It seems to me that McConnell has a great deal to answer for here. Why doesn't Susan Collins address his refusal to publicly address the issue? A statement from the leader of the opposition party in concert with the President would hardly make the President sound partisan.
5
First Trump says the election is rigged, then he says he won fair and square, then he says he believes Putin that the Russians didn’t meddle, but then he says it was Obama’s fault he didn’t stop them from meddling. Is anyone still believing this guy?!
No matter who is to blame (and let’s face it, the Russians are the culprits, not the president who didn’t catch them), what is Trump prepared to do NOW? The 2016 election was meddled with, we know they will try again this year, so what is our current president prepared to do? He will have no one to blame this December.
8
Less proof exists with steroid using athletes than it does in this DJT Russia collusion issue. That steroids actually enhance their performance is assumed and those athletes and Russia are banned from competitions and leagues. In this case there is absolutely a ton of evidence that DJT colluded with the Russians, by action and direction via his staff, his family, the Republican Party and that social media influence, paid for by the Russians, perhaps some gangsters, with Mr. Putin’s blessings, changed the outcome of the 2016 US election. Why are we all crying about this and not taking immediate action, as in arresting POTUS, his VP and all the other folks associated with this Russia mess? DJT will most likely pardon his associates, cabinet members, other Republicans, etc., out of prosecution or jail where they actually belong.
The difference between Mr. Obama mentioning Mr. W. Bush is that thanks to the lies about weapons of mass destruction that Saddam possessed the US embarked upon the Iraq and Afghanistan wars which cost us a lot of money. Criticism of Mr. W. Bush was well earned. Obama inherited that mess. DJT and his cabinet create a brand new set of messes complete with a myriad collection of distractions suitable for reality television.
7
I wish Mr. Obama had spoken out to the voting public about the Russian meddling in 2016 while it was happening, even at the risk of it being called "fake news".
The right wing may have screamed about it, but I think more voters would have got involved, gone to the polls and voted, if they thought the election was being steered by a hostile foreign government.
I hope those voters who sat on the sidelines in 2016 have woken up to the real possibility of the loss of our republic, and do their civic duty in 2018.
6
Mom, I didn’t do it, it’s not my fault.
"The White House provided an intelligence briefing to the lawmakers, including Paul D. Ryan, Republican of Wisconsin and the House speaker, and Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the Senate majority leader. But Mr. McConnell, two former officials said, refused to back a statement publicly challenging Russia and told Mr. Obama that he would view an effort by the White House to do that as partisan."
Could you put dates on the events in the paragraph quoted above?
4
If this guy was a 6 year old child who had a propensity for always deflecting blame, responsible parents would simply tell him to act his age. This character couldn’t pretend to be a practicing accountable adult if paid to do so. “The buck stops here”, not with this cartoon cut-out. Could there possibly be a worse role model in our known universe? I think not. A nearly 80 year old who acts like a petulant baby with zero accountability and infinite excuses for deeds of his own doing is probably deemed an extreme low even in The Andromeda Galaxy.
2
Let us see the Trump tax returns ;then, we will have a better idea of why Russia was promoting the Don.
2
Really the blame is the republicans in congress, they know that russians are attacking our democracy, and THEY are responsible for the "check" on the inept, and delusional trump, but they won't act. They want to inflict as much damage with there contemptible policies as possible before they are defeated in November.
2
Russians are interfering with the 2018 election and Trump is doing exactly NOTHING to stop it.
1
It's extremely telling that, now that Russia's interference in US democracy has been established beyond a shadow of a doubt, Trump has decided to go on the attack ...
... against Obama.
One wonders what Putin has on Trump that makes him so untouchable that he can literally subvert democracy and an American President will maintain his cowardly silence.
2
Well the so called "Russian meddling" did start before Trump became president, so technically it is Obama's fault that he did not stop it.
Live in the now. What Obama did or did not do is a question to be debated and argued over for years to come. This question does not provide a free pass for this administration to do absolutely nothing right know to address this attack including acknowledgement, condemnation and implementation of bi-partisan pending sanctions HELD UP by this so-called president.
The kompromat Putin holds over Trump must be really powerful stuff.
1
Had the Obama administration taken a much harsher stance on Russian influence in the 2016 election it is doubtful Trump would have won. He should be thanking Obama.
1
Trump was running around yelling Rigged Election . Had Obama spoke out more about Russia trump and the Republicians would have claimed Obama was trying to interfere with the election. McConnell knows he said that.
2
Why don't we hear more of this story from the mainstream media -- how Ryan and McConnell DISCOURAGED telling what the gov't knew about Russia meddling...leading to Obama's unfortunate decision not to appear to be taking sides...another example of how one party acts on principle...while the other wallows in the gutter.
5
The predecessor as a result of the knowledge of Russian meddling in 2016
- Closed Russian embassies
- Expelled 35 Russian diplomats
- Tried to negotiate a bipartisan message to inform the electorate of the meddling and was turned down by the obstructionist GOP
The current president should think twice about demanding an inquiry here
5
President Obama warned Trump of the meddling. Trump ignored it. That is because he was in on it.
3
Is the President Trump who is blaming President Obama for not countering Russian interference in our election, the same Donald Trump who
(1) refuses to acknowledge that Russia interfered in the 2016 election,
(2) refuses to impose Congressional mandated sanctions on Russia for trying to destabilize our Presidential election, and
(3) refuses to act against to use his role as head of the Republican Party to get House and Senate GOP leaders of Congress to take action to defend our 2018 elections against more Russian interference even after being told by all the top U.S. intelligence chiefs that such electoral corruption is already underway?
Surely, our President is not that much of a hypocrit?
1
Delusional. Unfortunately, his diehard followers believe his lies. Mitch McConnell vetoed President Obama's effort to announce to the public what was going on. I wish he had ignored McConnell, who plays "dirty". 45 is guilty of derelection of duty to protect and defend our Constitution, by refusing to call out Russia and encourage resources to combat this.
4
Deflection, deflection, deflection.
This voter is really getting tired of it.
3
Whatever happened to “The Buck Stops Here”?
4
How can America criticize Russia for something America does to the rest of the world on a regular basis?
Trump requested a trademark on “Make America Great Again” in 2012! That’s three years before he publicly declared his candidacy, but privately considered it. Was this contemplation discussed with his Russian buddies? Inquiring minds want to know.....
2
Trump Blames Obama for Not Countering the Russian meddling that Trump said is fake news.
2
Donald, the election is over. Why are you still campaigning?
Now that you agree that the Russians interfered with the election, what are you going to do about it?
1
Obama spent eight years blaming Bush or any one of a number of other people for everything in the world. Now he deserves he same treatment since he ruined just about everything he touched.
Long after Trump has choked on one of those burgers President Obama will be able to view his legacy with pride while Trump goes down in history as one of the most hated beings on the planet and a colossal failure to boot.
2
There was an "attack" (NY Times' word) by the Russians during the Obama administration. Now it's unfair to call Obama to task for not defending the US against the attack? You're joking, right?
Obama said it best: stop whining Mr. Trump. Get on with the REAL work you were elected to do. Though you've already done great damage to the dignity of the presidency, at least don't change the name of the White House to the Whine House.
1
In fact, Mr. Obama personally issued a warning to Mr. Putin in September not to tamper in the election — a warning the administration repeated a few weeks later. On Oct. 7, his administration formally accused Russia of stealing and leaking emails from the Democratic National Committee and a range of other institutions and individuals.
__
Mr. Obama personally issued a warning? Like a loose-ball foul in basketball?
Honestly, WHEN did Mr. Obama EVER take responsibility for ANY setback the country faced under his 8-years in office?
Umm... pardon me, Mr. Trump, but what have YOU done since taking office to protect us from Russian meddling? If Obama was so ineffective, you have a chance to "win", so why aren't you doing anything?
1
Good grief man the burden is on you now! you alone have been responsible for the last unfortunate year so quit your whining and sniveling and quit blaming Hillary or Obama. They are not the president you are! Not jealous of Obama are you? You should be.
1
Geeez... of course, no surprise here, in the world according to Trump everything is Obama's fault. And, one more time to bash the black man.
1
Wow. It took a year for Trump to accept there was Russian meddling, and he STILL hasn’t don’t anything. But Obama should have done something WHILE it was going on to prevent it?
Talk about your double standard for the Black guy.
1
OK, let's assume it was Obama's fault. What have YOU done about the Russians meddling since? YOU are now the president. Quit hiding and do something.
2
Trump Tries to Shift Blame to Obama, where it really belongs, for Not Countering Russian Meddling
He takes responsibility for NOTHING. Sad.
13
If anyone expects that Trump will do anything to keep his pals, or more precise his control in the Kremlin, from interfering in our Democracy, don't hold your breath. To win, Trump needed the Russians and the payoff for Putin was weakening the main enemy, us, and putting his toady in the White House. Now can Trump admit that? Of course not. Can his minions, the blind Fox viewers accept that? Of course not. But to cast doubt on anyone who is investigating his connections to the Russians, Trump returns to his tried and true playbook, blame Obama. For his supporters, who are as racially-challenged as he, it clearly works much like Pavlov's dog. If you doubt my words go to a Fox news site and you will see how closely resembles a forum for the Knights of the Invisible Empire, something Trump's father, Fred would appreciate. Trump will always return to racial taunts when he is in a jam. You can bet the farm on it.
25
Were you manipulated by Russians on the internet? Forget about Obama because he did nothing to fix this issue. He and everyone thought Hilary would win. But seriously, using the race card is getting old.
1
Calling Obama to task for not defending against a Russian attack is "racially challenged"?
Obama's and Hillary's reset button didn't work out as planned. They got us into Cold War V2.0 - red lines in the sand and all.
But play the race card and maybe no one will notice.
1
"To win, Trump needed the Russians ... "
Nonsense. Did "the Russians" keep HRC from campaigning in the Upper Midwest? Did "the Russians" order HRC not to address the concerns of blue-collar, middle class Americans? Did "the Russians" direct HRC not to question America's foreign-trade agreements?
Mr. Trump who kept ridiculing the well-founded allegations about Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election as “hoax” and “fake news” is now admitting that it was real. That's the conclusion one can draw from his blaming Obama for not stopping it. Now that special counsel Mueller has indicted 13 Russians for their meddling, he is now convinced that his “hoax” and “fake news” canard won’t wash any longer.
Obama did warn Russia about its meddling to the extent the evidence on hand permitted. Unlike Mr. Trump, Mr. Obama doesn't have a loose tongue. He knew he would be jeopardizing the ongoing investigation if had kept harping on the Russian meddling, especially on Russia's alleged collusion with the Trump campaign. And Mr. Trump would have been the first to accuse him of such interference and of trying to tilt the election in Ms. Clinton's favor.
The indictment Mueller issued does not say anything about the alleged Trump-Russia collusion. But according to Mr. Trump, the indictment has proved that there was no collusion. If that is the case, why doesn't he allow Mr. Mueller to complete his investigation?
It is safe to bet that if the investigation eventually establishes such a collusion, Mr. Trump is going to blame Obama for not stopping it. In his scheme of things, all the wrong-doings he engaged in on Obama’s watch are to be blamed on Obama's incompetency and inability and his own ability to beat the system.
13
Do you believe there was "Russian collusion"?
Shocking. A politician laying blame on the previous President and Administration. All we heard from President Obama was Bush, Bush, Bush..... Same old Washington game of deflection. Well Washington needs to fix it and both parties are to blame. Now work together to get it done or we will vote all of you out again!
4
President Obama mentioned Bush because when he left office, George W. Bush left the country in a "Great Recession" which threatened to devolve into a full-block Depression. Those are the facts. Obama wasn't being a politician in saying that, he was being a realist dealing with the facts.
24
Uh...no. Even with the greatest will in the world, Obama was unfailingly civil about his predecessor. On the other hand, Mr. Trump started out of the gate claiming (falsely) that he had been wiretapped by Obama, that Obama care was failing (which it wasn't until the current admin pulled the rug out from under it), and is now pretending that the 13 indictments have anything to do with Obama. Not business as usual: just the lying japery of our Kingpin.
2
Fer shuure, Steve of Fort Lauderdale
Unconscionable to blame Bush — or, better yet,
Cheney — for the gratuitous Iraq invasion,
killing any chance of stability for generations.
Yes indeed, Obama was as bad
or worse in his deflection.
Unmanly whining about inherited catastrophes.
1
Yes, the Russians meddled in elections, but there is no evidence that Trump was in on it.
The story is so old and boring that it is literally on life-support at the New York Times, nothing is going to change, they're not going to recall the president because of it, so why are we having to read five or six articles a day concerning the silliness?
The RUSSIANS did and apparently plan to continue to use devious means to undermine our political system. Even if Trump had no involvement with it and it did not change the outcome of the election, as President it is still a matter of our national security and he should be leading the charge against the Russians. That you find this story 'boring' is scary and truly un-American.
19
No, the story is not literally on life-support, and not even metaphorically. It's an active investigation that is being painstakingly and properly put together. The dots are being connected, with great care, as it should be. If that doesn't excite you, don't read them.
17
There…there is no there there.
Democrats have GOT to become more aggressive and curtail this passive politically correct dialogue. The only way to perturb Trump and get under his skin is to append to him a similar derogatory referral and the one that comes to mind is "The Illegitimate President," referring to him constantly in this manner. Adam Schiff take note, please. Nancy Pelosi take note, please.
10
Comments like those of Susan Collins, a supposed 'moderate' show a degree of ignorance and stupidity it would be hard to credit if it were not encountered daily in US politics: Trump, Pence, and entourage, the Republicans, Fox etc etc etc.
There is a lot of cleaning up to do.
11
Man, Donald Trump really has to go. He refuses to protect the nation from continued Russian interference in the upcoming US election and claims the manipulation in 2016 didn't happen, but then says it's Obama's fault. Huh?
Complicit Republicans also have to go starting with Devin Nunes. The obstruction is treason and it is allowed and even protected by Trump shills in congress.
Trump's White House has never even given a directive to the Department of Justice or the intelligence community to address Russian interference. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is now delusional in her attempts to protect this treasonous president as are the pathetic positions of his cabinet. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell are in so deep they'll never admit to anything.
We're watching the collapse of democracy, decency, civility and basic common sense all facilitated by Russians and a gangster president supported by a delusional cult of ignorant fools.
God help us.
11
This is what creeps like Trump do: when they are doing nothing, they blame someone else for their failings. This is who Trump is.
13
Why do we even listen to this idiot and his ramblings?
7
Stories like this just confuse. Mr Trump lies about what Obama did, he lies about what he, Trump did, he just lies, lies, lies. Can you please make that clear in your reporting, very weak tea here Mr Landler.
9
Obama was damned if 'he did' and damned if "he didn't'.
It was reasonable to think Hillary would win and she would then take care of Russia and its meddling.
Turned out, Trump won… as the beneficiary of the Russian meddling, and as he was/is psychologically incapable of admitting the substantial probability that he won the election as a result of that meddling, is now incapable of fulfilling his duties to protect us from the ongoing and future acts of political cyber-war perpetrated by Russia against the United States. We have witnessed the 'perfect storm' of global political storms. But in this case, there is no FEMA readying to rescue us. The nation is cold and lost with little hope of a safe and happy ending.
Trump is right… Russia is "laughing its azs off". Not, because of the ongoing investigations of potential collusion and Trump wrong doing, but because now they (and Putin assuredly) are bemusedly wondering if there may actually be a god.
8
So, Vlad has his hands in McConnell's pocket too. And we have heard NOTHING about his wife's daddy's 21 TON heroin bust on one of his cargo ships. Corruption and collusion: say hello to the new G.O.P. And this newly popular tax lan is about to bankrupt us- got to increase the debt limit way sooner than expected. So enjoy that 30 bucks a month while it lasts
9
Sarah Huckabee Liar is not to be believed...on anything. Nor is Trump, whose refusal to show his tax returns only implicates him in taking Russian money.
As everyone knows, Russian money comes with more strings than money from a Mob loan shark.
Then there is the Chinese connection, Wendi Deng, who brokered the Ivanka/Jared match. At the time, Deng was Mrs. Rupert Murdoch (since replaced by Jerri Hall). Subsequently Ivanka and Jared were warned by U.S. intelligence groups to break off contacts with Deng, as she was known as a Chinese intelligence resource.
Considering the Kushner real estate empire has real money problems (especially 666 Fifth Avenue), the Trump family practice of borrowing money from questionable overseas sources, sources which have strings attached, comes up yet again, and could be the reason why Jared cannot get a security clearance.
After six bankruptcies, no reputable bank would loan Trump money. Apparently the Deutsche Bank loan was financed with Russian oligarch cash, and the Kushners went the same route with Chinese money.
10
Wow. After insisting Russian sabotage of our elections was all a hoax, Trump is now blaming Obama for doing nothing about it. Who would have guessed this was coming?
13
Seriously, I don't understand why anyone would believe one thing the Republican President says, he's simply a pathological liar.
Time is much better spent on articulating the misdeeds, dishonesty, and inept policy promulgation of the Republican President and Republican Congress, and developing a cogent economic approach for America. If we are successful in this regard, all this Republican chaos and maliciousness will be a short lived nightmare.
Save a Republic, Remove a Republican.
10
How can Trump say there was no meddling, then blame Obama for the meddling? Oh wait. I forgot. He's Trump.
10
I’m disappointed once again that Susan Collins would dutifully join in this partisan clatter. Every time I read a quote from her, like the one here, where she recites the latest Republican talking points sent out that morning in the party email/newsletter, I cringe. We are being attacked by a hostile foreign government and there is no voice of moderation and reason? Not even from our Mainer. Margaret Chase Smith is turning in her grave!
11
Oh? The Russians were doing something that needed prevention by Obama you say?
Well, THEY'RE STILL DOING IT! Since you control Congress and the Executive, why aren't you doing anything about it NOW, Mr. Trump?
12
If the GOP really cared, they wouldn't be sitting back and smiling while Trump refuses to do a single solitary thing to prevent Russia from interfering in this year's elections.
11
A president who claims that Obama is to blame for not stopping the Russians from interfering (after saying for months the election was rigged by Obama in Clinton's favor, including making up the Russia story as a hoax- and an excuse for losing- but then saying that the only reason Obama didn't do anything about this real threat was because he believed that Clinton would win), who said that he fired James Comey for mishandling the Clinton investigation (before admitting it was for the Russia investigation), who claimed that Obama was from Kenya, before being forced to take back the accusation (but not before claiming that Clinton originated the canard), who said he would release his financial records, who promised his blue collar voters the sky, who regularly contradicts his intelligence agencies, the WH staff, multi-sourced news stories (but the president's own propaganda organ, FOX News, is exempt- his personal bible), his own statements of the day/hour/minute before- this is no longer a president whose statements can be argued to have any mooring to reality.
Why do we any longer attach any real meaning to utterances (and tweets) about things like this:
Obama "bugging" Trump Tower?
There are "good people" on "both sides"?
The FBI failed to catch the Florida shooter- because of the Russia investigation?
If we must go on with this charade, can we at least do it with the dignity of not dignifying any of this anymore? Can we just endure it, and not cover it, "in depth"?
10
Blame? What blame does Trump have? One goes through this article whose headline promises so much only to realize at the end that it is just a bunch of Democrat talking points which cannot conceal the fact that there is no Russian collusion except for Russians with other Russians. The sticking point, however, is Obama's acquiescence to Russian meddling supposedly out of concern that it might look like he himself was trying to influence the election. How noble of him. In the meantime all one hears now from Democrats is Russian collusion! Russian collusion! But a little too late I would say unless its purpose is to hide something else which is where this otherwise pointless article should be leading.
1
Mueller. Tick tick tick.
2
The buck stops at Mar-a-Lago. Interestingly it seems like he should be blaming Hillary, but because as Secretary of State she was actually putting pressure on Putin, blaming her on this one would make him look like even more of a pushover on the world stage. So he should instead thank her because she may be the reason Putin groomed Trump for the White House.
15
"The bucks stops anyplace but here" will be the slogan this administration is known for
20
Here's an improved lead-in header -
Coastal media that never once questioned any decision by Pres. Obama Tries to Shift Blame to Trump for Not Countering Russian Meddling even though both were right about it never having any effect on results.
Trump is still doing exactly what most American voters want him to. Now that you've tried every possible accusation to absolutely no avail, what can you cook up in the next nine months?
Tops of the week: Trump finally sees a cure to the DACA problem; therefore, Democrats walk away from the table. Solutions are anathema just as they are for the Palestinians and their terrorist masters.
1
You are speaking for a minority here. The majority is looking forward to read about why Trump defends Russia at every opportunity, why he admires Putin and encouraged him to spy on Clinton, and on his financial entanglements in Russia.
29
Most American voters? Never questioned Obama? Are you trying out some new stand-up material? Are the Democrats the terrorist masters?
You'd better have some funny punch lines, because this material would only work on Trump's cabinet, and only under threat of termination.
7
Trump still refuses to impose Congressional mandated sanction on Russia. The three intel agencies have informed the nation that Russia is STILL meddling on our election processes for this year's round and Trump says nary a world about the Troll House's master, Vladimir Putin.
One can only wonder what your "lead-in" would have had Obama raised the Russian question prior to the 2016 vote; this after Trump invited the Russians to mess around in Hillary Clinton;s emails. "Obama used federal intelligence agencies to throw the election to Clinton." Putin, the ex-KGB master, just has to love folks like you.
4
Yeah. because when it comes right down to it, he never wanted to be President. Not really. He wanted the huge boost in business and prestige, but not the job. He definitely did not want to be in the position of having got the job with the help of Russia, to whom he is already completely indebted.
Trump's best move right now, for his legacy, for his kids, and for the nation, is to eat a lot more crummy fast food and hope for a heart attack.
13
I think a debilitating stroke would be better. I envision Trump being pushed in his wheelchair along Fifth Avenue (by the Park would be nice) by an old African American nurse with a bad temper.
4
Rob Kneller - I had the same thought but in my version it's a Hispanic nurse.
Trump it is on you right now to enforce the Russian Sanctions that were voted on almost unanimously in the Legislative Branch. Previous reports suggest that it was the Republican controlled House and Senate that would not allow any interference by Obama to "sound the alarms" to the American people. You really should be blaming Mitch McConnell as he was the "obstructionist" that allowed the interference in the 2016 Election! If you continue to blame others for your constant, epic failures then I would suggest you get counseling for your "mental health" issues you seem to be ignoring.
13
dt just admitted the russians corrupted the election.
