Trump is an embarrassment to primates everywhere. Slow lorises and lemurs blush to hear his name.
"Whatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts." - Ronald Reagan
“I loved my previous life. I had so many things going.” - Donald Trump
“I loved my previous life. I had so many things going.” - Donald Trump
1
Are we not reporting news any more? Is the new editor just not interested in current events?
This is simply a print version of what CNN has sunk to - reaffirming progressives' biases.
I knew Abe Rosenthal was gone but now you are burning all the copies of the journalism's societies code of conduct, too?
Tell me one thing here that wouldn't happen with Democrats talking to any Democrat president.
This is simply a print version of what CNN has sunk to - reaffirming progressives' biases.
I knew Abe Rosenthal was gone but now you are burning all the copies of the journalism's societies code of conduct, too?
Tell me one thing here that wouldn't happen with Democrats talking to any Democrat president.
Without Mueller doing the Comey-surrogate nailing of Trump, there's no impeachment.
Seems it's up to the Comey-appointed swamp-snake to get the goods so Trump can be booted from Hillary's rightful and entitled White House.
More Congressional RNC-DNC Politburo Leadership Kabuki waiting in the wings?
Seems it's up to the Comey-appointed swamp-snake to get the goods so Trump can be booted from Hillary's rightful and entitled White House.
More Congressional RNC-DNC Politburo Leadership Kabuki waiting in the wings?
I've been reading about the many in-roads (appointments & policy) the religious arm of trump's cult are making throughout the government. It really is so discouraging. How long before trump becomes the Nation's Televangelist-in-Chief, broadcasting his sermons from the Oval Office: the worse things get for him, the more he'll rely on religious righteousness.
Time to become more vocal on the separation of church and state front, educate the Country on why it's necessary to a functioning democracy. You're losing your democracy because too few know what a constitutional democracy is, what the rule of law means, the pillars that hold it up.
Time to become more vocal on the separation of church and state front, educate the Country on why it's necessary to a functioning democracy. You're losing your democracy because too few know what a constitutional democracy is, what the rule of law means, the pillars that hold it up.
3
I didn't vote for Trump. Christians who believe that salvation is by grace through faith without the requirement of sacraments or "works" (remember Martin Luther?) are evangelicals. Not all, not even the majority are fundamentalists. I'm trying to help those in the media to distinguish between fundamentalists and evangelicals. Those the fundamentalists call "lepers" and unworthy are those Jesus called "the least of these", pointing out that all human beings are worthy of food, shelter, medical care and refuge.
6
May Almighty God grant Donald Trump the same strength to face the wicked establishment that He gave to his servant David when he faced Goliath.
Please! Leave Almighty God out of this. He doesn't want anything to do with Donald Trump either.
But in case I'm wrong: may Almighty God grant the beleaguered American people the same strength to face Donald Trump and the wicked "base" who support him that He gave to his servant David when he faced Goliath. That, or may the Almighty grant us, when we step into the voting booth in 2018, the same level of righteous fury that Christ displayed when He ran the money changers out of the temple. Either will do at this point.
But in case I'm wrong: may Almighty God grant the beleaguered American people the same strength to face Donald Trump and the wicked "base" who support him that He gave to his servant David when he faced Goliath. That, or may the Almighty grant us, when we step into the voting booth in 2018, the same level of righteous fury that Christ displayed when He ran the money changers out of the temple. Either will do at this point.
7
Where is your report on Mueller empaneling a Grand Jury?
2
Regarding Turkey, for cryin' out loud? And not Turkey going dictatorial Islamic, but about a businessman? ''It is to snore.''
These are really zealots without moral or ethical judgement - a perfect army for a dictator without scruples or an opportunitist without a soul.
8
I'm totally opposed to Trump and the people described in this article, but the article itself, is a new low in trash journalism.
Suppose Hillary Clinton had been elected, and a newspaper carried on about how she frequently met with Middle Aged Women, Blacks, and Hispanics, just because they were her supporters. That article would be a piece of pointless trash, just as this one is.
Please report from Afghanistan and Syria, not from your recipe box of articles that liberals will love. You are becoming as repetitious as a Geico ad.
Suppose Hillary Clinton had been elected, and a newspaper carried on about how she frequently met with Middle Aged Women, Blacks, and Hispanics, just because they were her supporters. That article would be a piece of pointless trash, just as this one is.
Please report from Afghanistan and Syria, not from your recipe box of articles that liberals will love. You are becoming as repetitious as a Geico ad.
2
I can't prove this empirically and it's based on my frequent and deep interactions with extended family members, but I think white evangelicals are unconsciously emptying out their explicitly Christian beliefs and accepting current conservative or rightwing values. One is slowly replacing the other. It began with Nixon and the Southern Strategy and picked up steam with Reagan.
8
No, E.S., you're here to demonstrate how judgmental you can be because you always assume these personal enemies of yours are judgmental. Um, thanks for sharing? Yes, just like the Democrats were the slavery party once. So?
It's a joke to think of someone like Donald Trump in bed with social conservatives (including the severely socially conservative Mike Pence).
So I must ask the social conservatives: Where is your integrity? Are you prepared for whatever means to impose your ends on the United States?
And I must add that we are certainly not a democracy when an antiquated electoral college allows a Trump to be elected and gerrymandered states insure undemocratic governorships and legislatures.
So I must ask the social conservatives: Where is your integrity? Are you prepared for whatever means to impose your ends on the United States?
And I must add that we are certainly not a democracy when an antiquated electoral college allows a Trump to be elected and gerrymandered states insure undemocratic governorships and legislatures.
8
the same strategy has been used by Gingrich. it boils down to two statistical realities. in an otherwise undecided electorate, a small dedicated minority call control the entire electorate. how do you get to such a minority? you need to identify a group that no one else talk to. Gingrich choose religious extremists, whom Democrats had given up on. constant indoctrination won then for the Republicans.
this was fine until they demanded participation in the government, leading to the tea party.
this was fine until they demanded participation in the government, leading to the tea party.
2
I think the recent flurry of far right policies reflect Miller/Sessions/Bannon seizing the opportunity presented by a weakened Trump.
2
They think they'll get their wishes fulfilled, but wait. If DT sees a way to get something else he wants at their expense, he'll stab them in the back. Once a scorpion, always a scorpion....ask the frog.
4
Of course. Why wouldn't a conservative person not love a man who thinks Putin is a 'strong leader', etc.
And the religious conservatives must LOVE the 3-times married, multiple adulterer who boasts about assaulting women. it's so clear why they would choose Trump over Obama, the faithful husband and father, whose Administration had ZERO whiff of scandal and whose agenda included taking care of the poorest. Isn't that closer to Jesus' message?
And the religious conservatives must LOVE the 3-times married, multiple adulterer who boasts about assaulting women. it's so clear why they would choose Trump over Obama, the faithful husband and father, whose Administration had ZERO whiff of scandal and whose agenda included taking care of the poorest. Isn't that closer to Jesus' message?
9
I apologize in advance for sounding ultra-conspiratorial, but stop and think where this is headed: Here is a man who is an extreme narcissist and cannot tolerate not being loved and the center of attention. He has one group who gives him the adoration he craves—the hard right. Liberals, lefties, and moderates threaten that. What's a poor beleaguered narcissist to do? Go to the the base. Suspend the rights of those who trash him and put them in detention. Cleanse the society in the name off national security.
This is where this could be headed. For the doubters, I suggest you read "The Turner Diaries."
This is where this could be headed. For the doubters, I suggest you read "The Turner Diaries."
4
These people have shown themselves to believe in absolutely nothing but power and their own delusions of greatness.
13
"Their outreach extends to groups across the ideological spectrum — small government, tax-averse Tea Party followers; gun owners; abortion opponents; evangelical Christians and other culturally traditional voters. "
So, all the different incarnations of rednecks?
So, all the different incarnations of rednecks?
13
Where do all of these evil people come from. Christ would expel them all for the charlatans and bigots that they are.
12
Christ would love the Evangelicals described in this article too... Most likely Christ would seek to influence them to be more forgiving and kind to all of God's children through the use of parables.
1
Actual believers giggle when the anti-religious progressives only think of anything religious to justify their making judgments on their political opponents.
Carl Jung wrote about one of the dangers of creating "mass" societies where people felt more and more impotent and powerless because social forces beyond control were stealing individual agency. He theorized the psyche seeks balance; if an individual thought he or she was impotent, then that individual's unconscious would lust for power to try and create balance in the psyche. He further postulated that such an individual would then identify with an authoritarian government (or religion) to gain a sense of potency again.
Where's the hope? Well, if people realize that yes, we may be powerless over huge social forces, but we are always filled with potency about our own consciousness and self awareness. So how can we help people who consciously feel so impotent regain a conscious sense of potency and power within their day-to-day lives? That is the question...
Where's the hope? Well, if people realize that yes, we may be powerless over huge social forces, but we are always filled with potency about our own consciousness and self awareness. So how can we help people who consciously feel so impotent regain a conscious sense of potency and power within their day-to-day lives? That is the question...
4
Grover Norquist is back on the scene peddling his tax pledge? He must not have converted to his wife's religion (Islam) after all.
2
It's such a crime to go home with the one that brought you to the dance? Boring and only for losers, I know.
The God Shouters and Trump. A match made in Hell.
8
Trump better keep someone close, but after reading the transcripts of his phone calls with the President of Mexico and the Prime Minister of Australia, he sounded like a weak, whiny idiot, virtually begging them to help him out and help him cover his backside, he sounded like real weakling.
11
Is Trump ever going to pick a shirt color for his base, or is he just going to co-opt the Boy Scouts and go with classic brown?
5
Watching the interview with Kevin Rudd ex Prime Minister of Australia on CNN this morning and that phone call. Just for the record Rudd is widely known as the worst PM ever. He was sacked by his own party and Julia Gillard took over as PM down the line when she was doing badly in the polls Rudd took over and she was sacked. Rudd then lost the election by a landslide vote and a huge sigh of relief was felt across the land. We had closed borders under the Howard Government but when Rudd became PM he opened our borders and thousands and thousands sailed in (sadly many lives were lost at sea.) The irony of asking Rudd for expert advice was clearly lost on the presenter.
'Widely known' by you, Bev. Rudd's government steered Australia through the GFC averting a recession, and if it's immigration policy was shambolic, much of the blame for that lies at the feet of a destructive and bloody minded opposition led by Tony Abbott, who was to become an even more 'widely known worst PM ever.'
3
This article states that the affirmative action inquiry is aimed at helping whites. Right below it is a link to another NYT article stating the inquiry was done in response to complaints from Asian Americans. In this hyper-partisan "fake news" era, the NYT needs to make sure articles are accurate and fairly presented. In any era. It's about credibility.
1
This guy will continue to spew lies after lies because he is who he is...a pathological liar. This guy even belittles and attacks his own country to favor the Russians. Now the Russians are going to press his buttons and mock him and say all those things that they know will make him even more unstable which will make him even more irrational. In his mind, he thinks he can probably fire this GOP Congress for not doing what he wants. That is part of his unhealthy mental state of mind. He needs to be impeached and removed before he actually causes great harm to our nation. Being President is much more complex and demanding than being a glorified Condo salesman or a bogus university scam artist.
7
Recent NY Times articles been rather weak when it comes to reporting on the Trump-Russia investigation. There's an article here or there, but not as hard-hitting as what I've been reading on the Washington Post, CNN, etc. Maybe the Times has something up its sleeve? (That's what I'd like to believe.)
4
It's understandable that the WaPo has better sources in Washington, but what surprises me is that the NY Times hasn't been following the leads of Trump's financial deals, Monofort's real-estate games in NYC, etc.
Trump has been about the most hated guy in New York City for over a decade. Don't tell me an enterprising reporter couldn't find the cesspool that is Trump.
Trump has been about the most hated guy in New York City for over a decade. Don't tell me an enterprising reporter couldn't find the cesspool that is Trump.
3
The Post has been doing a great job recently. Maggie Haberman agreed with that in a New Yorker interview a few days ago. I wish they would revamp their comment sections though.
2
Trump is a person without any convictions concerning anything that conservatives who support him have. He is interested in the power that their support provides, and that is all. The blessing for him is that when one is as disinterested as is he, he is able to express himself in such an unspecific way that the listeners tend to fill in the details, instead, and thinks that he shares what they perceive as he talks when he's just repeating to what they respond most excitedly to. The payoff for these conservatives is that he will give them what they ask in terms of policies, executive acts, and approval of legislation because he has no idea of the consequences nor does he care so long as it makes them continue to support him.
3
Definition of conservatism:
a : disposition in politics to preserve what is established
b : a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change (Merriam-Webster)
Trump and his avid political supporters are not "conservatives" in the traditional meaning of the term. Trump is doing the opposite of promoting tradition, social stability, and supporting established institutions—which is the core of his appeal to his supporters. Trump has no respect for tradition and civility and is anti-establishment.
Kellyanne is correct when she calls what Trump is doing a "movement" that is bringing in previously marginal groups "after years in the political wilderness."
Besides the rebellious hate-government Tea Party, the no-government libertarians, and Christian zealots that want the entire country to be Christianized, add in the John Birchers, white supremacists, Nazi groups, and gun nuts (not sportsmen but whackos demanding the right to own and open-carry military style weapons in public places).
These rightfully used to be fringe groups, best left in the political wilderness, and not brought into the Republican fold to determine foreign and science policy or champion violence and hatred against innumerable groups in our society.
You can call this Trump movement fascism, right-wing reactionary politics, or maybe nihilist anarchism, but you can't call it "conservatism."
a : disposition in politics to preserve what is established
b : a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change (Merriam-Webster)
Trump and his avid political supporters are not "conservatives" in the traditional meaning of the term. Trump is doing the opposite of promoting tradition, social stability, and supporting established institutions—which is the core of his appeal to his supporters. Trump has no respect for tradition and civility and is anti-establishment.
Kellyanne is correct when she calls what Trump is doing a "movement" that is bringing in previously marginal groups "after years in the political wilderness."
Besides the rebellious hate-government Tea Party, the no-government libertarians, and Christian zealots that want the entire country to be Christianized, add in the John Birchers, white supremacists, Nazi groups, and gun nuts (not sportsmen but whackos demanding the right to own and open-carry military style weapons in public places).
These rightfully used to be fringe groups, best left in the political wilderness, and not brought into the Republican fold to determine foreign and science policy or champion violence and hatred against innumerable groups in our society.
You can call this Trump movement fascism, right-wing reactionary politics, or maybe nihilist anarchism, but you can't call it "conservatism."
10
P.S. I wouldn't call Fox News "conservative" either. True conservatives respect facts, truth, integrity, morality, ethics, and accuracy. Right-wing and extremist movements, however, often rely on propaganda, popularize conspiracy theories, and skew or withhold the facts and information to support their biases and to generate support.
Check out the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics and then evaluate Fox News' "journalism." http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
Check out the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics and then evaluate Fox News' "journalism." http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
4
It helps to remember that Trump palled around with Roy Cohn, who taught him many of his sociopathic moves. No matter what the pox is, or who has it, if it gets Donald out of a jam, it's a hook-up.
3
Trump's base??? Really. He has no base!
What he has had is a bunch of fooled voters who were scammed, conned, lied, fooled, cheated, outsmarted, and deceived with the help and orchestra of the American media cable news, radio trash talk ( Coulter Bt. for ex. ), and the dirty Wall Street, bankers, and GOP evil party!
What he has had is a bunch of fooled voters who were scammed, conned, lied, fooled, cheated, outsmarted, and deceived with the help and orchestra of the American media cable news, radio trash talk ( Coulter Bt. for ex. ), and the dirty Wall Street, bankers, and GOP evil party!
4
A president who has polarized the nation, practices only partisan politics, doesn't stick to truth, and is under investigation will make governing near impossible.
He might keep his base but loses the nation's support.
He might keep his base but loses the nation's support.
12
What is the definition of "conservative" nowadays? Trump's severest critics are the self-styled "conservatives" on the editorial pages of the Wall St. Journal, the NYT, the Washington Post, the National Review, and people who have a long association with the Republican Party: Michael Steele, Steve Schmidt, Rick Wilson, David Frum, Charlie Sykes, etc.
One needs to distinguish between conservatives of the Barry Goldwater mold, and the people who have adopted the label because it confers some sort of legitimacy. The latter group should be referred to as Trumpublicans, or, perhaps, Deplorables.
One needs to distinguish between conservatives of the Barry Goldwater mold, and the people who have adopted the label because it confers some sort of legitimacy. The latter group should be referred to as Trumpublicans, or, perhaps, Deplorables.
6
This is such a dispiriting article because it tends to confirm that nothing Trump does will cause his base to judge him as he is. If he looks bad, it's because "they" are trying to make him look bad.
5
And the very same people backed Tricky Dick right up until he was forced out of the White House. Every year they become a smaller and smaller but more and more frenzied minority, as the country gets more and more secular and more and more diverse, and educated Americans travel more and more abroad and see that America is a long way from being a world leader in democracy, human rights, care and support for her people, education, healthcare, urban infrastructure and much else. It will take a while, but eventually the nefarious influence of extremist religion will be expunged from the US. Alas, Israel and Saudi Arabia might get there first (Iran is already stealing a lead).
3
It sounds like Trump is spending more time stroking the egos of his erstwhile supporters than working on the more significant problems that our country is facing such as the North Korean missile crisis.
2
I think the "Democrats-need-to-retake-Congress" idea is not even necessary anymore. At this point, so many Republicans are pulling away from Trump that he has lost any hope of a productive administration. And he's so mentally unhinged that every day he digs himself into a deeper hole. Republicans realize that most Americans--with the exception of the uneducated masses in the deep red states--- are moderates who have lost hope in anything positive coming from Donald Trump. Personally, I think Trump's outlandish and obviously criminal behavior is actually going to start bringing Americans from both parties closer together in the desire to get rid of this nut before he does serious and irrevocable damage to our country.
3
The so-called "boomerang effect" might become real.
It could give us a Congress that becomes more cordial and endeavors to achieve serious bipartisanship.
It could give us a Congress that becomes more cordial and endeavors to achieve serious bipartisanship.
The descriptor, "Conservative," has become so twisted I had to look it up again and read how it is defined.
Basically conservatism is about no change to the old order of the 1950s when everyone knew their place in society and that place was accepted respectfully, at least on the surface. Also, "liberty," another twisted descriptor which the Republicans have used to enrich themselves under the guise of removing human and environmental support and protections, thus making everyone more "free."
Trump and his lifestyle bear no relationship to conservatism, so this must be a marriage of political convenience.
