Yes, Charles "M" Blow, Trump is the threat to Western democracy, not those blowing up concerts in Manchester, England. Thanks for your enlightened views.
20
They are drowning in complicity. I suppose plan B is a war or some terrorist attacks to distract us. I'm not looking forward to them, and either is America.
We're tired of failing politicians scaring us into supporting them. Even the Trump people I speak to blame 9/11 on the Bush / Saudi cabal, and after this weekend, they're speechless.
We're tired of failing politicians scaring us into supporting them. Even the Trump people I speak to blame 9/11 on the Bush / Saudi cabal, and after this weekend, they're speechless.
32
Charles your middle name is common sense. Thank-you
20
I hate this habit of telling Trump to grow up. It implies that he is acting like a spoiled child when in fact he is acting like a deranged adult with delusions of grandeur. Saying anything to him is pointless. Voters have to demand his removal from office.
52
Birds of a feather and all that. We're caught between a rock and a hard place. Either we'll be stuck with a whiny, perpetually lying man-child for four years, or a snake in the grass. If it can be proven that Pence lied (which I have been screaming for a few weeks), then we could get Eddie Munster, who reveres Ayn Rand.
Face it, this is the best the Republicans can do. Now America suffers.
Face it, this is the best the Republicans can do. Now America suffers.
41
Pence is worse than Trump without question.
29
Pence is another Jerry Falwell, Liberty University, Franklin Graham character.
According to him, he is always "blessed" and "humbled" to be in his
exalted position. When people start using blessed and humbled, don't
walk away, run.
According to him, he is always "blessed" and "humbled" to be in his
exalted position. When people start using blessed and humbled, don't
walk away, run.
68
When Trump is finally impeached -- if he doesn't flee from his presidency like a scared rabbit -- we must legally inoculate the White House against infection of immorality by his stooge Pence. How do we pull this off? It's not too early to take our initial steps.
27
in the watergate crisis, a key step in the process of removing nixon was getting rid of spiro agnew.
43
Always be careful what you wish for...Pence could be much worse and much more scary. Trump seems to be an idiot savant, missing the savant part. How nice to have a few days off from the entire last year of nothing but Trump, Trump, Trump everyday. I am sick to death of this man. I miss Obama.
75
You know Pence is dirty when Manafort was his biggest cheerleader in Donald's ear to select him over Christie and others for the VP slot.
He is Putin's dark horse. Which is the same as the GOP's dark horse.
Why does Putin prefer a more Republican America? Because it's a WEAKER America.
He is Putin's dark horse. Which is the same as the GOP's dark horse.
Why does Putin prefer a more Republican America? Because it's a WEAKER America.
55
Mr Blow,
No one can survive a barrage of media attacks like our president has been experienced. At the end all these "bad" transactionals will end up as not of anything. We may see some of his employees stepped our of bound, and/or plainly lied, to us, and to him. Now that we have two congressional, and a special council investigating the "collusion" I believe it is time relax, and wait for their reports.
No one can survive a barrage of media attacks like our president has been experienced. At the end all these "bad" transactionals will end up as not of anything. We may see some of his employees stepped our of bound, and/or plainly lied, to us, and to him. Now that we have two congressional, and a special council investigating the "collusion" I believe it is time relax, and wait for their reports.
6
Playing the victim can have terrible consequences on personal and national settings. Look at the way Hitler played on how Germany was a victim after World War 1. Look at how the idea of Jews victimizing non Jews over the years had horrific results. There is a feeling of anger and revenge when people feel they are victims. Trump is no victim, he is victimizer. Look at how he repeatedly failed to pay his sub contractors for decades.
32
Our deepest concern as Americans should not be whether Donald Trump colluded with the Russians to obtain an electoral result, but rather that he would invite any sort of help forthcoming in obtaining his goals, without regard to the sort of compromise that would present to our national security, sovereignty, and the institution of democratic rule. I've heard all the arguments about Donald Trump being an America First nationalist. I have one question: Who really believes that, for Donald Trump, anything comes before Donald Trump?
24
I wondered why Pence inexplicably took steps to set up a 2020 run ... until I recalled that campaign funds can be used to pay private defense lawyers under those circumstances. I do not think even Pence expects he will soon have big problems, so I would try to smoke out the sources of his early contributions and "loans."
26
Tomey may be a dolt who agonizes over decisions that should be obvious, but he is an HONEST dolt. He's said some stupid things, but I don't know that he EVER has lied. Whereas if Trump said the sun is shining I'd figure it's raining. His lies are blatant and obvious.
Remember: This is the guy who claimed he was the best baseball player in in New York, when a bunch of guys named Ford, Berra, Maris and Mantle were setting Major League records and winning World Series rings.
Remember: This is the guy who claimed he was the best baseball player in in New York, when a bunch of guys named Ford, Berra, Maris and Mantle were setting Major League records and winning World Series rings.
17
I don't think Mike Pence, our fundamentalist VP, is clever at all when he lies. His feigned sincerity, his signature squint are all signs of a seasoned distorter of truth. His delivery always prompts a consistent gut reaction in me - "holier than thou phoney!"
43
Very good. Then, of course there's that lie-detectoresque/ richter scale signature of his.
Tells and projections non stop.
Tells and projections non stop.
12
The people around Trump probably colluded with the Russians. Trump himself couldn't organize a collision, yet alone collusion. Besides, who needs collusion when your Russian sourced income is in the mid nine figures? Between the profit on the Palm Beach flip, the New York condo sales and loans, I reckon that guesstimate is not too far off.
24
The entire trump administration, the WH occupants and the republican congress are all complicit of the scandals and lies about Russia, Flynn, Commey, Pence, Sessions and those involved in the collusion. It is clear that not only DT is the biggest traitor but also the rest of his beggars. All are perverted traitors who have made false statements and obstructed justice. Did people forget that Sessions lied under oath during his confirmation hearing and wrote a letter firing Commey? Did people forget that Pence lied during trump’s campaign by denying trump lies, and keeps lying and denying about Flynn’s dealing with the Russians? If he thinks trump will be forced out and he will be the president he is wrong. Pence lies are not different from trump’s lies. They only vary in the manner they come out of their big mouths. There is so much to know about all those traitors that I hope the investigations will force pence, trump and his entire administration out before trump losses control and in a rage of fury becomes deranged and starts a war.
27
Exact, if not close.
Vanity is thy name and pile-it-on- the Saudis did. "We don't care what you call us- just give us those weapons". All it took was a lot of pomp and glitter and it worked.
Mike Pence also stated publicly that Michael Flynn Junior, the General's son, was NOT part of the Transition Team, when, in fact, he was. (The Junior Flynn, we recall, was a principal purveyor of the Pizzagate baloney.) I'm not sure what that says about the Vice President's credibility. Still, I'm not ready to call him a liar; misguidedly loyal perhaps.
11
To amplify Charles' statement, and quoting British historian Barbara Tuchman, Trump "is the odious author of his own travail" (Tuchman was, I believe, referring to "Henry the Bad" in 14th century France--enough said).
9
When even the angriest attacker of the American President concedes that the hate war conducted in these pages for 7 months has come to nothing, you KNOW that a lot of very private conversations have been held in very elegantly decorated spaces on both coasts.
We'll be getting bits and pieces of those conversations soon enough, and part of it may be that clearly indictment-worthy accusations against Russian business agent Hillary Clinton are being prepared for submission to one or more federal grand juries.
What was just a liberal wish about Donald has been a reality for a year regarding Hillary, whose orange jumpsuits may prove to be the last campaign's most ironic images when all is said and convic- um, I mean ''done.''
Say what you want - or what you've been ordered to say - about Fox News, but they haven't come within a mile of what the Times itself has done to this thin-skinned, foul-mouthed-but-otherwise-innocent Trump.
We'll be getting bits and pieces of those conversations soon enough, and part of it may be that clearly indictment-worthy accusations against Russian business agent Hillary Clinton are being prepared for submission to one or more federal grand juries.
What was just a liberal wish about Donald has been a reality for a year regarding Hillary, whose orange jumpsuits may prove to be the last campaign's most ironic images when all is said and convic- um, I mean ''done.''
Say what you want - or what you've been ordered to say - about Fox News, but they haven't come within a mile of what the Times itself has done to this thin-skinned, foul-mouthed-but-otherwise-innocent Trump.
5
Pence has repeatedly declared, "I am a Christian first, a conservative second and a Republican third".
So Pence is a "True Believer" (in the Eric Hoffer sense) in three of the most dogmatic and hermetically-sealed belief systems known to the Western World. He'll say or do anything to further the cause of far-right "Christianity", the Gospel of Ayn Rand and the Cult of Reagan.
In short, while Pence has his straight-and-narrow Boy Scout shtick down pat, I have no doubt that he has the ability to engage in "truthful hyperbole" in the service of the Trinity of Christ, Rand and Reagan. Like all "True Believers", the ends always justify the means.
And I'm sure he sleeps like a baby every night, knowing that his words, however filled with prevarication, are delivered with faith and sincerity in the service of a "Higher Calling" as he sees it.
Pence is a con man just like Trump. The only difference is that Pence's biggest "mark" is his own heart and soul. That makes him far more dangerous than an egregiously transparent liar like Trump.
So Pence is a "True Believer" (in the Eric Hoffer sense) in three of the most dogmatic and hermetically-sealed belief systems known to the Western World. He'll say or do anything to further the cause of far-right "Christianity", the Gospel of Ayn Rand and the Cult of Reagan.
In short, while Pence has his straight-and-narrow Boy Scout shtick down pat, I have no doubt that he has the ability to engage in "truthful hyperbole" in the service of the Trinity of Christ, Rand and Reagan. Like all "True Believers", the ends always justify the means.
And I'm sure he sleeps like a baby every night, knowing that his words, however filled with prevarication, are delivered with faith and sincerity in the service of a "Higher Calling" as he sees it.
Pence is a con man just like Trump. The only difference is that Pence's biggest "mark" is his own heart and soul. That makes him far more dangerous than an egregiously transparent liar like Trump.
72
Dave is asking his progressive buddies to have actually READ books without any pictures? Such books as THESE? I love this optimism, dude!
Ayn Rand is a good writer and Reagan was our best post-WWII President, who did miracles not only for the workers but our nation in the world.
While you were being trained to hate ALL religions except the group with the most bloodthirsty history & reputation, oddly, the majority of Americans celebrate the religious history and culture of the United States.
Several of our Founding Fathers - such as Thomas Jefferson who held church services in the U.S. Capitol - said that this democratic republic would only hold together under the Constitution if the people were Christian, a fact easily Googled.
So, while we all regret the settings some heavily propagandized progressives were raised in, the nation as a whole will reject the guys who sue nuns and churches for holding to their beliefs as WELL as ''clinging to their Bibles.''
Ayn Rand is a good writer and Reagan was our best post-WWII President, who did miracles not only for the workers but our nation in the world.
While you were being trained to hate ALL religions except the group with the most bloodthirsty history & reputation, oddly, the majority of Americans celebrate the religious history and culture of the United States.
Several of our Founding Fathers - such as Thomas Jefferson who held church services in the U.S. Capitol - said that this democratic republic would only hold together under the Constitution if the people were Christian, a fact easily Googled.
So, while we all regret the settings some heavily propagandized progressives were raised in, the nation as a whole will reject the guys who sue nuns and churches for holding to their beliefs as WELL as ''clinging to their Bibles.''
4
I like that, the "quickening".
5
There is blood in the water all right Charles, at the New York Times Wake up, it's later than you think.
5
Amen!
8
unless you count anything he says,Ryan is not a liar on the scale of Trump... but, who is?
Like the rext of his team, Ryan will say any false and frightening thing - over and over again - to convince his voters that up is down. but he is less likely to harp on one easily refuted point, such as denying saying something the whole world heard him say on tv. he's a boy scout from the Mid-West and doesn't have the balls of the kid from Queens.
Like the rext of his team, Ryan will say any false and frightening thing - over and over again - to convince his voters that up is down. but he is less likely to harp on one easily refuted point, such as denying saying something the whole world heard him say on tv. he's a boy scout from the Mid-West and doesn't have the balls of the kid from Queens.
1
Mr. Blow, Thank you for shining sunlight on Pence and his lying about the campaign, Trumps hateful actions and statement, what he knew during the campaign about Flynn (and now cries tears that Flynn lied to him). The only difference between Trump and Pence is that Pence is a quieter liar.
The entire bunch from Trump, Pence, and advisors and cabinet must be removed and quickly. In fact, indictment for all of them
LOCK THEM UP !!!
This is an amazing article of statistics:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/1/11/1619079/-Comparing-Presidential-...
Will Trumps group outdo Nixons? I think so, they are clearly more dishonest and dangerous. LOCK THEM UP !!
During Obama's term - no scandals, no indictments, no obstruction - except from the GOP in Congress. VOTE OUT GOP in 2018 !!!
The entire bunch from Trump, Pence, and advisors and cabinet must be removed and quickly. In fact, indictment for all of them
LOCK THEM UP !!!
This is an amazing article of statistics:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/1/11/1619079/-Comparing-Presidential-...
Will Trumps group outdo Nixons? I think so, they are clearly more dishonest and dangerous. LOCK THEM UP !!
During Obama's term - no scandals, no indictments, no obstruction - except from the GOP in Congress. VOTE OUT GOP in 2018 !!!
23
And to think Pence probably joined the ticket just to defund Planned Parenthood...was it worth it?
15
Pence is a liar just as Trump is. All Pence is is Trump's lap dog. The Republic is in dire straits!
17
Say Charles. How about looking into the collusion initiated by David Brock's Media Matters, the $75 Million, 250 staff enterprise re-purposed in January to undermine the Trump administration: http://freebeacon.com/politics/david-brock-memo-attack-trump/ https://www.scribd.com/document/337535680/Full-David-Brock-Confidential-...
Brock's online business plan spells out using leaks from the Obama holdover dark state, prospectively aided by Obama and Jarrett's home transition office, and friendly forces in the 4th estate, to vilify Trump with an avalanche of negative rumor, innuendo, and distorted news reports, in their signature Saul Alinsky style. Looks like Brock's plot is proceeding apace and having its intended effect to obstruct the new administration's ability to govern.
Some Americans are as alarmed today at this attempt to undermine the smooth transition of executive power in our democracy as the NYT was prospectively in October 2016. Every citizen who treasures our representative form of government, and intends to defend it vigilantly, should be similarly alarmed, if well-informed. As a concerned journalist, can you look into this planned, funded, and operational collusion, and disclose your threat assessment to concerned citizens?
Brock's online business plan spells out using leaks from the Obama holdover dark state, prospectively aided by Obama and Jarrett's home transition office, and friendly forces in the 4th estate, to vilify Trump with an avalanche of negative rumor, innuendo, and distorted news reports, in their signature Saul Alinsky style. Looks like Brock's plot is proceeding apace and having its intended effect to obstruct the new administration's ability to govern.
Some Americans are as alarmed today at this attempt to undermine the smooth transition of executive power in our democracy as the NYT was prospectively in October 2016. Every citizen who treasures our representative form of government, and intends to defend it vigilantly, should be similarly alarmed, if well-informed. As a concerned journalist, can you look into this planned, funded, and operational collusion, and disclose your threat assessment to concerned citizens?
7
As a you might not have lived in NY. Nobody who has paid attention to the lies and bankruptcies of Trump in NYC needs any deep state theories to find him wanting as any sort to employee of the people.
He's a long time crook and took the methods of Ivan bosky on wall st and used them in real estate until it was made illegal. He's a crook plain and simple. No special sauce needed sir.
He's a long time crook and took the methods of Ivan bosky on wall st and used them in real estate until it was made illegal. He's a crook plain and simple. No special sauce needed sir.
21
Brilliant article Mr. Blow. Oh course Pence knew, but he expects his perfect attendance at Sunday School to smoothe this one over. Such hypocrisy and intrigue.
29
The sky is falling, the sky is falling?The Post and Politicians in DC sound more and more these days like a barnyard filled with Chicken Littles.
7
I am beginning to sense that Mr. Blow is unhappy with the Trump Administration, but the signs are subtle.
13
Trump, Pence, Ryan MO: Lies, cries, denies...............
17
Pence is a far more intelligent and clever liar than the incompetent boob Trump. Did you see the evening news tonight and how burned out Trump looked? Sleep disordered, myths of CEO male macho adequacy, his eyes looked empty and dead in Israel today. Burned to the ground actually.
But back to Pence, the smooth, very smooth pious religious phony, sing songing his way through all these occasions of public scrutiny. He has this hateful right wing agenda which he dresses in the robes of pious Christian faith, but he is -- we have to give him credit -- a master politician and manipulator of the Press and unlike Trump, under the most aggressive media interrogation you can never get him off his game.
Spence knows all about the stuff that has been going on as he effectively enacts his choir boy innocence act of declaring like our beloved sergeant Shultz from Hogan's Heroes, that he sees nothing, he hears nothing, and he knows nothing. . But Charles is right, he is guilty as sin, and as guilty as only a practiced right wing Christian hypocrite can be. He cleverly disguises his prejudices as religious piety. Make no mistake, Spence knows Trump is Beelzebub, but he will continue to speak piously of him as the Lord returned to earth if it can further their repressive power desires for a totalitarian regime in the historic home of democracy. Why do you thin the students of Notre Dame walked out on his paean to free speech?! They know he is a fraud.
But back to Pence, the smooth, very smooth pious religious phony, sing songing his way through all these occasions of public scrutiny. He has this hateful right wing agenda which he dresses in the robes of pious Christian faith, but he is -- we have to give him credit -- a master politician and manipulator of the Press and unlike Trump, under the most aggressive media interrogation you can never get him off his game.
Spence knows all about the stuff that has been going on as he effectively enacts his choir boy innocence act of declaring like our beloved sergeant Shultz from Hogan's Heroes, that he sees nothing, he hears nothing, and he knows nothing. . But Charles is right, he is guilty as sin, and as guilty as only a practiced right wing Christian hypocrite can be. He cleverly disguises his prejudices as religious piety. Make no mistake, Spence knows Trump is Beelzebub, but he will continue to speak piously of him as the Lord returned to earth if it can further their repressive power desires for a totalitarian regime in the historic home of democracy. Why do you thin the students of Notre Dame walked out on his paean to free speech?! They know he is a fraud.
25
Pence is smarmy, unctuous, and inauthentic.
22
I believe I saw on the John Oliver show last night, that if Trump, Pence and Ryan are ousted, Kelsey Grammar is next in line for the Presidency. I think that would be a huge step up.
9
I am way over here on the left - in actual California, in fact - and I have to say I agree with most of what the TX contributor says. Clinton lost the election much more than Trump won it. For all her great quakities, she was not the ideal candidate and did run an ideal campaign... and most of the flaws are a reukt of ingrained Democatic Party issues.
7
The key for me will be the release of Trump's tax returns. The people being investigated are/were runners for Trump, Inc.
14
I, too, am glad Pence's part in this is getting some notice. It needs to get a lot more. Anyone who agrees to be in Trump's company has to be as morally bankrupt as he. That includes everyone from his wife to his vice president to all the Republicans who backed him.
Thank you for always speaking the truth and staying on top of this terrible mess that we're in
15
I have no sympathy for Pence - he knew what he was signing up for. It was quite obvious throughout the campaign that Trump was a pathological liar. Trump also showed no loyalty to anyone but himself.
15
Funny, crazy article. Yes their is an independent investigation that will investigate any matters that may arise from the investigation. Hmm, eight months and nothing on Trump so far, could the investigation circle back around to Hilary, her emails, pay-to-play, the Clinton Foundation? Be careful what you wish for.
I know that most of the Times readers are as rabidly anti-Trump as the media, but here in flyover country we continue to think he is doing fine, his mid-east trip seems to be a rousing success, his accomplishments here at home are what we voted for him to do. We are fine with President Trump and how he is doing, we are not fine with the negative main stream media.
I know that most of the Times readers are as rabidly anti-Trump as the media, but here in flyover country we continue to think he is doing fine, his mid-east trip seems to be a rousing success, his accomplishments here at home are what we voted for him to do. We are fine with President Trump and how he is doing, we are not fine with the negative main stream media.
5
Speak for yourself.
10
What you are saying, Charles, is that an impeached President removed from office should trigger a snap presidential election, rather than result in the reins of power being handed down to a VP or House Speaker no less corrupt than the banished president.
Yes? If so, I agree.
Yes? If so, I agree.
10
"It isn’t possible Pence knew nothing. I believe Pence is a liar like his boss."
Amen!
Amen!
Remember Sargent Schultz: "I know nothing! Nothing!"
6
Nice to talk about blood in the water, but the base hasn't noticed any yet. Until support for Trump takes a significant drop in the GOP base, things will continue as they are.
Support for a GOP president will continue in Congress and the Senate until the oligarch/donor class get what they believe they've paid for--tax cuts for the wealthy and social safety net cuts for the nobodies.
Support for a GOP president will continue in Congress and the Senate until the oligarch/donor class get what they believe they've paid for--tax cuts for the wealthy and social safety net cuts for the nobodies.
24
I have read through many comments and many of those on the left continue to lament the fact that Hillary won the popular but lost in the arcane and archaic Electoral College. There are few facts that are often left out in this discussion.
1. Take away California, and Trump won the popular vote.
2. Based on #1, I am confident that, and it has been born out through the years, a vast majority of Americans do not want the President selected by a small number of large states as smaller states would likely be ignored. This will prevent he Electoral College from being removed.
3. All Presidential candidates know the rules going in and I am sure Hillary pursued what she thought would get her the Electoral College votes she needed.
4. Hillary ignoring states such as Wisconsin and Michigan is on her.
5. Hillary was a flawed candidate.
6. Hillary showed open disdain, as many of you here do, by calling a large portion of the electorate "Deplorables."
I could go on but I hope you get the point. Continue on your current path, continue to show disdain for those that do not agree with you, continue to fail to accept the messages sent in the last election, and continue to be the party of "No" (which I recall the Dems railing against Repubs about), the Dem party will continue on its current path of self-destruction. Just a thought.
1. Take away California, and Trump won the popular vote.
2. Based on #1, I am confident that, and it has been born out through the years, a vast majority of Americans do not want the President selected by a small number of large states as smaller states would likely be ignored. This will prevent he Electoral College from being removed.
3. All Presidential candidates know the rules going in and I am sure Hillary pursued what she thought would get her the Electoral College votes she needed.
4. Hillary ignoring states such as Wisconsin and Michigan is on her.
5. Hillary was a flawed candidate.
6. Hillary showed open disdain, as many of you here do, by calling a large portion of the electorate "Deplorables."
I could go on but I hope you get the point. Continue on your current path, continue to show disdain for those that do not agree with you, continue to fail to accept the messages sent in the last election, and continue to be the party of "No" (which I recall the Dems railing against Repubs about), the Dem party will continue on its current path of self-destruction. Just a thought.
17
You bring up the election as though it actually is very relevant to this article, which is not the case. But I will comment about your assertion that states should have more bearing than population when it comes to electing the president of the United States (your #2). So, if I understand you correctly, you're in favor of millions of Americans being disenfranchised in favor of what, acerage? Are acres more important than people? And you must remember, that the people who left those states for the more populous ones did so for jobs and better opportunity. So the people in those low-population states should do something about that, but disenfranchising millions of other Americans is not the answer.
3
The fact that one lost doesn't mean one can't lament the loss regardless of how flawed the candidate was as a campaigner. Didn't Romney supporters lament Romney's loss in 2012? And every other loser's supporters? Why take away California? Why not take away TX, MO and IN? Then Clinton wins the popular vote by nearly as much as Obama in 2012. Your key point is the assertion that "a vast majority of Americans do not want the President selected by a small number of large states as smaller states would likely be ignored." That is what it seems you would like: a minority of Americans from small states still controlling policy as they always have. Readers are well aware that this is indeed a goal of Trump supporters. How many visits did the candidates make to Montana, South Dakota, Idaho, Delaware, Rhode Island, Arkansas, and other small states? They do get ignored during the campaign, as do many big states like Texas, New York and California. It has nothing to do with big and small states; it has to do with which states are competitive. Remember that Pres. Trump thought he might need that one EV in Maine-2 and campaigned there. I used to be a big supporter of the Electoral College because it has generally provided a larger mandate for a winner of the popular vote. In two out of the past five elections, however, it has provided the win for the loser of the popular vote. I am less enthusiastic now about an entity overturning the will of the voters. It's not 1787 any more.
13
As correct as you are about the likely unwillingness of small states to give up their disproportionate electoral power, it is equally unlikely that urban areas will continue to bear unequal representation. A legislative remedy will be necessary. We have arguably been in an unconstitutional posture for some time. We can make things more fair.
5
The Christian Far-Right played their cards very well. They understand well that their positions are unpopular and that many people would reject those positions if they were in the open. So they got creative: they used an ill-informed, incurious, narcissist with a shallow populist message as cover to sneak in their guy. Obviously, they took notes when the oil industry successfully used the same tactic to get Cheney to the levers of power.
What does it say about the GOP if they can't get to the White House without using a decoy-president? The last Republican to legitimately win the White House with both the popular and Electoral College votes white also being at the top of the ticket was George H.W. Bush in 1988!
What does it say about the GOP if they can't get to the White House without using a decoy-president? The last Republican to legitimately win the White House with both the popular and Electoral College votes white also being at the top of the ticket was George H.W. Bush in 1988!
1
I am getting tired of these speculative opeds. It's all just wishful thinking and I am not certain if having those wishes granted would even be a good thing. I would dearly like to see some commentary that did not involve Trump or the GOP. It's boring.
10
Thank you so much, Mr. Blow for calling out Vice President Pence. I have long believed that he is as culpable as President Trump for this nightmare. In fact, I think he is worse than Trump because he tries to present himself as this pious "above the fray" Christian. Give me a break. He needs to go down with the ship.
31
It's important to keep these issues front and center. Trump has to go. Pence may well be worse. But if he were impeached, we'd get libertarian Ryan. And after that Orrin Hatch of all nauseating ideas. The Trump swamp seems to deep to sweep at this time. The only chance we have is to work toward taking back at least the Senate and more of the House in the midterms. Unfortunately, the Democratic party is not filling me with confidence that they can do it.
9
Charles Blow's entire article has no basis in fact and demonstrates the hysteria being experienced by those on the left. As to this date, there has been no proof or evidence provided that there was collusion or Trump has broken the law. Comey has testified and said as much. Sen. Barbara Boxer and Rep. Adam Schiff are the top Dems on the Senate and House Intelligence committees respectively. Each have access to all the collected information and have recently said there is currently no evidence on CNN with Wolf Blitzer. Instead they point to innuendo associated generated within the media.
If ultimately it is learned that there was no collusion or laws broken, if the Dem party keeps simply going after Trump rather than actually demonstrating they stand for something rather than simply against, many in the media and on the left will not only be left with egg on their face, but is likely to fuel the belief many Americans acroos the country have that the Dems remain out of touch with their "Identity Politics" and the MMS is in bed with the liberals. Good luck in 2018 and 2020 should that happen.
If ultimately it is learned that there was no collusion or laws broken, if the Dem party keeps simply going after Trump rather than actually demonstrating they stand for something rather than simply against, many in the media and on the left will not only be left with egg on their face, but is likely to fuel the belief many Americans acroos the country have that the Dems remain out of touch with their "Identity Politics" and the MMS is in bed with the liberals. Good luck in 2018 and 2020 should that happen.
12
Laws have already been broken, and are being broken.
Rosenstein thought there was sufficient evidence (including the president's own recorded admission that he felt removing Comey would relieve him of the "Russia thing") to appoint an independent investigator. As Senator Graham has stated, this is now a criminal investigation. And the Congressional committees have not heard all the evidence. Mike Flynn continues his ploys to keep from testifying; well see if subpoenas will do the trick. Finally, Barbara Boxer has retired. Kamala Harris was elected to replace her.
9
We Dems are not just against Trump. The Democrats I support clearly demonstrate what they are FOR by what they fight against. They oppose the trashing of environmental regulations because they are FOR the continuation of life as we know it on this beautiful but fragile planet. They oppose the ACHA because they are FOR real affordable healthcare for everyone. They oppose defunding Planned Parenthood because they are FOR the right of women to control their own bodies. They oppose slashing funding for things like Medicaid because they actually believe that we should take care of each other… Unlike Mr. Pence, who apparently thinks Jesus was just kidding when He preached about caring for the least of these… I consider myself a progressive Christian, and think Pence does not qualify as any kind of Christian. Controlling other people's sex lives was not Jesus' top priority. He put more store in feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and comforting the afflicted. Oh, and telling the truth, too.
15
Pence's veneer of piety and sanctimoniousness is hopefully revealing itself to be a hypocritical act to his true believers.
His constituents should be examining their conscience as to why they did not question the fact that a supposedly God-fearing religious man would agree to be vice president to a bigot, racist, mysogynist, compulsive, pathological liar and scammer in the first place.
Now it is coming to light that Pence irrefutably did know that Flynn was under federal investigation, but nevertheless looked the American people directly in the eye, and lied about it.
His lying is as scary as Trump's though the delivery is different. His straight faced, phony piety presents as honest, humble, and trustworthy. One could almost see a halo hovering over his silvery hair as he smoothly pretended ignorance of Flynn's troubles, and seemed so betrayed by Flynn lying to him. Of course now we see that he was lying about being lied to. Trump and Pence really are two peas in a pod.
Both should fear Flynn's testimony if he is given immunity against prosecution sometime in the future.
His constituents should be examining their conscience as to why they did not question the fact that a supposedly God-fearing religious man would agree to be vice president to a bigot, racist, mysogynist, compulsive, pathological liar and scammer in the first place.
Now it is coming to light that Pence irrefutably did know that Flynn was under federal investigation, but nevertheless looked the American people directly in the eye, and lied about it.
His lying is as scary as Trump's though the delivery is different. His straight faced, phony piety presents as honest, humble, and trustworthy. One could almost see a halo hovering over his silvery hair as he smoothly pretended ignorance of Flynn's troubles, and seemed so betrayed by Flynn lying to him. Of course now we see that he was lying about being lied to. Trump and Pence really are two peas in a pod.
Both should fear Flynn's testimony if he is given immunity against prosecution sometime in the future.
19
I don't know why it took (me for sure) so long to see the VP's mendacity. Aren't there two media stars in the admin?
4
If I recall earlier articles I read last year, it was Steve Bannon who impressed Mr. Pence upon Donald Trump in a "faked" airplane mechanical issue on a tarmac (what is it about airplane tarmacs for contemporaneous meetings?).
If Mr. Pence is so clean and Christian, what is he doing with Bannon? What agreements do Bannon (and perhaps the Mercers) and Pence have among themselves? How much of the current cabinet are beholden to those interests?
You don't just go along for that ride unless you get something in return (like the Presidency, or???). Pence is not a wealthy man like the rest of the Cabinet.
Pence is more scary because he knows how things work. Trump is an open book (filled with surety and bigliness).
If Mr. Pence is so clean and Christian, what is he doing with Bannon? What agreements do Bannon (and perhaps the Mercers) and Pence have among themselves? How much of the current cabinet are beholden to those interests?
You don't just go along for that ride unless you get something in return (like the Presidency, or???). Pence is not a wealthy man like the rest of the Cabinet.
Pence is more scary because he knows how things work. Trump is an open book (filled with surety and bigliness).
15
So maybe the better strategy is to do an Agnew/Nixon strike- get the low hanging fruit,Pence and then Trump. Leaves us with Ryan but he's merely a fool not a pathological liar.
4
I find ryan to be BOTH a fool and a pathological liar. He keeps telling the American people that his health care bill is going to be great for them! He tells them the same damn lies that trump tells them: It will be cheaper, with lower deductibles, more choice, and better care. ALL LIES! MILLIONS will be able to afford NOTHING! And Barack Obama saying: "You can keep your doctors" was not exactly a lie. Many people COULD AND DID KEEP their doctors. Unfortunately, presidents and other politicians often do not understand the "fine details" of heath care bills (or any other bills) up for legislation, even presidents like President Obama, who was very "hands on." And that is wrong. They should know every little detail about legislation that they support. -- ryan is a very bad guy. Doesn't care if millions of people die, including kids. I wish the Pope could get his hands on ryan and have a talk with him. But I am sure that pious, Catholic, ryan, would nod and smile at the Pope, and then go out and keep disenfranchising and harming his less fortunate fellow Americans. He is not about religion, or serving his country, and its people; he is for collecting as many millions for himself as he can lay his greedy hands on.
13
Clean out the entire House. No Trump no Pence no Ryan. Instead void the election and lets have an honest non russian colluded vote. Set this ship right again its been taking on water far too long.
11
The Republicans won the election and they will be in control of the executive branch during the 2020 elections. The Democrats need to light a candle instead of cursing the darkness. No where in the comments section is the 2020 Democratic candidate mentioned by name.
6
Thank goodness. Imagine all the fake scandals that would be created!
5
I do agree, as almost always, with Mr. Blow, but I also know that we have landed on the area of wishful thinking and hysteria. I can see Trump coming home next week from a successful trip: jobs, Papal blessings, a Bibi-deal* and maybe even charmed Europeans.
Guys like Trump won't go away that smoothly. Ask Flotus.
* We know what that means.
Guys like Trump won't go away that smoothly. Ask Flotus.
* We know what that means.
7
As much as Blow might wish it, the crisis is not deepening at every hour and having investigators who are actually familiar with the law is the proper locale for the inquiries. With the inclusion of "any matters that arose or may arise", it seems reasonable that the inquiries could include the DNC emails and perhaps Hillary's server. There may indeed be "Blood in the Water" at some point. Let's wait and see whose it is, if any ...
Blow's language is borderline hysterical and is essentially free of facts. Conjecture reigns supreme! He and the always predictable commenters of the NYT continue to be Ground Zero for Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Blow's language is borderline hysterical and is essentially free of facts. Conjecture reigns supreme! He and the always predictable commenters of the NYT continue to be Ground Zero for Trump Derangement Syndrome.
6
At the time Hillary set up her private server government servers were not secure. Government servers were hacked, hers was not. If you worked in IT in those days you would see things differently.
8
I love you, Charles Blow.
7
perpetual wallowing in self-victimization and the shedding of his own tears for a spurious suffering that only exists in the muddle of his mind.
Wow! You have a way with the truth. Pity Party at 11.
Wow! You have a way with the truth. Pity Party at 11.
7
President Trump will probably win in 2020. Wonder what nyt will say then? May be Chinese collusion?
11
Amen!
Well said Mr Blow.
Let's hope and pray more American citizens VOTE next time, otherwise our country is doomed to be run into the ground by dim-witted.
Putin has our Nation in check-mate until we resolve or dissolve this current situation.
Well said Mr Blow.
Let's hope and pray more American citizens VOTE next time, otherwise our country is doomed to be run into the ground by dim-witted.
Putin has our Nation in check-mate until we resolve or dissolve this current situation.
5
Nope. Definitely not Chinese collusion. DEFINITELY (not maybe) MASS STUPIDITY. Why are people going to continue to vote for a party that wants to take everything away from them????? If this GOP political nightmare continues, after a while, even The New York Times will have to admit that Hillary's use of the word "deplorables" was ever so RIGHT ON THE MARK.
7
Someone should point out to Trump that there was a much bigger witch-hunt in Salem one time. We also have a few Presidents that were mistreated to the point of assassination. I am sure, however, that Trump is suffering greatly. Who knew being president was so hard?
15
No one should believe that Pence did not know what Flynn said to the Russian ambassador. This could easily be a made-up story, concocted to fire Flynn. Yes, Pence denied that Flynn had a policy discussion with the Russians, but everyone in the White House did. By using lying to Pence as the reason for firing Flynn, the White House has made Pence seem honest when he told everyone on TV that Flynn had not had a policy discussion. Pence is not necessarily honest and should not be taken at face value.
13
How much longer are we going to keep the KGB in office?
