The Kennedy Center Honors does not need presidents to attend. If a president wants to attend and feels he or she has something of value to bring to the occasion, by all means, show up. Otherwise, please, do us the favor of staying home.
Artists have brains, and anyone with a brain despises Trump and he knows it.
3
Can't wait until HE bows out of the White House. Please Hurry, Mueller.
1
I thank God every day that Donald Trump was elected. And I hope before he is through he gives it all right back to the New York Times. I gloat every moment he shoves it right in the liberals' faces. What unceasing joy !
1
Why can't the Kennedy Center invite any or all former presidents and their wives? The Obamas, Clintons, both sets of Bushes and the Carters would make an impressive, bi-partisan statement. And certainly would be better than Trump.
10
That the author/editor can use the term "future" given the current POTUS underscores a substantial excessive optomism.
2
Trump should create his own awards honoring the police and military who make it possible for the artists to make fools of themselves.
He can hold the awards ceremony at his Washington, DC hotel on the same night as the Kennedy Center Honors.
He can hold the awards ceremony at his Washington, DC hotel on the same night as the Kennedy Center Honors.
6
Hey, maybe Alec Baldwin can substitute for Donald Trump. We could all use a good laugh right about now.
3
Trump is a singularly loathsome person, there will not be a similar revolt among Kennedy Center honorees in the future unless this country somehow manages to elect another cretin of his magnitude.
6
Our society is literally saturated with celebrities, media and politics, and it would be a good thing if the Kennedy Center honors went away completely (along with the White House Correspondents Dinner, and nearly every awards show starting with the Oscars).
3
You seem to miss the point of the Kennedy Center awards. It recognizes a lifetime of achievement and helps keep the contributions of the arts in the forefront. That is something that Trump doesn't understand and evidently neither do you. That's why people have remotes on their TVs. You have a choice to pass.
5
Most of these celebrities have warehouses full of awards. Norman Lear will likely take a tax deduction when he donates his Kennedy trophy to his museum of a thousand such trophies.
Someone is actually worried that Trumps' absence will influence other Presidents??!! The Kennedy Center Honors is better off without their presence this year. At best, it would have been... AWKWAARD... for all. In honoring artists from a wide range of disciplines, the evening has provided a show of the highest caliber. Trump's presence would have been a distraction and simply eclipsed the artists. Just invite the Obamas again!
9
Really? It was made clear if Trump showed up, 3 of the 5 honorees were going to take a pass on attending. Further, Trump would have placed himself in a situation where he would be booed and heckled. Hopefully, we will not ever again have such an inept and unqualified plutocrat (oh God please) as our President. Each day he shows us who he really is......a extreme narcissist who is an abject racist who has absolutely no idea how to perform "the art of the deal". How is the payment from Mexico for the wall coming, Donald?
5
In usual NYT form, Trump takes a hit for not attending the Kennedy Center Honors, but any of those honored can skip it and it's a grand patriotic gesture.
VP Pence and his family couldn't even attend a performance of Hamilton without getting a lecture by the self-anointed cast.
The Leftist Kennedy Center Honors dog and pony show should just admit it wants to essentially become its own PAC.
If the veiled purpose of the event is to raise money, surely there are sufficient millionaires and billionaires in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Manhattan who made their fortunes in the arts who can underwrite their own programs.
VP Pence and his family couldn't even attend a performance of Hamilton without getting a lecture by the self-anointed cast.
The Leftist Kennedy Center Honors dog and pony show should just admit it wants to essentially become its own PAC.
If the veiled purpose of the event is to raise money, surely there are sufficient millionaires and billionaires in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Manhattan who made their fortunes in the arts who can underwrite their own programs.
5
Boy, you just don't get it. However, a correction. The artists were not planning to attend the WH ceremony, not the honors themselves. They take it more seriously than an ill informed oaf of a president. By the way, conservative republicans and others not on the 'left' also contribute and attend.
1
This is a leftist event that honors Hollywood elites and no Republican should ever attend!
4
The article includes a photo of Charlton Heston shaking hands with then President Clinton-an example of gracious bipartisanship
2
@sanderlingk Heston played Moses and parted the Red Sea. Clinton wasn't going to diss that.
2
You think Dubya didn't want to meet Tina Turner?
I'm happy I can watch this annual celebration without the distraction of Trump. After all, it's about cultural achievement and celebrates OTHER people. Two things he's not at all interested in.
5
Trump and the Arts are as removed from this ignoramus's nomenclature as is governing. The myth of Trump's expertise as a successful businessman is just that, a myth of the first order. Trump is a numbskull, a Chauncey Gardiner who only knows what he's seen on the TV screen. He is partial to FOX "news" the very definition of Fake News. And so the Kennedy Awards and any other connection to Art is over that Orange-tinged head of his. Trump is a cipher whose secret decoder ring is tuned to the bizarre ramblings of the not-so-bright Breitbart propaganda apparatus. If one wants to know what kind of fashion sense Trump has just take a gander at his opulently garish digs on top of Trump Tower. Need I say more?
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
5
The awards show will go on, with or without Mr Trump. It is a celebration of the arts, not the president.
4
Oh, please. Your statement that the current president's refusal to attend the Kennedy Center honors will set a precedent is in search of a story. Do you really think future presidents will follow the examples set by Trump?
6
Fear of rejection, boos, and snub haunts those who don't understand democracy!
2
There is a difference between an occasion where people from different parties come together as opposed to accepting the presence of one who ignores the values and Constitution of our country. The former helps to unify the country, the latter attempts to divide it. When a President disregards the Constitution and is unethical, it is important for the people in the arts to object peacefully, rather than accept this as normal behavior and pay homage to someone who often objects to them.
7
The president is so unwise.
1
He doesn't want to be with them and they don't want to be with him. End of report.
9
Great article
please, politics doesn't "intrude" it is not agent-less , it is slathered on by slatherers...self interested slatherers, whether for power (the politicals at work) or profit (the infotainment business doing, well...its business)...whatever one thinks of trump, (no vote of support her the persistent personal attacks on him and his can't help but stir sympathy in the name of civility and concern for the future of the republic, (from this aging progressive anyway), rather sliding toward rage and violence than rising toward improvement of "the general Welfare").
it is the office, not the trumps which will not be represented at the nation's primary ceremony in honor of the arts, in a place named after a president whose regard for the arts is a major part of his legacy.
that trump was wise to decline rather than risk distracting episodes of protest and perhaps violence is sad...we've done damage here, if we have any senses left to come to after these days of mindlessness, let's hope we have the will to nurse them back to health.
it is the office, not the trumps which will not be represented at the nation's primary ceremony in honor of the arts, in a place named after a president whose regard for the arts is a major part of his legacy.
that trump was wise to decline rather than risk distracting episodes of protest and perhaps violence is sad...we've done damage here, if we have any senses left to come to after these days of mindlessness, let's hope we have the will to nurse them back to health.
1
It wasn't so long ago that artists were blacklisted simply for being artsy in the US.
5
Of course future presidents will attend the Kennedy Center Honors gala. It will happen as soon as the current occupant in the White House -- the very same who thumbs his nose at all that is good and fair and just in our nation -- resigns or is thrown out of office.
9
The awards are not from Donald Trump, but from the nation. An honoree is, of course, free to decline receiving it but it is these artists themselves who are injecting politics into this by allowing their dislike of the president to create this situation.
Some in here defend this by saying that Trump is a boor, not the real president, etc. (yes perhaps to the first, sorry but he is to the second) yet it is equally boorish of a nominee (or performer as in the Hamilton fiasco) to think that their own beliefs should govern the event. Are there other honorees who feel cheated because of it, just as theater goers who didn't share the actor's politics feel their evening of theater was needlessly ruined? How many in here would have seethed with outrage had Obama or Biden been thusly treated?
Finally are these offended artists declining the award itself? Why not...if the taint of Trump is so bad they won't go to the White House - solely by personal choice, mind you - why isn't the award itself tainted? If they reallly were so principled they should reject the whole thing, no?
Some in here defend this by saying that Trump is a boor, not the real president, etc. (yes perhaps to the first, sorry but he is to the second) yet it is equally boorish of a nominee (or performer as in the Hamilton fiasco) to think that their own beliefs should govern the event. Are there other honorees who feel cheated because of it, just as theater goers who didn't share the actor's politics feel their evening of theater was needlessly ruined? How many in here would have seethed with outrage had Obama or Biden been thusly treated?
Finally are these offended artists declining the award itself? Why not...if the taint of Trump is so bad they won't go to the White House - solely by personal choice, mind you - why isn't the award itself tainted? If they reallly were so principled they should reject the whole thing, no?
3
They probably realize that this vacuous oaf who acts as president would have had nothing to do with anything cultural and have little or no first hand knowledge of their work or how it is judged.
1
Is that the standard by which it is decided if a president attends or not? How well did other presidents have "first hand knowledge of their work or how it is judged"? It's irrelevant.
1
Don't blame the President for skipping the Gala. Blame Hollywood for being uni-color and blame the Gala for allowing it to become politically partisan.
5
I say, “Who cares? IMHO, this country ought not to be taxing the public in order to promote bread and circuses and self-congratulatory black-tie awards festivals in the first place. Let those who want to honor Led Zeppelin and Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett buy their records and attend their concerts—that is all those performers are entitled to in a democracy. If Queen Elizabeth II wants to confer sashes and medals and titles on her artistic subjects, God save the Queen, but in this country, we don’t need more government pageantry. The president is not our national father figure or ribbon cutter or spiritual leader. And when the Queen or Putin or some other poobah is invited to the people’s White House, let the cook find out what’s on special that week at the A&P, and let those who need alcohol B.Y.O.B. in a paper sack.
2
Pence probably thought he was attending a performance about Trump and himself when he went to see "The King and I".
7
It's only a problem is you've pandered to racists to the point that the honorees won't attend if you do. So, with luck, this is not a long term problem.
3
Had Mr. Trump attended, many honorees would not have come, or would have skipped the White House reception. Trump's presence would have convinced attendees not to come. All of the members of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities have resigned.
Good for them. For two years Trump has pandered to neo-Nazis, white supremacists, the KKK and other white racists. Now he has failed to say anything appropriate regarding the murder of a young woman by a neo-Nazi in Charlottesville. On top of that, he pardoned the racist Arizona sheriff who arrested and held folks simply because they were Latino.
A president should attend the Kennedy Center Honors, of course. I am sure future presidents will attend. We need not, however, normalize anything about the present resident of the White House, including whether or not he fulfills this particular responsibility. Trump has failed to fulfill the duties of the office of the presidency. It is that simple. He is not and will never be a real president.
Good for them. For two years Trump has pandered to neo-Nazis, white supremacists, the KKK and other white racists. Now he has failed to say anything appropriate regarding the murder of a young woman by a neo-Nazi in Charlottesville. On top of that, he pardoned the racist Arizona sheriff who arrested and held folks simply because they were Latino.
A president should attend the Kennedy Center Honors, of course. I am sure future presidents will attend. We need not, however, normalize anything about the present resident of the White House, including whether or not he fulfills this particular responsibility. Trump has failed to fulfill the duties of the office of the presidency. It is that simple. He is not and will never be a real president.
6
Trump not attending the ceremony is not precedent setting...it's just that Trump won't go anywhere in public where Americans will snub, boo or reject him.
The "Infantile Agitator in Chief" can't stand the heat when it's directed at him.
The fact is...no one wants him there!
The "Infantile Agitator in Chief" can't stand the heat when it's directed at him.
The fact is...no one wants him there!
9
honors (and charity) begin at home
The attendance of the President "adds lustre" to the event? Trump would just tarnish it.l
8
Why should we think that anything Trump does or doesn't do should set precedent? The man is hateful, spiteful, and dangerous. In most instances, anyone with a good heart and a clear mind would propably do the exact opposite.