It is shameful that the loss of the media FAIRNESS DOCTRINE (facts only, no lying or false equivalencies) in 1986, a victim of Reagan, has resulted in the rise of the Fox propaganda channel.
If not for Fox supporting Trump's attacks on the media, would his "base" be so blind to his factual criminality or are they just delusional?
Basically conservatism is about no change to the old order of the 1950s when everyone knew their place in society and that place was accepted respectfully, at least on the surface. Also, "liberty," another twisted descriptor which the Republicans have used to enrich themselves under the guise of removing human and environmental support and protections, thus making everyone more "free."
Trump and his lifestyle bear no relationship to conservatism, so this must be a marriage of political convenience.
It is shameful that the loss of the media FAIRNESS DOCTRINE (facts only, no lying or false equivalencies) in 1986, a victim of Reagan, has resulted in the rise of the Fox propaganda channel.
If not for Fox supporting Trump's attacks on the media, would his "base" be so blind to his factual criminality or are they just delusional?
5
Hey, Fox is making money while trying to make us a oligarchy.
3
I hope the networks will stop live streaming Propaganda Tour 2017 VERY soon. It's no more newsworthy than the advertisements for Viagra that clutter the evening news broadcasts. We had to endure this every night during election season and the free promotion given to this hateful, lie filled carnival performance in the form of free airtime in part created the nightmare we are all living. Enough already! Isnt it bad enough that we are all having to pay to fly him around on Air Force 1 and provide him with secret service protection at these church of Trump events he keeps setting up to flatter his own ego.
6
I wish someone in the media/press would demand answers from members of Congress as to why they say and do nothing to stop Trump from wasting millions of tax payer dollars on his egotistical propaganda rallies. If he wants to hold a rally for no other purpose than than to get adulation from some of the most truly ignorant people in the country and mock everyone else, then he should pay for it himself.
2
Trump and his radical extremist right wing backers have made tyranny of the minority a fact. It's an unsustainable. If not reversed soon at the polls I'm certain the outcome will be violent and bloody. It's entirely on the hands of the GOP to put country ahead of politics.
2
I am afraid that "TheTweetster" not only was he NOT an "overnight sensation", but he was actually 35 yrs. in the making all started by the "voodoo economics" of Ronald Reagan that during that period, systematically resulted in the greatest concentration of wealth culminating in the biggest inequality gap in Americas history. America was ripe for a phony like Trump who could push the right buttons in a large disenfranchised group with the help of the Republican and "Faux News" strategy of "divide and conquer" blaming everyone else(minorities, immigrants and others) for their problems, diverting attention away from the real perpetrators of their plight the politicians themselves who served strictly their corporate donors.
They couldn't care less about the vast majority of their constituents or Trump supporters. Make no mistake about it, to turn the ship in the right direction, the battle will be long and arduous and not without its casualties especially with less than a half dozen individuals controlling 50% of the wealth of America.
They couldn't care less about the vast majority of their constituents or Trump supporters. Make no mistake about it, to turn the ship in the right direction, the battle will be long and arduous and not without its casualties especially with less than a half dozen individuals controlling 50% of the wealth of America.
After the Armageddon, in a thousand years, when human civilisation has recovered to the degree that we have education, sanitation and philosophy again, they will only know that something terrible happened, and that it was called Trump. They will know that a terrible Trump brought great destruction and death. We should somehow make sure that they understand never to allow another Trump to happen. For to allow such a thing to develop would surely bring about misery and doom. We owe it to that burgeoning civilisation to warn them of the dangers of such a thing, lest they freely allow another such Trump to bring a similar end to things, yet again. I suggest that we seal Trump in a capsule for them to find, obviously somehow made silent and non-deadly.
1
I am shocked, shocked I tell you, that the president's key base is rock-solid.
But they are much more than the president's ardent supporters. They stand between him and possible crucifixion. He is in the crucible to further their interests, They see through the Republicrats, who are only interested in preserving the Washington/MSM driven consensus. America is at a crossroads not encountered since the Civil War. There will be no returning to "business as usual" if this president is hounded out of office. It will change everything.
But they are much more than the president's ardent supporters. They stand between him and possible crucifixion. He is in the crucible to further their interests, They see through the Republicrats, who are only interested in preserving the Washington/MSM driven consensus. America is at a crossroads not encountered since the Civil War. There will be no returning to "business as usual" if this president is hounded out of office. It will change everything.
The defeated confederates have had a plan ever since they lost the Civil War, or more correctly, the War of Treason. That plan was to lay low and create resistance at the state and local level to defy and de-legitimize the Federal government. And of course to terrorize and commit crimes against people of color.
They were welcomed into the republican party in the 1960's and today they control the republican party. They are the religious right, the so-called "base".
The rest of us would do well to remember the above as we try to understand what the base really wants for our future. We will need to remain committed and together as we go to the ballot box in the future, especially in 2018.
They were welcomed into the republican party in the 1960's and today they control the republican party. They are the religious right, the so-called "base".
The rest of us would do well to remember the above as we try to understand what the base really wants for our future. We will need to remain committed and together as we go to the ballot box in the future, especially in 2018.
3
With his narcissistic rants, petty insults of foreign leaders, inability to understand civility and the need for international cooperation, with his ignorance of history, with the world's disdain for him (except Putin's), with his totally failed leadership at home, too, Donald Trump is rapidly making an America that will never be great again.
1
What do you believe Putin feels for Trump?
the terms "the right" who have conservative values are just non-sequitur slogans to gain adversarial advantage.
"Venomous snakes" prophetically seeking apocalyptic end-times is apt.
"Venomous snakes" prophetically seeking apocalyptic end-times is apt.
On my father's side of our family were evangelicals and they were good people. They didn't insult, run people down or pathologically lie. if they were around today they wouldn't sell their beliefs to a president like this one. I really wonder about today's belief system. It seems to be more about hate Than Love.
1
In American society now, there's a segment that responds well to a demagogue's appeals to xenophobia and white nationalism, his calls for police brutality, and his attacks on safeguards against tyranny.
There was a time when radical Leftists in the US threw the word "fascist" around with careless abandon. Anyone who crossed them, they called a fascist. They called the US Government fascist. They may have called Disneyland fascist, I don't remember.
Now there's a faction in America that's backing a putsch against democracy by a megalomaniac. Why are we all calling them conservatives?
There was a time when radical Leftists in the US threw the word "fascist" around with careless abandon. Anyone who crossed them, they called a fascist. They called the US Government fascist. They may have called Disneyland fascist, I don't remember.
Now there's a faction in America that's backing a putsch against democracy by a megalomaniac. Why are we all calling them conservatives?
1
The United States is in good hands except for Liberal minds where they want a dystopian and unrealistic future filled with poor immigrants and free handouts. What the Liberals want is a Conservative nightmare. How do we settle this? Elections? Let us respect the will of the States.
If I am reading this article correctly, the President is doing very, very well with a minority within a minority.
In other words, he could probably do well with the brontosaurus vote ... oh, wait, brontosauri aren't even a real species...
In other words, he could probably do well with the brontosaurus vote ... oh, wait, brontosauri aren't even a real species...
The crooks cited in the article take advantage of religion to promote their own agenda. No religion in true sense promotes hatred and division. The power hungry so-called religious leaders have one thing in common - they strive by manipulation, fear and division mongering in the disguise of religion. It is a shame that some people don't see the true pathetic color of these people. How anyone with compassion and love for the people can support a mentally unstable child bully pathological liar? They claim themselves as religious- which religion teaches them to become extremists creating a division among their own people? We know the true answer.
The retired Army nurse has it backwards everything Trump does to keep his base which is mainly hypocritical evangelicals and white bigots will backfire on him. The writing is on the wall the United States of America is a real melting pot and diversifying is a strength not a weakness. Soon enough the only old white males crowd will be in breeding and inconsequential. Reality is making them afraid like the weak kneed snowflakes they are.
29
Sorry to see you bought all the hate-training aimed at scaring you. Florida used to be known as a friendly state even among the slavery Democrats. Please don't throw gasoline bombs at places where conservatives are scheduled to speak -which has happened this year - or take a loaded rifle to the first place you see unprotected Republicans!
If you're looking fo philosophical diversity, the GOP is the place to look. The Congressional Republicans are SO diverse that they can' even make their minds up on important things like the repeal of the PPACA.
If you're looking fo philosophical diversity, the GOP is the place to look. The Congressional Republicans are SO diverse that they can' even make their minds up on important things like the repeal of the PPACA.
The country is being run by the 35% of people who form this core group of Trump supporters, the rest of be damn.
10
We know that the 35% of us who voted Dem last year are against this. What remains to be seen is whether the 30% who aren't speaking up will say, "whaddever", or "umm, no." If the "whaddever" crowd shakes off the dust, the Republican core will be once again the Republican fringe. If not, well, I guess welcome the Conservative states of America, as Dems drift further right in order to win elections.
The fascist element in Trump's base is now back on the front stage, with Stephen Miller fuming at Acosta's "cosmopolitan" bias during yesterday's White House press briefing. People who have at least some interest in history are aware that "America First" was the motto of Hitler-friendly Americans during the 30s and that "cosmopolitan Jew" was a key item in nazi propaganda. At the same time, probably emboldened by the new Chief of Staff, HR McMaster is cleaning up the anti-globalists leftovers in the National Security Council. This is typical of Trump's festering chaos, with competing factions dancing around each other and alternately gaining dominance before suffering his erratic punches. My guess is that Miller will soon be given the boot, as he has been out-Mooching Scaramouche himself for long enough with his much more offensive obscenities. Just wondering again how Jared Kushner enjoys having another fellow observant Jew next to him in the White House revive (in a most official US press briefing) an antisemitic trope that contributed to the wiping out of many of his family members during WW2 - a few months only after having authored the infamous "America First" inauguration speech. (Please NYT don't shy from printing this comment from an outraged Jew.)
19
America seems more and more like Israel. A belligerent rogue nation whose politics are dominated by right-wing religious nutcases.
The outlook for both countries is bleak.
The outlook for both countries is bleak.
24
It's not what trump says or does, these people voted for him for what he stands for: hatred, bigotry and ignorance.
A pathetic trifecta of craven deplorables, forgotten and misbegotten.
So sad, indeed!
A pathetic trifecta of craven deplorables, forgotten and misbegotten.
So sad, indeed!
14
Mr. Peters didn't mention that Trump is apparently recruiting Bill Shine of Fox News to join the White House "communications" team. Shine would surely be given the same ethics waiver as Bannon got, so that Shine could stay in contact with Fox as Bannon does with Breitbart.
Add that to Trump's attack on the mainstream media and a few choice changes in the libel laws, and Trump would be pretty far along in creating a state-controlled media every bit as good as his buddy Vladimir's. Who might Trump pick as Minister...er, Secretary...of Propaganda?
Add that to Trump's attack on the mainstream media and a few choice changes in the libel laws, and Trump would be pretty far along in creating a state-controlled media every bit as good as his buddy Vladimir's. Who might Trump pick as Minister...er, Secretary...of Propaganda?
14
Wow, “They are doing everything they can to make our president look bad,” The only person doing everything possible to make this president look bad is Donald J. Trump.
25
But now it's Mueller Time. It's Mueller O'Clock.
He's impaneled a grand jury in D.C. And a conviction rate for a federal grand jury is over 90%.
A principled investigation's move that explains a hurried effort by bipartisan legislators today: legislation introduced by Thom TiIllis, R-NC. + Chris Coons, D-Del. to protect Mueller from abrupt dismissal. Also legislation by Lindsey Graham R- S.C. + Cory Booker D- N.J. ---Double Whammy.
Trump's Attorney Cobb was unaware of the DC grand jury being convened.
Clearly kept secret and principled, it is trending as 'Grand Jury.'
What's the over/under on Mr. Trump going off the deep end at his rally in West Virginia?
He's impaneled a grand jury in D.C. And a conviction rate for a federal grand jury is over 90%.
A principled investigation's move that explains a hurried effort by bipartisan legislators today: legislation introduced by Thom TiIllis, R-NC. + Chris Coons, D-Del. to protect Mueller from abrupt dismissal. Also legislation by Lindsey Graham R- S.C. + Cory Booker D- N.J. ---Double Whammy.
Trump's Attorney Cobb was unaware of the DC grand jury being convened.
Clearly kept secret and principled, it is trending as 'Grand Jury.'
What's the over/under on Mr. Trump going off the deep end at his rally in West Virginia?
17
As Trump repeated said during his campaign: "I love the poorly educated". And obviously 89% of the conservative base loves him back.
14
A clueless Trump is keeping the ultra right tucked under his right arm pit, useful but damped out, as their Tea Party is not working. However, endless will be his lies and shout out engagement, he has disenfranchised the Presidency.
5
Steve Miller is amazing! He thrashed that CNN baffoon very well! This an American agenda. A good immigration system is good for the country. Often the left and liberal media praise Canada so much. We want to do the same immigration system here. Liberal media goes bazook now!
2
Those listed are not conservatives.
They are the purveyors of fear and hate.
They are the purveyors of fear and hate.
11
Conservatives ARE purveyors of fear and hate. Face it and deal with it.
The last one to recognize a con is the mark.
19
Trump approval rating is not looking too good, so he need the support of the right.
1
Nice to know that the American version if the Taliban gets an outsized influence in calling the shots. How do these people look themselves in the mirror and not see the hypocrisy dripping from out of every pore.
6
Religion.
When your belief system is not empirically verifiable, you require no evidence for it's claims and you actually deny evidence contrary to your "faith" on a daily basis, it is very easy to follow someone like Dear Leader. To Trump's fundagelical supporters, evidence either supports their preconceived bias for him or it's "fake" evidence, exactly mirroring how they reconcile their religious beliefs against evidence to the contrary.
When your belief system is not empirically verifiable, you require no evidence for it's claims and you actually deny evidence contrary to your "faith" on a daily basis, it is very easy to follow someone like Dear Leader. To Trump's fundagelical supporters, evidence either supports their preconceived bias for him or it's "fake" evidence, exactly mirroring how they reconcile their religious beliefs against evidence to the contrary.
It's appropriate that, in the end, Trump's support will have shrunken down to one remaining group: The Deplorables.
11
Tea Party Patriots. Americans for Prosperity. Club for Growth. Americans for Tax Reform. National Rifle Association. Etc., etc. All so-called grass roots organizations created and funded by reactionary billionaires (Kochs, Mercers) and industries with a tremendous stake in fear mongering and pandering to the basest of values (arms manufacturers, megachurch moguls). In other words, their rank and file members are nothing less than SUCKERS. But, hopefully, as was learned by many who, during the administration's debacle over the ACA, saw their health coverage about to dissolve, more and more of those suckers are getting the message: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
10
It's so embarrassing how these Evangelicals support a man who cheated on two of his wives (probably three), has five kids with three women and bragged about sexual assault.
13
The Dem brand is so awful that West Virginia's governor is switching from D to R. This means the GOP will have full control of the legislative and executive branch in 26 states; Dems have full control in just 6 states. That's got to hurt, eh libbies?
2
But an R in West Virginia is clearly not the same as an R in New England, as we clearly saw last week.
Voter suppression and gerrymandering are very powerful tools, it's true.
Meanwhile the Republican brand is pretty awful in and of itself, considering that, out of all the potential candidates they had for the nomination, they elected to put Donald Trump at the helm. The Democrats are not perfect and their message needs some definite work, but I wouldn't be too gleeful down there in the Tar Heel state about a Republican party that has backed, and is still backing, a mentally unstable narcissistic liar who has stiffed contractors, gone bankrupt in his businesses and, as an amateur-hour politician, is feeding off the worst this country has to offer and will implement policies that will damage this nation and the very people who support him. Just wait until those factory jobs don't come back. That, and other empty promises, will hurt a lot of people. But hey, I guess as long as the Democrats and their "brand" are in the toilet, what happens to America at the hands of the nut job in the Oval Office really doesn't matter much, eh Jay Anthony?
I'm not fan of Trump, but I am on the political Right. Unless the Left can quit obsessing about identity politics--sorry, but the U.S. is not a crypto-Apartheid state as many on the Left seem to believe--the Left will lose again in 2020.
Trump may be bumbling idiot, but the Left should tread carefully taking him lightly in 2020. No, the majority of the Right is not bigoted for wanting to stem the unfettered tide of illegal migrants coming from Mexico and Central America, and I'm pleased to see that many Democrats are beginning to realize this.
Let's hope for better candidates on both sides in 2020.
Trump may be bumbling idiot, but the Left should tread carefully taking him lightly in 2020. No, the majority of the Right is not bigoted for wanting to stem the unfettered tide of illegal migrants coming from Mexico and Central America, and I'm pleased to see that many Democrats are beginning to realize this.
Let's hope for better candidates on both sides in 2020.
3
Net migration from Mexico has been going the other way and that trend has been in place since 2009.
Where else would Trump turn but far right? That's where authoritarians, bullies and thugs reside.
7
It amazes me when these ultra conservative groups complain of being disrespected. When they are the least respectful of so many others.
I predicted Trump would dive head first into the deepest end of the Conservative pool. Especially IF his first year was not working out so good for him. Ultra conservatives have long been organized, know how to get non-organzied people organized, and they have the funds...be they individual donations (which they get a lot of) or money from larger financiers like the Koch Bros.
They simply blow the doors, hood and wheels off the competition in this very crucial aspect of American politics in this era. Compounded by Citizens United. The Dems, and various liberal and secular organizations did basically nothing to counter the actions of the Right, relying on wishful thinking and I guess lighting candles.
Now with Trump, the "Left" is scrambling to make up for time and effort.
Im afraid its too little too late. And while I still think Trump will lose in 2020, due to an accumulation of his and his staffs unforced errors, it will come down to the wire, and not go uncontested.
A 2020 win for the Dems is very possible, but its going to demand discipline and a message that is concise, clear, well communicated, and not hinged on a personality. Slight disclaimer. A "personality" can work, but only if that someone steps up and effectively with wit and bullseye rhetoric counters Trumps style, and makes him look the buffoon and arrogant amateur.
I predicted Trump would dive head first into the deepest end of the Conservative pool. Especially IF his first year was not working out so good for him. Ultra conservatives have long been organized, know how to get non-organzied people organized, and they have the funds...be they individual donations (which they get a lot of) or money from larger financiers like the Koch Bros.
They simply blow the doors, hood and wheels off the competition in this very crucial aspect of American politics in this era. Compounded by Citizens United. The Dems, and various liberal and secular organizations did basically nothing to counter the actions of the Right, relying on wishful thinking and I guess lighting candles.
Now with Trump, the "Left" is scrambling to make up for time and effort.