17
The authoritarian desire for absolute control is coming from the democrats still having a temper tantrum more than six months after they lost the election. If they succeed in throwing Trump out of office they will really smell blood. Then we have to ask ourselves whether they will EVER allow another opposition candidate to occupy the White House. The lynch mob is in fact, more dangerous than an erratic Trump.
5
The GOP engaged in a massive temper tantrum throughout the eight years of Obama's Presidency. They endlessly worked to shut the judiciary and the federal government down. Obama infuriated his own party by consistently trying to meet Republicans halfway. Republicans are wholeheartedly backing this authoritarian Whitehouse. Democrats are just flexing what very little muscle they have.
12
Oh good grief. This from the party that lost the popular vote twice recently but still won the Presidency. That knowingly tries to inhibit voting lest the people have their say. Who're you trying to kid?
5
Oh, please. We weren't the ones screaming "Lock her up," when in fact you know who ought to be locked up.
5
Dear Mr. Blow, You're exactly spot on about VP Pence. There's much more here than meets the eye and so much more to be learned.
17
Mr. Comey is no hero. Good on him for writing memos, most of us in the business world do, partly to memorialize but also to 'cya', which is what Mr Comey did. He's most responsible for the mess we're in, a mess we'll pay for for years to come.
2
Please remember this:
Present line of succession
No. Office Current officer
1 Vice President Mike Pence (R)
2 Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan (R)
3 President pro tempore of the Senate Orrin Hatch (R)
4 Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (R)
Present line of succession
No. Office Current officer
1 Vice President Mike Pence (R)
2 Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan (R)
3 President pro tempore of the Senate Orrin Hatch (R)
4 Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (R)
29
and if the House goes Blue in 2018 you will have to change the names.
10
Kakistocracy!
2
Gee, if we could somehow impeach both Trump and Pence and get them convicted, on to Speaker of the House as our President. Oh wait.. what have we done here?
7
The alt right fans are out in droves in the comments. Guess they are not busy now holding up torches at the tearing down of monuments to hate AKA the confederate monuments
5
Perfect example of why Trump won and how the lessons of this election remain unlearned. If someone on the right were to make a comment such as yours that lumps a set of people together, they would be criticized for stereotyping. Articles like those of Mr. Blow and continued false comments that marginalize a vast number of the American people is what will continue to keep the GOP in power.
2
Complain about Mr. Blow's language if you want, but it wasn't until some Trump supporters took issue with some of my friends' anti-Trump sentiments that my Facebook page filled with a toxic spew of profanity and ad hominem attacks. None of the Trump supporters' comments contained any actual facts. It was disgusting. Kids in my family read my FB page.
Thank heavens for the block button.
Thank heavens for the block button.
4
Didn't Manafort select Pence instead of Chris Christie for Trump? That in itself is suspicious. Just what are Pence's ties with Russia?
10
I couldn't agree more. How could Pence not have known about Flynn's nefarious activities?. After all he was in charge of the transition. It's the old story: If he didn't know, he was incompetent; if he knew, he is lying. Either way, he should not be anywhere near the presidency. He is the poison pill that could derail a possible impeachment. The whole despicable bunch has to go. I would add McConnell and Ryan to this unholy alliance. Unfortunately, if the Dems can't get their act together in 2018, it ain't gonna happen.
10
Of course Pence knew about Flynn......!!!! .....otherwise Pence would be much
much much too stupid........Pence is simply a very very good actor......and
only waiting in the wings off stage to take over as POTUS....isn't this all too
obvious....
I hope Pence does succeed when Trump leaves office ......and we may get
someone in office who just might listen to wiser men and wiser women and
get some bipartisan reforms.
much much too stupid........Pence is simply a very very good actor......and
only waiting in the wings off stage to take over as POTUS....isn't this all too
obvious....
I hope Pence does succeed when Trump leaves office ......and we may get
someone in office who just might listen to wiser men and wiser women and
get some bipartisan reforms.
3
Pence doesn't listen to wise women.
4
The Presidency is still powerful. It can provide a limitless supply of shark repellant to a swimmer determined not be eaten. Trump will not resign in shame like Richard Nixon – he has no shame. He will fight like the junkyard dog he is. There will be no tactic too despicable to employ. There will be no blow too low. He will kick, scratch and howl. And if all this fails, look for the Reichstag to burn.
13
Well said.
4
It's not possible Pence didn't know anything? Have you listened to this pinwheel, taken in that vacuous, nobody home expression? It isn't just possible. It's a lock. If this guy's IQ hits 80, he should sell.
Good on you Charles for pointing out that anyone and anything associated with the orange one is tainted and suspect, all the way to Neil Gorsuch. Thee will be a large asterisk beside his name in history.
8
I question the NYT and it's integrity for actually printing this witch hunt non sense. So far nothing has been discovered connecting the President with Russia helping to defeat HRC. So get over it, she lost Trump is the President.
11
Ah yes, another day, another Trump supporter bringing up the election because they have nothing else. Their candidate is failing and the investigations are getting closer to him, so it's all because Democrats are sore losers.
12
Reva,
They have nothing. Investigators have been at this for months. If they had a connection people would have been arrested.
They have nothing. Investigators have been at this for months. If they had a connection people would have been arrested.
3
Pete: The investigations are far from over. How do you know?
4
"It is time for justice to be served and honor restored. The dishonest must be dislodged." Was the NYT calling for that in the mid 1990s?
6
Wow - was Trump colluding way back then? Or is this some weird kind of revenge, country be dsmned?
3
Oh, Charles, it's time to realize that Trump is the legitimate POTUS. Get over it.
6
How is that so easily concluded when we know Russians meddled in the election? That they possibly meddled in the election with his knowledge or his staff's knowledge. That would mean he and his staff engaged in possibly treasonous activity. Legitimate? Not so fast.
6
The meddling in the election consisted of exposing Hillary's emails as far as I know. What I am interested in is Trump's financial ties to the Russian Federation. Trump went through many bankruptcies and periods of time when he couldn't get loans from American banks. He is hiding his tax returns from the public. A number of Trump's campaign associates have financial ties to Russia. Flynn took money which he didn't report to Pentagon in order to keep his security clearance. It may be that Trump is not involved in any of his associate's misconduct. But we do need to know.
3
Mr. Pense was head of President Trump's transition team.
The NSA candidate's vetting was his job.
Elected officials that are too preoccupied with carrying out their designated responsibilities compromise the safety of Americans and our nation.
If Mr. Pense was working with the White House staff, he was fully aware of Russian communications and inappropriate hostile foreign agents.
The same could be said for Paul Ryan and most of the members of Congress, who turned a blind eye, risking the safely of the American people.
The NSA candidate's vetting was his job.
Elected officials that are too preoccupied with carrying out their designated responsibilities compromise the safety of Americans and our nation.
If Mr. Pense was working with the White House staff, he was fully aware of Russian communications and inappropriate hostile foreign agents.
The same could be said for Paul Ryan and most of the members of Congress, who turned a blind eye, risking the safely of the American people.
9
Trump lied throughout the campaign and continues to lie as president. Any person who would share the ticket with Trump has got to be okay with lying. The difference between the two is that Trump wants to turn this country into a kleptocracy and Pence would have the country become a theocracy.
17
Most corrupt administrative in decades. When there are so many consistent acts of deception and cheating, you KNOW there is far more below the surface of present day recognition. If not the FBI (or CIA,) then the press will uncover dastardly Trump dealings. Russia is ruled by mob interests. It also wouldn't surprise me if some of Trump's past financial dealings are criminal. How ironic: Conservatives who in years past railed against how anyone to the left of center is
'a commie,' and yet for the first time in history we have a president -- a Republican -- whose ties to Russia are blatant and suspect.
'a commie,' and yet for the first time in history we have a president -- a Republican -- whose ties to Russia are blatant and suspect.
7
Trump is working on Middle East peace deals, not there for camel rides. Instead of supporting Trump's efforts you are wasting time.
You should be supporting Trump on his efforts. For years some Arab countries have had economic and intelligence relations with Israel. A settlement with the Arabs on the West Bank and Gaza to at least stop shooting would be a major step.
Especially when we have to worry about the psychos in North Korea and Iran and their atomic bombs.
You should be supporting Trump on his efforts. For years some Arab countries have had economic and intelligence relations with Israel. A settlement with the Arabs on the West Bank and Gaza to at least stop shooting would be a major step.
Especially when we have to worry about the psychos in North Korea and Iran and their atomic bombs.
6
Trump is reading Stephen Miller speeches. Period. He didn't even want to go. He's being careful with Saudi Arabia because he wants to make money from them. And how about that $100 million contribution to Ivanka's proposed fund? And now he lies to the Israelis and says he didn't reveal any secrets?
No, we should be getting rid of Trump, that's our patriotic duty to the con man.
No, we should be getting rid of Trump, that's our patriotic duty to the con man.
10
Once we get to the 2018 midterms voters might flip the House to the Dems and then we'd have a Democratic speaker next in line. The GOP might want to hurry that investigation along....
6
Re the accompanying photo: I want to see Mr. Trump in clothing that is similarly form-fitting as Melania's. The sexism demonstrated in this photo (and all similar ones emanating from tracking of Mr. Trump and his wife) is odious.
3
Melania has the figure to carry it off. She probably works hard on it. Trump in tight form fitting clothes would be deeply unpleasant. I am glad to be spared that view.
2
We should start an 'Impeach Pence' campaign, right now.
He is the devil in the details of all of this.
He is the devil in the details of all of this.
4
Your allegation that Pence is a liar is hyperbole and clearly based on bias. The statements of "two [unnamed] people" and confirmation he lobbied for Turkey does not support your prejudiced statement. Trump's allegedly irresponsible behavior does not justify your lack of the journalistic standards the NYT used to employ but only professes to follow, now. You should be ashamed of your shoddy journalism.
10
1. He didn't say Pence had lobbied, but that he was informed about Flynn's lobbying-- and then lied about it publicly!
2. Flynn himself has acknowledged breaking the law when he filed forms trying to retroactively cover his undeclared lobbying as a foreign agent. So, this is more than unnamed sources. Solid evidence is building!
3. This is an opinion piece... it is not a news story by a reporter. You're misapplying a journalistic standard to a columnist!
4. Will you return here in a couple of months and apologize to Mr. Blow when it turns out, as it surely will, that Pence (and Trump) demonstrably, even unequivocally, knew about Flynn's situation, yet still put him in as head of the NSA and lied about it to the American people?!
You have to be ideologically blind to not see what's been going on!
When Comey and Rosenstein testify, under oath, about what happened, will you refuse to believe them?! And, instead, believe the worst serial liar to ever campaign for or be elected president?!
In any event, Trump's "alleged" misdeeds are no longer alleged. Besides a multi-decade pattern of lawbreaking, he himself has essentially admitted to obstruction of justice.
2. Flynn himself has acknowledged breaking the law when he filed forms trying to retroactively cover his undeclared lobbying as a foreign agent. So, this is more than unnamed sources. Solid evidence is building!
3. This is an opinion piece... it is not a news story by a reporter. You're misapplying a journalistic standard to a columnist!
4. Will you return here in a couple of months and apologize to Mr. Blow when it turns out, as it surely will, that Pence (and Trump) demonstrably, even unequivocally, knew about Flynn's situation, yet still put him in as head of the NSA and lied about it to the American people?!
You have to be ideologically blind to not see what's been going on!
When Comey and Rosenstein testify, under oath, about what happened, will you refuse to believe them?! And, instead, believe the worst serial liar to ever campaign for or be elected president?!
In any event, Trump's "alleged" misdeeds are no longer alleged. Besides a multi-decade pattern of lawbreaking, he himself has essentially admitted to obstruction of justice.
15
Please tell Faux News and Breitbart to employ some journalistic standards before scolding the NYTimes. In case you hadn't noticed: Blow's pieces are opinion pieces, and the gloves are off with a despicable con and liar like Trump, who insisted for years that president Obama was not born in the US, threatened his opponent implicitly with death by invoking the "second amendment people", stiffed contractors, insulted the disabled, women, minorities and the parents of a fallen soldier, defrauded students with a scam "university", and what not. And the Trump whines at a commencement speech that he's treated unfairly. If he can't stand the heat, he should get out of the kitchen!
14
Charles Blow is a hater, just as the Clintons are haters. If Hillary Clinton were President now, and did exactly the same things Trump has done, Blow would be praising her.
13
Charles Blow is stating facts. How does that make him a hater? Do you really think that Mr. Blow would be praising Mrs.Clinton if she bragged about grabbing the private parts of someone and they couldn't do anything about it, denigrated the father of a fallen soldier, and also a former tortured soldier, bragged about firing the head of the FBI to stop his investigation into possible collusion with Russia, made fun of a disabled reporter, shared damaging high intel information with Russia, thus endangering the life of an imbedded spy in Isis? I could go on. The list of Trump's pathological lying, megalomania driven compulsive and reckless behavior is long and sordid and displayed for all to see.
What is puzzling is why anyone would try to find excuses to justify Trump's behavior. Defending the indefensible must be extremely tiring.
What is puzzling is why anyone would try to find excuses to justify Trump's behavior. Defending the indefensible must be extremely tiring.
We know that birds of a feather flocks together and these two were made for each other. One lies and the other swears to the iie. Mr. Mueller has an unbelievable job ahead of him, but I am sure the country can count on him.
Wonder why trump complained that this is the singe greatest witch hunt of a politician in history etc. Doesn't he know he is not a politician. Always complaining. It will be a holiday when we get rid of the both if them.
Wonder why trump complained that this is the singe greatest witch hunt of a politician in history etc. Doesn't he know he is not a politician. Always complaining. It will be a holiday when we get rid of the both if them.
9
Charles Blow is spot on, especially about Pence. Trump is a carnival-barker type-liar while Pence is the Sunday-school teacher-liar. Both are odious.
23
Keep drinking the Kool Aid Charles and serving up the fake news. It's gonna be an excruciating 8 years for you
10
Eight years! How hilarious can you get? Everybody
6
Just as Democrat Alan Dershowitz pens an article of how Mueller will announce there's no crimes involving the Trump Administration and Russia, Blow waxes poetic of there being "blood in the water."
What's so laughable is that the same liberal writers compose the same liberal tripe over the delusion of collusion, then delude themselves that they're not the joke.
What's so laughable is that the same liberal writers compose the same liberal tripe over the delusion of collusion, then delude themselves that they're not the joke.
8
Make sure you get Pence, Gorsuch, McConnell, Toomey, Costello, et al ALL Republican'ts no matter what. Leave none.
3
More to sustain this excellent opinion here, from an article on the New Order on Sally Yates,
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/05/29/why-sally-yates-stood-up-to...
Mr. Blow is right.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/05/29/why-sally-yates-stood-up-to...
Mr. Blow is right.
8
Sorry, New Yorker of course.. not New Order !
1
Another exercise in hyperbole; simply stated--another screed by Charles Blow. Once, just once, it would be refreshing to read a piece written outside Blow's narrow, partisan and all too predictable perspective. This time, though, hard to believe as it is, the writer has plumbed new depths with his bottom-feeding rhetoric. If there is any "blood in the water," Mr. Blow, it's from the slow death of the thousand cuts you and the other pundits are inflicting on this man, whose only "crimes" would seem to be an outsize personality and the fact that he snatched victory from the self-defeating campaign of your girl. You disgust me.
9
What about stiffing contractors, groping women and running a scam university?
9
Anna....there's no point, but I'd like to add birther movement and tax returns, which I guess are not "crimes" but I just like to keep bringing them up.
7
@CF: Thanks - it gets boring having to repeat these things but we do need to keep bringing them up. People's memories are so short...
3
Geez Charles I hope that your realization that Pence is a liar isn't something that you recently have come to. Let me let you in a little secret - Trump = liar, Pence = liar, Clinton = liar, Pocahontas = liar, Pelosi = liar - they're all liars - each and every one.
6
Thank you Charles Blow - keep up the courageous truth-telling!
12
Come on, Mr. Blow. You keep making innuendos but fail to follow them up with facts. I presume you're intelligent and able to reason and that's why you keep railing about our president. I also presume also that you know more than you are printing. Why not get on with it and tell us what it is that keeps you so sure of yourself? What exactly have the "sources" said? Who are they? What information do they have that you are keeping from us? Tell us now and get this charade over with.
5
Um, what is a "jaundiced crucifiction"?
1
I recommend you look up the painter Marc Chagall.
Mike Pence will be shown to be guilty as charged as this all plays out (wait for it...wait for it...). Does he not resemble the Russian assassin who tries to kill James Bond on the train during the last moments of "Dr. No" - ? No doubt his personal mantra is "good things come to those who wait." Charles Blow, thank you for your brilliance - it shines in this era of "muddled minds."
5
Thank you Mr. Blow it's about time that we expose Pence and his obsequious lying and double dealing.He has long known about every hideous thing that has gone on in this adm.He was the head of the transition team and lies equally as much as djt in the most revolting and saccharine manner.If djt were ever removed from office ,preferably by the 25th amendment[quicker than impeachment]Pence would go for obstruction of justice,collusion,treason..take your pick.He is a sickening human being.The entire lot of them should lawyer up.
7
While Blow is accusing Trump and Pence of being liars, perhaps it is time for Blow to look in the mirror. So sad that Blow's idea of advanced analysis is limited to name-calling.
9
basically, name calling is what progressives get by on. Logical, facts, reason -- not so much.
4
Sorry to rain on the group think parade here, but the hysterical, hypocritical, and downright deranged Mr Blow is wrong again: it's not the President who's whining, it's the author, indeed he's been whining from day 1 of this Presidency.
Maybe it's time for the NYT to give this precious real estate to someone else. Mr Blow's unhinged and hateful rhetoric has gotten old long time ago.
Maybe it's time for the NYT to give this precious real estate to someone else. Mr Blow's unhinged and hateful rhetoric has gotten old long time ago.
9
This Administration has taken lying and faulty memory to hither unknown new heights. Sanctimonious Pence was just walked out on by Notre Dame over the weekend. These people are so out of their depth that they would drown in a puddle.
5
Why don't reporters tell Pence he lies--an awful lot.
Why isn't cushy Kushner made to speak to reporters or reporters made to tell us he won't?
He has more conflicts of interest than anyone but manchild Humpty Trumpty!!
Why isn't cushy Kushner made to speak to reporters or reporters made to tell us he won't?
He has more conflicts of interest than anyone but manchild Humpty Trumpty!!
4
Pence was a liar going way back to his days of siphoning campaign contributions to pay for his mortgage, his car, his walking-around money.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/mike-pence-used-campaign-funds-t...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/mike-pence-used-campaign-funds-t...
10
Mr Blow, people living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Anything and everything that Trump does to make the left/progs, NYT and MSM apoplectic is fine by me and the millions of Americans who made him president. He makes HRC look like the pathetic two time loser that she is and BHO small and irrelevant in the course of history. The reason he is subject to unprecedented attacks of all sorts is that he is the anti-Obama, the poster child of hope & change.
9
Here are the Top 10 things that what you call Trump hope and change do NOT look like:
10. drinking water, air and farmland polluted by Trump's deregulation of chemicals, factory, coal and oil and gas company emissions
9. schools and after school programs shuttered by Trump's anti-education secretary
8. women around the world dying from preventable cancers
7. senior citizens losing their healthcare
6. people of color beaten or killed with no federal oversight of local police
5. massive acceleration of global warming
4. enormous economic losses as China overtakes the US in green energy production
3. massive military ramp up and a wall that contribute nothing to rebuild our decrepit roads, rails and bridges - the backbone of our economy
2. imperialistic Russian takeovers, as the Trump-led United States backs away from its NATO responsibilities to help Putin
1. a dumber, terrified populace trying to pray away the gay, the wars, the earthquakes, the rising sea levels, the sickness.
That's not hope and change.
10. drinking water, air and farmland polluted by Trump's deregulation of chemicals, factory, coal and oil and gas company emissions
9. schools and after school programs shuttered by Trump's anti-education secretary
8. women around the world dying from preventable cancers
7. senior citizens losing their healthcare
6. people of color beaten or killed with no federal oversight of local police
5. massive acceleration of global warming
4. enormous economic losses as China overtakes the US in green energy production
3. massive military ramp up and a wall that contribute nothing to rebuild our decrepit roads, rails and bridges - the backbone of our economy
2. imperialistic Russian takeovers, as the Trump-led United States backs away from its NATO responsibilities to help Putin
1. a dumber, terrified populace trying to pray away the gay, the wars, the earthquakes, the rising sea levels, the sickness.
That's not hope and change.
14
Love me I'm a liberal, as Tom Lehrer used to sing. The Trump team is doing some horrific things from my point of view but there's nothing so far (since a very bad smell and an ever-expanding pack of lies doesn't qualify) that would lead to impeachment under a Republican controlled Congress. The succession line is populated by worse and worser, so what would liberals gain? As others have said, Trump's greatest attribute from our point of view is his incompetence, his self-inflicted wounds. I'm left hoping fervently that he doesn't start a war and that he continues to fail to achieve major legislative success. In 2018 perhaps Dems can replace the Speaker. Could we then impeach Trump and Pence simultaneously?
9
"It isn’t possible Pence knew nothing. I believe Pence is a liar like his boss."
It doesn't matter. Even if Pence got chucked out along with Trump, such as we have no reason to expect, the result would be Ryan. Or alternatively someone nominated (by Trump) to be the new veep in the event Pence goes out the door first.
Trump's power is not an aberration. It reflects the deeply rooted Republican power in the Federal Government. This is not going to turn around soon, with or without investigations, with or without resignations at the top echelons.
Every day of this presidency is an abject lesson in the catastrophic consequences of forgetting what it means to lose power at the state level, in our federal system.
It doesn't matter. Even if Pence got chucked out along with Trump, such as we have no reason to expect, the result would be Ryan. Or alternatively someone nominated (by Trump) to be the new veep in the event Pence goes out the door first.
Trump's power is not an aberration. It reflects the deeply rooted Republican power in the Federal Government. This is not going to turn around soon, with or without investigations, with or without resignations at the top echelons.
Every day of this presidency is an abject lesson in the catastrophic consequences of forgetting what it means to lose power at the state level, in our federal system.
14
the "deeply rooted Republican power in the Federal Government" only came about because the voters, who are the ultimate source of right and wrong in a republic, choose the GOP to represent them. If one believes in democracy, then one must accept that same "deeply rooted Republican power in the Federal Government"
Of course, there are no few Democrats who believe that the people are too stupid or deplorable to be trusted with such power and that the elite should be allowed to rule until the people realize this.
Of course, there are no few Democrats who believe that the people are too stupid or deplorable to be trusted with such power and that the elite should be allowed to rule until the people realize this.
2
"Trump's power is not an aberration. It reflects the deeply rooted Republican power in the Federal Government. "
You are rewriting history.
The most aggressive establishment of Executive Branch power has happened during Democratic administrations . The powers of the regulatory agencies have usurped the functions of the legislature, and sadly, often with the open assistance of Congress.
What it appears is happening is the liberal is now beginning to figure out that the Trump administration is going to either shut-down the shadow government or bend it to the will of the elected political leaders. It drives them bonkers.
Congress may step up and try to retrieve the powers that they have given away. And then again, they may not.
There is an almost constant realignment of the checks-and-balances between the Executive and the Legislature. In some presidential administrations the balance shifts their way; in others towards the making of laws by the Congress.
We may now be entering a phase where the imperial presidency that we have allowed to be created in slowly dismantled, and where Congress functions again as the voice of The People.
This phase SHOULD have the support of all Americans, liberal and conservative alike, because the balances of our political world have shifted power too far, and the checks need to be returned to their proper place.
I urge all to remind, nay pester, their Congressmen to tale back their Constitutional powers.
You are rewriting history.
The most aggressive establishment of Executive Branch power has happened during Democratic administrations . The powers of the regulatory agencies have usurped the functions of the legislature, and sadly, often with the open assistance of Congress.
What it appears is happening is the liberal is now beginning to figure out that the Trump administration is going to either shut-down the shadow government or bend it to the will of the elected political leaders. It drives them bonkers.
Congress may step up and try to retrieve the powers that they have given away. And then again, they may not.
There is an almost constant realignment of the checks-and-balances between the Executive and the Legislature. In some presidential administrations the balance shifts their way; in others towards the making of laws by the Congress.
We may now be entering a phase where the imperial presidency that we have allowed to be created in slowly dismantled, and where Congress functions again as the voice of The People.
This phase SHOULD have the support of all Americans, liberal and conservative alike, because the balances of our political world have shifted power too far, and the checks need to be returned to their proper place.
I urge all to remind, nay pester, their Congressmen to tale back their Constitutional powers.
3
Speaker Ryan should resign, based on his response when in a Republican meeting on June 15, 2016, Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said “There’s two people I think Putin pays: [Congressman] Rohrabacher and Trump...“Swear to God.” "Ryan instructed his Republican lieutenants to keep the conversation private, saying:'No leaks. . . . This is how we know we’re a real family here.'"
(House majority leader to colleagues in 2016: ‘I think Putin pays’ Trump
By Adam Entous, May 17, The Washington Post)
(House majority leader to colleagues in 2016: ‘I think Putin pays’ Trump
By Adam Entous, May 17, The Washington Post)
2
I am thankful for you and for all those in the media who continue to expose this to daylight. Thank you.
10
As the nation turns toward impeachment, we must consider Pence, who is, at his core, more conservative than Trump (obviously) and many GOP Representatives and Senators. His lies are disconcerting, especially as they go directly to issues of national security, issues, which he was supposed to vet in the transition period. So, how deeply involved in Trump's Russian activities is Pence? Can we make a case for indicting him before impeaching Trump, as was done with Agnew before Nixon was impeached?
2
If Republican lawmakers fail to do their duty and investigate Russia's intrusion into our electoral process and possible collusion with the Trump campaign, then are they guilty of colluding to obstruct justice?
When they sit on investigative committees and only ask questions about leaks (and not about the subject at hand), it seems a clear case of trying to quash the investigative process and obstruct the committee's duty to find the truth.
When they sit on investigative committees and only ask questions about leaks (and not about the subject at hand), it seems a clear case of trying to quash the investigative process and obstruct the committee's duty to find the truth.
3
It seems to me that most of the obstruction that went on in Congress of the past eight years was the result of a conscious intransigence of the Democrats.
Are you arguing that they should spend more time seeking the truth?
If you are, I am fully supportive of your remarks.
But if you intend these remarks as a dog whistle and a cattle call, count me out.
Are you arguing that they should spend more time seeking the truth?
If you are, I am fully supportive of your remarks.
But if you intend these remarks as a dog whistle and a cattle call, count me out.
1
Politicians utter half-truths, mutter obscenities, and just baldly and boldly lie left and right and on the Left and the Right. They're all good at it and sadly they're groomed to cultivate mendacities as a way to survive. But this is different, Trump and Pence are both unfit for their posts because with Pence a religious ideology last popular during the late Middle Ages and a political ideology mired in the pre-Civil War South, his reactionaries tendencies would subvert the Constitution without blinking. Trump, on the other hand is downright dangerous because his 'drug of choice' is his very ego, and the sadism generated by a 'malign buffoonery' devoid of principle.
1
The States of our republic, in voting for the presidency, did not agree with your assessment.
And what is truly astonishing is that you on the left managed to allow the coronated successor to Barack Obama to lose an election that was yours to lose.
Is that MY fault or the fault of those to the right of you?
Stop whinging, james and start working on messages that The Voter might be willing to buy.
And what is truly astonishing is that you on the left managed to allow the coronated successor to Barack Obama to lose an election that was yours to lose.
Is that MY fault or the fault of those to the right of you?
Stop whinging, james and start working on messages that The Voter might be willing to buy.
1
You assume that I am on the left, and you would not be correct. I have written comments over the years highly critical of Obama and HRC in NYT comment sections, neither of whom I voted for.
The fault lies in a broken electoral process that years ago required a renewal. Without said renewal, entropy rules.
You seem to incorporate an 'us vs. them' mentality in your reasoning that justifies nothing except being on the 'winning side', whatever that means in a nation of 330 million people.
The fault lies in a broken electoral process that years ago required a renewal. Without said renewal, entropy rules.
You seem to incorporate an 'us vs. them' mentality in your reasoning that justifies nothing except being on the 'winning side', whatever that means in a nation of 330 million people.
If Trump and Pence are entangled in unlawful deception and are both forced to resign, that means the Speaker of the House ascends to the Oval Office. Yes, that faux-policy wonk Paul Ryan becomes the dangerous 46th President. Cling to your health care policies, folks and hope the Democrats dominate the congressional midterm elections.
3
Pence took an oath to uphold the Constitution which is obviously at odds with his religious beliefs. I wonder which side will win out? We may not find out for 2 years; Trump must serve that ling for Pence to be able to run twice. 45 may not know that, but I'll bet that Pence and the GOP do.
1
I've read quite a disturbing number of posts with substantially the same ethical deficiency. That is, a writer who begins by denouncing the legitimacy of the Trump Presidency and then goes on to similarly delegitimize every other Republican who would ascend to that office, should Trump be thrown out of office. The posts either begin or end with a pious "reminder" that Trump is a usurper. Please, get a grip. The "usurpers" would be those willing to cast about endlessly, in a vain effort to find any excuse to overturn the will of the voters that subscribe to the legitimacy of our electoral system. Remove the mote from your eye - and run a better candidate next time...
6
Time for a Double Impeachment. We all want to get rid of Trump but Pence is radical, somewhat crazy and has to go too. His outlook is full of very scary stuff. Our government is so corrupt now we set new standards constantly. Look at the special privileges Trump has been granted. He is getting away with a revolution while hardly anyone says a word.
2
And another thing enthusiasts of the Russian hacked us and Trump colluded should think about. IF Russia was behind the hacking, yeah, that's a problem and we should take some action.
But the bigger issue is cyber security. There are lots of bad actors out there capable of hacking us, who want to hack us and who have hacked us. Figuring out if Russia was actually behind it falls into the realm of important info, but doesn't solve the real problem. If we want to make sure our institutions, our democratic processes, our infrastructure etc. is safe -- focusing on Russia doesn't do anything in that regard. So all the congressional investigations and special prosecutors etc. are throwing a lot of energy into what is at this point history. As HRC said -- at this point what difference could it possibly make. We aren't going to find evidence of any collusion -- but even if we did -- that's not going to change the election. And we can somehow get even with Russia, throw on more sanctions.
But that doesn't solve the problem. We need a thorough understanding of why it was easy to hack the DNC -- and more important -- the risks we face as a nation from cyber attacks and what we can do. Punishing bad actors after the fact isn't really very effective.
But the bigger issue is cyber security. There are lots of bad actors out there capable of hacking us, who want to hack us and who have hacked us. Figuring out if Russia was actually behind it falls into the realm of important info, but doesn't solve the real problem. If we want to make sure our institutions, our democratic processes, our infrastructure etc. is safe -- focusing on Russia doesn't do anything in that regard. So all the congressional investigations and special prosecutors etc. are throwing a lot of energy into what is at this point history. As HRC said -- at this point what difference could it possibly make. We aren't going to find evidence of any collusion -- but even if we did -- that's not going to change the election. And we can somehow get even with Russia, throw on more sanctions.
But that doesn't solve the problem. We need a thorough understanding of why it was easy to hack the DNC -- and more important -- the risks we face as a nation from cyber attacks and what we can do. Punishing bad actors after the fact isn't really very effective.
3
The reasons for why the DNC was so easy to hack is that the DNC was neither security conscious or ethically run so as to survive the leak of material.
Democrats have only themselves to blame for the fall-out from their ill-considered e-mails.
Democrats have only themselves to blame for the fall-out from their ill-considered e-mails.
The Republicans have proven time and time again that they are great at insulating themselves from blame and experts on going on the attack. At this stage I don't see the president or VP going down on collusion. It's more likely for Trump to go down because of dirty financial dealings with criminals and dirty money, whether they are Russian or otherwise. But even if there is something there this gets drawn out past 2018, especially with Trump's litigious history.
The real story is the lack of a cohesive democratic agenda and a get out the vote for 2018. 2017 is essentially over. The democrats need to 1. rebut the ties between lobbyists and the republican agenda 2. elucidate the tax and environmental changes that have already happened or that the repubs are planning and how they will affect ALL americans 3. make the case for single payer insurance 4. make the case for infrastructure of green energy industries (using existing data, which says more jobs and more growth than oil gas!) and 5. All those people who didn't vote in the last election - THEY are the key!
The real story is the lack of a cohesive democratic agenda and a get out the vote for 2018. 2017 is essentially over. The democrats need to 1. rebut the ties between lobbyists and the republican agenda 2. elucidate the tax and environmental changes that have already happened or that the repubs are planning and how they will affect ALL americans 3. make the case for single payer insurance 4. make the case for infrastructure of green energy industries (using existing data, which says more jobs and more growth than oil gas!) and 5. All those people who didn't vote in the last election - THEY are the key!
3
You're not going to do that as long as people like John Podesta and Donna Brazille, and Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi are the faces of the party.
It is impossible to believe that VP Pence is not lying about when he knew of Flynn's links to Turkey and Russia. As you point out, Pence is simply smoother than Trump. Today Flynn refused to comply with a Congressional subpoena based on his Fifth Amendment rights. No doubt in the near future we will be hearing the same assertion from other Trump associates as well, maybe even Mr. Pence. What a mess Trump's lies and hatred have wrought!
9
The only blood is in the hopeful visions of those hoping to topple Trump instead of reforming the Democratic party, and returning it to the working and middle class which the party abandoned.
5
I'm hoping the Democrats can be strategic with the timing of impeachment demands and proceedings. There's an opportunity to win both the House and Senate in the fall of 2018. The benefit of evicting Trump and Pence afterwards with a Democratic speaker is obvious.
In any case, the eventual eviction of a Trump tainted with acts of treason makes for a perfectly valid premise to demand the resignation of Gorsuch. Only a few will respect decisions by an installed judge who is essentially an agent of a traitor.
As for these powerful Republican enablers, be they elected officials, media pundits, members of think tanks or the multi-billionaires club:
I will make no distinction between the traitor who has committed treason, and those who harbor him.
In any case, the eventual eviction of a Trump tainted with acts of treason makes for a perfectly valid premise to demand the resignation of Gorsuch. Only a few will respect decisions by an installed judge who is essentially an agent of a traitor.
As for these powerful Republican enablers, be they elected officials, media pundits, members of think tanks or the multi-billionaires club:
I will make no distinction between the traitor who has committed treason, and those who harbor him.
5
Impeachment starts in the House.
Do you think Nancy Pelosi has the power to get that done?
Really?
What you are thinking is the stuff of fairy tales.
Do you think Nancy Pelosi has the power to get that done?
Really?
What you are thinking is the stuff of fairy tales.
1
This is actually starting to get sort of fun ! ....watching clinton supporters in a state of hysterics over the whole Russian thing. Even more interesting is the new found extreme evangelical faith that liberals suddenly have in our defense and counter-intelligence agencies !
There's currently zero evidence of any Russian involvement in the 2016 election. The government has no idea who/how the clinton/dnc emails were hacked. The current speculation is that it was most likely a disgruntled dnc staffer, or possibly someone inside the CIA.
This whole Russian hysteria is all about sanitizing hillary for a 2020 run...and mark my words, democrats will once again ignore the progressive and instead choose to run the most establishment, unpopular, and disliked candidate in the history of american politics, hrc.
There's currently zero evidence of any Russian involvement in the 2016 election. The government has no idea who/how the clinton/dnc emails were hacked. The current speculation is that it was most likely a disgruntled dnc staffer, or possibly someone inside the CIA.
This whole Russian hysteria is all about sanitizing hillary for a 2020 run...and mark my words, democrats will once again ignore the progressive and instead choose to run the most establishment, unpopular, and disliked candidate in the history of american politics, hrc.
