So, conservatives are living through a nightmare. Welcome to my house.
4
Not strange. Democrats made the difference in the vote count for Trump; not Russia.
2
It's difficult to tell what exactly Trump wants out of this job, aside from increasing the wealth and prestige of Trump Organization companies - that much is a given. Unlike most of our politicians he is not serving at the behest of some cadre of oligarchs since he's one himself, and as long as a political initiative does not interfere with his business empire he probably doesn't care all that much about whether it would require breaking bread with the democrats.
He's a salesman at heart, however, so any deal proposed by his administration must first be parsed with a fine-toothed comb. Would you buy a used car from this man?
He's a salesman at heart, however, so any deal proposed by his administration must first be parsed with a fine-toothed comb. Would you buy a used car from this man?
2
"It is the scenario that President Trump’s most conservative followers considered their worst nightmare: The dealmaking political novice, whose ideology and loyalty were always fungible, cut a deal with Democrats."
Wow. Imagine the President of the United States actually talking to Democrats! Working with Democrats! Doesn't he know that Democrats are Satan's spawn? Who ever heard of a President working with both political parties??????
Honestly, where does this bottom-of-the-barrel scum come from? Excuse me- I meant to say "deplorables." Hate to say it as a long-time Trump detractor, but if he does something that gets race-baiter Bannon all in a tizzy, it may well be the right thing to do.
Wow. Imagine the President of the United States actually talking to Democrats! Working with Democrats! Doesn't he know that Democrats are Satan's spawn? Who ever heard of a President working with both political parties??????
Honestly, where does this bottom-of-the-barrel scum come from? Excuse me- I meant to say "deplorables." Hate to say it as a long-time Trump detractor, but if he does something that gets race-baiter Bannon all in a tizzy, it may well be the right thing to do.
2
Maybe this will break the log jams--I hope so.
Don't get fooled by Don the Con. Its all about him.
2
He'll betray us as quickly as he betrayed Mitch. 45's exploitative disloyalty is boundless.
3
I am very confused.
Bi-partisan cooperation to prevent the U.S. government from shutting down appears to be the right thing to do.
So why is Trump doing it?
Bi-partisan cooperation to prevent the U.S. government from shutting down appears to be the right thing to do.
So why is Trump doing it?
4
Disrespect vets and POW's, Make fun of the handicapped, purpose banning all Muslims, purpose making them wear special I.D.'s, Brags about sexually assaulting women, various nods and winks to the KKK and Nazis, hire white supremacist, collude with Russia, lies and more lies. NO PROBLEM! Make a deal with some Democrats? the right loses their minds.
4
I don't think trump seriously thought that he would become president. But to his surprise he did and he saw it as a golden opportunity to financially gain from it. But to his further surprise he has found out that it would not be the cakewalk he expected. I don't look for him to run for re-election, especially if he is in prison, so why should he give a damn about offending right wingers. He can always woe them back by praising white supremacists.
He isnt rooted in anything but his own popularity,
Over the past 40 years GOP and Dems were always above their gang colors when it comes to corporate welfare, bailouts and legalized tax avoidance for the chosen few.
America's business is business and money Trumps everything.
America's business is business and money Trumps everything.
1
The radical right is determined to force their policies on everyone else. The problem is that most Americans don't like their policies. Trump made a lot of promises, and the right is figuring out that his word is useless. They have managed to concentrate their political clout into the republican party and now they are planning on destroying that. Whatever they do, they are still a shrinking minority.
3
Let's not underestimate Donald Trump's political intuitions. His base doesn't care about a three-month versus a six-month deal on the debt limit and financing the government. His base cares about confederate statues, immigration policy, fossil fuels (and nothing sustainable), coal mining, and bluster. This deal will not hurt Trump with his base.
Trump may have been playing solely for himself.
He is clearly eager to humiliate Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. This is an excellent way to do it.
He also wants some "wins" for his base who hate McConnell and Ryan almost has much as they hate "Them Liberals" and the "undeserviing" (meaning non-whites). Bending the Republican Congress to his will will be a victory for Trump.
Finally, assuming he can think one move ahead (a big ask), Trump has set up the next crisis in 3 months where he can offer to extend the debt ceiling another three months as long as funds for hurricane Irma, the Dreamer act, and the Wall funding are included. Democrats and at least a few Republicans would go along. (Democrats for the Dreamers/DACA, Irma, and avoiding default, and Republicans for Irma, and to avoid losing their base by killing the wall.)
Once Trump finds out how useful creating a crisis every 3 months can be, he will repeat every 3 months, until Republicans finally figure out that the Debt Ceiling has always been political, and wipe out the need to keep authorizing it.
He is clearly eager to humiliate Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. This is an excellent way to do it.
He also wants some "wins" for his base who hate McConnell and Ryan almost has much as they hate "Them Liberals" and the "undeserviing" (meaning non-whites). Bending the Republican Congress to his will will be a victory for Trump.
Finally, assuming he can think one move ahead (a big ask), Trump has set up the next crisis in 3 months where he can offer to extend the debt ceiling another three months as long as funds for hurricane Irma, the Dreamer act, and the Wall funding are included. Democrats and at least a few Republicans would go along. (Democrats for the Dreamers/DACA, Irma, and avoiding default, and Republicans for Irma, and to avoid losing their base by killing the wall.)
Once Trump finds out how useful creating a crisis every 3 months can be, he will repeat every 3 months, until Republicans finally figure out that the Debt Ceiling has always been political, and wipe out the need to keep authorizing it.
4
This is the kind of politics I voted for. Pull the fangs on the "conservative" American Taliban. We should not have an Israeli type political environment where fanatic fringe people are in the drivers seat. Make a deal with whoever is most reasonable, and in the interest of the American people.
4
You just HAD to take a cheap shot at Israel, didn't you?
2
Trump is just not willing to learn the job of being president. He goes in all directions because he cannot master the material or do his homework.
Trump is not anti-establishment, he is just anti-rational. For us as a country all I can say is we're likely to be end up in the dumpster just like his creditors, contractors and colleagues when he was a businessman.
Thank you Trump voters for giving us a foolish, lazy and half-witted POTUS.
Trump is not anti-establishment, he is just anti-rational. For us as a country all I can say is we're likely to be end up in the dumpster just like his creditors, contractors and colleagues when he was a businessman.
Thank you Trump voters for giving us a foolish, lazy and half-witted POTUS.
9
Amazing...is there hope for Trump (or for us)?
If he finds that dealmaking with Democrats is to his liking, who knows what could happen? But what about the remaining alt-right weirdos that are around him, or that he may still listen to?
New political motto: "Exile Bannon".
If he finds that dealmaking with Democrats is to his liking, who knows what could happen? But what about the remaining alt-right weirdos that are around him, or that he may still listen to?
New political motto: "Exile Bannon".
3
Bannon is a disease. But so are the Tea Partiers. Name one positive thing they've done since 2009? They've brought nothing but crisis and conspiracy theories and the absolute conviction that they and they alone are right---and have crippled our government in their hubris. We need the antibody.
14
But the lowly American citizenry, the target for GOP cruelty low these many years, shall be entertained and joyous watching the various "wings" go at each other like snakes in a barrel and with a huge stench of treason capping and much befitting the Republican final denouement aka their just desserts. America will see , the "at long last , have you no shame" GOP issue its death rattles.
6
You wrote, "But the lowly American citizenry, . . . shall be entertained and joyous watching the various "wings" go at each other . . . ."
The only "wings" our average American knows about are the kind with the word "Buffalo" in front of them.
The only "wings" our average American knows about are the kind with the word "Buffalo" in front of them.
Most folks are able to run rings around this man - Kim Jong Un, Macron, Merkel, Schumer, Pelosi etc...The only real suckers he can bamboozle are those who voted for him. At least some of these will soon realize that his con was always pathetic.
8
yes let us work together with a different President! This nut job needs to go..heard through reliable source that in November the Republicans will move to unload this burden! This is not about ideology! It is about sanity and a man who displays the characteristics of one with the 3rd stage of syphilis..the Vice president , who is not much better for the nation, at lest will "drive" in a predictable direction..
1
You wrote, " . . . the Vice president , who is not much better for the nation, at lest will "drive" in a predictable direction.."
A predictable direction, yes -- the WRONG direction. Unlike Gerald Ford, who was merely a guy who was joked about as having played too much football without a helmet, Pence is truly dangerous. And while the Republicans, who never wanted Trump as their candidate, have come to realize that he needs to be "managed," they would be perfectly pleased with Pence. The Democrats would then have to make the case, day after day, that Pence was not only a willing accomplice, but an enthusiastic accomplice, to the embodiment of Evil that is Trump. And the Democrats will have to win big in the mid-term elections next year, no matter what happens between now and then.
A predictable direction, yes -- the WRONG direction. Unlike Gerald Ford, who was merely a guy who was joked about as having played too much football without a helmet, Pence is truly dangerous. And while the Republicans, who never wanted Trump as their candidate, have come to realize that he needs to be "managed," they would be perfectly pleased with Pence. The Democrats would then have to make the case, day after day, that Pence was not only a willing accomplice, but an enthusiastic accomplice, to the embodiment of Evil that is Trump. And the Democrats will have to win big in the mid-term elections next year, no matter what happens between now and then.
1
I'm all for bipartisanship, but Pelosi and Schumer are far, FAR too generous to take any deal with covfefe without any assurance that he will maintain Obamacare funds, advertising, and enforcement; stop attacking the climate, public education, non-fake news, and black lives; stop giving thug-police war-surplus arms to attack protesters; stop committing and encouraging hate incitement on Twitter; stop supporting hate groups like the KKK and Breitbart...
Never trust a Republican to keep a promise, especially a racist landlord with obvious NPD. We've seen this already. You all remember, right, North Carolina?
Never trust a Republican to keep a promise, especially a racist landlord with obvious NPD. We've seen this already. You all remember, right, North Carolina?
6
NPD, that's "Narcissistic Personality Disorder."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_disorder
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_disorder
He is still a criminal traitor liar crook idiot who was just tired and really does not care. He just wants some positive storkes from somwhere...after dealing hell to 800000 Americans who are som eof the most productive in our nation. Throw the bum out.
11
“I know for certain,” said Jenny Beth Martin, a founder of Tea Party Patriots, that grass-roots conservatives “did not work so hard last year to elect majorities in the House and the Senate and get Trump elected in the White House to enact liberal policy priorities.”
The problem with the ultra-conservative, as Jenny Beth Martin demonstrates above, is that they can't even get behind an idea, even if it's a common-sense one that's good for the country, if it comes from the opposing party. How is paying for the spending/debt that Congress passes a "liberal policy priority"? Have these people absolutely no sense of hypocrisy or shame?
The problem with the ultra-conservative, as Jenny Beth Martin demonstrates above, is that they can't even get behind an idea, even if it's a common-sense one that's good for the country, if it comes from the opposing party. How is paying for the spending/debt that Congress passes a "liberal policy priority"? Have these people absolutely no sense of hypocrisy or shame?
10
If Trump were smart he'd dangle tax cuts in exchange for a sharply limited investigation by Robert Mueller. Congressional Republicans would sell their souls for tax cuts (and a stolen SCOTUS seat). They essentially stipulated to that once Trump won the nomination.
3
It may seem that the Democrats and Republicans are at War, prepared to take back our Country at all cost, for the welfare, security and future of Americans. Daniel Crocker just showed up, minus his Trump baseball cap, because our town has been vandalized. He is concerned. To my mind, he is an American and proud of it. He does not like politicians, or Big Government.
Now. When President Obama was elected in 2008 the first word that disappeared from his many detractors was 'Bipartisan'. How is this new Leader of our Nation going to manage to put together a strong task force without the support of one of our political parties, I wondered.
Trump, whether one dislikes his Presidential Agenda, or believes that one is experiencing the guidance of a man who tells it right, like any other president is benefiting the Country by seeking additional advice from those who care and are well-reasoned experts in our State of Affairs.
He has been misled by many political bantams and roosters. They appear to have a plot of their own and do not give a button about using Trump as a tool, a symbol, a distraction. There are days where I feel 'sorry' for him, which means that it impacts on all of US.
Trump is now well surrounded, but will he stay the course. Only time will tell, but he may be able to leave 'The Swamp' behind.
Here's to a Bipartisan Relief Effort and some peace among Americans!
Now. When President Obama was elected in 2008 the first word that disappeared from his many detractors was 'Bipartisan'. How is this new Leader of our Nation going to manage to put together a strong task force without the support of one of our political parties, I wondered.
Trump, whether one dislikes his Presidential Agenda, or believes that one is experiencing the guidance of a man who tells it right, like any other president is benefiting the Country by seeking additional advice from those who care and are well-reasoned experts in our State of Affairs.
He has been misled by many political bantams and roosters. They appear to have a plot of their own and do not give a button about using Trump as a tool, a symbol, a distraction. There are days where I feel 'sorry' for him, which means that it impacts on all of US.
Trump is now well surrounded, but will he stay the course. Only time will tell, but he may be able to leave 'The Swamp' behind.
Here's to a Bipartisan Relief Effort and some peace among Americans!
I am not surprised at the current "civil war" within the republican party. All political parties are uneasy coalitions of competing ideas and interests. The republican party's failure so far to govern successfully--despite controlling all levers of power in Washington--I hope serves as a teachable moment for republicans. In a mature democracy like the U.S., every governmental agency and all the laws on the books have been hotly debated and analyzed. There are no easy choices remaining. Who knows, maybe Trump, has decided to start being pragmatic. For too long, the republican mentality has been that unless they get everything on their list, that is failure. Nobody gets everything they want in life and it time that republican public office holders accepted that reality.
4
Bipartisanship is always welcome, so this is to be applauded.
But this is also Trump, so Schumer and Pelosi could be under a bus by tomorrow. Schumer is right to be cautious.
They also need to get the legislation passed and will need a certain number of Republican votes to get there. Despite what Ryan and McConnell say, don't expect them to work very hard to gather up those votes and do expect a lot of Republican opposition from the hardliners.
But this is also Trump, so Schumer and Pelosi could be under a bus by tomorrow. Schumer is right to be cautious.
They also need to get the legislation passed and will need a certain number of Republican votes to get there. Despite what Ryan and McConnell say, don't expect them to work very hard to gather up those votes and do expect a lot of Republican opposition from the hardliners.
3
President Trump seeks, as we Navy veterans say, "Any port in a storm". He's most pleased when surrounded by chaos because then he's "thinking-on-his-feet" something we all admire. I wish the NY Times would quit attacking this guy. He wants to do well, I'm certain. He's just a little confusing when he stiffs his core. I mean... one day he issues a bold threat to shut down the government if Congress doesn't fund the wall. "Right On!" says the core; and then the next day he submits to Pelosi. Come on, Mr. President, which is it?