Im afraid its too little too late. And while I still think Trump will lose in 2020, due to an accumulation of his and his staffs unforced errors, it will come down to the wire, and not go uncontested.
A 2020 win for the Dems is very possible, but its going to demand discipline and a message that is concise, clear, well communicated, and not hinged on a personality. Slight disclaimer. A "personality" can work, but only if that someone steps up and effectively with wit and bullseye rhetoric counters Trumps style, and makes him look the buffoon and arrogant amateur.
4
Boy this should really be Uuuuge for our standing in the world! Wow what a boon! The fact that people are "energized" by what is happening in US politics right now is unbelievable.
The right-wing ideology is pretty wacko - It is odd to read stories in the NYT seriously considering this part of the electorate and normalizing this looney-tunes branch of our society. I am glad to learn as much as I can but this just is not normal.
The right-wing ideology is pretty wacko - It is odd to read stories in the NYT seriously considering this part of the electorate and normalizing this looney-tunes branch of our society. I am glad to learn as much as I can but this just is not normal.
2
Snuggling closer to the Moral Majority reeks of hypocrisy. Trump, his minions, like the "Mooch," are a Sunday School lesson in amoral behavior including how to violate the Ten Commandments. Rest assured people like Perkins and his ilk will not speak truth to power but snuggle closer to the rude, crude and dishonest.
4
The three major hate groups have no where else to go. Trump is their champion.
Gun nuts, bigots and anti- abortion nuts have no other home than the republican party who needs their blind one issue voting blocks.
Gun nuts, bigots and anti- abortion nuts have no other home than the republican party who needs their blind one issue voting blocks.
4
If your submarine is taking on water, whom does the Captain call on to stay and whom gets sent onto the deck with a life vest?
In *45's case it is only those who will die with him. And despite that people think about his "base", the ranks of those willing to die are dwindling each day.
This guy is going to be a lame duck by December.
In *45's case it is only those who will die with him. And despite that people think about his "base", the ranks of those willing to die are dwindling each day.
This guy is going to be a lame duck by December.
2
Watch what happens at tonight's Trump rally. He definitely needs a fix of adulation and loyalty. The leaks are still coming out of the White House like Niagra Falls, Congress is not impressed with his bullying, Mueller just impanelled a Grand Jury. Another bad week for The Donald. I expect he will double down on his "blame the immigrants" for all the ills of America since it is the topic of the week for the White House.
It is sad that Trump can NEVER find the words to lead and bring the country together. He insists upon separating 'his base' from the rest of us each and every time. I guess it is in his character or lack of it to reach for hate, fear, division and blame.
It is sad that Trump can NEVER find the words to lead and bring the country together. He insists upon separating 'his base' from the rest of us each and every time. I guess it is in his character or lack of it to reach for hate, fear, division and blame.
3
I have become so distraught over this vulgar wretch occupying the WH that I have had visions of Christ coming down from the heavens and throwing him and his Pharisees out of the Oval Office. And I'm not even a Christian.
4
Frankly, I'd prefer a lightning bolt from Zeus.
Gets my vote.
I am an evangelical Christian as most Protestants are. I am not a fundamentalist, although they prefer to be called evangelical. An easy way to tell them apart is that fundamentalists in almost all religions require lepers--the unclean, the despised, the marginalized. Jesus called them, "the least of these" and declared that his followers would feed, clothe and care for the sick, those in prison, those who are strangers or aliens.
2
So, please help me out Robert. What is the point you are making? Are you feeling guilty for having voted for the 45th? So that's why you're distinguishing between fundamentalist and evangelical Protestants? In regards to your assertion that most Protestants are evangelical... well, according to the Pew Research Center, about 25% of all US Christians identify as being evangelical. So while that is quite a significant number of Protestants, it certainly is not, by a long shot, most Christians in the US.
Do you mind if I ask what do you mean by your statement that almost all fundamentalists "require" lepers (i.e. the unclean, despised, the marginalized...)
It's interesting that you finish your comments by mentioning Jesus' call to his followers to care for the sick. That obviously wasn't on the mind of the GOP lately (witness the close call with their efforts to ditch the Affordable Care Act). Neither was Jesus' call on the minds or hearts of the 81% of (white) evangelicals who put the 45th in office.
Do you mind if I ask what do you mean by your statement that almost all fundamentalists "require" lepers (i.e. the unclean, despised, the marginalized...)
It's interesting that you finish your comments by mentioning Jesus' call to his followers to care for the sick. That obviously wasn't on the mind of the GOP lately (witness the close call with their efforts to ditch the Affordable Care Act). Neither was Jesus' call on the minds or hearts of the 81% of (white) evangelicals who put the 45th in office.
Trump is scary enough in his own right, but the company he is keeping makes him right out dangerous. For better or worse, he has no ideas of his own and he is incredibly impressionable, more interested in appearances among his base than actually running the country. Very little of what Trump wants will come to fruition without an increase in taxes; no wall, no infrastructure plan, no jobs plan, no health care bill. But it doesn't seem to matter because HE HAS NO PLAN for any of these things and even if he did, Grover Norquist won't let that happen. As for Mr. Perkins praying for Trump every day, whether one believes in an interventionist God or not, whether one believes in God or not, what a waste of words.
4
Is it any wonder these far right conservatives feel like they've been wandering in the wilderness ? Not so very recently these John Birch Society types had to stay under their rocks. Respectable Republicans rightly shunned them. It won't be too long and they'll be consigned to staying under their rocks again. And it will be in part because they so warmly embraced Donald Trump.
4
I believe we are the only country that is constitutionally bound to have a religion-free government, but aside from the Arabs and perhaps Israel, our country is more and more being driven by evangelical Christians' agenda (who are not very Christian like).
4
"Mr. Trump and members of his administration have spent their first six months in office cultivating and strengthening ties to the movement’s key groups and players..."
While the comparisons isn't fair (yet) - I gotta say, a great deal of the language and actions by the current administration shows distinctive signs of the Stalinist purge. Oh wait - that occurred in Russia, not a country we typically borrow from for political assistance or strategy.
While the comparisons isn't fair (yet) - I gotta say, a great deal of the language and actions by the current administration shows distinctive signs of the Stalinist purge. Oh wait - that occurred in Russia, not a country we typically borrow from for political assistance or strategy.
2
Please stop referring to these people as "conservatives." These are right-wing special interest groups.
Grover Norquist and the bloody-minded folks behind the NRA aren't defending time-honored principles or homely cultural values. Their inflexible ideological positions--Norquist's anti-tax pledge, for example--and corrupt pecuniary motives--the NRA is an industry group--give the lie to the notion that these people are operating within the framework of any recognizable tradition.
Just because they call themselves conservatives doesn't mean we have to accept it. Call them right wing if you must talk about them. But let's not pretend the anti-government hard right is conservative in any way. They're ideologues and radicals.
Grover Norquist and the bloody-minded folks behind the NRA aren't defending time-honored principles or homely cultural values. Their inflexible ideological positions--Norquist's anti-tax pledge, for example--and corrupt pecuniary motives--the NRA is an industry group--give the lie to the notion that these people are operating within the framework of any recognizable tradition.
Just because they call themselves conservatives doesn't mean we have to accept it. Call them right wing if you must talk about them. But let's not pretend the anti-government hard right is conservative in any way. They're ideologues and radicals.
5
These ultra-right-wing supporters of Donald Trump are exactly the people he referred to during the campaign when he said he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose any votes. Like cult members, they either are blind to, or willing to overlook, their leader's obvious and severe shortcomings because they are desperate for validation. If Donald Trump were interested in getting results, he would moderate his views and reach out to Democrats in an effort to win majority support. Instead, his views seem to be growing more extreme, with the result being that, while his supporters are shrinking, their cheers have become louder. Which is all Trump seems to care about.
2
You have to give the President points for moxie; he lost the popular vote by about 5% but behaves as if his dominance in several narrow demographic profiles bestows a mandate to pursue a specific agenda. Unfortunately for the rest of the country it feels as if he is acutely focused on issues that are dear to six bitter, unemployed individuals who want to return the country to a time that never really was.
2
President Trump should keep these conservatives at his side. They supported him during the election and voted him into office. Many campaigned for him because of his campaign promises and he has delivered. He is behaving the way any loyal friend would act. He trusts them and they trust him. With all the leaking that has been occurring during his presidency, they bring him much comfort and relief. He should continue to support them and they should do the same. If it isn't broken, don't fix it.
1
He has delivered? What has he delivered?
I can't imagine anything more broken than this failed presidency.
I can't imagine anything more broken than this failed presidency.
“So many of them look at this administration as a rescue mission years in the making,” she said (Kelley Ann Conway). "It’s not just about policy but respect. And they just haven’t felt respected.”
And here's a few (of many) reasons they (extreme Right) haven't been respected:
“Where’s Trump been the most solid?” Mr. Norquist asked, listing the range of conservative constituencies the president has prioritized. “Taxes. He’s never going to raise taxes. Pro-life, he gets that. Home schoolers, he listens to them. And guns. He’s good on guns.”
Trump is an opportunist at best and a snake -oil salesman at worst. Unprincipled, vindictive, small-minded, without faith or loyalty except to himself.
And here's a few (of many) reasons they (extreme Right) haven't been respected:
“Where’s Trump been the most solid?” Mr. Norquist asked, listing the range of conservative constituencies the president has prioritized. “Taxes. He’s never going to raise taxes. Pro-life, he gets that. Home schoolers, he listens to them. And guns. He’s good on guns.”
Trump is an opportunist at best and a snake -oil salesman at worst. Unprincipled, vindictive, small-minded, without faith or loyalty except to himself.
2
If Mr. Trump fails too halt the Russia investigation that will show money laundering and secret off shore accounts, then that investigation may save us. We hear nothing about the House and Senate investigations, and Congress will soon be on their "well deserved" August vacation.
1
Thankfully in Australia the number of people that vote for niche issues like God and guns is very small. Most people vote on economy, health, education. Of course the right wing here are very fond of dog whistling on race, and bring that out (often via national security) at every opportunity.
We do look at the US and wonder what Trump would have to do to lose the support of these rusted on conservatives. You would suspect nothing would change their minds as they don't appear to have the capacity for critical thinking, or the will to actually change their minds once made up.
We do look at the US and wonder what Trump would have to do to lose the support of these rusted on conservatives. You would suspect nothing would change their minds as they don't appear to have the capacity for critical thinking, or the will to actually change their minds once made up.
3
He lives in an echo chamber: meet with the base, make campaign appearances in front of true believers in West Virginia (for the election you already won) and ignore 2/3 of the voters, including most of the ones with any sense. How long will we allow our country to be hijacked by a racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic minority that thinks it's 1950?
3
No mention in this article of the alt-right movement, or of its leading supporter in the White House, Steve Bannon, or of its leading media outlet, Breitbart. The movement is significant because it drives many of Trump's nativist, anti-immigrant and white nationalist policies and pronouncements, and because it helps Bannon hang on to his position. A follow-up piece with an alt-right focus would seem worthwhile.
3
Trump aligns himself with religious zealots and hate groups because he is a hater of everyone that does not agree with him. He does not care about anything but himself and does whatever he thinks is necessary to be the president. It is about time that the Republicans woke up and got him under control or ousted him. He is on the way to being a dictator and ruining our country. Time for the Democrats to figure out a strategy or another party forming to make some change in the way this country has been led.
He's playing to the "Tea Party followers; gun owners; abortion opponents; evangelical Christians and other culturally traditional voters." Those are all the people who hate their own country because most of its citizens aren't as narrow-minded, bigoted, and hateful as they are. They want freedom of religion and full rights for no one but them, and they want a "small government" that imposes evil laws on people's private lives. The country these people want, and Trump wants, is not the country I love. I'm sorry to be within the same borders as these people.
2
No taxes, no abortions, lots of guns -- that's what Trump's base is about, basically.
And it's plenty ideological.
So when people say Trump isn't ideological, you might want to remind them that, whether or not he is, his base definitely is -- and he panders to it (six ways to Sunday).
And it's plenty ideological.
So when people say Trump isn't ideological, you might want to remind them that, whether or not he is, his base definitely is -- and he panders to it (six ways to Sunday).
2
I have one thing to say to these "so called" conservatives. "Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas". And not for nothing, but cutting off the healthcare of sick, old and poor people, excluding people who are different, building walls, arming citizens to the teeth, polluting the environment - these are not Christian values. But they have a lot to do with fear and hatred. Thankfully, the religious are declining in this country. If religion hopes to regain some relevance, it needs to reflect the teachings of Jesus, not Trump.
3
What is frightening to consider is this:
How far will Trump go to keep these people in his camp?
Also frightening to consider is the damage this is doing to churches. The Pope is currently fighting back against conservative Catholics who have joined forces with evangelicals to spread nationalistic, anti-immigrant, anti-environmental propaganda. Others need to speak against these very anti-christian christians.
Just remember that many a KKK group was protected and secretly supported by protestsnts here in Indiana where I live.
How far will Trump go to keep these people in his camp?
Also frightening to consider is the damage this is doing to churches. The Pope is currently fighting back against conservative Catholics who have joined forces with evangelicals to spread nationalistic, anti-immigrant, anti-environmental propaganda. Others need to speak against these very anti-christian christians.
Just remember that many a KKK group was protected and secretly supported by protestsnts here in Indiana where I live.
2
The deep right really has nowhere left to go.
1
I see what you did there.
The catastrophe of Trump and his evil minions is proof that it is past time to dissolve the "Unites States" as we know it. It just is. We should be free to organize ourselves into smaller nations based on basic values and world views. I have no interest in living in a country where people like Stephen Miller, Bannon, Ryan & McConnell are running things. I want to run from people like this and every evil thing they represent. I have no desire to have non-stop hateful lies spat at me by disgusting figures like Spicer, Conway and Huckabee.
The United States of America as it currently exists has clearly failed. Time to start again. You go your way, Trumpains, and me and mine will go far FAR away in the other direction.
The United States of America as it currently exists has clearly failed. Time to start again. You go your way, Trumpains, and me and mine will go far FAR away in the other direction.
1
The Southern Poverty Law Center has classified Tony Perkin's "Family Research Council" as a hate group.
120
Yeah, they also have Ayaan Hirsi Ali on that list, kinda killed their credibility for me.
Brian, the Southern Poverty Law Center has lost all legitimacy by classifying each and every organization is politically disagrees with a "hate group."
The Southern Poverty Law Center.
What an amazing job they do. They're worth a donation.
What an amazing job they do. They're worth a donation.
1
Many comments here reflect on the fact that this "base" is small, maybe 35% of the population.
And yet just a little over 50% of Americans bother to vote. If this 35% is energized, and they appear to be, most all of them will vote. That's enough for re-election and to maintain this awful administration.
The Dems and other anti-trump people had better be organized at the local level if they have a hope of prevailing. I saw it in college in the 60s. A student minority feels oppressed and organizes and virtually all their members voted in control of student government.
Ignore these people at very great risk, because they will destroy this democracy.
And yet just a little over 50% of Americans bother to vote. If this 35% is energized, and they appear to be, most all of them will vote. That's enough for re-election and to maintain this awful administration.
The Dems and other anti-trump people had better be organized at the local level if they have a hope of prevailing. I saw it in college in the 60s. A student minority feels oppressed and organizes and virtually all their members voted in control of student government.
Ignore these people at very great risk, because they will destroy this democracy.
77
You hit on a key point that the current crop of corporate/establishment democrats continue to ignore. Rather than count on Trump to implode and Mueller's investigation to hopefully take Trump to task, they should be concentrating on introducing concrete alternative policies that will start to put the Republicans on the defensive , they are NOT.
If the 35% of his loyal supporters haven't given up on him by now, they never will.
If the 35% of his loyal supporters haven't given up on him by now, they never will.
1
very well said. You can't change the Trump voter's mind. The Dems need to get the vote out.
1
The leaks have become a flooding of information. Quarterbacks know how to get their players to protect them from injury. Trump turns on his loyal supporters and humiliates them in public. They HATE him. They want him repealed and replaced. The leaks will not stop until he can be a team player and create trust. He is out there on the field all alone. He believes he is the story and therefore wants all the glory. Period end.
6
And note: not one leak out of Mueller's office....
“So many of them look at this administration as a rescue mission years in the making,” she said. "It’s not just about policy but respect. And they just haven’t felt respected.” - Kelly Ann Conway
The question is whether they actually deserve any respect.
The question is whether they actually deserve any respect.
49
The answer is no. These folks are new wave John Birch Society.
1
And that folks, is what we call "hate speech."
“Where’s Trump been the most solid?” Mr. Norquist asked, listing the range of conservative constituencies the president has prioritized. “Taxes. He’s never going to raise taxes. Pro-life, he gets that. Home schoolers, he listens to them. And guns. He’s good on guns.”
Well, that gets Donald Trump a solid 27% of the electorate and the majority of the vote in about 10 states. If that's where he is headed come 2020 (assuming he is still in the White House and running for re-election), he is going to lose re-election in the most humiliating fashion this side of Herbert Hoover.
Well, that gets Donald Trump a solid 27% of the electorate and the majority of the vote in about 10 states. If that's where he is headed come 2020 (assuming he is still in the White House and running for re-election), he is going to lose re-election in the most humiliating fashion this side of Herbert Hoover.
8
If you home-school your kids, they won't know what is in store for them when they go to university.
Trump's in bed with anti-abortion activists?
Meh. Poor women problems. So, carry on if you must, Ms. Dannenfelser.
- Wealthy and affluent women everywhere who, even if abortions are outlawed, still will have access to all the abortions we want or need, with nary a thought about legal jeopardy.
Meh. Poor women problems. So, carry on if you must, Ms. Dannenfelser.
- Wealthy and affluent women everywhere who, even if abortions are outlawed, still will have access to all the abortions we want or need, with nary a thought about legal jeopardy.
9
"- Wealthy and affluent women everywhere who, even if abortions are outlawed, still will have access to all the abortions we want or need, with nary a thought about legal jeopardy."
Excellent. Please Photoshop above quote to Spirit of Justice statue in WDC.
Excellent. Please Photoshop above quote to Spirit of Justice statue in WDC.
I'm glad that he is shoring up his base all the while alienating the majority of the country. It gives the 55% who don't approve of him some hope that, at most, this presidency will be a one-term nightmare.
18
The only difference between Trump and Perkins is that Perkins believes in the snake oil he sells.
13
Or perhaps Perkins doesn't really believe it either. I think it's about power and money. Summoning god is just one way to achieve an audience and some clout.
2
"Their outreach extends to groups across the ideological spectrum — small government, tax-averse Tea Party followers; gun owners; abortion opponents; evangelical Christians and other culturally traditional voters."
