At least a dog chaser is elected by a majority of the voters. More than we can say about Trump.
8
This is free public relation campaign for the President.
1
As "The Mooch" correctly observed, "the fish rots from the head down." There's a barrel of rotten fish at the WH.
8
During the election campaign, I said the overriding election issue was decency. I underestimated its primacy.
8
Whenever trump utters one of his falsehoods everyone should just respond -- So, how do you know when trump is lying? he opens his mouth or sends a tweet.
8
Why can't John Kelly get this loud mouth president to be quiet?
3
Kelly has his own set of Lies/ing he has to reconcile or improve upon.
13
It is hard for me to believe that people who voted for Trump want a sophomoric bully as President of the United States. People voted for change. Did they really want World Wrestling Federation? It's beyond embarrassing. Donald Trump is desensitizing the free world with his outlandish behavior. What ever happened to statesmanship? Washington politics is in freefall and it's anyone's guess how low it will go. Ridiculous.
6
Tennessee loves Bob Corker. If it were up to Tennessee, he could be elected President. Trump should be careful about disparaging dog catchers. Their job is noble which is more than can be said in honesty about the status of the US presidency.
4
I am utterly embarrassed for Trump and our country. I feared Trump would be an absolute disaster, but he has handily surpassed my expectations. I think it will take years to repair the damage he is causing.
10
Trump is still around? Lock him up. Please!!
5
How come the only Republican senators willing to call Trump out are those who've decided not to run for re-election? Whether it is or not it can be dismissed as sour grapes. Is there no one with the guts to stay and do battle? It's amazing how principled Republicans become when they decide to take their marbles and go home.
10
“Mr. Corker, who supported Mr. Trump in the 2016 presidential election, told CNN on Tuesday that he would not do that again.” But why ever did you do so the first time, Sen. Corker? It isn’t the Republicans that plan on quitting—or who are At Eternity’s Gate—who show bravery in their willingness to take on the most unfit of unfit presidents, but those who plan on staying. And how many of those are there? Yes, it’s hard to potentially sacrifice one’s political career by telling voters the man they elected is a threat to the country they live in, but when this actually happens, as it now has, the time for bravery has arrived. I’m glad anytime Republicans are willing to speak out, but don’t run for the exits while doing so and expect to be lauded for your courage.
If people have not yet seen the Munk Debate about the crisis of American democracy, I advise you to go and watch it. What Kim Strassel and Speaker Gingrich say in that debate implies to me that no matter what this president says—no matter, even, what he DOES—purblind partisans will make excuses for him. If Republicans are always going to say “What about the Left?” when someone criticizes Pres. Trump, then I think we’re in a very dangerous situation, frankly.
7
Well, this is a breath of fresh air. Finally, some gumption to call it like it is from the "opposition". Republicans like Corker show us that its not about us and them. We are all in this together and better start acting like it. while the Republicans recent history has not been stellar. They once were a positive force in this country and helped move progressive solutions forward. Perhaps this conflict will yield that sort of action once again.
6
There is a new play on Broadway in NYC called "Latin History for Morons" by John Leguizamo. I'm sure if Trump goes to the show he will get a standing ovation. Maybe he will take Secretary Tillerson who made the moron remark about Trump during a Pentagon meeting on October 4th.
3
Where's John Stewart when we need him....
5
Our government is crumbling along with Truth, with the best abdicating first, leaving nothing but the Rats. Bannon, the Unthinkable is chortling, and Trump the Demented will be thrown out as soon as the Rats feel that they have a firm enough hold over the government. And then, the U. S. experiment of 1776 is gone forever.
9
Bravo, Sen. Corker, Sen. Flake also an overwhelming number of folks from all walks of life , the print and electronic media including Social networks for months have been requesting and appealing to President Trump 's Family members and close friends to intervene with professional help . It is about time that President 's Cabinet and Congress should focus on this unprecedented if any huge national tragedy . What do you think ?
5
Wasn't there a possibility that Melania considered "bullying" as her official First Lady project?? Ironic....no?
8
Speaking of taxes, it's time Trump released his own Tax Returns and foreign investments and indebtedness, before Trump bankrupts the country like he did in the 4 companies he took over...................
18
How many people lose money while they own casinos?
2
Liddle Bob needs to shut up and get with the program.
1
Folks, I'm Not american so I probably have no real right to comment on internal US issues, but I sincerely hope you realise how these constant spats, lies, put-downs, fake news, fights and jouvenile behaviour/tweets from your President are refelecting on your country around the world.
People can "live-with" his limited vocab, his inferiority complex, his over use of hyperbole, but his rudeness and inability to just admit when he is wrong/stay quiet is really just showing the US as a poor soap opera -
10
Do the planet a favour, go vote in 2018. Rip the mat out from under Bannon's feet and get some traction in Congress for the blue side.
6
Liddle Bob Corker continues to tower over Trump.
11
It is a reminder of just how loathsome trump is when you find yourself rooting for Bob Corker who looks like he is standing on a mountain of virtue only because he is being compared to someone who lives at the bottom of worthless pit.
17
Donald Trump does himself damage by trying to damage Senators who do actually have power. If they want to they can make life very unpleasant fir the rageaholic. Coming to a Senate near you soon.
8
Have the Republicans no shame? Just kidding of course not or they would be lining up behind Corker and Flake instead of thinking about passing a tax reform that will help make us more of a banana republic with no retirement savings or the safety nets of Medicare and Medicaid. No money for health insurance but let's spend money on investigating a uranium deal and emails.
But wait, not Trump admin's private emails, that's pertinent right now, Hillary's emails. Who cares if Russia hacked our elections.
I hang my head in shame at the direction of our country and the miscreants who are in power and working hard on making most of us poorer, more polluted, and the laughingstock of the world.
14
"People like liddle' Bob Corker have set the U.S. way back."
Why does Trump consistently put an apostrophe after "liddle"? Is this just in case there was any doubt in any rational person's mind that he is an utter, illiterate fool?
13
Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth.
I noticed we're not talking about infrastructure and healthcare any longer.
The circus has come to town. I'm gona go check YouTube and listen to Senator Flakes 17 minutes of reflection of America.
6
I REALLY wish the Times would stop reprinting Loony Trump's tweets. If he can only communicate to the American people with these scatterbrained tiny messages, please don't carry his water for him.
7
I agree. The media needs to stop reprinting Trump’s tweets. That would be a step in the right direction. Another suggestion would be to stop covering the WH press briefings since that is just more propaganda.
11
Malcolm X when he heard of the assassination of JFK: "Looks like the chickens are coming home to roost."
You are looking at one, giant bunch of sour grapes who can't deal with being outed as a swamp dweller, along with Flake , McCain and McConnell.
1
When Trump was elected, America didn't choose a leader, it contracted a disease. Once inside the body the disease systematically destroys the vital organs, leaving the victim a shadow of its former self. "Make America great again": nothing, absolutely nothing, could be further from the truth.
23
Disease but not as bad as you described.
We only have the Clap(Trump) and apparently a small % like the Disease or how they got it,...vs being cured.
When you're older and more mature, you realize ain't nothing worth having Razor Blades running through your urethra:)
What you're hearing from Flake, Corker,...is "Arrrrghhhhh!!!" as they evacuate their bladders:):)
Listening to Trump speak, it's always superficial, petty and condescending. He isn't so much speaking to the other person as he is speaking to his uneducated base in Kentucky, W. VA, Mississippi etc. he keeps everything lowbrow, because that's how they speak. He's telling them I'm one of you, I'm on your side.
Trumps greatest hoax is tricking white people into believing a white male, born to wealth, Ivy League educated, earns $billions somehow is being treated unfairly.
14
So there’s a Twitter battle between Corker and Trump. I can’t help but thinking of the story of the Tweetle Beetles in Dr. Seuss’s Fox in Socks. How’s this? When Tweeter Beetles Battle on Twitter in a bottle in a puddle with a paddle, it’s called a Tweeter Tweetle Beetles Twitter Puddle Paddle Battle.
6
Please stop referring to trump as leader of the free world. He is wholly and solely the leader of the US. Nothing more.
19
He is not the leader of the US either. His title happens to be “President”, but do not mistake that for leadership. Apologies to all other great nations of the world, including our friends in Australia. Trump is a disgrace and a stain on this great nation. Please know that the vast majority of thinking Americans loath Trump and this he is an imbecile.
6
“Mr. Trump has responded by mocking Mr. Corker’s height, calling him “Liddle’ Bob.””
So Trump insults Bob Corker who stands 5 foot 7 inches tall, almost the average for an American male. So basically, Trump is insulting almost half of Americans who are less than average height, everyone who is “liddle”. Does this kind of behavior remind you of anything? Yes! sixth grade when insecure bullies made rude and ugly remarks about everyone but themselves.
To think this is our president acting like this is absolutely crazy! These are the insults tin-pot dictators hurl at their enemies as they undermine democracies and dehumanize their opponents.
Trump is acting like a mad king and we know from history this does not turn out well. God save us from the king.
14
Sorry, but its a little late for outrage from Republicans. They signed a contract with the devil but now want out. Where was the disgust about this sick president long before he was even the nominee?
10
We can only hope that Flake, Corker, McCain are the first "loose rocks" that start a coming landslide of disaffected Republicans who will support the Constitution and oppose Donald Trump in greater numbers. His cabinet is self-serving, verging on criminal and Trump is a menace to the safety of the country and the world. By his words and actions, we have a divisive, lying, white supremacist president who if left unchecked will start a mutiny in our armed forces that will make the NFL controversy seem like a picnic. Come on, Republicans, show more courage!
18
Let Trump, Miller and Bannon have the Republican Party. The Party of, by and for White Greedy Rich Men, Bigots and Fake Christians could hardly be worse than it was before January 20 when McCain, Corker and Flake were proud Republicans celebrating the inauguration of Attila the Hun. They opened the gates to him and now he is destroying all the treasures of American civilization. Who knew? They knew and did it anyway.
14
Trump just lost the Senate for the GOP.
These maverick Republicans will do little or nothing to advance Trump's
agenda in 2017 and 2018, and they will nothing to support any right wing nut Trump zombie candidates for the Senate.
Meanwhile Arizona is rapidly moving from strong GOP to Democratic, so Trump probably lost 2 Arizona GOP senate seats to the Democrats.
Trump is the gift that keeps on giving to the Democrats.
6
Nope. They're voting in lockstep with the party.
Not My Heroes
3
The GOP thought they could keep him on the reservation, he'd get the basics of politics (go to the Gold Star Wife, no cameras, mention you went to friendly media) but he really didn't want to mess up his semi retirement where he lived the life of a god in his own world. Only Hugh Hefner had it better.
Once the shiny of the adoring crowds wore off, he ended up in a world that demands full attention and full devotion. The look all presidents give each other is one of understanding. You are 1/3 of the Government, and there are hundreds or thousands of others in the other branches...and you.
I still remain optimistic that the body politic of American can fight off and spit up this upset. It won't be pretty, but it has to be done.
4
There will be no Tax bill forthcoming. Trump just blew up his opportunity to achieve that goal. Corker, Flake, McCain and Rand Paul are (4) votes against anything coming from Trump. The Goof in Chief has in effect defeated himself with his twitter antics and quixotic, despicable, dissolute, and grotesque fumbling about under the guise of leadership.
6
Nah. Only McCain voted against yesterday's legislation to screw every consumer in every financial transaction.
4
Yes... Life would be so much better if Iran had nuclear weapons now...
2
All my wife's friends who voted for Trump primarily for pro-life anti-abortion reasons are FINALLY recognizing the moral decadence of this demeaning big-mouth --- an ongoing international and historical disgrace to the dignity and honor of the American experiment.
Trump must be silenced to preserve the fundamental mental health of the American people. Sarah Huckabee Sanders can no longer defend the indefensible. It's over. There are no more words. We have heard it all. There is nothing new to this tragic tale.
15
Self-serving loser without question. Wrong party. Where's Schumer when Corker really needs him?
1
Please stop calling it a feud! Corker is standing up to a mentally ill President, regularly calling him out now because, at some point, if you don't counter the madness by highlighting its unacceptability, the Bannons of the world will create their own hugely dishonest, destructive, parallel stories about it.
11
We can safely say that FakeDonald would not get elected as a dog cathcher in New York, his home town. That is because, the dogs will reject him. Except of course for the pitbulls like him.
7
McCain, Flake, Corker. You watched the creation of the monster, saw its power early on yet continued to feed and nurture this hideous creation. Will you get other soldiers to slay the beast now that its existence threatens to destroy everything we hold dear.
4
Trump's Russian hookers had the right idea: get paid and get out. Trump's "gotten paid" plenty of our tax dollars through his self-dealing hotels, golf courses, Russian real estate deals and other toxic scams while the GOP acts like kidnapped hostages, blindfolded, bound and hidden in the basement.
The next great American hero will be the one who finally unearths Trump's income tax returns (personal, corporate and foundation for the past ten years at least) so the entire world can study Trump's financial crimes for themselves. Trump was willing to walk away from the race rather than produce his returns, and we the people have the right to see a President's tax returns. Especially because the GOP's complicity in this matter allowed the criminal-in-chief to stroll right into the Oval Office.
9
Please, Senator Corker, demand NotMyPresident release his tax returns and prove he will not personally benefit from this monster tax cut.
RELEASE YOUR TAX RETURNS!!!!
8
Corker should have allowed Article 2 Section 2 of the constitution to be used regarding the Obama Iran deal. Instead we got the Cardin/Corker amendments.
1
Corker can't leave soon enough. Let him take the other RINOs Sue Collins, John McCain, and Jeff Flake with him.
Mitch McConnell, the man who would not allow the nominee of a black president to the Supreme Court to have a hearing and whom DT has bought off with a cabinet position for his wife, is, along with his Republican colleagues in the Senate who enable DT, simply repellent. Why will Sen McConnell not defend his committee chairman?
5
E Pluribus Unum.
Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake have reminded us of America's core value articulated by James Madison so many years ago.
What makes America Great is the separation of powers both between and with our branches of government each founded upon an open electoral process of one man one vote.
I am an ardent FDR and JFK democrat.
But the past 30 years has convinced me that there is no single political viewpoint that makes America Great. What makes us great is how our constitution forces each of us to respect and listen to the other and then in good faith to compromise even if it causes us to compromise some things we hold dear.
2
115th Congress (2017-2019)
Majority Party: Republican (52 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (46 seats)
Other Parties: 2 Independents (both caucus with the Democrats)
Total Seats: 100
Yet President (ugh) Trump insults members of the razor thin Republican majority in Congress. He can't get stuff passed. Gee, I wonder why? Folks, this is basic social interaction skills that should have been learned in primary school. Would you let your 6 year old run the country? Actually a 6 year old President might be an improvement over Trump.
7
By the title, I thought Corker was going after His Royal Orneriness to release his tax returns and that we may finally get to seem them! Alas, no. Do we really have to go through 3+ more year of this?
3
Trump has a real problem with a differing opinion. He apparently cannot consider a view on a topic other than his own, which is beyond childish. I hear that Trump is very intelligent. But resorting to name calling is not a sign of intelligence or maturity. It is the mark of a man who is in over his head and his only recourse is to resort to middle school name calling.
I am wondering is 'we the people' could demand Trump resign? Just a thought. I would be OK with Pence as President. FOX folks a constantly complaining about how few appointees Trump has compared to Obama in the same time period. Maybe FOX and others like Limbaugh and Hannity should inform the chosen one that insults are not helpful.
1
All this winning! It makes me I feel so tired out. I just want to take a long nap.
5
People are missing the obvious here. Get away from the hair-pulling and the eyeball gouging and the "yo mama" name calling and just look at simple arithmetic, and political reality.
Ryan's "healthcare" plan had no real purpose other than to gouge trillions out of the federal budget, so a big tax cut for the wealthy would be revenue neutral. It failed.
The Republicans still want that tax cut, but there's nowhere else that it is remotely possible for them to get the money to pay for it. The proposal floated to whack 401k contributions for the middle class was political suicide -- Trump was smart enough to see that. The fact that the Republicans in committee weren't is the telling fact about their blindness to reality.
They haven't got the guts or the votes to go after any of the other big cash-cows in the federal tax code. They won't touch the mortgage deduction, and they don't have the votes to eliminate state and local tax deductions -- there are some Republicans from reasonably high-tax states. And even if they whacked both of these to the max, it's not enough for big tax cuts they want.
So there's only one way to get there -- massive deficits ... ON TOP of what already is a bad problem of structural deficits in federal spending.. The only remaining question is how much of a tax cut can they give the rich that is "paid for" with additional deficit spending.
Are there any Republican "deficit hawks" left at all?
7
This is not a feud, this is Mr. Corker telling as it is in his description of the failings of this President. The President would like to make it out to be a feud and the press seems to just go along with that assessment. Once again, there may be two sides to the story, but they are in no way equivalent. Mr. Corker's remarks are a matter of facts that we have all observed. The President on other other hand is trying to belittle without any basis to do so. If there ever was an empty barrel, Mr. Trump is it.
5
It's quite a thing to see all these votes of no confidence for the nation's biggest confidence man.
2
Calling it quits shows how far we have descended.
If Flake and Corker genuinely fear for the welfare of the republic, as they say they do, they should leave the GOP and join the Democrats.
With Susan Collins shifting as well, the GOP instantly loses control of the Senate, the House is checkmated, and investigations of Trump can pick up steam, not to mention taking the initiative on sensible improvements to the ACA, taxes, DACA, immigration, the environment, etc., etc.
Haven't we seen enough of the GOP "moderates" posturing, but wimping out? Susan Collins loves the press but remains a stalwart Republican. Until just recently, so were Flake and Corker.
So let's see someone actually "walk the walk" for a change.
3
"In the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside."
-- President John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961
if only, rather than foolishly backing an absurdity's presidential bid, Sen. Corker had helped us sound the alarm.
1
I just wish many Trump supporters will listen to Sen. Corker. He was one of them after all. That would be the only good to come out of all this mess.
When you think Trump cannot sink any lower, he manages to dig some more. I am tired of all this winning..... where the trade coin is dirt...
1
What was Corker thinking when he supported Trump? Did he not see what Trump was? Did he not believe what he saw? Or did he think that Trump could be contained and controlled? The result is the same as with the modern conservative's hallmark disease, namely, lack of empathy: conservatives don't really understand or accept the reality of a thing until it happens to them.
