thinks they're leading the world. We are leaderless.
11
Nahhhh...you guys just don't get it and I am thankful you don't. I am sure your freinds in NY will love you for this article. You will be able to be one of them! The rest of the country knows what is going on and they are thrilled. No one cares about Comey because they knew he was a fool. Russiagate...please. This most recent made up scandal is a joke. In fact, it most likely made us safer.
4
Great column, Mr Brooks ("six fireflies" - love that image).
From the instant Mr. Trump absurdly descended his golden escalator, surrounded by paid actors as his "supporters", to announce his bizarre, hateful, angry candidacy, it was obvious to many of us that his vapid, mindless personage was totally unfit for this office.
What completely frightens me is that some 40% of the US voting population has such poor judgment they would elect such a man. Where is our civic education? Who teaches our children to recognize men and women of character and depth? Do all these people fall so easily for an obvious con man in their personal lives? Yes, I've read all the excuses in the world for their vote. Not buying it. He's a very dangerous idiot in a world where our enemies are playing him like a fiddle. Anyone who would think he is presidential is an idiot, too. This includes the Republicans in Congress who, as far as I'm concerned, are traitors, willing to sacrifice our democracy to be able to enact a radical agenda that otherwise would probably not get through, and to benefit their own pocketbooks and those of their billionaire backers.
This national nightmare will not end as long as such a large portion of our voters and politicians think someone like Trump is remotely qualified to lead a great, complex and modern democracy like the United States. If we even survive long enough as a democracy to find out.
From the instant Mr. Trump absurdly descended his golden escalator, surrounded by paid actors as his "supporters", to announce his bizarre, hateful, angry candidacy, it was obvious to many of us that his vapid, mindless personage was totally unfit for this office.
What completely frightens me is that some 40% of the US voting population has such poor judgment they would elect such a man. Where is our civic education? Who teaches our children to recognize men and women of character and depth? Do all these people fall so easily for an obvious con man in their personal lives? Yes, I've read all the excuses in the world for their vote. Not buying it. He's a very dangerous idiot in a world where our enemies are playing him like a fiddle. Anyone who would think he is presidential is an idiot, too. This includes the Republicans in Congress who, as far as I'm concerned, are traitors, willing to sacrifice our democracy to be able to enact a radical agenda that otherwise would probably not get through, and to benefit their own pocketbooks and those of their billionaire backers.
This national nightmare will not end as long as such a large portion of our voters and politicians think someone like Trump is remotely qualified to lead a great, complex and modern democracy like the United States. If we even survive long enough as a democracy to find out.
16
Donald Trump is a seventy-year-old with extraordinary powers to control the little town where he lives by simply wishing away people and things that anger or bore him. He has isolated the town by banishing voting and trade. Other than his powerful wishing, Donald has the mind and imagination of a typical little boy. He amuses himself with his special ability by giving a gopher three heads and then wishing the animal dead when the game becomes boring. The people in Washington have to smile all the time, think happy thoughts, and say happy things, because that's what Donald commands and, if they disobey, he can wish them into a cornfield or change them into grotesque versions of themselves. Donald dislikes singing and punished Uncle James for thoughtlessly testifying in his presence. Donald asks his son-in-law why no children come to play with him. Mr Kushner reminds Donald that when the Taiwanese boy came over, Donald had wished the other boy away into the cornfield after they'd finished playing. He wishes a dog into the cornfield for barking. The adults smile nervously and tell him that he's a good boy, hoping that Donald's terrible power won't be turned upon themselves.
4
So, who is the adult? We need someone to take care of the child and ameliorate the actions of the child. Trump is little better than childish Kim Jong Un. Congress is complicit. Who will call for impeachment? Where is the indepemdent investigation? This is serious.
8
up here in northern europe we feel we are precariously stuck between two sandcastle kings: a self-styled csar thinking he is prince myshkin in the kremlin, and a moronic, narcissistic child with adhd playing dictator of the free world in the oval office. the entire world looks on in wonder: how long can america let a despot clown rule the states? the world peace in the hands of this unstable mind?
21
Don't forget, this impulsive egotist can launch nuclear missiles!!!!!
6
What David Brooks says is so patently true -- Trump is a big baby -- but what can We, the People, do? How do we get rid of this horrible mistake? When will the Republican establishment agree that impeachment is the only remedy?
7
And he behaves like a child in the sandbox telling the other children, "I've got a secret, play with me and I'll tell you and you and you".
A child knows the difference between right and wrong. They also have an innate sense of morality. Children when chastised listen and try to correct their behavior.
Mr. Trump doesn't have the common sense of a child. He's bitter, angry, narcissistic, egotistical and insufferably insecure and immodest at the same time. He's like a chimpanzee on LSD with the same mental limitations. He will never get past his own deeply flawed adolescence.
In short, Mr. Trump is a spoiled child who rebels against the very adults who are trying to save him from himself. He just won't listen. He won't shut his mouth.
I can't believe I'm writing that a president of the United States needs to have his mouth taped shut. There isn't enough duct tape at Home Depot, Loew's, and Ace Hardware to fasten this mouth run amok.
It's time for the Republicans in the House and Senate to pull together for the good of the nation. Once again we have a Richard Nixon.
Our national nightmare must end soon.
Mr. Trump doesn't have the common sense of a child. He's bitter, angry, narcissistic, egotistical and insufferably insecure and immodest at the same time. He's like a chimpanzee on LSD with the same mental limitations. He will never get past his own deeply flawed adolescence.
In short, Mr. Trump is a spoiled child who rebels against the very adults who are trying to save him from himself. He just won't listen. He won't shut his mouth.
I can't believe I'm writing that a president of the United States needs to have his mouth taped shut. There isn't enough duct tape at Home Depot, Loew's, and Ace Hardware to fasten this mouth run amok.
It's time for the Republicans in the House and Senate to pull together for the good of the nation. Once again we have a Richard Nixon.
Our national nightmare must end soon.
14
Excuse me, the USA is not "the world," and Trump is not the world's "leader." He's all yours, Trumpistan. Own him.
7
Until someone who is respected calls for his impeachment he will continue to pretend the rule of law does not apply to him ,he will never get better,or want to learn more.He is above the law.
Can you think of one Republican whom you respect after they all listened and watched his dispicable trashing of our needs as a country, as individuals,and now.....now it's just fine for him to tell Russia ,or any country ANYTHING he
Wants.The GOP HAS AN AGENDA,and being unskilled in defining mental illness
And wanting so much to teach Obama how powerful they are that they'll tear the guts out of everything he was able to get passed their narrow minded ignorant inhumane system.
They will wait until it's too late,if it isn't alreadyto stop this derailed idiot.
Can you think of one Republican whom you respect after they all listened and watched his dispicable trashing of our needs as a country, as individuals,and now.....now it's just fine for him to tell Russia ,or any country ANYTHING he
Wants.The GOP HAS AN AGENDA,and being unskilled in defining mental illness
And wanting so much to teach Obama how powerful they are that they'll tear the guts out of everything he was able to get passed their narrow minded ignorant inhumane system.
They will wait until it's too late,if it isn't alreadyto stop this derailed idiot.
9
To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld: [Trump] is like letting a two-year-old kid use a blender, but you don't have a top for it."
We have become that topless blender and with one flick of his tiny digit, Trump has plastered our country's ingredients all over the ceiling.
My advice: put a lid on Trump!
If you can't find the right lid (i.e. impeachment, Section 25) use a newspaper, plate, or last night's pizza box. Whatever it takes - do it now, we'll clean up the mess later.
We have become that topless blender and with one flick of his tiny digit, Trump has plastered our country's ingredients all over the ceiling.
My advice: put a lid on Trump!
If you can't find the right lid (i.e. impeachment, Section 25) use a newspaper, plate, or last night's pizza box. Whatever it takes - do it now, we'll clean up the mess later.
5
There are 62,979,636 suckers born every generation. What is wrong with our educational system?
8
donald will one day be gone. what concerns me most is the chaos that will accompany his departure and donald's ability to rabble rouse his most ardent supporters. read their comments------"civil war is coming", "we have the guns", "the tree of liberty . . . " etc etc etc. do you for one minute think that donald is above agitating to cause this to happen? he did this as a candidate (the election is rigged), he continues from the oval office (the press is the enemy of the people). this is what he wants.
8
So who is accompying trump?! On his sojourn, next week!?!
kushner, melanka, the endangered-species-hunting sons?? The real, technical, first lady!? bannon and the other bannon?! oh, and miller? I presume, t rex !
jolly good show !
kushner, melanka, the endangered-species-hunting sons?? The real, technical, first lady!? bannon and the other bannon?! oh, and miller? I presume, t rex !
jolly good show !
5
Except you probably meant "infantilist", (which I, admittedly, had to Google) not "infantalist". The rest of the article will give me nightmares for the next three and a bit years (if I'm lucky) even without that spelling error. Though, people who live in glass houses (that is, South Africans, whose president and whole cabinet and whole swathes of local government are all practically Trump clones) probably shouldn't throw stones, eh?
2
I have decided to have a heart to heart with my wife....because I love you, David: "six fireflies beeping in a jar". HAAH! You have nailed it. I have been saying for months (years?) that this man is too dim too remember his last thought, let alone create a new one all on his own. But you have helped me to realize that it is, indeed, a mental disability that has kept him from maturing. Thank you.
5
Imagine if Putin had done the same in Russia. I'm sure the politburo would have given him 10 minutes to get out of Moscow and learn to live in the furthest gulag Stalin ever invented. Sorry. Stalin? Nope. Probably down a sewer hole near the Kremlin. Trump is a traitor of the worst kind-- braggart, ignoramus, a complete fool. Mr. Trump. You're Fired!
5
I'm not buying this. Pleading some sort of insanity lets Donnie off the hook. This is the major league and time to be told your swing stinks, you can't throw or catch and the team doesn't like you. Resign and go bowling.
2
I am pleased to hear The Donald invented the term "Priming The Pump"
Myself, I just invented the phrase "Useful Idiot" and it sure does come in handy these days!
Myself, I just invented the phrase "Useful Idiot" and it sure does come in handy these days!
3
In the past week we saw the sterling integrity of Rosenstein and McMasters besmirched as they went out on a limb and lied for Trump only to have Trump reveal the truth. So how many more people will risk their reputations for this self centered immature impulsive man? I wouldn't, I'd resign and wash my hands of him.
8
What a lot of commenters don't get here is that Trump's behavior pleases red people BECAUSE it enrages blue people. As Sara Palin puts it "it's fun to watch the splody heads sploding". Yelling and being outraged is a sort of sugar rush, but nobody changes their mind when you do it. I feel obligated to point that stuff out because like I said it seems like people don't get it.
On another subject (please don't infer I'm claiming this following info is related), I ran across the following data the other day in the nyt Upshot section:
36% of all adults are able to locate North Korea on a map.
53% of all adults with post graduate degrees can locate North Korea on a map (i.e. education helps a little).
75% of 'young' adults cannot locate Isreal or Iran.
50% can't locate New York (!)
90% CAN locate the United States of America! 90%!! That's some good news!
The nyt Upshot article also mentioned a nice little tidbit: 'Americans are... effectively outsourcing their foreign policy views to elites and the news media.
I.e. they do not per se 'think things through'. They borrow their views from some media source they like.
The numbers above do not allow us to say that only red people are idiots. The 64% of people who cannot locate North Korea must include some blue people. And both red and blue people are borrowing their opinions from some trusted source.
The irony is, Brooks is telling only blue people that Trump is a child. Red people aren't listening.
On another subject (please don't infer I'm claiming this following info is related), I ran across the following data the other day in the nyt Upshot section:
36% of all adults are able to locate North Korea on a map.
53% of all adults with post graduate degrees can locate North Korea on a map (i.e. education helps a little).
75% of 'young' adults cannot locate Isreal or Iran.
50% can't locate New York (!)
90% CAN locate the United States of America! 90%!! That's some good news!
The nyt Upshot article also mentioned a nice little tidbit: 'Americans are... effectively outsourcing their foreign policy views to elites and the news media.
I.e. they do not per se 'think things through'. They borrow their views from some media source they like.
The numbers above do not allow us to say that only red people are idiots. The 64% of people who cannot locate North Korea must include some blue people. And both red and blue people are borrowing their opinions from some trusted source.
The irony is, Brooks is telling only blue people that Trump is a child. Red people aren't listening.
11
From Wiki "Donald Duck":
"...with a yellow-orange bill....most famous for his semi-intelligible speech and his mischievous and temperamental personality. Donald's two dominant personality traits are his short temper and his positive outlook on life. Many Donald shorts start with Donald in a happy mood, without a care in the world until something comes along and spoils his day. His anger is a great cause of suffering in his life. On multiple occasions, it has caused him to get in over his head and lose competitions. There are times when he fights to keep his temper in check, and he sometimes succeeds in doing so temporarily, but he always returns to his normal angry self in the end.
Donald's aggressive nature has its advantages, however. While at times it is a hindrance, and even a handicap, it has also helped him in times of need. When faced with a threat of some kind, for example, Pete's attempts to intimidate him, he is initially scared, but his fear is replaced by anger. As a result, instead of running away, he fights—with ghosts, sharks,mountain goats, giant kites, and even the forces of nature.
Donald is something of a prankster, and as a result, he can sometimes come across as a bit of a bully, especially in the way he sometimes treats Chip n' Dale and Huey, Dewey and Louie, his nephews.
The Duck gets a big kick out of imposing on other people or annoying them, but he immediately loses his temper...
"...with a yellow-orange bill....most famous for his semi-intelligible speech and his mischievous and temperamental personality. Donald's two dominant personality traits are his short temper and his positive outlook on life. Many Donald shorts start with Donald in a happy mood, without a care in the world until something comes along and spoils his day. His anger is a great cause of suffering in his life. On multiple occasions, it has caused him to get in over his head and lose competitions. There are times when he fights to keep his temper in check, and he sometimes succeeds in doing so temporarily, but he always returns to his normal angry self in the end.
Donald's aggressive nature has its advantages, however. While at times it is a hindrance, and even a handicap, it has also helped him in times of need. When faced with a threat of some kind, for example, Pete's attempts to intimidate him, he is initially scared, but his fear is replaced by anger. As a result, instead of running away, he fights—with ghosts, sharks,mountain goats, giant kites, and even the forces of nature.
Donald is something of a prankster, and as a result, he can sometimes come across as a bit of a bully, especially in the way he sometimes treats Chip n' Dale and Huey, Dewey and Louie, his nephews.
The Duck gets a big kick out of imposing on other people or annoying them, but he immediately loses his temper...
5
I have heard from his pundits that he curates chaos. If he is banging around a room like a child, nobody notices when your wallet is stolen by grey haired old men in suits.
5
I m p e a c h m e n t . We have to end this madness.
2
Wiki Donald Duck (continued):
...The Duck gets a big kick out of imposing on other people or annoying them, but he immediately loses his temper when the tables are turned. In other words, he can dish it out, but he can't take it.[10]
Donald is also a bit of a show-off. He likes to brag, especially about how skilled he is at something... his love of bragging often leads him to overestimate his abilities, so that when he sets out to make good on his boasts, he gets in over his head, usually to hilarious effect.
Another of his personality traits is tenacity. Even though he can at times be lazy, and likes to say that his favorite place to be is in a hammock, once he has committed to accomplishing something he goes for it 100 percent, sometimes resorting to extreme measures to reach his goal.
...The Duck gets a big kick out of imposing on other people or annoying them, but he immediately loses his temper when the tables are turned. In other words, he can dish it out, but he can't take it.[10]
Donald is also a bit of a show-off. He likes to brag, especially about how skilled he is at something... his love of bragging often leads him to overestimate his abilities, so that when he sets out to make good on his boasts, he gets in over his head, usually to hilarious effect.
Another of his personality traits is tenacity. Even though he can at times be lazy, and likes to say that his favorite place to be is in a hammock, once he has committed to accomplishing something he goes for it 100 percent, sometimes resorting to extreme measures to reach his goal.
3
If Admiral Trump is a 7 year-0ld.... and members of his crew - his cabinet and GOP are willing to walk-the-plank for this little boy ... then who is manning the ship?
3
Amen, Brother! You have described our national dilemma in a succinct and terrifying manner. Our president is, in fact, a spoiled, incompetent child who is likely to cause irreparable damage to our democracy in his unending need for constant stroking of his infantile ego.
I have gone from disappointment, to horrified disbelief, and am now bereft. When will the congressional republicans recover from their stupor and stand for America rather than party and this man/child who is driving the bus over the cliff?
I have gone from disappointment, to horrified disbelief, and am now bereft. When will the congressional republicans recover from their stupor and stand for America rather than party and this man/child who is driving the bus over the cliff?
3
Dear Mr. Brooks, the difference between Trump and children is that children learn, from their mistakes and from their successes. So I am suggesting that you are maligning small humans by comparing them to this, what can I say, porto-human. The great apes are smarter, the country mouse is more street smart, so no more comparisons please. He's just a dumb Homo Erectus.
3
With the city captured wisdom sleeps.
3
We told you this day one Mr Brooks. Nothing has changed, and won't in the future. A lying, manipulative, petulant narcissist.
7
The emperor has no clothes and it’s so satisfying to read one skewer after another. But what say we switch now from skewering to overcoming? What are we going do to do get rid of what must go? Can we turn to concentrating on that?
5
Amen!
So this is the democratic side... this is more like the liberal complain section against President Trump. I see the most comments reflect their personal feelings than actual facts.... all I know that Trump is doing well, but the LIBERALS lol are still hurt that Trump won. LOL! I'm so enjoying this. I'm so glad that I am not longer a lunatic democrat.
3
I insist on an apology. Mr. Brooks insults 7-year olds everywhere.
4
We had 8 years of leadership by child. Thankfully this new guy, though still woozy, is at least a little more mature.
You have helped me understand what has been bothering me about Mr. Trump. Thank you.
2
THANK YOU! There is no "there" there! Trump is the proverbial abyss, blindly staring back, and any attempts to understand him as adept, clever, or complex are a fool's errand.
2
My 3.5 year old has way more compassion,
though she has a sharing problem.
though she has a sharing problem.
Just one question. Everything you say is unassailably correct. So, just one question: how did he get to be President?????
6
Six fireflies are about five and a half fireflies smarter than Trump. Not a fair comparison. Bad!
2
This is the explanation and advice to handle it:. (I and many others tried to tell everyone before the election to no avail)
http://bit.ly/2gWum7z
http://bit.ly/2gz47R0
http://bit.ly/1HCVVKV
http://bit.ly/2gWum7z
http://bit.ly/2gz47R0
http://bit.ly/1HCVVKV
3
Hey, stop giving a bad name to my fireflies............
3
Comparing Trump to a child is an insult to children.
This article is offensive....to 7 year-old boys for comparing them to Trump.
2
David Brooks is unfair to fireflies. They do not beep randomly. Their light flashes are complex signals to attract a mate. Brownian motion might better describe Trump's mind.
1
To call Trump a child is an insult to children everywhere.
3
I had hoped that Trump might grow in to his role as president. That he would understand its importance. Unfortunately, the rich man's son has continued to be a spoiled brat or "enfant terrible". The best thing that could happen to Sean Spicer is that he get fired. McMaster is way to accomplished to have to dance to this man's tune. Trumps immaturity is bringing them all down. The Russians are now playing Trump for all he is worth because they know he is desperate to be liked and about now the only one's who like him are the Russians. Can we last until the end of his term? God help us!
FYI. This is what disruption looks like. Uncomfortable, ... isn't it?
Mitch McConnell "Ok, folks, nothing to see here, lets just move along"
Mitch, I blame you for everything that happens from here on in.
I'd blame Ryan as well but he is almost as dense as Trump.
Mitch, I blame you for everything that happens from here on in.
I'd blame Ryan as well but he is almost as dense as Trump.
No kidding! And there doesn't appear to be any adult in Congress to set him straight.
5
"...We’ve got this perverse situation in which the vast analytic powers of the entire world are being spent trying to understand a guy whose thoughts are often just six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar..."
WOW! (Did I say "WOW"?)
WOW! (Did I say "WOW"?)
1
Our seven-year old man-child president is substituting the approval of others for the approval he never got as a (chronologically) seven-year old from his father. Which is why he never grew up. He is chasing after something he can never get.
1
And of course he has another child in North Korea to play nuclear missiles with. What is the world coming to? An end?
3
Who will bell the cat?
1
> 4300 comments says it all. Let's translate those into votes in 2018
12
As I read all of the comments, from "All" to "NYT Picks" I just want to cry and shed tears of fear for my country and my fellow Americans; those who have worked long and hard to make this country what she is and who are continuing to work hard to keep the country moving forward. My anger at Congress for being complacent in the face of such obvious narcissistic actions causes me deep sorrow. How it hurts, so deeply.
14
Given it is not irrelevant that it was Russians who were holed up in the Oval office with Trump — what kind of leader then has the gall to lock out the press from his own country under such circumstances? Why is he still at large??
It's preposterous! The Preposterous President.
It's preposterous! The Preposterous President.
8
"Dunning-Kruger effect, the phenomenon in which the incompetent person is too incompetent to understand his own incompetence."
25th, Amendment to the US Constitution effect, … when the President transmits … declaration that no inability exists … unless the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.
25th, Amendment to the US Constitution effect, … when the President transmits … declaration that no inability exists … unless the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.
Russian diplomats play Chess.
President Trump blunders at House of Cards.
Poor Sean Spicer is stuck with Fifty-Two Card Pickup.
President Trump blunders at House of Cards.
Poor Sean Spicer is stuck with Fifty-Two Card Pickup.
4
Donald Trump is the pure expression of almost exactly half of the American people. Well, maybe a few have jumped ship but not that many. We seem to be living in a nation with the worldview of a nine year old. I have no idea how to remedy that but it makes no sense to pretend it's not so.
9
leave it to the new york times to refer to president trump as a child. sorry that he doesnt share your liberal views. thats what america is all about- being able to agree to disagree about political views without putting people down.
Republicans control both houses of Congress, 33 governorships and 32 state legislatures. They support Trump no matter what he does or says. Let's vote them out.
11
Haven't we had enough of the penny psychology which seems so popular with reporters these days?
I don't have much sympathy for all the hysterical Democrats who decry the election of a dangerous, infantile demagogue. Their hysteria (feigned perhaps) is wearing thin. Their's is the purest of cynicism. Every day another crisis; imagined or otherwise and always on the front page, the lead story. Trump's election did not happen in a vacuum. It was the result of the exhaustion of the American electorate with the failure of both political parties to successfully address the profound, persistent and worsening problems of the past 20 years. And it was the result of the Democrat's cynical nomination of the worst possible alternative. Their (your) protests ring hollow. Schumer and Pelosi and their acolytes can scream from the rafters; Trump could care less (which enrages them more). By their prior blatant partisan acts and their cynical embrace of all or nothing politics they enabled the rise of Trump. Now we will all see where this all ends. Impeachment? You wish. I think not. Your best hope is 2020
2
Great piece, David. It explains a lot.
4
We had a choice last year between a child and a corrupt, lying, Democrat.
As bad as that child is turning out to be, we made the right choice.
As bad as that child is turning out to be, we made the right choice.
Want to demolish Trump’s infantile ego? I suggest organizing a nationwide march on the scale of the Women’s March with a single message on the signs that reads ‘Trump the Loser!”.
4
Six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar. Now I understand Trump.
2
From a David Brooks column published less than three weeks ago: "Many of his critics still react to him every single day at Outrage Level 11, but the Trump threat is at Level 3 or 4." Pfffft.
3
If it quacks like a duck and walks and swims like a duck, it is probably a duck. And Trump is most definitely still a child. In a rare moment of defense for his actions, I will say that he has never been in the "classroom" of life, where things like rules, being denied any and ever whim, and where others do not always do what you want are lessons that most of us learn. His deal-making (to his benefit...not so much his investors) may or may not have given him the millions he claims, but he is not even an all-round successful businessman who has had to deal with situations over which he was not king. So a child he remains, and we are now paying the price of super-imposing strengths and knowledge on him that he does not possess.
5
All I can utter in response is "duh".
4
Amen.
Thank you David Brooks.
Thank you David Brooks.
2
Bravo! Thank you David Brooks! This is the best and most accurate analysis of Trump ever! Now how do we replace him with a grown-up?
