What about Stephen Miller? Remember his hostile TV appearances re: travel ban? When Mr. Miller accused CNN's Jim Acosta in a press conference of having "cosmopolitan bias" I thought that was new but like saying "coastal elites". But it turns out it's not.
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/08/03/the-ugly-history-of-st...
"One reason why “cosmopolitan” is an unnerving term is that it was the key to an attempt by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin to purge the culture of dissident voices. ...It was part of a yearslong campaigned aimed at writers, theater critics, scientists and others who were connected with “bourgeois Western influences.” Not so incidentally, many of these “cosmopolitans” were Jewish, and official Soviet propaganda for a time devoted significant energy into “unmasking” the Jewish identities of writers who published under pseudonyms."
..."Breitbart, where Steve Bannon reigned before becoming Trump’s chief political strategist, trumpeted Miller’s “evisceration” of Acosta and put the term in its headline. So did white nationalist Richard Spencer, who hailed Miller’s dust-up with Acosta as “a triumph."
Univision's website has a story about Mr. Miller's California upbringing:"How White House advisor Stephen Miller went from pestering Hispanic students to designing Trump's immigration policy." (CNN's Jim Acosta is Cuban-American.)"He confronted everyone, denying that racism existed. He said that was a thing of the past."
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/08/03/the-ugly-history-of-st...
"One reason why “cosmopolitan” is an unnerving term is that it was the key to an attempt by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin to purge the culture of dissident voices. ...It was part of a yearslong campaigned aimed at writers, theater critics, scientists and others who were connected with “bourgeois Western influences.” Not so incidentally, many of these “cosmopolitans” were Jewish, and official Soviet propaganda for a time devoted significant energy into “unmasking” the Jewish identities of writers who published under pseudonyms."
..."Breitbart, where Steve Bannon reigned before becoming Trump’s chief political strategist, trumpeted Miller’s “evisceration” of Acosta and put the term in its headline. So did white nationalist Richard Spencer, who hailed Miller’s dust-up with Acosta as “a triumph."
Univision's website has a story about Mr. Miller's California upbringing:"How White House advisor Stephen Miller went from pestering Hispanic students to designing Trump's immigration policy." (CNN's Jim Acosta is Cuban-American.)"He confronted everyone, denying that racism existed. He said that was a thing of the past."
What about Stephen Miller? Remember his hostile TV appearances on the travel ban? When Mr. Miller accused CNN's Jim Acosta in a press conference of having "cosmopolitan bias" I thought that was like saying "coastal elites". But it turns out it's not.
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/08/03/the-ugly-history-of-st...
"One reason why “cosmopolitan” is an unnerving term is that it was the key to an attempt by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin to purge the culture of dissident voices. ...It was part of a yearslong campaigned aimed at writers, theater critics, scientists and others who were connected with “bourgeois Western influences.” Not so incidentally, many of these “cosmopolitans” were Jewish, and official Soviet propaganda for a time devoted significant energy into “unmasking” the Jewish identities of writers who published under pseudonyms."
..."Breitbart, where Steve Bannon reigned before becoming Trump’s chief political strategist, trumpeted Miller’s “evisceration” of Acosta and put the term in its headline. So did white nationalist Richard Spencer, who hailed Miller’s dust-up with Acosta as “a triumph."
Univision's website has a story about Mr. Miller's California upbringing:"How White House advisor Stephen Miller went from pestering Hispanic students to designing Trump's immigration policy." (CNN's Jim Acosta is Cuban-American.) "He confronted everyone, denying that racism existed. He said that was a thing of the past."
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/08/03/the-ugly-history-of-st...
"One reason why “cosmopolitan” is an unnerving term is that it was the key to an attempt by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin to purge the culture of dissident voices. ...It was part of a yearslong campaigned aimed at writers, theater critics, scientists and others who were connected with “bourgeois Western influences.” Not so incidentally, many of these “cosmopolitans” were Jewish, and official Soviet propaganda for a time devoted significant energy into “unmasking” the Jewish identities of writers who published under pseudonyms."
..."Breitbart, where Steve Bannon reigned before becoming Trump’s chief political strategist, trumpeted Miller’s “evisceration” of Acosta and put the term in its headline. So did white nationalist Richard Spencer, who hailed Miller’s dust-up with Acosta as “a triumph."
Univision's website has a story about Mr. Miller's California upbringing:"How White House advisor Stephen Miller went from pestering Hispanic students to designing Trump's immigration policy." (CNN's Jim Acosta is Cuban-American.) "He confronted everyone, denying that racism existed. He said that was a thing of the past."
All you never Trumpers will be glad to know that I - a loyal Trump supporter - is now mad at him.
The President should have awarded Bannon the Medal of Freedom
for playing a small, but crucial role in preventing Hillary Clinton from occupying the Oval Office.
The President does deserve the lions share of credit, but given the narrowness of his victory he should have given Bannon more than two weeks notice.
Can you believe that Hillary won the popular vote, but Trump is president. Isn't this a great country or what?
The President should have awarded Bannon the Medal of Freedom
for playing a small, but crucial role in preventing Hillary Clinton from occupying the Oval Office.
The President does deserve the lions share of credit, but given the narrowness of his victory he should have given Bannon more than two weeks notice.
Can you believe that Hillary won the popular vote, but Trump is president. Isn't this a great country or what?
1
Chief Strategist of what? Of Deconstruction, Destruction and Demolition?
Mr. Trump has said that Bannon has nothing to do with his election victory. Now, Bannon is saying he contributed to Trump's election. Even the White Supremacists/KKK are claiming credit for Trump's passage to the White House.
Mr. Trump claims Bannon is a good man and the media did not give him the proper credit for all the good he has done. It is unclear what good Bannon did.
Looking back at the election campaign, it is clear why Trump surrounded himself with certain individuals. This included Bannon. After the election, a few of these individuals were hand picked and brought in to the White House administration. They all formed part of the resources to be aligned, to help work out Trump's Agenda.
Health care, infrastructure, tax reforms. What exactly was Bannon's role? Not only was it unclear. He was also said to be going beyond an unspecified role. And, the question is what exactly was Bannon's motive?
Is Bannon going to help Mr. Trump from the outside? What would that be? What is it that Bannon would do that individuals inside the White House cannot do? This is all very intriguing.
Mr. Trump has said that Bannon has nothing to do with his election victory. Now, Bannon is saying he contributed to Trump's election. Even the White Supremacists/KKK are claiming credit for Trump's passage to the White House.
Mr. Trump claims Bannon is a good man and the media did not give him the proper credit for all the good he has done. It is unclear what good Bannon did.
Looking back at the election campaign, it is clear why Trump surrounded himself with certain individuals. This included Bannon. After the election, a few of these individuals were hand picked and brought in to the White House administration. They all formed part of the resources to be aligned, to help work out Trump's Agenda.
Health care, infrastructure, tax reforms. What exactly was Bannon's role? Not only was it unclear. He was also said to be going beyond an unspecified role. And, the question is what exactly was Bannon's motive?
Is Bannon going to help Mr. Trump from the outside? What would that be? What is it that Bannon would do that individuals inside the White House cannot do? This is all very intriguing.
12
It is evident when you look around, with the hate spewing out of the White House, the violence and killing on the streets, the obsession with the sensational in the press, that we as a society have chosen the wrong path. What we are doing is not getting us to a happy and prosperous life, which is I think, what most people want.
We have chosen to focus on the wrong things and the consequences of that choice is giving us chaos & hatred. What makes it even worse is that we are in denial that it is our choices that led directly to where we are now.
I would suggest the way to change this is to start with our own life. Look around you, if you are well satisfied, make no changes, you are living your dream. If you do not like what you see, perhaps it is time to make some changes, to choose again so that you may step closer to what you really want. It may be necessary to be uncomfortable for a while, just like when you quite smoking, but the end result will be worth it. If all of us do this then our society will also change.
The old saying really is true: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
We have chosen to focus on the wrong things and the consequences of that choice is giving us chaos & hatred. What makes it even worse is that we are in denial that it is our choices that led directly to where we are now.
I would suggest the way to change this is to start with our own life. Look around you, if you are well satisfied, make no changes, you are living your dream. If you do not like what you see, perhaps it is time to make some changes, to choose again so that you may step closer to what you really want. It may be necessary to be uncomfortable for a while, just like when you quite smoking, but the end result will be worth it. If all of us do this then our society will also change.
The old saying really is true: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
9
"Bannon, you're fired."
This is what Trump knows. This is how he operates. And it is all in the moment. Trump has moved on fully justified, satisfied with his actions. But all the while, the dark clouds gather, and gather, and gather over the White House. There is an end coming to this scandalous presidency, and though it may take some time to reverse what Trump has rendered,
our ship will be righted and hopefully with lessons learned. And particularly by the Democratic Party.
They must stop taking spatulas to knife fights. The days of their appointing the likes of 'Donna Brazile' are over. They need to adopt a level of sophistication that cuts to the bone-no matter what. We've all heard the phrase "When push comes to shove". Well, like Ani DeFranco told us in a song two decades ago, "This must be shove."
This is what Trump knows. This is how he operates. And it is all in the moment. Trump has moved on fully justified, satisfied with his actions. But all the while, the dark clouds gather, and gather, and gather over the White House. There is an end coming to this scandalous presidency, and though it may take some time to reverse what Trump has rendered,
our ship will be righted and hopefully with lessons learned. And particularly by the Democratic Party.
They must stop taking spatulas to knife fights. The days of their appointing the likes of 'Donna Brazile' are over. They need to adopt a level of sophistication that cuts to the bone-no matter what. We've all heard the phrase "When push comes to shove". Well, like Ani DeFranco told us in a song two decades ago, "This must be shove."
11
This is just infighting in an authoritarian regime. The fact remains that these evil doers were elected by a significant number of Americans and even with the blatant pronouncements of Trump over the past few days he still garners 30+% approval ratings and very few Republican voices have come out against Trump the vile person.
They will not self-defeat. The only way to get rid of this cancer on our democracy is for voters to march to the polls in numbers sufficient to throw the bums out of office.
It is past time to educate, resist and persist. Get busy, work hard, increase the vote in 2018.
They will not self-defeat. The only way to get rid of this cancer on our democracy is for voters to march to the polls in numbers sufficient to throw the bums out of office.
It is past time to educate, resist and persist. Get busy, work hard, increase the vote in 2018.
25
It is abomination and a stain on this great nation that the racist, hateful Bannon was allowed to be in such a senior White House position. Thanks for nothing, Trump voters.
34
Sebastian Gorka is not just an Islamophobe. He has proven ties to Hungarian neo-Nazism, flaunting a diploma-mill Ph.D. and an exaggerated Oxbridge accent as the cornerstones of ersatz academic credentials. He is a laughingstock among national security and foreign policy experts. He is in short one of the Slithey Tove's "fine people" who subscribe to the principles of the right wing terrorists.
49
I have tried to read and understand Breitbart News however the reporting and commentary is so juvenile I can barely stand to read them. Additionally, the notion the Mr. Soros is financing this large global conspiracy against them is laughable on one hand and pathetic on the other.
27
Just good riddance! Next? (You know who.)
9
People such as Steve Bannon have no character or values. What they do really springs from a sense of inadequacy and spite.
Bannon forever looks as if he is suffering gastric distress. He seems positively bilious. Perhaps a good antacid would help.
That's all that's there, regardless of so much inflated analysis of this creep.
Bannon forever looks as if he is suffering gastric distress. He seems positively bilious. Perhaps a good antacid would help.
That's all that's there, regardless of so much inflated analysis of this creep.
16
Am I the first to wonder if Bannon was released to begin preparations for Trump's life after presidency? Trump seems very motivated to 'out Fox, Fox' with a new 'Unfake' news empire.
11
The Bannon "exit" is
no exit.
Trump is Bannon's hand puppet.
You can operate him from stage-right
or you can operate hm from behind the stage.
The Bannon "exit"
is
no exit
no exit.
Trump is Bannon's hand puppet.
You can operate him from stage-right
or you can operate hm from behind the stage.
The Bannon "exit"
is
no exit
22
You didn't go far enough, NYTs Editorial Board. We are now in a country of people who are perplexed. We have great newspapers across the country, 24-hr cable news where their boards of governors insist upon playing by the broadcasting rules of Walter Cronkite. This was the world of our grandparents. Now we have Sinclair and fundamental religious broadcasts who have been doing their "spiritual, biblical righteousness and truth" commercials for right-wing, white male, so-called Christian-based messages. Right now most people have cable - I for one, want to know why the Alex Jones' of the broadcast world can get into my TV - without explanation. I have to learn to program my receiver to take it out from my view. This is not right. It's way too easy to lie these days. Your iPods are inundated with come-ons to buy, come-on's to fear. Hitler's propagandist dreams come true. We knew that potential was there before NBC put this 21st Century capitalistic Elmer Gantry on the air every week. Now this sorry excuse for a human being is our country's president.
21
As a white-supremacist, how can Steve Bannon champion the cause of the working class that includes blacks, Mexicans and so many other minorities he would consign to the back of the bus?
10
Bannon was a cipher. He got a lot of attention, like Sarah Palin. What he says is not pertinent to American politics, except that now, Donald and the media have conspired to raise him to star status among the people who sell newspapers.
Didn't the media learn anything from airbrushing Donald Trump?
Didn't the media learn anything from airbrushing Donald Trump?
5
The rights of the individual vs. the rights of society, a spectrum that shifts to the left or right. Ours increasingly has shifted to the right with an outlandish interpretation of the second amendment and an increasing tolerance of laissez faire capitalism. The first resulting in a virtual absence of gun laws and the election of people like President Trump and the governor of Florida, Rick Scott.
Only an educated (not propagandized) electorate can achieve some measure of balance. And we definitely have a comparatively ignorant and heavily propagandized populace.
Only an educated (not propagandized) electorate can achieve some measure of balance. And we definitely have a comparatively ignorant and heavily propagandized populace.
16
The guy is a Major League white supremacist ( I don't buy into this talk of "economic nationalism" ) - out to stop rising China from taking over his beloved Western Civilization! He fears rising China more than he fears Islamic terrorism! If he belittles other racists and anti-Semites as clowns, it's only because they operate in minor league bigotry!
5
Too little, too late. Trump's White House is still a nest of racist and treasonous thieves with no love for anyone or anything beyond their own bank accounts.
14
Pro-Nazi people like Bannon sought Trump the candidate out because Trump spoke a language that Bannon could relate to. Trump's rallies in early 2016 were meeting places for the alt-right, so naturally Bannon gravitated towards Trump and became his strategic voice.
Don't worry....some other alt-right strategist will pick up the ball where Bannon left it. Trump needs someone with alt-right tendencies behind him, speaking in his ear. Someone will appear soon....and during the interim, of course, there will always be an open phone line between Trump and Bannon...
Don't worry....some other alt-right strategist will pick up the ball where Bannon left it. Trump needs someone with alt-right tendencies behind him, speaking in his ear. Someone will appear soon....and during the interim, of course, there will always be an open phone line between Trump and Bannon...
1
As other have said good. Now who going to fire a guy who hired Steve in the first place?
7
Of course Bannon will continue his hateful and what I consider treasonous activity at Breitbart and with his new buddies who he met and groomed through his "legitimacy" by way of his place in the White House, and he will continue to have Trump's ear, as he did long before the Trump Presidency.
But we, as a nation, have one consolation. At least we no longer have this travesty of a human being in a formal position in our administration and in our White House. One of the myriad of embarrassments is gone, one insanity on the other side of the door, outside the Oval, without an office in the West Wing.
I know, I know, but it is progress. As Mr. Coopersmith says, "one small step for man...". But each one carries us one step further in our thousand mile trek and each one must be taken to get there.
But we, as a nation, have one consolation. At least we no longer have this travesty of a human being in a formal position in our administration and in our White House. One of the myriad of embarrassments is gone, one insanity on the other side of the door, outside the Oval, without an office in the West Wing.
I know, I know, but it is progress. As Mr. Coopersmith says, "one small step for man...". But each one carries us one step further in our thousand mile trek and each one must be taken to get there.
6
He's not gone. DT was advised to do something to turn down the heat on him over events in VA and by firing Bannon, get the media's ' focus elsewhere, instead of on the fascist leanings of DT. By firing Bannon, we're supposed to "buy" the story that it was all Bannon and not DT. It's worse, now. Bannon's not accountable and can work behind the scenes, giving advice to DT,and guiding his fascist agenda.
9
Pfttttttttttt, Bannon, like Trump, only has a third of the country and losing more ground, everyday!
3
Russian hackers and trolls made Breitbart.
They can break its back as well.
Our deep state should, through back channels, of course, contact their derp state and offer a new detente., based on their take down of Breitbart.
They can break its back as well.
Our deep state should, through back channels, of course, contact their derp state and offer a new detente., based on their take down of Breitbart.
3
Maybe the NY Times should stop calling these groups "alt-right" and call them what they are "white supremists". Stop sugar coating them with a new and less dispicable moniker, tell them who and what they are. Time to fight fire with fire!
16
I think I speak for the rest of America when I say we have great faith that you, NYT, will follow him wherever he goes and make sure his words of racist hatred do not go unchallenged!
9
Kabuki. He wasn't fired, he was re-assigned. Wake up, America, fascism is on the march, and you are looking at a picture of its most effective, and therefore its most evil, promoter. Trump is brainless tool, a fad that will go the way of the pet rock. Like the pet rock, after a while people realize there is nothing animate there. But Bannon is unfortunately not brainless, and he is not simply de facto evil. He is evil right down to the depths of his excuse for a soul.
14
Sleep with dogs and you will wake up covered with fleas.
3
I am glad he is going back to Breitbart. The White House wasn't for him. I like Breitbart.
3
Ribbitt. Frogs are not reptiles! Kerplunk.
1
"While Mr. Trump drifted aimlessly away from promises of health care “insurance for everyone,” middle-class tax cuts and expanded job creation,"
Was this what he was for? If so, what was he doing to move that agenda forward? Trump has done nothing in the seven months that his "chief strategist" was with him in the White House? If Bannon is so all-powerful why didn't he use some of his might to actually get things done??
Was this what he was for? If so, what was he doing to move that agenda forward? Trump has done nothing in the seven months that his "chief strategist" was with him in the White House? If Bannon is so all-powerful why didn't he use some of his might to actually get things done??
1
Bannon may act like "the reptilian brain of the tRump presidency", but he looks more like Gorgon the friendly angel in Star Trek's And the Children Shall Lead episode. That episode freaked me out when I was a kid, and Bannon does the same today.
2
It's a bit sad to think that even as Mr. Bannon leaves under a tentative cloud of dignity (was he fired, or did he resign?) Mr. Cohn and Mr. Mnuchin remain ---denigrated into shtadlan tokens for Mr. Trump to argue that he's no racist nor anti-Semitic... To have Mr. Mnuchin stand by the President as he excused neonazis and gave them a pass as these groups spewed the most vile anti-Jewish hatred... and to have to smile and acquiesce at the vapidity and know-nothingness cruelty of Trump.... Mr. Bannon is fortunate indeed...
1
My concern is that Bannon's departure was not a firing, but he was being dispatched to run the propaganda arm for the most gruesome of Trump's supporters. He's gone to fan flames.
As Mueller's probe closes in on Trump, watch Bannon's keyboard wielding goons up the tone and tenor of threats, innuendo and click into inciting violence and paranoia amongst the ill-educated throngs who voted for the Thug in Chief.
Breitbart and Info-Wars colluded, as well, with Russia. They propagated the false narratives. They inflame the isolated and resentful.
Bannon was contained in the White House to some extent. He had direct access to Trump and influence on the narrative coming out of Breitbart. Now he retains his influence on Trump. Instead of walk in access to the Oval office, his evening phone calls will go unchecked to the insomniac pacing the halls of the private quarters. And he commands his web site and the editorial nature of what is being put out there.
Go after the advertisers. Starve his outlet of revenue. Narrow advertisers in this propaganda wing to survival food, pre-lubed catheters and charlatans selling loose gold.
His media outlet's prime goal, as we get closer to indictments, will be to incite violence.
As Mueller's probe closes in on Trump, watch Bannon's keyboard wielding goons up the tone and tenor of threats, innuendo and click into inciting violence and paranoia amongst the ill-educated throngs who voted for the Thug in Chief.
Breitbart and Info-Wars colluded, as well, with Russia. They propagated the false narratives. They inflame the isolated and resentful.
Bannon was contained in the White House to some extent. He had direct access to Trump and influence on the narrative coming out of Breitbart. Now he retains his influence on Trump. Instead of walk in access to the Oval office, his evening phone calls will go unchecked to the insomniac pacing the halls of the private quarters. And he commands his web site and the editorial nature of what is being put out there.
Go after the advertisers. Starve his outlet of revenue. Narrow advertisers in this propaganda wing to survival food, pre-lubed catheters and charlatans selling loose gold.
His media outlet's prime goal, as we get closer to indictments, will be to incite violence.
6
For Bannon, wouldn't a better allusion than "Pepe the Frog reptilian brain" be—
Creator of the Frankenstein monster known as Trump. [Or the German "Drumpf"—and there were plenty of Dieners along the way, Igor.]
Creator of the Frankenstein monster known as Trump. [Or the German "Drumpf"—and there were plenty of Dieners along the way, Igor.]
1
However Bannon tries to influence, he will be seen as a sore loser.
1
You are too kind to Steve Bannon. I won't forget what he tried to do. First and foremost, he tried to strip health insurance away from 23 million people, which would have caused many people to needlessly DIE! Then he attacked the Pope because the Pope spoke for the poor. Then he attacked Muslims, then he attacked the LGBT community, then he attacked Hispanics, then he attacked ________________. Then he attacked America, because he wanted to "deconstruct" our government. Bannon is as delusional as Kessler in thinking his moment has just arrived. WE WILL RESIST and they will go back under the rocks from which they crawled out.
7
Bannon was and is too right and belongs with his paper and not in politics.
1
John Kelly is retired military.. Bannon wants military in the white house in case there is a need for "order" .. it wasn't a sane decision on his part but a very calculated one... he wants a stronghold over this country to maintain nationalism... wars outside our borders are a money drain in his eyes... he is insane
1
Bannon is free, according to Bannon. Whether he is correct or not will depend on the reception his message receives. Events in Charlottesville reveal the consequences of ignoring white male terror, and racist terror that corresponds with elements of "conservativism" and "Christian sharia-ism" and Republican exploitation of both. Ignoring the poison and hatred, legitimizing Nazis and racists, promoting the false equivalence of political manipulation that elected Trump is a betrayal of reason and National Security as certainly as denial of climate change. No nation can survive the sophistry of giving "free speech" rights to enemies of speech, or equal speech rights to opponents of equality, or flat earth sentiments to scientific facts. Of value, Bannon and his "alt right" cohort, have gained sufficient notoriety to gain the scrutiny of our "anti-terrorist" law enforcement agencies. Bannon and his cohorts should never become invisible to the public or the media again.
Not goodbye Bannon. Keep an eye on Bannon and Duke and all white male terror groups.
Not goodbye Bannon. Keep an eye on Bannon and Duke and all white male terror groups.
1
Have a heart, EB and give credit where credit is due. If patriotism is defined as service to one's country, Bannon, who served 7 years in the Navy and achieved rank of lieutenant, is a patriot!Editorial employs words white nationalist, alt right, anti immigrant at least half a dozen times. Unfair, since Bannon, like his former boss ,does not stand for ETHNIC nationalism,territory rather of the Dem. Party which supported slaveowners during antebellum era, Jim Crow for century after War between the states, and is currently champion of other ethnic nationalisms like Hispanic nationalism, Asian nationalism, black nationalism.Were Stokely Carmichael, H. Rap Brown, apostles of black power, not Democrats?Was "progressive" WW not a champion of white nationalism, since he supported segregation and was best friends with Bilbo, Tillman , Vardaman, Talmadges?Real target of editorial is Trump, and endgame is to bring down his Presidency.Bannon defends American nationalism, w/o regard to race, creed or color.Nothing wrong with putting citizens first, saying it is foolhardy to think that we can be good samaritans to rest of the world while lacking funds to repair a decadent infrastructure and provide for our compatriots. Nothing jingoistic or exclusionary about that thesis, but a demonstration of the "bon sens du cheval"on behalf of fellow Americans. Wake up and smell the coffee! Juliana from Ghana whom I helped to get a visa for is an American nationalist like her "epoux!"
