Matt Taibbi:
"This is who we've always been, a nation of madmen and sociopaths, for whom murder is a line item, kept hidden via a long list of semantic self-deceptions, from "manifest destiny" to "collateral damage." We're used to presidents being the soul of probity, kind Dads and struggling Atlases, humbled by the terrible responsibility, proof to ourselves of our goodness. Now, the mask of respectability is gone, and we feel sorry for ourselves, because the sickness is showing.
So much of the Trump phenomenon is about history. Fueling the divide between pro- and anti-Trump camps is exactly the fact that we've never had a real reckoning with either our terrible past or our similarly bloody present. The Trump movement culturally represents an absolute denial of our sins from slavery on – hence the intense reaction to the removal of Confederate statues, the bizarre paranoia about the Washington Monument being next, and so on. But #resistance is also a denial mechanism. It makes Trump the root of all evil, and is powered by an intense desire to not have to look at the ugliness, to go back to the way things were. We see this hideous clown in the White House and feel our dignity outraged, but when you really think about it, what should America's president look like?
Trump is no malfunction. He's a perfect representation of who, as a country, we are and always have been: an insane monster. Frankly, we're lucky he's not walking around using a child's femur as a toothpick."
22
Some are late to the realization Bullying and Lying just isn't worth it and you'd rather "Get by" without it.
Me, kinda knew it around the 4th Grade, when I observed a 4th Grader (that was supposed to be in the 6th Grade BTW) terrorizing Students for their Lunch $$.
I kinda remember telling him, "I'd rather fight and eat."
And to be honest, a painful lesson for the both of us ensued:):)
But I ate and he didn't Step to me ever again.
Also admit, he didn't change his lingo or behavior but he moved on to others.
4
Thank you, Senators Flake and McCain... However I did notice that you both voted to take away consumer protections against predatory financial institutions. I guess your stand against complicity didn’t take effect yet.
17
Ben Franklin once said, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Those in today's congress are faced with choosing between their integrity or Trump's wrath. John McCain, Bob Corker, and Jeff Flake have punched their tickets as true patriots. Now we'll watch to see who joins them and who becomes (remains) a Donald Trump sycophant.
See:
RevolutionOfReason.com
TheRogueRevolutionist.com
9
Hmmf...I think you mean "fierce Trump critic who loves to talk tough, then do nothing."
10
Steve Bannon adds another scalp to his collection,” said Andy Surabian, a senior adviser to the Great America Alliance, a Bannon-aligned group that has endorsed Ms. Ward.
Yup, Bannon and the Mercers and their "Great" America Alliance (non-profit-- are you kidding me?) and Donald Trump and Ayn Rand. Down the tubes with the USA
10
I don't know much about Senator Flake or Senator Corker--just what I have read in the NYT and elsewhere about their voting record, etc. Like Senator McCain, they seem like decent men whose political point of view is not always aligned with mine. But I would rather they stay and protest and shine a light on the efforts to take their seats than to exit stage left. The vacuum they leave will be filled by others far more radical, which is part of the alt-right's plan, isn't it?
15
Yeah well what took so long? You supported him from the start. We are all fed up with him. He needs to go and the country needs to heal. They unravel everything. The environment, health care, consumer protection today diminished. Trump is the least spiritual person to be in the White House aside from obviously being unhinged. He’s bat s crazy! Everyday we see Pence and Ryan with the bogus right wing alleged Christian holier than thou destruction of what’s good.
5
Bullies (and type A personalities) work themselves to the top of organizations, including political parties. Trump has done it. Hillary did too.
Party members who disagree with the Party leader (especially Party leaders such as Corker, Flake and McCain) must stand up against an objectionable or misguided leader. Otherwise, the leader wins by default.
In my opinion, Senators Flake and Corker should seek re-election, and if each loses in a primary, then the fault is the primary voters, not the Senators. Citizens (including Senators) must stand up against bad leaders--that's our civic obligation, whether Republican, Democrat or independent.
5
Eloquent speech and spot on. Proud of Mr Flake, Mr Corker and Mr McCain. Thank you for speaking up!!!
4
The principled Mr. Flake could have made a more significant contribution to democracy by delivering a similar speech that ended with his vow to stay and fight to disrupt the Trump kleptocracy and the spoiled brats in the Republican party.
7
If you are serious Mr. Flake, and I hope you are, Please back the Democratic Candidate for your seat. Want to Stop Trump? Stop his party. I know you're a loyal Republican, but you are an American First & based on your speech, one who cares. Stop this Ersatz Government.
8
It’s amazing how much press a Republican gets when he utters the most basic rejection to trump.
A Democratic can scream it from the mountaintop and no one listens.
Flacky opposes women's choice and helped block a vote to confirm Judge Garland to the United States Supreme Court.
The republican party has been taken over in a hostile financial coup by the International Mafia Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/Radical religion Good Old Boys Cabal and they are in the process of dismantling democracy in America every single day. Republicans who do not want to see the destruction of The United States of America had better step up now. Because it’s not the Republican Party anymore it is the Trump fascist Revolutionary party.
6
"When the next generation asks us, ‘Why didn’t you do something? Why didn’t you speak up?’ What are we going to say?” Turning away - running away - is not "doing something".
I would rather Flake stayed and fought the enemy than leave and allow another Trumpian clone to take his place.
7
exceptional speech, fervent delivery, but if
only he could have used that passion to
"rage, rage, against the dying of the light"
4
"... there are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles. Now is such a time.”
That's a nice sentiment, but to passively give up your position of influence merely pays lip service to your principles. So what are you going to DO, Mr.Flake?
Like you said, now is the time. In your remaining year in the Senate, you can join the opposition to the destruction of the ACA, stand against the excessive benefits to the wealthy in the Republican tax cut, support DACA, oppose drilling in the Arctic and the deregulation of coal emissions, condemn the wall, prohibit bump stocks, get behind the proposed bill to require Congressional authorization of a nuclear first strike, write a law that forces Trump to reveal his taxes...
Just think, you have the chance to promote your principles AND elevate your career. Just not as a Republican.
3
We need more decent, honest people like Jeff Flake in Congress. As it is, on the Republican side of the House and Senate we have almost entirely a bunch of hypocritical weak-kneed go-alongs. How are they able to look their families in the face?
3
New definition of American politics: DOG EAT DOG WORLD.
3
The Mercers. Robert Mercer, his ultra-right wing daughter. Bannon. These are Trump's money men and hit men.
Our nation doesn't want anyone they put in power. They brought us Donald Trump--Mercer the first on board.
Wake up to these guys. These are the worst of present so-called Republicans.
4
I am not a republican so this can be taken as self serving. However, I despise Trump and Bannon and everything they represent. Senators Corker and Flake should not just bow out and snipe from the sidelines. They can make a stronger statement by running as independents. It is much better to show Trump (and Bannon) that no one is conceding the field to them. Show them that they cannot win. Any traditional politician is a better choice than their chosen candidates.
2
There are very few issues that I agree with Senator Flake. However, what is clear is that he a man of high integrity and moral courage. Yet he is polling at about 18% approval by Arizona Republicans. What does this tell you about the 72% of Republicans (at least in Arizona who presumably know him best)? It is very simple to assume that most Trump voters are simply poorly educated people who do not really understand the issues and as a result are susceptible to the rantings of a snake-oil huckster. The reality is much scarier. One can only reasonably assume that these Republicans share Trump’s ethics -that is a large majority of these Republicans have no sense of morality or even common decency.
7
If you are just now noticing Sen. Flake because of this speech, please review his record before calling him a "man of conscience" or suggesting he has integrity. Why isn't he calling out people by name? Would he have spoken out if he planned to run for re-election? Why did he not speak out more last year?! Look at his entire voting record and political career. I can't find any indication there's a real conscience guiding him.
4
Senator Flake spoke with dignity and clarity on behalf of all Americans endangered by a president grotesquely unfit for office. President Trump imperils all of us with his erratic, self centered conduct. He is cruel, racist, amoral and impulsive as vividly seen in his degrading treatment of women and really all of us. Moreover, President Trump seems prepared to evade the rule of law as he has all of his life in business. There he cheated contractors and labor by repeatedly filing for bankruptcy. Today, he is in the cross hairs of Mueller and his crack team building evidence for prosecution that will make clear that Trump is a traitor and a criminal. Flake's restrained comments also implied that those who support Trump have abandoned values at the heart of our Nation. Trump's repeated cruelty and degrading commentary attacking those whom he and his base wish to expel from our Nation diminishes the office of the presidency and all of us. Trump is a bully and a liar exposed with the simple truths voiced by Senator Flake. In the decades to come if we survive this fascist President, the Senators from Arizona, Flake and McCain, will be remembered as saviors of democracy, decency and integrity and will be regarded as true American heroes. "I like people who weren't captured" will be remembered as that moment in which President Trump announced his cruelty and his self centered pursuit of fame no matter the cost to those who would oppose him. We owe Senator Flake our lives.
5
It was way before that.
3
No longer silent or complicit? If he wants to stand up to Trump, he should run again! This guy is a garden-variety coward.
1
"When the next generation asks us, ‘Why didn’t you do something? Why didn’t you speak up?’ What are we going to say?”
Apparently you'll say "I bitched and quit."
5
I'm still trying to figure out how getting out of the way is a rebuke to Trump when this will likely result in a Trump supporter getting the job.
11
Jeff agrees w/ Trump 96% of the time. Ditto Corker. The analysis is off. They simply do not like his bully conduct. Look how they voted last evening. Susan Collins is the voice we need to hear from. Either way, Donald J Trump is an embarrassment.
8
Mr Flake is making flakey assertions. Kellyanne would vouchsafe for the fact that "reckless, outrageous and undinified" behaviour is the NEW AMERICAN NORM.
5
In reply to Jamil M Chaudri Huntington WV.
And poor spelling too!
1
And to show his resolve, he just voted to protect banks from the citizens of the US. #somuchwinning
9
Yes, thank you Senator Flake. This should be, has to be, a rallying cry to the vast silent majority of Republicans that outnumber the 36%, that this Party belongs to us - not Bannon, Breitbart, Fox (especially Hannity), Limbaugh, Koch Brothers, Tea Party, or any of the rest of that rabble. (did I miss anyone?) Wake up, don't be controlled by the illiterate Base. Vote in the primaries and support knowledgable, reasonable candidates of integrity. Until then I hope McCain and Flake give Trump nightmares for the next 18 months. Better yet, for one election cycle support and vote for centrist Democrats. That would teach them a lesson.
4
While I applaud Mr. Flake for speaking truth to power, at great personal peril, we must not forget that he has been part of the problem his entire life. According to news reports and Wikipedia, Mr. Flake is a mormon, like Mitt Romney who won Arizona in the 2012 presidential primary, and a libertarian who believes in small government. He opposes women's choice and helped block a vote to confirm Judge Garland to OUR United States Supreme Court.
The bottom line is that the republican party has been taken over in a hostile financial coup by the International Mafia Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/Radical religion Good Old Boys Cabal and they are in the process of dismantling democracy in America every single day.
Republicans - in power and out - who do not want to sit by and see the destruction of The United States of America had better step out and be heard right now. Every day a new nail goes in the coffin of the America we have known and that OUR founders envisioned.
Crooks will always win - IF WE THE PEOPLE LET THEM.
WE must not. This must not stand in America. Not now. Not ever again.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Flake
10
Oh, hogwash! The man has voted 90%of the time in line with Trump, including denying health care to millions of people, suspending rules against polluting the environment, and he even cast a vote against approving disaster funds for Puerto Rico.
Hours after his "heroic speech" on the Senate floor, he joined his Republican friends and voted to make it harder for consumers to sue credit card companies. Let's not lionize this man. Taking a strong position against Trump at a moment when he knew he was going to be humiliated at the ballot box is no heroic act. It's dishonest and opportunistic.
Look for yourself here. (https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/congress-trump-score/jeff-flake/).
9
It is rewarding in a way to see how the GOP House and Senate members are now being held hostage by the Party they spent decades creating on the basis of hate and exclusion. In their long tradition of moral indecency and lack of conscience they remain true to their only governing focus. Party first. Period. History will show the GOP as the longest-lasting American terrorist group.
Flake.Corker and McCain should not be exceptions. The exceptions should be those supporting this UnAmerican President and his hangers-on.
9
So instead of being a Senator where you can vote against any legislation you deem negative you are going to quit??????
6
It isn't so much that anyone here respects the Senator as much as they know his replacement will be a strong advocate for draining the swamp, planting fruit and make people wish Flake had not reneged on his term limit promise.
Flake went to Washington as part of the Tea Party movement, which was the far-right fringe of the GOP at the time. It boggles my mind that by the standards of today's conservatives, Flake is considered a RINO and therefore "unworthy" of re-election. I'm starting to think that Bannon is Savonarola reincarnated and am half expecting to wake up some day to headlines about a new bonfire of the vanities.
The times we're living in are far too interesting and a stretch of boredom seems very apealing right about now. And oh, how I miss Barack Obama.
8
Spare me the glowing praise for Flake, Corker and their ilk. It is easy to shout epithets at the bully as one is running away.
9
Flake is 100% correct about Trump. But he failed to add how the Senate and all of Congress has been dysfunctional for over 16 years, giving rise to the unrest that led to Trump's election. McCain and Flake from Arizona cannot point to any significant accomplishments they achieved during their years in the Senate. Compare their records with those of people like Teddy Kennedy, who actually worked at trying to lead the country.
8
For a republican so suddenly critical of Trump and his attitudes, Flake still voted for 99% of the GOP plan to cut taxes, eliminate consumer protections, eliminate healthcare assistance and increase deficits. Still, the conservatives of Arizona believe that a Steve Bannon clone would be better. Maybe the GOP will implode.
8
Has anyone noticed that Republican presidents have created huge deficits, and then republicans complain about the deficits, and blame everyone else. They hand out tax cuts to people who don’t need them, and expand the military beyond reason. Then the democratics take over and its hair on fire about the huge deficit that they created. And then they cry like little girls as if they didn’t know what happened. When Trump said “if he ever ran for president he would run as a Republican because they’re so stupid” , that’s the last thing he got right.
8
Mr Flake is to be applauded for his lonely criticisms of the trump disaster, but if he truly believes what he says, and truly has courage, he'd seek a return to office, and fight for true conservatism. Instead, he caves in.
2
I read tge whoke speech...a good, well-written, eloquent speech, unlike any we've gotten from Trump. But for those who are calling Flake a hypocrite for voting for Trump's agenda I want to point out he never critiqued Republican policies, only the Man himself, his dangerous and unstable behavior, his alienating governance. his failure to behave like a leader in the American tradition, and act like the admirable consistent leader the world can respect. Reagan's policies weren't so hot either but, an actor, he knew how to play the part.
2
I'd like to see Jeff Flake and Bob Corker hailed as the PATRIOTS they are. Despite their voting records, they actually spoke the truth about Trump, which is far harder to do than simply explain why they vote the way they do. They both knew it would be political suicide, yet they put aside all other considerations, to tell the truth about our president and his administration. It has continually reminded me of the Hans Christian Andersen story of The Emperor's New Clothes. Thank goodness we have at least two patriots willing to say what so many others really think, but who are afraid to speak, as it's not in their personal best interests. These two men may single-handedly cause a political correction in Washington D.C., if only more of those elected will speak the truth, and stand up for the country's best interests.
The political party system has gone haywire for decades, providing a career option for people who are both greedy for riches and power-hungry. This is not what our Founding Fathers envisioned. They designed a system in which they expected farmers, lawyers, and so on, to come to Washington to make laws and lead the country and then return to their real jobs at home.
Let's hope that both Jeff Flake and Bob Corker will indeed be the beginning of a freedom caucus, not because retirement has freed their voices, but because they are brave and moral men who can no longer abide the horrors of the Trump-Republicans' caustic dump.
5
Kudos to Flake for speaking out against Trump, but it's too bad for the country that he has decided to surrender his Senate seat to Kelli Ward (see "Turning Up the Pro-Trump Volume", p. B1) without so much as a primary fight. As a six-term member of Congress and a still-young elected Senator with McCain's backing, I think he would have a good shot, even without Breitbart's endorsement.
Admittedly, this puts me in the position of saying to Flake, "Let's you and her fight," but that's what politics is all about.
4
While I do not agree with Senator Flakes "conservative / extremists" views, I do respect his finally speaking up and voicing his conscience. I am saddened that he lacked the principles and courage to oppose the antidemocratic policies of Mitch McConnell, such as when he refused to allow a vote for President Obama's supreme court candidate Merrick Garland.
The anti-Christian/anti-decency stench of Senate politics didn't start last week, or even with the election of Trump. This rot and decay was in full view when Flake first crossed the Senate threshold. While it is never too late to speak-up and work for change, I lament his waiting until he decided to leave before expressing his views.
5
Great.
We finally find a man of conscience in the GOP and he is leaving politics.
What good person would seek office in this toxic atmosphere? We are going to be left with the dredges, the bottom of the barrel - empty barrel, to hold all the positions of power in this country. And then god help us all.
Mr. Flake. Please reconsider. Stay the course. Fight the good fight. Be the voice of reason we need. Lead. Represent. Resist. Our country needs you and many more like you if we are not going to totally lose our identity as the United States of America.
5
Good riddance to both Flake and Corker.
They would both do us a favor if they resigned now so the governors of their states could replace them with Republicans.
Where was Jeff Flake during the birther controversy? Oh, right, he was silent.
2
I wish I could be more optimistic about things, but if anything this development only helps Trump in the long run by allowing him and the Bannon/Breitbart/Fox/Limbaugh wing of the party to eliminate a pesky critic and replace him with yet another Neanderthal.
What we still fail to grasp fully is that the GOP is entirely in the control of its big money donors, the Kochs, the Mercers and the Adelsons, and company. As long as these donors are happy and placated, they and the GOP couldn't care less about the rest of us.
Attila the Hun could be president for all the donors care as long as he does their dirty work and eliminates the inheritance tax, continues the carried-interest loophole for hedge fund traders, reduces the capital gains tax and eliminates financial and environmental regulations.
"Principled conservatives" are now as expendable to the donor class as the rest of us. In the meantime, the corporate-owned media are doing their best to normalize Trump by the sheer quantitative amount of free, unedited air time they give him, dutifully reprinting all his Tweets, covering the White House press conferences live and falling for his every calculated distraction in their pursuit of audience ratings and advertising revenue.
What more could an authoritarian ask for? Why would the GOP donor class want to upset this profitable apple cart by discussing ethical values and moral principles?
4
Sen. Flake can speak out all he wants. At the end of the day he has an 18 percent approval rating in Arizona, wouldn't have got through the primaries, and rightfully surrendered. Trump once again won. On the bright side for him his book sales after yesterday's announcement have gone through the roof. Just like with Hillary losers can still be winners. In regards to his accusations of casual undermining of our democratic ideals, personal attacks, threats against principles, freedoms and institutions, the flagrant disregard for truth and decency, and the degradation of our politics, that started long before Trump ever came to office. To think otherwise is flagrant disregard for the truth or proof of living in a cave the past several decades. As far as Flake being a champion of free trade and immigration is concerned, he's not. He's a champion of unfair trade and illegal immigration. There is little room left for someone like that in the Republican Party and rightfully so. Finally, in response to Sen. Corker who said “it’s unfortunate that our nation finds itself in this place.” The American public has been saying that for decades as the political establishment waged war on the middle class, passed unfair trade deals that overwhelmingly benefited the wealthy, exploded the deficit and national debt, left the borders wide open to millions of illegal aliens, eroded our freedoms, and got us in unnecessary wars costing trillions. Wonder why Trump got elected? Look in the mirror.
When the attorney for the U.S. Army Joseph Welch had uttered to Senator McCarthy “until this moment , I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness. You have done enough, have you no sense of decency?” it rang in the end of a night mare the entire U.S. congress had helped to sustain.
Now fast forward 63 years and finally 2 Senators call out a rogue President. Will the result be the same? Will it initiate a movement to impeach this dangerous man? I have little hope.
3
Man, even during Nixon's Impeachment talks,... I don't believe (this many) GOP Senators spoke against his Lies and alleged crimes?
1
As much as I am pleased that (FINALLY) some Republicans are finding their moral backbone; I question whether it is not a case of too little/too late?For a year now anyone with an ounce of common sense have realized Trump was a disaster looking for a chance to happen. His total lack of empathy for anyone not named Donald Trump; his out of control egomania; his pathetic lack of knowledge in how government functions (or supposed to) in a democracy as opposed to a tyrannical dictator; and on & on; should have been self-evident from the beginning. Instead we have a GOP Party that only lusts for power no matter what the consequences. That has not really changed; and the mandarins will continue to support the Dear Leader no matter what.
