The president's base blindly takes what little joy they can out of every action that angers (who they identify as) the "liberal elite" and "mainstream media", who they blame for their misfortune. They have hardened their partisan position in concrete. Liberals are a lot less partisan than the right or left imagine. That looks like weakness. I have one vote and one voice to speak out against this crazy non-sense but I will continue to watch what is happening and move in the direction that is beneficial to me and mine. Unlike Don Quixote, and the president's base, I will not tilt against windmills.
The only time I have voted for a GOP was for Nixon. And, even with the passage of all this time, that is still a bad decision.
The only time I have voted for a GOP was for Nixon. And, even with the passage of all this time, that is still a bad decision.
29
If Comey had been in an Editorial Board position reporting directly to The NY Times publisher and Comey released memos of their private conversations about firing Executive Editor Jill Abramson in 2014, because Comey felt she had done nothing wrong to cause her dismissal, and the Publisher agreed yet he still wanted to fire her ----- imagine how the publisher would have reacted to Comey's memos' release?
3
The Republicans' shameless and dishonest linguistic gymnastics are mind-boggling. To be fair, it is sad, but likely true, that were the shoe on the other foot, the Democrats would be doing the same.
5
"I hope you can see your way clear to depositing $500,000 into my bank account, to letting the $500,000 go. I'm a good guy. I hope you can let that money go."
I'm new at coercion; is that subtlety pointed enough for you to know what to do?
I'm new at coercion; is that subtlety pointed enough for you to know what to do?
25
Pressed on his absurd comment about Mr. Trump’s inexperience, Mr. Ryan admitted, “I’m not saying it’s an acceptable excuse.”
Mr. Ryan, then why say it at all? This is the oldest dodge in the book, claim something just to get the media writing about it, and then disclaim any 'belief' about its legitimacy.
This is just another form of GOP lying.
Mr. Ryan, then why say it at all? This is the oldest dodge in the book, claim something just to get the media writing about it, and then disclaim any 'belief' about its legitimacy.
This is just another form of GOP lying.
42
The buck stops around 10 ft. outside the front gates of the White House.
15
Even in 1945 many Germans were still supporting their Fuhrer who was promising a secret weapon to save their country. Today we have many Republicans still supporting their Fuhrer. As the earlier Fuhrer said, the big lie works and we are still seeing how correct he was. That Fuhrer demanded total loyalty and was quick to punish those who tried to tell him the truth. And we thought that can't happen here. How wrong we were.
46
The GOP are between a rock and a hard place. If they ostracize Trump, the way they would have Obama and Hillary then they lose the "Trump stumps". If they take the moral high ground (which they should) then they lose the Trump stumps. What they "don't get" is that voters who have seen or will see "the light" will not forget their selfish, immoral, self-absorbent, and lying ways which will mean the Democrats have a very good chance of taking back the souse and Senate in 2018. Eventually the chickens will come home to roost and the GOP will reap what they sow.
19
Has Trump even read the Constitution of the United States?
25
Professionals losers abound in DC. The swamp has grown exponentially. I can't wait for the next election.
15
"Republican officeholders are in a quandary, ashamed of Mr. Trump but terrified that if they speak out his voters will send them packing in 2018. If they can fake respect for him long enough, they might manage to enact their agenda. "
This is the nub of it, and well said, Ed Board. The cravenly complicit careerist conservative cowards are completely clear that Trump is a pathological liar/narcissist/bully and utterly unfit for office. Still, under cover of his distracting abominations they are hoping to enact their long-cherished dreams of dismantling health care for the poor and lower class, funnelling an enormous tax gift to their billionaire paymasters and setting aside environmental sanity to pocket some more fossil $.
The unpatriotic crowd running the GOP knows that they are likely to get spanked hard in 11/2018, so best to load up the getaway car while they can, before turning in July 2018 to the cameras/blogosphere and disowning the Orange-haired monster, post-primary and pre-voter reckoning. They may even pull it off.
The GOP - wrong since Hitler, playing to some folks' most base fears and going strong since 1940, give or take an Eisenhower!
This is the nub of it, and well said, Ed Board. The cravenly complicit careerist conservative cowards are completely clear that Trump is a pathological liar/narcissist/bully and utterly unfit for office. Still, under cover of his distracting abominations they are hoping to enact their long-cherished dreams of dismantling health care for the poor and lower class, funnelling an enormous tax gift to their billionaire paymasters and setting aside environmental sanity to pocket some more fossil $.
The unpatriotic crowd running the GOP knows that they are likely to get spanked hard in 11/2018, so best to load up the getaway car while they can, before turning in July 2018 to the cameras/blogosphere and disowning the Orange-haired monster, post-primary and pre-voter reckoning. They may even pull it off.
The GOP - wrong since Hitler, playing to some folks' most base fears and going strong since 1940, give or take an Eisenhower!
21
American voters elected Donald Trump President. We didn't elect James Comey President, nor did we elect him to mistrust and undermine the President we elected out of personal revenge.
James Comey has criticized J.Edgar Hoover's directorship of the F.B.I., as "untethered" regarding the release of the Bureau's scandalous reports of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s alleged adultery, and F.B.I. harassment of protesters. But Comey's release of memos of his private conversations with Pres. Trump amount to the same Hoover abuse of Bureau police powers which Congress ought to restrain from future abuse.
Until fired, Comey said he only wanted to store his memos until he found a reason for them. So he could have leaked the memos at any time to trigger raving anti-Trump politicians, in the hiring of a special counsel investigation of the Trump-Russia "matters." The reason Comey leaked the memos was personal. Presumably, he also could have leaked Attorney General Lynch's forcing him to stop calling his Clinton email probe an "investigation" but to use the wording of the Clinton campaign as the email "matters." But he had no visceral antipathy to her, nor had she humiliated him as Trump's firing had.
Now any F.B.I. agent, or federal employee under Comey, whom he fired or prosecuted, may, out of spite, also leak government documents to "trigger" a Justice investigation of Comey's actions.
James Comey has criticized J.Edgar Hoover's directorship of the F.B.I., as "untethered" regarding the release of the Bureau's scandalous reports of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s alleged adultery, and F.B.I. harassment of protesters. But Comey's release of memos of his private conversations with Pres. Trump amount to the same Hoover abuse of Bureau police powers which Congress ought to restrain from future abuse.
Until fired, Comey said he only wanted to store his memos until he found a reason for them. So he could have leaked the memos at any time to trigger raving anti-Trump politicians, in the hiring of a special counsel investigation of the Trump-Russia "matters." The reason Comey leaked the memos was personal. Presumably, he also could have leaked Attorney General Lynch's forcing him to stop calling his Clinton email probe an "investigation" but to use the wording of the Clinton campaign as the email "matters." But he had no visceral antipathy to her, nor had she humiliated him as Trump's firing had.
Now any F.B.I. agent, or federal employee under Comey, whom he fired or prosecuted, may, out of spite, also leak government documents to "trigger" a Justice investigation of Comey's actions.
3
"Comey lied". Comey's testimony "totally vindicated me". Both statements cannot be true.
30
I hope that Ryan, Rubio, Risch and Lankford climb to the top of the Capitol and attempt to fly. I hope they succeed. I hope no tax payer dollars will be spent in clean up if they fail. I hope Mr. McConnell will experience an orphan disease for which their is no current cure. I hope he'll enjoy it. If he doesn't, I hope he won't complain about the state of scientific research under Trump budget cuts.
Trump's 'Hope' is not like Dickenson's 'thing with feathers', is it? A threat is not really a poem.
Trump's 'Hope' is not like Dickenson's 'thing with feathers', is it? A threat is not really a poem.
16
"While Americans focused on the Comey hearing on Thursday, the House passed a bill rolling back Wall Street rules aimed at preventing another financial crisis. And in the Senate, behind closed doors, Republicans worked to shove a bill gutting health care coverage to a vote without a single hearing."
THIS type of secretive endeavor is why the Republicans are willing to put up with the grotesque misbehavior of our so-called president. He is a distraction so that they can pass one-party bills with no public input and no oversight. In my world, this is called swindling the American people regarding their rights and protections. Eliminating health care from millions who need help obtaining it the most and disposing of consumer protections that prevent and/or punish band fraud. (Think Western Union or the housing bubble.) OH! And tax cuts for the very very rich, including themselves.
This is an underhanded, sleazy excuse for a Congress. They do not want any bipartisan legislation because they know most of the American people do not want the despised Republican agenda passed. These members of Congress do not want to govern; they want to RULE. We are supposed to be a government by the people, of the people and for the people, but the Republicans are working to remove protections from the very ones they are supposed to serve.
After the Republicans had numerous examples of good government over the past administration, they still learned nothing.
THIS type of secretive endeavor is why the Republicans are willing to put up with the grotesque misbehavior of our so-called president. He is a distraction so that they can pass one-party bills with no public input and no oversight. In my world, this is called swindling the American people regarding their rights and protections. Eliminating health care from millions who need help obtaining it the most and disposing of consumer protections that prevent and/or punish band fraud. (Think Western Union or the housing bubble.) OH! And tax cuts for the very very rich, including themselves.
This is an underhanded, sleazy excuse for a Congress. They do not want any bipartisan legislation because they know most of the American people do not want the despised Republican agenda passed. These members of Congress do not want to govern; they want to RULE. We are supposed to be a government by the people, of the people and for the people, but the Republicans are working to remove protections from the very ones they are supposed to serve.
After the Republicans had numerous examples of good government over the past administration, they still learned nothing.
36
Are Republicans ashamed of Trump? If this is true, the shame will only become more intense with time.
WHEN DO THE REPUBLICANS START TO BECOME ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES? Comey made a few references to what his mother taught him about personal behavior. Did the Republicans in the Congress grow up in the jungle, motherless?
WHEN DO THE REPUBLICANS START TO BECOME ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES? Comey made a few references to what his mother taught him about personal behavior. Did the Republicans in the Congress grow up in the jungle, motherless?
35
But why? Why is Trump so worried about Flynn? If Trump fired him over lying to his administration why did he risk his Presidency and administration for Flynn?
I think there must something that Flynn knows that Trump is afraid might get out. Especially if Flynn is cornered and is looking for a way out. I mean Trump has not shown himself to be loyal and has always been ready to "fire" anyone around him. I'd love to see some reporting on that possibility.
I think there must something that Flynn knows that Trump is afraid might get out. Especially if Flynn is cornered and is looking for a way out. I mean Trump has not shown himself to be loyal and has always been ready to "fire" anyone around him. I'd love to see some reporting on that possibility.
25
Exactly, Flynn is the ONLY person the president has shown any concern over, why? Compared to the way he has treated Chris Christy, it's almost touching....
15
.
The two most popular excuses on Trump's behalf which have been attempted (but don't wash) are as follows:
(A) Trump is "new to this."
New to what -- obeying the law? Public service is not the only profession that demands ethics. Furthermore, a man who is "new to this" does not belong in the presidency. It's not an entry-level job.
Or....
(B) Trump didn't intend criminality. It was merely an expression of innocent sentiment.
Ridiculous. A 70-year-old veteran of the business world with a history of multi-million dollar deals which require constant interaction with multiple levels of government -- particularly in the licensing of gambling casinos -- is well aware it is illegal to bribe, threaten, or otherwise attempt to intimidate an agent of the law, no matter what sort of language is used. Expressing it with intentionally ambiguous wording ("I hope you can let this go") was NOT some sort of cherubic and guileless greeting card sentiment, as his supporters would have us believe. Quite the opposite: It was a wily attempt to give himself plausible deniability, should the attempted crime become known.
To House and Senate Republicans, understand this and understand it clearly:
I am utterly fed up with you trying to insult peoples' intelligence with your impertinent and implausible excuses for this despicable con man. You know better, but you are doing it anyway -- which makes you fully complicit in his criminality.
.
The two most popular excuses on Trump's behalf which have been attempted (but don't wash) are as follows:
(A) Trump is "new to this."
New to what -- obeying the law? Public service is not the only profession that demands ethics. Furthermore, a man who is "new to this" does not belong in the presidency. It's not an entry-level job.
Or....
(B) Trump didn't intend criminality. It was merely an expression of innocent sentiment.
Ridiculous. A 70-year-old veteran of the business world with a history of multi-million dollar deals which require constant interaction with multiple levels of government -- particularly in the licensing of gambling casinos -- is well aware it is illegal to bribe, threaten, or otherwise attempt to intimidate an agent of the law, no matter what sort of language is used. Expressing it with intentionally ambiguous wording ("I hope you can let this go") was NOT some sort of cherubic and guileless greeting card sentiment, as his supporters would have us believe. Quite the opposite: It was a wily attempt to give himself plausible deniability, should the attempted crime become known.
To House and Senate Republicans, understand this and understand it clearly:
I am utterly fed up with you trying to insult peoples' intelligence with your impertinent and implausible excuses for this despicable con man. You know better, but you are doing it anyway -- which makes you fully complicit in his criminality.
.
59
Ah yes, Trump is "new to this." But somehow he knew to ask everyone else to leave the room. That's being an old hand a dirty dealing.
34
So if the Republican pick for President is exactly what he looked like: an ignorant lout with a thuggish streak of Corleone, and the GOP leadership continues to scuttle around the dumpsters looking for votes to stay in office, the question is begged: why are they getting away with a political platform that appears to have been written by Lex Luthor? How can an ideology that features: denying healthcare to the poor so that the savings can be awarded to the wealthy; deregulating the financial sector so that another gorging of the national wealth is on the menu for Wall Street again; and making pollution safe again for corporations in the name of increased profits …be a plan at all? Have we all lost our minds?
We see words like Dickensian, and phrases like “down the rabbit-hole” that describe this GOP/Trump plan for making America Great Again as we read some of the best journalism ever written in my lifetime. But none of this seems to land among GOP voters. Nothing seems to resonate - no appeals to morality, not even warnings that their own welfare is on the chopping block. What will it take to pierce the veil of this massive fraud being perpetuated by the Republican Party? Where to look, where to look….
Would anyone like a Koch while they search?
We see words like Dickensian, and phrases like “down the rabbit-hole” that describe this GOP/Trump plan for making America Great Again as we read some of the best journalism ever written in my lifetime. But none of this seems to land among GOP voters. Nothing seems to resonate - no appeals to morality, not even warnings that their own welfare is on the chopping block. What will it take to pierce the veil of this massive fraud being perpetuated by the Republican Party? Where to look, where to look….
Would anyone like a Koch while they search?
27
So if the Republican pick for President is exactly what he looked like: an ignorant lout with a thuggish streak of Corleone, and the GOP leadership continues to scuttle around the dumpsters looking for votes to stay in office, the question is begged: why are they getting away with a political platform that appears to have been written by Lex Luthor? How can an ideology that features: denying healthcare to the poor so that the savings can be awarded to the wealthy; deregulating the financial sector so that another gorging of the national wealth is on the menu for Wall Street again; and making pollution safe again for corporations in the name of increased profits …be a plan at all? Have we all lost our minds?
We see words like Dickensian, and phrases like “down the rabbit-hole” that describe this GOP/Trump plan for making America Great Again as we read some of the best journalism ever written in my lifetime. But none of this seems to land among GOP voters. Nothing seems to resonate - no appeals to morality, not even warnings that their own welfare is on the chopping block. What will it take to pierce the veil of this massive fraud being perpetuated by the Republican Party? Where to look, where to look….
Would anyone like a Koch while they search?
We see words like Dickensian, and phrases like “down the rabbit-hole” that describe this GOP/Trump plan for making America Great Again as we read some of the best journalism ever written in my lifetime. But none of this seems to land among GOP voters. Nothing seems to resonate - no appeals to morality, not even warnings that their own welfare is on the chopping block. What will it take to pierce the veil of this massive fraud being perpetuated by the Republican Party? Where to look, where to look….
Would anyone like a Koch while they search?
6
So, i suppose i greatly underestimate the number of articles on Comey's testimony ( i predicted they'd be around 20, excluding transcripts videos and news related; right now, by my count we are into the forties!!).
IF the nytimes intend to protact this debates about.. really nothing but words spoken between two men into a close room, one a republican president and the other the the good cop ( oh, he called mrs. Rodham Clinton's mails management careless, not a big deal), then bad very bad cop ( oh, he resurrected the mails scandal days before the election only to say nothing new about them ), and again the good cop ( oh, but he was fired by the republican president, we are democrats, so he has to be good and trustworthy and honest and..)
THEN i expect that after this round of articles about what could have been, and what could be done in case of.. and how bad reputation the republican president is accruing ( really?? his reputation would never be so bad as in the '80) the nytimes will have to get mr. Jeremy Egner out of his recapping office to talk about zombie-political-apocalypse.
Not that he is the first to talk about it, in fact, mrs. Rodham Clinton, so graciously fare well the voters:
"I am the one standing between you and the apocalypse"
also days before the election in November, but never mind, it was all Comey's fault, if she lost then.
And these are apocalyptic time, indeed, if there is nothing to speak about with a scent of fact, or conclusion in sight.
IF the nytimes intend to protact this debates about.. really nothing but words spoken between two men into a close room, one a republican president and the other the the good cop ( oh, he called mrs. Rodham Clinton's mails management careless, not a big deal), then bad very bad cop ( oh, he resurrected the mails scandal days before the election only to say nothing new about them ), and again the good cop ( oh, but he was fired by the republican president, we are democrats, so he has to be good and trustworthy and honest and..)
THEN i expect that after this round of articles about what could have been, and what could be done in case of.. and how bad reputation the republican president is accruing ( really?? his reputation would never be so bad as in the '80) the nytimes will have to get mr. Jeremy Egner out of his recapping office to talk about zombie-political-apocalypse.
Not that he is the first to talk about it, in fact, mrs. Rodham Clinton, so graciously fare well the voters:
"I am the one standing between you and the apocalypse"
also days before the election in November, but never mind, it was all Comey's fault, if she lost then.
And these are apocalyptic time, indeed, if there is nothing to speak about with a scent of fact, or conclusion in sight.
1
This should have led with last paragraph. That's what the GOP is twisting their support in knots. Trump is going down in flames and they are going to take the opportunity to cram their horrible ideas into law while we talk about the next episode of "who's lying?".
The NYT and Washington Post should have a daily list of things Congress is passing while the clowns distract the audience.
Please list 1-10 things Congress is doing or trying to do and the then state, "See such and such article" on what this means for the citizens.
The administration is scary but the bigger threat to our democracy is the voters.
The NYT and Washington Post should have a daily list of things Congress is passing while the clowns distract the audience.
Please list 1-10 things Congress is doing or trying to do and the then state, "See such and such article" on what this means for the citizens.
The administration is scary but the bigger threat to our democracy is the voters.
18
Trump's basic instinct is to mislead or lie, as necessary to maximize the false impression that he knows what he is doing, that he is accurate, or that his opponents are lying. People with his attitudes typically end up as petty career criminals, which is what his office is giving him the opportunity to achieve. Nothing his supporters say can convince someone on the fence about him that he is a forthright, decent, honorable man.
11
The MSM's strategy is to mislead or lie in order to orchestrate the take down of a President. Comey let the press run wild with their Trump collusion story for 6 months , knowing full well Trump was not under investigation. This act is as un/American as it gets. And of course the MSM continues to weave their daily doses of lies and deceit. No collusion, no crimes committed, just intense hatred of Trump by the left.
1
There is an American poem by Josiah Gilbert Holland called " God, give us men!
It starts " A time like this demands Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands,Men who the lust of office does not kill;
Men who the spoils of office cannot buy". It is a beautiful heart felt poem. Google it!
I recommend it as a prayer that is so appropriate for this time.
It starts " A time like this demands Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands,Men who the lust of office does not kill;
Men who the spoils of office cannot buy". It is a beautiful heart felt poem. Google it!
I recommend it as a prayer that is so appropriate for this time.
That Republicans are willing to perform any number of embarrassing acts to placate or support the orange one is old news. The current news of the skullduggery by the GOP in the Senate should have at least equal time and space as the daily antics of the orange one and what Comey had to say. The NYT should not allow itself to be distracted like the GOP wants.
8
Whenever Trump's congressional apologists come forward to give Trump cover, change the subject: Ask them about details of the AHCA, repealing Dodd-Frank, intruding into women's reproductive rights, destroying environmental protections, and so forth.
Insist they provide details and intent. Don't let them duck and hide from telling us what they are doing behind the closed doors of the capitol.
Insist they provide details and intent. Don't let them duck and hide from telling us what they are doing behind the closed doors of the capitol.
13
When Trump goes to Miami later this week and announces that he is again restricting access and travel to Cuba, you will know why empty suit Rubio was defending him in the Comey hearing two days after having dinner with Trump at the White House.
9
Et tu, Ryan! What exactly is an "outsider"? A non-politician? Do we really believe a multibillionaire who probably has had to influence public policies one way or the other to have stayed outside of politics up until now?
Let’s say this is possible. . . Why would such individual want a job of which he or she does not even know the basics? If I am going to hire you as a chemist, you must know at least the basics about chemistry; otherwise you’re going to set the lab on fire. If you want a truck driving job, you need to know how to SAFELY maneuver a big rig from point A to point B safely. So, are we to accept that the highest office in the land can be occupied by someone who doesn’t seem to even know what constitutes, or can be construed as, obstruction of justice supposedly because he is learning the essential functions of the job as he goes? Shouldn’t knowing the basics of the job be just as crucial to even apply for the job as it is being born in the United States to qualify for the job?
Let’s say this is possible. . . Why would such individual want a job of which he or she does not even know the basics? If I am going to hire you as a chemist, you must know at least the basics about chemistry; otherwise you’re going to set the lab on fire. If you want a truck driving job, you need to know how to SAFELY maneuver a big rig from point A to point B safely. So, are we to accept that the highest office in the land can be occupied by someone who doesn’t seem to even know what constitutes, or can be construed as, obstruction of justice supposedly because he is learning the essential functions of the job as he goes? Shouldn’t knowing the basics of the job be just as crucial to even apply for the job as it is being born in the United States to qualify for the job?
9
Two words, Donny: Robert Mueller.
10
June 11, 2017
John F. Kennedy
"I am sorry to say that there is too much point to the wisecrack that life is extinct on other planets because their scientists were more advanced than ours."
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
John F. Kennedy
"I am sorry to say that there is too much point to the wisecrack that life is extinct on other planets because their scientists were more advanced than ours."
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
3
The Republican Party is totally lacking in character.
11
There seems to be no bottom to republican, complicity and cowardice.
Whatever happened to patriotism?
Whatever happened to patriotism?
10
The New York Times is going to be against Trump regardless of what he does. Because of this the paper and the mainstream media in general has no influence on public opinion. It's like the boy who cried wolf too many times.
2
Touché
This should hopefully make it clear. Trump is the symptom not the underlying problem. Huge swaths of the American public voted for the man who demanded that we bring back torture and 'go after' innocent relatives of suspected terrorists. They still support this. Face it, a large swath of the US would happily argue for a return of slavery and the creation of 'work' camps for Muslims in the US. It's hard to admit when you first realize how awful your fellow citizens are.
16
Well Steve can you back up your post with facts? I and many of my friends who voted for Pres Trump are not for slavery and work camps. Where did you dream up that nonsense? As an aside see any inner city for an up close and personal look at what democratic governance has done to generations of minorities.
1
Here's the deal: we are learning that when one party gets control of the White House and both houses of Congress - that they CAN make broad changes without considering the needs/wishes of the opposition. Or traditional limitations. Or common decency. Imagine what would have happened if, in 2009, Obama had pushed through cardcheck for union elections, a $12/hour minimum wage (and linked it to inflation), a carbon tax, and Medicare-for-all. Yes, the GOP would have wept the same kind of tears that liberals and moderates are weeping now.
Don't care for this mess? Did you vote? If you voted for the GOP - you are partially responsible for these outrages. If you are not registered to vote, or are registered, but didn't vote because "Both candidates are just as bad"..then you too are partially responsible.
Don't blame me - I voted for the other one.
Don't care for this mess? Did you vote? If you voted for the GOP - you are partially responsible for these outrages. If you are not registered to vote, or are registered, but didn't vote because "Both candidates are just as bad"..then you too are partially responsible.
Don't blame me - I voted for the other one.
9
White voters have spent too much time in the burbs with their heads up the you know what and wish for a life with no controversy or one where they do not need to take a stand for anything or anyone. All these "christians" are so hypocritical that it can't be put in words. It's OK to admit that America is not perfect and that change and improving our democracy rests on everyone and not just the those who feel disenfranchised. The failure of white Americans to admit that racism, prejudice, economic inequality a re problems that continue to require a voice are patsies to the right wing and their ability to lie and distort the truth to satisfy a white electorate who a re too disconnected to want to understand what is really going on. It's easy to accept the trash promoted by Fox News as news and not Republican and right wing propaganda that it is.
7
Ron, are you so unaware as to not see that your comment is itself an example of the racism the Left claims to deplore?
Fact is everyone is getting what they want. Trump gets attention and ratings; Republicans get air cover from a distracted media and public to gut "health care behind closed doors without hearings". The swamp fills and fills due to clogged drains of a strained media and public.
8
I've read in several places the "while Americans were focused on Senate hearings" the house gutted financial consumer protections and unleashed the banks to gamble recklessly with our pensions. Americans' focus is dictated by the media. Why not be honest and just say "while the media was focused on senate hearings..."?
4
This is to rich. We have a Congress that has to "learn" to govern by Mr Ryan's statements and a president who is just learning how to deal with the rules of the road. The blind leading the blind. How comforting!
7
The years add up for all of us, including Ms. Dowd who also seems to have lost the knack of being funny while at the same time being informative. It's like Harry James blowing a false note in the middle of a solo in Sing, Sing Sing.!"At present she has joined the anti TRUMP chorus, and while liberal elitists might cheer her on,I find her tiresome and predictable. When you become partisan,to have lost your edge, it is hard to get it back.Trump may be a subject of ridicule, but so was Clinton and so is Tom Perez and Keith Ellison, who is a Muslim, but speaks no more than kitchen Arabic.How about a send up of these Dem. Party stalwarts?Political correctness is the bane of humor.
1
You state “…Keith Ellison, who is a Muslim, but speaks no more than kitchen Arabic.” What does his ability to speak Arabic have to do with being a Muslim? I was baptized a Catholic in the 1940s and I do not speak Latin.
7
@jsj: Well, I feel sorry for you, because to know Latin and Greek is to understand the roots of Western civilization, since our development, our humanization began with the ancient Greeks and then was co opted by the Romans who transmitted it to future generations.I am not in the business of judging the sincerity of other people's religious convictions, but I am saying that until the Congressman acquires an in depth knowledge of Arabic,his understanding of the religion will remain on the surface.When I undertook to plumb the motives of the founders of those social movements in Algeria which sought to defend French sovereignty in the overseas provinces,I conducted interviews in French, not through a third party.Language is the expression of a culture and often of a religion,and to understand both you, second person plural, must acquire the necessary language skills.I never was against Obama because of his sympathy for Islam. I criticized him because he did not appear to take his embrace of the religion seriously enough.to learn to speak , read and write in Arabic.
The special prosecutor's report will indicate that reasonable prosecutors may disagree as to whether Trump saying "I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go" was obstruction of justice. However, Trump's assertions under oath to the FBI and others that he did not say that to Comey is clearly impeachable perjury.
It might also say that when Trump tweeted that Comey should hope there are no tapes, he thought that false tapes can be easily created if you have recordings of both speakers, by splicing words together as was done in various movies and television programs such a Mission Impossible. Probably Bannon and Jared told him that it might not be a good idea to ask the CIA to do that. After a recording of Comey's testimony tried to create the false tape, but must wait until it was finished before releasing it. The work was performed in Russia.
“…The question then becomes what did Putin hope to gain by aiding Trump? What Russia and Putin desperately need is money. Even if Putin asked Trump to have the American Treasury transfer, say $200 billion to Russia, that is not going to happen. Even Kellyanne Conway could not spin that one into anything that would be acceptable to the American people or congress. How could Trump cause Russia to gain $200 billion? The answer would be a $50 increase in the price of oil.
What has caused most of the oil price spikes? That has been wars in the Middle East..” http://seekingalpha.com/article/4034048
It might also say that when Trump tweeted that Comey should hope there are no tapes, he thought that false tapes can be easily created if you have recordings of both speakers, by splicing words together as was done in various movies and television programs such a Mission Impossible. Probably Bannon and Jared told him that it might not be a good idea to ask the CIA to do that. After a recording of Comey's testimony tried to create the false tape, but must wait until it was finished before releasing it. The work was performed in Russia.
“…The question then becomes what did Putin hope to gain by aiding Trump? What Russia and Putin desperately need is money. Even if Putin asked Trump to have the American Treasury transfer, say $200 billion to Russia, that is not going to happen. Even Kellyanne Conway could not spin that one into anything that would be acceptable to the American people or congress. How could Trump cause Russia to gain $200 billion? The answer would be a $50 increase in the price of oil.
What has caused most of the oil price spikes? That has been wars in the Middle East..” http://seekingalpha.com/article/4034048
4
The GOP called President Barack Obama a "campaigner in chief"[1] without enough experience to run the country[2]. Their nominee now runs staged rallies and enjoys both their adulation and the GOP's excuses.
I hope we're taking Comey-grade notes and pictures of Chairman Covfefe's hypocritical wreckage, for when they judge the next Democratic nominee.
[1] http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/304274-trump-us-i...
[2] http://www.redstate.com/diary/6755mm/2015/05/22/another-dubious-obama-le...
I hope we're taking Comey-grade notes and pictures of Chairman Covfefe's hypocritical wreckage, for when they judge the next Democratic nominee.
[1] http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/304274-trump-us-i...
[2] http://www.redstate.com/diary/6755mm/2015/05/22/another-dubious-obama-le...
7
I am conservative Republican who did not vote for Trump, and my political and policy goals would be best served by Donald Trump being impeached and removed from office. Mike Pence would bring competence, vision, and dignity to the office that Trump will never possess. Nevertheless, I am not willing to see a duly elected president hounded from office by a Deep State and a hostile media who are conspiring to try to trap Trump. Trump is grossly incompetent and incoherent, but the available evidence does not in any way suggest "high crimes and misdemeanors." The entire case for "obstruction of justice" relies on the strained interpretation of Director Comey of a single conversation. Comey testified that Trump said he hoped the Flynn case would go away, and Comey claims that he interpreted that "hope" as a directive, but, belying that claim, he never reported the conversation to the Justice Department or complained to the White House Counsel or even told the president that the conversation was inappropriate. Comey also testified that Trump encouraged investigation into whether anyone in his circle did anything wrong with the Russians. What angered Trump, and probably why he fired Comey, was the false reporting that Comey refused to correct, including from the NY Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/us/politics/fbi-investigation-trump-r..., that Trump was personally under investigation.
2
Charles, everything you say about Trump and Comey is spot on. But let's take it a bit further. The POTUS has at power to pardon before and after a charge is made, as well as at any time after a trial and conviction. And as the Chief Executive and head of the Executive Branch he has the power to curtail an investigation. But he has not done either of those things. And since he possesses those powers, even if by parsing the word "hope" to make a directive, the President could not be guilty of obstruction of justice. It's a legal impossibility. The commentariat says, "Well, what about Nixon?" Apples and oranges. Nixon ordered underling to lie. That was his crime...
1
And then there is Senator John McCain, a well respected Republican left to ramble during Comey's testimony.
Apologist to the extreme.
Apologist to the extreme.
4
So much for McCain's ballyhooed umbrage over the entire Russian matter, and its potential White House implications. Much respect for him was squandered when he selected the Nome Nitwit to be "one heartbeat" away from the Oval Office. His Siamese twin from South Carolina also is adopting a similar, contortionist act when it comes to any straightforward Trump critique. Hopefully, these political cowards will have their day of reckoning in 2018.
6
I'll try this again: my previous post post was apparently nixed by the powers that be. (This from a page that daily allows the most scalding insults to be poured over the head of President of the United States.) Trump tried to mollify the Republicans who distanced themselves from him as he labored mightily to achieve the single most spectacular upset in the history of presidential elections. He soon learned the folly of trying to appease people who not-so-secretly harbored ill-will towards him, and who now seem unable or unwilling to help him with his agenda. He is "under siege" but his instinct is to fight back even harder. The 2018 mid-terms will show that this President retains power where it counts: with the people!
1
It was posted...my error.
@Philomena: To describe "beau ideal" in 2020 for Dems., one who doesn't take money from hedgefunders at Goldman Sachs,who doesn't frequent Hollywood elites--not all their ideas are bad--who does not demagogue issues, and whose rectitude is inarguable is a utopian dream.As we say in French, "Vous cherchez midi a quatorze heures(Looking for it to be middday at 2 o clock in the afternoon)!"But the "homme politique" who comes closest to your ideal candidate would be Senator Mansion from W-Va, moderate Democrat, whose face exudes honesty and has a bi partisan record to boot. His quiet,soft spoken manner would be in sharp contrast to the swagger and bravado of The Donald.But don't sell the c-in-c short. For first time we have a President who has a recognizable skill--he's a builder--unlike his predecessors who had fuzzy liberal arts backgrounds and a J.D.., but no productive skills, as does Trump, whose expertise in overseeing repair of the infrastructure will really come in handy. Also a sharp businessman who rejected Climate Accord because it was not enforceable, and would have forced US to pay billions in bribe money to world's most egregious polluters who will go on to leave an even larger carbon footprint. Also consider the credibility or lack thereof of its advocates. Will Al GORE, spitting image in his sunset years of Rodney Dangerfield, discard his fleet of s.u.v.'s, or stop flying in private jets? Will Nancy Pelosi renounce weekly commuting to her c.d. in S.F.?