5
Can we please hit the ignore button for a few days on 45? In the days of disaster and threats of Nuclear War we continue to give 45 what he cherishes more than anything in the world. 45 loves attention and we daily give him what he lives for. For those who thought 45 was going to spread magic dust and bring back the good olds days I guess they are still waiting. For those who didn't vote I know they won't make that mistake again. For 45's base i say stay his base because he is getting so many other people peeved that soon their numbers will overwhelm you. America was great before 45 and 45 is doing everything he can to make sure America is never Great Again! So pushing the ignore button on 45 for few days may send him into withdrawal and he might seek some serious help. When someone refers to 45 as President I honestly can't picture who they are talking about.
3
Why would he want to attend since he is intent on killing off the arts?
The only reason he does not want to attend is because he cannot bear being in a venue with over 2,000 people praising the accomplishments of others. His ego would implode. The Baby-in-Chief would probably have tweeted during the entire event.
The only reason he does not want to attend is because he cannot bear being in a venue with over 2,000 people praising the accomplishments of others. His ego would implode. The Baby-in-Chief would probably have tweeted during the entire event.
6
As to "future presidents..." don't we all look forward to the day, not too distant I hope, and a president like all those before this one, regardless of party, are welcomed by all at the Kennedy Center honors, opening day baseball games and other public events?
Since the awards are about other people's success Trump has no interest in attending unless he gets an award too. Like a super bowl ring from one of his supporters.
10
The actors and artists are showing courage, something current GOP politicians do not have.
7
How, exactly, are they showing "courage"? What dangers or risks do they actually face?
1
Mr. Trump has zero intellectual or cultural awareness.
Remember, he doesn't read. All he does is watch Fox TV looking for adulation.
So, better that he stay away rather than devalue human achievement even more than he does already.
Remember, he doesn't read. All he does is watch Fox TV looking for adulation.
So, better that he stay away rather than devalue human achievement even more than he does already.
13
So long as honorees and others decide to turn a non-political event into a political event through their protests, avoiding it entirely is the only way to return it to its original purpose.
7
Or so long as the President is such a disgrace that fewer and fewer people are willing to be seen in public with him. There is conduct so beyond the pale that you can't ever treat the actor like a normal person.
4
If his performance at the Boy Scout Jamboree is any indication, Trump would have found a way to make the presentations to the honorees about his stunning electoral victory and the dishonest media, believe me, believe me...
5
The country can only hope that anything Trump does that sets a precedent will be repudiated by his successors, and that the next person elected will roll back the ill-advised changes he has unilaterally made w/o the help of congress or the consent of the people.
18
Trump's poisonous judicial appointments will be very difficult to purge.
3
Why would anyone in their right mind want Trump to appear at their ceremony?
28
This issue certainly won't keep me up at night, but I'd imagine it's a no-brainer for a Democratic president to attend, as the "arts" veer sharply left. In these days of politics as a contact sport, I could see a GOP president finding something else to do that night.
3
The Republicans found a President that almost makes George W. Bush look good. What is really amazing is that 74% of Republicans still approve of Donald Trump as President. That's what the Republican Party has become.
15
I am a Trump Democrat and I still approve 100% of the President. So it's not only the Republican voters, the independents and some of the Democrats too.
4
Almost?
1
Why? Politics aside, the man displays a complete and utter lack of human decency, compassion and moral compass. I vehemently disagreed with George W. Bush's policies, but I never believed that he was not a fundamentally decent person. He couldn't event muster the decency to acknowledge McCain's battle against cancer, and I'm no fan of McCain.
3
I hope the trumps set NO precedents.
I hope we can recover from all of the
nightmare that is trump.
I hope we can recover from all of the
nightmare that is trump.
20
It's another 1% story by the NYT. The wealthy and famous patting themselves on the back to the tune of big bucks. The whole awards ceremony could disappear, along with the awards, and only the super-rich privileged and elite class would miss them--and not all that many of those.
4
So that is why so many 1% work for Trump? If you are acting like Trump is better you miss the point of his administration completely.
16
If future American presidents follow President Trump's examples, we have far more pressing problems than Kennedy Center honors for anyone.
17
One only needs to view the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors when Aretha Franklin brought down the house honoring Carole King with "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman" to reflect on the national significance and importance of the KCH for the American arts. Many in the room were brought to tears with admiration, including the President and some of his cabinet members. Most past presidents have attended since 1978 with the exception of two emergency situations when first ladies stepped in. It has been largely apolitical. While it is not a policy breaking role, ceremonial celebrations like the KCH are a cultural pastime of American history in Washington. I look forward to the future when a more dignified administration will host the well lauded honorees.
20
But with Trump it is a matter of meanness, small mindedness. Always "I was not respected." Just like the thugs of the large cities...looking always for respect more than caring about governing or their country. Or city.
1
Certainly. It's a sad day when the KCH, a time honored tradition for lifetime achievement to the American arts, falls victim to this.
"Setting Politics Aside" is only ever used to make white people comfortable when they really shouldn't be. It is only ever used to overlook the racism, sexism, and homophobia that challenging it would upset their members.It is a cultural move to allow people who wouldn't be abhorrent to "us" but only "them" to find acceptance. An excuse to let people claim their morality yet not address the outcomes of oppressions that doesn't hurt them. It is always a claim of the already privileged, never the oppressed. Because the oppressed NEVER GET TO SET POLITICS ASIDE.
8
What is it with us and all the entertainer award programs?
7
understandable concerns among officials of the Kennedy center's event for the possible precedent being set by the trump's declining to attempt this years' ceremony not withstanding - that decision was actually a smart one, believe it or not. all one needs to do is watch yet again Myrle Streep's speech denouncing trump as she accepted yet another citation of excellence. ANYBODY with an ounce of common sense and basic human sensitivity was touched by Myrle's talk. yet, "that" president denounced and belittled her and her artistic abilities which are arguably some of the most adored the world over. so he might as well stay away and let us celebrate the arts and humanities - appreciation for which he has already plenty proved he's totally devoid.
8
There are plenty former Presidents that would be happy to attend, Clinton, Carter, Bush....
14
Kennedy Center Honors lost their significance for me in the last 10 years. The Who? Led Zeppelin? These are wealthy mega-stars that don't need any more accolades. Now, it's just another boring awards show.
5
When you do something that touches the hearts of millions it's not unusual that financial rewards follow. These artists shouldn't be blamed for being rich.
1
The reverberations of Trump's statements about Charlottesvillle amaze me. Trump specifically stated that he was not morally equating both sides of the demonstration. Rather, he said that it was a violent demonstration where both sides attacked the other, Trump is not a neo-Nazi foot soldier. But the press isn't being objective and the good folks at the Kennedy Center are convinced that Trump supports neo-Nazis and the KKK. If you don't believe me, notice that this article calls Trump's statements equivocal, which is accurate but is far afield of previous statements. If the press, from the start, had labelled Trump's statements as equivocal, the Kennedy Center folks would have a fair view of this matter. We're finally getting an accurate version of this matter but it is much too late in the day.
6
Trump is Vlad Putin's stooge to pay back the US for arming the Afghan rebels with SAMs leading to the disintegration of the USSR.
This guy doesn't set any precedence. He's an idiot and no one else will follow his lead.
29
When we go back to having normal Presidents, they will attend the Kennedy Center events, like normal Presidents do.
Right now we have an abnormal president. No one else will do what he has done. He's one in a million. But not in a good way...
Right now we have an abnormal president. No one else will do what he has done. He's one in a million. But not in a good way...
31
If and when America has a new and legitimate President,
he or she will run from any "precedent" set by the mentally ill current resident in the Oval Office.
President DoLittle is a coward.
His mental illness leaves him ill equipped to deal with criticism.
he or she will run from any "precedent" set by the mentally ill current resident in the Oval Office.
President DoLittle is a coward.
His mental illness leaves him ill equipped to deal with criticism.
27
Kind of a pseudo-event, innit?
2
The Donald will not set any precedents...he's a clown. Why would anything he does matter?
19
The impossible has happened. In his speech honoring Barbra Streisand, George W. Bush now seems like an exemplar of grace, generosity, good humor and decency, and even eloquence and dignity. Could it be that as a lifelong liberal I would fall on my knees to have President Bush back in the White House? Yes because for all our political differences I never doubted his patriotism. His cabinet seems so professional and diverse compared to this one. Oh, how bad can Trump be? my husband and I asked ourselves last November. And we are only beginning to find out.
26
The dumpster fire of vanity doesn't perceive other people unless they fit his needs and desires.
Other presidents, I hope - if this is not as destructive as it sometimes threatens to be - will resume being civilized.
Other presidents, I hope - if this is not as destructive as it sometimes threatens to be - will resume being civilized.
18
Of course don't change the precident. In fact the criterion for such
things should be whatever Trump didn't do. Imagine a nation that
follows his lead on anything. Thus far we have escaped his lead because
he doesn't lead, just mouths off.
things should be whatever Trump didn't do. Imagine a nation that
follows his lead on anything. Thus far we have escaped his lead because
he doesn't lead, just mouths off.
13
Trump knows perfectly well that he is despised by artists and other creative people.
13
I hope that Trump watches next year's event from a jail cell.
29
Donald Trump will never spend one day in jail. President Pence will follow Gerald Ford's example and pardon Trump after taking the Oath of Office.
1
Hopefully our next president will bring Class back to the office of President. And may it happen soon.
15
President Pence, classy? That's not what comes to my mind. How about "extreme?"
12
@If Russian tampering with the election is proven, the results will be invalidated which rids us of Pence too.
2
Only if another equally uncouth boor is elected President will we have to worry about this being a precident.
17
Trump is not interested in culture nor in cultural figures that do not support him 100%. He will not support anything where he is not the focus of attention. Besides, why force Melania to attend with Trump? She usually looks like she does not want to be with the President.
17
I would love to see all the living former presidents attend the event in Trump's place. The Kennedy Center laureates deserve the honor of presidential attendance, but why let Trump spoil the event with his ill-manners and primitive demeanor? He's got at least one foot on the banana peel anyway.
31
I really doubt that Trump is setting any precedents - except maybe for future boorish and unpopular Presidents who may show up down the road. And, being as ignorant as he is, they will have forgotten him by then: "Troomp? Oh, yes, wonderful game show host, a lot of people don't know about the great work he's done with gold bathroom fixtures. He owes me ten million dollars, by the way..."
10
If they have brains in their heads and souls to be accountable for, then yeah - they will.
1
For all involved, I think it's best that Trump sit this one out. Hopefully, his relationship with the arts community will be much better in a year.
But, ideally this honor--named after the Center's namesake, President John F. Kennedy--should involve a combination of federal and independent support. This is what JFK wanted, after all. That the American people, at limited expense, should be able to witness the fine arts (We may have to work on the "limited expense" piece).
But, ideally this honor--named after the Center's namesake, President John F. Kennedy--should involve a combination of federal and independent support. This is what JFK wanted, after all. That the American people, at limited expense, should be able to witness the fine arts (We may have to work on the "limited expense" piece).
3
If Stephen Colbert will be hosting as he did at the previous celebration, trump may have declined out of fear. Or maybe he thought his bone spurs might be acting up.
11
I assume the next president will want to erase Trump's record as much as Trump wants to erase Obama's -- meaning he or she will consider it both a privilege and a mandate to attend the Honors, with his/her profound appreciation for the arts and practitioners of the arts on full display.
BTW, I don't think it's coincidental that the pair of honorees who declined to attend the White House reception, Norman Lear and Carmen de Lavallade, are the elders of this year's field. They have the longest perspective on many aspects of contemporary life, and on the quick and shameless damage Trump's tenure is inflicting upon the hard-fought, hard-won progress of past generations. Mr. Lear and Ms. de Lavallade have my gratitude for standing on their principles. I wish doing the right thing came as easily to many of our elected officials.
BTW, I don't think it's coincidental that the pair of honorees who declined to attend the White House reception, Norman Lear and Carmen de Lavallade, are the elders of this year's field. They have the longest perspective on many aspects of contemporary life, and on the quick and shameless damage Trump's tenure is inflicting upon the hard-fought, hard-won progress of past generations. Mr. Lear and Ms. de Lavallade have my gratitude for standing on their principles. I wish doing the right thing came as easily to many of our elected officials.
18
The next president will be Pence.