2
"But privately, some Republicans were growing angry at the displays of disunity from Senators Flake and Corker . . ."
How about the disunity that Trump and his supporters are bringing to democracy in America? Isn't that a tad more important than party unity?
7
What should happen is that the coalition of the noncomplicit should declare themselves independent of the party of Trump and form a new party, say the Conservative party. They can then show their noncomplicitness by caucusing with the democrats. They'll lose some elections but eventually the party will reform with Trump and Bannon thrown on the dust heap of history.
4
Thank you Sen. Flake for calling out the silent ones. We watch this destruction of the decorum and professionalism of the White House and Congress, and the GOP enables it by standing silent. We have had over a year of silence from the politicians and business leaders who seem to have no clue how the behavior reflects on them.
If you are silent and support Trump, the general public assumes you engage in the same behaviors. Trump built an image of business leaders and politicians as racist, bigoted, money grabbing sexual predators, Harvey Weinsteins with a corporate or political title. Silence affirms the depravity. Sen. Flake and McCain are saying I'm not one of them.
4
First I read the full transcript. At all times, when possible, I want to hear/read what people actually say rather than have someone else's take.
I urge you readers, read the full transcript! Too much left unsaid in this reporting (I understand the space limitations here, still ... so many quotable sentences!)
I'm no fan of Republicans, far from it. But I am a fan of those who have and show a willingness to call things as they are, regardless of political affiliation.
Jeff Flake may think he should step aside in order to live up to his beliefs, what his conscience dictates, and what he sees as the only solution to his discomfort right now.
I sincerely hopes he re-thinks, and does run for re-election. Even if he is defeated in 2018.
Two outcomes - he loses, and he's out anyway.
Better, he wins, and continues to be the voice the nation needs within the republican party, especially if DJT is still in the WH by 1/2019
Jeff, sprinkles are for winners.
The Mercer's must be happy, they are better positioned to get what they paid for - Kelli Ward. Wasn't it Trump who said donors buy puppets.
1
This comes a year too late, Flake. And in that year you voted to allow Sessions to be AG, DeVos to be Secretary of Education, etc. Where was your voice for the past year, Flake?
And if you really have such opposition to the man in the WH, why not mention him by name? Too much for you?
Now, after all this talk, you had better not avoid ANY votes in the Senate, by which some belated action might actually make us believe your words.
2
This is no Profile in Courage. It is just another mutation of political cowardice. Mr. Flake is a Senator. He could declare himself an Independent and caucus with the Democrats or Republicans when he was in agreement with either party. Instead he is ceding his seat to Steve Bannon.
The Trump/Bannon strategy of replacing every powerful figure with loyalists and idealogues is working. They are using the playbook of every successful dictator. It is happening folks. Right in front of our eyes wide shut.
3
Dangerous time 4 repubs & America. I was very disappointed n Flake’s vote on ACA & much of his politics but I grudgingly admit he has a moral compass. He is a young man with a career n front of him so this was an even mo difficult decision.
Guess what Don? We would all have voted for Flake over your puppet candidate. Your rhetoric is not the answer for Arizona or our country!
SAD!
Flake had an 18% approval rate in AZ?
I'd had no idea. He WOULD have had a tough race.
Valid question:
"What good is patting Sen. Flake on the back if he is leaving?"
An even better question: Why didn't Flake decide not to run BEFORE his approval rating in AZ had dipped to 18%?
1
Valid suggestion, made by several commenters:
"I have a better idea: Senator Flake, instead of resigning, please remain and work with Democrats."
That would seem to be the proper course. But that option may not have been available to Mr. Flake, since his approval rating in AZ was only 18%. He basically had one choice: pull out. That's what he chose. Once one makes that "choice," one is free to assign whatever reasons one likes for having made the choice. But the real reason may be: "I knew I couldn't get re-elected."
Trump may be the devil incarnate, but I sure wouldn't take Jeff Flake's word for it. I'd be more impressed to hear that from a Senator who's (1) planning to seek re-election; and (2) would face a close race if he did.
Someone who's retiring, or someone who's staying but has a "safe seat?" It doesn't take a lot of courage for such a person to speak up.
5
Nice, thank you for speaking up Senator Flake!
Flake, by the way, was considered one of the most conservative Republicans in the Senate. I appreciate his standing up to Trump, but his 4 "proud" votes to take health care away from tens of millions should be condemned as utterly ignorant, at best.
We should all be supporting Kyrsten Sinema against a more formidable opponent than we may have expected.
5
I am a lifelong Democrat. Anger at the President will not win the election for Democrats. They are as fractured and apart as the Republican party, more so. They are held together by the disgust they have for the President, but it all falls apart after that. What is their message? Let's go back to 2015: "It's the middle class, stupid." Serve the middle class not the Wall Street bankers. Show it with actions. Never mind faux news, MSNBC, Breitbart and all that other claptrap. Employment is fine, the economy is going fine, energy is fine. Raise the minimum wage, raise the cap on 401k's, fine tune ACA, improve Medicare, support sensible gun regs, support beneficial trade agreements, support climate change measures. Quit bumbling along. Nancy. Chuck. Let the Repubs deal with the crazy President. He's theirs.
2
“...There are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles. Now is such a time.”
Thank you Senator Flake. For the sake of America, Republicans please listen.
1
What an appropriate name in this context, 'Mr Flake."
Senators Flake and Corker should take the Lisa Murkowski route and run as independents in their respective states. That's what Senator Murkowski did when Sarah Palin started bullying her. And Murkowski won, in a write in campaign.
3
Knowing Senator Flake’s conservative voting record, it seems impossible to imagine how awful someone much further to his right might be. On the other hand, I can see how difficult it must be to occupy the same room as Mr. Trump.
2
Cochran, Flake and McCain are only three senators out of 52 Republican senators who have the courage to stand for what they believe in and the rest of the Republican senators clearly put their interests above the interests of the nation. Trump said he will not let enemies know what he would do. By his acts, it looks like he does not have friends. As a result, he not only debasing the office of the president, but also debasing the USA. I suppose in alternate world, debasing means make great. In that sense, he is making America great again.
Good riddance. Take fellow RINO, John McCain with you.
What must it be like
To be criticized daily
And so rarely praised?
1
“I don’t know why he lowers himself to such a low, low standard and is debasing our country,” Mr. Corker said.
You give Donald Trump too much credit, sir, to suggest that his starting point is higher. Take it from a New Yorker (i.e., somebody who knew about this guy for years before most of the country did and who sees rats down by the subway tracks almost every day): He's been a gutter dweller forever.
By the way, Sarah H-S's utterances, like the one today about the president's "achievements," are embarrassingly silly and convey nothing other than that she really has nothing to say. She's an apt sidekick to Donald Trump.
2
When a person calls out a seriously dangerous situation/president/GOP, and is willing to end his career over it, I do not think he has ulterior motives besides the obvious: he can no longer stomach standing by and doing/saying nothing. Senator Flake's speech represents a German in the 1930's who basically said: "I refuse to continue being a part of the Jews genocide. If you want to kill me over my decision, go ahead and come get me. It is more disgraceful to live like this than to die."
So then being a 'birther' who declares critical media as 'enemy of the people, brags about being a sexual predator and asserts global warming as 'a Chinese invoked conspiracy' (among many other controversial acts and omissions) was not enough to prevent this presidency?
2
I wish our Senator- Cory Gardner had your courage. He is owned and paid for and votes with that rat Trump 100% of the time no matter what constituents ask for. Pitiful
3
By calling Flake's reasoned and serious statements a “fierce attack”, the NYT is just adding to the normalization of Trump.
Wow? A billionaires candudate doesn't back another billionaires candidate! Who cares?
Trump’s deranged agenda is destroying the nation and the planet! —Jeff Flake
Oh P.S. .. I have supported these same despicable policies every step of the way!
3
Hello President Flake.
Senator Flake's speech should be required reading for all members of the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle. Finally someone who is willing to put decency before party.
The swamp is getting dry and the rats are not fans. They are scurrying back to more swampy places.
Question: Senator Corker and Senator Flake announce they have had enough of the direction that the President is taking the country. They are elected for 6 year terms, the President holds a 4 year term. They are in positions of leadership both for their State and their Country. Why are they choosing to quit rather than lead? Is the best way to influence the Country, policy, and direction from the private sector?
Answer: They really are not leaders and the swamp is getting dry and the forecast looks for more dry weather.
The last time we heard a Republican talking about conscious was when Ted Cruz was running for the President. Look at how that turned out. I have no hope in this one, either.
When will the Trump supporters end their cultish support for this terrible president? It is almost like the fog of war has already set in and people are disregarding objective facts in order the further their ideology. I am looking forward to the resetting of the moral balance.
1
Without any regard to politics, Trump is a vulgar bigoted narcissist with a short attention span. I know that, you know that, and we have to imagine that anyone who is halfway intelligent knows that. We have to assume therefore that most of the Republicans in the Senate and House also know that. We know Tillerson has called him a moron. Corker has referred to the White House as an adult daycare center where someone has missed there shift. Former President Bush has made his feelings known. McCain has been outspoken and now we have this statement from Flake. But where are the rest of the Republicans? Have they no concern for the country? Why are they sitting on their butts? They and they alone are in a position to save us from disaster and they need to be held to account for not standing up.
2
A coup from the GOP to unseat this orange menace and those who follow him would help redeem the party of Lincoln.
1
All of this is playing too well into the hands of the inevitable 'post DT' GOP that lies not far away on the horizon. Pence needs to be tied to the wretchedness of DT so that he doesn't get a hero's welcome when DT is booted out of office.
1
Unfortunately one Senator that will call out our President will now run.
Now Mr. T can push one of his own and the Republicans will elect him.
This is not a good situation.
Trump is too toxic to be around...bad for the country.
Courageous Republican Senator fights back against Trump, by dropping dead.
i am not a conservative, so I was never a fan of Senator Flake. However, i have gained a new found respect for him since he started speaking out. The current administration is destroying safeguards meant to protect our environment and people, all in the name of profit for a select few. It is run by people who have only their own interests at heart and wouldn't recognize the truth if it walked up and introduced itself. I applaud Senator Flake for speaking out. He knew he could be jeopardizing his political future, but had the integrity to do it anyway.
As long as Fox will flood the media with a distorted view of the world in mainstream TV that finds resonance in the social media pit whose interests re driven by reducing human made moderation which would costs profits, the propaganda flood that finally engulfed America's soul with historical racism and classical nationalism fueled on economic woes will eat this country alive.
1
As an unaffiliated voter, it is unfortunate to watch as the extremes on both sides have hollowed out the center of the elected Congress. Sadly, Trump, it seems, has succeeded as a catalyst in speeding up the process.
Most of the Senators and Representatives are so afraid Trump will tweet something nasty about them that they are afraid to stand up to Trump. They have to know that Trump is too immature, too thin-skinned, too shallow, and too uneducated to lead the country. Please, grow up and protect your country instead of cowering in fear that Trump might tweet a silly name for you.
1
After the speech, Mr. McConnell praised Mr. Flake and said he regretted the senator’s decision to leave. “We have just witnessed a speech from a very fine man, a man who clearly brings high principles to the office every day,” the leader said.
This from one of the prime enablers of Donald Trump. The epitome of the behavior Senator Flake derided.
20
Flake is an out of touch quitter.
I am interested in a number of the comments excoriating Senator Flake for following his Republican colleagues on various legislation. I'm not thrilled by many of these votes, myself. However, I will not engage in kneejerk reactions that any actions taken by one party or the other are absolutely bad or absolutely good. Nothing in a democracy is alI one at or all another, and I don't think by making his speech Senator Flake was disavowing the party that he is aligned with. The speech was an instance of him taking a stand against a willfully uninformed and amoral individual who he (and many of us) believe has and is taking our country, our government and our society in potentially lethal and destructive directions. The speech was a disavowal of an uncouth man who through political flimflam and horrendous discourse and incivility has managed to insinuate himself into the Presidency. His speech was one ethical American man's call for a revival of our sense of morality, decency and principal rather than an act of political maneuvering. I can only hope (though likely in vain) the all-to-many invertebrate members of his party will heed his call and follow his example.
2
How can running from the problem be described as "taking a stand", and how would other members of his party help by following his example? So far the only one's willing to speak the truth are the ones who will not be running for office and who will likely be replaced by ever more radical right wingers.
I'm not sure what democratic ideals have to do with nationalism. Lets vote on it to see if they do. It's an absolute that the majority is always right, everybody knows that, relatively speaking. Really the only difference between us and blind bats is that we know how to count votes.
I can appreciate Senator Flake's words, but I am unsure why it is such a big story. I'm waiting for ONE Republican senator to to stand at the podium and say, "Ladies and Gentleman, yes, your United States Congress does have a sense of decency after all. It's time to impeach the President...."
34
Here is a Republican hero: Richard Painter, W's White House Attorney, "Integrity Czar" vehemently publically stating - there is only one word for what is taking place... "treason." Not in the Senate but a prominent Republican now without a party. And David Frum, made it clear before 11/8 that he was voting for Hillary as a Republican without a party. You are spot on about Flake...however there is a more plausible path to getting rid of Trump: citizensfortruth.net
Flake is a grandstanding coward and blowhard who has yet to vote against Trump on any substantive issue.
7
While Senator Flake's speech and decision to leave government are refreshing to hear, the crazy, right wing Fox News loving electorate is still alive and well in Arizona. Get ready for one and likely two new Senators from the Mississippi of the West who will display those traits of crazy and backward thinking so loved by Republican faithful.
5
What a flake Jeff is.
Senator Flake is too light to fight and too thin to win.
"Floating like a butterfly and" stinging like a gnat!
2
You certainly lived up to your name.
This is nothing new. Donald Trump his whole life has proved that he is unfit to be anywhere near the White House. He’s a liar, a cheat, and sexual abuser just for starters. But the Republicans have proven lthey don’t care about character of their leader. If Satan himself could get them a tax break they would ride his pitchfork all way to hell. If you ever wondered how Rome fell, just look at the Republicans, and you see a great example of how that could happen to America. They will sell this country down the drain for a few moments of glory.
9
Good riddance. Bye Bye, useless RINO. Great news. He will NOT be replaced by a Democrat but a by a real conservative.
1
Calculations made by Republicans who plan to run for re-election and are not speaking out against Mr. Trump.
On the one hand, the well-being of the nation (and possibly the fate of the world). On the other, my political career.
Okay, that was easy.
4
What good is patting Sen. Flake on the back if he is leaving? How does that stand up to Trump? Those GOP senators who are critical of Trump -- and who took so many cheap shots during Trump's tantrums -- need to stay in the game and lead the good fight. I am not a Republican and I find the ideals of these guys unfair at best. But, they do prize our democracy, something Trump seems ignorant of at best. So, along with Sen. Corker, Sen. Flake is leaving. God knows how long Sen. McCain has though I hope it is a long, long time. The voices of reason are quitting over a snotty, self-indulgent two-faced bully. This does not do our country much good unless these men are replaced by good Democrats who also can be the voice of reason -- and compassion.
3
Flake still voted with the GOP in taking away rights for Americans to sue banks.
So did McCain and Corker. They are still a lot of hot air. They have time to take trump down, but do nothing. They're butterflies, nothing more.
2
They are not butterflies, who may become a beloved
emblem of an environment lost instead of on the mend.
They are simply self-serving deplorables who have perfected
the art of the con.
Please don’t desecrate nature.
I have watched both Senator Jeff Flake, closely even when he was in the House. As I watched his speech yesterday, it hit me just how out of touch, if not delusional Flake is about what it means today to be a Republican and/or Conservative. Flake spent a good deal of time describing a GOP that no longer exists.
If Flake had just said:
"Hey, forget President Trump for a moment, the GOP that I once knew is no longer. The GOP is now a party overwhelmingly of isolationism, nationalism and much, much, much worse. I cannot in all good conscience belong to a party that so violates my own beliefs and principles. Therefore, I will not seek the Republican Party's nomination for U.S. Senator of the great State of Arizona in 2018..."
2
Bravo!
Can anyone remember a time in history when three distinguished Senators took a stand against the POTUS from their same party and condemned his outrageous, reckless, dangerous behavior.
And where are the rest of the spineless GOP? Counting the millions they're going to collect from the tax cuts for rich.
5
Early during this presidency I asked the question, where is the man or woman willing to stand up and say what needs to be said? What needs to be said in the way that Joseph Welch changed the values of a nation with his short phrase " At long last, have you left no sense of decency" in 1954 and in so doing rid the nation of one of its most hideous eras.
Yesterday, Senator Flake, your speech, which i read in full, reaches those same ideals. It has been long awaited, is overdue and is most welcome. If nothing else, it is a speech for which you will be remembered in history, the first and so far lone voice to speak out with honesty and integrity against an evil that permeates your nation. Please stay in public office where your much needed integrity can be most effective.
2
So he is basically turning over his seat to a Bannon Republican?
That's not a profile in courage.
If he, Corky, and a couple others are serious in their Trump opposition they should declare as Independent and caucus with the Dem's for the remainder of their terms.
History is calling, Jeff, Cork, Murky and Collins!
6
sure, he called them out. but then when questioned on NPR, he failed to take the same approach w re: to his friend mike pence, saying, well, he's in a tough position. same with paul ryan. come one, if you don't back up what you say in teh well of the senate, they are empty words!
2
Leaving won't help. Staying and fighting that's the honorable thing. Trump wins if you leave.
3
Trump says Flake and Corker had zero chance of being reelected. But does he have proof?
1
Can't any Republican criticize the President and seek re-election? The G.O.P. is still morally bankrupt.
2
I do not care if he voted with Trump 100%, what I care about is that he finally admits what the majority of Americans know: Donald is wrong, he lacks integrity, he's dangerous.
Thank you, Jeff Flake, for having the courage to speak TRUTH! Unlike the rest of the GOP who will go down with the sinking ship, Donald J. Trump! And history won't be kind to the Republicans!
3
This is NOT good! Why on earth do we think the resignation of the "sanity wing" of the Republican Party is anything but a very scary development....
4
There is no "sanity wing", only a feather...Senator Collins.
I see this as a turning point in our history. I am heartened by Sen. Flake’s courage in standing up for principle and against Trump’s “reckless, outrageous and undignified” behavior that is dangerous to our democracy. So how does the White House respond? Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders denounces the “petty comments” by Trump’s growing (we hope) number of Republicans willing to criticize Trump. Who has uttered more “petty comments” about those who disagree with him but Trump himself?
21
"Mr. Flake, Goes to Washington".
I could vote for him for President.
Jeff Flake Empty words. Not impressive. A NO vote on the proposed overturn of a consumer protection bill would have been an ACTION that supported his words, but instead he voted YES to support Wall Street. So did McCain, Corker.
Empty words. Empty suits.
No, I don't believe any of these guys are going to help Americans turn the tide against trumpism.
6
Don't cheer for this. It's only a facade when Flake has consistently voted the party line. Flake, McCain, and Graham cannot be trusted to do anything but shake their heads, say they're disappointed, and they go back to their donors.
A leader would have stuck around and done what's right for the country, not party.
5
The only way to rid the country of Trump is to defeat his agenda and that includes taxes. Flake strikes me as a weakling not courageous, I doubt he has the courage of John McCain in giving the thumbs down on the Senate floor if his vote is the pivotal vote in enacting tax legislation.
1
Oh Canada, please offer this guy political asylum.
1
I'm baffled by all this focus on President Trump, as if he were the Devil Incarnate. It's all a little childish, isn't it? I'm told the average net income of members of Congress is just over one million dollars. Which of these men and women represent the interests of average Americans? Know your opponent, I would say. There are hundreds and hundreds of them.
1
For all those people who are pleased that some moderate Republican legislators are quitting in disgust, please consider what comes next. Flake is quitting because he realized that he can not win against Steve Bannon. As experienced, moderate Republicans leave the field, that leaves a vacuum that Trump/Bannon Republicans will fill. In 4 or 5 years we will have a plutocracy that is unstoppable. A scary thought.
1
He also had no chance at reelection.
1
We now have at least three Republican senators speaking out about Trump's abominable behavior. Over 60% of Americans feel the same way, including many lifelong Republicans in the South and other red areas of the country.
The question remains, when will Senate and House leaders do the same? More importantly, when will they take steps to remove this menace from the White House?
1
Just when you thought you could have a worse mouthpiece than Spicer along comes Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
1
So now, Jeff Flake is every liberal's favorite GOP Senator. In fact, I believe he is a coward for not running again for his senate seat and fighting for his principles. However, both Flake and the people of Arizona knew he was going nowhere fast.
12
Senator Flake may be upset at Trump and he made a heartfelt speech, however, he voted with Trump’s destructive agenda nearly 100% of the time. His words ring hollow because his actions are all Trump.
