At Phoenix, Trump opened his mouth, pushed the flush lever, and spewed forth. It was one of the most miserably embarrassing episodes yet, completely unpresidential, but his dedicated band of sycophants clapped wildly at every pause. I don't know who disturbs me most, Trump or his followers. At least the followers don't have the nuclear codes.
4
What would be unprecedented is the media, print and television (and video blogs) taking a Trump holiday. Thirty days without a word or video of Trump, anyone of his family members, or anyone in the executive branch. Try it. There is no there there anyway.
2
Gail, my mother read your columns without fail for years. She and I talked about your columns almost weekly. She passed on Sunday, and this is your first column I'm reading since she died. Knowing she isn't reading your column this morning is, of course, especially sad. But I'm writing to thank you for all the satisfaction (recently, much of it smug!) you brought her over the years. A big thanks from my mother.
George
George
6
For the record, Donald J Trump did not get a direct admission into Wharton. He spent two years at Fordham University, a small Jesuit school in New York. Then he transferred to Wharton School which is very unusual. One wonders what transpired before the transfer... A big fat donation to the school from daddy Trump, maybe? Media needs to pursue this.
9
He ridiculed President Obama for using a TelePrompTer...now it's the only way he can deliver a comprehensible talk.
16
"Most people think I'm crazy...and they are right." I've recently accepted the contention that Donald Trump is mentally ill, and must be removed from office for his, as well as our country's sake.
13
Gail, I don’t envy your task in trying to find some element of humor in this unfolding disaster of a presidency. My questions are these: Is President Trump really in this to enrich himself and family to whatever degree he can get away with? Was his financial empire essentially going down the tubes anyway and this struck him as the way to stave off lawsuits and keep the the IRS at a legally, respectful distance. And while rebuilding the family fortune he can have a great old time Tweeting at his enemies and indulging in other forms of stroking his ego at public gatherings? If it’s all of the above, then let’s fire away with satire and mockery, along with other more practical political and legal remedies.
But what if Trump is suffering seriously from some psychological ailment that really renders the previous questions and tactics moot? After all, if the guy is ultimately whacko, where is the humor to be found in that? He, of course, would then need help, not ridicule. We should be gently persuading him to consider therapy while taking a much-needed break of three or four years from the burdens of presidential office.
But what if Trump is suffering seriously from some psychological ailment that really renders the previous questions and tactics moot? After all, if the guy is ultimately whacko, where is the humor to be found in that? He, of course, would then need help, not ridicule. We should be gently persuading him to consider therapy while taking a much-needed break of three or four years from the burdens of presidential office.
3
Fitness for Office should include brain scan. He's 71 for God's sake. Get one done immediately for the sake of National Security.....
19
The Truth About Trump: his life is devoted to to main goals 1) Get revenge on the NY "polite society" elites who rejected the crude vulgarian who has essentially done little with his life except to not lose ALL of daddy's money. All "elites" fit into his sights for revenge and it's why his base responds so viscerally to attacking the people they perceive as holding them down and 2) trying to prove to his long dead father than he is not a "loser" or the abject failure the world can't help notice; that this pathetically unqualified and unfit individual has conned himself into the presidency.
Like any Greek tragedy, in the end he will be the "loser" he so fears him self to be. It's only a matter of time.
Like any Greek tragedy, in the end he will be the "loser" he so fears him self to be. It's only a matter of time.
22
Last night I watched the PBS show on the Voyager mission. It included not only Obama's farewell as Voyager I left the solar system, but some of Reagan's remarks after the Challenger disaster. I really disliked Reagan, but he said the right things that day.
And now we have Trump. Trump, who can talk about nothing but his successes, and how mean everyone else is to him despite them. Charlottesville was bad, but it won't be the only really bad thing that happens in the future. We have a massive hurricane bearing down on Texas; hopefully lives won't be lost, but there will be massive destruction - what will Trump say? Some of those new troops he is sending to Afghanistan will die - what will he say? What will he say if something wonderful happens - well, we know what he will say, he will congratulate himself, even though he had nothing to do with it.
"I really don't believe it" appears to be his watchword - if he doesn't believe it, it isn't true, and he believes everything he says, no matter how horrible it is for the rest of us to hear.
And now we have Trump. Trump, who can talk about nothing but his successes, and how mean everyone else is to him despite them. Charlottesville was bad, but it won't be the only really bad thing that happens in the future. We have a massive hurricane bearing down on Texas; hopefully lives won't be lost, but there will be massive destruction - what will Trump say? Some of those new troops he is sending to Afghanistan will die - what will he say? What will he say if something wonderful happens - well, we know what he will say, he will congratulate himself, even though he had nothing to do with it.
"I really don't believe it" appears to be his watchword - if he doesn't believe it, it isn't true, and he believes everything he says, no matter how horrible it is for the rest of us to hear.
10
An oldie but a goodie,
Q."How can you tell if Trump is lying?"
A."His lips are moving".
Q."How can you tell if Trump is lying?"
A."His lips are moving".
8
Or, his hands are moving.
5
The impact of dear leader.
The USA is newly respected all over the world-- allegedly just the opposite.
Psychiatry & psychology professionals are ethically forbidden from publically diagnosing-- recent news alleges that's changed, because perhaps their ethics committees are scared witless too.
The joy of laissez faire--Upton Sinclair & muck-exposers are rolling-over.
Tax breaks--breaking confidence in our ability to ever clean-up our debt.
The USA is newly respected all over the world-- allegedly just the opposite.
Psychiatry & psychology professionals are ethically forbidden from publically diagnosing-- recent news alleges that's changed, because perhaps their ethics committees are scared witless too.
The joy of laissez faire--Upton Sinclair & muck-exposers are rolling-over.
Tax breaks--breaking confidence in our ability to ever clean-up our debt.
4
President Trump used to claim that Obama hid his transcripts because he was a mediocre student. Now Trump claims to have been a better student than the "elite."
Please make your transcripts public, Mr. Presient. Curious minds want to know.
Please make your transcripts public, Mr. Presient. Curious minds want to know.
9
The spontaneous Trump is the REAL Trump is the unhinged Trump. That Doomsday clock is ticking faster & louder.
7
This is no Ivy League person. Despite fantastic family wealth, the kind that got Bush Jr into Yale, he ended up at Fordham after military school. He transferred to Penn, probably with dad buying a building. Big deal. He pretends that anybody who went to Wharton has a graduate degree. Nope. It's undergrad, too.
10
From the article: >>>It would be calming to the national psyche if the president refrained from ever again speaking to the American people about his true thoughts and feelings.>>>
Wrong! The American people do not need calming. We need and must be forced to live in a cold, mean world of Trump's reality. Calm, naïve, childlike voters elected Trump. We have had enough of their foolishness.
>>
Wrong! The American people do not need calming. We need and must be forced to live in a cold, mean world of Trump's reality. Calm, naïve, childlike voters elected Trump. We have had enough of their foolishness.
>>
10
Look out Warren Harding, the dark shape falling towards your legacy is getting larger and larger, faster and faster, blocking out the sun. It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's SuperDisappointingMan, and his bag of excuses...
9
Do the owners, publishers, and writers of the New York Times have nothing better to do or more important to write and publish about then this blithering idiot? I'm about ready to cancel my subscription not because of Trump but because the Times can't seem to bury him 'below the fold' or in the sports section where he belongs. Please stop wasting column inches, ink, paper, & editorial time on this most un-newsworthy of people.
6
The real problem is convincing the 30-40% that electing and supporting a sociopathic captain of the ship because you're mad at the people in 1st class cabins isn't good for anyone on board.
10
Putin did everything he could to make Trump POTUS and now his dream has come true. But, and I hope this give Vlad pause: If Trump seizes absolute power when the Congress presumably cannot mount a veto-proof budget and debt-ceiling increase, all of Putin's blackmail material on Trump will be rendered moot.
Really. Once Trump is dictator of the most powerful nation on earth where the Federal Budget alone is 2 1/2 times bigger than the entire Russian GDP, none of his blackmail material will matter a tinker's dam.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Really. Once Trump is dictator of the most powerful nation on earth where the Federal Budget alone is 2 1/2 times bigger than the entire Russian GDP, none of his blackmail material will matter a tinker's dam.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
3
I have always thought of Trump as the Grumpy Old Uncle and Thanksgiving Dinner, too. He's the kind of person who looks at something and spouts his knee-jerk simplistic answers.
5
Dear Ms. Collins - Yes, a chatty cathy indeed. Now that we're clear on that, can we talk about how the opposition can de-fossilize and split itself off from Wall Street so as to appeal to the working and middle classes and actually win? We all know "A Better Deal", the DNCs' latest offering, is as good as warmed -over soup. Dissecting Trump and his failings doesn't move much of anything forward.
In a land of plenty for the few, how can we make more opportunity for the many? Here's to the NYT and its columnists using its megaphone for that.
In a land of plenty for the few, how can we make more opportunity for the many? Here's to the NYT and its columnists using its megaphone for that.
6
Perhaps Trump is in the White House to test our Christian faith. Every hour he does something that needs to be forgiven. We're on the potter's wheel,,,being tested for our capacity to forgive.
4
It is so unfortunate that all Trump does is talk. As we have all heard talk is cheap. But the real tragedy is that Trump talk is dangerous; Trump is insulting and degrading especially to our allies and the people of America who did not vote for him.
Trump seems to love dictators and law-breakers best. He appeals to the lowest common denominator and those who want to dismantle the USA. I will not go into his outright racism and other isms now, there are too many to go into but trump has become the Hater-in-Chief!
Trump seems to love dictators and law-breakers best. He appeals to the lowest common denominator and those who want to dismantle the USA. I will not go into his outright racism and other isms now, there are too many to go into but trump has become the Hater-in-Chief!
4
Our country desperately needs the DNC to erase this blemish from the people's White House. We may be disappointed with some of their actions, but we really have no alternative. We can not tolerate this circus clown in the White House. He has to be stopped, Nd his agenda has to be stopped. The only way is to support the DNC. I am not happy with their cavalier attitude or their weak agenda, but my God, look at the alternative!
4
Back in the day, my grandmother used to complain that the sound of Hubert Humphrey's voice set her teeth on edge. But good grief - what we have today is a blowzy bulbous blowhard with a third-grade vocabulary. Thank God our TV has a mute button.
5
Petty little man bragging about things he won't back with any proof.
3
Please, NYT, do not mention his name in the paper anymore, period. It simply feeds his deranged ego.
He does nothing but brag about himself, lie, and blather about all his "enemies," anyway. No longer funny, or interesting.
Please focus on all the destruction happening in the EPA, the labor sector, and with voting rights, etc.
He does nothing but brag about himself, lie, and blather about all his "enemies," anyway. No longer funny, or interesting.
Please focus on all the destruction happening in the EPA, the labor sector, and with voting rights, etc.
4
I don't want Trump to stop talking about his real feelings. It would mean he'd be able to Hide behind more lies than he does now, It would also mean we'd not know those bits of seconds before he starts wanting to be that dictator we think he wants to be. I don't like his as the president of the nation, he might still be good at golf, but shouldn't be trusted in the white house. It Is possible to make him a One term president and we should all be looking to vote him out come the next election, or remove him on mental issues. But we need to hear his inner thoughts in order to do that.
4
Mr. Trump's comments are frightening.
But what I find even more frightening are the thousands who not only agree with him but cheer him on.
What kind of people cheer for Nazis? Who applauds a man who makes fun of a war hero? Who giggles along with a. 72-year old child who stoops to insulting someone based on their height?
So I ask: is the problem Mr. Trump, or is there something foul growing in America herself?
But what I find even more frightening are the thousands who not only agree with him but cheer him on.
What kind of people cheer for Nazis? Who applauds a man who makes fun of a war hero? Who giggles along with a. 72-year old child who stoops to insulting someone based on their height?
So I ask: is the problem Mr. Trump, or is there something foul growing in America herself?
20
I continue to read and hear that trump's Wednesday speech to the American Legion in Reno was so very civil and unlike the rant at his rally. Did no one notice the 'Dog Whistle' comment about "Government Schools"? The government schools comment was slipped in to appease the alt-right and yet no one seems to have noticed. The very definition of 'dog whistle'.
6
I live in Arizona. All the Hispanic, mostly Mexicans I presume, landscapers and construction workers toil in 100 degree heat every day for months. And they aren't just out there signing autographs.
8
One of Trump's many verbal tics is the phrase "believe me." What is the force of this phrase, and what is its purpose? It asks the listener to credit some statement that might otherwise be doubted. 115 degrees is an extremely high temperature, and one would be foolhardy to stand in it for an hour signing autographs. 107 degrees in hot enough, but the extra eight degrees adds impact, so Trump gets hyperbolic, then asks us to believe him. He's a known exaggerator, so he feels he needs to add that extra note of credibility: "believe me."
As for grades - well, no one knows what Trump considers good grades. Perhaps a B average is in Trump's eyes what qualifies him as "a good student." But Trump is not known for his intellect, and in fact is often criticized for not knowing what he's talking about. He's insecure about his intelligence, so he adds a "believe me" to his claim to be a good student, thinking that this assertion of sincerity will be taken as proof. In fact, however, it merely signals his uncertainty. Whether or not he was a good student, he worries that he will not be believed.
As for grades - well, no one knows what Trump considers good grades. Perhaps a B average is in Trump's eyes what qualifies him as "a good student." But Trump is not known for his intellect, and in fact is often criticized for not knowing what he's talking about. He's insecure about his intelligence, so he adds a "believe me" to his claim to be a good student, thinking that this assertion of sincerity will be taken as proof. In fact, however, it merely signals his uncertainty. Whether or not he was a good student, he worries that he will not be believed.
11
Plainly, Mr. Trump has little interest in governing or leading. The pomp and the glory, yes, but it is not in him to put in the hard work.
Enter the Republican Congressmen and the Republican Senators. The existential danger Mr. Trump poses to the world every moment he is awake is so clear and terminal that I am surprised the GOP has not found a way to rid us of this usurper. It is getting late and the options are dwindling rapidly.
Enter the Republican Congressmen and the Republican Senators. The existential danger Mr. Trump poses to the world every moment he is awake is so clear and terminal that I am surprised the GOP has not found a way to rid us of this usurper. It is getting late and the options are dwindling rapidly.
10
They've got a way. They will not use it because they still want to pass their unpopular agenda. We are all being held hostage on the unlikely supposition that the hijacker's demands will be met and they will get away to their happily ever after. Fingers crossed that they won't - although not at the expense of the USA or worse, the world.
1
Once the wall goes up, all the Americans clamoring for jobs picking fruit and vegetables and living in derelict trailers close to the fields or going to work in slaughter houses where if they are injured too bad, all those disgruntled Americans will soon have their chance. They can thank Trump for creating jobs for them.
49
A reporter just asked today at the press conference if Trump would have an annual physical at Walter Reed and release the information. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she would let them know if that would happen.
The man needs a complete physical and mental exam, including brain scans. There is something seriously wrong with him. He isn't looking that well these days either.
The man needs a complete physical and mental exam, including brain scans. There is something seriously wrong with him. He isn't looking that well these days either.
34
Just being the president takes it toll and puts miles on one, so to speak. Being a complete disaster of a so-called president will ruin you and age you twice as fast.
2
We're missing an opportunity here. There's a better way to deal with Trumpo - by giving him what he wants (wait a second, don't skip to the next comment yet).
If I were to create a tv show that praises Trump, all day and all the time, then he would watch it. I'll bet he couldn't stop watching it. This would create jobs since new people would get burned out very quickly. They probably couldn't keep a straight face for long so it would have to have a time delay so engineers would have to be hired too. But it couldn't have ads since Trump would change channels (unless it had ads for Trump companies).
All that would need be done is to call it "RealNews" and he wouldn't know the difference!
Then all we would have to worry about is the rest of the republican party!
If I were to create a tv show that praises Trump, all day and all the time, then he would watch it. I'll bet he couldn't stop watching it. This would create jobs since new people would get burned out very quickly. They probably couldn't keep a straight face for long so it would have to have a time delay so engineers would have to be hired too. But it couldn't have ads since Trump would change channels (unless it had ads for Trump companies).
All that would need be done is to call it "RealNews" and he wouldn't know the difference!
Then all we would have to worry about is the rest of the republican party!
14
Colbert already does this on his show.
2
They already have this, it's called Fox News.
1
Agreed on nearly every point...except Ms. Collins' characterization of at least some of Trump's base as "...Uncle Fred".
This smacks of Hillary's arrogant "Deplorables" comment.
If we're going to fight the good fight, we all need to keep it objective, above board and balanced. Trump is at his best when in the trenches slinging the bald faced lies, name calling and baseless character assassinations. It's hard for all of us to avoid sinking to his level as we react to all things Trump. But it wouldn't be a "good fight" if it was easy.
In politics, winning is as much about persuading the other side as it is being in the right.
This smacks of Hillary's arrogant "Deplorables" comment.
If we're going to fight the good fight, we all need to keep it objective, above board and balanced. Trump is at his best when in the trenches slinging the bald faced lies, name calling and baseless character assassinations. It's hard for all of us to avoid sinking to his level as we react to all things Trump. But it wouldn't be a "good fight" if it was easy.
In politics, winning is as much about persuading the other side as it is being in the right.
6
There is no point in trying to convince the "other side". They are the brain-washed, brainless, 35% who will believe anything Trumps says. They are not suddenly going to change. (Maybe their numbers will drop from 35% of the electorate to 30%).
The people who need to be convinced are the 90 million eligible voters who did not vote in the last election.
I think some of those are coming round.
The people who need to be convinced are the 90 million eligible voters who did not vote in the last election.
I think some of those are coming round.
3
For a spoiled New Yorker, who has never lived one second without air conditioning, even in winter, 107 F in Arizona must have felt like 150 F.
As the White House notes, the fact that Trump ONLY exaggerated the temperature to 115 F signals that 45 is growing into the presidency.
As the White House notes, the fact that Trump ONLY exaggerated the temperature to 115 F signals that 45 is growing into the presidency.
4
Fordham and U Penn should be thinking about bringing an action against him for downgrading their reputation. I would certainly think twice about sending my offspring there if he really is an example of their education.
16
By now we should all know that Trump is guano crazy. But Americans have the long-term memories of a fruit fly, so Trump's stream-of-consciousness rants serve the important purpose of reminding us just how far down the rabbit hole we have tumbled. That way, no one will be surprised by the blinding flashes and mushroom clouds that come from allowing a narcissistic maniac access to the nuclear codes.
12
“Now you know, I was a good student,” Trump ad-libbed at his Arizona rally. “I always hear about the elite. You know, the elite. They’re elite? I went to better schools than they did. I was a better student than they were. I live in a bigger, more beautiful apartment and I live in the White House, too, which is really great.”
Amen. Preach Mr. Prosperity Gospel President, lying flotsam of flab and arrogance that your are. Preach to your foolish base; keep them busy 'til its all over.
"God wants to show you how much he loves you, and look at me! How could anybody be any better than this! Walk on water? pfffft!! I can say anything I want to anybody I want any time I want and you know what, folks? NOTHING BAD EVER HAPPENS TO ME! EVERRR!
Don't you love that?! Look at me! LOOK. AT. ME.
THIS is what we want for America, THIS is how you know that I am THE MAN...the only man who can give it to you. Where's the losing NYT? Who cares what they say any more?
I want Nazis? I GET SOME NAZIS. And nobody does anything. Well, nothing that works.
I'm telling you, people, we're winning. Big. Don't worry about that losing healthcare stuff, its all lies.
Look! Over here! Ivanka! Is she hot or what?"
Trump's lying obnoxious ad lib, for which he has not been called out, is clear evidence we're back to "Generals? I don't need no stinkin' Generals...I know more than all the Generals...Win...So easy" days.
And still the media are dazed and confused.
Feels like home.
Amen. Preach Mr. Prosperity Gospel President, lying flotsam of flab and arrogance that your are. Preach to your foolish base; keep them busy 'til its all over.
"God wants to show you how much he loves you, and look at me! How could anybody be any better than this! Walk on water? pfffft!! I can say anything I want to anybody I want any time I want and you know what, folks? NOTHING BAD EVER HAPPENS TO ME! EVERRR!
Don't you love that?! Look at me! LOOK. AT. ME.
THIS is what we want for America, THIS is how you know that I am THE MAN...the only man who can give it to you. Where's the losing NYT? Who cares what they say any more?
I want Nazis? I GET SOME NAZIS. And nobody does anything. Well, nothing that works.
I'm telling you, people, we're winning. Big. Don't worry about that losing healthcare stuff, its all lies.
Look! Over here! Ivanka! Is she hot or what?"
Trump's lying obnoxious ad lib, for which he has not been called out, is clear evidence we're back to "Generals? I don't need no stinkin' Generals...I know more than all the Generals...Win...So easy" days.
And still the media are dazed and confused.
Feels like home.
6
Talk, talk, talk....that is all he does. Would that he would just be quiet, lest
be put his foot in his mouth yet again.
be put his foot in his mouth yet again.
5
Not to cause a "flap" over the Donald's headuh' hair, but I think a more appropriate slogan for he & his legions of agitated senior followers might be-
We Shall Overcomb.
We Shall Overcomb.
20
One of the best comments ever made. Many thanks!!!
2
Awesome. I guffawed. Good one. Keep them coming, everyone.
1
Yawwwwn.
Donald Trump forces us to create new ways to say the same thing.
He butchers the English language like no politician we've ever heard
He cares about nothing other than himself.
He's a bona fide pathological narcissist (diagnosible)
He's a name calling bully who embarrasses himself shamelessly when he does it
He can't keep an idea in his head if his "emotional urgency meter" goes over two on a scale of one to ten
He alienates pretty much everyone who comes near him, except for the occasional sycophant who, by riding his coattails, achieves some self-perceived benefit
He is the worst thing to happen to American politics -- EVER.
But the worst thing is that he savors that each one of us who is spending time incredulously chronicling his personal lunacy find it impossible to be doing something else...at this moment
This is the president of the United States.
It could also be the description of a spoiled five year old boy - which is the approximate state of his emotional intelligence.
G-d saves us all...either that or take us (as Fred Sanford used to pray)
Donald Trump forces us to create new ways to say the same thing.
He butchers the English language like no politician we've ever heard
He cares about nothing other than himself.
He's a bona fide pathological narcissist (diagnosible)
He's a name calling bully who embarrasses himself shamelessly when he does it
He can't keep an idea in his head if his "emotional urgency meter" goes over two on a scale of one to ten
He alienates pretty much everyone who comes near him, except for the occasional sycophant who, by riding his coattails, achieves some self-perceived benefit
He is the worst thing to happen to American politics -- EVER.
But the worst thing is that he savors that each one of us who is spending time incredulously chronicling his personal lunacy find it impossible to be doing something else...at this moment
This is the president of the United States.
It could also be the description of a spoiled five year old boy - which is the approximate state of his emotional intelligence.
G-d saves us all...either that or take us (as Fred Sanford used to pray)
12
Liar-in-chief ! So sad. So bigly sad!
6
My own Uncle Fred is benefitting hugely from Mr. Trump. Seems Fred wasn't aware he behaves in such crazy ways when he is drunk. In some sober moments, and Thursday was one of them, he has watched Trump in horror.
Uncle Fred has joined AA. He told the family he is awfully glad he is only a drunk and is able to change.
See, Mr. Trump has done one family some good. Unfortunately, he has driven many others to drink.
Uncle Fred has joined AA. He told the family he is awfully glad he is only a drunk and is able to change.
See, Mr. Trump has done one family some good. Unfortunately, he has driven many others to drink.
16
He is a lot worse than Uncle Fred . At least we know Uncle Fred is drunk . We don`t know what happens to Uncle Donald .
11
There's a scene in the beginning of Charlie Chaplin's brilliant "City Lights" when a drunken, distraught millionaire prepares to drown himself in the river by putting a rope, tied to a stone block around his neck. Chaplin's Tramp rushes over to prevent him and in the confusion, the man puts the rope around Chaplin's neck. The millionaire is like Trump's core, which I place at much less than 30%, but flailing with nihilistic fury. Chaplin is like the rest of us, particularly, those Republicans who believe they can save Trump from himself. They can cajole, compliment, and gingerly critique him all they want but the end result will be that the rope will be put around their necks; they will end up in the river; and the clueless rubes will be none the worse off.
10
With Trump, his lying to breathing ratio is approaching one-to-one. These days is it pretty much he takes a breath, he lies.
9
Elephant Beach in the Desert of the Apache Trout
They arrive parched in seething numbers. Months of outlander gossip has stiffened spines and salted tongues.
They thirst for themselves. An albino herd displaying crested reds and flagged blues with graphic love songs emblazoned to their breasts, they loudly acknowledge their own.
Rising on self-inflicted exhaustion, they must ingrain their collective spirit to fully live. They do not exist without the beachmaster.
Arriving with his jocular proboscis of yellow, the enthralled harem recognizes their beloved and initiates the call-and-response chants to ensure his courtship.
Lingering a glance at the carcass of the last beachmaster, today's master of all he can hear is barking, barking, barking; and he is, of course, completely satisfied.
Elsewhere, the Apache Trout swim free.
They arrive parched in seething numbers. Months of outlander gossip has stiffened spines and salted tongues.
They thirst for themselves. An albino herd displaying crested reds and flagged blues with graphic love songs emblazoned to their breasts, they loudly acknowledge their own.
Rising on self-inflicted exhaustion, they must ingrain their collective spirit to fully live. They do not exist without the beachmaster.
Arriving with his jocular proboscis of yellow, the enthralled harem recognizes their beloved and initiates the call-and-response chants to ensure his courtship.
Lingering a glance at the carcass of the last beachmaster, today's master of all he can hear is barking, barking, barking; and he is, of course, completely satisfied.
Elsewhere, the Apache Trout swim free.
4
We all need a National Trumpless Day, a Sabbath, a breather of sorts from this assault on our conscience. On Trumpless Day you know who and any supporter of you know who will not be allowed near a camera or microphone.
We need a respite to clear our minds of the filth and lies and rage this man engenders. One day won't do it of course, we need the rest of our lives to wash the country clean, but right now I'd settle for just one day.
We need a respite to clear our minds of the filth and lies and rage this man engenders. One day won't do it of course, we need the rest of our lives to wash the country clean, but right now I'd settle for just one day.
16
I was glad of the solar eclipse because it eclipsed Trump for a day and brought people together. We need events like this regularly
9
I couldn't help thinking that Trump must have been so-o-o ticked off during the solar eclipse because no one was paying attention to him---AND people across the U.S. were cheering and crying by what they had witnessed, and it sure wasn't him!
2
He's just going to school on Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh loves to preen in front of his audience and talk about how wonderful he is. He disparages the Democrats as enemies of freedom. All Democrats are bad. Meanwhile Limbaugh himself is lacking an education. El Trumpbo looked at that and said "I can do that on the Big Stage!"
7
You are correct. He went two or three semesters at Missouri state college that is considered one of their third tier schools. Then he dropped out.
3
I live here in AZ and it was 106 in Yuma on Tuesday. Again the lying and me, me, me, that comes out of that losers mouth. I was stationed at Luke Air Base in Glendale when it hit 122 one day and the next day was 125 . Our jets had to land at Sky Harbor because it was a little bit cooler then Luke. Talk about walking into a blast oven. Normal heat in Phoenix when I lived there was between 109 -118. The Lier- in -Chief has no clue what those temps are like. Never My President! USAF RET.
18
Go girl! (From another (AZ) girl.
1
Time to gain a little grip with the incisors, if not to be accused of biting. Just the right balance, erring perhaps on the generous side, but thoughtfully conserving the true shredding for events soon to come, when this most Dionysiac of our Presidents must confront the Furies he has let loose.
1
You have your mythology mixed up. Dionysus didn't unleash the Furies. Shedding of family blood did so; therefore a more apt allusion would be to the House of Atreus.
1
Here's a thought: The media just stops pandering to Trumps' need for attention and stop reporting on him? No more coverage of his frequent trips, golf games, stump speeches, etc. Only cover real actions that accomplish something and then as low key as possible. There is some benefit to shunning - the least of which being us listeners will get a break from this idiot! BTW news organizations are losing viewers because I am on a restricted diet of daily information because it's bad for my blood pressure.
9
Sometimes the best way to deal with unfortunate reality is to inject a little humor. With that in mind, I composed the following limerick:
In the White House lives this man Trump;
Ask how he got there -- it's me you'd stump.
I'm at a loss
As to why he's Boss...
I'd rather our Prez be Forrest Gump.
In the White House lives this man Trump;
Ask how he got there -- it's me you'd stump.
I'm at a loss
As to why he's Boss...
I'd rather our Prez be Forrest Gump.
11
I wonder if anyone ever looked into how "great" a student he was. It doesn't seem possible that an imbecile like him would excel , much less get into, schools like Penn or Wharton....without daddy's bucks.
6
Check his history at New York Military Academy where he was given a higher rank because hazing took place on his watch.
2
Maybe instead of complaining about Trump, or living in fear of what crazy thing he'll do next, we should follow his advice & get friendlier with Russia.
If the Kremlin is going to pick our presidents, we might encourage them to do a better job next time.
If the Kremlin is going to pick our presidents, we might encourage them to do a better job next time.
5
It's beyond depressing. Why don't we all just ignore and not talk about the blathering and incoherent Uncle Fred.
4
Yes, except sooner or later, even with Uncle Fred, we'll have to do an intervention.
1
He's exhibiting the same signs as my father, who has age related dementia. He talks boastfully about how much he's accomplished, more than anyone else, and cannot recall any facts, and lashes out when confronted. Honestly, look at video footage of Trump 20 years ago and compare it to anything current. He's off his rocker. And people were worried that we'd have a irrational woman in the office....
14
To be very clear, Trump is not the main problem; he is just a manifestation of a deeper problem. There are a sufficient number of racists and misogynists who will continue to support Trump even after he "starts talking like Uncle Fred Who Gets Drunk at Family Dinners."
Why? Because "Some of them are Uncle Fred."
And that is the deeper problem we have in America today. It will likely take one or two generations for this deep seated hatred of "others" to be purged from the country. Until then, I am afraid, we will be stuck with Trump or Trump-like characters.
Why? Because "Some of them are Uncle Fred."
And that is the deeper problem we have in America today. It will likely take one or two generations for this deep seated hatred of "others" to be purged from the country. Until then, I am afraid, we will be stuck with Trump or Trump-like characters.
8
Let's set aside for the moment Trump's oft repeated pledge to "build that wall" and have Mexico pay for it. It's only one of many ridiculous, egregious lies 45 has floated to a gullible base.
What we really need if we want to see the back of DJT (and we do! we do!!) is deprive him of oxygen. And the air that he breathes is ATTENTION. And like a spoiled child, he's not bothered about whether the attention is positive or not. He craves flattery & attention. So here's my suggestion, NYT (and all the other "fake news" outlets): ignore him. For, say 3 days, don't mention him, quote him, publish pictures of him, publicize his tweets....Seriously, it would markedly improve the mental health of the 70% of the American people who are not in his base, and DJT would wither and retreat from lack of attention. Hey, it can't hurt to try! A DJT media moratorium!