12
You didn't read anything the Mueller team said?
NO effect on the election, and only cooperation was from unwitting Americans.
Why come here if you never read news? Not even from here?
1
That's not actually what was said. Logical fallacies on your part are extending the statements made by Rosenstein (etc) which were very specific, not blanket denials - let alone total exoneration.
That's what it says in one of the initial indictments. The special counsel does not lay out the whole case in a single indictment.
What could now be so important to Republicans legislatively that they would continue to tolerate such unhinged and treasonous behavior?
Haven't they got everything they wanted? Dismantle ACA? Check. Tax cuts? Check. Erode environmental protections? Check. Overspend on the military? On our way. Gut the bureaucracy? Yep.
What have I forgotten?
11
SS & Medicaid. But hey they’re talking about it and will surely give it a try!
3
Turning back the clock on prison reform.
2
He blames Obama for allowing the meddling, which he denies happened (or at least refuses to acknowledge it happens), while he refuses to enact sanctions passed by Congress... amazing.
11
he is only president of trump. not america. not democracy.
9
Sometimes I wonder if he is even president of Trump.
6
There is so much that is dumb-founding about the past year or so. But what really just has my mouth agape is how many Americans just go along with whatever Trump (or Sean Hannity) say, and believe it without a synapse devoted to critical thinking.
What kind of powerful mind-controlling subliminal input is coming over the airwaves? It reminds me of "Halloween III: Season of the Witch" where watching a special show with your mask on turns your head into mush. Yes, Russians are laughing. And rightfully so.
17
keep in mind that a large fraction of the people that seem to be out and out nutjobs are actually russian troll personas. another large fraction are people who want trump to be right and are willing to listen to the russian trolls in order to validate what they want to hear.
6
It’s because the GOP and right-wing media have made the Democrats the ‘enemy’ this time. I don’t see the average GOP voter seeing the light without the whole party collapsing, or some sort of major civil conflict. Its sad but fascinating at the same time.
5
Years and years of tearing down and making taxes, government, democrats, the poor, social safety nets, schools, and many more into bogey men has made at least two generations of Americans into brainwashed uneducated citizens that, like zombies, will repeat whatever the GOP says and mindlessly vote accordingly. It's surreal, but it's been in the making, ever so gradually getting more extreme, since before REAGAN was elected. There are a whole bunch of Americans that, as a result, blindly hate our institutions and the other half of the population. This will take years to undo. Or maybe only a real catastrophe is all that will change the hearts and minds of the children and grandchildren of these two generations.
3
Well, of course he blames his predecessor. That's how it's supposed to work. A man shows up for his first day in a new job, and his predecessor hands him three numbered envelopes, telling him there isn't any crisis he can't manage with what's in them.
The first year is bumpy, and when it looks like all hope is lost, the man opens envelope #1. It reads: "Reorganize."
That seems to work, so after everyone shuffles around and a bunch of people are dismissed, the man escapes being blamed and fired for the organization's performance. The second year is even worse, and when things seem really dire, he finally opens envelope #2. It reads: "Blame your predecessor."
He thinks about it and decides that's the only thing he can do. He spends all his time telling anyone who will listen that all the bad stuff happening now is because of the guy who held the position before him. Again, he seems to escape the axe.
By the time the third year rolls around, the whole organization and its holdings are in the toilet. Everyone's howling at him, he's beyond desperate, so he figures the time has come to open the third envelope.
It reads: "Sit and prepare three envelopes."
Can we really afford to wait three years?
8
So is he saying that it is the president's responsibility to take action to counter the Russian threat?
9
Trump and the Republicans in Congress cannot be expected to be convinced with a reasoned argument.
They will never "see the light," or admit they are wrong, no matter how much evidence or logic or ethical or moral arguments are put at their feet. They are not playing a game with the same rules as Democrats, who believe that superior ideas, honest debate and concern for the average Joe will win the day.
With Trump and the Republicans, it is exclusively about gaining and retaining money and power. For themselves and their puppet masters, the 1%. Full stop.
They invoke the Constitution and democratic ideals only as a tool to gain money and power.
There is no convincing them or their followers. It is a fool's errand. The only thing Trump's Tweets and the "policy" nonsense spewed by Republican leaders are good for at this point is to keep the left motivated through the November 2018 and November 2020 elections.
Only replacing them starting this November with a Democratic majority will result in return of normalcy. Not a superior argument that somehow convinces the unconvinceable. Taking away their political majority and power, that they will understand.
5
Firstly, President Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats in retaliation for their hacking of the U.S. election. President Trump has done less than nothing, being that the sanctions that Congress and the Senate voted in favor of hasn't been enforced. Also, President Obama's decision to not appear biased in any way was a decision that (unlike this president seems incapable of) was carefully considered.
9
As with so many readers responding, I am beyond weary of this day to day fiasco, this trumpeting by Trump of who to to besmirch and blame for what, where , when and why. Doesn't this man ever get sick of his whining, making excuses, calling people derogatory names, then provoking his idiotic base to near adoration or invoking sheer hate and ignorance among them to cause further division and fracture. This reprehensible, shamefully inept
'president' is purposely destroying whatever good will and democratic idealism this country once possessed.
13
There are many astute commentators who have done their homework in addition to what is reported, to prove Trump is a lying conniving twit.
What he said yesterday doesn't matter to him; it doesn't matter to his associates or his base. What he says to day won't matter tomorrow. He even has an attorney who admits to paying off people who might interrupt the flow of lies. There is no reality for a large part of this country: it is all some sort of endless, script-less TV show.
I don't know if this is Beckett or Rod Serling, or the newest version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but except for unnatural forces, I cannot comprehend how anyone could respect anything about this man - or think he makes any sense.
13
One sign of maturity is the ability to take responsibility for one's actions. Trump, unfortunately, despite his seven+ decades of existence, has yet to achieve that level of maturity.
Of course, at some level, he knows that he's a total con-man but his fragile ego and "brand" obviously take control of his every reaction.
4
Give it a rest, Republicans.
Our President considers (I would gather) the collective memory of the American people as LEAKY and UNSATISFACTORY as . . . . . .
. . . .his OWN memory.
Sir, it ain't so.
We remember things so much better than you do.
I am inclined to look with a forgiving eye upon Mr. Obama. Consider this:
Mr. Mueller has handed down his indictment after months of non-stop labor. With a large staff at his disposal. There was assiduous digging to be done. The trolls are by no means the NICEST kids on the block. Neither are they the DUMBEST. Found out? oh yes! But it took some doing.
What Mr. Obama knew or did not know--well, he was President. He had a job to do. No lack of duties. No lack of responsibilities.
We all know who pooh-poohed the notion of Russian involvement. Who virtually INVITED that government to dig further into e-mails and such sent by prominent Democrats. We all know who looks--who has LONG looked--with a baleful eye upon Mr. Mueller and his team. Oh dear me, yes.
As for Senator McConnell--any surprises here? Seriously? We all know where HIS loyalty lies. We all know that--first and foremost--the distinguished Senator will ALWAYS and ONLY consult . . . .
. . . .the interests of the Republican party.
And here, the Obama people hoped to secure a "bipartisan statement." Tragic. It makes me laugh. (Through my tears. As it were.)
Bipartisan? Spell it!
Well, New York Times--this too will pass.
I hope.
5
I didnt lke Obama (he broke his campaign promises) but Trump must go. He is now thumbing his nose at our national security rules. What kinds of precedent is he setting? And Congress lets him sit in the Oval office flouting the law over and over again. Enough.
3
like what exactly did Obama "break his promises" about? you should check yourself. Every promise he made, he kept. There were some things he tried to do and failed, but not for lack of work. The GOP literally stated outright at the beginning of his term that they would do anything and everything to stop him.
6
So much for the market place of ideas!!
Soooo, let's get this straight, as long as information is controlled and dispensed by the main stream corporate media (NYTimes, Fox News, etc.), then all is good and under control.
How dare "others" add their voice to our discourse; the People cannot be trusted to discern the truth for themselves! Don't they know that only the mainstream corp. media has the right to brainwash the People - and no one else!
Quick! Get the messenger who disclosed Hillary's, Trump's, etc... emails that revealed our corrupt rigged system.
Yours truly,
Plato (author of "The Republic")
3
Obama didn't do enough to combat the "hoax" of Russian meddling in our election? It seems like someone hasn't been taking his medications lately and has been keeping his handlers at bay while he hangs from the chandeliers in the Oval Office.
3
Never, in my lifetime, have I seen a sitting president attack his predecessor. For any reason. He is illegitimate. He is unstable. He is incompetent. He just maybe traitorous. He certainly is corrupt. He must be removed.
16
How much longer do we have to be subjected to trump's drivel?
He blames everyone else for everything.
That's not news.
It's ALWAYS someone else's fault.
This week-end it was Hillary's fault on something, and, no, I can't remember what, all of his nonsense runs into each other. It's a whining blur.
Today in the press conference, CNN put up on a split-screen the refutation of what Sanders was blabbling on.
That's how much this is all not-news.
It's so fake that teevee stations can prewrite the corrections, prove the lies and alert watchers to past/future lies before Sanders even opens her mouth.
From trumpcare to trumpiguns, it's all the trump show and the trump show has nothing to do with this nation's needs.
I will be SO glad when he quits and retires to Russia, into the bosom of Putin.
Give me some REAL NEWS, NYTimes!
6
So this Russian implant is now accusing an authentic American of not having done enough to stem this problem? Looking forward to the day when he is ejected out of office
9
Assume Facebook generated $5.6 billion (based on 2015 revenue) in foreign ad revenue in 2016 up until election day (10 months at $560 million/month).
https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/10/facebook-earns-51-percent-of-ad-revenue-...
After allowing for Russia's $100,000 ad buying (of which only 44% were prior to election day)…there is still $5,599,900,000 in ad revenue from OTHER foreign sources. Now, because the "investigation" has focused only on Russia, Facebook has not provided ANY examples of ads from OTHER countries. I guarantee…if one wanted to "investigate" with an independent congressional investigator (aka Mueller) that EVERY foreign country would be guilty of placing stupid, meaningless, clickbait-type "ads" as a way of making MONEY. Individuals in China, France, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Britain, Germany, Spain, Brazil,etc,etc, are spending millions on ads with Facebook in an attempt to garner clicks and make MONEY. One could cherry-pick Facebook ads from ANY country and claim: "interference", "meddling", "sowing division"…..and the most absurd…"act of war".
I have never witnessed such outrageous propaganda as I have in the last 18 months. It is sickening.
1
Couldn't agree more. 'Make America Great Again' was the con of the century.
2
Do readers forget how Obama mocked Romney in 2012 for calling the Russians our biggest threat? Do readers forget Obama whispering in Putin's ear about what he'll do once he gets re-elected?
So far, all we have seen is 13 Russians indicted for spending about $ 110,000 to disrupt our democracy. Most of it spent after the election. I don't think that effort really changed the outcome.
Before the election, Hillary mocked Trump for saying the election would have been rigged had he lost. Well, he won and ever since then Hillary and all the Dems claim the Russians were to blame for her defeat and the election was rigged in Trump's favor. What a joke.
Why isn't anyone talking about Clinton's campaign paying lawyers to pay the Russians for the false info that was the basis for the FISA warrant and what was to become the start of this witch-hunt.?
2
Read the indictment, and the dossier, then get back to us.
5
Do I have this right? The FBI had an active investigation of Russian interference in our election, but kept silent and talked about Hillary's perfectly legal email server. President Obama knew about Russian interference in our election and said nothing. I've always thought the FBI worked for the Republican Party so am not surprised about them. Obama's behavior, on the other hand, shows how ill suited he was to be president in these times. Republicans would have been screaming treason. Will Democrats ever get in the game and stop electing people who want to play fair?
3
President Obama spoke to the FBI about this and to Republicans. It sounds like he naively underestimated (again) the depths Republicans would sink to and their willingness to betray their country.
1
This of course is to be expected. And unfortunately it is fodder for Trump's rabid supporters. It is of no use to argue that it defies logic to the point of absurdity. For so many of this president's followers, President Obama remains the enemy, the liberal evil force.
How ironic that is...that such a man as Mr. Obama, dignified, learned, and upright, is rejected by so many who call themselves Christians, yet they embrace the philanderer, the racist, the bigot whose very presence pollutes the very office to which he was elected.
Perhaps someday this country will awaken to the fact that Trump is whittling away the truth of an honest and moral democracy...and let that realization please be soon.
5
Let's recall that his first National Security Adviser discussed evading Obama's sanctions with Russia's top U.S. diplomat, and lied about that effort to the FBI. The gaslighting is extreme even for this truth-challenged Administration.
8
Let me get this straight. Trump denies that Russia interfered in the US electoral process. He believes Putin’s denials of Russian interference. When the genuine news media speak to him about Russian interference, he changes the subject.
But having denied that there was any Russian interference, he says Obama didn’t do enough to stop it.
10
DT needs to stop lashing out against virtually everyone including his own staff and government agencies in lieu of fixing problems. He accepts accountability for virtually nothing. He needs to realize who he is and what his responsibilities to US are. Harry Truman did when he put the sign on his desk saying, The Buck Stops Here.
4
This paper had an article about the Obama Whitehouse rushing to preserve the intelligence on Russian Election hacking:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/us/politics/obama-trump-russia-electi...
Put this in perspective:
Why did the outgoing Administration not trust the incoming Trump administration to carry on the investigation?
Here is it in black and white in March of 2017 - the Trump administration could not claim to be uninformed or set up.
Given that even after the article, Trump continued to deny Russian hacking and has yet to direct the Intelligence agencies to prevent ongoing interference speaks volumes.
7
If Democrats are saying Pres.Obama should have done more, when they are aware that the leader of the senate promised to say that it wasn’t true, and that he was putting his finger on the elections, then they are as awful as the republicans. I remember when during the elections how many of the democrats candidates refused to say if they voted for Pres. Obama. Democrats are weak kneed and need to defend their truths.
2
Ripped straight from The Apprentice playbook: Sharpen up your fingers and start pointing with the hope that it distracts everyone from noticing your own culpability/incompetence.
3
He has to blame his failings on someone, might as well be the last real president we had. If Obama wasn't black Trump would give the mop on his head to be viewed even remotely as popular and presidential.
4
45 is President now and time for him to act.
2
Russia is a dictatorship and oligarchy. Their ruling class does not wish us in the West well. The Russian ruling class supports and is allied with the Nazi murderous regimes that rule Iran and Syria. And the Russian regime wishes to sow discord and chaos in the West. Nothing new here. And we should stand up to these regimes.
But, we should not let these truths be used as distractions from our rigged economic and undemocratic political system. We should use all our efforts and love (not hatred) to fix our system and society. Remember, that the same multinationals and super-wealthy paid both the so-called "left" and right campaigns in our "elections" - both Hillary and Trump's campaigns, and the Congressional campaigns, as they have for decades/century(ies). And they have deliberately polarized Us the People, with their media (NYTimes, FoxNews etc.) for many decades and more, to the point that people no longer can think analytically and with their good hearts.
Love is the answer. Peace is the answer. Common sense is the answer. True education is the answer - read as much as you can from as many varied sources as you can. Read history, philosophy, science, poetry, and you will see thru. all the lies and half-truths. Read everything and anything - and think for yourself; think with your logic and your peaceful good heart. Put hate aside. We are all the same.
1
No, we are not "all the same". Decent people have nothing in common with a bunch of greedy thugs, either Russian or American. Hate may be bad, but there is nothing wrong with righteous anger and righteous action. Even Jesus got angry when he chased the money-changers out of the temple. He did not tolerate them, accomodate them, or "try to see their side". He threw them out of his Father's house.
We do not have to tolerate corruption, intolerance, and evil. If we want to keep our republic, we absolutely cannot afford the luxury of indifference.
1
Could Obama could have done more? Sure, but since Trump has done nothing, who is he to criticize someone who has done more?
10
Every day is a new day in Donald's White House reality show. Where will the magic wheel of blame land tomorrow? Stay tuned, we have to wait until he gets his talking points from Fox and Friends.
8
What has become very clear is that Trump is extremely jealous of Obama's high approval ratings. I'm not saying Obama was perfect but he had high approval ratings - something that is important to Trump. Obama cared abut many people and was able to evolve in his thinking; again he wasn't perfect but he tried and he successfully helped us navigate a disastrous time after 2008. Trump cares - about one person, Trump.
9
Yep. President Obama will go down in history as a good President and a great man and Trump will be forever despised as a mean spirited failure regarded by most of the world as a laughingstock. I hope this knowledge eats away at Trump like battery acid.
1
We get it. You think attacking Obama will make you look better — or less bad than you are — by comparison. It’s tired. All anyone cares about is, what will you do in the future to make it better? Crickets. Worse, obstruction. True treason. You’d better get it together, fast, or your presidency will be over.
7
it seems that it is totally ok for the media to try to influence who the American people vote for, and who not to vote for. Now, if any force from outside tries to do that, even in a way that could have never decided an election (such as the social media meddling), then OMG! it is SO outrageous, they tried to influence the elections! And that is being used forever to try to justify the preferred candidate lost and the other won.
Trump is right about shifting blame to previous administrations. But only to the extent that their negligence allowed him to fall through the cracks and endanger our whole democracy. Now we have a so called leader who neither understands nor cares.
And yes he is also right in pointing out something quite by accident - the current state has been influenced by all the past states that came before it. Trump, like a cancerous tumor, is the conclusion of a life influenced by genetic factors, negligence and bad habits.
2
Try as he might, Trump just can't get out of Obama's shadow, can he? It must be embarrassing: Trump occupies the highest office in the US, and he doesn't understand how to pull the levers. He can't pass legislation even though he controls the Senate and House.
We all have our enemies, but Trump's greatest enemies are imaginary - a former President who has gracefully shifted out of public office and has parlayed his political connections into many worthwhile causes, touching people and making a positive change. Meanwhile, Trump keeps tilting at windmills, swinging at an imaginary boogeyman as real threats against America grow.
11
What I would like to know -- and maybe someone on here can help me out -- is why did the media not report on the topic during the months leading up to the election? I believe Hillary Clinton's memoir says that her campaign staff asked members of the press to research (and report on) these topics. I would like to know what exactly the press were told and why (according to her, at least) they did not report on this. Of course, the next question is: "Would it have made a difference?"
4
Yes, I would like to know that, too. What did the media know and when did they know it?
Far from being the so-called "liberal media" that the right wing endlessly blathers about, it seems to me that the mainstream media was in the bag for Trump. They magnified Clinton's faults, but fawned disgustingly over Trump's every utterance, and gave him much more air time than they gave Clinton.
The US needs to bring back the Fairness Doctrine, for equal air time for all candidates, and the US needs to reverse the Citizen's United decision which allowed unlimited dark money into campaigns.
1
I'm searching my memory, and I'm finding it difficult to think of another person I know about or have known personally who was so TOTALLY self-absorbed, such that everything was about him/her. Every single thing.
Nonetheless, I understand his appeal to some Americans, but am saddened by their inability to see though his hucksterism and unsuitability for the job.
On a different tack, I don't think the Democrats will impeach Trump should the opportunity arise, nor should they. They will investigate many issues around his 'swamp' of an administration, however, and I think that will be enough to push him over the edge to illness or resignation. I don't think Jared Kushner will be pleased, either. He and others may denigrate and demonize Nancy Pelosi all they want, but they will be distinctly unhappy should she become Speaker again.
4
12/29/16-----President Obama expelled 29 Russian Diplomats, ordered closing of 3 diplomatic compounds used by the Russian Govt., imposed sanctions on various Putin Oligarchs and without naming specifics stated that certain cyber strategies were already being used to punish Russia for interference in our political processes. At that time, before Trump was President, Michael Flynn was negotiating with Russian Govt. to vacate all sanctions and Diplomat dismissals when Trump was inaugurated. That's all part of the Mueller investigation.
18
Assuming Trump is right (which he isn’t), what’s his excuse for taking no action whatsoever, for denying there’s a problem?
12
How can Trump shift the blame if he stated over and over there was no meddling? Liar-in-Chief cannot be trusted with any statement, even one future day, when it will turn out to be true.
9
The easy way out is to blame the previous president. However, if one was to look at what was asked from the Republican held congress concerning Russian meddling in the prior years before the 2016 election they would find a refusal from Mr. Mitch McConnell to cooperate with anything Obama put before him.
Yes, Obama then took executive action to deal with this before leaving office, and yes, DJT and his crew seem to be avoiding the question of whether they will do anything about possible election meddling in the future.
Know this DJT, we’re not talking about the past, we’re talking about what you’re planning on doing concerning the one thing the people of the U.S. have when electing a public candidate who we believe will best represent our local county, state, and country.
4
Here is a key part of this article:
"But Mr. McConnell, two former officials said, refused to back a statement publicly challenging Russia and told Mr. Obama that he would view an effort by the White House to do that as partisan."
McConnell and his party seem to have no ethical limits. The end seems to always justify the means. McConnell is rotten to the core.
16
Trump: What a disgusting fraud.
10
Wait a minute here. How about Hillary? Hillary must be in some way responsible for the Russian activity? Yeah, she and Obama . . . that's the ticket.
If Amoral and Greedy had a kid, it would be Trump. He's a money grubber without a shred of decency.
12
Why is Trump trying to blame Obama?
It's not true, just fake news.
It's someone else's fault.
Okay, work for the day is done, back to watching TV.
11
Mr. Trump will never take responsibility for anything that is broken under his watch as president. First it is Hillary's fault and now Obama's. He refuses to be supportive in the investigation of a foreign country's attack on our democracy. I thought that was his job as president; not Hillary's or Obama's. He attacks all things with the exception being Mr. Putin and his Russia; refusing "...to impose new Russian sanctions despite law passed by U.S. congress over election hacking.” It makes you wonder why.
12
Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and the GOP are now on the Trump bandwagon pointing a finger at what Obama didn't do!? What has Trump done about Russia its known meddling in our elections, but stonewall and ignore all information about it! That it is 'fake news', "I believe Putin", He has done absolutely nothing except enable more and more Russia interference - now with gun control, and of course he wants their help with the upcoming 2018 elections! These guys all need to go! They are all criminals acting against our countries best interests and homeland security. None of them have taken solid steps to stop, prevent, speak out about Russia and what they all know they have done and are doing to interfere in our democratic way of life. Enough!
7
Never has our country been exposed to a more corrupt or unintelligent man pretending to be president. All he seems capable of doing is blaming others for his shortfalls and tweeting nonsensical blather that demeans anyone with the temerity to speak up or out about his malfeasance and moronic behavior.