6
He likes what Trump is doing. But I guess he wishes Trump would be nice? The reason Trump is a Republican is because he’s not nice, does not care, and has no scruples. It’s only the “not nice” part that flake has a problem with.
1
While I don't agree with much of Senator Flake's conservative votes, I admire him as a person of integrity, something in very short supply in this GOP Congress. Democrats, in spite of their faults, must regain the majority, otherwise I fear for the survival of our country!
3
These guys only become statesmen and truth tellers once they decide not to run for re-election.
Here is an idea: one senator from each state is elected and the other senator has a lifetime appointment (like a Supreme Court justice)
I think that would produce far better outcomes than our current dysfunctional system.
1
If this is the beginning of "Republicans of conscience" abandoning their offices, we are in more trouble than we know. Although I am a full-throated progressive, I also know there is a need and a place for conservatives of good conscience. If we lose them because of their opposition and criticism of Trump we should not expect that they will be replaced with men or women willing to take up their cause. Instead, they will be replaced with candidates who see the world and our country as Trump and Bannon see it --- as a fight to the death, with no quarter to be given, ever, no compromise, no apology and only winners and losers.
When all the "Republicans of conscience" have left the room, who will be taking their seats?
2
Flake and Crocker must stay until the mid-terms of 2018. In the meantime, Donald will LOSE once again as five GOP senators, will vote against his tax cuts! In the end Donald will face the nation in 2018 having accomplished nothing but getting the lowest national approval of any president in history!
If they really want to stand up to Trump let them declare themselves Independents and caucas with Democrats.
38
I've been saying the GOP is treasonous because of their support of ...
Now, they're finally coming out and calling the regime out? They are all complicit for supporting what we middle and lower class people knew all along - we were being manipulated and we spoke out. Why did it take so long for Congress to? Oh, yes, they're complicit for supporting a dictator (we're losing our country fast) because they're afraid to lose their seat. We are headed to a kleptocracy and we're in it every single day.
2
The transition from Democrocy to Plutocracy is a messy thing.
2
The "casual undermining of our democratic values" is exactly what Democrats are doing in reaction to their humiliating loss at the polls. Good riddance to stuffed shirts like Flake and "Keating Five" McCain. The Democrats' apocalyptic fits over Trump is highly amusing. The best presidents have always been "reckless, outrageous" and, when needed, "undignified." Flake is leaving so he can say "I quit" before the people of Arizona say "You're fired!" Half the nation backs Trump and his actions on immigration and the restoration of American ideals to this nation. Calling Trump and his supporters names like "deplorable," which this writer thought she was clever slipping into her text, in an example of subliminal commentary inserted into a supposedly unbiased news story, is truly what is divisive. Demonizing half the population is what is "undignified behavior" and "undermining of democratic ideals."
FYI: national poll has Donald's approval at 32% hardly half!
Previous to this I had heard Flake come out against GOP trends a couple times and thought "oh good, finally someone is showing some courage." But today I just heard his interview this morning on NPR and I couldn't help but think what a misguided coward this guy is. He's completely focused on Trump's abhorrent and juvenile behavior, his coarseness and his name-calling, and says nothing about all the conflict-of-interest laws he has broken or his flagrant obsession with reversing everything Obama did. It's as if he's leaving the dinner party because the host talked with his mouth full. He refuses to call out VP Pence or Paul Ryan for their complicity, in fact won't name anyone who enables Trump or cowers before his twitter-threats. Even in his speech he appears to be visibly shaking with fear. This guy's just turning tail and running, and he's likely to be replaced by some other GOP bootlicker. Not impressed.
2
What a valiant stand for the country, tell the truth only after withdrawing from the game. The only people in the Republican party who will take principled stands regarding Trump either have terminal brain cancer or are not running because they know they will lose. Why have they chose to run away with their tails between their legs rather than stand and fight for what is right? Profiles in courage!
3
Wow. Another Republican with integrity, That makes 3 or 4 so far. Maybe there's hope.
2
The "base" of the "new normal" are Fox News viewers. On Fox, bullying, name-calling, a reckless disregard for truth, and a know it all, condescending attitude are the order of the day. What is now emanating from the White House has been normalized as everyday discourse by Fox News.
3
Let's remember Flake has been described as: "the original tea partier." Complicit is a new word for the current Congressional Republicans to consider, but outrage over being "undignified" when Flake shoulda, woulda, coulda been outraged over Trumps' pathological lies, and his Republican leaders lies and votes in lockstep against the public good. And what about Treason? Does Flake get that Richard Painter, W's integrity
I appreciate the Times putting this up, however hit the wrong key before finished and could not edit>>> so: ...W's integrity Czar, who has vehemently pointed out - "there is only one word for this, Treason." America owes Richard Painter a debt of gratitude for getting out in front of this, certainly not Flake. Men of Painter's character are true American Heroes.
Valerie: I totally agree!
I applaud Sentors Flake, Corker and McCain - most of all McCain. However if Flake and Corker would want to truly save us from the "deplorable" behavior by our president and his most staunch insane supporters, and restore our democracy and sanity they should join forces with the democrats for the greater good of all.
3
Voting last night to hinder the poor people being swindled by banks is reprehensible... if you cannot "put your money where your mouth is" then just put your foot in it... same goes for Corker..
5
If he really wants to make a difference, he'll throw his support behind the Democrat running for his seat in 2018. Only Dems are going to get control of the Freakish and Dreadful Trump. They need a majority to do it.
2
Senator Flake's speech is one more wake-up call...is it too late?
It's all well and good to criticize Trump, but don't run and hide from him, Impeach!
2
Can we assume that Flake will vote against any Republican legislation until he leaves?
2
"Reckless, outrageous and undignified behavior has become excused and countenanced as telling it like it is when it is actually just reckless, outrageous and undignified."
I am insulted by Senator Flake's comments. He must think a lot of Americans are stupid or naïve because his statement that President Trump's behavior is dangerous to a democracy is what millions of Americans have been saying for months, but those same words had fallen on deaf ears. Thank goodness people are finally taking notice of President Trump's dangerous behavior.
He exhibited his brand of reckless behavior during his entire campaign. He continued to exhibit this behavior when elected in November, when sworn into office in January, and continues to exhibit this outlandish behavior every day since. So, suddenly, some Republicans discover that the emperor is naked and are finally addressing it, publicly. I fear nothing will change. This reminds me of the woman (or man) who firmly believes she (or he) can change their spouse once the "I Dos" are spoken and the honeymoon is over. Republicans who supported him in getting elected as well as supported every one of his silly, costly, and hurtful bills are responsible for this gross debacle. If Senator Flake and his cohorts are sincere about their Donald Trump assessment, then decisive action (and not just mere words) must be taken - TODAY.
4
For the Republican party, loosing Corker and Flake is similar to the dynamics in a sick and disfunctional corporation. The good people leave and the losers remain. Sad to see.
REALITY:
Mr. President, I rise today to object to you, even though I have voted with you and your policies 91% of the time. In other words, I'm a big fat hypocrite.
1
Brave! The rest are cowards.
1
This eloquent speech will certainly make history! It takes a great deal of courage to speak the truth in a house of lies, and Senator Flake deserves all the credit he can get. Perhaps, after all, he will seek the presidential election at some point.
If he does run, he surely deserves to be the front-runner. Spoken by a Democrat.
1
"His firm stand against the president had alienated Republican voters, but his long, conservative track record dissuaded Democratic voters in the state from coming to his side." The Republicans may find out that they can't win a general election with just the Trump faction of their party even if it represents the party majority. This should be good for Democrats, but they have their own split -- between the "Repulicrats" around HRC and the DNC and the progressives around Sanders and Warren. Unless the Sanders faction can take control and offer a real alternative we may be stuck with Trumpites for a long time. Preaching unity between the Democratic factions, i.e., politics as usual, is to invite an ultra-right victory in 2018 and 2020.
1
Sen. Flake is a man of honor and principle.
I admire and applaud him for that.
“Sustained incumbency is certainly not the point of seeking office, and there are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles.“
Another point to make is that the Senate should not be a long term “career” for anyone. Our public servants need term limits.
While I'm encouraged by Sen. Flake's willingness to declare that the Emperor has no clothes, note that - last evening - he, along with Sens. McCain and Corker all voted to repeal legislation aimed toward helping ordinary Americans.
The legislation overturned consumer protections that would have allowed the "little guy" to file class action lawsuits against, for example, Wells Fargo or Equifax.
So, while we admire Flake's forthrightness, he is - nonetheless - a supplicant to Wall Street.
NOT my president
4
This is all about post-senate employment in the DC universe. A “principled” retirement , rather than one forced by a shellacking at the polls, looks better on the CV.
3
So does standing up to the neofascists that have overrun the Republican party.
Check his voting record.
1
Senator Flake's frustration with being "complicit and silent" is very similar to the feelings of Trump voters who were complicit and silent for 25 years waiting for changes in government to work for them. Interesting how people like Flake and Corker just pick up and cowardly walk away from the problems that they helped create.
1
Dent, Flake, Corker. Who are the next decent, thoughtful conservatives to walk? Kasich? Alexander? Collins? Conservatives, that is, not politically correct rightists. It feels like The Night of the Long Knives with Trump's and his fair haired boy Bannon's fingerprints on them. In will step backers such as the Mercers and Kochs who will make every attempt to buy the election of more extremists to take these good but purged people's place. It does not bode well.
Flake, McCain and Cooker, hardly a ground swell of pushback and needed condemnation of Trump’s abysmal personal behavior and his roughshod brand of governance.
Three outspoken dissenters out of 302 Republicans in Congress is barely a whisper. Come the next election cycle this trio will have faded from the Congressional ranks.
1
‘Why didn’t you do something? Why didn’t you speak up?’ What are we going to say?” That is the Republican's problem in a nutshell. What do they tell their children and grandchildren when they are asked if they put their party and ideology before the good of the country?
4
Jeff Flake just revealed what we all have suspected for years, peer pressure, not individual consciousness, reigns in the U.S. Senate. It is sad the so many senators from both parties remain unconscious.
8
A fierce Trump critic maybe, but Flake is still committed to the same discredited "trickle-down" economic theory theory that Republicans use to justify mass tax cuts to the richest citizens. He's going to vote with his pocketbook.
4
Jeff Flake and Bob Corker have another 14 months to continue their objections to Trump's and his administration's damaging form of leadership. Hopefully, in that time, others will have the guts to join them. Maybe also, the Democrats can get their act together and someone of integrity, like Flake, Corker and McCain, will rise to the top of that party. It's time!
2
This is the speech I've been waiting for since the day Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president.
6
It's self-serving to pretend that this squalor began with or is all about President Trump. Truth be told, the president is a symptom of the slum-minded politics promoted by Jeff Flake, John McCain, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and so many others in the Republican party over the last several years. They wanted power and control over the country's agenda and there was nothing too sacred for them not to trample upon, and out of that win-at-all-cost political environment arose President Trump.
Sen. Flake, I'll be impressed with your sense of what is right and decent when you take on not just President Trump but also Sen. McConnell and Rep. Ryan, and insist that they too live up to the ideals of their office and end the rank partisanship that has divided the Senate and House. President Trump is an easy target. But if you're truly interested in restoring civility in our politics and institutions, don't except the Congress from scrutiny.
7
I appreciate that some Republicans are finally speaking out against the con man in the White House. However, I wish they would use their positions of power to make actual change, rather than abandoning the fight.
5
I commend Jeff Flake, along with Bob Corker, John McCain, And George W Bush on their attempts to publicly express their dismay. But part of me wants Corker and Flake to stay IN the Senate. I'm fearful that as their voices leave Congress, T can continue in his bellicose bullying non-leadership, without any checks and balances.
2
Disappointing how often we see the choice being made between expressing difficult but necessary truths and wanting to remain electable.
How many more Corkers and Flakes and McCains would be denouncing their own party's president if term limits were in place?
And how powerless a tweet against them would become.
4
So what. Talks cheap. What did he do. As far as I see, nothing.
3
What do you suggest Flake and Corker do when most of their entire party does nothing but prostrate themselves before The Almighty Trump?
1
Leaving aside slavery, our wars, the Great Depression and 9-11, this cuckoo-clock President is the worst thing that has ever happened to this country.
Kudos to Flake, Corker, McCain and President Bush for pointing this out plainly and decisively.
Much bad luck to the Republican cowards and self-seekers who are sitting on their hands and doing nothing as this once-great country gives itself over to fear, lies, divisiveness and a total absence of principle.
4
He's just hotfooting it out a few steps ahead of being run out on a rail; better to go out as a sanctimonious rebel than be defeated by one of sicko Bannon's picks.
i don't notice that Flake's newfound piety moved him to vote against the big anti-consumer bill yesterday.
6
It is becoming very clear that Senator Flake and most of the 'conservatives' in Congress have no understanding of national accounts. The federal government has no need to borrow from the private money markets to fund itself. None. It creates the currency, the dollar, so why would it borrow that which it created to begin with? It's all nonsense.
3
As a longtime Democrat, I for one am not celebrating the infighting and potential disintegration of the Republican party. The two-party system has generally served the American people well for most of the past two centuries. Compare the US to a country like India, where the multiparty system has saddled the country with chronic political gridlock. Our system may feel less perfect and our parties less personalized to individual voters or their blocs, but this country has -- in years past -- gotten things done because more of the compromise happened within the party borders. The relatively new and frequent (and escalating) public ridicule of moderate voices by the base of either party, and by the president himself, scorches our chances of intra-party compromise, which makes inter-party compromise almost impossible. Sadly, at this point, I don’t see either party “retaking” the middle (assuming it could even be resuscitated). I fear the deep fractures on both sides will usher in a multiparty system, and our frustration will only deepen as chronic gridlock becomes the norm in our government as well.
3
Too little, too late. There's no appealing to the better angels of people who are already bought and sold. When Reagan won by ridiculing his opponents, when Newt Gingrich won by saying that Democrats are not real Americans, when Colin Powell disgraced himself by lying to the United Nations, when what's-his-name shouted "You lie!" at President Obama... those were the occasions when Republicans should have confronted the evil in their party and in themselves.
10
Republicans created this monster that sits in the White House. He’s been in the making for 40 years. Trump and Bannon are exactly the logical endpoint you’d expect. And yesterday Senate Republicans voted to prohibit consumers from class action lawsuits against banks—at the same time that they are giving financial institutions more latitude to steal from their customers.
2
Flake talks a good game but he also joined the other repubs on a vote yesterday denying consumers the right to sue big banks in class action suits, making his words ring hollow.
9
While we all, justifiably laud Flake for placing this in the Congressional record - lets remember his voting record - and I'm not talking about his support of trump for 91% of his votes. No , I'm talking about his statement yesterday
"It is clear at this moment that a traditional conservative who believes in limited government and free markets, "
and his voting record on social issues
http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Jeff_Flake.htm
Gay rights, immigrant rights, womens rights, abortion etc
So he feels there is no room for his view of 'limited' government - remember not to open the door for him - it takes a veritable madman threatening WW3 for these upstanding citizens to make a public announcement to protest the insanity!
Short of that
AGENDA FIRST!
6
Speaking to a room full of multi term senators with a woefully small legislative record....Flake tells them that being a Senator does not mean sitting in a job marking time. I guess the Senator missed the decades long practice of the Senate's ceding legislative authority to lobbyists, executive branch and the courts.
He wrote a book. His electorate rejected it. The base is tired of hearing candidates agree with them before the election, and than vote the opposite way once in office.
1
There probably is a lack of water in Arizona (climate change, you know) since I don't think anyone is drinking big batches of Kool-Aid. But what then is wrong with Arizona's voters that they want someone more conservative (?!) than Jeff Flake to represent them?
If university students are known to be a bit more liberal than average folks, would someone please get everyone at the University of Arizona to register and vote in that state?
3
We Lib/Dems should not take comfort and jump up/down celebrating.
Neither Flake, McCain, or Corker called for his impeachment.
Nor did they openly said they will join Dems to kill his atrocious agenda.
If they sincerely believe he is con artist(he is) debasing the country, then do something about. Don't quit. Stick around, join Dems, and fight him all the way.
We don't need a hot speech.
We need actions.
7
Absolutely! These guys are fair weather friends of the worst kind, talk the talk, but don't walk the walk.
They have choices: run against Trump in 2018 and deprive Trump's chose one; join the Democratic party, etc., etc.
What they are doing is grandstanding. It isn't admirable.
2
Stay and fight leaving isn't very patriotic.
3
There are two GOP heroes in the Congress. Corner and Flake. The rest are cowards.
1
It is simple - he's not seeking re-election because he would not win. His views have been uncovered as the antithesis of what the voters there sent him there for.
Having been revealed as a rino, they want no part of this man. If he were truly courageous, he'd stand up for his beliefs, face the voters and try to sell his political philosophy to them.
He is folding under the recognition that his political philosophy may sell in NY or CA but not in AZ.
Good riddance to this fraud (hopefully along with his fellow cohort McCain eventually) and toss in Corker to hopefully replace them with true conservatives.
2
I appreciate his principled stand. But when it comes to, say, protecting consumers last night, he was happy to vote with the banks. The issue is not simply civility.
5
Sustained incumbency is not the point of seeking office. Exactly! Thank you for standing up, speaking up in the name of what is right. That is what service to the country means.
1
As the actions, crisis and tweets of this administration continues, I am regularly reminded of a book I read years ago. The parallels are disturbing. Milton Mayer's book "They Thought They Were Free. The Germans, 1933-1945" should be required reading.
Thank you Senators for "Resisting the beginning"; thank you for the free press; and thank you Dr. Robert Linder, for introducing me to the book.
3
53 years ago, Barry Goldwater ran a campaign that featured, as one of its highlights, a ragefest against the media at the GOP convention. From there, the Republican Party made it its mission to destroy the credibility of reporters and reporting that didn't overtly take their side. From Nixon's use of government workers to flood media orgs with calls/letters boosting him to the founding of "Christian" networks like CBN and PTL, which signal boosted purely Republican policy agendas, to talk radio & the WSJ editorial page (which pushed noxious Clinton conspiracy theories in the 90s) to Fox News to Redstate to Breitbart, the Republican Party has built a steady drumbeat of attracting like-minded people by completely insulating them from anything critical.
Consider, for a moment, the impact of having, at minimum, a third of the nation that sits in an echo chamber. They read articles while listening to/watching programming that lauds conservatives, tells whopping lies about centrists/liberals, and bashes anyone that deviates from the party line. Even more telling, when the party line changes (2011: Assange is evil/2016: Assange is a hero), these people go right along without hesitation.
It is no surprise, then, that the current generation of GOP politicians acts the way it does. When you spend your life in a bubble, it's hard to hear anything outside of it. Flake's resignation is confirmation that the bubble has surrounded his entire party, and he, at least, wanted out.
3
It's a sign of the modern Republican Party and its base that Senator Flake, who projected basic decency and reason, has become persona non grata and now can't get elected dog catcher. But aside from stating the obvious in declaring that Emperor Trump had no clothes, he was a loyal apparatchik casting every horrible vote along with his fellow Republicans.
"reckless, outrageous, undignified!" Obviously the president will disagree with Senator Flake and will tweet (that's treat) him disparagingly. Are we to assume that the 60 million who are classified mostly as being the forgotten Americans, are therefore thoughtful, delightful and honorable.
What is it about Americans who feel they are forgotten? Aren't we all, 330 million of us, also forgotten at one time or another or another by our government. If all 330 million of us eventually live into our eighties, will we not recognize that we were forgotten at some period during those eighty years. And being forgotten do we then go out and elect someone who is considered "reckless, outrageous and undignified." If you really want to know who the forgotten already are it is the 60 milllion who elected him because they are already forgotten by the president. Is it possible that a man who has lived one way for 71 years can become the opposite at that age from what he was. The only person I know who did just that was Hokusai, a Japanese philosopher who claimed his first 70 years were a waste and chartered a new course for his next 50 years. He only lived to be 89. Do the 60 million think the president is like Hokusai.
Actually folks what's being Played Out right before our GrownUp Eyes,..on the Washington DC Stage (no less),..
We've gone back to the future of our K12 School Years where eventually folks just start Standing Up to a Lying, Narcissistic,...Bully. One that doesn't care about anyone or anything but himself.
Oh and Lying and Bullying, he cares deeply about those too, has to care for them I hope,..for that's all I've witnessed.
It's not for everyone to "StandUp" but I can tell you from (Personal) Experience, even IF YOU LOSE, you sleep better Standing Up to a Bully.
Unless sleeping in Cowardice doesn't bother you too much?
3
May all Senators find the courage to stand up and condemn inhumanity and corruption.