What we really need if we want to see the back of DJT (and we do! we do!!) is deprive him of oxygen. And the air that he breathes is ATTENTION. And like a spoiled child, he's not bothered about whether the attention is positive or not. He craves flattery & attention. So here's my suggestion, NYT (and all the other "fake news" outlets): ignore him. For, say 3 days, don't mention him, quote him, publish pictures of him, publicize his tweets....Seriously, it would markedly improve the mental health of the 70% of the American people who are not in his base, and DJT would wither and retreat from lack of attention. Hey, it can't hurt to try! A DJT media moratorium!
8
To support Trump is to support lies, and the "evamgelists" transparently con men to at least 2/3 of the country, have to protect their liar in chief. Their business is the fabulously lucrative con game supporting the notion that rich people are enjoying God's favor. We have freedom of religion, and if the gullible buy into it, fine. But as an actual follower of Jesus Christ, I would appreciate it if the Falwells and pseudo respectable Grahams kept Jesus' name out of their money-grubbing.
8
He Tweets and Tweets and Tweets. Trump is a blabber-thumb.
7
no need to go back to President Hardng. Dubya was just as bad - he was consistent - but just as bad
2
Remember when the daffy Jill Stein of the so called Green Party told her hapless followers that Trump and Mrs. Clinton were the "same"?
That pathetic demagogue has crawled deep back under her rock and hopefully never reappears.
That pathetic demagogue has crawled deep back under her rock and hopefully never reappears.
5
This week has convinced me that Trump is at least Bi-Polar. Tuesday he trashes everyone who doesn't support him, then the next day he wants us to come together and "heel" (sic) the divide.
My black friend summed it all up with, "He cray cray."
Yes he is!
My black friend summed it all up with, "He cray cray."
Yes he is!
6
Democracy? We got a buffoon as our our elected leade- elected by a handful with the least education or wherewithal about the world around us. Now the Democracy does not know how to shut him up or lock him down. Deal with it!
2
Honestly, the only thing that would help our national psyche at this point would be if Trump would just shut up and go away. Can't we just plop him and all his adoring fans on Guam? (I hear tourism is going to be great there soon.) He can just give rallies all the time and some adult can actually run the country until 2020. Even people like McConnell and Ted Cruz are looking good by comparison. And when you can say that you really wonder what deep, dark rabbit hole our country has fallen down.
2
I have noticed that when Mr. Trump speaks from a teleprompter his hand gestures resemble little karate chops that move along an imaginary line, like he is counting or measuring the words with little chops as he looks toward the prompter. But when he goes impromptu, he points his fingers upwards--like the Russian saints do in icons--and he pokes at the air like he's shooting little guns... So that's a way to tell whether the president is making a prepared speech or going rogue (besides that business of making sense only when the speech is prepared). Now Uncle Fred, he has only one hand gesture. He waves away those with whom he does not agree as a kind of punctuation mark at the end of his criticisms; to wit, "They wanted to replace my lead pipes with brass pipes. But I told 'em. 'It's got to be lead. Only lead works.' Who switches from lead to brass? Them kids don't know what they're doin.' Aaaah!" (Waves away kids who don't know what they're doing.) That's the difference between Uncle Fred and Uncle Don--hand gestures.
4
Numb is the exact right word to use when referring to how many thinking, feeling people actually are reacting to day-to-day life with a clearly incompetent, possibly mentally compromised person in the White House. Trump fires Comey: wow. Spicer leaves--good for Spicey--replaced by an under qualified whiner who is not quite as dishonest as her boss. The Mooch spews the kind of language you might expect someone named Mooch would spew. Geesh. Two naval crashes. "That's too bad. Head-shaking. Charlottesville ---good people can be terrorists. Hmmm. Bannon is shown the door. Yawn. Phoenix--unleashed and crazy. Whatever...
5
Is there any chance you Americans could get rid of this disaster? You're making the rest of the world very nervous.
Here's a suggestion. Get the last bloke back. He did a great job. Imagine, he dragged you (kicking and screaming) into the modern world where advanced societies have accessible health care. Saved you from a disastrous financial situation. Displayed more grace and intelligence than any President I can remember.
And stop going on about the constitution. It was written by a bunch of flawed people trying to do their best. If they had had any inkling that by 2017 you Americans would be killing each other with guns at the rate of 30,000 a year they would have banned private ownership of weapons altogether. They weren't idiots.
Trump is an idiot. Use whatever mechanism is available to get rid of him and change your constitution so that Mr Obama can come back and dig you out of this terrible mess.
Please!
Here's a suggestion. Get the last bloke back. He did a great job. Imagine, he dragged you (kicking and screaming) into the modern world where advanced societies have accessible health care. Saved you from a disastrous financial situation. Displayed more grace and intelligence than any President I can remember.
And stop going on about the constitution. It was written by a bunch of flawed people trying to do their best. If they had had any inkling that by 2017 you Americans would be killing each other with guns at the rate of 30,000 a year they would have banned private ownership of weapons altogether. They weren't idiots.
Trump is an idiot. Use whatever mechanism is available to get rid of him and change your constitution so that Mr Obama can come back and dig you out of this terrible mess.
Please!
22
Excellent. Wish we had a few million like you.
2
Trump can be quite soothing. It used to be hard for me to fall asleep at night, but now I just nod off to repeats of Trump speeches, ad lib remarks and tirades. They're not funny at all so they don't keep me awake. I edit out the ones where he's screaming or telling his supporters that it's ok for them to punch opponents in the face. When I wake up, I'm ready for another day of Trumpspeak -- as long as it doesn't put me to sleep again.
2
Uncle Fred, eh? An apt metaphor.
Here's the thing about our "Uncle Fred." Can it not be seen that he represents a small percentage of the overall citizenry in this country? He represents a smaller percentage of the voting population? Don't our elected representatives get this (yet)? Well they'd better because the Majority have about had it with the behavior.
All Uncle Fred's, when at family gatherings, are usually relegated to a corner (if not the kitchen) with someone assigned to keep him in check just so the rest of the adults can have a good time, discuss family affairs, etc.. Well....much is the same here.
How long is it going to take for the American family, gathering in its House to discuss family matters, to put our Uncle Fred in his place? Because he's been at the punch bowl again, and is now rambling and careening all about disturbing the adults and children in the place. Time to constrain, if not outright remove, him me thinks.
So...where's the adult, the parent, that's going to do it? I suggest they stop equivocating and get to it because all the rest of the family and kids are getting into an uproar over all of it.
John~
American Net'Zen
Here's the thing about our "Uncle Fred." Can it not be seen that he represents a small percentage of the overall citizenry in this country? He represents a smaller percentage of the voting population? Don't our elected representatives get this (yet)? Well they'd better because the Majority have about had it with the behavior.
All Uncle Fred's, when at family gatherings, are usually relegated to a corner (if not the kitchen) with someone assigned to keep him in check just so the rest of the adults can have a good time, discuss family affairs, etc.. Well....much is the same here.
How long is it going to take for the American family, gathering in its House to discuss family matters, to put our Uncle Fred in his place? Because he's been at the punch bowl again, and is now rambling and careening all about disturbing the adults and children in the place. Time to constrain, if not outright remove, him me thinks.
So...where's the adult, the parent, that's going to do it? I suggest they stop equivocating and get to it because all the rest of the family and kids are getting into an uproar over all of it.
John~
American Net'Zen
4
The last thing needed in Arizona during the summer is more hot air.
6
Gail,
We actually do know something about Trump's grades. At Penn, which Trump and I attended, on Commencement Day they print a book listing both the names of all graduates and those who obtained academic honors. The Commencement Day book for Trump's graduation year is on-line. He is listed as a graduate, but not as having obtained any academic honors. The lowest academic honor, Cum Laude, is about a 3.3 grade point average. So Trump's was lower than that. All those stories about him being at the top of his class at Wharton? Fake news. When he said it? Lies. I know, shocking. Our dim President lies.
We actually do know something about Trump's grades. At Penn, which Trump and I attended, on Commencement Day they print a book listing both the names of all graduates and those who obtained academic honors. The Commencement Day book for Trump's graduation year is on-line. He is listed as a graduate, but not as having obtained any academic honors. The lowest academic honor, Cum Laude, is about a 3.3 grade point average. So Trump's was lower than that. All those stories about him being at the top of his class at Wharton? Fake news. When he said it? Lies. I know, shocking. Our dim President lies.
14
He is President Donald J. Gasbag...very tiresome. Truth is blown away by insecurity...believe me.
4
In private, trump, his family and his aides must be laughing hysterically at the stupidity of the American electorate as this moronic, yet highly rated reality show continues. Anyone who takes the Reno speech seriously after the Phoenix nonsense should have their heads examined. What a bunch of chumps we are.
6
I'm surprised President *0 didn't take credit for the eclipse.
4
Gail, can I play the heckler?
“Now you know, I was a good student,” ... “I always hear about the elite. You know, the elite. They’re elite? I went to better schools than they did. I was a better student than they were. I live in a bigger, more beautiful apartment and I live in the White House, too, which is really great.”
Well, that explains your elite hairdo.
“But I don’t come to Washington for me. You know, I’ve had a great life. I’ve had great success,” ... “I’ve enjoyed my life. Most people think I’m crazy to have done this. And I think they’re right. But I enjoy it because we’ve made so much — I don’t believe that any president — I don’t believe that any president has accomplished as much as this president in the first six or seven months. I really don’t believe it.”
Yes, Donnie, thanks for bankrupting the Secret Service. No president has ever done that.
'He revealed that “Washington is full of people who are only looking out for themselves” and then raced into another paean to you-know-who."
So why are you so down on Washington? Afraid the "people" will take everything and leave nothing for you?
“It was hot. It was like 115 degrees. I’m out signing autographs for an hour. I was there. That was a hot day. You learn if you’re in shape if you can do that, believe me.”
What's your belt size, or is that a secret like your tax returns?
This is presidential speech! What these pearls of wisdom are are a banquet for psychiatrists. The mind boggles.
“Now you know, I was a good student,” ... “I always hear about the elite. You know, the elite. They’re elite? I went to better schools than they did. I was a better student than they were. I live in a bigger, more beautiful apartment and I live in the White House, too, which is really great.”
Well, that explains your elite hairdo.
“But I don’t come to Washington for me. You know, I’ve had a great life. I’ve had great success,” ... “I’ve enjoyed my life. Most people think I’m crazy to have done this. And I think they’re right. But I enjoy it because we’ve made so much — I don’t believe that any president — I don’t believe that any president has accomplished as much as this president in the first six or seven months. I really don’t believe it.”
Yes, Donnie, thanks for bankrupting the Secret Service. No president has ever done that.
'He revealed that “Washington is full of people who are only looking out for themselves” and then raced into another paean to you-know-who."
So why are you so down on Washington? Afraid the "people" will take everything and leave nothing for you?
“It was hot. It was like 115 degrees. I’m out signing autographs for an hour. I was there. That was a hot day. You learn if you’re in shape if you can do that, believe me.”
What's your belt size, or is that a secret like your tax returns?
This is presidential speech! What these pearls of wisdom are are a banquet for psychiatrists. The mind boggles.
4
Gail, ALL of trump's base are uncle fred. Why do journalists have trouble grasping the obvious?
2
The media references a number of people who follow Trump around to be at his rallies. (Not bad for a group of people hurting economically). One of the things we know is that anger produces very addictive responses in the human body. That is why people tune in to hear the latest enraging talk from Limbaugh, Coulter, etc. Now, it seems that Trump is doing the same at these rallies for those who attend once and especially this who travel to get their "fix." More importantly, it now seems that these rallies do the same for him. He has got to get his "fix." (His ego needing stroking is just an extra plus). I wonder if the alt-right radio personalities get a similar "fix?"
3
OMG. Uncle Fred is the president.
That's much worse than driving to Canada with your dog tied to the roof.
Maybe Republicans are all Uncle Freds--just more or less dangerous.
That's much worse than driving to Canada with your dog tied to the roof.
Maybe Republicans are all Uncle Freds--just more or less dangerous.
5
OMG - he spoke for 77 minutes? Isn't that biblical. Would someone please file a gag order?
BTW, looking at the photo: new hair color, or a toupe?
BTW, looking at the photo: new hair color, or a toupe?
3
It was so hot in Arizona, Donald Trump had a melt down.
5
Gail, I know it is not good form to attack civilians in this war but ...
The backdrop of adoring simpletons at Trump's last rally was incredible. The most obvious was the uniquely black guy consumed by ecstasy, but I liked the sensible retired couple holding hands in joy and the worker dude in the corner of the shot nodding approval to every sentence, complete or otherwise. Where do they find these people, how do they select them, do they pay them enough, and are there counseling services available after?
At one stage, they all gained a sickly grin and large incisors and leapt at the President, but it was just a dream, I had fallen asleep.
The backdrop of adoring simpletons at Trump's last rally was incredible. The most obvious was the uniquely black guy consumed by ecstasy, but I liked the sensible retired couple holding hands in joy and the worker dude in the corner of the shot nodding approval to every sentence, complete or otherwise. Where do they find these people, how do they select them, do they pay them enough, and are there counseling services available after?
At one stage, they all gained a sickly grin and large incisors and leapt at the President, but it was just a dream, I had fallen asleep.
7
It might not get hotter in Phoenix if we agreed to the Paris Climate accord and joined the fight against global warming. What a jerk.
5
When I see the old German newsreels of the little corporal giving speeches than ran on forever, it reminds me to old man Trump. Trump is so full of hot air it's no wonder it was so hot it that building!
5
What could be more dangerous than a spoiled narcissist who is out of touch with the real world, who has those around him telling him how wonderful he is in an attempt to prevent his creation of chaos? Oh wait, that was a Twilight Zone episode from 1961 with Bill Mumy called ‘It’s a Good Life’. Can we change the channel now?
4
Trump has two faces
- his own face, when he just talks on his own about stuff. Typically unintelligible, demeaning, self-aggrandising, hateful, deceiving, lying, hiding his financials.
This is himself, the true Trump (or Drumpf).
- his establishments face, when he reads from a teleprompter and says things other people want him to say.
In other words, a puppet ...
I sometimes wonder what is worse. Better that he goes, before his true self takes over the country. Frightning idea !
- his own face, when he just talks on his own about stuff. Typically unintelligible, demeaning, self-aggrandising, hateful, deceiving, lying, hiding his financials.
This is himself, the true Trump (or Drumpf).
- his establishments face, when he reads from a teleprompter and says things other people want him to say.
In other words, a puppet ...
I sometimes wonder what is worse. Better that he goes, before his true self takes over the country. Frightning idea !
2
This is what makes Trump so dangerous. He tailors his remarks and demeanor to whatever group he's addressing. This results in contradictory and confusing messages both domestically and abroad, which make any kind of coherent and consistent policy impossible. Bipolar politics -- manic one minute; calm the next.
We don't know from one day to the other what this man will think, do, or say. He's still stuck in the 6th grade mindset that winning the presidency is like winning a popularity contest -- once the job is yours, it doesn't matter how you act.
This is not a way to govern. This is not leadership. This is total incompetence. Trump is no longer "entertaining," not that he ever was in the first place. While I appreciate the attempts at humor and lighthearted analysis, I can't laugh him off anymore.
We don't know from one day to the other what this man will think, do, or say. He's still stuck in the 6th grade mindset that winning the presidency is like winning a popularity contest -- once the job is yours, it doesn't matter how you act.
This is not a way to govern. This is not leadership. This is total incompetence. Trump is no longer "entertaining," not that he ever was in the first place. While I appreciate the attempts at humor and lighthearted analysis, I can't laugh him off anymore.
3
Trump loves the sound of his own voice. My response to him would be "The sound you make is Muzak to my ears." Most people know where that quote came from.
2
Wow, Trump is actually capable of some self-censoring. Note how he started one sentence with "But I enjoy it because we've made so much" and then stopped, let the wheels turn for a few iterations until it became "I don't believe that any president has achieved so much." I think some primitive part of his brain stopped him from blurting out, "But I enjoy it because we've made so much money."
3
The Trump Drinking Game!
Hold a drink in hand, swirl it around, point with your hand holding the glass, read a quote from this article, or any other, really. You can make it sound kind of like Drunk Uncle Fred, because, well as Gail points out, he does sound like Drunk Uncle Fred. The winner is the one who can do this without cracking up in laughter. Go ahead, try.
"Most people think I’m crazy to have done this. And I think they’re right. But I enjoy it because we’ve made so much — I don’t believe that any president — I don’t believe that any president has accomplished as much as this president in the first six or seven months."
Hold a drink in hand, swirl it around, point with your hand holding the glass, read a quote from this article, or any other, really. You can make it sound kind of like Drunk Uncle Fred, because, well as Gail points out, he does sound like Drunk Uncle Fred. The winner is the one who can do this without cracking up in laughter. Go ahead, try.
"Most people think I’m crazy to have done this. And I think they’re right. But I enjoy it because we’ve made so much — I don’t believe that any president — I don’t believe that any president has accomplished as much as this president in the first six or seven months."
1
NRA + Neo-Nazis + Donald Trump = Perfect Storm
5
one good sign? s fair number of people began talking to each other and then didn't hang around for him to finish. he's entertainment and the show isn't changing.... these people may not be very bright but they can still get bored.
2
This president is not to be believed whether he reads from a TelePrompTer or off the cuff. He is unhinged and dangerous and the sooner he is gone the better.
3
"(About the base. Polls make it very clear that 30 to 40 percent of voters are going to approve of what Trump does, no matter what. Many of them don’t mind if he comes on stage and starts talking like Uncle Fred Who Gets Drunk at Family Dinners. They enjoy Uncle Fred. Some of them are Uncle Fred.)"
Finally The Times--well GC anyway-- tells it like it is. There has been a concerted (unconscious?) effort to rationalize Trump's base--there must be a good reason why they support him--job loss, income loss, immigrants, abortion and so on.
But these are just spinning xenophobia, ignorance, and myth-based prejudices--culture shock, resentment toward economic/technological change--yearning for the good old days--which are long gone--including women who knew their place--as 4M women--Mother, Maid. Mistress and Muse.
But the next question is how did 30-40% of Americans become "Uncle Freds?
Did the GOP--vassal knights to corporate lords--corrupt American Education as as as American Politics?
It must have.
Finally The Times--well GC anyway-- tells it like it is. There has been a concerted (unconscious?) effort to rationalize Trump's base--there must be a good reason why they support him--job loss, income loss, immigrants, abortion and so on.
But these are just spinning xenophobia, ignorance, and myth-based prejudices--culture shock, resentment toward economic/technological change--yearning for the good old days--which are long gone--including women who knew their place--as 4M women--Mother, Maid. Mistress and Muse.
But the next question is how did 30-40% of Americans become "Uncle Freds?
Did the GOP--vassal knights to corporate lords--corrupt American Education as as as American Politics?
It must have.
2
Donald Trump suffers from a psychological schism. When he reads off a teleprompter and doesn't improvise, we see the programmed, robotic Trump. When he's freed of a script at his obnoxious rallies, we see the real Donald Trump, a self-absorbed crybaby who craves adulation. It's only a question of time that his supporters begin to ignore his broken record rants against the media and anyone else who has the audacity to not kiss his ring.
2
As Uncle Fred talks, the rest of the world is worried sick
2
If one includes fake information in one's resume' you don't get the job. DT is not accurate w/ facts and feels the need to embellish his actual resume' w/ fantasy.....a weak ego? Not feeling sufficient? Something to prove to his father? Fast & loose w/ facts...everything is not relative.
2
What Trump doesn't realize is that it's not him, personally, that they revere. It's his thumb to the nose that they idolize. It could be just about anyone who is willing to trash talk like Trump. Kid Rock? Bring it! Ted Nugent? More, more more! Sarah Palin, whose back Trump used as a bridge, almost seems stupefyingly angelic compared to Trump. That all four were allowed through the doors of the White House is stupefying in and of itself.
3
Only a fool doesn't realize that when you climb the ladder of success, you'll see everyone you passed on the way up when you have to come down and I'm sure you'll love that padded cell they'll put you in, "Mr. President!"
1
Trump's braggadocio reminds me of our Treasury secretary's third wife.
4
When he speaks about the "elites", he is really talking about class and decorum. He knows that of those with class and decoum and those without, he is in the latter category. His language speaks to those without class and decorum. They are his people.
When enough people without class and decorum exist and somehow actually get one of their own elected president, the civilized world begins to crumble. Ladies and gentlemen, if you want to see "uncivilization", take a look at the White House and its current state of operations. (It's a 180 degree turn from its last occupant.)
Now, let's bring class, decorum and civilization back! Start in November 2017 and continue in November 2018.
When enough people without class and decorum exist and somehow actually get one of their own elected president, the civilized world begins to crumble. Ladies and gentlemen, if you want to see "uncivilization", take a look at the White House and its current state of operations. (It's a 180 degree turn from its last occupant.)
Now, let's bring class, decorum and civilization back! Start in November 2017 and continue in November 2018.
3
The latest family poll shows a bump in Uncle Fred's popularity.
2
Both Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde should resign.
3
Well, on the plus side, he’s showed us that women can be president, despite (so-called) concerns about periods, mood swings, PMS, hormonal changes, emotional outbursts…
2
The man's mind is broken. He wants so badly to be loved and respected, but he will go down in history as the most reviled and ineffective president in history. He is already mocked, ridiculed everywhere in the world to a far greater degree than any predecessor. Where he isn't a joke he is despised. He will never, ever, ever be part of any "elite." His kith and kin are Ted Nugent, Sarah Palin, Roy Cohn, Sean Hannity, Sheriff Joe, and Alex Jones.
Simply put, in New York terms, he's a lowlife. That he ever got into the White House will redound to the American electorate everlasting shame.
There, I feel better for the moment and can go back to work.
Simply put, in New York terms, he's a lowlife. That he ever got into the White House will redound to the American electorate everlasting shame.
There, I feel better for the moment and can go back to work.
3
"I’m out signing autographs for an hour. I was there. That was a hot day. You learn if you’re in shape if you can do that, believe me.”
From the man who had to take a golf cart at the G7 summit in Sicily in May this year while all the other attendees walked the 1/2 mile or so.
From the man who had to take a golf cart at the G7 summit in Sicily in May this year while all the other attendees walked the 1/2 mile or so.
3
If we took ten prisoners from a high security prison and combined their character flaws into one person, we'd still fall short of completing a life-like replica of our maximum leader. And in a manner of speaking that may be the point why Trump always feels the need for self-congratulations. Somewhere, in some deep down corner of his heart or mind, he must nurse a feeling of inferiority or inadequacy. In spite of a long life spent in bragging, he must somehow know that the folks are still not completely convinced about the quality and length and breadth of his success, as fully as wants them to grasp and absorb. Well, Mr Trump, rest assured we have by now gotten a good picture of the shallowness of your thinking, coarseness of your character, and gaudines of your tower surroundings. If you want to see quality and taste of a day-to-day living, I suggest that you make a trip to Mount Vernon during a lunch break. Or, on a second thought, maybe you should stay away from that place. You mught come back thinking that MV is another dump, albeit, a smaller version of the White House.
“Sane or spontaneous”?
More like off his rocker and off-the-wall.
More like off his rocker and off-the-wall.
2
Trump is talking and talking and talking and the citizens are having headache and headache and headache. He is nice alternate days and crazy every other day. Very unstable president with nuclear code in his hand. I am having migraine.
1
Millions of Americans will treasure the day when this con-man is eventually "captured" and we no longer have to listen daily to his deeply disturbing words.
May John McCain live to see that day when justice and judgement prevail.
May John McCain live to see that day when justice and judgement prevail.
3
Y'know, like I know that the President is really, really smart (point to head which holds the skull which holds the brain which is where thinking and smartness come from which is something not a lot of people know) but his strangely robotic reading voice, while reading the teleprompter and staying on message, might just be, not because of bad eyesight but just might be because he has trouble reading. It would all be part of that sameness of not reading books and that memos should be under half a page long and with lots of graphs and bright pie charts to help information get through the eye hole into where the smart meat is. Maybe, maybe he has trouble well because whisper it, well not because of dyslexia (that's a made up snowflake excuse) but because he's a dull-witted spoiled little rich boy.
1
Trump's grades in school: As an educator and psychotherapist, I suspect Trump is dyslexic, which impairs his relationship with the written word. He has all his life avoided reading as much as possible (which limits his understanding of history and the humanities), his writing consists of signing his name, his vocabulary is limited and immature, he is easily frustrated and quick to anger, and he overcompensates for his sense of inferiority by bullying and bluster. His parents "bought" his education in private schools where you pay to play, and he had difficulty in these schools. Proper intervention for his learning disability could have resulted in a different The Donald, but instead he was enabled to become the incompetent bull in the White House china shop, resentful and raging. Sad.
2
Just plain nuts
5
Mr. Trump's's profile: Magnanimous Leader or Sadistic Bully
GOAL: To master one's passions and serve as a leader.
GIFTS: Courage, fearlessness.
IDEAL SELF-EXPRESSION: "I'm the BOSS."
UNHEALTHY SELF-EXPRESSION: "I'm the greatest. I'll crush any-
one who gets in my way."
BASIC FEAR: Of being seen as dependent or weak.
POSSIBLE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS: Denial, contempt, ego-
mania, psychopathological cruelty without remorse or guilt.
BLIND SPOTS: Arrogance, thinking "I'm invincible. I don't need
anyone. I'm totally self-sufficient."
VICES: Deceit, possessiveness, lust for power, vengeance, cruelty.
MENDING HIS WEAKNESSES: To give to others. To humbly recognize limitations. To see myself as the servant of those I lead.
GOAL: To master one's passions and serve as a leader.
GIFTS: Courage, fearlessness.
IDEAL SELF-EXPRESSION: "I'm the BOSS."
UNHEALTHY SELF-EXPRESSION: "I'm the greatest. I'll crush any-
one who gets in my way."
BASIC FEAR: Of being seen as dependent or weak.
POSSIBLE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS: Denial, contempt, ego-
mania, psychopathological cruelty without remorse or guilt.
BLIND SPOTS: Arrogance, thinking "I'm invincible. I don't need
anyone. I'm totally self-sufficient."
VICES: Deceit, possessiveness, lust for power, vengeance, cruelty.
MENDING HIS WEAKNESSES: To give to others. To humbly recognize limitations. To see myself as the servant of those I lead.
1
I wish he would stop with the finger pointing hand gestures.
It's truly obnoxious.
It's truly obnoxious.
1
I so admire the president's personal sacrifice in coming to DC in midst of his otherwise successful, enjoyable life. In fact, I believe his sacrifice is too much for one man to make, so he should return to the golden tower that bears his name and tweet his pearls of wisdom from there.
1
Trump speaks so very badly about the press. If he could his posse and he would round them up and lynch them, except for the propaganda machine FOX. His rhetoric indicates his enamor with dictators and maniulating the message to the masses. This is very dangerous since an open democratic society needs an honest press to reveal the truth.
Last Saturday at his rally in Phoenix, it was scary to see President Trump speaking to his base like a Dictator in Chief. He used a hateful tone discrediting the news media; journalists whose jobs are to reveal the truth of about political parties, the government and Presidents are no exception. He shamefully passed blame upon the Democrats for his lack of accomplishments due to his divisive nature. Like a lunatic, he threatened to have a government shutdown unless his wall appears in the budget as if in Mexico there were no ladders to climb over. The next Monday with the use of a teleprompter; he retracted himself saying we must work together to unite the nation because we’re all equal. Beware; Donald Trump is “Jekyll and Hyde.”
2
Trump manages to look somewhat normal when he reads off a speech written by normal people. But he really can't abide such discipline and has to follow it up with his own free-wheeling spewing of hate and chaos in which Nazis and KKK members become really fine people. These are dangerous times.
2
Unlike Uncle Fred, who gets drunk, Trump never touches alcohol. It can't be a moralistic thing, as we all know Trump is a man who believes in satisfying his appetites. It must be that alcohol drives him into full-blown psychosis.
He's on the edge, and therefore so are we. The VP and Cabinet could act to save the country via the 25th Amendment, but they're mostly sycophants and fools. In the face of this, yet another column making fun of Trump offers cold comfort.
He's on the edge, and therefore so are we. The VP and Cabinet could act to save the country via the 25th Amendment, but they're mostly sycophants and fools. In the face of this, yet another column making fun of Trump offers cold comfort.
2
In a break with all 44 presidents that preceded him Trump, for the first time in US history, is threatening to pardon a law breaker who did not only violate the laws of the land but also the Constitutional Rights of US citizens.
Apraio has been convicted for crimes for which he is NOT repentant, and if pardoned the door opens for criminal behavior and violation of the constitution with an assist from the President. The Presidential Power of Pardon will be transformed from a tool to provide compassion and forgiveness for deserving criminals (in the judgement of the President) for PAST offenses, to a tool to aid and abade FUTURE criminal activity. This cannot be.
If this loophole is allowed, Trump would do to the Bill of Rights what he did to the US Tax Code turning losing other people's money in his failed business and then other people's losses into a personal deduction. Stealing from the Treasury was reprehensible but violating our Constitutionally protected rights is totally despicable and grave threat to our democracy, as bad as anything the Nazis did in Germany.
Apraio has been convicted for crimes for which he is NOT repentant, and if pardoned the door opens for criminal behavior and violation of the constitution with an assist from the President. The Presidential Power of Pardon will be transformed from a tool to provide compassion and forgiveness for deserving criminals (in the judgement of the President) for PAST offenses, to a tool to aid and abade FUTURE criminal activity. This cannot be.
If this loophole is allowed, Trump would do to the Bill of Rights what he did to the US Tax Code turning losing other people's money in his failed business and then other people's losses into a personal deduction. Stealing from the Treasury was reprehensible but violating our Constitutionally protected rights is totally despicable and grave threat to our democracy, as bad as anything the Nazis did in Germany.
2
He sees a day when, someday, Nazi and Jew, African-American and Klansman, people with vowels at the end of their name and those without, will walk hand in hand onto an exclusive golf course..
1
"...he ignores the script and just says what’s on his mind, terrifying and confusing all Americans who are not in his base."
Because terror and confusion is a normal state for his base, rather than their cynical, Niccolo Bannon-iavelli exploiters?
Because terror and confusion is a normal state for his base, rather than their cynical, Niccolo Bannon-iavelli exploiters?
When Donald was in elementary school, they had no clue about ADHD. A pugnacious kid can't sit still. He must be entertained to be taught. He flits from this to that, like a stone skipping over the surface of a pond, getting a quick glimpse at everything below, but never diving deep.
At home, his mother instilled in him an ideal that you never allow anyone to look down their noses at you. Her hair done up like it was designed by Tom Carvel, she ran from poverty, her infatuations with the royals in her kit & landed in Queens, with of all people, Fred Trump, the son of a brothel owner, running from his own truths. A match made in where? You decide. But, take a moment. Can you imagine what it was like in that 1950s house, in that deliberately segregated neighborhood in Queens?