1
The problem here is that Bob Corker wants to limit the amount of money hard working Americans can contribute their 401k's while President Trump does not. President Trump is looking out for the American worker, while Senator Corker is not. If only Americans knew they half about Corker. We here in Tennessee do, that's why he's out. In 2006 when he first ran for Senate, he was the better of two lousy candidates. Thank you.
1
Anyone who has the authority to legislate or execute tax reform should have their own returns on the table. Period.
7
Voters who want a balanced budget, a reduced national debt and a simplified tax code will now cry out on fear and anger if their 401k deduction is eliminated. Those with no real health insurance options until Obamacare then voted to get get rid of their own health insurance. Just like a bunch of children, sometimes they need a good spanking. So let the whirlwind blow, and let them reap what they sow.
4
Hopefully all this Trump nonsense will derail the Republicans tax reform. Limiting the contribution to 401ks was just the most cynical nonsense of the whole operation. The Trump election was nothing short of a disaster for the US. This person is a combative immature piker.
6
Beyond the public feud between President Trump and the Senator Bob Corker the grounds on which the latter is questioning the tax plan being pushed by Trump appear quite sound- both on merits and the principle of legislative accountability. For, the way Trump is forcing the skewed tax plan of the $2 trillion tax cuts for the wealthy on the Congress in the absence of Congressional deliberation and even the legislative proposal is not only an act of undermining legislative authority but also a blatant example of executive overreach which sure to further strain the precarious fiscal situation of the US.
15
Two problems with Trump's response.
ONE, reveals his dripping disdain for honest work (Dog Catcher)...
And... you saw this one coming...
TWO Pssst, Donald, since you bring up Corker's unpopularity and always talk about polls, polls, polls, have you seen your approval rating lately? FiveThirtyEight's compiled average of polls is at an all time low 35.9%.
Looks like you'd struggle to get whatever is the next LOWLIER type of work, say... Real Estate Developer. Banks not lining up to lend you money I suppose? Sad!
Whatever you're doing, keep doing it, it's working - if impeachment is your aim... on that, 57.6% of U.S. adults are rooting for you.
50
To say that the President is a disappointment is an understatement. But the real disappointment is that Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do and people actually voted for this person. What does this say about our country? Trump is leading the country into the abyss. Far from making America great again. So sad.. really so sad!
5
Trump is a charlatan. As republicans finally catch on to the demise of the GOP at the hands of a racist, misogynistic, isolationistically naive and treasonous faction - perhaps they'll be motivated enough to have their congressional members impeach (at last) this pretender to the presidency.
32
Still Corker holds back.
They are not “untruths.”
Say the president is a pathological liar who is unhinged and unfit to remain in office!!!!
39
Corker gave us the Iran nuclear disaster deal. He was in bed with Obama. Good riddance to this guy.
3
You forget Corker's biggest disaster to date: he gave us Trump.
4
He voted against the deal and blasted it. How did he help? Are you being sarcastic? What do you not like about the deal?
2
What's wrong with the International Deal?
2
Sorry Bob.
I don't buy this effort at contrition. The speed with which you and your ill sighted colleagues embraced this rabid bat (no offense to the disease or the mammal) makes it seem as though a blind squirrel out to collect nuts has more clarity and vision than the whole lot of you in the Republican party.
Why don't you instead start with why you embraced Trump in the past and why you reject him now. Say Sorry to the nation. Make it about more than just the fact that he attacks "YOU" on Twitter.
You loved him when he was doing it to Obama, taking supremacist swipes at the minorities, bragging about assaulting women, attacking Hillary like a serial criminal out to seek a hapless victim, attacking gold star families, denigrating the men and women who have served in uniform, embracing 2 cent dictators who see it fit to interfere in our elections and so much more.
To the extent that this clown clatters you now on Twitter, I dare say it is justified. I hope he keeps giving it to you. He is the gift you created. All of you in the GOP deserve collective opprobrium. Shame on all of you. Go away.
52
Hilarious, Bob Cocker is accusing Trump of acting like a child while he is doing exactly the same thing.
7
So Trump wins because he's a lot better at acting like a child to you?
4
Trump must be impeached and his taxes must be released. He is a danger to our country as are his minions -- Pence, Sessions, Pruitt, De Vos, Zinke, Perry, and his emailing family/advisors who have used up to 6 non-approved servers and met several times with Russian proteges of Putin to rig our election process. Oh, yeah, and a Senate Republican is now starting AGAIN an inquiry into Hillary's emails. They are destroying our country while most of the Republicans in Congress hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. None of them are upholding their offices -- aside upholding their capacity forr own private gain. They all MUST go. Forget the swamp -- it's a toxic sea.
32
Republicans 2008-2016: Deficit! Benghazi! Deficit! Benghazi! National Debt! Benghazi! Lock Her Up! Benghazi! Deficit!
Republicans 2017: Tax Cuts. Healthcare demolition. Tax Cuts. Tweets. Tax Cuts. Jeez, it smells in here!
24
Bob Corker "couldn't get elected dog catcher in Tennessee"? How ironic. He's won 2 Senate election campaigns to Trumps's single election. And Corker won without the interference of Russia.
20
I just can't fathom that so many Americans could resonate with the childish, crude insults tweeted by our (shudder) "president" (e.g., "liddle Bob Corker"). God help them.
24
Time for more Republicans to stand up and be counted against the worst president of the US ever.
25
That time was all of 2016 before election day. Now the time is way past due.
2
It's hard to believe the President is attacked by 2 senators- one is a flake and the other is a corker.
8
Bob Corker has been elected to the senate twice, with a majority vote and no Russian intervention, lives up to his promises and has a wife who still loves him. I reckon he's doing much better than Donald.
18
Who would we be better off with as president: Nasty Donald or "Liddle" Bob. No brainer. The Republican party as we know it is extinct. Its recovery can only be realized if the 52 GOP senators finally stand up to Trump. They should echo the words of Welch during the McCarthy hearings. At long last, Mr. President, have you no shame?
17
Trump exposed the real GOP. They will cut the poor and middle class deductibles and benefits for tax cuts.
13
Medicare and Social Security, too.
2
Its too bad that Corker, and Flake, didn't stand up before this. They knew what Trump was we all did, but Corker, and Flake and others were more interested in winning than calling Trump out for what he is. This is the problem with career politicians, they see a very narrow view of the world.
It's good that they have seen the light, and are now willing to stand up and be counted, but it makes me wonder, if the fear of not being reelected to their seats, is what is prompting Corker, and Flake to stand up. The question now becomes, are more GOP Senators willing to do the same, or will they show a willingness to face the moderate Republican voter, knowing that Trumps base isn't enough to get him reelected.
This should be a lesson to all voters, that no elected congress person, really has their constituency in mind. Look, they all have vested interests in corporations, from Healthcare, to EVs, to IoT companies. It's time we took back the reins, and demonstrated to the 545 elected people who run the country of 300 million, that the voters run the show.
By the way, I'm not sure how Flakes speech, squares with his new book, in that book he touts Trump, he actually sounds like he's on Trumps side, yet now, he seems suddenly put off by the stench of the Dotard in chief.
9
'Liddle Bob'? I was not aware that a four year old suffering from a serious personality disorder could be elected President of the United States.
This sort of behavior would get Donald Trump thrown out of our local preschool. Yet we tolerate it in the Oval Office? What in heaven's name is wrong with the United States of America?
54
For Trump to call Corker or just about any other legislator a “lightweight” is priceless. Is he talking about his actual weight? Because that’s the only sense in which Trump himself could be considered a heavyweight.
12
“I don’t know why he lowers himself to such a low, low standard ..", Senator Corker: he's not lowering himself; he's there all the time. This is who a combination of an ignorant electorate and the Electoral College giving the least well-educated among us a disproportionate say in presidential politics installed in the White House. Would you entrust your business to Trump? Your daughter? No? Well, guess what? He's president!
16
In 100 years from now, Trump will be just a pimple on the behind of history, but the damage he will have caused might be severe and persistent. Let’s hope I’m wrong and that this charade ends soon. Voting has become really important, people !
19
i have no interest in negotiating governance with those whose values Trump stands for. We ought to disentangle our fortunes as amicably and swiftly as possible. I would advocate for the most generous terms for our opponents to achieve this.
3
No, I'm with Gen. Grant on this: unconditional surrender.
Today Bob Corker said, “I don’t know why he lowers himself to such a low, low standard and is debasing our country”. Corker also said, “It’s unfortunate that our nation finds itself in this place”. Well, Mr. Corker, you and other complicit Republicans helped make the monster that is in the White House. You were a strong supporter of Trump during the campaign, and you also said that Trump had a solid foreign policy base. Now, you have had a change of heart? Where was that heart when Trump was displaying these "debasing" behaviors during his run up to the White House?
In office, Trump has been everything he portended to be before he arrived. So, Mr. Corker, it is too late to now speak out against the tyrant who now terrorizes all of us
27
Agreed. The majority of American saw it but not the aging, greedy GOP.
1
Defensive Donald turns to Derisive Donald to divide and conquer. His devoted deify. Despair for the rest.
7
The Republican party created a Frankenstein monster and it is now destroying not just their party but our country. Years of misuse of congressional oversight for political gain, years of propaganda from Fox News, years of lying to the american people. The chickens are coming home to roost, lets just hope we survive this, what History will record as our most challenging period (outside of war) to the perpetuation of our Republic.
31
Despite the overarching "standard" conservatism of Senators Corker and Flake, it's a shame that they feel they have to resign in order to speak truth to power. Trump is an unmitigated and unrelenting disaster who is leading our country to a third world condition, aided and abetted by the venomous Steve Bannon (whether in or out of the White House). They and their ilk are committing treasonous and/or seditious acts daily and need to be impeached and/or prosecuted. In the case of Trump and his entire administration - and I include the religionist Pence and the cabinet of appointees whose sole duty seems to be undermining the agencies to which they have been "entrusted" - their offices must be cleansed by their removal. Only then can we begin a process of non-partisan (term chosen deliberately) healing, recognizing truth as truth and fact as fact, putting principles above personalities and reasoned discourse ahead of bluster. It's almost too late, but there's no other time than now to begin this process.
22
I'm looking at Flake, Corker, and Rand Paul as 'no' on tax reform. Someone stick a fork in this thing, at this early stage? -- it's finished.
13
Our country , our government - what have you done to it? This new disgusting practice of personal attacks, malicious story spreading and blaming has got to stop. People, and I mean GOP looks the other way while their leader is into destroying what we were brought up believing in. Letting this behavior go on to the point they no longer make excuses they just let it go. This inaction means complicity. Either you are true representatives of your people or you are not. Bob Corker, Flake, McCain, and a few others cannot be the only true statesmen on that side of the aisle?!
11
Of course I didn't vote for the guy, but I am starting to feel like we got what we deserve.
7
in a democracy we all get wat we deserve.
5
No, I'm not getting what I deserve. I am getting what a minority of people voted to impose on me.
I'm not having it.
1
Given Corker’s Republican, Southern-state credentials—let alone his previous support of Trump—I’m sure there’s little good he’s done for his constituents. Still, it’s a remarkable thing to hear an articulate Republican voice offer such a withering assessment of the mistake he and voters made President. Flake’s turnabout is somehow more easily dismissed, but Corker tells it like is: “We (the silent GOP) all know what a disaster this is.”
7
the 2017 debt has risen to $666 billion.
666 should be a very dangerous number in many respects.
5
Dog catcher's? They do something positive for the public and I would think it's a pretty tough and dangerous job too, tweeting is merely child's play.
9
Thank you, Senator Corker. I don't agree with some of your policies, but I agree very much with you on this one very big very good thing that you have done. Crossing this president is politically dangerous. Not crossing this president puts the nation at peril.
The present tax cut plan will harm poor, working class and middle class Americans a great deal. In order to give the wealthiest Americans a trillion dollar tax cut, Trump, Bannon, and the complicit Republicans aim to take away Medicaid, Medicare, education funding, and health care from average Americans. Just think of the harm that those cuts will do to our grandparents and our children!
The Democrats can work with decent, principled Republican senators and representatives who are willing to stand up to this president. Even on a fair tax reform package, so long as it does not look like the present shameful Trump plan.
11
Start by issuing a subpoena for his tax records and demand that the complete records be produced before any committee consideration of tax proposals.
16
Finally a real mensch with courage and integrity has stood up to denounce this tyrant.
The future of democracy dwarfs the importance of the political futures of the remainder of Republican caucus. Are there any other mensches in that caucus? Let anyone with the courage and integrity stand firmly behind Corker and call Trump what he is: a mendacious autocrat attempting to subvert our beautiful democracy.
8
Let's hear from some Republicans, the ostensible moderates, who will be running again and have skin in the came. Corker and Flake are hardly moderates, but they have taken themselves off the field and are now providing color from the announce booth as they slowly stroll to the sidelines. No joining in and making a difference from Republicans unwilling to end their career without a fight? Well then, no respect from me. Stand and deliver, Republicans. Otherwise, it's just hot air formed into meaningless sounds that don't translate into action.
The Tax plan is dead in the water. No legislation will be passed until the Pretend King Trump and his minions are ousted. Some Congressmen are drawing the line. They have their own agenda, they feel the end is near and they are jockeying for positions. No one in Congress is clean. But while we wait for the drama to unfold we need to be vigilant because our enemies are at the door. We must accept that these enemies may not be from outside but from within. We laugh at these children who play with fire. Americans are ready for the next chapter in their history. We are defiant as ever and we too have our own agenda, to free ourselves from these pathetic people.
6
Having always had an underlying admiration for the great democratic experiment called the USA, it is disheartening to watch the executive branch of your government act in a fashion that not one of the creators of the constitution could have envisioned. It must be with heavy hearts that ordinary citizens watch as the country they love is reduced to twitter brawls, yelling media arguments, silent elected officials and an executive branch of men and women who appear to be willing to engage in any behaviour to support a president who is "just not the best person to lead such a great country!" Outsiders like me have little right to criticize but it is compassion I truly send to those embarrassed by the failure of leadership exhibited by Mr. Trump and his various executive branch sycophants. A final observation: a vote against the unfair distribution of wealth by rightfully angry people has, unfortunately, put your great nation on the brink of constitutional and civil failure because of the "rich", somewhat vacuous person who was elected - the irony is profound.
16
Unfortunately, no one in the world is outside of the malignant psychodrama that is Trump and the GOP.
1
I hope Corker votes "no", and I hope Flake joins him. And one more, one more Republican Senator whose conscience will not allow them to pretend to believe the lies being used to sell this "tax reform" giveaway to the wealthy.
9
Corker supported Trump in the beginning thinking that this dog can be trained to become a useful asset to the Republican party. However, some dogs can be trained, and some are just not smart enough for the job. It took time and effort for Corker to say that this dog can't be trained, which is what he is saying.
5
Flake and Corker and McCain are no different from rest of GOP. Still no empathy for the little guy. Trump attacking them personally and getting under their skin is all that changed.
GOP moral code is lower taxes, less regulation, and take care of your own, including big corporations that are likely to employ Congessmen as their lobbyist when they leave office. These three are more genteel when they say no to the poor and the downtrodden, but they will say no just about every time.
4
Enough of this coverage of Trump's tax reform. Please demand that President Trump release his 2016 tax return like every other POTUS has done while in office.
15
So ugly, so distracting, so unnecessary. Let's get back to governing in this highly competitive global economy to ensure a better future for everyone.
5
I would rather no governing be done than have "governing" at the malicious and seditious hands of the trumpians.
1
It's disappointing that after 40 years of "voodoo economics" very clearly not working, the Trump administration seems to feel that this time it's going to be different. Even more disappointing is that the larger GOP seems to suffer from the same lack of understanding.
I feel like the New Deal is, bit by bit, being overturned and we're building almost the exact same economic and social conditions that lead to the Great Depression.
Those that don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
12
The Trump tax plan is a Trump wish list: 1) Elimination of the millionaires inheritance tax 2) Elimination of the alternate minimum tax (caused his only liability the last time he paid a tax) and 3) Lowering the tax rate on his pass through businesses from 39% to 25%. Naturally, Trump doesn't want to leave is wish list to the whims of Congress.
9
Corker should be the first GOP rep to submit articles of impeachment for Trump.
Wouldn't that be a fun day on Twitter?
40
The problem with that idea is that Mr. Corker is a Senator. Impeachment articles come from the House of Representatives.
Does no one in this country know their civics any more?
6
Couldn't this have been avoided if one of the GOP candidates had simply run as an independent, depriving Trump of a few state victories and his electoral college win?
GOP long ago made a bargain with the devil (that's spelled: $$$) and simply won't give it up.
33
Twitter,
Please heed the petitions circulated to both your Board of Directors and CEO, as well as the pleas of many concerned Americans who may not have signed, and disable the @readDonaldTrump account for his repeated violations of your User Policy.
55
It would have been a bit more courageous of Senators Corker and Flake if they had made their remarks while they still had something to lose, not after they decided not to run for re-election. But given their current views, perhaps they should in fact run for re-election and do their best to continue the fight.
19
It astonishes me that US citizens are sitting by while their president is behaving like a child - like a nasty, spoiled child.
What will it take to rouse patriotic Americans to stand up and accept their responsibility as citizens?
You owe it to your country to stand up for the principles that made the US a great country.
How do you do that, you ask?
Start by writing to your congress people every single day and demanding that they do something to end the Trump fiasco. Tell those reps that if they can't think of any way to solve this problem by the next election, you will vote for someone who can.
EVERY SINGLE DAY
36
absolutely dead on. i would write, call, email, stand outside there offices..whatever. just that i am across the pond where the healthcare is something your clown of a president is hell bent on denying you all. if only we could loan our parliamentary sytem to you, with the charming prime minister. it would unite your hopeless divisions. heck, even our right is more left leaning than your left...
3
Trump: Show some dignity. You're the president of the US, not a 16 year old teenage girl who got snubbed at the high school dance.
28
16 ? Excuse me, 6 maybe, but even a 6 year old has more gravitas.
2
More like a 16 year old boy.
He is not a teenage girl -- he is a male bully. Don't insinuating that women/girls would ever act like this maniac does.
2
Sandbox politics courtesy of our despicable, dissolute, grotesque example of a President of the US, the Apprentice.
We will have to see if this is the beginning of a groundswell to rid us of Trump.
16
Why is it only the retiring members of the party have the courage to stand up to what they all must know? The President is a man with child like intelligence and social skills, and is clearly unfit to be making decisions which have an effect on the citizens of the US.