1
WHAT is Trump guilty of?
1
Don’t get me going...
At a minimum he is guilty of being unqualified to be president of the United States.
8
The Times only allots so much space. Too little to list all the trump atrocities.
6
The Flynn affair and the Trump efforts to get Comey to end his investigation of it has the Republicans in a dizzy free fall. Trump and his tweets are an endless source of embarrassment to his supporters. How did such a nit wit get the R nomination and the presidency. The nationalist rage against white decline was powerful in strategic parts of the midlands and southern support of any R were just enough to win the electoral college. Hillary Clinton's less than energetic overconfident fly over campaign made Trump look like an insurgent who would rock to the system. The Rs are very close to political free fall going into 2018.
7
On a daily basis I am both shammed and saddened by the antics of the Republican Defense Team and the hypocrisy of both sides.
The actions of the present administration have (probably forever) diminished the stature of the office of the President of the United States and ceded to others a role of leadership that the country has held since WW II.
The actions of the present administration have (probably forever) diminished the stature of the office of the President of the United States and ceded to others a role of leadership that the country has held since WW II.
4
My only hope is that they have equally diminished the stature of the Republican Party that allowed this to happen.
5
So interesting that half of the comments are anti-Comey - highly unusual where Times readers typically comment in lockstep. Perhaps the worm has turned.
2
You must be reading comments that are unavailable to other readers!
5
dt is the bigly-est snowflake of them all.
7
Here's what puzzles me: whether it's making excuses or creating truly fake stories that get circulated and echo throughout the far right media, why don't moderate or left-leaning trolls give such folks a taste of their own medicine? If someone is knowing spreading lies, shouldn't there be a consequence? If 'they go low', where is it written that others have to 'go high'? This is, after all, the shape of politics in the 21st century.
3
To me, it feels like the majority of Republicans, even some of the few sane and moderate faction, are accepting that Trump is overdue for a complete meltdown. With that fact established, they realize that they have two unattractive options:
A) Bail now and admit that Trump is doing significant damage to the country and their party, so he needs to resign now and put Pence in the White House, or
B) Prop him up as long as possible so they can get as much of their awful agenda passed and signed into law before he completely self-destructs and puts Pence in the White House.
Either way, they will have some major explaining to do in 2018 and 2020, but at least with (B), they can point to something they have accomplished that they can defend to their ideological base. For the rest of us, either option is completely unacceptable.
A) Bail now and admit that Trump is doing significant damage to the country and their party, so he needs to resign now and put Pence in the White House, or
B) Prop him up as long as possible so they can get as much of their awful agenda passed and signed into law before he completely self-destructs and puts Pence in the White House.
Either way, they will have some major explaining to do in 2018 and 2020, but at least with (B), they can point to something they have accomplished that they can defend to their ideological base. For the rest of us, either option is completely unacceptable.
8
Paul Ryan's apology for Trump is not just bogus; it's deliberately deceitful.
Trump may be new to all this, but that's all the more reason for Trump to seek counsel on all the issues that he faces as president.
When Paul Ryan and other Republicans recklessly backed Trump for president, they did not offer American voters any caveats about Trump's ignorance or provisos about training Trump on the job.
Trump may be new to all this, but that's all the more reason for Trump to seek counsel on all the issues that he faces as president.
When Paul Ryan and other Republicans recklessly backed Trump for president, they did not offer American voters any caveats about Trump's ignorance or provisos about training Trump on the job.
8
Trump is a verifiable serial liar which is why thousands of people have sued him over the years. As the president and leader of the free world he is a serious danger to all mankind. To treat him as any less of a danger or make any attempt to normalize him, as the Republicans are attempting, could be grounds for treason.
Democrats need to take extraordinary actions to counteract what is a clear and present danger. The nation is in uncharted territory, and the Democrats must rise to the moment to preserve the Constitution, defend the integrity of government, and preserve the norms of governance. Elected officials who are engaged in acts that subvert or marginalize government are guilty of violating their oath of office.
If we wait for the unthinkable to happen, it will be too late. Red flags are waving everywhere - at this point nobody in Washington can claim innocence! It is time for moral leadership, and to rise up and protect the Union against an authoritarian led coup of government by a rogue political party and despot.
Democrats need to take extraordinary actions to counteract what is a clear and present danger. The nation is in uncharted territory, and the Democrats must rise to the moment to preserve the Constitution, defend the integrity of government, and preserve the norms of governance. Elected officials who are engaged in acts that subvert or marginalize government are guilty of violating their oath of office.
If we wait for the unthinkable to happen, it will be too late. Red flags are waving everywhere - at this point nobody in Washington can claim innocence! It is time for moral leadership, and to rise up and protect the Union against an authoritarian led coup of government by a rogue political party and despot.
"While Americans focused on the Comey hearing on Thursday, the House passed a bill rolling back Wall Street rules aimed at preventing another financial crisis. And in the Senate, behind closed doors, Republicans worked to shove a bill gutting health care coverage to a vote without a single hearing."
So, Mr. Trump is still doing the job he took on, pandering to his voter base while serving the reactionary views and the parochial interests of himself and those who helped fund his rise to power, along with the Paul Ryans of the world: the billionaire Mercers and Kochs, et al.
So, Mr. Trump is still doing the job he took on, pandering to his voter base while serving the reactionary views and the parochial interests of himself and those who helped fund his rise to power, along with the Paul Ryans of the world: the billionaire Mercers and Kochs, et al.
10
I'm an ordinary citizen who, with a measure of common sense to call on, has made it to the senior years of what you might call the ordinary life achieved by so many Americans in our country. I'm content with that.
But today I have this feeling of bitter resentment toward President Trump and Republican leaders for the condescension and contempt they show me. They demonstrate continually their clear belief that I am so stupid, so unthinking, so uncaring, so sheeplike, so lacking in common sense that I will swallow without question any lie they tell and be swayed by any spin they concoct.
It is this condescension and contempt that will prevent me from ever voting again for any Republican for any office, and that will energize my working to turn them all out of office now.
But today I have this feeling of bitter resentment toward President Trump and Republican leaders for the condescension and contempt they show me. They demonstrate continually their clear belief that I am so stupid, so unthinking, so uncaring, so sheeplike, so lacking in common sense that I will swallow without question any lie they tell and be swayed by any spin they concoct.
It is this condescension and contempt that will prevent me from ever voting again for any Republican for any office, and that will energize my working to turn them all out of office now.
24
America abolished slave ownership, but it never managed to abolish the slave-owner's mentality.
2
Yes, we elected an "outsider president" all right.
Outside the realm of honesty, decency, competence, public service, good judgment...
Outside the realm of honesty, decency, competence, public service, good judgment...
20
Everyone should check out what Alan Dershowitz has been saying regarding this matter. Essentially the president can attempt to influence an investigation and not be guilty of obstruction. He could even pardon Flynn if he wanted to.
3
Many other legal experts like Lawrence Tribe disagree. The president is not above the law and is not our infallible king.
5
The Republican Party is turned in the contortionist party. They learned to twist themselves to any degree to say the things that support their agenda. They're all willing to turn themselves into the Farias crooks like there are he-man Trump. Of course if you have no morals to begin it might not be such a hard thing to master. But it certainly is embarrassing to watch.
7
It's silly to dignify this chicanery with an editorial. Elsewhere in the NYT, there is an aritcle pointing out that many Trump supporters don't care about the president's lying because they get so much joy from Trump's insulting "liberals."
Unfortunately, these days, liberals means almost everybody, includiing moderate, decent, normal Americans of both parties, and the list will just get longer as time goes on.
Unfortunately, these days, liberals means almost everybody, includiing moderate, decent, normal Americans of both parties, and the list will just get longer as time goes on.
7
"While Americans focused on the Comey hearing..."
Excuse me? Where are we supposed to focus on the suspension of financial regulation if the news media is focused on the Comey hearing? I haven't seen any sprawling explanation in the Times or anywhere else. You're even lamenting the lack of attention in an opinion about the Comey hearing. Why don't you do something about it instead of victim blaming? I'm happy to read the coverage. Just feature the content. Instead we have Rafael Nadal as the banner headline right now. Thanks.
Excuse me? Where are we supposed to focus on the suspension of financial regulation if the news media is focused on the Comey hearing? I haven't seen any sprawling explanation in the Times or anywhere else. You're even lamenting the lack of attention in an opinion about the Comey hearing. Why don't you do something about it instead of victim blaming? I'm happy to read the coverage. Just feature the content. Instead we have Rafael Nadal as the banner headline right now. Thanks.
2
some people would rather die than admit they were ever wrong. trump is one of these and so are his core supporters.
11
I tend to agree with some who write that what the Congress is doing is far more destructive and dangerous than most of what Trump might be doing at present. Repealing and replacing the ACA is one thing the senate is doing with no hearings or input from the democrats.
As for Mr Trump, as one very clever commenter said, and I give him credit, Trump is three sandwiches short of a picnic.
As for Mr Ryan his comment that Trump is learning on the job is quite beyond the pale.
As for Mr Trump, as one very clever commenter said, and I give him credit, Trump is three sandwiches short of a picnic.
As for Mr Ryan his comment that Trump is learning on the job is quite beyond the pale.
16
Paul Ryan should hang his head in shame . He's such a political opportunist.
17
He obviously has no shame, his alter boy days are long behind him, along with his sense of right and wrong.
3
There is no need to apologize for Trump. He's doing just fine.
The NY Times is the one who should be apologizing to it's readers as it has gotten almost all the actual FACTS of this controversy wrong and getting facts straight is the one small thing they should be able to do!
Consider the Times is holding up Comey as a paragon of virtue and truth telling while implying Trump lied. At the same time Comey is called a liar by the NYTimes after he said that the Times reporting on collusion by Trump and his administration was, "in the main" lies. The Times says they stand by the very reporting that Comey called false thus calling Comey a liar.
So which is it NY Times? Is Comey a truth teller or is he a liar? You can't cherry pick what you want to believe no matter how much you hate Trump.
The NY Times is the one who should be apologizing to it's readers as it has gotten almost all the actual FACTS of this controversy wrong and getting facts straight is the one small thing they should be able to do!
Consider the Times is holding up Comey as a paragon of virtue and truth telling while implying Trump lied. At the same time Comey is called a liar by the NYTimes after he said that the Times reporting on collusion by Trump and his administration was, "in the main" lies. The Times says they stand by the very reporting that Comey called false thus calling Comey a liar.
So which is it NY Times? Is Comey a truth teller or is he a liar? You can't cherry pick what you want to believe no matter how much you hate Trump.
5
He, Trump, is doing just fine? What parts of his agenda, his promises, that he made so boldly during his carnival side show, and still does.
Tired of winning yet? Hey, that healthcare he promised is fantastic. What, no health care proposal. Ok, the wall. No wall. I could list more, but, many of us see Trump as a failure at best.
Tired of winning yet? Hey, that healthcare he promised is fantastic. What, no health care proposal. Ok, the wall. No wall. I could list more, but, many of us see Trump as a failure at best.
5
Sorry, NYT, but Comey's testimony was only damning in your eyes and those of your fellow progressive liberals.
Just watch - no matter how much you and your fellow Trump haters in the mainstream media pour it on Trump is not going to be prosecuted or even politically stopped.
Remember Bill Clinton's impeachment? When the Republicans poured it on too hard it backfired. Just watch history repeat itself.
Just watch - no matter how much you and your fellow Trump haters in the mainstream media pour it on Trump is not going to be prosecuted or even politically stopped.
Remember Bill Clinton's impeachment? When the Republicans poured it on too hard it backfired. Just watch history repeat itself.
5
I'm not a progressive liberal, nor am I the despised mainstream media. No, I don't think Comey's testimony was damning, but it was far closer to that than the total vindication" myth embraced by the alt-reality Trumpologists unless you consider total vindication to be not lying about everything.
10
The "president" may not be prosecuted, however, his agenda, whatever it may be or contain to "make America great" is pretty much on its way to the dust bin of history.
No, history won't be repeated as Trump is much closer in his own insanity as Nixon was, and we all know what Nixon did to make America great again.
No, history won't be repeated as Trump is much closer in his own insanity as Nixon was, and we all know what Nixon did to make America great again.
3
The NYT was busted for printing fake news by Mr. Comey..they have no credibility. Plus, they seemed to fail sixth grade civics. The president can ask for Mr. Comey's loyalty because HE IS HIS BOSS. He could have fired him the day he was sworn in and nominated a toady. The FBI is not a separate branch of government, they are in the executive branch and are controlled by the department of justice. Mr. Trump could have just ordered Comey to drop the investigation, instead he just asked. Despite what Comey said, he agreed in action that is was a request because he did not do it. If it was a directive, he can not refuse it as TRUMP IS HIS BOSS. Comey not doing it was willful misconduct. Trump cannot obstruct justice as he cannot obstruct himself. Really, are leftists really this far gone where you have to twist reality this badly.
6
Trump can't obstruct justice because he can't obstruct himself? So we have a monarchy now?
4
The rule of LAW is above the rule of the boss. This is not a corporate board room, the FBI investigates criminal behavior and is not subject to the whims of a dictator or CEO.
4
Err eds, Comey came, Comey blathered, Comey now want talking-head job. But in terms of national significance, he's last week's stale news. Move on, please.
5
It is absolutely amazing to me that the former Director of the FBI testified under oath that a New York Times "story" was utterly and completely false and that not one word of it was true, and there has been no correction published by the New York Times. That is what I find amazing about the entire affair.
5
Sounds like an excuse of a new gang member facing trial.
5
Gee. I didn't hear these traitorous Republicans defending Obama in this way.
13
Comey's testimony was utterly damning, for sure ... to the NYTimes and their ilk.
There was zero bad things said about.
Behaving unlike the "standard" slime in Washington (and Times Square!) is not bad ... its GOOD. He has every right under the Constitution to do what he does.
Its that simple.
There was zero bad things said about.
Behaving unlike the "standard" slime in Washington (and Times Square!) is not bad ... its GOOD. He has every right under the Constitution to do what he does.
Its that simple.
4
Almost to a man and a woman the entire Republican legislature, House and Senate, has rolled over for Donald Trump. The logical explanation is this crowd has fulfilled its lust, its dream, for complete control. It will now do and/or say anything to keep that power.
Nothing else makes sense of the responses and the actions of these "august" legislators.
Things will either change for the better, and soon, or they will continue on this downward trajectory to the depths of governmental hell. The omens do not bode a favorable resolution.
Nothing else makes sense of the responses and the actions of these "august" legislators.
Things will either change for the better, and soon, or they will continue on this downward trajectory to the depths of governmental hell. The omens do not bode a favorable resolution.
8
You people are no better in terms of distortion and misinformation than the person featured in the Peters piece today. Actually you re much worse given your position as the supposedly objective press.
4
The CON goes on and on and on. Don The Con and his misfit gang, the RepubliCons will just keep spinning CONS and LIES until we're all so exhausted that we finally just give in and let him be dictator. They keep their lying minions busy sending out false tweets to build their alternative reality, and people buy it. The RepubliCon minions, led by Paul Ryan, will do anything for their master. Pathetic.
5
Oh, the hypocrisy.
5
The NYT accepts everything Comey says as gospel, except when he trashed the NYT story about Russia and Trump. The the Holier than thou NYT writes a column DEFENDING their report, even though the original four sources went into hiding.
No apologies to say this:
For the top cop in the country, to claim his "memos" were his personal property flies against common law and against goverment policy and non-disclosure agreements Comey personally signed.
Under oath, we'll find that Comey was the source of many many leaks, including information on unmasked American citizens.
Trump's desire to "drain the swamp" is supported by the millions who voted for him - and heading the list of Swamp dwellers is Comey!
No apologies to say this:
For the top cop in the country, to claim his "memos" were his personal property flies against common law and against goverment policy and non-disclosure agreements Comey personally signed.
Under oath, we'll find that Comey was the source of many many leaks, including information on unmasked American citizens.
Trump's desire to "drain the swamp" is supported by the millions who voted for him - and heading the list of Swamp dwellers is Comey!
5
Trump's excuse for being an incompetent idiot -- "the dog ate my homework."
6
The twists and turns that a TRUMP apologist must make are nausea inducing. Trying to make inconsistency and incoherence sound rational is impossible.
8
Well, CHris Christie is right that "I need loyalty, I expect loyalty" is a normal New York conversation.
If you are a mobster, that is.
If you are a mobster, that is.
14
To call our "president" "oafish" is far too kind.
9
If Mr. Obama had fired an F.B.I. director who was leading an investigation of his associates — he didn’t, and there was never any such investigation — can you imagine Mr. Ryan treating the action as a learning experience?
Here is what Mr. Ryan's Christian Bible says about Hypocrisy: "Woe to you hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.
Better read Proverbs, Paul. You are playing with fire and dancing on the edge of the abyss.
Here is what Mr. Ryan's Christian Bible says about Hypocrisy: "Woe to you hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.
Better read Proverbs, Paul. You are playing with fire and dancing on the edge of the abyss.
7
Hypocrite, thy name is Republican.
Still waiting for the Times to retract their February 14 "scoop" that breathlessly claimed Trump's team had repeated contact with senior Russian intelligence officials. Under oath, Comey said the Times got it wrong. Dead wrong. This merits not only a lengthy correction but an admission by this paper's editors about the danger of their one-sided coverage of the White House.
5
I am sure that Lankford of Oklahoma has been told every word to say in all his intercviews: . Here's why: they guy was a person who ran a Christian camp for the Baptists. He has no law degree, no business experience, no nothing to speak with any authority about anything. All he did to get elected was show up and say :"I love Jesus.:" He is a phoney.
1
Look, he's a clumsy, lying, oafish thug but he's OUR clumsy, lying, oafish thug. Where is your team spirit? Signed, Paul.
4
Trump is unfit and unready for the job; never was, never will. Ryan and all of his shameless fellow apologists are wrong as ever. DT will never learn on the job. He has utter disregard for all the so called protocols, traditions, responsibilites of POTUS, and he does not believe in laws that constrain his imperialist, arrogant reality show from the Oval office. Only sadder still are the millions of Trump's unthinking, small-minded hillbilly supporters out there..
8
Impeach. Indict. Imprison.
11
It a very good thing you don't think your excuse for Trump is acceptable,but then there is no excuse you could offer.
Brain dead might pass but then we wouldn't have the problem.
Brain dead might pass but then we wouldn't have the problem.
3
Look, Paul Ryan is a sleazebag just like the rest of the sorry crew that's defending Donald Trump. It's amazing to me that this is the same group of people, mostly men, that absolutely persecuted my president, President Barack Obama, for eight long years. This was a man who had more integrity in his little finger then Donald Trump has in his whole huge body. Mr. Obama is the epitome of class, the best example of integrity that I know, and an example of everything that Donald Trump is NOT.
There couldn't be two more opposite men in the universe. One man has made it his life's work to do good for others, to make our country better, and to hold his head high. The other man has done his best to cheat people out of money, keep people of color as far down in the dumps as possible, disparage Jews while saying, "I love the Jews", bail on our allies and hold up our enemies as if they are gods. The Groper in Chief may be the most despicable man to ever hold this office, and before his life is over, he will be known as the man who tried to bring our country down and brought himself down instead. He will not succeed, but is having help right now from Ryan and his sorry band of musketeers plus a few commenters at this paper...yes you RL. They will all go down with him, and history will not be kind to any of them. My greatest hope is that he ends his short time in DC a broken man, bankrupt once again, this time for good. And bring his merry men down with him. RESIST!
There couldn't be two more opposite men in the universe. One man has made it his life's work to do good for others, to make our country better, and to hold his head high. The other man has done his best to cheat people out of money, keep people of color as far down in the dumps as possible, disparage Jews while saying, "I love the Jews", bail on our allies and hold up our enemies as if they are gods. The Groper in Chief may be the most despicable man to ever hold this office, and before his life is over, he will be known as the man who tried to bring our country down and brought himself down instead. He will not succeed, but is having help right now from Ryan and his sorry band of musketeers plus a few commenters at this paper...yes you RL. They will all go down with him, and history will not be kind to any of them. My greatest hope is that he ends his short time in DC a broken man, bankrupt once again, this time for good. And bring his merry men down with him. RESIST!
11
Comey leaks, Lynch is corrupt, the Times publishes fake news, and Trump did nothing illegal...what hearing were you watching?
6
trump's apologists are following Satan's dictum
"Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven."
May their 'reign' be short and their ignominy endless.
"Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven."
May their 'reign' be short and their ignominy endless.
10
Leaker is the new Loser? Oh, dear. Trump is having a linguistic orgy. Snooze.
3
Our President sounds more like a Mafia Don. "I expect loyalty" is a line one might expect from Tony Soprano.
9
One of the best ever NYT headlines.
1
What is with the Democratic/NYT/WP media obsession with the Trump as the secret Putin mole in the White House narrative? Don't you realize you have been distracted from the real narrative? Don't you realize that nobody cares if Putin tried to influence the US election?
When Obama warned the Brits about going "to the back of the queue" wasn't he trying to "meddle" in the Brexit vote? And the US has invaded countries and replaced whole governments!!! What big power government doesn't try to "meddle" with other countries' politics?
Trump will get a chunk of his agenda through Congress while you all sit glued to the TV watching this he said/she said circus.
When Obama warned the Brits about going "to the back of the queue" wasn't he trying to "meddle" in the Brexit vote? And the US has invaded countries and replaced whole governments!!! What big power government doesn't try to "meddle" with other countries' politics?
Trump will get a chunk of his agenda through Congress while you all sit glued to the TV watching this he said/she said circus.
3
If only there were a god so that we might at least have the comfort of knowing that the republicans would have to pay for their sins one day! (The eighth circle of hell would be a very red state.) In this life, alas, truth and justice are itinerant beggars, and we know how the republicans feel about handouts.
3
The reporting in the front page of the NY Times today regarding fake news stated the following: "Despite being out of his day job, Mr. Posobiec ............ repeated his false claim from before and leveled a new specious charge: that the former F.B.I. director had acknowledged leaking classified information from his government laptop to the news media".
In this editorial, the time has the following "Marco Rubio, whom Mr. Trump ridiculed on the campaign trail, has sidled ever closer to his former adversary. He chided Mr. Comey for not clearing Mr. Trump. “You ever wonder why of all the things in this investigation, the only thing that’s never been leaked is the fact that the president was not personally under investigation?” he asked. Actually that information was leaked — by Mr. Trump, in his letter firing Mr. Comey".
From the above two quotes, it is clear that Posobiec and NY Times have become two sides of a coin, Fake news. Both appear to tell the truth, but both are not true and intended to discredit the other side. This kind of slanted reporting by NY Times gives Trump justification to call MSM fake news.
In this editorial, the time has the following "Marco Rubio, whom Mr. Trump ridiculed on the campaign trail, has sidled ever closer to his former adversary. He chided Mr. Comey for not clearing Mr. Trump. “You ever wonder why of all the things in this investigation, the only thing that’s never been leaked is the fact that the president was not personally under investigation?” he asked. Actually that information was leaked — by Mr. Trump, in his letter firing Mr. Comey".
From the above two quotes, it is clear that Posobiec and NY Times have become two sides of a coin, Fake news. Both appear to tell the truth, but both are not true and intended to discredit the other side. This kind of slanted reporting by NY Times gives Trump justification to call MSM fake news.
6
Hahaha... so let me understand. Trump is the biggest bozo in the White House, yet Dems can't win against Repubs. Maybe Dems are even worst than Trump.
3
NYT is making a lot out of nothing and is been doing this since the presidents inauguration. Only because he is not PC about illegal migrants and muslims. As if 'illegal' is 'legal' and 95% of the terror attacks in the world have nothing to do with Islam.
5
Are these stooges of the NRA afraid of what they have wrought?
1
And enough of FALSE EQUIVALENCIES. This is about the Trump camp's Russian fascination and election hacking. It is not about Comey leaking not-even-privileged information with no national security content but lots of Trump and friends wrong-doing. One is vital, confidential. The other is ethical, tactical.
As a former anti-harassment officer --the first rules of protecting oneself from harassment is to do a timeline, chronicle in meticulous detail all communications and include on the timeline people who you've told of inappropriate behavior. This is the only credible way of demonstrating intent building to recriminations in the absence of actual witnesses and tapes. Threat followed by firing shortly thereafter. Comey is a pro and did all of this. And kudos for him for swallowing his pride and ensuring important evidence of obstruction of justice and wrongful firing was made public. You may not like what Snowden did but no one can deny that he set off a hugely important public debate about Government eavesdropping. What Comey did was not only not illegal but did the nation a singular service by publicly charging wrong-doing so that we would have a public prosecutor despite Trump, Sessions and GoP resistance.
And for all of the heroes who criticize Comey for not confronting Trump that's not how real life boss-subordinate dynamics work. Victims are wise to limit exposure, keep the harasser at arms length, not compromise oneself, get out quickly.
As a former anti-harassment officer --the first rules of protecting oneself from harassment is to do a timeline, chronicle in meticulous detail all communications and include on the timeline people who you've told of inappropriate behavior. This is the only credible way of demonstrating intent building to recriminations in the absence of actual witnesses and tapes. Threat followed by firing shortly thereafter. Comey is a pro and did all of this. And kudos for him for swallowing his pride and ensuring important evidence of obstruction of justice and wrongful firing was made public. You may not like what Snowden did but no one can deny that he set off a hugely important public debate about Government eavesdropping. What Comey did was not only not illegal but did the nation a singular service by publicly charging wrong-doing so that we would have a public prosecutor despite Trump, Sessions and GoP resistance.
And for all of the heroes who criticize Comey for not confronting Trump that's not how real life boss-subordinate dynamics work. Victims are wise to limit exposure, keep the harasser at arms length, not compromise oneself, get out quickly.
13
Paul Ryan need only watch the Dr. Phil interview with Jimmy Kimmel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFqW_2G-wqM) to confirm everything we now know about Donald Trump. How any could apologize for Trump is beyond reason...and beyond rational thought.
7
If anything, Comey made it clear that Trump was justified in firing him.
8
Older and wiser really
1
as he was justified in firing preet bharara?
Comey also made it clear why we whould be justified in firing Trump.
The u.s.a. is in deep trouble. When facts Don t matter anymore then what s left?
11
What the flyover people of America have done is shown the way for the flyover people of the rest of the world. Our governments long ago sold out to the ruling classes and now serve them while using crumbs, lies, agitprop and canned candidates to keep us in line. Therefore elect the biggest fool you can to be the puppet-in-chief and watch the fun begin as the ruling classes and their shills wail and gnash their teeth when they realize you've trumped them for once by making jokers wild.
This is the audacity of hope.
The aforementioned republican "Uriah Heep" type of apologists for Trump demean the positions they hold and deserve all the contempt and odium of public opinion towards their supine deference to the abhorrent aberration that now inhabits the office of President.Trump has managed to turn this great office of state into a World wide laughing stock.God help America with this unhinged man child at the helm,I can only hope that an article of impeachment catches up with Trump sometime in the future and exposes him for the charlatan he truly is!
5
I use the word «Hypocrit " only when warrented.
Yet, I have found myself using it frequently when talking about Republicans.
Hypocrits and liars define them quite appropriatley.
Yet, I have found myself using it frequently when talking about Republicans.
Hypocrits and liars define them quite appropriatley.
10
Trump knew how the government worked through 5 deferments years ago.
6
This is what you get when you send mere boys to do the work of adult men and women. Chaos.
The irony is that there would be no collusion investigation if Hillary Clinton had won the election. Russian meddling helped Hillary Clinton, not Donald Trump. Americans knew Vladimir Putin favored Trump only because Hillary told them so over and over. She made it a major talking point in the presidential debates and in her campaign speeches. In one debate, Hillary called Trump a Putin puppet, saying, “You are willing to spout the Putin line, sign up for his wish list, break up NATO, do whatever he wants to do, and that you continue to get help from him, because he has a very clear favorite in this race.” The U.S. intelligence community assessment concluded that Putin stopped saying nice things about Trump because the Kremlin realized that it would backfire against Trump. The assertion that Russia help Trump “steal” the election is laughable.
Mexican meddling, in contrast to Russian meddling, was highly effective. Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto compared Trump to Hitler and Mussolini. Mexico expressed concerned for the safety of millions of Mexican nationals residing legally or illegally in the United States if Trump were elected, and encouraged them to voice their opposition to Trump. They did so while waving Mexican flags as they staged huge demonstrations that often turned violent. Mexico helped Clinton win by a huge margin in California, which accounted for her victory in the popular vote.
Mexican meddling, in contrast to Russian meddling, was highly effective. Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto compared Trump to Hitler and Mussolini. Mexico expressed concerned for the safety of millions of Mexican nationals residing legally or illegally in the United States if Trump were elected, and encouraged them to voice their opposition to Trump. They did so while waving Mexican flags as they staged huge demonstrations that often turned violent. Mexico helped Clinton win by a huge margin in California, which accounted for her victory in the popular vote.
4
This is Vladimir Putin's most successful Olympics since the Winter Games in Sochi. Putin's Siberian American President Donnie the Barbarian is still sulking, skulking, scowling, smooching and smirking on command of Czar Vladimir I. The big bad Russian KGB FSB Bear Putin is forever toying and playing with the tiny mixed breed German Dachshund/Scottish America Terrier son of inherited real estate wealth Trump.
3
Vladimir IV, i think, actually. going back to the princes of kiev.
Your headline demeans the Olympics. It should read "It's a Lie Fest for Trump Apologists." Or "GOP Revives Royal Nonesuch for Trump."
2
It doesn't matter if he knows it's wrong or not; ignorance of the law is not a defense. At best, his ignorance is further evidence of his lack of fitness for the position he holds. Intent, however, is crystal clear- certainly, he knows about influence, and was clearly making use of his as Comey's employer to influence him to shut down the investigation by making him ask for his job, demanding loyalty and then making his big ask- make the investigation go away now. For people like Trump, everything they do is just simply what they want and that is all that is needed for it to be "right." He is incapable of understanding it any other way. Lacking a moral compass is not a free pass to bad acts.
8
The Republicans are using Trump as a major distraction while they set about making America great - if and only if - you are a billionaire. While he tweets and plays his sleight of hand, the legislate the destruction of the middle and lower classes. All the while, they keep handing out the hatred for "the other" and it is taking root.
5
Succinct and accurate.
1
Given that Trump did eventually fire Comey, and the reason for the firing was the Russia investigation (as Trump admitted), how can anyone say that Trump wasn't ordering Comey to drop the investigation?
If Comey is fired for not complying, then it's the equivalent of an order no matter how it's framed. E.G.:
"You can do what you want, but I think you should tone down the Russia investigation a skotch. But it's up to you".
"Thank you for your advice Mr. President, but the FBI will keep pressing forward."
"You're fired".
Clearly, the President intended Comey to get a message given the result. That the President made it SEEM like a request is irrelevant.
If Comey is fired for not complying, then it's the equivalent of an order no matter how it's framed. E.G.:
"You can do what you want, but I think you should tone down the Russia investigation a skotch. But it's up to you".
"Thank you for your advice Mr. President, but the FBI will keep pressing forward."
"You're fired".
Clearly, the President intended Comey to get a message given the result. That the President made it SEEM like a request is irrelevant.
9
Logic. Isn't it grand?
I wish more people thought so. If they did, they'd stop letting Trump and the Republicans con them. But logic is out of favor right now. We'd much rather pretend that "alternative facts" aren't lies, blame scapegoats, and believe in fake news.
I wish more people thought so. If they did, they'd stop letting Trump and the Republicans con them. But logic is out of favor right now. We'd much rather pretend that "alternative facts" aren't lies, blame scapegoats, and believe in fake news.
5
> Republican officeholders are in a quandary, ashamed of Mr. Trump but terrified that if they speak out his voters will send them packing in 2018. If they can fake respect for him long enough, they might manage to enact their agenda.
That's rich. If Trump was out and Pence was President, the remaining 18 months would be more than enough to enact every bit of Trump's, Pence's and GOP Congress' agenda, with time for dessert.
This is about Congressional jobs, *nothing* more and nothing less.
That's rich. If Trump was out and Pence was President, the remaining 18 months would be more than enough to enact every bit of Trump's, Pence's and GOP Congress' agenda, with time for dessert.
This is about Congressional jobs, *nothing* more and nothing less.