1
Poor Bannon, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Ha! I think the real reason he was canned, however, is that he finally did something good when he clearly articulated the no-win situation we have in North Korea. And as we know, reasonable positions are verboten in this administration. Talk sense and you're out!
3
Good riddance, Bannon, but it is Trump who needs to resign.
4
Esoterics shun reason, invent fables then expect the thinking person to believe. It is all about control. See ISIL, Gorka and FOX News. Failing those, see Trump and Pence.
2
Bannon's a wealthy man who can spend time doing anything he wants & controls a popular, influential media platform - which spouts craziness & traffics in lies & conspiracies.
Now that Trump's cut him loose, Bannon's vowed to take the alt right fight to White House unbelievers. Bannon's funded by billionaire right winger Robert Mercer who gives Bannon $$ to disrupt & destroy our democracy. These folks use their $$ to buttress media like Breitbart, bundle for candidates & give to political PACS w/almost unlimited influence on our politics. They want the tax code changed, environmental regulations discarded & no limits to the political influence their can buy. Robert Mercer's a million times more influential than any single voter.
Bannon's an obnoxious bully & narcissist enabled by Mercer's fortune to fundamentally change how our government operates & what values it represents. Bannon doesn't care his extremist views are supported by a tiny minority. He has the $$ & platform to remake our politics.
Now that Bannon's been fired - & angry - he'll dog & smear White House officials he hates, bellyache for disruption & likely push for a government shutdown if Trump's stupid wall isn't funded. Does Bannon care shutting down the govt. will inconvenience millions? Of course not. Steve Bannon's all about Steve Bannon.
And he's just begun to fight.
Until we get dark money out of our politics, there'll be more Steve Bannons & Robert Mercers. See Jane Meyer's "Dark Money."
Now that Trump's cut him loose, Bannon's vowed to take the alt right fight to White House unbelievers. Bannon's funded by billionaire right winger Robert Mercer who gives Bannon $$ to disrupt & destroy our democracy. These folks use their $$ to buttress media like Breitbart, bundle for candidates & give to political PACS w/almost unlimited influence on our politics. They want the tax code changed, environmental regulations discarded & no limits to the political influence their can buy. Robert Mercer's a million times more influential than any single voter.
Bannon's an obnoxious bully & narcissist enabled by Mercer's fortune to fundamentally change how our government operates & what values it represents. Bannon doesn't care his extremist views are supported by a tiny minority. He has the $$ & platform to remake our politics.
Now that Bannon's been fired - & angry - he'll dog & smear White House officials he hates, bellyache for disruption & likely push for a government shutdown if Trump's stupid wall isn't funded. Does Bannon care shutting down the govt. will inconvenience millions? Of course not. Steve Bannon's all about Steve Bannon.
And he's just begun to fight.
Until we get dark money out of our politics, there'll be more Steve Bannons & Robert Mercers. See Jane Meyer's "Dark Money."
9
New Yorker writer and author of "Dark Money" (a primer on right wing billionaire goons) Jane Mayer said last night that with Bannon gone, expect the White House to become even more chaotic.
Not a good thing....
Not a good thing....
6
Trump "saw in [Bannon] a vessel for a more developed nativist agenda."
When I first read that I thought it said "a more depraved nativist agenda," which is a more reasonable and accurate description.
When I first read that I thought it said "a more depraved nativist agenda," which is a more reasonable and accurate description.
1
Steve Bannon, having failed to dominate the direction of the administration's domestic agenda, picks up his marbles and goes slinking home to Breitbart; where, it is assumed, he will no longer be muzzled by an insecure narcissist without a clue. Can hardly wait for his gems of wisdom to begin oozing forth...
1
Stock traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange all cheered when they heard Bannon was gone. Wow.
6
The notion that this fool whose most famous words are "You're fired!" is going to produce prosperity is one of the most silly delusions in the US.
2
i'm getting fat on all the popcorn i'm eating.....
1
We haven't laid eyes on Trump since his bizarre disgusting pro- fascist display at Trump Tower Tuesday. But according to the NYT's Maggie Haberman, Trump spent Thursday night in Bedminster holed up with his billionaire donors Robert Mercer, Joseph Craft and Diane Hendrick where they schemed to figure out how to revive Trump's "agenda" - whatever miserable thing that is.
It's incredible how much damage Trump did to our country in just one day - Tuesday - but it's just like Trump to ignore that & meet w/ his billionaire minions to brainstorm how to distract us from that with 'new plans' - this while Trump hasn't apologized to our country for trashing it, tweeted a bizarre & hideous response to the attack in Barcelona & couldn't bring himself to offer an apology to Heather Heyer's parents for what was seemingly his smear of their heroic daughter.
Could Trump possibly be a worse president? Sure he could. We all know that could happen. But you've gotta give him credit for his epic selfishness, cluelessness, crassness and complete forfeiture of any responsibility for the welfare of the country. This was probably the grossest most appalling week of the miserable Trump presidency so far. But if he isn't removed from office, he'll do something far worse - we can count on it.
It's incredible how much damage Trump did to our country in just one day - Tuesday - but it's just like Trump to ignore that & meet w/ his billionaire minions to brainstorm how to distract us from that with 'new plans' - this while Trump hasn't apologized to our country for trashing it, tweeted a bizarre & hideous response to the attack in Barcelona & couldn't bring himself to offer an apology to Heather Heyer's parents for what was seemingly his smear of their heroic daughter.
Could Trump possibly be a worse president? Sure he could. We all know that could happen. But you've gotta give him credit for his epic selfishness, cluelessness, crassness and complete forfeiture of any responsibility for the welfare of the country. This was probably the grossest most appalling week of the miserable Trump presidency so far. But if he isn't removed from office, he'll do something far worse - we can count on it.
3
Mr. Trump, Mr. Bannon, Mr. Gorka and many others didn't just "appear in a puff of smoke".
Not once do you mention the real culprit, the Republican Party.
They started this, they encouraged this and THEY deserve the blame from Paul Ryan to Mitch McConnell and all the little "extreme nationalists" in between. The GOP is a cancer on the body politic, lock, stock and barrel and its time for this "party' to suffer the same fate as the Bull Moose Party, the Whigs, the No Nothings, etc.; complete extinction.
Not once do you mention the real culprit, the Republican Party.
They started this, they encouraged this and THEY deserve the blame from Paul Ryan to Mitch McConnell and all the little "extreme nationalists" in between. The GOP is a cancer on the body politic, lock, stock and barrel and its time for this "party' to suffer the same fate as the Bull Moose Party, the Whigs, the No Nothings, etc.; complete extinction.
5
Bannon's return to Breitbart and the Mercers is part of the overall plan. His role in the West Wing was to act as a lightning rod for racists and white supremacists. Once the administration realized how much collateral damage resulted from his position within the administration, they returned him to the Mercer mothership where he can run unchecked by pesky "political norms".
The country isn't safe until Mueller and Senate investigators can prove Mercers' tampering with the electoral process and shut them down. Bannon isn't finished yet.
The country isn't safe until Mueller and Senate investigators can prove Mercers' tampering with the electoral process and shut them down. Bannon isn't finished yet.
8
If you think you can trust Steve Bannon or his claims, I've got a bridge to sell. Latest example: those interviews. They weren't mistakes or contradicting. He does that to keep people off balance and to open avenues for his dark, malign aims. Judge him by what swirls around him or follows in his wake, not what he tells you or leaks.
1
I take issue with the insult to reptiles, and besides frogs are amphibians. Please, leave them out of this.
3
Setting aside the ticking clock as to how much time America has to "find itself", no reasonable exposition would find the likes of Steve Bannon as other than how far we have left to go . . .
1
The departure of Bannon is a secondary story. We still have the President who wanted him as an adviser.
8
Unexpected Consequences! Things never work out as planned - or reasonably expected. Bannon's departure has already had a massive impact, and not the one the optimists assume and hope for. Just gird up and force yourself to read the hard right press, especially the "comments." The fans of Breitbart, especially, are recharged in their deep vein of hatred of the Left in any form. The energy is frightening. The schism is worse in the one day since the Bannon move. I am discouraged again.
3
Bannon's departure represents the White House's abandonment of any pretense of thought about what it's doing. We now have unmitigated bufoonery in the foreground with a background of unbridled destruction by inappropriate appointees.
3
Gorka, Bannon or Trump are all of one coat. They hate the "others". This is not what our country should be about. We're much better than that, I hope.
2
Iago has been dispatched and departed the stage....before the end of the first act! How will this Shakespearean tragedy now unfold?
The comedy of errors continues.
The comedy of errors continues.
1
Trump has no ideological gravity so Steve Bannon got traction to yield force intended to harm those in need of help. As a Catholic how does Steve sleep at night?
1
Never forget that Bannon -- regardless of how "smart" he might be, or how "dovish" -- wants one thing: to dismantle our nation. Mission 1: document and then ignore. Mission 2: get rid of Trump.
1
Unfortunately, Bannon already announced his plan to slink back to running Breibart where he will continue to push his alt-right, white-nationalist, anti-globalization, US-isolationalism rhetoric under the radar, most likely with the full support of DJT. DJT sees JefF Bezos's Washington Post as the left fake news that must be countered by as much alt-right messaging as possible and Steve Bannon and Breibart ate just what he wants/needs. Rather than draining, he's Just pushing it deeper into the swamp. Sad.
2
Americans shouldn't be distracted by Bannnon's departure.
After seven months of this presidency, they should know a ruse when they see one, and this is one.
Besides the damage that has already been done by Bannon's tenure in the White House, lies the fact that the two other heads of that maleficent trifecta are still in place, namely Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka.
This country is still in danger.
It's not over yet.
After seven months of this presidency, they should know a ruse when they see one, and this is one.
Besides the damage that has already been done by Bannon's tenure in the White House, lies the fact that the two other heads of that maleficent trifecta are still in place, namely Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka.
This country is still in danger.
It's not over yet.
8
Let's be clear - the number one item on Steve Bannon's agenda is Steve Bannon.
Did he really argue "for maintaining a clearer bead on the needs of working-class voters who blamed an out-of-touch Washington for ills from joblessness to opioid addiction"? I don't recall any speeches, any op-eds, any essays in respected journals where Bannon tried to articulate a coherent theory of nationalism / isolationism.
Instead, we had episode after episode of Bannon thrusting himself into the news cycle in order to focus attention solely on himself.
It's OK to hold sincerely-held beliefs that are repugnant to most of the electorate, if you are prepared to back them up with solid, sound reasoning. Didn't notice any of this from Mr. Bannon.
Did he really argue "for maintaining a clearer bead on the needs of working-class voters who blamed an out-of-touch Washington for ills from joblessness to opioid addiction"? I don't recall any speeches, any op-eds, any essays in respected journals where Bannon tried to articulate a coherent theory of nationalism / isolationism.
Instead, we had episode after episode of Bannon thrusting himself into the news cycle in order to focus attention solely on himself.
It's OK to hold sincerely-held beliefs that are repugnant to most of the electorate, if you are prepared to back them up with solid, sound reasoning. Didn't notice any of this from Mr. Bannon.
2
I won't miss him. Bannon. i just won't miss him. Trump picked up all the noxious notions of Bannon's populism and none of the actual populist belief. He is all for destroying institutions, that he has no idea of what they do, and has no idea of how to replace them.
Trump is all for conspiracies and xenophobia, and has bought into small government, because it is a lot easier to not run an agency yo've gutted than to not run one you've kept around.
But the hole that Bannon leaves may not be one Gen. Kelly can fill. In Bannon's absence - and Bannon is smart and savvy, even if he appears in clouds of sulphur and smoke - the replacement could easily be Alex Jones's Info Wars, the show that combines hard sell, howls of rage, conspiracies and a true outlet for tinfoil hats. Trump laps it up.
Bannon I just cannot miss. But Bannon was not the problem. Trump is.
Trump is all for conspiracies and xenophobia, and has bought into small government, because it is a lot easier to not run an agency yo've gutted than to not run one you've kept around.
But the hole that Bannon leaves may not be one Gen. Kelly can fill. In Bannon's absence - and Bannon is smart and savvy, even if he appears in clouds of sulphur and smoke - the replacement could easily be Alex Jones's Info Wars, the show that combines hard sell, howls of rage, conspiracies and a true outlet for tinfoil hats. Trump laps it up.
Bannon I just cannot miss. But Bannon was not the problem. Trump is.
1
The Mercers, and the Kochs, who are bankrolling Pence, are huge problems for our country. Their "behind the curtain" machinations are ruining our country. Their agenda is nothing short of destruction of government and the protections it provides citizens. Bannon, Pence and even Trump, to some degree, are less of a threat because they are in the public eye. The Mercers & Kochs slither around in the background as private citizens, aided and abetted by the Citizens United ruling, poisoning the democracy. Who can stop them?
9
Things don't grow without food. Everyday we can probably expect to see the Times and others of that persuasion delivering Big Macs to his doorstep. Go easy on the fries, though, the man's jowls are big enough as it is.
1
My heart aches for the beloved country with the bile bannon and trump pour forth. Not satisfied with disrupting the country, bannon has been a harsh critic of the beloved Pope Francis, head of our mutual church, for his messages of love and inclusion and joining the 21st century.
One will be venerated throughout time; the other two will be confined to the local garbage dump.
One will be venerated throughout time; the other two will be confined to the local garbage dump.
4
Bannon may be gone but his tenure has provided a wealth of insider material to bring down anyone he sees as an adversary...even Trump. Politically, he is now more powerful than ever.
1
The White House has stated Donald & Melania Trump won't attend the Kennedy Center Honors 'to allow the honorees to attend the event without political distractions.'
I was waiting to see how Trump would wiggle out of the Kennedy Center Honors like he wiggled out of the White House Correspondent's Dinner. Trump won't appear anywhere that isn't a love fest for him. Trump will bail on literally all the traditional & ceremonial events normally hosted by the President because the country's pathological loathing of him would cause disruption.
This president is well on the way to being the most hated man in the world. That's all Steve Bannon bought for Trump: enmity. There's pretty much nowhere Trump can go to mingle w/ people except his tightly controlled rallies of diehards. This in contrast to Obama who during his tenure escorted Mrs. Obama to numerous D.C. restaurants (where they were regularly greeted with applause), dropped into neighborhood bookstores & picked up burgers at take out spots.
Trump will continue isolating himself at his golf courses, burrowing further into his miserable presidency that has already alienated 2/3 of the country.
It doesn't occur to Steve Bannon that almost nobody in the U.S. wants to buy what he's selling. Bannon's repellent policies have left Trump no moral authority, no country to govern, holed up in D.C. or his golf clubs like a hostage.
If Bannon's so smart, how come people are repulsed by his product as exemplified by Trump?
I was waiting to see how Trump would wiggle out of the Kennedy Center Honors like he wiggled out of the White House Correspondent's Dinner. Trump won't appear anywhere that isn't a love fest for him. Trump will bail on literally all the traditional & ceremonial events normally hosted by the President because the country's pathological loathing of him would cause disruption.
This president is well on the way to being the most hated man in the world. That's all Steve Bannon bought for Trump: enmity. There's pretty much nowhere Trump can go to mingle w/ people except his tightly controlled rallies of diehards. This in contrast to Obama who during his tenure escorted Mrs. Obama to numerous D.C. restaurants (where they were regularly greeted with applause), dropped into neighborhood bookstores & picked up burgers at take out spots.
Trump will continue isolating himself at his golf courses, burrowing further into his miserable presidency that has already alienated 2/3 of the country.
It doesn't occur to Steve Bannon that almost nobody in the U.S. wants to buy what he's selling. Bannon's repellent policies have left Trump no moral authority, no country to govern, holed up in D.C. or his golf clubs like a hostage.
If Bannon's so smart, how come people are repulsed by his product as exemplified by Trump?
5
Bannon, Le Pen, Farage, Wilders, Erdoğan, Duterte... the list is long. The signs and symptoms point to an underlying sickness. Can democracy survive it? The attacks on truth in America suggest that the answer is "no." (Adelson, Bannon, Coulter, Drudge, Fox, Ingraham, Limbaugh, Savage...). The bible tells a story of the Tower of Babel, which caused the Lord to confound the people by giving them different languages. Today, we see an extension of that confusion, when, even with a single language, we are slimed in a constant flow of contradictions and denials of reality.
7
Clearly Bannon knew his departure from the WH was coming - his new position lined up well BEFORE his firing. Meantime, he has created a bigger name for himself, harnessed more power than ever through his fear based propaganda, and is prepared to continue to sow the seeds of what is probably his own self-hate disguised as a political agenda. He needs a good shrink not a media empire to spread his illness. Can anyone help him?
1
By picking out and analyzing an individual from the group T rump has gathered together, you're giving us a close up of a tree. This mess occupying our White House exists in a forest of complicity, and cutting down one tree or trimming a branch will not change much except possibly the scenery.
Bannon is no longer in the inner circle, but donald is. Even if donald leaves taking his apprentices and sycophants with him, we'll have Pence the Pure and most of the trash that is now heading our major government departments. We'll still have all the members of congress who have and continue to enable 'their' president. And, we'll still have all the money that flows into those people's campaigns, the foreign (Putin) skulduggery, and the newspeak right-wing media and followers.
We need to remember that this is the same bunch that gave us George II, who was totally unprepared for the job. The same bunch that inclusively embraces far-far right wingers; embraces them so much that our government comes to a stand still to appease their slightest whim. They won't go away until they are all thrown out and thoroughly disparaged.
Bannon is no longer in the inner circle, but donald is. Even if donald leaves taking his apprentices and sycophants with him, we'll have Pence the Pure and most of the trash that is now heading our major government departments. We'll still have all the members of congress who have and continue to enable 'their' president. And, we'll still have all the money that flows into those people's campaigns, the foreign (Putin) skulduggery, and the newspeak right-wing media and followers.
We need to remember that this is the same bunch that gave us George II, who was totally unprepared for the job. The same bunch that inclusively embraces far-far right wingers; embraces them so much that our government comes to a stand still to appease their slightest whim. They won't go away until they are all thrown out and thoroughly disparaged.
6
I wish my spirits were lifted. Bannon's leaving is a step but a small one. So much remains to be done.
Are the Democrats going to school?
Are the Democrats going to school?
2
Bannons importance can be tempered by other media outlets by; 1.ignoring most of it, as most of it will be distraction - which is a Bannon game strategy. 2.countering the important claims with the facts, and erudite analysis. Not just posting the comments, but dissecting them.
But no one knows how much the Trumplodites care about Bannon. His importance was solely due to his being close to Trump, and right now, no one, not even the Trumplodites care about the others tossed off the the raft. Except of course any dirt they might posses, but so far they have stayed quiet.
Bannon however, has already showed signs of using his dirt. Which looks to be more of the same old, same old. The GOP is a messed up, fractured party and is the bigger contributor of the Beltway problems. Yawn. He wont directly attack Trump, or so he says (till Trump tweet-insults him) instead going after the GOP. But undermining the bulk of Repub Reps. and Sens., wont truly work in favor of his personal agenda.
His real problem. Its Bannon's agenda versus Trumps. Trump has one...he just cant seem to make it actionable (because he's clueless) without the direct help of those he keeps vilifying. Bannon has a plan, but its also in direct conflict to the ones needed to manifest it. Wishing to destroy most of the institutions, etc, wont be helped along by the ones in them. At least in the House and Senate. The actors there are not going to willfully,least of all on Bannons charge, burn their own houses down.
But no one knows how much the Trumplodites care about Bannon. His importance was solely due to his being close to Trump, and right now, no one, not even the Trumplodites care about the others tossed off the the raft. Except of course any dirt they might posses, but so far they have stayed quiet.
Bannon however, has already showed signs of using his dirt. Which looks to be more of the same old, same old. The GOP is a messed up, fractured party and is the bigger contributor of the Beltway problems. Yawn. He wont directly attack Trump, or so he says (till Trump tweet-insults him) instead going after the GOP. But undermining the bulk of Repub Reps. and Sens., wont truly work in favor of his personal agenda.
His real problem. Its Bannon's agenda versus Trumps. Trump has one...he just cant seem to make it actionable (because he's clueless) without the direct help of those he keeps vilifying. Bannon has a plan, but its also in direct conflict to the ones needed to manifest it. Wishing to destroy most of the institutions, etc, wont be helped along by the ones in them. At least in the House and Senate. The actors there are not going to willfully,least of all on Bannons charge, burn their own houses down.
1
I am so looking forward to the late night comediennes humor reflecting the ridiculousness of Mr. Bannon.
1
From here, it looks a lot like he's just getting out while the getting's good. He's savvy enough to have arranged his own demise so as not to get caught when the Trump administration finally implodes.
1
Here is my take on this. Trump doesn't want to be elected president again, so he can forget about what Bannon does now. If Trump loses his alt-right followers' support, why would he care? He doesn't need them anymore. Think of Bannon as a small ant, don't mention him any more, and he will fade away. Even the most arrogant, obnoxious people disappear eventually, if you ignore them.
We feed Bannon's oversized ego by paying so much attention to him. The Times and other major outlets should spend more time on the enabler through his billions, Robert Mercer. What assignment did he have to help get Trump elected? What's Mercer's mission for Bannon now. Has Trump really split from Bannon or will he slide back into the Mercer fold once the Republicans denounce him. Will Mercer perhaps fund the formation of a new political party something akin to an "American" Party? Stay tuned.
2
If it was only Bannon's "conservative" approach that restrained Trump's more reckless impulses, then nothing has really "improved" with Bannon's mere physical departure from the White House.
Let's not fool ourselves here. Inside the White House or outside of the White House doesn't matter a whit. Bannon is just one tweet, email, phone call, or a quick dinner away.
What matters is having a governing philosophy that is altogether different from what we have seen. And there is nothing in this administration that has ever suggested that they have an intelligent governing philosophy.
What's Rahm Emanuel's old saying? Never let a good crisis go to waste? There is so much repair work that must be done by 2020. Whether it's Trump, Pence or Ryan in the White House, let's begin by putting up good, reasonable candidates and all voters showing up in 2018.
Let's not fool ourselves here. Inside the White House or outside of the White House doesn't matter a whit. Bannon is just one tweet, email, phone call, or a quick dinner away.
What matters is having a governing philosophy that is altogether different from what we have seen. And there is nothing in this administration that has ever suggested that they have an intelligent governing philosophy.
What's Rahm Emanuel's old saying? Never let a good crisis go to waste? There is so much repair work that must be done by 2020. Whether it's Trump, Pence or Ryan in the White House, let's begin by putting up good, reasonable candidates and all voters showing up in 2018.
I may be wrong, but I think I am seeing a strange paradigm take shape in America. When I voted for Obama, and he won, I was ecstatic. I thought, probably naively, "Finally, racism is dead." I was giddy imagining all the positive things that would happen under his leadership.I was astounded at how his election brought the hate and racism out of the closet, even in Congress. Then, Trump was elected, the Republicans seized control of all three branches of government, and I haven't had a solid night of sleep since. But, as with Obama, the opposite of what I thought would happen, is happening. Good people are hitting the streets, and saying, "No, not in my country." The removal off monuments across the South has me giddy again.
59
Bannon's political influence could grow if frightened people listen to him instead of finding their own answers. In our country today it looks like roughly 40% of the population want someone -- an authority figure -- to tell them what to do. Another 40% are thinking about how to manage an open society where different types of people respect one another. In between are 20% who may think society is not worth thinking about, possibly because their immediate concerns are overwhelming. Right now the country seems to be at a tipping point -- 40/40 -- and it could go either way. Our fascination with "Star Wars" -- a series that seems to be popular with more than 40% of the population -- says something about our times. Good vs. evil, the forces of oppression vs. the struggle for freedom. Does Bannon believe he is for freedom? If not, why does he want oppression? Who cares.
1
There is only one reason, in my opinion, that Bannon is out. He was simply stealing Trump's thunder.
Trump likes to win. He does not like to share credit for the wins. Wining is his only goal.
He simply cannot condone anyone getting attention but himself. Like the five year olds that I teach he doesn't care if it's good or bad attention as long as the focus is on him.
As for Bannon's influence on the outside. I consider myself fairly well-informed possibly a bit more than the average American and a ton more than the average Jimmy Kimmel viewer. Until he entered the White House sphere, I had never heard of Bannon and the only awareness I had of Breitbart was that the founder had died young. It's not a go-to website for me and I assume for most people. The bubble of Washington media assumes incorrectly that the rest of the country is as savvy and knowledgeable as they purport to be. It ain't so.