Young Donald could have used Ritalin and some cognitive behavioral therapy. Instead, he was the recipient of classist, racist hyperbole and an occasional smack up the side of his head. When that didn't work, he was shipped away to Military School.
This is how pathologies are made.
Often I posit that Donald is a dry drunk. Since he abstains, he thinks he's beaten it. But, he doesn't seem capable of examining the same underlying nature that broke his brother Fred.
Are we accompanying Donald Trump to his rock bottom? Would a national ALANON meeting be in order?
Let's hope Mueller convenes all branches of the Government & summons the whole Trump family to an intervention.
Let's have a chat about Donald.
At home, his mother instilled in him an ideal that you never allow anyone to look down their noses at you. Her hair done up like it was designed by Tom Carvel, she ran from poverty, her infatuations with the royals in her kit & landed in Queens, with of all people, Fred Trump, the son of a brothel owner, running from his own truths. A match made in where? You decide. But, take a moment. Can you imagine what it was like in that 1950s house, in that deliberately segregated neighborhood in Queens?
Young Donald could have used Ritalin and some cognitive behavioral therapy. Instead, he was the recipient of classist, racist hyperbole and an occasional smack up the side of his head. When that didn't work, he was shipped away to Military School.
This is how pathologies are made.
Often I posit that Donald is a dry drunk. Since he abstains, he thinks he's beaten it. But, he doesn't seem capable of examining the same underlying nature that broke his brother Fred.
Are we accompanying Donald Trump to his rock bottom? Would a national ALANON meeting be in order?
Let's hope Mueller convenes all branches of the Government & summons the whole Trump family to an intervention.
Let's have a chat about Donald.
1
So he blathers. So what are we going to do about it? The Dems don't have any more of a plan than Donald does for anything. Wee need to lean on the Dems to get going.
I sympathize with others who have grown weary of Trump, I must disagree with their "enough carping/more action" approach. We and the media must continue to watch and talk about Trumps foolishness. We must not allow his behavior to become "normal." We must remain ever vigilant that he is the fool, not the American people. This requires sustained work on our part because it isn't fun. Continually pointing out a man's faults isn't productive in any way and it makes us feel somewhat immoral.... a little dirty. But people cannot allow themselves to become complacent. Trump is a cancer that requires constant awareness and resist.
I'm guessing that the new White House Chief of Staff came and read the riot act to DJT to lay off his twitter account as his twitter ramblings were damaging and undermining his own interests and agenda AND those of his base.
But, I can just see DJT bristling at having his twittter account locked down, so he decided to diss John Kelly and flew to AZ, to his base, to give him the forum to rant and rave AND get the applause that he so desperately craves.
By the way, I'm shocked you haven't commented on DJT's statement that his favorite movie is ..... Citizen Kane.
But, I can just see DJT bristling at having his twittter account locked down, so he decided to diss John Kelly and flew to AZ, to his base, to give him the forum to rant and rave AND get the applause that he so desperately craves.
By the way, I'm shocked you haven't commented on DJT's statement that his favorite movie is ..... Citizen Kane.
I am not suggesting that Trump has an evil plan in mind or a final solution he'd like to see addressed (other than removing all immigrants from the United States), but...if one watches or reads about Hitler's rants - er - public speeches, he became extremely erratic and enraged as the months and years passed. He'd speak for hours on end. Trump is looking more and more Hiterlesque by the day.
1
It's pretty pathetic that the mojority of our country, the other branches of government and the governments of the world (most of them) have only one hope. That is that someone will step in and start making this country run. Except, it is NOT the person who was elected.
His wealth is as shaky as Bernie Madoff, his greed rivals Skreli and his leadership skills are as good as Our little North Korean friend and his manners are inline with Steve Mnuchin's lovely wife. Her uncouth behavior is so adorable.
I believe daddy's money was what got him into Wharton. Based on his lack of curiosity and the fact he does not seem to have read a book beside his own, I doubt he was a good student. He has proven to be untrustworthy with his employees, his investors, his wives, his colleagues and constantly with the American people.
He stood in 100 heat for an hour to sign autographs? Eleanor Roosevelt went into a coal mine. McCain was beaten and tortured in a jungle. Kennedy saved lives on a PT boat, Bush 41 flew dangerous missions in WWII and Obama changed the course of American Health care and killed Bin Laden.
Even Nixon probably saved thousands of lives with the EPA.
Loser!!!
His wealth is as shaky as Bernie Madoff, his greed rivals Skreli and his leadership skills are as good as Our little North Korean friend and his manners are inline with Steve Mnuchin's lovely wife. Her uncouth behavior is so adorable.
I believe daddy's money was what got him into Wharton. Based on his lack of curiosity and the fact he does not seem to have read a book beside his own, I doubt he was a good student. He has proven to be untrustworthy with his employees, his investors, his wives, his colleagues and constantly with the American people.
He stood in 100 heat for an hour to sign autographs? Eleanor Roosevelt went into a coal mine. McCain was beaten and tortured in a jungle. Kennedy saved lives on a PT boat, Bush 41 flew dangerous missions in WWII and Obama changed the course of American Health care and killed Bin Laden.
Even Nixon probably saved thousands of lives with the EPA.
Loser!!!
Meh. There are probably dozens of heads of state that honor Nazis.
1
The phenomena GC cogently describes is humorous stuff, and that's the truth, at least until one realizes that Uncle Fred tells the football guy bring him the briefcase "to lock and load," and is beloved by the alt. right including contemporary Nazi ideologues and apprentices.
His base is alleged to be approximately 60% of GOP voters, and so he apparently cannot be impeached, which is a "political process."
So impeachment remains dubious even if Robert Mueller provides smoking guns.
Does it matter if he "conspired" and is beholden to Russians?
What questions are the pollsters bluntly asking?
His loyal voters are folks, friends, neighbors, acquaintances.
Because they say they admire his "incredible" (dis) honesty and (in) sincerity.
Alienating GOP legislative leader McConnell is ... not really a mystery, and hopefully somehow leads to rational moderates wining a little if not a lot like in the ole days.
His base is alleged to be approximately 60% of GOP voters, and so he apparently cannot be impeached, which is a "political process."
So impeachment remains dubious even if Robert Mueller provides smoking guns.
Does it matter if he "conspired" and is beholden to Russians?
What questions are the pollsters bluntly asking?
His loyal voters are folks, friends, neighbors, acquaintances.
Because they say they admire his "incredible" (dis) honesty and (in) sincerity.
Alienating GOP legislative leader McConnell is ... not really a mystery, and hopefully somehow leads to rational moderates wining a little if not a lot like in the ole days.
I think the turning point may be just around the corner.
Two words: Robert Mueller. Once the facts start coming out, The Base--self-absorbed, purposely dumb and uninformed rat-tailed cowards they are--will clamber over each other to make it off the ship, once they realize it's going down. Oh yeah, the hardcore crazies will stay to the end--and they are heavily armed--but again, they are too cowardly to do anything but offer token resistance against those who can't defend themselves, not unlike Timothy McVeigh--one of their heroes.
Every person who cares about America's survival needs to decide how they can fight this scourge. Fascism is here, it's in the White House, Congress is riddled with it, it's taking over the courts. You need to be willing to defend your country, if you feel it's worth defending. Otherwise, just kick back and watch the show. It will get to your house soon enough.
Two words: Robert Mueller. Once the facts start coming out, The Base--self-absorbed, purposely dumb and uninformed rat-tailed cowards they are--will clamber over each other to make it off the ship, once they realize it's going down. Oh yeah, the hardcore crazies will stay to the end--and they are heavily armed--but again, they are too cowardly to do anything but offer token resistance against those who can't defend themselves, not unlike Timothy McVeigh--one of their heroes.
Every person who cares about America's survival needs to decide how they can fight this scourge. Fascism is here, it's in the White House, Congress is riddled with it, it's taking over the courts. You need to be willing to defend your country, if you feel it's worth defending. Otherwise, just kick back and watch the show. It will get to your house soon enough.
1
Why did his children encourage him to run for President......They must
be cut from the same "what can I get out of this" cloth.
Don't tell me they didn't know all of this beforehand....
..........They are despicable.....no word low enough
be cut from the same "what can I get out of this" cloth.
Don't tell me they didn't know all of this beforehand....
..........They are despicable.....no word low enough
1
Trumps talks and talks, but his base has its own special way of listening.
Gary Larson did a cartoon showing how dogs listen to their masters. The human is giving the dog a lecture about staying out of the trash can, and all the dog hears is … blah, blah, Ginger, blah, blah, blah …..
Trump followers are the same. They ignore 99% of the garbage that he spews, and pick out tiny bits that excite them. Wall. Guns. Coal.
It really is pathetic.
Gary Larson did a cartoon showing how dogs listen to their masters. The human is giving the dog a lecture about staying out of the trash can, and all the dog hears is … blah, blah, Ginger, blah, blah, blah …..
Trump followers are the same. They ignore 99% of the garbage that he spews, and pick out tiny bits that excite them. Wall. Guns. Coal.
It really is pathetic.
2
Not sure the Arizona speech was so "spontaneous". Trump prepared his defensive comments ahead of time. He had a folded up script that he pulled from his pocket. On the paper, he had notes describing all the statements he believes he made about Charlottesville that "prove" he's not a racist. Ha!
1
OK, he's nuts. With luck the very few adults in the administration and Congress will keep him from world destruction and from destroying our democracy.
So to get back to what we might actually change, who's going to run against the Republicans in 2018? Gail, not to intrude, but how about a series of hilarious stories about nitwit Republican senators and congressmen? Should be a source of endless amusement .......and tears ...
So to get back to what we might actually change, who's going to run against the Republicans in 2018? Gail, not to intrude, but how about a series of hilarious stories about nitwit Republican senators and congressmen? Should be a source of endless amusement .......and tears ...
1
"I enjoy it because we’ve made so much-"
It has been said that he was there to benefit himself. This off the cuff statement - is not a slip of the tongue. It sounds like his truth to me.
It has been said that he was there to benefit himself. This off the cuff statement - is not a slip of the tongue. It sounds like his truth to me.
1
Although Trump was elevated to a higher position at New York Military Academy for allowing hazing to go on under his watch, he refused to give his alma mater 7 Million dollars when this failing institution made the request so that the Chinese ended up buying it out. Tells a lot about his "winning character." It's long time to put this specter who inhabits the dump of the White House out to pasture. He gazes at the eclipse unprotected and makes threats to all who oppose his wild and wandering erratic plans. Time to close down this circus like the Ringling Brothers and shut him up in the tent.
2
Oh Gail, you're brilliant. When I read aloud your piece about Trumps desire for a disease of his own, my adult son thought it was from The Onion.
Angels and ministers of grace defend us....
Angels and ministers of grace defend us....
1
I have been stumped by the continuing (relatively) high poll numbers Trump keeps getting, but reading some recent output by some pretty smart people -- JD Vance and Arlie Russell Hochschild for two good examples -- helps clarify why. There REALLY is a huge cultural and educational divide in this country and nothing is ever going to be done about it with a "dumb-down" President and an education secretary like Betsy DeVos. It is hard not to despair.
4
Only since Warren Harding?
1
But...but...white privilege is a myth!
-Trump voter who ignored that President Obama had to measure. every. word. lest our heads exploded.
-Trump voter who ignored that President Obama had to measure. every. word. lest our heads exploded.
I'd rather hear unfiltered Trump than filtered Trump. Then we are constantly reminded of the narcissistic, incompetent and scarily uninformed POTUS we are really dealing with, and why he shouldn't be leading this country. I worry that people will forget who this man really is if they only hear his words spoken through a teleprompter filter.
1
Some commentators were calling Trump’s Phoenix harangue Fidelesque, but the actual models are closer to home. What you had Monday night was a fusion of two echt-American phenomena: the Billy Graham rally and (in somewhat condensed form, though it seemed endless) the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Lewis is gone and Graham well on his way, but both live on, ecumenically, in the senescent Trump. Trump’s rallies, like Graham’s, begin with inspirational music (“Proud to be an American”) and with dedicated associates (Carter, Pence) warming up the crowd. Like Graham’s sermons, Trump’s stem-winder is peppered with folksy asides. The point of Graham’s rallies, of course, was to bring people to God, whereas Trump’s events are for those who have already made their decision for the Donald. But in either case the focus is on One who is mysterious and beyond justification (“I am what I am,” take it or leave it). As with Lewis, meanwhile, arrested development and petulant self-absorption are the essence of Trump's act. But while Jerry’s effusions were for the benefit of actual children, the only beneficiary of the Trump rally is the virtual adult at the podium.
Who isn't cheering for Warren Harding, at this point? Hang in there, Warren. It gets better.
"It's getting better all the time, can't get much worse...."-(an "over-rated" band)
"It's getting better all the time, can't get much worse...."-(an "over-rated" band)
I think the answer here is that POTUS is simply hip and many are just square.
From Monster.com ( https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/customize-your-resume-for-... ):
“You have a resume, but it's not working as well as you'd like it to [read low approval ratings]. What can you do to increase the number of calls you receive for job interviews [read votes]?
Customize your resume [read multiple messaging].
Submitting the same resume for every position can't possibly meet each employer's individual requirements. If you want to grab hiring managers' attention, you need to give them what they want. You must take the time to tailor your resume to each employer [read voter demographic] and its goals to strengthen your chance of getting noticed [read votes].”
So when you think that the President “works” for the people, his employers, doesn’t tailoring his remarks for an employer-audience make sense?
I know, portraying POTUS as “unhinged”, an acrostic “impeach” in a resignation letter, and floating the 25th amendment are by far more sensational, but maybe the rather banal explanation is politicking.
Now you know the unrelenting collateral attack on POTUS are actually causing some people to become unhinged, consider Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal and Kathy Griffin.
From Monster.com ( https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/customize-your-resume-for-... ):
“You have a resume, but it's not working as well as you'd like it to [read low approval ratings]. What can you do to increase the number of calls you receive for job interviews [read votes]?
Customize your resume [read multiple messaging].
Submitting the same resume for every position can't possibly meet each employer's individual requirements. If you want to grab hiring managers' attention, you need to give them what they want. You must take the time to tailor your resume to each employer [read voter demographic] and its goals to strengthen your chance of getting noticed [read votes].”
So when you think that the President “works” for the people, his employers, doesn’t tailoring his remarks for an employer-audience make sense?
I know, portraying POTUS as “unhinged”, an acrostic “impeach” in a resignation letter, and floating the 25th amendment are by far more sensational, but maybe the rather banal explanation is politicking.
Now you know the unrelenting collateral attack on POTUS are actually causing some people to become unhinged, consider Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal and Kathy Griffin.
1
The press and the public need to keep on calling Trump out on his idiotic behavior, lies and statements. Trump is expecting to wear us down, to rearrange the dynamic to where we simply say, "Oh he didn't really mean that." Nope. Not acceptable.
We can outlast him, until he either resigns, is impeached, or he simply makes it to 2020 for the Mother of All Shellackings that resoundingly boots him out of our lives. The presidency is a hard job, so it makes me wonder, who is actually doing Trump's job, who is the Secret President? Romney's Seamus?
We can outlast him, until he either resigns, is impeached, or he simply makes it to 2020 for the Mother of All Shellackings that resoundingly boots him out of our lives. The presidency is a hard job, so it makes me wonder, who is actually doing Trump's job, who is the Secret President? Romney's Seamus?
1
It would be comforting to think the polls are accurate and it's only 40% who would vote for him if he claimed to be the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klu Klan, the long lost King of France and he launched an attack on Mexico with the entire United States Marine Corps.
But, if we learned anything last November, it is that whatever their methods, whatever their fallibilities, "the polls" are no longer credible.
But, if we learned anything last November, it is that whatever their methods, whatever their fallibilities, "the polls" are no longer credible.
1
The polls were right if you measuire the number of voters who went for Hillary,they didn't take into account the electoral college which is a flawed part of the electoral system
Reminder: When people were questioned Ronald Reagan's mental state, the Republicans closed ranks to protect him.
Later we learned that people around Reagan knew he was suffering from early Alzheimers for a significant portion of his second term.
Later we learned that people around Reagan knew he was suffering from early Alzheimers for a significant portion of his second term.
2
Good Lord. Times letter writers are a jittery lot. Relax! This clown parade can't last forever - it'll collapse under the weight of its evil stupidity. You are all making the same mistake as Trump: you are looking at packed houses full of ninnies and mistaking them for a majority. Nearly 70% of the country just wants him to go away! Progressive demonstrators far outnumber the rightwing wackos at demonstrations! Get a grip folks, the good guys win this one as long as we stop whining and take care of business. (Great column as usual, Gail - go get him.)
1
Would that the world simply close their ears to Trump's incessant, crazy-making sideshow -- Congress and the media in particular.
America feels like one big dysfunctional family now, bullied by an abusive father. The "family" never knows what mood "Dad" will be in when he comes home, or who he will hit next.
The family knows he's crazy. Some try to get on his good side to avoid being beaten. But even they can fall prey to his illogical and cruel whims.
Since our American family cannot run away from home and escape their abuser, and since Congress is not likely to kick "Dad" out of the house (although they like him less--kind of like his real family members), he must be ignored.
That is, keep an eye on him and his tweets, but don't cover them in the media...the real, not fake, news.
Trump's only talent is creating chaos and frenzy, as done on afternoon talk shows. His words destabilize, heighten our cortisol levels, make us angry...but they are in the end, ineffective at fostering any positive accomplishment.
The media should cover Congress, world affairs, climate change, slave labor, genocides (all far more boring to most readers than Trump). But, they are real. Congress represents us -- and their votes affect our lives.
Media's ad revenue increases with Trump coverage, which is unfortunate, because instead of news, they transmit the words of a sad, husky, grossly ignorant, insecure drama queen -- one deserving only of bored eye rolls at each utterance.
America feels like one big dysfunctional family now, bullied by an abusive father. The "family" never knows what mood "Dad" will be in when he comes home, or who he will hit next.
The family knows he's crazy. Some try to get on his good side to avoid being beaten. But even they can fall prey to his illogical and cruel whims.
Since our American family cannot run away from home and escape their abuser, and since Congress is not likely to kick "Dad" out of the house (although they like him less--kind of like his real family members), he must be ignored.
That is, keep an eye on him and his tweets, but don't cover them in the media...the real, not fake, news.
Trump's only talent is creating chaos and frenzy, as done on afternoon talk shows. His words destabilize, heighten our cortisol levels, make us angry...but they are in the end, ineffective at fostering any positive accomplishment.
The media should cover Congress, world affairs, climate change, slave labor, genocides (all far more boring to most readers than Trump). But, they are real. Congress represents us -- and their votes affect our lives.
Media's ad revenue increases with Trump coverage, which is unfortunate, because instead of news, they transmit the words of a sad, husky, grossly ignorant, insecure drama queen -- one deserving only of bored eye rolls at each utterance.
2
Hah. I live in Yuma. 107 is a cool day for August.
For all of you who want to get rid of Donald Trump, please remember that Mike Pence would become the president Being a Hoosier, that thought is extremely scary. He is a seasoned politician with many friends in Congress. He is also one of the most socially conservative members of Trump's staff. I honestly don't know which is scarier: Trump and his instability or Pence and his conservative agenda.We Hoosiers hoped by him running with Trump, his political career would be over and we would be rid of him forever. Pence as president is frightening.
2
thank god for Gail Collins.
1
Trump is addicted to Trump and the sound of his own voice regardless of the veracity his pronouncements.
1
Exhibiting malignant narcissism with unhinged rants crying about the bad people in the press treating him so mean when he considers himself to be the greatest leader in history ever on the world stage. Ignorant erratic and ineffective at his job will become obvious to most folks except the 25% fanatics emotionally attached to their dear leader. Hopefully Mueller will come up with charges and present them to McConnell and Ryan forcing them to march over to the White House and suggest he resign to spare the country a nightmare. Meanwhile TRump will inflict enough damage to the GOP allowing a competent and rational to emerge from the Democrats who will run on vital issues for all Americans not just vs the blonde bombshell now polluting the White House.
If it's true that only 30-40% of voters accept Trump at face value, why isn't the remaining 60-70% able to unseat the fool?
7
Because, due to gerrymandering, the WH and both houses of Congress are controlled by that 30 to 40%.
11
That and only if most of the registered voters voted!!!
1
Kathy, don't forget old reliable voter suppression....what a "winning" combination!
Trump treats the public like his psychotherapist, someone to vent to. But it's even worse than that. He's like the losers that go on the Jerry Springer show and spill their guts to the national tv audience hoping it will have the same therapeutic effects as venting to a therapist in the privacy and confidentiality of the consulting room. But like those poor souls Trump only gets temporary cathartic relief from his venting at everyone else's expanse. Soon, usually within a couple of days the same psychic pressures have built up again and he needs to blow his top all over again. He conveniently ignores how anti social and destructive this ranting is for his audience. The US public is not a trained therapist and we are in n o position to respond to hes rantings and ravings in a way the could produce beneficial structural change in Trump so that he could actually make real changes to his pathological behavior and personality. He is doing so much damage to the collective psyche of the country.
Let's cut to the chase, he is an extremely sick person. Very disturbed, angry and filled with hate and violence. It is the pot calling the kettle black when he speaks of others being sick. His soul is ugly and his repulsiveness shows on his distorted face. He is grotesque and he insists on inflicting his horror on us on virtually a daily basis.
Let's cut to the chase, he is an extremely sick person. Very disturbed, angry and filled with hate and violence. It is the pot calling the kettle black when he speaks of others being sick. His soul is ugly and his repulsiveness shows on his distorted face. He is grotesque and he insists on inflicting his horror on us on virtually a daily basis.
7
When will it end?
6
The media will never like President Trump and they never will. It has been this way and he should concentrate on running the country and passing the bills that affect our country. He was voted by the people and not the press. If they had their druthers, he would be out of office. They are trying but will never succeed. The people would not stand for it and they are the ones who count not the liberal press.
He was not "voted by the people", he was installed by the Electoral College - he lost the popular vote by more than 3 millions votes. Remember? But you're right about one thing here - the people won't "stand for it". Agree with you completely that they are the ones that count.
2
Correction: The media has never liked President Trump and they never will.
No. He was not voted in by The People. He was voted in by the Electoral College. The People voted for the other person.
1
People who like Trump are fed up with all the scripted pablum the American people have been served by their presidents for a long time. It was fine until globalism and automation caused millions of good jobs to disappear and terrorism started gaining ground. To Trump supporters and some of his non-supporters (like me) his unrehearsed comments have a feeling of authenticity that is usually missing from political utterances.
1
"Authenticity" is not a virtue: Hitler authentically wanted to destroy the Jews wherever he could. Trump's "authenticity" is fake in that he has no respect for facts, logic, or critical thinking. His supporters voted with their "guts," as did Berlusconi's in Italy (see Beppe Servergnini's book on the latter).
Is that right? So if he offends most of America at the expense of pleasing a few that's good. If he alienates our allies with his coarseness and ignorance that's okay because some really clueless people thinks it sounds good. If he starts WW3 with his impetuous and childish tongue at least some clowns will find it refreshing before they die in a nuclear holocaust.
I guess I can die knowing that an ignorant few are completely blissed out.
I guess I can die knowing that an ignorant few are completely blissed out.
1
I'm not saying that what Trump says is good. I was trying to explain why so many people like it. To say it another way, I was criticizing the political establishment as the source of Trump's popularity. Maybe if there were more frank and honest speech coming out of the mouths of establishment politicians from both parties Trump wouldn't have such appeal. But I'm not holding my breath on that.
In a strange way, Trump has accomplished more than others.
As a direct result of his presidency:
1. I joined the ACLU for the first time in my life.
2. I know the name of almost every cabinet member as well as their backgrounds and credentials. I don't know their birth weights but if someone publishes the information, I will read and try to absorb it. I didn't feel the need to know whether or not former presidents even had cabinets. I figured they had it covered.
3. I subscribe to two major online newspapers and read at least 3 others online news outlets each day. I even check Fox News so I can try to balance my view and see what it's like over there on the dark side of the moon.
4. I have saved a small fortunate by boycotting L.L. Bean. In a call-out to Ann Bean, Trump said to shop their -- so of course I won't.
5. I actually miss Bush and find John McCain to be moderate and inspirational.
6. I had to opportunity to hear Sally Yates speak -- and to read her articles.
As a direct result of his presidency:
1. I joined the ACLU for the first time in my life.
2. I know the name of almost every cabinet member as well as their backgrounds and credentials. I don't know their birth weights but if someone publishes the information, I will read and try to absorb it. I didn't feel the need to know whether or not former presidents even had cabinets. I figured they had it covered.
3. I subscribe to two major online newspapers and read at least 3 others online news outlets each day. I even check Fox News so I can try to balance my view and see what it's like over there on the dark side of the moon.
4. I have saved a small fortunate by boycotting L.L. Bean. In a call-out to Ann Bean, Trump said to shop their -- so of course I won't.
5. I actually miss Bush and find John McCain to be moderate and inspirational.
6. I had to opportunity to hear Sally Yates speak -- and to read her articles.
18
One remark about the New York Times failing and I subscribed. Donald has done more for journalism in this country than anybody in decades.
1
Me too Julie!
1
What successes has The Donald had? His only business successes were scams and looking more successful than he is.
I'm guessing he ran for president partially as revenge for failing in the business world and to gather a group of supporters who maintain the lie of his big successes.
I'm guessing he ran for president partially as revenge for failing in the business world and to gather a group of supporters who maintain the lie of his big successes.
2
And to make lots and lots of money...
The quote below is from a February, 2017 NYTimes article:
"Mr. Trump filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission for his 2020 re-election campaign on Jan. 20, the day he was sworn in. That allowed him to continue to accept contributions — including proceeds from the sales of his popular red “Make America Great Again” hats — without running afoul of the law.
Mr. Trump ended the 2016 campaign flush with funds, in part because of substantial sales of the hats. At the end of 2016, he had $7,611,702.92 cash on hand and no debt."
This explains it all, I think. As a campaign rally Trump can make money, and apparently he makes lots of it. He's not going to be selling hats to people who are interested in policy. He knows his audience. He likes to make money.
We are very foolish.
"Mr. Trump filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission for his 2020 re-election campaign on Jan. 20, the day he was sworn in. That allowed him to continue to accept contributions — including proceeds from the sales of his popular red “Make America Great Again” hats — without running afoul of the law.
Mr. Trump ended the 2016 campaign flush with funds, in part because of substantial sales of the hats. At the end of 2016, he had $7,611,702.92 cash on hand and no debt."
This explains it all, I think. As a campaign rally Trump can make money, and apparently he makes lots of it. He's not going to be selling hats to people who are interested in policy. He knows his audience. He likes to make money.
We are very foolish.
10
If trump were the Poet Laureate and not the president, his longest work would be "The Ode to Narcissism " followed closely by his "In Praise of Myself'" Since nobody pays any attention to the poet laureate, it might be better if he had that job instead of the one he so unfit for.
3
The scariest thing is that Trump still doesn't seem to understand how little he understands about the Presidency and government.
We elected a profoundly ignorant reality TV star who was completely unqualified for the job, yet many, many responsible people were all too willing to pretend that he might somehow grow into the job. I remember my shock at reading the "Table for Three" column with Doris Kearns Goodwin and Rachel Madow and found it far more disturbing than anything Jimmy Fallon did.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/30/fashion/table-for-three-rachel-maddow...
Quote from Maddow " I’ve only spoken to Trump on the phone. He was warm and charming. I enjoyed talking to him...One thing that’s underappreciated about Trump is his sense of humor...When he talks about how great he is, sometimes I think he’s doing it in a self-deprecating way. And that makes me worry less about what seem to be his toxic insecurities."
Quote from Kearns-Goodwin: "There’s something about the office. In 2000, there was a fear that George W. Bush would never be a legitimate president. But he was, despite that incredible election and how it looked like it would shadow him. Something happens when they get in the presidency."
We elected a profoundly ignorant reality TV star who was completely unqualified for the job, yet many, many responsible people were all too willing to pretend that he might somehow grow into the job. I remember my shock at reading the "Table for Three" column with Doris Kearns Goodwin and Rachel Madow and found it far more disturbing than anything Jimmy Fallon did.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/30/fashion/table-for-three-rachel-maddow...
Quote from Maddow " I’ve only spoken to Trump on the phone. He was warm and charming. I enjoyed talking to him...One thing that’s underappreciated about Trump is his sense of humor...When he talks about how great he is, sometimes I think he’s doing it in a self-deprecating way. And that makes me worry less about what seem to be his toxic insecurities."
Quote from Kearns-Goodwin: "There’s something about the office. In 2000, there was a fear that George W. Bush would never be a legitimate president. But he was, despite that incredible election and how it looked like it would shadow him. Something happens when they get in the presidency."
4
Yeah. Well, they said those things in October 2016. It's now nearly one year later. I suspect the words may have changed by now.
1
Re: Trump taking on the elite, how about a fourth point: Trump is the very definition of "elite." Are you kidding me? This is the son of a billionaire who attended exclusive private schools, a boarding school, and graduated from an Ivy League college, then went to work in the family business. When he struck out on his own, his father repeatedly bailed him out with multimillion-dollar loans or outright gifts, and his business ventures were ultimately kept afloat in part by his father's timely demise - and his subsequent inheritance.
When did this silver spoon become an Everyman? If his supporters believe that - and I see no evidence that they do not - they will literally believe anything.
When did this silver spoon become an Everyman? If his supporters believe that - and I see no evidence that they do not - they will literally believe anything.
13
Don't overlook the (alleged) funding from 'overseas.'
Trump shows who he is every other day when he doesn't read from the teleprompter. The question is how could the American people elect such a person. I am currently vacationing in Austria and I meet and encounter so many rationale people. I can't help thinking our public schools have failed us in the US. They are not producing enough thoughtful and informed individuals to make our democracy function. It's scary. Trump's not the issue, we are.
6
Bill
Critical thinking is a lost art in this country. I still have a hard time believing that anyone could believe anything that trumps says. He is a sexual predator and a con man yet half of the country think he is god.
Right wing propaganda is a real threat to our nation as it turns ordinary citizens into zombie trump supporters who are conned into voting for the interests of the 1%.
Critical thinking is a lost art in this country. I still have a hard time believing that anyone could believe anything that trumps says. He is a sexual predator and a con man yet half of the country think he is god.
Right wing propaganda is a real threat to our nation as it turns ordinary citizens into zombie trump supporters who are conned into voting for the interests of the 1%.
Poor Donald, who never experienced unconditional love from his father.
And now our country, its democratic institutions, and the planet are paying a very steep price.
And now our country, its democratic institutions, and the planet are paying a very steep price.
14
Gail, thanks for the piece about the piece.
The Talking POTUS--a Trump Chicken figurine, all puffed up. On-script he is insincere because those are not his thoughts and words, off-script he is lunatic, because it is the real Trump.
