Donald Trump is anti-Semitic in the way that many gentiles are anti-Semitic: passively, dismissively, unquestioningly accepting of stereotypes (in fact seeing some slurs as compliments, as with the supposed talent for negotiation) while insisting that they are NOT anti-Semitic because some member of their family is married to a Jew, for god's sake!
97
I am feeling overwhelmed today. By everything.
57
I think this is the quote you needed for your opening: 'They have a saying in Chicago: "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."'
Goldfinger, by Ian Fleming
Donald Trump is the enemy of the American people. There is nothing good that will ever come from his installation by Putin and the confused, weak response to this by the Democrats. The nation I knew is dead. I do not believe in political violence, but let us hope that a non-violent purge occurs to clean this nation of the cancer, or to build a new one from the ashes of the stinking, rotting corpse that currently occupies the land between Canada and Mexico. Until then, we are all to blame for every last insult to this nation that will follow.
Goldfinger, by Ian Fleming
Donald Trump is the enemy of the American people. There is nothing good that will ever come from his installation by Putin and the confused, weak response to this by the Democrats. The nation I knew is dead. I do not believe in political violence, but let us hope that a non-violent purge occurs to clean this nation of the cancer, or to build a new one from the ashes of the stinking, rotting corpse that currently occupies the land between Canada and Mexico. Until then, we are all to blame for every last insult to this nation that will follow.
76
which is it? offending or ignoring? in a column of opinion, shouldn't yours be clear?
patterns are established by actions or events, but the are perceived according to the perceiving agent and its (his/her) position or point of view.
trump is apparently, from this point of view, (rather a satellite photo than a close up), given to carelessness in his words and behavior across a wider spectrum, one that has included but is far from confined to jews.
his remarks about women and a room full of "negotiators," as examples, are the marks of common biases still with us but far more present in the upbringing of past generations.
you are on the mark when you say "...his blunders when it comes to Jews speak volumes about his limitations as a person" which may be "liabilities as a president," but then, all of our presidents have been afflicted thus, their conduct inflected by their liabilities, imperfections, if you will, as well as talents.
the hope is that, through education, ivy or land grant, we can come to terms with both, the discovery/development of our talents and the moderation of our liabilities...alas, even the once-liberal arts are drifting right, rather toward utility than enlightenment.
so, more likely more of the same than not...perhaps the op-ed community can push back some...help illuminate a path toward more "deliberate" (to borrow from today's celebration of thoreau's effort)
ways of conduct.
patterns are established by actions or events, but the are perceived according to the perceiving agent and its (his/her) position or point of view.
trump is apparently, from this point of view, (rather a satellite photo than a close up), given to carelessness in his words and behavior across a wider spectrum, one that has included but is far from confined to jews.
his remarks about women and a room full of "negotiators," as examples, are the marks of common biases still with us but far more present in the upbringing of past generations.
you are on the mark when you say "...his blunders when it comes to Jews speak volumes about his limitations as a person" which may be "liabilities as a president," but then, all of our presidents have been afflicted thus, their conduct inflected by their liabilities, imperfections, if you will, as well as talents.
the hope is that, through education, ivy or land grant, we can come to terms with both, the discovery/development of our talents and the moderation of our liabilities...alas, even the once-liberal arts are drifting right, rather toward utility than enlightenment.
so, more likely more of the same than not...perhaps the op-ed community can push back some...help illuminate a path toward more "deliberate" (to borrow from today's celebration of thoreau's effort)
ways of conduct.
6
This column is not close to tough enough on Trump. He is indeed Homophobic and anti-Semitic. Those of us who have been around before all this hatred went underground, can see his type from a mile away. He may not be actively promoting this hatred but it is there under the surface. No doubt in my mind.
52
Based on the identity of his advisers, his lawyers, indeed of his family, it takes a twisted interpretation to proclaim that this man is anti-Semitic. It is clear that throughout his life he has depended on advice and counsel from legal and financial experts who are Jews. His grandchild is a Jew. His beloved daughter converted to Judaism to marry the man she loved...with his apparent full support. Claiming he is anti-Semitic because he hit different time measurements on some ADL checklist is absolutely absurd.
46
I am sorry, but not everything, all the time is about "the Jews".
The world is a much bigger and much more varied place and this self-isolating group of people, living on the anectodal evidence of some religious dogma can at best be a curiosity, but nothing more.
The world is a much bigger and much more varied place and this self-isolating group of people, living on the anectodal evidence of some religious dogma can at best be a curiosity, but nothing more.
29
"Why Does Donald Trump Keep Dissing Jews?" Because the coalition that put him in power includes those who dislike Jews. I just hope he pays them a favor before leaving!
23
The point may have been missed:
It doesn't matter what Trump thinks himself as far as Jews and Jewish affairs go. It doesn't matter that his son-in-law is a practicing Jew. What matters is that this presidency is clearly anti-Semitic in subtle but clear ways that mirror troubling stirrings in Europe. Whether it's Bannon's associations, or Spicer's disgusting blunders at the podium (Holocaust centers, "Hitler" -- really Germany -- didn't use chemical weapons on "their own people" (boy, did you get a pass on that one from most quarters), or Trump's callous, slovenly disrespect, it comes down to the same thing: they are themselves anti-Semitic or they are using anti-Semitism as a weapon.
Bruni lacks passion on the subject.
It doesn't matter what Trump thinks himself as far as Jews and Jewish affairs go. It doesn't matter that his son-in-law is a practicing Jew. What matters is that this presidency is clearly anti-Semitic in subtle but clear ways that mirror troubling stirrings in Europe. Whether it's Bannon's associations, or Spicer's disgusting blunders at the podium (Holocaust centers, "Hitler" -- really Germany -- didn't use chemical weapons on "their own people" (boy, did you get a pass on that one from most quarters), or Trump's callous, slovenly disrespect, it comes down to the same thing: they are themselves anti-Semitic or they are using anti-Semitism as a weapon.
Bruni lacks passion on the subject.
63
To quote Netanyahu, it is time to put this to rest.
When you are not complaining about Trumps opinion of Jews, you are complaining about the power and responsibility he has designated to his devoutly Jewish son-in-law. Trumps beloved daughter Ivanka--insert your snark here--converted to Judaism, and is raising the presidents grandchild to be an observant Jew.
Do you really believe Trump has a problem with any of this? Honestly?
I know Netanyahu is not much more popular than Trump in these pages. But I think an Israeli Prime Minister--any Israeli Prime Minister--likely knows antisemitism when he sees it. Netanyahu in particular has never been shy about it.
But he doesn't see it in Trump. If that cannot influence you, then you are beyond the help of reason.
When you are not complaining about Trumps opinion of Jews, you are complaining about the power and responsibility he has designated to his devoutly Jewish son-in-law. Trumps beloved daughter Ivanka--insert your snark here--converted to Judaism, and is raising the presidents grandchild to be an observant Jew.
Do you really believe Trump has a problem with any of this? Honestly?
I know Netanyahu is not much more popular than Trump in these pages. But I think an Israeli Prime Minister--any Israeli Prime Minister--likely knows antisemitism when he sees it. Netanyahu in particular has never been shy about it.
But he doesn't see it in Trump. If that cannot influence you, then you are beyond the help of reason.
46
"It is a great honor to be here with all of my friends — so amazing & will never forget!”
"I am the least anti-Semitic person that you’ve ever seen in your entire life!”
Such a sophomoric and shallow - no, empty person. No breadth, no depth.
So to those of his remaining supporters who do understand that and who feel pride in our country, I'd ask: What specific, applicable and concrete strengths do you think he brings to the job and how in any way is he benefitting the nation?
"I am the least anti-Semitic person that you’ve ever seen in your entire life!”
Such a sophomoric and shallow - no, empty person. No breadth, no depth.
So to those of his remaining supporters who do understand that and who feel pride in our country, I'd ask: What specific, applicable and concrete strengths do you think he brings to the job and how in any way is he benefitting the nation?
83
Although Trump is clearly anti-semitic, money trumps prejudice, selectively. Jared is amazingly rich and so, Jared is OK. And Ivanka's conversion so that she could marry Jared? It coheres with Trump's sexism. Sad.
45
Trump is not qualified to be president. He does not understand the job and he's not growing into it. The anti-Semite directing his actions abroad and his insensitivity at home and putting words in his mouth is Steve Bannon. Bannon pretty overtly demonstrates loyalty to the alt-right by playing Trump. One could ask the question, why do the Kushners (Jared and Ivanka) choose to ignore these insults to Jews? Are they so money-motivated that basking in the glow of the father/father-in-law takes precedence over self-respect and caring for others? Sadly, it seems so.
46
It seems simple enough. Trump went to Israel and was really-really bored with the plain legislative décor and the "dress down" politicians. Then he went to Saudi Arabia where they projected his face on a building and gave him a sword to dance with and put him up in a palace -- wow! now that is class! So Republican Jews in America need to put on the dog for him at the most garish Trump hotel they can find. Project his face on the exterior wall but with great hair. Case closed, problem solved.
32
Trump is 'Disser'. Period. He disses everyone and Jews are no exception. He just hates everyone. His hate permeates every religion - Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism. At least, he has not dissed Israel as a Country but the people of Israel and their sentiment about symbols, very dear and important to them? That's altogether a different matter. He is devoid of any sensitivity, crass, without morals or respect for anyone different for himself. Maybe it's his lack of knowledge but then, he is Trump who wants to stay ignorant. No excuse for that!
9
Isn’t anybody embarrassed over twice citing this example? As you may remember and I remember, but Frank Bruni and his editors apparently don’t remember, two people have since been arrested for these bomb threats: a black leftist journalist and a Jewish Israeli man.
It’s a lot easier to remember facts like that when you possess a concept in your mind called Hate Hoaxes. Concepts are tremendous tools for possessing knowledge. Without concepts, facts are little more than random noise. A named concept like Hate Hoaxes is even more useful.
It’s a lot easier to remember facts like that when you possess a concept in your mind called Hate Hoaxes. Concepts are tremendous tools for possessing knowledge. Without concepts, facts are little more than random noise. A named concept like Hate Hoaxes is even more useful.
21
to Beth
that speech in Warsaw was written for him.who knows if he read it before read it. his alliance with putn does not speak well for Jews.
that speech in Warsaw was written for him.who knows if he read it before read it. his alliance with putn does not speak well for Jews.
17
Thankfully, Jews all over the world are not like the ultra-orthodox leaders of Israel.. who have caused a lot of negative sentiment.
18
If this ain't the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what is. I can only LOL at the hipocracy of the left.
19
Yair Rosenberg's tweet on Trumps's comment on his visit to Yad Vashem capture's the man's intelligence and depth perefectly. Trump's rhetoric is based on language that is used to cover an empty shell: "Sad." "Tremendous." "Marvelous."
His statements are meaningless except as an effective diversion from his failures and the damage caused by his actions.,
His statements are meaningless except as an effective diversion from his failures and the damage caused by his actions.,
52
With each passing day it becomes more clear that this man is motivated only by adulation. Because of that we are stuck with a far right agenda because it is the far right that has courted him and pledged their undying support. I was shocked to read that Ivanka first checks his campaign promises before offering advice. Since he delivered "global warming is a hoax" to his rabid supporters, guess that means she didn't push him very hard on Paris. Since trump lacks knowledge of history, policy, and common human decency, interest groups must learn to beg and grovel for his attention.
22
Trump under attack as he praises NHS care
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11789000/Trum...
The irony is that people who favor single payer were so busy attacking Trump that they did not notice he could be an ally.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11789000/Trum...
The irony is that people who favor single payer were so busy attacking Trump that they did not notice he could be an ally.
5
I haven't read every comment here - someone else may have picked this up - but Trump's remark during International Holocaust Memorial Day rang bells for me - that millions of people who weren’t Jewish died in the Holocaust and by refusing to single out Jews as particular victims he's somehow being more inclusive. This exactly mirrors the historic official Russian position. The USSR and it's successor state has always accepted that there was a Holocaust, but has never officially acknowledged that Jews were the particular victims, instead referring to the deaths of heroic Soviet citizens and "others" in the death camps. Trump is at least being true to himself in agreeing with the Russian line, perhaps inadvertently, but it grates to suddenly notice the concordance between Russia and the US Presidency, and the terrible tone deafness.
56
Trump ‘knows’, correctly or not, he’s no anti-Semite, and part of his platform is being beholden to no one, especially the politically correct. He’s certainly correct he’s not a classic anti-Semite, but he does stereotype; perhaps stereotyping everyone means being unbiased.
He’s an equal opportunity offender, generally. We visit memorials not to honor the dead – they’re dead, after all – but to placate the power of the living. Presidents linger at Yad Vashem because American Jews are powerful, and don’t visit shrines to Ottoman atrocities because Armenians are not. Trump thinks he’s doing a fine thing by defying those powers, yet his clumsy carelessness makes it seem only peculiar.
Placating or defying power is a choice, and if it offends those who rely on that power – Jews, for one, feel their power is a needed bulwark against renewed persecution –, some explanation is appropriate. A decision to snub a monarch by not bowing or wearing a royal color, for example, needs a basis in American or at least Enlightenment principles. Merely snubbing only offends, and so does harm without any good.
He’s an equal opportunity offender, generally. We visit memorials not to honor the dead – they’re dead, after all – but to placate the power of the living. Presidents linger at Yad Vashem because American Jews are powerful, and don’t visit shrines to Ottoman atrocities because Armenians are not. Trump thinks he’s doing a fine thing by defying those powers, yet his clumsy carelessness makes it seem only peculiar.
Placating or defying power is a choice, and if it offends those who rely on that power – Jews, for one, feel their power is a needed bulwark against renewed persecution –, some explanation is appropriate. A decision to snub a monarch by not bowing or wearing a royal color, for example, needs a basis in American or at least Enlightenment principles. Merely snubbing only offends, and so does harm without any good.
17
Trump is so ignorant, he doesn't have a true compassionate bone in his body. We know what his values are about, so none of his empty statements surprises me. I'm sure he's been squashed by real estate people in NYC, who are often Jewish, so whatever he says about Jewish people and culture is pandering to real estate power (like his son in law) to lay groundwork for future deals. He absolutely has no couth or decorum, nor understanding of history nor the resonance of public statements that are made by a POTUS.
14
God, I can't wait until this waste of humanity exits the stage. And it will happen. Death, physical or political, happens to us all and he's especially on the fast track of both ways. The trick is to maintain my hope. sanity, love of country, and rapidly diminishing tolerance of the part of the country that put him there in the first place.
40
I completely agree with Frank's column, but it is worth noting that because Trump's narcissism is what defines him, it also means that there's no hope that he'll ever treat sub-groups any better. When you combine narcissism with a lack of cultural or intellectual sophistication, you get the worst possible combination of traits for the office which Trump now holds.
18
Ivanka sat in Trump's chair on the Sabbath!
Bad enough, a daughter!
But worth Sabbath Breaking? If you're Observant?
My irritation with this whole family is only growing.
Bad enough, a daughter!
But worth Sabbath Breaking? If you're Observant?
My irritation with this whole family is only growing.
32
Trump's shortcomings have been well documented. To keep repeating them will
eventually numb us all to the point of shrugging our shoulders and accepting his
faults as 'just Donald' and allow him to continue destroying whatever we have left of the U.S.A. It's time to move on from re-pointing out his shortcomings and
move toward ridding ourselves (and the rest of the world) of this 'whack job' of a
President.
eventually numb us all to the point of shrugging our shoulders and accepting his
faults as 'just Donald' and allow him to continue destroying whatever we have left of the U.S.A. It's time to move on from re-pointing out his shortcomings and
move toward ridding ourselves (and the rest of the world) of this 'whack job' of a
President.
14
with friends like these, who needs enemies?
8
Trump has no historical perspective on anything and no empathy for anyone to whom he is not connected directly.
His dissing of Jews is glaring because he can relate to those of them he knows personally -- family members, business associates, lawyers -- but shows no understanding or interest in jews as a people.
His speech at AIPAC was a perfect example: he said what that audience wanted to hear when he read the speech that was written for him but then insulted them when he used his own words.
The lack of compassion for anything out of the immediate Trump world is just one of many reasons he's not fit for the presidency.
His dissing of Jews is glaring because he can relate to those of them he knows personally -- family members, business associates, lawyers -- but shows no understanding or interest in jews as a people.
His speech at AIPAC was a perfect example: he said what that audience wanted to hear when he read the speech that was written for him but then insulted them when he used his own words.
The lack of compassion for anything out of the immediate Trump world is just one of many reasons he's not fit for the presidency.
17
Is Trump a "virulent" anti-semite?
In all probability, no.
However, he unabashedly courts and bestows upon those people his imprimatur.
"You're a virultent anti-semite? No problem, we have a big tent, and since you love me, all is forgiven."
That's a game that the GOP has been playing for a long time, but Trump has taken it to an unprecedented level.
It's another bold step backward for a society that is not just fraying but disintegrating under our feet.
In all probability, no.
However, he unabashedly courts and bestows upon those people his imprimatur.
"You're a virultent anti-semite? No problem, we have a big tent, and since you love me, all is forgiven."
That's a game that the GOP has been playing for a long time, but Trump has taken it to an unprecedented level.
It's another bold step backward for a society that is not just fraying but disintegrating under our feet.
16
The man gives more thought to morning talk shows than he does to foreign policy. He always has and always will.
16
We all must stop trying to understand or explain why Trump is behaving the way he does; mental illness is a sign of biological brain damage that does not know why it does what it does.
16
Trump likes anyone who appears to like him. Jews, Muslims, whomever. He doesn't care if it's the murderous Duterte of the Philippines, or the Turkish dictator Erodgan (one of the Muslims that Trump likes). Trump also likes Egypt’s notorious Muslim leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and said that al-Sisi had done a "tremendous job." In fact, what al-Sisi has done is forbidden criticism of his administration, cracked down on the media, had human rights leaders arrested, approved the use of torture against critics and perpetrated the appalling Rabaa massacre in 2013 when government forces killed nearly 900 Egyptian citizens who were protesting.
No amount of human rights violations and/or extrajudicial murders can shake Trump's enthusiasm for someone who shows him the deference he believes he deserves. So, I don't think he's an anti-Semite, or that he dislikes Muslims or any other group. He likes Jews and Muslims and anyone else that likes him, and he doesn't like the ones who don't. It's always, always, always all about him,
No amount of human rights violations and/or extrajudicial murders can shake Trump's enthusiasm for someone who shows him the deference he believes he deserves. So, I don't think he's an anti-Semite, or that he dislikes Muslims or any other group. He likes Jews and Muslims and anyone else that likes him, and he doesn't like the ones who don't. It's always, always, always all about him,
23
Let's just say he is an equal opportunity offender.
16
What an enlightened way of expounding on Trumps enormous Ego. Thank you.
9
Such arrogance. What other religion would make such a claim? What other religion would dare? Guess having the most effective PR in the world makes up for being a tiny minority, along with a cool loop of finance where aid to a small middle eastern country is sent back to influence our politics through an infamous PAC. Talk about selling them the noose with which to hang us, as someone from another infamous country once said. Of course some outside influences are worth a special investigation, but some others are not.
14
Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for protecting my Jewish sensitivities. However, I would much prefer a leader who dispenses with politically correct optics and truly supports the living citizens of Israel to the Iran dealing Mr. Obama who lingered a bit longer and wrote more eloquently in the Yad Vashem guest book but was willing to place Israel and her citizens in existential threat. The idea here is to prevent more Yad Vashem's. The citizens of Israel, apparently, have the same preference. Which do you prefer, Mr. Bruni?
16
Trump competed frequently with Jewish real estate developers and financiers in New York City and elsewhere, so he probably has a jaundiced view of some people who got the better of him in those negotiations and deals. But he retains stereotypical view of many groups and individuals but he does not give a great deal of thought to his words or actions due to his inescapable narcissism.
9
I'm one of the 5.5 million non-Jews who would have been exterminated by the Nazis, due to mental illness and undesirable genetic origin. I am grateful Trump was not prejudiced against us in favor of Jews. Other than that, I am not grateful for Trump.
8
It is really not complicated. In every way that is possible, Trump is a horrible human being. I have always thought this of him. And now he just has so many more ways to illustrate this fact. That such a person could become president is astonishing and also horrible, again in every way imaginable and real. I shutter to think of the damage he is doing and how long the wake he leaves behind him will be.
19
Mr. Bruni is right. Donald Trump accepts people who are friendly toward him. And he also hates people who defy him or criticize him in any way. Worst of all, make fun of him. He has never forgiven Barack Obama for roasting him at the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2011. He continues to slam Hillary Clinton. He can't say enough bad things about Senator Schumer. He hates most of the EU leaders, especially Angela Merkel. For President Trump, everything is personal, one-on-one. Like any fifth grader. A very limited mind. Sad!
18
One of Trump's major character flaws is that he has never accepted that it is permissible to have an unspoken thought. I'm not sure that Bruni realizes that Trump's remarks, or lack of them on specific occasions, are not susceptible to rational analysis. His tendency to create word salads in commenting on almost anything reflects his incurious mind and his extreme narcissism. Moreover, I would not be surprised if Trump maintains a passive prejudice against Jews. Many Americans do. Many highly empathetic people watched Israel slaughter the men, women, and children of Gaza, again and again, and the shocking images of this "war" are difficult to forget. I seriously doubt, however, that Trump's ignorance and unsympathetic view of the world could be justly called anti-semitism. He may simply not have much interest in, or have time for, invidious comparisons of America's ethnic groups.
5
I write this from the Solomon VA Cemetary visiting parents and inlaws. The election and presidency of Donald J Trump breaks my heart every day, but especially today as I read as many names as I can of those who served us. The images of D Day and what Mr. Bruni just articulated are somehow the same country. How?' Why?
9
I may be going against the grain here, but I've never detected any overt anti-semitism in Trump. I'm a Jew and I disdain Trump, but not for any reasons specifically concerning Jews. I think the examples Frank has provided simply show Trump's gross incompetence, rather than ethnic/religious antipathy.
18
US foreign policy is now more closely aligned with Israel than it was in the Obama administration. Trump says such inappropriate things at times. But his pro-Israel policy matches American long term interests.
9
As I look around the world and here at home, I see the on going insanity of all parties in the Middle East, the divisive actions of our leaders, the slaughter on our streets, slightly over 8,000 gun deaths so far this year, and yet I hear a large number of people not calling for us to stop, rather, calling on us to do more of the same. Even the one who disagree, seem to be saying "Don't let THEM do more of the same, let US do more of the same."
We have taken a seriously wrong turn as a society. We are living a nightmare. It is time to wake up!
We have taken a seriously wrong turn as a society. We are living a nightmare. It is time to wake up!
7
This is not a presidency, even a "modern day" version. This presidency is a new reality horror show-- a cross between Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and the Three Stooges. Larry, Moe and Curly have been replaced by Donald, starring as Me, Myself, and I. It's all about me, 24/7.
Maybe we can coax him to resign by offering him exactly that. It can be set in a big stadium with a cheering crowd and Nielsen will gin up fake rating proving that the show is the biggest hit of all time. He can wear a robe trimmed with ermine and ride in a gold chariot. And he won't get ceaselessly mocked for being completely out of touch with reality--that will be the gig.
Maybe we can coax him to resign by offering him exactly that. It can be set in a big stadium with a cheering crowd and Nielsen will gin up fake rating proving that the show is the biggest hit of all time. He can wear a robe trimmed with ermine and ride in a gold chariot. And he won't get ceaselessly mocked for being completely out of touch with reality--that will be the gig.
5
So Trump doesn't hate any one group - he's an equal opportunity hater based on what you can do for me - today?
But I'm sorry, he has demonstrated some truly hateful behavior against groups that had much to offer him - women, and people of color, and American Jews to name only a few.
No, self interest doesn't entirely explain it, and I just somehow think Jared got a pass because it was his beloved Ivanka that asked for and promoted him.
Trump is naturally lacking empathy, had no need to develop it in the cocoon in which he was raised and schooled and spent his youth and career and is now 71 and empathy is not something he will ever develop.
Trump has never uttered a graceful and caring word in his public life, except those written for him, and those he speaks off the cuff invariably show a man utterly unaware of and/or happily thwarting social norms, the feelings of others, the appropriateness of the forum or of his victim, the degree of his response, the current or historical context of his words, and the degree to which the country and the world listen not to the words of Trump, but of the President of the United States.
We have a sociopath and narcissist as President, and the two together are a volatile and dangerous mix, as we are learning.
His heroes and role models are "strong leaders" like Putin, and billionaires, and certainly not soldiers that "got captured" or the parents of soldiers that died in the line of duty or any of the other "losers".
But I'm sorry, he has demonstrated some truly hateful behavior against groups that had much to offer him - women, and people of color, and American Jews to name only a few.
No, self interest doesn't entirely explain it, and I just somehow think Jared got a pass because it was his beloved Ivanka that asked for and promoted him.
Trump is naturally lacking empathy, had no need to develop it in the cocoon in which he was raised and schooled and spent his youth and career and is now 71 and empathy is not something he will ever develop.
Trump has never uttered a graceful and caring word in his public life, except those written for him, and those he speaks off the cuff invariably show a man utterly unaware of and/or happily thwarting social norms, the feelings of others, the appropriateness of the forum or of his victim, the degree of his response, the current or historical context of his words, and the degree to which the country and the world listen not to the words of Trump, but of the President of the United States.
We have a sociopath and narcissist as President, and the two together are a volatile and dangerous mix, as we are learning.
His heroes and role models are "strong leaders" like Putin, and billionaires, and certainly not soldiers that "got captured" or the parents of soldiers that died in the line of duty or any of the other "losers".
9
I am not a Trump supporter.
Howevet, accusing him of being an anti-semite because he didn't visit the holacust memorial in Warsaw as other American Presidents routinely have is totally unfair.
I as a proud American Jew would find it too devastating to revisit the horrors of that unthinkable time in history.
Mickey Itskowitch, NYC
Howevet, accusing him of being an anti-semite because he didn't visit the holacust memorial in Warsaw as other American Presidents routinely have is totally unfair.
I as a proud American Jew would find it too devastating to revisit the horrors of that unthinkable time in history.
Mickey Itskowitch, NYC
5
The article starts off saying this pattern is not as dark as it seems. As I read on, it gave me the chills. It is exactly as dark as it seems. It is yet another approach to understanding the fundamental nature of Trump. He is a sociopath. We have a sociopath in the White House. That is more than disturbing. There is no way to make light of this.
8
Frank Bruni answers his own question. Why does our President dismiss Jews? Because thinking of someone else takes away important time from thinking about himself.
He isn't saved by his own team of handlers, because a good number of them believe that mentioning an ethnic, religious, racial or sexual identity is the same as drowning in political correctness and identity politics. So he isn't given guidance on why he might want to spend a little contemplative time at the site memorializing millions of people mechanically murdered solely because of identity.
Trump doesn't have time to be anti-Semitic or anti-gay; too much of his time is spent immersed in Trump. I am not really sure how he has the time to be racist and sexist, except to say they are inherited traits. He took no time to develop them.)
So Trump comes off, here at home and around the world, as a total clod, a buffoon, tone deaf to others. It is hardly a set of traits to promote American Exceptionalism globally.
He isn't saved by his own team of handlers, because a good number of them believe that mentioning an ethnic, religious, racial or sexual identity is the same as drowning in political correctness and identity politics. So he isn't given guidance on why he might want to spend a little contemplative time at the site memorializing millions of people mechanically murdered solely because of identity.
Trump doesn't have time to be anti-Semitic or anti-gay; too much of his time is spent immersed in Trump. I am not really sure how he has the time to be racist and sexist, except to say they are inherited traits. He took no time to develop them.)
So Trump comes off, here at home and around the world, as a total clod, a buffoon, tone deaf to others. It is hardly a set of traits to promote American Exceptionalism globally.
5
Great. It's not anti-Semitism, just delusions of imperial grandeur.
Such scalpel-like incision notwithstanding, there has been a sharp rise in hate crimes under Donald's watch, and he has done nothing to impede that trend.
Such scalpel-like incision notwithstanding, there has been a sharp rise in hate crimes under Donald's watch, and he has done nothing to impede that trend.
8
Minimizing DJT's participation in anti-Semitism as passive and benignly indifferent colludes with the venomous hatred under discussion. For the most powerful person in the world (and those of us with the least as well) basic accountability requires active, intentional and focused solidarity with the Jewish people. The Polish example challenges us to remember the proportion of Jewish citizens slaughtered by their non-ideological Polish neighbors and friends. Pay attention to actions (including affiliations) as much as convictions if you desire a world in which the historically persecuted thrive into future generations.
8
He´s resemtful because he was so disrespected by the top tier in NYC society for his uncouth behaviour and lack of any social conscience. Ivanka and Jared put their own financial interests above any religion, as has done Jared´s family for years. They are happy tokens with vested interests in making money deals through the presidency.
And besides, you have to be a polite considerate person with empathy to engage in diplomacy, pretty much the opposite of this cad.
And besides, you have to be a polite considerate person with empathy to engage in diplomacy, pretty much the opposite of this cad.
4
Plain and simple, the disses are due to his alt-right fan base and not wanting to offend them...
He wants his tent of fans to stay put...no matter how vile their individual and group ideologies. A Trump fan is a zealot lover in his world, and he loves him some zealots.
He wants his tent of fans to stay put...no matter how vile their individual and group ideologies. A Trump fan is a zealot lover in his world, and he loves him some zealots.
4
Please Frank, your opening sentences hit the nail on the head, the remainder of the piece seems to try and rationalize or excuse the patterns that are plainly obvious.
2
I appreciate the care this article takes with noting Trump's anti-semitism. And I appreciate that the article attempts not to go too far, and thus, be more persuasive to more people.
My intuition tells me that yes, Trump's narcissism is his primary motivator, and that it is very dangerous. I agree, however, with the people who sense that Trump uses these anti-Semitic opportunities to discipline his son-in-law. I agree also with the people who sense that Trump agrees with Bannon's anti-Semitism, and that Bannon figures out how to give it voice and visual. But the re-tweeting of clearly anti-Semitic material? This is Trump. This is Trump at his father's knee. This is Trump, the student of Hitler, who also killed disabled children in the thirties, after he had written about how they used up money the state needed. The anti-Semitism, in my book, is part of a web of hate spun by fascist fascination, and he actively seeks out the support of like-minded Americans. In my book he is both careless with people and ruthlessly focused in his goals. He is teaching America his many ideals and they are terrible ideals.
My intuition tells me that yes, Trump's narcissism is his primary motivator, and that it is very dangerous. I agree, however, with the people who sense that Trump uses these anti-Semitic opportunities to discipline his son-in-law. I agree also with the people who sense that Trump agrees with Bannon's anti-Semitism, and that Bannon figures out how to give it voice and visual. But the re-tweeting of clearly anti-Semitic material? This is Trump. This is Trump at his father's knee. This is Trump, the student of Hitler, who also killed disabled children in the thirties, after he had written about how they used up money the state needed. The anti-Semitism, in my book, is part of a web of hate spun by fascist fascination, and he actively seeks out the support of like-minded Americans. In my book he is both careless with people and ruthlessly focused in his goals. He is teaching America his many ideals and they are terrible ideals.
5
As a number of journalists have observed, Trump's speech in Warsaw was most probably written by Bannon and his protege Steve Miller.
Early in the speech, Trump did briefly acknowledge that the resistance fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto were Polish Jews who were systematically slaughtered by the occupying German Nazis. As Trump was heavily schmoozing the Poles, he neglected to mention that Poland too had a long history of persecuting its Jewish communities. European Jews were forced to live in urban ghettos to facilitate periodic pogroms.
In the stirring conclusion of his speech, Trump returned to describing valiant resistance in the Warsaw ghetto, but here he avoided identifying the fighters as Jews, avoided the word "ghetto," and instead focused on the struggle to keep the crossing of Jerusalem Avenue open. Here he identified the resistance fighters by their national identity as Poles and totally dropped their religious identity as Jews. He does not locate Jerusalem Avenue as being in the Warsaw Ghetto. Even a careful listener might get the impression that this is a different event from the previously mentioned resistance in the Warsaw ghetto. I am sure these were conscious and intentional choices made by the speech writer to conveniently erase the Jewish identity of the fighters and more emphatically praise the Polish national identity.
Early in the speech, Trump did briefly acknowledge that the resistance fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto were Polish Jews who were systematically slaughtered by the occupying German Nazis. As Trump was heavily schmoozing the Poles, he neglected to mention that Poland too had a long history of persecuting its Jewish communities. European Jews were forced to live in urban ghettos to facilitate periodic pogroms.
In the stirring conclusion of his speech, Trump returned to describing valiant resistance in the Warsaw ghetto, but here he avoided identifying the fighters as Jews, avoided the word "ghetto," and instead focused on the struggle to keep the crossing of Jerusalem Avenue open. Here he identified the resistance fighters by their national identity as Poles and totally dropped their religious identity as Jews. He does not locate Jerusalem Avenue as being in the Warsaw Ghetto. Even a careful listener might get the impression that this is a different event from the previously mentioned resistance in the Warsaw ghetto. I am sure these were conscious and intentional choices made by the speech writer to conveniently erase the Jewish identity of the fighters and more emphatically praise the Polish national identity.
10
“It is a great honor to be here with all of my friends — so , amazing & will never forget!” Amazing! Wonder what Adelson thought of that? But then they match each other so well. Hannah Arendt and Einstein are virtually spinning out there -somewhere.
2
I really don't believe that Trump is anti-Semitic, in fact he has no understanding of Jewish issues or other cultural issues for that matter. It comes down to Trump being ignorant. We know this because he, himself claimed that he doesn't read and his tweets and comments have been like those of an uneducated teen; just childish! I'm sure that Trump is totally puzzled by these accusations, like the naive child.
However, within Trump's base are smaller groups of racists, anti-Semites and homophobes who have interpreted Trump's lack of social acumen and response to be the green-light to acting on and spreading these forms of hate seen by the general increase in hate crimes during his candidacy and presidency. If Trump was truly aware, he'd be appalled!
This is where Trump has to take responsibility. As president, he represents all Americans. He has to start acting like a President with all it entails and stop relying on the Bannon's and Millers to tell him what to do. Yes, the Job of being president is hard. 24/7 hard!
Apparently, Trump sees the presidency as another business opportunity and he and family have been exploiting it. He obviously doesn't have the skills nor desire to run the country.
If Trump really loved the U.S. and really cared, he would do the honorable thing and step down. Unfortunately, his ego will never allow that. Even worse, he'll never understand why he should step down. As I said...a bewildered child who is in over his head.
However, within Trump's base are smaller groups of racists, anti-Semites and homophobes who have interpreted Trump's lack of social acumen and response to be the green-light to acting on and spreading these forms of hate seen by the general increase in hate crimes during his candidacy and presidency. If Trump was truly aware, he'd be appalled!
This is where Trump has to take responsibility. As president, he represents all Americans. He has to start acting like a President with all it entails and stop relying on the Bannon's and Millers to tell him what to do. Yes, the Job of being president is hard. 24/7 hard!
Apparently, Trump sees the presidency as another business opportunity and he and family have been exploiting it. He obviously doesn't have the skills nor desire to run the country.
If Trump really loved the U.S. and really cared, he would do the honorable thing and step down. Unfortunately, his ego will never allow that. Even worse, he'll never understand why he should step down. As I said...a bewildered child who is in over his head.
2
There's a difference between being racist and being biased. Racism requires active thought about individual people. Bias is mostly cultural towards a group and likely from a person's upbringing.
How many white people claim not to be racist towards African-Americans, maybe having many African-American friends (individual) but when walking down a street and coming face to face with a group of African-American teenagers crosses the street? That is bias, not racism.
How many white people claim not to be racist towards African-Americans, maybe having many African-American friends (individual) but when walking down a street and coming face to face with a group of African-American teenagers crosses the street? That is bias, not racism.
1
"pathological narcissist "....that pretty much sums up the facts and behaviors of the President. It gives some insights also into the wisdom of the voters who elected him and their needs.
4
Trump resents the inevitability of death so sorely, he wants to take everybody else with him.
The US is without capacity to save itself.
The US is without capacity to save itself.
3
For all of Donald Trump's offenses against humanity, can we leave out insufficiently pious expressions of Holocaust solidarity?
if there's a good reason why we demand to hear, year after year, the same unfelt platitudes from people who have never missed a meal and never will, perhaps Mr. Bruni would explain it?
Or is talk tantamount to virtue these days, among the pontificating classes? Believe it or not, making a movie about the Holocaust isn't actually heroic.
if there's a good reason why we demand to hear, year after year, the same unfelt platitudes from people who have never missed a meal and never will, perhaps Mr. Bruni would explain it?
Or is talk tantamount to virtue these days, among the pontificating classes? Believe it or not, making a movie about the Holocaust isn't actually heroic.
6
Donald J. Trump worships at the altar of avarice. Like King Midas, he wants everything he touches turn to gold. Having a daughter who converted to Judaism and Jewish grandchildren do not automatically negate Antisemitism.
It's is akin to saying "...some of my best friends are...." What is troubling, is that Trump has attracted scores of white nationalists, Klansmen and other hate groups into his tent.I fully comprehend that in them he see votes. The greater question is what they see in him, and what they think he will do to help further their "cause"
It's is akin to saying "...some of my best friends are...." What is troubling, is that Trump has attracted scores of white nationalists, Klansmen and other hate groups into his tent.I fully comprehend that in them he see votes. The greater question is what they see in him, and what they think he will do to help further their "cause"
7
My father's family died in Auschwitz, so I'm glad Trump didn't visit. It would be like the Congressman who took a camera inside and concluded that we need more military defense.
Trump has his own demons; you don't watch your older brother fall apart and not feel something. Please, let him blunder through until impeachment.
Trump has his own demons; you don't watch your older brother fall apart and not feel something. Please, let him blunder through until impeachment.
I don't like Trump and I wish he were gone. But the paranoia of the comments section here today seems to miss the conclusion drawn by this bait and switch commentary. That basically Trump isn't dissing Jews as the piece's title suggestively asks, he's just being Trump with a staff made up of neophytes. And honestly, as much as there is to be concerned about with his administration, the reality that they're so green that they're awkwardly not checking every box on the checklist of "subgroup" special handling instructions is actually not one of them.
2
Trump is like an as yet un-diagnosed severe illness that the family cannot but obsessively ponder over ad nauseam.
It is already far past time for attempting to analyze why this man is the way he is. At this point, the reasons are irrelevant. What is essential for the safety and security of the nation is to contain him, deflect him, and get him, his ignorant lackeys, and his GOP puppeteers/sycophants/traitors out of office as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.
3
Mr. Bruni misses the main concern as do several posters here. The main question is not whether he truly believes anything about anything at all. And it is NOT about what words he happened to use in Poland about the Jews, unless you want to mention ALL his words there. On balance, he did not come out so squeaky clean.
The concern is that his behavior matters. His words and message matters. He encourages and exploits anti-semitism and homophobia. Who cares what is in his true, unknowable heart?
The concern is that his behavior matters. His words and message matters. He encourages and exploits anti-semitism and homophobia. Who cares what is in his true, unknowable heart?
3
And yet, per Slate Magazine, Trump remains very popular in Israel.
According to the same article, Trump is popular with only one other foreign nation - Russia.
The mind spins.
According to the same article, Trump is popular with only one other foreign nation - Russia.
The mind spins.
5
No, Trump doesn't understand...because he doesn't care to. Period. End of story.
2
Folks (particularly on the Left) whine incessantly about unjustly being accused of anti-Semitism when they are "just" criticizing Israeli policy. Yet, here is a piece strictly about anti-Semitism - no mention of Israeli policy whatsoever - and SO MANY commenters try to rebut the piece by pointing to Trump's Israel policies. The duplicity and disingenuousness is laughable. If Trump were anti-Semitic, and I rather tend to agree with Bruni, this is one area where the Left and far Right can find common cause. Trump: the great unifier!