Finally David Brooks sheds his cool demeanor to say what has to be said: this man is INCOMPETENT and UNFIT to be president. DJT is a spoiled child who made it to 70 spewing his random thoughts and ideas because he has only ever worked in a family business where his sycophantic kids are his direct reports. No wonder he is so ill-equipped to lead the nation.
A pox on all the credulous voters who thought he'd "drain the swamp" or change once he was president. There's a lot of blame to go around because it was naiveté on their part -- and his- that put this man-child into office where he is harming our democracy.
A pox on all the credulous voters who thought he'd "drain the swamp" or change once he was president. There's a lot of blame to go around because it was naiveté on their part -- and his- that put this man-child into office where he is harming our democracy.
4
We want to introduce you to one of our very special citizens, little Donny, age 6, who lives in a village called Washington in a place that used to be USA. And if by some strange chance you should run across him, you had best think only good thoughts. Anything less than that is handled at your own risk, because if you do meet Donny, you can be sure of one thing: you have entered The Trump Zone.
2
I would like to thank all the republican leaders who handed to this infant the loaded gun of presidential power, just waiting for 2018 to do that.
2
Best label I've heard for Trump yet - "a hollow man"
1
Perhaps some writer is working on "The Presidency for Dummies." I sure hope so. About 200 million copies would be mailed to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
1
I recently listened to a podcast about biocentrism and found it difficult to accept. The fact that Trump is president makes it clear that we do not all see the same things. The podcast makes no recommendation on how we can help others see/perceive what we see/perceive.
Trump breaks the rules because the rules got us into this mess; ruinous immigration, falling wages, long, victory-less wars, more wins for the internationalist, free trade elite and more losses for the nationalist, blue collar masses.
I hope he breaks every single one of your expectations. People like you are the reason the media hates it. Now the shoe is on the other foot for a bit. Enjoy the ride.
I hope he breaks every single one of your expectations. People like you are the reason the media hates it. Now the shoe is on the other foot for a bit. Enjoy the ride.
Americans knew all this during the primary..and still voted for him...America can never be great with this kind of thinking..
7
"trying to understand a guy whose thoughts are often just six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar."
The trick is to keep the lid on.
The trick is to keep the lid on.
1
As the mother of a 9 year old boy, I have to say that Trump looks more to me like someone with dementia and like someone who suffers from narcissism than a child who innocently lacks impulse control or self-awareness. Let's not denigrate children here as we pick apart the president.
5
We can all see that the man who skated into the White House on the barest of margins in an archaic election system is wholly unfit for the job. The scary part? Go read or listen to Fox News and all the other right wing media; Trump is doing fine! The Left is making mountains out of mole hills! Lock up The Leakers and the NY Times! How in the world do we convince a large percentage of the population they are being lied to? Who will they blame when DT, "their guy" is ousted in disgrace? How can we function when so many are so delusional that they will vote for someone who is as incompetent (and we all knew he was) as the current president?
7
"...six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar."
My god, I want that printed on a bright red hat.
My god, I want that printed on a bright red hat.
3
The world is not led by a child. The United States however is.
2
The children are the media, not the man currently in the Oval Office.
Finally, David Brooks writes a column that is honest about Trump. It's about time, David.
3
He is 70 years old with multiple symptoms of Dementia. Not at all unusual given his age. There is no cure. It will continue to get worse. Stop viewing him as a rational person. He is suffering from mental illness. He needs professional evaluation. He has the nuclear launch codes and he his impulsive. Are there any safeguards in place to stop him from launching due to a tantrum?
7
When asked, "Do you stand behind your comments?" Donald said, "I don't stand behind anything!"
What else does America need to know?
What else does America need to know?
7
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Please lead the way. You must do this and lead the way for the country to be rid of Trump.
DCP
DCP
I get the child-like characteristics. But generally children are not do mean, not so discriminatory, not so misogynistic.
3
Ok David Brooks. I agree. In fact, I wrote a similar opinion way back on Jan 7.So, I beat you by 4 months.
https://josephurban.wordpress.com/2017/01/07/the-adolescent-president/
https://josephurban.wordpress.com/2017/01/07/the-adolescent-president/
The POTUS is JUST like a small child of about three! And we are the parents of this out-of-control kid that is in the highest office in our Great Nation....We go to sleep and dream that he's the President of the United States... we wake up in the middle of the night fraught with worry for our country and the whole wide world... think to ourselves (in the dream) "DT works for US -it is HE who should be lying awake in the middle of the night worrying about the country..." then we REALLY wake up.... and remember we are living a nightmare....
3
Some people in the USA seem to cheer madly whenever Trump says or does whatever.
Some people in the USA seem to tear their hair out in disgust or anger whenever Trump says or does whatever.
People over here in Germany appear to seriously ask themselves more and more: what's going on in the USA?
ARE ALL AMERICANS, REGARDLESS IF THEY AGREE WITH THIS DANGEROUS CHILD PRESIDENT OR NOT, JUST PARTICIPATING IN A SHOW? IS THERE NO ONE LEFT WHO WILL D O SOMETHING NOW?
Some people in the USA seem to tear their hair out in disgust or anger whenever Trump says or does whatever.
People over here in Germany appear to seriously ask themselves more and more: what's going on in the USA?
ARE ALL AMERICANS, REGARDLESS IF THEY AGREE WITH THIS DANGEROUS CHILD PRESIDENT OR NOT, JUST PARTICIPATING IN A SHOW? IS THERE NO ONE LEFT WHO WILL D O SOMETHING NOW?
2
One of your best columns. The scary part is that the Trump you aptly described is the standard-bearer for the Republican Party. And Republicans, who should be pushing the panic button, are still defending him.
4
The professionals of the mind politely declined
to appraise Trump's odd mental ways.
But now it is clear
what we see here
is childhood repeating
as his brain is retreating.
to appraise Trump's odd mental ways.
But now it is clear
what we see here
is childhood repeating
as his brain is retreating.
1
Barack Obama could read research and intelligence briefs while watching a basketball game and come out remembering all the details of each one.
Know the difference between a bomb from the three point line and a bomb from Irkutsk, mr commander in chief?
Know the difference between a bomb from the three point line and a bomb from Irkutsk, mr commander in chief?
1
Thank you very much for your thoughts and opinions on this person. I am a grade school and middle school music teacher. Our faculty is dedicated, principled, and extremely focused on not only academics but student character. Presidents execute many roles and the character of this person in the eyes of our youth is confusing, disappointing and outright distasteful. I beg your pardon in saying that you forgot to mention one quality important in being a decent grown-up. Taking responsibility for one's actions.
7
It's snowing outside! Donny, are you making it snow?
Donny: Yes, I'm making it snow.
Why, that'll ruin half the crops! You know that, don't you, half the crops! That's what that...But it's good that you're making it snow, Donny, - it's real good. And tomorrow - tomorrow's going to be a real good day!
Donny: Yes, I'm making it snow.
Why, that'll ruin half the crops! You know that, don't you, half the crops! That's what that...But it's good that you're making it snow, Donny, - it's real good. And tomorrow - tomorrow's going to be a real good day!
1
Bravo! David Books.
And David Brooks, when our nation is led by a child, and a substantial number of our nation still support him, what does THAT imply?
4
Republicans aren't ashamed. I don't believe it. Deniers from the day one.
Where is Trump's family? Why have they been so quiet? So far the only people backing him are people who may get thrown under the bus, his White House lackeys; unlike his family, they are expendable.
3
As the mother of a young son, suggesting Trump's egomaniacal behavior is like that of a seven-year-old boy feels generous.
Here again Brooks misses the point. Trump may be childish, narcissistic, etc, but that is not the true cause of our self-destruction. Rather, it is the absence of even three -- yes, just three -- righteous Senators willing to disown the fool's enabling political party and caucus as Independents. As Brooks well knows, the Lord was willing to save even Sodom were there but a few righteous people in that sinful city. But in Washington, even the righteous David won't advocate a political switch which would dethrone his party, even temporarily. SO SAD!
2
Where was this column during the primaries?
28
Get real. There is no There there. There never was.
Given the income disparity in this country, and the greater disparity to come if the GOP gets its way, the disenfranchised 99% feel no one is on their side.
Money has corrupted American politics to the core. Both political parties are beholden to the wealthy, the only difference is one of degree, and we are asked to choose the lesser evil, rather than cast a positive vote.
Trump is the symptom, not the disease.
Given the income disparity in this country, and the greater disparity to come if the GOP gets its way, the disenfranchised 99% feel no one is on their side.
Money has corrupted American politics to the core. Both political parties are beholden to the wealthy, the only difference is one of degree, and we are asked to choose the lesser evil, rather than cast a positive vote.
Trump is the symptom, not the disease.
8
I don't know how to get across to the general public that something called "negative feedback" suppresses the development of chaos.
1
Best analysis of Trump I've read. Brooks sees him as an adult without being swayed by his money or flash, measuring him according to the same standards applied to the rest of us. From emotional shortcomings to intellectual failures, this article analyzes him without political ideology coloring or excusing his odd behavior. Unfortunately, the person who becomes clear is one I'd rather never see or hear from again...not in my newspaper, not on my favorite TV shows, not as my President.
But he's the President of the United States! Elected by many just to punish the rest of us for all sorts of perceived slights, from having a candidate who did not speak to them (did their candidate EVER speak to us? Even now he meets daily w/all white men!) to wanting equal pay when working with a uterus or dark skin, wanting equal rights to marry the person you love, using birth control even though they think it makes women less attractive, on and on, they think they pranked us college grads expecting a President to meet certain norms in terms of knowledge, policy, & experience. But for libertarians, Trump takes them part of the way there. They don't fear the chaos, they see it as a step up.
So that leaves me wanting more from David Brooks--I want to know what to do now? How best to limit the damage from this child-man? How best to protect the nation from Trump and from those who may want to capitalize on the Trump-effect on our institutions, norms, beliefs, and moral standards?
But he's the President of the United States! Elected by many just to punish the rest of us for all sorts of perceived slights, from having a candidate who did not speak to them (did their candidate EVER speak to us? Even now he meets daily w/all white men!) to wanting equal pay when working with a uterus or dark skin, wanting equal rights to marry the person you love, using birth control even though they think it makes women less attractive, on and on, they think they pranked us college grads expecting a President to meet certain norms in terms of knowledge, policy, & experience. But for libertarians, Trump takes them part of the way there. They don't fear the chaos, they see it as a step up.
So that leaves me wanting more from David Brooks--I want to know what to do now? How best to limit the damage from this child-man? How best to protect the nation from Trump and from those who may want to capitalize on the Trump-effect on our institutions, norms, beliefs, and moral standards?
11
It seems that Brooks and other pundits write columns around the edges of Trump's behavior and don't write about the elephant in the room - mental illness. A serious column should be written regarding Trump and his apparent mental illness. ADHD, insomnia...whatever it is, should be directly addressed. Instead of attacking Trump as a 'child' and impulsive, can a psychologist/journalist write a thorough article evaluating his behavior and the potential cause of it? This perspective on Trump needs to be part of the media discussion.
5
The electoral college HAS TO GO. It failed in its main job which is to protect the nation from electing an unfit President. There is no rationale left for its existence.
21
I agree completely. . .
. . . but what does it mean to "prime" a "pump"? Why not just switch it on?
. . . but what does it mean to "prime" a "pump"? Why not just switch it on?
2
I very much appreciate this character analysis and desire for a person of substance as Commander in Chief -- any substance.
What's puzzling is that this article is being written so long after Trump's election.
The black hole of insecurity that had to be filled by self-aggrandizing remarks; the attention span of a gnat and the vocabulary of a 5-year old; the impulsiveness, even insistence, to do what he wished, despite good counsel; the tweets, the indifference to hurtful consequence of his words, the brutality, rudeness and lack of crucial knowledge of governance were all evident on the campaign trail.
Trump's Russian connections were already known and being investigated by the FBI. His encouragement of Russian hackers, and his evident friendship with Putin were available for journalistic comment.
His lack of judgement has been on full display for a year, with the slip of an intelligence source to Russia only the latest gaff.
The new things we've learned since his election are how much he uses his office to increase his wealth, what a huge scofflaw he is, and that the Republican House uses him merely as their "bill signer".
It now falls to journalists to vigorously report the truth. More articles like this are needed.
Its title is interesting. Europe leads the world, now, not the U.S. France and Germany are the dual heads of state. Trump is called "a clown". The U.S. is slowly being excluded from global negotiations because of its unstable administration.
Sad
What's puzzling is that this article is being written so long after Trump's election.
The black hole of insecurity that had to be filled by self-aggrandizing remarks; the attention span of a gnat and the vocabulary of a 5-year old; the impulsiveness, even insistence, to do what he wished, despite good counsel; the tweets, the indifference to hurtful consequence of his words, the brutality, rudeness and lack of crucial knowledge of governance were all evident on the campaign trail.
Trump's Russian connections were already known and being investigated by the FBI. His encouragement of Russian hackers, and his evident friendship with Putin were available for journalistic comment.
His lack of judgement has been on full display for a year, with the slip of an intelligence source to Russia only the latest gaff.
The new things we've learned since his election are how much he uses his office to increase his wealth, what a huge scofflaw he is, and that the Republican House uses him merely as their "bill signer".
It now falls to journalists to vigorously report the truth. More articles like this are needed.
Its title is interesting. Europe leads the world, now, not the U.S. France and Germany are the dual heads of state. Trump is called "a clown". The U.S. is slowly being excluded from global negotiations because of its unstable administration.
Sad
10
Excellent, spot-on column. And it goes without saying -- Trump has been like this his entire life. He has spent no time studying policy or reading history. He's just spent time fluffing his own ego and calling other people names. He never prepared for this job.
As a result it seems like much of the nation is collectively suffering a mental health crisis. Another good analysis came this week from Gregg Popovich, the Spurs basketball coach: "But to this day, I feel like there's a cloud, a pall over the whole country, in a paranoid, surreal sort of way. And it's got nothing to do with Democrats losing the election. It's got to do with the way one individual conducts himself, and that's embarrassing."
As a result it seems like much of the nation is collectively suffering a mental health crisis. Another good analysis came this week from Gregg Popovich, the Spurs basketball coach: "But to this day, I feel like there's a cloud, a pall over the whole country, in a paranoid, surreal sort of way. And it's got nothing to do with Democrats losing the election. It's got to do with the way one individual conducts himself, and that's embarrassing."
8
Fourty percent of the nation cannot see that Trump has the emotional stability of a seven year old boy. Even if by some miracle we survive Trump, what possible future can our nation have when so many are incapable of seeing the obvious?
5
You're being generous with the age....
1
If all of this is true, what is Congress implicitly supporting it?
2
I wish someone would also address another important issue: the deeply dysfunctional and flawed political system that gave us this monster. Even if he leaves the stage, without fundamental changes in our society and our institutions, an aberration like him could appear again.
7
Trump does not under-promise and over-perform.
David, you nailed it.
3
David, Your theory is interesting..What comes to my mind is how did he become a Billionaire Real Estate Developer...Aside from the fact that he got his start from his father...And him running for president of the US, and ability to read and speak to the disgruntled masses of close to 50% of the electorate..He had to have something going for him besides the need to be liked.
1
When you had a chance to speak out against Trump becoming president, there was nothing but dead air. There were more than enough evidence to show he was not the man for the office, but like a number of other Republicans, it was party over country. He showed no moral compass when he was not our president and certainly does not have one now. Never mind the unbridled narcissism which was very evident.
Please spare us your pontificating.
Please spare us your pontificating.
This article is spot on. Sad.. but so many of us who either lived in NYC or had dealings with him prior recognize the absolute truth in this assessment. Trump has such a personality disorder that for many voters his "presidency" and the continuous disasters within this administration are not a surprise although the extent of the horror is mind-boggling for even his detractors.
The fear is ramped up by the acquiescence of the complicit GOP who are blatantly using him to pass a severely conservative agenda. Greed and mean spirited ideology have taken them over - they are virtually unrecognizable from their past iteration - and their behavior abhorrent to a similar degree to Trump's. We normally could count on institutions to curb this tsunami of horror but they have been weakened and the GOP do nothing. What the ultimate outcome will be is anyone's guess at this point.
The fear is ramped up by the acquiescence of the complicit GOP who are blatantly using him to pass a severely conservative agenda. Greed and mean spirited ideology have taken them over - they are virtually unrecognizable from their past iteration - and their behavior abhorrent to a similar degree to Trump's. We normally could count on institutions to curb this tsunami of horror but they have been weakened and the GOP do nothing. What the ultimate outcome will be is anyone's guess at this point.
Realistically, the time has come for Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment. I would guess that a majority of the cabinet would go along with him.
There is no need to even consider impeachment. Trump is obviously incapable of discharging the office to which he has been elected.
There is no need to even consider impeachment. Trump is obviously incapable of discharging the office to which he has been elected.
4
There's a new medical phenomenon sweeping America - Trump-fatigue. Just take a look at before and after pictures of previous American presidents, and you get sense of the toll the office takes on a man. Trump is one perpetual motion/talking machine who has given us more to see and hear in 130 days than we might expect in a year (or two). This circus shows no signs of slowing down, and Trump's chaotic and restless behavior cannot possibly lead anywhere good. Sad thing is, we're paying the price. To prove my point, look at a picture of yourself around the time Trump was elected. Take a picture today and compare. Yup, Trump-fatigue is real. I'm just hoping it's not fatal.
2
The press and the people have come alive. David Brooks never wrote a better column. Thank you.
The infante terrible in the White House frightens us but also engages us. It's like watching a car crash but this time the crash might fall on all of us. We can't look away. This time the disaster may even engulf the world.
Best he leave. Feign sickness, serious condition requiring complete rest. Daily I am fearful that this child who pretends he knows what he is doing will make a mistake that is fatal for the country. Literally, I fear for every country.
The infante terrible in the White House frightens us but also engages us. It's like watching a car crash but this time the crash might fall on all of us. We can't look away. This time the disaster may even engulf the world.
Best he leave. Feign sickness, serious condition requiring complete rest. Daily I am fearful that this child who pretends he knows what he is doing will make a mistake that is fatal for the country. Literally, I fear for every country.
2
"We badly want to understand Trump, to grasp him,"...really??? I mean, seriously...?? Another rich white kid who inherited his father's business, but then stumbles into the presidency with a promise to make America great again??
Maybe this is funny to watch from Michigan and Wisconsin, but our country is actually on its way to becoming a joke with Trump at the helm. Where are the adults in this story? Where are the people who understand what's at stake??
Maybe this is funny to watch from Michigan and Wisconsin, but our country is actually on its way to becoming a joke with Trump at the helm. Where are the adults in this story? Where are the people who understand what's at stake??
God help us get this man out of the White House before he causes even more damage to the country and the world.
9
Vote in 2018 people! Change the Congressional makeup! Get a majority. These Republicans will never impeach him - no matter how far he goes off the edge.
8
Really...nothing more needs to be said. Thank you David Brooks for this insightful and succinct column.
5
David, why is it that you, as well as, so many others fail to point out the support given to this man by the leaders of the Republican Party? Are they not at as guilty of Trump, if not more so? Trumps character flaws were apparent early in the election cycle. His relationships with known criminals and fraudsters was not a hidden secret. He was and still is given a pass on all this and we are shocked by the mans incompetence. Where was the media throughout the election? Most importantly where is the Republican leadership now? Are we to wait for the nation to crumble before our eyes and oh my god it is happening. Ryan, Pence and Mitch, all have much to answer for and one cannot help but question the honesty, integrity, intelligence and ability and right to lead our nation.
12
It's the voters who elected him, not elected officials.
This is *not* what Christians mean when they say, "A little child shall lead them."
13
I've handled classified information at different times in my career. I was extremely careful to adhere to all the procedures. Every in my shop was. Republican, democrat; it didn't matter. We knew lives were at stake, and we were there to protect people.
And now this. I find it disheartening.
And now this. I find it disheartening.
5
As an adult (sic) the President's reported discomfiture sitting could be a sign of evasiveness, of wanting to get away with something, which could be a natural reaction to past company kept. Regarding the sense of self, one's own limitations, it is as well to remember that the patterns which one learns about oneself over time result from "interbehavior with stimulus objects". The patterns which he has developed in this regard are perhaps different from others in that they are comprised of at least an aura of the grandiose, viz his building projects, golf courses, servants, etc. The idea of a rich man serving the people likely doesn't sit well with him. Conforming to a liberal stimulus setting likely does not appeal to him either, as it would require him to become a liberal. De Vigny said much the same thing of Victor Hugo. As regards having learned to know what others are thinking, we should not likely successfully attribute to him the faculty of a clairvoyant or a savant. Rather, like someone who has lived above the concerns of others, what goes on below him doesn't really matter to him, except that he likes to make it appear that it does, which is the source of the supposed craving for adulation, love, what have you. Understanding him is difficult because we are not where he is, and so we cannot, fully, because he has no desire whatever to have us there. If he is careless, sloppy, which I tend to doubt, then the similarity with a stage in childhood holds, but I doubt it.
"As a result, he is weirdly transparent." sounds like an autism spectrum disorder trait to me. there are rumors that his son is on the spectrum. there is a strong genetic predisposition for ASD. ASD can vary greatly from person to person. to me, he seems to have enough traits to qualify.
1
Trump is best described as an adult with ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. I am not s psychologist but have had the experience of raising such a child. Since he is 70 years old there is no fix, he won't grow out of the problem. There is medication that mitigate the extremes but there is little hope he can gain the capacity to be thoughtful and disciplined. As president he is dangerous. Either the 25th amendment or impeachment must be invoked.
Well written and accurate! I have grandchildren who are more articulate and mature than trump. Many of those who still support him still believe he is "bringing jobs back ". I heard this comment today.
5
David- excellent and insightful analysis.
1
I told my 12yo that Trump had given highly classified information about Syria to the Russian ambassador and foreign minister. My child's first question: "Why would he do that when we aren't on the same side as Russia in Syria?"
Mr. Brooks, you give 7- and 9-year-olds too little credit. In terms of impulse control, Trump acts far more like a toddler, one who wants what he wants at any cost and will go on rampages when thwarted. When will Congressional Republicans stop indulging and spoiling him like permissive parents? Any parent knows that toddlers will constantly push boundaries. It's past time for the grownups to establish and enforce standards of behavior.
Mr. Brooks, you give 7- and 9-year-olds too little credit. In terms of impulse control, Trump acts far more like a toddler, one who wants what he wants at any cost and will go on rampages when thwarted. When will Congressional Republicans stop indulging and spoiling him like permissive parents? Any parent knows that toddlers will constantly push boundaries. It's past time for the grownups to establish and enforce standards of behavior.
4
My quandary is this; with character and maturity flaws so blatantly obvious how is it that his supporters remain so dedicated? Are they impaired by similar weaknesses or is their anger so consuming they fail to see Trump for what he truly is? In the end I'm not sure what concerns me the most - a man-child president or 84% of one political party in this country failing to see that reality.
5
Yes, David Brooks, you are correct about Mr. Trump. I fully agree with you. Certainly, your estimation of Trump is couched in less scathing terms than I have used in my own editorials. I have been sounding a warning, along with many others, since long before he was nominated. Paul Ryan and Reince Priebus sold their souls to get the WH back. Those who voted for him and those who chose not to vote bear a terrible responsibility. Democracy and the Free Press are under attack. There is a lot of hatred and it affects our daily lives. In our own Midwestern town a teenage driver was nearly run off the road recently because she had a "Stop Hate" bumper sticker and another driver apparently could not stand for stopping hate. So, it seems that many of us are prone to childish actions when we are hating others. Those of us who care about our Democracy and our fellow Americans must focus and begin to, as MLK said, "Hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope." Otherwise, we have sold everything we hold dear.
3
This so accurate that I'm both laughing and crying. However, I think it's worth noting that Trump is a reflection of most of the people who voted for him. We live in narcissistic times. People assume that they're experts because they have feelings about an issue based off of an article that they read (or more likely a headline that they clicked on). Policy and good governance are hard to master, a lesson both our president and his supports need to take time to understand, though I doubt they will.
5
This is painful to read because it is so accurate.
Most truthful truth in the piece:
Trump’s statements don’t necessarily come from anywhere, lead anywhere or have a permanent reality beyond his wish to be liked at any given instant.