7
What will be fun (at first) is witnessing how their profound denial and self-delusion will leave Trump supporters dazed and confused. But sadly, in the aftermath of the Trump and Pence downfall, when confusion quickly turns to bitterness, the President's supporters will stubbornly cling to conspiracies about Hillary (who will be comfortably ensconced at home in Chappaqua in 2020 and not on the campaign trail), and this group of these desperate Americans will continue to fracture the GOP. Any remaining respectable and perseverant Republicans will be left struggling to redefine their party. And the furious Trump supporters will continue to pollute the electoral process rather than face up to the damage of their own 2016 vote. Look for a newly-branded "Hope" campaign from the Democrats in 2018 and 2020--both of which will likely be successful.
1
I can't help but wonder how widely entangled our elected officials are in the Russian situation.
There's obviously Trump, with his boasts, his entreaty of Russian spies to hack Hillary Clinton, his admiration of Putin, his hidden viper's nest of business deals and connections spanning the globe that are tied up with legitimate business people and actual mobsters, and his thirst for power and wealth.
Then, his cabinet of sleaze with Flynn, Manafort, Kushner, etc. with already proven Russian ties, and the remainder who are pay to play hacks.
We have Mike Pence, who somehow seems to be way out of the loop despite being Vice President.
We also have Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy boasting and joking about Trump's Russian ties before the election. And all leaders of the GOP sitting on their hands while the nation burns.
In my more imaginative moments, I think if we fully cleaned out of all the Russian stooges currently in our government, we'd end up with the Postmaster General as POTUS, having run out of untainted individuals.
There's obviously Trump, with his boasts, his entreaty of Russian spies to hack Hillary Clinton, his admiration of Putin, his hidden viper's nest of business deals and connections spanning the globe that are tied up with legitimate business people and actual mobsters, and his thirst for power and wealth.
Then, his cabinet of sleaze with Flynn, Manafort, Kushner, etc. with already proven Russian ties, and the remainder who are pay to play hacks.
We have Mike Pence, who somehow seems to be way out of the loop despite being Vice President.
We also have Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy boasting and joking about Trump's Russian ties before the election. And all leaders of the GOP sitting on their hands while the nation burns.
In my more imaginative moments, I think if we fully cleaned out of all the Russian stooges currently in our government, we'd end up with the Postmaster General as POTUS, having run out of untainted individuals.
2
Charles, you need to get elected to Congress, so that when President Trump or Vice-President Pence are addressing a Joint Session of Congress on the world stage, you can yell out loud, "you lie", as South Carolina Congressman "Joe" Wilson did when Obama was speaking. So charming. Such hate from a Republican just because Obama was trying to get U.S. citizens affordable healthcare, while Wilson didn't want ask the wealthy to help pay their fair share.
2
And as it turns out, Mr. Odumbo WAS lying. So Congressman Wilson
was prescient and correct, as history now shows.
was prescient and correct, as history now shows.
1
Mr. Pence is also a deeply religious man; so devout, in fact, that he cannot be restricted to just one religion. Is he a Roman Catholic as he was born and raised, or is he an Evangelical Christian as he almost always claims? Ask him only if you're prepared to see a man's head explode before your eyes.
4
"Blood in the water"? You wish.
I wish too, for that matter. But no matter how many are complicit in what amounts to the stealing of the Presidency and treasonable financial shenanigans with the Russians, Mr. Trump will remain in the White House, courtesy of Republican anti-abortionists, gun-lobby freaks, and climate-change deniers. And, perhaps, of the moneyed classes who make their billions selling shoddy goods and shoddier healthcare, and raping our fair land.
I wish too, for that matter. But no matter how many are complicit in what amounts to the stealing of the Presidency and treasonable financial shenanigans with the Russians, Mr. Trump will remain in the White House, courtesy of Republican anti-abortionists, gun-lobby freaks, and climate-change deniers. And, perhaps, of the moneyed classes who make their billions selling shoddy goods and shoddier healthcare, and raping our fair land.
1
Ok, B. Now tell us what you DISLIKE about the people and party in power.
Even Medial Matters and Talking Points Memo have moved off this sort of blanket condemnation as it was merely reinforcing has close minded they really were.
Even Medial Matters and Talking Points Memo have moved off this sort of blanket condemnation as it was merely reinforcing has close minded they really were.
1
"I believe Pence is a liar like his boss."
I believe you, Mr. Blow, are a liar like your hero.
Obama has a penchant for lying and incompetence going way back.
Here's proof.
"Appearing on May 12, 2017 NBC Today, security analyst Juan Zarate warned:
He proceeded to explain how former President Obama gave the Russians classified information just months before:
Back in the summer of 2016, the Obama administration provided some information to the Russians about some of the things happening on the ground.
Guess what happened? The Russians then attacked some of those sites of our allies, our proxies that we were working with."
—Patrick DeVaughn
I believe you, Mr. Blow, are a liar like your hero.
Obama has a penchant for lying and incompetence going way back.
Here's proof.
"Appearing on May 12, 2017 NBC Today, security analyst Juan Zarate warned:
He proceeded to explain how former President Obama gave the Russians classified information just months before:
Back in the summer of 2016, the Obama administration provided some information to the Russians about some of the things happening on the ground.
Guess what happened? The Russians then attacked some of those sites of our allies, our proxies that we were working with."
—Patrick DeVaughn
7
Oh my. Reality has yet to hit home.
I appreciate your last sentance, Charles - "The dishonest must be dislodged." Elegant, simple, clear. If only these qualities, and the plain and honorable intent of this statement, were more apparent in our ruling party.
9
Yes, it is about time that Pence got the scrutiny he seemingly deserves. In the first place, why would any truly pious person sign on with Trump? And second, having erred and done so, why would anyone of conscious continue to persistently associate himself with and reiterate Trump's lies? After all, there is a quality called character, or at least there used to be.
7
Is it really likely that the Russians would commit their intrusion into our election without an agreement from Trump that they would get something of comparable value in return? The oval office meeting with the Russians was called by Putin to tell Trump to get a move on lifting the sanctions. The Russians had done their part by hacking and dumping that swung the election to Trump; now they want Trump to do his part so the bill$ions tied up in Russian oil can flow again with Exon's help. Was Big Donald not big and tough enough? Trump tried to look tough for them by boasting about sacking the "nutty" ? Comey. Big laugh had by all. Sanctions are still in place. Russians may be feeling cheated. And Bobby "Three fingers " Mueller is also after him.
The self-righteous vice president, along with his wife, are the darlings of the ultra-religious right. Pence is counting on this support in the event he replaces his boss through legal removal, or at the end of four years. Even supposing these two will survive four years, there is not a scintilla of probability that Pence could be elected on the strength of his record. The earth must have shifted when he tied himself to Trump's apron strings. This colorless, ineffectual man was in the wrong place at the right time.
1
Well, we certainly found out twice that Hillary couldn't be elected
If you turn to her again, it is likely that ANYBODY could beat her.
If you turn to her again, it is likely that ANYBODY could beat her.
1
Mr. Blow and NYT, as has been pointed out by Dem. senators, there is still no evidence of any crime. As pointed out by Alan Dershowitz, there is still no evidence of a crime. If you sense blood in the water, it may be yours, if all the hyperventilation and hysterics by you and the rest of the rabidly anti-Trump media proves wrong. What do you think will happen to you if you are fully and completely proven wrong? Do you think your reputations as reliable commentators and news sources will survive? Show us the crime. If you cannot, stop the presses, take some time to do some actual fact checking that doesn't rely on leakers with grudges, and do some re-writing. While I am NOT a Trump fan, nor a Trump voter, you passed the point where I and millions of others find you far worse than we find Trump, even when we don't think well of him.
10
Trump isn't going anywhere.
He's certainly never going to voluntarily resign, no matter what any investigation were to reveal.
And as far as impeachment or removal by the 25th amendment, you can forget about those two "options" right now.
It's more likely that a flying saucer full of aliens lands in Times Square and says take me to your leader with the orange hair.
On a more serious note, it's understandably hard not to become obsessed with his daily shenanigans, but we need to start focusing most of our psychic energy and kinetic effort on 2018 and 2020.
This isn't 1972. If you believe for one second that a congress led by Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell would ever remove a GOP president you have not been paying close enough attention.
He's certainly never going to voluntarily resign, no matter what any investigation were to reveal.
And as far as impeachment or removal by the 25th amendment, you can forget about those two "options" right now.
It's more likely that a flying saucer full of aliens lands in Times Square and says take me to your leader with the orange hair.
On a more serious note, it's understandably hard not to become obsessed with his daily shenanigans, but we need to start focusing most of our psychic energy and kinetic effort on 2018 and 2020.
This isn't 1972. If you believe for one second that a congress led by Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell would ever remove a GOP president you have not been paying close enough attention.
10
If you put up a candidate like George McGovern to run as Democrat, it likely WILL be like 1972.
An established progressive, even a likable one, doesn't have a chance of being elected...See: Adlai Stevenson, Hubert Humphrey, George McGovern, Mike Dukakis, Al Gore. The Electoral College wasn't nice to them!
An established progressive, even a likable one, doesn't have a chance of being elected...See: Adlai Stevenson, Hubert Humphrey, George McGovern, Mike Dukakis, Al Gore. The Electoral College wasn't nice to them!
"If you put up a candidate like George McGovern to run as Democrat, it likely WILL be like 1972."
Don't disagree with that.
They need to find a lunch pail democrat, a guy like Tim Ryan from Ohio.
Not necessarily him, but somebody "like" him.
Bernie's success has opened the Pandora's box of all our left wing loonies. That isn't going to work in 2020, you are correct.
The DNC is drawing the wrong conclusion because of Hillary's loss. Even a Hillary "Type" that wasn't Hillary would have won. I pray that they don't go the Elizabeth Warren route, she will lose.
Don't disagree with that.
They need to find a lunch pail democrat, a guy like Tim Ryan from Ohio.
Not necessarily him, but somebody "like" him.
Bernie's success has opened the Pandora's box of all our left wing loonies. That isn't going to work in 2020, you are correct.
The DNC is drawing the wrong conclusion because of Hillary's loss. Even a Hillary "Type" that wasn't Hillary would have won. I pray that they don't go the Elizabeth Warren route, she will lose.
1
Mike Pence is a one-man mosquito truck driving around, fogging the air with toxic lies. Then there's Paul Ryan, who adopted Trump's whacky 'people are saying' parlance when he cryptically suggested that 'people' are trying to 'harm' the president in the wake of revelations about Comey's memos supporting a solid case for obstruction of justice. Ryan crossed over into Trump fantasy land with his blatant attempt to cast the bully in the White House in the role of persecuted victim. The only real victims are our democracy and truth itself.
12
Then there is Samme Chittum, chittering away with a bunch of nonsense and expecting to be taken seriously.
All of the below folks that keep saying there's no evidence need to realize the FBI is not going to release anything until they have come to conclusions and hopefully criminal charges. The current administration is doing all they can to block/delay/refuse information and Flynn is holding out for immunity before he turns anything over. What if find interesting, if there is no collusion and Trump is innocent- why is he wasting so much time denying/whining about the investigation?
7
reply to Kojo Reese: In your dreams.
YES!
To each point, yep, yeah, yes and certainly!
To each point, yep, yeah, yes and certainly!
4
Be prepared for what you wish for.... we may be in for a new President Paul Ryan given a trajectory of impeachment and/or obstruction charges, should they come to be levied at Trump and Pence (and the others that may be involved)
My only wish and hope is that true justice occurs, a fast rip of the band-aid as it were to expose the wound well enough to be treated, and quickly.
My only wish and hope is that true justice occurs, a fast rip of the band-aid as it were to expose the wound well enough to be treated, and quickly.
2
One corrupt politician after another - and this is draining the swamp?? Spare me. It appears Congress is poised to eliminate a huge amount of funding for Medicaid and other programs to help the poor. These are the very folks who voted for Trump. Maybe this will finally convince Trump's supporters that he's truly not concerned for their welfare. But I doubt it. Fox News probably won't report this and Trump's supporters won't know about it until it hits them personally.
3
It's hard to imagine this is only now being speculated about in the media. Of course Pence knew. The whole farce of Flynn being fired because he lied to the Vice President was so transparent. Pence is a talented, practiced liar with a role to play...naive patsy, kept out of the loop in the White House. We can't let this slide. He's more evil and dangerous than Trump and he is going to be President unless his duplicity is completely unmasked.
6
The trouble is that although we have all heard snippets of this for a while and watched news media flesh out the data, we still have a large (too large) segment of the population who get their news solely from FOX, Rush and Rush like commentators. While facts might be interpreted differently, these conservative "sources of information", ignore rather than spin FACTS. It is sad when too many citizens only want information from sources that reinforces their beliefs. It is even sadder when people cannot tell the difference between a logical, educated interpretation versus someone filled with hate spewing nonsense.
2
As my mom used to say, "One lies and the other one swears to it." I've been wondering how long it was going to take someone called out Pence on his lying, which started before his claim to office. It was during the debate that I realized he was cut from the same cloth as Trump and I couldn't understand why all journalistic reports have claimed he was ignorant of Flynn's actions.
One can't be pious and a Trump supporter simultaneously. It's time for Mr. Pence to reflect, repent and resign.
One can't be pious and a Trump supporter simultaneously. It's time for Mr. Pence to reflect, repent and resign.
10
Trump clearly does not think he did anything wrong. He doesn't care how he won; he just thinks the end justifies the means. Alan Dershowitz says there is no crime to take advantage of Russian involvement - it is only a crime if we asked them to. So, is that why Flynn wants the 5th? The whole Comey firing will go no where because Trump did not commit a crime by firing him. However, why did Comey not talk on May 5th? He had the chance to say Trump asked him to stop investigation and Comey said nothing. Comey talks when he should not and doesn't talk when he should.
4
In case you've been wandering out somewhere near the Orion Nebula some 1,300 light years away, this just in from Charles M. Blow. The only things remarkable are the accusations leveled at Mike Pence.
Of course Mike Pence knew. He might not have known everything right away but unless he's been living on Rigel for the past two years, he knew something. However, linking Pence to the ongoing Flynn debacle doesn't necessarily help our case. Presidential succession is not out friend right now. After Pence comes Paul Ryan. If he governs like he legislates, he might prove Trump competent after all. Next up is Orrin Hatch. I shudder to even mention the name.
Even if Pence's knowledge is proven, how do we interrupt the line of succession? if the Trump campaign is actually guilty of foreign collusion, the election was knowingly de-legitimized by the victorious party and Pence shouldn't even be in consideration. I'd like see a legal explanation for this disaster. Our founding fathers seem to have missed a step in their reasoning.
Of course Mike Pence knew. He might not have known everything right away but unless he's been living on Rigel for the past two years, he knew something. However, linking Pence to the ongoing Flynn debacle doesn't necessarily help our case. Presidential succession is not out friend right now. After Pence comes Paul Ryan. If he governs like he legislates, he might prove Trump competent after all. Next up is Orrin Hatch. I shudder to even mention the name.
Even if Pence's knowledge is proven, how do we interrupt the line of succession? if the Trump campaign is actually guilty of foreign collusion, the election was knowingly de-legitimized by the victorious party and Pence shouldn't even be in consideration. I'd like see a legal explanation for this disaster. Our founding fathers seem to have missed a step in their reasoning.
3
Where is the investigation of Obama's interference in the Israeli election.
He used YOUR taxpayer dollars. There is no proof of ANY collusion between
Daddy Donald and the Russians. Please, please, please, Democrats, expend
your political capital and give Americans MORE reasons to hate you.
We conservatives will be holding our sides in 2020.
He used YOUR taxpayer dollars. There is no proof of ANY collusion between
Daddy Donald and the Russians. Please, please, please, Democrats, expend
your political capital and give Americans MORE reasons to hate you.
We conservatives will be holding our sides in 2020.
1
What makes you think I'm a Democrat?
There was the story in the paper today of Notre Dame graduates walking out on Pence' s commencement speech. If I were a parent attending, I would have joined them.
13
me too.
3
The Rodney Dangerfield of politics: "I don't get no respect". Unlike Dangerfield, Mr. Trump deserves little respect either.
3
Shameless Trump and shameless Trump family.
Using Presidency to enrich themselves--what kind of example this corrupt king has set for the federal employees
This LIAR is not a child but a 70-year-old man who has never developed a moral compass.
It is disgusting we have to hear about and see this UGLY LIAR everyday, Rotten to the core.
Using Presidency to enrich themselves--what kind of example this corrupt king has set for the federal employees
This LIAR is not a child but a 70-year-old man who has never developed a moral compass.
It is disgusting we have to hear about and see this UGLY LIAR everyday, Rotten to the core.
7
Blow is too kind.
The Trump/Pence ticket is rhe issue. You cannot vote for Electors for POTUS without voting for THE SAME ELECTORS for VP.
If the Trump Campaign colluded with the Russians, BOTH Trump and Pence are complicit. It is not one man or another man, it involves the entire campaign and thereby BOTH candidates.
If Trump is a traitor, Pence is a traitor as well. It does not even matter what Pence knew. Being on the ticket is enough because both candidates would have benefitted for the same traitorous bargain.
The Trump/Pence ticket is rhe issue. You cannot vote for Electors for POTUS without voting for THE SAME ELECTORS for VP.
If the Trump Campaign colluded with the Russians, BOTH Trump and Pence are complicit. It is not one man or another man, it involves the entire campaign and thereby BOTH candidates.
If Trump is a traitor, Pence is a traitor as well. It does not even matter what Pence knew. Being on the ticket is enough because both candidates would have benefitted for the same traitorous bargain.
It is gratifying to see all the Trump supporters and erstwhile conservative's comments reminding us all that there is 'no proof', that 'no evidence of collusion' has been found or proven. I'm sure they are applying the exact same standards of proof, significance, and relevance that were applied in the many investigations of Benghazi! Benghazi! Benghazi! and the Clinton email server investigations. Of course there were no indictments, no trials, and no convictions there, but it didn't stop these open-minded 'innocent until proven guilty' conservatives from chanting "Lock her up!" at every Trump rally. Surely they will now commence chanting "Lock him up!" at the next Trump 'campaign-style' rally. After all, truth is truth, justice is justice, and we have equal treatment under the law...
If Trump is impeached, Pence becomes the President. Do we want Pence to be impeached and Paul Ryan to become the president? Next in line is no better -- Orrin Hatch, etc, see Wikipedia presidential line of succession: https://goo.gl/7QVNYe
They all lie horribly, all are cynical and incompetent! We could have President Betsy DeVos (#15 in line)!!!
Realistically, we will have President Pence or Ryan. My choice will go with ... Pence because he is less charismatic, and thus, has higher odds to lose his second term.
They all lie horribly, all are cynical and incompetent! We could have President Betsy DeVos (#15 in line)!!!
Realistically, we will have President Pence or Ryan. My choice will go with ... Pence because he is less charismatic, and thus, has higher odds to lose his second term.
5
Your problem is that you're 6 steps ahead of your original fantasy.
Your Big Daddy Trump isn't going anywhere, guaranteed.
Your Big Daddy Trump isn't going anywhere, guaranteed.
1
I, like you, (and apparently Comey who feels mildly nauseous thinking he helped Trump get elected) was not happy with Comey's late campaign indulgence. However, I could not be happier that he and Mueller have the opportunity to right a great wrong that has been perpetrated on this country. I have confidence that a case will be built that can withstand the intense scrutiny it will undoubtedly see. Though there will be supporters of Trump and his merry band regardless of the cases air-tightness, we will once again be able to celebrate the strength of our union and its laws. With the appointment of Mueller, we are assured that justice will prevail.
5
I was surprised when I reread a book I had purchased in 1983 by psychiatrist M. Scot Peck "The People of the Lie", which is about the psychology of evil. Peck, a non-denominational Christian (author of "The Road Less Travelled"), supplies chilling insights and a working map into that which crosses the lines from good into evil. There was even a section on "malignant narcissism" which discusses the invasive progressive potential of one within its mental grasp. I am agnostic, but Mr. Peck's Christianity was not a barrier to understanding or trusting his impeccable logic and professionalism, and adds a biblical underlying structure that is revealing yet unbiased. In his quest to bring scientific study to what many of us bandy about too often in conversation without discussion of roots, foundations, and contagions, the term "evil" is applicable to many who appear to resemble people just like us. The results, however, are steeped in opportunity, lies, and "self will". This book is uncanny in its accuracy and fits Trump and many of his sycophants. The irony, is that to them, it is a strategy.
5
Not only do we know Pence and Trump are liars we know also that they are pathological liars in tandem. When we add sanctimony to pathology it's a heady mix that is bound to lead to a disastrous, if not calamitous, loss of trust and confidence within the public. Trust is, without question, a foundation stone in a healthy and functioning society. The waters become ever more bloodied when money is involved. I believe we, as a country, have some rough sailing ahead. We need faith in our democratic institutions including news organizations to keep us on an even keel.
7
I read that Pence encouraged Trump to fire Comey and then quickly thereafter launched a political action committee (PAC). Pence should have and would have known the fallout of firing Comey, yet he supported the move anyway.
Hmmm. Very curious.
Hmmm. Very curious.
4
I am bemused by those who think that because they personally haven't seen any evidence that there ISN"T any evidence. Those doing the investigating keep their evidence under wraps until they are ready to present it, either during a grand jury hearing, or a Senate hearing, or hearings held during any of the myriad ongoing investigations. The FBI is not going to share evidence with "Joe from Missoula"(fictitious name) just because he is a Trump supporter.
Better Mr. Trump than Mr. Pence, who would do true damage as he would have a fairly united Republican backing. Mr. Trump will continue to be his own worst enemy in accomplishing evil.
5
As far as all this will go is criminal charges against Mike Flynn. All other connections will be muddled and deniable. Just like the Benghazi and email server investigations of Hillary Clinton. However, it is still worth doing to put Trump operatives, in the administration and in business, on notice that they are being watched. It is also instructive to Americans who may not have really understood how much money is made by the family and cronies of this president and former "public servants" in the lobbying business.
1
Like attracts like. Maybe different styles, but same biology. Like Nixon had Agnew.
2
Mr. Blow, a fine column as usual. Another thought: counselor Rosenstein deserves more scrutiny. In the best scenario he tried, albeit clumsily, to provide false cover for The Embarrassment, who had already decided to terminate The Imperfect One. Rosenstein admits as much. Misleading the public was of no concern to him. Pleasing his boss was. Also, what about his interactions on the topic with the esteemed Mr. Sessions, The Supposedly Recused One?
2
Charles, there are so many politicians holding office I've never have heard of Mike Pence until Donald chose him as a running mate. Now I know people in Indiana are thrilled to get rid of the man and hopes Pence never goes back there.
The initial claim that Flynn was fired because "he lied to Pence" made no sense. Who gives a darn if someone lied to Biden, Mondale, or Ford when they were VP? The buck stopped farther up. If Flynn lied, he lied to the White House in its entirety, the entire transition, the entire vetting process. He lied to Trump himself, not to Melania, not to Karen, not to Mike. Why on earth did, weeks ago, Trump try to dodge responsibility by dumping this directly on Pence as an individual?
1
There is no more depth to Trump and Pence than the old Bartles and James cardboard cutout at the supermarket years ago. It is unfortunate they cannot be removed as easily as taking down the advertisement.
1
I appreciate your last sentance, Charles - "The dishonest must be dislodged." Elegant, simple, clear. If only these qualities, and the plain and honorable intent of this statement, were more apparent in our ruling party.
Who's third on the list for replacement president when these two are removed? Is there anyone in that government who isn't a stain on humanity?
2
Stella, the man after Pence would be Paul Ryan. No, no, nooo!
NEWS FLASH: This this just in.
Vice President Pense just signed an executive order in the Oval Office that bars Donald J. Trump from re-entering the United States. The signed order also revokes Trump's U.S. passport. More news to follow.
In other news, Putin's foreign minister just issued Trump a travel visa and Turkey's strongman dictator also said that Trump could seek refuge in Ankara.
Vice President Pense just signed an executive order in the Oval Office that bars Donald J. Trump from re-entering the United States. The signed order also revokes Trump's U.S. passport. More news to follow.
In other news, Putin's foreign minister just issued Trump a travel visa and Turkey's strongman dictator also said that Trump could seek refuge in Ankara.
1
Shucks, I thought today's rant was going to be about fishing or something of interest. Too much to hope for, I guess.
4
Democrats make stupid points which they don't seem to notice since they mostly talk to each other and don't have their views challenged. They are mostly right brained thinkers who are not critically analytical.
It's weird how they try to overcome this shortcoming by alluding to fact. I heard someone on CNN saying that Trump was demonstrably wrong in calling Comey a "nut job." So they apparently think that literally proving Comey is neither an acorn or a Walnut is their demonstration that proves Trump is a liar. All Trump was saying is that Comey's behavior shows that his is a foolish person. That is an opinion that can't be disproven by showing that Comey is not literally a nut.
It's weird how they try to overcome this shortcoming by alluding to fact. I heard someone on CNN saying that Trump was demonstrably wrong in calling Comey a "nut job." So they apparently think that literally proving Comey is neither an acorn or a Walnut is their demonstration that proves Trump is a liar. All Trump was saying is that Comey's behavior shows that his is a foolish person. That is an opinion that can't be disproven by showing that Comey is not literally a nut.
4
Sorry Aaron, right-brained people ARE the more analytical types! So thanks!
Pence reminds me of the character "sweet face" from the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. While the two criminals hold up in a brothel, "Sweet face" is sent out to lie, and direct the posse in the wrong direction.
3
Pence either knows all, or he chose, or was chosen to remain completely out of the loop.
But my money is on him knowing all, but not thru any channels that will be easy to trace. Hes getting backchannel information...allowing him to look innocent. To stay pure...
But my money is on him knowing all, but not thru any channels that will be easy to trace. Hes getting backchannel information...allowing him to look innocent. To stay pure...
3
I don't think Pence "knows" much about anything. His name says it all - "pence". You don't get much for a penny any more.
I don't look forward to seeing Pence replace Trump in the White House but I suppose even Mortimer Snerd would be prefereable to the present occupant.
I don't look forward to seeing Pence replace Trump in the White House but I suppose even Mortimer Snerd would be prefereable to the present occupant.
2
And Alfred E. Neuman would have been preferable to Mr. Obongo.
Even though they both had the same ears.
Even though they both had the same ears.
I found myself laughing out loud when reading the pure irony of Charles Blow labeling another person, in this case Trump, as "bombastic". While many points in this particular point have merit, it does not change the fact that Charles Blowhard is the poster child for bombastic!
5
Preacher Pence IS smarter than Donald. This Theocrat-in-Waiting is playing the long con. Don't let the smiling midwestern persona fool or soothe you. He's just waiting, and praying, for his turn. Beware.
4
Thank you, Charles, for keeping the microscope on funeral director, Mike Spence.
1
There is only a crisis in the alternative reality that progressives like Blow live in. Out here is it nothing, now NK is an issue.
6
"I can shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose supporters." That, of course, is what Trump himself observed with an air of surprise during the campaign. Unfortunately, it turned out he was stunningly right.
But why? How?
I can still feel the utter shock and disbelief I felt watching the election returns that provided proof that those of us who kept counting him out for inappropriate rhetoric and behavior (that would bring down anyone else) were wrong. For example, when he bragged about what he can do to women, when he diminished John McCain's hero status because he was captured and when he proved during the debates he was sorely ill informed and ignorant about important issues.
Therefore, my present huge concern is that Trump will use his "dark magic" and mysteriously weasel through this Russia Trump probe unscathed and we will have to endure his chaos, dangerous impulsiveness, and Narcissism till the end of his term and maybe four years beyond that and maybe till the cows come home. But I hope and pray, for the good of our country and the world I'm wrong and he finally experiences consequences.
As someone interested in human behavior, I've researched why some people like Trump can get away behavior that would destroy anyone else and that defies understanding. But I could find no reasonable explanation. He's a phenomenon that seems to boil down to the title of an article I came across What Is It That Trump Can't get away with. Maybe only war.
But why? How?
I can still feel the utter shock and disbelief I felt watching the election returns that provided proof that those of us who kept counting him out for inappropriate rhetoric and behavior (that would bring down anyone else) were wrong. For example, when he bragged about what he can do to women, when he diminished John McCain's hero status because he was captured and when he proved during the debates he was sorely ill informed and ignorant about important issues.
Therefore, my present huge concern is that Trump will use his "dark magic" and mysteriously weasel through this Russia Trump probe unscathed and we will have to endure his chaos, dangerous impulsiveness, and Narcissism till the end of his term and maybe four years beyond that and maybe till the cows come home. But I hope and pray, for the good of our country and the world I'm wrong and he finally experiences consequences.
As someone interested in human behavior, I've researched why some people like Trump can get away behavior that would destroy anyone else and that defies understanding. But I could find no reasonable explanation. He's a phenomenon that seems to boil down to the title of an article I came across What Is It That Trump Can't get away with. Maybe only war.
8
The blood in the water is kool-aid and the left has been drinking it for a long time. Mr. Mueller will take his investigation underground and probably we will hear nothing until a report is finalized. The idea it is criminal is unfounded even Senator Graham said he asked the question in a closed door hearing but never got a clear answer. He further said it appears to him that it will be criminal. I watched the Senators come out of the hearing and no others backed Sen. Graham up on his take of the meeting. The Trump Russian connection after eight months has found nothing only reports trying to make a case on hearsay and wishful thinking. I would like to see both the Senate and House committees shut down and let Mr Mueller do whatever he sees fit to put a quick and final end to his matter.
10
If a Democratic president (either Clinton or Sanders) had said or done less than a tenth of what Trump has said or done, there would not even be a drop of water in the blood by now....
3
Odd how you express no concern for an enemy dictating our elections. No concern whatsoever. How patriotic of you.
"The idea it is criminal is unfounded"
-----
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MAY 22, 2017, 1:46 P.M. E.D.T.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, will invoke his constitutional right against self-incrimination on Monday and decline to hand over documents sought under subpoena by a Senate panel investigating Russia's meddling in the 2016 election.
Flynn to Invoke 5th Amendment, AP Has Learned
-----
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MAY 22, 2017, 1:46 P.M. E.D.T.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, will invoke his constitutional right against self-incrimination on Monday and decline to hand over documents sought under subpoena by a Senate panel investigating Russia's meddling in the 2016 election.
Flynn to Invoke 5th Amendment, AP Has Learned
Spot on about Pence the Holier, I'd say.
13
Color me cynical. I agree with Mr Blow wholeheartedly. However, it has been reported that the republic party is already exploring ways to cripple and sabotage the special consul. I hope I'm wrong but I'm afraid that this investigation will go on for a protracted period until people tire of it, and at the end it will be declared that the "results are inconclusive." The news is peppered with phrases like "might be guilty of," "could be grounds for...," " evidence suggests that," etc., etc. Either one is guilty of a crime or one is not guilty. The laws are written by lawyers and are argued and interpreted by lawyers. That being said, nothing is definite. Laws, as written, are open to an infinite number of interpretations, and in the end the guilty are insulated from punishment. I hope against hope that I am wrong and that Trump and his accomplices are brought to justice, but I'm not holding my breath.
4
One interested in our so-called president may read in today’s Times, "The Order of Lenin: ‘Find Some Truly Hard People’." Nothing benefits understanding like history, speaking of blood in the water. Stalin, the star of the story, reminds one of our star, modern fascism.
1
The idea that Vice President Pence, who led the Trump transition team, had no clue about Mike Flynn is beyond laughable. It seems obvious that he's being framed as the "out of the loop" guy so he'll be perceived as clean enough to take over when Trump either resigns or is impeached.
Pence is always who the Republican Party wanted, anyway: the religious extremist on board with both the Party's cultural positions and its destroy-the-safety-net policies. I suspect they all knew that such beliefs are repulsive to the majority of American voters and attaching Pence to a fake populist like Trump was the best way to install him in the White House.
Pence is always who the Republican Party wanted, anyway: the religious extremist on board with both the Party's cultural positions and its destroy-the-safety-net policies. I suspect they all knew that such beliefs are repulsive to the majority of American voters and attaching Pence to a fake populist like Trump was the best way to install him in the White House.
10
Speaker Ryan is by far the greater threat. He is a regressive ideologue who, with an altar boy's smile, promises to return the nation to the laissez faire glories of the Gilded Age.
Pence would merely furnish Ryan and his House of buccaneers with the signing hand required to transform a bill into law.
Pence would merely furnish Ryan and his House of buccaneers with the signing hand required to transform a bill into law.
3
The evangelical leadership of this country have revealed themselves as the fake phony christians they really are.
It is about the revenue stream. It is about Power
Crying on camera, writing books and preaching on Sunday is too much work. They just want the revenues to roll in, like tax payments
It is about getting them and keeping them.
It is about the revenue stream. It is about Power
Crying on camera, writing books and preaching on Sunday is too much work. They just want the revenues to roll in, like tax payments
It is about getting them and keeping them.
6
And with Trump and Pence gone we get... President Ryan. Perhaps the worst of all scenarios as he's Mr. GOP.
Unlike the principles-free Trump, Ryan has perverse, Ayn Randian principles and a sheen of decency. Plus he's from now swing-state Wisconsin which gives him better than even money chance to be elected in his own right in 2020. Horrid.
Unlike the principles-free Trump, Ryan has perverse, Ayn Randian principles and a sheen of decency. Plus he's from now swing-state Wisconsin which gives him better than even money chance to be elected in his own right in 2020. Horrid.
5
Pence is scarier than Trump! Supposedly a Christian man of strong faith has no problem lying through his teeth. Paul Ryan is scarier that both Pence & Trump as he in the succession line in this GOP administration. He is really scary because of his clueless of what the real needs are of this country and its people. The 2016 election outcome is a huge mess and a tragedy for the U.S. Trump-Pence win should have been negated in Nov-Dec 2016 and never should have been allowed to proceed further.
6
As a group, white evangelicals make up one-fifth of all registered voters. Pence was picked to solidify the Christian fundamentalist vote for Trump. That Pence is another incompetent liar makes him even a better fit for the Trump administration, Exit polls showed white evangelical voters voted for Donald Trump, 80-16 percent, according to exit poll results. The Pence/Evangelist strategy was a key element in Trump's victory. That Pence is a complete hypocrite is of secondary importance.
7
Telling Donald Trump to "Grow up!" is laughable and misses the point main stream media have been missing for the last year: Mr. Trump is President in large part because a near majority of Americans perceive Washington as systemically dysfunctional and chronically corrupt. The fact that Mr. Trump demonstrates almost daily his abject unsuitability for the job is irrelevant to both his supporters and the underlying issues which resulted in his election. Coverage by The New York Times and others repeatedly miss the much larger picture. Perhaps it is time for the New York Times to "Grow up!".
26
Even if Trump were to be removed from the Presidency, and I doubt he will, we'd only get another prevaricator, one of much less bombast. The extent of the damage that this administration has done to America may never be known because there are so many people hiding things or refusing to listen and evaluate based on the evidence given. I agree that between Trump and Comey, the latter is probably more credible. Yet the fact that these two people are locked in verbal "combat" is altogether sickening. And it's a sign of just how low our government has gone in terms of honor, intelligence and dedication to the Constitution. Regardless of the outcome of all of this, it will take perhaps generations to repair but hopefully the rift between the right and left will lessen and move more towards the middle. Where is should be. Sad.
3
Sad to say, the problem with impeaching Trump is that the choices down the line aren't all that good. Not only is Pence complicit, but does anybody actually trust Paul Ryan? How about Orrin Hatch? After that the succession list goes down the roll of Trump's cabinet, which is just as scary as the other options. Seems like we're between a rock and a hard place.
6
Does this not all come down to whether Congress will decide to
quickly impeach Trump, so that his supporters cannot march on Washington,
and disrupt the proceedings ?
All the Establishment needs is the votes and the hope that the public will
forget about Trump and accept Pence.
It can all happen far sooner and quicker than you might ever suppose.
quickly impeach Trump, so that his supporters cannot march on Washington,
and disrupt the proceedings ?
All the Establishment needs is the votes and the hope that the public will
forget about Trump and accept Pence.
It can all happen far sooner and quicker than you might ever suppose.
2
The ONLY place that will happen is in your fertile, fevered imagination, son.