Pence despises the Arts and is on board with cancelling every program there is.
You'll have to wait a little longer.
Pence despises the Arts and is on board with cancelling every program there is.
You'll have to wait a little longer.
5
Trump is the ultimate "snowflake" -- the word that the rightwing applies to liberals. They fail to note that Trump can't stand criticism of any kind and needs constant stroking -- hence, the pep rallies he keeps throwing for himself in his "safe spaces" -- in the red states.
Trump didn't want the embarrassment of the honorees refusing to come to the reception at the White House nor did he want photos of the protestors who would have shown up outside the venue and he definitely didn't want to deal with the possibility of the audience itself booing him in the presidential box.
Not attending was all about his thin skin -- the same thin skin that prevented him from throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the start of baseball season, attending the White House Correspondents dinner, and speaking at the NAACP Convention. He's a coward plain and simple.
Trump didn't want the embarrassment of the honorees refusing to come to the reception at the White House nor did he want photos of the protestors who would have shown up outside the venue and he definitely didn't want to deal with the possibility of the audience itself booing him in the presidential box.
Not attending was all about his thin skin -- the same thin skin that prevented him from throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the start of baseball season, attending the White House Correspondents dinner, and speaking at the NAACP Convention. He's a coward plain and simple.
32
If you know you're going to get seriously dissed then why go?
9
The Kennedy Center Honors are for the nation to recognize achievement in the arts, as others are recognized for their achievements in science, letters, and government in differing venues. Trump's decision not to attend as well as his ignoring the White House correspondents' annual charity-raising roast reflects his ignorance,pettiness and petulance. This behavior manifest in his decisions portending deleterious effects on our unique National Park System was evident years ago in New York City as he demolished a frieze destined for the Metropolitan Museum of Art so he could rush construction of Trump Tower. We are all the worse for this selfish, greedy, mindless man and his sycophants.
17
The White House occupant is not our President, so he doesn't count anyway.
14
President Trump's decision to skip the Kennedy Center Honors event will become precedent only if future presidents exhibit the profound lack of leadership demonstrated by the current White House occupant. Such fecklessness is not likely. No president to date has sunk nearly to the depths of ungenerous gracelessness of President Trump.
25
Donald Trump is on a course to destroy everything good and bi-partisan in this country. The reason inductees backed out and the reason the press scrutinizes his every move is because he is such a dishonest broker. Donald Trump accuses the press of hating the country when he so clearly hates it -- right now, the majority of the American people see him for who he is. His behavior throughout the campaign and especially these last six-seven months have been nothing short of disgraceful. His supporters will blame the so-called liberal elites in the entertainment world, but they would do well to remember that every other recipient of past has joined in and felt honored to be recognized by the President of the United States -- Republican or Democrat. It's him and his rhetoric day after day after day -- his complete disregard for the people he serves that has brought us to this very depressing and demoralizing time. I hope America and the country will be stronger and even better when this awful, awful man is out of office. Hope Springs Eternal.
17
All Corporate Sponsors should boycott the Kennedy Center event in order to maintain an impartial political posture.
8
The article and comments leave unmentioned another problem with the Kennedy Center honors: the worthiness of the recipients. This year's crop is three-fifths undistinguished, and the 2 honorees who deserve the honor have made it clear they will not attend. Second-tier pop musicians are an indicator that the honors should be retired. Under Trump I think we'll get stuck with Wayne Newton, Ted Nugent, and a steady stream of bottom drawer country singers.
6
"Deborah F. Rutter, the current president of the Kennedy Center, said that she expects to see presidents back in their boxes in future years, possibly as early as next year." Right, next year, by which time Trump will be gone. This is a one-off for all parties: Kennedy Center officials didn't want the headache, Melania has shown little interest or involvement in the arts, and The Donald only attends those events that offer total devotion to him. Kudos to Norman Lear, Carmen de Lavallade, and all 16 members of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities who resigned to protest the president’s seeming defense of white nationalists in Charlottesville (Lionel Ritchie, don't be such a wus!).
18
Although 45's decision not to attend has a lot to do with the withdrawal of at least two of the inductees and the fact that he is wildly unpopular with most of the people who will be in the audience, his decision to not attend may be one of the few wise decisions he has made. His appearance would be a distraction: the media would be looking at every smirk and seat shift he makes during the performance--it would not be a good scene for anyone involved--particularly for 45.
27
Totally agree - why go if unwanted? Subject himself to someone who chances to denigrating him. Let the honorees enjoy the festivities without the distraction that the media will make - all about the President instead of the honorees which would be sad.
3
Because if you had the courage of your convictions and believed in your position you would relish any opportunity to urge people to see the world from your vision of what you think was best for it. But obviously if you are spouting vile and dangerous divisive nonsense in to order to bolster your personal and financial situation with no care for those you hurt - then exposure is a real threat.
1
I feel for the FLOTUS. I am appalled at myself for saying so, but I do. I suspect she imagined a different tenure as First Lady. I know. I know. She married him, but could she really be expected to imagine the depths he would plumb. Such a toxic combination of boorishness and power, narcissism and ignorance.
6
However I have read that her views on Charlottesville are not too different from his. So while I was sorry for her to start with I am easing back on that now.
The trumps are not skipping the Kennedy Center Honors event. They are avoiding it, because 3 honorees threatened to back out if they were in attendance and because they know they'd be booed out of the house by anyone who bothers to show up. The same will happen with most other major Washington events. Why do you think the trumps haven't been seen in DC since the Easter Egg Roll? They are complete pariahs here.
14
There is something deeply disturbing about the premise of this article. By suggesting that a precedent could be set for future Presidents to refuse to attend the Kennedy Honors the implication is that there is some political validity to the Presidents actions when in fact it is nothing more than an unpopular President not wanting to face honorees and an audience who are disgusted by his behavior.
29
It seems a bit premature and hysterical to ask this question. Let's assume that Trump is an aberration and we will not again have so vastly under-qualified a person in the office of POTUS.
20
For The Donald, "the performing arts" refers to Carney and Linkletter, neither of whom is now alive. In any case, the Kennedy Center bigwigs need have no fear: whereas Trump would never attend an event at which he's likely to be met with something less than a standing ovation, future presidents will be as happy to share the limelight with non-politicians as former presidents have been.
10
With the boorish behavior for this administration established I don't think it will be honored in the future with imitation.
5
Why attend a ceremony where the attendees show you no respect?
Only the liberal left would think not attending is boorish!
Only the liberal left would think not attending is boorish!
6
It's not the not attending that is boorish, it's the so-called president who is boorish, and worse. Listen again to his words taped on the bus. No, really, listen.
15
This so-called president is poison. Nobody of benevolent mind wants to be near him. He knows this, and so declines so that others don't have a chance to tell him so.
15
Trump attend a gala that honors other people, and not him? Not gonna happen, ever.
And if it did, you can be sure he would insult them, like a Comedy Central Roast.
And if it did, you can be sure he would insult them, like a Comedy Central Roast.
14
He's not attending for the same reason he couldn't throw out the first pitch - the likelihood of being booed.
It's fine, though. Culture's not his thing.
Regarding setting a precedent, if he doesn't put us under martial law or blow us all up, the next president will attend. Nobody could be this lame.
It's fine, though. Culture's not his thing.
Regarding setting a precedent, if he doesn't put us under martial law or blow us all up, the next president will attend. Nobody could be this lame.
18
Joe LI, NY Pending Approval
What a relief Trump's not going. Months ago, I was thinking of how awkward it would be have the culturally and socially clueless one loom (and no doubt squirm) over the festivities. So glad to have him withdraw. Finally, there's one thing he's done right!
Given his record of flubs and foolhardiness, why would Trump's absence inspire any future leaders to follow his lead?
What a relief Trump's not going. Months ago, I was thinking of how awkward it would be have the culturally and socially clueless one loom (and no doubt squirm) over the festivities. So glad to have him withdraw. Finally, there's one thing he's done right!
Given his record of flubs and foolhardiness, why would Trump's absence inspire any future leaders to follow his lead?
8
What a relief Trump's not going. Months ago, I was thinking of how awkward it would be have the culturally and socially clueless one loom (and no doubt squirm) over the festivities. So glad to have him withdraw. Finally, there's one thing he's done right!
2
I'm begging an honoree to invite the Clintons and Obamas as guests. Please please please.
Trump is classless. He could use some cultural education obviously but he likely won't start now.
Trump is classless. He could use some cultural education obviously but he likely won't start now.
8
Yes, a new precedent has been set by the president not attending the Kennedy Center Honors.
In a year of many precedents, that precedent is among the least worrisome.
In a year of many precedents, that precedent is among the least worrisome.
8
I think that future presidents will attend the Kennedy Center Honors. Unless Trump is America's last president.
16
You mentioned in this article it has always been a bipartisan event but that honorees were planning to stage protests by not attending. Why would Trump want to attend such an event.
Radical liberal democrats have shown their contempt for the constitution and Trump since he was elected. There disruptive acts have temporarily delayed Trump implementing what he was elected to do but they ultimately won't be able to stop him.
The end result of their actions will be a backlash by voters that will result in a second term in office for Trump
Radical liberal democrats have shown their contempt for the constitution and Trump since he was elected. There disruptive acts have temporarily delayed Trump implementing what he was elected to do but they ultimately won't be able to stop him.
The end result of their actions will be a backlash by voters that will result in a second term in office for Trump
8
Interesting point of view.
No one expected Trump to win...except Trump. If he becomes reelected that's proof of how dumb, naive, and uncaring Americans have become.
3
Even with G W Bush, Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand had the class to show up to the White House reception!
The fact some of this years liberal honorees said they planned to shun the White House reception suggests they NOT President Trump were the ones who brought politics into play.
The fact some of this years liberal honorees said they planned to shun the White House reception suggests they NOT President Trump were the ones who brought politics into play.
6
One of the honorees is black and was understandably uncomfortable with President Trump's attitude toward KKK and white supremacists. I'm not black or Jewish and I'm uncomfortable with the President's attitude.
14
Irene please respond with a direct quote of what Trump said that made you so uncomfortable. I haven't seen or heard anything.
4
I like to think Ms. Streisand and Mr. Redford would have skipped the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
7
I believe that future Presidents will be very anxious to undo Trump's terrible behaviors and actions and to restore the customs and dignities that have typified the presidency in the past. Old traditions will be intentionally reinvigorated as a means of expressing distance from Trump's boorishness and a return to civility..
17
Oh, no, he won't go!
It's WAY too elitist for his base to wrap their heads around. Besides, Melania's dress designer is on vacation. But don't worry your pretty little head, Scarlett. When we get a real president, they'll be back.
It's WAY too elitist for his base to wrap their heads around. Besides, Melania's dress designer is on vacation. But don't worry your pretty little head, Scarlett. When we get a real president, they'll be back.
13
Actual, serving Presidents will always be welcome, but not this traitorous, immature child currently occupying our "dump" of a White House.
21
DT does not find value in the ats. I am sure he will be happier watching TV and twittering. Our next president (may the day come soon) will of course attend. Any other person is going to have more respect.
20
It will set no precedent. How can one expect the philistine Goliath to acknowledge excellence in field he is incapable of understanding, let alone allow his empty self to not be the center of attention? Moreover the recipients can feel honored by his absence.
16
Trump had no class so no surprise that he will boycott the event.
14
I really think it depends on the person who is president. I can imagine that Trump doesn't see enough value in attending because it would not be about him. I'd sure seeing other people honored is not appealing to him.
In knowing the kinds of things that Trump enjoys for entertainment, those who are celebrated at the Kennedy Center would be unfamiliar or not his taste I suspect.
This is not a precedent in the making. This is a culture free president who prefers Ted Nugent to Yo Yo Ma or Renee Fleming and we already know there are limits to his attention span and tolerance.
In knowing the kinds of things that Trump enjoys for entertainment, those who are celebrated at the Kennedy Center would be unfamiliar or not his taste I suspect.
This is not a precedent in the making. This is a culture free president who prefers Ted Nugent to Yo Yo Ma or Renee Fleming and we already know there are limits to his attention span and tolerance.