Trump is completely governed by his id - unmitigated by compassion, intelligence, cognition because little to none exist in this man.
Dark times.
Most truthful truth in the piece:
Trump’s statements don’t necessarily come from anywhere, lead anywhere or have a permanent reality beyond his wish to be liked at any given instant.
Trump is completely governed by his id - unmitigated by compassion, intelligence, cognition because little to none exist in this man.
Dark times.
1
Impeachment is a political process which is only for emergencies. This president presents crisis after crisis of his own making. Having a chief executive who is unfit to govern is an emergency. Impeachment is a horrible process which tears at the fabric of the country and drags us all through the mud. Nixon resigned rather than face removal from office. Clinton survived, but the country did not fare as well. What followed was a coarsening of our politics until the competing political party has become the center of all evil. It is becoming clearer that we have no good choices in front of us as a nation. If, as many Republicans seem to do, we choose to bury our heads in the sand and hope President Trump doesn't crash the ship of state, we risk the destruction of the Republic and more. The pattern of recklessness will not subside with press scrutiny. It will only balloon. If we take the path of impeachment, we risk the wrath of an unstable man with his hands on the nuclear codes. It is not a dire emergency yet. Many of our people don't even perceive a problem yet. Let's not wait too long to act.
3
How did this happen? And what does it say about our country? How did we get so careless about protecting our own national interest? We have a lot of soul-searching to do.
What is scary is the fact that he was even allowed to run for office. Every other job seems to have qualifications. The presidency seems to have none.
2
Your political party -- the one you have spent years backing and and even promoting -- put this man in office and enables him even up to this moment, Mr. Brooks. When will you take personal responsibility for your part in this over the past decade?
3
ISIS intel? Casually shared with top Russians. Tax Returns? Top secret to the American electorate. You think this is the mind of a seven-year-old? Then YOU send him to bed without that second scoop of ice cream. And Good luck.
6
We've read about this type of leader before in other countries. "How did these people let themselves become victimized by such an insane disgusting person?" we'd ask ourselves. "Why don't the people rise up and get rid of him?" we'd say. Well, it's happened here. And we know how it happens now. Child man or narcissistic sociopath, Trump showed us that he was unstable well before the election. But millions of Americans refused to see it. They saw "someone different", someone to "shake things up". He had to be smart because he was so rich. His ravings must be all part of some bigger game plan. That's what his supporter believed. Now he's still showing us that he's nuts and unqualified but his supporters only see what Fox and the other right wing media chose to tell them. Until his voters and Fox turn on him the Republican Party leaders won't. Hopefully, it won't be too late for us when they finally oust him.
6
Our thanks to David Brooks for such a well-written summation/explanation for why president Trump (an oxymoron for the ages) is the clueless, corrupted, temper tantrum-throwing empty suit that he keeps proving to be.
2
This is to all republicans! For the love of god, look in the mirror and ask yourself a question; "how low would you go to have a republican president in power".
Do it for your kids, do it for your country...I dare you!
Do it for your kids, do it for your country...I dare you!
Newsflash for conservative pundits: yes, there is a worse scenario than a black liberal in the White House.
5
More and more of us are coming to realize that Trump is inept. He is unfit for the presidency. He is not some genius using chaos and insanity as clever negotiating tactics - he's completely and utterly inept. Trump, as Brooks says, is so inept he doesn't realize how inept he is. I believe many Republican Senators and Representatives do realize how inept Trump is. The check and balance they should be providing is non-existent. Their hypocrisy as they enable Trump is laid bare for all to see.
4
Mr. Brooks its not the whole world. Its just the USA! I am pretty sure that most of the world has given up on the USA. The chinese have already formed a new bloc of its own. Its time you recognize the dominance of USA is over.
2
His Majesty, The Baby!
True he has the immaturity described here, but he also has the means of a psychopath.
4
It is utterly clear that Trump must be removed from office before he commits the 'big blunder', the one that ends civilization. We need no more evidence of incompetent, reckless, self serving conduct to which is now added that he is functionally a Russian agent. The prospects of his remaining in office are catastrophic. It is abundantly clear as well that most if not every single one of readers here support that step. The only question is, how can that objective be most swiftly executed? I and I would presume most if not all can no longer abide this buffoon. He threatens our lives and disgraces our Nation. We must act now to defend democracy and protect our Nation and the world. That Trump asked Comey to close the Michael Flynn investigation is the most glaring and treasonous act of his presidency. Trump must be removed from office NOW!!!
3
Tonight on the tv, one of the major news shows here in the NY area at 6:30 gave detail as to national source of a spy within a named city for the Trump info. So is the media really concerned about our allies and spy lives or is the media now getting the scoop before Trump does...regardless of the life involved. Does anyone see the warping of the journalism in this?
... narcissism sociopathy attentional dysfunction functional illiteracy ... (complex and longstanding) ...
2
"He did it because he is sloppy, because he lacks all impulse control, and above all because he is a 7-year-old boy desperate for the approval of those he admires."
This piece is just excellent. That maybe why the comment section is not closed yet. Already 4,345 comments are in, with 40 NYT recs. Thank you David Brooks for writing this incisive piece!
The president often seems to alternately feel he is unfit to become president & he's the most important man ever occupied that office. If he's handled properly, feeding his ego as much as necessary, while gently guiding him to put out good policies, he MAY agree to propose good policies.
The only people I could think of with my LIMITED knowledge of DC personalities, are Bill & Hillary Clinton. They both maybe furious with him now. But I still believe Bill Clinton at least is committed to the welfare of the nation as well as the world. He very much like Mrs. Clinton is not that likable. It doesn't matter.
Both have had a fairly good relationship with him previously. Chelsea Clinton has been friends with Ivanka Trump. So if all three make a delicate, concerted effort, they maybe able to wean president Trump away from hardline Republicans to have something close to Hillary Clinton's campaign platform. The world would be extremely grateful to the Clintons as well as to the Trumps. Milder infractions on the part of the Trump family could be disregarded; there may not be anything major.
This piece is just excellent. That maybe why the comment section is not closed yet. Already 4,345 comments are in, with 40 NYT recs. Thank you David Brooks for writing this incisive piece!
The president often seems to alternately feel he is unfit to become president & he's the most important man ever occupied that office. If he's handled properly, feeding his ego as much as necessary, while gently guiding him to put out good policies, he MAY agree to propose good policies.
The only people I could think of with my LIMITED knowledge of DC personalities, are Bill & Hillary Clinton. They both maybe furious with him now. But I still believe Bill Clinton at least is committed to the welfare of the nation as well as the world. He very much like Mrs. Clinton is not that likable. It doesn't matter.
Both have had a fairly good relationship with him previously. Chelsea Clinton has been friends with Ivanka Trump. So if all three make a delicate, concerted effort, they maybe able to wean president Trump away from hardline Republicans to have something close to Hillary Clinton's campaign platform. The world would be extremely grateful to the Clintons as well as to the Trumps. Milder infractions on the part of the Trump family could be disregarded; there may not be anything major.
3
Our society recognizes that children are still developing their decision-making capacity, and as such, we do not hold them to be fully responsible for their actions. How ironic then that by using the analogy of Trump as child, Mr. Brooks and other Trump enablers (85%+ of Republicans) seek to shirk their own responsibility for supporting this demonstrably disastrous Trump presidency.
Trump’s enablers are deplorably inebriated parents, drunk on greed, rage, and proximity to power, who have given a live, loaded assault rifle to their first-person shooter video game-addled four year-old boy in the middle of a crowded theater. “What could possibly go wrong?” they tell the panicked crowd. “There is nothing to worry about, after all he is rich!” they insist. “Besides, if someone gets shot … it’s all Hillary’s fault!!” they exclaim, thrilled to see terror on the audience’s faces.
Most Republicans gleefully harangue those less fortunate and darker-skinned than themselves in their Cosby-esque insistence on “personal responsibility” as the only solution to poverty and violence. Yet when confronted with the “grown-up” task of owning up to and correcting their egregious mistake, they themselves prove to be incapable of taking responsibility. Instead, Mr. Brooks and the enablers merely project their failures onto Trump, just as Trump does to his "enemies".
For the sake of our nation and the the world, dear Republicans, take a look in the mirror, and grow up -- before it's too late!
Trump’s enablers are deplorably inebriated parents, drunk on greed, rage, and proximity to power, who have given a live, loaded assault rifle to their first-person shooter video game-addled four year-old boy in the middle of a crowded theater. “What could possibly go wrong?” they tell the panicked crowd. “There is nothing to worry about, after all he is rich!” they insist. “Besides, if someone gets shot … it’s all Hillary’s fault!!” they exclaim, thrilled to see terror on the audience’s faces.
Most Republicans gleefully harangue those less fortunate and darker-skinned than themselves in their Cosby-esque insistence on “personal responsibility” as the only solution to poverty and violence. Yet when confronted with the “grown-up” task of owning up to and correcting their egregious mistake, they themselves prove to be incapable of taking responsibility. Instead, Mr. Brooks and the enablers merely project their failures onto Trump, just as Trump does to his "enemies".
For the sake of our nation and the the world, dear Republicans, take a look in the mirror, and grow up -- before it's too late!
When an ignorant, vulgar megalomaniac like Trump can be put in the White House by a minority of disinformed voters, and kept there by a political party that spits on the people, we can only conclude that calling the United States a Democracy is a sham, at best.
6
HE NEEDS TO GO
2
:::the emperor has no clothes:::
1
Incompetent.
Now dangerous to national security.
He must go.
Now dangerous to national security.
He must go.
2
Lil' Donnie Trump, our President. Good grief.
2
All the dems have to do is reach out to the working class. Reestablish unions in this country. The majority are not bigots.
Do I hear the sounds of silence coming from the left. All hail neoliberalism.
Do I hear the sounds of silence coming from the left. All hail neoliberalism.
3
He can do anything, not because he's president but because he is Trump. Time to stop discussing Donald and start analyzing Pence because he's more competent and therefore more dangerous than our current child-ruler.
1
Trump is an authoritarian. He is supported and advised by white racists. Just as Hitler personally controlled the German Army in the field, Trump has said he understands ISIS better than the generals. He says he knows more about aircraft carrier design than the admirals. He complains that his national security adviser talks too much in meetings.
Trump does not read and is both uninformed and uneducated. Just as Hitler was, he knows nothing about history nor about the world in which he lives. Trump does not understand that the Putin regime is a mortal threat to Europe and to the United States.
Trump, and his staff of right-wing advisers, asserts that his power as President is absolute. There is no doubt the Court will rule against him.
Trump is not just seeking approval. He is seeking power. Not appointing people to staff the government, following Bannon's strategy to destroy the existing government, is a step towards personally assuming more power.
So Trump will confront the courts, disobey their orders, and assert his supremacy.
The German Army swore an oath to Hitler personally, not to the German constitution. Trump asked Comey to state his personal loyalty to Trump. When Comey refused, Trump fired him.
Trump's advisers reject the electorate as illegitimate because it is not all white. They reject democracy.
They will not go quietly. Congress and the courts must remove them.
Trump does not read and is both uninformed and uneducated. Just as Hitler was, he knows nothing about history nor about the world in which he lives. Trump does not understand that the Putin regime is a mortal threat to Europe and to the United States.
Trump, and his staff of right-wing advisers, asserts that his power as President is absolute. There is no doubt the Court will rule against him.
Trump is not just seeking approval. He is seeking power. Not appointing people to staff the government, following Bannon's strategy to destroy the existing government, is a step towards personally assuming more power.
So Trump will confront the courts, disobey their orders, and assert his supremacy.
The German Army swore an oath to Hitler personally, not to the German constitution. Trump asked Comey to state his personal loyalty to Trump. When Comey refused, Trump fired him.
Trump's advisers reject the electorate as illegitimate because it is not all white. They reject democracy.
They will not go quietly. Congress and the courts must remove them.
3
Trump's disabilities are easy for most classroom teachers to spot within the first few months of school:
1. His vocabulary is limited. The "sentences" are often phrases connected by the few "filler words" that he knows. Things are "really,really big...the best.etc.
2. He perseverates, recycling the same two or three themes (voter fraud, red states,inauguration crowd size)over and OVER again. It is difficult to make meaningful progress with a classroom student who is "stuck" in this thinking pattern.
3. His actual thoughts are scrambled. He looses track of where he is/or was, moment to moment, producing what the Media describes as a "Word Salad". The accompanying "Bluster" is a coverup for this inability to track well.
4. Sadly, he is very needy. He likely recognizes that he is different from his peers, and looks to gain their acceptance & recognition.
A skilled classroom teacher would hold back and wait to gain the parents' trust before addressing the situation. BUT, No such luxury exists for us. The welfare of nations ( not just our own) is at stake. Unfortunately the Republicans, knowingly, embraced a disabled child-man, with the ability to sign his name on their legislation...which is really all they wanted. They weren't interested in his ideas. It was a cynical move for which the citizenry should punish them soundly in 2018!
1. His vocabulary is limited. The "sentences" are often phrases connected by the few "filler words" that he knows. Things are "really,really big...the best.etc.
2. He perseverates, recycling the same two or three themes (voter fraud, red states,inauguration crowd size)over and OVER again. It is difficult to make meaningful progress with a classroom student who is "stuck" in this thinking pattern.
3. His actual thoughts are scrambled. He looses track of where he is/or was, moment to moment, producing what the Media describes as a "Word Salad". The accompanying "Bluster" is a coverup for this inability to track well.
4. Sadly, he is very needy. He likely recognizes that he is different from his peers, and looks to gain their acceptance & recognition.
A skilled classroom teacher would hold back and wait to gain the parents' trust before addressing the situation. BUT, No such luxury exists for us. The welfare of nations ( not just our own) is at stake. Unfortunately the Republicans, knowingly, embraced a disabled child-man, with the ability to sign his name on their legislation...which is really all they wanted. They weren't interested in his ideas. It was a cynical move for which the citizenry should punish them soundly in 2018!
6
Child? Sir, you are too generous. Man-BABY is more accurate.
2
What happens when a mad man gets dementia? And he has access to the nuclear codes? Help us all.
2
correction. True he has the immaturity described here, but he also has the meanness and the need for and admiration of a psychopath
3
Plainly Donald Trump is just an empty suit.
3
You are late to the party, Mr. Brooks. Many of us figured this out last year.
3
So how do we get rid of him?
2
Please stop referring to the US President as the leader of the world. Nobody in the rest of the world views your leader as ours.
6
Trump's Reality is Feelings.
Reality is what he is currently Feeling about Other Peoples Feelings about Him. If he doesnt like the Feelings, he Lies, that changes Feelings About Him, of all those who listen, and thus changes Reality.
A child or a tween also lives in a world of Feelings, but a sociopath manipulates adults minds to get what he wants, without care of any consequence to those he bilks.
Trumps is on a mission to change the world by Saying So. Thus he banishes Global Warming and Climate change , disappears 20 million losing health insurance, and wins the popular vote.
A psycho path kills people in his way.
Putin is Trump's idol because Putin can dictate Reality better than any one and has billions to prove it. but Putin is a sociopath and a psychopath.
When will Trump start tossing lawyers out windows and invading neighbor countries and bombing North Korea because he Feels like its the right thing to do, because Putin would do it ?
And because in his mind the world belongs to Oligarchs, including Himself, and no one else matters?
Reality is what he is currently Feeling about Other Peoples Feelings about Him. If he doesnt like the Feelings, he Lies, that changes Feelings About Him, of all those who listen, and thus changes Reality.
A child or a tween also lives in a world of Feelings, but a sociopath manipulates adults minds to get what he wants, without care of any consequence to those he bilks.
Trumps is on a mission to change the world by Saying So. Thus he banishes Global Warming and Climate change , disappears 20 million losing health insurance, and wins the popular vote.
A psycho path kills people in his way.
Putin is Trump's idol because Putin can dictate Reality better than any one and has billions to prove it. but Putin is a sociopath and a psychopath.
When will Trump start tossing lawyers out windows and invading neighbor countries and bombing North Korea because he Feels like its the right thing to do, because Putin would do it ?
And because in his mind the world belongs to Oligarchs, including Himself, and no one else matters?
3
"This is an insult to 7-year-olds!"
-My 7-year-old
-My 7-year-old
3
It is so sad and embarrassing that Trump has reached this level of office. Crazy thing is, I don't blame Trump. He is what he has always been, a nine year old in a man's body seeking the approval of the other kids on playground. A car salesman. A fake, ect. What is really sad and embarrassing is the number of "adults" in government that still defend this man! What is it going to take? How much longer can we pretend this is OK? ARE THERE ANY ADULTS IN CONGRESS/THE SENATE???!!!!!!
3
I hope you all get this sometime in the not too distant future - Donald Trump is SERIOUSLY AND DANGEROUSLY MENTALLY DISORDERED. Facts are whatever his subconscious mind says they are AT THAT MOMENT - and he has no real clue that his thinking is impaired or that he is EVER WRONG about anything. But one other thing you should all know - his subconscious mind {the real culprit here} can NEVER ALLOW HIM TO BE WRONG about anything - and as more and more people add up and hold him to account for all the falsehoods and nonsense he utters on a daily basis his subconscious mind will simply not tolerate it - and he will become more and more agitated and angry and INTERNALLY HURT to the point where he will constantly lash out - not just on his 3:00 AM tweets - but all the time. And then he'll simply self destruct - as the reality of his inability to shut off all the naysayers {or rather - those folks simply trying to stick to reality} will drive his subconscious mind to utter and complete distraction - which is quite simply an inner state of mind that someone with his severe mental disorder simply cannot live with. So PLEASE REPUBLICANS - DO SOMETHING - JOHN McCAIN - LINDSEY GRAHAM - ARE YOU LISTENING ?? This man controls the launch codes - and he will completely lose it sometime soon. What you see is what you get - and he WILL NOT CHANGE. But he can get worse.
If he is a child, how come he became the POTUS?
"Child" is one word for a person utterly lacking in impulse control, driven purely by self-gratification, showing limited recognition of the existence of other minds. There's another, perhaps better word for that too: "psychopath."
2
Thank you Mr. Brooks.
2
It's a refreshing change to have a leader who says what he thinks before he thinks and acts decisively before he decides. We now have our very own Kim Jong Too. The result is that Kim Jong-Un, Putin and Chinese President Xi are likely nervous -- very nervous -- that Trump might hit the "nuke now!" key on his Twitter-enabled device instead of "shift," "enter" or "delete." The case for global disarmament has never been stronger.
1
David Brooks writes as if his thesis is a new idea. Yes, David, this untreated narcissistic man-child is exactly the man who ran for president after years of trolling Page 6 and NBC. I would have voted for Bugs Bunny to prevent this catastrophe, but instead there was a diligent, plodding pro available and that's where I placed my bet. I can look myself in the eye with a clear conscience; I don't know how the Republican party and Trump voters can do the same.
2
Maybe the next time a New Yorker runs for high office, and other New Yorkers, including a rather conservative former mayor, call him a laughable conman way out of his depth, the nation will listen.
I would love to see Bloomberg take out some 15 second TV ads, where he simply looks into the camera and says, "I told you so."
I would love to see Bloomberg take out some 15 second TV ads, where he simply looks into the camera and says, "I told you so."
4
Unfortunately, you have perfectly stated what I and other terrified witnesses to the Trump phenomenon have known all along. There is nothing "there" except celebrity worship from those who want to impress their hopes and desires for self-satisfaction onto an absolutely blank screen. Thanks to all of those who supported and gave credibility to his idiocy (Jeff Sessions, Ann Coulter, Jerry Falwell, Jr.) and who lost their own credibility in doing so, we ended up with Trump out of a field of 16 other qualified candidates.
3
Every time I see the TV talking heads working so hard to figure out what the latest Trump tweet means or why "tapp" was in quotation marks, I feel like throwing the remote at the screen. "You idiots! It is so simple! He has a SERIOUS PERSONALITY DISORDER! He's a SOCIOPATH! He's got the worst case of NARICISSISM since Caligula! He doesn't have a grand plan, he's not "crazy like a fox", he's just a giant seven-year-old in the body of a seventy-year-old man!"
This presidency is like an episode of "Twilight Zone".
This presidency is like an episode of "Twilight Zone".
8
Mr Brooks, do not even TRY to pretend that Mr Trump is sui generis, unprecedented, some unexpected crudescence from the dank darkness.
He is simply the latest iteration and logical extension of what the Publican Party has been evolving toward since at least 1968, if not earlier.
Richard M Nixon was a blatant and repetitive liar.
But Ronald Reagan was more mendacious -- and the Party fully supported his lies.
And George W Bush (and especially his puppeteer, that Dick, Cheney) took that mendacity to further heights -- encouraged in doing so by his Party.
Mitt Rmoney ramped it up still further, to the extent at which he was known as "Mendacious Mitt," and had to state that he would not let his campaign be run by fact-checkers." IE, he would not constrain himself in his manifold deceits.
Donald Trumpf is merely the next logical, predictable -- indeed, inevitable -- step in this moral devolution.
And his Party (of which you are still a member) still supports him.
The only questions are:
Is Trumpf the asymptote?
Or will the next one continue the series?
And when (s)he does, will you still support them?
He is simply the latest iteration and logical extension of what the Publican Party has been evolving toward since at least 1968, if not earlier.
Richard M Nixon was a blatant and repetitive liar.
But Ronald Reagan was more mendacious -- and the Party fully supported his lies.
And George W Bush (and especially his puppeteer, that Dick, Cheney) took that mendacity to further heights -- encouraged in doing so by his Party.
Mitt Rmoney ramped it up still further, to the extent at which he was known as "Mendacious Mitt," and had to state that he would not let his campaign be run by fact-checkers." IE, he would not constrain himself in his manifold deceits.
Donald Trumpf is merely the next logical, predictable -- indeed, inevitable -- step in this moral devolution.
And his Party (of which you are still a member) still supports him.
The only questions are:
Is Trumpf the asymptote?
Or will the next one continue the series?
And when (s)he does, will you still support them?
2
Saturday Night Live should do a satire of the Tom Hanks movie "Big," which was about a 12 year old boy who was transformed into a 35 year old man. They could call it "Bigly."
4
The man, at a graduation commencement keynote speech, read the school's upcoming football schedule with commentary on each prospective contest. He's nutso, baby, nutso.
5
I completely agree with the article. However, we all kind of knew that this was the case even before the election. So, what do we call all those Trump voters? Infantilists?
6
In the trail of questionable actions and statements by Mr. Trump that have come to light it is hard not to believe that buried in the assertions and denials are one or more incidents that would qualify for inclusion in Tricky Dick Nixon's bag of tricks. Even the alliteration of Tricky Trump seems qualified for anyone who has issued the volume of twisted tweets that he has managed to issue. In some ways one is beginning to feel somewhat sorry for Mr. Trump as he thrashes about wrestling with the realities of the presidency and the inadequacies of his in-laws and his Cabinet. Our sorry is more realistically reserved for ourselves no doubt.
David, stop being an apologist for Trump! "Oh, he's not a bad child. He's just upset because..." or "He just needs to grow up a little."
Both my boys were far more mature by the time they were 7 than Trump demonstrates now.
More importantly, both boys had developed a sense of morality, of what is right and what is wrong, and that, folks is EXACTLY what Trump lacks!
I keep saying that Trump isn't so confusing because a little thought reveals all his motivations:
1) The need to always be loved, worshiped, adored and seen as the smartest guy in the room.
2) The need for absolute final authority, on his instant word. That's been his mantra throughout his career. He is NEVER wrong and anyone who shows he is is "unfair" "biased" and a lot of filthy names.
3) The need to hustle and obtain money, without actually earning. Trump is never so happy as when he's skunked someone out of money he owes them. Think of the contractors, workers, and Trump U victims.
4) Sex. He sees women as adornments who should ALL want to have sex with him, and if he forces them, that's what they are for. The pure misogynist.
5) Vengeance. He never forgets as sleight and was taught by Fred to NEVER let someone "get away" with it but always hit back at least 5x as hard.
Combine this with absolutely NO moral code whatsoever and you have everything you need to know about this sociopath in the WH.
Both my boys were far more mature by the time they were 7 than Trump demonstrates now.
More importantly, both boys had developed a sense of morality, of what is right and what is wrong, and that, folks is EXACTLY what Trump lacks!