Maybe we can make a deal with him: resign as the real POTUS and we will give him a game or game show where he can play and reign as POTUS to his little heart's content, with applause guaranteed.
The Talking POTUS--a Trump Chicken figurine, all puffed up. On-script he is insincere because those are not his thoughts and words, off-script he is lunatic, because it is the real Trump.
Maybe we can make a deal with him: resign as the real POTUS and we will give him a game or game show where he can play and reign as POTUS to his little heart's content, with applause guaranteed.
7
He either doesn't know,..what he's doing?
or
He knows,..he doesn't know what he's doing?
It's more than apparent he doesn't care, whatever the answer is:):)
or
He knows,..he doesn't know what he's doing?
It's more than apparent he doesn't care, whatever the answer is:):)
5
Oh, this morning’s tweets and retweets... it’s getting worse every day. It’s painful learning how our president thinks. My husband and I call this administration “the revenge of the knuckleheads.”
Thank you, Gail, for your thoughtful, intelligent humor. We need it to get through the next three and a half (!) years.
Thank you, Gail, for your thoughtful, intelligent humor. We need it to get through the next three and a half (!) years.
8
One thing about one of his "better schools." According to David Caye Johnston, Trump got a B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania. Since Trump has trouble stating a simple fact without lying, he elevates his alma mater to the Wharton School of Business, which is a graduate school. One can read book after book about Trump without finding a reference to a single academic achievement...which, for those who read transcripts of his interviews wherein no substantive questions are answered, is not surprising.
5
Funny, you never hear about the two years he spent as an undergrad at Fordham. Yup, he did. But I have a friend who was in the same department he was supposed to be in and she never met him, never saw him. They would have shared some classes, at least. Wonder why?
1
Trump at his father's funeral opened with "this is the saddest day of my life" and went on to praise his father for raising such a successful son as himself.
9
He's repulsive.
1
This egomaniacal campaigning should stop. It's unprecedented and frankly stupid. His babysitters should stop these from happening, or cities should stop renting space to him. It's not normal. Presidents don't do this. They stay in the White House and govern, or they give speeches meant to promote actual policy. (Not that I want Trump to do any of that.) This begging for attention from hyped-up crowds is pathetic.
And, by the way, his rhetoric is dangerous. We tend to laugh at him. But it's dangerous to talk about the media the way he does. It's irresponsible and dangerous. He's normalizing this kind of assault on the media and I'm not sure we can ever go back. The term ''fake news'' is forever in our lexicon now, and it doesn't even refer to things that really are fake.
These rallies need to stop. Now.
And, by the way, his rhetoric is dangerous. We tend to laugh at him. But it's dangerous to talk about the media the way he does. It's irresponsible and dangerous. He's normalizing this kind of assault on the media and I'm not sure we can ever go back. The term ''fake news'' is forever in our lexicon now, and it doesn't even refer to things that really are fake.
These rallies need to stop. Now.
9
Even many of his supporters got bored of his shtick and either left the rally or read their text messages. Pathetic!
7
Thanks, Gail. Keep it up.
5
Speaking of heat, how is Mueller’s fire of accountability progressing? Trump deserves to be signing autographs in Hades or the nearest federal penitentiary.
4
The Trump reality is not one that the rest of Americans, or even inhabitants of the planet Earth, are living in. He is the poster boy of how a lifetime of narcissism can seriously disorder your mental faculties. The mirrors he gazes into daily are like the ones found in a Fun House.
He is suffering from Dissociative Disorder and this makes him a seriously dangerous President for a country population of 324 million American lives. He is not going to get better, only worse.
I agree with the former National Intelligence Director, James Clapper, and worry about this unstable, mentally unhealthy bellicose man with a nuclear trigger finger.
He is suffering from Dissociative Disorder and this makes him a seriously dangerous President for a country population of 324 million American lives. He is not going to get better, only worse.
I agree with the former National Intelligence Director, James Clapper, and worry about this unstable, mentally unhealthy bellicose man with a nuclear trigger finger.
6
The so called president of North Korea seems to have more on the ball than our so called president. It's embarrassing and dangerous.
Presidents do popular appearances to educate the public on areas of legislation or policy they support. This is what justifies public expenditure for these trips. George W. Bush traveled to triy to sell privatizing social security. It was an utter failure, but at least he tried to do something policy-related.
Trump's appearance in Phoenix did nothing to educate the public, or promote any legislation. It was a ridiculous ego-stroking indulgence for him.
I resent deeply that as a taxpayer I had to contribute even a penny to this absurd farrago--a combination of circus and self-sycophancy that would embarrass anyone with a scintilla of modesty or shame. Mr. Trump has neither, and he doesn't mind spending our money to stroke his own ego whenever he feels that people don't toady up to him sufficiently.
I hear the Secret Service has run out of money dealing with the Trumps and their travel demands. I hope the fiscal hawks in the GOP are taking notice. They screamed bloody murder whenever President Obama went out to play golf. So what are they going to say about Trump's revival-tent celebration?
Trump's appearance in Phoenix did nothing to educate the public, or promote any legislation. It was a ridiculous ego-stroking indulgence for him.
I resent deeply that as a taxpayer I had to contribute even a penny to this absurd farrago--a combination of circus and self-sycophancy that would embarrass anyone with a scintilla of modesty or shame. Mr. Trump has neither, and he doesn't mind spending our money to stroke his own ego whenever he feels that people don't toady up to him sufficiently.
I hear the Secret Service has run out of money dealing with the Trumps and their travel demands. I hope the fiscal hawks in the GOP are taking notice. They screamed bloody murder whenever President Obama went out to play golf. So what are they going to say about Trump's revival-tent celebration?
17
Well yes if you call impoverishing millions of Americans policy related.
1
The clone called Donald Trump shows up with scripted speeches and delivers them with as much conviction as I have that he will ever become 'presidential' or do his job.
The guy who shows up at rallies with a limited vocabulary and an unlimited ego is the real Donald Trump. He's entertaining enough if you like that sort of thing but I'd give him a '0' for content and a '4' for delivery because that's the only time he's animated enough as he talks about his wonderful self wrapped in exaggerated terms. Good for him.
Perhaps a good job for him now that he's not signing things in front of the cameras at the White House would be to visit every mall in America to sign autographs.
Maybe after that he could go to GITMO and sign autographs there.
The guy who shows up at rallies with a limited vocabulary and an unlimited ego is the real Donald Trump. He's entertaining enough if you like that sort of thing but I'd give him a '0' for content and a '4' for delivery because that's the only time he's animated enough as he talks about his wonderful self wrapped in exaggerated terms. Good for him.
Perhaps a good job for him now that he's not signing things in front of the cameras at the White House would be to visit every mall in America to sign autographs.
Maybe after that he could go to GITMO and sign autographs there.
4
When he came on Monday night to speak to the military, someone in the group of people I was among said, "Isn't it interesting that as soon as the special report break into regular programming was announced, I felt instant dread?" We all decided that we felt the same: instant dread.
5
The speech I adored the most was when he said this, off the teleprompt: "I appeal to the great American [reading] ... people ... to join with [reading] ... me ... and to rally around the [reading] ... flag.
5
Trump actually said: Most people think I'm crazy...and they're right? Self-awareness at last!
13
About his base. I've about had it with one-third of the country's having the rest of us in a strangle-hold.
21
When will you focus on the real problem?
You know. That 35 to 40 percent of voters who eat this stuff up with a spoon.
How did these people survive in America with no facility for reasoning; no capacity to assess character; no sense of discernment.
They are the ones that are killing us.
Not Donald Trump.
I fear that they are incurable.
Who stands in line in 107 degree heat for hours to listen to an unstable blowhard who is quite predictably going to spend most of their time bragging about how magnificent he is and lying to them about the genesis of their problems?
Let's stop pretending that these people are smart or sane.
Let's figure out a work-around.
You know. That 35 to 40 percent of voters who eat this stuff up with a spoon.
How did these people survive in America with no facility for reasoning; no capacity to assess character; no sense of discernment.
They are the ones that are killing us.
Not Donald Trump.
I fear that they are incurable.
Who stands in line in 107 degree heat for hours to listen to an unstable blowhard who is quite predictably going to spend most of their time bragging about how magnificent he is and lying to them about the genesis of their problems?
Let's stop pretending that these people are smart or sane.
Let's figure out a work-around.
18
well...we could give Trump his wall. As long as he builds it around these folks.
There is the Disney World Magic Kingdom Trump: A pre-recorded, choreographed animatron suitable for children and The HBO West World
short-circuited (and short tempered) Trump.
short-circuited (and short tempered) Trump.
3
Why is the reference always, always about a drunk uncle at a family dinner? It's sexist. Aunt Freda drinks, too.
10
I love the way he refers to his life in the past tense. "I've had a great life...I've enjoyed my life." It seems that the presidency is a little vacation he's taking at the end, where he can address large crowds with his crackpot ramblings and no one can arrest him. No concept of what it is to be a PUBLIC SERVANT. I hope he has another bankruptcy and ends up in jail.
7
Immaturity, insecurity, incoherency, insincerity.....thy name is TRUMP....our national shame for three more years. SAD
5
"Trump the Clown" has the circus audience inexplicably transfixed with his kinetic buffoonery and crude slapstick. Meanwhile, the tent is on fire and no one has noticed.
5
It might be a 200 count Hickey Freeman.. but it's empty, and this, sadly, becomes more evident with every passing day. It's going to end badly.
5
Trump is narcissistic- yes. Trump is infantile- yes. Trump is ( you fill in the blank) what is less known or at least being kept out of the spotlight is the minions who, pardon the phrase, seem to be trumpeting the anti media message on the radio. As if this is a war that is taking place here. And I have to agree. there is a low level Cold War that has descended upon our country. The storm troopers who recently came to light in Charlottesville have been lying low soaking up these talk show imams who stoke the fires of intolerance and hatred. This is not free speech. This is free hate speech. No different than the imams who shout death to America in Iran or entice suicide bombers. Guess who the American ayatollah would be shouting death to the press.
8
Any decent person would be disgusted by trump. He undermines the true patriots and their policies while promoting his own persona and businesses. The republican congress should be ashamed of themselves for supporting this mentally impaired person -- I hope they like their shiny future wall. That's where our tax dollars are going to go, apparently. The republicans and trump did not want to support health care for American citizens, but they want to build a xenophobic wall. How does that make sense? What happened to the infrastructure promises? What happened to the repair of roads and bridges that will bring us a brighter future? What happened to the upgrades to the electrical grid that will keep America up and running? What happened? How did we get to campaign 2020 when nothing is getting done to fix 2017? 2018? 2019? How did we get sidetracked by a self-absorbed, incompetent, blowhard of a "leader?"
10
Among the many bizarre things said in his unhinged speech in Phoenix was his attack on the judiciary with his announcement that he plans to pardon the criminal sherif Joe Arpaio. Trump is dangerously undermining our rule of law which is so crucial to our democracy. Our respect for law and order and our courts is what keeps us from becoming a banana republic. Trump is apparently determined to destroy all that. Unbelievable!
85
Please. Trump is doing a great job in pushing Putin's attack on western democracy and culture. He should. He appears to be a completely owned subsidiary of Putin's oligarchs. He also is doing a great job pleasing his base by destroying pesky so called scientists, so called experts, so called economists. The fact that his proposals actually harm the base is irrelevant. He is showing "them"
Please Lord do not let him totally ruin the country and ignite the globe before we can get him out of office.
9
What do both versions have in common? Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Please do a feature on the symptoms everyone in our nation is suffering through whether they realize it. NPD is the elephant in the room the media is ignoring for some reason but explains every action and utterance by the POTUS.
4
Trump obviously loves the sound of his own voice because he went on rambling in Phoenix until even his die-hard supporters started to leave. Listening to spontaneous Trump for the 2/3rds of Americans who disapprove of him is becoming increasingly painful – I’ve started muting my TV when he comes on because he isn’t good for my blood pressure. But when intelligence professionals like former National Intelligence Director James Clapper call Trump, “downright scary and disturbing,” it’s time for all of us to get worried.
In fact, every morning I get up – I think, “OK, I’m still alive, that’s good.” But then I switch on the TV and wonder, “What has he been up to last night…” and it’s rarely soothing. If we fear for our lives in America because of our own president and not because of some third world dictator or some likely terrorist attack, it’s a far cry from “It’s morning in America, again.” Let’s hope the “me, myself and I” president understands that there is more to America than his base – they might cheer at his every word, but they don’t speak for the majority of us.
In fact, every morning I get up – I think, “OK, I’m still alive, that’s good.” But then I switch on the TV and wonder, “What has he been up to last night…” and it’s rarely soothing. If we fear for our lives in America because of our own president and not because of some third world dictator or some likely terrorist attack, it’s a far cry from “It’s morning in America, again.” Let’s hope the “me, myself and I” president understands that there is more to America than his base – they might cheer at his every word, but they don’t speak for the majority of us.
4
And to think back during the 2012 presidential campaign we laughed at him with his "birther" accusations. We thought he was a big joke and dismissed him.
Who's laughing now?
Who's laughing now?
5
Oh, I can answer that question:
Vladimir Putin.
Vladimir Putin.
That is a chilling comment. Hitler once gave a famous speech in 1942 (anniversary of the Beer Hall putsch) where in addition to condemning his external enemies including Roosevelt and globalists (International Jewry), he also in a sinister way referred to his internal enemies: "Today countless numbers of those who laughed at that time, laugh no longer."
The parallels between Trump, Hitler and Mussolini are becoming much clearer now. History is repeating itself. Last week, the white supremacists also carried Nazi flags and shouted Nazi slogans, conflating the neo-Confederates with Nazism. And they wore Trump hats and openly supported Trump while he mildly rebuked them, saving his venom for the courageous counter-protesters.
The parallels between Trump, Hitler and Mussolini are becoming much clearer now. History is repeating itself. Last week, the white supremacists also carried Nazi flags and shouted Nazi slogans, conflating the neo-Confederates with Nazism. And they wore Trump hats and openly supported Trump while he mildly rebuked them, saving his venom for the courageous counter-protesters.
1
Is the GOP leadership covering their ears and going, 'Nah-han-nah, I can't hear him?' How bad does it half to get?
4
"Most people think I’m crazy."
Fixed that for you, Mr. President.
Fixed that for you, Mr. President.
7
Trump is dangerously unfit for office. His two personalities on view at his back to back speeches had the first one on Afghanistan reading a good speech someone wrote but also surrounded by stone-faced military personnel in rows. There were no smiles, no cheers, no red hats. Some of this would be military protocol but these are the people he is sending to endless war. Has he ever expressed sorrow and gratitude for their dedication to the sailors who just died? They have been in the perilous area near North Korea while Trump has ranted more insanely about nuclear war than the NK leader.
The audience in Phoenix was his campaign rally audience caught in the endless loop of Trump's campaign rhetoric. At one point they even shouted "Lock her up!" as though it were a year ago. Behind Trump was a mentally disturbed black man who loves Trump and who has been in more than one bizarre cults and in murder investigations. One day a military audience and the next Trump's usual bigots (who cheer for the racist sheriff found guilty of a federal crime) and crazy cult members.
Tale of two Trumps but also of two Americas. The sane and the crazy, the diverse nation and the white racists. But hundreds in Phoenix started to leave early. Maybe the narcissistic floor show is losing its charm.
The audience in Phoenix was his campaign rally audience caught in the endless loop of Trump's campaign rhetoric. At one point they even shouted "Lock her up!" as though it were a year ago. Behind Trump was a mentally disturbed black man who loves Trump and who has been in more than one bizarre cults and in murder investigations. One day a military audience and the next Trump's usual bigots (who cheer for the racist sheriff found guilty of a federal crime) and crazy cult members.
Tale of two Trumps but also of two Americas. The sane and the crazy, the diverse nation and the white racists. But hundreds in Phoenix started to leave early. Maybe the narcissistic floor show is losing its charm.
9
If he was such a great student, why doesn't he know anything about anything? How many people did his father pay off to get this ignoramus graduated?
10
The only group of politicians as cowardly as the Republicans are the Democrats.
I had no idea the President had been a stellar student. Now I think of him reading his Cicero in the original Latin. (I myself quit that language dead after The Gallic Wars. But enough about me.) I'll bet his Russian is better than most, as well.
Grades are beside the point, of course, to a certain degree. It is mostly about the thoughtful attainment of knowledge.
Grades are beside the point, of course, to a certain degree. It is mostly about the thoughtful attainment of knowledge.
6
The great thing about 100+ temps in the Southwest is that it's a nice, dry heat, the kind you can be out in -- especially if there's a breeze -- for awhile, without suffering anything but 30 lbs of dehydration. One way to keep fit, especially for old people.
But wait! Stop and think a moment. I have to say, I'm really enjoying the daily entertainment of Trump vs. Fake News. It satisfies everyone, on both sides.
The Trump fans and addicts who don't read the NYT get quite a spectacle, free, or more likely, pay-you-to-come entertainment (notice how well the crowds behind the camera at Trump rallies are trained? Nothing spontaneous about it!). He rails and rails and rails against the Fake News [TM] and they eat it up.
Meanwhile, the Fake News[TM] writes about him EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK. It's crowded out everything else in the headlines except the possibility of being nuked by the DPRK, or van terrorists in Europe!
NYT readers who hate Trump get all-Trump, all the time... and subscription numbers skyrocket.
What a game! What a show! If you paid the two sides to coordinate this any better, you couldn't get a better deal! Maybe it IS a conspiracy between the Fake News[TM] and Trump. Total win-win. Trump gets constant attention, and so does the entire media. We can do nothing else but watch.
Even Kim Jong Un's enjoying the show; he said recently, "we'll watch."
It's all ratings gold. Keep up the good work, all! So much fun!
But wait! Stop and think a moment. I have to say, I'm really enjoying the daily entertainment of Trump vs. Fake News. It satisfies everyone, on both sides.
The Trump fans and addicts who don't read the NYT get quite a spectacle, free, or more likely, pay-you-to-come entertainment (notice how well the crowds behind the camera at Trump rallies are trained? Nothing spontaneous about it!). He rails and rails and rails against the Fake News [TM] and they eat it up.
Meanwhile, the Fake News[TM] writes about him EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK. It's crowded out everything else in the headlines except the possibility of being nuked by the DPRK, or van terrorists in Europe!
NYT readers who hate Trump get all-Trump, all the time... and subscription numbers skyrocket.
What a game! What a show! If you paid the two sides to coordinate this any better, you couldn't get a better deal! Maybe it IS a conspiracy between the Fake News[TM] and Trump. Total win-win. Trump gets constant attention, and so does the entire media. We can do nothing else but watch.
Even Kim Jong Un's enjoying the show; he said recently, "we'll watch."
It's all ratings gold. Keep up the good work, all! So much fun!
1
That thirty to forty percent anger me. "The media is unfair," they whine, because it reports what he actually says. "He tells it like it is," they insist. Well no, he doesn't. He lies; he is in a league by himself. He personifies dishonesty and they refuse to accept that, preferring to attack people who actually listen, research and learn for a living. And we permit it. For how long? Where is OUR breaking point?
6
It is an unfortunate but inescapable fact that in any given population... say the US voting population... 50% will be of below average intelligence. Of that population... about 50% (or 25% of the total population) will be very stupid indeed. Trump's bed rock base seems to be in the 25% to 30% range which would seem to be made of the "dumber than a box of hammers" group combined with a number of more intelligent bigots and fascists.
These dumber than a box of hammers folks love Trump because he sounds just like them and that is because he is just like them. I don't think anyone (even Donald himself at some level) believes that he was accepted to UPenn on academic merit. Trump is where he is because he inherited a $200 million dollar fortune. He is basically no different than some guy in a trailer park in Kentucky who wins the state lottery.
These dumber than a box of hammers folks love Trump because he sounds just like them and that is because he is just like them. I don't think anyone (even Donald himself at some level) believes that he was accepted to UPenn on academic merit. Trump is where he is because he inherited a $200 million dollar fortune. He is basically no different than some guy in a trailer park in Kentucky who wins the state lottery.
6
"He threatened to shut down the government if he didn’t get money for his wall."
I THOUGHT MEXICO WAS GOING TO PAY FOR IT!!!
I THOUGHT MEXICO WAS GOING TO PAY FOR IT!!!
7
The sanest letter of the day.
1
All in the way of explaining why tens of millions of Americans welcome the news that the Secret Service - tasked with protecting Trump and his spawn - is running out of money. ;-)
4
Mr Exaggeration to amplify his insecurities. And boy, does he have a basket full.
5
Look at it this way folks, it'll be record breaking,..
Someone will win an Award for the best Comedy Picture,..in the Horror Category.
Someone will win an Award for the best Comedy Picture,..in the Horror Category.
3
So America is great again because Trump is elected. He needs to do nothing at all but tell us how great he is. How wonderful for him but tragic for us who see the needs of the country and see only drivel coming from this guy's mouth.
3
The initials DT also stand for Delerium Tremens, which is now firmly fixed in my head whenever he opens his mouth.
3
"Most people think I’m crazy to have done this. And I think they’re right." So now Don the Con has actually admitted that he is crazy. But of course, since he lies all the time, we really don't know what to believe. And neither do his cultists.
3
Trump is a bully who has spent his life attacking and humiliating people who don't give him what he wants. This behavior may please his base but Congress has power and status. He's making the wrong enemy in Mitch McConnell.
4
Why should taxpayers foot the bill for Trump's political rallies? This is not part of the job of president.
Just wait until the fundamentalist Christians and working class whites (his "base") realize they've been shtupped: people like him have only disdain for people like them in private. They will get a big surprise. I feel sorry for them.
The man is an egomaniacal ignoramus. And most Americans are tired of him, really tired.
Just wait until the fundamentalist Christians and working class whites (his "base") realize they've been shtupped: people like him have only disdain for people like them in private. They will get a big surprise. I feel sorry for them.
The man is an egomaniacal ignoramus. And most Americans are tired of him, really tired.
5
Mainstream medias position on President Trump can be summarized as follows: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be taken out of context and made to sound you dirty.
Dare you, can you publish this?
Dare you, can you publish this?
2
News outlets have published complete transcripts of his speeches. How is anything being taken out of context?
1
I'm through trying to make sense of Trump. It has gone on for far too long. The Republican leadership and the Republican rank and file either have to execute their duty as public servants or they must resign. He's incompetent and horrendously dangerous. To date, the Republicans are also incompetent and, by virtue of that incompetence, are placing us all in danger.
3
The smack talk reflects directly off the faces in the crowd. A large portion of the Trump base enjoy basking in the overflow glow of smack talk. It's a short leap to conclude that these folks are suffering a form of frustrating powerlessness, self-loathing, and boredom. The chief entertainer has injected a brief shine onto the dullness of their days. Their entertainment choice is getting boring.
5
No news here - today's Donald Trump is the same crude and credulous narcissist he's been for decades. The Republican party at large can be held wholly responsible for both Trump (and Trump 1.0, Sarah Palin). Thanks to their lust to win at any cost (including their own honor and forward progress on behalf of the people they claim to serve) along with a stunning lack of foresight, they've mistaken anything that buzzes for a honeybee. Now they have a standard bearer who's brought with him a bunch of angry wasps whose only allegiance is to the guy that's given them a nice safe place to nest.
The country's problem is not Mr. Trump - until the Republican leadership has been stung so badly that they rethink the diminishing returns on their folly and act accordingly, nothing will change. We needn't hold our breath. They'll wait for Mueller, or for Democratic control, so they (as usual) can claim deniability. Because wasps still buzz, after all.
The country's problem is not Mr. Trump - until the Republican leadership has been stung so badly that they rethink the diminishing returns on their folly and act accordingly, nothing will change. We needn't hold our breath. They'll wait for Mueller, or for Democratic control, so they (as usual) can claim deniability. Because wasps still buzz, after all.
3
Truth be told: he's a sociopath, but according to his base: he's OUR sociopath and nothing else matters to them. He's a disgrace, his cabinet is a disgrace (yes, even the generals for allowing this to continue rather than resigning and then holding a press conference to go before the American people and telling even those who won't listen to the truth about the sociopath-in-chief.), and finally the nation has become a disgrace in the eyes of the world.
4
Maybe the GOP is waiting for a bed to open up in a lunatic asylum before they make their inevitable move.
2
The man is sick.
4
As it warms (heats) up -- in places like Arizona, say -- I hope his supporters will be happy to go without air conditioning.
Actually, I think they should make a point of doing that, since their POTUS has disparaged the climate science concerning global warming as a "Chinese hoax."
Stand firm, Trump supporters -- stand firm and fan yourselves.
Actually, I think they should make a point of doing that, since their POTUS has disparaged the climate science concerning global warming as a "Chinese hoax."
Stand firm, Trump supporters -- stand firm and fan yourselves.
4
Remove "to have done this" this sentence and it would be a lot more correct: "Most people think I’m crazy to have done this. And I think they’re right. "
2
Goering: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”
Sound's like a plan.
Sound's like a plan.
1
Our president is so unevolved, so stuck in time. Apparently didn't get or got and didn't read the memos about advances in our society for women, minorities, or the impact of climate change and every other issue we face today. And it seems his base is back there in time with him. Sad, but sadder for the majority of people who DIDN'T vote for him because of a rigged election. How IS the Russian investigation progressing??
3
He is most likely mentally unbalanced. I know, duh. But , really he is decoupled from reality. He has accomplished nothing beside making Americans further despair of the state of our Congress and government. On the subject of governing, he sounds like a 5th grader who flunked Civics. He needs to be removed or convinced he should resign and go back to his beautiful life. And to his base - trust me - he is not the great white hope.
5
And his followers listen and believe.
4
That is what is most frightening about the country today!
Oh yes we do need to hear every babbling word of Trump.
Stay close to one's enemies so you know his next moves. We need to endure hearing from the "real Trump" in order to be better prepared to get rid of him!
Stay close to one's enemies so you know his next moves. We need to endure hearing from the "real Trump" in order to be better prepared to get rid of him!
3
I pity you in the media, you have to watch and listen to him, I only have to read what he said. It makes me physically sick to have to look and/or listen to him.
13
Although Trump over the years has repeatedly told the media he finished first in his class, the 1968 Wharton's Commencement Program, shows him in the bottom third of his class. https://www.google.as/amp/s/articles.pennlive.com/news/2017/02/what_is_t...
But, of course, what would Trump know about class!
But, of course, what would Trump know about class!
6
Collins, when talking about "talks and talks and talks and...." you condemn yourself out of your own mouthful of talking and talking and etc.
No, I don't want to hear any more Trump Talk, but I sure don't want to hear any Collins Talk either....full of sound and fury, signifying ..blah, blah, blah.
No, I don't want to hear any more Trump Talk, but I sure don't want to hear any Collins Talk either....full of sound and fury, signifying ..blah, blah, blah.
1
She is writing, Lake Woebegoner. That is something that Trump isn't able to do.
Of course, her writing is full of wit and smart sense, so perhaps that's what's bothering you.
Of course, her writing is full of wit and smart sense, so perhaps that's what's bothering you.
2
So why in the name of all that's holy are you here on the NYT, day after day, week after week?
One wishes the media, grunt reporters and columnists, would spend a little less space describing what we already know only too well about the President, and more space reporting on what his cabinet members are quietly doing to disassemble initiatives and programs in the various departments; especially Pruitt at EPA and DeVos at the Dept. of Education.
The psychopath clown in the Oval Office is an easy target but he hasn't done any real damage yet; one fears his cabinet has and will continue to do so with so much attention focused elsewhere.
The psychopath clown in the Oval Office is an easy target but he hasn't done any real damage yet; one fears his cabinet has and will continue to do so with so much attention focused elsewhere.
6
Trump threatens to shut down the government if his wall isn't built. Now that's power. Shutting down the Mexican government, I mean.
1
When, when, when, do we see the last of him?
4
Deep in his heart this is what he meant to say: "I don't believe any president . . . has ever been so petty, so racist and caused so much damage in his first six or seven months".
2
I keep trying to think of insightful things to say about Trump but then I just settle of the fact he's just a clown.
4
The time for having a sense of humor about this charlatan/braggart is so well past its sell-by date that it stinks!
21st Century or not, whomever sits in the Oval office has an obligation to the entire population, not just pandering to his morally challenged and select groups. One almost expects his next rally before the rabble to end in a bonfire with his followers chanting "EmeriKa Uber Alles".
This man proves his unstable,erratic persona on an hourly basis.
21st Century or not, whomever sits in the Oval office has an obligation to the entire population, not just pandering to his morally challenged and select groups. One almost expects his next rally before the rabble to end in a bonfire with his followers chanting "EmeriKa Uber Alles".
This man proves his unstable,erratic persona on an hourly basis.
2
I don't know which is more appalling, Donald Trump or the fact that there are any Trump supporters.
5
What I want to know is how his base can continue to support this lunatic? Who are these Americans who don't know that the press is where information is derived? Who are these people who ignore the lies that are told daily by this man? Who are these Americans? I want to know!
4
The only Trump supporters I know live on a steady diet of Fox News and reality TV shows, they don't read and the only people they mix with are the ones they've known all their lives.
3
When will our national embarrassment be over?
5
Full sentences and strung together platitudes justifying and obscuring social crimes or war crimes is usually what is called "presidential".
Next time, can we please remind POTUS that he said the Mexicans would pay for the wall. Therefore, the speech he needs to give is to the Mexican legislature not the heat crazed in Phoenix. I know he knows the way there because he's been before.
2
A SLIGHT EDIT:
"We are not going to go into the list of presidents who accomplished more, since it requires naming everyone who’s held the office [BEFORE OR] since Warren Harding."
"We are not going to go into the list of presidents who accomplished more, since it requires naming everyone who’s held the office [BEFORE OR] since Warren Harding."
1
Trump has been trying to make his daddy proud for his entire life, it seems. He's been walking in his shadow forever. Look into how he was expelled (or removed) from Kew Forest School in Queens for hitting teachers and throwing desks, and sent to New York Military Academy, which really was for delinquent children with behavior problems back then. He never went to the best schools on merit! We are so sick of his boasting lies, his need to prove he is better than anyone at anything, and his malicious characterizations of others in government - and it's not funny anymore This man is sick,and we need to admit it and do something about it before it's too late for us all. This kind of behavior from any one of us would have our jobs or schools or families having us counselled. How is he allowed to keep pushing it into our faces with no consequences? The story of his privileged life he keeps clamoring about I guess. Enough already...someone get him help please
3
His own words are his worst enemy. But, when I see the rapture on his base's faces when he is ranting, in his campaign more, I become even more anxious.
The religious right has a lot to answer for I believe. Just the sheer happiness on Jerry Falwell Jr's face in the Arizona rally should frightened any and all observers. The Evangelical's have said that God spoke to them and approved whatever Trump decided to do even if that meant nuclear war.
We need the Anti Trump vaccine soon.
The religious right has a lot to answer for I believe. Just the sheer happiness on Jerry Falwell Jr's face in the Arizona rally should frightened any and all observers. The Evangelical's have said that God spoke to them and approved whatever Trump decided to do even if that meant nuclear war.