Republicans-- like many places in America-- have control of both houses.
Don't hold your breath. Oh, go ahead... for a really long time.
Republicans-- like many places in America-- have control of both houses.
Don't hold your breath. Oh, go ahead... for a really long time.
1
Pence realizes that he could very well stand the chance of becoming President. I am sure that the GOP stalwarts and party bosses are salivating at the prospect of a so-called President Pence. One wonders what surreptitious deals are being made now. I suggest any possible impeachment proceedings be held for both Trump and Pence.
3
The commenters here who are calling for a long and drawn out investigation in to Trump's affairs are, I believe, making a serious mistake. Far better to convince Trump to resign and then have a period of calm governance than two years of chaos. If the chaos happens it will be bad for both parties, particularly the Democrats, since it was their mistakes in the last election cycle which got them shut out of power.
Use the time between now and the midterms to draw up a coherent plan for the future, contrast what could happen if the Democrats were returned to power with the lack of accomplishment under the Republicans.
It was the disgust with gridlock that enable Trump in the first place. The Democrats must show they are capable of accomplishing something, even if it means compromise. Better to hit a single and try to make something happen from there, than watch three strikes go by waiting for the home run ball.
Use the time between now and the midterms to draw up a coherent plan for the future, contrast what could happen if the Democrats were returned to power with the lack of accomplishment under the Republicans.
It was the disgust with gridlock that enable Trump in the first place. The Democrats must show they are capable of accomplishing something, even if it means compromise. Better to hit a single and try to make something happen from there, than watch three strikes go by waiting for the home run ball.
What ever happened to "innocent till proven guilty"?
17
That's why we have a special counsel investigating.
2
A presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt is a criminal prosecution standard that has no place nor relevance in politically partisan fights.
If and when anyone on Team Trump is subject to criminal prosecution it does not matter. And the options are guilty or not guilty or a hung jury. There is no finding of innocent.
If and when anyone on Team Trump is subject to criminal prosecution it does not matter. And the options are guilty or not guilty or a hung jury. There is no finding of innocent.
2
I do believe the 1st Amendment allows for freedom of speech and speculation. And it implies the possibility that many of us are not as stupid as we may appear.
In the five decades of Mr. Trump's public life of dishonesty, immoral behavior, and illegality, it seems there is only one person who has washed off the stench of his corruption. Tony Schwartz, who wrote the bogus "autobiography" The Art of the Deal, knows the man as well as anyone in the world, and is apparently free to speak of what he knows. Even the former wives Ivana and Marla are bound by secrecy agreements that taint anything they say of the man.
Certainly Mike Pence, long known in Washington and Indiana as a smug, self-righteous, self-serving, hypocritical "christian," has besmirched his reputation as (imaginary) Mr. Clean by his association with Trump.
It's no wonder the true Christians call Satan "the father of lies"; phony ones like those who surround and kowtow to Donald Trump are the spawn -- by their own choice! -- of the boldest, most shameless liar in American public life or history.
Certainly Mike Pence, long known in Washington and Indiana as a smug, self-righteous, self-serving, hypocritical "christian," has besmirched his reputation as (imaginary) Mr. Clean by his association with Trump.
It's no wonder the true Christians call Satan "the father of lies"; phony ones like those who surround and kowtow to Donald Trump are the spawn -- by their own choice! -- of the boldest, most shameless liar in American public life or history.
3
If you manage to get rid of Trump and Pence both, we get President Ryan. Think about that.
4
Pence needs to be called to testify under oath about Flynn. If he holds to his story then he should be reminded of perjury laws. If he still holds to his story he should be asked if his ignorance of the facts demonstrates gross incompetence in doing his job in the transition. We see how he answers that as it has to be one or the other.
5
Pence's " earnestness and solemnity." makes me cringe. He has perfected the face of condescension with any who ask questions of him. The perfect running mate for Trump wasn't he? He tied his wagon to Trump and I hope he goes down in flames with him. He is the worst kind of so-called Christian.
11
Yes, it's time to focus on Pence. We've gotten stuck with Trump's Supreme Court appointment: we don't want to get stuck with his sidekick Pence. Pence has been caught lying, so we know he's a person who will lie for his boss. But once a lier, why not also lie for causes that you're convinced are right? Many of Pence's beliefs are anathema to the majority of US citizens, and now we no that Pence is willing to lie to achieve his ends.
We need Mr. Meuller to include our vice-president in the upcoming investigations.
We need Mr. Meuller to include our vice-president in the upcoming investigations.
5
How soon we forget the liar he was in Indiana.
9
We are stuck in a bad situation - a political hydra that breathes corruption. Get rid of Trump, up pops Pence - who will replace Pence? Paul Ryan? Rex Tillerson? Ben Carson?
6
Wholly appropriate, General...?
“Look at the way I’ve been treated lately, especially by the media. No politician in history — and I say this with great surety — has been treated worse or more unfairly.”
Sit down, shut up or get in line and take a number djt.
WE ALL know you helped set a record for worst treated politician in history with your 5 relentless years promoting the birther lie about our first black American president.
Sit down, shut up or get in line and take a number djt.
WE ALL know you helped set a record for worst treated politician in history with your 5 relentless years promoting the birther lie about our first black American president.
8
If Pence is the good Christian that he says he is, he must be spending an inordinate amount of time going to confession.
7
In Indiana, we have known Pence was a great liar for many years. The fundamentalists love him anyway.
5
He said it himself, he didn't need God's forgivness. So in his mind he is Prefect and you all are the mean ones.
5
Timing is everything. Flynn is dirty and needs immunity. Manafort will fold too, implicating Trump and Pence in the advance planning with the Russians. Trump and Pence will face impeachment. That leaves the Speaker of the House as President. If that happens before the mid-terms, it's Ryan, After: Pelosi. Quick leaks by Republicans could force things to a head now; slower progress by Mueller would deliver the WH to the Dems. Who's going to step up and try to mold history?
2
Of course Pence is a liar. Trouble is that these interminable accusations about the criminals in power is that they will likely not get caught.
6
Yes, there is "blood in the water." And if the sharks -- Great Whites (DoJ, the Special Counsel); short-fin Makos (the media) and oceanic Whitetips (congressional investigators) -- appear to be circling, it is due to the deep wounds Donald Trump inflicted on his administration, using the sharpened blades of arrogance, hubris, ignorance and authoritarianism.
As the Trump-Russia scandal continues to unfold, Pence's credibility will come under increasingly greater attack -- by the media (as Mr Blow does in this piece), by DoJ and by the Special Counsel. Pence's complete failure (as head of Trump's transition team) to vet Michael Pence before his appointment as National Security Advisor allowed an unregistered foreign agent for both Russia and Turkey to have access to our nation's most closely held secrets.
The administration's recent efforts to portray Pence as being kept in the dark about so many of their ill-conceived deeds ultimately will prove to be futile; his willing complicity is evidenced by his own words.
As the Trump-Russia scandal continues to unfold, Pence's credibility will come under increasingly greater attack -- by the media (as Mr Blow does in this piece), by DoJ and by the Special Counsel. Pence's complete failure (as head of Trump's transition team) to vet Michael Pence before his appointment as National Security Advisor allowed an unregistered foreign agent for both Russia and Turkey to have access to our nation's most closely held secrets.
The administration's recent efforts to portray Pence as being kept in the dark about so many of their ill-conceived deeds ultimately will prove to be futile; his willing complicity is evidenced by his own words.
3
Questions: Why was the GOP leadership wholly unable to stop the Trump campaign in its tracks? Why is it the the GOP legislative leadership is incapable of reigning in this loose cannon of a president?
Answer: Veiled shamelessness can be unmasked and effectively countered.
Open and continual shamelessness reduces potential opponents to a state of shock, awe and impotence.
Answer: Veiled shamelessness can be unmasked and effectively countered.
Open and continual shamelessness reduces potential opponents to a state of shock, awe and impotence.
I fervently hope that Mr. Mueller will hit dirt and the Trumps, Kushners, Pence, Flynn, et. al end up in prison. McConnell and Ryan had better start seeing the writing on the wall and decide if they want to end up there, too.
3
If Pence did not about Flynn's illegal activities then he is a dunce. If he did know then he is a liar. Which Pence do you prefer?
4
Hey Norris form Paris suggests that McConnell and Ryan have locked their Consciences in cold storage.
That would suggest they had this critical human capacity in the first place.
That would suggest they had this critical human capacity in the first place.
Yes, I too believe Pence knew everything but who wants that nasty Ryan for president!
3
Please give immunity to Flynn on condition that he tells everything.
I don't care if he goes to jail. I care about having the truth revealed especially as it pertains to Trump and Pence
I don't care if he goes to jail. I care about having the truth revealed especially as it pertains to Trump and Pence
6
Finally, finally, finally.
Thank you, Mr. Blow, for finally focusing some light on Pence. It is just astonishing that Pence's malfeasance hasn't surfaced, above the Trump din, in the legitimate media at least on an occasional basis.
Trump claims that Pence is the Virginal VP -- he never knew anything about anything, including about Flynn. He was always kept out of the loop. He was lied to. He was victimized.
Oh, come on. Pence was the head of Trump's transition team, and sat in on telephone conferences with Putin. Can you imagine if Obama claimed that Joe Biden didn't know anything about what was going on with Obama's national security advisor? Either Pence was just wearing headphones all the time and staring at the ceiling, or he was right in there shoulder-to-shoulder with Trump on what Flynn was up to. Which one of these two scenarios is more believable?
NYT, it is long past time to turn some of your investigative muscle on the "immaculate" Pence. If Trump goes down, Pence needs to go down too.
Thank you, Mr. Blow, for finally focusing some light on Pence. It is just astonishing that Pence's malfeasance hasn't surfaced, above the Trump din, in the legitimate media at least on an occasional basis.
Trump claims that Pence is the Virginal VP -- he never knew anything about anything, including about Flynn. He was always kept out of the loop. He was lied to. He was victimized.
Oh, come on. Pence was the head of Trump's transition team, and sat in on telephone conferences with Putin. Can you imagine if Obama claimed that Joe Biden didn't know anything about what was going on with Obama's national security advisor? Either Pence was just wearing headphones all the time and staring at the ceiling, or he was right in there shoulder-to-shoulder with Trump on what Flynn was up to. Which one of these two scenarios is more believable?
NYT, it is long past time to turn some of your investigative muscle on the "immaculate" Pence. If Trump goes down, Pence needs to go down too.
4
I have felt all along that Pence was as complicit as Trump in the web of lies coming from the WH. The bible thumping, holier than thou attitude is so much window dressing to the real character of this man. If Trump goes so must Pence for his involvement in the cover up. Now, the real problem comes...
If Trump and Pence are removed from office. That leaves P. Ryan next in line for POTUS.
Can America survive his radical conservative agenda?
This Country is in real trouble !
If Trump and Pence are removed from office. That leaves P. Ryan next in line for POTUS.
Can America survive his radical conservative agenda?
This Country is in real trouble !
1
Trump is a brazen and dumb liar who publicly changes his story every other day thinking we are as amnesiac as he who only lives by the dictates of the moment. Pence is the choir-boy liar, looking oh so Midwestern goody-two-shows on the outside but nearly as corrupt as Trump on the inside.
2
If justice were to be served, we would erase the entire Trump occupation from the map, leaving it only in the history books for future generations as a tale of caution. And while I applaud Mr. Blow for holding Pence up to the light, I fear taking him out with Trump will be a bridge too far for the Republicans to allow, unless Mr. Mueller can produce irrefutable evidence that Pence is as complicit as Trump, and even then, the Republicans will demand video tapes, eyewitnesses, and as Arlo Guthrie once sang, "8 X 10 color glossy photographs" (Alice's Restaurant Massacree) to be convinced.
But as more and more of the media pick up the scent of blood, we can hope that they finally uncover the whole body, and solve the greatest theft in history - the hijacking of American democracy.
But as more and more of the media pick up the scent of blood, we can hope that they finally uncover the whole body, and solve the greatest theft in history - the hijacking of American democracy.
I think it is incredibly difficult not to see Mike Pence stay untainted by the end results of the investigation. And incredibly difficult then, after this apparently recorded conversation, to keep Ryan and some acolytes a trusted group to keep any trust.
What a really strange situation these last ten months have created.
What a really strange situation these last ten months have created.
1
Pence knows that it's easier to be the better liar if one uses complete sentences and delivers the lie with an absolutely straight face.
Back that up with the statement: "I am a Christian", whatever THAT means in this day and age; back THAT up with sealing every public record ever amassed by him in his entire history: and then throw in tomorrow's release of the budget, and, there you are: Mike Pence, Master Fraud!!!
Tomorrow's release of the Trump/Pence budget will be cutting "entitlements" by $1.7 TRILLION DOLLARS.
I repeat: CUT BY $1.7 TRILLION DOLLARS.
I guess now we know what the definition of "Christian" is.
Back that up with the statement: "I am a Christian", whatever THAT means in this day and age; back THAT up with sealing every public record ever amassed by him in his entire history: and then throw in tomorrow's release of the budget, and, there you are: Mike Pence, Master Fraud!!!
Tomorrow's release of the Trump/Pence budget will be cutting "entitlements" by $1.7 TRILLION DOLLARS.
I repeat: CUT BY $1.7 TRILLION DOLLARS.
I guess now we know what the definition of "Christian" is.
3
Mike Pence is in up to his eyes. Read Daily Kos article of March 22, 2017 about how Manafort brought in Pence to Trump for the VP spot. Trump was ready to name Christie, but Pence made such an "aggressive" pitch to Trump that he got the spot instead. Manafort brought him in. Pence had to have known everything and been ready and willing to do anything his choosers wanted of him. Even to the tune of collaborating and colluding with traitors.
3
If Mueller really gets going, the bigger question might be, who is NOT implicated. Certainly Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan knew last fall, and did nothing. Pence and Sessions, absolutely. The whole stinking lot need to be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail.
Time for the majority to take back Washington.
Time for the majority to take back Washington.
6
Let's keep the focus where it belongs -- Pence. A legal, legitimate reason must be found to remove him from office before Trump can be (sort-of) safely dislodged. Pence is a long-term threat to this country.
4
Pence's "christianity" is the same as King Salman's "Islam"...
both are dominionist, seek Armageddon, and dispise life. They are to be judged by the result they achieve and the company they keep. And seriously, all those pious Christians who voted for Trumpinov know what they have brought upon us.
both are dominionist, seek Armageddon, and dispise life. They are to be judged by the result they achieve and the company they keep. And seriously, all those pious Christians who voted for Trumpinov know what they have brought upon us.
2
CB -- you're rants get sillier by the column. Nothing Trump & team has done comes close to lies & misdeeds by Obama (Benghazi, ACA, the mishandling (to be kind) of government docs by HRC, the pay for play schemes by SofSleaze HRC, Lois Lerner, fast and furious, tarmac tryst with Loretta and Billy, the "tell Vlad I can be more flexible" microphone slip. ETC.
What you, and other progressives don't get is, there is no evidence of wrong doing. We don't even know the Russians hacked the DNC. And we certainly don't know it was directed by Putin, or that there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
What we do know is that 3 of our intel agencies took a few weeks to determine it was definitely the Russians. Yet -- as a story this weekend points out -- one of those agencies (CIA) lost agents in China and they don't know if they were hacked or if they have a mole. Yet they are certain the Russians hacked? Give me a break.
If you know anything about computers or hacking, you know malware has been compiled into 1's and 0's. There wouldn't be Cyrllic code signed by Vlad Putin sitting somewhere in the DNC server. You would also know viruses,once out, are often shared so provenance of any code is hard to be certain of.
And if we have a source inside the Kremlin? Historically we sometimes take years to assess if an asset is really a disinformation source.
Come back with something more than maybe, might have, possibly, hearsay and anonymous sources.
What you, and other progressives don't get is, there is no evidence of wrong doing. We don't even know the Russians hacked the DNC. And we certainly don't know it was directed by Putin, or that there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
What we do know is that 3 of our intel agencies took a few weeks to determine it was definitely the Russians. Yet -- as a story this weekend points out -- one of those agencies (CIA) lost agents in China and they don't know if they were hacked or if they have a mole. Yet they are certain the Russians hacked? Give me a break.
If you know anything about computers or hacking, you know malware has been compiled into 1's and 0's. There wouldn't be Cyrllic code signed by Vlad Putin sitting somewhere in the DNC server. You would also know viruses,once out, are often shared so provenance of any code is hard to be certain of.
And if we have a source inside the Kremlin? Historically we sometimes take years to assess if an asset is really a disinformation source.
Come back with something more than maybe, might have, possibly, hearsay and anonymous sources.
2
Tell me how trump care, forced pregnsncy, tax cuts for the uber wealthy, and taxpsyer funded incarceration of first time non violent offenders is going to help you and your family.
1
If there was criminal activity to get Flynn into the White House, as head of the transition team, one would think Pence could be forced to testify and be held accountable.
To top it all off Trump persisted for 8 years in hounding Obama with his birther nonsense..yet he whines and moans when legitimate questions are raised about hiim,.. insufferable narcissist that he is.
6
In the words of Gil Scott Heron (may he Rest In Peace), "If Nixon knew Agnew".
As the cigar smoke rises and swirls in the penthouse suite, the behind-the- scenes old money men, the corporate jackals, the heretical 'Christians', a couple of men on encrypted sat-phones to Moscow and a sprinkling of Senate and House Republicans come a decision. The ex-Governor of Indiana nods his close cropped head to accept the scenario of employing the 25th Amendment of the Constitution to remove Trump from office. "For the good of the Nation" is bandied about the table. More cigars and celebratory drinks for all....
This is not Oceania and the Newspeak is now reality....
This is not Oceania and the Newspeak is now reality....
1
Check out another book: Sinclair Lewis' "It Can't Happen Here". Unlike Orwell, uniquely American and remarkably prescient.
1
You should write a novel (or a history book). Great opening chapter
1
Hey Pence, Jesus hung out with women (see New Testament). And check out the Sermon on the Mount while you're at it. Lost your bible and WWJD bracelet?
3
Yes, hats off to Charles Blow! As evidence accumulates that he "Turkish interests" of Mike Flynn were arranged by Russians, the disgraceful word "treason" has finally begun to seep into the national conversation. Treason, as in working with a foreign entity to undermine the interests and functioning of the American government and America itself. A "final cause" has begun to emerge, the only cause that makes this disgraceful chaos make logical sense. We have a cabal of traitors in the White House, protected by Republican fellow travellers in the House and Senate. There is very little possibility of escape. In history, this has always led to the death of a republic.
3
Welp. Looks like it's all over. Lol!
1
We are witnessing a "reality show" that is more compelling and interesting then "House of Cards". Kevin Spacey is not as good at playing the deceptive VP as Pence, though he is a spectacular actor.
Pence is letting the "Insane Clown President" play at being president, giving him enough rope to hang himself. He is part of the team that has allowed The Donald to keep his tweet secretary Hope Hicks in his room at night helping him continue to use a phone that is as secure as his mouth, waiting patiently for the presidency to be handed to him. We can only hope checks and balances work for him as well as the president,
Who's next in line? Ryan? OH NO!
BAD....
SAD....
Pence is letting the "Insane Clown President" play at being president, giving him enough rope to hang himself. He is part of the team that has allowed The Donald to keep his tweet secretary Hope Hicks in his room at night helping him continue to use a phone that is as secure as his mouth, waiting patiently for the presidency to be handed to him. We can only hope checks and balances work for him as well as the president,
Who's next in line? Ryan? OH NO!
BAD....
SAD....
2
President Ryan has a nice ring to it.
9
No way, no how. He's just as bad.
Paul Ryan has been on the government benefits and employment welfare dole for most of his life. But that has never included any military nor community human rights service. Plus Ryan is not a very bright, thoughtful, creative nor original and independent thinker. President Pelosi would be better.
3
No, it doesn't. Until 2020, Ryan would be a disaster - of the three: Trump, Pence, and himself, Ryan is the most gifted at promoting the legislative agenda of the rich while selling it as beneficial to the common man.
I want the incompetent Trump in power until early 2020, then Pence. While Pence can legislate, he can't get elected. Never Ryan!
I want the incompetent Trump in power until early 2020, then Pence. While Pence can legislate, he can't get elected. Never Ryan!
Not being a Repub, I cannot judge the qualities each has. BUT, I think I would trust Ryan a little more than Trump, Pence, McConnell and the rest of the Cosa Nostra GOP. I coud be wrong. There are so many thieves to choose from............
11
Ryan is by far the greatest threat. He is a regressive ideologue who, with an altar boy's smile, promises to return the nation to the laissez faire glories of the Gilded Age.
2
I'd disagree, respectfully. Ryan is the worst of all. He tells the biggest lies under the guise of a policy wonk and an 'aw shucks' demeanor. He wants to go after Medicare and Social Security in a big way. If he was the President, the social safety net is in even greater peril than it is now.
3
I agree. It will fall to Ryan. Pence made a deal with the devil to play along with the wildly incompetent Trump. He knew he had a coin flip chance of inheriting the presidency. He will be outted as a liar and charlitan just like DJT.
Just to say you heard it here first, I'm projecting a Ryan-Haley presidency by this time next year.
Just to say you heard it here first, I'm projecting a Ryan-Haley presidency by this time next year.
Trump is a dumb liar . Pence is educated , a lawyer , professional liar and christian . The christian trait used to be a positive attribute . Not any more ! Why anyone would want to spend eternity with the current batch of christians is incomprehensible !
30
All eyes are on Trump in the Middle East while Pence and Congress are free to roam and do great harm to the United States. Hopefully this paper and the WP will keep a strict eye on them.
10
In my time in many organizations and in many leadership roles integrity and intelligence are two of the most important qualities in a leader. Trump has a yuuuge gap in both of those areas.
13
The plot thickens as we come closer to the light.
This dark and nefarious web that Donald Tump has woven is starting to constrict, and that sound you hear is the restless rumblings of those who might get caught up in the snare.
Next in line. Mike Pence.
By now, it's a well known fact that above all, Trump needs sworn loyalty and allegiance -- so the idea that Mr. Pence knows nothing of the tremors that are now shaking the White House is ludicrous.
Most Americans have already seen enough to get the picture.
And given the scope of questionable activities at hand, and the extreme effort given to conceal them, Trump's latest sob-story of being the victim of a "witch-hunt" rings hollow.
As long as this Republican Congress continues to provide cover for the actions of Trump's entire administration, the American public will be treated to one lie after another.
Eventually though, the truth will come out.
But not soon enough.
This dark and nefarious web that Donald Tump has woven is starting to constrict, and that sound you hear is the restless rumblings of those who might get caught up in the snare.
Next in line. Mike Pence.
By now, it's a well known fact that above all, Trump needs sworn loyalty and allegiance -- so the idea that Mr. Pence knows nothing of the tremors that are now shaking the White House is ludicrous.
Most Americans have already seen enough to get the picture.
And given the scope of questionable activities at hand, and the extreme effort given to conceal them, Trump's latest sob-story of being the victim of a "witch-hunt" rings hollow.
As long as this Republican Congress continues to provide cover for the actions of Trump's entire administration, the American public will be treated to one lie after another.
Eventually though, the truth will come out.
But not soon enough.
17
The most significant question and really the only question is what is all the fuss about? There is no evidence and really not even a rational hint of wrong doing by Trump and his campaign aids. The Trump haters, who are led by the likes of Mister Blow, just have to find something, anything, to discredit our President. The New York Times and the Washington Post lose more and more of their credibility as the continue to bark up the wrong tree.
If these previously worthwhile papers want to restore their tarnished, nee destroyed reputations, they should look further into the Clintons and the many deceptive and fraudulent activities of Bill and Hillary and their minions. Then and only then will they find fruits of their labors.
Trump says too much and should keep his mouth shut more often than he does, I agree. But the media should look where crime is and not where they hatefully wish to find it. NOW YOU KNOW!
If these previously worthwhile papers want to restore their tarnished, nee destroyed reputations, they should look further into the Clintons and the many deceptive and fraudulent activities of Bill and Hillary and their minions. Then and only then will they find fruits of their labors.
Trump says too much and should keep his mouth shut more often than he does, I agree. But the media should look where crime is and not where they hatefully wish to find it. NOW YOU KNOW!
5
Trump is the President, remember? So, why would we waste time and resources on Hillary and Bill Clinton? With all the news reporting about Trump/Russia, why would Trump invite the same Russian spy into the oval office and share US/Israeli intelligence secrets? Trump is beginning to get a rude awakening...the President of the United States has to govern within a set of laws.
5
Ya know, most of the dissenters on here continue to deflect to the "deceptive and fraudulent" Clinton's. I think it's born of desperation as things ratchet up and of disappointment as their big guys promises are vanishing on the breeze.
1
You are beyond a fool if you do not think the Times and WaPo did not cover the much less scandalous things Obama and the Clintons did. Whitewater? You are so partisan and seditious in your partisanship that you and people of your ilk are causing the end of democracy. Country first, not GOO first.
2
Regarding pence and what he knew about flynn one thing is certain he will definitely regret those words, "it's the first I heard of it".
There is no way around it, this is either blatant incompetence or a blatant lie. I tend to believe it is the latter, not the former. Either way he is stuck and looks awful in a WH that lacks any integrity.
DJT has a way of bringing down those around him, forcing otherwise honorable people to do dishonest things.
We should expect to see more of this not less in the coming months. The big difference now is that any lies in the future could land someone in prison.
There is no way around it, this is either blatant incompetence or a blatant lie. I tend to believe it is the latter, not the former. Either way he is stuck and looks awful in a WH that lacks any integrity.
DJT has a way of bringing down those around him, forcing otherwise honorable people to do dishonest things.
We should expect to see more of this not less in the coming months. The big difference now is that any lies in the future could land someone in prison.
11
Be careful what you ask for, Mr. Blow. I agree with everything in your article, and I appreciate your points, but look at the next step: Paul Ryan? ugh!
Thank you for all your thoughtful and penetrating articles, Mr. Blow.
Thank you for all your thoughtful and penetrating articles, Mr. Blow.
2
Dandy Don Meredith used to say -- if ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we'd all have a merry Christmas.
Well, that's about what the progs have. Oh, there are the ifs, maybes, possibly(s), etc. And don't forget hearsay, leaks and anonymous sources.
What you don't have,CB and your fellow progs, is any evidence or even a logical case that Trump might have colluded.
What you are energized by is the same thing after the election -- recounts, calls for the electoral college voters to not do their duty -- is an overwhelming derangement over the fact Trump won and an overwhelming desire to re-litigate the election. If only Russia really hacked the DNC and if only Trump's team colluded and if only all that could be proved (none of it can be) then we could maybe boot them all out.
Get real. And why not do your duty as citizens? Instead of being the deranged resistance, participate in helping to govern. You don't like Republicans, that's fine. Run better candidates and get out the vote.
And quit whining.
Well, that's about what the progs have. Oh, there are the ifs, maybes, possibly(s), etc. And don't forget hearsay, leaks and anonymous sources.
What you don't have,CB and your fellow progs, is any evidence or even a logical case that Trump might have colluded.
What you are energized by is the same thing after the election -- recounts, calls for the electoral college voters to not do their duty -- is an overwhelming derangement over the fact Trump won and an overwhelming desire to re-litigate the election. If only Russia really hacked the DNC and if only Trump's team colluded and if only all that could be proved (none of it can be) then we could maybe boot them all out.
Get real. And why not do your duty as citizens? Instead of being the deranged resistance, participate in helping to govern. You don't like Republicans, that's fine. Run better candidates and get out the vote.
And quit whining.
21
Be careful what you sanctimoniously wish for Ralph. The democrats are energized to run better candidates and it's going to be bad news for the party of corruption which has shown itself to be unfit to lead across the board.
5
This is just the kind of comment that most people find deplorable. Calling people "progs" and "dems" labels you even more clearly. If you'd actually been reading, you'd see that the amount of evidence is overwhelming and thus, the Senate House, and now, the Special Counsel are all investigating. The so-called President contradicts his own words; he can't remember what he said the day before. What has Russia provided Trump? Money and lots of it. That's all your hero has ever been about. Money.
3
Agreed, Ralphie, on the point that we don't know and that people are getting ahead of themselves to predict this or that outcome of the investigation into Trump staffers' involvement with Russian authorities. Both sides can agree that it's good the investigation will be conducted by a Special Counsel and that Robert Mueller is a good person to do the job.
Think you're mistaken about Russian hacking though. Haven't all of our intelligence agencies said that Russia hacked the DNC?
Think you're mistaken about Russian hacking though. Haven't all of our intelligence agencies said that Russia hacked the DNC?
2
Very powerful statement, Mr Blow! Keep up the harangue against the most obnoxious White House and staff ever assembled in Washington.
There is not only blood in the water--our whole country will be bled to death if the Trumpet and his Pensive Pawn are not deposed in a fitting way. We are already seeing the rape of union and non-union workers, Federal lands, public schools, health care, the indigent and the indigenous citizens of this country.
I am horrified that my children (voting adults) have to live through this era, and am deeply proud that they are working diligently to push back on the unraveling of America's greatness.
I pray that there will be a quick end to this regime, and that we will rise above it with an appointed interim government that excludes everyone appointed by the Trumpet, as well as himself, of course. Let's drain the swamp, Congress, and get the Supreme Court on board for the "cleansing."
"God bless America, land that I love! Stand beside her, and guide her...."
There is not only blood in the water--our whole country will be bled to death if the Trumpet and his Pensive Pawn are not deposed in a fitting way. We are already seeing the rape of union and non-union workers, Federal lands, public schools, health care, the indigent and the indigenous citizens of this country.
I am horrified that my children (voting adults) have to live through this era, and am deeply proud that they are working diligently to push back on the unraveling of America's greatness.
I pray that there will be a quick end to this regime, and that we will rise above it with an appointed interim government that excludes everyone appointed by the Trumpet, as well as himself, of course. Let's drain the swamp, Congress, and get the Supreme Court on board for the "cleansing."
"God bless America, land that I love! Stand beside her, and guide her...."
7
Do we have to let him back into the US? I am sure Russia would take him or he could just fly around until he ran out of fuel.
But his apologists of which there are still a few think it is fine for him to meet with Russian agents in the oval office after firing the FBI director when he tried to ramp up the investigation into his Russian ties. Trump even bragged to them of how he had put the cabash on the investigation by firing him all the while telling the American people he just did not like the man.
So you Trump apologists still want him back as he screams America first all the while holding hands with Russian agents in the oval office?
But his apologists of which there are still a few think it is fine for him to meet with Russian agents in the oval office after firing the FBI director when he tried to ramp up the investigation into his Russian ties. Trump even bragged to them of how he had put the cabash on the investigation by firing him all the while telling the American people he just did not like the man.
So you Trump apologists still want him back as he screams America first all the while holding hands with Russian agents in the oval office?
15
Way back when, Flynn wanted a Plea Deal. His taking the 5th is superfluous vs the evidence against him. http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/30/politics/michael-flynn-immunity-testimony/
2
It's good people of sanity and patriotism working in the White House reveal the stuff hitting the Trump fan daily. It's good to have substantiated that there still are limits, norms, rules, by which everyone should play, including Trump, even though he's never heard of them.
But where does this take us? Soon the whole country, even the last voters, who love Trump no matter what, must recognize the pig they bought was in a gold-gilded poke. But so what? Imagine the GOP finally has enough and impeaches him, or goes through 25th Amendment hocus pocus, then what?
We get Pence, as dangerous and destructive as he can be, though admittedly not as great as his president. He may not be as nuts either, but he is a religious nut with a religiously-freighted, ruinous agenda. He's an other-people's-sex-obsessed hypocrite who'd punish women seeking abortions. He's the slicker crack pot next to the rude, crude thing in the White House.
After Pence, we'd have Count Ryan, sucking the life blood from the poor, sick and elderly. The rest of the line-up of the GOP is as bad or worse. So, let's be careful of what we wish for impeachmentwise.
Mueller and the two congressional investigations may find nothing and Trump is pure as he advertises. But he'll still be a crazy, despicable doofus who should be run out of town in the same bus with the rest of the GOP next election.
But where does this take us? Soon the whole country, even the last voters, who love Trump no matter what, must recognize the pig they bought was in a gold-gilded poke. But so what? Imagine the GOP finally has enough and impeaches him, or goes through 25th Amendment hocus pocus, then what?
We get Pence, as dangerous and destructive as he can be, though admittedly not as great as his president. He may not be as nuts either, but he is a religious nut with a religiously-freighted, ruinous agenda. He's an other-people's-sex-obsessed hypocrite who'd punish women seeking abortions. He's the slicker crack pot next to the rude, crude thing in the White House.
After Pence, we'd have Count Ryan, sucking the life blood from the poor, sick and elderly. The rest of the line-up of the GOP is as bad or worse. So, let's be careful of what we wish for impeachmentwise.
Mueller and the two congressional investigations may find nothing and Trump is pure as he advertises. But he'll still be a crazy, despicable doofus who should be run out of town in the same bus with the rest of the GOP next election.
10
Pense lied blatantly to our faces with regard to Flynn not telling him that he was a foreign agent working for Turkish and Russian interests when Flyyn was vetting him for NSC. Pense is every bit as much of a liar as Trump.
Pence, like all the underlings who work for him have been emasculated by Trump. It's a qualification for the job. You do what Trump tells you or you're fired. These guys know this before they sign on. Their character isn't much h better than Trump's. When I saw during the campaign Pence was afraid to talk unless Trump gave him approval ,I knew he what time it was.
6
Great article. Pence makes me sick. He is more dangerous than Trump. His deep, authoritative voice. His assuredness. His furrowed brow. His careful diction. When the lies leave his lips he is far, far more believable by the 30 million zombie Americans that are the ardent followers of Trump.
If Trump ever quits, or gets impeached, Pence isn't going to make me feel any better about the direction (or rather, misdirection) of America.
I hope that if the Dems take over Congress and hopefully the Senate in 2018, that whether it be two, or three Supreme Court nominees, they will be denied any Senate votes until both these scoundrels (Trump/Pence) are out of office.
Trump may be a buffoon but Pence is a shrewd, calculating, articulate------buffoon, if that's possible.
If Trump ever quits, or gets impeached, Pence isn't going to make me feel any better about the direction (or rather, misdirection) of America.
I hope that if the Dems take over Congress and hopefully the Senate in 2018, that whether it be two, or three Supreme Court nominees, they will be denied any Senate votes until both these scoundrels (Trump/Pence) are out of office.
Trump may be a buffoon but Pence is a shrewd, calculating, articulate------buffoon, if that's possible.
10
As an example of how his stupidity translates into real problems..Iran has just elected a moderate..meanwhile Trump is making a big deal of his love for the autocrats in their arch rival Saudi Arabia..thereby providing more fodder for the hard liners in Iran..Nice going Mr Wonderful!
and of course the man child that derrided others as "low energy" has to cancel parts of his schedule because of exhaustion..after two days!
I am sickened by his display of stupidity but even more so by those that see nothing wrong and insist he will bring back all those jobs and make America Great!
I guess i just have to accept..you cant fix stupid!
and of course the man child that derrided others as "low energy" has to cancel parts of his schedule because of exhaustion..after two days!
I am sickened by his display of stupidity but even more so by those that see nothing wrong and insist he will bring back all those jobs and make America Great!
I guess i just have to accept..you cant fix stupid!
7
More hyperventilating from Charles Blow. Same old story - over and over and over. All readers (including Charles Blow) really need to see the segment on Tucker Carlson's show from a few days ago (yes on Fox) with Professor Alan Dershowitz. Professor Dershowitz is no fan of President Trump and he openly supported Hillary Clinton. I'll leave it to everyone who wants REAL facts and an expert opinion rather than the hateful ranting we get every week from Mr. Blow.
5
not sure there is a lot of overlap between intellectually curious patriotic Americans who read Charles Blow and any of the content on Fox. thanks for the suggestion though.
You're attacking the messenger.
Nothing on your post refules what Charles Blow has written.
Nothing on your post refules what Charles Blow has written.
