Still waiting waiting for Gen Kelly to throw in the towels and kick Congress into the 25th Amendment.
Who elected Bannon to be so influential in deciding this country's policies?
It's time to get rid of this pompous, self important, pseudo-intellectual nobody before he does more harm to this country.
It's time to get rid of this pompous, self important, pseudo-intellectual nobody before he does more harm to this country.
5
Mock all you want Mr Bannon but it will one day be you who will be mocked and it can not happen soon enough.
1
Don't you love it when people call journalists, pour their hearts out, and then later claim they thought it was "off the record"?!
Like there is some other reason for Scaramucci to call The New Yorker or Bannon to call a "liberal journalist."
Leakiest WH ever and they're all running around pointing the finger at each other as to who is the leakiest.
SOOO much messaging to the alt-right, white nationalists this week! The president has tipped his hat to them enough, did Bannon also need to give them as big shout out and mock the liberal media by using it as the messenger?
John Kelly already publicly abdicated any responsibility for Trump's behavior -- if he can't at least get Bannon out of there = failed mission.
Like there is some other reason for Scaramucci to call The New Yorker or Bannon to call a "liberal journalist."
Leakiest WH ever and they're all running around pointing the finger at each other as to who is the leakiest.
SOOO much messaging to the alt-right, white nationalists this week! The president has tipped his hat to them enough, did Bannon also need to give them as big shout out and mock the liberal media by using it as the messenger?
John Kelly already publicly abdicated any responsibility for Trump's behavior -- if he can't at least get Bannon out of there = failed mission.
3
"Resident" Trump and Bannon share minds. Bannon's hatreds, ideologies and policies are flowing into that empty chamber known as Trump's "brain" are a perfect storm that riles his base and offends the other 70% of Americans. Trump's an idiot but he has good survival instincts. Trump's well aware that Bannon would crucify him in Breitbart if he were to fire him. Wouldn't that be delicious - Bannon revealing all the nasty stuff that's happened since he joined the Trump crusade?
2
It doesn't make sense that an experienced editor would make such candid remarks to a reporter and accidentally fail to specify that the discussion was off-the-record. Could he be trying to get fired? Could Stephen Miller and Laura Kahn (who appear to have leaked that they are critical of Mr. Bannon) be trying to help him in this? Is it not plausible that Mr. Bannon would like to be able to claim that he is a martyr who was forced out by the establishmentarians? He would be free to go after them with greater vigor and vitriol than he could possibly employ when leaking to the press from within the government. The "martyrdom" would not follow so easily from his voluntary resignation.
2
Repulsive. In every way.
1
Clearly Bannon was sent out to distract from the Tuesday train wreck presser by taking over the news cycle. Otherwise, why say right off he thought the interview was off the record. A typical, if transparent, way of throwing the gullible media off topic. And, it's working as Bannon is getting major attention. At the same time he has shown that he is the full equal of DT in the mental instability department.
3
This sounds like the act of a man who knows his days are numbered. No one mainstream will want to read about Steve Bannon's sour grapes after he goes...
2
Rule #1 of interviews, conversations, dates: All iphones are set on record. A given. Just ask those former executives and talents at Fox. Gotcha, make the check out to cash, please!
Mr. Bannon was not care-less; rather, he's " . .. a savvy media operator who rarely speaks without a clear understanding of the rules." He's on the way out, so what-the-bleep, let's stir the pot, promote the book and, yeah, yeah, spend more time with the family - and an exercise physiologist, too, big guy!
Mr. Bannon was not care-less; rather, he's " . .. a savvy media operator who rarely speaks without a clear understanding of the rules." He's on the way out, so what-the-bleep, let's stir the pot, promote the book and, yeah, yeah, spend more time with the family - and an exercise physiologist, too, big guy!
4
Bannon is right about North Korea. We are stuck in a mutual assured destruction relationship. Hope it works.
2
What poppycock, Bannon believed this was off the record. He is not that stupid or dumb. This is all part of his plan to keep thoroughbred meat to the media and continually deflecting stories as part of a mad merry go round of a media induced frenzy.
1
Military option out of the question? Neo-nazis a bunch of clowns? Apparently Bannon isn't the puppet master we thought he'd be. Which confirms the worst fears: that Trump rarely listens and takes advice from anyone and instead believes he knows more than everyone. Recall: "I know more about ISIS than all the generals, believe me." It is truly a scary day when the likes of Steve Bannon seems measured and thoughtful when compared to Trump.
6
Steve Bannon does "not believe that his conversation [initiated by Bannon with Robert Kuttner] was an on-the-record interview?" Really? Which bridge is Bannon trying to sell?
2
How do you issue an executive order eliminating environmental safeguards designed protect infrastructure from flooding and storms associated with climate change, a move that will probably cost taxpayers billions of dollars in repair work down the road -- and as a bonus makes it easier for oil companies to build dangerous pipelines -- and have no major movement opposing it or even a national discussion about it?
During the news conference held to announce that move, you start screaming about how white supremacists are being victimized, the "alt left" is evil and stupid statues of Confederates are "beautiful" reminders of our wonderful heritage. For good measure, compare Thomas Jefferson and George Washington with Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
It seems to be working great. The weekend is almost here and still nobody is talking about the executive order trashing the environment.
Mission Accomplished?
During the news conference held to announce that move, you start screaming about how white supremacists are being victimized, the "alt left" is evil and stupid statues of Confederates are "beautiful" reminders of our wonderful heritage. For good measure, compare Thomas Jefferson and George Washington with Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
It seems to be working great. The weekend is almost here and still nobody is talking about the executive order trashing the environment.
Mission Accomplished?
5
Bannon is perfectly right on Korea. You can't have millions of South Korean civilians die because the US feels threatened by North Korean nuclear weapons.
There most be another solution.And Bannon''s solution makes a lot more sense than millions of deaths.
I was shocked when the NYT, commenting the military options mentioned that one operational issue that must be solved before starting a war there is the necessity of pulling out of Korea a few hundreds thousand American citizens who live there now.
So the military options requires that you pull out the US civilians and then let millions of South Korean civilians die. How do you explain that to the world?
There is no military solution to the North Korean issue.
And it is pointless to argue, as the NYT does, that Bannon's opinion is not consistent with the rest of the administration. He is right. Period.,
There most be another solution.And Bannon''s solution makes a lot more sense than millions of deaths.
I was shocked when the NYT, commenting the military options mentioned that one operational issue that must be solved before starting a war there is the necessity of pulling out of Korea a few hundreds thousand American citizens who live there now.
So the military options requires that you pull out the US civilians and then let millions of South Korean civilians die. How do you explain that to the world?
There is no military solution to the North Korean issue.
And it is pointless to argue, as the NYT does, that Bannon's opinion is not consistent with the rest of the administration. He is right. Period.,
3
You can read this man like a book. Every move he makes and every utterance out of his mouth is orchestrated to create as much havoc to this nation as possible. He's doing a great job. He needs to be ignored.
2
Spoiler Alert: Aren't Bannon and Trump joined at the hip? Did Gina Damico base the fictional character Chaaz Young on the Bannon and Trump Reality Show stars about how to fake out the media addicted America? An amazingly funny YA fictional reality novel about the real reality created by our favorite fakers: Bannon and Trump. Don't we just love to hate them! (And for good reason!)
1
TRUMP & BANNON #1 and #2 Enemies of the State! They're the FBI's most wanted.
2
Now THIS is the guy stuck in his Mothers basement. Seriously.
2
Steve Bannon, Grand Wizard of the Republican Mocking Hawks
(GW of the RMH)
(GW of the RMH)
This interview was performativity. It was the act of giving an interview meant to substitute for the lack of any substance behind it. Bannon needed to get these views into circulation for some reason, but he actually doesn't subscribe to any of them. The more important question is, "Why?"
1
Bannon should at least lose his security clearance for telling the world that the USA cannot prevent NK from destroying Seoul
Bannon shares the same underlying belief as Trump: pandering to the right, especially the alt-right, is lucrative and it's easy. Trump has said as much.
Manipulating their base of useful idiots quickly propelled each to a level of power and influence they never could have reached otherwise.
Now, it looks like Bannon's had enough of it, at least on this level. He revealing comments reflect the exit strategy of a man who has grown tired of feeding the monster he helped create. He let a little truth slip in, and that won't play well with the boss or the base. I look for him to go soon.
If only Trump were to follow!
Manipulating their base of useful idiots quickly propelled each to a level of power and influence they never could have reached otherwise.
Now, it looks like Bannon's had enough of it, at least on this level. He revealing comments reflect the exit strategy of a man who has grown tired of feeding the monster he helped create. He let a little truth slip in, and that won't play well with the boss or the base. I look for him to go soon.