This is what the Times calls "across the ideological spectrum"??? Its decision to eliminate copy editors is showing.
This is what the Times calls "across the ideological spectrum"??? Its decision to eliminate copy editors is showing.
18
The allegiance of evangelicals to Trump is deeply disturbing. As a Christian pro-life progressive, and an African-American, I strongly believe the Democratic Party needs to return to its inclusive roots when people of faith felt welcome culturally and politically. A Biblically-consistent view of life, which protects the unborn and the marginalized from cradle to grave, would be a serious challenge to the "selective" gospel of the evangelical right, many of whom may be with Trump because very few if any Democrats actively seek their support and require a "pro-choice" litmus test to be taken seriously by the Party. Oddly, the Democratic Party of the 70's and mid-80's had many more pro-life members of Congress, and was far more successful in holding on to legislative power nationwide than the current Democratic Party that is growing increasingly secular.
4
You can't be a pro-life progressive. Progressives want unfettered access to abortion up to, and for hours after, birth.
^ More lies from the Right. It's all they've got.
Let us know when either of you can get pregnant and then you might have something relevant to add to the abortion issue.
"... conservatives, according to Gallup, are 36 percent of the electorate."
If the Trump Administration is governing primarily or exclusively in the interests of one-third of the electorate (and considerably less than the overall population), what about the rest of us? Perhaps we should just call it what it is: tyranny of the minority.
It is unfortunate that Trump's supporters don't see that the Trump Administration is also an oligarchy, kakistocracy, and kleptocracy. I guess the breadcrumbs thrown their way are enough ...
If the Trump Administration is governing primarily or exclusively in the interests of one-third of the electorate (and considerably less than the overall population), what about the rest of us? Perhaps we should just call it what it is: tyranny of the minority.
It is unfortunate that Trump's supporters don't see that the Trump Administration is also an oligarchy, kakistocracy, and kleptocracy. I guess the breadcrumbs thrown their way are enough ...
10
I think many want him to be an oligarch so he will pass their agenda.
I also think they want all of us to live by their rules. These are not "live and let live" kinds of people.
I also think they want all of us to live by their rules. These are not "live and let live" kinds of people.
2
Trump was always a far-right candidate, despite his attempts to advertise himself as some kind of "third way." But one had to have been pretty gullible to believe that.
4
Trump knows that he needs far right conservatives as well as populist nationalists to have a secure base. He cares nothing about anyone nor anything that does not provide him directly with something he wants.
Conservative perspectives are founded upon different wants and needs from simply assuring consistency and predictability to facilitate a relatively high degree of certainty about what to expect in the future to a real hostility to the elimination of blatantly discriminatory injustices which benefitted themselves and they wish restored. The most right wing of cultural conservatives hate our liberal democratic form of government in which all are consider equal before the law and have equal rights politically. They hate everything about secular government because it confounds their strong authoritarian views of the world. Amongst the not so far right conservatives are lawyers who belong to the Federalist Society. The Federalists were original founders who were really skeptical about democracy because so few people were well educated and mistrustful of aristocracy as it existed in Britain because it resulted in suppression of their rights and ability to conduct business as they wished. They were opponents to the pro-democracy founders like Jefferson. For educated people to find Federalism attractive in the 21st century belies a failure to grasp the importance of democracy and equality to prevent rule by some oligarchy that strips liberty from all.
Conservative perspectives are founded upon different wants and needs from simply assuring consistency and predictability to facilitate a relatively high degree of certainty about what to expect in the future to a real hostility to the elimination of blatantly discriminatory injustices which benefitted themselves and they wish restored. The most right wing of cultural conservatives hate our liberal democratic form of government in which all are consider equal before the law and have equal rights politically. They hate everything about secular government because it confounds their strong authoritarian views of the world. Amongst the not so far right conservatives are lawyers who belong to the Federalist Society. The Federalists were original founders who were really skeptical about democracy because so few people were well educated and mistrustful of aristocracy as it existed in Britain because it resulted in suppression of their rights and ability to conduct business as they wished. They were opponents to the pro-democracy founders like Jefferson. For educated people to find Federalism attractive in the 21st century belies a failure to grasp the importance of democracy and equality to prevent rule by some oligarchy that strips liberty from all.
5
or, the "conservatives" are actually suffering from some kind of out of control father issues, a psychological malady in which almost everything is frightening, foreign, and seen as endangering, and all hope is pinned on a kind of big daddy figure who is so powerful and omnipotent that he can make everything all right, make the scary things go away, protect and preserve what is felt to be familiar and safe. it's a lot like the way a small child needs to be made to feel safe on a dark and stormy night.
so, psychologically and emotionally,the "conservatives" act like two year olds... and when they don't get treated as they feel they deserve just for being there, they throw a tantrum.
this is the mindset modern American conservatism and the Trump administration caters to. absurd, but predictable.
it's a great fantasy, but not much of a way to go through life... not to mention this take on things reveals its adherents to feel both threatened and powerless.
sacry!
so, psychologically and emotionally,the "conservatives" act like two year olds... and when they don't get treated as they feel they deserve just for being there, they throw a tantrum.
this is the mindset modern American conservatism and the Trump administration caters to. absurd, but predictable.
it's a great fantasy, but not much of a way to go through life... not to mention this take on things reveals its adherents to feel both threatened and powerless.
sacry!
1
To those voters who cast their ballot for Donald Trump with the hope that he would break the logjam created by polarizing politics, Do you feel he's achieving this objective?
6
The conservative right wingers who Trump is courting are people who tend to think that their natural superiority to all others means that if government lets them have the power that they want, they can have the world be the way that they want. They think this way because they believe that they what they believe are absolutely true with absolute certainty. The modern era's respect for science and the uncertainty in reality are simply unacceptable to them. They have 15th century minds not 21st century minds. The policies which Trump has been promoting on their behalf are going to increase everyone's unhappiness just because they are inappropriate and conflict with reality as empirical evidence and modern reasoning indicates to sound reasoning individuals.
6
The Apprentice and the Fascist Right will fade together. What will be the difference? Immigration diversity. We cannot allow #45 to have any input into our immigration policies. Reduced immigration under the guise of "What is good for America are the educated" (only) misses half the spectrum of immigrants who will make a difference.
3
The conversative movement and Trump are two peas in a pod. Both are racist, homophobic, misoognistic, ignorant, and devoid of any principles or morals. Tony Perkins, in particular, is a prime exampple of the cesspool of intolerance, racism and bigotry that is Evangelical Christainity. Evangelicalism is nothing less than a cancer in our country.
18
And libs wonder why they can't win elections in flyover country. So tolerant of others. So loving. Thanks for the revealing comment.
Newflash: it's wrong to be tolerant of racists, homophobes, misogynists, and people devoid of principles and morals. Just ask Jesus.
It just goes to show how far the religious right has fallen that they have to support Trump, a guy who doesn't care about family values or any of the Commandments. They need Trump more than he needs them.
18
He'll use them as long as they prove useful to him.
And they will use Dear Leader as long as Dear Leader proves useful to them!
Jeremiah 23:16 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.”
2
Isn't Jeremiah contradicting himself? Why listen to him?
So I should not listen to what the prophet Jeremiah said?
Why does Tony Perkins care about who's serving on his behalf overseas?
3
And people wonder why Americans are tuning out Religion?
It represents intolerance, hate, guns, anti education and nativism.
Jesus must be rolling in his grave!
It represents intolerance, hate, guns, anti education and nativism.
Jesus must be rolling in his grave!
18
I thought Jesus rose from the grave to sit in heaven at the right hand of God.
or was that just a fairy tale?
does the Times have anyone covering the heaven beat who can report on heavenly seating arrangements, or do we have to take it all on FAITH?
or was that just a fairy tale?
does the Times have anyone covering the heaven beat who can report on heavenly seating arrangements, or do we have to take it all on FAITH?
1
Translation: Much more crazy ahead.
6
This is a valuable article, as those who stick to this newspaper and CNBC have little understanding of the collage of demographics that made this man our President.
There are two distinct dialects in this country, Liberal and Conservative, having vocabularies with different terms for the same activities or values. During WWII, it you didn't have to go beyond identifying the origin or accent of the speaker to know - friend or foe.
Trump needs those whose values are the antithesis of N.Y. Times readers, and then depending on how much calumny will stick to any Democratic nominee in 2020, he could become one of the two term President, using the same playbook that worked this time.
I couldn't understand the egregious cruelty of his tweet on "firing" of transgender persons in the military, since it wasn't even an official order. Now I understand, it was to appease his evangelicals. Heck, he may have even had some qualms about doing it.......nah, now I'm going too far
There are two distinct dialects in this country, Liberal and Conservative, having vocabularies with different terms for the same activities or values. During WWII, it you didn't have to go beyond identifying the origin or accent of the speaker to know - friend or foe.
Trump needs those whose values are the antithesis of N.Y. Times readers, and then depending on how much calumny will stick to any Democratic nominee in 2020, he could become one of the two term President, using the same playbook that worked this time.
I couldn't understand the egregious cruelty of his tweet on "firing" of transgender persons in the military, since it wasn't even an official order. Now I understand, it was to appease his evangelicals. Heck, he may have even had some qualms about doing it.......nah, now I'm going too far
6
It has been stated numerous times that in America now and going into the future, especially since "winning the power", the most dangerous of all groups is not the Trump Administration nor the Republicans, but the "Extreme Christian Right".
Their ideal society for a vision of America is one that existed in the 1800s. and make no mistake about it, they now have a real opportunity to do it.
Their ideal society for a vision of America is one that existed in the 1800s. and make no mistake about it, they now have a real opportunity to do it.
The headline of this article is just plain wrong. Trump's core supporters are NOT conservative in an ideological sense. They don't support free market capitalism and its inevitable drive towards globalization; trickle-down economics; cutting taxes on the rich to unleash growth; free trade; cutting Social Security (as Ryan advocates). They aren't fiscal conservatives; they don't place a high priority on balancing the budget or reducing the federal government's debt and Trump will do the opposite.
Trump galvanized them because they felt shunned by the conservative Republican Party. Trump's core supporters are white ethno-nationalists. They feel the nation used to place them, their identify and beliefs, at its core and no longer does, so make America great AGAIN. They tend to be rural and small town residents, white evangelicals. They are pro-gun, want to recriminalize abortion, ban Muslims before they introduce sharia law, kick out illegal immigrants, cut legal immigration in half, and eradicate affirmative action because it discriminates against whites. They're often called "social conservatives." I'd call them white ethnic nationalists. Read Jeff Flake's book to understand the difference. He's a Goldwater conservative.
Trump galvanized them because they felt shunned by the conservative Republican Party. Trump's core supporters are white ethno-nationalists. They feel the nation used to place them, their identify and beliefs, at its core and no longer does, so make America great AGAIN. They tend to be rural and small town residents, white evangelicals. They are pro-gun, want to recriminalize abortion, ban Muslims before they introduce sharia law, kick out illegal immigrants, cut legal immigration in half, and eradicate affirmative action because it discriminates against whites. They're often called "social conservatives." I'd call them white ethnic nationalists. Read Jeff Flake's book to understand the difference. He's a Goldwater conservative.
63
In some non real academic world, you may be right
But in the real world, conservatives have been all to happy to lie with racists for a long time - way longer then Reagan's speech in MI or Nixon's southern strategy; at least back to the new deal, the sun oil/pew people allied with the KKK to stop the new deal
and if you support racists, year after year, that is what you are
But in the real world, conservatives have been all to happy to lie with racists for a long time - way longer then Reagan's speech in MI or Nixon's southern strategy; at least back to the new deal, the sun oil/pew people allied with the KKK to stop the new deal
and if you support racists, year after year, that is what you are
3
Since when did being a proud White become a bad thing? White college admissions, White people majority rule among other things. Pride and hard work is what built America and Europe. Asia, South America, and Africa are large enough for their own people. We are not trying to replace or diversify the South Koreans or the Indians in their homelands. But conversely, no one should be doing that to White homelands either.
Flake supports the same rightwing positions as Dear Leader Trump.
The senator differs with Trump on style and attitude not on issues.
The senator differs with Trump on style and attitude not on issues.
Trump is a reverse triangulator. Come one Come all PT Barnum is here to take center stage that is provided by the capitalist news media who lusts for ratings to pay them big money. Trump is depending on the right because they love his incomprehensible disorder that throes all the old verities on their ear. The Democrats in 2016 depended on the status quo led by Democratic corporatist centrists. Hillary Clinton's candidacy did not generate nearly enough excitement. Whereas Trump's daily installments of bad taste and dishonesty was a big winner. Trump is a party of one. Propped up by a party that didn't support him before the election but tolerates and works with him now because he won the electoral college. The Democrats are shattered because the election was the cruelest form of political upset.
2
Let's see, he finished second to Clinton and didn't even win a majority of the popular vote. He faced significant defections among 'pubs and that trend is increasing. His base is a minority of a minority. But by all means, Donnie, keep forcing people away!
23
She can still win!
That's all fine and well - and, like most other human beings or organizations, these groups are not immune to the staggering hypocrisy that those on the outside find so obvious. But, here's the nub, such groups alone will not ensure a second term for Trump. So, yes, keep pandering to them while ignoring most everyone else. This will ensure the end of this farce of a presidency.
19
Republican Congressmen and women are realizing they cannot win in 2018 and 2020 if the stench of Trump is attached to them. Are there enough extreme right-wing believers to carry Trump another 3 and 1/2 years? It doesn't look like it.
9
I think the most disturbing aspect of this situation is that an unpopular group of extremists are in power. It speaks volumes about the stupidity of the average American and how broken our politics are.
33
Those selfish bigoted "fake"'Christians with the stony hearts are easy for Trump to keep. They are in the devil's pocket and dont even know it.
26
Just as the Republicans have rebranded the other party as the Democrat (sic) Party perhaps we should rebrand these fundamentalists as the extremist religious right?
1
Please explain to me again how the Christian Evangelical preachers and their flock believe the serial-deadbeat, serial- adulterer and incessant liar is their chosen role-model for a national leader? Virtually every aspect of ofThe Donald is contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. How can these people look their children in the face?
40
Exactly -hypocrisy in action. My sympathies to their children and especially their daughters as they hold this man up as an example to them of what they should aspire to and what America stands for.
4
Organized religion like politics is about one thing and one thing only...power. Preachers/Politicians are two sides of the same coin. They need your hard earn dollars in the form of donations to leave your wallet to enter their coffers to stay in power. They believe Trump is the perfect vehicle for their brand of ultra conservatism.
4
Bill Clinton and Edward Kennedy more Tour liking, huh?
1
No doubt Trump will keep tossing red meat to his cotillion of alt right extremists and religious fundamentalists and staging press events no matter what to maintain their support. To Trump nothing really matters except ratings and his appear to be on the move to well below 40%. He is desperate to rally the faithful, but this will not move the needle given his compulsive need to alienate and fight with everyone else in defense of his fragile ego.
6
"The cynicism of it."
-- George Bernard Shaw, "Major Barbara" (1905)
-- George Bernard Shaw, "Major Barbara" (1905)
5
I am sick and tired of hearing about Trump's minority (in numbers) base, and what they want.
The only things they represent are America's worst traits. They are the flea on the tail that's wagging the Republican dog.
The only things they represent are America's worst traits. They are the flea on the tail that's wagging the Republican dog.
22
Right "leaning"?
These are the hardest-right of the hard right.
These are the hardest-right of the hard right.
7
Most likely, the Viewpoint misses the main catalyst for the Trump surprise victory last November. It was the American nationalism movement (America First) that propelled the win. In that, without doubt, Stephen K. Bannon was the political motivator. Irrespective of your political point of view, the American nationalism movement was the impetus for the sudden collapse of the Democratic Blue Wall. Trump loses the support of this movement, he loses the 2020 election.
3
When you drain a swamp, the alligators and snakes are in the open.
6
Oh the shame of it all. Making the president look bad by... reporting what he does.
Remember, Nixon still had 50% approval right up until he resigned. You can fool some of the people all of the time.
Remember, Nixon still had 50% approval right up until he resigned. You can fool some of the people all of the time.
12
Kellyanne Conway says Trump's mission is to bring the Tea Partiers and other right wing fringe groups 'in from the wilderness.' For the rest of us, the vast majority in America, it's time to put these people back into the wilderness. Let's start in 2018.
34
What's new? Swaggart and prostitutes? Elmer Gantry? Show biz and politics has always provided Christian evangelists a comfortable living. So has their End Times, Apocalypse, Four Horsemen end-of-the world nonsense, which is built on scaring the Jesus out of people so that they'll join this so-called movement (comprised of self-aggrandizers) and throw money at its leaders.
10
Bannon and Miller are in the White House every day with an endless supply of regurgitated red meat for the 39% base.
6
Evangelical Christians suporting Trump? The hypocrisy is breathtaking.
9
This may be the saddest Trump piece I've read in the past week, and that's saying something. Irony is when groups of organizational bigotry remain energized enough from being called a basket of deplorables (which they are) to represent the only chance that their personal president of hate and bias can remain in office.
7
"The Trumpet", wow, sending out inflated accomplishments and lies on a weekly schedule. No wonder those folks are still in the fold. The free press is their enemy. It can burst their Trump noise bubble. It really is a cult and Trump is a perfect cult leader. He knows 'his people' inside and out. He's got the data and the hooks that they love. He knows how to stroke them and make them feel like they are his dearest, closest, friends. "Don't listen to what the world outside is saying!" Just like all cult leaders. "I alone can fix it!"
79
The NAZI Party, Ku Klux Klan, NRA and white supremacist groups have no alternative to Trump. They have simply not been represented much on the national level for a while, and they will not desert Trump unless someone like Alex Jones or Sean Hannity runs against him. A lot of people voted for Trump because they thought he would keep his promises, though, and he has not been keeping many promises, except to big business.
45
I can think of a few promises kept: Justice Gorsuch, Keystone Pipeline, Dakota Pipeline, TPP killed, Paris Accord killed, Clean Power Plan killed, enforcement of immigration law, EPA neutered, Justice Dept. going after bad guys instead of political opponents, & reversal of dozens of Hussein-era regulations. Not bad for 6 months work.
Interesting that Trump, who claimed he would be everyone's president is more enthusiastic about working for the extreme right that doesn't represent the majority of Americans. Maybe it's because they are less inclined to question the Dear Leader than the rest of us. Or maybe it's because he prefers to be adored rather than held to account for the wreckage he's creating.
9
Sadly, the cheap and easy way to cultivate the right wing is to appeal to bigotry, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, misogyny, anti-immigration, and denigration of poor people. This is the red meat of the right wing, and Trump is now feeding them on a daily basis.