3
I'm sorry to say I disagree. Trump is not just sloppy and lazy. He is so thoroughly absorbed in defending himself he hasn't room to defend anyone else. That he surrounds himself with and takes advice from Bannon and Miller bespeaks a fascination with and full throated alliance with haters and biggots. When America wakes up she will see that the cure to Trump is a coalition of those he hates and offends ; women, people of color, LGBTQ, Jews, Mexicans , all Spanish speakers, Muslims and the working poor .... apologies to any offended groups I've missed.
6
"Outsourced conscience''. I like that. It reminds me of Creech and Chong telling Tom Snyder that they quit smoking weed and paid someone else to do it for them.
2
Trump is clueless on so many topics, why should this be any different?
1
Yes Mr. Bruni, everything you say is true, but equally true is the fact that Trump enjoys full support by AIPAC and its members, as well as the support of a huge number of very wealthy Jews. If you could, please explain, since you seem to have ignored this salient group of facts. It really would help to tell the full story.
Trump grew up in a Queens enclave that prohibited Jews and blacks from buying houses nearby. He was raised to believe that he was better than others. He's still trying to prove it. Any token acknowledgement he makes is just that -- a simple nod toward his lessors. He believes himself to be above the rest of humanity.
But, as he discovers that he's not, he has to prove over and over again to himself how superior he is.
Why do you think that two of his three wives are from Eastern Europe? Couldn't he find an American woman willing to put up with his princely preening?
But, as he discovers that he's not, he has to prove over and over again to himself how superior he is.
Why do you think that two of his three wives are from Eastern Europe? Couldn't he find an American woman willing to put up with his princely preening?
6
Trump is just a symptom. The problem is the anti-semitism and anti modernism among white intellectually "handicapped" people who cannot or have not adapted to changes in the world and the economy. Coal miners thinking they have a god given right to live where they live and mine, farmers whining for government support, older people thinking that young people or immigrants are destroying their notion of America. He plays the hate card like Rupert Murdoch and his toadys. But the issue is the audience is already there, like they were they during the time of slavery and during the 30's with the proto faschists like LImbherg
2
He is trying to appease the "alt-right" or better known as the bigots the racists and anti-Semites or white supremacists, your pick. Some would argue that he is not all those things himself, non the less he does seem to endorse them with planned and coordinated silence. And they do understand that he can not come out and say he supports them. However he hopes that his actions speak louder then his words.
He is fully aware of what he is doing and probably believes that he is OK because his daughter is married to a Jew. And the Jewish people will not notice, Let's not forget that there is a segment of the Jewish population that feels racism towards the Arabs in the US, so they have an odd connection with the 'alt-right" and he does deliver on that front by "looking for terrorist".
He is fully aware of what he is doing and probably believes that he is OK because his daughter is married to a Jew. And the Jewish people will not notice, Let's not forget that there is a segment of the Jewish population that feels racism towards the Arabs in the US, so they have an odd connection with the 'alt-right" and he does deliver on that front by "looking for terrorist".
1
Here's a lesson that even pundits should have learned long ago: Tolerance of racism, anti-semitism, homophobia, sexism, etc is a version of those very things.
3
Trump avoids seeming to be too aware of (or sensitive to) the actual history of the Jewish people so as not to alienate followers who are blatant antisemites. His support of Israel is mostly a symptom of his overall anti Muslim mind set and desire to protect what he believed is an important US asset.
2
I really never thought I'd be the guy saying "What happened to my country?" But, the culture of victimization and over-sensitivity is non-stop and pathetic. It sometimes seems to me the only group that can laugh at their stereotypes are the Irish. Did I just diss them in our new nutty world? So many people think their group or some group which for whatever reason they identify with is oppressed. Not that there isn't bias and prejudice, and we can always get better, but it was less and less until a few years ago.
Look at Bruni's examples. Trump didn't mention Jews in a speech, so that's offensive. Why? I'm not a Trump supporter, but I agree with the admin. Millions of Jews died in the holocaust, more than any other group, and they were singled out, but they weren't alone. How is insulting to Jews to include others who were murdered by Nazis?
By the way, I was raised in a Jewish family, so Jewish if you like, and an atheist my whole life, probably the most despised group in history (decades of surveys show most people would vote for Jews, blacks, gays for president, but only about half atheists). But, I'd be lying if I told you I've experienced more than a trickle of prejudice against me. I lived in the Bible Belt for a some years - where no one cared I met cared if I was Jewish or treated me badly if they learned I was an atheist.
Maybe this is just the best the Trump "resistance" can do this week - imply that the father of a Jew is an anti-Semite. Good grief.
Look at Bruni's examples. Trump didn't mention Jews in a speech, so that's offensive. Why? I'm not a Trump supporter, but I agree with the admin. Millions of Jews died in the holocaust, more than any other group, and they were singled out, but they weren't alone. How is insulting to Jews to include others who were murdered by Nazis?
By the way, I was raised in a Jewish family, so Jewish if you like, and an atheist my whole life, probably the most despised group in history (decades of surveys show most people would vote for Jews, blacks, gays for president, but only about half atheists). But, I'd be lying if I told you I've experienced more than a trickle of prejudice against me. I lived in the Bible Belt for a some years - where no one cared I met cared if I was Jewish or treated me badly if they learned I was an atheist.
Maybe this is just the best the Trump "resistance" can do this week - imply that the father of a Jew is an anti-Semite. Good grief.
3
The way I see this is that it must have been quite a shock for Trump to see his daughter marrying not only a Jew but an orthodox Jew -- that is pretty heavy stuff, especially for someone as ill-read, crude and uninformed as Trump. I mean just think -- his daughter converted, embracing all the rituals, rules and community wholesale, that is pretty major and Trump could not have liked or related to that at all, it is so not within his experience, life style and way of thinking notwithstanding that he might have many Jewish friends or at least acquaintances and used many Jewish professionals in his businesses, eg., Roy Cohn (not that that demonstrates any particular virtue). But for his perfect daughter to marry one, and an orthodox one at that, I doubt if that was very appealing to him and I get the feeling that he overcompensates for his discomfort on that level with showering Kushner with these incredible mandates, that sorry, as bright as he may be, he just has no experience or qualifications to handle, lavishing praise on him and demonstrating to all the world how much he values and trusts him -- just trying to show his daughter that he accepts his Jewish son-in-law completely and also to show everyone else that hey look at me how could I be a racist if I treat my son-in-law so well and he's Jewish.
And don't forget to wish everyone Merry Christmas this July!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/07/02/trump-br...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/07/02/trump-br...
1
Good one Frank, even without your customary good wit thrown in.
You can't do big business in NYC without clashing and collaborating with a lot of smart Jews. Maybe that has more affect on his attitude toward Jews, than ethnic or religious biases. I'm sure his little black book of go-to's has lots of Jews listed.
I suppose it is a shock to many of us that when we helped the Electoral College give the win to Trump, we got the same old Donald for President.
You can't do big business in NYC without clashing and collaborating with a lot of smart Jews. Maybe that has more affect on his attitude toward Jews, than ethnic or religious biases. I'm sure his little black book of go-to's has lots of Jews listed.
I suppose it is a shock to many of us that when we helped the Electoral College give the win to Trump, we got the same old Donald for President.
1
Maybe Trump, who has Jews in his closest family, and had the strongest possible support from the Israeli government, just does not think it is necessary to give Jews any special treatment. Which, entrenched tradition notwithstanding, simply makes a lot of sense. And Trump, for all his other failures, has nothing to prove in this regard.
3
What's the joke ; '' Two Corinthians walk into a bar ... ''
The man is like a reed swaying in the wind and will bend to whichever that prevailing wind is blowing. Offenses ( especially to tradition ) and snubs are going to be commonplace simply because the man is not thinking or respecting his milieu. If there is a comment or gesture made here or there, it is ultimately calculated for simple gain. That's it.
“Who is wise? One who learns from every man… Who is strong? One who overpowers his inclinations… Who is rich? One who is satisfied with his lot… Who is honorable? One who honors his fellows.”
– Ben Zoma
The man is like a reed swaying in the wind and will bend to whichever that prevailing wind is blowing. Offenses ( especially to tradition ) and snubs are going to be commonplace simply because the man is not thinking or respecting his milieu. If there is a comment or gesture made here or there, it is ultimately calculated for simple gain. That's it.
“Who is wise? One who learns from every man… Who is strong? One who overpowers his inclinations… Who is rich? One who is satisfied with his lot… Who is honorable? One who honors his fellows.”
– Ben Zoma
1
Thanks to all the incisive comments and their authors for going specific about what's wrong with Trump.
Please let me go a little more general:
The man has no moral compass, making him unable to sort out any right from any wrong. He is in a room full of neo nazis? They speak well, especially of him so there is nothing wrong with them. On and on and on. When you surround yourself with seriously flawed people, you are more than in danger of becoming seriously flawed yourself. On the other hand if you surround yourself with fine, upstanding men and women, it becomes very hard to be flawed as you will stick out like a sore thumb. The problem is President Trump can't tell if the room is filled with seriously flawed or fine people, he doesn't know the difference.
Please let me go a little more general:
The man has no moral compass, making him unable to sort out any right from any wrong. He is in a room full of neo nazis? They speak well, especially of him so there is nothing wrong with them. On and on and on. When you surround yourself with seriously flawed people, you are more than in danger of becoming seriously flawed yourself. On the other hand if you surround yourself with fine, upstanding men and women, it becomes very hard to be flawed as you will stick out like a sore thumb. The problem is President Trump can't tell if the room is filled with seriously flawed or fine people, he doesn't know the difference.
He insults everyone fairly, except his family.
2
You can accuse the Donald of being politically incorrect, but as a Jew with Jewish roots going back more than 200 years to Galicia (now part of Ukraine), I don't feel "dissed". I am far more concerned that major American financial firms like Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade and Capital One advertise on a web site like zerohedge.com which tolerates extremely anti-semitic comments and refuses to remove them.
4
In what grounds does the author claim any insight into sensitivities of Jews even if there was something as nuanced as Jewish sensitivities? Is it history where this president's putative affront is in the context of the Shoah? What is a "diss" indeed what is this whole matter of "PC" or microagressions when Jews in America struggle with an enduring meaning for their ethnic not to mention religious identity and Israel, the home to millions of Israeli Jews faces annihilation?
3
Valid points, as usual from Frank Bruni. But talk about dissing . . . International Holocaust Remembrance Day does not “roll round”. Its annual occurrence should be noted with a little more respect and dignity than we give to say, Groundhog Day.
2
The man decided at an early age that acquiring knowledge was a waste of time. He was already smarter than everyone else and could trust his instincts. The reason he resonates with his followers is he has the same mentality. As we have come to learn, his opinions are based on what suck-ups and Fox News have given him in digestible sound bites. If he hadn't inherited money he would be in recliner wearing a t-shirt watching reality television.
2
It seems to me that Trump is being even-handed with " the Jews" and not coddling them or treating them as anything special.
Let us also not that his daughter converted to Judaismz his son-in-law and his grandkids are Jews and that he has Jews up and down his staff.
Jews have nothing to complain about with Trump.
Let us also not that his daughter converted to Judaismz his son-in-law and his grandkids are Jews and that he has Jews up and down his staff.
Jews have nothing to complain about with Trump.
3
Trump is an equal opportunity bigot,and it is hard to know which minority should be put first in the who does Trump diss the most. The Muslim religion is certainly in the lead of religions for Trump's bigotry. The Mexicans are the Trump's favorite nation to trash. Let us remember how he treats women and girls. That is roughly half of all the citizens of our beautiful country. I am sorry that the Jews have been included in his endless rants,but now it should be seen as an honor like being on Nixon's enemies list.. The man uses his bigoted comments to distract us from what is going on behind all this noise. The Jews may be upset about being singled out but it is a packed subway car full of people being trashed
1
Beth Grant DeRoos notes:
"Actually President Trump spoke powerfully about the Jews in WW2
Poland. . . . here are President Trumps words, 'Under a double occupation the Polish people endured evils beyond description: the Katyn forest massacre, the occupations, the Holocaust, the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the destruction of this beautiful capital city, and the deaths of nearly one in five Polish people. A vibrant Jewish population -- the largest in Europe -- was reduced to almost nothing after the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland's Jewish citizens, along with countless others, during that brutal occupation.'"
Which Trump are we to believe? The Trump who let's the foul fulminations of his Id pollute the atmosphere or the Trump who on rare occasions reads complete sentences obviously written by someone else?
"Actually President Trump spoke powerfully about the Jews in WW2
Poland. . . . here are President Trumps words, 'Under a double occupation the Polish people endured evils beyond description: the Katyn forest massacre, the occupations, the Holocaust, the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the destruction of this beautiful capital city, and the deaths of nearly one in five Polish people. A vibrant Jewish population -- the largest in Europe -- was reduced to almost nothing after the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland's Jewish citizens, along with countless others, during that brutal occupation.'"
Which Trump are we to believe? The Trump who let's the foul fulminations of his Id pollute the atmosphere or the Trump who on rare occasions reads complete sentences obviously written by someone else?
I am a Jew. Am I concerned about Trump's behavior as exemplified by not "lingering" long enough at Yad Vashem or visiting a Polish Holocaust memorial site? No. Trump is a shallow, self absorbed, thin skinned, narcissist, in way over his head. He doesn't have the capacity to comprehend the offensiveness of his behavior, towards Jews or anyone else, or the willingness to change it. It's a waste of time to think he'll change and makes no difference really, at this point, if he does. His stereotypical anti Semitic cracks about Jews are just another reflection of his slovenly approach to the job...3.5 years to go.
161
Jared and Ivanka are clearly only as observant as they need to be for Jared to continue to play in the world of NYC commercial and multifamily real estate, an industry in which many Orthodox Jewish men are key players. She nearly always wears dresses but doesn't observe basic modesty rules. They probably spend their Sabbath binge-watching Netflix and composing emails set to send the moment the sun goes down on Saturday. Woe to their assistants at 8pm!
13
A thoughtful, interesting, and almost convincing piece until I read these two sentences: "Kushner, Bannon, Stephen Miller and Reince Priebus are all new to this kind and level of work. They lack institutional memory, along with any awareness of how easily those blind spots become insensitivity."
How in the world Bruni can all but excuse the administration for its attitudes, or lack thereof, for ethnic, religious, LGBT people, etc., based on this viewpoint is not acceptable. These presidential advisors can read, learn, and surely already know what has gone on "dissing" groups of all types - to excuse them and thus the President is unconscionable.
How in the world Bruni can all but excuse the administration for its attitudes, or lack thereof, for ethnic, religious, LGBT people, etc., based on this viewpoint is not acceptable. These presidential advisors can read, learn, and surely already know what has gone on "dissing" groups of all types - to excuse them and thus the President is unconscionable.
13
Trump is not an antisemite. His grandchildren are Jewish as are two members of his inner circle. His dilemma is that an important part of his base of voters are antisemitic, are animated by antisemitism, and he doesn't want to alienate them.
20
Antisemites are an important part of Trump's base of support. He can't afford to alienate them.
15
That explains Obama's lack of criticism of Trump.
1
We must remember that Trump is solidly delivering for Israeli government interests what really counts: a hands-off approach to the continuing expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Perceived existential threats occur on the ground. Rhetorical slights, diplomatic clumsiness, situational obtuseness, etc. may, temporarily, capture some headlines and divert attention, but they are not "where the action is".
16
He's still anti-Semite. Ignoring the atrocities of the Israeli government, or selling them arms in copious amounts, none of which encourages peace in the region, does not make trump a friend to Jews as a group, whether in America or another place in the world. He is simply tone deaf to the feelings of others.
1
Such a smart, perceptive, nuanced piece. Thank you.
16
Oh, I think we know definitively about how Trump feels about every culture, gender, class, religion, race and nationality: all of them can be boiled down to some simple stereotypes. Basically, Jews are good with money and always negotiate; Muslims are terrorists; women are great, especially when they're sexy, otherwise they're all shrill; and so on. Maybe he's not the type of bigot who is going to round up people and slaughter them wholesale (remains to be seen), but he's definitely a bigot, probably the type of bigot that thinks it's ok to be a bigot, that everyone else is a bigot too and that all people are here to play a game to see who can be of service to the other most often. I think we dispense with wondering whether or not he's bigoted, since it seems to be confirmed. Sadly for us, he's not the first or last president to be a bigot.
55
Bigot is the best term. As it conjures the dopey sort who has a belief system of "what is, is,and these types (fill in the blank) simply are the way they are..."
We all know those types. They are not aggressive,so much as purely dopey.
Now an all-out racist, those are the dangerous ones.
We all know those types. They are not aggressive,so much as purely dopey.
Now an all-out racist, those are the dangerous ones.
Really. We all know how those people cling to their guns and religion.
2
Trump is not presidential material and the entire presidential office is under moral decay. The only thoughts Trump ever has are Trump thoughts which are all about him, his wants and whims of the moment, and his false god self image.
He is too absorbed with his lifetime love affair with himself to have any depth of feeling for anyone else. Although sometimes he looks into a mirror and sees Putin. A known enemy of America and the rest of the free world. This says it all.
He is too absorbed with his lifetime love affair with himself to have any depth of feeling for anyone else. Although sometimes he looks into a mirror and sees Putin. A known enemy of America and the rest of the free world. This says it all.
31
This is etched into the America First ideology. Do your homework, go back to WWII, study Lindbergh, read Philip Roth. The next step on their map is the isolation of American Jews, this followed by loss of stature, then demonization. Thank you Mr Bruni, there are so many screaming headlines swirling around us today, it's easy to lose sight of the more subtle actions taking place.
25
Two people were arrested for the rash of anti-semitic vandalism around the country, a leftist journalist and a Jewish Israeli. It had "false flag" written all over it. There are lot of false flags these days. Most of them seem to come from the left trying to create an incident of violence supposedly inspired by Trump.
18
Which says nothing about Trump's reactions to the incidents at the time.
3
I guess I missed those stories; where did they appear?
But he still didn't comment because he reasonably assumed it was the large alt right segment of his base that did it, as they do the same thing a thousand times a day in the online space.
2
Mr. Bannon didn't want his precious offspring to attend a certain LA school because it was "full of Jews" and they were all brats. This is a tell. look and there's more. of course he's an anti-Semite. all of a piece.
25
Trump doesn't have any respect for his son in law and grandchildren. As far as his daughter, I don't think she is Jewish the way she dresses and act, no following the Orthodox Jewish laws.
13
Well, that can't be - he clearly respects his son-in-law as he's been assigned so many jobs. His daughter may have converted (maybe) but she doesn't have the Jewish mindset from birth - obviously. Jewish Orthodox rules are outdated anyway and really are not relevant today. Same holds for any religion - the most strict rules of the other religions are equally outdated and should be abandoned. It is so freeing to be an atheist. Try it, you'll like it.
1
Well, of course Trump does not have a "bona fide" **relationship** with his grandchildren--as his mouthpieces interpret that SCOTUS phrase of masterful ambiguity....
1
Adriana, I know lots of Jewish women who are not orthodox. When you complain about Ivanka, you really are quibbling. This is a common pattern. When something is discovered about Trump which LOOKS reasonable, then Trump hates rush in to interpret it in such a way that is it no longer that reasonable.
"Trump is dissing Jews"
"But his daughter converted to Judaism and he seems to be close to her."
How to reconcile the two? An objective person abandons the first. But a Trump hater re-interprets the second, which is a FACT, so that it "does not mean very much."
Sometimes I, as an independent, am so fed up with your prejudice that I might well vote for Trump in 2020. (Actually I will probably vote Green as I usually do, but it is nice to think of the possibility of voting for Trump just to annoy the Trump haters).
"Trump is dissing Jews"
"But his daughter converted to Judaism and he seems to be close to her."
How to reconcile the two? An objective person abandons the first. But a Trump hater re-interprets the second, which is a FACT, so that it "does not mean very much."
Sometimes I, as an independent, am so fed up with your prejudice that I might well vote for Trump in 2020. (Actually I will probably vote Green as I usually do, but it is nice to think of the possibility of voting for Trump just to annoy the Trump haters).
1
Trump is a big user of stereotypes, whether about Jews or many other groups of people, which is yet another manifestation of his underlying intellectual laziness.
29
Quentin, "feminist", "progressive,' "alt-right" are all blanket terms and are used by lots of people other than Trump.
When OWS said, "We are the 99%" I asked, "And exactly how many of you are Republicans?"
When you leave out the 62 million who voted for Trump, you can hardly claim to be 99%.
When OWS said, "We are the 99%" I asked, "And exactly how many of you are Republicans?"
When you leave out the 62 million who voted for Trump, you can hardly claim to be 99%.
7
Aruna: I think you may have missed something here. The "99%" refers to the economically disenfranchised majority, a group to which approximately 98.9% of Republicans belong.
5
So desperate to defend stereotyping, geesh. Simply using terms is not the issue for starters. While generalizing is always a risky business, doing so about terms like 'feminist' or 'progressive' at least involves some kind of coherent traits to analyze. Generalizing based on race is pure intellectual foley. It's simply unfair and hurtful and so it is discouraged - sorry if that makes baby upset.
1
Besides his family connections to the KKK, I remember in a 1991 book by John O’Donnell, who had been president of Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. O’Donnell quoted Trump saying,“ Black guys counting my money! I hate it. The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys wearing yarmulkes… Those are the only kind of people I want counting my money. Nobody else…Besides that, I tell you something else. I think that’s guy’s lazy. And it’s probably not his fault because laziness is a trait in blacks.”
O’Donnell’s report was shocking, but Trump did not contest it at the time. In 1997 he was interviewed for Playboy by author Mark Bowden and he confirmed that the O’Donnell book was “probably true.”
O’Donnell’s report was shocking, but Trump did not contest it at the time. In 1997 he was interviewed for Playboy by author Mark Bowden and he confirmed that the O’Donnell book was “probably true.”
37
He retweeted a meme posted in an antisemetic forum by a person who posts anti-Semitic rants. Trump would only find this stuff because he's interested in and reading from these forums. Time to start believing that he is what he demonstrates himself to be.
29
President Trump has 3 new friends. Israel, Russia and Saudi Arabia. All three countries and their leaders hated Obama. They hated Obama because he was African-American. I assume this subject is taboo because no one ever talks about how this affected Obama's relations with those three countries.
Obama was not anti-Israel, Bibi hated dealing with Obama but he still took all our weapons didn't he.
Who knows if Trump is Anti-Semetic? I think members of his staff might be.
Trump has many prejudices and hates Obama. Most of all he loves Himself.
That is his prime motivator.
Stop excusing or normalizing this guy and his cronies. The are in their own incompetent way doing their best to destroy democracy in America.
Obama was not anti-Israel, Bibi hated dealing with Obama but he still took all our weapons didn't he.
Who knows if Trump is Anti-Semetic? I think members of his staff might be.
Trump has many prejudices and hates Obama. Most of all he loves Himself.
That is his prime motivator.
Stop excusing or normalizing this guy and his cronies. The are in their own incompetent way doing their best to destroy democracy in America.
38
I find Donald Trump to be disgusting in nearly every way, but this is just nitpicking. He doesn't reach out to gays, muslims, women, blacks, etc...yet he has gone to Israel and has several Jewish Americans in his inner circle.
8
I grew up with Jewish children in my neighborhood and always liked Jewish people, admiring their decency and humor. So I don't have any Antisemitism in me. But I've always thought that American Presidents have been a bit over the top in their smooching up to the Jewish population, esp Israel, a country I have mixed feelings about. It may be that Trump (whom I despise) is merely treating Jews as ordinary people instead of a special group. After all, he didn't visit the Brandenburg Gate while in Germany; does that mean he is anti-German?
10
When Trump says I am the least anti Semite you will find what he means is I am definitely an anti Semite but not as much as much as other anti Semite. So on a scale of 1 to 10 could Mr Trump tell us
which number he is at.
which number he is at.
16
Trump has run his real estate business in New York City competing against Jewish developers and landlords. He had to deal with powerful Jewish politicians and media based in the city. I bet he wants to be like them but is not capable. Hence the jealousy, and occasional grudging respect.
11
You've just go to love liberals. For years "Wall Street Bankers" was code for "Jews." Ever listen to the attacks by Ms. Warren or Mr. Sanders? And who can forget Jesse Jackson's slurs, reborn in the DNC with Mr. Ellison. And one must assume you're ok with anti-Israel boycotts (invoking the false dichotomy of Zionism versus Judaism), the rampant anti-Israel sentiment in the UN, passivity with respect to Iran, etc etc. Mr. Trump is the least of our worries.
18
FYI, Senator Sanders is Jewish. Are you saying his problem with Wall Street is the fact that some of the bankers are Jewish?
2
That's funny. When I hear "wall street bankers" I think about wall street bankers (e.g. the banks that started using money in the bank accounts to do risky hedge fund bets rather than... banking). Maybe this is just you hear the alleged dog whistle.
Now if you said "international bankers" and it was said by an anti-globalist America Firster, you would be in a rich traditional of antisemitism. Being so familiar with this tradition (I assume) it is understandable you would ascribe this same heinous tradition to decent OWS folks. This kind of logical nonsense on your part is the norm, its not particularly dumb.
By the way, you are the one invoking the false dichotomy when you imply boycotting Israel, the government, is akin to antisemitism. The simpler explanation is many Americans feel more moral culpability for the bad policies of allies that we enable most strongly (e.g. all the weapon supplies by the USA and the stymieing of UN resolutions) than we do for countries with weaker ties to America. For example, I'm more concerned about Israeli or Saudi transgressions given our extreme support than I am about Iran. This is not a judgement on who is the worst in some absolute sense. I don't know who's the worst. I suspect Saudi Barbaria is worse than Iran, which is worse than Israel.
Now if you said "international bankers" and it was said by an anti-globalist America Firster, you would be in a rich traditional of antisemitism. Being so familiar with this tradition (I assume) it is understandable you would ascribe this same heinous tradition to decent OWS folks. This kind of logical nonsense on your part is the norm, its not particularly dumb.
By the way, you are the one invoking the false dichotomy when you imply boycotting Israel, the government, is akin to antisemitism. The simpler explanation is many Americans feel more moral culpability for the bad policies of allies that we enable most strongly (e.g. all the weapon supplies by the USA and the stymieing of UN resolutions) than we do for countries with weaker ties to America. For example, I'm more concerned about Israeli or Saudi transgressions given our extreme support than I am about Iran. This is not a judgement on who is the worst in some absolute sense. I don't know who's the worst. I suspect Saudi Barbaria is worse than Iran, which is worse than Israel.
1
I remarked the other day on the irony that white supremacists, who love Trump and hate Jews, must be puzzling over the large number of Jews Trump has put in charge, quite aside from his orthodox daughter.
10
AnnaBellina: His sycophants don't think of Ivanka as a Jew for the same reason(s) they turn a blind eye to Melania's visa fraud. Their beauty and his followers psychosis that perhaps by admiring and adoring Trump, they just might be able to get close to these women. It makes the delusional fantasy of physical contact with them, that more real. Freud is crying as is Bannon laughing but not for the same reasons.
1
I am begging you opinion piece guys to get a grip. These constant columns about why Trump does what he does; is he this or is he that, are making you look like the National Enquirer. Compared to what he is doing to the environment, to health care, to the international reputation of the US and to my children's future, how he treats my religion is of very little to no interest. To try to parse his mind and write these sorts of articles gives Trump respect he does not deserve. The Times should just publish daily a list of the stupid, narcissistic thingsTrump has done the day before and stop giving him all this space he does not deserve.
42
It appears to be only Simon Wiesenthal Center, trump's Jewish followers and far right Israelis are unconcerned about trump's consistent behavior.
6
Frank, you're really stretching it. The Donald has as his best friends and Mar a Lago members mainly Jews and Italians. Stevie Schwartzmann sits at his right hand on occasion although less so that a Kushner is always hovering. Speaking of a Kushner he is an Orthodox Jew you must know by now,his daughter converted to Judaism, his Cabinet has several Jewish members( for better or worse), his Economic Council Chair is Goldman Sachs honcho Gary Cohen. Come on Frankthis guy disses everyone at onetime or another why should be Jewish make it any different, how about The Wall and those murdering, rapist Mexicans, or grabbing women by their crotches or whatever, Trump is not a thoughtful sensitive type, we need to get over it and have some columns about more important issues, I know, I know already, "what we're not important"; of course anti semitism is important but so is anti hispanic or anti anything it can't be about us all the time, there are important issues facing this country and a pb even bigger world, like where's the promised infrastructure project at( I hope not being auctioned off to the Saudis as the deal that Kushner made would imply). See nobody knows or cares what Im talking about we are to busy worrying if Trump is Jewish enough, get over it.
18
"It’s all about him, always...Forget about any persecution of Jews. Let’s talk about the persecution of Trump"
It's terrifying to think what this means for men and women in the military, whose lives could be put at risk by a "pathological narcissist" who is incapable of empathy or respect towards others, especially all the "losers" who never became millionaires.
It's terrifying to think what this means for men and women in the military, whose lives could be put at risk by a "pathological narcissist" who is incapable of empathy or respect towards others, especially all the "losers" who never became millionaires.
18
"he declined to pay his respects at a Holocaust memorial in Warsaw"
These are meaningless gestures by politicans who are content to wage war wherever and whenever they please.
The pretense is insulting to every victim of every war.
These are meaningless gestures by politicans who are content to wage war wherever and whenever they please.
The pretense is insulting to every victim of every war.
15
Why does Donald Trump keep dissing the Jews?
Because all his life he thinks they've been dissing him. They've treated him the way the rest of us have also - but he doesn't think of us as belonging to a group he wants to impress.
And because he doesn't really believe his daughter is Jewish.
Because all his life he thinks they've been dissing him. They've treated him the way the rest of us have also - but he doesn't think of us as belonging to a group he wants to impress.
And because he doesn't really believe his daughter is Jewish.
9
It really comes down to not wanting to alienate his base of known anti semites and white Nationalists. They love me, I cannot afford to offend them. I cannot show any love to Jews. Isn't it enough (for these people) that my daughter is one.
10
I think of Donald Trump's bigotry like that of his fellow Queens native, Archie Bunker. The pater ignoramus of All in the Family held fast to discriminatory stereotypes. Jews were clever and slick--when Archie searched for a lawyer he only liked the law firms with Jewish surnames. So it is no surprise that DT has many Jews in his administration, but there is always a dark obverse to such a categorical approach to people. Other groups--Muslims, Mexicans--are deemed unfit en masse--terrorists, rapists, criminals. DT's brain works on simple binary code. He has no capacity for nuance or sophistication. And he has even less capacity for growth than Archie Bunker. Truly sad.
16
Maybe Trump was right not single out Jews re the holocaust. He may be wondering why, with 60-70 million people, mainly Christians, mainly civilians killed during the second world war, only the Jews memorialize the deaths of their brethren in world war ll.
President Trump did point out that about 20% of the Polish population was murdered during the second world war. That would be 1/2 Jews, 1/2 Christians. That would be about 3 million Polish Jews (90% of Polish Jews) and about 3 million Polish Christians ( 10% of the Polish Christians) murdered.
Over 70 years after the end of world war ll it may be time for Christians to ask why they have no annual memorials to so many Christians murdered by the Nazis. I think the lack of Christians having an annual day in memory of the millions of their co-religionist murdered in world war 2, allows neo Nazis to reappear today, particularly in Europe of all places.
President Trump did point out that about 20% of the Polish population was murdered during the second world war. That would be 1/2 Jews, 1/2 Christians. That would be about 3 million Polish Jews (90% of Polish Jews) and about 3 million Polish Christians ( 10% of the Polish Christians) murdered.
Over 70 years after the end of world war ll it may be time for Christians to ask why they have no annual memorials to so many Christians murdered by the Nazis. I think the lack of Christians having an annual day in memory of the millions of their co-religionist murdered in world war 2, allows neo Nazis to reappear today, particularly in Europe of all places.
6
Poor little christians. All they want to do is take over the world and those darn Islamists and Jewish people keep getting in the way.
Hitler used "christianity" and the catholic church to further his agenda, just as The Con Don and his International Mafia brotherhood are trying to do today, with "evangelical" aka radical christians thrown in, to try to destroy the world.
It will not work again. Not now. Not ever.
Hitler used "christianity" and the catholic church to further his agenda, just as The Con Don and his International Mafia brotherhood are trying to do today, with "evangelical" aka radical christians thrown in, to try to destroy the world.
It will not work again. Not now. Not ever.
6
This sort of like the right wing complaint that "the blacks" are ungrateful to the whites who died in the Civil War, as it led to the abolition of slavery.
Why would one want to remember any of this? I know it is "never forget", but I really don't want to remember any of it. I'm sorry.
Mr. Trump likes his Jews in the traditional roles other bigots like him have.
Lawyer, Accountant, Doctor.
For example:
In 1991, a book by John O’Donnell, who had been president of the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, quoted Trump as criticizing a black accountant and saying: “Black guys counting my money! I hate it. The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day"
Lawyer, Accountant, Doctor.
For example:
In 1991, a book by John O’Donnell, who had been president of the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, quoted Trump as criticizing a black accountant and saying: “Black guys counting my money! I hate it. The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day"
16
The President's 37 minute speech at the Warsaw Uprising Memorial never once mentioned the word "Jew."
7
Was the word "Stalin" even mentioned at all?
3
The Warsaw Uprising was more than about Jews.
What about those that helped them? -- or those actively fighting in the Resistance movements??
Did you hear any of them mentioned as well???
What about those that helped them? -- or those actively fighting in the Resistance movements??
Did you hear any of them mentioned as well???
2
Not defending Trump in general, at all, but he did mention the Nazis' systematic murder of Jews in the Holocaust, using those key words. (It was notable for this president, and I thought the neo-Nazis among his fans might not like that.)
He was speaking in front of the memorial to the Polish Home Army's 1944 uprising against the occupying Germans, not in front of the monument to the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. That's the one that Ivanka visited. One can argue that Trump himself should have visited that site as well, and that perhaps the monument he chose for his speech wasn't the place for another 2016 victory lap, which he took by praising Polish-Americans for helping to elect him.
He was speaking in front of the memorial to the Polish Home Army's 1944 uprising against the occupying Germans, not in front of the monument to the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. That's the one that Ivanka visited. One can argue that Trump himself should have visited that site as well, and that perhaps the monument he chose for his speech wasn't the place for another 2016 victory lap, which he took by praising Polish-Americans for helping to elect him.
Mr. Trump, the "master of self-absorption." Who can't see this? Mr. Bruni, please keep reporting; it's hard and important work that you do.
Kerry
Kerry
8
Why the dissing? He doesn't care, even though he likes to talk about his son in law who is Jewish.
3
"I can see clearly his sloppiness and self-absorption, and they’re cause enough for alarm."
What's cause for alarm is that we've turned over the keys to the White House to a mafia family with ties to Russia.
What's cause for alarm is that we've turned over the keys to the White House to a mafia family with ties to Russia.
18
Narcissism = Lack of empathy
As for Bannon he is a racist, but not an antisemite. He is a believer in Judeo-Christian supremacy, just like his boss..This is the same neo-fascism pushed by Le Pen in France, Farage in Britain, and Wilders in Holland. Fortunately for Europe such politicians haven't gained power. Unfortunately, the US has fallen prey to such despicable leadership.
As for Bannon he is a racist, but not an antisemite. He is a believer in Judeo-Christian supremacy, just like his boss..This is the same neo-fascism pushed by Le Pen in France, Farage in Britain, and Wilders in Holland. Fortunately for Europe such politicians haven't gained power. Unfortunately, the US has fallen prey to such despicable leadership.
12
"I'm not convinced that Trump is much of an anti-Semite...."
I'm not convinced that Ivanka and Jared are as Jewish as they would have others believe.
I'm not convinced that Ivanka and Jared are as Jewish as they would have others believe.
13
It was reported today that a Rabbinate of Israel has de-legitimized--some say blacklisted--hundreds of other orthodox rabbis from around the world, revoking their status as clergy within Israel, stating that they were not Jewish enough.
Your comment illustrates the mindset of how this happens.
Your comment illustrates the mindset of how this happens.
Wish I could be as sanguine as you are here. Once may be ignorance and twice coincidence; but everything you have detailed here, PLUS being the first President (or Vice President) NOT to honor the Jews who died in the Warsaw ghetto -- that's deliberate. And don't tell me it's Bannon's influence, because it is always the President's decision where to outsource the work. Unless you're telling this one doesn't have enough smarts to be President???
10
If it is any comfort, he disses the Muslims, Blacks, Mexicans as much as the Jews. Perhaps it is because all these groups have been playing the victim card for a long time and everyone is tired of it. Life is tough for everyone but if some groups continue to try to wheedle special benefits long after they have extracted all their dues, it leads to fatigue and lack of empathy. The other reason is that most Jews have been living in this country for several generations, still they display more loyalty to Israel than to the US. The interests of Israel and US may not be similar and it is time Jews made their choice.
4
Many Christians are steadfast Israel supporters - more so than some Jews - for their own religious reasons. Are you demanding that they choose between Israel and the U.S.?
You cannot assume that any one Jew. much less Jews in general, are one ounce less loyal to this country than any other American. As a daughter and niece of Jewish WWII vets, now deceased, who risked their lives for our country in Europe and the Pacific, I know better.
Let's not apply loyalty tests to each other.
You cannot assume that any one Jew. much less Jews in general, are one ounce less loyal to this country than any other American. As a daughter and niece of Jewish WWII vets, now deceased, who risked their lives for our country in Europe and the Pacific, I know better.
Let's not apply loyalty tests to each other.
2
"You can be only so considerate to others when you never stop considering yourself."....pretty much says it all. I doubt Trump understands antisemitism because he doesn't understand history or science. He associates with Holocaust deniers, climate change deniers and other wing-nut conspiracy theorists. They call it "disruption", it's more like stupidity. What about the millions of Americans who voted for him?
9
Observant jews in his presidency ?
Ivanka and Kushner are there in the White House for their own business reasons !
There was nothing observant about them,
They boarded the plane on a Friday and doing their business, inspecting jewish settlement funded by Kushner among others ... they are not observant jews !
Ivanka and Kushner are there in the White House for their own business reasons !
There was nothing observant about them,
They boarded the plane on a Friday and doing their business, inspecting jewish settlement funded by Kushner among others ... they are not observant jews !
23
AND they claimed to get some kind of "dispensation" from a Rabbi for getting on that plane. (When did we get a Jewish Pope who had the power to grant dispensations)? So while he has been so busy devaluing the presidency, the very notions of patriotism and democracy and every other value worth protecting, his family is busy devaluing and commoditizing the meaning of religion and orthodoxy.
1
How observant was Ivanka- sitting in Trump's chair - on the Sabbath?
Get these hypocrites out of government!
Get these hypocrites out of government!
I would speculate that Trump's business career in NY real estate contributed to a casual anti-Semitism that persists today. This industry is dominated by Jews who have for years outmaneuvered him in the business world and whom a paranoid narcissist would see as a group conspiring against him. Absorbing a few Jews into his family in dependent positions is just fine with him: he's OK with Jews; he even owns a few.
10
As a person of Jewish descent, I think the term “Holocaust” should be reserved for the Jewish genocide because it was Jews who originated the term, but the stated purpose Holocaust Remembrance Day is to commemorate the dearth of all who died during the Nazi genocide. The other groups feel “dissed” when only Jews are singled out during Holocaust Remembrance Day. The purpose of Trump’s trip to Poland wasn’t to commemorate the Holocaust. When Trump spoke to Jewish Republican donors, he was speaking to a group of wealthy businessmen and deal-makers like himself, not to typical American Jews.
5
Yes. And “The Final Solution” was about Jews, not “other people who died in the Holocaust."
7
Donald Trump Keep Dissing Jews? Another leftist liberal attempt to negate the best friend Israel/Jews have had since President Harry Truman...
