My favorite part of this superb op ed was the quote from John Boehner
79
If I were Obama, I'd be smiling too !
NY Times-nation. Obama gave his all for 8 years. Stayed up late reading his briefing papers, saved us from an economic meltdown, pushed thru health care reform, and kept us out of wars.
And, oh, yes, NO scandals in eight years.
Throughout those years, the punditry criticized him for a) not having a drink with Mitch McConnell, b) not finding a way to get along with a rabidly obstructionist right wing, and c) any number of Fox News generated scandals like the Birther movement or Michelle's secret hatred of America.
Did anybody call out Fox and the Republican far right? Nope. I certainly never read columns from MD supporting Obama. So, if I am Obama, I am probably thinking right now, 'folks, you made your bed, now sleep in it'.
NY Times-nation. Obama gave his all for 8 years. Stayed up late reading his briefing papers, saved us from an economic meltdown, pushed thru health care reform, and kept us out of wars.
And, oh, yes, NO scandals in eight years.
Throughout those years, the punditry criticized him for a) not having a drink with Mitch McConnell, b) not finding a way to get along with a rabidly obstructionist right wing, and c) any number of Fox News generated scandals like the Birther movement or Michelle's secret hatred of America.
Did anybody call out Fox and the Republican far right? Nope. I certainly never read columns from MD supporting Obama. So, if I am Obama, I am probably thinking right now, 'folks, you made your bed, now sleep in it'.
157
Obama is cool and calm because he knows two things: Clinton was a horrendous candidate (losing to the most pathetic candidate of all time proved that for anyone who didn't know it before hand). And secondly, her loss had nothing to do with the Russians or Comey or anything except her and Bill's money grubbing and the lack of a coherent, consistent agenda. It's hard for me to fathom how seriously intelligent people have talked themselves into believing that these other red herrings were responsible for the election results. I suppose psychologists would call that a delusional rationalization. The Dems need an agenda and some descent candidates going forward, and that agenda can no longer include policies that reflect an attitude of disrespect for the "deplorables" who happen to be about 40% of the electorate. Repeating the same approach will result in four more years for Trump.
45
President Obama strolling across the Bois de Boulogne. As liberals, we'll never cease giving this man a pass. He's come as close as possible to embodying the virtues & imperfections of Camelot.
President Trump? A devious huckster, by contrast, in King Arthur's Court.
President Trump? A devious huckster, by contrast, in King Arthur's Court.
42
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the Reign of Trump Stupidity is that it was obvious throughout the primaries that he would be a total buffoon of a president, but the American people elected him anyway. The demise of American exceptionally is being televised 24/7. Ad rates for the finale should top any Super bowl. How fitting.
89
It is sexist to expect Melania to save the world. She works for free.
She deserves equal pay for equal work.
She deserves equal pay for equal work.
14
Axelrod is right. The last thing we need is for Obama or any other former President to join in. Just think of the precedent it would set if Presidents never really left office.
44
Ah, Ms. Dowd. If President Obama wants to relax and play for a while, let it be. He earned it with eight years of hard work in Washington.
Though not really strong on foreign affairs, he believe in diplomacy over weapons. In domestic matters, he pulled the country our of a terrible recession with little or no help from Congress.
He deserves his fun, as do Mr. Boehner and W. I don't doubt one bit, even concerning Bush, that all three of these men did their best to serve the country. But that is past, so let them go their own ways.
As to Trump--Heaven help us!
Though not really strong on foreign affairs, he believe in diplomacy over weapons. In domestic matters, he pulled the country our of a terrible recession with little or no help from Congress.
He deserves his fun, as do Mr. Boehner and W. I don't doubt one bit, even concerning Bush, that all three of these men did their best to serve the country. But that is past, so let them go their own ways.
As to Trump--Heaven help us!
116
What Trump exudes is NOT strength - ONLY boorishness!!
What Obama exudes is power with simple charm and elegance. A few missteps notwithstanding he personifies the phrase - "walk tall, speak softly and carry a big stick".
The chasm in the comparison between the two Presidents is so wide and deep, that words simply fail. One also gets tempted to use words and phrases that may be apt but cannot be used in polite company.
Being devoid of common courtesy, Trump thinks that he can strong arm anyone. However, being devoid of common sense he is badly mistaken and does not learn from mistakes.
He tried that with French President and failed. Earlier he tried that with Canadian Prime Minister and failed.
In the future, he'll try again and will fail again, in all likelihood. What works with the Republican lawmakers in US, will NOT work with other world leaders.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40077241
What Obama exudes is power with simple charm and elegance. A few missteps notwithstanding he personifies the phrase - "walk tall, speak softly and carry a big stick".
The chasm in the comparison between the two Presidents is so wide and deep, that words simply fail. One also gets tempted to use words and phrases that may be apt but cannot be used in polite company.
Being devoid of common courtesy, Trump thinks that he can strong arm anyone. However, being devoid of common sense he is badly mistaken and does not learn from mistakes.
He tried that with French President and failed. Earlier he tried that with Canadian Prime Minister and failed.
In the future, he'll try again and will fail again, in all likelihood. What works with the Republican lawmakers in US, will NOT work with other world leaders.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40077241
104
Funny how Maureen Is still in love with Obama so can't
stand his independence. He's a citizen now, no more no less.
His private life isn't your business. You often denigrated him while he was President, though Congress would not look at one of his bills and he resorted to Executive Order. Congress now lives on Trump's bill-less EO signature.
You want Obama back, leading from the outside when you thought him a wimp when in office. Get over being dazzled by the smile. He's not yours anymore. Never was really. He was just our President, reasonable, patient, pragmatic. Drove
you nuts. Maybe you should like Trump.
stand his independence. He's a citizen now, no more no less.
His private life isn't your business. You often denigrated him while he was President, though Congress would not look at one of his bills and he resorted to Executive Order. Congress now lives on Trump's bill-less EO signature.
You want Obama back, leading from the outside when you thought him a wimp when in office. Get over being dazzled by the smile. He's not yours anymore. Never was really. He was just our President, reasonable, patient, pragmatic. Drove
you nuts. Maybe you should like Trump.
71
Trump and his core supporters -- the genuinely deplorable -- are open to an actual second Civil War. That's one reason they love their guns. The rest of us need to go practice at the shooting range.
39
I see Charlie Sykes is the new go to Conservative. When he started his radio show he called himself a “recovering liberal”, and now it appears he is a “recovering conservative” as there is money to be made. He is also the “recovering liberal” who promoted David Clarke for sheriff of Milwaukee County. How did that work out? And he also feels that Paul Ryan is on the right track in sticking it to the poor, and middle class, as Sykes doesn’t belong to either group.
18
I'm smiling too, Maureen. Trump loudly and repeatedly caricatures every bad impulse of a bad leader, and better yet will never learn how to hide his disability. He brings it daily. He's waking up American Democracy.
28
Donald is the "greatest" baby president ever. What does this say about his faithful supporters? I find it weird that anyone likes him, trusts him and would happily vote for him again. Even after he cuts their social safety net.
We need a miracle to save us. 2018 can't come soon enough.
We need a miracle to save us. 2018 can't come soon enough.
64
Barack Obama left office with the world in turmoil and America more politically and racially divided than it's been since the 60's. His missteps in the Middle East, starting with his terrible decisions to not back Mubarak in Egypt, and support the overthrow of Gaddafi in Libya during that naive liberal Kumbaya Party" The Arab Spring" started the destabilization of the region. Combine that with his feckless Syria policy, and the world was saddled with the murdering butchers of ISIS. He can only be smiling over not having to clean up the mess he created, and the fact that he left it to a person he totally despises, Donald Trump.
23
"With a masculinity so secure it doesn't need to be insisted upon." Trump is the reverse, cubed.
71
Trump's self described long list of accomplishments as perhaps "the greatest in history" should include creating "the greatest American embarrassment in our history, both at home and abroad." Has this man no shame at all?
56
"But will we be O.K.?" Obama very likely thinks so but would probably admit that many of us will literally, sadly and prematurely die on the way to O.K or even back to normal dysfunctionality. And it is probably for the best that he has followed the tradition of not criticizing his former peers. Besides, were Obama to do so, it would just afford Trump another opportunity to divert our attention and tweet about "unfair" tactics. Furthermore, Obama wisely knows that it will be up to US, not him, to get back to O.K. and beyond.
As to smiling, the only Presidents who smiled as much or more than Obama were 3 Democratic politicians, FDR, JFK and Clinton, who did so naturally, and Ronnie, an actor trained to look sincerely upbeat even when he was anything but.
Speaking of the Clintons, for the first time in memory Maureen did not take a shot at them. Guess they're (finally) off her radar.
As to smiling, the only Presidents who smiled as much or more than Obama were 3 Democratic politicians, FDR, JFK and Clinton, who did so naturally, and Ronnie, an actor trained to look sincerely upbeat even when he was anything but.
Speaking of the Clintons, for the first time in memory Maureen did not take a shot at them. Guess they're (finally) off her radar.
22
Obama's smile is a complicated question, as the discussion proves. Boehner told us in his own words (red wine, smokes and mowing his own lawn). In the case of "W", he's just tickled pink that he is no longer going down in the history books as America's worst ever President.
51
Maureen, you just couldn't resist the opportunity to take a shot at Obama again. Maybe he's smiling because he doesn't have to be in your crosshairs every week. Why don't you concentrate on taking aim at more appropriate targets - start with the Republican Congress where even a bad shot like you can't miss.
94
Obama was a failed president. So was Bush.
13
Unlike Maureen, I do not begrudge Obama his immediate post-presidency. Not after the unprecedented, eight-year campaign of merciless, indecent vilification and mindless opposition, not just from the wacko right, but from the so-called "loyal opposition" with whom he had to fight tooth and nail to accomplish the very significant and necessary successes he managed to achieve.
89
I watch Nat Geo Wild and have see gorillas that have similiar behavior as Trump. One expects gorillas to be "boorish" because they are defending their offspring, mates and territory. What is this man defending???
19
Maureen, your family is going to be so disappointed with your "evolving view" of Trump. They may even insist you have some Heinz on your steak this Memorial weekend...as penance.
6
“I’ll-rip-your-shoulder-out-and-show-you-who’s-boss” handshake.
=================================================
No, i think it is more that being boss. Trump needs worshipers.
True worshipers accept everything that Donald Trumps says and does, on faith, without serious questions. If fact, I think, the more outrageous Trump is the more his supporters love him and the more loyal they are.
I would suggest that people who do not approve of King Trump, might consider using funny gestures, of one kind or another kind. They might try using his OK hand sign, all the time, to tease him and his supporters...
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=================================================
No, i think it is more that being boss. Trump needs worshipers.
True worshipers accept everything that Donald Trumps says and does, on faith, without serious questions. If fact, I think, the more outrageous Trump is the more his supporters love him and the more loyal they are.
I would suggest that people who do not approve of King Trump, might consider using funny gestures, of one kind or another kind. They might try using his OK hand sign, all the time, to tease him and his supporters...
==========================================================
8
Dowd, you played a small but not insignificant part in the election of Trump, and I hate to break it to you, but it's too late for buyer's remorse. On the good side, you didn't refer to "Barry" even once, and did not say a single snarky thing about Hillary Clinton.
43
I enjoyed the column. I agree substantially with the author's observations about Trump, except Ms. Dowd is presenting a story that can be seen with the naked eye. I loved Axelrod's metaphorical anecdote, comparing his life as an American under the rule of Trump to that of an airline passenger with Trump as the pilot.
The "caricature of strength..." symbolism is excellent in how it captures President Trump as he overexerts himself in demonstrating his picture of strength. He is boorish and bullish as he tries to overpower, first Trudeau and then Macron, at handshaking. His pushing and shoving his way to the front for the photo-op was undertaken unapologetically and turns out to be surreal, even cartoonish.
Trump fails at style, but, ironically, he may be succeeding in substance. As an unapologetic supporter, I also cringe. when I see him in action, but I eventually have to acknowledge he achieves victory by maintaining his internal focus on what is ultimately the most important. He will not win many style points, but he is determined to cross each finish line with the prize. He may not contend in each event, i.e., Paris Accord, but his decisions about which events are likely to help Make America Great Again may be crucially important.
The "caricature of strength..." symbolism is excellent in how it captures President Trump as he overexerts himself in demonstrating his picture of strength. He is boorish and bullish as he tries to overpower, first Trudeau and then Macron, at handshaking. His pushing and shoving his way to the front for the photo-op was undertaken unapologetically and turns out to be surreal, even cartoonish.
Trump fails at style, but, ironically, he may be succeeding in substance. As an unapologetic supporter, I also cringe. when I see him in action, but I eventually have to acknowledge he achieves victory by maintaining his internal focus on what is ultimately the most important. He will not win many style points, but he is determined to cross each finish line with the prize. He may not contend in each event, i.e., Paris Accord, but his decisions about which events are likely to help Make America Great Again may be crucially important.
5
Let him smile, have fun and be blissful, he did his 8 years, now we can undo it all.
12
This man is a terrible embarrassment to this Country . Of course he is a weak and insecure guy trying to appear tough . Those people in the GOP that try to normalize his behavior , and try to excuse him , by saying that the people voted for him are like the Germans , in the Nazi Era , that defended themselves by saying they were following orders . With a few exception many in the GOP are showing themselves to be cowards . No profiles in courage here .
50
Maureen, will you please leave Barack Obama alone! Your classless guy is President now! Trump validates Obama at least once a day.
33
"Trump pushed aside Dusko Markovic, the prime minister of Montenegro, to get in front of the NATO pack in Brussels and then straightened his jacket with primate panache"
And as he straightened his jacket he stuck out his chin in belligerent Mussolini fashion.
And as he straightened his jacket he stuck out his chin in belligerent Mussolini fashion.
51
Yes, Maureen. Where is that heroic Hobbit when we need him or her? The dark forces of Trumpian Mordor have arisen and darkness is descending. The Congressional Republican orcs are marching to seize the gold ring of democracy and melt it down into tax cuts. The old king is golfing and the new king is golfing and clubbing his way toward autocracy of the Western nations of Middle Earth. Will the Wizard Gandolf of Sanders (or is it of Dowd) anoint the heroine Gillibrand or Warren or perhaps Harris to keep the ring of power out of the small grasping hands of the misogynist, Oligarch Trump?
11
As Reagan used to say "Here You Go Again." It is not Trump who is the bad guy but rather the country as a whole. We all are like 6-year old kids being told by Mom not to drink vinegar with hot sauce. We did it anyhow to see what would happen - we still don't know but so-far-so-bad.
7
"Faux tough guy"...yup...exactly...like the 99% of wealthy Republicans and their sons and grandsons who assiduously avoid serving in the U.S. military when their country is at war(s). Instead...join the NRA, buy a bunch of guns, kill some rare animals on safari, buy a vintage muscle car or Porsche or three, wear a 24 carat gold flag lapel pin...preferably diamond studded...walk around like a 5th grade boy imitating a gorilla, etc., etc. ....that's what being a man is to them.
42
Trump is the ugliest American who ever lived.
44
The real problem with Obama is not his handshake but how he will handle the first crisis that occurs. There is real fear by many people in and out of the government that his reaction will be a calamity for the US and possibly the world.
2
I believe that Trump is so personally insufferable and bad for our country on so many levels that we quit discussing the obvious personal and political issues with him and concentrate on avenues to remove him from power.
25
Loafer with club => Obama's natural milieu. A great pity (for the planet) he didn't discover his groove thing before getting lost in the tall grasses of politics.
3
"The audacity of cynicism and hypocrisy" should be the title of Dowd's next book. How dare she "politely ask to stop smiling" our former President, when she has castigated him for so long, for too many years.
34
No. Trump is not a tough man. There is ample historical evidence that he has displayed all the characteristics of the school yard bully. The shrinks will mostly agree that the bully is also the closet coward. No, the answer to this draft dodging bully is to "follow the money." The core to the Trump history and behavior.
32
On this weekend in May, as we celebrate our American veterans...why are you babbling on about Obama's smile? How many American soldiers spilled blood for a President to collude with Russians, and worse yet, prob for his own financial gain? How many service people stood up and sacrificed everything for American ideals, only to watch the Republicans sit down and say nothing? Obama gave service to our country. Trump and the GOP are in service to themselves. Grow up Maureen.
45
McConnell is much worse than Trump. Trump is using the people only for his own purposes. McConnell is using them to maintain power over the people systematically, and against their own interest, for the Republican Party. Like Carl Rove. He knows he is using the ignorance, prejudice of the raw uneducated citizens of the land as a weapon to get and keep power over them so he can perpetuate that power and the ignorance it comes from. They pander to the poor to keep the rich rich. They pander to the religious so they can spend 4 Trillion of our dollars a year. They elect the worst lawyers in the country, the ones that can't get a decent job, by giving them money to run with and then use them to perpetuate their power in the Congress. The only way to stop them is fire them all: make America an Actual Democracy where the people 'represent themselves' by voting directly on the laws, not on people to make their laws. Where the people vote directly for Executives and members of an electoral college. Where they vote directly on Judges and make them answerable t o the people. See: assocactualdemocracy.com
12
Very interesting. After spending the entire last electoral season attackingthe only candidate that could stop Donald, now you are bemoaning the ex-President not working to correct the course of Comrade TRump as he destroys our country. Well you got your wish, no Hillary. Your guy won, maybe you should learn to live with it.
39
Trump is a boor and a bully and according to the Montana results so are his ultra loyal supporters OMG
Tom
Tom
29
To summarize the joy of these three men - revenge is sweet. The Republican voters are about to learn the error of their ways, too bad they will take so many innocents with them.
As to the future, voters across the nation are angry - at Congress and at each other. Republicans capitalized on this by nominating and electing a world class bully idiot. No wonder the three listed nice guys are enjoying his troubles. But if the Democrats are going to start winning elections they will need to find a better bully. No more Mr. Nice Guy.
As to the future, voters across the nation are angry - at Congress and at each other. Republicans capitalized on this by nominating and electing a world class bully idiot. No wonder the three listed nice guys are enjoying his troubles. But if the Democrats are going to start winning elections they will need to find a better bully. No more Mr. Nice Guy.
8
Most politically aware folks by now know the Trump presidency has been and most likely will continue to be an abject failure. The only question remaining is how much longer the nation can endure it. With each incident, the Republicans continue to lower the bar, a fact not lost on the electorate.
29
In my long life, I do not remember an ex-president jump out to criticize his immediate successor--although I am willing to bet that the boorish, bullying, clueless D.J. Trump will be shoving people aside to push himself in front of every microphone and TV camera to criticize his successor. Mild criticism if it is a Republican, just so Trump can puff up his deranged gargantuan ego; vicious lies if it is a Democrat. And think how the Trumpster would behave as an ex-president, if his successor were a woman!
Let Obama smile, enjoy life; he more than paid his dues, including enduring threats against his family and Trump's stupid phony birther movement. And let Obama make money talking to the Wall Street crowd--at least he will likely give them their monies' worth with a well-written and delivered speech. Obama is a nuanced, cool, and sly guy; he might manage to tell some of these fat cats what they need to hear.
I noticed we have a very low standard for what Republican politicians do in and out of office, but the minute a Democrat criticizes a Republican, out come the GOP politicians and pundit goon squads to do their schoolyard bullying and bashing. But civilized leaders usually manage to stay above the fray—grace under pressure and all that—and they show us and our children how it is done and how to behave when things get tough.
Trump is a fool, and the GOP is reprehensible for enabling his bad behavior that is making us the laughing stock of the world. It will get worse
Let Obama smile, enjoy life; he more than paid his dues, including enduring threats against his family and Trump's stupid phony birther movement. And let Obama make money talking to the Wall Street crowd--at least he will likely give them their monies' worth with a well-written and delivered speech. Obama is a nuanced, cool, and sly guy; he might manage to tell some of these fat cats what they need to hear.
I noticed we have a very low standard for what Republican politicians do in and out of office, but the minute a Democrat criticizes a Republican, out come the GOP politicians and pundit goon squads to do their schoolyard bullying and bashing. But civilized leaders usually manage to stay above the fray—grace under pressure and all that—and they show us and our children how it is done and how to behave when things get tough.
Trump is a fool, and the GOP is reprehensible for enabling his bad behavior that is making us the laughing stock of the world. It will get worse
36
When Trump pushed ahead of the NATO pack to get in front of the photograph, then straightened his jacket, he resembled Rodney Dangerfield looking for a little respect, and a cardboard cutout of Rodney at best!
34
Well, you made the point. If things were as bad as the press likes to pretend then 43 and 44 would chime in.
Fact is 43 and 44 know it's a tough job. They also know there are checks and balances that keep any president from swaying too far from the center. 44 knows this better than anyone.
So you don't like The Donald, boo hoo....
Fact is 43 and 44 know it's a tough job. They also know there are checks and balances that keep any president from swaying too far from the center. 44 knows this better than anyone.
So you don't like The Donald, boo hoo....
4
No more naive incompetence in the Whitehouse. The tremendous underestimating of a truly competent man will crush the libs and drive them squealing into the streets. Its so nice to see sulking replaced by confidence, apology replaced by action and ideology replaced by strategy.
1
For the umpteenth time, Ms. Dowd, where were you BEFORE the election? Oh, wait, I remember...writing endless fluff columns about Trump while savaging Hillary over her emails. Still feel like the two are moral equivalents?
41
One theory on Obama's reticence to criticize Trump is the old saying, "If your enemy is intent on hanging himself, why get in the way?"
22
Have you considered, Ms. Dowd, that were Mr. Obama to turn his voice against Mr. Trump, all that would do is further energize the Trump base and make it all the harder for them to see they've elected a 7 year to lead the free world?
Mr. Obama understands this. You and Ms. Clinton -- god help us all -- clearly do not.
Mr. Obama understands this. You and Ms. Clinton -- god help us all -- clearly do not.
12
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
As if you're not acknowledging a bit of guilt in the humiliation of HRC.
Satire is a helluvalot of fun, until it ain't no more.
I think I can understand idealism's inherent limitation, but I betcha not all readers want to face human, ordinary, banal realism.
That's what I think of as " pragmatism" though it's not John Dewey's model version of the practical.
Was not so clever concentrating on annoyances/ inconsistencies/flaws of HRC.
I betcha a few hundred thousand of Maureen fans voted for Jill Stein as a lark.
As if you're not acknowledging a bit of guilt in the humiliation of HRC.
Satire is a helluvalot of fun, until it ain't no more.
I think I can understand idealism's inherent limitation, but I betcha not all readers want to face human, ordinary, banal realism.
That's what I think of as " pragmatism" though it's not John Dewey's model version of the practical.
Was not so clever concentrating on annoyances/ inconsistencies/flaws of HRC.
I betcha a few hundred thousand of Maureen fans voted for Jill Stein as a lark.
10
You're a fool to expect Dems to care about Americans any more than Republicans do. They are all multimillionaires, including Mr HopenChange, unlike the rest of us. It's just a game, played to see whether red or blue wins.
3
You've gotta love JK Rowling
18
Hope and Change - oh well - it was certainly a change to a pathetic presidency - Obama sure never took on a Republican, no matter what they did. He did actually sign a few executive orders in year 8 that Trump could dispose of in five minutes - a legacy of nothingness, except of course disillusionment for those who actually believed him.
Same old corruption - you can't say he didn't earn his Wall Street speaking fees. He let all of the biggest criminals of our age go scot free - no arrests, no arraignments, no justice all all , no nothing - except disillusionment for those of us who actually believed him
Same old corruption - you can't say he didn't earn his Wall Street speaking fees. He let all of the biggest criminals of our age go scot free - no arrests, no arraignments, no justice all all , no nothing - except disillusionment for those of us who actually believed him
5
Every time I read your articles critical of Trump, I can only shake my head about how you did nothing but denigrate Clinton before the election. You are now seeing what was so obvious to anyone who open their eyes previously. So thanks Maureen. You helped put us here.
32
We must rest assured that there is much more going on behind the scenes (lawfully) than meets the eye. There are many intelligent people who love the USA and remain engaged for the common good. Please remember the meaning of Memorial Day this weekend -
www.thewaryouknow.com
www.thewaryouknow.com
8
Ms Dowd writes that:
"Jared Kushner 'discussed the possibility of setting up a secret and secure communications channel between Trump’s transition team and the Kremlin.' At the rate things are unraveling, President Trump may have to pardon his son-in-law to prevent Jared from flipping on him.
Setting up a back communications channel with the Russians is not illegal. Ms. Dowd has probably forgotten that the Obama transition team set up a back communications channel with Iran. The media seems willfully ignorant when it comes to all things Russia.
"Jared Kushner 'discussed the possibility of setting up a secret and secure communications channel between Trump’s transition team and the Kremlin.' At the rate things are unraveling, President Trump may have to pardon his son-in-law to prevent Jared from flipping on him.
Setting up a back communications channel with the Russians is not illegal. Ms. Dowd has probably forgotten that the Obama transition team set up a back communications channel with Iran. The media seems willfully ignorant when it comes to all things Russia.
3
I never believed that Obama cared much about anyone during his presidency, so why should he act differently in his retirement. Unfortunately, the democrats are not putting in place strong candidates (see Montana) with messages that will resonate with their voters to ensure majorities in congress and the senate in 2018, and the presidency in 2020. That is the only way to take back legislative power to effectively block trump.
3
What an uncomfortable sight it was to see President Macron writhing in pain as President Trump clasped his hand.
A rare moment that demonstrated how excruciatingly painful the art of statecraft can be for those with low pain thresholds in the age of Trump.
A rare moment that demonstrated how excruciatingly painful the art of statecraft can be for those with low pain thresholds in the age of Trump.
3
If we're comparing smiles, let's consider a few. W smiles tentatively, relieved that he is no longer being criticized daily. John Boehner smiles churlishly, like he dropped off a load of fertilizer. But Barry's smile is at once relief and "i told you so." No one has greater claim.
8
If things are not going well for the country why would ANYONE be happy about it? We got Trump because of the abysmal performance of both parties. Barack Obama's divisive reign was a big part of it. Him grinning about it is beyond offensive.
www.isonewsinfo.com
www.isonewsinfo.com
5
Yes, Yemen - the general's mistake....
1
Old sayings come to mind:
Living well is the best revenge. Not lavishly and gold gilded, but well.
He who laughs last, laughs best. Or at least laughs.
What if Trump threw a party and nobody came? Well, he's blown up a party and 30 plus percent of the strange people who support him did come.
Living well is the best revenge. Not lavishly and gold gilded, but well.
He who laughs last, laughs best. Or at least laughs.
What if Trump threw a party and nobody came? Well, he's blown up a party and 30 plus percent of the strange people who support him did come.
4
"They normalize & accept previously unacceptable behavior." That sentence explains the main problem facing our Nation as a result of Republican mindlessness. Party, ideology & obstruction have "Trumped" science, sanity, & reason. The Blue Collar working class & white collar middle managers, as well as Seniors & the unemployed, have swallowed the Conservative brand of Kool Aid & voted against their own self-interest numerous times since the Clinton era in the late 20th Century. It begs the question of when will Americans wake up & smell the truth that tax cuts do not lead to prosperity, money is not speech corporations are not people, & the wealthy have gotten even wealthier at the expense of the Middle Class.
The unholy "mind meld" that Reagan, Rove & now Drumpf/Bannon have wrought upon Americans have brought us mushrooming debt & deficits, 9/11 & unnecessary wars, and finally, an existential threat to our Republic.
It is not the place of ex-Presidents to publicly criticize a successor or campaign for his/her removal. That is the responsibility of citizens, their representatives & reporters. The leaders of other nations reveal in their bearing & demeanor what America is so very lacking in our President & his little mind, not to mention GOP leadership in the Congress.
There is no guarantee America will survive every test it may face. Politicians must place our Nation above Party & political/economic ideology. Anything else endangers our Nation & its people.
The unholy "mind meld" that Reagan, Rove & now Drumpf/Bannon have wrought upon Americans have brought us mushrooming debt & deficits, 9/11 & unnecessary wars, and finally, an existential threat to our Republic.
It is not the place of ex-Presidents to publicly criticize a successor or campaign for his/her removal. That is the responsibility of citizens, their representatives & reporters. The leaders of other nations reveal in their bearing & demeanor what America is so very lacking in our President & his little mind, not to mention GOP leadership in the Congress.
There is no guarantee America will survive every test it may face. Politicians must place our Nation above Party & political/economic ideology. Anything else endangers our Nation & its people.
8
Dowdy whined about Obama for eight years and now is wistful. Little late, Mo. We are now stuck with a degenerate, imbecilic clown in the White House, and there's nothing your mediocre columns can do about it.
21
I found it odd that Maureen Dowd indulged her longtime idee fixe about the Clintons during the recent elections, I believe to the detriment of voters. Now I'm scratching my head that this eviscerating pen is not filleting Trump in a similar manner. Every columnist runs out of gas eventually, I guess.
11
Obama was a disaster. Ruined the economy, healthcare, our military, and screwed up the Middle East from Libya to Afghanistan. Did nothing to stop N. Korea and openned our borders to millions of illegals that include vicious criminals and benefit scammers pulling billions out of funds that should be used to help our own. He used the IRS to squelch opposition and the CIA and FBI to spy on oponents. All highly illegal and unethical. H. Clinton does nothing but lie. Both broke the law and get a free pass. She can't even admit her hubby was impeached. Trump is a prickly, vain man but he's not a crook like Obama and Hillary, who are just better at concealing their vanity behind a slick I'm-so-cool smile and a fake-feminist glare. NYers should be aware that Trump looks like a typical NYer bigwig to the rest of America. Most of us don't care if he (or you) toots his own horn. We just want someone who isn't a lying crook who puts increasing their power over protecting us. The Russian "scandal" is a complete farce only pumped up by the NYT and the other 95% of the media who are liberal. That awful "back channel"? JFK ended the Cuban Missile Crisis using a back channel. We WANT lots of back channels to all our enemies and allies. They are a key diplomatic tool.
11
"At the rate things are unraveling, President Trump may have to pardon his son-in-law to prevent Jared from flipping on him."
Look at that statement GOP and you too white, working class supporters. Look at it. You own it. You are are the starring role in its genesis. It is what you choose. The antithesis of values you claim to hold dear.
Now for the Democrats: Wipe that smug "I told you so" look of your face and read that statement. You own it every bit as much as the deplorables. HRC was the ONLY person who could lose to this bloviating boorish bully. Get past the mistake IMMEDIATELY and learn from it QUICKLY. 2018 is closer than you think. Get organized, get unified and get busy. NOW!
Look at that statement GOP and you too white, working class supporters. Look at it. You own it. You are are the starring role in its genesis. It is what you choose. The antithesis of values you claim to hold dear.
Now for the Democrats: Wipe that smug "I told you so" look of your face and read that statement. You own it every bit as much as the deplorables. HRC was the ONLY person who could lose to this bloviating boorish bully. Get past the mistake IMMEDIATELY and learn from it QUICKLY. 2018 is closer than you think. Get organized, get unified and get busy. NOW!
9
I love the Obamas and miss them terribly. :(
22
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." Eric Hoffer
To me, that was all that needed to be said about Trump's life-long behavior, including as a candidate. It has always been obvious that he is himself a weakling. A truly strong character doesn't need to overcompensate so much.
Unfortunately, over 62 million Americans completely fell for the act. Sad.
To me, that was all that needed to be said about Trump's life-long behavior, including as a candidate. It has always been obvious that he is himself a weakling. A truly strong character doesn't need to overcompensate so much.
Unfortunately, over 62 million Americans completely fell for the act. Sad.
15
As at least one other person has pointed out here, his "tough guy" or "faux tough guy" behavior is a NYC-area trait. But he seems to me more to be emulating Cosa Nostra-style gangsters, who he probably saw growing up.
Interestingly, most of them were sent to prison, thanks to the likes of Rudy Giuliani.
Interestingly, most of them were sent to prison, thanks to the likes of Rudy Giuliani.
3
If you believe Trumps behavior is normal then you're not.# disgusting.
7
I hope President Macron isn't on Trump's "To bully" list.
This is exactly why an unhealthy ego like Trump's is harmful to our country. We may have to spend 3.5 more years suffering through his awfulness, but we must all be determined not let him be around after that!
This is exactly why an unhealthy ego like Trump's is harmful to our country. We may have to spend 3.5 more years suffering through his awfulness, but we must all be determined not let him be around after that!
4
Maureen, I still don't think you get it. Your first impulse, along with most of the red state base, is to misjudge Obama's actions by using your own reasoning. Why does Obama remain silent about the disaster of the Trump Presidency? The answer is not, as you imply, that he is smug, making money, and rubbing everyone's face in his "luxe" retirement. The answer is that if he spoke out now, it would just fuel the ridiculous excuse promoted by the Trump administration that the deep state remains are torpedoing his presidency.
Obama did speak out, loudly, clearly, and in a timely fashion about what a danger Trump would be because of his lack of experience and his personal failings. It was during Trump's candidacy--when you were writing the puff pieces about what a character the Donald was.
Obama did speak out, loudly, clearly, and in a timely fashion about what a danger Trump would be because of his lack of experience and his personal failings. It was during Trump's candidacy--when you were writing the puff pieces about what a character the Donald was.
20
Just couldn't resist some Obama snark, eh?
13
Trump's a faux everything.
Obama is deeply missed. The smile that reaches his eyes. The ability to string more than a couple of words together with a care for precision and truth, and deliver them with feeling. Not like an unwilling robot.
His seemingly essential goodness.
His stylishness.
His BMI.
Obama is deeply missed. The smile that reaches his eyes. The ability to string more than a couple of words together with a care for precision and truth, and deliver them with feeling. Not like an unwilling robot.
His seemingly essential goodness.
His stylishness.
His BMI.
20
Why not tone it down Maureen. Spicer is on his way out, there may still be an opening for your dream job in the Administration!
17
Maybe, just maybe we needed someone to rescue us from the loving embrace of the saintly democrats.
You know the Democrats who so invitingly thought that legalizing 12 million illegal immigrants was no big deal, just a kindly gesture.
The saints for whom, battling over bathroom gender neutral bathrooms was worth making headlines over every single hour.
You know the ones, who quietly slipped in the red herring of climate change as the cause of the mass extinction of species, after species unlike anything seen in the last 65 million years rather than its real cause human population growth because that has no simple politically correct solution.
The saintly Democrats who have the ‘black lives matter’ signs hanging outside on their plush yards in their lily white communities.
Perhaps Trump as Shiva has a place to restore some sort of balance to thinking. A counter weight to the no limits anything is possible as long as humans are the center of the universe Democrats.
That smug party that still believes the stars and the planets all revolve around dear Earth and it around their saintly pretensions.
For Obama it was always about Obama, he can now smile and say how foolish these mortals be not to understand his grand wisdom.
You know the Democrats who so invitingly thought that legalizing 12 million illegal immigrants was no big deal, just a kindly gesture.
The saints for whom, battling over bathroom gender neutral bathrooms was worth making headlines over every single hour.