2
Did anyone else read this and think you could swap out Democrat for Republican? Aren't civil wars brewing in both parties? We're in for one bumpy ride.
2
Colluding with a hostile foreign power Republicans are fine with that colluding with democrats to pay the country's bills not so much.
10
What do you expect? For 7 years Republicans talked about Repeal and Replace and then when they have control they fail to produce a plan. What have they been doing for the last 7 years except soliciting donations for their re-election campaigns?
So I applaud President Trump to for this shot across their bow. Either fall in line or he will cut deals with Nancy Pelosi.
So I applaud President Trump to for this shot across their bow. Either fall in line or he will cut deals with Nancy Pelosi.
1
Trump is true to form. He trashes everyone who supports him, sooner or later. Only he survives. Is this typical of those who operate global businesses? Did his supporters understand this when they voted for him?
4
His supporter worship at the altar of demagoguery
4
Dismal Donnie had no alternative-either cut a deal or shut the down the government and the current weather situation does not allow that. Are you saying the Dismal one is taking back his anti environment, racial and anti semtic, anti immigrant speech and policy? That has to be the bottom line for any real bipartisanship. Get rid of the hate and then get the votes.
4
Somehow Mr. Trump is going to trumpet this as an example of his so-called "art of the deal." The Democrats are somehow going to blow whatever political opportunity they thought they'd get from shaking hand with the devil. And the Republicans are going to somehow continue to win elections. This changes nothing. Meanwhile, the real conservative agenda - dismantling the federal government - continues apace, and there's not a blessed thing Democrats can do about it, because we lost the Presidency. The conservatives are using this as a chance to gain some visibility and keep the pressure on Mr. Trump and his Cabinet to continue the work chartered and paid for by Koch, Mercer and other "haves."
5
The only thing the Democrats got from Trump was a 3-month debt ceiling extension rather than 18 months. Basically the GOP wanted to bury the debt ceiling until after the next election. Face facts: If you hate debt raise taxes back to where they were when the budget was balanced. Or make your spending cuts. But whatever you do be honest and face the voters. Don't kick the can 18 months down the road while running up more debt. All this nonsense from the so-called conservatives about draining the swamp is really a call to muddy the waters.
4
Ryan and Republicans were going to tie disaster relief to raising the debt limit and attack dissenting Democrats as "playing politics"--- and Democrats allow that to stand? This is but a small example of how a party loses elections: let outrageous lies and distortions float, unchallenged.
This really is an egregious example. C'mon Democrats, wake the heck up!
This really is an egregious example. C'mon Democrats, wake the heck up!
2
Trump used to be a Democrat. Donated to Hillary after all.
Perhaps he's showing his true colors? I'm hopefull.
But, probably it's just Trump getting back at a perceived wrong by Republican leadership.
The Trump Reality Show marches on!
Perhaps he's showing his true colors? I'm hopefull.
But, probably it's just Trump getting back at a perceived wrong by Republican leadership.
The Trump Reality Show marches on!
1
The Worm Ouroboros in real life!
So............donald trump Junior is just as much of a Liar as his father.
I'm shocked!
I'm shocked!
2
Ha ha another ridiculous article. Trump makes a deal with Democrats and the liberal media condemns him for that.
He is obviously very cagey, this is a brilliant undercutting of the conservative Republicans in congress who think they can block his agenda. He will deal with whoever he needs to to get things done, he was quite aware that a prolonged fight over the simple act of approving funding for disaster aid and raising the debt ceiling would be a negative and might derail tax reform, which is imperative. Republicans in Congress failed him miserably and this is a clear message, he will hang them out to dry if they don't get their act together. They must compromise and act together with their 50 votes, otherwise he will make deals with the Democrats. What's it going to be? No more 1 or 2 of them making outrageous demands to please their base at home and refusing to vote for something that the majority of Republicans support. If they do that a centrist coalition could make a lot of progress if Trump can pull it off. Watch out, tax reform coming, maybe a compromise on immigration reform too. Just wondering how Is the Times going to keep up the anti Trump rhetoric when he starts making more deals with the Democrats?
He is obviously very cagey, this is a brilliant undercutting of the conservative Republicans in congress who think they can block his agenda. He will deal with whoever he needs to to get things done, he was quite aware that a prolonged fight over the simple act of approving funding for disaster aid and raising the debt ceiling would be a negative and might derail tax reform, which is imperative. Republicans in Congress failed him miserably and this is a clear message, he will hang them out to dry if they don't get their act together. They must compromise and act together with their 50 votes, otherwise he will make deals with the Democrats. What's it going to be? No more 1 or 2 of them making outrageous demands to please their base at home and refusing to vote for something that the majority of Republicans support. If they do that a centrist coalition could make a lot of progress if Trump can pull it off. Watch out, tax reform coming, maybe a compromise on immigration reform too. Just wondering how Is the Times going to keep up the anti Trump rhetoric when he starts making more deals with the Democrats?
1
Great. I just hope his coalition crumbles before we invade North Korea, or Iran, or both.
This is some of the best reality TV in a while. With natural disasters uprooting his base voters in Texas and Florida, DJT's collaboration with Democrats is a strong vote of no confidence in the Republican Congressional leadership. McConnell and Ryan are getting their just desserts after failing to repeal and replace the ACA. Mr. Bannon's head is 'splodin' because Trump is an unpredictable brat instead of the docile puppet he wanted. Thus Trump upsets both his base and the traditional GOP conservative wing. The GOP Congress dares not initiate impeachment proceedings (duh, it would hurt their brand), despite growing evidence that the Russians and Trump's campaign staffers colluded.
Meanwhile DJT stays true to form-- reactive, transactional, spiteful, thoughtless, and unpredictable... And sometimes he does the right thing out of spite, like keeping the government solvent and operational.
Meanwhile DJT stays true to form-- reactive, transactional, spiteful, thoughtless, and unpredictable... And sometimes he does the right thing out of spite, like keeping the government solvent and operational.
What do you get when you cross a narcissist with two irreconcilable political beliefs? I don't know either, but I think we are about to find out.
2
Holding irreconcilable beliefs is a problem only for those of us who value reasoned discourse. For sports fans, it has never been a problem.
His core of ideologues forgot about the honesty issue that the rest of the world has been so concerned about. Since POTUS started his campaign based on their support they assumed he could be believed even if he lied to everyone else. Political dishonesty is not new it's an old story;
"An honest politician is one who, when he is bought, will stay bought."
Simon Cameron, US financier & politician, Secretary of War 1861-1862 (1799 - 1889).
"An honest politician is one who, when he is bought, will stay bought."
Simon Cameron, US financier & politician, Secretary of War 1861-1862 (1799 - 1889).
Trump is flailing; his budget deal with Schumer and Pelosi buys him a few more gallons until his tank runs dry.
2
How long does anyone think it will take for djt to back off his deal with Schumer and Pelosi and go waffling back to Mark Meadows and his ilk? I'll wager maybe not longer than the end of September.
1
I don't understand your use of the phrase "civil war" in this article. Are you suggesting that the right wing of the Republican Party is ready to take up arms and start shooting?
Let's be brutally honest:
The grifter needed a win. Schumer & Pelosi could deliver, even if it's just a small win.
Nor should it come as any surprise that a lifelong New Yorker finds it easier to work with lifelong New Yorker Chuck Schumer and San Francisco cosmopolite (oooh, Stephen Miller alert!) Nancy Pelosi than he does with small-town midwesterner Paul Ryan and eternally dour Mitch McConnell.
The grifter needed a win. Schumer & Pelosi could deliver, even if it's just a small win.
Nor should it come as any surprise that a lifelong New Yorker finds it easier to work with lifelong New Yorker Chuck Schumer and San Francisco cosmopolite (oooh, Stephen Miller alert!) Nancy Pelosi than he does with small-town midwesterner Paul Ryan and eternally dour Mitch McConnell.
1
The entire article is about politics, not a word about what is actually good for the country. The people (not the Tea Party, or Trumps base) have been howling for bipartisanship, the great majority wants the two parties working together, and when Trump actually does it republicans scream. And how did actually funding the government become a partisan issue. Has it become a conservative principle not to pay the government's bills? I am a long way away from being a Trump supporter, but this may help him realize he could actually get a beautiful health plan passed that is an improvement on the ACA by working with democrats.
3
Trump is not interested in an improvement on ACA; he is obsessed about undoing whatever Obama did in his presidency. I doubt that Trump even knows what is in ACA; if the Republicans came up with a bill that is exactly the same as ACA but called it the "ACA repeal bill", Trump would no doubt be in favor of it. We are only seeing this move (to work with the Dems) by Trump because budget reconciliation does not have anything to do with Obama's legacy. The man has a bad case of OCD when it comes to Obama.
True, Donald Trump cares more about what makes him 'look good' than any legislative priority on his agenda, but in absence of a realistic plan by the Republicans, Trump opted instead to shake hands with the Democrats, who offered him a deal to temporarily avoid a government shutdown and pass much-needed hurricane relief funds. As for the long-term consequences, when has that ever been of any concern to Trump? He will deal with it when the time comes. And by "deal with it," I mean that he will have Republicans try to clean up his mess and blame them for the chaos that ensues.
Paul Ryan seemed particularly personally affronted, stating " Pres. Trump was aiming for "bipartisan moment while the country is facing two horrible hurricanes." It was said rather bitterly.
But truth is, he and Mitch McConnell paid a price for distancing themselves and fighting with Trump, who began to remember he liked and respected Chuck Schumer, and knew Nancy had a unified party when push came to shove.
Live currently on television, Speaker Ryan looks like he's developed a severe case of acid reflux.
Sources say Nancy Pelosi asked Trump to send a helpful tweet reassuring dreamers and the tweet appeared. And she confirmed it. Perhaps the alliance will be fruitful:
There's no evidence these Republican lawmakers are any less obstructionist than they were during Obama's terms. They have played games with the debt ceiling and even shut down the government. They were told then that would be their legacy.
But truth is, he and Mitch McConnell paid a price for distancing themselves and fighting with Trump, who began to remember he liked and respected Chuck Schumer, and knew Nancy had a unified party when push came to shove.
Live currently on television, Speaker Ryan looks like he's developed a severe case of acid reflux.
Sources say Nancy Pelosi asked Trump to send a helpful tweet reassuring dreamers and the tweet appeared. And she confirmed it. Perhaps the alliance will be fruitful:
There's no evidence these Republican lawmakers are any less obstructionist than they were during Obama's terms. They have played games with the debt ceiling and even shut down the government. They were told then that would be their legacy.
In a country of over 320 million people, it is ludicrous to think that two political parties can satisfy the disparate needs, wants and philosophies of all the voters. If we had a parliamentary system of government, we would have multiple, viable parties whose popularity would rise and fall and who would forge ever shifting coalitions to govern the country.
Instead, we have enforced permanent coalitions because of our two-party system and the coalition within the Republican party, long problematic, is fast becoming utterly toxic and unworkable. Right now, we have a number of political movements: the Alt-Right, the Wall Street gang, the Bernie Bots and the Religious Right. There's a fifth cohort which probably is the largest, but least motivated group - the Centrists who include all moderate Republicans and Democrats.
If the extreme political movements are not going to tear the country apart, the Centrists have to find a way to unite under a single political banner. This might happen if the Alt-Right does take over the GOP along with the Religious Right, though where that would leave the Bernie Bots, is uncertain. What is clear is that we've had political realignments before and it looks like another one is due.
Instead, we have enforced permanent coalitions because of our two-party system and the coalition within the Republican party, long problematic, is fast becoming utterly toxic and unworkable. Right now, we have a number of political movements: the Alt-Right, the Wall Street gang, the Bernie Bots and the Religious Right. There's a fifth cohort which probably is the largest, but least motivated group - the Centrists who include all moderate Republicans and Democrats.
If the extreme political movements are not going to tear the country apart, the Centrists have to find a way to unite under a single political banner. This might happen if the Alt-Right does take over the GOP along with the Religious Right, though where that would leave the Bernie Bots, is uncertain. What is clear is that we've had political realignments before and it looks like another one is due.
1
In all seriousness though, what is their problem with continuing to fund the government? In all of the hysterics, that argument has not once, that I've heard anyway, been articulated clearly.
3
I predict that Trump, deprived of a "win" by Republican infighting, will throw in with the Democrats. He wants to be remembered as a great president, and that will pave the way to him being the savior of the Dreamers, would be a good start. People accepted Nixon's surprising acceptance 0f "Red China." This will be the same thing but on the domestic front.
1
Trump cozies up to Nazis and his base says No problem! Trump cuts a deal with Democrats and his base goes bananas. That's all you need to know about the Trump voter, right there.
26
No, Trump's base only thinks what it gets told to think. The question is: who do these "deplorables" take their marching orders from, frustrated conservative firebrands (like Bannon) or die-hard loyalists (like pundits at Fox News)? Frankly, Trump supporters have had to swallow a lot of betrayal from the Trump administration, and the fact that they have not already openly revolted against him, suggests that his core supporters still remain loyal because they are constantly subjected to a steady stream of pro-Trump propaganda and "fake news."
2
“These are the moments that can derail President Trump’s presidency,”
After all the firings/resignations, investigations, the tweets, screaming telephone calls with world leaders, disastrous press conferences, Nazi endorsing, covfefe and self aggrandizing speeches, can one reasonably state this presidency was actually ever ON the rails?
After all the firings/resignations, investigations, the tweets, screaming telephone calls with world leaders, disastrous press conferences, Nazi endorsing, covfefe and self aggrandizing speeches, can one reasonably state this presidency was actually ever ON the rails?
10
Adam Brandon, the president of FreedomWorks, offered a searing judgment of the president: “Talk about burning bridges with the grass-roots.” Freedom at FreedomWorks appears to permit--perhaps even to require--the mixing of metaphors. Perhaps those bridges will be replaced by tunnels to the grass-roots.
4
“These are the moments that can derail President Trump’s presidency...” Not white supremacy or Nazism, mind you, but bi-partisanship. To the contrary, it might be the only thing that can save Trump's presidency.
Trump is nothing if not opportunistic. Who knows if this Trojan horse moment is revenge against the insufficiently obsequious Republican leadership, but Dems should take note. He stands for nothing but self-promotion and greed.
Trump is nothing if not opportunistic. Who knows if this Trojan horse moment is revenge against the insufficiently obsequious Republican leadership, but Dems should take note. He stands for nothing but self-promotion and greed.