11
You need to separate the idea that what's good for Israel is good for Jews in general, American Jews in particular. Ask the Orthodox rabbinate in Israel who's a Jew and who isn't and you'll get a very chilling answer. Separate world wide Jewry from the nation state of Israel, separate the needs and aspirations of both and you will see two different worlds.
And let's remember that anti-Semitism, especially in the US, has a large and growing constituency, one that feeds on the President's lack of precision in thought, speech and action.
And let's remember that anti-Semitism, especially in the US, has a large and growing constituency, one that feeds on the President's lack of precision in thought, speech and action.
First, Jared isn't "observant" and the media needs to stop referring to him as such. I've never seen a picture of him in public wearing a head covering. That's about as normative as it gets when declaring that a Jewish male is proudly observant. One can wear the head covering and not be observant, but the point holds. What's he worried about anyways, he's got Secret Service protection. The most renowned rabbi in Judaism was asked to summarize the religion while standing on one foot. Rabbi Hillel responded thusly: "what is hateful to yourself, do not do to others. The rest is commentary, now go and study." Jared and his felonious father fail that first litmus test. Sadly, so do far too many "observant" Jews, most of whom always have their heads covered.
Second, almost everyone knows by now that when one declares "I'm the least (fill in the blank) person you'll ever meet" those who heard the statement can bet everything they own at a casino that the person is a (fill in the blank).
Just not at a Trump casino, the (fill in the blank) was too inept of a businessman to turn the house's advantage into a profit.
Second, almost everyone knows by now that when one declares "I'm the least (fill in the blank) person you'll ever meet" those who heard the statement can bet everything they own at a casino that the person is a (fill in the blank).
Just not at a Trump casino, the (fill in the blank) was too inept of a businessman to turn the house's advantage into a profit.
10
This is just commentary. You should go and study.
1
“...I’m a negotiator — like you folks...
And Obama never empathized with a black audience???
Heck - I recall Sanders and Biden "empathizing" with black audiences...
As far as talking down to Jared - he's three years older than Mark Zuckerberg...
Though not worth quite as much...
And Obama never empathized with a black audience???
Heck - I recall Sanders and Biden "empathizing" with black audiences...
As far as talking down to Jared - he's three years older than Mark Zuckerberg...
Though not worth quite as much...
3
I must sadly agree with Frank Bruni. Narcissism and self doubt at the extremes like Trump leave no room for anti-sémitism or anti-anyism,. He truly is a person without conscience and loyal to the various and despicable beliefs of those that support him and put him in power. Had Jewish, liberal , gay, black, converted Muslims who favor abortion and hate guns put him in power, I have no doubt he would hate white, 2nd amendment, straight, conservative, Christians
7
Stop giving him credit for being a better person than he is and accept the fact that he's the terrible person he openly acts as. Looking at his statements and past history, he's clearly an anti-Semite.
Once you accept that the president we elected is a racist, misogenyst, homophobic, anti-Semite, and general bigot, his actions will make a lot more sense.
Once you accept that the president we elected is a racist, misogenyst, homophobic, anti-Semite, and general bigot, his actions will make a lot more sense.
18
Trump does not "dis" Jews intentionally, nor does he seem to be the least bit antisemitic, so he title of the article is somewhat misleading. Bruni's conclusions are correct: Trump revolves around Trump. He is oblivious of any nuance or repercussions of his actions.
His stereotyping of Jews as "good negotiators" or the guys who you want to do your taxes reflects more on his simple-mindedness (thus subtly prejudice) than outright prejudice.
Trump is as Trump does.
His stereotyping of Jews as "good negotiators" or the guys who you want to do your taxes reflects more on his simple-mindedness (thus subtly prejudice) than outright prejudice.
Trump is as Trump does.
7
*shrug* Hasn't Trump insulted every group?
3
It has been said for many centuries that the Jewish Community is the canary in the coal mine. History has proven this true. I fear we are once again at that point again. I am not talking another Holocaust or pogroms, but I do feel that this man creates a climate of comfort that has emboldened the anti-Semite, the Racist, and the Homophobic. We see this play out on the Internet, in the media and in the streets.
21
"All new to this kind and level of work" but not new to the world. Any person who has lived in America - lived in New York City no less - doesn't deserve to get a pass. There is a consistent pattern of anti-Semitism here so let's call it that. And trump trotting out his token Jewish son-in-law and daughter are cover - a smokescreen.
16
Donald Trump is hardly the first president with a "Jewish" problem. Back in the 1980's Ronald Reagan didn't visit the Dachau concentration camp and laid a wreath at the Bitburg Cemetery where members of the notorious SS were buried. Franklin Roosevelt denied entry to the St Louis the last Jewish refugee ship to leave Germany prior to World War II.. Adding insult to injury was that the Allies bombed everything in Germany; however the railway lines leading to the death camps remained untouched. Barack Obama had a horrific relationship with Israel and didn't visit Auschwitz to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its liberation in 2015. Richard Nixon was a rabid anti-Semite. Historically Jews and Presidents have always had a very precarious relationship.
14
A letter I had once intended to send to Prime Minister Netanyahu, but never got around to writing:
Dear Prime Minister,
As an American who for the last 50 years has prepared for bed by saying a prayer for America and Israel, please allow me to extend my very best wishes to you on your upcoming visit to Washington.
According to what I read in the newspapers, you and the President have already formed a close relationship and reached some understandings regarding the next steps to be taken in attempting to secure a final peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Prime Ministers of Israel -- an endangered country if there ever was one; and Jews around the world -- an endangered people if there ever was one -- have little choice but to seek the support and approval of American Presidents regarding Israel’s peacemaking efforts with the Palestinians.
This is all to the good, but it is also has me worried.
A friendly real estate magnate, snake-oil salesman and reality TV star who achieved his Presidency by non-stop lying to the American people is hardly a man who can be trusted. One has to assume that much the same treatment he has accorded to the American people is now lying in wait for you and the people of Israel.
Please act accordingly and cunningly.
With great admiration and best thanks for your devoted efforts on behalf of Israel and America's interests.
Stanton
Dear Prime Minister,
As an American who for the last 50 years has prepared for bed by saying a prayer for America and Israel, please allow me to extend my very best wishes to you on your upcoming visit to Washington.
According to what I read in the newspapers, you and the President have already formed a close relationship and reached some understandings regarding the next steps to be taken in attempting to secure a final peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Prime Ministers of Israel -- an endangered country if there ever was one; and Jews around the world -- an endangered people if there ever was one -- have little choice but to seek the support and approval of American Presidents regarding Israel’s peacemaking efforts with the Palestinians.
This is all to the good, but it is also has me worried.
A friendly real estate magnate, snake-oil salesman and reality TV star who achieved his Presidency by non-stop lying to the American people is hardly a man who can be trusted. One has to assume that much the same treatment he has accorded to the American people is now lying in wait for you and the people of Israel.
Please act accordingly and cunningly.
With great admiration and best thanks for your devoted efforts on behalf of Israel and America's interests.
Stanton
6
Right wing Jews, and there are many of them in the U.S. and Israel, hated Obama. They claimed he was an anti-Semite and worse. If Obama said and did what Mr. Bruni narrates, their screams could have been heard on the other side of the moon. But they've been silent about Trump. Why?
29
Friedrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemoller could not have written it better.
4
Benjamin Netanyahu does not share your concerns.
He had very icy relations with Obama, but he loves Trump.
Ivanka and Jared are the first Jews to be part of the first family - ever.
And Trump lost the Jewish vote in 2016 by 47 points; more than Latinos (36%), single females (29%) and urban dwellers (24%). Only Blacks (80%) gave him a smaller percentage of their votes. If you don't vote for the winner, don't expect any favors.
He had very icy relations with Obama, but he loves Trump.
Ivanka and Jared are the first Jews to be part of the first family - ever.
And Trump lost the Jewish vote in 2016 by 47 points; more than Latinos (36%), single females (29%) and urban dwellers (24%). Only Blacks (80%) gave him a smaller percentage of their votes. If you don't vote for the winner, don't expect any favors.
2
So Votes determines one bigotry, biases, and prejudices?
2
Sociopaths are hard to pin down on any matter, especially when they remain glued to a mirror.
Electing one to any office is an act of insanity.
Electing one to any office is an act of insanity.
7
It would be (ugh!) interesting to get his take on the hate crime reported in this same issue of the NYT: The East Indians who were murdered by a man who believed them to be "Arabs". I'm sure he would not recognize his part in causing this and the many other hate crimes perpetrated since his hateful, disgraceful campaign to rid the country of "all Muslims" on the basis that they must be terrorists. Most of us readers, however can add 2 and 2 well enough to make the connection. Hate begets hate. At least this killer has been arraigned, with hate crime added to the 1st degree murder charges.
5
I know a lot of Orthodox Jews. They nearly all voted for Trump. Clearly, they don't feel the same way as Mr. Bruni.
9
Trump unquestionably aligned himself with the white supremacist right, which blames almost every ill of our society on the Jews. I suspect he was dissed by powerful Jewish real estate interests in New York during his early career days and is affected by those who bested him at his own game.
5
You are too kind. Trump's spurning of societal norms of decency isn't just obliviousness. Or rather, it's the kind of obliviousness that underlies most racism.
There's a small core group of avowed racists - whom he courts, to be sure - but most racists who voted for him are the garden-variety American type: sure that they're not racist, they just don't understand why the blacks and the mexicans are so uppity. And all that awful crime they cause! But the Jews, love the Jews. Great deal makers, the Jews.
The determined callous indifference to the lives of others, to their worth and their history, is at the root of Trump's racism and all racism. It lumps people by the millions into subordinate groups and dehumanizes them. Calling it "stereotypes" doesn't do justice to the underlying violence of it.
That he has Jewish lawyers and a secular Jewish son-in-law just means that he joins the long tradition of country club members who claim that some of their best friends are Jews. Just as the Saudis called him a "true friend of Muslims", while his travel ban affecting millions was going into effect.
As you said: it's a pattern with a clear conclusion. He is a racist. And he is anti-Semitic.
There's a small core group of avowed racists - whom he courts, to be sure - but most racists who voted for him are the garden-variety American type: sure that they're not racist, they just don't understand why the blacks and the mexicans are so uppity. And all that awful crime they cause! But the Jews, love the Jews. Great deal makers, the Jews.
The determined callous indifference to the lives of others, to their worth and their history, is at the root of Trump's racism and all racism. It lumps people by the millions into subordinate groups and dehumanizes them. Calling it "stereotypes" doesn't do justice to the underlying violence of it.
That he has Jewish lawyers and a secular Jewish son-in-law just means that he joins the long tradition of country club members who claim that some of their best friends are Jews. Just as the Saudis called him a "true friend of Muslims", while his travel ban affecting millions was going into effect.
As you said: it's a pattern with a clear conclusion. He is a racist. And he is anti-Semitic.
15
People around the world need to wake up. The Con Don is only for himself and his corrupt offspring - and those who will kiss his ring.
His sole purpose, in the International Mafia Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical christian Good Old Boys (white boys) war to take over the world, is to stir up trouble. Everywhere. Between everyone who will buy into it.
WE must not allow him to "divide and conquer" us. Not now. Not ever again. Not if we want to live in a true democracy instead of the world The Con Don and his International Mafia have in mind. It's not pretty.
His sole purpose, in the International Mafia Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical christian Good Old Boys (white boys) war to take over the world, is to stir up trouble. Everywhere. Between everyone who will buy into it.
WE must not allow him to "divide and conquer" us. Not now. Not ever again. Not if we want to live in a true democracy instead of the world The Con Don and his International Mafia have in mind. It's not pretty.
14
Trump reminds me of so many people I've known over my 70 years. Some have been deeply anti Jewish. I always prefer that word because it is the way to put the issue directly into one's face. Do you hate Jews? Interesting because many of my close friends whom I've known almost all my life maintain anti Jewish sentiments which pop up here and there all the time. The money, the noses, the really smart but somehow dangerous. I have long ago credited this to inbred stereotypes that go back centuries and not to some inner vindictiveness. It is this latter type that I think Trump is. He has never confronted those stereotypes and actually even if called on it would probably never admit to them. Look at all his Jewish lawyers!!
But what Trump needs to do as president is to stand up and note that these stereotypes and others applied to other races are not appropriate in his playbook. That, I expect will not happen.
But what Trump needs to do as president is to stand up and note that these stereotypes and others applied to other races are not appropriate in his playbook. That, I expect will not happen.
28
Invisible privilege. Thank you for your words Ira Cohen.
"Why Does Donald Trump Keep Dissing Jews?" Is that your question Frank? Surely you don't believe that Jews are somehow exempt from being Disrespected by Donald Trump? You do recall the brain-numbing question posed by our President to Black Journalist April Ryan about the Congressional Black Caucus; "They Friends of Yours?" Lest you forget about Mexicans being murderers and rapists and Muslims being Terrorists. No Frank, Jews have not been singled out. Be thankful he hasn't turned his attention there.
20
Trump is the most unqualified president ever, but let's be fair. The recent bomb threats against Jewish community centers were by a Jewish Israeli teenager and a black communist journalist angry at his ex-girlfriend. Attacks against Jews in Western countries are usually by young Muslim men. Trump supporters are not the threat to Jewish people, and Trump has no duty to play into any narrative that they are.
14
"Attacks against Jews are usually by young muslim men" ??
sounds plausible if you don't know young muslim men but in fact living with the muslim community though not muslim I never hear anti-Jewish remarks, anti-Israel sometimes, but the distinction is always made as it is others who oppose Israeli policies in Palestine. In point of fact I am aware of more instances of muslims, including young and old males, defending synagogues from western racists and neo-nazis than anybody from that community attacking them.
sounds plausible if you don't know young muslim men but in fact living with the muslim community though not muslim I never hear anti-Jewish remarks, anti-Israel sometimes, but the distinction is always made as it is others who oppose Israeli policies in Palestine. In point of fact I am aware of more instances of muslims, including young and old males, defending synagogues from western racists and neo-nazis than anybody from that community attacking them.
2
The swatstikas were not from the Israeli teenager (who had a brain tumor and was rejected by the Israeli army as mentally unfit for duty). The graveyard defacements were the work of somebody. Besides, when Trump blew off the threats nobody knew who was calling them in.
It's the combination of right and left wing extremes that is dangerous. The only thing they agree upon is the vilification of Jews, the only minority group that enjoys being debased from both political extremes.
It's the combination of right and left wing extremes that is dangerous. The only thing they agree upon is the vilification of Jews, the only minority group that enjoys being debased from both political extremes.
2
Frank love your work but this is nothing new. Compared to him meeting Putin alone with just Tillerson, and a translator is the scariest thing I could ever imagine. No McMaster? Who knows what was said and what was plotted. This guy and Russia is just too weird for words.
16
I assume they talked about eliminating the Russian sanctions so that the oil drilling in the arctic could go forward. Remember it's been estimated at a trillion dollar deal. That's enough money to warrant betraying the U.S. and its European allies and ignoring the dangers of global warming.
2
Trump has German Scottish roots yet we only hear of his Russian and Jewish connections at the morally defunct NYT. I'm more interested if the mayor of New York City made any connections with Hamburg's anachronistic rioters this weekend?
11
You started strong and ended weak. No "definitive" way to tell. I learned in HS not to write like that. Take a chance. He is an anti-semite. Name a moderate Jew he has spoken with? Orthodox are no different from his Saudi friends when it comes to treatment of women and adherence to rules based on superstition and legend. His daughter converted after studying with a fugazi rabbi who no doubt earned a pile for the confirmation and blessing. Check her schedule for visits to the mikveh. And where did she haven in Hamburg? He hates Jews and always has, because they didn't let him and his dad into the real Real Estate club in NYC is my guess. Show me images of him and Jews.
7
You're right about Trump's pathological narcissism, but I think his kindness to neo-Nazi white supremacist types is more than just narcissism and ignorance at work -- there is political calculation, too.
12
By his deeds ye shall know him.
6
I am not a Trump supporter, but Trump being accused as a Jewish hater is NOT A CORRECT news. Its is FAKE NEWS. We should always fight for TRUTH, irrespective of our party affiliations.
15
There was no time for the Secret Service to "clear" the monument visit as Trump was due in Hamburg. He completely connected with "all" of the Polish people in his address. The opinion column author has not written anything about President Trump visit to Israel and the Wailing Wall, etc? The NYT should have started its latest round of firings not in the edit departments but in the Opinion Columnists dept.
5
what is this. people have right to follow any thoughts that is not harmful to the society and more focused on development of their country. yes we must regard others belief that that is not harmful to our society.
1
Trump is responding to casual anti-Semitism, emerging again in the US and Europe. Not genocide, gas chambers, ridiculous racial theories - but a very simple ordinary sense that it is natural to hate Jews. It's okay to suggest that they love money more than others, it's acceptable to call them 'Zios' even if they are very critical of the occupation of the West Bank, in fact, it's almost funny to refute the very basic notion of resentment from Jews.
Trump may not be an anti-Semite but they people he is trying to please sure are.
onourselvesandothers.com
Trump may not be an anti-Semite but they people he is trying to please sure are.
onourselvesandothers.com
5
I'm sorry, Frank, but I'm just not buying "He doesn't really mean it, he's too much of a narcissist and too unprofessional" as the whole story. Certainly they contribute--both of those are true, and both make it worse.
But Charles Lindbergh popularized the "America First" idea back in the early 40's, and we all know how he felt about Jews (although that was not an unpopular sentiment in those days, to sympathize with Hitler, someone known to be killing them en masse, well that was a bridge too far. Sexism was just the normal way men treated women, and racism and discrimination against foreigners, Americans of foreign descent--think of the Japanese internment camps, and even rounding up of Germans, just in case they were spies--and all expressions of LBGBTQ were illegal then, so none of those would even have been at issue.)
"I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen..." (like "nobody respects women more than I do") sounds an awful lot like "Some of my best friends are black."
But Charles Lindbergh popularized the "America First" idea back in the early 40's, and we all know how he felt about Jews (although that was not an unpopular sentiment in those days, to sympathize with Hitler, someone known to be killing them en masse, well that was a bridge too far. Sexism was just the normal way men treated women, and racism and discrimination against foreigners, Americans of foreign descent--think of the Japanese internment camps, and even rounding up of Germans, just in case they were spies--and all expressions of LBGBTQ were illegal then, so none of those would even have been at issue.)
"I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen..." (like "nobody respects women more than I do") sounds an awful lot like "Some of my best friends are black."
7
Mr. Bruno, it isn't "newness" by Trump and his group of malcontents, it is callousness and ignorance of history. It also runs through too many in the GOP. What about that obnoxious oaf who did a "selfie" video inside Auschwitz?
Trump and his "deplorables" want as much support as they can. If it involves those to whom anti-Semitism is a joke or ignored or white nationalists, who cares. When you only have the dregs of our society working for you and many who voted for you, this is the result.
Trump and his "deplorables" want as much support as they can. If it involves those to whom anti-Semitism is a joke or ignored or white nationalists, who cares. When you only have the dregs of our society working for you and many who voted for you, this is the result.
1
Alas--- what the US president writes is what teenie boppers write in yearbooks or on twitter.
He’s ‘flamboyantly nonconformist? That’s too flattering.
And…. “that by not singling out any one group of victims, the White House had taken a more “inclusive” approach.’ Oh, I get it, he wants to be ‘inclusive’. Thanks for explaining that.
He’s ‘flamboyantly nonconformist? That’s too flattering.
And…. “that by not singling out any one group of victims, the White House had taken a more “inclusive” approach.’ Oh, I get it, he wants to be ‘inclusive’. Thanks for explaining that.
2
Yet more excuses for Trump's disrespectful behavior. I can't know if he is anti-semitic or not but I do believe him to be a racist and sexist.
Oh! Isn't so fresh, so free not to be constrained by tradition or convention! Trump is Modern Day Presidential!
As noted by Mr. Bruni Trump is an incredibly monstrous narcissist. Thus he is clueless and rude.
And he is POTUS and how he behaves, what he does or does not do matters.
Since Trump and Bannon ONLY care about the 'base' the Trump supporters the rest of us can go jump in a lake and stop whining. Problem is, that does not grow support.
Trump's high level of narcissism prevents him from thinking clearly and considering all the options. That gets him into big trouble - witness his Comey decision.
Trump will push himself onto the world stage entirely clueless as to his self-absorbed boorish actions and words. The office of POTUS will keep a barrier from the worst reactions to reach him and thusly he will continue merrily along while many Americans cringe at his self inflicted ignorance.
On with the show.
Oh! Isn't so fresh, so free not to be constrained by tradition or convention! Trump is Modern Day Presidential!
As noted by Mr. Bruni Trump is an incredibly monstrous narcissist. Thus he is clueless and rude.
And he is POTUS and how he behaves, what he does or does not do matters.
Since Trump and Bannon ONLY care about the 'base' the Trump supporters the rest of us can go jump in a lake and stop whining. Problem is, that does not grow support.
Trump's high level of narcissism prevents him from thinking clearly and considering all the options. That gets him into big trouble - witness his Comey decision.
Trump will push himself onto the world stage entirely clueless as to his self-absorbed boorish actions and words. The office of POTUS will keep a barrier from the worst reactions to reach him and thusly he will continue merrily along while many Americans cringe at his self inflicted ignorance.
On with the show.
2
A problem with racism including anti-Semitism is that it is based on a superstition--the superstitious presumption that there is a racial kind. But there is nothing like a racial kind; a race does not exist.
The whole idea of race was created in order to discriminate a minority group. White supremacy is grounded on the false notion that there is any legitimate line between the white and the non-white. How ridiculous! How can there be any human category based on color?
In the same way, the Nazi killed millions of people in the name of Jews while there is no good line between Jews and non-Jews.
What distinguishes Jews from non-Jews?
Religion? No; the Nazi killed many secular atheists as well.
So, what constitutes Jewishness?
I don't think there is an answer to that.
So, the biggest problem with the Nazi or any kind of racism is that it is an attack on a ghost.
In other words, the Holocaust was the most insane witch-hunt in the human history.
The whole idea of race was created in order to discriminate a minority group. White supremacy is grounded on the false notion that there is any legitimate line between the white and the non-white. How ridiculous! How can there be any human category based on color?
In the same way, the Nazi killed millions of people in the name of Jews while there is no good line between Jews and non-Jews.
What distinguishes Jews from non-Jews?
Religion? No; the Nazi killed many secular atheists as well.
So, what constitutes Jewishness?
I don't think there is an answer to that.
So, the biggest problem with the Nazi or any kind of racism is that it is an attack on a ghost.
In other words, the Holocaust was the most insane witch-hunt in the human history.
1
Jews are about 2% of the US population. How much time do you expect the President of the US to spend on the pet issues of this small interest group?
3
And what of his equally narcissistic phony daughter, who "worked" on Shabbat yesterday despite her proclaimed "religious Jew" identity, and who says NOTHING. The silence of her on last night's KKK rally in Charlottesville, for example, is positively evil.
6
This is a very bad joke Frank Bruni making this feckless case that Trump is anti-Jewish and The Times printing this nonsense. For all his other faults there is no evidence of Donald Trump being anti-Jewish let alone anti-Semitic. Trump has demonstrated that he is a stronger supporter of Jews and Israel than Barack Obama.
What is dangerous is this nonsense from Bruni which creates unjustified hatred toward Trump as evidenced by most of the anti-Trump comments posted here to his commentary. Using Bruni's remarks as their "source" of legitimacy various readers lash out at Trump far more forcefully citing no evidence for their criticisms except Frank Bruni's piece.
This article proves how easy it is to damage anyone simply labeling them in a way that has a negative impact on them evidence not required.
What is dangerous is this nonsense from Bruni which creates unjustified hatred toward Trump as evidenced by most of the anti-Trump comments posted here to his commentary. Using Bruni's remarks as their "source" of legitimacy various readers lash out at Trump far more forcefully citing no evidence for their criticisms except Frank Bruni's piece.
This article proves how easy it is to damage anyone simply labeling them in a way that has a negative impact on them evidence not required.
8
Synonym for Trump: Shallow.
'Nuff said.
'Nuff said.
2
Not to mention the Nazi salute on November 19, 2016 when Richard B. Spencer saluted more than 200 attendees gathered at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., for the annual conference of the National Policy Institute, with " Hail Victory, Hail Trump". Is an unfortunate oversight in the piece and casts a shadow on the writer. As we suffer this administration, please do your job, Mr. Bruni.
5
Why does Donald Trump keep dissing groups of people, one after another?
Why does Frank Bruni focus on him dissing the Jews?
Questions over questions.
Why does Frank Bruni focus on him dissing the Jews?
Questions over questions.
1
@Peter ...
"Why does Donald Trump keep dissing groups of people, one after another?"
Because he cares. He really does. Deeply.
Deep down in his heat-of-hearts President-for-Life D. J. Trump (borrowing the Russian custom of abbreviating first and patronymic names) deeply cares about us, our health and welfare present and future; of all Americans. But even more important is another salient fact (polar opposite of "alternative"): 38% of Americans actually believe it, actually believe that he cares about anything beyond wealth and power.
His.
That's because they refuse to open their eyes and see the man standing before them, see Trump as he really is.
Trump feels nothing but scorn and contempt for everyone, his base especially, because his heart is cruel.
"Why does Donald Trump keep dissing groups of people, one after another?"
Because he cares. He really does. Deeply.
Deep down in his heat-of-hearts President-for-Life D. J. Trump (borrowing the Russian custom of abbreviating first and patronymic names) deeply cares about us, our health and welfare present and future; of all Americans. But even more important is another salient fact (polar opposite of "alternative"): 38% of Americans actually believe it, actually believe that he cares about anything beyond wealth and power.
His.
That's because they refuse to open their eyes and see the man standing before them, see Trump as he really is.
Trump feels nothing but scorn and contempt for everyone, his base especially, because his heart is cruel.
In the pictionary next to "open-minded" you will not find a picture of Donald Trump. Donald's picture is next to "self-centered". I too, don't get a sense that he is anti-gay or anti-Jew the same way he comes across anti-Muslim. But unlike John McCain who told that woman that Obama was not a Muslim (and why would it matter), that Obama was a good man that McCain disagreed with on policy issues, Trump does not intercede on any hateful anti-gay, anti-Jew rhetoric. Trump is only interested in himself and lashes out at anyone who tarnishes his self-image no matter how accurate. You also will not find Trump's picture next to "intellectual argument". It is next to "degrading name calling" or perhaps "widening our differences".
3
see 'narcissism' - he doesn't care about Jews - he only cares about getting attention for himself - whatever gets him attention is what he wants.
Absolutely! That's the reason he pushed that other head of state out of the way so he could be in the front for the photo.
To me is it obvious...just look at his base. And, to support your article, I do believe he, personally, has no animosity towards Jews, homesexuals, etc., BUT instinctually he knows his base of support and he will do whatever he can to make sure that his right-wing, racist, anti-semitic base continues to adore him. That means, keeping his mouth shut on saying/doing anything that would rile them and to give them the idea that he is 'one of them'. SAD, as he would say.
3
I think based on his documented statements that he believes stereotypes regarding Jews being wealthy and good businessmen, and may or may not believe the conspiracy theory about a secret cabal of Jews running the world, however unlike anti-Semites he views these as positives since they would make Jews valuable allies/customers.
Otherwise I concur with the author, I don't believe Trump is anti-Semitic, but I do think he is incapable of caring about any humans other than himself, Ivanka, Jared, and to some degree his other children and grandchildren. I think he retweets anything that says something good about him or bad about his opponents without regard to the source or what those tweets might say about him.
Otherwise I concur with the author, I don't believe Trump is anti-Semitic, but I do think he is incapable of caring about any humans other than himself, Ivanka, Jared, and to some degree his other children and grandchildren. I think he retweets anything that says something good about him or bad about his opponents without regard to the source or what those tweets might say about him.
3
What about his wingman, fake European Sebastian Gorka, member of a Nazi-linked Hungarian party?
3
The desperate attempts to smear Trump are the product of deranged media. And more than a little stupid. For example, the attempt to portray him as unfriendly to Jews. Ivanka has married, converted and raising her children as Orthodox Jews.There has been no POTUS in recent memory as friendly to the nation of Israel as Trump. Only Truman comes to mind as being as openly warm to the country. The man has always relied on Jews as part of his business and legal team. He has publicly stated many times of his love for the jewish people. Sorry Frank, your Trump Derangement Syndrome is clearly showing in this gem.
6
Are these "dog whistles" to his base? Suggestions from Bannon? Despicable!
1
Whether he is antisemitic or not, his whole political agenda is based on incitement and the exploitation of resentment. That immediately raises a red flag among Jews who have been at the receiving end of precisely that kind of behavior through their long history. Although Bannon and his Breitbart crowd pretend to see Jews as allies in the fight for the supremacy (they call it 'survival') of the Judeo-Christian civilization, this is only tactical - until they succeed in their monstrous project and can afford to discard them. This also fits nicely in Putin's playbook, who is ostentatious in his friendliness to Jews in Russia. The Hebrew saying: “Kavdehu VeHashdehu” (“Honor him and suspect him”) applies here.
5
Firstly, Jews are often dissed the world over as a matter of course and often also of policy and often (and yes I repeat "often" on purpose) nobody cares. Thank you Mr. Bruni for noticing.
It is a matter of priorities and perspectives. Does it impress Jews that a president has a Passover "seder" yet takes action that might endanger the existence of the Jewish State (see just yesterday on Iran, agreement not withstanding http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/German-intel-says-Iran-seeks-...? Many would reply that the external, symbolic trappings are not important. It is core matters that count.
Mr. Trump has the diplomatic grace of an elephant in a china shop and misses all the cues that are appropriate. The psycho-historians will have much to study. Yet these days I do not "open up" the NYT afraid of what steps POTUS and co have undertaken to endanger the lives of my grandchildren and family.
That being the case, diss away. I don't care about White House seders.
I might add that as Mr. Bruni well knows, the Jewish community is not monolithic in its views, in the US, Israel or Europe. One president may consider himself pro-Jewish yet identify with J Street. Others may not agree with such is pro-Jewish.
I am more worried about Mr. Trumps's skills or lack of such on a general basis. As for the Jews, thanks Mr. Bruni, but no thanks.
It is a matter of priorities and perspectives. Does it impress Jews that a president has a Passover "seder" yet takes action that might endanger the existence of the Jewish State (see just yesterday on Iran, agreement not withstanding http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/German-intel-says-Iran-seeks-...? Many would reply that the external, symbolic trappings are not important. It is core matters that count.
Mr. Trump has the diplomatic grace of an elephant in a china shop and misses all the cues that are appropriate. The psycho-historians will have much to study. Yet these days I do not "open up" the NYT afraid of what steps POTUS and co have undertaken to endanger the lives of my grandchildren and family.
That being the case, diss away. I don't care about White House seders.
I might add that as Mr. Bruni well knows, the Jewish community is not monolithic in its views, in the US, Israel or Europe. One president may consider himself pro-Jewish yet identify with J Street. Others may not agree with such is pro-Jewish.
I am more worried about Mr. Trumps's skills or lack of such on a general basis. As for the Jews, thanks Mr. Bruni, but no thanks.
4
Yes Trump is insensitive to Jews; and gays, and women. and Mexicans, and Muslims and need we go on?
2
Trump didn't mention the murder of Polish Jews in his Warsaw speech because he wanted to show his sensitivity to Jewish perspectives; his speechwriters inserted that line -- which he did not see until it was spoken from his mouth -- because it supported his us-versus-them speech. In that regard his mention of Nazi atrocities was opportunistic and repulsive.
3
Scraping the bottom of the barrel with this one. I guess it must have been a slow day.
7
There you go again Bruni. When was the last time my President Trump gave you an audience? Were you ever within ten feet of Mr. Trump? Then how do you arrive at your mind blowing conclusions to make a living by writing such articles?Why do the editors of MY N. Y. Times allow such insane articles to appear on the Front Pages of this esteemed news paper?
5
I am no Trump fan, but it is true that many religious and ethnic groups (Gypsies, homosexuals, liberals, Catholic priests) were slaughtered in the "holocaust of humans" perpetrated by the Nazis. Jews were still being let out of the camps as late as 1942 if they could pay their way to Palestine. Catholic priests had no such escape hatch. It rings in my ear that "there's no business like Shoah business." So, let's be honest.
Second, the rash of hundreds of anti-Jewish bomb threats came from one guy, a zionist Jew who was caught and (I hope) prosecuted. It is reported that he made a thousand, or more, threats. Trump mentioned at the time that maybe this rash of threats was a 'black flag' operation, and in part it was.
Second, the rash of hundreds of anti-Jewish bomb threats came from one guy, a zionist Jew who was caught and (I hope) prosecuted. It is reported that he made a thousand, or more, threats. Trump mentioned at the time that maybe this rash of threats was a 'black flag' operation, and in part it was.
2
"...his sloppiness and self-absorption (are) cause enough for alarm."
Get used to it, Frank. A couple of years ago, when commenting upon the fact that his daughter converted and married a Jewish man, he said something to the effect that, "It's not what I had in mind, but...."
Face it; Trump is just not that into Jews, gays, immigrants, academics, progressives, scientists, minorities, independent women, environmentalists, most journalists, and other fake people.
Get used to it, Frank. A couple of years ago, when commenting upon the fact that his daughter converted and married a Jewish man, he said something to the effect that, "It's not what I had in mind, but...."
Face it; Trump is just not that into Jews, gays, immigrants, academics, progressives, scientists, minorities, independent women, environmentalists, most journalists, and other fake people.
1
A few thoughts. With Trump's approval rating in the high 30's and only occasionally touching 40 in the most right-wing polls, making him the least popular new president since...I don't know, he doesn't want to alienate those that see him as god and savior. And they are mostly white tribalist racists, the neo-nazis and klansmen. And, of course, radical fundamentalist "Christians".
Trump has always been racist and a "soft" anti-Semitic, meaning he tolerates but doesn't like Jews, believes the financial stereotypes, and therefore as a necessary "evil". So he doesn't either dare or realize that only by abandoning the angry bigots can he rise above those horrible numbers. Which he is incapable of doing because that means admitting he's wrong and accepting responsibility, two things he never does.
He is fundamentally an insecure egotistical stubbornly ignorant evil thieving child incapable of any empathy. A sociopath who isn't nearly as smart as he thinks he is and demonstrably catastrophically incompetent.
The other 19 at the G-20 are all fully and totally aware of this and are responding accordingly.
Trump has always been racist and a "soft" anti-Semitic, meaning he tolerates but doesn't like Jews, believes the financial stereotypes, and therefore as a necessary "evil". So he doesn't either dare or realize that only by abandoning the angry bigots can he rise above those horrible numbers. Which he is incapable of doing because that means admitting he's wrong and accepting responsibility, two things he never does.
He is fundamentally an insecure egotistical stubbornly ignorant evil thieving child incapable of any empathy. A sociopath who isn't nearly as smart as he thinks he is and demonstrably catastrophically incompetent.
The other 19 at the G-20 are all fully and totally aware of this and are responding accordingly.
3
The stupidity and detached from reality nature of the Left is never more obvious than when they try to paint Trump as insensitive about Jews and Jewish history. Bruni should have remained in his original job as theatre critic where his affinity for fantasy was a much better match than his grasp of the Real World.
7
Another anti-Trump, NONSENSE article.
Am I the only one who is fed up with all the Trump bashing ?
Looking forward to Mr. Bruni's future articles on why Trump hates children, dogs, motherhood, and apple pie.
Am I the only one who is fed up with all the Trump bashing ?
Looking forward to Mr. Bruni's future articles on why Trump hates children, dogs, motherhood, and apple pie.
8
"And Donald Trump has established a pattern of offending — or at the very least ignoring — Jews."
I'm pretty sure Muslims and Hispanics are envious. They probably wish they were ignored too.
I'm pretty sure Muslims and Hispanics are envious. They probably wish they were ignored too.
3
I detest Trump for a myriad of reasons. But in this case, I don't think he's anti-Semitic. I just think he's a ham-handed, ignorant boor, who is likely to offend anyone he crosses paths with (except Putin).
5
Trump's fragile base includes white supremacists who are strongly anti-Semitic. He's cynical enough to keep them believing he's on their side. And when it serves his interest, he might well be, at least temporarily. His ambiguity is just as often expedient as it is ignorant. In either case, he's keeping people off balance. That gives him an advantage when he decides to push and shove.
2
" Fragile base " ?
It does not look so fragile to me or Hilary Clinton.
It does not look so fragile to me or Hilary Clinton.
1
i know that the NYT will not print my comment but I write it anyway. My comment does not respond to the article directly, but it does reflect on the character of the writer.
Frank, you and your fellow liberal friends like Chef Mario Batali who you interviewed at Barnes and Nobles a few months ago are the biggest hypocrites. Mario, multi- millionaire, with restaurants around the world complained about having to pay busboys and waiters a decent wage in the future when the minimum wage will go up. He said that would be passed on to patrons who would pay a much higher restaurant bill!!! What really struck me is that no liberal in that Union Square audience said a word to either of you. Is it because liberals are so enthralled with celebrities (not you Frank) or that so many are just hypocrites like you and Mario?
Frank, you and your fellow liberal friends like Chef Mario Batali who you interviewed at Barnes and Nobles a few months ago are the biggest hypocrites. Mario, multi- millionaire, with restaurants around the world complained about having to pay busboys and waiters a decent wage in the future when the minimum wage will go up. He said that would be passed on to patrons who would pay a much higher restaurant bill!!! What really struck me is that no liberal in that Union Square audience said a word to either of you. Is it because liberals are so enthralled with celebrities (not you Frank) or that so many are just hypocrites like you and Mario?
5
I would love to write something trenchant and sarcastic, but I am so tired of all things Trump. All I can say, yet again, is that he is a delusional fool.And he's taking us down with him.
2
Why does Donald keep dissing Jews?
We should all by now have moved past asking why Donald does anything he does. We all know: He's a desperately unhappy, unfulfilled and insecure man who, at 71, is never going to be anything than what he is deep down and on the surface (same thing). He's achieved and obtained everything he thought he wanted, but in his own mind, he has nothing. That's why he always acts like he has nothing to lose.
He's on record telling his wives, in effect, sure, we can have kids, but don't expect me to have anything to do with feeding, bathing, diaper changing -- or even taking walks in the park with them.
When Attorney General Lynch met with Bill Clinton on that tarmac and they said they talked about grandchildren, Trump essentially said, mockingly: "I love my grandchildren to death, but I'd run out of things to say about them after nine seconds." That's about two seconds per grandchild.
Why does Trump diss Jews? Why does he diss disabled people? Overweight people? Short people? People he finds unattractive? Why does he lie all the time? Make fake Time Magazine covers of himself? Use charitable donations to buy portraits of himself? Cheat people?
He loves his grandchildren to death, but couldn't possibly talk about them for more than nine seconds. That's about eight seconds longer than he has ever thought about having insulted a person, or a group of people.
We should all by now have moved past asking why Donald does anything he does. We all know: He's a desperately unhappy, unfulfilled and insecure man who, at 71, is never going to be anything than what he is deep down and on the surface (same thing). He's achieved and obtained everything he thought he wanted, but in his own mind, he has nothing. That's why he always acts like he has nothing to lose.
He's on record telling his wives, in effect, sure, we can have kids, but don't expect me to have anything to do with feeding, bathing, diaper changing -- or even taking walks in the park with them.
When Attorney General Lynch met with Bill Clinton on that tarmac and they said they talked about grandchildren, Trump essentially said, mockingly: "I love my grandchildren to death, but I'd run out of things to say about them after nine seconds." That's about two seconds per grandchild.
Why does Trump diss Jews? Why does he diss disabled people? Overweight people? Short people? People he finds unattractive? Why does he lie all the time? Make fake Time Magazine covers of himself? Use charitable donations to buy portraits of himself? Cheat people?