You know the ones, who quietly slipped in the red herring of climate change as the cause of the mass extinction of species, after species unlike anything seen in the last 65 million years rather than its real cause human population growth because that has no simple politically correct solution.
The saintly Democrats who have the ‘black lives matter’ signs hanging outside on their plush yards in their lily white communities.
Perhaps Trump as Shiva has a place to restore some sort of balance to thinking. A counter weight to the no limits anything is possible as long as humans are the center of the universe Democrats.
That smug party that still believes the stars and the planets all revolve around dear Earth and it around their saintly pretensions.
For Obama it was always about Obama, he can now smile and say how foolish these mortals be not to understand his grand wisdom.
6
Time for you to interview your brother Kevin and your sister. Wonder how your Thanksgiving dinner will go this year!
7
First, I ask this again and again why do 90% of republican voters vote for the GOP when that party has always supported the rich and uber rich? Never the working class and poor.
Second with that said the Democratic party has been owned by big money for decades turning our democracy into a plutocracy. Nothing will change until the corrupting influence of big money goes away. No one seems to care. Sad. So why are people on Obama for buckraking? It's the norm for people in Washington.
Second with that said the Democratic party has been owned by big money for decades turning our democracy into a plutocracy. Nothing will change until the corrupting influence of big money goes away. No one seems to care. Sad. So why are people on Obama for buckraking? It's the norm for people in Washington.
3
"If everything is as dire as Democrats say, if the very Republic is in peril and the leader of the free world is unstable, if President Trump is trying to trample on Obama’s legacy and gut Medicaid and rip up the social safety net, why is Obama acting so jolly and carefree?"
Try $400,000 speaking fees. Who wouldn't be "jolly and carefree"?
Maybe someone should whisper to the "jolly and carefree" former president that a big part of his legacy is Trump.
Try $400,000 speaking fees. Who wouldn't be "jolly and carefree"?
Maybe someone should whisper to the "jolly and carefree" former president that a big part of his legacy is Trump.
5
I wonder where Ben Jacobs would be today if he had body slammed Gianforte.
I'll bet he wouldn't be in the state legislature.
t rump claimed he could shoot someone in Times Square and not lose a vote. He would probably pick up a few of votes from these 'macho men'.
J. K. Rowling would know Voldemorte, after all.
Tiny tiny tiny little man......with tiny, tiny, tiny little hands and feet.
Big butt, thought.
I'll bet he wouldn't be in the state legislature.
t rump claimed he could shoot someone in Times Square and not lose a vote. He would probably pick up a few of votes from these 'macho men'.
J. K. Rowling would know Voldemorte, after all.
Tiny tiny tiny little man......with tiny, tiny, tiny little hands and feet.
Big butt, thought.
4
My late father always said be careful what you wish for. He hated the idea of turning 70. Well, he died a couple months before his 70th birthday. You have railed against the Clinton's and the Obama's for years. At one point you even interviewed Trump during his run and had follow up columns which seemed to humanize him and promote him. You hand your column over to your conservative brother now and then as though today's conservative has a "vision" for our country. I think it was perhaps widening your audience base, but I think we can see it's an audience that really has no use for "truth" or "journalists" or anything being "free & Fair" or democratic. In the land of autocrats "op-ed's" only have one position. And your Bro and company aren't really interested in your "opinion." Well, you have helped to rid us of these politicians you lambasted for years. Now you have a codre of "leaders", it is not just Trump, who want everyone who stand in the way of their agenda and their values to shut up. Like my father always said, be careful what you wish for. You thought their were two sides, but with the right it is only one.
4
On November 7, I wrote President Obama an actual letter. I said that I had a bad feeling about the next day's electoral outcome and that, regardless of tradition, he would have to provide active support to counter what I predicted would be Trumpian outrages. I would like to believe that he is doing so in his own, famously prudent, way. Still, there might be a need for a bit more explicitness. All the same, it is the Democratic "establishment" that is actually in paid day jobs that has to work more intelligently to find compelling candidates and a coherent message which would then be bolstered by Obama's stature and vision; and by his smile.
5
It's obvious why he's smiling: he still gets security and intelligence briefings. He knows what's happened, what's happening, and what's about to happen, and he's smiiiiillling....
4
"All of our famously tough icons, on screen and in life, were able to exude strength without using brute force. And they did it while standing up for people, not smacking them down."
Thank you President Obama for doing just that, for eight long years. And my sincere apologies to you for Maureen's vacuous rinse and repeat writing about you.
Thank you President Obama for doing just that, for eight long years. And my sincere apologies to you for Maureen's vacuous rinse and repeat writing about you.
10
Just saw the article where DJT declared his white knuckle trip a "home run."
When you hit a home run, you're required to touch all the bases before arriving home.
Human rights in Saudi Arabia? Article V of the NATO alliance? Paris Climate Change agreement?
Sorry, Donald, you're OUT!
When you hit a home run, you're required to touch all the bases before arriving home.
Human rights in Saudi Arabia? Article V of the NATO alliance? Paris Climate Change agreement?
Sorry, Donald, you're OUT!
6
Former President Obama on vacation or on the world stage, class act. Then we have the DJT, bore and bully. Those who have left office are thanking their lucky stars they have left.
8
In the grand scheme of things, what's worse, Bush Jr. rubbing your shoulders, Bush Sr. vomiting in your lap, or Trump grabbing your arm and shoving you aside?
I would not want Trump to rub any part of my body whatsoever, I would not want Trump to barf on me wheresoever.
If I were a world leader, now I'd know what to expect when Trump's around: a five year old who intrudes in on his parents' dinner party. You pat him on the head or you send him back to bed. Else, you revert to your five-year old self and grab a fistful of his hair and pull.
The electoral college elected a five year old as our president, let the rest of the world respond accordingly.
I would not want Trump to rub any part of my body whatsoever, I would not want Trump to barf on me wheresoever.
If I were a world leader, now I'd know what to expect when Trump's around: a five year old who intrudes in on his parents' dinner party. You pat him on the head or you send him back to bed. Else, you revert to your five-year old self and grab a fistful of his hair and pull.
The electoral college elected a five year old as our president, let the rest of the world respond accordingly.
3
Trump's base hates Obama. If Obama tried to lead an anti-Trump resistance, it would be a disaster. This is the time for Democrats in Congress, and in statehouses, to stand up and take the lead.
3
Call it what you will, a civil war, a coup; Obama's government in exile is hell-bent on taking permanent power in the US. He is the face of the global elite totalitarians.
2
It's a startling contrast, isn't it?
Everything about Trump's record, going back 50 years, especially the past two years of his performance indicates the opposite of what President Obama enjoys:
President Obama served two full terms and came out with a bigger following, more clout, greater riches, and an optimistic demeanor. And people miss him.
Everything about Trump's record, going back 50 years, especially the past two years of his performance indicates the opposite of what President Obama enjoys:
President Obama served two full terms and came out with a bigger following, more clout, greater riches, and an optimistic demeanor. And people miss him.
9
While the message of the film would likely be lost on him, Donald Trump should be forced to watch Gregory Peck's portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Therein is to be found the picture of a man in full, a humble, quiet but resolute and heroic man who knew the cost of actually standing for something and was always prepared to act on what he knew.
Rowling's portrayal of Trump as a "tiny, tiny, tiny little man" is an example of just how effective the simplest words often are in describing the simplest of things, in this case, the President of the United States.
The President of the United States, for crying out loud! Unbelievable.
Rowling's portrayal of Trump as a "tiny, tiny, tiny little man" is an example of just how effective the simplest words often are in describing the simplest of things, in this case, the President of the United States.
The President of the United States, for crying out loud! Unbelievable.
6
Certainly not a tough guy. And you're generous to give him "faux tough guy". The guy is weak and pathetic. His words and actions exude such to this day.
A life of conning people to feed his ego is ..... weak and pathetic.
A life of conning people to feed his ego is ..... weak and pathetic.
5
Obama was an excellent president, one of our best.
Trump voters elevated him into sainthood.
Trump voters elevated him into sainthood.
6
Comparing the two administrations—by virtually ANY measure—is like comparing Attila with Thomas Jefferson. There simply is no comparison. Trump is and will always be "the accidental President."
5
2020 presidential election campaign.
No debates. Instead, a series of one on one elimination cage fights for both parties. Ultimate match is winner of final Republican match versus winner of final Democratic match.
My money is on Dwayne Johnson.
At least we could have office pools to get some fun out of the whole bloody mess.
No debates. Instead, a series of one on one elimination cage fights for both parties. Ultimate match is winner of final Republican match versus winner of final Democratic match.
My money is on Dwayne Johnson.
At least we could have office pools to get some fun out of the whole bloody mess.
2
After four months out of office, it is frustrating to the millions of President Obama's voters and fans that he seems to have completely left the scene. We yearn to hear his intelligent take on world events and domestic problems. Hopefully, his absence is only temporary and we have not been abandoned. Barack and Michelle are sorely missed.
4
Trump -- and the whole GOP behind him, including those making feints in the hopes it will save their useless political careers -- is an utter fake.
And here's the real secret, which no-one is openly reporting on yet, as among all the secretive things Trump and his family and the GOP are doing to hide their political and moral bankruptcy, this is the most obvious one, and the one we should be focused on:
Trump is bankrupt.
Not just politically or morally bankrupt; we see that every day. But actually, financially bankrupt.
Notice the barely suppressed anxiety on Jared's face when the Anbang deal fell through (no doubt the Chinese government noticed, at the last minute, that they were being suckered into spending money they'd never see back). Notice the burgeoning news on Venesheconombank, the state-owned Russian bank Jared was busy trying to make deals with, through his planned "secret back channel," located on Russian property, hidden away from American intelligence and government (in other words, simply: treason).
Anbang, Venesheconombank, they have certain clear resemblances: major, state-owned banks in the countries we are reputedly in contest with for superpower status.
The Trump family -- and the GOP along with them -- are secretly, desperately looking for a bailout.
They own billions, it is true; but billions in debt. Whomever they get those billions from to keep up the front of their wealth and power, will own them.
And the American government along with them.
And here's the real secret, which no-one is openly reporting on yet, as among all the secretive things Trump and his family and the GOP are doing to hide their political and moral bankruptcy, this is the most obvious one, and the one we should be focused on:
Trump is bankrupt.
Not just politically or morally bankrupt; we see that every day. But actually, financially bankrupt.
Notice the barely suppressed anxiety on Jared's face when the Anbang deal fell through (no doubt the Chinese government noticed, at the last minute, that they were being suckered into spending money they'd never see back). Notice the burgeoning news on Venesheconombank, the state-owned Russian bank Jared was busy trying to make deals with, through his planned "secret back channel," located on Russian property, hidden away from American intelligence and government (in other words, simply: treason).
Anbang, Venesheconombank, they have certain clear resemblances: major, state-owned banks in the countries we are reputedly in contest with for superpower status.
The Trump family -- and the GOP along with them -- are secretly, desperately looking for a bailout.
They own billions, it is true; but billions in debt. Whomever they get those billions from to keep up the front of their wealth and power, will own them.
And the American government along with them.
5
I see you still continue to blame Obama for everything.
10
Obvious the ruling class and elites are under siege . They are still in disbelief. They will of course respond, and with the help of the this Paper, The Washington Post and CNN, will right the ship. Both their hero in Obama and now Trump ,( both not qualified for the position of Commander in Chief), is a difficult difficult reality for both the ruling class progressives, and the late to the party GOP. The campaign was a slam dunk for electing the Clintons and running Jeb Bush, even with the wrong last name. With the results of Bernie Sanders giving the Clintons a fit, and Trump being elected, with no support from the GOP., the Swamp is living a nightmare. All we can expect is four years of total dysfunction. Who the Democrats are going to bring forward to save us from ourselves and get the media geared up, is far from clear.
When I see a photo of Obama smiling and looking confident, I think: "OK, maybe it is not going to end in complete thermo-nuclear disaster under Trump." The guy earned his ongoing vacation. And don't underestimate him and his persuasive abilities.
8
It would be nice if your columns got through to Trump and those around him. How about writing shorter parallel columns that Trump might actually read? Two brief paragraphs, tops. You know - Donald for Dummies.
5
Heads Up Don
I doubt you read this piece personally but someone inside the NSA said someone read it to you while they were polishing your hair. In any case, FYI; "Faux" is French for fake. You know, like faux self-made or faux guts or faux accomplishments or faux gritty stares implying fortitude. In fact, the latter, when being faked, is a sign of constipation.
I doubt you read this piece personally but someone inside the NSA said someone read it to you while they were polishing your hair. In any case, FYI; "Faux" is French for fake. You know, like faux self-made or faux guts or faux accomplishments or faux gritty stares implying fortitude. In fact, the latter, when being faked, is a sign of constipation.
6
My kids love JK Rowling. And with comments like that she is growing on me too. Trump is a boor, a jerk, the kind of guy you disliked as a kid - but who in most cases grew up, matured, and stopped being such a bozo. Not Trump. He is as much the unpleasant, insecure, pain in the neck he was as a kid - but now, with the US govt and its military behind him. If I were Obama I wouldn't be smiling - he is in large part responsible for this mess. He should cut short his vacation and get back to figuring out how to help fix this.
1
Maureen, it really is more than a little rich. Obama is not perfect, but you rarely critiqued him. You chose to sort of cheaply psychoanalyze and belittle him, calling him Barry, jabbing at meaningless little missteps here and there. And meanwhile, the real danger to the country grew unabated. Where was the outrage at what movement conservatism was doing? Where were the incisive critiques of the Cynic McConnell, the True Believer Ryan, and the others?
For eight years you chose to focus on one of the only basically decent, smart actors in Washington, and lambasted him for not being more perfect. And you largely let the idiot Democrats, and the utterly soulless Republicans, off the hook. Now we have Trump, and the little witticisms just aren't as fun anymore.
Columnists aren't responsible for what the country does to itself. But you occupied a position of public prominence, and could have done so much more with it.
For eight years you chose to focus on one of the only basically decent, smart actors in Washington, and lambasted him for not being more perfect. And you largely let the idiot Democrats, and the utterly soulless Republicans, off the hook. Now we have Trump, and the little witticisms just aren't as fun anymore.
Columnists aren't responsible for what the country does to itself. But you occupied a position of public prominence, and could have done so much more with it.
17
..." Trump is not a tough guy. He’s a faux tough guy."
All he's got is bluster and spittle (B&S)--when that's gone, nothing's left--he runs on empty.
"America first" means "America alone"--it's W's "Not with us is against us"--pushed to its reductio ad absurdum. W campaigned on US belligerence--look where that went. Trump campaigned on US as Bully Boy.
Both appealed to thoughtless voters "educated" by Fox News who never asked "What's after the B&S? They never heard about catching flies with vinegar--let alone the Three Musketeer's "All for one; one for all" --a variation on E Pluribus Unum.
They bought into Eastwood's Dirty Harry--he and Trump bought it too--pushing Quixote's disorder to new heights--or is it lows.
Americans taught to share their toys are appalled. But are there enough of them? FDR tried to teach that in domestic politics; the Truman-Marshall plan taught it internationally.
They knew the real enemy is the enemy within--sucking the spirit out of the US mythos, giving it to the 1%. The real US enemy is not socialism but feudalism.
All he's got is bluster and spittle (B&S)--when that's gone, nothing's left--he runs on empty.
"America first" means "America alone"--it's W's "Not with us is against us"--pushed to its reductio ad absurdum. W campaigned on US belligerence--look where that went. Trump campaigned on US as Bully Boy.
Both appealed to thoughtless voters "educated" by Fox News who never asked "What's after the B&S? They never heard about catching flies with vinegar--let alone the Three Musketeer's "All for one; one for all" --a variation on E Pluribus Unum.
They bought into Eastwood's Dirty Harry--he and Trump bought it too--pushing Quixote's disorder to new heights--or is it lows.
Americans taught to share their toys are appalled. But are there enough of them? FDR tried to teach that in domestic politics; the Truman-Marshall plan taught it internationally.
They knew the real enemy is the enemy within--sucking the spirit out of the US mythos, giving it to the 1%. The real US enemy is not socialism but feudalism.
7
The last paragraph should be top of mind as we go into 2018 elections .
3
"Tiny, tiny, tiny man" indeed. Obama was and still is a class act, which is why our European allies admired him so. Trump is an ill-mannered, classless boor who parades his ignorance as a badge of honor. When he left Saudi Arabia to go to Israel he said he had left the Middle East. In Israel he said nothing about the 50 years of Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands, the steady buildup of Israeli settlements and resulting erosion of of Palestinian dreams of statehood. His European performance was a disaster for NATO, for American trade, and a "win" for Putin. Perhaps treason in the White House will end this horror, or perhaps Republicans will accept even that in their eagerness for tax cuts?
5
Americans would be better off if we could learn to think about politics beyond personalities. Political thought in America is now at the level of "People" magazine. We need to begin to think politically beyond the personalities of our representatives. We need to think in terms of larger issues like economics, history, war, and human rights. Someone said below that Manchester can be traced to the Obama administration's destabilization of Libya: I agree. ISIS can be traced to W's illegal invasion of Iraq in 2003. ALL of these administrations are responsible for our global destabilization. So, that is why I agree with Maureen: Obama shouldn't be smiling at the mess we are in. Syria and Libya did collapse under his watch. We need leaders who are dead serious about making moves to create peace and human equality, and put huge effort toward mitigating climate change. Whoever those leaders might be, even if they don't have scintillating personalities.
1
So surprised that ordinarily belittling Democrats Dowd had any criticism of The Rump! Her last paragraph was a level-headed synopsis of what we have.
2
everyone holds trump to such a high standard yet not Obama. I guess being white Trump is expected to be more holier than him.
3
There were a few kinds of people who elected Trump. One was the "never Hillary" group. Another was " I am a republican group". Then you have the group that actually gave him the nomination to the Republican Party. You know them. They are the guy at work who yells at everyone about anything. They are the woman who has felt she can't get what she wants but is not outwardly aggressive. There are those who just love the idea of having a Bad A___ as their friend and who better than a president that acts like that obnoxious guy who has to wait in line like the rest of us.
Sadly all of his years in those fancy schools never taught him basic manners, the things that help us get ahead in life. We have all met that guy. And now we all need to grit our teeth and live with what we got. But in 2018 and 2020 we better be ready to do the right thing and elect the right person. Fool me once....
Sadly all of his years in those fancy schools never taught him basic manners, the things that help us get ahead in life. We have all met that guy. And now we all need to grit our teeth and live with what we got. But in 2018 and 2020 we better be ready to do the right thing and elect the right person. Fool me once....
5
There are always two ways of looking at everything, and each has merit in the eyes of a particular viewer. For the Trump haters, they will read this screed with glee. Truth is, President Trump is in the process of draining the swamp, and all of the people mentioned in this article are swamp creatures who are very unhappy to be seeing their gravy train about to be diminished. For the first time and a very long time, America is coming first. Keep it up, President Trump.
2
On one hand we had a President who read, thought and discussed before he spoke. He wanted a better world for us.
On the other hand, we now have a President who watches TV, worries deeply about his own ratings and has never had a thought that he has not given immediate, unfiltered expression to. He really and truly wants a better world----for himself, his family and a very small circle of wealthy executives.
Gosh and golly, did we make a mistake.
On the other hand, we now have a President who watches TV, worries deeply about his own ratings and has never had a thought that he has not given immediate, unfiltered expression to. He really and truly wants a better world----for himself, his family and a very small circle of wealthy executives.
Gosh and golly, did we make a mistake.
8
Perhaps...if enough big advertisers continue to drop off of Fox News, Limbaugh, right-wing crazy talk radio, there might be a slow-down of hatred, meanness, and fake news, so America can begin to come to her senses again! I credit the above "news" entities for a lot of what is wrong with America today. And the Trump campaign fit right in with it....while the GOP Congress and establishment caved for power, and go right along with the craziness! GET OUT THE VOTE IN 2018!
3
Only 9985 more penance columns to go Ms. Dowd.
7
Are we readers to presume that Ms. Dowd is not a huge Trump fan? Say it ain't so. Shocking and completely unpredictable.
4
Well, Boehner is allowed to speak out because he's a Republican. Even Obama's continued existence is an assault on the senses of Trumpians. That he had the audacity to show his face in Europe at the same time as Trump was nothing less than an attempt to subvert our glorious president's agenda. So Boehner is calling Trump out on his know-nothing, hurt-everyone domestic policies? Well, it's just a little too late to show some moral fortitude, Mr. ex-Speaker. But, I'll give you some credit for ironing your own clothes.
What I search for in both their smiling faces is some clue that this whole mess is going to turn out all right. That this is a temporary setback in our generally forward-thinking democratic republic. But they both exist in bubbles where other rational people live. I don't think they've ever had anyone scream in their faces, as I have, that Barack Obama is a Muslim terrorist out to subvert America. Even the most rabid Freedom Caucus member wouldn't go that far, at least not to Mr. Obama's face.
Fox Fake News and right-wing talk radio brainwashing over the last thirty years has destroyed this country. I don't have a nice little bubble to live in, I have to see people whose hatred is so intense they have basically lost touch with reality.
I wish Obama and Boehner good luck with their golf games.
What I search for in both their smiling faces is some clue that this whole mess is going to turn out all right. That this is a temporary setback in our generally forward-thinking democratic republic. But they both exist in bubbles where other rational people live. I don't think they've ever had anyone scream in their faces, as I have, that Barack Obama is a Muslim terrorist out to subvert America. Even the most rabid Freedom Caucus member wouldn't go that far, at least not to Mr. Obama's face.
Fox Fake News and right-wing talk radio brainwashing over the last thirty years has destroyed this country. I don't have a nice little bubble to live in, I have to see people whose hatred is so intense they have basically lost touch with reality.
I wish Obama and Boehner good luck with their golf games.
125
I feel like Maureen's trolling us. She can't talk about what a boor and a bully Trump is without bashing Obama first, for the first 1/4 of the column, BECAUSE HE SMILES ON MAGAZINE COVERS. For heaven's sake, Maureen. You forgot to bash Bill Clinton, too. Take the column back and do it over, to make sure you spend another 1/4 of the column bashing the Clintons.
4
I've noticed something interesting about the NYT comments section. For the most part they love Obsma and they love to bash Trump. But they never really explain why. They mention their fear of Trump. They mention Trump's boorish behavior. They talk about how classy Obama and Michelle are. But they never really talk about anything above personality. They never really mention Obama's accomplishments. Because there are few if any.
Crediting Obama with fixing the economy is like crediting NASA for this morning's sunrise. In fact, had Romney's ideas been implemented the economy would have recovered in virtually the same way without the huge cost. But don't tell that to NYT commenters.
Crediting Obama with fixing the economy is like crediting NASA for this morning's sunrise. In fact, had Romney's ideas been implemented the economy would have recovered in virtually the same way without the huge cost. But don't tell that to NYT commenters.
4
When Trump was out of the country, we all had a bit of a pause in the madness. True, he continued to be boorish and a bully while overseas, and he dragged his family around like a bad American tourist, but it wasn't here. It was somewhere else beyond the borders of the United States. Now that he's back, I feel that walking-on-eggshells atmosphere creeping back into America. We have an abusive addict in the White House, thoughtless enablers in Congress, and the 911 lines are down. Oh dear.
2
The journalist Martha Gellhorn observed about Earnest Hemingway, "A man must be a very great genius to make up for being such a loathsome human being."
I'm still waiting for tRump to reveal his genius.
I'm still waiting for tRump to reveal his genius.
2
Superb article, Ms. Dowd. Succinctly put. Best synthesis of the national malaise arisen from the Trump poisoning of the American spirit I've seen.
For all your distaste of Hillary Clinton, she perhaps was the one person that truly did understand the terrible pressure of the job and the toll it must take on your well-being and yet, she still wanted the job. Mr. Trump never understood that pressure and the toll it would take on his happiness. I expect at some point, he will walk away from his current position and find himself happily playing a round of golf. He may even find a moment to play golf with Mr. Obama. And, together they can take joy in their post presidential life. The only ones not smiling will be those of us left behind with no safety net, no health insurance and a lack of access to decent jobs. I know I haven't smiled since November.
3
Every day there is a new twist to this scandalous administration. Every day the American people are asked to accept another brick in the wall of lowering expectations. Nobody really stands up to this president and the deplorable actions of many on the right. When will someone have real courage and finally say enough is enough? Is it possible that Trump and his advisers are more clever than all of our intelligence agencies combined and are playing all of us? I am beginning to wonder. My confidence in this system of governance is just about gone. I never thought this day would arrive.
2
Wouldn't it have been fantastic, when Trump pushed aside Dusko Markovic, if Dusko had shoved back, hard, knocking Trump on his ample Rump?
6
Wait. what? I was told there was going to be winning.
4
Trump is doing fine......Per Frank Perdue "It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken"......
3
Barack Obama is about to convert his 'public service' into a multimillion dollar fortune.
Barack Obama has his Secret Service detail standing between him and the fate of Eric Garner and Walter Scott.
Barack Obama has his golf clubs packed and ready as soon as President Trump extends an invitation to a Trump golf resort property.
Barack Obama has no fear that he will join the 0.75% of Americans who have volunteered to wear the military uniform of any American armed force since 9/11/01.
Why wouldn't Barry be smiling?
Trump is the one and only duly elected current President of the United States of America. There is no leader in the world who is that big, bad and tough. Trump won power the old fashioned way by white male privileged inheritance.
Why wouldn't Trump be playing the brash bully bloviating buffoon his minions -46 % of American voters and his masters-Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu selected?
Barack Obama has his Secret Service detail standing between him and the fate of Eric Garner and Walter Scott.
Barack Obama has his golf clubs packed and ready as soon as President Trump extends an invitation to a Trump golf resort property.
Barack Obama has no fear that he will join the 0.75% of Americans who have volunteered to wear the military uniform of any American armed force since 9/11/01.
Why wouldn't Barry be smiling?
Trump is the one and only duly elected current President of the United States of America. There is no leader in the world who is that big, bad and tough. Trump won power the old fashioned way by white male privileged inheritance.
Why wouldn't Trump be playing the brash bully bloviating buffoon his minions -46 % of American voters and his masters-Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu selected?
3
Time to look in the mirror, Maureen.
You're clever, creative, and crafty. But you like all of us are also transparent. It's hard for us the see ourselves as we really are.
Quit looking at Obama, look at yourself.
Whatever you bemoan about the current president only reflects what you were unwilling to discuss before the election.
It's that same storyline people give when divorcing: " but he/she changed!"
Nope, the evidence was there all along but people were so captivated by some image of djt ( that frankly I still don't get) they refused to accept or they dismissed and discounted his limitations.
He was always transparent as well and continues to be so.
I suggest writing about how to break through the republicans unwillingness to do things that are at least halfway decent and reflect some level of compassion.
And quit talking about what Obama is doing or not doing.
He owes you nothing.
You're clever, creative, and crafty. But you like all of us are also transparent. It's hard for us the see ourselves as we really are.
Quit looking at Obama, look at yourself.
Whatever you bemoan about the current president only reflects what you were unwilling to discuss before the election.
It's that same storyline people give when divorcing: " but he/she changed!"
Nope, the evidence was there all along but people were so captivated by some image of djt ( that frankly I still don't get) they refused to accept or they dismissed and discounted his limitations.
He was always transparent as well and continues to be so.
I suggest writing about how to break through the republicans unwillingness to do things that are at least halfway decent and reflect some level of compassion.
And quit talking about what Obama is doing or not doing.
He owes you nothing.
4
The most telling thing about ex-President Obama is that he's spending an awful lot of time outside the country. Smart guy.
2
T is the poster child of the aphorism, "money cannot buy class". Homeless men offering help to those in need in Manchester demonstrates compassion and class...something we can never be stripped of regardless of our circumstances.
T refers to himself as 'instinctual' as if it is a quality. An earthworm is instinctual, as is a polar bear. Humans are instinctual...and our value systems are generally those that help us quell our baser instincts and practice our higher ones. I'll give T kudos that he has mastered the art of self promotion and castigation of others who believe differently. I'm dismayed that he found as large an audience to play to in the American people. And he did so by understanding how instinctual we are, and playing to that in messages and news feeds.
The message we should have learned is that the intellectual argument is always "trumped" by the emotional argument. Many, including myself, thought the intellectual argument was so self evident that this man could not possible get elected. We hoodwinked ourselves--and that should be telling.
The pendulum swings both ways....we are just on the obverse side of that swing now. Hopefully things will not get so bad that it snaps off with no hope of retracing its path.
T refers to himself as 'instinctual' as if it is a quality. An earthworm is instinctual, as is a polar bear. Humans are instinctual...and our value systems are generally those that help us quell our baser instincts and practice our higher ones. I'll give T kudos that he has mastered the art of self promotion and castigation of others who believe differently. I'm dismayed that he found as large an audience to play to in the American people. And he did so by understanding how instinctual we are, and playing to that in messages and news feeds.
The message we should have learned is that the intellectual argument is always "trumped" by the emotional argument. Many, including myself, thought the intellectual argument was so self evident that this man could not possible get elected. We hoodwinked ourselves--and that should be telling.
The pendulum swings both ways....we are just on the obverse side of that swing now. Hopefully things will not get so bad that it snaps off with no hope of retracing its path.
1
Oh what a great ending to a column!! That is it... exactly!!
C'mon already Mo, what do Kevin & the Gang think about their man? You owe your readers an update on the Deplorable Adorables you kept harping on about before the election.
1
While I wasn't happy with some of President Obama's policies, he deserves every bit of fun and happiness and speaking fees he can get. He earned it for having to put up with 8 years of unrelenting obstruction and lies and criticism from Republicans. Enjoy, Mr President!
As for our current president, he continues to show us and the world what a small, mean, uninformed, narcissist he really is. We really are in a jet with a six year old at the controls, weaving all over the sky, praying that we survive.
On this Memorial Day, we need to remember that those who died for our country were fighting to preserve a nation that was founded on the highest ideals, with respect for all people, and not the nation Trump and the Republicans want to impose on us. Let us never forget that.
As for our current president, he continues to show us and the world what a small, mean, uninformed, narcissist he really is. We really are in a jet with a six year old at the controls, weaving all over the sky, praying that we survive.
On this Memorial Day, we need to remember that those who died for our country were fighting to preserve a nation that was founded on the highest ideals, with respect for all people, and not the nation Trump and the Republicans want to impose on us. Let us never forget that.
165
• Trump thinks the way to represent America is with a caricature of strength, without understanding it comes across as weakness and boorishness.
• Donald Trump is not a tough guy. He’s a faux tough guy.
“The appearance of strength doesn’t equal strength.”
~ JUSTIN SHERIN aka @dick_nixon
• Donald Trump is not a tough guy. He’s a faux tough guy.
“The appearance of strength doesn’t equal strength.”
~ JUSTIN SHERIN aka @dick_nixon
5
Let's face it, Mr. Trump is a boor who inherited an empire from his father. He has no manners, berates everyone, threatens people, changes his mind all the time, is immature, and "lies", just to name a few of his indiscretions.
The Clintons and the Obamas are now feeding off the fat of their having been presidents in the past. There's nothing wrong with that, so long as you don't purport to serve the masses, when you're pulling in $ 400,000.00 for giving speeches to corporations and well-to-do groups - that's hypocrisy at its' worst!
The Clintons and the Obamas are now feeding off the fat of their having been presidents in the past. There's nothing wrong with that, so long as you don't purport to serve the masses, when you're pulling in $ 400,000.00 for giving speeches to corporations and well-to-do groups - that's hypocrisy at its' worst!
2
All this emphasizes -- this column, Trump, our sorry situation -- is the abject bankruptcy and uselessness of the Democratic party. But guess what: no mention whatsoever in the mainstream American media of the need for a third party. Nope, let's just walk hand-in-hand with whichever of the two parties has done everything it can to first ignore, then destroy us.
1
President Obama is simply embracing the old Spanish Proverb that says ‘living well is the best revenge.’
Every time trump sees President Obama golfing he dies a little inside.
So please, stop whining Maureen.
You helped trump win the electoral college so stop pretending you didn't.
Lying works over at Fox Kids or The New York Post so maybe its time you took your vanishing skills to those wastelands of journalistic integrity because NYT readers are fed up with your fairly obvious attempts to pass the buck...just like the draft dodging president you helped put in power.
You're basic Dowd...just like your president.
Every time trump sees President Obama golfing he dies a little inside.
So please, stop whining Maureen.
You helped trump win the electoral college so stop pretending you didn't.
Lying works over at Fox Kids or The New York Post so maybe its time you took your vanishing skills to those wastelands of journalistic integrity because NYT readers are fed up with your fairly obvious attempts to pass the buck...just like the draft dodging president you helped put in power.
You're basic Dowd...just like your president.
9
I know this may be a radical idea for rightist Kool-aid drinkers like Dowd but maybe, just maybe, their 70 year old electoral college president is responsible for his own bad behavior.
I know that blaming others for your failures has become a cottage industry on the right since AWOL bush and president war deferments cheney allowed 9/11 but for real Americans, that just doesn't sit right.
Man up trump!!!
The whining and finger pointing and passing the buck just ain't that cute anymore.
I know that blaming others for your failures has become a cottage industry on the right since AWOL bush and president war deferments cheney allowed 9/11 but for real Americans, that just doesn't sit right.
Man up trump!!!
The whining and finger pointing and passing the buck just ain't that cute anymore.
5
Pope Francis embraced President Obama and repelled draft dodger trump.
That's all I need to know.
That's all I need to know.
8
Give me a break, Mo! The country is in fine shape. Poll after poll shows optimism is up under Trump, especially among small biz owners. If you were POTUS, we'd be broke. Oh yeah, we are. Under your, er Obama's, leadership the debt exploded, an incredibly ill-conceived healthcare plan was initiated and our stature around the world plummeted. Obama thought he was so much smarter than everyone else. He also thought his childhood experience provided him a keen insight into the Muslim world unlike anyone else. He was wrong.
Obamacare is collapsing this year, exactly as predicted 3 years ago. Obama was not a great POTUS by a long shot. He's a wannabe celebrity. And you fell for it.
Obamacare is collapsing this year, exactly as predicted 3 years ago. Obama was not a great POTUS by a long shot. He's a wannabe celebrity. And you fell for it.
6
I read a post on recent address by Obama on Facebook, accompanied by a photo of the former President. It made me want to cry. He is sorely missed.
5
I too looked to Melania to quiet down and perhaps control a bit her horrible husband. But all we've really seen of her is Melania, the former model, walking model straight and with no smile dressed in the most expensive designer creations. Well If I was married to the Donald I would not be smiling either. No J-Crew or gardens for this First Lady and I think she has zero influence on Trump. Like the rest of us I believe she never thought he'd win and she therefore never thought about what being first lady really means. Kinda feel sorry for her...the only one connected to the Trump family I do. We and she didn't deserve what he has wrought and as far as I know she hasn't been yakking with the Russians.
Without reminders of normalcy we cannot measure the depths of this administration's astonishing depravity.
Obama always plays a long game. Maybe his smile reflects his awareness that the short term will be short lived?