We need the Anti Trump vaccine soon.
3
Malignant narcissism, delusional, immoral, unethical...never thought I would think those words when I thought of the President of the United States. This situation needs to be dealt with before we lose all standing in the world and or he is pushed into a corner so far that he gets revenge on us all. It is a scary time.
2
And all this probably would not have happened if he hadn't become a tv celebrity with The Apprentice. So who allowed that to happen? Maybe a few sensible people who deeply regret this, or maybe a few lunatics who are on his staff, cheering his dark ad lib moments.
2
Disgraceful is all I can think of every time I see and hear Donald Trump speak. I will not refer to him as President, because it is shameful that so many people supported him and even worse that so many still do. His mockery of the anti-fascist movement should alarm all clear thinking people. It reveals who he truly is. Back in July, when he was speaking at another feed-his-ego rally in Toledo(?), he was saying illegal immigrants abduct and hurt our children and he almost said, "Our beautiful {white} children." He mouthed the word "white" but managed to stop himself. Just another example of what he really believes. Again: DISGRACEFUL.
3
"Right now, every day Americans have to wonder whether the president will be sane or spontaneous." No, we don't. The opposite of sane is insane, not sponstaneous. Trump has demonstrated a lifelong willingness to thwart or disavow norms, a singular fixation on amassing wealth and power, a complete absence of personal responsibility and disregard for consequences, a lack of a moral center, and an innate willingness to lie and deceive to achieve his personal goals. I don't wonder. Trump is mentally and morally unfit for office, and no scripted speech or momentary and obviously chafing self-restraint changes that demonstrable fact.
1
Trump talks and the media is there with a camera each feeding off each other. This reminds me of the campaign of 2016 when the media gave Trump free air time everyday. The media fascination with Trump is that they want to be there when he sticks his foot in his mouth. Woe to any organization not there when Trump goes off the reservation. For his part Trump has gotten his loose cannon Trump act down to a science. Trump does his Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde act on cue for one day we get the subdued Trump and the next day off his meds Trump. Could it be Trump is playing the media like a fiddle like he did in the campaign. If anybody thinks having an Asian and two Jews standing with him when he was playing his off his meds Trump last week was coincidental I have a bridge I want to sell to you. The tact being used now to embarrass Trump's supporters by calling him a racist is like preaching to the choir. It makes us as a nation feel lousy to know that so many of our fellow citizens could support someone so overtly racist as Trump is. In truth it should say a lot about the lie we been telling ourselves that we are living in post racial America.Trump threw out the suggestion that to the demographically challenged white people that statues of George Washington maybe the next on the chopping block. This was throwing red meat to white non Trump supporters that if they don't hold their nose and support Trump they would be left with no heroes and no heritage. Hillary blew off Trump as a clown?
1
Trump is smart enough to know his "one-man good-cop bad-cop" routine allows him to throw red meat to his base AND claim plausible deniability to the rest of us.
1
Now take the Pres. Trump and his people... Somebody take Pres. Trump and his people!
2
DJT should declare that he has been the greatest president ever and will never be surpassed. He will then resign and go back to his wonderful, wonderful life.
3
I remember only three other national leaders who were able to spend hours rambling and ranting like Trump: Fidel Castro, Hitler and Muhammad Khadaffi.
4
We waste a lot of time worrying about the uncritical core group of Donald Trump supporters, which is comprised of people for whom their unquestioning support of Trump and attendance at his rallies is a sport.
In Phoenix, amidst Donald Trump’s self-congratulatory meandering, the insults hurled at other Republicans and the shameless lies, something surprising happened.
As crowds do at uncompetitive ballgames, the audience began growing silent, the cheers died down and the people began filing out to beat the traffic. They were bored.
That is how that 30% core vote is going to erode. Not because of something offensive Trump has said and not because of some obviously stupid plan he announces. The listeners will stop paying attention because the Trump act has become the same old, same old.
They will change the channel.
In Phoenix, amidst Donald Trump’s self-congratulatory meandering, the insults hurled at other Republicans and the shameless lies, something surprising happened.
As crowds do at uncompetitive ballgames, the audience began growing silent, the cheers died down and the people began filing out to beat the traffic. They were bored.
That is how that 30% core vote is going to erode. Not because of something offensive Trump has said and not because of some obviously stupid plan he announces. The listeners will stop paying attention because the Trump act has become the same old, same old.
They will change the channel.
1
Trump can't tell the truth even about the temperature?
2
Nope. Remember the lie he told about the rain on inauguration day?
1
Wait. I'm confused. I thought it was bad to go to a good school and get good grades.
In any case, I'd like to hear more about his most eliteness from any of Trump's civic - minded classmates from Fordham and Penn, his teachers, and/or someone in the admissions office.
In any case, I'd like to hear more about his most eliteness from any of Trump's civic - minded classmates from Fordham and Penn, his teachers, and/or someone in the admissions office.
3
I watched the Phoenix speech, transfixed. I slept, fitfully. Dreams of someone stealing something valuable like my car, but something far more personal like an old dog.
3
Exaggerations are meat and potatoes to rabid followers looking to crown their leader with sainthood. Our biggest problem is that, despite proofs to the contrary, Trump's disciples just eat up these claims and grow stronger in their advocacy and applause. The diagnosis is that he may survive calls for his resignation (or hospitalization for insanity) but there is such a very real threat that the numbers of faithful supporter will still re-elect him in 2020. Unless there is an enormously overwhelming outpouring for a radical change to Democrat candidates nationwide, Trump could survive for a very long time.
2
I agree that pointing out every stupid, inappropriate, hateful, lying, etc. remark by Trump leads nowhere.
Instead, its time for every politician, journalist, and ordinary citizen opposed to Trump to mobilize and demand an end to this awful um, presidency.
Trump's tweets, speeches, and utterances should be met with this collective response: "We have had enough of you and your anti-American antics in all of their manifestations and demand that you pack up and crawl back to your tower of shame."
Its time for the many and disparate people and groups opposing Trump's hostile takeover of all that is decent in America to fight fire with fire, seize the initiative, and don't let up until this madman is out of office. Every day of his presidency is another day on the road to ruin.
Trump is an expert at hammering away at certain ideas, virtually all of which are destructive. He needs to be shut down the way he shuts down others and robbed of the media oxygen that fuels his hateful, bigoted, lying, policy free, its-all-about-me faux presidency.
Considering that Trump "won" with significantly less votes than HRC, imagine what a united, forceful, and sustained campaign of rejection across a wide cross-section of interests may achieve. Let's show the bully who is really boss!
YOU'RE FIRED!
(We can deal with Saint Pence, Do-Nothing McConnell, and Cowardly Ryan later.)
Instead, its time for every politician, journalist, and ordinary citizen opposed to Trump to mobilize and demand an end to this awful um, presidency.
Trump's tweets, speeches, and utterances should be met with this collective response: "We have had enough of you and your anti-American antics in all of their manifestations and demand that you pack up and crawl back to your tower of shame."
Its time for the many and disparate people and groups opposing Trump's hostile takeover of all that is decent in America to fight fire with fire, seize the initiative, and don't let up until this madman is out of office. Every day of his presidency is another day on the road to ruin.
Trump is an expert at hammering away at certain ideas, virtually all of which are destructive. He needs to be shut down the way he shuts down others and robbed of the media oxygen that fuels his hateful, bigoted, lying, policy free, its-all-about-me faux presidency.
Considering that Trump "won" with significantly less votes than HRC, imagine what a united, forceful, and sustained campaign of rejection across a wide cross-section of interests may achieve. Let's show the bully who is really boss!
YOU'RE FIRED!
(We can deal with Saint Pence, Do-Nothing McConnell, and Cowardly Ryan later.)
2
It's worse than you think. HUD is in shambles, EPA in shambles, education in shambles. There is a lot of digging out after this horror etc. I hope someone is keeping a journal.
You reap what you sow kids! Genocide, slavery and nuclear war.
You reap what you sow kids! Genocide, slavery and nuclear war.
3
"They’re elite? I went to better schools than they did."
Trump criticized the "elite" because he went to a better school. This is LITERALLY a parody. Trump engages in self-parody and doesn't even realize it.
Trump criticized the "elite" because he went to a better school. This is LITERALLY a parody. Trump engages in self-parody and doesn't even realize it.
3
Excuse me, but he threatened to SHUT DOWN THE GOVERNMENT if Congress doesn't approve funding for his wall?! I thought MEXICO was going to pay for the wall!!
2
The Republican Party and a some others own this mess. And I do not want to hear any more false moral equivalency with Obama or Hillary.
4
When I hear, and see him on the television, and look into those eyes, I see a mind without vision. I hear a heart devoid of empathy, and compassion. I don't see a single atom of wisdom, or curiosity, or maturity. I think if I were to actually meet this rabid ego, and look into those eyes, it might be the most terrifying experience of my life; not because of who or even what he is, but, because of the power which he now holds. As I watch the unfolding of this perfect storm of power, and depravity, I realize that perhaps, even here, there is a silver lining. Like millions of others, I also don’t see intelligence, or moderation. I see the ultimate loser - a disturbed, irresponsible, 70 year old teenager too stupid, vapid, and vain to save himself from his own hubris, and ineptitude. I think if I looked in those eyes, and saw cunning genius, it would be far more terrifying. Is this the best that the far-right can do? I hope so; and, I hope that this shriveled soul, viewed through those empty eyes will open many other eyes, and we will learn from this mistake of a man. Then, without even wanting to, he will have done some good. If we do find our way to that fortunate outcome, I imagine he’ll take full credit.
3
... and the Democrats (remember them?) stay silent, and silent, and silent ...
2
Are we sure about that? I've noticed the NYT gives them no press coverage whatsoever and I'd like to know why.
How do YOU know that it wasn't 115 degrees?
How do WE know anything anymore?
And didn't 80% of Republicans say it would be OK if Trump pushed off the next election for a couple of years?
It's hot in here.
How do WE know anything anymore?
And didn't 80% of Republicans say it would be OK if Trump pushed off the next election for a couple of years?
It's hot in here.
2
The Donald speaks like ... Fidel Castro.
Reincarnation??
Reincarnation??
1
"Loose lips sink ships!"
1
Shut the government down if congress doesn't vote money for the wall? I thought Mexico was paying for the wall.
2
Everyone except for Trump's ever dimenishing base, realizes he is mentally deranged. Even the Republicans in Congress know this and they need to take action to remove him from office before he does something dangerous. Bad enough that he is a world class embarrassment but we need to remove him from the presidency.
3
Thank you for one more wonderful but of course truly upsetting column.
The 45th president of the United States is a cartoon character who is creating his own comic-strip, day by day, panel by panel. Unfortunately, most of us don't live in a comic strip.
Cut to the president in lavender tights with a huge (of course) "T" on his chest. Sunning themselves in the Rose Garden are some sweet-faced Neo Nazis. Pressing their noses against the White House windows are the grinning fans. Our hero is busy at work, as one panel another depicts the weeping immigrant families he has disrupted, the blacks, whites, transgenders. Mexicans. Congressmen and every other group or country he has thoroughly offended or disturbed. Waiting to join him at lunch will be Sheriff Joe, the Malaysian Prime Minister implicated in a billion-dollar scandal, and soe assorted dictators. Later in the day he will put the finishing touches on his plan to shut down the government if Congress doesn't give him the billions he needs for the Glory Wall. In the evening he will coach a hundred grizzly bears as they try to learn the Trump National Anthem and shoot at the same time with their unconcealed weapons.
Our hero should be careful what nicknames he bestows on rebellious
Congressmen. So far they have refrained from assaulting his own name with the Great Deletion.
The 45th president of the United States is a cartoon character who is creating his own comic-strip, day by day, panel by panel. Unfortunately, most of us don't live in a comic strip.
Cut to the president in lavender tights with a huge (of course) "T" on his chest. Sunning themselves in the Rose Garden are some sweet-faced Neo Nazis. Pressing their noses against the White House windows are the grinning fans. Our hero is busy at work, as one panel another depicts the weeping immigrant families he has disrupted, the blacks, whites, transgenders. Mexicans. Congressmen and every other group or country he has thoroughly offended or disturbed. Waiting to join him at lunch will be Sheriff Joe, the Malaysian Prime Minister implicated in a billion-dollar scandal, and soe assorted dictators. Later in the day he will put the finishing touches on his plan to shut down the government if Congress doesn't give him the billions he needs for the Glory Wall. In the evening he will coach a hundred grizzly bears as they try to learn the Trump National Anthem and shoot at the same time with their unconcealed weapons.
Our hero should be careful what nicknames he bestows on rebellious
Congressmen. So far they have refrained from assaulting his own name with the Great Deletion.
1
And you didn't even mention his tiny hands. Are you getting exhausted yet? Will he outlast us? Don't think so.
2
His words=distraction for the media and people. Please pay more attention to what he and his unqualified cabinet members actually do.
3
YES!! Please!!
As Trump said: "Most people think I’m crazy... And I think they’re right". For once I agree fully with Trump.
3
The biggest dishonesty being dished out daily to the American people does not come from Trump, but from cowardly, disingenuous members of the Republican party for supporting this national embarrassment no matter what. Trump has long had a pathological propensity for lying, yet they willingly stand up in support of it. Thus they are more willing to see the nation flounder under inept leadership than to begin to heal the nation by actually doing something to remedy it. If Republicans cannot see this self-evident truth they deserve no place in government. Country before party.
2
Elect a clown and the circus will follow.
111
'The horror, , , the horror. . .'
1
My only wish is that he ends us in the most beautiful, biggest, baddest prison cell anyone ever imagined, believe me.
6
He calls Franklin Graham "Franklin Graim" thus giving away the fact that they really do not know each other at all. Franklin Graim preferred Putin to Obama, so it's no surprise he sticks with Trump even after the Charlottesville debacle and this interminable crazed rant.
3
How about letting us see those college transcripts? Forget the Tax Returns, he hasn't the guts for that. Let's see if he's as smart as he thinks he is.
3
"How about letting us see those college transcripts?" as printed and distributed by Trump University.
Would that the world would simply close their ears to Trump -- Congress and the media in particular.
America feels like one big dysfunctional family right now, bullied by an abusive father. The "family" never knows what mood "Dad" will be in when he comes home, or who he will hit next.
The family knows he's crazy. Some try to get on his good side to avoid being beaten. But even they can fall prey to his illogical and cruel whims.
Since our American family cannot run away from home, and thus escape their abuser, and since Congress is not likely to kick "Dad" out of the house (although they like him less--kind of like his real family members), he's got to be ignored.
I've stopped reading political social media articles, although not the NYT, because I do want to stay informed.
But Trump's chief talent is creating chaos and frenzy, the sort not deserving of any attention. His words destabilize, heighten our cortisol levels, make us angry...but they are in the end, ineffective at fostering any positive accomplishment.
The media should cover Congress, world affairs, climate change, slave labor, genocides (all more boring to most readers than Trump). But, they are real. Congress represents us -- and their votes affect our lives.
Media's ad revenue increases with Trump coverage, which is unfortunate, because instead of news, they transmit the words of a sad, husky, grossly ignorant, insecure drama queen -- one deserving only of bored eye rolls at each utterance.
America feels like one big dysfunctional family right now, bullied by an abusive father. The "family" never knows what mood "Dad" will be in when he comes home, or who he will hit next.
The family knows he's crazy. Some try to get on his good side to avoid being beaten. But even they can fall prey to his illogical and cruel whims.
Since our American family cannot run away from home, and thus escape their abuser, and since Congress is not likely to kick "Dad" out of the house (although they like him less--kind of like his real family members), he's got to be ignored.
I've stopped reading political social media articles, although not the NYT, because I do want to stay informed.
But Trump's chief talent is creating chaos and frenzy, the sort not deserving of any attention. His words destabilize, heighten our cortisol levels, make us angry...but they are in the end, ineffective at fostering any positive accomplishment.
The media should cover Congress, world affairs, climate change, slave labor, genocides (all more boring to most readers than Trump). But, they are real. Congress represents us -- and their votes affect our lives.
Media's ad revenue increases with Trump coverage, which is unfortunate, because instead of news, they transmit the words of a sad, husky, grossly ignorant, insecure drama queen -- one deserving only of bored eye rolls at each utterance.
Well done- the man needs to be cared by a psychiatrist.
2
I can't find any humor in this presidency any more. I'd settle for sadness - anything besides the strangling fear that grips me.
4
Trump this or Trump that does not solve anything. He does not care. Neither does the Republican Party care, as long as Mr. Trump is still useful for their agenda.
The most important thing is to have a new real leadership in the Democratic party. The new Leaders from the people , not from the Party machine. Then we can have a meaningful alternative choice.
The most important thing is to have a new real leadership in the Democratic party. The new Leaders from the people , not from the Party machine. Then we can have a meaningful alternative choice.
2
I'm waiting for Trump to take credit tor the solar eclipse: "Hey, it didn't happen under Obama's watch! The biggest, greatest solar eclipse that ever was or will be!"
Of course, Trump's preening is, as always, unmerited. His daddy bought his way into Penn as a transfer student and he was an undistinguished student there.
Of course, Trump's preening is, as always, unmerited. His daddy bought his way into Penn as a transfer student and he was an undistinguished student there.
1
But about those grades... Not that this really matters, but given what we know about Trump's lifelong ADHD (clearly stretching back to his having spent four years in military school), it seems really past belief that he ever cracked a textbook back in the day. It seems a whole lot more likely that he got "the best education money can buy", and that there are old classmates out there who know exactly where his homework actually came from.
I wonder if he was getting people to sign non-disclosures back then?
I wonder if he was getting people to sign non-disclosures back then?
1
I am no shrink but just taking the Obvious Psychological Issues section of Psych 101 would tell you that Trump is harboring huge anger (probably, because he is so unoriginal, at his dad and/or mom) and projects it onto whatever other target crosses his field of view, and his supporters do the same.
1
Some observations from Phoenix: numerous peaceful protesters in the crowds left the event after the prayer vigil and March and the Grijalva event, exhausted by oppressive heat and the scarce refreshment venues. The ones remaining were orderly and respected police until the end of the night when some black-clad intifa and the John Brown brigade were more visible and volatile. The crowd inside the Convention Center was much smaller than previous rallies- Not to say Trump does not hold a rabid base here - he does, but far less frantic or energetic than in previous rallies. His power is waning, even here in nut country. Phoenix police do a fine job with crowd control, and only at the end of the night did things get a bit scary. The mayor feared worse, but the chief and officers are professionals and it was nothing like Charlottesville outside. Inside the CC the Orange stirred his troops,- embarrassing and shaming our country again.
3
Trump was such a behavior problem his parents had to send him to Military School. People assume he can control himself, but that is impossible because of his personality disorder and the reality he makes up as he goes along. The old saying is that neurotics build sandcastles in the sky and psychotics live in them. When Trump lies, he no doubt believes his lies are true and he's wondering why everyone else is making stuff up about him. He is incapable of seeing himself as others do. Clapper is right - this is scary stuff.
2
President Trump talks because the people like the message he is speaking. He won because the people liked what he had to say and many still do. He had a vision for America that was lost on the Democrats and Republicans. He won against established politicians from both parties who kept repeating the same policies that had resulted in failure.
We have seen a considerable drop in illegal immigrants crossing into our borders and have not had a terrorist attack since he took office. Increased employment numbers have been significant and the economy has improved considerably. People have seen their lives improved and are reaping the benefits since he became our president.
The liberal media is aghast at his successes and I believe they are stunned at the positive results he has accomplished since coming to Washington. Some of them even wanted him to fail at the expense of America.
He has had to contend with a congress that has been against him from both sides of the aisle and this has been extremely frustrating to him. The people have been him with and are really the ones who count. They were the ones who wanted change and they have been seeing the fruits of President Trump's labors. They voted him into office not the politicians who have been in office for years.
They do not see an unintelligent man or one who is racist by any means. He does not have a racist bone in his body. The media is not being truthful in their assessment and they are very aware of the bias
We have seen a considerable drop in illegal immigrants crossing into our borders and have not had a terrorist attack since he took office. Increased employment numbers have been significant and the economy has improved considerably. People have seen their lives improved and are reaping the benefits since he became our president.
The liberal media is aghast at his successes and I believe they are stunned at the positive results he has accomplished since coming to Washington. Some of them even wanted him to fail at the expense of America.
He has had to contend with a congress that has been against him from both sides of the aisle and this has been extremely frustrating to him. The people have been him with and are really the ones who count. They were the ones who wanted change and they have been seeing the fruits of President Trump's labors. They voted him into office not the politicians who have been in office for years.
They do not see an unintelligent man or one who is racist by any means. He does not have a racist bone in his body. The media is not being truthful in their assessment and they are very aware of the bias
1
Let me guess, you think there are very fine people among the Nazis.
Excellent Gail. You mention the psyche of the American People. Trump is a planet wide terrorist. He has the entire population of humanity very concerned. Atom bombs are significant issues. If the animal and plant kingdom could be nervous, they would be too.
1
Great article, Gail, that does a nice job of synthesizing my daily emotions about this President, usually in the following order: anxiety, shock, disgust, anger, hopelessness and then back to anxiety again to end the day. When will this nightmare end
2
The press should declare a boycott of Trump's next public appearance/speech. Just don't cover it at all. Blackout.
Trump may need a win, but most Americans need a few days of quiet time with zero Trump news, and zero tweets. Summertime is supposed to be a time for our bodies to relax and our brains to recharge.
3
Gail, can someone at the NYT please explain why the American taxpayer is footing the bill for these campaign rallies? Shouldn't it be a SuperPac or even - gasp! - Trump himself?
2
Oh you haters, you're always dissing the President. Don't you have any respect? Please don't stop.
James Clapper, previous Director of National Intelligence, says Trump's performance was "downright scary and disturbing" pointing out that Trump has the nuclear football..
The GOP with control of the House and Senate will do nothing to control this situation.
Really scary.
The GOP with control of the House and Senate will do nothing to control this situation.
Really scary.
1
Oops.
Did the President say he made splendid grades.
And yet he does not read books for relaxing and exercising his brain cells.
America would be more interested a reviewing why his family placed a young boy in an expensive military academy, one known for providing inflated grades, to please the parents.
Did the President say he made splendid grades.
And yet he does not read books for relaxing and exercising his brain cells.
America would be more interested a reviewing why his family placed a young boy in an expensive military academy, one known for providing inflated grades, to please the parents.
On top of the really disturbing feeling that came over me while watching Trump's disturbing performance in Phoenix, it was even more disturbing to watch the clueless people behind him - what should I think about these people - please be polite.
4
the bar of competence cannot be set too low for Trump. Even if there is the slightest possibility he was saying, or doing, the correct thing; he is given a pass to continue. There is no way Trump can be parsed and found competent to lead. He is burning not only the blue snowflakes but roasting the red meat as well. He is a threat to everyone.
TRUMP VOWS TO SHUT DOWN MEXICAN GOVERNMENT!
It's important to make these distinctions if he won't. If he doesn't get money for his "Wall" - he said in Phoenix - and Mexico is going "to pay for it" - he's said times without number - it follows that he intends to shut down the Mexican government if it doesn't pony up.
I'm sure this will come as a surprise to Mexico. (Will Mexico City experience "fire and fury like the world has never seen"?)
The world wonders.
It's important to make these distinctions if he won't. If he doesn't get money for his "Wall" - he said in Phoenix - and Mexico is going "to pay for it" - he's said times without number - it follows that he intends to shut down the Mexican government if it doesn't pony up.
I'm sure this will come as a surprise to Mexico. (Will Mexico City experience "fire and fury like the world has never seen"?)
The world wonders.
1
The big question is whether McConnell and Paul Ryan still believe this racist and self-aggrandizing buffoon STILL has a chance to become "presidential".
The teleprompter has become the only thing that can stabilize him. For this 'president', the teleprompter is the equivalent of mood-stabilizing medications for someone with bipolar disorder. They only keep you sane if you use them. And we all know how often trump chooses to go off his teleprompter; the results are (like he'd say) always "a disaster"
The teleprompter has become the only thing that can stabilize him. For this 'president', the teleprompter is the equivalent of mood-stabilizing medications for someone with bipolar disorder. They only keep you sane if you use them. And we all know how often trump chooses to go off his teleprompter; the results are (like he'd say) always "a disaster"
1
Call and ask them:
Paul Ryan
(202)225-3031
Mitch McConnell
(202)224-2541
Congressional switchboard
(202) 224 3121
Paul Ryan
(202)225-3031
Mitch McConnell
(202)224-2541
Congressional switchboard
(202) 224 3121
It's a darned shame that Nashville loves Trump. Just think of all the howling 'poor me' C&W songs we're going to miss out on.
Trump is a ham actor and loves to talk and talk and emote. But that seems to be all the rest of us can do as we fail to impeach him and get on with some of the desperately needed actions in Congress. Pointing out Trump's empty tough guy skit as waste talk finds us guilty of doing nothing constructive and as open to idle talk criticism as he is. We need an "IMPEACH TRUMP" marching up Pennsylvania Avenue and knocking on the door of the White House.
Trump knows that after complaining in horror at Trump's behavior day in and day out, the public will tire of it and this will become the new normal. Then we will know that "Winter has come".
Maybe in one of those scripted speeches, the ghost writer could insert "And I now submit my resignation as President of the United States, effective immediately. And Pence knew all about the Russian stuff, so he resigns, too." He wouldn't realize what he was saying until after the fact - if ever. And wouldn't it be a wonderful moment, ending the nightmare of the last ten months?
6
There is only one Donald Trump.
The one in Arizona.
The rest is window dressing.
The one in Arizona.
The rest is window dressing.
3
When I listen to Trump my temperature spikes well over 100.
8
Trump lives by one economic principle, supply and demand,but only as it relates to his constant cheap talk. His speeches have a Jekyll and Hyde thing going on but after Charlottesville he seems to be showing signs of Helter Skelteror or is it just more cheap talk for effect.
2
Trump reminds me of one of those dolls where you pull a string and it talks. For a while, one never knows what it will say, which of course requires no thought on the doll's part. After a while, you've heard it all, and it soon becomes repetitive and boring. Even children know when enough is enough, and soon the toy is ignored.
8
I loved the bit about "the base", Gail - and you're right. "Many of them ARE Uncle Fred." This helps explain the situation, although it doesn't make us feel any better about it.
5
Pity the poor man who has to live in a "real dump" like the White House. Can't we help him find other quarters, like, maybe a prison cell?
10
Where have you gone, Mitch McGonigal,
Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you
wu wu wu...
When you have only a pillow, every problem looks like a nap.
Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you
wu wu wu...
When you have only a pillow, every problem looks like a nap.
2
The most perplexing mystery is how he has millions of Americans totally in his thrall. I know very nice, intelligent and hard working people who think Trump is being treated very unfairly. How can this be ? I suppose maybe they genuinely adore obnoxious old Uncle Fred.
4
The people you know are neither nice or intelligent and they are working hard at deluding themselves.
1
There was some sixties song " she just talks, talks, ta-a-alks, talks too much" Change she to he and we have this despicable person's theme song.
3
“Wow, the president of the United States is so insecure he finds it necessary to brag about his grades in school.”
Given that he was bragging about the size of his lower anatomy on the campaign trail, this would be seen as a step up in discourse for him.
Given that he was bragging about the size of his lower anatomy on the campaign trail, this would be seen as a step up in discourse for him.
14
"All of his followers will be completely shocked when his antics start to affect them."
---------
Doubtful. I heard one say the other day in a panel discussion that it doesn't matter if he never does anything for them.
---------
Doubtful. I heard one say the other day in a panel discussion that it doesn't matter if he never does anything for them.
4
It just might matter when things actually get worse for them.
The scarry thing is Millions of Americans Voted for Uncle Fred?
4
Democrats need to do something to stop the destruction being wrought by the Trump cabinet as he distracts with his carnival shows. Our right to vote is being suppressed, our national lands are being opened to extractive industries and risk being put up for development, are being overrun by law breaking ranchers who are trying to take over the west, the EPA is being gutted and our rivers and streams are at risk for pollution like we had in the 1970's... the list goes on. Can't Democrats DO SOMETHING to stop the destruction of our nation. Trump is the clown that distracts the bull while the clown car is getting away with the loot.
10
Let him keep blabbering. He's so taken up with himself to perceive that the more he campaigns the lower are his approval ratings. It doesn't really matter in the long run. He Is Going DOWN. Asylum or federal prison, WHICH?
5
Oy, "Some of them are Uncle Fred." As Sam Goldwyn liked to say, "Include me out."
3
The biggest Freudian slip was when he started the sentence outlining his accomplishments with: "We made so much ....", and then he caught and corrected himself and said that we've made so many accomplishments.
Yes, the Trump family has definitely been raking in cash and contracts since ascending to the throne.
Yes, the Trump family has definitely been raking in cash and contracts since ascending to the throne.
6
I've become fascinated with the question of whether or not 45 KNOWS what a miserable job he's doing. Is all the bluff and bluster an act, or does he go to bed at night thinking he's out there crushing it everyday?
2
Actually, we do have general sense of his academic performance. He attended Wharton at U Penn for his junior and senior year after transferring from Fordham. We know that he claims to have graduated "first in his class," but graduation brochures indicated he was neither summa, magna, or regular cum laude which means he was not among the top 15% of Wharton graduates in 1967. http://www.thedp.com/article/2017/02/trump-academics-at-wharton
6
Trump is so horrible and expectations of him are so low that all he has to do is not vomit hate all over the stage and people think he "looked Presidential."
8
Only in Trumpworld can a billionaire son of a multi-millionaire, who went to Wharton, think that he wasn't part of "the elite."
What an insecurity complex the man has!
What an insecurity complex the man has!
6
I thought the speech was spot on. He repeated all the times he had called for unity and an end to violence, and pointed out how the media either ignores it or just parrots over and over that whatever he says isn't enough.
President Trump is right, it's the media who are fanning the flames of division to suit their political objectives and pursuit of ratings.
President Trump is right, it's the media who are fanning the flames of division to suit their political objectives and pursuit of ratings.
Gee, you missed the things he omitted, like claiming that some of the Nazis are very fine people.
2
How many times have you heard Trump call "for unity and an end to violence," YankeeD?
How did all the rest of us miss these calls?
How did all the rest of us miss these calls?
2
OMG! He sounds like Louise Linton.
According to a 2015 Fortune article, while at Wharton Trump wasn't known (when he was known at all) as the sharpest knife in the drawer.
"No one knows what Donald Trump did at Wharton"
http://fortune.com/2015/08/14/donald-trump-wharton/
Finally, while I do occasionally get tipsy at family dinners, I am sure I still make more sense than Trump did in Arizona.
According to a 2015 Fortune article, while at Wharton Trump wasn't known (when he was known at all) as the sharpest knife in the drawer.
"No one knows what Donald Trump did at Wharton"
http://fortune.com/2015/08/14/donald-trump-wharton/
Finally, while I do occasionally get tipsy at family dinners, I am sure I still make more sense than Trump did in Arizona.