This is from the LA TImes, Jan. 3, 2015:
Edward Brooke, the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate by popular vote and the first Republican senator to call for the resignation of President Nixon over the Watergate scandal, died Saturday at his home in Coral Gables, Fla. He was 95.
Upon winning the Senate election in Massachusetts in 1966, he became the first black member of that legislative body since Hiram Revels and Blanche Kelso Bruce were sent to Washington during the post Civil War Reconstruction-era by a "carpetbag" Mississippi Legislature.
Brooke achieved a number of social firsts in the Senate, including the integration of its swimming pool and barbershop. To this day only four other black senators have been popularly elected to the U.S. Senate, one of them being Barack Obama.
2
..."Flake Shows His True Colors'...
Should have been the much more appropriate headline. Flake sought a campaign contribution from me by mail some months ago under the guise of a Trump Republican. Looks to me like he is actually part of the swamp and has just 'drained himself' of any political relevance past, present or future. How classless to end your career because of that naughty President, oh my! At least Trump says what he means and follows up with it. Mom taught me to cope, sorry you missed that lesson, FLAKE.
5
Senators Flake and Corker gave voice to the obvious truths about our president. They stated out loud what their cowardly GOP colleagues are terrified to acknowledge. Senator Flake called our president a threat to our country. Senator Corker called the president a liar. Both men said he's a danger to us all. Both are correct. President Trump IS a menace and needs to be stopped, at all costs. He's bringing our country to ruin, and GOP members of Congress - with the exception of two courageous senators - are aiding and abetting. People need to call their congress members and senators and make their voices heard, before it's too late.
4
What all this shows is the kind of Republican people who live in Arizona - as bad as the president they so admire. If I were Sen. Flake, I wouldn't want anything to do with such people - voters who have no problem with a president who is a demonstrated liar, a sex abuser, a financial con-man, and too many other traits of a sociopath to mention.
What it also shows is the crocodile tears shed by Republican politicians who said nothing when the GOP leadership, beginning with Nixon, began destroying what had been a reliably conservative party - something any nation needs to keep from going too far the other way (and I say this as a far-left voter) - turning it into a racist, sexist, war-mongering, money-grubbing bunch of yahoos who would say and do anything to grab and hold onto power. A party whose worst traits were exemplified in Bush II, who is now lamenting the party he himself led farther down the path of nativism.
Of all the things I've come to lament about the turn this country has taken since 1968, the greatest of them is having to share it with voters like those Arizona Republicans, the most un-American, anti-American voters this country has ever known.
The surrender of Jeff Flake is no great loss to the nation. Nor would be the miraculous vanishing of the Arizona Republicans who would vote him out of office because he tells the truth about the disgusting president they love so much.
4
“We’re not here to simply mark time,” the senator said. “Sustained incumbency is certainly not the point of seeking office, and there are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles. Now is such a time.”
Are the republicans in congress listening to this? Those are a very good choice of words. Will the other republicans in congress show that they have DIGNITY and follow those words?
2
Its cynical perhaps but why say this and run. Stay and fight on a platform against the presidents stances that he does not agree with. Bravery to stand up and say what is not perhaps the party line should not be followed immediately by resignation otherwise it leaves the possibility of a stooge stepping to that senate seat. This just gives Trump a chance to shape senate in his image
2
"Mr. Flake's private polling had steadily become worse this year". No one asked me, in Washington, about Mr. Flake. I think I will vote with my vacation dollars! No to Arizona, fly over states, big NO to Florida. There is plenty I haven't seen on East Coast and California.
1
If Jeff Flake really wanted to make an impact, he should have stayed in the primary race. If he lost, like the polls suggest he would, he should then declare himself an independent candidate for the Senate seat. Replacing Flake with a Steve Bannon lunatic will not solve anything.
2
I would prefer the Senator stay in office and vote against tRump's agenda. Leaving office allows another, less principled individual to take his place and do further harm to our nation.
Mr Flake decided to jump under the bus rather than get on it. Let's see if he and others decide to vote for what is best for Americans when the tax vote comes, or whether he will act like a petulant child, like Mr McCain has recently acted.
1
Jeff Flake is affable, good looking and personable. Don't be fooled.
Flake has voted the Trump agenda over 91% of the time. He will now position himself as the moderate alternative to the insane Trump. And without for a moment diminishing the existential threat Trump is, a President Flake would be more deceitful, more cunning, and likely get more terrible things done.
We live in dreadful times when someone with a political agenda as extreme as Flake is looked to as some kind of hero.
I reject your title in the Wednesday Morning Briefing, “...Bows Out With a Bang”.
While great men like Corker and Flake have chosen not to seek re-election, they both have roughly 14 months to do as much work as they can, and to be as vocal as they can. In terms of news cycles, they are light years from retirement. I highly doubt they will be sitting on their hands until 2019.
1
When did our country start celebrating quitters? Cowards? I won't dust off my tux until Republicans who are running for re-election stand up and challenge the president. And democrats, really? If you wait for the country to burn down, the people will vote for the pyromaniacs who helped burn it down. Read your history.
Why in god's name are any of these senators just now realizing who've they've been enabling? I don't buy that they didn't know. I knew. Everyone ready to vote for a rock rather than cast a vote for their lunatic knew. And it's not even our job to know whether the person running for office is sane. That's supposed to be part of the vetting process. So what were these fools doing? Even looking the other way could not have rendered such blindness. They are all criminally incompetent and complicit with this dangerous and malignant "president."
2
Bowe Bergdahl is being vilified and facing a life sentence for leaving his post to seek help in the face of bad leadership.
Jeff Flake is being praised as a hero for doing the same thing.
I rest my case.
1
Being a deserter that results in the death of 5 other troopers sent out to look for you...is reason for villification.
I’m not sure who is Flake trying to fool. Reality is that if you check the latest poll, he doesn’t stand a chance against his Republican opponent.
But apparently Flake's replacement will be worse, a staunch Trump acolyte.
2
This is what draining the swamp looks like.
1
POTUS actions are constant and simple minded. Protect himself and his family, and undue everything President Obama constructed for We the People, SAD!
1
So only people who are about to die or who are leaving their elected positions can speak their truth anymore. Many in public service have gag orders, politicians are afraid of the NRA and the white supremacists aligned with Trump. Democrats are afraid they are bleeding out because of primary/election scandals and tread lightly lest they offend.
Ask yourself, who speaks for you?
5
With this incompetent self proclaimed female genital grabber in the Whitehouse and his reckless impetuous short vulgarian finger so close to the annihilation of the Korean Peninsula and millions of innocent lives, we will all be dead soon enough.
What this shows is that we are basically forced to abide by the beliefs and dreams of uneducated, bigoted people who voted for Trump. We're stuck. The Republicans 'need those votes' so they won't criticize them. It's disgusting for many reasons. I blame the conservative media that has brainwashed these folks with garbage, hostility towards minorities and democrats, fake news, etc. The problem is the conservative media. You change that, you change these brainwashed masses, and Trump and his ilk disappears.
5
You folks are truly stupid. Flake pulled out of his campaign because he was going to get smoked. He would lose the primary substantially to his opponent as well as an unnamed opponent according to all the polls...not one poll but all the polls. This is a great day for the country!
1
What a spectacle at just how fast the so-called “successful businessman” in the oval office is proving unfit for the job, and how spineless and feckless a group of cowards McConnell, Ryan and the rest of the GOP are in refusing to come to terms with this reality. It’s a shameful national embarrassment now on full display for all the world to see.
4
Guess some prefer going back to the old system where politicians promise everything to elected and then not fulfill those campaign promises. Anyone remember how candidate Obama promised to end the Iraq and Afghan wars and end internal NSA spying on all US citizens?. He not only restarted those wars but opened new wars in Libya and Syria. Looks like he strengthened the Patriot act not suspend it. Seems Trump is trying hard to keep his promises - how shocking.
2
And when he has accomplished a single thing, you’ll let us all know, won’t you?
1
Gorsuch, roll back on regs, travel ban, lowered refugee numbers, lower court appointments, loosening rules of engagement in the field for our troops. Having ICE, BP and USCIS actually follow the federal laws on the books regarding our borders and those who cross it against the law.
I guess you missed these....
Glad Flake is leaving and Corker too. They are supposed to be serving in a legislative way and not grandstanding their opposition to the president 24/7. Trying to unseat an elected president is what is destabilizing and debasing the country. It's time people got over an election that happened almost one year ago. If you didn't like who won, join the club of those of us who have not seen 'our' candidate elected for decades!! Somehow we carry on and don't lose the plot. Corker and Flake did--they forgot why they were elected: to improve things and not make it all about them. There should be a big sign over the Senate chambers: "Leave your egos at the door." Both of these guys saw the writing on the wall and stepped down before they spent more time and money on a losing re-election campaign. There is no moral high ground here.
1
Yes, President Trump in his words and actions has debased both his office and the reputation of the nation he has been sworn in to serve in the eyes of the world. The world laughed at first but now pities you.
Let us not forget most Americans did note vote for him. The popular vote was for another candidate.
The question is what will Americans do about this gross person they have occupying their chief office?
2
How sad is it that Jeff Flake is expected to continue to vote for all of Trump's legislation? He has already voted 3x to repeal the ACA. He's voted with conservative R's over 93% of the time. It would be nice if he had the spine to follow his own recommendations but I am not holding my breath.
If anyone watched Judy Woodruff tonight interview John Thune (R-SD) and then Brian McGuire, former chief staff for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Chris Buskirk of American Greatness about Flake, you'd think Flake was the crazy person and Trump was god. I suspect there is no hope for the Republicans in this Congress but to be voted out ASAP. Utter madness.
1
The protests of Flake, Corker and McCain are but mild winds blowing against the hurricane winds of Trumpism. Only one of the three so far has strayed from voting for anti middle class policies. You may take comfort in their slaps across Trump’s face, but the President feels nothing of the kind. He and Bannon can only see them as furiously waving white flags of surrender.
2
I say again, there is a difference between Trump voters and establishment Republicans(RINOs). Flake and Corker are evidence of a RINO implosion. Trump voters see it more like, the snake is getting skinned.
Bravo! Both Corker and Flake provide a glimmer of hope. Now, let us see which other Republicans have the courage to stand up and be counted.
2
Sen Flake needs to be reminded of a few things
1. Mr. Trump won 2600 out of 3100 counties in the 2016 election
2. The American people voted for a wall and to stop illegal immigration.
3. The American people voted for jobs.
4. Elections have consequences.
1
They do indeed, Peter, they do indeed. Sad that you can't understand what the real, long-term consequences of Nov. 8 will be for this nation and its future.
Anyone want to join me in donning a black armband on the anniversary of election day?
1
So, he's upset with Trump's vulgar ways, but he's fine with voting the GOP line more than 90 percent of the time and this includes denying healthcare to millions and a tax cut for billionaires.
5
Speaking the truth and then stepping down - and in the stepping down leaving yet another opening for yet more evil - is disappointing. Why not speak the truth and STAY
2
I admire Mr. Flake for choosing not to be party to trump's dishonest and repulsive government, but I wish he had taken a stand against all that is wrong with this president, long time ago.
1
Before he leaves the Senate, maybe Mr. Flake can explain to Ivanka Trump what 'complicit' really means.
1
Where were Senators Corker and Flake when Trump rammed Neil Gorsuch into the STOLEN Supreme Court seat? Speaking up means nothing on the way out.
So...I'll wait to see if a sitting Senator/Congressperson speaks up and runs for re-election.
2
Why the applaud when integrity is the last resort?
Then Flake promptly turned around and voted to allow nursing homes to force elderly dementia patients to sign away their rights and be forced into arbitration for malpractice. Whose side is he on?
2
Senator Flake states what any rational and unbiased observer would conclude about the Trump presidency. What I find amazing is how little support telling the truth finds among Republican voters. As long as they remain enthralled by the lies emanating from Fox News I see no real hope that our current political deadlock will be resolved. I wish that I could see a path forward for the US but at this point it is very, very hard for me to do so.
I respect Senator Flake for speaking out, but Trump sees this as a victory. He will have one less adversary in the Senate next time around.
Finally, after months of silence, if not support, Mr. Flake has stood up. Congratulations, and well said.
However, while i agree that both parties need to talk and work together to find solutions, I am at a loss to find "the rhetoric of the extremes of both parties." Democrats have, if anything, been too quiet in their criticism of our craven occupant of the White House. Further, they have been completely excluded by Mr. Flake's peers in both houses of Congress.
Democrats have been all but silent rather than vocalize the coherent policy alternatives we know exist. If Congressional "leadership" shuts them out, the MSM provides an unlimited platform. It is not enough to point out the multitude of trump failings.
This could be an historic moment, maybe another Senator will stand up with Mr. Flake and Mr. Corker and Mr. McCain, one can hope. But, until the fetid leadership in the House and the Senate decide to find their brains, courage and heart, Flake's will be just another furtive cris de coeur. I hope for the best.
2
As an Arizona liberal, I applaud Senator Flake's opposition to this nightmare presidency, regardless of his personal motives. More Republicans must stand for their consciences and the values of our founders.
3
Trump is solidifying his power. He is taking over a major political party and creating a sense of acceptance of his autocratic behavior and is in the process of disassembling our government. And we won't realize it until its done.
Unfortunately, Senators Flake, Corker, and McCain are an anomaly. Other Republicans are too afraid of Trump, Bannon, and their far right media supporters. They're looking short-term to the viability of their political careers and refuse to see the dangers to our republic. I read that at yesterday's Republican Unity Lunch, Trump received three standing ovations.
1
A day late and a dollar short but the words are appreciated. Just like occupant supporters expect "he tells it like it is" and it's not FAKE news.
We are witnessing country over politics!
I am in awe of the pure hate of trump. That NYT readers are supporting the old Republican establishment that gave us the Iraq war, the housing bubble, the bush tax cuts and deficit, the great recession. mind boggling!
Trump is doing a fantastic job... Of blowing up the republican party from the inside. His ineffective policy will leave no lasting impact, but he may transform the GOP either for the better or insignificance.
The correlation between a GOP politician's deciding not to run for reelection and speaking up for American values, expression concern about the US's respect in the world, and pointing out the denigration of our presidency lays bare for all to see that those GOP politicians that want to stay in power could care less about American values, the world's respect for the US, or the denigration of the presidency.
Just gimme the power!
2
I am saddened by Flake's decision to quit. I am saddened because I completely agree with his dismay for the Trump presidency. Ultimately Trump like the tea party and similar wingnuts beside causing serious damage to our country have destroyed the notion of serious conservatism. And this is troublesome for someone like me, on the opposite side of the political spectrum. I like to live in a place where I can have a debate and even a struggle with someone holding positions that differ from mine and I am saddened by the demise of people like John McCain and now Jeff Flake. This leaves my opposite field in the hands of buffoons that can only spew one liners insults on twitter, who are fundamentally ignorant, pursuing their own gains, and living with the dream of undoing the civil rights progress to make America as vile, violent and retrograde as they can. To the reasoning conservatives like Jeff Flake I would like to remind that Trump is their baby, he grew primarily within the space that they allowed him to occupy. This is not the time to quit. It is the time to fight back.
1
So he's resigning because it is too hard to fight from within?
Seriously, the Republicans knew what Trump was when he was nominated and their shock at his demeanor only changed when he focussed on them instead of Hillary and the Democrats.
What does his resigning do other than save face? Bannonites will probably get someone Trump-level crazy elected and then it will be worse. Lovely.
1
I have to believe that at least one reason Mr. Flake is leaving is that he sees a brutal, perhaps unwinnable, battle for reelection against an increasingly extremist party. What does this say about the people of Arizona that a man of character who has stood up to a loathsome president can't get re-elected?
2
Oh most of us know what that means for Arizona and other parts of this country. Most of Trumps core in Arizona are angry old white people. See a pattern here????
These are very strange days. If Jeb! was president, we'd have sanity at the White House but probably the same congressional agenda, the same judicial appointments, the same tax cuts, similar threats to the Iran nuclear deal, and probably similar rollbacks of regulations. By being maniacally deranged, Trump has managed to normalize an otherwise intolerable Republican agenda. Getting rid of Trump is far from sufficient to reverse the nightmare of unified Republican governance.
1
Please don't give Senator Flake too much credit. While he said some nice words, it's his votes as a Senator that matter and on the same day he voted to gut a key regulation in the CFPB. From the Times article, "Banks, credit card issuers and other financial companies will be able to block customers from banding together to sue over disputes, after the U.S. Senate on Tuesday narrowly killed a rule banning the firms from using "forced arbitration" clauses."
https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/10/25/business/25reuters-usa-consum...
1
Trump wins again. Sorry, when the bully gets all the good kids to leave the playground, nobody wins.
Please prove me wrong Senator Flake and endorse a Democrat or other candidate who will stay and fight.
1
Moderate politicians quitting only clears the way for more radical authoritarians in the Trump-Bannon mold to take their place, setting the stage for civil war. And fighting in the streets is hardly impossible. We've already seen its first skirmishes, egged on by Trump. And guess what, it's the radical right wingers with the guns.
That Flake polled so poorly is testament to how many Americans are keener to burn down the house than build it up. Because Trump is literally dismantling our government, piece by piece. With no tax money available, we lose the institutions of government that serve the peoples' daily needs and represent us to the world. Our utter collapse as a global force has created a vacuum that China and Russia have rushed to fill. Xi JinPing and Putin and the rest of the growing list of dictators wake up laughing every night. America has disappeared!
I don't see how these moderate politicians resigning helps matters. Yes, I know they're facing defeat and it's not worth throwing good money after bad, but it also spells the growing might of the very people they oppose. We need leaders who can speak up and grab the attention of the people and get them to start thinking again. Thinking about what we had and what we're losing and how we will not get it back. Thinking about the dire emergency of climate change that we need strong government leadership to mitigate if our planet is to survive...literally! Etc. How to communicate that to the millions of Trump voters?
1
@ I Remember America, Berkeley "...setting the stage for civil war. ...fighting in the streets is hardly impossible... And guess what, it's the radical right-wingers with the guns"
[Heavy sigh.]
Someone from Berkeley really ought to know better than to even buy into, let alone to promulgate, such stereotypical assumptions.
Not all liberals are anti-gun.
This one, for example, was, ironically enough, well trained by the NRA, and has kept his skills up with regular time at the range... and is perforce a very good shot.
I hope this becomes a torrent of dissent to this autocrat and dangerous amateur.
We in VA hope to send the GOP a strong message next month: get sane or don't get elected. Fight the monster with those of us you alienated years ago, and maybe we from both major parties or none at all can rebuild this fractured nation.
1
Makes you wonder about what term limits would do, doesn't it?
1
Neither Flake nor Corker are courageous with these words. As much as I want to hear them, they need to stay and call for impeachment. Instead, they walk out and quit. Words words words. ACT! ATTACK! And tell the bully that he isn't going to win this one.
1
In the 50's we had McCarthy and finally someone asked "have you no decency"; today we have a few good men speaking out, but, far too many are complicit in this repugnant travesty of what's passing for democracy today.
While I'm grateful that Senators Flake, Corker, and McCain have spoken out against Trump, I hope that more come forward. These men are trying to save our Democracy. It's a sad day when doing the right thing means that you must also declare you won't seek re-election. Surely there are good and fair minded Republican citizens who want to see a return to dignity rather than reckless behavior that's more appropriate for "reality" smack downs then governance.
1
Senator Flake, this must have been very difficult for you. You are restoring honor to America. Thank you.
Doing the right thing is getting more difficult and rarer in the Congress.
Taking a moral stand against the unethical, corrupt, and dishonest political culture is even rarer.
These senators should be praised for putting country above party and self interest. A tiny candle burning in a dark room will shine much brighter.
1
Senator Flake, an appropriate name, may have criticized Trump and opted to retire but not before joining Trump to nullify a signature regulation from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which banned forced arbitration provisions along with Sen Corker. I guess they don't like Trump's crudeness but they approve of his vicious, damaging policies. Who cares if they resign. Chances are the Democrats will run Milquetoast conservatives even as the GOP replaces these Senators with even more vile extremists in the Trump mode.
1
Democrats have to be thankful for Trump in a way ... the silver lining is, he is splitting the Republican Party like they could never hope to do . Keep tweeting inane stuff, keep up the petty attacks, keep deflecting and assigning blame, keep antagonizing your allies, keep insulting and belittling, and please keep doing this until the next election, or your impeachment, whichever comes first.
Crass and crude should never define American politics, but Trump wants to drag everyone into his gutter. Well I prefer he stay there, or in Trump's words in the 2016 election, "Lock Him Up."
1
It’s been cynically but not unfairly noted that these few rebels have only found the ‘courage’ to speak out after deciding to retire or otherwise step down. In the meantime, the rest of the world continues to watch this circus play out with an ice-cold regard.