He loves his grandchildren to death, but couldn't possibly talk about them for more than nine seconds. That's about eight seconds longer than he has ever thought about having insulted a person, or a group of people.
3
Is the president an anti semite? Perhaps, so by giving him a narcissistic out he can persist in acting like one. The Art of The Deal!
1
Sort of, but not exactly, I think. Seems to me that he is exquiaitely tuned into and aware of what his loyal constituancy think and they are enthusiastically antisemitic. He's also aware of what the mass in the middle think, and while they aren't enthusiastic antisemites, they don't care a lot one way or the other so he can afford to be silent.
I do believe the man has no principles of his own beyond "more for me" and I don't think he is smart enough to see long term consequences.
I do believe the man has no principles of his own beyond "more for me" and I don't think he is smart enough to see long term consequences.
1
There is a more accurate and darker interpretation of Trump's attitudes towards Jews.He's surrounded himself with Jewish lawyers---Roy Cohn, Michael Cohen, Jared Kushner, Marc Kasowitz, and David Friedman. These are his court Jews, functionaries. Even though they've served and enabled him for years, I doubt he mixes with them socially, with the possible exception of Kushner.
He sees the Jews as money-makers and fixers, a common if dangerous stereotype.
He sees the Jews as money-makers and fixers, a common if dangerous stereotype.
7
The Republicans seem to support Jews and Israel, although some rednecks have a bias against Jews that is hard to understand. I worry more about the radical left's new-found hostility toward Israel, including it's sympathy and solidarity with enemies of Israel. What is happening with the left?
4
Why does Donald Trump keep dissing Jews?
In addition to all his other sins he has no common sense.
In addition to all his other sins he has no common sense.
OK--just to get this out of the way--I didn't vote for him. Nor for Her, either. I affirmatively voted for "none of the above," as my enlightened state permits me to do, and I sleep the sleep of the blameless.
But hypocrisy I don't like. Bill Clinton was a far, far more wretched human being than Trump is, and I don't mean the sex stuff, though that's always been pretty bad.
I was reminded just yesterday of how Clinton interrupted his campaign for President to rush back to Arkansas to affirm the death penalty for a prisoner so mentally disabled that, at his last meal, he saved his slice of pecan pie "for later."
Google "Arkansas blood bank scandal" if you want to get a glimpse of venality at its worst.
Trump is a sad destroyed human being who wouldn't be President today if Clintonworld hadn't done its usual Mafia thing to keep any and all viable Democratic candidates far, far away from casting a bigger shadow over Her. Don't come after me shrieking about the popular vote, either. You know the rules; Her did too, and lost by 'em.
This is an excellent time out so that perhaps people of common sense and good will can find their way out of the desert and take us back to the future, when Democrats, Republicans and Independents knew how to deal and horsetrade and get the business of the country done.
But hypocrisy I don't like. Bill Clinton was a far, far more wretched human being than Trump is, and I don't mean the sex stuff, though that's always been pretty bad.
I was reminded just yesterday of how Clinton interrupted his campaign for President to rush back to Arkansas to affirm the death penalty for a prisoner so mentally disabled that, at his last meal, he saved his slice of pecan pie "for later."
Google "Arkansas blood bank scandal" if you want to get a glimpse of venality at its worst.
Trump is a sad destroyed human being who wouldn't be President today if Clintonworld hadn't done its usual Mafia thing to keep any and all viable Democratic candidates far, far away from casting a bigger shadow over Her. Don't come after me shrieking about the popular vote, either. You know the rules; Her did too, and lost by 'em.
This is an excellent time out so that perhaps people of common sense and good will can find their way out of the desert and take us back to the future, when Democrats, Republicans and Independents knew how to deal and horsetrade and get the business of the country done.
2
This headline, probably intended, is so offensive - to this grand-daughter of Holocaust victims anyway.
1
I read that the only two countries that preferred Trump to Obama are Russia (no surprise) and Israel. If by sheer happenstance his daughter didn't marry a Jew, it is likely, based on his other political contacts, Trump would be seen by a large swath of Jews and others as the second coming of Charles Lindbergh - the first American Firster. Even with Ivanka, we still get a regular whiff of this alternative reality.
2
I'm Jewish, but I don't feel I have the right to be personally offended by this man. I do have the right as a US citizen to be offended, embarrassed, and appalled at virtually everything he and his posse say and do. Over the years, we've had several incompetent, and worse, leaders at the big desk in the Oval Office. But nothing like this abomination.
4
"I can’t know definitively how Trump feels about Jews or gays or a whole lot else. But I can see clearly his sloppiness and self-absorption, and they’re cause enough for alarm."
He is sloppy, unintelligent, uninquisitive, self-adoring and cares about one thing: making money, mostly by various cons. That's it for trump. There is really nothing more. There's no point in parsing his statements. He is quite simple to understand: he's like that guy in Times Square running a 3-card monte scam. We are in such a sad and dangerous place, it is not possible to grasp what is happening.
He is sloppy, unintelligent, uninquisitive, self-adoring and cares about one thing: making money, mostly by various cons. That's it for trump. There is really nothing more. There's no point in parsing his statements. He is quite simple to understand: he's like that guy in Times Square running a 3-card monte scam. We are in such a sad and dangerous place, it is not possible to grasp what is happening.
2
One could Imagine that in his business life, he met quite a few Jews who weren't "Nice" to him.... Remember that grudges are his worldview.
2
Trump only cares to be the president of his supporters, which happen to include, misogynistic, racist, homophobic, white supremacist and antisemites, the "deplorables". Not all Trump supporters are deplorable, but all "deplorables" seem to be Trump supporters.
1
Why, you ask? Because two of his closest advisers, Bannon and Miller, are alt-right modern-day Nazis who want to keep the white European Christian race pure. And apparently that's OK with Republicans in Congress, the Evangelicals who support him, blue-collar hillbillies in coal country, Iowa farmers, Sean Hannity and even Israel's Netanyahu.
2
Christy: Stephen Miller is Jewish. Bannon's former employer was founded by the Jewish Andrew Breitbart.
3
Frank, it's not just the Jews. Trumps disses everyone.
Excusing Trump 'because he doesn't know any better" is no better than validating his presidency and ignoring his past and his father's past. Surely he knows better than to parrot what his anti-Semitic advisors--whom HE picked--tell him. If not, it's because he agrees with him.
1
Actually President Trump spoke powerfully about the Jews in WW2 Poland. Guess Mr. Bruni chose to ignore the fact he specifically noted the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising! And that a vibrant Jewish population -- the largest in Europe -- was reduced to almost nothing after the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland's Jewish citizens!!!
Face the fact Mr. Bruni and other NYTimes writers will never like the man. And I say this as someone who did not vote for Trump!
So here are President Trumps words, 'Under a double occupation the Polish people endured evils beyond description: the Katyn forest massacre, the occupations, the Holocaust, the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the destruction of this beautiful capital city, and the deaths of nearly one in five Polish people. A vibrant Jewish population -- the largest in Europe -- was reduced to almost nothing after the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland's Jewish citizens, along with countless others, during that brutal occupation.'
Face the fact Mr. Bruni and other NYTimes writers will never like the man. And I say this as someone who did not vote for Trump!
So here are President Trumps words, 'Under a double occupation the Polish people endured evils beyond description: the Katyn forest massacre, the occupations, the Holocaust, the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the destruction of this beautiful capital city, and the deaths of nearly one in five Polish people. A vibrant Jewish population -- the largest in Europe -- was reduced to almost nothing after the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland's Jewish citizens, along with countless others, during that brutal occupation.'
52
Seems fair to say that whatever the topic there's more of a need with PT to assess whether his spoken words are his, and then to what extent. Yes every president has speech writers, but with him there seems to be a well established - or at least much used - distinction between what he says ex temp, for example, and what he reads from a tele-prompter, with this quote in the latter. Yes, few presidents are scholars and/or have the time to research and take pen in hand to put their own stamp on appropriate remarks for such an appearance in Poland. But the power of his words- as possibly quite distinct from PT's own feelings about Jews and anti-semitism - needs to be demonstrated, not merely asserted.
2
He also said Polish Americans ( we call them Americans) came out in droves to vote for him this past election. And he knows this because.....? He knows it because he can read a script but when he talks extemporaneously, he uses fake facts from his own self centered brain.
3
Re-read the column, he did mention that "the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland's Jewish citizens" in his big Warsaw speech. But he sent Ivanka to the Warsaw memorial instead of going himself. That was his point.
2
Trump, like many gentiles, grew up hearing negative things about Jews and while not consciously agreeing with those views he instinctively remembers them from time to time and they come forth from his mouth without any real meaning or intention. This is not a Trump problem but a Christian problem.
9
Here is why Trump will win again in 4 years. Career politicians have got caught up in bureaucratic politics, world affairs, appeasing everyone, not offending anyone, focusing on mundane issues and thus lost focus on providing jobs for the larger population. While the pundits of media sit in NYC offices spouting liberal agenda, vast number of thier back office workers are outsourced or offshore. These are white collar jobs for the educated, who have now learnt what blue collar workers have known for long time, we need America first in America.
6
Somehow, I keep thinking about DT's (and rightwing Fox's) declarations about the bogus "War on Christmas." Apparently, DT and Conservatives can be as politically incorrect about others whom they dislike or marginalize, but the rest of us (including those of us who are NOT Christian) must needs conform to political correctness when it comes to references to Christmas and Christianity. So, it's "do as I say, but not as I do," the epitome of self-serving hypocrisy, not to mention a violation of the 1st Amendment's Establishment Clause when they elevate Christianity and all of its aspects into a de facto Governmentally recognized and sanctioned authority.
Most wars have been fought over differences of religious beliefs in human history. That is why our enlightened Founding Fathers proposed and ratified the First Amendment's injunction against Church and State being one and the same. But rightwing demagogues will do what they will do to undermine that when such acts advance their agendas or feed their hatred of those who are different (i.e., not Christian).
The burden of constitutional governance weighs heavily upon not only those who govern the people, but also upon those voters who give their consent to be governed. Moreover, a political collusion between Church and State will inevitably corrupt both.
Most wars have been fought over differences of religious beliefs in human history. That is why our enlightened Founding Fathers proposed and ratified the First Amendment's injunction against Church and State being one and the same. But rightwing demagogues will do what they will do to undermine that when such acts advance their agendas or feed their hatred of those who are different (i.e., not Christian).
The burden of constitutional governance weighs heavily upon not only those who govern the people, but also upon those voters who give their consent to be governed. Moreover, a political collusion between Church and State will inevitably corrupt both.
15
Along with a casual disregard of common norms and the sort of oblivious stereotyping anyone could pick up through the zeitgeist, Trump as brought with him a more dangerous type of prejudice. He raised his political profile in the first place by questioning -- for years -- whether our African American president was entitled to his job. He began his political campaign by stereotyping Mexicans as criminals and teased his rally-goers with verbal assaults on immigrants throughout. As president he's attempted relentlessly to ban Muslims from entering the country, and has extended the mandate of ICE. He has shown more than once an affinity for the ideas of right-wing European nationalist parties, most recently in his Warsaw speech. Throughout his political rise, Trump has used a combination of bombast, bullying, innuendo, and policy to diminish and exclude those who don't fit the image he's selling. Psycholanalyzing Mr. Trump deflects attention from Trumpism and the policies it promotes. The results are playing out every day if we care to look, and they don't show the USA at its best.
14
"Some of it boils down to an absent professionalism. Trump isn’t matching the respectful choreography of other presidents because there’s no one in his inner circle familiar with the dance."
Mr. Bruni - you are being way too kind and, once again, excusing and normalizing him by reinforcing what some people love about him: being an outsider. Virtually anyone raised with any manors and even a modicum of decorum and sensitivity would be more "professional." Goodness, anyone who goes to the movies or watches TV would have a better understanding of the behavioral expectations of a President. We all know by now that this one can't - literally - due to his illness. But the rest of the administration is simply disinterested, tacitly ignoring, thereby accepting, deliberately playing up to him, or can't control him. Please don't give them "credit" for being new to the job.
Get him out now!
Mr. Bruni - you are being way too kind and, once again, excusing and normalizing him by reinforcing what some people love about him: being an outsider. Virtually anyone raised with any manors and even a modicum of decorum and sensitivity would be more "professional." Goodness, anyone who goes to the movies or watches TV would have a better understanding of the behavioral expectations of a President. We all know by now that this one can't - literally - due to his illness. But the rest of the administration is simply disinterested, tacitly ignoring, thereby accepting, deliberately playing up to him, or can't control him. Please don't give them "credit" for being new to the job.
Get him out now!
8
Mr. Bruni misses the point in only one respect. He writes that his daughter and son-in-law are at the core of his life. There is no core other than himself. The constant search for external adulation and validation reflects the fact that there is nothing inside. This is a fundamentally empty, miserable man. That is not to say that he is not quite dangerous; he is. But the danger, the racism, the sexism, all stem from the emptiness and the man's desperate quest to fill from the outside what can only be filled from within.
21
Unfortunately, many of my right-leaning fellow Jews think (however incorrectly) that President Barack Obama was "anti-Israel". This was unfairly based on the Iran nuclear treaty, the abstention (instead of a veto) on the UN vote, and "perceived inability" to use the term "radical Islamic terrorism". All disgraceful and McCarthyist-type allegations.
The "spin" these right-leaning Jewish Americans use is that "now we have a true friend of Israel in the White House". When the Yad Vashem visit comes up, they insist on looking at the "big picture" saying that "no other sitting president has visited the Western Wall". Forget about Europe- we "have our true allies (i.e. Israel)".
Not to mention, they will note Trump has an "Orthodox Jewish son-in-law" and convert daughter. Steve Bannon? They say, "I haven't seen any evidence of his anti-Semitism". So how bad could it be?
Anything else- well it's the "mainstream media" out to get Trump!
The "spin" these right-leaning Jewish Americans use is that "now we have a true friend of Israel in the White House". When the Yad Vashem visit comes up, they insist on looking at the "big picture" saying that "no other sitting president has visited the Western Wall". Forget about Europe- we "have our true allies (i.e. Israel)".
Not to mention, they will note Trump has an "Orthodox Jewish son-in-law" and convert daughter. Steve Bannon? They say, "I haven't seen any evidence of his anti-Semitism". So how bad could it be?
Anything else- well it's the "mainstream media" out to get Trump!
13
As any normally sensitive visitor to Yad Vashem knows, walking through that tunnel of evil is a shattering, perhaps life-changing experience, no matter how intellectually knowledgeable about the Holocaust you are. It literally chills you to the bone and makes you want to weep at the unfathomable horror human beings can inflict on one another. I don't think anti-Semitism is at work in Trump's reportedly brisk visit and callow response to it. Rather, it suggests an incapacity to feel empathy, a fear of looking weak if you acknowledge kinship with victims. It suggests that our duly elected president is both a tyrant and a man without a conscience.
21
Isn't one of the traits of a psychopath someone who cannot feel empathy?
1
We anti-Trump people are piling on, and that's inciting contrariness even among Trump critics. Let Trump reveal his worst, as he does and does and does.
We're getting boring. Have we no better ideas and solutions to promote than to trash Trump? That's the emphasis Clinton resorted to in the latter stages of her campaign and it dulled her own appeal. Let's focus on and be convincing about our ideals. Turn the spotlight off Trump.
We're getting boring. Have we no better ideas and solutions to promote than to trash Trump? That's the emphasis Clinton resorted to in the latter stages of her campaign and it dulled her own appeal. Let's focus on and be convincing about our ideals. Turn the spotlight off Trump.
6
Very thoughtful column. But what this and other issues boil down to for me is: I cannot know someone's heart, but I can know his or her actions. Trump's actions show incredible self-absorption, as Frank points out, and an incredible lack of respect for anyone not Trump.
16
Once again: The obvious parallels between the rise of Nazism and Hitler et al, and the rise of Trump, Bannon, Kushner, Miller nad Priebus. Cause for
alarm? That's putting it mildly.
alarm? That's putting it mildly.
22
Kushner is an Orthodox Jew, his daughter converted to Judaism and many in Trumps cabinet are Jewish, his Econmic Chair Gary Cohen is Jewish, his B.F.F. Stevie Schwartzmann who sometimes sits at his right hand and rides on Air Force One is Jewish, plus many if not most members of his club in Palm Beach, so I have trouble even considering that The Donald is anti Semitic. He has made a comment about the bankers and businessmen he does business with are "killers" and on that subject he is correct. The afore mentioned men maybe Donald's associates and even friends but that does not make them nice people, when your business is to hold every advantage possible over others and to extract as much money as possible from others in business regardless of the consequences you are not likely to encounter "nice" people. The fact that so many of the high level culprits in the financial crisis as well as finance in general and the seemingly endless problems surrounding Israel and our apparent willingness to ignore problems at home in favor of forays in the Middle East have indeed brought about an increase in anti semitism, there are armed guards at at least one , maybe two of the shuls in Palm Beach this has not always been the case. We, like Trump, have brought some of this animosity on ourselves, we need to do a better job of policing our own ranks, you can't really expect that having Jewish Goldman Sachs bankers or vulture capitalists making headlines all the time won't create resentment.
1
I don't know which was more offensive - Frank's commentary or the graphic of the upside down menorah.
4
Huh?
The lede quote should have been from the Ian Fleming novel: "Once is a happenstance, Twice is a coincidence, Three times is Enemy Action." - Auric Goldfinger.
6
With the exception of Blow for his starkness and Krugman for his mastery of policy issues, NYT columnists are now beginning to grate at me with their banality. This is especially true of instances where Trump is the tropic. This column is so pointless, given the gravity of the topic, that to me it counts as a disservice to the Jewish people.
11
As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor I beg to disagree. Your feeble attempt to paint Trump antisemitic is a stretch. Narcissistic, maybe. For that matter, Obama hailed the Reverand Wright, a true antisemite, his preacher!
Policy and legislation matters far more than how many minutes a president spends at a museum. Barack Obama dissed Israel and its' security when he promoted and passed his Iranian Deal (of which Bibi Netanyahu appeared before Congress and pleaded for them to not pass). Obama made it clear that Netanyahu was unwelcome and severely criticized. He also tried to interfere in the Israeli election process making a special trip in an attempt to oust Netanyahu. And finally, Obama terminated his presidency with his ultimate rejection voting against Israel at the U.N.---something no other American president has ever done. Barack Obama was the least supportive American president of Israel this nation has ever seen. American Jews who historically vote 95% Democratic changed discourse with this election and moved into the 70-75% range. And with that Mr. Bruni, I became a Republican....
Policy and legislation matters far more than how many minutes a president spends at a museum. Barack Obama dissed Israel and its' security when he promoted and passed his Iranian Deal (of which Bibi Netanyahu appeared before Congress and pleaded for them to not pass). Obama made it clear that Netanyahu was unwelcome and severely criticized. He also tried to interfere in the Israeli election process making a special trip in an attempt to oust Netanyahu. And finally, Obama terminated his presidency with his ultimate rejection voting against Israel at the U.N.---something no other American president has ever done. Barack Obama was the least supportive American president of Israel this nation has ever seen. American Jews who historically vote 95% Democratic changed discourse with this election and moved into the 70-75% range. And with that Mr. Bruni, I became a Republican....
6
Israeli scientists worked on the negotiating team to carve out the Iran deal. That is a fact. Second, Bibi dissed President Obama by appearing before Congress at the invitation of right wing Republicans. Third, the majority of Jews in America remain Democratic and voted for Clinton. Anyone who voted for the mentally unstable con man now occupying the White House, can never jistify, as an American non-Orthodox Jew first anf foremost , casting a vote for the worst abomination in my lifetime to ever be president.
1
You should get your facts straight. Look at the amount of money the US sent to Isreal under Obama.
1
Well, Netanyahu had no business speaking before our congress without the administrations approval.
Trump is locked into his own narcissistic, solipsistic, psychological Supermax, which makes his failure to acknowledge the significance of Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Warsaw Ghetto, Yad Vashem or failure to take the cable car to Masada, an indication of his obliviousness to anything that does not directly effect him. Trump is historically illiterate and has no historical context, and he simply doesn't care. However, his spokesman's outrageous remark that the administration was demonstrating "inclusion", by not singling out Jewish victims of the Holocaust, is blatant anti-semitism, period. The foundation of the Nazi party was not " inclusive" it was anti-semitism. The sordid attempt by the administration to defend its egregious error only exacerbates suspicion of its malicious intent. Steve Bannon's documented anti-semitism would seem to suggest his participation in the drafting of the absurd "inclusion" statement.
6
It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a immediate family member to be of the Jewish faith to understand the sensitivity and pain of the holocaust.
I grew up watching documentaries, the World at War, Shoah, and movies like Schindler's list, The Trial of Adolf Eichmann, Judgement at Nuremberg, reading many books on the holocaust, listening Eli Wiesel discussing the holocaust many times.
When you are a 71 year old man, it's hard to understand who grew up in New York City and having immediate family members of the Jewish faith not be understanding and being more sensitive; one gets the feeling that in Trump's case you almost have to try hard to be ignorant or insensitive to the memory and remembrance of the Holocaust.
I guess it says a lot about the man and what's important to him, and I think it's a fair criticism of Trump, and also to contrast his lack of sensitivity and understanding with previous Presidents Obama, Bush, and virtually every other one since the end of WWII.
I grew up watching documentaries, the World at War, Shoah, and movies like Schindler's list, The Trial of Adolf Eichmann, Judgement at Nuremberg, reading many books on the holocaust, listening Eli Wiesel discussing the holocaust many times.
When you are a 71 year old man, it's hard to understand who grew up in New York City and having immediate family members of the Jewish faith not be understanding and being more sensitive; one gets the feeling that in Trump's case you almost have to try hard to be ignorant or insensitive to the memory and remembrance of the Holocaust.
I guess it says a lot about the man and what's important to him, and I think it's a fair criticism of Trump, and also to contrast his lack of sensitivity and understanding with previous Presidents Obama, Bush, and virtually every other one since the end of WWII.
6
A little lame and lazy for Frank Bruni, who is still trying to be a Republican while distancing himself and his self worth from Trump.
You are as much a narcissist as Trump, Frank. And as reactionary. Own it up!
You are as much a narcissist as Trump, Frank. And as reactionary. Own it up!
4
An exquisit and insightful putdown by Frank Bruni. Well done. Take heed readers, especially those who continue to be taken in by the hard right.
3
"Then there was an initial, strange silence from Trump and his aides about a rash of anti-Semitic vandalism and bomb threats around the country in January and February."
You do know that those were the work of a Jewish kid in Israel and a black leftist journalist in America?
You do know that those were the work of a Jewish kid in Israel and a black leftist journalist in America?
2
Donald Trump has "Dissed" Jews? Have you forgotten what he said about Mexicans? His insane wall? His insane everything? We have an out of control lunatic as President, and what can we do about it?
10
Trump is only the president of constituencies who voted for him
Aside from Bibi in Israel, I suspect most liberal Jews supported Hillary
Therefore, they are Trump's enemies- period
David Duke, on the other hand? his friend
Does that make Trump a racist?
If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck?
Aside from Bibi in Israel, I suspect most liberal Jews supported Hillary
Therefore, they are Trump's enemies- period
David Duke, on the other hand? his friend
Does that make Trump a racist?
If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck?
4
Too abstract for me. As they say: "If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it's a duck." Trump is accountable for his actions, straight out.
6
Frank, I'm an gay American Jew for whom your article holds no surprises; but Trump is Trump. What stokes my rage are do-nothing cowards like Mueller who should be evicting Mr. T. from the White House,
4
What kind of President uses social media to broadcast material that comes from sources with a history of spreading racism, anti-Semitism or white supremacy?
A bottom feeder.
A bottom feeder.
4
Trump only panders to his constituencies, that may be what you are observing.
He'll concoct a delicious bundle of fibs and hyperbole for his supportive audiences when visits spots he's won, but otherwise he does not act the part of the ingratiating pol. To the contrary his forte is saying about certain groups what some would love to say but cannot, not paying his respects per se. His approach to American Jews must be formed by his real estate dealings in NYC & Florida, whatever that may mean.
I have saved an early photo (a telling image as I saw it) of him hugging a US flag on the side of a stage, an unplanned bit of shlock that no doubt won the hearts of the crowd at that rally. THAT's how much he loves America! (Lol.) At minimum Jewish US flag huggers should feel comforted.
He'll concoct a delicious bundle of fibs and hyperbole for his supportive audiences when visits spots he's won, but otherwise he does not act the part of the ingratiating pol. To the contrary his forte is saying about certain groups what some would love to say but cannot, not paying his respects per se. His approach to American Jews must be formed by his real estate dealings in NYC & Florida, whatever that may mean.
I have saved an early photo (a telling image as I saw it) of him hugging a US flag on the side of a stage, an unplanned bit of shlock that no doubt won the hearts of the crowd at that rally. THAT's how much he loves America! (Lol.) At minimum Jewish US flag huggers should feel comforted.
1
Am I missing something here?... Are you actually saying that Donald Trump is "dissing" Jews more than anyone else he disses?
Then let's just take a random count, shall we?
By and large, this president has more Jews in his immediate circle, whether part of his family, in his administration, or merely part of his battalion of on-call lawyers than you can shake a stick at.
As for "dissing" -- Donald Trump insults EVERYBODY!
You think Muslims, Latinos, Black people, Homosexuals, Women, or even poor folks are faring well by him? Get real.
Donald Trump is an equal opportunity bigot. And he's been one since Day 1.
So, dear Jews; don't feel bad that he forgot about Holocaust Day or the Warsaw Uprising -- no one ever said he's a rocket scientist... Remember, he thought Frederick Douglass was still alive.
And if you think he's dealing out a special dose of anti-Semitism, think again.
Then stand in line with every other American who's being duped or dissed in one way, or another by this president.
Then let's just take a random count, shall we?
By and large, this president has more Jews in his immediate circle, whether part of his family, in his administration, or merely part of his battalion of on-call lawyers than you can shake a stick at.
As for "dissing" -- Donald Trump insults EVERYBODY!
You think Muslims, Latinos, Black people, Homosexuals, Women, or even poor folks are faring well by him? Get real.
Donald Trump is an equal opportunity bigot. And he's been one since Day 1.
So, dear Jews; don't feel bad that he forgot about Holocaust Day or the Warsaw Uprising -- no one ever said he's a rocket scientist... Remember, he thought Frederick Douglass was still alive.
And if you think he's dealing out a special dose of anti-Semitism, think again.
Then stand in line with every other American who's being duped or dissed in one way, or another by this president.
5
You don't know how he feels about Jews? This is how pop psychology, the inability to fully know a public man, gets the way of calling a man what he is. This man has a strong affinity for many forms of prejudice. Anti=semitism appears is among them. He is clearly anti=muslim and hired Steve Banaon a notorious anti=Muslim as his chief political strategist and would be National Security advisor until public outcry got in the way. For all intents and purposes, Trump is an anti=semite. This Hannah Arendt strategy of showing Eichmann or Trump is not a racist doesn't work. Long after she wrote her book, and billions of pages later of controversy as to whether he was banal evil or a vicious anti=semite it cam out that he had violently anti=semietic feelings that went beyond being a cog in a Nazi machine. Trump is a scape goatee big time, he is an all purpose hater, anti-semite too. Hannah Arendt Bruni cannot save his legacy despite his pitiful attempt to do so.
2
Jared and Ivanka are no different than Bannon; they are all awful people serving a man who cares for no one but himself.
To get and keep power they must stoke the angry flames of Trump's constituents.
To get and keep power they must stoke the angry flames of Trump's constituents.
6
But Frank, his son-in-law and now daughter is part of the religion, doesn't that clear him with like... everything?
1
Trump dances with Saudi Arabian royalty, regardless of the fact that their people were responsible for killing all the innocent people in World Trade Center, but he disrespects the Jews. Need I say more?
3
We really do not need this disgusting man to like or respect us. Those Jews who are around him I believe have given up their fundamental morality for their own selfish gain. I would never sit down and "break bread" with him or any of his sycophants.
Herbert Peress, NYC
Herbert Peress, NYC
4
Regarding sensitivity toward those of the Jewish faith and ethnicity, you only have to look at the message Fred Trump gave his son.
Fred Trump was pro-Nazi and anti-Semite, therefore Donald is still pleasing his father by barely acknowledging Jews.
Fred Trump was pro-Nazi and anti-Semite, therefore Donald is still pleasing his father by barely acknowledging Jews.
1
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it’s enemy action." - Ian Fleming, Goldfinger, Ch. 14: Things That Go Thump In The Night.
"The tone-deaf breeziness of his approach was accentuated by the message he left in the visitor's book: It is a great honor to be here..." To which, Yair Rosenberg rightly described as teenager script for a High School yearbook. If this is how 45 honors and remembers the victims of the Polish Holocaust, what can we expect from him on 9/11 (during the campaign he said it was an opportunistic time to buy fire sale property at a good price), 11/11 (during the campaign 45 dishonored the military service of Senator McCain), and 12/7 (will he visit Pearl Harbor or stay away because that is President Obama's birthplace state). Does 45 understand not only is the office of POTUS the Commander-in-Chief, but also, the Compassionate-Leader-in-Chief.
1
I believe his son in law is an observant Jew. I believe his grand children are being raised as Jewish.
I think bruni should go back to being the restaurant critic.
I think bruni should go back to being the restaurant critic.
5
Don't worry, he's just a clinical case. He's anti-social and has no feeling for others. It's just ME, ME......and ME.
1
Sloppiness and self-absorption? You are being too kind.
1
Attempts like this to sew discord between Jews and the President will fail. Most of know he has given strong support to Israel while his predecessor allowed a UN resolution condemning Israel and was the architect of the Iran Agreement which gave 150 billion dollar back to Iran who supports Hamas and Hezbollah. We know of the critical role Jews play in his cabinet and his advisory team; namely Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump and Gary Cohn. We know he grew up in a Jewish neighborhood and has always associated with Jews personally and in business. Anything that suggests Trump is anti-semitic is just plain Fake News.
1
President Trump's solid support for Israel is certainly more substantive and meaningful than these missing symbolic gestures. President Obama didn't miss any chance at satisfying the Jewish constituency with the ceremonials, but when it came to what really mattered, he wasn't there. Israelis and Jews who value the security of Israel are much less concerned about missed memorial visits than any need to mourn future lost Jewish lives, G-d forbid.
2
Donald's favorite person is who he sees in the mirror and his favorite groups are those that revere that image. While I don't necessarily believe he is anti-semitic or anti-gay, Jewish Americans and Gay Americans weren't necessarily his crowds that chanted "lock her up." Donald disses anyone and everyone who doesn't bow down to his self-serving glory. It's all about him and has always been. The Apprentice was about being his apprentice. He can't talk about others for longer than a few seconds. He is without a doubt the most self-absorbed and self-obsessed president (and it hurts me to link that title to him) we've ever had. And that doesn't make for a good president or even an average one. Donald will surely go down as the worst in history...and it's only been less than six months. As a gay, jewish American, I feel saddened that this vile man lives in the White House a couple of days per week.
1
So, you don't believe Donald Trump is an anti-Semite or a homophobe, but list every single piece of evidence showing that he is. Okay, Mr. Bruni.
2
Excellent opinion piece .
This is a shallow man who has no soul .
This is a shallow man who has no soul .
2
One mistake here: the hand in the image is far too big...
From the Alaska Dispatch News back in March.
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2017/03/16/trumps-claim-on-no-prejudice-...
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2017/03/16/trumps-claim-on-no-prejudice-...
We know why he does it. For money.
Why do Jews like Icahn put up with him ?
Why do Jews like Icahn put up with him ?
2
An officeholder who is utterly self absorbed, thin skinned to criticism, changes opinions and positions more often than underwear, surrounds them self with sycophants, and calls anyone who disagrees with them a liar or fake .... well ... sure seems more like a despot than the leader of a democracy.
1
Of course he's anti-semitic! He's an insecure paranoid narcissistic id with no ego or super-ego. He's anti- everything that is "other."
1
Reader:
"Donald Trump. You are the worst egocentric, self promoter American politics has ever produced."
Donald:
"Ask me if I care!"
Reader:
"Do you care?"
Donald:
"No. But Thanks for asking."
"Donald Trump. You are the worst egocentric, self promoter American politics has ever produced."
Donald:
"Ask me if I care!"
Reader:
"Do you care?"
Donald:
"No. But Thanks for asking."
3
Let's not forget, Mr. Bruni, the despicable lies he spread about President Obama's place of birth. They were a signal that he hated the black man, and this shared hate is the sole reason his base loves him, and thus the basis of his electoral win He lies without giving it a second thought, and he wears his hate as a badge of honor.
What do you think other world leaders think when they have to meet with this man? Surely they know the whole birther lie, and the thousand other lies this man has told. Is this a man whom they can trust? What is his word worth?
And what do you think they think of the American people for having put such a foul putrid man in the White House?
What do you think other world leaders think when they have to meet with this man? Surely they know the whole birther lie, and the thousand other lies this man has told. Is this a man whom they can trust? What is his word worth?
And what do you think they think of the American people for having put such a foul putrid man in the White House?
1
Trump's grand kids are Jews. Many of his best friends are Jews. There are multiple Jews in his cabinet. His personal lawyer is a Jew. He dated many Jews. Trump loves the Jews. Too suggest otherwise is silly.
2
To suggest that someone "loves" <<insert identity class>> is a very strange apology.
Do you really think people have affection for an identity class - or do they have affection for specific people because of a specific relationship?
Do you really think people have affection for an identity class - or do they have affection for specific people because of a specific relationship?
It all comes down to what we will make excuses for in the behavior of Donald Trump. But very few seem to deny he falls short in relation to honesty, clarity or decency, does not even begin to be adequate as a President, and hides factual episodes from his past that would disqualify him. So go ahead, choose from the following: * He offends Liberals. *He does things his own way. *He says what he thinks. *The press does not like him. Take all 4, if that pleases you, but they hardly qualify him to spend a day in the Oval Office, without taking fearful chances he may not even be aware of...and showing almost no understanding of basic democratic values.
2
I am old enough to remember seeing signs that said "no dogs or Jews allowed,'’ when Jews would not be served in certain restaurants or stores, when there were quotas for med school and top colleges. I remember my being chased by schoolmates after school demanding to know why I killed God. I remember when “you people” meant me. I remember one teacher after morning prayers, and I did not have to stand up, telling the class that it wasn’t Sheldon’s fault that he's a Jew.
I remember before the war on the Jewish holey days when my father boarded up the windows of his store on 86th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, and the next day replacing smashed windows and removing the swastikas. I remember watching my neighbors, members of the German-American Bund marching with American flags and Nazi flags and posters with pictures of George Washington and Adolph Hitler and people cheering. They would rally at Madison Sq Garden.
Unless I had evidence to the contrary I grew up believing that that there were two kinds of people, Jews and Anti Semites. My oldest brother, killed in the war, was engaged to a Christian girl and I married one, and 58 years ago it was considered a mixed marriage. Her family did not approve.
The simple fact is that Anti Semitism is like a computer program that runs in the background, but hit the wrong key and the program opens and is very hard to close and Trump is hitting keys randomly and does not care as long as there’s a benefit to him.
I remember before the war on the Jewish holey days when my father boarded up the windows of his store on 86th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, and the next day replacing smashed windows and removing the swastikas. I remember watching my neighbors, members of the German-American Bund marching with American flags and Nazi flags and posters with pictures of George Washington and Adolph Hitler and people cheering. They would rally at Madison Sq Garden.
Unless I had evidence to the contrary I grew up believing that that there were two kinds of people, Jews and Anti Semites. My oldest brother, killed in the war, was engaged to a Christian girl and I married one, and 58 years ago it was considered a mixed marriage. Her family did not approve.
The simple fact is that Anti Semitism is like a computer program that runs in the background, but hit the wrong key and the program opens and is very hard to close and Trump is hitting keys randomly and does not care as long as there’s a benefit to him.
4
The problem is not just Trump's astounding ignorance. The problem is that no one in the White House or his inner circle knows better either. They are all abysmally ignorant. Trump is just like Archie Bunker. Archie had a naive, stupidly submissive wife who was as ignorant and illiterate as Archie. Archie also had a liberal daughter who married an educated but ineffective man who thrived on ridiculing Archie who didn't get it. That is Donald Trump. He has a bright, educated daughter who may well be liberal or at least moderate and her husband, though intellectual and educated, cannot be heard by Donald. Donald believes that because his daughter married an educated and wealthy Jewish man, that he himself is adequately liberal and sensitive toward Jews. Trump doesn't know the depth of his own ignorance. He doesn't have a clue that in fact he himself is grossly intolerant and racist.
Everyone tolerated Archie Bunker, to a limit, because Archie proclaimed his beliefs by waving the flag and proclaiming his patriotism. But Archie WAS the supreme racist, bigoted white supremacist and lord of his wife and family. Archie knew HIS view of right, wrong and racial and moral correctness was the right way.
That is Mr. Trump. Trump knows in his heart and in his soul that his view of race, religion, male supremacy and his view of nationalism is correct. He can't begin to understand how grossly insensitive, racist and bigoted he truly is. Trump believes he is pure in heart. He's not so pure.
Everyone tolerated Archie Bunker, to a limit, because Archie proclaimed his beliefs by waving the flag and proclaiming his patriotism. But Archie WAS the supreme racist, bigoted white supremacist and lord of his wife and family. Archie knew HIS view of right, wrong and racial and moral correctness was the right way.
That is Mr. Trump. Trump knows in his heart and in his soul that his view of race, religion, male supremacy and his view of nationalism is correct. He can't begin to understand how grossly insensitive, racist and bigoted he truly is. Trump believes he is pure in heart. He's not so pure.
3
Bloosyohshmoosyoh has it right. Bruni's concluding paragraph is (very, very) much too light and soft for the menace!
1
in a visit to The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, one can look up and see country by country how many Jews were murdered.Numbers like 50,000 Greeks, 104,000 Dutch.When I saw the number 3 million form Poland,my "knees buckled". This was 90% of Polish Jewry which constituted "the heart of the Yiddish World". I am glad that Trump acknowledged this enormous loss from which I believe Poland has never recovered. The Warsaw uprising was a stand against "the ultimate terror". Trump would have been smart to pay personal homage on that point alone.
2
If a person does not fall into the category of white, male, wealthy, Christian, European descent, and no physical handicaps, is not a reporter, and is heterosexual, and speaks English, in trumps small mind they are somehow less than human and deserve to be attacked.
trump is an egotistical, highly prejudiced pig.
Oh and then his precious daughter who is "hot" in his mind, not only married a member of the Jewish faith, she also converted. What a slam to his image and his narcissistic personality.
And he has to live daily with that reality.
trump is an egotistical, highly prejudiced pig.
Oh and then his precious daughter who is "hot" in his mind, not only married a member of the Jewish faith, she also converted. What a slam to his image and his narcissistic personality.
And he has to live daily with that reality.
1
A very good description of the Trumpian narcissism.
But as far as antisemitism inside the Administration goes, Bannon is known to have neo-Nazi leanings, and to have made antisemitic statements, as has Gorka, who was not fired after all, and belongs to a Hungarian Nazi organization. Both sons of DJT have had comfortable connections with white supremacist groups, and while they aren't officially working at the White House, they are very influential.
DJT himself is, at the very least, ambivalent about Judaism, his neglecting to properly acknowledge the holocaust seems ominous. His first wife claimed that he kept a copy of Mein Kampf next to his bed for years, for what it's worth.
Trump is so lacking in basic moral standards that it's not a stretch to suspect antisemitism, considering he's sent multiple signals of it these long months since his election.
But as far as antisemitism inside the Administration goes, Bannon is known to have neo-Nazi leanings, and to have made antisemitic statements, as has Gorka, who was not fired after all, and belongs to a Hungarian Nazi organization. Both sons of DJT have had comfortable connections with white supremacist groups, and while they aren't officially working at the White House, they are very influential.