I keep saying that Trump isn't so confusing because a little thought reveals all his motivations:
1) The need to always be loved, worshiped, adored and seen as the smartest guy in the room.
2) The need for absolute final authority, on his instant word. That's been his mantra throughout his career. He is NEVER wrong and anyone who shows he is is "unfair" "biased" and a lot of filthy names.
3) The need to hustle and obtain money, without actually earning. Trump is never so happy as when he's skunked someone out of money he owes them. Think of the contractors, workers, and Trump U victims.
4) Sex. He sees women as adornments who should ALL want to have sex with him, and if he forces them, that's what they are for. The pure misogynist.
5) Vengeance. He never forgets as sleight and was taught by Fred to NEVER let someone "get away" with it but always hit back at least 5x as hard.
Combine this with absolutely NO moral code whatsoever and you have everything you need to know about this sociopath in the WH.
2
the real problem with a child..is he will do EVERETHING YOU SAY HE MUST NOT DO..SO why not just LETT HIM PLAY AND FORGET HE IS mr president..Maybe he grows up!!
The supreme danger: he can be so easily manipulated by his need for approval and wealth w/o even being aware of it. Uber rich GOP donors, party leaders, and his handlers have managed so far to manipulate him to achieve their own selfish goals, to the detriment of 98% of the country (though a third of them do not even realize it). Putin and other world despots djt so admires can readily get what they want out of him as well. What elements of our health and safety, our national wealth, our global relationships will he screw up next to get "approval" or make another buck??? Over 300 million people in the US alone are being whip-lashed by his emotional needs and unstable personality disorders. Djt & family, the GOP, and their supremely selfish billionaire donors fiddle while Rome burns. Their arrogant "let them eat cake" mentality, saying some folks deserve to die so we can give tax money to billionaires, only GOP voters deserve to vote, women do not deserve to control their own bodies, etc -- illustrates why French peasants cheered the guillotine. What are those now in power here thinking?!!! I guess they are too busy making excuses for their petulant child-leader and counting their gold...
2
Trump is an authoritarian, a lifelong hedonist, and a pathological narcissist (hell, even folks who love him admit that). I do not believe he'll be impeached or removed. Before either of those things can unfold he will suffer a psychic breakdown. Not a "nervous breakdown" but a genuine disintegration of his personality resulting from the collision of his insular, manufactured reality (that served him well in the business of marketing his image) and reality itself. It is patently unfair to expect a man with Trump's particular personality disorders to execute the office of chief executive of a pluralistic democracy in the modern world. Anyone who cared about this man should have pleaded with him not to run for president...for HIS sake. I'll bet some did, but he couldn't hear them. Trump is not crazy or insane (my God, let's give him credit for getting himself elected president!), He is simply temperamentally and intellectually unsuited for this job. He should resign while he can still walk out of the WH with his head high through a parting throng of his loyal followers.
4
I understand the anguish and fear of getting old. You worry about the letters you write to others and check every word two or three times. You hear the phone ring and hope it's someone you know and who knows you so that you don't have to be ultra-careful not to make a "senior" mistake. So many of us are living much longer than our parents did, and that increases our chance of dementia. I know that I'm keenly aware of this because I don't want a "senior mistake" on my part to cause a big problem for my family.
Mr. Trump is entering his 70s, and he has no leeway. He is the President of the United States and can not afford to "screw up". Unfortunately, he has screwed up many times in his 100+ days as president. It's not that he doesn't want to do a good job. He is suffering from the bane of older folks like me - senility - rather mild now but growing every day.
He can not continue to serve as our president much longer. It would not be fair to him or, more important, to our country.
Mr. Trump is entering his 70s, and he has no leeway. He is the President of the United States and can not afford to "screw up". Unfortunately, he has screwed up many times in his 100+ days as president. It's not that he doesn't want to do a good job. He is suffering from the bane of older folks like me - senility - rather mild now but growing every day.
He can not continue to serve as our president much longer. It would not be fair to him or, more important, to our country.
3
The F.B.I. can finally conclude that there is a Trump/ Russian Connection coming out straight from the Commander-in-Chief himself. Trump might have decided that this preemptive strike will destroy any fall-out from the investigation for himself and his coterie. Let the country be damned. Poor Comey! Maybe he could have served his job.
three administration officials conceded that they could not publicly articulate their most compelling — and honest — defense of the president: that Mr. Trump, a hasty and indifferent reader of printed briefing materials, simply did not possess the interest or knowledge of the granular details of intelligence gathering .
Uninterested, not curious, short attention span, thinks he knows it all, sudden temper tantrums and loves to be the center of attention. Yes, our President.
Uninterested, not curious, short attention span, thinks he knows it all, sudden temper tantrums and loves to be the center of attention. Yes, our President.
1
Good analysis. But it's worth noting that he received more 60 million votes. The Donald is all ID and it appears that this also true of a large minority of the voting public.
3
A Presidential pattern emerges. Roosevelt the radio president. Kennedy the television president. Regan the Hollywood president. Trump the social media president. The medium has shaped the message, but what of the man? In the case of Trump, I am curious if there is sufficient evidence that it has come to shape his own thinking on what is required to lead?
Well written article. I can not understand how more people did not see this before he took office. Maybe they were hoping for the best? I still can not understand how people still support him now, especially in light of the events in the last week.
I don't suppose Mr. Brooks expects to be congratulated on his insights, accurate though they may be. Surely we did not require the additional data acquired since the election to reach these conclusions. What remains is little more than nervous hand-wringing while we watch and hope that time runs out on this Presidency before too much damage is done.
2
An article undoubtedly spot on for what it asserts, but the four alternatives are not mutually exclusive from the spot on or each other. Indeed, all five have a role in this American Trump tragedy, a tragedy in a much larger American political, economic and social tragedy. Trump like climate change, the GOP, income inequality, the Clintons are illustrations of the entire malaise.
Although Trump is the immediate center of attention, in my opinion, the focus needs to be on Congress, the Fourth Estate, and the American people. WE, for too long, have put up with successive Congresses that only answer to the Party(ies) and their contributors. So now that we are reaching the finale of these ways of being, WE are now suffering the consequences. So many of the American citizenry having ignored politics, civil, and civic affairs, the denouement is near . Moreover, the press have reported elections as horse races and amused themselves with anything that creates hype instead of understanding. They often have not delve deeply and fully into the issues, problems, and civic complexities.
WE have created a system of institutionalized divisiveness. The Republic is in danger of collapsing from within. As the Germanic hordes only had to wait for Rome to be weakened from its own divisions and excesses, so it it is today.
Where is the shared understanding and vision of America? It certainly is not within the Cable news networks. Where has it gone?
Even if the Trump administration falls, where are WE as a country?,
The CITY having been captured, wisdom sleeps
WE have created a system of institutionalized divisiveness. The Republic is in danger of collapsing from within. As the Germanic hordes only had to wait for Rome to be weakened from its own divisions and excesses, so it it is today.
Where is the shared understanding and vision of America? It certainly is not within the Cable news networks. Where has it gone?
Even if the Trump administration falls, where are WE as a country?,
The CITY having been captured, wisdom sleeps
Like many articles focusing on 'what ails our President' this one also turns to the GOP Congressional leaders to rescue the rest of us. I for one do not feel comfortable relying upon the moral compasses of Ryan and McConnell, not to mention the self-interest of the Freedom Caucus, to act beyond their own interest. But the focus on these men as unlikely hero tends to overlook the major factor of the alt-right news and most especially FOX. One has to ponder the regular diet of disinformation and conspiracy theories that has been feeding millions and kept reasonable Americans who might otherwise pressure their DC reps to act from venturing far from Hannity & Co. Had Fox been active during the Watergate years it is possible Nixon would not have been impeached. Our system cannot work without a public sharing the same facts, however they choose to interpret them. We can blame Trump for acting like a child, but we can only blame ourselves for permitting a playground of fantasy and illusion to flourish in place of adult news reporting just because it is profitable. It is on this playground that the child is playing.
2
Unfortunately, Mr. Brooks has just written the closing argument for the defense in an impeachment trial: “The defendant could not have intentionally colluded with the Russians, for said activity would require a level of cognitive maturity that he simply does not possess.”
2
Yes, agreed.
As a teacher, we constantly monitor & adjust to manage behavior in the classroom that detracts from the learning of one student or more. We log, monitor, and report problematic behavior(s) that hinder learning & team with colleagues & families to implement interventions that will best serve the students' learning, ASAP. We have no time to waste.
I think about this all the time with Trump. He's in office. I have little faith that we'll be able to change that anytime soon (creeping cynicism I'm not proud of, but I feel good that I conquer it daily in my work) so my question for all of us is: what do we do now? What interventions are available to us? Who can reach him? Can he learn new tricks? Can he save his own soul for the sake of country? Are these questions only exercises in futility?
The man does not seem to have a friend in the world - the kind of confidant willing to hurt his feelings for his own good - and even if he did, Trump does not have the maturity or self-awareness to hear it. Nor does it appear he enjoys this kind of partnership with his wife (or ex-wives). He is indeed, a child hurting and yet too prideful to accept the sort of help that would not only end his pain, but render him more capable of doing arguably the toughest job in the world.
I want to know: who can get to him? How can we save our ship? NOW.
As a teacher, we constantly monitor & adjust to manage behavior in the classroom that detracts from the learning of one student or more. We log, monitor, and report problematic behavior(s) that hinder learning & team with colleagues & families to implement interventions that will best serve the students' learning, ASAP. We have no time to waste.
I think about this all the time with Trump. He's in office. I have little faith that we'll be able to change that anytime soon (creeping cynicism I'm not proud of, but I feel good that I conquer it daily in my work) so my question for all of us is: what do we do now? What interventions are available to us? Who can reach him? Can he learn new tricks? Can he save his own soul for the sake of country? Are these questions only exercises in futility?
The man does not seem to have a friend in the world - the kind of confidant willing to hurt his feelings for his own good - and even if he did, Trump does not have the maturity or self-awareness to hear it. Nor does it appear he enjoys this kind of partnership with his wife (or ex-wives). He is indeed, a child hurting and yet too prideful to accept the sort of help that would not only end his pain, but render him more capable of doing arguably the toughest job in the world.
I want to know: who can get to him? How can we save our ship? NOW.
1
As he does often, Brooks hits it on the head again. I believe we elect leaders that reflect some aspect of the American character. Obama reflected the American dream: opportunity, advancement and optimism (Yes we can!), no matter your origin. Trump on the other hand, emerges from what the Minnesota poet Robert Bly called the "sibling society," in which adults fail to mature. In an age that needs wisdom as much as is it was needed in the 1930s and 40s, we have infantilism and narcissism instead. The misallocation of power to Trump by the American voters will likely bring copious amounts of pain and suffering. We will need to pay the piper for our collective failure to remain in reality and responsible to the health of future generations.
2
Today I admire David Brooks for his analysis, which rings true.
Unfortunately, I think we must add to the problem the fact that Trump is probably colluding with the Russians, most likely and primarily for financial reasons, but perhaps also due to a naive admiration for an autocratic way of life.
If this were not so, why wouldn't he cooperate with investigations and provide unfettered access to various people and documents?
Unfortunately, I think we must add to the problem the fact that Trump is probably colluding with the Russians, most likely and primarily for financial reasons, but perhaps also due to a naive admiration for an autocratic way of life.
If this were not so, why wouldn't he cooperate with investigations and provide unfettered access to various people and documents?
1
I have certainly been very negative about David Brooks over the years. But this column is among the very best I have ever read by anyone anywhere.
I admire the calm, precise and eloquent sentences in which David describes Trump's behavior.
Perhaps, along with Ross Douthat, Trump's taking office has led both to a St. Paul moment.
Now let us await the same from McConnell and Ryan. There may be hope yet.
I admire the calm, precise and eloquent sentences in which David describes Trump's behavior.
Perhaps, along with Ross Douthat, Trump's taking office has led both to a St. Paul moment.
Now let us await the same from McConnell and Ryan. There may be hope yet.
1
Great writing, really enjoyed it. The idea of Trump as a 7 year-old boy is actually the model that is the most explanatory and predictive of his behavior. Talking more than listening, self-centeredness, short attention span, desire for revenge, need for attention (even NEGATIVE attention!), tendency to brag, etc. It is amazing how well it fits!
Borrowing an idea from John Oliver, though, at some point you have to assign some blame to the "parent" for not monitoring a child's bad behavior. So when I hear Mitch McConnell say we need "less drama" from the White House, I would respond that we also need "more oversight" from Congress.
Borrowing an idea from John Oliver, though, at some point you have to assign some blame to the "parent" for not monitoring a child's bad behavior. So when I hear Mitch McConnell say we need "less drama" from the White House, I would respond that we also need "more oversight" from Congress.
1
The mistake comes with considering the Republicans as the rational, fair-minded adults in the room attempting to wrap their hands around the situation before another lamp is broken. What has been clearer even than the child-like nature of Trump is the deliberate, scheming, kleptocratic qualities that have defined the party for the past 35 years. The entire household needs a visit from a social service worker.
When he shared classified information with another country, it's likely that he committed treason. Note the reference to treason in the following quote from the U. S. Constitution:
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
It's time.
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
It's time.
This Mother's Day, I told our 5-year old twins to keep their gifts a secret from their mom, so we could surprise her. They were able to do so even though every fiber in their body tinged with the need to blurt it out. They may not have the impulse control in every situation but they have the maturity to listen, reason, understand and act appropriately. And they get better everyday.
What I believe we are witnessing is a real life Benjamin Button, where each day we see a further worsening of reason, control, maturity and any semblance of gravitas.
What I believe we are witnessing is a real life Benjamin Button, where each day we see a further worsening of reason, control, maturity and any semblance of gravitas.
First, I need to spend a sentence for saying that your piece is breathtaking. So clear, sharp, deep and final.
Then I would like to comment on the fears an doubts that are raised by this election; and before this by the 20 years of Berlusconi that have shattered the image and credibility of my country.
I love and trust democracy and I think that there is no better way to select our leaders. I also think that another moment of truth in democracy is to be able to correct and overcome mistakes like the Trump election. The time, long or short, that it will take to bring him back to the Tv shows and out of power reach, will be the real evidence of a working democracy. Unlike we've done in Italy where we elected Berlusconi over and over again.
Then I would like to comment on the fears an doubts that are raised by this election; and before this by the 20 years of Berlusconi that have shattered the image and credibility of my country.
I love and trust democracy and I think that there is no better way to select our leaders. I also think that another moment of truth in democracy is to be able to correct and overcome mistakes like the Trump election. The time, long or short, that it will take to bring him back to the Tv shows and out of power reach, will be the real evidence of a working democracy. Unlike we've done in Italy where we elected Berlusconi over and over again.
Brilliantly accurate analysis and description--we cannot afford 4 years with this child in charge.
2
President Trump has the constitutional authority to divulge secrets but there seems general agreement that he did so inappropriately to the Russian Ambassador and Foreign minister. The Constitution gives wide latitude to the President because the founders probably assumed reflective, mature adults would occupy the office. I can imagine other historical scenarios in which a president might want to divulge classified information to a country like Russia for tactical or strategic purposes and the media and people might trust such a move. But in President Trump's case such a trust is lacking and people assume he did it impulsively, carelessly, out of some need to brag or show off. Still it is case of let the buyer , "VOTER", beware. The country got what it voted for . There was plenty of warning during the campaign.
1
great piece and great comments
But now WE need to "sit still" and "focus" on 2018 and beyond. The DNC must be told in no uncertain terms this is a national crisis and the Democrats everywhere in this county need to get to work now, not later.
Spend money now, not later, on media ads touting just what the Democrat agenda of the last 80+ years has done to stabilize this country and make sure everyone has a chance at the American Dream. Don't wait to pour money into a particular candidate's coffer just yet.
Start changing the mind set of the millions of Americans who don't identify with either party but have begun to believe the snake-oil salesmen of the right wing. Convince them that the quality of their lives ( and most likely their grandparents and parents before them) was because of legislation put into effect by Democrats.
The term "Democrat" has been turned into a word equated with nearly every enemy this country faces. Let's painfully admit that the DNC shares a big part of the blame by letting it happen.
Bolster the Democrat brand and begin turning the country around.
But now WE need to "sit still" and "focus" on 2018 and beyond. The DNC must be told in no uncertain terms this is a national crisis and the Democrats everywhere in this county need to get to work now, not later.
Spend money now, not later, on media ads touting just what the Democrat agenda of the last 80+ years has done to stabilize this country and make sure everyone has a chance at the American Dream. Don't wait to pour money into a particular candidate's coffer just yet.
Start changing the mind set of the millions of Americans who don't identify with either party but have begun to believe the snake-oil salesmen of the right wing. Convince them that the quality of their lives ( and most likely their grandparents and parents before them) was because of legislation put into effect by Democrats.
The term "Democrat" has been turned into a word equated with nearly every enemy this country faces. Let's painfully admit that the DNC shares a big part of the blame by letting it happen.
Bolster the Democrat brand and begin turning the country around.
2
And he fits well into the Republican party which is why he won their primary, but lost the general election.
Loved this column. David Brooks nailed it. The real question now is when will the adults in the room (hopefully the Republican Congress) finally take action and wrest control from this child? How much damage will he have to do to our Democracy before politicians feel a sense of urgency?
1
There is No there, there. In my estimation All who enabled his ascension to the throne should hence be known as the "ENABLERS" - that is said to include the Electorate. As any former president is greeted with the honorific of "Mr. president" it is my wager that No one will so greet Trump once he leaves office (IF we ever get rid of him), except the voting-Enablers.
1
I wonder how all the dees, dems and dose types that made "Donny" their hero feel when it is apparent they elected a man child to the office of president? BTW, I suspect that Trump is somewhere on the autism spectrum, given the speculation about his kid and the genetic component to autism, his behavior fits that of someone on the spectrum who has never received the kind of coaching and help they need.
1
All true, except the idea that the rest of the world is "led" by America or its president.
1
This is such a good column. For many years I taught child development classes to child protective social workers. Mr Trump is what I would call "stuck" at the power stage of development, i. e., age four to six. Those who are partly or wholly stuck in that stage are more interested in winning and power than in solving problems. Trump demonstrates a most extreme example of this. Being "one up", doing things to find out " what happens if..", and being completely oblivious to the consequences for others of one's acts are just a few of the qualities normal children demonstrate at those early ages. Fortunately, maturing creeps in for most of us. Maturing children show an ability to empathize with others by the second grade, and most begin learning that there are reasons for things in the next few years and therefore let go of magical thinking. That we have such a one as Trump who, like many personality disordered people is expert at fooling others and expert at winning support is more than terrifying for sure.
2
The GOP leadership will need to convene and decide how to manage this situation. The 25th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States provides a way to remove a President from office without going through the process of impeachment. There is a provision available to remove a President from Office due to illness, disability or incompetence.
1
I like the analogy "just six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar". Curiously, it reminded me of Diogines who "begged for a living and often slept in a large ceramic jar in the marketplace. He became notorious for his philosophical stunts such as carrying a lamp in the daytime, claiming to be looking for an honest man".
I often wonder if the common sense of everyone in the partisan Congress could produce as much light as six fireflies.
I often wonder if the common sense of everyone in the partisan Congress could produce as much light as six fireflies.
1
It seems Mr Trump is even more interested in attention than in adulation. Of course, he'd prefer admiring attention, but his aim is to be the center of attention, whatever the attitude of the attention-givers. So his statements are meant to shock, to distract from anything not focused on Trump (the shiny object idea), to create strong emotions--whether love or hate or fear or rage. The only emotion he doesn't want focused on himself is laughter. Laughter is belittling. Trump can't stand being small, perhaps because he is. Bigly.
1
Is David Brooks talking about Donald Trump or the United States? This is no longer clear. Donald Trump is the manifestation of Americans' abdication of leadership. When nearly half of the American people voted for his brand of isolationism and tantrum-throwing, how is the other 53.9% of America supposed to lead the world? America no longer looks like a leader because it has betrayed the legacy that made it one: democracy, education, justice and equality.
2
And what does that say about the nihilism of a culture that would elect (although not by a majority) such a person to its highest office? And how did we allow it to get there?
To be honest, he is a good reflection of our national Dunning-Kruger effect in which Americans think they're universally love and the best in everything because of a persistent inability to understand or think about complex issues or to learn about the rest of the world. In a real sense, his perpetual and shallow need for affirmation is just our own sense of American exceptionalism projected onto a personality. In that sense, he is the perfect American president.
26
Yes Trump is a void. But he is a void that was attractive to nearly fifty percent of the voting public who either are so oppositional defiant that they would elect an imbecile, or are so money hungry that they would elect a useful idiot at the peril of our republic. That fifty percent is called Republicans.
54
Trump is a stupid man, he is not a foreign agent. He is simply an imbecile. So he's in over his head as "President." What he is trying to do, awkwardly and clumsily, is what all rich people do; make even more money than he or his progeny could ever spend. So follow the money.
This whole Trump-Russia collusion story is right in front of our noses: its about oil wealth. Exxon and Putin want to open the Artic up to more oil drilling, which at this time, is problematic because of the sanctions the US placed on Russia. Once removed, Tillerson, et al make more money and so does Putin. Dismantling all environmental protection is an example of what they are doing to realize this outcome. It's not that complicated really.
However the guy the oligarchs put in charge to pull it off is simply a low-info-voter inspiring idiot (though he has no true ideology except more cash) and he can't hide from his own nincompoopery in such a public and heavily scrutinized position.
This whole Trump-Russia collusion story is right in front of our noses: its about oil wealth. Exxon and Putin want to open the Artic up to more oil drilling, which at this time, is problematic because of the sanctions the US placed on Russia. Once removed, Tillerson, et al make more money and so does Putin. Dismantling all environmental protection is an example of what they are doing to realize this outcome. It's not that complicated really.
However the guy the oligarchs put in charge to pull it off is simply a low-info-voter inspiring idiot (though he has no true ideology except more cash) and he can't hide from his own nincompoopery in such a public and heavily scrutinized position.
57
I agree. Since listening to Trump, I have come to the conclusion that his language development and self expression stopped somewhere in his early adolescent years. Most junior high school students though are able to put together a coherent sentence with a subject, a predicate, and a direct object. It seems a fifth grader has more self control than our President.
I just don't have confidence in the man. He lacks clearly defined values, a moral compass, and is totally unprepared and unfit to serve in public office at any level.
I just don't have confidence in the man. He lacks clearly defined values, a moral compass, and is totally unprepared and unfit to serve in public office at any level.
62
After reading many of the comments I was surprised to notice that no one made mention of Hillary Clinton. There was enough hatred of her in certain States to swing the election in Trump's favor via the electoral college. That was Southern mentality at work. It seems to me that too many of his party love to feast on goble-degoop.
18
There are concentrations of men in the US who don't see women as equals, and women who like it that way.
While Davis Brooks is on the right track here, he is giving Donald Trump too much credit when he compares him to a 7 year old child. He should be looking to a far more primitive stage of development. I would instead compare him to a child who is in the "terrible twos." Totally self-centered, easily enraged if things don't go his way, very impulsive, sees others as totally good (giving him everything he wants) or totally bad (attempting to set some kind of limits with him). A healthy 7 year is way more organized, mature, and emotionally sophisticated than that.
71
When an adult constantly acts like a child it is usually a sign of a serious personality disorder. What you describe could suit a narcissistic personality disorder in combination with symptoms of ADHD. But my sense of reality becomes disturbed. For me it is impossible to think that greatest nation of democracy and freedom for the people, allows an adult with a baby's mind to enter - and continue - on the presidential post. If such a thing would happen, the constitution of the United states - I am sure - will give the tools to act and to eliminate all the emerging harms, dangers, and risk for the whole world. When the president of Finland, Urho Kekkonen, became demented, he was diagnosed by the best specialists and freed from his presidential obligations. Why would that be so difficult in America? So the crucial question is: Is the greatest democracy of the world in the hands of a heavily disturbed baby with the ambition or the capability to lead the whole world into chaos? If the man is found sane and well, you let him continue, and if he is insane you quickly rule him out. Somehow I trust the American constitution with its strong democratic ideals and traditions, will act wisely and fast with this question. The faster, the better.
102
Sounds good, but the GOP congress will do nothing along the lines of what you have suggested. Sadly...