4
"Many of them don’t mind if he comes on stage and starts talking like Uncle Fred Who Gets Drunk at Family Dinners. They enjoy Uncle Fred. "
They don't seem to equate Trump with the shudder they would experience if Uncle Fred somehow managed to become President.
They don't seem to equate Trump with the shudder they would experience if Uncle Fred somehow managed to become President.
3
There's a classic scene in Animal House in which things have gone off the rails for the Belushi-led fraternity at Faber College. Their solution: ROAD TRIP. That's Donald Trump. Every time the heat gets turned up at the White House because of the multitude of Trump's screw-ups, he takes to the road to bluster at his hokey rallies that feed his warped ego. His presidency has been reduced to talk, talk, talk that is falling more and more on deaf ears.
6
This President no longer has a "staff" or "team." What he has are baby-sitters to make sure he doesn't burn down the house or stick his finger into an outlet.
11
As someone has noted, everyday the same words, the same fears. An image is indeed worth a thousand words however, so perhaps the works of the artist Hieronymus Bosh, which I've always found frightening, might serve just as well. When insanity rules, hell on earth follows.
For those who still value words, consider the god Loci of Norse mythology, who is portrayed as a scheming coward who cares only for shallow pleasures and self-preservation. He’s by turns playful, malicious, and helpful, but he’s always irreverent and nihilistic. And very destructive I might add.
For those who still value words, consider the god Loci of Norse mythology, who is portrayed as a scheming coward who cares only for shallow pleasures and self-preservation. He’s by turns playful, malicious, and helpful, but he’s always irreverent and nihilistic. And very destructive I might add.
1
It's more like Goya, Human Being. "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters."
I me mine, I me mine I me mine. We have a 70 year old going on 17.Perhaps that's Trump's plan, i.e. to suck all the air out of the room, so no one else gets any air time. I still can't believe he's the president. His illogical manner, poor judgment, untimely quips, and fight-picking with those whose support he needs are too much for me; I'm about done. Good luck, carry on the fight, but this Trump is indefatigable; it's the energy of the insane.
5
It isn't just that he has racist beliefs, it is that he doesn't realize that speaking them out loud is the problem. He actually believes he is smart, yet his self-admitted ignorance - who knew healthcare was this complicated? Or that Lincoln was a Republican? belies that. He is ignorant of his ignorance.
9
With all due respect to the schools the president attended, they are not "better" than Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, et. al. And I don't for a minute believe he got great grades . . . "better" than whose? His home(s) are irrelevant, although many would not consider his garish decoration "better" than anything. What were his schools other than the stint at Wharton BTW? I have forgotten.
5
"Trump Talks and Talks and Talks and …"
Talk about the pot and the kettle....!
Talk about the pot and the kettle....!
I see his transformations as a modern day political retelling of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. At this early stage of his presidency , the switches still have some semblance of control depending on the setting or the venue - that is, he still has the ability to choose when to take the Trumpian serum or venom. But as the plot of the classic story goes and ends, there will come a time when the transformations will be beyond his control and the Hyde persona becomes dominant and permanent. I hope this will come sooner than later for his supporters to objectively see and for our country's sake.
1
Keep on writing truth to power with style and humor, Gail!
6
Remember way back when the "journalists" at Fox News went out of their way to criticize President Obama for using a TelePrompTer? And now they scatter hallelujahs when the current occupier of the Oval Office demonstrates just how well he can read? They must be so proud.
11
And it's especially odd praise considering how poorly Trump reads.
4
So much discussion, but I have long concluded that Trump is either of marginal intelligence to begin with or is losing whatever intelligence he once had. He is inattentive, inarticulate, and willfully ignorant. I think his presence in the White House reflects a similar set of qualities in the American electorate--those who voted for him, and those who failed to vote against him.
I am not at all interested in hearing any more about why he is here, or how stupid/crazy/horrible is was yesterday. Just interested in hearing how this country can wander back onto something close to a right track, from where he is taking us. If we are even capable of doing so, which I am coming to doubt more and more.
I am not at all interested in hearing any more about why he is here, or how stupid/crazy/horrible is was yesterday. Just interested in hearing how this country can wander back onto something close to a right track, from where he is taking us. If we are even capable of doing so, which I am coming to doubt more and more.
6
How can such a rich man be so poor?
5
I wake up every day and am afraid to know what our president has done overnight to enflame, blame, or hurt my fellow Americans. Watching the news so often has become like watching a train wreck, it's horrifying but I can't look away. I'm not at the point of shrugging. I've never been so worried about the state of our nation as I am now. Not only does our president bring horror into our lives, but the members of the GOP who support his comments for the sake of retaining votes for re-election illicits feelings of disgust. I teach my children the importance of having dignity, courage, and gumption in all things they aspire to accomplish. Conduct yourself in a manner that you will always be proud of. I've seen the impact of those words in their actions as they mature. My children have more dignity and integrety than the bulk of the GOP. They won't throw someone under the bus to get to where they're going.
3
Whatever comes out of President Trumps mouth, assume the opposite is true.
3
Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable Trump looks when he's not lying? telling the truth is like drudge work for him.
5
What's scary is the people cheering him on!
9
America first? Our response to global warming is just about last, and building a wall across the continent is insane. We have become an international disgrace.
9
I tried to watch the Phoenix rally on a live PBS Newshour feed. Just couldn't do it, I lasted all of 30 seconds. And that was with the sound muted.
11
NYT - we need to see those Wharton transcripts.
14
That occurred to me too, after all the attacks on Barack Obama for keeping his academic record secret.
4
Wonderful column, as always. Just one correction. The American Legion speech was not "total victory"--it was actually "total victory, bigly, and the greatest speech anyone, anywhere has ever given to the American Legion or to anyone, anywhere. Totally. And I mean it. Totally."
5
He promised to build a wall and have Mexico pay for it, so if he can get Mexico to pay, then do it. He promised a better health care bill than Obamacare, it wasn't just repeal, but also replace with something better. He hasn't even tried to fulfill his campaign promises.
6
He's a wonder to behold, a legend in his own mind. America's id. What hath God wrought here, and what lesson is there to learn? That maybe we should take our politics a bit seriously? Or at least a bit more altruistically? I recall reading a few months ago a comment by a West African immigrant, long residing in the States, who commented, "You Americans treat your politics like a football." Meaning dismissively, disrespectfully, rudely. This from someone who's seen more extreme political strife, immediate corruption, real harm to a nation's people. We need to give our politics some thought and attention - the American Experiment doesn't run itself, and it can't run on fumes for long.
6
I doubt the Legionnaires were impressed by the fact that Trump is still living in an apartment.
4
TRUMP Is like the head of the police in Jean Genet's play, The Balcony, who sits in his office with mirrors on the walls that reflect his image infinitely. Trump lives in the echo chamber of his own mind. Stray thoughts, distractions and the intrusion of reality are NOT welcome. We're talking Trump NEWS here! All Trump. All the Time. 24/7/365 (366 in a leap year). GOP members are now starting to remark publicly that they believe he's suffering from "early onset" dementia. Sorry, folks. 71 is NOT early for dementia. 51 is early dementia. Trump's father died at 83 from dementia. He was grandiose in his later years. Meaning that Trump is genetically predisposed to develop dementia. He has reportedly met to discuss resigning. I hope the Cabinet acts to invoke the 25th Amendment. Why delay things when he could be gone the day after its invocation?
9
To quote John Dalberg-Acton, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". Now with the power of the presidency we see evidence of this famous quote becoming true.
2
He doesn't have absolute power. Our checks and balances working with the press. Mueller is pursuing a check& balance form justice. And the Hill?.....
"..... and the ones in which he ignores the script and just says what’s on his mind, ....."
WHAT mind ??
WHAT mind ??
5
Gail, a great chronicle of a sad situation.
I think most people now believe the President is in trouble and he can't talk his way out of the investigations currently in progress. The polling record shows: the more he talks, teleprompter or impromptu, he loses support.
So, my feelings are that he has been fortunate in not having a real crisis and I hope his good fortune continues, but I know that after Charlottesville and Phoenix it is highly unlikely that he will be a successful President.
He might have had a chance, if he had used his office to educate his followers and the American people on real problems like the quagmire in South Asia, Korea, and the Mideast and could possibly have been a force for good.
There is also the challenge of global warming and how the country will mobilize to reach a solution that recognizes the plight millions of people employed in the fossil fuel industry. Henry Fountain's permafrost is thawing article in this morning's NYT underscores the urgency of global warming -- denial is all over.
Finally, there is the huge backlog of public works (infrastructure) that needs investment, money is cheap and a good time for the government to invest in quality of life infrastructure, like air and water, safety, e.g. up-to-date mass transit, safer highways, and much greater efficiency and greater savings by improving truck routes and local delivery. This kind of work should have been his lane, but he replaced that with "the Wall".
Sad.
I think most people now believe the President is in trouble and he can't talk his way out of the investigations currently in progress. The polling record shows: the more he talks, teleprompter or impromptu, he loses support.
So, my feelings are that he has been fortunate in not having a real crisis and I hope his good fortune continues, but I know that after Charlottesville and Phoenix it is highly unlikely that he will be a successful President.
He might have had a chance, if he had used his office to educate his followers and the American people on real problems like the quagmire in South Asia, Korea, and the Mideast and could possibly have been a force for good.
There is also the challenge of global warming and how the country will mobilize to reach a solution that recognizes the plight millions of people employed in the fossil fuel industry. Henry Fountain's permafrost is thawing article in this morning's NYT underscores the urgency of global warming -- denial is all over.
Finally, there is the huge backlog of public works (infrastructure) that needs investment, money is cheap and a good time for the government to invest in quality of life infrastructure, like air and water, safety, e.g. up-to-date mass transit, safer highways, and much greater efficiency and greater savings by improving truck routes and local delivery. This kind of work should have been his lane, but he replaced that with "the Wall".
Sad.
7
The permafrost is thawing across the sub-Arctic. This has opened up some Siberian oil fields to drilling and ExxonMobile -- the corporation that Sec. of State Rex Tillerson used to lead -- has invested hundreds of millions in those sites. But the sites are inaccessible as long as the current sanctions on Russia remain in place.
It's disturbing how trump gets a pass and accolades for "sounding" presidential like he shouldn't BE presidential since he's actually, you know, president! I disagreed with GW Bush on many issues. I disagreed with HW Bush and Ronald Reagan on many issues but no one in the press ever had to say that any of them "sounded" presidential. All were well versed and at least sounded intelligent. All showed a love of country that is missing in trump and his rabid base. Trump and his supporters want to take us "back" to a magical place that exists only in their fevered imaginations. A place where women exulted in knowing their place, wanted to subvert to their husband's and a paternalistic society's will, where blacks knew their place and should be grateful to the blessings bestowed on them by their superior white benefactors. That homosexuals should be marginalized by society hiding away in a closet! That the physically and mentally handicapped are somehow lessor beings. They should be grateful for the crumbs. How dare they want all the freedoms and benefits guaranteed by the Constitution, or our Declaration of Independence that ALL men are created equal. Trump and his rabid supporters claim to own the mantle of patriotism. They are far from patriots. They want to destroy the country. They admit they elected trump to "burn it down". Why should we now be surprised that he and his base are burning it all down? I just hope we can rebuild from the ashes and "Make America America Again"!!!
127
People:
The ONLY solution in America to this terrible problem is to get busy organizing for the elections which are right around the corner. We cannot count on anyone
else. We must be vigilant against the Republicans.
The ONLY solution in America to this terrible problem is to get busy organizing for the elections which are right around the corner. We cannot count on anyone
else. We must be vigilant against the Republicans.
17
I'd love to see his school GPA...
5
His best subject was Russian
"I don’t believe that any president has accomplished as much as this president in the first six or seven months. I really don’t believe it.”
that's because it isn't true.
that's because it isn't true.
6
I love you, Gail Collins.
9
So funny and true, "It would be calming to the national psyche if the president refrained from ever again speaking to the American people about his true thoughts and feelings. It wouldn’t do anything to improve his performance in office, but at least we might feel less nervous, moment to moment."
It is unfortunate that he gets credit essentially from reading a teleprompter and remaining calm as that would seem a prerequisite for most public jobs. I was asked recently if the US conintually lowers its bar for Trump and had to answer, "What bar? Was there a bar?".
It is unfortunate that he gets credit essentially from reading a teleprompter and remaining calm as that would seem a prerequisite for most public jobs. I was asked recently if the US conintually lowers its bar for Trump and had to answer, "What bar? Was there a bar?".
5
This whole spectacle is the result of Trump supporters thinking his opponents don't get him, and the opponents trying to get Trump supporters to grasp what they don't get at all. Trump supporters think those of us who are horrified just don't get their practical-minded, "he's just kidding around and never means what he says," "stop taking everything so seriously," "it's about time someone tells it like it is" mentality. No, we get that. We just don't think he's telling it like it is. We think he's making stuff up and fooling you, over and over again, and you're falling for it every single time.
The critics don't get how Trump supporters can't understand that standing by crazy Uncle Don as though he were a real leader paints them with the same crazy brush. They think we're arrogant, and that President Trump is forcing the rest of us to take them seriously. We think they're turning out to be even more provincial and naive than we ever thought.
The critics don't get how Trump supporters can't understand that standing by crazy Uncle Don as though he were a real leader paints them with the same crazy brush. They think we're arrogant, and that President Trump is forcing the rest of us to take them seriously. We think they're turning out to be even more provincial and naive than we ever thought.
11
They also don't realize that while they're cheering Sheriff Joe and chanting Lock Her Up, Trump's cabinet is quietly and effectively undermining their health and safety. Trump may not accomplish much legislatively, but he's decimating EPA, HHS, and education. The FCC has abrogated net neutrality. And he might well default on the debt for essentially no reason, just to make a point.
Tiresome as the Bush-Palin-Trump just-folks axis is, it wouldn't matter if Democrats hadn't abandoned the middle class by adopting a pro-business agenda. Wage inequality has risen steadily for four decades under both parties. The Democratic Party has supported policies that favor the educated elite, the top 20% of wage earners, who make interesting conversation over cocktails and write nice checks. Meanwhile, the majority can't get a word in edgewise and is offered crumbs like paid family leave and a higher minimum wage. Yay!
Bernie Sanders nearly commandeered the Democratic Party despite its leadership. Democrats will start winning again when Clintonian neoliberalism is sent packing, and not before.
Tiresome as the Bush-Palin-Trump just-folks axis is, it wouldn't matter if Democrats hadn't abandoned the middle class by adopting a pro-business agenda. Wage inequality has risen steadily for four decades under both parties. The Democratic Party has supported policies that favor the educated elite, the top 20% of wage earners, who make interesting conversation over cocktails and write nice checks. Meanwhile, the majority can't get a word in edgewise and is offered crumbs like paid family leave and a higher minimum wage. Yay!
Bernie Sanders nearly commandeered the Democratic Party despite its leadership. Democrats will start winning again when Clintonian neoliberalism is sent packing, and not before.
2
Why are we still talking about Trump when most intelligent people can easily see he is demented and out of touch with reality? Our focus should be on the others who are responsible for governing our country in the House and the Senate, not on this fake president.
13
Reading the comments made me realize the obvious. That djt ( he does not even deserve to have his initials capitalized!) is truly devious, while he confuses the world and the press with his antics, his minions are slowly dismantling the country: the environment; immigration policies which expel workforce critical to many farms and companies; attempting ( thank God for those GOP senators who voted 'no') to destroy healthcare so millions suffer; taking away the right to birth control especially for the poor so they cannot claw out of their misery; upsetting important allies; dismantling trade practices which would ultimately hurt the country .....
So yes, he has accomplished plenty. Most destruction of any president at this stage of the presidency. But quietly in the background while we are distracted by his antics. The press must not fall into his trap. Instead of talking and talking and talking..... about him, do something! Do major articles to give people the facts, of the extent of his destruction. You certainly have highly accomplished journalists who can at least do that for your country. You have done some of this fine work, do more please. Get the facts out rather than just complain and waste time counting how many times he lied, who cares, we all know he lies.
Oh, on top of his quiet destruction, he better not accidentally punch that magic nuclear button while tweeting .......
So yes, he has accomplished plenty. Most destruction of any president at this stage of the presidency. But quietly in the background while we are distracted by his antics. The press must not fall into his trap. Instead of talking and talking and talking..... about him, do something! Do major articles to give people the facts, of the extent of his destruction. You certainly have highly accomplished journalists who can at least do that for your country. You have done some of this fine work, do more please. Get the facts out rather than just complain and waste time counting how many times he lied, who cares, we all know he lies.
Oh, on top of his quiet destruction, he better not accidentally punch that magic nuclear button while tweeting .......
7
We need action, not more of the same with these commentaries - as entertaining as they are. And compliments to the writers - they are spot on. But for the hundredth time - where is the Democratic leadership ? If their game plan is to "lay low" while the so-called president implodes, that is not working. There is this tremendous gap in national leadership. Do something.
135
Trish, they are in a minority in both houses. The most they can do is ensure the investigations continue. They cannot discuss what they have learned in that regard yet. And they can oppose which they did on health care and are doing on other fronts.
1
I would like to know where the NYT coverage of the Democrats is. They are almost never mentioned here.
Like what? Any suggestions? You and many others sound like the Republicans wanting to repeal Obamacare but not have any plans to replace it with. What do else can we do at present but maintain the outrage and hopefully vote at the next election.
He's like that cousin you have that is constantly trying to tell you how to live your life...from our grandmother's basement.
It's like you just want to say, "just take the money and leave, please!!!" Only, of course, he also wants to ruin the environment and make sure nobody else, ever, gets to live a decent life.
It's like you just want to say, "just take the money and leave, please!!!" Only, of course, he also wants to ruin the environment and make sure nobody else, ever, gets to live a decent life.
4
Gail Talks and Talks and Talks and …
She actually writes and writes and writes and we read and read and read and are given a chance to vent our frustrations with the most inept president ever to have been appointed by the electoral college.
1
We need more Gail Collins. She helps keep us sane.
6
Of course, a raving, angry narcissist is such an inspiration to his supporters because they share his love of being white, angry and ready to take their country back...let's say a century or two. Trump talks but says nothing...literally. He's a babbling, intellectually vacant obsessive...with himself and the sound of his voice... who is incoherent and devoid of substance. He believes he's already accomplished more than any other president...in history...because he has a tenuous grasp on reality and is ignorant of history. Just like his supporters.
Eclectic Pragmatism — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatism — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
4
I couldn't bear the thought of listening to his speech.
How did he do on some of the basics of a Presidential speech in that place, in that week? For example:
Did he wish the long time AZ Senator, John McCain, a speedy recovery?
Did he express his sorrow over the sailors we lost in the Naval accident?
Did he tell the 19 people hospitalized and 34 total who were wounded in Charlottesville that he hopes their wounds heal completely?
Did he express his sorrow about 1 civilian and 2 police deaths in Charlottesville?
Did he do even one thing on this list?
How did he do on some of the basics of a Presidential speech in that place, in that week? For example:
Did he wish the long time AZ Senator, John McCain, a speedy recovery?
Did he express his sorrow over the sailors we lost in the Naval accident?
Did he tell the 19 people hospitalized and 34 total who were wounded in Charlottesville that he hopes their wounds heal completely?
Did he express his sorrow about 1 civilian and 2 police deaths in Charlottesville?
Did he do even one thing on this list?
7
If Trump shuts down the government, how will we be able to tell?
13
I wake in the morning and say "what has he said today". It's like brushing your teeth--something you do, some habit you don't think about.
The difference, of course, is that my teeth only matter to me and my dentist.
What he says matters to all of us. If I don't brush cavities follow; my dread is what follows from his morning tweets.
The difference, of course, is that my teeth only matter to me and my dentist.
What he says matters to all of us. If I don't brush cavities follow; my dread is what follows from his morning tweets.
88
I wake up every morning hoping and praying he's gone in one way or another. I have a game plan for dancing in the streets when that happens.
Insecurity power = destruction without consequence
3
Mr. Trump's verbal behavior is often described in its duality as Spontaneous and Scripted, Sane and Mad, Big-Donald and Little-Donald, or in other terms for complete opposites. There is, however, a unitary term that fits: Abusive. By subjecting us to constant and breakneck shifts, Trump renders us astonished and off-footed. He is gaslighting a nation.
The rest of the world, with more perspective, just thinks that America has become a banana republic.
The rest of the world, with more perspective, just thinks that America has become a banana republic.
4
Donald Trump is the symptom.
I am tempted to think that the real problem is the 30 to 40 percent of Americans who either are or who love drunk Uncle Fred.
However, I am beginning to think that the real problem is the 1% (actually, probably the top 10%) who have completely embraced the mantra of Gordon Gekko and eschewed any sense of noblesse oblige.
It is not surprising that these people have captured both political parties (I am often tempted to think they are the root problem) and craft laws to their benefit. This has been the case throughout our history.
But, periodically, like in the age of Jackson and during the violent strikes of the Gilded Age, those who are ignored by the economic elite pursing ever more wealth for themselves for too long rise up.
It never is a pretty spectacle when they do.
I am tempted to think that the real problem is the 30 to 40 percent of Americans who either are or who love drunk Uncle Fred.
However, I am beginning to think that the real problem is the 1% (actually, probably the top 10%) who have completely embraced the mantra of Gordon Gekko and eschewed any sense of noblesse oblige.
It is not surprising that these people have captured both political parties (I am often tempted to think they are the root problem) and craft laws to their benefit. This has been the case throughout our history.
But, periodically, like in the age of Jackson and during the violent strikes of the Gilded Age, those who are ignored by the economic elite pursing ever more wealth for themselves for too long rise up.
It never is a pretty spectacle when they do.
1
Actually, Trump has accomplished more than virtually any other President if the more is the destruction of the government and the people's confidence in the government. They say that you should never watch how sausage is made. Well, now we can never unsee it.
136
Lying about the temperature (115 vs actual 105) - something easily checked and making no difference is the whole extent of our lying President.
105 is still pretty hot. And how hard is it to sign his name - signing executive orders (mostly worthless, the others hurtful) is just about ALL he has done in 7 months).
105 is still pretty hot. And how hard is it to sign his name - signing executive orders (mostly worthless, the others hurtful) is just about ALL he has done in 7 months).
5
People and their obsessions are occasionally inspiring, but Trump's two main ones are tiresome: himself and the wall. The solution of course is a simple one, have him build it, a wall, around himself. He would do a beautiful job and it would be made out of the most luxurious materials, and it would be taller and thicker than any wall ever built, the most tall and beautiful wall ever built one with indoor plumbing, and with any luck for our sakes, he'd have no wifi access. People from all over the world would come to ogle at this towering architectural wonder, the Eighth Wonder of the World, and though generations in the future would come too, they will have long forgotten the monster who built this monument to wasted time and resources.
4
After hearing Clapper, I think the next move is Putin and Trump drum up a war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. That'll get the price of oil up plenty and Putin will prosper. Trump will have settled some of his debt to the Russians. Both Russia and the US will also be so happy to sell arms to their respective partners.
1
Since Trump's scripted speeches are at best passable, they nevertheless give an astonishing number of people the lame excuse to conclude that he isn't that incompetent after all. These people also have an attention span and a curiosity deficiency comparable to that of Trump, and probably would vote for him, or at least not against him by refraining from voting, if not shaken out of their slumber by another extemporaneous diatribe at election time. But knowing Trumps propensity to arouse his base, especially prior to election, it may not be necessary to encourage him to reveal his inner Trump to the fence-sitting voters.
2
Trump talks, and talks, and talks, and the NYT takes it hook, line and sinker every time. What is the reason for the constant, outraged, over-thought, front-page gabbling over what the man says? We already know that what he says has no reliable correlation to reality; to give his rhetoric SO much press only furthers his own agenda of blustery negotiation, obfuscation, or pandering to like-minded conservatives. How about tilting the proportion of your reporting and editorializing a bit more towards matters of substance?
This is an OPINION column by Gail.
NYT editorials are written by the NYT editors who present the views of the newspaper and are not published under anyone's name. All newspapers follow the same structure.
NYT editorials are written by the NYT editors who present the views of the newspaper and are not published under anyone's name. All newspapers follow the same structure.
1
What's the point? We all know that he is unbalanced. A third of the country is OK with that and the fact he has control of the nuclear codes. I don't know who's crazier...them or him. All I know is that it's going to be a long three and a half years and I hope that we can survive it. No hope from the impotent Republican leadership; military men pushing the same ineffective strategies and refusing to see the obvious; lack of moral leadership from the so-called evangelicals. How I wish we could turn back the clock to a year ago and see the media and the voters perform their civic duties properly. Alas, here we are, forced to do penance for our failings.
8
Gail Collins is spot on when she writes Americans give Trump too much credit when he can read a normal speech off teleprompters to a normal audience and use normal words (written by others) about normal topics.
Most of us remember the days when President Obama was attacked by Republicans for using teleprompters effortlessly and also for using "filler" sounds when he thoughtfully answered questions without a teleprompter. Little did those Republicans think teleprompters would be so necessary to continuing the illusion their president is still sane or that filler sounds such as "um" would be so much better than "wild riffs of self-congratulations" in the era of Trump.
Trump's "riffs" combined with the outburst of the Scottish actress wife of his Treasury secretary are certainly enough label his whole team as clueless elites who feel like victims because they gave up so much money to work for Americans who have the gall to criticize them. After all spending a hour giving autographs in 115 degree heat (or 107 using "real" facts) is just so much harder than working 12 hour shifts outdoors in Arizona heat caring for landscaping, doing roofing, repairing roads, patrolling the border or waiting in line to hear Trump tell them how wonderful he is for 70+ plus minutes.
By the way, what is it with this "anti-immigration" administration that these men need to marry models and actresses from foreign countries? Weren't there any "real American" women they found attractive?
Most of us remember the days when President Obama was attacked by Republicans for using teleprompters effortlessly and also for using "filler" sounds when he thoughtfully answered questions without a teleprompter. Little did those Republicans think teleprompters would be so necessary to continuing the illusion their president is still sane or that filler sounds such as "um" would be so much better than "wild riffs of self-congratulations" in the era of Trump.
Trump's "riffs" combined with the outburst of the Scottish actress wife of his Treasury secretary are certainly enough label his whole team as clueless elites who feel like victims because they gave up so much money to work for Americans who have the gall to criticize them. After all spending a hour giving autographs in 115 degree heat (or 107 using "real" facts) is just so much harder than working 12 hour shifts outdoors in Arizona heat caring for landscaping, doing roofing, repairing roads, patrolling the border or waiting in line to hear Trump tell them how wonderful he is for 70+ plus minutes.
By the way, what is it with this "anti-immigration" administration that these men need to marry models and actresses from foreign countries? Weren't there any "real American" women they found attractive?
7
Trump supporters are energized, motivated, and they vote. Democrats and independents don't vote. Everything else is just sound and fury signifying nothing.
73
Did you forget that more people voted for Hillary than for Trump? Millions more.
4
Yes, the more than 50% of voters who voted against Trump didn't actually vote. The only people who voted, the only people who matter, are Trump supporters, as evidenced by the fact that he won.
No one else matters. No one else counts.
Sad.
No one else matters. No one else counts.
Sad.
M. Hickey,
Many Democrats (of color) are being denied the vote or are subjected to barriers that Trump voters do not face when exercising the voting franchise. Congress has no interest in making voting easier or more honest.
Many Democrats (of color) are being denied the vote or are subjected to barriers that Trump voters do not face when exercising the voting franchise. Congress has no interest in making voting easier or more honest.
3
One can develop a sort of sixth-sense on when Trump is about to go off the rails based upon how long it has been since he vented his spleen in public. After a half day of silence, the tension starts to build. A full day and the electricity is palpable. After 2 or 3 days of relative calm, the pressure cooker is shaking on the burner, glowing red and hissing steam. You know the next time he appears in public, it's going to be a doozy. He never disappoints.
10
When Trump speaks impromptu, he says a lot of stuff that is inaccurate. It seems to me that the media should recognize that by now and not get all worked up about what Trump says. Sure, with most Presidents you take them at their word. But Trump isn't most Presidents. The media has two choices -- take Trump literally even though his statements aren't reliable or treat the inaccuracies as Trump being Trump. It seems to me that after Trump has made 1,000 hysterical and inaccurate statements, you treat him as the boy who cried wolf. Instead, Ms. Collins quibbles over the temperature and Trump's college grades. Trump is a blowhard. Ms. Collins takes him at his word. That makes no sense.
17
I think it makes a lot of sense to take him seriously and write about it. We cannot let him become normal and OK.
6
She is not taking him at his word. She is showing he will lie about anything.
1
No - he has to be held accountable for his bloviating. Why should he - of all people - get away with it ?
Warren Harding accomplished more. He at least pardoned Eugene Debs from a ridiculous anti-free speech sentence he'd received during the Wilson administration. Just sayin'.
98
I used to feel frustrated with Gail Collins' blithely trying to make humor of deadly serious situations and not giving enough credit to President Obama's numerous accomplishments and sterling personal qualities. But now I welcome the relief of her making fun of this disgraceful, albeit truly scary, buffoon we have as President. "We are not going to go into the list of presidents who accomplished more, since it requires naming everyone who’s held the office since Warren Harding" made me laugh out loud. Thank you!
174
The new president will make more headway if he convinces the rest of the country to adopt a solely wind driven approach to life as he clearly has done.
1
Oh I miss the good old days when the Right Wing Rage Machine would hyperventilate about Obama using a teleprompter and his temerity to take golf vacations and the howling rage about the cost of Secret Service protection daughter's trip once to Paris.
How silent they are today, confirming that it was never about using a teleprompter, playing golf or the expense of Secret Service protection but WHO was doing those things, not to mention Trump has already played more gold than Obama did in his two terms and the Secret Service is already out of money protection the lavish lifestyle of the Trump clan.
How silent they are today, confirming that it was never about using a teleprompter, playing golf or the expense of Secret Service protection but WHO was doing those things, not to mention Trump has already played more gold than Obama did in his two terms and the Secret Service is already out of money protection the lavish lifestyle of the Trump clan.
7
Remember, there is no 'I' in team.
1
Actually you want the opposite, let him talk all he wants. The more he talks the deeper hole he digs for himself, and the more we learn how bad he really is as a person and president. We need to hear it to know it. So, please let him tweet and talk all he wants. It's his political grave he's digging.
4
This truly horrible man bragged of molesting women and we know he oggled young girls dressing for the Miss Teenage America contest. How much more did his enablers need to know? If his supporters are fine with this, what will it take for them to reject him? How low will they go?
1
Mr. Trump is beginning to emerge as "The Man of a Thousand Faces." Like the lead character in the 50's film of the same name, he will eventually be unable to distinguish himself from all of the roles he plays. In the end, the world will ask who was Donald J. Trump?
2
It is striking that Trump's grotesque series of performances this week coincided with the release of an exerpt of Hillary Clinton's upcoming book, in which she describes Trump's unnerving behavior when he shadowed her during a debate. That is still what Trump does - he sucks the oxygen out of a room. And then he concludes that he takes peoples' breath away.