DJT himself is, at the very least, ambivalent about Judaism, his neglecting to properly acknowledge the holocaust seems ominous. His first wife claimed that he kept a copy of Mein Kampf next to his bed for years, for what it's worth.
Trump is so lacking in basic moral standards that it's not a stretch to suspect antisemitism, considering he's sent multiple signals of it these long months since his election.
2
Don't forget, he spent only a few minutes at his mother's childhood home in Scotland. There is no meaning in his world unless it circulates around him.
When a daughter is seen through the carnal prism of desire and such a man is elected to the presidency of the United States, can anyone really expect anything less than this esteemed office to be debauched in the most nakedly venal, self serving and vengeful manner possible?
For most Americans, his presence in the White House is an abomination. Many who voted for him know this. It is the primary reason they voted for him. The sight of it is delightful to them.
When a daughter is seen through the carnal prism of desire and such a man is elected to the presidency of the United States, can anyone really expect anything less than this esteemed office to be debauched in the most nakedly venal, self serving and vengeful manner possible?
For most Americans, his presence in the White House is an abomination. Many who voted for him know this. It is the primary reason they voted for him. The sight of it is delightful to them.
2
Quite simply, Trump is, as a person, the word used as the colloquial form for the name 'Richard'.
1
For an anti-Semite, he sure surrounds himself with a lot of Jewish advisors.
I believe most honest readers would weigh his actions against flimsy evidence such as not visiting a holocaust museum and conclude the Times is running another unfair hit piece on the President and just throwing a bone to its demoralized readership.
I believe most honest readers would weigh his actions against flimsy evidence such as not visiting a holocaust museum and conclude the Times is running another unfair hit piece on the President and just throwing a bone to its demoralized readership.
2
A paragraph beginning with " A prominent Jewish Republican" makes no sense to me. Was something omitted?
Meanwhile, this column is a stretch. Every faux pas made is a result of this train wreck we call the president. He's not anti-Semitic. He simply exhibits what is the flaw in our democracy. The fact that such a jerk could actually be elected. No background in politics. Elected to nothing in the past. Probably would fail the civics test in the testing to become a citizen. Maybe we need basic requirements to get on the ballot for President. We set a terrible precedent. Who's next? Tom Hanks?
Let's hope our democratic system of checks and balances gets us through this moron's tenure.
Meanwhile, this column is a stretch. Every faux pas made is a result of this train wreck we call the president. He's not anti-Semitic. He simply exhibits what is the flaw in our democracy. The fact that such a jerk could actually be elected. No background in politics. Elected to nothing in the past. Probably would fail the civics test in the testing to become a citizen. Maybe we need basic requirements to get on the ballot for President. We set a terrible precedent. Who's next? Tom Hanks?
Let's hope our democratic system of checks and balances gets us through this moron's tenure.
1
It's easy to categorize Herr Trump as a neo Nazi. But he disrespects everyone except himself and his family. He's a narcissist. His behavior is solipsistic in nature. Trump's prejudices seem to emanate from a lack of learning, openness, selfishness, and living in his own microcosmic world. He's closed to new ideas unless they have a potential to make lots of money. As a result he's easily offended and extremely immature. His defense mechanism is to downgrade others, so he can feel superior.
2
Bruni: "... an image that placed Hillary Clinton’s face atop a pile of cash and beside a six-pointed star ..."
PolitiFact: "... a Star of David image."
To Bruni's credit he does not describe the "star" as "a Star of David", but why does he need to quote PoltiFact then? In fact, a Star of David is a hexagram and that is not what appears in the image. See the Israeli flag for a Star of David.
Bruni: "He doesn’t understand the message of zipping through Yad Vashem when predecessors lingered, ..."
Bruni: "I can’t know definitively how Trump feels about Jews or gays or a whole lot else."
Bruni contradicts himself in those two sentences.
The problem here is that Bruni can't find anything conclusively corrupt about Trump, so he resorts to innuendo, speculation, and malicious misinterpretation. Sad!
PolitiFact: "... a Star of David image."
To Bruni's credit he does not describe the "star" as "a Star of David", but why does he need to quote PoltiFact then? In fact, a Star of David is a hexagram and that is not what appears in the image. See the Israeli flag for a Star of David.
Bruni: "He doesn’t understand the message of zipping through Yad Vashem when predecessors lingered, ..."
Bruni: "I can’t know definitively how Trump feels about Jews or gays or a whole lot else."
Bruni contradicts himself in those two sentences.
The problem here is that Bruni can't find anything conclusively corrupt about Trump, so he resorts to innuendo, speculation, and malicious misinterpretation. Sad!
1
Donald Trump is a creature of his era. He was brought up in a time when stereotypes about Jews abounded in America - even among the Gentiles of New York. Add to this his psychological pathologies and you have a man as President who doesn't care what he says or does offends, and doesn't realize he is even offensive. That's because he is ignorant of the world beyond his stereotypes, unlike a cur such as Steven Brannon. So you can't expect much from The Donald. I don't think Jared and Ivanka expect anything when it comes to a mature outlook toward the Jews.
1
Whatever his personal beliefs (assuming he has any), he's trying to hold on to his vanishingly small base. Without white nationalist neo-nazis, who does he have left? A few others I guess, but those deplorables ( and they absolutely are) are his hardest core supporters and he won't risk losing them, no matter how many Gary Cohns or Jared Kushners he relies on in his inner circle...
1
Trump only seems to worry about Trump. Anything that boosts his narcissistic views is fine with him. That's what is behind his continual obsession with the fact that Clinton won the popular vote in the election. He can't accept that he lost it. Thus, his commission on voter fraud. Thus, his acceptance of praise from groups that promote hate. As long as they love him, how can they be bad?
Hey, his daughter and son-in-law are Jewish. Thus, in his mind he loved the Jews and we love him. It's OK if he disses us. He probably thinks, "It's going to be tremendous or terrific. Some of my best friends are Jewish".
Hey, his daughter and son-in-law are Jewish. Thus, in his mind he loved the Jews and we love him. It's OK if he disses us. He probably thinks, "It's going to be tremendous or terrific. Some of my best friends are Jewish".
I prefer Goldfinger's aphorism:
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
2
Why??? Donald disrespects any and everyone NOT in his immediate, bizarre orbit. That's how he rolls. Those that advance his agenda, i.e.
Self-promotion, he tolerates. As long as they are useful.
Self-promotion, he tolerates. As long as they are useful.
1
There is a short prayer "Let us ever be mindful of the needs of others". By definition, all personality disorders have a common trait of not being mindful of the needs of others. Our president has narcissistic personality disorder. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_disorder
1
"One time is happenstance.
Twice is circumstance.
Three times is enemy action."
Ian Fleming "Goldfinger"
Twice is circumstance.
Three times is enemy action."
Ian Fleming "Goldfinger"
Thanks to Nicolas Ortega for his stunning illustration of your column, "Why Does Donald Trump Keep Dissing Jews"? Your words and Ortega's picture (President Trump's fist holding the upside-down Menorah in the colours of the swastika - red, black and white) are heartbreaking to those Americans who have lived most of their lives in the mid-20th Century - eyewitnesses to Jewish/American history. Citing chapter and verse of Trump's ignorance of Judaism and its history is simple as a Hamentaschen. His remarks at Yad Vashem "amazing, will never forget!" (like a high-school yearbook autograph!) at his visit to the Holocaust Memorial in Washington, D.C., to Jewish Republican donors in December 2015 - "I'm a negotiator like you folks!"- and on and on, demonstrate his racism, white supremacy and anti-Semitism all swaddled cozily in his narcissistic personality disorder. The exqusite and spoiled apple of his eye, his daughter. Ivanka Trump, converted to Orthodox Judaism to marry Jared Kushner, the crown prince of the President's advisers and enablers. The go-to young real estate maven upon whom he relies for advice. Rampant nepotism abounds in the White House. We don't know if Trump dislikes Jews and gays - we do know that he likes Vladimir Putin, which is scarier than admiring you-know-who in Berlin in the early 1930s. There won't be any Kristallnachts in America. We have so many other racially, sexually and environmentally rotten fish to fry in America.
I think this column is too balanced, the effect of which is largely to excuse the non-president's repeated disrespect of Jews and his and his administration's virtually complete occlusion on the Holocaust. The information (vs. opinion) in the column leads to a likelier conclusion, namely that the current inhabitant of the oval office is a closet (or not-so-closet?) Holocaust denier.
1
Read or re-read the NY Times article "'No Vacancies' for Blacks:How Donald Trump Got His Start, and Was First Accused of Bias" about boorish Trump's formative years.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/28/us/politics/donald-trump-housing-race...
Like most Americans Trump harbors his dads racist views about blacks, really about African Americans and utilitarian stereotype view of Jews. Think about the teen bigot who sprays a swastika on a Synagogue then shows up in court with a Jewish public defender. If he sprayed the n-word on a black church he would still show up with the Jewish lawyer.
Fred Trump was racist and cynical. Trump is racist, cynical and tin-eared at the same time.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/28/us/politics/donald-trump-housing-race...
Like most Americans Trump harbors his dads racist views about blacks, really about African Americans and utilitarian stereotype view of Jews. Think about the teen bigot who sprays a swastika on a Synagogue then shows up in court with a Jewish public defender. If he sprayed the n-word on a black church he would still show up with the Jewish lawyer.
Fred Trump was racist and cynical. Trump is racist, cynical and tin-eared at the same time.
2
This is far too generous and ignores the obvious. Trump' final campaign ad, a long internet-run piece, was blatantly anti-Semitic, a horror that talked about the shadowy bankers who really run the world and showed three Jews, Janet Yellen, George Soros, and Lloyd Blankfein. And that followed a speech on October 13th that was lifted straight from The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, railing about "the global special interests" that "don't have your good in mind."
The fact that his daughter married another absurdly privileged ultra-wealthy child-of-a-real-estate-mogul, who happens to be Jewish, is no more a free pass than "some of my best friends are black." It should not even be part of the story.
The fact that his daughter married another absurdly privileged ultra-wealthy child-of-a-real-estate-mogul, who happens to be Jewish, is no more a free pass than "some of my best friends are black." It should not even be part of the story.
2
What a load of pathetic nonsense. One by one the looney left's desperate attempts. to deligitimize Donald Trump are failing. The make believe Russian collusion
issue, the fantasy obstruction of justice charge,and every other daily piece of nonsense the leftist media spits out is going nowhere. As a member of the Jewish faith this article is offensive not Donald Trump . It was the leftist god Obama who disrespected the Jewish people with his mistreatnent of Israel and his Iran Deal Once again it is the right of every Anerican not to like Donald Trump. If so so promote policies and run candidates that will appeal to American voters and win elections . Idiocy like this will get you nowhere.
issue, the fantasy obstruction of justice charge,and every other daily piece of nonsense the leftist media spits out is going nowhere. As a member of the Jewish faith this article is offensive not Donald Trump . It was the leftist god Obama who disrespected the Jewish people with his mistreatnent of Israel and his Iran Deal Once again it is the right of every Anerican not to like Donald Trump. If so so promote policies and run candidates that will appeal to American voters and win elections . Idiocy like this will get you nowhere.
2
Is he truly an anti-Semite? Who knows, but certainly, some of his best friends are. And we cannot deny that reported incidents of anti-Semitism are on the rise since the trump regime began.
I have a nitpick, though. Why is it - and I see this in almost every article written about this topic - do we see a term like "prompted a furor?" Can we come up with a better word, please? In this context, it is wholly inappropriate.
I have a nitpick, though. Why is it - and I see this in almost every article written about this topic - do we see a term like "prompted a furor?" Can we come up with a better word, please? In this context, it is wholly inappropriate.
2
Some are calling this event the G19. Mr. Trump's speech stoked fear/resentment of differences, not unity. Words familiar to a nationalist rhetoric playbook. Much of the time he looked miserable/out of place.
In unseemly displays of aristocratic reign, daughter Ivanka took a seat at the G20 as the president went elsewhere. And she had represented the US in visiting the Warsaw memorial instead of the president.
We're reminded of his poor treatment of Jewish journalists and late-coming words denouncing violence against Jewish places of worship/burial in the US.
When he finally did-- seemed resentful as if forced to do so. And has brazenly not held a press conference on his own in the US since February.
Absent from his Putin meeting--a US national security adviser, a stenographer.
Contemporaneous memos. And the full truth.
In unseemly displays of aristocratic reign, daughter Ivanka took a seat at the G20 as the president went elsewhere. And she had represented the US in visiting the Warsaw memorial instead of the president.
We're reminded of his poor treatment of Jewish journalists and late-coming words denouncing violence against Jewish places of worship/burial in the US.
When he finally did-- seemed resentful as if forced to do so. And has brazenly not held a press conference on his own in the US since February.
Absent from his Putin meeting--a US national security adviser, a stenographer.
Contemporaneous memos. And the full truth.
7
Any system that elevates a man like Trump to such a position of power is by definition broken and in need of radical change or repair. We have now twice elected presidents without a majority of the popular vote in as many decades. The Senate is a millionaires club that gives Wyoming's half million residents the same representation as California's 39 million. The House is heavily gerrymandered in favor of Republicans. Meanwhile voter suppression measures are sailing through GOP legislatures. Unfortunately, the constitutional mechanisms for fixing the system are themselves broken -- the beneficiaries of the present arrangements have an effective choke-hold on the bodies that would be required to pass the necessary changes to restore actual representation of the democratic will of the people. The result is an increasingly reactionary dictatorship of the 1% legitimized by the hollowed out mechanisms of a democratic republic.
It will likely take some sort of popular uprising and the calling of a constituent assembly (not a constitutional convention) to write a new democratic constitution for the 21st century to overcome this situation.
It will likely take some sort of popular uprising and the calling of a constituent assembly (not a constitutional convention) to write a new democratic constitution for the 21st century to overcome this situation.
18
Whether or not Donald trump is an anti-Semite is irrelevant. He behaves in a manner consistent with anti-semites, he embraces anti-semites and neo nazis and therefore he has encouraged these groups in their very sincere efforts to attack Jews. Just ask any Jewish journalist what their social media is filled with or get online and see swastikas all over the place. The synagogue near our house has had to hire armed security this past year. The Presbyterian church around the corner doesn't even have a gate. Trump has been given a total pass on his racism and anti-semitism etc by white journalists who somehow are always willing to attribute the best qualities to him despite any evidence they are deserved. While white men debate what is in Trumps heart of hearts, the reality is his actions have encouraged and emboldened these anti Semitic groups and they mean business. Just ask any of your Jewish friends how scared they are for their children's safety at Hebrew school.
330
I'm sorry. That sounds absolutely terrible. As a black woman, I know what it means to be afraid. The rest of us need to be more vocal in condemning this hatred
1
No more scared than women who find his sexism something to publicly decry or, I imagine, Muslims or Arab Christians or Sikhs or... well, you get it. He is making anyone not white and male think twice about what they say in public. THAT is the goal. WHITE MALE hegemony. Ain't gonna work, even if they have most of the guns. Who knows, maybe Trump is a plot by the NRA to get the rest of us armed.
There are thousands of Synagogues in the US that do not have armed security guards and certainly don't feel that they "have" to. In the history of the US there has not been a single instance of anti Semites storming into a synagogue and violently attacking Jews. As to those parents who are scared for their children's safety at Hebrew school, again in all of US history no Hebrew school has ever been attacked. While there were a rash of bomb threats against Jewish community centers, they turned out to be made by an Israeli teenager.
So not only has Trump not done anything to embrace anti semites, he has certainly not encouraged these groups in their very sincere efforts to attack Jews, because we have yet to see any efforts at all to attack Jews. So this whole pose alleging that Jews are threatened by physical attacks is a complete fabrication, let alone that Trump actually wants to see Jews get attacked.
So not only has Trump not done anything to embrace anti semites, he has certainly not encouraged these groups in their very sincere efforts to attack Jews, because we have yet to see any efforts at all to attack Jews. So this whole pose alleging that Jews are threatened by physical attacks is a complete fabrication, let alone that Trump actually wants to see Jews get attacked.
While Bruni calls for Trump to be more aware of political events, he makes the same mistake as Trump.
Germany and the Soviet Union destroyed Poland. During WWII many Polish citizens fought for their country and the allied countries. After the war, the allies gave Poland to the Soviet Union. Poland has never been the same.
There are 40 million Poles and they have priorities that are different than those of Bruni. So it is hypocritical to criticize Trump for visiting only one Jewish memorial rather than two while he was in Poland.
Germany and the Soviet Union destroyed Poland. During WWII many Polish citizens fought for their country and the allied countries. After the war, the allies gave Poland to the Soviet Union. Poland has never been the same.
There are 40 million Poles and they have priorities that are different than those of Bruni. So it is hypocritical to criticize Trump for visiting only one Jewish memorial rather than two while he was in Poland.
9
It does not really matter what Trump is or isn't as he doesn't lead as much as he follows whatever his constituents (white supremacists, anti semitic, anti-gay, anti-immigrant) want so he can get elected. That they represent 40% of the country should be a source of grave concern for our collective well-being as a vibrant liberal democracy.
16
Trump may not be anti-Semitic or homophobic, but he is something much worse. You can at least say that anti-Semites and homophobes have core beliefs. But Trump is an empty vessel with only an insatiable need for love and admiration and will do anything for them.
Prior to entering politics, Trump would have been considered to be more or less leaning to the liberal side of the political spectrum. But as a function of having discovered what works the crowd into a frenzy and whom he has chosen to advise him, he has become a nationalist neo-Fascist. That's quite a remarkable transformation that a "normal", decent person would not have made.
When you have no moral center and act only for personal gratification and self aggrandizement, you become capable of almost any sort of behavior. We know that Trump lies as easily as he breathes, defrauds his students, welshes on his debts and assaults women. The jury is still out whether he committed treason to get elected. But would it surprise anyone? He has the nuclear codes and I should fret over how he signed the guess book at Yad Vashem?
Prior to entering politics, Trump would have been considered to be more or less leaning to the liberal side of the political spectrum. But as a function of having discovered what works the crowd into a frenzy and whom he has chosen to advise him, he has become a nationalist neo-Fascist. That's quite a remarkable transformation that a "normal", decent person would not have made.
When you have no moral center and act only for personal gratification and self aggrandizement, you become capable of almost any sort of behavior. We know that Trump lies as easily as he breathes, defrauds his students, welshes on his debts and assaults women. The jury is still out whether he committed treason to get elected. But would it surprise anyone? He has the nuclear codes and I should fret over how he signed the guess book at Yad Vashem?
32
Mr. Trump's main problem: he is ignorant.
1
Respectfully, I would check your eye sight Mr. Bruni (I mean this literally).
Mr. Bruni: You're too kind!
5
The reason that virtually every President of Prime Minister that visits Israel visits Yad Vashem is not because it is "an important Holocaust memorial and museum" and they want to pay their respects. The reason they visit is that the Israelis basically demand of any foreign leader who visits to take a tour of Yad Vahsem accompanied by the Prime Minister of Israel.
And the reason that the Israelis insist on this, is not so that they pay their respects to the victims of the Holocaust. Rather it is so that they make their case as to why the existence of the state of Israel and its security is so important. That the only thing that stands to prevent another Holocaust is the state of Israel. And the goal is that this will that this get that world leader to be pro Israel.
So the purpose of these visits that the Israelis virtually require of all visiting world leaders is actually to make a very cynical use of the Holocaust, as the last thing on their minds is that the visitor contemplate the horrific tragedy that befell 6 million innocent people.
So any world leader who does not take his mandatory visit to Yad Vashem in the somber and serious manner that the Israelis expect of him is by no means tone deaf. And this is because he understands that the purpose of the visit is not at all about honoring the Holocaust victims. Instead the idea is to use the Holocaust for the cynical purpose of playing on the heartstrings of that leader so that he decides to become pro israel.
And the reason that the Israelis insist on this, is not so that they pay their respects to the victims of the Holocaust. Rather it is so that they make their case as to why the existence of the state of Israel and its security is so important. That the only thing that stands to prevent another Holocaust is the state of Israel. And the goal is that this will that this get that world leader to be pro Israel.
So the purpose of these visits that the Israelis virtually require of all visiting world leaders is actually to make a very cynical use of the Holocaust, as the last thing on their minds is that the visitor contemplate the horrific tragedy that befell 6 million innocent people.
So any world leader who does not take his mandatory visit to Yad Vashem in the somber and serious manner that the Israelis expect of him is by no means tone deaf. And this is because he understands that the purpose of the visit is not at all about honoring the Holocaust victims. Instead the idea is to use the Holocaust for the cynical purpose of playing on the heartstrings of that leader so that he decides to become pro israel.
10
Why exactly is that cynical? Personally I think that the visit is to show compassion, serve as a reminder about the horrors of the holocaust and as a reminder about exactly what you say in terms of the importance of Isreal. Cynical, however, it is not.
4
Sorry...President Trump is not that nuanced...He doesn't really understand anything except to advance his material interests...
"as the last thing on their minds is that the visitor contemplate the horrific tragedy that befell 6 million innocent people"
No, that is very deep in their psyche. They mean that, and they mean to share that.
As hard edged politicians, they also make political use of it. They feel it no less deeply for its political use.
I despise Netanyahu as a person and as a politician, and the use he makes of the Holocaust. Still, I give him that. Honesty and insight requires seeing his pain, and the pain of so many others.
No, that is very deep in their psyche. They mean that, and they mean to share that.
As hard edged politicians, they also make political use of it. They feel it no less deeply for its political use.
I despise Netanyahu as a person and as a politician, and the use he makes of the Holocaust. Still, I give him that. Honesty and insight requires seeing his pain, and the pain of so many others.
Mr. Trump is always and only concerned about his people, his supporters, his followers. I am convinced that his people are looking for the “good old days” when “those other people” knew their place. So on the world stage Trump can’t be seen showing respect for “those” people. He has not, to my knowledge shown much respect for the LBGTQ community, for the Black Lives Matter movement, for immigrants of all stripes, so he can’t be seen displaying any emotion, nor sentiment, nor sensitivity towards Jews. I am also convinced that his followers have no idea that his son-in-law is Jewish and an Orthodox Jew at that.
3
I agree with you on every point you've made. The idea of his lower class and uneducated followers accepting the fact he supports Jews is far flung. I don't believe many of them ever met a Jew,or when speaking about Jews do it with much disdain. I however don't really believe that Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka are really "Orthodox" Jews. They travel by plane, and limousine on the Sabbath, which is strictly forbidden. She dresses in mostly form fitting sleeveless dresses---another no no for Orthodox women. They claim to get a "dispensation", which if you Jewish know isn't true. The Jewish religion doesn't do "dispensations."
Mr Trumps Jewish followers ( 3 that I know) feel that Jared's being Jewish confirms Trump is pro -Jew. I dont think DT is pro anyone who's last name is not Trump.
He didn't linger long enough at Yad Vashem. Only the NYT and its readers fret about such things. The rest of the country is confronted with diminishing opportunity, crumbling infrastructure, opioid addiction, etc. But, the president didn't linger long enough! Gasp!
10
The point is this president isn't going to spend enough time on any of those other issues either.
5
Perhaps many of us have given up hope that Trump, our Dear Leader, has not lingered enough to look at the diminishing opportunities, infrastructure and other issues as he is far too busy in self-promotion and his ongoing issue, as Mr. Bruni state, with the big bad media, the election and erasing anything "Obama".
The fact that the President has a child who converted to Judaism, has Jews on his payroll, and has appointed Jews to government positions doesn't mean he doesn't hold anti-Semetic views, especially given his upbringing. Nor is he the first President to do so. The others just covered it up better.
5
FB writes here as if Trump has no history in NYC predating the campaign for POTUS. To get a fuller picture of Trump, we might look at his father's record and at his own record in dealing with New York's minorities. The Trumps have had brushes with the law and investigations for decades. Folk singer, Woodie Guthrie was for a time a tenant in a Trump building in Brooklyn (NYT), which may have inspired Guthrie to write a song and to rewrite another, with words like:
"Beach Haven looks like heaven/ Where no black ones come to roam!
No, no, no! Old Man Trump!/ Old Beach Haven ain’t my home!"
If Trump has an anti-Semitic thing going, as opposed to an anti-black thing, it's likely to be the result of a perceived personal insult. For all his bluster and all his money, Trump was never admitted to the inner circles of NYC grandees.
"Beach Haven looks like heaven/ Where no black ones come to roam!
No, no, no! Old Man Trump!/ Old Beach Haven ain’t my home!"
If Trump has an anti-Semitic thing going, as opposed to an anti-black thing, it's likely to be the result of a perceived personal insult. For all his bluster and all his money, Trump was never admitted to the inner circles of NYC grandees.
9
The reason that back in the 70's Trump did not want blacks in his buildings had nothing to do with what he personally felt about blacks. Renting apartments is a business like all others and the sole calculation of a person running a business is to make money. And the money of those one dislikes is just as green as those he does like.
However Trump was far from being the only landlord back then that did not want to rent to blacks. And the reason for this was that a building with blacks had its rent rates go down and its vacancy rates go up because whites did not want to live in a building that a sizable number of its tenants were black. And this was because blacks were perceived as more difficult tenants by many landlords and renters.
And the fact is that even today there is strong evidence that blacks are turned down by landlords at a disproportionate rate, and this is not due to personal animosity on the part of landlords.
However Trump was far from being the only landlord back then that did not want to rent to blacks. And the reason for this was that a building with blacks had its rent rates go down and its vacancy rates go up because whites did not want to live in a building that a sizable number of its tenants were black. And this was because blacks were perceived as more difficult tenants by many landlords and renters.
And the fact is that even today there is strong evidence that blacks are turned down by landlords at a disproportionate rate, and this is not due to personal animosity on the part of landlords.
1
I grew up and attended grammar, high school and college in NYC. Trump was never considered an A list celebrity. He was always considered an loud, over bearing braggart who stiffed many people working for him. He would show up a functions he was never invited to and try and take over the room. Pretty low class then, and now.
3
Business explanations that purport to be amoral, are often exposed to be immoral.
You are talking about structural racism.
You are describing a landlord's decision to perpetuate racism to prioritize personal gain over human rights.
It's not ambiguous.
You are talking about structural racism.
You are describing a landlord's decision to perpetuate racism to prioritize personal gain over human rights.
It's not ambiguous.
You are right. That includes an Ivanka Jewish relationship that the President makes awkward: He is"proud" of her and, has a woman hate issue.
But it does fit the pattern. Trump hates women or he grabs them. It is just about him. What is new? Racism? Misogyny? Issues with Jews or gays or Latinos? Has anybody had tapes of his reality TV shows when he forgot all was being recorded? Those could enlighten us.
But it does fit the pattern. Trump hates women or he grabs them. It is just about him. What is new? Racism? Misogyny? Issues with Jews or gays or Latinos? Has anybody had tapes of his reality TV shows when he forgot all was being recorded? Those could enlighten us.
4
Will the NYT at some point run out of crimes to charge Trump with? I have the feeling that ambivalent Americans are beginning to like him, more or less, after his speech in Poland and his work in Hamburg. The NYT needs to looks at itself and wonder--are they helping their cause or harming it?
10
20 million Russians died in WWII, where is that memorial and why doesn't the handwringing Mr. Bruni mention how many US presidents have failed to pay homage there? Killing fields of SE Asia 50 million dead.. Native American genocide at the hands of the US cavalry 50 million... where is that memorial? Only Jewish lives matter? Talk about tunnel vision.
7
To keep you advised...There is an inspiring Russian World War II memorial in St. Petersburg, and I suspect also in many other Russian cities. I visited the war memorial in St. Petersburg. I suspect that most American presidents, when asked to pay their respect to the nation's dead in a country where they were visiting, would be honored to do so...
1
If anyone sold the Jews short, it was Obama and his Iran deal. I don't buy this propaganda. He was not a tourist in Poland, he was there to get things done which he did. As a Jew, I'm not the least bit offended. Your nitpicking of everything he does and implying that he's insensitive is not going to win you converts. It just creates more divisiveness.
8
I am also a Jew. I agree that Obama sold Israel and the Jewish people out re the Iran deal. However, two wrongs do not make a right. Frank Bruni cited not one, but a number of occasions to raise concerns re Trump vis-a-vis his relationship to the Jewish people.
1
Surely there are enough legitimate complaints about Trump without having to scare up a few more via weaponized sensitivity. It's hard to get my head around the idea of an anti-Semite who has practicing Jews, also functioning as high-level advisors, in his immediate family. And in expressing his sentiments about the Holocaust, it is difficult to believe that there would have been any listeners who needed to be informed of who its primary victims were.
I guess I have never encountered a stereotype of Jews as born negotiators. But perhaps that notion overshadows the possibility that a roomful of wealthy business people, Jewish or not, might be assumed to have done their share of negotiating.
But I'm relieved that, in the end, the author thinks that Trump is not "much of" an anti-Semite. What does that mean?
I guess I have never encountered a stereotype of Jews as born negotiators. But perhaps that notion overshadows the possibility that a roomful of wealthy business people, Jewish or not, might be assumed to have done their share of negotiating.
But I'm relieved that, in the end, the author thinks that Trump is not "much of" an anti-Semite. What does that mean?
Are you the only person in America who hasn't heard the slur that turns the noun Jew into a verb?
The basic problem is the president's mental limitations and his inability to understand and handle more than a few simple tasks. He really can't handle the complexities of the office.
7
Enough already about Donald Trump's indefensible actions! Journalists and columnists should start focusing on the many more difficult challenges our country faces now b/c of Tump's presidency. Columns like this one sell newspapers, but they do nothing to educate readers or move our country forward. What about writing a column that looks at the many talented, brilliant immigrants we are going to lose to countries like India and China because of Trump's immigration policies?
2
Donald Trump has no historical or substantive understanding. His dominant narrative is of his own success, measured in money, women, fame. In relating to supporters, he traffics in resentment and fear of the world ("America First"), of Hispanics ("rapists, criminals"), and Muslims ("terrorists"). He peddles a Steve Bannon/Steve Miller fake narrative of a clash of civilizations and a decline of the "West." His campaign's last ad was anti-Semitic because it would appeal to some of his Alt Right supporters. In attacking Hillary Clinton, It alluded darkly to an international (financial) conspiracy with pictures of George Soros, Janet Yellen, and Lloyd Blankfein. See the link:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/trump-rolls-out-anti-semitic-closing-ad
But Trump could hardly be a committed anti-Semite, as his only commitments are to making money for himself and his family, grabbing attention as president, and shining as a "winner". If the winning is only in fake images as in pro wrestling, or in his lies, that's also acceptable to him: His inauguration had the greatest crowds ever; his first hundred days saw more achievements than any other president's similar period with the exception of FDR; he really won the popular vote, although Hillary rounded up 3-5 million illegal (Hispanic?) voters.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/trump-rolls-out-anti-semitic-closing-ad
But Trump could hardly be a committed anti-Semite, as his only commitments are to making money for himself and his family, grabbing attention as president, and shining as a "winner". If the winning is only in fake images as in pro wrestling, or in his lies, that's also acceptable to him: His inauguration had the greatest crowds ever; his first hundred days saw more achievements than any other president's similar period with the exception of FDR; he really won the popular vote, although Hillary rounded up 3-5 million illegal (Hispanic?) voters.
5
Perhaps connected is that year after year, when the annual report on hate crimes comes out, Jews remain the group against whom the largest number of religion-based hate crimes are committed. This is often under a headline reading something like "hate crimes against Muslims rise again." While any type of bigotry is repugnant, and even more so violence inspired by it, Jews continue to suffer several times more hate crimes than Muslims or any other religion. There remains quite a market for anti-Semitism in America, and politicians on the right seem to not be able to help themselves from pandering to it.
I think I have more respect for someone who embraces other faiths, ethnicities, birth genders and preferred genders etc in their lives and in their families than for someone who merely stages photo ops (or writes newspaper columns) about it. I don't know what President Trump's personal prejudices are and I don't care unless they impact his executive actions unfairly. I am a Roman Catholic Female Heterosexual Irish American. (RCFHIA?). I do not expect to be persecuted and I do not expect to be special. I extend that courtesy to every human being. That's it. Can we move on now please? There are real problems to work on in the world!
2
It's interesting that no one can accept that "pathological narcissism" is a serious, life-crippling mental disorder and not a character flaw.
I've known men like this, and they were thoroughly destroyed by their parents, and they then go through life like tornadoes, damaging everything in their paths.
It's lousy to have one of them in your life but it's lousier to be them. Lifelong pain and no real cure is possible. It would be good, though, if the people around him stopped enabling him. That won't happen, either.
I've known men like this, and they were thoroughly destroyed by their parents, and they then go through life like tornadoes, damaging everything in their paths.
It's lousy to have one of them in your life but it's lousier to be them. Lifelong pain and no real cure is possible. It would be good, though, if the people around him stopped enabling him. That won't happen, either.
4
He's not just "in our life," he's in all our lives with enormous power. He is probably be suffering. But he seems unaware of it. He is definitely a danger to the United States and the ecology of the planet.
I'm an American half Jew and just went to Israel 2 weeks ago. The only things concerning Israeli and Los Angeles Jews that I've heard from direct conversation is concern about the dangerous anti semitism being shown on college campuses and by progressives in this country. It's a stretch to say because he didn't visit the memorial in Poland that it is dissing jews. Maybe the Russians made him do it?
4
It seems that the president proves that the unexamined life is worth living.
3
Anti-Semitism is not much different than racial resentment. Studies tell us that Trump voters felt "racial resentment" was more important than "economic anxiety." As Frank says here, Trump thinks: "What can be wrong with them? They’re for me!” And his supporters likewise think: "What could be wrong with him? I voted for him!" Trump and his supporters are altogether impervious to the greater world. At the very least, dissing Jews does not cause either side any internal ethical pain. They traffic in the symbols of hate without a second thought.
The anti-Semitic Clinton ad was an accident? That is hardly credible. Somebody created the image after all. That somebody was a Trump supporter. And any number of somebodies on the Trump team would have known just what they were doing.
The anti-Semitic Clinton ad was an accident? That is hardly credible. Somebody created the image after all. That somebody was a Trump supporter. And any number of somebodies on the Trump team would have known just what they were doing.
2
Yes, three times and more is the pattern! Bruni points out Trump's disinterest in anything but what honors Trump, more than -- or instead of! -- specific prejudices of his own. Trump's prejudices are like him - far more grandiose than pinpointed disgusts.
Trump's example to Americans that it is OK, even admirable, to be rude, crude, even violent, against 'others' is an invitation (intended or not) to the most ignorant of the most prejudiced to freely express their hate - in words, or even actions. The perpetrators of Trump-inspired open viciousness seem unaware that such behavior by non-billionnaires is less tolerable (at least for now).
Trump didn't create the hatred and ignorance of prejudice, he is 'merely' making open hatred (including an invitation to physical as well as verbal violence) acceptable among the ignorant and the angriest.
Trump's narcissism is damaging (perhaps permanently destroying) our leadership position in the world, threatening the Earth with nuclear destruction and global warming. But perhaps the likely harm by Trump to America may be the damage to the American character. The time may already be upon us when we are not only seen as but no longer see ourselves as the Good Guys in the world.
Trump's example to Americans that it is OK, even admirable, to be rude, crude, even violent, against 'others' is an invitation (intended or not) to the most ignorant of the most prejudiced to freely express their hate - in words, or even actions. The perpetrators of Trump-inspired open viciousness seem unaware that such behavior by non-billionnaires is less tolerable (at least for now).
Trump didn't create the hatred and ignorance of prejudice, he is 'merely' making open hatred (including an invitation to physical as well as verbal violence) acceptable among the ignorant and the angriest.
Trump's narcissism is damaging (perhaps permanently destroying) our leadership position in the world, threatening the Earth with nuclear destruction and global warming. But perhaps the likely harm by Trump to America may be the damage to the American character. The time may already be upon us when we are not only seen as but no longer see ourselves as the Good Guys in the world.
2
Why does his "why" matter? His words and behavior are what they are: an insult to Jews, their suffering and a bone tossed to the anti-Semites who support him.
Were we to take apart and analyze the "whys" of his "policies," his tweets, his nominees we'd lose sight of the more important question: what is his presidency doing to the country and the world. Leave,the why to the historians, the philosophers, the journalists amd the psychiatrists. The people are much more concerned with the consequences of his actions.
Were we to take apart and analyze the "whys" of his "policies," his tweets, his nominees we'd lose sight of the more important question: what is his presidency doing to the country and the world. Leave,the why to the historians, the philosophers, the journalists amd the psychiatrists. The people are much more concerned with the consequences of his actions.
1
So many in the news outlets talking symptoms; meanwhile the disease metastasizes, killing the body politic.
1
If you listen to the Katie Johnson video online she talks about the racist remarks she allegedly heard before she was violated . It shows a clear window into what lies beneath the surface of hollow Donald and the lack of integrity from the bro's that protect him.
1
Don't neglect to mention that last week's famous CNN body-slamming video tweeted by Trump originally came from a Redditor with a history of anti-semitic posts, including a meme of CNN employees branded with Jewish stars. From someone with the username HanAssholeSolo, who would have guessed?
Again...intentional? coincidence? It doesn't matter. All these instances must be archived and broadcast loud and clear. The voters of Florida can make up their own mind in 2020.
Again...intentional? coincidence? It doesn't matter. All these instances must be archived and broadcast loud and clear. The voters of Florida can make up their own mind in 2020.
2
How likely is it that Trump knew that? He saw an imagine of himself winning. That is as far as he got.
No, no, no! Mr. Trump is certainly not anti-Jewish. Rather, he will soon be recognized as the Messiah.
For only then does Israel gain legitimacy. Look it up.
For only then does Israel gain legitimacy. Look it up.
If the hands holding the menorah in the graphic are meant to be Trump's hands they're too large.
3
Its only a twist of fate that Trump's daughter converted to Judaism. Based on his contacts and pronouncements, if this hadn't happened many Jews and others would be referring to him as the second coming of the first American Firster, Charles Lindbergh. Even with Ivanka around we still get a whiff of this alternative reality on a regular basis.
4
I don't like Trump at all and I voted for Clinton.
But he does have a way of telling groups "the world does not revolve around you" and getting away with it.
Then again, he thinks that the world revolves around HIM.
I have no idea as to how it will all play out.
But he does have a way of telling groups "the world does not revolve around you" and getting away with it.
Then again, he thinks that the world revolves around HIM.
I have no idea as to how it will all play out.
Why does the media have such a short term memory?
Trumps antisemitic sentiments are crystal clear. Unprovoked, as a candidate, he embraced the alt.right; even retweeted comments from an user with the handle "white genocide". After coercion, he vaguely apologized.
His natural affinity towards nativistic and antisemitic ideology is clear to anyone with good memory.
Trumps antisemitic sentiments are crystal clear. Unprovoked, as a candidate, he embraced the alt.right; even retweeted comments from an user with the handle "white genocide". After coercion, he vaguely apologized.
His natural affinity towards nativistic and antisemitic ideology is clear to anyone with good memory.
3
Trump is the man who has done more than anyone else to turn the party of Lincoln into the party of Lincoln Rockwell, and it's not so much because he's a fulminating bigot himself — I frankly don't think he even notices anyone else, regardless of their ethnicity or race — but because he is a tabula rasa onto which the likes of Richard Spencer can project their own prejudices without argument. Whatever you are, Trump says, if you love me that's all that matters. (Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, et al, are quite another matter.)
1
"to turn the party of Lincoln into the party of Lincoln Rockwell"
That was Reagan, and they worship him for it still. Trump is a pale imitation of that.
That was Reagan, and they worship him for it still. Trump is a pale imitation of that.
Trump is too intellectually challenged to really know what anti-semitism really means-and his knowledge of jewish history, Israel history and the history of Jews in America limits his range of choices.