The United States is not an alt-Right country, but we may end up being governed by alt-Right politicians. "It Can't Happen Here" said the protagonist in Sinclair Lewis' novel and play of the same title just before a fascist took over the United States.
But, obviously it CAN happen here, and iwe are moving closer to this abyss every day with Trump and his cronies, like Bannon and Stephen Miller in power.
The United States is not an alt-Right country, but we may end up being governed by alt-Right politicians. "It Can't Happen Here" said the protagonist in Sinclair Lewis' novel and play of the same title just before a fascist took over the United States.
But, obviously it CAN happen here, and iwe are moving closer to this abyss every day with Trump and his cronies, like Bannon and Stephen Miller in power.
18
Evangelicals have had outsized representation and influence in government at the federal and state levels since the beginnings of the "southern strategy" in the 1960s. Evangelical complaints that they have been "left in the wilderness" is both hypocritical and evidence that, for many evangelicals, their goal is complete power over a theocratic country rather than a cooperative pluralistic society. For those of us who do not want to live in such a theocracy, the solutions must be to get out the vote and to get involved. Don't be lazy, and don't just ignore the issues in the hopes that they will eventually go away.
18
" ...since conservatives, according to Gallup, are 36 percent of the electorate."
" His approval rating among conservative Republicans nationally is 89 percent..."
Eighty nine percent of thirty six percent might shine a light on the future of this experiment.
" His approval rating among conservative Republicans nationally is 89 percent..."
Eighty nine percent of thirty six percent might shine a light on the future of this experiment.
4
problem is that those right of center, not the far right, like the 36% base, face a choice of trump or a democrat and many cannot fathom voting for a democrat. that base votes in droves and with zealotry whereas the liberal base is more blase'. doesn't matter if 60% disapprove of trump if only 50% of those vote.
2
May I reword a message sent from a retired Army nurse: “Everything they are doing will backfire on them in due time” - - rather to this one: "Everything Donald Trump is doing will backfire on him in due time."
- The same day Mr. Trump signed the sanctions bill, Vice President Mike Pence was in the Balkan nation of Montenegro, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Montenegro joined the alliance in June, a move that incensed Moscow.
a) Mr. Pence’s tone on Russia was more assuring to NATO members than that of Mr. Trump’s, who once called NATO “obsolete.”
b) Russia lost their efforts to reverse (Putin wanted Trump to lift sanctions) The Magnitsky Act, formally known as the Russia and Moldova Jackson–Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012, is a bipartisan bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Obama in November–December 2012, intending to punish Russian officials responsible for the death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in a Moscow prison in 2009.
Remember in 2009, Russian lawyer and auditor Sergei Magnitsky died in a Moscow prison after investigating fraud involving Russian tax officials. While in prison, Magnitsky developed gall stones, pancreatitis and calculous cholecystitis and was refused medical treatment for months. After almost a year of imprisonment, he was beaten to death while in custody.
b) Trump did not succeed at flushing NATO (Putin wanted him to do that).
- The same day Mr. Trump signed the sanctions bill, Vice President Mike Pence was in the Balkan nation of Montenegro, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Montenegro joined the alliance in June, a move that incensed Moscow.
a) Mr. Pence’s tone on Russia was more assuring to NATO members than that of Mr. Trump’s, who once called NATO “obsolete.”
b) Russia lost their efforts to reverse (Putin wanted Trump to lift sanctions) The Magnitsky Act, formally known as the Russia and Moldova Jackson–Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012, is a bipartisan bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Obama in November–December 2012, intending to punish Russian officials responsible for the death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in a Moscow prison in 2009.
Remember in 2009, Russian lawyer and auditor Sergei Magnitsky died in a Moscow prison after investigating fraud involving Russian tax officials. While in prison, Magnitsky developed gall stones, pancreatitis and calculous cholecystitis and was refused medical treatment for months. After almost a year of imprisonment, he was beaten to death while in custody.
b) Trump did not succeed at flushing NATO (Putin wanted him to do that).
22
Political parties in Canada reserve the right to approve candidates running in their name. They do this to prevent the take over of a local constituency by a single issue lobby group.
Single issue lobby groups from the right have been far more successful in the US. First, the drove all moderates out of the Republican Party and have moved even Democratic candidates well to the right.
With Trump they have leapfrogged even that step and successfully taken their issues directly to the president. And gotten the results they wanted.
This positive feedback will strengthen those lobby groups and further enhance their power.
Government of the lobby groups (both corporate and single issue right wing), for the lobby groups, by the lobby groups. American Democracy. M. de Tocqueville would be very surprised at the changes over the last 2 centuries.
Single issue lobby groups from the right have been far more successful in the US. First, the drove all moderates out of the Republican Party and have moved even Democratic candidates well to the right.
With Trump they have leapfrogged even that step and successfully taken their issues directly to the president. And gotten the results they wanted.
This positive feedback will strengthen those lobby groups and further enhance their power.
Government of the lobby groups (both corporate and single issue right wing), for the lobby groups, by the lobby groups. American Democracy. M. de Tocqueville would be very surprised at the changes over the last 2 centuries.
49
Trump is being used by the groups and individuals in this story. They support him as long as he keeps doing their bidding. He doesn't know or care about their position. He is selling to the highest bidder.
10
very true mike. he is ignorant about almost all policy. he is able to rally his base with guns, anti-abortion, anti-immigration and white nationalism using repetitive and often false talking points. why would his base not support a man who is so craven and spouts all those things they hold dearest? the hypocrisy is palpable but humans are self serving and the right is thrilled to place a drag on forward progress as they try to turn the clock back.
4
Need to watch the entire press briefing--NYT and bedfellows got their collective derriere kicked. But what's most important about this particular briefing, and lost on the editorial staff of the NYT, is that the Americans who support Trump see the NYT and fellow Sovietized media as propaganda from the cultural Marxists who have dominated the debate for the last eight years.
Having had it so delightfully comfortable with the Obama White House, the whining from New York City's mass-media central, it seems, will continue till 2020--unless the Senate's RNC-DNC Politburo leadership can figure a way to impeach him.
Having had it so delightfully comfortable with the Obama White House, the whining from New York City's mass-media central, it seems, will continue till 2020--unless the Senate's RNC-DNC Politburo leadership can figure a way to impeach him.
2
He is betting the farm (and the next two election cycles) on 35%-40% hard core right wingers. He speaks and governs only for them. Even if trump loses the mid-terms it might strengthen his hand for re-election (see those liberals hate America and what we stand for, keep me as President). The questions are these:
1. Will the Mueller investigation blow up in his face?
2. Will it matter to his base?
3. Can the strong 55% of people who dislike him turn out to remove him?
I think the answers are Yes, No and Yes.
1. Will the Mueller investigation blow up in his face?
2. Will it matter to his base?
3. Can the strong 55% of people who dislike him turn out to remove him?
I think the answers are Yes, No and Yes.
10
Hypocrisy, thy name is Republican.
17
If anybody has thought that the evangelical leadership is about anything more than money and power, President Trump has shown where their true intentions lie. With the cover of God they are scamming their members and turning them into clearly non-Christians. Their Sunday propaganda sermons, which are given 7 days a week, have brainwashed their church goers.
The leaders will be damned. We should pray for their members.
The leaders will be damned. We should pray for their members.
20
Terrific! We have a President trying to lead this country with 36% of the most right-wing groups being his sole source of support. These are not conservatives; they are extremists who are trying to return this country to the days of the Salem witch trials. And unless our Senators and Representatives develop some backbone like Sens. McCain, Murkowski and Collins, they'll succeed.
17
Ms. Martin recalled reminding Mr. Trump in March that her group had made over two million phone calls last fall to voters on his behalf “after a certain video came out”.....
As if individually condoning the sexual aggression by Trump wasn't bad enough. The Tea Party engaged to defend Trump's bad behavior in hopes of having someone in the WH who would destroy government norms on their behalf.
As if individually condoning the sexual aggression by Trump wasn't bad enough. The Tea Party engaged to defend Trump's bad behavior in hopes of having someone in the WH who would destroy government norms on their behalf.
12
A few famous lines From Jesus on pertinent topics:
Guns - "He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword."
Wealth - "It would be as likely for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
as for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven."
Charity - "As you do to the least of these, so you do to me."
It is difficult to know how to refer to the majority of white evangelicals, but they are certainly not Christians.
Guns - "He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword."
Wealth - "It would be as likely for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
as for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven."
Charity - "As you do to the least of these, so you do to me."
It is difficult to know how to refer to the majority of white evangelicals, but they are certainly not Christians.
24
The contrast between Trump's polls and the enthusiasm with which the conservative right is greeting with him demonstrates clearly that the American public simply does not support conservative policies. The majority is being ruled by a minority that is only too happy to use its undemocratic levers -- money, power, influence, gerrymandering -- to dictate policies to the rest of us. This is the kind of thing that foments political discontent and instability. But I wouldn't expect people too unimaginative to do otherwise than take the Bible literally to spend any time reflecting on the long-term consequences of their action, or the intense hypocrisy they display.
6
Yes, Donald Trump is the culmination of 30 years in which the "far-right" have gradually and painstakingly replaced the soul of the GOP. This influence has used multiple channels, from Lee Atwater's nasty political campaigns to assist George H.W. Bush, conservative talk radio in which Rush Limbaugh has used anger to sway hearts in rural and exurban America, and Fox News in which Roger Ailes provided a 24/7 barrage of "fair and balanced" messaging.
It makes sense that Donald Trump would cling to his base, which is frustrated by so many changes in America over the past 30 years. Examples include demographic changes in the racial/ethnic composition of Americans, the first African-American president, and the nation's growing tolerance of same-sex marriages or diversity of religions. These factors are viewed as eroding the core of America and its traditional values of liberty and freedom.
How long can Donald Trump maintain an emotional connection with his base before disillusionment starts to fray his support? It's hard to say. But Trump is certain to repeat his attack on immigrants, the elite media, and moderate GOP legislators. Also, he will appear at more scheduled pep rallies with base voters until November 2020. Nothing else matters for this President.
It makes sense that Donald Trump would cling to his base, which is frustrated by so many changes in America over the past 30 years. Examples include demographic changes in the racial/ethnic composition of Americans, the first African-American president, and the nation's growing tolerance of same-sex marriages or diversity of religions. These factors are viewed as eroding the core of America and its traditional values of liberty and freedom.
How long can Donald Trump maintain an emotional connection with his base before disillusionment starts to fray his support? It's hard to say. But Trump is certain to repeat his attack on immigrants, the elite media, and moderate GOP legislators. Also, he will appear at more scheduled pep rallies with base voters until November 2020. Nothing else matters for this President.
10
This president lies as easily as the rest of us breathe - about everything, big and small and so easily checkable! Now, aside from the sheer hypocrisy of the christian right spotlighted in this article, how is it that they think they can believe a word this guy says?
Is the conservative right so afraid of a changing world that they will so blindly support a dangerous charlatan such as currently occupies the oval office? Because easing their fear requires underminig our constitution and the supporting institutions of this country (like the free press) - exactly the behavior we've all seen from this administration so far. The problem is that the constitution and its supporting institutions ARE this country; Assaulting and underminig them in support of racial, sexual and cultural insecurities is the real danger to this republic.
Is the conservative right so afraid of a changing world that they will so blindly support a dangerous charlatan such as currently occupies the oval office? Because easing their fear requires underminig our constitution and the supporting institutions of this country (like the free press) - exactly the behavior we've all seen from this administration so far. The problem is that the constitution and its supporting institutions ARE this country; Assaulting and underminig them in support of racial, sexual and cultural insecurities is the real danger to this republic.
4
Trump would sell his soul to the devil if it would keep him in the presidency, and he has a good number of devils around him to help with his agenda. He will bale to save his own skin and pardon those who don't. The religious pomposity of these so-called Christians who have been hood-winked by Trump the trickster insulates them from any blame for the regression of our country. Where is the spirit of "do unto others what you would do unto yourself"? This simple Golden Rule should be the subject of every pulpit in the nation and the basis of a true Christian's belief. A pox on all of you!
7
Donald Teump's biggest (and perhaps only) talent in life is to spot suckers.
He hit paydirt with the evangelical base. The Falwells and the Perkins are along for the lucrative ride, as always.
He hit paydirt with the evangelical base. The Falwells and the Perkins are along for the lucrative ride, as always.
24
Picking on immigrants plays well to his uneducated Christian base.
9
Yep. All 60 million of his voters are uneducated. Including this Masters degree holder. Why do libs stereotype so often?
36% becomes a majority and help win elections when remaining 64% does not bother to vote.
18
Not voting does affect an election.
3
Or when they run half cocked into the voting booths and throw their ballots away on hapless third party vanity candidates.
Is there any white, theocratic fringe group this President won't pander to? Any despot or billionaire he's not enamored with? We are watching this man and his enablers scrape the dregs of society and try, again and again, to repackage them as the Real American brand.
I'll answer his question: It's not playing. Most of America is aghast. Most Americans are laughing at you. And that --more than anything since you began this misbegotten campaign for glory, higher ratings and self enrichment-- keeps my hope for our democracy alive.
I'll answer his question: It's not playing. Most of America is aghast. Most Americans are laughing at you. And that --more than anything since you began this misbegotten campaign for glory, higher ratings and self enrichment-- keeps my hope for our democracy alive.
22
Remember Trump is a con man first and foremost. He's selling- not giving away- ice to the Eskimos; flames to the fires of hell. Water to a drowning man. All are wiling participants.
8
The question is are we going to let the bottom third of voters in this country continue to have the power to control Americas destiny?
11
Trump found his power in manipulating the weak at hart and doing so has divided this country into two. He is a good illustration of the old saying "Divide and Concur." He can only survive as President if indeed he is successful in totally destroying America. Take your pick.
3
The far right. Pretend "christians". Take-over-the-world Power mongers. A teeny-tiny minority of The United States of America and world population. The most corrupt people on the planet.
WE must stop them now before they start WW3 and attempt to destroy the planet and the lives of 99% of us in their unconscionable insatiable greed and actions.
Any person who supports them and thinks they will get to be one of the "chosen" ones had better take a hard look at life. They will destroy each other - and you, too. Their power appetites have no social conscience or consideration for anyone but themselves and their own warped ideas. WE can refuse to participate in their "games" and refuse to allow OUR taxpayer money to be spent on them.
WE must stop them now before they start WW3 and attempt to destroy the planet and the lives of 99% of us in their unconscionable insatiable greed and actions.
Any person who supports them and thinks they will get to be one of the "chosen" ones had better take a hard look at life. They will destroy each other - and you, too. Their power appetites have no social conscience or consideration for anyone but themselves and their own warped ideas. WE can refuse to participate in their "games" and refuse to allow OUR taxpayer money to be spent on them.
40
How any of these groups can continue to support a president who has proven to be a pathological liar is truly baffling. Just this week - boasting about non-existent conversations with the head of the Boy Scouts, the Mexican president, calling the White House a 'dump'? At what point does his 'base' start to realize they are being played for fools?
37
Unfortunately, for most the answer is "never."
5
Consider the terrible bind they are in.
They live in a bubble; it is their entire environment, as though they were on a spaceship or a submarine.
They MUST reject anything that threatens the bubble. And Rupert Murdoch pumps constantly to keep it full of hot air.
And they are not wrong about what happens to them when the bubble collapses.
They live in a bubble; it is their entire environment, as though they were on a spaceship or a submarine.
They MUST reject anything that threatens the bubble. And Rupert Murdoch pumps constantly to keep it full of hot air.
And they are not wrong about what happens to them when the bubble collapses.
4
Probably never - the blind choose to see only what they want to see . . .
1
#45 aka Trump is doing God's work by exposing the previously well-hidden sentiments of a sector of the American populace.
16
You're so right!
He's exposed the overwhelming desire for democracy, freedom of the press and equal justice under the law! Just take a little peek at the polls if you don't believe me.
Thank you for helping to expose his corrupt ways of doing business in our country.
He's exposed the overwhelming desire for democracy, freedom of the press and equal justice under the law! Just take a little peek at the polls if you don't believe me.
Thank you for helping to expose his corrupt ways of doing business in our country.
5
I cannot for the life of me fathom why this very conservative, very Christian wing of the GOP is so enthralled by Trump. Are they hoping they can pray him into a state of honesty and virtue? Will prayer stop him from lying and bullying? Will laying hands on Trump provide him with miraculous leadership abilities? Will reciting scripture make him stop obsessing over the election results and get on with the business of actually governing like a professional? Like the rest of his base, the conservative Christian wing is being used. Then again, perhaps they have a few tricks of their own and are merely manipulating Trump to press their own agenda. Hate the sin, love the sinner -- to get what you want.
19
Because the believe in magical thinking and superstition. Empiricism means nothing to them. The either don't know what it means or they don't care.
6
On the contrary, I believe that the Christian far right has Trump in their pocket because of his insecurities and need for adoration.
3
I think you give conservative, white Evangelicals far too much credit. Their fundamental, guiding principle is authoritarianism, and has been for generations: No science, no backtalk, no questioning allowed! Women, obey your husband as though he is your God, and make sure you smile a pretty smile while you do it. Children are the property of their parents and need the sin beaten out of them. Whites are the superior race, ordained by God to boss around other people and take whatever they choose from anyone else. America is God's chosen nation and we should all salute the cross and kneel before the flag. No men acting fruity. No women acting unfeminine. Nobody being too arty or weird. No disobedience. Wealth is Jesus's reward for being good and clean. Cursed are the poor and blessed are the rich. Anyone who doesn't obey loudly enough or conform hard enough is persecuting you. That discomfort you feel around people who do not look, act, think, believe, live, pray, and pointedly say "Merry Christmas," EXACTLY as you do? That is actually the agony of religious oppression. So is the
discomfort of hearing information you don't like. The pastor or priest at your church can do no wrong and if a little boy or young girl claims to have been raped by him, they must be shunned and hounded to death for their lies against a good man.
No, they are not being used. They are using Trump. An authoritarian white ethno-state with police-enforced religious conformity is their ultimate goal.
discomfort of hearing information you don't like. The pastor or priest at your church can do no wrong and if a little boy or young girl claims to have been raped by him, they must be shunned and hounded to death for their lies against a good man.
No, they are not being used. They are using Trump. An authoritarian white ethno-state with police-enforced religious conformity is their ultimate goal.
One has to wonder what Bible are the religious right reading anyway? Not a true christian in the group if they support Trump and his policies.
63
it sounds like the grand grimoire
This coalition of Evangelical jihadists is Trump's sole support. An Italian Jesuit magazine (La Civilta Catolica) closely linked to the Papacy has criticized the self-flagellating radical American Catholics who have aligned themselves with this coalition as an 'ecumenism of hate' pursuing the creation of a "xenophobic and theocratic state."