If only Trump were to follow!
We support the South Koreans because they have a government that is friendly to the Korean people. The North is supported by the Chinese, who wish to subjugate the Korean people, just as they have the Tibetans and 300 million non-Han Chinese living in China. At some point the N.Koreans will wake up and realize the people in the South have their interest, their well being at heart, and not the Chinese.
1
Marjorie, I take you have never lived in the South where the Civil War is called the War Of Northern Aggression. In the South these men are thought of as heroes and that is what is taught. They were the nobel white knights who tried to save the South from the godless Northerners whose only wish was to distroy the Southern way of life. I have heard that Lee was against statues because he felt that having them would make it harder to heal the divisions.My mothers' family comes from Hawaii. Her family immigrated 1800s, so I am also aware of the bigotry there.
Am against violence on either side because above all it is counter productive. As they say sunshine is the best disinfectant. Let them all crawl out from under their rocks so they can be exposed. If this is not done they will fester .
Am against violence on either side because above all it is counter productive. As they say sunshine is the best disinfectant. Let them all crawl out from under their rocks so they can be exposed. If this is not done they will fester .
1
To begin with. There's no way to talk about Steve Bannon without mentioning Sebastian Gorka and Stephen Miller.
The three of them form the poisonous trifecta that is going to take this country down.
And those who think Bannon's expulsion from the White House is going to miraculously right the current trajectory this country is on, are making the grave mistake of underestimating just how venal Mr. Bannon is.
This is not one to go silently back into the night.
The three of them form the poisonous trifecta that is going to take this country down.
And those who think Bannon's expulsion from the White House is going to miraculously right the current trajectory this country is on, are making the grave mistake of underestimating just how venal Mr. Bannon is.
This is not one to go silently back into the night.
1
It's a scene from Ground Hog's Day. I wake up every morning and the same nightmare starts all over again. A vulgar and childish Trump and White House spew lies, filth, and nonsense that no American should have to put up with. What ever happened to basic human dignity and decency, especially from our president?
2
As long as Bannon remains in the WH the Trump administration gets to continue with its program. He gets that and Trump's adversaries should as well. As long as the Dems remain focused on racism and statues, the business of deregulation continues. That's why Wall Street is so happy!
"People close to Mr. Bannon said he believed the comments were part of an off-the-record conversation with Robert Kuttner with The American Prospect that, according to the magazine, he initiated."
Or Mr. B wants us to believe he believed it.
Unbelievable.
Or Mr. B wants us to believe he believed it.
Unbelievable.
Bannon has no game. Unprofessional, crude and rude, I am amazed anyone would hire him to do anything of value. A has-been.
1
Bannon's days are numbered. He is the epitome of everything we don't believe in. Trump may do well getting rid of this albatross. He makes Trump look like his lackey and Trump will not tolerate that much longer.
He's speaking to North Korea. This isn't about the umpteenth implosion of the West Wing. It's about telling them America won't up the ante without having to falter publicly.
1
Bannon may dismiss the right-wing fringe as clowns, which is actually a very strange characterization for these folks, especially after you listen to a few of the recent interviews with them, but he cannot dismiss the "killer clowns" that exist now and want to exist in the future. One of those interviewed by Elle Reeve of Vice News (good job getting these, but the way) said that he thought a lot more people were going to die. Why did you help give a broader voice to these people, Bannon?
Regarding "identity politics", what Bannon and others think of as some narrow unpopular fixation of the left is actually recognition of simple, basic, human rights that have been withheld throughout history by narrow-minded, small, fearful, ugly people. Other than the small part, that includes you Bannon, but unfortunately, a whole lot of other people too.
Regarding "identity politics", what Bannon and others think of as some narrow unpopular fixation of the left is actually recognition of simple, basic, human rights that have been withheld throughout history by narrow-minded, small, fearful, ugly people. Other than the small part, that includes you Bannon, but unfortunately, a whole lot of other people too.
2
A few sentences into reading this, my first thought was, Well, Bannon just gave Trump a bunch of reasons to fire him. The author soon voiced this thought, but firing him will mean nothing- and I mean nothing- unless Miller and the rest of those "clowns" go.
And that includes Trump.
And that includes Trump.
Is there anyone in that White House who belives government is not about fighting? We constantly hear about their fights, who they are going to ouster, who is the President's 'pitbull' but nothing about working towards a positive outcome for the country.
Governing a great country is not about in-fighting, intrigue and being a tough guy. Calling Bannon a 'strategist' is hillarious, there is very little strategy just plenty of bile.
The sooner he and his sidekick Gorka are removed the better.
Governing a great country is not about in-fighting, intrigue and being a tough guy. Calling Bannon a 'strategist' is hillarious, there is very little strategy just plenty of bile.
The sooner he and his sidekick Gorka are removed the better.
I agree with his criticisms of the left and that there is no military solution which will spare the life of thousands, upon thousands of South Korea. Calling this an off-the-record interview is ludicrous. Wouldn't have Bannon screamed and cried about its release by now? Come on. This is a Hail Mary pass. He is trying to salvage Trump's reputation from his disastrous Tuesday press conference, or he is trying to increase his odds of securing a high paying 'mainstream' job if Trump pushes him out. Would Breitbart want this fool to return? As POTUS says, “We’ll see what happens with Mr. Bannon.”
Before this goes any further, a few issues need addressed. None are intended to defend or attack Stephen Bannon. First, it was the message created by Bannon (economic nationalism) that brought down the Democratic Blue Wall in the Midwest. Irrespective of your position, the "Wall" is never coming back. Second, Bannon's opinion on South Korea has "political power". 28K+ American troops in South Korea are not going to stop a war on the Peninsula. South Korea has twice the population as the North and many, many times the GDP. (It can defend itself.) The American public is not going to engage in protracted defense of a nation (South Korea) that has a chronic history of alleged currency manipulation, domestic market protection, export dumping and alleged intellectual property infringement of American rights. This list can continue, but the trend is apparent. Our nation could very likely be on the precipice of a third party. And consequently, if self-appointed critics of present American policy want to confront this emerging "political juggernaut", a rectification of the more liberal national political message is without a doubt required. The present one might work in refined cosmopolitan discussion, but it most likely has limited possibility of success in other regions.
2
I read the article, and for once I agree with Mr. Bannon. Anyone who doesn't see the threat China poses to the U.S must be blind, or must be profiting from China taking advantage of the U.S.
Anyone who thinks China after surpassing the U.S and becoming the sole economic superpower would behave responsibly is naive. China is already using its power to steal territories that don't belong to them.
For once I agree with Mr. Bannon and he should use all the power he has to convince the President to make sure the U.S goes after China over its unfair trade practices.
China is not a friend of the U.S.
Anyone who thinks China after surpassing the U.S and becoming the sole economic superpower would behave responsibly is naive. China is already using its power to steal territories that don't belong to them.
For once I agree with Mr. Bannon and he should use all the power he has to convince the President to make sure the U.S goes after China over its unfair trade practices.
China is not a friend of the U.S.
2
This "interview" sounds to me like he's asking to be fired, possibly because General Kelly has so marginalized him that he can't directly influence Trump anymore. He is a diabolically disingenuous ideologue and like Trump, Gorka, Miller and almost all of the Trump cabinet, should never have been permitted to infiltrate our government.
7
Nobody elected Steve Bannon. Although Donald Trump campaigned on some of the issues that Bannon and pushed, voters elect Donald Trump because of what they perceived was his brashness and outsider status, as well as his business acumen.
From everything I've read the man is extremely arrogant and presumptive. He also has made a lot of enemies inside the White House.
I frankly don't think he's contributing much to the administration or to this country. Anything he has made Trump worse than he naturally is, although I'm hard-pressed to see how that would be.
I will be very interested to see how Donald Trump reacts to this article as it's reported he hates anyone close to him to be the center of attention, taking away his own ability to command the news cycle.
Steve Bannon has views which are anti-democratic and downright seditious. I hope he gets fired and soon.
From everything I've read the man is extremely arrogant and presumptive. He also has made a lot of enemies inside the White House.
I frankly don't think he's contributing much to the administration or to this country. Anything he has made Trump worse than he naturally is, although I'm hard-pressed to see how that would be.
I will be very interested to see how Donald Trump reacts to this article as it's reported he hates anyone close to him to be the center of attention, taking away his own ability to command the news cycle.
Steve Bannon has views which are anti-democratic and downright seditious. I hope he gets fired and soon.
14
Obvious ploy to keep Russia out of headlines.
14
Bingo...exactly!