Here in Europe, there’s a particular disdain for the Republicans still cheering on Trump through his every excruciating day in office, perhaps fuelled by our own fading, but lingering, memories of the damage that such collaborators wreaked in World War 2.
And, to be clear, the Republicans ARE collaborators, almost to a man - and woman - continuing to back someone universally regarded around the planet as a mentally ill, boorish, narcissistic and dangerous individual, who’s managed pretty much only one remarkable feat so far: the rehabilitation of George W Bush, formerly an international joke but now almost warmly regarded as ‘not that bad, maybe’. Rehabilitation by comparison.
One wonders what everyone enabling, facilitating and collaborating with Trump is thinking right now. As Trump daily rubs America’s face in the mud, one bigly tweet at a time, and as Trump sledgehammers ever wider the schisms tearing apart any sense of unity and a shared destiny, and as Trump praises American nazis and white supremacists, when, oh when, is it too much for them? Dear God, why hasn’t it been too much, already?!
Collaborators, we are watching - and it feels like a deathwatch of the end of American relevancy, vision and purpose...
Great to hear you're willing to fight, but why quit if standing up means so much to you and more importantly, where have you been all this time while he was trampling others to become POTUS and since?
I guess the house is on fire only if YOU feel the heat.
1
If he is so outraged, why did he vote for ACA repeal, and vote to advance the sham of a tax “reform” bill?
Too little, too late.
Maybe he will receive baptism with the DNC, and try to wash away his sins.
96% Conservative rating for Sen. Flake. A man who is being trashed by the "Trumpistas" as a liberal. A man who believes in low taxes, capitalism, free trade, strict construction of the Constitution, 2nd Amendment rights...I could go on and on, is being vilified by the cult of personality that swallows the outrageous lies of a man of no principles but defense of his own fragile ego. I know they're not perfect, but I stand behind Flake, McCain, Corker.
I guess that showed him. Trump won't have Jeff Flake to kick around any more. I look forward to the slew of op-ed pieces about how the Democrats are going to turn Arizona blue. Take that open borders and open bathrooms platform and run with it.
Senator Flake has the right of it: "When the next generation asks us, 'Why didn’t you do something? Why didn’t you speak up?’ What are we going to say?”
Mr. Trump is the embodiment of the this century's Republican tradition of deceit and neglect of the welfare of the majority Americans, since they have been solely concerned with the interests of their wealthy backers. If the Congressional Republicans don't disown Trump and his despicable self-dealing policies, they won't have to worry about what to say to the next generation, because, having committed group suicide, they won't be around to be asked.
Flake is an extreme rightwinger who has no principles other than serving his donors, like most Republicans (and most Democrats).
He’s resigning because he’s seen the same polls we have of him getting clobbered in the primary, and has decided he might as well leave with a bang to land better jobs rather than lose in disgrace.
The rhetoric is merely a cover for a purely political decision.
Flake immediately went on to back the Republican charge to prevent the government from banning the forced arbitration clauses which represent a denial of justice.
https://theintercept.com/2017/10/24/after-day-of-feuding-jeff-flake-and-...
Don't fall for these phony sell-outs!
2
Another "brave" Republican dissenter that will not mention President Trump by name. Why not? Are they afraid of a lighting bolt? This is becoming a bit ridiculous.
Hypocrisy abounds in Washington these days. Although I am grateful and appreciate that some Republicans are showing spines and standing up for this nation, I can't help but ask myself that if Mr. Flake's re-election prospects were bright, would he be making this stand? Is he or Corker doing the right thing when that was necessary months ago? Or maybe they are hoping to run against Trump in 2020. They are saving what's left of their political careers, while McConnell and Ryan seem content to go down with the ship. Cynical, I know but these last several months have left me angry and sad for this nation beyond words and most Republicans, as well as a few Democrats have facilitated this with their silence and implicit support of that monster setting foot in the White House.
I'm confident that many other Republicans share Senator Flake's views. Now they only need to grow the backbone, muster the courage of their convictions, put their careers on hold, and do what's best for the country and democracy, both of which are now at serious risk, with a madman at the helm.
Trump has said he hates everyone in the White House. Well, the feeling is mutual. Time to call it quits, boys.
Amendment 25, impeachment, resignation, heart attack, suicide...I don't really care anymore. I just want this nightmare to end. Now.
I think Trump is the complete tool of Moscow.
I've even heard he was born there.
Birth certificate?
Anybody seen it??
He is doing everything he can to weaken our strong hand in the world, undercutting our State Department, straining alliances and weakening us on trade.
Moscow has something on him and he has become their tool.
His fear of what they can do to him is his guiding governing principle.
He is not our President.
He is a man who lives in fear of Moscow and it shapes all he does and says.
A malignant force in our midst.
1
It is about time that some in the republicans ranks who so often claim the high road with regard to morals and ethics actually takes a public stand against what has become so rotten, corrupt and degrading. The veneer of sweetness with a whole lot of ugly just beneath the surface has been ripped off, and the old game of pretending all is okay will not work anymore with this level of contempt for thought, the truth, and conscience. At least, here is a direct appeal to decency, rather than the angry and combed over power play, which has been the game with fearful senators and blindsided citizens during this presidency.
Aside from the wall & the intemperate tweeting, just what does Senator Flake object to in Trump? He rubber stamped everything Trump offered, from the plutocratic cabinet to the climate & pollution deniers & now has second thoughts?
He's merely appalled at his lack of decorum. The "chem trail" lady waiting to replace him in sunny Arizona couldn't prove any worse , based on his record in Congress.
1
Flake was going to lose. and he knew it, so he quit. He will not be missed.
This is absurd self-aggrandisement disguised as honor. As the saying goes, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing, meaning that those who are in a position to do something must, and those who are able to put themselves in a position to do something must try to do so. Flake claiming victory and departing the field is the coward's way out. You were elected to stand and fight for your country and the principles on which it was founded, sir. As an elected official you are in a position to fight the fight that the rest of us can only battle with words. Would that better people were able to take a stand and pass decent legislation while standing up to the bullies and the cowards that occupy the White House and both houses of congress. Unfortunately, a so-called principled departure only paves the way for those with less scruples, not more. Tragically, there are plenty waiting in line to take that position.
3
They talk a good game, but once again their actions prove differently. Corker, Flake & McCain all voted against consumers being able to form class action suits against banks. It will be 2008 all over again in a few years; be prepared.
3
And they spoke in favor of other values that one would hope we can all embrace.
The hero with the perfect hair will soon be spending the millions from his soon to be lobbying/DC law firm lucre and royalties from his anti-Trump book, sales of which will be propelled by his heroic speech. The praise is sickening and misplaced. Sort of like the Clintons with their $100 million and Obamas with their only $50M. It is easy to be a saint when you are richer than God.
1
You don't have to be poor to do the right thing.
If Flake want to really be brave, he will call out those GOP voters whose sole motivation is white resentment. They are the ones who elected Trump.
But the overwhelming fact is that the vast majority of Republican voters think Trump is doing a good job. And overall his support is way higher than it should be, in the 40s. The fact is that Trump is a feral, wily foe who began his re-election campaign the minute his inauguration was done with. McCain, Flake, Corker and others of their ilk are all intelligent, thoughtful people. Who’s going to win? I don’t like to bet.
1
After Mr. Flake's speech in the Seante (which by the way should shame every voter in this nation including those that sat on their hands last November), three Republications gave him a standing ovation, McCain, Corker and Barrasso. How odd until you realize that the junior senator from Wyoming, Barrasso , was recently and inexplicably, targeted by Bannontrump to be primaried. What was his crime against the soul of the GOPTP, you might ask, when he won his last election by 70%? Here it is: He only voted with trump 96% of the time. Bannon is deploying not one but 2 challengers including the founder of Blackwater (Prince).
Where was his moral outrage a year ago? He and the religious Right gave up their so-called moral principles to back Don the Con. They knew Trump was morally bankrupt as a sexual predator whose central business plan relied on the business bankruptcy laws to further his financial interests...6 times!
Now Fiske voted with the GOP to remove our right to sue bank and credit card companies in class actions, alleging that the class action format only rewards attorneys.
Poppycock. Yes, lawyers make some money, but the force of class action law suits has proven to expose predatory practices of banks and credit card companies and works to blow a financial hole in their bottom lines if found guilty of the kind of behavior envisioned as a subject of class action. Arbitration will not provide the injured with more money through forced settlement. The lawyers in arbitration will also make as much money as the lawyers who bring a class action. It removes jury use from this cause of action and puts the proceedings behind closed doors.
The grand bargain made is that the money the GOP save the banks and credit card companies will now be spent on the political campaigns of those who voted for it. Pox on your houses....if Trump had any gumption, he would veto the bill if he really believes some of the stuff he says about working for the middle class.
... but he’s okay with GWB’s illegal war (international law, not US law) that killed 500 000 and counting.
Trump is not show biz - those who respond to him want proper show biz, not substance. They care about manner, not 500 000 dead.
Twitter users:
When responding to @RealDonaldJTrump, please use the hashtag #AlertTheDaycareStaff
With sincere thanks to Senator Bob Corker.
1
What this man did was not brave. It was cowardice. The Republican Party has been the enabler of white supremacists and fascists for decades. They have fanned the flames of racism and authoritarianism for a long time. Donald Trump is the result of their efforts. And now that the worst has been realized and the rotten political fringes of American society have their representative in the White House, what does a man with influence and power do? He quits. Senator Flake, why didn't you just quit the party? Nobody reasonably would expect you to switch to the Democrats. How about register as an Independent? How about working with Democrats and decent conservatives to save American democracy? What good is quitting? In the end, you're just like every Republican- an enabler.
Can't something be good, for a moment? I too am a cynic, and I disagree with nearly every aspect of the senator's traditionally conservative agenda; but his speech is good, and right, and his gesture is perhaps another step, alongside McCain's, in breaking the ranks around the offensive buffoon in the White House.
1
Flake voted with Trump 91% of the time, including happily voting to abolish Obamacare, depriving millions of health care.
So spare us the phony complicit talk, Mr. Flake.
Now the challenge, especially for all the self-righteous religious
conservatives of the GOP: You, too, can dare to bare all about the
wretched Mr. Trump who touts your party's moral toxicity to the world,
from pulpits in particular.
Release your morality from political imprisonment, Republican
majority; renounce and remove Donald J. Trump, for God's sake!
Thank you, Senator Flake. We need more people like you in Congress.
I support your position and and your stand Senator, my respect.
For a "fierce trump critic" Flake votes with Trump 91% of the time.
It's called hypocrisy.
From a European point of view, it is hallucinating to read the daily comments on what is happening in the (once?) great nation that the USA are. As far as I can interpret, there seems to be a awakening by some members of the GOP, too little, too late. The Bannon putch is irreversible. People like the Senators Corker, McCain or Flake will inevitably disappear from the political forum. What will become then of the GOP? A membership of well paid politicians who either are too cowardly to resist the wrath of an incompetent narcissistic imbecil, or – also very good possible – who admire the vices (which they see as values) of a president they always dreamt of? Either way this means the end of what once was a “Great Old Party”. Better name should be from now on the “SOP”, the “shameful old party”. Or maybe the “ROP”, the “Party of Resentment”.
I suppose that in 2050 books of history will mark the presidency of Trump as the final decline of a once a confident nation that, for better or worse, was a decisive world player. Even if Putin didn’t interfere in the 2016 elections, Russia and China were the great winners. This too is irreversible.
What bothers me most, as a European citizen, is the fall-out of that kind of politics that reaches our continent. Old demons reappear legitimated by the behavior of a lunatic at the other side of the ocean. Populism is overtaking competence, scolding replaces diplomacy and teh art of making compromises. The Times They Are a-Changin'...
2
It takes no courage to flip off the boss as you quit, especially when you voted with him 99% of the time. If this is what passes for heroism, the republic is doomed.
Trump should do some self analysis. So far, he has been a failure. His own party men are disowning him or distancing themselves. His travel bans are struck down by courts across the country. His decision to throw away Iran nuclear deal is heavily criticized even by American allies. Racism has risen its ugly head with renewed vigor. Poor and middle class are feeling that their health care system has been robbed away. Kith and Kin of dead soldiers are not happy with the way the Trump has talked or conveyed condolence.
Therefore, as I said in the first line, it is really high time for the POTUS to evaluate himself.
Corker & Flake should switch fm. R to D
1
Thank you, thank you, thank you Senators Flake and Corker!
1
When the going gets tough,
the tough quit.......
Flake has been a man of principle since 11/9:
Whether it was his vote on repealing ObamaCare
or
his vote on the Trump Budget
or
his vote on the Fred J. Thompson Post Office,
Flake has shown his independence, humanity, integrity, and courage.
And voted a straight Trump ticket.
Realizing he was a loser in Arizona,
he mewled principles that he has thus far failed to follow.
He voted for Jefferson Beauregard.
He voted for Goresuck.
He voted for Price.
He voted for Pruitt, DeVos, Perry, Carson........
Priciples? Integrity?
Please.
Talk is cheap.
Good riddance.
It's too bad Flake didn't stick to his guns and run again to keep his message alive.
His falling approval rating shows that many people in his state are simply beyond hope.
But there are others who are on his side who have now been deserted. Their choice would now appear to be between one Trump lackey and another.
Unless, of course, the Democratic Party can for once find its spine and try to win them over.
20
Good for McCain and Flake, what they are doing is not easy, though I cannot help but remember how they have enabled the worst of the worst of the Republican party in recent years.
Nevertheless they seem to realize how kooky krazy the GOP is (I'd write "now" but it's been a long time, really) and worry about their legacies more than Trump and Bannon.
1
If Flake had been a shoo in for re-election would he have made this speech? I think not. Although he couched his resignation in terms of high principle, polling in the race so far has illustrated how little room Republican primary electorates provide for a candidate who openly crosses Trump. In a survey by HighGround consultancy in August, Flake trailed Ward in a primary matchup, with 29% to her 43%. He also ran well behind Sinema in a hypothetical general election, with 33% to her 41%. He is profoundly unpopular in his home state and was on his way out...that can't be debated. A cursory review of the record underscores just how deep Flake's complicity with the ugliest aspects of Trumpism actually runs. When Flake had a chance to deny DeVos' appointment as Education Secretary he voted "YES"; when he had a chance to deny the "Skinny Repeal" he voted "YES. A few months ago, Flake voted along with every single Senate Republican to confirm John Bush, a man who published birther screeds online, as a federal judge. On Monday, the RNC announced it had hired the pro-Trumper Kayleigh McEnany, who also flirted with birtherism, as a party spokesperson. Flake has not objected. Flake has professed alarm about Trump’s “affection for strongmen and authoritarians,” yet has done next to nothing with his extraordinary power—including a seat on the Foreign Relations Committee—to stop Trump's pro-authoritarian instincts. Flake finding religion at this point in time is simply too little too late.
4
And last night, in another late night vote, he voted to strike down another Obama-era rule that would have given consumers the right to bring class actions suits against banks, payday loans, etc. His speech rings hollow when you look at his voting record.
1
I am a Canadian with close family in the US. As I watch with disbelief the unfolding Trump presidency, I sadly feel like I am witnessing the world's biggest slow motion train wreck. It is indeed a real "reality show" that engenders shock, amazement and an ominous sense of doom. The human propensity for irrational behavior played out on a national scale.
7
Now that Senators are retiring (whether unpopular or not) they have nothing to gain by supporting Trump’s agenda to take this country back to the 1950s & 1960s. They should vote against all the proposals that hurt the low to middle income Americans. Vote your conscience & not party.
6
I'm not impressed by the sudden conversions to rationality of GW Bush, Corker, Flake et al. These people and the Republican establishment as a whole could have stopped Trump at the get-go, but they didn't. To little, too late.
4
trump has all sorts of issues re his public demeanor, but let's not kid ourselves; this is all about flake's disastrous polling and the expediency of avoiding a bloodbath at the ballot box. i know the media would like to make more out of this, but that, like so much, is simple propaganda.
1
Flake says he won't be complicit and then immediately votes to dismantle consumer protections. What he's really saying is he doesn't like Trump but is fine with his policies. Good riddance.
4
The problem with Jeff Flake, as with "liddle" Bob Corker, is that both will face difficult elections, so instead of running for reelection they are quitting, and using the President as an excuse rather than owning up to the fact that they have failed their constituents, themselves, and America.
5
Most Americans don’t really participate in the governmental process. They do not vote, do not follow the issues, and are content to let about 25% of the registered voters make all the decisions. The Alabama special senate election in my home state is case in point is a case in point. Turnout was ridiculously low yet this showdown between twice removed state supreme county judge and a democrat former federal prosecutor may shift the balance of power in the country for years. Flake is decried for quitting by the same bunch of right wing yahoos that advocate term limits for elected leaders. The GOP Congress has been ineffectual in spite of controlling the House, Senate and White House. Apathy and ignorance on the part of our electorate is the real problem. Our founding fathers created a conflict based system designed to produce incremental change at the behest of the voters. That is the critical ingredient that is lacking today - voters. It is likely that our institutions will not fail us and that our liberty will not perish at the hands of the current occupant of the White House. Likely but not certain. Meanwhile, missiles fly from North Korea and crises mount. The voters get what they deserve. Our society has become more course and hardened, with extreme views now out in the sun for all to see. This is truly a test for our democracy.
3
Anti-Trump forces of which I definitely am should be careful not to start celebrating too soon. There's still a lot of work to do.
Flake is out and McCain will not run again but remember this. Flake and McCain are moderate Republicans and serve as a brake on extremists like Bannon and Pence. Losing Flake and McCain certainly creates an opportunity for Democrats to take control of the Senate in 2018 but also creates the opportunity for more radical, right wing Republicans led by Bannon to take control of the Republican Party and move it and the Senate further to the right. That would be a disaster for America and the world.
Like I said there's still a lot of work to be done.
1
Better later than never. Considering all the spineless people that populate our government it's a right step forward, no less no more. The standards for public service are so low that Jeff Flake speech looks heroic, but it shouldn't, in a normal environment it was just responsible, honest thing ton do. So much for our "democracy."
2
A defiant speech on the way to a cushy sinecure somewhere doesn’t strike me as courageous, however incisive its content. It would be a true Profile in Courage to stay in the fray, seek re-election, and remain in the Senate to meaningfully resist Trump’s predation on our democratic institutions.
2
"complicit" is a perfect description of the Republican Party's enabling Trump's presidency, to the detriment of every citizen in our country. What a sorry lot of people who should never call themselves Americans.
3
By hook or by crook, Donald Trump is winning the game. His mission of demolishing the two political parties is taking place via Tweeter.
Almost impossible for any GOP anti-Trump candidate be elected in the forthcoming midterm elections.
2
If you watch or listen to Flake, you will see and/or hear that his comments were far from "fierce," but shaky and halting. Brave, maybe, to call out Trump (though Trump seems to have a history of making sort-of-nice after a loser gets out of the way), but Flake was not so brave in failing to admit that his polling in the thirties in Arizona made his reelection difficult at best. Flake called out Trump again yesterday, somewhat more harshly than before, yes. But it seems like misreporting to claim that Flake was brave while declining to try to correct, from his vantage point, the 60-plus percent in Arizona who in polls expressed disapproval of Flake's earlier obstructions of Trump. Actually, Trump seems like the braver one to be taking on his own party's establishment wing, given that many like McConnell consider it foolhardy for Trump to risk the Republicans' Senate majority. We shall see.
2
I hope these are watershed moments. I hope this will be the beginning of a momentum to end what has been the worst political year of my lifetime. I hope we will not second-guess these choices or dismiss these sentiments as "too little, too late." It doesn't matter if Senator Flake is a hero or an opportunist or if we have mixed feelings about him. Sometimes we have to take your allies where we find them.
4
“We’re not here to simply mark time,” the senator said. “Sustained incumbency is certainly not the point of seeking office, and there are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles. Now is such a time.”
Exactly.
6
I am a native Arizonan. I am glad Senator Flake is leaving office. His condemnations of Trump mean nothing but sound bytes, as he has voted lock step with the President on all matters, including taking away health care from vulnerable Americans. (Vulnerable really means all of us but the super wealthy.)
Senator Flake, if you really want to go out strong, work with Democrats and the few moderate Republicans in the Senate for immigration reform and affordable health care. Otherwise, this seems to be an advertisement for a book from a man who would not get re-elected.