History is already going to judge Trump as a failure, and more. The rest of you in the party, are just cowards hiding from a Twitterer.
19
"Why is it only the retiring members of the party have the courage to stand up to what they all must know"
-------
That begs the question: Is that courage?
5
Trump exposed the real GOP. They will cut the poor and middle class deductibles and benefits for tax cuts.
6
Trump and Kelly, if they don't get their way, will call out the military to surround the capital until Trump gets what he wants. Mark my words. When democratic institutions hem the president in enough, he will (try to) employ the military to force a solution. We will see tanks in the streets in Washington.
9
Actually the mass arrests on Inauguation Day and subsequent tank-like overrun of power by the DC Federal District Court are examples fulfilling your prediction.
Before that, the distribution of actual tanks to Illinois (and other states) put tanks in the streets of Ferguson.
Just saying
How much will Trump and the Trump family gain from the president' s tax plans ?
14
Stop the bickering tweets; they demean the office you represent. What's needed now is a mother to say, "Stop it! I don't care who started it, but settle it now or everyone will be doled out the same consequences!" You're too busy name-calling instead of resolving pressing problems like disaster relief, rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihood, compromise. Have we forgotten humanity?
2
I admire Senator Corker and Senator Flake and Senator Sasse and others. I fully understand why they (other than Sasse) are leaving the Senate. But are they leaving the scene? If everything they articulate about Trump et al is true (and I think it is) is there the risk of "good men doing nothing"? Or are they planning to participate in the political arena in some way? Perhaps they can't say now, but it concerns me. Does anyone have any idea if and how they plan to continue their principled stand? Norma Barnett
5
Bob Corker is the Republican with "Principles" of the week. None of the so called principled Republicans had anything bad to say about Trump until they were attacked personally. Profiles in Courage? Don't think so.
8
The fact that the Republican Party is standing idly by while the President acts like a 5 year old is the most astounding political thing I've seen in my almost 48 years. When are they going to stop acting like this is normal?
29
Lots of support from many of us Senator Corker!
4
The reasonable faction of the Republican party and the Democratic party should find common ground and beat the crazies this coming election. This also goes for the far left faction of the Democratic party that doesnt even turn out to vote. There is definitely a lot of common ground between those and we should drive them to the fringes where they belong.
3
lower taxes - more defense spending - it will be wonderful - a veritable miracle - manna will fall from heaven - everybody sing.
6
So this is what Bannon called "war" on the establishment Republicans. Like the ghost of the Greatness past, he never left the Whitehouse, and never will! Haunted house is what it is now, horrors every morning.
Latenight shows should make #AlertTheDaycareStaff trending.
6
Corker: “I don’t know why [Trump] lowers himself to such a low, low standard and is debasing our country [and] ...purposely has been breaking down relationships around the world.” Answer: Because that's the way Putin likes it. What will it take before people wake up and call treason treason?
15
On one hand, you have McCain, Flake, Corker. On the other hand you have McConnell, Cruz, Nunes. Take your pick. I trust the first three over the Trump gravy train any time.
13
What republicans like Corker are failing to grasp is that the republican party is no more, or at least it is on its death bed. Corker and friends need to decide if they are trump/bannon populist now, because that is exactly what the republican party has morphed into, a party of people with little, if any, in depth knowledge of policy, domestic or foreign and/or the issues that affect American lives. They seem capable only of repeating platitudes from others like themselves.
In the interview below, he's talking about committing WAR CRIMES, the president of the United States of America. Corkers got plenty of reason to worry about trump and populist. We all do, but Corker and other republicans who realize what trump is, are playing it safe, they don't realize that the party itself has rotted from the inside out.
"At a forum hosted by NBC on 7 September, Trump suggested oil seizure would have been a way to pay for the Iraq war, saying: “We go in, we spend $3tn, we lose thousands and thousands of lives, and then … what happens is we get nothing. You know, it used to be to the victor belong the spoils.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/21/donald-trump-iraq-war-oi...
8
What I want to know is this: Who in the world ever said Donald Trump is a "leader"? He has absolutely none of the qualities of an actual leader. He is simply an extreme example of how self-aggrandizement and self-promotion can fool some of the people all of the time. Those of us who saw through his circus act from the get-go just shake our heads--in puzzlement and in sorrow as our country suffers every day this despicable man is allowed to pretend he is a leader.
29
At least Trump showed some real maturity when going after Corker. He refrained from using the Naa-na na-naa-na option.
4
I really disapprove of the medias reporting on this as a spat “on both sides.” There is no comparison with the morality of Corker vs Trump. One is clearly worthy of rebuke, the other is a target of a rage filled toddler.
10
Go Bob Corker!! Shoot down the over inflated Trump blimp along with his pending tax cut fiasco by sticking it to Trump where and when it matters!! Killing Trump's beloved tax cut will be one of hopefully many small steps Bob Corker makes to rectify his horrendous decision to have once supported Trump. I hope it becomes just one of many more steps to come!! Blast away at him "Big Brave Bob Corker!"
10
I wish one of these guys would be the bigger man, but it sure as shooting won't be Trump. How did the Vulgar Barbarian ever win the presidency? Oh, he ran against Hillary Clinton.
1
And on her very worst day, Hillary Clinton would been 1000% better as President than Trump on his very best day.
8
Corker would get elected to run a humane shelter, not dog catcher.
Trump has never had a pet, unless it was fried in a KFC bucket
5
The bully doesn't like it when a few of the other kids fight back.
It could just be one or two of the braver kids
- doesn't matter.
The bully gets very upset when they say stuff that makes him look stupid.
It might make more of the kids fight back, and that scares the bully a lot.
17
Get rid of the crazy man . Create parallel governing structures. Akin to what happened when the inadequate Articles of Confederation were scrapped by the illegal Constitutional convention. Find some smart people who are willing to work together to do this , and not only rich white men. These folks need to fund the government, tamp down inequality, build infrastructure, support health care and education, have a jobs program and so on . Instead of taking from the poor and giving to the rich , we will reverse the process and take from the rich and give to the poor.
6
What else is there to say.
I am no fan of Senator Corker but he, Flake and McCain are calling Trump as he is-- an impudent mess. The rest of the republican senate and house continue to refuse to acknowledge what is abundantly clear and the reality tv show fans that elected this bunch continue to cheer.
Our problem is only slightly with our Congress (as dysfunctional as it may be. Our problem is truly with our electorate--a sizable portion of which seems to have lost their minds.
14
Dear Mr. President,
When you call Bob Corker "Liddle" it doesn't just disparage him, it sets a model for people to disparage all individuals who are of relatively short stature. The fighter in you may always want to hit back but the model you are setting for all of us (including America's children) is horrendous. My father, a distinguished intelligent man is 5 ft 5 - am I suppposed to see him as less than? Do you want someone to see your son as less than because someone has bullied him? Time to stop Mr. President. Otherwise, even if you win reelection, your legacy will be profoundly damaged.
14
The Trump-Corker feud is indeed colorful. And Trump is entertainingly infantile, as always. Unfortunately either way -- if Trump meddles in the tax bill or Republicans are left to their own devices -- the country suffers. Based on their track record, anything either might offer would only enrich the rich and penalize eveyone else.
2
In the face of growing deficit and national debt nearing the size of the annual budget, WHY WHY WHY are we talking about cutting taxes??? Novel idea - if you're going to cut ANY taxes, pay for them by raising taxes on the rich. We'd probably get there if we just reversed the 2003 tax cuts, we'd definitely get there if we reversed the 1986 tax cuts.
Stop this nonsense. And get rid of this evil president. This has been the worst year since World War II for the United States. Let's hope 2018 is better.
17
Another food fight in the junior high school cafeteria we call our government. Like Trump it's getting old and tired.
4
Trump is headed for the apocalypse, and Corker/Flake are predicting the future.
This unsuited president's disdain for reality-based thinking or diplomacy --and instead issuing these reflexive challenges around the world, while concealing what our military is doing---well, nothing good can come from this. And the news cycle has definitively changed--with the phrases 'traitor to Russia' and 'unhinged commander-in-chief' bound to dominate.
It will be Ryan and McConnell who enable him. And their legacy sealed.
2
no words can I think of to express my disbelief of this administration.However - Seems trumpster should have been elected dog catcher because that is what he has surrounded himself with
4
I wish we could go back to the days of duels between politicians.
8
So, you're telling us they haven't really even begun to write this abomination of a tax bill? And all these responsible political dogs of the Right have already lined up to support it.
Not even knowing what it might say?
And they're out there preening and cooing at the big White House baby, hoping to get the poor dear a win?
These people don't know what integrity is.
They don't know what their job is.
And they don't give a flying balloon about America.
It was the same deal with healthcare: eight years of "we have a better plan" and a week of secret late night pizza meetings and a "let's put on a play": approach to 'crafting'; their sad excuse for a policy.
We know for a fact these people have been lying to us for ten years. And obviously more.
Speaking of great and noble men of courage and principle, I notice Mr. McCain couldn't dump his shiny white armor fast enough to get in there and vote for a dumpster fire of a budget, and to guarantee passage of a tax bill not one person on the planet has seen yet. A tax bill that will spell doom of one sort or other for maybe 50% of the American people.
This McCain is not a particularly good man. He is an ugly Republican tried and true, who plays politics like a death match.
Trump fooled a lot of people until recently. McCain is still on a roll.
5
And he gave us Sarah Palin.
2
It is a sad day for the country when one party has broken out into uncivil war and the other party remains rudderless, leaderless and devoid of ideas. Self destruction by Republicans will not lead to victory for Democrats. And every day is one day less to Nov 6, 2018.
1
Bob Corker reminds me of someone out of a John Grisham novel. I dont think he ever liked Trump- keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I think he tried to cozy up to Trump to get certain reforms that will do long term harm to the middle class and was rebuked. He has put forth proposals to wind down Fannie Mae, the only true path to middle income home ownership. Deficit hawk?? He has told Mel Watt the head of FHFA to draw down on the credit from Treasury to cover Fannie shortfall since all the profits are swept to the Treasury. He is under ethics investigation for trading and with Mark Warner profited by betting against the US housing market. I know the left loves this moment- do not be surprised if legal action is taken against him. You do not give up your Senate seat unless other things are percolating.
You know, I am still waiting for all these Corkers, McCains, and Flake's to take just a tiny fraction of responsibility for creating trump in the first place over the last several decades of republican betrayal of working people and the country as a whole in favor of ultra-rich.
5
I never thought that nowhere on my walk of life, I would miss Mr. George W Bush. Now I found myself missing not only Mr. Bush but even Mr. Richard Nixon. How good or bad presidents they were is not even an issue any more. All I am hoping for is now that some day in a short future, we may have a simple plain human being in the WH. But then again, I may be asking for too much.
11
I've said the same thing many times. It's gotten so bad that I've been pulling up YouTube videos of President Bush and waxing nostalgic (and I'm a Democrat)!
1
Who knew ripping off the middle class would be so complicated?
11
This is an excellent argument for term limits. If these folks didn't have to worry about being reelected or raising money to be reelected and instead did the right thing, things will be a lot better.
5
The cat is out of the bag. What was obvious to many of us all along--that Trump is unfit to be president and is a danger to the country--is now openly acknowledged by Senate Republicans. It's time to take action to limit the damage he could cause. First priority should be passing legislation that would prevent him from launching a nuclear strike without the consent of Congress.
10
First priority is getting Trump out of office and decertifying the totally corrupted 2016 national elections. Next is appointing a sane interim president. Next is having a new election with a new slate. With 2016's thoroughly compromised process, neither Trump nor Pence nor any of their appointees are legitimate holders of their offices. Trump and the trumpists aren't "debasing" the country - they have debased it. It's time to clean house with a firehose.
If the GOP cut deductibles and gives you a tax cut it could mean you pay more in taxes.
Deductible cuts could offset any tax cut. By axing deductibles the GOP is selling snake oil cuts.
2
While I appreciate the words of Corker and Flake I think they should go one further. To make a real difference in the chaos and uncertainty they should follow the example of Sen Jeffords in 2001, change their party affiliation to Independent and vote accordingly. I mean can you really be so authentically critical of Trump and not the party?
Changing the majority in the senate would add stability right now, lessen the very real anxiety of most Americans and people around the world. Otherwise it's just words, hollow words, not principles or courage.
6
"Mr. Corker said in a CNN interview, suggesting that he will soon convene hearings to examine the ways Mr. Trump “purposely has been breaking down relationships around the world.” Yes, absolutely do this, but also please help defeat this dastardly tax plan. Only a billionaire or a mindless trump supporter could believe that it would mean anything but economic disaster for our country.
9
I am appalled by trump's tweets. How can a supposedly grown man stoop so low? How could so many people keep looking past his outrageous behavior? He is an abysmal example for the nation's children and a national source of shame. When are members of Congress going to act? When is enough enough?
Is a tax cut for the ultra rich so important that Republicans refuse to state the obvious? How much longer are we going to endure these daily antics? Where are the heroes? It is time for more people to stand up with McCain, Corker, and Wilson to speak truth to power? The truth does matter.
And trump is trying to divert our attention from the real damage he is doing in dismantling our democracy. Unfortunately, he is succeeding. God help us.
4
Senator Corker ought to get personal in return: insert a provision in the tax bill that the federal income tax returns of the President and Vice President, and major party candidates for those offices, are public information to be released by the IRS.
4
Remember back in the Republican primaries the pundits were saying the GOP was coming apart at the seams? Guess it's just been a little delayed.....
Loyalty to this president is disloyalty to our nation.
6
Question for Trump:
What do you call a Senator who has 14 months left in his term and has decided not to run?
Answer:
Senator
The smart move would be to make nice with them.
18
In 100 years, small children learning to live will be scolded by their mothers: "Don't lie, don't steal, don't be a Donald Trump!" Just read the statement by Sen. Flake. Right on!
12
This is getting interesting. With Corker and Flake retiring, they have freed themselves to go after Trump’s destructive tendencies without worrying about reelection. Trump, in turn, is personally attacking them. If one more Republican joins their ranks, they could have the ultimate say in reining in Trump by caucusing with the Democrats and flipping control of it.
15
Trump has no political principles, or any other kind. He will work with anyone. He already showed he was willing to work with the Russians.
3
Dog catcher? I wouldn't let trump pick up the garbage in my neighborhood.
18
Tillerson was right - Trump is a moron.
39
The president. Is destroying. our country .
25
Trump could get elected dog catcher in Tennessee. But he wouldn't catch any dogs. He'd sure lie about it, though.
19
It is clear or should be by now, that the White House, and it's number one resident is totally out of control. Congress needs to start realizing this and start reducing Trump's power. Trump for his part is his own worst enemy. The attacks everyone and anyone that doesn't agree with him. Reality TV — yes. However, the public is going to be one ones suffering in the long run.
8
As awful as this is, don't forget to read the smaller, more "boring" policy-based articles while you're here. The unsexy stuff is what really matters, and Trump loves to start firefights while his administration makes changes behind the scenes. Altercations shield alterations.
10
Be careful Donald because at some point Mr. Corker may just run for president and as a Republican I would definitely vote for him over you in the primaries.
20
I am a democrat but Mr. Corker will have my vote if he runs.
1
It is clear that if Trump is impeached or leaves office, Pence wouldn't provoke any of this madness in the Republican Party, leaving that group a clearer field to advance their agenda. Having Trump in office has only one blessing: maintaining the continual dysfunction in that political party. Hard to admit that, but it's the truth.
15
Senators McCain, Corker, Flake and Collins have it totally within their power to stop the Trump transfer of wealth from the poor and middle classes to the super-rich elite, the explosion of national debt and the degradation of public services in this country. All they have to do is to announce they are caucusing with the Democrats. That would throw a wrench into the Ryan-McConnell gears.
24
Not only is Bob Corker standing up to phony-power he is acting in the finest traditions of American Patriots. God Bless Bob Corker.
6
Unsurprising to no one who follows national politics, Bob Corker proves that Republican re-election hopes trump honesty, decency and country. To understand how these spineless and expedient politicians are re-elected over and over again, one doesn't have to look any further than how an historically unqualified, vulgar, bigly dishonest con man and former cheesy television reality host was elected to the most powerful office in the world. Truly, enormous wealth, perpetual lying and pandering are qualifications to win over a clueless or politically disengaged segment of American voters. Factor in congressional district gerrymandering to congressional election outcomes and our precious American democracy is as illusionary as Trump is dishonest and his presidency fraudulent.
14
I am proud of Bob CorKER for standing up and once again embarrass by Sarah Palin who brings new meaning to an empty head. She and her bully president deserve each other out of office hopefully in prison for their corruption.
Broken I think not my dear
Thanks to Senator Jeff Flake (R - AZ) for the rousing speech he just delivered on the Senate Floor calling out The Con Don and his lack of values. He said
The Con Don does not represent the ideals of America. He talked about FDR and Lincoln and what REAL American values are.
Senator Flake will not seek re-election. It's true that Steve Bannon has Senator Flake in his sights and is ramping up hate for him. I'm sure
The Con Don will run a hatchet job on him. No matter. Senator Flake will carry on until his term ends in January 2019 and, I hope, will be a voice of reason on taxes, immigration and other democracy-destroying plans The Robber Barons have for America.
It's high time republicans put America before politics. Let's hope others will step up and speak up - particularly those who do not plan to resign.
Thanks, again, to Senator Flake and those republicans who will step up to true American values and social/economic justice for ALL Americans. As Mr. Flake said, the world is counting on us. NOW is the time to take action.
24
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Mueller keeps grinding away. Tick tock, tick tock.
14
Trump is useless. He can't govern, he can't negotiate. He is clueless about the policies being discussed.
All he does is hurl insults. He sounds like a spoiled child. What a brat.
32
But Trump acts out for about one sixth of the US population.
2
Corker, Flake, and McCain are not going to be flunkies or patsies for this abomination in the WH. They know, just like WE all do that this President is completely mentally unhinged. The GOP who continue to support this mentally unfit man are true traitors to their sworn duty to protect America from threats within. This man is without a doubt, the worst threat to America and it's people. He is nothing short of a charlatan bullying Congress to pass whatever off-the-wall nonsense he craves for like a maniac. The sad part is that the GOP and it's leadership have no backbone or spine to stand up to him. They are cowards of the worst kind and do not deserve to serve in Congress. He owns them like a farmer owns pigs, lock, stock, and barrel. Such a pathetic display of leadership. Thank you Sen. Corker, Sen. Flake, and Sen. McCain. To the others, start looking now for another job. The coming elections will put an end to this travesty.