Blaming former President Obama, former Sec. of State Clinton, or any of the Looney Tunes characters will never save this poor excuse for a human being from the steady parade of guilty parties paying their debt to society, or the tightening of the net around him.
He knows things aren't looking good for him, so he resorts to reprehensible tweet storms that only ensnare him further. Tweet on, 45, the drumbeat of your alleged treason grows louder each minute.
9
Another day, another denial. Is this juvenile blame game worth commenting on? Perhaps distorted social media and Russian trolls did influence American voters enough to tip the election. And perhaps they still are influencing Trump supporters. How else can we explain this bizarre nightmare?
7
Seriously?? Trump is saying someone else was dismissive of the threat from Russia? This guy turns reality upside down and his tweaks grow more bizarre by the day. Either he has a lot to hide or he's an idiot. I think probably both.
10
Code Red, as Friedman wrote. Trump is OFF the chain.
6
This is what I expect from the Putin Stooge, President Obama warned the country about the Russian Meddling and asked the congress to make a joint statement, but MITCH MCCONNELL SAID NO, it's time Mitch and Paul Ryan get the credit they deserve for not allowing the Russian meddling to continue.
Donald Trump hasn't even admitted that Russia was behind it, but he seems to blame everyone else in our government and has been an apologist for Vladimir Putin.
Donald Trump what does Vladimir Putting the ex-KGB operative have on you?
13
One of the clearest lines of demarcation between winners and losers is how they react to events. A winner is always thanking all those people who helped her or him. A loser is forever blaming others for her or his failure. Do we really need any more information to judge President Trump? Never has a public personality basked so shamelessly in his own putative triumphs than Trump; never has such a person spent more energy blaming others for what surely must be his own failures. Q.E.D.
11
"I have been much tougher on Russia than Obama, just look at the facts. Total Fake News!"... Words cannot describe what we are witnessing today so perhaps its best to simply quote Joseph N. Welch's words from the Army-McCarthy hearings, June 9, 1954, "You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"
11
Dear Donald:
Obama is no longer the sitting President, you are!
V. Putin
5
A man kills his parents.
He is convicted.
He asks the judge for a lenient sentence.
“Because I’m an orphan.”
6
It must be eating Trumo up inside, knowing that a black man is more esteemed, more respected, more loved and more admired than he can ever hope to be. He is not fit to shine President Obama's shoes.
25
Yep, Trump will go to his grave knowing that President Obama was well liked and respected all over the world and Trump is and always will be known as a pathetic loser.
1
President Obama as so many people have observed did take actions against Russia for their cyber warfare against our Democracy , could he have done more , easy to say harder to do.Clearly he was thwarted by McConnell from doing more.
One profound difference between President Obama and President Trump is that President Obama puts his country first before self and politics whereas Trump puts himself first , his country way down the list.
I miss President Obamas human decency , his intellect, his sense of fair play.
I will always be in awe of how this young man saved the worlds economy when he took office and put to right the mess the Republicans made including two disasterous wars.
Trump is the epitome of avarice and hate.
15
Can't wait til this nightmare is over. The man blames everyone but Russia and himself. Seems to me he's veering into treasonous territory - at the least being derelict on performing the duties of his job and that he took an oath to carry out.
12
Oh, dear Lord, of course Trump tries to shift blame to Obama. What else is new? This obsession with President Obama has become a pathetic whine from a man whose primary language is whining. Is there nothing for which Obama isn't responsible?
There is a reason that I only check the news occasionally now. Trump continues to be Trump. Behavior that was unthinkable six months ago is now routine, just one more bad thing among such a cloud of bad things. Who has time to notice? Or the strength to keep reacting. And the news media, including the NYTimes, sat by and gave this man a pass on nearly everything before the election but has suddenly become righteously indignant that he is who he is. It is a classic case of too little, too late. I am certainly pleased he is finally being called out, but where were all these journalistic ethics when they might have prevented what happened.
The whole circus has become just about more than anyone can tolerate and the temptation to despair is nearly overwhelming. I hope there is someone out there who sees how we get past this because I don't.
9
Trump better be careful. He's heading toward an appointment in Samarra with Robert Mueller.
5
Mr. Trump, if you are too chicken to stand up to Putin, then Kim Jong-un has no reason to believe your threats. Additionally, if you act like a cry-baby blaming Obama for the past, it's like you are blaming your father and mother that you are unable to be a grown up today because you were not breast fed enough as a child. Is that why you have to be pacified with pornstars and Playboy playmates?
Of course Russian is laughing at you, and I would too if it were not so tragically true.
8
Trump is a whiner, a bully, and racist. Whenever there is a problem, his worst side takes over and he blames African Americans (Obama, Oprah, et al), or Muslims, or Latinos. He couldn't even stand in the shadow of our great men and women -- but I know we will rise above his mean-spirited pettiness -- and it looks like the youth of the U.S. might help us do it!
10
Students stood with Martin Luther King; they marched against the Vietnam War; they marched for Free Speech. As one who was part of all that, I am so proud of these high school students. They represent adults who can vote; and, they will soon be voting. Hats off to them!
5
I hope after the indictments and convictions, Trump is sentenced to a long term in the newly minted "Barack H Obama" high security facility, so he can spend all his time blaming his predecessor without interruption.
8
The Clinton Correctional Facility is in Dannemora, in upstate NY. Perfect fit.
4
Obama's quote does not prove any point trump is trying to make. Obama was referring to trump's pathetic assertion and ongoing mantra at the time that the election would prove to be rigged if he lost.
No one is saying Russia rigged our election now or then - That would mean that Russia somehow manipulated our voting system, which they did not. Experts are saying that Russia interfered with and attempted to alter the outcome of our election, which they did. These are obvious distinctions that trump is conveniently overlooking in a pathetic attempt to defend his lack of response to Russia's election meddling.
6
He has lost whatever mind he had to begin with, which isn’t saying much, I know.
12
What's scary is that this unstable, dysregulated, dishonest, possibly treasonous, and clearly embarrassing so-called President still has followers among congress and, albeit dwindling, portion of the public! My God, what does it take? The humiliation of having this train wreck in the White House is too much to bear! 2020 can't come soon enough! These are years we will never get back!
12
When will the Democrats apologize to Mitt Romney, who was 100% correct on the Russia threat?
2
When will the Republicans apologize to Hillary Clinton, who was 100% correct on the Trump threat?
1
Did Romney ever mention election tampering? Does Romney speak out against it now?
1
That ridiculous charade must taking an enormous physical and psychological toll... the man looks haggard, like he's losing sleep.
What was it Howard Stern said? Something along the lines that the presidency was going to be detrimental to Donald Trump's mental health?
No doubt...
3
How did America ever elect this insecure child to be POTUS? It boggles the mind.
10
Two words. Mitch McConnell. He refused to not making it a partisan issue, tying Obama's hands. Many roads of evil lead to McConnell, this is just one of them. Trump loves to deflect his current responsibility to anything and anyone else, it's time for him to aim his spittle at the person who deserves. Mitch, take a bow.
19
Trump tries to shift blame to Obama like Bernie Madoff tried to shift blame to his victims: "They shouldn't have believed me!", or a burglar tries to shift blame to the ones he stole from: "They shouldn't have left the door unlocked!". Worse than deplorable, it's despicable.
10
Trump likes to misquote another President "The buck stops anywhere but here."
7
The very existence of trump is due to anti Obama sentiment which he created. No wonder he talks like that. I am hoping for the end of this nonsense.
10
Fake president and commander in thief called the election rigged during the campaign. Could he have known something? Doesn't seem to want to do much about Russian interference.
8
What is this OBSESSION that Trump has with Obama? Is it because Obama has bigger hands?
5
In the convoluted minds of Trump & Pence, THEY are right and everybody else is wrong; they have never done anything wrong, only others have done wrong.
Considering neither drinks nor uses drugs, the only rational explanation can be- mental illness.
Two mentally ill individuals as executives to the strongest nation in the world.
5
As I recall, in the last stretch of the 2016 presidential election, candidate Donald J. Trump told his supporters: if we lose the election, it is because it’s rigged. It’s rigged folks.
President Obama comes out, goes after the Russians, would just confirm candidate Donald J. Trump.
You could argue, with little difficulty, that candidate DJT knew what the Russians were up to, and by saying what he said, he practically neutered any actions President Obama could have taken publicity.
But 45 believes this Russher thing is a ruse, consequently, by definition, 45 will never go after the Russians for attacking our election.
Why would he, he needs them in 2018 and 2020.
What a shame.
8
Trump knew it was rigged, because he rigged it.
1
The president of the United States must be removed from office at once, while there is still a chance this can be achieved without violence.
8
I do not think this man has ever admitted to doing anything wrong. He can’t say it. It is astonishing. After claiming for over a year that this “Russia thing is a hoax and fake news” and having been presented with clear, “incontrovertible” evidence that this is not a hoax, Trump now blames President Obama for what Russia did.
Instead of tweeting insults and blame, why doesn’t Trump issue a swift rebuke of Putin and his actions? What are you hiding, Donald?
13
Oh, our dear donald. Everything is someone else's fault. That would be understandable if he was a 9 year old, but that isn't the case. Or is it? All he can do it throw around accusations, but his supporters eat them up like candy. Anyway, I thought he "won" the election?
7
In this case he's got a point, as much as I hate to admit it. Obama overthought this, as he did so many things. Paralysis by analysis happened all too often in his administration when they should have done something as in this case.
3
The question remains, why isn't Trump doing something about it NOW? Maybe Obama did overthink it out of fear of being seen as partisan while Trump was busy claiming the election was going to be rigged, but that is history. Trump is president. It is his job to do something. He could start by implementing the sanctions congress passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, but he won't. He prefers to scream about Obama, Hillary and castigate his national security advisor.
3
Did I miss something? I thought in response to Russian spying|meddling Obama kicked out 30+ Russian diplomats and their staff as well as shutting down the embassy or place from which they were supposed to be doing business. Maybe I missed that part. Maybe the person tweeting all the time doesn't know what he's talking about.
10
So Trump attacks Obama over something Trump has insisted over and over never happened?
10
He did the same thing about the birth certificate if you recall: said it was Hillary‘s fault
3
‘Bout time the NYTimes report on McConnell and Ryan’s abhorrent behavior when President Obama wanted a united front from Congressional leadership on Russian Hacking and election meddling before the 2016 election and the GOP refused.
16
Even worse than that farce, they prevented a respected, honorable Superior Court judge from being appointed to the Supreme Court, an appointment denied to the President who had that right while in office. McConnell stalled for one year until Trump came into office. Then McConnell et al supported the appointment of an evangelical ideologue, and anti-employee corporate shill. They also voted for the biggest tax heist since Tea Pot Dome. No honor among thieves.
4
Russian lackey Trump doesn't seem to realize he is responsible for defending the U.S. against foreign attack, and has been for over a year now. Ever since he was "elected" in November 2016, it has been his responsibility, not private citizen Obama's.
For President* Trump, the buck stops over there.
9
Whether it's the "throw the dog a bone" bumpstock ban, which is a joke in light of how many mass assault weapons are out there and how many normal AR-15's have been used to cause utter mass murder. Or smearing the FBI into the dirt while they are rightfully investigating him. He just can't ever do the right thing.
This guy hasn't done one thing to deter Russia and in fact quite the opposite. His behavior causes the sort of division that Russian Troll's exploit. And he won't enforce any of the sanctions anyway.
What did you saddle us with you slightly disaffected Trump voters?
This guy is a disaster on every level.
9
Get those tax returns; then you will see what he owes Putin and the Russian oligarchs who deposited 250M in Deutsche Bank which then loaned it to Trump for his failing real estate ventures. He owes Putin a lot; and, Putin can call those loans in, thus bankrupting this fake "billionaire". Bloomberg is a real billionaire; he doesn't owe Russians any money. Gates is a real billionaire; he doesn't owe Russians any money.
4
He is a real estate huckster.
He always passes the blame.
23
Trump:
"Russia? What's Russia? I can't see it from my front door."
"Russians? I don't know any Russians."
"My campaign had no contact with any Russians."
"OK, Jeff Sessions did. My son did. My National Security Adviser did. My son-in-law did. But I never talk to them, so I didn't."
"Sure, I invited Russians into the Oval Office and barred the press. I only invited Russians I didn't know and had never met, so there's no story there."
"OK, so meetings with Russians took place in Trump Tower. So what? I own so many buildings I can't keep track of them all."
"The whole Russian collusion thing is Fake News."
"If the FBI hadn't spent so much time looking for Russian collusion, they would have noticed the Florida shooter."
"All of my intelligence agencies are full of traitors who wouldn't swear an oath of personal loyalty to me. After I fired Comey you'd think they'd get the message! What do they know? I have a really really good brain. That's why I have so much time to watch TV and play golf."
After Flynn resigns, Sessions recuses himself, Bannon is available to chat, and Mueller indicts 13 Russians:
"The Russians were definitely meddling, and Obama is to blame."
27
Shift the blame? Just headline this article: Trump continues to lie and obfuscate , while facts dispute everything he says.
19
Robert Mueller indictment of 13 Russians meddling from 2014-2016!
Read the indictment of Robert Mueller blasting obama for failing to act and protect American elections for over two years.
Obama’s lack of action is treasonous.
2
I honesty can't tell if this is parody.
It's Obama's fault for allowing Trump to associate with convicted criminals with ties to Russia, to deal with oligarchs close to Putin and for the Trump campaign to set up meetings with Russian agents and repeatedly lie about them?
Exactly how stupid do you think readers of NYT are?
13
I always knew it was Obama's fault. Isn't everything?
13
Trump learned from one of the best, President Obama blamed President G. W. Bush for everything. The sad thing in all of this finger pointing is the buck stops at the Presidents desk. Find a means to fix the problem and stop pointing the finger at the last occupant.
President Obama got us almost completely out of the Iraq war deficit; he got something for 22 million uninsured Americans; he gave us a dignified Presidency without scandal; he gave us an admired leader by the free world. He gave us a lot. Trump has dragged all of that into the sewer of corrupt political connections.
3
Rick Beechner - President Obama and everyone else with an IQ above room temperature rightly blamed G.W. for two senseless wars and the great recession.
1
Trump has always found a way to blame everyone else for all that irks him or makes him look bad. He never takes ownership and responsibility for anything unless it has to do with bragging his wealth and how he is the stupidest (smartest) president ever. I think, he would even blame his mother, if she was living, if she every scolded him for something.
This entire administration and the supporting congressional Republicans should embrace the acronym ACCI. Administration of crooks and criminals incorporated. It is very fitting.
13
While this weasel of a President shifts the blame he’s doing nothing now on his watch to prevent the interference in the coming elections that we know is ongoing, nor has he said anything about the fake news that the Russians and others are spreading to stoke racial tensions, like false reports of whites being attacked at screenings of The Black Panther. This President cares only about shifting blame onto others. He is the worst role model for our youth and for the nation.
11
“There is no serious person out there who would suggest somehow that you could even rig America’s elections, there’s no evidence that that has happened in the past or that it will happen this time,
Cut and paste works as well as any double edged sword.
2
Trump is completely incapable of any act except blaming others. It's always everyone else's fault but his. The character flaws in this man are breathtaking.
20
Not many people are letting tRUMP get away with this strategy ... not many at all ...
9
No big surprise here. Blaming Barack Obama is the defacto reaction Donald Trump always has whenever he finds himself in a bind. Not only because he's incapable of taking responsibility for any given situation where he is not "winning", but because he knows it's guaranteed grist for the mill among a core support base willing to find fault with everything involving the nation's first Black president.
All this explains why after the first of what will probably be Robert Mueller's many future indictments, what we're seeing now is the increasing desperation of a person who knows this investigation is growing ever closer to the truth behind the 2016 presidential election.
Expect more outrageous shifts to follow.
15
Revisit and re-read Alan Bloom's " Closing of the American Mind"! American's are gullible, overly trusting and will believe outlandish claims regardless of political, economic or social affiliation. CNN, Fox News and MNBC discard the Platonic-Socratic method of truth, replacing it with Relativism. Within this context, extremists on both parties have their personnel truths, viewing opposing views as falsehoods. Clinton was the heir apparent; all polls and pundits call it an historical event, the election of a first woman president. But reality set in; America is made up of suburban and rural areas, many unlike urban areas such as NYC, SF and LA. These Americans cared about their families and the economy; dreamers, transgender rights and N.C. bathroom case had no bearing on traditional blue states and the working class that Hillary ignored. Manipulating the public and fanning dissent in America is easy as long as there are polar opposites in the political spectrum.
1
Read more and diverse books.
6
@ Rita, your post serves my point and your state celebrates diversity but adheres to a monotheistic tenet! Just ask James Hetfied....
President Trump, impress me. How about a response that looks like this: the Russians interfered in our election to help me because they felt I was the lesser of two evils or someone they could take advantage of. Well, be careful what you wish for. I am going to use every tool in my vast superior arsenal to make you regret ever messing with our elections. That, would be more impressive than no collusion tweets and would show that even if he were the beneficiary of these actions, he was innocent of collusion. I do not see that happening unfortunately
10
A good example would be to examine G. Bush II. After the controversial election settlement by the Supreme Court, he never looked back. He grabbed the mantle and took the reins as President. There was never any mention of Al Gore. George Bush was President of the United States period!
This is bizarre. The activities of the Russians were well known to our intelligence services, and were free under Obama, with his blessing, to work on these. The person who might know this best is James Comey.
The only concern publicly expressed by President Obama was that, while all of the relevant intelligence agencies were working on this, he did not want to announce it publicly.
The liar who hasn't been impeached yet, the misogynist, neo-Nazi sympathizer, subtly confounds the work that is likely still classified from Obama's decision not to go public. Unlike Trump's hope that the Russians would release all of Hillary's emails. A good line demonstrating his inability to understand that the enemies of the US are not his personal friends and should not be treated as such.
8
Whatever Obama did or didn’t do,Trump,your squatting in an all Republican
Congress,house, and Supreme Court and just to help them all you’re up to your old neck in corrupt,unethical,and criminal behavior.
Anyone listening to you or those you surround yourself with is blind and deaf.
My wish for the whole Trump mob and every Republican associated with you is
Prison,@nd the sooner the better.Oh,of course,let’s have a trial first then go to
Prison,we don’t want anyone anywhere to ever forget your filthy legacy.
15
The times has an interesting OP ED how Trump stacks up against best and worst presidents. Needless to say, he is currently dead last!
4
I don't understand why the NYT in over a year, continues to report the News cycles pushed by Trump. This was how he took over, even the elite media, during the elections.
NYT went digital to stay with current development.
But in this era where the elite reporters and organizations appear to be the only ones providing any transparency about the Trump administration, should they not determine what drivel to post???
Must we read blather from Trump tweets?
Is tweeting, conduct becoming of a president, I mean really. So why the detailed reporting on errant conduct of Trump, AGAIN ...
You all contributed to normalizing his candidacy. And you are now normalizing his lies, vulgarity and manipulation of the media.
23
I'm amazed the NYT published your excellent criticism. Also, I'm old enough to remember when Trump begged Russia, on national tv, to hack Hillary's emails. Where does that reality put this NYT piece?
3
Trump's dazzling ignorance is only surpassed by his vacuous gullibility.
16
Obama didn't do enough. Sir, you've done Nothing. Not even made a statement to defend out democracy. You sir have no spine.
27
Mueller’s court filings thus far are a lot more incriminating of Trump than most people are acknowledging. Attached to the filing for Flynn’s guilty plea, for example, is Flynn’s allocution, in which he confesses in writing that lies he told the FBI materially damaged the FBI’s ability to investigate illegal contacts between Russian officials and the Trump campaign.
People who allege that Mueller “only” convicted Flynn of a “process crime” do not understand how plea bargains work, nor do they understand what Flynn’s allocution means. Flynn has knowledge of illegal contacts between Russian officials and Trump’s campaign, transition team and administration. Flynn is providing facts about those illegal contacts to Mueller.
15
Mr. Trump has no shame. Hitler and propaganda minister Goebbels are impressed in their graves.
22
At what point does his maniacal behavior start affecting the markets. I am shocked at the speed & depth that we’ve fallen as a country under Trump.
19
You are?
2
I have to admit that Obama, knowing that Russian individuals and possibly the Russian government, should have made that information public knowledge. Why would he not want to warn Americans to be vigilant to possible election campaign misinformation? While not a Trump supporter it is becoming clearly evident, ironically, that it was the Clinton campaign that has meddled in our election system, first, by colluding with the DNC to rig the Democratic primaries (kudos to Donna Brazil for having the courage to reveal that), and second, was it not the Clinton campaign that hired and paid for the Fusion One research that was in contact with Russians and even what the campaign thought were Russian government officials in obtaining embarrassing and damaging information on Trump. Think about it. A massive investigation into Trump's election collusion with the Russians, and it turns out the Hillary camp was the real colluders.
3
Ummm...Donna Brazil did not reveal that... and rigged is the wrong word for it. Super delagates were pledged to Clinton for a variety of reasons before Bernie declared. DNC took over the Fusion contract from Republicans, but Christopher Steel did not know which political party was financing his research, he only answered to Fusion. So it's completely false to say that the Clinton campaign was colluding with Russia or anyone else. They paid for opposition research, typical in any campaign. When Steel realized what his Russian contacts were telling him about Trump's connections in Russia, he went directly to the FBI with his information, the DNC didn't even see it until after the election.
8
Thanks, Sean.
Of course you know your post is mostly wrong. A conservative website funded the dossier originally. It's not colluding with the Russians to get opposition research as most do, it is collusion if you meet with Kremlin representatives. Who did that? Oh yeah, that was Donnie Jr in the meeting last June. Keep off of Breitbart, you might learn some actual facts.
3
Can you imagine how Republicans would have responded if Obama declared that the Russians were trying to sway the election to Trump in the months prior to the election??? Does any rational person have ANY doubt how they would have responded? It would have been lunacy on steroids. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. Obama was in an untenable situation. He knew that this was a major problem. He knew it needed to be addressed. But he also knew that the Republicans would go absolutely crazy if he called the Russians out prior to the election and revealed that some of Trump's confidants were either witting or unwitting accomplices in the plot. He made a calculation (which proved to be fatal in the end) that HC was going to win and that the mess with the Russians and Trump associates could be cleaned up on the backside of the election with less political fallout than prior to the election. After years of dealing with endless wailing about nonsensical "scandals" including Benghazi, email servers, birther claims, pedophile rings, and all the other ridiculous right wing memes, Obama knew what he was up against. HE DID THE ONLY THING HE COULD. For Trump and the Republicans to accuse him of failing to act is the height of absurdity and hypocisy. He failed to act BECAUSE OF THEM and their proven lunacy.