So Bannon calls right wing activists "clowns" and says military action against North Korea would be nuts. Go figure.
In addition to the craziness of some of his other views, which has been well noted in other comments here, there is his outright arrogance, stating that he, an advisor, is revamping sections of our State Department.
The guy certainly is interesting. Unfortunately, he is also dangerous.
In addition to the craziness of some of his other views, which has been well noted in other comments here, there is his outright arrogance, stating that he, an advisor, is revamping sections of our State Department.
The guy certainly is interesting. Unfortunately, he is also dangerous.
30
Until now Bannon has been a shadowy figure in the administration. Is he preparing to go out with a flourish? Amen.
Bannon, Miller, and Gorka all should be fired. Their opinions are in conflict with the basic concepts of our Constitution.
Bannon, Miller, and Gorka all should be fired. Their opinions are in conflict with the basic concepts of our Constitution.
13
Fire Mr. Trump, too!
Perhaps our own Minister of Public Enlightenment & Propaganda Steve Bannon is taking guidance from Goebbels's own principles of propaganda:
"Principle 6: To be perceived, propaganda must evoke the interest of an audience and must be transmitted through an attention-getting communications medium."
We are not buying it.
"Principle 6: To be perceived, propaganda must evoke the interest of an audience and must be transmitted through an attention-getting communications medium."
We are not buying it.
11
So now Steve Bannon takes a stronger stance than Donald Trump against Nazis and white supremacists, worried they're discrediting his own vision of nationalism?
8
It takes 2 to make a baby and it takes 2 to make a fight. Everyone who was fighting is to blame. Libs, get off your self-righteous pedestal. BLM and Antifa are as much terrorist groups as the white supremacists. All of these groups are filled with hate and intolerance of other people. The sane people stayed home. The sane realize the statues are just chunks of stone that represent someone who did something way back when. If the Jews do not want the Holocaust forgotten, why do those against racism want to remove the memory of our U.S. racist history. We learn from our mistakes.
4
Time to get a clue. There's a big difference between railing at injustice and seeking to harm people because of the color of their skin.
You have learned absolutely nothing.
You have learned absolutely nothing.
No one wants to remove the memory of our racist past, but many want to remove its champions from revered spots in our public squares.
2
It takes 2 to make a fight. Otherwise it's a beating or a murder when one side (white supremacists) want to beat you up, and the other side chooses not to fight back.
It actually matters who is the one trying to violently force their beliefs on others, and those who are trying to convince through dialog. Pretending that a liberal calling a racist a racist is somehow an attack equal to a REAL physical attack doesn't make it true.
It actually matters who is the one trying to violently force their beliefs on others, and those who are trying to convince through dialog. Pretending that a liberal calling a racist a racist is somehow an attack equal to a REAL physical attack doesn't make it true.
Bannon sounds like he is grandstanding, carrying on as usual, trying to appear far ahead of all others in strategic thinking, framing the American Nazi and Korea news as mere bagatelles. His inappropriate and unmeasured (reckless) language is that of a cowboy, with "boy" as the operative term. There is a middle-school quality about so many of these radicalized white men, presenting a river too wide to cross in order to establish actual communication. And anger is the boozy marinade for Bannon's once bright mind.
27
Is there anyone out there who believes this savvy strategist with a media background didn't know he was "on the record?" Bannon can pull all the shenanigans he wants...Mueller is still in the background, working quietly and efficiently...
18
Wasn't it just a few weeks ago that Trump installed a general at the White House, who was going to get everything under control, end leaks and keep everyone on message? I wonder whatever happened to him.
9
This is a transparently weak diversion tactic by Bannon that is intended to draw some heat away from Trump. When Bannon was chair of Breitbart News he characterized it as the online home of the alt-right.
Based on appearances, there is precious little daylight between Bannon and who he characterizes as a "collection of clowns" on the right-wing fringe. Whether he's the ringleader or just a passenger in the clown car, this circus is all under the same tent.
Based on appearances, there is precious little daylight between Bannon and who he characterizes as a "collection of clowns" on the right-wing fringe. Whether he's the ringleader or just a passenger in the clown car, this circus is all under the same tent.
15
He knows he is getting voted off the island, so he circumvented communication protocol instilled by the babysitter (Kelley) and is flipping everyone the bird on his way out. Good riddance.
6
What's Bannon up to?
Same thing Trump is up to. A simple two-pronged strategy:
Keeping "Russia" out of the headlines. Keep Economy/Jobs in the headlines.
Even if it's in a conference about alt-right extremism. Jobs before, jobs in between, and jobs after. Jobs jobs jobs. + no Russia = a step forward.
By the time you guys realize what they pulled off you will be long in their rear view mirror. The calculation is that the whole Trump alt-right issue doesn't affect his standing with his base. As much as the NYT folk are all over themselves about this you always forget that an echo-chamber is not representative of the whole. Many don't particularly like the way Trump handled it but it's not the biggest issue, and it won't have a lasting effect.
So Trump said that the leftists were also being violent (which they were) and he said it in the same breath as saying the neo-nazis were bad OMG, clutch your pearls, nobody cares. And no on the right buys that he was defending Neo-nazis thats fake news, that wasn't his point. He was just saying that the left weren't totally innocent in this. Reasonable, if contextually poor point.
It is much more crucial to stop the momentum on the Russia scandal. It is hard to reheat a scandal that has cooled off. This was not planned, this is opportunistic, but very smart, I would have advised the same.
Same thing Trump is up to. A simple two-pronged strategy:
Keeping "Russia" out of the headlines. Keep Economy/Jobs in the headlines.
Even if it's in a conference about alt-right extremism. Jobs before, jobs in between, and jobs after. Jobs jobs jobs. + no Russia = a step forward.
By the time you guys realize what they pulled off you will be long in their rear view mirror. The calculation is that the whole Trump alt-right issue doesn't affect his standing with his base. As much as the NYT folk are all over themselves about this you always forget that an echo-chamber is not representative of the whole. Many don't particularly like the way Trump handled it but it's not the biggest issue, and it won't have a lasting effect.
So Trump said that the leftists were also being violent (which they were) and he said it in the same breath as saying the neo-nazis were bad OMG, clutch your pearls, nobody cares. And no on the right buys that he was defending Neo-nazis thats fake news, that wasn't his point. He was just saying that the left weren't totally innocent in this. Reasonable, if contextually poor point.
It is much more crucial to stop the momentum on the Russia scandal. It is hard to reheat a scandal that has cooled off. This was not planned, this is opportunistic, but very smart, I would have advised the same.
4
"I would have advised the same."
SAD!
Promoting hate and false moral equivalences is not a good thing.
It glosses over and outright distorts the racism of the Confederacy and the White Nationalism involved in putting up the statues -- mostly during Jim Crow and the 1920s as part of efforts to resurrect white supremacy and continuing black oppression.
That is history; those are the realities; and that is why the statues need to come down!
SAD!
Promoting hate and false moral equivalences is not a good thing.
It glosses over and outright distorts the racism of the Confederacy and the White Nationalism involved in putting up the statues -- mostly during Jim Crow and the 1920s as part of efforts to resurrect white supremacy and continuing black oppression.
That is history; those are the realities; and that is why the statues need to come down!
1
Something keeps Trump from firing Bannon. Does Bannon know damaging information on Trump and is willing to talk if he's fired? Is Trump afraid there will be a flood of bad news about him on Breitbart and other alt-right sites if he fires Bannon? Is Trump afraid Bannon might tweet something mean about him? Bannon knows something about Trump and that knowledge keeps his job secure.
11
This feels like a diversion. Red meat for Trump's vocal opposition. Not sure I am buying a word of this.
19
If Bannon can't get a word in edgewise these days this loose cannon act of his shows the biggest reason why - not enough unconditional love for you know who.
5
I think the President has a long history of racist actions and beliefs. What he is doing the past few days is simply asserting same. There is no mystery, this needs little analysis. What is needed is a major defeat of the President and his handmaidens in Congress November 2018. Ditto for his adviser Mr. Bannon.
9
Dead eyes , does not look healthy ! Wonder what state his brain is in? A malevolent and cunning mind intent on bringing his brand of nationalism front and center . Trump should fire him and render him ineffective . Very bonkers.
8
When will the Resistance / Indivisible Democrats targeting and isolating of Steve Bannon finally end with his dismissal ? This one sure is taking a long time....
2
Ironically, he sounds more sensible than Trump on North Korea. But wow -- undermining the POTUS's very, very loud sabre-rattling out of the blue?
What the heck is all that about? Who's driving this clown car?
What the heck is all that about? Who's driving this clown car?