Wait a minute. Trump all but dupes 60 million voters with his "I'm an outsider" shtick, and now Ryan becomes his apologist because Trump's new to the job"? New to what job? The keeper of how things usually operate in Washington? I thought he was suppose to be the Swamp Drainer in Chief. Now we're supposed to give him latitude because he's still operating like a shark-skinned business man? They can't have it both ways.
4
Republican officeholders are in a quandary, ashamed of Mr. Trump but terrified that if they speak out his voters will send them packing in 2018.
Why we need an intelligence test for voters...
Why we need an intelligence test for voters...
3
To paraphrase virtually every Republican on every Sunday news show: "sure, Trump's behavior may have been unethical but it wasn't illegal, so we're all cool, right?"
5
Yes, in a matter of just a few months (has it been only 200+ days?!), the Republicans have reached new lows: willing to gut their own constituents of health care, unabashed about massive tax breaks to the wealthy, putting guns in the hands of the mentally ill, and aiding and abetting a dishonest, incompetent president. I think they will rue these days.
4
What is sorely missing in the current SENATE inquiry is another perspective, testimony from a soviet or Russian expert to provide cultural background, inform us the public on Putin's mindset, on the country's history and its mannerisms, which intervention would be enlightening to us, the American people. Why not call former Sec.of State Condoleeza Rice to give us her interpretation of events, of Putin's motives. Right now, we are stuck with two cultural illiterates, Sen. BURR and former FBI director COMEY who are agreeing on matters such as Russian interference in our election process,possible collusion of the c-in-c and son in law, but with no proof of anything.Burr's square jaw, no nonsense method of questioning conceals in my view a basic emptiness."On sent le vide!" At least we got a few guffaws from late Sen. Sam Irvin from Watergate hearings who was most famous for his understated manner, modesty and those memorable words, "I'm just a little ol country lawyer," whereas in reality he was much more important, and worldly.
For parents, this is what it looks like to be bullied. You act in irrational ways to avoid more, even faltering or justifying the bully's actions so you can avoid further abuse. If you don't understand your child's pain, the ways that these enablers are behaving is response to fear of a bully
Unrelated, I also want to say that if I got pulled over by by a cop, and said I was hoping he'd find a way to let this go, he'd have me out of the car and walking a straight line, and touching my nose with my pinky. I don't think that new to driving excuse would work any better
Unrelated, I also want to say that if I got pulled over by by a cop, and said I was hoping he'd find a way to let this go, he'd have me out of the car and walking a straight line, and touching my nose with my pinky. I don't think that new to driving excuse would work any better
5
So, Ryan has admitted what we already knew: that Trump is ignorant and incompetent. He just tried to couch it in apologetic terms. With the Worst President Ever's statement that he was vindicated, we can add delusional to his resume.
6
Paul Ryan is a light weight ! He is a living, walking example of The Peter Principal . The Republican Party is only interested in protecting there jobs and benefits which they will not extend to their fellow citizens. This country has long ago lost the practice in America of, one for all, all for one.
3
You wrote awhile back that Trump gave Nixon a ride to NY on his airplane one time. It was sometime after Nixon resigned. So surely he knows the story of Watergate. That makes it even more puzzling that Trump is doomed to make the same mistakes. And that many of his problems also stem from a flawed character. I keep getting back to the fact that he asked Russia in a debate to release more of Clinton's emails. Once Mueller is done gathering facts and documents he may well make Trump testify under oath and the Liar in Chief will trapped.
3
It is time for a third party candidate to be included in the presidential debates. Perhaps then we would have a choice. Perhaps then the two parties will try harder to find a qualified candidate.
Daily I scour the news trying to find anything that will end the regime of trump.
I just read that the Emolument Clause does not apply to him.
He is the bully in the room, taunting us to 'come on, make me.'
If the GOP does not abandon trump, it will find itself loosing the election of 2018.
We need to 'drain the swamp' of trump.
It is a contaminated river. It will become Love Canal.
Daily I scour the news trying to find anything that will end the regime of trump.
I just read that the Emolument Clause does not apply to him.
He is the bully in the room, taunting us to 'come on, make me.'
If the GOP does not abandon trump, it will find itself loosing the election of 2018.
We need to 'drain the swamp' of trump.
It is a contaminated river. It will become Love Canal.
1
Imperative for the future of our country to understand that the destructive acts of Trump are the actions of all of the GOP.
2
How does Paul Ryan keep getting elected? Are the people in his district obliged by law to vote for him and return him to Washington? Or maybe they enjoy the destructive power they can wield over the rest of the country thru him.
2
The flip side to this, of course, is that we learned nothing from Comey's testimony--every bit of it was leaked well in advance. And yet the media is acting as if some big bombshell just got dropped.
Trump's unfit, sure, but Comey, with his Machiavellian leaks, plus his October surprise on the Clinton emails, is a piece of work, too. When you stop and think about it, these two, really, deserve each other. Pass the popcorn, please--I'll wait for Mueller's take to decide whether there's really anything to this movie.
Trump's unfit, sure, but Comey, with his Machiavellian leaks, plus his October surprise on the Clinton emails, is a piece of work, too. When you stop and think about it, these two, really, deserve each other. Pass the popcorn, please--I'll wait for Mueller's take to decide whether there's really anything to this movie.
Trump does not expect loyalty from everyone; he expects adulation. He expects everyone to fawn over him and praise his brilliance. If he such an intelligent person, how is it that he doesn't know that it is improper to ask a government agency to stop an investigation that will implicate one of his friends? He lives in a dream world of made up facts. He criticizes the media for fake news but is the biggest source of "alternate facts". He tweeted that he was vindicated when the investigation would suggest that he should be on the road to impeachment.
When will the GOP get the guts to stand up and rid us of this incompetent, childish, tantrum-throwing, ignorant man? The GOP criticized Obama for his lack of experience. At least he actually served in Congress. This president doesn't even know the basic facts of our three branches of government. He is supposed to be one of the most powerful leaders in the world, not the most embarrassing.
When will the GOP get the guts to stand up and rid us of this incompetent, childish, tantrum-throwing, ignorant man? The GOP criticized Obama for his lack of experience. At least he actually served in Congress. This president doesn't even know the basic facts of our three branches of government. He is supposed to be one of the most powerful leaders in the world, not the most embarrassing.
4
Sorry but the press and especially the Dems need to completely shut down this naive, novice, "not steeped in" the business of politics and Wash DC. Sorry, that excuse is a dead horse, and can not be allowed to be beaten.
Didn't Trump tell us all - ad nauseum - that he was the smartest guy in any room? That he knew more about ISIS, etc then the generals. That he knew how to best manipulate politicians, and the rules, so therefore was the best guy to fix it all. He said these things and his advocates supported it, told us all that their candidate was the best guy for the job.
He also said he would "hire" the best and brightest. Which he didnt, he hired the fawning, and ideological, and those with severe memory issues. Plus, he ignores the expert counsel around him, unless its to react and propose yet another means to destroy something else by taking a "new look" at something long settled.
No, when a grown man rejects learning, rejects expert and professional counsel, and relies instead on his gut, and cowardly tweets - he doesnt get a free-pass with the naive/novice excuse.
And would any Repub let that go if it was HRC, or a Dem in the position? They'd be howling at the sun and moon! "Impeachment" would be THE lead-in with every conversation and interview they had.
The Dems need to shut this naive/novice excuse down!
Didn't Trump tell us all - ad nauseum - that he was the smartest guy in any room? That he knew more about ISIS, etc then the generals. That he knew how to best manipulate politicians, and the rules, so therefore was the best guy to fix it all. He said these things and his advocates supported it, told us all that their candidate was the best guy for the job.
He also said he would "hire" the best and brightest. Which he didnt, he hired the fawning, and ideological, and those with severe memory issues. Plus, he ignores the expert counsel around him, unless its to react and propose yet another means to destroy something else by taking a "new look" at something long settled.
No, when a grown man rejects learning, rejects expert and professional counsel, and relies instead on his gut, and cowardly tweets - he doesnt get a free-pass with the naive/novice excuse.
And would any Repub let that go if it was HRC, or a Dem in the position? They'd be howling at the sun and moon! "Impeachment" would be THE lead-in with every conversation and interview they had.
The Dems need to shut this naive/novice excuse down!
3
"Nobody know the system better than I do. I alone can fix it" DJT on the campaign trail.
3
Trump asked the AG to leave the room because Sessions already knew what Trump was going to ask Comey.
Sessions convenient absence from the conversation was designed to protect him from being complicit and a witness to Trump's illegal ask....thus keeping Sessions in office notwithstanding his disingenuous 'recusal' on matters Russia.
Sessions convenient absence from the conversation was designed to protect him from being complicit and a witness to Trump's illegal ask....thus keeping Sessions in office notwithstanding his disingenuous 'recusal' on matters Russia.
4
Trump has offered to testify under oath.
Will anyone with even a modicum of intelligence
believe him?
Trump must be stopped!
He's an embarassment to us all.
Will anyone with even a modicum of intelligence
believe him?
Trump must be stopped!
He's an embarassment to us all.
2
The Olympic gold goes to Congressman Ryan whose apology included ignoring Trump lying and just attribute it to Trump is stupid. Now that is an apologist gold.
3
In other words Mr. Ryan; this poor excuse for a President doesn't know what he's doing? You do realize that leaves you with the position that the President is just plain lying when he claims he did not attempt to get Mr. Comey to drop the Flynn investigation. In other words Mr. Ryan you can't have it both ways - You cannot say the President did not know what he was doing, but he didn't do anything anyway.
4
You're being too hard on Trump. He's "new" to the truth.
4
Trump's apologists are unwavering for two reasons: they want tax cuts for the rich and the dismantling of environmental and labor regulations. While they recognize that Trump is an evil actor, their cupidity reinforces their tribalism. Once they have completed the rape of the budget they will suddenly recognize Trump for the ogre he is.
Luckily, Trump is a fool and has left too much evidence of his ineptness to ignore. It is all in plain sight and this man and his toadies will feel the combined wrath of the judiciary and the electorate.
Luckily, Trump is a fool and has left too much evidence of his ineptness to ignore. It is all in plain sight and this man and his toadies will feel the combined wrath of the judiciary and the electorate.
4
Olympics no, the proper metaphor is HOSPICE. The walking dead. Senate and House leaders on credibility life support owing to their chronic addiction to greed and moral turpitude. Life threatening, suicidal gout. Without social and political safety nets. After crawling out on the precarious branch of Obamacare repeal, tax breaks for the rich, environmental patricide and Trump apologizing all writ large in Cyrillic they are flailing blindly with their chainsaws threatening to send themselves tumbling to oblivion. Hospice care for end of political life.
1
Trump is doing what people like me put him there to do: deconstruct Obama's pathetic legacy brick by brick and challenge the Deep State head-on. It's working, mostly behind the scenes. He's doing it and will continue to do it for the next seven-and-a-half years. That the east and west coast "elites" find this contemptible just makes it all that much more enjoyable to watch.
"Some of its members remain staunch supporters of Mr. Trump, while others are doubtless panicked about their political futures with Mr. Trump strutting about at the head of the party..."
Get back to us on this, "editors," after Trump has placed two more conservative justices on the Supreme Court, bringing to 7-2. Your transformational agenda will be dead for at least 20 years.
Get back to us on this, "editors," after Trump has placed two more conservative justices on the Supreme Court, bringing to 7-2. Your transformational agenda will be dead for at least 20 years.
Since the Derier in chief was elected two sets of friends have moved to other countries. One couple cashed out and leaves for Panama tomorrow. The other couple are moving to Paris. None of these people are wealthy. I am considering the same thing. This is not the America I loved.
3
Maybe I missed it, but with all the talk about 45 being a lying bully/narcissist why is no one considering the fact that he may have senile dementia? After all, he is almost 71 years old and statistics tell us that ~15% of people that age have dementia. We had to wait until Reagan was out of office to learn that he had this affliction, but at least he managed to surround himself with somewhat competent staff. Rather than offer the lame excuse that 45 is "new at government", the speaker should be pushing for a professional evaluation.
3
NYT: Please do not join the other news outlets that pander to the latest bight, shiny object in favor of real substance in order to sell papers. Your readers are better than that. We expect better from you.
3
What is really sad is the Republican Congress's willingness to include a single member of the opposition in the process of crafting a better healthcare bill or a workable bill on taxation. Clair McCaskell was flabbergasted that no one—not a single Senate Democrat—knows what the GOP Senate is up to. Democrats are shut out from all discussion.
No hearings, no scoring, no public debate. This is a recipe for disaster for Americans and yet another instance of the total disappearance of any notion of bipartisanship in doing the people's business. Obamacare may have been passed with no Republican votes but it will never be said that Democrats shut out the opposition from having its say.
This is NOT representative democracy. It is an attempt by a political party which is a numerical minority of the American electorate to do the bidding of a few very wealthy people who have captured it. Courage, never in abundance on Capitol Hill, seems a quaint old notion. Holding on to the job seems the end-all and be-all of elective public service.
.
No hearings, no scoring, no public debate. This is a recipe for disaster for Americans and yet another instance of the total disappearance of any notion of bipartisanship in doing the people's business. Obamacare may have been passed with no Republican votes but it will never be said that Democrats shut out the opposition from having its say.
This is NOT representative democracy. It is an attempt by a political party which is a numerical minority of the American electorate to do the bidding of a few very wealthy people who have captured it. Courage, never in abundance on Capitol Hill, seems a quaint old notion. Holding on to the job seems the end-all and be-all of elective public service.
.
12
"“he wasn’t steeped in the long-running protocols that establish the relationships between D.O.J., F.B.I. and White Houses.”
Or anything at all related to the federal government's organization and function.
Or anything at all related to the federal government's organization and function.
11
You make an excellent rationale for returning to a monarchy, where there from the minute the kids are born they're groomed to make sure they're ready from the first day to assume their rightful place. Princes and princesses would have known better certainly. That relationship would probably be covered in the first or second grade of prep school. Wait, isn't that what Ivy League law schools are?
1
We could be occupied by a foreign power (which this situation increasingly feels like) and Republicans would say be saying exactly the same things to stay in power, however nominal that power would be. It is their only allegiance.
20
"New to this?"
The Presidency is not a job that comes with training wheels!
The Presidency is not a job that comes with training wheels!
36
Precisely, which is why that fool and his family should return to their Ivory Tower. Except NYC doesn't want them either. The question I ask myself frequently is why/how could someone/snyone support such a disgrace of humanity?
5
Republicans are no longer a party but a cult. Members wish they could be de-programmed, but no Ted Patrick has stepped up. If someone does, (s)he will become president in 2020 or 2024--if there is a 2024.
12
Look, whatever the excuses are, Trump keeps going on and one.
What the Democrats lack is a CAMPAIGN PLAYBOOK.
========================================
I believe they need a handbook to guide them in their campaigns to win coming elections in 2018, and beyond. A campaign handbook could be put up on the web for all to see and to use. It could be revised, with new ideas.
Trump and the Trumpsters are not going away, ridiculing Donald Trump is not working. In fact, the more he is attacked, the stronger he seems to grow. The myth of the Donald goes on and on, like the Everyready battery.
No, I say, the Democrats need their own playbook, if they hope to win.
=====================================================
What the Democrats lack is a CAMPAIGN PLAYBOOK.
========================================
I believe they need a handbook to guide them in their campaigns to win coming elections in 2018, and beyond. A campaign handbook could be put up on the web for all to see and to use. It could be revised, with new ideas.
Trump and the Trumpsters are not going away, ridiculing Donald Trump is not working. In fact, the more he is attacked, the stronger he seems to grow. The myth of the Donald goes on and on, like the Everyready battery.
No, I say, the Democrats need their own playbook, if they hope to win.
=====================================================
9
Caught red-handed purveying fake news and self-transformed into a full-blown adversary of a democratically elected President Trump, it grates on the nerves to hear even a whiff of sanctimony and above-it-all moral purity emanating from the now-despairing editorial board of the NYT. Forget about Trump's apologists and apologize for misleading your readers and becoming a preferred conduit for leakers (lawbreakers). There can be no eventual good for the NYT in its unseemly and spiteful disregard for millions of American voters. It's the NYT's own Olympics to prove it can return to the norms of civility and even-handedness in its coverage of President Trump. We are all watching.
5
@riclys
Thank God for Fox News! See you at the next church and gun show!
Thank God for Fox News! See you at the next church and gun show!
1
All three of you?
1
Who is this'we'?
1
There is one positive development in this whole sideshow. The New York Times Editorial Board finally admitted that it was wrong for former President Bill Clinton to interfere in the investigation of his wife's questionable use of a private email server.
The Editors haven't had much to say about Comey's testimony regarding Lynch's handling of the Tarmac Conversation, that serendipitous how-nice-to-bump-into-you-let's-talk-about-the-kids-and-not-that-"matter". Maybe that will slip out next year when they are oafishly bashing something that doesn't kow-tow to their political agenda.
The truth comes in tiny bites at the Editorial diner.
The Editors haven't had much to say about Comey's testimony regarding Lynch's handling of the Tarmac Conversation, that serendipitous how-nice-to-bump-into-you-let's-talk-about-the-kids-and-not-that-"matter". Maybe that will slip out next year when they are oafishly bashing something that doesn't kow-tow to their political agenda.
The truth comes in tiny bites at the Editorial diner.
4
As long as we're changing the subject, I agree, let's tell the truth.
Nobody said in the reputable media that Bill Clinton actually interfered with anything.
The truth matters. Otherwise, every subject change is followed by truth, which means another subject change, followed by the truth, another subject change....
See the definition of "Gish Gallop".
Nobody said in the reputable media that Bill Clinton actually interfered with anything.
The truth matters. Otherwise, every subject change is followed by truth, which means another subject change, followed by the truth, another subject change....
See the definition of "Gish Gallop".
3
You forget Congress isn't persuing Hillary anymore. Why? Because the email and benghazi were ruses to keep her away. If she had really done something illegal she would be on trial or under indictment and you know it.
1
Now that you've looked the word up and internalized its meaning, you're almost sure to see it over and over again. Soon you may find yourself using it too, even in casual conversation.
I'm living my seventh decade and have advanced degrees but admittedly not an eastern prep school or Ivy League education. I never saw the word "casuistry" before this editorial. I looked it up and now know what it means. I trust that the Times' editorial board and the tiny slice of readers who will sniff at their superior command of English are pleased with my admission.
5
Or conversely, when are government is starting to catch fire around the edges, and the Republican Remedy is for the American people to keep our eyes firmly fixed on The Blimp On A String, aka The President Without A Clue...
why would we care about how the use of one word in an editorial affects a single reader?
why would we care about how the use of one word in an editorial affects a single reader?
2
Yeah, shame on those elitists for giving people an opportunity to learn a new word...
Paul Ryan, Chris Christie, James Lankford, James Risch, Marco Rubio. Yeah, Trump Excuses Caucus, but NYT left out:
“I think he was exonerated,” GOP Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, who chairs the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said Friday of Trump. “He said that he wasn’t under investigation and indeed that was verified.”
“It’s no secret to anybody that this president is not experienced in the ways of Washington, of how these investigations work,” said GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who sits on the intelligence committee. “When you have the FBI director telling you three times you’re not the subject of an investigation and you ask him, ‘would you please announce that publicly’ and he refuses, I can understand why the president would be frustrated by that.”
So besides the gift basket of excuses, how do Republican leaders really feel?
In Park City, Utah, for a conference hosted by former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, top Republican officials, donors and business leaders gathered for business as usual.
Spencer Zwick, House Speaker Paul Ryan’s fundraising chief, said about Comey testimony, “there’s nothing we can do about it.” Zwick also said.“The people in this room, who give money to the Republican Party and who are focused on helping get Republicans elected, they do it because they believe in an agenda.”
Sickening lying autocrat. Sickening GOP dereliction of duty. Sickening abandonment of healthcare for the disadvantaged. Sickening greed and corruption.
“I think he was exonerated,” GOP Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, who chairs the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said Friday of Trump. “He said that he wasn’t under investigation and indeed that was verified.”
“It’s no secret to anybody that this president is not experienced in the ways of Washington, of how these investigations work,” said GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who sits on the intelligence committee. “When you have the FBI director telling you three times you’re not the subject of an investigation and you ask him, ‘would you please announce that publicly’ and he refuses, I can understand why the president would be frustrated by that.”
So besides the gift basket of excuses, how do Republican leaders really feel?
In Park City, Utah, for a conference hosted by former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, top Republican officials, donors and business leaders gathered for business as usual.
Spencer Zwick, House Speaker Paul Ryan’s fundraising chief, said about Comey testimony, “there’s nothing we can do about it.” Zwick also said.“The people in this room, who give money to the Republican Party and who are focused on helping get Republicans elected, they do it because they believe in an agenda.”
Sickening lying autocrat. Sickening GOP dereliction of duty. Sickening abandonment of healthcare for the disadvantaged. Sickening greed and corruption.
19
Here is a test. What if either Phil Jackson or Charles Barkley did the following: 1) on a talk show with his daughter, asked what they have in common, answered "sex"; 2) talked about his daughter as "hot" and said he's date her if she wasn't his daughter; 3) bragged about entering and walking around women's dressing rooms; and 4) bragged about grabbing women by the crotch. Now if that had all taken place, and I called Phil or Charles a pervert, would you disagree?
An ignorant man is enabled by cunning, self-serving members in Congress who no longer know right from wrong.
24
I believe the worse reality: they do indeed know.
5
No matter how often, and long, Donnie Covfefe’s tweets are “the feats of Republican excuse-making are no match for James Comey’s damning testimony,” as the great majority of Americans have never trusted the Liar-in-Chief (some call him the Phony-in-Chief). But, Donnie’s relentless undoing is not Comey’s doing but the phony’s himself. His mega mouth and micro brains are the real culprits of his down skid. Can he save his presidency? Nope. He needs brains and sense of decency, both elements the man never had and cannot be bought no matter how much money cheated from taxes he pours in.
12
How any decent person can defend Donald Trump's devious blundering is shocking.
Oh just grab the guy by the arm, pull him in close to you. Just like a hooky carny.
Donald Trump is a creepy, creepy man.
However, the French president saw his creepiness and cleverly veered away.
Oh just grab the guy by the arm, pull him in close to you. Just like a hooky carny.
Donald Trump is a creepy, creepy man.
However, the French president saw his creepiness and cleverly veered away.
25
And this is the best Olympics that Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has hosted since the Winter Games in Sochi. Our 70 year old Siberian President Donald John Trump is focused on enhancing his personal and family wealth while occupying the Oval Office of our White House as the puppet dummy of his puppeteer ventriloquist Putin.
Mr. Ryan's remarks are a whole lot more plausible than 95% of what has been written in the NYT over the past months. This paper is like a cheap gossip column, flinging innuendos and outright lies, until the gullible portion of the public froths at the mouth. The editors and writers here branded themselves forever. The fact of it is indisputable. Dishonesty is the stock and trade of those that write for this paper. You peddle dishonesty. My guess is that you lack the guts necessary to speak the truth. President Trump has such guts.
Lol
2
Care to list a few of these innuendos and outright lies?
2
The emperor (still) has no clothes, and the criminal cabal that is the GOP — if the universe is just — will have no place to hide after this sorry stain on our country is done in by its own hands. May every one of 45's enablers crash and burn. #MERRICKGARLAND
11
The NYT continues to be outraged by Trump and now complains that despite its shrill relentless attacks, Trump supporters should wither away.
We need to get the health care trickery back on the front page ASAP!!!
The problem for the NY Times and all the Democrats is that Comey's testimony was not " damning " to the average man on the street. Mildly disturbing, perhaps, but not damning. It is time to move on to other subjects.
Republicans, whatever those creatures are, aren't anymore, don't have an agenda except this: They like the creature in the White House, have hammers with which they smash things. They smash history, smash progress, smash knowledge, smash intelligence, smash decency, smash governmental and political norms, smash people, smash families, smash the United States of America. The Republican Party? No such thing. They are become the Nihilist Party, the party of ignorance and destruction, the party of destroyers, haters and deniers.
8
Paul Ryan acts as a Russian asset.
9
I suspect that many republicans who reluctantly jumped on Trump wagon do count on a less dramatic resolution to "Trump's disaster". Together with Rush, Hannity, Fox and other elements in conservative propaganda, they will muddle their way to Trump's resignation, after their agenda is passed, and in safe districts will stay relatively immune to the storm. The key is the conservative base, if they refuse to see Trump as a disaster, their representatives who support Trump will stay in their positions.
Darwinian survival, principles be damned. American Conservatism in a nutshell.
Darwinian survival, principles be damned. American Conservatism in a nutshell.
The reason Reps don't care is because this is a made up scandal, fabricated by the democrats and media. As some pundit put it: Trump's only crime was to win an election which Libs- Dems considered their absolute right and property; they were ENTITLED to it. The election cycle was a circus to make believe a "democratic process" was happening; they even destroyed another dem candidate, Bernie Sanders.
Unable to stop him during the primaries, on Election Day, with protests, then recalls, then intimidating electors, even senate confirmation, the libs are playing the only card they have left: "let's build an entire conspiracy surrounding Russia, because , after all, Trump had some nice words for Putin". Basically slow cooking a coup de etat.
Obama had more damning issues that called for a deeper investigation (foreign funding of his 2008 campaign, the ACORN thing, his record on infanticide, the document found by Breibart, written by a literary , Breibart dead one week before published and the subsequent dead of anybody related to the Breibart case, the lost of his passport records in 2007, the IRS and NSA abuses against the opposition, etc. But the media made sure to bury all those stories as soon as they surfaced, and to silence/mock anybody who would dare ask questions.
Republicans and many of us (whether Trump voters or not) know what's been going on. A show about Liber despair, uncontrollable hatred and derangement syndrome against Trump and that's all it is.
Unable to stop him during the primaries, on Election Day, with protests, then recalls, then intimidating electors, even senate confirmation, the libs are playing the only card they have left: "let's build an entire conspiracy surrounding Russia, because , after all, Trump had some nice words for Putin". Basically slow cooking a coup de etat.
Obama had more damning issues that called for a deeper investigation (foreign funding of his 2008 campaign, the ACORN thing, his record on infanticide, the document found by Breibart, written by a literary , Breibart dead one week before published and the subsequent dead of anybody related to the Breibart case, the lost of his passport records in 2007, the IRS and NSA abuses against the opposition, etc. But the media made sure to bury all those stories as soon as they surfaced, and to silence/mock anybody who would dare ask questions.
Republicans and many of us (whether Trump voters or not) know what's been going on. A show about Liber despair, uncontrollable hatred and derangement syndrome against Trump and that's all it is.
Wisconsin's independent voters to Paul Ryan: "I...hope....you behave honestly".
4
The republicans are NEVER going to stop defending Trump. Trump is not the disease, he is a big, obese, irretrievably stupid, ignorant, and mentally ill symptom of the disease the republican party has infected this country with.
18
What makes Trump so special is he has no guile. He is what he is-- a Putin thug at heart. This is why whoever attempts to camouflage the thuggishness in plain view comes off looking extremely naive---that would be Ryan---or extremely devious---that would be Rubio. There are other apologists who are thugs themselves and don't mind telling you the same---that would Christie.
8
Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie...Any casinos there?
4
It couldn't be clearer: Republicans are now little more than sycophantic cowards.
11
For a for a little more accuracy in this story, change the word 'caucus' to 'circus'.
5
'Nutjob' Comey's dismissal confirms that Trump's 'hope' was an ultimatum.
8
"I HOPE for world peace" is not in the same category of:
"Nice job you got there. You sure you want it? Anyhow, I HOPE you can just drop the Russia investigation into Michael Flynn. Have a nice day."
"Nice job you got there. You sure you want it? Anyhow, I HOPE you can just drop the Russia investigation into Michael Flynn. Have a nice day."
6
A farmer sells a mule.
He says the mule is very obedient,
and all you have to do is whisper in his ear.
The buyer can't get the mule to do anything.
He whispers, he yells, he cusses and smacks the mule
but the mule won't move.
He calls the farmer to complain.
The farmer comes, picks up a 2X4, and hits the mule on the nose as hard as he can.
He gives the mule a simple command, and the mule obeys.
"All you have to do is whisper in his ear," says the farmer.
"But first you have to get his attention."
===============
He says the mule is very obedient,
and all you have to do is whisper in his ear.
The buyer can't get the mule to do anything.
He whispers, he yells, he cusses and smacks the mule
but the mule won't move.
He calls the farmer to complain.
The farmer comes, picks up a 2X4, and hits the mule on the nose as hard as he can.
He gives the mule a simple command, and the mule obeys.
"All you have to do is whisper in his ear," says the farmer.
"But first you have to get his attention."
===============
5
Thank you NYT editors. In the face of unending GOP hypocrisy and absurdity, your editorial is cathartic.
7
Face it, we have a president of unsound mind.
9
Cognitive dissonance Trumps logic, any day.
While Paul Ryan is trying to justify Trump's acts because of his lack of experience in Washington, the Russians continue preparing to intervene in our 2018 elections and elections in other countries.
How bad this is going to end? Only God knows...
How bad this is going to end? Only God knows...
7
Excellent writing by the Editorial Board. Yes, we appear to be up to our keisters in Trump apologists. This is not because of Trump, but due to the Republican presidential primary voter who fostered Trump's nomination.
It's unthinkable that of 17 challengers, five or six of whom sported qualified credentials, Republican primary voters would choose the churlish miscreant. Hence the desperate need for apology. Mr. Ryan can't possibly defend this situation, but the Trump voters force him to cobble together some kind of explanation.
Trump is that 8 year old bully who insults, and then draws people in, never apologizing. Hence, it's Marco Rubio, "little Marco", who cows to Trump who offers no respect for him.
Trump is not a discussion on politics, he is a discussion on psychology. It was hard for the press initially to understand this; presidents inspire talk of political issues. Now we look at Trump to be an unbalanced personality who rants on Twitter, a medium that is well suited to the irrational outburst.
But we all know that it is the poorly educated, mesmerized Trump supporter who is informed by fake news from the Right Wing media outlets that unabashedly make money from their unquestioning minions. They offer no apologies for Trump. They're in the money.
A discussion of Right Wing media is not a discussion about news, it's a discussion about gaining revenue from politics as entertainment.
It's unthinkable that of 17 challengers, five or six of whom sported qualified credentials, Republican primary voters would choose the churlish miscreant. Hence the desperate need for apology. Mr. Ryan can't possibly defend this situation, but the Trump voters force him to cobble together some kind of explanation.
Trump is that 8 year old bully who insults, and then draws people in, never apologizing. Hence, it's Marco Rubio, "little Marco", who cows to Trump who offers no respect for him.
Trump is not a discussion on politics, he is a discussion on psychology. It was hard for the press initially to understand this; presidents inspire talk of political issues. Now we look at Trump to be an unbalanced personality who rants on Twitter, a medium that is well suited to the irrational outburst.
But we all know that it is the poorly educated, mesmerized Trump supporter who is informed by fake news from the Right Wing media outlets that unabashedly make money from their unquestioning minions. They offer no apologies for Trump. They're in the money.
A discussion of Right Wing media is not a discussion about news, it's a discussion about gaining revenue from politics as entertainment.
8
"But we all know that it is the poorly educated, mesmerized Trump supporter who is informed by fake news from the Right Wing media outlets that unabashedly make money from their unquestioning minions. "
"I love the poorly educated!" - Donald Trump
"I love the poorly educated!" - Donald Trump
3
Trump was right about one thing. He could, indeed, shoot somebody on 5th Avenue...and his supporters wouldn't care.
13
Republicans: Of course he's an embarrassment, but he's such a useful embarrassment...
13
The current administration is an embarrassment to our democracy (autocracy?). So are the spineless Republican weasels on the Hill.
13
Don't forget Bannon. If Trump could stop taking his advice I bet things would be better.
3
Does that mean you give Jared & Ivanka a pass???
Many, many words and concepts the GOP have thrown around willy nilly the last eight years are about to be made real to them. Treason comes to mind and if there is any justice in this world, their own voters will teach the lesson.
4
Actually, its the Greed Olympics.
5
LET’S EXAMINE . . . the reason Comey didn’t go even farther in alerting Trump to his Obstruction of Justice behavior.
“The president obviously knows that it’s wrong to interfere in an investigation.” . . . Yes — and so do you and I know that basic rule of law. In addition, Trump has been in and out of the legal system many times in his long life. Trump is not naive.
STILL, I'D LIKE TO OFFER . . . a different take on these private conversations:
What if Comey was investigating not only Russian involvement, but also American involvement with the Russians, and just how far up the chain of command it went? Suddenly, what a surprise this “private, for their ears only conversation” was leading. Thus Comey did not truly want Trump to stop speaking — after all, where was private conversation going to lead?
So Comey kept quiet, giving Trump enough rope to hang himself if he was indeed duplicitous with Michael Flynn being culpable with the Russians.
After all, Comey was charged with following the leads, and Trump’s clearing the room to speak privately with Comey was one heck of a lead.!? . . . N’est ce pas.
Under these circumstances, is Comey’s conduct against the law? Is it against the law to tell someone they are not under investigation when they have suddenly become a person of interest?!