35
I think Obama worried more about his legacy as President than he did about Russians helping Trump. He should have told the voting public, even if the Republicans screamed "fake news".
Maybe with a known Russian threat to the elections, more of the non-voters would have gotten alarmed, gotten to the polls and voted. We will never know.
Mr. Trump's flip-flopping tantrums are to be ignored. Congress, however, must unite and lead us. With the FBI's findings in their hands and renewed vigor, they can indeed protect our elections. We need to shut off Trump's megaphone and get busy working together.
9
I agree that the Obama administration did not do enough to dissuade or prevent Russian interference w/the election, though I can now say that with the benefit of hindsight. And, had Hillary won, we probably wouldn't have so much attention on Russian interference, even though, had Hillary won, it would be an equally important issue.
But so what? None of that absolves Trump of responsibility for acting now. Of leading the country in denouncing that interference. Of giving strategic objectives to the FEC, DHS, and the intelligence community on how to defend against it later this year and in the future. Of making the pain level on Russia so high that they don't interfere again. You know, leading the country. Quit worrying so much about blaming your predecessor (or whoever you can blame) and, like, be the President.
14
When you become President, you inherit what you inherit. This is not a contest over whether Obama did or did not do enough. He did what he did. Now, Mr. Trump, you are the President and it is up to you to do what the job demands of you and not try to get off the hook by saying that someone else is to blame. That sounds an awful lot like abrogating responsibility and buck passing.
Perhaps you need to read a little history about what happens when new administrations come to power. The new president is expected to be , well, presidential. Think Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson. They stepped into the job facing tough decisions and they made them. Where are you?
13
Trump is presently negotiating a tax deduction at the Museum of American Cowardice. He earned the credit for donating his bone spurs.
2
What is trump hiding?
16
His tax returns, for starters...
3
"How dare Obama allow a traitor like me to get elected?"
Folks, we have a new definition of chutzpah!
21
Such a child. Such a pathetic child. Use your time blaming someone else for an issue to try and draw attention away from your own messes. This will only work with your angry, "God fearing" gun toting hypocritical followers. You aren't fooling the rest of us. We still want to see your taxes, we still believe you have no character and we are anxious for your eventual 10 percent approval rating
18
Trump (via NYT): "I have been much tougher on Russia than Obama, just look at the facts. Total Fake News!"
This comment in and of itself is not an absolute disaster (one of these "maybe yes maybe no" things) except it clearly shows a sudden lack of maturity, a self-inflicted loneliness and no longer being part of the "Big Boys." Trump is loosing inner emotional stability at an accelerated pace. Give him another 6 months and he will retire.
9
Trump can only blame, never accept responsibility. His program is deceit and diversion, the mark of a true coward with weak, if any, leadership skills.
20
Obama had many failings, mainly rooted in the lack of fit between a community organizer mentality and that needed in the Presidency. But Trump makes him look like Lincoln or Washington and his endless racist attacks only further discredit his own despicable, narcissistic, lying character.
6
President was also Harvard Law Review, a constitutional scholar. He was also an honest, decent man with a scandal free family. He did not profit from the Presidency; he did not own hotels and rent rooms to foreign dignitaries. He was more than a "community organizer"; he fought for health care for 22M uninsured Americans. He tried to protect the environment, and succeeded in the Arctic; now that protection has been rescinded by Pruitt. Every decent thing Obama accomplished, despite a corrupt GOP Congress and Mitch McConnell, has been under attack by this corrupt Administration.
2
As of today, Donald Trump has been President for exactly 13 months. Yet this childish man/boy still cannot let go of the fact that he's one of only 5 Presidents elected who got less votes than his opponent.
He didn't "easily" win the EV--In 5 states, including North Carolina and Florida, he might well have lost without Russian meddling--but that's beside the point.
Barack Obama hasn't been President for 13 months now, and YOU, Donald John Trump "own" EVERYTHING, the bad as well as the good. No, you haven't been tougher on Russia than ANY President since the end of World War II. Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II, and Obama were all far, FAR tougher on Russia, Obama expelled spies, pushed for legislation to sanction Russia--but McConnell, trying to ensure a Republican won and got a SCOTUS pick refused the bring up the bill. Obama imposed what sanctions he could--YOU lifted them, invited high-level intelligence officers into the Oval Office and GAVE them highly classified information!
Not once have you said a negative word about the spider at the center of the web, Putin, as he CONTINUES to this very day to disrupt our nation. You are not fit to be President.
18
I want to see the videotape.
3
WHAT Russian Meddling? Isn't it all a Hoax?
6
What did Obama know and when did he know it? He needs to be subpoenaed and put under oath. If he lies he needs to be indicted, prosecuted and jailed. Equal Justice Under Law.
2
You forgot to mention "lynched."
6
Presumably you feel just as strongly regarding Trump and his corrupt handlers? The hypocrisy among you people is one part hilarious and the other part pathetic.
9
Thank you, comrade. Your service to the motherland is duly noted.
- Vlad
5
The lies aren’t even plausible anymore. Possible explanations:
Medical - can’t remember what he has said. Cause: too much Ambien? Not enough sleep?
Mental - Psychotic break with reality; Or pathological need to lie.
Criminality - Guilty, knows he is guilty and is just throwing mud against the wall to see what sticks.
10
Really, is this a joke? The guy the Russian elected is blaming Obama .This guy is a true peice of work. He can't be thrown out of office by any means soon enough.
15
His actions are treasonous, as are those of his enablers.
14
Trump is SO INSECURE that he needs to blame President Obama FOR ALL OF TRUMP FAILURES! Pres. Obama DID NOT NEED RUSSIAN VOTER FRAUD TO WIN AN ELECTION!!!
15
Okay, Mr. President, are you now acknowledging facts or just doing the usual blame everyone but the people involved?
You have my head spinning now that Mueller has you and your ignoble crowd running scared. So...WHICH IS IT, MR.APPRENTICE?!
7
Just a reminder to President Trump, you are President.
4
How do we know Trump is in trouble? He blames Obama, Hillary, the Democrats, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Oprah Winfrey, and whatever name comes to him from the real people running the country, Fox and Friends!
13
Donald, which is it? If Obama didn't do enough to counter the Russians, how can you then claim that the charge of Russian interference is a "hoax?" Mueller's investigation is not a witch hunt, after all, is it?
Once again, Donald is his own worst enemy.
7
Wrong. Trump is our nation’s worst enemy.
1
Separate from what I feel about any of it, most likely he is bitter that he was considered the worst president ever and that Obama soared into he top 10 without even thanking him.
11
The more I watch on Russia gate the more I’m terrified that Trump and crew (Putin too) have pulled off the perfect non-violent coup d’e tat)-:
14
Trump does have some credibility to say that the Russian meddling was not done just on his watch, the Obama administration was in charge while it was going on. Clinton's campaign, although the main target could have probably done more to either stop it or highlight it. We also shouldn't forget that GW Bush was once in charge and although wasn't implicated in this, he has not been exonerated has he? Nobody on this forum has taken the time to highlight the effect of certain Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets in this saga, i wont either because i have absolutely no evidence of it whatsoever, but it cannot be discounted completely. Apart from being dead and highly unlikely to have been involved in this meddling, it has not passed my attention that Jimi Hendrix is actually an anagram of 'i jinx him red', obviously a reference to the red communist meddling that has been going on, and has anyone seen Jimi lately? I bet the answer to that is probably no, isn't it, so we cant rule out Jimi's involvement in this can we.
My point is, okay Trump may have a slightly weird fixation on Putin, many members of his campaign and family may have met with shady Russians, Trump may have have many shady business dealings with shady Russians and he takes the word of shady Russians over his own intelligence officials and Russian stories are popping up all over but all this could just be coincidence and of no importance whatsoever, what is needed here is balance, some balance please NYT
3
Whether or not the Trump campaign colluded with Russia is a separate matter from the fact that the Russians actually did seek to sow discord in the US and influence the election.
So, let's stick to the fact that every single one of our intelligence agencies have come to the conclusion that Russia did, in fact, interfere with the US. Yes, Obama should have been stronger, but I will note that even what he did do at the time was dismissed by many Republicans (including Trump) as being political.
The point is--Trump has now been president for over a year and he has done nothing to either punish the Russians or do anything to make sure this threat is diminished this coming fall. Look at his tweets--they blame everyone but Putin. He has said that he believes Putin when Putin says he was not involved.
So, what exactly needs to be more balanced?
4
Good prosecutors do not believe in coincidences; Mueller won't believe in them. Criminals do not need "balance" from prosecutors; they need to be tried and convicted. Eventually Trump will either resign, or be impeached once his criminal connections with Russian money is exposed in his tax returns. Putin can't erase those; they are in the records of Deutsche Bank, laundered through the Bank of Cyprus in Turkey. Why do you think Trump's lawyers are trying to get him to shut up?
According to numerous NYT articles Obama was aware of Russian interference but instead of taking action he denied the truth and did nothing to counter the Russians. Thus, trump is correct if one trusts the Times. Now, we keep on hearing about how sorry trump is as a president so why exactly does anyone expect him to do better than Obama? Perhaps Trump is merely emulating the actions of Obama? If it was good for Obama why is it not good for Trump? Or perhaps more important, off Obama's actions were good with Obama supporters why are those exact same actions not good now? After all, Trump revealed the Russian truth first and was nearly eviscerated in this publication and by the majority of readers.
1
I think part of the problem may be that Trump tweets like teenage girl and consorts with prostitutes, while his cult members meeting with shadowy Russians, or worse. All that context makes for a so-called president who lacks credibility and respect. As for Obama, well, many of us miss the days of respectability and emotional regulation in the White House.
6
I will point out that while Obama could have been much more forceful in his response, he did actually do something--much of which many Republicans (including Trump) said were only political acts.
Obama had spoken behind the scenes to Putin. Someone in his administration put out information that the Russians were taking steps to influence the election. Thereafter, he kicked out some diplomats, imposed some sanctions (which let's remember, John Kelly then met with the Russians to tell them not to worry about the sanctions), and took some properties that Russians had.
So, you cannot say that Obama did not do anything.
4
"According to numerous NYT articles Obama was aware of Russian interference but instead of taking action he denied the truth"
OK, I'll bite. Give us a link to one--- just one--- NYTimes article that states that Obama "denied the truth" about Russian interference.
2
Trump always yells, the buck does not stop here! It's always somebody else's fault. I am not responsible for any thing bad, but I am always the reason for anything good. There is no future
6
Ah, the honorable game of, who else can I pin this on to receive the most favorable attention?
5
This laughable! It was Mitch McConnell who insisted on hiding the Russia story before the elections. Obama did his best to stop the Russian without appearing to take sides in the election. The republicans and Trump are not only dishonest, they are just not smart enough to understand the situation.
18
Next trump will be blaming Obama for trump's extramarital affairs, defrauding trump university students, grabbing women's private parts, refusing to release his tax returns, firing James Comey, casino bankruptcies... just to name a few things.
16
You forgot that the "president" needs to blame Obama for all of the golf outings our dear "president" takes which distracts him from all of that presidenting stuff.
1
Methinks that "Cadet Bonespurs" is afraid to confront Russia. Past presidents like, Ike, Ford, Nixon, Reagan, and Bush 1 & 2 positioned the GOP as the party to confront the Russians/USSR. In fact isn't the reasoning supporting their enormous Defense expense since WW2 been based in prior presidents willingness to tell Russia to back off. If Cadet Bonespurs is going to play business mamby pamby with them, we should downsize our military budget.
1
hmmm...who else "dismissed this threat"? and who called the whole thing "a hoax?"
yet another upside-down-world day in the life of mr. trump.
2
Instead of placing blame on his predecessor, Trump needs to be proactive regarding Russia. He can impose the added sanctions that were passed overwhelmingly by both parties and that he signed. He can publicly and strongly denounce Putin. He can show some outrage at the Russian tampering of our elections instead of attacking the FBI and Obama.
Regarding Russia, Trump not only acts like he is guilty but he seems frozen and does not appear to have the courage or ability to lead.
5
Maybe the Russians do have the negatives?
1
I notice that the Trump administration has done exactly nothing to counter the ongoing Russian efforts to disrupt our political system.
9
Ok, Mr. Perfect Trump, now that you are president, what are YOU doing to improve election integrity in the US? I haven't heard anything about that. And neither is Trump implementing the sanctions against Russia over their meddling, sanctions that Congress overwhelmingly approved. It's easy to look back and criticize, and quite another to criticize another person yet still do nothing to improve the situation.
6
Obama was responding to Trump's claims the election was "rigged" so the he could not win, not to the possibility the Russians were trying to influence the election in his favor. Obama's remarks are being twisted by Trump and for some reason the author of this report does not correct that distortion.
6
President Obama employed sanctions, and Mr. Trump had Gen. Flynn tell the Russians not to worry about them. In eight years of President Obama we had no convictions, no indictments, but Mr. Trump has had a very bad time with his team in the courtroom. Why won't Mr. Trump show us his taxes,,, how much does he owe the Russians?
6
Fact: Congress overwhelmingly passes legislation to toughen Russian sanctions. Fact: Trump signs it into law. Fact: Trump is refusing to implement the legislation he signed (is that even legal?). Enough facts?
7
I am still waiting for the current President Trump to publicly condemn the Russian Federation for its ongoing interference in America's election process and to establish an urgent country-wide task force plan of action with our law enforcement, intelligence agencies, technology experts, et al., to address the upcoming election seasons.
President Trump's lack of executive action on this front is a failure to fulfill his sworn oath of office to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Still waiting.
6
Trump: there was no Russian interference and Obama didn't do enough to stop it.
21
This whole ploy takes even Trump's hypocrisy to new levels. The furor that Trump and the Republican noise machine would have raised had Obama even hinted that Russia was interfering in our election on behalf of Trump would have made the shrieking of Pandemonium seem like a quiet day in the library.
2
Trump tweets these things knowing that some people will accept them as some kind of alternate 'truth' while other's will shake their head at the absurdity of them, His goal seems to be to increase divisiveness and pit one group against the other.
Seems like I read that others were attempting to something similar... if only I could remember who that was... oh... right.
8
I'm not Trump fan. I didn't vote for him, nor would I ever. I haven't liked him since the 1980s when he struck me as a money grabber and a braggart. But Russian meddling, that's an Obama problem. President Obama is caught on video calling Trump a whiner and dismissing the idea that the election could be rigged. While he saw no threat from a country that's worked against us for a century, Mr. Obama was concentrating on our best ally, Israel, leaving them out to dry with the UN's anti-Semitic resolutions. President Obama took his eye off the ball.
3
Whatever Obama did like impose sanctions confiscating two Russian spy facilities and expelling hundreds of Russians, or didn't do like announce that there wad an investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election that was objected to by Republican Congressional leaders like Sen. Mitch McConnell, bears no relevance to the stark fact that now that we definitively know that it was Russia and not some 400 lb. guy in a bed somewhere that waged a major cyber attack on the U.S. election that Donald Trump has yet to utter one word of public condemnation nor take the basic action of having all the intelligence agencies coordinate to prevent the ongoing attacks by Russia. Mr. Trump has abandoned his most important responsibility of President to protect the nation from additional attacks to undermine and destabilize our democracy. It's a major dereliction of duty.
31
As much as it pains me to say it, I actually agree with Trump on something. Even if the president's motivations are driven solely by self-interest, I've often wondered why Obama wasn't more forceful in resisting and countering Russian meddling. And why he acquiesced to McConnell in keeping mum about Russian interference. We're talking about foreign interference into how we choose our leaders, and Obama's response was less than tepid, given the stakes (and yes, I understand he probably thought Hillary was going to win, but it doesn't change the underlying principle of what happened).
Of course, Obama has been out of office for over a year, so this is an irrelevant point for Trump to make. The question is what is HE going to do about it.
6
Words left to stand on their own unfortunately are an inconvenience to those who don’t like what they say. Hence the volumes of obfuscation that usually follows which is the mainstay of most reporting nowadays.
Trump blaming Obama is typical of a person who is a coward. People must understand Trump is also a traitor.
Trump can pretend to be strong and decisive when he is on a make believe, fake TV show telling D-list actors he or she is fired over inconsequential actions for a make believe company.
Trump cannot take action against a real threat, Russia. Trump will not impose more sanctions. He does not have the courage and integrity to tell Congress, "That $20 billion I wanted to spend on the wall, let's instead spend it on cyber security and increased surveillance on Russian trolls."
Trump needs to tell the nation, "I was wrong to believe Putin."
His inaction belies his slogan on his stupid red caps - he is making America weak, much weaker.
18
“It’s all Obama’s fault because he didn’t stop me from colluding with Russia ....”
Oh for the love of Almighty God....
36
Fine. Obama dropped the ball when dealing with Russian election meddling. Now, Hair Fuhrer, if you're so keen on rolling back Obama's legacy, what are YOU going to do about it?
21
So let me understand. According to Trump's bizarre "logic" it's Obama's fault that Russia was allowed to intervene in the 2016 election thereby allowing Trump to win. So Trump thinks that we should all blame Obama for foisting Trump on us. You really, really, really can't make this stuff up.
And apparently on Inauguration Day while billions of people in the bigliest crowd ever were screaming in sheer. ecstasy we were unable to clearly hear Trump's oath of office:
"To the best of my ability I will protect, preserve and defend the enemies of the United States."
24
Note the caveat: to the best of my ability. Pretty limiting, I would say.
4
Expecting His Emperorness to speak in a logically consistent manner is a mistake. That will never happen.
Dopey Donald thinks he was coronated, not inaugurated.
1
When one listens to the concerns of Leon Panetta, former defense Secretary and former head of the CIA, as he expressed this evening in an interview on CNN, one becomes very concerned that this trump, who swore to preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States, is not fulfilling his oath of office. Trump is not speaking out forcefully against Russia for its continued, right up to this day, interference in our internal affairs. Not only does this show a sign of weakness to the Putin bully, but shows a sign of weakness to our allies and friends as well. Wake up, America! We need every eligible voter to vote in November.
10
Would Donald Trump have felt better if James Comey had simultaneously revealed the Trump/Russia connection when he reopened the Hillary email-gate inquiry a few days before the election? Perhaps, Obama should have let the proverbial chips fall where ever they fell. But- of course, Trump wouldn't have "liked" this- seeming the Vote was "rigged"; and all that.
6
I'm pretty sure Millard Fillmore is involved in this as well.
9
I have never seen in my lifetime or in modern political history any presidential candidate trying to discredit the elections and the election process before votes have even taken place. It’s unprecedented. It happens to be based on no facts. … [T]here is no serious person out there who would suggest somehow that you could even rig America’s elections, in part, because they are so decentralized and the numbers of votes involved. There is no evidence that that has happened in the past or that there are instances in which that will happen this time. And so I’d invite Mr. Trump to stop whinin’ and go try to make his case to get votes. - Barack Obama (October 18, 2016)
4
At the time, trump was setting himself up to say the election was rigged if he lost. He was attempting to create distrust in our electoral system - The Russian's must be so pleased with him.
1
This unstable individual needs to stop. He needs help. Ever twist and turn, tweet and comment, just reinforces he is a failed want a be leader. The 25th Amendment Article 4 is in place to deal with such a situation.
10
Of course Trump needs to find a scapegoat. As his fiefdom seems to be falling one by one and the attention coming closer to him he will tweet more to try to take the focus off himself. Will those that voted for him continue to support him and what about the Republicans in Congress will they continue to support him? Trump is the worst president in U.S. history. And of course he is doing nothing to prevent the Russians and anyone else from continuing to meddle in our elections and country.
7
Ryan and McConnell will follow Trump's lead and commence congressional hearings on why President Obama didn't respond to the Russians. Trump's base will go wild.
5
I don't know. It occurs to me that Citizens United has done more damage to our democracy than any Russian or other foreigner could ever hope for. All this obsession with Russia appears to me as an effort to condition public opinion for war or constant conflict - sort of like "Remember the Maine" thing.
And I believe this perennial bellicose atmosphere is taking its mental toll on the American people.
4
I would say that they went hand in hand. Who's to say which is lousier? The combining of the two is the worst possible outcome.
1
As usual, Trump is engaging in deflection to protect himself. Obama was caught on the horns of a dilemma, given the Republicans intention to turn any mention of this into a screaming match that the election was rigged against Trump. If Hillary had won, it would have been seen as illegitimate and validated all of Trump's charges of rigging. In hindsight, I wish he would have chanced that and made this much more public and also taken stronger behind the scenes actions against Russia. Telling Putin to "cut it out" was not exactly a definitive response. But let's fast forward to the present. Trump STILL has not effected the sanctions passed by Congress. He has not ordered one Cabinet level meeting to coordinate a response or charged the government with assisting states in increasing voting security . Why? He hopes to benefit again from Russian interference is the most likely reason. Trump is committing treason right in front of us, through dereliction of duty and actively obstructing attempts to investigate the Russian electoral plot. He must be prosecuted and then jailed when this all comes out-- no presidential pardon as in Nixon's case. This treason cannot stand.
10
Mr Obama could not have dealt with a Hoax. President Trump realized that he is being used by Russia to destabilize the free world, weaken NATO. Also the wealth of Russia belongs to the state, it might be temporarily placed (a few decades ago) some key KGB operatives to trick the west that they have gone to capitalism. Misuse it and you go to prison for tax evasion. So President Trump must know that he might have been brought out by that $100 million Russian mansion dealt.
I love it, when Trump supporters keep saying that "things are better under Trump, than they were under Obama."
And, like Trump, they blame Obama for anything and everything.
It's obvious that they wouldn't know a man-child, if he threw a tantrum right in front of them.
6
Easily won the electoral college...? wasn't it in those easily won states that the Russians focused their attention? yup, just in a few intensely targeted "easily won states!"
17
the last sentence in this article says all that needs to be said.
6
Obama bent over backwards to a) avoid perceptions that he, the president of the United States, was meddling in the presidential election (Donald Trump would have been the first, loudest and most ignorant to complain) and b) to safeguard and preserve the integrity of any evidence of Russian interference once he was no longer in office. It is standard operating procedure for the current president to deflect attention from his culpability in any matter by blaming anyone and everyone else. And as usual, this dog won't hunt.