18
The real question is will the presidency ever be the presidency again after this?
Before Trump, Robert Redford, a man who likely had no political agreements with George W. Bush, would attend because W. was "The President of the United States" and all W.'s political miscalculations were a mistake - but they were never an assault on the dignity of the Office of the President.
Will we ever recover that? Or has Trump permanently destroyed all the dignity and good that were always built into the office before him?
???
Before Trump, Robert Redford, a man who likely had no political agreements with George W. Bush, would attend because W. was "The President of the United States" and all W.'s political miscalculations were a mistake - but they were never an assault on the dignity of the Office of the President.
Will we ever recover that? Or has Trump permanently destroyed all the dignity and good that were always built into the office before him?
???
27
Trump diminishes anything he touches, even slightly. A human wrecking ball.
44
Trump is a terrible aberration in every way. The American people will work to keep him that way.
15
CLEARLY, a faux president (lower case) was elected by 'unthinking' American brothers in PA, MI, WI, TX, et.al. It is no surprise that this 'phonybalony' would reject another tradition, just as he rejects the rule of law...so casually...as if they never existed !
There becomes a 'gleam' at the end of this administration's 'TUNNEL' that our elected representatives...have had ENUF! God grant them the courage to finish what must conclude this nightmare, i.e. the expulsion of this monster before more damage is inflicted !!
There becomes a 'gleam' at the end of this administration's 'TUNNEL' that our elected representatives...have had ENUF! God grant them the courage to finish what must conclude this nightmare, i.e. the expulsion of this monster before more damage is inflicted !!
14
They're certainly taking their own sweet time in booting him out. I think that they still have not FULLY comprehended how closely we are watching them while we contemplate 2018 elections.
8
Rick wrote (below): "Artists on stage, lobbyists in the audience. The Kennedy Center is figuratively and literally in the Washington swamp."
Aristotle Gluteus Maximus wrote (below): "Trump should tear down Kennedy Center and rebuild it. The acoustics in the concert hall are low rent."
Hey guys: It's easy to be part of the problem, and merely lob snide remarks from the sidelines (just like Trump does).
Or you can be part of the solution, and work on positive things that bring Americans (from all walks of life) together.
That's what great artists do. That's what great Presidents do. And that's what conscientious citizens do in their everyday lives.
Trump and his followers like you need to open your eyes. The majority of Americans didn't vote for Trump, because they rejected his corrosive divisiveness. Currently, 57% of Americans disapprove of the job he's doing. 60% believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction.
The country is clearly rejecting Trump's politics of division. Trump's too narcissistic to see that; that's why he needs to hold self-stroking campaign rallies, and deludes himself that he has a mandate to destroy our country. It's only his blind, unthinking followers who lap up and revel in the lies and divisiveness that he spews; the rest of us want to restore some norms of civility.
So again, you can decide to be part of the problem, and spew vitriol from the sidelines; or you can do positive work to bring Americans together. You choose.
Aristotle Gluteus Maximus wrote (below): "Trump should tear down Kennedy Center and rebuild it. The acoustics in the concert hall are low rent."
Hey guys: It's easy to be part of the problem, and merely lob snide remarks from the sidelines (just like Trump does).
Or you can be part of the solution, and work on positive things that bring Americans (from all walks of life) together.
That's what great artists do. That's what great Presidents do. And that's what conscientious citizens do in their everyday lives.
Trump and his followers like you need to open your eyes. The majority of Americans didn't vote for Trump, because they rejected his corrosive divisiveness. Currently, 57% of Americans disapprove of the job he's doing. 60% believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction.
The country is clearly rejecting Trump's politics of division. Trump's too narcissistic to see that; that's why he needs to hold self-stroking campaign rallies, and deludes himself that he has a mandate to destroy our country. It's only his blind, unthinking followers who lap up and revel in the lies and divisiveness that he spews; the rest of us want to restore some norms of civility.
So again, you can decide to be part of the problem, and spew vitriol from the sidelines; or you can do positive work to bring Americans together. You choose.
11
No one in the history of the union divided the country more than Obama. Hillary classified anyone who was not voting for her as deplorable or a loser. Do you really believe Trump is more divisive? You like an autocrat as long as he is making decisions you like, but the majority of the country doesn't. But when those executive actions made sans legislative authority are reversed by his successor, you claim he's being divisive.
Try for a moment to look at the situation rationally. Making law is the function of the legislature, not the executive branch. Executive orders are written in ink that disappears on January 20. Regulatory rollbacks by Trump are approving laws passed by Congress. The way the Constitution designed separation of powers.
Try for a moment to look at the situation rationally. Making law is the function of the legislature, not the executive branch. Executive orders are written in ink that disappears on January 20. Regulatory rollbacks by Trump are approving laws passed by Congress. The way the Constitution designed separation of powers.
4
Very few matters in this country are now bi-partisan and that will probably remain so for most of our life times. There are few moderates in either party at the national level. The hatred between the parties is over powering and will most likely get worse.
3
You can't blame both sides when only one side is interested in participating in mutually agreeable solutions while the other can only stonewall, criticize, brainlessly screams "You lie!", "repeal and replace", or "lock her up". Don't blame Democrats for the Republican Party Of No's utter failure.
10
Alan Jennerich Kansas City you are 100% CORRECT!!
Perhaps Trump will create a new arts award show and host it in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan or someplace else where real Americans gather. Move it out of Washington, DC. Don't make the mistake the Democrats always make of focusing all the governments efforts on a few coastal urban areas. Take the arts to the people, not just the Beltway Bandits.
3
He is not attending the honors for the simple reason that he is a coward and doesn't want to be confronted with any negativity. If a normal President were in office, this discussion wouldn't even be taking place.
29
On the contrary, President Trump decided not to attend to ensure the liberal left is not afforded a platform to grandstand their views. The liberal left will always politicize an awards program regardless as to how much restraint the right shows. They expected, if not demand that only the liberal view be voiced. Liberals believe in the first amendment so long as the rhetoric is consistent with their view: an arrogant assumption of superiority where no one can possibility have an opinion that is more valid than theirs. Welcome to democracy buttercup, you lost in 2016 and will again in 2020.
2
Yes, the right is so humble, unlike the arrogant liberals. Witness the lack of arrogance in Charlottesville leading to the killing of Heather Heyer, and the gracious way in which right wingers boast of their designer labels and the high cost of their garments.
You have allowed Fox News to melt your brain. If the Dems lose is 2020, it'll be the country that loses and ignorance that wins.
You have allowed Fox News to melt your brain. If the Dems lose is 2020, it'll be the country that loses and ignorance that wins.
6
But other Republican Presidents did attend, showing that they had the class to attend a function where the views of the group differed from theirs.
That is the difference, and you totally missed it.
This is not an argument about "liberal left" versus Trump, this is an argument about class, decency and the ability to show up, shut up and act like a leader instead of a petulant child.
Trump can't do it. He is not the man that George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and others have been. Trump doesn't measure up.
That is the difference, and you totally missed it.
This is not an argument about "liberal left" versus Trump, this is an argument about class, decency and the ability to show up, shut up and act like a leader instead of a petulant child.
Trump can't do it. He is not the man that George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and others have been. Trump doesn't measure up.
9
Of course I don't know when these artists had to say yea or nay to receiving this award. Perhaps it was prior to the election and they all thought they would be hobnobbing with Hillary rather than Donald.
During the remaining years (dear lord help us) of the Donald's reign perhaps it would be more appropriate for artists to simply decline the award if they do not feel that they can silently suffer the indignity of sharing the spotlight with the Trumps.
During the remaining years (dear lord help us) of the Donald's reign perhaps it would be more appropriate for artists to simply decline the award if they do not feel that they can silently suffer the indignity of sharing the spotlight with the Trumps.
No. It's Trump's problem. This man has been babied enough.
14
Watching the video of Bush introducing Barbra Streisand brought into sharp relief what a disgrace Trump has wrought on the office of the president. Many of us never liked Bush and his policies. But Bush never forgot the dignity of his office. Trump is so selfish, so self-absorbed, so disgusting as a human being and so unfit for his office that it makes me sick.
77
Please, please, PLEASE, America. Can we not allow Donald Trump to set ANY precedents? Once this "presidency" is over, can we all acknowledge this was all just a horrible nightmare that weakened America's stature in the world, and demeaned too may of our own citizens?
17
I would gladly grant him the privilege of setting precedent by resigning from his job -- oh wait -- I forgot, we already had a GOP president who had to resign because of all the corruption and scandal surrounding the circumstances of his election...
1
I eagerly await the day when Trump sets the precedent of interpretation of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, and whether being blackmailed by Russians makes one "unable" to do the job.
3
Trump is a loser. The Kennedy Center honors are for winners only.
45
Why doesn't the Kennedy Center ask Alec Baldwin to come and be FUNNY Trump? We'd all enjoy that! :)
23
When the president is gone, then the real President, Rep. or Dem. (or other!), will come again.
6
Come on Kennedy Center. This year's Mark Twain award should have gone to Mr. President.
1
Mark Twain: "A lie can travel half way around the world before the truth can put its shoes on."
Boy could we use Mark Twain right now!
Boy could we use Mark Twain right now!
8
Fake quote. Mark Twain didn't say that.
1
It's still a good quote, though. I'd be interested in knowing who actually said it. If you know, please tell us - thanks!
1
he is afraid to show up.
13
Trump should tear down Kennedy Center and rebuild it. The acoustics in the concert hall are low rent.
1
This is what happens when a non-president bows out and a bipartisan tradition thrives.
1
If I was one of the people being recognized at the Kennedy Center this year, I would be GLAD that that goofball didn't show up.
17
I pray and pray and pray that Trump is in no way ever serves as a "precedent" for anyting! If there is a God, a Cosmos, an Allah, .... Trump should be a one-time, isolated, spurious, and totally unique aberration in the entire span of humankind. Heck, he may not actually be "humankind"......?
8
he's neither human nor kind...
6
No concern at all. The present WH inhabitants are not setting precedents at all.
Most of us can't wait for them to pack up and leave us alone.
Again, they showed how classless and ignorant they are. 2020 can't come soon enough.
Most of us can't wait for them to pack up and leave us alone.
Again, they showed how classless and ignorant they are. 2020 can't come soon enough.
12
We don't have to wait until 2020 to de-fang him. 2018 will present the opportunity to shove GOP back into the minority. VOTE!
4
It's difficult to imagine Mr. Trump bringing "luster" to any event anywhere at any time unless it would be yet another "rally" interpreted by one of his Stormtroopers.
Perhaps the sponsors of the event would consider inviting all living and reasonably healthy former presidents to do the honors jointly. Surely any one of them or all of them would be warmly received, and such a nice contrast it would provide.
Perhaps the sponsors of the event would consider inviting all living and reasonably healthy former presidents to do the honors jointly. Surely any one of them or all of them would be warmly received, and such a nice contrast it would provide.
14
The no precedent president. In many, many ways. Thanks, GOP.
6
I doubt that any future presidents will consider trump's actions to have set a new precedent.
18
Hopefully, Trump will NOT set a precedent for ANYTHING! Knowing he Is NOT there, I will enjoy watching it even more. No one, especially honorees will miss him (but at least we know for once Trump will not HOG the cameras).
8
Actually, he has already set a precedent for being the worst American president EVER.
7
Look forward to eight years of Trump not setting any precedents.
I doubt that any president going forward will not attend the Kennedy Center Honors because presumably after the disastrous Trump, we will not elect any bullying, ignorant, braying mental midgets in the future.
Trump only goes to events in which the "attendees" are screened and deemed to be "his people" so of course he wouldn't attend this event.
Frankly I'm glad he won't be there as I always enjoy the broadcast of the event and was not looking forward to seeing that scowling misfit Trump sitting the presidential box with his arm candy on one side and his daughter-wife on the other side.
Trump only goes to events in which the "attendees" are screened and deemed to be "his people" so of course he wouldn't attend this event.
Frankly I'm glad he won't be there as I always enjoy the broadcast of the event and was not looking forward to seeing that scowling misfit Trump sitting the presidential box with his arm candy on one side and his daughter-wife on the other side.