4
It is time! What I mean by this is two fold: 1) It is time to set aside the rather silly idea of not mentioning "the name" in remarks such as Flake's, McCain's etc. DT certainly has no such constraint--"little Jeff Flake." 2) A very patriotic thing to do would be for Flake to switch parties for the remainder of his term--I believe up in 2020. Becoming a democrat would push the Senate into collaboration which they still resist in spite of what Americans expect. A one vote margin for the GOP would most likely require parties to work together. Equally important would be that a conservative such as Flake could also balance the leanings of the Democratic party. There used to be similar conservatives in the party but hardly any exist now. Switching parties would help keep both parties in line and much more prone to working together than they have been for the past decade at least.
5
Patriotic? It would be hypocritical to the 100% degree for either man to abandon their core conservative principles for what has become the Democrat party.
If this was the 60's and we had a conservative Democrat in the White House, JFK then perhaps....
Thank you sir. You honor the tradition of honest government that has recently been lost and forgotten. We have returned to the times of the robber barons of the early 20th century when the government and business was ruled by the few wealthy and the average citizen was assigned to unrewarding labor without protection or any benefits from the government The dark times have returned and the environment and our lives may never recover. There seems to be no way to stop the disaster in Washington, except for the very few honest men and women, who have the courage to speak out...Where are the protectors of liberty, freedom, and honor and why isn't something being done to stop trump and his cronies ?
3
What's going on in Arizona? A state that gives us extremes like Arpaio, Flake, and McCain, Arizona seems to be the very embodiment of cognitive dissonance. Actually, it's not so much different from the US Congress. We live in a world of extremes.
2
History will identify his speech as a profile in courage if he maintains his principles in the months of legislative debates (within the Republican party) ahead.
He speaks as well to the Republican electorate, which has been intellectually and morally debased by the president. Little good will come of it.
It really worries me to read so many comments by democrats who seem to be unable to distinguish between the political stance of a person and his (or her) character. I do not agree much with Flake (and McCain) when it comes to politics. But I respect both men for their character and service.
2
Resigning is not the answer. As one writer pointed out; try doing something no one in Washington has done since Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neil worked together. Stay and reach across the aisle to work with like minded Democrats interested in moving the country forward.
2
We support President Trump because of his foreign policies which offer hope for moderate Arabs and Kurds in Syria and Iraq. It is sad that his personal habits and statements are turning some Americans away from him. All he has to do is back off a little and maybe all will be forgiven.
1
Never! Frankly, we Americans think Syria should handle its own problems. Not our problem.
Thank you, Sen. Flake, for following conscience above party and career. I wept while watching this speech, an eloquent echo of Abraham Lincoln's appeal to "the better angels of our nature." I haven't felt such hope since before the election last year.
May other Republicans of conscience take such a bold stand. May we all have such courage and humility so that our country may heal.
2
Thank you, Senator Flake, it was an honorable stand to tell this president, in no uncertain terms and without name-calling, that you are not going along with his way of governing. You have a powerful voice, and chose to use it at the detriment of your political status and drawing the ire of your detractors.
If Trump had been a Democrat, it might have been easier to make your disclosure. Not all Americans are in possession of a short-term memory and you have joined Senator McCain, Corker, Susan Collins and others in reassuring us that a distinguished career in politics and in establishing the welfare of our Country is not made on the back of its People who made a mistake in electing him to the highest office in the Nation, causing some of us to feel culpable in the process, hopeless and helpless.
Your Statement has been recorded as a reminder for this American whenever We go through a winter of discontent and should be placed in The Congressional Records for our future Generation.
1
As I read this article and many of the comments written about the decency and honesty and strong disapproval of the Republican leadership by the Senator from Arizona it occurred to me that this speech would not have been given had the Senator been supported by 50% of his constituents instead of 18%. His decision to resign instead of facing a sure defeat was made easy, and instead of admitting that he was out of step with the people who elected him, he decided to blame the President for his demise.
3
While I applaud those in the GOP who have spoken out against the president's atrocious ways, the sad trend is that those who are speaking out are in their political twilight- either not running for reelection, or are already retired. Maybe others in the GOP share these views, however they are, by and large, bought by the lobbyists and donors who they wouldn't dare anger. As such, only true progress can be made within the GOP when those who actually remain in office eschew their perceived shackles (to money, to the threat of losing reelection, to the threat of losing their majority, to party, etc.) and instead actually stand up for our country and its preservation as a whole. Words are great, but actions speak more. This isn't The West Wing.
3
I'm not sure I understand the logic of ending one's political career on this issue or who benefits by that. Would it not be more effective (and telling) for Senator Flake to simply switch party membership? Others have spoken of Flake's integrity and honesty. Why not continue to provide that as a Democrat?
5
If Sens Corker & Flake really care for this country, resignation is not enough. If they don't think they could work within the party, they must work from without. They need to help elect an anti-trumpist, whether s/he be Republican, Democrat or otherwise. Otherwise, it is true, it is a surrender
16
The way Trump is picking quarrels with his officials and the members of party and humiliating them one by one, the day is not far when the lawmakers, cutting across party lines, are forced to seek ways to get rid of him sooner than later.
15
Apparently what is happening to the republican party is going "according to plan" for Trump. He is systematically getting rid of opposition, in this case voluntary stepping down. It was always his intention to implode the republican party and infiltrate it with Trump-Bannon Republicans. Strangely until not too long ago, Trump himself voted democrat!
2
Your thoughtful observation about the Trump game plan seems convincing.
1
Mr. Flake deserves credit and I hope more follow his lead but I'm not hopeful with gutless prevaricators like Ryan et al. I would have preferred he stay on and at least fight for his seat against Trump and his demolition crew to expose their disgusting MO rather than hand it to the haters on a plate. Note to Dems: get organized and get out there for some bare knuckles encounters. Not good enough so far.
14
Senator Flake, why weren't you saying those things BEFORE the election when we all knew the Clown was the worst candidate EVER?
Waiting until now is closing the barn door after the Clown has already gotten in. Now it will be virtually impossible to get rid of him, mostly because the vast majority of your ethic-challenged compatriots will absolutely not risk their life-long tenure to challenge the dangerously incompetent Clown.
So, too little, too late. Bye bye, Jeff. Please take the traitors Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan with you.
15
"Fierce Attack" is what they call stating the obvious these days.
It is absurd that we are playing "the Emperors new clothes" while the country is falling apart.
And while we're at it, can we also admit that the Republican "party" has as it's main goal, looting the country for the benefit of the richest.
Maybe we can stop pretending that no one notices, or that they just have an "alternative plan".
They don't care about anything but money, and they don't care who they hurt to get it.
Enough already !!
48
Finally the American conscience and core belief in decency and honesty are rising from their momentary stupor of Trump’s self-proclaimed divinity. First McCain, then Corker and now Flake have just begun to break the spell and are awakening others after the wild party of the last nine months. How soon others in the conservative movement regain sanity depends on how much of the Trump Kool-Aid they imbibed, but it is a hopeful start. Trump’s White House and his cohorts routinely discard any call to consciousness and any mention against Trump’s frequent amoral, illegal, unethical and even criminal actions as “fake news”. Yet this Flake News is something they ignore at their own peril.
7
Yes.......Flakehas consistently voted his principles and integrity....
for every single Trump bill
for every single nominee.....
such courage, such independence, such integrity.
Talk is cheap
Speech is free
Most of the world would like to think it's not just up to Republican officials to rise up and demand the resignation of a president who not only did not win the most votes but who has behaved in a way that embarrasses the world's grandmothers, mothers and just decent people anywhere.
The USA is pitied rather than laughed at now.
Will Rubio have the courage to take a stand? For a man who despised Trump and bore the insults of “Little Marco” in his race for the presidency. A man whom had grown tired of Washington put opted “back in” at the last minute, and is not up for reelection until 2022... Does this man have the courage, the moral fiber, to choose country over party and show us whether he truly is worthy of the White House sometime in the distant future. I always felt that he was an opportunist and I do not been this in a flattering way.. Where do you stand Marco”? Are you deserving of the “Little Marco” moniker or are you something better? Show us what you are truly made of!
Morality demands action. Let's see tangible actions which express how morally outraged these Senators really are with Trump.
8
I've been an Arizona resident for nearly 22 years, and I have watched both Senators McCain and Flake with increasing lack of respect. The impudence of both of these men through the years transcended the normal political party infighting. Both backed up to their corners from time to time, and returned to the fight with brass knuckles dipped in velvet. We have taken enough of the bloody punches, from the long silenced and so-called nameless "deplorables" to the president himself. We are silent no longer.
From my standpoint here at the Arizona border, the country has changed for the better, and the supposed tribalism ascribed to the "nationalists" is far better described as a concerted attempt to take down all vestiges of the elitist thinking and lame pronouncements that reek of deceit, hypocrisy, and conceit.
When I went to change my lifelong registration for 50 years as a Democrat to a Republican not so long ago, I walked with some trepidation into the Republican party headquarters in Sierra Vista/Ft Huachuca. Within minutes, I found myself in a lively conversation with other seniors who disliked both our senators even more than myself. Perhaps the word "hypocrite" was used over all others.
Jeff Flake wrote a book condemning President Trump, and I am very happy that he has had the foresight to resign in the wake of the enmity shown. My only regret at his leaving is that we will still have to endure his rhetoric for well over a year more. He should just depart, immediately.
6
"From my standpoint here at the Arizona border, the country has changed for the better, and the supposed tribalism ascribed to the "nationalists" is far better described as a concerted attempt to take down all vestiges of the elitist thinking and lame pronouncements that reek of deceit, hypocrisy, and conceit."
How does that translate into specific policies and governance?
@ George Heiner, AZ border “From my standpoint here at the Arizona border, the country has changed for the better… When I went to change my lifelong registration for 50 years as a Democrat to a Republican not so long ago…”
And thereby hangs a tale.
That implies a *most* interesting political backstory.
You apparently didn’t feel impelled to leave the Democrats for the Republicans through the Clinton, Cheney/Bush, or (it seems) even the Obama years – but something happened “not so long ago” to change that.
I can’t be the only one to wonder just what impelled that change at that time, but never before?
Further, unless I’m deeply misreading you (always possible), I assume you also mean that “the country has changed for the better” since last January -- but apparently *not* from January of 2009 through the end of 2016, when the Obama administration saved the country from the catastrophic economic meltdown (the worst in almost a century) that was both well underway and further impending, at the time of his election -- and brought on the single longest uninterrupted stretch of job creation on record (until this September; that is).
If you cared to share with us just what it is you think has been improved, and how, in a country that is now more divided and angry than at any time since 1865, it would be most helpful to many of us who are, we confess, deeply puzzled.
We'd all deeply appreciate anything you’d be willing to say to enlighten us.
The floor is yours, sir; care to share?
1
Blair—it doesn’t. That’s just more bigotry from a white person who can’t accept they had privilege without merit. Not shocking coming out of Arizona. Honestly—Trump voters are an embarrassment. When they refer to elitists, they mean it. They ARE inferior, and it shows.
Many writers here give the Senator way too much credit. Flake's speech was too slick and too polished for the times we live in and spoken by a man walking away from the fight. I am looking at that picture of him now. What in the world is he smiling about?
7
I did not see anything in the NYT about the bill to improve consumer protections that just failed in the Senate. Reading about Trump's demented antics is all well and good, but you need to do a better job of covering the rest of the Republican march to wreck our way of life in their quest to maximize corporate profits and ensure their own re-election funding. Surely the run-up to that vote deserved a headline that would get in my twitter feed.
21
I agree. We need to see more of the concrete, day-to-day policy issues being reported on. What they want to do to seniors in nursing homes is beyond the pale...strip them of all rights to protection from abuse. Arbitration? Pfft! We all know how that will go. But I guess the courts wouldn't be much better anyway, once they're stacked with money grubbing Republicans.
For the record, a consumer protection bill failed during Obama's leadership as well as he sided with Wall Street Banks. Sometimes these do not get much news either.
Photo of Richard Cordray at hearing and article about that vote to deny or restrict consumers right to sue banks and credit card companies is near top of top stories on my mobile NY Times app. Thank you for the reminder that I need to go read it and not spend all my time on Flake's comments or reader reactions.
Mr Flake asks, "When the next generation asks us, ‘Why didn’t you do something? Why didn’t you speak up?'"
But his answer seems to be: "I spoke out against things I deplore in my resignation speech. I couldn't tough it out, so I quit."
He sounds like he can't take the heat.
6
Although I don't agree with the direction Senator Flake would like to take our country. He's obviously an honorable man.
4
While what Jeff Flake did was courageous and necessary, it won't change the current dynamic in Washington. Real change will occur only when Democrats win back the majority positions in Congress. Democrats must get out and vote in the 2018 mid-terms. Most of us can only be heard through our vote. So, get out, vote, be heard, and make a difference.
12
It's a start. Hopefully this will domino.
5
While I certainly appreciate Flake's candor... the real courage comes when one stays to fight for the courage of one's convictions.
11
Decency is bolting from the Republican side of the aisle. I guess that leaves it to the Democrats to try to rescue the country. Meanwhile I hope people like Mr. Flake consider job one to be continuing to proclaim the truths he stated today. I'd ask them to keep in mind that a near-term policy disappointment is nothing compared to the permanent destruction of political comity.
4
Since he made these statements on the Senate floor, with they be recorded in the Congressional Record?
2
I don't understand: why does he quit? Wouldn't now be the time to stay and fight?
6
Jeff Flake is doing the right thing but unfortunately, is losing his job by doing so. It is unfortunate that too few Republicans will do the same. They could get rid of Trump now by invoking the 25th Amendment to the Constitution b/c Trump has certainly proved he is "unable" to carry out his duties. But, they won't. The voters will have to vote in Democrats in 2018 but with the gerrymandering that has gone on that will be a "big haul".
9
I don't think much of this "principled" action. He was an enabler for Trump for months and now he just walks away. Not exactly a profile in courage. He just wants to get out now so he won't be blamed for the debacle that is coming. More impressive would be if he stayed and fought against the administration's misguided policies.
11
Brilliant speech. Will go down in history, hopefully as the speech that turned the tide and not as the speech that our progeny will wish we had heeded.
11
It's a lot harder to "stand up" to someone when you're not in the room. If the senator were truly committed to the values he so eloquently espoused he would stay and fight until the bitter end. Instead he will now be seen as just another one of Trump's victims.
5
Thank you for setting an example of speaking strong truth directly and with dignity, honorably yet not mincing words. Your children and grandchildren can be proud of you. And so can ours. With this speech, you have carved out your legacy.
5
Bravo, Senator. But you'll be gone, and look who'll still be there. The world knows that Trump does not represent what is decent in America. It would be so much better for your to remain and work towards a new President.
6
In 2008, a senate vote in favor of the invasion of Iraq was held against a Presidential candidate, and she failed to get the nomination. Let us hope that in 2020 anyone who endorsed Trump in 2016 suffers the same censure. After all, if she believed the WMD lie, she had at least a fig leaf of cover. Trump's unfitness for office was on very public display.
4
My hope from this is that in red states Republican-leaning moderates will avoid the gauntlet of the hardline Republican primaries and run as Independents. These guys and gals will increase the odds of either winning as Independents or splitting the Republican vote and ushering in a Democrat. In either case, the country wins by counterbalancing the extremists in the Republican party.
4
The question isn't what a few courageous Republicans will do once they're no longer up for re-election, it's what the majority of their colleagues might do while still dependent on campaign donations from wealthy interests. Flake's profile in courage didn't happen until he was ready to give up his senate seat. The same goes for Corker. McCain and Graham often speak out against Trump but still vote his way most of the time. We need a Democratic senate (or House) before Trump's tyranny is really challenged.
3
Snarling Sarah is reported lecturing that history will remember Trump for his achievements and a strong economy, "not some petty comments from Senator Corker or Senator Flake."
Sarah, what achievements might those be? A list, please.
33
To be miles better than GWB, all he has to do is not start WWIII. And if he starts WWIII legally, he will still be a bit better than GWB.
"Normal" to guys like this is an executive who will play ball and do the bidding of the biggest contributors.
5
Flake doesn't explain why a Republican cannot vote their conscience unless they are leaving office.
Even McCain can only be a 'Maverick' once every five votes. What are they so afraid of? Is McConnell in Congress really scarier than the Viet Cong in the Hanoi Hilton?
7
Where
is
the rest
of the
Republican crowd?
We have what is from all appearances a high performing idiot pretending to be president of the United States, yet only three US Senators (no one expects ANY House members to have or show the least courage) have dared to stand up to him. They could do it behind the scenes, they could get quietly organized, they could force a meeting to bring him down to earth or they could do it on the Senate floor and exit the mess they helped to create. But, they
must
do
something.
There are only a few courses open as Trump, in the words of one, threatens to take us into WW III. There is impeachment (not likely unless the Republicans have a blood bath of losses in 2018). There is a formal declaration of incompetence (high risk) and removal. There is also confronting this professional bully, telling him to start acting straight or he will get nothing, nothing and more nothing from them in cooperation on...anything.
One possibility, along with the latter option, would be to appoint a three to five person "commission of the presidency" that would work alongside Trump and, with his complete cooperation, be charged with to retaining power over the nuclear option. This can be done legally with Trump agreeing to share that responsibility.
It is great that Flake spoke out when so many are silent. Yet, it is not enough compared to the danger we face.
9
The Republican Party has no stake in blocking Trump.
He's leading them just where they want to go: to more money and power for the ruling class and the destruction of working class independence.
5
Maybe they are on the train. Get on it or get run over!
Where
Were
They
Before
Iraq II?
Nowhere.
It’s
All
A
Response
To
Lack of
Style
Of substance.
What would really score is if Melania/Ivanka/Jarred came forward and criticized/exposed him. Never going to happen and that's what makes me sick. All these people coming forward to expose Trump: Thank You. But it's sad because it's not enough. He's got too many people close to him keeping him where he is at.
6
Perhaps if we all follow Bob Corker and Jeff Flake on Twitter, it will send a sign to Trump....
3
Senators and Representatives: Impeach before you quit.
18
Please save the Hosannas. How often did Congressman Flake vote in lock-step with fellow Republicans- virtually every time. A wonderful website lists every piece of legislation voted on by the Congressman; (www.votesmart.org) from the time he was elected to the House of Representatives in 2001 to his present day Senatorial position. After 16 years- the odor is *finally* getting to him?
11
Thank you. It's sickening to watch people fawn over this guy over one speech, totally ignoring his actions for so many years.
I'm ashamed that so many Democrats seem to be as deluded as Trump supporters.
We need our republican representatives to speak out against Trump as he continues to disgrace our country and the highest office. As a republican myself I’m embarrassed.
11
Almost all the Republicans in Congress support Trump.
If you're a Republican, I assume you voted for one or two of them.
You are then, one can assume, part of the problem.
I am yet again disgusted by the fake talk, no action. Republicans including Flake, continue to support corporations and diminish and weaken Americans, It doesn't matter that a few have spoken out against Trump, or if they make excellent speeches that sound as if maybe they care for the public they are supposed to serve. They, including Corker and Flake, just voted to deny Americans the freedom to sue banks and credit card companies. Ugh! Go away Flake and stay away, and stop talking while you are at it.
13
That’s it for the left? All you have do is denounce Trump and you go from a Republican devil to an angel? Come midterms the republicans will gain seats. It’s the Democrats ,Republicans and Trump now. If the economy is still hot there is no way the republicans will lose seats.
5
Bush, McCain and now Flake all criticize Trump but fail to mention his name. When will someone step up and be honest?
12
Flake and Corker's honesty is refreshing, but also serves to highlight their personal and party cowardice.
The GOP continues to place the welfare of powerful and wealthy above the welfare of the nation. Will the people ever see the basic dishonesty with which the Republicans represent themselves?
10
Of course, I agree that Flake is right and Trump is wrong.
But let's not get misty-eyed about those admittedly principled Repubicans who stand-up to Trump.
While Washington and the media have been debating emotional issues, such as a President's etiquette in dealing with a war widow and Trump's hysterical tweets against Corker and Flake, the men from Wall Street are making a killing at our expense.
While the Media concentrated on Flake and Corker, both of those guys, and John MC Cain, voted with their fellow repujblicans to zap a regulation that would have prohibited mandatory arbitration clauses in contracts between an invester and a broker. What does this mean? It means that when you a tycoon from Wall Street defrauds you, you may not be able to sue.
Our phony progressvie-liberal discourse spends too much time on the process and not enough time on substance. So we laugh about Trump's stupid tweets about Corker, and imagine that the Dems are looking good in comparison, and we are deflected from the more important fact: Wall Street is gettting away with murder.
13
Yes, thank you to any Republican or Democratic office holder who speaks up against Trump. Many of us have been sounding the alarm since before the Primary. Anyone who thinks we are not in trouble, is in denial. I have been calling on Paul Ryan and others to admit their greedy mistake for months. It is as Eugene Robinson said, "The Republican Party has adopted the motto of the Oakland Raiders, 'Just Win Baby!'" Time to drain the cesspool.