15
Blame is not the issue, Mr. President. The issue is collusion and I have seen no evidence that President Obama was colluding with the Russians after 2014 in any way. In fact, President Obama warned more than once that the Russians were causing problems with their hacking. He also imposed sanctions for their action in Ukraine.
That aside, you are the President, and you need to figure out what it is they did in 2016, how to stop them from interfering again, and punish them for their past actions. Get off the golf course and on the job. Remember, you are the President in Chief, not the Whiner in Chief.
13
He's so a good at blaming. The best blamer!
21
Fight Trump on the ISSUES like war and Wall Street, or shut up because you don't really care about them!
Your issue list is, uh, amazingly short given this Presidency. And do you know, if I had ever said "shut up" to my parents, they would have said exactly why that is not a good way to speak. nor a good call. "Shut up" doesn't explicate, and nor does it engage dialogue. So in rebuttal I would say please speak .
2
So it's Obama's fault that he didn't stop Trump from colluding with the Russian's? Did I get that straight?
45
When Sean Hannity gets a flat tire on the Long Island Expressway it's Obama's fault.
1
Whatever Obama didn't do doesn't matter anymore, it's too late for that.
The issue is Trump not doing anything NOW to counter Russian meddling... Trump is just trying to distract from his current failures by saying Look over there...
41
First of all, Trump is too illiterate to know the difference between "rigging" and "meddling with" an election. Most importantly, nobody should forget that in August 2016, President Obama wanted to publicize the CIA finding that Russia was meddling with the election, but Mitch McConnell threatened to accuse the Obama administration of playing favorite if they were to make that disclosure. What about the current inaction in the white house in implementing the sanctions that Congress authorized to punish Russia?
45
A guy take a million and turns it into a couple of billion, wins the presidency of the United States, and he's an illiterate? That's good.
1
Trump knows all he has to do is say something critical of Obama or Clinton and his supporters will be with him, doesn't matter how flimsy the rationale. One can only hope there are a few republicans out there who still value critical thinking over political party allegiance.
22
Too bad there are very few Democrats left who value critical thinking over party allegiance, if there were more, Hillary never would have been their candidate and we'd never have Donald Trump.
1
Seems like the Democrats, the MSM and the Establishment have worked to undermine the president since the day he was elected. I am no Trump fan and did not vote for him but he was elected and he is being handicapped from doing his job. You are further dividing this country and in addition, furthering the risk of nuclear war with Russia which puts us all in danger. I can say with certainty I will not be voting for a single Democrat in upcoming elections. I am certain there will be others that feel as I do.
5
Troll.
13
All of the "handicaps" are either self-inflicted or the result of profound incompetence. He is "further dividing this country and in addition, furthering the risk of nuclear war with Russia which puts us all in danger." Plus, he refuses to acknowledge Russian motives, and the consequences of Russian actions.
6
Whenever I read 'I am no Trump fan, BUT...' my brain autocorrects it to 'I am a Russian bot...'
6
“There is no serious person out there who would suggest somehow that you could even rig America’s elections, there’s no evidence that that has happened in the past or that it will happen this time, and so I’d invite Mr. Trump to stop whining and make his case to get votes.”
That says it all. What more can President Trump say or do to affirm that he just won the Russia collusion argument -- other than to drop mic.
I guess Trump is betting that his followers don't understand the difference between 'meddling ' and 'rigging'. Looks like he's right to.
3
Let's put this remark in context: Trump was making the outrageous claim that he would not recognize the outcome of the election UNLESS HE WON. The man has not one honest bone in his body. Obama was bending over backwards (too far, it now seems) to avoid the possibility of McConnell and his cronies from being able to accuse him of political meddling in the election. So McConnell did nothing, refused to make public what was going on. And look what happened.
5
While Obama was saying that he knew that Trump was working with Putin and was under active investigation. Remember that 3d chess idea?
Dear Donald: you are President of the United States now. Do something now! Use those wonderful, high-powered minds you've been bragging about to figure out how to respond.
Yes, perhaps President Obama could have taken different actions, but he didn't and what actions he took weren't very effective. But you have been in office for a year and all you've done is firs to deny Russian involvement, then quibble about your past statements, and now blame the past administration. Be a big boy, Donald, and take administrative action; be a leader, if you have the guts and ability, and get your Republican congress to act.
20
Trump's go-to strategy is always to blame someone, anyone, else for any problem that pops up on his watch. We can be sure the buck will never, ever stop with the current President of the United States.
19
Bob, This ordeal did not pop up on Trumps watch. And yes, it was someone else's problem as Trump was not president at the time. And,the president at the time covered up the entire calamity and attack on US sovereignty. Unfortunately, we will probably find more about Russian Obama collusion as the investigation continues.
What if FDR said on Dec. 8, 1941, "It could have been the Japanese, or the Chinese, or the Russians. We just don't know" and then did nothing while the Pacific Fleet burned?
That is what is happening today. Trump is ignoring the attack and doing nothing to lead the U.S, against another. The question is, "Why?"
29
Perhaps President Obama could have done more. However, Mr. Obama was in a quandary. He did not want to appear biased towards the Democratic candidate, and to promote her campaign. He wanted any governmental or legal moves to leave the election impartial.
Hence, as reported last night on MSNBC, Vice President Joe Biden went to the Republicans in the Senate, and asked for a bipartisan investigation and sanctions against the Russians. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell refused to cooperate.
President Obama's was not to blame.
299
Word, Obama decided to do the easy thing which was to do nothing at the very least and most likely was a conspirator after the fact. Too bad he was so worried about a successful Clinton campaign that his actual sworn duty was cast aside as unimportant. Usually the hard thing is the best thing but Obama chose the easy wrong thing. You may explain the facts away but they are still facts. Educate yourself.
You're joking right? Did you not read the memo? Nor pay attention to anything about the FBI, the DOJ, et al during 2016?
What more are you aware of that the Obama administration could have done to investigate this?
Where do you think Rosenstein got the start up information?
A lot of information is secret, for lots of reasons, including ongoing investigations. What Obama said or didn't say is irrelevant to the intensity of the investigation.
Or do you think Trump secretly ordered the FBI, CIA, NSA, and on and on, to get busy on this?
Particularly after he fired Comey for not killing the Russia investigation??
trump is totally delusional. Needs to go. Now.
28
come on POTUS, What about our future NOW...
and what about what you should be doing?
12
Facts are incredibly inconvenient things for those with Trump obsession and Obama hero worship.
Obama let the Russians back into the Middle East after forty years after failing to enforce his fatuous red line. He knew about Russian interference during the campaign but only imposed sanctions in Dec. 2016.
Trump lobbed missiles at Syria and authorized arms sales to the Ukraine. And he is the patsy on Russia ??
7
He and friends colluded with the Russians. Are you a little unclear on that?
2
Next it will be Obama's fault that Trump had to pay off the porn queen to buy her silence.
55
And it's Hillary's fault that Melania spent $26 million of our dollars on a party planner. I know my Republican mythology!
2
"President Trump said his administration has been 'much tougher' on Russia than the Obama administration"
This is 100% true. Two examples:
(1) Obama considered supplying Ukraine with Javelin missiles (our best anti-tank missile that attacks from the top, defeating Russian reactive armor). But Obama refused to do so out of fear that it would upset Putin too much. In contrast, Trump is supplying Ukraine with hundreds of Javelin missiles to kill Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine.
(2) Obama refused to allow US soldiers to kill Russian-backed regime forces, let alone Russian soldiers. In contrast, Trump gave this permission, and we recently attacked a battalion of Russian soldiers, resulting in 100-300 dead Russian soldiers.
4
Sources please.
3
Somehow I think that if US soldiers had killed Russian soldiers in the Ukraine, we'd all know about it. But apparently you're the only one who knows this.
3
Fact: There are no Russian government soldiers currently in Syria because Russia officially pulled out last year. The Russians who were killed are mercenaries who fight for the Assad regime. Trump did not give any special permission, nor was any needed.
1
He is out of his mind. He must be removed.
10
Wasn't it just yesterday that Trump said the whole "Russia thing" was a hoax? If it's a hoax, why would Obama need to do anything about it? And of course, Obama tried to let the American public know about the Russian attacks, but was prevented from doing so by Mitch McConnell, Putin's second-in-command. We need a blue landslide, a blue avalanche, a blue tsunami in November because the Russians have taken over the entire GOP. Let's make America democratic again!
42
Trump couln't bust a grape in a food fight.
14
President Truman: "The buck stops here."
President Trump: "The buck stops anywhere but here."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Buck_passing&action=edi...
14
Trump = treason. No whiny, sniveling, insecure nonsense that comes out of his mouth can change that.
20
There is demonstrably no bottom to Trump's malfeasance nor is there any action, past or present, that could further outrage anyone over the depths of his depravity. For this reason, I find it implausible that Trump fears some revelation from the Kremlin over his personal behavior. A sex tape of Trump with a Russian hooker? Yawn. The serious goods are securely in Uncle Vladimir's desk drawer. Trump's only poison is the possibility of what's left of the Republican party finding their Viagra. Congress only needs to ask their doctors if their hearts are healthy enough to take it.
9
4 words: What has he done?
7
Who?
1
In four letters: GOLF
8
"he called oprah insecure.
Trump calling Oprah "insecure" is like Oprah accusing Trump of being a rich black woman"
2
As has been pointed out by other outlets, the quote from President Obama was made concerning the pernicious Republican disinformation campaign to spread ridiculous, baseless falsehoods about voter fraud. Trump quoted him completely out of context, grossly misrepresenting the meaning of Obama's remarks. Trump's statements here are simply lies.
20
Look, it's obvious that President Obama didn't do enough. But he backed up the NSA, CIA and FBI in their successful counter-espionage which laid bare the extent of Russian perfidy. Meanwhile, for reasons best known to Trump, the President denied the existence of Russian meddling -- despite the conclusion evidence which the Intel Community presented to him and slandered the Intel crowd and the FBI (the investigators) for doing their jobs.
Today, the President does nothing to bullet proof the electoral system against a Russian attempted rerun in the 2018 Congressional elections, perhaps because he thinks Russia will again favor Republicans. (The Kremlin, disappointed with its return on investment, may not -- a cosmic joke).
Trump's behavior, taken as a whole, gives aid and comfort to an enemy.
10
President Obama had taken on board the lessons of the past 8 years. If he exposed Russian meddling, we would not be in the position to find out about it today because of Republican obstruction, silence, and collusion. Had it been signaled more loudly by Obama, it would have been immediately suspect in the world that (sort of) elected Donald Trump. I believe that President Obama did Democracy a great service by finessing this one.
3
It is blatantly ridiculous for Trump to blame someone else for not taking the Russian threat seriously. HE still isn't, and based on his responses, appears to be making excuses for the Russians, possibly being manipulated by them
9
It was everybody's fault , Obama , Hilary , The FBI , on and on ad infinitum ! His arrogance has no end . The heat is getting close and lies and detraction will not erase the fact of his campaign's complicity nor his plethora of crooked lawyers . He flings false accusations thru his little fingers like playing the piano except he plays us. He will probably try to fire Mueller , unfortunately the Russians are still at it even here in the comments section .
8
Robert S. Mueller III for president!
4
I don't understand. You allow comments for an article like this (about how Trump is doing something Liberals don't agree with), but not an article about how Trump is banning bump stocks? Why? Because it's an article about how Trump is doing something you agree with?
I just don't understand. It's just laughable.
1
Not sure I understand Takeme's note. There is an article about trump and bump stocks on the Time's front page at the same time this article on trump trying to pass the blame off on Obama, who worked with the FBI and other agencies to investigate. At least the Times is not running the article about how trump played golf as the Parkland students' funeral took place. Takeme might be relieved to know that.
4
"Trump is banning bump stocks?"......Big whoopie do. When he comes out in favor of stronger back ground checks and a ban on assault rifles it will be time to offer congratulations.
3
You don't understand because you choose willful ignorance over critical thought.
trump isnt banning anything he's blaming. Trump hasnt got the character to take any initiative that doesnt fatten the coffers of the 1%
When does this obese man work? He tweets, lies, golfs, hobnobs at Mar a Lago, campaign stumps continuously, blames everyone else for everything but when does he actually work? I want a refund already!
17
Trump redefines obnoxious. Always has, always will.
7
When we deny that Obama dropped the ball on this, we sound as ridiculous as Trump saying the Russians did nothing.
4
If Obamas actions could be described as "dropped the ball" then trump['s actions, you might say, reveal a traitor scoring for the opposing team.
2
Just ignore Trump. He makes the most erroneous claims on so many issues because he enjoys the attention. And the diversion from Mueller.
4
The psychological projection is strong with Trumpolini.
4
Hey Donnie Boy, Obama has been out of office for thirteen months during which time you have supposedly been in charge. What, if anything, have you done during that time to end this continuing interference by a foreign power in our electoral process?
14
In typical Trumpian form it was all Obama's fault Trump conspired with the Russians to interfere with our election which, according to Trump, the Russians never actually did.
4
It does not matter what Obama did or did not do. What matters is that the Russian organizations and Russian citizens indicted by the Special Counselor committed crimes. Those Americans who facilitated and participated in these crimes will be held accountable.
4
Obama actually tried to do something, but he was looking for the support of the republicans. Unfortunately they put their party before country and were not interested in helping out the Democratic President.
Imagine if President Obama came out with this without any republican support? How we trump have taken that? How would the republicans taken it?
Unfortunately the trump is spinning this in his favor to distract the public and cast blame on President Obama.
Funny how he takes credit for all the positive news even if it had nothing to do with him, but never takes responsibility for anything that can be considered negative. Pretty much the exact opposite of what we as Americans has been taught is the mark of a true leader.
13
Go ahead and open that can of worms Donald. Maybe Obama could've done more, but congressional Republicans (Mitch McConnell) refused to help even when presented with evidence.
9
Trump has no shame and no conscience.
6
So now Trump calls on ban for bump stocks which is relevant to Las Vegas shooting, not Parkland. Trump is in time warp. Stare into the face of reality, Mr. President. I dare you. Look at Peter Wang's mother and her anguish burying her hero son. Look at the stark, gritty, gut-wrenching, grief this mother must bear and all you can offer is yesterday's solution?
6
Pres. Obama's 2016 comments addressed concerns over fraudulent voting, which he correctly stated had not happened in the past and would not happen in the 2016 election. Unfortunately, President Trump chose to conflate these comments with Russian meddling in the election campaign via social media and influence peddling, which is a very different thing from stuffing ballot boxes or other forms of illegal voting.
How convenient of our president to now blame Pres. Obama for failing to investigate Russian meddling in the election (which, in fact, was already underway prior to the 2016 election) when he has steadfastly denied in the past that such meddling even took place. President Trump's "whataboutism" is even more laughable when you consider the likely reaction of candidate Trump and the GOP had President Obama publicly pursued an investigation of Russian meddling. The cries of Democrat (read: Clinton) interference from GOP forces would have been deafening.
Once again, President Trump would like to have and eat his political cake: There was no Russian meddling, but Obama should have done more to stop the meddling. Either way, it only underscores how little President Trump has done to deal with Russian meddling since becoming president.
6
When Obama said there was no way to "rig" the election, I believe, although I may be incorrect, he was referring to the myth that unregistered citizens or illegal immigrants would be voting against Trump in massive numbers (or any numbers at all). Of course, Trump remembers things in terms of his self-interest and this is once again a perfect example.
4
He repeatedly attacks Obama, then Hillary Clinton, and just yesterday Oprah. Would someone tell this man that he is president and should try and act presidential once and awhile? He hides behind his tweets, not allowing anyone to counter him. If they do, the cuts their access. So much for supporting that First Amendment. Oh, wait, this is the president who hasn't read the Constitution or any piece of writing that is put in front of him. Some president.
4
The Russian meddling was miniscule. About $3,000 was spent on ads in the Midwest and another $100,000 on Facebook ads that voiced both sides and did not favor one candidate over the other. The point that the NYT and main stream media keep missing is that the Russians wanted to sow discord not help one or the other. Remember folks, out of 3,100 counties in the US 2,600 voted for Trump. That is more counties ever won by a Republican in history. It wasn't the Russians it was that HRC was such a bad candidate with more baggage than Samsonite with no real message other than it was her turn.
3
Easily won the Electoral College Vote? As I recall he won Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan by a total of less than 80,000 votes. A tiny sliver of the electorate put this unprepared, undeserving individual into our country's most esteemed office where he has unrelentingly tarnished the position of the Presidency. Less 80,000 votes. The Russians and The Trump analytics teams both aimed their efforts and energies towards voter suppression...it's not a stretch to consider their efforts were successful. It will be interesting to see where Mueller comes down on the question of Kushner's activities as head of the Trump analytics team. Whether the parallel activities of the Russians and Cambridge Analytica were simply coincidental.
There is much focus on rigging vote counts which is highly unlikely as Obama stated...less focus on voter suppression which is maybe impossible to quantify with certainty but in this age of mass social media consumption possibly more effective.
5
Regardless of what Obama should have done, What is Trump doing now to protect the US election system and our democracy? Nothing! He won't even acknowledge it.
40
tRump's actions are the one's in question now. Nothing previous, nothing after. Seems the spoiled child cannot be an adult, never will be, and can only name-call others with past responsibilities.
tRump: Robert Muller will investigate, even if it means poking into your finances, even though you've issued a 'warning', as you do with everything else. If you fire him, there will be another to replace him, no matter how many times you fire that special prosecutor.
And, by the way, the special prosecutor can go anywhere the investigation takes them, even to your laundered money!! HA!
16
Trump must have been the kind of boy who blamed everyone else for anything he did not do or did not care to do. His motto: Just blame it on someone else.
2
Could someone please explain to the president what LEADERS are supposed to do?
16
Obama should have known about it as president so he either didn't protect Americans as he swore to do when he took his oath of office or he lied.
"There is no serious person out there who would suggest somehow that you could even rig America's elections — there's no evidence that that has happened in the past or that it will happen this time, and so I'd invite Mr. Trump to stop whining and make his case to get votes," Obama said.
4
Based on your comment Mr. Obama would be equal with Mr. Trump who appears to not protect Americans, an oath that he also took. As far as lies go, Trump has the championship hands down, even when compared to Nixon.
Two different topics - "rigging" an election = Trump's false claim of millions of illegal votes or voter machine fraud, when no similar investigation has found more than a handful.
We have a mountain of evidence that the Russians tried to influence the election, but the cynical and terrible Mitch McConnell said he'd accuse President Obama of gross partisanship if he went public.
Deal with it.
3
Don, There's a very big difference between meddling and influencing and "rigging"elections. Grasping at straws.
1
Trump's right. Obama should have locked him up.
29
Obama hit the nail on the head when he suggested that Trump stop whining.
23
Mr. President, you have far more evidence of Russian interference in the election than President Obama ever did. So, when are we going to hear what you’re going to do about it?
50
That, a solution from the "president" would require thought and seeking advice from his learned and experienced staff, and less golf.
So, the "president" has not exhibited any skills in critical thinking and does not have a learned and experienced staff, including Jared, the answer and a solution will not be coming any time soon.
1
Trump has a really bizarre and unhealthy obsession with Obama.
Why?
Perhaps because Obama is everything Trump is not:
Intelligent
Witty
Self-made
Likes & respects women
Thin
85
Add liked all over the world. Admired by other leaders of Western democracies. Larger inaugural crowd. Trump is obsessed with the man he accused of not being an American. Unfortunately for Trump, Obama has never been linked to Russian spies, or to Russian money. Trump refuses to release the tax returns which would show a loan deposit in Deutsche Bank, laundered money from Russian oligarchs who stole the money from their own country. Deutsche Bank loaned Trump 250M. Putin doesn't "loan" that kind of money; he bribes with that kind of money. A failed businessman, with failing real estate interests? Most recent delivery of money, 95M, arrived in FL in a private jet. Mueller is methodical, incorruptible, honored to the extent that Trump dare not fire him; he will eventually get those tax returns; he will eventually force Deutsche Bank to give up its records. Trump is unraveling, tweeting unhinged attacks, blaming others for his incompetence and lack of qualifications. He is even a bad golfer.
5
He held off playing golf until Monday on this past weekend because of the school shooting in Florida! What a sacrifice!
1
I suspect he has a better golf game as well. That would be the penultimate humiliation for Trump.
1
It seems the good readers of the NYT have forgotten that when the 13 individuals in the Mueller indictments were doing the deeds, Obama was President and his intelligence agencies were telling him about it. The crimes happened on Obama's watch. What is needed here clear thinking not Trump obsession.
5
Clear thinking involves taking action now after hearing intelligence officers testify now about continuing threat and involvement. Trump is doing nothing.
19
He closed down their safe houses. He had no cooperation from Congress. Susan Rice warned Trump about Russian interference; he fired her. Obama warned him about the Russians; he ignored Obama. His son, Don, Jr. welcomed dirt on Clinton from the Russians. Congress voted sanctions against Russians; Trump refuses to impose those sanctions.
3
As for clear thinking, what do you make of the fact that the Trump people knew the Russians were meddling on his behalf yet did not tell the FBI or anyone in the Obama administration? I suppose it was not their job to defend American democracy?
2
More lies in Trump’s blame game. Every problem is everybody else’s fault. Trump takes responsibility for nothing difficult but claims every success. No wonder he’s the worst US president ever.
22
Didn't Obama warn Trump about Flynn only to have Trump ignore the warning because he thought Obama was just being a sore loser?
31
I watched Ms Sanders continue the narrative that President Trump is much tougher on the Russians than President Obama. I kept looking for the strings that would lead to the puppet master hiding behind the curtain. I didn't see them, so I think she must be controlled by remote control.
17
So now it's Obama's fault that we have an illegitimate president? It's Obama's fault for allowing Russian meddling to influence the outcome of the election?
Last week this was all "fake news" and "witch hunts". What a self-defeating leap of logic for Trump and his supporters.
21
The leash that Putin has around Trump’s turkey wattle is getting tighter by the day. Of course he has to blame it on Obama.
22
This from the guy who dirtied the whole process by claiming the election would be rigged. And then he followed with his election investigation commission. He does all this to make it harder for people to do what they have to do to protect the integrity of our systems
14
This child trapped in a Presidents body can never take responsibility for anything so it is of no surprise to me.
19
According to Joe Biden, Mitch McConnell refused to sign a bipartisan statement condemning Russian interference in our election. (President Obama was deeply worried about looking like he was putting his thumb on the scale during the election.)