Truth be told - Trump's base practicies a warped brand of Christianity whose theoligical roots defended the practices of slavery and segregation, and continues its tradition of the oppression of women and the LGBTQ community - evidenced by Trump exorcising his decades-long established tolerance for the gay community in exchange for pats on the back from Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and other like-minded Christian Jihadists.
What a marriage! A man who has confessed to sexually assaulting women with his groping hands and bum rushing naked teenagers in pageant dressing rooms has hitched his star to a coalition of American Christians so toxic that the Vatican condemned them with a 21st century version of Excommunication.
Truth be told - Trump's base practicies a warped brand of Christianity whose theoligical roots defended the practices of slavery and segregation, and continues its tradition of the oppression of women and the LGBTQ community - evidenced by Trump exorcising his decades-long established tolerance for the gay community in exchange for pats on the back from Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and other like-minded Christian Jihadists.
What a marriage! A man who has confessed to sexually assaulting women with his groping hands and bum rushing naked teenagers in pageant dressing rooms has hitched his star to a coalition of American Christians so toxic that the Vatican condemned them with a 21st century version of Excommunication.
66
A warped brand of Christianity? Add to that a warped brand of the other major religions as well. As long as we have these fanatical people who believe in invisible gods floating around the sky and not believing in science, the human race will be eventually be doomed. So many hypocrites influencing our lives.
3
Trump is Bannon's pupet. Bannon sensed the racism & intolerance of minority groups not only in the Alt-Right but in the entire country, especially among the White working class, & Trump played it to the hilt, it has always been a solid core of voters for the Republican Party.Without this group the Republicans would never win an election, which is the reason Republicans are afraid to buck Trump.
Even if it’s proved that Trump was in bed with Putin, who helped him win the election, there is no way the Republican Party would vote to impeach him.
Even if it’s proved that Trump was in bed with Putin, who helped him win the election, there is no way the Republican Party would vote to impeach him.
20
Statements like, 'Let Mr. Trump be Mr. Trump', 'He will be presidential soon' and 'Give him a chance' irritate me or people of similar mind irritate us very much. A president does not need a chance. If he is competent, responsible and know how to use expertise and resources he could have shown how great he could have been. But he failed in every step for his ego maniac attitude of only winning, being the great and spectacular. Yes, conservative policies had been cornered over several decades. There are reasons to get it back only because of America has become colorful with different and diverse people. White nationalist and conservatives cannot tolerate it and Mr. Trump is taking a good advantage of it. This is their last ditch effort. They know they are still majority and they will lose that position in the next two decades. Their policies of immigration and trade relation is to delay it as much as they can. Will they succeed? I doubt.
6
It's not that the extreme conservatives have a seat at the table these days, it's that they have all the chairs. It's not just that the conservative minority in our nation has a voice, it's that they have the only voice. Right now something like 30% of our population...a 30% with extremely bigoted views...is deciding the future of the entire country.
38
Calling oneself a Trump supporter and a Christian is an oxymoron.
78
Yes, and it is similar to those who claim to be dedicated to the "Pro-Life" cause, but who also support the Death Penalty!
21
Trump has alienated all but the most alien sect of our society, the far-right ultra-conservative fundamentalist x-tians, and so he plays on their team now since no one else wants him. Trump was known to be much more moderate in the past as he hung out with democrats and normal republicans, but today he's literally shining on the American theocrats because his need to be liked must be fulfilled no matter who or what likes him. Why can't he just get a dog?
14
He doesn't deserve a dog.
4
Trump is courting this relatively small group of bigoted, hypocritical, unChristian extremists because they too occupy an alternative universe and have somehow convinced themselves that the Liar-in-Chief shares their "values." To the rest of the country, a vast majority of Americans, anti-tax crusaders like Grover Norquist, anti-abortion activists like Ms. Dannenfelser and family values spouters like Tony Perkins are has-beens. And Kellyann Conway is simply an airhead. TV news shows long ago opted not to give her any more air time and the NYT should deny her its ink.
24
Pundits keep saying that he "cannot win" again without expanding his base. And yet ... If his phony "elections commission" and the disreputable Mr. Kobach have their way, all liberal voters will be purged from he rolls, and just in case, there are those trusty little Diebold's put into place to insure Republican "victories."
9
This was a fair article on President Trump's solid base. The unhinged remarks in this comments section is enlightening of the hatred that liberals have these days when they are not in charge. I hope Republicans stay in power for the sanity of our nation. Thank you for a thoughtful article.
3
"the hatred that liberals have"
"I hope Republicans stay in power for the sanity of our nation."
lol
"I hope Republicans stay in power for the sanity of our nation."
lol
12
I am a liberal but I agree that this was a very interesting and balanced article. I would like to see more articles with a calmer tone. I would also really like The NY Times to remove the pejorative adjectives from their articles about Trump. His actions speak for themselves and can be judged by readers without all of the insults. The over the top doomsday editorials also need to be toned down because yes, The NY Times and the Washington Post are sounding a bit unhinged. I agree with their sentiments, but not the manner in which they continuously bludgeon their readers with them.
7
Yes, it was a thoughtful article, but I'm not sure that Mr. Peters' assessment had the prescribed impact. You don't have to go to the Middle East to find a religion dominating a country's people and politics. It's happening Right Now in the good old USA.
4
To reward representatives of "36%" of those who stand by Trump, he is squandering regularly taxpayers' money on entertaining people in the White House who are intolerant and intransigent. There are so many children in America who go hungry. Why can't they have a treat instead.
Besides it's not fair for a minority to hijack the welfare of the country by imposing a liar and a crook on the rest of the country.
“They are doing everything they can to make our president look bad,” the letter said. “Everything they are doing will backfire on them in due time.” I hope Trump's supporters will one day realise their mistake.
Besides it's not fair for a minority to hijack the welfare of the country by imposing a liar and a crook on the rest of the country.
“They are doing everything they can to make our president look bad,” the letter said. “Everything they are doing will backfire on them in due time.” I hope Trump's supporters will one day realise their mistake.
6
Another common theme of conservative strategy is that liberals are themselves an aristocracy. (For those who are really keeping score, the sophisticated version of this is called the "new class strategy", the message being that liberals are the American version of the Soviet nomenklatura.) Thus, for example, the constant pelting of liberals as "elites", sticking this word and a mass of others semantically related to it onto liberals on every possible occasion. A pipeline of "facts" has been established to underwrite this message as well. Thus, for example, constant false conservative claims that the rich vote Democratic. When Al Franken recently referred to his new radio network as "the media elite and proud of it", he demonstrated his oblivion to the workings of the conservative discourse that he claims to contest.
6
The rich don't vote Democrat? I think billionaires Buffet, Zuckerberg, Bloomberg, Soros, Steyer, Spielberg, and Bezos might disagree with you.
This article helped me understand why Trump has not tried to "unite" Americans when he gives a speech. In fact, to date, the only speeches he has given have been to what he and his staff assume will be a conservative audience. To take it even further, in those speeches, Trump tends to "mock" or even demean those whose ideas which are perceived by his audience to be "mainstream".
Sure, this focus may be a recipe to strengthen his "base" but it's certainly not a strategy for expanding his appeal to more middle-of-the-road voters... or for winning the 2018 mid-term elections!
Sure, this focus may be a recipe to strengthen his "base" but it's certainly not a strategy for expanding his appeal to more middle-of-the-road voters... or for winning the 2018 mid-term elections!
7
Yes there will be a backfire, but it is more likely to occurs in the other direction. As someone who sees the evangelicals as a destructive force I am very pleased to see that they have thrown in 45.
7
Having Tony Perkins for a friend should be a negative, not a plus. He does fit in with Trump, though.
5
In the end, it all comes down to votes. We are at war over what our nation is. Ask every representative who has taken the "Norquist" pledge if he or she has any thoughts on what their oath of office meant.
The evolution of our institutions and vision of democracy since Roosevelt is actually in peril. Those who intellectually seek to wind it backward probably have the most to gain. I would guess the large preponderance of the many, many more who emotionally vote in that direction have the most to lose.
The evolution of our institutions and vision of democracy since Roosevelt is actually in peril. Those who intellectually seek to wind it backward probably have the most to gain. I would guess the large preponderance of the many, many more who emotionally vote in that direction have the most to lose.
4
trump's base is so all important. What about the rest of us, who read, think and are fair to all. This Perkins is nothing but an intolerant man. That he has any influence is astonishing. What is happening!! What is next, "Eugenics"?!
6
Getting caught lying by the president is very shameful for the whole nation. No world leader will believe him anymore. In case of real emergency, the Americans will not believe him ( except 33 percent who do not mind him shooting a person on 5th avenue, a very busy street in NYC). So far he signed only one bill which he no choice and that is veto proof Russia sanctions bill. So in last he did not anything to make America great again and for his core supporters.
11
SCOTUS nomination, though that was a wash, it should've been done under the Obama admin. So aside from that, nothing else, I agree.
4
Harry Reid used to say that the Republican party was lead by a talk show entertainer meaning Rush Limbaugh. Of course there's also Hannity and a slew of other right wing hucksters that keep the "conservative" revival tent full not to mention the evangelical preachers themselves. Then there's the growing list of Radio/Media companies whose entire business model is predicated on preaching to this demographic. Trump/Bannon understand which side their bread is buttered on. That bread is what won him the election along with almost the entire republican Congress
10
What the loud and proud are conserving is simply their own stolen "privileges" over the citizens they would rob and destroy.
6
Too funny! As a Dem.Couple, my husband reminds me that we are the true conservatives. We don't believe in debt, we are law abiders, we believe in values, admire and respect our military service people; etc. I agree that we ought to start referring to those that "think" they are the conservative movement RADICALS, as they call liberals.
35
It is true, they are the movement of RADICALS!!
1
Claiming to be an ally of the LGBT community and cavorting with Tony Perkins, disgusting.
24
Trump really does believe in LGBT equality; however, he's astute enough to realize they'll vote for someone else - and a politician needs votes. They'd call him an unwanted friend anyway, as they did in the primaries and presidential contest.
“They are doing everything they can to make our president look bad,”
Actually, Trump is doing a fine job at this task all by himself.
Actually, Trump is doing a fine job at this task all by himself.
88
Imagine America becoming primarily Conservative, Christian, Anglo, straight, and even more gun toting. That's what Trump means by "Make America Great Again." It's a ploy to keep his base (which lives in fear of loss of identity) firmly attached to him. And that's so he can win a second time around.
Winning for the sake of winning is what matters most to this unstable president. And that's because of his narcissistic tendencies and his fragile ego which needs to be a consummate winner to prove that he's not the loser he deep down believes he is. Thus, the pathological lying (phone call from the Boy Scouts and the president of Mexico extolling his virtues) and his otherwise alteration of reality to make himself look good.
It's utterly terrifying to consider that this disordered mind occupies the White House and is the same mind expected to make serious life death decisions.
Winning for the sake of winning is what matters most to this unstable president. And that's because of his narcissistic tendencies and his fragile ego which needs to be a consummate winner to prove that he's not the loser he deep down believes he is. Thus, the pathological lying (phone call from the Boy Scouts and the president of Mexico extolling his virtues) and his otherwise alteration of reality to make himself look good.
It's utterly terrifying to consider that this disordered mind occupies the White House and is the same mind expected to make serious life death decisions.
256
I believe we all remember that Trump avoided the necessary fitness tests that other presidential candidates have willingly taken before entering presidential service. Let us all continue to demand some proof of mental stability from this public official, shall we?
8
So, the righties pay identity politics, so the lefties play identity politics, so the righties play identity politics, so the lefties play identity politics. So where will it end? It will end with the vast majority of Americans of all races, genders, and gender preferences becoming more & more impoverished until we starve to death. Because the Richies, most of them, don't really care about identity politics on either side. They're laughing all the way to their island retreats.
2
You left out male and white.
I commend Trump for the diabolical efficiency in terms of the fewest sociopolitical levers he presses to produce out-sized results. And he has done this while playing golf, watching TV, and employing his thumbs on Twitter.
As Norquist identifies in this article, Trump is taking care of the Christian Taliban, the gun owners, and the high-anxiety, coiled up, suspicious American worried that "those" people are taking his money, living a good life, and taking away the good life to which s/he is entitled.
Whether Trump delivers on tax reform and infrastructure redevelopment (i.e., good things) or not, he is decidedly delivering on issues that matter to his acolytes: rapid movement toward a theocracy, a polluted environment dependent on fossil fuels (coal), a brutal police force, a segregated military, a weakened justice system, a destroyed education department, revoked civil rights and affirmative action, and a reset to sociopolitical sensibilities of 1950, and 1850 if possible that is hostile to everyone except owners of land and industry.
In history, these things occurred as a result of a putsch; yet Trump has done this within the democratic process without paramilitary on streets, in broad daylight and under the gaze of a vigilant (and by now discredited) journalists. Wow!
He has the democrats where he wants them. Befuddled, weak, fearful, disorganized. Of course he wins 2020, and Pence owns the following eight years.
Kalidan
As Norquist identifies in this article, Trump is taking care of the Christian Taliban, the gun owners, and the high-anxiety, coiled up, suspicious American worried that "those" people are taking his money, living a good life, and taking away the good life to which s/he is entitled.
Whether Trump delivers on tax reform and infrastructure redevelopment (i.e., good things) or not, he is decidedly delivering on issues that matter to his acolytes: rapid movement toward a theocracy, a polluted environment dependent on fossil fuels (coal), a brutal police force, a segregated military, a weakened justice system, a destroyed education department, revoked civil rights and affirmative action, and a reset to sociopolitical sensibilities of 1950, and 1850 if possible that is hostile to everyone except owners of land and industry.
In history, these things occurred as a result of a putsch; yet Trump has done this within the democratic process without paramilitary on streets, in broad daylight and under the gaze of a vigilant (and by now discredited) journalists. Wow!
He has the democrats where he wants them. Befuddled, weak, fearful, disorganized. Of course he wins 2020, and Pence owns the following eight years.
Kalidan
8
I think Trump ranks with B. Clinton as a masterful politician because Trump outperforms.
I wonder what will happen when these right-wing groups figure out that they hitched their wagon to the wrong horse.
Mr. Trump does not believe in their agenda. He does not believe in anything, except what he can claim as a "win" for himself. He is a fair weather friend. He will throw them under the bus the moment he sees an opportunity that will benefit him more than their support.
Mr. Trump does not believe in their agenda. He does not believe in anything, except what he can claim as a "win" for himself. He is a fair weather friend. He will throw them under the bus the moment he sees an opportunity that will benefit him more than their support.
141
Liberals would throw him under the bus, too, so why waste political capital.
All true.... but he now needs them as much as they need him
1
You mean, at what point will they realize they've been played (like his Atlantic City investors or Trump University students)? We can hope, but if he's accomplished anything it's to expose the absolute and degenerate moral hypocrisy of the American religious right. They don't care about any of the values these lay claim to, and neither does he.
3
Correction— everything Trump is doing will backfire on him in due time.
The evangelicals do not care one bit if their "friend" is a congenital liar, adulterer, and con man, as long as he does their bidding. Despicable
The evangelicals do not care one bit if their "friend" is a congenital liar, adulterer, and con man, as long as he does their bidding. Despicable
27
An extreme ideological minority in this country has the complete attention of an ill informed, inexperienced, amoral President. To make policy, by tweet no less, that caters to over zealous religious beliefs is not in keeping with the governance of this country. And, defies the constitution. This President cannot govern properly and has no aptitude for the job. Our electoral college has allowed this "slip-through" president. We seriously need to take a look at this...the damage to this country may not be reversible.
9
it's not unique in the history of the world, but this article makes me think America has a serious, widespread mental health problem.
frightening!
frightening!
21
Lack of decent education for the last 30-40 years has left us with a land full of uneducated and therefore ignorant people; and on top of that the influence of fundamentalist evangelical christians had robbed a significant percentage of America of the abililty to apply critical thinking to any matter presented to them.
5
As many commentators have noted, the conundrum for liberals and moderates is that the 20 to 30 percent of the electorate that is hard-core Trump/nationalist is geographically distributed in such a way (especially across the rural South and the Rocky Mountain/Plains states) that gives them a disproportionate impact in national elections, thanks to the arcane Electoral College and Congressional gerrymandering.
Conversely, liberals and moderates, the remaining 60 to 70 percent of the electorate, are largely aggregated into dense urban and suburban areas, thus making it easy for the GOP mapmakers to clump them together and dilute the collective impact of their vote.
In addition, the hard-core right is highly activist with a high election turnout rate, thus further amplifying their electoral power. This is in contrast to Democrats who, even with a good candidate, often have to struggle to get their own voters to turn out in an election (it was relatively low turnout in the cities, compared with Obama's, that ultimately sank Hillary in the critical Rust Belt states).
In short, all of these structural factors amplify the impact of the Trumpists in our elections and give them a collective voice in our system far greater than their sheer numbers would warrant.
Conversely, liberals and moderates, the remaining 60 to 70 percent of the electorate, are largely aggregated into dense urban and suburban areas, thus making it easy for the GOP mapmakers to clump them together and dilute the collective impact of their vote.
In addition, the hard-core right is highly activist with a high election turnout rate, thus further amplifying their electoral power. This is in contrast to Democrats who, even with a good candidate, often have to struggle to get their own voters to turn out in an election (it was relatively low turnout in the cities, compared with Obama's, that ultimately sank Hillary in the critical Rust Belt states).
In short, all of these structural factors amplify the impact of the Trumpists in our elections and give them a collective voice in our system far greater than their sheer numbers would warrant.
34
We need to change that and get out and vote. This is what happens when we DON'T!!
"...since conservatives, according to Gallup, are 36 percent of the electorate."
If we stop calling the bigoted, rightwing, extremists conservative, what percentage of the population is conservative?
Democrats need to ignore the extremists and work on relations with actual conservatives. Real conservatives aren't hate filled jerks spewing their filth to anyone who will listen. Real conservatives will actually listen to a different point of view and try to work something out.
If we stop calling the bigoted, rightwing, extremists conservative, what percentage of the population is conservative?
Democrats need to ignore the extremists and work on relations with actual conservatives. Real conservatives aren't hate filled jerks spewing their filth to anyone who will listen. Real conservatives will actually listen to a different point of view and try to work something out.
8
If they're 36% of the population, by definition they're not "extremists".
2
Perhaps the true conservatives are now afraid to confront the enemies of the people?
Let us never forget how the World Wars began and what efforts were necessary to stop them.
Let us never forget how the World Wars began and what efforts were necessary to stop them.