Bannon and Breitbart will pass to the back burner of the American consciousness. Ask anyone on two feet who Kim Kardashian is and then follow it with the same question about Bannon. Anyone wanna bet on the odds of who'd win that question?
Trump likes to win. He does not like to share credit for the wins. Wining is his only goal.
He simply cannot condone anyone getting attention but himself. Like the five year olds that I teach he doesn't care if it's good or bad attention as long as the focus is on him.
As for Bannon's influence on the outside. I consider myself fairly well-informed possibly a bit more than the average American and a ton more than the average Jimmy Kimmel viewer. Until he entered the White House sphere, I had never heard of Bannon and the only awareness I had of Breitbart was that the founder had died young. It's not a go-to website for me and I assume for most people. The bubble of Washington media assumes incorrectly that the rest of the country is as savvy and knowledgeable as they purport to be. It ain't so.
Bannon and Breitbart will pass to the back burner of the American consciousness. Ask anyone on two feet who Kim Kardashian is and then follow it with the same question about Bannon. Anyone wanna bet on the odds of who'd win that question?
4
I'm sure Kimmel viewers will object, and you seem waaaay too arrogant to be teaching anyone let alone 5 years olds.
1
Trumps presidency makes me think of this comparison: an NFL coach changing jobs to be an NHL coach, failing and then becoming an NBA coach and then...
1
"It would be nice to think the departure of Steve Bannon, chief strategist in a strategy-free White House, signals that President Trump is oh-so-gradually closing the door on white nationalist sentiments. But that would require forgetting that Mr. Trump fostered birther lies and racist memes long before he worked with Mr. Bannon, who saw in him a vessel for a more developed nativist agenda."
It would also require forgetting that the Republican-led House and Senate have not, as a body, explicitly condemned the events of this past week and the ideologies which drove them. These Republicans, by and large, present themselves as fundamentalist Christians and are far more dangerous to the values of this country than anything we have seen in the last several days because they deny goodness, humanity and worth to those they deem unfit. They may not march in the streets against immigrants, Muslims, LGBTers, and abortion advocates, but they will fight fiercely in the legislative chambers of the land to prevent equal rights for these people. They do not know Christ, but they are his "name-droppers" as they wage their own wars of hate. Christ's love is all-inclusive. All.
It would also require forgetting that the Republican-led House and Senate have not, as a body, explicitly condemned the events of this past week and the ideologies which drove them. These Republicans, by and large, present themselves as fundamentalist Christians and are far more dangerous to the values of this country than anything we have seen in the last several days because they deny goodness, humanity and worth to those they deem unfit. They may not march in the streets against immigrants, Muslims, LGBTers, and abortion advocates, but they will fight fiercely in the legislative chambers of the land to prevent equal rights for these people. They do not know Christ, but they are his "name-droppers" as they wage their own wars of hate. Christ's love is all-inclusive. All.
7
In White House remodel, has a revolving door been considered? The instability at the top continues to trickle down
2
Hope Jared and Ivanka are buckled in for a bumpy ride because they are going to be eviscerated by Mr. Bannon. Wonder how Donald will like that and wonder what we will learn about shady deals, meetings, etc.
I would expect that the internecine war ongoing in the Republican Party will intensify and be even more destructive. I hope it grinds any progression of the agenda to a halt and results in a shellacking in the 2018 elections. The Republicans deserve all of that and more. Maybe bigotry and cruelty do have a price after all.
I would expect that the internecine war ongoing in the Republican Party will intensify and be even more destructive. I hope it grinds any progression of the agenda to a halt and results in a shellacking in the 2018 elections. The Republicans deserve all of that and more. Maybe bigotry and cruelty do have a price after all.
7
I also hope that they understand that they have few supporters across this country. Few who can muster any sense of outrage over what's to come their way. They got into the hotbed of this disease of an administration. They therefore cannot claim to be victims of what is to come, any more that Donnie can claim victimhood when the Mueller Time investigations bear their fruit, whatever that may be.
We must end the Republican Party in 2018 and 2020, mopping up whoever is left in 2024. Getting rid of Republican criminals and neo fascists is the only way to save our democracy.
2
Jared and Ivanka being eviscerated by Bannon is something i could actually look very forward to. I'll have my popcorn at the ready.
If Mr Bannon dies tomorrow, he at left us with an important legacy: He exposed the radical left, he helped destroy and marginalized the corrupt Democrats like the Clintons, and he got Trump elected president.
I will see you on the radio, Sir.
I will see you on the radio, Sir.
3
Not a great track record thus far.
3
TEW: I beg to differ, considering obstacles from the GOP establishment, the Dems, Hollywood and the media. We got Gorsuch, we got a bleep-ton of regulations removed, we got the pipelines moving, we got a better unemployment rate, we got a ridiculous stock market, etc. The GOP establishment blocked repeal of Obamacare, and it looks like they will slow-walk tax reform. All things considered, not bad.
1
How does one see on a radio?
1
>
This guy was and will continue to be bad news.
This guy was and will continue to be bad news.
3
MK - The night of the long knives (die Nacht der langen Messer, June 30, 1938) improved Hitler's standing in German public opinion. With the fall of the SA the most thuggish revolutionaries were replaced by generals and bureaucrats. Many Germans ignored the fact that in 1933, Hitler himself brought the SA to power and that his worldview was no different from their extremist world view.
I hear that he is a devout Catholic!!!!, but the POPE will have nothing to do with his like, he exemplifies the loss of Humanity in my opinion.
3
Why are these three questions not being answered by news organizations?
The New York Times owes it's readers, America and humanity to publish the following factual headline:
"Bannon Plans to Destroy U. S., Start WW3".
There are many important reasons to publish this information:
It's True, Provable, and Demonstrable.
It's Genocidal, Suicidal, and Inhuman.
It's Megalomaniacal, Messianic and Deranged.
It's Feasible, In Process, and Progressing.
It's Building Momentum and Catalytic.
It's Symbiotic with horrific national and global events and trends.
It's Preventable, Actionable and Time Sensitive.
It demands Exposure and Planned Response.
It's one the most Critical, Pivotal and Consequential moments of our time.
I wish I was exaggerating, mistaken, tripping nihilism or channeling Chick Little. However, Bannon's words, actions, politics, history, amassed support, influence, and resources attest to the reality and urgency of the fast developing crisis. It's the mission and responsibility of the free press to fully investigate this previously unimaginable and compelling danger.
The New York Times owes it's readers, America and humanity to publish the following factual headline:
"Bannon Plans to Destroy U. S., Start WW3".
There are many important reasons to publish this information:
It's True, Provable, and Demonstrable.
It's Genocidal, Suicidal, and Inhuman.
It's Megalomaniacal, Messianic and Deranged.
It's Feasible, In Process, and Progressing.
It's Building Momentum and Catalytic.
It's Symbiotic with horrific national and global events and trends.
It's Preventable, Actionable and Time Sensitive.
It demands Exposure and Planned Response.
It's one the most Critical, Pivotal and Consequential moments of our time.
I wish I was exaggerating, mistaken, tripping nihilism or channeling Chick Little. However, Bannon's words, actions, politics, history, amassed support, influence, and resources attest to the reality and urgency of the fast developing crisis. It's the mission and responsibility of the free press to fully investigate this previously unimaginable and compelling danger.
1
Couldn't have happened to a nicer nationalist.
1
Robert Mercer himself seems to have artificial intelligence. What a cold fish he is.
1
No one takes breitbart seriously, not a problem. Bon voyage Steve.
5
“Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always.”
-Gandhi
-Gandhi
6
Banishing Bannon could turn out to be a major blunder. By failing to heed the adage "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" Trump may have just alienated his most loyal element of his base: the alt-right bigots. Bannon has gone from a supporting insider to a missile launched in Trump's direction.
1
Steve Bannon is just another, less successful, grifter. With a keen ability to remember and regurgitate, Bannon has promoted himself as a conservative intellectual philosopher as he schmoozed money for his thoughts from right wing billionaires, most notably Robert Mercer.
Like Trump, Bannon makes sure it is He who is taken care of first and only then does he dive into the mosh pit to stir up trouble. Because Bannon, like Trump, fancies himself THE ONE with the brain who can out maneuver all opposition. Bannon found a very malleable candidate Trump and rode his show into the White House where he never should have been allowed. We are now left with the less clever of the two in the Oval Office.
Bannon now has a hefty raise from the Mercers and can now engage in daily jousting with his intellectual 'inferiors'. Both Bannon and Trump do present a future problem in that both can manipulate the social media platforms of their choice (Brietbart and Twitter) Very well. Something the center or left seems incapable of doing.
Let them sling arrows at each other. Perhaps the best we can hope for is mass confusion within the alt-right and conservatives about who is more whatever.
Trump still has The power so Bannon is second fiddle now but both are dangerous. Both will use hatred in its many forms to sow discontent and division.
Like Trump, Bannon makes sure it is He who is taken care of first and only then does he dive into the mosh pit to stir up trouble. Because Bannon, like Trump, fancies himself THE ONE with the brain who can out maneuver all opposition. Bannon found a very malleable candidate Trump and rode his show into the White House where he never should have been allowed. We are now left with the less clever of the two in the Oval Office.
Bannon now has a hefty raise from the Mercers and can now engage in daily jousting with his intellectual 'inferiors'. Both Bannon and Trump do present a future problem in that both can manipulate the social media platforms of their choice (Brietbart and Twitter) Very well. Something the center or left seems incapable of doing.
Let them sling arrows at each other. Perhaps the best we can hope for is mass confusion within the alt-right and conservatives about who is more whatever.
Trump still has The power so Bannon is second fiddle now but both are dangerous. Both will use hatred in its many forms to sow discontent and division.
2
If there are any reasonable republicans left, they should be very afraid.
Political influence my foot. Bannon was and continues to be vastly overrated, Breitbart is overrated, Miller and Gorka will probably be next to exit and Trump will have to decide whether he wants to stay in office and be "presidential" -- i.e. part of the Republican establishment -- or whether he wants to remain a loose cannon making enemies of all around him, which will shorten his tenure in the White House. We don't even have to wait for the Russia investigation to end; Article 25 will probably be enough if Trump continues his tweet storms.
2
Gee, somebody out there acting as a counter-balance to the 100% negative coverage about President Trump in the NY Times. Worrisome.
2
Trump will keep firing people until there are only yes men and family. Oh, by the way, the family can't control him. This presidency is over, because now there is only Trump to lead and he has no idea what he really wants because he has no core values as to what is good for America. Was his healthcare plan of more people covered and cheaper embodied in his plan. Will taking us out of trade deals be better for the economy, will building a wall make us safer, banning Muslims keep us safer and help us win the war against terrorism, will ignoring climate change and environment make us safer and make us prosper, will tax cut for wealthy help majority of Americans. If answer is no, where is Trump leading us to.
1
Bannon is completely right when he says that Democrats focus on "identity" politics the Republicans will crush them. Until Democrats stop taking the bait and instead start talking, endlessly, about bread and butter issues in simple, gut-hitting messages, they will not return to power. That's what most Americans care about. Racism is evil, minority rights are crucial, voter suppression is completely unAmerican. But none of these things can be addressed unless the right wing is tossed out. Bannon knows, rightly, that even after leaving the White House he's going to keep winning his fascist, nazi-loving battles, and the Democrats are going to lead him to victory.
30
What Bannon did is he exposed the ugly underbelly of the American people. WE knew that the many in the South harbored white racism. They used some cover such as "fiscal right" to attract some fiscal conservatives but underlying it is the idea that money created by whites was going for the undeserving blacks. and they added Mexicans to that list of undesirables Some educated also despised Asians who were taking their jobs away.
We thought we had overcome this prejdice by electing Barak Obama, not an all-white man. We passed medicare and medicaid and civil rights bill in 60s. But Nixon exploited it with his southern strategy At the Reagan surrepticiously did the same using "Christian Right" added to his subtle racist appeal (he announced his candidacy in Mississipi, not an accident).
Bannon has exposed this under the banner of Nationalsm. Is it over with Bannon gone? Not really. Trump is an exploiter of all views, whatever makes him win. At the same time, let us not forget, he grew up with his father who practiced racism in queens And the apple does not fall too far from its tree. Bannon many be gone but Bannonism is not. WHite Racism abated by many Chrstian right will continue to exist. CAn we make them fringe again?
We thought we had overcome this prejdice by electing Barak Obama, not an all-white man. We passed medicare and medicaid and civil rights bill in 60s. But Nixon exploited it with his southern strategy At the Reagan surrepticiously did the same using "Christian Right" added to his subtle racist appeal (he announced his candidacy in Mississipi, not an accident).
Bannon has exposed this under the banner of Nationalsm. Is it over with Bannon gone? Not really. Trump is an exploiter of all views, whatever makes him win. At the same time, let us not forget, he grew up with his father who practiced racism in queens And the apple does not fall too far from its tree. Bannon many be gone but Bannonism is not. WHite Racism abated by many Chrstian right will continue to exist. CAn we make them fringe again?
31
That Steve Bannon saw himself as a modern day Thomas Cromwell shows that he is learned. He must have despised Trump as much as he calls the neo-Nazis a "collection of clows" and "losers." But he needs a platform to reach out to these people and Breitbart has been his vehicle. The website is co-owned by Robert Mercer and his daughter, Rebekah. The question is whether they will still be keen on bankrolling Bannon, and how he would be able to implement Trump's nationalist agenda, with or without his blessing outside the White House, which is now in the hands of globalists - Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump and others.
2
Bannon sees history as an unbeakable cycle, not an open-ended process. This upends the whole point of the study of history: to avoid its prior mistakes.
2
Putin moving his chess pieces.
8
For a short man he's got a pretty long reach and therefore must have fingers that match. No wonder Trump is in awe of him.
2
Bannon simply didn't know Washington and how it works, Back at Breitbart I doubt we will see anything new - it will be that odd mix of articles cheer leading for Trump, others that distort the opinions of his perceived opponents along with solid reporting on a host of issues and events that the MSM like the Times simply doesn't want to cover.
2
"...his agenda has more to do with stoking nationalist fervor against foreign trade, overseas military involvement and big-money Washington elitism." Granted that Bannon's departure is a good thing, questions still remain:
1, Would the US have been and still be in Iraq / Afghanistan for17 years if we still had a draft? 2. A story in the Times this week reported the administration was considering weaker trade terms with China in return for stronger support against N. Korea. Having made similar type concessions with Japan, Korea & other countries over the years, i.e. sacrificing fairness in trade deals to obtain other foreign policy goals, shouldn't the US at least enact effective measures to assist those workers injured by such concessions? 3. Is the NYT in favor of big 'big money Washington elitism'. Do we really want Presidential candidates
beholden to hedge fund managers and K Street?
1, Would the US have been and still be in Iraq / Afghanistan for17 years if we still had a draft? 2. A story in the Times this week reported the administration was considering weaker trade terms with China in return for stronger support against N. Korea. Having made similar type concessions with Japan, Korea & other countries over the years, i.e. sacrificing fairness in trade deals to obtain other foreign policy goals, shouldn't the US at least enact effective measures to assist those workers injured by such concessions? 3. Is the NYT in favor of big 'big money Washington elitism'. Do we really want Presidential candidates
beholden to hedge fund managers and K Street?
1
What is the difference between big money Washington elitism and big money New York elitism?
Bannon was The Mercer family's agent in charge of Trump.
Bannon was The Mercer family's agent in charge of Trump.
10
How is Steve Bannon a Nationalist if he supported all of those horrible cabinet appointment whose role it was/is to dismantle the government and destroy each agency? How is that nationalist?
I think there is a Russian connection..they are the big winners in all of this.
I think there is a Russian connection..they are the big winners in all of this.
10
Dismantling the US is the obvious objective.
Deirdre - because those depts, etc are costly. They intrude into places not seen as worthy. Those dept/agencies cost,andthey are self-serving, in that they need to find ways to sustain their existence.
What Agency is going to work to eliminate itself? With a direct and eager plan of action? So an environmental agency/dept, large or small, will not put itself out of business, but find ways to intrude more on the public sector. Like take control of more lands, kick ranchers and farmers off, etc.
You need to look at what Nationalism means to more then one POV.
Look at how many POV's Trumplodites have re; the means to Making America Great Again. They're all over the spectrum. Some its all about immediately kicking out illegals. Others, deep tax cuts/reforms for large entities. Getting govt out of education, or more in...
Nationalism has no one definition. And certainly no one POV.
What Agency is going to work to eliminate itself? With a direct and eager plan of action? So an environmental agency/dept, large or small, will not put itself out of business, but find ways to intrude more on the public sector. Like take control of more lands, kick ranchers and farmers off, etc.
You need to look at what Nationalism means to more then one POV.
Look at how many POV's Trumplodites have re; the means to Making America Great Again. They're all over the spectrum. Some its all about immediately kicking out illegals. Others, deep tax cuts/reforms for large entities. Getting govt out of education, or more in...
Nationalism has no one definition. And certainly no one POV.
These Trumpists have delineated all the mortal fault lines in this juvenile nation. Vlad Putin is one heck of a talent scout.
For all the down side of Bannon's presence in the White House it will be remembered with some relief that he was the only one in the White House who called out the Charlottesville Nazi crowd for what they are: Losers.
10
Bannon exiting the White House is only a pyrrhic victory for the public. We are left with the supreme white president, Trump. He's the inept, self centered, anomic racist who is the real problem. Trump might have listened to Bannon, but he's the shot caller who shot air balls. He's in way over his head in many ways. Until he exits right, Houston we have a problem.
23
Amen!
Trump is unravelling and quickly, though not quickly enough.
Even Republicans are distancing themselves from him and Senator Bob Corker of TN is calling for the use of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump.
Then look at the CEOs who have flad the Trump chaos. Trump thrives on chaos. He creates it and wallows in it.
Sure we'll be stuck with Pence who is dirty as can be but at least he's not quite ad insane as Trump.
Trump is unravelling and quickly, though not quickly enough.
Even Republicans are distancing themselves from him and Senator Bob Corker of TN is calling for the use of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump.
Then look at the CEOs who have flad the Trump chaos. Trump thrives on chaos. He creates it and wallows in it.
Sure we'll be stuck with Pence who is dirty as can be but at least he's not quite ad insane as Trump.
1
Who is bankrolling Steve Bannon and what do they want? Ask the Mercers and they will probably tell you.
33
The Mercers actually probably won't tell you - which is part of the problem.
2
Plutocrats who subsidize nihilism have heads full of loose screws.
Hell hath no fury as a Bannon scorned. Or as Bannon himself said upon leaving the White House "I'm ready for war"
9
Steve Bannon has exited the white house but he has left with his chip on the shoulder and a larger than life persona he acquired during his months in the white house. He symbolized evil in the Trump white house by his constant demonization and by the main stream media and depicted by SNL in several of its episodes. He is now weaponized and his going back to Brietbart could be his avenue for spewing venom. His comment that the Trump presidency is over just because he will no longer be guiding it from inside speaks volumes about his arrogance and justification that he deserved to be removed. Time will tell whether he was right or alt-right.
15
Name recognition alone can evidently be sold for top dollar to somebody.
Bannon leaves but Trump still stays. Therein lies the problem.
As Kurt Bardella, a former spokesperson for for Breitbart News, put it:
“It's Trump who tweets day and night. It's Trump who has consciously decided to pander to racists and white supremacists. It's Trump who has engaged in a dangerous game of chicken with North Korea. At the end of the day, while some of the internal West Wing infighting may calm down, the real root of the problem is in the Oval Office.”
As Kurt Bardella, a former spokesperson for for Breitbart News, put it:
“It's Trump who tweets day and night. It's Trump who has consciously decided to pander to racists and white supremacists. It's Trump who has engaged in a dangerous game of chicken with North Korea. At the end of the day, while some of the internal West Wing infighting may calm down, the real root of the problem is in the Oval Office.”
44
Trump has only one direction to burrow in this barrel.
No doubt that Bannon is, as are most all involved in the Trump "administration", a weird individual, primarily possessed of a nationalistic super-ego. And on balance it is a step in the right direction, but only a step, as others need to go. But, in re-reading your editorial, it strikes me that much of what you describe as Bannon's agenda is the closest thing to a populist, middle-class focus Trump displayed. As I commented yesterday, I think we'll look back and see that Bannon's departure was a sure sign that the traditionalist GOP agenda of tax cuts for the wealthy, combined with a shoot-first foreign policy, are ascendant. As despicable as Trump is personally, some of the broad brushstrokes he espoused, and that won him the presidency, were pure Bannon populism. And, except for the racism and xenophobia, was far removed from what the Republican party stands for. Which I expect is precisely why Bannon is gone. And if I am right that is no cause for celebration. Money won, as it always does in today's United States. Citizens United ensured that.
14
Why jump out of the 'R' Vichy Party's frying pan, and back into the 'D' Vichy Party's fire?
Haven't the last 9 'least worst voting' cycles taught us anything?
The problem is neither in our stars nor in ourselves --- but in the Empire.
The coming patriotic peoples' peaceful "Political/economic and social Revolution against EMPIRE" is the only solution to this first in history; 'effectively-disguised', 'truly-global', and crony 'capitalist-fueled' Empire, which is only nominally HQed in, and merely 'posing' as, our former country's idea.
Haven't the last 9 'least worst voting' cycles taught us anything?
The problem is neither in our stars nor in ourselves --- but in the Empire.
The coming patriotic peoples' peaceful "Political/economic and social Revolution against EMPIRE" is the only solution to this first in history; 'effectively-disguised', 'truly-global', and crony 'capitalist-fueled' Empire, which is only nominally HQed in, and merely 'posing' as, our former country's idea.
3
The short of it is the need for a collective equitable negotiation of a modern social contract.
1
"Every plutocrat an emperor" should be the Republican Party motto.
If a car factory makes defective cars, the company does not cashier them one-by-one. It does not wait to see if more cars will have the same defect, fearing the risk of litigation and the shredding of the manufacturer's reputation. It issues a recall and has its extensive dealer network repair them in the community in which they reside.
With the steady flow of departing members of the Trump administration, it becomes clearer there is something wrong at the factory. The shop steward and the QC department are lacking fundamental skills.
It's time the company stockholders and stakeholders, the Republican party, removes the CEO and the assembly line workers lest the party of Lincoln(s) becomes the party of Yugos.
With the steady flow of departing members of the Trump administration, it becomes clearer there is something wrong at the factory. The shop steward and the QC department are lacking fundamental skills.
It's time the company stockholders and stakeholders, the Republican party, removes the CEO and the assembly line workers lest the party of Lincoln(s) becomes the party of Yugos.
21
The whole right wing agenda is faith-based nonsense and wishful thinking.
10
Douglas, it is ALREADY "the party of Yugos"! The drift toward such "defective" assembly of a party's principles and policies began with Tricky Dick Nixon's "Southern Strategy," gained traction in the Reagan years and was solidified by Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America."
10
It was Gingrich's "Contract ON America".
"But Mr. Bannon was more wily and complicated than his now-former boss."
Ain't that the truth. Bannon enabled and amplified the Trump message with a ruthlessness that far exceeded that of Mr. Trump. Oh, how I wish Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka would follow him out the door--both are as un-American as they come, fomenting a hardline police state mentality within the administration, Miller for immigrants, Gorka for Muslims.
The Bannon-Gorka-Miller triumvirate has to be the oddest collection of ideologues I've ever seen. But of all of them, Bannon with his nutty philosophical movies and his vision for a Christian America-Russia alliance in a war with Muslims to end all wars, was the most dangerous.
I will be interested to see how Donald Trump--who espouses no particular vision or international world view except his own enrichment-- survives now, without his spokesperson, particularly with that voice is opposing him.
Both men relish a fight but Bannon now has a mouthpiece that could be louder than that of even the president. He also has more brains, and will make Trump squirm.
Just what we need in these dangerous times: an ongoing food fight.
Ain't that the truth. Bannon enabled and amplified the Trump message with a ruthlessness that far exceeded that of Mr. Trump. Oh, how I wish Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka would follow him out the door--both are as un-American as they come, fomenting a hardline police state mentality within the administration, Miller for immigrants, Gorka for Muslims.
The Bannon-Gorka-Miller triumvirate has to be the oddest collection of ideologues I've ever seen. But of all of them, Bannon with his nutty philosophical movies and his vision for a Christian America-Russia alliance in a war with Muslims to end all wars, was the most dangerous.