“The president obviously knows that it’s wrong to interfere in an investigation.” . . . Yes — and so do you and I know that basic rule of law. In addition, Trump has been in and out of the legal system many times in his long life. Trump is not naive.
STILL, I'D LIKE TO OFFER . . . a different take on these private conversations:
What if Comey was investigating not only Russian involvement, but also American involvement with the Russians, and just how far up the chain of command it went? Suddenly, what a surprise this “private, for their ears only conversation” was leading. Thus Comey did not truly want Trump to stop speaking — after all, where was private conversation going to lead?
So Comey kept quiet, giving Trump enough rope to hang himself if he was indeed duplicitous with Michael Flynn being culpable with the Russians.
After all, Comey was charged with following the leads, and Trump’s clearing the room to speak privately with Comey was one heck of a lead.!? . . . N’est ce pas.
Under these circumstances, is Comey’s conduct against the law? Is it against the law to tell someone they are not under investigation when they have suddenly become a person of interest?!
5
Let the Trump apologists come in droves. We will note where they stand. We will remember them and their statements defending the mentally unhinged, loose cannon occupant of the Oval Office. And we will note that when this nation was in peril, being attacked by a foreign foe and the person in the White House, those apologists, especially those elected representatives in Congress, and mark my words, they will rue the day they came to defense of a congenital liar, the worse president ever. We will, wherever possible, wherever Dems and Independents have the possibility of removing these incumbent Republican apologists, do our darnedest to turn the Congress from Red to Blue. Then and only then we will begin to take back our country from the "nut job" in the Oval Office.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
9
You tell 'em, DD. Can I get an AMEN?.... Amen.
2
GOP is the party of the RI h, for the rich and by the rich. They cannot call themselves Americans. They are nothing more than bean counters.
3
Please take a minute to review your news coverage and your editorials. Trump was not under investigation. There is no proof of collusion with Russia. The media has nothing. Comey was the leaker. I would say Comey is the leader of the deep state but he is too shallow to be deep.
And, most people are now laughing at the vain attempts to over turn the last election. Stop while you have some credibility left. I subscribe because your news coverage used to be liberal but basically fair. No longer.
Her Majesty lost! Let's move on.
And, most people are now laughing at the vain attempts to over turn the last election. Stop while you have some credibility left. I subscribe because your news coverage used to be liberal but basically fair. No longer.
Her Majesty lost! Let's move on.
1
Amen. Well said!
Meanwhile, amidst all the Trump-inspired chaos, a cabal of white, male GOP Senators quietly meet in secret to redesign American health care & the U.S. Federal tax code....
13
Whether we are now ruled by Russia, or by a bunch of republican apologists for Russia and their puppet in The White House, we're toast. Republicans do not see how their complicity in this travesty damages our democracy. They think of their party first (actually the oligarchs who rule their party) and their country second. In view of their endless whining about Barcak Obama when he was president their total acquiescence to the fake president's serial outrages shows them for the craven cowards and blatant hypocrites they clearly are. Shame on them. They have failed to honor the countless brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives to defend this nation.
8
Last year Mr. Emoluments, Flynn & Fox Trumpsters were conviction 1st, lock ‘em up cheerleaders full of outrage that Bill Clinton would talk to AG Lynch (about who knows what). Now that Flynn has pled the 5th, & sought immunity, not so much. Here’s hoping Special Counsel Mueller sends Mr. Emoluments a specially marked acceptance of his offer to lie under oath.
In accusing Comey of perjury, & offering to lie under oath, he may have sealed his fate. The death march may be slow, grinding & ugly...
In accusing Comey of perjury, & offering to lie under oath, he may have sealed his fate. The death march may be slow, grinding & ugly...
5
"He's new at this". And yet has has the the nuclear launch codes. How I miss President Obama.....
8
Do your job, folks, get Congress on the front page. There is too much damage going on to ignore.
8
This sounds like the excuses Parents make for their precious darling. In Juvenile Court.
4
They will still excuse him when he visits the Russian embassy and requests asylum.
3
It continually amazes and angers me that the republicans push an unpopular agenda that is supported by those they hurt the most. The data is clear that most Americans believe in gay rights, man made global warming, the right for a woman to choose her own destiny and heck even Obamacare! I could list another dozen things that the average American wants and yet they then go vote for a republican who screws them over. It's maddening to see the lies and incompetence of the far right rewarded again and again as the country goes down the drain.
Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell are the leaders of the Skunk Republicans: they see everything in black and White, they don't play well with Others, and they stink up the place with their obstinacy. The entire Freedom Caucus is made up of Skunk Republicans. They are a modern phenomena in the GOP because they do not compromise as Republicans in the past compromised. There were Yellow Dog Democrats. There are now Skunk Republicans. And they are stinking up our democracy with their undying support of this predator in chief president.
3
i "hope" republicans go away - forever - to the dung heap of history. if only my hope could come true, say, perhaps in about a year-and a half's time, you know, around the next election... yes - i can hope.
Little donnie scolds NATO allies of not paying their share; yet he "avoided" military service and hasn't paid his taxes in over ten years. He has never paid his share.
Little donnie says its hard being accused of a crime, and people won't say you're innocent; like someone accusing President Obama of not being an American, or someone leading public chants about "lock her up".
Little donnie says we are under siege; yet the entire republican party have turned a blind-eye on their Constitutional Oaths of Office, and chosen to pretend that russians in the White House is "normal". These non-actions are likely Treasonous.
Little donnie says its hard being accused of a crime, and people won't say you're innocent; like someone accusing President Obama of not being an American, or someone leading public chants about "lock her up".
Little donnie says we are under siege; yet the entire republican party have turned a blind-eye on their Constitutional Oaths of Office, and chosen to pretend that russians in the White House is "normal". These non-actions are likely Treasonous.
When Don Corleone says ' i hope you can let this go', we do not take it as merely a light wishful touch or direction !
4
Loretta Lynch, intending to meet in secret with Bill Clinton on the tarmac but caught with their pants down by an enterprising reporter, was vastly more damning than Trump meeting alone with Comey in his office. On top of this, Lynch refusing to empanel a grand jury or special prosecutor regarding Clinton's hiding and destruction of even top secret emails belonging to the American people, giving immunity from prosecution to all Clinton's henchmen and women without getting anything in return, even letting them destroy evidence of probable criminality, and ordering not hoping Comey would define the issue as a matter not an investigation proves beyond any reasonable doubt that Comey, Lynch (almost certainly under Obama's direction), Hillary and her capos were engaged in a RICO conspiracy to obstruct justice. The is the real crime here, not Trump hoping this or that.
As the leading lights of the Republican Party advance defenses of trump that are jaw droppingly Idiotic and/of imbecilic, the veneer of sophistication behind which they've been able to disguise the GOP's decades-long metamorphosis into the 21st Century's version of the White Citizen's Council is growing gossamer thin. Once etrump's vaunted base descends to its shoot-someone-on-5th-Ave. floor anyone who thinks the folks remaining (whether coal miners or brain surgeons) don't seriously hear trump say Make America White Again when he literally says Make America Great Again also believe that Ted Cruz's father was hiding behind a big oak tree on the Grassy Knol radioing firing coordinates to Lee Harvey Oswald!
Don't believe it? Walk up to any Make-America-Great-Again hat and ask the head wearing it to give you the last year when America was as great as they wish it to be again and I'll bet you'll overwhelmingly get a year when the employment opportunities for us darkies born of the dark side of the moon were limited to shinning shoes, singing blues and delivering The Amsterdam News. Even more appealing is that our voices were then only heard by way of servile words.
Unfortunately we cannot force the Paul Ryans and Marco Rubios of this world to take ownership of this aspect of trumpism because the most passionate arguments in the nation's discourse on race we now reserve for words that spew from comedians' mouths and graffiti scribbled on atheletes's fences
Don't believe it? Walk up to any Make-America-Great-Again hat and ask the head wearing it to give you the last year when America was as great as they wish it to be again and I'll bet you'll overwhelmingly get a year when the employment opportunities for us darkies born of the dark side of the moon were limited to shinning shoes, singing blues and delivering The Amsterdam News. Even more appealing is that our voices were then only heard by way of servile words.
Unfortunately we cannot force the Paul Ryans and Marco Rubios of this world to take ownership of this aspect of trumpism because the most passionate arguments in the nation's discourse on race we now reserve for words that spew from comedians' mouths and graffiti scribbled on atheletes's fences
1
Apparently the Trumpologists don't get the obvious implication of the common phrase "Your wish is my command."
1
Paul Ryan encapsulated the mindset of those who foolishly continue to back trump; all is to be overlooked, from the assaults on women, the stunning lack of preparation, to the outright Lies, let alone the fact it is increasingly likely trump won only with the direct input of Putin.
Ryan will go down as our generations Quisling Leader
Ryan will go down as our generations Quisling Leader
5
“When the president asked you about he ‘hopes’ that you would let this go … this seems like a pretty light touch...”
How is your family, your kids? I sure "hope" nothing bad happens to them....
How is your family, your kids? I sure "hope" nothing bad happens to them....
"New York City conversation?" Is that a thing?
2
Why not come here and see for yourself? -- But be warned, we don't "need loyalty", we just need you to walk quickly.
1
So Trump supporters are unprincipled, uninformed, spineless, mendacious thugs who don't mind being seen as pathological liars and non-stop hypocrites? I thought this was supposed to be the news section?
Oh well, I learned a new word, anyway--casuistry.
Oh well, I learned a new word, anyway--casuistry.
2
Besides being sneaky cheats, you've gotta wonder what hold the Russians or the Trump mob has over these guys - more tapes, anyone?
2
Trump can be any thing his whims call him to be to get what he wants which is power and money not necessarily in that order. It is the art of the conman and sociopath. A petulant child, an attack dog, the Godfather, the manipulator and hate monger or stupid as a baby for him no problem.
If you buy any of his stories you will be cheated and your pocket picked. If you are waiting for an honorable man to appear you will be waiting along time. One thing for certain, check your wallet or bank account every time you must have dealings with him and I would advise the White House staff to check the silver.
Does he care? Only as far as it aids his flim flam.
If you buy any of his stories you will be cheated and your pocket picked. If you are waiting for an honorable man to appear you will be waiting along time. One thing for certain, check your wallet or bank account every time you must have dealings with him and I would advise the White House staff to check the silver.
Does he care? Only as far as it aids his flim flam.
2
If yin you still think there was a smoking gun in Comey's testimony, that will magically lead to Trump's impeachment, you're delusional. However, I encourage you to keep trying to spin gold out of straw...
1
Sorry Mr Ryan, that is the most pathetic excuse I've heard yet. Aside from your nihilistic economic and health policies, your complete caving in to the incompetence that is , makes me seriously doubt your ability to be speaker of the house. Think retirement.
7
The Republocan actions, shoving nasty bills down our throats in secrecy before their con game collapses in 2018, remind me of dictator regimes shredding evidence, killing the last of their oppositions in their hands and burning their cities as liberating armies arrive at their borders.
1
Two weavers promised an emperor a new suit of clothes... Clothes, they told him, which would be invisible to those who are unfit for their positions, stupid, or incompetent.
If you see any clothes on this man Donald Trump; you are a liar and and thief.
If you see any clothes on this man Donald Trump; you are a liar and and thief.
1
The FBI was investigating Michael Flynn to see if he violated the Logan Act by discussing sanctions during his pre-inaugural conversations with the Russian ambassador. But Flynn was no longer suspected of violating the Logan Act when Comey dined with Trump on Jan. 26. The Washington Post had reported on Jan. 23 that “The FBI in late December reviewed intercepts of communications between the Russian ambassador to the United States and retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn — national security adviser to then-President-elect Trump — but has not found any evidence of wrongdoing or illicit ties to the Russian government, U.S. officials said.” The only allegation facing Flynn at the time was that he had lied by telling the FBI that sanctions hadn’t come up during the conversations. Flynn claimed he had simply forgotten. Trump believed him because the transcripts showed Flynn had no reason to lie. CNN reported on Feb. 17 that “the FBI interviewers believed Flynn was cooperative and provided truthful answers. Although Flynn didn't remember all of what he talked about, they don't believe he was intentionally misleading them.” So Trump was right to hope the FBI would let Flynn go. We don’t know whether Flynn is under FBI investigation for anything else. Probably not. If he were, it would have been leaked.
Time to play, "What If This Was a Democrat"
136
If that were the case, it would already be: "GAME OVER".
3
There is no Democrat who could have made it through the primaries who lives in such a crazy fantasy land of baloney and non-truths.
Um... scroll back a few years to Clinton and even farther to Carter. They hardly got a pass from the press.
But wait a minute. Donald Trump campaigned on, AND Republicans supported him as well, on America being a FAILED nation under President Obama. Yet, they're making excuses for an INEXPERIENCED person to come in and Make America Great Again! The country couldn't have been in that bad a shape if they were willing to let a political amateur come in and learn on the job! A nation that is in the shape Trump was convincing his supporters of would have been looking for someone with some KNOWLEDGE of how the system works, and not someone that has to continually have excuses made for him, and because they are willing to make excuses for him Trump continues to carry on as if the rules don't apply to him. There's NO excuse and no way it should be acceptable for a major critic of the previous administration to apply for the job, end up being elected, and then not know how to satisfactorily perform his "DUTIES", which means that the Oval Office has expectations that go with it, and not that it's your personal throne!
2
It seems like Trump is the GOP Trojan Horse. All the focus is on him. Trump is a needed distraction while the GOP leaders try to gut America. They have passed an American Healthcare Plan which excludes Americans. They have passed environmental legislation which hurts Americans. They excuse an incompetent, wildly ill-informed, unqualified person while creating a budget that Hurts the poor and elderly I am a registered Republican who could not be more disappointed and furious. My Congressmen know what I think. So does Trump. They will all understand even better at the polls.
2
These Republicans are not patriots; they're patrons showing fealty to only one constituency - the ultra wealthy. They don't even try to hide it. Their agenda clearly proves it. Their behavior in the Trump Carnival reinforces it. It's tyranny of the minority in its most pernicious form. Those poor white voters will always be the last to know.
4
The left has been calling for Trump's impeachment since November 9th, before he even set foot in office.
It's looking like President Trump will not get any help in governing from the 'party of no' and that the approach of the Democrats, without power or ideas, will be to attack him relentlessly for 8 years.
It's looking like President Trump will not get any help in governing from the 'party of no' and that the approach of the Democrats, without power or ideas, will be to attack him relentlessly for 8 years.
1
Let's face it, the "party of no" was rewarded the White House, House and Senate. Seems like a good strategy.
The biggest threat to Vladimir Putin is not the United States, Britain, France or NATO, but democracy itself. If true democracy had taken root in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Putin would no longer be in power. His goal is to destroy democracy through confusion and chaos, demonstrating that it cannot compete with a oligarchic dictator. When Putin invaded Syria, Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump praised him for taking action, ignoring the fact that a U.S. president lacks the same freedom of movement precisely because we have a Congress that theoretically answers to the people. The legitimacy of our democracy began to fall under the idiotic Warpresident Bush, who got played by Putin because he "looked into his eyes and got a sense of his soul." Trump, by contrast, is a straight-up employee of Putin, aiding in the destruction of NATO, our alliances, the rule of law and the system of democracy. Putin's theory is that oligarchs of the world should unite to suffocate the will of the people. People like James Comey, a flawed but heroic public servant, are our only hope.
2
The explanation that Ryan gives that "(Trump) is new to this" is the lamest of all excuses. This is the reason there's a more lenient legal system for minors - those who's brains are not fully developed.
Adults are expected to fully understand the consequences of their acts. If they don't, tough luck, unless they can prove they have diminished mental capacity.
So, what's wrong with Ryan's statement? Trump is not a teenager and either he's fully responsible for his acts and should pay the penalty for it, or is mentally disabled which is an impediment from being president.
Adults are expected to fully understand the consequences of their acts. If they don't, tough luck, unless they can prove they have diminished mental capacity.
So, what's wrong with Ryan's statement? Trump is not a teenager and either he's fully responsible for his acts and should pay the penalty for it, or is mentally disabled which is an impediment from being president.
2
The Republicans would already have drawn up articles of impeachment on any Democratic President who exhibited these words and behaviors. The GOP demonstrates its moral bankruptcy daily. If will be up to voters in 2018 and 2020 to decide if that moral bankruptcy, corruption, hypocrisy, and dishonesty is what they want running this country. That is what Trump and the Republicans are offering us. We have to decide if we're willing to be the Americans who rubber-stamped selling our country to these empty suits--and perhaps the Russians as well.
2
This editorial does not quite things right where it calls Trump's efforts to pressure Comey into dropping criminal investigation of Flynn "oafish."
"Sinister" would be more apposite, in view of Trump having obviously already bent Sessions to his will in having the Department of Justice's attorneys argue in court that Trump, while in office, may accept payments from foreign governments.
Likewise it is sinister for Governor Christie to label Trump's sinister behavior as merely "New York conversation," given that former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg warned the country before the election that Trump is a con man, unfit to be president.
Additionally it is curious that this editorial says that Senator Burr appears "to be taking the president's transgressions far more seriously;" the night before the Comey hearing, Burr said that Comey's written testimony shows that Trump has engaged in "no wrongdoing," a specious conclusion on Burr's part.
"Sinister" would be more apposite, in view of Trump having obviously already bent Sessions to his will in having the Department of Justice's attorneys argue in court that Trump, while in office, may accept payments from foreign governments.
Likewise it is sinister for Governor Christie to label Trump's sinister behavior as merely "New York conversation," given that former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg warned the country before the election that Trump is a con man, unfit to be president.
Additionally it is curious that this editorial says that Senator Burr appears "to be taking the president's transgressions far more seriously;" the night before the Comey hearing, Burr said that Comey's written testimony shows that Trump has engaged in "no wrongdoing," a specious conclusion on Burr's part.
I'm actually impressed with Paul Ryan. I never thought I'd see a man walk upright while lacking anything even remotely resembling a backbone.
2
He's got an artificial backbone paid by yours and mine taxes.
"While Americans focused on the Comey hearing on Thursday, the House passed a bill rolling back Wall Street rules aimed at preventing another financial crisis. And in the Senate, behind closed doors, Republicans worked to shove a bill gutting health care coverage to a vote without a single hearing."
The Times did and is doing the same thing.
The Times did and is doing the same thing.
The Trump vote was much like alcohol escapism. The voters and GOP congressmen are now in the hangover phase. A few swear they'll never drink again while others ... are reaching for another bottle.
1
Rope-a-doping: Ryan of the House, McCpnnell of the Senate, the Republicans of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Trump's private lawyer, the guy next door and less than half the members of their party are buying time hoping they can wear out their pursuers. No one should expect any amount of testimony from reasonable people to work against this delay of justice because Republicans simply enjoy more freedom than do the people who believe in a constitutional guarantees of justice. They all get away with little lies so that tneir President can get away with big ones.
2
Just yesterday I was thinking the same thing about Comey apologists.
And last Fall it was the Clinton apologists.
Our political class is a bit of a circus isn't it?
And last Fall it was the Clinton apologists.
Our political class is a bit of a circus isn't it?
1
Those political opportunists who support Trump are banking that the Investigation into Russian involvement in our election will either go away or turn up nothing. I believe that Trump owes billions to the Russian banks and that a sex tape of Trump cavorting with Russian prostitutes exists and is/will be used to blackmail him. My hopes for the Republic are on the Mueller investigation. Time will tell who is right.
3
Like most of the GOP, Paul Ryan is a self-serving professional liar.
1
We know Comey has memos. Probably also memos that remain classified.
But I keep thinking about his statement, "Lordy, I hope there are tapes!" Is it possible the FBI got FISA clearance to wire Comey meetings with Trump?
But I keep thinking about his statement, "Lordy, I hope there are tapes!" Is it possible the FBI got FISA clearance to wire Comey meetings with Trump?
6
In the Trump Presidency, GOP is following double standards - one during Clinton e-mail server and one now. If Mr. Trump is new to the job and learning. Clinton's mail server was also new for her and she was also learning for the Benghazi trauma. GOP also wants both ways during Comey's testimony - choose his comment in favor of Trump and oppose him what suits their interests. GOP is doing this because of larger, illogical, ill-educated and and angry support against the institutional political parties. This Trump base is basically trying to see the fun in Washington political drama without the consequence of long term impact in the social, political and economic impact in the national diverse fabric. To counter this trend, all patriots irrespective of party affiliation need to do two important things: fun and anger has short term longevity and the culture of lies, cheat, mockerring and deception Trump has bought to the white house will destroy the dignity of the office eventually. From outside, it seems that those working for Trump are trembling in fear of him resulting no honest opinion for the interest of country.
1
Colin Powell pioneered the use of private servers to get around denial of service attacks on State Department portals.
There is no limit to Republican hypocrisy.
There is no limit to Republican hypocrisy.
1
"Republican officeholders are in a quandary, ashamed of Mr Trump but terrified that if they speak up his voters will send them packing in 2018"
And if they don't speak up the rest of the voters will send them packing in 2018. If only.
They enabled this monster, who, far from draining the swamp, has only spread the muck around, and the republicans are covered with it.
How about this: When in doubt, do the right thing. Not the thing that might keep you in office, but the right thing.
It's about time, don't you think?
And if they don't speak up the rest of the voters will send them packing in 2018. If only.
They enabled this monster, who, far from draining the swamp, has only spread the muck around, and the republicans are covered with it.
How about this: When in doubt, do the right thing. Not the thing that might keep you in office, but the right thing.
It's about time, don't you think?
12
The defense of Trump's "light touch" is ridiculous -
It admits that Trump did apply *some* sort of persuasion that Trump, if only "lightly". But the statutory definition of obstruction includes "persuasion" explicitly.
No matter how light the touch was, "touching" a law enforcement reasons is off limits. It's why obstruction of justice is IN the criminal code. The rule is "no touching". It's absolute, and Trump broke it.
Now he needs to face the consequences.
It admits that Trump did apply *some* sort of persuasion that Trump, if only "lightly". But the statutory definition of obstruction includes "persuasion" explicitly.
No matter how light the touch was, "touching" a law enforcement reasons is off limits. It's why obstruction of justice is IN the criminal code. The rule is "no touching". It's absolute, and Trump broke it.
Now he needs to face the consequences.
5
Ryan was obviously right when he stated that Trump was ignorant of the way laws and government work. However, laws will cease to have any effect on conduct if the offender can simply claim ignorance of the law. Ryan should know that since he serves as a chief legislative officer of the United States.
10
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
3
Trump's behavior, his lies, his tweets, his double down's, his nepotism, his conflicts of interest, his general ineptitude and his legitimization of hate/racism/violence are constantly being analyzed by by all media 24 hours a day. It's as if the media and public are surprised. I have to wonder why, after all, he has demonstrated these same behaviors not only throughout the campaign, but before his entry into politics.
In other words, we all knew how harmful a Trump presidency would be. Now we get to live it.
Some say that "hingsight is 20/20, but not in this case as we all knew what to expect. Shame on us.
In other words, we all knew how harmful a Trump presidency would be. Now we get to live it.
Some say that "hingsight is 20/20, but not in this case as we all knew what to expect. Shame on us.
9
One piece of sanity seems to have seeped from Trump's brain:
According to The Guardian, Trump recently told May that he didn't want to come for a state visit till British citizens wanted him there. Apparently he fears huge demonstrations.
Personally, the sight of May willingly holding hands with Trump disgusted me.
I hope the Brits promise huge demonstrations if he sets foot on British soil!
Tellingly, Jeremy Corbyn says Trump should not be given a state visit.
According to The Guardian, Trump recently told May that he didn't want to come for a state visit till British citizens wanted him there. Apparently he fears huge demonstrations.
Personally, the sight of May willingly holding hands with Trump disgusted me.
I hope the Brits promise huge demonstrations if he sets foot on British soil!
Tellingly, Jeremy Corbyn says Trump should not be given a state visit.
8
An insane man in the White House has no learning curve. It's time to stop pretending that Trump is a sane old man who is simply learning the ropes. Because he's disconnected from reality, he will continue to behave just as he has.
I once had an "I hope" moment years ago. It was in Northern Virginia near a Metro stop. I legally parked my car in front of a man's house. He came rushing out to demand I park elsewhere because it was where his wife parked her car. I noted that the street was public property, and he had no legal basis to order me away.
"Then, I hope nothing happens to your car." he said with a smile.
"If it does, then be sure I'll be calling the cops to tell them what you just said."
My car was left unscathed.
The point was that the "hope" was a thinly disguised threat.
Trump's hope was nearly as ominous.
I once had an "I hope" moment years ago. It was in Northern Virginia near a Metro stop. I legally parked my car in front of a man's house. He came rushing out to demand I park elsewhere because it was where his wife parked her car. I noted that the street was public property, and he had no legal basis to order me away.
"Then, I hope nothing happens to your car." he said with a smile.
"If it does, then be sure I'll be calling the cops to tell them what you just said."
My car was left unscathed.
The point was that the "hope" was a thinly disguised threat.
Trump's hope was nearly as ominous.
10
Trump knows the ropes. He's hanging America by the noose.
I was thinking the other day that it would be nice if Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell could dedicate two or three minutes from their hectic schedule accomplishing nothing that benefits the subaltern to focus on that Russia thing. It would be nice to see a little attention given to the Russian attacks on our election system and our nation's power grid.
So Mitch and Paul, how about it?
So Mitch and Paul, how about it?
6
In normal times the tortured defenses of trump would carry a high degree of difficulty but his apologists have no shame and their feckless behavior appears easy. I would give them low scores on both style and execution.
6
Be honest.
In the total scheme of things, wasn't Tony Soprano one of the most ethical characters ever seen.
It's all perspective.
In the total scheme of things, wasn't Tony Soprano one of the most ethical characters ever seen.
It's all perspective.
3
While We the People are glued to TVs watching the circus the republicans in congress are backstage shredding the Constitution, common decency, and American democracy.
While pundits are wringing their hands wondering if the Democratic Party has the formula to win next years elections.
If We the People are so stupid that we can't see the obvious - republicans need to be ushered out of leadership in Congress - then we will deserve what we get.
While pundits are wringing their hands wondering if the Democratic Party has the formula to win next years elections.
If We the People are so stupid that we can't see the obvious - republicans need to be ushered out of leadership in Congress - then we will deserve what we get.
9
We've had brilliant presidents, so-so presidents, even not-so-good presidents. But we've never had before now what is aptly named a "twit" (definition: a silly or foolish person), twit being the best noun to describe someone who "tweets" everything that slips across his mind. No filter, just impulse, then "tweet." I don't think anyone takes a twit seriously, including Trump apologists. Rather, the apologists are simply dead set on propping him up in order for their party to stay in power ("power" being the operative word, Deus os livre).
9
The Republicans in Congress are as corrupt and soulless as Trump in the White House. For the Republicans, the plan is simple: they tell Trump you scratch our backs and we will scratch yours. And that's how they are moving quickly to ram their anti-American agenda through the Congress. Our responsible media and all those with some influence must not let this happen.
7
Let us "hope" that some of these Republicans lose their seats in 2018.
8
Mr. Ryan & Co: There is no probationary period in the tenure of a US president. By setting the age limit at thirty-five, the founding fathers hoped the person elected would have attained the level of knowledge and maturity that is required for this august office. But this man who is 70, with an Ivy school education, and claims of astounding success in business, is still benighted even on the elementary processes of government. And by providing cover for this infantile prince with such foolish remarks, you not only insult our intelligence but make us all cringe in shame. Certainly, your party has lost all credibility and regard at this and it is going to take a very long time to repair the situation.
9
I agree with the previous comments. I can't stand Trump but the Times needs to focus less on his insanity and more in headlining the harmful legislation that Congress is passing. Big headlines on healthcare, wall street reforms and more.
11
When getting re-elected "trumps" doing the right thing for America, you have simply lost the mission.
4
Paul Ryan has been diminishing himself as a Public Servant ever since he became Speaker of the House, and it hasn't gotten any better for him.
Paul Ryan embarrassed himself by his amateurish, and frankly stupid explanation the other day, of why he or everyone should allow Trump some leeway due to his naiveté as to the ways of Washington.
He wasn't so naïve when he sent everyone out of the room so he could try and strong arm Jim Comey, stop being Trump's apologists!
It's time for you and the rest of the Republican's in Congress to stop acting like you took an oath to Donald Trump, rather than an oath to the Constitution of the United States, and start acting like public servants rather than Trump toadies.
Paul Ryan embarrassed himself by his amateurish, and frankly stupid explanation the other day, of why he or everyone should allow Trump some leeway due to his naiveté as to the ways of Washington.
He wasn't so naïve when he sent everyone out of the room so he could try and strong arm Jim Comey, stop being Trump's apologists!
It's time for you and the rest of the Republican's in Congress to stop acting like you took an oath to Donald Trump, rather than an oath to the Constitution of the United States, and start acting like public servants rather than Trump toadies.
12
One thing that everyone seems to be conveniently forgetting is, IF (a very big if) there was any hacking by the Russians during the election (so far we've seen zero evidence) it happened on Obama's watch, it happened on Loretta Lynch's watch, it happened on Comey' watch. They collectively did a very poor job of protecting the American people from cyber terrorism and should be held accountable.
And why no discussion of Loretta Lynch's illegal attempt to influence & direct Comey's inquiry into the airport meeting between her and Bill Clinton? Comey have any notes of that meeting he'd like to share?
And why no discussion of Loretta Lynch's illegal attempt to influence & direct Comey's inquiry into the airport meeting between her and Bill Clinton? Comey have any notes of that meeting he'd like to share?
Rubio sidling up to Trump is no surprise, he'd cuddle with a snake if it would pay his mortgage.
Ryan, when asked by the media for his reaction to Comey's damning testimony about Trump, could have offered up a politician's most favored, non-committal response: "I have no comment at this time". Instead, he resolutely utters an enabling falsehood, unconstrained by any concern of personal embarrassment. For someone who always appeared anxious to promote a self-image of religious rectitude and moral principle, the character failures of Ryan keep piling up. Like so many of his compromised Republican colleagues around him, Trump's whirlpool of deceit and corruption is also sucking him into the abyss. It is an incredibly high price to pay.
5
Has anyone noticed the commonality among all the loudest apologists? They are those whose careers are over unless they can ride DJT's coat tails. Marco Rubio won his Senate seat back only because he was facing a candidate who has been a republican but is now a democrat and a lot of the dems can not abide him, Chris Christie went down in flames over bridge-gate and his general ineptitude, Paul Ryan had a large hand in sinking Romney's bid to be president. These guys have NOTHING to lose.....................heads their careers are pretty much in the toilet already, tails Trump can offer them a non elected position of some importance.
4
"He's a newbie...."
And not one person in the room thought to speak up -- to say, "Listen, Donald -- this is highly irregular and inappropriate. You can't be in a room alone with him."
NO ONE stepped up to the plate?
And not one person in the room thought to speak up -- to say, "Listen, Donald -- this is highly irregular and inappropriate. You can't be in a room alone with him."
NO ONE stepped up to the plate?
8
He's corrupted them all!
And to think, we're actually paying this corporate funded band of liars and traitors to steal us blind, rig our elections, take our lives, alienate us from our former allies, and destroy our planet.
9
Couldn't have been said better! I think your words should be repeated until those who voted for this reckless menace finally get it. If ever.
1
When are the Republicans going to start applying the "Insanity Defense" for Mr. Trump's illegalites?
4
One would have to be an idiot not to have guessed that the temperament of candidate Trump was not the kind suited to learning and handling different organizational synergies and ethos in any other way but his tried-and-true brutish way. So Mr. Ryan’s statement that “He’s just new to this” and he is “learning as he goes,” can only be directed to those members of the public who have low expectations of one elected to the highest office in the land. (And apparently that includes Ryan himself).
It would seem from Mr. Ryan’s remarks that he would like folks to believe that the sheer volume of aggressive missteps by President Trump is to be expected and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Really? Most of the American public doesn’t have political experience, yet any of them with more than a couple of brain cells to rub together expect the presidency to function in an honorable, ethical and smooth fashion.
It would seem from Mr. Ryan’s remarks that he would like folks to believe that the sheer volume of aggressive missteps by President Trump is to be expected and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Really? Most of the American public doesn’t have political experience, yet any of them with more than a couple of brain cells to rub together expect the presidency to function in an honorable, ethical and smooth fashion.
The Republican Party is littered with amoral, valueless, unprincipled, smug, dangerous hacks who owe their employment to:
- a billionaire class intent on less regulations and lower classes
- the fossil fuel industry intent on raping the earth for profit, and
- the NRA that wants all Americans 5 years of age and older to wear two guns around their waists as frequently as they do underwear.
With such clear conviction, they think nothing of excusing and defending the con man -- whose taking away our health care, undermining our democratic republic, and making America the great laughing stock of the world -- as long as he advances their perilous agenda.
- a billionaire class intent on less regulations and lower classes
- the fossil fuel industry intent on raping the earth for profit, and
- the NRA that wants all Americans 5 years of age and older to wear two guns around their waists as frequently as they do underwear.