There are measures secured within the constitution for these circumstances. Unfortunately, it requires congress to step up and they won't. The majority is held by the Republican Party and quite disgracefully too many politicians put party above country. To the detriment of the American people and in this case possibly the world.
Remember his personal physician and the glowing report of health?
Yes, spot on. But, as with other commenters here, I find the repeated assertions of astonishment from a sizable portion of the pundit class frustrating. Really, is any of his pathologically narcissistic, petulant, incurious, bumbling, and very dangerous behavior a surprise? He's been behaving as a (spoiled and not particularly bright) child for decades, especially in the year+ preceding his swearing in. It's amazing to me that otherwise smart and observant people have taken this long to understand that.
74
Most powerful or one of the most powerful essays we have read...and somewhere between chilling and terrifying to see in writing what we think is there but turns out to be a baby left in the dark.....and running our country.
19 Republican Senators and 23 Republican Representatives (based on the 4 current vacancies) are all you need to solve the problem. Surely there are 42 such Republican individuals of conscience in the American Congress.
45
The current Vice-President would NEVER support impeachment of Donnie or removal under the 25th Amendment.
@William Innes:
Maybe, but they are not in congress!
Maybe, but they are not in congress!
1
They are kept in line by many fears, some of which are their own policies turning on themselves.
I think Trump has a significant learning disability along with ADHD. And that is in addition to immaturity and narcissism.
He is the epitome of the 'poor little rich boy'.
His presidency scares me to death.
I also can't help but wonder exactly what it implies about all the people that voted for him. HOW did someone like this pull the wool over their eyes when it was SO apparent to most of us?
He is the epitome of the 'poor little rich boy'.
His presidency scares me to death.
I also can't help but wonder exactly what it implies about all the people that voted for him. HOW did someone like this pull the wool over their eyes when it was SO apparent to most of us?
Regardless of him emotional age, he is still an adult and not developmentally disabled (that we know). Thus, he is responsible for his actions. I am afraid that chalking his behavior off to "he is 7 years old" will be seen by some as an excuse for his behavior. Everything points to his being a narcissist, regardless, he is responsible. He should be held accountable!
There. It is said--almost all of it--in clear and carefully crafted prose.
Early polls and anecdotal reporting suggest that his true-believer base of 35% or so do not care what he has done or said. They blame the press, Democrats, Obama, and even members of the WH inner circle.
That said, we are finally down to the core question: not what will Democratic leaders will say but what Republican leaders say and do. Some are beginning to realize they are expected to toss what's left of their political reputations into the fire, as McMaster has just done.
There is no making it right, no settling things down, or rebooting the White House. The act that Senator Corker wants them to get together is the only act they have.
Early polls and anecdotal reporting suggest that his true-believer base of 35% or so do not care what he has done or said. They blame the press, Democrats, Obama, and even members of the WH inner circle.
That said, we are finally down to the core question: not what will Democratic leaders will say but what Republican leaders say and do. Some are beginning to realize they are expected to toss what's left of their political reputations into the fire, as McMaster has just done.
There is no making it right, no settling things down, or rebooting the White House. The act that Senator Corker wants them to get together is the only act they have.
‘Trumpism’ as a phenomenon appears to be a feature of the world we live in. It is a rising phenomenon and I fear that we will see many such like figures as heads of states in the future.
10
Thank God.. fewer lawyers and politicians might clean up the barnyard in DC
Enrico Fermi was probably right when he speculated that the mean lifetime of advanced technological civilizations is quite brief after exploding their first nuclear bombs.
This is severe and untreated adult ADHD. Inability to focus, concentrate or learn. There is clearly also the tremendous impulsivity.
On top of all this is tremendous insecurity and the constant need for approval and adulation. Things were going great when he was getting enormous media attention as real estate mogul and candidate. Piles of money for easy scorekeeping, stadiums of roaring fans, winning primaries and improbably the general election only reinforced the need for more approval. Does not matter that the approval is from Putin, Erdogan or Duerte.
Lastly, is confabulation. Most people call this lying, but there is a difference. Trump may contradict himself from hour to hour, but he will pass any lie detector test easily. He uses "facts" and "arguments" that will get him the most approval and respect at that moment. There is no need for consistency as all that matters is the here an now.
On top of all this is tremendous insecurity and the constant need for approval and adulation. Things were going great when he was getting enormous media attention as real estate mogul and candidate. Piles of money for easy scorekeeping, stadiums of roaring fans, winning primaries and improbably the general election only reinforced the need for more approval. Does not matter that the approval is from Putin, Erdogan or Duerte.
Lastly, is confabulation. Most people call this lying, but there is a difference. Trump may contradict himself from hour to hour, but he will pass any lie detector test easily. He uses "facts" and "arguments" that will get him the most approval and respect at that moment. There is no need for consistency as all that matters is the here an now.
20
As George Costanza said, "It's not a lie if YOU believe it."
Smoke is coming out of my ears because this column is so long overdue. Trump's incompetence, petulance, and immaturity have been well known and talked about for decades. So this perfect description of the reason why we're in the mess we're in should have been written and published months and months ago. Mr. Brooks lost credibility to me when he was nothing short of an apologist for the Republicans who kept ignoring and then excusing Trump's foibles in their blind march to further their agenda. Who among our leaders will now stand up, stop Trump, and save our country? Please write about them, Mr. Brooks. Cheer them on. Better late than never. Your redemption might be at hand.
62
EXACTLY
What? David Brooks has been #nevertrump for quite a while. Here's an example from March 2016:
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/opinion/no-not-trump-not-ever.html
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/opinion/no-not-trump-not-ever.html
I'm surprised at all the folks who call for impeachment for what is assuredly a mistake on the part of our President.
He did not recognize that the information he shared was not just mundane chatter. No one should imagine that he intended to mishandle Top Secret information, anymore than Ms Clinton had any intention of mishandling email communication.
That being said.
If we entertain the idea the President is taking longer to "get up to speed", to learn the subtleties of the office to which the citizens have catapulted him. What should we do?
Calls for impeachment are premature - I would rather see responsible elected Republicans making the trip to the White House to offer counsel and guidance, perhaps a new Chief of Staff is all that is needed.
Impeachment is not the tool to correct honest mistakes, rather it is a tool of last resort to correct a insoluble malady.
He did not recognize that the information he shared was not just mundane chatter. No one should imagine that he intended to mishandle Top Secret information, anymore than Ms Clinton had any intention of mishandling email communication.
That being said.
If we entertain the idea the President is taking longer to "get up to speed", to learn the subtleties of the office to which the citizens have catapulted him. What should we do?
Calls for impeachment are premature - I would rather see responsible elected Republicans making the trip to the White House to offer counsel and guidance, perhaps a new Chief of Staff is all that is needed.
Impeachment is not the tool to correct honest mistakes, rather it is a tool of last resort to correct a insoluble malady.
1
It is said that making the same mistake repeatedly, expecting a different result is an indication of insanity. Based on the long established patterns of Trump's behavior it is evident that he cannot, indeed is not interested in learning. Exactly how would expect that to change?
Most anti-Trumps do not realize that we do not have a political "lifer" in charge now. He's a construction company CEO and he's used to doing things a different way.
You have got to be kidding? In what alternate universe do you live? Have you not been informed about what has been happening in the White House for the past 100 days? If you really believe that this 70 year old man is going to t take advice from anyone, you are deluding yourself. He has chosen not to read the information provided to him, insists on a one pager for complicated issues and then doesn't read that! Subtleties of the office? This is the most unsubtle man ever and thinking that he is going to change and all of a sudden realize the enormity of the task it is to be president is just absolutely ludicrous. Forget about mentioning Hillary Clinton. This is, if you haven't noticed, not about her. She did not win. He did. And now we will all suffer the consequences.
You can say all this another way: he is a classic, textbook Cluster B personality disorder sufferer - and we suffer vicariously because of it. And the world will soon be added to this list. The true problem is that the GOP Congress turns a willfully blind eye to all of it, for their own agenda, so that the normal constraints that integrity and the preservation of our democratic process and rule of law would take control of do not exist. Just listen to McConnell's one word answers to the questions posed to him about Trump. He won't even admit an iota of what the rest of us have long been convinced of.
And I am 63 and not a Democrat, and never have been. But I am 100% American, and a very worried one.
And I am 63 and not a Democrat, and never have been. But I am 100% American, and a very worried one.
40
McConnell and the other craven Republicans in both the Senate and the House are all material for the new book Profiles in Cowardice. they have one of their own, the odious Pence waiting in the wings; what level misfeasance or malfeasance on the part of Trump will it take to force them to solve THEIR political problem, since it is clear that that is all that motivates them
Someone below commented that Brooks' article in an insult to 7 year olds. Although they cannot represent themselves, I feel as though Brooks was overly harsh in his treatment of fireflies.
It's going to be difficult. 7 year olds are still malleable. We have to figure a way, to borrow from Fellini, to "teach an old dog, new fleas."
It's going to be difficult. 7 year olds are still malleable. We have to figure a way, to borrow from Fellini, to "teach an old dog, new fleas."
Having had a child with ADHD, I recognize all of the symptoms in Trump. He cannot sit still. He doesn't have sufficient attention span to read more than about a single page. He lacks executive function and cannot plan.
Trump's ADHD does not make him a child, but it does make him dangerous. Making him even more dangerous is the fact that he clearly has every single symptom of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (check the Mayo Clinic website for a list of the symptoms). This makes him predicable and manipulable -- and incapable of sound judgment.
So our (once proud) nation is now at the beginning of a science experiment to answer the following question: Can a person with substantial mental issues actually run our country fairly and effectively? Based on the first 100+ days, the experiment may need to be terminated ahead of schedule.
Trump's ADHD does not make him a child, but it does make him dangerous. Making him even more dangerous is the fact that he clearly has every single symptom of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (check the Mayo Clinic website for a list of the symptoms). This makes him predicable and manipulable -- and incapable of sound judgment.
So our (once proud) nation is now at the beginning of a science experiment to answer the following question: Can a person with substantial mental issues actually run our country fairly and effectively? Based on the first 100+ days, the experiment may need to be terminated ahead of schedule.
51
Makes you pause to wonder what skills are required to run a billion dollar real estate and branding company. Can that really be done successfully by a child? Apparently so. We should all keep that in mind next time we defer on any policy question to the smart looking rich guy.
What's most upsetting is not that Trump is a grown man with the mental capacity of a 7 year old. That was pretty obvious from the get-go. What's startling is how establishment Republican leaders keep pretending this man-child is some kind of Mozart-like genius whose energies just need to be channeled.
History is a harsh judge, Mr. Pence, Mr. Ryan, Mr. McConnell. Are you sure you want this deal with the devil you've made to be your legacies?
History is a harsh judge, Mr. Pence, Mr. Ryan, Mr. McConnell. Are you sure you want this deal with the devil you've made to be your legacies?
49
Great article. We will never "understand" him, because this is all happening at a very primitive, deep, unconscious level. It is not premeditated, calculated, manipulative, introspective, or any other word that you want to use.
I would rather you had not insulted children. Many could do a better job. This is a very seriously disturbed person. Despite the fact that lining up behind him are men who I can only think of as evil-intentioned, Trump needs to be removed from the presidency. It's easier to fight policy than "crazy".
27
Thank you! i was thinking about his childlike need for adulation when i saw how Trump 'puffed up' with pride when Pres. Ardogan congratulated him on his 'tremendous election victory'. Trump likes the word tremendous....reminds me of my 2 year old grandson.
17
Don't for a second think that all eyes are on Trump. Republicans, we're watching, and remembering, you too.
David, you are so right on with this article. There is a hollowness of this child.
15
You've got it all wrong. "A budding authoritarian" is the same thing as "an infantilist." Authoritarianism is the easy way to rule. Simple minds use force to control others. Advanced minds use negotiation and diplomacy and balance values with order. Despotism is the primary indicator of a dim leader.
10
Many of us think that a little bit of a Adderall would go a long way.
4
Love the imagery of "...six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar."
That's it, not much else.
That's it, not much else.
15
Why are 35-40% of Americans crazy-glued to Trump?
Are they gaslighting us?
This gets more unreal every day.
Are they gaslighting us?
This gets more unreal every day.
18
Extremely important analysis. Thanks to David Brooks. Maybe you´re in time to prevent a Trump-positivism from conservative freinds in Europe - I hope and believe that lots of foreign (and US-) journalists would benefit from your Op-ed of today. He is dangerously unfit to hold that office.
Lke RML I, too wonder why he´s so generous towards the Russian press but feel ridicuosly hostile toward brilliant US-newspapers. This is said with a bit of irony, of course.
Keep up the steem!
Lke RML I, too wonder why he´s so generous towards the Russian press but feel ridicuosly hostile toward brilliant US-newspapers. This is said with a bit of irony, of course.
Keep up the steem!
4
Great column. Sad that you couldn't have understood what so many American voters did months, even a year(?) ago. Been waiting to see when you'd finally announce a valid view of this creep Republicans call their President. How could anyone who listened to even one campaign speech not have known this man is an egoist, uninformed, ignorant and unwilling to do anything that does not improve his bottom line. Glad to see you've at last seen the naked emperor.
14
David Brooks has been opposed to Trump for a long time. Here's one of his op-eds from 14 months ago:
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/opinion/no-not-trump-not-ever.html
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/opinion/no-not-trump-not-ever.html
All this in addition to what I believe is a narcissistic personality disorder. Fasten your seatbelts folks.
2
"No Trump Russia! No Trump Russia!" "I'm not the puppet! You're the puppet!"
Come on Georgia 6th! VOTE today to tell the Republicans that The People are sick and tired of Trump, in Putin's words "acting within his competence" and repeatedly making the whole of America the laughingstock of the world.
Only if they fear losing their cushy gig will the Republicans in congress put country ahead of party and appoint the much needed special prosecutor to remove what is obviously persistent Russian influence on this presidency.
Come on Georgia 6th! VOTE today to tell the Republicans that The People are sick and tired of Trump, in Putin's words "acting within his competence" and repeatedly making the whole of America the laughingstock of the world.
Only if they fear losing their cushy gig will the Republicans in congress put country ahead of party and appoint the much needed special prosecutor to remove what is obviously persistent Russian influence on this presidency.
10
David, you and your fellow “mainstream conservatives” checked your good senses at the door and let the Tea Party folks drive the agenda because they helped deliver the voting majorities you craved. The price for your silence is a self-absorbed president and a congressional majority focused entirely on delivery of tax cuts for the wealthy. Thank you!
15
Mr. Brooks,
As a licensed mental health practitioner with more than thirty years of experience, your oversight of the glaring mental health problems of the forty-fifth president is evident in this piece. Attributing such dysfunctional behavior to immaturity is an insult to children. This is a grown man with serious mental health issues, please don't trivialize the inherent danger of what you are calling "immature behavior." #dutytowarn
As a licensed mental health practitioner with more than thirty years of experience, your oversight of the glaring mental health problems of the forty-fifth president is evident in this piece. Attributing such dysfunctional behavior to immaturity is an insult to children. This is a grown man with serious mental health issues, please don't trivialize the inherent danger of what you are calling "immature behavior." #dutytowarn
17
The latest Trump explanation: "They said they would break all the Crayons in my coloring box if I didn't tell them secrets."
5
To say that Trump is a 7-year-old is far too generous.
He's a toddler on a lifetime temper tantrum, overly-indulged and toxic.
See what happens when you elect a malignant-narcissist?
The warning signs were obvious, but America is shamefully ignorant (and more bigoted than anyone dared imagine).
He's a toddler on a lifetime temper tantrum, overly-indulged and toxic.
See what happens when you elect a malignant-narcissist?
The warning signs were obvious, but America is shamefully ignorant (and more bigoted than anyone dared imagine).
10
For your next column, tell us why Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan continue to back him.
27
From my personal experience trump is a pathological liar, i.e. one who actually believes in his lies. These people know they are not saying the truth, but to them their lies become truths, and anyone denying this is labled a liar.
The pathological liars that I have known since my youth never, never change and because few people call them out on their lies, they continue to live in their own paranormal world.
The Free World's and our problem is that this pathological liar is our president and supposed to be the leader of the Free World.
Folks, it aint't gonna get any better until he leaves the White House. It will not be at his own will, but, again, he will lie about it.
The pathological liars that I have known since my youth never, never change and because few people call them out on their lies, they continue to live in their own paranormal world.
The Free World's and our problem is that this pathological liar is our president and supposed to be the leader of the Free World.
Folks, it aint't gonna get any better until he leaves the White House. It will not be at his own will, but, again, he will lie about it.
Is this the David Brooks that I’ve read for years and followed on PBS’s NewsHour? While I have not agreed with much of his views, I could always depend on his neutrality and fairness on unproven subjects. Not the case in his latest article because he went a little overboard in his criticism.
The leaked Russian story appears to have precipitated much of Mr. Brooks disdain for the President. There appears to be two big mistakes by the President – The pictures of (1) laughing and joking around with the Russians and (2) allowing only RT reporters in the White House.
What concerns me and it should for many is information printed from anonymous source(s) seemingly without any proof whatever. Reporters are running wild with “anonymous sources” but where were they when Ambassador Ford traveled through Syria fermenting uprising against a sovereign country? Where were they during the Russian Election when some sources stated that USAID funds were used to help disrupt the Russian election? And Libya – were we doped into this little fiasco that led to thousands of deaths and emigration to various parts of Europe? Let’s not forget the Americas. There still some interesting events occurring in Venezuela and a few other countries in this hemisphere.
Sorry, David. I’m not buying the Russian thing as of yet. I guess I’ve read too much about McCarthy and the Communist hunt in the 1950s.
The leaked Russian story appears to have precipitated much of Mr. Brooks disdain for the President. There appears to be two big mistakes by the President – The pictures of (1) laughing and joking around with the Russians and (2) allowing only RT reporters in the White House.
What concerns me and it should for many is information printed from anonymous source(s) seemingly without any proof whatever. Reporters are running wild with “anonymous sources” but where were they when Ambassador Ford traveled through Syria fermenting uprising against a sovereign country? Where were they during the Russian Election when some sources stated that USAID funds were used to help disrupt the Russian election? And Libya – were we doped into this little fiasco that led to thousands of deaths and emigration to various parts of Europe? Let’s not forget the Americas. There still some interesting events occurring in Venezuela and a few other countries in this hemisphere.
Sorry, David. I’m not buying the Russian thing as of yet. I guess I’ve read too much about McCarthy and the Communist hunt in the 1950s.
4
Red herrings. sorry but I couldn't resist.
Remember,
Trump embraced " Anonymous sources" during his campaign but now it's bad??
The height of hypocrisy !
Trump embraced " Anonymous sources" during his campaign but now it's bad??
The height of hypocrisy !
1
David is making too much noise. His favorite Benjamin Netanyahu (also his son's mentor and boss) is the one who supplied Trump with secrets. Trump then passed them on to Russia. So when you accuse Trump of being childish ask Netanyahu what business does he have pretending Israel is the 51st state of America?
Best evaluation of Donald Trump so far .
3
Maybe Flynn and Trump can share a gold-barred cell at Mar-a-Lockup ?
5
I've seen this plot before... Go back and read O. Henry's "The Ransom of Red Chief". It's over 100 years old, but the backbone of story is similar.
Q: can we make his voter base understand all this ?
3
You summed this all up well.
He displays a childish understanding of policy, politics, military and intelligence matters, healthcare, global economics, education, energy policy, and the health effects of pollution, just to mention a few things a President should have a firm grasp of when inaugurated. The manner in which he speaks of such things and communicates to the country is astounding. His comments today concerning Turkey are just another prime example. He always speaks of promising that things to come will be "beautiful," they "will be amazing," and that we "will love it." He speaks with words that reflect the imaginings of the optimistic mind of a hopeful, innocent child, yet they are coming from the delusional mind of a 70 year-old egomaniac who refuses to admit that he doesn't know what he is doing or, quite obviously, what he is talking about.
Children are forgiven their ignorance, and in the case of a little know-it-all, even his stupidity.
In a President, grown up or not, who doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut, there is none due. Its unforgivable. But actually, in this instance, it's all just unfathomable.
He displays a childish understanding of policy, politics, military and intelligence matters, healthcare, global economics, education, energy policy, and the health effects of pollution, just to mention a few things a President should have a firm grasp of when inaugurated. The manner in which he speaks of such things and communicates to the country is astounding. His comments today concerning Turkey are just another prime example. He always speaks of promising that things to come will be "beautiful," they "will be amazing," and that we "will love it." He speaks with words that reflect the imaginings of the optimistic mind of a hopeful, innocent child, yet they are coming from the delusional mind of a 70 year-old egomaniac who refuses to admit that he doesn't know what he is doing or, quite obviously, what he is talking about.
Children are forgiven their ignorance, and in the case of a little know-it-all, even his stupidity.
In a President, grown up or not, who doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut, there is none due. Its unforgivable. But actually, in this instance, it's all just unfathomable.
25
What is even more depressing is both Trump's and McMaster's insistence on the importance of leaks. Leaks of serious, classified information are worrisome because the revelation of the material might help the enemy. What is being leaked in this case is the fact that Trump gave the information to the Russians. The act of leaking is no longer dangerous because Trump's action makes it moot. So why does the Administration beat this dead horse? It is to cover, once again, Trump's unbelievable screw up.
16
If the world is led by a child (and I totally agree with the account set forth), what does that make all the US citizens of this great nation, who chose a child as the world's leader?
As Colbert pointed out last night: They know who the leaker is. (It is the emperor without clothes.)
In Trump we have a bull in a china shop. But not quite because America is more resilient than a china shop, we hope. Still, the potential for damage to various systems, relationships with allies, environment, economy, justice is incalculable. And these things are not as resilient as the nation taken as a whole. I thank you for your article. I hope that it will make a difference. There is a sense of helplessness these days.
5
What's so very discouraging about the Trump Presidency is that there are real policy issues at stake. Recent administrations have worked hard to correct an overwhelming number of perceived problem in the country, but too often at the expense of violating our constitution and ignoring precedent. The result -- emasculating state and local decisions, and, with attendant damage to innovation, and to freedom of choice. Trump voters wanted the country to move in a different direction, more in tune with classic liberalism, and more consistent with our Founder's Vision of America. Mr. Trump continues to provide evidence that he was, and is, a disaster in this role. I find much to concur with in Mr. Brooks analysis, yet wish it were not so. My support was for John Kasich, who has a track record of effective and honorable service to his state and the country. What a difference for those who see a need for effective change, had Mr. Kasich been elected to serve in this role.
5
I agree and the genuine innate goodness of Mr. Kasich saw him universally liked and trusted by both parties.
Those of us who watched Peter Sellers in "Being there " can relate to this.
The only difference is that Sellers character was a shy introvert whereas the present incumbent is the complete opposite.
The only difference is that Sellers character was a shy introvert whereas the present incumbent is the complete opposite.
4
Excellent column David,
Far better than that April 21st disaster regarding American education. Looks like the Trump years( if they last that long) will test the founding principles of our republic. The courts have stepped up to provide a check on presidential power. Congress however shows no propensity to assert its check on our out of control enfent terrible.
Far better than that April 21st disaster regarding American education. Looks like the Trump years( if they last that long) will test the founding principles of our republic. The courts have stepped up to provide a check on presidential power. Congress however shows no propensity to assert its check on our out of control enfent terrible.
In a very odd way, I have compassion for him.
Everything he does, is about begging attention and acceptance from his father. I doubt he was ever given it, or allowed to relax for a minute from seeking it. His father demanded this behavior, because he neither loved nor respected his son. As the father treated his son like an empty object, the son came to view himself and the world as meaningless objects.
May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free.
Everything he does, is about begging attention and acceptance from his father. I doubt he was ever given it, or allowed to relax for a minute from seeking it. His father demanded this behavior, because he neither loved nor respected his son. As the father treated his son like an empty object, the son came to view himself and the world as meaningless objects.
May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free.
7
Save some of your compassion for the world, the country, the very real people he is destroying
2
The eldest son of Fred drank himself to death, leaving Donald to take over. His parents sent Donald to military school because he was thrown out so so many schools with his ADD.
Regarding Donald Trump and his speaking to the Russians, a male mode of relating to people, especially other males, is the one-up/one-down situation. One form of power and one-upmanship is to give information, just like I am doing now as I write. Trump does not seem to be nearly mature enough to stop himself when talking to others when it is not appropriate to give out information. He just wants to feel some level of power when around other people.