8
If "ordinary Republicans" must be replaced, it means "ordinary" Americans must go. Good luck with it, boys. (Now everybody put on your VR gear and make #war, not #love!)
So he "cut a deal." Don't expect trump to honor it. He'll reneg just as soon as he feels like it.
8
Conned by America's pre-eminent con man? What a surprise!
10
“These are the moments that can derail President Trump’s presidency,” said David Bozell, the president of For America and a Trump supporter,
These moments, like getting along with the other side! What about collusion wth the Russians? No What about lying 95% of the time? No What about not condemning white nationalists or Neo-Nazi's? No. What about chaos in the White House? No . The list goes on and on of what Trump supporters will stomach, but not compromise and cooperation
These moments, like getting along with the other side! What about collusion wth the Russians? No What about lying 95% of the time? No What about not condemning white nationalists or Neo-Nazi's? No. What about chaos in the White House? No . The list goes on and on of what Trump supporters will stomach, but not compromise and cooperation
6
Only Nixon could go to China. And only Donald could drain that swamp, and refill it. With Democrats.
5
i quote from article:
"Mr. Trump, who is more of A NOMINAL CUSTODIAN WITH HIS OWN SET OF PLANS than he is a devoted guardian of the party’s legacy and conservative principles, has so far failed to bring the warring factions together."
I can only hope that Trump, the loose cannon man, will continue, naive layman of politics that he is, in his real-politic kind of assessments and interpretations.
weirdly, he seems to play the cards right, on some hands dealt.
if he were to have free rein (no pun intended) in his own way of imposing his policies, it's not utterly incredible that he may escape the partisan stamp he (and democrats) are cursed with.
i mean, democrat or republican, they're all politicians first.
well, in that equation, there is NOTHING that determines any one of the actors will persist in insane, inhumane, vicious self-interests--all on account of saving face, or cause they 'told you so'.
There have been worse days, to my reading of fast-breaking 'politics' and moves on the Hill, than what just came to pass.
one day (naw, i'm being utopian here) i might be saying,
Welcome, Trump, to the REAL fight. Thanks for coming on board.
pssst, sir, we've got some cliff notes for you to check out.
read 'em, give us your opinions . . . and, then,
let's go out there and KICK
some butt.
ok, being hopeful here.
just sayin' . . .
"Mr. Trump, who is more of A NOMINAL CUSTODIAN WITH HIS OWN SET OF PLANS than he is a devoted guardian of the party’s legacy and conservative principles, has so far failed to bring the warring factions together."
I can only hope that Trump, the loose cannon man, will continue, naive layman of politics that he is, in his real-politic kind of assessments and interpretations.
weirdly, he seems to play the cards right, on some hands dealt.
if he were to have free rein (no pun intended) in his own way of imposing his policies, it's not utterly incredible that he may escape the partisan stamp he (and democrats) are cursed with.
i mean, democrat or republican, they're all politicians first.
well, in that equation, there is NOTHING that determines any one of the actors will persist in insane, inhumane, vicious self-interests--all on account of saving face, or cause they 'told you so'.
There have been worse days, to my reading of fast-breaking 'politics' and moves on the Hill, than what just came to pass.
one day (naw, i'm being utopian here) i might be saying,
Welcome, Trump, to the REAL fight. Thanks for coming on board.
pssst, sir, we've got some cliff notes for you to check out.
read 'em, give us your opinions . . . and, then,
let's go out there and KICK
some butt.
ok, being hopeful here.
just sayin' . . .
3
He got bored and tired of winning, so he jumped ship to make his life more interesting
2
If tea party leaders fight Trump on this they will lose. Trump has stolen their base out from under them.
6
Congressional Republicans would like to shutdown the government again in order to protest that we shouldn't raise the debt-ceiling to pay for already incurred government debt. Meanwhile, in their dream world, they'd like to slash myriad taxes targeted towards extremely high-income individuals. They'd also like to enact several budget-negative proposals: slashing health insurance for millions, kicking out thousands of tax-paying Hispanics, and destroying access to birth control. Then, these same individuals will decry the fecklessness of government and demand austerity measures - austerity, that mind you, will not target wasteful subsidies and tax breaks to the wealthy and international corporations. Instead, this austerity will involve slashing the budget of things like the NIH, PBS, NPR, welfare, or social security payments. Like, really?
4
I don't understand. The Republicans, quoted here, claim that Trump has abandoned "their principles."
I can't see that any principles were even involved in the agreement with the Democrats.
What actually outrages them is that Trump made the deal with the Democrats, the hated enemy.
Thus it is nothing but partisanship, which has inflamed the Republicans.
I can't see that any principles were even involved in the agreement with the Democrats.
What actually outrages them is that Trump made the deal with the Democrats, the hated enemy.
Thus it is nothing but partisanship, which has inflamed the Republicans.
2
This is the best decision President Trump has made. I give him kudos to get away from all the bipartisanship and brinkmanship. The Freedom Caucus is crazy as is Rand Paul along with a bunch of Democrats. The first of many pragmatic decisions, I hope and pray for. President Trump may yet no be the worst US President if he keeps this up. Now only if he'll embrace Single-payer, his approvals WILL GO OVER 50%. Use both parties against themselves and their unmoving ideologies. They may call you weak for giving in, but that GOP bunch needed to be put in their place. Now, next?
4
That would really blow some minds, wouldn't it - Trump embracing single payer.
It is, in fact, a deal (which is more than Republicans could muster on healthcare). As the saying goes, bad breath is better than no breath.
1
Of the thousands upon thousands of comments I have read since Trump announced his candidacy, only one remains unforgettable. He wrote: People just don't get it that us businessmen have no principles and no loyalties to anyone or anything. We will change course at any time when to our own advantage.
This alone helps explain why Hillary as an opportunistic career politician beat Sanders because she has flip flopped on issues to the point that she was able to manipulate both identity politics and corporate subservience to her advantage, whereas she lost to a snake oil businessman who was even better at it.
This is why "compromise" has come to be a dirty word in Washington, only Trump has blown up the Tea Party's uncompromising takeover of the GOP while his rabid uncompromising base will remain loyal even if he cuts a deal with Schumer and Pelosi in the middle of 5th Avenue.
Meanwhile, Hillary has once again arisen from the dead to blame Bernie Sanders, the old tortoise who forges on having never sold out his convictions, having become the most popular politician in the US as the stunned public slowly comes to grip with to the extraordinary extent whereby we have been had.
This alone helps explain why Hillary as an opportunistic career politician beat Sanders because she has flip flopped on issues to the point that she was able to manipulate both identity politics and corporate subservience to her advantage, whereas she lost to a snake oil businessman who was even better at it.
This is why "compromise" has come to be a dirty word in Washington, only Trump has blown up the Tea Party's uncompromising takeover of the GOP while his rabid uncompromising base will remain loyal even if he cuts a deal with Schumer and Pelosi in the middle of 5th Avenue.
Meanwhile, Hillary has once again arisen from the dead to blame Bernie Sanders, the old tortoise who forges on having never sold out his convictions, having become the most popular politician in the US as the stunned public slowly comes to grip with to the extraordinary extent whereby we have been had.
Maybe they have finally realized that Donald Trump is only out for himself and his family. Not the world, not the country, not the republican party, not anyone but himself. They will have to deal with it the way the rest of us are having to deal with it. Welcome to the nightmare.
2
Is Trump really out for his family? Other presidents took pains to shield their children from the public eye, much more so from public criticism and legal exposure. Trump thrust his children into harms way when they could shield him. Ivanka was used to counter his misogyny, Jr was used to give daddy plausible deniability on Russian collusion, Eric & Jr have "control" of the business to provide "separation" that satisfies no ethics professionals. We'll see how involved Jared's database was in directing Russian facebook ads. He's using everyone. None will come out of this better off. Nothing is sacred to this man.
The eleven most feared words in the English language: 'We're the Republican congressional caucus and we're here to help you.'
10
This is what a successful business man does.
Deals.
Liberals-Democrats-Media HATE Trump.
Then I see lawn signs " Hate has no home Here "
Who really hates?
Liberals and Democrats would get a lot of what they want if they could only work with Trump.
Won't do it though because the Media won't allow it.
Deals.
Liberals-Democrats-Media HATE Trump.
Then I see lawn signs " Hate has no home Here "
Who really hates?
Liberals and Democrats would get a lot of what they want if they could only work with Trump.
Won't do it though because the Media won't allow it.
1
Successful, Mr. Paper? Four bankruptcies, failed real estate deals. You call that success? I call it something else.
18
Certainly not failure? More successful than most people. Creating and running a business is a lot harder than punching a clock.
Mr. Paper: please no more sweeping judgments. Democrat here. I do not HATE Mr. Trump, as you say. Just did not think he was cut out, or really wanted, to be President.
Thanks.
Thanks.
4
Until this "deal" took place, we were subjected to endless lectures by the Democratic leadership about how unfit, immoral, and unstable POTUS is. Putting aside that POTUS was a Democrat far longer than he was a Republican, one has only to see the picture of Senator Schumer and Potus yukking it up in the Oval Office to appreciate how malleable political ethics are, even among so-called liberals.
Join the club, conservatives! Enjoy lost sleep and a never-ending sense of dread.
10
DJT's priorities
(1) Increase personal fortune
(2) Keep Wall St happy
(3) Keep racist base happy
(4) Blame all failures on politicians. Up to now, it's been mostly Republican politicians that he's been blaming, but Democrats will get their share of the blame.
His actions are just increasing the pressure along the fault lines within the Republican party.
(1) Increase personal fortune
(2) Keep Wall St happy
(3) Keep racist base happy
(4) Blame all failures on politicians. Up to now, it's been mostly Republican politicians that he's been blaming, but Democrats will get their share of the blame.
His actions are just increasing the pressure along the fault lines within the Republican party.
3
“I know for certain,” said Jenny Beth Martin, a founder of Tea Party Patriots, that grass-roots conservatives “did not work so hard last year to elect majorities in the House and the Senate and get Trump elected in the White House to enact liberal policy priorities.” Getting funding for Hurricane victims is a liberal policy priority, I am sorry the Tea Party doesn't want that.
9
The problem with the Republican party is that there is no intellectual underpinnings to any of their policies. Their strong visceral beliefs that white people should control the government and killing is the Christian thing to do have completely displaced analytical thought as a basis for the development of party policy positions.
11
I cannot stop laughing long enough to read the entire article!
8
Can you say "circular firing squad"? The GOP is not a governing party. It's an oppositional force. Its expertise is the art of saying "No!" Beyond that it's pretty helpless. But hey, we were all told that Paul Ryan is the intellectual center of the GOP and Mitch McConnell is a brilliant tactician.
And why is anyone surprised when Trump turns on him/her? It takes about 5 minutes of internet searching to see that Trump has no sense of loyalty and turns on people when A) they outshine him B) they no longer serve to help him get what he wants C) turning on them serves that purpose better.
And Mr Bannon is way too impressed with himself. He's meeting with Ed Meese? Brent Bozell? Get Newt the G and you have an episode of "I Love the 80's." I think we'll soon learn that, as the Economist said, Bannon is the man behind the "244th most popular website" in the USA.
And why is anyone surprised when Trump turns on him/her? It takes about 5 minutes of internet searching to see that Trump has no sense of loyalty and turns on people when A) they outshine him B) they no longer serve to help him get what he wants C) turning on them serves that purpose better.
And Mr Bannon is way too impressed with himself. He's meeting with Ed Meese? Brent Bozell? Get Newt the G and you have an episode of "I Love the 80's." I think we'll soon learn that, as the Economist said, Bannon is the man behind the "244th most popular website" in the USA.
9
I wished this signaled the dawn of an era of bipartisanship but, let's face it, Trump is only partisan to his own interests. It does put the cynical Republicans in further turmoil and that's always a good thing.
6
I'm all for bipartisanship... when progressive outcomes are accomplished. Otherwise, fight on!
3
The Civil War, if not yet open rebellion, has come to the Republican party. It is a karma that has been a long time coming.
The future president vanquished with ease every Republican candidate for the GOP nomination last year, waving his bloody sword at the throngs of spectators in the arena who cheered him enthusiastically and gave a thumbs-down on the 17 defeated gladiators.
Now, too late, the GOP sees that they have Nero as their president who has no qualms about feeding Republicans to the lions. Republicans saw this disaster coming but, compared to Hillary Clinton, saw the rogue Republican as the lesser of two evils. They now have what they asked for.
The future president vanquished with ease every Republican candidate for the GOP nomination last year, waving his bloody sword at the throngs of spectators in the arena who cheered him enthusiastically and gave a thumbs-down on the 17 defeated gladiators.
Now, too late, the GOP sees that they have Nero as their president who has no qualms about feeding Republicans to the lions. Republicans saw this disaster coming but, compared to Hillary Clinton, saw the rogue Republican as the lesser of two evils. They now have what they asked for.
12
The GOP made their bed---let them lie in it. So, it didn't take Charlotte, or the Muslim Ban, or the 100 other reprehensible things that Trump has done; it's him working with the Dems. If the GOP was better at working across the room, this may have been a moot point. Boggles the mind.
16
I can’t believe it, but with his betrayal of the GOP I’m approving of Donald Trump, finally getting to feel that emotional high the far right has been riding. However don’t be fooled, Trump could switch sides in the afternoon. This is the same person who has denounced all the media (sans FOX) as fake news, has egregiously benefitted financially from his presidency, and tarnished the office by ignoring or violating the traditions and duties of the office. But witnessing this latest deal has been great fun.
The Republicans despite controlling all three branches of the federal government have acted and are behaving like the beleaguered party. Then they discovered that their man in the oval office is a double agent. The deal maker-in-chief got tired of waiting and made a deal that dealt them out. It is too rich. But it is what they deserve. The GOP has come to stand for the Grand Obstructionist Party, a tired and unimaginative bunch that never gets anything accomplished.
Forgive me, but it is amusing to be able to say, “You’re just bitter because you won and Trump is president. Get over it.”
The Republicans despite controlling all three branches of the federal government have acted and are behaving like the beleaguered party. Then they discovered that their man in the oval office is a double agent. The deal maker-in-chief got tired of waiting and made a deal that dealt them out. It is too rich. But it is what they deserve. The GOP has come to stand for the Grand Obstructionist Party, a tired and unimaginative bunch that never gets anything accomplished.
Forgive me, but it is amusing to be able to say, “You’re just bitter because you won and Trump is president. Get over it.”