8
If the White House called to say no the same night that Pence was attending a performance at Kennedy Center then it most certainly refers back to the night Pence attended a performance of Hamilton with members of his family and was rudely singled out of the audience by members of the cast to be chided for the president's politics. It wasn't the president who started this problem of politicizing the arts.
6
Trump wants to get rid of PBS and the National Endowment for the Arts. How's that for politicizing the arts?
23
I think he finds beauty pageants and mud-wrestling more to his taste when it comes to the arts.
6
I pray the question is disingenuous. Too, I pray we never experience another president so vial, so vain, and so full of vitriol. I believe this president is an aberration. Our next will attend the Ceremony with decency, decorum, and an appreciation for the arts and our country's diversity.
11
Rick wrote (below): "Trump should focus on making America great again rather than attending black tie evenings with Washington elites."
Hey Rick: The arts are an aspect of what makes America great! Look at the photo with the article, and read the honorees mentioned; people like Tina Turner, Robert Redford, Tony Bennet, and Norman Lear have made tremendous contributions to American life and culture. Furthermore, their artistic work is an important commodity that America exports to the rest of the world (and which also supports an industries which create jobs for millions of Americans).
American "greatness" isn't defined in only narrow terms of success in the corporate world. Part of our greatness is our collective values and ideals, reflected in our political, social, and cultural spirit.
Part of what makes America "great" is that we don't draw a divide between an aristocracy and ordinary people. (Bill Clinton shared the stage with Clint Eastwood! George Bush honored Tina Turner!) Or at least we used to not do this. Trump, Fox, and the Right in general have created a divide, by demonizing some supposed cabal of "elites."
But it's a fake meme: The irony is that Trump has the most privileged elitist background imaginable; he's the antithesis of a hard-working blue-collar worker from the Rustbelt. And he's tearing the social, cultural, and poltical fabric of this country to shreds.
So Rick: Stop helping Trump destroy our country with fake, divisive memes.
Hey Rick: The arts are an aspect of what makes America great! Look at the photo with the article, and read the honorees mentioned; people like Tina Turner, Robert Redford, Tony Bennet, and Norman Lear have made tremendous contributions to American life and culture. Furthermore, their artistic work is an important commodity that America exports to the rest of the world (and which also supports an industries which create jobs for millions of Americans).
American "greatness" isn't defined in only narrow terms of success in the corporate world. Part of our greatness is our collective values and ideals, reflected in our political, social, and cultural spirit.
Part of what makes America "great" is that we don't draw a divide between an aristocracy and ordinary people. (Bill Clinton shared the stage with Clint Eastwood! George Bush honored Tina Turner!) Or at least we used to not do this. Trump, Fox, and the Right in general have created a divide, by demonizing some supposed cabal of "elites."
But it's a fake meme: The irony is that Trump has the most privileged elitist background imaginable; he's the antithesis of a hard-working blue-collar worker from the Rustbelt. And he's tearing the social, cultural, and poltical fabric of this country to shreds.
So Rick: Stop helping Trump destroy our country with fake, divisive memes.
26
Artists on stage, lobbyists in the audience. The Kennedy Center is figuratively and literally in the Washington swamp.
3
The Statue of Christopher Columbus is being scrutinized. But why, asked a friend in Paris, what has he done to merit being removed. Let me see if I can recall, to quote Reagan, it was a long time ago. Maybe he discovered Cuba first and thought it was America? No more Columbus Celebration for Us! Wait, my memory has been refreshed after reading an excellent article in the New York Post on 'The Case for Keeping Chris on a Pedestal' by Lawrence Bergreen. Plus, I am finally learning some history of this true pioneer.
Regardless of Trump's leave of absence on attending The Kennedy Center Honors, We need our poets, artists, musicians and creators. By the bye, apparently Lisa Gherardini, better known as The Mona Lisa, was a teenage bride married to a slave-trader fifteen years her senior (you had better alert the authorities at the Louvre just to be on the safe side. This might be unsettling to some of the French populace and cause a dent in American tourism).
My mother would have been so upset to hear that General Lee was a traitor to his Country, while here I am busy burying documents on the Confederacy in the backyard.
Wishing the participants and honorees, the organizers and guests a splendid and sparkling time at this Traditional American Bipartisan Event, honoring excellence in The Arts.
Regardless of Trump's leave of absence on attending The Kennedy Center Honors, We need our poets, artists, musicians and creators. By the bye, apparently Lisa Gherardini, better known as The Mona Lisa, was a teenage bride married to a slave-trader fifteen years her senior (you had better alert the authorities at the Louvre just to be on the safe side. This might be unsettling to some of the French populace and cause a dent in American tourism).
My mother would have been so upset to hear that General Lee was a traitor to his Country, while here I am busy burying documents on the Confederacy in the backyard.
Wishing the participants and honorees, the organizers and guests a splendid and sparkling time at this Traditional American Bipartisan Event, honoring excellence in The Arts.
2
And Philistines posting comments here....
1
Anyone who would use Trump as a precedent is a dope. Let's hope they never get into office. What is with precedence anyway? Isn't that why we have our own brains? If there wasn't any to deviate from, for all we know we'd think nothing was wrong right now. We suffer because we must want to.
4
Wouldn't Trump's non-attendance be a good thing? To me- that's like having my in-laws call to tell me they can't make it to Sunday dinner- Music to my ears!
6
Not to worry. The only precedents Mr. Trump is creating is about what not to do.
6
No "precedent' has been set. #45 refused to attend simply because he could not screen and thus, control (as in his recent "campaign rally" in Phoenix) those in attendance.
Indeed, I would argue this gesture is just the first of many (assuming that he remains in office long enough) self-inflicted humiliations. Moreover, I can't say that his absence bothers me, or, for that matter, the approximately 120 million of us who either voted for Hillary or did not vote.
Indeed, I would argue this gesture is just the first of many (assuming that he remains in office long enough) self-inflicted humiliations. Moreover, I can't say that his absence bothers me, or, for that matter, the approximately 120 million of us who either voted for Hillary or did not vote.
9
Shouldn't the article have pointed out that this has happened twice before. I swear I read that and one of the non attendees was Bill Clinton.
Sorry about the vagueness.
Sorry about the vagueness.
1
HT: New York City 9 minutes ago
"Shouldn't the article have pointed out that this has happened twice before. I swear I read that and one of the non attendees was Bill Clinton. Sorry about the vagueness"
Hey HT, you obviously did not get the memo...this is an Anti-Trump article.
"Shouldn't the article have pointed out that this has happened twice before. I swear I read that and one of the non attendees was Bill Clinton. Sorry about the vagueness"
Hey HT, you obviously did not get the memo...this is an Anti-Trump article.
2
Clinton didn't attend because he was flying overseas to a meeting.
2
Several presidents have missed a Honors event, but those were due to scheduling conflicts or urgent issues. And they attended in other years of their term(s).
NONE have ever said they would not come because their appearance would be a "distraction." This is something quite different.
NONE have ever said they would not come because their appearance would be a "distraction." This is something quite different.
5
I watch it yearly and, particularly, so much enjoyed sharing my love of the arts with President Obama. Even with President Bush, it just seemed right for a POTUS to pay homage to these iconic individuals who have contributed so much to music, theater, dance, the movies, and TV. We need them in so many aspects of our challenging lives. They are gifts.
I am not sure what Trump's motives were for not attending. One does wonder if they were actually two-fold: First, is the fact that for a few hours he would not be the center-of-his-universe. This is a man who seems to not tolerate any one at any time on any day stealing the spot light from him. The other thought leads back to his lack of empathy and understanding of our needs. He just doesn't get the value of creativity and its resulting beauty. At any rate, I do believe that a precedent has not been set. I can't believe our electorate would do this again to our country. But frankly, to be honest, I was delighted that he will not be at the Kennedy Honors.
I am not sure what Trump's motives were for not attending. One does wonder if they were actually two-fold: First, is the fact that for a few hours he would not be the center-of-his-universe. This is a man who seems to not tolerate any one at any time on any day stealing the spot light from him. The other thought leads back to his lack of empathy and understanding of our needs. He just doesn't get the value of creativity and its resulting beauty. At any rate, I do believe that a precedent has not been set. I can't believe our electorate would do this again to our country. But frankly, to be honest, I was delighted that he will not be at the Kennedy Honors.
13
I've always admired the Kennedy Center Honors because it's the only awards show that is, up until now, has been free of political taint. Even conservative presidents and liberal honorees were able to put aside their differences just for one evening in the interest of presenting a united front. The Trumps were told not to attend the event in the interest of keeping the peace to avoid boycotts by the honorees and demonstrations outside Kennedy Center.
Donald and Melania Trump will probably have to be content to watch the Kennedy Center Honors on TV from the White House for the next 3 years. Only a president and first lady who meet with the approval of the entertainment community will eventually grace the Presidential box in Kennedy Center with their presence alongside the honorees.
Donald and Melania Trump will probably have to be content to watch the Kennedy Center Honors on TV from the White House for the next 3 years. Only a president and first lady who meet with the approval of the entertainment community will eventually grace the Presidential box in Kennedy Center with their presence alongside the honorees.
4
The Trumps were NOT told not to attend, they elected not to attend because President Thin-skin can't tolerate not being the "bride or the corpse" at any event ie. the center of attention.
6
Sherr29--I think security is the main reason the Trumps aren't going to Kennedy Center. The Secret Service and the Washington DC police notified the Trumps that they're anticipating trouble and security to protect them would be a logistical nightmare. the end of the day it just wasn't worth the effort so the Trumps will be watching the Kennedy Center Honors from the White House instead.
1
@Sharon5101: This event doesn't take place until December. How would the police and the secret service be anticipating trouble four months in advance? And who would that "trouble" be coming from? People in formal attire who get themselves invited to ceremonies like this?
1
Donald Trump - the most hated man in America!
Trump didn't throw out the 1st pitch, attend the White House Correspondents Dinner & won't show up for this for one reason: People will boo him. Lots of people! Trump doesn't have the guts to show up anywhere he'll get booed.
Donald Trump has busily been destroying our democracy & the majority of Americans hate his guts. Trump can't do what Obama & Clinton did - jog w/ the Secret Service, stop at McDonalds, dine at local restaurants, shop at local bookstores. The Obamas recently toured the National Gallery. W.'s daughters were seen around town at lots & lots of local bars.
It's incredible how much animosity there is to Trump - everywhere. He's a figure of scorn & ridicule to most of us. The majority of the country can't wait for him to be gone.
Expect Trump to keep spending weekends at his golf resorts where he can force himself on members, & to keep setting up his boring goober rallies in red states where he can still fill a convention center w/ deplorables who love that he pardoned that freak Arpaio & made excuses for neo Nazis & the Klan. Most of us are holding our noses through this presidency.
We're holding our breath til Pence takes over. I can't stand Mike Pence but he appears to know how to behave like a normal human being, however gross his politics are. We're all going to breathe a sigh of relief, aren't we?
Trump's never going to be able to live in Manhattan again, either. They won't have him!
Trump didn't throw out the 1st pitch, attend the White House Correspondents Dinner & won't show up for this for one reason: People will boo him. Lots of people! Trump doesn't have the guts to show up anywhere he'll get booed.
Donald Trump has busily been destroying our democracy & the majority of Americans hate his guts. Trump can't do what Obama & Clinton did - jog w/ the Secret Service, stop at McDonalds, dine at local restaurants, shop at local bookstores. The Obamas recently toured the National Gallery. W.'s daughters were seen around town at lots & lots of local bars.
It's incredible how much animosity there is to Trump - everywhere. He's a figure of scorn & ridicule to most of us. The majority of the country can't wait for him to be gone.
Expect Trump to keep spending weekends at his golf resorts where he can force himself on members, & to keep setting up his boring goober rallies in red states where he can still fill a convention center w/ deplorables who love that he pardoned that freak Arpaio & made excuses for neo Nazis & the Klan. Most of us are holding our noses through this presidency.