1
John,
So the majority of the population in Germany eventually joined the Nazi party. I guess that means they weren't extremists?
So the majority of the population in Germany eventually joined the Nazi party. I guess that means they weren't extremists?
1
Shouldn't we start calling this so-called "conservative movement" what it really is - the radical right anti-democratic movement? In calling it "conservative," true conservatives who value the rule of law and our democratic processes are lumped in with those who are doing great harm to the very foundations of our democratic republic. Moreover, it gives the large percentage of white nationalists found in this "conservative movement" a respectable cover that they do not deserve.
24
Dark Triad Narcissism is a deeply disturbing personality disorder. The ego becomes completely detached from reality, and forms its' own reality, a false reality. After leaving many people shattered in the wake of its destruction, it ultimately consumes those possessed, leaving them bereft of loyalists, and even of family. All because the loyalty is not mutually experienced.
The problem is, in politics, when a Dark Triad Narcissist embraces a true Machiavellian personality, and then turns on that person. That person is Bannon, and Trump will find out what it means to betray a true Machiavellian.
The Machiavellian is able to outmaneuver, outsmart, and play the Dark Triad Narcissist, because the Machiavellian does not suffer from true narcissism. The ego is still attached to reality.
Trump has now publicly humiliated Bannon, twice in one week. Once with the tax increase to 44% Bannon proposed for the top marginal rate. The other with Trump laughing at Bannon being mocked in a most vile and vulgar manner by Scaramucci.
This will be the downfall of DJT, Mueller notwithstanding.
The problem is, in politics, when a Dark Triad Narcissist embraces a true Machiavellian personality, and then turns on that person. That person is Bannon, and Trump will find out what it means to betray a true Machiavellian.
The Machiavellian is able to outmaneuver, outsmart, and play the Dark Triad Narcissist, because the Machiavellian does not suffer from true narcissism. The ego is still attached to reality.
Trump has now publicly humiliated Bannon, twice in one week. Once with the tax increase to 44% Bannon proposed for the top marginal rate. The other with Trump laughing at Bannon being mocked in a most vile and vulgar manner by Scaramucci.
This will be the downfall of DJT, Mueller notwithstanding.
5
I'm sorry, but I had to stop reading when I got to Kellyanne Conway's explanation that Trump is giving these groups inroads that they never had before.
Neither the presidency nor the White House is a private country club for the ideologically corrupt. Nor are they private one-stop-shops for personal benefit. It's bad enough that the Kochs, Scaifes, et. al., have infested the system since the '80s. Now we have even more hopping on the special interest train.
Trump, you work for the country -- especially for all the little guys. Remember them? The ones who you said would never have a better friend than Donald Trump?
Bought and sold, a million times over -- both POTUS and the rest of us.
Neither the presidency nor the White House is a private country club for the ideologically corrupt. Nor are they private one-stop-shops for personal benefit. It's bad enough that the Kochs, Scaifes, et. al., have infested the system since the '80s. Now we have even more hopping on the special interest train.
Trump, you work for the country -- especially for all the little guys. Remember them? The ones who you said would never have a better friend than Donald Trump?
Bought and sold, a million times over -- both POTUS and the rest of us.
14
Trump understands votes are as important, if not more important, as funding (which Pence handles). Who do you think politicians spend an inordinate amount of time around and can also afford the multitude of fundraisers that inform a candidate's schedule - donors.
So as it turned out, the President of Mexico, Mr. Nieto, never called President Trump. Nor the executive of the Boys Scouts of America congratulated Trump's speech when he delivered his speech to this old American institution last week.
I wondered why Donald Trump is lying to the American people and the world?
Myself, as many other international political and economic observers, looked up to American presidents as honest, sincere and true people. Today. we are seeing a total different American president. All the virtuosity of past presidents are being eroded by President Trump by not being truthful to the word.
I cannot find an explanation why is this happening in the United States of America. I am sorry President Trump but your actions are not "Making America Great Again. On the contrary, you are diminishing the great America.
I wondered why Donald Trump is lying to the American people and the world?
Myself, as many other international political and economic observers, looked up to American presidents as honest, sincere and true people. Today. we are seeing a total different American president. All the virtuosity of past presidents are being eroded by President Trump by not being truthful to the word.
I cannot find an explanation why is this happening in the United States of America. I am sorry President Trump but your actions are not "Making America Great Again. On the contrary, you are diminishing the great America.
167
He lies because so many Americans--almost exclusively the ones who will vote for him and his congressional surrogates again and again--will believe his lies.
7
Bravo. Canadians!
He shames every decent American citizen every day!!!
3
The Times has got their label wrong. I thought this article was about conservatives. None of the people mentioned are conservative. Being conservative means you're trying to preserve existing institutions and traditions.
These folks are trying to convert America into a theocracy. They aren't interested in democracy at all. They want to change the Constitution, get rid of the separation of church and state, oppose liberty and equality for all, and are only interested in a power grab that will put them in charge -- the latter is most obvious, as they've shown themselves willing to embrace anyone, no matter how corrupt or immoral, as long as that person promotes their agenda.
Again, they are not conservatives. They're a hypocritical gang of radical theocrats. Real conservatives should stand up and disown these folks. Fight for your party, moderate Republicans! Don't let these far-right people steal it from you.
These folks are trying to convert America into a theocracy. They aren't interested in democracy at all. They want to change the Constitution, get rid of the separation of church and state, oppose liberty and equality for all, and are only interested in a power grab that will put them in charge -- the latter is most obvious, as they've shown themselves willing to embrace anyone, no matter how corrupt or immoral, as long as that person promotes their agenda.
Again, they are not conservatives. They're a hypocritical gang of radical theocrats. Real conservatives should stand up and disown these folks. Fight for your party, moderate Republicans! Don't let these far-right people steal it from you.
479
And how do you define Stephen Miller? I thought it amusing when a pundit said he's the kid whose lunch had been stolen every day and now he's paying back. He's so sad, such a lost thing....so mean that he fits right in with the WH Clan.
8
The GOP willfully fuels the far-whackadoodle with their silence and money, not unlike the the Blue Wall of the police when one (or many more) of them brutalize and plant drugs to take advantage of unjust "possession" laws.
Don't wait for them to save a party that should just—as David Cameron might say—"for Heaven's sake, man, GO."
Let It Die and put a LID on it.
Don't wait for them to save a party that should just—as David Cameron might say—"for Heaven's sake, man, GO."
Let It Die and put a LID on it.
3
You are so right!!
2
You conflate "conservatives" with right-wingers, they are not one and the same. I'm not a conservative, and am loathe to defend them, but listen to the likes of George Will and Jeff Flake to grasp the divide between their ideology and Trump's.
Trump is a fascist. He believes in a strong central government with himself at its center. His philosophy isn't based upon any thoughtful doctrine, it's based upon "Whatever I Want Right Now". It is the doctrine of dictatorship, and it's built on fear and worship, two elements that are based on emotion and diminish clear thinking. While you raise your followers to heights of rapture, your enemies are misdirected by their passionate, but unfocused opposition - it's political jiu jitsu.
This is what makes Trump so dangerous to our democracy. He doesn't need a majority to rule, he just needs a minority that's more committed than the majority. Remember: Hitler didn't have a majority in the beginning either.
Trump is a fascist. He believes in a strong central government with himself at its center. His philosophy isn't based upon any thoughtful doctrine, it's based upon "Whatever I Want Right Now". It is the doctrine of dictatorship, and it's built on fear and worship, two elements that are based on emotion and diminish clear thinking. While you raise your followers to heights of rapture, your enemies are misdirected by their passionate, but unfocused opposition - it's political jiu jitsu.
This is what makes Trump so dangerous to our democracy. He doesn't need a majority to rule, he just needs a minority that's more committed than the majority. Remember: Hitler didn't have a majority in the beginning either.
360
and no wonder Trump's appeal to poorly educated white born agains. they want it straight, no chaser: it's all already spelled out in the Bible and no thinking is required. it's serious daddy issues, bigly. turn over all your worries and woes to the Magnificent One, pray the right prayers, sing the right hymns, and voila! the pearly gates open for you and yours... and slam tight shut against the evil ones nipping at your heels and they shall surely fall into the maw of hell. halleluja!
5
Sometimes even dictators need their Mommies and their thumbs for comfort!
1
Very well said. This minority of 35% or so will all vote. To defeat them, their opposition must be at least as organized, and passionate. And keep in mind that barely 50% of eligible voters bother to vote.
This is a dangerous moment in our democracy. A well-organized minority can swing elections. Have we already forgotten the lesson of the Tea Party in 2010?
This is a dangerous moment in our democracy. A well-organized minority can swing elections. Have we already forgotten the lesson of the Tea Party in 2010?
1
I am continually repulsed that people who profess to be religious support a serial adulterer and a compulsive liar. Conservative values, I guess.
22
If Tony Perkins was interested in "family research," he'd find a gold mine in the total dysfunctionality that is The Orange Creature.
Conversely, if The Orange Creature wished to consort with Christians, he'd best look past Tony Perkins and his ilk.
Both frauds deserve each other. And that base is mighty slim.
Conversely, if The Orange Creature wished to consort with Christians, he'd best look past Tony Perkins and his ilk.
Both frauds deserve each other. And that base is mighty slim.
9
Let's see... If Trump is supported by 89% of the conservatives who make up 36% of the electorate, that give him about 32% support, close to his overall approval rating. With the rest of the electorate up in arms over his bungling of foreign policy, immigration, health care, civil rights, and a host of other issues, does he really expect miracles in 2018?
Hillary lost the election for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is Democratic voter apathy. Let's hope these non-voters find enough reasons to energize themselves for the mid-terms, thereby de-fanging this human example of Brownian motion.
Hillary lost the election for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is Democratic voter apathy. Let's hope these non-voters find enough reasons to energize themselves for the mid-terms, thereby de-fanging this human example of Brownian motion.
17
People who are too lazy to vote in the first place should not be rewarded once, if ever, they finally do, It's an insult to all those who have be carrying them all this time. If anyone should be deported . . .
1
Trump is creating a plantation mentality among his white base.
Don't like something? Go up to the Big House and it will be taken care of:
Too hard to gt into college? Have the government sue the college.
Too hard to gt a job? Have the government reduce competition by cutting immigration in half.
Don't want to pay for HC insurance to kick drug dependency? Have government pony up $45 billion to fix you up.
Lost the popular vote? Have government create a voter suppression commission.
Don't like something? Go up to the Big House and it will be taken care of:
Too hard to gt into college? Have the government sue the college.
Too hard to gt a job? Have the government reduce competition by cutting immigration in half.
Don't want to pay for HC insurance to kick drug dependency? Have government pony up $45 billion to fix you up.
Lost the popular vote? Have government create a voter suppression commission.
8
Are we paying as taxpayers for the Friday Newsletter Trump's pushing out? Let's see his taxes!!!
2
I would prefer that he have a Brain Scan followed by a Psychiatric Workup
1
I find this a curious group of Trump supporters. Evangelicals? I notice they dropped the 'Christian' part. Their platform reveals anything but Christian values. They don't love their neighbors unless they belong to their same race and religious group. Making phone calls to cover for the blatant misogynist foul-mouthed bragging by Trump? What would Jesus do?
They're also anything but conservative. Against government involvement in the lives of people? Not allowing transgender people into the armed forces is not conservative. Letting government make decisions on abortion is not conservative. They're only against government involvement when it means paying taxes for social safety nets. Then the cry of big government comes out through a bullhorn.
They're also anything but conservative. Against government involvement in the lives of people? Not allowing transgender people into the armed forces is not conservative. Letting government make decisions on abortion is not conservative. They're only against government involvement when it means paying taxes for social safety nets. Then the cry of big government comes out through a bullhorn.
7
They're sorta like my Rep. neighbors who put down gov't. intervention and hate anyone telling them there are rules in our POA; until they don't like something another neighbor wants to do. THEN they flaunt that there are rules, they prepare petitions to have the rules obeyed. HYPOCRITES
5
Conservatives, remember this story the next time you chastise "the left" for an intolerant attitude and refusal to be sucked in by entreaties of "working together" for "bipartisanship." That's been a sucker's bet for a long time and the take-no-prisoners approach of the most extreme elements of our society--who now have power over all three branches of government--ensures that naivete will continue to be a punishable offense.
5
Incisive article by Jeremy Peters. Yes, it's what these people are. Trump has insulted conservative thought leaders such as Erick Erickson. Conversely, Reagan inspired, although sometimes frustrated, conservative theoreticians, but there is no conservative theoretical basis for Trump's confused presidency. Instead, so-called conservatives are hopping on the Trump gravy train without any thought. It's all irrational Trump self-aggrandizement driven by Trump's churlish tweets.
To Perkins I'll just warn him that the Right Wing Christian movement is under control of the Antichrist. It's their choice. They accept Trump's surly tone in the name of Jesus Christ. We know that Perkins and his people accept the statements of the removed Anthony Scaramucci. It was a test to see if they would endorse that behavior, and they passed.
We are being led into a fascist dictatorship because of the ineptitude of these conservatives who can't think. We can't overturn our Constitution, but we can vote ourselves out of existence. China can become the number one world power because of the actions of Trump supporters who believe Trump's prevaricated view of the world.
I don't see any solution. Democracies can fail. This one can fail.
To Perkins I'll just warn him that the Right Wing Christian movement is under control of the Antichrist. It's their choice. They accept Trump's surly tone in the name of Jesus Christ. We know that Perkins and his people accept the statements of the removed Anthony Scaramucci. It was a test to see if they would endorse that behavior, and they passed.
We are being led into a fascist dictatorship because of the ineptitude of these conservatives who can't think. We can't overturn our Constitution, but we can vote ourselves out of existence. China can become the number one world power because of the actions of Trump supporters who believe Trump's prevaricated view of the world.
I don't see any solution. Democracies can fail. This one can fail.
9
I will never forget trump's trip to get approval from the figure I am pleased to call his assistant.
1
So America's Christian Shariah Law warriors - the soft American version of Saudi Arabia's Wahhabists, jihadis and radical religious fundamentalists - have found a wonderful false prophet to worship.
Together, Prophet Trump and his spiteful ChrISIS soldiers tear down America's separation of church and state, empower unfettered Greed Over People, try to rip healthcare and the minimum wage away from the least among us, and generally spread the heavenly glory of Trump's anti-Christlike presence.
A grifter, a groper, a serial liar and snake oil maker, America's medieval, religious, radical right blindly worships America's most famous lowlife.
The need for universal mental healthcare for all Americans has never been greater.
Together, Prophet Trump and his spiteful ChrISIS soldiers tear down America's separation of church and state, empower unfettered Greed Over People, try to rip healthcare and the minimum wage away from the least among us, and generally spread the heavenly glory of Trump's anti-Christlike presence.
A grifter, a groper, a serial liar and snake oil maker, America's medieval, religious, radical right blindly worships America's most famous lowlife.
The need for universal mental healthcare for all Americans has never been greater.
153
The conservatives have sold us all out for a few policy statements that often seem anchored in the past and at odds with the direction the country (and world) is headed.
2
My bet is that over the longer haul even conservatives will end up being betrayed by Trump. They are merely pawns in his self-aggrandizement chess game.
4
In America today, the "right" has become synonymous with "ignorance and racism", with a strong emphasis on "ignorance".
The right, with its simplistic answers and appeal to raw racist and nationalistic emotions, rises with the tide of contempt for education, reason, and science that is at the root of the economic malaise of much of white working class Americans. The right has often been the vehicle for pathological narcissists to reach the pinnacle of power - from Hitler and Mussolini to bin Laden and Al Baghdadi.
In the light of modern history, Trump's blend of narcissism and utter ignorance coupled with a spineless Congress should not be written off as an eight-year nuisance; the danger of such nuisance turning into an unimaginable nightmare is very real.
The right, with its simplistic answers and appeal to raw racist and nationalistic emotions, rises with the tide of contempt for education, reason, and science that is at the root of the economic malaise of much of white working class Americans. The right has often been the vehicle for pathological narcissists to reach the pinnacle of power - from Hitler and Mussolini to bin Laden and Al Baghdadi.
In the light of modern history, Trump's blend of narcissism and utter ignorance coupled with a spineless Congress should not be written off as an eight-year nuisance; the danger of such nuisance turning into an unimaginable nightmare is very real.
10
Nothing makes me feel more secure in our governance than the president having private advisory dinners at the White House with Sean Hannity. And by "nothing" I mean "Almost anything".
128
@Dan: I think you overstate the point. By which I mean you couldn't make it strongly enough.
1
Thanks for the excellent article highlighting a list of people and organizations who would deal with the devil to forward their agenda: Anger at Obama and guns, God, and tax cuts, and maybe in that order. It is especially shameful any religious or family oriented organization supports Trump, the self-expressed sexual predator.
7
The little man is a perfect conduit for the National Religion of Hate.
6
The appeal of this kind of red-state 'conservatism' is a riddle:
They somehow reconcile Greed, God & Guns into one compelling ideology.
Now that they've taken complete control of the USA, & before everyone else is 'home-schooled' by Norquist's grand plan to end public policy, it seems there should be a bit more analysis of what exactly motivates them & why.
These are the people who equate rabid anti-environmentalism with 'God's plan', we need to know more about what their biblical-industrial utopia is supposed to be about, while there's still air to breath.
They somehow reconcile Greed, God & Guns into one compelling ideology.
Now that they've taken complete control of the USA, & before everyone else is 'home-schooled' by Norquist's grand plan to end public policy, it seems there should be a bit more analysis of what exactly motivates them & why.
These are the people who equate rabid anti-environmentalism with 'God's plan', we need to know more about what their biblical-industrial utopia is supposed to be about, while there's still air to breath.
6
The only silver lining to this strategy is that it has to be a loser in coming elections. I would like to think that even the Democrats will have difficulty losing a national election in 2020 to Trump, and only gerrymandering will stop his party from a severe beating in 2018. A sober and motivated 60%+ of the populace needs to get realistic about their voting habits and what is at stake.
6
'conservative movement' - what the heck is that?
what are conservatives trying to conserve?
certainly not our air, water and food supplies, so what else needs conserving ?
what are conservatives trying to conserve?
certainly not our air, water and food supplies, so what else needs conserving ?
8
If The Donald's approval ratings get any lower he's going to have to send out a tweet specifying a need for right-wing morons to call their congressional representatives and babble their support for his policy-proposals.
13
In other words, Trump is allied with the worst part of the GOP. I would really like to see him take that part of the party down with him.
50
Mr. Trump is a very sick man and the religious "wrong" use his insecurities to their advantage.