And as I have always said about Trump, one of his problems appears to be that he has never worked for anyone else, except his father when young. As a private company unto himself that began with $100 million of his father's money, he has never been in a situation where he is checked by a superior on a day-to-day basis. Never had to submit to anyone else's standards of behavior or achievement. SAD.
And as I have always said about Trump, one of his problems appears to be that he has never worked for anyone else, except his father when young. As a private company unto himself that began with $100 million of his father's money, he has never been in a situation where he is checked by a superior on a day-to-day basis. Never had to submit to anyone else's standards of behavior or achievement. SAD.
4
Given everything that is said about Donald Trump, from the Left and Right, it makes it more abhorrent for the Republican Congress to still stand by him. The longer they wait to check and balance the president per the dictate of our constitution, they more of Trump they own.
I suppose it is fitting since the Republican Party and their pundits were the original source that lead to Trump and Trumpism. How can the mother now disown their precious off spring?
I suppose it is fitting since the Republican Party and their pundits were the original source that lead to Trump and Trumpism. How can the mother now disown their precious off spring?
11
Unfortunately, the road to and through impeachment may very well be a long and painful if not impossible one. The GOP leadership and the money and power behind it (the Koch bros, Sheldon Adelson, et al.) will milk this president until the bottle is empty. I am of the belief that there had been an agreement between Trump and the GOP powers that they would support him before and after the election if and only if he swore to further their agenda.
Since Congress has to bring papers of impeachment, unless the midterms results in a significant number new Dems in the House and/or Senate, we are not likely to be rid of this dangerous disaster of a president anytime soon.
Since Congress has to bring papers of impeachment, unless the midterms results in a significant number new Dems in the House and/or Senate, we are not likely to be rid of this dangerous disaster of a president anytime soon.
3
A child's mind in a man's body concept is a pretty optimistic take on Trump. Children have a natural curiosity and ability to learn and and few men would wish for Trump's body. If one wanted to exemplify the expression "mens sana in corpore sano" would Trump be your choice? I don't think so?
So enough with the "learning curve" dream wish. There isn't one in Hocus Potus. And while at it, maybe putting the Freudian explorations of who his deeper self and what his motivations may could be safely shelved. To every thing there is a season and that season is well past.
Better focus on how to handle what is being done.
So enough with the "learning curve" dream wish. There isn't one in Hocus Potus. And while at it, maybe putting the Freudian explorations of who his deeper self and what his motivations may could be safely shelved. To every thing there is a season and that season is well past.
Better focus on how to handle what is being done.
10
Given what I’ve seen so far, I can’t figure out how Trump had a modicum of success in business. The Trump Organization is probably not as big as he claims, but it is still a substantial company that owns or operates a number of hotels, golf courses and other stuff worldwide. Clearly this is not because of the business acumen and brilliance of Trump. Either he has some capacity somewhere, somehow to hire competent people, or there was someone else behind the scenes that did so. Clearly he has not brought that competence or those people with him to DC.
5
@frankgradilone:
Ever hear of the idiot savant, the person who can multiple two six digit numbers in their head but cannot read and write, etc? Trump might be a genius at self promotion and branding, and more importantly, convincing people to invest money in his ventures even though so many of them have gone south, but the problem is the idiot set convinced themselves that Trump the snake oil salesman was a really good businessman and that is what the country needs. What the country got was someone who no matter how good at branding he was/is, no matter how great a flim flam speech is, it cannot, as it did with his business deals, mask an incompetent boob.
Ever hear of the idiot savant, the person who can multiple two six digit numbers in their head but cannot read and write, etc? Trump might be a genius at self promotion and branding, and more importantly, convincing people to invest money in his ventures even though so many of them have gone south, but the problem is the idiot set convinced themselves that Trump the snake oil salesman was a really good businessman and that is what the country needs. What the country got was someone who no matter how good at branding he was/is, no matter how great a flim flam speech is, it cannot, as it did with his business deals, mask an incompetent boob.
3
The government is NOT a business. He CANNOT understand that.
Very cogent column...right on. It reminds me of something Obama said in an interview toward the end of his presidency. He said the presidency does not change the person who becomes president...that instead it further defines who that person already is as he takes on the responsibility of the office...sort of like that person's personality on steroids (my interpretation...not Obama's words). Trump's personality was there for all to see during the election process and yet he was still nominated and--even more shocking--elected. Now we get a child managing our country, something that was totally predictable and is "hugely" scary.
6
I don't always agree with David Brooks, but when I do it's a relief. He gets to the heart of things so well.
There probably isn't a huge Russian conspiracy (at least not let by Trump himself). We've simply got a shell of a human being 'leading' our country. Best line from the article...
"We’ve got this perverse situation in which the vast analytic powers of the entire world are being spent trying to understand a guy whose thoughts are often just six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar."
My great fear regarding this administration is not of rolling back the progressive agenda (which I will be sad to see, but that's the natural ebb and flow of a two-party democracy), it is of war -- the kind of thing that uproots all of our lives in ways we can't imagine.
I'm hoping the world isn't as fragile as history class has made it seem (a single assassination triggering WWI and all that). Because if it is, our house of cards is surely going to come crashing down before his four years are up.
There probably isn't a huge Russian conspiracy (at least not let by Trump himself). We've simply got a shell of a human being 'leading' our country. Best line from the article...
"We’ve got this perverse situation in which the vast analytic powers of the entire world are being spent trying to understand a guy whose thoughts are often just six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar."
My great fear regarding this administration is not of rolling back the progressive agenda (which I will be sad to see, but that's the natural ebb and flow of a two-party democracy), it is of war -- the kind of thing that uproots all of our lives in ways we can't imagine.
I'm hoping the world isn't as fragile as history class has made it seem (a single assassination triggering WWI and all that). Because if it is, our house of cards is surely going to come crashing down before his four years are up.
4
THANK YOU for finally getting this out there. It should have been said over and over starting a few years ago, then we wouldn't have been in this mess. But better late than never and now it should be the basis of all reporting on him. I'm sure his diehard supporters will never accept that it's true, but we'll just have to move ahead without them, I guess.
6
Most people agree: DT is not a wise man. His personality and abilities have been analyzed All agree. The problem is how do we fix the problem. He is to old for a baby sitter. His family obviously is incapable and extremely loyal. His republican colleagues, both staff and in congress have not reached the point of exasperation, they are to worried about their re-election.
2
We wanted to think he was a con man pretending to be simple-minded as a tactic. Futile attempts at believing there was something in the head of our leader. Now that we know we were wrong, how can we act? Can we get him out? Not us. Can we do something about those who support him? Possibly, but we need a huge team. However, we must first worry about the millions who elected and so whole-heartedly supported his whimsical ways. What can we do to help them fulfill their needs? What are their needs? We don't want a repeat, nor a deeper chasm among sides.... Let's not forget the real problem lies there.
5
Unfortunately, look who's the Secretary of Education. We should be looking to our public education system to reinfuse a clear and detailed working knowledge of our government and the media in all our K-12 students. However....
1
Perhaps the best piece I've yet to read by Mr. Brooks. It's important that conservatives call out Mr. Trump for what he is. This can't be simply a left-right issue.
4
This is it- the current state of our union. The question is, how do we end this? The situation can only end in disaster. Trump is simply mentally unfit to perform the duties that this office requires. That there are so very many power hungry people in his administration and the Republican party who are willing to destroy this country is the shock and disappointment that all U.S. citizens must now bear. How do we make America sane again?
4
This isn't the first piece I've read likening Trump to a little boy and I think the comparison does a disservice to our little boys. Mine, for example, has a great deal more empathy, thoughtfulness, integrity and sense of self (though still developing) than this joke we have for a president.
9
Great column David! Please share it with all of the GOP faithful you know. Perhaps it will help explain why our concerns about Trump are not merely the whining of "sore losers." If we continue to allow our country to be led by a 7 year old with attention deficit syndrome and narcissistic personality disorder we will all end up losers. With Trump it's one calamitous constitutional crisis after another. Amazed he hasn't given the nuclear launch codes to the pizza delivery guy yet. We the people can't take much more of this. Wish I could go back to sleep until 2020.
5
Your overall description is certainly accurate. Technically, he suffers from a neurological disorder which manifests itself in a process called confabulation (see Oliver Sachs, The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat). The basis of the neurological problem is probably insecure attachment (John Bowlby, Attachment, Separation. Loss), which would put his mental age at about 3 years instead of seven. He can't help himself, and he certainly can't help US (individually or collectively).
5
Perhaps, but I can't help thinking early dementia, early Alzheimer's or some related neurological pathology is at work here. I doubt he'd have claimed he invented the saying "priming the pump" 20 years ago.
1
You are right.
There is nothing there.
The people I've seen that voted for him and still defend him despite or in spite of him are alike: They have nothing there.
There is nothing there.
The people I've seen that voted for him and still defend him despite or in spite of him are alike: They have nothing there.
4
This article almost gives an excuse to Trump's behavior because he is incapable and has no mental ability to do his job. After all, how can we blame a person for doing a bad job if he has tried his best but cannot do better because he lacks the ability? The sad thing is many people who voted Trump into the office did not think governing the country was a serious enough job that required intelligence and knowledge. These people have given us two presidents in recent history. The first one started two wars that the country is still fighting today. The current one is a nightmare we are living through every day. The tax-cuts these people cared so much that anyone promised one is fit for the office are going to be very hollow. The country is ruined in the meantime. Unfortunately, they are our citizens too and they have the vote to continue the current path. Perhaps the decline of a country does not start with poor leaders but uninform, ignorant citizenry.
6
While I completely agree, none of this should be a surprise. Trump acted in the same way before he was elected, and will not change. If anything, his behavior will worsen before it has a chance of improving. The real upshot of all this comes down to Republicans and voters. Will the Republican Party idly stand by and be willing consentors, and will republican voters hold their noses and ignore it all for the support of the team. If the comments of Mr. Brooks mean something to you, get up and do something about it - call your republican congressman, get your governor to support legislation to create nonpartisan redistricting committees, and VOTE.
3
All true, but not news. We knew this since well before inauguration day. The republicans continue to demonstrate that they just don't care.
5
Excellent column, as always. Have to comment on the title, though..... barring unforeseeable events, we're stuck with Trump for about 3 1/2 more years, but the world is not obliged to follow his lead. I think the world is way ahead of us in terms of doubt, dislike, and foreboding, and Trump won't be leading other nations anywhere. God have mercy on us, though....
4
Comparing Donald Trump to children is a completely unfair analogy--to children!
Most children have much greater skills in empathy, listening, sharing, identifying and reporting bullying, staying on topic, and any other number of social skills than Donald Trump. Any adult--teacher, counselor, parent, neighbor, day-care worker--who knows children and regularly works with them or observes them, would identify a child with Donald Trump's problems as clearly abnormal and in need of help.
Most children have much greater skills in empathy, listening, sharing, identifying and reporting bullying, staying on topic, and any other number of social skills than Donald Trump. Any adult--teacher, counselor, parent, neighbor, day-care worker--who knows children and regularly works with them or observes them, would identify a child with Donald Trump's problems as clearly abnormal and in need of help.
4
Clearly, the point of the article is that a 7-year old is in a phase of trying to find him or herself with the hopes of growing into a fine human being. If he or she becomes emotionally stuck in that phase while the physical being matures then it is a failed and desperate means to a down-trodden end for society.
Too sad and becoming scarier.
Too sad and becoming scarier.
1
My hardcore Republican husband who has never voted any other way and donates to Judicial Watch and the Cato Institute among others, watches FOX news and buys books by Republican authors suddenly threw away the two books he recently bought about Trump and his plans. He has also changed his viewing to CNN and MSNBC. This gives me hope that sanity will return among at least some of the general Republican population if it has happened with a 89 year old who badly wanted a tax reduction, but loves his Medicare.
8
I agree completely. Over coffee, my friends and I talked about how childish Trump is. "I know something that you don't know," he boasts, trying to seem better than the people around him. I remember kids who talked this way in elementary school.
2
So true! How is possible that this president was elected? All the signs were there before the election and people decided to ignore them. He is beyond incompetence and putting this country in serious danger...and the congress is doing nothing. Can checks and balances kick in without Ryan or McConnell's approval? what it will take? What are our alternatives?
1
Just because someone is adult, it doesn’t mean they have the maturity of an adult. We call those people ‘adult children’. Trump is an adult child.
He is also a narcissist.
“he is perpetually desperate for approval, telling heroic fabulist tales about himself”
Narcissists do not know themselves (and thus seem out of touch with any core beliefs). Instead they are a shell, presenting a false self to the world and to themselves. Deep down they believe that their very existence depends on maintaining this facade. If they tend towards the sociopathic, they will hurt people to maintain that image.
“Other people are black boxes that supply either affirmation or disapproval.”
Narcissists need people to bolster their ego. Deep down they may believe that they will die if they lose this ‘narcissistic supply’, and may go to extremes to maintain it. Because they are so blind to their deep need for ego stroking, they simply cannot see others as individuals, but only as things to be used for their own ends.
Now we as a society are learning what it’s like to be in a relationship with a narcissist. We should all learn from this lesson so that we manage the influence of narcissists in our lives, both personally and publicly.
Survivors of narcissists could see this behavior coming a mile away. No surprises here, except for the idea that Trump would 'pivot' and start acting more presidential. Astonishing!
He is also a narcissist.
“he is perpetually desperate for approval, telling heroic fabulist tales about himself”
Narcissists do not know themselves (and thus seem out of touch with any core beliefs). Instead they are a shell, presenting a false self to the world and to themselves. Deep down they believe that their very existence depends on maintaining this facade. If they tend towards the sociopathic, they will hurt people to maintain that image.
“Other people are black boxes that supply either affirmation or disapproval.”
Narcissists need people to bolster their ego. Deep down they may believe that they will die if they lose this ‘narcissistic supply’, and may go to extremes to maintain it. Because they are so blind to their deep need for ego stroking, they simply cannot see others as individuals, but only as things to be used for their own ends.
Now we as a society are learning what it’s like to be in a relationship with a narcissist. We should all learn from this lesson so that we manage the influence of narcissists in our lives, both personally and publicly.
Survivors of narcissists could see this behavior coming a mile away. No surprises here, except for the idea that Trump would 'pivot' and start acting more presidential. Astonishing!
2
Yup ! any survivor of a narcissist saw this miles ago
Trump is the epitome of the people everywhere who feel that they are unfairly cheated and picked on, insecure, lacking in education and imagination, whose conception of life I shaped by the narrow little world they live in. They are the definition of good intentions but understanding.
Unfortunately, this is a case where the ignorant (electorate) voted for ignorant. Maybe we got the government we deserve, as Rousseau once said about the Russians, in a nation dominated by hard right news, which most of the time is either grossly distorted or false, and to which a large section of the electorate relies on for its information. It is telling that i turned on FOX at least several times last night and there was ZERO of the intelligence leak.
2
Thankfully, the WORLD isn't being "led" by this person, "only" our country. He's not a child, but he acts as if he has the MIND of a child. That's the crux of the problem: he's mentally UNSOUND, and should be removed form office, under the terms of the 25th Amendment, as soon as humanly possible.
That we have a repub Congress, already corrupted (McConnell's WIFE has a cabinet position!), means this must be a focused bipartisan effort. I realize that sounds almost absurd, given the reticence of even democrats to object to the mindless and arbitrary words and actions of the person in the WH, but this is the surest way forward. Impeachment would be a long, drawn-out mess, that would further erode not only American citizens' opinion of the function of our government, but that of an increasingly tense and nervous world, witnessing the implosion of our "democracy". We should all be contacting our representatives and pressing for a 25th Amendment process IMMEDIATELY.
That we have a repub Congress, already corrupted (McConnell's WIFE has a cabinet position!), means this must be a focused bipartisan effort. I realize that sounds almost absurd, given the reticence of even democrats to object to the mindless and arbitrary words and actions of the person in the WH, but this is the surest way forward. Impeachment would be a long, drawn-out mess, that would further erode not only American citizens' opinion of the function of our government, but that of an increasingly tense and nervous world, witnessing the implosion of our "democracy". We should all be contacting our representatives and pressing for a 25th Amendment process IMMEDIATELY.
4
Donald Trump is a collective creation of American society. Until we address the root causes, we will continue to have extreme symptoms - like this President.
4
In any other profession, anywhere in the world, this man would have been fired from his role weeks ago -- nay, he never would have been hired based on his lack of qualifications and temperament. But because he has been elected to the highest office in the nation (arguably the world), we are not afforded the opportunity to "fire" him. We have to dance through endless impeachment hoops put out by his GOP acolytes. If he were my employee, he would have been out the door Day 1, with the first false, obnoxious, irrelevant statement about the size of the crowds at his inauguration. The list of fire-able offenses grows by the day. When will greater Washington decided enough is enough?
4
Powerfully done Mr. Brooks, thank you.
I wonder how this insightful opinion informs us about the maturity of Mr. Trump's supporters and apologists?
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
I wonder how this insightful opinion informs us about the maturity of Mr. Trump's supporters and apologists?
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
3
It's an insult to President Nixon to compare him to the corrupt Trump clan. Mr Nixon did not go for personal monetary gain as the Trump clan is doing, at the cost of the country's interests. And we have come to believe this when we do not know the full extent of the Trumps' loot. (I believe Trump's sole purpose in keeping Ivanka and Kushner in the White House is to hide the looting aspect his presidency from even close aides).
By openig China, Mr Nixon made huge efforts to cut to size the overbearing bosses of the Kremlin. This guy, Trump, on the other hand is making equally huge efforts to cut our own country to below its size and scope to please our adversaries. His words, his actions, his body language and now through his latest shameful behavior in the Oval Office, fully recorded with pictures, Trump demonstrates to us that he's gone under Putin's thumb - likely, for the oldest of human weakness, greed and self-enrichment.
Who can honestly doubt that this man would hesitate to push anyone under the bus for his monetary gain?
By openig China, Mr Nixon made huge efforts to cut to size the overbearing bosses of the Kremlin. This guy, Trump, on the other hand is making equally huge efforts to cut our own country to below its size and scope to please our adversaries. His words, his actions, his body language and now through his latest shameful behavior in the Oval Office, fully recorded with pictures, Trump demonstrates to us that he's gone under Putin's thumb - likely, for the oldest of human weakness, greed and self-enrichment.
Who can honestly doubt that this man would hesitate to push anyone under the bus for his monetary gain?
3
Should we survive the Trump Presidency, let us all hope that Trump ends the Republican need for dumb.
Each successive Republican President or Vice President since Reagan has made his predecessors look like a towering intellect. Now, we have Trump who somehow manages to make George W Bush appear downright erudite. Trump who proves that yes, Sarah Palin can actually speak in (short) grammatical sentences.
Let Trump forever disprove the idea that anybody can be President because I'm terrified to see who the Republicans nominate after him.
Each successive Republican President or Vice President since Reagan has made his predecessors look like a towering intellect. Now, we have Trump who somehow manages to make George W Bush appear downright erudite. Trump who proves that yes, Sarah Palin can actually speak in (short) grammatical sentences.
Let Trump forever disprove the idea that anybody can be President because I'm terrified to see who the Republicans nominate after him.
5
Keep at it, Mr. Brooks. Maybe your opinions will get through to those who are in a position to truly check Trump, and remove him from office.
My grandchildren have more self-control, self-knowledge and a greater sense, by far, of what it means to be an American, than our chaotic and clueless president.
My grandchildren have more self-control, self-knowledge and a greater sense, by far, of what it means to be an American, than our chaotic and clueless president.
3
Good luck, David, on Trump ever being capable to reading your excellent spot-on commentary.
And if he could concentrate and sit that
long -- he would not be capable to understand any of it !
And if he could concentrate and sit that
long -- he would not be capable to understand any of it !
As bad as Trump is it truly amazes me that his supporters still think he is doing a great job. The mailing list of his supporters must be a hot subject for anyone wanting to scam people.
6
At least many children are aware of their own limitations, of a path involving more learning and development in the years ahead ("I can't wait until I grow up and can ...!"). In contrast to the child's mind, Trump believes he is master of everything, when in fact he is master of nothing.
4
It's not complicated. Donald Trump suffers from a fairly severe case of narcissistic personality disorder. Deep, deep inside, he believes he is worthless, and therefore he is compelled to spend all of his time and energy proving his value. And because he does not value himself, he is compelled to seek proof of his value in the opinions of others.
These are not choices, or strategies - they are compulsions. Trump has no ability to curb them, or modify them to make them more socially acceptable, or redirect them to any larger purpose than the relentless pursuit of validation.
The narcissist doesn't even have the ability to recognize these compulsions because, unfortunately, narcissists are almost uniquely immune to self-awareness. A narcissist cannot consciously acknowledge imperfection, because recognition of any fault, however small, would constitute a confirmation of his existential worthlessness and a rejection of all of those years of elaborately constructed pretenses of perfection and greatness.
One of the hallmarks of narcissism this severe is its extraordinary energy. Trump's inner sense of worthlessness induces huge stresses, which give him the boundless energy that he devotes to policing his psychic perimeter for any potential slight, and to responding in gross disproportion - as in his 4 a.m. tweetstorms, when psychologically normal people are sound asleep.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
These are not choices, or strategies - they are compulsions. Trump has no ability to curb them, or modify them to make them more socially acceptable, or redirect them to any larger purpose than the relentless pursuit of validation.
The narcissist doesn't even have the ability to recognize these compulsions because, unfortunately, narcissists are almost uniquely immune to self-awareness. A narcissist cannot consciously acknowledge imperfection, because recognition of any fault, however small, would constitute a confirmation of his existential worthlessness and a rejection of all of those years of elaborately constructed pretenses of perfection and greatness.
One of the hallmarks of narcissism this severe is its extraordinary energy. Trump's inner sense of worthlessness induces huge stresses, which give him the boundless energy that he devotes to policing his psychic perimeter for any potential slight, and to responding in gross disproportion - as in his 4 a.m. tweetstorms, when psychologically normal people are sound asleep.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
5
David Brooks does a great job describing the sorry excuse we have for a president. He however missed one additional characteristic of the infant/toddler that Trump has in spades. The need for attention and even more so the need to keep that attention focused on him. Doesn't everyone know the child who will purposely interrupt a conversation to direct everybody to the novel observation that the sky is blue or that he/she can blow through one nostril. That is our commander in chief. Trumpeting through one nostril to show the world how clever he is. His supporters are the doting dads/moms who have suspended disbelief in service of their "miracle child". We unfortunately have to live with the consequences of this miracle.
1
You're preaching to the choir here in the NYT. The problem is that Trump's fans are willing to overlook *all* of this to give him a chance to "make America great again." I find it terribly offensive that they ever thought America wasn't great!
2
Well believe it or not it has not always been hunky-dory for all!
Trump habitually conflates a President's *de jure* immunity with full-blown legal authorization, as if what can legally "be gotten away with" and "legal" were precisely the same thing. Earlier in his presidency, when called upon to divest from business to avoid conflicts of interest (indeed after promising to do so), Trump flourished his statutory exemption as a carte blanche license: "The president can't have a conflict of interest. The law is totally on my side!" Trump effectively denied the law's tacit recognition of "de facto" (real in substance) conflicts of interest exempted purely for pragmatic expediency (concern over a prosecution's disruptiveness to Executive functions), sustaining the delusion he's above the law.
By Trump's own logic, the only solution to Hillary Clinton's alleged recklessness with classified information (Trump's most forceful argument against her) would have been to elect her president so any disclosures would no longer be illegal. As long as she knows sensitive information she can always talk; only with the authorization of her being president would we be safe from unauthorized disclosures. "If the president does it, it's OK."
Louis XVI called it "L'etat, c'est moi."
By Trump's own logic, the only solution to Hillary Clinton's alleged recklessness with classified information (Trump's most forceful argument against her) would have been to elect her president so any disclosures would no longer be illegal. As long as she knows sensitive information she can always talk; only with the authorization of her being president would we be safe from unauthorized disclosures. "If the president does it, it's OK."
Louis XVI called it "L'etat, c'est moi."
3
"..telling heroic fabulist tales about himself"
And so mr. Brooks bid farewell to Hemingway and half of the american literature, which is based on fabulist tales about himself.