7
Once again The Con Don shows what a hypocritical, lying weenie he is. The Russia investigation is getting very close to home so now he needs support from Democrats and some are stupid enough to go along. Like Democrat Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota.
Come on democrats. Do not be conned by The Don. You will never win anything - he turns on his "supporters" like any good godfather. Stand firm for America and dig out your self-respect and conscience.
WE THE PEOPLE of the United States of America deserve more than being taken over by the International Mafia who installed The Con Don as their talking head in America and WE will fight like hell to make sure it isn't.
NOW is the time. This must not stand in America. Not now. Not ever.
Come on democrats. Do not be conned by The Don. You will never win anything - he turns on his "supporters" like any good godfather. Stand firm for America and dig out your self-respect and conscience.
WE THE PEOPLE of the United States of America deserve more than being taken over by the International Mafia who installed The Con Don as their talking head in America and WE will fight like hell to make sure it isn't.
NOW is the time. This must not stand in America. Not now. Not ever.
13
The Democrats know not to trust trump.
1
It is interesting to see how out of touch with reality most people posting on this sight and the media is on the alleged "bipartisan" moment. Even Trump is smart enough to know not to stage a repeat of McConnell's shutdown mess. If he wants to get Congress to do anything, he needs breathing room to discuss his issues without the sword hanging over everyone's heads. The act was simple political expediency.
It also shows how the GOP is not interested in being bi-partisan given their ridiculous response, so lets's stop pretending the problem is both parties in Washington. It is primarily the GOP alone.
It also shows how the GOP is not interested in being bi-partisan given their ridiculous response, so lets's stop pretending the problem is both parties in Washington. It is primarily the GOP alone.
14
Trump may have opened the door to impeachment, as the far right will certainly have retribution. The Trump presidency is already derailed, by his own actions. Now, the GOP can rub salt in the wound and poison the well at the same time. And, on top of that, if they decide to play their fiscal responsibility card, with the wreckage left behind by Harvey and soon Irma, they will have a great backlash in the so called southern Red states.
The Democrats found an opening, to work with Trump, a surprise in its own right. Considering the events of the past year.
Then again, voters seek bi-partisanship, and are sick of business as usual. The recent event "Repeal and replace" Obamacare. That was seen as the last straw. It shows in both Congress' and Trump's poll numbers. And it shows for both political parties. All sinking to an all time, modern low.
I doubt this will be a major direction change; but, it may be a start. But, the so called Freedom Caucus has its own ideas and may be on the road to "repeal and replace Trump". A vast amount of the country will probably celebrate this, but for the wrong reasons.
The Democrats found an opening, to work with Trump, a surprise in its own right. Considering the events of the past year.
Then again, voters seek bi-partisanship, and are sick of business as usual. The recent event "Repeal and replace" Obamacare. That was seen as the last straw. It shows in both Congress' and Trump's poll numbers. And it shows for both political parties. All sinking to an all time, modern low.
I doubt this will be a major direction change; but, it may be a start. But, the so called Freedom Caucus has its own ideas and may be on the road to "repeal and replace Trump". A vast amount of the country will probably celebrate this, but for the wrong reasons.
2
That's quite a betrayal by Trump, offering 3 months of US gov't stability w/o crashing the currency and planetary economy. What was he thinking?
4
"The party has, for years, been a group of political tribes gathered under one banner." This statement just as easily describes the Democratic party. This is, after all, a two-party system. Just wait till the centrist Democrats have to battle it out with the socialist wing of the party in the 2020 primaries.
If Trump supporters really believed he supported their agenda, his latest actions are proof that Trump is not loyal to any position or person EXCEPT himself and his family.
Mr. Trump is basically a narcissistic con man who will sell his supporters down the river if he gets a greater advantage.
Basically, Mr. Trump has played his supporters for fools and never intended "Drain the Swamp". Rather, Mr. Trump has created and expanded his own swamp.
Mr. Trump is basically a narcissistic con man who will sell his supporters down the river if he gets a greater advantage.
Basically, Mr. Trump has played his supporters for fools and never intended "Drain the Swamp". Rather, Mr. Trump has created and expanded his own swamp.
7
If the Republicans at last come to realize that Trump is a nightmare because he is utterly unmanageable -- by the GOP or by anyone else, including himself -- then perhaps the Republicans will not stand in the way of impeachment. Unfortunately for the rest of us, that would put Pence in the Oval Office, and impeaching Pence would be considerably more difficult. Of course it is always possible that Mueller's investigations will turn up something for which Pence could be prosecuted, but at this stage that's a long shot.
However, there is a far worse nightmare to consider. Remember that Trump swept to the GOP nomination against all odds and against all predictions. So consider this -- what if Bannon does the same thing in 2020, sweeping all the GOP primaries because their are a dozen or more candidates in the field, each at one another's throats? As much as we gag at the phrase "President Trump," let's face it -- having to say "President Bannon" would be even worse. I sincerely hope I am not being prophetic.
However, there is a far worse nightmare to consider. Remember that Trump swept to the GOP nomination against all odds and against all predictions. So consider this -- what if Bannon does the same thing in 2020, sweeping all the GOP primaries because their are a dozen or more candidates in the field, each at one another's throats? As much as we gag at the phrase "President Trump," let's face it -- having to say "President Bannon" would be even worse. I sincerely hope I am not being prophetic.
OMG, am I embarrassed by my careless proof-reading. Of course I meant "there" and not "their" in the third sentence of the last paragraph. The typo was probably karma for ridiculing other people for making mistakes of that sort.
Conservatives are complaining that a lying, cheating, conman betrayed them? What a surprise!
19
First time Trump move hasn't made me sick to my stomach.
6
I suspect any deal that Trump might make with Schumer and Pelosi, even saving drowning puppies and kittens in Houston, would be met with frothing rage from the right.
11
Comrade Trump's narcissism shines through . . . the narcissist is absolutely desperate for "my ratings to go up!."
3
Can someone please explain to the hard right imbeciles in the Republican Party that compromise is not a dirty word and that as much as I disdain Donald Trump his decision to cooperate with Democrats is what he's supposed to be doing.
7
The Tea Party has no interest in governing. They just want to tear government apart, so of course they won't even speak to Democrats, much less work with them. perhaps 2 horrific hurricanes in 2 weeks might change a few minds on the role of the federal government.
2
Brilliant move. I think Ryan and McConnell got the point. McConnell looked like he had been sucking on a lemon at his press conference. If McConnell and Ryan won't work with Trump, Trump will find someone who will.
7
The overture to the opposition to reach bipartisan results that benefit the Nation would be laudable but for the total incompetence of the President. I doubt he understands much of what he is doing. His good actions this past day will be promptly reverted with the next nasty tweet, once General Kelly fades as a mitigating influence. I don’t have any hopes for accomplishments for the next twenty seven months but I applaud Sen. Schumer and Rep. Pelosi shrewdness, even if fooling the Commander in Chief is an easy accomplishment.
3
Trump did his fellow Republicans a favor by working with the Democrats to prevent the government shutdown. A shutdown with with Republicans control of both Houses and the Presidency would have been the strongest evidence yet of the incompetence of his whole party.
2
Looks from afar a lot more like crass opportunism than bipartisanism. Those who thought Trump represented some principled position against entrenched interests and privilege were totally delusional. How could a real estate wheeler-dealer, serial philanderer, failed casino magnate and reality TV personality embody high principles or be made of the right stuff to lead the country forward? Even the NYT and the Washington Post give Trump way too much credit; in virtually any other developed country in the world (save Italy where he'd be prosecuted but then walk) he'd likely be in jail. The most extraordinary thing is everyone from the media to Clinton to the Republican party failed to call out Trump for what he obviously is, and instead decided he was just a buffoon, who, if elected (ha, ha), would be constrained by officials, Congress and his (very entitled) princess daughter. Now there's shock and dismay, with an occasional celebration when Trump does something "presidential". Very hard to fathom. Ryan and McConnell are almost as difficult to figure -- where are their principles, their patriotism, their common sense, indeed their decency? And only the equally delusional would look to Pelosi and Schumer as saviours. Very sad times for the US, at least in terms of federal politics. Thank goodness there remain some very good, principled people at the state and municipal levels of government.
1
I would think more positively about Trump "siding" with the Democrats if I thought it was as a result of him thinking out the other possibilities and the ramifications. But he is not a thinker and prefers, rather, to "shoot from the hip."
That, plus his simpleton approach to politics makes me think this decision was more a result of his ignorance of the governing process and his frustration with Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan over their inability to get anything passed in their respective chambers.
I kept thinking when he invited all the Republican representatives to the Rose Garden after the "repeal" vote that he honestly thought the legislation has passed and it was a done deal. Then someone mentioned that it had to go to the Senate. . .
Oh. . . Nuts.
That, plus his simpleton approach to politics makes me think this decision was more a result of his ignorance of the governing process and his frustration with Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan over their inability to get anything passed in their respective chambers.
I kept thinking when he invited all the Republican representatives to the Rose Garden after the "repeal" vote that he honestly thought the legislation has passed and it was a done deal. Then someone mentioned that it had to go to the Senate. . .
Oh. . . Nuts.
4
Political parties as large as Republicans and Democrats are, by their very nature, heterogeneous collections. The Times can pick at the Republicans, as they are now constituted, but the same goes for the Democrats. Once in a while a compelling idea cuts across party lines, such as funding the government or raising the debt ceiling (which was made necessary by previous votes on spending and taxes anyway). Let's hope more of these occur.
1
Democrats are WAY more cohesive than the Republicans.
Well if Republicans hadn't realized yet that Trump is a charlatan with no loyalty to anyone or anything, this is a good opportunity to learn. If they can't learn from this, which is entirely possible, then there will be better opportunities coming up. Eventually it will be impossible to deny that Trump is incompetent, ignorant, and disloyal to all.
3
A good development but let's not get too excited. Even Nixon went to China.
2
"Even Nixon went to China." Yes, and stood on top of a wall. How ironic.
2
It says something about the state of the Republican Party that the first time Trump acts in anything close to a presidential manner and for the first time decides to do what's best for the country its members criticize him for it.
I'm sure if they could figure out a way to impeach him and get Pence in without stirring up a hornet's nest with Trump supporters, they would have already done so.
I'm sure if they could figure out a way to impeach him and get Pence in without stirring up a hornet's nest with Trump supporters, they would have already done so.
8
Makes a deal with the Democrats and that sends a message to the base that the Republicans in congress have been put on ice. This means the base will be hating on them and 2018 will be bad for them.
The he chucks DACA into their lap and makes them out to be the bogey man to the latino voters. When they fail to act as they have failed all year, Trump will take back the DACA order, look magnanimous and the congressional Republicans will again take a bath.
Trump is tearing down the Republicans because he angry with them. And his old friend Clinton and her Democrats are standing by with no hurt feelings ready to go (umm, ready to vacuum up votes in 2018, that is).
The he chucks DACA into their lap and makes them out to be the bogey man to the latino voters. When they fail to act as they have failed all year, Trump will take back the DACA order, look magnanimous and the congressional Republicans will again take a bath.
Trump is tearing down the Republicans because he angry with them. And his old friend Clinton and her Democrats are standing by with no hurt feelings ready to go (umm, ready to vacuum up votes in 2018, that is).
2
The political ironies pile up in the events described here. How odd that Donald Trump may be the hero of the moment so many of us never expected him to be. I think a distinction should be made between Trump's political supporters on the far-right and his voting base; many of the latter, I suspect, are not so doctrinaire. After all, what are these angry GOP town hall meetings about? Sure, the GOP rightwing is hard up, albeit highly influential. Barry Goldwater's war against the New Deal and the Great Society may end up in the dust after all. And, what would a reconstituted GOP look like after a defeat of this sort? It's really hard to take benefits away from the
American populace once they've been established, despite the idealism of GOP ideology. In any case, when I think of gridlock in Congress, I invariably think of the Freedom Caucus and of the Republican Study Committee. And as I see it, these caucuses have been the real RINOs all along
American populace once they've been established, despite the idealism of GOP ideology. In any case, when I think of gridlock in Congress, I invariably think of the Freedom Caucus and of the Republican Study Committee. And as I see it, these caucuses have been the real RINOs all along
4
For all the Trump supporters out there, I submit to you an ancient proverb I learned a long time ago:
"When the gods truly want to punish us, they answer our prayers"
"When the gods truly want to punish us, they answer our prayers"
11
I doubt the views of the Republican rank-and-file are very well represented by people like Steve Bannon. I also doubt most Republicans in the country at large are as furious with Trump as the array of right-wing ideologues consulted for this essay. I suspect most Republicans would prefer to see us have a functioning government, not one drowned in a bathtub. The Republicans need to control the rabble rousers in their ranks; so far the Party leadership has merely exploited the emotions of that wing of the party.
1
If the G.O.P. is only now realizing that Donald Trump is a nightmare, they deserve the wake-up call -- just like those conservatives who think the entire country is ready to roll down their hard-right tracks.
It's bad enough the entire checks-and-balances system is compromised with Republicans in control of all three branches of government; a Congress content to do nothing, and a president clearly out of his depth.
But the fact that Steve Bannon, who having once sat at the table of power, now thirsts for more, is not quite out of the picture is what's worrisome. Especially since he has no plans to go quietly into that dark night.
The trouble is only just beginning.
It's bad enough the entire checks-and-balances system is compromised with Republicans in control of all three branches of government; a Congress content to do nothing, and a president clearly out of his depth.
But the fact that Steve Bannon, who having once sat at the table of power, now thirsts for more, is not quite out of the picture is what's worrisome. Especially since he has no plans to go quietly into that dark night.
The trouble is only just beginning.
3
Trump did it to keep the Dow from collapsing. Republicans should know better than to get hysterical about this stuff.
3
Bannon and Trump's plan to take down McConnell and Ryan working brilliantly.
In the classic personality cult regime to which the Mad King aspires, no faction can be allowed to become too secure, they must remain focused on the leader and dependent on his attention and favor.
12
I'd just like to say, for everybody who thinks that Trump has any principles at all, and for everybody who spent the last year screaming about Nancy and Chuck's uselessness and Bernie's saintedness...
Heh-heh.
Heh-heh.
6
I can't think of any group of people who are more deserving of a "nightmare."
Except perhaps the Democrats who forced us to choose between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, thus, guaranteeing Trump's victory.
Except perhaps the Democrats who forced us to choose between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, thus, guaranteeing Trump's victory.