Yes, Pence is wrapped up in all of this for sure. But the options are all unappealing in a bigly way. President Ryan? Good grief, no!!!
5
How does one become a liar? Why does one become a liar?
Because it rewards the liar in some way.It gives power,money,public acceptance,and gains the liar the attention they crave.
How one becomes a liar is practice.They lie and no one says anything.They lie again,and some defend the lie,saying he's the high Muckie muck he can say and do anything he wants!As long as the people ,support the liar he'll
Continue to lie.
We the voters put this liar in our highest office.Not all of us ,just enough.Now we have got to "drive him out."
Because it rewards the liar in some way.It gives power,money,public acceptance,and gains the liar the attention they crave.
How one becomes a liar is practice.They lie and no one says anything.They lie again,and some defend the lie,saying he's the high Muckie muck he can say and do anything he wants!As long as the people ,support the liar he'll
Continue to lie.
We the voters put this liar in our highest office.Not all of us ,just enough.Now we have got to "drive him out."
3
Thank you Mr. Blow. The obvious complicity of Mike Pence should be fully reported.
5
Pence and his boss share traits/skills. They are straight-faced liars and cheats with no sense of conscience except that which serves themselves and similarly situated friends. Since I was a kid in New York 45+ years ago, everybody knew Trump as the bum and con he is, but somehow he co-opted the press, made it his prime polisher.
Mr. Blow, you get it (thankyou), but the press generally is still willing to give this monster a free ride. I admit that this is tiring. Having lived though the Viet Nam conflict, John Kennedy's missile crisis and his death, Kent State, the first bombing of the twin towers, 9/11, the endless nonsense of war in Iraq/Afghanistan. Still naive, I never espected that a business mob family would ever try for or win the White House.
I'm exhausted and not able to do much but tickle the ivories. You give me hope for America the small, honest, the great. Definitely not Donald's america. Thanks
Mr. Blow, you get it (thankyou), but the press generally is still willing to give this monster a free ride. I admit that this is tiring. Having lived though the Viet Nam conflict, John Kennedy's missile crisis and his death, Kent State, the first bombing of the twin towers, 9/11, the endless nonsense of war in Iraq/Afghanistan. Still naive, I never espected that a business mob family would ever try for or win the White House.
I'm exhausted and not able to do much but tickle the ivories. You give me hope for America the small, honest, the great. Definitely not Donald's america. Thanks
14
Of course Pence knew. He was there front and center. He is there now front and center. Liars hire liars, fools hire fools, incompetents hire incompetents and the sneaky hire other sneaks. This is not rocket science, it is predictable human behavior and the American people deserve so much bettet.
11
Oh, how I wish that "Designated Survivor" was true! I truly want both Trump and Pence gone. They are a pair of insufferable know-nothings.
7
When good men are silent, evil flourishes.
8
I still get the impression that Trump is blundering along, with no clear direction and certainly no ideology that might (a) inform his actions; and (b) allow us to predict what might come next. Likewise, with no theory of anything, Trump's administration can neither explain his decisions nor implement policies that, well, don't exist. So the rest of us, with minds that naturally lean to making order out of disorder, are desperately trying to fill in the blanks. We impute a scheme where there isn't one, we confer knowledge that doesn't exist, and we mistake incompetence for a deliberate, unfolding doomsday plan to destroy the nation for filthy lucre. It all gives us the satisfaction of our superior morals and intelligence. But so far, nothing has been revealed beyond innuendo and accusations. So we get frustration and the vague sense that we are being had, starting the cycle all over again.
Charles,I don't know how you can maintain your optimism. I can't. I gave up when Trump was elected. I am down in the dumps depressed and pessimistic. I hope you will continue to fight on brave soul. We need you.
7
The greatest damage Donald Trump has inflicted on the country is less specific than a law or a policy; it is his general demeanor of impatient intolerance and autocratic volatility that has leaked outward from the Oval Office to set a new standard for the world. Leaders and citizens everywhere see that if it can happen in America it can happen anywhere. A new regression has bloomed—for ignorance, intolerance, and rage to increase their volume across the globe. The passions of populism are rarely the passions of freedom, justice, liberty, and factual reason for all. Instead, they are almost always the passions of retaliation and vindictiveness working themselves up into a frenzy of shrieking denunciations approaching the threshold of physical violence. Then a choice must be made: back up and return to the rational mind, or go forward into outright hysteria embracing the worst instincts of humanity. Then comes the dictator. Then comes the catastrophe. Then comes the rubble. Then comes the “I didn’t know,” “I didn’t realize,” “I wasn’t a member,” and “I wasn’t part of it.”
All Trump supporters are a part of it. As are all Erdogan supporters, all Duterte supporters, all al-Assad supporters, and all Putin supporters.
You know. You realize. You are a member. You are a part of it. And if you do not back up now, you will not be forgiven later. The world does not need a Pope’s apology in 1995 for the crimes of 1943. It needs resistance when resistance matters. Now.
NOW.
All Trump supporters are a part of it. As are all Erdogan supporters, all Duterte supporters, all al-Assad supporters, and all Putin supporters.
You know. You realize. You are a member. You are a part of it. And if you do not back up now, you will not be forgiven later. The world does not need a Pope’s apology in 1995 for the crimes of 1943. It needs resistance when resistance matters. Now.
NOW.
Hillary Clinton should stand up and object to Trump's brazen attempt to steal her title, earned since the 1990s: “The single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!”
4
Right on, Charles ! Keep it coming !
A politician never tells a lie -- of that I’m sure.
Their hearts are bright and simple and their motives always pure.
I trust them all implicitly -- they sacrifice a lot
And never listen to the rich and ignorant crackpot.
They love the poor and needy, like the Savior did of old,
And never can be swayed by prejudice or sordid gold.
And I think those who criticize the Washington elite
Are double-dealing troublemakers, and they have cold feet.
Our office holders are as wise and good as Socrates
(of course I also think the moon is made of ripe green cheese . . . )
Their hearts are bright and simple and their motives always pure.
I trust them all implicitly -- they sacrifice a lot
And never listen to the rich and ignorant crackpot.
They love the poor and needy, like the Savior did of old,
And never can be swayed by prejudice or sordid gold.
And I think those who criticize the Washington elite
Are double-dealing troublemakers, and they have cold feet.
Our office holders are as wise and good as Socrates
(of course I also think the moon is made of ripe green cheese . . . )
1
Charles, Charles, Charles...
Can't you see the the appointment of Mueller as a Special Prosecutor is a big thumb in the eyes of you liberals.
If you are smart, you will keep your snark to yourself until all of the evidence has been gathered and someone has actually been charged.
If you don't you will end up looking like a foolish vigilante who hasn't a clue.
I won't go into an assessment as to whether or not you can avoid the inevitable, but I will say that I am not that sanguine about you ability to succeed.
Can't you see the the appointment of Mueller as a Special Prosecutor is a big thumb in the eyes of you liberals.
If you are smart, you will keep your snark to yourself until all of the evidence has been gathered and someone has actually been charged.
If you don't you will end up looking like a foolish vigilante who hasn't a clue.
I won't go into an assessment as to whether or not you can avoid the inevitable, but I will say that I am not that sanguine about you ability to succeed.
2
Charles Bloward You are generally correct on substance but so over the top always that your column is difficult to take seriously
2
Keep punching, Charles. The fate of the republic is at stake.
7
The Administration and the majority of the Majority in Congress live in the rarified air of an "alternative" reality. A place where an alternative truth can be relied on to explain away nearly any illogical behavior, self-serving law or cancellation of a truly beneficial program. You name the travesty of truth, justice and the American Way and the Republican faithful will be seen lining up for interviews, nodding their heads in unison like right wing meat puppets. There is plenty of blame to spread around, whether the ringmaster of this sad circus is Trump, Bannon, Putin or some ugly hooded nemesis on the Planet Gee Whiz. The American people will be delivered from this evil only when the dots have been connected and the culprits are on their way to prison to be suitably corrected. Let us count the days.
4
Give Pence a break Charles, he is no worse than Ryan or McConnell or the rest of the lying Republicans. It is their standard modus operandi.
2
The GOP Mafia work in concert to conceal and support their crimes. They are guilty of allowing a dangerous president who could bring down our Democracy remain in office, gerrymandering, Jim Crow Voting laws, closing polling places in minority district, insufficient voting machines in minority districts and colluding with the Koch Brothers to take over the country for the 1%. Impeach them all.
2
The big Bad Russian Bear Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is the master manipulator of bloody socioeconomic political mayhem in America.
Putin knows all about Trump's emotional stability along with his mental and physical health. Putin knows what is contained in Trump's personal, family and corporate business income tax returns. Putin knows what is contained in personal, family and corporate business records, deals and holdings.
Putin knows what Mike Pence, Mike Flynn, Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner, Rex Tillerson, Corey Lewandowski, Carter Page and Ivanka Trump all knew and did regarding Russian interference in the American 2016 Presidential campaign and election and since in our White House.
The 'blood' in the water belongs to Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and the American Eagle. All directed from the Kremlin lair of Putin who is intent on making Russia great again.
Putin knows all about Trump's emotional stability along with his mental and physical health. Putin knows what is contained in Trump's personal, family and corporate business income tax returns. Putin knows what is contained in personal, family and corporate business records, deals and holdings.
Putin knows what Mike Pence, Mike Flynn, Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner, Rex Tillerson, Corey Lewandowski, Carter Page and Ivanka Trump all knew and did regarding Russian interference in the American 2016 Presidential campaign and election and since in our White House.
The 'blood' in the water belongs to Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and the American Eagle. All directed from the Kremlin lair of Putin who is intent on making Russia great again.
3
V.P. Pence's smooth exterior hides the great danger of a religious zealot. His crypto-version of truth is tethered to his personal theology that, if seen in the light of actual truth, is dedicated to destroying the Constitutional principle "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." If you are not a fundamentalist Christian, watch your back.
3
Yet another reason to miss the scandal-free Obama.
6
Scandal free?????
Te best thing about President Obama's administration was the no-drama. He surrounded himself with th best and brightest and did not spend all his time knocking Bush or saying how he was the best at everything. He went about quietly doing his job. He listened to everyone before he made decisions. We didn't wake up everyday like viewers of a sick soap opera wondering what is happening now. Oh the good old days. Make America great again and get rid of Trump, his minions and the GOP Mafia.
2
Well, except those created by Republicans to try to stain his presidency.
They are all going down! the entire Trump campaign was in cahoots with the Russians since last summer to throw the election! and if Trump won because of treason with Russia, doesn't that mean there is no succession protocol from Trump to Pence to Ryan etc. since Trump was not a legitimate President? Shouldn't the entire election be declared a fraud? Shouldn't we do over the entire election with Hillary running against whom? Or perhaps SCOTUS should just award Hillary the President since she won three million popular votes? Time for a do over! and time for prison for Trump! and time for all his minions to be banished!
5
Lying is a sin. We know Trump is not religious and is unrepentant. Pence? Maybe he left Catholicism because he was spending copious amounts of time in the confessional.
4
First, King Trump needs to be removed, via obstruction of justice impeachment or psychological means. Second, to cut off Pence's so called Christian rights, voters need to go to the polls. If we are at War, it does not matter, we need to vote out GOP and have both houses in the hands of democrats. Not because we want a Congress full of Democrats but to stop Pence until 2020 when we can directly vote for a President. (we need to strategize as well) Third, get rid of the electoral college system.
King Trump's whining is for his Trumpistas, so that they can feel sorry for him, empathy. All psyche games played out by many tyrants before. To investigate everyone is not feasible and it will take more time, focus on one person and the house of cards will fall quickly. These people are cowards, only take down one and the rats will flee the sinking ship.
King Trump's whining is for his Trumpistas, so that they can feel sorry for him, empathy. All psyche games played out by many tyrants before. To investigate everyone is not feasible and it will take more time, focus on one person and the house of cards will fall quickly. These people are cowards, only take down one and the rats will flee the sinking ship.
1
The question is easier if we ask "Who didn't collude with the Russians?" Maybe Jared knows.
1
Yes! "Two Scoop" Trump and the entire bunch will be exposed.
3
When it comes to the Russia cover-ups at the White House, Pence is either in on something illicit and lying through his teeth, or he is deeply ignorant about what is all around him.
Just like during the campaign, Pence either used his "Christian first" persona to cover for his immoral running mate, or he is too simple-minded to comprehend the obvious.
Either way, Pence is also not worthy of the presidency.
Just like during the campaign, Pence either used his "Christian first" persona to cover for his immoral running mate, or he is too simple-minded to comprehend the obvious.
Either way, Pence is also not worthy of the presidency.
2
Sir I highly respect your opinion but ....Trump isn't going anywhere. There will be four more years of this. Why? Look who follows, Pence, Ryan and Hatch.
Republicans with their never ending cash flow from the criminal business people they receive their orders from will follow like lemmings the call of money. You can see why given a society that cares little for life and a great deal about killing.
Republicans with their never ending cash flow from the criminal business people they receive their orders from will follow like lemmings the call of money. You can see why given a society that cares little for life and a great deal about killing.
1
If Pence, as he claims, has no knowledge of any of the wrong doings by Trump and his cronies ... is he even fit to be second in command?
3
I am a Democrat. Democrats have proven to be incapable of organizing against the republican thugs from the dog catcher on up. I was one of the tens of thousands protesting the radical, soulless Walker. Where was Debbie Wasserman Schultz? Nowhere to be seen.
If we are to turn back the seditionists we have to take the House and the Senate.
Vietnam Veteran, '70 Yes, I am an old white guy.
Sadly, I don't think my Democratic Party is up for the job.
If we are to turn back the seditionists we have to take the House and the Senate.
Vietnam Veteran, '70 Yes, I am an old white guy.
Sadly, I don't think my Democratic Party is up for the job.
2
I'm an old white woman raised in Michigan and probably grew up much like you did. Vietnam, the JFK, MLK and RFK assassinations, race riots.....all these things in my formative years made me question whether the world outside was as benign as my own little middle class bubble. Still, I was an optimist, and thought that our wealthy society would always care for the least advantaged and provide equal opportunities to all who worked hard. Now our leaders care only about delivering tax cuts to the most wealthy without concern for the health and safety of us regular Americans, including rebuilding infrastructure. My current frame of mind: I should be getting out just in time.
1
Remember Spiro T. Agnew. He ended up out the door before Nixon, which opened the door for the refreshingly honest, albeit bumbling Gerald Ford, who at least was focused on healing the country. God knows we could use a leader like that right now.
Just read columns on Saudi Arabia, Montana election, and numerous others about how regardless of Trump's behavior....they support and will vote for his fawning acolytes. Why? Always about bringing back non existent jobs, selling arms to tyrants, kicking the genuine poor off whatever scraps are afforded them, making sure a young pregnant woman does not have the right to decide, and finally, making sure that their form of religion remains ascendant. Let's face it...we talk about democracy, justice, and prosperity for all. But eventually it comes down to our wallets,our fears, and our push for our own religious branding. Ethics, good conscience, honesty..... forget about it!!!
1
It is hard to admit you were wrong. It is even harder to admit you were "conned".
1
Let's let's say a a miracle happens and both Trump and Pence are impeached, forced to resign or choke on a steak. Next in line is the sad-eyed Irish undertaker Paul Ryan. So be careful what you wish for.
1
What happens if the Democrats take back the Hous in 2018 and we have a Democratic Speaker?
I believe in Karma and happy endings.
I believe in Karma and happy endings.
1
The waters are red, indeed, and we are still in the early days. Let's not forget the latest from Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy, with voice recorded evidence, of their knowledge of Russian meddling back in June 2016. "Ryan instructed his Republican lieutenants to keep the conversation private, saying: “No leaks. . . . This is how we know we’re a real family here.” More like the mob, if you ask me. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/house-majority-le...
2
Pence has not gotten the memo.
He does not serve at the pleasure of the President. We elected him. He cannot be fired.
He embarrasses himself by kowtowing to this incompetent and loony President.
Pence needs to man up and become his own person, quick.
1
Too late.
1
Another howl from the NYT's token howler. We get it about Trump. Now move on and say something that matters.
2
Pence, with his smarmy face and faux "Christian" empathy is at least as dangerous to this country as Trump. He is the competent face of misogyny and the worship of Mammon. He will do anything to throw the working class under the bus so his true God--Ayn's Rand--and her worship of the market economy will win. His fear of and hate for women is palpable: he seems to see us as nothing but temptresses whose sexuality must be controlled by men like himself.
2
Those still defending Trump/Pence aren't fooling anyone. They're smugly vouching for known criminals whom they & Putin collaborated in electing. The only significant difference between Pence and Trump is that while the corrupt Republicans in the House of Representatives can keep a man man in the Oval Office as long as they wish, Pence is subject to direct criminal prosecution just as Spiro Agnew was. He should be the first to go. With luck, we may get an acceptable place-holder v.p./president like Jerry Ford to take his place.
3
All good points. The Party Over Country crowd is hoping everyone loses interest. They are probably right to do so, given that the electorate has about a 20 second attention span.
We deserve the Trump Administration. It's a continuous reminder over the course of the next 4 years just how stupid our electorate is, in general.
We deserve the Trump Administration. It's a continuous reminder over the course of the next 4 years just how stupid our electorate is, in general.
Perhaps Blow's observations are startling to NYT readers, many of whom I suspect live in urban settings. Until you've lived in a very small town it's difficult to appreciate the hated reality of racism. I just watched, courtesy of Nertflix, In the Heat of the Night. As you may remember, there was also a TV series; that series, which I enjoyed watching, thoroughly sanitized small town life. Watching the movie, which I hadn't seen since it first came out, I was overwhelmed by the reality of the hatred and bigotry of those small town folks. Not sure why it was such a shock. I now live in a very small town. It has a church on every corner and it is absolutely packed with the racism and extreme xenophobia successfully channeled by Adolf Hitler and, so many decades, later, by Donald Trump.
3
The church on every corner should be a dead giveaway. They are the whitewashed walls that hide all manner of crimes, wrongs, hypocrisy and hatred while lending "believers" a cloak of charity and goodness. The churches' sanctimony and folly is such a waste.
Democrats can’t articulate what the Trump campaign might have done that constitutes collusion with Russia to undermine Hillary Clinton’s campaign, sothey have taken to accusing the Trump administration of covering up imaginary crimes. Now Charles Blow is accusing the Trump campaign and administration of covering up the fact that Michael Flynn’s firm did consulting work for Turkey. But doing consulting work for foreign governments isn’t a crime unless you fail to register as a foreign agent. And Flynn registered as a foreign agent within the proscribed deadline. So why would it need covering up? The Trump campaign didn’t call a press conference to publicize that Flynn would have to register, but that’s not a crime.
Democrats should have known and probably did know Flynn would have to register before the election. In March 2016, “The Hill” published an op-ed in which Flynn urged the U.S. to support the Turkish government. The publication followed up with an editorial apology for not informing readers that Flynn’s firm did consulting work for Turkey, a NATO ally. However, many U.S. companies do consulting work for foreign governments, so it probably didn’t seem an issue worth exploiting until Trump won the election.
Democrats should have known and probably did know Flynn would have to register before the election. In March 2016, “The Hill” published an op-ed in which Flynn urged the U.S. to support the Turkish government. The publication followed up with an editorial apology for not informing readers that Flynn’s firm did consulting work for Turkey, a NATO ally. However, many U.S. companies do consulting work for foreign governments, so it probably didn’t seem an issue worth exploiting until Trump won the election.
As this unimaginable "greatest show on earth" unfolds in all its ugliness, the word that comes to mind is desecration. The man has desecrated the office of president in ways that have been heretofore unheard of and for which the country will pay for years, if not generations, to come. Each new breaking news story just heaps more fuel on the fire and intensifies the average citizen's agony at being forced to deal with this. As all this illegality (T.'s finances, dealings, etc. ) and political incorrectness fills the airwaves and papers, all sorts of real issues are either being drowned in the swamp or passing under the radar. Too much MONEY, ENERGY and GOODWILL will be wasted on this hustler. Tax payer money. When will the Republicans remove their nose pins and smell the fetor so the Congress can get on with impeachment?
One of the chief qualifications for employment by Trump is that you lie. A lot. Of course he calls it "loyalty". One thing most media people don't seem to understand is that Trump does not think there is any thing at all wrong with lying. To him it's what you do when you need to or want to and it's the only intelligent and logical route to take if you're going to achieve your objectives. In his mind observing or obeying traditions or customs or rules or laws; if it's going to get in the way of what you want, is just plain stupid. It's difficult to deal with someone like that but not impossible. Just assume that no matter what he says is a lie, and take it from there. And if he insists on telling it simply tell him to provide incontrovertible proof, preferably with corroborating witnesses, that it's true.
1
Benedict Donald is inept in business and lost the ability to secure funds from legitimate sources, so years ago he turned to Russia for financing. The Russians recruited him, as is their wont, understanding quid pro quo. Now Benedict aids Russia through attacks on our elections, security agencies, courts, press, etc,, to undermine their stability. Moreover, Benedict gives them our state secrets and DO NOT forget Benedict has our nuclear launch codes. Yes Mr. Blow there is treason afoot that needs to be rooted out.
1
I wonder if any of the Trump sycophants have read Shakespeare - "He doth protest too much me thinks."
1
Pence is James Stevens the butler in "Remains of the Day". He has dedicated his life to advocating anything Trump requests of him and that would include lying for the man. Watch the absolute air of servitude he displays when he is in Trump's presence. Puppy dogs don't show as much gratitude when in the room of their masters. But this should not surprise us. Pence after all is an Evangelical.
The swamp is full. We must clean it out. It takes the public to protest. We can't leave it up to the Democrats or especially the Republicans. We the people. They work for us the not the other way around.
How do you lock up an entire administration ?
The way it is going, we may have to build more jails for all those that will convicted of treason and collusion with the enemy.
Better yet, release all those of minor drug crimes and let those above take their place.
Better for society as a whole.
The way it is going, we may have to build more jails for all those that will convicted of treason and collusion with the enemy.
Better yet, release all those of minor drug crimes and let those above take their place.
Better for society as a whole.
When Trump goes and Pence comes in, well - that's when the real dirty work will start. Pence is the real republican plan.
2
Mike Pence is a bigger liar than his boss, also Pence with his lies will not be able to getting away like his boss.
Unlike his boss DT, Pence was not known to the world or to the Country. But His fibbing is already being caught by the main stream Media within four months .
Only it is in Pence if he is dreaming of becoming the next President, just take a look at his dull vacant eyes you would know the whole story.
Unlike his boss DT, Pence was not known to the world or to the Country. But His fibbing is already being caught by the main stream Media within four months .
Only it is in Pence if he is dreaming of becoming the next President, just take a look at his dull vacant eyes you would know the whole story.
2
It seems that being a liar is a job requirement for this administration. Even if there is documentation that A is true, they must be able to say not-A with a straight face and a sincere note in their voice. Obviously, our president and vice-president, their spokespeople and the heads of the Cabinet all passed the liar test with flying colors. I don't believe a word anyone of them says until it has been vetted in the news media. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.
Speaking of hypocrisy, don't forget the Republicans in Congress. They can bend and twist the truth with the best of them, saying things that are known to be untrue but saying them anyway.
The Times should keep a running count, by politician, of the number of times they say things that are totally or mostly untrue. Let's see who wins that competition!!
Speaking of hypocrisy, don't forget the Republicans in Congress. They can bend and twist the truth with the best of them, saying things that are known to be untrue but saying them anyway.
The Times should keep a running count, by politician, of the number of times they say things that are totally or mostly untrue. Let's see who wins that competition!!
1
The one saving grace for the Trump team is that ,as yet, nobody stands accused of having sex with an intern.
Pence, Trump, Flynn... They're ALL in this TOGETHER! The only question is why the media hasn't realized this -- and focused upon it -- sooner!
"Out, out, damned spot!
Why can't I wash of these stains of corruption and treason, and instead seem to be making all the seas incarnadine through my laundering efforts?" --MacTrump
"Out, out, damned spot!
Why can't I wash of these stains of corruption and treason, and instead seem to be making all the seas incarnadine through my laundering efforts?" --MacTrump
1
The "twit" still has his die-hard base because he knows they only watch fox tv... He always manages to gets in front of the camera fast & first to call out his outsider/victim status. His insane comments & updated versions are replayed over and over on all the news channels. Even with his different versions of the same story he knows his die-hards only watch fox and fox will twist into a pretzel to confirm his outsider/victim position.... I vomit everyday
1
The only way to get the truth out of a seasoned pol like Pence is to ask pointed yes or no questions.
In reality, however, Pense must have been jumping in his boots over being asked by Trump to be his running mate.
Pence knew that Trump had many liabilities, so he is just waiting in the wind for a complete screw up by Trump.
I think of all the times Pense has had all those solemn looks with a well-hidden smile on his face.
Just think, Trump is barely in office 4 months and is already under investigation.
Pence won't have to wait too long before his 'boss' is forced to resign or is kicked out.
I can only hope that people will open their eyes and make November 8, 2018
a very memorable one.
In reality, however, Pense must have been jumping in his boots over being asked by Trump to be his running mate.
Pence knew that Trump had many liabilities, so he is just waiting in the wind for a complete screw up by Trump.
I think of all the times Pense has had all those solemn looks with a well-hidden smile on his face.
Just think, Trump is barely in office 4 months and is already under investigation.
Pence won't have to wait too long before his 'boss' is forced to resign or is kicked out.
I can only hope that people will open their eyes and make November 8, 2018
a very memorable one.
"Grow up! Just correction is not jaundiced crucifixion. Any hell you’re in is a hell you made. You are the author of your own demise. You are not being unfairly targeted; instead your above-the-rules, beyond-the-law sense of privilege is being tested and found insufficient. It will not immunize you against truth and justice."
Trump's use of self-pity appeals to his loyal base, who also engage in it. Note so many people claiming that Christians are persecuted in this country, while looking the other way as people of color are incarcerated, murdered, and oppressed. It's a tactic, but a largely unconscious one.
It's not surprising that Pence also lies. Trump wouldn't surround himself with truth tellers. It would be too risky. We have an administration of people who eschew truth and service, preferring greed and self-promotion unhindered.
Mueller, Comey, and others will have the truth out. If Trump interferes in it this time, the country will rise up. The true test is yet to come, how the GOP responds when things get hot. We can only hope that there are still enough members of the Republican Party with an ounce of integrity to choose the right course of country over party. So far, few have stepped up.
Trump's use of self-pity appeals to his loyal base, who also engage in it. Note so many people claiming that Christians are persecuted in this country, while looking the other way as people of color are incarcerated, murdered, and oppressed. It's a tactic, but a largely unconscious one.
It's not surprising that Pence also lies. Trump wouldn't surround himself with truth tellers. It would be too risky. We have an administration of people who eschew truth and service, preferring greed and self-promotion unhindered.
Mueller, Comey, and others will have the truth out. If Trump interferes in it this time, the country will rise up. The true test is yet to come, how the GOP responds when things get hot. We can only hope that there are still enough members of the Republican Party with an ounce of integrity to choose the right course of country over party. So far, few have stepped up.
1
"Any hell you’re in is a hell you made. You are the author of your own demise." I concur with every sentiment CB expresses. I'm not (yet) convinced that we should try to accelerate Trump's ouster. Firstly and selfishly, I'd rather have him in the tent--or kennel--where the Democrats in Congress might control him. With Pence, however, the Congressional GOP would dig in the spurs and go for the kill on all the programs they detest. Secondly, there are some innocent, albeit naive, Trump supporters out there. We know what it's like for our president to be insulted, denigrated, and de-legitimized. Why subject our fellow citizens to that if we can manage Trump in a collegial manner? Am I daft, or what??? One may dream!!
If the investigation by Mueller or any of the Senate committees turns up evidence that the election results were influenced by Foreign interference, than anyone on the Trump ticket, that includes vice president Pence, has not been legitimately elected to office. Although Mr. Blow makes some good points as to Pence's involvement, regardless of what Pence knew and when he knew it, our constitutional crises would void his election and Trump's appointments.
3
I am ignorant of how that process would unfold. Are you basing your position on settled law, legal theory or wishful thinking?
The resistance is politics by other means.
Charles, Good to see you discussing Mike Pence. We often think of him as the bland right winger in waiting, having latched onto Donald only for the chance of replacing him when he drops out. The prospect that Donald will be gone sooner makes us seriously worry about this horrible backup he chose to give people second thoughts about dumping him.Of course, Pence is backed up by Paul Ryan, Orrin Hatch and Rex Tillerson, so his insurance policy also looks solid. For me the best outcome is an impotent Trump administration until the mid-term elections, or the more promising 2020 election.
No the best outcome is impeaching Trump and Pence take over the house and senate in 2018, and having Nancy Pelosr finish the term.
1
If you listen to Fox News, Infowars.com or Breitbart, the victimization theme runs deep on the right. Conservatives always blame liberals, especially in the media ("fake news") or the courts ("liberal judges"), for any event or news they don't like.
Christian evangelicals and fundamentalists express the belief that more than any other racial or religious group, they suffer the most from prejudice. The liberal IRS (!) is frequently accused of harassing conservatives and their non-profits, questioning the source of the dark money funding their political activities.
Even Steve Bannon's boogeyman, the "deep state", is described as an essentially liberal-leaning and therefore dangerous institution. All of the conservative pundits and media position themselves as the downtrodden victims of evil liberal conspiracies. Throughout his campaign and since taking office, Trump has connected with this underlying theme with his blue collar supporters and conservative voters.
Christian evangelicals and fundamentalists express the belief that more than any other racial or religious group, they suffer the most from prejudice. The liberal IRS (!) is frequently accused of harassing conservatives and their non-profits, questioning the source of the dark money funding their political activities.
Even Steve Bannon's boogeyman, the "deep state", is described as an essentially liberal-leaning and therefore dangerous institution. All of the conservative pundits and media position themselves as the downtrodden victims of evil liberal conspiracies. Throughout his campaign and since taking office, Trump has connected with this underlying theme with his blue collar supporters and conservative voters.
3
Charles, you can do better than this.How about the following;Trump to his inner circle,"Putin hates Hillary and Obama.They are not deal makers like I am, they are weak and focus on nonsense like human rights.Lets signal to the Russians that I will be much more willing to negotiate on mutually advantageous opportunities like joining forces on Isis or oil and gas rights for US companies in exchange for lifting sanctions.That should motivate them to help me win the election in any way they can".Then to the family "You know how these things go.We will discuss partnership between our countries but Vlad will get it immediately, a similar mutually fruitful relationship between him ,his friends and our family will be implicit but in the background, at least in the short term".Everything including Clinton emails, Flynn activities then make perfect sense.Charles, total speculation on my part but how many people would be surprised if the Mueller investigation took us there??
You got this wrong. "I am no fan of Comey — his buzzer-beating hijinks with Hillary’s email just before the election helped hand this country over to Trump and his cabal of corruption-"
Comey had no choice. In July he closed the case on Clinton and said if there are new developments, he would let congress know. There were new developments days before the election with a good possibility that he would not complete the investigation of this new evidence in time before the election.
Comey did the right thing. Clinton did the wrong thing by using unsecured servers.
Why can't the press get this right
Comey had no choice. In July he closed the case on Clinton and said if there are new developments, he would let congress know. There were new developments days before the election with a good possibility that he would not complete the investigation of this new evidence in time before the election.
Comey did the right thing. Clinton did the wrong thing by using unsecured servers.
Why can't the press get this right
1
So the endgame is President Paul Ryan? Sigh. NO good choices here. 2020 can't arrive too soon. Hopefully the American electorate will have the clarity of 2020 vision by then.
3
Pence and half of the cabinet should be thrown out with the Pretender! Alas, the Constitution doesn't help much.
Sadly, the stock market likes Trump, as when he sells arms - Boeing- to the Saudis. So, the 1% are big fans. Can the 99% beat this crowd in an election. I hope so.
4
How come nobody is freaked out that we sell we weapons to kill humans to the same country from which sprang the crew that masterminded and implemented 9/11. Strange bedfellows indeed.
1
I have written this multiple times.
The entire Trump administration needs to be removed and a special election held. No one from the Trump campaign or administration should be allowed to participate in any capacity. All Trump appointees should be forced to resign. After an investigation and trials those who should be in prison (virtually every person in the administration) need to spend the rest of their lives in prison. Trump needs to be hanged for treason. It should be televised.
If there were any justice in the world the Republican party would be outlawed and everyone who voted for Trump would forever lose the right to vote.
The entire Trump administration needs to be removed and a special election held. No one from the Trump campaign or administration should be allowed to participate in any capacity. All Trump appointees should be forced to resign. After an investigation and trials those who should be in prison (virtually every person in the administration) need to spend the rest of their lives in prison. Trump needs to be hanged for treason. It should be televised.
If there were any justice in the world the Republican party would be outlawed and everyone who voted for Trump would forever lose the right to vote.
4
Max, perhaps that's the way things were once done in Texas. However, unlike the present administration and the Republican party I hope we can resolve this horror show legally.
My rather naive question: If it is found that Trump and members did collude with the Russian Government, doesn't that invalidate the whole election? Is it not possible to have the whole election process done over?
Impeachment of Trump just opens up the Oval Office to other dangerous, political drones and leaves all of his damaging actions in place.
Impeachment of Trump just opens up the Oval Office to other dangerous, political drones and leaves all of his damaging actions in place.
4
The only reason to keep the loathsome Trump in office comes when considering his replacement.
Pence is a right wing evangelical. He and the charming Karen have been behind all the anti-abortion moves of this administration.
I am not entirely sure the U.S. wants the religious agenda of evangelicals to become the foundation for the policy and legislation of a Pence administration. Perhaps Trump is the lesser eveil?
Pence is a right wing evangelical. He and the charming Karen have been behind all the anti-abortion moves of this administration.
I am not entirely sure the U.S. wants the religious agenda of evangelicals to become the foundation for the policy and legislation of a Pence administration. Perhaps Trump is the lesser eveil?
3
If Trump and Pence both get impeached,
does Paul Ryan become President?
does Paul Ryan become President?
Dear Charles, Do we really want a President Ryan who would even privatise the FBI.
And, lets add to the list that small person Jeff Sessions another liar.
Totally in favor of such criminals being rewarded with new lodging, preferably in federal prison, and due to the inexorable movement of the Lords of Karma or Fate or evolution this outcome seems unavoidable for them. You know, "The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine."
We are not out for revenge, which is a kind of sick Trumpish thing. We are interested in reclaiming our Democracy from the grip of the present day monarchies, oligarchies, fascists, CEO's, the Self appointed Superior People in general.
We want Life, Liberty, and Justice for all, and especially justice for the criminal class of the present People of Quality.
Justice for All the motto of the Peoples rebellion of 2018.
Totally in favor of such criminals being rewarded with new lodging, preferably in federal prison, and due to the inexorable movement of the Lords of Karma or Fate or evolution this outcome seems unavoidable for them. You know, "The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine."
We are not out for revenge, which is a kind of sick Trumpish thing. We are interested in reclaiming our Democracy from the grip of the present day monarchies, oligarchies, fascists, CEO's, the Self appointed Superior People in general.
We want Life, Liberty, and Justice for all, and especially justice for the criminal class of the present People of Quality.
Justice for All the motto of the Peoples rebellion of 2018.
Charles has made the case that using him as the pretext for firing Flynn was a facade, and Pence knew it. This scenario isn't new. It's alarming that Pence will take over when Trump has lost enough support among his voters.
2
People who are calling for a two year investigation of Trump/Pence are dangerously in error. I believe we want Trump removed quickly, then a period of stability where the Democrats can show they are capable of working in the best interest of the nation. They can then use this time to compose a national agenda and draw comparisons between what they could accomplish if given the opportunity, versus what the Republicans have done.
Continual fighting and gridlock is what got the nation Trump in the first place. Governance means accomplishing something, compromise is not a dirty word, it is essential to having a functioning government.
Continual fighting and gridlock is what got the nation Trump in the first place. Governance means accomplishing something, compromise is not a dirty word, it is essential to having a functioning government.