Obama always plays a long game. Maybe his smile reflects his awareness that the short term will be short lived?
2
I stand-up and applaud Barack Obama's "epic vacay" - after all he went through in the prior 8 years, if anyone ever deserved it, it would be Barack. He was and still is a voice of mature attitude, reason and rationale behavior we would hope would be evident in the leaders of America. Thank you Barack for 8 years of service to our nation!
8
America , what have you done to yourself ! You have elected , sort of , a deranged conman as your president & he is being abetted by the vile Ryan & McConnell to give the 2% an $880 billion tax cut & more by taking healthcare from the neediest.
America you are proving how Exceptional you really are vs the rest of the developed world that has had UNIVERSAL healthcare for their citizens for decades in many cases. It is past time to march on the WH & RNC with pitchforks , tar & feathers.
Is there no patriot in the IRS who will release 20 yrs of Trump`s tax returns. He will never as he is hiding his fraudulent activities.
America you are proving how Exceptional you really are vs the rest of the developed world that has had UNIVERSAL healthcare for their citizens for decades in many cases. It is past time to march on the WH & RNC with pitchforks , tar & feathers.
Is there no patriot in the IRS who will release 20 yrs of Trump`s tax returns. He will never as he is hiding his fraudulent activities.
7
Again I write to the NYT thru one of their writers the following:
"Trump grew up in Queens, I grew up in Brooklyn. If Trump had walked to grammar school with me and my friends he would have had a bloody nose once a week for being a PUNK ! Unfortunately for him he did not grow up in our neighborhood and thus grew up to be BULLY !"
No one in the NY press has ever pointed out that in the 1950's in New York any family that sent their sons to "military academy's" for their high school education did not do so because their sons aspired to someday be a General; they sent them because they were on their way to being a loser.
"Trump grew up in Queens, I grew up in Brooklyn. If Trump had walked to grammar school with me and my friends he would have had a bloody nose once a week for being a PUNK ! Unfortunately for him he did not grow up in our neighborhood and thus grew up to be BULLY !"
No one in the NY press has ever pointed out that in the 1950's in New York any family that sent their sons to "military academy's" for their high school education did not do so because their sons aspired to someday be a General; they sent them because they were on their way to being a loser.
31
After 8 years with McConnell and Ryan, it must be a blessing to take off the hair shirt. Just hope Barack & Michelle will take a page from Carter once they recover and do their best to keep us from harm.
8
The mainstream media are doing Trump a huge favor every time they publish another photo of Obama's epic vacations. The best ones show him getting on/off private planes after speaking about climate change. Just reinforces to Main Street America how out of touch Obama and the Democratic party are.
3
Obama got to where he is today by stepping on the backs of the black community. To herald him as some sort of paragon while he hob-nobs with the rich and famous (as Chi-raq continues to seep into total despair) is just flat out wrong. Obama is no different than the Clintons and or Donald Trump. It's always, always, all about then. What you have do however have to truly love and adore about Trump is that he exposed the POTUS for what it truly is.
For that ya gotta give the guy credit!
For that ya gotta give the guy credit!
3
I am trying to imagine what Ms. Dowd would have Obama do or say at this point. What can one make of an electorate that supposedly supported and admired you and then elects somebody who is the antithesis of everything you represent? I think he's demonstrating that he doesn't take it personally - don't let them see you sweat.
It seems to me that Obama is sticking to the same low key approach he used during his Presidency. It didn't sway the public then either.
It seems to me that Obama is sticking to the same low key approach he used during his Presidency. It didn't sway the public then either.
7
Surely you jest. Barack Obama left office with the world in turmoil and America more politically and racially divided than it's been since the 60's. His missteps in the Middle East, starting with his terrible decisions to not back Mubarak in Egypt, and support the overthrow of Gaddafi in Libya during that naive liberal Kumbaya Party" The Arab Spring" started the destabilization of the region. Combine that with his feckless Syria policy, and the world was saddled with the murdering butchers of ISIS. He can only be smiling over not having to clean up the mess he created, and the fact that he left it to a person he totally despises, Donald Trump.
2
We should all have ignored Trump when we had the chance, before his shtick became truly an existential problem for American democracy.
16
President Trump is a walking embodiment of the worst of America. Unfortunately the worst of America is a powerful constituency.
26
If ever there was a good time to be in a long term coma, it would be now until this disaster of a so-called administration, with all the fear, anxiety and hatred they are inflicting and imposing on the world, is over.
19
The fear is ginned up by the media for ratings, you just relax and know we are in better shape now that a real man is in office.
1
But what if you come out of your coma and find that the Republican party has transformed itself into the "Idiocratic" party and it's the only party in town.
1
Amazing! Ten trillion dollars of debt heaped on future generations, a wrecked health care system, government spying on average Americans at an all time high, Iran looking at going nuclear, a bungled Syria and Iraq, and a stagnant economy, Obama and his followers long for those "good old days". You know, you Democrats could try to help. You created a lot of these messes.
4
Most would say the Mideast is broken thanks to eight year action s of bush and team. most understand our economy crashed when bush was president , leaving it up to the dems to repair. are you delusional or just propagating fake explanations?
And you, and those like you really "helped " by voting in this " Real nut case", didn't you!? Where oh where do you people come from? What a crazy comment after eight years of Repub hatred and obstruction for Obama and his proposals for taking our country forward instead of back to the 19th century. I still maintain the current crop of Repubs in congress should be tried for treason in a time of (ongoing) war. In all my 79 years I have never felt so negative about the majority party in congress; even George II looks pretty good to me given the present scene!
4
OK I'll bite. The debt was due to wars (Bush), bail outs (Bush), tax cuts (Bush), and lower tax revenue due to the recession (Bush). Turns out the majority of the country likes this "wrecked" health care system and is fighting to keep it. You can't name one average American whose phone data was compromised or abused. Iran is complying with the nuclear deal (per Trump). Iraq's problems were due to Maliki's anti-Sunni policies (Bush's hand picked leader) and the poorly trained ineffective Iraqi army (Bush). The "stagnant" economy included record a high stock market, record high corporate profits, pre-crises low unemployment, and low inflation. The good old days also included a president who knows stuff. I'll take it.
4
I don't agree with everything he has done, but I know that President Obama did his very best for the country and to protect the interests of the American people. He put forth legislation and supported programs to expand access to healthcare, protect the environment, combat climate change, underwrite medical research, protect human rights, and other progressive programs.
For President Obama's two terms in office, the Republican establishment did everything possible to block his initiatives. The Republicans' obsessive hatred of President Obama came to dominate any reasonable approach to legitimate governance.
The current mess in Congress and the idiot in the White House are entirely results of Republican prejudices and obstructionism over the past decade. They broke the government and now they own it.
President Obama doesn't have to say a word about Trump and the mess the Republicans have made. His broad grin says it all.
For President Obama's two terms in office, the Republican establishment did everything possible to block his initiatives. The Republicans' obsessive hatred of President Obama came to dominate any reasonable approach to legitimate governance.
The current mess in Congress and the idiot in the White House are entirely results of Republican prejudices and obstructionism over the past decade. They broke the government and now they own it.
President Obama doesn't have to say a word about Trump and the mess the Republicans have made. His broad grin says it all.
36
I can almost hear Thomas Jefferson who, I'm told, opined that we should have a revolution every so many years, thinking: " Well, what are you people waiting for?"
2
After a long period you have returned to form Maureen, and not a moment too soon! And with nary a snarky moment you have done to our not-so-beloved fake president what he has so richly deserved.
Since you have atoned for your sins, I can read you with confidence, even approval.
And since this is so, I can refer to you by your proper given name of Maureen Dowd.
Brava Maureen!
Since you have atoned for your sins, I can read you with confidence, even approval.
And since this is so, I can refer to you by your proper given name of Maureen Dowd.
Brava Maureen!
6
What President past or present would you consider "beloved" -- that's what's wrong with Ms. Dowd's comments -- snarky is not art, it's just snarky. And if the former President had been looking devastated, her snarky comments would have been about what a sore loser he is was. I think after eight years of putting up with people like Dowd, I'd be smiling too -- great to be free. And why should he look like a loser -- compared to what we have now (thanks to the deplorable's) -- he has earned the right to hold his head high - at least he served his country with honor and thought of the American people first -- not the Russians.
1
The Opposition may be in search of a leader, but Obama, as much as I like and admire him, is not that man. The Opposition needs a leader whose name is not tainted. Obama's is tainted, not by what he has done but by the manure that The Old Opposition dumped on him. Clinton is not that leader for the same reason. It is enough, it seems to me, for Obama to wear that smile and suggest at least the possibility of happiness again. The possibility, even, of decency. Obama has fought. Now it is time for him to sit in the stands and cheer us on. As we fight.
18
"primate panache" - Hah!! Brilliant. A Simpson's animation of that sequence (where he pushes the PM and straightens his jacket) with Trump as gorilla would need little adjustment.
I must confess, alas, I found it funny even while knowing it is quite tragic. I doubt anyone found it out of character. I'm sure it just deepens the wonder and astonishment (although we did have precedent with "W") at the United States being led by this... this... person of of extraordinary incompetency.
I must confess, alas, I found it funny even while knowing it is quite tragic. I doubt anyone found it out of character. I'm sure it just deepens the wonder and astonishment (although we did have precedent with "W") at the United States being led by this... this... person of of extraordinary incompetency.
15
Every morning when I open my iPad to look to NYT with a cup of tea, my heart fills with pain - what we have done to our Republic. Our President is a joke to the world leaders, our Congress is a country club of crooks and dishonest. media is devided between great news and fake news and more than 40% of our fellow citizens are purposeless as pointed by a 32 years old Harvard dropout. Can we be OK after Trump Presidency as our beloved old man of Omaha assures us. Can we ever return back to our blissful state when our President will become our proud symbol of American greatness. Can America will ever return to the role of world leader, a lighthouse of economic, military and Western civilization - a civilization that showed the humanity the freedom, democracy, and human rights. Or we surrendered our blissful stare to the brute and crude powers, like the defeat of Devas to Asurs in Indian epics.
10
Obama has been misinterpreted since he first became a 'thing'. He was never going to create Change or personally do whatever We Can do. He was always the cheerleader, the one doing the urging, but not the leading. He did not know how to be a leader, but at least he tried, unlike You Know Who. It was up to Us to make it happen, Obama was just going to tell us that We Can.
While I voted for him, twice, I also say that he should have been impeached. Ordering the execution of US citizens without due process is a violation of the Constitution that is so egregious and blatant that impeachment is the only recourse. I feel that way because to me Country Always Comes Before Party. 30 years in uniform was my way of affirming that.
Obama was never what he was perceived to be and that isn't his fault. He had intelligence and skills, but he did not know leadership or understand that he wasn't actually providing leadership. As far as he was concerned he was doing what a leader does, but he wasn't. He was just cheerleading and cheerleaders don't win games, players do.
While I voted for him, twice, I also say that he should have been impeached. Ordering the execution of US citizens without due process is a violation of the Constitution that is so egregious and blatant that impeachment is the only recourse. I feel that way because to me Country Always Comes Before Party. 30 years in uniform was my way of affirming that.
Obama was never what he was perceived to be and that isn't his fault. He had intelligence and skills, but he did not know leadership or understand that he wasn't actually providing leadership. As far as he was concerned he was doing what a leader does, but he wasn't. He was just cheerleading and cheerleaders don't win games, players do.
5
Let us see who goes down as one of Americas greatest presidents ever. Hint: It won't be Barry.
3
Hint: It will be Barack.
2
There in lies the rub...he was never "President Obama" to many and it was the "hate since 08" of President Obama that brought us to this current Presidency. Because so much time, attention, and money was spent in attacking President Obama rather than governing this country. Sad.
4
Another hint: it won't be The Donald, either. (And I'm pretty sure you're wrong with that first hint)
6
Isn't that the thing with us Americans?
When we are on the job - we give it 100% effort.
When we are out - we have our own personal lives.
There has to be said something for people whose passion is to care for the country, for the downtrodden - no matter what job you are in.
I do not think Obama, Bush fall into that category.
Which is why the mess that you see today. It must be something that the two ex-Presidents lacked (of course we know what W lacked for sure!)
When we are on the job - we give it 100% effort.
When we are out - we have our own personal lives.
There has to be said something for people whose passion is to care for the country, for the downtrodden - no matter what job you are in.
I do not think Obama, Bush fall into that category.
Which is why the mess that you see today. It must be something that the two ex-Presidents lacked (of course we know what W lacked for sure!)
3
What is the point of this article? It started as an attack on President Obama for enjoying life and concludes that DJT is not a tough guy. So? The Electoral College has spoken and DJT is the new President. Many of us don't like what we are seeing, but the "people" have spoken and it is time for them to watch and suffer as the GOP pulls back the curtain hiding the Wizard to reveal what the right-wing world actually looks like. Read the story about Oklahoma's schools in today WaPo. This is an ugly, every person for himself or herself, world. It is all about me and my family, the devil take the hindmost.
Does MD really think Obama should somehow come back and save us from ourselves? We need to let the Trump fiasco play out so that perhaps we will finally realize that there is a legitimate role for an effective, efficient, equitable federal government that tries to help us lift ourselves up so we can realize the visions of the founding fathers.
Does MD really think Obama should somehow come back and save us from ourselves? We need to let the Trump fiasco play out so that perhaps we will finally realize that there is a legitimate role for an effective, efficient, equitable federal government that tries to help us lift ourselves up so we can realize the visions of the founding fathers.
153
Maybe this needs to "play out," but this fact does NOT absolve a serious citizen of this country from our need to comprehend that he must go and be gone from office. In a personal sense, he needs to be removed from the lurid scrutiny that may well consume his sanity and his family's self-respect, but even those things are subject to the one criterion that really matters: what does our country need in this hour?
President Obama: A top of the line, Mercedes Benz, engineered to provide, comfort, reliability, safety and performance. near perfection.
The Presidential Apprentice: a 1970s Ford Pinto: The " car" with the exploding gas tank. Actual deaths occurred, as the tank exploded when the car was rear ended, at high speeds.
Gee, SUCH a difficult choice. The poet or the fool.
The Presidential Apprentice: a 1970s Ford Pinto: The " car" with the exploding gas tank. Actual deaths occurred, as the tank exploded when the car was rear ended, at high speeds.
Gee, SUCH a difficult choice. The poet or the fool.
13
The Obamas have never, to this day, conducted themselves with anything less than class, gracefulness and kindness to everyone around them, including their enemies.
Yes, they are rich celebrities now, who are enjoying a release from 8 years of disciplined, exemplary behavior in their roles as President and First Lady. Are they expected to appear somber, worried-looking , and concerned about the country 24/7?
Should they be barnstorming the country in full campaign mode, sleeves rolled up, seen listening intently
with tears in their eyes and their arms around people terrified for their diabetic kids about to lose their health insurance?
Maureen would then complain that they are unable to let go of the power and prestige they had become addicted to over their 8 years. That they were acting like a government-in-exile, and that Michelle was preparing for a Senate run, followed by a Presidential run, Clinton-style.
We've yet to see what the future holds for the Obamas.
When Barack starts giving speeches for $450k a pop, and their net worth climbs to Clintonian heights, Maureen should sharpen her pencils. Until then she might consider delving into the lifestyles of the Mercers, Adelsons, DeVos's and other American oligarchs running this current disaster.
Jared Kushner, that smirking, self-satisfied know-it-all twirp--never says a word. I don't even know what his voice sounds like. How about your interview with him, Maureen?
Yes, they are rich celebrities now, who are enjoying a release from 8 years of disciplined, exemplary behavior in their roles as President and First Lady. Are they expected to appear somber, worried-looking , and concerned about the country 24/7?
Should they be barnstorming the country in full campaign mode, sleeves rolled up, seen listening intently
with tears in their eyes and their arms around people terrified for their diabetic kids about to lose their health insurance?
Maureen would then complain that they are unable to let go of the power and prestige they had become addicted to over their 8 years. That they were acting like a government-in-exile, and that Michelle was preparing for a Senate run, followed by a Presidential run, Clinton-style.
We've yet to see what the future holds for the Obamas.
When Barack starts giving speeches for $450k a pop, and their net worth climbs to Clintonian heights, Maureen should sharpen her pencils. Until then she might consider delving into the lifestyles of the Mercers, Adelsons, DeVos's and other American oligarchs running this current disaster.
Jared Kushner, that smirking, self-satisfied know-it-all twirp--never says a word. I don't even know what his voice sounds like. How about your interview with him, Maureen?
34
To some extent, we have been children to the world for some time, prurient, voyeuristic and playing with matches. Currently a psychopathic child is in charge.
We might get rid of him through impeachment or he may grow tired of playing in a sandbox surrounded by grownups watching him. And then - what?! We get Mike Pence, who will be a Republicans' dream come true. He tows the line without drama and lunches with Mother. When he breaks free of watching Trump quietly and with a smile - watch out. One way or another, we're in trouble, and so is the world. Calling Dr. Who!
We might get rid of him through impeachment or he may grow tired of playing in a sandbox surrounded by grownups watching him. And then - what?! We get Mike Pence, who will be a Republicans' dream come true. He tows the line without drama and lunches with Mother. When he breaks free of watching Trump quietly and with a smile - watch out. One way or another, we're in trouble, and so is the world. Calling Dr. Who!
17
"...Republicans adjust their standards and put an emphasis on team loyalty. They normalize and accept previously unacceptable behavior.”
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Where ever did they learn that?
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Where ever did they learn that?
2
oh right, from Nixon!
2
Quoting from conversations with People magazine covers and TMZ...Ms. Dowd, are you trying to prove Trump right about fake news?
5
Donald Trump never stood up for anyone but Donald Trump in his life. If he was not so very rich with an army of lawyers he would have been in jail years ago.
26
Relax. Trump has a background in TV wrestling; the "Battle of the Billionaires" videos on Youtube are enlightening. He thrives on spectacle and a bit of a morality play. If his son-in-law is perceived as a serious burden, he will be de-White-Housed in short order.
As for Obama, his buckraking activities are modest. Tables of 10 for his Scotland visit were going for £5K. Not free, but mild as these things go. A normal person could scrape together £500 once to go see him. Obama's hair turned grey within months of starting the job. Eight years on, he has earned the right to chill out.
Democrat officials worried about a danger to democracy should heal themselves first. A wide-open platform discussion and candidate selection process would do them a world of good.
As for Obama, his buckraking activities are modest. Tables of 10 for his Scotland visit were going for £5K. Not free, but mild as these things go. A normal person could scrape together £500 once to go see him. Obama's hair turned grey within months of starting the job. Eight years on, he has earned the right to chill out.
Democrat officials worried about a danger to democracy should heal themselves first. A wide-open platform discussion and candidate selection process would do them a world of good.
82
Trump is a very insecure man. Insecure men often display themselves as a tough guy to compensate for all their inadequacies and insecurities.
Send him to a psychiatrist who possibly (although not probably) could help him with his insecurities.
Send him to a psychiatrist who possibly (although not probably) could help him with his insecurities.
5
Sorry Dowdaholics,Maureen continues to show her fast ball is gone and she merely gloms on to the cable news chatter of the week in poking snark or contempt at the subject. And it's not like the former President does not deserve some personal peace after eight years of organized Republican Negativity. Maybe you stock market fans notice Wyndham Worldwide,the hotel and timeshare club folks broke $100 per share on Friday. The good times are back,always were good for the one percenters and are geting better thanks to Saudi Arabia and China major investments here. Ms. Dowd forgot a long time ago there are consequences to not giving Hillary Rodham Clinton a pass for all her selfish mistakes. Follow the Kushners $$$ trail if you want to understand this President.
4
The Republicans could probably just pick names at random from the phone book and come up with better presidential candidates than George Bush or Donald Trump. Certainly that's true in Trump's case.
6
Donald Trump. Just like the jelly of the month club, keeps on giving.
2
Maureen Dowd is highly overrated. But today's "straightened his jacket with primate panache" is an absolutely brilliant line that captures so much.
Credit where due.
Credit where due.
7
Trump has offered feral brutality as the face of America. Stupid, arrogant, vulgar, and unapologetically pushing his way to the spotlight Donald Trump has succeeded in turning our reputation on it's head mired in corruption and filth. Vile, disgusting, one shudders to think that Trump is president, until we recognize that his supporters are loyal to him regardless of their betrayal in his budget, and his contempt for them, his promises to them, and civility.
Trump's opponents in the Republican Party face a tipping point after which emerging from corruption will carry a permanent taint. Who will survive who is not a racist, a misanthrope, a misogynist, a religious bigot, a puppet for oligarchs.
Democrats must search for the backbone needed to soundly defeat the backward lurch, the collapse of democracy. Democrats have to publicly denounce Trump, and his supporters. Equivocating on their deplorable character is not tolerable. Clarity is essential. Democrats cannot seek the ignorant, racist, hateful, backward people who are as dangerous and as disgusting as Trump. Democracy does not demand toleration of intolerants. Democracy does not require compromise with ignorance and all of it's manifestations. Democracy demands service of the common good. The common good never includes ignorance, racism, misogyny, hatred, or fear. Democrats must put aside association with all who hoard wealth, cripple the future with debt, who exploit ignorance, fear, and envy, who serve the very rich.
Trump's opponents in the Republican Party face a tipping point after which emerging from corruption will carry a permanent taint. Who will survive who is not a racist, a misanthrope, a misogynist, a religious bigot, a puppet for oligarchs.
Democrats must search for the backbone needed to soundly defeat the backward lurch, the collapse of democracy. Democrats have to publicly denounce Trump, and his supporters. Equivocating on their deplorable character is not tolerable. Clarity is essential. Democrats cannot seek the ignorant, racist, hateful, backward people who are as dangerous and as disgusting as Trump. Democracy does not demand toleration of intolerants. Democracy does not require compromise with ignorance and all of it's manifestations. Democracy demands service of the common good. The common good never includes ignorance, racism, misogyny, hatred, or fear. Democrats must put aside association with all who hoard wealth, cripple the future with debt, who exploit ignorance, fear, and envy, who serve the very rich.
6
It would be interesting to hear what the other leaders of the free world say about our intellectually and ethically challenged "president".
4
Oh please, Dowd badmouthed Obama for eight years. She did the same for the Clintons and much to nobody's surprise, she treated Donald Trump like he was Elvis, the Pope and Abraham Lincoln rolled into one. The question is: how is she liking little hands now? Does she still have her back channel line to the Donald?
20
Seems you're now trying to do penance for the previous bashing of Obama, but especially Hillary. This is better, but still you leave a sour taste. Too little Maureen... Too late. You are also responsible for the nightmare thinking, decent, civilized people are living. I read this to the end, but that's a first for me in a long time. I still don't know why I even bother...
14
Couldn't agree more ...Maureen: you are a de facto Trump enabler. "Barry" as you meanly called him, is laughing at you now.
Just think, if it weren't for people in the media like Maureen Dowd, Hillary Clinton might be president. How boring. How safe. What would the media possibly do for fun? Rip Hillary to shreds as they've been doing for the past 20 years? Even that gets old.
Instead, the United States is an international joke and object of scorn, soon to be completely irrelevant on the world stage. Unless the trigger-happy buffoon that Russia chose to put in power blows up the world first. The new Leader of the Free World--just to spite us--is a woman, Angela Merkel. The scandals come so thick and fast that reporters can't even keep up, though they do manage to find the time to criticize Hillary Clinton because she won't shut up and go away.
Yes, the media are having a field day. The rest of us? We just hope we won't be buried alive in those fields, but who cares...we, "the people," never counted for much unless we could count our millions of green.
Instead, the United States is an international joke and object of scorn, soon to be completely irrelevant on the world stage. Unless the trigger-happy buffoon that Russia chose to put in power blows up the world first. The new Leader of the Free World--just to spite us--is a woman, Angela Merkel. The scandals come so thick and fast that reporters can't even keep up, though they do manage to find the time to criticize Hillary Clinton because she won't shut up and go away.
Yes, the media are having a field day. The rest of us? We just hope we won't be buried alive in those fields, but who cares...we, "the people," never counted for much unless we could count our millions of green.
7
Boy, Maureen, when you turn on somebody it's really ugly. I remember a time when you wrote almost girlishly flirtatious articles about "Donnie." I much prefer these.
1
Really nice to see Maureen being castigated for the smarky way she treated President Obama and Hillary. I thought I was the only one who lost faith in her and chalked her up as an ivory tower-know everything Journalist who'd never participated in anything to help bring about the idealized world she believes will materialize simply because of her brilliant writing. You have to break some eggs to make an omelet baby! Participating in public life, where the press feel they're ordained by God to criticize others, is a hard job. But at least they're trying. Well... some of them. Good article though. Welcome back.
4
The faux tough elected this guy to office. FDR was a tough guy. It is amazing what the adversity of polio or other such life experiences can do for your character. But, I am resigned to acknowledge that the "good guys" don't always prevail. I guess in the long run they do. But, I am inclined to think more like Keynes these days,..... "In the long run, we'll all be dead."
6
Same old Maureen. Spends 1/3 to 1/2 of her column STILL scorching Obama over nothing! After 8 of the toughest years at the toughest job in the world (which he took VERY seriously) he's taken all of 4 months of he retirement to have some fun. He's only 55, and about the healthiest and fittest 55 anyone could want to be, so he's taking a little time to enjoy life. Like he hasn't earned it? He's not President anymore, and like all of his predecessors, he's not jumping into anything yet. Jimmy Carter took 21 years to go from President to Nobel Laureate. How long did W hibernate before emerging? And, when, in early March 2003, Carter presciently forecast the calamity that the Iraq invasion would be, he was castigated for "dissing" the Bush as breaking precedent. Now Mo castigates Bush AND Obama for just the opposite! A former President's only power is what influence he wields if he's listened to, but it can be considerable. Is it any wonder she was persona non grata at his White House? The only usual target Mo has missed is Hillary, whose address to Wellesley grads obliquely but clearly called for Trump's impeachment. Had she not been cheated out of the WH by the Russians, years of voter ID and registration purging, blatant manufactured lies (pizza) and a dolt of an FBI director, 99% of the mess Trump's made wouldn't exist. BTW, Boehner's NOT an ex-President so there's no precedent for him holding his tongue and noting the obvious that Trump is a disaster.
Same old Mo.
Same old Mo.
14
The best post on here! Kudos!
1
Well, dear Maureen, what would you have Barak Obama do -- look sour and bitter, so you could write, what a sore loser he is -- I don't think Obama could ever win any point with you, so I won't address it too much -- just to say, why aren't you smiling -- your guy won the Presidency -- don't blame the former President who certainly gave everyone plenty of warning about this monster we now call President. Mr. Trump's behavior about all of his predecessor's, including W has been less than stellar and that's being generous. I'm surprised you didn't bring up Mrs. Clinton who also looks incredibly happy and incredibly smart. In the end, Obama, Clinton and W are the winners and we (most Americans) are the real losers because of the deplorable's (and never was Mrs. Clinton so accurate in her description) who decided that an ignorant thug should be in the WH.
17
It seems Ms. dowd is very adept at projecting the liberal's behavior unto Mr. Trump. And Mr. Axelrod now knows how the other half of the country felt when Mr. Obama was president. He described it aptly.
1
And you should be so proud, Maureen. You helped get him elected!
14
Truer words were n'er spoken.
As seems to happen about one time in three with her pieces, I have no idea what Maureen's point is. I get Bush's glee--even for the historically challenged, his is now the second worst presidency. And Maureen asks very little of him in retirement (just as we asked very little of him in the eight years before his retirement, and he delivered accordingly). But bashing Obama for enjoying his current life after eight years of a sober and challenging presidency instead of doing...something else (leading the resistance?) seems ridiculous to me.
11
Kudos, Ms. Dowd. This counts as one of your best columns. Your depiction of Trump's behavior as a faux-tough guy and preening peacock is spot on. He is, despite the office he holds, merely a 70-year-old enfant terrible.
4
Maureen, what can Obama do to make you happy. The Republicans tore him to shreds and now we are stuck with Trump's leaderlessness.
However, you are right about describing Trump as a "faux tough guy." He is also a faux President.
However, you are right about describing Trump as a "faux tough guy." He is also a faux President.
11
Speaking of hand-to-hand, what about the Kushner imbroglio? Let's hear it. The idea, that Trump-Kushner were going to the use Russia's Embassy as a node of "private communication" between the White House and the Kremlin, this has to be gone into. Maybe it wasn't Trump "being naive," it was the opposite, not the 'deep state' but dodging the lawful State. Kushner is running Donald's private business, not his "white house." Everyone knows they pledged to ease up on sanctions. Why the rush to pass messages without State oversight? Was it the millions being lost overseas, every day, by Trump and/or Russia, due to the sanctions? Everyone knows that local Republicans (like the Montana Mauler) had investments in off-limits Russian accounts. To whom is Trump indebted? Follow the money and force the regime to release its tax returns.
3
"While Obama certainly ruffled feathers in Washington as president, it seems like nothing compared to the daily emotional traumas, family soap operas and Byzantine Russian scandal twists and turns gushing out of the Trump White House."
True but much of this is a reaction to the actions of the vengeful Democrats.
If I look at Trump's ACTIONS since he became president, I find nothing strange. There are things I do not like. Buddy buddy with King Salman and Bibi Netanyahu for instance. But Trump is only following tradition. I remember being annoyed at Obama for favoring Saudi Arabia too much.
Even on NATO, Trump is drawing a fine line between supporting European security and making it plain that the US is not writing a blank check.
Indeed his European policy is far more sensible than previous ones.
Maybe the Democrats will see to it that Trump goes down in flames. We will get Pence. The Democrats will NOT be happy, but the ability to think beyond one step ahead is something they do not seem to possess.
True but much of this is a reaction to the actions of the vengeful Democrats.
If I look at Trump's ACTIONS since he became president, I find nothing strange. There are things I do not like. Buddy buddy with King Salman and Bibi Netanyahu for instance. But Trump is only following tradition. I remember being annoyed at Obama for favoring Saudi Arabia too much.
Even on NATO, Trump is drawing a fine line between supporting European security and making it plain that the US is not writing a blank check.
Indeed his European policy is far more sensible than previous ones.
Maybe the Democrats will see to it that Trump goes down in flames. We will get Pence. The Democrats will NOT be happy, but the ability to think beyond one step ahead is something they do not seem to possess.
3
Thank you for saying it. Have long wondered privately and silently whether 44 was pro his legacy or pro Clinton. Honestly, I am appalled. What's happening is nothing to grin about on the golf course. As Rachel Maddow says frequently...Follow the $ and the dead bodies. I wonder who if any will be the keepers of the flame of democracy. Resistance without a leader INDEED!
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1
Obama carried the weight of the world on his shoulders for eight years and it showed as his hair greyed and his face grew tired. He put in his full tour of duty for this country with a dignity and calm that was remarkable. He deserves his R and R and the smile that goes with it. The man has a clear conscience. It will do wonders for you.
The petulant child that currently inhabits the White House loves to throw tantrums and imply threats and violence to people who stand in his way. That colossus fire breathing ignoramus is now the U.S. Brand for the next four years barring an impeachment.
You can psychoanalyze him all you want, but the chilling fact remains the voters of this country gave him the power to wreak his havoc on the poor, the struggling, and the defenseless while he and his corporate buddies gorge at the public treasury. Anyone who gave him some aid and comfort during his journey to the Presidency has some serious repenting to do.
The petulant child that currently inhabits the White House loves to throw tantrums and imply threats and violence to people who stand in his way. That colossus fire breathing ignoramus is now the U.S. Brand for the next four years barring an impeachment.
You can psychoanalyze him all you want, but the chilling fact remains the voters of this country gave him the power to wreak his havoc on the poor, the struggling, and the defenseless while he and his corporate buddies gorge at the public treasury. Anyone who gave him some aid and comfort during his journey to the Presidency has some serious repenting to do.
13
Mr. Trump is, for all intents and purposes, a coward. He rails on the Prime Minister of Australia from afar, but when he's in the same room he talks about what a great guy he is. He rips Pope Francis in tweet storms, yet is all smiles when he meets him in person. There a several more instances where he's taken to twitter to disparage a world leader, only to be all smiles when he meets them face to face.
Trump hides behind his vicious tweets because they make him feel powerful.
Instead, he shows the world what a coward he truly is.
Trump hides behind his vicious tweets because they make him feel powerful.
Instead, he shows the world what a coward he truly is.
12
Yeah Maureen. The who you snidely referred to as "too cool" is smiling broadly now.
I know deep down you pine for the too cool guy to be in charge. It is a true saying we never know what we have until it is gone.
Smile on Barack Hussein Obama - smile on......
I know deep down you pine for the too cool guy to be in charge. It is a true saying we never know what we have until it is gone.
Smile on Barack Hussein Obama - smile on......
14
Oh, Maureen, you're making a lot of the readers angry again. So many people got taken again in by a sleazy guy who made them some promises, and now you're suggesting that they had previously got taken in by a suave, articulate guy who wore a suit well?
3
I'm so glad to see Obama jet setting, selling books (as far as we know he actually wrote) and golfing. He had to take the higher ground with his own countrymen and endure them blocking anything he did which led to the executive orders. He didn't cut and run, he didn't stop governing but he still managed not to cozy up to Putin and try to keep Bibi from going off the rails.
He still put country first and was never mired in controversy.
He is doing what most presidents do - put their beloved country and the awesome office of the the Presidency first. He has made some speeches as a citizen but not directly bashed Trump. Anytime the GOP was confronted by the press, it's, "well, what about Hillary, what about Obama?" To disguise the fact they have no clue as how to do the job they sought and hold. They are willing to hurt their own constituents to give a few people millions in tax breaks.
Obama was right about "guns, God and gays " being clung to instead of issues that are truly hurting them. So Trump saw that as a big opportunity to rabble the same people but as Trump does, made it more Huuuuge to include blacks, Mexicans and Muslims. And of course, their favorite group to oppress - women.
And let's not forget, who pays for Trumps luxe trips, the security in Manhattan and Florida. Obama moved his mother-in law in with him to give his wife and two young daughters some normalcy.
Can't wait for the next "Brother Kevin" rant.
He still put country first and was never mired in controversy.
He is doing what most presidents do - put their beloved country and the awesome office of the the Presidency first. He has made some speeches as a citizen but not directly bashed Trump. Anytime the GOP was confronted by the press, it's, "well, what about Hillary, what about Obama?" To disguise the fact they have no clue as how to do the job they sought and hold. They are willing to hurt their own constituents to give a few people millions in tax breaks.
Obama was right about "guns, God and gays " being clung to instead of issues that are truly hurting them. So Trump saw that as a big opportunity to rabble the same people but as Trump does, made it more Huuuuge to include blacks, Mexicans and Muslims. And of course, their favorite group to oppress - women.
And let's not forget, who pays for Trumps luxe trips, the security in Manhattan and Florida. Obama moved his mother-in law in with him to give his wife and two young daughters some normalcy.
Can't wait for the next "Brother Kevin" rant.
13
Right on, Maureen!