Not guaranteeing it, but certainly facilitating it. But a true understanding of the mess we are in requires deeper analysis than anyone seems willing or able to give it. Where we can go always depends upon where we are. So, where are we? In the second decade of the 21st century, on a planet ruled by multinational corporations which can't be destroyed because they make everything we want and need to survive. Like a cancer, the situation can't be cured but can be "managed" if we can figure out how. We can't go back to simpler times, nor should we want to. So, where are we going? Maybe in the direction of Asimov's "Foundation" and "Empire" novels. Ad astra per aspera?
This is an interesting analysis, but I object to the linguistic turn it makes, referring to radical extremists like Steve Bannon and the Tea Party as "conservative." This serves to normalize political ideas fall well outside the normal liberal-to-conservative spectrum in this country.
The primary concern for conservatives since Edmund Burke is to maintain the existing social order and avoid rapid change. That's where the "conserve" part of conservative comes from. No one who advocates the "dismantling of the administrative state," as Bannon put it, can be considered a conservative.
Bannon and his ilk are radical extremists and need to be labeled as such. Sure, they are Republicans, but they are from the radical wing of the Republican Party. They are not conservatives.
The primary concern for conservatives since Edmund Burke is to maintain the existing social order and avoid rapid change. That's where the "conserve" part of conservative comes from. No one who advocates the "dismantling of the administrative state," as Bannon put it, can be considered a conservative.
Bannon and his ilk are radical extremists and need to be labeled as such. Sure, they are Republicans, but they are from the radical wing of the Republican Party. They are not conservatives.
20
How do you govern when you despise the concept of government and your donor class only cares about tax cuts and deregulation?
Just askin.....
Just askin.....
12
It's a pretty thin desperation move. But if Trump abandons the hard right and then the hard right abandons Trump, could they both disappear? Things get done when people of thoughtful intelligence think, study, reason and compromise. Neither Trump nor the hard right would recognize any of those attributes. Their mutual disappearance could only be a positive thing for our nation and our only way forward. The balance of congress will change in a big way in 2018. Trump needs to be removed now. He is both a danger and a constant embarrassment.
1
It also furthers the still greater disorder in the Democratic Party--and at at time when Hillary is going public with her awful book to try to further increase confrontation with the President. Thank God. The Republicans are too far right but at least is the right-wing party. The left-wing party is not supposed to be so conservative that its base is rich Westchester and Citigroup and that it is wiped out in the white working class, who it calls deplorable.
The term "conservative" has come to mean things that it never did 50 years ago. Back then, the term defined itself; it meant people who felt the government should spend money conservatively. Not a bad thing at all. It did not correlate directly to the evangelical right, nor to the fringe racists, nor to the anti-abortion movement. The John Birch Society had its adherents, but most "normal" conservatives were, well, pretty normal people.
But since that time, the term has been co-opted by these extreme movements and embraced by a core group of single-issue voters who have voted in single-issue politicians -- the kind of people who simply refuse to collaborate or debate or do anything in a bipartisan way.
We are seeing the end game for the Grand Old Party. What will rise in it's place will be fascinating to watch!
But since that time, the term has been co-opted by these extreme movements and embraced by a core group of single-issue voters who have voted in single-issue politicians -- the kind of people who simply refuse to collaborate or debate or do anything in a bipartisan way.
We are seeing the end game for the Grand Old Party. What will rise in it's place will be fascinating to watch!
12
Why must there always be a liberal or conservative slant to things? Why can't things be done because they are the human thing to do? The GOP was wrong in refusing to work with Obama for 8 years. They are wrong to try to repeal the ACA without having something better to replace it with. And what's so liberal about seeing to it that our country has a decent up to date infrastructure, that our military is properly funded and trained, that our workplaces are safe, our environment is kept clean? What's liberal about paying people unemployment benefits so that they can pay their bills and put food on the table while they look for a new job?
I do not like Trump. I don't think he's good for the country. But there's one thing he is forcing Americans to do and that is to look at what we want from our government. Maybe we'll learn that we need to vote with our heads rather than our guts before the next presidential election in 2020.
I do not like Trump. I don't think he's good for the country. But there's one thing he is forcing Americans to do and that is to look at what we want from our government. Maybe we'll learn that we need to vote with our heads rather than our guts before the next presidential election in 2020.
21
Well, my "nightmare come true" is Trump ending DACA, kicking transgendered soldiers out of the military, targeting Muslims in his immigration ban, refusing to denounce Nazis until the outcry was too great and then doubling down on his "both sides" comments from before, killing regulations that protected the environment, sacred lands of Native Americans, and our public parks, killing regulations that protected the consumer against predatory lending and greedy financial advisors, tax reform that would literally take from the poor and middle class to support the rich and corporations, and ongoing attempts to end health care and turn it into a ghost of itself, and so much more, so it's nice the GOP has a tiny taste of what so many Americans feel every single day.
But, really, let's get real. How is this minor thing the source of such outrage? One would assume Trump suddenly whipped out his wallet and showed everyone his newly-minted DNC registration card. This is not a pivot. There is no cause for GOP alarm. Trump is simply a horrible dealmaker. The GOP's goal was an 18-month extension and Trump jumped on the DNC's first offer of 3 months. He's an utter joke, but he's not pivoting. Stop freaking out.
But, really, let's get real. How is this minor thing the source of such outrage? One would assume Trump suddenly whipped out his wallet and showed everyone his newly-minted DNC registration card. This is not a pivot. There is no cause for GOP alarm. Trump is simply a horrible dealmaker. The GOP's goal was an 18-month extension and Trump jumped on the DNC's first offer of 3 months. He's an utter joke, but he's not pivoting. Stop freaking out.
10
Deal with the Devil, YOU get scorched. Couldn't happen to a WORSE bunch of scoundrels. You built that, boys.
3
What worries me is this was actually a brilliant move by Trump. The democrats get blamed for being “tax and spend” and Republicans get off the hook for something that had to be done in any case. And it takes this out of the way for the Republicans so they can get back to their “tax overhaul.” Don’t kid yourselves, the Republicans are happy about this.
1
Am I confused on the process and protocol or? This issue on the debt increase still has to go through the Senate, passed and then to Trump to sign it, would it not?
All this hoopla over Trump claiming he will support or agree to something? He has signed nothing into law if I understand it right, as far as raising the debt ceiling, isn't that true? This article merely seems like another op-ed, someone's opinion and they had to team up with another so called journalist to do that even.
But this is just Trump saying one thing and doing another. He has lied more times than any president on record, in merely his first nine months of presidency. It is not beyond him to renege and simply claim he didn't promise anything of the sort, or declare fake news is at it again. Even if he agreed to anything he is not bound to keep his word.
And another point is that this is merely kicking the can down the road once more, for this only agrees to an increase for three months and the issue has to pass muster again, not true? He may be well suited to say anything to get his proposed wall planned and paid for, then turn around and go traitor on everyone again in three months. I see him trying to supplicate priority Dems to get his way. His decisions are based far more on his investment portfolio than they are on his moral compass, of which there is no normal North indicator.
With Trump, his face value is always a facade.
All this hoopla over Trump claiming he will support or agree to something? He has signed nothing into law if I understand it right, as far as raising the debt ceiling, isn't that true? This article merely seems like another op-ed, someone's opinion and they had to team up with another so called journalist to do that even.
But this is just Trump saying one thing and doing another. He has lied more times than any president on record, in merely his first nine months of presidency. It is not beyond him to renege and simply claim he didn't promise anything of the sort, or declare fake news is at it again. Even if he agreed to anything he is not bound to keep his word.
And another point is that this is merely kicking the can down the road once more, for this only agrees to an increase for three months and the issue has to pass muster again, not true? He may be well suited to say anything to get his proposed wall planned and paid for, then turn around and go traitor on everyone again in three months. I see him trying to supplicate priority Dems to get his way. His decisions are based far more on his investment portfolio than they are on his moral compass, of which there is no normal North indicator.
With Trump, his face value is always a facade.
2
Jenny Beth Martin, Tea Party Patriot founder: I know for certain conservatives did not work so hard last year...to get Trump elected ...to enact liberal policy priorities.
Only right-wing Tea Party nuts would believe that raising the debt level and funding government would be considered liberal policy priorities. I suppose she believes defaulting on our debt and shutting the government down would be considered reasonable, conservative priorities.
Only right-wing Tea Party nuts would believe that raising the debt level and funding government would be considered liberal policy priorities. I suppose she believes defaulting on our debt and shutting the government down would be considered reasonable, conservative priorities.
9
I remember reading somewhere that she herself is on disability. if she is so concerned about the debt, she could start with getting a job and getting off the public dole.
2
Who knew that allowing the government to pay its bills represented "liberal policy priorities"?
7
Donald Trump said from the git-go that his game was "Let's make a deal". Why is everyone so shocked and dismayed? Donald Trump is not a politician, he is a real-estable brand name huckster who has lived most of his life out of a Monopoly (TM) game box. Trump's life is selling hotels and gambling casino's on The Boardwalk.
3
Hardly a nightmare. All this guy cares about is money: tax cuts are his Holy Grail. Now, he feels he can pressure Dems by taking the high road on the debt ceiling and put pressure on them to go along with his absurd giveaways to himself and his country club cronies.
3
trump didn't reach across the aisle he got yanked and rolled over by the much more politically sophisticated pelosi and schumer. he's so thin-skinned and insecure that he needed a "win" a "deal" of any kind so he can show legislative skill even it is very stupid and going to complicate and jeopardize his prized tax reform agenda. dems should continue to exploit this trump weakness and extract much more from the gullible president.
3
Always nice to see Mitch and Paul get what they deserve.
7
But on Wednesday, prominent conservatives scoffed at the deal that Mr. Trump signed onto — announced first, no less, by congressional Democrats — as something straight from the swamp.
____________
Amazing. Keeping the government from defaulting on existing obligations and funding spending to deal with Harvey and, probably Irma, is straight from the swamp? These people are malevolently delusional.
____________
Amazing. Keeping the government from defaulting on existing obligations and funding spending to deal with Harvey and, probably Irma, is straight from the swamp? These people are malevolently delusional.
3
This is borderline absurd, why write an article that attack's his attempt to finally try bipartisanism. Also, why do you quote Breitbart, FreedomWorks, and a group named "For America." None of these sources are credible to show a "nightmare" scenario for conservatives, who would most likely be glad that this administration is finally working on something.
But sure, continue to think everyone who voted for Trump has an allegiance to the GOP, simply is not the case with such an non traditional president.
But sure, continue to think everyone who voted for Trump has an allegiance to the GOP, simply is not the case with such an non traditional president.
2
The article was about the GOP reaction to Trump's little deal, actually.
1
Yes and I am saying that it should not come as a surprise that all Trump's supporters are not typical Republicans. The article refers/cites to many outside Capitol Hill, so id say your comment is rather useless and kind of perplexing as to why you'd even waste the minute or so it took to think up that lazy reply.
Trump is a con man and a flim flam artist. He is the equivalent of a card shark suckering passers by into a game of three card monte. He only does what is in his best interests and the house always wins. He does not adhere to any principals because he doesn't have any except for selfish greed, the need for attention and the imperative of self preservation. Nothing else matters to him.
When I first saw Trump sided with the Dems I thought I might need to have my eyes checked. But no. It was only a matter of time before he sided with them against his base on something. With Trump one must always expect the unexpected. He keeps us guessing but none of it means anything. He will "take a stand" on one issue only to change positions tomorrow as if it were the most natural thing in the world. His main goals appear to be to confuse people, distort the truth and muddy the waters until our heads are all spinning. I guess the guiding principle is that it's harder to hit a moving target even if that target is orange and extremely large. Where this is heading is anyone's guess but I would venture to guess it won't be pretty.
While Trump may have sided with the Dems yesterday I hold out no hope for any lasting cooperation. This was all done for simple political expediency so Trump could notch up something vaguely reminiscent of a "win."
When I first saw Trump sided with the Dems I thought I might need to have my eyes checked. But no. It was only a matter of time before he sided with them against his base on something. With Trump one must always expect the unexpected. He keeps us guessing but none of it means anything. He will "take a stand" on one issue only to change positions tomorrow as if it were the most natural thing in the world. His main goals appear to be to confuse people, distort the truth and muddy the waters until our heads are all spinning. I guess the guiding principle is that it's harder to hit a moving target even if that target is orange and extremely large. Where this is heading is anyone's guess but I would venture to guess it won't be pretty.
While Trump may have sided with the Dems yesterday I hold out no hope for any lasting cooperation. This was all done for simple political expediency so Trump could notch up something vaguely reminiscent of a "win."
7
The GOP seems to think it lives in a one-party state and that all compromise is surrender. Newsflash: you live in a democracy in which you must negotiate with those with whom you disagree.
4
OMG! He turns out to be a sleeper for the Dems, sent in to destroy the GOP! Maybe that's been Russia's ploy all along.
(Can't make this stuff up.)
(Can't make this stuff up.)
4
Trump is our political Harvey and Irma: Which way will these devastating winds blow? How much damage will he do? The whole world is left to cope with the very real and mindless destruction of all three.
2
This couldn't have happened to a more deserving group!
5
I reckon DJT, mental disordered and all, was absolutely stunned at how difficult the health care fiasco turned out to be - as he said, congress had 7 years to figure it out and STILL couldn't get it done." Business people, project oriented people, simply don't buy this nonsense - these incompetents would be fired in a week. Congress lives in its' own bubble. Somethin's gotta give. I give the "Orange One" thumbs up on this one; message sent.
I would not trust Trump on anything except feathering his own nest, and puffing up his own ego. This was good, but it could change in a New York shyster minute.
When it comes to Trump, a Groucho Marx quotes says it best:
"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them -- well, I have others."
When it comes to Trump, a Groucho Marx quotes says it best:
"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them -- well, I have others."
4
Ideal 2020 ticket: Trump - Hillary or viceversa.
To all you Conservatives regarding your darling savior Trump - "Lie down with dogs, get up with fleas."
2
Mike "bobblehead" Pence was sitting next to Trump during that announcement, with a pained expression on his face and lips pursed.
Pence must want that presidency job so badly, he's willing to sell his soul. Because he has.
Pence must want that presidency job so badly, he's willing to sell his soul. Because he has.
1
The Republican Party is the greatest threat to the Republic. (PERIOD
1
"the lannisters send their regards"
Once again Mr. Trump shows he cares not about the issues, not about party, not about doing the work to make government function effectively, he cares only about personal adoration from any source he can. Totally unfit to lead, totally unfit to govern and totally unfit for the office he holds. This man is a contagion of failure in the purest form.
6
There may be hope for President trump. He is from the Cosmopolitan center of the world and that makes him a pragmatist ,,, he has now begun to forge a Queens - Brooklyn- San Francisco alliance ! Take that Breibart!