11
Bannon is right about the consequences of a military strike on North Korea. China holds the key to reining in this regime, particularly cutting off or limiting their oil supply. Should Trump pressure China, it's not surprising to find a Goldman Sachs open trade oriented executive opposing upsetting a huge trading partner and Wall Street investment favorite. Bannon appears to be right in this instance. North Korean nukes are a bigger threat than wobbly markets.
4
Is it just me or, does Bannon sound like a Grade C movie actor in a really bad movie???
11
Bannon remaining in the white house, is one more bewildering mystery in the ways of Trump.
But in order for Trump to lose in 2020, probably some Democrat has to win: So who?
What Democrat (under 80) has broad enough appeal, charisma, and not a member of a disadvantaged class for whom much of the country isn't quite ready to vote for yet? (non-white, non-female, non-Jewish - - ok, just some white guy of indeterminate religion).
Anyone? Anyone? Anyone?
I see no reason to believe Trump can be beaten in 2020, without at least having an actual warm body and a name to imagine that electoral match up.
And the ones I can think of, do not inspire confidence. So again, who?
But in order for Trump to lose in 2020, probably some Democrat has to win: So who?
What Democrat (under 80) has broad enough appeal, charisma, and not a member of a disadvantaged class for whom much of the country isn't quite ready to vote for yet? (non-white, non-female, non-Jewish - - ok, just some white guy of indeterminate religion).
Anyone? Anyone? Anyone?
I see no reason to believe Trump can be beaten in 2020, without at least having an actual warm body and a name to imagine that electoral match up.
And the ones I can think of, do not inspire confidence. So again, who?
4
There are more moderate republicans who, I believe, could win- Kasich, Huntsman for example.
2
How about "Brown & Bernie in '20?" Age over beauty.
And the know-nothing mob who remain Trump's base will vote for them?
Does it really matter what Bannon says? He is a lying windbag like his boss. Keeping people off their game by creating chaos is his reason for living. He's unworthy of our attention and an insult to our intelligence.
20
New York Times got played. Bannon has a plan with this. After the last time he talked to the media he told them to shut up....
6
Smart men for a change. His boss would sink fast without him.
2
"There is no military solution here" (regarding NK) - the only thing that Bannon has said that I agree with.
8
He may see through with boss like Trump everybody working for him is merely transactional. So he wants to protect himself and let his points out. If anytime he is being dismissed, he can hold back to his position.
1
How does "identity politics" offend "nationalists?" It identifies as Americans those who are not white, not male, and not angry that they will soon be a minority in the nation.
5
Anyone else find it disingenuous that both Bannon and Scaramucci phoned JOURNALISTS to initiate a chat, and then were SHOCKED that the journalists REPORTED on their conversations? One guy ran a news organization, the other was (supposedly, for five minutes) the WH comms director. These men think the American people are really, really stupid.
23
or both had/have an agenda that the president is going along with. Just seems a little suspicious to me.
The American people are stupid. Trump won. No further explanation needed.
“There’s no military solution, forget it,” he said. “Until somebody solves the part of the equation that shows me that 10 million people in Seoul don’t die in the first 30 minutes from conventional weapons, I don’t know what you’re talking about, there’s no military solution here, they got us.”
Well, Bannon is certainly right about one thing! My poor wife has to listen to me rant about politics too regularly. Regarding N Korea, I've articulated Bannon's position almost word for word, with a distain for anyone who suggests differently. Her comment--"I wish it were so simple."
Well, it is! Look, Honey, I saved the world.
No comment regarding the rest of the article.
Well, Bannon is certainly right about one thing! My poor wife has to listen to me rant about politics too regularly. Regarding N Korea, I've articulated Bannon's position almost word for word, with a distain for anyone who suggests differently. Her comment--"I wish it were so simple."
Well, it is! Look, Honey, I saved the world.
No comment regarding the rest of the article.
9
Trump is Toast....and yet here's another Crumb from that same slice of moldy bread.
Trust Bannon, you say? As soon as Paul Ryan grows an Afro!
This guy is the epitome of racism and white nationalism/supremacy.
It's just a matter of time before the 'Trump Tower' falls. And it will crumble as a result of rot from within. Bannon, Kushner, Miller, Conway, Huckabee, Kelly, et al, are awash in Trump House Rot, and have hitched their tails to the Trump Wagon of Doom. And, Chief Strategist Bannon will be among the first to feel the Thump of Trump.
Bannon is dangerous. Bannon is devious. Bannon is insecure. And his undoing will be his unfounded belief that he is smarter than everyone else in the room !!
Trust Bannon, you say? As soon as Paul Ryan grows an Afro!
This guy is the epitome of racism and white nationalism/supremacy.
It's just a matter of time before the 'Trump Tower' falls. And it will crumble as a result of rot from within. Bannon, Kushner, Miller, Conway, Huckabee, Kelly, et al, are awash in Trump House Rot, and have hitched their tails to the Trump Wagon of Doom. And, Chief Strategist Bannon will be among the first to feel the Thump of Trump.
Bannon is dangerous. Bannon is devious. Bannon is insecure. And his undoing will be his unfounded belief that he is smarter than everyone else in the room !!
11
Best post of the day. Thank you.
Bannon is a lightweight, he ran a mom and pop organization, just like his boss. He has no clue how to behave on a world stage, again, just like his boss.
6
Bannon always has the appearance of having just barely and recently survived a brutal physical assault. Maybe it's not just appearances.
8
I would be wary of Steve Bannon, he's smart and media savvy, this sounds like a set up.....sort of like playing Good Cop, Bad Cop with the public.
Bannon mocks the Alt-Right and it takes the heat off of Trump, while Trump continues to pander to the Alt-Right, and White Supremacists with his stupid comments about keeping the statues, etc.
Bannon mocks the Alt-Right and it takes the heat off of Trump, while Trump continues to pander to the Alt-Right, and White Supremacists with his stupid comments about keeping the statues, etc.
6
How did we get here? Bannon is a weak person who through hatred and bullying, name-calling and a powerful pulpit, is fouling our beautiful country. How did we get here? How will we get out? Who will be our hero? (And I mean that to be gender inclusive.)
5
To see the pictures of Bannon coming down the aircraft stars in today's NYT, my God this guy needs to have the bicycle rentals reinstalled.
3
Distraction at its most calculated. The interview was a set up and the off-the-record claim was a set up. Just another schedule packed day at the West Wing to divert our attention from the larger dumpster fire that is Donald Trump.
12
Does anyone notice a surprising visual similarity between this photo of Steve Brannon and the appearance of Lloyd Bridges' character in Airplane?
I picked the wrong week to ...
Just sayin'
I picked the wrong week to ...
Just sayin'
3
Bannon knew his phone conversation with Robert Kuttner would become public.
He finally realized that it's certain that he's for the chop, and the detailed article that phone call produced is probably his political "Last Will and Testament" on foreign economic policy to his many true-believing followers - who are many, and some of whom are very influential - inside and outside the Trump administration.
His phone rant is also, I believe, a deliberate, blatant megaphone blast aimed at them - exhorting them to carry on economic combat with China once he's out of the White House
And that will be soon - maybe as soon as tomorrow. But I'm pretty sure he'll still have Trump's ear - Bannon's cellphone can call the White House from outside just as easily as it can call "The American Prospect."
He finally realized that it's certain that he's for the chop, and the detailed article that phone call produced is probably his political "Last Will and Testament" on foreign economic policy to his many true-believing followers - who are many, and some of whom are very influential - inside and outside the Trump administration.
His phone rant is also, I believe, a deliberate, blatant megaphone blast aimed at them - exhorting them to carry on economic combat with China once he's out of the White House
And that will be soon - maybe as soon as tomorrow. But I'm pretty sure he'll still have Trump's ear - Bannon's cellphone can call the White House from outside just as easily as it can call "The American Prospect."
4
Reading the linked interview I'm struck by Bannon's arrogance about what *he* will consider, or who *he* will oust.
But more importantly I'm baffled about his seemingly singleminded obsession over a trade war with China given his isolationist tendencies (in everything except military force, apparently) and that part of his goal of "deconstructing the administrative state" is focused on dismantling the state department. He seems to place no value on soft power. While he would have us retreat from the rest of the world, China is investing in developing countries. If he thinks we are in such a existential race against China why would he willingly cede the diplomatic and economic standing and influence of the US among the rest of the world to focus solely on a direct 2-nation trade war. Seems like cutting off your nose to spite your face. It's myopic and shows him off as the ideologue he is and not the brilliant iconoclastic strategists he sees himself as.