20
It is amazing how many people who write here appear to believe that all of the senators will be up for election in 2018. Actually only one third of them face election then, and two thirds of those seats are currently held by Democrats.
This really is government for the musket and buggy whip era.
Is Trump insane? I'm serious! Is he insane?
From Merriam-Webster:
Definition of insane
1 a (1) :exhibiting a severely disordered state of mind :affected with mental illness (2) law :affected with insanity (see insanity 2) criminally insane
b :unable to think in a clear or sensible way :crazy insane with jealousy —not used technically
22
Whoa!
Go Jeff Flake!
6
Trump is our nation's drunk uncle -- name-calling and blustering out his opinions from his barstool at the White House. Every day is Thanksgiving dinner for America, and all of us sit at The Donald's table, waiting for him to hurl another insult or issue another "fact" that he cannot substantiate. I know Trump is a teetotaler, but he acts like a drunk uncle.
15
Surely I'm not the only person to note that Mr. Trump would be a far better dog catcher than Mr. Corker?
6
I wouldn't wish Donald Trump on any dog. There's a reason Trump has no pets.
5
The only Republicans brave enough to attack Trump are the ones with nothing politically to lose. The others, at least the moderates or moderately conservative Republicans, are profiles in shamelessness and are the antithesis of being principled. How many times do we have to say, "Shame".
12
Anyone who considers what Trump is doing with Republican lawmakers understands that he really is an ignorant and thoughtless man. He fails to understand that the President has no authority over Congress, that his role is to execute the laws enacted by the Congress and to act as Commander-in-Chief of the military when war is declared, and so it is he who must solicit support from Congress to have any legislation which he supports promoted. Instead, he huffs and puffs like some guest at one of his hotels who is frustrated with the maids or with room service. What a bozo.
11
Presidents who engage the US in wars can lead Congress around by the nose.
Where are GOP Congress members defending Sen. Corker?
17
What a courageous president! Last guy he attacked was LaDavid Johnson and his grieving family. What inspirational triumph and leadership. Makes me want to wave the flag and thump a bible.
11
We have a man child for a president how disgusting and sad. If I had another passport I'd be gone for at least the duration of a Trump presidency so I did not have to see his childish antics on a daily basis.
4
I see this as nothing more than flashing something shinny in front of the monkey cage. let's not forget about Russia.
5
The Republican approach to tax reform, "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today"
6
The United States President's behaviour is beyond pathetic. This whole ship is going down...fast. Can you imagine where we will be after 3+ more years of this nonsense?
Give me a Democratic Congress ASAP!
14
Bob Corker is one of the Republicans who's smatter than Trump and Trump knows it. The Great Oz is starting to shake in his boots and people are starting to notice.
8
Where did they have lunch? Chuck E. Cheese?
6
Ryan? McConnell? We can't hear you! Do you work for this country in a service role? Or, do you work for corporations that are profit making and NOT invested in the common good? Somehow, you are screaming the answer in your silence.
The Republican Party is imploding and you are supposed to be leaders! Rather, now, McConnell and Ryan are good buddies with the sick Donald and his band of destructive radicals now occupying our Oval Office.
20
Will trump ever actually offer a clear, rational, concise, logical, intelligent, well researched and reasoned rebuttal to any differing opinions/positions supported by others, instead of so predictably hurling these self-humiliating and infantile insults? Obviously, the answer is NO! It would certainly appear that neither Fordham University or the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania had a debating society that either interested or accepted trump . . .
4
To everyone applauding corker remember he supported trump. Remember that corker is just another Republican party hack. Remember what he did to the country when Obama was in office and what he continues to do to destroy democracy.
5
Perhaps. But we’re desperate.
2
Is this what it takes for Republicans to speak up?! Simply that they are no longer running for reelection?! First, John McCain and now, Bob Corker. How about all those "holier-than-thou-character-counts" Republicans?! They remain silent while our nation is gutted of dignity by Donald!
4
Don't bestow the Profiles in Courage Award to Corker just yet. He needs actions (or votes) to back up his words. Right now, he is all words and no actions and has continued to vote with the naked emperor.
2
Dear Mr Trump, the world WASN'T laughing at the US before. But NOW we are. Sad.
11
Every day lowers the bar just a little bit more.
Will we hit an absolute bottom?
Is there an absolute bottom?
If my kids acted thusly, I would be terribly embarrassed and ashamed.
8
People who voted for Trump believed that any change whatsoever would improve their situation.
Never pay attention to a pol's words.
Always pay attention to a pol's actions.
By that critically important metric, Senator Corker fails badly.
The last thing I remember him doing is ... campaigning for a certain candidate.
Being appalled and embarrassed for this once great nation isn't enough. Any sentient human would do that.
Put up or shut up, GOP.
4
In other news, China proclaims itself leader of the free world.
8
Trump, want more jobs, build more bridges and repair more freeways, with tax money. If you do it with private money, then the tolls are just another tax increase on those least able to pay it, with money that would be spent buying goods in the economy. Rather than buying international stocks like the rich do.
1
We're witnessing as well-deserved mutiny:
Senator Corker, maligned this morning by Trump, was asked if he'll be at the GOP lunch since Trump will be there, said, "Of course, it's my lunch. He's coming to our lunch."
Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona is similarly dismayed, says "while we remain silent and fail to act, we dishonor our principles. Our allies now looking elsewhere for leadership. Can't call fake things true and true things fake...we must be unafraid to speak out--our country depends on it.,," He cited "the casual undermining of our democratic ideals..." He will step down before 2 years.
John McCain honors Jeff Flake for standing up.
These senators should join the Democrats.
6
Puzzle: Why does President Trump fail to realize that every time he demeans Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., as "liddle," he exposes himself and his glaring shortcomings?
Answer: The average 11-year-old bully's mentality does not afford him the perspective in which to view his own immaturity.
6
“Many people say” that Trump is infantile. But the Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, Devin Nunes coalition are only to happy to win over his back. However, they and Trump’s followers will reap from under his belly. Ask Mr. Kelly about that. Corker is taking a stand. As did the few in the McCarthy, Nixon eras.
2
How about a back of the envelope calculation of how much the extended Trump family will save from this tax "reform" Ten Billion -- a Hundred Billion, with elimination of the estate tax?
And then simply include a single line, "no benefits from this tax reform will accrue to any member of the current administration or their heirs"
Remember when he promised to self finance his campaign? Let him forego self gain, and then maybe his convoluted dynamic budget scoring can be argued on the merits, since if it works, he along with everyone else, will gain anyhow.
3
Republicans will sacrifice everything, the good of the country, the truth, their own integrity, and their dignity, for tax-cuts-for-the-rich.
4
So sad that people in the gov whom we should revere are now involved in name calling and tweet- fighting. While I applaud Sen Corker (along with McCain and Collins, Graham sometimes) for not knuckling under to trump’s bullying, our gov is in shambles. Trump has sunk to a new low and has dragged those around him with him.
Those in gov need to step up and become responsible to the 300 million living here. The way to battle trump is to stop responding (and reporting) every inane tweet he makes and to start working across the aisle. That would certainly diminish his voice and power.
2
Interesting how this type of public feuding is condoned by those who agree with the message! It takes two to tangle. But the reaction of 'undignified' on one hand, to 'absolute approval' on the other is split exclusively along the lines of whose message you happen to agree with. Can't you see that?
1
The Constitution divides our government into three independent and equal branches. Ideally, these three branches should not try to influence each other, especially by intimidation.
Is Mr. Trump using intimidation as a tactic to bring members of the Congress, even those of his own party, as his obedient servants?
Checks and balances are a keystone of our Constitution and democracy. Is Mr Trump trying to subvert this principle?
1
Trump believes he can intimidate his way through anything.
Tax all income, irrespective how it was accrued, the same : wages, dividends, capital gains, and whatever other device hedge-fund managers use. Use a progressive scale, the more money one makes, the higher their tax rate
2
At least someone in the Republican party has the guts to speak out about the downward spiral we find ourselves in. Every day our beacon grows dimmer as the President bullies, insults and demeans all those around him. This is not how adults in a civil society behave. This is how children behave until they are socialized.
I am sorry if the President's daddy mistreated him, but this country does not deserve to be the punching bag for Trump's issues. It is time for all of us to stop treating this abuse as normal. It is not. We are better than this and we should be led by someone who represents us and not the arrested development fringe.
2
As long as senate republicans are willing to enable this child when it suits their own political fortunes, the public will be subjected to a three ring circus ('and now in the far ring, JFK's declassified assassination documents!').
To pretend that Trump has some ulterior, uber strategy beyond promoting his business interests and his hyperinflated ego is to ignore what is in front of our eyes. Incompetence, corruption, intimidation and subversion of public service at every turn. All we know for sure from week to week is that Trump will offend and/or threaten some major portion of the electorate, and spend the rest of the week defending the indefensible. If republicans are okay with this, some serious housekeeping is in order to preserve some shred of democratic representation.
1
We undermine our democracy when we are led to turn against each other. Sen. Corker and Sen. Flake are putting country first because they understand that the divisions created by the White House are ruining their party and all of us. This could be our moment.
3
Looking far ahead (as difficult as that may be under the present circumstances)
we must ask not only the question of how Trump's behavior will be recorded historically, but also how our tolerance of it for all these months be justified.
2
Trump has accomplished more in terms of making America great again than Corker ever could, he was usless as a Senator. Now Flake is leaving and we will soon be replacing McCain with another person. The lowering of the swamp levels in my view. All of the aforementioned were more of a Democrat than a Republican. The times they are a changing.
1
I lean leftward politically, but my hat's off to Senator Bob Corker. While Mr. Trump reminds us (daily) that he values only winning ("[Mr. Corker] couldn't get elected dog catcher in Tennessee"), Mr. Corker works courageously and tirelessly to remind us that the United States of America's success is based on far more substantial and wide-reaching values.
Pay attention, America, and thank you Mr. Corker.
1
I would love it if the real Republicans in Congress voted against the Trump tax cuts, just to deny him a victory. You knows he's going to vacuum up credit for absolutely anything that gets passed. All it takes is three senators to not vote yes, President Trump.
Senator Corker suggests he will soon convene hearings to examine the ways Mr. Trump “purposely has been breaking down relationships around the world.”
I certainly hope so. Since his inauguration, Trump has been living malware, a biological weapon intent on destroying the world standing of the United States. For such an incompetent president and an "empty barrel", he's been extremely effective in his efforts to do so.
1
Would that more Republicans shared Sen. Bob Corker's integrity and courage to call out Trump for the boor, oaf, liar and thug he is. Would that these same Republicans realized that their party's future depends on the type of courage and integrity that Corker models.
5
Something just isn't right with Donald Trump's mind.
25
Maybe Sen. Corker knows his role is to round up the strays here in Washington instead Mr. President. I'm a Reagan Republican who stands by Sen. Corker, over non-Republican reality star Donald Trump any day. I'm thankful for principled leaders like Sen. Corker, Sen. Flake, Sen. McCain and a few others who are willing to stand up to the pretense of power, and speak truth regarding the president's words and actions. How I long for the principled leadership of a Reagan, an actual conservative and Republican, who unlike Trump operated out of core convictions that focused on the nation's interests rather than his own.
6
If you think Corker, Flake and McCain are Republicans you havent been paying attention. They just pretend to be. Corker and Flake were both going to lose to a primary challenger. McCain is a media darling simply because he thwarts Republican legislation for person grandiosity. Them leaving hurts the Democrats more than the Republicans. Trump beat 17 pretend Republicans in the Republican primary. The times they are a changing.
1
Well Republicans, how much more are you willing to inflict on yourselves and the nation? Or is Trump's treatment of Corker scaring you ?
9
Republicans have no moral compass, no courage.
2
It is heartening to see men like McCain and Corker standing up for what is true and what is right...but so sad they are lonely voices spitting in the wind.
What, exactly, does Trump have over all the others in Congress that they're so frightened - or so self serving - they cannot put country before chaos?
27
Gotta' hand it to Don, he's a real class act. His ability to fit so much into 140 characters will be excellent training for the time when he is making vanity license plates full time. We can hope.
33
With Trump's business modus operandi of spending (and often losing) Other Peoples' Money without blinking or remorse, why should anyone think he would treat thee and me any different?
And, no, bankrptcy, Trump's other business modus operandi, is not an option.
7
Was just at the gym, simultaneously watching 3 news channels all covering this lunch thing. All 3 had the same back and forth insults between these schmoes playing over and over again while talking heads proclaimed how unheard of it all was and Senators preened and smirked for the cameras between commercial breaks.
I thought going to the gym was supposed to be healthy?
4
I guess we should welcome any Republican comments indicating a degree of willingness to accept that the emperor isn't wearing any clothes. Sadly, though, Corker's criticisms come far too late. It's been obvious from the get go that Trump was abysmally unqualified to be POTUS, and every day he's in office confirms it over and over. Where was Corker and where was the rest of the GOP leadership when Trump announced for POTUS?
The photo at the top of this article should be replaced with one of a very big barn -- possibly painted white -- and a horse running away at top speed.
6
“I don’t know why he lowers himself to such a low, low standard and is debasing our country,” Mr. Corker said in a CNN interview..."
Trump can't lower himself because he has been at rock bottom for decades: personally, socially, emotionally, and now politically. Where are the Republican colleagues of Corker supporting his criticism and warnings about this president who has made the US a laughingstock and is imperiling the people of this country and the world? Their silence also reflects a "low, low standard" of representing the people who elected them.
15
Would love to see Sen. Corker introduce a bill in the Senate prohibiting expenditure of public funds on a Trump presidential library, or monument, or naming any federal building, park, bridge or other asset after Trump.
Someone please suggest it to him.
A floor vote on such a bill would amount to a vote of censure against Trump. Would McConnell allow it to come to the floor? After a few more months of attacks on McConnell, too... who knows..?
8
Wow, and I never liked Mr. Corker before this.
9
While the rest of the world looks upon us with disbelief and horror.
9
Good for Corker . Someone has to speak truth to power . Trump is a walking disaster .
13
Any Republican congressman who comes out to support Bob Corker and publicly oppose Trump right now will be branded as a true patriot and will be able to hold office for as long as they like without having to run again. Other than McCain (and who knows how he'll vote on the budget and eventually healthcare) there are no R congressmen who will dare to step forward on this. It is a sad commentary on the state of the Republican Party right now. Just remember "Your flag decal won't get you into heaven anymore. It's already overcrowded from your dirty little wars." - John Prine
5
I wonder what Trump supporters think about this behavior? It may have been novel at first but now it is exhausting to see what depths this mind of madness will go.
8
Seems trump will just blurt out whatever is bouncing around in that space inside his head. We deserve, and need, much, much better than that.
7
Donald Trump is criticizing the Chairman of the Senate Relations Committee for incompetence on world affairs?
12
Senator Corker should not only engage in this puerile exchanges with this deranged guy. He should initiate a bill in the senate to prevent him for doing certain things and better still call for his impeachment. The jovial frivolities have passed
7
Everyone says that Corker is speaking truth to power now because he's not running for re-election and so doesn't fear taking an unpopular stance towards the train wreck that is trump. What a revealing statement about the current state of the republican party that the prevailing view within seems to be "keep it up, you're doing a heck of a job, trumpy" or perhaps "we know you're an uncouth, unfit to serve, unhinged man-child that is destroying our nation but just give me my tax cut so I can retire to that big home in that gated community"
The republican party will pay a steep price for their cowardice, complicity and complete lack of stewardship on their watch. No doubt most of them will rediscover their morals and dust off their acts of righteous indignation once they are again private citizens.
4
I'd have more respect for Bob Corker if he hadn't been rubber-stamping Trump's agenda.
Just because he is right about Trump being a moron doesn't make him a good person or a good senator.
We can go back to the old saying that even a broken clock is right twice a day. He was/is still a horrible senator.
He's probably going to run for governor, or even worse for President.
He's an opportunistic crony politician, not a man of principle.
He and his fellow Republicans set the stage and created a party mentality ripe for a narcissistic man-child to take the White House.
Sad that Democrats now need Republicans like George W. Bush, John McCain and Bob Corker as their new heroes.
What does that say about Democrats?
13
How elitist of Trump to insult dog wardens.
I'm sure many take the job because they have to feed their families. They aren't as lucky as he is to have had a wealthy father.
5
To me this is a Soap Opera passing for reality or some may say reality TV. Basically the plot never goes anywhere and the same friction happens every day. But the emotional level is always high. We have a Drama Queen who is also president. He would do well on one of those "house wife" shows where someone is always outraged or upset usually not about much. And fake is the order of the day.
17
Guess who is coming for lunch? ... I would like to be a fly on the wall to watch how agreeable this lunch is going to be. Hopefully, all present have taken the highest permissible dosage of Pepcid-AC.
3
Trump is an empty suit and has no capacity or desire to be a leader on the many important and dire issues facing us that desperately need to be addressed. This is embarrassing!
11
it is beyond embarrassing. just sad it's left to continue this long. where is the justice? yall should fix this misstep pronto. Anything new with Bobby 3 sticks? Hopes are running dry...
1
Corker should point out that he was elected by the MAJORITY of Tennessee voters. Just think a new tangent!
4
Bob Corker is Trump's diversionary tactic du jour.
Gotta deflect from Niger, and his self-inflected problems thereafter.
9
The tax cuts for the corporations and the very wealthy , wake up America the corporations are not bringing the jobs back and the rest of the working Joes will carry the burden of this enormous folly and perhaps that is what needs to happen. Sad we will become The Late Great America begging alms on the street corners.
6
Each evening I have to re-educate my blind, elderly mom who sits all day with Fox News on and her biggest thrill of the evening is to listen to Hannity. Sometimes she even refuses to take my calls because she cannot pry herself away from his show. So when I do finally get her ear she instead gives me an earful, about how the fake news media is trying to sabotage Trump. Then, when she is finally exhausted from her rants she listens to me and I gently explain to her all the pieces that Fox News has left out of their coverage. It's not that they outright lie, I tell her, it's more how they slant the truth and omit important points that would otherwise lead to different conclusions.