1
With this, I believe, there will be more support for Trump's impeachment and pave the way for Pence to take over. Trump is totally focused to getting taxes
modified, in his favor, before he leaves office. He has already amassed even more wealth in his brief tenure as President.
modified, in his favor, before he leaves office. He has already amassed even more wealth in his brief tenure as President.
2
The things that ordinary folks want from government often cost money - healthcare, Social Security, and good roads for example. The things that republican politicians want (tax giveaways to corporations and the wealthy) reduce the amount of money that government has to spend.
That explains the disconnect that many folks experience when republicans start telling lies about helping folks and what government should do for us common folks.
That explains the disconnect that many folks experience when republicans start telling lies about helping folks and what government should do for us common folks.
5
“I know for certain,” said Jenny Beth Martin, a founder of Tea Party Patriots, that grass-roots conservatives “did not work so hard last year to elect majorities in the House and the Senate and get Trump elected in the White House to enact liberal policy priorities.”
So the Tea Party takes great pride in blocking all legislation not in rigid lockstep with their own special brand of hyper-conservative ideology? And how may other half-baked splinter groups claim the same right? Ryan and McConnell may see themselves as leaders, but there are no followers behind them. There, in a nutshell, is an excellent summary of everything that's wrong with the Republican party and why it will never again recover as a national political party.
So the Tea Party takes great pride in blocking all legislation not in rigid lockstep with their own special brand of hyper-conservative ideology? And how may other half-baked splinter groups claim the same right? Ryan and McConnell may see themselves as leaders, but there are no followers behind them. There, in a nutshell, is an excellent summary of everything that's wrong with the Republican party and why it will never again recover as a national political party.
5
Bannon's dog won't hunt. His ideological stance at this point in time is too radical for the majority of Republican politicians to own! Considering the current issues laid out- what he proposes would create a quagmire of morally principled pitfalls for most Republicans, if not an avalanche of political repercussions that would plague their careers. Most Republicans want to get re-elected not end their careers. Bannon is just trying to shovel against the tide at this point.
Trump did not compromise with Democrats to be bipartisan. He did it because his ego needed a win.
3
There's nothing good to be gotten from splinter groups within the major parties trying to strong-arm the majority. That was true for the Bernie bros within the Democratic party and it's very true for the so-called Freedom Caucus and Tea Party. They act as heel-draggers and spoilers. We've played "anchor" politics too long -- where nothing gets done -- and if this is the first blow against that, I say hallelujah. Let the spoilers try to survive as new and separate parties and they may begin to understand cooperation.
1
Trump has to strike while the iron is hot and if that means siding with Democrats, then maybe the Republicans ought to consider the idea that Bob Mueller might arrive with cold water any day now.
Actually, I don't think his core supporters will be offended at Trump working with Democrats. Those complaining now--Republican leaders, insiders, and conservative special interest groups--consistently opposed Trump until he won and then only reluctantly lined up behind him. They, as much as the Democrats, are the 'swamp' his supporters wanted drained. They may have adopted the rhetoric, but they represent the same old-same old.
I don't think this represents a new bipartisanism. More likely, the factions within the parties will break down partisan cohesiveness and we'll see a period of deal by deal governing. Either that or the Republicans will work with conservatives Democrats, having realized that some of their own members just want to say 'no.'
I don't think this represents a new bipartisanism. More likely, the factions within the parties will break down partisan cohesiveness and we'll see a period of deal by deal governing. Either that or the Republicans will work with conservatives Democrats, having realized that some of their own members just want to say 'no.'
24
A "nightmare come true," NYT? Come on, let's tone it down a bit...
3
Agreed. But, it's the NYT... they portray a very specific version of current events. Building up their readers for another heart breaking lose in 2018 and 2020. It's amazing people take the Times seriously anymore.
Good move. I wonder who guided him to do it? This cannot be a self-directed action since nothing he does is, and that leaves out Bannon (for sure) and Kelly (not in his job description). No personal gain is another sign of not a Trump initiative.
I guess, whoever has his ear for the moment, deserves kudos.
I guess, whoever has his ear for the moment, deserves kudos.
1
I wouldn't worry too much about Trump losing his base. Remember, polling shows that Trump supporters will follow him no matter what he does. Fifth Avenue comes to mind. In any event, Democrats just handed the Republican Congress a gift. A politically calculated gift but a gift all the same. How in the world was Ryan going to resolve his agenda by winter? I don't trust the man to mail an envelope on time. Ryan just got bailed out and he resents it but that doesn't mean he won't accept the charity. Point the finger at Trump but Republicans are secretly relieved.
Wait a minute, I thought only the democrats were a hodgepodge of interest groups. You mean the repubs are too? I'm shocked to hear it. . . . not.
2
Anyone who studied Mr. Trump, or who paid the slightest bit of attention to what the people who knew him best said about him, will not be surprised. Mr. Trump is, and always has been, a first class con artist. Just ask journalists and authors such as Michael D'Antonio or Tony Schwartz who wrote books about him. He has deceived anyone who trusted him or who dealt with him, be they contractors, customers, creditors, and, now, voters and supporters.
Need proof? Name one person in Trump's orbit who has his/her reputation enhanced by proximity to Trump?
People like McConnell, Ryan, much of the GOP establishment and, now, conservative supporters, made a pact with the devil in supporting Trump.
But in the end, the devil always wins.
Need proof? Name one person in Trump's orbit who has his/her reputation enhanced by proximity to Trump?
People like McConnell, Ryan, much of the GOP establishment and, now, conservative supporters, made a pact with the devil in supporting Trump.
But in the end, the devil always wins.
16
Disappointed? This is just the beginning. They will squirm when Trump betrays them totally.
4
It's interesting that this is the issue that outrages his base. It's not the veiled racism, not the ignorant saber rattling, not the heartless stance on immigration, not the countless other things that he's done to divide this country. It's reaching out to the other side of the aisle that cause his base to freak out and talk of deserting him. Very illuminating.
22
Trump isn't ideological and neither is his base. He is the puppeteer of a disaffected band of susceptible citizenry grieving their loss of status and placing the blame on immigrants, minorities, government, the media and in many cases persons with real expertise and accomplishment. A coalition of the mad, ignorant and silly.
13
100% on target. Thank you.
I have absolutely no idea why his so-called GOP colleagues are surprised. Our "president" has ambushed virtually every institution, political party and advocacy group in the country. What makes the GOP think their immune to his tornado-like decision-making process.
7
No nightmare the conservative elite might be experiencing can compete with the nightmare they and Trump are imposing on the rest of us.
6
Except for North Korea, this is all very entertaining to those of us who still reaching for our coffee and NY Times every morning. I wish my grandkids and their parents were engaged. Maybe the difference is our civics classes, we had them, they do (did) not.
6
These are not the true, traditional Republican "conservatives," but the ultra (or alt-) right, scorched-earth, white nationalist racist "Republicans." This is a radical ideological fringe that has been trying to take over the Republican Party just as the new Bernie Sanders progressives are fighting to take over the Democratic Party. As Yeats said, "the centre cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world" (or here, our nation). It seems the two major political parties are moving further and further to the extremes abandoning the center essential for compromise and a functioning political system.
49
The Republicans abandoned the center a long time ago and forced the democrats to the right. It's time now for democrats to go back to left of the real center. The southern and mid-western racists are ruining the country.
3
From the wings, the center appears to be extreme, and not in any ways that support them.
Another heartbreakingly apt line from Yeats' "The Second Coming" ... "And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem" (or Washington DC). Unfortunately, we all know the answer to that.
Slouches towards Bethlehem" (or Washington DC). Unfortunately, we all know the answer to that.
1
No, trump hasn't miraculously turned over a new leaf - he's just being trump. Watching Ryan, McConnell and the Jenny Beth Martins get their shorts in a bunch however, has been most enjoyable. They've thought all along their pet president could be kept on a leash, obedient to his masters - now he's not only shown that he's not house broken, he bites.
9
Trump had to run against the Republican leaders during his campaign. An open letter was sent urging the RNC to cut off funding to Trump. Trump dismissed them saying they were, “nothing more than the failed Washington elite" Then he won the presidency and pulled in both houses of congress with him. Health care should have been a slam dunk. But McDonald and his ideologue pals like Cruz and Rand Paul, couldn't even get Health Care Light or even Health Care Very, Very Light passed. This is shot across the bow saying to them "If you can't do the job, then I will, with the inclusion of the Democrats. What he also did was make sure there was room to economically help those areas most effected by these destructive storms in Texas, Louisiana and next, Florida. This is no time to talk about shutting down the government. He did the right thing.
People first, politics second. The best solutions are always in the middle, not at the extremes.
42
Sadly, "people first" (meaning the majority of the people, not just big-money interests!) seems to have fallen out of the vocabulary of the Republicans, especially. Does Rand Paul REALLY believe the government has no role whatsoever in running the country other than national defense - or has he abandoned that, too? Wish a hurricane would hit HIS home state and cause $100 billion plus in damage! Hey, my constituents, you're on your own! Sorry you all drowned or died of cholera in the aftermath when nobody bothered to provide you with potable water or fix the water plant. Oops.
Trump didn't cut a deal with the Democrats as a means to look bipartisan. He did it out of laziness, not interested in taking the time or effort to understand the issue. But this is the true Trump. He not only lacks the competence to govern and the brainpower to study and understand the issue at hand, he lacks the ambition.
HIs primary interest is obtaining personal adulation from his supporters. He loves the limelight and the stage.
HIs primary interest is obtaining personal adulation from his supporters. He loves the limelight and the stage.
234
Trump's trick is that he is more comfortable if he is the only king on the throne. People have to kowtow to his whim, will and way or he throws temper tantrums. But once in office he found out that his own group failed him, refused to give him free reign and ignored his wishes so now he is in the temper-tantrum stage of his normal psyche.
His normal process is to demand obedience, present a facade of omni-knowledge and expertise and possess omni-powerful authority. But finding himself helpless far too often since taking office, he is pouting and making promises he most likely will not keep.
He half hoped the presidency would be like his normal business mode, he barks and everyone skitters about making him happy. But he found the GOP mind-phart a public spectacle and making him look weak and helpless.
So now he puts out a page of his own faker news and makes promises no one can cash-in when he later turns the table and refuses to abide by his word. I would not be surprised if n three months, he holds ridiculous demands over everyone's heads in order to keep the government from folding up, as we already know that is what he promised unless he got his wall.
What would be beautiful would be to later see the GOP siding with the Dems on some important issues contrary to Trump's stated views and whiny demands, and pass legislation we really need in direct retaliation and payback against Trump's jumping ship. Though doubtful it would be something to smile about!
His normal process is to demand obedience, present a facade of omni-knowledge and expertise and possess omni-powerful authority. But finding himself helpless far too often since taking office, he is pouting and making promises he most likely will not keep.
He half hoped the presidency would be like his normal business mode, he barks and everyone skitters about making him happy. But he found the GOP mind-phart a public spectacle and making him look weak and helpless.
So now he puts out a page of his own faker news and makes promises no one can cash-in when he later turns the table and refuses to abide by his word. I would not be surprised if n three months, he holds ridiculous demands over everyone's heads in order to keep the government from folding up, as we already know that is what he promised unless he got his wall.
What would be beautiful would be to later see the GOP siding with the Dems on some important issues contrary to Trump's stated views and whiny demands, and pass legislation we really need in direct retaliation and payback against Trump's jumping ship. Though doubtful it would be something to smile about!
Disagree. Trump made a deal with a fellow New Yorker-the Fraud St. owned Schumer. This has little to do with competence, brainpower, or ambition. He made a deal with someone he has a relationship with. Someone he understands and someone who understands him. Trump gets a win. Moe importantly, the country gets a win. What is so bad about that?
Well he's more likely to get personal adulation through bipartisanship than through catering to a small group of alt-righters. There are more people who are centrist than extreme.
The Republican's Faustian bargain is not working out as they had hoped. What a surprise! They thought Trump would go along with their program without question. This bipartisanship agreement with the Democrats is not what they wanted. Maybe now, they will stand up to him when he starts acting unhinged and tweets nonsense. He is not on their side. He is only on his side.
3
"His combativeness captures the attitude that many of Mr. Trump’s supporters have now, as they see conservatives like Mr. Bannon leaving the administration."
The NYT and other press outlets continue to carelessly use the word "conservative" when the current GOP and the Trump circus, is anything but conservative.
A dictionary definition:
"averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values.
synonyms: traditionalist, traditional, conventional, orthodox, stable, old-fashioned, dyed-in-the-wool, unchanging, hidebound"
Clearly they are radicals. Everything about them, from their xenophobic philosophy to their bridge-burning modus operandi is against the careful, traditional, undramatic way of working that "conservative" indicates.
Either find a different word or get dictionaries all over the world to redefine "conservative" just to reflect the state of US politics.
The NYT and other press outlets continue to carelessly use the word "conservative" when the current GOP and the Trump circus, is anything but conservative.
A dictionary definition:
"averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values.
synonyms: traditionalist, traditional, conventional, orthodox, stable, old-fashioned, dyed-in-the-wool, unchanging, hidebound"
Clearly they are radicals. Everything about them, from their xenophobic philosophy to their bridge-burning modus operandi is against the careful, traditional, undramatic way of working that "conservative" indicates.
Either find a different word or get dictionaries all over the world to redefine "conservative" just to reflect the state of US politics.
16
Pundits always claim that "DC is dysfunctional". That is actually incorrect. Completely. It is nothing more but republicans who are solely responsible for the dysfunction. So let's just call it for what it is instead of trying to be PC and blame both sides. You disagree with me? Lets have a look at the issues. Without republicans, this country would invest heavily in its future through infrastructure and education; we would have an affordable single payer health care system that would put people's well being over profits; we would withdraw from all these senseless Middle East wars costing us trillions; we would limit ourselves to sensible military spending instead of out of control defense spending; we would eliminate undemocratic practices like gerrymandering and voter suppression; we would have term limits on members of congress; we would have mandatory voting; we would have abolished big money from politics; we would have sensible gun control laws; we would have strict separation of church and state; we would have sensible and humane immigration laws and we would curb the power of big business and make sure the super wealthy pay their fair share in taxes. Last but not least; we would have had a president who is worthy of that title instead of the embarrassing clown we have in the White House today.
So I ask you - why would ANYONE want to vote for these destructive GOP politicians who constantly are putting their own reelection priorities over the country's well being?
So I ask you - why would ANYONE want to vote for these destructive GOP politicians who constantly are putting their own reelection priorities over the country's well being?