But more importantly I'm baffled about his seemingly singleminded obsession over a trade war with China given his isolationist tendencies (in everything except military force, apparently) and that part of his goal of "deconstructing the administrative state" is focused on dismantling the state department. He seems to place no value on soft power. While he would have us retreat from the rest of the world, China is investing in developing countries. If he thinks we are in such a existential race against China why would he willingly cede the diplomatic and economic standing and influence of the US among the rest of the world to focus solely on a direct 2-nation trade war. Seems like cutting off your nose to spite your face. It's myopic and shows him off as the ideologue he is and not the brilliant iconoclastic strategists he sees himself as.
26
Read the interview. I don't like Bannon or his platform for racists. But if any of this is authentic and not staged, then Bannon is clearly smarter than the orange clown in the oval office. But then that is not a hard bar to reach.
3
Bannon's going nowhere. The man lives under a rock. He's anaerobic. He doesn't need sunlight or oxygen. He obviously knows how the System now operates and it's in the shadows. So great, Americans are clueless where power lies, how this government now operates. Bannon will depart information on need to know basis.
So every member of the Trump branch cares about precisely what the President himself focuses on: honing their celebrity, which in this land of the fool, translates into wealth.
2
It's important to point out that Bannon's characterization of the North Korea impasse happens to be absolutely correct, and it's a perspective that has been noticeably missing from the public discussion to date. Since the 1960s, the North's conventional deterrent has prevented the West from seriously considering any military option against the succession of Kims. The reality is, every US administration since then has simply been playing for time, focusing on containment, occasionally rattling their wooden sabers and hoping against all hope that the regime would simply collapse in on itself before achieving nuclear capability. I guess we should take some small measure of solace in the fact that even Bannon can't envision the pre-emptive sacrifice of 10 million South Koreans. If only we could be sure that his boss shares that view as well.
23
Is this the equivalent of shooting someone on 5th Avenue with no consequences? It feels kind of like that to me.
If so, the White House, the Congress, the Judiciary, and all of us are in far greater danger than I previously thought.
If so, the White House, the Congress, the Judiciary, and all of us are in far greater danger than I previously thought.
2
With the CEOs exiting their formal relationship with Trump's White House in past few days, it would appear that the anti-globalist sentiments that got Trump elected and that Bannon is identified with may have finally ascended.
If you read Nassim Taleb, the Lebanese born American, who is one of Bannon's favorite authors according to a Politico article in Feb., the CEOs and Wall Street do not have the citizens' interest in mind at all and only act on political correctness and/or lobbying US govt. to minimize their own risk and maximize own wealth at the expense of US Citizenry, which often has meant the mass outsourcing of jobs. In light of the events of the past week and with the Goldman lobby now being highlighted as that which Bannon opposes in this article, this view of Taleb that Bannon has embaced will likely become more important if Trump is to win another election. After all, this is what got Trump elected in the first place.
If you read Nassim Taleb, the Lebanese born American, who is one of Bannon's favorite authors according to a Politico article in Feb., the CEOs and Wall Street do not have the citizens' interest in mind at all and only act on political correctness and/or lobbying US govt. to minimize their own risk and maximize own wealth at the expense of US Citizenry, which often has meant the mass outsourcing of jobs. In light of the events of the past week and with the Goldman lobby now being highlighted as that which Bannon opposes in this article, this view of Taleb that Bannon has embaced will likely become more important if Trump is to win another election. After all, this is what got Trump elected in the first place.
1
A good question is, are the president's days numbered?
2
Only if the majority of Americans who are repulsed by this behavior make their wishes known to their elected representatives. We are a country of rule of law and there is a way to remove a disabled president in an orderly fashion. But people have to want it enough to say so.
And is this not the ideal time to push the campaign to remove the electoral college when it is clear the damage it has done.? One person, one vote is the rule of democracy in every country and also here, but NOT when we vote for president.
And is this not the ideal time to push the campaign to remove the electoral college when it is clear the damage it has done.? One person, one vote is the rule of democracy in every country and also here, but NOT when we vote for president.
2
I must agree with Bannon on one point, if the next election comes down to the issue of removing confederate statues---the democrats once again fall victim to a cultural war that will lose them the next election.
1
You are convinced that all the counter-white nationalists/supremacists were only Democrats, that there were no Republicans? That would make for a really scary future in this country.
Bannon vs Trump for President?
Maybe not a great choice but I think I'd be going with the smart one. I think Bannon might actually react to reason.
Maybe not a great choice but I think I'd be going with the smart one. I think Bannon might actually react to reason.
1
Smart and evil is a very dangerous combination.
Was this told "off the record" or not? How about a full report?
Look, Steve Bannon in his own right is not a particularly likable man. Reporting on something that was "off the record" is simply not ethical and only adds fuel to the already raging fire that is Trump and "Fake News". Giving Trump supporters more ammunition is not wise.
Look, Steve Bannon in his own right is not a particularly likable man. Reporting on something that was "off the record" is simply not ethical and only adds fuel to the already raging fire that is Trump and "Fake News". Giving Trump supporters more ammunition is not wise.
1
Again and again, I'm not a fan of the Trump administration. But I'm also seeing the bias in the NY Times and the readers comments. The race issue is working really well in the tar and feather treatment of Trump, not saying it isn't deserved but I don't like someone else explaining in the worst terms possible the meaning of what someone says.
2
I just cannot believe what has happened to our America the beautiful. I vacillate between utter outrage and deep despair. Please, Robert Mueller, hurry!
3
He's probably reading and counting the number of readers' comments on this story, and for that I am sad I'm adding another. Not worth the time. He will be off stage soon, we will forget all about him, and his twisted ideas will go nowhere.
2
This is a man who has made clear he wants to destroy the American government and American institutions (as well as the people who work for them); has promulgated right-wing policies that target vulnerable populations for harm; is a skilled media operative who freely calls the Charlottesville nazis "clowns" all the while profiting off their hatred; and has the ear, if not the heart, of the president at every turn. He's utterly frightening.
25
No one elected the execrable Mr. Bannon to anything, so why is he running our government (along with the equally unelected Grover Norquist and Koch Bros)?
5
This troubled cowboy does not belong on the grounds of the White House.
2
If Bannon goes, Trump's support shrinks from the fringe groups. And that means the reigning party will start abandoning the ship. So Bannon knows that Trump is aware of this situation. And at this juncture his is all the support Trump needs especially after Virginia riots.
So no. Bannon is sticking around.
So no. Bannon is sticking around.
4
Who would have thought of Steve Bannon as the voice of reason in this White House?
1
No one with an IQ above room temperature who is paying any real attention to what's going on.
It is interesting to watch the strategic moves of the varied members of the Trump cabinet. The minions of this president operate according to the tenets of the Dred Scott decision. I am bored by it all.
1
This is but the next in the many guises and contradictions built around this presidency to distract people from knowing the truth.
If there's anything to be said about Steve Bannon, it's that he only reveals what he wants to reveal...and WHEN he wants to reveal it.
Don't believe the hype.
And keep an eye on the Mueller investigation.
If there's anything to be said about Steve Bannon, it's that he only reveals what he wants to reveal...and WHEN he wants to reveal it.
Don't believe the hype.
And keep an eye on the Mueller investigation.
3
While Trump does indeed seem to be a puppet for others on a lot of issues, I no longer think we can just blame Bannon for his overtly white nationalist stance and nativism. After Charlottesville it appears that this is the real Trump, and he and Bannon just happen to be like minds on this issue. Getting rid of Bannon is probably good on the whole because he's morally bankrupt, but Miller and Gorka are just as bad, Miller possibly worse because he is in Trump's favor right now.
18
It's nice that President Bannon gave an interview. Do you get that Mr. Trump? PRESIDENT Bannon. What are you going to do about it?
1
I'm pinching myself. Steve Bannon and I actually agree on two points. The Alt-Right is a bunch of "Clowns" and there is no "Military Option" in Korea with out killing 10 million people in Seoul. All in all he still isn't on my Top Ten List. Now we need Ivanka and her hubby to say "Adios" to Washington. Their kids will thank them for the rest of their lives.
1
"Not a racist." High praise, indeed. Bannon's also "not a bully," "not a nationalist," "not a hate-monger," ad nauseum...
Well, at least he's right about North Korea. But he's a neo-fascist and it's scary that he's in the cabinet.
Maybe there is hope for Bannon. I did not think he would ever criticize 45 (I have decided I will never mention the President's name again in writing). I shall be watching to see if this will continue or will he be fired. I am leaning toward the idea that his time is short, but now, I may have been wrong. We shall see.........
Bannon's message to Trump is clear: You're right, I'm too dangerous to fire. The fact that Bannon still had a job this morning says Bannon is also right.