For all his bluster about jobs , jobs, jobs, the only job Trump has created lately is: Special Prosecutor.
For all his bluster about jobs , jobs, jobs, the only job Trump has created lately is: Special Prosecutor.
8
Pus Americana. Trump is a Cancer on America.
What began as a Rodney Dangerfield skit with a dark Howard Stern shower lining has morphed into a permanent nightmare that won't simply go away without nation wrenching pain and expense.
We have a pathological traitor and kleptocrat in the White House and his extended clan of mentally shortchanged hangers on and children. The one exception, an average matron from Prime Time, Ivanka, is a loyal enabler. And Vladimir Putin is giggling behind his robotic poker face. More than any other individual, he is responsible for pulling off the prank of the century.
Putin put an alpha ape in the White House and now Dowd is noticing that the ape is swinging off the chandeliers in the NATO building.
Somehow, this doesn't absolve Dowd from using the poison pressed from her sour grapes to aid and abet the three decade war on the Clintons waged by the right wing nuts on the outer fringe, that helped Putin serve up this October nightmare.
Now, like Trump, you are trying to project your guilt and blame Obama for Trump? That's a stretch. Obama had two bad choices; leave well enough alone and rely on our legacy of democracy, or intercede and arrest Trump and interrupt his campaign for colluding with the Russians on the basis of top secret counter intelligence that the Republicans would have called 'faked.' Even with all that is coming out about 1/3 of the U.S. is still in deep denial.
What began as a Rodney Dangerfield skit with a dark Howard Stern shower lining has morphed into a permanent nightmare that won't simply go away without nation wrenching pain and expense.
We have a pathological traitor and kleptocrat in the White House and his extended clan of mentally shortchanged hangers on and children. The one exception, an average matron from Prime Time, Ivanka, is a loyal enabler. And Vladimir Putin is giggling behind his robotic poker face. More than any other individual, he is responsible for pulling off the prank of the century.
Putin put an alpha ape in the White House and now Dowd is noticing that the ape is swinging off the chandeliers in the NATO building.
Somehow, this doesn't absolve Dowd from using the poison pressed from her sour grapes to aid and abet the three decade war on the Clintons waged by the right wing nuts on the outer fringe, that helped Putin serve up this October nightmare.
Now, like Trump, you are trying to project your guilt and blame Obama for Trump? That's a stretch. Obama had two bad choices; leave well enough alone and rely on our legacy of democracy, or intercede and arrest Trump and interrupt his campaign for colluding with the Russians on the basis of top secret counter intelligence that the Republicans would have called 'faked.' Even with all that is coming out about 1/3 of the U.S. is still in deep denial.
8
Where were your values Maureen when you were crooning over Trump and trashing Clinton? President Trump's absurd behavior, lying, record of insults, low information, lack of preparation and genuine cruelty have been apparent for years. As king of the birthers, demeanor of his Republican opponents, chanter in chief leading the crowd in "lock her up" nonsense, his lack of moral fiber was clear from the day he rode down the escalator in Trump Tower to insult millions of decent Mexican immigrants. Where were you then?
28
Amen!
Trump has an Achilles heel: Ivanka. As far as I can tell, she is the only person in the world he truly cares for and perhaps even loves. But Ivanka is no Cordelia. As reports indicate, Kushner has said that he and Ivanka have made no long term commitment to the Trump White House. My prediction is that within a month or two--citing family responsibilities--these two will be gone. Kushner, who does have a huge amount of money (which Trump does not) will wall himself off with expensive lawyers. The rest of Trump's shady crew should think about the fact that no one is going to pay the ruinous legal costs they are going to confront: there's probably a dollar amount that can be fixed to every hour from now on they choose to stay on careening train wreck.
8
Jimmy Carter, what a heart. Ministering to the poor, monitoring the integrity of foreign elections in countries young at democracy. Wow.
I don't fault any former president for having plain old fashion fun, but quickly cashing in on Presidential service (Obama's $400,000 Goldman Sachs speech) or using it as a form of diplomatic immunity to evade prosecution as a war criminal (GWB) reveals the greedy, venal self-serving nature of our politics and culture today.
I don't fault any former president for having plain old fashion fun, but quickly cashing in on Presidential service (Obama's $400,000 Goldman Sachs speech) or using it as a form of diplomatic immunity to evade prosecution as a war criminal (GWB) reveals the greedy, venal self-serving nature of our politics and culture today.
4
About alls we can do is wait out this horror show. Soon states will start of opt out of the America. For some states on the East and West coast voting out of Trumps America is really their best option.
There is an unmistakable element of "après nous le déluge" in Obama's victory lap around the globe. No hint of survivor's guilt. He got out, and we're left behind. No, he doesn't owe us anything. But what does that say about him? Would Jimmy Carter have cavorted with the Prince of Monaco or the Sultan of Brunei after he lost his bid for reelection? Obama had to know Hillary would be a lighting rod of a candidate and he also had to see it coming years ago. He could have nipped it in the bud. Remember how Obama used to say "I" and not "we" in his early presidential speeches. You can be a great surgeon without really caring about the patient. That may be his legacy. Detachment.
3
Perhaps our former leaders are happy because they're now assured they'll never go down in history as the worst President ever. Even George W. Bush is breathing a sigh of relief that he's no longer the most ridiculed living President in the world. Let the good times roll. If a reporter asked me anything these days, I'd politely say "no comment" while thinking to myself "not my problem."
As for Don the Con, he'll be lucky to survive his tenure in office. I'm sure the constant stress of unending self-embarrassment is straining the limits of even the best blood pressure medication. The current President made a huge mistake running for office. He sold his golden years to vanity. Too bad he's just torturing himself. I'd feel bad for him if he weren't such a tiny, tiny man.
As for Don the Con, he'll be lucky to survive his tenure in office. I'm sure the constant stress of unending self-embarrassment is straining the limits of even the best blood pressure medication. The current President made a huge mistake running for office. He sold his golden years to vanity. Too bad he's just torturing himself. I'd feel bad for him if he weren't such a tiny, tiny man.
7
...plus "tiny, tiny"...
I need to correct J. K. Rowling's comment, it should read "You tiny, tiny, tiny, TINY, little man."
12
You, Maureen Dowd dare to trash Obama for his vacation...after He and Hillary fought tirelessly for the future of this Country and our Democracy..only for you to snarkily trash them both at every turn...? Shame on you!
18
For once I agree with most of your column. I voted for Trump and I am not happy; the "change" did not quite happen the way I expected. More of the same from the "faux tough guy," nicely put. Charles Krauthammer, in a recent column, called Trump a "hollow" man in terms of an ability to organize a forward driven administration. Also nicely put. Trump needs direction from the very establishment persons he disparaged during the campaign. With burned bridges, he is stuck on his own little island. Not a happy time for me.
144
Thanks for being honest. It is not easy for anyone to admit they were wrong. From what I am reading you are among the very few Trump supporters who are owning up to their mistake.
1
At least you voted in NJ where your Trump vote didn't matter. I have no idea what "change" you were hoping for, but your vote for him is something you will have to live with as he careens from crisis to crisis, loves him his dictators, and embarrasses decent Americans on the world stage. None of this is remotely surprising to me. As a former NY'er and non-Fox viewer, I knew who Trump was years ago. Was it your hope for more tax cuts?
2
'The former speaker doesn’t have any smoldering ambitions for higher office, noting contentedly: “I drink red wine. I smoke cigarettes. I golf. I cut my own grass. I iron my own clothes. And I’m not willing to give all that up to be president.”'
Oh, for heaven's sake, why shouldn't Obama, Bush, and Boehner be happy? They and their families will, for the rest of their lives, have the best medical care that taxpayer money can buy.
Unlike the rest of us.
If Congressmen gave Americans the medical insurance they have, courtesy of us, we'd be a better country.
Oh, for heaven's sake, why shouldn't Obama, Bush, and Boehner be happy? They and their families will, for the rest of their lives, have the best medical care that taxpayer money can buy.
Unlike the rest of us.
If Congressmen gave Americans the medical insurance they have, courtesy of us, we'd be a better country.
2
It hit me when I was reading these comments; the reason why so many Americans voted for Trump -- even though virtually all of us already knew he has no skills to be President:
It's for the entertainment value. Trump as President. One Monster Cluster-Disaster to another! Non-stop titillation!
But what about our standing in the world? What about the Presidential work that goes undone?
Meh. We'll survive, and so will our Republic.
Isn't that what this is all about?
It's for the entertainment value. Trump as President. One Monster Cluster-Disaster to another! Non-stop titillation!
But what about our standing in the world? What about the Presidential work that goes undone?
Meh. We'll survive, and so will our Republic.
Isn't that what this is all about?
2
You can't help yourself, Maureen, can you? Are you watching too much Fox 'news' where Obama bashing is still their favorite sport? Come on, Maureen. Leave the smartest, coolest, most honest ex-president you'll ever know alone and concentrate on the dud we are dealing with now. Dig into those who put the likes of Trump into the White House and still defend his indefensible behavior. Dig up the views of the world others' aren't paying attention to that are not mincing words about our sick looser of a leader. Do something new for a change.
9
To hear of the lightness of being and true joy of those three former leaders, in the context of a world rotting and their enormous contribution to this cruel state, screams loudly the true narcissism and self-absorption of the members of the ruling class. Again and again the Trump supporters have summarized their faith in Trump with the sentiment: He is the only one who seems to care about us.
Those three are not showing the caring, for they cannot due to their complicity and indifference. As a far superior model, look at Jimmy Carter.
Those three are not showing the caring, for they cannot due to their complicity and indifference. As a far superior model, look at Jimmy Carter.
76
Mr Obama has earned that smile and the vacation! After 8 years battling an obstructionist Congress and the personal insults and racist slurs he must be relieved to have survived it all. He remains the perfect gentleman demurring to comment on his replacement's farcical administration.
There's no putting a spin on this horror show of the 45th presidency. It reeks of mendacity, corruption and possible treason. When the folks in flyover America and the Republicans come to their senses, let's hope it's not too late to undo this mess and that our allies reinstate their trust in us.
There's no putting a spin on this horror show of the 45th presidency. It reeks of mendacity, corruption and possible treason. When the folks in flyover America and the Republicans come to their senses, let's hope it's not too late to undo this mess and that our allies reinstate their trust in us.
24
no one, absolutely no one, should count on Trump pardoning them after what he did to Spicey at the Vatican. That man hates everyone and that would include his son in law.
12
Speaking of the Vatican, Trump would be well advised to have a Plan B when his turn comes.
Just a couple of thoughts: Other commenters made excellent, articulate statement of things as they are in Trumpland. I can't match them.
*The sight of Trump being driven in a cart by the Saudi King while the others walk is very telling about our POTUS. He managed to insult our allies repeatedly.
*Merkel, Macron and the others appear to have his number. Payback may be painful to all of us.
*Most of us are happy to see Obama being happy. He deserves it. The insults he and Michelle experienced while still maintaining their grace was a teaching moment for us who paid attention.
*Both China and Putin are playing Trump. It is pitiful to watch.
*The real 'House of Cards' will fall under its own weight, and soon. When even Boehner turns on a GOP POTUS others will follow soon. Don't expect Ryan and McConnell to follow though. They sold their souls long ago. Probably because they weren't using them (Thanks O'Brother...).
*The sight of Trump being driven in a cart by the Saudi King while the others walk is very telling about our POTUS. He managed to insult our allies repeatedly.
*Merkel, Macron and the others appear to have his number. Payback may be painful to all of us.
*Most of us are happy to see Obama being happy. He deserves it. The insults he and Michelle experienced while still maintaining their grace was a teaching moment for us who paid attention.
*Both China and Putin are playing Trump. It is pitiful to watch.
*The real 'House of Cards' will fall under its own weight, and soon. When even Boehner turns on a GOP POTUS others will follow soon. Don't expect Ryan and McConnell to follow though. They sold their souls long ago. Probably because they weren't using them (Thanks O'Brother...).
10
Maybe Obama is smiling over something he heard on his tapp of Trump's phones during the very sacred election process.
4
Great !!
"While Obama certainly ruffled feathers in Washington as president, it seems like nothing compared to the daily emotional traumas."
The only way that good man ruffled feathers was by being President While Black. The man deserves all the fun he can muster. Let others do some heavy lifting that they didn't do when he was President.
The only way that good man ruffled feathers was by being President While Black. The man deserves all the fun he can muster. Let others do some heavy lifting that they didn't do when he was President.
22
The people who installed Trump into the White House did it for a reason. They don't care how he treats people. They don't care how he acts in the presence of other counties leaders. Trump was installed to do one thing. Cut Taxes for the Billionaires. It's that simple. The people who think he's the leader of the disenfranchised white middle class , give me a break. How gullible are you.
Trump is in office because the Oligarchs that own this country were sick of slimey lying politicians that don't do everything they tell them 100% of the time. 99% is not good enough anymore.
They demanded complete control for themselves and they have it.
Will we even get another chance to vote again? I don't think the rich want that and they get what they want 100% of the time now so.
Trump is in office because the Oligarchs that own this country were sick of slimey lying politicians that don't do everything they tell them 100% of the time. 99% is not good enough anymore.
They demanded complete control for themselves and they have it.
Will we even get another chance to vote again? I don't think the rich want that and they get what they want 100% of the time now so.
7
Nah. Putin put him in power to destabilize NATO and our democratic process and the Republicans are just using that advantage to pursue their corporate masters' agenda as ordered. It's their best chance in years to do so, so they're going for it all. Let's hope that before 2018 and 2020 "we the people" are able to reverse gerrymandering and voter suppression and that the FBI finds crimes they can indict. Fingers crossed.
Your disruption of 45's domestic policies, "know-nothing and hurt-everyone", is accurate. ACA became known as Obamacare because he cared. President Obama accepted the premise that in providing healthcare to all Americans, like the medical profession and other caregivers, do no harm. Consequently, prior to putting the ACA together their were a lot of conversations with Doctors, Nurses, Healthcare Insurers, Hospital Administrators, Governors, and patients. The very people the GOP in Congress and the WH are ignoring. To me President Obama's smile is more than an "infectious, magical grin", it also communicates a love of life, family, sport, and healthy living. 45 and the GOP do not uphold these values. For example, they delight in breaking up families. They can't wait for Koch Industries to pollute rivers with coal waste. More wealth for the 1% is preferred to 23 million citizens going without health insurance and poor children going hungry. We rarely see 45 smile. We never see 45 providing comfort to those who have suffered tragedy from natural disasters like fire, storm, and flood. And further his smile is not infectious. Look at the pictures of the Pope with 44 and 45.
13
With Mr. Trump infecting the White House with his post-truth administration, we are reduced to seeking to read the tea leaves of his intentions through his body language and micro-expressions.
Re-reading the Declaration of Independence or Lincoln's Inaugural Addresses or so many other great words penned before now, I yearn for an America when words and actions matched and mattered.
But like other autocrats before him, Mr. Trump now drives us to augury and the study of sheep entrails or chicken bones in a desperate search for understanding the uncertain future that awaits us.
Re-reading the Declaration of Independence or Lincoln's Inaugural Addresses or so many other great words penned before now, I yearn for an America when words and actions matched and mattered.
But like other autocrats before him, Mr. Trump now drives us to augury and the study of sheep entrails or chicken bones in a desperate search for understanding the uncertain future that awaits us.
8
I can imagine Donald purple with rage and gnawing on his tiny clenched knuckles every time the image of Barack Obama's smiling face appears. It's no wonder he's up half the night. Nightmares of Obama loving life, enjoying the world's best golf courses, surrounded by fine people who genuinely like and respect him and his family, not to mention that gigantic inauguration crowd..... it must stab Trump's brain like a knife. And if he sleeps, he will once again wake up to find himself trapped in a job he didn't want and is failing at, and will spend another day searching for the adulation he knows deep inside is as fake as his promises.
So, President Obama, smile a big smile for me.
So, President Obama, smile a big smile for me.
35
As President Obama has said repeatedly, America has one President at a time, and this is the one we have elected. He is enjoined by tradition, precedent, good manners, wisdom and common sense from interfering in the current President's exercise of executive power. Remember how inelegant and off-putting Dick Cheney was with his criticism of then President Obama?
13
I wonder why we haven't heard from Sneering Dick at all. I mean, that's a good thing in itself, but I'd like to know what he thinks, or pretends to think, about the big orange elephant in the room.
At first I was depressed that Donald Trump won! I followed each travesty and got more depressed. Then I decided to look at the current goings on like a SNL show and my mood changed. Like Boehner, I drink red wine and wake up with my coffee watching the world in their morning traffic jams while I plan on going to my arthritis swim class and being eternally grateful for Social Security and Medicare.
1
I could not agree more. His "strength" is purely a false image. I have lost a lot of respect for those who bow down to his "power". As a citizen of this planet, I am embarrassed that he is the leader of a country that is supposed to be the jewel of democracy. He seems to revel in putting down the less fortunate (remember how he mocked a disabled reporter), while being so uninformed on the details of what he calls his policies.
2
Of course he's happy, why wouldn't he be? The suffered through 8 years in the toughest job on the planet, whike enduring incoming flack from all sides - from the head birthers, to you.
So he's moving on an relaxing. He deserves it and has earned it.
Now we are stuck with the 180° difference in, The Donald. We get to witness how he will shove his agenda down our throats.
And while BO took his annual trips to Hawaii and the MV, The Donald takes his weekly vacations to his, literally his, golf courses. How much will it cost the tax payers for the every vacationing Trump family?
Btw, how did all those golf course and hotels get paid for, and how did Kushner master the data to steal victory from defeat? No master files were sent to the FSBs bots, right?
Follow the money and follow the data...maybe that's what he is smiling about? Like Ike told us "to not trust the military industrial complex", on his way out, BO told us, "the truth has a funny way of coming out".
So he's moving on an relaxing. He deserves it and has earned it.
Now we are stuck with the 180° difference in, The Donald. We get to witness how he will shove his agenda down our throats.
And while BO took his annual trips to Hawaii and the MV, The Donald takes his weekly vacations to his, literally his, golf courses. How much will it cost the tax payers for the every vacationing Trump family?
Btw, how did all those golf course and hotels get paid for, and how did Kushner master the data to steal victory from defeat? No master files were sent to the FSBs bots, right?
Follow the money and follow the data...maybe that's what he is smiling about? Like Ike told us "to not trust the military industrial complex", on his way out, BO told us, "the truth has a funny way of coming out".
6
Reading some of the comments, it is obvious that the Obama haters won't or can't let go. Rather than address Trump's boorish behavior and amateurish governing. They lay the blame on Obama, or deflect any criticism by pointing out that Obama was worse. I look forward to reading their twisted logic which will claim that somehow Kushner's present problems are Obama's fault.
I have news for the Obama haters, he is no longer the President.
I have news for the Obama haters, he is no longer the President.
8
And, thank God for that
2
As soon as the alt-Pres, VP, Ryan/McConnell are broomed out of DC, you will see millions of Americans smiling from Mar to shining Lago.
And the world will breathe a sigh of relief.
And the world will breathe a sigh of relief.
5
the beginnings of this piece seems to equal Maureen Dowd's accusation that trump is "Obama's fault". Blame in on the O-man; classy!
3
President Obama is happy because he's out of the Washington sewer and, as a bonus, doesn't have to deal with petty pundits taking constant cheap shots at him. Please stop smiling? How about Please stop sniping!
www.newyorkgritty.net
www.newyorkgritty.net
9
I will preface my remarks by stating that I hold an admittedly minority opinion, but as an early and staunch supporter of President Obama, I must admit I am slightly baffled by his rock star status at this point.
Part of my confusion stems from the fact that as head of the Democratic Party, of which I have been a member for 52 years, one of Obama's most important roles was to position a candidate that had a good chance of defeating the very dangerous 17 Republicans who ran. This took precedence over everything.
Having experienced firsthand hawkish Hillary's difficulty in communicating her passion, coupled with her general lack of charisma, why would he support a woman who could not even defeat him when he was a neophyte?
Ted Kennedy wisely supported Obama over Clinton, savvy enough to understand that the candidate with the slimmest resume would have an advantage in this era of a Fox-news stupefied, brain dead electorate.
It pains me to say that I feel Trump is part of Obama's legacy. It seemed he couldn't dispose of Biden quickly enough in his rush to get to the Rose Garden to announce Biden's withdrawal. Also, Obama's antipathy to Sanders was very thinly veiled.
During Obama's presidency the Democrats were gerrymandered out of existence, and the Congress was permitted to act in highly seditious ways. He didn't even fight for Merrick Garland. Was there really no way to beat the Republicans at their own game?
Part of my confusion stems from the fact that as head of the Democratic Party, of which I have been a member for 52 years, one of Obama's most important roles was to position a candidate that had a good chance of defeating the very dangerous 17 Republicans who ran. This took precedence over everything.
Having experienced firsthand hawkish Hillary's difficulty in communicating her passion, coupled with her general lack of charisma, why would he support a woman who could not even defeat him when he was a neophyte?
Ted Kennedy wisely supported Obama over Clinton, savvy enough to understand that the candidate with the slimmest resume would have an advantage in this era of a Fox-news stupefied, brain dead electorate.
It pains me to say that I feel Trump is part of Obama's legacy. It seemed he couldn't dispose of Biden quickly enough in his rush to get to the Rose Garden to announce Biden's withdrawal. Also, Obama's antipathy to Sanders was very thinly veiled.
During Obama's presidency the Democrats were gerrymandered out of existence, and the Congress was permitted to act in highly seditious ways. He didn't even fight for Merrick Garland. Was there really no way to beat the Republicans at their own game?
182
Obama's rock stardom comes from the contrast with his ... um ... successor. And that's not one that inures to the benefit of said successor.
1
Wonderful comments -- now why can't Ms. Dowd write a thoughtful piece like that? I guess "snark" rules -- I was surprised she didn't attack HRC again (as usual). One thing I would add to your comments, Obama also continually dissed Hillary Clinton -- it was all about him and his legacy - in a way, he (NOT US) deserves Trump -- I feel manipulated all around and really believe that Hillary would have been a better President than Obama -- Trump is so far out of everyone's league - I just hope we survive all their hubris -- Trump, Obama and Hillary -- that's why we're here!
1
This column reads almost exactly like my very own never-quiet inner voice.
1
Obama did the things he did to get somewhere farther than where he began, isn't that what we are supposed to do?
Trump started out with a bank account and really hasn't gone anywhere, he's a bully and a fraud living on credit.
Trump started out with a bank account and really hasn't gone anywhere, he's a bully and a fraud living on credit.
8
Dear mj, To paraphrase "Danny Ocean" (George Clooney), "the only thing I lied about was being a thief." American has developed as a land of bullies and thieves and frauds who live on credit -- nevermoreso than right now.
At this stage of American history Trump exactly represents the American populace (bullies and frauds) and that is why he was elected. People identified with him. The entire American economy and financial system is built upon fraud. The old saw is to use everybody else's money but your own; Donald has exemplified that in spades. Even Hillary tried to beg her way to the Presidency by going hat in hand to Hollywood and the Hamptons. That was not even borrowing; that was just looking for a hand-out.
In the Presidency now, we have a man who exemplifies our very citizenry. These next four (4) years may be a catharsis.
At this stage of American history Trump exactly represents the American populace (bullies and frauds) and that is why he was elected. People identified with him. The entire American economy and financial system is built upon fraud. The old saw is to use everybody else's money but your own; Donald has exemplified that in spades. Even Hillary tried to beg her way to the Presidency by going hat in hand to Hollywood and the Hamptons. That was not even borrowing; that was just looking for a hand-out.
In the Presidency now, we have a man who exemplifies our very citizenry. These next four (4) years may be a catharsis.
Regarding Trump, my Grandma's words apply here "Money don't buy class"
13
Regarding Obama, my Grandma's words apply here "Money doesn't buy class."
We know Donald Trump. Donald Trump is no tough guy.
Tough guys fought on the shores of Normandy and Iwo Jima; they fought and fight on our streets and in foreign lands around the world for freedom and justice; they fight against all odds, willing to put their lives on the line to protect society from crime, intolerance, oppressors, bullies.
Bullies fight on playgrounds, in alleys; they pick on smaller, weaker persons; they fight dirty; they fight ONLY to take advantage of others; while their bodies grow to adulthood, their emotions remain locked in childhood.
Donald Trump is a windbag bully. He dodged serving America with phony heel spurs, but he blows wind, shouting he is America's great savior and patriot. At 70, he stands over 6-feet, but behind his snake eyes resides a 7-year old looking for opportunities to grab women with his tiny hands. He looks for opportunities to take advantage of anyone and everyone; he looks for smaller, weaker persons to punch down and kick when they are down; he savors revenge and relishes humiliating the powerless.
Donald Trump has supporters and admirers. They should be ashamed of themselves, but as Gianforte voters revealed, Trump and Gianforte supporters have no shame. They enjoy watching bullies pretend to be tough guys and smack people down. This is nothing new. Early Romans loved watching the defenseless thrown into colosseums by bullies; they loved to see them torn apart and chewed up by wild animals. Some people have not evolved.
Tough guys fought on the shores of Normandy and Iwo Jima; they fought and fight on our streets and in foreign lands around the world for freedom and justice; they fight against all odds, willing to put their lives on the line to protect society from crime, intolerance, oppressors, bullies.
Bullies fight on playgrounds, in alleys; they pick on smaller, weaker persons; they fight dirty; they fight ONLY to take advantage of others; while their bodies grow to adulthood, their emotions remain locked in childhood.
Donald Trump is a windbag bully. He dodged serving America with phony heel spurs, but he blows wind, shouting he is America's great savior and patriot. At 70, he stands over 6-feet, but behind his snake eyes resides a 7-year old looking for opportunities to grab women with his tiny hands. He looks for opportunities to take advantage of anyone and everyone; he looks for smaller, weaker persons to punch down and kick when they are down; he savors revenge and relishes humiliating the powerless.
Donald Trump has supporters and admirers. They should be ashamed of themselves, but as Gianforte voters revealed, Trump and Gianforte supporters have no shame. They enjoy watching bullies pretend to be tough guys and smack people down. This is nothing new. Early Romans loved watching the defenseless thrown into colosseums by bullies; they loved to see them torn apart and chewed up by wild animals. Some people have not evolved.
11
Maureen, think about it. I know why regular citizen Obama is constantly publicly demonstrating that deep, genuine smile and so do you. It was President Obama until January, 2017. The FBI, CIA, NSA, XYZ all reported to him and he was all too acutely aware of the Russian thing. Thank goodness for that because he had already set the incontrovertible wheels in motion to deal with it, hopefully.
Obama's smile is real and deep because NOW he is seeing America function.
Obama's smile is real and deep because NOW he is seeing America function.
5
With Maureen Dowd, it's always Obama's fault (and now W's and Boehner's too), but never the misguided people who actually voted for and celebrated Trump, including some of her own family members! Check out her November 2016 article "Election Therapy From My Basket of Deplorables." Please spare us your recriminations Maureen because it is people like yourself and your family who saw Hillary as merely the lesser of two evils and gave us Trump! I hope the Obamas keep on smiling, enjoying their life, and apparently getting your goat.
15
Obama is Trump's favorite punching bag. If Obama did speak out against Trump, it would give Trump more opportunities for hyperbolic attacks on Obama that would just keep the fire warm under his base.
If Obama does decide to speak out, it will be measured and it will have a specific purpose, e.g., to help Democrats win Senate and House seats in 2018.
He need not add his voice to the many who presently and ably criticize Trump.
If Obama does decide to speak out, it will be measured and it will have a specific purpose, e.g., to help Democrats win Senate and House seats in 2018.
He need not add his voice to the many who presently and ably criticize Trump.
4
President For-Now Trump really is doing the absolute best he is capable of. Anything more is simply beyond him. He's what we got, as is.
3
More Lon Chaney, Jr. than Audie Murphy?
Why do Democratic pundits waste time and column inches telling each other what Donald Trump is and high fiving about it? Surely by now every man and dog knows. I guess it makes the pundits and their readers feel better about themselves. That seems to be all that Democrats are about these days. They certainly aren't about taking power from Trump and his party.
3
Maureen,your failure to acknowledge that the former president is actively being a great citizen is shameful. Where is mention of the fabulous after school recreation center being created in So Chicago with the Obama's contribution both financial and spiritual or his mentoring projects to recruit new democratic candidates from the younger generation? Jeez, he has only been out of office 5 months and he has already accomplished more than the current president with goodwill and radiant smiles. Please please please keep smiling Barack.
17
barrack can't be that happy.
he knows deep down that he should have summoned hillary and offered her a pardon in return for an agreement to retire from politics. she gave up "her turn" when she erased 30,000 emails.
any one else would have beaten don jon, and we wouldn't ne in this mess.
he knows deep down that he should have summoned hillary and offered her a pardon in return for an agreement to retire from politics. she gave up "her turn" when she erased 30,000 emails.
any one else would have beaten don jon, and we wouldn't ne in this mess.
4
I now live in the Rep. Of Panama. We use to have an edge now we are just one more Banana Republic. Our POTUS is the epitome of the Ugly American. Im two degrees separate from this POTUS. My friend from school days who walked 50 miles for Kennedy and together we traveled to his funeral voted for DT got a hole in one yesterday playing his favorite game, golf. He had to get a lawyer to get paid by DT for his engineering services.His niece wrote a book that was or is a best seller spent 8 years in the WH working for Obama. Blood relations are divided in this country of ours by policies and convictions that are a rising tide and DT is the captain of the boat.
1
Your laser beam is misplaced. President Obama is no longer in office and certainly deserves to choose how he spends his ex-presidency. My question is where are the Democrats. Why aren't Schumer and Pelosi delivering policy speeches so that people can hear and think about a specific alternative set of ideas and plans?
I understand that Democrats are now the opposition. But to win elections -- and 2018 is not far away -- voters need to hear a positive, sane, forward-looking message. Right now there is no alternative to the mess we see and hear every day coming from the White House and Republican *leaders.*
I understand that Democrats are now the opposition. But to win elections -- and 2018 is not far away -- voters need to hear a positive, sane, forward-looking message. Right now there is no alternative to the mess we see and hear every day coming from the White House and Republican *leaders.*
287
Ruby, Did tRump win on a "positive, sane message?" Of course not. He won because of voter suppression laws, which kept 200,000 voters in Wisconsin ALONE from voting. In fact, turnout was DOWN in all states that enacted voter suppression laws since 2012, and UP in all states that did not. MORE votes were cast for Dem candidates in Congressional elections than GOP, but because of gerrymandering, the fix is in. And you since you apparently missed it, here's what the Dems are fighting for: saving and improving Obamacare. Raising the minimum wage. Strengthening unions. Making college more affordable. Fighting climate change. Protecting the social safety net and the environment. Investing in green energy. Increased funding for job retraining for displaced workers. Not destroying dreamer families by deporting a child's parents. Not wasting 2 billion dollars on a wall. Not giving the 1% another huge tax cut. Not throwing more money at the Pentagon, and instead invest in quality child care. Standing up for allies in NATO. Family leave.
Here's the GOP plan: gut the social safety net, and key environmental and consumer protections. Destroy Obamacare. Huge tax cuts for the rich. Unnecessary spending increases for the bloated Pentagon. Eliminate the estate tax and ethics watchdogs. Gut Wall Street regulations. Celebrate at Mar-A-Lago.
Don't tell me there isn't an alternative to the GOP enabled corporate takeover.
Here's the GOP plan: gut the social safety net, and key environmental and consumer protections. Destroy Obamacare. Huge tax cuts for the rich. Unnecessary spending increases for the bloated Pentagon. Eliminate the estate tax and ethics watchdogs. Gut Wall Street regulations. Celebrate at Mar-A-Lago.
Don't tell me there isn't an alternative to the GOP enabled corporate takeover.
1
To recap from another post - The problem with the Democratic message is that no matter how compelling it is, the Republicans simply character assassinate that message. How do you defeat that? Even the most compelling message from the Pope on the environment gets trashed by these immoral people. Do we criticize him for not getting his message through to Climate Change opponents?
On screen? Didn't anybody listen to the warnings that we were about to elect Biff from "Back to the Future: Part II" as our next President? That we were about to elect a greedy, corrupt, violent person to the ultimate job that demands patience, maturity, and thoughtfulness? Obviously not, and now any bizarre creature can become President, as long as just enough voters mistake his evil tendencies for leadership.
8
Ms Dowd, even after you helped to get him elected, and know now what you did, you still can't bring yourself to give him anything other than mild criticism. You are one of the ones partly responsible for the way your own profession is treated. You accepted his bad behavior because you felt it gave you some sort of cachet to say you had spoken to him on the phone or visited him in his golden palace. And now you still can't bring yourself to admire Obama, one of the most admirable men on the planet, as evidenced by his reception in Europe compared to Trump's. What hold does Trump have over you?
28
Hooray for you, Ms. Dowd, and shame on the president of the United States and his cronies. How would Shakespeare tackle this particular obscene use of power, Ms. Dowd?
4
It is comforting to see former leaders continue productive lives.
The concept that individuals should be self sufficient is a throwback to a period in our history when life expectancy was under sixty years, and the disabled were labeled shut-ins.
Today's safety net evolved to match the needs of society. People often live far from their small families. People are far more compassionate to others. We report school bus accidents anywhere in the world and fret about beached whales. The elderly population is increasing. Opportunities for education and healthcare are vastly improved. The rise in health insurance parallels advances in medicine. It is time for the people of the world to tally up the costs of war and armed forces and realize that we have to choose between quality of life or destruction. Our federal budgets should be people oriented. There are ways to be more efficient and that should be our goal. Cutting social programs and firing the good hearted people that deliver these services is mean and stupid. Our country is strong when our people are healthy and strong.
The concept that individuals should be self sufficient is a throwback to a period in our history when life expectancy was under sixty years, and the disabled were labeled shut-ins.
Today's safety net evolved to match the needs of society. People often live far from their small families. People are far more compassionate to others. We report school bus accidents anywhere in the world and fret about beached whales. The elderly population is increasing. Opportunities for education and healthcare are vastly improved. The rise in health insurance parallels advances in medicine. It is time for the people of the world to tally up the costs of war and armed forces and realize that we have to choose between quality of life or destruction. Our federal budgets should be people oriented. There are ways to be more efficient and that should be our goal. Cutting social programs and firing the good hearted people that deliver these services is mean and stupid. Our country is strong when our people are healthy and strong.
3
Every day is another day of descent into a maelstrom. Your glee is outrageous. How about the poor people who are citizens of this country. They seem to count for nothing.
7
He reminds me of one of the "little" tough guys in The Maltese Falcon.
3
Hey, give Trump a break, his guts are tore up, from Bone Spurs and years long battles against catching diseases, you could trust him around your wife and who else would you want, watching your back in a foxhole.
7
How did we get here? Oh yeah, now I remember, 52% of white women voted for Trump. So to all the Mollies, Amys, Katies, Meghans... and all the other soulless names I try to block out, Not so AWESOME job!
10
Wouldn't you smile all the way to the bank if you had conned the American people for eight years?