Mike Pence is the new Dan Quayle -- chosen by an insecure presidential candidate precisely for a unique ability to make the top of the ticket look brilliant by comparison.
You can't make this up: the billionaire chose someone named pence.
You can't make this up: the billionaire chose someone named pence.
Your piece makes a lot of sense and is beautifully written. I want especially to note that the thought behind your description of the psychological dynamics and falsity of Trump's communications (paragraphs 8 and 9) is so much more helpful than the cliched insults that often permeate public discourse. People (including mental health professionals) who offer diagnoses in place of thoughtful description do not further the public's understanding of what is wrong with Trump. I look forward to your further thoughts about our vice president's psychology.
1
Pence is doing the political dance to stay out of any investigation that could envelope him. He knows the odds favor becoming president, if not before 2020, then challenging Trump in 2020 if Trump is vulnerable. He'll have the repubican establishment with him. So, best he lay low and be silent, and dance a lot.
1
If it is eventually proven that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to influence the election, the election must be declared null, and then repeated. It would be unacceptable to hand power over to a vice President who had also benefitted from the manipulation, whether or not he was involved in the conspiracy.
2
How you going to do that?
On what statute are you going to base that action?
Please be specific.
On what statute are you going to base that action?
Please be specific.
The investigation of the Russian-Trump affair shouldn´t only focus in what happened in 2016, and the way in which Russians interferred in the US elections, but on the reasons... If Putin wanted Trump to become POTUS, a most necessary question is why, what for. So this is not about the past, and a possible interference in a future election, but about the present and the risk of having a President that is not loyal to the US Constitution nor to the US people, but to his very personal agenda and that of his associates in their attempt to tear apart the country, its institutions and its values. As for double standards, Republicans are showing their true face inside the US and abroad; certainly, nothing to be proud of, but to be deeply scared about...
Charles Blow thinks Trump was wrong to hire Michael Flynn and right to fire him. But what possible connection does this have to the investigation of possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign? Flynn’s firm did consulting work for Turkey, not Russia. Turkey is a NATO ally.
It’s not illegal to do consulting work for foreign governments. Flynn registered as a foreign agent within the regulatory deadlines. Democrats feel cheated because they did not make Flynn’s status as a foreign agent a campaign issue. But it wouldn’t have been much of an issue. Many U.S. firms do work for foreign governments. Flynn shut down his consulting firm before being appointed National Security Advisor.
It is unlikely Flynn will be charged or indicted for any offense, but the allegations involved things he did as a private citizen, not as a member of the Trump administration.
It’s not illegal to do consulting work for foreign governments. Flynn registered as a foreign agent within the regulatory deadlines. Democrats feel cheated because they did not make Flynn’s status as a foreign agent a campaign issue. But it wouldn’t have been much of an issue. Many U.S. firms do work for foreign governments. Flynn shut down his consulting firm before being appointed National Security Advisor.
It is unlikely Flynn will be charged or indicted for any offense, but the allegations involved things he did as a private citizen, not as a member of the Trump administration.
The firm lobbying firm run by the Podesta brothers has extensive ties to the Russian government, including doing work for them in this country.
Why wasn't/isn't there any righteous indignation about those contacts?
Why wasn't/isn't there any righteous indignation about those contacts?
Look at the way I’ve been treated lately, especially by the media. No politician in history — and I say this with great surety — has been treated worse or more unfairly.”
Just because you utter the words "with great surety" doesn't make it true.
Just because you utter the words "with great surety" doesn't make it true.
It's no longer about getting rid of or impeaching POTUS. It is the whole administration, cabinet, appointees, and down the line that are compromised, suspect, tarnished and worse. All need to go.
Essentially what we need is a new do-over election. Other countries have a democratic mechanism calling for new elections when the leaders has lost the confidence and support of the people - we should too.
Essentially what we need is a new do-over election. Other countries have a democratic mechanism calling for new elections when the leaders has lost the confidence and support of the people - we should too.
1
We don't, and since we a) are a republic, and b) it would require a constitutional amendment, you don't get mulligans for losing the election that was yours to lose.
1
Mr. Pence pretends to be a Christan moralistic. He in practice leads the life of someone who has not heard the words of Christ. God bless him and forgive.
1
The President's New Rating
…………………………..
"But he hasn't got any decency at all," a little child said,” He has to be rated PG-75”
…………………………..
"But he hasn't got any decency at all," a little child said,” He has to be rated PG-75”
5
Doesn't Mueller report to Rosenstein, Rosenstein to Sessions, and Sessions to Trump? If so, how could this investigation be "largely" insulated from politics? Shouldn't we have an independent commission appointed by Congress?
1
As usual, your insight is right on the mark.
IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT to focus on the dangerous programs that he, McConnell, and Ryan are pushing. Budget, dearth of staffing at the second and third levels of executive departments,, etc. ad nauseum.
Health care? I received bills from my physician and the hospital lab for nearly $3000 for a physical and lab work. I have a very good health plan, but I am still responsible for over $600 out of pocket.
Won't affordable health care provide a healthier (mental as well as physical) work force and increase our productivity?
Also, I'm a teacher in VT where support for quality public schools make sense and DeVos's alternatives are impractical and undesirable.
IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT to focus on the dangerous programs that he, McConnell, and Ryan are pushing. Budget, dearth of staffing at the second and third levels of executive departments,, etc. ad nauseum.
Health care? I received bills from my physician and the hospital lab for nearly $3000 for a physical and lab work. I have a very good health plan, but I am still responsible for over $600 out of pocket.
Won't affordable health care provide a healthier (mental as well as physical) work force and increase our productivity?
Also, I'm a teacher in VT where support for quality public schools make sense and DeVos's alternatives are impractical and undesirable.
22
Having given the Republicans control of all branches of government at a time when the party has gone rogue, American voters have destroyed the system of checks and balances that the founders designed to guard against the misuse of governmental power. The worst rogue is now in the White House, but the entire line of presidential succession is appalling. Replacing Trump with Pence, Ryan, or any of the others might reduce the chance of natural or political disasters--especially foreign policy crises--generated by Trump's unique personal flaws (ignorance, laziness, impulsiveness, and various other personality disorders), but would result in faster and easier passage of the hateful Republican domestic agenda.
Continuing the Trumpian drama and chaos is unsustainable and unacceptably dangerous. We need to investigate both Trump and Pence, impeach Trump and maybe also Pence if he collaborated with any Trump offenses, and work towards flipping the Congress in 2018. By the time Trump is removed and Pence or Ryan takes office, we would have a Democratic Congress that would at least keep the worst Republican legislation off the new President's desk.
One can dream!
Continuing the Trumpian drama and chaos is unsustainable and unacceptably dangerous. We need to investigate both Trump and Pence, impeach Trump and maybe also Pence if he collaborated with any Trump offenses, and work towards flipping the Congress in 2018. By the time Trump is removed and Pence or Ryan takes office, we would have a Democratic Congress that would at least keep the worst Republican legislation off the new President's desk.
One can dream!
21
I agree with you. There are a few off-year elections this year, including in Georgia and Alabama. We have to never again take any election for granted.
Be careful, if Trump leaves, the Presidency will to go to Pence. If you make Pence untenable, then it will go to Speaker Paul Ryan. Is this what you really want?
I think Trump's own actions will force him from the Presidency. This will be traumatic for the country and the millions of his supporters. The country will then need a period of calm and effective governance, not a continuance of the tribal warfare we have seen to this point. Remember the midterm elections are not that far away, and it was Democratic stupidity in the last election cycle which got you booted out of governance. The Democrats must prove they are capable of acting in the best interest of the nation. If you do, then there is hope in 2018 and beyond.
I think Trump's own actions will force him from the Presidency. This will be traumatic for the country and the millions of his supporters. The country will then need a period of calm and effective governance, not a continuance of the tribal warfare we have seen to this point. Remember the midterm elections are not that far away, and it was Democratic stupidity in the last election cycle which got you booted out of governance. The Democrats must prove they are capable of acting in the best interest of the nation. If you do, then there is hope in 2018 and beyond.
9
But Charles, Trump is only parroting his supporters. They whine like they too are victims, and they are...victims of their own failures. Trump knows they will respond to his whining and feel like they are also being attacked. In a sense, they are correct. They put Trump in office because he most reminded them of themselves. So when the media points out all of Trump's failures, mostly self-inflicted, it makes his supporters upset because: Trump's failures are their failures; Trump's inadequacies are their inadequacies; Trump's prejudices are their prejudices; Trump's disregard for the law is their disregard for the law; Trump's lies are their lies.
20
Mr. Blow, I'll be the first to admit that President Trump is really making a mess of things, and frequently makes untrue statements. But let's rise to a higher level. Mr. Mueller was not selected to "investigate the Trump campaign". He was directed to investigate Russian interference in the election.
Is it possible that Russian collusion with Trump's campaign will turn up? Well, maybe. Unlikely, if you ask me, but we'll see. But it's not what the inquiry is about. Let's lead by example, and set a higher bar for truth-telling.
Is it possible that Russian collusion with Trump's campaign will turn up? Well, maybe. Unlikely, if you ask me, but we'll see. But it's not what the inquiry is about. Let's lead by example, and set a higher bar for truth-telling.
9
Be careful here. A President Paul Ryan would be as much a disaster as Trump or Pence. Hopefully the investigation will go on for two years, so that there is the hope of a Democratic Speaker of the House to succeed to the office of President when Trump and Pence go away.
16
President Pelosi and the Democratic majority will restore good government and common sense. We can all hope.
2
You're right. The whole Pence "shtick" ( the practiced, deliberate, serious, methodical, and painfully slow refutation of the most egregious lies) , has worn thin. It was formulaic and worked( at first) because it was so dramatically counter to the way his boss was behaving. Bringing Pence in can now be appreciated for what it is, just part of the broader strategy to refute, obfuscate, deny, and delay the truth. Disgusting.
7
Thanks so much for shining a spotlight on Pence because he is nearly as culpable as Trump. It is heartening to see that those at christian colleges and universities are standing up as well (Notre Dame graduate walk-out this past weekend).
We know we will have to deal with Pence sooner or later with his pious head-nodding that nothing corrupt took place--choose whatever Trump chaotic issue you like.
Of course, the best scenario is that the election is rightfully declared null and void due to tampering/collusion with our greatest enemy. Then the entire Trump team will be gone and the independent prosecutors can busy themselves with pursuing justice for the American people.
A new election for president/vice president would be held while career government professionals take care of the day-to-day business of running the country.
If South Korea could remove its corrupt leader and hold a new election in 60 days, so can we.
Then perhaps this waking nightmare can be ended.
We know we will have to deal with Pence sooner or later with his pious head-nodding that nothing corrupt took place--choose whatever Trump chaotic issue you like.
Of course, the best scenario is that the election is rightfully declared null and void due to tampering/collusion with our greatest enemy. Then the entire Trump team will be gone and the independent prosecutors can busy themselves with pursuing justice for the American people.
A new election for president/vice president would be held while career government professionals take care of the day-to-day business of running the country.
If South Korea could remove its corrupt leader and hold a new election in 60 days, so can we.
Then perhaps this waking nightmare can be ended.
9
For a guy who wears putative piety on his sleeve, Pastor Pence seems indifferent to the commandment that "thou shalt not bear false witness."
Take, for instance, his insistence that it was the Rosenstein memo, and only that, that precipitated firing Comey. Too bad Trump exposed that lie the very next day.
Take, for instance, his insistence that it was the Rosenstein memo, and only that, that precipitated firing Comey. Too bad Trump exposed that lie the very next day.
As a child, I was deeply religious, even wanting to be a missionary. When I was an adolescent, my high opinion of religion came crashing down when I recognized the glaring hypocrisy of parishioners. Attesting to goodness is not necessarily related to behaving with goodness.
So I see Pence's religion is not preventing him from the corruption of high office, and, therefore, he is a Christian in ostentatious show only. Contrast this to Jimmy Carter, a Christian in word and deed. Given how Carter is regarded by the general populace, I'd say this country favors corrupt leaders and rejects the virtuous. We get what we deserve and I anticipate a President Pence will be highly popular, but his virtuous words are facades for some very un Christian policies.
And so I come to appreciate Trump more. We seldom get corruption wrapped in such an unacceptable, non-functional person. Barring destroying the world, let's keep him floundering until 2018 and 2020. He's really a gift in disguise.
BTW, isn't it so Trumpian that HIS witch hunt is the greatest? Of course it is. But then maybe he's the greatest witch of all times.
So I see Pence's religion is not preventing him from the corruption of high office, and, therefore, he is a Christian in ostentatious show only. Contrast this to Jimmy Carter, a Christian in word and deed. Given how Carter is regarded by the general populace, I'd say this country favors corrupt leaders and rejects the virtuous. We get what we deserve and I anticipate a President Pence will be highly popular, but his virtuous words are facades for some very un Christian policies.
And so I come to appreciate Trump more. We seldom get corruption wrapped in such an unacceptable, non-functional person. Barring destroying the world, let's keep him floundering until 2018 and 2020. He's really a gift in disguise.
BTW, isn't it so Trumpian that HIS witch hunt is the greatest? Of course it is. But then maybe he's the greatest witch of all times.
21
I share the interest in the topic of what Pence knew, but there's not a lot of here, here - there's very little meat to this article. Scrolling to near the end to see that Pence was told about Flynn - that looks like the only fact. There is more to find.
Why should we care enough to do the real research about Pence? We should be very leery of an impeachment leaving Pence in charge. He's much more organized than our current president, and the ultra-conservative agenda would achieve a lot more than they have been able to to date under Trump.The bland vanilla face and smooth helmet hair makes people think he's not so bad. And that would be very, very bad - for our schools, for our environment, for our civil rights, for separation of church and state - for our democracy.
Why should we care enough to do the real research about Pence? We should be very leery of an impeachment leaving Pence in charge. He's much more organized than our current president, and the ultra-conservative agenda would achieve a lot more than they have been able to to date under Trump.The bland vanilla face and smooth helmet hair makes people think he's not so bad. And that would be very, very bad - for our schools, for our environment, for our civil rights, for separation of church and state - for our democracy.
9
Yep. The Rs at least had the sense to ditch Agnew before going after Nixon. Or maybe we'll get Ryan, because trump/Pence will be a package deal. It doesn't get better.
2
Umm, Agnew was guilty of a crime. The GOP didn't have much choice.
1
"Blood in the Water" or the glimmer of some "light" breaking through the heavy "fog" of lies, denials, obfuscations, spin, and silence? Either way, the remaining days of this impossibly corrupt and incompetent excuse of an Administration are clearly numbered, and will only accelerate with the Mueller appointment and the steady, growing leaking of information. Once that critical mass of abandoning G.O.P. legislators is reached, to save their own skinny political necks of course, the writing of Trump's political obituary can begin. The Head Narcissist will not resist a constitutional removal from office, but instead create his final "masterpiece" of alternative fact: "I have voluntarily chosen to retire from public life, with the greatest of satisfaction, after having achieved so many amazing things for the American people in such a brief time, and return to head my tremendous private Trump Organization to make it even more successful in accomplishing its core mission, to ceaselessly promote the country's important interests.".
1
What is also disturbing, even if both Trump and Pence are found guilty, even if both are impeached and removed, we are left with Paul Ryan as president. Even the third in line is a complicit yes man.
5
No matter how one approaches the issue Trump and his cohorts are either guilty of collusion or inept management. Either way they have some explaining to do which accomplishes more than finger pointing and claiming victimization. Starting their brief tenure off with a total lack of transparency and accountability lends absolutely nothing their credibility. We as the owners of this democratic republic deserve answers not self indulgent obfuscation.
1
Sadly, all the evidence suggests that despite his claims to religious piety, Pence is a serial liar in service to his president. Whether he was a good man seduced by power dragged down by Trump or was always so, is hard to say. However, others, such as Paul Ryan, the speaker, lie and mislead with such frequency that it suggests that many Republicans have determined that the only way to survive with a horrible president and terrible policies that hurt their own voters, is to lie. Their attacks on science, resistance to economic theory, and other truths are further evidence of their intellectual and moral corruption.
The attitude expressed here is one that over the past year and a half or so has been amplified but unchanged.
There was a time when this column addressed things other than the man who we elected as President.
Mike Pence is a start but there is a raft full of equally egregious and barely competent or simply malicious greedheads who can and should be addressed.
Mr Trump was boring before he became our President
There was a time when this column addressed things other than the man who we elected as President.
Mike Pence is a start but there is a raft full of equally egregious and barely competent or simply malicious greedheads who can and should be addressed.
Mr Trump was boring before he became our President
1
While Trump is tiresome, he has the ability to set our country back decades and possible start WWIII. If you think the press should look for other stories, I think you are mistaken.
I love that picture of the VP shaking the president's hand! In all the years we've seen the presidents and first families crossing the WH lawn for the helicopter, not once can I remember a VP or an aide dashing into the picture the way Pence did. Did the president forget his umbrella?? Oh, Mike just wanted to shake his hand, and I guess remind us that he's still in the picture! And will be taking very,very good care of the Oval Office in Donald's absence.
3
Despite the very un-PC like characterization by Clinton of certain Trump supporters as "deplorables", when looked at that from, as Mr. Blow writes, Trump's disposition of "perpetual wallowing in self-victimization and the shedding of his own tears for a spurious suffering that only exists in the muddle of his mind", I think that's exactly what large swath of his electorate responded to. Putting their own real, or more likely, imagined suffering over the interests of the nation, in fact democracy and ethics as a whole, hey - even their own actual interests, they conspired in giving us the most dangerously unqualified person on the planet to hold the most important job in the world. If that fundamental lack of a personal spine, comprehension of the world's complexity , empathy towards others, and responsibility not endangering mankind is not deplorable (which is what Trumps little fingers on the nukes really boils down to), I don't know what is ...
5
I am relieved that a person of impeccable credentials was chosen as special prosecutor. That said, even if Trump is removed from office and Pence is caught in a web of deceit of his own making, and is cast out of office as well, we will still have an ultraconservative take over the reins of authority in this country.
If it came down to either Pence or even Paul Ryan becoming President, the Republicans would be in a much better position to push through every wish list item they have had for years, from dismantling the ACA to shredding the social safety nets. The only compensation for this country would be that Ryan and Pence are, or at least or give the appearance of being sane.
I hope the Democrats will tread carefully around any talk of impeachment, if there is a call for impeachment it should come from the Republicans, because if not, the Republicans will sound like wounded animals as they disparage the Democrats for a "witch hunt".
Oh how I miss President Obama, and wish fervently that the electoral college had not given us this dysfunctional president. I have relived election night a million times in my mind.
If it came down to either Pence or even Paul Ryan becoming President, the Republicans would be in a much better position to push through every wish list item they have had for years, from dismantling the ACA to shredding the social safety nets. The only compensation for this country would be that Ryan and Pence are, or at least or give the appearance of being sane.
I hope the Democrats will tread carefully around any talk of impeachment, if there is a call for impeachment it should come from the Republicans, because if not, the Republicans will sound like wounded animals as they disparage the Democrats for a "witch hunt".
Oh how I miss President Obama, and wish fervently that the electoral college had not given us this dysfunctional president. I have relived election night a million times in my mind.
10
What is certainly true is that pence is the most visible example of a self acknowledged devout Christian who made the devil's bargain with trump. If any democratic candidate had been caught having recorded the statements that Trump made about women and grabbing women etcetera one can only imagine what Pence's reaction would have been.
I agree with Mr. Blow. Much of the discussion about Flynn and Trump was that Flynn lied to Pence... and that is why Trump fired him. But, Mr. Blow makes a good point. If Pence headed up the transition team, and the transition team was informed of Flynn's ties to Turkey and Russia, then Pence was either an incompetent leader of the transition team, or he is lying. The criminal investigation of a cover-up should include what Pence knew, and when.
For that matter, Ryan and Corker caught on tape that Trump and Flynn were on Russia's payroll means we need to add them to the list of criminal conspiracy to cover-up Russian activities and who knew what and when.
For that matter, Ryan and Corker caught on tape that Trump and Flynn were on Russia's payroll means we need to add them to the list of criminal conspiracy to cover-up Russian activities and who knew what and when.
6
But why would the White House cover up the fact that Flynn's firm did consulting work for Turkey? That's not illegal.
No one has "caught on tape" that Trump and Flynn were on Russia's payroll.
Why would the Trump administration cover up Russian activities? Trump has says he agrees with U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia probably hacked the DNC email.
No one has "caught on tape" that Trump and Flynn were on Russia's payroll.
Why would the Trump administration cover up Russian activities? Trump has says he agrees with U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia probably hacked the DNC email.
Illegal? Flynn failed to report in a timely fashion his role as a foreign agent.
At this point does it really matter who is guilty of what. Our government is being run, using that word losely, by a bunch of government hating ideologues. If Trump and Pence are pushed out then we get Ryan with his Ayn Randian "let them eat cake" ideology.
Our only hope is the 2018 midterm elections. We need to throw all the bums out.
Our only hope is the 2018 midterm elections. We need to throw all the bums out.
15
The Watergate lessons still apply: Follow the money. What did the President know and when did he know it. It is not the crime but the cover up. Of course good investigators will follow all of the paper/electronic trails regarding contact with the Russians by members of the Trump team and we will eventually know the truth no matter how many lies Trump tells or how many times they are repeated by Pence and other Trump apologists. Trump lies brazenly and these lies are repeated with sanctimony by Pence. The lying is rampant by the entire team and is an insult to the intelligence of the American people. Of course there is a segment of the population that believes these lies, but that will dwindle as more of the truth is revealed. It has just been reported that Flynn is invoking 5th Amendment rights and not supplying subpoenaed documents. This will all unravel like a badly knitted sweater. Criminal charges will be laid against Flynn and others. It will all lead to Trump whose business affairs and tax returns will implicate him as well. Robert Mueller and his team are the good guys, not sharks, who will follow the blood in the water. It is getting murkier and murkier. There will be a fairy tale ending, but not a positive one: the Emperor is naked. All of the lies and obfuscation will be undone.
3
It's the crim. This might be treason. Even if Nixon hadn;'t covered up the crimes of Watergate, they were still impeachable offenses.
@ Dan Berman
I agree, but I think that the cover up leads investigators to proof of the crime.
I agree, but I think that the cover up leads investigators to proof of the crime.
They survey results that accompanied the article are more alarming when we realize 37% of the respondents believe Trump didn't fired Comey to silence the Russian investigation when it turns out that's exactly what Trump told the Russians. I guess they would continue to support Trump if he really did murder someone on 5th Avenue, something Trump sanctimoniously bragged about during the campaign.
5
It is absurd to imagine even for a moment that Comey's detailed and contemporaneous accounts of his dealings with a malignant narcissist likeTrump should be treated with scepticism.
Comey is one of the handful of players in this absurd saga who has any integrity, together with the strength of character to ignore the hysteria, the shrieking and screaming of the mob. The fact that so many Dems and GOPs alike hate Comey's guts speaks volumes about his fearless impartiality.
Historians will look back and see Comey as one of the great Americans of his era — long after both Trump and HRC are confined to the dustbins of history.
Comey is one of the handful of players in this absurd saga who has any integrity, together with the strength of character to ignore the hysteria, the shrieking and screaming of the mob. The fact that so many Dems and GOPs alike hate Comey's guts speaks volumes about his fearless impartiality.
Historians will look back and see Comey as one of the great Americans of his era — long after both Trump and HRC are confined to the dustbins of history.
4
for those suggesting that Pence had to know because he was the VP, ah, Truman didn't know we had the A-Bomb. Flynn may be a bad actor in some ways, but it appears his sins are primarily of not informing people about actions that weren't illegal.
2
IF Pence is as guilty as Donnie,
AND the process of removal from office takes longer than the 2018 elections,
AND the Democrats tack control of the House,
AND Pelosi is elected Speaker again,
AND Pence and Donnie both are removed from office,
THEN the first woman president will be Nancy Pelosi.
The chance is one in a million...but it is a chance.
AND the process of removal from office takes longer than the 2018 elections,
AND the Democrats tack control of the House,
AND Pelosi is elected Speaker again,
AND Pence and Donnie both are removed from office,
THEN the first woman president will be Nancy Pelosi.
The chance is one in a million...but it is a chance.
4
Mr. Blow, thank you for demonstrating awareness of the clear and present danger. In the policy world, where the problem is recognized (incompetent, dishonest leadership) and the immediate solution is equally recognized (get them out of office), but the way to the solution is not clear, the problem belongs to a category called "belling the cat." I urge you to consider and publish your ways of belling the cat.
2
Robert Reich said it best of this merry band of kleptocratic, plutocratic liars:
"How much evidence is needed that Trump obstructed justice? 23 House Republicans more loyal to America that to their party"
"How much evidence is needed that Trump obstructed justice? 23 House Republicans more loyal to America that to their party"
5
Bravo Mr. Blow for succinctly putting into words exactly how I am feeling.
This whiner Child President will Eventually Realize at his Eventual Impeachment these wonderful words that you wrote: "There are very serious questions here, ones that include but are not limited to collusion. They also now include the possibility of treason, obstruction of justice and making false statements."
This whiner Child President will Eventually Realize at his Eventual Impeachment these wonderful words that you wrote: "There are very serious questions here, ones that include but are not limited to collusion. They also now include the possibility of treason, obstruction of justice and making false statements."
1
Love it, Judith: "the whiner child president". In fact, I think the name of the Republican Party should be changed to "Whiners United".......
2
Politicians lie, and it is not possible to run for Vice President without doing so. If Mike Pence wants to take the next step up on the political ladder from Congressman and Governor, then he has to agree to run on the same ticket with a man who has an entirely different outlook and set of values from his own. But surely the presence of a committed Christian on the ticket will at least mitigate some of the damage his licentious running-mate can do. And Christian voters will recognize the good a Republican congress can do, if they control the Presidency as well. So when, on a public stage, he is asked to confirm or deny things Donald Trump has said, he suspects, perhaps even knows, that some of the alleged statements accurately reflect his running-mate's views, but he hopes the quotations are inaccurate, and he denies them, projecting greater confidence than he actually feels. The Biblical injunction against lying surely doesn't apply to public political speech of this sort, he feels. After all, he has already, many times, misstated the truth in his public life, because politics demanded it. Besides, these questions are hostile ones, and come from enemies who seek not just his defeat, but the defeat of the Christian values he hopes to advance. Lying in the defense of the truth is no sin . . . . Surely, surely not!
1
Tongue in cheek, I suppose? In any event, Pence has been the GOP Plan B since they selected him, and another step toward replacing Democracy with Theocracy. Pence will replace Trump as soon as Trump loses the support of enough voters to reassure the Ryan- McConnell machine that the coast is clear.
Do we really want Pence to do at the federal level what he did at the state level in Indiana? His lieutenant governor had to beg him to do something about the AIDS epidemic in Indiana. We can't afford someone who puts his religious beliefs ahead of what is best for the citizens of our country.
Pence isn't innocent. He's just as complicit as Trump. Both were warned about Flynn by multiple sources and they chose to ignore the warnings. Now they get to live with the results. Sadly, so do we.
Pence isn't innocent. He's just as complicit as Trump. Both were warned about Flynn by multiple sources and they chose to ignore the warnings. Now they get to live with the results. Sadly, so do we.
3
I agree, "the whole WH crew must be fully investigated", and I am horrified about what came to power in our country. America is in a constitutional crisis and the GOP, with their own selfish, greedy agenda in hand, are ignoring the state of the Union. They are ignoring the voice of the people.
Trump will be the reckless, heedless engineer of their own train wreck. They are living in the equivalent of DC comics Bizarro World with Trump, where all the inhabitants get everything backwards, or exactly opposite. In this case, morals, ethics, principles, conscience, empathy, truth, integrity, and patriotism.
The people of Bizarro World were made of cracked or splintered glass so that their self-image and reflections were distorted and always changing. Trump and his WH crew sound like they are living in Bizarro World to me.
Trump will be the reckless, heedless engineer of their own train wreck. They are living in the equivalent of DC comics Bizarro World with Trump, where all the inhabitants get everything backwards, or exactly opposite. In this case, morals, ethics, principles, conscience, empathy, truth, integrity, and patriotism.
The people of Bizarro World were made of cracked or splintered glass so that their self-image and reflections were distorted and always changing. Trump and his WH crew sound like they are living in Bizarro World to me.
1
Trump is in a hurry to cash out big on the Russia story which is all fake news. That is why he fired Comey who was just fooling around and set up an independent investigator that can't be played out by politicians in congress. The consequences for big media will be a disaster as have been the election of Trump which he should have lost given his "self-destructive behavior". The silliness around the Russia story will collapse because there is not one single shred of evidence and with the mountains of fake news betting on it.
1
For the most part I agree with what you said. But I am not so sure that Mr. Comey’s disclosure of additional emails cost Mrs. Clinton the election. By that time most had already decided who they planned to vote for. Many candidates promise to “drain the swamp”, and Mrs. Clinton was seen as a “resident” of the “swamp.” Mr. Trump was viewed as someone who really would “drain the swamp.”
Perhaps Pence isn't lying about the facts on Michael Flynn....maybe just short-term memory the size of a gnat's. Memory stores, like his boss who is truly a great role model for prevarication.
All of these lies will eventually be straightened out I am sure. Must be hard for this cabal to keep them all straight, given the diminished capacity of their memory stores.
Truly a sad period in our great nation's history.
All of these lies will eventually be straightened out I am sure. Must be hard for this cabal to keep them all straight, given the diminished capacity of their memory stores.
Truly a sad period in our great nation's history.
Nothing would've made me happier than for HRC to have won both the popular and the EC vote. Both b/c I think she was the only one qualified and also b/c it would give me faith in my fellow citizens - that things like qualifications, decency and manner MATTER. But alas, no - there were far too many either stupid people or the latter-day Judas' who would rather sell their soul for a few coins of silver. So be it.
I don't want this man gone on a technicality OR a legality not until at least 20% of his rabid supporters see him for what he is or realize that the being decent human being and a grown up matter and TURN AWAY from him so that they're not taken in by the next demagogue who is not so obvious. We need our fellow citizens TO WANT civility and the rule of law.
WE NEED our corporate leaders to wake up and realize this is what they have wrought by using, discarding and replacing their workers so that they could make an extra million in their pockets. This is the world their children will inherit and given up a 1%, 10% of SO MUCH MONEY won't matter given that it'll firm up our society and stop a new Trump.
This man has been a wake up call and the only way for us to emerge from this night is that ALL of US realize that this is not what we are.
I don't want this man gone on a technicality OR a legality not until at least 20% of his rabid supporters see him for what he is or realize that the being decent human being and a grown up matter and TURN AWAY from him so that they're not taken in by the next demagogue who is not so obvious. We need our fellow citizens TO WANT civility and the rule of law.
WE NEED our corporate leaders to wake up and realize this is what they have wrought by using, discarding and replacing their workers so that they could make an extra million in their pockets. This is the world their children will inherit and given up a 1%, 10% of SO MUCH MONEY won't matter given that it'll firm up our society and stop a new Trump.
This man has been a wake up call and the only way for us to emerge from this night is that ALL of US realize that this is not what we are.
2
They are both liars, Trump because he doesn't know how to be anything but and Pence because he wanted the position so badly he would of sold his first born. Trump and his team knew about how the Russians had Hillary's e-mails and how they were going to release them. Trump and his team knew about Flynn's being investigated but kept him on. Plus if Trump didn't receive money directly then his Russian teammates received the money to be plowed back into his election funds. It's all nauseating
1
"Blood in the Water."
And if I'm not mistaken, Trump cannot stand bodily fluids, like blood.
Leakers: More blood, please!
And if I'm not mistaken, Trump cannot stand bodily fluids, like blood.
Leakers: More blood, please!
Thank you for writing this well thought out opinion piece.
The most disturbing about all this is that lying has become the staple of Trump, his cronies, and the whole Republican Party. No one can ever be trusted again and they run our country (into the ground) to benefit themselves and business only.
What Trump said in Saudi Arabia yesterday that "humanity, violence against humanity, has to be accepted in favor of business. The arrogance and his self importance is on a level only seen in a dictatorship like Russia, Turkey, Philippines. Egypt, India and China. At best this Does this man even understand crimes against humanity and how his programs are just tools to make himself richer and widen the gap between rich and poor.
Like Putin the American President behaves in a way that can only be diacribed as mafia and fascism.
The most disturbing about all this is that lying has become the staple of Trump, his cronies, and the whole Republican Party. No one can ever be trusted again and they run our country (into the ground) to benefit themselves and business only.
What Trump said in Saudi Arabia yesterday that "humanity, violence against humanity, has to be accepted in favor of business. The arrogance and his self importance is on a level only seen in a dictatorship like Russia, Turkey, Philippines. Egypt, India and China. At best this Does this man even understand crimes against humanity and how his programs are just tools to make himself richer and widen the gap between rich and poor.
Like Putin the American President behaves in a way that can only be diacribed as mafia and fascism.
1
Blow is so sure of the proof that the "evidence" he provides offers that he believes it is impossible to reach any conclusion other than Pence was lying.
And the "irrefutable proof' that he provides is an article in the NYT and a letter from a congressman. The fact is however the upon examination of both the NYT article and the congressman's letter the one conclusion that can be reached with certainty is that Blow did not bother to read the article beyond the 1st paragraph, nor did he pay any attention to the congressman's letter, because there is no mention of any investigation at all.
In regard to the NYT article Blow tells us that it reported that Flynn told the Trump transition team that he was under investigation. However this is not at all what the article says. Rather it reported that Flynn told the transition team's lawyer, both directly and also through his own lawyer that he was under investigation.
Now since Flynn was a personal pick of Trump the only person that information was relevant to be shared with was Trump himself. It was purely up to him to make the decision about how to deal with this information and it was also of no relevance to anything related to the job of the transition team.
And since there was reason to discuss this information with the transition team there is certainly no reason to think that they did.
So Blow must have had reasons for his decision to brand Pence a liar that were not at all based on an objective examination of the evidence.
And the "irrefutable proof' that he provides is an article in the NYT and a letter from a congressman. The fact is however the upon examination of both the NYT article and the congressman's letter the one conclusion that can be reached with certainty is that Blow did not bother to read the article beyond the 1st paragraph, nor did he pay any attention to the congressman's letter, because there is no mention of any investigation at all.
In regard to the NYT article Blow tells us that it reported that Flynn told the Trump transition team that he was under investigation. However this is not at all what the article says. Rather it reported that Flynn told the transition team's lawyer, both directly and also through his own lawyer that he was under investigation.
Now since Flynn was a personal pick of Trump the only person that information was relevant to be shared with was Trump himself. It was purely up to him to make the decision about how to deal with this information and it was also of no relevance to anything related to the job of the transition team.
And since there was reason to discuss this information with the transition team there is certainly no reason to think that they did.
So Blow must have had reasons for his decision to brand Pence a liar that were not at all based on an objective examination of the evidence.
2
There are very serious questions, indeed Mr Blow. While we're investigating everything Trump, let's take a look beneath the Obama veneer and find out exactly his activities the night of the Benghazi attack. And let's not stop there. A congressional investigation of Obama White House directives to the IRS in the targeting of conservative groups. Moreover, a full inquiry into Obama's conflicting statements on Hillary Clinton's private email server. When was the President aware of this national security breach and for what purpose did President Obama apparently give cover to Hillary Clinton in stating that classified material was never delivered over the server? As Charles Blow would say, "it is increasingly clear that there is more to know than we now know."
6
Pence is more of a dangerous liar than Trump. Trump's lies come from pathology. Pence's come from personal ambition.
5
First Lady, really Fourth Wife, is carefully molded from top of head to tip of toes. Such a lovely companion for a strange man.
I would argue that this may go even beyond Pence possibly to Ryan as well. See the article from the Washington Post on McCarthy claiming that he believed that Putin pays Trump and Ryan shutting the conversation down and asking that there be no leaks. If members of the GOP congress are talking like this there must be some truth here. And even if just a rumor why wouldn't our congressmen inform the FBI immediately in defense of our democracy from possible treason. They swore an oath to defend the constitution not the GOP or as Ryan calls it, "the family".