I will be interested to see how Donald Trump--who espouses no particular vision or international world view except his own enrichment-- survives now, without his spokesperson, particularly with that voice is opposing him.
Both men relish a fight but Bannon now has a mouthpiece that could be louder than that of even the president. He also has more brains, and will make Trump squirm.
Just what we need in these dangerous times: an ongoing food fight.
51
We should all be grateful to Steve Bannon.
He came to the Trump campaign at a crucial moment and made it possible for Trump to defeat Hillary Clinton.
He came to the Trump campaign at a crucial moment and made it possible for Trump to defeat Hillary Clinton.
4
Nope.
Bannon was just the price that the Mercer family exacted from Trump in exchange for their campaign funds.
Bannon was just the price that the Mercer family exacted from Trump in exchange for their campaign funds.
1
Thanks for the commentary Rip Van Winkle.
The example made of Hillary is a convincing deterrent to many people who avoid politics because it is only a vicious exercise in demeaning futility.
I am concerned that this plot has become too complicated to fit into a single oscar-winning film.
@otherminds
@otherminds
23
Breitbart News is fresh and relevant, probably even more so with Bannon's return. The editors here might want to make a study of what it has that is sorely missing from these pages.
2
Such as, a callous and cynical disregard for the truth?
48
Here are some more adjectives:
Fictional, gaseous and noxious.
Fictional, gaseous and noxious.
4
Breitbart has the news value of the National Enquirer. It's a propaganda scandal sheet that feeds the worst impulses of human emotion. It is not news and you know it. It is an echo chamber for sick, conspiracy theory believing, mean spirited people.
Me? I am still looking for that basement in the pizza parlor.
Me? I am still looking for that basement in the pizza parlor.
2
Nah... he's headed back under that rock where he resided. A repulsive actor who stumbled onto the world stage via the Trump carnival. The Mercers have a lot of money and I'll enjoy watching them wasting bunches of it on Steve the sleaze.
27
I am hoping that Mueller's investigation ropes in the Mercers (Bob and the horrifying daughter Rebekah), their pit bull Bannon, and all of Cambridge Analytica. Then a RICO case so that the Mercer fortune is forfeited.
1
Trump is an empty vessel, guided by the strong hands of knowledgeable advisors. Bannon guided him towards his self-destructive instincts, Kelly will guide him toward pragmatic solutions.
3
Trump takes no guidance from anything but his own gut.
1
I welcome Bannon's departure yet I am very concerned for what he will do . Bannon's philosophy against globalization and tearing down the so called deep state are extremes we cannot afford . We cannot afford isolationism and retreat to our shores. Unfortunately given the political polarization of the last 30 years it has become increasingly difficult to find common ground. Bannon and his ilk are but one symptom of dangerous ideas that have taken hold of the Republican Party over the past few
years. Bannon is free from whatever constrained him while
he was in Washington. Thus like a virus he can mutate to the next level.
His virulent racist views will further entrench the extreme political elements
in our country. He will use Breitbart backed by the unlimited funds from
the Mercer family as a swift sword cutting down anyone who stands in
his way. I wonder who will have the political courage to call him out?
Who will take the stand that is needed to help re direct our nation away
from the debacle of Trump and the misery that is Bannon? Bannon's
vision of what the nation & the world should be are repugnant. It is
a retrograde philosophy that arises from greed, racism and fear of the
future. It does not solve problems but entrenches them even more.
years. Bannon is free from whatever constrained him while
he was in Washington. Thus like a virus he can mutate to the next level.
His virulent racist views will further entrench the extreme political elements
in our country. He will use Breitbart backed by the unlimited funds from
the Mercer family as a swift sword cutting down anyone who stands in
his way. I wonder who will have the political courage to call him out?
Who will take the stand that is needed to help re direct our nation away
from the debacle of Trump and the misery that is Bannon? Bannon's
vision of what the nation & the world should be are repugnant. It is
a retrograde philosophy that arises from greed, racism and fear of the
future. It does not solve problems but entrenches them even more.
15
Most of the political polarization in the US comes from obsessives who just can't take "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" as a complete block to faith based legislation.
2
No one expects Steve Bannon to go quietly away. I expect Bannon to use his regained Breitbart megaphone to try to push Trump into purging the less ideologically minded out of the administration. So far, Trump has been largely successful at appeasing his base with a lot of words and not so much action. Bannon is going to remind the base of all the unfulfilled reasons they voted for Trump in the first place. Of course, actually implementing a lot of that nativist agenda on trade, building walls, etc is not going to go over so well on Wall Street. Meanwhile we have a Republican controlled Congress whose electoral future hinges on successfully managing the expectations of their donor class versus the demands of a base that has been fired up with anger going all the way back to the "Southern Strategy" of the late 50s. I expect upcoming talks on the debt ceiling and the FY2018 budget to get ugly. Meanwhile, the Freedom Caucus guys are going to hold the nation's financial good faith and credit hostage to funding the wall and other such things. If they can't resolve those issues, don't be surprised when we see America's credit rating take a hit - which financial markets are not going to like. At any rate, the next few months are going to be pretty interesting, if not positively distressing.
7
When I began moving up the ranks in my career, my first boss an extremely intelligent non emotional older white female told me to keep my enemies close. Her advice during my early years cemented my management style as I learned to navigate a myriad of complex issues in a fast paced environment. She was able to withstand multiple leadership turnovers and when others were ousted during transition periods, she remained solid. Her advice, coupled with my strong faith enabled me to sustain the pressures despite the fact that I was a young Black female in a racially polarized environment.
Trump's love for adulation and loyalty and his inability to use wisdom versus his traditional use of "his gut" is more dangerous to himself and our Nation than any other factor. Mr. Trump invited Mr. Bannon to the highest table, allowed him to hear top level classified info and let him return to Breitbart which manipulates the truth to like minded individuals that detest government and wears hate across their chest like an uncovered tattoo. How smart was that? Now, Mr. Bannon has nothing to lose by being an agitator as long as his agenda is implemented. Even Jesus knew Judas would betray him, yet he kept Judas close. Mr. Bannon should have stayed in the White House irrespective of his hateful rhetoric. The damage that he could potentially do now is worse than what he could have ever done in the secure White House.
Trump's love for adulation and loyalty and his inability to use wisdom versus his traditional use of "his gut" is more dangerous to himself and our Nation than any other factor. Mr. Trump invited Mr. Bannon to the highest table, allowed him to hear top level classified info and let him return to Breitbart which manipulates the truth to like minded individuals that detest government and wears hate across their chest like an uncovered tattoo. How smart was that? Now, Mr. Bannon has nothing to lose by being an agitator as long as his agenda is implemented. Even Jesus knew Judas would betray him, yet he kept Judas close. Mr. Bannon should have stayed in the White House irrespective of his hateful rhetoric. The damage that he could potentially do now is worse than what he could have ever done in the secure White House.
19
"Defined by chaos". The term "chaos" is woefully inadequate - and you know it.
Is Trump just chaos?
Is Trump just chaos?
2
"...a nightmare come to life."
A vampire that needs to
go back way underground
and leave us alone.
A vampire that needs to
go back way underground
and leave us alone.
5
I was surprised at the level of credit this article gives to Bannon for having some kind of a moderating influence on Trump, while downplaying Bannon's own white nationalist views. Therefore that "Still, good riddance . . . " at the end. We just went through a national nightmare of an insight into Trump's racist heart, and so I find this piece particularly frustrating in its ambivalence toward the Bannon departure.
Bannon is a neo-Nazi, and DJT is a hard core white supremacist. By now, most of the world is clear on that. While Bannon didn't create Trump's immorality, he has certainly encouraged his pugilistic instincts, obviously egging him on from the sidelines like some modern day Iago.
Just because Bannon made dismissive comments about the neo-Nazis who attacked in Charlottesville, doesn't mean didn't approve of their actions. To call those men "clowns" and "losers" is telling in itself, for who would use such bland words to describe men who are dangerously violent criminals?
The White House is adrift with fascist, white supremacist ideology, and while the staff are not walking around with clubs and guns, the overtones of aggression can be found in all their policies and behaviors.
Hope that Mueller finds something on Bannon boss, and bank roller-in-chief, Robert Mercer, and sends him to jail, along with the many others in the Administration, including the President, who are dragging down American democratic ideals.
Bannon is a neo-Nazi, and DJT is a hard core white supremacist. By now, most of the world is clear on that. While Bannon didn't create Trump's immorality, he has certainly encouraged his pugilistic instincts, obviously egging him on from the sidelines like some modern day Iago.
Just because Bannon made dismissive comments about the neo-Nazis who attacked in Charlottesville, doesn't mean didn't approve of their actions. To call those men "clowns" and "losers" is telling in itself, for who would use such bland words to describe men who are dangerously violent criminals?
The White House is adrift with fascist, white supremacist ideology, and while the staff are not walking around with clubs and guns, the overtones of aggression can be found in all their policies and behaviors.
Hope that Mueller finds something on Bannon boss, and bank roller-in-chief, Robert Mercer, and sends him to jail, along with the many others in the Administration, including the President, who are dragging down American democratic ideals.
10
The GOP is directly responsible for the state of the presidency. They allowed a well known, highly dishonest, rogue to run on their ticket. Why?
There may be plenty of decent, honest, ethical Republicans who desire to run for public office. However, I doubt that any of them will want any association with the current Republican Party. Because mentally healthy people refuse to involve themselves in sick situations, and the GOP is the sickest, most depraved, organization that has ever been allowed to ascend to political power in the United States.
There may be plenty of decent, honest, ethical Republicans who desire to run for public office. However, I doubt that any of them will want any association with the current Republican Party. Because mentally healthy people refuse to involve themselves in sick situations, and the GOP is the sickest, most depraved, organization that has ever been allowed to ascend to political power in the United States.
6
So regardless, Trump stays in the White House pushing hate and division into our society for three and a half more years. Trump does not really need Bannon to accomplish this anymore, if he ever really did.
But now Bannon can push the same hatred and division from outside, so I wonder what really has been gained here.
The disgusting behavior of these to monsters might create even more damage now than when they were desecrating the White House from within.
Think about it.
But now Bannon can push the same hatred and division from outside, so I wonder what really has been gained here.
The disgusting behavior of these to monsters might create even more damage now than when they were desecrating the White House from within.
Think about it.
8
Times: "No matter what, Mr. Bannon’s exit marks a new level of chaos in an administration that’s been defined by chaos."
What will it take for the Times to stop using the word "chaos" as a pejorative for the Trump administration?
There are better alternatives, such as "dynamic" or "adaptive", both of which aptly characterize Trump's management style without the pejorative connotations of "chaos".
2017-08-19 03:24:01 UTC
What will it take for the Times to stop using the word "chaos" as a pejorative for the Trump administration?
There are better alternatives, such as "dynamic" or "adaptive", both of which aptly characterize Trump's management style without the pejorative connotations of "chaos".
2017-08-19 03:24:01 UTC
To me, "dynamic" or "adaptive" would imply that the Trump administration is functioning like that clichéd "well oiled machine". It isn't. The word 'chaos' is a good fit.
Only a chaortic administration would allow the hiring of unqualified and inexperienced family members and others like Scaramucci ,Voss , Bannon, etc.
Only a chaortic administration would allow the hiring of unqualified and inexperienced family members and others like Scaramucci ,Voss , Bannon, etc.
1
GGB: You must be kidding!
arp: "You must be kidding!"
When I criticize the Times for its biased reporting, I am not "kidding".
Ruth: "The word 'chaos' is a good fit [as a description of the Trump administration]."
It's a good idea to consult a dictionary before making claims like that. This is from the Oxford dictionary:
"chaos: 1 Complete disorder and confusion."
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/chaos
Note the word "complete" in that definition. The Trump administration has had significant *order* and *focus*, but the biased Times refuses to acknowledge it.
For example, there has been a WH Chief of Staff from day one. And Trump is still focused on building a wall, fixing health care, reworking taxes, etc.
When I criticize the Times for its biased reporting, I am not "kidding".
Ruth: "The word 'chaos' is a good fit [as a description of the Trump administration]."
It's a good idea to consult a dictionary before making claims like that. This is from the Oxford dictionary:
"chaos: 1 Complete disorder and confusion."
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/chaos
Note the word "complete" in that definition. The Trump administration has had significant *order* and *focus*, but the biased Times refuses to acknowledge it.
For example, there has been a WH Chief of Staff from day one. And Trump is still focused on building a wall, fixing health care, reworking taxes, etc.
Now this person has a national format to spread his bile, and has already said he has an 'enemy list' to attack. Hasn't Fox, Limbaugh, Jones and the president spread enough hate yet? Now this bitter man has to stir the soup even more? How many more will die before the country is sick of them?
9
No one leaves the Trump bandwagon. Whether it's CEO's pretending to denounce, or this bone head.
Sleep with pigs, and the dirt and the stench clings forever.
Sleep with pigs, and the dirt and the stench clings forever.
8
Bannon is a horribly damaged child trapped in a failing, abused body who has learned how to manipulate the same sort of bullies who tormented him as a kid into weapons of limited use. More important, to him, than what they do is the fact that they are his. These are thin relationships on thinner ice. Every day more people who got caught up by these windbags are jumping ship or at least starting to question the wisdom of narrow minded mayhem.
3
I am afraid Mr. Bannon will have more power running Breitbart than he did as Cheif Strategist. His ouster is now a rallying cry for the alt-right who will say that Trump is weak and didn't have the nerve to go far enough. Although the resistance feels this is a victory, I think we need to wary of Trojan Horses.
4
The Democratic Party apparently can't recognize Trojan Horses even when they are backed by lots of dark money and professional "volunteers" out of nowhere.
Potential backing of him by ultra conservatives?
I don't see what he can do --yell from a website? Breitbart is not going to influence the 2020 elections.
I don't see what he can do --yell from a website? Breitbart is not going to influence the 2020 elections.
1
It is long past time to quit calling people who don't conserve anything "conservatives". The US right wing is reactionary, not conservative.
7
Dart: who funded the Tea Party, aka the Freedom Caucus, the road-block that chokes Congress? Where'd Trey Gowdy come from?
1
Bannon's dismissal is merely Trump throwing another toy out of the cot, just as he did with his economic councils. He has no significant friends or admirers left. He is on his own.
I don't believe the Bannon movement will grow after his departure. It may become more violent and extreme, but the numbers will decrease until his memory becomes a historical footnote like those of the Red Brigade, Baader Meinhof, McCarthy and other extremists.
The U.S. is experiencing a catharsis brought on by the worst presidency in U.S. history. The Trump presidency has exposed fundamental failings in the system, from campaign finance to lack of education and media propaganda. The awakening will become even more pronounced if Trump completes his first or (Heaven forbid) second term. In this sense, Trump has contributed a historical service to his nation by unwittingly persuading even his own party that it has overstepped the bounds of logic and decency.
Well done, Trump.
I don't believe the Bannon movement will grow after his departure. It may become more violent and extreme, but the numbers will decrease until his memory becomes a historical footnote like those of the Red Brigade, Baader Meinhof, McCarthy and other extremists.
The U.S. is experiencing a catharsis brought on by the worst presidency in U.S. history. The Trump presidency has exposed fundamental failings in the system, from campaign finance to lack of education and media propaganda. The awakening will become even more pronounced if Trump completes his first or (Heaven forbid) second term. In this sense, Trump has contributed a historical service to his nation by unwittingly persuading even his own party that it has overstepped the bounds of logic and decency.
Well done, Trump.
6
The most glaring flaw exposed by Trump is the fatal flaw of the unpopular election of the only national officeholder in the US.
1
Part of me worries that the incredibly energized Trump resistance may taper off, as the secretive white nationalist has been sent packing.
1
Definitely an enigma. On one side, vey smart to rule out force against North Korea but on the other side "noxious isolationist". No parting words from Trump, no gold watch just cements Trump weirdness. Now if Kushner could talk Trump into resigning .............we could all wake from nightmare.
1
No doubt we can expect a lot of outrageous behavior, comments, condemnations, fake facts and the rest of it coming from the Bannon camp in the near and distant future. And the press will eat it up much like it did with Trump in the run up to the elections. However, the Bannon departure from the White House does foretell the diminishing influence this man could enjoy. His "Best By" date has been moved up quite a bit.
1
Now unfettered from a factious White House (and to some extent the prima donna nature of his erstwhile boss), Bannon is more dangerous to our democratic republic than ever.
Even if, as this editorial suggests, Bannon has a professed focus on the needs of working class voters, he seems interested mostly only in rallying white ones. Moreover, his primary vehicle for achieving his professed goals is an economic and social nativism that rips at the foundation of our democratic underpinnings.
Neither Bannon nor Trump seems to give a whit about anything or anyone other than their own megalomaniacal needs for personal profit and power. My guess is that, in their pernicious nativism and respective needs to maintain their economic/electoral bases, Bannon and Trump will remain allied. Removed from the constraints of the White House, officially reinstated at Breitbart and with continued backing from the Mercers, etc., Bannon can provide a louder megaphone than ever before for their unholy alliance.
Even if, as this editorial suggests, Bannon has a professed focus on the needs of working class voters, he seems interested mostly only in rallying white ones. Moreover, his primary vehicle for achieving his professed goals is an economic and social nativism that rips at the foundation of our democratic underpinnings.
Neither Bannon nor Trump seems to give a whit about anything or anyone other than their own megalomaniacal needs for personal profit and power. My guess is that, in their pernicious nativism and respective needs to maintain their economic/electoral bases, Bannon and Trump will remain allied. Removed from the constraints of the White House, officially reinstated at Breitbart and with continued backing from the Mercers, etc., Bannon can provide a louder megaphone than ever before for their unholy alliance.
1
It never ceases to amaze, in the history of regrettable regimes: the eternal success of the affable "aw shucks" persona -- invariably disguising a (to be polite) more 'sharply drawn' persona. For every showboat populist with a mop of hair or a mustache or a jutting chin or a crisp uniform, there is the lurking menace of more thoughtful and deliberating enablers. I would note however that to our credit, even our worst regimes tend to dispatch these people without skullduggery and theatrics straight out of Le Carre.
2
Can the 25th Amendment be used successively to find a person capable of leading the country out of the morass we are now in? Pence and Ryan have proved their incompetence and it is a long time to Mr. Kelly. This will not be easy.
1
No. Trump will have finished his seventh month in office tomorrow and he was elected to a forty-eight month term. If he is impeached there will be constant denunciation of a coup d'etat that was conducted by the Democrats and by Republican grafters who wanted things to remain the same. Tens of millions of Trump voters will believe this line from right wing radio, tv, internet and print media. Let him finish his term for the good of our democracy. The only exception to this would be if Trump's stupidity is leading us into war. If we start heading this way he could be visited by Republican Senators who could tell him he must pipe down or be impeached.
1
Of course, nothing is surprising or ironic anymore, but you just gotta laugh at the fact that Trump couldn't fire Bannon personally, I mean, after all that "You're fired!" routine on TV and everything. In the end, Trump's just a really bad actor who wandered onto the wrong set. As for Bannon, he's a puppet for larger and darker causes.
2
Bannon was alot of things . Most not good
He has such terrible power NOW to continue his narrative as he uses trumps base to incite more violence.
Violence will create inaction on good policy making.
As a nation we are getting socked by many winds of change and revelation .
Time to stand up and resist and protect the scapegoats .
Bannons security clearance was very useful to his cause.
He will try to use his inside time with trumpy to diminish our nation and encourage increased racist behavior.
Brietbart is evil. We need journalists to watch over this and report his movements and voice closely.
He has such terrible power NOW to continue his narrative as he uses trumps base to incite more violence.
Violence will create inaction on good policy making.
As a nation we are getting socked by many winds of change and revelation .
Time to stand up and resist and protect the scapegoats .
Bannons security clearance was very useful to his cause.
He will try to use his inside time with trumpy to diminish our nation and encourage increased racist behavior.
Brietbart is evil. We need journalists to watch over this and report his movements and voice closely.
6
I really don't know what we're supposed to be hoping for. Mr. Bannon and the fake news industry are not only what made the election of our con-artist president possible, they're what make the election of Republicans across the country possible. I could care less about the individual con artists, and whether they're destroying democracy through the media or through the government. Mr. Trump might fire Bannon for selfish reasons, but is Breitbart going to fire him & hire Glen Greenwald? If you think that the particular individuals passing through the revolving door of the executive branch are the problem, and that we can solve anything by getting Mr. Trump to fire the unapologetic extremists & replace them with GOP "mainstream" extremists, then you are definitely part of the problem.
3
Bannon's with the Mercers as allies present a formidable threat. At least Trump remains a transparent projector of his demons.
Bannon's remain more inscrutable and inherently more dangerous.
Watch, wait, and act when necessary.
Bannon's remain more inscrutable and inherently more dangerous.
Watch, wait, and act when necessary.
3
Well, looks like President Kelly is cleaning up the mess as best as possible. Thing is, I don't remember seeing his name on the November ballot...
4
Bannon leaves as a disgruntled employee. Was there an exit interview conducted? Has Bannon signed the usual non - disclosure/waiver form? In his position as Chief WH Strategist, he had access and knowledge of very sensitive information. How do we know, Bannon does not give away this information?
3
You want to know who is really running the country and why our Democracy, such as it is, is dying right before our eyes?
Read: DEMOCRACY IN CHAINS - the deep history of the radical right's stealth plan for America by Nancy MacLean.
The "plan" begun in the late 1950's but really gained steam under support of the Koch brothers in the 1980s, has this agenda- Make it impossible for the people to have any say in how their government works or who it works for. Their plan is to elevate the 1% (Koch's, Mercers and other invisible billionaires) to the status of rulers - nearly complete now. This is why nothing the people want is getting done. We are to be harvested for their benefit. The Republican party has been slyly taken over to serve the 1% and not us. The plan is almost completed. They will destroy the US government institutions that serve the people and keep only the military to rule the world, and the police to rule us. The Resistance is the only obstacle now. They did not plan on Trump. He has blown a hole in their cover. Maybe we have one last chance.
Read: DEMOCRACY IN CHAINS - the deep history of the radical right's stealth plan for America by Nancy MacLean.
The "plan" begun in the late 1950's but really gained steam under support of the Koch brothers in the 1980s, has this agenda- Make it impossible for the people to have any say in how their government works or who it works for. Their plan is to elevate the 1% (Koch's, Mercers and other invisible billionaires) to the status of rulers - nearly complete now. This is why nothing the people want is getting done. We are to be harvested for their benefit. The Republican party has been slyly taken over to serve the 1% and not us. The plan is almost completed. They will destroy the US government institutions that serve the people and keep only the military to rule the world, and the police to rule us. The Resistance is the only obstacle now. They did not plan on Trump. He has blown a hole in their cover. Maybe we have one last chance.
7
Bannon was enabled not only by the Mercers but by Trump/Pence/the GOP. All of them -- Pence soto voce but still there -- have large megaphones, either (so far) in the administration but also out of it. Trump is the target as the most unhinged, but the other two, brighter and more focused, may be the most frightening. The GOP owns them all.
3
Supposedly Mr. Bannon was the champion of the working class. I think Mr. Bannon is the champion of anti-immigrant white nationalists. His departure is welcome. However, Mr. Bannon isn't going anywhere. He is now free to use Breitbart as he did in the past. The mainstream GOP is in his cross hairs, and you can be sure that he will be relentless in going after them. What effect this will have remains to be seen.
Given this president's lack of direction and addiction to electronic media, Bannon may be able to influence the White House agenda more from the outside than he could from within. John Kelly can block Bannon from the Oval Office, but he can't stop the president receiving messages through the TV. And as you point out, Bannon is very good at getting Breitbart's message to echo beyond its readership.
Who cannot believe that Bannon's "Oops, I didn't know I was on the record!" phone call was a simple agreed-upon excuse for his firing?
Now he is free to promote his beloved president's program from outside the WH while avoiding the slings and arrows of "my generals" who think they are running the show.
He's back in the world of scurrilous journalism he prefers, and DJT can continue with whatever pops into his head without fear of accusations that he is harboring racists in his administration !
Manufactured, all of it, for the benefit of Trump's "base," gullible media types, and of course, members of Congress desperate for cover a year from now.
Brilliant stuff !
Regards,
JV
Now he is free to promote his beloved president's program from outside the WH while avoiding the slings and arrows of "my generals" who think they are running the show.