30
In reply to S.Briggs, well said. Do you have any interest in running for office?
For me, it just all boils down to this:
Every single day that the Far Right is thwarted in their agenda and policies is a good day for the humanity and Earth.
Every single day that the Far Right is thwarted in their agenda and policies is a good day for the humanity and Earth.
29
Finally, the President at least temporarily understands the old adage, “good government is good politics”. Trumps likes nothing better than “winning”. Fast tracking hurricane Harvey relief aid, while also paying the nation’s bills, and postponing a nasty Congressional budget battle gives HIM A WIN. There’s nothing here for the Congressional Republican leadership; this is all about Donald coming out on TOP.
3
I agree, it does not mean Trump has become moderate. His properties stand to suffer from the storms and he wants to get some of that recovery money.
But, he is not a Republican either. He stepped out of the pig doo and made a good decision that will help us all. McConnell and Ryan have their work cut out for them just to recover their footing. D's and R moderates may save the day.
But, he is not a Republican either. He stepped out of the pig doo and made a good decision that will help us all. McConnell and Ryan have their work cut out for them just to recover their footing. D's and R moderates may save the day.
4
It was fourth down and forty yards for Trump, and someone caught his pass--from the other team. I hope they can take care of the ball at least. Maybe there's a game to be played. But Dems beware; you know he's dirtied up everyone, no matter his/her skills, talents, virtues, who's rallied to him. Let's hope you can find a seed of beneficence in him to nurture.
Are these so-called Conservatives toddlers who want what they want when they want it? There is no grand agenda item at stake here; unless of course defunding debt payments is an agenda item. It is not even clear that this is a win for the Democrats. Russia is busy destabilizing our Country’s role in the World, presently on the Korean Peninsula, and American politics is spinning out of control. Such nonsense! Such self-destructive behavior!
If Republicans ACTUALLY want to have a "bi-partisan" Congress, they need to update their legislative agenda from "NO", to "Maybe, if".
As far as I can see, the GOP agenda consists of undoing everything President Obama did, cutting taxes and the Social Safety Net, and building bombs. That's not a platform which leaves much room at all for "Bi-Partisanship".
Oh, and Mitch McConnell, a "bi-partisan" strategy means that you don't literally lock out the opposing minority party from the room where you are crafting bills to present to the Senate, and then whine in public about how the Democrats won't support you. Try to do better.
As far as I can see, the GOP agenda consists of undoing everything President Obama did, cutting taxes and the Social Safety Net, and building bombs. That's not a platform which leaves much room at all for "Bi-Partisanship".
Oh, and Mitch McConnell, a "bi-partisan" strategy means that you don't literally lock out the opposing minority party from the room where you are crafting bills to present to the Senate, and then whine in public about how the Democrats won't support you. Try to do better.
6
Where is it written that the president of the US can only work with the members of the political party he is affiliated with? I have always thought the POTUS (regardless of party affiliation) is the president of ALL Americans, not just those who voted for him. What that means is that there will be times when he will reach out to the party across the aisle if that means getting things done, especially if those things will help the American people. In this case, it's helping those who were affected by Harvey and will be affected by Irma. This should not be a partisan issue. And, dare I say it, if reaching across the aisle is what will "Make America Great Again", then people (citizens and members of Congress) need to look beyond political party affiliations.
This story actually made me smile, something I haven't done much since this "administration" took over.
6
Two thoughts:
This does not make Donald Trump the darling of the progressive left. This is one bad boyfriend we will never trust. We’re not taking him back.
To conservatives – Donald Trump is a one-man morality tale of why you don’t meet the Devil at the crossroads and sell your soul for whatever it is you want: low taxes, no regulations, criminalization of abortion, white heterosexual supremacy, take your pick. The whole point of that midnight transaction is the Devil owns you and you own his domain and philosophy. It’s getting hot in there; it may get hotter.
Conservatives, there’s just one way out, baby, and you just can’t go out that Democratic door.
This does not make Donald Trump the darling of the progressive left. This is one bad boyfriend we will never trust. We’re not taking him back.
To conservatives – Donald Trump is a one-man morality tale of why you don’t meet the Devil at the crossroads and sell your soul for whatever it is you want: low taxes, no regulations, criminalization of abortion, white heterosexual supremacy, take your pick. The whole point of that midnight transaction is the Devil owns you and you own his domain and philosophy. It’s getting hot in there; it may get hotter.
Conservatives, there’s just one way out, baby, and you just can’t go out that Democratic door.
8
Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and the president actually working with Democrats. Apparently, national disasters come in groups of three. Maybe the Republicans are eligible for some federal disaster relief.
3
Conservatives can rest assured that we certainly want nothing to do with DT.
2
Even President Broken Clock is capable of being right twice a day.
5
he;s going to have to work with the dems to pass some bill..not everything can be done on a [artisan line.
Delete one word from the headline: Trump is a nightmare come true for the GOP
President Bannon will have his revenge.
3
So what else is new? The "tribalism" spoken of in the article was just as much on display in 1980 when Ronald Reagan didn't so much unite the Republican factions (then dubbed Wall Street and Main Street) as paper over the differences with his sunny disposition. The GOP has never really gotten over its identity crisis, which like some kind of tropical fever has flared up again in the post-Tea Party era.
In the absence of any kind of fundamental consensus by the warring Republican factions, it's no wonder that Trump decided, if only in the short haul, to give the Democratic Party a turn at the wheel. The alternative might have meant a replay of the fruitless Repeal Obamacare disaster, and that's no way to run a railroad.
In the absence of any kind of fundamental consensus by the warring Republican factions, it's no wonder that Trump decided, if only in the short haul, to give the Democratic Party a turn at the wheel. The alternative might have meant a replay of the fruitless Repeal Obamacare disaster, and that's no way to run a railroad.
63
Bipartisan because principles agree, bipartisan for pragmatic trade-offs, or bipartisan as a random 'how do I generate tonight's headline?' action?
Trump's base is not a bunch of high profile conservatives in Congress who have their own agenda. Let's see how the people who voted for him react. My guess is that they'll support him.
2
The only real nightmare for the GOP would be if the White Working Class decided to go to school, became educated, learned to think, and became open-minded. Until that happens, the GOP can count on ignorance and racism to be the glue that binds Republicans together in an unbreakable, everlasting bond. Such hypothetical change is exceedingly unlikely to happen anytime soon; the GOP has nothing to fear.
16
Trump "personally vanquished nearly every institutional challenger in the arena" by telling bigger lies and using more blatant racist incitement than the Republican base has ever heard, and they loved it. The "conservative wing" of the Republican Party does not practice or believe in the democratic process, the evangelicals don't practice or believe in the teachings of Jesus and the libertarians only goal is liberating their billionaire backers from taxes or social responsibility to this and future generations.
16
Trump is opportunistic and will sell out his friends for advantage. Moreover, he endorses and supports increasing the debt ceiling as public policy and, by his promise of a trillion dollar infrastructure program, all but said so as a candidate.
2
I never could understand the simplistic analyses, or the foaming-at-the-mouth rants, of and about Trump here in the comments section.
He's destroying the Republican Party, and the people who hate the Republican Party the most can't seem to grasp that.
The ongoing Hillary/Bernie split is forcing a similar reckoning for the Democrats, which has been obscured by the blind rage about Trump, but is about to come to the forefront once again with the release of HRC's book next week.
Our political system is imploding, because it is not aligned with 21st century realities. The status quo is unacceptable, which is why it is under attack from every conceivable direction; left, right, and center.
We're now in a situation where we have to make one consequential decision after another that will define what kind of country we will be in the 21st century.
If nothing else, Trump is forcing us to confront all the uncomfortable things we've been avoiding for decades now. He's literally daring us to make democracy a verb, when it has been a noun for far too long, which is how we ended up in the very dangerous predicament we find ourselves in at this extraordinary moment in history.
The transition will be brutal. But that's on us, for our complacency in allowing things to deteriorate to the point where nothing short of revolutionary change in multiple dimensions will suffice.
It's a necessary and painful process, and none of it would be happening if Trump hadn't been elected.
He's destroying the Republican Party, and the people who hate the Republican Party the most can't seem to grasp that.
The ongoing Hillary/Bernie split is forcing a similar reckoning for the Democrats, which has been obscured by the blind rage about Trump, but is about to come to the forefront once again with the release of HRC's book next week.
Our political system is imploding, because it is not aligned with 21st century realities. The status quo is unacceptable, which is why it is under attack from every conceivable direction; left, right, and center.
We're now in a situation where we have to make one consequential decision after another that will define what kind of country we will be in the 21st century.
If nothing else, Trump is forcing us to confront all the uncomfortable things we've been avoiding for decades now. He's literally daring us to make democracy a verb, when it has been a noun for far too long, which is how we ended up in the very dangerous predicament we find ourselves in at this extraordinary moment in history.
The transition will be brutal. But that's on us, for our complacency in allowing things to deteriorate to the point where nothing short of revolutionary change in multiple dimensions will suffice.
It's a necessary and painful process, and none of it would be happening if Trump hadn't been elected.
9
Trump may be becoming pragmatic. Possibly, he sees that he can't win with the team he has on the field and is searching for outside help - from anywhere.
4
In the last few weeks, Donald Trump has announced he would shut down the government if Congress didn't pass funds for his Wall in the new budget, and then announced, with the help of Jeff Sessions, that he would end DACA.
Subsequently, he tweeted something vague about his ongoing interest in DACA, spoke about his "love" for kids generally, and said he depended on Congress to pass a bill that would replace this program. In addition, he met with Schumer and Pelosi to agree that the debt ceiling would be lifted for three months because the government Should Not Be Shut Down.
Why these apparent changes of heart (in a heartless man)? Was it because his visit to a town near Houston (great crowds!) and news of Irma, which threatens his own properties, led him to realize that water and wind are real, can be destructive, and that Americans recovering from disasters deserve federal assistance? Because they're people too? And that citizens would suffer if the government shut down?
Nah. It's because he's heard enough recent TV news to grasp that shutting down the government, denying aid to flood victims, and sending 80,000 qualified young "dreamers" out of the country might seriously threaten his ratings.
This man is not just a kite in the wind. He's a plastic bag in the wind. With one end always open. He'll forget his resolutions tomorrow after watching more TV.
Subsequently, he tweeted something vague about his ongoing interest in DACA, spoke about his "love" for kids generally, and said he depended on Congress to pass a bill that would replace this program. In addition, he met with Schumer and Pelosi to agree that the debt ceiling would be lifted for three months because the government Should Not Be Shut Down.
Why these apparent changes of heart (in a heartless man)? Was it because his visit to a town near Houston (great crowds!) and news of Irma, which threatens his own properties, led him to realize that water and wind are real, can be destructive, and that Americans recovering from disasters deserve federal assistance? Because they're people too? And that citizens would suffer if the government shut down?
Nah. It's because he's heard enough recent TV news to grasp that shutting down the government, denying aid to flood victims, and sending 80,000 qualified young "dreamers" out of the country might seriously threaten his ratings.
This man is not just a kite in the wind. He's a plastic bag in the wind. With one end always open. He'll forget his resolutions tomorrow after watching more TV.
16
800,000 not 80,000 other than that yes you are right
Whatever his reasons, hats off to President Trump for finally making some real presidential decisions.
Maybe he's learned something after all about leadership in our political system.
Keep up the good work!
Maybe he's learned something after all about leadership in our political system.
Keep up the good work!
4
While I'm certainly glad to see this outcome, I am very skeptical that it was a consciously, well considered decision taken by Trump. More like the typical knee-jerk reactions we've seen from him for the past eight months. I expect that as soon as he watches the heads on Fox News accuse him of selling out, he'll change his mind and run back to his base and his dwindling band of supporters in Congress.
165
None of you seem to realize that Trump thrives on chaos, particularly if his name is mentioned frequently as a result. And don't forget, he loves sticking it to his enemies among whom he probably now includes Ryan, McConnell and Bannon. Maybe he'll end up doing some good from the basest of motives.
1
Well, I do not know what all of this means. Selfish groups' dynamics are very hard to predict since it is all about self-preservation.
If the aryan-style racists and the ultra pro-business oligarchs want to eat each other alive, I am all for it.
The Democrats, while not stellar, are usually the ones trying to put things back together. They themselves are in a schism and hopefully they will be able to find a middle road between the centrists and the far left that will be give us a majority able to mend this sick country.
If the aryan-style racists and the ultra pro-business oligarchs want to eat each other alive, I am all for it.
The Democrats, while not stellar, are usually the ones trying to put things back together. They themselves are in a schism and hopefully they will be able to find a middle road between the centrists and the far left that will be give us a majority able to mend this sick country.
49
I don't understand why this is such a big deal. Every judge Trump has nominated has been conservative. Every policy choice he has made has been conservative. Why is going with Schumer's suggestion on timing for debt ceiling and financing government extensions important? This seems like something that is more about another little slap on the hands of the establishment Republicans, with no concrete win for Democrats.
15
If it wasn't so tragic it would almost be funny.
1
Am I missing something? A bipartisan debt extension is tragic? Disagreement with Trump is tragic?
1
Poor GOP, so close to Baal and so far from the country and the world.
12
This sounds like the family who bought a large, scary dog with the intention of intimidating the neighbors. When the dog turned on one of the family members and sent him to the hospital with terrible bites, everyone is shocked--shocked!--that the dog would do such a thing to THEM.
99
With unhinged Republicans flailing away at each other, the saner parts of the government have to cancel the celebration, hold still and be careful what you wish for. We are about to find out if Chuck is as smart as his SAT scores suggest.
9
Trump is a Republican the same way Bernie was a Democrat during the campaign. With a 2 party system, there's no place for anyone who isn't a party hack. The only thing that might redeem #45 is a bipartisan effort, and we all know that his image is all that motivates him. That, and erasing everything that President Obama accomplished.
17
Being obstructionist was all Congressional Republicans knew when Obama was president. They pretended undermining and stagnation were governing. Now, they have the White House, Senate and House, but nothing to offer. The 'party of no' keep showing their own incompetence.
96
Somehow, we the majority of the American Electorate need to convince enough of the Republican "base" that the failure to Govern by the Reptilian "Majority" is not an accident. The artificial GOP(r) "majority" is an artificial construct based on Propaganda, Dark Money and Gerrymandered districts, depriving the majority of Americans of honest government.
The Reptilians are not interested in "governing"; Their declared agenda, currently being implemented by the team of jackals in the cabinet, it to roll back the Federal Government to 1890, or maybe 1861 levels, except as necessary to allow for wealth extraction from the rest of us by their Donor Class.