With such clear conviction, they think nothing of excusing and defending the con man -- whose taking away our health care, undermining our democratic republic, and making America the great laughing stock of the world -- as long as he advances their perilous agenda.
3
Come on journalists use your dictionaries. " Hope" as a noun, " a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen", as a verb, " want something to happen or be the case". OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE!
1
When you are messing with peoples' lives there can be no excuses for incompetence. Do you want to here your brain surgeon utter, "I am new to this so bear with me." No, you expect a high degree of education and professionalism. Two descriptors that will never be applied to Trump. Just as Trump has lied day in and day out, Paul Ryan has lied to all of us. These politicians are morally defective and must be voted out of office, or in Trump's case, impeached.
By their excuses for the inexcusable, these Republicans are telling all how unfit they are for the public offices they fill.
1
Borrowing a line from the movies "Who is more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him?"
"He's just new to this."
REALLY Speaker Ryan? Is that the best you've got? He's the President of the United States for heaven's sake!
A trained circus animal could do a better job, and make less mistakes.
REALLY Speaker Ryan? Is that the best you've got? He's the President of the United States for heaven's sake!
A trained circus animal could do a better job, and make less mistakes.
3
I'm really enjoying the spectacle of prominent Republicans tethering their fates to the flaming wreckage known as the Trump "presidency", because when it all crashes to the bottom of the sea, they and their bankrupt ideology will be wiped from American politics for good and for the better. So go on, conservatives: keep egging him on. You'll soon find that the yoke slithering down your faces to have come from your very own hand.
We cannot afford an apprentice president.
5
I believe this is all going according to Republican plan. Trump the distraction, the rest of the Repubs burying under things like Dodd-Frank or women's access to birth control. They aren't afraid of Trump's base - these are the folks, after all, who would OK him shooting somebody in the middle of the street. They just don't want us watching what they are doing. They will eventually discard him when he is no longer useful to them and by then, it may be too late for the rest of us......I was a Bernie supporter, but voted for Hillary - Bernie or bust folks are no better than the thuggish GOP
1
I can't stop thinking of "Alien" and Ripley reminding Ash: "And you let him in."
Having followed the ascent of Mister Trump to the highest office that Americans can bestow on any American Person, I am in awe to read your latest items "It’s the Olympics for Trump Apologists" I have never witnessed so much apparent ineptness of any Person in a position of authority.
Guy's we are talking about a Person that you have given the authority to give orders at the highest level.
What would happen if the current POTUS were to give the order to launch a nuclear strike against Qatar because they are the bad Guys. Most likely not knowing of the American assets there. Don't laugh!
Remember the huge Fleet racing towards North Korea!
Have the American People gone nuts?
About time, isn't it. Please
Guy's we are talking about a Person that you have given the authority to give orders at the highest level.
What would happen if the current POTUS were to give the order to launch a nuclear strike against Qatar because they are the bad Guys. Most likely not knowing of the American assets there. Don't laugh!
Remember the huge Fleet racing towards North Korea!
Have the American People gone nuts?
About time, isn't it. Please
2
I don't mean to spoil the good laugh you're having on us, but you might like to know that the MAJORITY of Americans didn't vote for Donald Trump (he didn't even bother to campaign here in his hometown NYC, that should tell you something).
You might also like to know that a lot of us think he's certifiable.
Still don't understand how he won?
Google: ELECTORAL COLLEGE.
You might also like to know that a lot of us think he's certifiable.
Still don't understand how he won?
Google: ELECTORAL COLLEGE.
The Republicans excuses for their fearless leader is a replay of the Emperor's New Clothes at so many levels!
1
Ignorance of the law is now an excuse? If so, then run that by a federal prosecutor the next time you commit a felony and see how far it takes you. Or, for starters, try it on Officer Friendly at the speed trap.
1
There is a simple, but time-coded solution: Never vote for a Republican. Never, never, never.
2
Uh I don't think so. It's obvious that you do not speak for all Americans.
The republicans will explain and defend Trump forever, because they desperately need the ultra dedicated faithful who still attend his rallies. These people are roughly 30% of the total electorate, but a major portion of the republican base. A brief ‘history’ of this ‘relationship’:
Ronald Raegan’s ‘Harlem Welfare Queen with 5 chidren from 5 diffeent fathers’; a blatant attempt to win the votes of a digruntled white working class by blaming ‘the others’… Following the election of Barack Obama, racist posters of the new president at Tea Party rallies … The republican response; deafening silence, except for the occasional outburst: ’You lie!’ shouted during a joint session of congress. Newt Gingrich calling Obama ‘the food stamp president’. More. too numerous and disgusting to drag up.
Then Trump hijacked their primaries, turning them into an orgy of infantile insults. The ‘faithful’ loved it. The republicans apparently had no choice; they also had no chance. it was like mud wrestling with an octopus.
Of course the republicans defend Trump. Or ‘explain’ his actions. They have no moral compass. They are well trained; All he has to do is stage another ‘rally’ at an automobile plant.
Until it is too horrible. But at that point it may also be too late.
Ronald Raegan’s ‘Harlem Welfare Queen with 5 chidren from 5 diffeent fathers’; a blatant attempt to win the votes of a digruntled white working class by blaming ‘the others’… Following the election of Barack Obama, racist posters of the new president at Tea Party rallies … The republican response; deafening silence, except for the occasional outburst: ’You lie!’ shouted during a joint session of congress. Newt Gingrich calling Obama ‘the food stamp president’. More. too numerous and disgusting to drag up.
Then Trump hijacked their primaries, turning them into an orgy of infantile insults. The ‘faithful’ loved it. The republicans apparently had no choice; they also had no chance. it was like mud wrestling with an octopus.
Of course the republicans defend Trump. Or ‘explain’ his actions. They have no moral compass. They are well trained; All he has to do is stage another ‘rally’ at an automobile plant.
Until it is too horrible. But at that point it may also be too late.
2
SNL skit;
Trump enters room to submit to lie detector test. Trump sits down, pouts. Tech hooks him up to machine. Tech turns on machine. Small amount of smoke exit back of machine. Trump opens mouth. Smoke increases. Trump says "I just..." and machine bursts into flames.
Trump enters room to submit to lie detector test. Trump sits down, pouts. Tech hooks him up to machine. Tech turns on machine. Small amount of smoke exit back of machine. Trump opens mouth. Smoke increases. Trump says "I just..." and machine bursts into flames.
2
The GOP has no moral compass. These are the same people who want to deprive 24 million Americans healthcare. They have no credibility or shame. Hopefully the American Reich is starting to destroy itself. Civil discontent is a distinct possibility if and as they implement their agenda. Trump is shrewd, yet obtuse, and emotionally maladjusted. He is contemptuous of others and entirely lacking in veracity and credibility. The GOP has to cover a lot of ground to shill for this. Hopefully, Trump will unwittingly sabotage himself owing to the fact that he doesn't really want to be President, he just wants the perks. When Trump's pol numbers start truly flatlining this charade will be over. If the GOP can ignore the "Russia thing" for two years they probably figure they'll be in the clear. It's more likely Trump will bring the country to a standstill.
Being a Trump apologist is like sinking in quick-sand.
Keep struggling Paul Ryan.
Keep struggling Paul Ryan.
1
Trump's like Madoff. Greedy and cruel.
2
The new book, "Profiles in Republican Courage." is good reading, if you like blank pages.
3
Chances are the book is hugely overpriced!
1
Mueller's investigative team may be the most formidable in the history of the country. Recognizing this, the GOP will tread carefully in the press and in hearings just like it did with Comey.
Mueller will come back with "high crimes" which which compel the GOP, including the Freedom Caucus, to impeach. There will be no fuzz on them: bribery, money laundering, tax evasion and treason will defy even the craven apologists of the GOP. Obstruction of justice will almost be an afterthought.
To think "this Russia thing" concerns anything other than money would be mistaken as it all that Trump has ever cared about. And Flynn, fired by Obama, was a discredited and disgraced general living on a military pension. The way Putin and the Russians do business perfectly suited the Trump/Flynn modus operandi. With victory, Trump hired those with connections with Russia to facilitate his end of the bargain. But he underestimated the intelligence community.
Trump should never have characterized the intelligence community as Nazis and the Russian interference as a hoax. It will rescue the country from this nightmare of a Presidency.
Mueller will come back with "high crimes" which which compel the GOP, including the Freedom Caucus, to impeach. There will be no fuzz on them: bribery, money laundering, tax evasion and treason will defy even the craven apologists of the GOP. Obstruction of justice will almost be an afterthought.
To think "this Russia thing" concerns anything other than money would be mistaken as it all that Trump has ever cared about. And Flynn, fired by Obama, was a discredited and disgraced general living on a military pension. The way Putin and the Russians do business perfectly suited the Trump/Flynn modus operandi. With victory, Trump hired those with connections with Russia to facilitate his end of the bargain. But he underestimated the intelligence community.
Trump should never have characterized the intelligence community as Nazis and the Russian interference as a hoax. It will rescue the country from this nightmare of a Presidency.
3
“He’s just new to this” - he is just new to being a decent human being. He just used to lie, humilate, and break the law. Please understand him. He is new to this
"100 percent," and "Comey is lying," the essence of Trump's technique: Always counterattack, always go hyperbolic, a combination of his strange psychology and the teachings of his mentor Roy Cohn. By this time, why is anyone surprised? Why does anyone give the President credence? Sci-fi fans see the "monster of the id" gathering his powers to destroy a fine civilization. (Thanks, "Forbidden Planet" and Charles Krauthammer.)
The GOP will be forever-tainted by its sycophantic support of the most unqualified president in history, all while Russian tentacles reach new levels of access into our government and our foreign policy and national security weaken day-by-day.
1
Ryan isn't arguing that he didn't do it, only that he did it because he's an imbecile.
3
Obviously, Republicans have never been interested in leading, only in gutting the people's treasure and trust. All the patriotic nonsense over the years vomiting up by the right has been a ruse enacted for their economic-royalist masters. They're like sheep walking off a cliff at this point.
1
My mother, who has lived through World War II and many political abominations, put it best—in her inimitable Yiddish. "Shande": a shame. A disgrace. Mr. Trump is a disgrace on this nation's history, a stain that can never be expunged no matter who follows him. Ryan and the Republicans described here are a shande as well: a disgrace on our democracy. What an embarrassment to witness these inept oafs running this country. What a shame that, as the world transforms, we have sacrificed our leadership to be led by this coalition of fools.
1
To paraphrase The Floyd: “The people you lie to must trust you.”
We are there.
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
We are there.
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
3
The double standard is so blatantly obvious. This is ridiculous.
1
The Machiavellian couple, Ryan and McConnell, Remember Ryan said we are family, Cosa Nostra
5
'Little Marco" has the spine of a jelly fish- that is, he has none. Didn't he and Cotton, have dinner with T-Rump at the White House the day before Mr. Come's appearance before the Senate 'Intelligence' Committee?
2
The FBI is going to squeeze Flynn, Manafort and Sessions about the inner workings of the Trump Organized Criminal Family at the White House.
Sessions is beginning to realize the Trump abuses and uses people for his own purposes.
It is appalling the lack of integrity and self-respect of Tump's aiders and abettors. Those that can't see beyond their next election or what is good for this country.
Sessions is beginning to realize the Trump abuses and uses people for his own purposes.
It is appalling the lack of integrity and self-respect of Tump's aiders and abettors. Those that can't see beyond their next election or what is good for this country.
Paul Ryan is the sorriest excuse for a leader that the United States of America has ever had. Perhaps he can think of excuses for the 70 year old President -- "just a newbie." What possible excuse is there for Mr. Ryan. Treason?
3
Unctuous faker Ryan, always willing to cheat us all in favor of his rich buddies and exclusionary selfishness. It's shocking since he made his way and still benefits from the government programs he wants to kneecap.
I'm tired of the hypocritical "Christians" who wouldn't touch the gospels with a ten foot pole.
Who sups with the Devil must use a long spoon.
I'm tired of the hypocritical "Christians" who wouldn't touch the gospels with a ten foot pole.
Who sups with the Devil must use a long spoon.
31
Trump fired Comey . . . the ultimate obstruction, preventing him from pursuing his lawful and relentless investigation into Trump-associates' ties to Russia. This is obstruction pure and simple. "Obstruction" doesn't mean permanently ending the investigation. It does not matter that the investigation will continue. Obstruction just means putting up substantial roadblocks to impede its moving forward. Trump did this to the head of the FBI.
In my view, Trump's conduct and statements regarding Comey's termination are indictable as obstruction. But indicting a president is not Congress's job.
Congress's authority is limited to Impeachment and Removal of the President from Office, as authorized by and outlined in the Constitution. This is so in order to keep the balance of powers in check.
Congress's Impeachment authority does not prohibit, however, indicting and prosecuting a sitting president, as some constitutional scholars have suggested. Our Founders would be appalled at the suggestion that our Constitution places the president above the law while in office. Such a suggestion ignores the very history underlying the founding of our democratic republic.
The Tenth Amendment reserves to the People the power to prosecute our public officials for crimes they commit while in office, including the president. The criminal jurisdiction of our judiciary is not curtailed by Congress's Impeachment authority.
mB, member of the Bar of the U.S. Court
In my view, Trump's conduct and statements regarding Comey's termination are indictable as obstruction. But indicting a president is not Congress's job.
Congress's authority is limited to Impeachment and Removal of the President from Office, as authorized by and outlined in the Constitution. This is so in order to keep the balance of powers in check.
Congress's Impeachment authority does not prohibit, however, indicting and prosecuting a sitting president, as some constitutional scholars have suggested. Our Founders would be appalled at the suggestion that our Constitution places the president above the law while in office. Such a suggestion ignores the very history underlying the founding of our democratic republic.
The Tenth Amendment reserves to the People the power to prosecute our public officials for crimes they commit while in office, including the president. The criminal jurisdiction of our judiciary is not curtailed by Congress's Impeachment authority.
mB, member of the Bar of the U.S. Court
15
Trump fired Comey because he thought Comey misled the public into believing Trump was under FBI investigation. Trump asked Comey several times to say publically what he was telling Trump and congressional leaders in private—that Trump wasn’t under investigation. While testifying before congressional committed, Comey refused to say whether Trump was under FBI investigation. In his recent testimony, Comey used the flimsy excuse that he didn’t want to say Trump wasn’t under investigation because he would have to issue a correction if Trump ever did come under FBI investigation. The false perception that Trump was being investigated for collusion undermined his presidency. Trump was even accused of lying when he said the FDIU had informed him that he wasn’t investigation. Comey’s firing hasn’t affected the “relentless” investigation. It grinds on because no indictable offense has been discovered.
CORRECTION: member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court
May I join you in seconding this?
Ryan's motivation to defend the dishonesty and incompetence of Trump is buried in the last sentence of this editorial. How are you going to take away the healthcare of tens of millions of people so you can give tax cuts to the rich? Easy, create a big distraction for the citizenry while you do it--like taking candy from a baby.
So how does Ryan explain why the supposedly hopelessly naive newbie Trump emptied the room to speak alone with Comey? If Trump hadn't shooed the reluctant-to-leave Sessions and Kushner from the room he wouldn't need "tapes" now. The worker-stiffing, woman-molesting, Trump-U cheating, lying, Trump has absolutely no credibility. In defending Trump's lies and calumny, his apologists irrevocably soil their own.
So how does Ryan explain why the supposedly hopelessly naive newbie Trump emptied the room to speak alone with Comey? If Trump hadn't shooed the reluctant-to-leave Sessions and Kushner from the room he wouldn't need "tapes" now. The worker-stiffing, woman-molesting, Trump-U cheating, lying, Trump has absolutely no credibility. In defending Trump's lies and calumny, his apologists irrevocably soil their own.
30
Last night on Fox News, Trump's son Donald Jr. admitted Trump told James Comey to end the investigation on Mike Flynn. Lending strong credence that Comey's testimony was indeed true.
Whether intentional or clumsily, the son reported "when my father tells you something, there's no ambiguity, there's no hoping."
Then he stated his dad "told Comey you have to do your job, but he didn't do anything."
Thus, Trump Jr. admits there was a conversation on the matter.
Interestingly, we know this president is on record fully denying he said anything privately to Comey about Flynn. His son has now claimed otherwise.
This disclosure---as an active investigation is pursued-- may be yet another piece that moves the president's obstruction of justice problem further along.
After all, the believable Comey testified Trump's comments led him to believe he was given a directive to stop the investigation.
"Free me of this meddlesome priest."
Whether intentional or clumsily, the son reported "when my father tells you something, there's no ambiguity, there's no hoping."
Then he stated his dad "told Comey you have to do your job, but he didn't do anything."
Thus, Trump Jr. admits there was a conversation on the matter.
Interestingly, we know this president is on record fully denying he said anything privately to Comey about Flynn. His son has now claimed otherwise.
This disclosure---as an active investigation is pursued-- may be yet another piece that moves the president's obstruction of justice problem further along.
After all, the believable Comey testified Trump's comments led him to believe he was given a directive to stop the investigation.
"Free me of this meddlesome priest."
16
You clearly misunderstood what DJT Jr said. His point was if Trump orders you to do something, he comes out and says it is an order. You don't have to wonder or interpret or fret, as Comey says he did, about what the president really meant.
Has Trump ever struck you as a man of nuance?
Has Trump ever struck you as a man of nuance?
I watched that video and my impression was that Trump Jr. was speaking theoretically, albeit clumsily. In other words, he was saying that if his dad did want Comey to stop the investigation, he would have stated it outright, rather than use the word "hope," dad being a direct, no nonsense kind of guy. But it is THIS observation that is clearly off base. We have all observed Trump's propensity to be ambiguous, manipulative, and coy. He himself continually brags about this very quality, enjoys the chaos he causes by his unpredictability and unintelligible tweets.
You are deliberately distorting what Donald Trump Jr. said on Fox News. He confirmed that his father told Comey he “hoped” he would drop his investigation of Michael Flynn. He said, “You and I both know my father a long time. When he tells you to do something, guess what, there’s no ambiguity in it. There’s no, ‘Hey I’m hoping’. You and I are friends, ‘Hey hope this happens but you got to do your job’. That’s what he told Comey.” In other words, he said his father would have simply said "stop the investigation" if he had meant to issue Comey an order.
Little Marco is warming up to Trump. Trump was correct in his assessment of Marco Rubio during the debates. Mr. Rubio is still a bench player who is small in many ways and still not ready for prime time. Unlike Trump he still has his training wheels on. The orange one should not be underestimated for he knows exactly what he is doing. He is systematically dismantling our Democracy with the assistance of the Republican congress who are after only two things - Staying in Power and Tax cuts for the wealthy.
11
The belief that the Ryan-McConnell machine will act responsibly to Trump is just as silly as expecting responsibility from Trump. These folks are going nowhere and reporting on their little dance around the Maypole is just lazy.
Meanwhile Trump's inappropriate appointees are busily destroying democracy, rescinding reasonable regulations, facilitating environmental damage, abetting financial shenanigans. Let's see some digging and some uproar over this destruction, and avoid distraction.
Meanwhile Trump's inappropriate appointees are busily destroying democracy, rescinding reasonable regulations, facilitating environmental damage, abetting financial shenanigans. Let's see some digging and some uproar over this destruction, and avoid distraction.
16
John Brews--Right on! Then, someone can begin the investigation into the crimes trump committed as a private citizen. We might be able to lock him up for the rest of what's left of his life. His organized crime family, too.
3
We must encourage these Excuse Whisperers. Americans are not nearly as stupid as these professional politicians and their greedy handlers seem to think. The louder they enable and condone sheer incompetence while seeking to take health coverage from millions of Americans solely to profit their owners, the more thoroughly they own him. They are in fact his doppelgangers. How can they not realize this? Is the GOP agenda a political suicide pact?
7
Does the ultimate authoritarian figure really have to spell-out, in chapter and verse, what he wants his subordinates to do? Donald didn't need to say so, in black and white, when he uses the terms "Loyalty" and he "expects loyalty", what else could he have meant--at a suddenly scheduled private one-on-one dinner--Just Trump and Director Comey.
And remember, FBI Director Comey's department investigates Criminal Intent, all day, everyday. And, he could surely recognize it--even when broached in implicit terms--right in his face. But, there's one thing that Trumpie failed to consider.
Let's assume that Director Comey succumbed to his obstruction, and decided to drop the case, what would, what could, he tell the FBI Agents who had been working on it for, what, eight-ten months--Never Mind? We're just going to drop it! That certainly would have sealed James Comey's fate within the Bureau. Those agents would know that Trump had gotten to him!
At that point, Director James Comey would have moved over--from the Investigators, to the Investigated!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
And remember, FBI Director Comey's department investigates Criminal Intent, all day, everyday. And, he could surely recognize it--even when broached in implicit terms--right in his face. But, there's one thing that Trumpie failed to consider.
Let's assume that Director Comey succumbed to his obstruction, and decided to drop the case, what would, what could, he tell the FBI Agents who had been working on it for, what, eight-ten months--Never Mind? We're just going to drop it! That certainly would have sealed James Comey's fate within the Bureau. Those agents would know that Trump had gotten to him!
At that point, Director James Comey would have moved over--from the Investigators, to the Investigated!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Any one out there who really thinks Trump gives a hoot about norms and protocols? This is a man who sat down to dinner with reporters and had two scoops of ice cream on his pie while they had one. He couldn't even conform to kid's birthday party etiquette long enough to wait for his second scoop until the guys with the notebooks were gone.
10
Anyone who read "The Godfather" knows exactly what Trump meant. He learned a lot from dealing with the mob and their associates in New York.
12
All of GOP, their voters are truly deplorable.
They want their cake no matter what, but doesn't care of our country at all.
I just heard form a island in Virginia, voted 87% for Trump, and now wants us ot pay for their protection as their island is going away due to global warming. And same people don't want to pay for Planned Parent Hood or share their fair share of insurance for all(includes them).
They will still vote for GOP/Trump, this is not ignorance, this is by choice. They just want to take take, but never share.
They want their cake no matter what, but doesn't care of our country at all.
I just heard form a island in Virginia, voted 87% for Trump, and now wants us ot pay for their protection as their island is going away due to global warming. And same people don't want to pay for Planned Parent Hood or share their fair share of insurance for all(includes them).
They will still vote for GOP/Trump, this is not ignorance, this is by choice. They just want to take take, but never share.
4
Again and again, Republicans in Congress prove they are self-serving cowards, not patriots. They care more about winning their next election and passing their extreme agenda than abiding by the Constitution they swore to uphold. How dare they wave the American flag when they are unwilling to even stand up to an unhinged president who is undermining the very core of our democracy, He has yet to even acknowledge the unprecedented threat to our government from a hostile power. That is wrong, wrong, wrong.
7
The scary thing is that most of the Repubs know better but
do not care. They want their tax cuts and their reign of cruelty.
There are no honest conservatives or moderate REpublicans
Michael Tomasky
do not care. They want their tax cuts and their reign of cruelty.
There are no honest conservatives or moderate REpublicans
Michael Tomasky
7
The "I hope" argument approaches the farcical. Imagine a Naval junior officer being given the message: "The Captain would like you on the bridge as soon as is convenient." Convenient? Like? Such an officer would take the ladders two steps at a time in a wrinkled shirt and scuffed shoes. In an authoritarian atmosphere, a "like" (or a "hope") is a command.
Equally farcical is the "privileged information" argument. The president isn't Genghis Kahn, he's the chief executive of a republic. The only bar to repeating a conversation with another is simple civility, or in some court cases, heresay.
But how many times over the years have we heard and seen Congressmen begin a public communication with "The president told me..." or other words to the same effect? A private conversation over a dinner table is *not" privileged; that is, unless we confer some aura of special privilege to any conversation, anywhere and at any time, to the president. Such a privilege does not exist. Strip away most of the glitz, and he's just a citizen like the rest of us.
I won't even mention the "classified information" argument. It goes beyond farce into outright slapstick.
I wonder how many chapters in the "penny dreadful" novel that is Trump remain to be written. I wish I could say that I look forward to them.
Equally farcical is the "privileged information" argument. The president isn't Genghis Kahn, he's the chief executive of a republic. The only bar to repeating a conversation with another is simple civility, or in some court cases, heresay.
But how many times over the years have we heard and seen Congressmen begin a public communication with "The president told me..." or other words to the same effect? A private conversation over a dinner table is *not" privileged; that is, unless we confer some aura of special privilege to any conversation, anywhere and at any time, to the president. Such a privilege does not exist. Strip away most of the glitz, and he's just a citizen like the rest of us.
I won't even mention the "classified information" argument. It goes beyond farce into outright slapstick.
I wonder how many chapters in the "penny dreadful" novel that is Trump remain to be written. I wish I could say that I look forward to them.
6
It's another truckload of horse manure to claim Donald Trump, who has been sued and deposed and otherwise entangled with lawyers and the law, is some innocent naif. I hope their continued support of this ignorant boor costs the Republicans every seat they have up in 2018. I also agree we need a "Legislature Watch" section so we can keep up on the damage being done behind the scenes while we're held captive by the slow motion train wreck that is Trump's presidency and the GOP in general.
8
In a country in which everything is illegal and the average person unwittingly commits three felonies a day being found guilty of something is often just a matter of whether the ruling class likes you or not.
So what is the point of this editorial?
The Times may not have reconciled itself to the outcome of last year's election, but President Trump here to stay -- for a while yet. His "oafishness" is not grounds for impeachment, and the Russian investigation is going nowhere despite all the frenzied speculation that has the Beltway in its grip.
So what can the Republicans do but try to work with him and apply very discreet nudges when they can? What does the Times want, and has the Times really thought it through? Does it want all Republicans to stand up and bear witness that Trump is an oaf? How would that do any good?
The Republicans should keep their powder dry and bide their time. Hopefully they won't ever have to pull the trigger. And the Times should follow the Republicans' example instead of giving itself up to its present self-indulgent orgy of Trump hatred.
The Times may not have reconciled itself to the outcome of last year's election, but President Trump here to stay -- for a while yet. His "oafishness" is not grounds for impeachment, and the Russian investigation is going nowhere despite all the frenzied speculation that has the Beltway in its grip.
So what can the Republicans do but try to work with him and apply very discreet nudges when they can? What does the Times want, and has the Times really thought it through? Does it want all Republicans to stand up and bear witness that Trump is an oaf? How would that do any good?
The Republicans should keep their powder dry and bide their time. Hopefully they won't ever have to pull the trigger. And the Times should follow the Republicans' example instead of giving itself up to its present self-indulgent orgy of Trump hatred.
2
"Russian investigation is going nowhere".....Not exactly. The investigation of the Russian attempt to influence the election is of critical importance, and understanding how, why, and who is paramount. If Trump acolytes, Flynn Manafort, Sessions, Kushner and others had "accidentally" forgotten to mention their contacts with China, then it would have been of little interest. But that is not what has happened.
2
The day is fast coming when they'll be terrified that if they speak out in favor of him they will risk being sent packing. From there it will take one more in his long career of reckless, self-centered decisions for us to see that long walk to the helicopter. We have no chance of moving forward until we are rid of this pestilence.
2
Why would we let Mr. Trump, or any of these criminals, take a long walk to the helicopter. A perp walk would more more appropriate, although the pathology of Mr. Trump would focus on the huge audience tuned in to watch. "Did ya see it?" will say Mr. Trump," More people tuned in than to watch Mr. Nixon walk to the helicopter." As he is want to say, "Sad." In truth, I'm enjoying more the anticipation of Mr. Ryan's perp walk.
1
Temerity is Trumps modus operandi, to call it inexperience is a gratuitous obfuscation. We are one or two steps from beyond the pale with him. Fix it or let him go home.
5
Perfidious republicans, as polite a pejorative as I muster to mask my utter contempt for a party bend on the destruction of not just the poor and minorities but now the middle class, deserve to be excised from our political system for a generation. Of course, that cannot happen. Not with republican politician slithering around subverting our elections. Unless, unless, a federal law materialized out Australia whereby under penalty of law, every eligible American was required to vote. It can happen here as after all, we've been to the moon and back.
2
Republicans are searching for ANY excuse to rationalize improper behavior. C'mon it's just the ole boys in the locker room after all. The man knew enough to clear the room before talking 1 on 1 with Comey. It only follows he wouldn't come out and order the guy to do something he knew was wrong. It's too bad Comey wasn't recording the conversation. Then he could kill at least two birds with one stone. After all Sessions will take Trump's side in this. After all the whole agenda goes up in flames if Trump goes down. The Democrats should pound away at the hypocrisy. Over and over and over again. Don't let them get away with this.
7
Have they no shame? How can they continue to cover for this "so-called" president? They will be known for future generations as standing by, making excuses for him, as he trashed our country, our constitution and our people. He should be the president of Russia, since that is who he is serving by every single thing he does, as he tears our credibility down by his lack of respect for our allies and values, they become more brazen. Maybe when justice is served he could be exiled to Siberia, like Napoleon to the island of Elba.
7
I was flabbergasted when I heard Paul Ryan's asinine defense of President, calling him essentially an imbecile, who doesn't know much! Then what are his qualifications? Just because he made some money with shady business acumen and multiple bankruptcies, he is qualified to be President? He boasted during the campaign that he has the most brilliant mind and doesn't read! And that he will have the best brains in the country for his cabinet! That may be, but his main criteria for "great minds" is how many billions they have made. Even then, if he listens to their inputs, we would not be in the predicament that we are in now! That Speaker Ryan doesn't see this the most tragic of all!
2
Whatever else this all is, however stupid, however dangerous for our Great Nation and the world, or whatever else you can think of saying about it, every moment of this tragicomedy sure beats anything else now on TV, stage or at the movies! "The Apprentice"? Not even remotely close! And it's on every so-called "news" channel pretty much every minute of every day! Wow! What a show! Who could ever have imagined! And the ratings? Out of sight! Can you folks really keep this going for four years?
Let these Trump apologists follow their so called leader right off the plank. The smart rats will start jumping ship to preserve their reelection chances in 2018. Hopefully many of them will follow Trump who has a 37% approval rating to the bitter end and be forced out of Congress. This will be the real draining of the swamp.
6
Trump’s steady stream of outrageous mindless political statements in his own defense has become a focal point of media fascination. But he is merely the clown show cover act for the Republican Party of today. The Republican Party denies RussiaGate in the same way that they deny Constitutional law and the principle behind one man, one vote- it is the will of their corporate sponsors. The have established an Alternate Universe for their uninformed base that is by necessity devoid of facts. The GOP lost its way as a cohesive credible political force focused on financial conservatism. Republicans have grabbed power at the local and state level through the flow of massive amounts of dark money supporting the expansion of the Tea Party extreme right and the growth of Taliban-style religious fundamentalism. They have been aided and abetted by the Big Lie Fox/Breitbart/hate radio propaganda machines. The GOP message does not resonate with the majority of the American people who are certain Trump has indeed colluded with Russia. The Republican hypocrisy in defense of Trump: Party before Country - energizes the frenzied right wing extremists of Trump lovers who are their base. Republicans must be driven from office in 2018. It is a matter of survival not only for our democracy but for the entire planet.
2
I would like to add John Cornyn to the people in Congress that are trying to excuse Trumps actions in the Comey firing and Russian Investigation. When Cornyn had his turn to question Comey he asked about the Hillary Clinton Email server not about what Trump was saying in the interviews he had with Comey.
Cornyn is a political hack of the highest magnitude. He dos nothing to improve the lives of average Americans.
Cornyn is a political hack of the highest magnitude. He dos nothing to improve the lives of average Americans.
2
Paul Ryan is in Congress to help pass an agenda that benefits the rich. He has chosen to forget that the only reason he made it was because he had help from Social Security survivor benefits, student grants for him and his mother, etc. In his deluded mind, it was all his doing and he deserves all the credit. He will say whatever he needs to say to allow the Con-Man-In-Chief to remain in the Oval Office to sign whatever vile inhuman laws his GOP brethren choose to crush us with. The other apologists are following in the same vein and the most pitiful of all are Marco Rubio AKA "little Marco" that folded like a cheap suit after one dinner date at the White House and Lying Ted Cruz who had his father named as an accomplice in the JFK assassination and had his wife called ugly and decided after the convention debacle that Trump was his man.
These people are lacking any kind of ethics, morality, or love of country.
These people are lacking any kind of ethics, morality, or love of country.
2
"While Americans focused on the Comey hearing on Thursday, the House passed a bill rolling back Wall Street rules aimed at preventing another financial crisis. And in the Senate, behind closed doors, Republicans worked to shove a bill gutting health care coverage to a vote without a single hearing."
The GOP, with trump at the helm, are nothing more than a crime syndicate. They operate in the interests of power and money for themselves. They serve only 1% of the American population, that is the wealthiest percent. Horribly, not only do they NOT serve the other 99% of Americans, but they actively seek to hoodwink them with vicious lies, and to harm and disenfranchise them with the likes of health care "bills" that will result in about 24 million of them being unable to afford health care, and seeking to allow Wall Street the ease to create another financial crisis. They are the party not only of deregulation and pollution, but of cruel and sadistic disenfranchisement of the most vulnerable among us--the poor, the elderly, women, and children. And if they can do these things to us behind our backs, I guess, so be it. Is there no intelligent, moral agency of authority in our land who can stop this deceitful, criminal enterprise from steam rolling us and ripping our democracy to shreds? Everyone with a brain knows what is going on; no, they have not fooled all of us, but it doesn't matter, does it, if they can keep on getting away with murder? The worst parasites...