We're holding our breath til Pence takes over. I can't stand Mike Pence but he appears to know how to behave like a normal human being, however gross his politics are. We're all going to breathe a sigh of relief, aren't we?
Trump's never going to be able to live in Manhattan again, either. They won't have him!
24
No future president will want to emulate Trump. To avoid comparison they will feel attending Kennedy Center is mandatory.
13
Blame the media. This is all their doing. Trump said quite plainly that both sides were responsible for the violence. He most pointedly stated that he did not make a moral equivalence between the two opposing sides.
The media has their agenda to discredit the president and they lied.
The media has their agenda to discredit the president and they lied.
5
@Aristotle: You are wrong. It's ALL Trump's doing. Period.
Trump has made a career out of lying, and now he's taking it to new heights (and the country to new lows). The fault is ENTIRELY Trump's. Period.
Trump has made a career out of lying, and now he's taking it to new heights (and the country to new lows). The fault is ENTIRELY Trump's. Period.
9
@Aristotle - Nah. It's Trump's trashy behavior like pardoning Arpaio and warming up to the KKK! Plus wanting to defund PBS and the National Endowment for the Arts - who sponsor this event!
8
There are many bad or ill-thought actions that this accidental president has initiated. It will be crucial for the country that the next president reject them and with his/her actions return the country and the administration to a normal and dignified course.
4
[1] Let's face it: Trump is not a legitimate president and never will be. Someday, if we ever have a real President again, that President will plan to attend.
[2] But remember: Republicans have been waging a War on the Arts for decades now. Just ask any high school music program!
[3] Everything is now Politics. There is no longer any such thing as bipartisan or nonpolitical. That era is gone.
[2] But remember: Republicans have been waging a War on the Arts for decades now. Just ask any high school music program!
[3] Everything is now Politics. There is no longer any such thing as bipartisan or nonpolitical. That era is gone.
15
Not being as much of a pessimist as other commenters, I think that future presidents will definitely attend the ceremonies, if for no other reason than to differentiate themselves from this failed president. All of them have been far classier than trumpy or his clan, and will consider it an honor to be associated with the artists involved. Take heart, people, we will survive!
10
Future presidents who actually represent all Americans will attend. The current aberration in the white house doesn't have enough class to attend, knows he doesn't and is wise to stay away.
16
Don't kid yourselves. Donald Trump will not be the center of attention. That is the reason that he won't be there. If it's not about him he can't be bothered.
151
I'm sure the tradition will be picked up by future presidents (if there are any). As we know by now, Trump is an anomaly, and not only in regards to the Kennedy Center honors
5
Kennedy Center Honors are for Democrats and Democrat presidents will attend. Republicans are not invited nor welcome.
3
They honor a president who is responsible for the deaths of millions of Asians and 50,000 Americans due to his foolish war in Viet Nam. He is actually responsible for far more deaths than Robert E. Lee.
4
Rick,
Are you referring perhaps to LBJ, rather than JFK? The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was signed by LBJ, who famously said, after almost losing to anti-Vietnam War Eugene McCarthy in the 1968 New Hampshire Primary, "I will not seek, and I will not accept the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 1968."
Are you referring perhaps to LBJ, rather than JFK? The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was signed by LBJ, who famously said, after almost losing to anti-Vietnam War Eugene McCarthy in the 1968 New Hampshire Primary, "I will not seek, and I will not accept the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 1968."
1
Wow, there's a rewrite of history if I've ever seen one.
2
The "Trump Show" will not be receiving any awards. Why should he attend?
13
You're assuming that we will have future presidents.
Trump is an idiot with no appreciation for anything other than himself. That's it. He could not care less about the citizens of the U.S. much less the arts. So, if future presidents are all malignant narcissistic egomaniacs, then they will not attend the Kennedy Center honors. If they're intelligent, thinking, and feeling individuals with interests outside of their own head, they will attend.
Trump is an idiot with no appreciation for anything other than himself. That's it. He could not care less about the citizens of the U.S. much less the arts. So, if future presidents are all malignant narcissistic egomaniacs, then they will not attend the Kennedy Center honors. If they're intelligent, thinking, and feeling individuals with interests outside of their own head, they will attend.
10
In my opinion, the key issue is not Trump's (non-)popularity among the nominees, or the trustees, it's his bombastic attack on funding for the arts. And let's face it, this guy doesn't spend his time visiting museums, attending concerts, or reading literature. Cable news, that's all there is. He is unique, an "outlier" as they say, and is not setting a precedent.
6
Yeah. Have you ever seen photos of his cheesy penthouse? YIKES!
2
It's fun to look at the photos of his NYC business office. The wall is plastered with pictures of himself on the cover of various magazines. He's so in love with himself that if you look close, you'll spot the duplicates.
1
There are some serious assumptions here.
1. Future Presidents. First of all, this country needs to be rescued from the clutch of dictatorship. Average Joes, even a lot of Trump voters have no clue that it is happening and don't know what life is under a dictator.
2. Trump bowing out was a good thing. That did not diminish the honor of the platform but upheld it. Trump has no respect for arts or the finer sides of human life. That art and culture changes life and society through generations and centuries is not something that Trump can understand.
3. We have brought out the worst of our population setting the social clock back by decades. The resulting activism by the ultra conservative anti-progress crowd will make it difficult to find another President of character and abilities like President Obama for example. It will be a long while.
4. While America tries to find its way out of the current problems, the other countries hungry for world domination in economy, science, and social progress will make leaps and bound progress that will make America to be the leader of the free world ever again. My estimate is that America has lost that status for ever in a short few months and will continue the downward spiral in the coming months and years.
1. Future Presidents. First of all, this country needs to be rescued from the clutch of dictatorship. Average Joes, even a lot of Trump voters have no clue that it is happening and don't know what life is under a dictator.
2. Trump bowing out was a good thing. That did not diminish the honor of the platform but upheld it. Trump has no respect for arts or the finer sides of human life. That art and culture changes life and society through generations and centuries is not something that Trump can understand.
3. We have brought out the worst of our population setting the social clock back by decades. The resulting activism by the ultra conservative anti-progress crowd will make it difficult to find another President of character and abilities like President Obama for example. It will be a long while.
4. While America tries to find its way out of the current problems, the other countries hungry for world domination in economy, science, and social progress will make leaps and bound progress that will make America to be the leader of the free world ever again. My estimate is that America has lost that status for ever in a short few months and will continue the downward spiral in the coming months and years.
3
Trump is the most divisive, racist, bigoted, homophobic President we have had in the modern era. I don't even think George Wallace would have recieved the derision Trump would had he decided to attend. Plus I doubt he receached this decision entirely on his own accord. That said, it is best for the nation that his ego will be somewhere else while the nation celebrates the newest honorees of this special club.
10
I hate Trump as much as anybody, but "The Arts" have failed us for decades.
I guess Warren Beatty and Ossie Davis were OK with that whole WMD and invasion of Iraq thing, when they attended in 2004.
And Smokey Robinson and Spielberg were cool with Bush's handling of Katrina when they attended in 2006.
And DeNiro and the voice-of-the-working-man Springsteen were fine about Obama not sending any of the Wall Streeters to jail, when they attended in 2009.
“The Arts” is just another in the long list of institutions that failed us, just when we needed them the most, because they "went corporate" a long time ago.
They're supposed to be "storytellers".
Where were The Arts when the middle class was being decimated for the past twenty-five years?
Why didn't The Arts tell the stories of the ravages of globalization and the obscene levels of inequality that have deprived people of every color of economic opportunity and that have now reached society-destabilizing levels?
Why didn't they tell the stories of the long list of festering problems that went ignored and unaddressed for decades, which created a void for Trump to fill?
Isn't it their responsibility to hold a mirror up to society?
So Trump got elected in part because of the greedy "artists" that abandoned their artistic obligations, and all of a sudden now they seem to have re-discovered them.
Hypocrites, all.
I guess Warren Beatty and Ossie Davis were OK with that whole WMD and invasion of Iraq thing, when they attended in 2004.
And Smokey Robinson and Spielberg were cool with Bush's handling of Katrina when they attended in 2006.
And DeNiro and the voice-of-the-working-man Springsteen were fine about Obama not sending any of the Wall Streeters to jail, when they attended in 2009.
“The Arts” is just another in the long list of institutions that failed us, just when we needed them the most, because they "went corporate" a long time ago.
They're supposed to be "storytellers".
Where were The Arts when the middle class was being decimated for the past twenty-five years?
Why didn't The Arts tell the stories of the ravages of globalization and the obscene levels of inequality that have deprived people of every color of economic opportunity and that have now reached society-destabilizing levels?
Why didn't they tell the stories of the long list of festering problems that went ignored and unaddressed for decades, which created a void for Trump to fill?
Isn't it their responsibility to hold a mirror up to society?
So Trump got elected in part because of the greedy "artists" that abandoned their artistic obligations, and all of a sudden now they seem to have re-discovered them.
Hypocrites, all.
2
Speaking of the arts, I nominate your comment for a Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
6
You have a very circumscribed conception of the arts.
1
Which part, exactly, was fiction?
And I graciously decline the generous Pulitzer nomination, because nobody from Florida has the right to judge anybody, about anything.
And I think it's about time somebody finally takes a stand about it.
And I graciously decline the generous Pulitzer nomination, because nobody from Florida has the right to judge anybody, about anything.
And I think it's about time somebody finally takes a stand about it.
The current occupant of the White House is unlike any previous occupant. He is a vulgarian hate-peddler who among other things has pimped himself as a World Wrestling Federation character.
Even Richard Nixon could play the classics on the piano.
Future president will attend the Kennedy Center Honors because, may God help us, they will not be vulgarians. May that day come soon.
Even Richard Nixon could play the classics on the piano.
Future president will attend the Kennedy Center Honors because, may God help us, they will not be vulgarians. May that day come soon.
18
"Let's make that day some soon."
-George Gerswhin
-George Gerswhin
3
Will future Presidents attend the Kennedy Center Honors? I am certain future presidents who view their presidency as being for all the people; not just those whose votes they received-- will gladly attend. Future presidents who realize the night is about the honorees and not a reelection campaign rally-- will attend Yes. When we elect future Presidents whose concept of the offices matches the Oath, then they will have no reason to duck out.
4
The question posed in the title may lure readers, but surely future presidents, just as with President Trump, can choose which gala events to attend and which ones to skip. One may criticize the artists who openly do not support President Trump, but then the Trump administration has openly called for cuts in or elimination of important government-supported cultural programs and cuts to other worthy programs and projects. Politics influences so many parts of cultural/national life, that controversial decisions are bound to cause discussions and divisions, especially in the current No Holds Barred climate. Whatever the results of the Trump administration regarding the arts, artists will continue to create, inspire, charm, dazzle, provoke and entertain audiences. Who knows -- Donald J. Trump might follow the path of George W. Bush and take up painting if retirement comes his way. On with the show!
Doug Giebel, Big Sandy, Montana
Doug Giebel, Big Sandy, Montana
uh-huh. Maybe he'll win humanitarian of the year award someday after he retires. But I wouldn't bet on it - although he might like paint-by-number kits, as numbers seems to be the only thing he's genuinely interested in (besides preening).
I shouldn't think , hopefully future presidents would follow any actions remotely familiar with Mr. Trumps . I believe, I have to believe the future presidents will be men(or women) of moral fiber who will appreciate these honors bestowed on others without disclaiming their rights to them, as he would not be one of them. The country will go back to celebrating its people of honor, grace, moral fortitude, etc. And our president at that time will stand up and cheer them on in appreciation of their goodness and contributions to humanity.
5
It used to be the President, whether you agreed with his partisan stance or not, was a respected icon of government in our country. Now it has changed so much with President Trump, that one has to wonder how far he will erode that institution. He is so classless, with his grandstanding, nonsensical rallies; his continued, unabated and unmonitored use of ridiculous Twitter pronouncements; his inability to have and allow advice and counsel from state elders and others. He is an island by himself, adrift. He is using his platform to seek approval and ratings like his former reality show. And to settle scores. Like with the media.