So what really scares me? How people like my mom, good intentioned and a lover of our country, can be so misled by one of the leading news channels. Being blind she does not have internet access to gather news from multiple places so, stuck on Fox for life she is indeed seeing a totally different America than the rest of us. And I still love her dearly but increasingly find it hard to listen to her bemoan the constant attacks on her hero, Trump. Ironically, my mom was a life-long Democrat. That is, until my dad passed away and she married up with another man who was rabidly Republican. Now that he, too has passed on, she is left...on the right and stuck in a Twilight Zone of existence.
God help my poor mom and the rest of America who are in similar states.
30
Indeed. Blindness is only rarely a disorder of the eyes. I share your sadness.
4
Preston, turn the TV to CNN, break the dial, and tell her it will all be good. I sometimes tune to Fox to see what type of air the other side it breathing, and it's not healthy, for mothers and other living things.
The Russians are master propagandists. An open society like the US is a piece of cake for them. Just say what people want to hear and insert a lie. Works every time. They were also clever enough to propagate the same lies about Obama (not a loyal American, spy, agent) that they would need to cover for Trump. People get sick of hearing about it just when it happens to become true. Clever.
It is heartening to know that there is at least one Republican in the Senate who has (a) intelligence, (b) ethics, and (c) backbone. Thank you, Senator Corker, for speaking the Truth, and for actually doing your Job. That, in itself, is a rare commodity in "our" Nation's Capital these days.
8
The President can't even spell the word "little", and apparently still thinks that "lightweight" is an insult of such grave character that it warrants repeating to every person he perceives to be an adversary. There are blog authors who are held to a higher standard -- and subject to more sweeping repercussions -- than Trump will ever experience, even as he continues to make a mockery of our government. It's curious that he has time to assassinate the character of a sitting Senator, but can't squeeze "sanctioning Russia for manipulation of our electoral process" into his busy schedule.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Republicans are hard at work, trying to put a smiley face on their plan to eliminate deductions that assist the working classes, so that they can satisfy their donors -- who are clearly still expecting an enormous windfall.
This situation started in November as farce, and has crossed well over the threshold into tragedy.
6
Sounds like Corker wants to lower the 401k deductions for the average worker. What's so good about that? Although it is good from someone on the right to call out Trump, there is no great insight in doing so. Most people can see that without Corkers help.
2
I'm a tech educator currently teaching a unit on digital etiquette to 4th graders and don't know whether to rejoice over the constant tie-ins with current events or to weep...
7
As a Canadian, I'm finding it interesting (and enlightening) to compare the current gong show in Washington to the functioning of the dozens of nations in the world using the Westminster Parliamentary form of government. Those in charge of the Executive branch in that system (the Prime Minister and Cabinet) get a budget enacted quickly and with no fuss, or they are (effectively) fired and replaced. Donald Trump is fond of firing people -- perhaps he should take a page from his own book.
In fact, taking that into consideration, along with things like the early and peaceful abolition of slavery, and then making the comparison of Donald Trump as Head-of-State to the dignity exhibited throughout her reign by Queen Elizabeth -- well, I've got to ask -- are Americans still really sure that that whole Revolution business was such a good idea after all?
4
For an european citizen, the behaviour of Mr. Trump is hard to believe. He once said, "We don´t want other leaders and other countries laughing at us anymore...". Well, I would say, the daily news from and about the WH would be quite funny, if it wouldn´t be so serious about the climate and to preseve the world peace. (What did we laugh about the "alternative facts" and the great Alec Baldwin)
Not to forget the health care. For us in Germany, payable health care ist absolutely normal and a great benefit for a modern country.
And no, the Paris Climate agreement doesn´t put your great country at a economic disadvantage!
I hope for the american people, that he won´t be sitting in the WH all 4 years, because of the damage he already did and the future damage he will cause to your great country.
17
Your phrase “modern country” captures the essence of the perils here. Trump is fundamentally impeding America from becoming one. But the most discouraging aspect is the number of people willing to follow a tv celebrity, however inept he may be.
I happy to see that Mr. Trump has taken time away from his Presidential duties to engage in 4th-grade name calling, which is the ceiling for both his diplomacy skills and emotional maturity.
14
I remain amazed and appalled that one of the biggest changes to our nation's fiscal profile is:
1) being done by a national MINORITY party (even though they're seated as the legal majority in Congress, they don't have (and haven't had since 2006) a national majority of votes.
2) being done by a national minority WITHOUT any input by the national MAJORITY party (seated as the congressional minority)
3) being overseen by a minority national vote president who is also a serial tax evader, public policy liar, and likely money-launderer who uses 'little people' votes to enrich himself, his business interests (that he refuses to divest himself of) and his family.
Unless the public reacts like they did against healthcare's "Repeal and/or Replace" effort, this will become the biggest fleecing of America in it's history! There is NO reasonable economic argument for cutting taxes at this time. We're simply on the road to making the entire nation look and feel like Kansas under Gov. Sam Brownback's disastrous fiscal stewardship.
11
I would love to hear what Tennesseeans have to say about this, especially Nashville musicians. Bob Corker deserves a "John Henry" type song, and they're just the songwriters to write it.
3
All I know is that a year from now he'd better have a real good answer for his supporters in the Rust Belt, who will still be waiting for the jobs he promised and finding it difficult to believe that no health insurance equals "something fantastic." All hat and no cattle.
9
Those rust-belt workers had to know that those promises were worthless, they just had to. They couldn’t have been that dumb. I think that they just finally felt empowered enough that they could throw a wrench into the political machine-works, watch the sparks fly, sit back and enjoy the show. Yee-ha.
oh, Bob Corker set the US way back...I was mistaken in thinking it was someone else.
I've never seen a more cantankerous, pugnacious politician than Trump, even picking fights with his own party, with his hand picked cabinet members. The guy is a civil war waiting to happen while he starts a world war.
7
Take into account that Bob Corker could not seek re-election as he was opposed by a Trump supporter and would surely lose the Republican primary to a popular congresswoman. Keep in mind Trump turned him down for Secretary of State, a position he coveted. He is out of politics as of 2018. Totally. Sour grapes?
1
While these two avatars of white male privilege are having their little schoolyard squabble, China is poising itself to eat our lunch...and dinner and tomorrow’s breakfast. In this era of intense competition between nations we can only succeed if we have smart, disciplined and talented people at the helm of government. I hope the yokels that voted for Trump remember that next time around.
10
I am just amazed at the infantile low level of Behavior of Trump,our “ fake president “
Coming recently from a trip to Europe, All I heard from people of all walks of life how they cannot understand how we a nation of 360 million, elected him to lead our country. I had no answer, the recent exchange with Sen. Corker is on a level that my grandchildren will be embarrassed.
He must go! For the sake of America, congress must act soon!
9
Trump, who entered on a descending escalator, has continued his descent, taking the country with him. The silence of most of the Republican party is deafening. He is debasing the basement from the sub-basement which is composed of two essential elements: muck and mire. The man has the policy chops of a void. And the clarity of a fog machine. It's all ad hominem all the time, that and insinuation, innuendo, and fabrication, straight out of the Roy Cohn playbook, the filth manual of Joe McCarthy's right hand henchman. Like those men, Trump is a sleight of hand decoy (a dangerous one at that). As there was no McCarthy list of Communist spies (just an unAmerican blacklist), there is no uplift or inspiration for the country in this president, only his regular barrage of insults, debasement and degradation. While the sideshow distracts, his henchmen do the dirty work of dismantling the institutions and values that actually do -- or could continue to -- make America great. That Trump's base, whatever its true extent, exults in this stuff is depressing. Sadly, that's just the way some of them like it.
6
Is it true that when I click to read this article, about our elected officials throwing public tantrums that would give third graders a bad name, you record this "click" and then are more likely to publish more articles like this? I'll stop if you will. Focus on the issues please: tax cuts, health care, Russia investigations, gutting of EPA, etc.
4
Trump continues to show his lack of maturity and competence. He really needs someone to tell him when it's best to keep his random and childish thoughts to himself. As his base and approval shrinks it would be in his and this country's best interests.
I commend Sen. Corker for being honest. I know it's easier when you are not running for re-election to stand up and speak your truth but it is good when it happens.
Yes, budgets belong in the legislature. They don't need any 'help' from Trump who proves over and over what little grasp he has on the big issues and knows nothing of policy. He might as well be the ventriloquist's dummy on policy.
Trump is a saboteur. Any time an idea, whether good or bad, is presented he will blow it up. Those in the GOP who still think his input adds value are fooling themselves. Fortunately they are not fooling a majority in this country.
As for Trump, maybe he should run for Dog Catcher in Tennessee. Now that's a job he could handle.
3
I disagree. Dog catcher requires a number of skills and the ability to deal with both humans and animals.
I can't help but think that Corker is angling to oppose Trump in 2020 as the voice of moderation.
2
Sounds to me like Corker may be thinking about running for President against Trump in 2020.
2
Every day I'm more and more aghast at the 4th Grader who occupies the White House. And, I'm sorry, I don't mean to insult real 4th Graders. Trump must GO.
5
As a Republican who voted for Trump, THANK GOD FOR BOB CORKER!
4
But do you now regret your choice?
1
Do you regret choices in your life?
1
I wonder how many dog catchers there are in America, who could perform the functions of President with more grace and acumen than the current occupant?
8
To paraphrase a great quote, here in Tennessee we measure the man from the neck up.
3
Trump is exercising the maturity of an elementary school bully, and is manifesting it again today against BobCorker, who is a Senator of stature.
Additionally, he has no comprehension of many of the issues, and either has the inability or unwillingness to learn about them.
Further, he still has no understanding of the separation of powers, between the Presidency, the Congress and the Courts.
He continues to demean the aura of the Presidency of the United States, and our reputation in the United States, and in the world.
Fortunately, the majority of rank and file citizens in the US do not agree with all of his legislative pronouncements and the personal and demeaning manor of their delivery.
4
Hope tax bill goes down in flames and that Corker and McCain deal it the final blow. Trump needs to learn actions (and words) have consequences.
18
Someone put a kick me sign on the Presidents back and end this once and for all.
15
So when POTUS goes to Capital Hill and sees Corker, does he revert to being best pals, or does he have the guts to call him Liddle' Bob Corker to his face. Thought not.
11
General Kelly should remind President Hairpiece that he was not elected. He was "elected" or, if you prefer, elected*
*lost the popular vote by 3 million
11
This is our president. I don't know about you, but I am just so proud to be an American right now . . . #NOT!!
9
Too little too late. Again.
4
This is just so embarrassing....
15
Disgraceful as usual. Perhaps the new awakened Corker could be a real AMERICAN PATRIOT and tell us how the GOP establishment betrayed the country by supporting and continuing to support him( you Nunes) . All should go to jail if not the gallows.
13
Trump is the best thing that could possibly happen to the anti-Trump forces. He is doing your work for you. Attacking a war widow and a senator of his own party?! Go Trump Go!! We won't have to impeach you, you will do it yourself.
10
I'm really tired of this wretched reality-tv show. The quality of the writing is worse than juvenile, and the ratings stink. When will the network cancel it?
And all of the winning that was promised is fatiguing, too.
13
Dear President Trump,
Please stop it. All of it. Behave. Please.
8
I hope Senator Corker catches all the dogs in the GOP who continue to lie to the American people, especially the mutt who occupies the Oval Office.
7
This has to end. I am so embarrassed and frankly frightened regarding the prospects for our nation given the unbelievably poor leadership in Washington starting with Trump. Where are the Statesman? Who voted for these fools?
12
What do you expect from a man who had Roy Cohen as a mentor?
9
This bully behavior is Trump’s entire identity, though he learned it thoroughly from his own father and later Roy Cohn, a likewise despicable person. He is very proud of that learning and patterning. Those who know him, don’t know him as well as he knows himself. In that vein, he is an expert witness. And all those who voted for him, and ravingly cheer him, are so tuned into a learned behavior that fawns over Trump’s bombast, that the rest of us cannot stomach, in the least.
Come on people, rise to the occasion, stop being victimized, every day, by his ongoing insanity. Yes, INSANITY. Let us get this over-with. First, follow Sen. Corker’s words, with your own, our own. All of us.
1
Bob Corker 2020.
4
Talk is cheap, action everything. If no action is taken against the most unfit, unqualified and dangerously unstable president in US history, then this is more GOP distraction and empty wind.
11
That Corker is practically the only Republican to speak up - it amazes me. Aren't there people of good will in the Senate and the House (even among Republicans)? Or do they not care about the future of our country and the world or even about the fate of their own children?
9
Trump is incompetent. He was incompetent on January 20, 2017 and nothing has changed as today. The Democrats who failed to vote last year own this. I did my part and voted and if we want to change the current political status quo in America we cannot do it by failing to vote.
25
Good for Corker for standing up for
what he believes. He has a
Democrat fan in California!
1
The world is not better with Twitter and Facebook. And are we powerless to let that media disrupt and make corrupt our elections and public discourse?
9
Donald has limited range of vocabulary. His favorite phrase "dog catcher" has been said multiple times. A Mexican immigrant has better vocabulary range in English as a second language than him.
17
Republicans, fight on! The more damage they do one another, the less damage they can inflict on the country.
3
Just an FYI - Fox News' headline is: "Republicans see tables turned as Dems face fresh Russia controversies". We do live in two different universes.
11
The main difference being that nothing whatsoever will come from this entirely concocted Russia uranium thing. It's all just a blatant attempt at distraction. And, rest assured, republicans will gleefully spend more money and resources chasing this tall tale than they will on the legit Russia investigation...
2
Go Bob Corker!
11
final term, not running for re-election.... bang. they speak as they see it.
vote YES for term limits.
7
If only it were possible to get inside of the mind of a typical Trumpian. Would we see identical personality traits in them that Corker sees in Trump? There is a self reinforcing quality to it.
2
I've been thinking of how much Donald Trump loves nicknames, "Crooked Hillary", "Lying Ted", "Little Marco", "Liddle Bob", although most of these derogatory nicknames fit Trump ten fold than the people he was bullying, he even most likely chose James Mattis, due to his nickname "Mad Dog".
I think it's high time we find a nickname for Donald Trump, and while there a many that could fit, I was think "Old Bone Spurs" is choice that fits Trump well.
9
Elizabeth Warren was silenced by Mitch McConnell's use of Rule 19 because she “impugned the motives and conduct of our colleague from Alabama.” Rule 19 says, “senators may not directly or indirectly, by any form of words impute to another Senator or to other Senators any conduct or motive unworthy or unbecoming a Senator"
Why is the so-called president not held to the same standard as Senators or indeed to a higher standard since his is the highest office in the land? McConnell blocked Warren from simply reading a letter from C.King so why is a president allowed to continue to debase the office of the US presidency with Twitter insults and shameless bullying? His conduct with Twitter fights and unseemly insults to Gold Star families, Congressional reps. and Senators illustrate how unfit for the office he is. How can this go on without being rebuked by Congress?
Perhaps they should try to pass a law requiring the president to be held that same public standard to which they are held? That may be one thing the can agree on.
6
All I take from this is that a sitting Senator is reminding the President that he is not his boss. All else including the middle school insults follows from that.
3
Senator Corker speaks truth to the President whose response is to waste an entire morning in a tweet tirade that the whole world can see. Someone please explain how this is presidential?
4
Trump is beyond the pale. I wish we were allowed to swear on this message board. There's no other way to get to the feelings.
5
Just heard Trump on NPR claiming that tax reform has to be passed, because there are four trillion dollars overseas that "can't come back" to the country.
Excuse me?!
That money could easily be repatriated.
It's just that the people who control it don't want to pay their fair share of taxes on it, so they deliberately keep it out of the country and out of circulation in the United States. It's the ultimate in selfishness.
What these folks are attempting to do is unconscionable. They live in a country that allows them to make huge profits. Paying taxes on huge profits is how the country as a whole shares in the enormous wealth that our political system provides for these people.
Their refusal to pay taxes signals an arrogant lack of gratitude to the country that makes their vast wealth possible. We provide the military defense for their operations overseas, we provide the labor, the legal system, and the infrastructure their businesses rely upon to exist.
The least they could do is pay as large a proportion of their profits in taxes as ordinary working people pay out of their incomes.
13
I hope Corker has learned that when you dance with the devil....
In recent interviews I have heard with Corker, he seems surprised by Trump’s current unpresidential behavior. News flash: Trump’s been like this his entire life. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. The GOP opened this door by not shutting this down soon enough, and now we all pay the price. Not just the people Trump goes after on Twitter, but ALL of us.
4
Republicans are the only ones who can protect the American people from the harm that Donald Trump is about to inflict on our nation. Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan need to take a cue from Bob Corker and stand up to this clear and present danger.
2
A. Trump is utterly untruthful.
B. Trump is telling us about the benefits of his tax plan.
C. The tax plan actually has no benefits.
That was easy.
6
Too bad the GOP tax cut, which will blow up the federal deficit by at least 1.5 trillion, is aimed solely at benefiting the mega corporations and the uber rich. It's estimated that one third of the middle class will see their taxes rise if this bill passes. If you're going to blow a hole in the deficit, GOP, instead of financing the life styles of the rich and richer, why not spend that 1.5 trillion on rebuilding infrastructure? Of course that would mean creating actual jobs for blue collar and middle class Americans, instead of promising imaginary trickle down economic growth. Trump, McConnell, Paul Ryan, the entire GOP ALL LIE without hesitation or shame.
9
How many other Republican Senators have a backbone? We will soon find out.
5
Double whammy for President Trump and Mitch McConnell: A protester bringing up the Russian treason subject, having thrown Russian flags at Jared Kushner at an earlier incident. Trump's photo-op is a disaster, which will be in the news for days on end.
Bob Corker knows all about inside baseball of this administration.
He's literally unleashed as this president's main critic, and his complaints are clearly spot on. Today has been pivotal.
Corker has an inside view-- and a bird's eye view -- since he's spoken often with this White House, and knows the particulars. Plus he's a respected and bipartisan chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. He knows this president inside and out.
Trump's deputy national security adviser Dina Powell said previously that Corker and Trump “speak regularly about the critical national security challenges facing our country, and Corker is extremely respected by the entire National Security Team.”
They can't destroy Corker. But we certainly value his honesty and candid statements. He is in a position to know far more than most senators of both parties--- riding in like Paul Revere. And they can't "cork" him.
3
If the world is laughing at us it's because we haven't gotten rid of the 9 year old that's living in the White House.
The GOP needs to wake up before it's to late to save what little dignity we have left.
There's probably not one country out there that would enter into an agreement with us knowing full well that Donny boy would turn around the very next day and break it.