33
It is time for Dems to show the country what a world of extremist, right-wing zealots looks like, especially when the lot is lead by a mentally insane, ignorant clown.
What you see now is the world that shameless right-wing GOPers ALWAYS imagined, and wanted, the world should be. Dems always kept at bay these followers of Adolph and Benito. Paraphrasing that well known poem, today the culprits are defenseless immigrants and the poor. Tomorrow it will be the Jews, then it will be you and me and there will be nobody left to protect or speak on our behalf.
What you see now is the world that shameless right-wing GOPers ALWAYS imagined, and wanted, the world should be. Dems always kept at bay these followers of Adolph and Benito. Paraphrasing that well known poem, today the culprits are defenseless immigrants and the poor. Tomorrow it will be the Jews, then it will be you and me and there will be nobody left to protect or speak on our behalf.
19
And yet Democrats are launching their own "me-too" bid to gut NAFTA in an attempt to appeal to the same voter.
Conservatives on the far right have always been enamored with petty tyrants, and evangelical support for a cad and thief proves religious cheats are the worst.
20
It seems more like a homegrown "axis of evil" composed of white nationalists, nativists, and homophobes all being manipulated to support his dream of a Putin-style kleptocracy (through "massive" tax cuts) of oligarchs. With "allies" like these who needs enemies, but, of course, there's the "fake news" "dishonest" media with their obsession about the "witch hunt," "hoax" of collusion with Russia being investigated by "compromised" Robert Mueller. This is the most serious threat to our Constitutional democracy I've seen since the Joseph McCarthy era. But then we had a sane leader in President Dwight Eisenhower who had just led the West to victory over these very same forces--the original Axis powers.
39
"It’s not just about policy but respect. And they just haven’t felt respected.”
They seem to have some strange ideas about respect. I've never heard any of these clowns explain how denying others their rights does anything to enhance their own.
They seem to have some strange ideas about respect. I've never heard any of these clowns explain how denying others their rights does anything to enhance their own.
34
Exactly. Respect is earned.. they certainly didn't earn mine. Now my dis-respect is deeper than ever.
4
When all else fails 'God, guns and gays' can rescue you. Keep driving that wedge and anti-up the hate and fear. Trump used these tactics and propaganda ploys to win so why not keep using them?
Trump still does not understand the power of the Constitution. And Pence wants to ignore it. They do so with great potential harm to our country. The separation of church and state must be respected and upheld. The Congress is starting to get the idea that they do not have to follow Trump. The resistance must stay strong for our democracy.
Trump still does not understand the power of the Constitution. And Pence wants to ignore it. They do so with great potential harm to our country. The separation of church and state must be respected and upheld. The Congress is starting to get the idea that they do not have to follow Trump. The resistance must stay strong for our democracy.
18
"Trump still does not understand the power of the Constitution...The separation of church and state must be respected and upheld." Hilarious! Libs don't even realize that separation of church and state is nowhere in the Constitution. Sad.
And it is working. Take yesterday's new immigration policy. I have never read so many people, especially white liberals say, "I don't like Trump, but I agree with him on this". His playing on social issues works because they appeal to the fears most white people have. Not just right wing whites, but very liberal whites.
I once thought Team Trump was clueless. I am now very impressed at their ability to flip white liberals to their side by playing up social issues. In almost every case, President Trump is completely indifferent to the issue or cause, but he knows how it will play in white America. As long as whites keep saying "I don't like Trump but I agree with him on this", he wins.
I once thought Team Trump was clueless. I am now very impressed at their ability to flip white liberals to their side by playing up social issues. In almost every case, President Trump is completely indifferent to the issue or cause, but he knows how it will play in white America. As long as whites keep saying "I don't like Trump but I agree with him on this", he wins.
4
White "liberals" who support proposals of this kind aren't liberals; they're phonies.
9
Don't you think that this is inevitable? No matter how irrational a person might be, he or she will occasionally get something right. Even a stopped clock is correct twice a day.
I am sorry, I am nonwhite, I am a liberal, my source of information is the NY Times and not Fox TV, and I disagree with you. Everytime there has been an article on illegal immigration in the NY Times (which, incidentally, rarely uses the term ``illegal'') overwhelmingly large number of liberal individuals have posted their disapproval of illegal immigration. Myself included. It is time the Democratic party recognized this. This is not based on xenophobia, racism etc. That's simplistic interpretation. Rather, it is based on simple questions: ``who should have control over migration? The existing citizens or anyone who is in distress in a foreign country due to violence or overcrowding (I am not talking refugees here)? Should our national interest determine whom we let in or not? '' To classify those who are asking these questions as racist
is going to be a very bad mistake, since Trump and the Republicans will most certainly use immigration as a wedge issue.
is going to be a very bad mistake, since Trump and the Republicans will most certainly use immigration as a wedge issue.
3
An alliance between religious conservatives, alienated low information voters, racists, nationalists and corporate power. That's a lot of America and in plain and simple terms fascism.
122
I'm afraid the corporate power drinks both Coke and Pepsi these days.
3
Fortunately, the religious conservatives, alienated low-information voters, racists, and nationalists are not separate groups; those are simply different descriptions of the same group of people.
1
Unreal. These so call "Christians" are not Christians at all. Trump has conned them.
53
There is nothing new in Republicans thinking that only the base counts; that was the Karl Rove, Tom Delay theory. And since he won the election, Trump is even more convinced that he only needs the people who love him, so he goes frequently to speak to them, to get a love-fix. But it is the media which also buys into this -- that the 64 percent of Americans who dislike Trump (see Gallup's 36 percent approval rate) -- don't matter, and the proof is that reporters and editors are constantly chasing Trumpites across the Rustbelt landscape to ask them if they STILL support him. But reporters never interview the 64 percent, and certainly not Clinton supporters. Why? Three reasons. One, they lost, and who cares about the losers? Two, we know what they think because they are "us." Three, the Trumpites are more exotic and outlandish in what they say, and thus better copy; they're like the people in the kooky hats at the GOP conventions: more fun than indignant liberals or independents. So this creates a real distortion of the true sense of unease in the country. Make no mistake: Grover Norquist, Jim Demint, and Tony Perkins to the contrary, Trump's crushing negative polls are grave danger to him and the GOP.
19
While reporters venture into the Rust Belt and Appalachia interviewing backwards MAGA hat types, they ignore the other people who put Trump into office: wealthy people who don't care how many terrible things get done to the rest of us so long as they get their tax cut.
5
Very true.
How wonderful it is that Steven Miller has taken up the old Soviet Communist rant against "bourgeois cosmopolitanism." In a White House that has no sense of history probably nobody noticed. They're like the Bourbons of whom Talleyrand said "had learned nothing and forgotten nothing."
22
All of these different republican groups are putting their faith (literally) in a proven liar and snake oil salesman. The Family Research Council and religious groups supporting a man who has 5 children to 3 different women and has bragged on tape about sexual molesting women. Think there are any abortions in Trump's past? They were fine with Trump trying to take insurance away from millions to give tax cuts to the rich? Nice Christian values you have there. Pure hypocrisy.
When they are inevitably find out they were being used (as is always the case for people who trust Trump) will they have the courage and conviction to admit they were wrong and come out against him?
When they are inevitably find out they were being used (as is always the case for people who trust Trump) will they have the courage and conviction to admit they were wrong and come out against him?
26
No, the conned will never blame themselves or take responsibility for the travesty of Trumpf. After all, that's what scapegoats are for.
3
They know, they just don't care. As long as they get their 5-4 SCOTUS with the hopes of destroying Roe and gay marriage, and they get to continue their tax-exempt status while the tithes roll in, these charlatans would get in bed with the devil himself. They kinda already have.
2
These folks are the worst America has to offer. Think about people who inspire, invent, and dream big. Now think of the opposite and there you have it.
94
And this is why he's so irredeemable to many Americans. He lies constantly, has no idea how government works, etc., but at the end of the day, he's totally married to the far-right 25%. Witness yesterday's presser with Jason Mitchell, who truly appears to be a reincarnation of Goebbels. The American majority cannot afford to take Trump lightly, ever.
24
Lightly, never. His preposterous antics are part of the strategy: they keep us distracted and disoriented as Trump and his minions slide the nation toward an autocracy and domination by the Right White. Let's make some phone calls to our legislators and send money to the ACLU, CREW, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
2
Can't wait till these holy hypocrites die and discover that there is -- hold on, wait for it -- nothing. But, if there is something after death, I'm pretty sure that it won't be St. Peter greeting them, and the landscape is going to look an awful lot like a Bosch painting.
9
I presume the principles and pride these gullible extremists had to swallow to work with a president who clearly only cares for them as long as he has their votes does not contain gluten.
2
DUMP TRUMP! Do it now! Before it's too late! Supervise your elected representatives, and vote, vote, vote! Get these "conservatives" out of our government. The American population is progressive, and Democrats need to spread the progressive message, and stop getting rich taking corporate money.
7
“So many of them look at this administration as a rescue mission years in the making,” she said. "It’s not just about policy but respect. And they just haven’t felt respected.”
This is precisely what's happening. We're all going to keep getting the Greatest Hits of the far right's revenge tour...
This is precisely what's happening. We're all going to keep getting the Greatest Hits of the far right's revenge tour...
20
@JKvam: And apparently they didn't get the memo: You have to give respect to get respect. You go around disdaining every other person in the world except those in your immediate circle, and you're not going to garner any respect from anyone else outside of that circle.
The day they start respecting other people's rights as much as their own is the day we might be able to have a real conversation with these folks. But I'm not holding my breath.
The day they start respecting other people's rights as much as their own is the day we might be able to have a real conversation with these folks. But I'm not holding my breath.
3
Of course Trump remains a racist, sexist, bigot. That is who he is and he serves those repugnant interest groups rather well.
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The old say "thick as thieves" comes to mind.
These grifters all want to get their hands in the government cookie jar and they realize the fox is in charge of the hen house.
These grifters all want to get their hands in the government cookie jar and they realize the fox is in charge of the hen house.
15
“The Trumpet”, better known as the List of Lies...
And the Grifter keeps on giving lie after lie and these right wing crazies keep on demanding more.
And all they wanted was respect, apparently...
And the Grifter keeps on giving lie after lie and these right wing crazies keep on demanding more.
And all they wanted was respect, apparently...
5
This group, to whom he feels he must play too is far too rigid, extreme, and difficult to work with. This will be a losing game for him, but one he will go down with the ship trying to appease and please.
10
Now that George Orwell's "1984" has experienced a recent interest and sales spike, I recommend Sinclair Lewis's "Elmer Gantry" as the next item of required reading for the Trumpian era.
13
Coincidentally, I watched "Elmer Gantry" the other night, and found Lancaster's part an apt rendition of Trump, right down to the hair and the smirk.
6
Apparently, General Kelly is on board with the strategy of feeding the alt-right followers, given that he allowed Stephen Miller's ridiculous clown act yesterday. If one looks at the pattern of winners in presidential elections since Richard Nixon did his best to bring down the Republic, it is clear that the American people crave authenticity above all else in their candidates. This is true even if the authentic self of the candidate is based on a myth -- like George W.'s Texas Cowboy image, complete with twang (why do none of his siblings have this)? Trump is toast. The mythical deal maker is making a mess of everything he touches. Sending Miller out to shout at a pitch that only a dog can hear just shows how truly over this is. It won't be long before well over fifty percent of American will shout back, "shut up!"
23
Tony Perkins and his flock. Unfortunately, one prominent type of Amerikan.
The U.S. is only partly a secular nation alas. As in Superstar TOO MUCH HEAVEN ON THEIR MINDS. If they looked around them they would see the
Trump's concentration camp. We need Huey Long but have Father Coglin.
The U.S. is only partly a secular nation alas. As in Superstar TOO MUCH HEAVEN ON THEIR MINDS. If they looked around them they would see the
Trump's concentration camp. We need Huey Long but have Father Coglin.
3
When guys like Perkins and his congregants "pray", watch out for your rights. Their god will make them go away.
7
Cultural conservatives - the least expensive constituency to please.
7
What are you talking about? Poor red staters have the most numbers on welfare rolls; their dismantling of basic education costs the country in global competitiveness; their repression of women especially reproductive, ends up with a lot of kids born into poverty, who can't get an education and no jobs. Cycle begins again. Why do you think the south and midwest are the poorest states in the nation. They're the costliest group in the country by far.
6
walkman, I dunno. The Kochs and Armey PACs and Fundys are spending a boatload to please this base. It's just that the money is hidden, under the table, behind closed doors; and the contracts, tax returns, profits are invisible to the rest of us. It took lots of $$$ to get that justice; it takes lots of $$$ to keep the McConnells and the Ryans and the rest of them in office. We might say all that is pretty expensive to our country.
2
Trump strengthens his right-wing base in hopes of maintaining his electoral strength, The consequences, however, are not what he wishes for. As the gets more conservative legislators, he increases his inability to get through his incoherent program. This may be the basis of his increasing frustration, he holds a power that is useless and unusable.
6
As with every other conststuency, this Trump alliance is purely transactional. Ayatollahs of the Christian right bring their toxic brew of misogny, fundamentalism, science denial, and intolerance to the altar of governance by delusional outburst. How long is it sustainable? As long as the nest of vipers in the White House manages to keep fooling the religious culture warriors with predictable torrents of nonsense which some of them actually believe. Because Trump is so skilled at selling his own brand of snake oil, by the time the ayatollahs catch on to the scam, it will be too late to save what shred of dignity they have left.
27
He keeps them right next to his Russian paymasters and KGB handlers.
10
These people live in a world that disappeared long ago. How are we going to go forward and thrive in the future when such a small minority reactionary group continues to have such outsize influence?
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I'm not sure their world ever did exist.
1
Nathaniel, their world sort of did exist, until Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox.
4
There is no question the country is split in half. A sad story. Even if Trump provided one rational sound policy, it's destroyed by virtue of his untoward and vulgar essence. We are a laughing stock. The Republicans need to show some guts and push back. They have started by limiting his power to reverse the Russian sanctions. They whisper no doubt. The open mic caught two of them. Now its time to show some courage and check him out loud.
40
Is it that he keeps them close or they are the only ones who will continue to tolerate him because they know this is their one, hail Mary chance to get their hatred into policy?
133
Kelly, agree. Trump is a figurehead, a tool of the crass, power-loving GOP. Elected officials, Kochs, Armey/PACs, ALEC are shoving their agendas to and through Federal government and local governments. They seemingly don't give a hoot about the devolution of our existing government and the laws that keep our country and planet livable. All about the money, all about the Fundy comfort. They got their SCOTUS justice, they're hoping for repeal of Roe, they want those Ten Commandments on their court houses. And all this will probably happen in the next three years. Sad.
3
So if I understand this article correctly Tony Perkins is now in the position of making policy decisions that affect our military and possibly other public institutions. It appears that Trump is such a hollow vessel that any idea from the Far Right becomes his idea and that’s the problem with the GOP in a nutshell. The Republican Party which formerly was a party of fiscal conservatism has now become primarily morally conservative which in their eyes brings religion into the picture. Somehow one of the primary factors in the formation of this country – religious freedom, has morphed into the religious Right’s interpretation of religious freedom. Family matters, become solely the Right’s idea of what family virtues should be. Freedom of religion has now become a ticket for persecution of others that don’t believe in the same religion or have no firm religious beliefs at all.
Our Constitution is supposed to protect all our citizen from religious persecution even if that comes from the political party in power.
Our Constitution is supposed to protect all our citizen from religious persecution even if that comes from the political party in power.
236
Cults, every one of them.
106
Here are a few questions for NY Times readers:
1. How does relaxing gun laws make us safer? Why do conservatives think this is a good thing?
2. Trump told LGBT community he supported them during the campaign. Now he wants to remove them from the military. How does this help national security?
3. Telling police it is ok to be rough with suspects only adds to lack of trust between police and the community. How does this help or support police?
4. Tax reform should benefit low income and middle class. More money in more people's hands drives demand which will improve the economy. Why do conservatives propose changes that provide most of the benefit wealthy individuals? Isn't it patriotic to support your country?
1. How does relaxing gun laws make us safer? Why do conservatives think this is a good thing?
2. Trump told LGBT community he supported them during the campaign. Now he wants to remove them from the military. How does this help national security?
3. Telling police it is ok to be rough with suspects only adds to lack of trust between police and the community. How does this help or support police?
4. Tax reform should benefit low income and middle class. More money in more people's hands drives demand which will improve the economy. Why do conservatives propose changes that provide most of the benefit wealthy individuals? Isn't it patriotic to support your country?
74
Actually, these are questions for people who don't read the NYT.
1
The "Evangelicals" have made a deal with the Devil. They are hypocrites.
124
Howard39 these evangels and Fundys may be hypocrites but they are successful at pushing their agendas. Get Falwell, Robertson, Graham, Perkins on board; get the Kochs et al; get ALEC and you can be a two-faced as you like. Meanwhile, the country's safeguards and safety nets and reputation are shot to Hell.
3
He cannot continue to govern if his only followers are the far right. Their voices will be silenced by the backlash their misguided hate and ignorance.
23
"Govern" is not in the GOP plan. Tear down government, remember? These GOP true believers hate government, but, they certainly want to enact laws for their personal and private gain. Hard to see any backlash that can defeat this when "corporations are people" and gerrymandering skews votes and lust for money and power infects GOP elected and appointed officials.
7
It's very concerning when right wing "values" advocates have more influence on, and advance notice of, military personnel strategy than the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs.
137
"Conservative Movement Allies." You're too kind. Read, bigots, religious zealots, grifters, and racists.
What a base!
What a base!
346
Yes, Onward christian soldiers. The "christian crusades", started by the catholic church were the bloodiest wars in the HIStory of the world. Organized religion is just another word for war and destruction.
Thankfully I can commune with my own higher power - and SHE says WE must put an end to the "good old boys" planet-lives destroying games.
Thankfully I can commune with my own higher power - and SHE says WE must put an end to the "good old boys" planet-lives destroying games.
5
The snake charmer is up to his waist in the snake den.
soon he will be their toy, and later the cause of all that ails them.
soon he will be their toy, and later the cause of all that ails them.
Strange bedfellows
12
Nah..both Trump and leaders of the evangelical right are opportunists and hypocrites. Peas in a pod.
15
My God, what an evil clown show this article describes.
I personally believe that there will be a special, especially hot, little corner of hell for every so-called evangelical Christian who is a Trump supporter. Based on everything I've read, heard, and otherwise learned about Jesus, he would not be pleased.
I personally believe that there will be a special, especially hot, little corner of hell for every so-called evangelical Christian who is a Trump supporter. Based on everything I've read, heard, and otherwise learned about Jesus, he would not be pleased.
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