The GOP, with trump at the helm, are nothing more than a crime syndicate. They operate in the interests of power and money for themselves. They serve only 1% of the American population, that is the wealthiest percent. Horribly, not only do they NOT serve the other 99% of Americans, but they actively seek to hoodwink them with vicious lies, and to harm and disenfranchise them with the likes of health care "bills" that will result in about 24 million of them being unable to afford health care, and seeking to allow Wall Street the ease to create another financial crisis. They are the party not only of deregulation and pollution, but of cruel and sadistic disenfranchisement of the most vulnerable among us--the poor, the elderly, women, and children. And if they can do these things to us behind our backs, I guess, so be it. Is there no intelligent, moral agency of authority in our land who can stop this deceitful, criminal enterprise from steam rolling us and ripping our democracy to shreds? Everyone with a brain knows what is going on; no, they have not fooled all of us, but it doesn't matter, does it, if they can keep on getting away with murder? The worst parasites...
5
If you love America, that means loving the American people. Not undermining their healthcare or allowing the 1% to run roughshod over them.
4
Ryan's ridiculous excuse for Trump's malfeasance is the Republicans' official confirmation of what the rest of us know: that he is indeed The Apprentice President. Given the craven nature of this trainee, the apprenticeship has zero prospect of succeeding... while the nation pays dearly every single day he is permitted to remain on the show.
So, when will we be able to collectively exclaim: "You are fired!!!"??
So, when will we be able to collectively exclaim: "You are fired!!!"??
"Party before country," they whisper in the confines of their safe rooms. They are living in a bubble of greed in as much as Trump. May they all be doomed to the ash heaps of history. Quickly.
1
"He's just new to this"??? They can't be serious.
When Donald Trump chose Mike Pence as his Vice President, the GOP assured Americans that this decision put to reset any worries of Trump’s lack of governmental experience: MIke Pence, who had been a govoner and a congressman, would be the steady hand to educate and guide Trump in the ways of government. MIke Pence would be an highly involved in a Trump presidency, Republicans said. They were so happy they were nearly giddy. So where was Vice President Pence at the moment Pres. Trump was reportedly ushering all his top aids out of the Oval office to meet alone with FBI Director Comey? Mike Pence was walking obediently out the door with all the other “best people” (like Attn. Gen, Jess Sessions and Senior Advisor/son-in-law Jared Kushner) that were supposed to give Pres. Trump guidance and credibility. Even Reince Priebus allowed the President to shoo him away, leaving him to continue the one on one meeting with Dir.Comey where he asked him to drop the Flynn investigation.
Not only did Donald Trump try to obstruct justice, the entire republican party is complicit in it by looking the other way, and now trying to make excuses for it. I'd say its time to Make America Good Again: Vote them out in 2018.
When Donald Trump chose Mike Pence as his Vice President, the GOP assured Americans that this decision put to reset any worries of Trump’s lack of governmental experience: MIke Pence, who had been a govoner and a congressman, would be the steady hand to educate and guide Trump in the ways of government. MIke Pence would be an highly involved in a Trump presidency, Republicans said. They were so happy they were nearly giddy. So where was Vice President Pence at the moment Pres. Trump was reportedly ushering all his top aids out of the Oval office to meet alone with FBI Director Comey? Mike Pence was walking obediently out the door with all the other “best people” (like Attn. Gen, Jess Sessions and Senior Advisor/son-in-law Jared Kushner) that were supposed to give Pres. Trump guidance and credibility. Even Reince Priebus allowed the President to shoo him away, leaving him to continue the one on one meeting with Dir.Comey where he asked him to drop the Flynn investigation.
Not only did Donald Trump try to obstruct justice, the entire republican party is complicit in it by looking the other way, and now trying to make excuses for it. I'd say its time to Make America Good Again: Vote them out in 2018.
Oh, I get it. The NYT and the rest of the MSM are going to spend the next three and a half years blaming President Trump for all of the ills that plague America. And nothing will get done in Washington because of the continuing acrimony between political parties. When Mr. Trump leaves office, guess what...we'll still have a need for job creation, immigration reform, infrastructure rebuilding, and all of the other things that matter to average Americans. Donald Trump cannot be blamed for Washington's dysfunction; a product of it perhaps but not its root cause. This has been a work in process for several decades through both Republican and Democrat administrations. In the end, nothing will change.
20
A pretty dark view, I must say. What are you going to do about it?
1
Jake,
Go back and listen to Trump's inauguration speech. There was semblance of reaching out to anyone other than his base.
As bad as is the problem you describe, Trump exacerbates it.
Go back and listen to Trump's inauguration speech. There was semblance of reaching out to anyone other than his base.
As bad as is the problem you describe, Trump exacerbates it.
1
I decided to blame him for everything months ago. There's no logic to it. But logic never meant anything to him anyway.
We are living in the deeply divided USA and this division in 2 distinct baskets is not as partisan as it is a division between the Trump haters and the Trump apologists or supporters. Lack of a dialog and understanding between the 2 polarized baskets has become paralyzing to the functioning of govt. and passage of legislation. It is 1 thing for average Americans to be sitting comfortably in one or the other basket but when politicians are wasting time and happily doing little if any people's work, there will be a day of reckoning when they are up for reelection and the people who elected them are going to ask what have you done for the country or for me? Comey has been toying with both the Democrats and the Republicans to make himself the hero who gave each ammunition to fight the other. Comey had problems with understanding his place as FBI director in govt. and functioning above the law and not within the establishment while thinking like a maverick. He seemed to have serious problems with the former attorney general Loretta Lynch and of course we all know he had problems with president Trump after he was trumped and put in his place by the president. If one thinks independently of party affiliation, one can begin to wonder whether Comey could have been making up things after he was fired. His middle of the night awakening following his firing could well have been his nightmare scenario which could have motivated him to record his bad dream and leaking it to his NY friend.
1
Ryan's excuse for Trump supports the notion that Trump did, indeed, do something inappropriate and akin to (if not outright) obstruction of justice. Better be careful what you say, Mr. Speaker.
3
To paraphrase Barry Goldwater:
"Congressional oversight and moderation from Congress in defense of Liberty is no vice."
Today's Congress, reliant on the money that fuels their elections and ultimate leverage over the will of people, has abdicated the sacred authority the founder's placed in it's oversight and ultimate check on this President.
We are a weaker and leaderless nation in an ever increasing need for moral leadership at home and around the world.
The silence from McConnell and Ryan says it all.
"Congressional oversight and moderation from Congress in defense of Liberty is no vice."
Today's Congress, reliant on the money that fuels their elections and ultimate leverage over the will of people, has abdicated the sacred authority the founder's placed in it's oversight and ultimate check on this President.
We are a weaker and leaderless nation in an ever increasing need for moral leadership at home and around the world.
The silence from McConnell and Ryan says it all.
8
What we see in their behavior is the very nature of white privilege: to his supporters and apologists, Dump is both naive and brilliant in his calculated disruption of the status quo; he's an outsider, he's "learning;" none of which appears remotely true; none of which can be sustained with a shred of evidence. But he gets the ultimate white privilege: the benefit of the doubt. In contrast, to these people, Obama was a liar, an amateur, a do-nothing (whose every "do" must be undone, and quickly), anti-white, filled with hate for America; he was to blame for America's division (because his presence made them divisive). Even now, his public appearances are maligned, as if he should disappear because his intelligence, competence, political skills, popularity across the spectrum is an offense to them and their leader.
21
People forget that President Obama made it very clear he thought James Comey should let Hillary Clinton go. On November 2, the New York Times reported, “President Obama threw the power of the White House behind Hillary Clinton on Wednesday. He faulted how the F.B.I. director, James B. Comey, handled new emails related to the investigation into Mrs. Clinton’s private server. . . Without mentioning Mr. Comey by name — although it was clear whom he meant — Mr. Obama suggested that the F.B.I. had violated investigative guidelines and trafficked in innuendo by alerting Congress last week. Mr. Obama’s remarks, which followed searing criticism of the F.B.I. director from both parties, make it harder for Mr. Comey to defuse the worst crisis of his tenure at the bureau.” In the same article, the Times cited an interview in which Obama blasted Comey, saying, “We don’t operate on incomplete information. We don’t operate on leaks. We operate based on concrete decisions that are made.”
3
Obama registered an opinion; never did he seek a private meeting with Comey to request a change of direction. Major difference.
4
Obama weighed in on this matter in public. He didn't ask Lynch or Comey to limit or end the investigations. Obama was transparent and Trump isn't. Obama and Trump understand the boundaries and Trump ignored them. Trump called out Lynch for possible interference by meeting with Bill Clinton on the tarmac in Phoenix. Trump attempted on multiple occasions to get Comey to end or limit the investigations and stop looking at Flynn . He has the power to pardon Flynn but not to coerce the Justice Department from investigating a possible crime.
The Planet is on fire,Oceans are dying..Please discuss how we ditch fossil fuels domination of the Planet?Or will we follow Trump into attacking Iran for OIL?
5
The American Petroleum Institute touts colonizing space with fossil fuels. Most of the CO2 from that winds up in the Earth's atmosphere anyway.
Hey, the guy was elected in early November and assumed office in late January. If he didn't know what the gig entailed, he had some time to learn. Or what was he doing? Playing golf?
Incompetence is not the problem with our president. The problem is his cluelessness and inability to realize his incompetence.
7
Trump never thinks further ahead than his next move.
So according to his GOP apologists it's OK to put the nuclear codes in the hands of a complete naïf? He's learning on the job.
10
So what does Ryan use for an excuse for being a incompetent dolt? Presumably he has experience but apparently none in governing.
10
As a counter-reference, a news article appeared elsewhere today quoting former house member Bob Inglis (R-South Carolina). With regard to Paul Ryan, Mr. Inglis stated "You know that you would be inquiring into impeachment if he [Trump] were a D." Republicans need to apply the "WITWD" (What If Trump Were a Democrat) method of evaluation to every situation involving the POTUS. Less bias, better results - c'mon Republicans - do it for our country!
9
Republicans are thoroughly corrupt. The Republican Party will carry the weight of damage Trump has wrought on this country through the corridors of history.
10
In the depth of my despair, if only to save myself, I muse at the shamelessness of all these supposedly-very-important-and-smart-and-respectable-people saying things they have to know is not true. Unlike Pinocchio, their noses will not grow long!
Trump said he was totally vindicated, he had not done anything wrong, because all that he had heard told him so! Where suppose did he hear that from? Fox News and his fellow Republican enablers? The spins and lies told for his benefit have now in turn solidified Trump's "bullshiting" habits, as Ezra Klein aptly called it. The circle of lies. it is!
Trump said he was totally vindicated, he had not done anything wrong, because all that he had heard told him so! Where suppose did he hear that from? Fox News and his fellow Republican enablers? The spins and lies told for his benefit have now in turn solidified Trump's "bullshiting" habits, as Ezra Klein aptly called it. The circle of lies. it is!
8
Well, he claims to be vindicated by Comey's testimony while stating at the same time that Comey "lied under oath".
1
Of course he's "new to this."
Every new president is "new to this."
That's why new presidents listen to their experienced advisors----
------oops, I forgot.
Trump does not listen, and he does not have experienced advisors.
Every new president is "new to this."
That's why new presidents listen to their experienced advisors----
------oops, I forgot.
Trump does not listen, and he does not have experienced advisors.
5
Of course, ignorance cannot be used as a defense when one has committed a crime...
5
This looking glass administration demands that we all believe at least 6 impossible things before breakfast. Every day.
5
President Trump is “Draining The Swamp” as he promised. I am not surprised that Mr. Comey was fired. Mr. Comey should have charged Mrs. Clinton. Not charging Mrs. Clinton was an OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE.
The so called “Russia Investigation” about Russian meddling in 2016 election is a hoax conjured up by the Democrats. I have thought all along that Russia DID NOT interfere with the election. Can anyone answer my questions?
- How did the Russians tamper with voting machines?
- How did the Russians tamper with the Electoral College?
By the way, Russia has been spying on the United States since the Russian Revolution (100 years ago)!
The so called “Russia Investigation” about Russian meddling in 2016 election is a hoax conjured up by the Democrats. I have thought all along that Russia DID NOT interfere with the election. Can anyone answer my questions?
- How did the Russians tamper with voting machines?
- How did the Russians tamper with the Electoral College?
By the way, Russia has been spying on the United States since the Russian Revolution (100 years ago)!
2
You must think a little deeper. You can influence the ballot box without actually rigging the machines: it's called the weaponization of information through false storied that sway a public not overly concerned about sources of informatio.
The people voted for these Repubs and now they can enjoy the consequences.
2
That's rich. They now use as an excuse the one trait they used as the reason to vote for him - his lack of experience.
During the campaign, that was touted as a great personal virtue, raising him up above the crass and brazen swamp creatures that had been exposed to the "long-running protocols that establish relationships" between D.D. bureaus and agencies and the White House.
Now it's used as an excuse for the ineptitude. ignorance, immorality and illegality with which he conducts those relationships - attempting to use the agencies of government as his own personal tool boxes to achieve whatever goal he desires, no matter how nefarious.
I think it actually surprised him when the inhabitants of Washington, those who knew the ropes and were confident of their own positions and powers, didn't just ask "How high" when he said "Jump" as had his family and employees in his old world.
Yes, his apologizers are many, and appalling, and ridiculous, and free of self respect and incapable of coming up with any plausible defenses anymore so are willing to babble nonsense..
At least it is getting more and more difficult to find people willing to work for this administration, to have the stench of this President rub off on their resume. May he wander alone in the White House in his bathrobe and contemplate - so far as he is able - on why he has been deserted.
During the campaign, that was touted as a great personal virtue, raising him up above the crass and brazen swamp creatures that had been exposed to the "long-running protocols that establish relationships" between D.D. bureaus and agencies and the White House.
Now it's used as an excuse for the ineptitude. ignorance, immorality and illegality with which he conducts those relationships - attempting to use the agencies of government as his own personal tool boxes to achieve whatever goal he desires, no matter how nefarious.
I think it actually surprised him when the inhabitants of Washington, those who knew the ropes and were confident of their own positions and powers, didn't just ask "How high" when he said "Jump" as had his family and employees in his old world.
Yes, his apologizers are many, and appalling, and ridiculous, and free of self respect and incapable of coming up with any plausible defenses anymore so are willing to babble nonsense..
At least it is getting more and more difficult to find people willing to work for this administration, to have the stench of this President rub off on their resume. May he wander alone in the White House in his bathrobe and contemplate - so far as he is able - on why he has been deserted.
9
There is nothing more predictable than GOP hypocrisy.
just as ringling brothers closed down, d.c. picked up the moniker. to think we went from barack obama to donald trump. and the cause of this travesty and tragedy is our abjectly ignorant, sub-educated populace. this is the end result of the greed our capitalist system runs on (low wages, for-profit healthcare, outrageous college costs, publicly financed elections with bought-and-paid-for congresspersons). there is a foul odor covering our country and it's only going to get worse.
Besides veiled threats by employers who are wanna be mafia dons, Chris Christie is right about loyalty and New York. If you don't make your pledge, you aren't working. That doesn't mean veiled threats and loyalty ought to be acceptable. It means Manhattan is where the urban "cowboys" the failing Times whines about are. The federal government ought to be arresting suspects in Manhattan real estate scams rather then living it up in Trump Tower at taxpayer expense. For your information Cowboys, contrary to the failing Times depiction of Trump in a cowboy hat, are adamantly against gilded towers and Russian princes.
3
“He’s just new to this,” offered Paul Ryan.
What Ryan meant is the Trump does not yet know how to LIE like us pros in Congress who are not "new".
What Ryan meant is the Trump does not yet know how to LIE like us pros in Congress who are not "new".
6
If the French Revolution is any guide, things did not go well for collaborateurs after the Women's March on Versailles...yes, there have been women's marches before...
3
Choices of words matter.
Why the NYTimes could not use the word "liar" when referring to Candidate Trump is still a mystery to me?
Now the editors of the NYTimes are making new poor choices of words. Why, oh why, would the editors choose "apologists" when what they are detailing is more accurately described by the word "collaborators."
Ryan's "apology" for Trump is rooted in his collaboration with Trump. So, back to word choices? What is more true and fundamental? Apologist or Collaborator? In other words, Ryan is an apologist because he is a collaborator, he is not a collaborator because he is an apologist.
Why allow the myth to grow that there is a separation between Trump and his Republican party of collaborators? This is simply not true, and ultimately serves the political purposes of the Republican Party when they decide to file for a divorce.
Why the NYTimes could not use the word "liar" when referring to Candidate Trump is still a mystery to me?
Now the editors of the NYTimes are making new poor choices of words. Why, oh why, would the editors choose "apologists" when what they are detailing is more accurately described by the word "collaborators."
Ryan's "apology" for Trump is rooted in his collaboration with Trump. So, back to word choices? What is more true and fundamental? Apologist or Collaborator? In other words, Ryan is an apologist because he is a collaborator, he is not a collaborator because he is an apologist.
Why allow the myth to grow that there is a separation between Trump and his Republican party of collaborators? This is simply not true, and ultimately serves the political purposes of the Republican Party when they decide to file for a divorce.
3
Whose responsibility is it to shake the mud out of the doormats that are the House and the Senate?
For the answer, go to your bathroom, stand in front of the sink and look straight ahead.
For the answer, go to your bathroom, stand in front of the sink and look straight ahead.
4
It is sad indeed when a great nation forgets both its real history and its greatest literary traditions. It was 150 years ago that the great Oxford professor of logic Charles Dodgson introduced the original Donald J Trump in Alice through the Looking Glass. It seems the NYT editorial is as perplexed as Alice when confronted by today's Humpty Dumpty the President of the USA.
"When I use a word ," Humpty said in a rather scornful tone, "it means exactly what I choose it to mean --neither more nor less." " The question is" said Humpty,Dumpty "who is the master that's all."
America belongs to Donald J Trump and he decides what his words mean.
President Trump is simply following in the tradition of great sophists like Antonin Scalia and William F Buckley Jr.
America's constitution was not written in the language of or languages of lawyers which in 1776 were Latin, Greek,French and Hebrew it was written in plain simple English a new language which received its first dictionary in 1755.
Donald Trump is what happens when you forget Samuel Johnson and Lewis Carroll.
"When I use a word ," Humpty said in a rather scornful tone, "it means exactly what I choose it to mean --neither more nor less." " The question is" said Humpty,Dumpty "who is the master that's all."
America belongs to Donald J Trump and he decides what his words mean.
President Trump is simply following in the tradition of great sophists like Antonin Scalia and William F Buckley Jr.
America's constitution was not written in the language of or languages of lawyers which in 1776 were Latin, Greek,French and Hebrew it was written in plain simple English a new language which received its first dictionary in 1755.
Donald Trump is what happens when you forget Samuel Johnson and Lewis Carroll.
1
Wow, so let me see if I've got this straight: We, the majority of the American people, are supposed to sit here and "watch" as: 1) Trump destroys the country and the world with his ineptitude 2) A corrupt Congress and corrupt justice system "investigate" into whether or not Trump lied about his interactions with Comey (He did! Even a monkey could tell you that! It's all Trump does!) and whether Trump tried to obstruct justice (Of course he did!), and whether Trump's financial ties or other connections to Russia are influencing his or his cabinet's decisions (Please! Are we supposed to believe that no one in our vastly intrusive government has no access to Trump's tax returns or no deep knowledge of Trump's (or his administration's) financial connections? Really?) And on the other side, we're supposed to hope and pray (oh, hope and pray!) that some 18 year investigation determines into whether or not Trump obstructed justice while the GOP cuts corporate taxes to 5%, destroys Social Security, destroys Medicare, and shoves some bizarre campy Roger Stone propagandist non-reality down everyone's throat via news outlets like Fox? And what, our only "joy" is to read opinion articles in the Washington Post and NY Times and hope against hope, that someday, someday, 18 years from now, Trumpy and his gang will get a slap-on-the-wrist conviction and he'll "apologize" for destroying the millions of lives but maintain all of his wealth because he's just another untouchable?
1
I disagree. Comey revealed himself as incompetent. The only things he succeeded at were leaking to his Columbia friend and protecting Hillary. His revelation of Lynch's "matter" instruction was rather damning. I don't trust him, and I applaud Trump for eschewing the usual political fear in favor of firing Comey, who has proven to be the most inept FBI Director, perhaps ever.
1
People have forgotten that the collusion conspiracy theory was spawned by a fake dossier that described repulsive sex acts that Donald Trump allegedly engaged in during his 2013 visit to Moscow for the Miss Universe Pageant. Democrats claimed Russia was using the dossier to blackmail Trump, turning him into a “Manchurian candidate.” The former British M-16 who produced the dossier also wrote a memo that described clandestine meetings between Trump representative and Russian agents who discussed how to pay operatives to hack Democratic National Committee computer servers and cover up the cyberattack—a scenario seemingly lifted directly from the Watergate Scandal. Senator John McCain obtained the dossier and delivered it to FBI director James Comey. The dubious document is now dismissed as a fake probably planted by Russian intelligence agent, but for a time it was regarded as the “smoking gun” of the collusion conspiracy theory. No smoking gun evidence has surfaced to replace the debunked dossier. In fact, no evidence has surfaced that merits description as circumstantial evidence.
1
Dear Elected Republicans:
Stop making excuses for a 70 year old man who has been involved in more law suits than most people. Don't be fooled; he knows right from wrong. He has used and abused people most of his life and not taken responsibilty for his actions.
Why is the bar so low for this narcissistic man-child? Anyone else would have been hung out to dry.
SO please stand up, get a spine, and find your courage before the soul of America gets lost in Donald's new normal swamp, a swamp of epic proportions.
Stop making excuses for a 70 year old man who has been involved in more law suits than most people. Don't be fooled; he knows right from wrong. He has used and abused people most of his life and not taken responsibilty for his actions.
Why is the bar so low for this narcissistic man-child? Anyone else would have been hung out to dry.
SO please stand up, get a spine, and find your courage before the soul of America gets lost in Donald's new normal swamp, a swamp of epic proportions.
Actually, Senator Rubio's comment was on point - all the leaked information, true and untrue stories that were printed or broadcast about the FBI investigation somehow never touched on the point that they weren't investigating at the President. It points to Comey, his cronies, democrat staffers and others who have been whispering to the press is really an effort to create a false narrative of a broader probe that somehow involved the President.
1
The Republican Party is littered with amoral, valueless, unprincipled, smug, dangerous hacks who owe their employment to:
- a billionaire class intent on less regulations and lower taxes
- the fossil fuel industry intent on raping the earth for profit, and
- the NRA that wants all Americans 5 years of age and older to wear two guns around their waists as frequently as they do underwear.
With such clear conviction, they think nothing of excusing and defending the con man -- who is taking away our health care, undermining our democratic republic, and making America the great laughing stock of the world -- as long as he advances their perilous agenda.
- a billionaire class intent on less regulations and lower taxes
- the fossil fuel industry intent on raping the earth for profit, and
- the NRA that wants all Americans 5 years of age and older to wear two guns around their waists as frequently as they do underwear.
With such clear conviction, they think nothing of excusing and defending the con man -- who is taking away our health care, undermining our democratic republic, and making America the great laughing stock of the world -- as long as he advances their perilous agenda.
1
'Not steeped in the ways of Washington' is not an excuse. Paul Ryan is a spineless nitwit. The hypocrisy is breathtaking.
1
More like " Truth or Consequences ".
Republican leaders made a deal with the devil when they decided that they could utilize this bizarre presidency to attain their real goals. Unfortunately those goals are to enrich the wealthy at everyone else's expense and they are hard at work doing so while we are mesmerised by the freak show in the White House.
For some reason Americans have always loved a flamboyant con man and that at least does not appear to have changed in today's strange world of politics.
For some reason Americans have always loved a flamboyant con man and that at least does not appear to have changed in today's strange world of politics.
Mr. Trump is a rancid cancer on the nation. No matter what happens next, the damage is already so severe it is not certain the country will recover. And his supporters, who cling to willful ignorance ignorance like drowning rats, are as much to blame as he is.
1
Ironic that Republicans have now embraced the "hopey changey" philosophy, as in "I HOPE your will CHANGE your mind about that Russia thing."
The Republicans regard Trump as a autopen, a very valuable autopen.
The entire oath of office that Trump swore to is a new unknown totally foreign concept to him.
Christie's comment was an insult to New Yorkers. Any resemblance between Trump and a real New Yorker was repudiated when New Yorkers denied Trump a win in his home town.
The NYT has it wrong, again. And again, they have attempted to turn their own culpability, their own fault, into blame directed at others (a trick learned from the Clintons, no doubt). Not directed at Trump this time, but toward his 'apologists', a group to which they (and their choir herein present) would no doubt count me as member.
The NYT and the media in general got it wrong with their election predictions, they got it wrong with their collusion delusion, they got it wrong with their obstruction of justice narrative, they just keep on getting it wrong. Is it any wonder that the majority of Americans believe our 'news' to be unreliable at best, more likely fake, and containing deliberate falsehoods?
That Russia and/or others may wish or try to disrupt our electoral process is an important subject, it needs dealt with, but to try and link it to Trump every single step of the way is plain and simple stupid. It undermines the entire investigation and taints outcomes and actions- that does nobody any favors, and indeed, it is a disservice to our country.
It is clear the majority here are democrats. the election was a tough pill for you to swallow, and folks saying, 'get over it' doesn't help, but there comes a stage when you need to have honest debate amongst yourselves and put it to rest- you have not had that honest post mortem yet.
Move past hate as a unifying factor, that's just a short term feel good technique, and create anew. Americans await that change. Be honest.
The NYT and the media in general got it wrong with their election predictions, they got it wrong with their collusion delusion, they got it wrong with their obstruction of justice narrative, they just keep on getting it wrong. Is it any wonder that the majority of Americans believe our 'news' to be unreliable at best, more likely fake, and containing deliberate falsehoods?
That Russia and/or others may wish or try to disrupt our electoral process is an important subject, it needs dealt with, but to try and link it to Trump every single step of the way is plain and simple stupid. It undermines the entire investigation and taints outcomes and actions- that does nobody any favors, and indeed, it is a disservice to our country.
It is clear the majority here are democrats. the election was a tough pill for you to swallow, and folks saying, 'get over it' doesn't help, but there comes a stage when you need to have honest debate amongst yourselves and put it to rest- you have not had that honest post mortem yet.
Move past hate as a unifying factor, that's just a short term feel good technique, and create anew. Americans await that change. Be honest.
1
The Republican Party members can start solving this seemingly catch 22 by growing a backbone and denouncing this president as a danger to our democracy, most of the Américan people know that, only the fringes and most of the right wing media keep pushing this alternative facts. Really what is it going to take we have a president that everyday mops the floor with the American flag man up
Most people have to have experience to get any job in the market. His lack of knowledge of specifics can be overlooked if he doesn't know where to find the bathroom in the White House. Otherwise, he shoud not be learning on the job. The presidency is not the same thing as starring on reality TV. Oh wait, maybe it is now.
There are no excuses that suffice for voting for and apologizing for a mean-spirited, selfish, childish, totally incompetent and self-absorbed bully. He's been defended his entire career by well paid lawyers and employees. Please--the least thing thing The Golden Golem of Greatness could have done is read The Presidency for Dummies.
There are no excuses that suffice for voting for and apologizing for a mean-spirited, selfish, childish, totally incompetent and self-absorbed bully. He's been defended his entire career by well paid lawyers and employees. Please--the least thing thing The Golden Golem of Greatness could have done is read The Presidency for Dummies.
Every weekend we hear that the GOP is eager to move ahead with their legislative agenda.
Every weekend we hear that Trump has had another bad week, that he stepped on the GOP message, most times through his own tweets.
Last week was Trump's "infrastructure week". While difficult to seize that narrative due to the hearings, Trump and the GOP leadership declared victory and expressed eagerness to roll up their sleeves and move on to alleged big plans on health care, a tax bill, and infrastructure.
Today, 2 days later, Trump is tweeting about Comey.
Good luck GOP, there's no changing the leader of your party. He'll continue to take all of you down, one day at a time. And you'll all defend him as he drives the party into the ditch and over the cliff.
Every weekend we hear that Trump has had another bad week, that he stepped on the GOP message, most times through his own tweets.
Last week was Trump's "infrastructure week". While difficult to seize that narrative due to the hearings, Trump and the GOP leadership declared victory and expressed eagerness to roll up their sleeves and move on to alleged big plans on health care, a tax bill, and infrastructure.
Today, 2 days later, Trump is tweeting about Comey.
Good luck GOP, there's no changing the leader of your party. He'll continue to take all of you down, one day at a time. And you'll all defend him as he drives the party into the ditch and over the cliff.
1
What new president isn't new to the job or inexperienced...I guess it slipped Paul Ryan's and other anti-taxation Tea Party Republicans minds, who tell us cutting services like Medicare, Health insurance, Social Security and want to sell off public lands and infrastructure to private entities to make billions in personal profits,(that 'We the People" 'built and paid for in the past with tax dollars), is what it means to be truly "Free". In my opinion this is just another way "We the People" who have been paving and paying the way for private entities to hoard the wealth of our country. This is our wealth but we are told by the GOP we don't even deserve health care or anything in return after all our work and toll and life long financial investments. Cutting services and selling our infrastructure is the Biggest wealth redistribution ever in this country..all going to the top. Ryan also needs to remember that, "We the People"...continue to pay billions via tax dollars to provide every new US president with a team of advisors, lawyers, and staff to help him navigate the constitution and certain laws and norms...or yes Trump fired them all and installed Banana and the princeling. Shame on Paul Ryan for his utter contempt of Americans.
1
So, how about the GOP "strategy"? Are they playing three-dimensional chess and outsmarting us all? Or, are they clueless? (pretty sure it's the latter).
Their blind faith in "letting Trump be Trump" can't end well. The GOP is on course in outdoing the Deal-Maker-in-Chief in striking the worst deal of all time. Most deals strive for win-win. The GOP seems to be headed toward lose-lose-lose:
1. Lose their legislative agenda. The GOP will tolerate literally anything Trump does as long as he signs off on their long-desired conservative agenda. But with Trump's increasingly bizarre behavior and incompetence, and the "Russia thing" becoming more toxic by the day, nothing is going to get done amidst all the chaos.
2. Lose their elections. Republican policies are extremely unpopular, and so is Trump. Democrats are poised to take over the House in 2018; the Senate could also be at risk. And, what's the over-under on Trump running for re-election as an INCUMBENT in 2020?
3. Lose their integrity and credibility. Technically, this last item is not really a loss, because you can't lose something you never had.
Their blind faith in "letting Trump be Trump" can't end well. The GOP is on course in outdoing the Deal-Maker-in-Chief in striking the worst deal of all time. Most deals strive for win-win. The GOP seems to be headed toward lose-lose-lose:
1. Lose their legislative agenda. The GOP will tolerate literally anything Trump does as long as he signs off on their long-desired conservative agenda. But with Trump's increasingly bizarre behavior and incompetence, and the "Russia thing" becoming more toxic by the day, nothing is going to get done amidst all the chaos.
2. Lose their elections. Republican policies are extremely unpopular, and so is Trump. Democrats are poised to take over the House in 2018; the Senate could also be at risk. And, what's the over-under on Trump running for re-election as an INCUMBENT in 2020?
3. Lose their integrity and credibility. Technically, this last item is not really a loss, because you can't lose something you never had.
2
I'm sure that Republicans will apply Mitch McConnell's well-constructed qualities for candidates requiring Senate approval to Trump and his administration...
Or not... But certainly if Democrats achieve the White House again someday ...
Or not... But certainly if Democrats achieve the White House again someday ...
"Republican officeholders are in a quandary, ashamed of Mr. Trump but terrified that if they speak out his voters will send them packing in 2018. If they can fake respect for him long enough, they might manage to enact their agenda."
This Faustian bargain is what got Trump nominated in the first place. Instead of pandering to his voters, Republicans should shame them with integrity and spine.
Don't just look at Trump for travesty. According to this article, the Senate leadership is willing to sacrifice democratic process for realizing their agenda at any cost - the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.
This Faustian bargain is what got Trump nominated in the first place. Instead of pandering to his voters, Republicans should shame them with integrity and spine.
Don't just look at Trump for travesty. According to this article, the Senate leadership is willing to sacrifice democratic process for realizing their agenda at any cost - the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.
1
It should have occurred to Mr. Ryan that senility is much more plausible than inexperience, especially when dealing with a 70 year old man who sends nonsensical wee-hours tweets compulsively. If it's "inexperience," how long are we supposed to wait for Trump to finish on-the-job training, and where is he to get it when he won't take counsel from anyone?