So don't look to him for any real tax reform.
2
Thank you Senator Corker for taking on this no win fight with the president and having the courage to call out his bad behavior. As a Republican Corker is proving that he is someone who cares deeply about the direction the country is headed.
1
Every day I anticipate feeling gobsmacked to hear adjectives coming out of my television that surpass those I heard the day before used to describe the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Every day--somehow--the language gets stronger, more pointed, more strident, and more unbelievable.
Did any of us ever think we would hear our PRESIDENT described daily as incompetent, unstable, unwell, dangerous???
Yes, this president's legacy will be that he debased the country in ways never dreamed of up until now. Senator Corker is saying it as it is.
2
So and as Republicans (well at least two) come out against him, he is readying planes for nuclear war and and making it possible to recall retired military. It's almost as if he knew you can't impeach a President during war time.
As for other Republicans coming forward and condemning Trump, don't hold your breath. They'd all link arms with an Ebola virus if they thought it would help them get their tax cuts and it's not even because they particularly believe in them. The eternal prospect of tax cuts is what gets them their funding and lets them keep their otherwise cushy, do-nothing jobs. They're servants, just not public servants.
7
Senator Corker is one of the few members of the G.O.P. with the guts to say what most of them are saying privately.
2
Was talking with a recently "reformed" Trump voter who is now offended by the crude and rude AH nature of the man. This person wanted political change and thought Trump was the hard nosed business guy to do it, but not at this cost to our society and its established standards of decency, respect and honesty.
Trump is now losing support, not of his perpetual and unmovable AH base, but of people who now know he is not anywhere near the man they thought he was.
Many politicians who were past supporters are also thinking of jumping ship just like Corker has done. The snowball is snowballing.
1
One gets the impression that our president spends his entire day doing nothing more than watching television and tweeting about it, interrupted only by the occasional photo op where he invariably brags without basis and/or lies without reason. And then he spends his nights stewing over not getting the total, fawning devotion and respect he believes he deserves, regardless what he says or does, and he wakes to tweet again.
The Corker exchange today was just one more episode of the daily tv/tweet/stew/tweet cycle of this presidency, featuring yet again the emptiness of the Oval Office and the puffed-up fullness of the man who occupies it.
5
MEMO
TO: POTUS, US Senate, US House of Representatives
CC: SCOTUS
FROM: MARIE and the other 323,999,999 bosses
SUBJECT: Work Performance
As your hiring manager it has come to our attention that you have not been fulfilling your work obligations after we, with great consideration end expense, hired you to conduct our business. Instead we have evidence of school-yard behavior that does not meet the professional standards or the rules of conduct of our 240 year old institution and more importantly not conducive to business, wastes time, and is counterproductive. Also we have found questionable expenditures in your expense reports. Further violations will result in deducting from your salary the amount of time engaged in such behavior or personal expenses submitted as business expenses with the potential of additional discipline up to and including termination. While we expect our employees to debate in good faith to arrive at consensus solution we expect that in the end that it is understood that we are all on the same team.
Remember, people are our most important asset!
1
Too bad Trump is not taking a salary. I guess we really got what we paid for on that account.
One can have negative salary and vacation balances in some firms.
Could 30 more Senators join Corker on sounding the alarm about Trump? Is there any courage out there? Or does Trump need to send us into nuclear annihilation because Congress refuses to stand up against him. No leadership at a time we really need it.
4
In the past, presidents had fights with members of their own party. For example, the hostilty between President Lyndon Johnson and Senator Robert Kennedy was legendary.
However, in public they only said the nicest things about each other. Years ago, people knew how to control themselves in public.
Trump however is really, truly severely disturbed.
He has 3 severe emotional problems:
1) He is intellectually deficient or has a form of attention deficit disorder. He is famously unfamiliar with legal and political processes. In the debates, he indicated that he did not know what our nuclear triad was. He is blithely unaware of the particulars of foreign, tax and medical care policies.
2) He is a psychoitic as he has delusions of grandeur: He believes that only he can save America, that he is perfect and, as he put it, that he can kill people at random on Fifth Avenue and still retain his supporters.
3) He is psychopathic, i.e., he has no guilt and no sense of right and wrong.
He stiffed tens of thousands of contractors all over South Jersey by his corrupt manipulation of the bankruptcy code, he stole millions of dollars by setting up a fake on line university -- and it would take all day to his ethical and social fangs.
The GOP likes to think it is manly, e.g., the Republicans are sometimes called tbe Daddy party.
If our pampered millionaire GOP senators had any spine or integrity they would join Mc Cain and Corker and doom the Donald.
2
While it is difficult to bear witness to this national disgrace we have for a president in domestic issues, but when it concerns existential military threats that could potentially mean the end of civilization, it assumes an entirely different incomprehensible dimension.
The media should devout more print to educating the public on the potential outcome of either a conventional preemptive or nuclear strike. To say nothing of the loss of life, it will be devastating to our economy and the global supply chain.
1
Amazing what happens when someone decides not to run for reelection. Imagine the honesty we'd have if there were term limits and these politicians weren't always worried about the next election, but getting down to work.
3
I challenge even one Republican congressman or senator to explicitly state that Trump is a good role model for her or his young children or grandchildren.
2
Corker is obviously beginning his run for the 2020 GOP nomination. It's easy to cheer him on because he's taking on Trump, but let's not forget he is still a conservative Republican who is doing his best to pass tax cuts for the rich. It's sad that we are forced to side with the guy who wants to keep the possibility of cuts to 401K benefits on the table!
I'm not sure Trump understands that when Sen. Corker announced his retirement it means in a year from now, not a month from now. I don't recall the chapter in The Art of the Deal that talks about achieving a win by attacking your own team.
When tax reform legislation fails and we roll in to 2018 I think we'll see more members willing to get on the Corker team. We can only hope at this point.
1
The government is running a deficit which increases our national debt.
So the president and (most) Republicans say that it can be fixed with a tax break that will boost the economy and pay for the reduction in taxes.
But then the debt increases even more and Republicans blame it on the policies of democrats like Obama who came in during the great recession.
And Trump supporters buy the Republican logic while an increasing amount of their wealth goes to the top 1%.
2
We all are getting a certain amount of low level entertainment out of Trump's tweets and responses, but Americans really must keep their eye on the real deal. The 'real deal' now is the 'tax reform' being engineered by the 0.01% . The 0.01% is continuing to use their Great Oligarchs Party to make the other 99.99% into financial serfs who can then live in world with minimum infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Careful America, or you will find out what is actually meant by MAGA.
2
It is hard to figure out who has the high ground in this fight among the elephants. Is it Corker who is defending the prerogative of House and Senate Republicans to write the most important tax legislation in secret with no input from Democrats and the public (except for selected lobbyists)? Congressional Republicans are apparently willing to sacrifice everything American, including the retirement system (401(k)) for tens of millions of Americans and our health care system, to deliver a one-third tax cut (from 39.6 to 25%) to the richest Americans.
Maybe it is the elephant in the White House who has the high ground in this one. He is willing to talk in public about what he wants in tax reform. He is also unwilling to jeopardize the retirement system that tens of millions of Americans have come to rely upon and that was thought up by Republicans.
It seems to me that House and Senate Republicans have the low ground here. They want to deliberate in secret and announce a final plan that they will enact with at most perfunctory public hearings. They seem to be poised to sacrifice everything American (our health care system and our safety net) to deliver tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. Sometimes Trump is better than the rest -- but by little.
If it increases the debt, it is a loan not a tax cut.
Thank goodness that Bob Corker as a Republican is speaking up and having the courage to call out the president's acting out behavior. Many more senators and congress members need to speak up as well.
2
With exchanges like these, you wonder why Millennials have a lower opinion of democracy? Only when politicians are no longer running for re-election. do we see what amounts to ethical, moral, adult behavior.
Anyone cheering on Donald Trump in this truly needs to evaluate their priorities in life. This is disheartening to say the least.
1
On first principles, Republicans can hardly whine for 8 years about Obama's ballooning deficits, and then turn around an propose the biggest tax cut in the country's history. Unless they are hypocrites.
But they fix this through the magic of accounting. They pass a budget resolution (not a binding law, mind you, a resolution supported only by their party) which allows for a larger deficit. Then they pass a tax cut that doesn't make that new deficit larger than was in the resolution. This is hypocrisy writ large.
12
Talk (and Twitter) is cheap.
Legislation can reign in the Mad King.
Once Senators McCain and Corker do that, I will respect them. Until then, it's just grandstanding.
14
The history books will say that only two Republicans, Bob Corker and John McCain, stood up to Donald Trump as he destroyed the United States. (Sadly, one senator announced he wouldn't seek reelection, and the other was dying of brain cancer.)
It's high time the rest of the GOP stand up to this unfit, corrupt bully who is unable to fulfill his duties as president and will almost certainly be removed from office.
13
Thank you Bob for standing up, but it's a little too late. He got your support in the election, now it's time for payback.
8
What a hero Bob! let's stop embarrassing the US please!
And look at how many Senators and Representatives kowtow.
The do us so proud.
3
25th amendment, now! trump is clearly unable to perform the duties of the united states president .
12
Anyone with a shred of intelligence and integrity who paid attention during the campaign leading up to election already knew that Donald Trump “struggles with the truth”, as Senator Corker mildly puts it, and that Donald Trump’s infantile and irrational temperament is in need of around the clock adult supervision to keep us out of World War Three. It’s sad that it takes a retiring GOP senator, no longer beholden to the corrupting influence of mega donor campaign contributions, to finally speak truth to power and state the obvious.
11
What is really sad is that those sitting congressmen and senators are so attached to the privileges of their positions that they would rather do nothing than do what they know to be the right thing.
1
Impeachment is not a criminal trial. No law need be broken, no guilty verdict or imprisonment need be imposed, just removal from office. Impeachment is a political act to remove someone from office who has demonstrated an inability to perform his duties with the requisite decorum. If Trump were a judge, he would have been removed months ago. As President he has demeaned the office, lied to the people, insulted foreign dignitaries and enriched himself and his family. The ill-prepared, ill-informed and ill-tempered candidate has not been elevated by getting elected to the highest office in the land. To the contrary, he has dragged it down to the level of the con artist he has always been. He is an embarrassment to the Nation and a threat to the World. The timid Republicans are waiting with baited breath for the Mueller Report, which they hope will bring down his Presidency. They cannot wait any longer. He must be impeached now.
19
The good news about today's tweets by the President is that he is not attacking the 24-year widow of a soldier killed in Niger. At least, he is picking a fight with someone who can easily give back invective that is as strong as he receives.
13
Trump doesn't seem to get the underlying problem. He wants a massive tax cut for the rich billed to the federal deficit. That's the bottom line. Corker has offended the President by telling him the truth: A partisan tax cut is impossible without a tax increase somewhere. Eggs are going to get broken if Trump wants to eat his cake. Otherwise, no cake.
Republicans look silly too though. Their first suggestion is to attack programs that even wealthy middle-class families rely on. I'm sure everyone is happy to cap their 401k contributions in exchange for a break on their estate tax. Assuming you have an estate, you'll make good on the investment when you're dead. Get rid of those pesky state and local tax deductions too. You won't need them when there's only two tax brackets: Those who can pass through income and those who can't.
Republicans are absolutely out of their minds.
15
Republicans up for reelection in 2018 feel Bob Corker's public warnings about Trump are throwing them under the bus. Of course, they don't disagree with what he is saying, they just aren't "free" to speak about it. Pathetic Essentially they are throwing the American People and the country under the bus by offering their support to Trump, so they can best secure their jobs. Don't they recall their oath of office including to protect us from enemies both foreign and domestic? (Thank You Bob Corker for being one of the too few Republicans in congress to show courage and try to alert us to the threat that is Trump.)
9
Can you imagine how Republicans would be howling if Obama had comported himself like Trump? Good for Bob Corker, who is voicing what 2/3 of the country is thinking.
24
This tax cut plan blew up already. Trump's tweets are just the rolling thunder.
8
Trump will never be anything more than an attack dog. It's worked for him in the past and he stays true to what works. He will never rise to the level of the office he was elected to because he can't. He hasn't the tools or the desire. So having said this it's time for his cabinet to rise to the level that they were elected to and invoke the 25th Amendment and do the public the service by fulfilling their oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the USA and rid us of Trump.
9
"budget deficit for fiscal 2017 grew by $80 billion, to $666 billion" I don't believe this number is a coincidence.
11
Lovely that Corker calls it like it is, McCain too. However, it's all words, and that still amounts to cowardice, especially since these men knew exactly who this man was when they supported his candidacy and foisted him on the American public. Until they DO something about this man, they get no praise from me. You guys bought this debacle of a presidency, you own it and you must lead the way to fixing it and/or containing it. Otherwise, it's all sound-bites and furious Tweets signifying nothing.
14
Senator Corker: Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words. Put your money where your mouth is.
The prospect of leaving office has emboldened Senator Corker. But it is too bad the Republican senators who look to be re-elected don't have his honesty.
9
The rest of the GOP is so scared of losing the support Donny's mindless mob and losing their funding from the Kochs, either of which can destroy a Republican campaign, that they forgot they have constituents.
9
Trump is a loose cannon, everybody knows that, but nobody will do anything about it, until it's too late.
5
Do we REALLY need a "Trump attacks...", "Trump blasts...", or "Trump says..." headline as the lead news story each and every day?
1. Not really the most important news item in the whole world is this? People are dying dues to US actions and inaction.
2. Why give the narcissistic egomaniac what he so desperately wants -- attention -- all the time?
3. Trumps destructive actions, and those of his backers and acolytes, are far more important than what he says. How about focusing on those more.
This degradation of the president's role into some sordid reality TV show is damaging our democracy and our nation.
7
There is no dignity left in the office of President of the United States. One might as well take down the grand art works that adorn the walls of "the people's house", the White House, and throw them in the street. Send in the fumigators. It will take years to clean up this mess and, sadly, it might not be possible. This might be the downward spiral of America's future.
Our elected presidents are a bit like kings, but even weak willed people of ages past eventually had the nerve to push back against abuses of power. There appears to be no organized effort on the part of Republicans to limit this insanity and bring Trump down to earth and get him to stop these silly twitter wars. Nothing is being gained.
Millions of people across America now celebrate these outrages, thinking it is somehow part of action against entrenched opposition. They are wrong. The Republicans who opposed Trump on sandblasting Obamacare did so because they saw the light: you could take away health insurance from millions, but some effort, some bandaid would be needed to cover the open wound. None was found and none was possible without continuing a high level of spending, something they did not want, either. They found themselves stuck between inflated Republican promises and the truth that harming millions was not a way to Make America Great Again.
Trump is opposed by Republicans because, when it comes down to details, there either are none or the plans are idiotic.
7
Hey Congress - Anytime you guys decide you're done, there is more than enough evidence to impeach Trump for repeated violation of the Constitution's emoluments clause. You don't even have to wait for Mueller's Russia investigation.
11
We are never going to wake up from this nightmare.
4
I love it - a Republican who tells the truth about Trump. Once again, it comes from someone with nothing to lose, since he is choosing to exit from politics. I hope the Press, including the NYT, takes it seriously and does not report it as though it is mere entertainment. They are on the verge. Let's please skip the back and forth tweets. Since Bannon, with Trump's tacit support, is out to destroy many other Republicans, how would joining Corker in telling the truth about Trump harm them?
2
Is Corker getting ready for a Presidential run to save the Republican Party? Time is ripe!
1
Trump is dragging America down into his tabloid / reality TV cesspool. What other Republicans will stand will Bob Corker and John McCain in sending the message to electorate that "we've had enough"?
2
Drumpf has the world in his grip with his very own brand of daily media. He didn't want to be President; he wanted to be a media mogul. To be able to bash MSM & to supersede it, he needed exactly what Twitter offers: Twits who think, write & speak in 140 characters. (Whoever thought extended Twitter typing would be required to fully express Trump's venom? Twitter techs need to look into their rule of 140 characters for especially mad vipers.)
He has what he always wanted: the attention of the world in his 13 yr old reform school self. How? By the use of Twitter. Suddenly, because he is President, all news is "Fake News". The world is sick of it.
4
When a trapper digs a hole that's obvious for all to see, whose fault is it when something falls into it? This may be news to some people.
Deeper and deeper into the mouth of madness.
2
I really don't care for my taxes being doubled so Trump won't have to pay AMT. This may be the real reason he ran, that and his racism.
3
The dungeon for Corker! Now!
1
This slow motion train wreck that is the Republican Congress and D. Trump would be an absolute hoot were it a sit-com. Sadly, it is not TV. I can't stop watching in fascinated horror as our putative POTUS self-destructs and drags the entire nation down into the abyss. Never was the idiom "hoist on his own petard" more apropos. Regrettably, it is no little bomb which will do the hoisting and we may all go airmail along with the Trumpster when and if the shinola truly hits the windmill.
2
I just can't get past the liddle' Bob. Honestly, why is that apostrophe there? Why does Trump think it should be there? This is not the first time; he's used it 2 or 3 times before. Maybe to you it's just an apostrophe, but to me it's a symbol of the core problem we face as a nation.
To be illiterate and ignorant does not make one a criminal. Nor just it justify ridicule or mockery. But we should be scared and concerned, because an ignorant president is someone else's puppet.
2
Perhaps Bob Corker will become like the boy in the bible's 'David and Goliath' story... and bring down the oversized menace to the World.
3
This disgraceful state of affairs doesn't come certainly out of the thin air since , practically, in all fields, there is a total debasement of intellectual, artistic, you name it, standards. Starting from this president, we are living in a world that is just garbage and, though, this #45 was elected as The Apprentice, we should begin to seriously question this world of cheap-degrading-entertainment.
The menacing Trump has been outed, many, many times ... The more important question is when is he going to be ousted, after he loots our country and destroys its sovereign integrity? He's as embarrasssing
Republican politicians are not afraid of Donald, they are afraid of the hoards of barbarians who swoon to his every tweet - his power is in the mobs he can incite. These minions now feel empowered to take down any Republican who is not obedient to their tin god Trump.
The Tea Party has morphed into Trumpism - a Frankenstein monster they created that has gotten out of their control. Well, we cannot prevent them from burning down their own house, but progressives can put our house into order by making sure all of us get to the voting booths November 6th, 2018.
1
Dear Mr. Trump,
If you feel threatened enough to lash out at someone with judgments like "liddle," "incompetent," and "lightweight," then congratulations: you've taken the bait.