4
We are the laughing stock of the world. We currently have no leadership. The Republicans are only concerned about retaining power rather than defending our democracy and constitution. The Democrats have no leadership. There is no individual who has arisen to lead us from this valley of despair. Where do we go from here?
12
How the country and world might be different now if the ruling party in 2008-9 had a truly bi-partisan approach to the financial crisis and, let's say, health care reform. The extreme partisan finger pointing may have stopped then. Someone has bite the bullet first. The current ruling majority certainly won't.
When Joe Wilson called Barack Obama a liar in 2009 in an open session of Congress, it was already over. Don't give me that "if only Obama had been more bipartisan" garbage.
By the way, Obama did a fabulous job getting us out of the crisis despite only grudgingly getting a stimulus package passed, and over twenty million more Americans got health care because of the ACA. Neither of which would have happened if the Republicans had had their way.
By the way, Obama did a fabulous job getting us out of the crisis despite only grudgingly getting a stimulus package passed, and over twenty million more Americans got health care because of the ACA. Neither of which would have happened if the Republicans had had their way.
2
While Obama was infecting his smiles on the golf course, Assad was slaughtering his people, women and children, having crossed the "red line" that Obama had forgotton about while in Hawaii. Mahala!
4
So what is Trump doing about it? His hit on the air strip was a joke! They had it up and running the next day!! Trump supporters are in for a rude awakening!
1
Two columns today on Trump body language. Down and Bruni. This a week after the same two brought up that the White House kitchen gives Trump two scoops of ice cream with his pie while guests get one ( no suggestion a guest could not get two if she asked). Where are James Reston or Walter Lippmann when we need them?
7
Well, um, yes, if you mean that a couple of sentences about oddness of Trump's handshake and shoving is "a column about" them. You are stretching to do it, but your intention seems merely to be to complain. If the triviality of the columns you reference is really your concern, you might note that you're the one imaging requests to the White House chef for extra ice cream, no one else.
1
Maureen is just saying what very many others are saying Trump is not the vision they had of a President. The ways this can be expressed are becoming a little trite but D.T. does provide fresh material on a regular basis.
What is strange is the surging of Russia as ‘the enemy’ once again, the benefit being the easing of China in that lingering Cold War scenario as its help is hoped for in Korea peninsula.
The released DNC e-mails just verified what was evident by its actions to Sanders’s supporters and their effect on votes is yet to be quantified. On other matters, Russia is yet an historic actor on the world stage but American militarism needs to push NATO in its face so why should it not be interested in playing rouge source of Clinton favoritism in the Democratic contest?
For Trump Russia could be an ally in Syrian conflict thus contacts; his choice if he has a plan and he is allowed that? Too complex? What will we do if he does something intelligent? When in recent years has American foreign policy been anything but reactive?
What is strange is the surging of Russia as ‘the enemy’ once again, the benefit being the easing of China in that lingering Cold War scenario as its help is hoped for in Korea peninsula.
The released DNC e-mails just verified what was evident by its actions to Sanders’s supporters and their effect on votes is yet to be quantified. On other matters, Russia is yet an historic actor on the world stage but American militarism needs to push NATO in its face so why should it not be interested in playing rouge source of Clinton favoritism in the Democratic contest?
For Trump Russia could be an ally in Syrian conflict thus contacts; his choice if he has a plan and he is allowed that? Too complex? What will we do if he does something intelligent? When in recent years has American foreign policy been anything but reactive?
1
When has US foreign policy not been reactive? When Obama smartly began a pivot to Iran, a far more important long-term strategic player in the MIdde East than the corrupt autocratic, misogynous, Wahhabist supporting, terrorist producing gas station known as Saudi Arabia. You know, who tRump just bowed down to while hawking $100 billion in weapons.
1
Melania is responsible for Trump's behavior? Maureen, you've sunk to a new low.
13
I almost never reply to another person's comment unless it is to say something positive and affirming about what he/she wrote or even how he/she wrote it.
However, your comment leads me to momentarily hit the pause button per my self-established convention and ask you a single question: Did you actually read the one sentence---that's right, one sentence---in which Melania Trump was mentioned and interpret that as Ms. Dowd implying that the First Lady was "responsible for Trump's behavior?"
Seriously?
I have nothing for Ms. Dowd, believe me, and have long commented about her mind-boggling inconsistencies relative to both public officials and their policies. She is a master of snide remarks and verbal/written eye-rolls. The thought of having to sit at lunch with her would drive me to fasting.
But for you to think that the single reference to the First Lady implies that Ms. Dowd is holding the former responsible for her husband's behavior is a blatant misread.
She places responsibility right where it belongs---on the shoulders of the pathological man-child who is concerned about nothing more than basking in the adulation of his shrinking base of carnivorous white wolves and oh, so transparently attempting to compensate for his glaring insecurities by affecting his hilarious "stern face," literally and figuratively shoving people around and playing what looks for all in the world like an adolescent game of standing arm-wrestling.
However, your comment leads me to momentarily hit the pause button per my self-established convention and ask you a single question: Did you actually read the one sentence---that's right, one sentence---in which Melania Trump was mentioned and interpret that as Ms. Dowd implying that the First Lady was "responsible for Trump's behavior?"
Seriously?
I have nothing for Ms. Dowd, believe me, and have long commented about her mind-boggling inconsistencies relative to both public officials and their policies. She is a master of snide remarks and verbal/written eye-rolls. The thought of having to sit at lunch with her would drive me to fasting.
But for you to think that the single reference to the First Lady implies that Ms. Dowd is holding the former responsible for her husband's behavior is a blatant misread.
She places responsibility right where it belongs---on the shoulders of the pathological man-child who is concerned about nothing more than basking in the adulation of his shrinking base of carnivorous white wolves and oh, so transparently attempting to compensate for his glaring insecurities by affecting his hilarious "stern face," literally and figuratively shoving people around and playing what looks for all in the world like an adolescent game of standing arm-wrestling.
1
"Trump thinks the way to represent America is with a caricature of strength, without understanding it comes across as weakness and boorishness.
Spot on. Trump is not a tough guy. He's not even a faux tough guy. He's the guy real tough guys take out, with one punch. When America has a failed and discredited leader, America itself is weakened no matter how much war machinery and rhetoric he rolls out.
Spot on. Trump is not a tough guy. He's not even a faux tough guy. He's the guy real tough guys take out, with one punch. When America has a failed and discredited leader, America itself is weakened no matter how much war machinery and rhetoric he rolls out.
14
Ms Dowd - had you been kinder to Hillary things might have been different
32
Exactly
1
No, they wouldn't have. But her hypocrisy has been unveiled.
1
We all know what Trump is. The problem is people like Boehner, who suffer from the bystander effect, who know right from wrong and still do nothing. This disease affects politicians and regular Americans alike: unless you are really adversely affected personally, you do nothing. Americans are not fully comprehending the consequences, immediate and long term of not speaking against a government not serving our public interest. Yes, we are now shamelessly living in a plutocracy built around political cons who seem to be singing "we are the goon squad and we're coming to town. Beep-beep. Beep-beep."
118
This is the same NATO, that while Reagan was President refused to allow the placement of intermediate range nuclear missiles in their countries using the logic that should a nuclear war breakout, they would be safe and not a target. Eventually they succumbed and stationed the missiles and thus over-whelmed the Soviets which helped end the cold war.
1
This is the same US that allowed segregation of the races and Jim Crow in the south. (If you want to talk about what nations did decades back, let's do. But why?)
2
He represents the GOP's values, lock stock and barrel. They will harness him with a crisis team of lawyers to stop the self inflicted damage, while the investigations go on for a few years. Just sit back an watch the damage that the house, senate and Trump inflict on the environment, judicial system, health system, international relations etc. etc. I recently watched John McCain on late night defending Trumps bombing in Syria, comparing it to Obama's failed red line and allowing Iran to humiliate our sailors. He said he would have bombed Iran's facilities after an hour. And after another hour he'd bomb more facilities. When Seth Meyers said, but they came back that day and none of that had to happen, McCain had no good answer, and had a contorted look on his face. Trumps their guy. Collectively, we all let him in the cockpit!
5
The smile in your image appears Photoshopped...fake news?
1
Obama was the one power who could have exposed Russia-Trump business to US voters well before the election. Exposed the meeting with Ryan and McConnell where they refused to act honorably. He hardly fought the fight on Garland.All will haunt our daily lives for years to come.
So here we are truly suffering, as he and Michel cavort.
What ever happened??? That we who cheered so loudly are left so vulnerable.
So here we are truly suffering, as he and Michel cavort.
What ever happened??? That we who cheered so loudly are left so vulnerable.
4
Roshi, sorry, you can't blame Obama for the stupidity of tRump voters. Guess what? They would have voted for the guy regardless.
2
Ms Dowd, you have in the past criticize Obama for being too much above the fray as POTUS. Perhaps you were right but as an ex-President it seems an appropriate public stance vis a vis his successor.
In 50 or 55 years of watching politics I can not remember a single incident of an ex-President publicly criticizing a sitting President. Heaven only knows what the Ex's have said in private and more than one Ex has been outspoken about the other party's candidate for POTUS. Empathy may too strong but I can't help but think it has to do with "walking a mile in another's shoes".
Finally, Trump is a whining, simpering, insecure wimp. His so-called handshake is clear evidence of his wimpishness.
In 50 or 55 years of watching politics I can not remember a single incident of an ex-President publicly criticizing a sitting President. Heaven only knows what the Ex's have said in private and more than one Ex has been outspoken about the other party's candidate for POTUS. Empathy may too strong but I can't help but think it has to do with "walking a mile in another's shoes".
Finally, Trump is a whining, simpering, insecure wimp. His so-called handshake is clear evidence of his wimpishness.
13
"Donald Trump is not a tough guy. He's a faux tough guy."
And a faux billionaire, and a faux master dealmaker, and a faux "really smart guy, okay".
And a faux billionaire, and a faux master dealmaker, and a faux "really smart guy, okay".
24
And a faux president...
Who said it's Obama's responsibility to rescue the Democratic party? He's young, healthy, full of energy and just coming off an eight-year term serving as the most powerful man on the planet? I say smile and kite sail while mingling with the rich and famous all you want, 44, and don't apologize for doing so. You're a rockstar in you're own right. Enjoy.
19
Mo, you seem to forget that you gushed over fake forty five for over a year while you sneered at HRC.
14
Mo needs to pay the bills so she does what she had to do...hypocrisy he damned.
1
Good column for a recent change. His long history of ego-related bullying (from stories about him from an early age) seems a real character flaw that poses potential dangers for all of us, as he must react to many 'crises' in our future.
In future, If you talk to them about it, I'd be interested in how your pro-Trump acquaintances et al. of last year are adjusting to the Trump administration and presidency in its early months.
In future, If you talk to them about it, I'd be interested in how your pro-Trump acquaintances et al. of last year are adjusting to the Trump administration and presidency in its early months.
2
I think Trump has grown enormously.
He never liked to shake hands before as one of the world's leading germaphobes.
He never liked to shake hands before as one of the world's leading germaphobes.
7
...and he's only 70 years old.
Imagine what an upstanding man he'll be at 120 years old.
Imagine what an upstanding man he'll be at 120 years old.
2
Does anyone wish to go to war to protect Montenegro, a non-Nato country, against who, what? Some EU members were talking through Trump, as if he were not there, and this attitude was demonstrated by other "Europeans". Like the crowd that carries mens pocketbooks meets the crowd that eats longhorn steak. Lets not forget that Obama allowed Assad to slaughter his people, women and children, while playing golf with the so called "infectious" smile. Like Nero, Obama was happy to "play" while the world burned. The dis-respect shown to Trump from the moment the United States Presidential plane touched down was obvious throughout his stay and not related to anything Trump did. The U.S. taxpayer has been subsidizing the European welfare system for decades by allowing the Nato countries to pay less than half of their financial commitments for the operation of Nato. Obama allowed this, Trump does not. So the author has chosen Europe and Assad over the United States. How sad.
3
You have to give respect to get respect. Trump has been loudly disrespectful of everyone who disagrees with him since the beginning of the campaign. If he wants to be respected, he needs to behave himself better and maybe start studying instead of insisting he knows "more than the generals," etc. He has contempt for knowledge, and if some (*some*) of it is indeed snobbery, he has earned every bit of it.
3
Bongo,
The office of the president of the United States represents the Republic (United States), the Head of the Government, and ultimately the American democratic experiment. Can a president who brutally pushes aside another president, contra all the international norms, basic decency and civility (yours and mine), represent YOU. Is this how you deal with a gathering at a picnic with your neighbors and friends? Do you have to shove people off for no other reason because you can? If the answer is yes, than as a nation we are in trouble: In our political system POTUS occupies both the head of the state ( Queen of England), and the head of the government (May). It is that head of the State that Trump demeaned with impunity; he brutally assaulted our (ordinary American) sense of decency and civility in a public gathering.
PS: I hope you do not treat your guests, friends, and neighbors the way Trump treated the leader of a country for whom America went to war in order to prevent a potential genocide in the making. (I trust you have heard of the American airpower used to prevent Serbs from a genocide in the making of Bosnians and residents of Montengro, the Dayton Accords, and Holbrook either).
The office of the president of the United States represents the Republic (United States), the Head of the Government, and ultimately the American democratic experiment. Can a president who brutally pushes aside another president, contra all the international norms, basic decency and civility (yours and mine), represent YOU. Is this how you deal with a gathering at a picnic with your neighbors and friends? Do you have to shove people off for no other reason because you can? If the answer is yes, than as a nation we are in trouble: In our political system POTUS occupies both the head of the state ( Queen of England), and the head of the government (May). It is that head of the State that Trump demeaned with impunity; he brutally assaulted our (ordinary American) sense of decency and civility in a public gathering.
PS: I hope you do not treat your guests, friends, and neighbors the way Trump treated the leader of a country for whom America went to war in order to prevent a potential genocide in the making. (I trust you have heard of the American airpower used to prevent Serbs from a genocide in the making of Bosnians and residents of Montengro, the Dayton Accords, and Holbrook either).
2
I know, its "European", like the Seinfeld episode. "Walk softly but carry a big stick. Better to be feared than loved."
Maybe the Trump's Presidency is a rough but finally useful test to assess the health of the American democratic institutional system.
When and if the political situation would degrade beyond the point of the institutional legitimacy, the other organs of the American balance of powers should stand up and face the 'illegal' Presidency and adopt the appropriate measures to restore the institutional legitimacy.
At least, this is the hope of those democracies around the world which still look at Washington as a beacon of working democracy.
Finally, we may be sure that this long night of the USA will pass anyway.
When and if the political situation would degrade beyond the point of the institutional legitimacy, the other organs of the American balance of powers should stand up and face the 'illegal' Presidency and adopt the appropriate measures to restore the institutional legitimacy.
At least, this is the hope of those democracies around the world which still look at Washington as a beacon of working democracy.
Finally, we may be sure that this long night of the USA will pass anyway.
2
Funny, Trump and family really only care about their "brand." But honestly, after what this bunch has put us through, would you buy Ivanka shoes? Stay at a Trump hotel? Or golf on one of his courses? If the world survives them, we will have the last laugh, one way or another.
13
Good analysis. The insight that Trump is a paper tiger, actually a whimp is obviously true. However, the entire GOP congress are silimilar whimps and doubtlessly squat in the bush like children. The evidence regarding the GOP is overwhelming as truthfulness escapes them and they all live in imaginary existences and artificial realities. The Republic might stand but America will be forever damaged philosophically and factually. These are sad times indeed and after watching Trump's Generals in civilian suits and ties cow tow to idiotic Trump, -- the evidence that young people should avoid the American military enlistment (at all cost).
8
If we survive this train wreck one good thing will have come out of it. That is that democracy is a battleground of competing forces and the good guys don't always automatically win. We have seen, perhaps for the first time, how deeply damaged our nation can become when an extremely unfit candidate is able to slither his way into an office that is so beyond his caliber that his very presence in that office makes a mockery of it.
We have become aware that sinister forces, for the first time that we know of, have conducted an operation of active subversion on our electoral process in order to pervert and distort the process and the outcome. This is war without the bombs and guns. It is meant that way. To do harm and weaken the opponent whom they fervently wish ill will and chaos upon.
Whether the intelligence agencies bring forth evidence that Trump's capos participated in the subversion of our electoral process or not, they have shown in a few months that they and their Don are a plague on the well being of our nation, whether in intention or deed.
This is a warning to all those who value the highest ideals that we always have held to be part of our national ethos.
Never again will we allow our nation to be humiliated and our allies insulted by allowing this to happen again.
We've woken up because of a surreal nightmare. We will defend the honor of our nation as we have never before.
Go forth and defend the true ideals of our nation as you never have before.
It is worth it
We have become aware that sinister forces, for the first time that we know of, have conducted an operation of active subversion on our electoral process in order to pervert and distort the process and the outcome. This is war without the bombs and guns. It is meant that way. To do harm and weaken the opponent whom they fervently wish ill will and chaos upon.
Whether the intelligence agencies bring forth evidence that Trump's capos participated in the subversion of our electoral process or not, they have shown in a few months that they and their Don are a plague on the well being of our nation, whether in intention or deed.
This is a warning to all those who value the highest ideals that we always have held to be part of our national ethos.
Never again will we allow our nation to be humiliated and our allies insulted by allowing this to happen again.
We've woken up because of a surreal nightmare. We will defend the honor of our nation as we have never before.
Go forth and defend the true ideals of our nation as you never have before.
It is worth it
2
I'm sure Maureen must be longing for the days of yore of W., Clinton, and Obama at the White House. Trump is too brutish for her mischievous inside the beltway/NY political humor.
1
This morning in Europe it feels like a giant weight has been lifted getting rid of this boob. Say what you wish about them, but the Europeans tend to elect serious individuals with experience in government. Trump is a complete embarrassment to the US. And forget about him becoming 'seasoned' in years to come. This child is not growing up.
13
As the NYT diatribe continues in daily cascade, it is probably a good time to mention the Democratic predicament. Exactly what candidate is even remotely prepared to counter this juggernaut? Hillary Clinton had extensive political visibility, and a campaign that was heavily overfunded, in comparison to her opponent. She still lost. Admittedly, she obtained the popular vote win, but by any other standard it was a "colossal political collapse". And the general suspicion is the temperament that contributed to the cataclysmic Democratic failure is still present in the nation.
3
Trump is so bad that Dowd said something complimentary about Obama. Truly, the fifth seal of the Apocalypse has been broken.
9
I side with Obama. I wish he could come back and be Pres again. Hell, I would even prefer George W. over the current corruptions in the White House. I am very old and, thinking back, I always feel that even Nixon was a "gentleman crook" compared to the "secret, lie telling, sneak around bunch" now in the WH. We are now the laughing-stock of the world with a carnival barker now in charge. (I wondered what happened to the barkers from Barnum and Bailey. Now it is obvious where they found jobs.)............
8
I don't know what you guys want from Donald Trump, but results are what I want and not Barrack Hussain' s cheeky grin. I want America to grow and I don't really care how it's done with a bunch of world incompetent leaders. Europe is in complete disarray and no amount of good manners and suaveness can put it back together again. I applaud Donald's America First policy in a world gone mad with the New York Times parading a personal vendetta against Trump almost everyday. As a patriot, I urge all Americans to stand behind President Donald John Trump.
2
Real patriots don't fawn over dictators.
1
How exactly is Donald Trump putting America first? This is not a rhetorical question, I really want to know how is it that divulging secrets to enemies, antagonizing the intelligence community and the Free Press, indulging in conspiracy theories, insulting our allies, praising and aiding our enemies, filling your staff with Kremlin cronies, proposing to take healthcare away from millions results in "America first"?
Beyond that vapid slogan, do you even know what putting America first means? I am a patriot and army veteran, which is why I am appalled at how the office of the presidency is being disrespected and soiled by Trump, a man child not worthy to enter it even.
Beyond that vapid slogan, do you even know what putting America first means? I am a patriot and army veteran, which is why I am appalled at how the office of the presidency is being disrespected and soiled by Trump, a man child not worthy to enter it even.
1
Maureen, considering that for years you did your best to rip Obama apart, this is disingenuous at best. You helped get Trump elected with your criticism. Happy? I no longer respect or enjoy your columns.
31
Handshakes. Let's fondly recall Reagan's handshake trick, i.e., not extending his arm fully and keeping his hand on a low plane requiring the other party to reach down and forward for his hand, appearing thereby to be bowing. Birds of a feather.
6
Can there be a Dowd column without a gratuitous swipe at a Democrat?
Answer: NO
Answer: NO
14
Is Maureen Dowd's job to make all Democrats look good? She gives the proper perspective, which is to be wary of all politicians. They tend to care about themselves more than their constituents, yet they would be nowhere without the people who put them into power. Maureen is an equal opportunity critic of politicians from all parties. I'm sure when she was savaging George W. Bush and his chums for 8 years with her unparalleled wit, you had no problem with that.
1
So, what bothers Ms. Dowd is not tough guys, but "faux tough" guys not in "the American tradition". And wants us to believe that before Trump, American never smacked anyone down, but rather stood up for them. Indeed, Trump likes dictators, also apparently a first for America, which until Trump came along never supported Saudi Arabia's ruling family or any other dictators.
Ms. Dowd's world view is packed in her judgment of paper-thin persona. Obama should grolws from the cover of the magazine, not grin. Trump should act like a real American tough guy, and not a faux one, in supporting Saudi Arabia.
Ms. Dowd's world view is packed in her judgment of paper-thin persona. Obama should grolws from the cover of the magazine, not grin. Trump should act like a real American tough guy, and not a faux one, in supporting Saudi Arabia.
1
"Trump's not a tough guy." That's true. It's what will undo him. Trump survives on Republican support, as much as a cardiac patient is alive because of a heart-lung machine. Republicans fear being not-tough. All across America, inner voices say "don't look weak, don't look soft, don't act liberal, they're weak and soft."
Tough guys are cowards. But cowards hate failure. Trump acted tough, attracted attention, almost won. But now he's in action - and we see a fat, slow-moving walrus, out-handshaked by a Frenchman, pushing around the leader of a country no one knows. The image of Saudi Arabia's heavy-set aristocrats, sprawling in their leather arm chairs, as Trump romanced them with calls to war, was not Republican red meat. Trump steaks are thin gruel.
Enough, tough America wants to say. Give us Pence.
Tough guys are cowards. But cowards hate failure. Trump acted tough, attracted attention, almost won. But now he's in action - and we see a fat, slow-moving walrus, out-handshaked by a Frenchman, pushing around the leader of a country no one knows. The image of Saudi Arabia's heavy-set aristocrats, sprawling in their leather arm chairs, as Trump romanced them with calls to war, was not Republican red meat. Trump steaks are thin gruel.
Enough, tough America wants to say. Give us Pence.
2
Never able to speak softly DT acts as if he is afraid someone might take his big stick away from him.
1
Yes- now almost everybody realizes Trump is a caricature...Humpty Trumpy fell from his wall.
But maybe the sinister undertow continues.
Did. Bannon skuttle the reign of crown prince Jared? are we in for a more ideologically disasterous phase- worse than clumsy, incompetent & shallow? Now do we face fanatical poisonous & fascist?
Trump never learns from ok experience - he just tries to punch back harder. Kushner was more rational than Bannon, even if a sneaky oligarch. Ban on wants to unravel American democracy as much as Putin does.
Let's not gloat as chaos clogs the body politic. McMaster has already been corrupted.
But maybe the sinister undertow continues.
Did. Bannon skuttle the reign of crown prince Jared? are we in for a more ideologically disasterous phase- worse than clumsy, incompetent & shallow? Now do we face fanatical poisonous & fascist?
Trump never learns from ok experience - he just tries to punch back harder. Kushner was more rational than Bannon, even if a sneaky oligarch. Ban on wants to unravel American democracy as much as Putin does.
Let's not gloat as chaos clogs the body politic. McMaster has already been corrupted.
6
Don't begrudge Obama the happiness he must be feeling after 8 grueling years of enduring the bullying that now all of the world will be subject to after the election of Trump.
13
Over 90% of America's income gains on Obama's watch went to the 1%. And then people wonder how and why we got President Trump.
If only Obama had seized the mandate he was handed in 2007, Trump would still be on a reality TV show somewhere, instead of in the White House.
Yes, if only Obama had fought for Single Payer or the Public Option; prosecuted the banksters; tackled income inequality; done more for unions; ended the wars; etc., Hillary would have coasted into the White House.
So why is Obama smiling??
If only Obama had seized the mandate he was handed in 2007, Trump would still be on a reality TV show somewhere, instead of in the White House.
Yes, if only Obama had fought for Single Payer or the Public Option; prosecuted the banksters; tackled income inequality; done more for unions; ended the wars; etc., Hillary would have coasted into the White House.
So why is Obama smiling??
155
Schadenfreude?
1
Because he was blocked by the Republicans. Have your forgotten already?
3
"Over 90% of America's income gains on Obama's watch went to the 1%. And then people wonder how and why we got President Trump."
You must be a Republican.....obstruction and a Congress controlled by Republicans is the answer.
As a Capitalist I am grateful to Obama for singlehandedly saving Capitalism in 2008. Republicans sat on the side yelling "deficit, deficit" Now they want to increase the deficit and are looking to the "supply side" to make up the difference. That has never worked in the past and will not now. Pure hypocrisy.
You must be a Republican.....obstruction and a Congress controlled by Republicans is the answer.
As a Capitalist I am grateful to Obama for singlehandedly saving Capitalism in 2008. Republicans sat on the side yelling "deficit, deficit" Now they want to increase the deficit and are looking to the "supply side" to make up the difference. That has never worked in the past and will not now. Pure hypocrisy.
2
As Dowd starts to say in her closing lines, Trump represents a deformed, dehumanized, degnerated form of Masculinity.
A man, Trump forgets, is not only a male. If he were only a male, he would be nothing but a sort of Ape. A man is also a human. However, Trump represents an evolutionary regression. He has discarded manliness (the hybrid of maleness and humaness) in favor of nothing but brute malenss.
And so his brain is akin to a simian brain. (He has a very short attentieon span and wants all reading matter he is given to be reduced to one page). He has very little capacity for strategy. A smart politico can think 6 steps ahead. I don't think he can think 1 step ahead.
A man has a capacity for physical and moral courage; The demanned and merely male Trump doesn't know or care what morality is. A man has fidelity to notions such as honor, respect, loyalty and walks erect; Trump crawls in conartistry on the ground like a sewer rat and doesn't know what honor, respect or loyalty are.
Axelrod is right. Trump as president is like a seven year old steering the plane.
Guys, it's time to rock and roll and storm the cockpit.
A man, Trump forgets, is not only a male. If he were only a male, he would be nothing but a sort of Ape. A man is also a human. However, Trump represents an evolutionary regression. He has discarded manliness (the hybrid of maleness and humaness) in favor of nothing but brute malenss.
And so his brain is akin to a simian brain. (He has a very short attentieon span and wants all reading matter he is given to be reduced to one page). He has very little capacity for strategy. A smart politico can think 6 steps ahead. I don't think he can think 1 step ahead.
A man has a capacity for physical and moral courage; The demanned and merely male Trump doesn't know or care what morality is. A man has fidelity to notions such as honor, respect, loyalty and walks erect; Trump crawls in conartistry on the ground like a sewer rat and doesn't know what honor, respect or loyalty are.
Axelrod is right. Trump as president is like a seven year old steering the plane.
Guys, it's time to rock and roll and storm the cockpit.
2
Maureen, a great card player always holds his ace in the hole until the final turn. Don't think that the illustrious Mr. President Obama has forsaken his party. He's only waiting to turn that last ace when it's most needed. He's an incredibly smart man and a great politician and will turn his hole card at exactly the right time it's needed the most. I have no doubt he'll kitesurf, paddle board, or golf his way into assisting the most electable progressives in getting the votes needed to stifle these men or women that think the Trump has their best interest in his mind, (what mind is the question). He is just waiting for the proper moment to pounce. Never give up on the man who made "WE CAN DO IT" as his national motto, especially when it's needed the most. He had a great eight years and as the Carpenters sang; "HE'S ONLY JUST BEGUN". You Go, Mr. President OBAMA. We'll wait patiently for you to strike with your eloquence and knowledge to affirm your political brilliance into in stupefying this lot of Washington dunderheads. In the meantime just play and plot as we all know you'll strike with aplomb.
4
Dear Maureen,
Your absolutely really great Golden Hour has come.
You now have a truly deserving person upon whom you can heap your notable and outstanding talents for scorn, condemnation, belittling, demeaning, and ridiculing efforts. And do it with no letup whatsoever.
Give it all you have got and do it with our blessing.
Trample on Trump endlessly as he is the truly perfect person for your special talents.
Also get around to Pence and Ryan and McConnell and have at them as well in the fullness of time as it will allow .......... also without letup.
Do your patriotic duty for your country and reveal these miscreants for what they all happen to be. Heap your immeasurable scorn upon them all and we will love you for it.
You Go Girl.
But leave Obama and Hillary and all Democratic persons wherever they may be ....... OUT OF IT ....... as a matter of decency, at long last.
We know you have it and are up to the task.
We salute you accordingly. Your country needs YOU.
Make it your finest hour and help to make America really great again.
Your absolutely really great Golden Hour has come.
You now have a truly deserving person upon whom you can heap your notable and outstanding talents for scorn, condemnation, belittling, demeaning, and ridiculing efforts. And do it with no letup whatsoever.
Give it all you have got and do it with our blessing.
Trample on Trump endlessly as he is the truly perfect person for your special talents.
Also get around to Pence and Ryan and McConnell and have at them as well in the fullness of time as it will allow .......... also without letup.
Do your patriotic duty for your country and reveal these miscreants for what they all happen to be. Heap your immeasurable scorn upon them all and we will love you for it.
You Go Girl.
But leave Obama and Hillary and all Democratic persons wherever they may be ....... OUT OF IT ....... as a matter of decency, at long last.
We know you have it and are up to the task.
We salute you accordingly. Your country needs YOU.
Make it your finest hour and help to make America really great again.
21
Why wouldn't Obama be happy? He and Michelle Obama recently signed a $60 million dollar book deal and purchased a multi-million dollar home in the Washington area. He continues to play golf as he did while in the White House but now no longer has to be concerned with governing our country. He will continue to hobnob with the rich and famous as he did while president and will be able to say he is now in their league. He is living the life of Riley and seems to not have a care in the world. Do you really think he misses being president and the stress and pressure that comes along with one of the most important jobs in the world? Very unlikely.
2
Now that you got that off your mind, do you feel better?
2
WMK--President Obama, and his wife, have earned this happy retirement. Well deserved, after a life of nose to the grindstone. Bonne chance!
2
Obama put in 8 years and worked into the night. Trump is watching cartoons and junk tv and listening to fatheads like high school grads Hannity and Limbaugh tell him fairy tales and making the actual job into an epic vacay. Obama earned every second of his break.
38
Maureen, I will no longer read your submissions. You have nothing to say, and when you try you say it badly.
You are now dissing dt*, your friend from a year ago whom you had such great conversations with, and you have never stopped dissing B. Obama, who is out of office, has wisely decided to not interfere in the democratic process, and is entitled to lead his life however he chooses.
Don't you get tired of it? You need the job, just like countless others, but nobody in this day and age can rest on their perceived laurels and expect to survive.
You are now dissing dt*, your friend from a year ago whom you had such great conversations with, and you have never stopped dissing B. Obama, who is out of office, has wisely decided to not interfere in the democratic process, and is entitled to lead his life however he chooses.
Don't you get tired of it? You need the job, just like countless others, but nobody in this day and age can rest on their perceived laurels and expect to survive.
32
Either Republicans have been allowed to take over the comment section, or we have a lot of hateful Americans when it comes to Obama. I am neither a Democrat or a Republican, but I believe that Obama was a dignified, compassionate, intelligent, responsible president. And now some believe he should be speaking out and doing more to combat the idiot that Americans have actually elected. The American people are responsible for the disaster than they have brought on themselves. Stop blaming the current situation on Obama and look in the mirror.
39
Well said. Trump is a whimp! He is trying to project strength but it is not within him. I 43 and 44 are right in their approach ... keep speaking to the people about a better future, instead of going after Trump directly, which is probably what he is hoping for.
6
Big-whatever--The best revenge is living well. Puhthff :-P~~~
I can't help but recall Dowd's innumerable contemptuous references to 44 as "Barry", which continued right up to the election. Ol' Barry is looking pretty good right about now, isn't he?
46
Even in retirement Obama is not playing golf as often as Trump is as President. So lay off the bullying of Obama if you please Ms Dowd.
52
Defining deviancy down.
That is what Trump, and his acolytes, have done.
What's next?
It almost doesn't matter as it's likely inconceivable, at least inconceivable in the world before Trump.
What have we done to ourselves? And why are so many of us so ignorant as to be incapable of understanding what, in fact, we've done to ourselves.
I guess the bottom line is that we deserve it -- whatever may happen.
Cheers.
That is what Trump, and his acolytes, have done.
What's next?
It almost doesn't matter as it's likely inconceivable, at least inconceivable in the world before Trump.
What have we done to ourselves? And why are so many of us so ignorant as to be incapable of understanding what, in fact, we've done to ourselves.
I guess the bottom line is that we deserve it -- whatever may happen.
Cheers.
4
an unfunny column about an unfunny situation. Hill,ary's response to Trump is more appropriate than is the response of the previous Presidents. of course, that's understandable since she's bitter that's she's not President and they're happy that they're no longer President.
1
God Richard. It is so sad that this whole thing is such a downer.
Bernie next time. Democratic majorities net time.
Bernie next time. Democratic majorities net time.
Still not convinced that Gianforte was responsible for body slamming the Guardian reporter. If you listen carefully to the recording, it sounds like it could have been Donald Trump.
7
Sorry, Maureen, but I hold you partially responsible for the Trump debacle. The way you wrote one venomous piece after another about Hillary Clinton helped get this unbelievably evil troll elected. So, frankly, I have no interest now in anything you have to say.
70
Living well is the best revenge.
30
That's been my motto for years and I am thrilled to see President and Mrs. Obama enjoying life after the hell those nasty Republicans put him through for 8 years. LOVE that smile.
1
Amen!
1
Barack Obama gave up eight years of his life for the Republic ... most of his critics have given up less than eight minutes for theirs. He should enjoy his life and his family. (We love billionaires, right?) It's not Obama's fault that presidencies are limited to two terms.
19
You endorsed stupid Russian loving Trump and still hate Obama. You endorsed a man who doesn't respect the American constitution. You endorsed a man who doesn't know American history. Obama was welcomed in Berlin where he talked to thousands of people. Intelligently I might add. Deplorable.
43
Yes, Trump has been a mistake. 45* will be the *asterisked presidency. Woe is us. May the Democratic Party come, some day, to the defense of our democracy. But please, Maureen, sharpen your pencil, now, for when Trump smacks down the Paris climate change accord as a sop to his ill-conceived budget. I trust you to know how truly unspeakable that would be.