He's back in the world of scurrilous journalism he prefers, and DJT can continue with whatever pops into his head without fear of accusations that he is harboring racists in his administration !
Manufactured, all of it, for the benefit of Trump's "base," gullible media types, and of course, members of Congress desperate for cover a year from now.
Brilliant stuff !
Regards,
JV
That thought occurred to me as well while listening to an interview with Robert Kuttner about his conversation with Bannon. Bannon is way too calculating to just decide to speak with Kuttner because he felt like it.
It doesn't say much for your presidency when even the extremists want out. Bannon isn't a stupid man despite his extremist views. Trump is no longer useful to him and he can do more to keep his base riled up outside the whitehouse working directly with Breitbart.
Well said. Blaming the racism in Trump on his being influenced by someone else is like the likes of Paul Ryan saying Trump is new on this for his lawless behavior. Trump is basically a racist, a bigot, and a two bit dictator want-to-be, without even the skill of a two bit dictator.
Let's not forget that Bannon's Breitbart killing machine was designed and built in Russia and is operating very much according to plan. And quite successfully, so far.
Now that's- SAD!
Now that's- SAD!
2
This is just all so bad. Bannon and Co. are deliberately destructive. They have nothing good to say, nothing hopeful, nothing healing or constructive. Instead they, and of course Trump, are deliberately laying waste to America the Beautiful.
For what?
For what?
3
The media is frothing at the mouth over this departure.
News Flash: This will not change Trump.
News Flash: This will not change Trump.
is there a way to find out if the 7 biilion dollars problem that the mercer fund has with the IRS has been dropped or reduced? If it has then Mr. Bannon has serverd his purpose.
3
Steve Brannon should know better than to think he will influence the decisions of Trump outside the White House. First, most of Brannon's so-called strategies have failed miserably. Second, if there is one thing we do know it is that Donald Trump marches to his own drummer. So good-bye Stevie baby and don't let the door hit you on the way out.
The good side of all of this? First, having seen this disaster of an administration fail miserably, we were able to see the true colors of the clowns running it, including Brannon. Second, Trump has lost even more supporters. He picked these buffoons and then he sabatogued himself by picking on them until they crashed. What kind of a leader is that?
And you really want me to believe that Trump is a successful businessman? No way. No one survives in life treating people like he does. No way.
And then there's Russia....
The good side of all of this? First, having seen this disaster of an administration fail miserably, we were able to see the true colors of the clowns running it, including Brannon. Second, Trump has lost even more supporters. He picked these buffoons and then he sabatogued himself by picking on them until they crashed. What kind of a leader is that?
And you really want me to believe that Trump is a successful businessman? No way. No one survives in life treating people like he does. No way.
And then there's Russia....
3
His comments to the American Prospect made some sense especially vis a vis North Korea.
1
Forget the revolving door at the White House. Why not an extremely large trash chute????
3
Bannon may have changed venues but Trump will still be Trump.
Firing Steve Bannon doesn't fix the Trump White House.
Donald Trump is a bigot and a fool who doesn't know how to be president. He's trashing the U.S. presidency & destroying the moral authority, power & prestige of the United States that has been built since the Second World War, when the U.S. became a force for healing, moderation & world stability. The Trump presidency has destroyed that & left us as a behemoth knocked on its side by the usurpation of our election by the Russians & by forces of ignorance & bigotry. As long as Donald Trump remains in the White House, the country is not going to recover.
Getting rid of Bannon appears to be a coup for forces of moderation in the White House.
But Donald Trump is a gutter rat who will not be controlled by the generals. He will eventually break from his handlers and say and do more stupid, destructive, frightening things. Unless we can force Donald Trump from office, the United States will continue spinning on this crazy axis & the American people may face a civil war over the racial animus Trump has stoked while the world fears Trump will initiate a war - which given how Trump talks and his neurotic need for aggression is likely to happen.
Trump must be forced from office. What's waiting in the wings of the Trump White House isn't just the generals. It's Stephen Miller, Sebastian Gorka and other bad actor just as bad as Bannon.
And most of all there's the ignoramus president himself.
Donald Trump is a bigot and a fool who doesn't know how to be president. He's trashing the U.S. presidency & destroying the moral authority, power & prestige of the United States that has been built since the Second World War, when the U.S. became a force for healing, moderation & world stability. The Trump presidency has destroyed that & left us as a behemoth knocked on its side by the usurpation of our election by the Russians & by forces of ignorance & bigotry. As long as Donald Trump remains in the White House, the country is not going to recover.
Getting rid of Bannon appears to be a coup for forces of moderation in the White House.
But Donald Trump is a gutter rat who will not be controlled by the generals. He will eventually break from his handlers and say and do more stupid, destructive, frightening things. Unless we can force Donald Trump from office, the United States will continue spinning on this crazy axis & the American people may face a civil war over the racial animus Trump has stoked while the world fears Trump will initiate a war - which given how Trump talks and his neurotic need for aggression is likely to happen.
Trump must be forced from office. What's waiting in the wings of the Trump White House isn't just the generals. It's Stephen Miller, Sebastian Gorka and other bad actor just as bad as Bannon.
And most of all there's the ignoramus president himself.
4
A frog is an amphibian, not a reptile.
1
Nice catch!
1
Bannon's departure is unique because he carries his own constituency with him. Few other White House staffers past and present have their constituencies akin to Bannon's Breitbart posse. Where might this go? Bannon now has a free and energized hand to wage a vengful and publicised war with Trump and the Republican party. Anyone getting tired of this Game of Thrones?
Bannon's exit is brief respite for the nation.
Unfortunately, his mane hides the 666 brand on his cranium.
Beware!
Unfortunately, his mane hides the 666 brand on his cranium.
Beware!
2
There is an old joke that goes: "What do you call 1,000 lawyers chained together at the bottom of the ocean? A good start." Well, one Bannon out the door is a good start. Who is next in the Trump White House game of Russian roulette?
2
No matter what is written about Bannon's departure. You can be sure trump has Bannon's phone number on speed dial. Probably 2. 1 is KFC.
1
Why should anyone trust that Bannon's departure means that Bannon no longer has access to and influence over the White House? Why should anyone trust anything coming out of Bannon's mouth in his "wild interview"? Why should anyone trust that staff change will translate to governance change in a White House that has done everything in its power to forward nationalist - and white supremacist - goals - the same goals that Bannon supports? Why should anyone trust anything that's happening in a White House where there is no access to visitor logs? Bannon may simply be moving office locations and switching from the government's payroll back to Robert Mercer's payroll, yet he will surely continue to work to support Trump's fascist agenda. I wish I could feel relief that Bannon is out, but I don't.
2
I can't believe I am saying this, but I hope the removal of Bannon does not signal the capture of the Trump administration by the Global Elite. We have a desperate need to address the severe inequality in our country and must benefit the 99%, not the 1%.
4
Relax, Pahwa - there is no Global Elite. That is a right-wing myth they are trying to use to get you to get you to be a fearful, torch bearing, goose-stepping crazy who won't think twice about running a car into a crowd.
Yes, we have income inequality and we need to address it, but the likes of Bannon and others in the White House, are not the people you should turn to.
Yes, we have income inequality and we need to address it, but the likes of Bannon and others in the White House, are not the people you should turn to.
3
Let's not forget that the voters voted for change more than anything else. That was what made both Sanders and Trump popular.
Many of those new faces we see in the White House and the government may be more mature but they are also more establishment figures from whom no change can be expected.
I see Bannon as a wild creative. The kind of person who you want to have on your team because he has so many good ideas. But also the person who you don't want in charge because he has also many bad ideas. Unfortunately the White House has too few adults to keep such a person in check.
Many of those new faces we see in the White House and the government may be more mature but they are also more establishment figures from whom no change can be expected.
I see Bannon as a wild creative. The kind of person who you want to have on your team because he has so many good ideas. But also the person who you don't want in charge because he has also many bad ideas. Unfortunately the White House has too few adults to keep such a person in check.
3
Has anyone else noticed how whenever someone starts out "Let's not forget.." they are usually trying to slip something by that is far from proven. I have yet to hear a Trump voter cite "I wanted a change" as their first reason for supporting Trump. The cultists who drank Jim Jones Kool-Aid were not looking for a change, any more than the Trumpists. Trump and Bannon do not represent anything as bland as change. They represent evil, and nobody votes for evil, at least not on purpose. Now, if you mean they voted for a change from Black to White, yes, that is true. Trump voters would rather have a White atrocity than a Black success for President. They have proven that.
2
Mr. Bannon will be even more powerful now having a lot of inside information about the dark sides of the president. He joins Mr. Putin who also seems to have something on the president; the president has never criticized Mr. Putin. It could well be the downfall of the president.
7
But Mr. Bannon, who promptly returned to Breitbart as its executive chairman on Friday, still poses a danger for our broader politics.
Prior to the Trump presidency, Breitbart was a little known fringe internet voice. Now Breitbart is a national full voiced mouthpiece, with more influence than is good for the country.
Prior to the Trump presidency, Breitbart was a little known fringe internet voice. Now Breitbart is a national full voiced mouthpiece, with more influence than is good for the country.
5
Trump was and will continue to be President Bannon's dupe.
And as long as Trump's private business interests come first before our country, he will continue to be just Trump. It's a shame, but that's the truth.
And as long as Trump's private business interests come first before our country, he will continue to be just Trump. It's a shame, but that's the truth.
13
Whether the short-lived Trump-Bannon partnership is viewed as the devil's bargain or as an unsolved riddle as to who really used whom as the vessel to promote the nativist agenda, the departure of Steve Bannon from the White House would be felt as relief by the sections of American society experiencing unease and restlessness in the wake of xenophobic nationalist revival and the accompanying socially divisive racist euphoria, to which both Trump and Bannon had their own contributions to make.
4
Despite (some of) his views being distasteful, Mr Bannon is a clever guy. Mr Trump is not. As he (Trump) discards all those he perceives to impair his image, the remnant administration will become even less competent than it is now, or the opposite - a more sober entity comprising experienced professionals. The former merely represents business as usual, whilst the latter may sound like a good thing. However, it is hard to imagine Mr Trump relinquishing autonomy, or worse, the credit. The American disorder that is the Trump presidency can only be cured by lancing the boil at the top.
18
Correct. That is the ultimate draining that is sorely needed.
11
Bannon had a high level security clearance and was involved in lots of confidential meetings at WH. Shouldn't a person who was a government official supposed to stay away from public life for a period of time before working again? What if he starts making editorial comments in Breitbart on international issues based on the information and knowledge he has gained over last 7 months? Or has Trump allowed leaker to go out in the public now?
63
For me, it's hard to even think of Trump and the creator of the Frankenstein monster (Bannon) sitting in a room hearing high level national security.
No restrictions on Bannon here. If he reveals classified material, that of course, would be criminal.
1
Legally speaking, a president can declassify anything, can he not? It's certainly not hard to imagine Trump opening up the ledgers for Bannon. There's no telling what info this guy's walking away with...
Bannon was the driving force behind Breitbart as it grew to prominence during the 2016 Presidential election.
The loss of pragmatism of all of the major media during the last election cycle was obvious to me - I searched far and wide for a news source that was not tainted by their ideology. The Christian Science Monitor had an abysmal web presence and lost me, the Economist, of which I still love, was the apparent middle ground and research shows it is the most trusted name in news (with the NYTimes well, well, behind). The Wall Street Journal ended up being the most pragmatic major news source, followed by Brietbart.
The NYTimes retains a subscription simply to keep an eye on what the rabid left is doing. I used to read and believe the New York Times, but now keep a subscription solely to see what the opposition is up to. The loss of Rosenburg was the loss of a balanced, pragmatic, NYTimes.
It is obvious the country is split. I take heart that we do not hear, daily, stories about the fake Trump-Russia collusion that drove so much press over the last year - even the NYTimes had to accede to reality and move it down the list.
I am hoping the Gray Lady readopts the pragmatic, factual, view, that it had years ago, and that I and the country hunger for. I am hopeful Mueller finally puts the Trump-Russian collusion to bed and forces reality to interject itself and make reality easier to find by reading a daily newspaper - which I hope is the NYTimes, and not Brietbart.
The loss of pragmatism of all of the major media during the last election cycle was obvious to me - I searched far and wide for a news source that was not tainted by their ideology. The Christian Science Monitor had an abysmal web presence and lost me, the Economist, of which I still love, was the apparent middle ground and research shows it is the most trusted name in news (with the NYTimes well, well, behind). The Wall Street Journal ended up being the most pragmatic major news source, followed by Brietbart.
The NYTimes retains a subscription simply to keep an eye on what the rabid left is doing. I used to read and believe the New York Times, but now keep a subscription solely to see what the opposition is up to. The loss of Rosenburg was the loss of a balanced, pragmatic, NYTimes.
It is obvious the country is split. I take heart that we do not hear, daily, stories about the fake Trump-Russia collusion that drove so much press over the last year - even the NYTimes had to accede to reality and move it down the list.
I am hoping the Gray Lady readopts the pragmatic, factual, view, that it had years ago, and that I and the country hunger for. I am hopeful Mueller finally puts the Trump-Russian collusion to bed and forces reality to interject itself and make reality easier to find by reading a daily newspaper - which I hope is the NYTimes, and not Brietbart.
1
Yes, the banner of "pragmatism". But isn't "pragmatic" a little too wound with practical? You want some theory and philosophy and thinking, don't you.
For most careful readers, the NYTimes sullied itself with Hillary Rodham Clinton and the treatment of the remarkable Bernie Sanders during the primaries.
For most careful readers, the NYTimes sullied itself with Hillary Rodham Clinton and the treatment of the remarkable Bernie Sanders during the primaries.
Reality differs with some your unfortunate misperceptions and well meaning opinions. The WSJ is an unbiased news source? Breitbart is a reputable news source? Trump-Russia collusion is demonstrably fake. Which specific well-earned suspicions, manifest clues, or concrete evidence are you dismissing? Or are you speaking from alternative facts, bias or confusion? For my part, while the facts and their consequences give me ample reason to detest, fear and root for the trumps being deposed, I would still prefer to know that Russia did not leverage traitors in the 2016 election and beyond, Unfortunately, that is not what a growing mountain of facts, clues and reason point to.
You seemed to have a bit of a right wing talking point imbedded in you comment. The "tell" here is in the next-to-the-last paragraph when you reference the "fake Trump-Russia collusion". Didn't you read Don Jr.'s e-mails? He got a memo from a Russian lawyer who promised dirt on Hillary and he took that bait in a (no irony intended) New York Minute. His famous line, "If it is what I think it is, I LOVE IT". Don's defense was she didn't have much to tell them after all. (You know, like if you go to rob a bank and the money has been removed "no harm, no foul". )
We won't know if this story is true or not until Mr. Mueller finishes his job, but, in the mean time, you should adopt a more "pragmatic view". Be more careful about labeling things as "fake". Do not dismiss the possibility that where there is smoke there is often fire. (Keep up the good work, New York Times).
We won't know if this story is true or not until Mr. Mueller finishes his job, but, in the mean time, you should adopt a more "pragmatic view". Be more careful about labeling things as "fake". Do not dismiss the possibility that where there is smoke there is often fire. (Keep up the good work, New York Times).
1
The cleanest and best solution is to step outside the forest and note that nearly every tree is infected in the Trump international crime family, team and appointees.
Let us hope that soon, very soon, Robert Mueller will have a slew of indictments at the ready so all of the infection can be removed.
The election was ruined by endless proof of Russian hackers (39 states' voter systems, DNC), trolls and collusion with the Trump team/family/appointees. We need to declare it void and either install the runner up or hold a new election for president/vice president.
Our country needs to clean up the mess and have a fresh start at democracy.
Let us hope that soon, very soon, Robert Mueller will have a slew of indictments at the ready so all of the infection can be removed.
The election was ruined by endless proof of Russian hackers (39 states' voter systems, DNC), trolls and collusion with the Trump team/family/appointees. We need to declare it void and either install the runner up or hold a new election for president/vice president.
Our country needs to clean up the mess and have a fresh start at democracy.
75
If we had a new election, I would say let's do what Britain does:
Only a six month campaign (instead of the current wearying TWO YEARS) and then leave it like that for the future. [We also, of course, reverse "citizens united".]
Only a six month campaign (instead of the current wearying TWO YEARS) and then leave it like that for the future. [We also, of course, reverse "citizens united".]
Trump is not popular and deservedly so.
But the NYT is deliberately misreporting the news. It exaggerated the threat from the Nazi protesters. It ignored the violence of the left protesters. It misrepresented Trumps response. Rather than reporting what Trump says, it labels him with hateful names.
The left and right are equally responsible for the polarization and stagnation of progress. While the NYT tries to force its ideology on everyone, the economic divide in this country grows larger.
But the NYT is deliberately misreporting the news. It exaggerated the threat from the Nazi protesters. It ignored the violence of the left protesters. It misrepresented Trumps response. Rather than reporting what Trump says, it labels him with hateful names.
The left and right are equally responsible for the polarization and stagnation of progress. While the NYT tries to force its ideology on everyone, the economic divide in this country grows larger.
3
Sorry but by claiming equivalence between the left and right you merely show you are the voice of propaganda, right wing, not reason.
1
The NYT "exaggerated the threat from the Nazi protesters." I think not. Read Professor Snyder's column in today's Times which has a link to an article about what it was like for Jews to attend Saturday services at the Charlottesville synagogue during the Nazi riot there. During the service, three Nazi thugs stood across the street staring at the synagogue, openly displaying semi-automatic assault rifles. During all of Saturday -- the Jewish holy day -- Nazis paraded back and forth outside the Charlottesville synagogue chanting Nazi slogans. Because of internet threats to burn the Charlottesville synagogue, the congregation removed its Torahs from their ark and moved them out of the building for safe keeping. A Jewish community removes its Torahs from their ark only in times of real danger -- it is symbolically removing the synagogue's heart. This happened often in Europe during Hitler's rise (when there was time) but I have never heard of it happening before in America. You couldn't possibly be Jewish or black. If you were, you would understand the pit-in-your-stomach fear these events cause -- the feeling of naked helplessness.
1
The left exists to fight the right. The right supports racism, misogyny and discrimination. They are NOT equally culpable. Let me simplify it for you--if you hit me because you don't like my skin color--& I hit you back or stand in your way so you can't hit my child---we are NOT both instigators in this conflict.
1
As the saying goes, “Life imitates art,” and so it goes with the Trump presidency. It is turning out to be a reality TV show just like Trump was used to in his previous life as the host of “The Apprentice” and “The Celebrity Apprentice.” The only difference being the reality show that the Trump presidency represents is more in line with “Survivor.” It seems like every week someone is voted off the island, which happens to be the increasingly isolated White House.
Also in this “Survivor: White House Edition,” there are two opposing teams – the “Establishment” team and the “Alt-Right” team. Surprisingly, both teams have had their leaders – Reince Priebus of the Establishment team and now Steve Bannon of the Alt-Right team – voted off the island. In the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see if other members of the Alt-Right team, such as Sebastian Gorka and Stephen Miller, will survive.
The only good outcome for the nation in Survivor: White House Edition is the elimination of the complete Alt-Right team. Losing Bannon, their leader, is a hopeful sign that the Alt-Right team’s days in the White House are numbered. Once the Establishment team takes control, the reality TV show will end and just maybe we might get a real presidency instead – as was intended.
Also in this “Survivor: White House Edition,” there are two opposing teams – the “Establishment” team and the “Alt-Right” team. Surprisingly, both teams have had their leaders – Reince Priebus of the Establishment team and now Steve Bannon of the Alt-Right team – voted off the island. In the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see if other members of the Alt-Right team, such as Sebastian Gorka and Stephen Miller, will survive.
The only good outcome for the nation in Survivor: White House Edition is the elimination of the complete Alt-Right team. Losing Bannon, their leader, is a hopeful sign that the Alt-Right team’s days in the White House are numbered. Once the Establishment team takes control, the reality TV show will end and just maybe we might get a real presidency instead – as was intended.
7
The head of the Alt-Right team has always been Trump. A real presidency should not be hoped for. It was never on the menu.
41
White House's comings and goings and the intrigues resemble more like Big Brother!
Bannon's newfound freedom --in possession of his "weapons"--points to more fratricide on and within the Right. Bannon will attack the "deep state" that has apparently captured Trump. That will further alienate the hard-core Trump base. Let us hope that this peels off those voters who are so full of resentment, as this will hasten the erosion of the worst anti-democratic sector of Trump's base. Bannon can now sail off with newly invigorated virtue. Like Captain Ahab, he can chase that Great White Nationalist Whale (though he will be compromised by calling them a collection of "clowns"). This development could hasten our deliverance from the scourge of Trumpism. Gripped by megalomania, Bannon will take "that" ship down with him. Should be a darn good show rivaling "Hunger Games" and "Wonder Woman!"
5
Let's not forget Rocky and Bullwinkle!
You may have also watched this RNN piece:
http://therealnews.com/t2/story:19809:Max-Blumenthal-and-Paul-Jay-on-fir...
I'd not paid much attention to RNN before, but this seems fairly astute.
http://therealnews.com/t2/story:19809:Max-Blumenthal-and-Paul-Jay-on-fir...
I'd not paid much attention to RNN before, but this seems fairly astute.
I'd like to think that in fighting each other for the hearts and minds of their base, Trump and Bannon will destroy each other. But that is a big assumption to think their base has either.
13
Agree - he will be a dangerous political operative now that he is outside the west wing and armed with knowledge of how the inside really works. He will take vengeance on his enemies from the platform of Breitbart and with the financial backing of wealthy donors. Beware!
Just a question - what about his security clearance? Does he need to sign anything upon his dismissal to prevent him from telling all the inner secrets?
Just a question - what about his security clearance? Does he need to sign anything upon his dismissal to prevent him from telling all the inner secrets?
10
Every person who is granted a Security Clearance involving access to and/or handling of Classified information must sign a Standard Form 312 CLASSIFIED INFORMATION NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT -- https://www.gsa.gov/portal/getFormFormatPortalData.action;jsessionid=BC5....${jvm.route}?mediaId=65765
It stipulates: "3. I have been advised that the unauthorized disclosure, unauthorized retention, or negligent handling of classified information by me could cause damage or irreparable injury to the United States or could be used to advantage by a foreign nation. I hereby agree that I will never divulge classified information to anyone unless: (a) I have officially verified that the recipient has been properly authorized by the United States Government to receive it; or (b) I have been given prior written notice of authorization from the United States Government Department or Agency (hereinafter Department or Agency) responsible for the classification of information or last granting me a security clearance that such disclosure is permitted. I understand that if I am uncertain about the classification status of information, I am required to confirm from an authorized official that the information is unclassified before I may disclose it, except to a person as provided in (a) or (b), above. I further understand that I am obligated to comply with laws and regulations that prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of classified information."
It stipulates: "3. I have been advised that the unauthorized disclosure, unauthorized retention, or negligent handling of classified information by me could cause damage or irreparable injury to the United States or could be used to advantage by a foreign nation. I hereby agree that I will never divulge classified information to anyone unless: (a) I have officially verified that the recipient has been properly authorized by the United States Government to receive it; or (b) I have been given prior written notice of authorization from the United States Government Department or Agency (hereinafter Department or Agency) responsible for the classification of information or last granting me a security clearance that such disclosure is permitted. I understand that if I am uncertain about the classification status of information, I am required to confirm from an authorized official that the information is unclassified before I may disclose it, except to a person as provided in (a) or (b), above. I further understand that I am obligated to comply with laws and regulations that prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of classified information."
13
Why are you afraid of Bannon revealing any inner secrets of this administration?
Democrats, or Canadians like you, are strange. You wanted this guy to go, and then you worry that he might have secrets that he might reveal, or get vengeful. Why is that important to you...unless you work for Jared Kushner or something?
It makes me feel, and fear, that the opposition in this country, and some Canadians, have become contradictory, confused and prefer drama over direction towards progress. You all ranted and raved against him, wanted to see him go, and now that he is...you worry about him revealing secrets. Why would that worry you unless you are playing both sides for some reason.
Democrats, or Canadians like you, are strange. You wanted this guy to go, and then you worry that he might have secrets that he might reveal, or get vengeful. Why is that important to you...unless you work for Jared Kushner or something?
It makes me feel, and fear, that the opposition in this country, and some Canadians, have become contradictory, confused and prefer drama over direction towards progress. You all ranted and raved against him, wanted to see him go, and now that he is...you worry about him revealing secrets. Why would that worry you unless you are playing both sides for some reason.