4
Gore Vidal (yes, Gore Vidal) and many others will be spinning in their graves at how low the USA has sunk.
Thank you Senator Flake. You've reminded me of what America really is about.
2
Republicans: You want to show courage? Run. Run against Trump. Use the campaign to make the point that needs to be made: that this presidency and the Republican status quo that slithers in its shadow are un-American abominations.
Maybe (probably?) you'll lose the primary. Maybe not. Don't you want to even TRY to prevent the swampification of our country? If you lose then the voters will have a choice between a Democrat and a wacko, and it still might turn out in the end that you will have curtailed the malignancy. In any case you'll be able to say that you tried.
A little while ago I wrote a comment expressing gratitude to Mr. Flake. I'm glad he stated the obvious but now I'm thinking that he's leaving the country to the dogs in order to avoid getting bruised.
6
I dont much care for Donald Trump. But this is one of very few victories for him.
1
I love it! Sight unseen (I only read the headline)!
But am I any more moral than those I disagree with and who I assume don't read or only read and understand "fake " news.
This though worries me to my core.
Isn't it instructive when people who have nothing to lose speak honestly?
7
"When the next generation asks us, 'Why didn't you do something? Why didn't you speak up?' What are we going to say?"
Silly question, it's at least even money that we won't make it to a next generation. Look on the bright side, we won't ever have to answer these pointed questions.
4
I honor the sincerity with which Sen. Flake took a stand. I know he voted along with Trump's agenda most of the time but that is not the issue here.
Trump is bad for this country and bad for the GOP. He has disgraced himself and this country for the last ten months and accomplished little beyond undoing the policies of Obama. How proud he must be to be that unimaginative.
What Sen. Flake has pointed out is a truth that many still need to realize.
He has spoken his conscience at a cost to him but you either stuff down what you know to be wrong or you exit gracefully.
My hope is that there is some resonance with this that ripples beyond today. I commend Sen. Corker also for being forthright enough to call out a damaged president and administration.
My hope is that the good souls of the GOP will take back their party or form the real Republican party someday soon, the one that used to be based on principles and conscience and yes, intellect.
2
As a conservative Democrat, I disagree with Sen. Flake on multiple issues. But the country needs him, and I wish he would reconsider his decision. Stay in the arena, Senator. Policy differences aside, yours is a voice of reason and decency, and an essential counterweight to the vulgarity and ridiculousness of Trump.
2
I think sen. flake could win --as a democrat.
low tax, small govt (except "defense")
pro foreign jobs and workers (they're cheaper. High unemployment is great, keeps wages down :)
good old fashioned republican
good riddance
5
I wonder if this is the opening shot of his campaign for the Republican nomination in 2020. That speculation aside, although the senator's speech was unquestionably sincere, I cannot help wondering where he was during the primary when Trump was revealing himself to be precisely the kind of man we now know he is: "reckless, outrageous and undignified". And may I also add vile, misogynistic and pathologically dishonest. It's too little too late, in my opinion.
This is actually a good and healthy indication. We have a few in the Republican party who are able to stand up and speak their mind. All that now needs to be done is those like Corker, Flake, McCain who have the courage and little to lose (unlike the majority of the GOP who will sell their first born to keep their gravy train going) to go all put shame to Trump and, more Importantly, to Pence, McConnell, Ryan, Kelly and the like. Believe me, if it is repeated enough Americans will stand up to the shameless actions of Trump and the cronies.
1
McCain and Flake are my senators. Flake formerly was my congressman. It is sad that it takes a fatal illness for McCain and a primary challenge from the right for these two to have made any waves against the insanity of the Trump Administration. Otherwise they were both GOP shills who voted 97% of the time with the GOP leadership. I won't miss either one of them. Unfortunately, the extremists seem to have taken over Arizona and these two will probably be replaced with crazy Joe Arpaio types.
9
Then he went right back into the senate and voted (along with Bob Corker, the other latest "good guy") against hurricane aid for Puerto Rico.
4
Senator Flake stood up like a man and told the country that the emperor is stark naked and running us over a cliff. That’s what most sane people have been saying all year, but almost the first time a Republican politician has had the guts to state the obvious. The rest of them are making meek suggestions that the tweeting may be a bit overboard, and lying low in the hope they can cut taxes for the filthy rich and explode the deficit. I want to ask them, "is there any malicious, destructive or abhorrent act by the President that would cause you to speak out? Can you countenance any shameful conduct that weakens our country for the sake of holding on to your job?" You'd better start considering how you're going to explain your craven complicity to your kid's kids.
5
My guess is he quit race because of some skeleton in his closet or scandal. That is generally the only reason politicians leave the Senate voluntarily. And despite his talk, he voted with Trump over 90% of the time.
4
Meanwhile, what is the Democratic strategy?
6
If Trump is so bad, then why is there not a movement to impeach this fellow from within Congress?
Is America being held hostage to the current Republican leadership which obviously has little problem in doing a deal with the devil?
I'm not sure a resignation is the best way for Flake or Corker to help America – not unless they can take the other Republicans with them.
3
Because he actually needs to do something of substance wrong.
How how how can we can get the middle majority of this country to rule? There must be away that 55% -75% of this country can come together? What is the hold up? Abortion? What? Race, no way. Taxes, no. What is wrong with us? The future is ours America.
2
Let us be honest here. The GOP became the party of Rush Limbaugh and Fox decades ago. They thrived and made a fortune over the politics of resentment and they ranted endlessly. Now we have reaped the whirlwind. The angry ones are in control.
This will take a while. It will depend on many people of influence being honest and upfront. It will require kindness and tolerance.
We have a very long way to go.
10
This is unbelievable. It is hard to even imagine a Republican who is not completely craven and almost treasonous anymore, in their neglect of the most profound attack on our democracy - from within and from without - since perhaps the Civil War. But the likes of Corker and Flake can stop Trump in his tracks tmw; switch parties. With just the 2 of them, that will make the Senate 50:50, and that might induce just one more to flip to protect the nation against its greatest enemy, Donald Trump.
5
I will only give a pass to Senator Flake if he votes against every Trump machination from now until the end of his term.
5
While I agree with Senator Flake's opinions, his decision not to keep fighting in the Senate is disappointing. Quitting only accomplishes two things: Jack and Squat.
Yes, I realize he faces a difficult primary, especially with Bannon and his goons waiting in the wings. But why surrender? If Senator Flake is beaten in his primary by someone like Judge Roy Moore, at least Senator Flake would have tried.
And what of post-2020? Senator Flake's vote may well be needed in impeachment proceedings.
3
What am I missing? In my view, if Flake, and for that matter Corker, actually were courageous, they would have remained in the senate and fought for integrity and decency in government from the inside. It's easy to shoot off your mouth when you have nothing to lose.
I see this as nothing more than a meaningless publicity stunt by a politician who feared he would not win reelection. We need people with real courage and integrity in the house and senate to fight against the wave of trumpism (mccarthyism) that is washing over the greedy frightened milquetoasts who masquerade as political leaders.
2
Decent Republicans confront the indecency of this White House.
Kudos to them, we need more of this degree of patriotism for the Nation’s sake.
16th Amendment
“The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.”
Background to the 16th Amendment
The History of US Federal Income Tax
President William Howard Taft, a Republican, said in political speeches that an income taxes might be all right in principle. The Republican Party announced that they favored an income tax but only if it were an amendment to the Constitution.
On June 16, 1909 President Taft sent a message to Congress recommending the passage of a constitutional amendment to legalize federal income tax legislation.
The Senate approved the Sixteenth Amendment by a vote of 77-0. The House approved it by a vote of 318-14.
The wealthy Americans had anticipated that the 16th Amendment would pas developed and created a plan to protect their wealth, their riches. Their plan “charitable foundation”! The idea was to co-sign the ownership of wealth, including stocks and securities, to a foundation and then get Congress and the state legislatures to declare all such charitable institutions exempt from taxes. By setting up boards which were under the control of these wealthy benefactors they could escape the tax and still maintain control over the disposition of these fabulous fortunes.
And that my friends is how Rockefeller, Bill Gates, Larry Page and Mark Zuckerberg became so fabulously wealthy, by not paying taxes!
1
Don’t forget Trump. He’s right up there with ‘em in not paying his fair share.
Trump has three public GOP critics and all of them will be resigning soon. Does this suggest that some of the GOP members of Congress who aren't leaving might feel the same way but are too chicken to speak up because their base will burn crosses on their lawn?
If they really want things to change, they should work with the Democrats to get the upper hand and then eliminate gerrymandering and the electoral college. Imagine that: a vote is a vote. Real democracy. Well, I won't hold my breath but I won't be holding my breath.
2
How dare Senators Flake and Corker express the need for honesty, integrity, morality, dignity at a time when the Congress of The United States of America is trying so mightily to give yet more tax breaks to the Wealthy of This Land.
How Dare They!
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
3
It may have been better had he stayed in the race, won, and used his influence as senator to oppose the current occupant. On the outside, Flake is like the rest of us; dumbfounded, alienated and a tantrum away from disaster.
2
This is a good question to pose to the pride-filled cowards of 2017:
If you had the power to help ten or twenty million more people get jobs, would you do it? Previous American tax cuts paid for themselves with increased tax money coming in because there were SO much additional business transactions.
(The progressive media are banned from admitting this last fact, so you'll have to go to the Wall Street Journal or actual independent news sources for more on that.)
Poor Flake, like Congresswoman Duck last week, wound tell those people to go away and wait for Bigger Government to come to heir rescue, at a small cost of all their future opportunities. WH? Because they happen to be angry at a 70-year old man with a childish attitude. But where will that horrid Me. Trump be in a decade? Gone from the scene, and all the jobs will still be here.
Please resign today, embers of Congress who can't stand the thought of a politically incorrect person claiming success as new workers find work.
1
You must be reading a history replete with alternative facts.
The last spate of tax cuts contributed to the largest deficit ever and was concurrent with the loss of tens of milllions of jobs.
Tax cuts are only viable in a rising economy. Otherwiese, they never "pay for themselves."
"In Fierce Attack on Trump, Senator Quits 2018 Election"
His polling shows that he has less than 20% of the vote. Arizonans want nothing to do with him. He's not quitting; he's running out of town. Flake claims to be a conservative and yet embraces open borders; something, regardless of how you or I feel, is the complete opposite of voters in that area. He is a minor player getting a lot of attention from the Leftwing media. The fact is the GOP establishment is getting pushed out to make room for a more populist party and it's about time. I can only hope the Democrats do the same without completely embracing Marxism (dare to dream).
3
Good grief- this is absurd.
1
It's a mess ain't it Senator? It's tempting to put a lot of this on you and your colleagues who have been putting ambition and narrow corporate interests ahead of the common good for decades. Good luck in your next phase as a lobbyist.
3
Flake, his words soared today and so honorable sounding. But I can't help but remembered that he voted yes in ALL the ACA repeal bills, bills that not only worsen our healthcare system, but were dishonest with facts and cruel in spirit.
So though I welcomed his standing up to Trump today, let's not confused him, McCain and Corker to be honest men who served this country honorably sincerely. They are just not as dishonest as Trump.
2
Will he vote against the tax cuts for the rich?
1
Call me cynical, but given the egos of most senators, I suspect the only reason they aren't running for reelection is because they know they can't win.
3
Cool. This may be the crack in the wall that unleashes a flood of new replacements. Not all of them have to be Democrats. We simply need politicians with a conscience and the willingness to govern.
2
You seem to be forgetting how bad the GOP was before Trump was elected.
The country needs an end to the Republican Party.
This guy and his buddy are perfect examples of why there should be term limits for legislators. That way a politician from, let's say Arizona, cannot make my life miserable here in New York in perpetuity.
3
That's the problem really. The Republicans with a conscience and who are speaking out have to leave because they can't stand it anymore, but won't get re-elected because of speaking out. Anyone who wants to stay won't say a word against Trump. Looks like the US will be stuck with Trump for the next three years. We'll all hope he doesn't get the world blown up while America is basically on a downward spiral.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is wrong as usual, these Republicans speaking out will be remembered - they will be remembered in history as the only honorable men who spoke out and fell on their swords to try to protect America from a demented wanna-be dictator. By the way, who cares what she thinks.
America's system of government is failing because big money is buying politicians and the government is no longer working for the people. I thought Bannon was dangerous in government, but he appears to be more dangerous out. The next few years in American politics is going to be interesting - sad, but interesting. I read years ago that when the US fell it would be from the inside, but I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime.
1
I'm a Democrat. I would vote for Jeff Flake if he were to run for President.
How sad. So you are not familiar with his voting record??
Right. Perhaps this rancher is too close to the problem to understand what’s happening. Seventy years of traditional conservatives in Big Agriculture and the Chamber of Commerce exploiting an unlimited flow of illegals to keep labor costs down, competing right up there with the Clintons in their pious immorality. It’s illegal; it’s immoral; it hurts the rest of the nation’s wage-earners; it’s grossly unfair to the exploited, and it ends here. Trump may be a vulgarian, but here his heart’s in the right place. Be careful of that door on your way out, Senator.
2
This all inside baseball chatter unless senators Flake, Corker and McCain vote against tax cut. Unfortunately the vote tonight to roll back consumer protection suggest to me that these men likely will vote for trump agenda. Trump end up stronger and all his Republican critics who running for election or re-elections will be silenced.
3
It's time for the people of Arizona to drain the swamp and elect some Republicans that will actually support the conservative agenda. Flake and McCain need to go.
1
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, said that she had not spoken with Mr. Trump about the senator’s decision but that she was not lamenting the announcement.
What gives Friday Addams the right to say things like this ? She is (wrongly) the White House press secretary and is there to pass on comments and answer questions about the President and cabinet not spout her personal views.
7
He talks a good talk, but he has voted the straight party line--e.g., dismantling the Affordable Care Act.
4
I don't see how this is good. Why not stay and vote against Trump's policies? All Flake is doing is making way for some four-toothed Trump-swab to take his place. Nice speech, and a good guy, but ultimately the action shows nothing beyond a lack of stomach for the fight.
3
Jeff Flake was trailing in the primaries and also to his Democratic opponent. He did the right thing by quitting. There was zero chance he would win the primaries after criticizing President Trump. President Trump's standing among the Republican base is very strong and only those senators who are not due for election for another 5 years dare to criticize him. The base is still very strongly backing Trump.
1
Well two thirds of Americans think he stinks to high heavens.
Make sure you register to vote, people.
A development like today's speech in the senate is wonderful to see and the purest of opiates to political junkies like myself. But the real dynamic that concerns the future of our country and (with climate change denial and even the possibility of war) the fate of our planet, is when enough Americans voters can acknowledge the reality of Trump's presidency and, like Senator Flake, refuse to be complicit.
3
Certain words keep running through my thoughts when reading about Mr. Flake's decision. The words say, failure is not an option except that I keep hearing that quitting is not an option. To quit is to capitulate. The only real way Mr. Trump wins in this particular confrontation is by making the other person quit. Mr. Flake, why surrender to Donald Trump if you feel so strongly. Why let him best you?
2
We have watched the unraveling of the Harvey Weinstein sage - far far too many people kept quiet for far too long - leaving his victims to suffer alone, and enabling him to take advantage of new victims.
Let us not repeat the same error of silence with our unfit President. It is time for loud voices and action to save the country.
3
As a proud Democrat and American, I applaud Senator Flake’s speech. It’s a shame that incumbent politicians have to alter what they say based on voting cycles, but good on Flake for being honest about people in his own party who are willing to the look the other way w/ regards to behavior that is unbecoming of the president. That our president cannot tolerate criticism in any way is evidence of his poor leadership.
1
Those GOP Senators who have chosen not to run again will also be judged by their actions in the time they have left in Congress.
1
62 million voted for Trump. According to the new Gallup Poll 80% of Republicans still support Trump "strongly." That's about 49.6 million American voters participating in Trump's moral treason. These are, without a doubt, the majority of voters in both Arizona and Tennessee. The new Republican Senators come 2019 will offer loyalty to Trump.
There are about 323 million Americans, and Trump's voters are 99% white. There are about 196.3 million white Americans-- not voters, Americans--- and let's leave aside how many of the 196.3 million white Americans are not Republicans or voters. 49.6 million of 196.3 million is about one out of every four white Americans. Let that sink in a little: one out of every four white Americans support Flake's description of "moral treason." America has a moral bankruptcy problem, also known as your neighbors.
3
I fail to see the thrust of the NYTimes story that this is some sort of defeat fgor Trump. Sen, Flake ran away, apparently afraid of the primary challenge he would've faced from a Trump Republican. Sen. Corker, again hailed as some kind of hero for his anti-Trump comments, also ran away rather than to fight for his principles. How is that heroic?
In Alabama, the Trump challenger crushed the establishment candidate who had about five times the cash.
It seems to me Trump is making over the Republican Congress with his supporters. He has seized the center in the NFL flag protests, immigration, and with a booming economy.
1
A booming economy?
The reason people voted for Trump was supposedly that they felt that the economy was not working in their favor.
Trump promised to change that.
So far the only change has been to make it worse, with even worse coming from the tax cuts for the rich and the rising deficit.
1
Yet, the disillusioned Republicans still cannot bring themselves to work with Democrats. They are dreaming of a day when their GOP will do the right thing. It will never happen.
1
Well, for those who assign ulterior motives to the Senator's speech; sometimes it takes desperate circumstances to achieve hopeful ends. Try to see this as a stepping stone not a stumbling block.
1
Tearing down a candidate or incumbent is neither dignified or helpful. The American people want candidates who are regular people, who claim not allegiance to a party but to the citizens of our nation. America will only be successful when we start to vote for the best candidate and not the lesser of two evils.
1
I'm a progressive that disagrees with Sen. Flake on most policy decisions (strongly, as the case may be). But the Trump presidency is an existential threat to the republic, not simply a policy dispute that has turned nasty. For the courage it took to speak out so forcefully and eloquently for the common ideals of decency, civil discourse, and democratic institutions he has my respect. Not long ago this would have been an unremarkable achievement, but things have clearly changed. The country sorely needs as many voices on the right to push back as we can get. I gladly welcome any conservatives to the cause, so that we may hopefully soon get back to the vigorous policy disagreements that we have and leave this whole nightmare presidency behind before something truly terrible happens.
Flake Flake is a quality human being, and a big asset to the USA and world community, BUT he quit because he could not get elected.
Hopefully our political system will figure out a way to keep him in our political governance.
On the other hand Corker is an outstanding talent, who has no risk of being re-elected
And hopefully our system will figure out a way to keep him involved
Are we finally seeing that the Republican party has "a few good men" in the Senate? Well, about time! What about women, and what about the House? And how will such heroes spent the next 16 months?
Why must the price of integrity be declining to run for another term? Who will step forward and take the honorable alternative, Run in the face of the primary/3rd party challenges and the Democrat and accept the result of a 'high road' campaign, win or lose? Such a person is to be respected greatly for believing in democracy!
1
A little civics lesson here: Jeff Flake is not "serving" with Trump. Neither is Bob Corker. The Separation of Powers clause in the Constitution mandates that the Senate and the Presidency are separate but equal entities.
How does Jeff Flake's resignation from the Senate enable him to "stand up" to Trump? Flake has voted repeatedly to repeal the ACA. He voted against emergency relief for Katrina victims. Just yesterday, Flake cast the tie-breaking vote to repeal key provision of the Consumer Protection Agency.
The list of moral atrocities that Jeff Flake has voted for is endless. His resignation does nothing to stop Trump's dangerous agenda, but neither did his voting record in the Senate. Let's hope the people of Arizona put somebody decent in his place.
3
This is sad news. I am a dyed-in-the-wool, Left Coast liberal, but also have been a big fan of Jeff Flake's for the last few years. A rare voice of reflection and moderation in the Republican Party, he was (and hopefully still can be) the future of any possible forward-thinking version of the GOP. Without people like him, the Republicans are lost.
I would hope to see Senator Flake rethink this decision, and perhaps even run as an independent, because the country needs people like him to stem the tide of the radical right. Equally, the liberal-left needs healthy, pragmatic, intelligent opposition, so that our ideas and ideals balance out for the good of the nation. The extremism of the current GOP is frightening and unhealthy: please, Sen. Flake, do not abandon us.
1
Senator Flake has chosen silence rather than run for re-election. He has likely been influenced by polls showing him trailing. There are a few politicians around who have won, despite long odds against them and a certain Democratic candidate showed you can lose despite winning every poll. Not a profile in courage, Senator Flake.
1
The sad truth is, that although he was directly addressed, Trump probably didn’t understand these remarks.