5
Why is it not surprising that Mr Obama was out golfing with his buddies and grinning like a chesire cat the day after Manchester tragedy. The guy learnt to play golf after he got into White House at public expense. Trump gets pounded for his golfing but he didn't learn it at public expense and more often than not he mixes it with presidential business. Unlike Obama who mostly played with his cronies and hanger-ons.
Manchester is a sad reminder of the mess in Libya that Obama and Clinton left behind. Of course, that is a legacy that Mr Obama's supporters would never acknowledge.
Manchester is a sad reminder of the mess in Libya that Obama and Clinton left behind. Of course, that is a legacy that Mr Obama's supporters would never acknowledge.
2
Dude... Wow blaming Manchester on Obama and Clinton? That's a new low. I'll bet you might have laughed or smiled about something unrelated in the days after Manchester too. If your Obama derangement symptoms persist then I advise seeking medical help.
1
I suspect there is a difference in cost between a vacation or two and almost weekly trips.
These terror events create huge headlines. Yet, the greatest loss of life is 148,000 Americans die every year from trauma (roughly 405 every day). It is the leading cause of death under 46 y/o. Many could be saved by simply learning first aid. Source: NAS IOM.
So, are you in perpetual mourning? Have you learned first aid? Have you done anything positive?
Who started this Mid East debacle? Obama? Libya was de-stabilized decades ago.
Cheers.
These terror events create huge headlines. Yet, the greatest loss of life is 148,000 Americans die every year from trauma (roughly 405 every day). It is the leading cause of death under 46 y/o. Many could be saved by simply learning first aid. Source: NAS IOM.
So, are you in perpetual mourning? Have you learned first aid? Have you done anything positive?
Who started this Mid East debacle? Obama? Libya was de-stabilized decades ago.
Cheers.
1
When is the US going to stop waging war at every opportunity? President Eisenhower warned us long ago about the military industrial complex pushing us into war. Why? It's good for business. It's time to stop this nonsense.
I sat at the table next to President Obama at our neighborhood restaurant a few months ago here in Hawaii. He was eating with his high school buddy. He was relaxed. No one fussed and you would never have known a past president was in the restaurant. That is, until he left. At that point we all were filled with smiles, great words for him and absolute admiration. He is and always will be a class act. There are no words to describe the classless other guy who now lives in the White House.
85
Obama knows exactly how isolating the presidency is, how like a prison. He knows how much Trump must be hating it. I'd guess Obama is waving the freedom conspicuously in Trump's face, reminding him of all that he's missing, making the temptation to quit seem every more enticing.
9
If someone can explain what Kushner did wrong, if the leaks are true, I would apppreciate it. It's discussion of the proverbial back channel. The liberals really need to get a grip. Especially at the Times. Sad what has happened to a great Paper.
6
Stay tuned, you will find out soon enough. In the meantime, know that he wanted to use a foreign government's communication facilities for talking directly to Russia's top leaders and presumably make off the record agreements
1
No, it's not the "proverbial" back channel. It's an attempt at a high-level back channel. Kushner is ignorant and arrogant enough to try to establish a secret means of communication which the US government wouldn't find out about. You're quoting McMaster, who has totally sacrificed any honor or credibility at this point. The traditional back channel is low-level, to pave the way for more public high level negotiations.
1
Information on this topic is easy to find. I guess, like Trump, you don't care to read?
1
What person wouldn't breath a sigh of relief leaving the Oval Office. You could see it weighing on Obama over the years. To his credit, he kept at it and did what he could. We all think this is something that a single person can control like some wizard changing the outcome of battles in distant lands. The reality is that our country is huge, with many, many varied interests (some of whom are actively trying to literally gun you down).
Obama deserves a break and I'm glad he knows how to take one when he is given the opportunity. He did his time and I'm grateful for it. Now it's up to the folks over at the DNC to come up with a new strategy. Something that takes into account our losing streak (state houses, governors, US House of Representatives, US Senate and the Oval Office all in Republican control). This is not Obama's fight. It is the folks attending town halls asking what the hell just happened. It's our turn now. Let's not forget who can fix this mess the GOP has gotten us into.
Obama deserves a break and I'm glad he knows how to take one when he is given the opportunity. He did his time and I'm grateful for it. Now it's up to the folks over at the DNC to come up with a new strategy. Something that takes into account our losing streak (state houses, governors, US House of Representatives, US Senate and the Oval Office all in Republican control). This is not Obama's fight. It is the folks attending town halls asking what the hell just happened. It's our turn now. Let's not forget who can fix this mess the GOP has gotten us into.
9
It's too late for the dems. The republicans own government from the local offices all the way up to Washington DC. The 240 year experiment in democracy is over and big money has won.
Maureen
Why do you let yourself play along in this off off off Broadway theatre production with truly weak and insignificant actors, rather than actually doing some reporting about the puppet masters?
Why do you let yourself play along in this off off off Broadway theatre production with truly weak and insignificant actors, rather than actually doing some reporting about the puppet masters?
3
President Obama liked vacations. He still likes vacations. Taking the easy path is ... easy for Obama.
The actual evidence of a Trump scandal is as non-existent as a rice cake buffet on a cruise ship.
The actual evidence of a Trump scandal is as non-existent as a rice cake buffet on a cruise ship.
3
You want evidence? Trump himself admitted giving classified info to Russia. The context is that this happened only six months after Russia meddled in our election. More evidence will likely come after an investigation.
1
And you, sir, are drinking the Republican kool-aid.
1
J. K. Rowling's quote is dead-on. Nuff said. 2018 only 18 mo. away.
14
To tangle with Trump, is telling him that what he does or says is worthy of Mr. Obama's attention. In his classy and subtle way, Mr Obama is speaking volumes every time he is appearing in public, or speaking without mentioning Trump. Trump, his family and administration are doing a great job of crumbling his presidency, we must be president.
10
I have been a nearly unconditional supporter of Barack Obama since he announced his 2008 candidacy, but I must admit that I wish he could find a way to lower the "bliss" level just a notch or two. I have admired, as much as anything, the elegance and good taste of the Obamas. All this flash is beginning to strike me as just a tiny bit tacky. He didn't support his fellow Democrats while he was in office; he needs to step up now.
2
He gave away 8 hard years. Why complain that he's now having a good time?
2
I am with Axelrod, beyond despair and into disbelief. It is llike a Dave Barry column preceeded with, "I am not making this up." Trump is a poltroon. Some thing, some body. some group has to save us from this monster.
10
J. K. Rowling tweeted? Quiet down everybody and let's all read what J. K. Rowling tweeted about the man who single-handedly and against all odds and comers, through sheer force of will became the forty-fifth president of the United States and then told NATO leaders to their faces to pay up. Please everyone, let's stand by for her next important tweet.
5
By Trumpian standards, net worth, she dwarfs him. It goes without saying that, by the standards of intellect and civilized behavior, she outclasses him by orders of magnitude. Even the number of her Twitter followers (10 million) dwarfs the measly 66K at @realDonaldTrump.
1
"Single"handedly?
Oh, I get it.
Wink, wink comrade.
Oh, I get it.
Wink, wink comrade.
1
I shall.
Barry deserves to have a smile, the cowardly dems didn't back him while he was in office, have let their party go to seed like a vacant lot in Detroit while standing by and letting the 'pubs take over the country. Get over it Maureen, after what the press and the RW put the Obamas through, they don't owe you or the Democratic Party a thing.
15
Why aren't you attacking the current Republican Party instead? that's where the problem is. They could have stopped an obviously unfit presidential candidate, and they continue to do nothing about his outrageous, destructive actions. All they care about is how they can advance their own destructive agenda and whether or not they will be re- elected. Trump has no political beliefs except to fall in with anything that gets him money and adulation. So he lets himself be used by the highest bidder.
You were a Trump enabler yourself, and a residue of remaining snark gets in the way of your truly fighting for what's right. A piece of you would still rather attack Barack Obama than a true threat to our democracy.
You were a Trump enabler yourself, and a residue of remaining snark gets in the way of your truly fighting for what's right. A piece of you would still rather attack Barack Obama than a true threat to our democracy.
50
"Don't it always seem to go/That you don't know what you've got till it's gone?"
Hmm, Maureen?
Hmm, Maureen?
12
I'll bet, secretly, Hillary is very happy, too. By losing, she forced Jason Chaffetz to resign.
The time is coming when progressives and Bernie supporters will tire of street theater and of continuing to lose elections, and even they will turn to the party's old war horses, Obama, Hillary, Biden, Pelosi, to, for heaven's sake, DO SOMETHING!
That singing cowboy the party nominated in Montana to run for the vacated House seat was exactly the type of candidate the Bernie supporter seeks: authentic, deep roots to the community and local culture; not tainted by Washington DC., no hint of corruption.
And no chance of winning, either.
May I play through, President Obama, sir?
The time is coming when progressives and Bernie supporters will tire of street theater and of continuing to lose elections, and even they will turn to the party's old war horses, Obama, Hillary, Biden, Pelosi, to, for heaven's sake, DO SOMETHING!
That singing cowboy the party nominated in Montana to run for the vacated House seat was exactly the type of candidate the Bernie supporter seeks: authentic, deep roots to the community and local culture; not tainted by Washington DC., no hint of corruption.
And no chance of winning, either.
May I play through, President Obama, sir?
3
A little late Maureen. You were Trump's shill since June of '15 and we don't forget your part in this debâcle.
45
Trump is the poster child of his base: the recliner living baby boomers whose courage manifests itself only at the check out counter at Walmart when insisting on a price check. They are experts unencumbered by knowledge or experience.
Obama represented the country we hoped we had become. Trump represents the America we are.
Obama represented the country we hoped we had become. Trump represents the America we are.
16
Obama represented the country we hoped we had become. Trump represents the America we are.
Perfectly expressed. Thank you.
Perfectly expressed. Thank you.
1
Maureen Down is of course correct about Barack Obama living on Easy Street now, and he does seem a tad unconcerned with the status quo while the rest of us wonder and worry how much longer this can go on. It is strange that the Obama administration and of course the FBI knew that Russia was interfering in the U.S. elections but chose to say nothing to the public, and we all know about the efficacious James Comey's October and November Surprises, so it will be another unexpected surprise if Comey ever spills the goods on Donald Trump. But let's be clear that it's only a distraction to blame Obama for the wretched state of American politics. For that we have only to look at one party's possibly treasonous collusion with a hostile foreign power, and the dupes who actually believed Trump's lies (or just hated the other candidate enough to vote for anybody else, including a gauche real estate tycoon straight out of TV central casting and his equally cartoonish family), and the Republicans in Congress who are allowing Trump to get away with high crimes and misdemeanors.
16
Spare me your praise of Boehner, who was instrumental in blocking bipartisan legislation, Obama's agenda, and anything that would upset the GOP base. He's not suddenly a good guy - he's someone luxuriating with his lush Congressional retirement and healthcare package for life and leaving the rest of us to deal with the mess he helped create.
28
Last week I had a particularly bad case of 'trump overload' and happened to see a clip of Barack Obama beaming that big beautiful healing smile of his. I laughed to myself when I realized I was smiling broadly back at him. Happy..momentarily to be free from the political prison I've been stuck in ever since our liar in chief got elected under less than credible circumstances. Too bad Obama can't bottle that smile…I think I'm gonna need a case full.
23
Zbigniew Brzezinski died yesterday. He was an architect, with President Jimmy Carter, of a most amazing Middle East peace plan, undone only by an assassin's bullet. I remember where I was when I heard the news that Anwar Sadat had been assassinated, it was that important. I don't know if ZB needed an amazing vacation after the Camp David summit, but I do understand that he remained a serious, engaged person all his life. RIP.
We never held Pres. Carter in the highest esteem, because let's face it, all he's done in his post presidency is found that peace institute down there in the South, and work against racism and poverty and write his memoirs.
The Obamas are now back from their long and lovely vacation, places you and I will never see. God bless them, and I thank them. Whether they will re-engage in any meaningful way for the country's future is not clear. After all, they had a rough eight years of it. Isn't that enough? (Really, is that enough?)
Trump is in charge now and the democracy will soon be unrecognizable as such, if he has his way. All patriotic Americans had better recognize the threat to our basic freedoms in this participatory democracy before it is too late.
Tomorrow I will do what I do when I fear for the democracy. I plan to make the pilgrimage to Hyde Park to visit President Franklin Roosevelt's home; to be inspired once again for the democracy and its possibilities; to remember what a truly great president looks like. You should come too.
We never held Pres. Carter in the highest esteem, because let's face it, all he's done in his post presidency is found that peace institute down there in the South, and work against racism and poverty and write his memoirs.
The Obamas are now back from their long and lovely vacation, places you and I will never see. God bless them, and I thank them. Whether they will re-engage in any meaningful way for the country's future is not clear. After all, they had a rough eight years of it. Isn't that enough? (Really, is that enough?)
Trump is in charge now and the democracy will soon be unrecognizable as such, if he has his way. All patriotic Americans had better recognize the threat to our basic freedoms in this participatory democracy before it is too late.
Tomorrow I will do what I do when I fear for the democracy. I plan to make the pilgrimage to Hyde Park to visit President Franklin Roosevelt's home; to be inspired once again for the democracy and its possibilities; to remember what a truly great president looks like. You should come too.
26
@Betsy: Lovely comment Betsy, I too remember ZB and the day Sadat was assassinated, a turning point in the M.E.: President Carter in my opinion should go down as one of our greatest Presidents, he like President Obama simply faced to much opposition from A.I.P.A.C., The House of Saud, the Seven Sisters and Wall Street. His works post Presidency not only in those you mentioned but Habitat for Humanity alone separate him from other recent Presidents: but it's his decency, his trying to be a President for everyone not just the powerful and well connected and his lack of interest in selling his soul for great wealth are in my opinion the traits that place him at the top of the list of what a President and indeed all of us should aspire to.
3
I have known some truly remarkable leaders, I have known some truly remarkable tough guys, I have known some truly remarkable strong people. All of them shared at least one trait in common, they didn't have to prove anything to anyone. To paraphrase Margaret Thatcher "Being a leader is like being a gentleman, if you have to show someone you are, you aren't."
10
I don't think it is correct to criticize the two Presidents, Obama and W - I think you should be concerned with the unhealthy politics and the lack of unity in dealing with the issues most important to the walfare of the people.
4
Barack Obama did all he could. He dragged us out of an economic disaster, tried hard to help a lot of people get the medical insurance they needed, avoided getting us further involved in wars we cannot win, and did what he could with an intractable, extremely ideological Congress, and Fox News, all the time rising about the barely disguised racism opposed to his very existence in the office.
He worked very hard for a couple of decades to reach the presidency and deserves his relaxation. Trump is not his fault, and not his problem, but ours.
He worked very hard for a couple of decades to reach the presidency and deserves his relaxation. Trump is not his fault, and not his problem, but ours.
742
Why shouldn't Obama be happy? In eight years his net worth went to $60 million, he saved Wall Street largely at the expense of Main Street, and Wall Street is now paying him back $400K at a time.
Far from being the progressive devil he was called by the right, he governed as the moderate Republican he really is and paid absolutely no attention while the Democratic Party he supposedly led got creamed at the state and local level.
Whatever the shortcomings of his presidency, they will be completely forgotten because of the clown show that presently is in charge.
Far from being the progressive devil he was called by the right, he governed as the moderate Republican he really is and paid absolutely no attention while the Democratic Party he supposedly led got creamed at the state and local level.
Whatever the shortcomings of his presidency, they will be completely forgotten because of the clown show that presently is in charge.
6
What it gets down to is this:
Our current President is a sociopath. Sociopaths are people whose lives are marked by a serious inability to take the needs, concerns and interests of people other than themselves into account.
Sociopaths typically do not improve over time. They frequently get worse. The only known sure-cure for them is banishment to a desert island, and that is difficult to accomplish. But that is where we are.
Our current President is a sociopath. Sociopaths are people whose lives are marked by a serious inability to take the needs, concerns and interests of people other than themselves into account.
Sociopaths typically do not improve over time. They frequently get worse. The only known sure-cure for them is banishment to a desert island, and that is difficult to accomplish. But that is where we are.
34
What boggles my mind as much as anything is the flagrant disregard for the vicious Putin and the Russian dangers - seems like the Cold War is going the way of Evolution, knowledge and critical-thinking-wise, especially with the Trumpster crowd. Repubs and trump supporters could care less, and almost equally bad, don't seem to understand or appreciate the significance of their interference in our democracy. Instead of me wanting to escape to Canada, maybe they should all go live in Russia, and take trump and his family with them.
It is sad that the US presidency is no longer a representation of a system which upholds ethics above all. It is time to give serious and honest bipartisan thoughts. If ethics are disregarded, the entire system are compromised.
3
Why the long opening with a rant about Mr. Obama's new life? What can possibly be the point? Why not go with something equally snarky and more pertinent to the stench emanating from the White House?
Why not a few paragraphs about a woman showing up wearing a $50,000 jacket and carrying a $1,600 bag? And I can't imagine how many more thousand dollars in shoes and jewelry. How about greedy and shady children jetting around the world, their security costing tax payers millions of dollars? Oh Maureen, you have a whole new cast of characters to diss. Move on. The smart and classy ones have and are enjoying life. They have more than earned it living through unprecedented obstruction and disrespect. Remember that "You lie!" moment?
So let's start talking about the morality of wearing a $50,000 jacket when a majority of the wearers' husbands don't even have houses worth that much money.
Oh Maureen, there are so many lies, such revolting excess, and flat-out law-breaking to sink your teeth into. You don't need to haul out past peeves over a president that never invited you over for drinks.
I am waiting for the same viscous treatment of this president that you have loaded on to the Clintons and the Obamas.
Why not a few paragraphs about a woman showing up wearing a $50,000 jacket and carrying a $1,600 bag? And I can't imagine how many more thousand dollars in shoes and jewelry. How about greedy and shady children jetting around the world, their security costing tax payers millions of dollars? Oh Maureen, you have a whole new cast of characters to diss. Move on. The smart and classy ones have and are enjoying life. They have more than earned it living through unprecedented obstruction and disrespect. Remember that "You lie!" moment?
So let's start talking about the morality of wearing a $50,000 jacket when a majority of the wearers' husbands don't even have houses worth that much money.
Oh Maureen, there are so many lies, such revolting excess, and flat-out law-breaking to sink your teeth into. You don't need to haul out past peeves over a president that never invited you over for drinks.
I am waiting for the same viscous treatment of this president that you have loaded on to the Clintons and the Obamas.
27
Ms. Dowd,
You are awesome!
You speak the words and ideas that I and mere Americans only wish that we could speak so eloquently to power.
You are awesome!
You speak the words and ideas that I and mere Americans only wish that we could speak so eloquently to power.
2
Less than a year out of office and Barry's on his $400,000 an hour "You're Welcome for Not Prosecuting Any Of You" tour of Wall Street.
How grand!
I voted for Obama for "Change" from a government controlled by Wall Street and big corporations. Got very little.
His terms started with letting banksters off the hook and ended by letting banksters off the hook.
After 8 years of Obama, was anyone surprised that the Wells Fargo farrago ended with no prosecutions?
Lesson: if you are going to rob someone at a bank, make sure you are the bank.
So it's just swell to see Barry so happy, yucking it up with billionaires... he's in his natural habitat, now that his personal wealth pile is approaching a Clintonian 100 million.
But credit where it is due... for all his flaws, Obama wasn't and isn't ill-informed, childish, bumbling, or boorish.
I value that now more than I ever thought I would.
How grand!
I voted for Obama for "Change" from a government controlled by Wall Street and big corporations. Got very little.
His terms started with letting banksters off the hook and ended by letting banksters off the hook.
After 8 years of Obama, was anyone surprised that the Wells Fargo farrago ended with no prosecutions?
Lesson: if you are going to rob someone at a bank, make sure you are the bank.
So it's just swell to see Barry so happy, yucking it up with billionaires... he's in his natural habitat, now that his personal wealth pile is approaching a Clintonian 100 million.
But credit where it is due... for all his flaws, Obama wasn't and isn't ill-informed, childish, bumbling, or boorish.
I value that now more than I ever thought I would.
5
Interesting that you should mention Charlie Sykes, Mo. While he speaks truth regarding the Gianforte incident, we need to remember that he was part of the reason we see Trump in the White House today. He spent the last 20 years telling Milwaukee radio listeners why Republicans would save the state, and the nation, from the big-government loving liberals (and from those people in the inner city). He was crucial in putting Scott Walker and Ron Johnson in their positions of Governor and Senator (neither of whom were intelligent enough to get into their respective positions without his free air time and non-stop endorsements).
But now he's on the mea culpa trail, trying to set things right after he realized that he'd done his job too well--he created a bunch of lemmings who followed him and the Republican party over the cliff with Trump (and Walker and Johnson).
Now Charlie is surprised that voters of his party support a thug who beats on a reporter. That's rich. But at least he's trying to set things right.
Which gets me to you, Mo? When are you going to set things right after 8 years of snark over Obama's presidency? Why would you even mention Obama at a time like this? Of course he's not going to say anything bad about Trump. No previous president has and none of them should (I'm sure Trump will break that rule as soon as he's out, which can't come soon enough). Move on and focus your sharp wit and perception on the most dangerous leader we've ever seen.
But now he's on the mea culpa trail, trying to set things right after he realized that he'd done his job too well--he created a bunch of lemmings who followed him and the Republican party over the cliff with Trump (and Walker and Johnson).
Now Charlie is surprised that voters of his party support a thug who beats on a reporter. That's rich. But at least he's trying to set things right.
Which gets me to you, Mo? When are you going to set things right after 8 years of snark over Obama's presidency? Why would you even mention Obama at a time like this? Of course he's not going to say anything bad about Trump. No previous president has and none of them should (I'm sure Trump will break that rule as soon as he's out, which can't come soon enough). Move on and focus your sharp wit and perception on the most dangerous leader we've ever seen.
22
Whatever one thinks of Bush or Obama, credit them for knowing that their time has passed. (I wish the Clintons could understand that).
We always knew that Trump was a faux tough guy, and it seems Jared has many of the same character flaws, including hubris. The real question is when does the notion of pardoning Kushner go from laugh line to the last lifeline to save the Trump presidency.
We always knew that Trump was a faux tough guy, and it seems Jared has many of the same character flaws, including hubris. The real question is when does the notion of pardoning Kushner go from laugh line to the last lifeline to save the Trump presidency.
6
The problem is not that Mr. T is a jerk. We've all known that for years. The problem is that his "followers", that solid, unwavering 40% of the electorate, will, now and forevermore, love everything he says and does. This is our ugly America and we'd better get used to it, because, in the course of the last 30 years, the right-wing media empire has made it OK, and even desirable, to be miserable, greedy, unethical and stupid. Mr. T is just a manifestation of what our country has become.
74
President Obama is a decent man,who received some of what Jackie Robinson received a unfair field.Obama I thought was classy and intelligent and now his replacement is a sleazy slob,who is a serial liar what does Obama has to do the picture is drawn.
11
And you did not realize all this about Trump before now? Is all this you sitting on the stool of repentance? If so, have the honesty and grace to say so directly...for a change of pace.
13
Finally, a decent editorial from Ms. Dowd. It's been a long time.
7
As usual Maureen, you nailed it. We are in some deep, horrible national nightmare. After an elegant, cerebral, obsessively prepared President, we are now enduring the Reign of the Cretinous. It's like a bad historical reference -- remember Aethelred the Unready, King of the English from 966 A.D. – 1016 A.D. When I think of Donald J. Trump, I am reminded of the execution video of Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife.
4
President Obama once again is giving us an object lesson in how to make living our lives to the fullest our first priority. As for Trump, he is not merely a faux tough guy; he is a bleached blond/combover phony of the first order and he is the president. However the Trump era may end, America will be horribly diminished. The biggest question is whether Americans will be able to stop self-harming.
16
- I have always looked upon Donald Trump as a real life Don Pfiffer (Deputy Barney ....?) posing as John Wayne. The more he play acts his role, the sillier and phonier he looks.
- Essentially a stupid man, who through cheating and defrauding people in money games has come to believe he's a genius.
- I believe it's all Karma's doing. It has raised him to the position where It's about ready to show the world that gold and glitter cannot bestow class, nor can poverty and limitation of worldly means hold down good, gifted people.
- Kushner is not the only person Trump would need to pardon to save his own neck. A whole lot of people are waiting in the queue for similarly signed and sealed papers, but not on TV.
- Truly free is he who is free of ambition and worldly wants. The only thing for which I do not envy Speaker Boehner is his love of smoking.
- Pinning all your hopes on old winners is neither wise nor practical. Folks like Axelrods can put their time and talent to better use by discovering and grooming new breed.
- Trump may be boorish, well, okay, he is a certified uncouth, but he most certainly does not lack understanding. He knows everything on every subject, from war to taxes, from accounting to fingaling account books and ledgers, from kicking friends to cajoling foes, from betraying countrymen and women to playing nice and loyal to strongmen with goods on you. What else is there to know? Eh?
- Essentially a stupid man, who through cheating and defrauding people in money games has come to believe he's a genius.
- I believe it's all Karma's doing. It has raised him to the position where It's about ready to show the world that gold and glitter cannot bestow class, nor can poverty and limitation of worldly means hold down good, gifted people.
- Kushner is not the only person Trump would need to pardon to save his own neck. A whole lot of people are waiting in the queue for similarly signed and sealed papers, but not on TV.
- Truly free is he who is free of ambition and worldly wants. The only thing for which I do not envy Speaker Boehner is his love of smoking.
- Pinning all your hopes on old winners is neither wise nor practical. Folks like Axelrods can put their time and talent to better use by discovering and grooming new breed.
- Trump may be boorish, well, okay, he is a certified uncouth, but he most certainly does not lack understanding. He knows everything on every subject, from war to taxes, from accounting to fingaling account books and ledgers, from kicking friends to cajoling foes, from betraying countrymen and women to playing nice and loyal to strongmen with goods on you. What else is there to know? Eh?
7
Mr. Trump is from Queens, in Queens he would not be known as a tough guy, in Queens they call a guy like Trump a punk, Donald Trump is the epitome of a punk.
46
He wanted to be Rockefeller...moved to the other side of the River...the people in Manhattan told him he is still a punk.
1
Watch - DJT will pull out of the Paris climate accord later this week. By doing so he can undercut and anger our allies, which for some strange reason he loves to do (does he feel insecure around them? Because they don't fawn over him and they expect him to act like a sober adult?) Of course, he is too cowardly and jealous of the spotlight to pull out of the accord at the NATO meeting. The man is a disgrace and an embarrassment.
28
How to act in the face of boorish, xenophobic and now violent Trumpism?
Correct Answer: Smile and Resist!
Gandhi famously said " An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind". If we sink to Trump's and his cronies level we will forever coarsen civic life in the US.
Obama has nailed it yet again!
Correct Answer: Smile and Resist!
Gandhi famously said " An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind". If we sink to Trump's and his cronies level we will forever coarsen civic life in the US.
Obama has nailed it yet again!
21
Thank you Maureen for getting me caught up on what I've been missing from People, TMZ, and Vanity Fair by not showing up early to get my hair cut the past couple of times. Now I can get back to the news.
1
Nicely said. Trump is indeed a petty and very insecure smallish man, a bull frog (a coward in disguise) puffing and puffing to simulate a non-existent strength, a vainglorious crow pecking on his fellow 'allies', in an arrogant display of brute force even Melania finds abhorrent. Not only is he petulant about his ridiculous stance, his ignorance follows his every step, and being used by the Saudis via adulation for their advantage, laughing about Trump's hunger for applause, while ignoring his flip- flopping. Even when Trump manages to shut up (as he has become aware of his unrepentant lying whenever he opens his mouth), his body language betrays his vulgarity as well (stuck- up, conceited). Two questions remain: how in the world can we tolerate this assault on the presidency? What in the world happened to us by giving our trust to a known con man?
10
There is a long tradition of former presidents not publicly criticizing their successors. This is as it should be.
It is also interesting to note who former presidents associate themselves with.
- Nixon was an island.
- Carter and Ford became friends.
- Reagan was an island.
- Clinton and Bush 41 became friends.
- I suspect Obama and Bush 43 will become friends.
- Trump will be an island.
It is also interesting to note who former presidents associate themselves with.
- Nixon was an island.
- Carter and Ford became friends.
- Reagan was an island.
- Clinton and Bush 41 became friends.
- I suspect Obama and Bush 43 will become friends.
- Trump will be an island.
6
Obama and Bush are happy because they're being payed handsomely for their support of global corporations and their billionaires. Someone as bad as Trump could get elected only because the elite push so hard for globalism that they finally pushed people into a person who said, not very plausibly or sincerely, that he would put American interests and workers first.
Maybe 15% of Americans want to increase immigration, but there's not a single voice in major media clearly critical of immigration - that would be a bad career move. The elite want more people and more money, and everyone can get paid. They've transferred American technology and jobs to China, making it into a dangerous rival, with the elite Communist families also joining the billionaire class. Trump appears more protective of billionaires than American workers, one big happy elite family.
Maybe 15% of Americans want to increase immigration, but there's not a single voice in major media clearly critical of immigration - that would be a bad career move. The elite want more people and more money, and everyone can get paid. They've transferred American technology and jobs to China, making it into a dangerous rival, with the elite Communist families also joining the billionaire class. Trump appears more protective of billionaires than American workers, one big happy elite family.
6
ya right!
Obama and Hillary were so elitist, the American public showed them by electing Donald Trump, a symbol of power to the people.
hahahaha
Obama and Hillary were so elitist, the American public showed them by electing Donald Trump, a symbol of power to the people.
hahahaha
1
"He's a faux tough guy."
Yup.
Yup.
5
This is sick stuff, it's like Dowd wants to attack ML King for his sense of righteousness when faced with the brutality of Bull Connor. Trump isn't Obama's friend he is yours. When will you ever take responsibility?
24
As always, a much-loved piece of MD.
You always stay one step ahead of the game, without showing your hand.
You always stay one step ahead of the game, without showing your hand.
5
This is the first piece of yours that I've read in years. I boycotted your writing because of your snarky treatment of President Barack Obama, which struck me as the journalistic equivalent of Joe Wilson's "you lie!" Now you refer to him with his preferred "given" name in an approving tone. You are redeemed.
I liked this piece for how it describes the essential difference between the two presidents past and present. Well done.
I liked this piece for how it describes the essential difference between the two presidents past and present. Well done.
18
No she isn't "redeemed".
Donald J. Trump
All hat, and no cattle.
All hat, and no cattle.
26
With a head as big as his you need a lot of hat.
Those who the God's would destroy they first make mad with power. The ancients had it right. Nemesis inevitably follows Hubris.
13
With each of them staring a multi-million dollar book deals and Barack sidling up to the Wall street trough for $500,000 speeches, the Obama's have now entered that level of the American dream beyond govt. influence...the blessed 1%er's. They're smiling all the way to the bank.
I trust that someday we'll look back on this viscous turn of the screw, from Obama to Trump and it will read like the twist in a classic Dickens novel. But living through it in real time is pure pain.
He really needs to cut back on the smile. As Democrats we now, finally get the arrogance that was so often griped about.
I trust that someday we'll look back on this viscous turn of the screw, from Obama to Trump and it will read like the twist in a classic Dickens novel. But living through it in real time is pure pain.
He really needs to cut back on the smile. As Democrats we now, finally get the arrogance that was so often griped about.
9
Ellen: not sure how you can suggest that Obama cut back on the smile. This lifelong Democrat does not "finally get the arrogance that was so often griped about".
President Obama had (and still has) class, intelligence, thoughtfulness.
Seems like you might still be angry that he beat out Hillary.
It's only too bad there wasn't someone to beat out Hillary this time around. Public did not want Hillary.
Oh, yes, I forgot we had Bernie. He could have beaten trump and now we have the Democrats and Hillary to thank for trump.
President Obama had (and still has) class, intelligence, thoughtfulness.
Seems like you might still be angry that he beat out Hillary.
It's only too bad there wasn't someone to beat out Hillary this time around. Public did not want Hillary.
Oh, yes, I forgot we had Bernie. He could have beaten trump and now we have the Democrats and Hillary to thank for trump.
2
What, you never heard of the "happy warrior"? PBO deserves whatever happiness he finds. Let's see what he does with his new found wealth and freedom before we condem him, please.
3
What is he Arrogant about?
And how do you determine (said) arrogance from "Smiling Too Much"?
And how do you determine (said) arrogance from "Smiling Too Much"?
3
This same Op-Ed writer who delighted in dissing "Barry" and detesting Hillary, never having a good word to say about her, is now seeing the chickens come home to roost, slowly beginning to face the reality that she helped to create. The "jangled, coarsened, belligerent, riven country" is here, thanks to Trump and those who enabled him; it's suddenly somehow O.K. to assault journalists and conspire with our enemies. Whoa, this is serious!
Imagine if Obama had done a tenth of what this bloated con man has done! You'd be struggling for adjectives to write about it. In the meantime, you are hoist with your own petard, having bet on the wrong horse, and don't have much credibility anymore.
Imagine if Obama had done a tenth of what this bloated con man has done! You'd be struggling for adjectives to write about it. In the meantime, you are hoist with your own petard, having bet on the wrong horse, and don't have much credibility anymore.
78
Oh Maureen, your razor wit is surrendering to melancholic reflection! Don't go soft on us now - Trump's immense capacity to promote despair demands an antidote.
13
Barack may have been Barry, but at least he's not Comrade.
42
Obama became a "pragmatic centrist policy wonk" from being a "as a community organizer who “let Jesus Christ into my life” and “I dedicated myself to discovering his truth and carrying out his works."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/07/us/politics/07community.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/07/us/politics/07community.html
1
At least all those Trump voters are getting to see what happens when a person with no experience, no qualifications and no interest in learning about a job gets to do that job. Trump's administration should end all their fantasies about being "in charge" of sports teams, schools and government.
It is a myth that anyone can be President of the US. Trump proves that every day.
It is a myth that anyone can be President of the US. Trump proves that every day.
33
We saw that during Mr. Obama!s tenure. A community organizer isn't experience. A real estate magnate is experience plus.
Actually, Trump is proof anyone can become president, but not necessarily be any good at it.
1
Ms. Dowd, like many news-media types, is just trying to find a new way to say something insightful about the Don, and that is getting more difficult. There is a danger in running out of clever ways to describe someone so fatuous. I suspect people are getting a little bored with stories about him. We may be in for a four-year marathon, and a real challenge for our truth-teller's persuasiveness. They need to dig in for battle. His followers aren't going to be any happier in four years, without some remarkably effective free-speech, and remember many of them are heavily armed.
12
As a prime witness to the 2016 presidential election, it's reasonable to assume that former president Obama will be called to testify before Congress about the Russian mess. Likewise, he'll probably be interviewed by special counsel Mueller. At that time, he'll have the perfect venue and opportunity to appropriately assume a leadership position and diplomatically assert his position on important matters.
10
Donald Trump doesn't know tough. One of these days, there will come an awful occurrence that will be gut-wrenching. We will see how this President handles it.