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/house-majority-le...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/house-majority-le...
1
Tread with care. The next in the line of succession after Pence is Ryan.
Not if the Dems win back the House in 2018!
Let's hope so.
I don't like Pence. He is a snake...(sorry snakes of the world)
4
Yes!Yes! and Yes! You're a brave man ,Mr Blow
2
Of course Pence knew everything. Flynn didn't have to lie to him he already knew. I'm sick of having to listen to these hypocritical ignorant lying imbeciles in this administration. I don't know why anyone even interviews them because there's nothing to learn.
Trump has to be removed from office and pants must be outed too.
When your resume includes being a brown nose lying enabler for the worst president ever to occupy the White House that eliminate you from ever being president.
Trump has to be removed from office and pants must be outed too.
When your resume includes being a brown nose lying enabler for the worst president ever to occupy the White House that eliminate you from ever being president.
4
Yes! And I'm so sick of most of the press that continues to present and discuss the words of this administration as if they mean something beyond lying and self protection.
Republicans are trying to keep Pence "clean" so that when Trump goes down, Pence can pretend he wasn't part of it all.
They won't take Trump down until there's enough evidence to convince even his most foolish followers that it was warranted; and then they're going to profess shock that all this was true and inflict the "good, Christian" Pence on us, pretending he's untainted, even with the extraordinary amount of lying he's already done.
It's a strategy that's built around CYA with their voters at the price of betraying honor, honesty, and the country. Simply ugly.
They won't take Trump down until there's enough evidence to convince even his most foolish followers that it was warranted; and then they're going to profess shock that all this was true and inflict the "good, Christian" Pence on us, pretending he's untainted, even with the extraordinary amount of lying he's already done.
It's a strategy that's built around CYA with their voters at the price of betraying honor, honesty, and the country. Simply ugly.
2
I understand that one cannot see their own faults but you under mine your own argument by bringing being so blantly partican, biased and hypercritical. All you are doing is playing to your own base, those on the other side will not read your articles as they understand your hypocrisy and those in the middle discount your views because of your bias. It's stupid and ineffective.
4
? A joke. ? How is one supposed to react to liars and cheaters in the Presidency. ?
We all know about the Grifter in Chief’s lies.
But what will be most revealing are the lies told by Pence, God’s gift to humanity (according to himself). The man who calls his wife Mother (of God, himself!!!) will end up to the same facility as the Liar in Chief.
They lie witout shame, comes naturally to these hypocrits.
But what will be most revealing are the lies told by Pence, God’s gift to humanity (according to himself). The man who calls his wife Mother (of God, himself!!!) will end up to the same facility as the Liar in Chief.
They lie witout shame, comes naturally to these hypocrits.
2
That would make Pence a Christian, a conservative and a republican, in that order. Sorry, add liar to the list. Is there no end to hypocrisy.
2
Without a doubt, if collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia is proved, that would prove Pence to be as illegitimate as Trump.
3
Remember what befalls us when Trump and Pence are justly toast: Paul ("Lyin") Ryan. Ryan, like Mick Mulvaney, are so entranced by a crackpot ideology that they view the Constitutional promises of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" for ALL Americans as toilet paper. The changes they propound will cause more death through malign neglect (24 million) than the Final Solution (6 million), albeit allegedly at a lower cost. (Public health be damned!)
What the GOP Congress and state houses failed to realize is that they promoted gun ownership (even by the mentally unstable) and open carry. When people realize they have been singled out for an early death for no valid reason, they react as they did in the awfulness of 1943 Poland in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and that which closed the Sobibor extermination camp.
What the GOP Congress and state houses failed to realize is that they promoted gun ownership (even by the mentally unstable) and open carry. When people realize they have been singled out for an early death for no valid reason, they react as they did in the awfulness of 1943 Poland in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and that which closed the Sobibor extermination camp.
1
Hey Charles, give it up with Comey-lost-us-the election.
It's not true.
She was awful. She installed the server. She ran the worst campaign ever. She ignored the middle class struggle of whites. Blacks stayed home. White women voted for him. Sanders sucked the vitality out of her campaign because she was so awful. Etc, etc.
And YOU amongst others minimized him and told us how badly he would be beaten. Quoting polls that said she'd win by 90 percent
And if she had won, we'd undoubtably be being lashed daily by "when did Comey know? And why'd didn't they indict her".
So Comey, despite your idiocy, was probably the only one looking out for the country as a whole. Not doing the popular thing, the thing you'd like him for.
Trump is the worst and none of us trust him, so please, start being a real journalist. Your OPINIONs are stale and reek of self delusional tripe. Find us some facts. Admit mistakes.
It's not true.
She was awful. She installed the server. She ran the worst campaign ever. She ignored the middle class struggle of whites. Blacks stayed home. White women voted for him. Sanders sucked the vitality out of her campaign because she was so awful. Etc, etc.
And YOU amongst others minimized him and told us how badly he would be beaten. Quoting polls that said she'd win by 90 percent
And if she had won, we'd undoubtably be being lashed daily by "when did Comey know? And why'd didn't they indict her".
So Comey, despite your idiocy, was probably the only one looking out for the country as a whole. Not doing the popular thing, the thing you'd like him for.
Trump is the worst and none of us trust him, so please, start being a real journalist. Your OPINIONs are stale and reek of self delusional tripe. Find us some facts. Admit mistakes.
2
Thank you Charles Blow for continuing your clearheaded columns. The only liars you left out were Ivanka and Jared.
9
It is worth posting this ABBREVIATED ‘Current Republican Guide to Acceptable Presidential Behavior.’ If you are the president, you may freely: Attack private citizens on Twitter; delegitimize federal judges who rule against you; fire the F.B.I. chief in the middle of his expanding investigation into your campaign and your associates; accuse a former president, without evidence, of an impeachable offense; call the media ‘the enemy of the American people’; demand personal loyalty from the F.B.I. director; threaten the former F.B.I. director; accept foreign payments to your businesses, in possible violation of the Constitution; occupy the White House with the help of a hostile foreign power; intimidate congressional witnesses; neglect to fill thousands of crucial federal government positions for months; refuse to release tax returns; hide the White House visitors’ list from the public; review and discuss highly sensitive intelligence in a restaurant and allow the Army officer carrying the ‘nuclear football’ to be photographed and identified by name; obstruct justice; collude with members of Congress to try to shut down investigations of you and your associates; compare the U.S. intelligence community to Nazis; display complete ignorance about international relations, your own administration’s policies, American history and the basic structure of our system of government; skip daily intelligence briefings; repeat untruths; . . .
See the long version in NYT, May 13, 2017.
See the long version in NYT, May 13, 2017.
2
So nice that only the republicans are the most evil people in the world.
The democrats have a spotless record to their history. Let's see, Johnson during viet nam, Clinton and his sex in the Oval Office, Hillary and her emails, etc. I could go on and on.
The democrats have a spotless record to their history. Let's see, Johnson during viet nam, Clinton and his sex in the Oval Office, Hillary and her emails, etc. I could go on and on.
4
Don't bother to go "on and on."
Do what I did 18 years ago - change your party status to Independent.
Then question promises, fact check everything, consider the source, and follow the money before you pull a lever.
Do what I did 18 years ago - change your party status to Independent.
Then question promises, fact check everything, consider the source, and follow the money before you pull a lever.
1
The most corrupt administration in US history. They are all LIARS and most are guilty of treason against the United States of America!
5
This comment intentionally left blank.
(I dont care)
(A special prosecutor to investigate rumours is a giant waste of money)
(The entire Press Corps is exposed for being nothing more than lackys for the sore loser DNC)
(Start reporting on something important, less obnoious opinion, or I will cancel my subscription)
(I dont care)
(A special prosecutor to investigate rumours is a giant waste of money)
(The entire Press Corps is exposed for being nothing more than lackys for the sore loser DNC)
(Start reporting on something important, less obnoious opinion, or I will cancel my subscription)
2
As always, very good and all cheers to Charles Blow. As for liars, frauds and all the rest. Pence is the only one missing from the gang behaving so straightly and properly (I don't think "straightly" is really a proper adverb, but what the hell in a world where intelligence is on the ropes) in Saudi Arabia, and now on to Israel, spending OUR money, representing US, and looking as though they fear guns and cannons may go off any second in their direction. I think their fears would be well grounded. What careful posture the FLOTUS always maintains, beautiful, eh?
3
'Truth, justice and the American way.' Now he has inserted the US into the battle between Sunnis and Shia...because there is no understanding from his team of the technical underlying concerns of the Middle East, young men, power and economy, the remapping of countries, of the role of oil and money. He shows up in the country that brought us the 9/11terrorists and offered arms and permission to do anything...morals are for chumps not trumps. He will bring his hubris to the most complex concern in the middle-east as the microcosm of Palestinian and Israel for all strife. It has been noted how lucky we are that no real crisis has emerged that requires trust and action by the American people...not yet at least. The whole world is holding it's breath trying to figure out what the hell we have done and how we are going to fix it! He may have broken the American Way...damn.
5
TRUMP WOULD HAVE TOLD Pence, that Flynn would have to stay as NSA despite being a foreign agent. This and other crap that Pence has had to endure will make a pardon much less likely.
3
Charles, one might look to the source of this problem, and say to supporters of Hillary and her Shearson-Lehman army of self-serving aristocrats: "Grow Up! The hell we're all in is a hell you've made."
We might count you in their number, mightn't we?
We might count you in their number, mightn't we?
1
"Just correction is not jaundiced crucifixion."
Splendid! A compound alliteration!
How does the Rev. Blow do it?
"But a lie is a lie." Is that an alliteration or just a redundancy? Hmmmm.
Splendid! A compound alliteration!
How does the Rev. Blow do it?
"But a lie is a lie." Is that an alliteration or just a redundancy? Hmmmm.
2
Over the weekend, there was an article about Trump, written by his co-author of "The Art of The Deal"; indicating that - like an addict - Trump needs more and more "wins" to satisfy his desire for zero-sum combat.
So now that he has achieved the highest "win" available in the world, where does he go for the thrill of conquest?
Well, looks like he's decided that destroying the most vulnerable people in America by cutting off their support might give him some jollies.
And trying to erase every possible hint of his (non white) predecessor is a worthy fight, with a ghost.
Any maybe he'll decide that a war with Kim Il Jung would be thrilling.
The man is sick, sick; and he probably gets off on people thinking that. Eventually, he'll go crazy and self-destruct. The question with him, like Hitler, is: "How much will he destroy before he himself is destroyed"?
So now that he has achieved the highest "win" available in the world, where does he go for the thrill of conquest?
Well, looks like he's decided that destroying the most vulnerable people in America by cutting off their support might give him some jollies.
And trying to erase every possible hint of his (non white) predecessor is a worthy fight, with a ghost.
Any maybe he'll decide that a war with Kim Il Jung would be thrilling.
The man is sick, sick; and he probably gets off on people thinking that. Eventually, he'll go crazy and self-destruct. The question with him, like Hitler, is: "How much will he destroy before he himself is destroyed"?
13
pence knew
guilty as charged
guilty as charged
13
When Comey discovered more Hillary emails on Anthony Weiner's computer he decided to reopen the Hillary classified email investigation. He did not showboat a press conference, rather he informed Congress.
One cannot simply say Comey's reopening the case caused Hillary to lose the election. She won by close to three million votes, but because of a fluke in our Constitution, the Electoral College, Trump became President.
Had Hillary barnstormed the states where her own pollsters felt her election could be shaky, she would have won. When Gore won the popular vote but lost in the Electoral College it was a notice for the Congress to amend the Constitution:
With one candidate winning the popular vote and the other the Electoral College, the election would be determined in the House of Representatives, keeping the check and balance in place.
Everything Obama did or attempted Trump is reversing because he despises the Obama's for the color of their skin. Obama wrote his own books and his own speeches. Obama rose to our presidency on the strength of his character, not his bank account, or by mocking the political competition.
Trump and Pence exemplify the line of free verse by Ezra Pound, "Liars in public places." The Obama's are decent people who love each other.
Not so, Trump who only loves himself. Trump gets two scoops of vanilla ice cream with his triple chocolate cake desert. Everyone else at the table only gets one scoop. What a jerk!
http://thegovernmentinexile.live
One cannot simply say Comey's reopening the case caused Hillary to lose the election. She won by close to three million votes, but because of a fluke in our Constitution, the Electoral College, Trump became President.
Had Hillary barnstormed the states where her own pollsters felt her election could be shaky, she would have won. When Gore won the popular vote but lost in the Electoral College it was a notice for the Congress to amend the Constitution:
With one candidate winning the popular vote and the other the Electoral College, the election would be determined in the House of Representatives, keeping the check and balance in place.
Everything Obama did or attempted Trump is reversing because he despises the Obama's for the color of their skin. Obama wrote his own books and his own speeches. Obama rose to our presidency on the strength of his character, not his bank account, or by mocking the political competition.
Trump and Pence exemplify the line of free verse by Ezra Pound, "Liars in public places." The Obama's are decent people who love each other.
Not so, Trump who only loves himself. Trump gets two scoops of vanilla ice cream with his triple chocolate cake desert. Everyone else at the table only gets one scoop. What a jerk!
http://thegovernmentinexile.live
11
Pence is the Devils Advocate AND Vice President. He CAMPAIGNED with 45. He was complicit in EVERYTHING. There is not a chance in HELL that he could not know anything. NONE! That's beyond absurd. HE'S THE VICE PRESIDENT. That they even bother trying to skip around that fact and claim he is not involved in the corruption and chaos that has overcome DC is both mind-blowing and an insult. You can try to run away from the truth, Pence. BUT! YOU CAN NOT HIDE. No matter how much you and your's babble. YOU can not hide.
17
Whereas Barack Obama is America, Trump is Uh-merikkka.
At least as I speak with my family which lives in another country. They never thought America was like Trump. Now they see America is like any other country.
At least as I speak with my family which lives in another country. They never thought America was like Trump. Now they see America is like any other country.
8
Pence is a good Christian liar. they do it more carefully, like they may believe it is wrong, unlike the t-boy who doesn't see any reality beyond his own misconceptions.
9
Usual drivel...
Glad to see people are finally on to Pence' altar boy schick!
22
Lock 'em up! Drain the swamp. Trump is a pathological liar, yet millions of people don't realize that fact. It was evident in 2015.
10
If the Times can condemn Trump for colluding without evidence then there is a logical inference Pence must also have known about the things you don't know that Trump did.
Hey, remember what fun it was when the Times printed Trump had denied Comey additional funds for his investigation. Except it turned out not to be true according to Rosenstein's sworn testimony?
And weren't we all scandalized when, according to the Times, Trump revealed information which could have allowed Russia to know where intel about ISIS was coming from? Except, according to McMasters he didn't? Well, just in case the Russians didn't know the Times found someone to leak to them it was Israel.
I didn't vote for Trump, but I value democracy. The media and careerist federal employees are engaged in an insurgency against a duly elected President. And it has gotten to the point we don't know what we read or hear is true or not because we have advojournalists flushing the profession's credibility.
We've got a reality star as President and journalists who take a reality TV approach to their profession. A plague on both their houses.
Hey, remember what fun it was when the Times printed Trump had denied Comey additional funds for his investigation. Except it turned out not to be true according to Rosenstein's sworn testimony?
And weren't we all scandalized when, according to the Times, Trump revealed information which could have allowed Russia to know where intel about ISIS was coming from? Except, according to McMasters he didn't? Well, just in case the Russians didn't know the Times found someone to leak to them it was Israel.
I didn't vote for Trump, but I value democracy. The media and careerist federal employees are engaged in an insurgency against a duly elected President. And it has gotten to the point we don't know what we read or hear is true or not because we have advojournalists flushing the profession's credibility.
We've got a reality star as President and journalists who take a reality TV approach to their profession. A plague on both their houses.
1
I think the statement was that comey requested the funds frim the deputy ag.
Duly elected by 25% of our population?
We've only got ourselves to blame for that.
I am starting to think the best thing to do is just leave the buffoon in. The Embarrassment with all his twisted goings' on might actually make it harder to get the ultra right agenda through Congress. Pence is slick and smooth. He could sell all that backwards insanity they believe. Just keep the Orange One under investigation, the administration back pedaling on their heels, and maybe we can make it out.... Ryan would be the same as Pence.
Orange, NJ
Orange, NJ
7
Here is to a Democratic House and Speaker in 2018 so the Speaker who takes over the presidency is a Democrat. Delayed justice--the popular vote not 25% of Americans.
1
Of course Pence is a liar!
The more you babble about religion, the bigger liar you are. "Religion" is almost ALWAYS a cover.
The more you babble about religion, the bigger liar you are. "Religion" is almost ALWAYS a cover.
10
Lies, half truths, omissions it's all part of Trump/Pence DNA.
It's like Jackie Gleason use to tell his stage wife "Alice" when everything was was falling apart and she wanted better, "Your a Dreamer Alice."
And so we all are dreamers. The two of them, especially Holy Roller Pence will run this country into the ground.
Pence is waiting until Trump gets impeached or quits so he and his religious zealots can run our lives
It's like Jackie Gleason use to tell his stage wife "Alice" when everything was was falling apart and she wanted better, "Your a Dreamer Alice."
And so we all are dreamers. The two of them, especially Holy Roller Pence will run this country into the ground.
Pence is waiting until Trump gets impeached or quits so he and his religious zealots can run our lives
5
Blow is as "bombastic and abrasive" as Trump.
4
.... except he doesn't lie
1
Keep up the pressure Mr Blow. I always look forward to your articles.
8
Of course, Pence is a liar, and a bigot to boot.
And being close to Trump has nothing to do with all that.
He was a liar and a bigot when (and before) he was governor of Indiana.
He has always been a liar and a bigot.
Albeit, a very sneaky clever one -- but still a liar and a bigot.
And being close to Trump has nothing to do with all that.
He was a liar and a bigot when (and before) he was governor of Indiana.
He has always been a liar and a bigot.
Albeit, a very sneaky clever one -- but still a liar and a bigot.
11
I would love to see Trump impeached, but that takes a majority of the House and 2/3 of the Senate for conviction. Furthermore, that would make Pence president. He's actually more dangerous than a Trump. And if both of them went down, that makes Paul Ryan president! I think we're almost better off with Trump the idiot because no major legislation will pass in his tenure.
I hope the Democrats can get their act together for for 2020, but those idiots convinced Biden not to run then stacked the deck against Sanders. What a mess!
I hope the Democrats can get their act together for for 2020, but those idiots convinced Biden not to run then stacked the deck against Sanders. What a mess!
3
I don't trust Mueller either. Putin probably has dirt on him too which he has shared with Trump. These morons in the White House I believe will all survive for the next 4 years and will be voted back in 2020. That is how stupid and corrupt America has become.
2
I am no fan of Donald Trump and I agree (and have agreed) with Charles Blow's assessment of the Trump presidency and of Trump's adolescent behavior and lack of intellectual curiosity.
But I believe the country needs to step back, take a deep collective breath, and let the investigation play itself out. Any talk of impeachment at this point is way too premature, and only feeds the 63% of the country who still believe Trump to be their guy and that he is being railroaded by the main stream media. The daily dose of superlatives about how badly Trump is doing only feeds that narrative.
Mueller is an honorable guy, but he can still be fired from his position by Trump through the DOJ. This investigative tree has many roots, many of them deep I suspect. Let's see where this goes and when the investigation is over there will be plenty of time to talk about removing Trump from office.
But I believe the country needs to step back, take a deep collective breath, and let the investigation play itself out. Any talk of impeachment at this point is way too premature, and only feeds the 63% of the country who still believe Trump to be their guy and that he is being railroaded by the main stream media. The daily dose of superlatives about how badly Trump is doing only feeds that narrative.
Mueller is an honorable guy, but he can still be fired from his position by Trump through the DOJ. This investigative tree has many roots, many of them deep I suspect. Let's see where this goes and when the investigation is over there will be plenty of time to talk about removing Trump from office.
7
hmm... "the 63% of the country that still thinks trump is their guy"?
i think if you're paying attention it closer to 25-35%...
63% sounds more like the percentage of the country that thinks the trump presidency has been an unmitigated disaster.
granted there should be *no* plan to impeach trump which dumps us into the arms of comrade pence.
i think if you're paying attention it closer to 25-35%...
63% sounds more like the percentage of the country that thinks the trump presidency has been an unmitigated disaster.
granted there should be *no* plan to impeach trump which dumps us into the arms of comrade pence.
Yes, we need to pace ourselves. I do think Mueller is safe, however. The blowback from removing him would sink this administration.
I'm curious about this 63% figure. 63% of the voting public has never considered Trump to be "their guy." He's never gotten above 50%, and is now hovering somewhere south of 40%....
I'm curious about this 63% figure. 63% of the voting public has never considered Trump to be "their guy." He's never gotten above 50%, and is now hovering somewhere south of 40%....
Where are you getting that 63% of the country views Trump as their guy? 80% of republicans are still Trump fans at this point, but his approval rating is at historic lows- below 40%.
It beggars the imagination that Pence, leading the transition team, would not have known about Flynn's folly, particularly given that he was TOLD so much in advance.
The problem now is how to avoid the default to Pence if Trump is no longer president. What we REALLY need to do is find out, and make known, just how far the mess has metastasized, and how radical the surgery must be to have a disease-free White House and legislature.
The problem now is how to avoid the default to Pence if Trump is no longer president. What we REALLY need to do is find out, and make known, just how far the mess has metastasized, and how radical the surgery must be to have a disease-free White House and legislature.
10
A cornered tiger is a dangerous animal. In the course of his speech in Saudi Arabia, delivered to an audience of regional leaders who seemed to listen rather sullenly to his words, Trump at first made appeals to unity and then descended into a sharp attack on Iran. He blamed Iran for just about all that ails the region and raised the prospect of taking military action without citing any specifics. If Trump resorts to using the military to divert attention from his domestic problems, the unthinkable could suddenly become conceivable. In the current climate, a missile attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, (perhaps coordinated with a simultaneous attack on those in North Korea), will raise the very real prospect of a world war. If Iran were to launch missiles against Israel in retaliation, the IDF could be tempted to use tactical nuclear weapons. If Russia then came to the defense of Iran, the house of cards that is 21st century civilization could become to tumble. Truly alarming. And this a scenario precipitated by the man many thought would help us avoid a hawkish Clinton presidency.
16
Will he start a war with Ian or North Korea to take our focus off of the Russian Investigation?
Let's send them all to Saudi Arabia. They are well-liked there apparently. If we are not vigilant the human rights the Administration fails to support overseas will be lost here. I am not one inclined to hysteria but the signs are overwhelming.
Tillerson's point on approaching human rights quietly might have merit IF, and ONLY IF, this Administration had trust.
There is none. Period. God help us.
Tillerson's point on approaching human rights quietly might have merit IF, and ONLY IF, this Administration had trust.
There is none. Period. God help us.
7
How come no one is talking about the 1 trillion dollar deal between Russia and Exxon-Mobil(Rex Tillerson) that was killed due to sanctions on Russia for taking Crimea and messing with the Ukraine?
I think Trump wants to resuscitate it and get a cut of the action. What do you think?
I think Trump wants to resuscitate it and get a cut of the action. What do you think?
10
As our almost Vice-President might say: "You betcha!"
One also has to wonder what the top leadership of Congress knew and when they knew it?
7
Will there ever be a day when there is not "breaking news" about Trump and/or his administration?
4
Yes, Pence is complicit. Either he is deep in this along with the rest of the White House or he is so clueless that he doesn't qualify for the high office he might inherit. My guess is the former; he's been in Congress and a governor so he can't be as clueless and innocent as he says he is. He's just bee flying low below the radar, waiting in the wings as the present administration implodes.
However, we should not sanguinely imagine that Trump can't survive. He may do outrageous things, like fire Mueller and defame Comey, but his base will continue to think he is brilliant and flawless.
However, we should not sanguinely imagine that Trump can't survive. He may do outrageous things, like fire Mueller and defame Comey, but his base will continue to think he is brilliant and flawless.
There is a silver lining in the Trump-Pence Cloud. It is the exposure it brings to the vacuous, duplicity of the modern Republican Party,
Today, the GOP is captured by the Koch Brothers and their vigilante allies. They put power over county, profits over people and their personal interests over all.
The U.S. needs a strong Republican Party that puts the long term interests of the nation over that of a corrupt 1 percent of the richest 1 percent. Trump is giving reform, traditional Republicans the opportunity they need to retake control of their Party. And that is a very good thing.
Today, the GOP is captured by the Koch Brothers and their vigilante allies. They put power over county, profits over people and their personal interests over all.
The U.S. needs a strong Republican Party that puts the long term interests of the nation over that of a corrupt 1 percent of the richest 1 percent. Trump is giving reform, traditional Republicans the opportunity they need to retake control of their Party. And that is a very good thing.
7
what an interesting insight.
sort of like how a drunk needs to bottom out before he can get climb out of the hole he dug himself into to get sober.
seriously, you have given me an odd sense of hope.
sort of like how a drunk needs to bottom out before he can get climb out of the hole he dug himself into to get sober.
seriously, you have given me an odd sense of hope.
Trump's repulsiveness may be, ironically, a better alternative than Pence. With Trump's instinct to offend and his hourly kleptocratic and autocratic outrages, he is a posterboy for the resistance. If Pence replaces him the temperature will drop, and though a theocratic presidency will raise concern, it could bring an easing that results in GOP majorities after '18.
As much as hate the idea, having Trump through the next election is our best opportunity for protecting our democracy. A number of Red states, such as North Carolina, are aiming at getting the majorities in Congress and the States for a constitutional convention. Their opening proposals, like a "balanced budget," may seem survivable, but once they have across-the-board supermajorities, their ambitions may not be so modest. They show no respect for the constitution now. Why change when they have all the power?
As an example, take the NC General Assembly which, with its supermajority, has been: steadily seizing powers from the Governor, local governments and boards; explicitly taking education funds from Democratic districts; repeatedly trying to impose voter-ID and anti-LGBTQ laws; reducing taxes on the rich and raising them on the rest; etc.
The only barrier has been the courts, and the NC GA is making the its judiciary partisan and open to "donors." A new Constitution could subordinate the Federal Courts to a permanent GOP Congress. "Problem" solved; democracy killed.
Dems must win big in 18 & 20.
As much as hate the idea, having Trump through the next election is our best opportunity for protecting our democracy. A number of Red states, such as North Carolina, are aiming at getting the majorities in Congress and the States for a constitutional convention. Their opening proposals, like a "balanced budget," may seem survivable, but once they have across-the-board supermajorities, their ambitions may not be so modest. They show no respect for the constitution now. Why change when they have all the power?
As an example, take the NC General Assembly which, with its supermajority, has been: steadily seizing powers from the Governor, local governments and boards; explicitly taking education funds from Democratic districts; repeatedly trying to impose voter-ID and anti-LGBTQ laws; reducing taxes on the rich and raising them on the rest; etc.
The only barrier has been the courts, and the NC GA is making the its judiciary partisan and open to "donors." A new Constitution could subordinate the Federal Courts to a permanent GOP Congress. "Problem" solved; democracy killed.
Dems must win big in 18 & 20.
Dominionists like Pence bear false witness as easily as they breathe when they think doing so will help them exert their self-annointed dominion over the rest of us. Trump may be erratic and bombastic, but Pence is much more dangerous. Indiana was done with him because of the sick way he governed the state. People died because of his policies. The Indiana legislature spent their recent session undoing the damage he left behind.
Of course, Pence is lying about what he knows and when he learned about it, that's what he does.
Once Pence is gone, we'll be stuck with Paul Ryan, a man who is promoted as an intellectual by the anti-intellectual Republican Party. He was able to gain that reputation because his ideas were never tested while the Party was in the opposition. His ideas still haven't been tested thanks to the dysfunctional Republican hegemony at the federal level, thus he has been able to hang on to his office.
Of course, Pence is lying about what he knows and when he learned about it, that's what he does.
Once Pence is gone, we'll be stuck with Paul Ryan, a man who is promoted as an intellectual by the anti-intellectual Republican Party. He was able to gain that reputation because his ideas were never tested while the Party was in the opposition. His ideas still haven't been tested thanks to the dysfunctional Republican hegemony at the federal level, thus he has been able to hang on to his office.
10
Mr. Pence, like Mr. Ryan, lies by omission. This is more frightening than Mr Trump's impetuous nonsense. Thus, our impeachment dilemma is the choice between the devil we know or the quieter, more calculating ones.
9
I find it interesting that Trump summoned Comey to the White House for dinner (by the way, in what universe does someone get to invite themselves to the White House for dinner as Trump suggested?) the day after Mis Yates had visited with her warning and mentioned that the FBI had questioned him. It gives the impression that Trump panicked and called in Mr Comey to find out what he knew and wether he was going to be a problem for Trump.
The day before Trump apparently asked Comey to make the investigation go away was the day when Flynn suggested he was looking for immunity to testify. This also looks like panic on Trumps part.
Did anyone else notice just how anxious 45 was in the Holt interview when the questions turned to Flynn? It's not the first time Trump has gotten anxious when in interviews Flynn comes up. Just as he does at the point when asked about what his relationship is with Putin. Why lie and say he has no relationship with Putin at all when his body language clearly screams he is lying?
I never believed that Trump colluded, only that his people did, but I have to say that his behaviour has changed my mind. Either it was him or it was someone in his family he is covering for. He throws the rest of his team under the bus without a seconds hesitation for a twelve hour excuse, I can't imagine there are many people he would cover for besides himself.
The day before Trump apparently asked Comey to make the investigation go away was the day when Flynn suggested he was looking for immunity to testify. This also looks like panic on Trumps part.
Did anyone else notice just how anxious 45 was in the Holt interview when the questions turned to Flynn? It's not the first time Trump has gotten anxious when in interviews Flynn comes up. Just as he does at the point when asked about what his relationship is with Putin. Why lie and say he has no relationship with Putin at all when his body language clearly screams he is lying?
I never believed that Trump colluded, only that his people did, but I have to say that his behaviour has changed my mind. Either it was him or it was someone in his family he is covering for. He throws the rest of his team under the bus without a seconds hesitation for a twelve hour excuse, I can't imagine there are many people he would cover for besides himself.
10
Once again we find ourselves open-mouthed in disbelief that a hand selected member of the Trump administration is telling lies, much in the same way we continue to shake our heads in disbelief that anyone could still be supporting this man.
I can't tell if this the kind of obtuse optimism that refuses to accept what is right in front of us, as we point to the thin silver lining of the occasional Man of Morals stepping to the podium... or if it's the kind of deliberate refusal to believe what's happening that underpinned the certainty that there was no way Trump could ever win this election.
Whatever the case, there should be no question that every single person in the Trump administration is guilty of collusion in the serial destruction of our democracy. It's no longer a question of participation; it's only a question of degree. Even the supposedly square-cornered H.R. McMaster has shown that he, too, is willing to abandon principle, dignity and reputation in service to the Liar in Chief. There is no longer grounds for excusing this collusion by conceding that these are men and women of good will with whom we simply disagree.
If history has shown us anything it is that the degree to which corrupt power succeeds in destroying its citizenry is measured by the degree to which that power attracts those willing to support it for their own gain or survival.
I can't tell if this the kind of obtuse optimism that refuses to accept what is right in front of us, as we point to the thin silver lining of the occasional Man of Morals stepping to the podium... or if it's the kind of deliberate refusal to believe what's happening that underpinned the certainty that there was no way Trump could ever win this election.
Whatever the case, there should be no question that every single person in the Trump administration is guilty of collusion in the serial destruction of our democracy. It's no longer a question of participation; it's only a question of degree. Even the supposedly square-cornered H.R. McMaster has shown that he, too, is willing to abandon principle, dignity and reputation in service to the Liar in Chief. There is no longer grounds for excusing this collusion by conceding that these are men and women of good will with whom we simply disagree.
If history has shown us anything it is that the degree to which corrupt power succeeds in destroying its citizenry is measured by the degree to which that power attracts those willing to support it for their own gain or survival.
9
I read an article the other day, either Emily Bazelon or Gail Collins, who opined that after trump it's likely that the power of the presidency is going to be greatly reined back by both the courts and congress. As well it should be. This entire exercise is a lesson in civics for all of us, including those who actually were paying attention. I liken trump to 9-11 when it comes to learning more about your country, with the latter being a crash course in our foreign policy.
It just goes to show that so many of the things we simply took for granted about the presidency (and most of which all boiled down to just one word: trust) were really just precedent and at least respect for the norm. The things he has gotten away with merely by being audacious is gobsmacking. Who knew showing tax returns was not mandated? Security clearance, who needs that, the people have spoken. Sanity? Again, the people have spoken.
It just goes to show that so many of the things we simply took for granted about the presidency (and most of which all boiled down to just one word: trust) were really just precedent and at least respect for the norm. The things he has gotten away with merely by being audacious is gobsmacking. Who knew showing tax returns was not mandated? Security clearance, who needs that, the people have spoken. Sanity? Again, the people have spoken.
4
Vice president are members of the legislative branch, not the executive branch. Their constitutional role is to serve as President of the Senate and standby to assume the presidency if the president dies or is replace. Modern-day presidents attempt to integrate vice presidents into the White House, but their real function is ceremonial. White House cabinet members aren’t obligated to tell vice presidents anything. They are not the vice president’s subordinates. So what does it matter what Pence knew about Flynn's lobbying work for Turkey, or when he knew it? What possible connection could it have to "ties between the Trump campaign and Russia?
1
Simply: If he was aware of treasonous behavior; he has to reveal it. He ALSO took an oath to uphold the constitution. He is not immune from the rules and laws either.
What treasonable behavior. Flynn's firm did consulting work for Turkey, one of our NATO's allies. That neither illegal or treasonable.
Should the Donald get dumped, Pence is next in line, therefore prospects down stream look almost equally bleak for the sake of credible governance. As for anything approximating honorable conduct, well that is totally off the table.
AS for the Comey sacking: FBI Director Comey was a serious threat to a fragile and emotionally reactive DJT on multiple levels. Certainly vis a vis the Russia investigation, but also in much more fundamental ways.
The refusal to pledge felty in response to Trump’s direct call for an affirmation of loyalty — not to the country, or the office of the president, but to Trump personally. James Comey was not about to compromise his personal integrity or the integrity of the premier national law enforcement agency he led for the sake of coddling to Tump’s idiosyncratic ego. Instead he offered honesty and forthright candor — things that have zero significance in Trump’s vision of himself or the world.
AS for the Comey sacking: FBI Director Comey was a serious threat to a fragile and emotionally reactive DJT on multiple levels. Certainly vis a vis the Russia investigation, but also in much more fundamental ways.
The refusal to pledge felty in response to Trump’s direct call for an affirmation of loyalty — not to the country, or the office of the president, but to Trump personally. James Comey was not about to compromise his personal integrity or the integrity of the premier national law enforcement agency he led for the sake of coddling to Tump’s idiosyncratic ego. Instead he offered honesty and forthright candor — things that have zero significance in Trump’s vision of himself or the world.
3
Trump told us a great deal about him and his situation when he filled the Russians in on his need to fire Comey. He blithely imagined that firing Comey had taken the pressure off. How could he have been so politically obtuse?
That Trump felt tremendous pressure tells us what? That Comey had him dead to rights. He knows there is evidence out there that will clearly outline his Russian problem. The Russians compromised him. He knows it and they know it.
So it's really just a matter of time. My guess is we're much closer to the end than we think.
Trump is remarkably thin-skinned. The Comey firing, rather than alleviating the pressure, will of course amplify it for President Unintended Consequences.
Before the election the whining had already started about how "the fix was in." "The election was rigged." Now that line has taken yet another star turn except this time it's about "the witch hunt." Not in the history of our country has any politician been so mistreated by the press. Blah, blah, blah. Yes, his supporters believe it, but the rest of us don't.