1
Sen. Flake is a true hero. Stop minimizing the signifigance of his words and actions. It take incredible courage to do what he did today.
1
Well kudos to Jeff Flake but if you don't think he made this speech because he saw the writing on the re-election wall, I have a Trump SoHo Hotel to sell you. What about the Senators who are going to run again? Where are their speeches on the Senate floor?
2
As a lifelong Democrat, I applaud Mr. Flake's move, abandoning a party that has abandoned its own moral compass.
And to Mitch McConnell and the rest of the Republican hierarchy, I have one question: How do you square Donald Trump with "The Party of Lincoln"?
2
Flake refused to adapt to the changing wishes of the voters on immigration and economic issues. The Great Recession shocked millions of Americans who were traditionally conservative voters into taking a hard look at many of the corporate-friendly establishment GOP positions and rejecting them. If you believe in democracy then you must accept that the what the voters want is most important. Flake is condemning his constituency and trying to make it look like he is being noble and falling on his sword. He is in fact being obstinate and he is running away from a probably public defeat.
4
The fact that Republican Senators must retire from office to oppose the President only increases the need for Democrats and centrist Republicans to compromise and form a unified political resistance to the current party in power. Senator Flake spoke to "healthy political parties" in order to have healthy government; it is now time to re-align these parties to fulfill that goal. The time of Republicans against Democrats is over.
2
It may be too much of a nuclear option, but if Corker, McCain, and Flake all said they were going to unite with the Democrats and not allow any legislation to occur or a debt ceiling increase until Mr. Trump was removed from office . . .
I know none of them would want to harm the nation and certainly want to advance an old style conservative GOP agenda where they can with Mr. Trump's help. But the harm Mr. Trump is doing to the nation and to the long-term prospects of a conservative GOP agenda might justify burning the village down to save it . . .
2
'Fierce' is not the right word to describe Mr. Flake's deposition to the senate. Please, keep respectable people respectable. This is a socially, fiscally responsible person's point of view.
I suppose it's fatigue with a politician's motives, but when I read, "One poll showed he had just an 18 percent approval rating among Arizona residents", I wonder if Mr. Flake's newfound outrage at President Trump isn't because he knows he's out, and wants to grab the spotlight just one more time.
1
The integrity of Republicans is being tested - These brave individuals who are standing up to trump have it.
Our Democracy is being tested - More people need to speak out.
1
Let's be honest, Senator Flake is not stepping down so he can speak out against Trump - he's doing this because he's looked at his poll numbers and realizes he has virtually no chance at re-election.
Honestly... what is happening right now in this country is remarkable (and also a little scary)... it would be one thing if Trump simply won against Hillary in November and that was the extent of his victory... but he is quite literally attacking his own party, and ironically, establishment Republicans are dropping like flies. This is very telling in regards to the pulse of the American people.
I also find it very interesting that Judge Roy Moore defeated Luther Strange for Senate despite the fact that Trump heavily endorsed Strange. That also is very telling. I don't think that America wanted to elect Trump so much as US citizens are simply infuriated at what establishment politicians have done to this country over the last two decades. Anti-establishment candidates are winning... and that in and of itself is remarkable. It's not that Trump ran a great campaign, it's that the American public was ready for someone to throw a grenade in the system. One thing I know for sure is that change is coming to this country... in what way I don't fully understand, but change is definitely coming.
4
A thoughtful and direct speech, delivered with the trepidation that any sensible person might fell. I hope people can hear the message. I don't agree with Mr. Flake's positions on many issues, but I am positive I agree with him on what it means to be a public servant and the appropriate manner to engage with other public servants and citizens of this country, as well as the world at large. I have the same sentiments toward Sen McCain, Sen. Corker and President Bush. I would hope that there are more responsible persons in positions of authority who can stand up and speak the truth about the danger we are in as a country, internally and internationally from the "leadership" of the President of the United States of America..
2
There is a tipping point - a moment when enough sane Republicans and Democrats understand that whatever temporary gain is made through an unholy alliance with the unholy Trump is ephemeral.
Senator Corker was an early supporter of Trump, blinded by the unlikely possibility of White House power obtained by an inveterate liar and con man working with the support of the Kremlin, running a populist campaign against Republican orthodoxy.
He soon found his "friend" temporary, unreliable, unstable and a threat to the nation.
Other Republicans will find in their own time they are disposable, unimportant, and temporary to the pursuit of power by Trump and his sponsor Putin.
The establishment powers that be in early 1930's Germany thought Hitler was the useful idiot who could crush the Communists while doing their bidding.
Their miscalculation cost some 70 million lives and left their nation in ruins.
In the post-nuclear age, the risk of an unstable, uninformed, likely compromised US President is enormous.
It is not normal for Trump's campaign manager to "donate" his services to Trump while accepting tens of millions from the Kremlin on a coincident assignment.
It is not normal for the President's National Security Adviser to accept hundreds of thousands of undisclosed payments from Russia and Turkey.
It is not normal for the President's son to meet with Russian agents, or for the President to obstruct justice by firing the FBI director.
He must be impeached.
14
Bravo, bravo, and bravo again, David; bravo, sir.
1
Where do you get that Don Jr. met with "Russian agents"?? He met with a Russian lawyer who had no government position and certainly was not a Russian agent.
Flakes 18% approval in Arizona is why he is cowardly crawling off the stage.
Don’t let the door hit you when you leave
2
When a conservative Mormon can’t make it in the GOP you know the party has runoff the rails.
8
Good for Flake, and Corker too. Somebody needs to speak out against the buffoon in chief, who had no business in business, never mind the White House.
15
Finally - a couple of Republicans that are not invertebrates; Senators Corker and Flake have rediscovered their backbones!
Hurray for them -- and for us -- that they are no longer willing to be silent co-conspirators in the fleecing of America!!!
11
I watched Mitch McConnell praise Jeff Flake, but what I also saw was a pathetic sniveling old man willing to coopt any semblance of morality or integrity with this real corrupt and incompetent president for the sake of keeping control.
What Mitch doesn't get is that he will lose it all in the end, when you get in the sewer with the filth that is Donald Trump, you will never get the stink off from you.
7
Flake is the quintessential pajama boy republican, charter member of the the establishment swamp, who was going to be primaried and lose his seat. Better he quit and run home to his mother's basement. Good riddance.
2
Wow! I can't believe that these words came from a republican. Sen Flake I hope you have a solid body guard corps. Trumps goon squad will surely be looking for you.
3
The man is a coward, not a hero. He just knows the voters wouldn't approve of his abominable record and he's unwilling to face the music. What's he ever done to Trump but talk? Don't give me this man of principle garbage. He hasn't done anything, anything but vote lockstep with Trump since he took office, as shown by his votes to kill healthcare for millions of people, his votes for all of Trump's unqualified Cabinet members, and his vote tonight to defend financial fraudsters against consumers. Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Flake. Make way for Sen. Sinema.
1
Now who looks like the stronger man? Flake or Kelly?
2
What massive unabashed hypocrisy. What does Flake think he has been up to for most of his political career. He's quitting with same empty bombast.
5
FAKE Retirement News: That man was FIRED!
4
TREASON is in the air. Look what the Congress has in store for us on Wednesday morning! Our nation is falling apart. Shame on all of us for allowing things to go this far!
4
The Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Yet they can't seem to get any legislation passed.
I would say that the Republicans are like the dog who finally caught the UPS truck. But it is far worse than that.
The Republican Party has become a circular firing squad. They are now cannibals, eating their own.
7
Senator Flake is a man of courage so lacking in the GOP, particularly in the leadership of both the House and Senate. McConnell and Ryan are nothing but lackeys and doormats for this President. How they can look themselves in the mirror and not vomit at their own shallowness and cowardly self is beyond me. If they don't respect themselves, nobody should. Sen. Flake, you are one of the few Republicans that stands up for America first, not party, and not the crazy man in the WH. There is always a place in America for men like you to help guide America through these trouble times. We allowed our dear and precious country and the sacrifices of so many go by the wayside for this abomination who is set on destroying it. This man must be removed by impeachment. He is without doubt, mentally unable to lead this country. He is, the real threat to America.
8
How many times did he vote to repeal Obamacare and throw 20m off health care?
Just askin.....
10
Many.
All talk, again. Talk is cheap. I'll be impressed when you actually DO something to change things. Will you try to stop the horrendous tax bill? Not a chance. Oh, but you did vote to rip healthcare from millions. Hypocrite. All you've done is put down the welcome mat for a crackpot Trumplover to be the next senator from Arizona.
9
Way to "tell it like it is" Senator Flake! Bravo!!
2
At 65 it's easy to be cynical. The likelihood is that Flake and Corker will do little to stop the the GOP cash grab, and that when Flake retires, Arizonans will fall all over themselves to elect some crazed polemicist three monkeys short of a barrel to throw more gasoline on the Trump holocaust, which will continue to consume the Republic so that, by the time the global warming hoax makes everything go pear shaped, in about, oh, 40 years, the US will have become something even St. Ronald Reagan would have utterly detested--a corporate oligarchy protected by a militarized police state, where bands of militia assert their first and second amendments by staging marches in order to terrorize the local citizenry and maybe pick off a few in "self defense." That is, of course, if we don't destroy ourselves in a "nucular" holocaust.
And yet, maybe Flake, Corker, and McCain will inspire other "come to Jesus" moments among the GOP, enough to stop tax reform, to remediate health care--possibly to strengthen the moderate Republicans.
Then, perhaps, the 10% or so Republican Trump voters who regret their sins will help to rescue the GOP from the Bannon zombies and in turn galvanize a resurgence among liberal and mainstream Dems and, perhaps even inspire young folk to see some new value in entering politics--an opportunity to work to make people's lives better. Maybe this will in turn inspire voters to look clearly at the stakes--world peace, environmental protection, civil rights ...
12
These quitting Republicans are essentially saying "My time raping and pillaging the country is over; my conscience cannot take it any more. Now I think I will go home and mope".
Why can't they try to reverse the damage, or at least contain the damage by working or caucusing with the democrats?
Even the allied forces worked with Russia when faced with the evil of Germany.
11
Republican patriots =trailing in polls or dying.
4
Well...how nice to give up on his constituency once his job gets the slightest bit difficult - god forbid he actually work to effect the changes he thinks are needed - he was just there to milk the teat of the powerful companies that helped elect him and now that he can't make easy money by keeping the status quo he bows out - total loser.
4
He has more courage that you will ever have. And a better understanding of how government works.
1
Hey Senator Corker. the best you can do it is make a high-minded speech, and quit? How about running for reelection on the basis of raising the tone? Are the voters in AZ deaf to your point of view? If so, time to move. Maybe to New England. Sound like you would like living in VTY.
4
To Flake, Corker, McCain:
You put him there....it’s your disgrace you chose party over country.
Patriots? I think not!
9
Flake was fundraising a few days ago with Condoleezza Rice in Arizona. I guess it wasn't going so well on the campaign trail either.
4
Flake is playing to "The Flakes".
To "deconstruct" government, all you have to do is have the Leader constantly act irrationally, and the governed run from government.
Perfect
4
Bannon is chortling and claiming victory that Flake has thrown in the towel. His message is clear. If you speak up about Trump's nasty indecent behavior, you will be primaried.
6
Corker, Flake, McCain, HW, and W have stepped up. But where's the rest of the GOP? Oh, they're running for re-election which seems to demand being gutless lackeys to a demented Trump.
13
Sounds like Bannon is doing a good job, bringing in his own team.
1
Step up, Republicans. Your president is ruining our country. We are doomed if you do not act.
12
Too little. Too late. Inconsequential. Conservative Republican. I'm not particularly impressed by this man. Flake knew that a Bannon pick would make mincemeat of him in '18. He'll go on to make million$ as a conservative lobbyist, with or without Trump's and Bannon's blessing. We'll see what kind of a nativist nut Bannon handpicks for the '18 Republican primary.
If Democrats can't throw at least one legislative branch this fractured party in '18 . . .
5
I hope Jeff Flake campaigns for the Democratic candidate for his seat.
7
So. . .
I am astonished. A man in a seat of power in the US Senate rips into Trump and says he won't seek re-election. Other than ripping into Trump, what is the . point? Ripping into Trump is one thing. Giving up the Senate seat is another. Exiting the scene, setting things up for an almost sure Robert Mercer candidate financed win is another. Just what kind of moderating influencebcan Flake have by "taking his marbles and going home? Same for Corker. All they are doing is either making way for a Democrat, whom they will not support, or one of Mercer and Brannon's Trump sycophants. All the commentary blather today misses this crucial point.
It's the same thinking with big-shot Republicans last year who announced they wouldn't vote for Trump, but wouldn't rip into him, wouldn't actively campaign for Hillary or vote for her. General Michael Hayden was one. He questioned Trump's fitness to handle the nuclear codes. Then the General turned around and said neither Trump nor Clinton "deserved" his vote. Then why bother opening his mouth in the first place? If concern about Trump and the nuclear codes and the fate of your offspring, your mate, yourself, and everyone on earth due to Trump's incompetence wasn't worth actively campaigning for Hillary, in exchange for keeping a job at a think tank or hoping for a tax cut, people like that thoroughly disgust me. And being a quitter in the face of Trump, even while calling him out, is stupid.
9
Flake's acting like one making a hostage video. Where was all this talk and blaring of a conscience before the election? A dime late and a buck short. And Corker as well! You cannot bemoan the Devil when you helped unleash him from Hades. 'Complicit'- you have ALREADY been complicit for many months Mr. Flake- spare us your warnings from the mountaintop. If he really thought he could win reelection would he be decrying Trump now? Probably not.
18
I am surprised by the optimism shown in many of these comments. Flake will be replaced by a more extreme right-wing nutjob elected by the hate-filled residents of Arizona, and the Bannonites will tighten their stranglehold on America.
16
Now if we can only get all republicans everywhere to resign.
16
A pact with the devil is a very adequate metaphor for the baseness of those who stand by the monstrous creature who came to rule America.
12
It started with a small ripple. A hot mic picked up a discussion about Trump's proposed federal budget between the pragmatic Senator Susan Collins and Senator Jack Reed:
Collins: "It's just incredibly irresponsible."
Reed: "I think......I think he's crazy."
Then
Tillerson: "Moron"
McCain/Bush: back to back attacks on Trump
Corker: "Reckless...utterly untruthful president."
Flake: "Reckless, outrageous and undignified."
Is the ripple turning into a tidal wave? Are we reaching the tipping point?
Most of the above (and this is just a short list) have had direct face-to-face interaction with Trump. Flake's heartfelt speech today was a cry for help.
McConnell: "we just witnessed a speech from a very fine man.
The time is right to end this madman's reign of terror, deceit, divisiveness and destruction. Congress can you hear the voice of the people?
15
What a great legacy Flake is leaving his children and grandchildren, unlike many other GOPers who are sowing strive and deceit.
8
The seats of McCain, Flake and Corker will be taken by extreme rightwingers.
4
It comes down to, "What do I tell my kids?"
How do you bend over backwards for a deviant in the White House and still maintain basic standards of civility in your own home?
When a stalwart Republican parts with his President in so stark a fashion, we should all sit up and take notice -- ''Something is stinking in the state of Denmark'' in the words of the Immortal Bard.
5
Hard to tell if Senator Flake is really that against Trump, or simply p-o'd that polls show him not being able to win a primary....“casual undermining of our democratic ideals” and “the personal attacks, the threats against principles, freedoms and institutions, the flagrant disregard for truth and decency” that he said had become prevalent in American politics in the era of Mr. Trump." I think it started way before Trump, just maybe picked up some speed.
2
It's easy to say that Flake should remain in office when he would just be a target for Trump, the Trump flunkies, Bannon, and the Republican donors that want the government toppled now.
2
“reckless, outrageous and undignified” behavior - that really does aptly describe the Trump presidency..
7
Trump is the visible lesion. But there's a more insidious tumor that has been draining the life from our country for years and getting away with it. This is the entity that declared and carried out a legislative blockade on the United States to spite it for having elected an open-minded, progressive president. The one who bombed our Constitutional process for appointing Supreme Court justices. The one who slithers in Trump's shadow, devoid of integrity and honor. The one who, as he listened to Senator Flake today, no doubt was calculating how to squeeze some narrow advantage from the situation while loathing himself for being such a sniveling, hypocritical sycophant. Know who I mean?
4
Jeff's a flake, as is Corker. They should've stayed on and opposed das Drumpf, either as Republicans or, better, as Democrats. Now after a year or so, they'll be gone. What a waste of firepower!
1
Senators Flake, McCain and Corker: you are all proving to be patriots first. Thank you. As a next step, you can stop the Trump trainwreck by declaring yourselves Independents, and caucusing with the Democrats.
6
I respect Flake for forcefully taking a stand against Trump. But I'm disgusted by the way so many congresspeople continue to abide his sickness. I read somewhere that people in families with a narcissist tend to distort themselves to accommodate the pathology. I believe our congressmen and women are being "groomed" to be submissive to their abuser.
9
It is a shame that persons of integrity like Senator Flake are disappearing from the GOP. Unless there is an outcry from many other GOP senators and representatives, the GOP will slip further into into the abyss of Trumpism, where lying and reckless hate mongering are the rule of the day.
How low does the GOP have to sink before it gets back its footing and regrows a spine?
3
How long did Germany sink after Hitler was appointed Chancellor on 30 January 1933 after a series of parliamentary elections and associated backroom intrigues? 12 years and it took a world war to bring him and his supporters down.
If Jeff Flake can find his soul again, it could happen for the rest of them except for McConnell and Ryan.
3
“There are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles.”
Well said Sen. Flake. Thank you for your honesty, integrity and bravery.
There are very few of you in Washington. Unfortunately, fewer every day.
The others are self-interested cowards advancing a pack of known lies while enriching themselves at the expense of our country. They are aiding and abetting a serial liar, supported by an administration, ramming through tax cuts that will ultimately harm the middle class and our country with skyrocketing national debt.
Washington attracts self-serving, corrupt, corrupting and corruptible individuals seeking influence, connections, money and power. Unfortunately, the good people leave!
We must find a way to hold Elected Politicians and their staffers, from both parties, personally liable, responsible and accountable for the lies they have told US, their gross mismanagement of our county, our $20.4 T and growing national debt (108% of GDP), and our $100 T in future, unfunded liabilities they forced on US jeopardizing our economic and national security, while benefiting themselves, their staffers, their party and special interest donors.
http://www.usdebtforum.com
2
Maybe now Trump will admit that his claim of widespread voter fraud leading the his loss of the popular vote, has been unsubstantiated after substantial investigation. or...maybe he will NEVER admit the truth.
Maybe now Trump will admit that he continued to talk, on the campaign trail, about Obama being born out of the US, for FIVE years after Obama's Hawaii birth certificate was available. or maybe he will NEVER admit that he lied for 5 years after the truth was known.
on and on.
2
Senator Flake, your speech was dignified, and heartfelt. But we must NAME the Elephant in the room (Donnie Trump) and not sidestep the issue. Please, call a spade a spade ! We MUST ! The "President" and his cronies ARE the problem.
3
The subtext of Flake's and Corker's retirements is how scary, irrational, and mind-controlled the Republican voters have become--like a disease vector that has reached a critical population and is threatening to kill its host.
6
We are just starting.
Yawn. All these Republicans who are coming out at this late hour to denounce Trump are feckless. The fact that they did not speak out when democracy was challenged by denying Obama his choice to nominate Judge Merrick Garland. And these same Republicans voted for the choice that Trump made. So, I'm sorry but expecting sympathy at this late hour is a bit disingenuous.
8
It is too bad that US Senators McCain, Flake, Sasse and Corker
do not have the conviction to change parties.
They could even change to Independent, like Bernie Sanders.
If they had the courage to do so, I would LOVE to be the fly
on the wall of the bi-polar office when the news comes in.
Sincerely, kd
3
we are having a major news gulf. This story is not even covered as a headline on foxnews dot com whereas they are covering the Hilary story. There is a serious deficiency in our press to ensure all the stories are covered on both sides.
1
What? Putting aside a career? This is not about a career. This is about public service.
3
Flake, Corker, and McCain are opportunists and career politicians who time is nigh and who are getting forced out by Trump, as he heroically makes good on his promise to “drain the swamp”.
1
I would suggest that Senators McCain, Corker, Flake, Collins, and Murkowski get together and vote as a block. They are all principled Republicans, and with the balance of power in the Senate, they could control the outcome of every vote, thus giving them effective control of the Senate. And without the Senate, Congress will get nothing done, and the Trump administration will be dead in the water. These five have the power to shut Mr Bigmouth down.
11
It's very telling that they haven't done so already. Might it just be that they agree with Trump on the issues? OK, denounce Trump personally, but where does that get us as a nation?