You don't look strong for talking like a bully, you look weak and self-conscious.
4
smoke and mirrors:
Trump et. al. will line their pockets and let the middle-class keep the modest 401K break they already have. What a joke!
No wonder Trump continues to stir the pot with congressmen/women, gold star families, etc.- he certainly doesn't want anyone thinking about governance and policy. It is obviously easier for him to play president then to be president.
2
The Republican Party continues to destroy itself.
Can you imagine if this president and his crew, along with today's radical Republicans had been in charge in early 2009 (when, thankfully, Obama took office) and the economy was in its meltdown with 600 thousand jobs being lost each month?
Can you imagine how incompetent and dogmatic and useless their blah blah solutions would have been?
Can you imagine the situation spiraling out of control far worse than what we went through?
Can you imagine no job, no money for your rent or mortgage? Can you living in your car?
God help us if the spaghetti (that word has all four letters if you look) hits the fan with this kindergarten cabal in power.
It will not work.
It will not be pretty.
Pray.
Then vote in 2018 and 2020.
1
I wonder what the seating chart for the meeting was today?
Trump calling Corker 'Liddle' is like calling a 300 lb bodybuilder 'Tiny' - we simply take the opposite message and understand that Corker is an intellectual giant in contrast to the truly liddle Donald Trump.
3
Good...Now we only need 18 more votes to impeach.
1
Absolutely pathetic!
Corker has finally come out of his hiding and is leveling his guns at an incompetent and lying Mr Trump, who is not even worthy to be called Mr President.
Trump's plate is full of major national and international issues to wrestle with, and yet he spends his time attacking and name-calling not only common folks, but key leaders of "his party".
Who could had ever imagined that a President of the United States would exhibit the emotional level of an immature, combative, seventh grader, unable to deal with the slightest criticism leveled at him...
How much more should Congress tolerate this fiasco before starting impeachment procedures!
2
We no longer have to go abroad or import 3rd world parliamentary video clips. The President has brought it all home for us. See, he is cutting back on foreign imports already!
1
Let's not put Corker on any pedestals. He's still the same partisan jerk that opposed Obama's auto-industry-saving bailout, because it would have given the African-American President a victory, but then ran for re-election on the tens of thousands of Tennessee jobs it saved. He opposed every common-sense, economy-boosting, humane policy and proposal Obama(and the Dems) put forth for eight years. He was Tea Party without the rhetorical baggage. Trump is the baby he birthed, the logical culmination his shameful efforts have wrought.
1
Mr. Corker: There is an old saying — never argue with an idiot; people might not be able to tell the difference. Or, put more tactfully by Michelle Obama: When they go low, we go high.
Just ignore this poseur and continue telling it like it is. People will begin to listen. No need to do the heavy lifting — Trump & Co. prove you correct with each passing day they stay in office. You and John McCain are Oracles.
1
This Twitter war is demeaning to both of them, not to mention the country.
131
It doesnt do much for Twitter, either.
1
But we need to see it. Historians need to record the decline of the American Empire. We are witnesses.
The country demeaned itself by electing this fraud.
Corker actually voted against the Iran deal. So lies just spew forth from Trump's mouth like flies from rotted fruit.
9
To Republicans, "tax reform" means tax cuts for the wealthy and for large corporations. That's the only thing that unites Republicans. A higher individual tax bracket will just let the wealthy avoid it by using tax shelters unavailable to most of us.
The little fight over whether Bob Corker or Donald Trump represents true "conservatism" (whatever that may be) is just a sideshow. We shouldn't lose sight of what Republicans' true priorities are: hurt the poor and the middle class, claim you're helping them, but take care of your fellow millionaires.
9
To Howard:
You may be correct.
But why do Republicans get to make this call?
Why didn't Obama push tax cuts for the working man and woman?
Dear Friends and Neighbours to the South,
This is all so … Small. Demeaning. Unworthy.
You are better than this. Really.
8
Yes, a majority of over 3 million of us are better than this. However, unfortunately we have a significant minority of the voters here that are in fact not better than this and are holding us captive while they bring the rest of us down into their fetid swamp.
Canadians would do well not to feel too smug at our situation. Many of you come to live in my community to escape the great white north for six months and surprisingly a lot of you seem just fine with Trump.
1
Dear Charles, just to be empirical, I did a quick search on polling numbers for Trump among Canadians. His approval ratings range between 10 to 32 percent, variables being time and the issue being polled. I assume Snowbirds participated, as none of the polls I saw were conducted during the winter.
2
I can understand the followers of Donald Trump, those rank and file that voted for him wanting to back their man even in the face of mounting evidence of corruption, malfeasance and plain stupidity.
But I can't understand the Republican Congress not knowing Trump for what he is: an unhinged narcissist who is not fit to hold the highest office in the land and the free world.
I know they seem like village idiots at times, but the vast majority of these Republican congressmen and women are smart people who didn't get where they are by not knowing what people are all about.
I have to imagine that after a meeting or two with DJT they know what he is all about. They know that Corker's adult day care commentary is apropos. How could they not?
9
Corker is the cool cat and Trump is the dog chasing his own tail. Paraphrasing Maureen Dowd.
3
Once again, Twitter is the coward's megaphone. Shameful.
4
Doesn't the president have anything better to do? Jeez.
6
When will Senator Corker from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee step forward and state what is becoming more obvious every week:
Donald Trump is a foreign agent elected to create chaos in the USA. Trump isn't failing at all. He's doing what he was paid to do. Screw things up.
7
Bingo! You've called it. Trump is acting as Putin's wrecking ball to smash this country.
Corker & McCain both need to realize they've not been relevant for a long time, & just retire...
They are more relevant now than ever. If this is their Last Hurrah, it's a sorely needed one.
3
Obviously tRump seems to think Corker is relevant because rather than focusing on far more important issues, he takes the time to tweet childish rants against him.
1
Yay for Bob Corker! Next, Bob, recommend impeachment of trump. his presidency is a sham. Worse than reality tv.
5
Why bother watching "Curb Your Enthusiasm" - just read the NYT front-page.
6
I am a Republican who voted for President Trump.
My apologies, America, for having done so.
43
We all make mistakes. As long as we learn from them....
3
Well, why did you do so in the first place? There was no justifiable reason to do so. His history with trump "university" alone, not to mention the "bus tape", clearly disqualified him from serious consideration for so important a job. Despite all of H. Clinton's many flaws, I cannot fathom why anyone would have voted for so obvious a fraud and grifter as trump. (I actually find it hard to capitalize his name).
1
Joe, thanks for saying so. I know it’s hard to admit you were wrong about something because I’ve had to do it many times myself...
1
If I were Corker I'd be livid. Trump re-used his moniker for Marco Rubio on Corker, although he spelled it differently, "Liddle". Doesn't Corker rate enough for creative mocking?
8
President Trump believes he won the election by running against "establishment Republicans" as much as against Democrats & Hillary Clinton. He must keep the anger at the establishment at extreme levels in order to be re-elected.
4
The tax cuts are based on lies, and we know it.
Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of our country.
Especially Elected Politicians who are entrusted and paid by US to do so.
If they don’t they should be prosecuted for aiding and abetting a national fraud and held personally liable for knowing the lies the president and his minions have told us about who benefits and the impact on our national debt.
Likely they won’t. They are more focused on their self-interest and afraid of the president, party, special interest donors than the well-being of our country
Washington DC attracts corrupt, corrupting and corruptible individuals seeking influence, connections, money and power.
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
7
"If you can't make a good deal with a politician, then there's something wrong with you," Trump 2015. "Deals are my art form. ... I like making deals, preferably big deals." Trump 2014. Gee, who would have thought this was a good approach to make deals?
7
I love to watch trump being consumed by these petty little grudges -- especially aimed at his fellow party members. It keeps him from doing actual damage to the nation and its citizens.
11
Actually, it scares me that quite the opposite is true-- while we pay attention to the freakshow on the midway, the carnies in the shadow are picking our pockets, breaking into our cars and getting ready to hit us over the head when we round the corner. Look out.
1
No, it doesn't. Research what's going on at the EPA, for just one example. For a taste of our international reach, read about the even more horrible Global Gag Rule, which will cause even more girls and women to suffer and their babies to die.
Although these skirmishes are important, they are also distracting too many of us from the real harm that is occurring, every day.
1
Corker is as blind as the rest of the GOP. He laments "It's unfortunate that our country finds itself in the situation". It's not unfortunate, it is simply what happens when good men do nothing.
28
I have a crazy theory that Trump tweets may come from Russia. It’s all done in private so no one knows, not even his staff really. He’s cornered by the dossier and fully compromised; a propaganda puppet on a string. Corker seems to have some similar thoughts, the lack of subtlety looks Russian.
6
Nothing crazy about it. Most tweeting at wekends from his golf course where he has secure access to the Kremlim in complete privacy.
This president was supported by the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority leader, and the Republican National Committee. Republicans, this is on you. Now what will you do about it?
11
How far off can a military coup be?
13
Corker and the rest of the Senate Republicans (and House members too) have themselves to blame for this fiasco of a president. They did and continue to enable him. Time has long past when Congress needs to contain Trump. Corker is finally paving the way....When will the rest grow a backbone?
21
If this is an example of how Trump operated in the private sector, it's no wonder he took a bath when he sold the Plaza Hotel, went belly-up with Trump Air and in Atlantic City, and wasn't even among the top 20 real estate developers in New York City. His reputation as a master deal maker was largely the stuff of myth, the result of pretending to be a dynamic CEO on "The Apprentice" for 14 years. Reality tv? Hardly.
12
He's obviously insane, far below what for centuries in the civilized world has been deemed reasonable behavior, let alone as leader of a major nation.
The republican party richly deserves to fail...it's leaders know better,
said so in the campaign and haven't the guts do do what's right
re Trump, even as they get nothing donw. Stand still and shiver and
smile at the beast that's ruining them.
And they plan to elevate Bannon. And Moore types. No one
in the future will believe it.
7
The GOP. Its all coming apart isn't it.
9
Does anyone else find it bizarre that with all the serious business that needs to be addressed, the president and a senator are engaged in a name calling battle. Gentlemen, do us all a favor and get to work!!
170
Actually, I would rather the republicans do absolutely nothing since their "work" hurt so many people.
2
Hard to believe we are paying their salaries, paying for their health care, paying for their pensions. I don't think Senator Corker is taking much time out of his day to tweet back at Trump, and boy is it entertaining. But what a shame he "discovered" Trump's true character only AFTER he was elected. What a shame he apparently never read the New York Times in 2016 and its reporting of Trump. Or any articles in the past 25 years about him.
1
Better yet...resign. I certainly hope we learned a valuable lesson ...but somehow, I doubt it.
The world is watching as Republican senators call out Trump for being unfit for the high office he holds and is debasing the presidency and our country, Putin must be delighted as he sees the prestige and dignity of the most powerful nation on earth being diminished on a daily basis. Trump is obviously only interested in himself and his self professed glory exhibiting the worst behaviors we would want our children to emulate, Trump is a clear and present danger to our country and the world as his malignant narcissism festers into tweeting that could unravel the world order and put lives at risk,
10
Sorry, but the US is no longer the most powerful nation in the world. That would be China and this will be China's century and there's nothing that the 'bone spur bozo' to borrow a phrase can do about it except perhaps to hasten our decline. At that he's exceptional.
2
Maybe... Both are right?
1
The saddest statement Corker made is that Trump is a poor role model for the nation's children. What a sorry, sorry, state we're in as a nation when the leader of the country is also the biggest bully, as bad as any schoolyard bully could possibly be. What is the effect of this going to be on the kids growing up watching and listening to his daily barrage of toxic bully-fests?
10
Trump is so smart....attack Corker and let him know who is the boss of tax cuts!! Trump keeps telling us all how smart and intelligent he is....now we see first hand how brilliant he is to attack a Senator who's vote he is going to need! Genius!!
8
The mea culpa from all those people, particularly from the Republicans, sounds extremely HOLLOW!!
ALL of them supported the current WH inhabitant knowing FULLY WELL that this man was a liar and a conman. And yet, YET, they supported him - to the hilt.
WHY did they think that once elected, this man would be presidential??? HOW could the forget that a leopard does NOT change its spots!!!
These are supposed to be seasoned politicians. But they put their party ahead of the country, pure and simple. They - ALL of them - individually as well as collectively, gave up on truth and decency.
So, NO kudos to Bob Corker and his ilk.
15
Trump is as 'liddle' as they come, but he's almost always the only one in the room who doesn't know that.
8
Corker of all the GOP has the sanity to call Trump out. A large percentage of the country does not want this "Bully in Chief" as our supposed President.
Thank Senator Corker for speaking your mind!! Thank you, thank you.
Trump is a chronic liar, a bully, a hater and that is shown in facts by his actions and words.
The GOP is not Trump. At a least a few GOP legislators have the backbone to say what needs to be said.
4
Actually, the GOP really, really is Trump, just with an oilier, slicker veneer to cover their tracks with.
1
Trump's ability to disgust people is seemingly limitless. News outlets have from time to time predicted that we would get used to his madness, but that is not happening.
Reading this piece, I am aghast (again). Trump's "attack" is juvenile, ignorant, totally irrelevant to lawmaking, and of course, LIES about Corker.
Much the same can be said of his ongoing feud with Myeshia Johnson, whose husband was one of the soldiers killed in Niger.
I guess the good thing about Trump's ineptitude, mental instability, and vulgar personality is that just because of who he is, none of his destructive ideas, or those of his Republican supporters, are likely to become reality. The bad thing though, the very scary and dangerous thing, is that Trump can start a war almost single-handedly. Just because of who he is he is all too likely to do that, and get masses of people killed.
6
Senator Bob Corker's little toe is more presidential than Donald Trump. And this is coming from a left-leaning Democrat.
12
This has become ,day by day ,a complete ridiculous spectacle. Get this man out of the white house ,now. As a citizen of this country,I can't take any more of this
8
Like many of the commenters here, I was initially happy to finally see Sen. Corker take a moral stand with Trump. But the more I think about it, the less I think it will end well for Corker and the rest of us:
(1) Before the election, Corker told the American people to stop worrying if the president was incompetent, all they needed was a signing hand unconnected to a questioning brain and Congress would do the rest.
(2) Since the election Corker has realized that an incompetent president who won't shut up is a danger to the country. But in asking the president to stay out of the tax and other debates, all he's doing is repeating his demand for a signing hand without a questioning brain, which just restates the original problem.
(3) Every time Corker attacks Trump and Trump attacks him back, Trump gets points with his base for attacking the corrupt establishment.
(4) In a year Corker the corrupt establishment figure will be gone and Trump will remain, boasting to his base that he won. And the rest of the country will be the losers.
Unless and until the Republican party takes a moral stand for the country as a whole, and reestablishes the bipartisan process only McCain among them is calling for, I don't see a way out of this mess. And unfortunately I don't see the will to do that. And don't count on impeachment--even if Democrats regain the House, they will not have 67 Senate votes for removal from office, risking making Trump a martyr and hero to his base.
14
What a bully that trump is , when Kelly lost his nerve , Senator Corker, won`t back down.
Hope he stayed.
If Corker runs for Presidency , I being a democrat would vote for Him.
I did not when I was in TN voted for Ford then.
3
Does DJT know that Melania kicked off her anti-bullying campaign yesterday? Sure seems like First Bully didn't get the message.
20
Secretly Trump is thanking Corker for changing the subject from the dead servicemen.
15
As long as it keeps Trump from thinking about N Korea.
This man is making me root for Corker ( a miracle)
Trump must be the most horrible and vindictive man on earth since Mussolini. He's like the kid in your classroom who doesn't care if he's suspended or sent to the principal's office... but he's in charge.
Shows what most republicans are made of... no scruples, blind ambition and don't care about the citizens of this democracy. I wonder if Karl Rove is happy now? He is a tyrant! VOTE THEM ALL OUT!
10
Corker supported and voted for this travesty of a man. I have liddle sympathy for him.
9
This would be really hilarious if this were fictional. Unfortunately, This is the President of the United States acting like a petulant kindergartner. These personal attacks constantly damage the integrity of the United States. Trump's credibility on any matter is non-existent because he was shown no ability to learn or conduct himself in a mature, adult-like manner.
10
It is all like a Twilight Zone episode that will never end. And, switching the channel doesn’t work because it is playing everywhere. Will someday please wake me up from this nightmare?!
11
I hope that Bob Corker is leaving the Senate to prepare for his 2020 run for the Presidency. We need at least one grown up in the race.
4
Can anyone explain the apostrophe after "Liddle", as in "Liddle' Bob Corker"?
Is that some kind of sovereign citizen naming derangement, or the punctuation of illiteracy?
4
I think it's highly significant that the deficit rose to $666 billion. I don't subscribe to those beliefs, but Trump must be the antichrist.
8
Corker has always voted with Trump, despite his words. Same with 99% of the GOP.
These games mean little.
4
Trumps behavior would not be tolerated in any middle school in the US. I am a 7th grade teacher and if my students spoke or behaved this way they would be in the principal's office immediately. Yet as our president we tolerate his small-minded bullying.
6
Christ, Corker is unchained. Thank you Corker, appreciated.
But I am so sick and tired of opening the paper every day and seeing the headlines taken up with some abusive and disturbing exchange between the President and someone whom he should treat respectfully, be it a war widow, a member of Congress, allies abroad . . . exhausting. And I'm also exhausted by his defenders saying he is "attacked." That is no excuse. He is the President and must uphold a standard of dignity for the nation. Instead we have Rodney Dangerfield complaining about how he gets no respect. At least Dangerfield was funny about it.
7
Representative Peter King, a staunch supporter of Trump, today said he could not support a tax plan that takes away state and local tax deductions.The blue states New York, California, Connecticut and New Jersey are going to be forced to walk the plank so Trump can get a win on taxes.Blue state Republicans are going to be caught between a rock and a hard place if they let Trump deep six the state and local tax deduction.They have to know if the state and local tax deduction is taken away by the right they will be looking for a real job after the 2018 election.Maybe the timid lawmakers of the right can take a cue from Corker and stop the steamrolling by the President.
4
please don't get distracted. While these two play mean in the sandbox, the real meanies, the GOP senators and congressmen, are cooking up a budget that will cut medicare, medicaid, education, healthcare and a whole lot of programs which the average American relies upon while simultaneously proposing a tax plan that will effectively raise taxes on the working classes.