4
As a guy who grew up in a working class part of queens not far from where the Donald grew up (?) I met a lot of guys who fit his type.Blustery fellas who had all the answers to everything. When jerks like him would leave the scene a typical remark would be "all talk no action".
He's a proven blow hard, and we might wish to see him in that light and not take him so seriously. Lets instead devote our time to living well and focusing on a brighter future. As the guys and gals on the stoops of queens would say "he's all talk no action"
Thanks for the laughs Gail.
He's a proven blow hard, and we might wish to see him in that light and not take him so seriously. Lets instead devote our time to living well and focusing on a brighter future. As the guys and gals on the stoops of queens would say "he's all talk no action"
Thanks for the laughs Gail.
5
Most people think I’m crazy to have done this. And I think they’re right. But I enjoy it because we’ve made so much — I don’t believe that any president — I don’t believe that any president has accomplished as much as this president in the first six or seven months. I really don’t believe it.”
***********
In my backwoods farm growing up, there was a picture of FDR in the living room next to my uncle's who was a sailor. Both had the position of being seen as important to us.
FDR managed to save America from great damage during a depression that last, in the South, into WWII and even further in very poor places.
No president has ever denigrated and slandered the free press as Trump has done. No president would have stood at a podium and ignored the unAmerican act of carrying a swastika and shouting epithets against Jews. No president would have bragged about himself, his education, his wealth, his physical private parts. No president has ever had so many people in his staff or important groups leave their office, many because of his dangerous and divisive defense of neoNazism, white nationalists, racists and bigots.
No president until Trump.
***********
In my backwoods farm growing up, there was a picture of FDR in the living room next to my uncle's who was a sailor. Both had the position of being seen as important to us.
FDR managed to save America from great damage during a depression that last, in the South, into WWII and even further in very poor places.
No president has ever denigrated and slandered the free press as Trump has done. No president would have stood at a podium and ignored the unAmerican act of carrying a swastika and shouting epithets against Jews. No president would have bragged about himself, his education, his wealth, his physical private parts. No president has ever had so many people in his staff or important groups leave their office, many because of his dangerous and divisive defense of neoNazism, white nationalists, racists and bigots.
No president until Trump.
3
Gail has Trump in her sights'
In fact, she has him dead to rights
In fact, she has him dead to rights
1
he lives in a world that is peopled only by himself. he has no empathy for anyone, anything. he does not understand the first thing about being human, and he will likely be the death of us all.
5
My old friend, a lovely 70 year-old woman from Southern Alabama, came to me in tears after she watched a Trump Rally.
She said: " It was a Klan rally like the old elite Southern White Knight rallies. Trump is teaching a new generation of young white people to hate Black people."
As her father and both sets of grandfathers and grandmothers were 3-degree leaders in the SWK and the White Camillas, she knows whereof she speaks. She remembers from her childhood the rallies held every year to commemorate Jeff Davis' Birthday.
She said: " It was a Klan rally like the old elite Southern White Knight rallies. Trump is teaching a new generation of young white people to hate Black people."
As her father and both sets of grandfathers and grandmothers were 3-degree leaders in the SWK and the White Camillas, she knows whereof she speaks. She remembers from her childhood the rallies held every year to commemorate Jeff Davis' Birthday.
12
To think that there are that many people who support trump regardless of what he says or does is both frightening and disturbing. We need to begin seriously treating mental illness in this country.
10
He doesn't have the heart of a dictator and neither do his fledglings.
The Governors and their State Houses are a different story.
The Governors and their State Houses are a different story.
I have used so many adjectives and superlatives to characterize this president that my brain is sore from exhaustion. What I keep wondering, and I know what all my family and friends keep wondering, is probably what most of my fellow citizens are wondering: when does this end?
When he said "you can grab them by the pussy-- you can do anything," most of us assumed he could never be nominated, let alone elected. The apologists said "well he has appeal among disaffected voters who feel left out." When she got three-million more votes than him but he became president, most of us felt defrauded. The apologists said, "well, you know, electoral college and all that." When we learned that the Russians hacked our election the apologists said, "well special prosecutor, congressional investigations, blah, blah, blah." When he gave us one horror story after another day after day, more lies, blatant falsehoods and clear deceptions by the hour, told the police they shouldn't be so polite to the people they arrest, and then excused the nazis and white supremacists, the apologists said, "disgraceful, unacceptable, deplorable, blah, blah, blah."
The fake president was right. The election was rigged and they'll let him do anything. All the rest of us are supposed to obey the rules. Trump epitomizes a double standard that is blatantly dishonest and un-American. Why he is still holding the highest office in the land is beyond belief, it is a wakeful nightmare.
When he said "you can grab them by the pussy-- you can do anything," most of us assumed he could never be nominated, let alone elected. The apologists said "well he has appeal among disaffected voters who feel left out." When she got three-million more votes than him but he became president, most of us felt defrauded. The apologists said, "well, you know, electoral college and all that." When we learned that the Russians hacked our election the apologists said, "well special prosecutor, congressional investigations, blah, blah, blah." When he gave us one horror story after another day after day, more lies, blatant falsehoods and clear deceptions by the hour, told the police they shouldn't be so polite to the people they arrest, and then excused the nazis and white supremacists, the apologists said, "disgraceful, unacceptable, deplorable, blah, blah, blah."
The fake president was right. The election was rigged and they'll let him do anything. All the rest of us are supposed to obey the rules. Trump epitomizes a double standard that is blatantly dishonest and un-American. Why he is still holding the highest office in the land is beyond belief, it is a wakeful nightmare.
9
Finally something we can agree upon, "...I really don’t believe it.”
Me neither.
What a mess.
Me neither.
What a mess.
2
Great column, Gail!
I needed it, after getting a rant in my inbox from a fellow who was a lifelong liberal until halfway through the Obama administration. Then, he flipped to far right.
I just ignored, as hopeless, the following message he emailed this morning:
"Truly mind-boggling that the left seems to be so adamant doubling and tripling down on lies like Russian collusion and demonizing Trump and all of his supporters as racist/White supremacists in the face of perhaps the most dangerous of times in our lifetime with these nuclear weapons in the hands of a madman in North Korea and soon in the hands of the worlds leading sponsor of terror.
"The coalition on the left is truly mind-boggling including marxist socialist globalists and pro Palestinian Islamic BDS groups including alliances with violent groups like antifa and BLM and the new feminist groups which have been transformed and in no uncertain terms make it clear that Jewish women are no longer welcome.
"Absolute lunacy seeing this continue to play out and grow with the craziness regarding all the statues and who knows what's next.
"You have to give the devil his due as in George Soros."
What a depressing message from a Trump convert: from a Jewish physician, of all things. And his wife was on a Planned Parenthood regional board for years.
Sent from my iPhone
I needed it, after getting a rant in my inbox from a fellow who was a lifelong liberal until halfway through the Obama administration. Then, he flipped to far right.
I just ignored, as hopeless, the following message he emailed this morning:
"Truly mind-boggling that the left seems to be so adamant doubling and tripling down on lies like Russian collusion and demonizing Trump and all of his supporters as racist/White supremacists in the face of perhaps the most dangerous of times in our lifetime with these nuclear weapons in the hands of a madman in North Korea and soon in the hands of the worlds leading sponsor of terror.
"The coalition on the left is truly mind-boggling including marxist socialist globalists and pro Palestinian Islamic BDS groups including alliances with violent groups like antifa and BLM and the new feminist groups which have been transformed and in no uncertain terms make it clear that Jewish women are no longer welcome.
"Absolute lunacy seeing this continue to play out and grow with the craziness regarding all the statues and who knows what's next.
"You have to give the devil his due as in George Soros."
What a depressing message from a Trump convert: from a Jewish physician, of all things. And his wife was on a Planned Parenthood regional board for years.
Sent from my iPhone
3
Your friend might be suffering from some type of mental illness. I'd do my best to get him some help and then walk away.
That Mr. Trump is a broken person is beyond debate, at least for the majority of us. I cannot help but wonder what hell this man has lived through in his lifetime to produce the dysfunctional behaviour we observe from him every day as he rants endlessly about his greatness in the face of stark failure.
While I am truly shocked at so much of what I see, I'm also concerned for this man. The wellbeing of all people is a shared responsibility. People don't turn out like Mr. Trump because they made bad decisions. They crumble in their dysfunction because of the complex intersection of many factors including genetics, feedback from parents and others, economics, education, work opportunities, and the list goes on.
Each person is unique in their dysfunction and our humanity requires us to be aware that it drives each of us and our behaviour in varying ways. Awareness is the first step in understanding what it is and from whence it comes. Mr. Trump's horror can serve as a daily reminder that the brokenness we observe in others must be understood, with compassion, so we may develop ways to improve wellbeing.
While I am truly shocked at so much of what I see, I'm also concerned for this man. The wellbeing of all people is a shared responsibility. People don't turn out like Mr. Trump because they made bad decisions. They crumble in their dysfunction because of the complex intersection of many factors including genetics, feedback from parents and others, economics, education, work opportunities, and the list goes on.
Each person is unique in their dysfunction and our humanity requires us to be aware that it drives each of us and our behaviour in varying ways. Awareness is the first step in understanding what it is and from whence it comes. Mr. Trump's horror can serve as a daily reminder that the brokenness we observe in others must be understood, with compassion, so we may develop ways to improve wellbeing.
1
Spoken by someone with the luxury of living in Canada....
Edinburgh, you are a better person than I. I won't waste a single moment sad for the greedy creep in the White House. His parents ruined him by raising him with no values except chasing money, no empathy or kindness, and an endless hollowness that seeks to be filled with adulation. I'd much rather pity and care for those who didn't get a "small million dollar loan" from their fathers to start out in business, who didn't walk away from several bankruptcies leaving others to clean up their messes, and who don't feel the White House is "a real dump."
Makes you wonder, is this how most rich people in NYC raise their kids--to be monsters of self regard in their mansions and private schools? Is this how the financial crisis happened--brought to us by people raised to care only for their own bank accounts?
Makes you wonder, is this how most rich people in NYC raise their kids--to be monsters of self regard in their mansions and private schools? Is this how the financial crisis happened--brought to us by people raised to care only for their own bank accounts?
The reference to Warren G. Harding saddened me.
Oh he had problems! No question. He was a lousy judge of people--"My enemies, White! I can handle my enemies. It's my friends that keep me pacing the floor at night." AND the teapot dome scandal. AND (of course) Nan Britten, his longtime mistress. Who (ahem) wrote a book.
BUT.
He recognized his own incapacity. With devastating clarity. "My God!" he exclaimed. "This is the HELL of a job. . .I'm in prison. . . .I can't get out--I've got to go back. . . ."
Mr. Harding, where are you? Our President right now has no conception of what he lacks. None. Not an iota.
That--more than anything else--troubled me about his candidacy. That sublime unawareness of how little he knew. "I know more than the generals." Do you now? Do you?
Ms. Collins, thanks for telling me so much about the speech I didn't know. About the grades in school. The opulent penthouse (so much nicer than that drab, unadorned old White House). The illustrious career. On and on he went. I am glad to READ about these things. I cannot bear to HEAR the man live. That voice! My goodness! That voice!
A single PARTICLE of self-awareness in our President--I would give gold to see it. Somewhere or other, that fleeting thought--"You know--I am screwing up BIG TIME right now. How can I put it right? Undo the damage?"
Looks like I'll keep my gold. Seems a pity.
Thanks again, Ms. Collins.
Oh he had problems! No question. He was a lousy judge of people--"My enemies, White! I can handle my enemies. It's my friends that keep me pacing the floor at night." AND the teapot dome scandal. AND (of course) Nan Britten, his longtime mistress. Who (ahem) wrote a book.
BUT.
He recognized his own incapacity. With devastating clarity. "My God!" he exclaimed. "This is the HELL of a job. . .I'm in prison. . . .I can't get out--I've got to go back. . . ."
Mr. Harding, where are you? Our President right now has no conception of what he lacks. None. Not an iota.
That--more than anything else--troubled me about his candidacy. That sublime unawareness of how little he knew. "I know more than the generals." Do you now? Do you?
Ms. Collins, thanks for telling me so much about the speech I didn't know. About the grades in school. The opulent penthouse (so much nicer than that drab, unadorned old White House). The illustrious career. On and on he went. I am glad to READ about these things. I cannot bear to HEAR the man live. That voice! My goodness! That voice!
A single PARTICLE of self-awareness in our President--I would give gold to see it. Somewhere or other, that fleeting thought--"You know--I am screwing up BIG TIME right now. How can I put it right? Undo the damage?"
Looks like I'll keep my gold. Seems a pity.
Thanks again, Ms. Collins.
3
Trumps people love him because they feel like the system has screwed them and now Trump is screwing the system. All his talking is to keep the people described above convinced he is doing his part. I wonder when it will dawn on them that most of what he really does hurts them the most? I would love to read the books about this time twenty years from now, however I am too old now to live that long!!
He graduated from a military style high school for "bad boys" and went to Fordham uptown for his first two years of college until Daddy got him into Wharton, which at the time was home to scions of wealthy families. He does not have an MBA, but a BS in economics, which is the Wharton choice for those are not good with numbers. I'm a contemporaneous alumna of Penn's liberal arts college and frankly, we looked at ourselves as the real thinkers and the Wharton "boys" as money grabbing dopes. Reality check!
13
That Mr. Trump is a broken person is beyond debate, at least for the majority of us. I cannot help but wonder what trauma this man has lived through in his lifetime to produce the dysfunctional behaviour we observe from him every day as he rants endlessly about his greatness in the face of stark failure.
While I am truly shocked at so much of what I see, I'm also concerned for this man. The wellbeing of all people is a shared responsibility. People don't turn out like Mr. Trump because they made bad decisions. They crumble in their dysfunction because of the complex intersection of many factors including genetics, feedback from parents and others, economics, education, work opportunities, and the list goes on.
Each person is unique in their dysfunction and our humanity requires us to be aware that it drives each of us and our behaviour in varying ways. Awareness is the first step in understanding what it is and from whence it comes. Mr. Trump's horror can serve as a daily reminder that the brokenness we observe in others must be understood, with compassion, so we may develop ways to improve wellbeing.
While I am truly shocked at so much of what I see, I'm also concerned for this man. The wellbeing of all people is a shared responsibility. People don't turn out like Mr. Trump because they made bad decisions. They crumble in their dysfunction because of the complex intersection of many factors including genetics, feedback from parents and others, economics, education, work opportunities, and the list goes on.
Each person is unique in their dysfunction and our humanity requires us to be aware that it drives each of us and our behaviour in varying ways. Awareness is the first step in understanding what it is and from whence it comes. Mr. Trump's horror can serve as a daily reminder that the brokenness we observe in others must be understood, with compassion, so we may develop ways to improve wellbeing.
3
Beautiful. Never thought of that, just wish he never got into office.
Thank you
Thank you
There is one thing that Trump excels at: evil
He is trying to rival the world's evil dictators in destruction and encouraging the worst in the people around him and the people who admire him. He is eager to make us all as small and mean and ugly and corrupt as he is.
Unfortunately, he may succeed. Stalin and Hitler (and Saddam, Mugabe, the Kims of N. Korea, Duterte, Al Sissi, Erdogan, Putin, and all corrupt seizers of power uber alles) may have been worse, but they didn't have the collaboration of a planet whose hospitality to humans is being stretched past its limit by our habits of dumping and corrupt exploitation. As a wholly owned subsidiary of marketing, earth's apex predator is about to get its comeuppance.
With a prize team of dangerous looters and kleptocrats in place, the truth itself is being branded lies.
There is nothing funny about the threat Trump and his team of looters poses to humanity itself.
He is trying to rival the world's evil dictators in destruction and encouraging the worst in the people around him and the people who admire him. He is eager to make us all as small and mean and ugly and corrupt as he is.
Unfortunately, he may succeed. Stalin and Hitler (and Saddam, Mugabe, the Kims of N. Korea, Duterte, Al Sissi, Erdogan, Putin, and all corrupt seizers of power uber alles) may have been worse, but they didn't have the collaboration of a planet whose hospitality to humans is being stretched past its limit by our habits of dumping and corrupt exploitation. As a wholly owned subsidiary of marketing, earth's apex predator is about to get its comeuppance.
With a prize team of dangerous looters and kleptocrats in place, the truth itself is being branded lies.
There is nothing funny about the threat Trump and his team of looters poses to humanity itself.
9
"Particularly since that unfortunate story about him calling it “a real dump.”"
Truth matters, even if Trump happens to say it.
The White House was designed a very long time ago, a time of small rooms and cramped hallways between them. It was the standard of those times.
Now, it has produced a West Wing of tiny offices cramped for modern electronics, and not that many of them with reasonable access to each other. Except for the ceremonial office, they are not particularly well decorated either, and never have been. As office design goes, it is a dump. A classy address, but pure Victorian design.
It was last re-worked by Truman, well over half a century ago, and that revealed rat problems and other dump-like features even for that time.
Truth is, the White House as our pride of place probably deserves a lot of work. Trump isn't going to do it. Maybe the next President will.
Truth matters, even if Trump happens to say it.
The White House was designed a very long time ago, a time of small rooms and cramped hallways between them. It was the standard of those times.
Now, it has produced a West Wing of tiny offices cramped for modern electronics, and not that many of them with reasonable access to each other. Except for the ceremonial office, they are not particularly well decorated either, and never have been. As office design goes, it is a dump. A classy address, but pure Victorian design.
It was last re-worked by Truman, well over half a century ago, and that revealed rat problems and other dump-like features even for that time.
Truth is, the White House as our pride of place probably deserves a lot of work. Trump isn't going to do it. Maybe the next President will.
1
When Trump reads from a teleprompter he acts presidential. How ridiculous is that? I can read from a teleprompter too AND I passed 9th grade civics class which taught me how our government works. I'm more qualified than Trump to be president!
29
Trump's mood swings are terrifying. Maybe he's bipolar or schizophrenic? Or he just forgets to take his meds?
13
Your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving - with the nuclear codes. Scary beyond words.
16
And he's that way without an elixir, Stone Cold Sober.
Read Josh Greene's book to understand how he got to be president. Bannon and company are more diabolically calculating than I ever imagined. Trump is a willing conduit for all their nationalistic ideas. SAD.
10
Gandy (CA) uses an excerpt from Mein Kamph to show how trump and other demagogues have been able to cause so many to follow them down paths that can lead only to their own destruction. The recorded history of our species shows us these demagogues have popped up with great regularity and caused unimaginable suffering and death for hundreds of millions of their followers and enemies.
For me, these words have provided the antidote;
"Durning my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." Nelson Mandela's closing statement at the Rivonia trial, 1964. Long Walk To Freedom, pg 368
A nation, and many in other nations, believed in this man and his ideals and courage. Our reward is we have an ideal we can point to when the demagogues lure us to follow their narcissism, hate, and bigotry with promises of superiority and selfish aggrandizement. When we hear a trump or a putin or a kim jong un telling us to follow their lead, we can ask ourselves, WWMD (What Would Mandela Do)? We can immediately know which path leads to our destruction and which to enlightenment and brother/sisterhood.
For me, these words have provided the antidote;
"Durning my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." Nelson Mandela's closing statement at the Rivonia trial, 1964. Long Walk To Freedom, pg 368
A nation, and many in other nations, believed in this man and his ideals and courage. Our reward is we have an ideal we can point to when the demagogues lure us to follow their narcissism, hate, and bigotry with promises of superiority and selfish aggrandizement. When we hear a trump or a putin or a kim jong un telling us to follow their lead, we can ask ourselves, WWMD (What Would Mandela Do)? We can immediately know which path leads to our destruction and which to enlightenment and brother/sisterhood.
145
Beautiful comment, i needed to read it SO MUCH.
1
I'm sorry I don't have the name of the person who wrote this but I found it memorable. He coined the experience of watching the Presidents speaking performances as "rhetorical whiplash".
At least most of the media has stopped jumping on the scripted Trump as "the day he became President" and are giving him a day or two to revert back to the Donald J. he has always been, the one most of us have always known, and the one we justifiably fear.
Too few Republicans are beginning to "get it" and make noises of sanity that question Trump's, and grumbles of "stability" and "competence" and "inability to save his Presidency" are starting to be heard in voices above a whisper and in rooms without closed doors.
Maybe the momentum will grow, the object - once in motion - once the huge effort it took to overcome the inertia and immobility of the mass has succeeded and it has begun to move ever so slowly - maybe it's own momentum will carry it forward toward what up til now has seemed an immovable force, but now has cracks a mile wide.
At least most of the media has stopped jumping on the scripted Trump as "the day he became President" and are giving him a day or two to revert back to the Donald J. he has always been, the one most of us have always known, and the one we justifiably fear.
Too few Republicans are beginning to "get it" and make noises of sanity that question Trump's, and grumbles of "stability" and "competence" and "inability to save his Presidency" are starting to be heard in voices above a whisper and in rooms without closed doors.
Maybe the momentum will grow, the object - once in motion - once the huge effort it took to overcome the inertia and immobility of the mass has succeeded and it has begun to move ever so slowly - maybe it's own momentum will carry it forward toward what up til now has seemed an immovable force, but now has cracks a mile wide.
10
How funny to call out "the elite" - Trump reeks of elitism in every fiber of everything he does. He's the smartest, he went to the best schools, daddy funded his first venture with $1M, he's now the richest, he has generals, every Trump branded item is the best, he's above the law and can issue pardons at will. His cabinet is full of "the elite".
No doubt he is good at false equivalence - where elite in his context now means both "liberal elite" and some other unspecified reason and people to blame for any perceived loss.
He continues to dupe his "his non-elite" base that he is just one of them - only maybe the guy who drives their bus.
No doubt he is good at false equivalence - where elite in his context now means both "liberal elite" and some other unspecified reason and people to blame for any perceived loss.
He continues to dupe his "his non-elite" base that he is just one of them - only maybe the guy who drives their bus.
14
The biggest problem I see with the Press is that because Trump is President you give his actions and words more credit than they deserve, instead of looking at the reality of the situation.
You will call his babblings about how great he is as his being "insecure." When in fact they could be the babblings of the early onset of Alzheimer. Dementia is a plausible possibility here, as this is something his father had.
His vocabulary is very limited. No matter what the situation he uses the same 20 - 25 words or phrases -"huge" "terrific" etc. Trump on his own lacks impulse control. He lies stupidly, i.e. can be proven wrong immediately. He rambles and babbles and because he is President the press tries to give it some coherence when in fact it is just babbling.
You will call his babblings about how great he is as his being "insecure." When in fact they could be the babblings of the early onset of Alzheimer. Dementia is a plausible possibility here, as this is something his father had.
His vocabulary is very limited. No matter what the situation he uses the same 20 - 25 words or phrases -"huge" "terrific" etc. Trump on his own lacks impulse control. He lies stupidly, i.e. can be proven wrong immediately. He rambles and babbles and because he is President the press tries to give it some coherence when in fact it is just babbling.
20
One must wonder: how did a 71 year old man end up with the brain and intellect of a twelve year old? And then become the President of the United States? Where did we go wrong, America? (my apologies to all twelve-year-olds if I insulted them).
18
The last 12yr old I knew acted like Trump was actually 8:):)
Trump talks, babbles and wheezes but he never says anything of import.
7
The below quote is Trump's problem right there! In NYC, he was never accepted by the NYC high society because they believed him too crass. So now, we Americans get to pay the price......He's now accepted by a bunch of low-intelligent, low-income, low-information voters. That's still not enough for him
“I always hear about the elite. You know, the elite. They’re elite? I went to better schools than they did. I was a better student than they were. I live in a bigger, more beautiful apartment and I live in the White House, too, which is really great.”
“I always hear about the elite. You know, the elite. They’re elite? I went to better schools than they did. I was a better student than they were. I live in a bigger, more beautiful apartment and I live in the White House, too, which is really great.”
6
So, he's unqualified to be president. Why aren't we removing him by Article 25 or Impeaching him? The fault is not Trump; or even his followers. The fault is with the people who are not removing him.
12
Well, at least you guys across the water got to take part in the election which saw Mr Trump bust his way into the White House. But we Brits had no part in this process and yet we suffer this moronic man busting into OUR homes night after night on television. You sometimes wonder if the UK is the 51st state of the United States. I used to believe many years ago when we had someone called Blair in charge that that would be no bad thing because he behaved as if he was President of Britain, and that if were we actually part of the US we would get the chance to impeach him. But now Mr Trump dominates the news cycle over this side of the Atlantic as much as he does yours. We have no say in this and our only power is to reach for the tv "off" switch. However, we are compelled to listen to the latest outpouring of drivel, not least because our beleaguered Prime Minister was silly enough to invite him to come and meet our Queen. We need to know when this will happen, so that we might collectively stand guard around Buckingham Palace to protect her from this embarrassingly stupid, misogynistic, self-obsessed, puerile fool. Please, pretty please. The way to deal with Mr Trump is for the media in the US to gather together and agree NOT to report what he says. Give him the oxygen of publicity which he graves and he will never stop.
13
ok, guys, I am trying to think of an author who could come up with a plot like this, characters like this and i am at a loss.
Suggestions?
Suggestions?
6
Elmore Leonard would have been my choice, but since he's dead I'll settle for Carl Hiaasen.
2
Shakespeare. Sophocles.
1
Mel Brooks, ok not quite an author but close enough.
Trump standing in the photos with all of those flags -- not one of which he ever defended including the main one -- the American flag.
I am so sick of this mental patient and his eight year old level vocabulary, his mentally deranged tweets and speeches, and his rants about President Obama and Hillary Clinton both of whom are his intellectual, moral, competence, and achievement superiors.
I am so sick of this mental patient and his eight year old level vocabulary, his mentally deranged tweets and speeches, and his rants about President Obama and Hillary Clinton both of whom are his intellectual, moral, competence, and achievement superiors.
20
The more Trump talks freely the better. The opposition knows who he is... but the more he TALKS about what is on his mind and not on a teleprompter the more sane and logical Republicans can't deny who he is anymore. Keep talking Mr. PRESIDENT.
15
I am heartened by one thing. What started out as a pretty lonely cry of "he's a Lunatic" has been taken up by pundits, reporters of "fake news" and ordinary citizens.
I don't name the one I'm referring to here. That's how bad it's become!
I don't name the one I'm referring to here. That's how bad it's become!
7
Life for me, today, is like the movie "Groundhog Day". You wake up and everything is the same as it was yesterday. Nothing changes. Except that the reality is that things, life itself, is changing for the worst not better. Then you have the media which is like the movie "Fifty First Dates", who seemingly can't remember what happened yesterday and they go through the same song and dance perpetually. Same comment, same advice, same complaints, same observations ... well, you get the idea.
4
Simply put, it does not require a profound psychoanalysis to conclude he is a self-absorbed, egotistical, egocentric, narcissistic megalomaniac.
12
And that's if he's mentally healthy; which many believe/starting to believe he isn't.
So his personality/character/mind can actually be a medical problem.
So his personality/character/mind can actually be a medical problem.
It's as if Trump is fed a big bowl of alphabet soup before these rallies.
Letters and syllables just pour out.
But it appears that the entertainment value may be weakening as some supporters exited before the end. Maybe dopamine levels are declining.
He'll face stiff competiton with the new t.v. fall line up.
Letters and syllables just pour out.
But it appears that the entertainment value may be weakening as some supporters exited before the end. Maybe dopamine levels are declining.
He'll face stiff competiton with the new t.v. fall line up.
5
Oh. God.
Again.
Again.
2
"Many of them don’t mind if he comes on stage and starts talking like Uncle Fred Who Gets Drunk at Family Dinners."
Yeah, but they wouldn't want Uncle Fred to drive them or their children home and they don't have a problem with Trump driving the country over a cliff?
As for Trump and his schooling, Trump went to Fordham for two years before transferring to Wharton. where,according to a story in the Times, "the commencement program from 1968 does not list him as graduating with honors of any kind."
The man is a legend in his own delusional mind. It's too bad that many gullible voters bought into the myth.
Yeah, but they wouldn't want Uncle Fred to drive them or their children home and they don't have a problem with Trump driving the country over a cliff?
As for Trump and his schooling, Trump went to Fordham for two years before transferring to Wharton. where,according to a story in the Times, "the commencement program from 1968 does not list him as graduating with honors of any kind."
The man is a legend in his own delusional mind. It's too bad that many gullible voters bought into the myth.
10
I wonder what happens to a vile, self-delusional, conscience less, con-man who doesn't get left $700M by his father.
7
I call it "stream of unconsciousness".
6
That Uncle Fred has a basis in fact. "Freddie" was his alcoholic older brother who died in 1983. Are those 30-40% who fervently enjoy the spectacle reliving their Uncle Fred moments vicariously?
2
As Wavy Gravy would say: "If you don't have a sense of humor it just isn't funny."
I seem to be getting worn down. Everyday it's something that goes beyond yesterday's crazy. My sense of outrage is stuck on high and I fear I'm getting used to it.
Then I think of the supporters. The idea that there are warm sentient beings out there, many of whom call themselves Christian, who think this so called human being is the answer to their problems fills me with a rage that will never fade. Rage? Because they are not just going to their revival meetings and throwing their own money and their own lives away on the carnival barker on the dais. They are committing our Nation, our values, our Constitution to a future devoid of science, community, love or human decency.
I seem to be getting worn down. Everyday it's something that goes beyond yesterday's crazy. My sense of outrage is stuck on high and I fear I'm getting used to it.
Then I think of the supporters. The idea that there are warm sentient beings out there, many of whom call themselves Christian, who think this so called human being is the answer to their problems fills me with a rage that will never fade. Rage? Because they are not just going to their revival meetings and throwing their own money and their own lives away on the carnival barker on the dais. They are committing our Nation, our values, our Constitution to a future devoid of science, community, love or human decency.
39
DJT was lucky to be born when he was, to be born pre-rich, to be born white, to be born in America...but most of all DJT was lucky to be born in a country with so many dopes.
24
Donald Trump is the demon spawn of Don Rickles and Professor Irwin Corey. Alas, both were more articulate and possessed of better public speaking skills.
4
Thank you Ms. Collins. More than anyone I've experienced in US politics, Trump is trying to create a cult around himself as leader. While I believe (without data, following the President's lead in how to think) that while most of his "base" doesn't really know the meaning of "demagogue", which he fits to a tee, they might understand the inherent dangers of being part of a cult, which they are now in. Thanks to "Gandy" for directly quoting Mein Kamph. Trump is in that same zeitgeist of projecting to be "the" person to save the country from itself, beginning in his campaign. So sad that more than one person in the US swallows that pap. And further sad, the comments of an otherwise sane senior gentleman who in conversation with a friend, said he simply hates them all - the GOP and the Dems. How can people get to become seniors and not have learned that hating things or people is a terrible idea for themselves and everybody else? But Trump attempts to stir that passion, one of our worst traits, which seems to come too easily to humans.