And by the way Mr. president, what are YOU doing about the fact that Russia has attacked us and continues to do so? Why aren't YOU enforcing the law with the sanctions on Russia? Why are you kowtowing to Vladimir Putin?
ttps://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/23/mitch-mcconnell-russia-obama-joe-biden-359531
28
It's not that the election was "rigged," it's that Trump fell into a trap set by Russia that damaged our democracy, profoundly and embarrassed us in front of the entire world. That should be obvious even to POTUS. And now trying to blame Obama? Trump must be kidding, but he's just not funny.
17
Fake, dishonest, untrustworthy media completely ignores all the real headlines when it comes to the last Presidential election. Yes, Obama had a lengthy statement on how unbreakable is the American voting System and all. Also, it is obvious that Obama, his Justice Department, FBI etc were colluding to get Hillary off the hook. That is the real collusion, if anybody wants to investigate. More than that Obama and cronies went around to surveillance on the opposition party candidate in a Presidential Election. That is a crime. Dishonest media completely ignores it. Pathetic.
5
Yes, it was so obvious that the majority of American voters have completely dismissed the idea of Democrats colluding with Russia. Also no evidence of Obama doing surveillance on Trump - certainly no proof of it in Trump Tower. Most of the media is spot on about this.
The dishonest media is the preferred outlet of Trump-morning Romper Room and another carnival barker at night.
1
Please show your location as Russia instead of Texas. We now know - at least those who read the Mueller indictment from Friday -- that Russia was in contact with many in Texas to support their pro-Trump efforts, including supplying those like you with campaign signs, and an actress to dress as HIllary and stand behind prison bars at rallys. Appalling is that Russians also stole identities to open bank accounts and use paypal and obtain drivers licenses to effect their meddling. Hope you weren't one of those in indictment whose identity was stolen.
1
I wouldn't remotely dignify Trump's absurd effort with comment. Other than to say this - it (his comments) will undoubtedly work with his "base". Currently reading "Strangers In Their Own Land", written by a Stanford sociologist who spent five years in Louisiana living among and interviewing residents in the most industrially polluted and climate-threatened region of one of the most deeply red states. My conclusion is that reason and logic do not, cannot, penetrate generations of culture. All detailed as well in today's companion NYT editorial on the tribalism behind America's deep partisan divide. Or, my Cliff Notes summary - we're toast.
8
Simply pathetic.
What continues to puzzle me is that my Republican friends (before Trump, I considered myself Republican) stand by Trump. Their defense of Trump is to attack Obama or "the Clintons", or just roll their eyes and say the media is making all this up. Read some of the comments below.
If Clinton or Obama had told this many whoppers, played this much golf, charged this much from their businesses to the government, not defended the US from subversion by the Russians, they'd be screaming. (I bet someone comments, they did say things like this.)
14
Deflection, deceit and obfuscation, along with just plain lies is all this "president" can muster. The "winning" trademarks of a lackluster grifter.
But, we are winning-something-and he has made America either great, or grate, again and the laughingstock of the world.
5
It's good for the nation's sake that Trump keeps talking ... because by this his being the fool he is becomes more and obvious. His way is a way of death really ... "a clear and present danger." We are humiliated now by having this "person" as president; yet i think there's hope for a better day out our experienced humiliation. We are a noble people after all. We just have to remember and live into that.
7
I never thought that words from the fictional "Seven Days in May" could ever be true, but I was mistaken. "You're not a weak sister, Mr. President. You're a criminally weak sister."
5
Whatever happened to “The Buck Stops Here”?
9
Trump put it in his pocket and then said, "What buck?"
Donald gets all his exercise running from responsibility.
17
When all else fails blame Obama. Who will he blame next year?
I don't think his attempts at mis-direction are working.
5
Oh, but those attempts are working on some of his supporters. The comments found here are a testament they are working.
Well, who was president from 2014 through the 2016 elections? Wasn't Trump. Must have been Obama. So, all the so called meddling took place on his watch. Hard to argue otherwise. And if it wasn't detected or stopped, well, whose fault is that?
Now people talk about Obama expelling diplomats, but that's kind of like closing the barn door after the horses done run away. The election was over at that point.
Now my guess? If HRC had won, Obama wouldn't have ordered any investigations or expelled anyone. His sole purpose in getting huffy about the Russkies was to try to undermine Trump. After all, Obama really likes the idea of a legacy doesn't he? And he knew Trump would go after it. And insinuating the Russians helped him win, and maybe he helped them help him, why that's a great way to undermine your unwanted successor.
But -- the Russian efforts had no discernible impact on the election. I mean, a handful of $$$ vs the Billions spent by the campaigns, the news coverage, he debates, and the fact that both Trump and HRC had been in the public eye -- in the focus -- of the public for decades.
And so, let's see. You're an HRC voter and you see an ad on FB or twitter that says -- "HRC is Satan." Now, are you really going to switch your vote? Sure, Trump voters probably got all excited, but they were going to vote for Trump anyway. Now maybe some voted twice, but all the dems have told us voter fraud is impossible so, that couldn't have happened.
3
Another choice in covering the Russian meddling might very
easily be to pat all the Never-Trumpers on the head and make them feel less foolish for having been so duped by the Kremlin and their own MSM into hating their American brothers and sisters. In fact, we really ought to ALL just step back from the fray and think for ourselves. Having our pots stirred from abroad is just too embarrassing to prolong.
1
"In fact, we really ought to ALL just step back from the fray and think for ourselves. Having our pots stirred from abroad is just too embarrassing to prolong."
Perfect.
Actually, Donnie is correct. The fact that he's been tougher on Russia than Obama was is fake news. One of these days you're going to realize you did win the election and you'll quit trying to re-fight it over and over. In the meantime, you've been directed by Congress to put additional sanctions on Russia. Is that something you can handle, Donnie?
2
"The Buck Stops Here" –President Truman
"The Buck Stops Anywhere But Here" –President Trump
6
Obama could have and should have done more. I don’t think that’s in dispute.
But blaming Obama for this doesn’t relieve Trump from his Constitutional duty to protect us. So what, exactly, is he doing about Russian meddling? That’s right, nothing. Or worse, denying it ever took place and is not taking place now.
Trump has nowhere to hide. He’s failing at his oath.
5
If I were Trump, I wouldn't mention Obama. He reminds people what a real president is like, whether one agreed with him or not.
6
Not that I agree, because Obama introduced sanctions that Trump wanted to overturn, but what's Trump doing NOW? Blame everyone except the perpetrators.
And, by the way, where's the wall that Mexico is paying for?
3
"At the time of Mr. Obama’s remarks, his administration was deep into investigating the Russian interference."
Or in deep into spying on a political opponent using the Russians as a ruse.
In other words, Trump indirectly admits there is no legitimacy for him to be in the WH.
His comments may and should lead to an investigation about the effect of the Russias meddling on the outcome of the election.
2
So he's blaming Obama for not stopping the thing that didn't happen and didn't have an impact?
4
Hasn't Trump been President for over a year? What is HE doing to counter this other than denying it ever happened?
3
Even if correct Mr. Obama is no longer president and Mr. Trump can order his security teams to stop Russian interference in our democracy. Or does he know without it he cannot win reelection?
The President of the United States has one job - to be our leader. His - or her - mandate is to protect America from foreign attacks on our constitution. Leaders take responsibility and don't blame others. They stand up to criticism without complaint. Blaming others is a child's game.
Yes, you won the election, whether fair and square is irrelevant now. Fear has a limited time frame and bullies never last. Your win may or may not have been your own but your failure will be all yours.
Please, Mr. President, we need a strong leader not a bellicose tyrant.
3
Trump puts us on the defense. It's how he does. I know it's hard not to fall for his ways, but I say resist. No need to defend Obama. Obama's legacy will stand up just fine. What we need to do is hold Trump to the fire, always. Everyday, every tweet, bring it back to "WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PREVENT THIS NOW?"
1
The president won't put the sanctions passed by Congress into effect, but we, as US citizen can show our displeasure at the meddling in our elections by boycotting all Russian products: vodka, caviar, etc., and by not traveling to Russia.
1
If negative advertising didn't work, there wouldn't be so much money in campaigns. Russia is exploiting our own pathological political system against us, which we have already perfected. To say that it didn't influence the election is tantamount to saying that advertising doesn't work.
1
Based on Trump's logic, Obama did not to enough to stop the Russians which lead to his victory. Perhaps he should declare the election invalid and resign.
1
Who would have thought America would end up with a Trump in our WH, other than Putin, of course.
When the entire U.S. intelligence community gave their report they were not given any support by the GOP who immediately made it a partisan effort undertaken by Obama. They refused, and still refuse, to put their country about themselves and their partisanship.
America was attacked and they did nothing about it, and are still doing nothing about it, and Trump supports Putin. What does that tell you all by itself. He is quick to attack those who attack Putin as Putin is his friend. He also had many Russian oligarchs and mobsters pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into Trump real estate for two decades.
Trump and the GOP keep making these cyber attacks political and have left our U.S. elections in November vulnerable to more attacks, as they hope Putin will be favoring the GOP again, or still.
3
Of course. Obama did everything wrong. However, Obama will go down in history as one of our greatest Presidents and Trump the absolute worst.
147
Trump is the worst president in American history and second place is not even close!
1
Perhaps Trump didn't read the memo that explained how Obama's sanctions crashed the Russian economy after Russia invaded Ukraine. But the bigger question is, why are Trump and Republicans putting party before country?
48
And yet, here we find ourselves, poised for another national election cycle, and NOTHING is being done by this pretender to the office to address what HE is going to do to STOP the Russians from interfering. It's a war we are losing because of an egoists tweeter obsession.
31
The more Trump deflects, the more I believe that he and his campaign knew about Russian "meddling" and was installed as President because of it.
44
Trump spends more time blaming others than actually doing something about Russia. His own Republican-dominated Senate approved sanctions against Russia but he has not gone forth with them - something pathetically easy for him to do.
It's already getting to be too late in the game to protect the 2018 elections from further interference - and he knows it. You can rest assured that if Russia helped Democrats, you'd see Trump and the Republicans move faster than Trump shifting blame onto his latest Twitter-rage target.
19
Here are some facts:
Obama expels 35 Russian diplomats in retaliation for US election hacking
The Trump administration is moving toward handing back to Russia two diplomatic compounds, near New York City and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, that its officials were ejected from in late December as punishment for Moscow’s interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The Trump administration informed lawmakers Monday that new Russia sanctions called for in a bipartisan bill passed last year are not necessary yet because the measure is already "serving as a deterrent."
39
Do you suppose that Trump blames Obama for the election of Trump? I honestly believe that Trump is in bed with Putin, so to speak.......
Everything President Obama and team did to bring the Russian meddling to light - and they did much - was at the time virulently criticized by Trump and team, saying Obama was himself meddling with the election, and trying to support (presidential candidate) Hillary Clinton. Trump can't have it both ways, now.
41
So, what is stopping Trump from taking action now?
26
Precisely the question. Thank you.
1
The short fingered vulgarian strikes once more. He seems to have an almost boundless ability to offend, does he not? He seems to be aging rather quickly as well.
14
Love the description
Is there no depth to which Donald Trump will not sink?
10
Um, no there isn't. He's a low-life in all manner of ways and defiles the office he holds on a daily basis.
2
I guess that it would never occur to Trump that Obama might not loudly announce to the Russians that there was a plan to foil, monitor or be stealthy in the investigation of their interference. I guess Donald doesn't understand the concept of keeping one's counsel or being somewhat circumspect about shouting everything to the world on Twitter. Intelligence agencies must do this.
10
Deflection. Diversion. Chaos. These have been the hallmarks of the cockamamie-in-chief since he first came into our collective consciousness decades ago. At this point how anyone gives any credence to what he says is mind boggling. Since the election I doubt that he's won over one person. He preaches to the same discordant choir.
15
Can we (as a nation) please please please focus on prevention, or at least mitigation of potential interference for upcoming elections?
Holding parties to account for past wrongdoings (or negligence) is important, but it’s foolish to focus on what has already happened if we have done nothing to prevent recurrence (or worse, progressively worse future occurrences).
Trump’s apparent disinterest in preventing future interference is not a sufficient excuse. Somebody needs to put on their grown-up pants here. Anyone… please…
5
look no further than Mitch McConnell who wouldn't agree to bipartisan co=operation on the issue
26
Glad I've kept my copy of Alice in Wonderland handy.
6
Maybe Trump is right after all. If Obama had the FBI focus on catching Trump colluding with the Russians, we wouldn't be in the mess we are in.
7
Trump is right, in essence.
Obama knew about the meddling but he sat on it because Hillary was going to win and he did not want to taint her historic victory.
But then she lost.
6
If so, Obama would have stopped Comey from making his bizarre statement about reopening the Hillary Web Server investigation.
The Obama people will trying to inform the public about Russian interference, maybe you were not paying attention then. If you did you will recall Donald Trump was running on a thesis that the election was already rigged and it was rigged in favor of Hillary. So you tell us how the government could have revealed their investigation of Russian interference, especially the part about them being anti-Hillary and pro-Trump. The folks who work in government are human like you and me, so please tell us how they would have threaded this needle and still had an election the public would have seen as "free and fair"?
Incorrect, Obama did a lot, like ejecting 35 Russian diplomats and closing their Eastern Shore facility (that Trump is getting ready to re-open). What specifically has Trump done other than blame Obama?
1
By "essence" you mean in the context of ignoring the facts of the story discussed in these comments?
I have great respect for Obama as a human being and a leader, but when it comes to the way his administration handled things leading into the November elections, I remain gravely disappointed.
Based on what is surfacing, I strongly believe Obama and Democrats should have informed the public and dealt with the accusations that would have flown from the outraged GOP. Instead, democrats did what they do and in their effort to "play fair" landed our country into the hands of someone and a party (GO) who have placed our system of democracy on the precipice of oblivion.
If DT and the GOP have their way, something very foul is going to happen in the mid-terms and they will remain in power while spouting about how the 'shady happening' didn't affect the outcomes in their favor. I'm worried.
8
Can you imagine the response from the Republicans, Trump Campaign, Fox News, and the Russian Troll Brigade if Obama had said, "The Russians are engaging in wide ranging efforts to interfere in the democratic process in order to elect Trump."
The resulting cacophony would have been deafening and we'd probably be in the same spot as we are now, with the same occupant of the Oval Office.
Trump's tweets are sophistry. What Obama denied was that the actual vote count could be altered, that a false vote count could be manufactured. That's "rigging." It's not the same as a foreign disinformation campaign, which Obama was aware of but was (perhaps wrongly) cautious about combatting. We now know that the Russian campaign was very extensive, but there is no evidence of a "rigged" election—despite Trump's wild claim that millions of illegal aliens voted.
13
Well, at least he finally specified that he won the Electoral College, and not the popular vote. So there's that. Maybe some facts are slowly starting to register?
2
Wait, so which is it? The Russian story is "fake news," or the Russians really did meddle in our election, but Obama did nothing about it. They can't both be true. Trump changes his narrative the way the wind blows leaves around my yard, which is to say, randomly.
13
Oaths and vows mean nothing to 45. His oath to defend the Constitution is as shallow as his vows to wives 1, 2, & 3. It saddens me that this shell of a human is the president.
13
Who encouraged a foreign power to conduct cyber attacks?
Trump: "If you are listening, Russia, I hope you keep looking and get Hillary's 30K missing emails."
In response to Obama's sanctions imposed in 2016, Trump said "It’s time for our country to move on to bigger and better things.” He then tweeted praise for Putin.
Listening to this president + Huckabee Sanders makes me feel the plight of an abused spouse gaslighted into thinking nothing is real.
It's Trump who gives no credence to the intelligence community---but gives it in large doses to Putin, Sean Hannity and Fox and Friends.
--Obama signed the Magnitsky Act, and set new sanctions that bar specific Russian human rights violators from entering the U.S.
--Obama expelled 35 diplomats in retaliation and gave them 24 hours to exit the U.S.
--He maintained evidence of Russian hacking during the election. Ensuring it could not be destroyed.
--He closed the splendid estates used here by Russian diplomats. The series of measures aimed at Russia's state-sponsored political hackers were severe.
--He hit Russia with sanctions, in an executive order, announced by the White House + the Treasury Department. I honestly don't know how Obama doesn't come out screaming at Trump every single day.
16
Ok, I guess. However, if he is going to blame Obama for doing nothing (which isn't true), then shouldn't he look at himself in the mirror and wonder why he has done less than Obama in the face of more information about Russia meddling.
11
And the current President has not even imposed the sanctions already legislated by the Republican Majority Congress!
This guy believes that everything good is happening because of him and everything bad is someone else's doing.
I know we do have a lot of intelligent Republicans in our midst. We may differ on policy issues but when it comes to interference in our domestic front by an outside government we come together and fight the enemy. What is Putin holding on our current President that he is so afraid to do what is right and keeps spewing hate messages for our countrymen to divide us?
He has single handedly done a lot of harm by decapitating the State Department by reducing budget by 30%; a lot of senior positions are lying vacant as he feels he can do it himself as he is not willing to listen to others, and the list goes on.
I wonder how much more time Mueller needs still to help all of us out.
BTW Pence is worse ideologue.
9
Mr. Trump, would you like to borrow my shovel? It may be an easier way to deepen that hole you're in...
4
The fact that he said this is sad. The fact that he apparently believes it is sadder. The fact that he believes that we believe it, is ridiculous!
3
I have only one word left:
Impeach.
5
Obviously Obama is a catch-all for Trump. We'll see if Obama was somehow responsible for Trump's "collusion".
2
Trump: Obama didn't do enough to stop Russia from intervening in the election.
Media: But didn't you reach out proactively with Russian contacts?
Trump: See? Obama didn't do enough to stop us!
2
When will Trump put the blame where it really belongs? - On Martin Van Buren! Or how about Mame? Or Scooby Doo?
What we all know for sure, is that the only truly innocent one in all this is Trump himself. Just ask him. After all, he always tells the truth.
In fact, I heard he won his own truth telling contest just a few days ago.
2
I don't have much support from fellow liberals for this point of view, but I see the Russia investigation as a distraction.
1) Somebody in Hillary's campaign pays for a smear, 1) Hillary campaign gets smear in FBI hands via "national security" concerns, gives plausible deniability, 3) FBI can't piece things together about Golden Showers and collusion, or is duped. 4) Robbie Mook bleats after loss about, "Russia!" as part of Hillary excuse machine. Of course, he knows the paid smear is out there, and hopes it bubbles to the surface. 5) We get Mueller, but there's no collusion or Golden Showers to find, only garden-variety corruption we already knew was there.
Am I missing something?
Meanwhile, the kids in Florida, who desperately need support, are pushed off the front pages in favor of, "Russia!" Ditto for DACA, budget, and everything else the democrats should be speaking about.
I'm 55 years old. Am I supposed to act shocked that 13 Russian operatives meddled in the U.S.? Or that corruption is everywhere in an empire as large as Donald Trump's? Don't get me wrong. I'd love to see Jared Kushner go down for dirty dealings in China, but we were promised Golden Showers and collusion.
The whole Russia thing is nationalistic, jingoistic, and borderline racist as well. It as a colossal error in strategy, but then again, my party rigged a primary in favor of a candidate who couldn't win. Somehow, that means they still know best.
2
I don’t think you have many fellow liberals. Bernie is a socialist, not a Democrat, remember? And the primary was not rigged. The candidate was chosen following the DNC rules, which Bernie was well aware of. Without the Russian interference and the Comey letter, chances are we wouldn’t have to worry about gun control, DACA and the budget in the first place...
And yet, Bernie is one of the only people at present taking the lead on issues important to Democrats on the national stage. Meanwhile Hillary is in hiding. This "Bernie Bro" followed his career from the early 1980s, when he was Mayor of Burlington. I lived in New Hampshire at the time. Anybody who was the least big progressive knew all about him. We missed a once in a lifetime opportunity.
But my point was more about Russia. It's a time-waster, at least in it's present form, with the Thomas Friedman's of the world waiting breathlessly for the other shoe to drop. If it's really about democracy, focus on the voting machines, and let Mueller do his job in piece. But this is political attack stuff, focused on getting people, not protecting democracy. Hillary made it about how bad the other guy was, instead of focusing on a positive message. Why is the party still doing that? We get, "Look how bad Trump is!" Nobody needs that. It doesn't work. We already know Trump is bad. Meanwhile, he scores points today on bumpstocks, in a transparent, cynical political move, because everybody here is posting, "Wait until Mueller brings it home!" You're buying lottery tickets. I don't think they're going to pay off. Best.
rebiii, thank you for your honest reaction. I do hope the next time around the media, including the NY Times, will pay a much more attention to the Platforms of the candidates, comparing them side by side and providing an easy to understand analysis of the pros and cons for the voters, instead of focusing on personalities. That's what I am used to in quality news outlets in Europe. They empower the voters by giving them relevant information. Maybe that's why the French voters made the right choice, even if for the Socialists and Communists among them Macron was certainly not the ideal choice. But it was Macron or a Fascist. The media, and the way the election process is organized there, and the scars of WWII - the Russians meddled in France too, but got no footing there. But yes, I'd also like to see more about the Platforms going into 2018 and 2020. I wish voters would have to choose between the party Platforms, and the party who wins, gets to choose the president after the elections...
Well, one thing for sure that we've learned after having President Trump in office for over a year now, is that The buck stops here! Not!!!
3
So for the forseeable future we’re going to have a president that divides his time between Monday morning Twitterbacking, and golf. Soon his golf cart will be named to his cabinet, the fiddle lessons will begin, and perhaps Baron can take over as regent president.
2
I’ve always had a good instinct about Putin. I just feel that that’s a guy—and I can analyze people and you’re not always right, and it could be that I won’t like him. But I’ve always had a good feeling about him from the standpoint.” - Trump, 2015
“Putin is a nicer person than I am.” - Trump 2015
“Russia, if you're listening, I hope you’ll be able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you’ll probably be rewarded mightily by our press.”
- Donald Trump, 2016
3
Given Mc Connell's objection to Obama's request for a non partisan
announcement about Russian interference, perhaps Mueller should
be looking into Mc Connell's role in obstructing the pursuit of the
Russians.
3
He’s taken credit for new factories and jobs three years in the planning - and the Obama Recovery from The Great Recession.
But a problem the previous Administration missed is obviously the fault of President Obama, not the guy it seems is Mole-in-Chief, and his opponent in the Presidential election is once again, sans evidence, “Crooked”.
If Twitter is serious about cutting ties with Russian tweet farms, how about closing out theRealTrump first, and telling him to go back to the press conference and face the people he’s called “the enemy” and “traitors”.