"He is perpetually surprised because reality does not comport with his fantasies"
And so mr. Brooks bid farewell to the other half of the american literature, plus worldwide artists and the departments of arts.
Granted, mr. Trump is neither a writer ( for sure ) or an artist ( not so sure about it, he could be a kind of ), he is the president of the United States who comes overtly transparent when he discusses of national and international issues.
For that matter you could include his restaurant-foreign/economic talks, his weekends at Mar-a-Lago hosting international prime ministers, his frank reporting about his calls, and his guests at the White House, too.
For those who are not mr. Brooks, this is hardly a news.
Indeed the author thinks it is a behaviour of a child. Sure enough, if we have to go that way, i can add another childish remarks in the wake of presidential election. here it is:
"I'm the one standing between you and apocalypse".
that was the non-analyzed, dismissed-through-a-smile by the free media, phrase of the other candidate, mrs. Rodham Clinton.
How about that?
I guess this is not the place to undergo such comparative analysis between the two characters almost all voters were going through in the electoral cabins in November, nor is mr. Brooks the person to do that, evidently.
And so mr. Brooks bid farewell to Hemingway and half of the american literature, which is based on fabulist tales about himself.
"He is perpetually surprised because reality does not comport with his fantasies"
And so mr. Brooks bid farewell to the other half of the american literature, plus worldwide artists and the departments of arts.
Granted, mr. Trump is neither a writer ( for sure ) or an artist ( not so sure about it, he could be a kind of ), he is the president of the United States who comes overtly transparent when he discusses of national and international issues.
For that matter you could include his restaurant-foreign/economic talks, his weekends at Mar-a-Lago hosting international prime ministers, his frank reporting about his calls, and his guests at the White House, too.
For those who are not mr. Brooks, this is hardly a news.
Indeed the author thinks it is a behaviour of a child. Sure enough, if we have to go that way, i can add another childish remarks in the wake of presidential election. here it is:
"I'm the one standing between you and apocalypse".
that was the non-analyzed, dismissed-through-a-smile by the free media, phrase of the other candidate, mrs. Rodham Clinton.
How about that?
I guess this is not the place to undergo such comparative analysis between the two characters almost all voters were going through in the electoral cabins in November, nor is mr. Brooks the person to do that, evidently.
Trump may act like a 9-year-old boy and act sloppily but the fact that he gave
this information to the Russians is disturbing. I do not think that Trump gave this information or any other information to another country. Why did he give it
to Russia? RED FLAG!
this information to the Russians is disturbing. I do not think that Trump gave this information or any other information to another country. Why did he give it
to Russia? RED FLAG!
"The vast analytic powers of the entire world are being spent trying to understand a guy whose thoughts are often just six fireflies beeping randomly in a jar." Well-said, Mr. Brooks...even if it insults the intelligence of fireflies.
2
And the winner is: David Brooks! The first analysis that begins with the given that Donald Trump is totally irrational. Thank you. I was beginning to think that it couldn't be done. And quite a maze it is. But - yessir, seemless. Did I say Thank you? I'll do it again. Thank you.
I love David Brooks. He speaks for me in most instances. But this is not one of them. I find no evidence in his article or in the Post or Times that would allow me to draw the conclusion that any comment from Trump was a betrayal of any information in our highly secret file. This, to date, is just another example of the press (Post) trying to destroy someone with whom they disagree. It is obvious every move by the president is going to be interpreted by the Post and Times as evil. Get over the fact half the nation thinks differently and they have as much right to run the country for four years as a do nothing Obama did for eight. Just sit and watch for awhile, please.
Although David Brooks cites the Dunning-Kruger effect to describe Trump's childish incompetency, a more apt descriptor of the Trump presidency migh be the Freddy Krueger effect. Every day this totally incompetent man occupies the Oval Office is truly a nightmare!
1
David, You do fireflies and children an injustice. And none of this is really news. Anyone with eyes open has seen this for years. One could actually feel sorry for this sick old man if what he were doing was not so dangerous and self driven. It's his younger and smarter enablers that need to be taken to task. Mr Brooks? This is your team in charge.
2
In the novel "Being There" a low IQ gardener through a series of circumstances rises to being in the intellectual elite because people infer that he is speaking in metaphors about weighty economic matters and his every utterance is regarded as wisdom. In reality, he is just a simpleton speaking as any simpleton would. Mr. Trump is also a simpleton who has risen through his own guile and circumstances to the highest political office and just like Chauncy in the novel there is no there there.
The US has been governed for a long time by a childish organization called Congress. What difference does adding one more immature mind to the kindergarten called Washington matter?
All of Trump's faults were visible during the campaign and during the years before it. He is manifestly unprepared to be President, manifestly ignorant, bizarrely grandiose and completely unable to work in concert with others. He did not win the election. He has no mandate. He won the Electoral College, which preserves the disproportionate strength of the historically most racist and backwards elements of the nation. He must be impeached.
2
Excellent summation. The title could also read "what happens when thepresident suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Loved your column Mr. Brooks but not too sure about the fireflies; after all fireflies are bright! 45 not so much
1
Finally. a "get-it-all-off-my-chest" column by David Brooks on Trump.
Now, if only Mitch McConnell could work up the courage to do the same thing.
Now, if only Mitch McConnell could work up the courage to do the same thing.
1
Yes. He is a child. I would only add that the mental age of those who voted him into office is not much greater than this infant.
2
May 16, 2017
The is not going to tolerate a fake president and neither will the American public that will come to the fact that enough is enough - The options to dispose DT are not that herculean but just like Venezuela the masses will declare the ideas of John Locke who guided our constitution and the empiricism of the just rule of law to honor and deliver to all.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
The is not going to tolerate a fake president and neither will the American public that will come to the fact that enough is enough - The options to dispose DT are not that herculean but just like Venezuela the masses will declare the ideas of John Locke who guided our constitution and the empiricism of the just rule of law to honor and deliver to all.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
1
I'm beginning to believe that sad, failed Donald Trump needs to remain in office long enough to drag down with him all the Republican sycophants who foisted him on the nation, thinking they would benefit in some way.
2
Donald Trump is not the leader of the world. Donald Trump if anything is finally telling the world the USA is not only not fit to lead the world it is an unreliable ally and its word is meaningless. Some of us have known this for years but Donald is emphatic.
Donald Trump is not a child he is an old man like myself but unlike myself Donald doesn't understand that no amount of Cialis and Tylenol will bring back the sixties.
Donald Trump is not a child he is an old man like myself but unlike myself Donald doesn't understand that no amount of Cialis and Tylenol will bring back the sixties.
4
"When he´s alone in a room, there´s no one there," as Keynes said of David Lloyd George.
1
This is why I subscribe. Thank you.
3
I don't know - does this explain the countless people who have done work for him that he then simply refuses to pay? The countless women that he has grabbed you-know-where? The bigotry? His unmooring of the very concept of language which represents truth/untruth into something that is strictly for the manipulation of those listening? There are children with good hearts, you know. His behavior over his lifetime has been unthinkably cruel and bullying, unlike many, many children.
3
Trump's extremely poor ability to use language betrays both a stream of consciousness that meanders at a pace that defies the term and a lack of vocabulary and grasp of grammar that severely limit the ability to communicate effectively. Everything is great or beautiful . . . and it is a "thing" . . . his message is generally devoid of concrete nouns. Given this defect, one can only assume that he has never read a real nonfiction book, acclaimed work of literature, or anything more than a graphic novel, if indeed that. Most of what he says boils down to: I (————) a lot of very good things, fill in the blank with whatever verb that works.
Granted, being president requires much more than the ability to put together a cohesive sentence. But if the president cannot do that, one must wonder if he performs other skills equally poorly. We know he was not the successful businessman he touts himself to be.
Granted, being president requires much more than the ability to put together a cohesive sentence. But if the president cannot do that, one must wonder if he performs other skills equally poorly. We know he was not the successful businessman he touts himself to be.
1
I would like to know the nature of this intelligence. President Trump, I follow you on Twitter so when it's convenient, in the early hours, please oblige. Until then this is just fake news to me.
Donald Trump does not lead the world, he tries to lead the USA only. The world is watching this spectacle and sometimes, when it's real quiet, you can hear them snicker.
3
Ah, for the good old days of President Jimmy Carter, a gentleman, a scholar, detail-oriented yet still understood that "the big picture" wasn't a tv show based on rank rudeness, crass crudeness....a military man, utterly competent, a loving father and husband and respected in the world.
Trump is a blowhard who was put (barely) into office by other blowhards.
He reflects perfectly those who voted for him and the party that allows, encourages and remains silent... even when it involves treason.
And what ever happened to Jimmy Carter?
He's still, all these years later, working every day on helping those on this planet who are not rich, 1%, or indifferent to others.
Donald Trump?
He's no Jimmy Carter.
Truth? Few of us are.
But President Carter has always given us all something to aspire to.
Thank you, President Carter.
Trump is a blowhard who was put (barely) into office by other blowhards.
He reflects perfectly those who voted for him and the party that allows, encourages and remains silent... even when it involves treason.
And what ever happened to Jimmy Carter?
He's still, all these years later, working every day on helping those on this planet who are not rich, 1%, or indifferent to others.
Donald Trump?
He's no Jimmy Carter.
Truth? Few of us are.
But President Carter has always given us all something to aspire to.
Thank you, President Carter.
4
rosa....your fellow americans disagreed. the present day usa starts with reagan and the 'folks' decided a B actor of mediocre movies who governed america's most glamorous state was better than a peanut farmer and the former officer on nuclear submarines in the USN who was also a bright guy. also, a born again christian who wasn't obnoxious about it.
2
"Needs perpetual outside approval to stabilize his sense of self", "the dangerousness of a hollow man", lack of "engraved character", "no there there"; all classic characteristics of a narcissistic personality disorder. There simply is no core to this guy.
2
Imagining four years of Trump is down right scary.
Mr. Brooks, aren't the same conservative writer who for eight years went after Obama, extolling conservative thought as superior? All your efforts took you, and us, down the rabbit hole and now we're stuck with the Mad Hatter as president. Unfortunately this isn't a children's story with a ending which teaches us the error of our ways, but maybe we can avoid them in the future; that is, if the deep thinking conservatives now in charge don't legislate us into a corner and then, like the Red Queen, demand our heads for doubting them.
1
Trump is not a child. Simply, Trump is non compos mentis, and his entourage is occupied full time trying to patch the facade of sanity. Unable to focus, unable to plan, unable to organize, Trump senses his failings and lashes out irascibly when reminded about them. Meanwhile he is manipulated by the Mercer-Bannon cabal to dismantle government with inappropriate appointments and destructive executive orders.
2
The same article without this weeks intelligence leak could have been written word by word at any time during the campaign or during the first months of the new administration.
I still have not red anything that would help me understand why so many voted for him or maybe his supporters share the kind of immaturity you are describing.
I still have not red anything that would help me understand why so many voted for him or maybe his supporters share the kind of immaturity you are describing.
1
Trump can't recognize himself in the mirror as it's not great enough.
But above all the main problem of Trump is: He lacks knowledge and brainpower. All the things he did the recent weeks clearly show: This man is entirely dumb. The States are governed by a man who suffers from a severely defective mind.
1
Rather than debriefing this president daily with top-secret intel, can't operatives just giving a shiny decoder ring? It would fill him with glee, and keep us safer.
2
As the Four Tops sang 50 years ago "Shake me, wake me, when it's over!" In the meanwhile do all we can to hasten the day.
Do you think Pence would be an improvement over Trump? Which would I prefer to eat - what comes up out of my dog's tummy after she eats something that's too revolting even for her, or what eventually emerges a few hours later?
Mr. Brooks, you've correctly described our symptoms for the umpteenth time, along with umpteen other writers, each of whom has given us umpteen similar descriptions. None of you dares to diagnose the underlying condition, and the Times becomes a form massage or a hot water bottle. If that condition is that a majority (or almost, which is almost as dangerous) of your fellow citizens are neither as smart nor as disciplined as you, so they get in trouble, and then they vote their fantasies...what do you prescribe? There are two hundred other nations in the world. Do the twenty who constitute "everybody else" have the wonder drug, or has the epidemic only begun to reach them?
As a 2nd grade teacher, I feel the need to prove how much more mature my students are than our president. Here are some things my students have said this year:
"That happened because I was being careless."
"I'm just so frustrated with myself right now."
"I'm really sorry. That wasn't okay for me to do."
"This is really hard for me."
Can you imagine any of those sentences coming out of Trump's mouth? Google "The Kid President" and watch one of his videos. Then realize we would be better off in the hands of an actual child.
"That happened because I was being careless."
"I'm just so frustrated with myself right now."
"I'm really sorry. That wasn't okay for me to do."
"This is really hard for me."
Can you imagine any of those sentences coming out of Trump's mouth? Google "The Kid President" and watch one of his videos. Then realize we would be better off in the hands of an actual child.
55
Being “weirdly transparent” is Trump’s distinguishing feature. Maybe some prefer their leaders to be more secretive about themselves to maintain a mannered image for media consumption; an argument for that can be made. But in either case, never assume you know more about the life of any public figure than you do simply because you think you do.
Oh please, not more of the there's something more deep, more profound, more strategic going on than we realize. No, there's not. And frankly at this point it doesn't really matter if he's mentally ill or gobsmacking incompetent or childishly immature or telling it like it is on whatever rarefied plane of reality he exists on.
It doesn't matter. He's an absolute disaster. No further evidence or introspection required.
It doesn't matter. He's an absolute disaster. No further evidence or introspection required.
2
You insult children. Most of them are more open minded and nicer than Trump, whose cleverness all serves his self-promotion and wealth acquisition. He embodies the lowest a human is capable of at any age.
14
Trump supporters take joy at calling those on the left “snowflakes” – a term Wikipedia defines as a “…person being more prone to taking offense and less resilient than previous generations, or one who is too emotionally vulnerable to cope with views that challenge their own.” Trump is the ultimate snowflake.
11
I don't disagree with David Brooks. The thing I liked the most was the quote at the end by David Roberts. I find his columns more interesting than those by Brooks. The New York Times may want consider this.
David Brooks hits closest to the mark as usual, but fails to hit the bulls-eye. The elephant in the room is that Donald Trump has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. No psychologist will put their credentials at risk by diagnosing a "celebrity" figure they've never had as a patient, nor will any journalist risk being held liable for "slander" by making a similar claim. For those who have learned about narcissists the hard way, by getting caught in their web of control and deceit, Donald Trump is an unfortunately highly public example of a narcissist in action. They are contemptuous, manipulative, and shallow people who fool individuals, even entire countries, with their aloof charm and bold confidence, collecting many “fans” along the way. Anyone who is “questioning” of their control and dominance will be quickly outed to make room for more adoring fans, hence the firing of independent-minded officials within the Trump White House. His obtuse and craven actions are the evidence of a constant quest to satisfy an insatiable ego. I could go on forever about how Donald Trump is a malignant narcissist, as could any individual unfortunate enough to experience a narcissist’s depraved mind games firsthand. As it stands now: We have ignored the elephant in the room, to our peril, for far too long. It’s time to address Narcissistic Personality Disorder through emergency public awareness efforts. New York Times, I am looking at you. Need an informed op-ed?
13
So, Mr. Brooks, what does your Republican party intend to do about this train wreck of a presidency? Isn't it time you took the so-called "leadership" of the GOP to task for endangering the Republic by allowing this immature ignoramus to run amok?
13
Heavy knock on the door " bang bang"..."
"Mr Brooks !
There is a body of evidence (NYT) that you have disclosed one of the US best kept secrets and leaks this top secret, sensitive intelligence. No point in denying.... please follow us."
"Mr Brooks !
There is a body of evidence (NYT) that you have disclosed one of the US best kept secrets and leaks this top secret, sensitive intelligence. No point in denying.... please follow us."
2
I vaguely remember, in the recent political past, in the era bt, that there was a pitchfork party of the rabble, screaming, " off with her head," because a lady had included classified information on a personal e mail server in her home.... of course that was a long time ago.... before the era when a president of the US shared classified info verbally with folks who represent a regime that is not our friend!
7
Excellent column! Thank you ! Thank you!
2
trump's has a BA in 'retroactive justification'
Let me ask an honest question?
In this case, Trump took intel from Israel and gave it to Russia to take care of ISIS.
What if Trump got the intel from Russia and gave it to Israel?
Could you honestly write a similar Op-Ed and come to work tomorrow?
In this case, Trump took intel from Israel and gave it to Russia to take care of ISIS.
What if Trump got the intel from Russia and gave it to Israel?
Could you honestly write a similar Op-Ed and come to work tomorrow?
So, David, what's to be done-?!
4
Chauncy Gardener comes to mind. Great column Mr. Brooks.
4
David Brooks captured the essence of this madman. Perhaps his next column should directed to the Republican leadership who support him and put this country at risk
Why is it no press wrote this way when he first burst on the political scene years ago? Did none of you ever talk to a psychologist, or even a psych major? His (childlike) behavior has not changed since he was merely a New Yorker. It just has hugely consequences now.
5
Trump showed us for many months while campaigning that he was totally unfit to be President. People voted for him anyway. Since he's been in office, he has shown us EVERY SINGLE DAY that he is totally incapable of leading our country. Now it seems clear that he presents a clear and present danger.
PLEASE, Republicans in Congress, DO YOUR JOBS!! Stop ignoring the serious wrongdoing by Trump. He could literally put our country in danger by scaring off all of our trustworthy allies while he admires & meets with the thuggish Putin, Duterte & Erdogan.
PLEASE, Republicans in Congress, DO YOUR JOBS!! Stop ignoring the serious wrongdoing by Trump. He could literally put our country in danger by scaring off all of our trustworthy allies while he admires & meets with the thuggish Putin, Duterte & Erdogan.
Trump is simply (pun intended) terrifying.
6
#“This is code-word information,” said a U.S. official familiar with the matter, using terminology that refers to one of the highest classification levels used by American spy agencies."
So how truth about this information is checked?
Does it means that this US official know this higgest classified information?
There shouldn't be many.
To report to press this "US official" should be in room.
And since He/she reported about zhis highly classified info, he/she made big breach of info.
And the reporter of WAPO either, if he know that this is highly classified info.
In ordered democratic state, police would after such "revelation" soon come to WAPO and arrest the reporter that was spying in President room...
So how truth about this information is checked?
Does it means that this US official know this higgest classified information?
There shouldn't be many.
To report to press this "US official" should be in room.
And since He/she reported about zhis highly classified info, he/she made big breach of info.
And the reporter of WAPO either, if he know that this is highly classified info.
In ordered democratic state, police would after such "revelation" soon come to WAPO and arrest the reporter that was spying in President room...
1
hard to argue with mr brooks rehash of the litany of trump's difficulty with words...however, most of the flaws framed here are also on display in the media...the fulminations of columnists, their perches threatened by a tweeter (but o, so secure under the wing of a complacent establishment); the sentence fragments of msnbc anchor chris matthews stand out; the jagged edges of the breathless wolf blitzer, the blather of the sofa cadres, their shouting over each other rendering comment, no matter the matter, unintelligible, etc., etc. (not to mention frequent malaprops, clumsy analogies, and critical horizons bounded by their telepromters.
if trump is big baby, insecure, looking for approval, the media are the mean kids, taunting and compensating.
if trump is big baby, insecure, looking for approval, the media are the mean kids, taunting and compensating.
1
No comparison, my friend. While I agree the talking heads do a great deal of hooting and hollering (Personally, I hold Wolf Blitzer responsible for hysterically talking the public into allowing Bush to invade Iraq), however, except for Fox, there is usually a discernible train of thought in media speak which makes sense. Trump's word salad is even more tossed than Sarah Palin's.
2
alas, my friend, you offer no example of "a discernable train of thought"...there is a drumbeat of what debaters call "ad baculum" appeals to fear (the "fear itself" which FDR rightly warned us was the only thing we had to fear)...there is a stream of insult (that harms us no matter who is president), the ad hominum attack those same debaters have at the top of their list of fallacies...but where it there a thought, much less a train?
btw there is a very well ordered train in today's times (imagine!) bret stephens's commencement speech
at hampden-sydney college.
btw there is a very well ordered train in today's times (imagine!) bret stephens's commencement speech
at hampden-sydney college.
Dear Mr. Brooks,
Why malign, associate all children with this 70-year old warped and dangerous adult? Comparing him to a child provides him with the kind of justifiable reprieve we give to children due to their age and inexperience. Trump does not qualify. Submitted by an ex-child.
Why malign, associate all children with this 70-year old warped and dangerous adult? Comparing him to a child provides him with the kind of justifiable reprieve we give to children due to their age and inexperience. Trump does not qualify. Submitted by an ex-child.
When will the party that controls the current laughable and incompetent federal government finally stand up to the stooge in the White House and ask him to return to his corporate dictatorship rather than ruin the country with his every new, idiotic move? If he leaves before a real major crisis occurs, maybe the republic can be saved from destruction from within. Once again the president has demonstrated he is the worst prepared, worst informed, most impulsive and incompetent president in modern times. When will this fiasco end?
4
Wow, seldom does one read a David Brooks piece without the inevitable false equivalency – "...but liberals do it too." or some such. Usually, Trump is referred to as a six year old, this article pegs him at seven – I wonder he'll hit puberty? Anyway, how long must we wait before McConnell and Ryan let Congress get rid of the stooge-in-chief? The clock is ticking.
7
ANgela Merkel is not a child. And she is the leader of the West and the Free World.
6
Well expressed.
2
When will this nightmare end??
4
Great article but one quibble: I'm not sure we lead the world anymore.
6
Dangerously unfit to hold office.
3
So what is the solution since there is no casting out the demons for King Trump banned by the Almighty himself to do his business on the nation
Perhaps if we put Trump in a prayer closet with say David Goldman , David on the top bunk close to heaven with both him and the Donald in deep deep prayer and just wait for Jesus to wall through the walls
Only he has the power to cast out the demons of the King
Perhaps if we put Trump in a prayer closet with say David Goldman , David on the top bunk close to heaven with both him and the Donald in deep deep prayer and just wait for Jesus to wall through the walls
Only he has the power to cast out the demons of the King
Ivanka knows this well. Look at her face when she looks at her father.
3
I think - based on these comments - that its safe to say that NY Times readers don't like Trump...
Congress is the enabling parent
7
Mike Pence is an enabler, who should know better. He has never stood up to him. Defends, even if lying obviously. Zero credibility.
The robot sent to Sunday shows is simply a robot.
The robot sent to Sunday shows is simply a robot.
Fourth, by adulthood most people... realize that the notion that wisdom is gained with age, like some laurel laid by the muses on wizened heads, is a hoary cliche daily disproved by sundry examples of 70 year olds who are and will die utterly stupid. Lo, we elected one of them.
1
I don't need or want to understand him at all and don't know anyone who does. If the finest minds in the world stopped pandering to him and instead put their energies into how to get rid of the cancerous growth the minority managed to install in the White House they might actually do something useful. He is just a narcissistic bully with no self control and zero ability to empathise. His pathological lies & infantile need for ego-stroking puts the entire world at risk every day due to instability and security leaks and increasing hostilities/losing alliances. He and his rag tag adminstration should be removed from office and let adults back in. Meanwhile he couldn't lead a marching band let alone "the world". He plays golf and makes stupid decisions that costs people's lives. That's not leading anything.
3
An appalling situation!!! The elected Republicans need to wake up, do their job and put our COUNTRY over party.....................Dump Trump.
2
You nailed it!
A headline during the election concerning one of Trump’s earlier insanities was - Trump’s plan to seize Iraq’s oil: “It’s not stealing, we’re reimbursing ourselves” The word “reimbursing” is now being used in context with Trump’s assertion that he will force Mexico to pay for the wall. Trump reiterated that he would have seized Iraq’s oil recently at a speech to the CIA.
This raises the prospect of Trump using military force to seize Mexican gulf oil assets to reimburse the cost of the wall. In terms of the worst things that could ever happen to the USA, military conflict with Mexico when at least 10% of the American population is of Mexican heritage has to be high on the list.
A war with Mexico over payment for the wall is not the only potential war Trump might cause.