A non disclosure/ non compete agreement would be nice ...but unlikely to be required.
The Mercers and Kochs are the real enemies of American democracy, along with the other billionaires who suborn Congress to cut their taxes and environmental or financial regulations at the cost of the welfare of society as a whole. Trump is an undisciplined narcissist blowhard with no understanding of policy or any substantive issue. Bannon's longed-for trade war with China would have been disastrous to the U.S. and the world. We should be glad he didn't get his way on this. Attacks by terrorists are hardly to be confounded with a global threat to western civilization. How could a supposedly educated man, someone held forth as a strategist with experience in Goldman Sachs, an intellectual, be so obtuse? Or is that the current standard for American intellectuals?
81
Obtuse, reminds me of a great line in the movie The Shawshank Redemption. Interesting parallel with Trump. Stand up to him with what is real and right causes him to lash out and try to destroy you with all he's got.
I'm glad he's formally gone, but not naive enough to think that he's not still pulling strings from afar. He strikes me as a guy who enjoys lighting the match and watching the world burn.
59
Bannon for president?
Well, maybe not. But a candidate of his ilk might cut to the chase soon enough.
Trump & Co. was a poison pill. The poison is in the system now. Bannon's work is complete—his poison will continue to dismember government and disrupt the world order, just as it was designed to do.
The next candidate from the 'Alt Right' might actually be someone who can think on his feet. It might be someone who is charismatic, who can strategize and plot carefully—someone who is self-disciplined, cool, and patient—who actually abides an ideology that is larger than his own self-enrichment and vanity. It might actually be someone who *believes*.
Maybe it won't be Bannon, per se. But it will most likely be some dark comet kicked lose from his Kuiper Belt, to zip into our atmosphere and finish the work Bannon began in 2016.
Well, maybe not. But a candidate of his ilk might cut to the chase soon enough.
Trump & Co. was a poison pill. The poison is in the system now. Bannon's work is complete—his poison will continue to dismember government and disrupt the world order, just as it was designed to do.
The next candidate from the 'Alt Right' might actually be someone who can think on his feet. It might be someone who is charismatic, who can strategize and plot carefully—someone who is self-disciplined, cool, and patient—who actually abides an ideology that is larger than his own self-enrichment and vanity. It might actually be someone who *believes*.
Maybe it won't be Bannon, per se. But it will most likely be some dark comet kicked lose from his Kuiper Belt, to zip into our atmosphere and finish the work Bannon began in 2016.
11
Bannon is now President to many, his followers multiply reading the Breitbart News. This could not have worked out better for him.
Trump will be impeached, Pence will be president, we will have a theocracy.
Trump will be impeached, Pence will be president, we will have a theocracy.
The whole right wing is mired in ideology. Compassionate pragmatism isn't their thing.
1
The Dark Prince, who the evangelical Right has been courting for many years now.
1
Who are these "wealthy ultraconservatives?" Please inform us.
1
Try the Mercers and the Koch brothers for a start.
1
Not paying attention? Mercers, Addelsons, Kochs, Singer, Murdochs, Icahn, to name a few. The guest list for dinner at Bedminster ( or whatever it's called) is full of the people who fund & therefore dictate policy. Plain enough for you?
3
If you are reading the NYT or any other paper from a major American city or follow the World (not local) news, you should know this: the Koch brothers, Sheldon a Alderson (casinos), the Mercer family, the Sinclair family (media), the Ricketts family (Chicago Cubs) the Prince family (Amtrak, Blackwater and Trump Education Secretary Betsy Devos_ it's amazing what a large campaign donation will get you!) For anyone feels slighted for being left out, I apologize; you wealth just boggles my mind. In any case this being Friday night, I can only come up with a partial list.
Interestingly enough, the Kochs did not endorse Trump, but influenced many local races, a feat they are quite proud and make no secret of.
Now that they have been identified, you can look up more about them yourself.
Interestingly enough, the Kochs did not endorse Trump, but influenced many local races, a feat they are quite proud and make no secret of.
Now that they have been identified, you can look up more about them yourself.
2
Bannon, Gorka, Miller and of course Trump lead the charge, carry the torch (and ax handles and clubs) against keeping "Mohammed" and "Jose" out of the country so they can openly, brazenly and un-apologetically support "Billy Bob" (and Vladimir) in the name of safety and security for a "great America".
America, the REAL America, please: drown out these small, exclusionary voices .
America, the REAL America, please: drown out these small, exclusionary voices .
3
Mr. Bannon´s departure from the White House is welcome news. Nonetheless, we can rely on him, in or out of government, to make America grate again.
13
All of these forced departures ("firings") from the White House and Justice Department are simply manifestations of Trump's fragile ego and vengeful psychology rather than of any reasoned, thoughtful, restructuring of the House of Trump. They highlight his instability and fly-off-the-handle, shoot-from-the-hip and think about the consequences later behavior, which he exhibits in any free-form interview or off-the-cuff commenting he compulsively gives out periodically.
I can respect Bannon's concern for better, more widespread, employment for US workers, and his thinking on some topics is perfectly reasonable, but his disdain for the federal government as a deep-state swamp is childish and simplistic and harkens back to the defensive postures of people who are isolated for whatever reason from social norms and who don't understand the need for centralized government to regulate all states where and when necessary and negotiate with other countries to develop a non-isolationist engaged worldview.
So, Bannon retreats to the embrace of the Mercers and replaces the deep state engaged government with the deep pocket isolationist social malcontent we-do-as-we please world of the ultra-wealthy with their narrow ugly agendas.
The deep pockets are worse than the deep state, Steve, even if they overlap sometimes. Government does have a useful role for the people, and when actually run by the people, can accomplish many of the things you want. Mercer and "clown" world never will.
I can respect Bannon's concern for better, more widespread, employment for US workers, and his thinking on some topics is perfectly reasonable, but his disdain for the federal government as a deep-state swamp is childish and simplistic and harkens back to the defensive postures of people who are isolated for whatever reason from social norms and who don't understand the need for centralized government to regulate all states where and when necessary and negotiate with other countries to develop a non-isolationist engaged worldview.
So, Bannon retreats to the embrace of the Mercers and replaces the deep state engaged government with the deep pocket isolationist social malcontent we-do-as-we please world of the ultra-wealthy with their narrow ugly agendas.
The deep pockets are worse than the deep state, Steve, even if they overlap sometimes. Government does have a useful role for the people, and when actually run by the people, can accomplish many of the things you want. Mercer and "clown" world never will.
37
Except Trump does not think about the consequences later -- or in fact -- ever.
1
The country seems to completely have forgotten WWI, WWII and the Cold War. Electing Trump with his background as a force for change is self-mutilation.
1
Yes, Mr. Bannon, like Michael Flynn, we hardly knew ye. The president might run out of parachutes to ease his erstwhile supporters out of his administration. The question is when will he follow Bannon out the door? Could it be that future events are casting their shadows with Bannon's departure?
2
I would like reporters to ask Mr. Bannon what sort of health insurance he and his children have had while working in the White House, and what sort of health insurance they will now have, or be seeking to have.
Please ask for all the details. State of residence and so forth.
Please ask for all the details. State of residence and so forth.
16
No end in sight for our national nightmare.
47
Bannon is deranged but also very intelligent and very well read. As a political force he may continue to have an influence on some high profile policy decisions. "May" that is assuming that the Trump administration has anything resembling a policy beyond the last shiny thing that Trump saw before he sends out the latest tweet.
We can breath a much, much greater sigh of relief, however, from his complete removal from the White House. There is a destructive cancer eating away at the administration of government in the background away from the big attention grabbing headlines. The Bannon influence on the deconstruction of the administrative state is in the process of demolition of various agencies in government including DOE, EPA, NIH and CDC, the State Department and others. Under Bannon influence the Trump administration is simply refusing to support the administration of various agencies that were created by laws and which the Administration must Constitutionally support.
Good riddance to this one element of a very poisonous administration.
We can breath a much, much greater sigh of relief, however, from his complete removal from the White House. There is a destructive cancer eating away at the administration of government in the background away from the big attention grabbing headlines. The Bannon influence on the deconstruction of the administrative state is in the process of demolition of various agencies in government including DOE, EPA, NIH and CDC, the State Department and others. Under Bannon influence the Trump administration is simply refusing to support the administration of various agencies that were created by laws and which the Administration must Constitutionally support.
Good riddance to this one element of a very poisonous administration.
8
So many have questioned, "What's going to happen to Trump's agenda now that Bannon is gone?" Well, Mr. Trump never had an agenda. During the campaign he made several promises. That's not an agenda. The next seven months might well resemble (if not identical) to the first seven.
14
I'll be relieved when this entire reptilian administration slithers away, either voluntarily, by resignation or by indictment, trial and conviction.
Trump's swamp degrades and damages our country on a daily basis.
They pollute civil society and all we hold dear.
Trump's swamp degrades and damages our country on a daily basis.
They pollute civil society and all we hold dear.
18
Listening to what Bannon has said since being relieved in the second inning of the Trump train wreck (I have my weapons back in my hands, etc.) indicates that mentally he is operating at the level of an eighth grade hall monitor. This explains why he did so well advising the president who is operating at the level of a preschooler.
11
A more constructive person would use the word "tools" in place of "weapons".
Bannon, earlier this year, spoke gleefully about the impending end of "the administrative state." Whatever those words meant to Bannon, a failing administration is what he was part of. Anarchy is a closer term to describe the Trump White House than administration.
Sadly, the rest of the nation shares the fortunes of our highest office. Bannon's "contributions" to an inept Cabinet will long outlast his own tenure.
Sadly, the rest of the nation shares the fortunes of our highest office. Bannon's "contributions" to an inept Cabinet will long outlast his own tenure.
5
Now this would qualify as "draining the swamp." Unfortunately he'll be replaced by an even more toxic swamp creature, probably one that has Goldman Sachs on its resume.
All of those "best people" sure don't seem to be working out...
All of those "best people" sure don't seem to be working out...
7
Trump has even redefined the meaning of "good people". Read "goodfellas".
1
"Mr. Bannon is a potentially more damaging force to both parties now"
Neither party needed Mr. Bannon to damage them. They did it all on their own.
Neither party needed Mr. Bannon to damage them. They did it all on their own.
2
Been musing.....what if Bannon found a way to run for President himself.....? Or Senator or Congressman, or, or.... Trump could end up being seen as having opened the door to making it possible. Using Trump, he has demonstrated that there is a voter base for his platform. Chilling.
1
Trump lives for one thing, and one thing only; the screaming adoration of the crowds at his "Campaign Rallies".
For Trump, the attention he gets from his loyal supporters is like heroin to a junkie.
He has to have it.
It's the only thing that sustains him these days.
But Bannon can turn those cheering crowds into jeering crowds, with just one short, quick, character assassination campaign.
That is why Trump kept Bannon around for so long.
He was afraid of him.
He still is. That's why he's trying to make it look like it was all Kelly, who got rid of Bannon.
But Bannon's not that stupid, and now we'll see who he turns his Breitbart "Killing Machine" on next.
For Trump, the attention he gets from his loyal supporters is like heroin to a junkie.
He has to have it.
It's the only thing that sustains him these days.
But Bannon can turn those cheering crowds into jeering crowds, with just one short, quick, character assassination campaign.
That is why Trump kept Bannon around for so long.
He was afraid of him.
He still is. That's why he's trying to make it look like it was all Kelly, who got rid of Bannon.
But Bannon's not that stupid, and now we'll see who he turns his Breitbart "Killing Machine" on next.
8
All roads lead to Trump and there's a garbage dump at the end. But instead of being repulsed, the GOP is drawn to it, as if, like scavengers picking the bones off the 99%, they enjoy the stench.
Time to trade in the GPS and find a better moral compass.
Time to trade in the GPS and find a better moral compass.
2
Oh, Faust has had a 2nd job all along . . . for years actually. Bannon & Burke are VERY hard at work behind a darker curtain. That would be CARDINAL BURKE as in Missouri. They are the captains of another, far bigger ship: capturing MORE of the Catholic Right Wing voters for 2018 & 2020. Yes, Faust is on his way to Rome where Newt & Calista await him with open arms. It is time to get down (darker & deeper) to the devil's work, and use the College of Cardinals RIGHT WING to force Pope Francis out.
America, and the free world, TAKE NOTE.
America, and the free world, TAKE NOTE.
1
What the far right had leveraged is an old adage: the individual is smart, but the population asa whole is stupid. Using that Bteitbart and the Sinclair have and continue to build a vast media empire to disseminate their vile nonfactual "news." That is mite dangerous than any one man, including Trump.
4
Wow, someone who can see the future beyond the smoke and errors.
Mr. Bannon has many, many more lies to spin. But at least he won't be doing it with the prestige of the White House- instead he'll be peddling it at his trashy tabloid-Breitbart.
3
Better not go there. Your visit to the site will be recorded.
Steve Bannon is not THE problem. Donald Trump is. His intemperate, off-the-cuff comments last Tuesday in Trump Tower equating those opposing fascist, neo-Nazi, white supremacists spewing anti-semitic slogans some directed at the President's own daughter and son-in-law was pure Trump and the moment his presidency collapsed. It's not just Steve Bannon or Sebastian Gorka or Stephen Miller who must go, but Donald Trump himself.
6
Well Bannon is going back to work for a "fake news" cite. He should be at home telling lies or promoting wild conspiracy theories.
2
Gorka, Steven Miller and the rest of them need to GO. Come to think of it, the whole lot of them need to go.
Despite their protestations EVERY SINGLE Republican that sat by as Fox and other right wing media spewed victimization of whites, racism and disrespect to our nation's ideals is COMPLICIT!
And to Mr. James Murdoch, the $1mm donation to the ADL is all well and good. Our country needs a public apology by that odious man your father and you all, shamelessly promoting right wing cancer on our country so you all enrich yourselves while allowing cancerous views Hannity, O'Reilly et al to drive false narratives that serve only to tear down civility and civic sense among us Americans. We also need you to cease and desist from giving us falsehoods and one sided opinions masquerading as news. Enough! Enough! Enough!
Despite their protestations EVERY SINGLE Republican that sat by as Fox and other right wing media spewed victimization of whites, racism and disrespect to our nation's ideals is COMPLICIT!
And to Mr. James Murdoch, the $1mm donation to the ADL is all well and good. Our country needs a public apology by that odious man your father and you all, shamelessly promoting right wing cancer on our country so you all enrich yourselves while allowing cancerous views Hannity, O'Reilly et al to drive false narratives that serve only to tear down civility and civic sense among us Americans. We also need you to cease and desist from giving us falsehoods and one sided opinions masquerading as news. Enough! Enough! Enough!
11
I notice Hannity did not host his show last night. He was there on Thursday. If James Murdoch wants him gone..........
1
No matter what, Mr. Bannon’s exit marks a new level of chaos in an administration that’s been defined by chaos.
This is perhaps the most dysfunctional presidency in American history. Infighting supplants insight.
Trump's advisors are/were in constant conflict. Trump's solution is to throw them under the Access Hollywood bus. First it was Flynn, then Spicey got rolled under the bus. After that it was Reincey, followed by the Mooch. Today, it was hasta la vista, Steve Bannon, defrocked frat boy, white supremacist extraordinaire. Who's next? Kelly Ann Conway? Stay tuned for the solar eclipse!
This is perhaps the most dysfunctional presidency in American history. Infighting supplants insight.
Trump's advisors are/were in constant conflict. Trump's solution is to throw them under the Access Hollywood bus. First it was Flynn, then Spicey got rolled under the bus. After that it was Reincey, followed by the Mooch. Today, it was hasta la vista, Steve Bannon, defrocked frat boy, white supremacist extraordinaire. Who's next? Kelly Ann Conway? Stay tuned for the solar eclipse!
2
One can only hope. Problem is she'll just be hired by yet another extreme right propaganda producer making a lot more money.
Firing Bannon provided an easy way for Trump to appear like he was serious about condemning white nationalism, and stem the growing controversy around his undisciplined remarks. However, we know it doesn't mean anything of the sort. A sad ending to a terrible week for Trump.
1
Wow, what an effective business leader Trump is!
He really knows how to put a good team together and get things done.
We're all very impressed.
Did you ever wonder whether Trump knows that he's no longer on the set of the Apprentice?
Because it looks an awful lot like he thinks his job is to sit around and say "ya fired".
Maybe someone in what's left of his tattered administration should check to make sure he knows that.
Has anyone ever seen such a failing administration in such hopeless chaos?
Lowest approval ratings in Presidential history.
He really knows how to put a good team together and get things done.
We're all very impressed.
Did you ever wonder whether Trump knows that he's no longer on the set of the Apprentice?
Because it looks an awful lot like he thinks his job is to sit around and say "ya fired".
Maybe someone in what's left of his tattered administration should check to make sure he knows that.
Has anyone ever seen such a failing administration in such hopeless chaos?
Lowest approval ratings in Presidential history.
1
Forget all of the other nonsense. The Goldman Sachs faction just won.
If Trump doesn't fulfill the economic populist promises he made, there will be massive social unrest in this country.
Bannon was absolutely right about the economic injustices inflicted upon the members of the American middle class, of all colors. He tapped into the legitimate and pervasive anger that everyone else in the political system and mainstream media was willfully oblivious to for decades.
These are extraordinarily perilous times.
If Trump doesn't fulfill the economic populist promises he made, there will be massive social unrest in this country.
Bannon was absolutely right about the economic injustices inflicted upon the members of the American middle class, of all colors. He tapped into the legitimate and pervasive anger that everyone else in the political system and mainstream media was willfully oblivious to for decades.
These are extraordinarily perilous times.
3
If the stock market doesn't continue to levitate, Trump is finished.
1
When Trump is forced to fire people by circumstances or against his will such as Flynn or Lewandowski or others, he actually stays loyal to them. They continue to operate on Trump's behalf one orbit out. Perhaps Bannon will lead a civil war against Trump; perhaps not. Trump had dinner with donors including Bob Mercer the other evening, and then the next day Mercer spent several hours with his protegee Bannon.
It is too early to see where this will lead, although Gorka and Miller cannot be resting easily now. However, the Trump we saw on Tuesday at the press conference was Trump Unleashed, free from the restraints of Kelly, the White House, or convention. That was the true Trump, the one attacking the press and defending white supremacists whom he obviously felt more protective towards while he was antagonistic towards the "vicious" counterprotesters. He called them "very, very violent" with other insults about "bad people" etc.
That was not due to Bannon whom he described as his friend in the same press conference. That was from the depths of Trump's own character. His view of the country of which he is president is a dark one where he sees many, perhaps the majority, of the citizens as enemies, both personal and political. Bannon was his right-wing apostle, but Trump betrays most people. He is the god of his own universe.
It is too early to see where this will lead, although Gorka and Miller cannot be resting easily now. However, the Trump we saw on Tuesday at the press conference was Trump Unleashed, free from the restraints of Kelly, the White House, or convention. That was the true Trump, the one attacking the press and defending white supremacists whom he obviously felt more protective towards while he was antagonistic towards the "vicious" counterprotesters. He called them "very, very violent" with other insults about "bad people" etc.
That was not due to Bannon whom he described as his friend in the same press conference. That was from the depths of Trump's own character. His view of the country of which he is president is a dark one where he sees many, perhaps the majority, of the citizens as enemies, both personal and political. Bannon was his right-wing apostle, but Trump betrays most people. He is the god of his own universe.
2
Trump flim-flams his enablers most of all. The Mercers have been had.
In many ways, Bannon is Democrats' biggest supporter. Too much attention is given to the so-called base. There are many centrist and moderate Republicans, and right-leaning Independents, whose agendas and desire for bi-partisanship have been marginalized by the apocalyptic language of Bannon/Breitbart.
As long as Bannon keeps declaring #war on Congress, the "West Wing Democrats", big business and the "other base" of the Republican Party, absolutely nothing will (continue to) get done by the GOP.
Were I Chuck Schumer or Nancy Pelosi I'd be rooting for Steve Bannon to turn Breitbart even further to the right - and he will out of malignant narcissism. In the end, Bannon will be Trump's Kryptonite and the implosion of alt-right conservative agenda.
Rock on, Mr. Bannon, 2018 and 2020 are looking much better for us Dems with your unwavering support.
As long as Bannon keeps declaring #war on Congress, the "West Wing Democrats", big business and the "other base" of the Republican Party, absolutely nothing will (continue to) get done by the GOP.
Were I Chuck Schumer or Nancy Pelosi I'd be rooting for Steve Bannon to turn Breitbart even further to the right - and he will out of malignant narcissism. In the end, Bannon will be Trump's Kryptonite and the implosion of alt-right conservative agenda.
Rock on, Mr. Bannon, 2018 and 2020 are looking much better for us Dems with your unwavering support.
1
Pelosi & Schumer are impotent, any valid opposition faction would already have been making hay from the incredibly inept posers that occupy the leadersbip positions of our government. The dems are just abysmal at promoting a viable path forward.
1
Various figures in the Trump presidency have resigned, and more departures may come along. Why stop here, Mr. Trump? Join them!
2
Another major figure in the Trump administration leaves. Trump's sheer ineffectiveness as President - his inability to move forward on any initiative or to hire effective people to work along-side him, is jaw-dropping. In a reality TV show he would have been fired long ago....
1
This is a well scripted tactic to distract us from the rigged election.
1
Dear Editorial board,
Why is Steve Bannon not considered a true American Patriot? Is wanting the country to be centered on itself a bad thing? He admittedly doesn't support ethno-nationalism, war in Korea, did not support Syrian intervention, wants health care for all, doesn't like Wall st. owning the country - and are all these stances really evil?
Neither Democrats, Republicans or Trump have policies to uplift the common man. They are all corrupt and engage in sloganeering.
You mention he is damaging force to both parties and that maybe a good thing since the parties are damaging to America. I see both parties as two faces of the same coin, only out for themselves and their cronies.
Who speaks for every day Americans?
Why is Steve Bannon not considered a true American Patriot? Is wanting the country to be centered on itself a bad thing? He admittedly doesn't support ethno-nationalism, war in Korea, did not support Syrian intervention, wants health care for all, doesn't like Wall st. owning the country - and are all these stances really evil?
Neither Democrats, Republicans or Trump have policies to uplift the common man. They are all corrupt and engage in sloganeering.
You mention he is damaging force to both parties and that maybe a good thing since the parties are damaging to America. I see both parties as two faces of the same coin, only out for themselves and their cronies.
Who speaks for every day Americans?
3
as much as we may loathe the messenger, we intellectuals may still be missing the message - that a lot of conservative voters are angry about their perceived reduced lot in life.
Yesterday I read that you don't beat angry people with escalating angry argument - but you might try compassion - recognising and acknowledging the anger, treating it with respect - just might defuse that anger until the person settles down and suddenly becomes reasonable again.
So - why were conservative gangs roaming Charlottesville carrying weapons ? Because they are afraid - for themselves - for their future - for their limited prospects in poor communities ignored by large rich corporations and billionaires.
Perhaps if we start showing some compassion for these fearful people - my premise is - if someone does something that might hurt me, it's not usually because they are thinking about me and want to hurt me - it's because they are NOT thinking about me, they are only thinking about themselves - they are hurting about something and just lashing out in pain.
So if we start with - sorry you feel that way - what can we do to help - we might find they don't need or want that much - just a little respect and acknowledgement.
Yes - country boy - even tho' you're unemployed and uneducated - you have skills I never will - I've never caught a catfish with my bare hands - and I like yore barbecue from y'all !
Yesterday I read that you don't beat angry people with escalating angry argument - but you might try compassion - recognising and acknowledging the anger, treating it with respect - just might defuse that anger until the person settles down and suddenly becomes reasonable again.
So - why were conservative gangs roaming Charlottesville carrying weapons ? Because they are afraid - for themselves - for their future - for their limited prospects in poor communities ignored by large rich corporations and billionaires.
Perhaps if we start showing some compassion for these fearful people - my premise is - if someone does something that might hurt me, it's not usually because they are thinking about me and want to hurt me - it's because they are NOT thinking about me, they are only thinking about themselves - they are hurting about something and just lashing out in pain.
So if we start with - sorry you feel that way - what can we do to help - we might find they don't need or want that much - just a little respect and acknowledgement.