2
I used to think that every day Trump and Bannon plotted what the President could do to distract the press - thus the rest of us - from the "deconstruction of the administrative state," and the destruction of, oh, the environment, relations with allies and the good name of the USA. Now I see DJT can handle it alone. Rick Perry makes policy moving us back to coal and nuclear, and we are all mesmerized by the reappearance of The Trumpster from the campaign. Ryan Zinke is stealing our public monuments while we giggle over Trump's syntax. Wake up, folks, they hypnotist-in-chief is distracting us with one hand and stealing America from us with the other.
9
Just this morning, after a great breakfast, a terrific shower and a wonderful shave, I visited the fantastic White House toilet and had the greatest BM ever. Believe me, I know it was great because the guy I pay to wipe my butt told me it was the greatest he'd ever seen. In fact, he applauded me before he washed my hands and dried them. I can tell you that Barack Hussein Obama never had as much success in the White House washroom as I've had in the first seven months of my presidency.
#realdonaldtrumpfakepresident
#realdonaldtrumpfakepresident
11
Gail, what bothers me more than Trump being Trump, is Republicans insistence on treating Donald Trump like he's some sort of Chauncey Gardiner from the movie "Being There". A deplorable version for sure, but still they constantly imprint onto his actions and interpret his babblings as if they are somehow pearls of wisdom. Loaded with deeper meaning. That, in my mind, is a greater problem.
290
That is a great analogy, but it is like an adult listening to a child speaking in tongues.
Until we face up to a congress that is as self preserving as our illustrious leader, that has absolutely no clue how to handle this insane egoist, each daily problem will be magnified into imminent disaster.
enough, already.
Until we face up to a congress that is as self preserving as our illustrious leader, that has absolutely no clue how to handle this insane egoist, each daily problem will be magnified into imminent disaster.
enough, already.
53
But Chauncey Gardiner was not an evil character, like Trump, he was just clueless, and he was not egotistical, or out to destroy the country.
2
One of the basic techniques of a con man is that the people being conned (Congressional Republicans) are not fooled as to what kind of a person the conman is, they believe they are conning the con man.
3
Slow down with complete sentences? Of course. Didn't look at his audience? He'd lose his place. For us to complain about his blathering on and on it feels if he is slowly melting or sinking in quick sand. I think by now. anyone can predict everything he will do.It really is easy because of his limited vocabulary and his tendency to repeat some phrases. If you noticed the people planted behind him they were put there because they looked so happy and attentive. I'm sure some wanted to fall down from thirst or boredom.But we seem to spend every day talking about this disastrous president. But while he has our attention his cabinet secretaries are making the very serious decisions about our water, our air, our land,our social programs, our inclusiveness and the ways we want to treat eachother and work with our allies. That is where our attention belongs.
All of Obama's regulations about our health and safety have been reversed or defunded. From testing train engineers for apnea, to researching effects of mountain coal mining to surrounding communities to, allowing Dow to produce a banned insecticide (most harmful to children's brain development), to ignoring the opioid epidemic, to selling public lands to developers, to disbanding NOAA. Plus hundreds more. Don't be distracted by the daily tweets. Pay closer attention to the slow, secret actions of the administration. Demand that our media bring this disgraceful deregulating and defunding to the front page and to the TV!
All of Obama's regulations about our health and safety have been reversed or defunded. From testing train engineers for apnea, to researching effects of mountain coal mining to surrounding communities to, allowing Dow to produce a banned insecticide (most harmful to children's brain development), to ignoring the opioid epidemic, to selling public lands to developers, to disbanding NOAA. Plus hundreds more. Don't be distracted by the daily tweets. Pay closer attention to the slow, secret actions of the administration. Demand that our media bring this disgraceful deregulating and defunding to the front page and to the TV!
16
Is Congress never going to run this screwball out of town? What additional evidence do they require that Trump is unfit for the presidency in every way, shape, or form? Surely they can't be so frightened of him they have been rendered impotent. Move public servants, move with haste.
14
Trevor Noah got it right about what was really terrifying about his Arizona speech: The Don whining for 15 minutes that he was the real victim of Charlottesville! Blaming the "Fake News" for criticizing him brainwashes and inoculates his base against reality and the truth.
15
Not talks and talks and talks. Rather, whines and whines and whines. Close your eyes as you listen to Trump's unscripted speeches, and you are hearing an adolescent whiner. So let the "fake media" give him his due: "Mr. President, you are first-class whiner."
8
As my sainted grandmother used to say: "This man lies when the truth would serve him better"!
12
And the urban-Southern version, "He lies about the lies,..that he lied about.":):)
Every day with Trump as president is another day to be embarrassed. Yes, he is like the worst ever drunk uncle and we can't get him to shut up. Wondering how many new prescriptions for antidepressants with this administration. It will be the new drug crisis.
5
We can't get his tax records, so why not dig up his high school record and his college grade point average.
What did he make on his SAT?
We're taking bets here, with some nice odds, that there really is nothing to brag about.
What did he make on his SAT?
We're taking bets here, with some nice odds, that there really is nothing to brag about.
10
From TelePrompter president to PrompterTweeter president, Donald Trump veers from the insincerity of mouthing his speechwriter's prose to mouthing off in his own vernacular.
You don't have to be a singled out member of any elite to recognize that Trump's vocabulary is the opposite of the hollow platitudes he reads off the TP. He has nothing to say about the content of the canned sentiments he reads in his hostage video mode. The true Trump speaks in hyperbo-lies. Everything is inflated: beautiful, great, big league, the best, very, very, many, many, really, really.
Like those eponymous towers Trump erects, his idea of being presidential is to erect himself at the center of attention and then, in case you didn't know him for who he is (there are so many things nobody else knows, remember) he plasters the name of Trump on himself in the third person. Trump ergo sum.
You don't have to be a singled out member of any elite to recognize that Trump's vocabulary is the opposite of the hollow platitudes he reads off the TP. He has nothing to say about the content of the canned sentiments he reads in his hostage video mode. The true Trump speaks in hyperbo-lies. Everything is inflated: beautiful, great, big league, the best, very, very, many, many, really, really.
Like those eponymous towers Trump erects, his idea of being presidential is to erect himself at the center of attention and then, in case you didn't know him for who he is (there are so many things nobody else knows, remember) he plasters the name of Trump on himself in the third person. Trump ergo sum.
151
A vernacular represents a way of a people in a city/province to express themselves which has evolved over a long period socially and culturally. It is not quite on par with a dialect but it is still too 'generous' a term to apply to the ranting, disjointed way that Trump uses your glorious language.
is he elite or not, he and I both seem a little confused, I remember the days (some time last week I think this was) when he ate pizza and KFC , man of the people who hates the elite and now he says he more elite (better schooled, richer) than the elite, when and why did he get the upgrade ?.
If I didn't know better I would swear this is a deeply insecure 10yo who has trouble mixing with others and is destined for a dysfunctional life of lying, hating and alienation. oh wait...
If I didn't know better I would swear this is a deeply insecure 10yo who has trouble mixing with others and is destined for a dysfunctional life of lying, hating and alienation. oh wait...
27
It's so much easier to savour Trump quotes on a screen or page than it is to hear them as they spill forth from his very big brain, all mishmashed and angry and hostile to all the rules of grammar and sane discourse.
12
The man is sick ... mentally ill. He is a threat to himself and the country. The only folks in worse shape are the republicans in congress who continue to selfishly support him.
He should be removed from office immediately and given the professional help he needs. I really would hate to see an American president hauled out of the oval office in a straight jacket!!
He should be removed from office immediately and given the professional help he needs. I really would hate to see an American president hauled out of the oval office in a straight jacket!!
31
Hmmm... I would love to see *that* American "president" hauled out of the Oval Office in a straight jacket!
2
Paranoid people never cooperate with treatment. He needs to be removed and placed in a secure setting - for the criminally insane. Prevented from communicating electronically with the outside world. Ever. Again.
3
Perhaps I wasn't paying as close attention during previous administrations, or I've just forgotten, but what sitting President holds campaign rallies for himself in a non-election year? I'd like to request a NYT graphic showing how every time Trump gets into trouble he holds a rally so he can remind his base how truly great he is and bask in the adulation.
And I wonder what would happen if the media just didn't cover these events? Let Trump lie and brag to his base -- clearly it represents only 30-40%. Don't give his voice the oxygen it needs to reach the other 60-70% of us. Don't broadcast every inane tweet and utterance. We already know who he is. Suffocate his message!
And I wonder what would happen if the media just didn't cover these events? Let Trump lie and brag to his base -- clearly it represents only 30-40%. Don't give his voice the oxygen it needs to reach the other 60-70% of us. Don't broadcast every inane tweet and utterance. We already know who he is. Suffocate his message!
24
45 gets to raise money with these "campaign" events.
A sad state of affairs is when the best we can hope for is that he says and does nothing. However, never forget that he is in office because HRC promised to do nothing, nothing new that is. Have we become so disillusioned that a leader doing nothing is the best we can hope for? I suspect it is because we choose people for office who are not actually capable of leading.
Oh for crying out loud. Stop blaming Hillary for Trump. We would have been so much better off. She didn't have to promise anything 'new and shiny', things were just fine before this disaster hit us.
1
Trump intentionally says contradictory things. It allows him to create sound bites that get A/B tested with various audiences. This process leads to tailoring tens of thousands of ads to his supporters via big data and social media. There is method here. Evil method. See Sue Halpern's June 8 NY Review of Books article.
5
Intentionally? I think you give him too much credit.
One of the telling keys in his speech, (boasting about his life and success, and his winning the presidency): "But I enjoy it because WE'VE MADE SO MUCH -- (pause) . . .
I'm sure he was intending to say "MONEY"!
In that pregnant pause he seemed to catch himself, changed gears, and continued with: "I don't believe that any president--I don't believe that any president has accomplished as much as this president in the first six or seven months."
Seemed pretty transparent to me. Corrupt!
I'm sure he was intending to say "MONEY"!
In that pregnant pause he seemed to catch himself, changed gears, and continued with: "I don't believe that any president--I don't believe that any president has accomplished as much as this president in the first six or seven months."
Seemed pretty transparent to me. Corrupt!
25
POTUS and his supporters need each other.
He promised them the Moon and he's only able to deliver Moon Pies; which he knew and they didn't.
And Not to be mean or even flip about it but it's apparent he's doing the best he can. Which would explain the (%of) unbridled support he does have. They know it too.
And why he has to constantly run (Back) into their open arms after he Messes Up with a(nother) "Rally".
But to assist him, he should schedule a "Rally" after every event he has to speak before the public, another country, with other world leaders,...
He promised them the Moon and he's only able to deliver Moon Pies; which he knew and they didn't.
And Not to be mean or even flip about it but it's apparent he's doing the best he can. Which would explain the (%of) unbridled support he does have. They know it too.
And why he has to constantly run (Back) into their open arms after he Messes Up with a(nother) "Rally".
But to assist him, he should schedule a "Rally" after every event he has to speak before the public, another country, with other world leaders,...
4
I wake up each morning, grab my coffee, then head to the computer and tell my wife I'm going to see what stupid said overnight. What a way to start the day. Sigh...
27
I've been getting up two hours earlier than I have to in order to do the same, Tom. Sigh here, too.
I head over to see if he is still alive......sigh.
To wax
A wee bit psychological, I think Trump is awaiting impeachment.
His inner little
Boy knows he does not deserve the presidency, so he will mangle it in every way possible.
Please, let's not disappoint him.
A wee bit psychological, I think Trump is awaiting impeachment.
His inner little
Boy knows he does not deserve the presidency, so he will mangle it in every way possible.
Please, let's not disappoint him.
15
There's nothing unpredictable about his talks. They cycle because his keepers are only able to contain him after he has dementedly vented his anger at all who don't worship him on his last talk, resulting in major expressions of disapproval, now from not only the media and Dems, but more and more Rs. After he has half heartedly read a speech imitating rationality, written by others and voicing things he doesnt really believe, his anger will again boil over fanned by resentment at what he just had to do to quiet the likes of Ivanka and the generals. Wait. Things will get worse as his dementia progresses.
11
We can call him a narcissist, we can speculate that he suffers from dementia and we can talk endlessly about his boorish and inappropriate behavior. Each day that goes by he takes our country to a deeper, darker place. The bottom line is he is dangerous. We have the 25th Amendment. Let's use it!
20
Naw. Can't do that now. 'Game of Thrones' season is ending and without Trump there will be nothing on TV until the 'Holiday Season' Christmas sales ads, starting with the Thanksgiving Parade. But with Trump in office, Halloween will finally seem real.
I do not like the term, but "gasbag" is about the best way to describe this fool of a man, elected by fools.
29
"It would be calming to the national psyche if the president refrained from ever again speaking to the American people about his true thoughts and feelings"
Our best hope is for Chief of Staff Kelly to reach an agreement with the Secret Service regarding how far he can go with "managing" our "President" ...
Will they object if he puts Trump in the corner and takes away his phone when he misbehaves?
Is judicious use of duct tape allowed?
No second scoop of ice cream on days he confuses criticism with treason? President with King? Hannity with a journalist?
Extreme babysitting is not much of a solution for an out of control President -- a majority party in Congress that took their oath of office seriously would be nice -- but for now its the best option we have for a good night's sleep.
Our best hope is for Chief of Staff Kelly to reach an agreement with the Secret Service regarding how far he can go with "managing" our "President" ...
Will they object if he puts Trump in the corner and takes away his phone when he misbehaves?
Is judicious use of duct tape allowed?
No second scoop of ice cream on days he confuses criticism with treason? President with King? Hannity with a journalist?
Extreme babysitting is not much of a solution for an out of control President -- a majority party in Congress that took their oath of office seriously would be nice -- but for now its the best option we have for a good night's sleep.
238
"Extreme babysitting"----beautiful!!
3
Never mind taking away the phone! For the love of heaven and earth, get the football away from him!
A straitjacket would be optimal.
I am ready to go make sandwiches for Robert Mueller--anything to help him complete his tasks in a full and impartial way. Mr. Trump seems to require escalating adulation and, not receiving it from the MSM (which he has reviled) or an increasing percentage of the GOP (which he is now thrashing) or the vast percentage of sane world leaders, he stages another rally with people who would reaffirm his delusions of grandeur and recharge his tank.
What if he held a rally and no one but his shills came? Or what if the crowd acted to him as the family acts to Uncle Fred at the family table--sitting silently with mouths agape until he burns himself out?
What if he held a rally and no one but his shills came? Or what if the crowd acted to him as the family acts to Uncle Fred at the family table--sitting silently with mouths agape until he burns himself out?
14
Or suppose he held a rally and everyone turned their backs?
2
After yapping for 77 minutes, one hopes that he would just shut up for 77 minutes!
12
Gail...stop giving this bullying buffoon so much press coverage. We all know he's a dangerous clown.
5
We are talking about him 24/7 and yes I love it. I nearly skip over all your articles and zero in on Donald Trump. The more you are against him, the more I am for him.
Dear Chris,
The patriots suffered through, among other things, a long winter at Valley Forge (some without even shoes on their feet) so that someday you would have the freedom to sit back and enjoy Trump's insane ramblings.
The patriots suffered through, among other things, a long winter at Valley Forge (some without even shoes on their feet) so that someday you would have the freedom to sit back and enjoy Trump's insane ramblings.
2
Of course you love Trump, Chris. We'd know that just by reading your "nearly skip over all {...} articles," which you no doubt think means "skim quickly."
Chris,
You could be the poster child for the Trump supporter, proudly announcing to the world his/her lack of thought and understanding.
You could be the poster child for the Trump supporter, proudly announcing to the world his/her lack of thought and understanding.
I wonder how often political speechwriters confront a moral dilemma. Are they "true believers" in the individual for whom they are writing speeches? It would be interesting to know how many of them quit when they have qualms about using their words to elect or advance a politician in whom they no longer believe.
5
I hope that history will record "they were never his words!"
2
Trump's "base" are people who are very cynical and definitely not critical thinkers. Some are unhinged, many embrace bizarre conspiracy theories (as does their leader) and some, I'm sure, are nice people. LOL. Instead of counter-protestors, the DNC should be sending mental health professionals and anti-cult deprogrammers to offer treatment to those leaving the arenas.
14
Trump is winning because we talk about him all the time. I read an article about how much the staggering cost of the loss of productivity due to people looking at the eclipse. Think about the staggering cost to the economy of the attention we all expend on keeping up with and worrying about what Trump is doing. Or going to do. I actually thought last fall that I looked forward to a Hillary win so I could spend less time focused on the Trump TV show. I was going to kick back and relax knowing the government would be in order and running well.
What needs to happen is the NYT and all the other good news org's write about and highlight real heroes and leaders. Find the top 10 best and focus on them. The best-known people tend to get elected. I'd like to ask the media to help me get to know who we all SHOULD elect.
What needs to happen is the NYT and all the other good news org's write about and highlight real heroes and leaders. Find the top 10 best and focus on them. The best-known people tend to get elected. I'd like to ask the media to help me get to know who we all SHOULD elect.
30
Thank you, Andrea! You are so very right. He craves attention and the constant 'feed' from the press does no one any good. When his words or actions are substantive, by all means it should be reported. Otherwise, like you, I would like to see the press focus not on the circus, but on what the Congress is or is not doing in the way of legislation. And, yes, please media, help us get to know those out there who SHOULD be on our radar!
4
Opportunity cost. All the things we could be talking about, doing something about. Instead we are talking about Trump, repeating ourselves and doing nothing.
The same is true of our wars. All the things we could have done with three trillion dollars and the best efforts of a million of our best people.
It is far worse than what we see and don't like. It is all the good we will never see because of it.
The same is true of our wars. All the things we could have done with three trillion dollars and the best efforts of a million of our best people.
It is far worse than what we see and don't like. It is all the good we will never see because of it.
Trump is living on borrowed time.
He knows what crimes Mueller will uncover because Trump knows the crimes Trump has committed.
But more importantly Trump will not be able to fulfill the promises he has made to his base about restoring jobs.
Pardoning Arpaio who violated a court order will not restore jobs.
Building a wall will not.
Trying to prosecute HRC will not.
Repealing AAC will not.
Attacking the press will not.
Throwing temper tantrums will not.
What will his base do when the promised good paying jobs are not restored.
He knows what crimes Mueller will uncover because Trump knows the crimes Trump has committed.
But more importantly Trump will not be able to fulfill the promises he has made to his base about restoring jobs.
Pardoning Arpaio who violated a court order will not restore jobs.
Building a wall will not.
Trying to prosecute HRC will not.
Repealing AAC will not.
Attacking the press will not.
Throwing temper tantrums will not.
What will his base do when the promised good paying jobs are not restored.
74
What will his base do? They will blame someone else . . . Obama, Clinton, the media, the elite . . . never the con man.
3
"What will his base do when the promised good paying jobs are not restored."
That depends. What will they think Democrats of Hillary would have done, and what will they think the next Democrats offered will do?
Democrats very much control that. How did they use that control? How will they use it for next time?
It is a contest, two sides, not just the merits of one side.
That depends. What will they think Democrats of Hillary would have done, and what will they think the next Democrats offered will do?
Democrats very much control that. How did they use that control? How will they use it for next time?
It is a contest, two sides, not just the merits of one side.
1
Would that your reasoning become fact; however, we are all still scratching our heads over the base's inertia. I have no hopes for their suddenly awakening from a deep slumber.
Trump's ego needed a boost after that nasty media didn't say his Charlottesville remarks were worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize. I'm used to the lying garbage the man spews but I still shake my head at his supporters. Trump listed off the hate groups he claims to have criticized ("the new-Nazis, the KKK"). Watch the crowd behind him in the videos: they laugh and yuk it up as the groups are named...the KKK being so hilarious! What is wrong here? If these people don't qualify as deplorable, who does?
89
The Trump voters leave a great deal to be desired in terms of patriotism and understanding of democracy, but unfortunately their votes count for more than a vote from California, New York, Massachusetts, etc.
22
True and untenable. California will not be ruled by Arizona, never mind North Dakota, because of constitutional fundamentalism.
3
The President has now shown that the whole global warming hoax is just fake science. When POTUS says it's 115 degrees in Arizona, the thermometers only register 107! It looks like the temperature readings that the public gets is phony science, made by the liberal media and corrupt measuring instrument manufacturers. The only other possible explanation: The President is a reptile.
71
You forgot about that fake eclipse .... Melania and her "husband" watched.
I guess that's why "his pearshapeness" has the physiology to withstand such heat.
"Most people think I’m crazy to have done this. And I think they’re right."
For once, Donald tells the truth. Most folks agree that he's crazy whether he 'did this' or not. Most folks didn't know that he was THAT crazy, but now they have proof. Anyone who leaves his marble and gold encrusted toilet to work in a dump like the White House must be crazy, especially if he believes the home of our nation's presidents is a dump.
For once, Donald tells the truth. Most folks agree that he's crazy whether he 'did this' or not. Most folks didn't know that he was THAT crazy, but now they have proof. Anyone who leaves his marble and gold encrusted toilet to work in a dump like the White House must be crazy, especially if he believes the home of our nation's presidents is a dump.
43
In my middle-class opinion, the real craziness is wanting a marble & gold encrusted toilet to begin with. Then again, my own sanity has been questioned on occasion.
He talks, talks and talks some more. The more he talks more he convinces people how big an imbecile he is. Of course, all except his voters. There is no bigger fool than them. That is why they look up to him as their leader.
40
It's all hot air. Trump is a narcissist and needs to constantly satisfy his ego by basking in the adoration of his followers. Campaign rallies are his soul food. And his followers don't care what he says or lies about, like his constant assertion: "I know of no other president who has accomplished as much as me in his first six months." Sorry to say it but the 35% who approve of his "job performance," such as it is, are the same idiots who would believe a Nigerian prince is on the phone offering them money for nothing. For the remaining 65% of us, it's a never-ending nightmare. The GOP should heed Clapper's warnings, and Corker's, and Graham's, and get this reality show "president" out of the White House before it is too late. He and his Cabinet have already done real harm but it could get worse.
51
Trump fancies himself the Lawrence Olivier of the Trump Repertoire troupe. One day he can "play" the sane humble one, reading like some first grader from the teleprompter he cursed out President Obama for using. Then the next day, the bloated bi-polar buffoon is unleashed, and unhinged. He's in his favorite element, an adoring mob at a Trump rally. Trump needs no prompting then. He goes on and on, rambling all over the place, a spaced-out loonie who exacts revenge on his perceived enemies. His biggest enemy is himself, and we who despise him so revel in his pitiful self-hate, thinking about what we would say to this idiot: Back up, you creep.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
52
Although it's doubtful that he even knows who Laurence Olivier was or what "repertoire" means...
I have zero respect for anyone who defends this clown. History will not be kind to the fake "president". Every cloud has a silver lining, and the one here is that the GOP has been exposed as cowardly, racist and an enemy of anyone who is not filthy rich.
Perhaps Steve Mnuchin's wife can sell her handbag and shoes to pay for the wall.
Perhaps Steve Mnuchin's wife can sell her handbag and shoes to pay for the wall.
87
A majority of Americans already know that the GOP is filled with cowards, racists and greedy people (plus science deniers and/or illiterates). Trump's cabinet picks reinforce that knowledge. The question is, why can't we dethrone this lunatic President? He is a clear and present danger to our country and the world. The minority of Republicans who oppose him should join with Democrats and all real American patriots to get him out of office now.
4
"Perhaps Steve Mnuchin's wife can sell her handbag and shoes to pay for the wall." Excellent.
why give this guy bandwidth. stop covering his rallies and tweets and it will stop immediately.
32
I wish that were true; however, on days when the news produces high anxiety, at least from comments expressed here I find solace with the like-minded. Besides, with his need for attention, he might up his game, and he's scary enough as it is.
Though slow at learning the ropes, his status (moneyed) doesn't prevent us from calling him on his transgressions. Used to the rarefied (and under the radar) atmosphere in the golden tower, he is unfamiliar with the requirements of the position.
Though slow at learning the ropes, his status (moneyed) doesn't prevent us from calling him on his transgressions. Used to the rarefied (and under the radar) atmosphere in the golden tower, he is unfamiliar with the requirements of the position.
Gail let's be fair. Obama never ever made a speech without a Teleprompter and always accompanied by a Greek chorus. Remember his press conferences? He took at least 15 minutes to answer one question, Blathering on and on successfully running out the clock snd questions. And talk about college, Obamas Harvard records are sealed for life. Criticism of Trump is warranted but taking the blinders off of Obama's tenure is not warranted
4
1. I'll always prefer a president who is presents his concerns in a
manner that considers the issue in a thoughtful way as opposed to lies,
irrationality, bia alternative facts not to mention "instinct". I want the president to represent the people not just his "base".
2.Comparisons of Trump to Obama or his college records or anything else are
irrelevant -- He's a private citizen now.
manner that considers the issue in a thoughtful way as opposed to lies,
irrationality, bia alternative facts not to mention "instinct". I want the president to represent the people not just his "base".
2.Comparisons of Trump to Obama or his college records or anything else are
irrelevant -- He's a private citizen now.
19
We're not talking about President Obama but if we're going to be fair, let's mention that President Obama put genuine thought, empathy and comprehension into his communications. I watched dozens of interviews with him, he's smart, coherent, well reasoned and principled.
36
Obama was elected president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, while a student at the law school. Obama taught constitutional law at the university level, prior to elected office. Trump inherited his father's millions and went on to defraud students at his bogus university. Blinders off.
43
Did he mention the sailors who died serving our country....Gail, please call him out on his lack of empathy....from those who die when mosques are attacked to our servicemen and women. Sad.
47
I'm curious: what would happen if the press didn't cover his next rally at all? #45 loves to blame the media for everything. He hates it when journalists ctually report the vile things he says, claiming bias. But if the media just didn't show up, he'd be even more incensed. He'd probably cry or even start shouting, blaming the media for ignoring him. Like a tantrum-throwing toddler, he wants attention more than anything, even when it's negative.
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I agree wholeheartedly. Campaign rallies 3 and 1/2 years ahead of an election are not newsworthy at ALL.
Be ever careful of that for which you wish. He and the mentally impared would hatch their plots in secret. And your letter will have taken us to a new cliff off of which our nation can fall all unaware.
Really, it is just so easy to yawn away hearing Trump's lies and nincompooperies that we are in danger of letting it all just slide.
But, wow, if you quoted him accurately, Gail, then he has just uttered a complete truth.
An entire sentence, with subject and verb. True, it was buried among the usual "I" stuff and "this president" baloney, but if you persisted and got to the end, you'd have spotted it: "I really don't believe it."
There it was, right there. He admits that he doesn't believe it. The goofy, the ridiculous, the pompous, the self-kissing, the smarmy, the piggish, the incomprehensible, the grammar-free, the loathsome. He knows it's totally incredible. He doesn't believe it.
Am I right, Trump old thing?
But, wow, if you quoted him accurately, Gail, then he has just uttered a complete truth.
An entire sentence, with subject and verb. True, it was buried among the usual "I" stuff and "this president" baloney, but if you persisted and got to the end, you'd have spotted it: "I really don't believe it."
There it was, right there. He admits that he doesn't believe it. The goofy, the ridiculous, the pompous, the self-kissing, the smarmy, the piggish, the incomprehensible, the grammar-free, the loathsome. He knows it's totally incredible. He doesn't believe it.
Am I right, Trump old thing?
23
We Americans - mirabile dictu - have an unstable, ignorant, ranting, maniacal knuckle-dragging president in our 45th American Presidency. Either we deal with that fact (not 'alternative fact') and continue to weep as we are sucked into Trump's swamp of lies, rants, promises and demagoguery, or we pull ourselves out of the muck and mire into the unknown Orwellian world ahead. How can our great democracy in the new world have come to such an appalling pass? And what can we do to rescue our own red M.A.G.A. golf-capped people? Maybe you have some ideas how we can accomplish this Herculean task, Gail Collins?
23
As I suggested earlier, we could start by sending mental health workers, de-programmers and educators to Trump rallies. They could carry signs like "Sign up for a free Critical Thinking Seminar" (and really have one). Or, "Bipolar Disorder treated here." Or, "Trump Cult De-programming Here," and "Reality Therapy, Sliding Scale."
Sigh. Never mind, that'd be dangerous and Trumpsters don't believe in mental health, reality or education. Obviously. I still like my idea though.
Sigh. Never mind, that'd be dangerous and Trumpsters don't believe in mental health, reality or education. Obviously. I still like my idea though.
2
Those aren't golf caps, they are feed store hats. (Sorry farmers). Trump is not a golfer. He only plays so that the secret service has to rent golf carts from him. Write or email Ryan and tell him to take off his "I'm with stupid" tee shirt and insist that the budget bill prohibit spending any money on Secret Service protection for Trump or any of the family while they are in a commercial establishment with his name on it, or which is beneficially owned or managed by any of them. And no money for the GSA unless it cancels the hotel lease in accordance with its terms. Either that or send him to jail for violation of the emoluments clause and for outright graft.
1
Does the story of Jekyll and Hyde come to mind? Unfortunately this version is real.
21
There is no Jekyll and Hyde. Only Edward Hyde. Don't be mislead by the "teleprompter" Jekyll.
1
There is no presidential Trump. That mirage we see is created by the twenty-first century equivalent of smoke and mirrors: the ghost written speech and the teleprompter. Take those away and the image vanishes like the desert oasis we desperately crawl toward for relief and comfort. Not once has the image appeared without the props that produce it and not once has it failed to disappear when we reached out gratefully to touch it.
Perhaps all those who left the Phoenix rally early were beginning to realize that their hero was just an illusion brought on by the heat of the desert Sun.
Perhaps all those who left the Phoenix rally early were beginning to realize that their hero was just an illusion brought on by the heat of the desert Sun.
22
Thanks, Gail!
Republicans AND Democrats in Congress know that this man is unhinged, narcissistic, racist, misogynistic, and completely out of control when he talks without a speech written by someone else. What are they going to do about it? Unfortunately, so far, the answer is nothing.
Republicans AND Democrats in Congress know that this man is unhinged, narcissistic, racist, misogynistic, and completely out of control when he talks without a speech written by someone else. What are they going to do about it? Unfortunately, so far, the answer is nothing.
61
Several Democrats have brought bills with Articles of Impeachment. Right now they don't have the votes to proceed. If the Democrats don't win back Congress, both chambers, Trump will remain in power. All who want to disempower Trump need to vote in 2018. That is one thing that needs to be done about it. Unfortunately the election is not a given and it will take a great deal of money, time, politicking and luck for Democrats to prevail in 2018. We need to fight hard to regain the Congress for the regular, sane people and also to get honest Republicans to show some spine.
1
"Right now, every day Americans have to wonder whether the president will be sane or spontaneous."
Gail, perhaps you could change the word "sane" to "scripted" or "sensible." I never have to wonder if he is sane.
Gail, perhaps you could change the word "sane" to "scripted" or "sensible." I never have to wonder if he is sane.
36