1
Who's to say that this interview wasn't given for an audience of one, namely Trump. We've seen Conway do the same thing when she wants to get his attention. My guess is that Bannon knew exactly what he was doing and the calculus is that by the time it gets to Fox News it will be twisted and distorted enough that he'll get Trump to do and say what he wants. Bannon usually doesn't go public with much so, calling up media on the Left is no accident.
1
Trump didn't make Bannon and Bannon didn't make Trump...their worlds collided when they realized that they shared the same views. It seems like Bannon just reinforces the ideas Trump already has.
3
Well, just when you thought Cheney was about as bad a shadow president as there could be, along comes Bannon. Under what kind of old rocks do these guys come from?
And to call the alt-right thugs he cultivated and empowered "clowns" shows what a great sense of humor Bannon has. Not funny and seriously not pretty.
And to call the alt-right thugs he cultivated and empowered "clowns" shows what a great sense of humor Bannon has. Not funny and seriously not pretty.
4
It's becoming obvious that Bannon is writing the media script the last couple weeks. The North Korea contretemps last week was a Bannon ruse to distract the media. It all went away by the weekend. This week, same thing. He didn't make Charlottesville happen but he's provoking the media daily in order to control the message on cable news. Now in this interview he can't resist ridiculing those he's duped. Why? It's August. What is the plan? It seems like we're in a holding pattern for something big to make us forget our petty concerns with creeping authoritarianism.
1
Evidence that Bannon is also insane:
He somehow believes that while others are distracted by other issues, his guy will somehow focus on something.
He somehow believes that while others are distracted by other issues, his guy will somehow focus on something.
Bannon is up to something. You can tell by this interview and what he has been doing lately. We need to get him out of the White House. Along with Gorka
2
I have never liked Bannon .... but i am suprised to see three areas of agreement from this "interview". Taking the military option off the table in Korea at least for now is absolutely correct but we all knew that. "Clowns and losers" are an apt description of the neo-Nazis, KKK and White Supremascists - never thought I'd hear this from Bannon. Maybe disingenuous though. Finally dealing with the trade gap with China and imposing a fairer set of rules seems right on multiple counts. It keeps jobs in the US, reduces the cash flow to Chinese military adventures (including funding N Korea) and sends a message that we care about the bottom 80% of our population living on Main Street not Wall Street.
1
The fact that Bannon is lying about thinking his interview was off the record means that nothing he says is trustworthy, and is better understood as him trying to promote his political agenda.
The core of current administration is laid bare.
1
Bannon is astride that "rough beast slouching toward Jeruselem."(W. B. Yeats)
He thinks, like they all do, that he can control the beast. It would be a laughable farce if it weren't so depressingly dangerous.
He thinks, like they all do, that he can control the beast. It would be a laughable farce if it weren't so depressingly dangerous.
1
for a moment I thought he was wearing one of those fake red noses in his photo
2
"Do not believe him! He has lost all power, except his voice that can still daunt you and deceive you, if you let it." - Frodo warning his fellow hobbits about the hypnotizing power of Saruman's voice
Bannon is trying to confuse us. Do not be deceived; he is not on our side.
Bannon is trying to confuse us. Do not be deceived; he is not on our side.
I think we should all just sit back and watch. Have a glass of wine, prop your feet up and watch it all implode. It is only a matter of time. This is better viewing that reality TV. You can't stuff room full of all those egos and expect nothing less.
Why do I think Bannon is lying through his teeth?
2
When you read "off the record" and the media seems to believe it, The Donald's "FakeMedia" loses out to "StupidMedia."
Why wouldn't Michael & Maggie think they might have been being played?
I don't understand the 'whys and wherefores,' after all I live in RURAL NJ, but I don't anything Steve Bannon, or Donald Trump, says at face value. Those that do, deserve what they get.
Why wouldn't Michael & Maggie think they might have been being played?
I don't understand the 'whys and wherefores,' after all I live in RURAL NJ, but I don't anything Steve Bannon, or Donald Trump, says at face value. Those that do, deserve what they get.
The only thing that matters is what Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah want. Bannon and Trump are their tools, in every sense of the word.
2
Clowns do not kill and do not have the same idea's as the ones that murdered 6 million Jews.
2
This is just another move in Mr. Bannon's grand plans of "Blowing-it-all-up"; what could be better than unseating a clueless President!
Well-played, Mr. Bannon! Well-played!
Well-played, Mr. Bannon! Well-played!
1
I believe everything emitted from the mouths of anyone in this putrid administration is a subversive and deliberate provocation, insinuation or lie meant to distract, obfuscate, confuse, and serve as a smokescreen for all of the destructive things this administration is doing to my country and to me and my fellow citizens while the media is chasing its tail over the latest verbal vomit from our liar-in-chief.
This is the most ugly, dangerous, evil administration led by its morally bankrupt party certainly in my lifetime, and maybe ever. They are hell-bent on toppling democracy and ruining our republic.
Thanks, Trump voters. We told you and told you and told you who he is and all your could focus on was "But her emails!" "Benghazi!" "But her emails!" "Benghazi!"
This is the most ugly, dangerous, evil administration led by its morally bankrupt party certainly in my lifetime, and maybe ever. They are hell-bent on toppling democracy and ruining our republic.
Thanks, Trump voters. We told you and told you and told you who he is and all your could focus on was "But her emails!" "Benghazi!" "But her emails!" "Benghazi!"
1
Bannon appears much more sane than I have previously given him credit for. He knows he's not "off the record. His analysis of the Korean situation is accurate. He is on the money with his belief we are in an economic "war" with China. No, I didn't vote for Trump or believe little or nothing Brietbart (sp?) prints. However, I must give Bannon his due - his analysis of the Korean situation is correct and just travel through any post industrial mid west town an tell me the Chinese aren't winning the Trade war.
34
I agree with you, WD, and I, too, did not nor could I ever vote for Trump. And I was not afraid to either vote for, or admit that I voted for, Hillary.
Bannon's arguments about China about more than sane; they are warnings to us about what is really at stake for our country at this point in time. He's right on Korea -- at least until and unless the Chinese were squarely on our side, but of course they aren't, and as Bannon points out, the issue is a barb they use to annoy us.
And I firmly believe that he believes the ultra-right wing are "clowns." But I believe he is playing with fire by playing with them.
What I find unfortunate is The New York Times picking such a misleading headline for this story. There's enough wheat here for readers to digest without the Times' writers focusing on the silly chaff. The Times' is playing a game of ego bashing, something they should leave to Trump and those of his advisors who don't take time to seriously talk policy with an ideological opponent.
Bannon's arguments about China about more than sane; they are warnings to us about what is really at stake for our country at this point in time. He's right on Korea -- at least until and unless the Chinese were squarely on our side, but of course they aren't, and as Bannon points out, the issue is a barb they use to annoy us.
And I firmly believe that he believes the ultra-right wing are "clowns." But I believe he is playing with fire by playing with them.
What I find unfortunate is The New York Times picking such a misleading headline for this story. There's enough wheat here for readers to digest without the Times' writers focusing on the silly chaff. The Times' is playing a game of ego bashing, something they should leave to Trump and those of his advisors who don't take time to seriously talk policy with an ideological opponent.
A man who lives by humiliating others will ultimately humiliate himself.
His politics are as unhealthy as what is written all over his face.
His politics are as unhealthy as what is written all over his face.
39
Bannon isn't so naive as to think that ANY interview he might give to a journalist, particularly a "liberal journalist", could be "private". It was staged for a purpose. He may see the handwriting on the wall, expects to be cashiered, and is trying to position himself for his next target of influence on the national scene. Figuring out what that might be should keep pundits busy for a few days.
31
I'm sure this is giving Trump one of those headaches you get from eating ice cream too fast. Is he better off having Bannon inside the tent or out? If he's doing something reported to have happened in a russian hotel room, he has to be concerned about his aim. A match between them in the fine art of marking territory could be as entertaining as it would be messy. If all else fails Bannon could take over the recently homeless Daily Stormer, or just go back to Breitbart and lay into the Donald with a vengeance. I don;t believe there will be any more Harry Potter movies so his chances of reprising Mad Eye Moody are nil. Who knows, if Fox won't hire him, maybe SNL would?
I am waiting to find out why Bannon staged this interview. Time will tell.
111
A message to his boss that he, too, can make front-page news with a single phone call. If I were tRump I would find that intimidating, coming from the guy who knows all my dirty secrets.