Obviously such a “really smart” guy should be able to handle a roomful of ugly reporters from “failing” organizations like the Times!
2
I just heard Nixon complaining about Johnson escalating the war.
2
Everything is everyone else fault for not doing his job for him. He needs to go back to TV, or to prison. Or to TV prison.
1
Trump: Obama killed the Trump family dog.
Media: But you don't have a dog, Mr. Trump.
Trump: Exactly.
141
The GOP President tells the world that there was not Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Now he says it happened but it was all somebody else's fault. Can't seem to make up his mind. Not to worry, he'll have another "truth" to give later today.
43
Your headline’s use of the phrase “shift blame” implies that President Trump is blameworthy.
He may well be, but nothing has been demonstrated with respect to complicity between the Russian meddlers and Trump & company.
And, indeed, if Russian meddling is so bad, which the MSM believes it to be - at least so long as they believe Mr. Trump is complicit in it - then it’s bad no matter who is complicit in it or on whose watch it occurred.
So Trump has a valid point.
As awful and careless as Trump can be - and he demonstrates it repeatedly - the New York Times is almost as bad with irresponsible reporting like this.
If this paper reported fairly on this President, it would score its points and not alienate independents like me.
10
45 has never had a valid point. Good try though.
3
That is exactly what trump is doing and has always done.
It is always someone else's fault. Trump has been involved with the Russians for the past 15 or 20 years. I remember reading in the LATimes years ago about him coming under question for dealing with the Russian mob.
All is being reported fairly on trump, just listen to the man, he says it himself.
4
But the issue is whether he or his people were complicit with the Russian election meddlers.
Dealing with Russia or its “mob” in the past - if that’s true - isn’t the issue.
I hope, if you are ever investigated in a criminal matter, you are not subject to the rush to judgement, illogical thinking and lack of evidence as you apply to Trump.
Just because we may not like someone, doesn’t mean the rules should change. The Trump haters are sacrificing American values in their quest to bring him down. That can’t be good.
Where and when does that end? Who decides when to suspend the rules? Please tell me.
1
Trump actually *thanked* Putin for expelling our diplomatic personnel, saying it would save the U.S. govt. money. We saw this live on-screen. The man is an insane liar.
112
That last sentence should read, "The man is insane." He lies because he's insane.
Was this AFTER he gave away state secrets in a private meeting with top Russians in the Oval Office?
He's desperate .... he's cracking up .... he's obsessed ... and I am surprised these tweets are front page news
20
During the campaign Trump kept saying the elections were rigged. Now I think they were and that's why he won.
43
When candidate Trump said we'd get so tired of winning. . . I think he meant of whining. And I am sick of the whining, Mr. Trump.
58
Trump obfuscates this issue, like all his issues. It's always someone else that is to blame, from his bankruptcies, his affairs, Russia's manipulation, his lack of oversight in the campaign, this man struggles with being responsible. Unfortunately we will all struggle as victims of this feral president.
31
Another day of rants from the Tweeter-In-Chief indicate the insanity index of his tweets will spike upwards once Jared Kushner and/or Donald Trump Jr. are indicted. Then expect Mr. Trump to blame Obama for the 1918 flu pandemic; World War II, and the end of the TV show "The Apprentice". Would a request by U.S. residents for U.N. intervention to restore the mental health of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C. get an audience at the United Nations? I suspect not given the U.S. ambassador is Nikki Halley .
11
Like Obama should have prevented Trump from getting cozy with the Russians? Mr. Trump, you are now the president. It's your watch. Blame your self for the first time in your life. Accept some responsibility for your actions. Try it. Try being a responsible adult. It's not too late. Or maybe it is.
22
Like Trump stated and the IRS audits him every year he has no loans from Russia and outside of the 2013 beauty pageant has no connections there. Onlein answer why Obama didn't do anything during the election or after it to curtail the supposed Russian meddling? He waited until 12/29/17 finally - How about Obama the guy I voted for twice accepting some blame. BTW this meddling started in 2014 and Trump didn't become candidate until a 15 months later. I wanted Bernie but the Hillary financed DNC rigged the nomination apparently according by Donna Brazile the DNC head. That's the real collusion and corruption.
This headline should read: "While Doing Nothing to Stop Russian Interference with US Elections, Trump Tries to Shift Blame to Obama..."
24
Trumps tweet are an indication of a sick bird.
8
His own son and others in his campaign were in maybe the best position to know that the Russians had emails and were trying to get Trump elected, yet they didn't tell the FBI.
Why would Trump want to draw attention to that? Surely nobody could be so moronic?
11
Mr. Trump, here’s how this works. You are the president now, the buck stops with you. Do your job.
23
So which way is it, Mr. President? Do you still take Putin's word--over the unanimous voice of the U.S. intelligence community--that Russia didn't meddle in our election? Or did they meddle and Obama did "nothing"?
And assuming you now believe Russia did in fact try to influence our election processes (and continues to)--which one of "your" generals says is now "incontrovertible--what are YOU doing about it? You say your predecessor did "nothing"--which assumes, of course, you don't count imposing sanctions on four members of the GRU, expelling thirty-five diplomats and shutting down two Russian waterfront dachas, one on Long Island and the other on Maryland's eastern shore. But your declining to implement the election-interference sanctions a virtually unanimous Congress enacted last summer on grounds the mere possibility you COULD do so is a "deterrent" enough sure does look like a whole lot less than the "nothing" Obama imposed before he left office.
19
The majority of Americans who get their news from the legitimate press are aware that president Obama came out, publicly, to alert the country that the Russian hackers are on the prowl. By some interesting coincidence, looking back, the Access Hollywood recording was peddled out to the press that very day and drowned out any shred of Obama's press conference.
The majority of informed Americans, excludes Trump's 95% (ers), are well aware, that had Obama pushed harder on the issue, the lunatic GOP nominee in cheap Asian made suits, would have amplified his "rigged system" conditioning mantra. Lord knows what his disciples would have done to defend their Jesus. However, shame on Obama for not taking that last stand on behalf of the country's future security and letting the chips fall where they may.
5
"When I easily won the Electoral College, the whole game changed and the Russian excuse became the narrative of the Dems."
Excuse me, when you barely won the Electoral College.
13
The article says, “Democrats also have criticized the previous administration for not disclosing the interference attempts,” but the Obama administration did disclose the meddling. During the second presidential debate, Hillary said, “our intelligence community just came out and said in the last few days that the Kremlin, meaning Putin and the Russian government, are directing the attacks, the hacking on American accounts to influence our election. And WikiLeaks is part of that, as are other sites where the Russians hack information, we don’t even know if it’s accurate information, and then they put it out. We have never in the history of our country been in a situation where an adversary, a foreign power, is working so hard to influence the outcome of the election. And believe me, they’re not doing it to get me elected. They’re doing it to try to influence the election for Donald Trump.”
Americans knew Russia favored Trump because Hillary Clinton kept telling them so. Russian support cost Trump votes. The U.S. intelligence community assessment noted that Putin stopped praising Trump because Moscow realized that “any praise from Putin personally would backfire in the United States."
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/10/us/politics/transcript-second-debate....
9
So to summarize Trump's main points:
1. There is no Russian interference. Putin told me so;
2. Obama did not stop the Russian interference;
3. Therefore, golf.
20
trump seems so caught up in dissing Obama that he may have failed to notice how his former staffers are beginning to do major data dumps to Mueller and his team. Perhaps trump should pay attention to that rather than attempting to divert us with nonsense, but he may just be too terrified.
12
It begs the question, why did Russia want Trump to win?
9
Forcing President Obama to choose between letting Russians interfere and losing his political capital, and then blaming him for doing nothing, is the standard of deplorability for the "covfefe" GOP.
It's like demanding that he poison Obamacare with a requirement to have medical insurance or face a tax increase, and then blaming him for imposing such a terrible tax on the uninsured.
Just imagine if the GOP did something so sadistically misanthropic. Why, people might even vote them out of Congress if they did that!
4
Did Trump just come out of a coma? Did not Pres. Obama close down properties the Russians were using in the US and expel 30 members of Russian diplomatic "corp?" And as I recall Trump still has not signed off on the additional sanctions Congress sent to his desk. Does Trump know how to do anything but lie?
23
Correct Susan, Obama closed the Russian compound in Long Island, alledged to be a center of Russian espionage operations, and expelled members of the Russian diplomatic corps. Trumps response when the Russians retaliated by expelling members of the U.S. diplomatic corps ? Without acknowledging any Russian wrongdoing, despite 26 U.S. Security agencies findings, Trump rejoiced because it would save the State Department money. Obama also imposed sanctions on the Russians that Trump is eagerly attempting to reverse, and has refused ti implement new samctions against Russia voted almost unanimously by the U.s. Congress last July 6. Obama also told Putin personally during a meeting in Europe to "knock it off", while Trump is not man enough to even admit Russia's attempts to damage our country. Does anybody have any doubts that the Russians have the goods on Trump? does anybody have any doubts that his inactions amount to treason and incompetence for giving cover to the enemy and violating his oath of office to protect our country?
Godspeed Mr. Muller.
So, now 'it's Obama's fault.' Didn't Mr. Trump and the GOP recently cast aspersions that Mr. Obama had been too cozy with the FBI? Now they think he failed to direct their efforts enough.
A key reason Mr. Trump won the election is because James Comey, the man he fired as director of the bureau he now vilifies, raised issues about Hillary Clintons emails within two weeks of the election. It derailed her standings in the polls, and she never fully recovered. That was probably more decisive than the collective thousand cuts of the Russian bots.
Mr. Trump's virulent case of psychological projection is the equivalent of a man gone berserk, shooting in every direction with his automatic weapon: in Mr. Trump's case, his Twitter account. It documents, uncensored, the often-self-contradictory notions that stream from his compulsive mind.
7
The man is losing it. The faster the better. The more unambiguous his fouled and self-centered his thinking is, the better.
--that is, I trust there will be a limit to how continuously astonished (and I don't mean in a positive way) the American people can be by what we read in tweets (from you-know-who) and the 3rd-grade level of his "logic."
--go Trump. --go Faster --go away
5
Blame all you want, Mr. Insecure. Mr. Obama will never respond to the petty insults or accusations. But I will: Let us not forget that Mr. Obama wanted to confront the Russians and he went to Mitch McConnell to get bipartisan support - however, McConnell rejected him and threatened to say that Obama was playing partisan politics if he publicly shared what the administration knew about Russia.
20
Wow. So when Trump is in office in 2022 after winning re-election in 2020, he will continue to blame Obama for whatever problem that comes up during his Presidency? This is a man who doesn't take Any responsibility.
Let's remind ourselves that when President Obama took office, Bin Laden was still alive. He didn't blame Bush II, he didn't deflect, he took positive ACTION!
So, why hasn't Trump imposed the sanctions on Russia that the House voted on by a wide margin after his election? What actions has Trump taken to protect the integrity of our future elections? What actions has Trump taken to protect and defend our Constitution? None.
7
Why doesn’t Trump do anything against Russia... because when all the western banks stopped lending to him the Russians (via Deutsche Bank and Alfa) started. If he were to upset his Russian sugar daddies they could expose all the money laundering he facilitated. Follow the money.
5
Trump is oblivious of his hypocrisy. Obama tried to modulate his alarm about Russia's meddling lest he appear too partisan durring a presidential campaign. He did slap on extra sanctions & evict a cadre of Putin's spies.
Meanwhile, Trump has done zero about the ongoing threat and bot blitz..our cyber Pearl harbor!
We await Trump's attention to the threat he claims Obama failed to contain
6
Bottom line is Trump won by less than 80k votes, and it is glaringly apparent that he owes somebody something, and it may not even be for the win.
Compromised and out of control with the investigation closing in on his former best people; if he is not touched in the investigation then miracles are real.
6
If President Trump’s mental processes, as revealed through his tweets, were only for a domestic audience, I think we could deal with that. But they go out to the world, including to American adversaries, despots and terrorists who may start seeing opportunities in what, to me, seems like an escalating deterioration in clear thinking.
8
The Russians didn't do anything but if they did it's Obama's fault.
Okay; anyone who has even the slightest inclination to buy this line of reasoning/defense needs to be immediately carted off to a lunatic asylum. Progressives are often being told (and just yesterday by David Brooks) that we really need to respect the viewpoints of those who think differently than we do but this goes way past the point of acceptance. This is simple madness.
37
Most villages have an idiot - but ours lives in the big White House on Pennsylvania Avenue.
And as a collection of presidential historians recently reminded us, our twittering idiot is last in war, last in peace, and last in the affections of the vast majority of his countrymen.
148
I say in all seriousness that Grant, Harding and Andrew Johnson have grown to titanic stature in comparison to this man. If there's anything beyond this plane, they must be pleased. Buchanan I'm not sure about as Trump has not started a civil war, yet.
2
Is it irony that Trump's chief of staff, General Kelly, was previously a Guantanamo prison warden, or is it prophetic?
10
Please pay attention to the differences in analytical ability between pro Trump and anti Trump commentators.
No further comments.
25
Careful throwing a word like "analytical" around a Trump supporter. They might not know what you're inferring...
3
You have to be worried, but you have to laugh, too. I just marvel at people for whom no matter what the issue is, it's always someone else's fault. I know that there is already a definition for "trumping", but isn't this behavior egregious enough to, can I say?, trump the current meaning? That's confusing. I vote for "drumphing" intead.
25
Trump is not worthy enough to be a piece of gum stuck to the sole on one of Obamas' shoes. How dare he accuse Obama of anything. Obama turned over a country with diminishing unemployment and a rising stock market yet Trump takes credit for it. Obama told Trump not to hire Flynn as he was under investigation. Trump ignored him. We don't know what and when Obama found out about the meddling and how serious it was at the time he found out but to release the info in the middle of the campaign would have made Republican heads explode with calls for impeachment for trying to affect the election in Clintons favor. Someone needs to tell Trump to shut up and read a book about leadership because he hasn't the slightest idea how to lead.
53
It is too bad that Trump doesn't possess one iota of the honor that President Obama displayed time and again when in office and since leaving it. Trump can only compete with a shadow he has created by first 'birtherism' and then continuous lies about his predecessor. Yes, Obama tried to do the honorable thing about Russia and then was blocked by GOP congress. They never could be bipartisan with Obama in office.
The truth will out. Trump tweets will continue with lies and misstatements only continuing to demonstrate what a small and insignificant man he really is.
In the meantime he is being outwitted by Mueller's investigation. Most of us rational people on both sides of the aisle know what Russia did. I'm sure Mueller knows more than the press and we do but all will be revealed in time. Trump has never owned up for any mistakes in his past and he won't for those under his presidency.
The sad thing is that his base can never admit what they're doing to this country after voting him in, despite the evidence.
25
When was the last time you believed anything Trump says?
Only guilty people act like Trump does.
He is trying mightily to shift blame for a mess he created with his actions.
27
So now Trump is criticizing Obama over "the Russia thing"? But I thought there was no Russian meddling? That's what Tweety has been claiming for over a year. Now suddenly there's meddling?
As ever, the Ignoramus-in-Chief changes with the wind, turning wherever it suits him.
33
"This is not the first time Mr. Trump has criticized the Obama administration for not doing enough to prevent the Russian meddling that. . . "
If Trump's definition of Obama "not doing enough" means Obama nor any one in his inner circle ever met with the Russians secretly, then Trump is correct. However, Trump's son-in-law's meeting with the Russians didn't pan out so well either, seeing that Trump and his pals are under investigation by Robert Mueller.
12
The Russian State Mafia, some time ago, christened Trump as one of their "made men". Since then, he and his family has been covertly enriched by its oligarchic members. That notorious dalliance with several Russian ladies in a Moscow hotel room? Part of the festivities accompanying his celebrated admittance into Putin's Family. Why no response from Trump to the Mueller indictment of 13 Russians and the 3 involved companies? Omertà, Omertà!
13
"President Trump suggested that the previous administration did not do enough to prevent the Kremlin’s influence campaign."
Turning the tables isn't going to work with Mueller, although the President is trying to do that to the public. Deflecting. What's been reported is that the Trump campaign was warned about the Kremlin interventions. Trump and his family and campaign ignored the warnings and were chumming it up with the Russians. Sessions, Kuchner, Flynn, Manafort and the list goes on..
9
I'm (again) confused. If - by the time the prior administration learned that there was indeed emerging evidence of Russian involvement - their goal had shifted to promoting Trump over Hillary....is he then effectively blaming Obama for helping him win ?
Had the prior administration done "enough" - whatever that might've been - and it too could have been seen to have influenced the outcome of the election as counseled....we'd certainly never hear the end of THAT.
So easy to second guess. Obama wasn't perfect, but that had to have been one 'rock and hard place' decision few would ever have the guts to make.
10
Exactly - I'd say it is the reason we have someone like a president, to make those hard calls and I think in this case Obama is a bit conservative, i.e., cautious, and probably not as aggressive as he could've been but that's said with the benefit of hindsight. As you say, rock and a hard place. Obama did try however:
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/01/23/mitch-mcconnell-russia-obama-j...
2
Donald Trump set himself up a win-win scenario. During the campaign, he repeated his mantra that the the elections were rigged. I believe that he knew the elections were being rigged. Just like the magician, make people look one way and while no-one is looking the other way, you do the trick.
No matter the outcome, he would come out the winner - Rigged or not rigged?? Can't have it both ways. But, then again, with Trump, he can.
Nothing matters in our current day alternative reality. Presently, democracy seems to be an inconvenience. Win at all costs. That's our alternative reality. Unbelievable!!
10
Trump's remark reminds me of the time Roosevelt asked during a fireside chat why Herbert Hoover didn't end the depression, and when Johnson said in a special address to congress that Kennedy should have gotten civil rights for African Americans.
7
A running theme of this presidency has been, "whatever Obama did, Trump will do the opposite". Ok, let's apply it to this issue. If Obama didn't take this threat seriously, then you should obviously take it very, very seriously.
Mr President, please immediately establish a commission to look into exactly what the Russians did, what they might do next, how to punish for the past and prevent for the future. Pence could chair it, as he's no longer busy with the voter fraud commission. McMaster could be the deputy and de facto leader, as this is a matter of national security.
5
DT says he "easily won the Electoral College." I suppose any win in anything is "easily" done in his world. In reality he squeaked by in a few key states to get their electoral votes. And of course there is the problem of losing the popular vote by about three million. His attempt to descredit that is ludricrous, even if one allows for his intellectual limitations.
18
Sarah Sanders spending full press conference walking back all Trump says--not easy since she's covering both sides of his mouth.............
7
President Obama was told about the Russians trying to meddle years before Mr. Trump even announced that he was running. Let's not forget folks that President Obama hired a team to fly to Israel and openly campaign against Netenyahu. Talk about meddling in another country's election. If Russia is so evil, then why did President Obama and Mrs. Clinton think that it was OK to sell them 20% of our Uranium?
3
Not a thing in your comment is accurate. Obama did not know of the Russian meddling before Trump was a candidate. that came out in 2016. Obama did not send a team to openly campaign against Netanyahu, and neither Obama nor Clinton sold 20% of our uranium to Russia. in fact no one sold 20% of our uranium to Russia.
Please do some actual fact checking (no, reading Trump's Twitter posts or infowars is not fact checking) before you spread such obvious nonsense.
7
No uranium was sold or left the country. Period.
5
"President Obama was told about the Russians trying to meddle years before Mr. Trump even announced that he was running." is simply not true. Our intelligence services were only aware in early 2016.
Whether or not Obama could have done more, McConnell is the one who refused to agree to include any reference to the Russians in the statement that Obama did make prior to the 2016 election. This did occur at a time when the intelligence agencies were aware of Russian interference. So, if you want to criticize Obama, you will need to include McConnell.
The point that you seem to be missing is that Trump is the one not taking any action whatsoever. He has referred to Mueller's investigation as a 'hoax' amd a 'witch hunt' on numerous occasions. Trump has ignored the Jan 2017 intelligence assessment; he has ignored the statements made in the Senate Intelligence committee last week; he has criticized Mueller's indictment from last Friday; and he has criticized H.R. Masters for stating that the evidence of Russian interference is incontrovertible.
Your uranium story has also been debunked many times - I did not realize anyone was still repeating this.
1
When has the American public been so lied to, their intelligence insulted and their values undermined?
6
If you're predecessor didn't do enough then, what are you going to do now, Mr. President?
6
The standard politician's response to deflect blame is: There is enough blame to go around." They love it! Trump takes it a step further, with: "It's everybody's fault except mine."
3
His goal is simple, take no responsibility for anything and take credit for everything else, for four years.
7
Good presidents don't have attorenys create 3rd party fake-name accounts to buy the silence of escort services. They don't ignore known security problems in their midst. Good presidents don't have family members traversing the globe (on possibly revoked? temporary security clearance to make family real estate deals with high rollers in foreign countries, all the while being investigated for possible money laundering (to finance underwater real estate in this country) also involving foreign business and government entities. Good presidents certainly don't shift the blame and deny responsibility that comes with being the head executive in the nation's highest executive branch.
That's what Donald Trump does, though. He shifts the blame. He's been doing it probably all his life. He knows no other way. This is why Hillary Rodham got three million more votes than Shifty Don got. That there remains a slowly declining fifth of the voters who don't care says more about them than it does him.
Godspeed Robert Mueller.
8
Trump cannot tweet his way out of the story that the investigation into the Russian effort to elect him is revealing. For those people who voted for Trump, the personal cost of that vote will only get higher as more of the back story is told. It is human nature to hang on to things that have cost us a lot, so don't expect many rural voters to face up to the truth about how they are being sold down the river by the Trump Administration.
17
In retrospect, I wish that Obama had "tipped the scales" to Clinton by exposing Russian hacking of the election. Comey's interference in the last two weeks of the election clearly tipped the scales for Trump and we wound up with this horror show of a president.
Trump ended "political correctness" and the Democrats need to follow his lead and condemn him in the harshest terms for his treasonous behavior along with his boot licking quisling Republican colleagues.
28
Of course he is blaming Obama. It's what he lives for. I do believe that Obama was between a rock and a hard place. Not to look partisan, McConnell and GOP refusal to help, Trump's 'rigged' statements all helped to create a unique situation that was difficult to call. Obama and his decision will be judged accordingly.
President Trump fails to realize that he is POTUS now and has been for over a year. The ball is now in his court so to say. We know by now that Trump never accepts responsibility for anything (except the stock market) and his go to move is to blame Obama. This whole schtick is getting tired, no longer has weight and is wrong. We are far too far along in his tenure and are now aware of tons of new facts about Russia and about Trump works as POTUS.