1
I am sure that the Republicans in congress are delighted that president Pinocchio is keeping everyones attention riveted on his moronic antics while they are stealthily stripping health care from tens of millions of voters and ridding the banking system of those pesky regulations that protect the economy.
Ironically destroying the Affordable Care Act will dispropotionately affect the reddest states which provide the greatest level of support republicans and hence to their own detriment.
It is mystifying, to me, that voters support Republicans who not only do not represent their interests but act against them and seem intent on turning the United States into Guatamala.
It is no wonder the rest of the world looks at our country with a mix of wonder, pity and laugh out loud amusement at our attempts of political self-immolation.
Ironically destroying the Affordable Care Act will dispropotionately affect the reddest states which provide the greatest level of support republicans and hence to their own detriment.
It is mystifying, to me, that voters support Republicans who not only do not represent their interests but act against them and seem intent on turning the United States into Guatamala.
It is no wonder the rest of the world looks at our country with a mix of wonder, pity and laugh out loud amusement at our attempts of political self-immolation.
When and How will this madness end? And by whose hand - Congress, DOJ, SCOTUS, MSM? Without a doubt regardless of political affiliation we all know this is insane and unsustainable. Let it be done. We will be joyous to dive into untried territory rather than wallow in the current morass of queasy ethics and shadows of deceit.
Orange is the new grey: shades of criminality, indiscretion, ethical impropriety collapsed, one upon the other into a heap of unsavory communal self reflection. We are DJT - the sooner we recognize the wrongness of this choice, the better. Being wrong is not as bad as insisting on remaining wrong. Even those who never supported DJT, any absence of active resistance is complicit acceptance. For those who supported DJT, there is no shame in recognizing error, stand up and be heard.
Orange is the new grey: shades of criminality, indiscretion, ethical impropriety collapsed, one upon the other into a heap of unsavory communal self reflection. We are DJT - the sooner we recognize the wrongness of this choice, the better. Being wrong is not as bad as insisting on remaining wrong. Even those who never supported DJT, any absence of active resistance is complicit acceptance. For those who supported DJT, there is no shame in recognizing error, stand up and be heard.
The Republicans keep waiting for Donald to grow up, and the rest of us keep wondering when the Republicans are going to grow up.
Christie and Rubio are like abused wives looking adoringly at their tormentor. At least Rubio is getting the reversal of Obama policy on Cuba and, I will not say what that makes him. Bad word.
What I will say is that Trump apologists, not voters, are the real basket of deplorable. Sorry, Hillary. Sorry, Paul.
What I will say is that Trump apologists, not voters, are the real basket of deplorable. Sorry, Hillary. Sorry, Paul.
If Trump was serious about running for the presidency, he could have spent the previous 8 years learning more about the inttricacies of government rather than harrassing President Obama with silly and false claims.
Trump's loyalists are going to defend him up until the day he is charged with obstruction or some other impeachable offense. He was unsuitable to be President from day one, yet millions of people still support him, even after Comey's testimony. That is the big story - why does anyone believe Trump is good for America? With Trump's poll numbers hovering around 35% it seems the most plausible reason Paul Ryan still supports Trump is simply to keep a status quo so that legislation can be pushed through before the 2018 mid terms. That is a dangerous position to take, backing a loose canon like Trump, but I guess Ryan stupidly thinks he can succeed. I think Trump is so incompetent and looney he is going to take them all down. Great, good riddance to a bunch of Party over Country fools.
3
Failing empires do have one thing in common, that is bad government. The American empire has had bad government for decades now.
Republicans don't want to govern and want to discredit government. Now that the whole government has been given to them Trump is the only way to keep doing that.
2
Looks more like a dead end for angry accusers than an Olympics for Trump apologists. Talk is cheap, except when it comes to these hearings by Congress. What a waste of time and money! Congress and the media play these weary songs everyday while health care, highways, bridges, terminals and airports are in disrepair.
In other words, the country is in a race to see if the Republicans in Congress or Trump can destroy it first?
There are so many of them I'm loathe to point out one you didn't mention, but fell duty bound for my neighbors in New York. Congressman Chris Collins was interviewing with Chuck Todd of MSNBC the other. Todd asked Collins about the president's tweeting, and didn't that alarm him in regards to the president's chaotic interjections into the nation's forign policy. The tenor of Collin's response was that American's and everyone overseas shouldn't take his tweets at face value. Here was the president expressing himself without all the usual process and media. The president was reaching out to his base.
It never occurred to Collins that perhaps the POTUS should be a leader, not a cheerleader. Or perhaps he doesn't care or see the difference.
It never occurred to Collins that perhaps the POTUS should be a leader, not a cheerleader. Or perhaps he doesn't care or see the difference.
Yes, what a dilemma for the poor Republicans. So, so desperate to enact...something...that they're willing to sacrifice their dignity, their ethics, our system of checks and balances, our claims to be a country of laws, our moral standing in the world, our alliances, our belief in truth and facts.
A thought experiment for those who support Mr. Trump: What's too far? If gutter talk about women isn't enough, what is? If lying at the rate of five times a day isn't sufficient, what will it take? If interference in an active investigation isn't your break point, where is it?
I didn't vote for Mr. Trump, but resolved to give him a chance. It lasted through his second day in office when he made the profane and obscene visit to CIA headquarters. That was my breaking point.
What's yours?
A thought experiment for those who support Mr. Trump: What's too far? If gutter talk about women isn't enough, what is? If lying at the rate of five times a day isn't sufficient, what will it take? If interference in an active investigation isn't your break point, where is it?
I didn't vote for Mr. Trump, but resolved to give him a chance. It lasted through his second day in office when he made the profane and obscene visit to CIA headquarters. That was my breaking point.
What's yours?
At this point, excuses and condemnation don't matter. Trump will continue to be Trump and do what he does, the Republican's will continue to struggle to get their agenda out of the dumpster, the Democrats will continue to stir the pot and hope that Mr. Mueller's investigation continues into 2019 so they have a chance to take the House or Senate back before Pence becomes president. And we, the humble citizens, must continue to hope that the Republicans don't take away our health insurance, Trump doesn't get get us into another war and we don't have another economic melt down before the reality TV show in Washington comes to an end. In the evocative words of Willy Wonka, 'Grab your gizzards! We're going down!'
They Republicans are actively supporting the death of democracy. As long as they get their tax cuts for the super wealthy and can stop paying for social services, they are fine with having a dictatorship. And Trump's Brown Shirt Deplorables follow their Leader, who they are convinced can do no wrong. I am saddened by the death of my country.
There is some good news among all of this.
And that is, that tomorrow morning, next week, next month and next year, President Trump will still be in office. There is nothing that this editorial board can say or do that will change that.
The Democratic and Republican machines, and the entrenched bureaucrats, all want to be rid of him because he represents a direct threat to their way of doing business. Their co-conspirators in the journalism industry are working overtime trying to whip up resistance to trump.
It will all fail.
This, because those named above have betrayed the citizens of this nation, time and time again. The nation is fed up with them.
Trump is a true independent, the first to ever take this office. He owes no one in Washington.
The people who voted for Trump were well aware of his myriad personality flaws. But they were aware of Clnton's as well. The unions have finally figured out that the progressive Democrats have sold them down the river. Minority population have finally awakened to the fact that the Democrats who run the cities cynically ensure that ghettos persist.
The straw that broke the camel's back was Obama, not because of racism - that's a cheap mechanism to change the subject - but because his anti-American progressive agenda was anathema to hundreds of millions of hard working Americans.
So, the swamp will be drained. It's a long time coming, and it won't be stopped by the political machines and their media hacks.
1
"No man is a leader until his appointment is ratified in the minds and hearts of his men" - Anonymous, "The Infantry Journal”
Obviously, neither the House, Senate, or even his own "cabinet/administration" think Great Leader tRump is "their" Leader.
Obviously, neither the House, Senate, or even his own "cabinet/administration" think Great Leader tRump is "their" Leader.
Ryan's comments represent a shameful, ridiculous moment in American history. Hey, any excuse will do, right? Let's put a bandaid on cancer and call it wonderful.
Does anyone remember the relentless attacks on Obama? One criticism that was repeated a thousand times was that he had no executive experience prior to the White House. As a discussion point and a way to understand some of Obama's actions, it was a fair point, but fairness was never the issue. The idea was to undermine Obama and make him appear weak and amateurish. Now, Ryan defends Trump BECAUSE he is inexperienced? The mind reels. No, the brain collapses on the face of such outrageous capacity to try to bend reality to fit where it will not go.
We kinda like the idea that presidents know what they are doing, Paul Ryan. Only the weakest, inattentive minds among us are going to accept Trump's lack of everything presidential as a plus. He sold himself as the best, the most knowledgeable, the greatest. "I can be oh so presidential. Just watch." Now, you make excuses around the idea that he is, instead, a naive 70 yr. old boy in the White House? I suppose the moon really is green cheese and clouds are giant puffs of cotton floating by.
Having wallowed in mealymouthed half way endorsements of Trump and expressed occasional outrage at his outrageousness, the Republicans on Capitol Hill have been digging themselves a grave for well over a year. The only question is how soon the voters will tell them to lie down in it.
Does anyone remember the relentless attacks on Obama? One criticism that was repeated a thousand times was that he had no executive experience prior to the White House. As a discussion point and a way to understand some of Obama's actions, it was a fair point, but fairness was never the issue. The idea was to undermine Obama and make him appear weak and amateurish. Now, Ryan defends Trump BECAUSE he is inexperienced? The mind reels. No, the brain collapses on the face of such outrageous capacity to try to bend reality to fit where it will not go.
We kinda like the idea that presidents know what they are doing, Paul Ryan. Only the weakest, inattentive minds among us are going to accept Trump's lack of everything presidential as a plus. He sold himself as the best, the most knowledgeable, the greatest. "I can be oh so presidential. Just watch." Now, you make excuses around the idea that he is, instead, a naive 70 yr. old boy in the White House? I suppose the moon really is green cheese and clouds are giant puffs of cotton floating by.
Having wallowed in mealymouthed half way endorsements of Trump and expressed occasional outrage at his outrageousness, the Republicans on Capitol Hill have been digging themselves a grave for well over a year. The only question is how soon the voters will tell them to lie down in it.
1
Obviously Senator Risch has never worked for a corporate or government boss, the like of Henry Kissinger, e.g., who after a long meeting revealing a lot of loose ends, turns and says to his executive assistant, like I was as a young man, "I hope you can have the proposal for a solution on my desk by 9 to- morrow morn ing." Who would have understood this as the expression of a pious wish rather than an order, or else...?
Trump is the product not of "artificial intelligence", but rather "artificial ignorance." He has been programmed by fanatics, but like with any new technology there are many "bugs" to fix. Too bad for the manufacturers of this "trump" that it appears to have been launched as "beta" a bit too early and subject to many hacking vulnerabilities....
Every morning when I wake up and turn on the news and hear the words President Trump I have to remind myself that he actually won. Each and every day upon waking up is like the movie Groundhog Day.
1
Whenever a superior tells his/her underling "I hope" you can bet it's meant as an order. If your boss tells you he "hopes" you get up to date with your paperwork by the end of the week you know he expects it done by that time.
Ok well then no one tied Mr. Trump to the big cart that said ' Presidents get on this Big Cart' and dragged him along, bumpety bump bump. He did start saying he wanted to be president years and years ago. He may or may not have known the 'protocols', the rules, the law, the process. But by golly he really really wanted to be there. Where did he think he was going? To be Kubla Khan in Xanadu?
I have seen several examples of neophytes in government at all levels thinking that, once they are there, they can govern by edict. But one would think that somewhere down that long road to the presidency anyone at all would be utterly disabused of this pipe dream. I personally knew we were in for it in January when he told us all that the Affordable Care Act would be rescinded and then instantly replaced by a new, very very beautiful, perfect one, 'maybe next week.'
I have seen several examples of neophytes in government at all levels thinking that, once they are there, they can govern by edict. But one would think that somewhere down that long road to the presidency anyone at all would be utterly disabused of this pipe dream. I personally knew we were in for it in January when he told us all that the Affordable Care Act would be rescinded and then instantly replaced by a new, very very beautiful, perfect one, 'maybe next week.'
I am glad to see you are "covering" the awful laws Republicans are pushing toward the president's desk, at least in the last paragraph of your editorial. How about giving us some information about those major bills, hopefully before we all wake up and see this president signing them into law?
As an American with a family that soldiered in every war since WWI, what passes as leadership today is disgraceful. Excuses, lack of accountability, lies, personal attacks, no moral compass, and no respect for religious teachings of any faith seems to be what passes as leadership by the President, House and Senate leaders, the voters, and media supporting the same. We are better than this, we are Americans.
Rise up American Patriots, let your voice be heard, take a position and advocate like your children's future depended on it, because it does. We built America and much of the world on our soldiers' backs and blood, through everyone's hard work, respect for oneanother, deep thought, vision, integrity, and leadership. These are the values as kid I remember, and our heroes possessed them. We must continue this work toward a more perfect union, and the time for you and America is now!
Simply act for our COMMON AMERICAN VALUES and INTERESTS...
Rise up American Patriots, let your voice be heard, take a position and advocate like your children's future depended on it, because it does. We built America and much of the world on our soldiers' backs and blood, through everyone's hard work, respect for oneanother, deep thought, vision, integrity, and leadership. These are the values as kid I remember, and our heroes possessed them. We must continue this work toward a more perfect union, and the time for you and America is now!
Simply act for our COMMON AMERICAN VALUES and INTERESTS...
1
What I don't understand is why tweeting "crooked Hillary" six months after the election is over isn't "malicious defamation" on a massive Worldwide basis and the subject of a lawsuit for about $5 Billion.
The only way to get Trump to want to leave office, is if it costs him a big chuck of his personal fortune. Particularly since his only reason for staying seems to be multiply it yugely at tax payers expense.
The only way to get Trump to want to leave office, is if it costs him a big chuck of his personal fortune. Particularly since his only reason for staying seems to be multiply it yugely at tax payers expense.
1
The honest truth? Trump doesn't know any better. He is a legitimately ignorant man. Which is a compelling argument for removing him from office.
2
An example of when "I hope..." becomes a threat: "Nice car you have there. I hope nothing bad happens to it." Seems reasonable to me that Comey might view "I hope..." as a "direction" when it's coming from someone with greater power (e.g., his boss).
Impeachment IS a political process, and everybody can decide for themselves their subjective politics re high crimes and misdemeanors, blah-blah-blah.
My Georgia's 6th Congressional District result in 10 days will at least reveal where the voters politics are on June 20th.
Which is still fickleness, but what in reality isn't.
A poll this month shows the young Democrat has a nine point lead, and--knock wood--the hopefully depressed GOP politicians will have to project and evaluate what the voters are indicating.
Nine points is tangible, and if that figure actually holds, I predict President
Pence, whether from resignation or impeachment.
Otherwise, the political status quo limbo probably maintains.
Because Mueller's investigations likely will take many months, and the Congress will probably continue to be semi paralyzed until the elections of 2018.
If the Democrats do well enough in those elections, then imho there'll be
some changes made ... including ideologue President Pence.
But I am sad, pessimistic, too old, impatient, and sickened by our disgusting dysfunctional embarrassing political spectacle.
The voters chose so horribly on November 8th that whether DJT is fired or not, we'll continue diminishing every which way.
Sorry to post miserably.
My Georgia's 6th Congressional District result in 10 days will at least reveal where the voters politics are on June 20th.
Which is still fickleness, but what in reality isn't.
A poll this month shows the young Democrat has a nine point lead, and--knock wood--the hopefully depressed GOP politicians will have to project and evaluate what the voters are indicating.
Nine points is tangible, and if that figure actually holds, I predict President
Pence, whether from resignation or impeachment.
Otherwise, the political status quo limbo probably maintains.
Because Mueller's investigations likely will take many months, and the Congress will probably continue to be semi paralyzed until the elections of 2018.
If the Democrats do well enough in those elections, then imho there'll be
some changes made ... including ideologue President Pence.
But I am sad, pessimistic, too old, impatient, and sickened by our disgusting dysfunctional embarrassing political spectacle.
The voters chose so horribly on November 8th that whether DJT is fired or not, we'll continue diminishing every which way.
Sorry to post miserably.
1
Hey, Republicans: How's that "Hopey - Changey thing" going now?
It seems clear now that none of the Republicans are showing any signs of integrity, statesmanship, and maturity. What has become of that party? I'm embarrassed for you and for our nation.
It seems clear now that none of the Republicans are showing any signs of integrity, statesmanship, and maturity. What has become of that party? I'm embarrassed for you and for our nation.
3
Its called cowardice. Do the members of the GOP take an oath to defend their party at all costs; that supersedes their oath to defend the Constitution of the United States?
Well, here in the Reddest of all Red States, this won't change a thing. Even the Cowardly Lion, Jason Chaffetz --who has decided to bail early rather than finish out his elected term -- has derided Comey's testimony and come to the defense of the so-called president (it hurts to even write that word).
And yet, it won't change a thing in 2018. All 4 of Utah's congressional districts have been safely gerrymandering to ensure Republican victories. Our two senators are the worst excuses for people posing as "lawyers" (yes, that's you, Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee). Our governor makes Jimmy Walker look like a saint. And our local legislature is more concerned about pornography as a health issue than dealing with the actual health (mental and physical) of its residents, by its continual refusal to use Medicare in addition to the ACA.
And yet, it won't change a thing in 2018. All 4 of Utah's congressional districts have been safely gerrymandering to ensure Republican victories. Our two senators are the worst excuses for people posing as "lawyers" (yes, that's you, Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee). Our governor makes Jimmy Walker look like a saint. And our local legislature is more concerned about pornography as a health issue than dealing with the actual health (mental and physical) of its residents, by its continual refusal to use Medicare in addition to the ACA.
1
“he wasn’t steeped in the long-running protocols that establish the relationships between D.O.J., F.B.I. and White Houses.”
We have had several Presidents in my lifetime who were not steeped in the traditions of the Federal protocols. But they were smart enough to hire staffers who dis know how to navigate the arcana of Executive interactions with agencies.
Mr. Trump is steeped only in his own ego and that makes for one very bitter witch's brew of callousness and ignorance.
We have had several Presidents in my lifetime who were not steeped in the traditions of the Federal protocols. But they were smart enough to hire staffers who dis know how to navigate the arcana of Executive interactions with agencies.
Mr. Trump is steeped only in his own ego and that makes for one very bitter witch's brew of callousness and ignorance.
Hard to understand Republicans questioning why no one at the FBI did not "leak" that it was not investigating Mr. Trump.
If Trump was NOT being investigated there would be NO file, and no document to leak. Does the FBI have documents on people it is not investigating?
The point is that the White House wanted to use as the FBI as it PR firm ... to send out the message that Trump/Flynn connection, or anything about Trump and Russia hookers was not being investigated by the FBI at the time.
If Trump knows he has done nothing wrong, Why would he need such PR?
If Trump was NOT being investigated there would be NO file, and no document to leak. Does the FBI have documents on people it is not investigating?
The point is that the White House wanted to use as the FBI as it PR firm ... to send out the message that Trump/Flynn connection, or anything about Trump and Russia hookers was not being investigated by the FBI at the time.
If Trump knows he has done nothing wrong, Why would he need such PR?
It should be obvious, especially to the NYT itself, that the NYT and the press are being "played." Unfortunately the press appears to be falling for it. If they get you to focus on the Reality TV dramas that don't quite go anywhere (such as Comey vs. Trump), they can pass controversial bills on that same day while people are looking the other way. Then they can accuse the press of paying no attention to substantive achievments. This is a clever although quite diabolical strategy. Counteracting it will require a savvier approach from the Times, I'd say.
The Republicans can analyze, interpret, spin or twist Mr. Comey's words to their hearts' content, but Comey's most important audience wasn't even in the room.
Special investigator Mueller has a near-identical background (prosecutor and FBI director) to Mr. Comey, and coming from that same perspective, it's likely the Mueller heard every word exactly as Mr. Comey intended.
Special investigator Mueller has a near-identical background (prosecutor and FBI director) to Mr. Comey, and coming from that same perspective, it's likely the Mueller heard every word exactly as Mr. Comey intended.
Paul Ryan will be remembered by historians as the biggest coward in American political history. Republicans care about tax cuts for the wealthy, not attacks on our democracy from Russia...
One thing Ryan and the other GOP Trump excusers are right about: hardcore Trump voters are scary -- excitable, vindictive, resentful, ignorant, and scary, much like the man they elected.
“He’s just new to this,” says Ryan, rubbishing Trump's claim that “Nobody knows the system better than me.”
It's a remake of the Trumpcare face-plant, when Trump told everyone to “Watch @JudgeJeanine” so we could hear her say that nobody expected Trump's statement to be true (“No one expected a businessman to completely understand the nuances, the complicated ins and outs of Washington”).
Her message was that “Paul Ryan needs to step down as Speaker of the House,” but luckily for Trump, Ryan is still there today to offer Trump's ignorance and dishonesty as an excuse, again.
It's a remake of the Trumpcare face-plant, when Trump told everyone to “Watch @JudgeJeanine” so we could hear her say that nobody expected Trump's statement to be true (“No one expected a businessman to completely understand the nuances, the complicated ins and outs of Washington”).
Her message was that “Paul Ryan needs to step down as Speaker of the House,” but luckily for Trump, Ryan is still there today to offer Trump's ignorance and dishonesty as an excuse, again.
Another example of the empty headedness of the Republican whiz kid, Paul Ryan. He talks like he speaks: by the numbers.
Looking at Trump's fourth grade speaking level, his complete lack of integrity, his ADD, his complete lack of any sense of decorum, complete lack of empathy or morality...why is he not pushing a shopping cart with all his belongings, slugging down fortified wine? He would be way over his head as the head of a local PTA. The only people I know that has a personality like his are in institutions, or should be. So, so strange.
None of it matters: it's the Presidency! We deserve better!
Our Presidency is clothed in immense power and responsibility - and has the resources to help him. He has an Attorney General, General Counsel, and staff - many with Law backgrounds. The US President is the most plugged in person in the world... deliberately so.
If Trump is too inexperienced to proceed with such resources, he should be removed under the 25th Amendment.
If his people are too inexperienced to help such an inexperienced man - same response. The nation's needs come first 24/7!
However, we already know the answer. Trump knows the Law in this area. It became an issue more than once in the campaign. As Trump would say: "I have dealt with the Law all my life. Nobody knows the Law more than me!"
The real problem is: even if Trump dies not know, he openly, proudly, repeatedly declares he will not be governed by others! He also seems to be functionally illiterate: He Will Not Read Anything! This is a hard rule with him. Therefore, one Bitter Truth emerges:
Trump knows nothing at all, and proudly, willfully refuses to learn! The Presidency is his Toy, his Kingship, his Private Money-Maker... and he will do entirely as he pleases! Pathological inexperience tied to pathological refusal to abate ignorance is an immediate Deal-Breaker in any job! The employee would be, must be terminated!
As Trump himself says, "You're Fired!"
Our Presidency is clothed in immense power and responsibility - and has the resources to help him. He has an Attorney General, General Counsel, and staff - many with Law backgrounds. The US President is the most plugged in person in the world... deliberately so.
If Trump is too inexperienced to proceed with such resources, he should be removed under the 25th Amendment.
If his people are too inexperienced to help such an inexperienced man - same response. The nation's needs come first 24/7!
However, we already know the answer. Trump knows the Law in this area. It became an issue more than once in the campaign. As Trump would say: "I have dealt with the Law all my life. Nobody knows the Law more than me!"
The real problem is: even if Trump dies not know, he openly, proudly, repeatedly declares he will not be governed by others! He also seems to be functionally illiterate: He Will Not Read Anything! This is a hard rule with him. Therefore, one Bitter Truth emerges:
Trump knows nothing at all, and proudly, willfully refuses to learn! The Presidency is his Toy, his Kingship, his Private Money-Maker... and he will do entirely as he pleases! Pathological inexperience tied to pathological refusal to abate ignorance is an immediate Deal-Breaker in any job! The employee would be, must be terminated!
As Trump himself says, "You're Fired!"
If Don the Con "wasn't steeped in the long-running protocols" then why did he tell the AG, this Chief of Staff and, sigh, his little son-in-law to leave the Oval Office before he pressed Comey? The action, and Speaker Ryan's explanation of it, frankly stink of political rot at the highest levels.
We have had more than enough time to watch Trump exhibit what most of us already knew: he is astonishingly ignorant, egomaniacal, dishonest, unethical, and quite likely mentally ill. He is damaging the nation at an astonishing rate. History will hold complicit all members of Congress who continue to support him in any damage he causes from this point on.
Pressed on his absurd comment about Mr. Trump’s inexperience, Mr. Ryan admitted, “I’m not saying it’s an acceptable excuse.”
No, it is worse. No one forced ("wished"?) Trump to run for president; once he made that decision it was his RESPONSIBILITY to learn how the government worked in advance of the inauguration! His statement about learning on the job has proved that Ryan's goofy grin is truly the expression of a total imbecile.
No, it is worse. No one forced ("wished"?) Trump to run for president; once he made that decision it was his RESPONSIBILITY to learn how the government worked in advance of the inauguration! His statement about learning on the job has proved that Ryan's goofy grin is truly the expression of a total imbecile.
These strong and straight shooting leaders excuse this situation to trump's, (the President), inexperience as a politician? Worse than lying to your Country, you're lying to yourselves. You excuse a supposedly mature 70 year old "Incredibly Successful Business Man" for exercising less common sense than a 7th grade public school student. If it didn't flash through trump's brain that emptying the room and asking Sessions and Kushner to leave the office so he could be alone with the FBI Director was a stupid thing to do, that alone is scary. Also scary is these Men of the People defending it because of inexperience. It's like a thief defending himself for being caught committing a crime by saying he was new to it. Laughable.
I prefer the October 2016 Paul Ryan when he announced that he had had enough of Mr. Trump and would no longer defend him.
170
I assume you mean, you prefer that type of statement from Ryan.
But even with that statement, Ryan is still bad news. Such a hypocrite!
But even with that statement, Ryan is still bad news. Such a hypocrite!
1
"We've gotta protect our phony baloney jobs!" Mel Brooks.
1
Athough it is a virtual certainty that Trump had the tapes of his conversations with Comey
destroyed a long time ago, there had to have been staff members at the White House who aided him in doing so.
These are people that Mr. Mueller should now talk to.
destroyed a long time ago, there had to have been staff members at the White House who aided him in doing so.
These are people that Mr. Mueller should now talk to.
11
"Thursday, the House passed a bill rolling back Wall Street rules aimed at preventing another financial crisis."
This should have got more media coverage than it did.
This should have got more media coverage than it did.
23
Too many in the MSM running around with their hair on fire over Trump's tweets. The MSM fails to understand we dislike basically all politicians. Trump is not alone. We're not too crazy about the MSM either.
Ryan et al are using the controversies surrounding the President to skulk around in the background and do their dirty deeds. At the same time they are supporting Trump in the name of their almighty agenda. They are not patriots and appear to have some outrageous idea that our country is completely impervious to their stunning lack of leadership and their moral betrayal of the citizens of our nation. Without doubt they are traitors one and all.
"There was a day when Republicans like Mr. Ryan derided President Barack Obama as inexperienced."
So politicians are also hypocrites. That is hardly news or surprising.
“What people don’t understand is that they elected an outsider president,” offered the governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, still an apologist despite the abuse he has taken from Mr. Trump."
So politicians are also masochists if they think that it will help them survive politically. Not much new here.
"Republican officeholders are in a quandary, ashamed of Mr. Trump but terrified that if they speak out his voters will send them packing in 2018."
So politicians are cowards. I would have never known.
So politicians are also hypocrites. That is hardly news or surprising.
“What people don’t understand is that they elected an outsider president,” offered the governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, still an apologist despite the abuse he has taken from Mr. Trump."
So politicians are also masochists if they think that it will help them survive politically. Not much new here.
"Republican officeholders are in a quandary, ashamed of Mr. Trump but terrified that if they speak out his voters will send them packing in 2018."
So politicians are cowards. I would have never known.
7
This may be repetitive - didn't have time to read all. The "he's a newbie to all this" just doesn't hack it. Consider his 70 years on Earth, his considerable legal entanglements, his 'buddy-buddy' relationship with politicos (e.g. Christie) that should suffice to give him an inkling of how government works. But the real issue is - he has few if any close to him who know anything about the intricacies of domestic, let alone global, 'inner workings', diplomacy, etc. Consider a 38-year old real estate guy, CEOs of major 'for-profit' corporations and international bankers whose interests in the legal world revolve around keeping just inside the law to maximize profits, etc. Even if he has some with governmental experience, both 'Washingtonian' and global, it's often said he neither listens nor follows any advice contrary to his thought for the moment - which, as we've seen, change diametrically from moment to moment.
I can only hope, at 73, I last long enough to see my country back on an even keel and remaining/regaining its position as a global leader - despite our shortcomings but desires to overcome them.
Hmmm - I have 270 more characters - oh well - save them for another time!!
Best regards to all
RCG
I can only hope, at 73, I last long enough to see my country back on an even keel and remaining/regaining its position as a global leader - despite our shortcomings but desires to overcome them.
Hmmm - I have 270 more characters - oh well - save them for another time!!
Best regards to all
RCG
9
It's laughable to see Republicans twisting themselves into knots in trying to justify Trump's actions, but they're not very good contortionists and I hope they will end up with severe back pain. I also hope Trump is impeached for abuse of power. I very strongly hope so. Get the message, GOP?
10
Ryan, Rubio, Risch, a disingenuous trio if there ever was one.
Trump, using Soprano Speak, clearly told Comey to give Flynn a pass and forget the Trump family financial relationships to Putin's oligarchy and Putin's attack on our election process.
And when Comey stood up to him, Trump 'fed him to the fishes'.
Just because Trump was using a vernacular, they act like he didn't say and do what he clearly intended!
I'm surprised, these people aren't that naive or stupid, and one would hope they had enough integrity to accept the actual truth, even if it is painful.
Trump, using Soprano Speak, clearly told Comey to give Flynn a pass and forget the Trump family financial relationships to Putin's oligarchy and Putin's attack on our election process.
And when Comey stood up to him, Trump 'fed him to the fishes'.
Just because Trump was using a vernacular, they act like he didn't say and do what he clearly intended!
I'm surprised, these people aren't that naive or stupid, and one would hope they had enough integrity to accept the actual truth, even if it is painful.
4
If the Russians are subverting our democratic processes it is only because the republicans have been trying to do the same thing since Paul Weyrich laid out the fact that when more people vote the less likely the republicans are to win. What does the republican party care about democracy? How many have tried to remedy the tragedy of the Supreme Court's rulings on the Voting Rights Act? None. That people have fought and died for the right to vote should actually be changed to that we fought for the right of rich people to make more money. Why bother with platitudes when there are none left. The shining city on the hill seems to be nothing more than the pile of money under the richest in this country while the rest of us are consigned to at the shantytown at the edge of the garbage dump.
5
There is a distinct, unsubtle difference between a reason and an excuse. The GOP offers nothing but excuses. As has been their habit, and for decades.
The GOP are best at lying, and worst at governing. Unfortunately, many American cannot tell the difference.
The GOP are best at lying, and worst at governing. Unfortunately, many American cannot tell the difference.
7
From my husband (whose favorite descriptive for the GOP is 'craven'); "What's the evidence that they are ashamed?"
7
The are uncapable of being ashamed about anything.
And when he pushes 'the button', will that, too, be inexperience ?
Giddy with the prospects of delivering to their minority base of autocratic billionaires policies, laws and realities that are the anti-thesis of modern global leadership, they will do ANYTHING, allow ANYTHING, sell their souls for a trifle...
To avoid a national and a world-wide catastrophe, those of us who believe in integrity, intelligence, and honest, constructive discourse MUST DESTROY THE G.O.P..... it is the enemy of a livable future.
Giddy with the prospects of delivering to their minority base of autocratic billionaires policies, laws and realities that are the anti-thesis of modern global leadership, they will do ANYTHING, allow ANYTHING, sell their souls for a trifle...
To avoid a national and a world-wide catastrophe, those of us who believe in integrity, intelligence, and honest, constructive discourse MUST DESTROY THE G.O.P..... it is the enemy of a livable future.
9
Every word here: True.
1
The "cloud" is going to hang over the WH for some time. Republicans would be wise to forswear Trump now. Otherwise, the key issue in the 2018 midterms will be stopping Trump: by returning Congress to Democratic control and initiating impeachment proceedings. That will stop the Republican agenda, whether or not Trump survives.
1
It is, indeed, a tangled web Trump has woven. Deception and lies on a day to day basis, with many (not all) Republican Congressmen caught up in the mess, trying to appease the Fox News crowd as they make-up lame excuses for their leader. In doing so, they have abandoned the morals that used to temper their party's policies.
How low will they go? I begin to look at them the same way I look at priests who molest young boys. How, as leaders of our country, do they reconcile their actions with the positions they hold and what they are supposed to represent? How do they look themselves in the mirror? Even the fine art of rationalization seems to be a wild stretch.