Yes - country boy - even tho' you're unemployed and uneducated - you have skills I never will - I've never caught a catfish with my bare hands - and I like yore barbecue from y'all !
8
One paragraph too long (I do it too!), but you are definitely on the right track. It really is about walking a mile in the other person's shoes. Condescension is never helpful.
2
Oh for heaven's sake. The Democrats have never stopped having compassion for working people, poor people regardless of occupation, creed or where they live BUT the Democrats insist on civil rights for ALL people and that of course is unacceptable to these poor fellows so they vote for Republicans, the party of whiteness apparently and Jim Crow, but whose economic policies are disastrous for middle class, working class and poor Americans.
What you're seeing waving the Nazi flag and packing an automatic weapon and chanting "Blood and soil" and yelling imprecations at the Jewish people? That isn't a poor country boy in need of some love.
Recognize that for what it is. It's evil, it is dangerous and it deserves contempt, not compassion.
What you're seeing waving the Nazi flag and packing an automatic weapon and chanting "Blood and soil" and yelling imprecations at the Jewish people? That isn't a poor country boy in need of some love.
Recognize that for what it is. It's evil, it is dangerous and it deserves contempt, not compassion.
2
"Mr. Bannon’s exit is, of course, a relief"
why? this is just more of the same and exactly what we can expect from trump: chaos. chaos is the name of the game politically and the goal is destruction. the destruction is going on 24/7. none of the people pulling the levers of destruction are leaving. the day that trump fires zinke, pompeo or pruitt? and then replaces them with someone that knows how to and wants to run their agency with the best interests of the public in mind? then maybe you can sense some relief. until then it's all just more circus.
why? this is just more of the same and exactly what we can expect from trump: chaos. chaos is the name of the game politically and the goal is destruction. the destruction is going on 24/7. none of the people pulling the levers of destruction are leaving. the day that trump fires zinke, pompeo or pruitt? and then replaces them with someone that knows how to and wants to run their agency with the best interests of the public in mind? then maybe you can sense some relief. until then it's all just more circus.
1
while it's a relief to see Bannon go,let's not forget that we are still stuck with an incompetent, unfit president.
The resistance should continue ,and the pressure increase,until
Trump goes too.
The resistance should continue ,and the pressure increase,until
Trump goes too.
1
the trump GOP affair was always a shotgun wedding --"medicare for all", really?-- and now it's clear who's holding the weapon.
bannon's departure solves nothing for trump:empty populiist promises/ GOP congress and big money: that dance was never going anywhere --even though, for a short while, "white nationalism" got 'em both in the same cheap hotel room.
bannon's departure solves nothing for trump:empty populiist promises/ GOP congress and big money: that dance was never going anywhere --even though, for a short while, "white nationalism" got 'em both in the same cheap hotel room.
This could give Me. Bannon more power.
If he can influence the alt-right audience of Breitbart News to abandon Trump, and he will be in a powerful position to do so, Trump is finished. Without the alt-right support, Trump's approval will drop from the mid-30s to some number that will embolden even spineless GOP congressional members to consider removing Trump from office.
Trump knows this, and so can't moderate his views too much to appease those like Kelly, McMaster, Tillerson, and Mattison.
Unfortunately, Bannon knows this too.
If he can influence the alt-right audience of Breitbart News to abandon Trump, and he will be in a powerful position to do so, Trump is finished. Without the alt-right support, Trump's approval will drop from the mid-30s to some number that will embolden even spineless GOP congressional members to consider removing Trump from office.
Trump knows this, and so can't moderate his views too much to appease those like Kelly, McMaster, Tillerson, and Mattison.
Unfortunately, Bannon knows this too.
2
Does anybody really believe that Mr. Bannon's departure will change anything at the White House or result in an erosion of Mr. Trump's support? My guess is he left with a wink and a nod.
3
Whatever else he may be, Steve Bannon is a very intelligent man. And he isn't going away, he's just moving out of the WH. He' going back to Breitbart where he'll be free to advance his agenda. And he wasn't fired because DJT didn't like his agenda.
Trump has no agenda and is still fascinated, though he won't admit it, by smart people like Bannon. He's gone but his message will continue to resonate.
My guess is nothing will change in this WH after Bannon's departure because he wasn't the problem. The problem is the man who hired him. He's still there, he's still the President and he's still unfit and clueless. So no, it's not even a good start.
Trump has no agenda and is still fascinated, though he won't admit it, by smart people like Bannon. He's gone but his message will continue to resonate.
My guess is nothing will change in this WH after Bannon's departure because he wasn't the problem. The problem is the man who hired him. He's still there, he's still the President and he's still unfit and clueless. So no, it's not even a good start.
8
Let's not get too excited here. Yes, a big fish is gone, but Sebastian Gorka, Kellyanne Conway, and Stephen Miller still need to exit the stage, far right.
Unfortunately, with Bannon back at one of Trump's favorite picture books, Breitbart, he'll still be able to steer our impressionable president.
Unfortunately, with Bannon back at one of Trump's favorite picture books, Breitbart, he'll still be able to steer our impressionable president.
2
Trump and Bannon are both soulless, opportunistic, narcissists who share one thing in common: disregard for basic human decency.
Bannon's departure has got to be good news. And, yes, we can hope that he exacts revenge against Trump for firing him.
Bannon's departure has got to be good news. And, yes, we can hope that he exacts revenge against Trump for firing him.
2
He's a Zombie, nearly impossible to get rid of. He will be stumbling around, lurking in the shadows, waiting for his next bite. Beware.
2
Bannon,
Flynn,
Spicer,
Priebus....
all gone,but what difference does it all make?
Trump remains
and that is all that matters.
Flynn,
Spicer,
Priebus....
all gone,but what difference does it all make?
Trump remains
and that is all that matters.
3
"Outside the White House, (Bannon) is freer to rally his forces against anyone who doesn’t toe his nationalist-protectionist line."
And outside the White House, billionaire George Soros is also free to rally agents of unfettered globalization, open borders and endless, unsustainable population growth.
And outside the White House, billionaire George Soros is also free to rally agents of unfettered globalization, open borders and endless, unsustainable population growth.
1
I am quite ambivalent about the departure of Steve Bannon . On one hand he is the only non neoliberal member of the executive since Robert Reich. On the other hand looking for someone to blame for America's malaise should begin and end with an examination of the face in the mirror.
3
It's foolhardy to think that just because Bannon isn't in the White House, he won't talk to Trump or the Breitbart loyalists remaining. His influence will continue, the meetings between the Mercers, Trump, and Bannon over the last few days imply that there will be continued coordination and collaboration between the White House and its favorite propaganda arm. For now, the Mercers line Trump's campaign coffers and pay Bannon's salary. Maybe they will give up on 45 and turn their attention to a fresh embodiment of nativist populism. For now, Bannon seems to be poised to try to take down the globalists from the wings while still propping up the President's most noxious moves.
1
Trump is like an obnoxious teenager finally busted for his obnoxious behavior. The Republican Pary are the embarrassed parents who finaly impose a restriction, which in this case amounts to blaming a bad influence -- "enough, no more spending time with Steve! You two can't play anymore; he's a bad influence on you!!!"
Meawhile, we all cheer the more responsible Romney, who at the end of the day says nothing more than, "you get up there and re-read that prepared statement."
Meawhile, we all cheer the more responsible Romney, who at the end of the day says nothing more than, "you get up there and re-read that prepared statement."
1
Let's not be so naive to think that Bannon will not continue to have regular communication with DT. Leaving the WH, simple means he's moving into the shadows with the rest of the scourge, aka: Pence, McConnell, Ryan, and the rest of the complicit GOP.
This story is far from over and I suspect will get even more vile before DT and his minions are exorcized from both our government and our society at large.
This story is far from over and I suspect will get even more vile before DT and his minions are exorcized from both our government and our society at large.
1
Trump will throw anyone overboard.
But he will never jump.
Please,
please,
by any legal means necessary,
let us pull this madness out
by the roots.
But he will never jump.
Please,
please,
by any legal means necessary,
let us pull this madness out
by the roots.
2
Bannon has merely been freed from the constraints of the White House Fishbowl. He can now go back to his position of power at Breitbart where he will much more easily influene Donal Trump and the future of the American government. Bannon gave us Trump. Now what we he inflict upon us?
This is neither good nor bad news. It's just more uncertainty.
This is neither good nor bad news. It's just more uncertainty.
Bannon's cryptic words about returning to Breitbart with might speak to why Trump tolerated him for this long. Bannon has dirt on Trump and now has nothing to lose. And Bannon (unlike Comey) has grandstanding in him. He will not go gentle into that good night, so to speak.
It seems like poetic justice. The Bully-in-Chief feels bullied by the bully who helped put him in the White House. What would be great for the rest of us is if they could each bring the other down. The defeat of bullies would be vindicating.
It seems like poetic justice. The Bully-in-Chief feels bullied by the bully who helped put him in the White House. What would be great for the rest of us is if they could each bring the other down. The defeat of bullies would be vindicating.
1
It is one thing for a fish to rot from the head down, but this massive Republican elephant of an administration is already completely rotted through from head to tail. It is a massive, stinking corpse of corruption.
If Democrats cannot realistically expect to convert die-hard Trump voters to abandon their orange-haired god, but they surely must galvanize latent stay-home Democrats to get off their sofas and get to the polls in exactly 15 months. It is the only way to make an end-run around a full four years of political horror. No one will do this for us - we must get to work...
If Democrats cannot realistically expect to convert die-hard Trump voters to abandon their orange-haired god, but they surely must galvanize latent stay-home Democrats to get off their sofas and get to the polls in exactly 15 months. It is the only way to make an end-run around a full four years of political horror. No one will do this for us - we must get to work...
4
Bannon might be leaving the immediate WH staff but this doesn't mean we won't feel the end of his influence. For now, he is returning to Breibart News.
We must remember that Steve Bannon is the Golden boy of David and Daughter Rebekah Mercer who were instrumental in getting Bannon and Conway into Trump's WH in the first place. Like Lewandowski, Bannon will still have Trump's ear.
Thus, before we pop the Champaign corks, it behooves us all to remind ourselves what the Mercer Agenda is. The danger is still very much with us... as is the Mercer money!
We must remember that Steve Bannon is the Golden boy of David and Daughter Rebekah Mercer who were instrumental in getting Bannon and Conway into Trump's WH in the first place. Like Lewandowski, Bannon will still have Trump's ear.
Thus, before we pop the Champaign corks, it behooves us all to remind ourselves what the Mercer Agenda is. The danger is still very much with us... as is the Mercer money!
1
I did not vote for Trump. I saw him for what he really is during the campaign. He couldn't have made it any clearer that he was a lying, bombastic, bomb throwing charlatan. If, as you say, Bannon actually advocated for healthcare insurance for everyone, middle-class tax cuts, and was against "big-money Washington elitism", how did it sit with him to see Trump fill cabinet positions with Goldman Sachs people? How did he view the terrible healthcare bill that Trump celebrated when the Congress passed the first round? If he really is calling the neo-Nazis "a collection of clowns and losers", he stands much taller in my estimation that DJ Trump. Does his departure mean that none of the middle class needs are the focus of Trump and what's left of the people left in the administration? Are the people remaining all the swamp dwellers who have banded together and who are only looking to ram a tax reform bill through that will enrich the wealthy? I don't see how Trump voters can still support Trump when his embrace of all things corporate and Wall St. leave them nothing to gain.
3
O.K. - Bannon's gone, but not far enough. How many more shoes are going to drop from our White House before President Trump packs it in?
1
The violent death of Heather Heyer played a role in ridding the White House of alt-right, birther, white "nationalist" (read supremacist) Steve Bannon. It is part of her legacy. I hope Bannon and Trump are both humiliated and humbled that the death of a young woman had to occur before the Bannon/Trump angst-of-evil could resolve itself.
2
So is Bannon's departure going to make Trump a better president now that the influencer is out the door?
1
So what's coming next?
September -- Coinciding with the opening of schools, violent confrontations will break out at many universities and colleges. Riots and demonstrations also will occur at many urban high schools.
October – Steve Bannon begins organizing The Make America Great Again Party. President Trump announces that he is considering joining the party. The Ku Klux Klan and alt-right leaders from around the country announce their intention to support the party.
November and December – In conjunction with the holidays, alt-right organizations set up "kettle campaigns" inside shopping centers similar to those organized by the Salvation Army where they will sing Christmas carols, distribute their literature, recruit new members and seek contributions. Some Jewish-owned business will be vandalized and there will be a considerable amount of random bloodshed.
January – Alt-right groups and their opponents announce major demonstrations in Washington. Street gangs from Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore and elsewhere decide to join them. The resultant carnage is epic. Trump declares martial law and says he is suspending all constitutional rights for "the time being."
February – Trump announces he is joining The Make America Great Again Party and will seek to be its nominee for President in 2020.
March -- The U.S. government purchases large plots of land in very isolated parts of the country and surrounds the plots with electrified barbed wire.
September -- Coinciding with the opening of schools, violent confrontations will break out at many universities and colleges. Riots and demonstrations also will occur at many urban high schools.
October – Steve Bannon begins organizing The Make America Great Again Party. President Trump announces that he is considering joining the party. The Ku Klux Klan and alt-right leaders from around the country announce their intention to support the party.
November and December – In conjunction with the holidays, alt-right organizations set up "kettle campaigns" inside shopping centers similar to those organized by the Salvation Army where they will sing Christmas carols, distribute their literature, recruit new members and seek contributions. Some Jewish-owned business will be vandalized and there will be a considerable amount of random bloodshed.
January – Alt-right groups and their opponents announce major demonstrations in Washington. Street gangs from Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore and elsewhere decide to join them. The resultant carnage is epic. Trump declares martial law and says he is suspending all constitutional rights for "the time being."
February – Trump announces he is joining The Make America Great Again Party and will seek to be its nominee for President in 2020.
March -- The U.S. government purchases large plots of land in very isolated parts of the country and surrounds the plots with electrified barbed wire.
1
This editorial is why I subscribe to the New York Times. Thank you.
1
It is possible that Bannon is stepping down in preparation for Trump's resignation and announcement that he is going to be the leader of a new Alt-Right (read fascist) party. It would be an ideal, face-saving way for Trump, with some post-Charlottesville GOP pressure to abandon his failed attempt at being so-called president.
2
When small men begin to cast long shadows, it is a sure sign that the sun is setting. Thankfully, today, the sun has finally set on this small, small man. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
1
Without Bannon as the boogeyman anymore, I wonder now whether the left can finally get a grip and talk about something substantive.
Such as, the detailed, carefully thought out and well executed legislative agenda of the Trump administration?
When this president and the GOP Congress accomplishes something substantive, "the left" will talk about it. But don't hold your breath.
When this president and the GOP Congress accomplishes something substantive, "the left" will talk about it. But don't hold your breath.
1
3 schools of thought: Bannon will be sound and fury against Donald Trump.
Or in war against the media and D.C. political figures alongside Trump.
Bannon's cited "the northeasterners in the White House" as an enemy. And claimed he's ready to "rev up the machine." He's already had a meeting with Breitbart editorial staff this evening.
The third--it's a smokescreen and he works with this president out of his executive suite at Breitbart as a back channel, something this administration is familiar with.
Or in war against the media and D.C. political figures alongside Trump.
Bannon's cited "the northeasterners in the White House" as an enemy. And claimed he's ready to "rev up the machine." He's already had a meeting with Breitbart editorial staff this evening.
The third--it's a smokescreen and he works with this president out of his executive suite at Breitbart as a back channel, something this administration is familiar with.
6
I never liked the guy anyway and prayed for his departure. Come to think of it I prayed that Flynn and Spicer and Preibus would leave too. Hey, maybe I'm onto something here. Just going to have to pray harder and faster now! Will also focus my praying energy on you know who.
1
I wish the Times would abandon the term "alt-right." It is a euphemism employed by the right to suggest a movement close to the mainstream. Call the movement what it is, the authoritarian right.
Chaos exists within the movement because Trump is both incompetent and too lazy to be an ideologue, a middling grifter whose notion of success requires only bundles of cash, pretty women, gold faucets and fawning aides.
Demagogues more capable than Trump may even now be sharpening their knife. Trump, I learned today from many Breitbart comments, has turned out to be a false prophet.
Chaos exists within the movement because Trump is both incompetent and too lazy to be an ideologue, a middling grifter whose notion of success requires only bundles of cash, pretty women, gold faucets and fawning aides.
Demagogues more capable than Trump may even now be sharpening their knife. Trump, I learned today from many Breitbart comments, has turned out to be a false prophet.
6
Right! Bannon popularized worms, slime and gunk. After Trump's election, it seemed like a viable and even effective way to work political systems.
Hopefully Bannon's demise will continue with Trump's!
Hopefully Bannon's demise will continue with Trump's!
3
Am I the only one who thinks Bannon's ouster is staged? Now he can be more "effective."
3
Bannon is gone, but his strategy is still in place.
This is no victory.
This is a distraction.
Wake-up, America.
This is no victory.
This is a distraction.
Wake-up, America.
5
Kicking the can down the road.
The house of cads continues to collapse.
1
Poor Stevie. Despite his alleged Huuuuge brain, he missed one small detail. Trump is a walking, TALKING, Darwin Award. If a mistake is to be made, HE will make it. A special Person to insult, he fires away. Is there anyone that believes that he would be a " success ", born to an average family??? No, selling condo timeshares in a boiler room operation, more likely. The stardust has blown away. He is, what he is. And, it Ain't pretty.
1
I like how you encourage Trump to continue with his firing spree. And yes, Gorka would be an excellent choice. Dark Side still clouds the White House despite the Lord of darkness left.
2
Excellent!
He planted the seeds, fertilized the ground and now the noxious weeds are flourishing; choking up the fields, and destroying lovely fauna, without any further assistance needed of his fetid green thumb. Now he's looking towards greener pastures to rot with his manure.
Who will be Trump's last friend left?
1
"No matter what, Mr. Bannon’s exit marks a new level of chaos in an administration that’s been defined by chaos."
It is important to realize that whereas in case of past Presidents "All the President's Men" helped create chaos, Trump creates the chaos "All by Himself." He needs little or no help.
Bannon maybe banished but the the man sitting behind the Resolute Desk is still the same chaotic, reptilian brained, potty mouthed, groper-in-chief.
It is important to realize that whereas in case of past Presidents "All the President's Men" helped create chaos, Trump creates the chaos "All by Himself." He needs little or no help.
Bannon maybe banished but the the man sitting behind the Resolute Desk is still the same chaotic, reptilian brained, potty mouthed, groper-in-chief.
1
Most of us will not miss the face of Steve Bannon standing for the White House. So tired of handing him my share of taxpayer money.
Hoping the media, including the New York Times, will refrain from picturing him in the paper, on the front page, or on any page.
Wanting him to fade away from us. Those that want to follow him are free to do so - in his private media means.
Hoping the media, including the New York Times, will refrain from picturing him in the paper, on the front page, or on any page.
Wanting him to fade away from us. Those that want to follow him are free to do so - in his private media means.
1
Bannon couldn't wait to slink back into the Breitbart swamp from where he will spew hate-filled lies all day long. All the crazy uncles in the world who write in ALL CAPS about conspiracies and how Obama ruined the nation and how Hillary is still trying to destroy the nation will love him.
Sadly, we still have Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka as well as Kellyanne Conway to deal with in the White House. These surrogate Bannons will continue his "economic nationalism" (read: nativistic xenophobia) and continue to flatter their boss like courtiers of some medieval potentate.
If they don't: Off with their Heads!
Sadly, we still have Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka as well as Kellyanne Conway to deal with in the White House. These surrogate Bannons will continue his "economic nationalism" (read: nativistic xenophobia) and continue to flatter their boss like courtiers of some medieval potentate.
If they don't: Off with their Heads!
3
Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka must be making Mr. Trump happy (for now).
At this rate, who will be left to clean the newly installed gold-plated toilets or take out the gold-plated garbage cans? Who will maintain the presidential library and reading room? The art studio?
www.thewaryouknow.com
At this rate, who will be left to clean the newly installed gold-plated toilets or take out the gold-plated garbage cans? Who will maintain the presidential library and reading room? The art studio?
www.thewaryouknow.com
He forgot to take Trump with him.
2
Don't pause to take a breath, gentle NYT editors. Miller and Gorka still roam free in the WH. A new VICE video shows the Charlottesville Nazis beginning to frame themselves as victims - and a good number of Americans will buy it. This is not a sunrise moment yet.
Bannon will be the scapegoat on whom republicans will attribute all that is dark and ungodly in their souls, and feel purified. Post-Bannon, republicans will use phrases such as "turn a corner," "new era" and other huzzas to say: "all that Nazi stuff is not us, it was him, and he is gone, so we are now pristine."
But they are not. They need him to win re-election.
The republican machine, that often works like fine tuned clocks, will stay on message. Oh they are all so anti-Nazis, and Bannon's departure has rendered them pure. Purely white christian supremacists, religious fundamentalists, nativists, anti-globalists. The somewhat glaring difference between them and those that rule Iran is that Iran has only one Ayatollah. Republicans have many.
In 2017, to have a viable channel like Fox suggests that half of America is still in this orbit. Bannon is expansive in terms of his influence in this universe - whether from inside our outside the WH.
I hope democrats don't think of this as progress, because there is much to do. If they can cause, or serve as catalysts, in Bannon and Trump turning on each other in public - now that would be a coup. Nothing short of that is anything to celebrate.
Kalidan
Bannon will be the scapegoat on whom republicans will attribute all that is dark and ungodly in their souls, and feel purified. Post-Bannon, republicans will use phrases such as "turn a corner," "new era" and other huzzas to say: "all that Nazi stuff is not us, it was him, and he is gone, so we are now pristine."
But they are not. They need him to win re-election.
The republican machine, that often works like fine tuned clocks, will stay on message. Oh they are all so anti-Nazis, and Bannon's departure has rendered them pure. Purely white christian supremacists, religious fundamentalists, nativists, anti-globalists. The somewhat glaring difference between them and those that rule Iran is that Iran has only one Ayatollah. Republicans have many.
In 2017, to have a viable channel like Fox suggests that half of America is still in this orbit. Bannon is expansive in terms of his influence in this universe - whether from inside our outside the WH.
I hope democrats don't think of this as progress, because there is much to do. If they can cause, or serve as catalysts, in Bannon and Trump turning on each other in public - now that would be a coup. Nothing short of that is anything to celebrate.
Kalidan
4
I'm no white nationalist, but I like Bannon's recently unveiled dovish tendencies. Remember, there are a lot of misplaced hawks on the right that are criticizing Trump right now. It is scary to think that Bannon acted as the occasional voice of reason.
55
Bannon is nothing but poison for American society. Nobody really knows why he made the call to American Prospect, but it's evident that he saw the writing on the wall. Honestly, my guess is he was drunk at the time and/or it was all a ploy to shine up his image a little. Who knows what he really thinks, and who cares? Take a look at Breitbart and that's all you need to know.
3
Bannon did "set up" that interview. He is, and has always been, The Master Manipulator. Perhaps, you've been had?
3
My name is Stephen Barron, I was Trump’s éminence grise
A dim witted taskmaster and one very hard to please,
There wasn’t an idea he had, not put into his head
It came from me and all the books that he had never read,
I am a hard right “populist”, harder than some folk like,
His Jewish son-in-law, in my side acted like a spike,
The “ antifa” opposed us and the noble cause we lead
The truth of White Supremacy they all refused to heed,
And I can’t think why?
The Donald loved the Statue that they wanted to remove
He felt that guys like R E Lee were really in the groove,
He hated the protesters and others of their ilk
Especially the ones whose skin color ain’t just like milk,
He hasn’t got the faintest notion of how bills are passed
He’s mad at Mitch McConnell and the others of his cast
He hates the job of POTUS, the golf course is his love
He wants kowtowers near him, all others get a shove,
Yes I know just why.
Old Kelly still resents me and he hates my influence
On someone so damned stupid and without a jot of sense,
The threats made to Korea came from the Don’s weird brain
His lack of rationality is so hard to explain,
From Breitbart I will do my best to get him back on track
I am the alt-right Leader and I won’t show any slack,
The Don has a short memory, he may forget my name
If I’m not at his side each day he’ll never be the same
And I know just why.
A dim witted taskmaster and one very hard to please,
There wasn’t an idea he had, not put into his head
It came from me and all the books that he had never read,
I am a hard right “populist”, harder than some folk like,
His Jewish son-in-law, in my side acted like a spike,
The “ antifa” opposed us and the noble cause we lead
The truth of White Supremacy they all refused to heed,
And I can’t think why?