1
I would say it's because he's secured his notoriety with this brief stint in the WH and wants out so he can go full power on the media empire he envisions. Media>Politics
1
Classic misinformation designed to confuse
60
Exactly. He is un-American. He is amoral and thinks he is superior to others by virtue of his skin color because he certainly doesn't look superior otherwise. He wants to destroy our country. By his own words he said his objective was to "destroy the administrate state". No one elected this sorry excuse for a human being to any office and he should be removed from the peoples' house. The spotlight needs to be on him day in and day out so the American people can see what he is doing behind the scenes to our country while the press chases the other crazy person in the White house.
26
citizen,
you hit the nail on the head. Anyone who believes what he hears from the Trump WhiteHouse deserves what's coming to him.
you hit the nail on the head. Anyone who believes what he hears from the Trump WhiteHouse deserves what's coming to him.
It sounds as though Bannon is every bit as unscrupulous and double-crossing as his boss. It also seems apparent that he will end up in the exceedingly crowded space under the trump bus sooner rather than later. And, when he does, I would guess that he plans to get even with trump quickly, since hey both seem to have an unconstrained appetite for revenge.
113
Say what?,
"Dream on white boy
Dream on black girl
Then wake up to a brand new day
To find your dreams are washed away"*
*Stolen from INXS
"Dream on white boy
Dream on black girl
Then wake up to a brand new day
To find your dreams are washed away"*
*Stolen from INXS
we need to fix that!
This was a setup. What would Bannon be doing talking to an obviously liberal outlet like The American Prospect? He knew it would get out. He also knows his job is in danger, so he's planning for his post-Trump platform, attacking his soon-to-be-former boss. Don't fall for this despicable person's tricks. He has been the biggest influence in pushing Trump to support the extremists.
136
Exactly. He thinks we're all stupid.
Read the interesting story from the NYT (link below) about how Bannon, Miller, and Sessions found their man in Trump. I wouldn't say they've pushed Trump into anything -- his behavior today is just like his behavior 40 years ago.
That said, I won't miss Bannon.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/28/magazine/jeff-sessions-stephen-bannon...
That said, I won't miss Bannon.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/28/magazine/jeff-sessions-stephen-bannon...
1
Now let's look at Gorka, please.
58
Let's not forget Miller.
He obviously knew he was on the record - he called up a liberal reporter for god's sakes - and thought he was being devious but really it is like 2nd grade devious.
Genius he ain't.
Eyes on Trump. Eyes on Trump.
Genius he ain't.
Eyes on Trump. Eyes on Trump.
76
deviant is more apt
1
At some point this nightmare will be over. My biggest concern is that Trump and Bannon, along with their enablers Breitbart, Fox, and Sinclair, have stirred a hornet's nest of hate. How we ever get that genie back into the bottle and move forward as a unified nation is the real problem, and one for which I have no answer.
84
There's no getting the genie back in the bottle.
When a person has a festering sore, the best medicine is to lance it, get the pus out, and cleanse the wound so it will heal properly.
Now that we have started seeing some of the pus of racism, we can begin to cleanse and heal, but only by using every ounce of compassion we have and remembering that people have to be taught to hate. The way we respond to haters can be a way for them to learn about love.
When a person has a festering sore, the best medicine is to lance it, get the pus out, and cleanse the wound so it will heal properly.
Now that we have started seeing some of the pus of racism, we can begin to cleanse and heal, but only by using every ounce of compassion we have and remembering that people have to be taught to hate. The way we respond to haters can be a way for them to learn about love.
Its funny! I am independent and have voted both Dem and Repub. No matter who is president not everyone will be happy. Its like the issue with Charlottesville - what Trump did was no different than what Obama did with BLM. The country has not been unified for a long time. Many years, not just recent. The news stations you list are no different from CNN, MSN, ESPN etc.. CNN I believe to be the worst of any media station. They promote hate so strongly - is it any wonder why we are not unified.. I see both sides not just one. I listen to both, do not always agree but still allow each person to have their own opinion. Sadly, this went away with Obama who used a nation. Complaining about 1% er's here he is spending time with the ultra rich (who he made richer) and did nothing for anyone.
1
I agree j, at this point I worry they are planning to go down in a ball of flames that will destroy many and wreak even more havoc on the US economy, diplomacy and ability to bounce back from this disaster.
He's right about identity politics and the left. He's also right in his well known observation that the left is burdened with political correctness, speech and thought control. Until the left returns to it's old fashioned liberal roots it is doomed to fail. Bill Maher has it about right in his criticism of the left. Look, George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryer, John Cleese would all be banned on College campuses these days and when you can't bring in people like Ayaan Hirsi Ali to a college to speak you know that the prevailing currency of Democrats is in decline.
49
1000% correct... I am sick of having to adapt to the Left's PC language, trying to brainwash people and treating everyone like they are idiots and need to be cared for. That's why they try to stop job growth people may not always have to stand in line to receive a mere pittance doled out by the government. Instead they work and have education and opportunity which many people I know have said. They are sick of getting an extra dollar if you vote for me. People want pride in what they do and not be forced or led to believe they cannot do anything important and need to be coddled like a baby. Just my thoughts
1
It's not thought control to reject, ignorance, bigotry and hatred, it's basic common decency.
2
FrankPh: Sounds like a bunch of right-wing talking points here to me. Why on earth do you think Carlin, Bruce, Pryor, or Cleese would be banned on campuses? And why on earth do you think that campuses represent the Democratic party?
2
So Bannon claims personal credit for WH policies and actions, a thing that Trump seems to particularly hate, and then unaccountably fails to spend half the interview telling the journalist how wonderful Trump is. In fact Trump will read the whole of that interview and not find anything in it to soothe his ego. That's really not going to go down well in Bannon's next performance review.
16
The man is a master of using the media and this is no accident. Its a deliberate act at a deliberate point in a news cycle (he made the call remember). The only question is why? Give it 24 hours and I am sure we will all find out. He is writing the script and we are all glued to this reality show.
22
HC,
he may be a master of that but he has failings at skin hygiene.
Hard to believe he has been married thrice.
he may be a master of that but he has failings at skin hygiene.
Hard to believe he has been married thrice.
Why did the times state that he vowed to out a "female diplomat"? Is there evidence to show that the motive is gender-based? Would the Times write that he vowed to out a "male diplomat"? What purpose is served by stating the gender without evidence that she is being targeted based on her gender?
26
He named the "female" as Susan Thornton.
I may be wrong, but Susan Thornton does sound like a female name to me...
Because Trump ran a misogynistic campaign, and Breitbart is crammed full of misogynist trolls?
The closer Mr. Trump aligns himself with Mr. Bannon, the more isolated he becomes from the political powers in Congress. This is the very definition of a Lame Duck President.
Just 208 days in office and Mr. Trump looks more and more like a Lame Duck, SAD!
Just 208 days in office and Mr. Trump looks more and more like a Lame Duck, SAD!
16
More like a dead duck at this point.
1
GOOD !!!
1
That too!!
1
Bannon is diabolical. Think about it. No one with any media savvy at all would initiate a conversation with out specifically determining it to be 'on the record" or "off the record". Simply Bannon attempting to defuse a situation that he and Trump have inflicted on the United States. Shame on Bannon!
11
Are you kidding, Bannon and Trump have no shame.
1
With this (oh, was this on the record?) interview, Bannon, the ultimate strategist, appears to be setting himself up to be the last man standing inside this administration.
14
So Bannon thought the interview he initiated was off the record -- and the moon is made of cheese.
35
Seems like he's giving everyone a taste of what might be in store if he's jettisoned.
24
He might reap the very hatred he sows and end up in a bad way. Karma does that to those so deserving it.
They can't even do the simplest of things, like give an interview, without lying about it. Not one thing. Lying is the currency of this administration and one's skill at it evidently determines how far you will rise.
He called the reporter, after all. Off the record is always mentioned if that's what's required. Bannon knows that as well as anyone.
But I hope he sticks around as the face of the administration, it's personification. A gleeful, lying, destructive, disgusting racist. Just like his boss.
He called the reporter, after all. Off the record is always mentioned if that's what's required. Bannon knows that as well as anyone.
But I hope he sticks around as the face of the administration, it's personification. A gleeful, lying, destructive, disgusting racist. Just like his boss.
28
This is Bannon's play at the outside game. He calls up a journalist from a left-leaning publication and vents on the 'alt-right' that he energized, if not started? Get serious. He's currying favor with the president. Disavowing the extremists does two things: Provides mainstream cover the president, while Trump himself remains silent. The comments also serve Bannon's self-interest. He distances himself as a way to inoculate against charges by enemies that these associations make him toxic and disposable. It should also be noted, of course, that Steve disavows these groups with a smirk and a wink. Deep down, no one, inside the WH or the alt-right camps, believe his crocodile tears.