The Reptilians are not interested in "governing"; Their declared agenda, currently being implemented by the team of jackals in the cabinet, it to roll back the Federal Government to 1890, or maybe 1861 levels, except as necessary to allow for wealth extraction from the rest of us by their Donor Class.
73
Golly, it turns out that no one can trust Trump, not even his
so-called allies. What a surprise. 'Get in bed with a rattlesnake and hope for the best’ appears to be the GOP plan.
so-called allies. What a surprise. 'Get in bed with a rattlesnake and hope for the best’ appears to be the GOP plan.
21
"Jenny Beth Martin, a founder of Tea Party Patriots, [said] that grass-roots conservatives “did not work so hard last year to elect majorities in the House and the Senate and get Trump elected in the White House to enact liberal policy priorities.”
Yup "Liberal" priorities like funding programs and services, and avoiding billion dollar losses, because your group would rather be right even if it ruins the country, which is, after all, yours alone.
And that liberal priority which involves settling the future connection of the DACA young people to this country - something which has absolutely no negatives or costs, and shows kindness - which apparently is OK in Houston after a disaster but simply horrible when applied elsewhere.
Trump at least knows you can't get a "win" by refusing to play.
Yup "Liberal" priorities like funding programs and services, and avoiding billion dollar losses, because your group would rather be right even if it ruins the country, which is, after all, yours alone.
And that liberal priority which involves settling the future connection of the DACA young people to this country - something which has absolutely no negatives or costs, and shows kindness - which apparently is OK in Houston after a disaster but simply horrible when applied elsewhere.
Trump at least knows you can't get a "win" by refusing to play.
38
Apparently working with Democrats is the gravest sin for Republicans, but you know, being associated with neo-Nazis and white supremacists is just fine. Oh, and colluding with a foreign government is cool, too, just as long as they don't work with Democrats. How ridiculous and hilarious.
313
I don't understand why people are surprised by this. Trump=GOP=Trump. They stab each other in the backs. Regardless, this move was in the best interest of those who need immediate help in Texas. No-one should be against that.
3
Except, the very same voices pleading for help to Texas are the ones who voted to deny funds to Hurricane Sandy victims. Hypocrites!
1
Those who congratulate Mr. Trump for his "bipartisanship" are getting ahead of themselves. There's no reason to think this mercurial, imperious amateur didn't just make a random decision, and there's no reason to believe he won't make other random decisions going the other way in the future.
27
Congress was going to massively fund Harvey and Irma relief and raise the debt ceiling no matter what. Trump's Harvey response looks good. If the Irma response goes reasonably well he will look better to the voters not bickering in the aftermath of two natural disasters about the debt ceiling, which few voters really understand.
6
Somebody please explain to me how refusing to raise the debt ceiling is beneficial to America. I honestly don't understand.
6
As for the Republican outrage that Trump worked with Congressional Democrats, well, they must have overlooked some things about him. For instance, how long he was a Democrat. Like that Trump said, during a debate, that he envisioned imitating Reagan in beginning as a Democrat, becoming a Republican, then governing as a centrist (set aside how centrist Reagan was or not). Or his endless boasts about being able to 'do deals' with anyone.
Trump has thrown so many bones to the far right that they took his fielty for granted. But those who took Trump as a screaming conservative are going to be as disappointed as those who thought he was going to be this nation's savior.
Trump has thrown so many bones to the far right that they took his fielty for granted. But those who took Trump as a screaming conservative are going to be as disappointed as those who thought he was going to be this nation's savior.
12
It is apparent from Trump's history that his career path has been littered by the dead bodies of those who tried to work closely with him. I suspect this latest Trump move was to teach those uppity Congressional Republicans a lesson in obedience and subservience. Like the Democrats, with Schumer and Pelosi, the Republicans are poorly served by Ryan and McConnell. By making the latter's leadership roles untenable, Trump can further divide and conquer. Whether this will work for Trump remains to be seen, but that is his nature.
10
I wish I could be more optimistic about bipartisan solutions, but this article and another in the NYT about the Democratic Party strife between more progressive and traditional wings show that both our major parties are undergoing tremendous pressures which make bipartisanship less and less likely. Politicians are splitting into special interest groups, rather than finding ways to work together to solve problems. The "Greatest Generation" must be very ashamed of today's leaders.
3
I was talking with a friend the other day and we both agreed we would vote based on the issues, and not just for a political party. Climate change, health care, transgender/military service, defense spending, taxing financial transactions, immigration, privatizing schools/prisons, legalizing weed, increasing taxes on the wealthy.... if a big IF we can agree on the issues then just check the boxes of yea or nay for your candidate and viola- goodbye political parties...
Did Trump really 'reach across the isle' or is it more natural for him to deal with a NY bank-owned pol like Chuck Schumer rather than a "I like God, guns and coal" person like Mitch McConnell?
Trump isn't a Republican and neither is his 'loyal base'; they're just fans showing up for the traveling circus. You need principals before you can attribute them to a political philosophy.
Trump isn't a Republican and neither is his 'loyal base'; they're just fans showing up for the traveling circus. You need principals before you can attribute them to a political philosophy.
104
Also principles.
12
I imagine you meant "reach across the aisle", but the pun is probably apt here.
1
I assume that 'principals' are more frequently Democrats. Perhaps that is why Trump Republicans lack them.
2
Imagine a President that puts the needs of the country first over what members of their political party want.
I don't think that this will last but it makes you wonder why members of congress don't do this on a daily basis.
Yes there are differences between the parties but one would think that they would look for the common cause that what the country needs is more important then what their party needs.
I know it's a dumb thought.
I don't think that this will last but it makes you wonder why members of congress don't do this on a daily basis.
Yes there are differences between the parties but one would think that they would look for the common cause that what the country needs is more important then what their party needs.
I know it's a dumb thought.
7
"conservatives like Mr. Bannon"??
Don't you mean "reactionaries"?
Don't you mean "reactionaries"?
113
You mean anarchist, don't you?
1
Sympathizing with white supremacists and Neo-Nazis? Fine for conservatives.
Funding the government and paying its debts? Now that's a bridge too far.
Paul Ryan promised "the dawn of a unified Republican government" on November 9th. For this country's sake, I hope that era is short lived.
Funding the government and paying its debts? Now that's a bridge too far.
Paul Ryan promised "the dawn of a unified Republican government" on November 9th. For this country's sake, I hope that era is short lived.
526
There is reason to believe that this controversial Era is coming to an end and it will be the responsibility of both Political Parties to make an effort to get our Nation out of this political state of paralysis. Those of us who are not buying this endeavor are free to go home and close the door. A Democracy, A Capitalist Society, We The People are Moving.
1
Who cannot swallow bipartisanship? Trump's own followers! Even if the deal made with the democrats makes a lot of sense: default is avoided and help is provided to people hard hit by a natural catastrophy. So, in case we didn't already, we now know why bipartisanship has become so seldom: hard right republicans are to blame. Why can't they accept a deal with the democrats? Because since ages, Fox, Breitbart and Co have painted a caricature of democrats as evil, bad, corrupt, sleazy, ...
63
And McConnell has made that a concrete base of his id: no Democrat is legitimate in office and therefore, cannot be allowed to govern, present ideas/bills/anything, no compromise, etc., etc.
There are parts of this that read like The Onion, however, they aren't satire. While I applaud Pelosi and Schumer for pulling this off, I am quite sure that the talking yam will find some way to upend everything. Frankly, I'm surprised that he has any political capital left, but those diehard supporters actually believe and are happy with the unconscionable things that he has done. To quote a current meme floating around: Rock bottom does, indeed, have a basement.
56
Don't take this as a sign of a new, progressive, cooperative Trump. Reaching out to Democrats was a last resort for a tanking president, in desperate need of legislative progress, who saw that 'the party of no' was not going anywhere for him.
393
he's probably worried about the "russia thing" too so he's trying to make nice... the republicans ignored it when he was "nice" to them why not try it on the democrats
Let's not overthink this! He said yes to the Democrats' proposal for only a three month extension (which ensures that the Republican chaos and impotence will be on full display for the 2018 elections) because the meeting went too long and he got bored! This is an ignorant, undisciplined, impulsive man-child who operates on a moment to moment transactional basis - anything that feeds his narcissism right now. There is no "strategy", no thought process - only the fierce urgency of ME ME ME.
To envision, let alone expect, a new, progressive, cooperative Trump in the first place is a notion ridiculous in itself.
Trump has appointed a hard right Supreme Court justice, hard right Attorney General, ended all efforts to address climate change and established official policies of discrimination vs Muslims, transgender people and immigrants. He also want to to strip health coverage from tens of millions, rewrite the tax code even further in favor of the wealthy and vastly expand our bloated military. It's all been done under the banner of open racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.
And he's not conservative enough for these people???
Truly, the Republican party is sick in its soul, devoid of regard for real-world reality or empathy for actual human beings. And these purists pushing this agenda along would be more aptly referred to as fanatics. The rest of us must resist this insanity with all our might.
And he's not conservative enough for these people???
Truly, the Republican party is sick in its soul, devoid of regard for real-world reality or empathy for actual human beings. And these purists pushing this agenda along would be more aptly referred to as fanatics. The rest of us must resist this insanity with all our might.
454
Please also include his reinstatement on January 23 of the misogynist, cruel Mexico City Policy, aka the "Global Gag Rule", which has almost certainly already resulted in the needless deaths of women and their infants and is a major force in maintaining the second-class status of girls and women all around the world.
2
None of this should be surprising, unless you are a Republican who believes in magical thinking. Why would a man with no principles except to favor himself become beholding to anyone who can't do anything for him. It is clear to me and should be to many, that Trump has calculated that an 8 year "reign" would end in severe financial distress for him and his as lawsuits multiply, especially after the IRS is done with him. He is just holding on long enough to pardon those close to him and work out a deal to leave office with a pardon from Pence. Having "ravaged" the government with debt and stolen funds, he will be off into the sunset. He really doesn't care if you like it or not. Hey, he's the president and you're not!
The Democrats are no better off, if you consider they have no theme for running in 2018. As Trump begins to descend, Republicans will see a chance to install Pence and tell their voters: "This time, we're really in charge". And they'll believe it because that what was the type of thinking that put Trump in there in the first place. If the Dems continue toward the Bernie Sanders/Elizabeth Warren platform, they will take the party out with them. Too bad Bill Bradley is too disinterested in running again.
The Democrats are no better off, if you consider they have no theme for running in 2018. As Trump begins to descend, Republicans will see a chance to install Pence and tell their voters: "This time, we're really in charge". And they'll believe it because that what was the type of thinking that put Trump in there in the first place. If the Dems continue toward the Bernie Sanders/Elizabeth Warren platform, they will take the party out with them. Too bad Bill Bradley is too disinterested in running again.
12
This is a shake up. A clear message to the republicans. Is this a strategy on the presidents part? It seems pretty smart. I'm flabbergasted.
9
It's apparent that since the GOP took the House and Senate that they cannot govern. They are inept partisan hacks and a disgrace to this nation. They insist on putting party before country. Shame on them.
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It's been apparent a lot longer than that. When you make government the enemy, as the Republicans have since at least Reagan, it stands to reason that one thing you're not good at is governing.
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Also, they're traitors. See: Collusion, Russia.
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So this is how he's going to keep the Republicans in Congress in line. One deal with the Dems should strike some fear into their mercenary little hearts. Interesting to watch as this Trump strategy develops....
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Is there really a "strategy"? Hours after cutting this deal, 45 was accusing the Dems of "trying to stop..." him. Does this sound like strategy or lunacy? Does the man intend to foment chaos or is he so mentally challenged that he doesn't remember what he's said/done from one hour to the next?
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The latter.
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@ Meg
I would not ascribe any morality or humanity to any of the orange one's actions, he operates from self interest only, always has, always will
I would not ascribe any morality or humanity to any of the orange one's actions, he operates from self interest only, always has, always will
Could't have happened to a nicer bunch.
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President Trump's reach across the aisle offers a possibility of recreating a potential for bipartisanship in which it is appropriate, downright American, to compromise for the greater good. Thank you Mr. President.
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Everyone that has ever danced with that devil has been burned. No deal, no how.
Almost all good policy came as a result of bipartisan efforts. This was true for Reagan and Clinton. While I'm not a Trump fan, if he abandons the right wing of the Republican party and starts cutting deals with moderates and the Democrats, we might be able to get something good done for the country.
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I was never really a fan of Reagan or Clinton. If I remember correctly, the New Deal wasn't especially bipartisan either. What Republican support there was stemmed mainly from President Roosevelt's attempts to cross the aisle. Even the Civil Rights Act is not exactly flawless. While bipartisan according to party, the bill passed with a very stark division between north and south. Even then the party compromises weakened the underlying purpose of the law. So no, I don't agree the best legislation comes from bipartisanship.
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You are supporting someone who advocates political violence and lawlessness.
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How long can you hold your breath?
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I agree with the representative from Texas who stated Mr. Trump is being bipartisan. That seems like a good thing! Why not let's all get out of our ideological bunkers and work together for the sake of the country? I think we have all seen how well a partisan approach works over the last 20 years or so.
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The "problem" is the left-wing activists in the government, such as Pelosi and Schumer, get a seat at the table, but the right wing are being told they are to be ignored. To be fair, the far left AND far right should be ignored, and the moderates of both parties should make the deals, since they are the more reasonable, and more in-line with the ideals of the founding fathers. If Ted Cruz and Mike Lee are ignored, Schumer and Warren should get also sit it out. If things continue to be polarizing as it is, we are destined to Civil War II, but instead of north vs south, we'll have rural and suburbs vs the big cities, neighbor vs neighbor.
Fair point. I detest rural and suburb folk. I know nothing about them, really, but that worked for Muslims, and Communists! Not to mention certain unmentionables here within my own neighborhood.
I'm not going to climb out of my 'bunker" as long as the Republicans insist on their ultra-conservative and anti-abortion positions every step of the way. Yes the Democrats moved to the left; but Republicans swerved way to the right. It's not realistic to call for splitting the difference.
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Trump is about what is best for Trump. What would a failure to raise the debt ceiling, or even a bruising fight about it, do to his bottom financial line?
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Of course Trump was going to extend the debt ceiling. With Irma bearing down on Florida, he wants to be able to get his hands on some of the relief money for Mar a Lago.
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"You reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow".
In Galatians 6:7.
In Galatians 6:7.
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Why does the N.Y. Times continue showing pics of Bannon in the Whitehouse when he isn't? How much more publicity does this retired servant need?
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