"..what did Putin hope to gain by aiding Trump? What Russia and Putin desperately need is money. Even if Putin asked Trump to have the American Treasury transfer, say $200 billion to Russia, that is not going to happen. Even Kellyanne Conway could not spin that one into anything that would be acceptable to the American people or congress. Absent writing Russia a big check, how could Trump cause Russia to gain $200 billion? The answer would be a $50 increase in the price of oil.
We know what has caused most of the oil price spikes in the last 50 years. That has been wars in the Middle East. The first oil shock came with the 1973 war. ..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4034048
This raises the prospect of Trump using military force to seize Mexican gulf oil assets to reimburse the cost of the wall. In terms of the worst things that could ever happen to the USA, military conflict with Mexico when at least 10% of the American population is of Mexican heritage has to be high on the list.
A war with Mexico over payment for the wall is not the only potential war Trump might cause.
"..what did Putin hope to gain by aiding Trump? What Russia and Putin desperately need is money. Even if Putin asked Trump to have the American Treasury transfer, say $200 billion to Russia, that is not going to happen. Even Kellyanne Conway could not spin that one into anything that would be acceptable to the American people or congress. Absent writing Russia a big check, how could Trump cause Russia to gain $200 billion? The answer would be a $50 increase in the price of oil.
We know what has caused most of the oil price spikes in the last 50 years. That has been wars in the Middle East. The first oil shock came with the 1973 war. ..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4034048
1
While we gripe and moan in disgust and disbelief at the Idiot-in-Chief's delusional rantings and clear inability to process information beyond a third-grade level (and that's being generous), those erstwhile "checkers and balancers" down Pennsylvania Avenue are truly throwing their nation, and the Constitution, under a bus fueled by greed and the ridiculous and cruel Randian credo of "individualism." Trump is their Useful Idiot, and they know their window to burn it all down is small. The final question is, does America really care, and will they prove it in 2018?
2
Has the mind of an 8-year-old
His vocabulary no better than 8-year-old
His speech patterns and reasoning ability is that of a simpleton.
He thinks Democrats would celebrate his firing of Come. Now that's an incontrovertible simpleton
His vocabulary no better than 8-year-old
His speech patterns and reasoning ability is that of a simpleton.
He thinks Democrats would celebrate his firing of Come. Now that's an incontrovertible simpleton
I'm glad that David has been saying things that most of his readers have known for a year. But the whole NYT is preaching to the choir.
Nothing that is being said seems to have an iota of an effect on Trump's core followers. And the Republicans in office are continuing, in their cowardice, to perceive him as a useful idiot who will continue to have signing ceremonies without having a clue what he is signing. Not to mention fear for Trump's power over their seat.
So I'll continue to read these pieces that allow me to see what I already know, but the magic bullet has not been produced that will convince another 40% of Americans to see what is right in front of their noses. It all seems pretty bleak.
Nothing that is being said seems to have an iota of an effect on Trump's core followers. And the Republicans in office are continuing, in their cowardice, to perceive him as a useful idiot who will continue to have signing ceremonies without having a clue what he is signing. Not to mention fear for Trump's power over their seat.
So I'll continue to read these pieces that allow me to see what I already know, but the magic bullet has not been produced that will convince another 40% of Americans to see what is right in front of their noses. It all seems pretty bleak.
1
Trump is been cornered by his incompetence as the press relentlessly exposes his unsuitability for this high office. Trump against the Media has become a spectator sport for all but approximately 35% of Americans who consider he is doing a good job. But this is a potentially dangerous spectacle. There is a significant danger this infant will resort to the only way out - which would be to trigger a significant conflict in some unfortunate part of the world. The temptation to drop a "big big bomb" on some "bad people" who were planning on causing damage to us in some massive way may become irresistible with potentially disastrous consequences. That would be Trump's only hope for a reboot of his presidency if the media keeps after him in the current fashion. Threatening or acting against some critical Russian interests would be the most profitable target for Trump to wipe the slate clean and make the perception of Russian links evaporate for good. Trump can justifiably expect the media to close ranks behind him and commend him for his brave and decisive actions in the defence of western civilisation and thus become truly "Presidential". It may well be far safer for us all to let the infant happily suck on his lollies for the next 3 years and 8 months. Till then he will be President with no plans to go anywhere else. Let this be the last time an infant is elected POTUS.
Brooks' question: "What if there is no there there?"
Answer: Chauncey Gardner, "Being There."
Answer: Chauncey Gardner, "Being There."
Yet, the NYT is completely above immature behavior as it doles out daily schoolyard taunts to the President in its fundraising 'mission' to spread venom to the reading public.
Today we have Mr. Brooks pretending to be a behavioral scientist while diagnosing another person. Very mature indeed.
You're so good, and the President is so bad. Got it. Any other profound ideas you want to share?
Today we have Mr. Brooks pretending to be a behavioral scientist while diagnosing another person. Very mature indeed.
You're so good, and the President is so bad. Got it. Any other profound ideas you want to share?
It's as if Ted Baxter became president
6
Can we have a 'mulligan' election? Trump would understand that after all he cheats at golf too.
now what's wrong with the anglosphere? oh glad you asked: dumbing down, infantilization, always after the next trivial/cool/inane thing. this has been going on for decades and now you have the most amazing president in human history. personally just reeling how different macron, merkel - just about anybody on the old continent - sound.
1
To paraphrase Ecclesiastes 10:16: "Woe to the land whose king [acts like] a child and whose [GOP] leaders are already drunk [with their own stupidity] in the morning."
4
That explains why when the Chinese say "May you live in interesting times", it's understood to be a curse, not a blessing.
Demon child, you mean. Most children are basically okay. Trump really is like Anthony, in Twilight Zone episode, "It's a Good Life". https://youtu.be/AkJcFGvNgcY
1
Right on David!
I noticed that weird sucking-in-of-air-sniffing during the campaign, but noticed during the Lester Holt interview it occurred right before he told some incredible lie. Forget that almost every sentence is a lie, but the big, incredible ones are preceded by this sniffing. He must be a lousy poker player.
3
Ha! I noticed that too. And on many other occasions. I think that sniff-snort of his precedes or accompanies lies that even he is nervous about. Nervous in the sense that he's not quite sure he can actually carry it off.
Certainly he doesn't seem to do it every time he lies, but when he is conscious of the fact that he's under pressure, like the Clinton debates and Holt interview, it does seem to be a big tell.
Certainly he doesn't seem to do it every time he lies, but when he is conscious of the fact that he's under pressure, like the Clinton debates and Holt interview, it does seem to be a big tell.
1
Har har... I nearly choked on my sip of tea
Thankfully our Republican leaders are happy because they have the White House and so keep yessing Mr Trump. Who needs checks and balances, anyway?
Trump remains an intellectually barren, morally corrupt buffoon...
2
Dead on, Mr. Brooks. A Pulitzer for the line about the fireflies in a jar!
1
So it has happened. The US has elected Chaunsey Gardiner as our president. Peter Sellers must be laughing in his grave.
you forgot to mention that he only let everyone else at his table have one scoop of ice cream and he took two scoops
1
I still wouldn't have voted for Hillary. If judged by the standards of our local and state lawmakers, Mr. Trump is doing just fine and showing a little charisma to boot. I am more afraid of the immature and math-challenged people who managed to bankrupt Chicago. Chicago's debts exceed its assets by $25 billion. There's California, totally run by Democrats and facing $1 trillion in unfunded pension liabilities. What about Detroit and now Puerto Rico? Local idiot lawmakers who don't understand Accounting 101 and can't read a balance sheet have done more damage to the country than the Russians ever could. The USA is $100 trillion in debt (that's the real number)--around $800K per household. Yes indeed, our former Presidents and Senators would put Mr. Trump to shame.
Given the choice between the fool who is and the 16th century religious throwback who could be, I'll take my chances with the fool.
Brooks, a Republican shill, is finally standing up to say that the Emperor has no clothes, when what the Emperor really needs is a straitjacket!
1
As Mr. Putin, the Intel Pro, would say, Trump is a "Useful Idiot."
Unfortunately, he's also our President.
We've reached the zenith of our representative Democracy, when "the people" have managed to elect someone who perfectly represents the lowest common denominator of our citizenry. Hopefully we will survive it.
Unfortunately, he's also our President.
We've reached the zenith of our representative Democracy, when "the people" have managed to elect someone who perfectly represents the lowest common denominator of our citizenry. Hopefully we will survive it.
It has become clear, after the parsed words of a few in his inner circle, and from Trump's latest tweets, that he did exactly what he is accused of doing, with Russian State media recording the event. And he apparently bragged to this Russian spy, who he allowed into the oval office, that he knew secrets that others didn't know, then proceeded to reveal some of those secrets to prove it. Like an adolescent chatting with his chums, who happen to be Russian spies, and the event recorded by Russian cameras and microphones. No US media allowed, no, they don't fawn over him, but those Russians know how to give a compliment. Could you Republicans please get over your big victory, and impeach this idiot before he gets us all killed! And Thank you David Brooks, as you put it, Trump loves to 'comfortably deceive himself,' 'there is no there...there,' to figure out, a hollow man who endangers the entire free world.
1
Oh Gee, Mr. Brooks. What makes you so naive to think that "a budding authoritarian, a corrupt Nixon, a rabble-rousing populist or a big business corporatist" and "infantilism" are "either/or" characterizations? Nixon himself managed to encompass the whole enchilada. (Uber populist Pat Buchanan himself managed to embody the full catastrophe; as did Hitler and Idi Amin.)
One of the other things you learn as an adult is when to keep your mouth shut.
I prefer "man baby".
Trump's mentally unfit, he's a narcissist, a pathological liar and a dummy on top of it. Just the person for a used car lot.
Trump's mentally unfit, he's a narcissist, a pathological liar and a dummy on top of it. Just the person for a used car lot.
1
"When the world is led by a child".
I disagree with the very title of your column; Vlad Putin is NO child!
As for his puppet "Twitler' I would, once more, point out that he is a product of the party you have supported these many years, a natural outcome of the "Tea Party" types you seemed to have no problems with when absorbed by the Republicans.
Reap what you sow, baby, reap it what you sow!
I disagree with the very title of your column; Vlad Putin is NO child!
As for his puppet "Twitler' I would, once more, point out that he is a product of the party you have supported these many years, a natural outcome of the "Tea Party" types you seemed to have no problems with when absorbed by the Republicans.
Reap what you sow, baby, reap it what you sow!
1
The love-child of Homer Simpson and Mr. Burns, Trump is both an idiot and a villain. It's not either/or. The problem with calling him an infant is that that almost sounds like an excuse for his moral bankruptcy.
2
Trump's deepest insight into human behavior -- and his own -- came when he was four years old and discovered you could get people to look at you by pulling your pants down.
3
Yes. A child. But the world isn't led by the US president anymore. "Leadership" is a conflictive word in USAmerican language.
If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck etc. etc.... our goose is cooked.
1
After months of listening to the GOP parse and indict a "(c)" in an email, we now witness their shocking indifference to an actual President with ship-sinking, troop lives-threatening lips. Flapping narcissistically, stupidly, to serve a volatile boor's insatiable ego. A low point in our history just sank a few more notches. Never have we been held hostage to such ignorance and hubris. We are the laughing stock of the world, accommodating this idiot's impudence and contempt for our values.
1
David Brooks' deepening disgust is palpable. his description, unforgettable : Six Fireflies Beeping In A Jar.
and lavrov & putin are old-school and very very intelligent compared to this clown that trump is.
1
Trump shoots from the hip right into his foot. Little boys shouldn't play with big boy weapons. THIS bad little boy should be punished by American voters in 2018.
Mr. Brooks presents a well-written analysis of Trumpski. Of course his analysis applies to Republicans in general, and thus himself. When will Mr. Brooks end his own alt-reality rationalizations and bolt the party of terrible two year-olds?
A simpler analysis of the Trump, easily remembered and applied, is to consider Trump as a TV character - the Cowardly Lion of the Wizard of Oz.
To wit:
- Thin-skinned, hysterical crybaby.
- Picks on others who are different from him.
- Fluffy, high-maintenance mane.
- Witch-hunts a woman with wicked power.
- Received a medal of courage for another's bravery.
- Sidekicks: a heartless tin-man (Pence) and a brainless scarecrow (Bannon).
- Follows a gold-plated path to a shiny, fortresslike tower.
- Lives in an alternate reality.
The difference is that Trumpski has nuclear weapons and this is not TV.
A simpler analysis of the Trump, easily remembered and applied, is to consider Trump as a TV character - the Cowardly Lion of the Wizard of Oz.
To wit:
- Thin-skinned, hysterical crybaby.
- Picks on others who are different from him.
- Fluffy, high-maintenance mane.
- Witch-hunts a woman with wicked power.
- Received a medal of courage for another's bravery.
- Sidekicks: a heartless tin-man (Pence) and a brainless scarecrow (Bannon).
- Follows a gold-plated path to a shiny, fortresslike tower.
- Lives in an alternate reality.
The difference is that Trumpski has nuclear weapons and this is not TV.
3
David Brooks is being too generous to Donald Trump. According to Mr Brooks, Trump just wants to get other people's approval. Nonsense. Trump does things only to feed his own ego.
Second, Mr Brooks is being too generous to himself. Mr Brooks just last week wrote that Democrats are being too harsh on Trump (The Pond Skater Presidency dated 4/28/17). According to Brooks, Trump is dumb, but ultimately benign.
The reality is that Trump is VERY dangerous. He is an authortarian who wants to destroy American institutions. He wishes to undermine the judicial system as well as the electoral system. Trump wants unchecked executive power and, so far, the Repulican senate lead by Mitch McConell and House lead by Paul Ryan are willing to give him unchecked authority.
Shame on David Brooks for writing an opinion piece just last week telling us that Trump was just a benign idiot.
Second, Mr Brooks is being too generous to himself. Mr Brooks just last week wrote that Democrats are being too harsh on Trump (The Pond Skater Presidency dated 4/28/17). According to Brooks, Trump is dumb, but ultimately benign.
The reality is that Trump is VERY dangerous. He is an authortarian who wants to destroy American institutions. He wishes to undermine the judicial system as well as the electoral system. Trump wants unchecked executive power and, so far, the Repulican senate lead by Mitch McConell and House lead by Paul Ryan are willing to give him unchecked authority.
Shame on David Brooks for writing an opinion piece just last week telling us that Trump was just a benign idiot.
2
Trump's supporters through it all are still sticking with him- and therefore so is the Republican leadership. For these voters, democracy is a niceity- dispensable if they get what they want. Often gullible, easy manipulable, bullying, authoritarian, entitled, sometimes racist almost all racist by degree- and deeply angry. In many ways much like Trump.
Now you say- such characterizations are unfair and not condusive to reconciliatiion and discussion. They have have legitimate grievances you say. And further, by boxing then in at the extremes they will become even angrier, more willful and less likely to listen. Like their leader.
And I say to that.. the same could have been said of Hitler's devotees. Pandering to them did not serve their long term interests did it? Instead it reduced their world to rubble. And if the US was a third world dictatorship perhaps we could wait for the society to pay for the consequences of its folly. But we can't. Not so much for Americans- but the world.
Now you say- such characterizations are unfair and not condusive to reconciliatiion and discussion. They have have legitimate grievances you say. And further, by boxing then in at the extremes they will become even angrier, more willful and less likely to listen. Like their leader.
And I say to that.. the same could have been said of Hitler's devotees. Pandering to them did not serve their long term interests did it? Instead it reduced their world to rubble. And if the US was a third world dictatorship perhaps we could wait for the society to pay for the consequences of its folly. But we can't. Not so much for Americans- but the world.
1
None of this is news. Everything in this column was revealed during Trump's campaign for the GOP nomination and then during the election campaign. Why was this not seen and understood then? I believe that many of those who voted for Trump were willfully blind and responded to Trump's disingenuous promises and fake empathy with their issues. Maya Angelou said that when someone shows you time after time who they are, you should believe them. Trump loves the chase, the game, analogous to his chasing women. He is not interested in actually being president or any of the work that involves. He is uniquely unqualified with a lack of intellectual curiosity or work ethic, no moral compass or ethics, and a view of the world that does not go beyond me, me, me. He has been called a con man, but he is not a very good one given how easily he was conned by the Russians. I have no doubt that he was and is being played by them, encouraged to brag about the information he wrongly disclosed. The photo of the Russian ambassador and foreign minister with Trump the other day (taken by Russian media as the US media was barred) shows them all smiles. If there were thought bubbles attached the Russians' would say,"Can you believe we got this idiot elected POTUS?" I previously thought it would take some time for Trump to be impeached, but this borders on treason. Surely we have reached the critical mass to start the process. The only way Trump should ever have been in the White House is on a tour.
4
We know this travesty by the idiot President was a national security crisis.
Remember Trump said he knew more than the generals? Trump's a conceited boob who can't comprehend that there are people who know more than he does. Trump is like a human flamethrower running around spewing flames wherever he goes.
It's not a surprise that the National Security Adviser is trying to throw water on this to try to protect Trump's authority. McMaster probably thinks doing this is for the good of the country.
This leak was a disaster. Lives were endangered and we will likely never know the repercussions of this reckless action.
We should thank whoever leaked this to the Washington Post. They were trying to protect us from the stupid actions of this reckless actor in the White House.
The people like McMaster trying to spin this now are no friends of the American people, putting Trump's 'authority' ahead of the American people.
Thanks to the leaker, we all know what a disaster this was.
In this administration, the truth never comes from the White House.
Remember Trump said he knew more than the generals? Trump's a conceited boob who can't comprehend that there are people who know more than he does. Trump is like a human flamethrower running around spewing flames wherever he goes.
It's not a surprise that the National Security Adviser is trying to throw water on this to try to protect Trump's authority. McMaster probably thinks doing this is for the good of the country.
This leak was a disaster. Lives were endangered and we will likely never know the repercussions of this reckless action.
We should thank whoever leaked this to the Washington Post. They were trying to protect us from the stupid actions of this reckless actor in the White House.
The people like McMaster trying to spin this now are no friends of the American people, putting Trump's 'authority' ahead of the American people.
Thanks to the leaker, we all know what a disaster this was.
In this administration, the truth never comes from the White House.
1
Trump is a useful idiot to Russia. He is not in control of himself enough to be an agent. Russia used him as they wish to destroy the credibility of the United States abroad and with full knowledge that Trump would weaken the US domestically. The Russians probably put great effort to help Trump get elected for this reason.
The People around Trump like Paul Manafort, Carter Page, Michael Flynn, and Jeff Sessions, among others,people with credible connections to Russia are the ones to worry about collusion with a foreign power.
Trump is more than happy to be a puppy trying to please Putin, because Putin is the hero to Trump's infantilism. Putin is who Trump wants to be if he were able, and by his age obviously not, to grow up.
The People around Trump like Paul Manafort, Carter Page, Michael Flynn, and Jeff Sessions, among others,people with credible connections to Russia are the ones to worry about collusion with a foreign power.
Trump is more than happy to be a puppy trying to please Putin, because Putin is the hero to Trump's infantilism. Putin is who Trump wants to be if he were able, and by his age obviously not, to grow up.
2
Excellent analysis. Now, what can be done about this? Is there no legislation, nothing in the constitution, no means to rid ourselves and the world of this dangerous idiot? If not, then lets start working on some. This is a constitutional disaster and must be rectified sooner rather than later, before something worse happens.
2
This is one of the most brilliantly written articles I have ever read! You have perfectly summed up, this boy in a man's large suit. Thank you.
Without any malice in my heart, this man is an idiot. I know someone who continually did Trump's homework. The sad and now frightening fact, is that still is asking everyone to do his homework. Because of his stupidity...because of his lack of maturity...because of is inability to comprehend the simple definition of words...because of his lack of loyalty to America and our allies, he has placed us in an extremely frightening situation.
As long as this man is President, we are in danger. Because the Impeachment Process takes too long to complete, the 25th Amendment to the Constitution must to be enacted now. It is our quickest remedy to this cancerous situation.
Without any malice in my heart, this man is an idiot. I know someone who continually did Trump's homework. The sad and now frightening fact, is that still is asking everyone to do his homework. Because of his stupidity...because of his lack of maturity...because of is inability to comprehend the simple definition of words...because of his lack of loyalty to America and our allies, he has placed us in an extremely frightening situation.
As long as this man is President, we are in danger. Because the Impeachment Process takes too long to complete, the 25th Amendment to the Constitution must to be enacted now. It is our quickest remedy to this cancerous situation.
2
I have lived in Florida for a long time but was a New Yorker for my first 40 years, so I watched Trump for a good long while. You compare him to a child. Since you and others in the media seem to enjoy psychosnalyzing him, I would opine, based on my years of Trumpanalysis, that he is more like a dog.
He craves attention and adoration. If his base and the right wing media rub his belly or scratch his ears, he's happy.
If you don't pay attention and adore him, he can act out to get your attention, like a dog who steals your shoes and then chews on them. Often Trump acts out through Twitter rants, speeches to his base and rambling interviews.
He's easily distracted. Like a dog, give him a treat and he'll forget about whatever it it he was doing and move on to his new prize. Syria? Bomb 'em. That's done--where's my next treat? Throw him a ball to chase in the park and he'll go after it over and over.
And like a dog, there is no reflection or introspection. It is all about the now--no delayed gratification. A dog eats, runs, poops and sleeps when his body tells him to do those things. So it is with Trump--he is all impulse, no aforethought. His proclamation of half-baked thoughts and ideas, like his one-page tax plan, half-baked immigration executive orders and Mexican walls, are prime examples.
However, in one big way a dog is much better than Trump. A dog will love you unconditionally. Trump only loves himself. But then again, his self-love is, clearly, unconditional.
He craves attention and adoration. If his base and the right wing media rub his belly or scratch his ears, he's happy.
If you don't pay attention and adore him, he can act out to get your attention, like a dog who steals your shoes and then chews on them. Often Trump acts out through Twitter rants, speeches to his base and rambling interviews.
He's easily distracted. Like a dog, give him a treat and he'll forget about whatever it it he was doing and move on to his new prize. Syria? Bomb 'em. That's done--where's my next treat? Throw him a ball to chase in the park and he'll go after it over and over.
And like a dog, there is no reflection or introspection. It is all about the now--no delayed gratification. A dog eats, runs, poops and sleeps when his body tells him to do those things. So it is with Trump--he is all impulse, no aforethought. His proclamation of half-baked thoughts and ideas, like his one-page tax plan, half-baked immigration executive orders and Mexican walls, are prime examples.
However, in one big way a dog is much better than Trump. A dog will love you unconditionally. Trump only loves himself. But then again, his self-love is, clearly, unconditional.
4
Mr. Brooks has lost control of his hatred and disgust of the president. How did he become psychoanalyst-in-chief? Did he read one or two books that allow him to make his professorial "pronouncements" looking down from Mount Olympus? Looking at the president from another "lens", the president is doing a lot of things that many people support (not many of which are from the liberal perspective). Sometimes, Mr. Brooks, a cigar is just a cigar. You need to grow up a little bit yourself and stop having such tantrums. In the wise words of Austin Powers, oh, behave!
1
I generally disagree, and actively reproach, David Brooks, but he is right, here. trump is a big, snotty, blubbering, out of control, spoiled, self-centered toddler, who should be locked in his room.
2
It is becoming more and more obvious that this man is unable to control his emotions.
He is openly paranoid and vindictive to those who he doesn't own such as Comey.
He is sick on so many levels.
He belongs in a nut house not the White House.
He is openly paranoid and vindictive to those who he doesn't own such as Comey.
He is sick on so many levels.
He belongs in a nut house not the White House.
2
As always, Bobo, than you for your years of diligent service to help make this moment possible.
You built this. Own it.
You built this. Own it.
3
Take it from us here in South Africa where we are dealing with a similar infant in office.
The longer you leave the child to make one disastrous decision after another the more difficult it becomes to convince them to do their country a service and step down.
By excusing the inexcusable you empower the village idiot - and you help create a monster that is sure to bite you going forward.
Heed this call America, we know what we are talking about.
The longer you leave the child to make one disastrous decision after another the more difficult it becomes to convince them to do their country a service and step down.
By excusing the inexcusable you empower the village idiot - and you help create a monster that is sure to bite you going forward.
Heed this call America, we know what we are talking about.
3
Your column made me realize, Of course - The brat's the babysitter's problem for a few days! Thanks Europe! (Sorry Europe