144
I think it's clear that Bannon is criticizing the alt right leaders that aren't Bannon, in an act of factional infighting. It's not like he criticized the "voice of the alt right" that he founded, Breitbart.com. Therefore I think he's just dissing those groups who share his same twisted values but under different leaders. That seems consistent for Bannon, who sees himself as an alt right leader and loves infighting.
"while Trump himself remains silent. " Trump remaining silent? Now, that is asking for too much!
1
The downfall of people like Bannon is always rooted in their overarching arrogance. He thinks he's a genius and he's sure everyone would know it if the rest of us would just get out of his way.
56
Bannon was right when he "... said that the more liberals talk about 'identity politics,' the easier it will be for Mr. Trump to defeat Democrats by focusing on economic nationalism. "
The Dems, the NYTimes, and others need to figure out fast how to NOT feed the white-supremacist racists with more racism, e.g. the "Black Lives Matter!" racist movement.
The video that NYTimes recently produced about Charlottesville shows one of the white supremacists with a sign: "PRO WHITE, NOT HATE," but everybody knows that it's really about hate. The BLM people will deny it, many people deny it, but BLM is really about hate and demanding special privileges for people with darker skin.
Don't judge people by skin color, and don't demand special privileges by skin color. Hate begets hate, racism begets racism.
Bannon is a terrible person, but he was right about the identity politics.
The Dems, the NYTimes, and others need to figure out fast how to NOT feed the white-supremacist racists with more racism, e.g. the "Black Lives Matter!" racist movement.
The video that NYTimes recently produced about Charlottesville shows one of the white supremacists with a sign: "PRO WHITE, NOT HATE," but everybody knows that it's really about hate. The BLM people will deny it, many people deny it, but BLM is really about hate and demanding special privileges for people with darker skin.
Don't judge people by skin color, and don't demand special privileges by skin color. Hate begets hate, racism begets racism.
Bannon is a terrible person, but he was right about the identity politics.
1
There is zero chance that Mr. Bannon, master of media shaping, didn't know he was "off record" when speaking to a left-of-center journalist. He knows exactly what he is doing.
201
Why do I get the very distinct feeling knowing Bannon's record and M/O that he's playing the press in the attempt to divert their attention from his agendas and beliefs ? Has Bannon delved a little deeper into Mao's manual of propaganda ? After reading the interview .. off the record or not .. methinks he has . The question is ... is anyone falling for it ?
46
No. Only if you are stupid would you fall for any more lies from this white supremacist.
He was right about the clowns
47
“Never underestimate a bunch of clowns!”
I heard this from many friends, from people who made it - just in time - out of the ‘Third Reich’, then.
I heard this from many friends, from people who made it - just in time - out of the ‘Third Reich’, then.
2
He would certainly know of which he speaks on the subject of buffoons and clowns.
...then he is the king of the clowns!
Or, both Scalamucci and Bannon longer wanted the job, and they knew mouthing off is a swift and sure way out of this mess.
17
The info in the second-to-the-last sentence of this article should have been the headline: Savvy Media Operator Banon Manipulates Reporter.
What is the other possibility? He was bored between reading tweets and thought he'd give some liberal a call?
Hey, it's Steve! Wassup!?!?
What is the other possibility? He was bored between reading tweets and thought he'd give some liberal a call?
Hey, it's Steve! Wassup!?!?
36
Bannon is the second most dangerous person in the White House because his ideas are wrong and his strategy is designed to lead a weak-minded President into economic war with China, in part by jettisoning people like Susan Thornton at State, who are not hawkish enough for his taste. Bannon also wants to encourage race identity politics as a means of preserving Trump's base, and, while he views white supremacists as clowns and losers, they are also useful idiots in this strategy. The problem with this approach is that Trump himself is not a reliable instrument -- he is ideologically rudderless, has no curiosity, and little knowledge about history, other than the propaganda he laps up on "Fox and Friends" and other shows of dubious quality. It's already too late for the Trump Presidency, which will go down as one of the most ignorant and unsuccessful in history. The longer Trump sticks with Bannon, the worse it will get.
289
We need to figure out which one is the pirate, and which is the parrot on his shoulder.
1
Trump can - and will - do Trump all on his own. He doesn't need help from Bannon. He's clearly a sociopath with visions of grandeur. And if Bannon is scuttled - and he will be - some other lovely person will fill the void and they will all still be tilting full force into white nationalism and civil unrest, call it war. It's all very clear now. Startlingly clear.
2
Completely agree. He truly is an agent of chaos.
1
Lately, it seems that Bannon is the only advisor Trump's listening to, so this story is kind of suspect. Just look at the disastrous press conference at Trump Tower the other day. It's been reported that the only people happy with it were Trump and Bannon, who I'm sure planned it together.
They're both energized by chaos and deceit.
They're both energized by chaos and deceit.
70
If nothing else the Mooch had Bannon's number - he's an idealogue but has some sense (unlike Richard Spencer and his crowd). Bannon's always 2 steps ahead of Trump and other members of the 'entourage', and always looking out for number one. I'm sure those trying to craft some kind of economic platform in relation to foreign trade are wetting themselves - it is daunting to mess with a huge machine (the global economy) when the outcome is unpredictable.
15
If Russia's goal for the hacking during the election was to severely disrupt and discredit American democracy, they succeeded beyond their wildest hope.
170
Yep. Trump is shaking the country upside down to see what falls out. Sorta like how Putin wrested control of Russia's Rosneft oil company and shook it real hard to loosen an estimated $200,000,000,000 into his own pocket.
2
When people show you who they are (Trump first, now Bannon) believe them.
42
Well he sounds sainer than he seems. The Alt- right are clowns and there is no military solution to NK. ..
26
When I read this yesterday, I had the same response. Frankly I don't know much about Bannon, but I do agree that China needs to respect us, as much as they want us to respect them... And the crux of our views have to be rooted in the defense of American principles of racial equality (we fought a Civil War to uphold this), and national and international protection of freedom from oppression (we fought a World War to uphold this). Trump is a Confederate, period. He needs to be pushed out. If Bannon is actually a Nationalist, with a strong willed approach to standing up for our interests, as this interview purports, then I will look deeper. If he's actually another racist fascist right-wing religious fanatic like I originally thought, then I guess he at least gets a couple of things right (per your comment); even if not enough to be acceptable in any form of government position. Also, as toxic as Breitbart is, to me, the bigger issue is FOX News. FOX is a cancer on American Society, and I deeply resent what Australian Rupert Murdoch has done to our country. America needs more strong willed Progressive media shows, and political leaders to counter its effect. NYT is one, but we need many many more. Jerry Brown, Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsome are of that sane progressive mold. California's economy validates their views. We need people like them in all 50 states.
1
I am not sure how anyone can have a conversation with a reporter or anyone that works at a magazine or newspaper and not expect those words to be repeated!! I do not believe them, they cannot be that stupid or naïve.
59
Didn't the mooch get canned after his "off the record" interview??????
22
In the back of my mind, I have been hearing the voice of President Ford from 40 years ago, when he said: "Our long national nightmare is over." Every day there seems to be another story about the wackiness and weirdness of folks in the White House.
Are we at the tipping point yet?
Are we at the tipping point yet?
41
How is that better? He really thought he was talking to a REPORTER off the record? And Trump is fine with Bannon having contempt for him, the alt-right is fine with him calling them names, because they weren't supposed to hear about it?
He's got longer arms than he seems to have in pictures, to so well stab himself in the back.
He's got longer arms than he seems to have in pictures, to so well stab himself in the back.
13
Is anyone keeping count of how many Trump officials have been/are being/are about to be shown the door? Can anyone understand why so many people keep shooting off their mouths to ensure their own demise?
Oh, wait, they're just following the Fearless Leader's example.
Oh, wait, they're just following the Fearless Leader's example.
15
Or did Bannon know he would be quoted and wanted to make the appearance of distancing himself from the alt-right by calling the fascist demonstrators clowns.
30
Nice try Bannon you are not going to take the spotlight off of Trump.
34
I suspect that Bannon realizes he is about to be dismissed, and wanted to use his current position to make his views know, while he still has the position.
He has to say he thought it was "off the record" to appease Trump.
He has to say he thought it was "off the record" to appease Trump.
143
Exactly. Whycall a journalist out of the blue, one who said he was shocked to hear from Bannon and run off at the mouth like that unless you know it will be broadcast
28
Or, he's saying he thought it was off the record to appease his friends at Breitbart while still able to say, in the interview itself, that the white nationalist movement is made up of "losers" and "we gotta help crush it" (while also "crushing" Democrats) to appease the moderate republicans calling for his head.
9
Nope, he is speaking for Trump. That was what Trump said as well.