America must understand that this president is not that astute about the nuances of world history, events, peoples, happenings, and that his relationship and understanding of history is based on a very slim vocabulary of what he deems as important persons in his history lexicon.
Trump is basically ignorant about the really important things in world history which tend to eventually colour how persons think about current history. This is a very serious flaw and may well be the most dangerous aspect of this flawed president.
America must understand that this president is not that astute about the nuances of world history, events, peoples, happenings, and that his relationship and understanding of history is based on a very slim vocabulary of what he deems as important persons in his history lexicon.
Trump is basically ignorant about the really important things in world history which tend to eventually colour how persons think about current history. This is a very serious flaw and may well be the most dangerous aspect of this flawed president.
2
These anti-semitic events go unapologized because they fit the agenda of Trump's base, which is white and worried about being absorbed in an increasingly multicolored America. He rose to his candidacy by embracing the birther myth about the first black president, who, ironically, was descended from the founding white population of the colonies, while Trump is from a recent immigrant family.
He knows what he is doing, using prejudice to erasing "identity politics," except for the exclusively nationalist, European identity groups. It is cynical and pragmatic, but also, sorry to say, fascist in the most generic American fascist tradition of nativism and the KKK.
He knows what he is doing, using prejudice to erasing "identity politics," except for the exclusively nationalist, European identity groups. It is cynical and pragmatic, but also, sorry to say, fascist in the most generic American fascist tradition of nativism and the KKK.
2
This President ran to win - not to serve. He had no knowledge of the requirements of the job, and therefore no interest in the job. His interest then, and now, is to bow down and worship himself...and to do anything and everything that will force the rest of us to do the same.
This President has no knowledge base on which to rely. How can he understand his own actions or words relative to any group of people, if he knows next to nothing about their history, and the history of other groups towards those groups? How can he care about others, when his eyes are mirrors that only show him his own image?
We may all go down in nuclear flames, but this Presidency will surely show the depraved arrogance that comes from believing that ignorance is equal to or preferable over knowledge: his own, and that of those who put him where he is.
This President has no knowledge base on which to rely. How can he understand his own actions or words relative to any group of people, if he knows next to nothing about their history, and the history of other groups towards those groups? How can he care about others, when his eyes are mirrors that only show him his own image?
We may all go down in nuclear flames, but this Presidency will surely show the depraved arrogance that comes from believing that ignorance is equal to or preferable over knowledge: his own, and that of those who put him where he is.
4
So, his behavior is not really due to any inherent and ugly ideological racism or anti-Semitism but a perceived personality quirk.
Unlike another President, a recent one, who imbibed a very certain negative image of Jews in a church week after week and then cold-heartedly decided to go after Israel, repeatedly, striking at its identity (Holocaust originated in 2009), dissing its democracy, downplaying the Arab security threat, empowering a nuclear Iran, without any real scientific basis demanded on the basis of demographic a retreat from territories of the historic Jewish homeland, embarrassed the country and its Prime Minister unnecessarily and quite publicly and a long list of other putdowns - all the while professing deep and abiding love for Israel. Mr. Bruni - well?
Unlike another President, a recent one, who imbibed a very certain negative image of Jews in a church week after week and then cold-heartedly decided to go after Israel, repeatedly, striking at its identity (Holocaust originated in 2009), dissing its democracy, downplaying the Arab security threat, empowering a nuclear Iran, without any real scientific basis demanded on the basis of demographic a retreat from territories of the historic Jewish homeland, embarrassed the country and its Prime Minister unnecessarily and quite publicly and a long list of other putdowns - all the while professing deep and abiding love for Israel. Mr. Bruni - well?
First of all, what's with "flamboyantly nonconformist culture of Trump's presidency"? How about inexcusably incompetent or disgracefully inappropriate? The way the president governs or presents himself is not a gesture or style or fashion statement. Why is the NYT minimizing the seriousness of the harm being done by this administration through these statements that cast the office of the presidency just the way #45 and his ship of fools would like -- as entertainment for the masses?
Secondly, statements and visits -- whether to honor Jews, African Americans, Muslim Americans, people with disabilities, or LGBTQ Americans -- demonstrate respect. DT has no respect. And if there is an expectation that particular sufferings certain groups have experienced warrant special attention and sensitivity, all the more reason for him to refuse to oblige. Nobody tells this man with the emotional development of a not-very-bright 8-year-old boy what to do.
As for Jews, specifically -- and I am a Jew -- why would he feel the need to demonstrate compassion to a group of people whom, if anything, he might envy and, by extension, resent? After all, and he said it, if he thinks making a deal is the most important thing, who, as a people, honed this skill better than Jews, whose survival, historically, depended on it.
And who cares that his daughter converted to Judaism and that his son-in-law and grandchildren are Jews? All the more reason to find the issue vexing and annoying.
Secondly, statements and visits -- whether to honor Jews, African Americans, Muslim Americans, people with disabilities, or LGBTQ Americans -- demonstrate respect. DT has no respect. And if there is an expectation that particular sufferings certain groups have experienced warrant special attention and sensitivity, all the more reason for him to refuse to oblige. Nobody tells this man with the emotional development of a not-very-bright 8-year-old boy what to do.
As for Jews, specifically -- and I am a Jew -- why would he feel the need to demonstrate compassion to a group of people whom, if anything, he might envy and, by extension, resent? After all, and he said it, if he thinks making a deal is the most important thing, who, as a people, honed this skill better than Jews, whose survival, historically, depended on it.
And who cares that his daughter converted to Judaism and that his son-in-law and grandchildren are Jews? All the more reason to find the issue vexing and annoying.
1
Not an anti-Semite but perhaps a philo-Semite, someone who admires Jews in a way which is destructive. For example, when Trump discusses the alleged negotiating prowess of Jews as a group he is admiring them and at the same reinforcing a stereotype.
2
"I can’t know definitively how Trump feels about Jews or gays..."
You wouldn't know it from reading the New York Times, but there are Americans who are neither Jewish nor gay.
"Their idea of nationalism is chilly to the recognition of subgroups, including Jewish Americans."
What's so terrifying about a government that treats every citizen equally?
If you don't like Donald Trump, why would you want him to single out your subgroup for special treatment?
You wouldn't know it from reading the New York Times, but there are Americans who are neither Jewish nor gay.
"Their idea of nationalism is chilly to the recognition of subgroups, including Jewish Americans."
What's so terrifying about a government that treats every citizen equally?
If you don't like Donald Trump, why would you want him to single out your subgroup for special treatment?
3
Trump's base is anti-semitic, in addition to being racist, xenophobic, myopic, uneducated and deplorable.
And since Trump relies on his base to keep him in power, he has no choice but to play to their Christian white national supremacy views.
Meanwhile, Jewish members of his cabinet and inner circle who are focused solely on enriching themselves further with tax cuts and de-regulation turn blind eye.
And since Trump relies on his base to keep him in power, he has no choice but to play to their Christian white national supremacy views.
Meanwhile, Jewish members of his cabinet and inner circle who are focused solely on enriching themselves further with tax cuts and de-regulation turn blind eye.
1
"I can’t know definitively how Trump feels about Jews or gays or a whole lot else." --- Really, Trump/Pence and the Evangelicals have been so consistent. You really can't know for sure? Am I not picking-up on your sarcasm, perhaps? It is what it is, by now.... even before now. Clear track records for Trump, Pence, Evangelicals even before the primaries. It is good that some groups did not allow for a Honeymoon wait-and-see phase.
2
Trump likely holds strong stereotypes of Jews while liking those stereotypes. He probably does think that Jews are good negotiators and money makers and respects them for it. And the sweep of history and what it means for current human relations is of no interest to him.
1
I think he mentions Jews more then he mentions any other nationality that makes up this country. Why the special attention to Jews all the time? I have always been shocked at how much we discuss Israel's problems at presidential debates rather then America's.
3
And let's not forget that the "President"'s narrative about what the Nazis did to Poland's Jews completely ignored the active and complicit roles so many, many Poles happily played in assistance of the genocide, exactly the narrative that Poland's right wing regime is pushing.
3
As an American I find Donald Trump to be the most incompetent, mean spirited, cruel, repulsive individual to ever occupy the White House. He has caused substantial harm to our democracy by calling the press the enemy of the American people, engaging in insults, intimidation, boasting, and non stop lying. There is no person in the world that is a greater threat to world peace than Trump.
As a Jew I'm ashamed at how a man who has appealed to the basest instincts of Americans has made the feeling that hatred towards Jews, Blacks, Muslims, Hispanics, and immigrants people held in their hearts towards their fellow citizens is now acceptable to openly express.
As a Jew who supported Barack Obama I had to consistently argue with Israelis who called him an anti-semite and an enemy of the Jewish people. I found myself lessening my lifetime support of the Jewish State, not only for their totally false accusations against Obama but for their continued subjugation of the Palestinians. They had the best President they’ve ever had in Obama and now have someone who has energized anti-semites and caused Jewish journalists who have criticized Trump to receive death threats, synagogues around the country to be defaced and vandalized and anti-semitism to soar.
As an American, a Jew, and a Democrat, I worry about our nation and how one evil man has worked at destroying the fabric of our nation and turned civility on its head. I pray that the damage he has caused will not be irreparable.
As a Jew I'm ashamed at how a man who has appealed to the basest instincts of Americans has made the feeling that hatred towards Jews, Blacks, Muslims, Hispanics, and immigrants people held in their hearts towards their fellow citizens is now acceptable to openly express.
As a Jew who supported Barack Obama I had to consistently argue with Israelis who called him an anti-semite and an enemy of the Jewish people. I found myself lessening my lifetime support of the Jewish State, not only for their totally false accusations against Obama but for their continued subjugation of the Palestinians. They had the best President they’ve ever had in Obama and now have someone who has energized anti-semites and caused Jewish journalists who have criticized Trump to receive death threats, synagogues around the country to be defaced and vandalized and anti-semitism to soar.
As an American, a Jew, and a Democrat, I worry about our nation and how one evil man has worked at destroying the fabric of our nation and turned civility on its head. I pray that the damage he has caused will not be irreparable.
7
As another Jew, I completely disagree with you.
Obama encouraged iranian hegemony across the Middle East, castigated the Israelis mercilessly about settlements for which there is no evidence that it makes any difference to peace (was there peace in pre-1967 Israel before there were settlements ?) and make it policy to create "daylight" between the US and Israel.
For all of trump's faults, he is a vast improvement over the democrats
Obama encouraged iranian hegemony across the Middle East, castigated the Israelis mercilessly about settlements for which there is no evidence that it makes any difference to peace (was there peace in pre-1967 Israel before there were settlements ?) and make it policy to create "daylight" between the US and Israel.
For all of trump's faults, he is a vast improvement over the democrats
Once again I think people over-read him. He is not anti-Semitic. It is that he doesn't care a whit about anybody or any group. He only cares about himself.
He doesn't hate, he is indifferent and unfeeling. That's why he writes about the Holocaust like a 12-year old middle schooler doing a book report.
Exhibit A: If he were anti-Semitic he would have been upset Ivanka married Kushner and converted to Orthodox Judaism. But he's not, as shown by the fact that Kushner is one of the most power people in the White House. Why? Because Kushner's family is rich and powerful and the combination with his daughter helps Trump and his brand. He wouldn't have cared if Kushner was a Muslim, so long as he was rich and brought something to the table to help Trump. That's it.
The Saudi royal family? Maybe they fund terrorism, support Wahhabism and objectify women, but hey, they are rich and powerful so Trump loves them!
Putin? Murderous thug who undermines democracy around the world and tries to influence our election, but that helped Trump anyway and he is rich and powerful, so Trump loves Putin!
On the other hand, EU leaders like Merkel--honorable, decent, long time ally of the US? She stands up to Trump and speaks truth to him. She doesn't show the narcissist the proper love and respect--bad for the brand--so Trump doesn't like her.
So what is worse--someone who truly hates or someone who is a complete narcissist and truly has no empathy for anyone else?
He doesn't hate, he is indifferent and unfeeling. That's why he writes about the Holocaust like a 12-year old middle schooler doing a book report.
Exhibit A: If he were anti-Semitic he would have been upset Ivanka married Kushner and converted to Orthodox Judaism. But he's not, as shown by the fact that Kushner is one of the most power people in the White House. Why? Because Kushner's family is rich and powerful and the combination with his daughter helps Trump and his brand. He wouldn't have cared if Kushner was a Muslim, so long as he was rich and brought something to the table to help Trump. That's it.
The Saudi royal family? Maybe they fund terrorism, support Wahhabism and objectify women, but hey, they are rich and powerful so Trump loves them!
Putin? Murderous thug who undermines democracy around the world and tries to influence our election, but that helped Trump anyway and he is rich and powerful, so Trump loves Putin!
On the other hand, EU leaders like Merkel--honorable, decent, long time ally of the US? She stands up to Trump and speaks truth to him. She doesn't show the narcissist the proper love and respect--bad for the brand--so Trump doesn't like her.
So what is worse--someone who truly hates or someone who is a complete narcissist and truly has no empathy for anyone else?
585
Well said!
1
I'd say there's one person he hates - Mr. Obama - and he has made that abundantly clear. As for the choice of outright hate vs narcissistic indifference? both can harm and kill, there is no difference. Ask the good Germans of 1930's Germany.
3
Your description of Trump is on the money. Like most narcissists, he is incapable of compassion or acknowledging mistakes. It's all about self promotion and ego stroking. Another sure sign- taking advantage of others for personal gain.
Thus we have violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution, his kids like Ivanka getting her tradmarks approved in China, and his sons, plus his lying son-in-law running the Kleptocracy for their benefit i.e. using the White House to build their brand and maximize profit.
Thus we have violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution, his kids like Ivanka getting her tradmarks approved in China, and his sons, plus his lying son-in-law running the Kleptocracy for their benefit i.e. using the White House to build their brand and maximize profit.
1
It seems to me that President Trump's normal mode of speech (or tweet or action) includes plenty of dissing. If we wait long enough, everyone that attracts his attention eventually will get a share. He must see his world as a dynamic one where friends become enemies and enemies become friends and any opportunity to demean others should be taken while it is available. Careful records and statistical analysis would be needed to determine with confidence if anyone or any group is being singled out for more than a usual share of dissing.
3
From the very beginning Trump's campaign was described in the European press as eerily similar to the Goebbels playbook as We - the Master Race - against all those Others.
It took the American press a while to catch on, before the f-word 'fascist' finally made it, albeit sparingly, into their vocabulary.
Nothing seems more important to him and his cabal in the White House and co-conspirators in Congress than to erase every achievement of this predecessor, that man who - because of his skin tone alone - was considered a foreign born Manchurian Candidate out to destroy America.
As for his anti-semitism, it is quite overt as well, both in words and deeds. The excuse that his daughter converted to orthodox Judaism is just a fig leaf for this through and through racist man.
It took the American press a while to catch on, before the f-word 'fascist' finally made it, albeit sparingly, into their vocabulary.
Nothing seems more important to him and his cabal in the White House and co-conspirators in Congress than to erase every achievement of this predecessor, that man who - because of his skin tone alone - was considered a foreign born Manchurian Candidate out to destroy America.
As for his anti-semitism, it is quite overt as well, both in words and deeds. The excuse that his daughter converted to orthodox Judaism is just a fig leaf for this through and through racist man.
15
I don't think it's his sloppiness and self-absorption (alone). It plays to the base supporters he has across all demographics, which he has attracted to his phenomenon. Group dynamics theory (Wilfred Bion 1959) mentions the characteristics of what subconsciously happens when individuals join a 'group', i.e. the group of Trump Supporters. Bion observed that they regress and give up parts of their individual identity so that they can 'become' a member of the group. And that group needs to define a boundary to the outside world, mostly seen as the 'others' or the 'enemy'. The boundary is a fantasy but it still needs to be fed. And Trump can really feed that fantasy and he continuously does with what the group has decided or picked to be the 'enemy' that is worth fighting for. And enemies to the people he has chosen for sure. More than one, so he can iterate and switch between them, feeding the fantasy of the defining group's borders. it's the jews, islam, government, the taxes, the epa, global trade, china, democrats, coastal u.s., etc.etc. Actually an ingenious concept. With that he keeps the group nourished with paranoid world views and he keeps them loyal to him, in a way that even representatives of his own (actually not really) party still grapple to grasp, why the loyal glue to Trump is stronger than for their state's representatives. As long as the base supporters don't get their platform and aren't heard (cut the 'they need education') Trump's base will power him along.
3
Join the club. Of course he doesn't like Jews. He doesn't like anyone, unless breasted or rich.
6
What's the deal with Donald that makes it so difficult to read his public, endlessly repeated actions as no more than what they are? If it waddles, dabbles, and quacks, it must surely be a narcissistic rabbit? Sometimes, to paraphrase Dr. Freud, a duck is just a duck.
2
Mr. Douthat, there are real anti-Semites and there are anti-Trumpers; you are of the latter category.
Mr. Douthat, you state a fact and then attribute any anti-Trump conclusion you wish as in, "The most recent example was just last week, when he declined to pay his respects at a Holocaust memorial in Warsaw that other American presidents routinely visited." The fact that Trump did not pay his respects does NOT mean he is an anti-Semite.
"Then there was an initial, strange silence from Trump and his aides about a rash of anti-Semitic vandalism and bomb threats around the country in January and February." The fact that there was silence amongst the thousands of other things happening does NOT mean Trump is an anti-Semite.
“It is a great honor to be here with all of my friends — so amazing & will never forget!” Trump said this but it was not enough for Yair Rosenberg. Does this mean Trump is an anti-Semite?
“the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland’s Jewish citizens.” Trump also said this but is this not enough for you?
“I’m a negotiator — like you folks,” he said, later adding: “Is there anybody that doesn’t renegotiate deals in this room? Perhaps more than any room I’ve ever spoken to.” Trump implied, not said, that Jews as a group are master negotiators; is there something wrong with this statement? Does this mean that Trump is racist or an anti-Semite? What about when blacks say that 'white guys can't jump'? Problem? Yes, there is, gimme a bloody break!
Mr. Douthat, you state a fact and then attribute any anti-Trump conclusion you wish as in, "The most recent example was just last week, when he declined to pay his respects at a Holocaust memorial in Warsaw that other American presidents routinely visited." The fact that Trump did not pay his respects does NOT mean he is an anti-Semite.
"Then there was an initial, strange silence from Trump and his aides about a rash of anti-Semitic vandalism and bomb threats around the country in January and February." The fact that there was silence amongst the thousands of other things happening does NOT mean Trump is an anti-Semite.
“It is a great honor to be here with all of my friends — so amazing & will never forget!” Trump said this but it was not enough for Yair Rosenberg. Does this mean Trump is an anti-Semite?
“the Nazis systematically murdered millions of Poland’s Jewish citizens.” Trump also said this but is this not enough for you?
“I’m a negotiator — like you folks,” he said, later adding: “Is there anybody that doesn’t renegotiate deals in this room? Perhaps more than any room I’ve ever spoken to.” Trump implied, not said, that Jews as a group are master negotiators; is there something wrong with this statement? Does this mean that Trump is racist or an anti-Semite? What about when blacks say that 'white guys can't jump'? Problem? Yes, there is, gimme a bloody break!
1
Give me a break, you didn't even get the author's name correct.
1
Why does Trump dis Jews? The answer is simple, he is an anti-Semite. What is next, Frank? A column about why Trump keeps dissing blacks? Then a column about why Trump keeps dissing women? And then a column about why Trump keeps dissing Mexico? Frank, Trump is an equal opportunity disser.
3
"HE'S ANITISEMITIC!"
- "Why do you say that?"
"Because we hates him!"
- "but what has he done"
"Well, nothing, but he's like Hitler!"
- "why do you say that?"
"Because he didn't say anyting!"
- "because he didn't say anything?"
"well, he didn't go to that one place one time!"
- "which place"
"Or that other place this other time!"
The man has enough issues that we don't really need to look like fools making stuff up.
- "Why do you say that?"
"Because we hates him!"
- "but what has he done"
"Well, nothing, but he's like Hitler!"
- "why do you say that?"
"Because he didn't say anyting!"
- "because he didn't say anything?"
"well, he didn't go to that one place one time!"
- "which place"
"Or that other place this other time!"
The man has enough issues that we don't really need to look like fools making stuff up.
4
"Some of it boils down to an absent professionalism. Trump isn’t matching the respectful choreography of other presidents because there’s no one in his inner circle familiar with the dance." Maybe it simply boils down to that he's an insensitive jerk.
Trump's an equal opportunity solipcist.
1
It's not "the Jews" Trump feels little or nothing for or about. It's that the Polish Jews, and others in Eastern Europe, were mostly poor and powerless, easily rounded up and slaughtered. Thy were not "winners," like himself or the two Jewish, immensely wealthy former Goldman Sachs executives in his administration: Steven Mnuchin Treasury Secretary) and Gary Cohn (head of the WH National Economic Council). They, as does Trump, like winners in the wealth-amassing game, no matter who had to be deceived and harmed to win big. They are the face of today's American capitalism and the money culture that runs it and American politics as well. It is, mostly, a mean and ugly face. You rarely--if ever--see compassion, mercy and empathy peering out from it.
3
Ask Israelis if Trump disrespects Jews. That would be a good place to start. Israel is one of the few countries he is very popular in. He is old buds with Netanyahu. Take a look at his cabinet, any bias there? Who was his great mentor in his early business life in NYC real estate; Roy Cohn. Trying to write a column depicting him a s a secret anti-Semite just doesn't wash.
2
Those are Zionists - that's different.
Because Bannon tells him what to do.
1
I'm not surprised by Donald Trump's anti semitism. What is surprising is how little it seems to matter to Republican Jews. It almost seems like hecan say whatever he wants about Jews. He can dis us as much as he wants. As long as he warmly shakes Bibi's hand and gives his policies full support, they're OK with it.
3
This piece is not your best. The lack of substance, the strained reaching for outrage, indicates that absent some new and genuinely Trump stupidity, you have exceeded your NYT Dump Trump quota. Give him time! Even Trump can't say something stupid to match EVERY news cycle.
yes he can and does. He has had too much time already, if you are not ready to be a President, don't run.
I think it is fairly simply. The KKK and American Nazis love Trump. Trump loves the KKK and American Nazis. Those groups hate Jews. Therefore fore Trump hates Jews. Do not dismiss lightly the Nazification of America!
3
Your tone is mildly incensed, Frank Bruni, and I can understand that. One of the effects of Trump's relentless attacks on the 1st Amendment has been the actual toning down of critical content in the principal media platforms. What editors need to understand, however, is that this unilateral retreat from our Free Press amounts to a win for Trump's side. This will not score you points: it will have the opposite effect, of emboldening the attackers who will keep pushing to abolish the 1st Amendment (even as they protect the 2nd to the max). When the awful GIF was tweeted that represented DJT throttling CNN & then CNN tracked down its originator, I read a lot of content suggesting "Both sides need to tone it down." The problem with that approach is it implies some kind of equivalency between Holocaust-deniers & those who defend the Truth. It so happens that making light of Jewish suffering comes with approving of lynching, requiring women to have '10 white babies each,' claiming 'blacks were better off as slaves' & applauding racism. Morally, there can be no toning down of a repudiation of this hatred! My young kid is being brainwashed by racists at uni; he brings home the hate & turns it on me, his own mom, because I "only" had 3 kids & attended Harvard "champion of feminist brainwashing." He turns on his sister, a single mom of 1, as "a failure." We need your support, media: this is real hatred & it is bringing conflict into the best of homes. Stop pulling your punches.
2
Unfortunately the "ignorant and naive" defense of him doesn't wash. All bigots anti-semites sexists racists etc etc are often heard proclaiming garbage like "there's not a racist bone in my body". Every single person alive has bias and prejudice somewhere inside, it's human. The difference is that people that think critically know that, try to understand it, and become aware so they can counter it in themselves. Rump is an anti-Semite, racist, sexist, bigoted cruel hateful creep, and it's not out of ignorance. He has stoked those flames his whole life. They are active prejudices instilled by his KKK daddy, and he's been "living down" to that example ever since, protected by daddy's money. Sorry Frank, you missed the boat on this one.
4
You guys have gotta stop with these nonstop concoctions of innuendo and fetish fantasy. Just leave the guy alone and let him try to do the best job for us that he can.
4
Oh yeah, poor little Donald.
If this is the best job he can do "for us" -- monetizing the Oval Office, gutting the State Department, promoting Ivanka as his alter ego, tasking Jared with fixing everything in sight, bursting with pride for having been able to sit next to Putin for a few hours -- sorry, Snobote, there's reason to panic.
We do not have time "for him to do his best". His best is NOT good enough to run for city council
We shouldn't feel alone. He is condemning Presbyterians as well. Breathe deep.
2
Trump isn't deliberately failing to pay homage to America's sacred cow. He's doing it out of ignorance.
2
Read some of Joseph Goebbel's quotes then compare them to Bannon's playbook - scary.
2
For everyone who ever had to deal with narcissistic personality disorder, especially the malignant kind (MNPD), it has been obvious from the time Trump first bullied his way into the public eye that this is what he is. Given his behavior during the election - including his incessant lying - It should have been also obvious to just about anyone with even a token bit of humanity. Nevertheless, millions of people voted him into office and still support him which leads me to wonder what psychological problem do they have and the nation has to do such a thing?
Call what Trump has a mental disturbance if you will but that doesn't change the fact that its also just plain evil.
Call what Trump has a mental disturbance if you will but that doesn't change the fact that its also just plain evil.
7
Agreed that Trump is narcissistic, ignorant and sloppy and that he is beholden to the hate groups who rally behind him. But let's not forget that he is the son of a Klansman. What he heard as a child, teenager and young adult is embedded in his psyche.
3
Of course Trump can't have really dissed Jews,
Trump apparently trusts Jews, as in "the only kind of people I want counting my money are little short guys that wear yarmulkes every day" & they're good for cutting $100 Billion arms deals with Arabs (But he has a great relationship with "the blacks").
He's just a little-tone deaf & optics-blind.
Remember, we're supposed to judge Donald Trump based on “what’s in his heart” rather than “what’s come out of his mouth”, or all the rest of his obvious bigotries & misogyny.
Trump apparently trusts Jews, as in "the only kind of people I want counting my money are little short guys that wear yarmulkes every day" & they're good for cutting $100 Billion arms deals with Arabs (But he has a great relationship with "the blacks").
He's just a little-tone deaf & optics-blind.
Remember, we're supposed to judge Donald Trump based on “what’s in his heart” rather than “what’s come out of his mouth”, or all the rest of his obvious bigotries & misogyny.
3
LOL... you know they are really getting desperate when they start flashing the "Anti-Semite" card. Hilarious and, what is the phrase they like to use,,, gas lighting? LOL.
After 8 year of Obama being praised everyday by the sycophantic media our country almost fell asleep at the tyranny of globalism. Thank g-d we have elected Trump. I do believe, America will get a chance to reboot peacefully from the destruction of Obama.
After 8 year of Obama being praised everyday by the sycophantic media our country almost fell asleep at the tyranny of globalism. Thank g-d we have elected Trump. I do believe, America will get a chance to reboot peacefully from the destruction of Obama.
3
Maybe he is doing business with those whom dislike Jews and doesn't want to be seen too friendly because he needs their vote? The Holocaust thing could make him uncomfortable --- it is certainly not an easy part of history to entreat. Never forget, but I really don't want to remember it either. I'm sorry. Who knows, Frank? Trump doesn't remind me of one unacceptable of gays. Right now, Frank, I think I know nothing like I should. Krugman is talking about healthcare again, and I'm still cleaning the grease out of my clothes after I/we found ourselves under the bus. Brooksie, whom I had all the faith in the world in, traded in his eulogy virtues for a love bus, Collins is meddling, and Maureen can't take a stand without doing cart wheels on the sidelines. I think I was the last man to care, and I don't anymore.
Wrong. If anti-semitism is ok with you, you are anti-Semitic. If racism is ok with you, you are racist. President Trump isn't stupid, he has an agenda.
1
Some of it is indeed Bannon and others of his ilk in Trump's inner circle. Trump's speech-writers don't seem to believe in the U.S. as the champion of democracy, the press, and free speech.
They have a darker view. They hate the mainstream press and any check at all, really, on their authority. They think democracy is less important than championing a national-religious war against radical Islam.
This last point really bothers me because I think it lends support to those in the Muslim World who would like this to be a clash of civilizations. This was the hope of bin Laden, that the U.S. would overreact. We did in Iraq. Now, Trump seems Hell bent on making things worse.
This harmful posturing about Islam, about NATO, about many things is made worse by President Trump's foolish tweets and incessant dishonesty, call them lies or half-truths or delusions. America is not being made great again, as far as I can tell . . .
They have a darker view. They hate the mainstream press and any check at all, really, on their authority. They think democracy is less important than championing a national-religious war against radical Islam.
This last point really bothers me because I think it lends support to those in the Muslim World who would like this to be a clash of civilizations. This was the hope of bin Laden, that the U.S. would overreact. We did in Iraq. Now, Trump seems Hell bent on making things worse.
This harmful posturing about Islam, about NATO, about many things is made worse by President Trump's foolish tweets and incessant dishonesty, call them lies or half-truths or delusions. America is not being made great again, as far as I can tell . . .
1
Reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where the dentist converts to Judaism so he could tell anti-Semitic jokes; or like Bill Mayr, after dating "a few Black girls and drinking Koolaide..." thinks he 's got a pass to throw the N-word around in jokes. Trump's a New Yorker so he's got a stereotypical take on Blacks, Porto Ricans, Irish, Italians and, yes, Jews. He has no filters.
1
Excellent piece, Mr. Bruni. Thank you for this important and fair critique of our N.I.C. ( Narcissist In Chief ).
1
Trump was in Warsaw for one day. Perhaps time prevented a visit to the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial. Re the comments about Holocaust Memorial Day, perhaps thought that people were intelligent enough to know that the Holocaust is about the Germany attempt tor remove all Jews from this world. Stop with the attacks on Trump for a supposed negative view of Jews. He has an Orthodox Jewish daughter, and Jewish grandchildren. Trump spent his career working with Jews, and among the many real complaints about Trump's vulgarity and clownish bad behavior there do not seem to have been complaints about mistreatment of Jews. Bruni and others need to focus on Trump's policy failures, not his personality or his crude behavior. Start by focusing on the populist promises that Trump has broken. But let's drop the anti-Jewish theme, and with this let's stop the comparisons of Trump with fascists or Nazis. This borders on Holocaust Denial, and it is stupid and misguided. The people making these charges about Trump are grossly ignorant of fascism (which they can't define, thinking it's a form of populism) and equally ignorant of Nazism and the rise of Hitler. Let's stick with the real failures of Trump.
44
Urge TImes newspaper to run my remarks on Mr. BRUNI'S article, since I am probably one of the few commenters whose kith and kin . oldest son, speaks Hebrew as well as English and is a graduate of Ramaz. Thus, my sources are primary in nature. Also wrote one critical of another commenter's poetry, which offends my sense of fair play, since he is always going after the same targets, The Donald and the GOP. Gets tiresome after awhile.Suggested that he also choose a Democrat as a subject of mockery, a dessicated HRC ,just one example, who has lost almost as many national elections as Harold Stassen.
5
There's a lot of sins Trump can be justly accused of — e.g., misogyny, racism, anti-Muslim, xenophobic, anti-intellectual, to name a very few in a very, very long list — but he's not homophobic or anti-Semitic. As the Republican Jew who preferred to remain anonymous (can you blame him??), he "insensitive," although I think "clueless" is more accurate.
2
One has to wonder about the hard core Trump supporter. Absorbed in their own worlds of fancy, and finding another figure of wealth who is self-absorbed just like them. Thank you for an informative look at the current president of the United States of America.
3
Some of us (Jews) are not bothered at all by the actions Mr Bruni is castigating Mr Trump for.
Mr Trump is not propping up the Iranian regime, nor is he bestowing the right to nuclear weapons or research on Iran, as Mr Obama did.
Mr Trump is not "creating daylight" between the US and Israel, the way the Obama Administration did, nor is Mr Trump complaining incessantly (and with no historical basis) that settlements are the cause of all the world's troubles.
Mr Trump appointed a pro-Israel, observant Jew as the ambassador to Israel.
Mr Trump did not allow the UN to pass a harsh Anti-Israel resolution the way Mr Obama did at the very end of his administration.
Mr Trump publicly proclaims that radical Islamic terrorism is the cause of much of the world's violence today.
So Mr Trump spent fewer hours at Yad Vashem ?
He didn't go to the Warsaw Uprising Memorial ?
I can live with that.
Mr Trump is not propping up the Iranian regime, nor is he bestowing the right to nuclear weapons or research on Iran, as Mr Obama did.
Mr Trump is not "creating daylight" between the US and Israel, the way the Obama Administration did, nor is Mr Trump complaining incessantly (and with no historical basis) that settlements are the cause of all the world's troubles.
Mr Trump appointed a pro-Israel, observant Jew as the ambassador to Israel.
Mr Trump did not allow the UN to pass a harsh Anti-Israel resolution the way Mr Obama did at the very end of his administration.
Mr Trump publicly proclaims that radical Islamic terrorism is the cause of much of the world's violence today.
So Mr Trump spent fewer hours at Yad Vashem ?
He didn't go to the Warsaw Uprising Memorial ?
I can live with that.
11
Your complaints against Trump are wearing thin, as are the chorus of commenters.
12
Nope...once the resistance (to lies, corruption, stupidity) ends, he's won.
Oh, this one is easy. Trump neither knows nor cares what he should be doing at any given time, so he just does whatever who flattered him most says. Steve Bannon flatters him often.
5
Despite his family ties, the majority of Jews did not vote for him.
Perhaps he identifies better with the Orthodox in Lakewood, NJ, who fulfilled "the art of the deal" by getting government benefits they were not entitled to.
Perhaps he identifies better with the Orthodox in Lakewood, NJ, who fulfilled "the art of the deal" by getting government benefits they were not entitled to.
4
Trump relates to Jews in a similar fashion in which he relates to women. He has both in his immediate family but that does not mean that he values or respects them. He relates to them and uses them principally in the ways they can contribute to his goals and id.
9
Surely there are enough legitimate complaints about Trump without having to scare up a few more via weaponized sensitivity. It's hard to get my head around the idea of an anti-Semite who has practicing Jews, also functioning as high-level advisors, in his immediate family. And in expressing his sentiments about the Holocaust, it is difficult to believe that there would have been any listeners who needed to be informed of who its primary victims were.
I guess I have never encountered a stereotype of Jews as born negotiators. But perhaps that notion overshadows the possibility that a roomful of wealthy business people, Jewish or not, might be assumed to have done their share of negotiating.
But I'm relieved that, in the end, the author thinks that Trump is not "much of" an anti-Semite. What does that mean?
I guess I have never encountered a stereotype of Jews as born negotiators. But perhaps that notion overshadows the possibility that a roomful of wealthy business people, Jewish or not, might be assumed to have done their share of negotiating.
But I'm relieved that, in the end, the author thinks that Trump is not "much of" an anti-Semite. What does that mean?
3
Hmmm -- Shylock? The archetype Jew as a money lender, therefore a "negotiator" à la (a) mafia Don?
There are tons of complaints and although I agree that others are much more important, this is just another straw. And we never know which straw will topple the camel. But, when all is said and done, this article is more about his behavior, and lack of caring/"professionalism" and its impact than it is about his actually "being" a bigot. Bruni made that clear early and repeated it at the end.
There are tons of complaints and although I agree that others are much more important, this is just another straw. And we never know which straw will topple the camel. But, when all is said and done, this article is more about his behavior, and lack of caring/"professionalism" and its impact than it is about his actually "being" a bigot. Bruni made that clear early and repeated it at the end.
A prominent Jewish Republican put it well. “I think Trump is such a pathological narcissist that the act of telling people who love you that you reject them — he can’t get around that,” he told me, interpreting Trump’s reasoning this way: “What can be wrong with them? They’re for me!”
And who is this courageous "prominent Jewish Republican," so willing to speak anonymously to point out the obvious hideous flaws in the Republican president he apparently is unwilling to criticize in public?
And who is this courageous "prominent Jewish Republican," so willing to speak anonymously to point out the obvious hideous flaws in the Republican president he apparently is unwilling to criticize in public?
2
Is it that Trump doesn't care or that he doesn't know better? The answer is "yes."
6
Trump, being a product of the NYC real estate industry, has dealt with Jewish businessmen and was represented by Jewish attorneys for decades. It is evident that he has accepted his daughter's marriage and conversion and respects his orthodox son in law. I doubt that he is truly anti-Semitic.
Nevertheless, under the tutelage of Steve Bannon, Trump's dissing of Jews is wink/wink message to the bigoted contingent of his constituency. Trump's campaign was founded upon racism and bigotry and the usual hater counts the Jew among the reviled. The message that Trump wishes this portion of his "base" to believe is that, he can't stand them either, (and he will stand up to these power hungry people) but as a NY real estate magnate he he has no choice but to deal with them. As to his daughter, his message is that his love for her and her choice is paramount. Furthermore, Trump understands the cognitive dissonance faced by these bigots: they hate the greedy untrustworthy Jews, but their Jewish brother-in-law is a nice guy, not like the rest of them.
The success of Trump's appeal, as expressed by many supporters who I have seen interviewed, is that they believe he says what they are thinking. As to the Jews, his actions, words and sleights convey a bigoted message certain Trump supports agree with, and they understand that because of business exigencies he can't expressly state his true beliefs.
Nevertheless, under the tutelage of Steve Bannon, Trump's dissing of Jews is wink/wink message to the bigoted contingent of his constituency. Trump's campaign was founded upon racism and bigotry and the usual hater counts the Jew among the reviled. The message that Trump wishes this portion of his "base" to believe is that, he can't stand them either, (and he will stand up to these power hungry people) but as a NY real estate magnate he he has no choice but to deal with them. As to his daughter, his message is that his love for her and her choice is paramount. Furthermore, Trump understands the cognitive dissonance faced by these bigots: they hate the greedy untrustworthy Jews, but their Jewish brother-in-law is a nice guy, not like the rest of them.
The success of Trump's appeal, as expressed by many supporters who I have seen interviewed, is that they believe he says what they are thinking. As to the Jews, his actions, words and sleights convey a bigoted message certain Trump supports agree with, and they understand that because of business exigencies he can't expressly state his true beliefs.
2
Mr. Bruni,
Please stop writing about Trump's psyche, and please start writing columns about his executive orders, about his justice department, the EPA -- substantive and systematic tracking and discussion of what his actions have done to all of
us and our democracy to date.
There's nothing new to say about his dementia, narcissism, bullying, racism, sexism, etc. It's tiresome, devoting all this time to rehashing his behaviors and psychological state.
It's like living in a perpetual psychiatric session.
It feels like we'll never get up off the couch.
What's happening with the DOJ? Voter rolls? Betsy De Vos? How are the executive orders already affecting our daily lives? Is Ben Carson still alive?
Facts, please. Policy, please.
Along with your opinion and analysis.
Please stop writing about Trump's psyche, and please start writing columns about his executive orders, about his justice department, the EPA -- substantive and systematic tracking and discussion of what his actions have done to all of
us and our democracy to date.
There's nothing new to say about his dementia, narcissism, bullying, racism, sexism, etc. It's tiresome, devoting all this time to rehashing his behaviors and psychological state.
It's like living in a perpetual psychiatric session.
It feels like we'll never get up off the couch.
What's happening with the DOJ? Voter rolls? Betsy De Vos? How are the executive orders already affecting our daily lives? Is Ben Carson still alive?
Facts, please. Policy, please.
Along with your opinion and analysis.
6
Wow. Frank, how does it feel to be a collaborator and apologist? What's your angle?
Please clarify: On what basis does Trump's behavior merit such a generous read?
Please clarify: On what basis does Trump's behavior merit such a generous read?