His wife, Melania, is a class act and I actually feel sorry for her. And we never see or hear from her.
Since Trump declined to go to the Kennedy Awards, a prestigious and fun event to watch, I am wondering why he did not send VP Pence and his wife. Or simply send Melania.
This whole presidency makes me sad. It has divided our country and made us look like a non-stop Saturday Night Live skit. Every morning I hope to hear about a change. And every morning it just gets worse.
God save America.
His wife, Melania, is a class act and I actually feel sorry for her. And we never see or hear from her.
Since Trump declined to go to the Kennedy Awards, a prestigious and fun event to watch, I am wondering why he did not send VP Pence and his wife. Or simply send Melania.
This whole presidency makes me sad. It has divided our country and made us look like a non-stop Saturday Night Live skit. Every morning I hope to hear about a change. And every morning it just gets worse.
God save America.
17
Good for President Trump. Why should he subject himself and the First Lady to the predictable bombardment of invective from his detractors in the audience.
My advice to the Kennedy Center Board: invite Hillary in Trump's place, so the audience can have one more good cry.
My advice to the Kennedy Center Board: invite Hillary in Trump's place, so the audience can have one more good cry.
4
Sorry, your comment is nothing short of a pathetic misunderstanding of the Kennedy Center Honors. I hope you will watch them and marvel at the talent being honored this year.
11
If Trump sets ANY precedents we are in big, big trouble.
4
Too late -- he has already set precedent for being the worst POTUS ever...
The editor who gave this piece its title obviously did so to get people's attention and sell more papers, period. There is no merit to the story, as we all know. No other president is going to act like Little Lord Fontleroy and throw tantrums every time something happens that he is not the center of. Surely, we as a nation will not elect another president who is so profoundly ignorant, crass, greedy, spoiled and lacking in empathy for all of humankind except those in his family. The way trump is blinded by his narcissism is dangerous enough but with his power and illiteracy, he is an active menace to our entire planet.
5
A five year old could not still this long. His wife and staff reminded him that he did not get to speak, nor would it be polite to tweet during the presentations and performances. So if he can't be the star and he can't find something to do with his hands, he'd never make.
Not attending could be the smartest thing he's done in a long while.
P.S.
He is also afraid that Meryl Streep is on the program and he fears her more than God.
Not attending could be the smartest thing he's done in a long while.
P.S.
He is also afraid that Meryl Streep is on the program and he fears her more than God.
10
Trump is unique among presidents, one hopes, in his thin-skinness, his inability to take criticism and his disdain for the arts. And, no, "The Art of the Deal" doesn't count: there is no muse of the deal...
I had thought that I W could attend The Kennedy Center Honors, anyone could. I was wrong.
I had thought that I W could attend The Kennedy Center Honors, anyone could. I was wrong.
4
Profiles in Cowardice. The only place Trump feels secure enough to appear in public is at his Nuremberg-style rallies where it's all about him. He's a punk.
24
We have a President who is without any interest in culture, only in his ego and his wallet.
26
IF we survive this " presidency ", undoubtedly a future leader will be happy to attend. She will understand the importance and dignity of the Center, and The Honorees. The Trumps bowed out due to Melania, she is a classy and intelligent person. Thank you, and you have my sincere respect and very best wishes. Also, blink four times if you need help escaping.
4
Not attending is the first thing Trump has authentically done in service to the country.
19
Once Trump goes down the garbage disposal of history, things will get back to normal.
12
After pardoning Arpaio, in birtherism we trust, the Kennedy Center would implode if Trump stepped anywhere near.
11
This is like saying Jenny McCarthy established a precedent in science or O.J. Simpson in domestic relations. Trump's sui generis nincompoopery sets a bar so low that even a toddler could surmount it.
21
If an event is not about Trump, he doesn't attend. We shouldn't be surprised that he won't be there. Trump would be totally out of his depth at the Kennedy Center. Deep down, he knows this. Sad.
11
Melania Trump is such a beautiful, intelligent, gracious, lady in all respects. I think she is doing a wonderful job representing our nation.
I was thinking today that her marriage to DT is unlikely to be a happy one. But she has her precious son and she has enjoyed tremendous benefits that I hope, for her sake, makes her life fulfilling. On the other hand, I can't imagine any woman being happily married to DT. In fact, from my perspective, it would be a living nightmare.
I was thinking today that her marriage to DT is unlikely to be a happy one. But she has her precious son and she has enjoyed tremendous benefits that I hope, for her sake, makes her life fulfilling. On the other hand, I can't imagine any woman being happily married to DT. In fact, from my perspective, it would be a living nightmare.
9
The trustees should invite MIchelle and Laura. We'd love to see 2 former first ladies exhibiting bipartisan support of the arts.
130
Yes! Excellent idea!
13
I suspect trump chooses not to attend because the event is not about him.
And I would be surprised if future presidents (hopefully we will actually have them) didn't go back to precedent and attend. I can't imagine any other human being so self-absorbed and disinterested.
And I would be surprised if future presidents (hopefully we will actually have them) didn't go back to precedent and attend. I can't imagine any other human being so self-absorbed and disinterested.
61
Its kind of a stupid headline folks. He didn't bow out exactly— the event was going to be cancelled if he attended. The honorees were going to boycott if he came. Its a big social event in DC and I am sure some presidents in the future will attend. The Kennedy Center is supposed to be some sort of National Performing Arts Center, and it is usually very appropriate for the President and other leaders to attend to show their respect.
4
Like the correspondents dinner, the Kennedy Center honors may have to learn to fly without the ticket seller in chief. Trump should focus on making America great again rather than attending black tie evenings with Washington elites.
5
Trump can't make America great again, period.
No.
Future Presidents will know how to read, write, understand and appreciate the marvelous diversity and creativity that is the strength of America.
tRumps absence is addition by subtraction. As a previous NY Times editorial proclaimed after the 2016 Correspondents Ball, ...Donald Trump Ruins Everything...
Future Presidents will know how to read, write, understand and appreciate the marvelous diversity and creativity that is the strength of America.
tRumps absence is addition by subtraction. As a previous NY Times editorial proclaimed after the 2016 Correspondents Ball, ...Donald Trump Ruins Everything...
36
A precedent has been set - for a narcissistic, hateful coward. My guess is that if we don't elect anymore of those kinds of presidents, we really don't have to worry.
24
Since Trump sucks the oxygen out of the room you should be grateful that he is not attending. This way the attendees get to enjoy the moment and the evening without the Trump bullying, harassing and embarrassment.
17
I liken Donald Trump's refusal to attend the Kennedy Center honors to his refusal to throw out the first pitch at this year's Washington Nationals' game.
This former captain of his high school baseball team certainly had the ability to throw a ball. It was the anticipated boo's and opprobrium of the crowd that scared him away then...and now.
Coward.
NOT my president
This former captain of his high school baseball team certainly had the ability to throw a ball. It was the anticipated boo's and opprobrium of the crowd that scared him away then...and now.
Coward.
NOT my president
56
Future presidents will review the Trump playbook, then do the opposite.
12
The "Honors" is not a presidential show case and I doubt that any future president will emulate the behavior of DT, unless they want to appear as foolish as he appears to the nation and the world.
If I were the honorees I wouldn't want to breathe the same air as DT. He is an enemy of human kind the world over.
If I were the honorees I wouldn't want to breathe the same air as DT. He is an enemy of human kind the world over.
9
Trump is not capable of bringing luster, grace, or dignity to any event. In recent weeks he has illustrated what many of us have known for years, he is a selfish, self-indulgent, arrogant, impatient imbecile who has taken all dignity from the office. I recognize my words are harsh but it is hard to sit idly by as this "president" defends racists, pardons other racists, and focuses on his imagined record instead of guiding a country in its time of need.
He didn't participate because it would have hurt his ego. Moreover, let's say what know one wants to openly acknowledge, this is the most anti-intellectual president we have ever elected. His wealth affords him access to certain circles but he is not welcomed into truly intellectual circles because he lacks substance. He is the most uneducated person to hold the office and I hope will ever hold the office.
With that said, it seems even silly to write such a piece. Nothing about his presidency has been exemplary. He has bucked convention when it has suited him and nurtured his connection to his base. A real president will participate because they understand the importance of arts in shaping our culture and keeping our society vibrant, diverse, and honest.
He didn't participate because it would have hurt his ego. Moreover, let's say what know one wants to openly acknowledge, this is the most anti-intellectual president we have ever elected. His wealth affords him access to certain circles but he is not welcomed into truly intellectual circles because he lacks substance. He is the most uneducated person to hold the office and I hope will ever hold the office.
With that said, it seems even silly to write such a piece. Nothing about his presidency has been exemplary. He has bucked convention when it has suited him and nurtured his connection to his base. A real president will participate because they understand the importance of arts in shaping our culture and keeping our society vibrant, diverse, and honest.
41
Same reason he didn't throw out an opening pitch for baseball's opening day - he'll only show for vetted crowds at Pro-Trump rallies. (Well, plus those hands are too small to hold a baseball.) But getting all dressed up to be bored by art and boo'd by thousands . . . no way.
30
If we elect future presidents who are educated and have a modicum of culture, I suspect they will honor the arts.
If we elect future presidents who are uneducated boors and philistines, they "goodbye Kennedy Center Honors" ...and much more as well.
The choice is ours.
If we elect future presidents who are uneducated boors and philistines, they "goodbye Kennedy Center Honors" ...and much more as well.
The choice is ours.
18
Far be it from me to approve of anything President Trump does, but he is right to shut up, congratulate all the honorees, and avoid becoming a distraction at an event that is for them, not him. (Even if his wife had to do the actual congratulating.) When we have a president who knows how to behave like an adult again, and I'm still optimistic we will, that person will be welcome at all the ceremonial functions a president typically goes to.
8
DT is all about saving his own face to the detriment of all others. That's why he is declining to attend. It's all about making himself look less like a creep than he already looks to the nation and to the world. He can't bear the rejection of the honorees so he will avoid it.
5
this has been my favourite annual program since it started.
i was pretty sure trump would decline. i could imagine the audience sitting down or ignoring him--or worse.
his contempt and ignorance for and of so many things, and his continual lying, make him unwelcome anywhere where the best of the human spirit, arts and creativity are celebrated.
i thought there might be a possibility that melania might represent the two of them.
i was pretty sure trump would decline. i could imagine the audience sitting down or ignoring him--or worse.
his contempt and ignorance for and of so many things, and his continual lying, make him unwelcome anywhere where the best of the human spirit, arts and creativity are celebrated.
i thought there might be a possibility that melania might represent the two of them.
7
To think that DJT will set a precedent for ANYTHING in the future is a horror show. The Kennedy Center is a treasure and I do not think the absence of the Trumps will effect fundraising. I admire the artists for refusing to be associated with his expressed opinions. At least they have the courage to do so, unlike most of the Republican Party!
17
With fear and trepidation all in attendance would await the President's "best words"...Trump off-script in front of "that" crowd of "elites", sitting ducks for his baseness and his base...you think he'd be able to control himself? He couldn't at the Alfred E. Smith Dinner, a gathering of clergy! You can dress him up (sort of) but you can't take him anywhere.
The following is JKF's quote, inscribed on the Centre:
"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit."
....that leaves trump out, whose tombstone will undoubtedly bear witness to his election numbers, they'll be fake and talk about voter fraud, but they'll be there.
Trump will pass...America's history of, and need and desire to make its contribution to the human spirit will endure....and with Presidents in attendance who understand why the Centre exists.
The following is JKF's quote, inscribed on the Centre:
"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit."
....that leaves trump out, whose tombstone will undoubtedly bear witness to his election numbers, they'll be fake and talk about voter fraud, but they'll be there.
Trump will pass...America's history of, and need and desire to make its contribution to the human spirit will endure....and with Presidents in attendance who understand why the Centre exists.
8
Trump is certainly unique. Many people wish to keep him that way - a one-off aberration to be endured and eventually gotten rid of. It is beyond pathetic that Trump is such a failure as a leader that he will not attend the Kennedy Center Honors. This event is a pure camera ready feel good moment for a President.