And with members of Congress increasingly worried about their jobs, well, it's not going to go well for The Donald.
As Howard Stern correctly predicted, the Presidency and The Donald don't go well together. He wants adulation. When it goes away, so will he.
"Never before in the history of our country has a politician been...." The chopper is waiting Mr. President.
That Trump felt tremendous pressure tells us what? That Comey had him dead to rights. He knows there is evidence out there that will clearly outline his Russian problem. The Russians compromised him. He knows it and they know it.
So it's really just a matter of time. My guess is we're much closer to the end than we think.
Trump is remarkably thin-skinned. The Comey firing, rather than alleviating the pressure, will of course amplify it for President Unintended Consequences.
Before the election the whining had already started about how "the fix was in." "The election was rigged." Now that line has taken yet another star turn except this time it's about "the witch hunt." Not in the history of our country has any politician been so mistreated by the press. Blah, blah, blah. Yes, his supporters believe it, but the rest of us don't.
And with members of Congress increasingly worried about their jobs, well, it's not going to go well for The Donald.
As Howard Stern correctly predicted, the Presidency and The Donald don't go well together. He wants adulation. When it goes away, so will he.
"Never before in the history of our country has a politician been...." The chopper is waiting Mr. President.
6
Clearly, Pence knows more than he claims, so if the Trumpian ship of state goes down, Pence might be caught in its vortex. However, before we all celebrate such an eventuality, consider the line of succession.
Vice President Mike Pence.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.
Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin.
Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Yes, in the event that both Trump and Pence are forced out, Ryan becomes the next president. Exactly. After his “repeal and replace” legislation for Obamacare, we know precisely where this man stands. He is perfectly fine giving tax cuts to billionaires while millions of ordinary Americans lose their health insurance. Indeed, consider this entire group of men and ask which of them should occupy the Oval Office. It’s no easy choice. The possibility of a President Sessions is infinitely remote, and that’s about the only comfort I take from this list.
Vice President Mike Pence.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.
Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin.
Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Yes, in the event that both Trump and Pence are forced out, Ryan becomes the next president. Exactly. After his “repeal and replace” legislation for Obamacare, we know precisely where this man stands. He is perfectly fine giving tax cuts to billionaires while millions of ordinary Americans lose their health insurance. Indeed, consider this entire group of men and ask which of them should occupy the Oval Office. It’s no easy choice. The possibility of a President Sessions is infinitely remote, and that’s about the only comfort I take from this list.
2
Ahh, but if Trump and Pence are found to have colluded, & the House of Representatives has changed hands; guess who is up next to bat?? Nancy Pelosi. Think bigger. I'm certain the Democratic Party is.
You hold a low bar to take comfort in Sessions, a segregationist born to jim crow laws that he continued to believe in, a racist, a corrupt agent interfering in grand jury investigations, hater of the voting rights act that he called a bother, and clearly wants blacks in jail and wealthy whites running states in all their oppressive way. None of those you listed are fit for office, but espesially Sessions, the grand wizard of racism.
Pence cleverly delivers his lies with earnestness and pious solemnity, but it is also like Trump, an act and a con.
When Trump first announced his running mate, intelligent people could immediately recognize something was going to go very wrong.
Those who voted for Pence -- deliberately and consciously -- NOT for Trump, were primarily single-issue voters believing that a "stolen" seat Supreme Court judge could overturn Roe v. Wade.
These voters are not low-lifers, they are delusional wanna-be Theocrats who have endangered our democracy. The separation of powers exists for a fundamental reason -- to prevent religious fundamentalism from being a poison to the democratic process.
Pence is the guiding force behind Trump's "deals."
When Trump first announced his running mate, intelligent people could immediately recognize something was going to go very wrong.
Those who voted for Pence -- deliberately and consciously -- NOT for Trump, were primarily single-issue voters believing that a "stolen" seat Supreme Court judge could overturn Roe v. Wade.
These voters are not low-lifers, they are delusional wanna-be Theocrats who have endangered our democracy. The separation of powers exists for a fundamental reason -- to prevent religious fundamentalism from being a poison to the democratic process.
Pence is the guiding force behind Trump's "deals."
3
I'm sorry, Charles but I got as far as this sentence and started laughing: " The investigation is now largely insulated from politics." Do you really believe that? This investigation is about nothing but politics. Mr. Mueller will now manage the inquiry of one of his best friends, Mr. Comey, and of course this will be without bias.
2
Please remember also that as a candidate, VP Pence very publicly repeated the easily debunked lie, propagated through fake news sites, that the Clinton Foundation spent only a small percentage of its budget on good works. I had long opposed his policies and decried his ideologically based ignorance, but at that point I came to understand that Governor Pence was utterly unprincipled.
6
Although I detest the current goings on and I am thoroughly in favor of his eviction, we have to slow down the process of removing tRump.
If removed before the mid-term election, we risk handing Pence (liar-in-waiting?) a sympathetic and partisan Congress where they can wreak even more biased and prejudicial havoc on the already damaged public than the Orange One has already inflicted.
It is unfortunate to say, but we may be better served by letting our 5 year old baby president continue to play with matches in the White House for a few more months rather than giving a known fox the keys to the hen house with compliant and willing accomplices in Congress.
If removed before the mid-term election, we risk handing Pence (liar-in-waiting?) a sympathetic and partisan Congress where they can wreak even more biased and prejudicial havoc on the already damaged public than the Orange One has already inflicted.
It is unfortunate to say, but we may be better served by letting our 5 year old baby president continue to play with matches in the White House for a few more months rather than giving a known fox the keys to the hen house with compliant and willing accomplices in Congress.
2
"It is time for justice to be served and honor restored."
Indeed. But don't expect to see that happen any time soon. In fact, it will take at least one more election to sweep out the self-serving dishonorable Republicans from controlling all aspects of the federal government. As Mr. Blow points out today, even the sanctimonious Mr. Pence is a liar.
The word hypocrisy is so over-used these days that it is beginning to have no meaning--the Republicans do everything they had fits over when the Obamas did it. Most recent example: Mrs. Obama's declining to wear a head scarf in Saudi Arabia drew angry tweets from Trump, who apparently wasn't so busy making money he had time to comment on White House fashion. But now his wife and daughter do the same and we are all supposed to compliment their style and taste. Sorry. Not buying it.
Honestly, I am nearly desperate for this administration to be over as it brings out my "snarky" side on a daily basis, and unlike Mr. Trump, I don't like being snarky. My only solace is thinking back to the Obama's class and mentally reviewing the photos of that family as they behaved like elegant and honest Americans rather than like icons of the Davos set, surrounded by gold and double scoops of ice cream. Remember the seven deadly sins, including wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony? Is there even one of those that our current so-called president doesn't display every day?
Indeed. But don't expect to see that happen any time soon. In fact, it will take at least one more election to sweep out the self-serving dishonorable Republicans from controlling all aspects of the federal government. As Mr. Blow points out today, even the sanctimonious Mr. Pence is a liar.
The word hypocrisy is so over-used these days that it is beginning to have no meaning--the Republicans do everything they had fits over when the Obamas did it. Most recent example: Mrs. Obama's declining to wear a head scarf in Saudi Arabia drew angry tweets from Trump, who apparently wasn't so busy making money he had time to comment on White House fashion. But now his wife and daughter do the same and we are all supposed to compliment their style and taste. Sorry. Not buying it.
Honestly, I am nearly desperate for this administration to be over as it brings out my "snarky" side on a daily basis, and unlike Mr. Trump, I don't like being snarky. My only solace is thinking back to the Obama's class and mentally reviewing the photos of that family as they behaved like elegant and honest Americans rather than like icons of the Davos set, surrounded by gold and double scoops of ice cream. Remember the seven deadly sins, including wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony? Is there even one of those that our current so-called president doesn't display every day?
4
Although Michael Flynn had given speeches that criticized Turkey’s president for moving the country away from secularism, the consulting firm—Flynn Intel Group—he owned with his son did lobbying work for a Dutch firm owned by a Turkish businessman that benefitted Turkey, which is one our NATO allies. Flynn’s firm gathered intelligence on an exiled cleric living in New York who Turkey blames for a failed coup attempt. A former federal official alleges that Flynn set in on a meeting in which Turkish diplomats discuss the possibility of kidnapping the exiled cleric. As a result, Flynn had to register as a foreign agent. He shut down the consulting firm before being named national security advisor. While none of this is illegal, it is mildly interesting, but what connection does it have to the investigation of possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign?
I believe the liar list will include Speaker Ryan.
The key Watergate questions are going to resurface - What did they know? When did they know it?
Speaker Ryan's change in view towards then candidate Trump leads me to believe that Trump, ever the braggart, told Speaker Ryan about his secret backers which won him over to his side. Like your average rat jumping ship, I believe Speaker Ryan switched "loyalty" to the potential winner.
I expect Robert Mueller to be very thorough. That is not good for this band of lying co-conspirators. Which one will sing the loudest as the end draws near?
I hope the investigation is thorough and fast so we can end this madness, even it means we have President Orrin Hatch, the next untouched person in the presidential line of succession.
The key Watergate questions are going to resurface - What did they know? When did they know it?
Speaker Ryan's change in view towards then candidate Trump leads me to believe that Trump, ever the braggart, told Speaker Ryan about his secret backers which won him over to his side. Like your average rat jumping ship, I believe Speaker Ryan switched "loyalty" to the potential winner.
I expect Robert Mueller to be very thorough. That is not good for this band of lying co-conspirators. Which one will sing the loudest as the end draws near?
I hope the investigation is thorough and fast so we can end this madness, even it means we have President Orrin Hatch, the next untouched person in the presidential line of succession.
6
Before you get to "what did they know" and "when did they know it", you need to point to some crime. Thus far, there is a criminal investigation, but despite months of leaks, no evidence of a crime.
1
Only in alternate reality would one say, no evidence, no crime
1
All one has to do is read Malcolm Nance's book, "The Plot to Hack America," to learn the connections between the Russians and tampering with the 2016 election. This was going on for some time, and the book was published in September 2016--nearly two full months PRIOR to the election. The roles of Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn are spelled out in the book. Malcolm Nance is a well-respected former Naval intelligence officer. I trust him far more than I trust anyone who's associated with Trump or Pence.
As for General H.R. McMaster, who was one of only two "adults in the room," I believe it's only a matter of time before he resigns. The look on his face as he appeared before the press last week said much more than the words that came out of his mouth. His honor's at stake as well.
As for General H.R. McMaster, who was one of only two "adults in the room," I believe it's only a matter of time before he resigns. The look on his face as he appeared before the press last week said much more than the words that came out of his mouth. His honor's at stake as well.
4
Too late, he already lied in support of trump and in direct opposition of his own book, "Dereliction of Duty".
Mr. Blow, the Trump administration is not the first one to be dishonest nor shall be the last one. That appalling quality is inherent in politics. However there is a big difference between "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" and "we cannot wait for the final proof, the smoking gun that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud". I don't know where we are in that spectrum with Trump or if he has established a new boundary. But you are absolutely right that we have to find out. Soon.
1
I agree the pathological lies of the tyrannical Trump have to be offset by the lies of the Pious Pence. As we have seen in history many a Pope has committed egregious Acts under the umbrella of Piety and so would Pence. Thus the effort to oust Trump for the one person in America who would bring back Burning at the Stake would seem folly. The Agenda would almost certainly be the same if not worse since Pence is further Right of Trump. Our only Saviour here would be the midterms and replacing the hapless, fawning, arrogant and nauseating Trump puppet Paul Ryan....only then can we celebrate Turning the Corner.
1
Either the President and Vice President knew about the details of Flynn's foreign "business" interests, or the Legal Counsel is purposely withholding vital information. I think it is likely the former.
2
Part of what kept Nixon in office so long was Spiro Agnew. Part of what will keep Benedict Trump in office longer will be Mike Pence, who is a smoother dissembler than Trump and, in a real sense, a greater threat to American democracy and America's fundamental values than is Trump. Pence, after all, the emissary of the American Taliban, is motivated by more than just greed -- and he knows how the system works. Let's not forget that in 2008, Indiana played a central role in giving voter suppression a facade of legitimacy, and voter suppression was a hallmark of Pence's term as governor, even though (except, perhaps, for the tens of thousands of people whose votes were suppressed) that was overshadowed by his massive efforts to promote legitimization of religious bigotry to deprive Americans of important constitutional rights. Bluntly, like essentially all Republicans in Congress and vast numbers in state capitals, there is no version of the Pledge of Allegiance that Mike Pence can recite without perjuring himself.
Realistically, while Pence may not have known of EVERYTHING that was going on during the transition and since, it is not possible to believe that he did not know of major matters that he was explicitly told of and/or were widely reported. Not even if he made special efforts NOT to be aware of them. Intentional ignorance is not a very good excuse.
Realistically, while Pence may not have known of EVERYTHING that was going on during the transition and since, it is not possible to believe that he did not know of major matters that he was explicitly told of and/or were widely reported. Not even if he made special efforts NOT to be aware of them. Intentional ignorance is not a very good excuse.
I just don't know how "House of Cards" will keep up with all of this.
4
Are you writing about HRC or DJT? Both walked in the same shoes. Yes Trump is abrasive, but just as honest as Clinton. We need better choices. As in third party candidates.
But that insulation from politics is like a quilt a mile wide and an inch thick: it spreads across the political spectrum but requires holding together with stitches.
Thank you Mr. Blow for illustrating the pence factor.
It would be lovely to get a 2 for one from this.
Throw in crooked-kid-kushner for extra points.
Regrettably those who support him, the entire republican house and too many republican senators, the down home folks who are waiting for jobs to return and better healthcare at more affordable prices will not believe the news that comes out of this investigation.
To them it's a witch hunt, an east coast liberal media attack on the man who will save them from themselves.
I just hope this investigation illuminates the truth in time to rid us of the cancer before it takes us to another republican war, another republican economic disaster, and worse...an global environment which can't not be saved.
It would be lovely to get a 2 for one from this.
Throw in crooked-kid-kushner for extra points.
Regrettably those who support him, the entire republican house and too many republican senators, the down home folks who are waiting for jobs to return and better healthcare at more affordable prices will not believe the news that comes out of this investigation.
To them it's a witch hunt, an east coast liberal media attack on the man who will save them from themselves.
I just hope this investigation illuminates the truth in time to rid us of the cancer before it takes us to another republican war, another republican economic disaster, and worse...an global environment which can't not be saved.
4
Charles, allow me to make a suggestion to you:
It's high time to stop concentrating on tRump's administration in your editorials. Let him and the venal Republicans in Congress do whatever they want. Truly, who is going to stop them at this point? They are turning out to be their own worst enemies.
A transformation of our culture and politics will only come if liberals/progressives are able to take back political power at the local level. This means you and other well-meaning journalists need to start seeking out NEW talent on the political left. Please, try to find and promote the next generation of progressives because the old, stale, ineffective Dems now in charge have reached their expiration date (years ago!).
At this moment, I'm sure there are few new prominent Dems that are well-known. Why? Where is the future?
It's high time to stop concentrating on tRump's administration in your editorials. Let him and the venal Republicans in Congress do whatever they want. Truly, who is going to stop them at this point? They are turning out to be their own worst enemies.
A transformation of our culture and politics will only come if liberals/progressives are able to take back political power at the local level. This means you and other well-meaning journalists need to start seeking out NEW talent on the political left. Please, try to find and promote the next generation of progressives because the old, stale, ineffective Dems now in charge have reached their expiration date (years ago!).
At this moment, I'm sure there are few new prominent Dems that are well-known. Why? Where is the future?
1
Clearly pence is infected with the same maladies that hamper the rest of the GOP- a severe aversion to the truth.
Two simple and glaring facts:
This administration lost the popular vote yet they resist doing the work of the majority of the people of this great land
Second, pence swears he knew nothing of flynn's ties to Turkey and working as a foreign agent when this was publicly available information. That's in addition to the hand written letter delivered to him by Rep. Cummings
This administration has is challenged and confused by reality.
Reality will sink in soon as 2018 nears and all can see the end of DJT
Two simple and glaring facts:
This administration lost the popular vote yet they resist doing the work of the majority of the people of this great land
Second, pence swears he knew nothing of flynn's ties to Turkey and working as a foreign agent when this was publicly available information. That's in addition to the hand written letter delivered to him by Rep. Cummings
This administration has is challenged and confused by reality.
Reality will sink in soon as 2018 nears and all can see the end of DJT
1
Swamps are hard to drain. Just maybe Muller will be able to pull the plug and start draining the swamp. I accept him as an intelligent man of integrity. How long will it be before the sharks go on the attack? Good luck draining the swamp Mr Muller… you'll need it!
1
Pence may not be able to honestly claim ignorance but he could honestly claim being conniving and blinded by his own narrow and pseudo-religious views of humanity.
2
I'm looking forward to a tight-lipped investigation under Mueller so I can enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day and not feel ravaged by the constant barrage of leaks, lies, and larceny of the whole administration's affair.
I know. I'm dreaming. We elect transparency, they elect secrecy.
We hear that trump et al are now pursuing a smear campaign against Mueller - Kushner's campaign of choice. Why? Instead of defending themselves with financial records and testimony, they choose secrecy and defamation.
Once again, Hello GOP! (Waving them down as they speed pass the accident to get to their agenda of the biggest transfer of wealth from those with little to those of lots.)
I know. I'm dreaming. We elect transparency, they elect secrecy.
We hear that trump et al are now pursuing a smear campaign against Mueller - Kushner's campaign of choice. Why? Instead of defending themselves with financial records and testimony, they choose secrecy and defamation.
Once again, Hello GOP! (Waving them down as they speed pass the accident to get to their agenda of the biggest transfer of wealth from those with little to those of lots.)
2
Thank you for stating the obvious with regards to Mr. Pence. He is either a liar or incompetent (without plausible deniability) or both.
1
Did it every occur to Charles Blow that Donald Trump's juvenile behavior is a reflection of life in 21st century America? Maybe the real problem is that Americans take forever to become adults. Why worry about doing all those scary grownup things if you don't have to. The best example of this is when Trump bragged about having two scoops of ice cream during his Last Supper with Comey. It does sound like a kid boasting about Mommy or Daddy's favorite because he got more than his less deserving siblings.
Americans are such children. We demand instant gratification and are disappointed when we don't get what we want when we want it.
Americans are such children. We demand instant gratification and are disappointed when we don't get what we want when we want it.
1
There's that keyword: "honor." It seems to be lacking entirely in this administration, but does any remain in the GOP at all? I hear some senators and such talk the talk, but who will walk the walk?
2
If trump goes and takes Pence down with him I hope it will be after the 2018 elections. It's doubtful but there there's an outside chance the Democratic's will take back the house in 2018 and elect a new house speaker. Who then becomes president. For me a Ryan presidency is as bad as trump's, if not worse, because he might be able to get some of the Republicans cruel agenda done.
If Pence does take the helm, he'll have two years to show america right wing Christianity at it's worse. If anyone thinks for a moment there will be more people signing up to be Christians in a Pence presidency they are sadly mistaken. If anything there will be a precipitous drop.
If Pence does take the helm, he'll have two years to show america right wing Christianity at it's worse. If anyone thinks for a moment there will be more people signing up to be Christians in a Pence presidency they are sadly mistaken. If anything there will be a precipitous drop.
The investigation will reveal the facts, and as is proper all of the activities that constitute treason will be exposed. There are real facts, not alternative facts, that will substantiate illegal activities. One of the most critically important items to be examined will be NOT MY PRESIDENT's Federal tax returns, which are now totally germane to the inquiry.
Also, this process will take time, and that time will stall all other legislating agenda until the 2018 election cycle is upon us.
Also, this process will take time, and that time will stall all other legislating agenda until the 2018 election cycle is upon us.
A Small Scale Pence: A preacher near where I live pushes politics and his religious agenda really hard. He is heavy on use of power by directing his congregation at the ballot box. He almost certainly receives funds from very wealthy individuals and their organizations for this. He recently sues plaintiffs in a case against a State politician in what looks like very hard politics. He always has his "beatious" smiling public face while making power deals to influence the law. This so called man of god does not respect the law or the constitution or our system of governance and compromises them. There are many of these religious bigots and influence paddlers across our cities and states.
Now in PenCe we have a national actor who also compromises most every decency for his narrow minded religious fervor. Yes. He must be investigated too and held accountable.
Now in PenCe we have a national actor who also compromises most every decency for his narrow minded religious fervor. Yes. He must be investigated too and held accountable.
1
Indeed, "it is increasingly clear that there is more to know than we now know," but is there more to care? Although the answer should be a resounding "Yes!" I worry that half the nation has never cared in the first place and the other half is falling prey to "mendacity fatigue" regarding our self-indulgent, serially meretricious President..
Mr. Blow's application of the pedal to the metal is necessary in our dysfunctional time, and much appreciated. Please keep it coming, Charles! But let us not be surprised if the account-taking falls upon deaf ears. The Trump Administration and the GOP bile factory are counting on our citizenly apathy.
Mr. Blow's application of the pedal to the metal is necessary in our dysfunctional time, and much appreciated. Please keep it coming, Charles! But let us not be surprised if the account-taking falls upon deaf ears. The Trump Administration and the GOP bile factory are counting on our citizenly apathy.
2
Anyone with a functioning moral compass would not join the Trump Team, especially as VP! We were all warned when Pence declared, "I am a Christian, Conservative and Republican, in that order". That admission alone should put everyone on high alert!
3
Pence is complicit in everything trump has done as the GOP candidate and now as president. No one should be fooled by Pence's beatific smile and calm demeanor. He's a good actor who can look you in the eye, smile and lie like a rug! He is actually worse than trump because he is quite capable of bringing his "Christian state" beliefs into law. In Pence World, Christian beliefs should be the basis of the laws the this country.
Ask the good folks of Indiana about Pence and many will tell you of the economic and social destruction he brought, due to his far right beliefs. Throughout Indiana, there were signs stating "Fire Mike Pence."
It was clear that Pence would loose his reelection bid as governor, so he eagerly jumped on the trump train and now, here we are, in a big old mess. No one expected the firing would turn into a promotion!
Ask the good folks of Indiana about Pence and many will tell you of the economic and social destruction he brought, due to his far right beliefs. Throughout Indiana, there were signs stating "Fire Mike Pence."
It was clear that Pence would loose his reelection bid as governor, so he eagerly jumped on the trump train and now, here we are, in a big old mess. No one expected the firing would turn into a promotion!
6
Here in Indiana, we know all about Mike Pence. A failed one-term governor headed for certain defeat in a deep-red state, he pulled the rip-cord at the 11th hour and decided to cast his lot with the gangster regime of Donald Trump.
What did he bring to the ticket? The down-home, midwestern look of the heartland conservative along with the willingness to lie like a rug for his boss and to advance his own interests. During the Vice Presidential debates, he earned his master's praise when he looked the American people in the eye, turned on his self-righteous conservative schtick, and told the American people about the courage and character of Donald Trump, the man they had heard, just two days before, proudly boasting of serial sexual assault. Pence is as dumb as a rock, known here in Indiana as Governor Dense, but I'll admit he's got a talent for lying.
Mike Pence and the entire Republican Party are guilty of lying to the American people and enabling the gangster activities and behavior of the Trump regime. They've prevented any meaningful oversight and investigation into many impeachable acts beyond the Russia mess and they've demonstrated that they're absolutely unable to govern in the public interest. Pence has just taken it one step further with his clear lying in the Flynn and Russian collusion mess.
What did he bring to the ticket? The down-home, midwestern look of the heartland conservative along with the willingness to lie like a rug for his boss and to advance his own interests. During the Vice Presidential debates, he earned his master's praise when he looked the American people in the eye, turned on his self-righteous conservative schtick, and told the American people about the courage and character of Donald Trump, the man they had heard, just two days before, proudly boasting of serial sexual assault. Pence is as dumb as a rock, known here in Indiana as Governor Dense, but I'll admit he's got a talent for lying.
Mike Pence and the entire Republican Party are guilty of lying to the American people and enabling the gangster activities and behavior of the Trump regime. They've prevented any meaningful oversight and investigation into many impeachable acts beyond the Russia mess and they've demonstrated that they're absolutely unable to govern in the public interest. Pence has just taken it one step further with his clear lying in the Flynn and Russian collusion mess.
Charles, As usual, I agree with everything you say. But I am afraid your overheated rhetoric is not going to convince anyone on the other side. Clearly and clamly laying out the facts as they emerge might --just might-- do the trick
1
I think Charles' gift, by way of his passionate writing, will be to inspire open-minded readers to take action. To resist.
Not to mention that he provides some catharsis as we wince our way through this fraught time.
Not to mention that he provides some catharsis as we wince our way through this fraught time.
I assume Pence is lying whenever he speaks because I will never forget his nonstop lying during the Kaine debate while shaking his head with a smile on his face.
I laughed out loud when Trump claimed that he fired Flynn because he lied to Pence about his discussions with Russian Ambassador Kislyak.
I laughed out loud when Trump claimed that he fired Flynn because he lied to Pence about his discussions with Russian Ambassador Kislyak.
3
Yes why is everybody always repeating that lie?
I'm especially thankful to you, Mr. Blow, for putting a spotlight on Mike Pence, who has been lying through his teeth since this illicit regime took office. His faux-earnestness is exactly that-- a ruse for covering up the truth about a very toxic White House, with him and Trump in full collusion. He's as corrupt as the criminal he works for and with.
"A lie is a lie. The dishonest must be dislodged." Absolutely right, Mr. Blow!
Only those who put self and party before country would disagree. The problem is, we are beginning to realize just how many do.
Only those who put self and party before country would disagree. The problem is, we are beginning to realize just how many do.
As incredibly destructive and malicious the "president's" performance has been so far, Pence is lightyears worse...as odd as it feels to write that.
The disguising of malicious intent in a soft, "kind", eyebrow-furrowed ("I am a Christian first") expression is both the oldest trick in the book, and the worst. Just ask the Indiana women whom he wanted to force to pay for funerals for their cremated embryos.
The disguising of malicious intent in a soft, "kind", eyebrow-furrowed ("I am a Christian first") expression is both the oldest trick in the book, and the worst. Just ask the Indiana women whom he wanted to force to pay for funerals for their cremated embryos.
2
True he is an abominable politician but he works within the normal parameters of American law and politics. But he could be constrained, he would just be a bad president. His work could probably be repealed once he left. Yes, it might be a hard struggle with him as POTUS, but he does not represent the danger that Trumps emotional stability does. Although most politicians have narcissist qualities and behaviours but Trump is literally a malignant narcissist. He is reckless with the lives, reputations and the freedoms of his country. It is only shred luck that he is incompetent and has a incontinence of free speech, facts and truths.
Pence only lies at a level of your average politician. He doesn't represent a danger to the free world. When he lies he knows he is lying, a bit like Spicer, you can see there is still a conscience there (which is why Spicer has so much trouble talking when he lies.
So yes, Pence would be an awful president, particularly for LGBT people but his presidency would end with a peaceful transfer of power. He knows words have consequences and has a feeling for the constitution and political norms and could be fought without constitutional crises, nor would he require this constant musing about wether he actually is bat shit crazy.
Every single crisis of this administration is self inflicted and they have failed to even get themselves out of that. What happens when a real crisis occurs? To some up: Pence is just wrong.Trump is dangerous
Pence only lies at a level of your average politician. He doesn't represent a danger to the free world. When he lies he knows he is lying, a bit like Spicer, you can see there is still a conscience there (which is why Spicer has so much trouble talking when he lies.
So yes, Pence would be an awful president, particularly for LGBT people but his presidency would end with a peaceful transfer of power. He knows words have consequences and has a feeling for the constitution and political norms and could be fought without constitutional crises, nor would he require this constant musing about wether he actually is bat shit crazy.
Every single crisis of this administration is self inflicted and they have failed to even get themselves out of that. What happens when a real crisis occurs? To some up: Pence is just wrong.Trump is dangerous
That was helpful, thanks.
I'm still not sure that there is much separation between the two of them. If Pence (hypothetically) has any shred of conscience or balance, how could he sign on to support, and indeed *applaud* the Trump disaster? Pence's relative coherence leads me to see him as potentially much more dangerous - someone willing to milk Trump's toxicity for all it's worth, and to ride his very coattails into power. Much as it would be a relief to believe that Pence is dutifully "waiting in the wings" to save the country, I would be more afraid of his competence than Trump's severe incompetence.
I guess it's a lose/lose situation.
I'm still not sure that there is much separation between the two of them. If Pence (hypothetically) has any shred of conscience or balance, how could he sign on to support, and indeed *applaud* the Trump disaster? Pence's relative coherence leads me to see him as potentially much more dangerous - someone willing to milk Trump's toxicity for all it's worth, and to ride his very coattails into power. Much as it would be a relief to believe that Pence is dutifully "waiting in the wings" to save the country, I would be more afraid of his competence than Trump's severe incompetence.
I guess it's a lose/lose situation.
Lock 'em up; start with Flynn, then Manafort and all the way up the chain to 45. Fill the cells with them. Lock 'em all up.
3
The epidemic of amnesia has now infected Gen. McMaster, who couldn't remember Trump telling the Russians that Comey is "a real nut-job".
Every day, with every lie and distortion, this administration diminishes the credibility of our government and our country. Who knows how long it will take to repair the damage they are doing?
Every day, with every lie and distortion, this administration diminishes the credibility of our government and our country. Who knows how long it will take to repair the damage they are doing?
2
Gotta love those "Christian" principles Mr. Pence lives by. The stories we tell ourselves to make it all OKAY.
"Forgive him Father, they know not what they do"... not applicable here.
"Forgive him Father, they know not what they do"... not applicable here.
I am not sure if Pence is dumb like a fox or simply dense That is the $64 question. What we do know is that he was a failed Governor who had he run again in Indiana he was predicted to lose. Thus he leaped for the chance to save face by jumping on the circus wagon known as the trump presidency. Now he is inhaling the elephant muck from the lead wagon as he drives his own circus wagon behind that of the president. Pence can't get out of line and he just has to smile, wave his circus hat while driving his wagon straight off the cliff.
1
Trump is a autocrat who need to be put out of office, he is using the presidency to advance his interest and his family with new golf courses and all the advantages that the presidency can buy for him, we are the best country in the World this clown cannot keep ruling over the country.
1
I believe the Christian Warrior, Mike Pence, is guilty of accommodating Donald Trump's lies. He is doing this to advance his Christian policies, trading far-right policy implementation for silence on Trump's grift and cons. Not Christian in my book, Mike. You are enabling a man who is stealing from America's poor to enrich himself and his billionaire cronies.
4
Mike Pence is utterly preoccupied with admonishing and controlling sexual activity outside his own parameters.
To me it is entirely believable that he would be ignorant on a foreign entanglement.
To me it is entirely believable that he would be ignorant on a foreign entanglement.
1
Think for a minute about how different the last few months would be had Trump taken Obama's advice and NOT hired Flynn.
Beware what you wish for. I've heard many people say they hope Trump is removed from office. He's an oaf compared to the treacherous Pence.
1
Right on. I see Pence as being more dangerous than Trump because he is, indeed, a liar and one with a sinister Republican agenda unlike his rudderless whiner-in-chief. Pence, as transition head, is certainly guilty of helping in the coverup of Flynn's hiring as national security adviser while he was also a paid agent for Turkey and possibly Russia. And Pence forms a tighly-knit cabal with Ryan and McConnell in overlooking Trump's serial lying, nepotism, conflicts of interest, betrayal of foreign intelligence secrets, violations of the emoluments clause and unconstitutional attacks on the judiciary and the First Amendment just so he can be manipulated into signing away Americans' health care and enacting another tax cut for the rich.
2
Sorry, not going to happen. The Mueller investigation will not do the trick for bloodthirsty Trump-haters; in fact, it may accomplish the opposite. The president has pivoted now that the Dems have their independent investigation. He is strutting the world stage with a sure-footedness that enrages his detractors. He will soon return, his overseas trip a resounding success. Meanwhile Mr. Blow can scurry about screaming "liar" to everyone within earshot. A bore is a bore.
1
Pence scares me way more that The Donald and is a bigger threat to democracy.
DT is not an ideologue, and his screeching bumbling and self-destructive behavior will ensure that little actually gets done before the mid-terms.
Trump really doesn't care what other other people do or think (or where they use the bathroom) unless they get in the way of him printing money (BTW - where are those tax returns ??)
Right now he is paying along with the Heritage Foundation, but that could change on a dime (remember -he was a fake D before he was a fake R)
Pence believes he is on a divine mission from god. (how utterly and perfectly convenient - for him - that his god is a white man.)
He will not rest until women are back where they belong (subordinate to men) and pumping out kids, regardless of personal circumstances) and minorities are increasingly viewed as somehow 'less American' than white peoepl (wonder how descendants of Crisps Attucks must feel.)
DT is not an ideologue, and his screeching bumbling and self-destructive behavior will ensure that little actually gets done before the mid-terms.
Trump really doesn't care what other other people do or think (or where they use the bathroom) unless they get in the way of him printing money (BTW - where are those tax returns ??)
Right now he is paying along with the Heritage Foundation, but that could change on a dime (remember -he was a fake D before he was a fake R)
Pence believes he is on a divine mission from god. (how utterly and perfectly convenient - for him - that his god is a white man.)
He will not rest until women are back where they belong (subordinate to men) and pumping out kids, regardless of personal circumstances) and minorities are increasingly viewed as somehow 'less American' than white peoepl (wonder how descendants of Crisps Attucks must feel.)
2
How does Mr. Pence deal with his religious convictions and the commandment that should be ringing in his ear.
"Thou Shalt Not Lie!"
"Thou Shalt Not Lie!"
2
The swamp trump and his cohorts are creating in Washington is getting deeper and deeper, smellier and smellier. We can only hope it doesn't overflow and drown the rest os us.
1
Pence rivals Sargent - "I see nothing, I hear nothing, I know nothing" Schultz of Hogan's Heroes fame, although Schultz seemed to be human. Michael Pence was a rabid right radio shock jock with a silky voice and milky wihite demeanor whose ceaselessly patronizing smile is the scariest thing I've ever seen on a human face.
4
Either Pence was, at the very least, aware of malfeasance, or he is incredibly ignorant and detached. Neither is acceptable. Both are damning.
The problem is that the GOP leadership - Ryan, McConnell, Trump and Pence - and much of the rank and file is shameless. They are LITERARY WITHOUT SHAME. To such people, lying, hypocrisy, obfuscation, fake news and dirty tricks are legitimate tools to achieve a greater good: the enrichment of the already rich. Destruction of the ACA, the environment and civil rights are means to an end.
It's time to tell them, "YOU'RE FIRED!"
The problem is that the GOP leadership - Ryan, McConnell, Trump and Pence - and much of the rank and file is shameless. They are LITERARY WITHOUT SHAME. To such people, lying, hypocrisy, obfuscation, fake news and dirty tricks are legitimate tools to achieve a greater good: the enrichment of the already rich. Destruction of the ACA, the environment and civil rights are means to an end.
It's time to tell them, "YOU'RE FIRED!"
1
Perhaps Trump can make history by being the first President to provoke a double impeachment, of him and of his Vice President, simultaneously.
2
Mike Pence has to keep low key, avoid mistakes and wait patiently to be sworn in as the next President of the USA,
Perhaps any earlier hesitancies to collar Pence as a co-conspirator has been caused by the specter of Paul Ryan.
Having so expertly identified the lies of the Democrats over the past 8 years (and heartily criticized them), it is refreshing to see Mr. Blow now turn his attention to the lies of Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence.
Oops. That did not take place during the past 8 years.
Which means that Mr. Blow lied about the lies of the past 8 years - and now expects his readers to accept that that he is now telling "the truth" about the current state of politics.
Integrity is a two-way street.
Oops. That did not take place during the past 8 years.
Which means that Mr. Blow lied about the lies of the past 8 years - and now expects his readers to accept that that he is now telling "the truth" about the current state of politics.
Integrity is a two-way street.