1
I have no idea what Trump's true sentiments toward Jews are either, and I agree that they hardly matter since only he matters. But his conduct as our President does matter. The significance of his Holocaust memorial statement should not be minimized. Holocaust deniers can now crow forever that their views have been endorsed by the United States President. They don't deny that many Jews died during WWII, but like Trump, they say it was just a very sad time when a lot of people died, Jews and others, and there was nothing special or singular about what happened to the Jews. It's also important to remember that not only did Trump make no apology, he made clear that not singling out the Jews in his tepid Holocaust statement was not just an accidental or careless omission but, uncharacteristically, the result of consultation within his inner circle and a conscious decision about what he wished to say and to omit.
1
Before painting Mr. Trump with any brush regarding honoring Jewish History, let's see what he intends to do about the Jewish present.
2
Donald Trump is a lot of things but is not an anti-Semite, just like he is not anti- LGBTQ, a racist or a misogynist. All of those libels are just the left throwing their usual word bombs. As a Jew I am much more frightened by the very overt and often vicious anti-Semitism of Progressives with heroes like Keith Ellison and Corneil West. But we don't ever speak about that, right?
You might also write about JayZ and his comments on his latest album about "Jewish people owning all the property". And the insidious condescension and wink wink of his friends trying to call it a compliment? And speaking of misogynists - maybe listen to the rest of his songs while you are at it.
You might also write about JayZ and his comments on his latest album about "Jewish people owning all the property". And the insidious condescension and wink wink of his friends trying to call it a compliment? And speaking of misogynists - maybe listen to the rest of his songs while you are at it.
7
The POTUS only has Jewish grandchildren. His sons married Jews and his daughter became one. Half of the criticized inner circle consists of two Jews, Mr.Miller and Mr. Kushner. Nevertheless, you seem to have some problem with the POTUS relative to Jews. There is enough heterogeneity amongst Jews that in the heat of the initial establishment of the modern Israeli state, two Jewish groups almost did battle with each other not the Arab opposition. You must believe you are some sort of new pundit, i.e. a political scientist/ sociologist/long distance psychologist/journalist, to be so certain of your conclusions here. What gives?
45
Hi sons did not marry Jewish woman.
I think we make a dangerous mistake when we write off trump and those in his inner circle as merely self-absorbed rubes. Though they are, albeit in some cases citified, there is a vicious, mean-spirited cabal in power here, one that reflects and amplifies today's GOP. What we are experiencing, to our great peril, is the dystopian vision of Bannon in the process of implementation. The world changed on November 8. Hopefully thoughtful leaders elected in Europe by more intelligent electorates will see us through, but they have their hands full. The arc of history is bending in a dark, ominous direction, one that I never expected to live to see. I can only hope to live to see it reverse, but I have my doubts.
2
Trump is woefully uneducated, despite his bragging about his Ivy league education. I'm sure Penn would like him to stop it. Secondly he has surrounded himself with extremists and the uninformed. So I agree that he is probably not just aware of what he has failed to do and the consequences of what he does.
His surface thinking makes him an easy tool of those preaching white supremacy and bigotry, much the same as his supporters. That's why his appointees are overwhelmingly white rich Christian men.
So even though his actions are not meant to be prejudicial, the result is that they are.
The end of this administration should be a priority of most Americans. He is totally incompetent.
His surface thinking makes him an easy tool of those preaching white supremacy and bigotry, much the same as his supporters. That's why his appointees are overwhelmingly white rich Christian men.
So even though his actions are not meant to be prejudicial, the result is that they are.
The end of this administration should be a priority of most Americans. He is totally incompetent.
79
"Trump is woefully uneducated, despite his bragging about his Ivy league education. "
Trump's 2-year stint at Penn hardly qualifies as an Ivy League education. (He was a third-year transfer from Fordham.) I've always suspected that his father's secretary edited, typed, and proof-read his papers.
Trump's 2-year stint at Penn hardly qualifies as an Ivy League education. (He was a third-year transfer from Fordham.) I've always suspected that his father's secretary edited, typed, and proof-read his papers.
1
Why doesn't Penn clarify that he did NOT graduate from Wharton ! he attended classes at the Wharton School. He DID NOT graduate with an MBA !!
Trump is a pathological liar....but couldn't Penn go on the record to refute his lies ?
Trump is a pathological liar....but couldn't Penn go on the record to refute his lies ?
Nothing like an old guy from Pissburg to educate us all on what competence is all about. How do guys like this become the arbiters of intelligence and the benefits of an Ivy League education. I'll be on the look out for stories about your successes at Three Rivers A&M, Tom.
one of the best writings ever on trump and his -well- his- read the essay.
17
The problem with this analysis is that it is rooted in no objective standard. Everything is subjective and a moving target. Mr. Bruni and others accusing Donald Trump of callousness or bigotry, have appointed themselves the arbiters of what is expected of Trump regarding honoring or sympathizing with Jewish heritage. "Trump insisted on a much shorter stop at Yad Vashem, an important Holocaust memorial and museum, than either Barack Obama or George W. Bush had made." This is such a ridiculous complaint. As they cherry-pick and glean facts to fit their pre-conceived narrative, Trump's critics are now counting the number of minutes he spends at one museum as compared to two of his predecessors. Donald Trump is not required to imitate any of his predecessors to fulfill some arbitrary standard of "appropriate" cultural sensitivity. Trump's stereotyping Jews in terms of negotiating skills deserves criticism, but the rest of this column is evidence of the capriciousness and oppressiveness of cultural sensitivity policing run amok.
32
you appear to be cherry picking one trait to establish doubt around all of the much stronger evidence.
Also, the article appears to simply point out that the man is simply an Archie Bunker. He's unconsciously naive to his insensitivity or understanding of stereotypes. He hasn't progressed with the modern world or apparently even the less modern world. He has a point of view and a cultural understanding that lacks contemporary viewpoints, even though he's surrounded by and has access to some of the most informed and educated people of today.
Also, the article appears to simply point out that the man is simply an Archie Bunker. He's unconsciously naive to his insensitivity or understanding of stereotypes. He hasn't progressed with the modern world or apparently even the less modern world. He has a point of view and a cultural understanding that lacks contemporary viewpoints, even though he's surrounded by and has access to some of the most informed and educated people of today.
34
This is such a ridiculous complaint.
1
I agree with your point. What is the litmus test here? What about the massacres and atrocities for which the United States bears direct responsibility?
Following the logic of this column, if Donald Trump visits Sand Creek, Colorado, or Wounded Knee, South Dakota, should he not be morally obligated to visit the killing fields where so many Native Americans were slaughtered? If he visits Monticello or any ante-bellum plantation site, north or south, that controlled the lives and deaths of African-American slaves, should he not be morally obligated to pay public respects to them? How about paying his respects to the memory of victims of our very own World War 2 internment camps for Japanese-Americans?
If he fails to do this, isn't he even more egregiously "dissing" them?
Following the logic of this column, if Donald Trump visits Sand Creek, Colorado, or Wounded Knee, South Dakota, should he not be morally obligated to visit the killing fields where so many Native Americans were slaughtered? If he visits Monticello or any ante-bellum plantation site, north or south, that controlled the lives and deaths of African-American slaves, should he not be morally obligated to pay public respects to them? How about paying his respects to the memory of victims of our very own World War 2 internment camps for Japanese-Americans?
If he fails to do this, isn't he even more egregiously "dissing" them?
1
I think it is simply Trump registering his disapproval of his daughter's conversion to Judaism and subsequent marriage in a passive/aggressive manner. Nothing more, nothing less.
23
Orthodox Judaism. The daven all day every day kind of Judaism, not the modern atheistic Judaism practicing ancient rituals a few days per year to maintain a sense of tribal identity.
Interesting. Yet he constantly touts the "brilliance" of Jared and how he is like Superman. djt is one twisted mess.
Ridiculous. Trump attends the Kushner family seder yearly and made his son-in-law, the Orthodox Jew, his close aide. Furthermore, all of Trump's NY professionals (lawyers, accountants, etc.) prior to politics have been Jews. He is an insensitive Archie Bunker type but no antisemite or he otherwise would have made a huge fuss about Ivanka's conversion. I believe he welcomed the union as the marriage of two Real Estate empires which is more like him!
1
I think that the explanation of the President's behavior boils down to what Yair Rosenberg said about Trump's entry in the Yad Veshem guest book. It read like "what teenagers write in each other’s high school yearbooks." That nails it, not so much about the guest book entry but about everything that emerges from the President's mouth. It's flat. It's hollow. It's a string of meaningless swords backed up by a total absence of feeling, conviction or principle.
Our President is a hollow man. He lacks substance and a depth of spirit, integrity or intelligence. He is not simply flawed as we all are. He IS a flaw, a bad 3-D print-out replica of a human being. Expect no more from this empty suit; there's nothing there.
Our President is a hollow man. He lacks substance and a depth of spirit, integrity or intelligence. He is not simply flawed as we all are. He IS a flaw, a bad 3-D print-out replica of a human being. Expect no more from this empty suit; there's nothing there.
174
correct and to the point. now then , what are you all going to do about it?
Good question, Russ. But maybe the question should be "What are WE going to do about it?"
"Our President is a hollow man."
Which see, "The Hollow Men," a poem by T. S. Eliot.
Which see, "The Hollow Men," a poem by T. S. Eliot.
Every action he's taken and every diversion he's created have been in service of fascism. If there were anything he'd done that didn't lean in that direction, it might be possible to believe otherwise. But there has been nothing. I see no evidence whatsoever that he's interested in anything other than creating a Russian-style kleptocracy in the US.
Until I see reasonable evidence to the contrary, I'm not interested in any psychological explanations or analyses. He's a fascist and he must be stopped. That's all we need to know about him.
Until I see reasonable evidence to the contrary, I'm not interested in any psychological explanations or analyses. He's a fascist and he must be stopped. That's all we need to know about him.
61
To be honest, I'm thinking he was too bust throwing the US Intelligence community under the bus as a message to Putin that he was ready to accept any story Putin wanted to spin. And it worked.
10
Easy answer, Frank. One of those guys has stolen his most treasured possession.
25
The pathological narcissist's worldview is based solely on how he's perceived. He feeds off positive reinforcement from others, no matter who they are, which is why Trump was reluctant until forced to denounce white supremacist supporters like David Duke.
It's called pathology for a reason, and the danger is normalizing the behavior. Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for continuing to point this out.
It's called pathology for a reason, and the danger is normalizing the behavior. Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for continuing to point this out.
50
Yes, narcissism can be problematic and result in an individual's ultimate downfall. However, in a leader it can also be a strength, a characterological trait that provides them with the gumption and tenacity to make unpopular decisions and take strong political positions that others without such traits would never consider.
And if we are to engage in a discussion of personality pathology let us not omit Hillary with her lack of compunction and remorse, superficial empathy, extreme entitlement, with no fear of consequences for illegal behavior, and we are now speculating about psychopathy!
And if we are to engage in a discussion of personality pathology let us not omit Hillary with her lack of compunction and remorse, superficial empathy, extreme entitlement, with no fear of consequences for illegal behavior, and we are now speculating about psychopathy!
All presidents must have some level of narcissism if they are to function between fear and confidence under the extreme pressures of this office. Witness President Obama commenting that he was a better speech writer than his speech writers. President Trump, however, is in an entirely different category. I am no psychologist. However, if one looks at the DSM-5, this president presents all eight traits of a narcissistic personality disorder, including the delusional one. This should be a cause for great concern for the presidents supporters and for all of us.
35
And Hillary meets the criteria for psychopathy based on the criteria in the DSM-5.
2
Jack Kay: Many of his supporters would fall into one or more of the DSM-5.
Please do not fall into the trap of classifying his supporters as Neanderthals. It is disrespectful and statistically wrong. Just look at the huge numbers that voted for President Obama in 2008 and again in 2012, and then switched to President Trump. Disgust with D.C. and HRC's anemic campaign (not the Russians) were more driving factors than anything else.
2
Excellent article and analysis of Trump's behavior and psychology.
If Ivanka hadn't married an orthodox Jew and converted to Judaism, people wouldn't give Trump a pass on being anti-Semitic. Ivanka and Jared provide cover.
In any case, Trump is narcissistic, tone-deaf, uninterested in what others think or how they feel. He really is president of Trump only. He could care less about the country or the world.
If Ivanka hadn't married an orthodox Jew and converted to Judaism, people wouldn't give Trump a pass on being anti-Semitic. Ivanka and Jared provide cover.
In any case, Trump is narcissistic, tone-deaf, uninterested in what others think or how they feel. He really is president of Trump only. He could care less about the country or the world.
38
Unfortunately, Hillary possesses very similar characteristics, although presenting in sheeps clothing!
1
Trump is the most self-centered man in the world, and the most duplicitous. His prejudices are exclusively against those who do not acknowledge his genius with flattery, those who go so far as to criticize him, and the "losers" who cannot help him get whatever he wants.
30
Then Hillary is the most self-centered woman in the world.
2
Kate: Really, I don't know how that follows. Hillary has endured more than 25 years of personal attacks and criticism, most of it manufactured for political purposes. She almost never acknowledges those attacks, and still manages to look forward and smile. Trump lets no perceived slight go unanswered.
He only gives a little, and sends strong messages that he believes otherwise, so he can indict them and fight them when they say that he is being so.
This column is an interesting speculation. I suspect that the key, in this instance, is that his internal stereotype of a skill set that he imagines many Jews to have -- the successful negotiator -- competes with his own ridiculous self-image, as portrayed in The Art of the Deal. Goodness! A whole culture that might be better at being Trump than Trump is! So, he becomes especially insecure, defensive, and off-balance. That is, more off-balance than usual for him.
19
I think this is spot-on.
1
Mr. Bruno you end by saying that the Trump gang are not familiar with how to act. I have no experience in Washington or being a leader, but I would know how to act as President. I've been watching for over sixty years and I've learned something. I guess they haven't.
22
Yes - experience in the presidency - or in government at all, for that matter - is not necessary to know how to write an appropriate message in a guestbook at a Holocaust memorial. Or that a leader should denounce acts of violence, especially if his words may have contributed to their perpetration. There are not mistakes made from lack of experience. They are made from lack of character.
No one can figure out what Donald Trump believes or if he believes anything all other than making money. There is a much bigger issue alluded to in this Op-Ed. Donald Trump is legitimizing anti-Semitism, white supremacy and misogyny as a part of "normal" American politics and even policy. Clearly given the result of the 2016 election it has always been present though most understood that it isn't socially acceptable.
Donald Trump has succeeded in tagging these messages of bigotry and hatred to the Republican party. Many will argue that the Republicans have always supported these positions, though more quietly. However, it is out there for all to see now. Donald Trump has pulled the anti-Semitism along with many other biases out into the day light. We are not imagining it.
Because I am a hopeful person, I believe some day Republicans will come to realize that accepting Trump's overt courting of what is euphemistically called the Alt-Right has been a big mistake. I have to believe that some day these hurtful and hateful messages will be ultimately be rejected.
Donald Trump has succeeded in tagging these messages of bigotry and hatred to the Republican party. Many will argue that the Republicans have always supported these positions, though more quietly. However, it is out there for all to see now. Donald Trump has pulled the anti-Semitism along with many other biases out into the day light. We are not imagining it.
Because I am a hopeful person, I believe some day Republicans will come to realize that accepting Trump's overt courting of what is euphemistically called the Alt-Right has been a big mistake. I have to believe that some day these hurtful and hateful messages will be ultimately be rejected.
17
It does seem strange that Donald Trump can commit casual acts of insensitivity or stereotyping toward Jews when his Jewish daughter and son-in-law are obviously dear to him and his Jewish advisers presumably have his regard.
I think the explanation is to be found in the self-absorption you mention in the last paragraph. He feels that HIS people are all right, whatever their objective categories may be; not just all right, but utterly separate from the rest of the human race. He sees no contradiction in prizing them while trampling on the feelings of others. It probably doesn't even occur to him that "his" people may partake of the feelings or the categorical interests of those "other" people.
Donald Trump's wife and his mother both immigrated to the United States. So, for that matter, did his paternal grandfather. But he correctly senses that they're only incidentally immigrants because he incorrectly senses that they're primarily his belongings.
I think the explanation is to be found in the self-absorption you mention in the last paragraph. He feels that HIS people are all right, whatever their objective categories may be; not just all right, but utterly separate from the rest of the human race. He sees no contradiction in prizing them while trampling on the feelings of others. It probably doesn't even occur to him that "his" people may partake of the feelings or the categorical interests of those "other" people.
Donald Trump's wife and his mother both immigrated to the United States. So, for that matter, did his paternal grandfather. But he correctly senses that they're only incidentally immigrants because he incorrectly senses that they're primarily his belongings.
10
Go with Josh Marshall's concept of "Trump's Razor", which posits that when you're confronted an example of Trump's inexplicable behavior, it's than likely that the reason is based in stupidity and/or incompetence. In these cases, I'm betting it was a combination of Trump's narcissistic certitude making him oblivious to the point of stupidity, and incompetent staff work.
12
The press conference Bruni mentioned where Trump took a question about anti-Semitism and used it to defend himself is a classic example of the Trump School of Jiu-Jitsu: no matter what the topic under consideration, Trump will flip it so that it's about Donald Trump's favorite subject, which is Donald Trump.
18
Why? Because he Can, and must. His base expects him to despise the same people THEY do. It's that simple, disgusting and cynical.
21
Good analysis and I think it's correct. Trump isn't really anti-Semitic, he's just completely indifferent. It's difficult for him to think about anybody except himself, so it's not like he's going out of his way to offend Jewish people, he's just incapable of realizing his actions are offensive.
It's unfortunate to have such an ignorant, self-involved boor as president, but it just goes to show you, America has fallen. We're not the world leader anymore, because we don't deserve to be.
It's unfortunate to have such an ignorant, self-involved boor as president, but it just goes to show you, America has fallen. We're not the world leader anymore, because we don't deserve to be.
25
Malignant narcissists do a great deal of damage while on their way to aggrandizing themselves, which is a minute by minute, daily preoccupation for this narcissist who happens to be our head of state. He cares nothing for anyone, including his own family or so called friends, as his desperate need to be noticed and loved is all that matters. Does this mean anything to his followers? Not at all.
19
When speaking about malignant narcissism, one can not omit Hillary, who exhibits such traits, and possibly worse, psychopathy!
1
It is particularly shameful when Trump disses Jews and other minority groups. Such insulting behavior evidences his immense disdain for America's democratic traditions, norms and institutions.
What other recent American president, in large measure on behalf of "White" nationalism, has insulted so many "Others"? Has boasted that there are no laws prohibiting presidential conflicts of interest? Has been so disdainful of the judiciary, of the intelligence community, of the free press, of diplomacy and of international agreements? Has congratulated and praised dictators? Has refused to release his tax returns? Has allegedly engaged in secret meetings with lobbyists for foreign interests during weekend getaways to his private resort? Has so frequently engaged in lies, misrepresentations and diversions? The list of such questions goes on and on.
Surely, it is not becoming easier for a free people to secure their democratic republic. President Trump's guiding principle is self-interest. He is ever ready to stretch legality to its limits. He evidences little interest in civic or moral propriety. With Trump as president, plutocracy is increasingly entrenched and the stench of kleptocracy is in the air. Large swaths of the public are thoroughly demoralized. The people are divided as seldom before.
Trump, with great pride and narcissistic egomania, is the Great Divider, not a Uniter.
What other recent American president, in large measure on behalf of "White" nationalism, has insulted so many "Others"? Has boasted that there are no laws prohibiting presidential conflicts of interest? Has been so disdainful of the judiciary, of the intelligence community, of the free press, of diplomacy and of international agreements? Has congratulated and praised dictators? Has refused to release his tax returns? Has allegedly engaged in secret meetings with lobbyists for foreign interests during weekend getaways to his private resort? Has so frequently engaged in lies, misrepresentations and diversions? The list of such questions goes on and on.
Surely, it is not becoming easier for a free people to secure their democratic republic. President Trump's guiding principle is self-interest. He is ever ready to stretch legality to its limits. He evidences little interest in civic or moral propriety. With Trump as president, plutocracy is increasingly entrenched and the stench of kleptocracy is in the air. Large swaths of the public are thoroughly demoralized. The people are divided as seldom before.
Trump, with great pride and narcissistic egomania, is the Great Divider, not a Uniter.
17
This is perhaps the first time I have found myself in half-throated agreement with those who actually like how Trump conducts himself. (I never thought the day would come.) Anti-anti-Semitism is one thing, pro-Semitism another. In other words, it's certainly possible to oppose anti-Semitism without making a show of it, so his failure to make a show of it doesn't necessarily mean much other than that he likes to play to his base, whose anti-Semitism, sexism, and general xenophobia are all too evident -- and (shall I say it?) deplorable.
Still, the fact is that Trump's criticism of the racism, sexism, and pro-Christianism made okay -- that is, relatively socially acceptable -- by his campaign has been tepid, at best. And to link that (its tepidness) to his pathetic adulation addiction makes sense to me.
Still, the fact is that Trump's criticism of the racism, sexism, and pro-Christianism made okay -- that is, relatively socially acceptable -- by his campaign has been tepid, at best. And to link that (its tepidness) to his pathetic adulation addiction makes sense to me.
1
He's not Mr. Sensitivity and never will be. But let's never forget his loutishness has consequences, nor become inured to his minuses.
7
I think it really boils down to the unfortunate fact that we're (temporarily?) stuck with a president who never learned how to behave... towards any individual or group.
10
Trump doesn't like victimhood. He focuses his entire life on the next challenge, the next victory, the next opponent.
1
The Netanyahu government will accept any insult from Trump, as long as the billions in military aid keep flowing, and there is no diplomatic hindrance to the Occupation. The tepid criticisms of Israel's Palestinian policy by Obama resulted in a notably vicious backlash by Netanyahu and Co that should have merited censure instead of Obama's approval of a record-breaking $40 billion military deal. This is proof of the role reversal between our two countries. The fact that Trump's cynical posturing to please the anti-Semitic elements of his base will embolden them and thus endanger American Jews doesn't enter into Netanyahu's calculus. I guess he figures we can all make Aliyah if things get too bad, and this demographic pressure will complete the takeover of the West Bank. Win/Win for Bibi.
3
I think you let him off too easy, Mr. Bruni. I must say, I don't know whether he is or isn't a true anti-semite, but I prefer not to dwell on it. Like all bad boyfriends, the more time you spend on trying to figure them out, the worse for your own sanity. At this point, it can be assumed that if it's bad, he's doing it, thinking it, saying it. Any more analysis and I'm giving him more time than he deserves.
8
Excusing Trump's antisemitism by saying he has Jewish family members or saying that he is a narcissist who doesn't see beyond his own nose or saying that no one in his inner circle is "familiar with the dance" is just absurd. Why must we parse and interpret and re-interpret? His words and actions (or lack thereof) should surely speak for themselves. And in that case, there is only one plausible conclusion.
5
A: The same reason he does anything else: to enrage 'the elites.'
He's still in office and out of jail, continuing to enrich himself and his family at our expense. His strategy would seem to work.
He's still in office and out of jail, continuing to enrich himself and his family at our expense. His strategy would seem to work.
3
Stephen Miller is Jewish, as is Jared Kushner, as is the man who wrote the Remembrance Day statement, criticized now and then. At some point the media needs to move away from this obsession onto more substantive issues regarding Trump.
Frankly, these marginal attacks miss the target and, when they do, Trump becomes even more empowered to attack the media. We have much bigger "Trump problems" than how long Trump visited Yad Vashem. I'm beginning to think Rolf Peter Sieferle might be right.
Frankly, these marginal attacks miss the target and, when they do, Trump becomes even more empowered to attack the media. We have much bigger "Trump problems" than how long Trump visited Yad Vashem. I'm beginning to think Rolf Peter Sieferle might be right.
11
Trump himself said he's not for anything. He's neither against anything or anyone. He's too full of himself to even think of anyone. His ignorance is second to none.
8
So, Mr Bruni, what to do about this alarm? We know what a menace to our country Mr Trump is. What we need is a plan for removing that menace, and soon.
Mr. Bruni: I admire your patient, measured detachment---but, If we make it through the year you will not be able to write another column with this level of ambivalence. Donald is being played by the Russians, ignores the poor and disenfranchised and is at open war with the press. The history of Germany in the thirties is remarkably parallel. Donald scares and enrages me.
The Koch Brothers, America's most abusive corporations and Republican Politicians who have no interest in the educations of my children are in the ascendancy and they have gotten there without giving a thought to what kind of environment they will be passing to their children, much less mine.
Focusing exclusively on Donald allows people like Mitch McConnell to turn the social safety net into an empty shell. Perhaps even more threatening
is Paul Ryan who seems to think that Americans should treat one another like characters out of some neo-apocalyptic novel written in the spirit of Ayn Rand.
Donald is a hollow human being lacking in both empathy and compassion---that is a given. What bewilders me is the patience people who can think have shown and continue to show him. I am profoundly grateful that the New York Times is there to give civility a voice.
At the same time I am overwhelmed that corporations, extreme wealth, and all three branches of government are aligned and suffocating our ability to care for one another.
Jews are not an exception. Donald hates everyone who does not give him what he wants.
The Koch Brothers, America's most abusive corporations and Republican Politicians who have no interest in the educations of my children are in the ascendancy and they have gotten there without giving a thought to what kind of environment they will be passing to their children, much less mine.
Focusing exclusively on Donald allows people like Mitch McConnell to turn the social safety net into an empty shell. Perhaps even more threatening
is Paul Ryan who seems to think that Americans should treat one another like characters out of some neo-apocalyptic novel written in the spirit of Ayn Rand.
Donald is a hollow human being lacking in both empathy and compassion---that is a given. What bewilders me is the patience people who can think have shown and continue to show him. I am profoundly grateful that the New York Times is there to give civility a voice.
At the same time I am overwhelmed that corporations, extreme wealth, and all three branches of government are aligned and suffocating our ability to care for one another.
Jews are not an exception. Donald hates everyone who does not give him what he wants.
6
"... we made do in June with a tweet from his outsourced conscience, by which I mean Ivanka."
Excellent column Frank and I agree wholeheartedly, except with the above line. Ivanka may be less "tone deaf" than her Dad in some of her public pronouncements ( not, however, in the clueless advice she doles out to working women in her books) but in the end she will either find excuses for his most outrageous statements and actions or her silence will be deafening. Watching her appearance on Fox where she softly lamented the "visciousness" she had discovered in Washington, i.e. against her father, is to give new meaning to the word "disingenuous."
Whatever Ivanka's role in this benighted administration, it sure isn't as a
stand-in for Trump's conscience- that went AWOL many years ago or withered and died from lack of use.
Excellent column Frank and I agree wholeheartedly, except with the above line. Ivanka may be less "tone deaf" than her Dad in some of her public pronouncements ( not, however, in the clueless advice she doles out to working women in her books) but in the end she will either find excuses for his most outrageous statements and actions or her silence will be deafening. Watching her appearance on Fox where she softly lamented the "visciousness" she had discovered in Washington, i.e. against her father, is to give new meaning to the word "disingenuous."
Whatever Ivanka's role in this benighted administration, it sure isn't as a
stand-in for Trump's conscience- that went AWOL many years ago or withered and died from lack of use.
5
We live in a "post-history" world, and Trump is nothing if not a creature of the times. I recently had occasion to speak to a young Vietnamese woman of 22 who came to the U.S. in the past few years and speaks fluent English. I related to her that I had older friends in Vietnam during the war--you know, the one where we killed 3 million Vietnamese and laid the groundwork for millions more to be killed in Cambodia. I asked her what, if anything, she or her older family members thought about the war. She said she had heard about it from an old uncle who was a young boy during the war, and that it was discussed in school, but that people her age didn't think about it because it happened so long ago. You could tell she was being truthful, and that she was a bit surprised I had brought up such ancient history.
What Mr. Bruni needs to do is write the equivalent of a national book of prayer so we know just how much to express our concern, remorse, or other appropriate indicator of outward brow-furrowing, gnashing of teeth, and just the right suit of sackcloth.
What Mr. Bruni needs to do is write the equivalent of a national book of prayer so we know just how much to express our concern, remorse, or other appropriate indicator of outward brow-furrowing, gnashing of teeth, and just the right suit of sackcloth.
It doesn't help that there are people who see this behavior as a sign of strength. It's always struck me as insulting to men that bullying and stubborn ignorance are sometimes seen as manly-man traits, and being thoughtful or considering other people's ideas is girly.
1
Mr. Bruni, you write, "Trump is disinclined to denounce any constituency or tactics that elevate him to the throne, where he’s sure that he belongs."
I suspect that like others with an inappropriately large self-image, there is at some level (perhaps even subconsciously) an intuitive understanding that his true self falls short of his publicly proclaimed self. Beneath the facade lies a recognition of inadequacy.
If Donald Trump was "sure he belongs" in his exalted office, he would not feel compelled to disparage those who question him or to remind people constantly of his accomplishments, often embellished to absurdity. All that bluster may be compensating for what he knows every bit as well as we do - that he is in rough waters that are way over his head. Great Presidents acknowledge the magnitude of the job, including the objective reality of their human frailties. From others they seek expertise; not adoration.
A more mature human being would have his eyes & ears wide open and keep the largest facial orifice mostly shut, taking in sound advice rather than tweeting noise.
I suspect that like others with an inappropriately large self-image, there is at some level (perhaps even subconsciously) an intuitive understanding that his true self falls short of his publicly proclaimed self. Beneath the facade lies a recognition of inadequacy.
If Donald Trump was "sure he belongs" in his exalted office, he would not feel compelled to disparage those who question him or to remind people constantly of his accomplishments, often embellished to absurdity. All that bluster may be compensating for what he knows every bit as well as we do - that he is in rough waters that are way over his head. Great Presidents acknowledge the magnitude of the job, including the objective reality of their human frailties. From others they seek expertise; not adoration.
A more mature human being would have his eyes & ears wide open and keep the largest facial orifice mostly shut, taking in sound advice rather than tweeting noise.
2
Most previous Presidents had an ethos of public service from their years of experience in government at one level or another. Donald Trump doesn't have an ethos of public service. He has an ethos of private gain. That's why he's such a poor president, he can't see beyond the presidency is self-interest.
3
Frank is correct, when dealing with trump or trying to understand him you must realize his needs and wants always come first regardless who gets stepped on. He will say anything that will make a crowd love him.
7
...and why people like Putin can so easily play him.
2
Trump and HIS Republican Party say those things that get THEM elected to public office. Much as others of us may not like what THEY say, THEY do control the White House, both Houses of Congress and 3/4 of our state legislatures. It seems to work for THEM.
4
Actually the point about the current negotiation being in part the setting of the basis for the next, whether a re-negotiation or entirely new, is well founded but also very sensible especially among people who are always doing negotiations with each other. My teenage daughter operates on the same principle with her Dad.
Trump understands dominance and submission, but respect is a subtler attitude. It involves constructing within one's own self an image of another, and acknowledging the value of the other as understood through that image.
When inner waters are easily roiled, the inner mirror that one needs to look into in order to contemplate the image of another is not calm, and hence there is no image of another to contemplate.
In such circumstances,the closest one can come to recognizing the value of another is by recognizing something about them, such as their accomplishments, or apparent strength, or projected view of themselves. Trump does admire others in this indirect way, but he doesn't seem to be consistently able to sustain true respect.
Under those circumstances, it doesn't make sense to ask him to show respect for Holocaust victims or any other group of sufferers. If he sends a surrogate or offers praise of something related but not on the mark, he could be sincerely doing the best he can do.
We do want him to advocate policies that are more foresightful and just. But we shouldn't ask him to go past his limits on ceremony. That just leads to disappointment.
When inner waters are easily roiled, the inner mirror that one needs to look into in order to contemplate the image of another is not calm, and hence there is no image of another to contemplate.
In such circumstances,the closest one can come to recognizing the value of another is by recognizing something about them, such as their accomplishments, or apparent strength, or projected view of themselves. Trump does admire others in this indirect way, but he doesn't seem to be consistently able to sustain true respect.
Under those circumstances, it doesn't make sense to ask him to show respect for Holocaust victims or any other group of sufferers. If he sends a surrogate or offers praise of something related but not on the mark, he could be sincerely doing the best he can do.
We do want him to advocate policies that are more foresightful and just. But we shouldn't ask him to go past his limits on ceremony. That just leads to disappointment.
2
I agree that President Entropy is not specifically anti-Semitic -- he is simply anti-people in general. He doesn't like people, he doesn't understand people, and he doesn't care about people except when they can do something for him.
119
It is amazing how vast and deep the valley is that lies between the Presidential supporters and his antagonists. Truly amazing and lends a new definition to the concept of political coup.
2
Ahh and those that are/do,..and do so by coercion, force, ridicule, H8,...are known as Mentally Deficient Bullies.
"He doesn't like people, he doesn't understand people, and he doesn't care about people except when they can do something for him."
"He doesn't like people, he doesn't understand people, and he doesn't care about people except when they can do something for him."
1
You know what surprises me? That any sociopathic act Trump is charged with surprises anyone. He isn't acting. This is who he has always been. He knows it. He's proud of it. To the point, he knows that there is a segment of the public that admires him for it. They elected him. They still like him. He has the power of wealth. Nothing he does, even being a veritable Russian mole, is"real" to those who admire him. His wealth proves to them, and certainly does to him, that he's special, even chosen, just as Prosperity Christianity" teaches. Is he a loser? Sure, but he's a rich loser so his supporters believe his charge of loser levied against anyone else, but never him. Any of you ever see "Being There" or "Magic Christian?" You should. They're Trump. American Jewish organizations should be screaming about the guy, and the state of Israel should condemn him, but they won't, and he knows they won't. That's the story of draft dodger coward Trump's life.
161
Being highly educated in this particular field I can say that President Trump is one of the most mentally stable individuals, albeit in a different but brillant way that confounds his haters. Any man or woman who is able to build a business empire, after almost going bankrupt during the recession of the 80's, is simply put highly intelligent. Throwing slanderous statements at the President does not change that.
4
@John F.Mcbride: You call the President a sociopath. "D'ou viennent vos renseignements?" Are you an m.d. with a licence and training to be able use such 25 cent words, terminology that should be employed with caution and only by those experienced in the "metier?"Have you ever met, much less interviewed the c-in-c? Bar is indeed low at Times newspaper to get one's comment run so long as one is willing to write derogatorially of the President, vox populi for over 61 million voters. But to write such hot air about someone you do not know is intellectually dishonest, and for the EB to approve it is irresponsible.Trump became successful in getting his properties developed having to deal with tough guys, mobsters high up in the Teamsters and other labor unions, many of whom went to prison for many years after RICO became law. To appreciate this milieu today, one would have to make the rounds of the social clubs, some of which r in Manhattan on UES and in Queens and other boroughs where retired "wise guys" congregate, talk to them and let them talk.Finally,believe that George Bush "pere" and Jimmy Carter were the last recent presidents to have served in the military. If one has done his military service, one does not call others draft dodgers. It just isn't done.
1
Yes. And in addition, how do you explain other instances of anti-Semitism like the poster of CNN employees with Stars of David next to the photo of those Trump perceived as Jews? Lack of experience? Give me a break, he's from New York City, where there are enough people from different cultures and religions, never mind, Jews, that he should know better. No excuse.
“Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must—at that moment—become the center of the universe.” -Elie Wiesel
Its not clever to wonder if he is a bigot or a narcissist; the question is a meaningless and precarious curiosity. His insensitivity is extremely dangerous and there's no good reason to offer an apology for it.
Its not clever to wonder if he is a bigot or a narcissist; the question is a meaningless and precarious curiosity. His insensitivity is extremely dangerous and there's no good reason to offer an apology for it.
141
Thank you Alix! I was trying to find words to express how I felt and you've summed it up beautifully.
This is the best and most profound comment I have seen on this piece - indeed one of the best comments I've seen on any opinion piece or article.
Thanks again.
This is the best and most profound comment I have seen on this piece - indeed one of the best comments I've seen on any opinion piece or article.
Thanks again.
37
Being "insensitive" to the small issues leaves more time to address the "big" ones. You are believing this column and all its subtle lies. Taking a Elie Wiesel quote and using its wisdom, based on false statements, is, well, unwise and manipulative.
Outstanding. Thanks for clearly expressing that. I asked the organization for Republican Jews to explain me, a Jew, why they support him. They refused to answer.
Nobody should support Trump, much less a minority that has been direct victim of people like him.
Nobody should support Trump, much less a minority that has been direct victim of people like him.
1
It is obvious tRump is just plain ignorant when it comes to how to pay respect to other ethnics, nationalities, varying religions. He has signaled that they are not significant to his way of thinking.
In doing so,he has unleashed those elements of society who have no self respect, who's self esteem is based on how much better they think themselves to be than others. Jews, Blacks, Asians, Indians, and others are at particular risk from these primitives, those who have to denigrate others to give themselves the self respect that others won't.
We see the results, and Indian engineer is killed in Kansas b a rabid white supremacist. Toe elderly Sikhs were killed in a Sacramento suburb, we believe because they wear turbans. We read almost daily about these kinds of actions, it is something those old enough can remember happening to Black people in the southern states, done so by those who called themselves Christians. Jews have been targeted for thousand of years because they did not conform to certain beliefs. Trump has no soul, no conscience he is amoral, his behavior is what he wants, he is the center of his own universe, a pox upon all of us.,
In doing so,he has unleashed those elements of society who have no self respect, who's self esteem is based on how much better they think themselves to be than others. Jews, Blacks, Asians, Indians, and others are at particular risk from these primitives, those who have to denigrate others to give themselves the self respect that others won't.
We see the results, and Indian engineer is killed in Kansas b a rabid white supremacist. Toe elderly Sikhs were killed in a Sacramento suburb, we believe because they wear turbans. We read almost daily about these kinds of actions, it is something those old enough can remember happening to Black people in the southern states, done so by those who called themselves Christians. Jews have been targeted for thousand of years because they did not conform to certain beliefs. Trump has no soul, no conscience he is amoral, his behavior is what he wants, he is the center of his own universe, a pox upon all of us.,
100
This is the kind of rhetoric that rilled up the German population pre-ceeding WW2. And you can have the "pox" to yourself, thanks but no thanks.
If visiting Jewish memorials is important to Bruni, then by all means he should visit all the Jewish memorials he can.
But it is stupid and even bigoted to lecture everyone else that they too should think that the most important thing in the world is to visit Jewish memorials and that their President should feel the same.
Should Poles call Trump a bigot because he did not visit the memorials to Poles who sacrificed their lives to save Poland and their fellow citizens?
Bruni and many of the people commenting here need to think before writing.
But it is stupid and even bigoted to lecture everyone else that they too should think that the most important thing in the world is to visit Jewish memorials and that their President should feel the same.
Should Poles call Trump a bigot because he did not visit the memorials to Poles who sacrificed their lives to save Poland and their fellow citizens?
Bruni and many of the people commenting here need to think before writing.
66
I assumed that DT had visited the Warsaw resistance memorial. He didn't? Please. It would have been more than appropriate to honor the resistance and to pay homage to the loss of life in Warsaw. My God. This man has no sense of history and no comprehension of his responsibility to honor it. I agree with Bruni when he says that DT's inner circle doesn't have any idea of what it means to respect the places they visit. DT can, at the very least, demand that these people begin to do their jobs. However, he is so defensive that he can't acknowledge that the advice he is being given by people he likes isn't very good advice at all.
72
I think I'm even more weary of Trump defenders than I am of him. The willful ignorance of it all is so defeating of everything....
5
The first and foremost body of people that the President of the United States represents is All of the people of the United States. His speech in Warsaw was greeted by all Polish people as a vindication and recognition of themselves and the incredible struggles they have endured over the past 70 years. If there was time to "visit" the museum he would have done so. View "Katlyn Forest" video to understand some of the anguish Poland went through during WW2.