The Donald loved the Statue that they wanted to remove
He felt that guys like R E Lee were really in the groove,
He hated the protesters and others of their ilk
Especially the ones whose skin color ain’t just like milk,
He hasn’t got the faintest notion of how bills are passed
He’s mad at Mitch McConnell and the others of his cast
He hates the job of POTUS, the golf course is his love
He wants kowtowers near him, all others get a shove,
Yes I know just why.
Old Kelly still resents me and he hates my influence
On someone so damned stupid and without a jot of sense,
The threats made to Korea came from the Don’s weird brain
His lack of rationality is so hard to explain,
From Breitbart I will do my best to get him back on track
I am the alt-right Leader and I won’t show any slack,
The Don has a short memory, he may forget my name
If I’m not at his side each day he’ll never be the same
And I know just why.
49
This is good. Now that Bannon has been uncaged, we can see who sides with him. That will out the closet nationalists that occupy government. He will give the Trump supporters someone to rally behind.
I would not be the least bit surprised if Bannon grows in popularity and Trump quits or is removed from office, that Trump has a back to Bannon moment. Trump would want to leverage off of any influence Bannon has. Trump would then form a nationalist party, with him at the top and Bannon driving strategy. That would give Trump a platform to enact his revenge upon all those on the right who turned on him. He would then be on the news daily, which is what he wants. Chaos will ensue and Putin will love every minute of it. Meanwhile 30% of the nation will cheer them on, or maybe even more. This movie is just getting started.
I would not be the least bit surprised if Bannon grows in popularity and Trump quits or is removed from office, that Trump has a back to Bannon moment. Trump would want to leverage off of any influence Bannon has. Trump would then form a nationalist party, with him at the top and Bannon driving strategy. That would give Trump a platform to enact his revenge upon all those on the right who turned on him. He would then be on the news daily, which is what he wants. Chaos will ensue and Putin will love every minute of it. Meanwhile 30% of the nation will cheer them on, or maybe even more. This movie is just getting started.
8
Bannon's appearance on the guillotine does not presage "chaos", as the editors' suggest, but apparently a bet. That bet apparently is being made by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump that it's time for the president to begin a process of wooing a wider constituency than Hillary's "deplorables". He won't lose the "deplorables" in any case -- where are they going to go, to a liberal Democrat? But in the coming weeks, all that has happened over the past months to discredit Trump can be blamed on Bannon -- and probably will be.
It remains to be seen whether this is a salable claim, and any credibility for it will rest on what the president does. If he suddenly becomes more reasonable, less volcanic and hasty, it might play; and if he doesn't, the Kushners lose their bet. But at least it's a fresh start, with all the potential of fresh starts.
It remains to be seen whether this is a salable claim, and any credibility for it will rest on what the president does. If he suddenly becomes more reasonable, less volcanic and hasty, it might play; and if he doesn't, the Kushners lose their bet. But at least it's a fresh start, with all the potential of fresh starts.
2
" all that has happened over the past months to discredit Trump......."
The Sarah Palin victim card.
Trump apology # 7653
The Sarah Palin victim card.
Trump apology # 7653
6
Richard, am curious, did you read the article in the Federalist about The status of Trump's presidency? Do you read any conservative writers like Podhoretz, Goldberg, Tom Nichols? Are you aware of what Rick Wilson has been saying?
You suppose that everyone who reads your comments spends all their time reading liberal writers but some of us read across the spectrum. Not every conservative agrees with you that Trump is doing a good job or that his current approach to things predicts success at moving hoped for conservative reform through Congress this fall.
Your support of Trump and your assertions for months that he is a solid businessman who is going to make things happen in Congress is not panning out.
Here's what I'm curious about regarding people like you who are convinced Trump is so great. What is he doing that makes you feel like he is a patriot? What does he do that makes you feel he is honoring his oath to support and defend the Constitution? What acts has he taken to display that he loves the country, that he wants to be president of all Americans, that he will put aside his own needs to serve his country?
Many conservatives believe that he has not done any of the above things, and are quite vocal about it. So please, let us know what you are seeing that others are not. And if you can't do that, please consider checking out the work of the people I've listed above, all Republicans and conservatives to see why perhaps they're not as happy as you seem to be.
You suppose that everyone who reads your comments spends all their time reading liberal writers but some of us read across the spectrum. Not every conservative agrees with you that Trump is doing a good job or that his current approach to things predicts success at moving hoped for conservative reform through Congress this fall.
Your support of Trump and your assertions for months that he is a solid businessman who is going to make things happen in Congress is not panning out.
Here's what I'm curious about regarding people like you who are convinced Trump is so great. What is he doing that makes you feel like he is a patriot? What does he do that makes you feel he is honoring his oath to support and defend the Constitution? What acts has he taken to display that he loves the country, that he wants to be president of all Americans, that he will put aside his own needs to serve his country?
Many conservatives believe that he has not done any of the above things, and are quite vocal about it. So please, let us know what you are seeing that others are not. And if you can't do that, please consider checking out the work of the people I've listed above, all Republicans and conservatives to see why perhaps they're not as happy as you seem to be.
5
You should apply for the vacancy, just remember to praise everything he does and give him a mulligan on every hole.
2
Bannon is a big money New York elite.
Anyone who thinks trading Washington elites for New York elites will bring about Utopia for the 99% is sadly mistaken.
Anyone who thinks trading Washington elites for New York elites will bring about Utopia for the 99% is sadly mistaken.
17
I love how Trump supporters have turned the word "elite" into anyone who has succeeded more than they have. That you could consider a narcissistic billionaire who has stiffed "the little people" his entire life into an anti-establishment hero is the biggest and most fallacious myth of our time.
5
New York didn't elect Trump. Or Bannon. Where in the world did you get your fatuous notion of elitism? Orange County?
2
This is an amazing Presidency. It is hard to know if the departure of one wacky ideologue will simply open the door to another. For, ultimately, the problem isn't Bannon or Flynn or another fringe staffer. The problem is the guy in the oval office. He is seemingly uncontrollable and unrepentant. Until the GOP Congress steps up and "does the right thing," this chaos and insanity will continue, unabated....
155
Bannon has snookered the media, including the NYT, to some extent. Because he's brash, loud, non mainstream, and talks tough, he's cowed many in the media.
This is no Svengali, no political genius, no Rasputin. And, he's another of these wannabe tough guys who have sprouted like noxious weeds. What he is very good at is manipulation, and he knows he's good at it. He manipulates the weak minded alt-right crowd, including Trump. He manipulates old, fabulously wealthy men who want to,believe that, they too, are tough.
Steve Bannon is more intelligent than his former boss, but, he's as deluded as Trump, and, he's just as big a coward.
This is no Svengali, no political genius, no Rasputin. And, he's another of these wannabe tough guys who have sprouted like noxious weeds. What he is very good at is manipulation, and he knows he's good at it. He manipulates the weak minded alt-right crowd, including Trump. He manipulates old, fabulously wealthy men who want to,believe that, they too, are tough.
Steve Bannon is more intelligent than his former boss, but, he's as deluded as Trump, and, he's just as big a coward.
101
This editorial is most cogent in the sense the departure of Bannon is just a small victory. More like a respite unless you think he ghost-tweeted for Trump.
Sadly, that is not the case. Quite on the contrary, any tweets from Trump with some semblance of decency or rationality were likely coming not from him. In spite of the nation's hope, so well expressed by President Obama, America is hoping Trump to succeed [for the country], for if he does, the country will benefit. Alas, his apprenticeship under Roy Cohn may be too much to overcome.
But can Trump count on Bannon at Breitbart? Perhaps not, even though Bannon has said he now is free to go to war for Trump to crush his enemies. Maybe, if they have common enemies. But Bannon's master is the Mercers, not Trump. If Bannon dared to fight Jared while he was employed by Trump, he is likely to undermine the Jared and Cohn faction from the outside. So long as the Mercers give the go head. The question is: what the Mercers want.
So get your popcorns, sit back and watch the show, if America can survive the balkanization. On one side, there is the power and trappings of the presidency, controlled by pure ego; on the other hand, the architect has not only formidable financial backup but also technical knowhow. Too bad the innocents will suffer when both sides want to play master of the universe
Sadly, that is not the case. Quite on the contrary, any tweets from Trump with some semblance of decency or rationality were likely coming not from him. In spite of the nation's hope, so well expressed by President Obama, America is hoping Trump to succeed [for the country], for if he does, the country will benefit. Alas, his apprenticeship under Roy Cohn may be too much to overcome.
But can Trump count on Bannon at Breitbart? Perhaps not, even though Bannon has said he now is free to go to war for Trump to crush his enemies. Maybe, if they have common enemies. But Bannon's master is the Mercers, not Trump. If Bannon dared to fight Jared while he was employed by Trump, he is likely to undermine the Jared and Cohn faction from the outside. So long as the Mercers give the go head. The question is: what the Mercers want.
So get your popcorns, sit back and watch the show, if America can survive the balkanization. On one side, there is the power and trappings of the presidency, controlled by pure ego; on the other hand, the architect has not only formidable financial backup but also technical knowhow. Too bad the innocents will suffer when both sides want to play master of the universe
79
Trump has already alienated every Republican with an ounce of morality left in them. With Bannon's dismissal, he has now also stuck it to the alt-rightwing faction. All this leaves the Republicans more deeply divided and Trump increasingly alone. The question is how this will pan out in the medium term (and the mid-terms).
16
Which really means he has not alienated any Republicans at all, despite appearances to the contrary.
2
I wish that were true. I just read that 67% of republicans support his comments about Nazi protesters. The majority of Republicans are still with Trump. But at least now we know what the Republican party truly stands for.
2
There is an assumption that what gets written, what appears in papers, magazines and books has a general effect. Between the ages of 18 and 54, about one fourth reads the papers. A good number of them read only sports and entertainment. Readers of opinion columns and editorials must be in the lower teens. So, I wonder how much influence, and damage, can Breitbart by itself really exert. However, it can stoke the conspiratorial minds of Fox and the hundreds of right wing radio stations and they do have a malevolent influence.
70
"here is an assumption that what gets written, what appears in papers, magazines and books has a general effect"
Newspapers are on line. It's you assumption I question.
Newspapers are on line. It's you assumption I question.
1
David, you still have to read them.
1
Trump in the WH is how much damage Breitbart can do.
47
Violence in Charlottesville has resulted in one more casualty, that is Steve Bannon. Bannon stands for white nationalism, racism and anti- Semitism. He forgot that Jared Kushner is an Orthodox Jew, the battle between Jared and Steve is finally over. Now President Trump has only one person to listen to, that is Jared, big relief.
3
You are kidding Mr. Padman...I hope! You are aware that Mr. Jared Kushner might go to jail for money laundering (for Benny Steinmetz), and people like you, for some unusual reason, are either gullible or are protecting this guy. Kindly read:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/14/business/dealbook/beny-steinmetz-isra...
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israeli-billionaire-arrested-in-interna...
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/14/business/dealbook/beny-steinmetz-isra...
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israeli-billionaire-arrested-in-interna...
3
Trump was only ever a symptom. Bannon only ever his late-to-the-party accomplice.
What ails the country is 40-50 years of no-holds-barred income inequality, which has resulted in the economic disenfranchisement of millions of Americans. Those that drove the thriving 60's and 70's with their hard work and spending power.
Unless and until someone of sufficient backbone and charisma to match emerges from the Trump political vacuum, the country's malaise and gradual descent into neo-fascism will continue.
It is a hard thing to watch.
What ails the country is 40-50 years of no-holds-barred income inequality, which has resulted in the economic disenfranchisement of millions of Americans. Those that drove the thriving 60's and 70's with their hard work and spending power.
Unless and until someone of sufficient backbone and charisma to match emerges from the Trump political vacuum, the country's malaise and gradual descent into neo-fascism will continue.
It is a hard thing to watch.
198
Adirondax, thanks for keeping your eye on the ball, that is the income inequality that has caused the economic disenfranchisement of millions of Americans - starting in the late 1970s- which is the driver of the malaise we see now. Whether there's a true gradual descent into neo-fascism remains to be seen. Guess I'm hoping for a leader with guts, backbone, charisma, a willingness to challenge the fact that 50% of the budget goes to guns, not butter - someone unbeholden to corporations and the 1% - to come along and help lead us out of the swamp.
6
You hit it Adirondax. Lot of this decline, for those of us observing, researching and asking the right questions, started decades ago. Jimmy Carter tried to educate and alert Americans to their "oil dependency, and their collusion, that they themselves may not be aware of, into ugly ME politics"...but few listened or cared. He ended up as one term President (though an amazing American visionary, with decency).
Then came Reagan, pandering to the Ultra Conservatives and Religious Right once he left California and its moderate Republicanism. He made the Government the enemy, but wanted to expand the military, intelligence and covert operations while cutting welfare, benefits for the poor, unemployed and the disabled...and destroying unions.
Then came Bush Senior, whose corporate bedfellows and oil masters, started Iraq War I.
Billy, once very much to the Left, moved to the Center to win allies in Congress, and then little bit to the Right to win re-election. Bush Boy Junior, an useful idiot for Cheney-Rumsfeld-Ashcroft Neo-Con agenda, helped military spending balloon, gun lobby thrive, increased tax cuts for the rich and corporations and went on military adventurism after Sept. 11, 2001. The poor got forgotten! The Middle Class got stuck! Mobility declined! Disparity grew! Bush-jokes from late night comedians became the source of news for millions of dumbed-down, tired, over worked, anxious, scared and confused Americans...controlled by War on Terror and War Profiteers.
Then came Reagan, pandering to the Ultra Conservatives and Religious Right once he left California and its moderate Republicanism. He made the Government the enemy, but wanted to expand the military, intelligence and covert operations while cutting welfare, benefits for the poor, unemployed and the disabled...and destroying unions.
Then came Bush Senior, whose corporate bedfellows and oil masters, started Iraq War I.
Billy, once very much to the Left, moved to the Center to win allies in Congress, and then little bit to the Right to win re-election. Bush Boy Junior, an useful idiot for Cheney-Rumsfeld-Ashcroft Neo-Con agenda, helped military spending balloon, gun lobby thrive, increased tax cuts for the rich and corporations and went on military adventurism after Sept. 11, 2001. The poor got forgotten! The Middle Class got stuck! Mobility declined! Disparity grew! Bush-jokes from late night comedians became the source of news for millions of dumbed-down, tired, over worked, anxious, scared and confused Americans...controlled by War on Terror and War Profiteers.
6
Adirondax: I agree that income inequality and economic depression in some areas has been a driver of discontent in the country, but it does not explain the racism and bigotry. Remember that a large portion of those hard-working people, supposedly with jobs in the 60s and 70s, had embraced the Southern Strategy of the Republicans starting in the mid-60s and they have stuck with it even during good economic times. Doesn't really explain the anti-Muslim sentiments either, which is partly a fear of non-Christians and mostly a fear of terrorist attacks. The odds of dying in a terrorist attack are much much lower than many common everyday causes of death, so the latter is misplaced and uninformed. My point is it is more than just economic malaise - apparently, most of Trump's supporters have average or above-average incomes - it was only a smaller portion who have lost jobs in the Rust-belt areas that also voted for Trump and helped push him over the top.
1
End poverty in America for everyone forever.
The ultra rich corporations and individuals will still be rich and wealthy, just not unnecessarily so and obscenely so.
Doing this will go a long way to end negative stereotyping and discrimination, and also identity politics.
Also, teach everyone how to develop and use effective household budgets and accounting methods.
The ultra rich corporations and individuals will still be rich and wealthy, just not unnecessarily so and obscenely so.
Doing this will go a long way to end negative stereotyping and discrimination, and also identity politics.
Also, teach everyone how to develop and use effective household budgets and accounting methods.
25
While Bannon no longer has a formal position in the Trump administration, it is not obvious to me that Trump will not continue to consult Bannon and heed his advice.
It was Bannon's cruel strategy that elected Trump and Trump knows it
As Trump's poll numbers continue to decrease what will TRump do.
Will Trump try to increase support from his base by listening to Bannon who helped Trump get that support during the 2016 campaign.
I don't know any political "science?" but I think the future is highly unpredictable.
It was Bannon's cruel strategy that elected Trump and Trump knows it
As Trump's poll numbers continue to decrease what will TRump do.
Will Trump try to increase support from his base by listening to Bannon who helped Trump get that support during the 2016 campaign.
I don't know any political "science?" but I think the future is highly unpredictable.
24
Bannon left because Trump is a loser, and he doesn't like losers. Trumps ability to further Bannon's causes and deliver his messages has all but washed away. Now the kaleidoscopic echo chamber that is Trump's head will get louder and even more confusing.
1
Glad Bannon's out, but there's a few more resignations yet to go.
Bannon's returning to his news outfit, under the auspices of the Mercers:
http://www.npr.org/2017/03/22/521083950/inside-the-wealthy-family-that-h...
at least means taxpayers aren't supporting his lifestyle anymore.
But just because Bannon commutes to a different address doesn't mean dissemination of his ideas is any less divisive - instead of working to forestall 'The Fourth Turning', he will still be working with those wanting to leverage/aggravate/encourage any such trend.
Bannon's returning to his news outfit, under the auspices of the Mercers:
http://www.npr.org/2017/03/22/521083950/inside-the-wealthy-family-that-h...
at least means taxpayers aren't supporting his lifestyle anymore.
But just because Bannon commutes to a different address doesn't mean dissemination of his ideas is any less divisive - instead of working to forestall 'The Fourth Turning', he will still be working with those wanting to leverage/aggravate/encourage any such trend.
97
Glad to see someone else who understands who is really pulling the strings, aka "The Mercers"
2
R. Law.....Thank you for link to NPR/Jane Mayer article.
Are there any progressive billionaires who might ever finance some progressive media as a counter force to the Fox News Empire, Breitbart and others? The middle of the road major media haven't done the job.
Are there any progressive billionaires who might ever finance some progressive media as a counter force to the Fox News Empire, Breitbart and others? The middle of the road major media haven't done the job.
2
And let us fervently pray for the departure of Steven Miller, the creepiest of all Trump's creeps.
2
Perhaps Mr. Bannon, having seen the performance of Tuesday, recognised that it is more promising to try and influence the president via Breitbart and Twitter than well-meaning, thought-out policy, and is therefore turning to the more probable means of achieving his goals.
One thing's for sure -- this presidency has the highest (viewership) ratings.
One thing's for sure -- this presidency has the highest (viewership) ratings.
28
Whew.
Never, however, thought I would ever see a NYT editorial describing a former Presidential advisor as "the Pepe the Frog reptilian brain of the Trump presidency" and simultaneously also as a proponent of sanity for the Kelly appointment, and clawing back the threats to North Korea. What will Trump do with part of his brain missing? Tune in tomorrow, around 5 AM.
Never, however, thought I would ever see a NYT editorial describing a former Presidential advisor as "the Pepe the Frog reptilian brain of the Trump presidency" and simultaneously also as a proponent of sanity for the Kelly appointment, and clawing back the threats to North Korea. What will Trump do with part of his brain missing? Tune in tomorrow, around 5 AM.
188
cheryl, The Times did not describe Bannon as "the Pepe ...". They were quoting supposedly "common" language.
1
"While Mr. Trump drifted aimlessly away from promises of health care “insurance for everyone,” middle-class tax cuts and expanded job creation, Mr. Bannon argued for maintaining a clearer bead on the needs of working-class voters who blamed an out-of-touch Washington for ills from joblessness to opioid addiction."
I will never forget that during the first round of "repeal and replace Obamacare" negotiations in the House, Ryan came up with his horrible Ryancare bill, which did the EXACT opposite of what Trump had promised to do on healthcare, on every major point, and Trump unexpectedly and immediately flip-flopped 100% in order to start caving to nobody but Ryan, THE GOP establishment figure that Trump and Breitbart had been attacking for months.
And what did Bannon do, at the time?
He invited the Freedom Caucus to the White House, at the very last minute. Mark Meadows told reporters after the meeting that he thought that the White House had finally understood that they had to involve the Freedom Caucus in the negotiations if they wanted their vote, but ... that there had been no negotiations at all during the meeting, on the contrary. As soon as they were seated, it was precisely Bannon who told them that there would be "no debate" at all, and "you have no choice but to vote for this bill". He tried to force them to vote.
So WHO is Bannon actually?
Clearly NOT someone interested in "the needs of working-class voters", at least when it comes to healthcare.
I will never forget that during the first round of "repeal and replace Obamacare" negotiations in the House, Ryan came up with his horrible Ryancare bill, which did the EXACT opposite of what Trump had promised to do on healthcare, on every major point, and Trump unexpectedly and immediately flip-flopped 100% in order to start caving to nobody but Ryan, THE GOP establishment figure that Trump and Breitbart had been attacking for months.
And what did Bannon do, at the time?
He invited the Freedom Caucus to the White House, at the very last minute. Mark Meadows told reporters after the meeting that he thought that the White House had finally understood that they had to involve the Freedom Caucus in the negotiations if they wanted their vote, but ... that there had been no negotiations at all during the meeting, on the contrary. As soon as they were seated, it was precisely Bannon who told them that there would be "no debate" at all, and "you have no choice but to vote for this bill". He tried to force them to vote.
So WHO is Bannon actually?
Clearly NOT someone interested in "the needs of working-class voters", at least when it comes to healthcare.
232
He's seen how easy it is--how low the bar has been set. Perhaps he sees himself as #46?
1
Did they really think that 13 mostly old white men with mysogynistic tendencies were going to dictate the nation's health care needs; that women, more than half the population were willing to accept that? The Freedom Caucus was the last straw.
3
Farewell my dear American Rasputin....you served your Russian-Republicans well while helping to collapse America into a disoriented ditch of Trumpian depravity.
Let's hope 2017's Bannon-inspired America is a bit stronger than 1917's Rasputin-inspired Russia that succumbed to revolution that destroyed that country for 100 years and counting.
Another section of the huge cancerous tumor that is the Trump Presidency has been removed.
Meanwhile, the cancer remains in the Oval Office...and tweets.
Let's hope 2017's Bannon-inspired America is a bit stronger than 1917's Rasputin-inspired Russia that succumbed to revolution that destroyed that country for 100 years and counting.
Another section of the huge cancerous tumor that is the Trump Presidency has been removed.
Meanwhile, the cancer remains in the Oval Office...and tweets.
388
The source of the cancer is not in the White House but in Citizens United which was instilled very cleaverly in the Supreme Court via John Roberts. Why doesn't the Wapo and the NYTimes write about how the Kochs and the Mercers have created the Trump Administration, destroyed the Dmocratic Party, and created an army of clay soldiers in the House and Senate?
Write about the real sources of power, money, and candidates. Donald Trump is a puppet of Russian and the Mercers and the Kochs et al. He's not his own man or even his own playboy.
Write about the real sources of power, money, and candidates. Donald Trump is a puppet of Russian and the Mercers and the Kochs et al. He's not his own man or even his own playboy.
6
Hey, Socrates, could you at least consider the fact that Bannon is much more dangerous excised and on the outside? He is free to natter on in the Breitbart bubble without the restraint of competing with the other White House trolls; and be sure that Trump and his minions will be listening to every word !
Could this have been a carefully planned maneuver to increase his influence on the weak mind of our president?
JV
Could this have been a carefully planned maneuver to increase his influence on the weak mind of our president?
JV
5
Feels like "One small step for man ... " Looking forward to a NY Times editorial, hopefully in the not-too-distantly-future, that will read "Farewell, President Trump." That will be "one giant leap for mankind."
402
Unfortunately, Aryae Coopersmith, you are mistaken in thinking that getting rid of Trump in favor of another despicable figure from the same party (it doesn't matter who; they are all despicable) would be a giant leap. It would be more like shuffling the feet. The same despicable maneuvers will be executed by the same despicable crowd (with minor shuffling) for the benefit of the same despicably greedy billionaires.
21
i agree but also fear that he and at a later point, Trump, will create a right-wing nationalist party although that could end up being a good thing too. I can't believe I'm saying this but I did appreciate his recent "off the record" statement about North Korea. He sounded clear-headed on that topic. I can't believe that things are so nuts that I'm saying something positive about Stephen Bannon! oy vay.
Well said, Mr Coopersmith!
Your the ones with the money - who do you offer up next?