7
Maureen.
Where the heck have you been?
Anyhoo, welcome back.
Where the heck have you been?
Anyhoo, welcome back.
3
He may be faux tough, be his very incoherence and self-absorption make him the living author and reality of a dangerous crisis. The American people will not really be safe until the presidency is wholly taken from him.
13
J. K. Rowling tweeted: “You tiny, tiny, tiny little man.”
I'm with her.
I'm with her.
55
It is not hard, even now, to remember how you got so much pleasure from picking on the Clintons, Maureen. It is difficult to read your condemnation of Trump, however warranted, and not think that you contributed to Hillary's loss with your nasty pokes at her, and Bill.
This man, a sad and sorry shadow of a functional adult, belongs in the real estate industry where all the others of his ilk, like the Kushners, Ratners, and Tisch's. A bunch of billionaire bozos. He surely does not belong in the White House, but there he is and we are stuck with him and that's not likely to change under a GOP dominant congress.
If they are mostly bought and paid for by the Koch brothers (as in Dark Money) and Sheldon Adelson then they are sworn to do what their benefactors held them to. At least there, they have fidelity, if not to the Constitution or the American public.
Write whatever you can, now that your column is seen less often, and write brutally, Maureen. It will slightly redeem you to those of us you still read what you post here, and maybe, maybe, it might convince a few more souls of how rotten DT really is.
This man, a sad and sorry shadow of a functional adult, belongs in the real estate industry where all the others of his ilk, like the Kushners, Ratners, and Tisch's. A bunch of billionaire bozos. He surely does not belong in the White House, but there he is and we are stuck with him and that's not likely to change under a GOP dominant congress.
If they are mostly bought and paid for by the Koch brothers (as in Dark Money) and Sheldon Adelson then they are sworn to do what their benefactors held them to. At least there, they have fidelity, if not to the Constitution or the American public.
Write whatever you can, now that your column is seen less often, and write brutally, Maureen. It will slightly redeem you to those of us you still read what you post here, and maybe, maybe, it might convince a few more souls of how rotten DT really is.
30
Donald Trump is the saddest joke ever played on the world. His transparency is so complete that only a fool would not see through it. So the real question becomes: What is America going to do about the 50+ million fools who still support Trump?
46
"His transparency is so complete that only a fool would not see through it."
Therefore, failing to see through him is a distinct possibility.
Therefore, failing to see through him is a distinct possibility.
Fill their oxy prescriptions
1
Another ineffective editorial from the Times writers avoiding how to overcome the reality this country now is facing. Too bad most readers will not read the finest written opinion in the last 8 months by Joan Williams in todays section. For once a realistic start at how to get out of the mess we are in. Trump is not the problem; the disaffected white guys are the problem, and nobody is addressing them.
8
I wonder if the people who voted for trump lament their choice when they are all alone, in the dark of night? Of course, in front of their family and friends they grin, high-five, and say how thankful they are that President Obama is gone and that Hillary is not President. Some will, I'm sure, even respond with discomposure at my Comments. But even the most unobservant will notice how every President prior to trump conducted themselves with a certain amount of professionalism and decorum. Certainly every media outlet can't be working together to invent all these problems and scandals emanating from the White House?
The load of fertilizer that trump spread at his campaign rallies was fun to hear and cheer for. I.E., New jobs pouring in...Better, less expensive healthcare. ..A perfect, identifiable enemy in the form of Mexican immigrant that will be stopped by a wall. It all sounded so good and so easy to do. Never the less, reality has a way of taking the shine off of our dreams.
The people who support trump can keep making excuses for the boorish behavior and the self inflicted chaos. It has been said that the support of trump is not based on logic or reality, it is rooted in feeling and emotion. Trump makes them feel good. However, everyone has a tipping point, where they can't make another excuse and affection doesn't supplant the reality.
The load of fertilizer that trump spread at his campaign rallies was fun to hear and cheer for. I.E., New jobs pouring in...Better, less expensive healthcare. ..A perfect, identifiable enemy in the form of Mexican immigrant that will be stopped by a wall. It all sounded so good and so easy to do. Never the less, reality has a way of taking the shine off of our dreams.
The people who support trump can keep making excuses for the boorish behavior and the self inflicted chaos. It has been said that the support of trump is not based on logic or reality, it is rooted in feeling and emotion. Trump makes them feel good. However, everyone has a tipping point, where they can't make another excuse and affection doesn't supplant the reality.
12
Completely agree it's odd to see Obama acting as if half the nation's hair wasn't on fire (his half). But if he piled on, it would further energize and solidify Trumps ballistic base, if such a thing is possible. And it wouldn't speed up the de-Trumpification any.
8
You write a piece like this because you're thinking we forgot you liked this guy ? We haven't. Snarky isn't the answer. We have a slow motion coup underway and his base has all the guns. Waiting for the "moderate Republicans" to save us is not going to cut it.
19
Living well is the best revenge.
Xoxo
Barry.
Xoxo
Barry.
15
What is more interesting to me are regular Americans. People who show up for work, do our jobs and take care of our families. I'm sick to death of gridlock in Washington and these idiots doing nothing.
Why do we even bother to pay taxes? It doesn't matter who's in the White House, Congress does nothing to help us. I'm not asking for handouts. I'm asking for people to do what I do, show up do your JOB, get it done -- that's what you've been sent to Washington to do. Make our lives better, instead of continually making each and every day harder for each American. Shame on you for playing politics with out lives.
Why do we even bother to pay taxes? It doesn't matter who's in the White House, Congress does nothing to help us. I'm not asking for handouts. I'm asking for people to do what I do, show up do your JOB, get it done -- that's what you've been sent to Washington to do. Make our lives better, instead of continually making each and every day harder for each American. Shame on you for playing politics with out lives.
5
Still can't believe sometimes that Trump is POTUS !!!
5
Donald's love of dictators (and bullying) can probably be traced back to his "prep school" days at New York Military academy in Cornwall, NY... just up highway 218, about 6 miles from West Point... the UNITED STATES Army Military Academy.
The former was the school of choice for the sons of South American, Asian, Central American, and other despots whose offspring were just as lame and boorish as Trump. Not a tough guy, just a rich punk with an inferiority complex.
The former was the school of choice for the sons of South American, Asian, Central American, and other despots whose offspring were just as lame and boorish as Trump. Not a tough guy, just a rich punk with an inferiority complex.
26
I must correct J. K. Rowling....."You tiny, tiny, tiny, TINY, little man."
5
Do we feel better now?
1
We buttered our bread, will have to lie in it for the next three plus years and if we learn our lesson before then we'll vote out our truly ersatz Congress in less than a year and a half.
Meanwhile our President will bring more than a few smiles, some blushing, I trust no lasting harm and a motherlode of column fodder.
This too will pass.
Meanwhile our President will bring more than a few smiles, some blushing, I trust no lasting harm and a motherlode of column fodder.
This too will pass.
2
The liberal line is becoming as predictable about Trump as it is fodder for satire. If "Trump is not a bully today," that's because "he's a clown." If Trump " is not a buffoon abroad," he's a "child" playing with the controls of a 747. Please, Trump may misbehave as most Presidents at some time in their lives have, but he's not a child, he's not a clown, neither a bully nor a buffoon. Most people who meet him one-on-one rather like him. He's personable, charming and a gentleman, as even the Clintons ----to whom he was very generous----found hm so when they first met him.
Now, about his legislative agenda, initially presented, it so far seems mostly opening bids to his political opponents. Let's see what they bid, or offer. Even Hillary Clinton didn't support Obamacare. But while in Obama's cabinet, she never criticized it or him (as she did campaigning against him) in public. The country needs patriotism, which Obama neglected greatly, to advance his international politics.
How can patriotism be restored? As a nationalistic question, it will not be answered by Times columnists Charles Blow, Maureen Dowd, David Leonhardt, Nicholas Kristof, Tom Friedman, or other liberal columnists so far. They're not liberals (one suspects) in the mold of Sen. Patrick Moynihan and Pres. John F. Kennedy, whom most conservatives admire.
Now, about his legislative agenda, initially presented, it so far seems mostly opening bids to his political opponents. Let's see what they bid, or offer. Even Hillary Clinton didn't support Obamacare. But while in Obama's cabinet, she never criticized it or him (as she did campaigning against him) in public. The country needs patriotism, which Obama neglected greatly, to advance his international politics.
How can patriotism be restored? As a nationalistic question, it will not be answered by Times columnists Charles Blow, Maureen Dowd, David Leonhardt, Nicholas Kristof, Tom Friedman, or other liberal columnists so far. They're not liberals (one suspects) in the mold of Sen. Patrick Moynihan and Pres. John F. Kennedy, whom most conservatives admire.
2
Personable, charming and a gentleman? What movie are You Watching? He's a boorish, disgusting liar.
2
Good writing.
What bores me more than these weak bullies no one dares to contradict because of their money and position of power is the people who actually interpret their behaviors as signs of quality in a human being.
People are dumb.
What bores me more than these weak bullies no one dares to contradict because of their money and position of power is the people who actually interpret their behaviors as signs of quality in a human being.
People are dumb.
7
Brilliant and withering, Ms. Dowd. Too bad Trump is unwilling, if he is even able, to read it.
4
Lay off Obama. You bashed him plenty while he was in office. It's not his place to be criticizing or interfering with what's currently going on. Would you be able to endure the disrespect and (deliberate, planned, naked) obstructionism he had to contend with for his entire time in office? I doubt it. He deserves to enjoy himself and his status in the world.
He's young for chrissakes. He's hardly done. He has years more influence ahead of him and we will all benefit for many years to come from whatever he focuses on next after some time decompressing.
He's young for chrissakes. He's hardly done. He has years more influence ahead of him and we will all benefit for many years to come from whatever he focuses on next after some time decompressing.
16
I'll never understand your endless sniping at Barack Obama. He must have passed you in some hallway somewhere in DC and didn't fawn obsequiously. He's better a man than you people deserve and when he had the power to effect change in this country you snarked at him endlessly.
Hope you're happy
Hope you're happy
31
Wonder what we will be talking/reading about US presidency and US society in 3-4 years. It looks like the press, intelectuals, and politicians are not getting the idea that Trump's winning was not an accident nor self-explained by a bunch of Hillary Clinton mistakes. It looks like un unnoticed change occurred in US people and all this madness and foolery are misleading us. Let try to understand and get a different approach. Making fun of President Donald Trump is like jumping into symptoms, missing the cause.
It was about time for Melania to publicly show some displeasure of the way her husband, Mr. trump treats her. For a change she slapped his hand away when he wanted to hold her (pull her perhaps) without even looking at her.
I noticed that he frequently if not almost always walks in from oh her. When he wants her to go in the plane, he pushes her in.
When he wanted to hold her hand while coming off the plane in their recent trip abroad and when she refused, he immediately placed his hand in her behind to show the world "who is boss". I was surprised she did not slap him then.
Was he not ever sent to his room or given a time-out for misbehaving when he was growing up? It might not be too late if somebody is willing to do it.
I noticed that he frequently if not almost always walks in from oh her. When he wants her to go in the plane, he pushes her in.
When he wanted to hold her hand while coming off the plane in their recent trip abroad and when she refused, he immediately placed his hand in her behind to show the world "who is boss". I was surprised she did not slap him then.
Was he not ever sent to his room or given a time-out for misbehaving when he was growing up? It might not be too late if somebody is willing to do it.
6
Donald Trump is the natural face of a Republican Party whose gratuitous mean-spiritedness preceded his personal ascension to power by decades. The GOP mantra has been anchored in the mission to make as many lives as miserable as possible by bringing everyone but its bank-rollers down to the lowest common economic denominator rather than lifting up those on the lowest rungs of the economic ladder. This is what the Republican Party has represented for a long while.
The reality of the President's particularly offensive approach to the misery mission of the GOP should be no surprise. It was only a matter of time before its cruel policy formulations, such as they have been, would find a titular head as ugly as the policies behind the face. Remember the summer GOP primaries; the second-to-last candidate standing was Ted Cruz, a figure who equals or exceeds Donald Trump for sheer, ugly nastiness.
The reality of the President's particularly offensive approach to the misery mission of the GOP should be no surprise. It was only a matter of time before its cruel policy formulations, such as they have been, would find a titular head as ugly as the policies behind the face. Remember the summer GOP primaries; the second-to-last candidate standing was Ted Cruz, a figure who equals or exceeds Donald Trump for sheer, ugly nastiness.
10
I've been mad at you for a long time, Maureen, for your mean girl treatment of both Hillary and Obama and your high toned flattery of Trump. Couldn't agree with you moretoday about your characterization of our "faux tough guy president". Everything you say about him hits home.
Not sure how you got there but I guess the romance is off. The only people he has stood up for besides himself are Putin, Mike Flynn and Jeff Sessions and we all know how that will work out. We need your poison pen on the front lines of the resistance, Mo. we all know you've got it in you.
Not sure how you got there but I guess the romance is off. The only people he has stood up for besides himself are Putin, Mike Flynn and Jeff Sessions and we all know how that will work out. We need your poison pen on the front lines of the resistance, Mo. we all know you've got it in you.
14
For me, the best visual, which gives credence to all our criticisms , big and small, of Trump, came when he literally muscled his way to center stage and pushing Markovic out of his way. The mindless audacity of that move will live in infamy. This self important, self aggrandizing, self centered, clueless shlemiel then inflated his chest and stuck it out making himself look more like Mussolini than any POTUS I am familiar with.
27
Looking at the European leaders half smiles and whispering to each other says it all about our new President --- he is viewed as a joke. What worries me, actually I now beyond worry, is Trump graves respect... and every move he makes, every speech he makes, he is viewed by real world leaders as somewhat of a court jester---but the reality is, he is the king/president. How does the Donald respond to being characterized as a joke by every leader who is not themselves a joke or dictator in their own country.
3
The remarkable Dowd turnabout keeps revolving. The acute observations are no longer occluded by Hillary hate. Very soon, you might even apologize to HRC supporters.
If Obama had hung around, you'd be spewing shade on him and the GOP would be continuing hate filled emissions blaming him for not just Obamacare, but the budget and coming government shutdown, completely distracting their base base from reality.
Let the Obamas enjoy the respite from being moving targets of the socalled right, and enjoy themselves. He will no doubt return when needed and embraced by those running for office. GW Bush's reticence seemed to be the epitome of graciousness when Obama took office. Refraining form attacks on your predecessor is courtesy extended not just to the person but to the office.
And who can't laugh in hearing Boehner's enormous relief at no longer having to pull together the GOP skunk brigades. Zip-a-dee -doo-dah! It's up to the parties and the public to decide how to contain the 6 yr old who thinks he's a pilot.
If Obama had hung around, you'd be spewing shade on him and the GOP would be continuing hate filled emissions blaming him for not just Obamacare, but the budget and coming government shutdown, completely distracting their base base from reality.
Let the Obamas enjoy the respite from being moving targets of the socalled right, and enjoy themselves. He will no doubt return when needed and embraced by those running for office. GW Bush's reticence seemed to be the epitome of graciousness when Obama took office. Refraining form attacks on your predecessor is courtesy extended not just to the person but to the office.
And who can't laugh in hearing Boehner's enormous relief at no longer having to pull together the GOP skunk brigades. Zip-a-dee -doo-dah! It's up to the parties and the public to decide how to contain the 6 yr old who thinks he's a pilot.
18
Maybe he thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt? Now that would be wishful thinking. I bet TR would smack him down, while nursing a bullet in his chest to boot.
2
Remembering all the hatred, outrageous insults, and utter contempt heaped on President Obama from the ignorant and the hypocritical character assassins who attacked him relentlessly in pursuing their personal agendas, it just tickles me pink from head to toe to know that he's happy and enjoying his life. George Herbert was right--"Living well is the best revenge!"
14
I have never served 1 day as President for 330 million people, let alone for 2,920 days, and neither have you Ms. Dowd, for either period. I am elated that Mr. Obama presently smiles, grins, laughs, or expresses his happiness, even joy, in any human manner. My differing charge to him would emphatically be "please do not stop smiling"! His winsome demeanor and pastoral-like presence is comforting and hopeful in this deeply unsettling time of anxiety, stress, even fear, created by his successor. He has served honorably and effectively, without scandal, in the most difficult job on the planet. I, for one, do not envy or criticize his well-being, and neither should you.
778
As for Barack Obama's happy detachment from the show going on in Trump's Washington, I think it's beneficial both to him and to the world.
In my own little career, I've had the experience of seeing my best efforts superseded by the choice of a jaw-dropping successor. Swallowing hard and letting it go without ever sniping at the man publicly or privately was one of the wisest things I've done, for the sake of my own peace of mind and self-respect. Whether it benefited others or not, I don't know.
But Obama can indeed do the world a great service by standing as a beacon of decency and wisdom above the Trump Shallows. He shows us the way home. So do Bush and Boehner, since "home" in a democracy is no rose-covered cottage.
As for the spectacle of Donald Trump's stupidity, recklessness, and faux toughness, I'd like to think the day is approaching when many of those who voted him and his enablers into control of the US Government will think, "We broke it. We bought it. We've got to fix it."
In my own little career, I've had the experience of seeing my best efforts superseded by the choice of a jaw-dropping successor. Swallowing hard and letting it go without ever sniping at the man publicly or privately was one of the wisest things I've done, for the sake of my own peace of mind and self-respect. Whether it benefited others or not, I don't know.
But Obama can indeed do the world a great service by standing as a beacon of decency and wisdom above the Trump Shallows. He shows us the way home. So do Bush and Boehner, since "home" in a democracy is no rose-covered cottage.
As for the spectacle of Donald Trump's stupidity, recklessness, and faux toughness, I'd like to think the day is approaching when many of those who voted him and his enablers into control of the US Government will think, "We broke it. We bought it. We've got to fix it."
9
MoDo has fittingly turned away from satire for we have no sense of scale any longer. We can't tell hyperbole when the news the next day or even next hour eclipses our imagination. And thankfully for once, MoDo hasn't cheapshot Hillary. We need all attention paid to limn the current president faithfully. We only need do that for the world now and history to come to know this new Stupor Mundi.
2
Must we keep reading about theatrics of democracy -- smiles & handshakes?
How about shining some light on policy? Let's read about Trump's efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act exchanges in order to drum up support for the new Trumpcare bill. It matters more than his hip-check to the PM of Montenegro. Sure, explode Obamacare so that we can be told that the new law that will make 23 million lose their health care is something he was forced to do.
It's almost like taking the total population of Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway and stripping them of care. Poor Montenegro has fewer than 700,000 folks, though they are all ensured by law to equal access to health care.
Policy--it's not interesting enough to discuss? That's how we got Trump in the first place, with the media heaping coverage on him for no reason other than his outrageous remarks.
Does that ring a bell with anyone?
How about shining some light on policy? Let's read about Trump's efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act exchanges in order to drum up support for the new Trumpcare bill. It matters more than his hip-check to the PM of Montenegro. Sure, explode Obamacare so that we can be told that the new law that will make 23 million lose their health care is something he was forced to do.
It's almost like taking the total population of Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway and stripping them of care. Poor Montenegro has fewer than 700,000 folks, though they are all ensured by law to equal access to health care.
Policy--it's not interesting enough to discuss? That's how we got Trump in the first place, with the media heaping coverage on him for no reason other than his outrageous remarks.
Does that ring a bell with anyone?
19
Once I saw that elbowing, the shove, the tie straightening - the whole sequence - one word comes to mind. Loathsome.
41
All bullies are cowards. The loud-mouthed crybaby currently despoiling the Oval Office has spent his entire life compensating for a shortcoming--and it's not to tough to figure out what it is. It's unfortunate that the rest of us have to be dragged down the drain by this vain, insecure, incompetent, ignorant, tiny-fingered boob.
18
""This is a treacherous spiral, as conservative author Charlie Sykes told The Post, because “every time something like Montana happens, Republicans adjust their standards and put an emphasis on team loyalty. They normalize and accept previously unacceptable behavior.”"
Being in the GOP means never having to say your sorry, and they
will keep upping the ante until something truly catastrophic happens, and then of course will blame anybody and everybody but themselves in the aftermath.
How would they have reacted if Mr. Jacobs had landed on his head and died instead of suffering just a bruised elbow and a pair of broken glasses?
You already know, you don't need for me to tell you.
Being in the GOP means never having to say your sorry, and they
will keep upping the ante until something truly catastrophic happens, and then of course will blame anybody and everybody but themselves in the aftermath.
How would they have reacted if Mr. Jacobs had landed on his head and died instead of suffering just a bruised elbow and a pair of broken glasses?
You already know, you don't need for me to tell you.
13
Still so many false equivalences, and well...falsehoods. Disappointing from a columnist as astute as you.
1). Boehner is no hero for speaking out, and the two ex-presidents' silence is a both a tradition and a strategy.
2). Obama smiled PLENTY during his presidency, and exuded warmth throughout, but you ignored it because it did not fit your agenda of "he's aloof."
You're right to be concerned about whether "we are going to be OK"... and the sooner figures like yourself focus on the real problems, the sooner we will be extricated. Hopefully.
1). Boehner is no hero for speaking out, and the two ex-presidents' silence is a both a tradition and a strategy.
2). Obama smiled PLENTY during his presidency, and exuded warmth throughout, but you ignored it because it did not fit your agenda of "he's aloof."
You're right to be concerned about whether "we are going to be OK"... and the sooner figures like yourself focus on the real problems, the sooner we will be extricated. Hopefully.
19
He is a tiny tiny little man.
And let's not forget he is most emphatically NOT a tough guy. At best he is a reality TV host turned politician.
When the epitaph is written on his presidency, we will understand him best as a product of his time. How that reflects upon us will not be easy to get over.
And let's not forget he is most emphatically NOT a tough guy. At best he is a reality TV host turned politician.
When the epitaph is written on his presidency, we will understand him best as a product of his time. How that reflects upon us will not be easy to get over.
12
Sorry, I'm not so high on Obama. He should speak out, but he's too chicken and just too comfy.
He sat around comfy for 8 years and watched this country betray its middle and working classes, crowing about the decrease in the unemployment rate as if that meant something to college kids who have to put their whole lives in hock to get a basic education.
The liberal elite has utterly failed, and that is what ushered in Trump. And those arrogant, self-righteous, I-told-you-so's don't have a clue what to do when the Trump card house finally collapses, because they are too busy basking in their comfy denial.
He sat around comfy for 8 years and watched this country betray its middle and working classes, crowing about the decrease in the unemployment rate as if that meant something to college kids who have to put their whole lives in hock to get a basic education.
The liberal elite has utterly failed, and that is what ushered in Trump. And those arrogant, self-righteous, I-told-you-so's don't have a clue what to do when the Trump card house finally collapses, because they are too busy basking in their comfy denial.
1
Len, may I remind you that the problems you hint at, attributing them to the "liberal elite," are the product of Republican Party policies, starting with David Rockefeller's ruthless "free trade" and continuing with the invasion of Iraq, justified by made-up lies coughed up under Cheney and Rumsfeld, and funded by a vertiginous increase in our national debt. As for growing unemployment, did the "sub-prime crisis" not occur under a Republican who is by no means "liberal"?
Obama was not reponsible for any of this. The party that brought the current ignorant and possibly treasonous clown to the White House is the Republican Party. So spare us criticism of Obama or the "liberal elites," please.
Obama was not reponsible for any of this. The party that brought the current ignorant and possibly treasonous clown to the White House is the Republican Party. So spare us criticism of Obama or the "liberal elites," please.
1
Let Obama rub it in our faces. No one has ever more earned this than him. Let him smile as Trump burns. This isn't Nero fiddling as Rome burns; it's the voice of reason having the common sense to keep quiet rather than saying I told you so because there isn't a thing he can do except wait for people to come to their senses. Bravo Barack! The age of reason approaches.
942
Obama is Trump's great enabler. He effectively destroyed the Democratic Party. That smile is reminiscent of the village idiot.
1
This is all nice. Now what are we going to do about him? How are we going to get enough republicans to take a moral, sane stand and call out this damaged, dangerous, immature man and begin the steps necessary to put an end to his presidency. When does the country snap into sanity and get real with this mess?
And what are we going to do to contain the backlash from his mesmerized minions and bring them into the fold with the rest of the world? (Yes, the world is interdependent; we're in this together, like it or not.) How do we tell them how wrong they've been, that his cloying patriotism is a manipulative ruse? How do we make them understand what we are saying?
How do we unite the United States of America after trump?
And what are we going to do to contain the backlash from his mesmerized minions and bring them into the fold with the rest of the world? (Yes, the world is interdependent; we're in this together, like it or not.) How do we tell them how wrong they've been, that his cloying patriotism is a manipulative ruse? How do we make them understand what we are saying?
How do we unite the United States of America after trump?
15
"Mesmerized minions". Perfect!
Normalizing Gianforte body slamming a reporter today. How long before they are normalizing pushing NYT Comment Section contributors out of helicopters into the lower harbor. Anything possible under Trump-Putin. Get your passports in order.
6
Oh, for crying out loud, leave Obama alone. You tore him down enough while he was President.
43
To paraphrase J. K. Rowling in regard to Trump: You tinny tinny man!
3
J. K. Rowling tweeted: “You tiny, tiny, tiny little man.”
That is about the most appropriate description of Trump's behavior I've seen. He is pathetic.
That is about the most appropriate description of Trump's behavior I've seen. He is pathetic.
18
Maureen,
After all the free passes and support you offered Trump early on, and, why not, Hillary was the alternative...
I would think that now you would just grin and bear your success.
Trump is President. Instead of lamenting how bout answering this question:
Now what?
After all the free passes and support you offered Trump early on, and, why not, Hillary was the alternative...
I would think that now you would just grin and bear your success.
Trump is President. Instead of lamenting how bout answering this question:
Now what?
8
this is about why the last true real President is always smiling. simply put he has done his job with aplomb grace charm and thoughtfulness. at this stage he (other than the boss at home)answers to no one at all. he knows how well he did and why the others all are so upset. while in office he remained always above the noise. why would he even change anything now?
the man is a class act. hey he smiles like he is a class act. guess what? if you got it you got it, if not you can try all you want, but class is not coming to you.
the man is a class act. hey he smiles like he is a class act. guess what? if you got it you got it, if not you can try all you want, but class is not coming to you.
17
"Donald Trump is not a tough guy. He’s a faux tough guy."
If Dowd doesn't start watching her stuff, Sean Spicer will accuse her and the Times of publishing fake lies.
If Dowd doesn't start watching her stuff, Sean Spicer will accuse her and the Times of publishing fake lies.
11
I hate to think that Trump is a faux tough guy. I hope young American men and women will not have to die to disprove that.
7
Trump's birther lies alone should have been disqualifying, but a little less than half of the voters selected him, knowing his racist and personal animosity towards Obama. Don't expect Obama to feel too sorry for us.
Also if he becomes too vocal against Trump, he will give another excuse to the right wing propaganda machine to sell conspiracy theorists against the liberals. He's very smart and strategic for keeping a low political profile right now.
Also if he becomes too vocal against Trump, he will give another excuse to the right wing propaganda machine to sell conspiracy theorists against the liberals. He's very smart and strategic for keeping a low political profile right now.
26
Why do you pretend to like Obama now when you had so much disdain for him? And complain about Trump, when you're part of the reason he was elected. You're no better than he is.
42
Maureen sure knows how to dish it out, except this time it fits. I always comeback to the people though. A LARGE percentage of people in this country are on team Trump. One would have thought that women would cringe at the Montana example, not a peep.
It is almost as if the America I came to in 1987 where people were polite in public is just gone. With the small towns and rural areas getting the short end of the stick in the dual threat of automation and globalization, no change agent is in site. Zuckerberg at least had the honesty to say at the Harvard commencement that in the new technology world there will be a lot more looser. His solution is an exhortation. To the graduates to fix it!
It is almost as if the America I came to in 1987 where people were polite in public is just gone. With the small towns and rural areas getting the short end of the stick in the dual threat of automation and globalization, no change agent is in site. Zuckerberg at least had the honesty to say at the Harvard commencement that in the new technology world there will be a lot more looser. His solution is an exhortation. To the graduates to fix it!
7
If he ever pushed me like that I'd knock him out cold.....
10
President Obama is entitled to a vacation after eight taxing years, and it is pleasant to see him enjoying his family after living in Washington's fishbowl; however, swanning around the planet with billionaires is certainly is nothing like the retreats from public life that previous presidents enjoyed. Monticello, Mount Vernon, ranches in California, peanut farms in Georgia,or estates in the Hudson River Valley are more seemly. The country roils, and it looks like Obama cannot wait to cash in - the French have their champagne Socialists, and we have...? Nonetheless, why do so many commentators here blame Ms. Down for Trump's shameful presidency? She seems to be an equal opportunity dart thrower, exposing hypocrisy in prosecutors like Ken Starr, mayors like Rudy Giuliani, presidents like Reagan, the two Bushes, Clinton, Obama and now Trump, Vice Presidents like Cheney, and Secretaries of State like Rice and Clinton. In fact, there do not seem to be many public figures she doesn't cut to size with her snark, except maybe Pope Francis, and EVERYONE loves him. We can't blame her for Trump - that one is on us, unfortunately.
4
"Boorish" is too benign, almost quaint when speaking of trump.
"Boarish" goes to the real heart of the man: swinish, coarse, cruel.
"Boarish" goes to the real heart of the man: swinish, coarse, cruel.
14
Donald Trump is a fraud and he knows it. He is keeping up appearances as long as he can. A few more rallies with pathetic sycophants kissing his behind? Losers!
Time is about up.
Time is about up.
11
I'm not sure that Maureen likes anyone but it seems that finally, after some preelection flirtations, she has taken a genuine dislike for Donald Trump. And that is good for the nation. There is no sword as sharp as Maureen's pen. Go get him, Maureen!
5
Ah, Maureen, the same writer who pummeled Hillary last year, doing her tiny, tiny, tiny part to help foist Trump on us.
Thanks, Mo.
Thanks, Mo.
16
Maureen is just saying what very many others are saying Trump is not the vision they had of a President. The ways this can be expressed are becoming a little trite but D.T. does provide fresh material on a regular basis.
What is strange is the surging of Russia as the enemy once again, the benefit being the easing of China in that lingering Cold War scenario as its help is hoped for in Korea peninsula.
The released DNC e-mails just verified what was evident by its actions to Sanders’s supporters and their effect is yet to be quantified; on other maters Russia is yet an historic actor on the world stage but American militarism needs to push NATO in its face so why should it not be interested in playing rouge source of Clinton favoritism in the Democratic contest? Too complex? Sorry.
What is strange is the surging of Russia as the enemy once again, the benefit being the easing of China in that lingering Cold War scenario as its help is hoped for in Korea peninsula.
The released DNC e-mails just verified what was evident by its actions to Sanders’s supporters and their effect is yet to be quantified; on other maters Russia is yet an historic actor on the world stage but American militarism needs to push NATO in its face so why should it not be interested in playing rouge source of Clinton favoritism in the Democratic contest? Too complex? Sorry.
It is unnessary for Barack Obama to join the wide chorus of Trump critique. His role is to unite the factions of the Democratic Party in their pursuit of power. He has the stature to command compromises necessary for the sides to see eye to eye.
5
If Democrats keep running candidates that are completely unmatched for the district in which they are running, like Peter, Paul & Mary in Montana, then we are looking at Republicans keeping the House and Senate majority in next year's midterms.
Aren't there more Democrats in the Tim Ryan mold in these middle American districts that would appeal to the working class voters with a bona fide populist (union, worker rights, etc.) message?
Aren't there more Democrats in the Tim Ryan mold in these middle American districts that would appeal to the working class voters with a bona fide populist (union, worker rights, etc.) message?
11
What has made me very very sad, is that trump and company did not appear to even consider attempting to obtain some human rights concessions from the Saudis in their arms deal. His love of autocrats and complete lack of concern for the powerless is unAmerican and immoral.
17
Maureen Dowd: Would you be happier if Obama looked glum, attacked Trump and the Republicans every day, and didn't get out of Washington, D.C., where he lived as senator and president and still has a house? Would that make Donald Trump a better president or America well-governed?
4
I believe you missed the point of this article by taking it too literally.
1
Faux tough guy Trump is so into playing his role as a successful billionaire he has never learned, or observed, how an effective statesman thinks or acts. In fact, his body language is that of someone who does not really care about being a real statesman. He looks down on such, like those in the experienced intelligence community and state department. He sees them as fools and thinks that by playing "tough guy" he can outwit them and do whatever he wants to do; after all, he is the President. Our "pros," like Obama and McCain, et al, are beneath him. Point of fact: Trump is a weakling man-boy who has never grown up, playing his beloved Apprentice role in the real-life office of the presidency of the United States.
7
Mr Trump is the President.You would look better if you spoke better of him.
1
President Obama has more than earned his vacation. He entered office during the worst economic crisis since the depression and left behind a stable and recovering economy. Was he perfect, of course not but he was dignified and represented his country well. I've never seen a president who had to put up with the level of hate that Obama and his family endured for 8 long years. Give it a rest already.
As memorial day is coming up let's look at our current commander in chief. When the Vietnam war came a knocking rather than serving his country he took 5 deferments. This especially bothers me because my 93 year old grandfather lied about his age to serve his country at the tender age of 16. Yes Vietnam was complicated but if he refused to serve his country then what makes you believe he will do so now.
Trump only respects fellow bullies. Notice how he fawned over the middle east while behaving like a bull in a china shop in Europe. Sadly European leaders were prepared to be disrespected and Trump didn't fail to deliver exactly what they expected.
Obama isn't going to save us. We must save ourselves. But when you look at how Trump behaved versus Obama there's no contest on who acted presidential.
As memorial day is coming up let's look at our current commander in chief. When the Vietnam war came a knocking rather than serving his country he took 5 deferments. This especially bothers me because my 93 year old grandfather lied about his age to serve his country at the tender age of 16. Yes Vietnam was complicated but if he refused to serve his country then what makes you believe he will do so now.
Trump only respects fellow bullies. Notice how he fawned over the middle east while behaving like a bull in a china shop in Europe. Sadly European leaders were prepared to be disrespected and Trump didn't fail to deliver exactly what they expected.
Obama isn't going to save us. We must save ourselves. But when you look at how Trump behaved versus Obama there's no contest on who acted presidential.
20
Ms Dowd, the answer lies in a fabulous bit of literature you must have missed as much as that seems impossible given the title; "The Little Red Hen". Give it a spin this summer when you are on one of your lux vacations. A great read with a shocking ending.
1
All too many thoughts for wholly dignified comments but I do say that Donald Trump has an adversarial relationship with not only truth but also with dignity and respect for his own country. I observed the video of him on this trip and realized that Trump has no concept of how others view him, that he strides into a setting acting as if the setting is all about him when not one other leader of NATO or the G-7 has any positive regard for him.
The last time I observed that attitude was at a funeral at which the outlier son of an exceedingly accomplished deceased man and the son's equally accomplished siblings strode to the lectern and unleashed a largely incoherent attack on his dead father.