3
Obviously the best outcome would have been for Mr. Trump to visit both memorials: the one for the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto uprising, and the one for the 1944 Warsaw general uprising. But if his schedule did not permit this, I would argue that he made the right decision, to send Ivanka to the ghetto memorial and speak at the Warsaw memorial, for two reasons:
1. While all U.S. presidents since 1989 have visited the 1943 ghetto uprising memorial, so far as I know no president had ever visited the 1944 Warsaw uprising memorial until Mr. Trump became the first to do so.
2. Because the leaders of the Warsaw uprising were loyal to the Polish government-in-exile in London, and not part of the Communist underground, their heroism went unrecognized, if not denigrated, in postwar Communist Poland. Thus the ghetto uprising memorial was erected in 1948, but the Warsaw uprising memorial was not erected until after 45 years, in 1989. These circumstances made Mr. Trump's recognition all the more appreciated.
1. While all U.S. presidents since 1989 have visited the 1943 ghetto uprising memorial, so far as I know no president had ever visited the 1944 Warsaw uprising memorial until Mr. Trump became the first to do so.
2. Because the leaders of the Warsaw uprising were loyal to the Polish government-in-exile in London, and not part of the Communist underground, their heroism went unrecognized, if not denigrated, in postwar Communist Poland. Thus the ghetto uprising memorial was erected in 1948, but the Warsaw uprising memorial was not erected until after 45 years, in 1989. These circumstances made Mr. Trump's recognition all the more appreciated.
39
No money and no Trump family business to pitch behind the scenes in efforts to make quid pro quo diplomacy. You invest you're a good guy. No money = no time for anything else.
13
Excellent comment, there is light at the end of this tunnel.
1
I doubt Trump is actively or consciously anti-Semitic. I know he's ignorant, but that's no excuse, and as a Jew, I certainly don't excuse him. But one does not have to be actively or consciously anti-Semitic to do harm to Jews, as we have seen, for example in his behavior at Yad Vashem. The very perplexing issue is the apparent, universal ignorance of the people in his administration, including his daughter and son in law, and the many, other Jews among them. We know Jared Kushner has Holocaust survivors in his family. How can he stand by, silent? We also know that Trump despises political correctness, but is it really mere political correctness to acknowledge the history of the Jews and be sensitive to their feelings? I think this column encapsulates all that is wrong, on a human level, with Trump and his presidency, and there is no excuse, either for him or the people around him. Furthermore, it is doing real damage to our country and to the world.
224
arrower: "But one does not have to be actively or consciously anti-Semitic to do harm to Jews, as we have seen, for example in his behavior at Yad Vashem."
If, by "behavior", you mean visiting Yad Vashem for about half an hour and writing a nice note, how is that "do[ing] harm to Jews"?
For some context, see this Wash. Post article, which casually mentions in the last sentence that George W. Bush's note is all of three words:
The huge contrast between Obama’s and Trump’s visits to Israel’s Holocaust memorial
By Max Bearak
May 23, 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/05/23/the-huge-co...
If, by "behavior", you mean visiting Yad Vashem for about half an hour and writing a nice note, how is that "do[ing] harm to Jews"?
For some context, see this Wash. Post article, which casually mentions in the last sentence that George W. Bush's note is all of three words:
The huge contrast between Obama’s and Trump’s visits to Israel’s Holocaust memorial
By Max Bearak
May 23, 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/05/23/the-huge-co...
1
I don't know if it's universal ignorance, as you say, of people in his administration, or the more disturbing idea that even Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner don't stand up to Donald Trump, even on a matter such as this that must be close to their hearts. If Jared Kushner is as he appears, silent on this, how does he speak truth-to-power on other issues to his father-in-law? I imagine he doesn't.
2
Trump's casual anti-Semitism, I think, is a result of his not having any strong beliefs about anything except himself. If he stood for anything other than his own agrandizement, he might be strongly - or weakly - anti-Semitic, anti-black, or anti-gay, but all his thought and energy go to himself, and there is not enough thought or energy left over for selective hatred. Ironic.
170
I think you nailed it. He is one unto himself.
1
That's probably more of a symptom of growing up in New York in a family business that involves control of real assets, similar to growing up in a Wall Street banking family. I've worked in both arenas in NYC and it is both highly-competitive and grossly primitive in terms of the "tribalism." It's about kill or be killed. Eat or be eaten. "Who's your rabbi?" I could write volumes on the manipulations and "tribal" mentality that is rampant in some of the major cities in which I have lived, particularly New York and Boston.
2
Andy New York, NY - But he's very pro capitalist, pro deal making, pro development, pro wealth, and pro Ivanka. Stooping to label him casually anti-Semitic is illogical, and likely just one more example of my fellow liberals working from the gutter because they think it's ok with this one politician. The jury is out on that.
1
Actually Donald Trump has treated Jews the same way he and all other presidents have treated Irish, Poles, Germans, Italians, ... : no special treatment. There is not reason why he should treat one ethic group differently than another.
If Trump has some spare time, then he should visit the graves of the millions of US soldiers and allied soldiers who died in WWI and WWII. Or visit the graves of the hundreds of thousands of US soldiers and civilians who died in the Civil War. Or visit the graves of the hundreds of thousands of US soldiers and Native Americans who died in the American Revolution.
If Trump has some spare time, then he should visit the graves of the millions of US soldiers and allied soldiers who died in WWI and WWII. Or visit the graves of the hundreds of thousands of US soldiers and civilians who died in the Civil War. Or visit the graves of the hundreds of thousands of US soldiers and Native Americans who died in the American Revolution.
58
A president treating one group as he or she treats all groups is not a virtue, if that means he or she ignores and disrespects them all, especially on days or at events that are specifically set aside to honor something important with respect to that group.
Mr. Bruni is right. Donald Trump hasn't the faintest clue what it takes to serve the people of the US as our president. Why? Because he has no concept of service to anyone but himself.
He neither understands, nor cares to find out, how his actions do damage his country.
Mr. Bruni is right. Donald Trump hasn't the faintest clue what it takes to serve the people of the US as our president. Why? Because he has no concept of service to anyone but himself.
He neither understands, nor cares to find out, how his actions do damage his country.
394
He's got a lot of spare time.
6
Of course he should visit American military cemeteries. But that doesn't preclude the Holocaust Museum which represent a unique historical event. An attempt to wipe out an entire group of people based on their religion.
By the way, just for the historical record, total combat deaths for the U.S. in all wars from the Revolution to Iraq are about 700,00. Not millions and millions.
Of course, we must honor them regardless of the number. They made the ultimate sacrifice.
By the way, just for the historical record, total combat deaths for the U.S. in all wars from the Revolution to Iraq are about 700,00. Not millions and millions.
Of course, we must honor them regardless of the number. They made the ultimate sacrifice.
7
"Why Does Donald Trump Keep Dissing Jews?" Habit, I imagine. After all, the other Manhattan real estate magnates with whom he needed to vie for so many years were overwhelmingly Jews, and he became accustomed to vilifying them as a normal part of interacting with them. I understand that his jokes were even funnier than the ones about the Italian "family men" from whom he was forced to buy concrete at 50% more than the going rate. Something about horse's heads and offers that can't be refused.
Trump can be a funny guy.
Frank offers a number of examples of thoughtlessness on Trump's part when it comes to Jews. As a general matter, if you're looking for thoughtfulness about the potential impact of hasty words on sensibilities, Trump probably isn't your guy: Hillary would be your gal. She was so preoccupied for years about every nuance of a word or action that it would take Sherlock Holmes to find the slightest evidence of anything valuable that she ever actually accomplished -- but it all certainly was very "safe" and sanitized.
In electing Trump Americans rejected, for now, political correctness: they're waiting to see if that gets them the movement in governance that they desperately want. If Trump delivers, expect that we're in for a post-politically-correct world for a spell. If he fails, we may go back to elites, political correctness ... and perhaps even Hillary.
One hopes he doesn't fail, if only for the entertainment value.
Trump can be a funny guy.
Frank offers a number of examples of thoughtlessness on Trump's part when it comes to Jews. As a general matter, if you're looking for thoughtfulness about the potential impact of hasty words on sensibilities, Trump probably isn't your guy: Hillary would be your gal. She was so preoccupied for years about every nuance of a word or action that it would take Sherlock Holmes to find the slightest evidence of anything valuable that she ever actually accomplished -- but it all certainly was very "safe" and sanitized.
In electing Trump Americans rejected, for now, political correctness: they're waiting to see if that gets them the movement in governance that they desperately want. If Trump delivers, expect that we're in for a post-politically-correct world for a spell. If he fails, we may go back to elites, political correctness ... and perhaps even Hillary.
One hopes he doesn't fail, if only for the entertainment value.
14
Since the majority of voters deemed trump unfit for office, on every level, the only hope we have is that he doesn't go nuclear.
4
Speaking of entertainment - the most hilarious thing of all is the fact that Mr. Anti-Political Correctness is in fact profiting from political correctness. It's because of the Goldwater debacle that Trump is now allowed to pillage and destroy and thoughtlessly tweet away our sense of safety at the crack of dawn - chronologically speaking, but really at 2 minutes to midnight according to the doomsday clock. It is because the powers that be, also known as spineless shills in congress, that nobody dares to yank this guy out of there before he starts a nuclear war. He is, according to many experts, including language analysts, suffering from dementia, and that, together with his vile personality disorder and inability to control his impulses and compulsory need for revenge makes him a disaster waiting to happen.
He does not deserve to be coddled. Nobody should be so powerful that he can decide the fate of the planet. Not even for the amusement of low-information voters in fly-over states.
He does not deserve to be coddled. Nobody should be so powerful that he can decide the fate of the planet. Not even for the amusement of low-information voters in fly-over states.
2
trump already failed as an elected public servant of the People ! No more hoping anything tangible from this idiot despite Netanyahu holding out with great hope !
1
"You can be only so considerate to others when you never stop considering yourself."
I believe it was Trump himself on Inauguration night who loudly proclaimed, "I will be the president of all the people, even those who didn't vote for me. I want to be a uniter."
Sure. I'm having trouble counting all the olive branches he has thrown at Democrats. Not to mention, anyone who might offend his base, just as much as himself.
I can't recall a president in modern history who attracted Richard Spencer to Washington during the inauguration. There has been a sharp uptick in the number of all hate crimes since he took office, but is it any wonder these attacks mostly concern the most maligned groups in our country: Jews, Muslims, African Americans, and members of the LGBT community?
Finally, I don't fully agree with your innocent explanation that it's Trump's narcissism that causes his disregard for the symbols of the presidency. Does that include the entire web of intelligence agencies? Or respected news organizations? Or his predecessor who showed nothing but kindness towards him as an awkward "elect."
Yet these are the people he threw under the bus overseas, in blatant disregard for allegiance to the country he now represents.
Donald Trump is stomping all over the office he never expected to win, and it's not just narcissism. It's his distorted cynicism that only admires people who achieve their goals through brute strength and force.
I believe it was Trump himself on Inauguration night who loudly proclaimed, "I will be the president of all the people, even those who didn't vote for me. I want to be a uniter."
Sure. I'm having trouble counting all the olive branches he has thrown at Democrats. Not to mention, anyone who might offend his base, just as much as himself.
I can't recall a president in modern history who attracted Richard Spencer to Washington during the inauguration. There has been a sharp uptick in the number of all hate crimes since he took office, but is it any wonder these attacks mostly concern the most maligned groups in our country: Jews, Muslims, African Americans, and members of the LGBT community?
Finally, I don't fully agree with your innocent explanation that it's Trump's narcissism that causes his disregard for the symbols of the presidency. Does that include the entire web of intelligence agencies? Or respected news organizations? Or his predecessor who showed nothing but kindness towards him as an awkward "elect."
Yet these are the people he threw under the bus overseas, in blatant disregard for allegiance to the country he now represents.
Donald Trump is stomping all over the office he never expected to win, and it's not just narcissism. It's his distorted cynicism that only admires people who achieve their goals through brute strength and force.
432
VERY well said Christine !
2
"is it any wonder these attacks mostly concern the most maligned groups in our country: Jews, Muslims, African Americans, and members of the LGBT community?"
Please don't forget the Mexicans. As a Chicano I find that far too many "progressives" like you tend to do just that, almost as much as those on the right do.
We are the largest ethnic group that gets constantly abused by White Americans yet somehow we are also the most invisible group to those same White Americans.
It is like when it comes to Mexicans White Americans follow "out of sight, out of mind" as the operative rule.
Christine, next time could you please throw us a bone and not forget La Raza Cósmica when you trot out your list of maligned groups?
Maybe if White Americans gave us our proper due then we would not get treated in such a negative manner by those same White Americans.
Please don't forget the Mexicans. As a Chicano I find that far too many "progressives" like you tend to do just that, almost as much as those on the right do.
We are the largest ethnic group that gets constantly abused by White Americans yet somehow we are also the most invisible group to those same White Americans.
It is like when it comes to Mexicans White Americans follow "out of sight, out of mind" as the operative rule.
Christine, next time could you please throw us a bone and not forget La Raza Cósmica when you trot out your list of maligned groups?
Maybe if White Americans gave us our proper due then we would not get treated in such a negative manner by those same White Americans.
2
The uprisings against Hitler were many and heroic. The Ghetto Uprising in Warsaw is at issue here. The Warsaw resistance of the Polish people was similarly heroic, Then there was D-Day and countless other battles. And the single most tragic encounter was surely Stalingrad. If the battles are suitably honored by means of a Presidential speech, I don't see the need to visit the battle sites.
22
To to say that he is sloppy and self-absorbed dangerously glosses over the fact of his serious mental Illness. Unfortunately too many in the media, too many political leaders, and even too many mental health professionals fail to exhibit an adequate understanding of his personality disorder diagnoses. He is unfit to serve and there must be a non-partisan mental health evaluation which will undoubtedly confirm this sad reality.
543
Trump supporters always remind me of the line from "Gladiator": "are you not amused?"
Absolutely !
1
To: Blusyo...Thank You for the Diagnostic Indication absent so chronically
in our "Presidential" Presence. At the peak and opening of said Diagnostic
List in his Personality Disorder is is Trump's 24/7 successful public grasp of
our Center of Attention. Or CEO is our COA. He does not know enough to
Care....or care enough to Know. It trouble me, too, that this Sociopathic
Diagnosis is thoroughly ignored in a public media-driven society. Maybe the
Mental Health professionals are busy saving their expressions for "Publication".
in our "Presidential" Presence. At the peak and opening of said Diagnostic
List in his Personality Disorder is is Trump's 24/7 successful public grasp of
our Center of Attention. Or CEO is our COA. He does not know enough to
Care....or care enough to Know. It trouble me, too, that this Sociopathic
Diagnosis is thoroughly ignored in a public media-driven society. Maybe the
Mental Health professionals are busy saving their expressions for "Publication".
1
In six months trump has turned the office of the presidency into a shadow of its former self, thinking this will make his "friends" happy and get him personal recognition. It will take decades to undo this damage. In the meantime, trump blithely builds his brand.
The good news, if there is any, is that as the US abandons our role in the world, there are smart, well-meaning, civic minded and educated people who are stepping up to the plate. Our interests will not be represented, but hopefully the world will be in good hands.
Keep the Russia investigation going. Let's see those tax returns.
The good news, if there is any, is that as the US abandons our role in the world, there are smart, well-meaning, civic minded and educated people who are stepping up to the plate. Our interests will not be represented, but hopefully the world will be in good hands.
Keep the Russia investigation going. Let's see those tax returns.
507
While I agree with the rest of your comments, I don't understand why you--along with many others--believe his damaging behavior to the office of the president will take decades to undo.
It will only if we elect another buffoon who will take advantage of the gaping holes he's shot through what used to be a tightly woven, high quality fabric, with an elegant sheen to it admired the world over.
If we elect someone worthy of the office, who behaves in a manner befitting the job, things should go back to working order fairly soon, and Congress and civil servants everywhere will stop holding their breath, and then breathe out a huge sigh of relief
It will only if we elect another buffoon who will take advantage of the gaping holes he's shot through what used to be a tightly woven, high quality fabric, with an elegant sheen to it admired the world over.
If we elect someone worthy of the office, who behaves in a manner befitting the job, things should go back to working order fairly soon, and Congress and civil servants everywhere will stop holding their breath, and then breathe out a huge sigh of relief
Supreme Court.
1
Trump is ever and only about himself. He has no respect or empathy for anyone else, either individually or in groups. He is pro-Trump and anti everyone else. He is concerned about who loves and admires him, and anyone who thinks those feelings are reciprocated is mistaken.
190
This anti-semitism springs from Trump's true nature: "only about himself ... without respect or empathy for anyone else". And of course an inner core of bigotry.
1
One must wondered if Mr. Trump will always ignore Human Rights. Or will Human Rights be an inconvenience in negotiations? Perhaps one need not worry about Mr. Trump's thought processes [if any]; instead, one must remember the maxim, “The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.”
72
Absolutely ! A hooligan is always a hooligan even when he is dressed up !
1
Are the Kushner's Observant Jews? When Jews (and others) wanted to know which Rabbi gave them a dispensation for flying with Daddy on Shabbat very "observant" Jewish spokesfolks complained about so-called "frommshaming" and said that the Kushners never claimed to be observant. Who is correct?
40
The Jewish precept of "pikuach nefesh doche shabbat" ("saving a life displaces or puts aside the Sabbath") is the only reason that an Orthodox Jew would violate the Sabbath. There is no basis for a Rabbi, or anyone else, to excuse the desecration of the Sabbath for anything less. A truly observant Jew would arrange travel by airplane so as to avoid travel on the Sabbath or on Jewish religious holidays, either traveling before or after the days that require such religious observance. Trump owns a private jet that could easily provide such transportation.
I have appreciable doubts that the Kushners are truly Orthodox, based on the reported multiple instances where they have done things that would be thought of as violating Jewish religious practice. Another such reported example is that they appear to eat food in restaurants or other establishments that are not under rabbinic supervision ("Hashgacha") and does not have a "machgiach" (a rabbinic supervisor who oversees the preparation of kosher food).
I have appreciable doubts that the Kushners are truly Orthodox, based on the reported multiple instances where they have done things that would be thought of as violating Jewish religious practice. Another such reported example is that they appear to eat food in restaurants or other establishments that are not under rabbinic supervision ("Hashgacha") and does not have a "machgiach" (a rabbinic supervisor who oversees the preparation of kosher food).
89
They absolutely do claim to be observant but it seems a joke to me. Or rather a tragedy for America.
2
I don't think I would spend time on discussing whether Jared or Ivanka are observant orthodox Jews because the larger issue is that they lack compassion, humility, honestly, good will to others which shows in their words and actions - now and in the past. I do not find them Jews I would emulate or hold up to others as examples of people who are mensches, righteous (tsiddiq)), mentors, role models or capable of tikkun olam (repairing the world).
The may claim to be Jewish by birth or conversion but they are not Jewish by action. End of story
The may claim to be Jewish by birth or conversion but they are not Jewish by action. End of story
15
" insensitive about the presidency"
It's not Trump's insensitivity that's so disturbing, it's his wilful ignorance, lack of curiosity and limited world view.
That his staff seem to mirror the above is a subject for another conversation...
It's not Trump's insensitivity that's so disturbing, it's his wilful ignorance, lack of curiosity and limited world view.
That his staff seem to mirror the above is a subject for another conversation...
272
I doubt that the ignorance is willful. It just seems to happen!! (Some people lack compassion and like being stupid, truly resent anyone who wants to know anything beyond the pablum that is the evening news.. or reality TV. Once upon a time there was a Know-nothing Party. [There she goes again, showing off.] Again time?)
What is most disturbing is how his ignorant supporters are proud of being both shockingly insulting and proud to be ignorant. America's name in the world is sinking lower and lower the longer this Presidency continues.
Sad
Sad
2
I don't understand your message. It is all OK, his failure to recognize his own bigotry, and those of his advisors is just part of his personality?
He's got people around him who violate every social norm regarding the treatment of minorities, but it is all OK because they are new to this?
I think it is time for some journalists to stop explaining why he seems to be incompetent and unfit for office, creating side stories of the incompetents around him, and begin asking why won't Congress impeach him?
He's got people around him who violate every social norm regarding the treatment of minorities, but it is all OK because they are new to this?
I think it is time for some journalists to stop explaining why he seems to be incompetent and unfit for office, creating side stories of the incompetents around him, and begin asking why won't Congress impeach him?
173
As a gay man, I'm incredibly offended that Trump chose Mike Pence, the Indiana governor who championed "religious freedom" legislation allowing businesses to open discriminate against gays and lesbians, as his Vice President. That move, along with his removal of Obama administration protections for transgender people, is extremely more consequential than his failure to proclaim June as Gay Pride Month. Trump is no "friend" to the LGBTQ community.
464
As a gay man, I'm no fan of Pence. Then again, I wouldn't seek to buy my wedding cake from someone with religious objections, anymore than I would insist on buying a ham sandwich at a kosher deli. To each his own.
Then, too, my right to love whom I choose as I choose is not contingent upon guaranteeing Gavin Grimm access to a urinal. (In fact, much of my own struggle has involved leaving "gender identity" behind.) In fact, I've never met a single person who's "LGBT"!
On the other hand, I'm offended by Trump's failure to recognize Gay Pride Month -- an especially insulting omission. Particularly given Trump's shout-out to gays during his nomination acceptance speech, we're entitled to expect better.
Then, too, my right to love whom I choose as I choose is not contingent upon guaranteeing Gavin Grimm access to a urinal. (In fact, much of my own struggle has involved leaving "gender identity" behind.) In fact, I've never met a single person who's "LGBT"!
On the other hand, I'm offended by Trump's failure to recognize Gay Pride Month -- an especially insulting omission. Particularly given Trump's shout-out to gays during his nomination acceptance speech, we're entitled to expect better.
Obviously. And sad.
Not to mention Pence is for "conversion therapy". And I think Trump heavily joined-up with the Evangelicals, which are against Gays too. Honestly, I openly say that The Log Cabin Republicans Gay Group cannot be Gay.... or they are Gay but not really counted as Republicans. Someone needs to go help them form a more intelligent group for themselves.... for the sake of "saving" their bank account membership fees.
Mr Trump does not nor has he ever really bothered me. He is a showman whose substance is without.
His self-absorbtion is not particularly good for a person who was elected to represent more than himself, but then if most of us, certainly those who voted for him, didn't fall within that questionable category he wouldn't be our President.
We will get beyond him and may actually end up with a decent nation as a result of seeing just where his brand of narcissm has taken us.
Until then who knows?
His self-absorbtion is not particularly good for a person who was elected to represent more than himself, but then if most of us, certainly those who voted for him, didn't fall within that questionable category he wouldn't be our President.
We will get beyond him and may actually end up with a decent nation as a result of seeing just where his brand of narcissm has taken us.
Until then who knows?
30
Well, Ian, in the end we all die, too.
I would prefer that the substance deprived showman doesn't hasten it.
I would prefer that the substance deprived showman doesn't hasten it.
9
Ian suggests there's hope! We just might end up with a decent nation BECAUSE of seeing what Trumpism leads to.
Trump, after all, did not create the hate spewing out across our land; he merely made other very ignorant people see such behavior as Acceptable.
We might really see what his behavior does and make enormous effort to restore decency. Let us hope and pray that that wisdom will not be too late.
Trump, after all, did not create the hate spewing out across our land; he merely made other very ignorant people see such behavior as Acceptable.
We might really see what his behavior does and make enormous effort to restore decency. Let us hope and pray that that wisdom will not be too late.
2
Perhaps the end of the second sentence should be rephrased from "whose substance is without" to "who's without substance."
3
Come now his daughter who he loves a lot and his grand children are all Jewish. Don't mistake a person who does not feel constrained by previous traditions with a person who is offending. He sent his daughter, that should be even better since she is a converted Jew.
26
Ivanka is not the president and the purported leader of a diverse country. She is the message i.e. I can't be bothered but my(Jewish) daughter has the time so what's the big deal. The big deal is his blindness to his display of a lack of empathy for the feelings of his Jewish countrymen. It's time that Republicans stop making excuses for him and realize and confront the unfolding horror that they have unleashed on our country.
107
This is just another form of "Some of my best friends are Jews." Don't fall for it.
8
I read Ivanka's statement abut the Warsaw Ghetto Uprisng Memorial. There was not even a hint that she knew anything about the uprising. She, Jewish or not, is either completely ignorant of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising or, like her father, she doesn't like to mention the these were Jews. Her insensitivity and/or willful ignorance of the Holocaust is as disturbing as her father's. I don't think Trump is a Holocaust denier; rather he just simply feels, as the infamous Jean Le Pen put it, it is an unimportant detail. As for his "visit" to Yad Vashem, please - he never set foot inside the place - he visited the memorial outside and wrote his little "quip" afterwards.
7
Since his reaction to Yad Vashem sounds like he saw it as just another tourist stop, I guess we can be glad that he didn't write, "Don't forget: Coming soon! Trump Tower Yad Vashem!"
212
Why not a golf course?
3
I'm no fan of Trump but I do not believe he is President Lindbergh.
He is not going to go out on a limb for anyone or group that is outside his base or family. It's fit his conception of isolationism on both a personal and global perspective. It's easier to hunker down than engage - simple, black and white but in the end most likely to damage the country's economy and standing in the world.
He is not going to go out on a limb for anyone or group that is outside his base or family. It's fit his conception of isolationism on both a personal and global perspective. It's easier to hunker down than engage - simple, black and white but in the end most likely to damage the country's economy and standing in the world.
21
And if it is a tradition who in their right mind would expect Trump to follow it. He got elected by defying tradition, he won't be following it now.
11
Donnie the Dunce got elected by pandering to the lowest of the low. Many people who voted for him just wanted to "poke the establishment in the eye." That has happened. We will see where it takes us. I am not hopeful about the outcome.
10
And yet except for Russia, Israel is the only other country where the citizens have a favorable view of him.
65
Nearly the only New Yorkers I know who adore DJT are Israeli. I can only assume that the Israeli media omits quite a lot of information about his fan base in hate groups, the Star of David anti-Clinton attack ad, etc.
64
Let's not generalize. Shall people assume everyone in the United States thinks alike - or that all of us voted for Donald Trump? The Israeli public is as divided as we are on the issues of politics and the future of their country. We just don't hear a lot about it over here.
11
The Israelis like him for the same reasons that the Russians like him.
2
Truthfully, it would be a good deal better if The Donald were to steer completely away from Holocaust-related sites. It's plain to see that he's just not interested, so why have him visit such a place just "for show"? I imagine he'd rather learn something about the period by watching a movie like "Defiance," where he can thrill to Jewish resistance fighters taking on the Nazis and shooting it out with them as real "winners" do when confronted by merciless villains. Action-movies with just a dash of historical accuracy and a soupcon of social consciousness are more his thing, and, anyway, you can't buy popcorn at Yad Vashem.
203
I disagree, Stu. Even if a Trump visit to a Holocaust-related site is just a hollow gesture on his part, gestures still have great symbolic importance.
16
Trump watch a movie? The man has the attention span of a gnat, and that's giving a lot of credit to gnats! Besides, I doubt he'd be interested in a movie that doesn't involve Americans, businessmen, and success.
3
@ stu freeman: Thanks for returning.
1
You have written "Kushner, Bannon, Stephen Miller and Reince Priebus are all new to this kind and level of work. They lack institutional memory, along with any awareness of how easily those blind spots become insensitivity." This eliminates any other experience that these individuals have had or read of in their lifetimes? After many months of Trump their actions must be intentional in ignoring what is happening before their very eyes and ears.
303
Yes it is very good not to follow tradition just to be following it. Change is required tradition won't be getting in the way.
5
Yes, what good is tradition if he's not a part of it?
2
WR
Your comment neglects to point out that both Kushner and Miller are Jewish. One would think either or both of them would offer a little guidance on the subject of Judaism. Evidently they do not, and he does not care, because the subject of discussion is not him.
Your comment neglects to point out that both Kushner and Miller are Jewish. One would think either or both of them would offer a little guidance on the subject of Judaism. Evidently they do not, and he does not care, because the subject of discussion is not him.
2
Is there much left to be said about this man who shows not the slightest sign of ever having had interest in any subject beyond himself? He isn't particularly anti-Semitic, anti gay or anti-woman; it's just that the little niceties of history never were absorbed. He just doesn't really want to know about anyone's troubles. Issues only exist insofar as they directly relate to his well being.
Still, I was astounded to learn that at Vad Yashem he wrote, for posterity: “It is a great honor to be here with all of my friends — so , amazing & will never forget!” He should stick to the golf course.
Still, I was astounded to learn that at Vad Yashem he wrote, for posterity: “It is a great honor to be here with all of my friends — so , amazing & will never forget!” He should stick to the golf course.
592
Yes I suspect he and I want what is effective, and we neither know or care much for niceties especially if they get in the way of being effective, positive change, and our country.
2
"He isn't particularly anti-Semitic, anti gay or anti-woman; "
I'll just leave aside for now the anti-semitism and the anti-gay debate, but to say he is not anti-woman leaves me gobsmacked. This is not a 'little nicety of history'.
I'll just leave aside for now the anti-semitism and the anti-gay debate, but to say he is not anti-woman leaves me gobsmacked. This is not a 'little nicety of history'.
80
Niceties only get in the way of cruderies. They don't get in the way of effectiveness, unless one wants to be effective at things that's not nice.
2
Maybe the short shrift he gives to others is a result of the near-universal boorishness he exhibits in virtually all social situations. From ignoring the importance of Jewish remembrance to telling Chris Christie what to eat to the unwelcome groping of starlets, his superpower is to be inappropriately clueless and crass at all times.
Racial and ethnic stereotypes are part of his simplistic worldview. Anything else would require attention, subtlety of understanding and a recognition of the suffering of others. There’s no room for that when the fake news says Obama had more people at his inauguration.
We may be grateful that he tends to keep schtum when he finds himself in situations where delicacy of tone and tactful expression of human feeling are called for. It’s far better for him to say nothing than to precipitate an international incident by mentioning the low ratings of Arnold Schwarzenegger when diplomacy is demanded.
In a way, he’s like Archie Bunker, except with more bunk. A lack of political correctness can be disarming in small doses, and it may even explain this undiscerning candidate’s appeal to less discerning voters.
But when piloting the ship of state, there are shallow waters everywhere where shallow people may run aground. And then there’s the Titanic, which this self-proclaimed king of the world may well emulate if we can’t find a way to remove him from the captain’s seat.
Racial and ethnic stereotypes are part of his simplistic worldview. Anything else would require attention, subtlety of understanding and a recognition of the suffering of others. There’s no room for that when the fake news says Obama had more people at his inauguration.
We may be grateful that he tends to keep schtum when he finds himself in situations where delicacy of tone and tactful expression of human feeling are called for. It’s far better for him to say nothing than to precipitate an international incident by mentioning the low ratings of Arnold Schwarzenegger when diplomacy is demanded.
In a way, he’s like Archie Bunker, except with more bunk. A lack of political correctness can be disarming in small doses, and it may even explain this undiscerning candidate’s appeal to less discerning voters.
But when piloting the ship of state, there are shallow waters everywhere where shallow people may run aground. And then there’s the Titanic, which this self-proclaimed king of the world may well emulate if we can’t find a way to remove him from the captain’s seat.
718
You can't find a way, and his great crew will be making sure the ship stays out of trouble.
4
@gemli: Welcome back. I was afraid that you and the other *regulars* had departed for good.
14
Always love Gemli's skillful turn of words and phrases.
5
You are letting his staff off pretty lightly. They may not have deep understanding of political niceties, but surely some among them has some common sense and access to folks who can tell them how the President looks and sounds to ordinary Americans and the rest of the world. They can't all really be that tone deaf, can they?
But perhaps even they can't make him understand, so they've given up on it.
But perhaps even they can't make him understand, so they've given up on it.
332
He's a 71 year old man, who has not only been successful as a real estate mogul, but as a TV reality show star and now, has gotten himself elected to the highest office in the land -- against all the advice, experts, polls predictions, pundits, etc. and in the process, destroyed not one but two political dynasties.
Why on earth should he change NOW? he's done it "his way" and come out on top. Nobody can take his achievements away from him.
Why on earth should he change NOW? he's done it "his way" and come out on top. Nobody can take his achievements away from him.
22
Yeah, successful as a real estate mogul with 6 bankruptcies to his credit, not to mention numerous instances of reportedly cheating workers, vendors and renters. Such a successful man. Yessiree.
268
With an eleven million dollar loan (!?)from daddy to become the "self made success" he is today. I suspect many among us might have managed to get by with that kind of backing. Maybe not though, it really isn't that much money.
44
Trump is no more an anti-Semite than the fictional television character Archie Bunker was.
When Archie was injured in a car accident, he only wanted a Jewish attorney to represent him in a lawsuit.
Trump has Jewish attorneys as well as Jewish grandchildren.
The fact that Donald has support from far right, neo-Nazi groups matters little, if at all, to our egomaniac, self-centered, president.
49% of Israelis back Trump. The big circus tent of the GOP is open to all. Enjoy the show, including the excrement.
When Archie was injured in a car accident, he only wanted a Jewish attorney to represent him in a lawsuit.
Trump has Jewish attorneys as well as Jewish grandchildren.
The fact that Donald has support from far right, neo-Nazi groups matters little, if at all, to our egomaniac, self-centered, president.
49% of Israelis back Trump. The big circus tent of the GOP is open to all. Enjoy the show, including the excrement.
238
Having representatives of a particular group in your family, or as close friends or business associates --
or even being a member of that group --does not automatically mean you are not prejudiced against that group. It's the old "I support anti-gay legislation, but I have a gay neighbor that I have coffee with, so I can't be anti-gay."
or even being a member of that group --does not automatically mean you are not prejudiced against that group. It's the old "I support anti-gay legislation, but I have a gay neighbor that I have coffee with, so I can't be anti-gay."
8
He may not be consciously anti-semitic, but Holocaust Denial is a big part of conspiracy theory thinking in the world of Bannon, et al. Trump jumps on these band wagons willy-nilly and then contradicts himself in the next breath. He has no real positions on anything. He simply gets all involved in every conspiracy he hears about and then forgets it until Bannon or somebody reminds him.
6
You are content with Archie Bunker as President?
There are what are called social norms. They are cues that advise people to be kind to others, or at least, not demonize and degrade. These cues come to our children from the most revered office in the country, the President.
This isn't a side story of no consequence.
This is also sociology 101. How come you don't know it? OHHHHH.
There are what are called social norms. They are cues that advise people to be kind to others, or at least, not demonize and degrade. These cues come to our children from the most revered office in the country, the President.
This isn't a side story of no consequence.
This is also sociology 101. How come you don't know it? OHHHHH.
6
Trump still holds negotiating Israeli and Palestinian peace as a goal. To that end, in all fairness, he has been sober - for instance, not moving the Israeli embassy to Jerusalem and also having met with Abbas, just like with Netanyahu.
But it is not enough for Trump to dispatch Jared Kushner to make peace. Trump, as the president, must address the inherent integrity of both peoples. That means, for the Jews, speaking to the vulnerability they feel and their historical rejected, scapegoat status. Similarly, for the Arabs, Trump has to stop the fear-mongering over Islam and his overall low expressed estimation of Arabic societies (save the Saudi Royals and El-Sisi).
Only when people are treated with full dignity can they take such a leap.
But it is not enough for Trump to dispatch Jared Kushner to make peace. Trump, as the president, must address the inherent integrity of both peoples. That means, for the Jews, speaking to the vulnerability they feel and their historical rejected, scapegoat status. Similarly, for the Arabs, Trump has to stop the fear-mongering over Islam and his overall low expressed estimation of Arabic societies (save the Saudi Royals and El-Sisi).
Only when people are treated with full dignity can they take such a leap.
62
Here we go again. Another commenter coming out with that old anti-Semitic trope, "the" Jews.
It bears repeating: there is no such thing as "the" Jews. There are, according to one source, 1,138,200,000 Jews in the world. Not all Jews are Israelis, and not all Israelis are Jews. It's a common mistake to conflate all Jews with Israel.
Jews are individuals and hold a wide range of views on history, Israel, anti-Semitism, religious observance, and other matters. So, for the commenter to state that "the" Jews need to "speak to the vulnerability they feel" is to lump all Jews into one homogeneous mass. And that, by the way, is what anti-Semites do.
(I'm guessing that Arab readers also don't like being treated as one undifferentiated mass, e.g., the commenter's reference to "the" Arabs. But maybe I'm wrong, so if any Arab readers would like to chime in, I'd be glad to hear their viewpoint.)
It bears repeating: there is no such thing as "the" Jews. There are, according to one source, 1,138,200,000 Jews in the world. Not all Jews are Israelis, and not all Israelis are Jews. It's a common mistake to conflate all Jews with Israel.
Jews are individuals and hold a wide range of views on history, Israel, anti-Semitism, religious observance, and other matters. So, for the commenter to state that "the" Jews need to "speak to the vulnerability they feel" is to lump all Jews into one homogeneous mass. And that, by the way, is what anti-Semites do.
(I'm guessing that Arab readers also don't like being treated as one undifferentiated mass, e.g., the commenter's reference to "the" Arabs. But maybe I'm wrong, so if any Arab readers would like to chime in, I'd be glad to hear their viewpoint.)
6
NM, Jared and Trump couldn't "deal" their way into Manhattan Society. How do you think the "Peace Contract" is going?
2
Trump has absolutely no interest at all in peace for the Palestinians and Israelis. It doesn't affect him. So he sends an unqualified young man whose main task as Trump's "operations guy" is to raise money for his own real estate business. In specifics, he needs money because of the terrible overpayments he made for property.
Trump says the Palestinians as having no money, and not in love with him like the Saudis pretend. What a pig.
Trump says the Palestinians as having no money, and not in love with him like the Saudis pretend. What a pig.
4
Eisenberg; our political poet laureate.
308
Who knew?
Who knew the job was so complex?
Just mention a big wall Tex-Mex,
Between golf and tweeting
The moments are fleeting,
No time even to think of sex.
The problems keep on multiplying,
With no real ideas to be trying,
McConnell and Ryan
Just aren’t complyin’,
And not one bill seems to be flying.
And I don’t know what’s going on,
Korea, China or Taiwan,
I thought I had won,
But I get nothing done,
Nobody to depend upon.
They say I keep dissing the Jews
I have lots of non-PC views,
I did swallow Jared
About that enough said
Not exactly what I would choose.
I wish that I never had run
An unhappy son of a gun,
And Pence is no beaut,
Just an empty suit,
If only Hillary had won.
Who knew the job was so complex?
Just mention a big wall Tex-Mex,
Between golf and tweeting
The moments are fleeting,
No time even to think of sex.
The problems keep on multiplying,
With no real ideas to be trying,
McConnell and Ryan
Just aren’t complyin’,
And not one bill seems to be flying.
And I don’t know what’s going on,
Korea, China or Taiwan,
I thought I had won,
But I get nothing done,
Nobody to depend upon.
They say I keep dissing the Jews
I have lots of non-PC views,
I did swallow Jared
About that enough said
Not exactly what I would choose.
I wish that I never had run
An unhappy son of a gun,
And Pence is no beaut,
Just an empty suit,
If only Hillary had won.
945
Mr. Eisenberg is often the very first person to post his comments on the Times site and he always does so in the form of poetry. How is this possible? Really??? Composing prose extemporaneously is difficult enough but how on earth does one rattle off such witty and often scathing verse as the above seemingly on the fly? Never mind; I don't want to know. I'd rather just marvel.
375
The Eisenberg poem is awesome
98
Great poem!
51
Trump leaves us with the knowledge that he is ignorant and hateful of others. For a businessman (even a mediocre one) this will not necessarily impede ones success (although he has little, if he had just put his 250 million dollar inheritance in the stock market, it would be worth approx. 11 billion today instead of the 4 billion or less he is worth) for the POTUS, this is a danger to everyone in the world