We now experience a POTUS lazy, self-absorbed and intellectually unprepared on a daily basis. And we now know a lot more about the Trump/GOP tactics to hide the truth about Russian meddling. Trump's whining and deflection will not save him from facts.
9
Today, it is sunny and mild in central New Jersey. The ground is mucky, but one can have fun stepping in the mud wearing old shoes, and enjoying the smacking sound they make when they're extracted from the soaked soil. Squirrels and blue jays and mourning doves and dark-eyed juncos (illegal migrants from Canada!) are enjoying the spread of seed I put out for them after yesterday's rain washed most of the snow away. It's a slow day for me as a remote worker, but I had two crazy workdays yesterday and Sunday, and I appreciate the rest. Donald Trump had nothing to do with any of these events, and that's a good thing, because Trump is such a lot of nothing. Maybe, if we wish really hard, Donald Trump's phone will break, and his tweets end. Wish hard, everyone!
7
Thank you so much for making me smile. People like you give me hope.
Mr. President, can't you take responsibility for anything? You haven't done a thing since you were sworn in. If Bob Mueller has enough evidence and Congressional Republicans get up enough nerve to send you packing, it is Mike Pence who will inherit a mess that you leave him. Think about that.
6
I would appreciate an explanation of what exactly Trump is doing that exceeds what was done by the previous President?
I would like to know what steps Trump, as President and Commander-in-Chief is taking to combat this attack on our Country?
This person Trump is traitorous in that he is refusing to respond to an attack by a foreign power. He is traitorous in attacking our own institutions to defend a foreign power who is attacking us. It is the very definition of traitor and he should be removed from office by Congress. If they do not do so, then they are traitors also and should be removed from office.
6
That anyone still believes in him, is disturbing.
That Republicans still back him, is worse.
I have a feeling that this is going to end badly not only for Trump, but the country, as well.
12
Trump famously boasted that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue, and his base would be fine with it. If thousands of people witnessed him shooting someone on Fifth Avenue, and it was captured by thousands of cameras, President Cheeto would claim that Obama (or Hillary) did it. And they'd believe him.
5
Is that Tweet not totally ironic coming from the person who, during the campaign that he made so nasty, stated again and again that the election was "rigged" in favor of Hillary Clinton! It is so obvious that Trump and his bunch of rowdies (not his mindless followers, but his minions!) were well aware of what the Russians were doing to help him. He is being backed more and more into a corner that he can't get out of unless, of course, he decides to nuke North Korea! Which I suspect is a strong possibility. We are so in trouble in this country.
1
Trump is a bald faced flyer. After the elections, when President Obama imposed sanctions booting out several Russian agents and taking back the Russian guest houses, Trump had Flynn tell the Russian ambassador that as soon as he took office, he will renounce these sanctions. When Putin did nothing, Trump tweeted on 12/30/16:
"Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!"
Mark the word "delay"
26
Really, Trump isn't any different from many of those who voted for him: they blame someone else for everything they think is wrong.
His supporters generally are hard core Capitalists, but when push comes to shove, they can't compete, and blame China, Mexico, SE Asia and Japan, and others. Or blame the hardworking immigrants from all over the world.
Sometimes, all you need to do is look in the mirror to see the problem.
24
During the campaign, Trump was asked when he had last asked forgiveness from the Lord. His reply was that he didn't need forgiveness because he hadn't done anything to be forgiven for. That, to me, explains everything. He is never, never, never at fault.
17
Mr. Trump is 100% correct. If Mueller was really investigating Russian meddling, he would subpoena the DNC's server that was supposedly hacked by the Russians. The DNC however would not let the FBI look at their server. What are they hiding? Do we think the DNC server has been since cleaned like with a cloth?
4
Trump spends so much time blaming and attacking others, he does no work. He deserves to be fired.
13
Can it be? Trump has been President for a year and his major leadership initiative is to "diss" his predecessor? That's his great secret plan -- to go on criticizing?
5
Trump has been in office for over a year and all he has done is sign a bunch of executive orders that reverse the hard work of Obama, put a Supreme Court Justice on the bench, stolen from the Democrats and really selected by Right Wing Legal pundits, not Trump. Bombed an empty air base in Syria after warning the Russians the they were coming. And signed a tax reform act, which he didn't read and will cost future generations billions. His most successful venture has been golf and spending tax payers money on security for all his properties and kid's travel.
Can someone explain this? Now Trump is blaming Obama for not stopping Russia from helping him to win? And to top it off, he is simultaneously accusing the FBI of trying too hard to find evidence of Russia interference?
He's completely losing it now.
12
Well of course he did. Blame is a strategy of the drift.
3
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/world/national-security/oba...
Really,
Just go read the article in the Washington Post. Plenty of blame to go around in both administrations!
3
WaPo quotes McConnell as refusing to join Obama in criticizing Russian interference. Turtleface said it would be partisan for Obama to say anything.
67
Trump, you say you have done more than Obama did about Russian election meddling. Name one single significant action you have taken. Just one might convince me. Ah, now I'm just being rhetorical.
18
Or have him show that he ever did a single day of real work in his whole life.
7
Admit nothing, Deny everything, make counter-accusations!
Most people grow out of this script by the time they’re 10 or 11...
43
Evidently 40+% of Americans have not.
6
A wise person once told me that while I blame others for my situation, my situation becomes hopeless. Another wise person told me that I may not be able to change other people, places, or things, but I can change my situation.
Mr. President, with all due respect, will you stop blaming and start changing.
12
It does get so old. Doesn’t it? It’s embarrassing. Can’t he see how pathetic he comes across. He’s in a state of perpetual temper tantrum.
So, what's he gonna do?
7
Aggressively defend our country against a foreign attack.
Trump would do all of us a huge favor in the future. ANYTIME ANYTHING comes up that is in the least bit negative about him or his actions, he should just use a standard tweet:
THE BUCK STOPS OVER THERE!
Nothing is ever his fault. He has no shortcomings.
At the end of the day, to continue to quibble over whether or not Russia meddled in the 2016 campaign serves no purpose. The only question is who is doing what to prevent it from happening again. And, on that subject, he never issued on tweet. Not one. SAD!
11
Would someone tell him it is his watch now, and elections are coming up.
He needs to quit looking back, and look at present and future. Be a President who protects this nation from a foreign nation conducting serious cyber war against our democracy.
10
Whatever happened to the buck stops here?
8
The buck now stops in Trump's pocket.
2
Never in history has a man so privileged whined so much or acted so beleaguered. Sad!
25
Despicable Donald is at it again - bullying everyone around him hammering any squeeky wheel down. Donald is not going to ANYTHING about Russian meddling as long as Putin supports him. In return, Putin is not experiencing new sanctions.
9
Trump only makes statements against Russia when the media forces guilt upon him. He can not mentally grasp what Russia did because it was not directed at him, but to our nation as a whole. His brain does not recognize a collective. This is why he needs to be removed from office.
3
Virtually every time Trump opens his mouth, he lies! President Obama met with Republican Congressional leaders in early October 2016 about the Russian meddling and Senator McConnell blocked a bipartisan announcement about Russia! The Republicans and Trump are in direct violation of the oath to protect and defend this nation against all enemies, both foreign and domestic!
19
Tough decision made by the President in deciding whether to blame Obama or Ted Cruz's father. Decided to go with the usual...Obama.
10
President Trump, you sent out 30 tweets this weekend and not once did you address the attack by the Russians on our country.
What is wrong with you?
You took an oath to defend the United States.
Obama is not the president, you are.
Congress passed a bill overwhelmingly last July, 98-2, issuing sanctions against the Russians for meddling in our election. You signed it reluctantly, kicking and screaming.
That was over 7 months ago and you STILL haven't implemented those sanctions.
Then a month ago you said you would not impose additional sanctions on Russia, despite that new law passed by Congress that called for those measures.
Obama, in contrast, imposed sanctions in December 2016, and reportedly signed off on a plan to plant cyberweapons in Russia's computer infrastructure.
Why are you on the side of Putin and the Russians and not Americans and America, going so far as to say that you believe Putin over American intelligence officers:
"He said he didn't meddle. He said he didn't meddle. I asked him again. You can only ask so many times," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew from Da Nang to Hanoi in Vietnam last November.
"Every time he sees me, he says, 'I didn't do that,' " Trump said. "And I believe, I really believe, that when he tells me that, he means it."
You are on the way to becoming a full-blown Benedict Arnold if you don't change your treasonous tone towards the Russians and start punishing them for their cyber war against the US.
413
Bottom line: Why does Trump believe Putin and attack U.S. intelligence services?
2
Indeed, treason is what Trump is getting closer and closer to.
1
Quote from The Hill newspaper:
“Joe Biden: We went up and Mitch McConnell — who I get on with well, smart guy — wanted no part of having a bipartisan commitment that we would say essentially, ‘Russia is doing this, stop.’ So it couldn’t be used as a weapon against a Democratic nominee of a president trying to use the intelligence committee,” Biden said. Previous reports have stated that McConnell opposed releasing the intelligence and would have viewed the release by the White House as a partisan attack."
So, Trump is now blaming Pres Obama for not releasing report (about the Russian interference) that McConnell blocked him from releasing?
Oh yeah, that's right; everything's Obama's fault. (After all, he didn't even have the decency to be born in Kenya; it's his fault that he was born in Hawaii.)
209
Obama did not do enough to stop the Russians from meddling in the election? Maybe, maybe not. Trump has done absolutely nothing. That's not enough for sure. He should take Obama's advice and "stop whining".
24
Someone on Trump's staff must have read Catch 22. When things are going bad give somebody a medal. Trump is holing a medal ceremony this afternoon, thus avoiding a regular press conference and trying to take the focus off of Parkland and the student protests.
9
Somebody on Trump's staff READ something?
2
Imagine it was 1862 and Abraham Lincoln was focused on blaming James Buchanan for dark times rather than leading the nation.
41
It's almost impossble to imagine. Then again, those of us who know some history know Abraham Lincoln was a great President, a great orator, a great writer and a great human being. And we know that Donald Trump is no Abraham Lincoln.
3
Let's not forget what happened when Barack Obama raised the issue of Russian meddling with Mitch McConnell in 2016. Rather than take the threat to our democracy seriously, the orchestrator of cheap political stunts such as denying Obama his rightful Supreme Court pick, threatened to label any call for action as wholly partisan in nature.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't bring this up; the past is the past, and it's the next election we have to worry about. But the times are far from normal, and as long as Donald Trump wants to revisit that past to put the blame for inaction on Obama, we must get the facts straight.
Mr. Trump can still do what's right, first sharing the challenges to our voting machines with the states and provide the money for the necessary fixes. Of course I don't believe for a second that this will happen, not from a man so totally lacking in a shred of thoughtfulness.
156
A man not only so totally lacking in a shred of thoughtfulness, but also lacking in integrity and honesty. This is a capitalist clown, and McConnell and Ryan join him in this.
4
Trump's memory is horrifyingly selective, to put it mildly. Obama personally confronted Putin over election interference while both attended a conference in China. There are photographs of their interactions that speak volumes about their private discussions. Mr. Obama's public statements reveal his concern with keeping out of the 2016 race.
Trump uses the tactics of bullying and character assassination reflexively. It's now so predictable, there's no fun betting on his tall-tale spinning. What's frightening now is Trump's observably desperate flailing as Mueller's investigation draws closer to him and his innermost circle. He's far more concerned with protecting his crumbling presidency than in protecting the very institutions of our democracy. I find myself more and more concerned as the days go by, for Trump's actions are even more irrational and paranoid than Nixon's were as Watergate unraveled his presidency
29
So now Trump is blaming Obama for something that Trump has claimed for almost two years never happened at all? Certainly Trump has demonstrated his dishonesty on many prior occasions, but his increasingly irrational tantrums suggest that he is moving closer to a full mental breakdown. Someone better change the nuclear codes and dust off their copy of the 25th amendment.
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President Obama was confronting Trump's complaint that there would be massive voter fraud. Which did not happen. Of course, maybe Trump was referring to the Republican efforts to repress the vote or the Supreme Court's thumb on the scale in Bush v. Gore or the Constitutions distortion of the vote that gave the loser the victory.
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Obama did not take sides in the election?! Apart from endorsing and campaigning for Clinton, and publicly stating that she would not be indicted and that Trump would not be President, there seems to have been a lot going on behind scenes.
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If everyone in the US took a turn at being Trump's scapegoat he wouldn't have to take the blame for anything.
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Oh yeah, Donald Trump wishes that Obama had publicly attacked the Russians for trying to throw the election to Donald Trump.
Can you imagine the Trumpian displeasure?
This whole twitter-fest is just another example of the Trump strategy of criticizing anyone about anything as long as Donald looks good in the process.
This guy is such a short-term thinker.
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Obama: cautious about appearing too partisan, to a fault
Trump: Too partisan, to a fault about appearing cautious
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Trump continues to create his own reality. For him Obama is responsible for all the problems confronting America. In Trump’s world he is perfect.Obama caused the Russian mess. Obama is responsible for mass shootings. Obama created out of control global terrorism. Fortunately Trump has his team of little Trumpniks and his pal Putin ready to make Russia great again.Thank you Mr. President.
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Question for the NYT editors of this article: why is/are there not 1-2 sentences following Trump's tweet quote of Obama to explain the context or subtext of Obama's words? He is clearly referring to Trump's early fall '16 claims that the election was 'rigged'; Trump is applying them to the present situation. You needn't necessarily call it a misappropriation--the reader can and should do that--but at least point out the discrepancy, rather than indirectly try and refer back to it at the end with the Johnson quote...
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As far as I can tell, none of the Obama children had secret meetings with Russian government-linked individuals. Also, as far as I know, nobody in the Obama White House sought or secured funding from Russian-government controlled financial institutions. And as far as I know, there is no evidence that President Obama sold real estate to Russian oligarchs for millions of dollars in cash, only to see them turn around and sell the property at a huge loss....Obama took away Russian intelligence properties, and expelled Russians. Nat Sec. Advisor Flynn discussed reversing that with Russians during the transition, and negotiated with Turkey to extradite a person they want from the USA for money. So explain to me how all this is President Obama's responsibility.....
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And neither did Chelsea Clinton.
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After one year of all the stess of being the real deal President, Trump appears to be wearing down. (check out that photo) His constant course of action of denial and blaming others is no longer funny or amusing to anyone. He's getting desparate and his bubble is about to pop.
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I agree, but I prefer to say he able to be hoist by his own petard.
The President reeks of desperation.
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Ok, Don. Your tweet requires _you_ to take action to protect the 2018 elections. Ante up.
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Let us ask beside admiring his pal Putin, what does Trump has done. Trump date not say anything negative about Putin because Putin knows where bodies (I mean the Russian Stormy Daniels) are buried.
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Trump uttering are remindful of what Henry Ford once quipped.
"Thinking is the most difficult work. This is why so few do it."
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Donald the lame continues to try and throw us off the track by blaming everyone else for his lying, cheating and perfidious ways. How long before he kills us all rather than resign?
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Trump knows it's only a matter of time before the evidence of his conspiracy with the Russians sees the light of day. Even he isn't that stupid. He should save himself from the embarrassment of impeachment and removal from office (and maybe even jail time) by resigning now while he still has a shred of dignity. He can go back to being a con man/reality TV personality without the scrutiny he has invited upon himself by federal prosecutors as "President".
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Just Trump's tweet reaction to the Mueller Russian indictments is more than enough cause to impeach him this instant.
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Huh, interesting. But if he’s critical of Obama, shouldn’t he get his assets in gear to prevent another episode? He’d do an amazing job, way better than the losers that preceded him.
His hypocrisy is illuminating: What is Donny trying to protect?
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Trump should have a very large plaque on his desk in the Oval Office that reads: "The Buck Gets Passed Here".
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Trump doesn't think much of each single buck.
Of course Obama is to blame. In Trump's world, Obama is to blame for absolutely everything. Trump lacks a moral center and has never held himself accountable for the slightest wrongdoing. Americans are not stupid, Mr. Trump. We don't buy your lamentable yet laughable arguments for passing the buck. It's high time you pushed back against the Russians' malevolent behavior instead of pushing back against your own national intelligence office, the CIA, the FBI, etc.
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I have recurring images of Trump in a nursing home blaming President Obama for things like his toast being burnt.
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The good thing is president Trump will get a chance to outdo president Obama by blocking ALL new Russian interferences before the Midterms!
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Trump is a cheetah in a cage. He is clawing at the walls to get out. Anyone with half their wits knows this person, Trump is a deeply flawed individual. More so than most. And history will judge his many enablers (in Congress, the right wing media, as being as bad as, if not worse than him.
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Hysterical Trump is blaming Obama for not doing enough to stop Russian meddling when up until recently he denied it had even occurred.
You just have to pinch yourself that Donald Trump is president.
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The Obama administration wasn't aware of the Russian interference. The Russians did get through because the Obama Administration was fully unaware of the threat Because Obama Cared about this country. an Example was The Affordable Care act, which trump as a bully doesn't care about this country and is being a Hypocritical, Money stealing Crook we call a President.
Every tweet from Donald speaks of a knowingly guilty mind, and a man completely unbalanced and wholly and uniquely unfit for any political office. He knows that he is at the top of the pyramid that Robt. Mueller is slowly climbing up. He knows that Jared solicited loans for his company and Donald's after 1/20/17. He knows that Cohen paid off women to buy their silence. He knows that he is the most hated man in America. I just returned from a foreign country where many people view Donald as a clown, which is a good read on his facial features that they see on TV. But he is not a clown: he is a very dangerous person, misguided, mentally disturbed, and won't go away quickly enough.
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This is rich, the worst president in American history attacking one of the best.
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Is anything, anywhere at any time, Mr. Trump's responsibility?
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Only the good news is Daycare Donnie's responsibility....never the bad news.
Heads he wins; tails it's everybody's else's fault.
The Art of the Half-Wit....by Donald Trump
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Apparently not.
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Yes, no commercial lanes have crashed during his presidency.
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"There were concerns among Obama administration officials that publicly acknowledging the Russian efforts would come off as taking sides in the race between Mr. Trump and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate."
Whether it was the correct decision or not, it is clear that we once, not so long ago, had a president who cared about the integrity of and respect for our democracy. Now, we have a president who defiles the work of our national security organizations, mocks Cabinet members and members of Congress, and writes impulsive tweets that reveal his fury that our democracy is working--against his sham of a presidency. We have a president who is working against the foundations of our government. Is this not reason to remove him from office? Congress, when will you live up to the oath you took to "support and defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic?"
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It would take Trump approximately 2 seconds to Tweet if he knew another country was meddling in our elections to help a Democrat.
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Let me get this straight. Trump denies Russian meddling in the election because to accept that fact diminishes his victory. Yet, Trump accepts that fact if he can use it to attack Obama. Got it.
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So the Obama administration "colluded" with the Russians to subvert the election in 2016? Interesting theory, but IF the Obama administration (which i seriously doubt) did collude with the Russians or any outside party to subvert the election, the collusion would have resulted in President Clinton, NOT President Troll.
And even if you accept there was "no collusion", the fact that there is evidence of interference in our election process would require President Troll to implement the sanctions which were passed by BOTH HOUSES with a veto-proof majority ASAP. Otherwise, I'd suggest both houses get off their respective behinds and start looking into impeachment proceedings for violation of his oath of office.
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He sounds like the petulant child that he has always been.
I still remember the Charlie Rose interview he gave sometime in the early to middle 90's. This was the time during his bankruptcy and before his time as a host of celebrity apprentice.
All Donald could do during his interview, was blame others for his misfortune; even going so far as to blame his sister for not being supportive enough.
I get the sense that however this mess gets sorted out, the one consistent factor is that this will not end well for Donald. Given his age, his ability to stage a third act of the drama that is his life, is diminished.
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Now that 45 has seen the extent of the problem and understands the responsibility of the President to preserve, protect, and defend, will we see his administration swing into action against the government of his pal Vladimir Putin?
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Better he be absorbed in tweets than doing something really destructive.
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These tweets are like chaff, little metal confetti that aircraft drop to confuse and decoy radar. What is Trump hiding?
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Putin confessed to directing some free speech activities in the US, but only after he confirmed that Clinton, as Secretary of State, had tried to influence Russian politics to defeat Putin's re-election.
As long as we have "free speech" money secretly funding campaigns, mainstream media completely beholden to their Board of Directors and corporate sponsors (fossil fuels, banks, pharmaceuticals, we are going to have pay-to-play elections.
It's totally up to the people to put a stop to this; the existing government can't do anything since our current Representatives, Senators, and state legislatures are the main beneficiaries of these financial contributions (bribes).
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Obama's excuse that he did not want to come off as backing Hillary or Trump is pathetically weak. He knew about the Russian involvement long ago, and chose to do or say nothing. If this involvement was/is such a big deal, how come nothing was done 15-18 months ago? Now its a big deal since Trump did what Obama did. Double standard!
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Apparently you missed the whole part of 2016 when Obama imposed sanctions, confiscated 2 Russian properties in the U.S. and sent some Russians packing. And Trump has NOT done what Obama did. We're still waiting on him to enforce the further sanctions the Congress passed.
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Two wrongs don't make a right.
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What you say is not necessarily true. President Obama is a lawyer and was President at the time he might have known about meddling...but lawyers who are discreet and those who want to protect truth are trained to think "innocent until proven guilty" would not be in a rush to accuse another country of meddling in our elections. We are only now discovering what actually went on 2 years ago and perhaps went on before that.
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So difficult being President. Sitting there in the Oval office, thinking of the next best tweet you can belt out on your mobile device. I don't know how he does it!
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I don’t think Trump is sitting in the Oval Office when he’s doing most of his tweeting. I suspect he’s doing most of his tweeting from a porcelain throne.
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Mr. Mueller’s team has charged four former Trump campaign advisers, and its investigation is ongoing.
trust in the investigation. its getting closer & closer by the day. that's why trump continues to go crazily out of control with his tweets and waving " shiny ringing objects" in front of us. ( a typical behavior of people with his diagnosis- just read
the descriptions of narcissists as he apparently is.
the inevitable ending to this anomaly called trump is approaching. trust the process. support it.
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The great irony being, of course, that President Obama didn’t do anything about the meddling out of a sense of fairness and not wanting to be seen as unduly influencing the election himself. Can you imagine President Trump trying to do the right thing in that situation? Neither can I.
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