We all just looked at each other, coughed, muttered and snickered. That is Trump on the world stage: an object of vicious snickering.
And now we have this Aldrich Ames-character Kushner playing footsie with Moscow Centre, wanting his own private channel to avoid scrutiny by the incumbent Obama administration, the NSA, the FBI and the CIA. Ah, 'tis nothing will say the Trump sycophants both in and out of government. We will see.
The last time I observed that attitude was at a funeral at which the outlier son of an exceedingly accomplished deceased man and the son's equally accomplished siblings strode to the lectern and unleashed a largely incoherent attack on his dead father.
We all just looked at each other, coughed, muttered and snickered. That is Trump on the world stage: an object of vicious snickering.
And now we have this Aldrich Ames-character Kushner playing footsie with Moscow Centre, wanting his own private channel to avoid scrutiny by the incumbent Obama administration, the NSA, the FBI and the CIA. Ah, 'tis nothing will say the Trump sycophants both in and out of government. We will see.
10
Trump is certainly the epitome of a "bull in a china closet", but we wish it was just a china closet and NOT the White House. Our so-called president and administration continues to hold us all hostage to their need for more wealth and prestige, while the majority can only guess how much damage they can really do to the planet regarding deregulating all the climate change initiatives that would give our grandchildren a chance at clean air, water and soil, our economy as they deregulate the reforms made to protect us from another market collapse like 2008, our standing in the world, as they can't abide by ethics oversight that has monitored potential conflict of interests and outright fraud, and healthcare, where they want to take away what works with no thought to how it will affect the masses, only that they get a tax break. Then there is the terror of what our public schools will be, our national parks and monuments, and even our neighborhoods, when people are taken and sent back to where they immigrated from. We need freedom fighters to regain our government and insist those in authority obey the laws they vowed to uphold. Thank-you leakers in high places. You're our heroes.
8
Donald Trump is, as you imply, an existential threat to our Constitutional democracy. And, it is chilling and unsettling to see former Presidents G. W. Bush and Barack Obama blithely ignoring the nation's daily descent into autocracy as the Putin-inspired Trump Oligarchy with its willing accomplices in the Republican-controlled Congress continues to run amok. We are at "an all hands on deck" moment where we need a strong leader to step forward and "call out" the fake bully populist before all our democratic institutions are trampled upon and we enter a political black hole from which we and our republic will be unable to emerge.
5
Thank you Maureen--You nailed it. DT is a rude bully with no apparent concept of the behavior required of an American president.
11
Maureen, you used to be my buddy and confidante, now you've turned against me. So mean and unfair. Talk about bullies, you really hurt my feelings. No more cake and ice cream for you! I'm lowering your ranking from a #6 to a #3. Well, at least you'll be safe from my nubby fingers. Now go report on some REAL news!
7
The corrupt DNC should've nominated Bernie Sanders. He did win you know.
14
What? The popular vote? He became only a Democrat to run for president. How principled is that? What did he do for the DNC? The DNC owed him nothing but they allowed him in, and Sanders and his supporters behaved like a guest who thinks he owns the house. I would've voted for Sanders though, if I could've. Did you vote for Hillary Clinton? Or at all?
3
Bernie dead-enders certainly did their part to deliver Trump. You certainly made your point. Congratulations, I guess.
4
As for the epic vacation of the Obamas, I have a little secret. It is not culled from private meetings with the ex-president or earlier when he was in office. Never calls me. (Can't understand that.) Here it is: Obama and wife could hardly wait for his term to be over. He loved being president (I guess) but he was ready not just to leave the burdens behind but the throw them down, hard.
How do I know this? Let me count the ways. First, the Mrs. didn't want him to run in the first place. Perhaps she knew it would radically alter their lives so that nothing would ever be the same again. Second, he started planning for his eventual presidential library almost the day he was elected to a second term. Come on. With the weight of the world on your shoulders that's what's most important? Third, he put his entire presidency at risk by going to Hawaii on vacation each year around Christmas and New Years. What would have happened if a major terrorist attack occurred while the four of them were eating shaved ice? How would it look with the prez almost five thousand miles from Washington? He would have looked like Bush II/Katrina only worse.
There were other indicators. No space here to detail.
The presidency is a job in dramatic conflict with itself. There is a tsunami of issues flowing across the desk a president is asked to decide when the most important task is anticipating the future and preparing the nation for it. The small buries the greater concerns. Obama had enough of it.
How do I know this? Let me count the ways. First, the Mrs. didn't want him to run in the first place. Perhaps she knew it would radically alter their lives so that nothing would ever be the same again. Second, he started planning for his eventual presidential library almost the day he was elected to a second term. Come on. With the weight of the world on your shoulders that's what's most important? Third, he put his entire presidency at risk by going to Hawaii on vacation each year around Christmas and New Years. What would have happened if a major terrorist attack occurred while the four of them were eating shaved ice? How would it look with the prez almost five thousand miles from Washington? He would have looked like Bush II/Katrina only worse.
There were other indicators. No space here to detail.
The presidency is a job in dramatic conflict with itself. There is a tsunami of issues flowing across the desk a president is asked to decide when the most important task is anticipating the future and preparing the nation for it. The small buries the greater concerns. Obama had enough of it.
5
"At the rate things are unraveling, President Trump may have to pardon his son-in-law to prevent Jared from flipping on him." Quite an astonishing, eye-popping sentance to read. I shall wait and see.
21
Trump , the columnists dream (nightmare) president. I keep reading , hoping that someone will reveal the survival key. So far just entertaining.
Guess I will keep reading.
Guess I will keep reading.
6
If little Donnie Trump had shoved aside a classmate in the the sixth grade, his teacher would have said, "Mr. Trump, first you apologize to Dusko, then you go back to the end of the line."
18
We have an ex-President who abjures the i interventions of a nanny, and a current one who needs one night and day. But that is democracy's job. Gain focus, Ma'am.
1
Pictures of Obama and Clinton grinning do NOT make meant to give money to Dems.
1
Ms. Dowd,
A question: Have you ever (not to my knowledge) commented on your rather unrelenting (and in my opinion unwarranted, unfair) criticism of President Obama. As I recall, you began pretty much immediately after he was inaugurated.
How do you look back on those NYT columns now? Do you really stand by all you said? I never understood your grudge. And you missed the big game in need of your unrelenting pen back then instead: How about the impossible House that Obama faced, determined to kill anything no matter how it hurt their own constituencies. And moreover, the hatred it bred and sowed, in partnership with the right-wing media. And there's the path that ended up here with Trump.
Great column. But I wish you had decided to write with some respect and courtesy about President Obama a little sooner and focus on the real problems.
A question: Have you ever (not to my knowledge) commented on your rather unrelenting (and in my opinion unwarranted, unfair) criticism of President Obama. As I recall, you began pretty much immediately after he was inaugurated.
How do you look back on those NYT columns now? Do you really stand by all you said? I never understood your grudge. And you missed the big game in need of your unrelenting pen back then instead: How about the impossible House that Obama faced, determined to kill anything no matter how it hurt their own constituencies. And moreover, the hatred it bred and sowed, in partnership with the right-wing media. And there's the path that ended up here with Trump.
Great column. But I wish you had decided to write with some respect and courtesy about President Obama a little sooner and focus on the real problems.
31
When he gives up USA citizenship for Indonesia buy precious gems and metals - on second thought do that now. The last time America was this close to disintegration was- not Civil War but 1812. Media failed biggest test since enactment of First Amendment in 2015-2016 and are still playing Trump for ratings while he unleashes termites onto pillars of Constitution. So keep smiling Barack H Obama they did not listen to you during eight years just condescending- Starry - starry nights.
1
German Chancellor Angela Merkel had invited Barack Obama to Germany, and he accepted earlier in the year. Their meeting was on the same day Trump was in Brussels.
Together on the stage, Merkel was thrilled to see Obama, as evidenced by photos and her happy expression. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
In contrast, Donald Trump treated Merkek rudely at the White House, and again at the NATO memorial meeting. Who comes out and says "Germany is bad?" No polished world leader talks like that. That's Trump--such boorish behavior. And a poor vocabulary.
Obama shows class and grace. What a contrast.
The entire world is talking and tweeting about Trump's failed foreign trip, and how rude and obnoxious he acted.
Obama deserves to vacation and enjoy his time.
Trump deserves the pickle he is in over his campaign's ties to Russia that are increasingly known as fact due to intelligence agency interceptions.
Together on the stage, Merkel was thrilled to see Obama, as evidenced by photos and her happy expression. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
In contrast, Donald Trump treated Merkek rudely at the White House, and again at the NATO memorial meeting. Who comes out and says "Germany is bad?" No polished world leader talks like that. That's Trump--such boorish behavior. And a poor vocabulary.
Obama shows class and grace. What a contrast.
The entire world is talking and tweeting about Trump's failed foreign trip, and how rude and obnoxious he acted.
Obama deserves to vacation and enjoy his time.
Trump deserves the pickle he is in over his campaign's ties to Russia that are increasingly known as fact due to intelligence agency interceptions.
41
I missed Pres Barry the day Trump took office. I probably would have missed him even if HRC had won, but certainly no where near as much. My friends keep telling me this Bore in Chief will be our president for 4 years, but the scandals keep mounting and the insults to allies continue. At some point even the "speak no ill of any Republican" congress will have to admit the constant damage the current administration inflicts both domestically and abroad.
I've never been one to enjoy a slow-motion train wreck, so I am on assignment elsewhere. Its still difficult to watch the man, his administration and his family even from my great distance.
I've never been one to enjoy a slow-motion train wreck, so I am on assignment elsewhere. Its still difficult to watch the man, his administration and his family even from my great distance.
10
Hardly a bore, but most certainly a boor.
Gr8 column as usual MD! Trump didn't shove him though he was merely wiping creme from donuts off his black suit. I only hope Trump didn't set up Jared so he could be with Ivanka. Ya think he's that despicable? After America contemplates that and collectively throws up Law & Order SVU would have their 2018 season premiere...
3
I too am laughing. I live among the deplorables and I have suffered their abuse because I am a Democrat since I moved here in 2005.
I can laugh because they have to take poor demented drooling, incontinent Granny out of the nursing home when Medicaid stops paying and put her up in the craft room, their 401k will be worth half of what it is now when the rest of the world stops investing in our markets and they will not have enough money to pay their health Insurance premium.
I can laugh because Angela Merkel will have a few special treats for the Donald. She knows what to do with rude bullies.
I can laugh because they have to take poor demented drooling, incontinent Granny out of the nursing home when Medicaid stops paying and put her up in the craft room, their 401k will be worth half of what it is now when the rest of the world stops investing in our markets and they will not have enough money to pay their health Insurance premium.
I can laugh because Angela Merkel will have a few special treats for the Donald. She knows what to do with rude bullies.
19
It feels like the Republicans have crossed another line into the quadrant of Ruling by Contempt. As Ms. Dowd quoted conservative author Charlie Sykes, "They normalize and accept previously unacceptable behavior."
- Trump and the Republican Congress's focus on wealth transfers from programs assisting the neediest in our country to the coffers of the richest, with no consideration of the consequences, e.g. of ejecting the CBO's estimated 23 million people from health insurance coverage.
- Ben Carson's recent comment that "Poverty is a state of mind."
- The physical assault of a journalist on Montana's election eve this week by now-elected Republican House member Greg Gianforte.
- The murder in Portland, OR this week of two men (and wounding of a third) who dared to stand up for two apparently-Muslim women on a light-rail train who were being verbally assaulted by an avowed white supremacist.
The unbridled contemptuous language and behaviors of Trump, his administration and the Republican Congress have powerful ripples that are tearing at the fabric of not just our democracy but of our society as a whole.
Where is the compassion? The last of it seems to have drained away from the collective Republican attitude. This is not normal, despite the Republican attempts to make it seem so. This is corrosive to our country.
Please, Republicans, tell us: For who or for what do you feel compassion? Let's build on that.
- Trump and the Republican Congress's focus on wealth transfers from programs assisting the neediest in our country to the coffers of the richest, with no consideration of the consequences, e.g. of ejecting the CBO's estimated 23 million people from health insurance coverage.
- Ben Carson's recent comment that "Poverty is a state of mind."
- The physical assault of a journalist on Montana's election eve this week by now-elected Republican House member Greg Gianforte.
- The murder in Portland, OR this week of two men (and wounding of a third) who dared to stand up for two apparently-Muslim women on a light-rail train who were being verbally assaulted by an avowed white supremacist.
The unbridled contemptuous language and behaviors of Trump, his administration and the Republican Congress have powerful ripples that are tearing at the fabric of not just our democracy but of our society as a whole.
Where is the compassion? The last of it seems to have drained away from the collective Republican attitude. This is not normal, despite the Republican attempts to make it seem so. This is corrosive to our country.
Please, Republicans, tell us: For who or for what do you feel compassion? Let's build on that.
23
The compassion is gone...period. And it ain't coming back.
2
President Obama endured eight years of racism and "fake news" directed against him with grace and dignity and good manners. He conducted himself on the world stage with brilliance and compassion. He was everything a POTUS should be-and we have gone from the best to the worst. He deserves holidays and rounds of golf-maybe he'll play as many rounds this year as our SCOTUS has played so far.
31
"...I feel like a 6-year-old has gotten controls of the 747...
Well - David...
Who leaked the cockpit-door security codes off their aides' other's...
...wait for it...
...combination laptop and sext-holster...A veritable - metaphorical - smoking gun
...........................
PS - the glass may be half-full...
During the WW - we had an human assembly-line that could turn ground-bound Clark Kents into B17-flying Superboys in about three months...
Perhaps the more artisanal internship that is the US presidency can do similar wonders...
Even if the kid doesn't turn out to be much of a flier - perhaps the kid's kid-in-law will...
It looks like the agencies are all carrying out mock - hopefully - "top gun" training sorties to hone his skills...
Or are those MIGs on Jared's tail...
...........................
PPS - "...All of our famously tough icons, on screen and in life, were able to exude strength without using brute force...
Mo, you're apparently a faux siren and poor student of fake American History - aka Hollywood...
To wit...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0MkIPGKdAk
Well - David...
Who leaked the cockpit-door security codes off their aides' other's...
...wait for it...
...combination laptop and sext-holster...A veritable - metaphorical - smoking gun
...........................
PS - the glass may be half-full...
During the WW - we had an human assembly-line that could turn ground-bound Clark Kents into B17-flying Superboys in about three months...
Perhaps the more artisanal internship that is the US presidency can do similar wonders...
Even if the kid doesn't turn out to be much of a flier - perhaps the kid's kid-in-law will...
It looks like the agencies are all carrying out mock - hopefully - "top gun" training sorties to hone his skills...
Or are those MIGs on Jared's tail...
...........................
PPS - "...All of our famously tough icons, on screen and in life, were able to exude strength without using brute force...
Mo, you're apparently a faux siren and poor student of fake American History - aka Hollywood...
To wit...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0MkIPGKdAk
Lay off Obama. He fought for 8 years trying to work with the GOP as it scorned his every gesture. He has earned the right to do what he wants.
77
As a "community organizer," all Barack did was use the Presidency as a stepping stone to lift him and Michelle out of the community. Once they've experienced the high life, they never go back.
In leaving The White House Barack became the equivalent of a Number 1, or high level, Draft Choice in the NFL or any other big-time sports league. He went from college kid to rich kid in one fell swoop. Able to buy a house "for his Moms," really high end clothes, the cars, all the accessories and accoutrements of a high class life, the country clubs, the access and entre, millions of dollars for royalties, endorsements, glad-handing, back-slapping, etc. etc. etc.
Barack embraced and is embracing the life that Donald Trump has already lived. Our Presidency and "democratic republic" has already long since been bought and sold down the river. Bill and Hill did it as poor people from Arkansas. Barack tried to foster the Chicago connection through Hillary, but the populace caught both of them out. Even though America is a nation of the con and grift and racket and cheat, you can only shortchange or try to shortchange the American people to a certain degree. Hillary was brought up short trying to slip one through the five hole. At least America knew what it was getting when it voted for President Trump. We sowed and now we are reaping. It will be a fast and furious four years.
In leaving The White House Barack became the equivalent of a Number 1, or high level, Draft Choice in the NFL or any other big-time sports league. He went from college kid to rich kid in one fell swoop. Able to buy a house "for his Moms," really high end clothes, the cars, all the accessories and accoutrements of a high class life, the country clubs, the access and entre, millions of dollars for royalties, endorsements, glad-handing, back-slapping, etc. etc. etc.
Barack embraced and is embracing the life that Donald Trump has already lived. Our Presidency and "democratic republic" has already long since been bought and sold down the river. Bill and Hill did it as poor people from Arkansas. Barack tried to foster the Chicago connection through Hillary, but the populace caught both of them out. Even though America is a nation of the con and grift and racket and cheat, you can only shortchange or try to shortchange the American people to a certain degree. Hillary was brought up short trying to slip one through the five hole. At least America knew what it was getting when it voted for President Trump. We sowed and now we are reaping. It will be a fast and furious four years.
3
Soon the Trump " spring" will be gone..the honeymoon over. And if the last four months were difficult for the Royal court, the ensuing consequences of the campaign, its broken promises and the reality of the recent encumbancy will be brutal. As Ronnie used to say, " You ain't see nothing yet." They better hold on to their ankles.
6
I wish 300 milllion Americans could be as happy as Obama, GWB and Bohener.
21
Trump looks, acts and talks like a cheap gangster -- emphasis on "cheap," because Frank Costello or Lucky Luciano were poised and charming by comparison. And it's only "like" because Trump is not tough at all. He just plays a tough guy on TV. His act doesn't work so well outside reality TV, so he's lost. It should be pretty obvious to all that Trump is soft, spoiled, immature and desperately insecure.
51
Right about our "tough icons" - Trump doesnt resemble even John Wayne in exuding power without bullying demonstration of brute force (pace Red River and The Searchers, in both of which his bigotry undoes him). Trump is more like Edward G. Robinson playing the war profiteer in All My Sons, or Broderick Crawford as the vulgar nouveau rich junkman in Born Yesterday. It's impossible for me to imagine any movie star making a hero of Trump.
9
In his fawning over dictators and monarchs, Trump is like an adolescent boy, in love with the powerful school yard bully and admiring the power he has on the playground. Our president clearly wishes he had autocratic authority over our country, and has little more than a lunch-line-shove for Europe's social democratic leaders. Trump never graduated from middle school like the rest of us who lost our attraction to the Alpha teen and moved on to adult behaviors and preferences.
21
Maureen Dowd is as responsible as anyone for Trump being president and she still has not apologized.
55
No Brian it does not work that way. If you asked each of the 62 million voters if they voted for Trump because Maureen Dowd spoke nasty things about Hillary. Ask the pollsters they will tell you if Maureen or NYT influenced the voting in states that tilted towards Trump.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/21/politics/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-popu...
http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/21/politics/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-popu...
1
I do miss that infectious smile. It reminds me that for eight years we had a president I really liked and admired. I don't begrudge him his EPIC Vacay. He and Michelle are enjoying being private citizens again.
32
Well, Maureen, Trump is President because in large part people like you demonized Hillary. Aren't you happy?
83
Since when is telling the truth "demonizing"? Trump is president because the DNC forced a deplorable candidate down our throats with galling arrogance. This, coupled with a truly stupid and gullible segment of the voting population, put Trump in the White House.
The O-Man is smiling because of the debris he left behind for the current POTUS, although what he did not do (Syria comes to mind) looms so much larger than anything he did.
1
You forgot the MAGA hashtag.
1
I read articles like these and all I can think after volunteering for a year for Hillary's campaign maybe a little forethought from Axelrod and Dowd might have helped. Too little too late. Look in the mirror and evaluate what you did to prevent this. Believe me that many of the 60+million people who voted for her would like to know. But especially the amazing staff and volunteers who are wanting to hear a little self-reflection from folks like you and David Axelrod who could have helped. You knew who Trump was.
31
We also knew who Hillary was. It was a no-win, no-win situation.
The DC swamp has an important job to do: 44 more months of gridlock. If the gridlock lasts, we'll be just fine.
3
My mother always said that by forty, you get the face you deserve. Trump's relaxed face is a scowl, under that yellow umbrella of hair. Obama's face exudes dignity and when he smiles that radiant smile that he used too infrequently when he was in office, he nearly offends people like Dowd. Trump is not a nice man and it shows. President Obama is a good man and it shows. I am glad he is enjoying his post-presidency life--raised by a single mother and his grandparents, he went to college, headed the Harvard Law Review, served his community, had the good sense to marry the right woman the first time and seems to be a father who not only loves his children, but actually touches them. He rose to the highest office in the world by his own hard work. I like seeing him enjoying himself and when the time is right, I hope he helps get back in order all the things Trump is breaking in the china shop.
55
Maureen, what's wrong with you? What kind of person gets upset about the happiness of another person? President O served as close to 24/7 as he could for 8 years (about 2900 consecutive days) handling complex issue and pressure in a thoughtful way. How can you possible judge whether 120 days is enough. You have all the pressure of producing a weekly column occasionally. And what gives you the right to judge how?
i used to read you a lot until i started to feel your "Barry" label was code for uppity. today i just thought maybe i should give you another look and after 2 weeks of serious reporting on potentially alarming allegation about Trump, you have to start assigning some level of guilt to President O (for not speaking out? really?) so you can again put down his uppity ways...not wasting my time again...
i used to read you a lot until i started to feel your "Barry" label was code for uppity. today i just thought maybe i should give you another look and after 2 weeks of serious reporting on potentially alarming allegation about Trump, you have to start assigning some level of guilt to President O (for not speaking out? really?) so you can again put down his uppity ways...not wasting my time again...
85
No. I liked Mr. Obama as president, voted for him twice and voted HRC. But right now, Obama (and Hillary for that matter) are toxic to democrats. Obama voters in the blue wall states who flipped to trump are sick of him and Hillary and will not switch back to any democrat perceived as being a continuation of the Clinton-Obama years.
These are the only trump voters that democrats have any chance of winning back, as hard core trumpists are a completely lost cause. But even that, absent republican-caused disasters, it's really going to be an uphill climb.
These are the only trump voters that democrats have any chance of winning back, as hard core trumpists are a completely lost cause. But even that, absent republican-caused disasters, it's really going to be an uphill climb.
If only you'd seen the light about Trump before he was elected! Your shrewish and misogynistic comments about Hillary Clinton might even have lost her a few votes. I'm very suspicious of people who declined to see Trump as the boor and bully he was, and only jump on board in rejecting him after a majority of New York Times readers and others have expressed their displeasure.
54
Well said Ms Bennett.
3
Unlikely Trump voters read NYT or Maureen Dowd. NYT flatters itself thinking it influenced voters away from Trump instead voting FOR Hillary?
1
When Trump rudely jerked out Marcovic it showed a small minded unsecured person. He then thrust his chin and set his jacket straight shows the man has no respect for another human being. The whole time he was campaigning Trump would insult anyone he could be in his path.
W looks better and better each day 43 has no racist bone in him and now trying to give back to the wounded soldiers. Boehner is enjoying life of retirement.
Now Obama is a class act , insulted by Trump from the day he won, starting from denying his birth rights to accusing Obama for wiretapping.
Now all are crashing down on Trump.
W looks better and better each day 43 has no racist bone in him and now trying to give back to the wounded soldiers. Boehner is enjoying life of retirement.
Now Obama is a class act , insulted by Trump from the day he won, starting from denying his birth rights to accusing Obama for wiretapping.
Now all are crashing down on Trump.
21
Give "Barry" a break! So what if he's having some fund. For eight years, he put up with those Obstructionist Republicans, who tried to block his every move. They even protested when his two daughters went on vacation for Spring Break.
And now, Trumpie goes on Spring Break just about every week. Meanwhile, his two sons travel on (giving us the) Business, and we get hit paying for a Secret Service Detail. And how about that trip for the whole family skiing. But not Donald; because, he had to work on his golf game!
President Obama is following that unwritten rule of former Presidents, not commenting on the actions of their successors. but, keep two points in mind: the media is doing a fairly good job of doing so; and if Obama did actively criticize the obvious, you know that the Trumpets would raise Holy Hell, complaining about how Mir. Know-it-All is being attacked.
So, leave Mr. Really Nice Alone! Besides, I'm waiting to see how many times he cancels his Annual Physical at Bethesda. With his fat jowls, and huge gut hanging out, he surely does look like he's in better shape than a 30 year-old!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
And now, Trumpie goes on Spring Break just about every week. Meanwhile, his two sons travel on (giving us the) Business, and we get hit paying for a Secret Service Detail. And how about that trip for the whole family skiing. But not Donald; because, he had to work on his golf game!
President Obama is following that unwritten rule of former Presidents, not commenting on the actions of their successors. but, keep two points in mind: the media is doing a fairly good job of doing so; and if Obama did actively criticize the obvious, you know that the Trumpets would raise Holy Hell, complaining about how Mir. Know-it-All is being attacked.
So, leave Mr. Really Nice Alone! Besides, I'm waiting to see how many times he cancels his Annual Physical at Bethesda. With his fat jowls, and huge gut hanging out, he surely does look like he's in better shape than a 30 year-old!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
13
This weekend is going by way too slow after the bombshells dropped about Kushner and other members of the Trump clown car in hot water or on the verge of quitting or being fired. It has to be an absolute nuthouse over at the White House. I can only imagine the stress that some people are under and secrets deals being brokered with FBI. They all deserve what they will be getting since nobody seems to man up just yet....but you can see this coming and it's going to be breathtaking to watch unfold. I guess I should rest now before the clown car derails in a spectacular fashion. Trump wouldn't want it any other way.
4
Part and parcel of extreme neurotic narcissism is extreme insecurity. Trump is a pathetic creature; an extreme, twisted byproduct of our culture of greed. He exemplifies the very worst, most embarrassing aspects of our society.
22
Mo, you are too kind to Der Trump.
Any of his "moments" is what DJT does in any given minute of any hour or some day of the week in the last, this or next month. Whatever his "moment" might be, stay tuned because another is sure to follow.
Stay tuned.
Any of his "moments" is what DJT does in any given minute of any hour or some day of the week in the last, this or next month. Whatever his "moment" might be, stay tuned because another is sure to follow.
Stay tuned.
5
Are chickens coming home to roost, Ms. Dowd??
11
Unless or until the Trump administration asks for help or advice, there's nothing President Obama can do. He's given POTUS Trump his contact information and offered to help when he can if asked. For the time being, he can only live his life...well.
13
"Publications have worn out the word “luxe” describing Obama’s new jet-setting, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, golfing, memoir-writing, buckraking life." Maureen captures something that perhaps was not obvious while Obama wore the cloak of the Presidency, and race seemed to be his identifying feature: he was and is very young. Of course, Trump's Presidency feels like a romp in Disneyworld.
3
Personally, I think it's a miracle that President Obama is still alive with all of the lies, hatred and vitriol perpetrated from Fox News, The Blaze, Limbaugh, right wing talk radio and the GOP. After wrapping up eight years of that, I'd be smiling too!!
He's not done but he has to step out of the lime light for a bit to allow this craziness of Trump to play out. We do not need any diversions. We need to keep our eyes on the ball.
He's not done but he has to step out of the lime light for a bit to allow this craziness of Trump to play out. We do not need any diversions. We need to keep our eyes on the ball.
21
When I want to convince myself things could always be worse I mentally play that old party game FKM where you name 3 people and participants have to choose one to "sleep with" one to kill and one to marry. The three I choose when I really want to be brutal are McConell, Ryan and ...(I can't say the name)
Really really hard to choose. And, sadly, it would be easy to come up with a plethora of almost equally repugnant names in the category of politics or journalism or ...
Really really hard to choose. And, sadly, it would be easy to come up with a plethora of almost equally repugnant names in the category of politics or journalism or ...
I cannot decide if this man is so emotionally damaged that he cannot feel anything or see anyone beyond himself or whether he is so shameless that when people spit in his face he thinks it's rain.
11
Trump is so base a creature that our intelligence and security agencies should already be planning for what to do with Trump once he is removed from office. Because of his flapping pancakes lips, he has become a national security risk for when he is OUT of office.
13
I remember an old Lenny Bruce routine in which he posed a hypothetical question to racist white women:
"Who would you rather hook up with, a white, white man or a black, black man? Now here's the catch, the white man is Charles Laughton and the Black man is Harry Belafonte."
The country seems to have gone through a slow motion enactment of that bit, but I can't quite find the humor in it like I once did.
Trump is no Laughton , which makes it even worse. We had about the best that humanity had to offer in Obama, who happened to be black, and now we have about the worst, and he happens to be white. Like Lenny Bruce himself, this really holds a prism up to the ideals of a racist nation.
"Who would you rather hook up with, a white, white man or a black, black man? Now here's the catch, the white man is Charles Laughton and the Black man is Harry Belafonte."
The country seems to have gone through a slow motion enactment of that bit, but I can't quite find the humor in it like I once did.
Trump is no Laughton , which makes it even worse. We had about the best that humanity had to offer in Obama, who happened to be black, and now we have about the worst, and he happens to be white. Like Lenny Bruce himself, this really holds a prism up to the ideals of a racist nation.
22
well I can tell the American people one thing. Good luck to you if you want or need other countries help. Us non paying lazy members of NATO will show you that when you need us the most. In fact what NATO should do is cut American bases and toss the yanks out. I wonder how that would make the Pentagon react. It s disgusting that trump the coward and draft dodger would have the audacity to lecture anyone or any country on anything military.
20
Did President Obama ever bring in $110B worth of defence business from Saudi Arabia?
5
No and neither has Trump. Read the fine print on the deal.
Follow that money, follow those arms.
The Saudis tried to buy the same weapons under Obama but he vetoed the sale because of the war in Yemen. Trump didn't bring in the business.
Obama's smiling because now he can call in all his chips from the Wall-Streeters he didn't imprison and build his library. Not sending any execs to jail magnified a massive sense of unfairness that paved the way for the Orange Oaf.
Obama is doing the full Clinton and garnering grotesque speaking fees from groups, no doubt, looking to leverage his continuing influence with his party. Yes, compared to Trump he looks like an angel but the worst aspects of his presidency will continue to manifest themselves and cast a shadow on the Democrats as he cashes in on his beguiling grin.
Obama is doing the full Clinton and garnering grotesque speaking fees from groups, no doubt, looking to leverage his continuing influence with his party. Yes, compared to Trump he looks like an angel but the worst aspects of his presidency will continue to manifest themselves and cast a shadow on the Democrats as he cashes in on his beguiling grin.
5
Obama deserves every penny he can get his hands on for all the vicious racism he had to endure during his presidency from Tea Partiers, Trumpsters, and their ilk. Good for him! And I am sure he will eventually use it to fund humanitarian initiatives, not just use it for himself. He has that kind of generosity and desire to improve society. And he did not inherit the money from his daddy, or obtained it by stiffing contractors, defrauding students, and possibly whitewashing criminally obtained money for the Russian mob and ruthless oligarchs.
3
They've got the money(your money by the way) to throw at anyone they want. What we hear about is above the table. "Same as it ever was".
All anyone should really notice is who has the better body/golf score. Is it stick man, blubber boy, pant suit boy or Mr health program.
All the business in the world is done on the golf course, an we're not members. How's your game coming there Maureenie.
All anyone should really notice is who has the better body/golf score. Is it stick man, blubber boy, pant suit boy or Mr health program.
All the business in the world is done on the golf course, an we're not members. How's your game coming there Maureenie.
Wouldn't it have been nice to have a president today who didn't constantly fumble the ball, who sort of knew what they were doing, who wasn't making massive ethical blunders every day? Yes, well we've had plenty of those presidents, including even George W. Bush, and every one of them looks like a better fit for the office than swaggering, lying, fumbling Trump.
One potential president was Hillary Clinton, but as I recall, Ms. Dowd constantly fought against her, insinuating all sorts of terrible stuff all the time. Something about a grudge from not being invited to Chelsea's wedding, I don't know really what caused it, but Ms. Dowd was always making Trump look somewhat likeable and Hillary look like some Benghazi email catastrophe.
So, everyone who refused to back Ms. Clinton and thus helped this meathead win, can just suffer. It'll only be another three years and eight months more or so, get used to the suffering.
One potential president was Hillary Clinton, but as I recall, Ms. Dowd constantly fought against her, insinuating all sorts of terrible stuff all the time. Something about a grudge from not being invited to Chelsea's wedding, I don't know really what caused it, but Ms. Dowd was always making Trump look somewhat likeable and Hillary look like some Benghazi email catastrophe.
So, everyone who refused to back Ms. Clinton and thus helped this meathead win, can just suffer. It'll only be another three years and eight months more or so, get used to the suffering.
26
Makes you wonder, doesn't he, what if I am (and I surely am, at some point) a victim of Messrs. Dunning and Kruger ?
This comedy visited upon us by a 70-year old man who will continue to make a joke of our cognitive generosity, MUST have the salutary effect of burning into the American psyche the importance of VOTING !
To my mind, only those who stayed away from the election are responsible for our "condition". Not even your favourite, Mrs. Clinton, with her laughable certitude and ab-sense of history who inexplicably ducked the hard work of working for her votes, has done this to us.
Some jokes at their expense would be nice. I am sick of being made fun of.
What else have we learned ? Let's see : Alt-news is for the low-broadband trickle of the heartland, where people don't have the time to read the news behind a headline or a youtube (and it is always youtube) video claiming to expose left wing anarchy, treachery or worse. Maybe they are cognitively challenged too, but they haven't forgotten their curses which roll off but then stop when countered.
Infowars is hedging, but then so is Ann Coulter.
Sean Spicer has been hedged, and not just on the White House lawns but very meanly, at the Vatican.
Ms. Kelly-Ann Conway is probably showering 5 times a day. She's a new convert, it's like praying, she has to.
But yes, American character is in deep distress. And laughter will be not enough. Mr. Trump's vaunted personal charm must be sitting crying somewhere.
This comedy visited upon us by a 70-year old man who will continue to make a joke of our cognitive generosity, MUST have the salutary effect of burning into the American psyche the importance of VOTING !
To my mind, only those who stayed away from the election are responsible for our "condition". Not even your favourite, Mrs. Clinton, with her laughable certitude and ab-sense of history who inexplicably ducked the hard work of working for her votes, has done this to us.
Some jokes at their expense would be nice. I am sick of being made fun of.
What else have we learned ? Let's see : Alt-news is for the low-broadband trickle of the heartland, where people don't have the time to read the news behind a headline or a youtube (and it is always youtube) video claiming to expose left wing anarchy, treachery or worse. Maybe they are cognitively challenged too, but they haven't forgotten their curses which roll off but then stop when countered.
Infowars is hedging, but then so is Ann Coulter.
Sean Spicer has been hedged, and not just on the White House lawns but very meanly, at the Vatican.
Ms. Kelly-Ann Conway is probably showering 5 times a day. She's a new convert, it's like praying, she has to.
But yes, American character is in deep distress. And laughter will be not enough. Mr. Trump's vaunted personal charm must be sitting crying somewhere.
2