719
I'll take the $4000/year and use it to help support my children, thank you. That's what working Americans do rather than rely on a "whole lot of programs".
Is it too late to join the European Union??
Corker and Flake can exercise their newfound (or newly-recovered) consciences by voting down this disastrous and mean-spirited budget. Will they? Now that the eloquent words have been spoken, it's time to turn them into deeds. No needs, no credibility.
There are probably 30 to 40 other Republican Senators who would say the same if they were not retiring like Corker.
He should preface all his remarks with that fact so they have more weight and impact.
He would just be telling the truth.
Americans, especially Trump supporters need to have doubts about him stoked consistently.
If done correctly, eventually they'll abandon him.
1
'Mr. Trump and Mr. Corker have been locked in a public feud for weeks. Mr. Corker has said that Mr. Trump runs his White House like a reality TV show, and Mr. Trump has responded by mocking Mr. Corker’s height, calling him “Liddle’ Bob.”'
"Public feud": this over-used expression presumes that both participants are equally at fault, and therefore, equally sane.
Most rational people would agree that most of Bob Corker's comments are well thought-out and ring true, and are probably disgusted with most, if not all, of DJT's bizarre attacks on the Senator.
This broad characterization of the situation by mainstream media does not serve the public well, as it is actually a facile characterization of what's going on, minimizing the great importance of what this surprisingly honest politician is trying to do.
3
To counterbalance Corker's new-found bluntness, Cornyn's latest dodge on supporting Trump went something like "whatever the president decides." There is no hope that Senate Republicans will spontaneously grow spines any time soon with leadership like that. They are merely holding the line to prevent an impeachment disaster.
1
The GSA failed on enforcing the emoluments clause (I can't imagine how many palms were greased to make that happen), but ethical individuals in the government can redeem themselves by forcing Trump's tax returns to be released ASAP.
They may only originate in Mueller's researches, but I believe it would be tremendously enlightening to see how Congress's tax "reforms" benefit the president himself -not to mention how they benefit members of Congress, the Senate and, just for good measure, justices of the Supreme Court, too.
2
I realize Mr. Coker is not running for re-election and, therefore, has nothing to lose. I guess we should take heart that perhaps, just perhaps, his honesty will give courage to others in the GOP to also speak truth to power. Daily their silence overwhelms those of us hoping to hear that they have chosen to put country before party. I wonder what type of world/nation they believe they are leaving to their families by their refusal to address the unfitness of this man.
1
Can someone please explain why 36% of the American public doesn't care that the leader of the U.S. is not dignified, has no class, and devalues our country with his words and actions?
11
If Bob Corker was truly a man of principle, he would acknowledge and apologize for his role in helping to get Trump elected. Then he would express his willingness to run for the senate again in 2018—as a Democrat. He has an obligation to rectify the catastrophe he helped to create.
2
Mr Trump, along with his more vocal daughter, for all of his administration has championed himself as a fighter.
Which is the problem.
That truth can only come from those who have nothing left to lose is a strong case for incredibly strict term limits.
4
Senator Corker is speaking up NOW and he is speaking loudly and clearly.
That is what counts. There is no do-over for that election. Although I did not vote for Trump, I can see that many people projected their hopes onto him, and they bought into the fears that Trump incited during his campaign. But I think that all of Trump's supporters thought that, once he was inaugurated, Trump would rise SOMEWHAT to the occasion. Remember how he used to say that he could be "very presidential?" Now the truth is out, and Senator Corker is at least man enough to own up to his mistake of supporting Trump. Corker is warning us. There are already red flags all over the place. Are theRepublicans really going to let Trump T-bone our country? Are Trump's supporters so eager to say "in your face" to liberals and moderates that they are willing to destroy the country? Thank you, Senator Corker, for rising to the occasion.
3
we've got 2 issues.
(1) As far as tax cuts - do the repubs have collective amnesia?
After Reagan's tax cut we discovered (again) that trickle down didn't work so he had to raise taxes.
But that fact didn't stop Bush/Chaney from doing it again, maybe because it felt so good. Those cuts have not been reversed and the damage from them has not been addressed.
Worse than the deficit, America has forgotten how to invest in the future; not the next quarterly report, but 10 or 20 years on. It's called infrastructure. Yes, it cost money now but pays off later, sometimes for people who aren't even born. That is one important use of taxes.
(2) Trump. Don't we get it? He's on all sides of the issue because he doesn't understand or care about the issues or invest any time to learn. Every meeting is a 'me' show. Make a deal, feel good, get attention, then reverse his position. Every public argument has the same weight, because it is personal. The size of his inaugural crowd, the mother of a fallen soldier, the health care bill .... All the same to a dysfunctional child with a needy ego.
2
Our infrastructure repairs will be minimally patched up by the Saudis, whom will own it after it is privatized, and we the lowly US citizens will get to pay for their profits and Wall Street's large fees on both ends of the deal by higher usage fees and taxes, while the investor class gets it's tax cuts.
The Republicans are on the way to passing a "tax reform" bill and the only very simple thing Senator Corker (R-TN) asked of this Republican bill is that it does not add to our ballooning deficit. Sounds like a very solid request by Senator Corker actually sounds responsible fiscal approach especially since the majority of Americans will not benefit in any way from this tax reform. For many Americans this Republican tax reform may result in higher taxes! Senator Corker spoke out and the Republican Party was silent except for the Twitter in Chief who took the discussion to the most personal level. Not an intelligent response nor even a policy response from the Twitter in Chief but hurled insults on the voters in TN and Senator Corker. Apparently we have reached the point in America that even the most baseline speech infuriates Trump. Some facts are clear that the Republicans are enabling Trump, the tax reform is a hoax but the worse is our freedom of speech is under attack by the Trump administration.
3
Because Republican legislators are anti-union they don't understand the power of strength in numbers. If all the yellow-bellied GOP legislators acted on what they believed (that Corker is right in criticizing Trump) they can begin the impeachment process and get this country back to at least a semblance of normal. Enough is enough. Having a president sit in office and mock someone's height in any circumstance is reprehensible.
1
hey Don
you're a coward
2
The art of a deal my derriere...
#alertTheDaycareStaff
9
My advice to Trump, in the past has been, and will continue to be:
Just Shut Up !!
On any issue. Please, just shut up.
Oh, I know, that's like telling a crocodile to speak up, you can't hear him....
6
The GOP told us to give Trump a chance. We already did that. When in the world are they going to do something for America and rid us of this blundering, foolish child?
10
Senator Corker speaks for the majority of Americans.
11
The majority of Americans already spoke last November. Unfortunately, for America, it fell on deaf ears.
4
Senator Corker feels superior now that he is leaving after his term is up. But he supported Trump in the election. Where was his spine then? Trump was not going to undergo a personality transformation at the inauguration.
369
Really, people cannot re-evaluate and change their minds?
1
The other Senate Republicans are all afraid of Trump - they are totally spineless. Corker can finally speak the truth about Trump because he is not running for re-election. I commend Senator John McCain as well, for speaking the truth about Trump. The Republicans know what Trump is like, but they don't have the courage to be honest and do the right thing by standing up to his outrageous rhetoric , bullying and lies.
Back then, and now, it's called politics.
The soaring rhetoric, the eloquence! Not!
Trump once said he is the same person today that he was at six years of age. Quite clearly, his verbal skills and impulse control are stuck at just that age. What an embarrassment not only for citizens in our nation but for people around the world.
And please, let's stop calling this 'tax reform' when it needs to be called what it is, a 'tax cut giveaway' which benefits primarily wealthy people and corporations.
42
Good point. This is not "reform" but a giant give-away to the rich. Raising taxes dramatically, to the levels that we need would be reform. And no, these so-called tax cuts will not spur growth. That's the big lie we are expected to believe.
1
Well one thing seems certain. Trump is not like a fine wine.
He doesn't get better with age.
And can only be described as a hard to acquire taste.
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Corker sites facts. Trump uses insults.
Corker should be President and Trump dog catcher.
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Trump as dog catcher would be bad...cruelty to animals...
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 Sen. Corker for pointing this out plainly and decisively.
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Could Trump sound any more like a Teenage girl that's been spurned by her friends?
Is he ever going to Grow Up and become a man or just remain a childish teenager his entire life?
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The answer is quite clear: He will remain a childish teenage his entire life. Sad.
The GOP - heck, the entire NATION - has needed a Howard Baker for these times of another faulty president. It appears Tennessee has given us that gift again.
I, for one, am grateful.
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Trump, once again,being his "Presidential"self!
What a piece of work!
The decline from 'grace' that befalls for this ignominious fool will be a nasty one and one for the ages. Cannot wait to see it!
Until then, hope more and more of those in the position to,cut him down to size until that happens.
That being said, as optimistic as it seems,it's interesting how all these GOP figures foregoing continued public service are suddenly vocal now that they have NOTHING to lose.
Good for you...BUT a lot too late for us!
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No, they have a lot to lose - it's called tax cuts.
Sure,but I was referring to those foregoing office all together,no longer running in 2018.
Frankly, I couldn't care less about what President Trump thinks of Senator Corker, or vice versa. Rather, I care about how our government functions. Unfortunately, like a parent with a tantrum throwing child, the American people are held hostage by the president's antics. We cannot expect the child to stop on his own. Instead, we need to figure out how to disengage.
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What a jerk.
3
There is nothing that Sen. Corker says about Trump and what he is doing to this country that I disagree with. However he waited to say it until he decided not to run for re election. Not exactly a profile in courage. What we are dealing with is a political party that would rather debase themselves and help destroy the country than risk losing their next election. With this as our "leadership", their wealthy donors, and an ignorant base we as a country have already lost.
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Very true about Corker but better than nothing. Thanks again, Bob.
Nice to see Sen. Corker and his testicular fortitude.
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@ Russell
. . .unfortunately very late on the draw . . .
Hooray Corker, the only honorable Republican senator besides McCain and Flack. Time other Republicans stood up and impeached this president who is destroying the democratic process and is himself a known and recorded sexual predator. Where are you?
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The tweets, dear heaven, the tweets! How can a POTUS debase himself and our country further with these middle school tweets and taunts? Where are the generals who are supposed to be restraining him? Where are Ivanka and Jared? The lunatic is in charge of the asylum!
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I love it when our no-clue, bone-spur-deferred president, attacks members of Congress. Every day he proves that he is unfit for the job he was elected to perform, is an embarrassment to the nation, and allies. How long before this nightmare is over?
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When tax cuts for the wealthy go through.
Yesterday, the headline here was Trump fighting gold star widow. Today headline is about Mr Trump fighting Senator Corker. In the meantime, nobody knows what is in the GOP Tax plan.
Why can the Times give us a number of tax cuts per households revenues? An old friend of mine told me: "You who reads the Times, can you tell me how much Tax cuts I will get under the GOP plan?" My answer to her was: I have no idea.
Please New York Times, stop writing about every outrageous Trump tweet. The Press did that during the presidential campaign and now he is sitting in the White House.
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You can go to the Indivisible website - Indivisible.com - and see the individual cuts state by state. For example, here in NM, the tax cut for those earning $1 million + is $194,000. For those earning $45k or less, the cut is $220. Sometimes a little investigation (rather than blaming and complaining) goes a long way.
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@ Jo-Anne
Thanks for your post re: indivisible.com
A little knowledge is a very useful thing.
How much worse does Trump have to get before action replaces words? His tweets are approaching the level of mad ravings. The damage he is doing to this country and civil society as a whole is tragic.
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Trump is an infant, all me me me now now now with no concept of future.
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How about any other Republican with courage to save their party boycott today's Senate luncheon with the person who lives in the White House and show the Americans public that Corker in not just a voice in the wilderness but that won't happen. Term limits now.
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yet another trumper tantrum from little donny - who will likely have the lowest ratings of any president in all meaningful measures for the next 200 years.
anyone who has so little self control - even when in his own self interest - is clearly deranged. but better little donny than pious pence.
perhaps democracy will return in 2018. or 2020. or when there is enough revulsion st start a revolution.
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Bob Corker should serve as a model for all those republicans who are afraid to speak the truth and more importantly are cowards in the face of Trump. Bob Corker it seems has the "right stuff" to lead.
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@JMF
Too late, my brother!
Too late, but never mind.
All my sorrows soon be over.
Bob Corker does NOT have the right stuff to lead. He only steps forward when he has nothing to lose.
Sans any new ideas, sans any sense of bipartisan action, sans manners or sense of decorum, sans understanding or appreciation of history, sans loyalty to our laws and traditions, sans common sense; all Mr. Trump has demonstrated since coming into office is a fine but low cunning and a sense of chaos as political theater. Truly, who would follow the lead of such a person except someone more desperate than he is?
3
Many years ago (1935), Will Rogers said, "I don't belong to any organized party, I'm a Democrat".
If Rogers is looking down on the state of the Republican Party today I am sure he is having a fine laugh.
Seven years earlier he wrote, "No party is as bad as its state and national leaders".
Here late 2017, I wonder if he would revised that opinion?
While Sen. Corker points out the obvious - that Donald Trump is the Prevaricator-in-Chief, he's also warning us that Trump is toxic to our democracy itself. We have a president who holds the American people, and the world-at-large, hostage from the truth itself and his utter disregard for all of us is a singular, historic attempt at dictatorship.
Corker is warning us that this isn't just more the non-question of Trump's mental instability but that it goes to the very heart of all we all dear. Will the GOP, continuing to place party over country, continue to aid and abet Trump in his willful deconstruction of America?
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This nation will suffer immeasurably for its partial succumb to Trump disease.
Tax cut? Why? A tax increase makes more sense, if you want a very high quality nation. You've been fed the wrong Kool-aid my friends.
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President Hairpiece is treading on thin ice mocking the physical imperfections of fellow citizens
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Best nickname yet.
1
It's time for the Times to stop featuring Trump's tweets so prominently. His everyday tantrums and foul behavior have put the country into a psychosis, to the point where even his own party can't get anything done because they're so flummoxed by his infantile behavior.
I realize the president's statements are news, but we need a better way to see past his absurdity and try to regain control of our nation, and our mental health. Will the Times consider stop giving his tweets headlines, and stop quoting them wholesale (as in this story)?
Trump and his cronies are weakening our nation and willfully killing Americans on a daily basis, but we can't do anything to stop them because we can't get past our inane tweeter in chief. Please, Times, this has to stop.
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Who can declare the president mentally unfit and remove him from office? If it is the Senate, it's looking more and more like a possibility.
Bob Corker should be awarded both the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal for Freedom for standing up against trump. donald trump is a traitor to this nation and should acknowledged as such by the anti-American republican establishment. Perhaps Bob Corker should run for president - I'm a Democrat and I'd certainly vote for him!
Every senator that finds Trump detestable should boycott any opportunity that puts them in the same space together. Refuse phone calls. Turn off the Twitter (don't read it/don't write it). Ignore him. Don't make eye contact. Trumps neediness will cause his head to explode.
I believe the American people have already given up on the possibility of Congress performing the job they were sent to do in DC. It seems that gritting ones teeth and toughing it out (like being in junior high) is the only way forward.
The obvious alternative is just devolve to name calling and bullying and forget the decorum the body represents. Donny is a liar! Liar, liar pants on fire!
1
Like most people, well at least NYT readers and those who post here, I find it impossible to fathom the depths to which everyday discourse has sunk - and the person solely responsible for this is the POTUS. Who would have ever imagined that the President of the US, holder of the most powerful office on the planet, would turn out to be such a child, a spoiled petulant child at that . . . I mean, for God's sake, his tweeting is akin to kindergarten children fighting over crayons. It is beyond embarrassing; it's downright shameful.
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Every time someone tells me Trump has finally reached rock bottom in terms of dishonoring the office he holds with his daily regimen of childish insults, angry spats, bad taste, and boorish behavior, I get ready for yet another plunge . I wonder how much more spiraling down can this country endure?
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History will judge Trump like it judged Joe McCarthy.
Those who supported him will feel foolish and ashamed.
11
Exchanging insults before the GOP Unity Lunch.....like 2 of the 3 stooges screaming, "FOOD FIGHT!"
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Dear Donald,
Why do you insist that we used to laugh about USA and that now that you flexed your tiny tweeter thumb muscles it would not be the case anymore ?
I can assure you nobody laughed at Obama's USA.
With maybe, not at..
But now, well, how to put it... every day starts with disbelief as to how dumb, childish, self centered and just plain unpresidential you are.
Every day starts with disbelief as to how this could happen, how such a sizable portion of the american population failed to see you for what you are: a dangerous fraud and a pathetic human being.
Every day is a laugh, albeit a sad one as truly no nation deserves that.
Try to stop the untruths/lies, let's start with that point and we'll go slowly in small tiny baby steps to more complex topics...
7
Corker is a made man at the end of his time in the us senate. He does not need DJT for anything but DJT needs him and doesn't even know it. Like he did not need McCain for the healthcare vote!
Corker is just toying with him now.
The depth of DJT ignorance knows no boundaries.
7
Let Trump put Senator Corker down - and let Senator Corker be the one who takes Trump down.
13
It is not news that Donald Trump picks juvenile fights with members of his own party. It IS news that the deficit increased by $80 billion this year. Why isn't that a headline? Is this the first time it has increased in the past, say, five years? Americans need to be told that the deficit is increasing under the Trump administration. That will wring a tweet out of him.
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My utmost respect for Senator Corker, Collins Murkowsky, McCain, R Paul, now where are the other 40 some dimwits.
9
Trump has normalized a new low in political discourse: malevolent, juvenile, mentally ill and incompetent.. It is frightening that no low is too low for a sizeable minority of Americans.
13
Has anyone read the other tax articles published here in the last two days? Because Trump was elected, along with their entire republican party majority to ALL branches of legislative government, they just assume the US electorate is so ignorant that tax legislation is being proposed that will hurt ALL W-2 working (professional and lower-skilled) class why telling so-called intellectually-challenged voters that this tax cut will create jobs. Meanwhile, Trump isn't going to let them steal his thunder and sully his grifter-in-chief position, so he's throwing a wrench in their works. He is good for something after all.
1
Donald Trump, never allied with facts, relies only on spiteful and vengeful ad hominem attacks on his enemies (and he has so many by his own count) in these tweets. If there's one thing I wish for the coming months it is that he is stopped entirely from using Twitter. Of course, if wishes were horses I'd have a pony.
1
As to qualifications for Dog Catcher, Little Donnie couldn't pass the minimum empathy requirement.
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