How low will they go? I begin to look at them the same way I look at priests who molest young boys. How, as leaders of our country, do they reconcile their actions with the positions they hold and what they are supposed to represent? How do they look themselves in the mirror? Even the fine art of rationalization seems to be a wild stretch.
4
Still not clear on how, exactly, it can be said that Mr. Comey "leaked" anything. He GAVE his own personal notes to a go-between and asked him to take it to the press - but they were HIS notes, and they were not in any way "classified". No leak. Tired of Trump's "fake news" and pathetic excuses.
9
I'm a democrat, but it was painful to watch Marco "Little Marco" Rubio and John "They Caught Him" McCain, both eager to protect a president who had defamed them, firing minimizing and incoherent questions to the former FBI Director. Comey may have refused the mantle of Captain Courageous, but these two cowardly crusaders could rightly claim the titles of Captain Feckless and his sidekick, the Notorious Craven. How truly sad to see John McCain's career end this way. He had a chance to be an American hero one more time, but, if he is to be believed, he chose viewing a late-night baseball game over the salvation of our democracy. Rubio has joined Chris Christie in the "thank you sir, may I have another" club. How absurd that many of us long for the good old days of George W. Bush, and his father seems almost saintly now. Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio? Is there no republican senator or representative who will say the emperor has no clothes?
8
The Board has created an exquisite, cutting and exact sentence: "With these impressive bits of casuistry, Mr. Ryan has become the unofficial leader of the Trump Excuses Caucus." Wonderful ! And it says as much about Ryan as about Trump. Thanks, Board !
2
Regarding Christie (and paraphrasing his own words), ""What you are seeing is [governor] who is now very publicly learning about the way people react to what happens when he "suggested" (no fingerprints though) closing of Washington Bridge lanes for traffic study, and what he considered to be normal in New Jersey."
Christie's approval rating with New Jersey voters is at 17 percent, the worst approval rating for any governor in memory that was set in 1977 by Byrne.
One can only hope that Trump's popularity will match that of his New Jersey sidekick.
Christie's approval rating with New Jersey voters is at 17 percent, the worst approval rating for any governor in memory that was set in 1977 by Byrne.
One can only hope that Trump's popularity will match that of his New Jersey sidekick.
4
Do bathrooms in Congress contain large full length mirrors where Trump supporters can get a good look at themselves? If not, I'd like to see them installed.
2
President Trump will most likely be a lame duck after 2018 mid terms, and while all the palace intrigue is better than the best reality show EVER, I urge the NYT to report and editorialize equally on what the GOP is doing quietly in the background, like evoking a rule so that Trumpcare hearings don't happen, or that Dodd frank is being repealed, because these have potentially long lasting damages.
2
When I read the words "strutted around," the image of Benito Mussolini popped into my head. There are similarities, but that's irrelevant. We are in day 142 of the Trump administration. We have a Special Counsel conducting an investigation, and at least two Grand Juries issuing subpoenas. We have both Senate and House Intelligence committees investigating the Trump campaign. We have the Senate Judiciary committee likely taking up the question of whether the President attempted to obstruct justice. This in the space of five months.
I believe in America. I respect the Constitution and the rule of law. But Donald Trump is not only unqualified to be President, he demeans the office. I believe he is also an existential threat to my country, and needs to be removed from the Presidency as soon as possible.
I believe in America. I respect the Constitution and the rule of law. But Donald Trump is not only unqualified to be President, he demeans the office. I believe he is also an existential threat to my country, and needs to be removed from the Presidency as soon as possible.
7
Paul Ryan's comments could be used to forward the 25th amendment. He just said that fake forty five is not competent to serve.
2
It really shocks me and millions of true patriots of this country unlike the totally fake Republican members of congress that the fact that Putin Russia since the June of last year took ful control of our electoral system which is becoming more clear everyday.
Yes, it's really a darn shame most of the Republicans are defending Trump and condemning the fact that our staunchest enemy for the last 70 years Russia or the Soviet Union as it was called then, did interfere in our electoral system by hacking into not only Hillary's computers but as well as into the D.N.C. Headquarters and most of the down ballot Dem candidates' computers all over the country to make most of them lose almost all the elections and thus giving the Republicans total control of not only the W.H. but the majority of seats in the U.S. Congress in DC and most of the state houses,Governor's Mansions, City Councils and what not.
So now we know why these bunch of traitors of our country sitting in the isle of our Congress where the Republicans sit are so apologists about the whole saga of Trump's possible collusion with the same foreign entity against whom we fought so many shadow wars and also all our children did "Nuclear Disaster Drills' and we built thousands of 'Nuclear Fallout Shelters' all over the country with the total approvals from the Republicans who hated Russia more than the Dem members.
Now the same Republicans are trying to play down the Russian invasion of of our sovereignty.
Shame on them.
Yes, it's really a darn shame most of the Republicans are defending Trump and condemning the fact that our staunchest enemy for the last 70 years Russia or the Soviet Union as it was called then, did interfere in our electoral system by hacking into not only Hillary's computers but as well as into the D.N.C. Headquarters and most of the down ballot Dem candidates' computers all over the country to make most of them lose almost all the elections and thus giving the Republicans total control of not only the W.H. but the majority of seats in the U.S. Congress in DC and most of the state houses,Governor's Mansions, City Councils and what not.
So now we know why these bunch of traitors of our country sitting in the isle of our Congress where the Republicans sit are so apologists about the whole saga of Trump's possible collusion with the same foreign entity against whom we fought so many shadow wars and also all our children did "Nuclear Disaster Drills' and we built thousands of 'Nuclear Fallout Shelters' all over the country with the total approvals from the Republicans who hated Russia more than the Dem members.
Now the same Republicans are trying to play down the Russian invasion of of our sovereignty.
Shame on them.
2
There may be talk of needing that sort of loyalty in those parts of NYC familiar to Mr. Christie and trump, but most of us are blessedly unfamiliar with them. My NYC is the hole of the Philharmonic, the Met Opera, the Whitney, Rockefeller Center, and the open-air market at Broadway and 175th St. Back rooms where corrupt real estate deals are hammered (or extorted) out, are not part of my orbit.
1
The ironic "no brainer" here, from my perspective, is that if instead of these shameless republicans making excuses for Trump, they insisted on the truth, they'd come out smelling like roses. Why? Becuase God help us, if Trump's impeached they'll get to stay in power and we'll be stuck with (GULP) Pense or Ryan at the helm.
One of his apologists hilariously said that Trump wasn't asking Comey for loyalty to him, but to Country.
1
Republicans wouldn't have to worry quite so much about Trump voters costing them this next elections, if they hadn't gerrymandered themselves into districts that are so blatantly unrepresentative.
1
All this shows is that our democracy is flawed. We need a new philosopher to show us a new form of democracy.
With those comments, it has become evident to me that Mr. Ryan was never a member of his high school debate team. Arrogance and ignorance rarely holds up in court.... the one of public opinion.
2
The idea that you learn on the job and that should serve as an excuse for crimes like obstruction of justice is absurd. As pointed out, a standard insult of President Obama was that he lacked experience although he taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago, served as state senator and then as U.S. Senator.
For Trump , it's some conflation of "Everything I need to know, I learned in kindergarten "and "The Presidency for Dummies".
The refusal of the Republican Party to condemn anything Trump does debases the presidency and delegitimizes the GOP as a major party. It is becoming a fringe group somewhere between the Birchers and the white supremacists .
Bringing honor and dignity back to the White House was a previous slogan. Now it is bringing corruption and lies into the White House with love from Russia.
For Trump , it's some conflation of "Everything I need to know, I learned in kindergarten "and "The Presidency for Dummies".
The refusal of the Republican Party to condemn anything Trump does debases the presidency and delegitimizes the GOP as a major party. It is becoming a fringe group somewhere between the Birchers and the white supremacists .
Bringing honor and dignity back to the White House was a previous slogan. Now it is bringing corruption and lies into the White House with love from Russia.
1
The fact that Ryan casually participated in a cynical dialogue regarding trump-putin exchange, says it all. Google it using words like 'transcript Ryan McCarthy Rodgers". It tells you what Ryan knew and when he knew it. Extrapolate this complicit republican intelligence from there to where we are today.
Governor Christie certainly knows New York and its “normal conversation” better than I since I live on the West Coast. However, my daughter–in-law and her family are from New York and they are polite, dignified, and thoughtful.
Years ago, before anyone thought of Mr. Trump as running for office---any office---he displayed a rude and crude character that at first was shocking and then just tiresome. I know there are “persistent New York characters” just like we have “laid-back California types.” I cannot imagine that New York, a city I enjoy for its wonders and culture, is over-populated with Mr. Trump’s boorish personality.
Years ago, before anyone thought of Mr. Trump as running for office---any office---he displayed a rude and crude character that at first was shocking and then just tiresome. I know there are “persistent New York characters” just like we have “laid-back California types.” I cannot imagine that New York, a city I enjoy for its wonders and culture, is over-populated with Mr. Trump’s boorish personality.
1
It is so frustrating to listen to these republicans .... I just had to turn off the TV because Susan Collins was rattling on trying to rationalize Trump's behavior. If the republicans would only use a fraction of that energy in challenging Trump to take a position on Russia and to be involved with Russian interference. it would be refreshing. Do they know how truly awful they are? They are totally spineless and we have a president who needs "baby gates" in the White House because he's like an impulsive 2 year old. Of course, he should have NEVER become president.
1
Before Sessions, Kushner and others left Trump and Comey alone together, Sessions must have instructed Trump to use the word "hope" in phrasing his order to let the Flynn ivestigation go. Just in case it got public. He probably wasn't sure Trump would keep to the script. That's why he lingered. Now they are using that "insurance policy" in defending Trump.
Newt Gingrich, America's favorite politician steadfastly defends the self inflicted wounds and forced errors attributed to the President. The television talk shows, radio and print abound with Gingrich appearances and commentary. All this despite a recent Salon article that eloquently describes the former House Speaker. "Newt Gingrich, who has latched onto President Donald Trump’s world like a 4-foot lamprey grasping onto an unlucky human in a Kurt Vonnegut story."
1
And this "experience excuse" from Paul Ryan is even more dismaying considering this spineless man attacked President Obama repeatedly over his lack of experience. Hypocrisy is the hallmark of politicians, but Republicans have perfected this approach, demeaning this country for far too long.
3
Ryan, et al, should just be honest and give the true reason they continue to back this charlatan who they know if completely unfit to be president: "Because he's a Republican, and we put our party before everything else, including the country."
1
@Virginia: Another unfair criticism of Trump coming from a liberal elitist--no offense intended,--living in the poshest place in America.Why is the c-in-c a charlatan, a fraud, a hum bug.? He has his B.A. from Wharton, U. of Penn, and can prove it. He claims to be a master builder and one has only to look at number of golf courses, hotels, spas throughout the world, including the crown jewel, TRUMP PLAZA, which carry the Trump logo and name to see that he never says more than he has done.For first time we have a c-in-c with a useful skill--he's a builder--as opposed to his predecessors whose fuzzy liberal arts backgrounds plus a J.D. were not productive of anything. When did Obama and his predecessors ever build anything?Give credit where credit is due!.
Issues more important than c-in-c's interaction with Mr. Comey, who , it bears repeating, comes off as a snitch, and in words of George VI, no one likes a snitch. Fascinating exchange between Sen. BURR and Comey: Both agreed Russia meddled in our political system, but could not provide a scintilla of evidence. Neither speaks Russian or ever bothered to learn language or culture which language is an expression of. Like Obama, portrayed as capable of making educated decisions re ME yet whose Arabic never got beyond the Arabic of the kitchen, and likewise for Farsi, 2 lingua francas most spoken throughout the region.Time we stopped electing cultural illiterates to the WH,and I include Bush in that category. .Trump is a builder, his "metier," his saving grace and a definite asset. Who better to handle repair of our decaying infrastructure than he? EB should admit this is one skill The Donald brings to the table. Give credit where credit is due.Kerfuffle over who said what to whom, endless parsing of words, hot air without a shred of evidence is a distraction from what should be our main concern, security in Old Blighty, our closest ally, hit by 3 terrorist attacks in less than 3 months.Hundreds have lost lives;more have suffered serious injuries in Europe and Little England in short period of time.But Times newspaper does not appear worried, prefers to focus on Comey story about which most Americans could not care less.
Trump has proven one thing; America has many adults in the room. The security apparatus has adults. The Justice Department has adults. The Excuse Caucus notwithstanding, congress has adults on both sides of the aisle. And our free press rooms - thank goodness - have adults Educated, experienced, patriotic...adults. So while Trump gets politically potty trained by Mr Ryan, America keeps on chugging along. Thank you adults...and so sorry for the mess.
The Republicans legitimized all this chaos when they allowed Trump to become their nominee last summer. They didn't offer the American public any apologies for their horrendous candidate then; they're certainly not going to condemn his tantrums, boorishness and ineptitude now that he's president. They still feel they can put through their nasty agenda by letting him 'play president' while they
gut the social safety net, trash the economy, reverse seventy years of careful diplomacy, and condemn us to pariah status in the eyes of the world. Where is the present Republican office holder who will stand up and say enough? If one is out there, than he or she is keeping awfully quiet. Shame on the GOP.
gut the social safety net, trash the economy, reverse seventy years of careful diplomacy, and condemn us to pariah status in the eyes of the world. Where is the present Republican office holder who will stand up and say enough? If one is out there, than he or she is keeping awfully quiet. Shame on the GOP.
1
While some may concede that Trump is ignorant of even the most essential duties (like enforcing the law), who really believes he's learning anything? He can't stop lying, can't quit twitter, hasn't filled positions and hasn't learned policy. Trump hasn't improved since at least the campaign if not 1970, and in his mind, why should he? We rewarded the dishonest ignoramus with the highest office in the land just for being himself.
2
So ignorance of the law implies innocence? Is this a principle that applies only to the president? Only to Republican presidents? To people more generally?
1
Trump is good at a few things. One of them is skating to the very edge of plausible deniability, as he did with his attempted strong-arming of Comey.
1
Well, we will never be able to say, "He's just new to this" about Paul Ryan. Eight years of railing against the ACA and those endless attempts at repeal and what was their plan? Nonexistent and then Trumpcare, which to quote a certain someone, is a "disaster."
American carnage, celebrated by the GOP team in the Rose Garden with laughter.
American carnage, celebrated by the GOP team in the Rose Garden with laughter.
1
Donald Trump only cares about himself. He does not care one whit
about the responsibilities of the high office to which he was {unfortunately} elected. My father had saying, "excuses, crutches &
alibis" which certainly apply to Trump. There is no excuse for his total
lack of respect & concern for the prerequisites of being POTUS. His crutch
is his vanity & his overwhelming desire for approval and to always be right.
His alibi is that he is being himself. Those in the Republican Party
who use this to sneak legislation that will benefit only their masters
are without honor. The Oval office is not a place for a man child
to have childish fits of peek. Apparently even Bush 43 understood
this. I recently read that Trump has had no communication with former
POTUS Obama. When Obama was withdrawing troops he called former
POTUS Bush 43 as a courtesy to inform him of his decision. Trump is
too immature to act in that manner. There is no excuse for that under
any circumstances. I am fairly certain that no matter how the Trump
administration ends I doubt that any future POTUS will call upon Trump
for advice. Of course if Trump were called as a courtesy to inform them
of a decision that would reserve a Trump policy he would probably
begin boasting of tremendous electoral victory and the historic crowds
present at the 2017 swearing in ceremony.
about the responsibilities of the high office to which he was {unfortunately} elected. My father had saying, "excuses, crutches &
alibis" which certainly apply to Trump. There is no excuse for his total
lack of respect & concern for the prerequisites of being POTUS. His crutch
is his vanity & his overwhelming desire for approval and to always be right.
His alibi is that he is being himself. Those in the Republican Party
who use this to sneak legislation that will benefit only their masters
are without honor. The Oval office is not a place for a man child
to have childish fits of peek. Apparently even Bush 43 understood
this. I recently read that Trump has had no communication with former
POTUS Obama. When Obama was withdrawing troops he called former
POTUS Bush 43 as a courtesy to inform him of his decision. Trump is
too immature to act in that manner. There is no excuse for that under
any circumstances. I am fairly certain that no matter how the Trump
administration ends I doubt that any future POTUS will call upon Trump
for advice. Of course if Trump were called as a courtesy to inform them
of a decision that would reserve a Trump policy he would probably
begin boasting of tremendous electoral victory and the historic crowds
present at the 2017 swearing in ceremony.
There seem to be 2 kinds of Trump supporters:
1. Those that really believe in him, for whatever reason
2. Conservatives that hope he will sign the conservative laws that cross his desk and appoint conservative judges
1. Those that really believe in him, for whatever reason
2. Conservatives that hope he will sign the conservative laws that cross his desk and appoint conservative judges
too generous to ascribe real thoughts to Trump rather than recognize that he is fed talking points.
Trump is adept at nothing except distraction to worm his way out of things so cringe-worthy it would make a recluse of a normal person, we saw this during the campaign, the republicans owned up to it and to a man distanced themselves from him, anyone but Trump was their litany, they made no excuses for him, he was pariah, yet now they love him. Something wrong with a system where elected officials lack moral conviction and put it on display as if it was part of the job description of being elected to public office. These are the same people who are rolling back legislation designed to prevent another 2008, taking away the safety net from those who need it the most, giving the rich tax breaks... the electorate needs to get it together and start kicking tail and taking names.
9
If it were not so critical to the rest of us, it might be fun viewing the troubles the GOP in congress have negotiating between the demands of their big money owners and their fear of upsetting Trump voters.
1
Why are the Republicans in Congress so dismissive of their constituents? If Trump is polling in the 30's, his base cannot bail him out.
6
Of course, Trump's actions were unethical. Why does the President invite the Director of the FBI to a private dinner during his first 10 days in office while the FBI is investigating the President's staff? If President Trump wanted anything other than to improperly pressure FBI Director Comey he would have called him to a proper meeting with witnesses, staff paperwork and a formal record of the conversation. 'Dealmaker' Trump wasn't trying to find a new dinner buddy. He was trying to condition the FBI Director's job on making public statements affirming Trump's innocence and looking the other way on Flynn's crimes. All of Trump's closest staff have had such loyalty tests. General McMaster and the others who have kowtowed to Trump's lies didn't trash their credibility voluntarily.
4
Every morning I awake to another lie, scandal, obstruction event or slight to our allies. Republican excuses for Trump and Congress now operating from behind closed doors has set the bar so low that if Ted Bundy ran on a Republican ticket he'd get elected. It continues to amaze me that the Trump Train Zombies are not just putting their party before their country, but are doing it with total transparency and could care less about the rule of law, something they claim to revere along with the Constitution which only applies when it fits their narrative. Another article in today's NYT addresses the country being a nation of Xanax. Could it be that the country is so filled with anxiety that those who still believe in our integrity require Xanax just to get through each day? Can anyone tell me if America is Great again? Trump and the Republicans have done nothing, not one thing to improve the country's condition, which wasn't too bad under the former administration and president who was intelligent, articulate, thoughtful, forward thinking and a decent man that actually cared about the country in spite of eight years of Republican lies and obstruction. Trump and Republicans don't care if the Russians hijacked our election as long as they remain in power and can continue to undermine democracy. This is the worst administration and president in the history of our country.
I'd like to continue but need to take my anxiety medication now.
I'd like to continue but need to take my anxiety medication now.
8
Republicans are not in a "quandary" about Trump. They're using the opportunity created by Trump's chaos as a great smokescreen for their attacks on the environment, public education, health care, democracy, equity and stability in the world. (Unfortunately, this list is illustrative and not exhaustive.) Cutting taxes on the rich and privatizing the nation's infrastructure are higher priorities then protecting the free world against Russian aggression. Trump could still shoot somebody on Fifth Avenue without consequences and the Republicans will not reign him in unless that offers additional distractions while they tear down democracy and economic mobility. If this comment sounds hostile, it is because democracy is under attack and need to wake up.
6
Its laughable when senators and congressmen seem to have common sense when their party is not in power, strangely though it would seem their common sense disappears as soon as the party comes into power. I'm liberal minded and had a good opinion of Paul Ryan. That opinion has since changed just like his common sense has seemly evaporated! A business mogul, 70 plus years of age and you want to excuse his actions. Defending the reprehensible is not a position its stupidity...
5
Marco Rubio, with his usual stellar political instincts, decides to cosy up to Trump just as everyone is else backing away. Figures.
He still has a long way to go, though, before he debases himself to the degree of Ryan and Christie. Trump is like a bad smell that's attached himself to them and can never be washed way. They all stick to high heaven.
He still has a long way to go, though, before he debases himself to the degree of Ryan and Christie. Trump is like a bad smell that's attached himself to them and can never be washed way. They all stick to high heaven.
1
I suppose it is just a waste of time to teach my children to not lie. I suppose I must also be wasting my time when I tell me children to be kind to the child that has no friends because they are different. I now need to teach my children the American truth which is they should lie if it suits their needs. They should ostracize that kid that is different. And next time they see someone in need, they should just walk by, give the needy person a swift kick and tell them to get a job if they want to go to the doctor. If I were the parent of any of those Republican Senators and Congressman making apologies for the class bully, I would be terribly embarrassed and heartbroken that my parenting had failed. .
4
"Some Republicans, like the committee chairman, Richard Burr, appear to be taking the president’s transgressions far more seriously."
As a North Carolinian, I can promise you that "appear to be" is the operative phrase here. One thing you can say about Burr is that he is very well attuned to appearances. If our country is now having to rely on the likes of Richard Burr to be some sort of ethical compass to be positioned against his own party, we are in even more trouble than you think.
As a North Carolinian, I can promise you that "appear to be" is the operative phrase here. One thing you can say about Burr is that he is very well attuned to appearances. If our country is now having to rely on the likes of Richard Burr to be some sort of ethical compass to be positioned against his own party, we are in even more trouble than you think.
4
Ryan claiming Trump's "inexperience" is a foretaste of the legal defense that Trump will assert when he is charged for his crimes, that is the defense of "I did not know what I was doing." By making that claim, Trump will seek to avoid the criminal "intent" requirement of federal criminal statutes, which is a substantial standard. It may be the first time you will see Trump claim that he was too stupid to know.
1
Republicans are attempting to gaslight us, manipulating to instill doubt about our collective perception of reality.
But we know Trump is well versed on the legal system, having been involved in thousands of lawsuits. Even the Florida newspaper called out Rubio on it. It's too obvious.
What Paul Ryan said was positively insulting to any listener's intelligence. Any time a member of the House or Senate speak, it should be with the gravitas of the office. Ryan implied Trump was too ignorant to comprehend the impact of his conversations with Comey. A simply outrageous offering of excuses.
Republicans at the Comey hearing treated Senator Kamala Harris of California with contempt. Meanwhile, she's an accomplished attorney who served as the Attorney General of California. They interrupted her then shut down her line of questioning. In fact, female Democrats were routinely interrupted by male Senate Republicans.
But we know Trump is well versed on the legal system, having been involved in thousands of lawsuits. Even the Florida newspaper called out Rubio on it. It's too obvious.
What Paul Ryan said was positively insulting to any listener's intelligence. Any time a member of the House or Senate speak, it should be with the gravitas of the office. Ryan implied Trump was too ignorant to comprehend the impact of his conversations with Comey. A simply outrageous offering of excuses.
Republicans at the Comey hearing treated Senator Kamala Harris of California with contempt. Meanwhile, she's an accomplished attorney who served as the Attorney General of California. They interrupted her then shut down her line of questioning. In fact, female Democrats were routinely interrupted by male Senate Republicans.
4
Republicans, having anointed themselves the party of God and implying that any GOP candidate would have Jesus as a running mate, were in a bit of a quandary with candidate Trump. What to do? Enter James Dobson, a Republican religious authority figure to make the asinine declaration that Trump was a "baby Christian".
Now, we have Paul Ryan essentially declaring that Trump is a "baby President". Behold the depths of desperation Republicans and the conservative movement have descended to. Incredible. Off the charts.
Now, we have Paul Ryan essentially declaring that Trump is a "baby President". Behold the depths of desperation Republicans and the conservative movement have descended to. Incredible. Off the charts.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is ... where? A tad too late, the press has finally stepped up to the plate, calling out the Trump train for its outrages loudly and articulately. A few individual Democrats have spoken up, although I'm not sure for what.
This, despite the fat, juicy hanging pitches coming over the plate just aching to be crushed out of the ballpark, but the Democrats seem content to keep taking called 3rd strikes when they're not squabbling among themselves in their dugout.
In the face of its self-induced political crisis, the nation has no visionary image to inspire it. It's bad and badder.
This, despite the fat, juicy hanging pitches coming over the plate just aching to be crushed out of the ballpark, but the Democrats seem content to keep taking called 3rd strikes when they're not squabbling among themselves in their dugout.
In the face of its self-induced political crisis, the nation has no visionary image to inspire it. It's bad and badder.
2
If I ever need heart surgery (God forbid), should I accept the excuse "He's just new at this" from a nurse explaining to my family why things didn't go as expected? It's scary to think this might be the new norm for incompetence.
2
It may be the Olympics for Republican apologists but it is bait and switch for the Democrats. While Democrats vent over President Trump's behavior, Republicans are planning and passing legislation that damages the country usually to benefit the richest among us. Instead of keeping the pressure and attention on health care where the Republicans will eventually produce a compromise bill which will get agreed upon after negotiations with the house, Democrats are focused on the game show called Trumpism.
Wake up, folks, you are about to get rolled again. You may think it will help in the next election but the citizens that will be really affected need your help now.
Wake up, folks, you are about to get rolled again. You may think it will help in the next election but the citizens that will be really affected need your help now.
2
The Republicans have a horrible, malicious agenda. And they thought (like so many other malicious people) they could do a deal with the devil to get it through. But the devil is not as easy to control as they thought. He never is.
We've got to hold each and every one of them, from Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell on down, responsible for both the malicious agenda and for the horror of Trump. And yes, I include each and every Trump voter in that.
We've got to hold each and every one of them, from Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell on down, responsible for both the malicious agenda and for the horror of Trump. And yes, I include each and every Trump voter in that.
1
Paul Ryan continues to show why everyone in the United States should be worried that he is third in line to the oval office. He has little empathy for the plight of so many in the United States with his horrible healthcare plan. The idea that we are going to peel back the great achievement of the Affordable Healthcare Act, the elimination of pre-existing conditions shows that this fool from Wisconsin is bought and paid for by the insurance industry. When I look at the line of succession Rex Tillerson at number five is the most palatable.
2
Here is reality for Trump supporters they refuse to admit:
1) He's incompetent and unable to handle the job of POTUS. Those who didn't vote for him have been vindicated that voting for him would have been a mistake.
2) Very unlikely there wasn't something going on between Russia's interfering with our election and Trump's campaign. Why would he be try so hard to stop an investigation if there was nothing to worry about? Why did so many not disclose contact with Russia? Why is Trump not going after Russia for interfering with our elections?
3) There is a strong case that Trump interfered with an investigation into his administration's possible collusion with Russia.
1) He's incompetent and unable to handle the job of POTUS. Those who didn't vote for him have been vindicated that voting for him would have been a mistake.
2) Very unlikely there wasn't something going on between Russia's interfering with our election and Trump's campaign. Why would he be try so hard to stop an investigation if there was nothing to worry about? Why did so many not disclose contact with Russia? Why is Trump not going after Russia for interfering with our elections?
3) There is a strong case that Trump interfered with an investigation into his administration's possible collusion with Russia.
As soon as all vestiges of healthcare for people who can't afford it is done away with to support tax cuts for rich people, who have so much money they don't know what to do with, the Republicans will be silently cheering the Democrat led impeachment of Donald Trump.
2
It's fairly obvious these weak-kneed Republicans are afraid to death of the "Don". Like the God Father he rules them with fear and intimidation. While knowing they may be risking their credibility, and whatever good name they may have, by supporting Trump, they nevertheless fear his ruthlessness when it comes to payback if they dare cross him. Their final calculation is that even if they lose their credibility and career by supporting Trump and all his lies and shenanigans, they believe he will take care of them in the end. If not, then there's always a spot as a Fox News host waiting for them. Have they found O'Reilly's replacement yet?
Paul Ryan says that Trump is new to the whole President thing, so we should cut him some slack. Really? How often have we heard over the years that ignorance of the law is no excuse, and that defense isn't considered valid? Try it in court and see what happens!
As for parsing the hope comment, it's like many people are saying. "Nice business you have there. Hope nothing bad happens to it.". Sounds like the NY mob.....and Trump reportedly has done a lot of business with those guys over the years.
As for parsing the hope comment, it's like many people are saying. "Nice business you have there. Hope nothing bad happens to it.". Sounds like the NY mob.....and Trump reportedly has done a lot of business with those guys over the years.
1
Trump creates mega-distractions galore so Ryan, McConnell and their band of cronies can grab the taxpayer's wallet (Among other thing, Dodd-Frank is being eviscerated . Remember the banking crisis that caused it ?)
This is how pickpockets operate.
This is how pickpockets operate.
2
Trump is not new to this. He has been buying and selling politicians for decades. He even claimed to be the ultimate know-it-all and was the only one who could fix everything.
Hey Ryan, shouldn't we at least take away "Commander-in-Chief" from him - until he get a little more experience - he is new to that too. How about restricting access to the nuclear codes - he's new to that too and my leak them to his comrades. He even tends to go vindictively nuclear when he doesn't get his way.
Trump got one thing right - about the "pledge allegiance" to the Trump when answering a question about LOYALTY instead.
"I hope" from a person in power is entirely different from the meaning of a person without power saying "I hope."
"I hope" they will not take away our health care coverage, and give the billions saved to those who hope to profit of the misery of their fellow citizens.
Hey Ryan, shouldn't we at least take away "Commander-in-Chief" from him - until he get a little more experience - he is new to that too. How about restricting access to the nuclear codes - he's new to that too and my leak them to his comrades. He even tends to go vindictively nuclear when he doesn't get his way.
Trump got one thing right - about the "pledge allegiance" to the Trump when answering a question about LOYALTY instead.
"I hope" from a person in power is entirely different from the meaning of a person without power saying "I hope."
"I hope" they will not take away our health care coverage, and give the billions saved to those who hope to profit of the misery of their fellow citizens.
Remember, Trump is an expert conman. He's 70 years old and has been 'working' people most of his adult life. He plays on honest people's morality spinning his web, asking for loyalty, then he sticking it to them when they're not. Nothing matters to him but power and money and he'll say anything to get it. I believe he is truly heartless, a fine despot, which seems to be what his followers enjoy.
It would be sweet for all the people he has swindled, lied to, insulted, and for me and others who feel he is a joke, a yuge waste of our time and tax dollars, to see justice served. I hope i live long enough.
It would be sweet for all the people he has swindled, lied to, insulted, and for me and others who feel he is a joke, a yuge waste of our time and tax dollars, to see justice served. I hope i live long enough.
Mr. Trump claimed that he knew how to deal with politicians in Washington from his long experience bribing public officials. Apparently, he only knows how to deal with the crooked ones, and it’s telling that it is entirely Republicans that are supporting him.
If Trump wasn't experienced enough to be President why did the Republican Party support him during the primary process? What exactly were they expecting would happen if he got elected? It was obvious from Trump's long term behavior that he was not someone who could be controlled.
There cannot be any excuses made by career politicians like Ryan or McConnell for Trump. Perhaps the Republicans can resurrect the old Know Nothing Party name. My mail man had to pass a test for his federal job. Sam just brings me bills and packages. Trump has the nuclear codes. NO excuses please for this incompetent and ignorant President.
There cannot be any excuses made by career politicians like Ryan or McConnell for Trump. Perhaps the Republicans can resurrect the old Know Nothing Party name. My mail man had to pass a test for his federal job. Sam just brings me bills and packages. Trump has the nuclear codes. NO excuses please for this incompetent and ignorant President.
2
Trumps apologists should consider that their loyalty will not be reciprocated. Also consider, what will they do when the GOP primaries are hacked by the Russians? They are on a very slippery slope.
So, today we have even a more inept presidency.
Read the June, 2017, issue of THE NEW REPUBLIC and cry: It's
available on the internet in some version btw.
Michael Tomaskey's explanation of why left liberals are not beloved by enough folks ain't bad.
We're not united culturally enough, and that's our harsh fact.
What amazes me is that even the Pope's endorsement of the Paris environmental accord doesn't seemingly sway enough Catholics.
I notice pundit Charles Krauthammer actually agrees with DJT's nutty/justified non-conforming hang-out.
And then the opinionated psychiatrist Dr. CK seriously admonishes DJT's twitter non-brilliance, such as the nasty feud with London's Muslim mayor.
In the next 3 1/2 years what more damage to civilization shall he further accomplish?
I still like my own perfectly semi lame idea of Trump developed Peoples Resorts in North Korea.
Slot machines and golf are almost preferable to war.
Whatta we got to lose