Trump is such a "tiny, tiny little man". Trump is a bully grifter-in-chief who just can not understand that what he says actually has consequences.
Let him learn the hard way. People don't want to be seen with him. People do not want to give him their business (mar-a-lago cancellations). Will Trump understand? Probably not, he's too self-absorbed.
Next up - Trump trash talks New England bred turkey as being a 'coastal elite' and turkey refuses to show up for a pardon.
Trump is such a "tiny, tiny little man". Trump is a bully grifter-in-chief who just can not understand that what he says actually has consequences.
Let him learn the hard way. People don't want to be seen with him. People do not want to give him their business (mar-a-lago cancellations). Will Trump understand? Probably not, he's too self-absorbed.
Next up - Trump trash talks New England bred turkey as being a 'coastal elite' and turkey refuses to show up for a pardon.
4
The answer to your headline would be: "Yes, of course. Unless they want to emulate the example of Donald J Trump in every way."
3
This is a classic case of damned if he does damned if he doesn't. You literally cannot win with some critics.
It was only 8 days ago that Trump was given credit for knowing that he was not wanted and was given credit for graciously and politely bowing out. Now he is practically being criticized for not attending.
His critics cannot have it both ways!
It was only 8 days ago that Trump was given credit for knowing that he was not wanted and was given credit for graciously and politely bowing out. Now he is practically being criticized for not attending.
His critics cannot have it both ways!
1
It is you who is having it both ways. No one applauded Trump's refusal to attend, except FOX and all the parrots.
8
David Henry. from the NYT, 19 Aug-
'In its statement, the Kennedy Center appeared grateful that the Trumps were skipping the ceremony. The center said that it expected all the honorees to attend the weekend’s events.'
“In choosing not to participate in this year’s Honors activities,” the Kennedy Center leadership, David M. Rubenstein and Ms. Rutter, wrote, “the administration has graciously signaled its respect for the Kennedy Center and ensures the Honors gala remains a deservingly special moment for the honorees.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/19/us/politics/donald-and-melania-trump-...
'In its statement, the Kennedy Center appeared grateful that the Trumps were skipping the ceremony. The center said that it expected all the honorees to attend the weekend’s events.'
“In choosing not to participate in this year’s Honors activities,” the Kennedy Center leadership, David M. Rubenstein and Ms. Rutter, wrote, “the administration has graciously signaled its respect for the Kennedy Center and ensures the Honors gala remains a deservingly special moment for the honorees.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/19/us/politics/donald-and-melania-trump-...
2
I loved watching the Obamas at the Kennedy honors all these years. So cool, swaying with the music, lip syncing and just generally respectful and present. I enjoyed watching them as much as the artists. I think if the current guy went it would hurt my eyes and my soul.
78
The only precedent set is that the American people elected a spectacularly unqualified President in 2016 - a man who cares not for our nation's great traditions and whose only goal is to aggrandize himself. He should therefore stay behind closed doors until the earlier of his removal from office, resignation, voluntary exile to Moscow, or being booted out of office in November 2020. Normal traditions and common decency in our leadership can resume after that. We certainly won't see it on 45's watch.
8
this president is crass and doesn't support the arts.
43
Yet, he has enormous respect for statues of confederate traitors.
7
Let's be clear, here. Trump is not bowing out because he wasn't interested in attending. He is bowing out because he doesn't want to be booed if he shows up. What is the chance of that happening again? Let us hope they are slim to none, and we will never inflict such a disaster as that man on ourselves again.
Pity Melania. All dress up and nowhere to go - beyond their own hotels.
Pity Melania. All dress up and nowhere to go - beyond their own hotels.
52
Obama should host.
39
Perhaps Obama, one Bush and Carter could host as a triumvirate
5
Hillary would host if the hundreds of lobbyists in attendance paid her $200,000 honorarium.
3
Relax.
The only precedent set was an anti-American so-called president avoiding a ceremony that celebrates the freedom of thought and creativity that terrifies him and strongmen everywhere.
The only precedent set was an anti-American so-called president avoiding a ceremony that celebrates the freedom of thought and creativity that terrifies him and strongmen everywhere.
95
Trump will set the "tone"for all things dispicable.just as he has so far.
His bush league attractions,racism ,fascist thought ,and punishment for
People of color will continue.The Kennedy center,which opens its doors and its
Talent to all ,would not Appeal to Trump.His entertainment is more along the lines of people screaming for his attacks and giving money for a 2020 election.
Poor ignorant Trump,he's going to have to return to his tower and his gold
Toilets.
His bush league attractions,racism ,fascist thought ,and punishment for
People of color will continue.The Kennedy center,which opens its doors and its
Talent to all ,would not Appeal to Trump.His entertainment is more along the lines of people screaming for his attacks and giving money for a 2020 election.
Poor ignorant Trump,he's going to have to return to his tower and his gold
Toilets.
6
Will we have any future Presidents?
I hope so, and I hope every one of them Republican, Democrat or some other party, shows more decorum and respect for the Kennedy Center, the nation, and the Constitution unlike Donald Trump, the most classless President ever.
I hope so, and I hope every one of them Republican, Democrat or some other party, shows more decorum and respect for the Kennedy Center, the nation, and the Constitution unlike Donald Trump, the most classless President ever.
203
Trump is not attending because he's embarassed that attendees backed out directly because of his behavior, racism and non-stop lying.
As well, business leaders, athletes, and other arts members have resigned from committees or refused to come to the WH for ceremonies. Again, directly because of Trump. They are protesting and isolating Trump. Bravo!
As well, business leaders, athletes, and other arts members have resigned from committees or refused to come to the WH for ceremonies. Again, directly because of Trump. They are protesting and isolating Trump. Bravo!
167
Yes, future presidents would attend the KC Honors. I think future Presidents and First Ladies would use their time in the WH to broaden their cultural horizons. Trump is an incurious man and appears completely uninterested in any form of culture so it isn't fair to suggest he is setting a precedent by skipping the Kennedy Center Honors. The First Lady also seems to not want to do anything beyond wearing designer clothing. I know people think Trump is somehow abusing her and holding her back from participating in life but I think she is equally boring and uninterested in life. The two of them are sad, pathetic and unlike the majority of Americans. I feel sorry for Barron. What did he do this summer besides view the eclipse?
47
Of course, other Presidents will attend the Honours show because, God willing, the USA will NEVER have another president who is so reviled and disgusting. In the past, it didn't matter the political party of the President. In fact, I doubt very much that the party matters this time. The real reason is that Trump is thoroughly hated by the majority of Americans and no one wants to see him or his family anywhere in public. That is why they have to have not only Secret Service protection but the private army that Trump hired to protect them. Plus they want to avoid all the demonstrations of the majority's hatred and disgust of him.
93
kate sarginson....i agree with your comment with the exception of...in the past, it didn't matter.....
bush2 seemed to enjoy himself, but a large swath of the people attending disliked him as well tho not anywhere close to the feelings about the dysfunctional human being holding the office.
and the 'folks' don't have anybody to blame but themselves.
bush2 seemed to enjoy himself, but a large swath of the people attending disliked him as well tho not anywhere close to the feelings about the dysfunctional human being holding the office.
and the 'folks' don't have anybody to blame but themselves.
2
Donald Trump got a higher percentage of the popular vote than your Justin Trudeau.
And Hillary Clinton got more popular votes than your tRump. What's your point?
2
I venture the pretender in the white house is not going due to the fact that a number of the honourees refused to attend should he. Think he may have gotten the "hint". He likely wouldn't understand what it was about and would want to be in front to pontificate about his election.
3
Are you kidding? What precedent hasn't this President broken.
16
Precedent I don't think so. There is no precedent for this awful president who probably couldn't sit still through the program and seems to have no appreciation for art or nature or anything that doesn't revolve around him.
199
Trump is setting (or upsetting) a lot of precedents, many of them far more alarming than attending or not attending a gala.
Trump is a dangerous aberration.
Trump is a dangerous aberration.
39
We can only pray that absolutely NOTHING that Trump does becomes a precedent for any American. His absence can only be considered a benefit to The Kennedy Center, as it would be to our nation as a whole, should he decide to remove himself, unless -- of course -- we can find the means to preempt him.
63
As a frequent critic of President Trump, this time I will give him credit for taking the high ground. Personally, I think it is pretty arrogant and confrontational for an honoree to make threats about not coming to a ceremony honoring him'her. it demonstrates the inflated sense of self importance that we bestow upon celebrity. You are receiving an award, and yet you are the one dictating the circumstances under which you will receive it ?! Too bad.
Talk about narcissism !
Talk about narcissism !
2
It is the White House reception, not the awards ceremony itself that the honorees were planning to decline.
Perhaps the Trumps should also have attended the ceremony but called off the reception as well.
Perhaps the Trumps should also have attended the ceremony but called off the reception as well.
12
gino g....you seem to have misunderstood their protest. it wasn't the ceremony they were boytrumpcotting.....
7
No, some honorees have; a sense of right and wrong and refuse to associate themselves with the wrong of DT. That's the message they are sending.
3
Let's be clear about this. The one and ONLY reason Donald Trump (& spouse) bowed out of this event is because too many of the honorees bowed out before he did.
And as we have already seen with his disbanding of the C.E.O. Business Council, when too many took exception to his comments after Charlottesville, and jumped ship -- Trump must always appear to have the last word.
And as we have already seen with his disbanding of the C.E.O. Business Council, when too many took exception to his comments after Charlottesville, and jumped ship -- Trump must always appear to have the last word.
70
as in baseball with the steroid asterisk this presidency will always be marked by russia and actions of colluder in chief not to be considered as precedent.
5
Trump's decision not to attend The Kennedy Center Honors has more to do with his appallingly low approval and electoral numbers in his home town than it does with his concern for creating a distraction at the event. New Yorkers are not shy of voicing their displeasure with his Presidency - which would be painful for Trump to experience...because he has to come first, outshine the recipients and turn the event into an adoring Trumpfest of self-love...and that just ain't about to happen. It's a safe bet that President Trump will NEVER make an appearance anywhere he faces the reality of his bottom-of-the-barrel popularity - which means it's highly doubtful he'll be making official appearances in any major US population centers. The President of The United States of America lacks the courage to face those who think less of him than he does himself.
182
Except for the fact that the Kennedy Center is not in New York, this is a good comment.
2
You're right. In my haste I confused it with The Lincoln Centre - my bad. Apologies.
3
Yes, but the Kennedy Center is in Washington, DC, not NYC. Just an FYI.
2
If the board of trustees are Obama appointed and the honorees have been so politically vocal about their distaste of Trump, then an arts event has become a political manifestation, albeit a one-sided one. I suggest a President should only attend if the honorees and board of trustees align with his/her own party.
Every other president has managed to attend and enjoy the show without any controversy regardless of party. This isn't about which party he represents; this is about being a boorish, racist, misogynistic fool. Decent people everywhere should shun him. He is an affront to society as a whole.
81
Your sentiment are so painfully short sighted.
11
Did you miss the part of the article in which we were informed that the reason the board is made up of Obama appointees is because Trump hasn't bothered to make any appointments of his own. As with so very many things, if there is a problem it is one of Trump's own making.
13
It's important to remember that Mr. Trump is "skipping" the event because his attendance is unwanted by most of the honorees. It is hard to imagine that any future President will engender the level of revulsion, disgust, horror and embarrassment among our greatest creative minds that this one has.
If Mr. Pence is President at the time of the 2018 honors, I doubt that most honorees would resent his attendance,even if they don't agree with his politics.
If Mr. Pence is President at the time of the 2018 honors, I doubt that most honorees would resent his attendance,even if they don't agree with his politics.
121
You must have forgotten the disgraceful display by the cast of "Hamilton" trying to lecture the VP-Elect as he was walking out after the show ended.
1
He says he's not going because he doesn't want to make it "political." But I say he's not going because he'd be bored witless as he has zero appreciation for the arts, as well as jealous at seeing other people in the spotlight. Just like your typical 5-year-old when you take him to the theater but have to leave at intermission.
Suit yourself, Don; rest assured you and the missus won't be missed.